Abstract:
An implement supported doll is configured to include at least a head and upper torso of a conventional doll which is supported by a pen, pencil or stylus inserted into a receiving interior passage and attachment. The doll portion may be fabricated to resemble virtually any doll or figure whether human or animal and may further include amusement and play elements such as extended lengths of hair, extending clothing articles such as dresses and skirts, and apparatus which alter the facial character of the doll or figure when the figure is pressed to operate a retractable pen or pencil upon which the doll or figure is supported or alternatively, alter facial configurations when otherwise manipulated upon a conventional non-retractable pen or pencil.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This Application claims the benefit of and priority under 35 U. S. C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/804,426, entitled PEN AND PENCIL SUPPORTED DOLL AND ACCESSORIES, filed Mar. 22, 2013 in the name of Shelly Owen, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to pens and pencils as well as styluses and stylus pens of the type used with phones and computer devices to other similar elongated implements. The invention relates particularly to play enhancing accessories cooperating therewith. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    For many years manufactures of pens and pencils have sought to provide writing implements which exhibit an increased attractiveness, excitement and amusement for the user. As a result of these efforts, pens and pencils have been provided in a variety of attractive colors and color designs. In addition, pens and pencils have been provided which are formed into unusual and interesting shapes to further enhance their consumer appeal. In addition, a variety of objects configures to attach to one end of a pen or pencil have been provided. Such objects have included feathers, balls, icons and seasonally appropriate objects such as Christmas ornaments and the like. 
         [0004]    Despite the fact that pens and pencils have been produced in a substantially endless variety of sizes, constructions and fabrications, most pens and pencils are configured in accordance with one or more basic shapes and configurations. Thus, despite this great variety, most pens and pencils are fabricated in one of the following several basic designs. For example, perhaps the most prevalent and pervasive style of pen provides a ball point writing implement supporting an elongated tube-like ink supply extending therefrom. The pen further includes an elongated rod-like body having a center bore therein for receiving the ink supply and having one end configured to attach to and support the ball point writing tip. Often such pens include a cap which is configured to fit upon the writing end of the pen and may further include a pocket clip. 
         [0005]    Another example of basic pen design is found in pens having a retractable writing tip. Such pens are usually characterized by an elongated generally cylindrical body within which a movable mechanism is provided which is configured to receive and support the writing tip in a retracted position within the pen body or a writing position in which the pen tip extends beyond the body. Often a push-button or “push-click” actuator is provided on the non-writing end of the pen. In addition to ball point tip writing instruments, pens also have been provided which utilize a porous nib which is coupled to a liquid ink supply. Similarly, pencils are generally fabricated to provide a simple rod-like body, often wood or plastic, having a center bore through which a rod of led extends. In many pencils the non-writing end of the pencil supports and attached eraser. Pencils are also provided in “mechanical” configurations in which an elongated rod-like body supports a led carrier together with a mechanism for advancing the positioning of the led carrier. This mechanism is often controlled by a push-button or may be controlled by a twisting or rotating element. 
         [0006]    Despite the dedicated efforts of practitioners of the writing implements art and the great variety of pens and pencils produced as a result of their efforts, there remains nonetheless a continuing and unresolved need in the art for ever more interesting, amusing and entertaining pens and pencils together with apparatus that operates in combination therewith. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention provides a doll-like accessory configured to include at least a head and upper torso of a conventional doll which is supported by a pen, pencil or stylus inserted into a receiving interior passage and attachment. The doll portion may be fabricated to resemble virtually any doll or figure whether human or animal and may further include amusement and play elements such as extended lengths of hair, extending clothing articles such as dresses and skirts, and apparatus which alter the facial character of the doll or figure when the figure is pressed to operate a retractable pen or pencil upon which the doll or figure is supported or alternatively, alter facial configurations when otherwise manipulated upon a conventional non-retractable pen or pencil. 
         [0008]    In addition, the present invention provides for use in combination with an elongated implement, having an implement end, an implement supported doll comprising: a doll body defining a pen bore sized to receive an implement end; a doll head supported upon the doll body defining facial features; a doll garment worn by the doll body; and a quantity of simulated hair supported by the doll head, the implement supported doll being received upon an implement end by insertion thereof into the pen bore. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements and in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  sets forth a front view of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention implement supported doll fixed to a conventional ball point pen; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  sets forth a section view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  taken along  2 - 2  therein; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  sets forth a section view of the present invention implement supported doll affixed to a conventional cap and ball point pen; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  sets forth a section view of the present invention implement supported doll affixed to a retractable pen; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  sets forth a partial section view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention implement supported doll having opening and closing eyes showing the “eyes closed” configuration; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  sets forth the section view of the embodiment of the present invention implement supported doll illustrating the doll in an open “eyes open” configuration; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  sets forth a partial front view of the eye opening and eye closing mechanism of the embodiment of the present invention implement supported doll shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  sets forth a front view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention implement supported doll fixed to a conventional ball point pen; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  sets forth a front view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention implement supported doll shown in  FIG. 8  fixed to a conventional ball point pen and having the doll hair and decoration omitted; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  sets forth an assembly view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention implement supported doll having the doll hair and decoration omitted as shown in  FIG. 9 ; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  sets forth a section view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention implement supported doll shown in  FIG. 8 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    By way of overview, the present invention doll is constructed to be supported upon elongated implements, such as a pen, pencil or stylus. Accordingly, in the examples, illustrations, descriptions and claims relating to the present invention, the doll is often referred to as a “pen or pencil supported doll”. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention doll may be supported upon virtually any elongated implement such as a pen, pencil, stylus, pointer, marker or crayon (hereinafter individually and collectively “implements”) without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus as used herein, references to “pen support” or “pen and pencil support” will be understood to embrace any elongated supporting implement including but not limited to those mentioned above. The present invention doll provides a doll body portion supporting a doll head which in turn supports a quantity of hair and defines a face. The doll body further supports one or more garments which ornately decorate the doll. The doll body is configured to define an interior passage which receives either end of a pen or pencil thereby supporting the doll upon the pen or pencil. Embodiments are shown which accommodate conventional pencils and conventional rod-like ball pens. Further embodiments are shown which accommodate and support the doll upon retractable ball point pens or the like as well as retracting pencils. Finally, further embodiments are shown which include an eye open and eye closed mechanism within the doll head which is actuated by pushing upon the doll head relative to the pen or pencil. In the descriptions that follow, the inventive doll will be described as supported by a “pen or pencil”. Once again, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention applies equally well to a stylus or stylus pen of the type used in operating a phone, notebook, pad or other computer or communication devices as well as markers or crayons. Accordingly, as used herein, the term “pen or pencil” will be understood to be illustrative of and include such styluses, stylus pens, markers and crayons. 
         [0022]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , a pen and pencil supported doll constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown supported upon a conventional pen  30 . It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the illustrative figures set forth below and described herein that the present invention pen and pencil supported doll is suited for fabrication to be affixed to virtually any pen or pencil or other writing implement such as markers or the like. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It will be equally apparent to those skilled in the art that while a female child doll figure is shown by way of illustration in  FIG. 1  and the remaining Figures set forth below, the present invention pen and pencil supported doll may be fabricated utilizing virtually an endless variety of aesthetically appealing or interesting figures without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, it will be recognized that if desired, the present invention pen and pencil supported doll may assume the appearance and shape of figures such as monsters, fanciful figures, super heroes, aliens, animals and like with equal ease and facility. Thus, pen and pencil supported doll  10  shown received upon pen  30  in  FIG. 1  is provided for illustration and is by no means limiting in the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0023]    More specifically, doll  10  includes a doll body portion  11  supporting a garment  12  thereon. Body  11  includes a head  13  having a face  14  formed thereon. Face  14  in turn defines simulated eyes  15  and  16  together with a nose  17  and a mouth  18 . Head  13  further supports a quantity of simulated hair  19 . While virtually any doll fabrication may be used in providing the present invention doll, in its preferred fabrication, doll head  13  is formed of a plastic or rubber material which facilitates attaching hair  19  to head  13  using a hair rooting process. Doll body  11  further defines an interior passage  20  which extends upwardly through body  11  and into head  13 . A conventional pen  30  is shown partially inserted into passage  20  such that doll  10  is supported by pen  30 . For purposes of illustration in  FIG. 1 , and as is better seen in  FIG. 2 , pen  30  comprises a conventional low-cost, mass-produced ball point pen of the type frequently used in schools and offices and other environments as well. 
         [0024]    In accordance with the present invention, doll  10  received upon and affixed to pen  30  enhances the appearance and interest values of an otherwise uninteresting and unexciting conventional pen  30 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 2  sets forth a section view of doll  10  and pen  30  taken along section lines  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 . It will be apparent from examination of  FIG. 2  that doll  10  when utilized with a pen such as ball point pen  30  provides the function of a protective closure cap as an additional feature. 
         [0026]    More specifically, doll  10  includes a doll body portion  11  supporting a garment  12  thereon. Body  11  includes a head  13  having a face  14  formed thereon. Face  14  in turn defines simulated eyes  15  and  16  together with a nose  17  and a mouth  18 . Head  13  further supports a quantity of simulated hair  19 . Doll body  11  further defines an interior passage  20  which extends upwardly through body  11  and into head  13 . A conventional pen  30  is shown partially inserted into passage  20  such that doll  10  is supported by pen  30 . For purposes of illustration in  FIG. 1 , and as is better seen in  FIG. 2 , pen  30  comprises a conventional low-cost, mass-produced ball point pen of the type frequently used in schools and offices and other environments as well. 
         [0027]    As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , pen  30  includes a conventional ball point pen tip  31  which is received within interior passage  20  of doll body  11 . As mentioned above, this allows doll  10  to function in place of the otherwise conventional pen cap often provided for mass-produced low-cost pens such as ball point pen  30 . It will also be noted that in the preferred fabrication of doll  10 , body  11  having interior passage  20  therein defines a closed end passage providing a further seal of pen tip  31 . It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that in the anticipated play pattern of pen and pencil supported doll  10 , the user may choose to withdraw pen  30  from interior passage  20  of doll body  11  and reverse the pen extending the non-writing end of pen  30  upwardly into interior passage  20 . With pen  30  thus reversed, the user is able to write while maintaining doll  10  upon pen  30  for further interest and amusement value. 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  sets forth a section view of the present invention pen and pencil doll received upon an alternative type of writing instrument. Thus, as is shown in  FIG. 3 , the present invention pen and pencil supported doll may be used upon a pen or pencil having a conventional cap thereon. 
         [0029]    More specifically, doll  10  includes a doll body portion  11  supporting a garment  12  thereon. Body  11  includes a head  13  having a face  14  formed thereon. Face  14  in turn defines simulated eyes  15  and  16  together with a nose  17  and a mouth  18 . Head  13  further supports a quantity of simulated hair  19 . Doll body  11  further defines an interior passage  20  which extends upwardly through body  11  and into head  13 . A conventional pen  30  is shown partially inserted into passage  20  such that doll  10  is supported by pen  30 . For purposes of illustration in  FIG. 1 , and as is better seen in  FIG. 2 , pen  30  comprises a conventional low-cost, mass-produced ball point pen of the type frequently used in schools and offices and other environments as well. 
         [0030]    Pen  32  represents a conventional pen such as a ball point pen having an enclosure cap  33  used in combination therewith. In accordance with typical fabrication of such pens, pen cap  33  further supports a spring clip  34 . The latter is well recognized as being used to clip the pen to a pocket edge or the like. In accordance with the invention, doll body  11  is preferably formed of a sufficiently resilient material to allow interior passage  20  to expand to a sufficient extent and thereby receive the larger diameter object represented by pen cap  33  and clip  34 . Alternatively, interior passage  20  may be specifically sized to receive a given pen or pen cap as desired. However, it is anticipated that doll body  11  may be for the most part be fabricated of a sufficiently resilient material to stretch and accommodate a variety of pens and pen cap sizes. 
         [0031]      FIG. 4  sets forth a section view of doll  10  received upon and affixed to a retractable pen or pencil  40 . In the example of  FIG. 4 , pen  40  is shown and is characteristic of retractable push-button type ball point pens or the like. It will be apparent however that pen  40  is equally representative of retractable pencils or so-called “mechanical” pencils or the like. 
         [0032]    More specifically, doll  10  includes a doll body portion  11  supporting a garment  12  thereon. Body  11  includes a head  13  having a face  14  formed thereon. Face  14  in turn defines simulated eyes  15  and  16  together with a nose  17  and a mouth  18 . Head  13  further supports a quantity of simulated hair  19 . Doll body  11  further defines an interior passage  20  which extends upwardly through body  11  and into head  13 . A conventional pen  30  is shown partially inserted into passage  20  such that doll  10  is supported by pen  30 . For purposes of illustration in  FIG. 1 , and as is better seen in  FIG. 2 , pen  30  comprises a conventional low-cost, mass-produced ball point pen of the type frequently used in schools and offices and other environments as well. 
         [0033]    Pen  40  as mentioned represents a conventional retractable pen having a push-button  41  supported on upper thereof. In further accordance with the anticipated fabrication of retractable pen  40 , a clip  42  is secured to the upper barrel of pen  40 . In accordance with the present invention, the upper portion of pen  40  together with push-button  41  and clip  42  is received within interior passage  20  of doll body  11 . 
         [0034]      FIGS. 5 and 6  set forth section views of an alternative embodiment of the present invention pen and pencil supported doll. While the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  is received upon a host pen or pencil in accordance with the above-described insertion, the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention pen and pencil supported doll which provides a further enhanced and more interesting play pattern. Thus, the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrates a doll which changes its facial features in response to pushing upon the doll head. In the example shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the facial feature change provided is that of an “eyes open” and “eyes closed” feature. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that different facial feature changes or actions may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0035]    Thus,  FIG. 5  sets forth a section view of a pen and pencil supported doll constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral  50 . In the configuration shown in  FIG. 5 , doll  50  is shown in a “eyes closed” configuration. 
         [0036]    More specifically, pen and pencil supported doll  50  includes a doll body  51  defining an interior passage  56 . Doll  50  further includes a head  52  defining an upper aperture  58  in communication with interior passage  56 . Doll head  52  further includes a face portion  53  having a nose  54  and a mouth  55  formed thereon. Head  52  further supports a quantity of simulated hair  58 . A garment  57  suitably decorated and formed is received upon doll body  51 . Doll body  51  further supports a movable sleeve  70  received within interior passage  56  in a sliding or movable support. Sleeve  70  further supports a pair of eye open graphics  71  and  75  (graphic  75  seen in  FIG. 7 ). Sleeve  70  further supports a pair of eyes closed graphics  72  and  76  (graphic  76  seen in  FIG. 7 ). Pen  60  is received within sleeve  70  and extends upwardly through aperture  58  forming end  61  of pen  60  above the upper surface of head  52 . 
         [0037]    In the configuration shown in  FIG. 5 , doll  50  assumes an eyes closed configuration. This eyes closed configuration results from the movement of sleeve  70  and end  61  of pen  60  upwardly in the direction indicated by arrow  66 . In accordance with the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , face  53  further defines a pair of eye apertures  73  and  74  (aperture  74  seen in  FIG. 7 ). Thus, with sleeve  70  positioned upwardly, closed eye graphic  72  and  76  (graphic  76  seen in  FIG. 7 ) are aligned with apertures  70  and  74  of face  53 . This alignment of closed eye graphics  72  and  76  visible through apertures  73  and  74  of face  53  provides an eyes closed appearance for face  53 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 6  sets forth the section view of doll  50  shown in  FIG. 5  in an open eye configuration. It will be apparent by comparison of  FIGS. 5 and 6  that the closed eye configuration of  FIG. 5  and the open eyes configuration of  FIG. 6  are attained by movement of sleeve  70  which in turn is provided by movement of doll  50  upon pen  60 . 
         [0039]    More specifically, pen and pencil supported doll  50  includes a doll body  51  defining an interior passage  56 . Doll  50  further includes a head  52  defining an upper aperture  58  in communication with interior passage  56 . Doll head  52  further includes a face portion  53  having a nose  54  and a mouth  55  formed thereon. Head  52  further supports a quantity of simulated hair  58 . A garment  57  suitably decorated and formed is received upon doll body  51 . Doll body  51  further supports a movable sleeve  70  received within interior passage  56  in a sliding or movable support. Sleeve  70  further supports a pair of eye open graphics  71  and  75  (graphic  75  seen in  FIG. 7 ). Sleeve  70  further supports a pair of eyes closed graphics  72  and  76  (graphic  76  seen in  FIG. 7 ). 
         [0040]    Thus, as is seen in  FIG. 6 , the movement of pen  60  and sleeve  70  downwardly in the direction indicated by arrow  65  moves eyes open graphics  71  and  75  (seen in  FIG. 7 ) into alignment with apertures  73  and  74  of face  53  (also seen in  FIG. 7 ). It will be noted that this change in position of sleeve  70  resulted from pressing upper end  61  of pen  60  downwardly toward the upper surface of head  52 . It will be apparent that doll  50  may be returned to the eyes closed configuration by reversing the movement of pen  60  essentially moving it upwardly in the direction indicated by arrow  66 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 7  sets forth a partial view of sleeve  70  and face  53  for purposes of illustrating the eyes open and eyes closed configuration of doll  50 . Thus, as mentioned above, face  53  of doll  50  defines a pair of eye apertures  73  and  74 . Correspondingly, sleeve  70  defines a pair of eyes open graphics  71  and  75  in registration with apertures  73  and  74  when sleeve  70  is received behind face  53  as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Similarly, sleeve  70  further supports eyes closed graphics  72  and  76  which are also in registration with apertures  73  and  74  of face  53 . 
         [0042]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of facial change features may be provided in accordance with the present invention pen and pencil supported doll. Thus, it will be understood that the illustrative example shown in  FIGS. 5 ,  6  and  7  is provided solely for illustration and not for limitation. 
         [0043]      FIG. 8  sets forth a front view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention pen and pencil supported doll, generally referenced by numeral  80 , fixed to a conventional ball point pen, generally referenced by numeral  30 . Doll  80  includes a head  81  supporting typical facial features as described above together with a quantity of simulated hair  84 . Hair  84  may, for example, be secured to head  81  by a conventional rooting process, or formed into a doll-sized “wig” as desired. Head  81  further defines a neck  82  extending downwardly from head  81 . As is better seen in  FIG. 10 , neck  82  defines a neck bore  88 . Doll  80  further includes a body sleeve  83  having a neck post  89  at the upper end thereof. Body sleeve  83  also defines a pen bore  90  (better seen in  FIG. 11 ) which is sized to receive a pen or pencil end. In the preferred fabrication of the invention, body sleeve is covered with a decorative cover  85  and a front decoration  86  secured in a conventional attachment. A simulated collar  87 , or other selected decoration, is supported upon neck  82 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 9  sets forth a front view of pen and pencil supported doll  80  fixed to conventional ball point pen  30  and having doll hair  84  and decorations  85 ,  87  and  86  omitted. As described above, doll  80  includes a head  81  supporting typical facial features. As is also described above, head  81  further defines a neck  82  extending downwardly from head  81 . As is better seen in  FIG. 10 , neck  82  defines a neck bore  88 . Doll  80  further includes a body sleeve  83  having a neck post  89  at the upper end thereof. Body sleeve  83  also defines a pen bore  90  (better seen in  FIG. 11 ) which is sized to receive a pen or pencil end. 
         [0045]    Head  81  is assembled to body sleeve  83  by the insertion of neck post  89  into neck bore  88 . This assembly may be a permanent attachment using, for example, conventional attachment, such as adhesive, sonic welding or chemical welding, or the like. Alternatively, neck post  89  and neck bore  88  may be sized the provide a snug fit thereby allowing head  81  to be removable. This removable attachment facilitates interchangeable heads for enhanced play value. Body sleeve  83  is received upon one end of pen  30  to attach doll  80 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 10  sets forth an assembly view of pen and pencil supported doll  80  together with conventional ball point pen  30 . Once again, it will be understood that doll hair  84  and decorations  85 ,  87  and  86  are omitted from the figure. As described above, doll  80  includes a head  81  supporting typical facial features. As is also described above, head  81  further defines a neck  82  extending downwardly from head  81 . As is better seen in  FIG. 10 , neck  82  defines a neck bore  88 . Doll  80  further includes a body sleeve  83  having a neck post  89  at the upper end thereof. Body sleeve  83  also defines a pen bore  90  (better seen in  FIG. 11 ) which is sized to receive a pen or pencil end. 
         [0047]      FIG. 11  sets forth a section view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention pen and pencil supported doll shown in  FIG. 8 . Doll  80  includes a head  81  having a downwardly extending neck  82 . A neck bore  88  is formed in neck  82 . Doll  80  also includes a body sleeve  83  which, in turn defines a pen bore  90  and a neck post  89 . The latter is received within neck bore  88 . Pen bore  90  is sized to receive one end of a conventional pen  30 . 
         [0048]    What has been shown is a pen and pencil supported doll which is receivable upon either end of a pen or pencil to enhance the play value and appearance as well as excitement and amusement of an otherwise conventional pen or pencil. The doll shown may be fabricated in a variety of different appearances and themes without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0049]    While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.