Patent Publication Number: US-2015072589-A1

Title: Illuminated doll

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/874,328 filed on Sep. 5, 2013 and entitled ILLUMINATED DOLL, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure relates to dolls and electronic toys. More particularly, this disclosure relates to light assemblies for dolls and toys that include a light source and one or more optical elements to diffuse or refract light, for example, to provide dynamic visual effects. The optical elements collectively define a lens assembly for a doll with an illuminated torso. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Dolls and toys may include dynamic or animated elements that provide interest during play. For example, a doll or action figure may include a light source such as a battery-powered LED. For another example, an electronic board game may include LED lights embedded in the game board and turned on or off by events occurring during game play. Such features may be controlled or animated by switches and associated electronic devices. 
     Examples of such systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,037, U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,394, U.S. Pat. No. 5,730,638, U.S. Pat. No. 5,672,090, U.S. Pat. No. 5,328,401, U.S. Pat. No. 5,118,319, U.S. Pat. No. 4,075,782, U.S. Pat. No. 2,605,385, and U.S. Pat. No. 1485641; and in published patent applications US20120088434, US20120052763, and W01993023128. The disclosures of these and all other publications referenced herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. In the event that any of the incorporated references listed in the previous paragraph define a term or terms in a manner inconsistent with either the disclosure of the present application or with any of the other incorporated references, the term or terms as used therein only control with respect to the patent document in which the term or terms are defined. Stated differently, a patentee of any one of the aforementioned incorporated references listed in the previous paragraph, when acting as his/her own lexicographer, does so only with respect to the reference in which the term or terms are defined. Accordingly, any such defined term or terms do not, in any way, define the same or similar term or terms used in the present application or in any of the other aforementioned or later-mentioned references. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a drawing that shows a front view of a representative example of an illuminated doll according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1B  is a drawing that shows a visual display region of the exemplary doll of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2  is a drawing that shows the visual display region of the exemplary doll of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , as illuminated, including a wand, also as illuminated. 
         FIG. 3  shows a schematic block diagram of representative electrical, electronic, and optical elements of an illuminated doll. 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a portion of an example of an illuminated doll, specifically a breastplate with translucent regions and with associated first and second optical layers, collectively defining a lens assembly. 
         FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C show additional views of a translucent breastplate of an illuminated doll in accordance with this disclosure 
         FIGS. 6A through 6D  show additional views of examples of first and second optical layers in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  show additional views of an illustrative breastplate with translucent regions in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  show additional views of an illustrative second optical layer in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIGS. 9A through 9D  show additional views of an illustrative first optical layer in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIGS. 10-12  are photographs of an optical layer as found in a commercial embodiment of the present disclosure, with shading and highlight lines added to emphasize the structure of this optical layer. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Examples of an illuminated doll according to the present disclosure are shown in  FIGS. 1A-9D . Unless otherwise specified, an illuminated doll may, but is not required to, contain at least one of the structures, components, functionalities, and/or variations described, illustrated, and/or incorporated herein. “Doll” herein includes action figures as well as figurative and non-figurative toys. 
     This disclosure describes illuminated dolls that include an internal light source and an associated optical assembly. The light source and optical assembly may be located inside the doll, e.g., within a hollow cavity of the torso of the doll. The cavity may be covered by a translucent breastplate to allow transmission of light to the viewer. A light source such as one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) may have an activating switch, a power supply, and associated electronics adapted to flash, dim, pulse, or otherwise modulate light emitted by the light source. 
     The doll may include a movable appendage, such as an arm, operatively attached to a switch that activates the light source. Raising the arm, for example, may turn on the light source, and lowering the arm may turn off the light source. 
     The optical assembly includes optical elements such as lenses that may be configured as one or more compound lenses. These optical elements may refract, reflect, diffract, or otherwise modify light generated by the light source. The optical elements create a sparkling, magical, dynamic visual effect displayed by the doll. For example, a light source positioned near the back of the hollow cavity may transmit light through a compound lens that modifies the light. This light may in turn pass through another compound lens that further modifies the light. This light may then pass through the breastplate. Modifying the light electronically and/or optically may create a sparkling, dazzling, playful light show, shining out of the doll, amazing and delighting a child or other viewer. 
     In various embodiments, the light source and/or a compound lens may be movable, e.g., so that the viewer can modify the light by moving the light source and/or compound lens within the doll. A doll may further include a sound source, such as a speaker. Electronics within the doll may play music and/or sound effects through the speaker. Sound and lighting effects may be coordinated with each other. For example, the light source may pulse to the beat of a song played by the sound source. Some embodiments may include additional features. For example, the arm that activates the light source may hold a magic wand that includes a second light source, activated in coordination with the light source and/or sound source mentioned previously. 
     With specific reference to  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B, and  2 , an illuminated doll  10  may be an action figure or toy configured to resemble a person or a fanciful or fictional character. Doll  10  may include structural elements, electrical elements, and optical elements. 
     Structural elements of doll  10  may include various parts that provide functional and/or decorative form. In the representative example of  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B, and  2 , doll  10  presents a humanoid appearance and accordingly has a torso  12 , head  14 , first arm  16 A, and second arm  16 B, as well as a first leg and second leg (hidden under the doll&#39;s dress  17 ). The external configuration of doll  10 , and thus the presence, absence, appearance, and behavior of members, such as, head, arms, and legs, may depend on the particular character modeled by the doll and may differ from the example shown in the figures. Torso  12 , head  14 , arms  16 A and  16 B, legs, and other parts may be parts or elements formed of molded plastic, for example, and may have features and decorations appropriate to the figure represented by doll  10 . Anatomical terms such as “head,” “arm,” and “leg” are used herein as familiar and intuitive references and are not intended to limit the structure or appearance of doll  10 . The molding or other structure that defines torso  12  may be referred to as a housing. 
     Doll  10  may have a visual display region  20 , best shown in  FIGS. 1B and 2 . In the example illustrated, visual display region  20  is a portion of a front surface of torso  12 . Light from a light source inside doll  10  may be transmitted through display region  20 , creating a sparkling, dynamic visual output to delight and amuse the viewer. 
     Torso  12  of doll  10  may function as a central structure or point of attachment for appendages, such as, head  14 , arms  16 A and  16 B, and legs. Torso  12  may be at least partly hollow. With reference also to  FIG. 3 , which shows an abstracted schematic diagram of doll  10 , the interior volume within torso  12  may be referred to as a cavity  22 . Cavity  22  may provide a wholly or partly concealed hollow space within doll  10  that can hold other parts of doll  10 , as will be described in more detail below. 
     Cavity  22  may have an opening  24  that may have matched or fitted cover, referred to as breastplate  26 . Breastplate  26  (shown in isolation in  FIGS. 7A and 7B ) may function as a door or window to allow access to or visibility into cavity  22 . For example, breastplate  26  may be implemented as a hinged cover that provides access to cavity  22 , e.g., so that a user can replace batteries stored within doll  10 . Breastplate  26  may be wholly or partly translucent, e.g., having one or more translucent regions situated to allow transmission of light from the interior of cavity  22  as described below. In some embodiments, breastplate  26  forms a translucent window mounted on an external-facing surface of a toy, and light shines and glows through that window. The translucent window of breastplate  26  preferably is configured in a shape of a part of torso  12 . 
     Doll  10  may include electrical and/or electronic elements. For example, doll  10  may include a power source  30 , a light source  32  connected to power source  30 , a switch  36 , and electronic devices  38 . In some embodiments, doll  10  may also include a sound source  34 , such as, a speaker. 
     Power source  30  or power supply  30  may be any source of electrical power, e.g., a battery. Power source  30  may be disposed within cavity  22  or elsewhere and may include a structure that allows for removing and replacing batteries. Power source  30  may include electrical conductors (not shown) to carry electrical current from power source  30  to powered devices such as light source  32 . Power source  30  may include associated electrical or electronic parts, e.g., resistors or capacitors (not shown), e.g., to regulate electrical power as appropriate to light source  32 , sound source  34 , or other electrical parts of doll  10 . 
     Light source  32  may be any source of visible light. For example, light source  32  may include one or more LED lights. In some embodiments, light source  32  may include an array of LEDs of a selected color or of different colors, in order to add interest to the light show generated by illuminated doll  10 . 
     In an embodiment, light source  32  may be moveable. For example, a lever connected to light source  32  may project through the back of doll  10 , allowing the viewer to move light source  32 . This movement may allow for an interactive play of light at visual display region  20 , for example. 
     Switch  36  may be any device that can activate or de-activate light source  32 . For example, switch  36  may be a contact switch electrically connected to at least power source  30  and light source  32  and operatively connected to a movable first arm  16 A. In this example, switch  36  may be configured to be electrically open when first arm  16 A is in a lowered position, adjacent torso  12 , and electrically closed when first arm  16 A is in a raised position. In this configuration, lifting arm  16 A may turn on light source  32 , and lowering arm  16 A may turn off light source  32 , allowing the viewer to activate or de-activate the light show emitted by illuminated doll  10 . If other powered devices such as sound source  34  are present, switch  36  may similarly control those devices. 
     An appendage such as arm  16 A operatively connected to switch  36  may include a spring, e.g., to return the appendage and thereby switch  36  to a selected position. For example, a spring may return or bias switch  36  to an open or OFF position, except when pushed closed or ON by the viewer. 
     Many types of devices may function as switch  36 . For example, any appendage (e.g., arm, head, leg) may be operatively connected to switch  36  and serve to activate the visual display. For example, a pressure switch  36  may be activated by squeezing a selected portion of doll  10 . For another example, a timer or sound-sensitive device may function as switch  36 . For yet another example, a push button on a front or back of a torso of the doll  10  may function as switch  36 . An arm  16  or other structure operatively connected to switch  36  may be referred to as an actuator. Stated differently, actuator  36  operably couples arm  16  to activation of light source  32 . 
     Doll  10  may include electronic devices  38  adapted to control light source  32  and other powered devices (if present). Electronic devices  38  (also referred to as electronics or electronic controls) may include a microprocessor or microcontroller, volatile memory such as RAM, and non-volatile memory such as flash memory. Electronic devices  38  may further include operating instructions, such as programs stored in the non-volatile memory, and data, such as light patterns, sound effects, and songs or music stored in non-volatile memory. 
     Non-volatile memory may be installable or updatable. For example, illuminated doll  10  may include a connector (not shown) that allows the viewer to insert a component that includes a memory that provides new program instructions or new data, such as new programmed light patterns, songs, music, or sound effects. A programmed light pattern may refer to any illumination effect obtained from light source  32 , such as but not limited to turning one or more lights (e.g., individual LEDs) ON or OFF, dimming one or more lights, flashing or pulsing one or more lights, and so on. 
     Illuminated doll  10  includes an optical assembly  40  that transmits light emitted by light source  32  to display region  20 . For example, light from a light source  32  disposed toward the back side of cavity  22  may pass through second optical layer  42 , then through a first optical layer  44  adjacent breastplate  26 , and then through a translucent region  48  of breastplate  26  located on a surface of torso  12  for display to the viewer. Passing light through at least one optical layer dramatically enhances the visual impact of the light show of illuminated doll  10 . For example, the multiple optical elements in an optical layer may split light from each light (e.g., each LED) in light source  32  into multiple highlights. A given number of actual lights consequently may look like a larger number of lights. Three LEDs, for example, may have the decorative impact of hundreds of LEDs. Embodiments with a movable light source  32  and/or an optical layer may further increase the sense of dynamic motion in a sparkling light show. 
     In some embodiments, the light source  32  is at least one LED mounted to the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB). The surface of the PCB may be coated with a white optical layer, such as a white solder resist. The white optical layer may help reflect more light out the front surface of the torso  12  and help to prevent the color of the underlying PCB substrate from influencing the color of the emitted light. 
     An optical element  46  may be a convex lens, concave lens, prism, mirror, or other light modifier, alone or in any combination. Preferably, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , an optical element  46  may be a substantially spherical lens molded or otherwise formed from a translucent material. An optical element  46  may be colored, e.g., to provide a colored or multicolored effect from a white or colored light source  32 . An optical element  46  may include reflective elements, e.g., internal glitter to increase scattering. An optical element  46  may include faceted or reflective surfaces or may be shaped or have one or more portions shaped to project one or more patterns, like a star or a heart. A plurality of optical elements  46  may form compound lens structures, e.g., first optical layer  44  and second optical layer  42 . Each optical element  46  of the plurality of optical elements may be the same size or may be a different size from one or more other optical elements  46 . 
     First optical layer  44  may be an assembly (shown in isolation in  FIGS. 9A-9D ) that includes a plurality of optical elements  46 . As shown in  FIGS. 3   4 , and  5 C, first optical layer  44 , within cavity  22  and adjacent the interior surface of breastplate  26 , may approximately follow the contour of breastplate  26 . In some embodiments, the multiple optical elements  46  of first optical layer  44  may be a loose collection sharing a collective space. In other embodiments, the multiple optical elements  46  of first optical layer  44  may be created by molding the optical layer  44  as an integral unit with multiple optical elements  46  and/or by affixing multiple optical elements, e.g., with an adhesive and/or a translucent binding layer. Each optical element  46  may focus a single light source (e.g., a particular LED) as a distinct highlight, increasing the visual interest of the light display. 
     Stated slightly differently, first optical layer  44  is integrally molded from translucent material, including a plurality of translucent co-joined spherical bodies, as shown in  FIGS. 9A-9D . First optical layer  44  may thereby define a primary light-diffusing lens  44  that is configured to diffuse and transmit light from light source  32 . Furthermore, this primary light-diffusing lens  44  is torso-shaped, so that the primary light-diffusing lens  44  defines a substantial portion of a front of the torso, as shown by  FIG. 4 . 
     A close study of  FIGS. 9C and 9D  shows that many of the co-joined spherical bodies are defined by substantially hemispherical optical elements embedded within a translucent binding layer. A substantially hemispherical optical element on one face of the binding layer is matched with a substantially hemispherical optical element on another face of the binding layer, collectively defining a single spherical body. Thus,  FIG. 4  also shows a primary light-diffusing lens  44  of substantially hemispherical optical elements embedded within a translucent binding layer, operatively placed between the light source (not shown) and a translucent visual display region  26  configured to display light from the light source to the surface of the toy  10 . Two substantially hemispherical optical elements cooperate to define a single spherical translucent body. Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 4 , primary light diffusing layer  44  has a first structure conforming to the shape of visual display region  26 . 
     A very effective lens assembly may be created by the combination of first optical layer  44 , fixed within cavity  22 , and a translucent window defined by breastplate  26 . First optical layer  44  acts as a light-diffusing layer, and is formed from a plurality of co-joined spherical translucent bodies  46 , as shown in  FIGS. 9A-9D . The translucent window defined by breastplate  26  is configured in the shape of a part of the torso, as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . A light source, not shown in  FIG. 4 , is mounted inside the torso of the doll, and light-diffusing layer  44  is interposed between the translucent window  26  and the light source, as shown by  FIG. 4 . 
     Some embodiments include a second optical layer  42  (shown in isolation in  FIGS. 8A and 8B ), where the second optical layer  42  may be an assembly generally similar to first optical layer  44 , but preferably includes a different geometric structure. Second optical layer  42  thus may include a plurality of optical elements  46  functioning as a compound lens. The plurality of optical elements  46  of second optical layer  42  may be a loose collection sharing a collective space or may be a molded integral unit. In the example of  FIGS. 3 and 4 , second optical layer  42  is offset from first optical layer  44  by a specified offset distance D, so that second optical layer  42  is situated closer to the back of cavity  22  of torso  12  and closer to light source  32 . In the example of  FIGS. 3 and 4 , second optical layer  42  is configured as a substantially flat or planar array of optical elements  46 . Furthermore, first optical layer  44  may thereby define a primary light-diffusing layer  44 , and second optical layer  42  defines a secondary light-diffusing layer interposed between the light source and primary light-diffusing layer  44 . Stated differently, secondary light-diffusing layer  42  is placed between the light source and primary light-diffusing layer  44 . 
     An optical layer  42  or  44  may be configured as a loosely or densely packed array or assembly of optical elements  46 . For example, elements  46  may be arranged in a dense tiled or honeycombed arrangement, so that adjacent elements  46  touch at one or more points of contact, as best shown in  FIG. 8A . This contact may increase the conduction or diffusion of light from one element  46  to neighboring elements  46 , increasing the scattering, decorative impact of optical layer  42  or  44 . 
     Elements  46  may differ in size, e.g., to facilitate a selected packing arrangement of elements  46 . For example,  FIG. 8A  shows an optical layer  42  configured with a central optical element  146  tightly surrounded by a first ring  246  (indicated by a dash-dot-dot circle) of elements  46 . In the example, center element  146  defines a spherical translucent body that is larger than the elements  46  of ring  246 , which have a size selected to create a tight ring  246  without gaps in the points of contact between any adjacent elements  46  along the circumference of ring  246 . First ring  246  is in turn surrounded by a second ring  346  (also indicated by a dash-dot-dot circle) of elements  46 . The elements of ring  346 , like those of ring  246 , are sized to create a tightly fitting arrangement of second ring  346  against first ring  246 , again without gaps along the circumference of ring  346 . Rings  246  and  346 , which are concentric on center element  146 , form an expanding arrangement of mutually tangential elements  46 , so that each adjacent element  46  maintains contact with all of its neighbors in rings  246  and  346 . Each adjacent pair of elements  46  in ring  246  thus abuts an adjacent triad of elements  46  in the larger ring  346 . 
     An optical layer  42  or  44  may be flexible, e.g., to bend along with the flexion of a flexible doll  10 . An optical layer  42  or  44  may be compared to the compound eye of an insect. The double refraction of the light through two arrays of compound lens has the effect of multiplying the surface area and visual impact created by a relatively small number of actual lights. 
     An optical layer  42 ,  44  may be referred to as a lens, refraction device, diffraction device, or light-diffusing layer. Layer  44  may form a monolayer of optical elements, embedded in a translucent binding layer. More specifically, layer  44  is a primary light-diffusing layer, preferably formed from a plurality of co-joined spherical translucent bodies  46 , as shown separately in  FIGS. 9A-9D . Layer  42  may also form a monolayer of optical elements, embedded in a translucent binding layer. More specifically, layer  42  is a secondary light-diffusing layer, preferably formed from a plurality of co-joined spherical translucent bodies  46 , as shown separately in  FIGS. 8A-8B . In those embodiments with both optical layer  42  and optical layer  44 , layer  42  may be a first monolayer, and layer  44  may be a second monolayer. Primary light-diffusing layer  44  is interposed between a primary lens in the form of breastplate  26  and a light source  32  inside torso  10 . Primary light-diffusing layer  44  has a first structure, which preferably is torso shaped as shown in  FIGS. 9A-9D , and secondary light-diffusing layer  42  has a second structure, shaped differently from the first structure, as shown in  FIGS. 8A-8B , when compared to  FIGS. 9A-9D . 
     In an embodiment, doll  10  may include structure (not shown) to allow motion of second optical layer  42 . For example, second optical layer may be mounted to a flexible holder operatively connected to a lever protruding through the back of torso  12 . The viewer, by moving the lever, may flex or move second optical layer  42  in relation to light source  32  and first optical layer  44 . This motion may cause the highlights transmitted through breastplate  26  to dance in a lively dynamic fashion. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , breastplate  26  may function as a cover or window in opening  24  of torso  12 . Breastplate  26  may have one or more translucent regions  48  situated to allow transmission of light out of cavity  22  and thereby create visual display region  20 . In the example of  FIG. 4 ,  7 A, and  7 B, translucent regions  48  may take the form of a series of small linear windows molded, inset, or cut into breastplate  26 . Preferably, the series of small linear windows define translucent linear features that may be “edge-lit” to have a glowing appearance and/or further diffuse the transmitted light. The series of linear windows may be formed in patterns, such as a floral pattern, that the edge-lighting enhances. Breastplate  26  may be referred to as a window, and visual display region  20  may be referred to as illumination area  20 . 
     In an embodiment, illuminated doll  10  may include a sound source  34  such as a speaker. Sound source  34  may be in electrical communication with electronic devices  38  and power source  30 . For example, electronic devices  38  may include a sound-generating  circuit capable of playing music, songs, and sound effects stored in non-volatile  memory. These sounds may be coordinated with the operation of illuminated doll  10 . For example, activating doll  10  by raising arm  16  to close switch  36  may trigger a rising glissando or other sound effect. For another example, sounds may be coordinated with programmed light patterns also controlled by electronic devices  38 . For example, the light pattern may pulse to the beat of a song. Light patterns and songs may play for about  12  seconds, for example. 
     In an embodiment, illuminated doll  10  may include additional illuminated features. For example, an arm  16 , that (via switch  36 ) energizes and activates light source  32  and/or sound source  34 , may include a magic wand  50  feature that includes an additional light source  52 . This second light source  52  may be coordinated with the other operations of doll  10 . For example, the second light source on wand  50  may flash in conjunction with (or in opposition to) light source  32 . 
       FIGS. 5A through 8B  show additional views of the breastplate  26 , optical layers  42  and  44 , and other structures of doll  10 . 
     In certain commercial embodiments of the present illuminated doll, as shown in  FIGS. 10-12 , a torso-shaped lens is provided that contains both spherical elements and hemispherical elements. These elements are found in multiple different sizes, and each particular size of lens element is separated from other similarly sized lens elements. Some of the lens elements are only on one side of the translucent torso, and are therefore only hemispherical in shape. Some lens elements differ in distance from the primary axis of the doll, so that some spherical elements are formed from a larger hemispherical element on an exterior face of the torso shape, with a smaller hemispherical element on an interior face of the torso, or vice-versa. 
     The following paragraphs may provide further information regarding example embodiments. 
     (A1) A toy including a visual display region, the region configured to produce a visual output and comprising: a translucent window mounted on an external-facing surface of the toy and covering a cavity; a light source operatively mounted within the cavity, and a refraction and/or diffraction device positioned between the light source and the translucent window, the refraction and/or diffraction device including a monolayer of optical elements. 
     (A1a) The toy of paragraph (A1), wherein the monolayer of optical elements are embedded in a translucent binding layer. 
     (A1b) The toy of paragraph (A1), wherein the optical elements are spherical lenses. 
     (A2) The toy of paragraph (A1b), wherein each of the spherical lenses measure between 0.1 mm and 20 mm. 
     (A3) The toy of paragraph (A1b), wherein each of the spherical lenses measure between 1 mm and 10 mm. 
     (A4) The toy of paragraph (A1), wherein the monolayer of optical elements has a first structure, and wherein the toy further comprises a second refraction and/or diffraction device including a second monolayer of optical elements having a second structure shaped differently from the first structure. 
     (A5) The toy of paragraph (A4), the monolayer of optical elements being substantially planar, and the second monolayer of optical elements having a shape conforming to the shape of the window. 
     (A6) The toy of paragraph (A1), wherein the light source is operatively connected to electronics and a power supply. 
     (A7) The toy of paragraph (A1) further comprising electronics, a power supply, and a sound source operatively connected to the electronics and the power supply. 
     (A8) The toy of paragraph (A7) further comprising an actuator, wherein the electronics are operatively connected to the light source, sound source, and actuator, and manipulation of the actuator causes activation of the light source and sound source through the electronics. 
     (A9) The toy of paragraph (A8), wherein the electronics include a controller that produces of a series of coordinated audio and/or visual phenomena via the sound source and the light source. 
     (A10) The toy of paragraph (A1), wherein the toy is a humanoid doll, wherein the visual display region includes part of a torso of the doll, and the translucent window is configured in a shape of the part of the torso. 
     (A11) The toy of paragraph (A10) wherein the doll further includes an arm and an actuator operably coupling the arm to activation of the light source. 
     (B1) A lens assembly for a doll with an illuminated torso comprising a primary light-diffusing layer formed from a plurality of co-joined spherical translucent bodies; and a primary lens defining a substantial portion of a front of the torso; and wherein the primary light-diffusing layer is interposed between the primary lens and a light source inside the torso. 
     (B1a) The lens assembly of (B1) further comprising a secondary light-diffusing layer interposed between the light source and the primary light-diffusing layer. 
     (B1b) The lens assembly of (B1a), wherein the secondary light-diffusing layer is formed from a plurality of co-joined spherical translucent bodies. 
     (B2) The lens assembly of (B1a), wherein the primary light-diffusing layer has a first structure, and the secondary light-diffusing layer has a second structure shaped differently from the first structure. 
     (C1) A doll comprising: a power source; a light source connected to the power source; a torso including a primary light-diffusing lens integrally molded from translucent material, the primary light-diffusing lens including a plurality of translucent co-joined spherical bodies; wherein the primary light-diffusing lens is configured to diffuse and transmit light from the light source. 
     (C2) The doll of the paragraph (C1), wherein the primary light-diffusing lens defines a substantial portion of a front of the torso. 
     (C3) The doll of the paragraph (C1), further comprising a breastplate having one or more translucent regions situated to allow transmission of light. 
     (C3a) The doll of the paragraph (C3), wherein the breastplate further includes one or more translucent linear features that further diffuse the transmitted light. 
     (C4) The doll of the paragraph (C3), wherein the plurality of translucent regions take the form of a series of small linear windows. 
     (C5) The doll of the paragraph (C1), further comprising a secondary light-diffusing lens integrally molded from translucent plastic, the secondary light-diffusing lens including a plurality of co-joined spherical translucent bodies and interposed between the light source and the primary light-diffusing lens. 
     (D1). An illumination area comprising: a translucent window covering a housing, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) operatively mounted within the housing, and a plurality of optical refraction diffraction devices positioned between the LEDs and the window, each diffraction device including an array of spherical lenses. 
     (E1) A diffraction device comprising: a plurality of light-refracting or diffracting layers, each layer including a monolayer of spherical lenses embedded in a translucent binding layer, the device positioned operatively in a housing between a plurality of light emitting diodes and a translucent window 
     (F1) A light and sound producing device comprising: a power supply with electronic control enabling synchronized production of a light and sound sequence upon activation by an actuator, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) operatively connected to the electronics and mounted within a housing, a window forming enclosure of the housing, and a plurality of light refraction or diffraction devices mounted between the LEDs and the window, each refraction or diffraction device including an array of spherical lenses arranged substantially in a monolayer embedded in a translucent binding layer 
     (G1) A molded lens for a doll with an illuminated torso comprising a primary light-diffusing layer integrally molded from translucent plastic, defining a plurality of translucent co-joined spherical bodies. 
     (G2) The molded lens of the paragraph (G1), further comprising a secondary light-diffusing layer integrally molded from translucent plastic, defining a plurality of co-joined spherical translucent bodies. The molded lens of paragraph (F1), wherein the primary lens defines a substantial portion of a front of a torso of a doll; and wherein the secondary lens is smaller than the primary lens, and interposed the primary lens and a light source inside the torso. 
     It is believed that the disclosure set forth herein encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. Each example defines an embodiment disclosed in the foregoing disclosure, but any one example does not necessarily encompass all features or combinations that may be eventually claimed. Where the description recites “a” or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof, such description includes one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Further, ordinal indicators, such as first, second or third, for identified elements are used to distinguish between the elements, and do not indicate a required or limited number of such elements, and do not indicate a particular position or order of such elements unless otherwise specifically stated.