Patent Publication Number: US-8986067-B1

Title: Facial expression mechanism for a doll

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of prior U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/644,715, filed May 9, 2012, titled “FACIAL EXPRESSION MECHANISM FOR A DOLL” by Stephanie Kwan, which application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to dolls, particularly dolls that include a facial expression mechanism. 
     DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART 
     Dolls, such as plush toys, rigid or poseable figures, wooden characters, and the like, continue to be popular for play and display by both children and adults. The ability to provide a doll with personality and expressions is a valuable feature that can enhance the enjoyment and functionality of the doll. Although some dolls include features that can add personality, such as moveable or poseable bodies, moving eyes, and/or hair that can be styled, there is a dearth of dolls or figure toys that have facial features that can be manipulated to convey changeable emotions or expressions of the doll. Consequently, it is desirable to provide improved mechanisms for displaying facial expressions for dolls. 
     SUMMARY 
     Various embodiments of the present invention describe an expression mechanism that can be used to display facial expressions for a doll. This facial expression mechanism can be used with a wide array of toys, including dolls and other items that include a face. The facial expression mechanism includes a flexible cord that can be adjusted to form various shapes that represent different emotions of a doll. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate particular embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates examples of dolls that can be used with the present invention. 
         FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate a particular example of an expression mechanism that can be used with a doll. 
         FIGS. 3A-3D  illustrate some examples of expressions that can be achieved with an expression mechanism. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate another example of an expression mechanism that can be used with a doll. 
         FIGS. 5A-5E  illustrate examples of expressions that can be achieved with an expression mechanism. 
         FIGS. 6A-6C  illustrate other examples of expression mechanisms that can be used with a doll. 
         FIGS. 7A-7C  illustrate examples of expressions that can be achieved with an expression mechanism. 
         FIGS. 8A-8C  illustrate additional examples of expression mechanisms that can be used with a doll. 
         FIGS. 9A-9D  illustrate some examples of expressions that can be achieved with an expression mechanism. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to some specific examples of the invention including the best modes contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. Examples of these specific embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention is described in conjunction with these specific embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the described embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Particular example embodiments of the present invention may be implemented without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process operations have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. 
     Dolls, such as plush toys, rigid or poseable figures, wooden characters, and the like, continue to be popular for play and display by both children and adults. The ability to provide a doll with personality and expressions is a valuable feature that can enhance the enjoyment and functionality of the doll. Although many dolls include features that can give personality to a doll, such as moveable or poseable bodies, moving eyes, and/or hair that can be styled, there is a dearth of dolls or figure toys that have facial features that can be manipulated to convey changeable emotions or expressions of the doll. Consequently, it is desirable to provide improved mechanisms for displaying facial expressions for dolls. 
     Consequently, the techniques and mechanisms of the present invention provide an expression mechanism that can be used to display facial expressions for a doll. This facial expression mechanism can be used with a wide array of toys, including dolls and anything else that includes a face. Dolls featuring such facial expression mechanisms can be used by children for pretend play, by children on the autism spectrum who are trying to learn about and convey emotions, and by children undergoing therapy (such as psychological counseling). Furthermore, dolls with a facial expression mechanism can be used by adult therapists and professionals in various fields to help children with emotional or social issues. In addition, adult collectors may find dolls with facial expression mechanisms particularly appealing for photography and storytelling through photos (such as through pic fics). 
       FIG. 1  provides some examples of dolls that can be used with the present invention. With reference to  FIG. 1A , shown is a doll  101  that includes a head  107 , torso  111 , and limbs  109 . As shown, the doll includes facial features. These facial features include eyes  103  and mouth  105 . The doll  101  as shown resembles a human or anthropomorphic figure, and but can also take the form of a fantasy character with any number of heads  107 , eyes  103 , mouths  105 , noses, ears, limbs  109 , torsos  111 , or other body or facial features. For instance, a doll could be a two-headed octopus with one eye. In another example, a doll could be a Siamese twin connected at two limbs, such that it has two torsos, two heads, and various limbs. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1B and 1C , shown are other examples of dolls  101  that can be used with the present invention. In  FIG. 1B , shown is an example of a doll  101  with a body  113  and facial features such as eyes  103  and mouth  105 . Such a doll could be made into a plush, a pillow, a plastic figure, etc. It could also take the form of a paper doll or paper craft figure. In  FIG. 1C , shown is another example of a doll  101  with a body  115  and facial features such as eyes  103  and mouth  105 . In this example, the doll can also be made into a plush, a pillow, a plastic figure, etc. It could also take the form of a paper doll or paper craft figure. With respect to the present invention, the term “doll” is intended to be broadly defined to include figure toys, plush toys, pillows, paper dolls, action figures etc., or any item that includes a facial feature. It should be noted that the examples shown in  FIG. 1  are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. 
     As contemplated by the present invention, a doll can be made from any of a myriad of materials. For instance, the doll can be a plush figure, made from cloth and filling. In some examples the plush figure can include a wire frame or skeleton of some kind to make the doll either more rigid or poseable. In other examples, the doll can be made of a more firm material such as plastic, vinyl, wood, resin, cardboard, etc. that is either solid or hollow. In some examples, a doll can be made from paper, as with traditional paper dolls, or cardboard.  FIG. 2  illustrates a particular example of an expression mechanism that can be used with a doll. With reference to  FIG. 2A , shown is a front view of a doll  201  with facial features that include eyes  203  and an expression mechanism  205 . Manufacturing a doll may include attaching the expression mechanism onto the doll. The expression mechanism includes a flexible cord  207  that is threaded through front openings  209 .  FIG. 2B  includes a back view of the doll  201 , and shows flexible cord  207  emerging from back openings  211 . A top view of the doll  201  is shown in  FIG. 2C . As shown, flexible cord  207  passes through the doll from the front  213  of the doll to the back  215  of the doll through front openings  209  and back openings  211 , respectively. In this particular embodiment, the flexible cord includes a knot  217  on the back side of the doll. This knot  217  can be used to secure the ends of the flexible cord  207 , and can also provide a grip to pull the flexible cord  207 . However it should be noted that the cord does not need to include a knot  217  and can either be a continuous cord or can include separate knots on each of the ends, etc. 
     The expression mechanism shown in the particular embodiment of  FIG. 2  is used to indicate the mouth of the doll. The flexible cord  207  can be pulled and formed at the front of the doll to create expressions. The portion of the flexible cord  207  that is visible from the back  215  of the doll can be pulled to “reset” the expression and/or create the desired amount of slack or play in the flexible cord  207  visible from the front side  213  of the doll. For instance, if flexible cord  207  is pulled taught, the visible portion of the cord on the front side  213  of the doll can form a straight line. If the flexible cord  207  is then manipulated from the front side  213 , it can be pulled and formed to create a smile, frown, or other desired expression. 
     It should be noted that although the present embodiment describes flexible cord  207  emerging from two openings on the back of the doll, the flexible cord can emerge from a single opening in some embodiments. In particular, both ends of the flexible cord can be threaded through a single opening. 
     It should also be noted that although the present embodiment shows flexible cord  207  emerging from the back of the doll through openings  211 , it should be noted that flexible cord  207  need not emerge from the back or any other side of the doll in some embodiments. For instance, if the doll  201  is hollow or plush, the present embodiment shows flexible cord  207  passing through the exterior surface of the doll&#39;s face (front side of the doll) through openings  209 , through the interior surface of the doll&#39;s face through openings  209 , through the interior surface of the back of the doll&#39;s head through openings  211 , and through the exterior surface of the back of the doll&#39;s head through openings  211 . However, in an alternative embodiment, flexible cord  207  can pass through the exterior surface of the doll&#39;s face (front side of the doll) through openings  209 , through the interior surface of the doll&#39;s face through openings  209 , and attach to another mechanism that emerges from the back side of the doll. For instance, an adjustment mechanism such as a rod, stick, lever, tab, another flexible cord, etc. can be tied or otherwise attached to the flexible cord  207  within the doll&#39;s head and this can be exposed at the back side of the doll. In some examples, the flexible cord itself can be combined within the doll&#39;s head and can emerge as an adjustment mechanism. In yet other examples, the adjustment mechanism can include multiple parts, such as a ring that the flexible cord can be tied or otherwise attached to, and another cord or rigid member attached to this ring. This other cord or rigid member can be exposed at the back side of the doll, while the ring remains within the interior of the doll. An adjustment mechanism can be used from the back side of the doll to “reset” the expression mechanism into a neutral position. In addition, although the adjustment mechanism and/or exposed flexible cord used to adjust the expression is located at the back of the doll in the present examples, it may be located on any surface of the doll, such as a side, etc. within the scope of the present invention. 
     In the present embodiment, the doll  201  can be made of any of a myriad of materials. For instance, the doll  201  can be a plush toy made from fabric and stuffed with a filling, a solid or hollow plastic material, vinyl material, resin, rubber or other flexible material, wood, paper, cardboard, metal, acetate, plastic sheeting, etc. The doll  201  can be any shape or form and can be made in any size. Furthermore, the doll  201  can have any number of facial features. The flexible cord  207  can be made from any of a myriad of materials, such as string, ribbon, embroidery floss, wire (including coated wire), thread, laces/lacing, chain, etc. These materials can include fabric/fibrous materials, textiles, metal, rubber/plastic, or the like. Some of the materials will hold their shape on their own (e.g. wire), while others may use friction with the front of the doll to keep their shape (e.g. thread, string). In addition, depending on the materials used, the manner in which openings  209  and  211  are formed may vary. For instance, with a fabric doll, the openings may be the holes created as a string is threaded through the fabric. In another example, with a vinyl doll, tiny holes or slits may be formed in the vinyl and then the string can be threaded through these holes/slits. 
       FIGS. 3A-3D  illustrate some examples of expressions that can be achieved with an expression mechanism as contemplated in  FIG. 2 . In  FIG. 3A , shown is a doll  301  with an expression mechanism  305  that has been manipulated to represent a mouth in a neutral position. In order to achieve this neutral position, flexible cord  307  has been pulled from the back of the doll so that it is taught in the front of the doll. With reference to the example shown in  FIG. 3B , shown is a doll  301  with an expression mechanism  305  that has been manipulated to depict a smile with flexible cord  307 . In  FIG. 3C , shown is a doll  301  with an expression mechanism  305  that has been manipulated to depict a frown with flexible cord  307 . In  FIG. 3D , shown is a doll  301  with an expression mechanism  305  that has been manipulated to depict a wiggly mouth with flexible cord  307 . Similarly, other expressions can be formed as desired, limited only by the imagination of the person interacting with the doll. The expression mechanism can be “reset” from any of the expressions by returning the expression mechanism to a neutral position as shown in  FIG. 3A . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates another example of an expression mechanism that can be used with a doll. With reference to  FIG. 4A , shown is a front view of a doll  401  with facial features that include eyes  403  and an expression mechanism  405 . Manufacturing a doll may include attaching the expression mechanism onto the doll. The expression mechanism includes a flexible cord  407  that is threaded through front openings  409 , and separate flexible cord  411  that is threaded through front openings  413 .  FIG. 4B  includes a back view of the doll  401 , and shows flexible cord  407  emerging from back openings  415 , and flexible cord  411  emerging through back openings  417 . In this particular embodiment, flexible cords  407  and  411  each include a knot. This knot can be used to secure the ends of the flexible cords, and can also provide a grip to pull them. However it should be noted that the cord does not need to include a knot and can either be a continuous cord or can include separate knots at the ends of the cords, etc. in some examples. In some embodiments, the portion of the flexible cords below the knot can be braided, knotted, beaded, etc. Also, in some embodiments, a charm (e.g. pull charm), ring (e.g. pull ring), bead, or other item(s) can be attached to the end of the flexible cord in order to serve as a tab or grip that can be held when the flexible cord is pulled. In addition, such charms, rings, beads, or other item(s) can add to a doll owner&#39;s enjoyment because these items can be selected to personalize the doll. 
     It should be noted that although openings  415  are located above openings  417  in  FIG. 4B , the placement of openings  415  and  417  can be reversed without deviating from the scope of this invention. In addition, although openings  409  and  413  are shown as separate openings in the present embodiment, openings  409  and  413  can be combined in some embodiments such that cords  407  and  411  can pass through the same openings. Similarly, back openings  415  and  417  can be combined in some embodiments so that cords  407  and  411  pass through the same openings. Alternatively, both ends of cord  407  can pass through a single opening at the back of the doll and both ends of flexible cord  411  can pass through another opening at the back of the doll. 
     The expression mechanism shown in the particular embodiment of  FIG. 4  is used to indicate the mouth of the doll  401 . The flexible cords  407  and  411  can be pulled and formed from the front of the doll to create expressions. In particular, flexible cords  407  and  411  can be manipulated from the front side of doll  401  and formed to create a smile, frown, yell, or other desired expression. The portion of the flexible cords  407  and  411  that is visible from the back of the doll can be pulled to “reset” the expression and/or create the desired amount of slack or play in the portion of the flexible cords visible from the front side of the doll  401 . For instance, if flexible cords  407  and  411  are both pulled taught, the visible portion of the cord on the front side of the doll can form a straight line or neutral expression. 
     It should be noted that although the present embodiment includes two flexible cords as part of the expression mechanism, any number of flexible cords can be included in the expression mechanism without deviating from the spirit and scope of this invention. Furthermore, the placement of the flexible cords can vary with respect to one another. In the present embodiment, the two flexible cords are parallel to each other and each flexible cord has the same distance between the front openings (so that the same amount of flexible cord is visible from the front of the doll when both cords are pulled into a neutral position.) However, it should be recognized that two or more flexible cords can be placed in non-parallel placement with respect to each other and/or can have different lengths between the front openings. For example, the top flexible cord can be longer than the bottom flexible cord when both flexible cords are pulled taught into a neutral position. 
     Although the present embodiment shows flexible cords  407  and  411  emerging from the back of the doll through openings  415  and  417 , respectively, it should be noted that flexible cords  407  and  411  need not emerge from the back or any other side of the doll in some embodiments. For instance, if the doll  401  is hollow or plush, the present embodiment shows flexible cords  407  and  411  passing through the exterior surface of the doll&#39;s face (front side of the doll) through openings  409  and  413 , respectively, through the interior surface of the doll&#39;s face through openings  409  and  413 , respectively, through the interior surface of the back of the doll&#39;s head through openings  415  and  417 , respectively, and through the exterior surface of the back of the doll&#39;s head through openings  415  and  417 , respectively. However, in an alternative embodiment, flexible cords  407  and  411  can pass through the exterior surface of the doll&#39;s face (front side of the doll) through openings  409  and  413 , respectively, through the interior surface of the doll&#39;s face through openings  409  and  413 , respectively, and each attach to separate mechanisms that emerge from the back side of the doll. For instance, an adjustment mechanism such as a rod, stick, lever, tab, another flexible cord, etc. can be tied or otherwise attached to the flexible cord  407  within the doll&#39;s head and this adjustment mechanism can be exposed at the back side of the doll. Similarly, an adjustment mechanism can be tied or otherwise attached to flexible cord  411  within the doll&#39;s head and this adjustment mechanism can also be exposed at the back side of the doll. In some examples, the flexible cord itself can be combined within the doll&#39;s head and can emerge as an adjustment mechanism. In yet other examples, the adjustment mechanism can include multiple parts, such as a ring that the flexible cord can be tied or otherwise attached to, and another cord or rigid member attached to this ring. This other cord or rigid member can be exposed at the back side of the doll, while the ring remains within the interior of the doll. These adjustment mechanisms can be used from the back side of the doll to “reset” the expression mechanism into a neutral position. In addition, although the adjustment mechanism and/or exposed flexible cord used to adjust the expression is located at the back of the doll in the present examples, it may be located on any surface of the doll, such as a side, etc. within the scope of the present invention. 
     In the present embodiment, the doll  401  can be made of any of a myriad of materials, as previously described with respect to the doll described in  FIG. 2 . Furthermore, like the doll in  FIG. 2 , the doll  401  of the present embodiment can take any shape or form and can be made in any size. Furthermore, the doll  201  can have any number of facial features, such as eye(s), mouth(s), nose(s), etc. 
     Additionally, as with the example described in conjunction with  FIG. 2 , the flexible cords  407  and  411  can be made from any of a myriad of materials. In addition, depending on the materials used, the manner in which openings  409  and  413  are formed may vary. For instance, with a fabric doll, the openings may be the holes created as a string is threaded through the fabric. In another example, with a vinyl doll, tiny holes or slits may be formed in the vinyl and then the string can be threaded through these holes/slits. For more details and examples of materials that can be used for doll  401  and flexible cords  407  and  411 , please refer to the description above with regard to  FIG. 2 . 
       FIGS. 5A-5E  depict some examples of expressions that can be achieved with an expression mechanism as contemplated in  FIG. 4 . In  FIG. 5A , shown is a doll  401  with an expression mechanism  405  that has been manipulated to represent a mouth in an open-mouth smiling position. In order to achieve this position from a neutral starting position, flexible cord  407  has been pulled from the back of the doll so that it is taught in the front of the doll, and flexible cord  411  has been pulled from the front of the doll and formed into this smiling position. In  FIG. 5B , shown is a doll  401  with an expression mechanism  405  that has been manipulated to represent a mouth with a surprised/yelling/open-mouth expression. In order to achieve this position from a neutral starting position, flexible cords  407  and  411  have been pulled from the front of the doll and each formed into their respective positions. In FIG.  5 C, shown is a doll  401  with an expression mechanism  405  that has been manipulated to represent a mouth in a smiling position. In order to achieve this position from a neutral starting position, flexible cords  407  and  411  have both been pulled from the front of the doll and together formed into this smiling shape. In  FIG. 5D , shown is a doll  401  with an expression mechanism  405  that has been manipulated to represent a mouth in an open-mouth frown position. In order to achieve this position from a neutral starting position, flexible cord  407  has been pulled from the front of the doll and formed into this frowning position, and flexible cord  411  has been pulled from the back of the doll so that it is taught in the front of the doll. In  FIG. 5E , shown is a doll  301  with an expression mechanism  405  that has been manipulated to represent a mouth in a neutral position. In order to achieve this neutral position, flexible cords  407  and  411  have both been pulled from the back of the doll so that they are taught in the front of the doll. 
     It should be noted that although  FIGS. 5A-5E  show particular examples of expressions that can be achieved with expression mechanism  405 , other expressions can also be formed as desired, limited only by the imagination of the person interacting with the doll. The expression mechanism  405  can be “reset” from any of the expressions by returning the expression mechanism to a neutral position as shown in  FIG. 5E . 
       FIGS. 6A-6C  illustrate other examples of expression mechanisms that can be used with a doll. With reference to  FIG. 6A , shown is a front view of a doll  601  with facial features that include eyes  603 , nose  615 , and expression mechanism  605 . Manufacturing a doll may include attaching the expression mechanism onto the doll. The expression mechanism includes a flexible cord  607  that is threaded through front openings  609 , and separate flexible cord  611  that is looped around flexible cord  607  and threaded through front opening(s)  613 . In some embodiments, flexible cord  611  can be tied, knotted, or otherwise attached to flexible cord  607 . Furthermore, although flexible cord  611  is shown with two ends threaded through front opening(s)  613 , in some embodiments only one end may be threaded through front opening  613  (such as when the other end is tied to or otherwise attached to flexible cord  607 ). 
       FIG. 6B  includes a back view of the doll  601 , and shows flexible cord  607  emerging from back openings  617 , and flexible cord  611  emerging through back opening(s)  619 . In this particular embodiment, flexible cords  607  and  611  each include a knot. This knot can be used to secure the ends of the flexible cords, and can also provide a grip to pull them. However it should be noted that the cord does not need to include a knot and can either be a continuous cord or can include separate knots, etc. in some examples. In some embodiments, the portion of the flexible cords below the knot can be braided, knotted, beaded, etc. Also, in some embodiments, a charm (e.g. pull charm), ring (e.g. pull ring), bead, or other item(s) can be attached to the end of the flexible cord in order to serve as a tab or grip that can be held when the flexible cord is pulled. In addition, such charms, rings, beads, or other item(s) can add to a doll owner&#39;s enjoyment because these items can be selected to personalize the doll. 
     The expression mechanism shown in the particular embodiment of  FIG. 6  is used to indicate the mouth of the doll  601 , and the doll  601  resembles a cat. The flexible cords  607  and  611  can be pulled and formed at the front of the doll to create expressions. In particular, flexible cords  607  and  611  can be manipulated on the front side of doll  601  and formed to create a smile, frown, or other desired expression. The portion of the flexible cords  607  and  611  that is visible from the back of the doll can be pulled to “reset” the expression and/or create the desired amount of slack or play in the portion of the flexible cords visible on the front side of the doll  601 . 
     It should be noted that although the present embodiment includes two flexible cords as part of the expression mechanism, any number of flexible cords can be included in the expression mechanism without deviating from the spirit and scope of this invention. For instance, with reference to  FIG. 6C , shown is an expression mechanism with three flexible cords  607 ,  611 , and  621 . Additional flexible cord  621  is threaded through openings  609  (or through separate openings near  609 ). In this alternative embodiment, additional expressions can be achieved such as the talking/yelling/meowing expression shown. 
     With respect to the embodiments of  FIGS. 6A-6C , the placement of the flexible cords can vary with respect to one another. In the present embodiment, the two flexible cords  607  and  611  are perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, in  FIG. 6C , flexible cords  607  and  621  are parallel to each other. However, the flexible cords and the associated openings can be positioned differently to create different looks and characteristics for the doll. For instance, one of the openings  609  can be placed higher than the other to give the doll a slanted mouth. It should be noted that although the present embodiment describes flexible cord  607  emerging from two openings on the back of the doll, the flexible cord can emerge from a single opening in some embodiments. In particular, both ends of the flexible cord can be threaded through a single opening. Furthermore, it is possible for flexible cord  611  to pass through the same opening as cord  607  in some examples. 
     Although the present embodiment shows flexible cords  607  and  611  emerging from the back of the doll through openings, it should be noted that the flexible cords need not emerge from the back or any other side of the doll in some embodiments. Like the alternative embodiments described above with respect to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , an adjustment mechanism such as a rod, stick, lever, tab, another flexible cord, etc. can be tied or otherwise attached to a flexible cord within the doll&#39;s head and this can be exposed at the back side of the doll. As described above, the flexible cord itself can be combined within the doll&#39;s head and can emerge as an adjustment mechanism in some examples. In yet other examples, the adjustment mechanism can include multiple parts, such as a ring that the flexible cord can be tied or otherwise attached to, and another cord or rigid member attached to this ring. This other cord or rigid member can be exposed at the back side of the doll, while the ring remains within the interior of the doll. The adjustment mechanism can be used from the back side of the doll to “reset” the expression mechanism into a neutral position. In addition, although the adjustment mechanism and/or exposed flexible cord used to adjust the expression is located at the back of the doll in the present examples, it may be located on any surface of the doll, such as a side, etc. within the scope of the present invention. 
     In the present embodiment, the doll  601  can be made of any of a myriad of materials, as previously described with respect to the doll described in  FIG. 2 . Furthermore, like the doll in  FIG. 2 , the doll  601  of the present embodiment can take any shape or form and can be made in any size. Although the expression mechanism  605  is used with a doll representing a cat in the present embodiment, it should be recognized that this expression mechanism  605  can be used with any other doll, animal, fantasy, character, figure, etc. 
     Additionally, as with the example described in conjunction with  FIG. 2 , the flexible cords  607 ,  611 , and  621  can be made from any of a myriad of materials. In addition, depending on the materials used, the manner in which openings  609  and  613  are formed may vary. For instance, with a fabric doll, the openings may be the holes created as a string is threaded through the fabric. In another example, with a vinyl doll, tiny holes or slits may be formed in the vinyl and then the string can be threaded through these holes/slits. For more details and examples of materials that can be used for doll  601  and flexible cords  607  and  611 , please refer to the description above with regard to  FIG. 2 , etc. 
       FIGS. 7A-7C  illustrate examples of expressions that can be achieved with the expression mechanism depicted in  FIGS. 6A-6B . In  FIG. 6A , shown is a doll  601  with an expression mechanism  605  that has been manipulated to represent a mouth in a frowning or reverse-V position. In order to achieve this position, flexible cord  607  has been pulled from the back of the doll so that it is taught in the front of the doll, and flexible cord  611  has been pulled from the back of the doll so that it is taught and does not show from the front of the doll. In particular, flexible cord  611  serves to pull flexible cord  607  into the position shown. In  FIG. 7B , shown is a doll  601  with an expression mechanism  605  that has been manipulated to represent a mouth in a smiling position. In order to achieve this position, flexible cords  607  and  611  have both been pulled downwards from the front side of the doll and formed into the position shown. In  FIG. 7C , shown is a doll  601  with an expression mechanism  605  that has been manipulated to represent a mouth in a neutral position. In order to achieve this position, flexible cords  407  and  411  have both been pulled taught from the back of the doll and adjusted at the front of the doll to achieve this particular configuration. 
     It should be noted that although  FIGS. 7A-7C  show particular examples of expressions that can be achieved with expression mechanism  605 , other expressions can also be formed as desired, limited only by the imagination of the person interacting with the doll. 
       FIGS. 8A-8C  illustrate another example of an expression mechanism that can be used with a doll. With reference to  FIG. 8A , shown is a front view of a doll  801  with expression mechanisms  803  and  805 , eyes  815 , and mouth  817 . Manufacturing a doll may include attaching the expression mechanisms onto the doll. Expression mechanism  803  includes a flexible cord  807  that is threaded through front openings  811  and  813 , and expression mechanism  805  includes a flexible cord  809  that is threaded through front openings  819  and  821 . As shown, expression mechanisms  803  and  805  represent eyebrows on the face of doll  801 . These expression mechanisms  803  and  805  can be configured in different ways, as shown in the alternative embodiments of  FIGS. 8B and 8C . 
     With reference to  FIG. 8B , shown is a top view of doll  801  in which flexible cord  807  and flexible cord  809  are each part of the same flexible cord. In particular, flexible cord  807 / 809  is shown threaded through front openings  811 ,  813 ,  819 , and  821  on the front of the doll, and emerging through back openings  823  and  825  on the back of the doll. In this particular embodiment, flexible cord  807 / 809  includes a knot. This knot can be used to secure the ends of the flexible cords, and can also provide a grip to pull them. However it should be noted that the cord does not need to include a knot and can either be a continuous cord or can include separate knots at the ends of the cord, etc. in some examples. In some embodiments, the portion of the flexible cords below the knot can be braided, knotted, beaded, etc. Also, in some embodiments, a charm (e.g. pull charm), ring (e.g. pull ring), bead, or other item(s) can be attached to the end of the flexible cord in order to serve as a tab or grip that can be held when the flexible cord is pulled. In addition, such charms, rings, beads, or other item(s) can add to a doll owner&#39;s enjoyment because these items can be selected to personalize the doll. With reference to  FIG. 8C , shown is an alternative embodiment for expression mechanisms  803  and  805 . In this alternative embodiment, shown is a top view of doll  801  in which flexible cord  807  and flexible cord  809  are part of separate flexible cords. In particular, flexible cord  807  is shown threaded through front openings  811  and  813  on the front of the doll, and emerging through back openings  831  and  833  on the back of the doll. Furthermore, flexible cord  809  is shown threaded through front openings  819  and  821  on the front of the doll, and emerging through back openings  827  and  829  on the back of the doll. In this particular embodiment, flexible cords  807  and  809  both include knots, respectively. The knots shown can be used to secure the ends of the flexible cords, and can also provide a grip to pull them. However it should be noted that the cord does not need to include a knot and can either be a continuous cord or can include separate knots at the end of the cord, etc. in some examples. In some embodiments, the portion of the flexible cords below the knot can be braided, knotted, beaded, etc. Also, in some embodiments, a charm (e.g. pull charm), ring (e.g. pull ring), bead, or other item(s) can be attached to the end of the flexible cord in order to serve as a tab or grip that can be held when the flexible cord is pulled. In addition, such charms, rings, beads, or other item(s) can add to a doll owner&#39;s enjoyment because these items can be selected to personalize the doll. 
     The expression mechanisms shown in the particular embodiment of  FIG. 8  are used to indicate the eyebrows of the doll  801 . The flexible cords  807  and  809  can be pulled and formed at the front of the doll to create various expressions. The portion of the flexible cords  807  and  809  that is visible from the back of the doll can be pulled to “reset” the expression and/or create the desired amount of slack or play in the portion of the flexible cords visible on the front side of the doll  801 . 
     With respect to the present embodiment, the placement of the flexible cords can vary with respect to one another. In the present embodiment, the two flexible cords  807  and  809  are threaded through openings  811 ,  813 ,  819 , and  821 , all of which lie roughly along the same line. However, the flexible cords and the associated openings can be positioned differently to create different looks and characteristics for the doll in other embodiments. For instance, opening  813  can be placed higher than opening  811  (or vice-versa). In another example, both openings  811  and  813  can be placed higher or lower than openings  819  and  821  (such as with a slanted or asymmetric face, or with eyes/eyebrows stacked above/below one another). It should also be noted that although the present embodiment includes two eyebrows as expression mechanisms, any number of eyebrows or expression mechanisms can be included without deviating from the spirit and scope of this invention. For instance, a single eyebrow can be included to depict a unibrow, or three eyebrows might be desired for a three-eyed monster. 
     It should be noted that although the present embodiment describes flexible cords  807  and  809  emerging from multiple openings on the back of the doll, the flexible cords can emerge from a single opening (or any number of openings) in some embodiments. For instance, with reference to  FIG. 8B , both ends of the flexible cord can be threaded through a single opening. With reference to  FIG. 8C , opening  827  and  829  can be merged into the same opening. In yet other embodiments, openings  827 ,  829 ,  831 , and  833  can all be merged into the same opening. 
     Although the present embodiment shows flexible cords  807  and  809  emerging from the back of the doll through openings, it should be noted that the flexible cords need not emerge from the back or any other side of the doll in some embodiments. Like the alternative embodiments described above with respect to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , an adjustment mechanism such as a rod, stick, lever, tab, another flexible cord, etc. can be tied or otherwise attached to a flexible cord within the doll&#39;s head and this can be exposed at the back side of the doll. As also described above, the flexible cord itself can be combined within the doll&#39;s head and can emerge as an adjustment mechanism in some examples. In yet other examples, the adjustment mechanism can include multiple parts, such as a ring that the flexible cord can be tied or otherwise attached to, and another cord or rigid member attached to this ring. This other cord or rigid member can be exposed at the back side of the doll, while the ring remains within the interior of the doll. This adjustment mechanism can be used from the back side of the doll to “reset” the expression mechanism into a neutral position. In addition, although the adjustment mechanism and/or exposed flexible cord used to adjust the expression is located at the back of the doll in the present examples, it may be located on any surface of the doll, such as a side, etc. within the scope of the present invention. 
     In the present embodiment, the doll  801  can be made of any of a myriad of materials, as previously described with respect to the doll described in  FIG. 2 . Furthermore, like the doll in  FIG. 2 , the doll  801  of the present embodiment can take any shape or form and can be made in any size. Additionally, as with the example described in conjunction with  FIG. 2 , the flexible cords  807  and  809  can be made from any of a myriad of materials. In addition, depending on the materials used, the manner in which openings  811 ,  813 ,  819 , and  821  are formed may vary. For instance, with a fabric doll, the openings may be the holes created as a string is threaded through the fabric. In another example, with a vinyl doll, tiny holes or slits may be formed in the vinyl and then the string can be threaded through these holes/slits. For more details and examples of materials that can be used for doll  801  and flexible cords  807  and  809 , please refer to the description above with regard to  FIG. 2 . 
       FIGS. 9A-9D  illustrate some examples of expressions that can be achieved with the expression mechanism contemplated in  FIG. 8 . In  FIG. 9A , shown is a doll  801  with expression mechanisms  803  and  805  that have been manipulated to represent eyebrows in a neutral position. In order to achieve this neutral position, flexible cords  807  and  809  have both been pulled from the back of the doll so that they are taught in the front of the doll. In  FIG. 9B , shown is a doll  801  with expression mechanisms  803  and  805  that have been manipulated to represent eyebrows with a happy/surprised/attentive expression. In order to achieve this position from a neutral starting position, flexible cords  807  and  809  have each been pulled from the front of the doll and formed into these curved shapes. In  FIG. 9C , shown is a doll  801  with expression mechanisms  803  and  805  that have been manipulated to represent eyebrows with a worried/sad/distressed expression. In order to achieve this position from a neutral starting position, flexible cords  807  and  809  have each been pulled from the front of the doll and each formed into these curved positions. In  FIG. 9D , shown is a doll  801  with expression mechanisms  803  and  805  that have been manipulated to represent eyebrows in a perplexed/skeptical expression. In order to achieve this position from a neutral starting position, flexible cord  807  has been pulled from the front of the doll and formed into this concave-downward shape. Flexible cord  809  remains in its neutral position by pulling taught the cord from the back of the doll. 
     It should be noted that although  FIGS. 9A-9D  show particular examples of expressions that can be achieved with expression mechanisms  803  and  805 , other expressions can also be formed as desired, limited only by the imagination of the person interacting with the doll. The expression mechanisms  803  and  805  can be “reset” from any of the expressions by returning the expression mechanism to a neutral position as shown in  FIG. 9A . 
     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that certain changes and modifications of the disclosed embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims. It is therefore intended that the invention be interpreted to include all variations and equivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.