US20080032591A1

US20080032591A1 - Doll head with integrated liquid-filled die agitator

Info

Publication number: US20080032591A1
Application number: US11/496,812
Authority: US
Inventors: Patrick John Cullen; Monica Ann Cullen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-08-01
Filing date: 2006-08-01
Publication date: 2008-02-07

Abstract

The invention is an amusement device that combines an answer-generating liquid-filled die agitator with a head-shaped outer casing. The head-shaped outer casing resembles an animal or human character, or a fantasy or cartoon character. Preferably the outer casing is made of opaque hard plastic, vinyl, rubber or other rigid material that can be molded to take on the desired shape. The face of the head-shaped casing has a mouth formed in an open position. Inside the mouth is the liquid-filled die agitator positioned so that when the device is tilted backwards the agitator can be viewed to reveal the answer. When the answer is viewed in context with the overall look of the embodiment of the device it has a certain entertainment value.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION—FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to an entertainment device, specifically to such devices which use a random answer generating liquid-filled die agitator.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Previously there have been amusement devices that use liquid-filled die agitators to generate random answers. These devices have been used to provide simple answers to yes or no questions. The liquid filled die agitator, as described by U.S. Pat. No. 3,119,621 and improved upon by U.S. Pat. No. 4,049,277, is the basis for these devices.
These devices have been enclosed in a spherical shaped casing with few distinguishing characteristics other than color.
While people have found it entertaining to seek advice from these inanimate spherical shaped objects, the shape has limited the scope of answers that could be provided. There have been surprisingly few variations of these devices, and they have not addressed the shape of outer casing. Variations have included adding the original device to another object such as a pen. This is seen in U.S. Pat. No. D487,111. Again, this does nothing to the overall scope.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION—OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

By combining the liquid-filled die agitator with an outer casing that has a distinguishing shape, such as a doll head, it gives a persona to the amusement device. The scope of answers that could be generated would be broadened, depending on the embodiment of the casing. This would open up a variety of new uses for the prior invention.

SUMMARY

The invention integrates a die agitating device with an outer casing that is shaped like a head that resembles the head of an animal, human, fantasy or cartoon character. The device is comprised of an outer casing which is in the shape of a head and a random answer generating device, such as a liquid-filled die agitator. The head-shaped outer casing is formed with the mouth open. Permanently attached inside the oral cavity is the die agitator. When the device is picked up and tilted back the text on the die can be viewed.
The outer casing of the device may take different forms, including variations in its shape or color and may, in some cases be attached to a body, which would give it the appearance of a doll.
The liquid-filled die agitator generates answers to questions related to the shape of the outer casing, which may include funny whimsical things or even useful information. In the case of the head taking the shape of a crying baby, the device would answer the question, “why is baby crying?” This would be helpful to new parents who are going the stressful time of parenthood when their baby is often crying and the parents have to determine what to do. By seeking advice from the device, they will perhaps jog their memory as to what to do next to soothe their crying baby. This could serve as practical help or just as humorous entertainment to relieve stress.

DRAWINGS—FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of my invention

FIGS. 2 through 5 are views from different perspectives of my invention

FIG. 6 is an example of an alternative embodiment of my invention

DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

11 outer casing
12 opening
13 liquid filled die agitator

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—FIGS. 1-5—PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. The outer casing (11) is made from a moldable material such as resin or plastic However the outer casing can consist on any other material that could be made into the shape of a living or fictitious character, such as vinyl, nylon, rubber, fabric, plush material, cardboard, etc. The outer casing has an opening that is in the shape of an open mouth (12). A clear plastic covering is over the opening. It is this opening where the liquid-filled die agitator (13) can be viewed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—FIG. 6—ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT

There are various possibilities with regard to the outer casing (11). It is shown here in the shape of a cats head. It could be the shape of any animal, human, cartoon or any fictitious character.

Operation

The manner of using this invention is similar to that of previous devices that utilize a liquid-filled die agitator. Namely, one picks up the device and tilts it backwards or shakes it until the enclosed die has a chance to float around in the liquid. Next, while still holding the device in one's hand, one views the indica on the die agitator 13 through the opening 12.

Advantages

The primary advantage to my answer-generating entertainment device is that by changing the outer casing that surrounds a liquid-filled die agitator, you open up a wide variety of possible answers that can be presented by the device.

Conclusion, Ramifications and Scope

Thus the reader will see that my invention will provide an array of possible new ways to utilize the liquid-filled die agitator.
Although the description above contains much specificity, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as examples of possible embodiments of this invention. Numerous modifications may be made therein and there could be many embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An amusement device comprising: an outer casing formed to resemble the head of a human, animal or fictitious character; a random answer generating device, such as a liquid-filled die agitator wherein the said answer generating device is permanently enclosed within the said outer casing and the said outer casing is formed from an opaque material and is shaped so that the mouth is in an open position whereas the results of said random answer generating device can be viewed through the open mouth of said casing and the information generated by the random answer generating device is related to the character depicted by the shape of the outer casing.