Method and Apparatus for Manipulation of a Toy Marionette

Abstract

A marionette toy kit is provided where the container forms a portion of a performing stage that is easily assembled by the player and where the marionette is supported by a near-invisible tether. The kit may be further configured to integrate consumer electronics that permit the player to incorporate programmed special effects or electronic media into their play in an interactive fashion, and / or to integrate personalized items with at least one component of the toy kit.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. provisional applications with the Ser. No. 61 / 425459, which was filed Dec. 21, 2010, and 61 / 547572, which was filed Oct. 14, 2011, both of which are incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The field of the invention is toys, and especially toy kits with a marionette and a stage.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Numerous puppet toys are known in the art and, among other puppets, marionettes have long enjoyed particular popularity. The design of the marionette is such that its movements originate from one or more visible strings, wires, or other tethers, which act as control features. These strings or wires support the marionette, or portions thereof, from above and are further attached to a controller. This device is traditionally held by an individual that generates the marionette's movements through manipulation of a control handle. This design distinguishes marionettes from other forms of puppetry, such as finger, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a system where a small marionette is attached to a tether that is in turn connected to two posts and a user. This allows the marionette to be easily moved on or across the stage by the user. The system includes a box where the marionette, tether, and other stage elements are stored and a container for holding a portable display device. The marionette can also be personalized with adhesive elements carrying the user's images, names, or other personal characteristics. The use of a near-invisible tether, with a small diameter, makes the system invisible to the audience. Various objects, features, and advantages of the invention become clearer from the following detailed description.

Problems solved by technology

With such designs, however, unless concealment measures are taken the person or mechanism operating the marionette will often be within the line of sight of an audience member who is observing the performance.

Unfortunately, the desirability of such concealment limits the use of marionettes as toys in home settings.

Young members of the audience can find it difficult to disregard such visible control features and fully immerse themselves in the entertainment thus presented.

As a result integration of marionettes into children's creative play is difficult relative to other forms of puppetry.

Proper formatting, cropping, and other such manipulations of photographs necessary to prepare them as such films or stickers are, however, beyond the capabilities of young children and are a significant barrier to the introduction of desirable customization to creative play with toy marionettes.

It is thus apparent that current means and methods for manipulating marionettes and stages have significant disadvantages that limit their utility in creative play.

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