U.S. patent application number 12/027998 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-23 for apparel with attached hand puppets.
This patent application is currently assigned to PAUL FRANK INDUSTRIES, INC.. Invention is credited to Benjamin Soto.
Application Number | 20090100571 12/027998 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40561946 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090100571 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Soto; Benjamin |
April 23, 2009 |
APPAREL WITH ATTACHED HAND PUPPETS
Abstract
Described herein is a clothing and puppet system. The clothing
and puppet system includes an article of clothing and a puppet
attached to the article of clothing. The system further includes at
least one coupling, wherein a first portion of the at least one
coupling is attached to the article of clothing, and wherein a
second portion of the coupling is attached to the puppet, such that
when the first portion mates with the second portion, the puppet is
attached to the article of clothing.
Inventors: |
Soto; Benjamin; (Costa Mesa,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Ostrow Kaufman & Frankl LLP;Susan Formicola
The Chrysler Building, 405 Lexington Avenue, 62nd Floor
NEW YORK
NY
10174
US
|
Assignee: |
PAUL FRANK INDUSTRIES, INC.
Costa Mesa
CA
|
Family ID: |
40561946 |
Appl. No.: |
12/027998 |
Filed: |
February 7, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60888737 |
Feb 7, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/125 ; 2/243.1;
2/244; 446/327 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 27/08 20130101;
A63H 3/003 20130101; A41D 19/0041 20130101; A41D 27/10 20130101;
A63H 3/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/125 ; 2/244;
2/243.1; 446/327 |
International
Class: |
A41D 27/10 20060101
A41D027/10; A41D 27/08 20060101 A41D027/08; A41D 27/00 20060101
A41D027/00; A63H 3/14 20060101 A63H003/14 |
Claims
1. A clothing and hand puppet system, comprising: a top, said top
comprising at least one long sleeve; a hand puppet attached to said
at least one long sleeve; and at least one coupling, wherein a
first portion of said at least one coupling is attached to said at
least one long sleeve, and wherein a second portion of said
coupling is attached to said hand puppet, such that when said first
portion mates with said second portion, said hand puppet is
attached to said at least one long sleeve.
2. The clothing and hand puppet system of claim 1, wherein said
hand puppet is in the form of a character, and wherein said
character has movable mouth portions.
3. The clothing and hand puppet system of claim 1, wherein said at
least one coupling comprises one or more of a group consisting of
a: button, zipper, snap, hook-and-loop fastener (e.g., Velcro.TM.),
buckle, tether, adhesive, safety pin, rivet, complementary
interference fit structure, tie, lace, clip, and loop.
4. The clothing and hand puppet system of claim 1, wherein said
first portion of said at least one coupling is at least partially
disposed on an exterior of said at least one sleeve, and wherein
said second portion of said at least one coupling is at least
partially disposed on an interior of said hand puppet.
5. The clothing and hand puppet system of claim 1, wherein said top
further comprises two long sleeves, and wherein each of said two
long sleeves includes a first portion of a coupling attached
thereto, such that each sleeve is configured to be attached to a
separate hand puppet.
6. The clothing and hand puppet system of claim 5, wherein each
separate hand puppet embodies a different character.
7. The clothing and hand puppet system of claim 5, wherein each
separate hand puppet embodies a same character.
8. The clothing and hand puppet system of claim 1, wherein said top
includes graphic indicia thereon, and wherein said hand puppet has
the appearance of a character and corresponds to said graphic
indicia of said top.
9. A clothing and puppet system comprising: (a) an article of
clothing; (b) at least one a puppet attached to the article of
clothing; and at least one coupling, wherein a first portion of the
at least one coupling is attached to the article of clothing, and
wherein a second portion of the at least one coupling is attached
to the puppet, such that when the first portion mates with the
second portion, the puppet is attached to the article of
clothing.
10. The article of clothing of claim 9, wherein the article of
clothing comprises a top or a bottom.
11. The article of clothing of claim 10, wherein the at least one
coupling comprises one or more of a group consisting of a button,
zipper, snap, hook-and-loop fastener, buckle, tether, adhesive,
safety pin, rivet, complementary interference fit structure, tie,
lace, clip, and loop.
12. A method of attaching a puppet to an article of clothing
comprising: (a) providing an article of clothing; (b) providing a
puppet; (c) providing at least one coupling; wherein a first
portion of the at least one coupling is attached to the article of
clothing, and wherein a second portion of the at least one coupling
is attached to the puppet; and (d) mating the first portion with
the second portion; wherein mating the first portion with the
second portion attaches the puppet to the article of clothing.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the article of clothing is a
top or a bottom.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one coupling
comprises one or more of a group consisting of: a button, zipper,
snap, hook-and-loop fastener, buckle, tether, adhesive, safety pin,
rivet, complementary interference fit structure, tie, lace, clip,
and loop.
15. The puppet of claim 9, wherein the puppet is selected from the
group consisting of a sock puppet, a mitten, and a glove.
16. A clothing and slipper system comprising: (a) an article of
clothing; (b) at least one slipper attached to the article of
clothing; (c) at least one coupling, wherein a first portion of the
at least one coupling is attached to the article of clothing, and
wherein a second portion of the at least one coupling is attached
to the slipper, such that when the first portion mates with the
second portion, the slipper is attached to the article of
clothing.
17. The article of clothing of claim 16, wherein the article of
clothing is a bottom.
Description
PRIOR PENDING APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a non-provisional application of
pending U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/888,737, the entire
contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to apparel and
clothing. More particularly, aspects of the present invention
relate to methods and systems for enhancing the visual and consumer
appeal of wearing articles of clothing.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0003] The present invention, which generally relates to systems
and methods for improving the desirability of apparel and adding to
the diversion aspects of the clothing, features an integrated
clothing system that preferably includes a top and a hand puppet
attached (as used herein "attach" may refer to "bring into
proximity with" or "connect") to the top. The top may include long
sleeves and a coupling connected to the ends of the long sleeves,
such that the coupling connects each sleeve to a hand puppet. In
this manner, when the wearer of the top places his or her hands
into the top, they can also insert their hands into a hand puppet
which can be used to entertain the wearer, or used by the wearer to
entertain others.
[0004] Additionally, the integrated clothing system (also referred
to herein as "clothing and puppet system" or "clothing and slipper
system") may include an article of clothing and at least one puppet
attached to the article of clothing. The system may further include
at least one coupling, wherein a first portion of the at least one
coupling is attached to the article of clothing, and wherein a
second portion of the at least one coupling is attached to the
puppet, for example, such that when the first portion mates with
the second portion, the puppet is attached to the article of
clothing. The article of clothing may be a top or a bottom. The at
least one coupling may comprise one or more of a group consisting
of a button, zipper, snap, hook-and-loop fastener, buckle, tether,
adhesive, safety pin, rivet, complementary interference fit
structure, tie, lace, clip, and loop. In some embodiments, the
integrated clothing system may include an article of clothing and
at least one slipper attached to the article of clothing.
Additionally, the present invention may include methods of
attaching puppets and/or slippers to articles of clothing. The
methods may include providing an article of clothing; providing at
least one puppet and/or at least one slipper; and providing at
least one coupling. A first portion of the at least one coupling
may be attached to the article of clothing, and a second portion of
the at least one coupling may be attached to the puppet/slipper.
The method may further include mating the first portion with the
second portion, wherein mating the first portion with the second
portion attaches the puppet to the article of clothing. The article
of clothing in these methods may be a top or a bottom.
[0005] Additional features and advantages of exemplary embodiments
of the invention will be set forth in the description which
follows, and will be, in part, obvious from the description, or may
be learned by the practice of such exemplary embodiments. The
features and advantages of such implementations may be realized and
obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly
pointed out in the specification and in the appended claims. These
and other features will become more fully apparent from the
following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the
practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] To further clarify the above and other advantages and
features of the present invention, a more particular description of
the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments
thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is
appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of
the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of
its scope. The invention will be described and explained with
additional specificity and detail through the use of the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0007] FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate various example examples of an
integrated top and hand puppet system;
[0008] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate an exemplary mechanism for attaching
one or more hand puppets to an article of clothing;
[0009] FIGS. 3A-3H illustrate various other representative example
of mechanisms for attaching one or more hand puppets to an article
of clothing;
[0010] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate various example hand puppets usable
with the present system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0011] The present invention extends to apparel, and methods and
systems for enhancing the appeal of the apparel. For example,
according to some aspects of the present invention, the appeal of
apparel is enhanced for the wearer in that the user can use one or
more hand puppets (as used herein, is interchangeable with
"puppets") in connection with the apparel. For example, one or more
hand puppets can match the apparel and/or be integrally or
detachably coupled to a top or other article of clothing.
Accordingly, by using hand puppets in connection with a top or
other article of clothing, a wearer--such as a child--can also be
entertained while wearing the clothing. Additionally, it is to be
understood that apparel or article of clothing as used herein may
refer to an article of clothing worn on the top or an article of
clothing worn on the bottom, such as pants, shorts, socks, skirts,
dresses, pajamas, or the like. As such, as used herein
"sweatshirt/hooded sweatshirt" or "top" is used for ease of
description only, and may refer to any article of clothing worn on
the top or on the bottom. Accordingly, as used herein, "sleeve" may
refer to any part of the article of clothing worn on the top or the
bottom.
[0012] Reference will now be made to the figures to describe
various aspects of exemplary aspects of the invention. It is to be
understood that the figures are merely representative of exemplary
embodiments, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are
they necessarily to scale in all regards. In particular, the
description and/or drawings may note dimensions of features or
elements depicted in the drawings, but such dimensions are
exemplary only, and other suitable dimensions are contemplated. No
inference should therefore be drawn from the figures and/or
description as to a particular dimension being required of the
present invention.
[0013] Referring initially to FIGS. 1A-4C, various examples of the
integrated apparel and hand puppet systems according to present
invention is described. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1C, for
example, and according to one embodiment of the present invention,
hand puppets can be used in connection with a hooded sweatshirt. In
such an embodiment, the hooded sweatshirt includes long sleeves. At
the end of the long sleeves are one or more hand puppets which can
be worn by a child or adult who is wearing the hooded
sweatshirt.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the hand puppets may be disposed
at the distal end of the long sleeves of the hooded sweatshirt, for
use by the wearer, in any suitable manner. For example, in one
embodiment, one or more hand puppets are selectively and removably
coupled to the long sleeves, such that they can also be selectively
detached therefrom when the user does not wish to use or wear the
hand puppets. For instance, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C, the
hooded sweatshirt and/or hand puppet may include one or more
attachment mechanisms which act as a coupling to selectively attach
a hand puppet to a respective sleeve of a hooded sweatshirt.
[0015] In particular, and as illustrated in FIG. 2C, a hand puppet
can be connected to a sleeve 200 by using a coupling mechanism that
makes use of an interference fit between complementary portions.
Preferably, the hand puppet 202 includes a pair of top snaps 210
(individually, in a pair, and collectively referenced herein as
"210") and a cuff portion 210a of the sleeve 200 includes a pair of
complementing bottom snaps 220 (individually, in a pair, and
collectively referred to herein as "220"). As the top snap 210
engages with the bottom snap 220, interfering structures mate and
temporarily lock into place until the interference fit is overcome
by the user attempting to remove the hand puppet 202 from the
sleeve 200 of the hooded sweatshirt. Accordingly, and in this
manner, a user may temporarily and selectively couple the hand
puppet to the hooded sweatshirt only when desired, and remove the
hand puppet as desired.
[0016] The top and bottom snaps may be located on the hand puppet
and clothing, respectively, in any suitable manner. For example,
according to one embodiment, the interference fit portion of the
top snap is located on an interior of the hand puppet, and the
interference fit portion of the bottom snap is located on the
exterior of the cuff of the sweatshirt. In other embodiments,
however, this can be reversed, such that the connecting portion of
the top snap is on the exterior of the hand puppet and on the
interior of the sweatshirt. Naturally, however, still other
combinations are contemplated, including mating portions which are
both on the exterior or both on the interior of the respective
component. In other embodiments, it is to be understood that more
or less top and/or bottom snaps may be used. In yet other
embodiments, the top snap may be disposed on the sleeve and the
bottom snap may be disposed on the puppet. Additionally, it is to
be understood that the bottom snaps may be disposed on any part of
the article of clothing, depending on the article of clothing. For
example, the top snaps may be located on a slipper or at the end of
a pants leg.
[0017] It will be appreciated that a coupling which makes use of
top and bottom snapping portions is only one exemplary structure
capable of attaching a hand puppet to a sleeve of the hooded
sweatshirt. For example, a representative set of other structures
capable of operating as a suitable coupling are illustrated in
FIGS. 3A-3H.
[0018] For instance, FIG. 3A illustrates a two component, locking
buckle system 300 (or "buckle"). In the illustrated coupling
system, the buckle 300 includes a female connector 302 and a male
connector 304. The male connector 304 includes flexible tabs 304a
(referred to individually and collectively as "304a") and the
female connector 302 includes corresponding openings that mate with
the flexible tabs 304a. In this manner, when the male connector 304
is inserted into the female connector 302, the flexible tabs 304a
bend inward and then flex outward when they align with the grooves.
At this point, the flexible tabs 304a interlock with the female
connector 302 and can be released by manually pressing the flexible
tabs 304a inward while removing the male connector 304 from the
female connector 302. Thus, the buckle 300 in FIG. 3A also involves
complementary structures which, when attached, form an interference
fit.
[0019] To use a buckle connection such as that illustrated in FIG.
3A, the male connector 304 may be attached to the hand puppet,
while the female connector 302 is coupled to the sleeve of the
article of clothing. Accordingly, when the user desires to use the
hand puppet, the male portion of the buckle of can be inserted into
the female portion which is attached to the sleeve. It will be
appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, the arrangement
can be reversed such that the male portion is connected to the
sleeve, while the female portion is connected to the hand
puppet.
[0020] FIG. 3B illustrates another exemplary coupling for
temporarily and selectively securing the hand puppet to the article
of clothing. FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary zipper which includes
complementary, mating portions. One portion may be connected to
each of the hand puppet and the sleeve. A zipper slider can be
attached to one portion of the zipper, on either the hand puppet or
sleeve, which then acts to engage the teeth of each zipper portion
and thereby interlock them in place as desired by a user.
[0021] FIG. 3C illustrates still another exemplary coupling device
for selectively securing a hand puppet to an article of clothing.
As illustrated in FIG. 3C, the sleeve 306 may include a button 308
sewn thereto, while the hand puppet includes a loop 310 attached
thereto. The button 308 can then be placed inside the loop 310 to
secure it in place. In an alternative embodiment, the loop 310 may
be secured to the sleeve 306 while the button 308 is secured to the
hand puppet. It will also be appreciated that other configurations
are possible. For example, instead of using a loop, a button hole
may instead be created in either the sleeve or in the hand
puppet.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 3D, another example structure usable to
connect a hand puppet to the sleeve of the hooded sweatshirt
includes a hook-and-loop fastener of the type commonly referred to
as Velcro.TM.. The strip of hooks can be secured to the sleeve or
to the band puppet, while the other corresponding strip of loops
can be secured to the other component. When the sleeve and hand
puppet are then drawn together, the hooks can engage the loops and
thereby connect the hand puppet to the sleeve.
[0023] FIG. 3E illustrates a clip and tether system which may also
be used to connect a hand puppet to the sleeve of an article of
clothing. In the illustrated embodiment, a clip 312 is disposed on
each end of a tether 314. The clip 312 may then connect into a loop
formed on each of the sleeve and hand puppet, thereby securing the
hand puppet to the sleeve. It will be noted, however, that in
alternative embodiments, only a single clip is used, such as where
the tether is sewn directly to the sleeve or the hand puppet. In
still other embodiments, a tether may be absent and a clip 316 can
be connected directly to the sleeve or hand puppet and clip to a
corresponding loop or opening in the other component (see FIG. 3F).
In still another embodiment, the tether is eliminated and each
component includes a clip which connects to the clip of the other
component.
[0024] Now referring to FIG. 3G, another example of a buckle system
400 including a buckle 403 and a belt portion 410 usable with the
present invention is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 3G, instead of
at two-piece buckle, a one-piece buckle 403 may be used. Similar to
a traditional belt buckle, the buckle 403 can include a locking
member 402 which mates with an opening 404 in a belt portion 410
which is received through the buckle 403. Where multiple openings
404 are disposed in the belt portion 410, this also allows the belt
length to be adjusted, thereby changing the distance of the belt
connection between the sleeve of the clothing and the hand puppet.
Naturally, as discussed above, the buckle 403 and belt portion 410
can be connected to either the sleeve or to the hand puppet, as
desired.
[0025] Now turning to FIG. 3H, an alternative example of a coupling
is illustrated. FIG. 3H illustrates a sewn/stitched seam 406 which
connects a first component to a second component. Such a seam can
be used where, for example, it is not desirable or necessary that
the hand puppet be removable such as where, for example, the hand
puppet is integral with the article clothing, as described
below.
[0026] It will be appreciated that the couplings illustrated in
FIGS. 3A-3H are representative only, and represent only a small
number of the many different ways in which a hand puppet such as
that illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B can be coupled to the sleeve of an
article of clothing. For example, other structures and couplings
are contemplated which may also selectively or permanently couple a
hand puppet to an article of clothing. For instance, string or
laces may be used. By way of example, one of the sleeve or hand
puppet may include a lace or string attached thereto, while the
other portion includes one or more openings or loops through which
the lace or string is inserted and then tied. As such, the sleeve
and the puppet may or may not make actual contact when the puppet
is attached to the article of clothing. In other embodiments, a
safety pin or rivet may be used to couple the hand puppet to the
apparel. In still other embodiments, an adhesive (e.g., hot glue,
glue dots, epoxy, and the like) can be used to attach the sleeve
and the hand puppet. It is to be understood that any suitable means
of attaching, connecting, or bringing into proximity a puppet and
an article of clothing may be used.
[0027] Returning now to FIGS. 2A-2C, it will be seen that a
suitable coupling can be used to attach the hand puppet to the
sleeve in any suitable manner. In the illustrated embodiment, for
example, two interlocking snaps are located on each of the sleeve
and the hand puppet. This can create a partial attachment which
allows a user to selectively insert his or her hand into the puppet
outside the puppet. It will be appreciated that this feature is
exemplary only. Indeed, the number and alignment of the couplings
can be altered in a variety of manners. For instance, a number of
snaps or other couplings can be placed around the entire perimeter
of the sleeve cuff, thereby necessitating that the user place a
hand in the hand puppet when each snap is connected. In other
embodiments, couplings can secure the sleeve and hand puppet around
less than the entire perimeter. For instance, the couplings may
secure the hand puppet around only about half of the sleeve, or
even at only a single location.
[0028] While the foregoing description primarily describes
connecting a hand puppet to the sleeve of an article of clothing in
a selective, temporary and removable fashion, it will be
appreciated that this feature is exemplary only. In other
embodiments, for example, the hand puppets are disposed at the end
of the long sleeves only when they are worn by the wearer. For
instance, the hand puppets may not be connected in any way to the
hooded sweatshirt such that they are maintained entirely separate
from the hooded sweatshirt.
[0029] In another example embodiment, the hand puppets may be
integral with the hooded sweatshirt. For example, the hand puppets
may be sewn or stitched to a cuff portion of the hooded sweatshirt
such that they are always connected to the hooded sweatshirt, such
that the sewing and/or stitching acts as a coupling between the
sweatshirt and the hand puppets. In other example embodiments,
however, other couplings can be used for a permanent attachment
between the hand puppets to the sweatshirt. For instance, a tether
may be disposed between the hand puppet and the sweatshirt, and the
tether sewn to or otherwise attached to the hooded sweatshirt and
the hand puppet. In this manner, the hand puppet can be integrally
connected to the hooded sweatshirt, with the tether acting as a
coupling.
[0030] In embodiments in which the hand puppet is integrally
attached to the hooded sweatshirt, it will also be appreciated that
the hand puppet can be retractable. For example, a hand puppet may
be reversed to be positioned inside a respective sleeve of the
hooded sweatshirt, such that it is not visible. Alternatively,
pockets may be sewn into the sleeves of the hooded sweatshirt, such
that the hand puppets could be retracted within the sleeve and
placed into the pockets by the wearer of the apparel when they do
not wish to use or wear the hand puppets. Such pockets are not,
however, limited to use with a permanently attached puppet and
could also be used to allow a selectively attached puppet to be
retracted while attached, or to be detached and stored within the
pocket. Alternatively, the user could store the selectively
detached puppet within the frontal pocket of a hooded
sweatshirt.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the illustrated hooded sweatshirt can
include indicia thereon such as, by way of representation and not
limitation, screen printing, patches, applique, or the like, which
depicts caricatures. Such a sweatshirt could, however, also include
other markings such as brand logos, lettering, non-caricature
indicia, or any other suitable markings. Naturally, the sweatshirt
could also be free from any indicia.
[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the hand puppets
disposed on the sleeves of the sweatshirt are configured to
complement the indicia on the sweatshirt. For example, in FIG. 1, a
black sweatshirt can include a depiction of a black and tan monkey,
and a brown and yellow giraffe. Each sleeve of the sweatshirt can
have a hand puppet attached thereto. In the illustrated embodiment,
for example, the sweatshirt has hand puppets formed to have the
shape, size and configuration of a character such as a black and
tan monkey, and a brown and yellow giraffe. In this manner, the
hand puppets can match the characters on the sweatshirt. In another
example, such as that illustrated with the green sweatshirt in FIG.
1, hand puppets can include a pink and white bird and a green
alligator/crocodile, which complement the sweatshirt which includes
a similar bird and alligator/crocodile as indicia thereon.
[0033] It will be appreciated in light of the disclosure herein
that the hand puppets and indicia on the sweatshirt can complement
each other in any of a variety of different ways. For example, as
noted above, the colors and shapes of the hand puppets can match
the colors and shapes of the characters on the sweatshirt.
Optionally, the hand puppets can also be configured to have similar
features and facial expressions as those on the sweatshirt.
[0034] It will be appreciated that although the hand puppets can
complement the graphic indicia on the sweatshirt, this is not
necessary. Indeed, in some cases, no apparent relationship between
the hand puppets and graphic indicia is necessary. For example,
hand puppets may still be used even where the sweatshirt lacks any
indicia. Furthermore, the hand puppets on each sleeve may be the
same or different, and may be related or unrelated. Further still,
only one sleeve or both sleeves may have a hand puppet disposed
thereon.
[0035] As described above, an integrated apparel system, such as
that described above with respect to a hooded sweatshirt and hand
puppets, can be integral, can incorporate selectively removable
hand puppets, and/or can be configured in any desirable manner.
Accordingly, it will be appreciated in light of the disclosure
herein that the integrated apparel assembly can be manufactured
and/or distributed in a variety of different manners. For example,
an integrated clothing assembly can be sold as a complete system in
which the apparel is packaged with, and optionally connected to,
one or more hand puppets. In an alternative embodiment, the hand
puppets and/or apparel can be sold as stand-alone components. For
instance, a consumer may purchase the article of clothing and then
select from a variety of different hand puppets, thereby allowing
the user to customize and mix-and-match hand puppets and clothing
in an individualized manner.
[0036] With reference now to FIGS. 1A-2C and 4A-4C, it will be
appreciated that hand puppets used in connection with embodiments
of the present invention are character-based, such that the entire
construction of the hand puppet is directed to achieving the shape
and appearance of a particular character. For example, as
illustrated, a hand puppet may form the shape of a monkey, giraffe,
crocodile or alligator, bird, or the like. Thus, the hand puppets
may take the form, appearance, and general shape of characters such
as animals. Of course, a hand puppet is not limited to taking the
appearance of animals, and could also be used to depict humans
(including celebrities), robots, or any other living or non-living
thing.
[0037] Furthermore, the depiction of a character is not limited to
a mere graphic or illustration of a character. In particular, the
hand puppet is configured such that, as a whole, it takes the
appearance of the character. Moreover, in this manner as the wearer
of the integrated system places his or her hand into the hand
puppet, the user can manipulate portions of the hand puppet, such
as upper and lower mouth portions of the character embodied by the
hand puppet. Thus, the hand puppet is not merely a mitten or glove
which includes a picture of a character, but it is configured to,
in its entirety, depict a character. In this manner, when the
wearer inserts his or her hand into the hand puppet, the user can
animate the character and optionally cause the character to have
different facial expressions, actions, appearances, and the
like.
[0038] While the foregoing discussion, as it relates to FIGS.
1A-4C, generally discusses an integrated clothing and hand puppet
system in which hand puppets are used in connection with a hooded
sweatshirt, it will be appreciated in view of the disclosure herein
that the invention is not so limited. In particular, the aspects
and embodiments of the present invention are not limited to use
with sleeves of hooded sweatshirts, and can be used in connection
with a variety of different types and styles of clothing. As used
herein, top includes by way of example and not limitation, those
coverings used on the upper portion of the body that would be
classified as shirts, jackets, sweatshirts, hooded and non-hooded
sweatshirts, long sleeve t-shirts, thermals, jackets, coats,
pajamas, or any other clothing that includes a long sleeve to which
a hand puppet can be attached, all of which are equally suited for
the present invention. Further, in some cases, hand puppets can be
connected to clothing which does not include long sleeves, such as
even three-quarter sleeve or short sleeve apparel. Additionally, as
used herein bottom includes by way of example, not limitation,
those coverings suitable for the lower part of the body, such as
pants, skirts, shorts, undergarments, socks, shoes, and the like.
The puppets may be attached to, or brought into proximity with, any
part of the article of clothing worn on the bottom. For example,
the puppets may be attached to, or brought into proximity with, a
pants leg or the like.
[0039] It will also be appreciated in view of the disclosure herein
that the present invention is not limited to any type of hand
puppet. Indeed, a hand puppet is broadly construed herein to
include hand puppets, sock puppets, and even mittens and gloves to
the extent they, as a whole, take the shape of or look like a
character. Moreover, in some embodiments, the invention can be used
without a hand puppet. For instance, slippers may be connected to
the legs of an article of clothing in a similar manner and have the
appearance of a character. Accordingly, for ease of description,
reference is made to "hand puppets" or "puppets." However, it is to
be understood that "hand puppets" or "puppets" may refer to
slippers, or the like. Alternatively, a character-based mask can
include coupling devices which allow it to be connected to a shirt
or other article of clothing and worn by a user.
[0040] In view of the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent
that, according to one aspect, embodiments of the present invention
enhance the appeal of clothing to the wearer. For instance, a
toddler or other child may wear a top which incorporates a coupling
device and is connected to one or more hand puppets as described
herein. Rather than look for external objects with which to play,
the apparel can include hand puppets directly connected to the top,
thereby allowing the child to use their own clothing as a toy.
Furthermore, in embodiments in which the hand puppets are
removable, the child can pick different hand puppets to use,
according to the child's tastes. Alternatively, a caretaker of the
child can choose different hand puppets to, for example, use as
instructional tools to help the child learn the names, appearances,
sources, etc. of different animals or characters. In all, the
integrated clothing and hand puppet system adds to the enjoyment of
wearing the particular clothing. Furthermore, because the hand
puppets can be attached to the clothing, they are also less likely
to become lost as compared to using hand puppets with clothing to
which they cannot be attached.
[0041] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.
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