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

[0008]The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems, and methods in which a small marionette is coupled to a near-invisible tether that is in turn coupled to two posts and a user, such that the marionette can be easily and inconspicuously moved on or even across the length of the stage by the user. In one embodiment of the invention, a marionette kit is provided in a box that serves as a container wherein the box is additionally configured to form a stage. The box preferably also includes posts, a marionette, and a tether. The kit may further include an element, such as, for example, a pocket, that can hold a portable display device. Such portable display devices include, but are not limited to, cellular telephones, smart telephones, digital music players, tablet computers, laptop computers, and portable video players. In some embodiments the kit can further include additional game elements, including lighting, decorative materials for the stage, special effects devices, and electronic devices for storing and playing music.

[0009]In a preferred embodiment the small marionette can be personalized to the user. Personalization may be accomplished by modification of the marionette with adhesive elements carrying, for example, an image, holographic element, name, and/or other personal characteristics of the user. Similarly, additional stage elements such as backdrops and posts may be personalized by the user in some embodiments, incorporating, for example

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 childre

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