The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 04, 2006
Filed:
May. 14, 2003
Brian L. Patton, Ewing, NJ (US);
Brian L. Patton, Ewing, NJ (US);
Thin Air Creations, LLC, Ewing, NJ (US);
Abstract
A mechanism for animated characters capable of visually communicating facial expressions is provided. The mechanism () has two mesh gears per upper or lower lip (FIG.). One gear of each pair is rotated by a single drive (). Each gear has two guidance devices (). Rotation of any gear to which the elastomeric material () is connected via a guidance device results in the stretch or ability to retract the elastomeric material. Secondary guidance devices () on a gear, when in contact with the elastomeric material, cause an inflection or deflection of the elastomeric material. Resulting stretch or bending of the elastomeric material mimics facial expressions.