Doll with interchangeable characters

Abstract

A convertible multi character doll having means to change from a first character to a plurality of alternate characters by the addition of interchangeable fitted coverings onto which alternative characters have been sewn, painted, silk-screened or otherwise attached. The doll in its original form has a humanoid appearance with stylized internal organs and skeletal features represented thereon, providing one character. This character lacks any of the identifiable external characteristics such as a human would have, including: skin, hair or clothing. The doll, in its original form therefore lacks any human personality characteristics. Alternative coverings, which may be added to the doll, portray different characters with characteristics of sex, race, religion, nationality and personality. These coverings are added by slipping on a fitted covering with a dorsal opening and fastening the closure. The doll is intended for use as an educational tool to demonstrate the interrelationship between the inner anatomy of a human (heart, lungs, skeletal features) and the outer anatomy (skin, hair and facial features). The doll demonstrates to children that while outer appearance may vary greatly, the dolls and by analogy, human beings, are substantially the same inside.

1 . A doll transformable to a plurality of characters, comprising: 
 a main body including torso, head, arms and legs;    a series of interchangeable fitted coverings that may be applied to the main body of the transformable doll to completely cover said doll; with each fitted covering including a front and back portion fastened together on which a distinct character is depicted and a sealable opening in the back portion of said covering through which the entire transformable doll may be passed.    
     
     
         2 . The doll of    claim 1    wherein the main body is composed of a soft filler material encased by a soft, sturdy cloth material constructed of front and back portions, which are secured by a fastening means.  
     
     
         3 . The doll of    claim 2    wherein the soft filler material is chosen from the group consisting of: beans, cotton fiberfill, polyester fiberfill or down.  
     
     
         4 . The doll of    claim 2    wherein the cloth encasing material is chosen from the group consisting of: cotton, nylon, rayon, polyester, wool or felt.  
     
     
         5 . The doll of    claim 2    wherein fastening is accomplished by stitching or gluing a single seam along the edge of the main doll form.  
     
     
         6 . The doll of    claim 5    wherein 100% cotton or wool threads are used for stitching.  
     
     
         7 . The doll of    claim 1    wherein the main body is devoid of traditional character identifying characteristics.  
     
     
         8 . The doll of    claim 1    wherein stylized organs and skeletal parts are depicted on the main body.  
     
     
         9 . The doll of    claim 8    wherein the stylized organs and skeletal parts are affixed by sewing, painting, gluing, silk-screening or embroidering means.  
     
     
         10 . The doll of claim I wherein the fitted covering is constructed of front and back portions cut in the same shape as the main body of the doll which are secured by fastening means.  
     
     
         11 . The doll of    claim 10    wherein the fitted covering is cut in the same shape and about 3%-5% larger than the body of the main doll.  
     
     
         12 . The doll of    claim 1    wherein the fitted covering material is chosen from the group consisting of: cotton, nylon, rayon, polyester, wool or felt.  
     
     
         13 . The doll of    claim 10    wherein the fitted covering is fastened by stitching or gluing a single seam along the edge of the fitted covering form.  
     
     
         14 . The doll of    claim 1    wherein distinct characters are painted, sewn, printed, silk-screened, ironed or embroidered onto the fitted coverings.  
     
     
         15 . The doll of    claim 1    wherein the dorsal opening of the fitted covering is secured with a fastening means.  
     
     
         16 . The doll of    claim 15    wherein the fastener means is selected from the group consisting of: buttons, hook and loops, zippers or snaps.  
     
     
         17 . The doll of    claim 1    wherein the opening in the back portion of the fitted covering is a vertical open seam running the length of the fitted covering.  
     
     
         18 . The doll of    claim 1    wherein the opening in the back portion of the fitted covering is a horizontal open seam running the width of the fitted covering.  
     
     
         19 . The doll of    claim 1    wherein synthetic hair is attached to the fitted covering.  
     
     
         20 . The doll of    claim 1    wherein one alternate character is an African boy.  
     
     
         21 . The doll of    claim 1    wherein one alternate character is an Indian girl wearing a sari.  
     
     
         22 . The doll of    claim 1    wherein one alternate character is a Jewish boy wearing a yarmulke.  
     
     
         23 . The doll of    claim 1    wherein one alternate character is an Asian girl.  
     
     
         24 . The doll of    claim 1    wherein one alternate character is an Irish girl with bright red hair.  
     
     
         25 . A method of transforming the main doll into a plurality of alternate character designs comprising the steps of, 
 selecting a fitted covering depicting the desired character, opening the fasteners on the fitted covering, grasping the main body of the doll, passing the main body of the doll through the dorsal opening of the fitted covering, positioning the fitted covering to completely cover the main body of the doll and fastening the closures at the dorsal opening to completely conceal the main doll.