U.S. patent application number 09/755959 was filed with the patent office on 2002-04-11 for motion toy.
Invention is credited to Li-Wen, Chi.
Application Number | 20020042242 09/755959 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25740128 |
Filed Date | 2002-04-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020042242 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Li-Wen, Chi |
April 11, 2002 |
Motion toy
Abstract
A motion toy includes a body member and a head member mounted on
the body member. A head drive system is operable to rotate the head
member simultaneously up-and-down and side-to-side relative to the
body member.
Inventors: |
Li-Wen, Chi; (Taipei,
TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MYERS BIGEL SIBLEY & SAJOVEC
PO BOX 37428
RALEIGH
NC
27627
US
|
Family ID: |
25740128 |
Appl. No.: |
09/755959 |
Filed: |
January 5, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/330 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 3/48 20130101; A63H
3/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/330 |
International
Class: |
A63H 003/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 11, 2000 |
TW |
89217597 |
Oct 25, 2000 |
CN |
00257504-3 |
Claims
That which is claimed is:
1. A motion toy comprising: a) a body member; b) a head member
mounted on said body member; and c) a head drive system operable to
rotate said head member simultaneously up-and-down and side-to-side
relative to said body member.
2. The motion toy of claim 1 wherein: a) said head drive system is
operable to rotate said head member side-to-side about a first axis
and to simultaneously rotate said head member up-and-down about a
second axis; and b) wherein said second axis is transverse to said
first axis and varies as said head member rotates about said first
axis.
3. The motion toy of claim 2 wherein said head drive system
includes: a) a stationary member; b) a rocking member pivotally
connected to said stationary member for relative rotation about
said first axis, said rocking member including a head pivot post,
wherein said head member is connected to said head pivot post for
relative rotation about said second axis; and c) a drive unit
operable to pivot said rocking member about said head pivot post
relative to said stationary member about said first axis and to
simultaneously rotate said head member relative to said rocking
member about said second axis.
4. The motion toy of claim 3 wherein said head drive system
includes: a) a curved rack rail on said stationary member; b) a
wheel pivotally connected to said rocking member for rotation about
a third axis, said wheel including: a gear meshed with said rack
rail for rotation therealong; and an eccentric pivot post extending
from said wheel along a fourth axis substantially parallel to and
offset from said third axis; and c) a linkage connecting said
eccentric pivot post and said head member; d) wherein said drive
unit is operable to rotate said wheel about said third axis whereby
said eccentric pivot post is rotated about said third axis and
drives said head member up and down via said linkage.
5. The motion toy of claim 4 wherein said rack rail has a profile
including a convex section and a concave section.
6. The motion toy of claim 4 wherein said rack rail has a uniformly
arcuate, convex profile.
7. The motion toy of claim 4 wherein said linkage includes a
linking arm that is driven up-and-down by said eccentric pivot post
as said eccentric pivot post rotates about said third axis.
8. The motion toy of claim 7 wherein said linkage further includes
a linking member joining and pivotally connected to each of said
linking arm and said eccentric pivot post.
9. The motion toy of claim 7 wherein said linkage includes a rocker
arm connected to said head member and pivotally connected to each
of said linking arm and said head pivot post.
10. The motion toy of claim 1 wherein said head member includes a
neck seat and a toy head attached to said neck seat.
11. The motion toy of claim 1 further including a leg drive system
comprising: a) a drive gear pivotally connected to said body
member; b) a leg member pivotally connected to said body member; c)
a linking arm connecting said drive gear and said leg member; and
d) a drive unit operable to pivot said drive gear back-and-forth
whereby said leg member is rocked relative to said body.
12. A motion toy comprising: a) a body member; b) a head member
mounted on said body member; c) a head drive system including: 1) a
stationary member having a curved rack rail; 2) a rocking member
pivotally connected to said stationary member for relative rotation
about a first axis, said rocking member including a head pivot
post, wherein said head member is connected to said head pivot post
for relative rotation about a second axis transverse to said first
axis; 3) a wheel pivotally connected to said rocking member for
rotation about a third axis, said wheel including: a gear meshed
with said rack rail for rotation therealong; and an eccentric pivot
post extending from said wheel along a fourth axis substantially
parallel to and offset from said third axis; and 4) a linkage
connecting said eccentric pivot post and said head member, said
linkage including: a linking arm; a rocker arm connected to said
head member and pivotally connected to each of said linking arm and
said head pivot post; and a linking member joining and pivotally
connected to each of said linking arm and said eccentric pivot
post; and d) a drive unit operable to rotate said wheel about said
third axis; e) wherein, as said wheel rotates about said third
axis: said gear rolls along said rack rail and said rocking member
pivots about said first axis to rotate said head member
side-to-side about said first axis; and, simultaneously, said
eccentric pivot post drives said linking arm up-and-down and said
rocker arm pivots about said head pivot post to rotate said head
member up-and-down about said second axis; and f) wherein said
second axis varies as said head member rotates about said first
axis.
13. The motion toy of claim 12 wherein said rack rail has a profile
including a convex section and a concave section.
14. The motion toy of claim 13 wherein said rack rail has a
uniformly arcuate, convex profile.
15. The motion toy of claim 12 wherein said head member includes a
neck seat and a toy head attached to said neck seat.
16. The motion toy of claim 12 further including a leg drive system
comprising: a) a drive gear pivotally connected to said body
member; b) a leg member pivotally connected to said body member; c)
a linking arm connecting said drive gear and said leg member; and
d) a drive unit operable to pivot said drive gear back-and-forth
whereby said leg member is rocked relative to said body.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to toys and, more
particularly, to motion toys.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Motion toys have been disclosed which use a motor to turn a
transmission gear train, which in turn moves eccentric rods or cams
so as to move one or more movable parts of the toy back and forth.
An example of such a motion toy is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 herein,
which employs a fan-shaped gear to move the structure about six
axes of motion to provide left and right oscillating motion of the
body and legs of the toy. A similar motion toy is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,911,617 to Chou, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. However, there is
a need for a motion toy which provides different and more
entertaining movements and combinations of movements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention is directed to motion toys. Motion
toys according to the invention include a toy head that rotates
side-to-side and also rotates up-and-down. The combination of
simultaneous side-to-side and up-and-down movements as provided by
the motion toy of the present invention may provide a natural and
entertaining motion. Motion toys according to the invention may
also include a toy leg that rocks up-and-down. In this manner, the
toy may provide particularly interesting composite rocking
movements.
[0004] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention,
a motion toy includes a body member and a head member mounted on
the body member. A head drive system is operable to rotate the head
member simultaneously up-and-down and side-to-side relative to the
body member.
[0005] Preferably, the head drive system is operable to rotate the
head member side-to-side about a first axis and to simultaneously
rotate the head member up-and-down about a second axis. The second
axis is transverse to the first axis and varies as the head member
rotates about the first axis.
[0006] Preferably, the head drive system includes a stationary
member and a rocking member pivotally connected to the stationary
member for relative rotation about the first axis. The rocking
member includes a head pivot post. The head member is connected to
the head pivot post for relative rotation about the second axis. A
drive unit is operable to pivot the rocking member about the head
pivot post relative to the stationary member about the first axis
and to simultaneously rotate the head member relative to the
rocking member about the second axis.
[0007] The head drive system may further include a curved rack rail
on the stationary member and a wheel pivotally connected to the
rocking member for rotation about a third axis. The wheel includes
a gear meshed with the rack rail for rotation therealong and an
eccentric pivot post extending from the wheel along a fourth axis
substantially parallel to and offset from the third axis. A linkage
connects the eccentric pivot post and the head member. The drive
unit is operable to rotate the wheel about the third axis whereby
the eccentric pivot post is rotated about the third axis and drives
the head member up and down via the linkage.
[0008] The rack rail may have a profile including a convex section
and a concave section. Alternatively, the rack rail may have a
uniformly arcuate, convex profile.
[0009] Preferably, the linkage includes a linking arm that is
driven up-and-down by the eccentric pivot post as the eccentric
pivot post rotates about the third axis. The linkage may further
include a linking member joining and pivotally connected to each of
the linking arm and the eccentric pivot post. The linkage may
include a rocker arm connected to the head member and pivotally
connected to each of the linking arm and the head pivot post.
[0010] The motion toy may further include a leg drive system. The
leg drive system includes a drive gear and a leg member each
pivotally connected to the body member. A linking arm connects the
drive gear and the leg member. A drive unit is operable to pivot
the drive gear back-and-forth whereby the leg member is rocked
relative to the body.
[0011] Objects of the present invention will be appreciated by
those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the figures
and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments which
follow, such description being merely illustrative of the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain
principles of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of a motion toy
according to preferred embodiments of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is perspective view of the toy of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of a head drive
system of the toy of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a transmission assembly of
the head drive system of FIG. 3.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the head drive system of
FIG. 3.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the head drive system of
FIG. 3 with a toy head mounted thereon.
[0019] FIG. 7 is an exploded, perspective view of a leg drive
system of the toy of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a transmission assembly of
the leg drive system of FIG. 7.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the leg drive system of FIG.
7.
[0022] FIGS. 10A-10C are rear schematic views of the head drive
system of the toy of FIG. 1 illustrating the movements thereof,
wherein the head is removed for clarity.
[0023] FIGS. 11A-11G are front schematic views of the head drive
system of the toy of FIG. 1 illustrating the movements thereof,
wherein the head is removed for clarity.
[0024] FIGS. 12A-12C are front schematic views of the head drive
system of the toy of FIG. 1 illustrating the movements thereof
[0025] FIG. 13A is a schematic view of the leg drive system of the
toy of FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 13B is a schematic view of the leg drive system
illustrating a downward rocking motion of the toy leg.
[0027] FIG. 13C is a schematic view of the leg drive system
illustrating an upward rocking motion of the toy leg.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a rear schematic view of a head drive system
according to further embodiments of the present invention, wherein
the transmission assembly thereof is in a centered position.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a toy according to the
prior art.
[0030] FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the toy of FIG. 15
illustrating internal mechanical components thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] The present invention now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention
may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout.
[0032] As used herein, the terms "pivot rod" or the like may refer
to a simple pin, a pin having a shaft and an enlarged head on one
or both ends, a rivet, a bolt and nut combination, or the like.
[0033] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a motion toy 10 according
to preferred embodiments of the present invention is shown therein.
The toy 10 includes generally a stand 1, a head drive system 2, a
leg drive system 3 (optionally, a second leg drive system 3 may be
provided, only one of which is shown in FIG. 1), a toy head 7 and a
pair of toy arms or legs 6. Clothing or the like may also be
mounted over the toy 10. The toy 10 is constructed such that, upon
actuation, the head 7 is moved simultaneously up-and-down and
side-to-side while the legs 6 are moved up-and-down. This
combination of movements may provide a particularly attractive and
interesting display.
[0034] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the stand 1 includes a rear
cover 11 and a front cover 12 secured together (e.g., by means of
adhesive and/or fasteners) as shown in FIG. 2 to form a body. A
plurality of mounting posts 111 forming a part of the rear cover 11
extend inwardly therefrom and serve to locate and support the head
drive system 2 and the leg drive system 3 as discussed in more
detail below.
[0035] As best seen in FIGS. 3-6, the head drive system 2 includes
a transmission assembly 22. The transmission assembly 22 includes a
drive motor 21, preferably a relatively compact electrical motor
with a suitable power supply (not shown). A suitable microprocessor
13 or the like is provided to control the operation of the motor
21. The motor 21 has a drive shaft 211 that extends through an
opening 2213 in a first rocking member 221 and engages a drive
wheel 227. The drive wheel 227 is connected to a first gear 222 by
a belt 228. The first gear 222 meshes sequentially with a second
gear 223 and a third gear 224.
[0036] A drive rod 2241 (FIG. 4) extends through an opening 2251 in
a second rocking member 225 and connects the third gear 224 with an
eccentric wheel 226 positioned on the opposed side of the rocking
member 225. The drive rod 2241 defines an axis of rotation F-F
about which the wheel 226 may rotate. The rocking member 225 is
secured to the rocking member 221 by suitable fasteners 47 to
provide a housing or cover enclosing the several gears and the
belt.
[0037] The wheel 226 has an eccentrically located (i.e., with
respect to the axis F-F) post 2261 extending from the rear face
thereof and an eccentrically located gear 2262 (see FIGS. 10A-10C)
extending from the front face thereof. That is, neither the post
2261 nor the gear 2262 is concentric with the drive rod 2241. The
post 2261 defines an axis G-G (FIG. 4) that extends parallel to but
is offset from the axis F-F.
[0038] A pair of generally V-shaped rocker arms 23 are provided
(FIG. 3). Each of the rocker arms 23 has a hollow post 233 and a
fastening end 232. The fastening ends 232 are securely received in
positioning slots 241 (see FIG. 10A) in a neck seat 24 such that
the posts 233 project outwardly from opposing notches 242 in the
neck seat 24. The rocker arms 23 and neck seat 24 may be integrally
formed. Two head pivot posts 2211 extend from opposing sides of the
rocking member 221 at the upper end thereof. The rocker arms 23 are
pivotally connected to the upper end of the rocking member 221 by a
pivot rod 41 that extends through the posts 2211 and the posts
233.
[0039] The toy head 7 is secured (e.g., by adhesive and/or
fasteners) to the upper surface of the neck seat 24. Alternatively,
the toy head 7 may be integrally formed with the neck seat 24 to
provide a unitary head member. The toy head 7 preferably simulates
the head of an animal, character or the like.
[0040] The transmission 22 also has a linkage including a generally
Y-shaped linking arm 25 and a linking member 26. The linking arm 25
includes a pair of opposed posts 251 on the upper end thereof. The
posts 251 are positioned between and pivotally connected to the
rocker arms 23 by pivot rods 42 that extend through the posts 251
and respective posts 231 formed on the rocker arms 23 opposite the
posts 233. The linking arm 25 is pivotally connected at its lower
end to the linking member 26 by a connector rod 43 that extends
through an opening 261 in the linking member 26 and an opening 252
in the linking arm 25.
[0041] The lower end of the linking member 26 is pivotally
connected to the eccentric post 2261 of the wheel 226 by a
connecting rod 44 (FIGS. 3 and 5). The connecting rod 44 extends
through an opening 262 in the linking member 26 and into the end of
the eccentric post 2261.
[0042] The transmission assembly 22 further includes a stationary
member 27. A curved rack rail 271 is formed on the lower edge of
the stationary member 27. The profile of the curved rack rail 271
is a waveform including concave and convex sections as illustrated.
The curved rack rail 271 meshes with the eccentric gear 2262 (see
FIG. 5). A pivot post 272 extends forwardly from the stationary
member 27 and into a brake spring 273. The pivot post 272 is
pivotally joined to a pivot connection hole 2212 in the rocking
member 221 by a rod 45.
[0043] The head drive system 2 is secured in the stand 1 by the
lower pair of the posts 111. As best seen in FIG. 1, the posts 111
are positioned in or adjacent mounting holes 274 in the stationary
member 27 and may be secured in position by fasteners.
[0044] With reference to FIGS. 7-9, the leg drive system 3 includes
a transmission assembly 31. The transmission assembly 31 has an
inner cover 311 and an opposing, outer cover 315 joined together by
fasteners 51 to form a housing. A second motor 32 is positioned on
the inner side of the cover 311. Preferably, the microprocessor 13
also controls the operation of the motor 32. The motor 32 has a
drive shaft 321 that extends through an opening 3111 in the cover
311 and engages a drive wheel 316. A belt 317 connects the drive
wheel 316 to a first gear 312. The first gear 312 sequentially
engages a second gear 313 and a sector gear 314.
[0045] The sector gear 314 is pivotally joined to the cover 311 by
a pivot rod 46. The sector gear 314 has an outwardly extending
eccentric axle post 3141. The front cover 315 has an arc-shaped
slot 3151. The eccentric axle post 3141 of the sector gear 314
extends through the arc-shaped slot 3151. A pivot rod 52 extends
through a generally vertical slot 331 formed in the lower end of a
linking arm 33.
[0046] A positioning shaft 332 extends from the upper end of the
linking arm 33. A pivot rod 53 secures a cover member 34 to the
inner side of the linking arm 33 and also secures a disk 35 to the
outer side of the linking arm 33. The disk 35 is mounted for
rotation with the linking arm 33. The cover member 34 is mounted to
allow the linking arm 33 to rotate independently of the cover
member 34 about the pivot rod 53. A toy leg 6 is secured to the
outer surface of the disk 35 by adhesive and/or fasteners. The toy
leg 6 preferably simulates a leg (e.g., an arm) of an animal or
character of the type simulated by the toy head 7.
[0047] The leg drive system 3 is secured in the stand 1 by the
upper pair of the posts 111. As best seen in FIG. 1, the posts 111
are positioned adjacent positioning shafts 341 of the cover member
34 and may be secured in position by fasteners. The positioning
shaft 341 on the front side of the cover member 34 may be secured
to the front cover 12.
[0048] The second leg drive system, if provided, may be a generally
mirror image of the leg drive system described above and
illustrated in FIGS. 7-9. The second leg drive system 3 preferably
includes a second motor corresponding to the motor 32 which is
controlled independently of the motor 32 such that the toy legs 6
move up-and-down independently of one another.
[0049] The toy 10 may be formed of any suitable materials. For
example, with the exception of the motors 21, 32, the components of
the toy 10 may be formed of a polymeric material. For clarity,
certain fasteners or other securing means (e.g., adhesives) are not
shown in the drawings. The appropriate locations for placement of
such fasteners and suitable types of fasteners will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the description
herein.
[0050] With reference to FIGS. 10A-12C, the head drive system 2
generates the aforementioned up-and-down movement and side-to-side
movement of the neck seat 24 in the following manner.
[0051] The motor 21 is alternatingly actuated and reversed to
rotate the drive shaft 211 clockwise and counterclockwise. The
motor 21 thereby rotates the wheel 226 via the wheel 227, the gears
223, 224 and the belt 228. The eccentric gear 2262 is thereby
driven such that it revolves back and forth along the rack rail
271. The convex and concave profile of the rack rail 271
accommodates the eccentrically positioned gear 2262 as the gear
2262 rolls along the rack rail 271 so that a constant vertical
distance is maintained between the drive rod 2241 (FIG. 4) and the
rack rail 271. In this manner, the rotation of the gear 2262 is
converted to translational movement and the rocking member 221, the
rocking member 225 (FIG. 4), the linking arm 25, the rocker arms
23, the neck seat 24 and the head 7 are rotated back and forth
about the axis B-B (FIG. 4) of the pivot hole 2212 relative to the
stationary member 27 and the stand 1. The spring 273 is mounted on
the pivot post 272 such that spring legs 2731 engage a projection
2214 on the rocking member 221 and bias the rocking member 221
toward the fully vertical position.
[0052] Additionally, as the gear 2262 rotates along the rack rail
271, the eccentric post 2261 moves upwardly and downwardly relative
to the drive rod 2241 (i.e., the axis F-F; FIG. 4) and, hence, the
rocking member 221. The eccentric post 2261 rotates within the
opening 262 about the axis G-G (FIG. 4). The rotating eccentric
post 2261 drives the linking member 26 and, in turn, the linking
arm 25 up-and-down along the lengthwise axis D-D (FIGS. 10A-10C) of
the linking arm 25. The linking arm 25 pivots the rocker arms 23
about the axis C-C (FIG. 5) of the posts 251 and about the axis A-A
(FIG. 4) of the posts 2211. This rocking movement causes the neck
seat 24 and the head 7 to pivot up-and-down about the axis A-A,
which is transverse to the axis B-B. The side-to-side movement of
the eccentric post 2261 is accommodated by the pivot rod 43.
[0053] The foregoing movements are manifested as a simultaneous
combination of oscillating or reciprocating side-to-side and
up-and-down movements of the head 7 as illustrated in FIGS.
10A-12C. FIGS. 10A-10C are rear, schematic views of the head drive
system 2 in various operating positions, wherein the head 7 is
removed for clarity. FIGS. 11A-11G are front, schematic views of
the head drive system 2 in various operating positions, wherein the
head 7 is removed for clarity. FIGS. 12A-12C are front, schematic
views of the head drive system 2 in various operating positions,
wherein the head 7 is illustrated.
[0054] With reference to FIGS. 10A, 11A and 12A, the head drive
system 2 is schematically illustrated therein in a centered
position. As the motor 21 first drives the wheel 226 clockwise, the
eccentric gear 2262 drives the rocking member 221 and the linking
arm 25 leftward (as viewed from the front) relative to the
stationary member 27 (and the stand 1 to which the stationary
member 27 affixed) as shown in FIGS. 11B and 12B. The neck seat 24
(and, as referenced hereinafter, also the attached head 7) is
thereby rotated rightward relative to the stand 1. Simultaneously,
the neck seat 24 is tilted upward by the action of the eccentric
post 2261 and the linking arm 25.
[0055] With reference to FIGS. 10B and 11C, as the motor continues
to drive the wheel 226 clockwise, the neck seat 24 is further
rotated rightward relative to the stand 1 to a rightmost position.
Additionally, the neck seat 24 is simultaneously tilted downward by
the action of the eccentric post 2261 and the linking arm 25.
[0056] With reference to FIG. 11D, the motor 21 then reverses and
drives the wheel 226 counterclockwise. The neck seat 24 is thereby
rotated leftward, and also tilted upward by the action of the
eccentric post 2261.
[0057] With reference to FIG. 11E, as the motor 21 continues to
drive the wheel 226 counterclockwise, the neck seat 24 is further
rotated leftward relative to the stand 1 to return the neck seat 24
to the centered position. Additionally, the neck seat 24 is
simultaneously further tilted upward by the action of the eccentric
post 2261 and the linking arm 25.
[0058] With reference to FIG. 11F and 12C, as the motor 21
continues to drive the wheel 226 counterclockwise, the neck seat 24
is further rotated leftward relative to the stand 1. Additionally,
the neck seat 24 is simultaneously tilted upward by the action of
the eccentric post 2261 and the linking arm 25.
[0059] With reference to FIGS. 10C and 11G, as the motor continues
to drive the wheel 226 clockwise, the neck seat 24 is further
rotated leftward relative to the stand 1 to a leftmost position.
Additionally, the neck seat 24 is simultaneously tilted downward by
the action of the eccentric post 2261 and the linking arm 25.
[0060] The neck seat 24 can thereafter be returned to the centered
position by again reversing the motor 21. The foregoing procedure
may be repeated as desired. The motor may be temporarily stopped
between movements. Also, the motor 21 may be reversed when the
transmission 22 is in positions other than the leftmost and
rightmost positions. For example, once the toy 7 has transitioned
from the position of FIG. 11A to the position of FIG. 11B, the
motor 21 may then be reversed to return to the position of FIG. 11A
and then the position of FIG. 11F rather than completing the sweep
to the leftmost position of FIG. 11C.
[0061] It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art from a
reading of the description herein that the patterns and frequencies
of up-and-down and side-toside movements of the neck seat 24 as the
wheel 226 traverses the rack rail 271 may be modified by changing
the profile of the rack rail 271, modifying the diameter of the
gear 2262, and/or relocating the gear 2262 and/or the pivot post
2261 on the wheel 226.
[0062] The above-described combination of simultaneous side-to-side
and up-and down head movements provides an overall complex and
natural head motion. As the head 7 rotates from side-to-side about
the axis B-B, the orientation of the axis A-A varies, and may vary
continuously. The toy may give the appearance that the head 7 is
nodding and swinging. The effect is remarkable in that the head 7
may appear to move with unlimited degrees of freedom and smoothness
in the same manner as the neck of a real animal such as a bear or a
human.
[0063] With reference to FIGS. 13A-13C, the leg drive system 3
generates the aforementioned up-and-down movement to the toy leg 6
in the following manner.
[0064] The motor 32 is alternatingly actuated and reversed to
rotate the drive shaft 321 clockwise and counterclockwise. More
particularly, the sector gear 314 is rocked back and forth about
the pivot rod 46. The motor 32 thereby rotates the sector gear 314
via the wheel 316, the gears 312, 313 and the belt 317. The
eccentric axle post 3141 of the sector gear 314 sweeps back and
forth along an arcuate path within the arc-shaped slot 3151 as
indicated by arrows in FIGS. 13B and 13C.
[0065] As the sector gear 314 rocks from side-to-side, the pivot
rod 52 that pivotally connects the eccentric axle post 3141 with
the brake hole 331 of the linking arm 33 pushes against the side
wall 3311 of the brake hole 331. The linking arm 33 is thereby
driven to pivot about the axis E-E (FIG. 9) defined by the
positioning shaft 332. The drive disk 35 and the toy leg 6 rotate
with the linking arm 33 relative to the stand 1 so that the toy leg
6 swings up-and-down alongside the stand 1. More particularly, the
toy leg 6 is rotated from a neutral position as shown in FIG. 13A
in a downward direction as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 13B to
the lower position shown in FIG. 13B. Upon reversing the motor 32,
the toy leg 6 is rotated in an upward direction as indicated by the
arrows in FIG. 13C to the upper position shown in FIG. 13C. The leg
6 may thereafter be continuously reciprocated between the upper and
lower positions by repeatedly reversing the direction of the motor
32.
[0066] With reference to FIG. 14, a head drive system 2A according
to further embodiments of the present invention is shown therein.
The head drive system 2A may be substituted for the head drive
system 2 of the toy 10. The head drive system 2A is constructed and
functions in the same manner as the head drive system 2 except as
follows.
[0067] In place of the waveform rack rail 271, the transmission 22A
of the head drive system 2A has a curved rack rail 271A, the
profile of which is a uniform arc. The gear 2262A is located such
that it is concentric with the drive rod 2241A that drives the
wheel 226A. However, the pivot post 2261A is eccentrically located
on the wheel 226A relative to the drive rod 2241A.
[0068] As the wheel 226A is driven via the drive rod 2241A, the
gear 2262A revolves along the rack rail 271A causing the neck seat
24A to rotate side-to-side in the manner described above. As the
wheel 226A rotates with the gear 2262A, the eccentric pivot post
2261A orbits the rotational axis (i.e., corresponding to the axis
F-F) of the drive rod 2241A and pivots within the opening 262A in
the linking member 26A. The vertical displacement of the pivot post
2261A relative to the drive rod 2241A causes the pivot post 2261A
to drive the linking arm 25A upwardly and downwardly. The lateral
displacement of the pivot post 2261A relative to the drive rod
2241A is accommodated by pivoting between the linking member 26A
and the linking arm 25A about the pivot rod 44A.
[0069] The head drive system 2A provides a combination of movements
similar to those provided by the head drive system 2. It will be
appreciated by those of skill in the art from a reading of the
description herein that the patterns and frequencies of up-and-down
and side-to-side movements of the neck seat 24A as the wheel 226A
traverses the rack rail 271A may be modified by modifying the
diameter of the gear 2262A and/or relocating the pivot post 2261A
on the wheel 226A.
[0070] The foregoing head and leg motions are preferably executed
simultaneously. The frequencies and distances of these movements
may be selected to simulate dancing, singing or the like. Moreover,
the movements may be choreographed to music, for example, music
from a suitable device which is actuated upon actuation of the
motor 21 and/or the motor 32. Optionally, and as illustrated in
FIG. 1, a speaker 14 may be provided in the stand 1. The
frequencies of the respective motions may be different from one
another.
[0071] The drive motors 21, 32 may be replaced with suitable
non-electric drive means (e.g., wind up mechanical drivers).
[0072] The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and
is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few
exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those
skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications
are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially
departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this
invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of this invention as defined in the
claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is
illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as
limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that
modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other
embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the
appended claims. The invention is defined by the following claims,
with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.
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