U.S. patent application number 11/105039 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-12 for interactive figure.
This patent application is currently assigned to Rehco, LLC. Invention is credited to Ryan Kratz, Jeffrey Rehkemper, Steven Rehkemper, Jackson Wilson.
Application Number | 20060228982 11/105039 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37083717 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060228982 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rehkemper; Jeffrey ; et
al. |
October 12, 2006 |
Interactive figure
Abstract
An interactive toy aquatic animal is provided and includes a
head, a tail and a bottom portion. The toy includes a flexible tail
extending from the rear portion. A wheel rotatably attached to the
bottom portion. A first motor mechanism operatively connected to
the wheel, wherein when the first motor mechanism drives said
wheel, the figure moves causing the tail to flex. A second motor
mechanism is also provided and operatively connected to various
other parts of the animal for movement thereof. For example, the
second motor mechanism causing the blinking of eyelids, the
flapping of side appendages, and/or the vibration of a tongue.
Inventors: |
Rehkemper; Jeffrey;
(Chicago, IL) ; Rehkemper; Steven; (Chicago,
IL) ; Kratz; Ryan; (Oak Park, IL) ; Wilson;
Jackson; (Evanston, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ADAM K. SACHAROFF;MUCH SHELIST FREED DENENBERG AMENT&RUBENSTEIN,PC
191 N. WACKER DRIVE
SUITE 1800
CHICAGO
IL
60606-1615
US
|
Assignee: |
Rehco, LLC
Chicago
IL
|
Family ID: |
37083717 |
Appl. No.: |
11/105039 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/279 ;
446/330; 446/353 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 3/28 20130101; A63H
11/12 20130101; A63H 2200/00 20130101; A63H 23/10 20130101; A63H
17/00 20130101; A63H 13/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/279 ;
446/330; 446/353 |
International
Class: |
A63H 17/00 20060101
A63H017/00; A63H 3/20 20060101 A63H003/20; A63H 11/00 20060101
A63H011/00 |
Claims
1. A toy figure having a body defined with a front portion, a rear
portion, and a bottom portion, the figure further comprising: a
flexible tail extending from the rear portion, the tail being
defined as having a flexible membrane with a plurality of sectional
coverings separately secured to the flexible membrane, wherein the
flexible membrane remains flexible in regions defined between the
plurality of sectional coverings; a wheel rotatably attached to the
body and extending from the bottom portion of the body; and a motor
mechanism housed in the body and operatively driving said wheel,
wherein when the motor mechanism drives said wheel across a
surface, the figure moves further causing the tail to flex.
2. The figure of claim 1 further comprising: a head extending from
the front portion, the head having a pair of eyes and a pair of eye
lids moveable in relation to said eyes, each eye lid being biased
in an open position; and a second motor mechanism housed in the
body and operatively connected to said eye lids such that when the
second motor mechanism is activated, the eye lids are engaged to
move to a closed position temporarily to blink the eye lids.
3. The figure of claim 2, wherein: each eye lid, of the eye lids,
has an eye flap extending within the body of the figure, the eye
lids capable of moving to a closed position when the eye flaps are
engaged and the eye lids being biased to the open position return
thereto when the eye flaps are not engaged; and the second motor
mechanism drives an eye gear train, the eye gear train engages a
gear cap when the motor mechanism is operating in a first
direction, the gear cap includes a flapper arm that rotates around
the gear cap such that the flapper arm engages and moves the eye
flaps to a closed position once every revolution of the gear cap,
whereby operation of the second motor mechanism in the first
direction causes the eye lids to blink.
4. The figure of claim 3 further comprising: a mouth positioned on
the head of the figure, the mouth having a tongue pivotally
connected therein, the tongue including a tongue flap that when
engaged moves the tongue about its pivotal connection; and the
second motor mechanism when operating in a direction opposite of
said first direction engages a tongue gear train that engages and
moves a second gear cap, the second gear cap includes a second
flapper arm that rotates around the second gear cap such that the
second flapper arm engages and moves the tongue flap once every
revolution of the second gear cap; whereby the second motor
mechanism when operating in the second direction causes the second
flapper arm to engage and move the tongue flap once every
revolution of the gear cap such that the tongue vibrates about its
pivotal connection.
5. The figure of claim 4 further comprising: a pair of appendages
separately extending from either side of the body of the figure,
each appendage movably connected to the body of the figure; and the
second motor mechanism when operating in the first and second
directions drives an appendage gear train that engages and moves
the pair of appendages.
6. The figure of claim 5 further comprising a circuit board having
preprogrammed sounds and controls, the preprogrammed controls
defined to control the motor mechanisms and thus control the
movement of the figure, the circuit board replaying said
preprogrammed sounds and controls upon the triggering of a switch
positioned about the figure.
7. The figure of claim 6 further comprising a first switch
positioned within the mouth of the figure, the first switch being
triggered upon insertion of an object in said mouth of the figure,
and when the first switch is triggered, the circuit board activates
the second motor mechanism in the second direction causing the
tongue to vibrate and the pair of appendages to move.
8. The figure of claim 6 further comprising a second switch
positioned on a top portion of the figure, the second switch when
triggered causes the circuit board to activate the second motor
mechanism in the first direction to cause the eye lids to blink and
the pair of appendages to move.
9. The figure of claim 6 further comprising a speaker to emit the
playback of preprogrammed sounds.
10. An interactive toy aquatic animal having a body defined with a
head and a bottom portion, the toy further comprising: a freely
flexible tail extending from the rear portion; a wheel rotatably
attached to the body and extending from the bottom portion of the
body; a first motor mechanism housed in the body and operatively
driving said wheel, wherein when the motor mechanism drives said
wheel the figure moves and such movement of the figure causes the
freely flexible tail to wag; a second motor mechanism housed in the
body and driven in a first direction and in a second direction; a
pair of eyes defined on the head, each eye having an eye lid
moveable in relation to said eyes, the eye lids biased in an open
position and controllable to blink close when the second motor
mechanism is driven in the first direction; a mouth positioned in
the head, the mouth having a tongue pivotally connected therein,
the tongue controllable to vibrate when the second motor mechanism
is driven in the second direction; and a pair of appendages
separately extending from either side of the body, each appendage
movably connected to the body and controllable to move when the
second motor mechanism is driven in the first and second
direction.
11. The toy of claim 10 further comprising: a switch positioned
about the toy; and a circuit board having a memory portion to store
preprogrammed controls, and having programming that plays the
controls upon the triggering of said switch, the preprogrammed
controls defined to control the first and second motor mechanisms
and thus control the movement of the toy.
12. The toy of claim 11 further comprising: a fin pivotally
connected the body; and a first switch positioned below the fin and
which is triggered when the fin is pushed towards the body, whereby
upon triggering said first switch, the circuit board plays a
preprogrammed control to move the toy.
13. The toy of claim 12 further comprising: a second switch
positioned within the mouth and which is triggered upon the
insertion of an object into the mouth, whereby upon triggering said
second switch, the circuit board plays a preprogrammed control to
vibrate the tongue.
14. The toy of claim 10 wherein the tail is defined as having a
flexible membrane with a plurality of sectional coverings
separately secured to the flexible membrane, wherein the flexible
membrane remains flexible in regions defined between the plurality
of sectional coverings.
15. A toy figure having a body defined with a front portion, a rear
portion, and a bottom portion, the figure further including a
flexible tail extending from the rear portion capable of moving
when said body moves, a motor housed in the body, a wheel rotatably
attached to the body and the drive mechanism connecting said motor
to the wheel, wherein when the motor is activated the body will be
moved and the flexible tail will flex in response thereto.
16. The toy of claim 15 wherein the flexible tail is defined as
having a flexible membrane with a plurality of sectional coverings
separately secured to the flexible membrane, wherein the flexible
membrane remains flexible in regions defined between the plurality
of sectional coverings.
17. The toy of claim 15 further comprising a circuit board housed
in the body and a receiver secured to the body and operatively
connected to the circuit board, the circuit board further having
programming to control the motor in response to a signal received
by said receiver.
18. The toy of claim 15 further comprising a motor mechanism housed
in the body and driven in a first direction and in a second
direction and a pair of eyes defined on the head, each eye having
an eye lid moveable in relation to said eyes, the eye lids biased
in an open position and having a means to blink close when the
second motor mechanism is driven in the first direction.
19. The toy of claim 16 further comprising a mouth positioned in
the head, the mouth having a tongue pivotally connected therein,
the tongue having a means to vibrate when the second motor
mechanism is driven in the second direction.
20. The toy of claim 16 further comprising a pair of appendages
separately extending from either side of the body, each appendage
having a means to move when the second motor mechanism is driven in
the first and second directions.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a toy figure with various
pre-recorded sounds and movements that are played upon the
activation of one or more switches.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Toy figures have always been the mainstay as toys for young
children. Included therewith, are figures that when activated by a
user talk or sing in response thereto. For example, in some
instances a switch may be placed within the figure that when
pressed causes the toy figure to emit various sound bites or
noises. The present invention is directed more towards aquatic
animals or animals and figures that include tails, such as but not
limited to, fish, mermaids, dragons, alligators, etc.
[0003] The prior art does include numerous mechanical aquatic
animals. In their basic form, aquatic animals have been developed
for many years for fish tanks and aquariums. Such aquatic animals
may include mechanical moving parts that may be activated by
pressure, floats, or springs to simulate movement in the water.
More recent robotic aquatic animals include highly developed
mechanics to actually move the robotic aquatic animals under water
in a manner that simulates an actual fish swimming.
[0004] Nevertheless, there is always a continual need for
improvements and novel features not found in the prior art. For
example, the ability to provide an aquatic animal or other tailed
creature (hereinafter referred to broadly as a "figure") that does
not require water and that still resembles the same movement. Such
a figure includes multiple switches and a proximity sensor that
when triggered, invokes various responses and movements. For
example, if the figure was a fish, the responses and movements
could include a moving tail and flippers. The fish may also include
vibrations in the mouth to simulate nibbling and include the
closing or blinking of an eye. Various sound responses may also be
included such as music, voices, and sound effects.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided
a toy figure, having a body defined with a front portion, a rear
portion, and a bottom portion. The figure further includes a
flexible tail extending from the rear portion. The tail being
defined as having a flexible membrane with a plurality of sectional
coverings separately secured to the flexible membrane. The flexible
membrane is able to remain flexible in regions defined between the
plurality of sectional coverings. The figure also includes a wheel
rotatably attached to the body and extending from the bottom
portion of the body. A first motor mechanism is housed in the body
and is operatively connected to drive the wheel such that when the
first motor mechanism is activated the wheel moves, which causes
the freely flexible tail to move.
[0006] The figure may also include a head extending from the front
portion of the body. The head has a pair of eyes and a pair of eye
lids that are moveable in relation to the eyes and biased in an
open position. A second motor mechanism is housed in the body and
operatively connected to the eye lids such that when the second
motor mechanism is activated, the eye lids are engaged to move to a
closed position temporarily to provide an appearance the figure has
blinked.
[0007] The figure may also include a mouth with a tongue pivotally
connected therein. The second motor mechanism when operating is
able to engage and move the tongue causing the tongue to vibrate.
The vibration movement simulates the figure nibbling.
[0008] The figure may also include a pair of appendages separately
extending from either side of the body of the figure. Each
appendage is movably connected to the body of the figure. In
addition, the second motor mechanism when operating is able to move
the pair of appendages.
[0009] A circuit board having preprogrammed sounds and controls is
further positioned in the figure. The preprogrammed controls are
defined to control the motor mechanisms and thus control the
movement of the figure. The circuit board has programming to replay
the preprogrammed sounds and controls upon the triggering of a
switch or possibly upon direction of a timing mechanism.
[0010] Numerous other advantages and features of the invention will
become readily apparent from the following detailed description of
the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims, and
from the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] A fuller understanding of the foregoing may be had by
reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aquatic animal in
accordance to the present invention with a movable tail;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the animal in FIG. 1
illustrating movable eye lids;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the animal in FIG. 1
illustrating a vibrating tongue;
[0015] FIG. 4a is a bottom view of the animal in FIG. 1
illustrating oscillation of the animal causing the tail to wag;
[0016] FIG. 4b is a bottom view of the animal in FIG. 1
illustrating the ability for the animal to rotate 360.degree.;
[0017] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the animal in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view of the animal in FIG. 1
showing some of the internal components;
[0019] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of one of the one way clutch
mechanisms, used in the present invention to blink the eyes and
vibrate the tongue;
[0020] FIG. 8a through 8c are views of the inside cam surface of
the eye gear cap illustrating the movement of the pin and
engagement of the eye gear cap;
[0021] FIG. 9 is an alternative embodiment including receivers on
either side of the figure; and
[0022] FIG. 10 is an alternative embodiment including an
interactive figure with an outer covering and mechanically movable
tail sections.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] While the invention is susceptible to embodiments in many
different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be
described in detail herein the preferred embodiments of the present
invention. It should be understood, however, that the present
disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles
of the invention and is not intended to limit the spirit or scope
of the invention and/or claims of the embodiments illustrated.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 1, a FIG. 10 is shown and is
illustrated as an aquatic animal such as a fish. It being mentioned
above, that any tailed animal or creature may be used without
deviating from the spirit of the invention as the outside
appearance of the FIG. 10 is not meant to limit the scope of the
invention.
[0025] The FIG. 10 includes a head 12, a tail 14, a dorsal fin 16,
and a pair of side fins 18 (one on each side of the FIG. 10). The
head 12 has a pair of eyes 20 and a mouth 22. The FIG. 10 also
includes idler wheels 24 and a drive wheel 26 to support the FIG.
10 on a surface. Various switches (shown in later FIGS) positioned
about the figure and/or timing mechanisms are used to activate
pre-recorded or programmed responses.
[0026] The responses may include mechanical movement of portions of
the figure, including, movement of the tail 14 (FIG. 4) and
flapping of the side fins 18 (FIG. 1). Additionally, the responses
may include blinking eyes 20 (FIG. 2) and a vibrating tongue 23 in
the mouth 22 to simulate the figure nibbling or eating (FIG. 3).
These and other responses such as sound and/or movement of the
figure across a surface may be in response to sound, light, touch,
and/or timing mechanisms that are programmed to automatically
activate after a period of time.
[0027] Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the FIG. 10 includes housing
sections 30 that form the body 28 of the FIG. 10. Secured to the
housing sections 30 or captured by the assembly of the housing
sections is the tail 14 that is made up of a flexible member 32 and
segment coverings 34. The segment coverings 34 are secured to the
flexible member 32 to provide the appearance of a tail 14.
Preferably the flexible member 32 is highly flexible in the
horizontal direction to provide for a more realistic type movement
from the FIG. 10 (shown in FIG. 4). In addition, (as shown in FIG.
4) segment coverings 34 are spaced apart from each other such that
movement of the tail is not completely hindered, moreover, movement
of the flexible member 32 is maintained in regions 35 between the
segment coverings 34
[0028] Housed within the body 28 of the FIG. 10 is a circuit board
40 that is operatively connected to a speaker 42, various switches,
motor mechanisms, and a power supply 44. The circuit board 40 also
includes a memory portion to store the pre-programmed sounds and
pre-programmed controls, which control the mechanical movement of
the FIG. 10. The power supply 44 is preferably replaceable
batteries 46 housed within a battery compartment 48 that is
accessible through a removable door 49.
[0029] As mentioned, the circuit board 40 controls motor mechanisms
to move the FIG. 10 or move various aspects of the FIG. 10. The
present invention includes a first motor 50 that drives the drive
wheel 26 in a forward and a reverse direction causing the figure to
rotate in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The first
motor 50 is secured within a two piece first motor housing block
52. The first motor 50 drives a gear 54 which is meshed to a first
drive train 56 that includes various gears to provide a proper
predefined gear ratios. The first drive train 56 is meshed to the
drive wheel 26 that is defined by having a wheel 58 and an outer
covering 60 with an outside traction to grip the surface. When the
first motor 50 is operating the drive wheel 26 rotates. When the
FIG. 10 is on a surface and the drive wheel 26 begins to rotate in
a first direction, the FIG. 10 will spin about its idler wheels 24
(FIG. 4b). Similarly, when the first motor 50 drives the wheel
forwards and reverse, the drive wheel 26 will changes from a first
direction to a section direction or side to side causing the FIG.
10 to oscillate. Such oscillation will have the effect of moving
the flexible tail back and forth to simulate a swimming fish (FIG.
4a).
[0030] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 5 and 6, the present invention
includes a second motor 70 that controls the movement of the side
fins 18, the eyes 20 and the tongue 23. The second motor 70 rotates
a gear train 72 that branches into an eye gear train 74, a tongue
gear train 76 and a fin gear train 78. Referring now also to FIGS.
7 through 8c, the eye gear train 74 when rotating in a first
direction rotates a one way clutch mechanism 80. The one way clutch
mechanism includes a gear 81 that has a shaft 82, which includes a
bore 84 perpendicular to its axis to accommodate a pin 86. Attached
to the gear 81 over the shaft 82 and pin 86 is a gear cap 88 that
has an eye flapper arm 90 extending outwardly therefrom. The inside
portion of the gear cap 88 includes a cam surface 92 that engages
the pin 86 when the gear 81 is rotating in a first direction (FIG.
8a). This in turn moves the eye flapper arm 90 along with the gear
81. When the gear 81 is rotating in a direction opposite to the
first direction (FIGS. 8b and 8c), the pin 86 will slide along the
inside surface 94 of the gear cap 88 without engaging the cam
surface 92. As such the eye flapper arm 90 only moves when the eye
gear train 74 is moving in a first direction that causes the pin 86
to engage the gear cap 88. When the eye flapper arm 90 moves it
comes in contact with and pushes flaps 96 secured to eye lids 98.
The eye lids 98 are movably secured to or over the eyes 20. The eye
lids 98 are biased in an open position, as such when the eye
flapper arm 90 moves the eye lids 98, the eye lids 98 cover the
eyes 20 providing a blinking or closing movement. The eyelids are
preferably biased by having the flaps 96 weighted such that gravity
keeps the flaps 96 up and the eyes 20 uncovered. However, a spring
or other mechanism may be used to keep the eyelids in an open
position.
[0031] Similarly, a second one way clutch mechanism is employed to
vibrate the tongue 23. The tongue gear train 76 when moving in a
specific direction operates a gear cap 88 that moves a tongue
flapper arm 100. The tongue flapper arm 100 comes in contact with a
tongue flap 102 that is secured to a tongue 23. The tongue 23 is
pivotally secured to the body 30 such that movement of the tongue
flap 102 will cause the tongue to vibrate about its pivot 106.
Moreover, the eye gear train 74 and the tongue gear train 76 are
laid out such that when the second motor 70 is operating in a first
direction, the eye flapper arm 90 moves and when the second motor
70 is operating in a direction opposite to the first direction, the
tongue flapper arm 100 moves.
[0032] When the second motor 70 is operating in either direction,
the second motor 70 engages the fin gear train 78. The fin gear
train 78 includes a pair of fin gears 110 secured on an axle. The
fin gears 110 are diametrically opposed on either side of the FIG.
10 and include a cam surface 112. The cam surface 112 includes
various valleys and peaks. Each side fin 18 has an end 114
positioned through an aperture 116 defined on the body 26 of the
FIG. 10. The end 114 is secured to a pin 118 that is pivotally
attached to a Y-shaped member 120. The Y-shaped member 120 includes
an end 122 that rests and rides against the cam surface 112. As the
cam surface 112 rotates, the end 122 of the Y-shaped member 120
moves outwardly and inwardly riding the peaks and valleys of the
cam surface pivoting the pin 118 and thereby flapping the side fin
18.
[0033] Various switches in the FIG. 10 will trigger the playback of
various responses or controls stored on the circuit board. One of
the switches 130 is positioned under the dorsal fin 16. When the
dorsal fin is pressed downwardly, the switch 130 is triggered. The
triggering is recognized by the circuit board 40 which plays a
preprogrammed response, which may include controlling the motors to
move the figure or various parts of the figure and/or emitting
various sounds.
[0034] A second switch 132 may be positioned within the mouth 22.
The second switch 132 is activated when a user places an object
within the mouth, such as a finger (FIG. 3). Similarly, once the
second switch 132 is triggered, the circuit board 40 will play a
preprogrammed response and/or power up the second motor to activate
the tongue motion.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 9, in another embodiment of the
present invention the FIG. 10 may include a pair of receivers 140
separately positioned on both sides of the fish and are operatively
connected to the circuit board 40. A transmitter (not shown) may be
embedded within an object to send a signal to the receivers. The
transmitter may also be a remote control unit. Upon receiving such
a signal the circuit board 40 may play pre-programmed controls,
movement and/or sounds. For example, multiple drive wheels can be
installed to move the FIG. 10 forwards, backwards, and in various
turn radii such that the FIG. 10 may be programmed to follow or
chase the transmitter.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 10, in another embodiment of the
present invention, the FIG. 10 may include a plush or outside
covering or skin 150. However, the outside covering 150 may hinder
the flexibility of the tail. As such the flexibility of the tail
may be mechanically moved by links and gears. Such construction and
movement by links and gears should not be viewed as outside the
scope of the present invention. In other constructions, the tail
may be multiple segmented sections 152 pined 154 to each other. The
segmented sections 152 may be moved by a motor mechanism
[0037] The present invention may therefore be described as a
motorized interactive audio animatronics toy aquatic animal having
semi-realistic styling, motorized moving eyes and mouth as well as
a multi-segmented body and tail. The tail has pivoting means for
simulating the action of swimming in place when an electronically
controlled motorized transverse wheel located beneath the front end
of the animal causes the front end of the animal to oscillate. The
same motorized wheel can cause the animal to rotate 360.degree. in
either direction. The animal is equipped with switches and sensors
in various locations to detect petting and feeding and sounds from
a person interacting with the fish and further includes a speaker
and electronic voice for responding to and/or prompting interaction
from a person. The animal may include other sound effects such as
bubbling or splashing and/or other human sounds such as
burping.
[0038] In another embodiment, the present invention may be a
motorized interactive audio animatronics toy animal having robotic
styling, as well as a multi-segmented body and tail. The tail
having pivoting means for simulating the action of swimming in
place when an electronically controlled motorized transverse wheel
causes the animal to rotate in either direction and/or perform
electronically controlled moves in response to pre-programmed
sounds or music. The animal is equipped switches, sensors or lights
and a speaker that when combined with its motorized movements can
convey a mood of the animal. To increase the quality of play with
the animal. The animal can further have electronic circuits
programmed to help compose music to convey its mood.
[0039] In yet another aspect of the invention, the present
invention may be controlled through a remote controller unit. The
remote controller unit may send signals received by receivers in
the animal. The circuit board may have programming to control the
movement of the animal to follow the signals or move the animal in
response to such signals.
[0040] From the foregoing and as mentioned above, it is observed
that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without
departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concept of the
invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect
to the embodiments illustrated herein is intended or should be
inferred. It is intended to cover, by the appended claims, all such
modifications within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *