U.S. patent application number 11/414110 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-01 for handheld toy having rotating led's.
Invention is credited to Hoi Hung Jimmy Wan.
Application Number | 20070254553 11/414110 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38648895 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070254553 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wan; Hoi Hung Jimmy |
November 1, 2007 |
Handheld toy having rotating LED's
Abstract
A handheld toy having a handle portion and a barrel portion is
provided. The handle portion includes a hand grip and a
compressible trigger partially positioned therein. The barrel
portion includes a clear hollow tube substantially enclosing a
rotatable shaft. The shaft is driven by a motor contained within
the handle portion and activated by pressing the trigger. A
plurality of light emitting diodes (LED's) are attached to the
shaft and extend therefrom. When a user presses the trigger, the
LED's light up in varying patterns based on pre-programmed
instructions, causing a varied light pattern to project from the
hollow tube as the shaft rotates. The handle portion includes a
speaker and corresponding circuitry contained therein for sound
effects. The toy contains batteries in the handle portion for
power, but can also use other power means. The toy can be shaped to
resemble various objects including a sword and gun.
Inventors: |
Wan; Hoi Hung Jimmy; (Hong
Kong, HK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ERIC HANSCOM
7395 PORTAGE WAY
CARLSBAD
CA
92011
US
|
Family ID: |
38648895 |
Appl. No.: |
11/414110 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/175 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 5/00 20130101; A63H
33/009 20130101; A63H 33/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/175 |
International
Class: |
A63H 30/00 20060101
A63H030/00 |
Claims
1. A handheld toy device comprising: a) a housing, the housing
including a handle portion and a barrel portion, the handle portion
defining an interior handle region and including means for device
activation, the barrel portion defining an interior barrel region
having a rotatable shaft positioned therein; b) means for rotating
the shaft coupled to the shaft; and c) at least one light emitting
diode coupled to the shaft whereby when a user initiates the means
for device activation, the at least one diode lights up and the
means for rotating the shaft causes the shaft to rotate, creating a
pattern of light to emit from the barrel portion.
2. The handheld toy device of claim 1, wherein the barrel portion
further comprises a substantially transparent tube substantially
surrounding the shaft for the purpose of allowing a user to view
the shaft.
3. The handheld toy device of claim 1, wherein the means for
rotating the shaft is an electric motor connected to an electric
circuit.
4. The handheld toy device of claim 3, wherein the electric circuit
is opened and closed by the means for device activation.
5. The handheld toy device of claim 4, wherein the means for device
activation is a trigger partially contained within the handle
interior region, the trigger engagingly contacting a return coil
contained within the handle interior region, whereby when the
trigger is compressed the return coil closes the electric circuit
and when the trigger is released the return coil causes the trigger
to return to its uncompressed state and opens the electric
circuit.
6. The handheld toy device of claim 1, wherein the means for
rotating the shaft is non-electrical.
7. The handheld toy device of claim 1 further comprising a speaker
located within the housing for the purpose of producing one or more
sounds.
8. The handheld toy device of claim 7, where the one of more sounds
is selected from the group comprising music and sound effects.
9. The handheld device of claim 8, where the one or more sounds is
controlled by means other than the means for device activation of
the LED's.
10. The handheld device of claim 8, where the means for device
activation of the LED's additionally comprises means to activate
the one or more sounds is controlled, such that the pattern of
activating the LED's is coordinated with the pattern of activating
the one or more sounds.
11. The handheld toy device of claim 1, wherein the housing is
shaped to resemble a sword, whereby the handle portion and the
barrel portion are situated along the same axis.
12. The handheld toy device of claim 1, wherein the housing is
shaped to resemble a gun, whereby the handle portion is positioned
perpendicular to the barrel portion.
13. The handheld toy device of claim 1, wherein the at least one
light emitting diode comprises a plurality of light emitting
diodes.
14. The handheld toy device of claim 13 further comprising
circuitry located within the housing for the purpose of controlling
the duration the plurality of light emitting diodes are lit and the
number of the plurality of light emitting diodes that are lit.
15. The handheld toy device of claim 1, wherein the housing is
comprised of a durable and lightweight material.
16. The handheld toy device of claim 1, wherein the housing
includes designs on the outer surface thereof for the purpose of
providing visual enhancement of the handheld toy device.
17. A handheld toy device comprising: a) a housing, the housing
including a handle portion and a barrel portion, the handle portion
defining an interior handle region and including means for device
activation, the barrel portion defining an interior barrel region
having a rotatable shaft positioned therein; b) an electric motor
coupled to the shaft for the purpose of rotating the shaft, the
electric motor located within the interior handle region and
electrically connected to an electric circuit opened and closed by
the means for device activation; and c) a plurality of light
emitting diodes coupled to the shaft whereby when a user compresses
the trigger, the at least one diode lights up and the means for
rotating the shaft causes the shaft to rotate, creating a pattern
of light to emit from the barrel portion.
18. The handheld toy device of claim 17 further comprising a
speaker located within the housing for the purpose of producing
sound effects.
19. The handheld toy device of claim 17, wherein the housing is
shaped to resemble a sword, whereby the handle portion and the
barrel portion are situated along the same axis.
20. The handheld toy device of claim 17, wherein the housing is
shaped to resemble a gun, and, whereby the handle portion is
positioned perpendicular to the barrel portion.
21. The handheld toy device of claim 17, wherein the means for
device activation is a trigger partially contained within the
handle interior region, the trigger engagingly contacting a return
coil contained within the handle interior region, whereby when the
trigger is compressed the return coil closes the electric circuit
and when the trigger is released the return coil causes the trigger
to return to its uncompressed state and opens the electric
circuit.
22. The handheld toy device of claim 17 further comprising
circuitry located within the housing for the purpose of controlling
the duration the plurality of light emitting diodes are lit and the
number of the plurality of light emitting diodes that are lit.
23. A method for making a handheld toy device comprising the steps
of: a) providing a housing, the housing including a handle portion
and a barrel portion, the handle portion defining an interior
handle region and including means for device activation, the barrel
portion defining an interior barrel region having a rotatable shaft
positioned therein; b) providing a means for rotating the shaft for
coupling to the shaft; c) coupling the means for rotating the shaft
to the shaft; d) providing at least one light emitting diode for
attachment to the shaft; and e) attaching the at least one light
emitting diode to the shaft.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] None.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] This invention was not federally sponsored.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The invention generally relates to the field of children's
toys. More particularly, the present invention relates to handheld
toys having rotating lights and, optionally sound or coordinated
sound effects.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] Children of all ages enjoy playing with toys. Over the last
several decades, innovations in science and technology as well as
in manufacturing processes and techniques have allowed the
production of more sophisticated toys. For example, advances in
semiconductors, sensors, and mechatronics have been used to produce
a "smart" robotic dog toy. In the handheld toy area however, the
advances in features have not been as drastic. For example, many
toy swords do not utilize lights or rotational mechanisms to
provide increased functionality and entertainment, but rather are
designed for play "sword fighting". Similarly, many advances in toy
guns have occurred in the type and number of projectiles that can
be fired from the gun, rather than providing a toy gun with
advanced visual and sound effects. Further, although toys having
advanced sound, lighting, and other visual stimulating features do
exist, such as the robotic dog toy, they are often bulky, expensive
to produce, difficult to manufacture, and cannot be readily played
with in a variety of different environments.
[0007] Therefore, there is a current need for a handheld toy that
includes advanced lighting and rotational features that is
lightweight, cost effective, quick and efficient to manufacture,
and can entertain adults and children alike.
[0008] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be
understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are
for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as
limiting.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0009] It is a primary object of this invention to provide a
handheld toy that includes advanced lighting and rotational
features.
[0010] It is another object of this invention to provide a handheld
toy that provides entertainment to children and adults alike.
[0011] It is a further object of this invention to provide a
handheld toy having rotating light emitting diodes that can produce
varying light patterns.
[0012] It is a yet a further object of this invention to provide a
handheld toy having rotating light emitting diodes that is
economical to manufacture.
[0013] A further object of the invention is to provide, optionally,
for sound in the form of music or sound effects.
[0014] Additional objects of the invention include, optionally, the
coordination of the flashing light emitting diodes with the music
or sound effects.
[0015] It is still yet a further object of this invention to
provide a handheld toy having rotating light emitting diodes that
resembles a sword.
[0016] It is another object of this invention to provide a handheld
toy having rotating light emitting diodes that resembles a gun.
[0017] It is still yet a further object of this invention to
provide a new and unique handheld toy to the field of child's
toys.
[0018] These objects and further objects and features of the
invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the
disclosure of the present invention as set forth herein.
[0019] A handheld toy having a handle portion and a barrel portion
is provided. The handle portion includes a hand grip and a
compressible trigger partially positioned therein. The barrel
portion includes a clear hollow tube substantially enclosing a
rotatable shaft. The shaft is driven by a motor contained within
the handle portion and activated by pressing the trigger. A
plurality of light emitting diodes (LED's) are attached to the
shaft and extend therefrom. When a user presses the trigger, the
LED's light up in varying patterns based on pre-programmed
instructions, causing a varied light pattern to project from the
hollow tube as the shaft rotates. The handle portion includes a
speaker and corresponding circuitry contained therein for sound
effects. It is envisioned that the toy could be made without any
sound, with sound operating in a manner uncoordinated with the
flashing LED's, or with sound and/or music coordinated with the
flashing LED's. The toy contains batteries in the handle portion
for power, but can also use other power means. The toy can be
shaped to resemble various objects including a sword and gun.
[0020] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There
are additional features of the invention that will be described
hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims
appended hereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the
invention and together with the description, serve to explain the
principals of this invention.
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a front side view of the preferred embodiment
of the handheld toy device designed to resemble a sword.
[0023] FIG. 2 shows a rear side view of the preferred embodiment of
the handheld toy device designed to resemble a sword.
[0024] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of the preferred
embodiment of the handheld toy device designed to resemble a
sword.
[0025] FIG. 4 shows a detailed partial side view of the preferred
embodiment of the handheld toy device designed to resemble a sword,
illustrating the attachment of the shaft to the motor.
[0026] FIG. 5 shows a front side view of an alternate embodiment of
the handheld toy device designed to resemble a gun.
[0027] FIG. 6 shows a rear side view of an alternate embodiment of
the handheld toy device designed to resemble a gun.
[0028] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional side view of an alternate
embodiment of the handheld toy device designed to resemble a
gun.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] Referring now to the drawings, wherein similar parts are
identified by like reference numerals, FIG. 1 shows a front side
view of the preferred embodiment of the handheld toy device 10,
designed to resemble a sword. Handheld toy device 10 comprises a
handle portion 20 and a barrel portion 30. Handle portion 20 and
barrel portion 30 are both preferably comprised of a durable,
resilient, and rust-proof material, such as hard plastic, but can
be comprised of other materials having similar characteristics as
would be recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art. Handle
portion 20 and barrel portion 30 are preferably formed by the
joining of opposing mating halves 12 (only one shown), which form
an interior region therein. Opposing mating halves 12 can embody a
variety of shapes and sizes and include various designs thereon and
still remain within the scope of this invention. Opposing mating
halves 12 are preferably attached via screws, but can be designed
to clip together, slide together, or embody other means for
attachment as would be recognized by one with ordinary skill in the
art.
[0030] Handle portion 20 includes a compressible trigger 22
partially positioned between and contained within halves 12.
Trigger 22 is preferably located at end portion of a handle grip
24. Handle grip 24 is designed to enable a user to grasp handheld
toy device 10 using a hand. Handle portion 20 also includes a
speaker opening 26 to allow sound to clearly pass from the speaker
(see FIG. 3) to the user. It is envisioned that the toy could be
made without any sound, with sound in the form of music and/or
sound effects operating in a manner uncoordinated with the flashing
LED's, or with sound or music coordinated with the flashing
LED's.
[0031] Barrel portion 30 includes a hollow tube 32 substantially
enclosing a shaft 34. Hollow tube 32 is preferably clear to allow a
user to view the light pattern formed within barrel portion 30, but
can also be either partially or substantially tinted or shaded to
provide various lighting effects. Shaft 34 is driven by a motor
(see FIG. 3) contained within handle portion 20 and activated by
pressing trigger 22. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LED's)
36 are attached to shaft 34 and extend therefrom. LED's 36 can be
arranged in various patterns on shaft 34 to provide a range of
light formed shapes, designs, and effects. When a user presses
trigger 22, LED's 36 can light up and flash in varying patterns
based on pre-programmed instructions contained within a circuit
board (see FIG. 3), causing a varied light pattern to project from
hollow tube 32 as shaft 34 rotates. LED's 36 can be various sizes
and shapes to produce a range of light formed shapes, designs, and
effects. Various types of LED's 36 can be used for this
invention.
[0032] It is envisioned that among the effects made possible by
this invention are a constant band of light, a sporadically
appearing and disappearing band or segment of light, a segment of
light that rotates about shaft 34, and other patterns and
sequences. Barrel portion 30 also includes an LED 38 attached to
the end 35 of shaft 34. LED 38 can be programmed to light up at
various intervals based on pre-programmed instructions. A tip 39 is
positioned at the distal end of handheld toy device 10, and helps
to secure mating halves 12 together.
[0033] FIG. 2 shows a rear side view of handheld toy device 10
designed to resemble a sword, illustrating handle portion 20 and
barrel portion 30. Handle portion 20 further includes a battery
compartment (see FIG. 3) having a removable battery compartment
door 28.
[0034] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional side view handheld toy device
10 designed to resemble a sword. In this view, there are depicted
additional features of handle portion 20 including a battery
compartment 40 with batteries 41, a return coil 42, circuit boards
46, speaker 48, and speaker brace 49. Also shown in this figure are
motor 50, secured to mating half 12 by a motor brace 51, hollow
tube 32, LED's 36 and 38, and tip 39. Motor 50 drives shaft 34 when
trigger 22 is compressed. Return coil 42 engages trigger 22 such
that, when trigger 22 is compressed, the electric circuit within
handheld toy device 10 closes and allows LED's 36 and 38 to light
up and shaft 34 to rotate, and when trigger 22 is released, return
coil 42 returns trigger 22 to its uncompressed position, thus
causing the electric circuit to open and stop shaft 34 from
rotating and preventing LED's 36 and 38 from emitting light.
Circuit boards 46 contain circuitry to control speaker 48 and the
lighting pattern of LED's 36 and 38. Pre-programmed instructions
contained within circuit boards 46 can allow LED's 36 and 38 to
remain lit, flash on and off at a constant rate, or flash on and
off at varying rates to provide various light patterns as shaft 34
rotates. It is also envisioned that the toy could be made without
any sound, with sound operating in a manner uncoordinated with the
flashing LED's, or with sound or music coordinated with the
flashing LED's, and that any sound effects and/or music could be
controlled by circuit boards--either separate from those which
program the LED's or having the same circuit board control both the
LED's and the sound effects and/or music. While not limiting, it is
considered that "fighting sounds" such as, for a gun, the sound of
a bullet being shot, or, for a sword, the sound of two swords
clashing as in a swordfight, would be desirable. In terms of music,
it is envisioned that music commonly associated with fighting or
combat would be appropriate for a gun, and music commonly
associated with pirates, futuristic sword or light saber
combatants, or other sword fighting characters could be used with
swords.
[0035] FIG. 4 shows a detailed partial side view of handheld toy
device 10 designed to resemble a sword, illustrating the attachment
of shaft 34 to motor 50. Motor 50 is attached to a support 52, and
includes a pin 54 protruding from an end 56. Pin 54 is engaged with
a pin coupler 58. Pin coupler 58 is connected to a shaft coupler
60, which is attached to shaft 34. Pin coupler 58 is secured to a
mating half 12 by a pin coupler support 62 attached to pin coupler
brace 64. Pin coupler brace 64 is secured to mating half 12
preferably by a screw. Motor 50 is secured to mating half 12 by
motor brace 51 (see FIG. 3).
[0036] FIG. 5 shows a front side view of an alternate embodiment of
the handheld toy device 100, designed to resemble a sword. Handheld
toy device 100 comprises a handle portion 110 and a barrel portion
120. Handle portion 110 and barrel portion 120 are both preferably
comprised of a durable, resilient, and rust-proof material, such as
hard plastic, but can be comprised of other materials having
similar characteristics as would be recognized by one with ordinary
skill in the art. Handle portion 110 and barrel portion 120 are
preferably formed by the joining of opposing mating halves 102
(only one shown), which form an interior region therein. Opposing
mating halves 102 can embody a variety of shapes and sizes and
include various designs thereon and still remain within the scope
of this invention. Opposing mating halves 102 are preferably
attached via screws 104, but can be designed to clip together,
slide together, or embody other means for attachment as would be
recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art.
[0037] Handle portion 110 includes a compressible trigger 112
partially positioned between and contained within halves 102.
Trigger 112 is preferably located at end portion of a handle grip
114. Handle grip 114 is designed to enable a user to grasp handheld
toy device 100 using a hand. Handle portion 110 also includes a
speaker opening 116 to allow sound to clearly pass from the speaker
(see FIG. 7) to the user.
[0038] Barrel portion 120 includes a hollow tube 122 substantially
enclosing a shaft 124. Hollow tube 122 is preferably clear to allow
a user to view the light pattern formed within barrel portion 120,
but can also be either partially or substantially tinted or shaded
to provide various lighting effects. Shaft 124 is driven by a motor
(see FIG. 7) contained within handle portion 110 and activated by
pressing trigger 112. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LED's)
126 are attached to shaft 124 and extend therefrom. LED's 126 can
be arranged in various patterns on shaft 124 to provide a range of
light formed shapes, designs, and effects. When a user presses
trigger 112, LED's 126 can light up and flash in varying patterns
based on pre-programmed instructions contained within a circuit
board (see FIG. 7), causing a varied light pattern to project from
hollow tube 122 as shaft 124 rotates. LED's 126 can be various
sizes and shapes to produce a range of light formed shapes,
designs, and effects. Various types of LED's 126 can be used for
this invention. A tip 128 is positioned at the distal end of
handheld toy device 100, and helps to secure mating halves 102
together. It is also envisioned that the toy could be made without
any sound, with sound operating in a manner uncoordinated with the
flashing LED's, or with sound or music coordinated with the
flashing LED's, and that any sound effects and/or music could be
controlled by circuit boards--either separate from those which
program the LED's or having the same circuit board control both the
LED's and the sound effects and/or music. While not limiting, it is
considered that "fighting sounds" such as, for a gun, the sound of
a bullet being shot, or, for a sword, the sound of two swords
clashing as in a swordfight, would be desirable. In terms of music,
it is envisioned that music commonly associated with fighting or
combat would be appropriate for a gun, and music commonly
associated with pirates or other sword fighting characters could be
used with swords.
[0039] FIG. 6 shows a rear side view of handheld toy device 100
designed to resemble a sword, illustrating handle portion 110 and
barrel portion 120. Handle portion 110 further includes a battery
compartment (see FIG. 7) having a removable battery compartment
door 118.
[0040] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional side view handheld toy device
100 designed to resemble a sword. In this view, there are depicted
additional features of handle portion 110 including a battery
compartment 130 with batteries 131, a return coil 132, circuit
board 136, speaker 138, and speaker brace 139. Also shown in this
figure are motor 140, hollow tube 122, LED's 126 and tip 128. Motor
140 drives shaft 124 when trigger 112 is compressed. Return coil
132 engages trigger 112 such that, when trigger 112 is compressed,
the electric circuit within handheld toy device 100 closes and
allows LED's 126 to light up and shaft 124 to rotate, and when
trigger 112 is released, return coil 132 returns trigger 112 to its
uncompressed position, thus causing the electric circuit to open
and stop shaft 124 from rotating and preventing LED's 126 from
emitting light. Circuit boards 136 contain circuitry to control
speaker 138 and the lighting pattern of LED's 126 via wires 137,
and can control optional sound effects and/or music programs which
can operate in an independently timed method or be operated in
conjunction and coordination with the flashing pattern of the
LED's. Pre-programmed instructions contained within circuit boards
136 can allow LED's 126 to remain lit, flash on and off at a
constant rate, or flash on and off at varying rates to provide
various light patterns as shaft 124 rotates.
[0041] With respect to the above description it is to be realized
that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the
invention, including variations in size, materials, shape, form,
function and manner of operation, assembly, and use, are deemed
readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all
equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and
described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by
the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as
illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further,
since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to
those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention
to the exact construction and operation shown and described.
Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents fall within
the scope of the present invention.
[0042] The above description, together with the advantages of the
invention and the various features of novelty which characterize
the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims
annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better
understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the
specific advantages attained by its uses, reference should be made
to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there
are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
[0043] Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable
the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and
especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art
who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to
determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence
of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is
neither intended to define the invention of the application, which
is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting, as to
the scope of the invention in any way.
* * * * *