U.S. patent application number 11/418683 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-08 for thermochromic toy for revealing hidden codes.
Invention is credited to Jun Imai, Alec Tam.
Application Number | 20070259592 11/418683 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38661746 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070259592 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Imai; Jun ; et al. |
November 8, 2007 |
Thermochromic toy for revealing hidden codes
Abstract
A product, comprising a toy; and the toy including a
thermochromic region on at least a portion of the toy, where the
thermochromic region exhibits a visual change in response to
temperature; a code, wherein the thermochromic region reveals a
human readable code upon the visual change; and a decoder for
decoding the code is provided.
Inventors: |
Imai; Jun; (Torrance,
CA) ; Tam; Alec; (Laguna Niguel, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALLEMAN HALL MCCOY RUSSELL & TUTTLE LLP
806 SW BROADWAY
SUITE 600
PORTLAND
OR
97205-3335
US
|
Family ID: |
38661746 |
Appl. No.: |
11/418683 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/14 ; 446/268;
446/431 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/014 ;
446/268; 446/431 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/00 20060101
A63H033/00 |
Claims
1. A product, comprising: a toy; and the toy including a
thermochromic region on at least a portion of the toy, where the
thermochromic region exhibits a visual change in response to
temperature; a code, wherein the thermochromic region reveals a
human readable code upon the visual change; and a decoder for
decoding the code.
2. The product of claim 1 wherein the decoder includes a computer
program configured to be operated on a computer, and configured to
receive said code, where said program produces a computer output
based on the code entered, wherein said output includes content
dependent upon the code entered.
3. The product of claim 1 wherein the decoder is included in
instructions on the product.
4. The product of claim 1 wherein the decoder is included in
instructions on the toy.
5. The product of claim 1 wherein the decoder is a book.
6. The product of claim 1 wherein the decoder is provided on an
unrelated consumer product.
7. The product of claim 1 wherein the decoder translates the code
to other data.
8. The product of claim 7 wherein the other data includes reward
points.
9. The product of claim 1 wherein the decoder includes a computer
program configured to be operated on a computer, and configured to
receive said code over the internet, where said program produces a
computer output based on the code entered, wherein said output
includes reward points dependent upon the code entered.
10. The product of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of
thermochromic regions on the toy, where each thermochromic region
exhibits a visual change in response to temperature, and each
thermochromic region reveals a human readable code.
11. The product of claim 10 wherein at least two codes are
different.
12. A product, comprising: a toy; and the toy including a
thermochromic region on at least a portion of the toy, where the
thermochromic region exhibits a visual change in response to
temperature; a code, wherein the thermochromic region reveals a
human readable code upon the visual change; and an interactive web
based decoder for receiving the code and generating a response
dependent upon the received code.
13. The product of claim 12 wherein the response includes reward
points.
14. The product of claim 12 wherein the response includes
information about a fictional character the toy represents.
15. The product of claim 12 wherein the response includes secret
information about the toy.
16. The product of claim 12 wherein the response includes reward
points responsive to a number of codes entered and which codes are
entered.
17. The product of claim 12 further comprising a plurality of
thermochromic regions on the toy, where each thermochromic region
exhibits a visual change in response to temperature, and each
thermochromic region reveals a human readable code, and at least
two codes are different from one another.
18. The product of claim 17 wherein different thermochromic regions
of the toy are exposed depending on a toy configuration and/or
positioning of the toy.
19. The product of claim 17 wherein at least one thermochromic
region is internally facing in a first configuration of the toy,
and externally facing in a second configuration of the toy.
20. A set of products, comprising: a first toy having a first
hidden code revealed in a selected temperature range; a second toy
having a second hidden code revealed in a selected temperature
range; and a decoder for decoding the first and second codes.
21. The set of claim 20, wherein the first hidden code is located
in a first position on the first toy, and the second hidden code is
located in a second position on the second toy, the second position
different relative to the first position.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
[0001] Various types of toys may include codes that can be decoded
by a user to provide additional information, rewards, and/or access
to other games or puzzles. These codes may increase the play value
of the toy by increasing user interaction.
[0002] The inventors herein have recognized that improved play
value can be achieved by a product having codes that are revealed
under special conditions. For example, it may be enjoyable for
codes to be revealed in response to temperature change. In one
approach, a toy may include one or more thermochromic regions that
can conceal and/or reveal one or more codes from/to a user during
some temperature conditions. Of course, various other modifications
and improvements are also possible, as described in detail
herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIGS. 1-5 show a first example toy, which is transformable
between a vehicle mode and an action figure mode.
[0004] FIGS. 6-11 show example thermochromic regions for a toy
product.
[0005] FIGS. 12 and 13 show example accessories that can be
operated to eject a liquid.
[0006] FIGS. 14 and 15 show example toy interactions.
[0007] FIGS. 16 and 17 show an example toy having thermochromic
codes.
[0008] FIG. 18 shows example packaging for a toy having
thermochromic capability.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] In one example, a set of interrelated toys and accessories
may be provided as part of a particular theme, which may include,
for example, speed/racing, street culture, transformation, and/or
toy conflict. Some toys may include one or more thermochromic
regions, which can change appearance responsive to temperature.
These thermochromic regions can be configured to provide a variety
of patterns, designs, and/or hidden codes such as, for example,
simulated blast damage, blast patterns, marks, splotches,
blemishes, symbols, etc. Further, these toys may include
accessories that can dispense or eject a liquid such as water,
wherein the toy may provide feedback to a user via a thermochromic
change indicating where the liquid has hit the toy. In this manner,
toy interaction may be improved.
[0010] In some examples, toys having thermochromic regions and/or
liquid dispensing accessories may be reconfigured or transformed
between two or more different play configurations. For example, a
toy may be transformed between a vehicle mode and an action figure
mode simulating for example a robot or other character. Various
forms of vehicles may be used, such as cars, trucks, sport utility
vehicles, sports cars, motorcycles, planes, boats, submarines,
spaceships, rockets, among others. Further, a transformable toy may
be configured to interact with a related accessory via a
thermochromic change during only one mode or during both modes, for
example.
[0011] In some examples, some or all of the transformable toys of
an interrelated set may share a common transformation framework.
The various components that differentiate one toy from another toy
of a related toy set may be based on this common transformation
framework so that each toy is visually unique, yet transforms in
the substantially the same manner as the other toys of the set. In
this way, a child may learn how to transform all toys in a set by
learning how to transform any toy in the set.
[0012] Further, some toys can be provided as part of a particular
theme and/or lifestyle. For example, one or more toys and/or
related accessories may embody a street culture theme that includes
the use and appearance of flashy or excessive components otherwise
known as "bling". For example, an action figure or robot toy may
include teeth simulating the appearance of gold or jewels such as
diamonds, and may include additional extravagance including
clothing and accessories such as hats, sports jerseys, shoes,
sunglasses, baggy pants, and/or jewelry. Further, the action figure
toy may be posed in various body positions simulating attitude or
emotion. In another example, a toy vehicle may include various high
performance components such as oversized rims, low profile tires,
large engine components that project through the hood of the
vehicle, tinted windows, lowered chassis, and may include various
aesthetic items such as simulated graffiti, chrome components,
related advertisements, insignia, or other recognizable symbols.
Further, these toys and/or portions thereof may include officially
licensed products and/or designs that are physical and/or
superficial. For example, a toy vehicle may be designed to simulate
a presently popular vehicle, or an action figure toy may include
various visually recognizable products such as clothing or shoes
from a popular or well known manufacturer.
[0013] Several example toys are described herein, which may include
one or more of the properties described above, such as
transformation, thermochromic behavior, theme based play and
appearance, related accessories, and/or a common transformation
framework, among others. Specifically, FIGS. 1-5 show a toy 100
that can be reversibly reconfigured or transformed between a
vehicle mode and an action figure mode simulating a robot portions
of which may include various thermochromic regions. However, it
should be appreciated that the thermochromic features described
herein may also be applicable to toys not having a transformation
capability such as, for example, toy vehicles, action figures,
dolls, robots, etc. FIG. 1 shows toy 100 in a vehicle mode. Toy 100
can include a front portion 110 and a rear portion 120 moveably
coupled to the front portion. Front portion 110 may include a left
and right pair of front wheels 112 (only the left wheel is shown in
FIG. 1), front hood 114, left and right front doors 116 (only the
left front door is shown in FIG. 1), and front window portion 118.
Front wheels 112 may be moveably coupled to toy 100, for example,
by a front axle 113 enabling rotation of the front wheels relative
to toy 100. Further, front hood 114 may include element 119 that
can simulate an engine portion or other vehicle feature. Rear
portion 120 may include a left and right pair of rear wheels 122
(only the left wheel is shown in FIG. 1), and rear section 124.
Rear wheels 122 may be moveably coupled to toy 100, for example, by
a rear axle 123 enabling rotation of the wheel relative to toy
100.
[0014] Toy 100 in a vehicle mode may embody a street culture or
street racing theme. For example, portions of toy 100 such as front
and rear wheels 112 and 122, and engine 119 may be relatively large
and may be configured to simulate chrome or shiny metal. Wheels 112
and 122 may be surrounded by tires having a substantially low
profile, as shown in FIG. 1. Portions of toy 100 may include
various visual markings or designs such as simulated graffiti,
advertisements, insignia, and symbols indicating the vehicle
manufacturer and/or type of vehicle. Toy 100 may include one or
more thermochromic portions, surfaces, and/or materials as will be
described below with reference to FIGS. 5-11.
[0015] FIGS. 2 and 3 show how toy 100 can be transformed from the
vehicle mode of FIG. 1 to the action figure mode of FIGS. 4 and 5.
For example, FIG. 2 shows how front portion 110 can be translated
upward relative to rear portion 120 as indicated by vector 210. The
translation and/or rotation of front portion 110 are shown exposing
a right and left pair of shoes 140 coupled to rear portion 120.
Further, a right and left arms 130 can be translated and/or rotated
downward from front portion 110. Next, the front portion can be
moved from the position of FIG. 2 to the position of FIG. 3 by
translating and/or rotating front portion 110 relative to rear
portion 120 as indicated by vector 220.
[0016] Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the front end of shoes 140 can be
rotated downward toward the ground surface as indicated by vectors
230. Arms 130 and front wheels 110 can be translated outward from
front hood 114 as indicated by vectors 240. As shown in FIG. 3, the
left front wheel can be coupled to the left arm and the right front
wheel can be coupled to the right front arm. Next, as shown in FIG.
4, element 119 simulating an engine in the vehicle mode can be
translated upward relative to front hood 114 as indicated by vector
250, thereby simulating a head in the action figure or robot mode.
In this manner, a single element that simulates an engine in the
vehicle mode can also simulate a head in the action figure mode.
Further, front window portion 118 can be rotated downward, and left
and right front doors 116 can be rotated relative to front hood
114. Toy 100 can be transformed back to the vehicle mode by
reversing the transformation operation described herein with
reference to FIGS. 1-4.
[0017] Referring now to FIG. 5, front portion 110 is shown moveably
coupled to stem 190 of rear portion 120 by joint 150. Joint 150 can
be configured to provide multiple degrees of freedom to enable
front portion 110 to rotate in a plurality of directions relative
to rear portion 120. In this manner, the upper body portion (front
portion 110) of the action figure mode can be rotated relative to
lower body portion (rear portion 120) about joint 150 to vary the
positioning of toy 100. For example, joint 150 can be configured to
enable rotation of upper portion 110 relative to lower portion 120
in a first plane that is substantially parallel with the ground
surface as indicated by vector 260. Further, joint 150 can also
enable forward, rearward, left, and right rotational motion of
upper portion 110 relative to lower portion 120. In some
embodiments, element 119 can be coupled to front hood 114 by a
joint, which can enable rotation of element 119 relative to front
hood 114 in one or more planes of rotations, thereby simulating a
neck joint. In some embodiments, one or more of joints 150 and 152
can be ball joints. In this manner, toy 100 in an action figure
mode can be posed in a variety of positions to simulate different
actions, attitudes, emotions, and/or body configurations.
[0018] Similarly, the positioning of left and right arms 130 can be
varied to simulate different actions and/or positions via one or
more joints. For example, left and right arms 130 may each include
upper arm 132, lower arm 134, and hand portion 136. Upper arm 134
may be moveably coupled to front portion 114 by joint 131, thereby
simulating a shoulder joint. In some embodiments, joint 131 may
share a common axis of rotation with front wheel 112. Lower arm 134
can be moveably coupled to upper arm 132 by joint 133, thereby
simulating an elbow joint. Hand portion 136 can be moveably coupled
to lower arm 134 by joint 135, thereby simulating a wrist joint.
Joints 131, 133, and 135 may each be configured to provide rotation
in one, two, or three orthogonal planes.
[0019] Further, various portions of toy 100 in the action figure
mode can embody a particular theme such as street culture. For
example, shoes 140 can simulate popular shoes and may contain
officially licensed insignia, symbols and/or designs of real shoe
manufacturers. Similarly, the head of toy 100 may include a hat,
sunglasses and/or teeth simulating shiny metal, diamonds, and
jewels.
[0020] In some embodiments, various regions of a toy such as toy
100 described herein can include thermochromic material that
changes the appearance of the toy responsive to temperature. For
example, toy 100 may include a variety of thermochromic regions
covering some or the entire toy in one or both play modes.
Thermochromic regions may be provided in some examples by an outer
coating applied to the material such as by paint, or other coating,
or may be inherent in the material forming the toy structure.
Alternatively, stickers and/or decals having thermochromic
properties may be used. In one example, at least a portion of a toy
can include a thermochromic region such that at a first temperature
the thermochromic region exhibits a first color or opacity, and at
a second temperature different from the first temperature, the
thermochromic region exhibits a different color or opacity. In some
examples, a thermochromic region of a toy can have a layer that is
substantially transparent at select temperatures, exposing the
underlying surface color and/or design, while at other
temperatures, the underlying color or design can be obscured by the
thermochromic layer exhibiting a different color and/or opacity. It
should be appreciated that the thermochromic surfaces described
herein can be configured to vary in appearance (e.g. color and/or
opacity) responsive to virtually any temperature condition. For
example, a thermocromatic surface or material can be configured to
change color and/or opacity when varied above or below a specific
temperature (e.g. 25.degree. C.) or temperature range. In another
example, a thermochromic surface or material at an ambient room
temperature of 20.degree. C. can be configured to change color
(e.g. green to red) and/or opacity (e.g. transparent to opaque)
when subjected to a temperature less than 15.degree. C. In yet
another example, a thermochromic surface at an ambient room
temperature of 20.degree. C. can be configured to change color
and/or opacity when subjected to a temperature greater than
30.degree. C. In this manner, a thermochromic region may be hidden
at room temperature and may reveal hidden designs, patterns and/or
codes when contacted by water of a cooler and/or warmer
temperature. However, it should be appreciated that other
temperatures could be used to affect a change of appearance as
these scenarios have been provided merely as examples.
[0021] While thermochromic regions may be provided by various
surface treatments and/or material selection, some approaches may
be better suited to a particular application. For example, stickers
and/or decals may not be suitable for some toys where it is
desirable to have a substantially smooth surface, where the
thermochromic region is to be hidden from view or where the toys
may be exposed to substances such as water that may damage the
sticker and/or decal. Further, decals and/or stickers may be
interrupted by discontinuities, boundaries, gaps, or joints of the
toy, whereas surface treatments may be applied over an entire
surface. The life span of stickers and/or decals may be reduced by
exposure to some temperature conditions, humidity, and/or moisture.
Thermochromic regions that are integrated with the body of the toy
such as paints, coatings, and/or the material can provide a
thermochromic response that is visually consistent even across a
discontinuity, boundary, gap, or joint of the toy. For example,
thermochromic paint could be on two separate and adjacent portions
of a toy, wherein a temperature change causes a common visual
appearance across the boundary of the adjacent portions. Thus,
thermochromic surface treatments including various paints,
coatings, and/or materials that are integrated with the toy may be
better suited to applications where it is desirable to provide a
substantially smooth surface treatment, water resistance, and/or
hidden thermochromic regions. However, it should be appreciated
that thermochromic stickers and/or decals may be used in some
examples.
[0022] The temperature of the thermochromic regions of a toy may be
adjusted in a variety ways. In one approach, the entire toy may be
exposed to a select temperature condition causing all of the
thermochromic regions of the toy to respond to the temperature
variation. In another approach, only a portion of a thermochromic
region may be exposed to a select temperature condition causing
only the portion of the thermochromic region to respond to the
temperature variation. In one example, a user may contact a
thermochromic region of the toy with their hand or finger,
potentially causing a temperature change of the contacted region
due to a temperature variation between the user and the toy
surface. In another example, a user may apply a liquid such as
water to a thermochromic region of the toy potentially causing a
temperature change of the region contacted by the water.
[0023] FIGS. 6 and 7 show an example surface 600 of a toy (e.g. toy
100) having a thermochromic region 610 surrounded by a region 620
not having thermochromic properties. FIG. 6 shows surface 600 at a
first temperature and FIG. 7 shows surface 600 at a second
temperature different than the first temperature causing
thermochromic region 610 to change color and/or opacity. In one
example, during a first temperature condition, thermochromic region
610 can exhibit a substantially similar color as region 620 and
hence be hidden or obscured from view as indicated by the broken
line in FIG. 6. At a different (e.g. lower) temperature,
thermochromic region 610 can exhibit a different color and/or
opacity as shown in FIG. 7 as a shaded region. In this manner, a
toy such as transformable toy 100 can include one or more
thermochromic regions that enable a particular change in appearance
at select temperatures. For example, an arm portion of toy 100 such
as lower arm 134 may include a first thermochromic region
exhibiting a first color under a first temperature condition and a
body portion of toy 100 such as element 119 simulating a head in
the action figure mode can have a second thermochromic region
exhibiting a second color under a second temperature condition that
may be different or the same as the first temperature
condition.
[0024] In some embodiments, a toy may have a plurality of
thermochromic regions that are configured to respond the same or
differently to various temperature conditions. FIGS. 8 and 9 show
an example toy surface 800 having a plurality of different
thermochromic regions 810 and 820 surrounded by a non-thermochromic
region 830. FIG. 8 shows surface 800 at a first temperature, while
FIG. 9 shows surface 800 at a second temperature different from the
first temperature. At some temperatures, regions 810 and 820 can
exhibit substantially the same behavior shown in FIG. 8 as shaded
regions. For example, thermochromic regions 810 and 830 can both
have a similar transparency for exposing an underlying color or
design and/or they can both exhibit the same color, which can be
the same or different than the color of region 830. As shown in
FIG. 8, these thermochromic regions can be of irregular shape and
be substantially hidden from view (i.e. transparent) at some
temperature conditions such as, for example, at ambient room
temperature. At higher or lower temperatures, thermochromic regions
810 and 820 can change color and/or opacity as show in FIG. 9. In
this manner, the different thermochromic regions and/or boundaries
defining regions 810 and 820 can be arranged to simulate a specific
pattern, such as simulated blast damage caused to surface 800.
[0025] In some embodiments, the appearance of only a portion of a
particular surface can be varied by a liquid such as water having a
different temperature than the toy. As will be described in detail
below with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, various accessories may be
provided that eject or dispense liquid. In this manner, a user may
receive feedback regarding the accessory usage in the form of a
visual indication of where the liquid has hit or contacted the toy.
An example thermochromic surface 1000 is shown exhibiting a
substantially homogeneous appearance in FIG. 10 and a portion
thereof shown as region 1100 in FIG. 11 exhibiting a different
appearance when contacted with a liquid having a different
temperature than the thermochromic surface. As one example, water
having a temperature that is higher than the temperature of the
thermochromic surface 1100 can be dispensed or ejected onto surface
1000 indicated by region 1100 causing the region subjected to the
warmer water to change color and/or opacity. Alternatively,
thermochromic surface 1000 can be configured to respond to cooler
temperatures such as water having a temperature that is less than a
threshold temperature. In this manner, portions of a thermochromic
surface such as surface 1000 can be varied by dispensing or
ejecting water onto a portion of the surface such as region 1100,
thereby varying the appearance of the toy.
[0026] In some embodiments, a liquid such as water may be dispensed
or ejected by an accessory onto one or more thermochromic surfaces
of a toy such as transformable toy 100. FIG. 12 shows an example
accessory 1200 configured to eject water. As shown in FIG. 12,
accessory 1200 may simulate a blaster that can be used by a user to
mark various thermochromic regions of a toy. In this manner, a user
may receive feedback on whether their shot was successful. Two or
more users may compete and/or a user's shooting skill may be
identified by comparing the number thermochromic changes and/or the
amount of thermochromic change inflicted on various toys by a
liquid ejected from the accessory.
[0027] Accessory 1200 may include a body 1210, an actuator 1230, a
handle 1250, a nozzle 1240, and a cartridge 1220. Cartridge 1220
can be configured to store water or other liquid for use by
accessory 1200. An end portion 1260 of cartridge 1220 can be
coupled to body 1210 of the accessory so that water is able to flow
from the cartridge to the accessory during use. A liquid may be
ejected or dispensed from accessory 1200 via nozzle 1240 upon
actuation of actuator 1230. In at least one embodiment, actuator
1230 may provide pumping action to the water within accessory 1200,
thereby propelling the liquid outward from nozzle 1240. In another
embodiment, a spring loaded mechanism within body 1210 can provide
propulsive force of liquid from nozzle 1240 upon actuation of
actuator 1230 by a user. In yet another embodiment, accessory may
not include an actuator and instead cartridge 1220 may be
squeezable and/or flexible enabling a user to squeeze cartridge
1220, thereby propelling the liquid from nozzle 1240.
[0028] In some embodiments, nozzle 1240 may be adjustable to enable
a user to select a variety of spray patterns. These spray patterns
in turn may be used to provide a varied thermochromic response by
the target toy. For example, a narrow spray pattern may be selected
by a user that ejects water onto a relatively small area of the
thermochromic surface, but creates a substantially significant
change (e.g. color and/or opacity) of appearance within the area.
In another example, a larger spray pattern may be selected by a
user that ejects water onto a relatively larger area of the
thermochromic surface, but creates a less significant change of
appearance within the area.
[0029] Further, handle 1250 can be adapted to be grasped by a user
and/or by a hand portion of a toy such as hand 136 described above
with reference to FIG. 5. In this manner, accessory 1200 can be
removably coupled to toy 100 in one or more of the vehicle and/or
action figure modes via a press fit or snap fit. Accessory 1200 can
be suitably sized to simulate a blaster that may be used by the
transformable toy, for example as shown in FIG. 14, however
accessory 1200 can be other sizes.
[0030] In some embodiments, cartridge 1220 can be coupled or
uncoupled from body 1210, enabling the cartridge to be refilled
with a liquid of selected temperature. The cartridge can be
refilled with water that is cooler or warmer than the ambient
conditions via an opening in end portion 1260. Cartridge 1220 can
be transparent, translucent, and/or opaque, or combinations
thereof. In some embodiments, cartridge 1220 or other portions of
accessory 1200 may include thermochromic surfaces or materials that
vary with temperature, thereby indicating to a user the relative
temperature of the liquid within cartridge 1220. In this manner, a
user may be able to differentiate whether a liquid within the
cartridge and/or accessory is warmer than a threshold temperature,
within a temperature range, or cooler than a threshold temperature.
Thus, the appearance of the cartridge and/or accessory can indicate
to a user when the liquid within the cartridge should be exchanged,
heated, cooled, and/or refilled. Further, the thermochromic
response provided by the cartridge to particular temperature
conditions may be configured to correspond with the thermochromic
response of one or more related toys, thereby providing a user with
an indication of whether the liquid ejected or dispensed by the
accessory would be effective in varying the appearance of the
related toy when subjected to the dispensed or ejected liquid. In
this manner, a user may be able to identify when the temperature of
the liquid is within a temperature range that will affect the
appearance of the related toys.
[0031] In one approach, cartridge 1220 may be filled with a liquid
and placed in a refrigerated environment to provide liquid that is
cooler than ambient. Further, thermochromic portions or surfaces of
the cartridge and/or accessory can be used to indicate when the
liquid is sufficiently heated or cooled. However, it should also be
appreciated that cartridge 1220 may be refilled with a liquid such
as water having temperatures commonly encountered with a household
faucet (e.g. 15.degree. C. to 30.degree. C.).
[0032] In some embodiments, accessory 1200 may include a plurality
of interchangeable cartridges as described above with reference to
cartridge 1220. In this manner, a user may be able to quickly
reload accessory 1200, without requiring the user to refill a
cartridge. In some embodiments, some of the cartridges may be
configured to provide thermochromic behavior that is different from
other cartridges. A first cartridge may be configured to respond to
a first range of temperature conditions and a second cartridge may
be configured to respond to a second range of temperature
conditions greater than the first range. For example, accessory
1200 may include at least a first cartridge configured to indicate
cooler temperatures and a second cartridge configured to indicate
warmer temperatures than the first cartridge. In this manner, a
first cartridge can provide a liquid to accessory 1200 that causes
a first change of appearance (e.g. color, opacity, etc.) to a
related toy and a second cartridge can provide liquid having a
different temperature to the accessory that causes a second change
of appearance (e.g. color, opacity, etc.), thereby providing
simulated healing of the toy. For example, a liquid of a first
temperature may cause an indication, mark, or simulated damage to
appear on a thermochromic region of a related toy and a liquid of a
second temperature may cause the indication, mark, or simulated
damage to disappear, thereby simulating healing of the
thermochromic regions.
[0033] FIG. 13 shows another accessory 1300 that may be used to
dispense or eject a liquid onto a thermochromic surface or material
of a related toy. As shown in FIG. 13, toy 100 when in an action
figure mode can simulate wearing the accessory. Accessory 1300 can
include some or all of the features of accessory 1200, and can be
configured to simulate a blaster that may be worn by or coupled to
transformable toy 100 in one or both modes. Accessory 1300 may
include, for example, a backpack 1310 for coupling the accessory to
the toy in an action figure mode, a cartridge 1320 for storing a
liquid, a line 1330 for transporting the liquid to other portions
of the accessory, a nozzle body 1340, a handle 1350, an actuator
1360, and a nozzle 1370. Cartridge 1320 can include some or all of
the features described above with reference to cartridge 1220
including, for example, thermochromic behavior. Cartridge 1320 can
store and supply liquid to nozzle body 1340 via backpack 1310 and
line 1330. Further nozzle body 1340 may be coupled to a hand
portion of the transformable to simulate that the toy is
controlling the accessory or other portion of the toy via a press
fit, for example. Actuator 1360 can cause liquid to be ejected or
dispensed from nozzle 1370 upon actuation. Ejection of liquid can
be facilitated by pumping action provided by a user via actuator
1360 and/or a spring mechanism within nozzle body 1340.
Alternatively, accessory 1300 may not include an actuator as liquid
may instead be ejected via a user squeezing or flexing cartridge
1320. In some embodiments, nozzle 1370 may be adjustable to enable
a user to select a variety of spray patterns.
[0034] It should be appreciated that other accessories may also be
used. In one example, a toy such as toy 100 in a vehicle mode can
be coupled to an accessory that simulates a vehicle body portion,
wherein the accessory can also eject or dispense a liquid such as
described herein with reference to accessories 1200 and 1300.
Further, accessories that simulate vehicle body portions when
coupled to a transformable toy in a vehicle mode can be configured
to transform into a wearable accessory that may also be coupled to
the transformable toy in another configuration, such as the action
figure mode simulating, for example, a robot or other character. In
yet another example, a toy may include a shield that can be used to
block or deflect water that is ejected or dispensed from an
accessory. For example, a shield may be coupled to a toy in an
action figure mode, for example, at a hand portion. In some
embodiments, a shield may be transformed to a vehicle body portion
in the vehicle mode, such as a front hood, door, roof, or other
portion of a vehicle. The shield may also include thermochromic
regions as described above.
[0035] FIGS. 14 and 15 show an example interaction between a first
toy simulating an action figure or robot having an accessory
configured to eject a liquid such as water, and a second toy also
simulating an action figure or robot. FIG. 14 shows how the first
toy 1410 may be coupled to accessory 1420. It should be appreciated
that toys 1410 and/or 1440 can include some or all of the features
of transformable toy 100 described herein and that accessory 1420
can include some or all of the features of accessory 1200 or 1300,
also described herein. Accessory 1420 is shown ejecting water 1430
onto a portion of toy 1440 causing thermochromic region 1450 to
vary in color, thereby providing a visual indication or mark. For
example, region 1450 can change color from blue to green where the
water has contacted the toy; however other colors may be used.
Further, the thermochromic regions may provide a different effects
or appearances depending on the configuration or mode of the toy.
While accessory 1420 is shown coupled to toy 1410, it should be
appreciated that a user may use accessory 1420 to eject or dispense
a liquid without requiring the accessory to be coupled to toy
1410.
[0036] Some toys may include a plurality of thermochromic regions
having the same or different response to varying temperature
conditions. For example, a toy configured as an action figure may
include thermochromic regions having different color changing
properties on the head, body, arms and/or legs, among other
portions. Similarly, a toy configured to simulate a vehicle may
have different thermochromic regions on the wheels, roof and/or the
doors, for example. Further, transformable toys such as toy 100 may
include thermochromic regions that are only accessible or exposed
to a user during a particular configuration. For example, arms 130
of toy 100 may be inaccessible and/or hidden from view during the
vehicle mode as shown in FIG. 1, while arms 130 may be more
accessible and/or visible during the action figure mode of FIG. 7.
In one approach, the thermochromic region may be non-exposed when
the surface of the thermochromic region is in an internally facing
configuration. The thermochromic region may be exposed when the
surface of the thermochromic region is in an externally facing
configuration. In some cases, a user may not be able to access or
cause a thermochromic response to some portions of the toy during
some play modes (e.g. vehicle and/or action figure modes), and/or a
user may be able to reduce the visible thermochromic response (e.g.
indication, markings, and/or simulated damage) by transforming the
toy to another play configuration. In this manner, at least one
play mode of a transformable toy may be a protection mode, wherein
some thermochromic regions are not exposed.
[0037] In some embodiments, a toy such as toy 100 described above
may include one or more thermochromic regions that reveal a human
readable code at select temperature conditions that may or may not
be unique. FIGS. 16 and 17 show a toy 1600 having a surface 1610 a
portion of which includes a plurality of thermochromic regions
forming a thermochromic code 1620, shown herein by 6 Xs. Any
suitable symbol, character, insignia, image or message may be used
for code 1620. In one example, a six-digit code as shown in FIGS.
16 and 17 may be used having a first portion of three digits and a
second portion of three digits. Although shown as having six
digits, any number of digits may be used and be within the scope of
the disclosure. Further, the code can include alphanumeric digits,
in upper and/or lower case, binary numbers, as well as other
symbols, such as, for example, <, >, /, +, -, , #, and/or |
or fantastical, whimsical or imaginative symbols, pictures, images,
etc. In one example, symbols found on keyboards may be used.
[0038] Thermochromic code 1620 (shown by broken lines in FIG. 16)
can be configured to have substantially the same appearance as the
surrounding non-thermochromic region of 1610 at some temperature
conditions such as at room temperature, thereby hiding or obscuring
from view thermochromic code 1620. At other temperature conditions,
as shown in FIG. 17 the thermochromic code can have a different
appearance such as a contrasting color with the color of the
adjacent non-thermochromic region of 1610, enabling the code to be
revealed. Alternatively, the code may be non-thermochromic and may
be obscured by a thermochromic region. For example, the
thermochromic region can define an outline of a code or codes. In
some embodiments, the thermochromic codes or a code obscured by a
thermochromic region may become visible or revealed at select
temperature conditions such as by a water ejecting accessory,
having a cooler or warmer temperature than the toy. Although shown
as a single group of thermochromic regions, in some embodiments, a
plurality of thermochromic codes may be distributed about various
portions of the toy. For example, a toy simulating an action figure
may have a first thermochromic code located on an appendage and a
second thermochromic code located on another portion of the body.
In at least one embodiment, the codes may be randomly distributed
about the toy, thereby encouraging a user to search for the code.
Further, different thermochromic codes can be configured to change
appearance responsive to different temperature conditions. For
example, a first code and a second code can be substantially hidden
from view at a first temperature condition, wherein the first code
may change color at a second temperature condition and the second
code may change color at a third temperature condition different
from the second temperature condition. As described herein, a
different code may include one or more different elements of the
code, or the number of elements of the code may be different.
[0039] Product based codes such as thermochromic code 1620 may be
decoded by a user via a decoder. A decoder may be provided by a
physical decoder book, an internet website configured to receive a
code, and/or by an unrelated consumer product such as on or within
a cereal box. In some examples, a code such as thermochromic code
1620 may be used to gain information about the toy and/or provide
access to or be used with a game, an electronic game, a card game,
a board game, a web-based or Internet game or site, a prize, a
lottery, a DVD, a CD-ROM, etc. Thus, in some embodiments, a user
may reproduce the code into an electronic interface device, such as
a computer or gaming device. Reproduction of the code may result in
a computer output based on the code or based on a plurality of
codes.
[0040] A web based user interface or web site may be provided by a
computer readable code or program located on a computer readable
storage device. The computer readable code can be configured to
provide instructions to a computer to generate web pages of a web
site configured to receive the human readable code and provide an
output in response to the user input. The output may include a link
to another web page or web site providing additional information to
the user.
[0041] In some embodiments, the computer output may include
theme-based content which is dependent on the entered code or
codes. For example, such codes may provide a user with access
privileges to special sites, boards or levels, access to various
powers or skill sets, access to previously unavailable information,
access to new characters, access to historical or other factual
information related to the toy from which the code was entered,
etc.
[0042] In some embodiments, a code entered by a user may provide
the user with secret or limited access information regarding the
toy and/or other related toys. For toys such as dolls, the code may
be decoded to reveal secret information about the toy or related
toys such as the doll's dress size, friends, lifestyle, etc. In
some embodiments, a code may be decoded by a user to provide
information on how to use the toy (e.g. how to transform the toy),
solve a problem with the toy, gain a next level in a related game,
etc. A user may use the information provided by the decoder to
determine, for example, the location of other hidden thermochromic
regions and/or codes. In another example, the codes may be bonus
content codes or game codes. The bonus codes may unlock bonus
content, such as toy specific or item specific downloadable content
or background information.
[0043] Thermochromic codes such as code 1620 can provide
information to a user such as a point value for discovering or
causing the code to appear. In one example, a first user may seek
to discover various hidden codes on an opposing user's toy, for
example, by ejecting water via an accessory such as described
herein with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. As a thermochromic code
is revealed, the code may directly refer to a point value for
discovering the code or striking a particular region of an opposing
user's toy with the water. Alternatively, the codes may be used to
determine a point value, for example, by entering the code into a
web based site via a keyboard or by comparing the code to a book
accompanying the toy to determine the point value.
[0044] In at least one example, a toy such as toy 100 described
above may include a plurality of different thermochromic regions,
wherein at least a first thermochromic region corresponds to a
region of high point value or high importance such as the
head/engine and/or the body, etc, while at least a second
thermochromic region corresponds to a region of lower point value
or lower importance, such as an appendage or wheel. Thus, a user
that is successful at blasting the head/engine of the toy with
water may be awarded more points or be provided with a more
dramatic thermochromic response than a user that is successful in
blasting an arm, leg, or wheel. Further, for some transformable
toys, these thermochromic regions of higher point value or
importance may be exposed only during some play modes. In this
manner, a user may defend against an opponent's water blast by
transforming the toy to a play mode providing limited exposure.
[0045] In some situations, a user may select a toy or a set of toys
to obtain access to specific codes. A user may be desirous of
obtaining the codes in order to access games, sites, powers,
characters, etc. The codes may enhance the play experience for the
user. Additionally, such codes may enhance the collectibility
function of the toys. While FIG. 16 shows a thermochromic code
applied to a toy vehicle, such a code may be applied to numerous
products, such as toy dolls, action figures, scale vehicles,
product packaging or combinations thereof. Moreover, codes may be
promoted on movies, cartoons, websites, media releases, emails,
packages, etc. As discussed above, such a code may enable access to
various features through the Internet, computers, networked
computers, DVD, games, etc. By applying or locating a
human-readable code on a product such as a toy, various issues may
be addressed. For example, the code may be less likely to be lost,
or traded separately from the item, and additional packing
requirements (that might otherwise be used to supply the code) may
be reduced. Further, in the example where thermochromic regions are
used to form the code on the item, a large variety of codes may be
used, if desired.
[0046] Further, the code(s) and/or location of the code(s) may be
different for each toy or product. In some embodiments, different
thermochromic codes may be provided for each toy item or product
and/or one or more thermochromic codes can be applied to different
regions of each toy or product. In one example, a first toy may
have a first code located on a first surface or region of the toy,
and a second toy may have a second code different from the first
code located on a second surface different from the first surface.
In another example, a first toy may include only one code, while a
second toy includes a plurality of codes. Further, toys may have
code randomly disposed about various portions of the toy. Since a
group of toys may include different codes and/or code locations, a
user may be encouraged to interact with the toy or group of toys in
order to locate and/or view each code. In at least one example, a
user may be required to transform a toy such as toy 100 in order to
discover or locate a code.
[0047] Toys having various thermochromic regions can be packaged in
a manner that enables a person to view the thermochromic behavior
of the toy without opening the packaging. FIG. 18 shows example
packaging 1800 for a toy 1810 having thermochromic capability such
as toy 100 described herein. Packaging 1800 can include a
transparent portion 1820 that enables a person to view the toy.
Transparent portion 1820 can include an opening 1830 in the
vicinity of a thermochromic region 1840 of the toy. Opening 1830
may be large enough to enable a person's finger or digit to pass
through the opening and to make contact with thermochromic region
1840. Opening 1830 may also include an indicator 1850 that includes
an arrow and/or text for directing a person to the intended purpose
of the opening. For example, a person considering purchasing the
toy may be motivated to contact the thermochromic surface of the
toy via the opening to cause a resulting visual change to the toy,
such as a color and/or opacity change caused by the temperature
variation created by their finger. In this manner, a person may be
able to observe the how the toy responds to temperature variations,
thereby motivating the person to purchase the toy. While packaging
1800 is shown having a single opening 1830, it should be
appreciated that the packaging may include a plurality of openings
for enabling a person to access different thermochromic regions of
the toy. Further, while opening 1830 is shown having a
substantially circular shape, it should be appreciated that other
shapes and/or size openings may be used.
[0048] Usage instructions may accompany the toy and/or toy
packaging to enable a user to understand the various functions of
the toy and/or related accessories. Usage instructions may include
a detailed explanation of the transformation process, a code key
for decoding various codes associated with the toy, codes that may
be decoded via another source such as an internet webpage, a
scoring procedure for evaluating the user's performance in blasting
the toy with water, a map describing the various thermochromic
regions and how they may be used, a description of other toys of a
related set and their hidden codes and/or thermochromic
regions.
[0049] As described herein, a toy may include one or more
thermochromic regions that change the appearance of the toy in
response to temperature. Further, these toys may be transformable
between two or more different configurations or modes and may
interact with associated accessories that simulate blasters and/or
shields. The thermochromic regions may be arranged or configured to
simulate damage caused by an accessory simulating a blaster that
ejects a liquid such as water. In this manner, toy play may be
improved by providing a variety of toy interactions such as the
action/effect produced by the accessory ejecting a liquid onto a
toy and the resulting thermochromic change performed by the toy, as
well as the offensive/defensive play associated with the water
ejecting accessory and shield combination.
[0050] It will be appreciated that the configurations and
embodiments disclosed herein are exemplary in nature, and that
these specific embodiments are not to be considered in a limiting
sense, because numerous variations are possible. The components,
shapes, colors, temperatures, etc. described herein are
non-limiting examples and it should be understood that each of
these features may be changed.
[0051] The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all
novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the
various systems and configurations, and other features, functions,
and/or properties disclosed herein. The following claims
particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations
regarded as novel and nonobvious. These claims may refer to "an"
element or "a first" element or the equivalent thereof. Such claims
should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such
elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such
elements. Other combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed
features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed
through amendment of the present claims or through presentation of
new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether
broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original
claims, also are regarded as included within the subject matter of
the present disclosure.
* * * * *