U.S. patent application number 11/532839 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-07 for mechanical plush character.
Invention is credited to Bruce D. Lund, Paul N. Paulson, Krishnan Srirangam, Michael D. Starrick.
Application Number | 20080188159 11/532839 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39201165 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080188159 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lund; Bruce D. ; et
al. |
August 7, 2008 |
Mechanical Plush Character
Abstract
There is illustrated and claimed the structure and method for
performing a certain set of sequences of a toy character. Depending
on the programming of a microprocessor and the functioning of
various motor means the character can go from a standing position
to a sitting position; a standing to a sitting position and a back
position and back to a standing position, and a standing to a
sitting position, a back position, a rollover position and,
eventually, back to a standing position. The character is also
capable of performing other functions.
Inventors: |
Lund; Bruce D.; (River
Forest, IL) ; Starrick; Michael D.; (Maywood, IL)
; Paulson; Paul N.; (Evanston, IL) ; Srirangam;
Krishnan; (Chicago, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JACK SHORE;MUCH SHELIST FREED DENENBERG AMENT&RUBENSTEIN,PC
191 N. WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 1800
CHICAGO
IL
60606-1615
US
|
Family ID: |
39201165 |
Appl. No.: |
11/532839 |
Filed: |
September 18, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/353 ;
446/376; 446/491 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 13/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/353 ;
446/491; 446/376 |
International
Class: |
A63H 11/00 20060101
A63H011/00; A63H 13/00 20060101 A63H013/00 |
Claims
1. A toy character assembly comprising a body portion, first and
second leg assemblies movably connected to said body portion, a
first bidirectional motor means for moving a first leg assembly and
body portion relative to each other, a movable arm assembly
connected to said body portion, a second bidirectional motor means
for operating said arm assembly, means interconnecting said first
and second leg assemblies for moving said second leg assembly by
said first leg assembly, a microprocessor for controlling the
operation of said first and second motor means to obtain the
desired sequence of events for said motor means and arm and leg
assemblies, power means for operating said microprocessor and
switch means for activating said microprocessor.
2. A toy character assembly as set forth in claim 1 in which the
movable arm assembly is positioned to engage one of said leg
assemblies in a slapping manner when operated by said second motor
means upon receiving instructions from said microprocessor.
3. A toy assembly as set forth in claim 1 in which the means
interconnecting the first leg assembly with the second leg assembly
includes a rod assembly, a spring having one end in engagement with
said rod and its other end connected to a drive member for said
second leg whereby upon movement of the first leg in one direction
said rod will act against said spring to move said drive member to
move the second leg in the same direction.
4. A toy character assembly as set forth in claim 3 in which the
rod is a part of a teeter-totter mechanism and includes a central
pivot in contact with a pivot stop secured to said body portion and
the rod ends are located in said first and second leg assemblies
whereby when the first leg is moved in the opposite direction the
central pivot will contact said pivot stop to move the second leg
in the opposite direction from said first leg.
5. A toy character assembly as set forth in claim 1 in which there
are rib means provided on the back of said legs assemblies for
facilitating the sitting and standing of said toy character
assembly when the body and leg portions are moved by said first
motor means as determined by said microprocessor.
6. A toy character assembly as set forth in claim 1 in which upon
actuation of the switch means the microprocessor actuates the
second motor means to move the movable arm assembly into a lowered
position, the first motor means moves the body portion forward
approximately 10 degrees, the second motor means moves the movable
arm up and the first motor means moves the second leg up to move
the character into a sitting position, the first motor means moves
the body portion into an upward position, the first motor means
rocks the body and the second motor means moves the arm into a
ground engaging position and the first motor means moves the body
to its standing position.
7. A toy character assembly as set forth in claim 1 in which upon
actuation of the switch means the microprocessor actuates the
second motor means to move the moveable arm to a lowered position,
the first motor means moves the body portion forward approximately
10 degrees, the second and first motor means are activated to move
the arm up in conjunction with one leg to destabilize the character
and move it into a sitting position with the body portion leaning
over the legs, the first motor means straightens up the body
portion and then moves it into a back prone position, the first
motor means shakes the legs to present an agitated condition, the
first motor means raises the body portion to a seated position and
then moves the body portion over the legs and the second motor
means moves the arm to help support the body portion and then the
first motor means raises the body portion to an upright position
whereby the character has returned to its standing position.
8. A toy character assembly as set forth in claim 1 in which upon
actuation of the switch means the microprocessor actuates the
second motor means to raise the movable arm and the first motor
means moves the body portion partially over its legs, the first
motor means is actuated to raise the legs to move the character
into a sitting position and then moves the body portion backward to
lay the character prone with its leg raised, the first motor means
moves the body portion on its sides and then extends its legs to
move it into a back prone position, the first and second motor
means moves the arm and legs to move the character on its side, the
first motor means extends the legs and moves the character into a
face down position, the first and second motor means are operated
to support the body on its arm and legs and the first motor means
moves the body portion upward to place the character back into a
standing position.
9. A method of moving a toy character from a standing position to a
sitting position and then back to a standing position, the toy
character having a head and a body portion, at least one movable
arm, two movable legs connected to said body portion, bidirectional
motor means for operating said arm and legs, a microprocessor for
controlling the action of said motor means and switch means for
said microprocessor consisting of the steps of (1) standing the
character up with the movable arm at a lowered position, (2) moving
the body portion forward approximately 10 degrees, (3) moving the
arm up in conjunction with one leg to destabilize the character
whereby it falls into a sitting position with the body portion
leaning over the legs, (4) straightening up the body portion, (5)
rocking the body with the movable arm in a ground engaging
position, and (6) moving the body to an upright position wherein
the character has returned to its standing position.
10. A method of moving a toy character from a standing to a sitting
position, into a back prone position and then back to a starting
position, the toy character having a head and a body portion and at
least one movable arm and two movable legs connected to said body
portion, bidirectional motor means for operating said arm and legs,
a microprocessor for controlling the action of said motor means and
switch means for said microprocessor consisting of the steps of (1)
standing the character up with the movable arm at a lowered
position, (2) moving the body portion forward approximately 10
degrees, (3) moving the arm up in conjunction with one leg to
destabilize the character whereby it falls into a sitting position
with the body portion leaning over the legs, (4) straightening up
the body portion, (5) moving the body portion back into a prone
position, (6) shaking the legs to present an agitated condition,
(7) raising the body portion to a seated position, (8) moving the
body portion over the legs and rocking the legs and moving the arm
to where the body is supported by the legs and arm, and (9) raising
the body portion to an upright position wherein the character has
returned to its standing position.
11. A method of moving a toy character from a standing position to
a sitting position, into a back prone position, turning it on its
side with its legs bent, extending its legs and moving it back to a
back prone position, returning it to a sitting position, turning it
over to a front prone position and finally moving it back to a
standing position, the toy character having a head and a body
portion and at least one movable arm and two movable legs connected
to said body portion, bidirectional motor means for operating said
arm and legs, a microprocessor for controlling the action of said
motor means and switch means for said microprocessor, consisting of
the steps of: (1) standing with arm raised and the body portion
partially bent over its legs, (2) raising its legs to move it into
a sitting position with its body portion extending over its legs,
(3) moving the body portion backward to lie prone with its legs
raised, (4) moving the body on its side with the legs in its raised
position, (5) extending its legs and moving back to a back prone
position, (6) operating said arm and legs to move the character on
its side, (7) extending the legs and then moving the legs to move
it into a face down position, (8) moving the legs and body portion
whereby the body is supported by its arm and legs, and (9) moving
the body portion upward to place the character back into a standing
position.
12. A method of moving a toy character from a standing position to
a sitting position, the toy character having a head and relatively
movable body portion, at least one movable arm connected to the
body portion in a lowered position, two movable legs each having a
rearwardly disposed arcuate shaped member, which legs are movably
connected to said body portion, a first bidirectional motor means
for operating said arm, a second bidirectional motor for moving
said body portion and legs relative to each other, a microprocessor
for controlling the action of said first and second bidirectional
motor means and switch means for said microprocessor comprising the
steps of (1) standing the character up with a movable arm at
lowered position, (2) moving the body portion forward by said
second bidirectional motor means approximately 10 degrees, (3)
moving the arm up by said first bidirectional motor means in
conjunction with moving one legs up by said second bidirectional
motor means to destabilize the character whereby it falls in to a
sitting portion on the arcuate leg members with the body portion
leaning over the legs, and (4) straightening up the body portion by
said second bidirectional motor means to place the character in a
sitting position.
13. A method including the steps of claim 12 for moving the
character from a sitting position into a prone position and back to
a sitting position in which the legs are joined by a teeter-totter
mechanism comprising the additional steps of (1) actuating the
microprocessor to activate the second bidirectional motor means to
move the body portion into a prone position wherein the character
has moved past the center of gravity with the legs slightly
elevated, (2) actuating the microprocessor to (a) activate the
second bidirectional motor means to move the legs through a kicking
action through the teeter-totter mechanism, and (b) to activate the
first bidirectional motor mechanism to move the arm to simulate an
excited condition, and (3) operating the second bidirectional motor
to move the body portion to an upright sitting position.
14. A method including the steps of claim 12 for moving the
character from a sitting position into a prone position and then a
side position in which the legs are joined by a teeter-totter
mechanism and the body portion has a lower rounded section and a
wedge extending therefrom comprising the additional steps of (1)
actuating the microprocessor to activate the second bidirectional
motor mean to move the body portion into a prone position and the
first bidirectional motor means to move the arm to an intermediate
position wherein the body portion has moved past the center of
gravity and the legs have remained slightly elevated, (2) the
microprocessor actuates the second bidirectional motor to move the
legs upward and due to the rounded body section and wedge the
character rolls on its side where it is supported in its extended
position by a leg and an extended arm.
15. A method including the steps of claim 14 for moving the
character from one side position to its other side position
comprising the (1) steps of the microprocessor directing power to
the first motor mechanism to move the arm into contact with a leg
to create a rearward instability to fall on its back, (2) the
microprocessor activates the second bidirectional motor to move the
body portion to a more upright position with the arm in engagement
with a first leg to prevent movement thereof, (3) the
microprocessor directs power to the second bidirectional motor to
move a second leg upward to create an instability resulting in the
character moving to its other side and then to move the first leg
upward to create a stable condition.
16. A method including the steps of aim 15 for moving the character
from its other side to a face down position and then into a
standing position comprising the steps of (1) activating the
microprocessor to supply power to the second bidirectional motor to
extend the legs and then move one leg in a rearward direction which
through the teeter totter linkage moves the other leg in a forward
direction and subsequently moves the second leg forward to place
the character in a face down prone position, (2) the first
bidirectional motor is activated to extend the arm, (3) the
microprocessor directs power to the second bidirectional motor to
move the legs forward into a generally perpendicular position and
the first bidirectional motor to extend the arm generally parallel
to the legs, and (4) the second directional motor moves the body
portion into an upright standing position.
17. A method as set forth in claim 16 in which the first
directional motor is activated to repeatedly move the arm against a
surface to simulate a slapping action.
18. A method of moving a toy character from a sitting position to a
standing position, the toy character having a head and body portion
with an arm connected to the body portion in a raised position, the
two movable legs each having a rearwardly disposed arcuate shaped
member, a first bidirectional motor means for operating said arm
and a second bidirectional motor for moving said body portion and
legs relative to each other, and a microprocessor for controlling
the action of said first and second bidirectional motor means and
switch means for said microprocessor comprising the steps of (1)
activating the second bidirectional motor means to rock the body
portion backwards and quickly forward on the leg arcuate members
and to a position approximately 90.degree. to the legs, and (3) at
the same time operates the first motor mechanism to move the arm
into a position approximately parallel to the legs into a stable
position, and (4) the microprocessor activates the second motor
mechanism to move the body portion to an upright position and the
first motor mechanism to moves the arm to a lowered position.
19. A toy character as set forth in claim 1 in which the character
is moved from a seated position to a standing position by actuating
said second bidirectional motor to move the body portion into a
bent position and the first bidirectional motor to move the arm
into a downwardly extending position to form a stable base for the
character and then operating the second bidirectional motor to
raise the body portion into a standing position.
20. A toy character assembly as set forth in claim 8 in which the
body portion has lower rounded portion and a wedge member to
facilitate movement of the character from a prone position to a
side position.
Description
[0001] Toy dolls or animals that perform various functions such as
walking, talking, sitting, standing, lying on their back, rolling
over, etc. are very popular with young children. They must be
relatively inexpensive, attractive and simple to operate. Such toys
serve as a continuous source of enjoyment and comfort.
[0002] There is herein described and illustrated a toy character
that is programmed and designed to go through a series of motor
operated actions. This is accomplished by motors for moving the
torso, legs and/or arm of the character to effectuate sitting,
wobbling, standing and various prone positions. The actions are
suitably controlled by a microprocessor motor controller that is
battery operated. To accomplish the various movements desired there
are provided bi-directional motors for controlling arm movement and
leg and torso movements. The legs are pivotally connected to the
torso and are interconnected by a teeter-totter mechanism that is
designed so that both legs can move forwardly to bring about a
sitting action or be moved, in opposite directions to simulate an
excited condition or when desired to assist in rolling over. Also,
there is controlled movement so the character can wobble, slap its
legs hard or against a surface, roll over and stand up.
[0003] There are also provided suitable audio messages that emanate
from a speaker when certain actions occur as regulated by the
microprocessor.
[0004] The details and operation of the toy character will be clear
from the following drawings and the description thereof in
which:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal
components of a toy plush character;
[0006] FIG. 1A is a bottom cross sectional view of the
teeter-totter mechanism of the character at line 1A-1A;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a profile view of the toy character;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating the arm in a
partially raised position;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2 with the plush removed
except for the head portion;
[0010] FIGS. 5A-5L are a sequence of views showing the character
moving from the standing position to a sitting position and back to
a standing position;
[0011] FIGS. 6A-O illustrate a sequence of views wherein the
character moves from a standing position to a sitting position to a
supine position where it exhibits an excited condition back to a
sitting position and ends up in a standing position.
[0012] FIGS. 7A-CC illustrate another sequence of view wherein the
character moves from a standing position to a sitting position to a
prone position then a rollover position and back to a standing
position. At its various positions, it is programmed to perform
additional functions
[0013] Referring first to FIG. 1 there is illustrated the
mechanisms that brings about the various moving modes of the toy
plush character 10.
[0014] The plush character 10 includes a head portion 12 having
plastic eyes 14, nose 15, arms 16, 18, legs 20, 22 and attached
feet 58, 60. The arm 16 is referred to as an active arm since it is
designed to be moved up and down by a reversible arm motor
mechanism 28 to provide a slapping action against a leg 22 or
surface 64 when desired. Arm 18 is passive and the non-active hand
19 thereof contains a selection mode switch 30. There is also
provided a front activation switch 31 and on the end of the arm 16
is an arm switch 35 which indicates the position of active arm 16
relative to spring driven leg 20. A speaker 33 is also provided
that is secured to a housing or torso 38. The various switches
activate a microprocessor motor controller 32 that regulates the
reversible motors 28, 34 to effectuate the desired movements of the
legs, 20, 22 arms 16 and torso housing 38 and sounds emanating from
the speaker 33. A switch 39 is provided to turn the power off and
on.
[0015] The legs 20,22 are pivotally hinged to the torso housing 38.
Leg 20 and torso housing 38 are directly driven by a reversible
motor mechanism 34.
[0016] As shown more specifically in FIG. 1A, the leg 22 is moved
in the same direction as the leg 20 through the action of a rod 40
having a spring contact cylinder 42 that engages a torsion spring
44. The other end of the torsion spring 44 is connected to a right
leg drive member 46 that is connected to the leg 22 to move it
forwardly with but slightly behind the directly driven leg 20.
[0017] The rod 40 is part of a teeter-totter linkage 48 and has
balls 50 connected to the ends thereof which balls 50 fit into the
circular recesses 20A and 22A (not shown) formed in their
respective legs 20, 22. The teeter-totter effect is accomplished by
a central pivot 52 that engages a pivot stop 54 secured to the
housing 36 when the leg 20 is moved in a rearward direction. When
leg 20 moves in a forward direction the central pivot 52 moves away
from the pivot stop 54 and a teeter-totter action does not occur
with the result that both legs 20, 22 move forward together.
[0018] It remains to note that the power to the microprocessor and
motors are powered by batteries 56 in the feet 58, 60. An activator
switch 61 is located on the top of the right foot 46, whose
function will be described hereinafter.
[0019] Now referring to FIG. 2, we see a profile view of character
10. The character 10 has specially shaped leg rib 66 on the back of
its legs to facilitate the working and standing of character 10
after the character 10 has performed various actions. In this view,
we see the character 10 with active arm 16 in the lowered position
so that active arm could impede the action of spring driven leg
22.
[0020] In FIG. 3, we see the active arm 16 moved forward in
relation to the body of character 10 moving independently of spring
driven leg 22. Active arm 16 works in conjunction with spring
driven leg 22 to move character 10 from a standing position to
various other positions including a seated position, a face down
position, a position for a roll over and back to a standing
position. Active arm 16 interacts with spring driven leg 22 at
various times and in various positions to place character 10 into
the appropriate position to complete the described actions as
controlled by the microprocessor motor controller 32.
[0021] In FIG. 4, we see the mechanism of character 10 with the
plush removed except for the head 12. All remaining components are
functional in this view. FIG. 4 is provided to help explain the
functions of character 10 in the remaining figures.
[0022] Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5 there is illustrated one of the
sequences that the character 10 moves through to entertain a child.
This sequence can be initiated by the selector switch 30, by foot
switch 61 or by front activation switch 31 or by various other
means such as a sound sensor.
[0023] FIG. 5A shows the character 10 standing with the active arm
16 in a lowered position.
[0024] In FIG. 5B, the microprocessor controller 32 directs power
to motor mechanism 34 which tilts the torso or housing 38 of
character 10 forward approximately 10 degrees. The processor motor
controller 32 also directs power to arm motor mechanism 28 to move
the active arm 16 to a position approximately parallel to the
surface 64 on which character 10 has been placed.
[0025] In FIG. 5C, the microprocessor 32 directs the arm motor
mechanism 28 to move the arm 16 to a lowered position and at the
same time the microprocessor motor controller 32 operates motor 34
to move the torso 38 of character 10 back to a somewhat straight up
position perpendicular to the surface 64 on which the character 10
has been placed. The two movements described with respect to 5C are
performed simultaneously and at sufficient speed to cause
instability in the character 10 to allow the character 10 to wobble
back and forth. This sequence of moves can continue or the
character 10 can proceed to FIG. 5D.
[0026] In FIG. 5D, the microprocessor motor controller 32 sends
power to the motor mechanism 34 to move the torso 38 of character
10 approximately 5 degrees forward. At the same time, the
microprocessor motor controller 32 sends power to the arm motor
mechanism 28 to move the active arm to a position approximately
parallel to the surface 64 on which the character 10 has been
placed. Although the particular arrangement uses the active arm 16
to assist in these movements, the character 10 could have a weight
distribution from front to back that would eliminate the need to
use the arm.
[0027] FIG. 5E shows the active arm 16 moved to a position
approximately 60 degrees from the position in FIG. 5D and the
directly driven leg 20 is moved to a position forward approximately
45 degrees. The spring driven leg 22 moves under tension spring
pressure 44 in the same direction as the directly driven leg 20
although somewhat later that the direct driven leg 20. This causes
an elevated instability and the character 10 moves toward a seated
position as illustrated in FIG. 5F.
[0028] In FIG. 5G, the microprocessor motor controller 32 directs
power to the motor mechanism 34 to lean character 10 fully forward
to compensate for the inertial forces of the sitting down action of
FIGS. 5E and 5F.
[0029] In 5H, we see the character 10 in a position where stability
has been established. The microprocessor motor controller 32
directs power to the motor mechanism 34 to move the torso 38 of the
character 10 to a sitting up position, with the torso 38
approximately perpendicular to the surface 64.
[0030] In FIG. 5I, the microprocessor motor controller 32 activates
the motor mechanism 34 to move the torso 38 of character 10
backwards and quickly forward to rock character 10 forward on
specially shaped leg ribs 66.
[0031] In FIG. 5J, character 10 is resting on the heels of legs 20
and 22 as well as on the end of active arm 16.
[0032] In FIG. 5K, the microprocessor motor controller 32 directs
power to the motor mechanism 30 to move the torso 38 of character
10 to a position approximately 90 degrees to the legs 20 and 22. At
the same time, microprocessor motor controller 32 directs power to
the arm motor mechanism to bring the active arm 16 to a position
closer to parallel to the legs 20 and 22. This position working in
conjunction with the weight of the batteries 56 create a stable
base for the character 10.
[0033] In 5L, the microprocessor motor controller 32 directs power
to the motor mechanism 34 to move the torso 38 of character 10 to
an upright position. At the same time the microprocessor motor
controller 32 directs power to the arm motor mechanism 28 to move
the active arm 16 to a lowered position as in FIG. 5A.
[0034] We turn now to FIGS. 6A-O in which the character is moved
through another sequence actuated by selector switch 30 or by
various other means such as a sound sensor or other switches.
[0035] FIG. 6A shows the character 10 standing with the active arm
16 in a lowermost position.
[0036] In FIG. 6B, the microprocessor motor controller 32 directs
power to motor mechanism 34 which tilts the torso 38 of character
10 forward approximately 10 degrees. The microprocessor motor
controller 32 also directs power to arm motor mechanism 28 to move
the active arm 16 to a position approximately parallel to the
surface 64 on which character 10 has been placed. The
microprocessor 32 reverses the arm motor mechanism 28 to move the
arm 16 to a lowered position and at the same time the
microprocessor 32 reverses the motor 34 to move the torso 38 of
character 10 back to a somewhat straight-up position perpendicular
to the surface 64 on which the character 10 has been placed. The
two movements described are performed simultaneously and at
different speeds to cause instability in the character 10 to allow
the character to wobble back and forth. This sequence of moves can
continue through several cycles dependent on the input from
microprocessor motor controller 32.
[0037] In FIG. 6C, we see the active arm 16 move to a position
approximately 60 degrees upward from the position in FIG. 6B and
the directly driven leg 20 is moved to a position forward
approximately 45 degrees. The spring driven leg 22 moves under
spring pressure in the same direction as the directly driven leg 20
although some what later than the direct driven leg 20. This causes
an elevated instability and the character 10 moves toward a seated
position as illustrated in FIG. 6D.
[0038] In FIG. 6E, the microprocessor motor controller 32 directs
power to the motor mechanism 34 to lean character 10 fully forward
to compensate for the inertial forces of the sitting down action of
FIG. 6C and FIG. 6D.
[0039] FIG. 6F shows the character 10 in a position where stability
has been established. The microprocessor motor controller 32
directs power to the motor mechanism 34 to move the torso 38 of the
character 10 to a sitting up position, with the torso 38
approximately perpendicular to the surface.
[0040] In FIG. 6G, the microprocessor motor controller 32 moves the
torso 38 of character 10 back into a back prone position.
[0041] In FIG. 6H, the character 10 has moved past the center of
gravity and the legs 20 and 32 have remained slightly elevated.
[0042] In FIG. 6I, the microprocessor 32 directs power to the motor
mechanism 34 a programmed number of milliseconds to raise the leg
20 during which period the leg 32 remains in its lowered position.
The motor mechanism is then reversed to lower leg 20 which raises
leg 22 through the teeter-totter mechanism 48 previously described.
Briefly, when the leg 20 moves down, leg 22 moves up through the
action of the center pivot 52 of the teeter-totter linage 48
working in conjunction with the pivot stop 54 (see FIG. 1A). When
leg 20 is driven back to its lowered position as shown in FIG. 6J,
the spring 44 returns leg 22 to the ground and the process is begun
again to make the legs kick up and down relative to each other.
[0043] FIG. 6J shows the active arm 16 that is raised and lowered
by activation of the arm motor mechanism 28 by microprocessor 32 to
stimulate an excited condition in the character 10.
[0044] In FIG. 6K, we see the character 10 in a position where
stability has been established. The microprocessor 32 directs power
to the motor mechanism 34 to move the torso 38 of the character 10
to a sitting up position, with the torso 38 generally perpendicular
to the surface 64.
[0045] In FIG. 6L, the microprocessor motor controller 32 activates
the leg motor mechanism to move the torso of character 10 backwards
and quickly forward to rock character 10 forward on shaped ribs
66.
[0046] FIG. 6M shows the character 10 resting on the heels of legs
20 and 22 as well as on the end of active arm 16.
[0047] In FIG. 6N, the microprocessor motor controller directs
power to motor mechanism 34 to move the torso of character 10 to a
position approximately 90 degrees to the legs 20 and 22. At the
same time, controller 32 directs power to the arm motor mechanism
to bring arm 16 to a position closer to parallel to the legs 20,
22. This position working in conjunction with the weight of the
batteries 56 creates a stable base for the character 10.
[0048] In FIG. 6O, the microprocessor motor controller 32 directs
power to the motor mechanism 34 to move the torso of character 10
to an upright position. At the same time, the microprocessor motor
controller 32 directs power to the arm motor mechanism 28 to move
the active arm 16 to a lowered position as in FIG. 6A.
[0049] Now referring to FIG. 7, we see the character 10 moving
through another sequence to delight the child. This sequence can be
initiated by selector switch 30 or by various other means such as a
sound sensor or other switches.
[0050] In FIG. 7A, we see the character 10 standing with the active
arm 16 at a lowered position.
[0051] In FIG. 7B, we see that the controller 32 directs power to
mechanism 34 which tilts the torso 38 of character 10 forward
approximately 10 degrees. The controller 32 also directs power to
arm motor mechanism 28 to move the active arm 16 to a position
approximately parallel to the surface on which character 10 has
been placed. The microprocessor 32 directs power to the arm motor
mechanism 28 to reverse the action of the motor 28 to move the arm
16 to a lowered position and at the same time the controller 32
directs power to reverse the motor 34 to move the torso 38 of
character 10 back to a somewhat straight up position. The two
movements described are performed simultaneously and at sufficient
speed to cause instability in the character 10 to allow the
character to wobble back and forth. This sequence of moves can
continue through several cycles dependent on the input from
microprocessor motor controller 32.
[0052] FIG. 7C shows the active arm 16 moved upward to a position
approximately 60 degrees from the position in FIG. 7B and the
directly driven leg 20 has been moved to a position forward
approximately 45 degrees. The spring driven leg 22 moves under
spring pressure in the same direction as the directly driven leg 18
although somewhat later than the direct driven leg 18. This causes
an elevated instability and the character 10 moves towards a seated
position as illustrated in FIG. 7D.
[0053] In FIG. 7E, the controller 32 directs power of the motor
mechanism 34 to lean character 10 fully forward to compensate for
the inertial forces of the sitting down action of FIGS. 7C and
7D.
[0054] In FIG. 7F, we see the character 10 in a position where
stability has been established. The controller 32 directs power to
the motor mechanism 34 to move the torso 38 of the character 10 to
a sitting up position, with the torso approximately perpendicular
to the surface.
[0055] In FIG. 7G, the motor controller 12 moves the arm 16 to an
intermediate position and the torso back toward a prone
position.
[0056] In FIG. 7H, the torso has moved past the center of gravity
into the prone position and the legs 20 and 22 have remained
slightly elevated.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 7I, the controller 32 has powered the motor
mechanism 34 to move direct driven leg 20 upward and spring driven
leg 22 also moves upward under the action of spring 28 and right
leg drive member 48. Because of a rounded lower torso position 70
which includes a wedge 71 biased to the right side, character 10
will roll to the right and end in position 7J with character 10 on
its right side.
[0058] In FIG. 7K, the controller 32 directs power to the motor
mechanism 34 to move the legs 20 and 22 to a position in line with
the torso. The rod 40 (see FIG. 1A) has been moved away from the
fixed stop 38 during the raising of the legs 20, 22 and is then
returned to the position shown in FIG. 1 and the teeter-totter
action has not taken place allowing the legs to return to an inline
position with the torso.
[0059] In FIG. 7L, the controller 32 directs power to the arm motor
mechanism 28 to rapidly move active arm 16 to a position in contact
with spring driven leg 22 at approximately its right knee. The
active arm 16 creates a rearward instability to cause character 10
to fall on its back as shown in position 7M.
[0060] In FIG. 7N, the controller directs power to the arm
mechanism 28 to move active arm 16 forward to position 30 degrees
up from the surface.
[0061] In FIG. 7O, the motor controller 32 directs power to the leg
motor mechanism 34 to move the torso of character 10 forward to a
more upright position. It should be noted that the active arm 16 is
in contact with the instep of right foot 60 which is connected to
spring driven leg 22 locking spring driven leg 22 in place. It is
to be noted that when the arm engages leg 22 the arm switch 35
contacts spring driven leg 22 and end of active arm 16 locks in
instep of foot 60 shown in FIG. 7P, the microprocessor 32 directs
power to the motor mechanism 34 to move direct driven leg 20
upward. With spring driven leg 22 locked in place direct driven leg
20 is lifted without moving spring driven leg 22 and instability to
the left is created in character 10.
[0062] Due to the instability that occurs in FIG. 7P, the character
10 rolls onto its left side as shown in FIG. 7Q.
[0063] FIG. 7R shows character 10 resting on its left side ready to
proceed to the next action. In this position, the leg 20 is lifted
relative to leg 22 (see FIG. 7P).
[0064] In 7S, the controller 32 directs power to the motor
mechanism 34 to move direct drive leg 20 to a position equal to the
spring driven leg 22 in which position the character 10 is
stable.
[0065] In FIG. 7T, the controller 32 directs power to the leg motor
mechanism 34 to move direct drive leg 20 and spring driven leg 22
to a somewhat straight position. In this position, the central
pivot 52 of the teeter totter is in contact with the pivot stop
54.
[0066] In FIG. 7U, the motor controller 22 directs power to the
motor mechanism 34 to move direct leg 20 in a rearward direction
against the pivot stop 54 which causes the teeter totter linkage 48
to act against the pivot stop 54 to move the spring driven leg 22
forward to a position somewhat perpendicular to the torso 38 of
character 10. The action of the teeter totter mechanism is
described with respect to FIG. 1A.
[0067] The instability created in FIG. 7U moves the character 10 to
rest on the inside of right foot 60, toe of left foot 58 and left
side of head 12 as shown in FIG. 7V.
[0068] In FIG. 7W, the microprocessor motor controller 32 directs
power to the motor mechanism 34 to move direct driven leg 20 in a
forward direction which allows the spring driven leg 22 to move
under spring tension rearward until direct driven leg 20 and spring
driven leg 22 are parallel which action allows the character 10 to
assume a forward prone position.
[0069] In FIG. 7X, the controller 32 directs power to the arm motor
mechanism 28 to rapidly more active arm 16 up to a position
approximately parallel to the surface.
[0070] In FIG. 7Y, the controller 32 directs power to the arm motor
mechanism 28 to rapidly more active arm 16 down against the surface
to simulate a surface slap. This sub-sequence can be repeated
numerous times as directed by the microprocessor motor controller
12.
[0071] In FIG. 7Z, the microprocessor 32 directs power to the motor
mechanism 34 to move direct driven leg 18 slightly backwards then
slowly forwards.
[0072] In FIG. 7AA, the controller 32 directs power to the leg
motor mechanism 34 to move direct driven leg 20 in a forward
direction to a position approximately perpendicular to the surface
64 with left foot 58 flat on the surface. Because of spring 44, the
spring driven leg 22 forward movement lags behind the direct drive
leg 20.
[0073] In FIG. 7BB, the motor controller 32 directs power to the
arm motor mechanism 28 to more active arm 16 down to assist the
character to position 7BB. This allows spring driven leg 22 to move
forward and right foot 60 to rest flat on the surface.
[0074] In FIG. 7CC, the controller 32 directs power to the leg
motor mechanism 34 to slowly move the torso of character 10 to a
standing position.
[0075] It is intended by the following all invention that fall
within the true spirit and scope of the claims.
* * * * *