U.S. patent application number 11/805138 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-27 for toy doll system.
This patent application is currently assigned to WINWAY CORPORATION LTD.. Invention is credited to Les Friedland.
Application Number | 20080293324 11/805138 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40072845 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080293324 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Friedland; Les |
November 27, 2008 |
Toy doll system
Abstract
A toy doll is provided including a torso having a longitudinal
axis lying in a first horizontal plane and a head shell attached to
the torso configured for housing at least a movable eyelid piece, a
movable jaw piece and at least one motor for operating the eyelid
and jaw pieces. At least one arm is provided having a longitudinal
axis, and is pivotally attached to the torso and configured to be
rotatable about the pivotal attachment point on a second horizontal
plane substantially parallel to the first horizontal plane.
Inventors: |
Friedland; Les; (Oceanport,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KEUSEY, TUTUNJIAN & BITETTO, P.C.
20 CROSSWAYS PARK NORTH, SUITE 210
WOODBURY
NY
11797
US
|
Assignee: |
WINWAY CORPORATION LTD.
|
Family ID: |
40072845 |
Appl. No.: |
11/805138 |
Filed: |
May 22, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/297 ;
446/268; 446/330; 446/390; 446/394; 446/397 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 3/365 20130101;
A63H 2200/00 20130101; A63H 3/28 20130101; A63H 3/20 20130101; A63H
3/50 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/297 ;
446/268; 446/330; 446/390; 446/394; 446/397 |
International
Class: |
A63H 3/28 20060101
A63H003/28; A63H 13/00 20060101 A63H013/00; A63H 3/36 20060101
A63H003/36; A63H 5/00 20060101 A63H005/00; A63H 3/44 20060101
A63H003/44; A63H 3/00 20060101 A63H003/00 |
Claims
1. A toy doll comprising: a torso having a longitudinal axis lying
in a first horizontal plane; a head shell attached to said torso
and configured for housing at least a movable eyelid piece, a
movable jaw piece and at least one motor for operating said eyelid
and jaw pieces; and at least one arm having a longitudinal axis,
said at least one arm being pivotally attached to said torso and
configured to be rotatable about said pivotal attachment point on a
second horizontal plane substantially parallel to the first
horizontal plane.
2. The toy doll of claim 1, further comprising an arm deployment
mechanism for activating rotation of said at least one arm.
3. The toy doll of claim 2, wherein the arm deployment mechanism
comprises a button configured for activating a spring mechanism to
cause rotation of said at least one arm.
4. The toy doll of claim 1, further comprising a controller
operably connected to the motor for controlling operation of the
motor.
5. The toy doll of claim 5, further comprising a speaker operably
connected to the controller for generating sounds in accordance
with the orientation of said at least one arm.
6. The toy doll of claim 1, further comprising hair imparted with a
thermochromic substance fixedly attached to said head shell.
7. The toy doll of claim 1, wherein said at least one arm is
configured to be rotatable from a first play position to a second
play position.
8. The toy doll of claim 8, wherein the first play position the
longitudinal axis of the arm is substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the torso and in the second play position the
longitudinal axis of the arm is substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the torso.
9. The toy doll of claim 1, further comprising a pair of arms each
having a hand, each arm being configured to rotate from a first
play position to a second play position, wherein in the first play
position, the hands of each arm overlap each other.
10. A toy doll comprising: a torso having a longitudinal axis lying
in a first horizontal plane; and a pair of arms having a
longitudinal axis, each arm being pivotally attached to said torso
and configured to be rotatable about its pivotal attachment point
on a second plane substantially parallel to the first horizontal
plane.
11. The toy doll of claim 10, further comprising a head shell
attached to said torso and configured for housing at least a
movable eyelid piece, a movable jaw piece and at least one motor
for operating said eyelid and jaw pieces.
12. The toy doll of claim 10, further comprising an arm deployment
mechanism for activating rotation of said pair of arms.
13. The toy doll of claim 12, wherein the arm deployment mechanism
comprises a button configured for activating a spring mechanism to
cause rotation of said pair of arms arms.
14. The toy doll of claim 11, further comprising a power source
operably connected to the motor for energizing the motor.
15. The toy doll of claim 11, further comprising a controller
operably connected to the motor for controlling operation of the
motor.
16. The toy doll of claim 15, further comprising a speaker operably
connected to the controller for generating sounds in accordance
with the orientation of said at least one arm.
17. The toy doll of claim 11, further comprising hair imparted with
a thermochromic substance fixedly attached to said head shell.
18. The toy doll of claim 10, wherein each arm is configured to be
rotatable from a first play position to a second play position.
19. The toy doll of claim 18, wherein the first play position the
longitudinal axis of the arm is substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the torso and in the second play position the
longitudinal axis of the arm is substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the torso.
20. The toy doll of claim 18, wherein each arm includes a hand and
wherein in the first play position, the hands of each arm overlap
each other.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to toy dolls, and in
particular, to an interactive, multi-functional toy doll system and
method for interacting with and operating same.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] In the art, toy dolls having varied styles, shapes, features
and characteristics are known. In particular, dolls that are
mechanized and exhibit action features such as movement and motion
such as limb/hand movements, as well as sound effects are familiar
in the art.
[0005] Many mechanized dolls are switch activated, whereupon the
particular action(s) or movement(s) is performed upon activation of
a switch, which itself may be activated in a number of ways.
Typically, in such dolls, the switch is user-activated to elicit
various movements of the doll.
[0006] Automated movement of many mechanized dolls often involves,
e.g., limb movement mimicking waving, walking, etc. and/or movement
of facial features. Additional doll movements would advantageously
further increase user interest and vary the type of interaction
between the doll and user.
[0007] Accordingly, a toy doll which improves user interest,
provides a stimulating interactive experience for the user, and
encourages continued play, is highly desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is directed to an interactive toy doll
system for performing and displaying physical actions and/or aural
effects, and in particular for automatically orienting elements of
itself upon user activation to facilitate play and interaction by
the user.
[0009] The doll includes an arm deployment mechanism, movable arms
and movable eyelids and/or a movable mouthpiece. In a first play
position, the arms are folded in a retracted position. Activation
of the arm deployment mechanism causes movement and extension of
the arms to a second play position. From the second play position,
the arms may be pushed back into the first play position. Movement
of the arms to either the first play position or second play
position may further cause the doll to automatically perform facial
movements (blinking eyes, moving mouth, etc.) and emit sounds
(vocalizations, etc.), preferably for a pre-determined amount of
time.
[0010] A toy doll system according to an aspect of the present
invention may be embodied on a `platform` (e.g., as depicted in the
Figures herein). Alternate embodiments of a toy doll system
according to aspects of the present invention may include
additional features such as a complete torso with legs, etc. For
example, in an exemplary alternate embodiment, a toy doll system
may comprise a `full-bodied` doll configured to able to be
positioned to sit up, stand, walk, etc.
[0011] According to one aspect, a toy doll is provided comprising a
torso having a longitudinal axis lying in a first horizontal plane,
a head shell attached to said torso and configured for housing at
least a movable eyelid piece, a movable jaw piece and at,; and at
least one arm having a longitudinal axis, said at least one arm
being pivotally attached to said torso and configured to be
rotatable about said pivotal attachment point on a second
horizontal plane substantially parallel to the first horizontal
plane.
[0012] According to another aspect, a toy doll is provided
comprising a torso having a longitudinal axis lying in a first
horizontal plane and a pair of arms having a longitudinal axis,
each arm being pivotally attached to said torso and configured to
be rotatable about its pivotal attachment point on a second plane
substantially parallel to the first horizontal plane.
[0013] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the
present invention will be described or become apparent from the
following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which
is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] This disclosure will present in detail the following
description of preferred embodiments with reference to the
following figures wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a doll system according to
an aspect of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 1B is a schematic block diagram of exemplary mechanical
and electrical components of a doll system according to an aspect
of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of an exemplary covering for a
doll head according to an aspect of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of components of the
doll system of FIG. 1A according to an aspect of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an exemplary housing
for a doll head according to an aspect of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 is an exemplary perspective view of an interior of a
front portion of the housing of FIG. 3;
[0021] FIG. 5 is an exemplary perspective view of an interior of a
rear portion of the housing of FIG. 3;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of an arm with pivot
attachment according to an aspect of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the pivot attachment of FIG. 6
according to an aspect of the present invention; and
[0024] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of an arm deployment
device according to an aspect of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the arm deployment
device of FIG. 8;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary gear box
assembly according to an aspect of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a partially exploded perspective view of the gear
box of FIG. 10 according to an aspect of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of components of the
gear box of FIG. 10 according to an aspect of the present
invention; and
[0029] FIG. 13 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of operation
of a toy doll system according to an aspect of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] FIG. 1A-FIG. 5 illustrate various views, depictions and
elements of an exemplary doll system 100 according to aspects of
the present invention. According to one embodiment, a doll system
100 includes a torso 105 to which a head 102 is attached comprised
of a front portion 101 and rear portion 103. The head 102
preferably comprises a hollow shell and includes eye apertures 301
through which eyeballs 130 protrude and a mouth aperture 303. Head
102 is configured to house at least a gear assembly 203 for
emulating eye and/or mouth movements via moveable eyelids 127 and
moveable mouthpiece 129. The torso 105 includes a longitudinal axis
lying on a first horizontal plane 104.
[0031] A covering 134 may be provided shaped and fitted to cover at
least the head shell 102. Covering 134 may be comprised, e.g., of
molded rubber or other preferably flexible materials for simulating
features of e.g., an infant or doll head, etc. and may include eye
and mouth apertures 136 shaped and oriented to permit protrusion
therethrough of eyeballs 130 and mouthpiece 129. Any type or
combination of materials, e.g., foam, rubber, plastic,
polyvinylchloride, etc., may be utilized as desired to cover shell
102 and form the shape of, e.g., a human face. A rotational molding
method is an exemplary shaping process that may be used for forming
the face covering 134. It is to be noted that while a toy doll
according to the present invention is described and depicted herein
in human form, other doll types may be contemplated, including
animals, cartoon characters, fictional characters, robotic devices,
household appliances, vehicles, airplanes, etc.
[0032] The covering 134 may further include imitation or synthetic
hair 138 affixed ("rooted") thereon. The hair 138 may preferably be
imparted with, for example, heat sensitive or thermochromic
dyes/substances to impart, e.g., color-changing capabilities
therein. That is, the hair 138 may be configured to change color,
hue or shade in response to changes in temperature (e.g., in
response to being touched by a user's hand).
[0033] FIGS. 6-9 depict exemplary views of an arm 107 with a base
pivot attachment 601 and an arm deployment mechanism 801 according
to aspects of the present invention. At least one but preferably
two arms 107 are provided, each having an arm base 601 configured
for pivotal attachment to the torso 105 via a torso base plate 201.
Rotational movement of each or both arms 107 may be effectuated via
an arm deployment device 109. For example, deployment device 109
may comprise a button that when pressed, activates a mechanism 111
(e.g., a spring loaded mechanism) to release arms 107 from a
retracted position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1A) to an extended
position with arms 107 outstretched and preferably substantially
parallel to each other (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1B).
[0034] In the retracted position (i.e., a `first play position`), a
longitudinal axis of each arm 107 is substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis 104 of the torso 105. A hand 110 may be attached
to each arm 107. According to one exemplary embodiment, in the
first play position, the hands 110 may be caused to overlap one
another (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1A).
[0035] In the extended position (i.e., a `second play position`), a
longitudinal axis 108 of each arm 107 is preferably substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 104 of the torso 105. Each
arm 107 may be rotated to varying degrees between the first and
second play positions.
[0036] The pivotal attachment of the arm 107 to the torso 105 may
comprise, e.g., a series of nested cylindrical components 701, 703,
707 configured to permit rotational movement of the arm 107 with
respect to the torso 105 and may further include a spring element
705 to which a torsional force may be applied when the arms 107 are
in a retracted position (FIG. 1A). Namely, each arm 107 is
configured to be rotatable about the pivot point 601 on a plane 106
which is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane 104 of the
torso 105. In one exemplary embodiment, each arm 107 is configured
to be rotatable from a first play position (e.g., a retracted
position as shown in FIG. 1A) and a second play position (e.g., an
extended position as shown in FIG. 1B).
[0037] The arms 107, e.g., may be retracted manually by a user
pushing them closed. The retracted arm position may be maintained
via mechanical/frictional engagement between each pivotal
attachment 601 with one of the sliding members 801, which are in an
extended position. Each sliding member 801 may be caused to achieve
and maintain an extended position via longitudinal compression of
coil 903 so as to cause each member 801 to slide away from each
other in direction 907.
[0038] When the deployment mechanism 109 is depressed, the
torsional force in coil 705 may ultimately be caused to be
released, (e.g., via compression of coil 901, thus releasing and
causing retraction of sliding elements 801 towards each other in
direction 905, which releases the pivotal attachment 601 from its
secured position and in turn releases the torsion stored in spring
coil 705). Thus, each arm 107 is caused to be rotated to an
extended position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1B).
[0039] Advantageously, the extended position of arms 107 provide an
alternate play position to facilitate user interaction with the
doll during activities such as fingernail polish application,
manicuring, etc. The arms 107 may be pushed back into a retracted
(folded) position when the user is finished playing such
activities.
[0040] The doll system 100 may include a first control center 121
functionally connected to a second control center 113. First
control center 121 includes a motor 123 operably connected to a
controller or circuit board 125. Motor 123 may drive, e.g.,
mechanical movements of the doll's eyelids 127 and mouth piece 129
via e.g., a system of gears, pulleys, etc., which are controlled by
the circuit board 125. The first control center 121 may comprise,
e.g., a gear box assembly, described further below with respect to
FIGS. 10-12. The second control center 113 may include a power
source 115 for energizing one or both control centers 121, 113, and
a speaker 117 for generating sounds in accordance with, e.g., the
positioning/movement of the arms 107 and/or activation of the arm
deployment mechanism 109. Sounds may include e.g., giggling noises,
talking, laughing, or any other sounds.
[0041] Arm deployment device 109 may be operably connected to the
second control center 113 and/or first control center 121 such that
when the device 109 is activated, a signal may be transmitted to
the first control center 121 to tell the circuit board 125 to
rotate the motor 123, thus providing eye and mouth movement. Sound
may also be generated and emitted from speaker 117. In addition,
upon deployment of the device 109 the spring mechanism 111 will be
activated (e.g., as described above) to cause movement of arms 107
to an extended position. The arms 107 may be returned to their
original retracted position manually (e.g., by pushing them back to
a folded position until each arm is locked in place).
[0042] FIGS. 10-12 depict a gear box assembly 203 and exemplary
components thereof. The assembly 203 may include a motor 123
functionally connected to gears 1101, 1102, 1103, 1105, 1107, 1109.
Movements/sound performed by the doll may be elicited via
activation of the arm deployment device 109, which may be located
anywhere on the doll.
[0043] In one embodiment, a rotatable eyelid piece 127 and/or a
movable jaw piece 129 may be provided which are functionally
connected to control centers 121 and/or 113 and gears 1101, 1102,
1103, 1105, 1107, 1109. Movement of the pieces 127, 129 may be
facilitated via a pulley system 1115, 1117, 1119 and the gears
1101, 1102, 1103, 1105, 1107, 1109. The gears may be prompted to
reverse direction of rotation, which in turn reverses the direction
of movement (e.g., up or down) of pieces 127 and 129. Such gear
reversal capability may be facilitated via, e.g., a system of
contact switches 1113 which may be physically activated (e.g.,
during operation of the doll) so as to complete/close certain
circuits, one of which may direct the rotation of the gears in a
first direction, and another which may direct the gear rotation in
the opposite direction. Accordingly, the effect of eyelid and mouth
movements (opening and closing) may be simulated. Other
motor-driven or movable pieces may be provided and situated on the
doll system 100 in any location for facilitating, e.g., other body
movements and actions.
[0044] The eyelid piece 127 is positioned over the eyeballs 130,
and movement of eyelid 127 is effectuated via e.g., the pulley
system 1115, 1117, 1119, the system of gears and a rotating guide
313 powered by motor 103. The visual effect of eyes which are
`opening and closing` may be simulated via movement of the eyelid
piece 117 rotating about a pivot point 132.
[0045] As the eyelid 127 and jaw piece 129 movements are performed,
they cause corresponding areas of the external flexible covering
layer (e.g., rubber face) which lie over the eyelid/jaw pieces to
move accordingly, thus simulating facial features, such as sucking,
talking, blinking, etc. Movement of other parts of the face such as
cheeks, eyebrows, etc., may be facilitated by altering the
location/configuration of the mechanical parts accordingly. Facial
expressions and movement configuration may be accompanied by
appropriate sounds and body movements as controlled by the
controller 121. For example, a sleepy or sleeping expression may be
accompanied by speaker sounds of snoring.
[0046] The first controller 121 is preferably employed to control
operations of the doll in response to the internal and external
inputs. In one embodiment, controller 121 may include a printed
wiring board 125, which may include one or more integrated
circuits, transistors and/or logic circuits to perform the tasks as
described herein. Controller 121 drives motor 123 using a power
source 115 (e.g., a battery/batteries or other portable energy
source). Power may be switched on and off via a switch (not shown).
Motor 123 may include, e.g., simple DC powered motors that rotate
in accordance with the voltage polarity applied thereto. For
example, motors may turn clockwise in accordance with a +3 volt
signal and counterclockwise in accordance with a -3 volt signals.
Other voltages may be employed depending on the available battery
power.
[0047] Motor 123 may be activated in accordance with a plurality of
different signals. In one embodiment, motor 123 is activated in
accordance with a sensor/switch (not shown). Sensor/switch may
include a normally open switch located in any area of the doll
(e.g., a hand, torso, head, etc.). More than one switch may be
provided on the doll, at any location thereon.
[0048] When closed, the sensor/switch may prompt controller 121 to
activate e.g., one or more action modes (e.g., a `sleep` mode, an
`awake` mode, etc.). For example, the controller 121 may turn on
one or more motors 123 and/or a sound chip (not shown) and the
speaker 117 to perform one or more tasks for simulating, e.g., a
particular action mode. These tasks may include, for example,
moving the dolls eye lids and/or mouth, causing a crying effect,
causing a sleeping effect/simulating deep breathing, playing sounds
or any other mechanical movements or sounds to further simulate the
action mode that has been activated.
[0049] FIG. 13 depicts an exemplary flow chart of a method of
interacting with a doll according to one embodiment of the present
invention. Upon activation of an arm deployment mechanism (step
1301), arms of the doll are moved to an extended position (step
1303). That is, the arms are extended so as to be substantially
parallel to each other. Concurrently, a first movement and/or sound
mode may be activated (step 1305) in which the doll performs eyelid
movements, mouth movements and/or sound effects.
[0050] When the arms are returned to a retracted position (step
1307) a second movement and/or sound mode may be activated (step
1309). The second movement/sound mode may be similar to or
different from the first movement/sound mode. Either the first or
second movement/sound modes may be pre-programmed to emit any
series of movements/sounds as desired.
[0051] Having described preferred embodiments for an interactive
toy doll system (which are intended to be illustrative and not
limiting), it is noted that modifications and variations can be
made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings.
It is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the
particular embodiments of the invention disclosed which are within
the scope and spirit of the invention as outlined by the appended
claims. Having thus described the invention with the details and
particularity required by the patent laws, what is claimed and
desired protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended
claims.
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