U.S. patent application number 12/269724 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-04 for ornament with modular design motion system.
This patent application is currently assigned to HALLMARK CARDS, INCORPORATED. Invention is credited to Ronald L. Carlson, Kenneth Dean Crow, Robert W. Ferron, Doug L. Krivanek.
Application Number | 20100056021 12/269724 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41726156 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100056021 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carlson; Ronald L. ; et
al. |
March 4, 2010 |
ORNAMENT WITH MODULAR DESIGN MOTION SYSTEM
Abstract
A motion device capable of incorporation into an ornament has a
module drive mechanism and one or more visual elements capable of
being set in motion by a user's interaction with the drive
mechanism. The module drive mechanism includes a plurality of
motion components, such as gears. The motion components are
activated via manual rotation of a crank arm.
Inventors: |
Carlson; Ronald L.;
(Riverside, MO) ; Crow; Kenneth Dean; (Lee's
Summit, MO) ; Ferron; Robert W.; (Kansas City,
MO) ; Krivanek; Doug L.; (Lenexa, KS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHOOK, HARDY & BACON LLP;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
2555 GRAND BLVD
KANSAS CITY
MO
64108-2613
US
|
Assignee: |
HALLMARK CARDS,
INCORPORATED
Kansas City
MO
|
Family ID: |
41726156 |
Appl. No.: |
12/269724 |
Filed: |
November 12, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11833868 |
Aug 3, 2007 |
|
|
|
12269724 |
|
|
|
|
60821688 |
Aug 7, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/487 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 19/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/487 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/00 20060101
A63H033/00 |
Claims
1. An amusement device, comprising: a housing defining a cavity and
having a top surface with at least one opening therethrough; a
module drive mechanism at least partially received in the cavity of
the housing, the mechanism including a plurality of motion
components operatively supported in the housing, wherein a portion
of at least one of the plurality of motion components extends
through the at least one opening in the housing; and at least one
visual element supported by the portion of the at least one of the
plurality of motion components extending through the at least one
opening of the housing, wherein mechanical output of the plurality
of motion components induces animation of the at least one visual
element positioned outside the housing and adjacent to the top
surface.
2. The amusement device of claim 1, wherein the housing further
includes a bottom section and a top section, wherein the two
sections cooperate in clamshell fashion, and wherein the module
drive mechanism is at least substantially located within the cavity
of the housing.
3. The amusement device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of motion
components include a driving component adapted to receive a user
input force, and wherein the bottom section is adapted for direct
mounting of the driving component at a plurality of positions on
the bottom section.
4. The amusement device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of motion
components include a drive gear and at least one output gear
rotatably mounted on the bottom section, the drive gear being
adapted to receive a user input force and induce corresponding
rotation of the at least one output gear.
5. The amusement device of claim 4, further comprising a crank arm
directly coupled to the drive gear for receiving the user input
force to induce movement of the motion components.
6. The amusement device of claim 4, wherein the portion of the at
least one of the plurality of motion components extending through
the at least one opening of the housing is directly coupled with
the at least one output gear.
7. The amusement device of claim 6, wherein the portion of the at
least one of the plurality of motion components extending through
the at least one opening of the housing includes at least one
mechanical structure operatively converting a rotational movement
into at least one movement selected from the group consisting of a
reciprocating pivotable action, a translational action and a
noncircular looping action.
8. The amusement device of claim 1, further comprising artwork
formed on the housing top surface, the artwork and the at least one
visual element presenting a common visual theme.
9. A module drive mechanism for an amusement device, comprising: a
first housing member formed with a plurality of openings
therethrough; a second housing member coupled with the first
housing member to define a cavity therebetween; a plurality of
motion components operatively coupled with the first housing
member, wherein the motion components include a plurality of gears,
wherein at least one of motion components has a portion thereof
extending through one of the openings in the first housing member;
and at least one visual element interconnected with the portion of
the motion component extending through the at least one opening of
the first housing member, and wherein mechanical output of the
plurality of motion components induces animation of the at least
one visual element.
10. The mechanism of claim 9, wherein the plurality of motion
components include a driving component adapted to receive a user
input force, wherein the plurality of gears are supported between
the first and second housing members in the cavity, and wherein the
gears translate the input force from the driving component to the
at least one visual element.
11. The mechanism of claim 9, wherein the plurality of motion
components include a drive gear and at least one output gear
rotatably mounted on at least one of the first housing member and
the second housing member, the drive gear being adapted to receive
a user input force and induce corresponding rotation of the at
least one output gear.
12. The mechanism of claim 11, further comprising a crank arm
extending from the drive gear for receiving the user input force to
movement of the plurality of motion components.
13. The mechanism of claim 11, wherein the plurality of motion
components include at least one transfer gear rotatably mounted on
a bearing post, wherein the bearing post is coupled with one of the
first and second housing members, wherein the transfer gear is
positioned between the drive gear and the at least one output gear,
and wherein the at least one transfer gear receives the user input
force from the drive gear and transfers the force to the at least
one output gear.
14. The mechanism of claim 11, further comprising at least one
mechanical structure operatively converting a rotational movement
into at least one movement selected from the group consisting of a
reciprocating pivotable action, a translational action and a
noncircular looping action.
15. An animated hanging ornament, comprising: a housing defining a
cavity, the housing having a front wall and a rear wall, wherein
the front wall has at least one opening therethrough; a drive
mechanism having a portion thereof contained within the cavity, the
mechanism including: a plurality of gears operatively supported
within the cavity and adapted to receive a user input force, and at
least one mechanical component coupled with at least one of the
plurality of gears to produce an output motion responsive to said
user input force; and at least one visual element interconnected
with the at least one mechanical component through the at least one
opening in the housing to position said at least one visual element
adjacent an exterior of the housing, wherein the output motion
induces animation of the at least one visual element.
16. The ornament of claim 15, wherein the housing includes a
plurality of bearing posts extending from at least one of the front
and rear walls into the cavity, wherein the plurality of gears
include a drive gear and at least one output gear, and wherein the
gears are rotatably mounted on the bearing posts.
17. The ornament of claim 16, wherein the plurality of bearing
posts are adapted for direct mounting of the drive gear at a
plurality of positions on the housing.
18. The ornament of claim 16, further comprising a crank arm for
receiving the user input force and to transfer the user input force
to the drive gear.
19. The ornament of claim 16, wherein the at least one mechanical
component is adapted to operatively convert a rotational movement
into at least one movement selected from the group of a
reciprocating pivotable action, a translational action and a
noncircular looping action.
20. The ornament of claim 15, further comprising a hanging
mechanism coupled with the housing to permit hanging of
ornament.
21. The ornament of claim 15, further comprising a sound
component.
22. The ornament of claim 21, wherein the sound component includes
a speaker and recorded audio stored on a memory component, and
wherein activation of the sound component occurs upon detection of
the user input force.
23. The ornament of claim 15, further comprising a light
component.
24. The ornament of claim 23, wherein the light component includes
one or more lights for illuminating features of the ornament, and
wherein activation of the sound component occurs upon detection of
the user input force.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application, having attorney docket number HALC.141446,
is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/833,868,
filed Aug. 3, 2007, having attorney docket number HALC.130460,
which claims the benefit of and priority to commonly owned U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/821,688, filed Aug. 7, 2006,
both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The present invention is related to amusement devices, and
more particularly, may be embodied as a greeting card product
utilizing motion as a primary form of attraction. Components of the
invention are usable in other devices, such as in various types of
ornaments, such as Christmas ornaments and other ornaments.
[0004] Over the years, designers have utilized a wide variety of
features to make greeting cards and related gift items more
attractive and desirable to consumers. In addition to the use of
various colors, pictures, designs and phrases, cards have also been
designed with selectively moveable portions in an effort to draw
attention to the card. A popular means for incorporating some form
of motion into a greeting card is to employ paper mechanics
technology with the moving items being located inside the card. The
particular arrangement of folds in the paper inside the card make
it such that the motion is generally caused by the opening and
closing of the card, creating what is commonly referred to as a
"pop-up" effect. While paper mechanics technology is well known and
can provide for various types of movement, this method of imparting
movement in the card is limited to the interior of a card and
requires opening and closing of the card for activation which can
partially obscure the moving objects. Therefore, it is desirable to
provide a different method of imparting movement to objects on a
card which are not limited by the drawbacks of the prior art.
Further, there is a desirability to incorporate movement in objects
on other gift items, such as an ornament.
[0005] The most obvious input source for such a motion is a small
electric motor. The motor can be used to turn or pivot objects on
the front of the card. This solution, however, has serious
drawbacks. First, motors are bulky and make undesirable noise while
turning. Second, they are expensive and limit the affordability of
products containing the motor. These and other limitations are
overcome and additional features are provided by the present
invention.
SUMMARY
[0006] A modular design motion device for incorporation in a
greeting card or other gift item is disclosed for providing an
animated gift product. The modular design allows for integration of
reconfigurable motion mechanisms into a greeting card or other gift
items, enabling a wide variety of animation effects to be created
for amusement of the product recipient. Furthermore, the modular
design provides a compact product for ease of handling by the
user.
[0007] In one aspect, the system takes the form of an amusement
device, or animated greeting card assembly, including a packaging
structure, a module drive mechanism and one or more visual elements
set in motion by the user's interaction with the drive mechanism.
The packaging structure includes a cover panel, and optionally a
bottom panel, for concealing the drive mechanism. The module drive
mechanism is formed of a base tray and a cap, with a plurality of
motion components disposed therebetween and operatively supported
on the base tray. The visual elements are interconnected with the
motion components through openings in the packaging cover panel and
the drive mechanism cap, such that the visual elements are
positioned adjacent to the cover panel and viewable by the user.
Upon the user providing manual input to the module drive mechanism,
the motion components initiate animation of the visual elements.
The animation may encompass a variety of movement schemes,
including a pivotable action, a translational or path-tracing
action, a circular or non-circular looping action, and other simple
and complex motion patterns.
[0008] In another aspect, the motion components of the module drive
mechanism may include one or more drive gears and output gears. The
drive gears may be positioned at multiple locations on the
mechanism base tray, depending on the desired orientation of the
greeting card and where manual input is to be received on the
system. The output gears may connect directly to the visual
elements, or may transfer rotational motion to certain "action"
components that convert the rotation into other animation patterns
(e.g., a reciprocating pivot, translation, looping). A pulley
system may be employed to directly receive the user input and
transfer the applied force to the drive gears. Additionally,
because the drive mechanism tray may be formed with a plurality of
bearing regions for supporting motion components, such components
are easily reconfigured on the tray and coupled to other action
components to create new animation patterns.
[0009] In yet another aspect, the amusement device takes the form
of an animated ornament, including a housing, a module drive
mechanism and one or more visual elements set in motion by the
user's interaction with the drive mechanism. The housing defines a
cavity for containing and concealing the drive mechanism. Like with
the greeting card, the module drive mechanism includes a plurality
of motion components interconnected with the visual elements
through openings in the housing, such that the visual elements are
viewable by the user. Upon the user providing manual input to the
module drive mechanism, the motion components initiate animation of
the visual elements. The animation may encompass any variety of
movement schemes and may include sound and light generation.
[0010] Additional advantages and features of the invention will be
set forth in part in a description which follows, and in part will
become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the
following, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The present invention is described in detail below with
reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a base tray of a module
drive mechanism for integration with a greeting card, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a build up of the module
drive mechanism, with a sample set of gears positioned on the base
tray of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a further build up of the
module drive mechanism, with a mid-level cap placed over the
subassembly of FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a still further build up of
the module drive mechanism, with a sample of various action
components coupled with the set of gears and placed over the
subassembly of FIG. 3;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a further build up of the
module drive mechanism, with a top cap placed over the subassembly
of FIG. 4;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a back perspective view of an embodiment of the
module drive mechanism integrated with a greeting card, depicting a
user providing input to a drive gear to initiate motion
activity;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
module drive mechanism build up integrated with a greeting card,
with a sample set of gears positioned on a base tray;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a build up of the module
drive mechanism, with a sample of various action components coupled
with the set of gears and placed over the subassembly of FIG.
7;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a further build up of the
module drive mechanism, with a cap placed over the subassembly of
FIG. 8;
[0021] FIGS. 10A and 10B show front views of an animated greeting
card assembly having visual elements representing a circus type
scene, with various gears and action components driving pivotable
movement of the visual elements;
[0022] FIGS. 11A and 11B show front views of another animated
greeting card assembly having visual elements representing a rodeo
type scene, with various gears and action components driving
linear, translational movement of the visual elements;
[0023] FIGS. 12A and 12B show front views of an animated Christmas
ornament having visual elements representing a winter type scene,
with the visual elements being movable by activation of the action
components;
[0024] FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional, side elevation view of the
ornament of FIGS. 12A and 12B;
[0025] FIG. 12D is a rear view of the ornament of FIGS. 12A and
12B, with a rear of the housing removed to reveal the various
action components and gears of the module drive mechanism;
[0026] FIGS. 13A and 13B show front views of a second animated
Christmas ornament having visual elements representing a winter
type scene, with the visual elements being movable by activation of
the action components;
[0027] FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional, side elevation view of the
ornament of FIGS. 13A and 13B;
[0028] FIG. 13D is a rear view of the ornament of FIGS. 13A and
13B, with a rear of the housing removed to reveal the various
action components and gears of the module drive mechanism;
[0029] FIGS. 14A and 14B show front views of an animated Christmas
ornament having visual elements representing a winter type scene,
with the visual elements being movable by activation of the action
components;
[0030] FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional, side elevation view of the
ornament of FIGS. 14A and 14B;
[0031] FIG. 14D is a rear view of the ornament of FIGS. 14A and
14B, with a rear of the housing removed to reveal the various
action components and gears of the module drive mechanism;
[0032] FIGS. 15A and 15B are front and rear side elevation views,
respectively, of an animated Christmas ornament having visual
elements representing a train moving through a winter scene, with
the visual elements being movable by activation of the action
components; and
[0033] FIGS. 16A-16E views of yet another animated Christmas
ornament constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention and having visual elements representing elves
working for Santa Claus, with the visual elements being movable by
activation of the action components.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Various embodiments of the modular design greeting card
motion device are shown throughout the figures. As explained more
fully herein, the motion device employs a module drive mechanism,
or "module", to generate animation of certain visual elements in
response to user initiated input. The module may be integrated into
a modified version of a traditional greeting card or similar
structure. The visual elements being animated, along with other
indicia positioned on the packaging forming the greeting card,
provide a theme for the amusement of the user. Additionally,
certain motion components of the module are configured for
interchangeability and repositioning within the module by the
greeting card designer, enabling new animation patterns to be
readily generated. The compact nature of the module facilitates the
integration of the module into other amusement devices besides
greeting cards, such as books and other items.
[0035] Referring now to the drawings in more detail and initially
to FIGS. 1-5, reference numeral 10 designates one embodiment of a
module drive mechanism for a greeting card assembly. The module 10
includes, in built-up layers, a base tray 12, a set of gears 14 for
generating motion responsive to use input, a mid-level cap 16, a
set of action components 18 coupled with the gears 14 to generate a
specific movement output based on the gear motion, and a top cap 20
encasing the gears 14, the mid-level cap 16 and the action
components 18 between the base tray 12 and the top cap 20. The
gears 14 and action components 18 are also generically referred to
herein as "motion components". The structural elements forming the
module 10 may be formed out of molded plastics and other
composites, for ease of mass production.
[0036] The base tray 12 includes a bottom floor 22, a perimeter
upturned flange wall 24 and a plurality of posts 26 extending
upwardly from the floor 22. The posts 26 serve as locations for the
axial mounting of the set of gears 14 and pivot hubs 28 that also
perform the function of "motion components". The bottom floor 22 is
also formed with a plurality of recesses 30 that serve as bearing
regions for operatively supporting the gears 14 and pivot hubs 28
during rotation on the posts 26, as best seen in FIG. 2. The set of
gears 14 include a drive gear 34, one or more transfer gears 36,
and one or more output gears 38 coupled with the action components
18. In this embodiment, the base tray bottom floor 22 includes a
circular through opening 40 sized to receive an axially-aligned,
downwardly oriented cylindrical extension 42 of the drive gear 34,
such that a lower surface 44 of the cylindrical extension 42 is
accessible from a rear side 46 of the module 10, as explained in
further detain herein with respect to FIG. 6.
[0037] Throughout the various embodiments of the module 10
described herein, the term "drive gear" refers to a gear receiving
either a direct force input from a user, or a force from another
input object with which the user interacts to provide input. The
transfer gear 36 is configured to transmit by rotational gear
engagement a force from a drive gear 34 to an output gear 38,
either directly or through rotational interaction with other
transfer gears 36. Each of the gears 14 may have upwardly extending
posts 48 spaced from and parallel to the axis of the respective
gear. Such posts 48 are particularly utilized by the output gears
38 to engage with the action components 18 and drive the movement
of such components 18. Additionally, as can be understood, gears 14
and pivot hubs 28 are not necessarily located on each open post 26
and recess 30. The particular gears 14 and pivot hubs 28 selected
are a matter of design choice based on the need to create a
specific movement pattern for the visual elements being animated by
either the action components 18 or directly by the output gears 38,
as explained in further detail herein. It is preferable to form the
base tray 12 with a number of posts 26 and recesses 30 sufficient
for a module designer to generate many possible combinations of
movements depending on the particular motion components implemented
in the module 10. Furthermore, a particular gear 14, such as drive
gear 34, may also perform the function of another type of gear,
such as transfer gear 36 or output gear 38, depending on the
particular configuration of the gears 14 selected to produce a
desired output motion.
[0038] The mid-level cap 16 functions to retain the gears 14 and
pivot hubs 28 on the respective posts 26 and within the respective
recesses 30 of the bottom floor 22 of the base tray 12. The cap 16
has a number of through holes 49 aligned with the recesses 30. The
through holes 49 allow the gears 14 and pivot hubs 28 to at least
partially extend through the cap 16, aiding in retention of the
gears and hubs while also exposing the posts 48 for engagement with
the action components. While a standard cap 16 would be used, the
cap 16 could be customized regarding the number and location of
through holes 49 depending on the number and location of gears 14
and pivot hubs 28 used in a specific embodiment. Preferably, the
mid-level cap 16 has a thickness necessary for a top surface 50 of
the cap 16 to be flush with upwardly oriented cylindrical
extensions 52 and 54 of the gears 14 and pivot hubs 28,
respectively, as shown in FIG. 3.
[0039] The action components 18 may then be coupled with the output
gears 38 and pivot hubs 28, as shown in FIG. 4. For instance,
motions such as spinning (e.g., point spinning in a zero turn
radius), swiveling (e.g., reciprocating pivot motion), swinging
(e.g., reciprocating pivot motion with a linear extension) and
sliding (e.g., in a looped configuration or a non-looped,
translation motion) are enabled by the action components 18 moving
in response to the force input applied from the output gears 38. In
the exemplary arrangement shown in FIG. 4, the action components 18
include a swivel bar 56, a slide block 58, and a cylindrical spin
block 60. The swivel bar 56 is formed by a hub 62 mating with a
recess 64 of the pivot hub 28 and a slotted finger 66 extending
radially from the hub 62 for receiving one of the gear posts 48
therein. The slide block 58 likewise includes a slotted base 68
(for receiving another gear post 48), as well as an upper member
70. The cylindrical spin block 60 is sized to be seated within an
axial recess 72 in the cylindrical extension 52 of the drive gear
34.
[0040] Once the desired action components 18 are in place, the top
cap 20 is secured over the mid-level cap 16 and the action
components 18. The flange wall 24 of the base tray 12 includes
corner retainers 74 for securing the top cap 20 on the remaining
build-up layers of the module 10. The top cap 20 may be secured
with the base tray corner retainers 74 by a variety of methods,
such as by sizing the perimeter of the cap 20 to friction fit with
the inside walls 76 of the corner retainers 74 or by utilizing an
adhesive to secure the cap 20 perimeter to the corner retainers 74.
The particular top cap 20 selected should have a number of through
holes 78 positioned for alignment with the respective action
components 18, enabling the desired visual elements for the
greeting card design to be coupled therewith and set in motion by
user input on the drive gear 34.
[0041] The module 10 is depicted in FIG. 6 as being integrated into
a greeting card product 200 with a cover panel 82 and bottom panel
84. In the particular configuration of the greeting card product
200 depicted in FIG. 6, the drive gear cylindrical extension 42
extends through a central opening in the bottom panel 84 to enable
a user to provide input on the drive gear 34. The cover panel 82
and the bottom panel 84 may be formed from a single piece of card
stock folded to cover the front side (i.e., top cap 20) and the
rear side 46 of the module 10, as well as a common perimeter 86
created by the built-up thickness of the module 10. In such an
arrangement, the cover panel 82 and bottom panel 84 combine to form
a pocket within which the module 10 is disposed. The cover panel 82
is adhered to the top cap 20, the bottom panel 84 is adhered to the
underside of the base tray 12, and the common perimeter 86 is
adhered to an outwardly facing portion of the base tray flange wall
24. Alternatively, the cover panel 82 may be a separate element
covering the top cap 20, and the bottom panel 84 may be an optional
element for covering the module rear side 46. Additionally, in
another embodiment, a rear panel (not shown) could be provided. The
rear panel could be joined with the bottom panel 84 along a common
edge to provide a user viewable and accessible interior of the
greeting card product 200 where text is provided, similar to a
standard greeting card without motion elements. In this embodiment,
the side of the bottom panel 84 that is viewable in FIG. 6 would be
an interior left side of the greeting card. Particular exemplary
visual elements 300 coupled with certain motion components of an
exemplary greeting card product are shown in FIGS. 10A-11B,
including a trapeze with swinging movements, and a horse rider with
linear, sliding movements, as explained in more detail herein.
[0042] In use, a person (e.g., the greeting card product recipient)
engages a set of dimples 80 on the lower surface 44 of the drive
gear cylindrical extension 42 to effect rotation of the drive gear
34. With continued reference to FIGS. 1-5, the exemplary gear
arrangement for the module 10 shown provides for the drive gear 34
directly mating with the particular output gear 38 coupled with the
swivel bar 56, and indirectly engaging with the output gear 38
coupled with the slide block 58 through the transfer gear 36. In
this way, the drive gear 34 rotation drives the swiveling motion of
the swivel bar hub 62 via the slotted finger 66 oscillating on the
gear post 48 orbiting around the axis of the respective output gear
38 in a circular travel path. The drive gear 34 rotation also
drives the linear back-and-forth motion of the slide block upper
member 70 via the slide block slotted base 68 oscillating on the
respective output gear post 48 orbiting around the axis of the
respective output gear 38. The elongate configuration of the
particular top cap through hole 78 through which the slide block
upper member 70 extends guides the upper member 70 along linear
movement. Still further, the rotation of the drive gear 34 rotates
the cylindrical spin block 60 in place to induce a spinning motion.
The movements of the action components 18 and corresponding
animation of the visual elements may be either coordinated with one
another for visual appeal, or alternatively may lack coordination,
but in any case movement of all components 18 occurs
simultaneously.
[0043] As an alternative to the arrangement shown where a user
physically drives the motion of the module 10 through drive gear
34, a small electric or spring wound motor (not shown) may be
coupled with one of the gears 14 or pivot hubs 28 to drive the
movement of the "motion components". A battery or other power
supply (not shown) may be stored within a compartment 88 formed in
the base tray 12.
[0044] Turning to FIGS. 7-11B, another embodiment of a module drive
mechanism 100 for a greeting card assembly is depicted. The module
100 employs many of the features of the embodiment of the module 10
shown in FIGS. 1-5, including the utilization of motion components
sandwiched between a base tray and a top cap to effect animation of
visual elements coupled therewith. However, instead of implementing
a drive gear design that relies on a person providing a direct
force input on the drive gear portion exposed through a greeting
card panel, a user input mechanism 102 is mechanically coupled with
a drive gear 104. Although not limited to any particular location
on the overall module 100, in one practical embodiment shown in
FIGS. 7-9, the user input mechanism 102 is located near a perimeter
106 of the module 100 to reduce the interference with the movements
of the motion components (as well as the animation of the visual
elements 300 shown in FIGS. 10A-11B).
[0045] The module 100 is formed by a built-up configuration similar
to module 10 of FIGS. 1-5, and preferably includes a base tray 108,
a set of gears 110, a set of action components 112, and a top cap
114. Additionally, a bottom plate 116 may be provided as a support
structure beneath the base tray 108 and also serve as a mounting
structure for the user input mechanism 102. The top cap 114 may
likewise serve as a structure to which the user input mechanism 102
is mounted.
[0046] Similar to the base tray 12 of module 10, the base tray 108
includes a bottom floor 118, a plurality of recesses 120 formed
into the bottom floor 118 to serve as bearing regions operatively
supporting particular gears 110 and pivot hubs 122 in rotation, and
a plurality of posts 124 extending upwardly from the bottom floor
118 in the bearing regions and with which the gears 110 and hubs
122 may be axially mounted. The gears 110 include the drive gear
104, which receives a rotation inducing force from the user input
mechanism 102, one or more transfer gears 126 and one or more
output gears 128 coupled with the action components 112. Selected
gears 110 (i.e., gears that are likely to be utilized in the module
100 as output gears 128, depending on the configuration selected by
the module designer) have upwardly extending posts 130 spaced from
and parallel to the axis of the respective gear.
[0047] As with the configuration of the module 10 shown in FIGS.
1-5, the base tray 108 of module 100 is preferably formed with a
sufficient number of recesses 120 and posts 124 for a module
designer to generate many possible combinations of movements
depending on the particular motion components implemented in the
module 100. Additionally, to afford the module designer greater
flexibility in positioning a user input mechanism 102, the base
tray 108 preferably has a recess 120 and corresponding post 124 at
each outside perimeter corner 132 thereof. This enables the portion
of the module 100 build-up above the bottom plate 116 to be rotated
to a variety of different orientations with respect to the
overlying or surrounding greeting card packaging structure, such as
cover panel 134, while maintaining a simple mechanical coupling
arrangement between the input mechanism 102 and one of the drive
gears 124. Differing orientations of the base tray 108 in
particular enable the output gears 128 and the corresponding action
components 112 to present animations of the visual elements 300 to
the user in different ways.
[0048] One example of a user input mechanism 102 is a pulley
system. The pulley system 102 includes a driving pulley wheel 136,
a crank arm 138 rigidly connected to the axis of the pulley wheel
136 for imparting rotation thereof, and a flexible band 140 for
transferring the motion of the pulley wheel 136 to an extension 142
of the drive gear 104. The pulley wheel 136 may be rotatably
mounted to a mounting bracket 144 on an underside of the wheel 136,
and to the top cap 114 on an upper side of the wheel 136, via an
axial pin (not shown) to stabilize the wheel 104 during rotation.
The drive gear extension 142 is generally an axially-aligned,
upwardly oriented cylinder with a circumferential groove 146 for
receiving and frictionally engaging with the band 140. Likewise,
the pulley wheel 136 has a circumferential groove 148 frictionally
engaging the band 140. The flexible band 140 may be formed of
rubber or other suitable materials. It should be also understood
that other alternative user input mechanisms may be substituted for
the pulley system 102 of the module 100, such as additional gears,
linkage arrangements, levers, and other mechanical structures.
[0049] Upon the desired gears 110 and pivot hubs 122 being placed
on the appropriate posts 124, the action components 112 are then
set in place to create the desired movements to be translated into
animation by the attached visual elements 300. With the exemplary
arrangement shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the action components include a
swivel bar 150 and a pair of slide blocks 152, which may possess
the same configuration as the swivel bar 56 and slide block 58 of
the module 10 depicted in FIGS. 1-5. The top cap 114 is then
secured over the action components 112 and the remainder of the
motion components mounted on the base tray 108. The top cap 114 has
a series of through holes 154 aligned with the respective action
components 112, to allow the visual elements 300 to connect to the
action components 112 through the top cap 114. Additionally, in a
preferred arrangement, the top cap 114 has another through hole 154
at the axis of the pulley wheel 136. This enables the pulley system
102 (minus the crank arm 138) to first be installed on the module
100, then the top cap 114 secured in place, and then the crank arm
138 secured to the pulley wheel 136 (e.g., by a fastener) through
the through hole 154. The top cap 114 may be secured to any of the
underlying layers of the module 100 (e.g., the base tray 108 or
bottom plate 116) by a variety of techniques, such as by applying
adhesives to the underside of the cap 114. The important parameter
is to ensure that the top cap 114 does not interfere with the
movement of the motion components utilized in the module 100. Still
further, the top cap 114 may be formed of transparent or
translucent materials, as shown in FIG. 9. It should be understood
that, as with the module 10 of FIGS. 1-5, the structural elements
forming the module 100 may be formed out of molded plastics and
other composites.
[0050] In use, a person applies an input force on the crank arm 138
to induce movement of the action components 112 and ultimately
animation of the visual elements 300. The tension on the band 140
extending around the drive gear extension 142 and the pulley wheel
136 enables the rotation of the wheel 136 via the crank arm 138 to
induce rotation of the drive gear 104 and corresponding movement of
the motion components (i.e., gears 110, action components 112 and
pivot hubs 122). The drive gear 104 transfers the rotational motion
to the remaining gears 110, and the output gears 128 transfer the
rotational motion via the posts 130 to swivel bar 150 and slide
blocks 152. In particular, each swivel bar 150 has a hub 156 mating
with an upwardly cylindrical extension 158 of the pivot hub 122 and
a slotted finger 160 extending radially from hub 156 and configured
to receive the post 130 of the respective output gear 128. The hub
156 undergoes a reciprocating pivot motion, or swivel, as the
slotted finger 160 undergoes an oscillating action set in motion
via the circular travel path of the output gear post 130. Likewise,
each slide block 152 has a slotted base 164 configured to receive
the post 130 of the respective output gear 128 and an upper member
166 extending from the base 164. The upper member 166 undergoes a
linear back-and-forth motion due to both the circular travel of the
post 130 received in the slotted base 164 causing oscillation of
the slotted base 164, as well as the elongate configuration of the
respective top cap through hole 154 through which the upper member
166 extends establishing a linear travel path.
[0051] As referenced above, the module 100 is preferably integrated
into a greeting card product 400, or packaging structure, having
the cover panel 134 and a bottom panel 168 disposed beneath the
bottom plate 116. The greeting card product 400 may optionally have
a rear panel (not shown) that cooperates with the bottom panel 168
to provide an interior of the card where a greeting may be placed.
The packaging structure 400 may be formed from card stock in a
similar configuration to the cover panel 82 and bottom panel 84 of
module 10.
[0052] With particular reference to FIGS. 10A-11B, the positioning
of certain exemplary visual elements 300 undergoing animation are
shown with respect to the driving motion components. It should be
understood that portions of the gears 110 shown in FIGS. 10A-11B
(such as a number of circumscribing gear teeth) have been omitted
for clarity of presentation. The swinging trapeze scene depicted in
FIGS. 10A and 10B utilizes motion components of the module 100
along with a pair of swing-type visual elements 300a and 300b to
create the desired animation. Various illustrations 302 or other
indicia are also formed on the cover panel 134 of the greeting card
product 400 in keeping with the circus theme. As the user turns the
crank arm 138 of the pulley system 102, a pair of swivel bars 150
set in motion by the gears 110 cause the coordinated animation of
the visual elements, such that the persons 304 formed on the visual
elements appear to be preparing to move from one of the elements
300a to the other element 300b.
[0053] In a similar fashion, the horse riding scene depicted in
FIGS. 11A and 11B utilizes module motion components along with a
horse/rider combination visual element 300c and a rider hat visual
element 300d for generating a particular animation pattern. The
horse riding or rodeo theme is accentuated with various
illustrations 306 formed on the cover panel 134. With the
engagement of the pulley system 102 by the user, a pair of slide
blocks 152 set in motion by gears 110 cause the coordinated linear
up-and-down motion of the horse/rider element 300c and the hat
element 300d, so that these elements move closer to and then away
from one another. In this way, the rider appears to lose their hat
as they move closer to the ground, only to return upwardly into the
air to be in proximity to the hat. Alternately, rocking motion
could be applied to the horse/rider element 300c to give the
appearance the horse is bucking.
[0054] As can be appreciated, the various embodiments of the module
drive mechanism and other elements forming a greeting card assembly
can provide virtually endless combinations of movement for visual
elements present on the front of the greeting card product. Other
embodiments of and modifications to the invention are beneficial as
well and are within the scope of the present invention. For
example, the movement of the components can be used to produce
mechanical sounds. This sound can be caused, for instance, by a
protrusion on one of the motion components contacting a flexible
arm. When the arm is released, it strikes a surface and causes a
sound. Sound can also be created by having loose items enclosed in
a moving component, such as small metal or plastic balls. When the
component turns, the balls strike each other, creating sound. Sound
can also be produced by clicking, ringing, stirring, and crinkle
plastic.
[0055] The modular design of the greeting card assembly allows for
interchangeability of moving parts, while maintaining a thin
profile mechanism desired for greeting cards and the like. The
manual user input also means that the user has control over the
motion input, and thus, the motion output. The user can start and
stop the motion, can reverse motion direction, and can change the
speed of the motion. Still further, it should be understood that
various other motion components may be implemented into the module
drive mechanism to generate a vast array of animation
possibilities. Examples of such motion components include worm and
helical gears, multi-linkage assemblies, rack and pinion
arrangements, and other known components.
[0056] Because of the size and modular nature of the module drive
mechanism, its components can be incorporated into an number of
small items to impart motion thereto. For example, FIGS. 12A-16E
illustrate several embodiments of a Christmas ornament 500, where a
module drive mechanism 502 of the present invention has been
incorporated therein. The ornament 500 includes a housing 504.
Preferably, the housing is a molded plastic structure having a
first housing member 506 and a second housing member 508 that mate
in a clamshell fashion to define a cavity 510 therebetween. Unlike
the greeting card embodiment discussed above, where the module 10
is designed to be as thin as possible such that it may be
integrated into a greeting card product and hidden therein, the
housing 504, which contains the drive mechanism 502, is not
concealed, but is visible to the operator during use. As the
housing 504 is not received in another item, its thickness is not
as big of a consideration as in the greeting card embodiment
discussed above. Accordingly, in this arrangement, the second
member 508 functions as the base tray 12 and the first member 506
functions as the top cap 20.
[0057] Similarly, as the first and second members 506, 508 do not
need to be as close to one another, the cavity 510 is larger than
in the previous embodiment. This arrangement, where the front 512
and rear 514 walls of the housing 504 are not sandwiched together
around the drive mechanism 502, permits greater depth for gears 516
of the drive mechanism 502. As such, the gears 516 do not
simultaneously abut the front and rear walls 512, 514 but are
instead positioned on a bearing post 518 that extends from one of
the front and/or rear walls 512, 514 into the cavity 510. The
bearing posts 518 may be integrally formed with a housing members
506, 508 or may take the shape of a pin or screw that is used to
attach a gear 516 or other drive mechanism component to the housing
504.
[0058] The ornament 500 includes a crank arm 520 on a top or outer
surface 522 of the front wall 512. As with the previous embodiment,
the drive mechanism 502 includes a plurality of motion components
524 that facilitate movement of various visual elements 526 on the
exterior of the front wall 512 of the housing 504. The motion
components 524 include a drive gear 528, an output gear 530, and a
transfer gear 532. As with the previous embodiment, rotation of the
crank arm 520 causes rotation of the drive gear 528. The rotary
motion of the drive gear 528 is passed along to an output gear 530
either directly or through one or more transfer gears 532. The
output gear 530 may be directly coupled with one of the visual
elements 526 or with a mechanical structure 534, whose object is to
convert rotational movement to some other type of movement as
described above.
[0059] FIG. 12A discloses visual elements 526 in the shape of a
penguin, a soccer ball and various portions of a snowman. FIG. 12A
discloses the visual elements in a first orientation, while FIG.
12B discloses the visual elements 526 in a second orientation after
rotation of the crank arm 520. FIG. 12C discloses a possible
arrangement of the motion components 524. FIG. 12D provides a
better view of the motion components 524 and their respective paths
of travel.
[0060] In FIGS. 13A and 13B, the visual element 526 is a Santa
Claus on a bicycle. As the crank arm 520 is rotated, the bicycle
moves up and down and pops a wheelie. FIG. 13C illustrates the
arrangement of the gears 516 inside the housing 504. In the
illustrated embodiment, the output gears 530 are coupled with front
wall 512 of the first housing member 506 via the bearing posts 518.
FIG. 13D illustrates the motion components 524 contained in the
cavity 512 with the rear wall 514 removed for viewing.
[0061] FIG. 14A illustrates a third design of an ornament 500. In
this design, the visual elements 526 that move during operation of
the drive mechanism 502 are a Santa Claus and a reindeer, which
move up and down as if jumping on a trampoline. FIG. 14B
illustrates the visual elements 526 in their two extreme positions.
FIG. 14C illustrates the arrangement of the motion components 524
in the housing 504. A hanging mechanism 536 is provided on the
housing 504 to facilitate hanging of the ornament 500, such as from
a Christmas tree. In the illustrated embodiment, the hanging
mechanism 536 is an eye hook. Other forms of the hanging mechanism
536 are well known in the art. FIG. 14D illustrates the motion
components 524 contained in the cavity 510 from a rear view with
the rear wall 514 removed.
[0062] In the illustrated embodiments, the housing 504 has been
made translucent and/or semi-transparent so that operators may view
the motion components 524 during operation of the ornament 500.
Being able to see the gears 516 and mechanical structures 534 move
during operation often enhances interest in the ornament 500.
Consequently, several of the gears have been designed to include an
ornamental feature, such as the appearance of a snowflake.
[0063] The ornaments 500 in FIGS. 15A-16E are a little different in
shape and construction than the ornaments 500 of FIGS. 12A-14D.
While the ornaments of FIGS. 12A-14D are designed to be primarily
viewed from their front, in an almost 2-D fashion, the ornaments of
FIGS. 15A-16E are more 3-D in nature and are designed to be viewed
from a number of different locations. For example, several of the
motion components 524 of the ornaments of FIGS. 15A-16E are 3-D
structures, such as a train 538 of FIG. 15A and a Santa Claus 540
of FIG. 16C. In this embodiment, the motion components 524 are more
sculpture like.
[0064] The ornaments 500 in FIGS. 15A-16E are also provided with
additional features to increase the level of stimulus provided
during interaction with the ornaments 500. For example, the
ornaments 500 have been provided with light and sound components
that are activated upon turning of the crank arm 520. While power
for the light and sound components could be provided by the
mechanical input from the user via the crank arm 520, the ornaments
500 may be provided with a power source, such as the illustrated
batteries 542 or a cord (not shown) that could be plugged into a
string of Christmas lights (not shown).
[0065] The light components may take the form of lights 544 that
may be positioned in or on the ornament 500 to light up various
features. For example, LEDs 544 of various colors are positioned
inside the train 538 to illuminate the train 538, as best
illustrated in FIG. 15B. FIG. 16A, which is a plan view of the
ornament 500, illustrates a light 544 partially buried in a
workbench 546 to illuminate the faces of Santa Claus 540 and his
elves.
[0066] The sound components may be mechanical sounds, as discussed
above, or may be recorded audio stored on a memory component (not
shown) concealed in the housing 504. The recorded audio is played
through a speaker 548 housed in a base 550 of the housing 504.
[0067] The light and sound components may be coupled with the crank
arm 520 such that they are activated by initial rotation thereof.
From that point they may play a predetermined time, with the lights
544 activating in a pre-programmed sequence and automatic shut off
or the continued activation of the components could be tied to
interaction with the ornament 500. For example, the ornament 500
may be provided with a switch 552, best viewed in FIG. 16D, that
senses rotation and/or the speed of rotation of the gears 516 via
the crank arm 520. The sound and lighting output can be altered
depending on the speed of rotation. This enhances the realism of
the scene of the ornament 500. For example, as best viewed in FIG.
16C, Santa Claus 540 has a bell 554 in his right hand. His right
arm is a visual element 526 that is moved back and forth, in a bell
ringing motion, as the crank arm 520 is rotated. By tying the tempo
of the recorded audio that is played back to the speed of rotation
of the gears, the bell 554 appears to be "rung" in time with the
music to create the appearance that the user and the visual
elements 526 are creating the music by rotating the crank arm
520.
[0068] From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is
one well adapted to attain all ends and objects hereinabove set
forth together with the other advantages which are obvious and
which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that
certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be
employed without reference to other features and subcombinations.
This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the
invention.
[0069] Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention
without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood
that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying
drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative of applications of
the principles of this invention, and not in a limiting sense.
* * * * *