U.S. patent application number 14/147076 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-10 for toy play set with multiple modes and a housing for a portable electronic device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mattel, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Mattel, Inc.. Invention is credited to Brian John ARGAUER, JR., Bruce Robert CORDIER, Daniel J. DAMON, Anthony FAVORITO, William Joseph MCCORMICK, Brian P. MYSLIWY, Jared P. PARDI, Ross RUMFOLA, III, Donald W. STUCKE, JR..
Application Number | 20140194029 14/147076 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51034968 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140194029 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PARDI; Jared P. ; et
al. |
July 10, 2014 |
Toy Play Set with Multiple Modes and a Housing for a Portable
Electronic Device
Abstract
A toy play set with multiple modes and a housing for a
touchscreen portable electronic device includes a support
structure, a first movable portion defining a housing configured to
receive a portable electronic device, and a second movable portion.
The first and second movable portions are rotatably coupled to the
support structure and movable between a first configuration and a
second configuration. In the first configuration, the first movable
portion is in an upright orientation and in the second
configuration the first movable portion is in a flat orientation.
The portable electronic device is configured to provide different
game modes depending at least upon the orientation of the first
movable portion and the detection of certain toy objects
thereon.
Inventors: |
PARDI; Jared P.;
(Cheektowaga, NY) ; ARGAUER, JR.; Brian John;
(Cheektowaga, NY) ; CORDIER; Bruce Robert; (West
Seneca, NY) ; DAMON; Daniel J.; (South Wales, NY)
; FAVORITO; Anthony; (Buffalo, NY) ; MCCORMICK;
William Joseph; (Hamburg, NY) ; MYSLIWY; Brian
P.; (Tonawanda, NY) ; RUMFOLA, III; Ross;
(Akron, NY) ; STUCKE, JR.; Donald W.; (East
Aurora, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mattel, Inc. |
El Segundo |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Mattel, Inc.
El Segundo
CA
|
Family ID: |
51034968 |
Appl. No.: |
14/147076 |
Filed: |
January 3, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61749030 |
Jan 4, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/71 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2250/30 20130101;
A63H 33/003 20130101; A63H 33/42 20130101; A63H 33/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/71 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/00 20060101
A63H033/00 |
Claims
1. A toy play set comprising: a support structure; a first movable
portion, the first movable portion defining a housing configured to
receive a portable electronic device; and a second movable portion,
the first and second movable portions being movably coupled to the
support structure and movable between a first configuration and a
second configuration, the first movable portion being in an upright
orientation in the first configuration and a flat orientation in
the second configuration and the portable electronic device being
configured to provide different game modes depending at least upon
the orientation of the first movable portion.
2. The toy play set of claim 1, wherein the second movable portion
is in a flat orientation in both the first configuration and the
second configuration.
3. The toy play set of claim 1, wherein the first and second
movable portions are rotatable between the flat orientation and the
upright orientation with respect to the support structure.
4. The toy play set of claim 1, wherein the second movable portion
further comprises: controls electronically coupled to the portable
electronic device.
5. The toy play set of claim 4, wherein the controls comprise: at
least one of a movement sensing assembly or buttons.
6. The toy play set of claim 1, wherein the game mode provided by
the portable electronic device is further dependent upon the
detected presence of a certain character or object.
7. The toy play set of claim 6, wherein the toy play set is
operable in at least a first game mode or a second game mode when
in the first configuration and a third or fourth game mode when in
the second configuration, wherein the first and second game modes
are only accessible when the portable electronic device is
electronically coupled to the playset.
8. The toy play set of claim 7, wherein the second movable portion
further comprises: controls electronically coupled to the portable
electronic device and the second game mode is played via the
controls.
9. The toy play set of claim 7, wherein at least one of the first,
second, third and fourth games modes includes character-specific
sub modes, each of the sub modes being initiated upon detection of
a character.
10. The toy play set of claim 7, wherein the support structure
includes a theme and the portable electronic device displays
interactive images that match the theme of the support structure
when in the first and third game modes.
11. The toy play set of claim 10, wherein the support structure
includes a castle theme.
12. The toy play set of claim 1, wherein the first movable portion
comprises: a top; and a bottom, the top and bottom forming a
housing for receiving the portable electronic device therebetween
and the top and the bottom being selectively coupleable along at
least one of their edges in order to selectively secure the
portable electronic device within the housing.
13. The toy play set of claim 12, wherein the first movable portion
further comprises: at least two actuators, the top and bottom only
being decoupleable along at least one of their edges when more than
one of the at least two actuators are actuated simultaneously.
14. A toy play set comprising: a support structure configured to
rest atop a support surface and including at least one feature
configured to receive a toy accessory; and a housing configured to
removably receive a portable electronic device, the housing being
movably coupled to the support structure and movable with respect
to the support structure between a flat orientation and an upright
orientation.
15. The toy play set of claim 14, wherein the support structure and
housing include a theme and the portable electronic device is
configured to display images or games which match the theme when
the portable electronic device is received within the housing.
16. The toy play set of claim 14, wherein the portable electronic
device is configured to provide at least a first play mode in the
flat orientation and at least a second play mode in the upright
orientation, the first play mode being different from the second
play mode.
17. The toy play set of claim 14, wherein the housing is a first
movable portion and the toy play set further comprises: a second
movable portion, the second movable portion also being movably
coupled to the support structure, the second movable portion
including controls to allow a user to interact with the portable
electronic device.
18. A housing for a portable electronic device comprising: a top
including at least two lateral edges; a bottom hingedly coupled to
the top at a first lateral edge and removably securable to the top
via a locking mechanism at a second lateral edge, the top and
bottom being configured to receive the portable electronic device
therebetween; at least two actuators, wherein more than one of the
at least two actuators must be actuated simultaneously in order to
release the locking mechanism and decouple the second lateral edge
of the bottom from the top; and a hinge coupled to a toy play set,
wherein the hinge allows the housing for the portable electronic
device to be rotatably coupled to the toy play set along the first
lateral edge so that the housing is rotatable between a flat
orientation and an upright orientation.
19. The housing of claim 18, wherein the housing is configured to
be electronically coupled to the portable electronic device when
the portable electronic device is received therein.
20. The housing of claim 18, wherein the top further comprises: a
cover biased in a first position, the first position aligning the
cover to cover a home button of a portable electronic device when
the portable electronic device is oriented in a first direction
within the housing, wherein the cover is selectively retractable to
a second position which reveals the home button; and a slot being
alignable with the home button in order to expose the home button
when the portable electronic device is oriented in a second
direction within the housing.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to and is based on U.S.
Patent Application No. 61/749,030, filed Jan. 4, 2013, Attorney
Docket No. 0621.2035P, entitled "A Toy Play Set with Multiple Modes
and a Housing for a Portable Electronic Device," the entire
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a toy play set. More
particularly, the present invention relates a play set for toys,
such as figurines, that can be used in conjunction with a portable
electronic device ("PED"). The present invention also relates to a
play set that includes a movable or reconfigurable housing for a
PED, the housing being movable into multiple configurations or
orientations within the play set.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] As touch-based or touchscreen technology has become more
prevalent in society, the range of users for the same technology
has dramatically increased. In fact, many touch-based tablets and
apps are now created explicitly for children. Some of these
touch-based devices are configured to detect an object (e.g. a
stylus) or a user's finger in order to increase the play value of
the touch-based device and some devices may even recognize certain
toy objects. One example of a touch based device that recognize toy
objects is described in more detail in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 13/053,550, filed on Mar. 22, 2011, entitled Electronic Device
and the Input and Output of Data (now U.S. Publication No.
2011/0227871 A1), which is hereby incorporated by reference in
full.
[0004] Although many touch based devices have been successfully
configured or adapted for use by children, many touch based PEDs
are still fragile and easy to break. Thus, many PEDs must be kept
in a case or cover when a child is using the PED. In order to
increase the play value of cases and covers for touch screen PEDs,
some cases and covers have incorporated additional play features or
designs. However, the play features of the cases and covers do not
always interact with the play included on the touch screen device
and frequently confine touchscreen PEDs to one configuration within
the case or cover. In other words, once a PED is placed in a case
or cover, the PED device may not be moved within the cover or case.
Thus, a toy play set with multiple modes that includes a movable or
reconfigurable housing for a PED is desired.
SUMMARY
[0005] According to at least one embodiment of the present
invention a toy play set includes a support structure, a first
movable portion, and a second movable portion. The first movable
portion defines a housing configured to receive a portable
electronic device and the first and second movable portions are
movably coupled to the support structure and movable between a
first configuration and a second configuration. The first movable
portion is in an upright orientation in the first configuration and
a flat orientation in the second configuration and the portable
electronic device is configured to provide different game modes
depending at least upon the orientation of the first movable
portion.
[0006] In some embodiments of the above toy play set, the second
movable portion is in a flat orientation in both the first
configuration and the second configuration. In other embodiments,
the first and second movable portions are rotatable between the
flat orientation and the upright orientation with respect to the
support structure. In yet other embodiments, the second movable
portion also includes controls electronically coupled to the
portable electronic device. In some of these embodiments, the
controls include at least one of a movement sensing assembly or
buttons.
[0007] In yet other embodiments of the above play set, the game
mode provided by the portable electronic device is further
dependent upon the detected presence of a certain character or
object. In some of these embodiments, the toy play set is operable
in at least a first game mode or a second game mode when in the
first configuration and a third or fourth game mode when in the
second configuration, wherein the first and second game modes are
only accessible when the portable electronic device is
electronically coupled to the playset. For example, in embodiments
where the second movable portion includes controls electronically
coupled to the portable electronic device, the second game mode is
played via the controls. In embodiments where at least one of the
first, second, third and fourth games modes includes
character-specific sub modes, each of the sub modes is initiated
upon detection of a character. In yet other embodiments, the
support structure includes a theme and the portable electronic
device displays interactive images that match the theme of the
support structure when in the first and third game modes. For
example, the support structure may include a castle theme.
[0008] In still further embodiments, the first movable portion
includes a top and a bottom. The top and bottom form a housing for
receiving the portable electronic device therebetween and the top
and the bottom are selectively coupleable along at least one of
their edges in order to selectively secure the portable electronic
device within the housing. In some of these embodiments, the first
movable portion also includes at least two actuators, the top and
bottom only being decoupleable along at least one of their edges
when more than one of the at least two actuators are actuated
simultaneously.
[0009] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
toy play set includes a support structure and a housing. The
support structure is configured to rest atop a support surface and
includes at least one feature configured to receive a toy
accessory. The housing is configured to removably receive a
portable electronic device and is movably coupled to the support
structure and movable with respect to the support structure between
a flat orientation and an upright orientation.
[0010] In some embodiments of the above toy play set, the support
structure and housing include a theme and the portable electronic
device is configured to display images or games which match the
theme when the portable electronic device is received within the
housing. In other embodiments, the portable electronic device is
configured to provide at least a first play mode in the flat
orientation and at least a second play mode in the upright
orientation, the first play mode being different from the second
play mode. In still other embodiments, the housing is a first
movable portion and the toy play set also includes a second movable
portion. The second movable portion also being movably coupled to
the support structure and including controls to allow a user to
interact with the portable electronic device.
[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, a housing for a portable electronic device includes a
top including at least two lateral edges, a bottom hingedly coupled
to the top at a first lateral edge, at least two actuators, and a
hinge coupled to a toy play set. The bottom is removably securable
to the top via a locking mechanism at a second lateral edge and the
top and bottom are configured to receive the portable electronic
device therebetween. In order to release the locking mechanism and
decouple the second lateral edge of the bottom from the top, more
than one of the at least two actuators must be actuated
simultaneously. The hinge allows the housing for the portable
electronic device to be rotatably coupled to the toy play set along
the first lateral edge so that the housing is rotatable between a
flat orientation and an upright orientation.
[0012] Some embodiments of the above housing are configured to be
electronically coupled to the portable electronic device when the
portable electronic device is received therein. In other
embodiments, the top also includes a cover and a slot. The cover is
biased in a first position that aligns the cover to cover a home
button of a portable electronic device when the portable electronic
device is oriented in a first direction within the housing. The
cover is selectively retractable to a second position which reveals
the home button. The slot is alignable with the home button in
order to expose the home button when the portable electronic device
is oriented in a second direction within the housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment
of a play set in a first or upright configuration, in accordance
with the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a portion of the
exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an object that may be
used with the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
[0016] FIGS. 4-5 show perspective views of the exemplary embodiment
shown in FIG. 1 between configurations.
[0017] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment
shown in FIG. 1 in a flat or second configuration.
[0018] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a portion of the
exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6 with an exemplary toy figurine
placed thereon.
[0019] FIGS. 8-9 show rear views of the portion of the exemplary
embodiment shown in FIG. 7.
[0020] FIGS. 10a, 10b, and 11 show perspective views of the portion
of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7.
[0021] FIGS. 12-13 show perspective views of a bottom of the
portion of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7.
[0022] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a top of the portion of
the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7.
[0023] FIGS. 15a-c show front views of a portion of the top of FIG.
14.
[0024] FIG. 16a-b show perspective views of the play set of FIG. 1
in a first or upright configuration, in accordance with the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 17a-b show perspective views of the play set of FIG. 1
in a second configuration, in accordance with the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the play set of FIG. 1,
including multiple figurines that may be used with the play
set.
[0027] FIG. 19 shows a flow chart of the exemplary play modes for a
toy play set with multiple modes and a housing for an electronic
device, in accordance with the present invention.
[0028] Like reference numerals have been used to identify like
elements throughout this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] Generally referring to FIGS. 1-19, at least one exemplary
embodiment of a toy play set with multiple modes and a housing for
a PED is shown. The play set may include a housing configured to
receive a PED and a support structure configured to support the
housing in multiple configurations. A PED that is disposed within
the housing may be programmed to function in different modes based
on at least orientation with respect to the support structure
and/or the presence of different objects or toys on the device or
the play set.
[0030] Referring first to FIG. 1, an exemplary play set 100 is
shown. The play set may include a support structure 102 with
various platforms 108 and mounting points 106, to increase the play
value of the play set 100 when it is used without a portable
electronic device. The support structure also includes a base 104
in order to stabilize the play set 100 regardless of its
configuration. The support structure 102 may also support at least
two movable portions, including a first movable portion 200 and a
second movable portion 300.
[0031] Still referring to FIG. 1, each of the movable portions 200,
300 may house or provide a housing for various electronics and may
be movable between a substantially upright or vertical orientation
and a substantially flat or horizontal orientation. For example, in
FIG. 1, the play set is in a first configuration 10 with the first
movable portion 200 being in an upright orientation and the second
movable portion 300 being in a flat orientation. Also, in FIG. 1,
the first movable portion 200 includes a housing 201 for a PED 40,
while the second movable portion 300 includes various controls,
such as buttons 306 and a movement sensing assembly 310 configured
to receive an object 60. The second movable portion 300 may also
include and electronics to electronically couple any controls
included therein to the portable electronic device.
[0032] In some embodiments, the electronics included in the second
movable portion 300 may be electronically coupled to the PED 40
housed in the first movable portion 200. In the exemplary
embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the buttons 306 and movement sensing
assembly 310 may be linked to the PED 40 via a dongle that is
inserted into a headphone jack included in the PED 40. However, in
other embodiments, electronics included in movable portion may
linked to PED 40 via any desirable method (wired or wireless) such
that when a PED 40 is mounted or housed within the first movable
portion 200, a user may communicate with the PED 40 via controls
included on second movable portion 300, such as buttons 306 and
movement sensing assembly 310. In some embodiments, the necessary
wires and couplings to provide such a connection may be included in
play set 100.
[0033] Now referring to FIGS. 2-3, with continued reference to FIG.
1, the movement sensing assembly 310 and object 60 are shown in
closer detail. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second movable portion
300 may include a housing 302 and a stand 304. The top surface of
the housing 302 may include an aperture 308 and a receiver 312 may
be housed or rotatably mounted within aperture 308. A movement
sensor (not pictured) may be disposed substantially beneath or
within receiver 312 and may be configured to sense or track the
movement of receiver 312. Thus, movement sensing assembly 310 may,
in essence, allow an object to communicate with a movement sensor.
For example, an object 60 may be inserted into a receiver 312, such
that movement of the object may control movement of the receiver
312. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, object 60 is
shaped as cannon, but it is to be understood that object 60 may be
any desirable shape or size which allows object 60 to function in
accordance with the scope of the present invention. In fact, in
some embodiments, a user may even use a finger to manipulate
receiver 312.
[0034] Still referring to FIGS. 2-3, in order ensure that the
receiver 312 follows the movements of object 60, including both
rotational and lateral movement, receiver 312 may include a cavity
314 with at least one flat wall and object 60 may include
insertable section 65 with substantially the same shape. Although
FIG. 3 does not clearly show the cross-sectional area of insertable
section 65, at least a portion of section 65 (the lowermost portion
in FIG. 3) may be shaped substantially the same as cavity 314, such
that insertable section 65 may prevent object 60 from simply
spinning within cavity 314 when object 60 is disposed therein. The
flat side of cavity 314 and insertable section 65 may also assist
users in aligning the object 60 as intended. Although the cavity
314 and insertable section 65 are shown to be substantially
circular with a flat side, it is to be understood that cavity 314
and insertable section 65 may be shaped as desired so long as that
when insertable section 65 is inserted into cavity 314, receiver
312 moves with object 60.
[0035] Now turning to FIGS. 4-5, two perspective views of play set
100 are shown and illustrate at least a portion of the range of
motion of each movable portion 200 and 300. In FIG. 4, the first
movable portion 200 is shown between an upright orientation and a
flat orientation while in FIG. 5, the second movable portion 300 is
shown between an upright orientation and flat orientation. Both
movable portions 200 and 300 may be pivotably coupled to the
support structure 102, such as by hinges 280 and 320, respectively,
such that each movable portion 200, 300 may rotate, at least
partially, about an axis parallel to or contiguous with base 104,
such as axis A. However, in other embodiments, hinges 280 and 320
may be coupled to support structure 102 at separate locations, such
that each movable portion may rotate about a separate axis.
[0036] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-5, since each
portion 200, 300 is mounted to the support structure 102 along the
same axis, each movable portion 200, 300 may limit the range of the
other movable portion. Alternatively or additionally, the range of
motion of each portion 200, 300 may also be limited by parts of
portions of the support structure 102, such as the innermost edges
of the towers included in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS.
4-5, wherein innermost simply denotes the edges disposed closest to
the support structure 102. However, it is to be understood that
movable portions 200, 300 may at least rotate ninety degrees, from
an upright orientation to a flat orientation, such that the play
set 100 may move between configuration 10 (see FIG. 1),
configuration 20 (see FIG. 6), and a folded configuration (not
pictured). In the folded configuration, both movable portions 200,
300 may be in substantially upright orientations.
[0037] Still referring to FIGS. 4-5, FIG. 4 provides a partial top
view of the first movable portion 200 while FIG. 5 provides a
partial top view of the second movable portion 300. As can be seen
in FIG. 4, housing 201 may include a top or front portion 202 and a
bottom or rear portion 208. The uppermost portion of top 202 may
substantially overlap or hang over bottom 208, such that a portion
of top 202 may serve as a stand or platform when the first movable
portion 200 is in a flat orientation, such as when play set 100 is
in the second configuration 20. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5,
housing 302 includes a stand 304 that may serve as a stand or
platform when the second movable portion 300 is in a flat
orientation.
[0038] Thus, in embodiments where movable portions 200 and 300 are
rotatably coupled to support structure 102 at a position elevated
above the surface that the support structure 102 is resting upon,
movable portions 200, 300 may actually be flat when disposed in a
flat or horizontal orientation. In other embodiments, such as those
where movable portions 200, 300 are rotatably coupled to support
structure 102 in a non-elevated orientation with respect to the
surface that support structure 102 is resting upon, the overhanging
portion of top 202 and the stand 304 may be omitted from the first
and second movable portions 200, 300, respectively. In still
further embodiments, the overhanging portion of top 202 and stand
304 may be sized as desired so that movable portions 200, 300 may
be disposed at desirable angles when either is disposed in a flat
configuration, such as second configuration 20.
[0039] Now turning to FIGS. 6-7, the play set 100 is shown in the
second configuration 20. In the second configuration 20, both the
movable portions 200, 300 are substantially horizontal or flat.
Thus, in configuration 20, a PED 40 housed within housing 201 may
be substantially parallel to the support surface that the play set
100 is resting on, such that objects or toys may rest on top of PED
40. In order to protect the protect PED 40, the top 202 of housing
201 may include a protective film 204 which prevents scratches but
allows conductive touches to still be sensed by the PED 40.
Preferably, the film 204 is simply thin enough to allow the
conductive sensing of the PED 40 to work through the film 204.
Thus, when a conductive figurine 50 is placed on top of housing
201, as is shown in FIG. 7, the PED 40 may be protected from
damage, but may still be able to sense that the conductive figurine
is "touching" the PED 40.
[0040] As can also be seen in FIGS. 6-7, housing 201 may also
include a retractable cover 206 and a slot 205 disposed on opposite
lateral edges of top 202. These features may allow a "home" button
included on a PED 40 to either be selectively protected or
accessible, as desired, depending on the orientation of the PED 40.
In other words, cover 206 and slot 205 may allow a parent to set up
a PED 40 for their child, with or without restricting access to
other programs or software applications included on the PED 40.
[0041] For example, if a parent wants the home button to be
covered, the parent may place the PED 40 in tray 260 so that the
home button is aligned with cover 206. In some embodiments, cover
206 may be biased in a covering position so that cover 206 may also
serve as a child lock, as desired. If biased, the cover 206 must be
held in a retracted position in order to press the home button and
the cover 206 will automatically move back into a covering
orientation once released. On the other hand, if a parent is
comfortable with their child having access to the home button, the
parent may rotate the PED 180 degrees to align the "home" button
with slot 205, such that the "home" button is still accessible when
PED 40 is in play set 100. Alternatively, if a child is old enough
to operate retractable cover 206 but still wants the home button of
a PED 40 to be covered to prevent it from being accidentally
pushed, the home button may be aligned with cover 206 for
convenience. Additionally, the slot 205 and cover 206 may allow the
PED's camera or light sensor to be selectively or permanently
exposed for at least some PED's, such as those PED's which include
a camera or light sensor at an edge opposite the home button, as
the camera or light sensor will be aligned with the slot 205 or
cover 206 that is not disposed over the home button.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 8-9, the bottom 208 of housing 201 is
shown from a rear perspective. As can be seen in FIGS. 8-9, the
bottom 208 includes a locking mechanism 210 that may secure the
first movable portion 200 in an upright orientation--the
orientation that the first movable portion 200 is disposed in when
the play set is in the first configuration 10. The locking
mechanism 210 includes a rotatable knob 212 coupled to two elongate
members 214. When extended or locked, each elongate member 214 may
extend into a housing 216 included on support structure 102, as
seen in FIG. 8. Upon being rotated, such as in direction "C," the
elongate members 214 may retract or move inwards until the elongate
members 214 are removed from housings 216, as seen in FIG. 9,
thereby allowing first movable portion 200 to rotate freely about
hinges 280.
[0043] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be biased in
a locking orientation (as seen in FIG. 8) or an unlocked
orientation (as seen in FIG. 9), but in the present embodiment, the
locking mechanism 210 is not biased. Instead, the locking mechanism
will remain in either a locked orientation or unlocked orientation
until manually manipulated. Thus, once unlocked, a user must align
the elongate members 214 with housings 216 and turn knob 212 in
direction "D" in order to lock movable portion 200 in an upright
orientation. However, it is to be understood that the housings 216
included in FIGS. 8-9 are merely exemplary and that, in other
embodiments, housings 216 may be any desirable portion of support
structure 102 that may retain a movable portion 200 or 300 in an
upright position. For example, in some embodiments housings 216 may
not receive elongate members 214 therein and, instead, may simply
prevent elongate members 214 from moving in one direction (i.e.
housing 216 may be a solid protrusion that an elongate member 214
can rest upon). Additionally, housing 216 may, in some embodiments,
secure elongate members 214 in non-upright orientations, as
desired.
[0044] Turning to FIGS. 10a-10b and 11, housing 201 is shown in
further detail. As can be seen, housing 201 is formed from top 202
and bottom 208 such that an interior cavity shaped to receive a PED
40 is defined. In some embodiments, bottom 208 may also include a
tray 260 to securely receive the PED 40. Furthermore, the top 202
and bottom 208 may be rotatably coupled at one end (i.e. via hinges
280) and may be selectively coupleable at the opposite end, such as
by latches 220. As will be addressed in more detail below, latches
220 may include at least two sets of movable projections 224, 230
(see FIG. 14) configured to selectively engage openings 240 in a
manner which requires each set of projections 224, 230 to move in
an opposite direction in order to decouple top 202 from bottom 208.
Thus, in order to decouple top 202 from bottom 208, two actuators
250 (best shown in FIG. 11) must be engaged simultaneously. When
both actuators 250 are engaged, a user may lift top 202 away from
bottom 208, as seen in FIGS. 10a-10b. However, in some embodiments,
the sets of projections 224, 230 may be configured so that the top
202 and bottom 208 may be secured together without actuating any of
the actuators 250, as is described below.
[0045] As mentioned above, and as shown in more detail in FIGS.
12-13, the interior side of bottom 208 may include a tray 260
configured to receive a PED 40. A PED 40 may be inserted into tray
260 when top 202 and bottom 208 are separated from each other, and
top 202 and bottom 208 may subsequently secured together around PED
40, via latches 220 in order to form a protective case for the PED
40. In order to securely receive the PED 40, the tray 260 may
include various stops, supports and spacers, as needed, such as
support members 262. Support members 262 may allow tray 260 to
receive PEDs of various sizes and shapes and may ensure that the
PED is secured tightly against the film 204 included in top 202.
Thus, when objects are placed on film 204, the film 204 will not
sag or otherwise deform.
[0046] Additionally, in some embodiments, tray 260 may be removable
and/or reversible. As an example, tray 260 may be "reversible" by
removing it and reinserting it with the supports 262 facing
downwards (i.e. towards bottom 208). Reversing the tray 260 in the
absence of a PED 40 may provide a solid surface under film 204,
allowing the play set 100 to be used for play when a PED 40 is not
available or installed within the play set 100 while still
protecting film 204. Additionally, in some embodiments, the housing
201 may not include a film 204 and reversing the tray may simply
provide a play surface that is coplanar with the top surface of top
202.
[0047] Now referring to FIGS. 14 and 15a-c, the sets of movable
projections 224, 230 that may be received within openings 240 are
shown in more detail. As shown in FIG. 14, each set of movable
projections 224, 230 may include three projections 226, 234,
respectively, spaced along the length of the uppermost edge of top
202. In some embodiments, each of these projections may be
independent, but in the present embodiment, each of the projections
226, 234 included in the sets of projections 224, 230 is
mechanically coupled to the other projections in that set, such
that all projections 226, 234 in a set of projections 224, 230 may
be actuated together. Thus, although only one projection from each
set 224, 230 is shown in FIGS. 15a-c, it is understood to be
representative of the set of projections 224, 230. Further, in the
present embodiment, for redundancy, each actuator 250 actuates one
set of projections 224, 230, but in some embodiments, both sets of
projections 224, 230 may be actuated by one of the actuators
250.
[0048] In FIGS. 15a-c, projections 226, 234 are shown in closer
detail. Each projection 226, 234 extends from or through a slot
228, 232 in the top surface of top 202 and is slidable therein.
Each slot 228, 232 may minor and substantially align with an
opening 240 included on the bottom 208, such that when top 202 is
closed atop of bottom 208, each pair of slots 228 and 232 may form
one contiguous cavity with each opening 240. Thus, if the entirety
of the projection is disposed within its slot 228, 232, it may be
received in the opening 240. However, each projection 226, 234 also
includes a respective overhanging portion 227, 235 that may extend
over a lateral edge of its respective slot 228, 232. In some
embodiments, such as the one shown in FIGS. 15a-c, the projections
226, 234 may be biased in an orientation where the overhanging
portion 227, 235 is extending past a lateral edge of its respective
slot 228, 232. Thus, in order to insert, and subsequently lock the
projections 226, 234 within openings 240 the projections 226, 234
must first be moved within slots 228, 232. This may be accomplished
by actuating each set of projections 224, 230, by, for example,
simultaneously actuating both actuators 250.
[0049] When actuated, each projection 226, 234 may slide away from
one end of slot 228, 232, but while projection 226 may slide in a
first direction, projection 234 slides in a second, opposite
direction. In FIG. 15a, neither set of projections 224, 230 is
actuated, in FIG. 15b, set 224 is actuated, and in FIG. 15b, both
set 224 and set 230 are actuated. As seen in FIGS. 15b and 15c,
once actuated, projection 226 move in a first direction such that
it is disposed substantially within slot 228. Similarly, as shown
in FIG. 15c, once projection 234 is actuated, projection 234 moves
in a second direction such that it is disposed substantially within
slot 232.
[0050] Once both projections 226 and 234 are disposed within slots
228, 232, the top 202 may be lowered onto bottom 208, inserting
every projection 226, 234 from sets 224, 230 into openings 240. In
some embodiments, overhanging portions 235 and 227 may be angled or
sloped so that even if the projections are disposed slightly
exterior of their respective slots, the projections may still be
inserted into openings 240. Thus, even if the projections 226, 234
are disposed slightly exteriorly of their respective slots 228,
232, the projections 226, 234 may still, in some embodiments, be
inserted into openings 240. In other words, the projections 226,
234 may automatically align with opening 240 when the top 202 and
bottom 208 are closed together. Alternatively, each set of
projections 226, 234 may be moved within slots 240 by
simultaneously actuating actuators 250. Regardless, once
projections 226, 234 are inserted into openings 240, actuators 250
may be released and the projections may return to their biased or
non-actuated orientations (see FIG. 15a), locking top 202 to bottom
208.
[0051] In order to remove or unlock top 202 from bottom 208, the
same steps may be taken in reverse. In short, the actuators 250 may
be depressed, so that the projections 226, 234 are aligned with the
openings 240 such that the top 202 can be removed from the bottom
208. However, in contrast with the steps for closing the housing
201, the top 202 and bottom 208 may not simply be pulled apart
without actuating the actuators 250, thereby preventing or
discouraging a child below a desired age from removing a PED 40
form the housing 201.
[0052] Next, generally referring to FIGS. 16a-19, the various play
modes of play set 100 are shown or illustrated. The PED 40 may
determine which play mode to provide based on at least the
orientation of the PED 40 and the presence of various objects or
toys on the PED 40. In order to sense orientation, a PED may
utilize any motion, tilt, or orientation sensor included in the PED
40 that is capable of distinguishing between when the PED 40 is in
an upright orientation or a flat orientation. For example, in FIGS.
16a, 16b and 18 the play set 100 is in first configuration 10, so
the PED 40 may provide vertical play modes, but in FIGS. 17a and
17b, the play set 100 is in second configuration 20, so the PED 40
may provide flat or horizontal play modes. In some embodiments, the
PED 40 may continue to provide play modes when it is disconnected
from the playset 100 and oriented in similar positions to the
position the PED 40 is oriented in in these configurations, but,
preferably, the vertical play modes will only be available when the
PED 40 is electronically coupled to the playset 100.
[0053] In FIGS. 16A, 16B and 18, the PED 40 is in an upright or
vertical orientation and the PED 40 is electronically coupled to
the playset 100. Consequently, the play set 100 is in a first
configuration 10. However, in other embodiments, the PED 40 might
not be electronically coupled to the playset 100 when in the first
configuration 10 and the PED 40 may recognize that it is installed
within the playset 100 in a vertical position in any desirable
manner. In other words, while it is preferred that the PED 40 be
electronically coupled to the playset 100 in the first
configuration 10, the playset 100 may be considered to be in its
first configuration when configured substantially as shown in FIGS.
16A, 16B, and 18, regardless of how or if the PED 40 is
electronically connected thereto. When in the first configuration
10, the PED 40 may provide at least two vertical play modes, such
as "living backgrounds" mode (see FIG. 16a) and "cannon games"
mode" (see FIG. 16a), and the specific vertical play mode provided
may be dependent on objects detected by the playset 100 or PED 40
and/or user selections or inputs.
[0054] For example, in some embodiments, the PED 40 may function in
a first mode, such as living backgrounds mode, by default, and
provide access to the second mode, such as cannon games mode, in
response to certain user actions or inputs. In the present
embodiment, a user may simply make a selection or series of
selections in order to initiate the second mode (i.e. cannon games
mode). However, in other embodiments, the PED 40 may function in
the second mode in response to feedback from the movement sensor
310. For example, in some embodiments, the presence of an object 60
in the movement sensor 310 may trigger the PED 40 to move into
cannon games mode and in still other embodiments (i.e. embodiments
in which movement sensor 310 only detects the movement of receiver
312 and not the mere presence of an object 60), the PED 40 may move
into cannon games mode when an object 60 is moved within the
receiver 312 (like a joystick). In yet other embodiments, a user
may only access the second mode from within the first mode. In
other words, a user may be required to touch a portion of the
screen or a menu that is presented in the first mode in order to
access the second mode. Regardless of how the modes are accessed or
provided, each vertical play mode may also include
character-specific sub modes which may be provided upon the
detection of a character. In fact, in some embodiments, the
detection of a character may trigger a certain mode or sub mode to
be provided.
[0055] In FIGS. 17a and 17b, play set 100 is shown in the second
configuration 20 and, thus, the PED 40 in a substantially flat or
horizontal orientation. When the playset 100 is in the second
configuration 20, the playset 100 may provide any number of
horizontal play modes that may be accessed in a similar manner to
the manner described above for accessing the first and second modes
of the first configuration 10. Also, and similar to the first
configuration 10, the PED 40 is preferably electronically coupled
to the playset 100 in the second configuration 20. However, in
contrast with the first configuration 10, it is preferred that the
PED 40 is able to provide any horizontal play modes whether or not
the PED 40 is electronically coupled to the playset 100.
[0056] In this particular embodiment, the PED 40 is configured to
provide a third mode, such as "adventure and exploration" mode,
which may alternatively be referred to as adventure mode (see FIG.
17a), and a fourth mode, such as "figure-based games" mode (see
FIG. 17b) when the playset 100 is in the second configuration 20.
Adventure mode may be the default mode initially provided by the
PED 40 upon recognizing that it is in the second configuration 20.
Again similar to the vertical play modes, regardless of how these
modes are accessed or provided, each horizontal play mode may also
include character-specific sub modes which may be provided upon the
detection of a character.
[0057] Now referring to FIGS. 18-19, with continued reference to
FIGS. 16a-b and 17a-b, the PED 40 may be configured to recognize
any number of characters, which may alternatively be referred to as
figures or figurines. In this particular embodiment, the PED 40 is
configured to recognize at least a knight 501, a troll 502, a
wizard 503, and an archer 505, as seen in FIG. 18. In other
embodiments, the PED 40 could be configured to recognize and adapt
(i.e., "unlock" new content) to any number of other
figures/characters. Regardless of the number of characters, each of
these characters triggers slightly different versions or "sub
modes" within the modes--living background mode, cannon mode,
adventure mode and character-based games mode--provided by the PED
40. FIG. 19 is a flow chart representation of the different modes
of play.
[0058] As can be seen in the flow chart of FIG. 19 and as described
above, there are four main modes of play in this particular
embodiment, living backgrounds, cannon games, adventure, and
figure-based games. These game modes may alternatively be referred
to as a first, second, third, and fourth game modes, respectively.
The software associated with these games may also include at least
one menu-type setting or mode, such as "the great hall" and "the
courtyard" which may include doors or areas which may allow a user
to literally and figuratively enter into the available modes in a
particular configuration. For example, the great hall may provide
access to the cannon games and living backgrounds modes when the
PED 40 is in vertical game mode while the courtyard provides access
the adventure and figure-based games modes when the PED 40 is in
horizontal game mode. In order to determine which of the four main
modes or menu-type settings the PED 40 should enter, the PED 40 may
constantly check or determine whether it is in a vertical or
horizontal orientation. Upon a change in orientation, the PED 40
may shift between modes or menus. Furthermore, each of the four
aforementioned modes includes sub modes, which provide slight,
character-dependent variations of the main play mode that the sub
mode depends from. In order to determine which of the sub modes the
PED 40 should present, the PED 40 may constantly check or determine
if a character has been recognized by the PED 40.
[0059] As a more specific example of some of the modal
functionality, in some embodiments, when the playset 100 is moved
to an upright configuration 10, the PED 40 may initially present
the great hall. Then, upon recognition of a character, character
specific sub modes of the vertical play modes may become available.
In embodiments where living backgrounds mode is the default mode, a
door, entry, portion, or some other feature of the great hall may
be unlocked, allowing the user to enter (i.e. by moving a physical
or virtual character to and through a door via touches) the
character specific living background. Alternatively, upon
recognition of a character, a virtual representation of the
detected character may automatically move through a door revealing
the associated living background. For example, the knight 501 may
unlock a door to a knight's bedroom, the wizard 503 may unlock a
door to a wizard's lab, the archer 505 may unlock a door to an
archery range, and the troll 502 may unlock a door to a dungeon.
Each character-specific living background may include different
features and/or interactive elements for a user to play with, only
relating to each other insofar as each living background is a room
or setting.
[0060] In this particular embodiment, the "living background mode,"
is the default or basic mode for vertical play. In other words, if
the PED 40 is in vertical play, the PED 40 may initially enter or
remain in living background mode. However, since the specific
living background sub mode is dependent on detected objects, if the
PED 40 has detected and identified a conductive object prior to
entering living background mode, the PED 40 may present a living
background corresponding to the identity of that conductive object.
In some embodiments, a character-specific living background may not
be provided until the playset is in the upright configuration 10
and a character is detected. In the particular embodiment shown in
FIG. 16A, a knight 501 has been introduced to the PED 40 and, as
such, the PED 40 is presenting the knight's room with a virtual
representation of the knight 501 disposed therein. Additionally,
although it is not apparent from FIG. 16a, this particular living
background may include features, such a chest, that, if opened,
provides a new and interesting feature, such a sword for the
virtual representation of the knight.
[0061] Alternatively, upon detection of a character, a user may
choose to enter cannon mode with this specific character, such as
via a selection or via movement of an object 60 in the movement
sensor 310, as described above. In cannon mode, the gameplay is
substantially the same regardless of the latest detected character,
but the setting, ammo or enemies running at the user may change
depending on the character that was most recently identified. For
example, if the knight 501 was last detected by the PED 40, the
knight 501 specific cannon game sub mode may display enemy
characters 70 resembling trolls that appear to be running towards
the user, as seen in FIG. 16b. In some embodiments, each
character's cannon mode may only be accessible from the character's
specific living background mode.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 16b, once in cannon mode, a user may use an
object 60 that is inserted into receiver 312 to manipulate a target
or indicator 55 displayed on the screen of PED 40 and may use the
buttons 306 to "shoot" the images or characters 70 coming towards
him or her. Alternatively, a user may simply tap the screen at an
appropriate location in order to "shoot" the images or characters
70 coming towards him or her. In some embodiments, if the PED 40
includes a rear-facing camera or recording device, the PED 40 may
present the image seen behind the play set 100 as the background
and superimpose characters 70 thereon. Thus, the characters running
towards the user may appear to running in the real-world background
that is disposed behind the play set 100.
[0063] Then, when the PED 40 is moved to a flat configuration 20,
the PED 40 may initially present a courtyard or other outdoor
setting, as seen in FIG. 17a, which enables a user to select or
move between different sub modes of adventure mode and to enter
into character-based games. Dependent on the character or virtual
representation of the character detected, the PED 40 may provide
different character-themed settings and areas to explore from this
courtyard in the various adventure sub modes. Each of these areas
may match the theme of the playset 100 in order to increase the
play value of the playset 100. Additionally, the courtyard may also
include areas or hotspots which may allow a user to enter into the
figure-based games mode. Different hotspots may only be accessible
by certain characters or may only appear upon the detection of
certain characters.
[0064] In some embodiments, once the user moves a character or
virtual representation of that character to a hotspot, the PED 40
may provide a figure-based game sub mode that is suited or tailored
to a detected character, as seen in FIG. 17b. For example, the PED
40 may present a Knight-specific game, or Knight-specific version
of a game, when the knight 501 is detected at a specific hotspot
(as seen in FIG. 17b), a wizard-specific game, or wizard-specific
version of a game, when the wizard 503 is detected at a specific
hotspot, an archer-specific game, or archer-specific version of a
game when the archer 505 is detected at a specific hotspot, and a
troll game, or troll-specific version of a game when the troll 502
is detected at a specific hotspot. Similar to cannon mode, each of
the character-specific sub modes of a figure-based games mode may
be substantially similar, but the setting, enemies, or other
aspects of the game appearance may be altered in order to make the
game character-specific.
[0065] It is to be understood that a toy play set with multiple
modes and a housing for a portable electronic device may be
fabricated from any suitable material, or combination of materials,
such as plastic, foamed plastic, wood, cardboard, pressed paper,
metal, supple natural or synthetic materials including, but not
limited to, cotton, elastomers, polyester, plastic, rubber,
derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. Suitable plastics
may include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density
polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
(ABS), polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET),
polypropylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or the like. Suitable
foamed plastics may include expanded or extruded polystyrene,
expanded or extruded polypropylene, EVA foam, derivatives thereof,
and combinations thereof.
[0066] It is also to be understood that terms such as "left,"
"right," "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," "side," "height,"
"length," "width," "upper," "lower," "interior," "exterior,"
"inner," "outer" and the like as may be used herein, merely
describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the
present invention to any particular orientation or configuration.
Further, the term "exemplary" is used herein to describe an example
or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as exemplary is
not to be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but
rather as one example or illustration of a possible embodiment of
the invention.
[0067] Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and
described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it
is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown,
since various modifications and structural changes may be made
therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and
within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In
addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be
incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is
appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a
manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in
the following claims.
* * * * *