U.S. patent application number 13/842850 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for motorized and non-motorized interactive character.
This patent application is currently assigned to REHCO, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is REHCO, LLC. Invention is credited to Peter Greenley, Steven Rehkemper, Jackson Wilson.
Application Number | 20140273728 13/842850 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51529162 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140273728 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rehkemper; Steven ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
MOTORIZED AND NON-MOTORIZED INTERACTIVE CHARACTER
Abstract
An illustrative interactive character is provided having a two
section body with a first section and a second section rotatably
attached at a pivot mechanism. The character may have the
capability to move between a variety of positions. Four appendages
may be rotatably attached to the two section body with one or more
wheels in communication with a lower portion of the appendages. The
character may be non-motorized or motorized. A power source may be
in communication with a pivot motor, a drive motor and an
integrated circuit. At least one sensor may be in communication
with the integrated circuit to activate preprogrammed content and
software instructions stored therein. A gear train may be
configured to transfer power from the drive motor to one of the at
least one wheels. The pivot motor may rotate the pivot mechanism to
direct character movements and animations.
Inventors: |
Rehkemper; Steven; (Chicago,
IL) ; Greenley; Peter; (Geneva, WI) ; Wilson;
Jackson; (Chicago, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
REHCO, LLC |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
REHCO, LLC
Chicago
IL
|
Family ID: |
51529162 |
Appl. No.: |
13/842850 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/465 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 17/262 20130101;
A63H 2200/00 20130101; A63H 11/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/465 |
International
Class: |
A63H 17/26 20060101
A63H017/26 |
Claims
1. A motorized interactive character comprising: a two section body
including a first section and a second section rotatably attached
at a pivot mechanism about a pivot axis; four appendages each
having an upper portion rotatably attached to the two section body
and a lower portion with a wheelbase rotatably attached thereto;
each wheelbase including four wheels rotatably attached thereto, at
least one of the wheels further defined as a drive wheel; a power
source in communication with a pivot motor, a drive motor and an
integrated circuit; at least one sensor in communication with the
integrated circuit; the pivot motor configured to rotate the pivot
mechanism; a gear train positioned within one of the appendages and
configured to transfer power from the drive motor to the drive
wheel; a standing position defined by the appendages being at or
near perpendicular relative to a surface; a lowered position
defined by the appendages rotated outward such that an underside of
the character is closer to the surface than in the standing
position; and the integrated circuit having one or more sets of
software instructions including a set of transition software
instructions; wherein the at least one sensor sends a signal to the
integrated circuit when triggered to initiate the set of transition
software instructions configured to: (i) activate the drive motor
at a transition speed in a first direction such that the appendages
rotate outward directing the character to lower from the standing
position to the lowered position; and (ii) activate the drive motor
at the transition speed in a second direction such that the
appendages rotate inward directing the character to raise from the
lowered position to the standing position.
2. The character of claim 1 wherein a set of movement software
instructions is configured to direct the drive motor to power at a
movement speed such that the drive wheel directs the character to
move without transitioning between positions.
3. The character of claim 2 wherein the appendages further include
a pivot point below the upper portion of the appendage.
4. The character of claim 3 wherein one of the one or more sensors
includes a capability to detect audio and send a signal to the
integrated circuit to activate software instructions in accordance
thereto.
5. The character of claim 4 wherein one of the one or more sensors
includes a capability to detect an obstacle and send a signal to
the integrated circuit to activate software instructions to direct
the character to avoid the obstacle.
6. The character of claim 5, further comprising: a receiver in
communication with the integrated circuit; and a controller having
a transmitter with a capability to transmit command signals to the
receiver such that the integrated circuit may direct the drive
motor and pivot motor to operate in response to the command
signals.
7. A motorized interactive character comprising: a two section body
including a first section and a second section rotatably attached
at a pivot mechanism; four appendages each having an upper portion
rotatably attached to the two section body and a lower portion with
at least one wheel rotatably attached thereto; a power source in
communication with a pivot motor, a drive motor and an integrated
circuit; at least one sensor in communication with the integrated
circuit; the pivot motor configured to rotate the pivot mechanism;
and a gear train configured to transfer power from the drive motor
to one of the at least one wheels; wherein upon triggering of the
at least one sensor, the integrated circuit is configured to
activate the pivot motor and drive motor in accordance with a first
set of software instructions to animate the character.
8. The character of claim 7 further comprising: a standing position
defined by the appendages being at or near perpendicular relative
to a surface; and a lowered position defined by the appendages
rotated outward such that an underside of the character is closer
to the surface than in the standing position; wherein a second set
of software instructions is configured to direct the drive motor to
power at a first speed in a first direction such that the at least
one wheel directs the appendages to rotate outward such that the
character lowers from the standing position to the lowered
position.
9. The character of claim 8 wherein a third set of software
instructions is configured to direct the drive motor to power in
the first speed in a second direction such that the at least one
wheel directs the appendages to rotate inward such that the
character raises from the lowered position to the standing
position.
10. The character of claim 9 wherein a fourth set of software
instructions is configured to direct the drive motor to power at a
second speed such that the at least one wheel directs the character
to move without transitioning between positions.
11. The character of claim 10 wherein the appendages further
include a pivot point below the upper portion of the appendage.
12. The character of claim 11 wherein one of the one or more
sensors includes a capability to detect audio and send a signal to
the integrated circuit to activate software instructions in
accordance thereto.
13. The character of claim 12 wherein one of the one or more
sensors includes a capability to detect an obstacle and send a
signal to the integrated circuit to activate software instructions
to direct the character to avoid the obstacle.
14. The character of claim 13, further comprising: a receiver in
communication with the integrated circuit; and a controller having
a transmitter with a capability to transmit command signals to the
receiver such that the integrated circuit may direct the drive
motor and pivot motor to operate in response to the command
signals.
15. An articulated electronic interactive character comprising: a
two section body including a first section and a second section
rotatably attached at a pivot mechanism; four appendages each
having an upper portion rotatably attached to the two section body
and a lower portion with a wheelbase rotatably attached thereto;
each wheelbase including at least one wheel rotatably attached
thereto; at least one sensor in communication with the integrated
circuit; a standing position defined by the appendages being at or
near perpendicular relative to a surface; a lowered position
defined by the appendages rotated outward such that an underside of
the character is closer to the surface than in the standing
position; and the integrated circuit having one or more sets of
software instructions to initiate a character response; wherein the
at least one sensor sends a signal to the integrated circuit when
triggered to activate the set of software instructions to output
one or more character responses.
16. The character of claim 15, wherein one of the character
responses includes preprogrammed audio content.
17. The character of claim 15 further comprising: one or more
lights in communication with the integrated circuit; wherein one of
the character responses includes preprogrammed lighting content to
output via the one or more lights.
18. The character of claim 15, wherein one of the character
responses includes preprogrammed entertainment content.
19. The character of claim 15, wherein one of the at least one
sensors is an image capturing sensor.
20. The character of claim 15, wherein one of the at least one
sensors is a proximity sensor.
21. The character of claim 15, wherein one of the at least one
sensors is a microphone.
22. The character of claim 15, further comprising: a pivot motor
configured to rotate the pivot mechanism and in communication with
a power source and the integrated circuit; the one or more wheels
further defined as forward roll only wheels such that rotation of
the pivot mechanism moves the figure forward as the two section
body rotates about the pivot mechanism.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The illustrative embodiments relate to an interactive
character with four appendages, a two-section body, a pivot
mechanism and the ability to move and execute movements which may
be directed by electronic control.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Interactive toy vehicles and characters have long been
commonly used by children and adults for a variety of entertainment
activities. Examples of interactive vehicles and characters include
cars, trucks, aircraft, watercraft, and animals. A continuing need
exists for new performance features, more realistic movements and
entertaining content to add play value to interactive characters.
Numerous other advantages and features of the invention become
readily apparent from the following detailed description of the
invention and embodiments thereof and from the accompanying claims
and drawings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In one or more illustrative embodiments there may be
provided a motorized interactive character having a two section
body which may include a first section and a second section
rotatably attached at a pivot mechanism about a pivot axis. Four
appendages may each have an upper portion rotatably attached to the
two section body and a lower portion with a wheelbase rotatably
attached thereto. Four wheels may be rotatably attached to each
respective wheelbase where at least one of the wheels may be a
drive wheel. The character may have a power source which may be in
communication with a pivot motor, a drive motor and an integrated
circuit. At least one sensor may be in communication with the
integrated circuit and the pivot motor may be configured to rotate
the pivot mechanism. A gear train may be positioned within one of
the appendages and configured to transfer power from the drive
motor to the drive wheel. The character may also include a standing
position where the appendages are at or near a perpendicular
relationship to a surface. The character may also include a lowered
position where the appendages may rotate outward such that an
underside of the character is closer to the surface than in the
standing position. The integrated circuit may have one or more sets
of software instructions including a set of transition software
instructions. The at least one sensor may send a signal to the
integrated circuit when triggered to initiate the set of transition
software instructions configured to (i) activate the drive motor at
a transition speed in a first direction such that the appendages
rotate outward directing the character to lower from the standing
position to the lowered position; and (ii) activate the drive motor
at the transition speed in a second direction such that the
appendages rotate inward directing the character to raise from the
lowered position to the standing position. A set of movement
software instructions may be configured to direct the drive motor
to power at a movement speed such that the drive wheel directs the
character to move without transitioning between positions. The
appendages may further include a pivot point below the upper
portion of the appendage. The sensors may include a capability to
detect audio and send a signal to the integrated circuit to
activate software instructions in accordance thereto. The sensors
may include a capability to detect an obstacle and send a signal to
the integrated circuit to activate software instructions to direct
the character to avoid the obstacle. The character may include a
receiver in communication with the integrated circuit and a
controller having a transmitter with a capability to transmit
command signals to the receiver such that the integrated circuit
may direct the drive motor and pivot motor to operate in response
to the command signals.
[0004] In another illustrative embodiment there may be provided a
motorized interactive character having a two section body including
a first section and a second section rotatably attached at a pivot
mechanism. Four appendages may each have an upper portion rotatably
attached to the two section body and a lower portion with at least
one wheel rotatably attached thereto. The character may include a
power source in communication with a pivot motor, a drive motor and
an integrated circuit. At least one sensor may be in communication
with the integrated circuit. The pivot motor may be configured to
rotate the pivot mechanism. A gear train may be configured to
transfer power from the drive motor to one of the at least one
wheels. Upon triggering of the at least one sensor, the integrated
circuit may be configured to activate the pivot motor and drive
motor in accordance with a first set of software instructions to
animate the character. The character may also include a standing
position where the appendages being at or near perpendicular
relative to a surface and may include a lowered position where the
appendages rotated outward such that an underside of the character
is closer to the surface than in the standing position. A second
set of software instructions may be configured to direct the drive
motor to power at a first speed in a first direction such that the
at least one wheel directs the appendages to rotate outward which
may direct the character to lower from the standing position to the
lowered position. A third set of software instructions may be
configured to direct the drive motor to power at the first speed in
a second direction such that the at least one wheel directs the
appendages to rotate inward which may direct the character rise
from the lowered position to the standing position. A fourth set of
software instructions may be configured to direct the drive motor
to power at a second speed such that the at least one wheel directs
the character to move without transitioning between positions. The
appendages may include a pivot point below the upper portion of the
appendage. One or more of the sensors may include a capability to
detect audio and send a signal to the integrated circuit to
activate software instructions in accordance thereto. One of the
one or more sensors may include a capability to detect an obstacle
and send a signal to the integrated circuit to activate software
instructions to direct the character to avoid the obstacle. The
character may also include a receiver in communication with the
integrated circuit and a controller having a transmitter with a
capability to transmit command signals to the receiver such that
the integrated circuit may direct the drive motor and pivot motor
to operate in response to the command signals.
[0005] In yet another illustrative embodiment there may be provided
a two section body including a first section and a second section
rotatably attached at a pivot mechanism. Four appendages may each
have an upper portion rotatably attached to the two section body
and a lower portion with a wheelbase rotatably attached thereto.
Each wheelbase may include at least one wheel rotatably attached
thereto. At least one sensor may be in communication with the
integrated circuit. The character may include a standing position
where the appendages being at or near perpendicular relative to a
surface and a lowered position where the appendages have rotated
outward such that an underside of the character is closer to the
surface than in the standing position. The integrated circuit may
have one or more sets of software instructions to initiate a
character response where the at least one sensor may send a signal
to the integrated circuit when triggered to activate the set of
software instructions to output one or more character responses.
The character responses may include preprogrammed audio content,
one or more lights in communication with the integrated circuit,
preprogrammed lighting content to output via the one or more
lights, and preprogrammed entertainment content. The sensors may be
an image capturing sensor, a proximity sensor, and a microphone.
The character may further include a pivot motor configured to
rotate the pivot mechanism and in communication with a power source
and the integrated circuit. The one or more wheels may be forward
roll only wheels such that rotation of the pivot mechanism moves
the figure forward as the two section body rotates about the pivot
mechanism.
[0006] Numerous other advantages and features of the invention will
become readily apparent from the following detailed description of
the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims, and
from the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] A fuller understanding of the foregoing may be had by
reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative
character;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the character from FIG. 1
with a portion of an outer housing removed to show internal
components;
[0010] FIG. 3a is a perspective view of an illustrative
character;
[0011] FIG. 3b is a perspective view of an illustrative
character;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a front view of the character from FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the character from FIG. 4;
[0014] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the character from FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a side view of the character from FIG. 1 in an
exemplary standing position;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a side view of the character from FIG. 1 in an
exemplary lowered position;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a side view of the character from FIG. 1 in an
exemplary bowing position;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a side view of an illustrative character showing
a pivot point at a mid-region of an exemplary appendage;
[0019] FIG. 11a is a top view of the character from FIG. 1 in an
exemplary standing position with an outer housing removed to show
internal components;
[0020] FIG. 11b is FIG. 11a with an exemplary first section rotated
to the left;
[0021] FIG. 11c is FIG. 11a with an exemplary first section rotated
to the right;
[0022] FIG. 12a is a top view of the character from FIG. 1 in an
exemplary lowered position with an outer housing removed to show
internal components and an exemplary pivot mechanism rotated to the
left;
[0023] FIG. 12b is a top view of the character from FIG. 1 in an
exemplary lowered position with an outer housing removed to show
internal components and an exemplary pivot mechanism rotated to the
right;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an illustrative character;
and
[0025] FIG. 14 is another block diagram of an illustrative
character.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0026] While the invention is susceptible to embodiments in many
different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be
described herein, in detail, the preferred embodiments of the
present invention. It should be understood, however, that the
present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the
principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the spirit
or scope of the invention, claims or the embodiments
illustrated.
[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, there is shown an illustrative
interactive motorized character 10 which may include an exemplary
head 12 and an exemplary two section body with a first section 15
and a second section 20. The character 10 may be in the form of an
animal, such as a dog or pony, or numerous other four legged
animals and characters. An exemplary pivot mechanism 25 may
rotatably attach the first section 15 and second section 20. The
pivot mechanism 25 may include a pivot motor 26 to direct rotation
of the first section 15 and second section 20 about a pivot axis
27. Optionally the pivot mechanism may also rotate freely. Four
appendages 30 may be rotatably attached to the character 10 at an
upper portion of each appendage and extend downward toward a
surface. Each appendage 30 may include a lower portion with at
least one wheel rotatably attached thereto. Each appendage 30 may
also include at least one exemplary pivot point. FIG. 1 shows one
illustrative pivot point at an axis 41 near the lower portion of
the appendages 30. Here, the pivot point at axis 41 may facilitate
a pivotal relationship between exemplary wheel bases 45 and the
appendages 30. A pivot point may also be positioned at a mid-region
of the appendages. In this exemplary embodiment, four wheels 35 are
rotatably attached to each wheel base 45, however other exemplary
embodiments may utilize one or more wheels. FIG. 3a shows an
illustrative embodiment where one wheel is positioned at the base
of each appendage 30. FIG. 3b shows an illustrative embodiment
where the character 10 is in the form of a pony.
[0028] The character 10 may also include a motorized capability to
direct movement which may include a power source 50, a drive motor
55 and a gear train 60 in communication with the motor 55 and at
least one of the wheels 35. In one exemplary embodiment, the gear
train 60 may be housed within one of the appendages 30 and in
communication with two of the wheels 35 as shown in FIG. 2. The
gear train 60 may transfer power from the drive motor 55 to at
least one of the wheels 35 to drive movement of the character 10
forward and backward as directed. Further, powering one of the
wheels 35 may direct the appendages 30 to rotate outward/inward to
lower/raise the character 10 between a standing position and a
lowered position (further described below). Optionally, a wheel or
wheels may also have forward roll only capability such that the
character 10 may move forward when the pivot mechanism 25 rotates
the two section body from side to side.
[0029] The character 10 may be controlled utilizing a variety of
control systems including radio or remote control utilizing a
transmitter/receiver pair and/or on-character switches and/or
sensors utilizing interactive preprogrammed content and software
instructions. The control system may interact with the components
of the character 10 to provide a variety of movements and actions.
One or more sensors 70 may be positioned within and/or throughout
the character 10 to trigger movement and animation of the character
10 in positions including but not limited to the head, underside,
tail, eyes and/or ears. Examples of sensors include but are not
limited to sensors that may detect sound, light, obstacles and/or
react to touch, which then may send a signal to the control system
to activate the drive motor 55 and/or pivot motor 26 in accordance
with the software instructions to animate the character 10.
[0030] One example of a movement includes the appendages 30
rotating outward such that the character 10 lowers from an
exemplary standing position shown in FIG. 7 to an exemplary lowered
position as shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 shows an exemplary bowing
position. FIG. 10 shows an exemplary embodiment where an additional
pivot 72 is included which may provide for additional character 10
animations. The character 10 may move in the standing position, the
lowered position, and positions there between. The pivot mechanism
25 may direct steering in accordance with rotation thereof as the
character 10 moves forward and backward in the various exemplary
positions. FIGS. 11a-11c show exemplary rotations of the pivot
mechanism 25 when the character is in the standing position. FIGS.
12a-12b show exemplary rotations of the pivot mechanism 25 when the
character is in the lowered position. Additional movements may be
facilitated by varying a distribution of power to the motors. For
example, when in the lowered position, the drive motor 55 may be
powered at a first speed such that the character 10 may move in the
lowered position. When in the lowered position and the drive motor
55 is powered at a second speed, greater than the first speed, the
character 10 may raise from the lowered position to the standing
position.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 13, there is shown a block diagram for
an illustrative embodiment of the character 10 which may utilize
one or more sensors 70 to trigger preprogrammed content and/or
software instructions. Triggering one of the one or more sensors 70
may direct a corresponding signal to an integrated circuit ("IC")
75. The IC 75 then may send a control signal to the drive motor 55
and/or the pivot motor 26 to activate the wheel(s) 35 and/or the
pivot mechanism 25 in accordance with the preprogrammed content
and/or software instructions stored in the IC 75. Preprogrammed
content and software instructions may include a variety of
character responses and movement sequences in varied character 10
positions. The content and instructions may also direct effects
such as audio and light.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 14, there is shown another block
diagram for an illustrative embodiment of the character 10 which
may utilize a controller 80 to direct character 10 movements. Here,
when one of a plurality of operational controls 85 on the
controller 80 is triggered in response to a user's input, a
corresponding signal may be sent to a receiver 90 via a transmitter
95. The receiver 90 may then send the signal to an IC 75. An IC 75
may access the signal(s) in accordance to the user's input, and
then generate a control signal to direct the drive motor 55 and/or
pivot motor 26 to activate. As such, the user's input may direct a
variety of character 10 movements. Further, the one or more sensors
70 may trigger preprogrammed content and/or software instructions
as described above. Additional components may include a port 105 to
receive external data, such as audio data for output from a speaker
110.
[0033] From the foregoing and as mentioned above, it will be
observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected
without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concept of
the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with
respect to the specific methods and apparatus illustrated herein is
intended or inferred.
* * * * *