U.S. patent number 3,858,352 [Application Number 05/406,504] was granted by the patent office on 1975-01-07 for doll with ingestion system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to General Mills Fun Group, Inc.. Invention is credited to Charles A. Cummings, George P. Giordano.
United States Patent |
3,858,352 |
Cummings , et al. |
January 7, 1975 |
DOLL WITH INGESTION SYSTEM
Abstract
A doll having a hollow head with a mouth opening therein. An
actuating device is positioned within the head which causes a
food-type material introduced into the mouth, to be discharged
through a discharge opening remote from the mouth. An electric
switch proximate the mouth, closes a circuit which permits the
device to operate and create a peristaltic pumping action within
the doll. The switch can be actuated by inserting a spoon or
nursery bottle into the mouth, or by gently pressing against the
doll's lower lip.
Inventors: |
Cummings; Charles A.
(Cincinnati, OH), Giordano; George P. (Cincinnati, OH) |
Assignee: |
General Mills Fun Group, Inc.
(Minneapolis, MN)
|
Family
ID: |
23608266 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/406,504 |
Filed: |
October 15, 1973 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/305;
446/338 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H
3/24 (20130101); A63H 13/005 (20130101); A63H
3/48 (20130101); A63H 3/001 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63H
13/00 (20060101); A63H 3/00 (20060101); A63H
3/24 (20060101); A63H 3/48 (20060101); A63h
013/02 () |
Field of
Search: |
;46/141,135R,135A |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Mancene; Louis G.
Assistant Examiner: Lever; J. Q.
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A toy figure comprising a body member having a head attached
thereto, a movable mouth in said head, tubular means within said
body for connecting said mouth to a discharge opening in said body,
actuating means within the toy, at least a portion of which
contacts said tubular means, for creating a peristaltic action in
the tubular means whereby material placed in the mouth is extruded
through said tubular means and through the discharge opening, and
means for energizing said actuating means.
2. The combination of claim 1 wherein the toy is a doll, said
actuating device includes at least one elongated arm pivotally
mounted therein, a portion of said arm adapted to contact a portion
of the tube and exert a pulsating compressing force against said
tube thereby creating said peristaltic action, and means including
a motor for causing said arm to pivot.
3. The combination of claim 2 wherein the means for causing said
arm to pivot includes a primary mouth lever pivotally mounted
within the device, one end of said terminating proximate the mouth
whereby pivotal movement of said lever imparts relative movement to
the mouth, said lever being positioned proximate the elongated arm
and adapted to engage a portion of said arm and cause it to pivot
about its pivot axis.
4. The combination of claim 3 wherein a tubular stocking is
provided which includes a webbed portion, means for securing said
stocking to said one end of the lever so that said webbed portion
is interposed between the elongated arm and the tube.
5. The combination of claim 3 wherein a gear train is provided
within the device, means for operatively connecting said gear train
to the motor means, and means for operatively connecting the other
end of the lever to the gear train.
6. The combination of claim 5 wherein the gear train includes a
main drive gear, means for securing a pin to one surface of said
gear so that it is offset relative to the axis of rotation of said
gear, the other end of said lever having an elongated slot therein,
and means for attaching said lever to said gear by mounting the
slotted end on said pin.
7. The combination of claim 3 which includes a battery for
energizing the motor, electrical circuit means, a normally open
primary switch for opening and closing said electrical circuit, and
means for positioning said switch proximate the mouth whereby said
switch can be closed by applying a pressure in the region of the
mouth.
8. The combination of claim 7 wherein the skull has a lower jaw, a
portion of said jaw being movable relative to the skull, and the
primary switch includes a movable contact in the form of a flexible
leaf spring and a stationary contact, said movable portion of said
jaw being affixed to the leaf spring.
9. The combination of claim 8 wherein said lower jaw includes a
fixed elongated wall member, and the movable jaw portion includes
an elongated leg, said wall member and said leg being aligned with
respect to each other to provide a space therebetween, said movable
portion and said leg being movable so that said space can vary in
size, said primary switch being closed in response to relative
separation of said leg and said wall member with respect to each
other.
10. The combination of claim 8 wherein a normally closed timing
switch is provided in the electrical circuit, said timeing switch
permitting the actuating device to operate for a prescribed period
of time after the primary switch has been opened.
11. The combination of claim 10 wherein means is provided for
attaching said timing switch to the exterior of said actuating
device, said timing switch including a movable contact in the form
of a flexible leaf spring and a fixed contact, and means for
opening the switch by breaking the electrical connection between
said contacts.
12. The combination of claim 11 wherein a spur gear is rotatably
mounted proximate said timing switch, means for operatively
connecting said gear to the motor, and a cam secured to said gear
means, said cam adapted to move the flexible leaf spring and break
the circuit as the spur gear is caused to rotate.
13. The combination of claim 12 wherein the cam is wedge-shaped and
it is positioned on the surface of said spur gear so that it is
offset with respect to the axis of rotation of said gear, and it
circumscribes an orbital path as said gear rotates.
14. The combination of claim 1 wherein the toy is a doll, said
actuating means is positioned within the doll's head, the lower
portion of said head including a skull to which the actuating
device is secured, and a skin-type covering is provided which
surrounds said skull and has the configuration of a doll's head
formed thereon.
Description
The present invention relates to toy figures, and more specifically
to a toy doll having an ingestion system for receiving and
disposing of material and liquid introduced into its mouth.
Dolls of many types are known in the art, and their popularity as
playthings for children, increases constantly. One possible reason
for the universal appeal and interest in dolls is due in part at
least, to a continual effort to manufacture new and different types
of dolls. There appears to be an endless effort on the part of
manufacturers to make dolls which simulate as much as possible,
human beings and human characteristics, whether they be adult type
dolls, or baby dolls. Talking dolls for example, are well known in
the art; various types of sound reproducing systems have been
devised for use with dolls, whereby the doll will reproduce sounds
of different kinds, including complete sentences. Articulated dolls
are also popular, whereby one or more members of the doll body such
as its head, arms, legs, or the like, can be manually or
automatically manipulated. Yet another type of doll is one having a
system for receiving a liquid; usually a reservoir is provided into
which liquid of some type is introduced by using a baby bottle, for
example. The liquid can then be dispensed so as to simulate tears,
or if preferred, to simulate wetting.
To the best of our knowledge, no toys have been devised which will
simulate a baby receiving and consuming a food-type material, in a
semi-solid state. While mechanisms have been devised for simulating
ingestion, we are not aware of any system which actually permits a
doll, or other toy, to receive a food-type material through its
mouth, and thereafter dispense it through a discharge opening in
the doll's body.
Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a
new and improved toy in the form of a doll.
Another object is to provide a doll adapted to simulate a baby,
such doll being capable of receiving and disposing of semi-solid
and liquid materials.
A further object is to provide a doll having a new and improved
system for receiving material through its mouth and discharging it
through an opening in the body, remote from the mouth.
A still further object is to provide a doll having a motor driven
mechanism for moving its mouth, lips and cheeks, thereby simulating
the eating action of a baby.
Another object is to provide a doll or similar toy with new and
improved structure for conveying a material introduced into the
doll's mouth, away from the mouth to a discharge opening in the
doll's body.
A still further object is to provide a doll with improved means for
energizing an actuating device or peristaltic pump within the
doll's body, which creates a peristaltic action in the body of the
doll.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent
from a consideration of the following specification and
accompanying drawings. Before proceeding with a detailed
description of the invention however, a brief resume of it will be
presented.
Briefly, the invention comprises a doll, or similar toy, having a
head with a movable mouth therein. An elongated tube is provided
within the doll's body, and it connects the mouth to a discharge
opening in the doll's body, thus forming a continuous passage from
the mouth to the discharge opening. A motor driven actuating device
(also referred to as peristaltic pump) within the doll's head, acts
upon the tube in such a manner that a peristaltic action is created
within the tube. By energizing the actuating device, the mouth is
caused to move, and material placed in the mouth is forced, or
extruded, through the tube and through the discharge opening.
The invention will best be understood by reference to the following
drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a doll embodying our
invention;
FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view illustrating the doll;
FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIG.
1, which illustrates the invention within a doll's body, as viewed
from the right side of the doll;
FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view which illustrates the skull of
the doll;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged side elevational view showing the internal
construction of the device of FIG. 3, and illustrating the
invention in a first operating condition;
FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, but depicting the mechanism in
a second operating condition;
FIG. 7 is a partial front view taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 5;
FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 8--8 of
FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view taken along line 9--9 of FIG.
7;
FIG. 10 illustrates the actuating device removed from the doll's
head, and with parts broken away, as viewed from the left side;
FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view taken along line 11--11 of FIG.
10;
FIG. 12 is a sectional view, with parts broken away, taken along
line 12--12 of FIG. 10;
FIG. 13 is a partial sectional view, taken along line 13--13 of
FIG. 12; and
FIG. 14 is an electrical circuit diagram of the circuit utilized
for energizing the motor which actuates the invention.
The figures illustrate a doll 10 as having a torso 12, a head 14,
arms 16, and legs 18. The torso is comprised of a front 20, a rear
22, a right side 54 (as viewed in FIG. 1) and a left side 56. A
dress 24, or other appropriate clothing, is provided as a covering.
The head 14 is secured to the torso 12 by conventional means, as
shown for example in FIG. 3. The head includes a lower head portion
26 having the configuration of a face thereon, and an upper head
portion or scalp 28 which is attachable to the lower head portion
26 by appropriate means, such as an adhesive. Construction of the
head in two parts in this manner, permits access to the interior of
the head for inserting the components forming the invention.
Artificial hair 30, when secured to the scalp 28, conceals the
connection formed by the upper and lower head portions. A mouth 32,
which includes an upper lip 34 and a lower lip 36, forms an opening
into the head, and a chin 84 is positioned below the mouth. A short
inlet tube 38 projects inwardly from the lips and it forms a short
passage into the interior of the head.
A hollow skull, designated by numeral 40, is positioned withing the
lower head portion 26, and it is provided with an opening 42 in its
frontal portion. As shown in FIG. 4, the skull has the general
configuration of the lower portion of a doll's head; the
protruberances 58 generally forming the cheekbones of the doll's
face, and the lower portion 82 forming the doll's lower jaw. In
assembled relationship, the jaw 82 is enclosed by the chin 84. The
lower head portion 26 is formed of a soft, pliable material and it
is adapted to fit snuggly over the skull 40 so that it effectively
forms a skin-type covering. As viewed in FIG. 3, both the skull 40
and the head portion 26 are affixed to the torso 12 by a circular
flanged member 44 which forms a part of the torso, and which
projects through circular openings 46 and 48 in the head portion
and skull respectively. An elongated tube 50 is connected at one
end to the tube 38 and it extends to the lower part of the torso to
provide a discharge opening 52.
Reference is made more specifically to FIGS. 3, 5, 6 and 10-13,
which illustrate an actuating device, or peristaltic pump, referred
to generally by reference numberal 60. As explained below, the
device 60 acts as a means for causing material introduced into the
doll's mouth to be extruded through the tube 50 and through the
discharge opening 52. In addition, it imparts relative movement to
the mouth, and to some extent, the doll's lips and cheeks.
As hsown in the drawings, the device 60 has a generally circular
shape, and it is positioned within the doll's head 14, and more
specifically, the lower portion 26 and skull 40. For purposes of
describing the invention, the device will be described as having a
right side (as shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6 for example), a left side
(as shown in FIG. 10 for example), and a front and a rear portion
(as shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6). In general, they correspond to the
right and left sides 54 and 56 respectively, of the doll. The
device includes a housing or casing 62 comprised of a first wall
member 64 (also referred to as the right side wall) and a second
wall member 66 (also referred to as the left side wall). The walls
64 and 66 are connected together by appropriate means such as
clips, mating male and female members, screws, or the like, to form
s substantially enclosed unit. The housing 62 is provided with a
first tab 68 positioned on its rear portion and a second tab 70
positioned on its front portion. The first tab 68 is inserted in a
retaining slot 72 formed by a pair of projections 74 and 76 in the
rear wall of the skull. The second tab 70 is fixedly secured to the
front wall of the skull at 78 by means of a screw 80. Thus, the
housing 62 is readily removable from the head 14 by removing the
screw 80 and slipping the housing out of the slot 72, provided of
course, that the scalp 28 has not been permanently connected to the
lower portion 26.
FIGS. 5, 6 and 11-13, illustrate the interior of the device 60. A
gear train designated generally by numeral 85, is mounted therein.
A main drive gear (spur gear) 86 is fixedly connected to one end of
a short shaft 88, which in turn is rotatably journaled in the
housing 62, and more specifically the left side wall 66, by
projecting it through a mounting block 90 formed in the wall 66.
The mounting block 90 effectively spaces the gear 86 from the inner
surface of the wall 66. The shaft 88 is formed as having a toothed
end or drive pinion 92, which projects outside the housing 62. A
short pin 94 forms an integral part of the other side of the drive
gear 86. The pin 94 is offset relative to the centerline of the
shaft 88. An idler pulley 96 having a pinion gear 98 integrally
formed on one side, is also rotatably mounted in the side wall 66
by a shaft 100 journaled in the wall 66 in such a manner that it is
interposed between the drive gear 86 and the inner surface of the
wall 66. A stub shaft 102 is journaled in a support block 104
formed on the opposite side wall 64. In assembled relationship, the
pinion gear 98 meshes with the main drive gear 86.
The periphery of the idler pulley 96 is provided with a groove 106
for receiving a drive belt 108. The idler pulley 96 is driven by
means of an electric motor 110 positioned in a motor mount
structure 112 forming a part of the wall 64, as well as the support
block 104. A grooved drive pulley 114 is fixed to the drive shaft
of the motor and it is aligned with respect to the idler pulley 96
so that the belt 108 operatively connects the motor 110 to the
pulley 96. By energizing the motor 110, the main drive gear 86 can
be caused to rotate about the axis of the shaft 88, due to its
driving relationship with the pinion gear 98.
A first arm 118 and a primary mouth lever 116 (also referred to as
a second arm) are movably mounted within the housing 62, and they
together form a linkage for compressing the tube 50. As depicted in
FIGS. 5 and 6, both the lever 116 and the arm 118 project through
an opening 119 in the base of the device 60. The lever 116 is
formed as having an enlarged end 120 with an elongated slot 124
therein, and a pivot end 122. A roller 126, having approximately
the same outer diameter as the width of the slot 124, is mounted on
the pin 94. The lever 116 is mounted within the housing so that the
roller 126 is movably positioned within the slot 124, thus
operatively connecting the lever to the drive gear 86. The lever
116 is pivotally mounted relative to the side walls 64 and 66 by
means of a short shaft 128 located proximate the pivot end 122 of
the lever which projects from both sides of the lever. As the drive
gear 86 rotates, the lever 116 is caused to rock or pivot about the
axis of the shaft 128.
A tubular stocking 130, formed of a flexible resilient material, is
placed over the end 122 of the lever 116, and it includes a tubular
portion 132 which fits over the lever end, and a flattened
web-shaped portion 134. The webbed protion 134 projects in somewhat
the opposite direction with respect to the tubular portion 132 so
that it defines an angle therewith, such angle varying in size as
the lever 116 is pivoted. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the
webbed portion 134 is positioned on top of the inlet tube 38 and
the tube 50, so that it is interposed between the arm 118 and the
tube, and the end 122 of the lever 116 projects into the region of
the doll's upper lip 34.
The arm 118 (also referred to as the secondary mouth lever) is
formed as having a first or pivot end 136 and a second end 138. The
arm 118 is pivotally mounted within the housing 62 by means of a
shaft 140 journaled in the side wall 64 and 66, so that it is
positioned below the lever 116. The second end 138 of the arm is
formed as having a triangular shaped web which is positioned above
and in contact with the webbed portion 134 by a somewhat flattened
bearing surface 135. A projection 139 is directed toward the lever
116 so that the lever 116 bears against the tip of the projection,
and thus exerts a force against the arm 118 as the lever 116 pivots
downwardly. The gear train 85 operatively connects the linkage to
the motor 110.
A toothed gear timer (spur gear) 140 is rotatably connected to the
exterior surface of the housing wall 66 by mounting it on a shaft
142 fixed to the housing wall. A hub 144 formed on the gear timer,
separates the gear timer from the wall. As shown more fully in FIG.
10, the teeth on the gear timer 140 mesh with, and are driven by,
the drive pinion 92 formed on the end of the shaft 88. A nut 146
forcibly secured to the end of the shaft 142, retains the gear
timer on the shaft. A wedge-shaped cam 148 forms an integral part
of the surface 150 of the gear timer 140, and it is interposed
between the wall 66 and the gear, note FIG. 13.
Reference is now made to the electrical components for energizing
the actuating device or peristaltic pump 60. In general, the doll
is caused to accept and ingest food by exerting an external
pressure in the region of the doll's mouth. The specific technique
involved will be described hereinafter.
A timing switch (also referred to as a secondary switch) designated
generally by numeral 150, is connected to the outer surface of the
wall 66. The switch 150 includes a contact member 152 in the form
of an elongated, flexible leaf, and a fixed contact member 164,
likewise in the form of an elongated, flexible leaf. The leaf 152
is connected to the wall 66 by securing it to a mounting block 154,
proximate its end 156. The other end 158 of the leaf projects
toward the hub 144 so that it is in the path of the cam 148 as the
cam orbits about the axis of shaft 142. The end 156 is bifurcated
so that it has a pair of projecting prongs or terminals 160 and
162, phased generally at right angles to each other. The leaf 164
has a first end 166 and a second end 168, and it is generally
aligned at right angles to the leaf 152 by securing it to the side
wall 62 by means of a rivet 176. As shown more specifically in FIG.
13, the end 168 has a somewhat U-shaped configuration which forms
an edge 170. The end 166 is bifurcated to form prongs or terminals
172 and 174, likewise phased approximately 90.degree. apart. The
flexible leaf 152 is biased so that it normally contacts the leaf
164, and more specifically, the edge 170. As the cam 148 contacts
the leaf 152, it breaks the electrical connection, by separating
the leaf from the edge 170.
A primary switch (also referred to as mouth switch) designated
generally by numeral 180, is positioned in the region of the doll's
chin 84. FIGS. 4 and 7-9 show the specific construction in detail.
The specific construction of the lower jaw 82 will also be
described at this time, since it forms a part of the mouth switch
180. The jaw is provided with a stationary switch member 182, and a
contact member 184 which is movable relative to the maember 182.
The switch member 182 is fixedly connected to the jaw structure 82
by means of L-shaped members 186 and 188 which engage the edge of
the opening 42, as well as by means of a rivet 190. The member 182
includes an elongated vertical wall member 192 and a somewhat
rounded and sloped bottom surface 194 having an L-shaped projection
or ledge 196, which projects downwardly from the bottom surface
194, as viewed for example in FIG. 7. The wall member 192 lends
some rigidity to the facial construction of the doll. One edge 198
of the surface 194 is cut at a bias as shown in FIG. 9, thus
forming an irregularly shaped surface 194.
The movable contact member 184 is connected to the stationary
switch member 182 by means of a flexible metalic leaf spring 200.
As shown more fully in FIG. 8, the leaf spring 200 is formed so
that it includes a pair of end sections 202 and 204 which are
parallel to, and separated from, a main body section 206, by
connecting sections 208 and 210 respectively. The end section 202
is secured to the member 182 by means of the rivet 190, and the
contact member 184 is secured to the main body section 206 by means
of a rivet 212. A third rivet 214 is connected to the switch member
182 so that it is adapted to be contacted by the end section 204.
The leaf spring 200 is biased so that the end section 204 normally
abuts against an abutment member 216, and contact with the rivet
214 is broken.
The contact member 184 includes a generally L-shaped member 220
which includes an elongated vertically oriented leg 222 and a
horizontal leg 224 (as viewed for example in FIG. 7). The contact
member also includes a somewhat rounded and sloped surface 226,
which is spaced from the leg 224 and which has one edge 228 which
is cut at a bias, such bias being generally aligned with the bias
198 of surface 194 (in this regard, note FIG. 9). As depicted, the
edges 198 and 228 normally contact each other, when the switch is
open; however, a small gap normally exists between the edges 218
and 219 (note FIG. 9). By exerting an appropriate force against the
movable contact member 184, as explained below, the member 184 is
caused to move relative to the stationary switch member 182 so that
the gap between the edges 218 and 219 narrows. At the same time,
the end 216 of leaf spring 200 contacts the rivet 214, thus closing
a circuit as described below. By positioning the edges 198 and 228
against each other in this manner, the switch 180 will remain open,
while the device is in a static condition; since the facial
covering surrounding the skull may be relatively tight, this
construction prevents the switch from closing prematurely.
At this point, it might be mentioned that the actuating device 60
and its component parts, as well as the skull 40 and its component
parts which make up the lower jaw, are preferably made of a
relatively hard plastic material. Since numerous plastic materials
are known to those skilled in the art, no specific materials will
be mentioned. It should be recognized of course, that materials
other than plastics might also be used if desired.
A power source 230, comprised of one or more batteries, is
positioned within a battery case 232 located in a cavity 234 formed
in the back portion of the torso 12. As shown, the case is formed
so as to partially surround the tube 50. A removable cover (not
shown) permits access to the batteries 230.
The batteries 230 are electrically connected to the other
electrical components, namely the switches 150 and 180 and the
motor 110, by appropriate leads. A first lead 236 electrically
connects the batteries to a terminal 238 on the motor 110, and a
second lead 240 connects the batteries to the terminal 162 at
switch 150. A lead 242 connects the terminal 160 of switch 150, to
the switch 180, and more specifically the terminal or rivet 190. A
lead 244 connects the terminal or rivet 214 to the terminal 170
forming a part of the switch 150. Finally, a lead 246 connects the
terminal 172 of the switch 150 to a terminal 248 located on the
motor 110. In this regard, note FIG. 14 which schematically
illustrates the electrical circuits and components.
In operation, the actuating device is normally inoperative because
the motor 110 is denergized. While in the inoperative condition,
the primary switch 180 is open; in other words, no contact is made
between the leaf spring 200 and the rivet or contact 214. The
timing switch 150 on the other hand, might be either open or
closed, depending upon the relative position of the cam 148 with
respect to the flexible leaf 152. If the gear timer 140 is oriented
so that the cam 148 contacts the leaf 152 for example, the switch
is open. Once the cam 148 orbits pass the leaf 152 however, the
switch 150 is closed.
The mouth switch 180 is manually closed by exerting an appropriate
force against the movable contact member 184, which is mounted on
the flexible leaf spring 200. As pointed out hereinbefore, the
switch 180 is positioned in the region of the lower jaw 82. By
inserting or wedging an item in the doll's mouth 32, i.e., between
the wall member 192 and the leg 220, such as the nipple of a
bottle, or a spoon 250 with material M thereon, a force is applied
against the leg 220 so that the member 192 and the leg 220 spread
apart slightly. In other words, the leg 220 (and member 184) moves
toward the left as shown in FIG. 9, in addition, it moves toward
the stationary mouth member 182, so that the gap between the edges
218 and 219 narrows thus closing the switch 180, and permitting the
circuit to be energized. It is pointed out that when the switch 180
is closed, the circuit is energized regardless of whether or not
the switch 150 is open or closed. It might also be pointed out that
the switch can also be closed by applying sufficient pressure
against the doll's chin so that the member 184 moves relative to
the member 182, thus closing the switch.
As the circuit is energized, the motor 110 causes the actuating
device 60 to operate. Since the drive gear 86 is operatively
connected to the motor drive pulley 114, it rotates about the axis
of shaft 82, and the pin 94 orbits around the same axis. Orbital
movement of the pin 94 causes the primary mouth lever 116 to pivot
or rock about the axis of shaft 128. Such pivotal movement of the
lever 116 in turn, imparts pivotal or rocking movement to the arm
118 about the axis of shaft 140, since the lever 116 bears against
the projection 139 located on the arm 118. As the arm 118 pivots,
the bearing surface 135 exerts a pulsating or cyclic compressing
force against the webbed portion 134 of the stocking 130, and more
specifically against the tube 150. This rythmic compressing force
creates a peristaltic action within the tube 50 which causes
material M introduced into the doll's mouth 32, to be forced or
extruded toward the discharge end of the tube, and out through the
discharge opening 52. Moreover, since the end 122 of the lever 116
projects towards the upper lip 34, it generates a mouth movement
similar to that of a baby eating or sucking.
Since the gear timer 140 is operatively connected to the drive gear
86, it likewise is caused to rotate when the motor 110 is
energized. As previously pointed out, the cam 148 follows an
orbital path as the gear timer 140 rotates. While the switch 150 is
normally closed, it will of course, be momentarily opened when the
cam 148 passes by the leaf 152. As long as the primary switch 180
is closed however, the circuit will remain energized regardless of
whether or not the switch 150 is open, as pointed out before. Once
the pressure is removed from the contact member 184, for example by
removing the spoon 250, the switch 180 is opened. As long as the
timing switch 150 is closed however, the circuit will remain
energized and the device 60 will continue to operate. As the
wedge-shaped cam 148 comes in contact with the leaf 152, it causes
it to flex and separate from the edge 170 of the contact member
164, thus breaking the circuit. At this point, the actuating device
60 stops. The system can again be put into operation by merely
closing the primary switch 180, as explained above.
Since the doll 10 is used by children, it is desirable that some
care and consideration be given regarding the formulation and
make-up of the material M, in order to prevent injury or illness to
the child if he should intentionally or accidentally consume some
of it. It is preferred that the material generally have a moist,
mushy consistency, so that it might be readily removed from the
spoon 250 when the spoon is inserted in the mouth 32. While
numerous edible materials are known in the art which might be
satisfactorily used, such as commercially available baby food, it
has been found that small packets of dry ingredients are a
convenient means of making a shelf stable material available. By
adding and mixing a prescribed amount of water to a packet of dry
ingredients, a quantity of the material can be prepared, for use by
a child. As the material is fed into the doll, it is eventually
discharged through the discharge opening 52 due to the peristaltic
action generated by the device 60.
In order to simulate as closely as possible real life situations, a
removable diaper 252 is attached to the doll. After the doll has
been used, the tube 250 can readily be cleaned by flushing it with
a quantity of warm water. By inserting the nipple of a small baby
bottle into the doll's mouth and gently squeezing the bottle, the
tube can be flushed and cleaned. During this operating of course,
the actuating device 60 will be energized as well, which aids in
the flushing operation.
The present invention results in a baby doll which is not only
lifelike in appearance, but also in operation. The ingestion system
described herein, permits a child to introduce a quantity of
food-like material into the doll's mouth, whereupon the doll will
accept the material, generate an eating-like motion, and
subsequently discharge the material. It should be understood that
while the invention has been described in conjunction with a baby
doll, other types of toys might be used as well, such as a variety
of animal figures.
In the above description and attached drawings, a disclosure of the
principles of this invention is presented, together with some of
the specific embodiments by which the invention might be carried
out.
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