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.

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.

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.