Patent Application
20250099866
This application relates generally to toys for children. More specifically, this application relates to an actuator assembly for moving a moveable leg or arm of a doll.
Children play with dolls based upon their imagination. Doll accessories are created to enhance the interactive play between children and their dolls. Doll accessories created for recreational vehicles expand the interactive play between children and their dolls, allowing both the child and the doll to ride the recreational vehicle. Majority of doll accessories for recreational vehicles only allow the motionless body of the doll to be transported along with the child, by means of the recreational vehicle. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, many of these identified problems have been solved by developing solutions that are included in embodiments of the present disclosure, many examples of which are described in detail herein.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor delineate the scope of such elements. Its purpose is to present some concepts of the described features in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The present disclosure comprises of a novel leg actuator mechanism accessory for children recreational vehicles that would enable bodily motions of dolls while being transported by the above-mentioned recreational vehicles. In an example embodiment, a leg actuator mechanism is provided. The leg actuator mechanism includes an upper leg mechanism including a hip end and an opposing knee end. The leg actuator mechanism also includes a lower leg mechanism including a first end and an opposing second end. The first end of the lower leg portion is operably coupled to the knee end of the upper leg portion. The leg actuator mechanism also includes a follower mechanism. The follower mechanism of the leg actuator mechanism includes a mounting defining a follower pathway configured to receive a follower joint. The follower mechanism of the leg actuator mechanism also includes an upper follower connector. The upper follower connector is attached at a first upper follower end to the follower joint and to the upper leg portion at a second upper follower end and the upper follower connector is attached to the upper leg portion between the hip end and the knee end The follower mechanism of the leg actuator mechanism further includes a lower follower connector. The lower follower connector is attached at a first lower follower end to the follower joint and to the lower leg portion at a second lower follower end and the lower follower connector is attached to the lower leg portion between the first end of the lower leg portion and the second end of the lower leg portion. The follower mechanism is configured to move at least one of the upper leg mechanism or the lower leg mechanism when activated.
In some embodiments, the follower mechanism is configured to move the upper leg mechanism and the lower leg mechanism between a bent position and a straight position and an angle defined between the upper leg mechanism and the lower leg mechanism in the straight position is greater than the bent position. In some embodiments, a location of the second end of the lower leg mechanism is based on a location of the follower joint along a first direction within the follower pathway. In some embodiments, an angle defined between the upper leg mechanism and the lower leg mechanism is based on a location of the follower joint along a second direction within the follower pathway.
In some embodiments, the hip end of the upper leg mechanism is fixed relative to the leg actuator mechanism. In some embodiments, the follower pathway is an elliptical pathway. In some embodiments, the follower pathway is a non-elliptical pathway. In some embodiments, the leg actuator mechanism also includes a driving mechanism configured to move the follower joint along the follower pathway. In some embodiments, the leg actuator mechanism also includes a driving mechanism configured to rotate the follower pathway, along the follower joint.
In another example embodiment, a method of manufacturing a leg actuator mechanism is provided. The method includes defining a follower pathway along a non-rotating mounting configured to receive a follower joint that is driven about the perimeter of the follower pathway. The method includes providing an upper leg mechanism including a hip end and a knee end. The method also includes providing a lower leg mechanism including a first end and a second end. The first end of the lower leg portion is operably coupled to the knee end of the upper leg portion. The method further includes defining a follower pathway within a mounting configured to receive a follower joint. The method still further includes attaching an upper follower connector at a first upper follower end to the follower joint and to the upper leg portion at a second upper follower end. The upper follower connector is attached to the upper leg portion between the hip end and the knee end. The method also includes attaching a lower follower connector at a first lower follower end to the follower joint and to the lower leg portion at a second lower follower end. The lower follower connector is attached to the lower leg portion between the first end of the lower leg portion and the second end of the lower leg portion. The mounting, the upper follower connector, and the lower follower connector define a follower mechanism and the follower mechanism is configured to move at least one of the upper leg mechanism or the lower leg mechanism when activated.
In another example embodiment, the previous method may also use for manufacturing a leg actuator mechanism. The method includes defining a follower pathway along a rotating mounting configured to drive the follower joint along the follower pathway. The method includes providing an upper leg mechanism including a hip end and a knee end. The method also includes providing a lower leg mechanism including a first end and a second end. The method includes attaching an upper follower connector to the bottom end of the follower joint connector and to the upper leg portion at a second upper follower end. The upper follower connector is attached to the upper leg portion between the hip end and the knee end. The method also includes attaching a lower follower connector to the bottom end of the follower joint connector and to the lower leg portion at a second lower follower end. The lower follower connector is attached to the lower leg portion between the first end of the lower leg portion and the second end of the lower leg portion. The method also includes a follower joint connector that is coupled at the bottom end to both the lower follower connector, and the upper follower connector. The middle of the follower joint connector consists of a slot that allows the rotational motion of the mounting to oscillate the bottom end of the follower joint connector. The bottom end of the follower joint connector is also coupled the follower joint. The method also includes the follower joint that remains tangent to the follower pathway defined by the rotating mounting. The rotating mounting, the upper follower connector, the lower follower connector, and follower joint connector define a follower mechanism and the follower mechanism is configured to move at least one of the upper leg mechanism or the lower leg mechanism when activated.
In some embodiments, the follower mechanism is configured to move the upper leg mechanism and the lower leg mechanism between a bent position and a straight position and an angle defined between the upper leg mechanism and the lower leg mechanism in the straight position is greater than the bent position. In some embodiments, a location of the second end of the lower leg mechanism is based on a location of the follower joint along a first direction along the follower pathway. In some embodiments, an angle defined between the upper leg mechanism and the lower leg mechanism is based on a location of the follower joint along a second direction along the follower pathway.
In some embodiments, the method also includes affixing the hip end of the upper leg mechanism relative to the leg actuator mechanism. In some embodiments, the follower pathway includes an elliptical pathway. In some embodiments, the method also includes providing a driving mechanism configured to move the follower joint along the follower pathway.
In still another example embodiment, a doll is provided for dynamic movement. The doll includes a doll body configured with at least one moveable leg. The doll also includes a leg actuator as discussed herein. The doll further includes a drive mechanism including a driving insert. The rotational movement of the driving insert is transferred to the at least one leg actuator mechanism via one or more links.
In some embodiments, the driving insert is configured to receive a driver insert, wherein the driver insert is configured to activate the drive mechanism. In some embodiments, the doll also includes one or more arm mechanisms operably coupled with the drive mechanism configured to move based on the rotational movement of the driving insert. In some embodiments, the doll also includes a carrier mechanism removably attached to the drive mechanism, where the carrier mechanism is configured with the driver insert to activate the drive mechanism via rotational movement. In some embodiments, the carrier mechanism is attached to a vehicle and the activation of the driver insert is based on movement of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the driving insert is internal of the doll body.
In some embodiments, there is provided a front-back steering alignment mechanism. In some embodiments, the mechanism may include a handlebar assembly. In some embodiments, the handlebar assembly may include a pair of handlebars and a head tube. In some embodiments, the front-back steering alignment mechanism may include a wheel and fork assembly. In some embodiments, the wheel and fork assembly may include a wheel and one or more axels. In some embodiments, the mechanism may include a gear and shaft assembly, which, in some embodiments, may include a first plurality of gears, a second plurality of gears, and a shaft. In some embodiments, the first plurality of gears and the second plurality of gears may be operably connected. In some embodiments, the first plurality of gears and the second plurality of gears may be operably connected to and aligned along the shaft. In some embodiments, the mechanism may include one or more connecting assemblies configured to operably connect the handlebar assembly, the wheel, and the gear and shaft assembly. In some embodiments, the one or more connecting assemblies may be configured to transmit a rotation of the handlebar assembly to the wheel. In some embodiments, the one or more connecting assemblies may be configured to maintain the alignment along the shaft of the first plurality of gears and the second plurality of gears while the rotation of the handlebar assembly is transmitted to the wheel.
In some embodiments, the one or more connecting assemblies may include a central mount assembly and a pulley assembly. In some embodiments, the central mount assembly may be operably connected to the head tube of the handlebar assembly, and the central mount assembly may include a free spin shaft operably connected to one or more central gears. In some embodiments, the pulley assembly may be operably connected to the one or more axels of the wheel and fork assembly, and the pulley assembly may include one or more pulley gears operably connected to the one or more central gears of the central mount assembly. In some embodiments, one or more of the first plurality of gears and the second plurality of gears of the gear and shaft assembly may be operably connected to the free spin shaft of the central mount assembly.
In some embodiments, one or more of the first plurality of gears may include a miter gear and one or more of the second plurality of gears may include a miter gear.
In some embodiments, there is provided a movement doll system. In some embodiments, the doll system may include a doll for dynamic movement. In some embodiments, the doll may include a doll body configured with at least one moveable leg. In some embodiments, the doll may include a leg actuator mechanism. In some embodiments, the leg actuator mechanism may include an upper leg mechanism and a lower leg mechanism being operably coupled to the upper leg mechanism. In some embodiments, the system may include a follower mechanism including a rotating mounting defining a follower pathway. In some embodiments, the follower mechanism may be configured to move the at least one moveable leg mechanism via the rotating mounting. In some embodiments, the system may include a drive mechanism including a driving insert. In some embodiments, the rotational movement of the driving insert may be transferred to the leg actuator mechanism via one or more links. In some embodiments, the system may include a carrier mechanism configured to engage with the driving insert. In some embodiments, the system may include a front-back steering alignment mechanism configured to engage with the driving insert. In some embodiments, the mechanism may include a handlebar assembly. In some embodiments, the handlebar assembly may include a pair of handlebars and a head tube. In some embodiments, the front-back steering alignment mechanism may include a wheel and fork assembly. In some embodiments, the wheel and fork assembly may include a wheel and one or more axels. In some embodiments, the mechanism may include a gear and shaft assembly, which, in some embodiments, may include a first plurality of gears, a second plurality of gears, and a shaft. In some embodiments, the first plurality of gears and the second plurality of gears may be operably connected. In some embodiments, the first plurality of gears and the second plurality of gears may be operably connected to and aligned along the shaft. In some embodiments, the mechanism may include one or more connecting assemblies configured to operably connect the handlebar assembly, the wheel, and the gear and shaft assembly. In some embodiments, the one or more connecting assemblies may be configured to transmit a rotation of the handlebar assembly to the wheel. In some embodiments, the one or more connecting assemblies may be configured to maintain the alignment along the shaft of the first plurality of gears and the second plurality of gears while the rotation of the handlebar assembly is transmitted to the wheel.
In some embodiments, the one or more connecting assemblies may include a central mount assembly and a pulley assembly. In some embodiments, the central mount assembly may be operably connected to the head tube of the handlebar assembly. In some embodiments, the central mount assembly may include a free spin shaft operably connected to one or more central gears. In some embodiments, the pulley assembly may be operably connected to the one or more axels of the wheel and fork assembly. In some embodiments, the pulley assembly may include one or more pulley gears operably connected to the one or more central gears of the central mount assembly. In some embodiments, one or more of the first plurality of gears and the second plurality of gears of the gear and shaft assembly may be operably connected to the free spin shaft of the central mount assembly.
In some embodiments, one or more of the first plurality of gears may include a miter gear and one or more of the second plurality of gears may include a miter gear.
In various aspects, a doll for dynamic movement is provided. The doll may comprise at least one moveable leg or arm, and at least one actuator assembly. Each actuator assembly may be configured to move a corresponding moveable leg or arm of the doll. Each actuator assembly may comprise a proximal assembly and an intermediate assembly. The proximal assembly may include a proximal frame configured to pivot on a proximal axis, a proximal follower connector that is pivotably coupled to the proximal frame and configured to pivot on a proximal follower connector axis relative to the proximal frame, a coupler that is pivotably coupled to the proximal follower connector and configured to pivot on a first coupler axis relative to the proximal follower connector, and at least one proximal gear. A first proximal gear of the at least one proximal gear may be (i) pivotably coupled to the proximal frame and configured to pivot on a first proximal gear axis relative to the proximal frame and (ii) pivotably coupled to the coupler and configured to pivot on a second coupler axis relative to the coupler. The intermediate assembly may be pivotably coupled to the proximal assembly and configured to pivot on an intermediate axis relative to the proximal assembly. The intermediate assembly may comprise an intermediate frame, and at least one intermediate gear pivotably coupled to the intermediate frame. A first intermediate gear of the at least one intermediate gear may be positioned to mesh with a proximal gear of the at least one proximal gear. Pivoting the proximal follower connector on the proximal follower connector axis relative to the proximal frame may cause the intermediate assembly to pivot on the intermediate axis.
In various examples, the doll comprises a distal assembly that is pivotably coupled to the intermediate assembly and is configured to pivot on a distal axis relative to the intermediate assembly. The distal assembly may comprise a distal frame, and at least one distal gear pivotably coupled to the distal frame. A first distal gear of the at least one distal gear may be positioned to mesh with an intermediate gear of the at least one intermediate gear.
In various examples, the first distal gear has a smaller diameter than the first intermediate gear. In various examples, a last intermediate gear of the at least one intermediate gear has a smaller diameter than the first intermediate gear. The last intermediate gear may mesh with the first distal gear that has a smaller diameter than the first intermediate gear.
In various examples, a last intermediate gear of the at least one intermediate gear has a smaller diameter than another intermediate gear of the at least one intermediate gear.
In various examples, the distal assembly further comprises a torsion spring that is configured to pivot the distal assembly relative to the intermediate assembly on the distal axis.
In various examples, the proximal follower connector comprises an arm that extends radially away from the proximal follower connector axis. The first coupler axis may be positioned on the arm of the proximal follower connector.
In various examples, the first proximal gear comprises an arm that extends radially away from the first proximal gear axis. The second coupler axis may be positioned on the arm of the first proximal gear.
In various examples, each actuator assembly comprises a mounting disc assembly, the proximal frame is pivotably coupled to the mounting disc assembly via the proximal axis and configured to pivot on the proximal axis relative to the mounting disc assembly, the mounting disc assembly defines a follower pathway, and the proximal assembly comprises a follower joint that is positioned within and configured to move along the follower pathway.
In various examples, each actuator assembly comprises a wheel that is configured to pivot on a wheel axis. Pivoting the wheel on the wheel axis may cause the intermediate assembly to pivot on the intermediate axis.
In various examples, the wheel is coupled to a first driving gear of a plurality of driving gears. The plurality of driving gears may comprise a last driving gear. Rotation of the last driving gear may cause the follower joint to move along the follower pathway.
In various examples, the at least one intermediate gear is a plurality of intermediate gears, the intermediate assembly further comprises a loop member that is positioned around the first intermediate gear and a second intermediate gear of the plurality of intermediate gears, and the loop member is configured to cause rotation of the second intermediate gear when the first intermediate gear rotates
In various aspects, an actuator assembly configured to move a moveable leg or arm of a doll for dynamic movement is provided. The actuator assembly may comprise a proximal assembly and an intermediate assembly. The proximal assembly may include a proximal frame configured to pivot on a proximal axis, a proximal follower connector that is pivotably coupled to the proximal frame and configured to pivot on a proximal follower connector axis relative to the proximal frame, a coupler that is pivotably coupled to the proximal follower connector and configured to pivot on a first coupler axis relative to the proximal follower connector, and at least one proximal gear. A first proximal gear of the at least one proximal gear may be (i) pivotably coupled to the proximal frame and configured to pivot on a first proximal gear axis relative to the proximal frame and (ii) pivotably coupled to the coupler and configured to pivot on a second coupler axis relative to the coupler. The intermediate assembly may be pivotably coupled to the proximal assembly and configured to pivot on an intermediate axis relative to the proximal assembly. The intermediate assembly may comprise an intermediate frame, and at least one intermediate gear pivotably coupled to the intermediate frame. A first intermediate gear of the at least one intermediate gear may be positioned to mesh with a proximal gear of the at least one proximal gear. Pivoting the proximal follower connector on the proximal follower connector axis relative to the proximal frame may cause the intermediate assembly to pivot on the intermediate axis.
In various examples, the doll comprises a distal assembly that is pivotably coupled to the intermediate assembly and is configured to pivot on a distal axis relative to the intermediate assembly. The distal assembly may comprise a distal frame, and at least one distal gear pivotably coupled to the distal frame. A first distal gear of the at least one distal gear may be positioned to mesh with an intermediate gear of the at least one intermediate gear.
In various examples, the first distal gear has a smaller diameter than the first intermediate gear.
In various examples, a last intermediate gear of the at least one intermediate gear has a smaller diameter than the first intermediate gear. The last intermediate gear may mesh with the first distal gear that has a smaller diameter than the first intermediate gear.
In various examples, a last intermediate gear of the at least one intermediate gear has a smaller diameter than another intermediate gear of the at least one intermediate gear.
In various examples, the proximal follower connector comprises an arm that extends radially away from the proximal follower connector axis. The first coupler axis may be positioned on the arm of the proximal follower connector.
In various examples, the first proximal gear comprises an arm that extends radially away from the first proximal gear axis. The second coupler axis may be positioned on the arm of the first proximal gear.
In various examples, each actuator assembly comprises a mounting disc assembly, the proximal frame is pivotably coupled to the mounting disc assembly via the proximal axis and configured to pivot on the proximal axis relative to the mounting disc assembly, the mounting disc assembly defines a follower pathway, and the proximal assembly comprises a follower joint that is positioned within and configured to move along the follower pathway.
In various examples, each actuator assembly comprises a wheel that is configured to pivot on a wheel axis. Pivoting the wheel on the wheel axis may cause the intermediate assembly to pivot on the intermediate axis.
In various examples, the wheel is coupled to a first driving gear of a plurality of driving gears. The plurality of driving gears may comprise a last driving gear. Rotation of the last driving gear may cause the follower joint to move along the follower pathway.
The above summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the invention in any way. It will be appreciated that the scope of the invention encompasses many potential embodiments in addition to those here summarized, some of which will be further described below.
Having thus described certain example embodiments of the present disclosure in general terms, reference will hereinafter be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
The present disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which some but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, terms such as “front,” “rear,” “top,” etc. are used for explanatory purposes in the examples provided below to describe the relative position of certain components or portions of components. Furthermore, as would be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present disclosure, the terms “substantially” and “approximately” indicate that the referenced element or associated description is accurate to within applicable engineering tolerances.
The components illustrated in the figures represent components that may or may not be present in various embodiments of the invention described herein such that embodiments may include fewer or more components than those shown in the figures while not departing from the scope of the invention. Some components may be omitted from one or more figures or shown in dashed line for visibility of the underlying components.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not prelude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so denied herein.
The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the various inventions, and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below.
Referring now to
In various embodiments, the mounting 2 defines a follower pathway configured to receive a follower joint C1. As shown, the upper follower connector 3 and the lower follower connector 4 are operably coupled at the follower joint C1. For example, the first upper follower end of the upper follower connector 3 may be operably coupled to the first lower follower end of the lower follower connector 4 at the follower joint C1. In various embodiments, the upper follower connector 3 may be affixed to the upper leg mechanism 1 at the second upper follower end (e.g., the end at joint B1) between the hip end (e.g., the end at hip joint A) of the upper leg mechanism 1 and the knee end (e.g., the end at lower knee joint B2) of the upper leg mechanism 1. In various embodiments, the lower follower connector 4 may be affixed to the lower leg mechanism 5 between the first end (e.g., lower knee joint B2) and the second end (e.g., heel joint D) of the lower leg mechanism 5 at the second lower follower end (e.g., the end at joint C2). In some embodiments, the upper leg mechanism 1 and the lower leg mechanism 5 may be operably coupled at the lower knee joint B2.
In various embodiments, as the follower joint C1 travels around the follower pathway 2, the upper follower connector 3 and the lower follower connector 4 move and in accordance with these movements, the upper leg mechanism 1 and the lower leg mechanism 5 also move between varying degrees of bent and straightened positions about the lower knee joint B2.
Referring now to
In some embodiments, the angle defined between the angel defined between the upper leg mechanism 1 and the lower mechanism 5 may be approximately the same as the angle defined between the upper leg mechanism 1 and the upper follower connector 3 (e.g., the angle defined between Joint A, Joint B1, and Joint C1). Additionally, in some embodiments, the angle defined between the upper leg mechanism 1 and the upper follower connector 3 (e.g., the angle defined between Joint A, Joint B1, and Joint C1) may be approximately the same as the angle defined between the lower follower connector 4 and the lower leg mechanism (e.g., the angle defined between Joint C1, Joint C2, and Joint D).
Referring now to
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In various embodiments, the follower pathway may define an elliptical pathway. In some embodiments, the placement of the heel joint D may be based on the position of the follower joint C1 along a first direction (e.g., along a horizontal direction along the x-axis shown in
In further exemplary embodiments, the follower pathway may be defined by a rotating mounting. Referring now to
In various embodiments, the rotating mounting 12 defines a rotating follower pathway configured to drive the follower joint C1 to travel in accordance with the follower pathway defined by the rotating mounting 12 (e.g., along the follower pathway). In various embodiments, the pathway is defined along the circumference of the rotating mounting 12. For example, the rotating mounting 12 may comprise a disc, where the pathway is defined along the circumference of the disc. As shown, a first end of the follower joint connector Z3 may be operably coupled to the both the upper follower connector 3 and the lower follower connector 4 at the follower joint C1. In various embodiments, the follower joint C1 may comprise an attachment member (e.g., a pin, and/or the like) configured for coupling the follower joint connector Z3 and the upper follower connector Z3 at the follower joint C1.
A projecting member Z4 (e.g., pin, rod, and/or the like) coupled to the rotating mounting 12 may extend through at least a portion of an opening defined by the follower joint connector Z3 and may be configured to drive the follower joint connector Z3 in an oscillatory manner as the mounting 12 rotates. For example, the opening defined by the follower joint connector Z3 may allow the rotational motion of the mounting 12 to oscillate the bottom end of the follower joint connector Z3. The rotating mounting 12 may be configured to rotate about the axis of a rotating mounting member Z2. The rotating mounting member Z2 may comprise an axle, a shaft, or the like. In various embodiments, the follower joint connector Z3 may comprise and/or otherwise describe a horizontal swing clockwise and/or counter-clockwise actuator.
As further shown, a second end of the follower joint connector Z3 may be operably coupled to a vertical-moving member Z1. The follower joint connector Z3 may be operably coupled to a mounting disc assembly 6 configured as a part of the leg actuator mechanism. The vertical member Z3 may be operably coupled to the mounting disc assembly 6 via an attachment mechanism Z5 (e.g., pin, and/or the like) The vertical-moving member Z1 may comprise or otherwise describe a vertical up and down actuator. In various embodiments, the vertical-moving member Z1 may be configured to move upwardly and downwardly as the mounting 12 rotates. As shown, in some embodiments, the vertical moving member Z1 may have a defined range of motion (e.g., Z1 min to Z1 max). The position of the vertical moving member Z1 within the defined range of motion may depend on the position of the rotating mounting 12. As described above, the upper follower connector 3 may be coupled to the follower joint connector Z3 at the follower joint C1, and follower joint Z3 may be coupled to the vertical-moving member Z1. In various embodiments, as the mounting 12 rotates, causing the follower joint connector Z3 and the vertical-moving member Z1 to travel in accordance with their respective motion, the follower joint connector Z3 and the vertical-moving member Z1, in turn, drive or otherwise cause the follower joint C1 (thus, the upper follower connector 3) to travel in accordance with the follower pathway defined by the rotating mounting 12.
As noted above, the rotating mounting 12 may be configured to drive the follower joint C1 to travel in accordance with the follower pathway defined by the mounting 12. For example, the follower joint C1 may remain tangent to the follower pathway defined by the rotating mounting 12 as the mounting 12 rotates. As described above, the upper follower connector 3 and the lower follower connector 4 may be operably coupled at the follower joint C1. For example, the first upper follower end of the upper follower connector 3 may be operably coupled to the first lower follower end of the lower follower connector 4 at the follower joint C1. In various embodiments, the upper follower connector 3 may be affixed to the upper leg mechanism 1 at the second upper follower end (e.g., the end at joint B1) between the hip end (e.g., the end at hip joint A) of the upper leg mechanism 1 and the knee end (e.g., the end at lower knee joint B2) of the upper leg mechanism 1. In various embodiments, the lower follower connector 4 may be affixed to the lower leg mechanism 5 between the first end (e.g., lower knee joint B2) and the second end (e.g., heel joint D) of the lower leg mechanism 5 at the second lower follower end (e.g., the end at joint C2). In some embodiments, the upper leg mechanism 1 and the lower leg mechanism 5 may be operably coupled at the lower knee joint B2.
In various embodiments, as the follow joint C1 travels in accordance with the follower pathway defined by the rotating mounting 12, the upper leg mechanism 1 and the lower leg mechanism 5 also move between varying degrees of bent and straightened positions about the lower knee joint B2.
Referring now to
In some embodiments, the angle defined between the upper leg mechanism 1 and the lower mechanism 5 may be approximately the same as the angle defined between the upper leg mechanism 1 and the upper follower connector 3 (e.g., the angle defined between Joint A, Joint B1, and Joint C1). Additionally, in some embodiments, the angle defined between the upper leg mechanism 1 and the upper follower connector 3 (e.g., the angle defined between Joint A, Joint B1, and Joint C1) may be approximately the same as the angle defined between the lower follower connector 4 and the lower leg mechanism (e.g., the angle defined between Joint C1, Joint C2, and Joint D).
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
In various embodiments, the follower pathway may define an elliptical pathway. In various embodiments, the follower pathway may define a non-elliptical pathway. In some embodiments, the placement of the heel joint D may be based on the position of the follower joint C1 along a first direction (e.g., along a horizontal direction along the x-axis shown in
Referring now to
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Referring now to
As shown, the movement between the first position through the fourth position simulates the movement of a leg. Referring now to
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In an example embodiment, shown in
By way of example, a driver insert (not shown) may be attached to the driving insert 12d and transfer rotational motion into the driving mechanism 12. In such an example, the rotational motion may be translated between the driving insert 12d and the disc 12c (e.g., via operably coupling). The disc 12c may then be coupled to the arm mechanism 12b (e.g., to move the arms during motion). Additionally, the rotational motion of the driving insert 12d may be transferred to disc 12f. In such a case, the disc 12f may be coupled to the link 12h such that the rotational motion is translated to the disc 12i, which is operably coupled with the driving disc 6c (shown in
In various embodiments, as shown in
Referring now to
As show in
Referring now to
Various embodiments discussed herein allow for dolls to simulate motion (e.g., running and/or walking) in a more realistic fashion that allows for a more immersive user experience. For example, embodiments discussed herein allow for a doll to “run” along with a child when riding a vehicle, such as a bicycle or scooter or the like.
Referring now to
Operation of the aforementioned mechanism 300 and its various assemblies and components will now be described, according to some embodiments and with respect to various figures previously described.
In some embodiments, as shown in at least
Referring now to at least
Referring now to at least
Referring now to at least
By at least the operation described previously in this disclosure, and as shown in
Referring now to
In various examples, the doll may be moved laterally along the ground by a user. Moving the doll laterally along the ground may cause the wheel 610 of each actuator assembly 600 to pivot on a wheel 610 axis. The wheel 610 may be coupled to a first driving gear 620 of the plurality of driving gears 620 (
In various examples, the proximal assembly 700 comprises a proximal follower connector assembly 730 that comprises a follower joint 732 (
In various examples, the proximal frame 710 may be configured to pivot on a proximal axis 720. The proximal axis 720 may represent a shoulder axis (e.g., in the case of a front leg of a four-legged animal, such as a canine, or an arm of a humanoid or primate) or a hip axis (e.g., in the case of a leg of a humanoid or primate, or a back leg of a four-legged animal). The proximal frame 710 may be pivotably coupled to the mounting assembly 630 of the actuator assembly 600 via the proximal axis 720. Movement of the follower joint 732 along the follower pathway 632 may cause the proximal frame 710 to pivot on the proximal axis 720.
In various examples, the proximal follower connector 734 may comprise an arm 752 that extends radially away from a proximal follower connector axis 736. A first coupler axis 742 may be defined by the arm 752 of the proximal follower connector 734. Pivoting the proximal follower connector 734 on the proximal follower connector axis 736 relative to the proximal frame 710 may cause the first coupler axis 742 to rotate around the proximal follower connector axis 736.
In various examples, the proximal assembly 700 comprises a coupler 740 that is pivotably coupled to the proximal follower connector 734. The coupler 740 may be configured to pivot on the first coupler axis 742 relative to the proximal follower connector 734.
In various examples, the proximal assembly 700 comprises at least one proximal gear 750. A first proximal gear 750a of the at least one proximal gear 750 may be pivotably coupled to the proximal frame 710 and configured to pivot on a first proximal gear axis 751 relative to the proximal frame 710. The first proximal gear 750a may also be pivotably coupled to the coupler 740 and configured to pivot on a second coupler axis 744 relative to the coupler 740. The first proximal gear 750a may comprise an arm 752 that extends radially away from the first proximal gear axis 751. The second coupler axis 744 may be defined by the arm 752 of the first proximal gear 750a.
In various examples, the at least one proximal gear 750 is a plurality of proximal gears that comprise at least the first proximal gear 750a and a last proximal gear 750b. Each of the plurality of proximal gears may mesh with at least one other proximal gear 750 to transfer torque from the first proximal gear 750a to the last proximal gear 750b. The plurality of proximal gears may comprise any quantity of gears, such as at least two, three, four or more gears. Each of the plurality of proximal gears may have the same diameter or at least one proximal gear 750 may have a diameter that differs from at least one other proximal gear 750.
In various examples, the intermediate assembly 800 is pivotably coupled to the proximal assembly 700 via an intermediate axis 820. The intermediate axis 820 may represent an elbow axis (e.g., in the case of a front leg of a four-legged animal, such as a canine, or an arm of a humanoid or primate) or a knee axis (e.g., in the case of a leg of a humanoid or primate, or a back leg of a four-legged animal). The intermediate assembly 800 may be configured to pivot on the intermediate axis 820 relative to the proximal assembly 700. The intermediate assembly 800 may comprise an intermediate frame 810. The intermediate frame 810 may be lower leg shaped or forearm shaped. The intermediate assembly 800 may comprise at least one intermediate gear 830 that is pivotably coupled to the intermediate frame 810. A first intermediate gear 830a of the at least one intermediate gear 830 may be positioned to mesh with a proximal gear 750 of the at least one proximal gear 750, such as the last proximal gear 750b. Pivoting the last proximal gear 750b may cause the first intermediate gear 830a to pivot. The first intermediate gear 830a and the intermediate frame 810 may be configured to pivot on the intermediate axis 820, which may be caused by pivoting the last proximal gear 750b. For example, the last proximal gear 750b may pivot in a first direction (i.e., either clockwise or anti-clockwise), which causes the first intermediate gear 830a to pivot in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction (i.e., the other of clockwise or anti-clockwise), which causes the intermediate axis 820 and the first intermediate gear 830a to rotate around the last proximal gear 750b, which causes the intermediate frame 810 to swing relative to the proximal frame 710.
In various examples, the at least one intermediate gear 830 is a plurality of intermediate gears that comprise at least the first intermediate gear 830a and a last intermediate gear 830d. Each of the plurality of intermediate gears may mesh with at least one other intermediate gear 830 to transfer torque from the first intermediate gear 830a to the last intermediate gear 830d. The plurality of intermediate gears may comprise any quantity of gears, such as at least two, three, four or more gears. Each of the plurality of intermediate gears may have the same diameter or at least one intermediate gear 830 may have a diameter that differs from at least one other intermediate gear 830. For example, the last intermediate gear 830d may have a smaller diameter than the first intermediate gear 830a. As will be appreciated, having a last intermediate gear 830d that has a smaller diameter than the first intermediate gear 830a causes the last intermediate gear 830d to pivot faster than the first intermediate gear 830a.
In various examples, the distal assembly 900 of the actuator assembly 600 is pivotably coupled to the intermediate assembly 800 via a distal axis 920. The distal axis 920 may represent a wrist axis (e.g., in the case of a front leg of a four-legged animal, such as a canine, or an arm of a humanoid or primate) or an ankle axis (e.g., in the case of a leg of a humanoid or primate, or a back leg of a four-legged animal). The distal assembly 900 may be configured to pivot on the distal axis 920 relative to the intermediate assembly 800. The distal assembly 900 may comprise a distal frame 910. The distal frame 910 may be foot shaped or hand shaped. The distal assembly 900 may comprise at least one distal gear 930 that is pivotably coupled to the distal frame 910. A first distal gear 930 of the at least one distal gear 930 may be positioned to mesh with an intermediate gear 830 of the at least one intermediate gear 830, such as the last intermediate gear 830d. Pivoting the last intermediate gear 830d may cause the first distal gear 930 to pivot. The first distal gear 930 and the distal frame 910 may be configured to pivot on the distal axis 920, which may be caused by pivoting the last intermediate gear 830d. For example, the last intermediate gear 830d may pivot in a first direction (i.e., either clockwise or anti-clockwise), which causes the first distal gear 930 to pivot in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction (i.e., the other of clockwise or anti-clockwise), which causes the distal axis 920 and the first distal gear 930 to rotate around the last intermediate gear 830d, which causes the distal frame 910 to swing relative to the intermediate frame 810.
In various examples, but not depicted, the at least one distal gear 930 is a plurality of distal gears that comprise at least the first distal gear 930 and a last distal gear 930. Each of the plurality of distal gears may mesh with at least one other distal gear 930 to transfer torque from the first distal gear 930 to the last distal gear 930. The plurality of distal gears may comprise any quantity of gears, such as at least two, three, four or more gears. Each of the plurality of distal gears may have the same diameter or at least one distal gear 930 may have a diameter that differs from at least one other distal gear 930. In various examples, the first distal gear 930 may have a smaller diameter than the first intermediate gear 830a. In various examples, the last intermediate gear 830d meshes with the first distal gear 930 that has a smaller diameter than the first intermediate gear 830a. As will be appreciated, having a first distal gear 930 that has a smaller than the first intermediate gear 830a causes the first distal gear 930 to pivot faster than the first intermediate gear 830a.
In operation, the actuator assembly 600 may cause the proximal frame 710 and the intermediate frame 810 to swing back and forth. For example, the actuator assembly 600 may pivot the proximal frame 710 on the proximal axis 720 in a first direction (i.e., either clockwise or anti-clockwise) while pivoting the intermediate assembly 800 on the intermediate axis 820 in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction (i.e., the other of clockwise or anti-clockwise). The swinging motions of the proximal frame 710 and/or the intermediate frame 810 may extend less than 120 degrees, such as less than 90 degrees, to provide a realistic feel to the motion of the proximal frame 710 and the intermediate frame 810. Similarly, the actuator assembly 600 may cause the distal frame 910 to swing back and forth. For example, the actuator assembly 600 may pivot the distal frame 910 in the first direction as the proximal frame 710 pivots in the first direction and the intermediate frame 810 pivots in the second direction.
The swinging movement of the proximal frame 710, intermediate frame 810, and distal frame 910 of the actuator assembly 600 may be accomplished through the various mechanical connections that go from the wheel 610 to the distal frame 910. For example, the rotation of the wheel 610 causes each of the plurality of driving gears 620 to rotate, which causes the follower joint 732 to move along the follower pathway 632, which causes the proximal frame 710 to pivot on the proximal axis 720 and for the proximal follower connector 734 to pivot on the proximal follower connector axis 736. Causing the proximal follower connector 734 to pivot causes the coupler 740 to pivot on the first coupler axis 742, which causes the proximal gear 750 to pivot on the first proximal gear axis 751 due to the pivotable connection between the first proximal gear 750a and the coupler 740 via the second coupler axis 744. Causing the first proximal gear 750a to pivot causes each of the at least one intermediate gear 830 to rotate, which causes the intermediate frame 810 to swing on the intermediate axis 820 in an opposite direction than the swing direction of the proximal frame 710. Causing each of the at least one intermediate gear 830 to rotate causes each of the at least one distal gear 930 to rotate, which causes the distal frame 910 to swing on the distal axis 920 in an opposite direction than the swing direction of the intermediate frame 810.
The actuator assembly 600 has various benefits. For example, the actuator assembly 600 can be incorporated into a doll and can be configured to move a moveable leg 21 or an arm of the doll. When the doll has a plurality of moveable legs 21 or arms, such as two, three, or four moveable legs 21 or arms, the doll can comprise a plurality of actuator assemblies, such as two, three, or four actuator assemblies 600. The actuator assembly 600 can provide realistic, dynamic movement of each of the moveable legs 21 or arm and can be tailored for the type of doll. For example, for a humanoid doll 8, the desired length proportions, swing angles, and/or swing speeds for an upper leg, a lower leg, and a foot may be different than for an animal, such as a dog doll, a horse doll 400, etc. The actuator assembly 600 can accommodate various length proportions, swing angles, and swing speeds by adjusting the number of gears incorporated and/or the diameters of the gears. For example, increasing the number of intermediate gears on the intermediate assembly 800 would increase the length of the intermediate assembly 800 and decreasing the diameter of the intermediate gears as compared to the proximal gears would increase the swing angle and the speed of the swing of the intermediate assembly. Because of the adjustability of the actuator assembly 600, the actuator assembly 600 can be adjusted to provide realistic movement that is appropriate for the species of animal that the doll is representing.
Referring now to
In various examples, the actuator assembly 600 includes at least one loop member 840 that is positioned around two gears. For example, a loop member 840 may be positioned around two proximal leg gears 750, around two intermediate gears 830, and/or around two distal gears 930. The gears 750, 830, 930 that the loop member 840 is positioned around may be configured as a pulley and one of the gears may or may not include gear teeth. The two gears 750, 830, 930 that the loop member 840 is positioned around may be spaced apart from each other by, for example, at least one inch, such as at least two inches, such as at least three inches.
In various examples, the loop member 840 and the two gears 750, 830, 930 that the loop member 840 is positioned around may be configured as a pulley system that is configured to transfer torque from one of the two gears to the other of the two gears. For example, each of the two gears can be configured as a pulley and may comprise a groove that the loop member 840 can be positioned within. The loop member 840 can be configured as a string, a rope, a cable, a belt, or the like. As one of the two gears rotates, the loop member 840 may also rotate, which may cause the other of the two gears to rotate.
Providing an actuator assembly 600 with a loop member 840 has various benefits. For example, replacing some of the gears 750, 830, 930 with a pulley system comprising the loop member 840 can reduce weight, reduce sound and vibration, reduce complexity, and/or reduce cost as compared to an actuator assembly 600 that comprises a plurality of gears 750, 830, 930 that mesh with each other to transfer torque.
In various examples, the actuator assembly 600 includes at least one torsion spring 640. Each torsion spring 640 may comprise two leg portions and a coiled portion. The coiled portion may be positioned between the two leg portions. When the torsion spring 640 is in a natural position, as depicted in
In various examples, when the torsion spring 640 is comprised within the distal assembly 900, as depicted in
Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by further embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/932,530, filed Sep. 15, 2022, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/813,215, filed Jul. 18, 2022, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/947,346, filed Jul. 29, 2020, which application is further a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/589,909, filed Oct. 1, 2019, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/739,681, filed Oct. 1, 2018, which applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62739681 | Oct 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16589909 | Oct 2019 | US |
| Child | 16947346 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17932530 | Sep 2022 | US |
| Child | 18976044 | US | |
| Parent | 17813215 | Jul 2022 | US |
| Child | 17932530 | US | |
| Parent | 16947346 | Jul 2020 | US |
| Child | 17813215 | US |
