Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6758716
-
Patent Number
6,758,716
-
Date Filed
Thursday, March 6, 200321 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, July 6, 200420 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
- Aclain; Jacob K.
- Miller; Bena B.
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 446 297
- 446 298
- 446 299
- 446 302
- 446 247
- 446 251
- 446 252
- 446 450
- 446 454
- 446 456
- 446 471
- 446 409
- 446 411
- 446 397
- 446 441
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a dancing figure that includes a body defined by a torso, a head, and a pair of arms, and a pair of legs pivotally attached to the torso at a hip region. Each leg includes at least an upper leg section pivotally attached to a lower leg section at a knee region. Also included therewith is a pair of oversized feet adapted to provide support such that the figure is free-standing. The pair of oversized feet is separately and pivotally attached to one of the lower leg sections at an ankle region. Each foot houses a foot mechanism for independently pivoting the lower leg sections forwards and backwards at said ankle region, wherein the pivoting at said ankle regions causes pivoting motion at the knee regions and hip region to simulate animated movement in the figure. In addition thereto the foot mechanism may independently twist the foot to the left and right.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to animated toys and more particularly to dolls and figures that are mechanically animated to simulate movements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Toy dancing figures are well known in the art and have employed many various aesthetic novelty designs, from flowers (U.S. Pat. No. 5,056,249) and soda cans to fish (U.S. Pat. No. 4,775,351). However, these lack the innovation to create complex animated movements needed for dolls and for various other standing figures.
While the prior art is not devoid of dancing dolls, toys or other figures, there are disadvantages in the prior art and areas that need improvement. For instance, one disadvantage exists in animated figures that are fixed on a base in order to provide stability, lacking a more lifelike appearance that free-standing figures provide. These non-free standing figures typically include the mechanisms that create or control the movements of the figure in the base and are often comprised of moveable rods that travel through the legs. These dancing toys may be represented in U.S. Pat. Nos: 6,163,992; 6,126,508; 5,601,471; and 5,273,479. Other non-free standing figures incorporate the mechanisms in the upper or lower torso, but since this type of arrangement causes the figure to be top-heavy, the figures rely on the base to keep the figures upright. For example, U.S. Pat. No.: 6,261,148 discloses a twisting figure; U.S. Pat. No. 6,071,170 discloses a figure that vibrates and moves side to side; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,726 illustrates an animated figure that stands and sits.
While free-standing animated dolls are present in the art, these dolls similarly place the mechanisms in the torso, which as mentioned above may cause instability. To compensate for this the dolls typically reduce the speed or rate of animation and movement the dolls produce. As such these dolls typically only walk, illustrated in U.S. Pat. No.: 5,820,441; tap dance, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.: 5,147,238; or sway from one side to another, shown in U.S. Pat. No.: 5,911,617.
Another interesting disclosure is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,560, which discloses a free-standing dancing doll. However, the mechanism that powers the movement is situated in the torso of the doll, which as mentioned above may limit the speed of the movements in order to keep the toy upright.
As such there exists a need to improve upon the prior art without the disadvantages outlined above. In addition thereto, typical dancing figures and toys animate in response to detecting music or sound, while others may be simply animated at the same time the figure plays music providing the appearance that the figure is dancing. As such a further improvement over the prior art would include the ability to control the animation of the figure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided in one embodiment a dancing figure that includes a body defined by a torso, a head, and a pair of arms, and a pair of legs pivotally attached to the torso at a hip region. Each leg includes at least an upper leg section pivotally attached to a lower leg section at a knee region. Also included therewith is a pair of oversized feet adapted to provide support such that the figure is free-standing. Each oversized foot is separately and pivotally attached to one of the lower leg sections at an ankle region. Each foot houses a foot mechanism for independently pivoting the lower leg sections forwards and backwards at the ankle region, wherein the pivoting at the ankle regions causes pivoting motion at the knee regions and hip region to simulate animated movement in the figure. In addition thereto the foot mechanism may also include the ability to independently twist the feet to the left and right. A control means is further in communication with each foot mechanism and may include pre-programmed animation or dance movements.
In another embodiment of the present invention each foot may include front and rear wheels. By operably connecting the rear wheels to the foot mechanism, the feet may be moved forwards or backwards. The feet may also include a foot position indicator means such that the control means can determine the position of each foot to properly control the direction and speed the feet are moving.
In another embodiment of the present invention the figure may be remotely controlled from a remote control unit Various means to transmit and receive the signals may be employed. The remote control unit further includes function buttons to move the feet independently of each other and at various speeds and include buttons to activate the pre-programmed animated movements.
In another embodiment of the present invention the figure includes a sound activation means in communication with the control means such that the figure will move or dance in response to music or sounds. The figure or remote control unit may also include a speaker to emit songs pre-recorded and stored on the control means.
The remote control unit may then further include an input jack to attach a separate audio unit, such as an MP3 player, CD or cassette player or even a stereo, such that the music from the auxiliary player is emitted through the speaker in the remote control unit.
The figure may also include a beat sensor in communication with the control means. The beat sensor determines the beat of a song and indicates to the control means to change the speed of the dancing or pre-programmed animation sequences. The beat sensor may also be placed in the remote control unit and configured to send a beat signal to the receiver in the figure.
Numerous other advantages and features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims, and from the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
A fuller understanding of the foregoing may be had by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIGS. 1
a
-
1
d
illustrates various external designs embodying the present invention;
FIG. 2
a
is a perspective view in outline of one embodiment of the feet and lower leg sections showing the foot mechanisms and lower leg links;
FIG. 2
b
is a side view in outline of the motor mechanism and gear train in communication with the rear wheel of one of the feet illustrated in
FIG. 2
a;
FIG. 3
a
is a side view of the internal components of the legs and oversized feet, for one embodiment of the present invention illustrating the pivotal connections at the ankle, knee and hip regions when the leg is in a forward position;
FIG. 3
b
is another side view of
FIG. 3
a
, when the leg is in an upright position;
FIG. 4
is a perspective view of a hip mechanism for the figure illustrated in accordance with
FIGS. 3
a
and
3
b;
FIG. 5
is a perspective view of the lower half of the figure in accordance with
FIGS. 3
a
and
3
b
illustrating the outer covering of the upper leg sections and hip region;
FIG. 6
a
is a perspective view of a remote control unit for controlling the movement of the figures;
FIG. 6
b
illustrates uses a single remote control unit that is plugged into a second remote control unit similarly configured in order to control the dancing or moving of two similarly configured figures;
FIG. 7
a
is a perspective view of a leg in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention showing upper and lower leg links in communication with a foot mechanism and a hip mechanism and showing the outside portion of the leg housings;
FIG. 7
b
is a side view of the leg from
FIG. 7
a;
FIG. 7
c
is a reverse perspective view of the leg from
FIG. 7
a
with the outside portion of the leg housings being replaced with the inside portion of the leg housings;
FIG. 8
a
is a perspective view of the internal links defined with another embodiment of the present invention showing upper and lower leg links in communication with foot mechanism and a hip mechanism that is further in communication with links in the torso;
FIG. 8
b
is a front view of the hip mechanism and internal links of the torso from
FIG. 8
a;
FIG. 8
c
is a front view of the hip mechanism and internal links of the torso with a skirt that is to wrap around the hip region of the figure from
FIG. 8
a;
FIG. 9
a
is a perspective view of the legs and hip mechanism of another embodiment of the present invention showing the leg pivoting about the ankle region;
FIG. 9
b
is a cross section view of one of the legs from the embodiment in
FIG. 9
a;
FIG. 10
a
is a perspective view of the upper leg and thigh section of one of the legs from the embodiment in
FIG. 9
a;
FIG. 10
b
is a perspective view of the hip mechanism and thigh sections of the embodiment in
FIG. 9
a;
FIG. 11
is a side view of the embodiment in
FIG. 9
a
, illustrating the movement in the upper leg section, thigh sections and hip mechanism in response to movement in one of the legs;
FIG. 12
is a rear view of the embodiment from
FIG. 11
;
FIG. 13
is a front view of a figure that incorporates another hip mechanism in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 14
is an exploded view of the upper leg section, hip joints and torso of the embodiment from
FIG. 13
;
FIG. 15
is a front cross section view of the torso illustrating pivoting arms and head of the embodiment from
FIG. 14
;
FIG. 16
is perspective view of another embodiment of the feet without wheels;
FIGS. 17
a
and
17
b
are side views of another embodiment of a foot with a position indicator means illustrating the foot when the leg is in a forward position and a backward position;
FIG. 18
a
is a perspective outlined view of another embodiment of a foot that includes a foot mechanism that twists the foot to the left and right;
FIG. 18
b
is a front view of the lower body of the figure incorporating the feet from
FIG. 18
a;
FIG. 19
a
is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention incorporating feet mechanisms that independently twist the feet left and right illustrated herein and bend the legs forwards and backwards;
FIG. 19
b
is a side view of the figure from
FIG. 19
a
illustrating one of the legs bending;
FIG. 20
a
is a perspective view of the lower leg section and foot mechanism when the motor is operating in reverse to pivot the legs forwards and backwards;
FIG. 20
b
is a top view of the foot mechanism engaging the leg pivot gear train when the motor is operator in reverse;
FIG. 21
a
is a side view of the lower leg section and foot mechanism when the motor is operating in reverse and the leg pivot mechanism is not acting on the leg links;
FIG. 21
b
is a perspective view of the leg pivot mechanism;
FIG. 21
c
is a side view of the lower leg section and foot mechanism when the motor is operating in reverse and the leg pivot mechanism is acting upon the lower leg links;
FIG. 22
a
is a perspective view of the lower leg section and foot mechanism when the motor is operating forwards to engage the twisting gear train in order to twist the feet side-to-side; and
FIG. 22
b
is a top view of the foot mechanism engaging the twisting gear train when the motor is operator in the forward direction.
FIG. 23
is a front perspective view of the doll tethered to the remote control unit and illustrating the internal communication means necessary for operation of a “Try Me” feature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
While the invention is susceptible to embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described herein, in detail, the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the spirit or scope of the invention and/or claims of the embodiments illustrated.
Referring now to
FIGS. 1
a
through
1
d
there are shown various illustrated dancing
FIGS. 100
in accordance with the embodiments and disclosures herein below. It is contemplated by the present invention that external features of the
FIGS. 100
should not limit the scope of the underlying invention, as each
FIG. 100
is illustrated by a different character:
FIG. 1
a
illustrates a girl
100
a
,
FIG. 1
b
illustrates a rabbit
100
b
,
FIG. 1
c
illustrates a monster
100
c
, and
FIG. 1
d
illustrates a dinosaur
100
d
, moreover, other external features or characters not shown may also be contemplated, such as robots, male characters, insects, animals, etc.
As illustrated, each
FIG. 100
includes a pair of oversized feet
102
. Within each oversized foot
102
are housed drive mechanisms that are independently powered to drive or move each leg
104
independently from the other. In one embodiment the mechanisms separately power a series of links that transverse each leg
104
. The links are pivotally connected to each other at specific areas defined in an ankle region
106
, knee region
108
and hip region
110
, which permit the legs
104
to bend or pivot at these regions. When the legs
104
are moving rapidly, the feet
102
will separately move or shuffle across the surface because of the momentum and weight transfer exhibited through the rapid motion in the legs
104
, upper body
112
and the hip region
110
. As such the
FIG. 100
can be controlled or programmed to dance or move around in circles, forwards or backwards. The oversized feet
102
, besides housing the mechanisms and power supplies, serve as a base such that the dancing figure is free-standing and does not need to be permanently attached to a separate base. The arms
114
and the head
116
may also be pivotally connected to move freely in response to the momentum of the dancing figure such that when the legs
104
move, the arms swing forwards and/or to the side, while the head pivots to the side.
Referring now to
FIGS. 2
a
and
2
b
, as mentioned above, the
FIG. 100
includes a pair of oversized feet
102
. Each foot
102
is defined by an outer foot housing
120
that encloses a bottom section
122
. When the feet
102
do not include wheels, illustrated in other embodiments herein-below, the bottom section
122
is substantially flat in order to provide a base for the
FIG. 100
to stand upon. Each foot
102
houses a foot mechanism
126
and the power supply
124
. The power supply
124
, preferably a battery pack (not shown), is accessible through a battery door (not shown) in the bottom section
122
of the foot
102
. Also contained within each foot
102
is a circuit board
130
or other microprocessor or control means, which is in communication with the power supply
124
and its respective foot mechanism
126
. The circuit boards
130
are typically connected to each other through various well known communication means, which may run internally through the body or may run through a communication foot link
128
, if for instance such communication means were wireline based, however various wireless communication means may also be included.
The communication foot link
128
is pivotally attached to the inside portion of each foot
102
. The communication foot link
128
is designed such that each foot
102
may still move independently of each other without being impeded by the other due to the communication foot link
128
pulling against the moving foot. However, as explained above other communication means may be employed.
The foot mechanism
126
includes a motor
132
that drives a crank
134
, which is housed in a crank enclosure
136
. The crank
134
is connected to one end of a lower leg link
138
, which extends out of the outer foot housing
120
and is housed within the lower leg section
140
. The connection between the crank
134
and the one end of the lower leg link
138
is accomplished by a connecting rod
142
(best seen in
FIG. 2
b
). The lower leg link
138
is pivotally connected by a first pivoting means
144
to the crank enclosure
136
about the ankle region
106
. When the crank
134
rotates, the connecting rod
142
moves inwardly and outwardly, which further pivots the lower leg link
138
forwards and backwards (illustrated in further detail below).
In addition, each foot
102
is equipped with freely rotatably front wheels
146
and rear wheels
148
operably connected to the foot mechanism
126
through a gear train
150
. The rear wheels
148
are powered to rotate forwards and backwards. However, in other embodiments the gear train
150
may include a slider gear that only engages the rear wheel
148
when the motor
132
is running in a pre-specified direction, such as forwards, thereby preventing the rear wheels
148
from rotating in reverse.
Referring now to
FIGS. 3
a
and
3
b
, as mentioned above, the lower leg link
138
is fastened at one end to the connecting rod
142
, which is operably connected to the crank
134
. The other end of the lower leg link
138
is pivotally attached by a second pivoting means
152
to one end of an upper leg link
154
, which is housed within the upper leg section (not shown). The lower leg section
140
, of which only the front portion
156
is illustrated, is also pivotally attached to the crank enclosure
136
and pivotally attached to the upper leg link
154
by the second pivoting means
152
. The pivotal connection at the knee region
108
by the second pivoting means
152
permits the legs
104
to bend in a more life-like fashion. Continuing therefrom, the other end of each upper leg links
154
is pivotally connected to a hip mechanism
160
by a third pivoting means
158
at the hip region
110
.
When the crank
134
is operating (
FIG. 3
a
), the connecting rod
142
moves outwardly indicated by arrow
162
. The lower leg link
138
, in response thereto, pivots forwards indicated by arrow
164
at the ankle region
106
, causing the upper leg link
154
to pivot forwards, indicated by arrow
166
at the knee region
108
. The other end of the upper leg link
154
, attached to the hip mechanism
160
, pulls that specific side of the hip mechanism
160
down in response to the upper leg link
154
pivoting forwards, indicated by arrows
168
and explained in greater detail below. Referring now to
FIG. 3
b
, as the crank
134
continues to rotate, the connecting rod
142
moves inwardly, indicated by arrow
170
, pivoting the lower leg link
138
and the lower leg section
156
backwards, indicated by arrow
172
and
174
respectively. This in turn pivots the upper leg link
154
inwards (back horizontally) pushing the hip mechanism
160
upwards, which is indicated by arrows
176
.
Referring to
FIG. 4
, the hip mechanism
160
is defined as having a pair of parallel horizontal sides
180
and
182
that are pivotally connected on their ends to the ends of a pair of vertical parallel sides
184
and
186
, forming a pivotal parallelogram. Intersecting through the hip mechanism
160
is a hip post
188
that is pivotally attached approximately to the middle portion
190
of the pair of horizontal parallel sides
180
and
182
. The connections permit the hip post
188
to remain parallel to the pair of vertical parallel sides
184
and
186
when the hip mechanism
160
pivots, causing the hip post
188
to remain substantially upright. As mentioned above, the upper leg links
154
are pivotally attached, via the third pivoting means
158
, to the hip mechanism
160
. The hip mechanism
160
further includes the means to fasten
192
the upper leg housing (not shown), which encloses the upper leg links
154
.
Referring to
FIG. 5
, the hip mechanism
160
is enclosed in a lower torso
194
and the hip post
188
extends upwardly from the hip mechanism
160
such that the upper torso (not shown) may be attached thereto. However, the lower and upper torso may be a single piece structure that encloses the hip mechanism, which as such would eliminate the need for a hip post
188
. The upper leg links
154
are enclosed in upper leg housings
196
that attaches to the hip mechanism
160
by fastening means
192
.
As one of the upper leg links
154
pivots at the knee region
108
, the same upper leg link
154
pulls on the hip mechanism
160
causing the pivotal parallelogram to flex downwardly towards the same upper leg link
154
(seen also in FIG.
4
and indicated by arrow
161
). As such the
FIG. 100
exhibits more lifelike complex dance or animation movements by having a
FIG. 100
with legs
104
that pivot at the ankle region
106
, bend at the knee region
108
and attach to the upper body at the hip region
110
that flexes downwardly when the legs
104
pivot and bend outwardly. In addition the torso
112
while remaining substantially upright will exhibit movement in the arms and head (when pivotally attached thereto) because of the momentum exhibited through the lower portion of the FIG.
100
.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the
FIG. 100
is activated in response to sound or music. A sound activation means (not shown) is in communication with the circuit boards
130
in order to activate the animation of the FIG.
100
. The sound activation means may be located in one of the feet
102
or in the upper body of the FIG.
100
and is responsive to any music the user plays. The animation of the
FIG. 100
may be controlled through pre-programmed animation sequences or combinations of dance moves. In response to the music, the circuit board controls the feet mechanisms
126
in accordance to pre-programmed commands, which cause the
FIG. 100
to move through various animation sequences.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the
FIG. 100
may also include a beat sensor (not shown) in communication with the circuit board
130
. The beat sensor determines the beat or pace of the user's music and sends a beat signal to the circuit board
130
. The circuit board
130
receiving the beat signal can then replay the pre-programmed animated sequences in-time with the beat of the user's music, by speeding or slowing down the pre-programmed animated sequence.
In other embodiments of the present invention, the
FIG. 100
may also playback pre-recorded music. Incorporating a speaker (not shown) in the upper body of the
FIG. 100
or in one of the feet
102
would permit the figure to emit the music. The
FIG. 100
may also include an on/off switch in connection with the circuit board
130
that permits the user to control the playback of the music. Once the playback option is turned on, the circuit board
130
begins to emit the pre-recorded music through the speakers. The
FIG. 100
also including the sound activation means will then begin to move (as described above) in response to the music.
Referring now to
FIG. 6
a
, in another embodiment of the present invention, a hand-held remote control unit
200
controls the movements of the
FIG. 100
remotely. The remote control
200
includes an IR transmitter
202
, which transmits the control signals from the remote control
200
to a receiver (not shown) in the FIG.
100
. The receiver is in communication with the circuit board(s)
130
, which independently controls the foot mechanisms. It is however, contemplated that other transmitter/receiver combinations may be used, for instance the transmitting/receiving means may include radio frequency (“RF”) transmitters and receivers.
The remote control unit
200
incorporates various function activation buttons. For example, a set of foot control buttons
204
positioned on the left hand side of the remote control unit
200
may control the left leg (or the foot mechanism in the left foot) of the
FIG. 100
, while a set of foot control buttons
206
positioned on the right hand side may control the right leg (or the foot mechanism in the right foot). These buttons may include the ability to move the feet separately forwards and backwards and at different speeds. In addition the activation of both sets of foot control buttons
204
and
206
may cause the figure to move forwards or backwards. In addition moving only one of the foot control buttons forwards may cause the figure to continuously bend the corresponding leg forwards and rotate or pivot about the other foot.
A third set of music control buttons
208
may be included to control or alter the music being played. The music control buttons
208
may change the beat or speed of the music or may allow the user to cycle through a variety of pre-recorded songs. The music control buttons
208
may also permit the user to mix the songs by controlling the bass, rhythms and melodies of each song, such as adding different basses or rhythms to alter or manipulate the music slightly. One of the music control buttons
208
may also turn the music off to permit the user to play their own music.
The remote control unit
200
may also include a pre-programmed dance button
210
that activates pre-programmed animation sequences. By depressing the pre-programmed dance button
210
, the
FIG. 100
will move in accordance to one of its pre-programmed sequences. It is further contemplated by the present invention that the remote control unit
200
may be designed such that the user may only be capable of activating various pre-programmed dance sequences and unable to independently control each foot. The remote control unit
200
may however, be further designed to allow the user to move the
FIG. 100
forwards or backwards through various means described herein (such as by controlling various wheel mechanisms in communication with each foot mechanism). The remote control unit
200
may also include a freeze button (not shown) that temporarily stops all movement of the
FIG. 100
, while the
FIG. 100
is in its specific dance sequence. This would thereby allow the user to view the
FIG. 100
in various poses, such as with one leg off the ground.
In addition thereto, the remote control unit
200
may also include a speaker
212
that emits the pre-recorded music. As such, the user will be able to hear the music better through the remote control unit
200
rather than from the
FIG. 100
, which may be too far away from the remote control unit
200
. The remote control unit
200
may also include an input jack
214
that permits a transfer cable (not shown) to be attached to the remote control unit
200
, which attaches to a separate audio player, such as a CD and/or cassette player or a radio. As such the user's music will emit through the speaker
212
contained in the remote control unit
200
. In such embodiments, the function buttons may be capable of adding various sound effects to the user's music. Other aesthetic features of the remote control unit
200
may include an “in use” indicated LED, or other designs on the foot control buttons, such as finger joysticks, or mini-pads, or other accommodating controls. The remote control unit
200
may also include a headphone jack
216
.
In addition thereto, the remote control unit
200
may also include a multi-controller jack
218
with a corresponding connection cord
220
. Illustrated in
FIG. 6
b
, a second remote control unit
200
b
, similarly configured has a connection cord
220
b
that is plugged into the multi-controller jack
218
, of the remote control unit
200
. When the two remote control units
200
and
200
b
are plugged into each other, a user using one of the remote control units will be able to control two
FIGS. 100 and 100
b.
Alternatively, the connection of the two remote control units
200
and
200
b
may permit the music from the first remote control unit
200
to overlap and play through the second remote control unit
200
b
, such that the two
FIGS. 100 and 100
b
will be dancing to the same music. In yet an alternate embodiment, linking the two remote control units would permit the two remote control units to separately control the two figures. While one remote control unit is transmitting the other remote control unit would wait (by being blocked from sending a transmission) before making its own transmission. This allows for independent control of the two figures at the same time while sharing the single audio sound.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the remote control unit
200
may also include a beat sensor, as described above. As such when a user attaches a separate audio player into the remote control unit
200
, the beat sensor determines the beat or pace of the user's music and sends a beat signal to the circuit board
130
of the FIG.
100
. The figure receiving the beat signal can then replay the pre-programmed animated sequences in-time with the beat of the user's music, by speeding or slowing down the animated sequence. The figure receiving the beat signal, may further speed up or slow down the pace in which the remote control unit controls the figure, such that the user controlling the figure's animation will be able to move the figure in-time with the user's music.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a dancing or animated
FIG. 230
is partially illustrated from its hip mechanism
232
down in
FIGS. 7
a
through
7
c
. The
FIG. 230
includes a pair of oversized feet
102
configured similarly to the any of the oversized feet described herein above or below. Each oversized foot
102
is pivotally attached to a leg
234
about the ankle region
106
. As described above, each oversized foot
102
includes a foot mechanism
126
that drives a connecting rod
142
. Referring now to
FIGS. 7
a
through
7
c
, the connecting rod
142
is attached to one end of a lower leg link
236
, of which such end of the lower leg link
230
is also pivotally attached at the ankle region
106
to the oversized foot
102
. When the connecting rod
142
is moving, the lower leg link
230
is pivoting forwards or backwards about the ankle region
106
. The lower leg link
230
is further secured in a lower housing
238
.
Rather then attaching the lower leg link
236
to an upper leg link
242
, the other end of the lower leg link
236
includes a pin
237
that pivotally attaches to the upper leg housing
240
. The upper leg housing
240
includes an upper leg link
242
that is secured therein and has one end
243
that is pivotally attached to a middle leg link
244
. The middle leg link
244
is secured to the lower leg housing
238
, such that the upper leg link
242
is pivotally attached to the lower leg housing
238
. When the lower leg link
236
pivots the lower leg housing
238
, both the upper leg housing
240
and the upper leg link
242
pivots therewith respectively.
The hip mechanism
232
is preferably in this embodiment a pivotal parallelogram
244
that includes a hip post
246
that extends from the top portion of the pivotal parallelogram
244
. When the pivotal parallelogram pivots to one side the hip post
246
will move accordingly therewith, causing a torso (not shown) attached thereto to tilt to one side. As mentioned in the previous embodiment, the upper leg links
242
and the upper leg housings
240
are pivotally attached to the sides of the hip mechanism
232
. When operating, the movement in the legs causes the torso to tilt to one side, exhibiting a greater amount of motion in the upper body.
Referring now to
FIGS. 8
a
through
8
c
a
FIG. 460
illustrated in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention with similarly configured legs
234
to the embodiment disclosed with reference to
FIGS. 7
a
through
7
c
. However, the
FIG. 460
includes another hip mechanism
462
. The hip mechanism
462
is defined a being T-shaped post, having a middle portion
464
projecting from the middle section of a base portion
466
. The base portion
466
is pivotally attached to the torso
469
and includes a pair of opposing ends that includes means to pivotally connect the legs
234
. The middle portion
464
will coact with a second T-shaped post
468
connected to the upper portion
470
of the torso
469
. The movement of the hip mechanism
462
will tilt the middle portion
472
of the torso
469
therewith and cause the upper portion
470
of the torso
469
to tilt in the opposite direction. To prevent the legs
234
from moving too far apart, the
FIG. 460
preferably includes the communication foot link (not shown). However, other means may be employed to limit the movement of the legs, if deemed necessary.
Referring to
FIG. 8
c
the
FIG. 460
may further include a skirt
472
wrapping around the middle portion
472
of the torso
469
. The skirt
472
acts to prevent the torso
469
from tilting to far in one direction, as it will be impeded by the skirt
472
.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a dancing or animated
FIG. 250
is partially illustrated from the lower torso down in
FIGS. 9
a
through
12
. The
FIG. 250
includes a pair of oversized feet
252
that may be configured similarly to one of any of the embodiments disclosed herein. The figure includes a pair of legs
254
that are interconnected to the feet
252
and lower torso (not shown) that permit the legs to pivot at an ankle region
256
, bend at a knee region
258
and twist at a hip region
260
. Each leg is separated into three sections, a lower leg section
262
that is pivotally connected to a corresponding foot
252
, an upper leg section
264
that is pivotally connected to the lower leg section at the knee region
258
, and a thigh section
266
that is rotatably secured within the upper portion
268
of the upper leg section
264
and that is attached to a hip mechanism
270
.
Referring now to
FIG. 9
b
, each foot
252
includes a foot mechanism
272
(as described above) that rotates a crank
274
. The crank
274
is attached to a connecting rod
276
that is further connected to one end of a lower leg link
278
, which is secured within a groove
279
in the lower leg section
262
. The lower leg section
262
is further pivotally attached to the foot
252
about a foot pivot point
277
. When the lower leg link
278
is moved, it pivots the lower leg section
262
about the foot pivot point
277
by pushing forwards or backwards against the inside of the lower leg section
262
. The other end of the lower leg link
278
is pivotally attached to the upper leg section
264
about a knee pivot point
280
at the knee region
258
. To prevent the upper leg section
264
from pivoting forwards or backwards too much, the end
282
of the upper leg section
264
protrudes downwardly and inwardly into the end
284
of the lower leg section
262
, creating a front and rear edge
286
on the end
282
of the upper leg section
264
(also illustrated in
FIG. 10
a
). When pivoting, the lower leg section
262
moves until the end
284
of the lower leg section
262
comes into contact with either the front or rear edge
286
on the end
282
of the upper leg section
264
.
Referring now to
FIG. 10
a
, as mentioned above, the upper leg section
264
is attached to the thigh section
266
, which is rotatably secured within the upper leg section
264
(shown in greater detail below in reference to FIG.
14
). The thigh section
266
is further attached to the hip mechanism
270
. The hip mechanism
270
(
FIG. 10
b
) includes a pair of uneven substantially parallel horizontal sides
290
and
292
that are pivotally connected on their ends to a second pair of sides
294
and
296
. Since the horizontal sides
290
and
292
are not identical in length, the second pair of sides is angled forming a pivotal trapezoid. Intersecting the pivotal trapezoid is an upper body mount
271
, which permits the upper body to be attached to the hip mechanism
270
. Each vertical side
294
and
296
further include a male hip mount
298
that is received by a female hip mount
288
defined in each thigh section
266
, thereby allowing each leg
254
to be attached to the hip mechanism
270
.
Continuing to refer to
FIGS. 9
a
through
12
, as the lower leg section
262
pivots forwards about the ankle region
256
the upper leg section
264
will remain substantially vertical, since the upper portion
268
of the upper leg section
264
is not pivotally connected to a hip mechanism, such as illustrated in the previous embodiments. The upper leg section
264
will, however, move forwards (
FIG. 11
indicated by arrow
299
). As the upper leg section
264
moves forwards, the hip mechanism
270
rotates forwards about the opposite upper leg section
264
and flexes downwardly in response thereto (
FIGS. 11 and 12
indicated by arrows
300
and
302
respectively). This in turn causes both the thigh sections
266
to rotate within the upper leg sections
264
, indicated by arrows
304
. In addition, the movement in the legs causes the torso to exhibit twisting motion about its center or about the upper body mount
271
.
Referring now to
FIGS. 13 and 14
, a
FIG. 310
is partially illustrated and configured similarly to the previous embodiment of
FIG. 250
in that the
FIG. 310
includes legs
254
that are operatively controlled by feet mechanism (not shown). The legs
254
include lower leg sections
262
that are pivotally connected to each foot
252
and house lower leg links that pivot the lower leg sections
262
forwards and backwards. The lower leg sections
262
are further pivotally connected to upper leg sections
264
at the knee region
258
in a manner similar to the aforementioned FIG.
250
. The legs
254
also include thigh sections
266
that are rotatably connected within the upper leg sections
264
and that are pivotally connected to a hip mechanism. However, in this embodiment the hip mechanism is defined by a pair of separate hip joints
312
that are secured within the torso
314
.
Referring now to
FIG. 14
, the upper leg section
264
is preferably a two piece housing
320
and
322
that when assembled, forms an aperture
324
that is sized to receive the lower end
326
of the assembled thigh sections
266
. The lower end
326
of the thigh sections further include projecting members
328
that act against stops (not shown) on the interior of the thigh sections
266
to prevent the thigh sections
266
from rotating or moving too far in any direction. The projecting members
328
also serve as female/male connections in order to assemble the two piece thigh sections
266
. However, other means of assembling the two piece thigh sections
266
may be employed.
The upper end of the thigh sections
266
is pivotally attached to the hip joints
312
by a hip pin
330
. The hip joints
312
include a slight taper and then expand at the end to a flange
332
. The slight tapered section is received within openings
334
defined in the lower portion of the torso
314
, such that the torso
314
may tilt about the tapered section to either side. The flanges
332
further secure the hip joints
312
to the torso
314
and prevent the torso
314
from tilting too much.
Referring now to
FIG. 15
, the torso
314
is shown with freely pivoting arms
114
and head
116
. When the lower body is moving or dancing, the arms
114
may pivot about an axle
340
that attaches the arms
114
to the torso
314
. The head
116
may also be pivotally attached to the neck but may alternatively include the neck, which would then be pivotally attached to the torso
314
.
It is also contemplated by the present invention that other hip mechanisms or joints may be included with the present invention that would permit the hip region to exhibit similar functions. For example, well known ball joint sockets would permit the legs to move and rotate with respect to the lower torso.
Referring now to
FIG. 16
, in yet another embodiment of the present invention, a figure may have feet
102
that do not include front or rear wheels. The bottom section
122
, as mentioned above, would be substantially flat in order to keep the figure in a free-standing position. Even though the embodiment does not include wheels, the figure may still be capable of being controlled or programmed to move around. As mentioned above, the momentum of the pivoting legs will cause the feet to move or shuffle across the surface.
In addition, this embodiment does not include a foot communication link and only includes a single circuit board
130
. As such the figure would include a means to communicate with both foot mechanisms
126
. It should be further contemplated by the present invention, that the number or placement of circuit boards could be changed without diverging from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, other embodiments may include a single circuit board in the upper body of the figure.
In addition thereto, in some aspects of the invention, it may become necessary to determine the position of each foot, i.e. whether it is forwards or backwards. Referring now to
FIGS. 17
a
and
17
b
, a foot
350
is illustrated with a position indicator means
352
. The position indicator means
352
is in communication with the circuit board
130
, to ascertain the position of each leg and to transmit the position to the circuit board in order to adjust the speed or direction in which the leg or foot
350
is moving. The position indicator means
352
may be defined as having a direction tab
354
that activates a direction switch
356
, which communicates to the circuit board
130
the position of the foot
350
. When the lower leg link
138
is standing approximately in an upright position (
FIG. 17
a
), the direction tab
354
activates the direction switch
356
, communicating the position to the circuit board
130
. However, when the lower leg link
138
is moved (
FIG. 17
b
), the direction tab
354
deactivates the direction switch
356
, which will indicate to the circuit board
130
that the lower leg link
138
has moved from the upright position. As such the circuit board
130
may properly control the foot mechanisms
126
. While the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 17
a
and
17
b
illustrates front and rear wheels
146
and
148
, the other embodiments disclosed herein, which do not include wheels may also include a means to determine the position thereof.
In another embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in
FIGS. 18
a
and
18
b
, a
FIG. 360
incorporates a foot mechanism
362
that causes the feet
364
to independently twist to the left and right. The foot mechanism
362
drives a gear train
366
that is connected to a crank arm
368
that moves a leg crank
370
back and forth. The leg crank
370
is connected to an ankle plate
372
that is pivotally attached to the foot
364
. The torque of the foot mechanism
362
moving the leg crank
370
back and forth causes the foot to twist in a side-to-side motion.
In addition the ankle plate
372
may further be connected to a lower leg plate
374
that is attached to a leg
376
. The leg
376
is further attached to an upper plate
378
that is secured to a hip mechanism
380
, such as one of the hip mechanisms disclosed herein. The torque of the foot mechanism
362
will further cause the legs
376
to oscillate or wobble in opposite directions of the feet enhancing the dancing effects. In addition the legs
376
may include knee bends
377
to increase the life-like appearance of the animated movements. As opposed to other prior art figures, the present embodiment includes the mechanisms in the feet to provide greater stability, which permits the mechanisms to operate at a greater speed.
In another embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in
FIGS. 19-21
, a
FIG. 400
incorporates a foot mechanism
410
(
FIGS. 20-21
) that causes the feet
402
to independently twist (
FIG. 19
a
indicated by arrows
403
) and causes the legs
404
to pivot forwards and backwards (
FIG. 19
b
indicated by arrows
405
) about the ankle region
406
. As illustrated the
FIG. 400
may be controlled through a remote control unit
408
. Each leg
404
includes a foot mechanism
410
that drives a slider gear
412
that engages either a leg pivot gear train
414
, when the foot mechanism is operating in a reverse direction (
FIG. 20
b
), or engages a twisting gear train
416
, when the foot mechanism
410
is operating in a forward direction (
FIG. 22
b
).
Referring first to
FIGS. 20
a
and
20
b
, each leg includes a pair of lower leg links (a front leg link
420
and a rear leg link
422
) that are connected at one end to an ankle plate
424
, which is secured within the foot
402
. A leg link spring
426
further connects the leg links together, explained in greater detail below. The other ends of the lower leg links
420
and
422
are pivotally connected to an upper leg link
428
or upper leg section, either of which would not limit the present embodiment.
When the foot mechanism
410
is operating in reverse, the slider gear
412
engages the leg pivot gear train
414
, which begins to rotate a first cam
430
. The first cam
430
is connected to a first connecting rod
432
, which moves a lever
436
that is defined in a leg pivot mechanism
434
(
FIG. 21
b
) forwards and backwards. The leg pivot mechanism
434
causes the pair of lower leg links
420
and
422
to pivot forwards and backwards about the ankle region, defined by the pivotal connection between the lower leg links and the ankle plate
424
.
The leg pivot mechanism
434
includes a pair of sliding plates. The top plate
438
includes a downwardly projecting edge
440
that is received in a channel
441
defined in the lower plate
442
. The channel
441
includes a ramp
444
such that when the top plate
438
slides on top of the lower plate
442
, the downwardly projecting edge
440
travels up the ramp
444
raising the top plate
438
. The top plate
438
includes a centered positioned upwardly projecting pin
446
that moves through an opening in the ankle plate
424
in order to engage a flange
448
on the rear leg link
422
, when the top plate
438
moves upwardly along the ramp
444
. The pin
446
pivots the rear leg link
422
backwards causes the leg
404
to stand substantially upright (
FIG. 21
c
). As the first cam
430
continues to rotate, the first connecting rod
432
moves the lever
436
backwards rotating the projecting edge
440
back down the ramp, lowering the pin
446
. At this point, the leg link spring
426
compresses the two leg links
420
and
422
together, causing the leg links to pivot forwards (
FIG. 21
a
).
When the foot mechanism
410
is operating forwards, the slider gear
412
engages the twisting gear train
416
(
FIGS. 22
a
and
22
b
), which rotates a second cam
450
. The second cam
450
is attached to a second connecting rod
452
that is pivotally secured to the ankle plate
424
by a pivot pin
454
. When the second cam
450
rotates, the second connecting rod
452
moves from side-to-side creating a torque that causes the foot
402
to twist to either side. In addition, the legs
404
will twist in the opposite direction in response to the torque.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the dancing figure may include a “try me” feature for point of sale demonstration or sampling. When the dancing figure and remote control unit are provided in a point of sale package, a user may desire to view the figure operating in a limited or full mode. Since the remote control unit may not be positioned to remotely operate the dancing figure or may interfere with other remotely operated toys, a novel “try me” feature must be provided. A try me button or switch may be placed in one of the oversized feet or elsewhere on the dancing figure, which when pressed activates a pre-recorded animation sequence. In such instances the dancing figure would be pre-packaged with a power source. The dancing figure may also include a pre-recorded music or audio sounds to be replayed when the try me button is activated.
If the remote control unit contains the speaker then the pre-recorded music is sent through a tether that is attached between the dancing figurine and the remote control unit. The tether is in communication with the try me button and the speaker, such that the pre-recorded music is emitted through the speaker in the remote control unit. Because of costs associated with also pre-providing a power source on the remote control unit, the remote control unit could draw power, if necessary, power source on the dancing figure in order to operate during this “try me” playback mode. Such power could be transferred to the remote control unit via the tether. In addition, the power transfer could be used to activate limited features on the remote control unit such various lights or other displays. Moreover, upon opening the package and removing the tether in order to operate the dancing figure in its full capacity, the try me button may further become deactivated such that the try me button would no longer function and may further activate the normal features of the dancing figure.
Referring now to
FIG. 23
, the
FIG. 100
includes a “try me button” or button
500
on one of the figure's feet
102
. The button
500
is in communication with the PC Board
130
, such as through wires. The PC Board is further in communication with an adaptor
502
that is sized to receive one end of the tether
504
. The other end of the tether
504
is received into an adaptor
506
on the remote control unit
200
. The adaptor
506
is in communication with the speaker
212
via wires. As previously mentioned, the tether
504
is removable from the FIG.
100
and the remote control unit
200
. However, while inserted, the tether
504
permits both power and sounds to be transferred from the
FIG. 100
to the remote control unit
200
. This provides for a novel “Try Me Feature” that is available when the figure is packaged for retail. To operate the Try Me Feature, the tether
504
is first inserted into the adaptors
502
and
506
. The user then presses the button
500
which causes the circuit board to activate one of the dancing or moving features of the FIG.
100
and sends or transfers power and pre-programmed music to the remote control unit. The remote control unit having a speaker is then capable of emitting the music.
From the forgoing and as mentioned above, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concept of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific methods and apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.
Claims
- 1. In the combination comprising an animated figure and a remote control, the animated figure having at least one pre-programmed animation sequence, at least one pre-recorded audio sequence and at least one control button for the activation of said at least one pre-programmed animation sequence and at least one pre-recorded audio sequence, and the remote control unit having a speaker, the improvement comprising a removable tether that when connected to the animated figure and the remote control unit, the removable tether is in communication with the at least one control button in the animated figure and the speaker in the remote control unit, such that when the control button is pressed the at least one pre-programmed animation sequence is activated through the animated figure and the at least one pre-recorded audio sequence is emitted through the speaker on the remote control unit.
- 2. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the removable tether is capable of transferring power from the animated figure to power the speaker on the remote control unit.
- 3. In the combination comprising a remotely controlled device and a remote control therefore, the remotely controlled device having a pre-programmed controllable feature, a pre-recorded audio sound, and a manual control button for the activation of said pre-programmed controllable feature and for the playback of said pre-recorded audio sound, and the remote control having a speaker, the improvement comprising:a removable tether connected to said remotely controlled device and said remote control, the removable tether is capable of transferring power from said remotely controlled device to said remote control when the manual control button is pressed such that the speaker on the remote control is functional and the removable tether is further capable of transferring the pre-recorded audio sound from said remotely controlled device to said remote control such that the speaker emits the pre-recorded audio sound.
- 4. In the combination comprising a remotely controlled device and a remote control therefore, the remotely controlled device storing a pre-recorded audio sound, and having a control button, and the remote control having a speaker, the improvement comprising:a removable link connected between the remotely controlled device and the remote control, the remotely controlled device being operable to emit the pre-recorded audio sound through the speaker on the remote control using the removable link when the control button is pressed.
- 5. The combination according to claim 4, wherein the remotely controlled device has a controllable feature and the controllable feature being operable by the control button.
US Referenced Citations (11)