Motion induced sound and light generating system

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6416381
  • Patent Number
    6,416,381
  • Date Filed
    Tuesday, August 15, 2000
    24 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, July 9, 2002
    22 years ago
Abstract
A motion sensing device for producing either an audio or a visual output includes a toy body, a motion sensor, either a sound generating device or a light generating device, and a control circuit. The motion sensor is coupled to the toy body. The motion sensor defines a cavity and has at least three contacts and a moveable object disposed in the cavity. The moveable object is positionable between at least a first position in which, the movable object bridges a first combination of two of the at least three contacts to form a first circuit input, and a second position, in which the moveable object bridges a second combination of two of the at least three contacts forming a second circuit input. The control circuit is coupled to the toy body and is electrically coupled to the motion sensor and to the generating device. The control circuit is configured to transmit a varying actuation signal to the generating device based upon the rate of change of the moveable object between the first position and the second position. In another aspect of the invention, a toy includes a toy body, a control unit, a motion sensor, either a generating device, and a control circuit. In another aspect of the invention, a control unit for a riding toy having a toy body is provided and includes a housing, a motion sensing means, a generating device, and a control circuit. The housing is removably coupled to the toy body of the riding toy.
Description




FIELD OF THE INVENTION




The present invention relates generally to the field of motion induced sound and light generating devices. More particularly, the invention relates to a riding toy configured to generate sounds and lights in response to the motion of the toy.




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




Children enjoy playing on riding toys, particularly toys that move in a generally cyclical motion. Children also enjoy playing with toys shaped as vehicles, animals, dinosaurs and other conventional shapes. Boys and girls alike often participate in role playing in which the child pretends to be a policeman, fireman, cowboy, cowgirl or other adult role. When playing such roles, children often simulate role related noises. For example, for a policeman role, police related sounds are often generated, such as a siren, communications with a central dispatcher and police vehicle noises. Additionally, children are especially attracted to interactive toys which produce sounds or lights in response to the child's input.




Riding toys are well known. Riding toys which produce sounds when the child depresses a pushbutton or when air is moved through the toy are also generally known. Riding toys typically resemble animals, dinosaurs or vehicles. Other toys, such as impact balls or small musical toys, which produce a sound when impacted are also known.




Existing riding toys, however, have a number of drawbacks. Such riding toys typically require the child to remove one or both hands from the handles of the riding toy in order to initiate sounds. Existing riding toys also provide only minimal interactive play options for the child. Riding toys typically produce no sound or lights in response to the child's riding of the toy. Those toys which do produce a sound when the toy is moved typically do not provide variations in the sound output of the toy based upon the child's movement of the toy.




Thus, there is a need for an improved riding toy which produces sound or light in response to the child's operation of the toy. It would also be advantageous to provide a riding toy that produces varying signals based upon the motion imparted by the child to the riding toy. What is needed is riding toy which interacts with the child's actions and is safe, fun and easy for children to use.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




According to a principal aspect of the invention, a motion sensing device for producing at least one of an audio and a visual output includes a toy body, a motion sensor, either a sound generating device or a light generating device, and a control circuit. The motion sensor is coupled to the toy body. The motion sensor defines a cavity and has at least three contacts and a moveable object disposed in the cavity. The sound generating device or the light generating device is coupled to the toy body. The control circuit is coupled to the toy body and is electrically coupled to the motion sensor and to either the sound generating device or the light generating device. The control circuit is configured to transmit a varying actuation signal to either the sound generating device or the light generating device based upon the rate of change of the moveable object within the cavity.




According to another aspect of the invention, a toy includes a toy body, a control unit, a motion sensor, either a sound generating device or a light generating device and a control circuit. The motion sensor is coupled to the control unit. The motion sensor defines a cavity has a first and second set of contacts and a moveable object disposed in the cavity. The moveable object is positionable between at least a first position in which, the movable object bridges the first set of contacts, and a second position, in which the moveable object bridges the second set of contacts. The sound generating device or the light generating device is coupled to the toy body. The control circuit is coupled to the control unit and is electrically coupled to the motion sensor and to either the sound generating device or the light generating device. The control circuit is configured to transmit a varying actuation signal to either the sound generating device or the light generating device based upon the rate of change of the moveable object between the first position and the second position.




According to another aspect of the invention, a control unit for a riding toy having a toy body is provided. The control unit includes a housing, a motion sensing means, either a sound generating device or a light generating device, and a control circuit. The housing is removably coupled to the toy body of the riding toy. The motion sensing means and, either the sound generating device or the light generating device, are coupled to the housing. The control circuit is coupled to the housing and is electrically coupled to the motion sensing means and to either the sound generating device or the light generating device. The control circuit is configured to transmit, during operation, a varying actuation signal to either the sound generating device or the light generating device based upon the rate of generally cyclical motion of the toy body.




According to another aspect of the invention, a toy includes a toy body, a motion sensor, either a sound generating device or a light generating device and a control circuit. The motion sensor is coupled to the control unit. The motion sensor defines a cavity. The motion sensor has at least three contacts and a moveable object disposed in the cavity. The sound generating device or the light generating device is coupled to the toy body. The control circuit is coupled to the toy body and is electrically coupled to the motion sensor and to either the sound generating device or the light generating device. The control circuit is configured to transmit a signal to either the sound generating device or the light generating device. The signal has a characteristic based upon the duration of the moveable object.




This invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings described herein below, and wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS





FIG. 1

is a perspective view of a riding toy in accordance with the present invention;





FIG. 2

is a cross-sectional view of the riding toy taken substantially along line


2





2


of

FIG. 1

;





FIG. 3

is a perspective view of a control unit of the riding toy of

FIG. 1

;





FIG. 4

is a cross-sectional view of the control unit taken substantially along line


4





4


of

FIG. 3

;





FIG. 5

is a cross-sectional view of the control unit taken substantially along line


5





5


of

FIG. 4

;





FIG. 6

is a cross-sectional view of a motion sensor of the control unit taken substantially along line


6





6


of FIG.


4


.





FIG. 7

is a cross-sectional view of the motion sensor of the control unit taken substantially along line


7





7


of

FIG. 6

;





FIGS. 8A and 8B

are electronic circuit diagram of the control system of the control unit;





FIG. 9

is a flow chart showing one preferred embodiment of the logic of the control system of the control unit during operation; and





FIG. 10

is a flow chart showing another preferred embodiment of the logic of the control system of the control unit during operation.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS




Referring to

FIG. 1

, a perspective view of a motion induced sound and light generating riding toy constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown generally at


10


. The riding toy


10


generally includes a toy body


12


and a control unit


14


. The toy body


12


is formed in the shape of a vehicle, specifically a motorcycle, but alternatively, can be formed in other conventional shapes, such as an animal, a dinosaur and other vehicles.




As best shown in

FIG. 2

, the toy body


12


includes an arcuate lower portion


16


for contacting a generally flat or generally horizontal surface


17


, and a seat portion


18


. The arcuate lower portion


16


of the toy body


12


outwardly extends from a left side and a right side of the toy body


12


to form a set of foot rests


20


(only one of the two are shown in FIGS.


1


and


2


). The lower portion


16


is configured for enabling the riding toy


10


to produce a fore and aft rocking motion. Alternatively, the toy body


12


of the riding toy


10


can be configured to produce other types of motion such as a rolling motion, sliding motion, a roll or a wobble. The seat portion


18


is generally centrally positioned on an upper portion of the toy body


12


. The seat portion


18


is configured for supporting a child during operation of the riding toy


10


. The toy body


12


is made of molded plastic, but alternatively, can be made of other materials such as wood, fiberglass, metal and styrafoam. The toy body


12


provides a structure for safe and easy operation by children, including small children. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the toy body


12


includes at least one handle configured for grasping by the child during operation of the riding toy


10


. In another alternative preferred embodiment, the toy body


12


can include one or more additional components such as a set of wheels


19


to enable the toy body


12


to roll, reflectors, lights, wings, mirrors, pushbuttons, ornamental extensions and other conventional items.




As best shown in

FIGS. 2 and 3

, the control unit


14


includes a housing. The control unit


14


is coupled to the upper portion of the toy body


12


. In a preferred embodiment, the control unit


14


is slidably and removably connected to the toy body


12


. The control unit


14


is configured to provide a structure for supporting one or more control and accessory devices. The control unit


14


is also configured to provide a hand grip for the child during operation of the riding toy


10


. The control unit


14


is preferably formed from a front housing section


22


and a rear housing section


24


. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the control unit


14


has a single housing. The control unit


14


is preferably made of molded plastic, but alternatively, can be made of other materials such as wood, fiberglass and metal. The control unit


14


provides a single, generally compact structure for supporting the controls and accessory devices of the riding toy


10


. In a preferred embodiment, the control unit


14


is configured for removably mounting onto more than one toy body


12


enabling the user to transfer the control unit


14


to another toy body having an alternative shape, thereby increasing the overall versatility of the control unit


14


and the riding toy


10


. The control unit


14


can be produced, transported, marketed, replaced and stored separately from the toy body


12


. The compact size of the control unit


14


relative to the size of the toy body


12


enables control unit


14


to be easily removed, stored and replaced enabling a user to, for example, store the toy body


12


outdoors and the control unit


14


indoors.




Referring to

FIG. 3

, the control unit


14


includes a set of handles


26


, at least one pushbutton, at least one light, a switch


30


, a front shield


32


and openings


27


for a sound transducer


28


(shown on FIG.


5


). The handles


26


are elongate extensions extending from the housing of the control unit


14


. In a preferred embodiment, the handles


26


are formed from extensions of the front and rear housing sections


22


,


24


. The handles


26


are configured to provide a location for grasping of the riding toy


10


by the child. In alternative preferred embodiments, the handles


26


can be made in other forms such as, a steering wheel, an animal's ears, an animal's horns, wings or other conventional extension.




In a preferred embodiment, the control unit


14


includes six pushbuttons: a siren button


34


, a horn button


36


, an engine simulation button


38


, and first, second and third voice activation buttons


40


,


42


,


44


, respectively. The pushbuttons


34


,


36


,


38


,


40


,


42


,


44


are conventional electronic pushbuttons coupled to the rear housing section


24


of the control unit


14


. As shown in

FIG. 5

, each pushbutton


34


,


36


,


38


,


40


,


42


,


44


is electrically coupled to a printed control board


56


(“PCB”) Referring to

FIG. 3

, a portion of each of the pushbuttons


34


,


36


,


38


,


40


,


42


,


44


extends through an opening within the rear housing section


24


. Each of the pushbuttons


34


,


36


,


38


,


40


,


42


,


44


is a switch, which when depressed by a child, sends a voltage signal to a PCB


56


(“PCB”) (shown on

FIG. 5

) resulting in a sound or a series of sounds being generated from the sound transducer


28


. The siren button


34


, when depressed, is configured to produce sounds simulating a siren. Similarly, the horn button


36


produces horn sounds, the engine simulation button


38


produces engine revving sounds, and the first, second, and third pushbuttons


40


,


42


,


44


produces human voice sounds, for example, “calling officer, report to headquarters”, “we have an emergency, please investigate,” and “mission accomplished, good job,” respectively. The control unit


14


can readily be configured to produce alternative sounds. In a preferred embodiment, when one of the first, second and third pushbuttons


40


,


42


,


44


is depressed, a rear light


60


(shown on

FIG. 4

) is lit.




In a preferred embodiment, the control unit


14


includes four lights, as shown in FIG.


3


. Each light includes a cover element: the rear light cover


46


, a left light cover


48


, a right light cover


50


and a top light cover


52


. The lights are configured to illuminate upon receipt of a signal from the PCB


56


(shown on FIG.


4


).




The motion sensing feature of the control unit


14


is initiated by operation of the switch


30


(see FIG.


3


). The switch


30


is a conventional spring-return switch. The switch


30


is shaped to resemble an ignition switch with a key placed in it. A portion of the switch


30


extends through an opening in the rear housing section


24


of the control unit


14


. The switch


30


is connected to the rear housing section


24


. When actuated by the child, or other user, the switch


30


sends a voltage signal to the PCB


56


(shown on

FIG. 4

) resulting in a sound or a series of sounds being generated from the sound transducer


28


, in initiation of the motion sensing feature of the control unit


14


, and in illuminating at least one of the lights.





FIG. 4

illustrates the control unit


14


in greater detail. The control unit


14


further includes a battery case


54


, a top light


58


, the rear light


60


, the PCB


56


, and the motion sensor


62


. The battery case


54


is formed into and inwardly extends from the front housing section


22


of the control unit


14


and includes a removable battery case cover


64


. The battery case


54


is electrically coupled to the PCB


56


by a first wiring connection


66


. The battery case


54


is configured to hold a set of batteries


68


for powering the control unit


14


. In a most preferred embodiment, the batteries


68


comprise three, 1.5 Volt, “AA” size batteries to produce a 4.5 Volt power supply for the control unit


14


. Alternate power supplies and battery sizes can be utilized.




The top and rear lights


58


,


60


are conventional light bulbs, preferably comprising light emitting diodes. The top and rear lights


58


,


60


are mounted to the front and rear housing sections


22


,


24


, and are electrically coupled by second and third wiring connections


70


,


72


, to the PCB


56


, respectively. The top and rear lights


58


,


60


generate light in response to signals from the PCB


56


.




The PCB


56


is a printed circuit board preferably connected to the rear housing section


24


of the control unit


14


. The PCB


56


is electrically coupled to the pushbuttons


34


,


36


,


38


,


40


,


42


,


44


, the lights, the sound transducer


28


, the battery case


54


, and the motion sensor


62


. In a preferred embodiment, the conventional PCB


56


has part number PT-1073A, 000308.




The motion sensor


62


is a motion sensing device. The motion sensor


62


is connected to the rear housing section


24


and is electrically coupled to the PCB


56


through a fourth wiring connection


76


.





FIG. 5

illustrates the control unit


14


in further detail. The control unit includes the sound transducer


28


, a left light


78


and a right light


80


. The sound transducer


28


, also referred to as a speaker, is a sound generating device. The sound transducer


28


is mounted to the rear housing section


24


of the control unit


14


adjacent to openings


27


, and is electrically coupled by a fifth wiring connection


82


to the PCB


56


. The sound transducer


28


generates sounds in response to signals from the PCB


56


. The sounds generated by the sound transducer


28


can include vehicle related sounds, sirens, horns, human voices and other conventional sounds. In a preferred embodiment, the sound transducer is a


16


ohm speaker. The sound transducer


28


can also be of alternate resistance.




The left and right lights


78


,


80


are light bulbs, preferably comprising light emitting diodes. The left and right lights


78


,


80


are mounted to the front housing section


22


, and are electrically coupled to the PCB


56


, respectively. The left and right lights


78


,


80


generate light in response to signals from the PCB


56


.





FIGS. 6 and 7

illustrate the motion sensor


62


in greater detail. The motion sensor


62


includes a housing


84


defining a cavity


85


, four pins forming first and second sets of contacts


86


,


88


, respectively, and a ball


90


. The first and second sets of contacts


86


,


88


are made of a conductive material. The first and second sets of contacts


86


,


88


are spaced apart, and the ball


90


is sized, such that the ball


90


can bridge only one set of contacts at anytime. Each contact of the first and second sets of contacts


96


,


88


is disposed in an approximate vertical position and extend parallel to one another. The first and second sets of contacts


86


,


88


are electrically coupled to the PCB


56


at first and second motion sensor inputs, respectively.




The ball


90


is a spherical object disposed within the cavity


85


between the first and second sets of contacts


86


,


88


. The ball


90


is made of a conductive material, preferably metal. The ball


90


is positionable between a first position in which, the ball


90


bridges the first set of contacts


86


, and a second position, in which the ball


90


bridges the first set of contacts


88


. The PCB


56


then produces an output signal to the sound transducer


28


and to the lights in response to the contact of the ball


90


to one of the set of contacts


86


,


88


and also produces varying signals to the sound transducer


28


and to the lights based upon the rate of contact of the ball


90


with the first and second sets of contacts


86


,


88


. The motion sensor


62


is configured to transmit a signal to the PCB


56


which causes the PCB


56


to send a varying signal to the sound transducer


28


and to the lights, based upon the rate of change of the ball


90


between the first and second positions of the ball


90


.




The variable signal sent from the PCB


56


to the sound transducer


28


and the lights enables the riding toy


10


to directly respond and interact with the motion imparted by the child to the riding toy


10


. The control unit


14


enables a child to control the output of the sound transducer


28


or the lights


58


,


60


,


78


,


80


based upon the child's rate of rocking of the toy rider. In a preferred embodiment, as the child increases the rate of rocking of the riding toy


10


, the control unit


14


emits a louder and different series of sounds from the sound transducer


28


and causes the lights


58


,


60


,


78


,


80


to flash.




In alternative embodiments, the motion sensor


62


can include three or more contacts forming at least two sets of contacts and at least two circuit inputs to the PCB


56


. The ball


90


can be made of alternate shapes such as a cylinder, an irregular shape and a baton. In an alternative embodiment, the motion sensor


62


can be a mercury switch.




Referring to

FIGS. 8A and 8B

, a preferred embodiment of a circuit diagram for the control unit


14


is illustrated. The PCB includes a circuit comprising a microprocessor


100


, or microcontroller, capable of synthesizing several different human sounds and vehicle sounds, and signaling the lights


58


,


60


,


78


,


80


to flash. The microprocessor


100


includes an internal timer


101


. An example of such a chip is the conventional Winbond BandDirector™ microprocessor model number W562S30. Alternate microprocessors or microcontrollers can be used. The microprocessor


100


is actuated by the switch


30


and the pushbuttons


34


,


36


,


38


,


40


,


42


,


44


. The switch


30


and the pushbuttons


34


,


36


,


38


,


40


,


42


,


44


are connected to trigger inputs


110


,


104


,


106


,


108


,


112


,


114


,


102


of the microprocessor


100


, respectively, such that when the switch


30


or one of the pushbuttons


34


,


36


,


38


,


40


,


42


,


44


triggers the associated trigger input, the microprocessor


100


generates and outputs a transducer controlling signal which corresponds to the switch or the pushbutton chosen.




The microprocessor


100


is powered by a power supply (the batteries


68


). The collective positive end of the batteries


68


is connected to: a first voltage input


116


of the microprocessor


100


through the resistors


118


,


120


connected in series; and a second voltage input


122


through the resistor


118


. The positive end of the batteries


68


is also connected to the sound transducer


28


and a capacitor


123


. The sound transducer


28


then connects to the collector of a first transistor


124


. The emitter of the first transistor


124


is connected to ground and the base of the first transistor is connected to a speaker input


126


. The base of the first transistor


124


is also connected to a resistor


128


and a capacitor


130


. The battery


68


also connects to first, second, third, fourth and fifth light emitting diodes


132


,


134


,


136


,


138


,


140


. The first and second diodes


132


,


134


are connected in parallel to the collector of a second transistor


142


. The base of the second transistor


142


connects to a first light input


144


through a resistor


146


. The emitter of the second transistor is connected to ground through a resistor


148


. The third, fourth and fifth diodes


136


,


138


,


140


are connected to the collector of the third, fourth and fifth transistors


152


,


154


,


156


, respectively. The base of the third, fourth and fifth transistors


152


,


154


,


156


are connected to second, third and fourth light inputs


158


,


160


,


162


through a resistor


164


, a resistor


166


and a resistor


168


, respectively. The emitter of the third, fourth and fifth transistors


152


,


154


,


156


are connected to ground through a resistor


170


, a resistor


172


and a resistor


174


, respectively. The first and second sets of contacts


86


,


88


of the motion sensor


62


are connected to first and second motion sensor inputs


176


,


178


, respectively.




When the microprocessor


100


outputs a sound signal through the speaker connection


126


, the sound signal is transmitted to the base of the first transistor


124


enabling current to flow through the sound transducer


28


. The sound signal from the speaker connection


126


controls the sound transducer


28


causing it to produce human voice sounds or vehicle related sounds. When the micoprocessor


100


outputs a light signal through one of the diodes


132


,


134


,


136


,


138


,


140


, the light signal is transmitted through the base of the second, third, fourth and fifth transistors


142


,


152


,


154


,


156


enabling current to flow through the diodes


132


,


134


,


136


,


138


,


140


, respectively. The current flow through one of the diodes


132


,


134


,


136


,


138


,


140


causes one of the lights


58


,


60


,


78


,


80


to flash.




When the ball


90


of the motion sensor


62


bridges the first set of contacts


86


an input signal is sent to the first motion sensor input


176


, and when the ball


90


of the motion sensor


62


bridges the second set of contacts


88


, an input signal is sent to the second motion sensor input


178


. The microprocessor


100


sends sound and light signals to the sound transducer


28


and the diodes


132


,


134


,


136


,


138


,


140


. These signals vary based upon the rate of contact by the ball


90


alternatingly bridging the first and second sets of contacts


86


,


88


.




Referring to

FIG. 9

, one preferred embodiment of the control system logic of the microprocessor


100


is illustrated. Other logic sequences are conventionally available and would be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. The switch


30


is activated by the user, indicated at


200


. The microprocessor


100


sends a signal to the left, right and upper lights


78


,


80


,


58


causing the lights


78


,


80


,


58


to flash and the internal timer


101


of microprocessor


100


to energize, indicated at


202


. The microprocessor


100


sends a signal to the sound transducer


28


causing an engine revving sound to be produced, indicated at


204


. The microprocessor


100


senses whether the riding toy


10


is rocking, indicated at


205


. If no rocking motion is present, engine revving sounds continue to be produced for approximately 10 seconds, indicated at


206


and the sound transducer


28


stops, indicated at


208


. This is accomplished through use of the internal timer


101


of microprocessor


100


. When the internal timer of the microprocessor


100


reaches a first timer event, the signal to the sound transducer


28


ceases. In a preferred embodiment, the first timer event is approximately 10 seconds. If some rocking motion is present, the microprocessor


100


determines if the motion is sufficient to produce the next series of output signals, indicated at


210


. If rocking motion is present, but the rocking motion is below a predetermined amount of rocking (or rate of motion or rate between bridging by the ball


90


of the first set of contacts


86


and then the second sets of contacts


88


), the revving sounds, indicated at


204


, are continued. If the rocking motion is greater than the predetermined amount of rocking, a revving sound of increasing volume is produced for approximately 20 seconds, indicated at


212


. Once the predetermined amount of rocking is reached, the microprocessor


100


produces a signal causing revving sounds at an increased volume to be produced until a second timer event is reached. In a preferred embodiment, the second timer event is approximately 20 seconds. The microprocessor


100


then determines if the amount of rocking is greater than the predetermined level, indicated at


214


. If the amount of rocking is less than the predetermined level, the microprocessor


100


returns to the step indicated at


205


. If the amount of rocking is greater than the predetermined level, the microprocessor


100


causes the sound transducer


28


to produce siren sounds, indicated at


216


and the left, right and top lights


78


,


80


,


58


to flash, indicated at


218


. When the rocking motion continues beyond the duration of second timer event, the microprocessor


100


causes the sound transducer


28


to produce siren sounds until a third timer event is reached. In a preferred embodiment, the third time event is approximately 10 seconds. The microprocessor


100


determines if the amount of rocking is greater than the predetermined level, indicated at


220


. If the amount of rocking is less greater than the predetermined level, the microprocessor


100


returns to the step indicated at


205


. If the amount of rocking is greater than the predetermined level, the microprocessor


100


causes the sound transducer


28


to produce an engine revving sound until a fourth time event is reached, indicated at


222


. In a preferred embodiment, the fourth timer event is approximately 10 seconds.




The microprocessor


100


determines if the amount of rocking is greater than the predetermined level, indicated at


224


. If the amount of rocking is less than the predetermined level, the microprocessor


100


returns to the step indicated as


205


. If the amount of rocking is greater than the predetermined level, the microprocessor


100


causes the sound transducer


28


to produce siren sounds, indicated at


226


and the left, right and top lights


78


,


80


,


58


to flash for approximately 10 seconds, indicated at


228


. The microprocessor


100


then determines if the amount of rocking is greater than the predetermined level, indicated at


230


. If the amount of rocking is less than the predetermined level, the microprocessor


100


returns to the step indicated at


205


. If the amount of rocking is greater than the predetermined level, the microprocessor


100


causes the sound transducer


28


to produce an engine revving sound for approximately 20 seconds, indicated at


232


. The microprocessor


100


determines if the amount of rocking is greater than the predetermined level, indicated at


234


. If the amount of rocking is less than the predetermined level, indicated at


234


. If the amount of rocking is less than the predetermined level, the microprocessor


100


returns to the step indicated at


205


. If the amount of rocking is greater than the predetermined level, the microprocessor


100


causes the sound transducer


28


to produce siren sounds for approximately 10 seconds, indicated at


236


and the left, right and top lights


78


,


80


,


58


to flash, indicated at


238


. The microprocessor


100


then determines if the amount of rocking is greater than the predetermined level, indicated at


240


. If the amount of rocking is less than the predetermined level, the microprocessor


100


returns to the step indicated at


205


. If the amount of rocking is greater than the predetermined level, the microprocessor


100


returns to the step indicated at


204


.




Referring to

FIG. 10

, another embodiment of the control system logic of the microprocessor


100


is illustrated. The switch


30


is activated by the user, indicated at


300


. The microprocessor


100


sends a signal to the left, right and upper lights


78


,


80


,


58


causing the lights


78


,


80


,


58


to flash and the internal timer


101


of microprocessor


100


is to energize, indicated at


302


. The microprocessor


100


sends a signal to the sound transducer


28


causing an engine revving sound to be produced, indicated at


304


. The microprocessor


100


then determines if motion is present, indicated at


305


. If no rocking motion is present, engine revving sounds continue to be produced for approximately 10 seconds, indicated at


306


, and the sound transducer


28


stops, indicated at


308


. If rocking motion is present, the microprocessor


100


then determines if the elapsed time equals timer event


1


, preferably 10 seconds from the actuation of the switch


30


, indicated at


310


. If no motion is present, the microprocessor returns to step


305


, indicated at


311


. If the rocking motion is present, a revving sound of increasing volume is produced, indicated at


312


. The microprocessor


100


then determines if elapsed time is equal to timer event


2


, preferably approximately 20 seconds after timer event


1


, indicated at


314


. The microprocessor


100


then determines if motion is present, indicated at


315


. If motion is not present, the microprocessor


100


returns to step


305


. If motion is present, the microprocessor


100


causes the sound transducer


28


to produce siren sounds, indicated at


316


and the left, right and top lights


78


,


80


,


58


to flash, indicated at


318


. The microprocessor


100


determines if the elapsed time is equal to timer event


3


, indicated at


320


. The microprocessor


100


then determines if motion is present, indicated at


321


. If motion is not present, the microprocessor


100


returns to step


305


. If motion is present, the microprocessor


100


causes the sound transducer


28


to produce an engine revving sound, indicated at


322


.




The microprocessor


100


then determines if the elapsed time is equal to the timer event


4


, indicated at


324


. The microprocessor


100


then determines if motion is present, indicated at


325


. If motion is not present, the microprocessor


100


returns to the step indicated as


305


. If motion is present, the microprocessor


100


causes the sound transducer


28


to produce siren sounds, indicated at


326


and the left, right and top lights


78


,


80


,


58


to flash, indicated at


328


. The microprocessor


100


then determines if the elapsed time equals time event


5


, indicated at


330


. The microprocessor


100


then determines if motion is present, indicated at


331


. If motion is not present, the microprocessor


100


returns to step


305


. If motion is present, the microprocessor


100


causes the sound transducer


28


to produce an engine revving sound, indicated at


332


. The microprocessor


100


then determines if the elapsed time equals timer event


6


, indicated at


334


. The microprocessor


100


then determines if motion is present, indicated at


335


. If motion is not present, the microprocessor


100


returns to step


305


. If motion is present, the microprocessor


100


causes the sound transducer


28


to produce siren sounds, indicated at


336


, and the left, right and top lights


78


,


80


,


58


to flash, indicated at


338


. The microprocessor


100


then determines if the elapsed time is equal to timer event


7


, indicated at


340


. If motion is not present, the microprocessor


100


returns to step


305


. If motion is present, the microprocessor


100


returns to the step indicated as


304


.




The logic of microprocessor


100


enables the riding toy


10


to produce varying sounds and intermittent lights over an extended period of time, until the child stops operating the riding toy


10


. In an alternative embodiment, the microprocessor


100


, can generate sound and light signals based upon the rate of motion of the riding toy


10


wherein more than one predetermined level of motion is required. In yet another embodiment, the microprocessor


100


, sends sound and light signals which are proportional to the amount of rocking motion of the riding toy


10


.




While a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described and illustrated, numerous departures therefrom can be contemplated by persons skilled in the art, for example, the riding toy


10


can include modular control units positioned in more than one location on the toy body


12


of the riding toy


10


. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing description but only to the scope and spirit of the appended claims.



Claims
  • 1. A motion sensing device for producing at least one of an audio and a visual output, the device comprising:a toy body; a motion sensor coupled to the toy body, the motion sensor defining a cavity, the motion sensor having at least three contacts and a moveable object disposed in the cavity; at least one of a sound generating device and a light generating device coupled to the toy body; and a control circuit coupled to the toy body and electrically coupled to the motion Se or and to the at least one of the sound generating device and the light generating device, the control circuit transmitting a signal to the at least one of the sound generating device and the light generating device, the signal having a characteristic based upon the rate of change of the moveable object within the cavity.
  • 2. The motion sensing device of claim 1, wherein the moveable object is positionable between at least a first position in which the movable object bridges a first combination of two of the at least three contacts to form a first circuit input, and a second position, in which the moveable object bridges a second combination of two of the at least three contacts forming a second circuit input.
  • 3. The motion sensing device of claim 1, wherein the moveable object is made of conductive material.
  • 4. The motion sensing device of claim 1, wherein the moveable object is a metal ball.
  • 5. The motion sensing device of claim 1, wherein the sound generating device is a sound transducer and wherein the light emitting device is at least one light emitting diode.
  • 6. The motion sensing device of claim 1, wherein the signal is a varying actuation signal causes the sound generating device to produce a series of vehicle related sounds.
  • 7. The motion sensing device of claim 1 wherein the toy body is selected from the group consisting of a rocking device, a climbing device, a rolling device, a swing, and a sliding device.
  • 8. A toy comprising:a toy body; a control unit removably connected to the toy body; a motion sensor coupled to the control unit, the motion sensor defining a cavity, the motion sensor having a first and second set of contacts and a moveable object disposed in the cavity, the moveable object positionable between at least a first position in which, the movable object bridges the first set of contacts, and a second position, in which the moveable object bridges the second set of contacts; at least one of a sound generating device and a light generating device coupled to the control unit; and a control circuit coupled to the control unit and electrically coupled to the motion sensor and to the at least one of the sound generating device and the light generating device, the control circuit transmitting a varying actuation signal to the at least one of the sound generating device and the light generating device based upon the rate of change of the moveable object between the first position and the second position.
  • 9. The toy of claim 8, wherein the toy is a riding toy and wherein the toy body includes a seat.
  • 10. The toy of claim 9, wherein the toy body has an arcuate lower surface.
  • 11. The toy of claim 10, wherein the toy body is in the shape of a motorcycle.
  • 12. The toy of claim 9, wherein the control unit includes at least one handle.
  • 13. The toy of claim 8, wherein the toy body is in the shape of a vehicle.
  • 14. The toy of claim 8, further comprising a battery operated power supply coupled to the control unit and electrically coupled to the control circuit.
  • 15. A control unit for a toy having a toy body, the control unit comprising:a housing removably coupled to the toy body of the riding toy; motion sensing means coupled to the housing; at least one of a sound generating device and a light generating device coupled to the housing; and a control circuit coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the motion sensing means and to the at least one of the sound generating device and the light generating device, the control circuit transmits, during operation, a varying actuation signal to the at least one of the sound generating device and the light generating device based upon the rate of generally cyclical motion of the toy body.
  • 16. The control unit of claim 15, wherein the motion sensing means includes a first and second set of contacts and positionable contact means, the moveable object positionable between at least a first position in which, the movable object bridges the first set of contacts, and a second position, in which the moveable object bridges the second set of contact.
  • 17. The control unit of claim 15 wherein the housing includes at least one handle.
  • 18. A motion sensing device for producing at least one of an audio and a visual output, the device comprising:a toy body; a motion sensor coupled to the toy body, the motion sensor defining a cavity, the motion sensor having at least three contacts and a moveable object disposed in the cavity; at least one of a sound generating device and a light generating device coupled to the toy body; and a control circuit coupled to the toy body and electrically coupled to the motion sensor and to the at least one of the sound generating device and the light generating device, the control circuit transmitting a signal to the at least one of the sound generating device and the light generating device, the signal having a characteristic based upon the duration of motion of the moveable object.
  • 19. A toy comprising:a toy body shaped as a vehicle; a control unit removably connected to the toy body, wherein a portion of the control unit resembles a dash board; a motion sensor coupled to the control unit, the motion sensor defining a cavity, the motion sensor having a first and second set of contacts and a moveable object disposed in the cavity, the moveable object positionable between at least a first position in which, the movable object bridges the first set of contacts, and a second position, in which the moveable object bridges the second set of contacts; at least one of a sound generating device and a light generating device coupled to the control unit; and a control circuit coupled to the control unit and electrically coupled to the motion sensor and to the at least one of the sound generating device and the light generating device, the control circuit configured to transmit a varying actuation signal to the at least one of the sound generating device and the light generating device based upon the rate of change of the moveable object between the first position and the second position.
  • 20. A toy comprising:a toy body shaped as a vehicle; a control unit removably connected to the toy body; a motion sensor coupled to the control unit, the motion sensor defining a cavity, the motion sensor having a first and second set of contacts and a moveable object disposed in the cavity, the moveable object positionable between at least a first position in which, the movable object bridges the first set of contacts, and a second position, in which the moveable object bridges the second set of contacts; at least one of a sound generating device and a light generating device coupled to the control unit; and a control circuit coupled to the control unit and electrically coupled to the motion sensor and to the at least one of the sound generating device and the light generating device, the control circuit configured to transmit a varying actuation signal to the at least one of the sound generating device and the light generating device based upon the rate of change of the moveable object between the first position and the second position, wherein the control unit includes at least one light and a plurality of pushbuttons, the pushbuttons configured to cause the sound generating device of the control unit to emit one of a sound and a series of sounds.
  • 21. The toy of claim 20, wherein the control unit is configured to produce a series of sounds selected from the group consisting of: a siren, a horn, words, engine sounds, and a combination thereof.
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