TOY FIGURINE HAVING ALTERNATIVE MOVEMENT CONFIGURATIONS

Abstract

A toy figurine comprising a body, one or more appendages movably connected to the body, and a selector attached to the body. The selector is configurable between a disengaged setting and an engaged setting. Setting the selector to the disengaged setting causes the one or more appendages to be positioned in a default configuration and limited to movement within a first range of motion. Setting the selector to the engaged setting causes the one or more appendages to be positioned in an engaged configuration and limited to movement within a second range of motion.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to toy figurines, and in particular toy figurines with one or more movable appendages, such as toy action figures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Toy figurines include dolls and action figures that model humans, animals, robots, aliens, and other real and fictional entities. To enhance the playability of these toy figurines, it is common for toy figurines to have points of articulation and/or moving parts that allow for posing and/or movement. For example, many action figures provide movement features that mimic human actions such as running, jumping, punching or kicking. These movement features add another layer of playability to the action figure, which further enhances its play value.

The movement features of a toy figurine typically consist of a limited set of actions. Depending on the actions available, this may result in limited playability of the toy figurine. Thus, it is desirable for a toy figurine to have multiple sets of actions or movement configurations. Additionally, there may be a desire for the toy figurine to display a specific pose and have a separate set of alternative and/or restricted movements for demonstration purposes while it is in its toy packaging. Therefore, there is a need for a toy figurine having multiple movement configurations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a toy figurine having alternative movement configurations. Depending on the setting of a selector located on the toy figurine, the toy figurine positions itself into a respective configuration that allows for a particular set of movements and/or range of motions. This plurality of configurations greatly enhances the playability of the toy figurine. Additionally, in some instances, the plurality of configurations allows the toy figurine to display certain demonstrative movements within its toy packaging that are different from its full set of actions.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a toy figurine is provided. The toy figurine comprises a body, one or more appendages movably connected to the body, and a selector attached to the body. The selector is configurable between a disengaged setting and an engaged setting. Setting the selector to the disengaged setting causes the one or more appendages to be (a) positioned in a default configuration and (b) limited to movement within a first range of motion. Furthermore, setting the selector to the engaged setting causes the one or more appendages to be (a) positioned in an engaged configuration and (b) limited to movement within a second range of motion. In one or more embodiments, the first range of motion is greater than the second range of motion. For example, the second range of motion can be a portion of the first range of motion.

The toy figurine also comprises a drive means that imparts movement to the one or more appendages. In one or more embodiments, an actuator is operably connected to the drive means. Operating the actuator in a particular manner causes the one or more appendages to move within the first range of motion when the selector is in the disengaged setting. Operating the actuator in the particular manner causes the one or more appendages to move within the second range of motion when the selector is in the engaged setting. In some embodiments, positioning the selector in the engaged setting partially restricts the drive means in moving the one or more appendages.

In one or more embodiments, the toy figurine includes a first indentation and a second indentation in the body and a tab on the selector. The tab engages the first indentation when the selector is set to the disengaged setting. The tab engages the second indentation when the selector is set to the engaged setting. In certain embodiments, the selector further includes a protrusion. Setting the selector to the engaged setting causes the protrusion to be positioned such that the drive means is partially restricted in moving the one or more appendages.

In one or more other embodiments, the toy figurine includes a toy packaging. The toy packaging has a rod positioned to be inserted into an opening on the body of the toy figurine. Inserting the rod into the opening keeps the selector in either the disengaged or engaged setting until the rod is removed from the opening.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a toy figurine is provided. The toy figurine comprises a torso, one or more limbs movably connected to the torso, and a selector slidably attached to the torso. An actuator is operably connected to a drive means within the torso that moves the one or more limbs. The selector is slidable between a disengaged setting and an engaged setting. Sliding the selector to the disengaged setting causes the one or more limbs to be positioned in a default configuration and operating the actuator causes the one or more limbs to move within a first range of motion. Sliding the selector to the engaged setting causes the one or more limbs to be positioned in an engaged configuration and operating the actuator causes the one or more limbs to move within a second range of motion. In one or more embodiments, sliding the selector to the engaged setting partially restricts the drive means in moving the one or more limbs.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more appendages or limbs are two legs pivotally connected to the body. In one example embodiment, the default configuration is a running pose having a set of leg movements that mimic running. In this running pose, the two thigh sections of each leg are substantially at a right angle with each other. Operating the actuator causes the two legs to pivot in a simulated running motion. The engaged configuration is a standing pose having a different set of leg movements. In this standing pose, the two legs are substantially coplanar with the body.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method of providing multiple movement configurations to a toy figurine is provided. The method comprises providing a toy figurine comprising a body, one or more appendages movably connected to the body, and a selector attached to the body. An actuator is operably connected to a drive means within the body that moves the one or more appendages. The selector is configurable between a disengaged setting and an engaged setting. Setting the selector to the disengaged setting causes the one or more appendages to be positioned in a default configuration and operating the actuator causes the one or more appendages to move within a first range of motion. Setting the selector to the engaged setting causes the one or more appendages to be positioned in an engaged configuration and operating the actuator causes the one or more appendages to move within a second range of motion.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. It is to be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating some embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:

FIGS. 1A-B illustrate general block diagrams of a toy figurine in a default configuration (FIG. 1A) and an engaged configuration (FIG. 1B), according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a toy figurine in an engaged configuration according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a back view of the toy figurine of FIG. 2 in the engaged configuration;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the toy figurine of FIG. 2 in a default configuration and having a first range of motion;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the toy figurine of FIG. 2 in the engaged configuration and having a second range of motion;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the toy figurine of FIG. 2 along line A-A;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the toy figurine of FIG. 5 along line B-B;

FIG. 8 illustrates a close-up view of the selector of the toy figurine of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of the toy figurine of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the toy figurine of FIG. 2 and a toy packaging according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A toy figurine according to the present invention includes alternative movement configurations. A selector on the toy figurine determines the movement configuration for certain movable appendages or limbs. A single toy figurine thus possesses multiple poses and/or sets of movements, which enhances the playability of the toy figurine. Additionally, in some instances, the alternative movement configuration feature allows the toy figurine to be displayed in its toy packaging with a restricted set of movements specifically for demonstration purposes. When the toy figurine is removed from the packaging, the selector can then be set to access a full range of movements.

According to a general embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 1A and 1B show simplified block diagrams of a toy figurine 100 in a default configuration 720 (FIG. 1A) and an engaged configuration 820 (FIG. 1B). The toy figurine 100 comprises a body 200 with an appendage 300 movably connected to the body 200. A selector 400 and an actuator 600 are attached to the body 200. The actuator 600 is operably connected to a drive means 500 that imparts movement to the appendage 300. In FIG. 1A, the selector 400 is set to a disengaged setting 700. In this setting, the toy figurine 100 positions the appendage 300 in a default configuration 720. Operating the actuator 600 causes the drive means 500 to move the appendage 300 in a first range of motion 740. In FIG. 1B, the selector 400 is set to an engaged setting 800. In this setting, the toy figurine 100 positions the appendage 300 to an engaged configuration 820. Operating the actuator 600 causes the drive means 500 to move the appendage 300 in a second range of motion 840.

As described herein, a toy figurine includes dolls, figures, models, and action figures that may be based on or model any real, fictional or fantasy character, object or entity. Additionally, the movable appendage may be a limb, body part, member, attachment or accessory movably connected to any part of the toy figurine. In one or more embodiments, the movable appendage is a head, arm or leg connected to the torso of the toy figurine. Further, depending on the desired set of movements, a single or a plurality of appendages (e.g., 1, 2, 4) may be movably connected to the toy figurine. In various embodiments, the movable appendage performs a movement such as punching, kicking, pivoting, twisting, turning, spinning, extending, etc.

FIGS. 2 and 3 respectively provide front and back views of a toy figurine in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a toy figurine 100 comprising a body or torso 200 with two appendages, a right leg 302 and a left leg 304, movably connected to the body 200. An actuator 600 is located on the side of the body 200, which allows a user to operate the actuator 600 with a finger or thumb while holding the body 200 of the toy figurine 100 with the same hand. In other embodiments, the actuator is located at other places of the body 200 (e.g., front, back, top).

The actuator 600 is operably connected to a drive means 500 inside the toy figurine body 200 that causes the two legs 302, 304 to pivot on a central axis 310 (see, e.g., FIGS. 6 and 7). The actuator 600 is operated by pushing the actuator 600 towards the body 200 of the toy figurine 100. In some embodiments, the actuator is part of an appendage that can be used to operate the drive means. For example, instead of the actuator 600 being a separate attachment on the side of the body 200 in FIG. 2, the arm 210 functions as an actuator that can be operated by squeezing the arm 210 towards the body 200. Other actions may also be used to operate the actuator. For example, in some embodiments, the actuator is a button, pull string, tab or thumbwheel that is mechanically operated by a respective pressing, pulling, sliding or turning action. In other embodiments, the actuator is operated electronically or through the use of a remote control. Furthermore, in some embodiments of the invention, the toy figurine 100 includes multiple actuators that are used to control the movement of different appendages or groups of appendages. For example, one actuator controls the legs of the toy figurine while another actuator controls the arms.

FIG. 3 shows a selector 400 attached to the back of the toy figurine 100. Here, the selector 400 is set to an engaged setting 800. Under the engaged setting 800, the toy figurine 100 is positioned in an engaged configuration 820 where the two legs 302, 304 are generally coplanar with the body 200. In other embodiments, the selector 400 is located at other places of the body 200 (e.g., front, side, top). The engaged and disengaged settings are selected by sliding the selector 400 upwards and downwards along the body 200. Other actions may also be used to set the selector 400. For example, in some embodiments, the selector 400 is set by pressing a button, flipping a switch, turning a knob, or lifting a flap. In other embodiments, the selector 400 is set electronically or through the use of a remote control. Furthermore, though only two settings (i.e., engaged and disengaged) are described, some embodiments of the invention include toy figurines having more than two settings and/or configurations. In such instances, the selector 400 is used to select from the multiple settings. Operation of the actuator 600 results in different movement sets and/or ranges of motion depending on the setting selected with the selector.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a side view of the toy figurine 100. FIG. 4 shows the toy figurine 100 in a default configuration 720 with the selector 400 in its disengaged setting 700. In this instance, the default configuration 720 is a running pose in which the right leg 302 is forward and the left leg 304 extends behind. The legs 302, 304 are spring-biased to this particular position via torsion springs 250 in the hips of the toy figurine 100 (see, e.g., FIG. 7). The two thigh sections 306, 308 of respective right and left legs 302, 304 are approximately at a right angle with each other. Depending on the desired appearance of the toy figurine 100 in the default configuration 720, the movable appendages may be positioned accordingly. For instance, the two legs 302, 304 may be set at other angles (e.g., obtuse, acute angles) with each other in the default configuration 720. Pressing the actuator 600 inwards toward the body 200 causes the two legs 302, 304 to pivot in opposite directions in a first range of motion 740. This results in the two legs 302, 304 swapping positions such that the left leg 304 is now forward and the right leg 302 extends behind. The arrows in FIG. 4 illustrate the movement of the two legs 302, 304 and the dotted outlines represent the position of the legs 302, 304 when the actuator 600 is fully depressed. Releasing the actuator 600 allows the actuator 600 to move back to its original position, as well as allows the torsion springs 250 to pivot the two legs 302, 304 in opposite directions back to the default configuration 720. By repeatedly pressing and releasing the actuator 600, the legs 302, 304 of the toy figurine pivot back and forth to simulate a running motion.

FIG. 5 shows the toy figurine 100 in an engaged configuration 820 with the selector 400 moved downwards to its engaged setting 800. In this instance, the engaged configuration 820 is a standing pose in which both legs 302, 304 are substantially coplanar with the body 200. Pressing the actuator 600 inwards toward the body 200 causes the two legs 302, 304 to pivot in opposite directions in a second range of motion 840. This results in the left leg 304 pivoting forward and the right leg 302 pivoting backward. The arrows in FIG. 5 illustrate the movement of the two legs 502 and the dotted outlines represent the position of the legs 302, 304 when the actuator 600 is fully depressed. Releasing the actuator 600 allows the actuator 600 to move back to its original position, as well as allows the torsion springs 250 to pivot the two legs 302, 304 in opposite directions back to the engaged configuration 820. This results in both legs 302, 304 returning to a position substantially coplanar with the body 200.

The leg movements in the second range of motion 840 are more limited than the leg movements in the first range of motion 740. In this particular instance, the second range of motion 840 is a portion or subset of the first range of motion 740. In other embodiments, the toy figurine 100 has a second range of motion that is greater than the first range of motion. Additionally, the standing pose of the engaged configuration 820 allows the toy figurine 100 to more easily stand upright on a flat surface whereas the toy figurine 100 may be unable to stand upright by itself while in the running pose of the default configuration 720. Furthermore, in some instances, due to size constraints of the toy packaging, the engaged configuration 820 allows the toy figurine 100 to take up less space in the toy packaging but still demonstrate partial running movements to a potential customer.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the toy figurine 100 along line A-A of FIG. 2. When the selector 400 is in the engaged setting 800 as illustrated in FIG. 6, a protrusion 404 is positioned approximately halfway within the length of a groove 206 (see, e.g., FIG. 8). This protrusion 404 keeps the toy figurine 100 in the engaged configuration 820. Operating the actuator 600 causes a portion 502 of the drive means 500 to be pushed downwards, which then translates to a rotational movement that causes the legs 302, 304 to pivot on the central axis 310. When the actuator 600 is released, a spring 240 (see, e.g., FIG. 9) pulls the portion 502 of the drive means 500 upwards such that the portion 502 abuts the protrusion 404 of the selector 400 and the toy figurine 100 returns to the original engaged configuration 820. The protrusion 404 restricts the portion 502 of the drive means 500 from traversing up the full length of the groove 206 (see, e.g., FIG. 8).

When the selector 400 is set to the disengaged setting 700, the protrusion 404 becomes positioned approximately at the top of the length of the groove 206. This causes the drive means 500 to position the legs 302, 304 of the toy figurine 100 in the default configuration 720. Operating the actuator 600 pushes the portion 502 of the drive means 500 downwards which then translates to a rotational movement that causes the legs 302, 304 to pivot about central axis 310. When the actuator 600 is released, the spring 240 pulls the portion 502 of the drive means 500 upwards such that the portion 502 of the drive means 500 traverses substantially the full length of the groove 206. By allowing the portion 502 to traverse the full length of the groove 206 rather than only halfway (i.e., when the selector 400 is set to an engaged setting 800), the legs 302, 304 are allowed to pivot in a greater range of motion. Therefore, the position of the protrusion 404 within the groove 206 defines and restricts the range of motion available to the drive means 500 and thus the legs 302, 304.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the toy figurine along line B-B of FIG. 5. Actuator 600 includes a wedge section 602 that abuts the portion 502 of the drive means 500. Pressing the actuator 600 towards the body 200 causes the portion 502 of the drive means 500 to slide across the wedge section 602 and downwards along the groove 206. Releasing the actuator 600 allows the spring 240 to pull the portion 502 of the drive means upwards along the groove 206 and across wedge section 602, thereby pushing the actuator 600 outwards from the body 200. Also shown in FIG. 7 is a speaker 222 powered by batteries 220. Pressing on a side button 224 on the side of the body 200 causes a preprogrammed sound effect to be emitted from speaker 222. In some embodiments, pressing side button 224 causes lights on the toy figurine 100 to light up and/or flash.

FIG. 8 shows the selector 400 of the toy figurine of FIG. 2. The interior cavity of the body 200 includes a first indentation 202 and a second indentation 204. As shown in FIG. 8, a tab 402 on the selector 400 engages the second indentation 204 when the selector is set to the engaged setting 800. Setting the selector 400 to the disengaged setting 700 moves the tab 402 upwards where it engages the first indentation 202. More specifically in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the body 200 includes two first indentations 202 and two second indentations 204 on either side of the groove 206. The selector 400 also includes two tabs 402 on either side of the selector 400 to engage with the two first indentations 202 or two second indentations 204. This allows the selector 400 to be more securely positioned when it is set to the engaged setting 800 or disengaged setting 700.

Some embodiments of the toy figurine 100 include a locking mechanism that prevents the selector 400 from changing to a different setting. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, the toy figurine includes an opening 260 in the body 200. This opening 260 is located above the selector 400 and allows a rod to be inserted. By inserting a rod into the opening 260, the selector 400 is prevented from sliding upwards to the disengaged setting 700.

This locking mechanism can be used in toy packaging to keep the toy figurine 100 in an engaged configuration 820 while it is still in the toy packaging. As shown for example in FIG. 10, toy packaging 900 includes a rod 920 that inserts into opening 260 of the toy figurine 100. This prevents the selector 400 from sliding to the disengaged setting 700 while the toy figurine 100 is in the toy packaging 900 (i.e., locks the selector 400 to the engaged setting 800). While locked, a child is only able to access and try-out the second range of motion 840 for the toy figurine 100. The rod 920 can be removed when the toy figurine 100 is taken out of the packaging 900. Removing the rod 920 from the opening 260 allows the selector 400 to slide upwards to the disengaged setting 700. The child is then able to access the first range of motion 740 for the toy figurine 100, which provides a greater set of movements than the second range of motion 840 (see, e.g., FIG. 4).

CONCLUSION

Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.

Moreover, it is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, the term “exemplary” may be used herein to describe an example or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as exemplary is not to be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but rather as one example or illustration of a possible embodiment of the invention.

Finally, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A toy figurine comprising: a body having a front, a back, a first side, and a second side opposite to the first side;one or more appendages movably connected to the body;a drive means within the body that imparts movement to the one or more appendages;an actuator positioned on the first side of the body and operably connected to the drive means;a side button positioned on the second side of the body, wherein pressing the side button activates a preprogrammed sound or light effect on the toy figurine;an external selector attached to the back of the body, the selector configurable between a disengaged setting and an engaged setting, wherein: setting the selector to the disengaged setting causes the one or more appendages to be (a) positioned in a default configuration and (b) limited to movement within a first range of motion; andsetting the selector to the engaged setting causes the one or more appendages to be (a) positioned in an engaged configuration and (b) limited to movement within a second range of motion;wherein operating the actuator when the selector is in the disengaged setting causes the one or more appendages to move within the first range of motion and operating the actuator when the selector is in the engaged setting causes the one or more appendages to move within the second range of motion.

2-3. (canceled)

4. The toy figurine of claim 1, wherein the body has a first indentation and a second indentation, and the selector includes a tab that engages the first indentation when the selector is set to the disengaged setting and engages the second indentation when the selector is set to the engaged setting.

5. The toy figurine of claim 1, wherein positioning the selector in the engaged setting partially restricts the drive means in moving the one or more appendages.

6. The toy figurine of claim 5, wherein the selector includes a protrusion, and setting the selector to the engaged setting causes the protrusion to be positioned such that the drive means is partially restricted in moving the one or more appendages.

7. The toy figurine of claim 1, wherein the first range of motion is greater than the second range of motion.

8. The toy figurine of claim 7, wherein the second range of motion is a portion of the first range of motion.

9. The toy figurine of claim 1 further comprising a toy packaging including a rod positioned to be inserted into an opening on the body of the toy figurine, wherein inserting the rod into the opening keeps the selector in the disengaged or engaged setting until the rod is removed from the opening.

10. A toy figurine comprising: a torso having a front, a back, a first side, and a second side opposite to the first side;one or more limbs movably connected to the torso;an actuator positioned on the first side of the torso, the actuator operably connected to a drive means within the torso that moves the one or more limbs;a side button positioned on the second side of the torso, wherein pressing the side button towards the torso activates a preprogrammed sound or light effect on the toy figurine;an external selector slidably attached to the back of the torso, the selector slidable between a disengaged setting and an engaged setting, wherein: sliding the selector to the disengaged setting (a) causes the one or more limbs to be positioned in a default configuration and (b) pressing the actuator towards the torso causes the one or more limbs to move in a first range of motion and releasing the pressed actuator allows the one or more limbs to return to the default configuration; andsliding the selector to the engaged setting (a) causes the one or more limbs to be positioned in an engaged configuration and (b) pressing the actuator towards the torso causes the one or more limbs to move in a second range of motion and releasing the pressed actuator allows the one or more limbs to return to the engaged configuration.

11. The toy figurine of claim 10, wherein the first range of motion is greater than the second range of motion.

12. The toy figurine of claim 11, wherein the second range of motion is a portion of the first range of motion.

13. The toy figurine of claim 10, wherein sliding the selector to the engaged setting partially restricts the drive means in moving the one or more limbs.

14. The toy figurine of claim 10, wherein the one or more limbs are two legs pivotally connected to the torso.

15. The toy figurine of claim 14, wherein each leg comprises a thigh section and further wherein the default configuration is a running position in which the two thigh sections are angled in opposite directions from each other.

16. The toy figurine of claim 14, wherein the engaged configuration is a standing position in which the two legs are coplanar with the torso.

17. The toy figurine of claim 14, wherein operating the actuator causes the two legs to pivot in a simulated running motion.

18. A method of providing multiple movement configurations to a toy figurine, the method comprising: providing a toy figurine comprising: a body;one or more appendages movably connected to the body;an actuator operably connected to a drive means within the body that moves the one or more appendages; anda selector attached to the body, the selector configurable between a disengaged setting and an engaged setting;wherein: setting the selector to the disengaged setting (a) causes the one or more appendages to be positioned in a default configuration and (b) operating the actuator causes the one or more appendages to move within a first range of motion; andsetting the selector to the engaged setting (a) causes the one or more appendages to be positioned in an engaged configuration and (b) operating the actuator causes the one or more appendages to move within a second range of motion.

19. The method of claim 18, further providing a first indentation and a second indentation in the body and a tab on the selector, wherein the tab engages the first indentation when the selector is set to the disengaged setting and the tab engages the second indentation when the selector is set to the engaged setting.

20. The method of claim 18, further providing a protrusion on the selector, wherein setting the selector to the engaged setting causes the protrusion to be positioned such that the drive means is partially restricted in moving the one or more appendages.