Patent Grant
10226712
The present invention relates to mechanical toy animals. More specifically, the toy animals of the present invention include internal mechanisms that allow the mechanical toy animals to simulate live animals. The present invention allows children to physically “walk” the toy animal on a leash. Methods of making and using the same are further provided.
It is, of course, generally known that individuals, specifically, children, enjoy interacting with a toy animal. Indeed, toy animals have been highly marketable for a long time and are popular today as shown by ongoing product sales in the toy industry.
Generally, children love animals, and especially toy-themed versions of animals including: dogs, cats, teddy bears, horses, birds, reptiles, alligators, turtles, lady bugs, farm animals, forest animals, jungle animals, ocean life and dinosaurs.
Additionally, children also enjoy imitating their parents, siblings and friends that care for and walk real pet animals. Thus, pet analogues, such as toy animals, are very popular, again evidenced by the product sales in the toy industry.
Toy animals exist in many physical manifestations, such as soft plush, inflatable vinyl, rubberized foam, flexible vinyl, semi rigid plastic, hard plastic, wood, metal and combinations thereof. Much innovation has been developed to enhance play experience with toy animals to simulate many living characteristics such as walking, running, hopping, vibrating, breathing, talking, eating, urinating, sleeping and numerous sound effects.
One characteristic of toy animals that is popular among children is locomotion. Specifically, toy animals more effectively simulate live animals when they include a form of movement. There have been numerous product versions of “walking animals” that attempt to mimic live animals. Children specifically enjoy toy animals that simulate a pet that is walked on a leash. Toy animals with articulating features that simulate some type of movement such as walking or running originally were mechanical in design. For example, some examples of toy animals that have locomotive characteristics include: child activated pull strings, keys and spring wound coils. Some toy animals would merely require the child to set the toy animal on an inclined plane, and the toy animals would moves, typically with wheels, down the incline.
However over the last 30 years with advancements in electronics many toy animals integrate motorized robotic technology. Therefore, there are two general categories walking toy animals: 1) mechanical versions without electronics; and 2) electronic versions incorporating batteries, motors, sensors, integrated circuits and robotics. Electronic versions of toy animals tend to be expensive, difficult to manufacture, and tend to not replicate accurate animal movement. Mechanical versions may also suffer from being overly complicated, difficult to manufacture, and prone to break when used by children.
A need, therefore, exists for relatively simple mechanical toy animals for individuals, namely children. Moreover, a need exists for toy animals that effectively and accurately mimic animal movement.
In addition, a need exists for toy animals that simulate animal movement that can be utilized by children without being fragile and prone to break. Further, a need exists for toy animals that are utilized by children who wish to emulate adults by taking their toy animals for walks.
And, a need exists for toy animals having internal mechanisms that effectively simulate animal movement so as to create an illusion in users that the toy animal is real. Still further, a need exists for toy animals that may be easily controlled by a user when walking the same on a simulated leash.
The present invention relates to mechanical toy animals. More specifically, the toy animals of the present invention include internal mechanisms that allow the mechanical toy animals to simulate live animals. The present invention allows children to physically “walk” the toy animal on a leash. Methods of making and using the same are further provided.
To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, an animal walking toy apparatus that achieves realistic leg movements is provided. The animal walking toy apparatus comprises: a body element configured to appear as an animal, the body element having a main portion and a front right leg, a front left leg, a rear right leg and a rear left leg disposed downwardly from the main portion; a drive mechanism apparatus comprising: a housing comprising a front end, a rear end, a first side and a second side; a wheel disposed in proximity to the front end of the housing, the wheel configured to roll on a rolling surface; a first arm having a first end and a second end, and a midpoint, the first arm disposed in proximity to the front end of the housing, the first arm pivotally connected to the housing at about the midpoint of the first arm, the first end of the first arm connected to the front right leg of the body element and the second end of the first arm connected to the front left leg of the body element; a second arm having a first end and a second end, and a midpoint, the second arm disposed in proximity to the rear end of the housing, the second arm pivotally connected to the housing at about the midpoint of the second arm, the first end of the second arm connected to the rear right leg of the body element and the second end of the second arm connected to the rear left leg of the body element; and a linkage between the wheel and at least one of the first and second arms, wherein the linkage translates the rotational motion of the wheel to back and forth substantially linear movement of the at least one of the first and second arms.
In an embodiment, the linkage moves the first end of the at least one of the first and second arms forwardly and at the same time moves the second end of the at least one of the first and second arms rearwardly.
In an embodiment, the linkage moves the first end of the at least one of the first and second arms rearwardly and at the same time moves the second end of the at least one of the first and second arms rearwardly.
In an embodiment, the linkage translates the rotational motion of the wheel to back and forth substantially linear movement of both the first and second arms.
In an embodiment, the linkage moves, in a synchronized manner, the first end of the first arm forwardly, the second end of the first arm rearwardly, the second end of the second arm forwardly, and the first end of the second arm rearwardly.
In an embodiment, the wheel comprises a crank axle, and the linkage comprises: a rocker disposed in about a midsection of the housing, the rocker having an extended element on a side thereof disposed in a slot of the housing, wherein the extended element moves within the slot of the housing; a main link disposed between the crank axle and the rocker; a first link disposed between the rocker and the first arm in proximity to the first side of the housing; and a second link disposed between the rocker and the second arm in proximity to the second side of the housing, wherein movement of the wheel causes the crank axle to revolve, causing the main link to move the rocker, causing the first link to move the first end of the first arm in a first direction and the second link to move the second end of the second arm in the first direction.
In an embodiment, the rocker comprises a pin that is attached to a side of the housing, wherein the rocker is rotatable about the pin, and further wherein the main link causes the rocker to rotate around the pin, wherein movement of the rocker causes the extended element to move within the slot of the housing, causing the first and second links to move.
In an embodiment, movement of the wheel sequentially moves the first end of the first arm and the second end of the second arm in the first direction, and the first end of the first and the second end of the second arm to move in a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite from each other.
In an embodiment, the animal walking toy apparatus further comprises: a second wheel adjacent the first wheel.
In an embodiment, the wheel sits between the front right leg and the front left leg.
In an embodiment, the wheel comprises a traction element for engaging the wheel on a surface.
In an embodiment, the animal walking toy apparatus further comprises: a rigid or semi-rigid elongated leash element having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the top of the body element and a second end having a handle.
In an embodiment, the housing comprises a bracket extending through a top of the body element, wherein the elongated leash element is connected to the bracket.
In an embodiment, the animal walking toy apparatus further comprises: stiffeners located in the legs of the body element.
In an embodiment, the legs are disposed a distance above the rolling surface.
In an embodiment, each of the legs comprises a contact element configured to contact the rolling surface.
In an embodiment, the contact element is selected from the group consisting of a plastic skid, a wheel, and a rolling ball.
In an embodiment, the body element is removable from the housing so that a second body element may be disposed on the housing.
In an embodiment, the animal walking toy apparatus further comprises: a sound module.
In an embodiment, the animal walking toy apparatus further comprises: a self-propelling element for propelling the toy animal apparatus forwardly or rearwardly.
It is, therefore, an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide relatively simple, mechanical toy animals for individuals, namely children.
Moreover, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide toy animals that effectively and accurately mimic animal movement.
In addition, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide toy animals that simulate animal movement that can be utilized by children without being fragile and prone to break.
Further, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide toy animals that are utilized by children who wish to emulate adults by taking their toy animals for walks.
And, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide toy animals having internal mechanisms that effectively simulate animal movement so as to create an illusion in users that the toy animal is real.
Still further, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide toy animals that may be easily controlled by a user when walking the same on a simulated leash.
Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.
The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.
The present invention relates to mechanical toy animals. More specifically, the toy animals of the present invention include internal mechanisms that allow the mechanical toy animals to simulate live animals. The present invention allows children to physically “walk” the toy animal on a leash. Methods of making and using the same are further provided.
Now referring to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts,
The present invention is intended to be used as a toy for a child to simply pick up the leash linkage 40 by a handle thereof and move the toy animal 10 in any direction. As the toy animal 10 moves, it will appear to be walking on its own behalf, achieved through the wheels 20 and the internal drive mechanism assembly 60 (as illustrated in
In an embodiment, the toy animal 10 may be in the shape and appearance of a furry puppy dog (as illustrated in
The internal drive mechanism assembly 60 may be partially inserted into the body 12 of the toy animal 10 from an underside thereof, but allowing the bracket 18 to extend through the body 12 to a back or top of the body 12 for attachment to the leash linkage 40. The internal drive mechanism assembly 60 may be mostly hidden due to the body 12 of the toy animal 10, and only a small portion of the wheels 20 may be visible between the front legs. When assembled and ready for use, the legs 14 may be slightly elevated from the surface 30 so as not to create friction or drag. Preferably, the legs 14 may be elevated about 0.25 inches above the surface 30, but the invention should not be so limited.
Internal Drive Mechanism Assembly
The internal drive mechanism assembly 60, as shown in more detail in
As the wheels roll, rotational movement of the wheels 20 may translate to linear movement via an internal rocker 24 that may be interconnected through arm linkages 26a, 26b to pivoting arms 28a, 28b. The pivoting arms 28a, 28b may have the clips 16 thereon for connecting the arms 28a, 28b to the respective legs 14 of the toy animal 10. Although the clips 16 are shown in the figures herein, it should be noted that the arms 28a, 28b of the internal drive mechanism assembly 60 may be connected or otherwise attached to the legs 14 of the toy animal 10 via any means apparent to one of ordinary skill in the arm, including the clips as shown, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, pin and hoop fasteners, thread, glue, or other like attachment means. In a preferred embodiment, the legs of the toy animal 10 may be easily separable from the internal drive mechanism assembly 60 so that the body 12 of the toy animal 10 may be easily removed to access the internal drive mechanism apparatus 60 and/or for swapping the body 12 for a body of a different animal. When removed, the internal drive mechanism apparatus 60 may include protective sleeves and/or covers to ensure that users are not hurt by the internal drive mechanism apparatus 60, and to ensure that dirt does not enter the internal drive mechanism apparatus 60.
The translation of the rotational movement of the wheels 20 into linear motion that may control the backward and forward movement of the legs 14 of the toy animal 10 may be achieved in a plurality of ways. In a preferred embodiment, illustrated in
The arm linkages 26a, 26b may thus move alternatively forwardly and rearwardly due to the movement of the rocker 66 and bolts 70a, 70b. As the arm linkages 26a, 26b move forwardly and rearwardly, the arms 28a, 28b may move accordingly. The arms 28a, 28b may be pivotally connecting at midpoints thereof via rotating pins 74a, 74b. Arm linkage 26a may be connected on one end to the bolt 70a of the rocker 66 and at another end thereof to one side of the arm 28a one a first side and toward the rear of the housing 22. Likewise, the arm linkage 26b may be connected on one end thereof to the bolt 70b of the rocker 66 and at another end thereof to one side of the arm 28b on a second side and toward the front of the housing 22. Thus, as the bolts 70a, 70b move rearwardly in paths 72a, 72b, the one side of the arm 28a that is connected to the arm linkage 26a may also move rearwardly on the first side of the housing 22. At the same time, the one side of the arm 28b that is connected to the arm linkage 26b may also move rearwardly on the second side of the housing 22. As the arms 28a, 28b move rearwardly, the rotating pins 74a, 74b pivot freely, causing the opposite sides of the arms 28a, 28b to move in the opposite direction, in this case forwardly.
Thus, as the wheels complete a 360 degree turn when in motion, the crank axle may further complete a 360 degree turn completing a full cycle. The legs of the toy animal 10 may also complete a full cycle of moving forward and rearwardly. Thus, the front right leg of the toy animal 10 and the rear left leg of the toy animal 10 may synchronously move forward while the front left leg and the rear right leg move rearwardly. Likewise, the front right leg of the toy animal 10 and the rear left leg may synchronously move rearwardly while the front left leg and the rear right leg move forwardly.
The positions of connection points of the first and second linkages 26a, 26b and/or the main linkage 64 may be optimized to provide the most realistic movement of the toy animal's legs 14, and should be well within the capability of one having ordinary skill in the present art. For example, a toy animal that may look like a lizard may have a different leg motion that a toy animal that looks like a dog, and the internal parts of the internal drive mechanism assembly 60 may be adjusted accordingly.
Of course, it should be noted that because the toy animal 10 is meant to be utilized by children, protections may be built in, such as protective covers and the like to ensure that body parts of the users do not get pinched or damaged due to the moving parts of the internal drive mechanism 60 or any other part of the toy animal 10.
Moreover, although the present invention describes a preferable mechanism to translate rotational movement of the wheels into linear rearward and forward movement of the legs thereof, it should be noted that other mechanisms may be utilized to do the same, and the present invention should not be limited as described herein. For example, the crank axle 62, primary linkage 64 and rocker 66 may be replaced with a bevel gear apparatus 80, as shown in
In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in
Toy Animal Body
The toy animal 10 may be of any animal theme or character style, and may be constructed from any material and process, including, preferably, sewn plush fabric with soft internal stuffing to maintain its general shape. Alternatively, the toy animal 10 may be made from molded plastic, including slush molded, drape molded, cast molded, rotary molded, blow molded, injection molded and vacuum formed. The body may further be made from vinyl, rubberized foam, wood or any other suitable material and processes.
The toy animal 10 may specifically include articulating legs that allow the legs to translate forwardly and rearwardly, and a slot in its top or back to allow the bracket 18 to extend therethrough for connection to the linkage 40. The internal compartment that may hold the internal drive mechanism assembly 60 may be separated from the internal stuffing of the toy animal, via a sleeve, for example, to separate the internal drive mechanism assembly 60 from the stuffing. Therefore, the stuffing may be prevented from interfering with the internal drive mechanism assembly 60, and further prevent the stuffing from falling out while in use. In an embodiment, the toy animal body may be easily removed from the internal drive mechanism assembly 60 and the linkage 40 so that a different toy animal body may be disposed thereon, such as if a user wishes to swap the toy animal body shape and appearance.
The legs 14 of the toy animal 10 may further contain leg stiffeners (not shown) that may accentuate movement of the legs 14, stabilize and maintain a level body and aid in preventing the legs from touching the surface 30. Alternatively, the legs may incorporate plastic skis or rollers (not shown) on an underside thereof that may contact the surface 30, so as to reduce friction and not gather unwanted dirt or dust.
The toy animal 10 may further have a sound module disposed therein for creating sound effects, such as barking or talking. Further, the sound module may be connected to a motion sensor-activated control box with an integrated battery, speaker and programmed IC so that the toy animal 10 may play noises. A push button or remote control may also be implemented for allowing a user to control the sounds.
Leash Linkage
The leash linkage 40 may be a rigid or semi-rigid extended element that may be a single piece or may be assembled from a plurality of pieces for ease of transportability, shipping and storage. The rigid or semi-rigid nature of the leash linkage 40 may allow a user to control the force applied to the toy animal 10 by simply holding the leash linkage 40.
The leash linkage 40 may be shipped and/or stored in a reduced or collapsed configuration, and may be nested together so that individual smaller elements 48a, 48b, 48c are not misplaced or lost, as illustrated in
The leash linkage 40 may include various features, including telescoping elements, pivoting elements, and other like features that allow the leash to changes it length, or that allows the leash angle in relation to the toy animal 10 to be changed, so as to accommodate different sized users. Moreover, the leash linkage 40 may have overlapping telescoping pieces that may be adjustable via ratchet interlock, friction slide, or multiple standing post/hole interlock options for different height users.
A sound module and/or sound module controller may be integrated into the leash linkage 40, preferably on the handle 44. Specifically, a speaker may be contained in the handle so that the noises that may electronically emanate from the toy animal 10 may be more easily heard by a user. In addition, one or more buttons or other activating elements may be incorporated into the handle to allow a user to control various aspects of the toy animal, such as a sound module incorporated therein.
The leash linkage 40 may further allow a user to add or integrate elements that may be useful for identification or for other reasons. For example, decorative elements, letters, numbers or other like elements may be provided that may be added to the leash linkage 40. Specifically, a child may wish to name his or her toy animal, and letters may be provided and added to the leash linkage 40 to personalize the same. Moreover, other elements, including collars, bandanas, animal clothing, or other like elements may be utilized to personalize the toy animal for a child user.
It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Further, references throughout the specification to “the invention” are nonlimiting, and it should be noted that claim limitations presented herein are not meant to describe the invention as a whole. Moreover, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.
The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 62/283,167, titled “Force and Management Apparatus for Animal Walking Toy,” filed Aug. 24, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1605307 | Walker | Nov 1926 | A |
| 1849533 | Parton | Mar 1932 | A |
| 2168425 | Sleeseman | Aug 1939 | A |
| 2180623 | Allen | Nov 1939 | A |
| 2496766 | Wood | Feb 1950 | A |
| 2605585 | Sebel | Aug 1952 | A |
| 2971289 | Reed | Feb 1961 | A |
| 2983072 | Crawford | May 1961 | A |
| 3163960 | Keikichi Iwaya | Jan 1965 | A |
| 3178853 | Greenwood et al. | Apr 1965 | A |
| 3346990 | Holt | Oct 1967 | A |
| 3492759 | Lemkin | Feb 1970 | A |
| 3760532 | Campion | Sep 1973 | A |
| 4018002 | Holden | Apr 1977 | A |
| 4245425 | D'Andrade | Jan 1981 | A |
| 4463514 | Nagai | Aug 1984 | A |
| 4657098 | Wilcox | Apr 1987 | A |
| 5100362 | Fogarty et al. | Mar 1992 | A |
| 5205775 | Brodrib | Apr 1993 | A |
| 5713780 | Gallagher | Feb 1998 | A |
| 6004185 | Rehkemper et al. | Dec 1999 | A |
| 6165043 | Terzian et al. | Dec 2000 | A |
| 6273782 | Chan et al. | Apr 2001 | B1 |
| 6648720 | Domingues | Nov 2003 | B1 |
| 7115014 | McGrath | Oct 2006 | B2 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20170056780 A1 | Mar 2017 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62283167 | Aug 2015 | US |
