Title:
ANIMATED TOY
United States Patent 3597878
Abstract:
An animated doll, energizable by a reversible DC motor, selectively animating a stepping motion or a rotational motion with head spotting. The doll includes a rotatable shaft which is movable along its axis of rotation from a neutral position to an upward position in which the shaft engages a crankshaft assembly to cause the doll's legs to move with respect to the doll's torso to produce a stepping motion. The rotatable shaft is also movable to a downward position in which the shaft is inhibited from rotating, thereby causing the motor's housing, which is connected to the doll's torso, to rotate and to rotate the torso therewith. The doll's head is coupled to the torso with a torsion spring, which forms part of a head-spotting assembly. The latter is used to inhibit the rotation of the head during a fixed preselected portion of each revolution of the doll's torso. All the doll's motions are controlled by a knob extending out of the doll's head.
US Patent References:
Self-walking device
Curci - June 1962 - 3038275
WALKING DOLL MECHANISM
Gardel et al. - January 1969 - 3421258
WALKING DOLL WITH AMBULATORY TRACTION-DRIVE MECHANISM
Robbins - December 1969 - 3484988
Self-walking device
Curci - June 1962 - 3038275
WALKING DOLL MECHANISM
Gardel et al. - January 1969 - 3421258
WALKING DOLL WITH AMBULATORY TRACTION-DRIVE MECHANISM
Robbins - December 1969 - 3484988
Inventors:
Iwasaki, Cedric E. (Hermosa Beach, CA)
Douglas, Raymond J. (Lomita, CA)
Douglas, Raymond J. (Lomita, CA)
Application Number:
04/829617
Publication Date:
08/10/1971
Filing Date:
06/02/1969
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Assignee:
Mattel, Inc. (Hawthorne, CA)
Primary Class:
International Classes:
A63H11/18; A63H13/00; A63H11/00; A63H3/00
Field of Search:
46/245,247,119--121,136--139
Primary Examiner:
Mancene, Louis G.
Assistant Examiner:
Cutting, Robert F.
Claims:
What I claim is
1. A toy comprising:
2. The arrangement as recited in claim 1 wherein said first body member comprises a torso and a head of a doll and said second body member comprises the doll's legs, and said control member comprises an elongated control shaft having an end extending through the top of the doll's head, said control shaft being adapted to be pulled in a direction away from the doll's head to assume said first member position and said control shaft being adapted to be pushed toward said head to assume said second member position in which said control shaft rotates unless inhibited.
3. The arrangement as recited in claim 2 wherein said motor is a reversible DC motor and said source of energy is a battery and said switch means include means for reversing the connections between said motor and said battery as a function of successive changes in the position of said control shaft from said intermediary shaft position.
4. The arrangement as recited in claim 2 wherein said toy further includes head-spotting means, operable in association with said torso and said head for controlling the rotation of said head as a function of the rotation of said torso when said control shaft is in said second position and said torso and the legs rotate about said control shaft.
5. The arrangement as recited in claim 4 wherein said motor is a reversible DC motor and said source of energy is a battery and said switch means include means for reversing the connections between said motor and said battery, as a function of successive changes in the position of said control shaft from said intermediary shaft position.
6. The arrangement as recited in claim 4 wherein said head-spotting means includes a first tab connected to said torso to rotate therewith, a second tab connected to said head, torsion spring means for coacting with said first and second tabs to urge said head to rotate with said torso in the absence of a force inhibiting the rotation of said head, a cam member connected to said torso to rotate therewith, said member defining a central opening through which said control shaft extends, said cam member further defining an annular groove having a first concentric groove portion and a second nonconcentric groove portion, a cap member coupled to said head and having a radial inwardly directed tab, and a nonrotatable clutch member having a cam follower extending therefrom which is engaged to follow in the groove of said cam member, said clutch member being movable in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said cam member as a function of the cam follower, following in said groove, said clutch member further including a radial outwardly directed member for engaging the tab of said cap member to stop the rotation of said cap member and the head connected thereto when said cam follower of said clutch member is in said concentric groove portion.
7. The arrangement as recited in claim 6 wherein said motor is a reversible DC motor and said source of energy is a battery and said switch means include means for reversing the connections between said motor and said battery as a function of successive changes in the position of said control shaft from said intermediary shaft position.
8. A doll comprising:
9. The arrangement as recited in claim 8 further including head-spotting means for coupling said head to said torso so that during each revolution of said torso said head is stationary for a portion of each revolution facing forward and during the rest of the revolution said head is snapped and follows the torso in its rotation.
10. The arrangement as recited in claim 9 wherein said control shaft is operable to assume a NEUTRAL position between said first and second shaft positions, and said switch means include means coupled to said control shaft for controlling the motor to be connected to said battery only when said control shaft is in either said first or said second shaft positions and is disconnected from said battery when said control shaft is in said NEUTRAL position.
11. The arrangement as recited in claim 10 wherein said motor is a reversible DC motor of the type whose shaft rotates in a first direction when terminals of said motor are connected to a battery in a first polarity sense and the shaft rotates in a second direction when the terminals of said motor are connected to said battery in a second polarity sense, opposite said first, and said switch means includes a multitab disc, concentrically mounted for rotation in a multitab ring, and means for rotating said disc and ring whereby each time said shaft changes position said disc and ring control the sense of connection between said motor and said battery, to change between said first and second polarity senses, as a function of successive changes in the position of said control shaft from said NEUTRAL position.
12. In an animated figure toy including a head, a body and legs, the combination comprising:
13. The combination described in claim 12 including motor means for relatively rotating said shaft and body.
1. A toy comprising:
2. The arrangement as recited in claim 1 wherein said first body member comprises a torso and a head of a doll and said second body member comprises the doll's legs, and said control member comprises an elongated control shaft having an end extending through the top of the doll's head, said control shaft being adapted to be pulled in a direction away from the doll's head to assume said first member position and said control shaft being adapted to be pushed toward said head to assume said second member position in which said control shaft rotates unless inhibited.
3. The arrangement as recited in claim 2 wherein said motor is a reversible DC motor and said source of energy is a battery and said switch means include means for reversing the connections between said motor and said battery as a function of successive changes in the position of said control shaft from said intermediary shaft position.
4. The arrangement as recited in claim 2 wherein said toy further includes head-spotting means, operable in association with said torso and said head for controlling the rotation of said head as a function of the rotation of said torso when said control shaft is in said second position and said torso and the legs rotate about said control shaft.
5. The arrangement as recited in claim 4 wherein said motor is a reversible DC motor and said source of energy is a battery and said switch means include means for reversing the connections between said motor and said battery, as a function of successive changes in the position of said control shaft from said intermediary shaft position.
6. The arrangement as recited in claim 4 wherein said head-spotting means includes a first tab connected to said torso to rotate therewith, a second tab connected to said head, torsion spring means for coacting with said first and second tabs to urge said head to rotate with said torso in the absence of a force inhibiting the rotation of said head, a cam member connected to said torso to rotate therewith, said member defining a central opening through which said control shaft extends, said cam member further defining an annular groove having a first concentric groove portion and a second nonconcentric groove portion, a cap member coupled to said head and having a radial inwardly directed tab, and a nonrotatable clutch member having a cam follower extending therefrom which is engaged to follow in the groove of said cam member, said clutch member being movable in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said cam member as a function of the cam follower, following in said groove, said clutch member further including a radial outwardly directed member for engaging the tab of said cap member to stop the rotation of said cap member and the head connected thereto when said cam follower of said clutch member is in said concentric groove portion.
7. The arrangement as recited in claim 6 wherein said motor is a reversible DC motor and said source of energy is a battery and said switch means include means for reversing the connections between said motor and said battery as a function of successive changes in the position of said control shaft from said intermediary shaft position.
8. A doll comprising:
9. The arrangement as recited in claim 8 further including head-spotting means for coupling said head to said torso so that during each revolution of said torso said head is stationary for a portion of each revolution facing forward and during the rest of the revolution said head is snapped and follows the torso in its rotation.
10. The arrangement as recited in claim 9 wherein said control shaft is operable to assume a NEUTRAL position between said first and second shaft positions, and said switch means include means coupled to said control shaft for controlling the motor to be connected to said battery only when said control shaft is in either said first or said second shaft positions and is disconnected from said battery when said control shaft is in said NEUTRAL position.
11. The arrangement as recited in claim 10 wherein said motor is a reversible DC motor of the type whose shaft rotates in a first direction when terminals of said motor are connected to a battery in a first polarity sense and the shaft rotates in a second direction when the terminals of said motor are connected to said battery in a second polarity sense, opposite said first, and said switch means includes a multitab disc, concentrically mounted for rotation in a multitab ring, and means for rotating said disc and ring whereby each time said shaft changes position said disc and ring control the sense of connection between said motor and said battery, to change between said first and second polarity senses, as a function of successive changes in the position of said control shaft from said NEUTRAL position.
12. In an animated figure toy including a head, a body and legs, the combination comprising:
13. The combination described in claim 12 including motor means for relatively rotating said shaft and body.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an animated toy and, more particularly, to an animated toy, capable of performing one or more complex motions.
2. Description of the Prior Art
One of the primary goals of toy designers is to develop reasonably priced animated toys, which can be operated safely and easily by children. This goal has been achieved quite often in the development of the many types of toy guns. Also, several kinds of animated dolls have been designed. Most of the animations, performed by such dolls, have been limited to relatively simple combinations of eye, lip, head or limb movements.
Herebefore, the development of dolls capable of complex steps or movements has been generally very limited due to the difficulties encountered in the animation of complex steps, with a relatively simple, reliable and relatively inexpensive mechanism, which can be operated safely and easily by a child. It is primarily for the above-mentioned reasons that prior art ballerina-type dolls are typically of the nonanimated type, since the animation of the complex steps performed by a ballerina were found to be too difficult to implement with a simple, reliable and relatively inexpensive mechanism.
In a U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 758,934, filed Sept. 11, 1968, and assigned to the assignee of the present application, a novel animated doll, capable of performing ballerina-type motions, is described. Therein, motion control is accomplished by controlling the position of a raised doll's arm when the doll stands upright. The doll, described therein, is capable of performing a stepping motion or a rotational motion. The latter is achieved by pressing downwardly on the raised arm, while forcing a friction cup, which extends from one of the doll's legs and on which the doll stands, to frictionally engage a friction surface.
The doll, described in the copending application, was constructed and found to perform quite satisfactorily. However, some of its features were found not to be particularly advantageous when attempting to produce the doll in large numbers. Also, the manner of balancing the doll by means of its arm and the need of a friction cup were found to be limiting features, capable of improvement.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a primary object of the present invention to provide an animated doll, capable of performing any one of several complex motions.
Another object of the invention is to provide a relatively simple, reliable operable animated doll which is power operated to perform linear and/or rotational movements.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a power-driven ballerina doll which can be operated with ease by a child to animate one or more of traditional ballet-type motions.
A further object of the invention is to provide a power-operated animated toy capable of performing a plurality of complex steps including linear and/or rotational motion.
These and other objects of the invention are achieved by providing a doll in whose torso a source, capable of providing rotational motion, is located. A multiposition switch which is used to control the motions which the doll is to perform is located in the doll's torso. The switch, is actuated from the doll's exterior, by means of a control knob, preferably located on the doll's head. When the switch is activated to be in a first position, the source of rotational motion is rotatably coupled to a first step-controlling assembly which is also coupled to the doll's legs, transmitting linear motion thereto. Thus the doll animates a walking or stepping motion.
By merely changing the switch position to a second position the first step-controlling assembly is disengaged from the source and a second step-controlling assembly becomes engaged therewith, causing the doll's body to rotate. When incorporated in a ballerina doll, the rotating doll animates a ballerina, performing a pirouette. The doll also incorporates a head-spotting assembly to be described in detail.
The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularly in the appended claims. The invention will best be understood from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1 through 3 are side and partial side views of the novel doll of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is an expanded view of various components in the doll needed to control its motions;
FIG. 5 is a side and expanded view of a novel motion control switch; and
FIGS. 6 through 9 are views useful in explaining a novel "head-spotting" arrangement.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Attention is directed to FIGS. 1--4 which will be used to explain the embodiment of the novel doll of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a side view of a doll, with portions of a torso 200 and a head 202 removed, so as to reveal components, mounted therein. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of components in the torso, as viewed from the front of the doll. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of components mounted in head 202, and FIG. 4 is an expanded isometric view of components in both the torso 200 and head 202.
In the presently described embodiment, the doll's motions are controlled by a mode control knob 205 inside a crown 207 on head 202. Extending downwardly from knob 205 is a cross-shaped control shaft 210. Shaft 210 extends into the torso 202 through the doll's neck, wherein an idler shaft 212 extends into shaft 210. Shaft 212 is free to rotate within shaft 210. A motor 215 (FIG. 2) is fixedly mounted in the torso 200 with the motor's pinion 217 coupled to a gear 218, which is supported for free rotation on idler shaft 212. Gear 218 is in turn coupled to a gear 220 which is free to rotate about a drive shaft 222. A gear 224 is keyed to the top end of shaft 222, while a driver miter gear 226 is keyed to the bottom end of the same shaft. Thus, gears 224 and 226 rotate whenever the drive shaft 222 rotates and vice versa.
The driver miter gear 226 (FIG. 2) is coupled to a driven miter gear 228 mounted on a crank axle 230, having two opposite crank ends 231 and 232 which are oriented 180°opposite each other. These ends support a pair of legs 233 (FIG. 1) so that when the crank axle 230 rotates, the doll performs the stepping motion, which in ballet is often referred to as a pas de bouree.
In addition to the aforementioned components, the doll also includes a gear 235 which is rotatable about idler shaft 212. Gear 235 which is rotatable about idler shaft 212. Gear 235 is spring biased upwardly by an idler spring 236. A top end of gear 235 which is in juxtaposition with the bottom end of control shaft 210 acts as a clutch 240 (FIG. 4) which defines a slot 242. A pair of taps 244 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) extend from the bottom end of control shaft 210. The function of these tabs is to be inserted into slot 242 when the control shaft is pushed downwardly so as to lock gear 235 to the control shaft 210. The control shaft may assume any one of three positions, two of which control the doll's motion and the third represents a neutral position. The three positions include an UP position in which the shaft is placed by pulling knob 205 to an extreme upward position, a DOWN position which the shaft assumes when the knob is fully pushed downwardly and a NEUTRAL position in which the shaft is in an intermediary position. Electrical power is supplied to the motor 215 from a battery 245 only when the shaft 210 is in the UP or DOWN positions. In the NEUTRAL position, the motor is not energized. This is achieved by a novel switching arrangement to be described hereafter in connection with FIG. 5.
In operation, when the knob 205 is pulled fully upwardly and the control shaft 210 is in the UP position, the tabs 244 clear the slots 242 and the gear 235 is free to be biased fully upwardly (as shown in the solid lines of gear 235) in FIG. 2. Consequently, gear 235 engages gear 224. In the UP position the motor 215 is energized, causing the rotation of motor pinion 217, which in turn transmits rotary motion to gears 218, 220 and 235. Since gear 235 engages gear 224 rotary motion is transmitted to gear 224, drive shaft 222, gears 226 and 228 and crank axle 230.
When the latter rotates its crank ends move the legs in the stepping motion. Thus, the doll performs the bouree steps. However, when the shaft 210 is in the DOWN position, the clutch 240 and in particular gear 235 are pushed down by the shaft 210 so that the gear 235 no longer engages gear 224. Consequently, gear 224 and the components coupling it to the crank axle 230 do not rotate, and therefore the doll's legs remain stationary.
In the DOWN position, the motor 215 is energized so that gears 217, 218 and 220 provide rotary motion to gear 235, which is coupled through the slot 242 of clutch 240 and tap 244, to the control shaft 210. If the shaft is not gripped tightly, the rotating gear 235 rotates the shaft 210. However, when gripped tightly, the shaft 210 is prevented from rotating, in turn inhibiting the rotation of gear 235 and the shaft of the motor 215 through the gears 220, 218 and 127. Consequently, the housing of the motor 215 and, more particularly, the torso 200 in which the housing is secured, rotate. Thus, the doll rotates. When embodied in a ballerina doll the rotational motion is similar to the one known in ballet as the pirouette.
From the foregoing it should thus be appreciated that in the presently described embodiment, the doll's motion is controlled by the control shaft 210 which is connected to the knob 205. By pulling the knob so as to place the shaft in the UP position, rotary motion is supplied to the axle 230, causing the movement of the doll's legs, so that the doll performs the bouree. When the knob is in the intermediary position the shaft is in the NEUTRAL position in which the motor is deenergized. By pushing on the knob 205 to place the shaft 210 in the DOWN position so that the gear 235 clears gears 224, and by gripping the shaft 210 the motor housing and the torso 200 to which it is connected rotate. Thus, the doll performs the pirouette.
Reference is now made to FIG. 5 in which a novel switching arrangement 250 is diagrammed. Basically, the arrangement 250 comprises a pair of pawls 251 and 252 which are an integral part of the switch actuator 254 (FIG. 4) which engages the control shaft 210 in a peripheral slot 255. Thus, whenever the control shaft moves up or down the actuator 254 and its pawls move therewith. The pawls coact with a rotatable ratchet wheel 256. Coaxially mounted with the wheel 256 to rotate therewith is a disc 258 and a ring 260 which surrounds disc 258. Disc 258 has a plurality of radial tabs 259 which extend from its periphery, while the ring 260 has a plurality of inwardly directed tabs 261.
In the particular embodiment the wheel 256 which is rotatable in one direction only, as indicated by arrow 262, is shown with 10 teeth 263, disc 258 with five tabs 259a--259e, and ring 260 with five tabs 261a--261e. In the particular arrangement the wheel, disc and ring rotate 18° whenever the position of the control shaft is changed from one position to the other. A brush 271 electrically couples the negative terminal of battery 245 to ring 260, while a brush 272 couples the disc 258 to the positive battery terminal. A pair of wipers 275 and 276 are connected to the two terminals of motor 215.
When the control shaft 210 is in the NEUTRAL position which may be sensed by the engagement of a tab 277 (FIG. 5) of an arm 278 of actuator 254 in detent 279, the wipers 275 and 276 are not in contact with either the disc 258 of the ring 260 (as shown). Consequently, the motor is not energized. However, when the control shaft's position is changed from the NEUTRAL position (either UP or DOWN) the disc 258 and ring 260 rotate 18° so that the two wipers 275 and 276 make contact with one of the tabs 259 and one of the tabs 261. In the particular diagrammed example, if the control shaft is removed from the NEUTRAL position (as shown), wiper 275 will make contact with tab 261a of ring 260 and wiper 276 will make contact with a tab 259a from disc 258. Thus, wipers 275 and 276 will be connected respectively, to the negative and positive battery terminals causing motor 215 to rotate in one direction. Then, if the control shaft 210 is returned to the NEUTRAL position, wiper 275 will be between tabs 261a and 259d, while wiper 276 will be between tabs 259a and 261d. Consequently, the motor will be deenergized since the two wipers will not make contact with the battery terminals.
If following such a position the control shaft 210 will again be moved from the NEUTRAL position, the wiper 275 will make contact with tab 259d and wiper 276 will make contact with tab 261d. Consequently, the motor 215 will be energized to rotate in a direction which is opposite to that which the motor assumed when wipers 275 and 276 were connected to the negative and positive terminals of the battery. From the foregoing it should be appreciated that the switching arrangement 250, in response to successive changes of the control shaft position from NEUTRAL reverses the connections between the battery terminals and the motor terminals to produce a reversal in the motor's direction of rotation.
The doll of the presently described embodiment also includes a head-spotting arrangement. This arrangement may best be explained in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4, previously referred to, and FIGS. 6 and 7. The latter-mentioned Figures are cross sections along lines 6-6 and 7-7 in FIG. 3. As seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, the doll includes a neck adapter 291 which is fixedly secured to the torso 200 (see bottom of FIG. 3). Adapter 291, which has a tab 292 extending from the top thereof, is coaxially supported within a head adapter 294 to which head 202 is secured. Adapter 294 has a tab 295 (FIG. 4) extending downwardly from its top 307. The two tabs are shaped so that when the two adapters are properly positioned with respect to one another, the two tabs are accommodated between ends 301 and 302 of a head spring 303 (FIG. 7) which is preloaded one turn and is secured in position about a member 305 (FIG. 4), which extends from the top of neck adapter 291. Member 305 extends through an opening 306 in the closed top 307 of head adapter 294. Member 305 defines a circular opening 310 (FIG. 7) so as to accommodate the control shaft 210 therein.
A cam plate 312 is welded to the top end of member 305 of the neck adapter 291. Thus, the cam plate is integrally connected to the neck and the torso and therefore it rotates whenever the torso rotates. The cam plate 312 forms or defines a continuous groove 315. A spotting clutch has a downward pointing tab 322 (FIG. 3) which follows within the groove 315. The clutch also has a radially outwardly directed tab 324 (FIGS. 4 and 6) whose function is to engage a radial inwardly directed tab 325 of an adapter cap 328 which is cemented to the head adapter 294.
As seen from FIGS. 4 and 6, the spotting clutch 320 defines a cross-shaped slot 330 which is designed to accommodate the cross-shaped control shaft 210. This cross section of slot 330 is greater than that of shaft 210. This is necessary in order to enable the clutch 320 to move in a direction transverse to the shaft's longitudinal axis, as indicated by the double-headed arrow 332 in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, the clutch is shown in its extreme position to the left while in FIG. 8, to which reference is now made, the clutch is shown in its extreme position to the right.
As herebefore explained, when the doll is operated to pirouette, the doll's torso 200 rotates, while the control shaft 210 is gripped so that it is stationary. When the doll's torso rotates the neck adapter 291 and cam plate 312 continuously rotate therewith. As the neck adapter 291 rotates, its tab 292 applies a force (pushes) to either end of torsion spring 303 (FIG. 7). The spring in turn pushes the tab 295 of head adapter 294. Consequently, the head adapter 294, which is secured to head 202, and the adapter cap 328, rotate with the torso until some force is applied which prevents any one of the three last-mentioned elements (head 202, head adapter 294 and adapter cap 328) from rotating. In the present embodiment this force is applied when tab 324 of clutch 320 engages tab 325 of the adapter cap 328.
As previously explained, and shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, since the control shaft 210 is stationary when the doll pirouettes, due to the shape of the slot 330, the clutch is prevented from rotating. Tab 322 of clutch 320 is engaged in the groove 315 of rotating cam plate 312. If the groove 315 were concentric about the longitudinal axis of shaft 210, about which the cam plate 315 rotates, no translational force would be applied to the clutch 320 through tab 322. However, the groove 315 is not concentric. Consequently, as the cam plate 312 rotates the tab 322 follows within the groove 315, by moving its clutch 320 back and forth in the direction indicated by arrow 332 (FIG. 6).
As diagrammed in FIG. 9, to which reference is made, the cam groove 315 may be thought of as comprising a concentric groove portion designated 315a and which is defined by an angle α , and a noncentric portion 315b. The concentricity is with respect to a point 330 which is assumed to be located on the shaft's longitudinal axis. The radial distance of the center of concentric groove portion 315a is such that when the clutch tab or cam follower 322 is in the concentric portion 315a, the clutch is in its extreme right position so that tab 324 engages tab 325, as shown in FIG. 8. Since tab 324 extends from clutch 320, when it engages tab 325 of the adapter cap 328, it stops the rotation of the latter including any parts connected thereto, such as the head adapter 294 and head 202. Thus, the head is stopped, when the cam follower 322 is in groove portion 315a. The noncentric groove portion 315b is shaped so that when the cam follower 322 is located therein (FIG. 6) the follower is close enough to the center of rotation so that the clutch is in a leftward position. Consequently, tab 324 does not engage tab 325 as shown in FIG. 6, and, therefore the adapter cap 328, the head adapter 294, and, most significantly, the head 202 are free to rotate.
When the adapter cap 328 is stopped, it stops the head adapter 294. Consequently, spring tension is built up in spring 303, by the stationary tab 295 of the rotating neck adapter 291 (FIG. 7). The spring tension is built up until tabs 294 and 295 are disengaged. When this occurs the spring tension snaps the head adapter 294. Therefore head 202 is free to follow and rotate with the torso 200.
The various components are shaped and secured within the doll so that the head is spotted, i.e., prevented from rotating while the doll faces forward, during a portion, such as a third, of each revolution or turn of the torso. The revolution portion during which the head is stationary is controlled by the angle α (see FIG. 9). Except for this portion of the revolution, the torsion spring 303 interlocks the head adapter to rotate with the neck adapter, thus causing the head to rotate with the doll's torso.
From the foregoing it should thus be apparent that the various components, shown in the right-hand side of FIG. 4, including the neck adapter 291, head adapter 294, spring 303, cam plate 312, clutch 320 and adapter cap 328, serve as a head-spotting arrangement. When the doll rotates, the head 202 faces in a forward direction during a portion of each revolution of the torso 200. At the end of this revolution position, the head is snapped to catch up with the rotating torso until it is stopped once more.
The term, head-spotting, has been used herebefore to refer to the feature of the invention in which a doll's head is maintained relatively stationary during a portion of a revolution of the doll's body, so that the head seems to point in a selected direction. Such a term is particularly applicable in connection with a doll which includes a head portion. However, the term may be interpreted generically and defined as "spot holding" to refer to holding or maintaining one portion of a device, such as a toy, fixedly pointing at a selected spot or in a selected direction during a portion of a revolution of the rest of the toy's body. The latter term, i.e., " spot-holding" , will therefore be used hereafter in the appended claims, particularly, in claims not limited to a doll.
It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the structure described heretofore permits the body of the doll to be manually rotated about the axis of the shaft 210 while manually holding that shaft against rotation and in an upright position with a toe of the doll resting on a floor or the like.
Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated herein, it is recognized that modifications and variations may readily occur to those skilled in the art and, consequently, it is intended that the claims be interpreted to cover such modifications and equivalents.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an animated toy and, more particularly, to an animated toy, capable of performing one or more complex motions.
2. Description of the Prior Art
One of the primary goals of toy designers is to develop reasonably priced animated toys, which can be operated safely and easily by children. This goal has been achieved quite often in the development of the many types of toy guns. Also, several kinds of animated dolls have been designed. Most of the animations, performed by such dolls, have been limited to relatively simple combinations of eye, lip, head or limb movements.
Herebefore, the development of dolls capable of complex steps or movements has been generally very limited due to the difficulties encountered in the animation of complex steps, with a relatively simple, reliable and relatively inexpensive mechanism, which can be operated safely and easily by a child. It is primarily for the above-mentioned reasons that prior art ballerina-type dolls are typically of the nonanimated type, since the animation of the complex steps performed by a ballerina were found to be too difficult to implement with a simple, reliable and relatively inexpensive mechanism.
In a U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 758,934, filed Sept. 11, 1968, and assigned to the assignee of the present application, a novel animated doll, capable of performing ballerina-type motions, is described. Therein, motion control is accomplished by controlling the position of a raised doll's arm when the doll stands upright. The doll, described therein, is capable of performing a stepping motion or a rotational motion. The latter is achieved by pressing downwardly on the raised arm, while forcing a friction cup, which extends from one of the doll's legs and on which the doll stands, to frictionally engage a friction surface.
The doll, described in the copending application, was constructed and found to perform quite satisfactorily. However, some of its features were found not to be particularly advantageous when attempting to produce the doll in large numbers. Also, the manner of balancing the doll by means of its arm and the need of a friction cup were found to be limiting features, capable of improvement.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a primary object of the present invention to provide an animated doll, capable of performing any one of several complex motions.
Another object of the invention is to provide a relatively simple, reliable operable animated doll which is power operated to perform linear and/or rotational movements.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a power-driven ballerina doll which can be operated with ease by a child to animate one or more of traditional ballet-type motions.
A further object of the invention is to provide a power-operated animated toy capable of performing a plurality of complex steps including linear and/or rotational motion.
These and other objects of the invention are achieved by providing a doll in whose torso a source, capable of providing rotational motion, is located. A multiposition switch which is used to control the motions which the doll is to perform is located in the doll's torso. The switch, is actuated from the doll's exterior, by means of a control knob, preferably located on the doll's head. When the switch is activated to be in a first position, the source of rotational motion is rotatably coupled to a first step-controlling assembly which is also coupled to the doll's legs, transmitting linear motion thereto. Thus the doll animates a walking or stepping motion.
By merely changing the switch position to a second position the first step-controlling assembly is disengaged from the source and a second step-controlling assembly becomes engaged therewith, causing the doll's body to rotate. When incorporated in a ballerina doll, the rotating doll animates a ballerina, performing a pirouette. The doll also incorporates a head-spotting assembly to be described in detail.
The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularly in the appended claims. The invention will best be understood from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1 through 3 are side and partial side views of the novel doll of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is an expanded view of various components in the doll needed to control its motions;
FIG. 5 is a side and expanded view of a novel motion control switch; and
FIGS. 6 through 9 are views useful in explaining a novel "head-spotting" arrangement.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Attention is directed to FIGS. 1--4 which will be used to explain the embodiment of the novel doll of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a side view of a doll, with portions of a torso 200 and a head 202 removed, so as to reveal components, mounted therein. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of components in the torso, as viewed from the front of the doll. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of components mounted in head 202, and FIG. 4 is an expanded isometric view of components in both the torso 200 and head 202.
In the presently described embodiment, the doll's motions are controlled by a mode control knob 205 inside a crown 207 on head 202. Extending downwardly from knob 205 is a cross-shaped control shaft 210. Shaft 210 extends into the torso 202 through the doll's neck, wherein an idler shaft 212 extends into shaft 210. Shaft 212 is free to rotate within shaft 210. A motor 215 (FIG. 2) is fixedly mounted in the torso 200 with the motor's pinion 217 coupled to a gear 218, which is supported for free rotation on idler shaft 212. Gear 218 is in turn coupled to a gear 220 which is free to rotate about a drive shaft 222. A gear 224 is keyed to the top end of shaft 222, while a driver miter gear 226 is keyed to the bottom end of the same shaft. Thus, gears 224 and 226 rotate whenever the drive shaft 222 rotates and vice versa.
The driver miter gear 226 (FIG. 2) is coupled to a driven miter gear 228 mounted on a crank axle 230, having two opposite crank ends 231 and 232 which are oriented 180°opposite each other. These ends support a pair of legs 233 (FIG. 1) so that when the crank axle 230 rotates, the doll performs the stepping motion, which in ballet is often referred to as a pas de bouree.
In addition to the aforementioned components, the doll also includes a gear 235 which is rotatable about idler shaft 212. Gear 235 which is rotatable about idler shaft 212. Gear 235 is spring biased upwardly by an idler spring 236. A top end of gear 235 which is in juxtaposition with the bottom end of control shaft 210 acts as a clutch 240 (FIG. 4) which defines a slot 242. A pair of taps 244 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) extend from the bottom end of control shaft 210. The function of these tabs is to be inserted into slot 242 when the control shaft is pushed downwardly so as to lock gear 235 to the control shaft 210. The control shaft may assume any one of three positions, two of which control the doll's motion and the third represents a neutral position. The three positions include an UP position in which the shaft is placed by pulling knob 205 to an extreme upward position, a DOWN position which the shaft assumes when the knob is fully pushed downwardly and a NEUTRAL position in which the shaft is in an intermediary position. Electrical power is supplied to the motor 215 from a battery 245 only when the shaft 210 is in the UP or DOWN positions. In the NEUTRAL position, the motor is not energized. This is achieved by a novel switching arrangement to be described hereafter in connection with FIG. 5.
In operation, when the knob 205 is pulled fully upwardly and the control shaft 210 is in the UP position, the tabs 244 clear the slots 242 and the gear 235 is free to be biased fully upwardly (as shown in the solid lines of gear 235) in FIG. 2. Consequently, gear 235 engages gear 224. In the UP position the motor 215 is energized, causing the rotation of motor pinion 217, which in turn transmits rotary motion to gears 218, 220 and 235. Since gear 235 engages gear 224 rotary motion is transmitted to gear 224, drive shaft 222, gears 226 and 228 and crank axle 230.
When the latter rotates its crank ends move the legs in the stepping motion. Thus, the doll performs the bouree steps. However, when the shaft 210 is in the DOWN position, the clutch 240 and in particular gear 235 are pushed down by the shaft 210 so that the gear 235 no longer engages gear 224. Consequently, gear 224 and the components coupling it to the crank axle 230 do not rotate, and therefore the doll's legs remain stationary.
In the DOWN position, the motor 215 is energized so that gears 217, 218 and 220 provide rotary motion to gear 235, which is coupled through the slot 242 of clutch 240 and tap 244, to the control shaft 210. If the shaft is not gripped tightly, the rotating gear 235 rotates the shaft 210. However, when gripped tightly, the shaft 210 is prevented from rotating, in turn inhibiting the rotation of gear 235 and the shaft of the motor 215 through the gears 220, 218 and 127. Consequently, the housing of the motor 215 and, more particularly, the torso 200 in which the housing is secured, rotate. Thus, the doll rotates. When embodied in a ballerina doll the rotational motion is similar to the one known in ballet as the pirouette.
From the foregoing it should thus be appreciated that in the presently described embodiment, the doll's motion is controlled by the control shaft 210 which is connected to the knob 205. By pulling the knob so as to place the shaft in the UP position, rotary motion is supplied to the axle 230, causing the movement of the doll's legs, so that the doll performs the bouree. When the knob is in the intermediary position the shaft is in the NEUTRAL position in which the motor is deenergized. By pushing on the knob 205 to place the shaft 210 in the DOWN position so that the gear 235 clears gears 224, and by gripping the shaft 210 the motor housing and the torso 200 to which it is connected rotate. Thus, the doll performs the pirouette.
Reference is now made to FIG. 5 in which a novel switching arrangement 250 is diagrammed. Basically, the arrangement 250 comprises a pair of pawls 251 and 252 which are an integral part of the switch actuator 254 (FIG. 4) which engages the control shaft 210 in a peripheral slot 255. Thus, whenever the control shaft moves up or down the actuator 254 and its pawls move therewith. The pawls coact with a rotatable ratchet wheel 256. Coaxially mounted with the wheel 256 to rotate therewith is a disc 258 and a ring 260 which surrounds disc 258. Disc 258 has a plurality of radial tabs 259 which extend from its periphery, while the ring 260 has a plurality of inwardly directed tabs 261.
In the particular embodiment the wheel 256 which is rotatable in one direction only, as indicated by arrow 262, is shown with 10 teeth 263, disc 258 with five tabs 259a--259e, and ring 260 with five tabs 261a--261e. In the particular arrangement the wheel, disc and ring rotate 18° whenever the position of the control shaft is changed from one position to the other. A brush 271 electrically couples the negative terminal of battery 245 to ring 260, while a brush 272 couples the disc 258 to the positive battery terminal. A pair of wipers 275 and 276 are connected to the two terminals of motor 215.
When the control shaft 210 is in the NEUTRAL position which may be sensed by the engagement of a tab 277 (FIG. 5) of an arm 278 of actuator 254 in detent 279, the wipers 275 and 276 are not in contact with either the disc 258 of the ring 260 (as shown). Consequently, the motor is not energized. However, when the control shaft's position is changed from the NEUTRAL position (either UP or DOWN) the disc 258 and ring 260 rotate 18° so that the two wipers 275 and 276 make contact with one of the tabs 259 and one of the tabs 261. In the particular diagrammed example, if the control shaft is removed from the NEUTRAL position (as shown), wiper 275 will make contact with tab 261a of ring 260 and wiper 276 will make contact with a tab 259a from disc 258. Thus, wipers 275 and 276 will be connected respectively, to the negative and positive battery terminals causing motor 215 to rotate in one direction. Then, if the control shaft 210 is returned to the NEUTRAL position, wiper 275 will be between tabs 261a and 259d, while wiper 276 will be between tabs 259a and 261d. Consequently, the motor will be deenergized since the two wipers will not make contact with the battery terminals.
If following such a position the control shaft 210 will again be moved from the NEUTRAL position, the wiper 275 will make contact with tab 259d and wiper 276 will make contact with tab 261d. Consequently, the motor 215 will be energized to rotate in a direction which is opposite to that which the motor assumed when wipers 275 and 276 were connected to the negative and positive terminals of the battery. From the foregoing it should be appreciated that the switching arrangement 250, in response to successive changes of the control shaft position from NEUTRAL reverses the connections between the battery terminals and the motor terminals to produce a reversal in the motor's direction of rotation.
The doll of the presently described embodiment also includes a head-spotting arrangement. This arrangement may best be explained in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4, previously referred to, and FIGS. 6 and 7. The latter-mentioned Figures are cross sections along lines 6-6 and 7-7 in FIG. 3. As seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, the doll includes a neck adapter 291 which is fixedly secured to the torso 200 (see bottom of FIG. 3). Adapter 291, which has a tab 292 extending from the top thereof, is coaxially supported within a head adapter 294 to which head 202 is secured. Adapter 294 has a tab 295 (FIG. 4) extending downwardly from its top 307. The two tabs are shaped so that when the two adapters are properly positioned with respect to one another, the two tabs are accommodated between ends 301 and 302 of a head spring 303 (FIG. 7) which is preloaded one turn and is secured in position about a member 305 (FIG. 4), which extends from the top of neck adapter 291. Member 305 extends through an opening 306 in the closed top 307 of head adapter 294. Member 305 defines a circular opening 310 (FIG. 7) so as to accommodate the control shaft 210 therein.
A cam plate 312 is welded to the top end of member 305 of the neck adapter 291. Thus, the cam plate is integrally connected to the neck and the torso and therefore it rotates whenever the torso rotates. The cam plate 312 forms or defines a continuous groove 315. A spotting clutch has a downward pointing tab 322 (FIG. 3) which follows within the groove 315. The clutch also has a radially outwardly directed tab 324 (FIGS. 4 and 6) whose function is to engage a radial inwardly directed tab 325 of an adapter cap 328 which is cemented to the head adapter 294.
As seen from FIGS. 4 and 6, the spotting clutch 320 defines a cross-shaped slot 330 which is designed to accommodate the cross-shaped control shaft 210. This cross section of slot 330 is greater than that of shaft 210. This is necessary in order to enable the clutch 320 to move in a direction transverse to the shaft's longitudinal axis, as indicated by the double-headed arrow 332 in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, the clutch is shown in its extreme position to the left while in FIG. 8, to which reference is now made, the clutch is shown in its extreme position to the right.
As herebefore explained, when the doll is operated to pirouette, the doll's torso 200 rotates, while the control shaft 210 is gripped so that it is stationary. When the doll's torso rotates the neck adapter 291 and cam plate 312 continuously rotate therewith. As the neck adapter 291 rotates, its tab 292 applies a force (pushes) to either end of torsion spring 303 (FIG. 7). The spring in turn pushes the tab 295 of head adapter 294. Consequently, the head adapter 294, which is secured to head 202, and the adapter cap 328, rotate with the torso until some force is applied which prevents any one of the three last-mentioned elements (head 202, head adapter 294 and adapter cap 328) from rotating. In the present embodiment this force is applied when tab 324 of clutch 320 engages tab 325 of the adapter cap 328.
As previously explained, and shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, since the control shaft 210 is stationary when the doll pirouettes, due to the shape of the slot 330, the clutch is prevented from rotating. Tab 322 of clutch 320 is engaged in the groove 315 of rotating cam plate 312. If the groove 315 were concentric about the longitudinal axis of shaft 210, about which the cam plate 315 rotates, no translational force would be applied to the clutch 320 through tab 322. However, the groove 315 is not concentric. Consequently, as the cam plate 312 rotates the tab 322 follows within the groove 315, by moving its clutch 320 back and forth in the direction indicated by arrow 332 (FIG. 6).
As diagrammed in FIG. 9, to which reference is made, the cam groove 315 may be thought of as comprising a concentric groove portion designated 315a and which is defined by an angle α , and a noncentric portion 315b. The concentricity is with respect to a point 330 which is assumed to be located on the shaft's longitudinal axis. The radial distance of the center of concentric groove portion 315a is such that when the clutch tab or cam follower 322 is in the concentric portion 315a, the clutch is in its extreme right position so that tab 324 engages tab 325, as shown in FIG. 8. Since tab 324 extends from clutch 320, when it engages tab 325 of the adapter cap 328, it stops the rotation of the latter including any parts connected thereto, such as the head adapter 294 and head 202. Thus, the head is stopped, when the cam follower 322 is in groove portion 315a. The noncentric groove portion 315b is shaped so that when the cam follower 322 is located therein (FIG. 6) the follower is close enough to the center of rotation so that the clutch is in a leftward position. Consequently, tab 324 does not engage tab 325 as shown in FIG. 6, and, therefore the adapter cap 328, the head adapter 294, and, most significantly, the head 202 are free to rotate.
When the adapter cap 328 is stopped, it stops the head adapter 294. Consequently, spring tension is built up in spring 303, by the stationary tab 295 of the rotating neck adapter 291 (FIG. 7). The spring tension is built up until tabs 294 and 295 are disengaged. When this occurs the spring tension snaps the head adapter 294. Therefore head 202 is free to follow and rotate with the torso 200.
The various components are shaped and secured within the doll so that the head is spotted, i.e., prevented from rotating while the doll faces forward, during a portion, such as a third, of each revolution or turn of the torso. The revolution portion during which the head is stationary is controlled by the angle α (see FIG. 9). Except for this portion of the revolution, the torsion spring 303 interlocks the head adapter to rotate with the neck adapter, thus causing the head to rotate with the doll's torso.
From the foregoing it should thus be apparent that the various components, shown in the right-hand side of FIG. 4, including the neck adapter 291, head adapter 294, spring 303, cam plate 312, clutch 320 and adapter cap 328, serve as a head-spotting arrangement. When the doll rotates, the head 202 faces in a forward direction during a portion of each revolution of the torso 200. At the end of this revolution position, the head is snapped to catch up with the rotating torso until it is stopped once more.
The term, head-spotting, has been used herebefore to refer to the feature of the invention in which a doll's head is maintained relatively stationary during a portion of a revolution of the doll's body, so that the head seems to point in a selected direction. Such a term is particularly applicable in connection with a doll which includes a head portion. However, the term may be interpreted generically and defined as "spot holding" to refer to holding or maintaining one portion of a device, such as a toy, fixedly pointing at a selected spot or in a selected direction during a portion of a revolution of the rest of the toy's body. The latter term, i.e., " spot-holding" , will therefore be used hereafter in the appended claims, particularly, in claims not limited to a doll.
It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the structure described heretofore permits the body of the doll to be manually rotated about the axis of the shaft 210 while manually holding that shaft against rotation and in an upright position with a toe of the doll resting on a floor or the like.
Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated herein, it is recognized that modifications and variations may readily occur to those skilled in the art and, consequently, it is intended that the claims be interpreted to cover such modifications and equivalents.