EP0640365A1 - Toy character - Google Patents
Toy character Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0640365A1 EP0640365A1 EP94306201A EP94306201A EP0640365A1 EP 0640365 A1 EP0640365 A1 EP 0640365A1 EP 94306201 A EP94306201 A EP 94306201A EP 94306201 A EP94306201 A EP 94306201A EP 0640365 A1 EP0640365 A1 EP 0640365A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- toy character
- flexible member
- character according
- features
- feature
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H11/00—Self-movable toy figures
Definitions
- the invention relates to a toy character.
- a toy character has a body; at least two user operable and movable features mounted on the body; and an actuating mechanism within the body and coupled to the features, the actuating mechanism including an elongate, flexible member urged into a first, retracted position and extending through a hole in the body, whereby when the flexible member is pulled away from the first position against the urging action, both features are moved.
- the invention provides a particularly attractive feature for use within a toy character in which pulling the flexible member causes at least two features to be operated.
- a variety of features could be used including a sound generator which, in the case of a toy duck for example could generate a quacking sound, and a movable limb or pair of limbs, such as movable wings.
- the actuating mechanism includes a first actuator coupled to the first feature, a second actuator coupled to the second feature, and a drive member coupled to the first and second actuators and to the flexible member.
- the character further comprises a first pulley mounted non-rotatably to the drive member and cooperating with the flexible member such that movement of the flexible member causes the pulley and hence the drive member to rotate.
- the second actuator will comprise an auxiliary flexible member connected to a second pulley mounted non-rotatably on the drive member, whereby rotation of the second pulley causes the second feature to be moved.
- the features could be positioned at various parts of the body of the toy character but in order to minimise the pulling strength required, preferably the first feature is positioned so that its movement characteristic is in substantially the same direction as the pulling direction of the flexible member.
- the urging action could be provided by specific urging means associated with the flexible member, for example a spring.
- at least one of the features includes resilient means to urge the feature into a rest position, the resilient means providing the urging action on the flexible member.
- the unit shown in the drawings is for use in the body of a soft toy, for example a baby duck.
- the unit comprises an injection moulded plastics housing 1 to which is pivoted a pair of injection moulded wing members 2,3.
- the members 2,3 are mounted on respective pivots 4,5 extending through respective bores 6,7 of the unit.
- Normally, the wing members 2,3 would be covered by soft material sown to the remainder of the body.
- the wings are urged into an open position as shown in the drawings by means of a spring 11 ( Figure 2) coupled between inner ends of the two wing members 2,3.
- the device 8 is also mounted to the unit.
- the device 8 has a flexible wall 10 which, upon flexing, causes a "quacking" sound to be emitted by the loud speaker 9.
- the housing 1 is formed of two members 1A,1B which are joined together via spigot and socket connections 12,13,13'. Normally, the two housing members would be glued together.
- a shaft 14 on which is mounted a number of pulleys.
- These can be most easily seen in Figure 1 and comprise a one piece moulding defining outer pulleys 15,16 and inner pulleys 17,18.
- a nylon cord 19 which extends outwardly from the housing 1 through an aperture 20 and is connected to a handle 21 (shown in Figure 3).
- a nylon cord 22 is coiled around the pulley 17 and extends through an aperture 23 where it extends through and is fixed to the rear of the sound generator 8.
- a pair of nylon cords 24,25 are coiled around the pulleys 15,16 respectively and are connected to respective connectors 26,27 of the wing members 2,3 after passing around pulleys 30,31.
- the spring 11 When the child releases the handle 21, the spring 11 will urge the wing members 2,3 apart causing the cords 24,25 to rotate their respective pulleys in a clockwise direction and hence coil the cord 19 onto its pulley 18.
- the sound generator 23 will have inherent resilience so that the cord 22 will be unwound from its pulley 17.
Abstract
A toy character, for example a baby duck, having a body, has at least two user operable and movable features (2,3,8) mounted on the body. An actuating mechanism within the body and coupled to the features includes an elongate flexible cord (19) urged into a first retracted position and extending through a hole (20) in the body. When the flexible cord (20) is pulled away from the first position against the urging action, both features are moved. The features may be the duck's wings and a sound generator.
Description
- The invention relates to a toy character.
- In accordance with the present invention, a toy character has a body; at least two user operable and movable features mounted on the body; and an actuating mechanism within the body and coupled to the features, the actuating mechanism including an elongate, flexible member urged into a first, retracted position and extending through a hole in the body, whereby when the flexible member is pulled away from the first position against the urging action, both features are moved.
- The invention provides a particularly attractive feature for use within a toy character in which pulling the flexible member causes at least two features to be operated. A variety of features could be used including a sound generator which, in the case of a toy duck for example could generate a quacking sound, and a movable limb or pair of limbs, such as movable wings.
- It is important that the features can be actuated relatively easily and simply and that there is a minimum of complexity within the actuating mechanism in view of the treatment which the toy character is likely to receive. Preferably, therefore the actuating mechanism includes a first actuator coupled to the first feature, a second actuator coupled to the second feature, and a drive member coupled to the first and second actuators and to the flexible member.
- In the preferred example, the character further comprises a first pulley mounted non-rotatably to the drive member and cooperating with the flexible member such that movement of the flexible member causes the pulley and hence the drive member to rotate.
- Typically, the second actuator will comprise an auxiliary flexible member connected to a second pulley mounted non-rotatably on the drive member, whereby rotation of the second pulley causes the second feature to be moved.
- The features could be positioned at various parts of the body of the toy character but in order to minimise the pulling strength required, preferably the first feature is positioned so that its movement characteristic is in substantially the same direction as the pulling direction of the flexible member.
- The urging action could be provided by specific urging means associated with the flexible member, for example a spring. However, conveniently at least one of the features includes resilient means to urge the feature into a rest position, the resilient means providing the urging action on the flexible member.
- An example of a toy character in accordance with the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
- Figure 1 is a front view, with the
front member 1A removed, of a unit for placing within the toy character; - Figure 2 is a front view of the unit with the
front member 1A in place; - Figure 3 is a section taken on the line 3-3 in Figure 1; and,
- Figure 4 is a section taken on the line 4-4 in Figure 3.
- The unit shown in the drawings is for use in the body of a soft toy, for example a baby duck. For clarity, the toy body has been omitted. The unit comprises an injection moulded plastics housing 1 to which is pivoted a pair of injection moulded
wing members members respective pivots wing members wing members - Also mounted to the unit is a sound generating
device 8 attached to aloud speaker 9. Thedevice 8 has aflexible wall 10 which, upon flexing, causes a "quacking" sound to be emitted by theloud speaker 9. - As can be seen in Figure 3, the
housing 1 is formed of twomembers 1A,1B which are joined together via spigot andsocket connections - In a lower section of the
housing 1 is journalled ashaft 14 on which is mounted a number of pulleys. These can be most easily seen in Figure 1 and comprise a one piece moulding definingouter pulleys inner pulleys pulley 18 is coiled anylon cord 19 which extends outwardly from thehousing 1 through anaperture 20 and is connected to a handle 21 (shown in Figure 3). - A
nylon cord 22 is coiled around thepulley 17 and extends through anaperture 23 where it extends through and is fixed to the rear of thesound generator 8. A pair ofnylon cords pulleys respective connectors wing members pulleys - In operation, the child will grasp the
handle 21 and pull it outwardly. This will cause thepulley 18 to rotate in an anti-clockwise direction, as seen in Figure 3, and hence also cause anti-clockwise rotation of thepulleys cords wing members pivots 4 against the resilience of thespring 11, and thesound generator 8 is activated by causing thewall 10 to flex inwards. - When the child releases the
handle 21, thespring 11 will urge thewing members cords cord 19 onto itspulley 18. Thesound generator 23 will have inherent resilience so that thecord 22 will be unwound from itspulley 17.
Claims (11)
- A toy character having a body; at least two user operable and movable features (2,3,8) mounted on the body; and an actuating mechanism within the body and coupled to the features (2,3,8), the actuating mechanism including an elongate, flexible member (19) urged into a first, retracted position and extending through a hole (20) in the body, whereby when the flexible member is pulled away from the first position against the urging action, both features are moved.
- A toy character according to claim 1, wherein the actuating mechanism includes a first actuator (24,25) coupled to the first feature (2,3), a second actuator (22) coupled to the second feature (8), and a drive member (14) coupled to the first and second actuators and to the flexible member (19).
- A toy character according to claim 2, further comprising a first pulley (18) mounted non-rotatably to the drive member (14) and cooperating with the flexible member (19) such that movement of the flexible member (19) causes the pulley and hence the drive member (14) to rotate.
- A toy character according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the second actuator comprises an auxiliary flexible member (22) connected to a second pulley (17) mounted non-rotatably on the drive member (14), whereby rotation of the second pulley causes the second feature (8) to be moved.
- A toy character according to claim 4, wherein the first and second pulleys (17,18) are mounted coaxially to the drive member.
- A toy character according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first feature is positioned so that its movement characteristic is in substantially the same direction as the pulling direction of the flexible member.
- A toy character according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the features includes resilient means (11) to urge the feature (2,3) into a rest position, the resilient means providing the urging action on the flexible member.
- A toy character according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one of the features comprises a sound generating mechanism (8).
- A toy character according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one of the features comprises a movable limb (2,3).
- A toy character according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible member (19) comprises a flexible cord.
- A toy character according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the body is made of a soft material.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB939317469A GB9317469D0 (en) | 1993-08-23 | 1993-08-23 | Toy character |
GB9317469 | 1993-08-23 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0640365A1 true EP0640365A1 (en) | 1995-03-01 |
Family
ID=10740871
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP94306201A Withdrawn EP0640365A1 (en) | 1993-08-23 | 1994-08-23 | Toy character |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0640365A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB9317469D0 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN114872070A (en) * | 2022-06-24 | 2022-08-09 | 上海工程技术大学 | Mechanical bionic chicken |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1776964A (en) * | 1929-12-23 | 1930-09-30 | Aznak Vahan | Toy |
US1938129A (en) * | 1930-12-08 | 1933-12-05 | Arnold Carl | Toy with driving mechanism |
US2696695A (en) * | 1952-11-21 | 1954-12-14 | Norman A Decker | Snapback sounding toy |
US2974440A (en) * | 1958-07-09 | 1961-03-14 | Clark Alvetta | Action clown |
US3603029A (en) * | 1969-06-13 | 1971-09-07 | Horsman Dolls Inc | Kiss-throwing doll |
US4825136A (en) * | 1986-11-28 | 1989-04-25 | Exhibitronix | Mimetic function simulator |
US4955844A (en) * | 1989-08-31 | 1990-09-11 | Miller Jr John B | Sitting doll with bendable knees |
-
1993
- 1993-08-23 GB GB939317469A patent/GB9317469D0/en active Pending
-
1994
- 1994-08-23 EP EP94306201A patent/EP0640365A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1776964A (en) * | 1929-12-23 | 1930-09-30 | Aznak Vahan | Toy |
US1938129A (en) * | 1930-12-08 | 1933-12-05 | Arnold Carl | Toy with driving mechanism |
US2696695A (en) * | 1952-11-21 | 1954-12-14 | Norman A Decker | Snapback sounding toy |
US2974440A (en) * | 1958-07-09 | 1961-03-14 | Clark Alvetta | Action clown |
US3603029A (en) * | 1969-06-13 | 1971-09-07 | Horsman Dolls Inc | Kiss-throwing doll |
US4825136A (en) * | 1986-11-28 | 1989-04-25 | Exhibitronix | Mimetic function simulator |
US4955844A (en) * | 1989-08-31 | 1990-09-11 | Miller Jr John B | Sitting doll with bendable knees |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN114872070A (en) * | 2022-06-24 | 2022-08-09 | 上海工程技术大学 | Mechanical bionic chicken |
CN114872070B (en) * | 2022-06-24 | 2023-05-19 | 上海工程技术大学 | Mechanical bionic chicken |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB9317469D0 (en) | 1993-10-06 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7416468B1 (en) | Apparatus for actuating a toy | |
CA2397397C (en) | A toy punching figure | |
US5468172A (en) | Doll including recorded message means | |
US4850930A (en) | Animated toy | |
US7040951B2 (en) | Amusement device | |
US5378188A (en) | Tendon and spring for toy actuation | |
US8771033B2 (en) | Mobile for infant support structure | |
US6224456B1 (en) | Doll having an arm movement mechanism using a rear-facing lever | |
US4738649A (en) | Figure toy with punching arm mechanism | |
HK1011828A1 (en) | Talking toy doll | |
US20060183402A1 (en) | Articulable shoulder puppet | |
EP0640365A1 (en) | Toy character | |
US4291487A (en) | Inflatable article with external means to control internal movement | |
US7695341B1 (en) | Electromechanical toy | |
US4276714A (en) | Doll including mechanism for sucking action and sounds | |
US5823847A (en) | Moving mouth mechanism for animated characters | |
MXPA05003178A (en) | Animated multi-persona toy. | |
US4212132A (en) | Doll with embracing arm movement | |
US3922813A (en) | Doll with motorized legs driven in unison and arms driven in unison thereby | |
US3994092A (en) | Figure toy having reverse gear ratio between limbs | |
GB2170729A (en) | Glove puppet figure assembly and powered wing drive mechanism | |
CA2019397A1 (en) | Drive mechanism for figurine | |
EP0528092B1 (en) | Sneezing doll | |
EP0695567B1 (en) | Shoe-foot for elastic doll legs incorporating a push button switch | |
HK151696A (en) | Doll producing motions and sounds |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): BE DE ES FR GB NL |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19950501 |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 19950607 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
|
18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 19951018 |