US20120088434A1

US20120088434A1 - Toy Figure with Sound and Light Show

Info

Publication number: US20120088434A1
Application number: US13/253,342
Authority: US
Inventors: Peter E. Teel; Anna Y. Yi; Andrey Cherednichenko; John G. Martin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Mattel Inc
Priority date: 2010-10-08
Filing date: 2011-10-05
Publication date: 2012-04-12
Also published as: DE202011106505U1; CN202554918U

Abstract

A toy figure has a torso, a torso light source, a light source support member, a plurality of peripheral light sources, one or more spacers, and a speaker. A controller is operably connected to the torso light source, the plurality of peripheral light sources, and the speaker to coordinate a magical light and sound experience. Clothing fabric hides the plurality of peripheral light sources, but allows light from the plurality of peripheral light sources to be seen through the clothing fabric when the light and sound experience begins.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/391,556, filed Oct. 8, 2010, entitled “Toy Figure with Sound and Light Show,” Attorney Docket No. 1389.0293P/16858P, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure relates generally to a toy figure. More specifically, the toy figure includes an integrated sound and light show.

BACKGROUND

Toy figures have been and continue to be an ample source of amusement for children. Enhancements and features that spark a child's imagination and provide continued engagement of the toy figure with the child add to its play value.
The DISNEY JUST ONE KISS PRINCESS TIANA DOLL by MATTEL, product number P5377, includes a doll in a dress. After the doll's arm is brought from a lowered position to a raised position for a third time, a sound effect is played and lights shine through the outer fabric of the dress. The sound effect may be described as a rolling glissando. The sound effects play from a speaker integrated into the upper torso of the doll. The lights are four different-colored light emitting diodes (LEDs), where each LED is encased in a thin light-reflecting chamber. The four light-reflecting chambers are sewn onto the inside of the outer fabric of the dress in a rhomboid pattern. The chambers are oriented such that they direct the light from the LEDs out through the outer fabric of the dress. The exit wall of each chamber includes a cut-out resembling the shape of a flower, such that the effect is of different colored flowers appearing and disappearing through the fabric of the dress. A thin inner mesh fabric layer is attached to the outer fabric of the dress to form a pocket within which the chambers are supported. The lights are programmed to turn on and off, i.e. blink, in coordination with the sound effect. There remains a need, however, of generating an even more magical experience from a doll with lights and sounds.

SUMMARY

The disclosure includes a toy figure. The toy figure has a torso, a torso light source, a plurality of peripheral light sources, and a speaker. A controller is operably connected to the torso light source, the plurality of peripheral light sources, and the speaker. Clothing fabric covers the plurality of peripheral light sources, but allows light from the plurality of peripheral light sources to be seen through the clothing fabric. The peripheral light sources may be arranged on a light source support member underneath the clothing fabric. One or more spacers may separate the clothing fabric and the peripheral light sources to provide a more effective lighting effect.
Other systems, methods, features and advantages will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, features and advantages are included within this description, are within the scope of the claimed subject matter, and are protected by the following claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The toy figure may be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The elements in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the toy figure. In the figures, like-referenced numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a toy figure.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a toy figure with its light sources activated.

FIG. 3 is a drawing of an embodiment of a toy figure.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a toy figure.

FIG. 5 is a drawing of a light source.

FIG. 6 is a compilation of views of a light source housing.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of a toy figure.

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a third embodiment of a toy figure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A toy figure may include multiple light sources integrated or attached to the figure's torso. Light from the light sources may shine through clothing fabric covering the toy figure. Each individual light source may turn on and off, fade in and out, quickly change from one color to another color, or fade from one color to another color. The light source transitions from each light source may be synchronized with each other to produce a light show, and the light show may be coordinated with accompanying music or sounds. Each individual light source may include a lens housing with a multi-faceted lens and one or more spacers between it and the fabric.
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view 100 of one embodiment of a toy FIG. 102. The toy FIG. 102 may be an action figure. In one embodiment and for illustrative purposes throughout this disclosure, the toy FIG. 102 is a doll. The toy FIG. 102 is dressed in clothing including clothing fabric 104. The clothing may be removably attached to the toy figure such that the toy FIG. 102 is covered by the clothing. The clothing may be removed, however, and alternative articles of clothing may be removably attached to cover the toy figure. The toy FIG. 102 may include an activation accessory 106. The activation accessory 106 may be themed to match the toy FIG. 102. For example, where the toy FIG. 102 is a princess-styled doll, the activation accessory 106 may be a magical wand. Alternatively, where the toy FIG. 102 is a superhero action figure, the activation accessory 106 may be the superhero's weapon, such as an enchanted hammer or a magician's staff.
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view 200 of an embodiment of the toy FIG. 102 with activated light sources and an activation accessory 106. The toy FIG. 102 includes a torso 202, which serves as the main body of the toy FIG. 102. Clothing for the toy FIG. 102 may attach and cover the torso 202, as well as other portions of the toy FIG. 102. In one embodiment, the clothing is a blouse and dress that cover the torso and legs of a princess-styled doll. Underneath the clothing fabric 104 of the clothing, activated light sources may be visible. For example, the clothing fabric 104 may be of a particular color or of a sufficient sheerness such that the clothing fabric 104 is translucent or semi-translucent.
The light sources may include a torso light source 204 and peripheral light sources 206, 208. Each light source may be attached to or integrated with the torso 202. The light sources all may be of a single, uniform color, or the light sources may be of differing colors. For example, the light sources may include white peripheral light sources 206 and pink peripheral light sources 208. The different colored light sources may be placed in an alternating pattern such that light sources of the same color are not adjacent within the pattern. The light sources may be arranged in a checkerboard pattern or in one or more horizontal, vertical, or diagonal lines.
FIG. 3 is a drawing 300 of another embodiment of the toy FIG. 102 and the activation accessory 106. The drawing 300 illustrates the torso 202 and one exemplary arrangement of the torso light source 204 and the peripheral light sources 206, 208 relative to the torso 202. In this arrangement, the peripheral light sources 206, 208 are arranged in two diagonal lines across the torso. Also, the torso light source 204 is integrated into the torso 202, while the peripheral light sources 206, 208 are attached to the outside of the torso 202. In this embodiment, the torso light source 204 and the peripheral light sources 206, 208 are light-emitting diodes (LEDs), specifically, pink and white LEDs. In another embodiment, the torso light source 204 and the peripheral light sources 206, 208 may be each be multi-colored light sources, such as multi-colored LEDs or plural LEDs in a single package.
The toy FIG. 102 also includes a switch 302, a controller 304, and a speaker 306. The switch 302 may be actuated by a user to interact with the toy FIG. 102. For example, the switch 302 may include a magnetically-activated reed switch, a push-button contact switch, or both. Where a non-contact version of the switch 302 is included in the toy FIG. 102, the activation accessory 106 may serve to activate the switch 302. In the illustrative embodiment, the activation accessory 106 includes a magnet that activates a reed switch. However, the activation accessory 106 may also include an infrared transmitter that activates an infrared-triggered switch, a switch activated by another type of light, a switch activated by sound, a ball switch, or an accelerometer-based switch. Incorporating multiple types of switches may also be desirable. In one example, where the activation accessory 106 is a magical wand with a hidden magnet and the switch 302 includes both a reed switch and a push-button contact switch, the play pattern of the user is enhanced with the play value of the magic wand activation, while the push-button contact serves as a functional back-up should the wand be lost or misplaced. The switch 302 may be integrated into the torso 202 in the form of a personal accessory, such as a brooch, a necklace, charm, pendant, amulet, superhero sigil, kerchief, necktie, bowtie, bolo tie, etc. The integration of the switch 302 as a personal accessory builds on the themes and ideas surrounding the toy FIG. 102 and adds to its play value.
The controller 304 may be in operable communication with the switch 302, the torso light source 204, the peripheral light sources 206, 208, and the speaker 306. In some embodiments, the controller 304 may be a microcontroller, such as an AM4K-series microcontroller from ALPHA MICROELECTRONICS CORP. The controller 304 may receive activation signals from the switch 302 and may send signals to the torso light source 204, the peripheral light sources 206, 208, and the speaker 306 to drive their operation. The controller 304 may drive the torso light source 204 and the peripheral light sources 206, 208 to each turn on and off, fade in and out, quickly change from one color to another color, or fade from one color to another color. The controller 304 may drive the speaker 304 to produce audible sounds, noises, spoken voices, or music. Furthermore, the controller 304 may coordinate the operation of the torso light source 204, the peripheral light sources 206, 208, and the speaker 306, such that the lights and sound perform in synchrony or otherwise operate cooperatively.
In one exemplary play pattern, the user waves the magic wand activation accessory 106 near the switch 302. The controller 304 receives an activation signal based on closure of the switch 302. The controller 304 drives the torso light source 204 and the peripheral light sources 206, 208, which are arranged in the diagonal lines discussed above, to send light swirling up the dress. The controller 304 drives the speaker 306 such that the swirling of light is accompanied by a first “magical transformation” sound, such as the sound of a harp glissando from the low register to the high register. The user then waves the magic wand activation accessory 106 near the switch 302 a second time. The lights now swirl down the dress accompanied by a second “magical transformation” sound, such as a harp glissando from the high register to the low register. A third wave of the magic wand activation accessory 106 produces a thirty-second magical light show with flashing lights and color changes accompanied by fantastical music.
FIG. 4 is a front perspective view 400 of yet another embodiment of the toy FIG. 102. The front perspective view 400 of the toy FIG. 102 includes the torso 202, the torso light source 204, the peripheral light sources 206, 208, the switch 302, and the speaker 306. The torso 202 includes a top torso portion 402 attached to a bottom waist portion 404 by a hinge 406. The hinge 406 allows the toy FIG. 102 to bend at the waist into a sitting configuration, which adds to the play value. A light source support member 408 attaches to the torso 202 and connects the peripheral light sources 206, 208 to the bottom waist portion 404. The light source support member 408 may be made from a lightweight, but sturdy plastic or resin and may be configured to hold the peripheral light sources 206, 208 in their relative positions with respect to the torso 202. The light source support member 408 may include flexible branches that extend from a belt portion to support the peripheral light sources 206, 208. Furthermore, the light source support member 408 may serve to conceal and direct wiring to and from the controller 304 and the peripheral light sources 206, 208.
FIG. 5 is a drawing 500 of one embodiment of the peripheral light source 206, 208 or torso light source 204. The peripheral light source 206, 208 or torso light source 204 is shown between a lining 502 and the clothing fabric 104. The lining 502 may serve as a cushioning layer between the peripheral light source 206, 208 or torso light source 204 and the light source support member 408. The peripheral light source 206, 208 or torso light source 204 includes a light source 504 and a lens housing 506 with a lens 508 and spacers 510.
The light source 504 may be a conventional light bulb or an LED or LED package, such as a mushroom LED or a surface mount LED with a printed circuit board. The light source 504 may be integrated with or slotted to friction fit into a proximal end of the lens housing 506. The lens housing 506 supports the lens 508 at a distal end, and the spacers 510 are integrated with or attached to the external surface of the lens housing 506. The lens 508 may be multi-faceted to break-up and re-shape the light from the light source 504 into an interesting pattern. A lens with multiple facets may add a sense of magic or mystery to the toy FIG. 102 and enhance its play value. The spacers 510 may be arranged around the lens housing 506 such that the clothing fabric 104 may be kept a predetermined distance from the lens 508. Keeping the clothing fabric 104 a particular distance from the lens 508 may provide consistency and predictability to the lighting display and lighting effects. The spacers 510 may attach to the fabric at a spacer end 512 and be made from a translucent material to avoid interference with the light from the light source 504. In some embodiments, a single spacer may be sufficient to maintain an adequate separation of the clothing fabric 104 and the lens 508.
FIG. 6 is a compilation 600 of views of one embodiment of a light source housing 506. The spacers 510 number three and are spaced equidistantly around the external surface of the lens housing 506. More or fewer spacers may be utilized, depending on manufacturing costs and lighting design considerations.
FIG. 7 is a front perspective view 700 of a third embodiment of the toy FIG. 102. The front perspective view 700 of the toy FIG. 102 includes the torso 202, the torso light source 204, the peripheral light sources 206, 208, the switch 302, and the speaker 306. The torso 202 includes a top torso portion 402 attached to a bottom waist portion 404 by a hinge 406. The torso light source 204 may be embedded within the torso 202, and the torso 202 may include a translucent or semi-translucent bodice 702 through which light from the torso light source 204 may project. A light source support member 408 attaches to the torso 202 and connects the peripheral light sources 206, 208 to the bottom waist portion 404. The light source support member 408 may include a rigid framework to support the peripheral light sources 206, 208 and keep them in their respective positions. Each of the peripheral light sources 206, 208 includes a lens 508.
FIG. 8 is a side perspective view 800 of a third embodiment of a toy FIG. 102. Each of the peripheral light sources 206, 208 includes a conventional light bulb or an LED or LED package, such as a mushroom LED or a surface mount LED with a printed circuit board, housed within a lens housing 506. The lens housing 506 supports the lens 508, and spacers 510 are integrated with or attached to the external surface of the lens housing 506. In this embodiment, each of the peripheral light sources 206, 208 includes three spacers 510. The lower torso 404 includes a hollow post 802 through which a corresponding light source support member tab 804 on the light source support member 408 interfaces. The light source support member tab 804 may attach to the hollow post 802 to securely affix the light source support member 408 to the lower torso 404. The hollow post 802 may serve as a conduit through which electronic wiring from within the lower torso 404 may be connected to electronics external to the lower torso 404. For example, the controller 304 may be electrically and/or operably connected to LEDs on the light source support member 408 through such wiring.
It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, where any description recites “a” or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof, such disclosure should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.
While various embodiments of the toy figure have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. For example, the majority of the elements can be formed of molded plastic. However, in alternative embodiments, the elements can be formed of a material other than plastic provided that the material has sufficient strength for the component's intended function.

Claims

1. A toy figure comprising:

a torso;

a torso light source integrated into the torso;

a light source support member attached to the torso, the light source support member including one or more light source support structures;

a plurality of peripheral light sources, each peripheral light source attached to one of the light source support structures of the light support member;

a speaker integrated into the torso;

a controller operably connected to the torso light source, the plurality of peripheral light sources, and the speaker; and

clothing fabric covering the plurality of peripheral light sources, the clothing fabric allowing light from the plurality of peripheral light sources to be seen through the clothing fabric.

2. The toy figure of claim 1, where the torso light source and each of the plurality of peripheral light sources includes a multi-faceted lens.

3. The toy figure of claim 1, where each of the plurality of peripheral light sources includes a spacer extending from the peripheral light source towards the clothing fabric.

4. The toy figure of claim 1, where the controller drives the torso light source, the plurality of peripheral light sources, and the speaker to produce a light show synchronized to music.

5. The toy figure of claim 1, where the plurality of peripheral light sources are arranged on the light source support structures in a plurality of lines.

6. The toy figure of claim 1, where the torso light source and the plurality of peripheral light sources include light sources of differing colors.

7. The toy figure of claim 1, where the torso light source and the plurality of peripheral light sources are each multi-colored light sources.

8. The toy figure of claim 1, where the torso light source and the plurality of peripheral light sources include light-emitting diodes.

9. The toy figure of claim 8, where each light-emitting diode is a multi-colored light-emitting diode.

10. The toy figure of claim 1, where the controller drives the torso light source and the plurality of peripheral light sources to fade in and out.

11. The toy figure of claim 1 further comprising a switch integrated into the torso and operably connected to the controller.

12. The toy figure of claim 11 further comprising a wand with a magnet, where the switch is a magnetic switch and is activated by the wand.

13. The toy figure of claim 11, where the switch is a contact switch.

14. A toy figure comprising:

a torso;

a light source support member attached to the torso;

a plurality of peripheral light sources attached to the light support member;

a controller operably connected to the plurality of peripheral light sources;

clothing fabric covering the plurality of peripheral light sources, the clothing fabric allowing light from the plurality of peripheral light sources to be seen through the clothing fabric; and

one or more spacers attached to each of the plurality of peripheral light sources extending from the peripheral light source towards the clothing fabric.

15. The toy figure of claim 14, where each of the plurality of peripheral light sources includes a multi-faceted lens.

16. The toy figure of claim 14 further comprising a speaker integrated into the torso and operably connected to the controller.

17. The toy figure of claim 16, where the controller drives the plurality of peripheral light sources and the speaker to produce a light show synchronized to music.

18. The toy figure of claim 14 where the light source support member includes one or more light source support structures, and the plurality of peripheral light sources are attached to one of the light source support structures.

19. The toy figure of claim 14 further comprising a switch integrated into the torso and operably connected to the controller.

20. A toy figure comprising:

a torso;

a plurality of peripheral light sources attached to the torso;

a controller operably connected to the plurality of peripheral light sources;