WO2007056484A2 - Toy vehicle having fanciful eyes - Google Patents

Abstract

A toy vehicle includes a body supported by a plurality of wheels. The body defines a roof supported above a plurality of windows including a transparent windshield. A pair of movable eyes and eyebrows are supported behind the windshield. A control button is supported upon the toy vehicle roof and is coupled to the eyes and eyebrows by a linkage to affect eye and eyebrow expression changes.

Description

TOY VEHICLE HAVING FANCIFUL EYES

SPECIFICATION

Cross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority under 35 U.S. C.

119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60/734,511 entitled TOY VEHICLE HAVING FANCIFUL EYES filed November 7, 2005 in the name of Keith Hippely, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates generally to toy vehicles and particularly to toy vehicles having a cartoon-like or fanciful characteristic.

Background of the Invention

[0003] Toy vehicles have provided an extremely popular and long lasting category of toys. Not surprisingly, practitioners in the art have endeavored to exploit and enhance this popularity by providing a virtually endless variety of toy vehicles. Thus, toy vehicles have been provided which are free rolling or free wheeling as well as those which are driven by an internal power source such as a wind up motor or battery power apparatus. In addition, toy vehicles have been provided with a variety of features and enhancements.

[0004] One of the most popular types of toy vehicles is found in a category which may be generally described as "interactive" which is a term generally descriptive of a specie of toy vehicles which appears to respond visibly or operably to the child user's input. For example, U.S. Patent 6,039,626 issued to Gerold, et al. sets forth a VOICE-ACTIVATED TOY TRUCK WITH ANIMATED FEATURES which includes a truck chassis that supports a hood and cab which readily flex and bend. The cab and hood define an exterior surface molded in the shape of a set of fanciful features. The truck chassis further supports a truck bed carrier which in turn supports a truck bed. The truck bed is mounted to the carrier in a movable fashion such that the truck bed is able to move in a side to side fashion relative to the truck chassis. A first actuator assembly causes the flexible hood to flex thereby producing movement of the facial features while a second actuator assembly causes the truck bed to move in the side to side fashion thereby emulating a puppy dog wagging its tail. A sound detecting circuit actuates the control circuit which produces the action of the actuators.

[0005] U.S. Patent 6,609,943 issued to Chan sets forth an ELECTRONIC

TALKING TOY AND DOLL COMBINATION having a toy vehicle adapted to receive a toy figure. The toy vehicle includes a source of electrical power and a sound-producing electronic circuit. Switch means activate the sound circuit when the toy figure is placed within the toy vehicle.

[0006] U.S. Patent 6,699,096 issued to Christopherson, et al. sets forth a

TOY WITH CHARACTER AND VEHICLE COMPONENTS having a toy vehicle including an upper body and robotic features of an action figure integrally formed with a truck-like body. The truck and integrated toy figure are themed in accordance with construction apparatus such as tools or the like. The action figures include a sound generating system which produces sounds such as whistles or phrases when the vehicle is activated.

[0007] U. S . Patent 5,512,001 issued to Kent, et al. sets forth a TOY

VEHICLE having a sound-generating mechanism for producing realistic vehicle engine sound. The vehicle further includes a smoke-generating mechanism for producing simulated smoke vapors. The sound-generating mechanism and smoke-generating mechanism are simultaneously actuatable by moving an accessory such as a spoiler on the cab portion of the toy vehicle.

[0008] In an art area generally related to the present invention, practitioners have provided a great variety of devices which are typically used with dolls and toy figures to provide facial expression and activity. U.S. Patents 2,307,687 issued to Kriegsfeld; 3,195,268 issued to Neumann, et al.; 3,893,257 issued to Miki; 4,255,894 issued to Goldfarb, et al. and 4,484,408 issued to Fogarty, et al. set forth various examples of early devices provided by practitioners in the art which may be generally characterized as facial expression altering dolls and toy figures.

[0009] As the practitioners in the toy arts advanced the systems for providing facial expression changes in dolls, the apparatus became substantially more complex and often more realistic. Substantial attention has been paid to the particular function to doll eye movement. Additionally, the art of providing facial expression changes often utilized doll faces made of a resilient flexible material such as rubber or plastic to which mechanical apparatus are coupled to stretch and distort the face to provide more realistic facial expression changes. U.S. Patents 4,843,497 issued to Leyden; 4,900,289 issued to May, et al.; 6,186,859 issued to Hickman, et al.; 5,376,040 issued to Hickman, et al.; 5,855,502 issued to Truchsess; and 5,415,579 issued to Pracas provide representative examples of face changing doll technology.

[0010] Additional face-changing apparatus is set forth in U.S. Patent

5,902,169 issued to Yamakawa; 5,407,376 issued to Avital, et al.; 4,761,150 issued to Lautenberger, et al.; 5,919,227 issued to Bello; 6,503,122 issued to Hickman, et al.; 6,758,717 issued to Park, et al.; 6,776,683 issued to Lin; and Japanese Patent 4180791 set forth further examples of face-changing doll apparatus. [0011] Additional examples of the state of the art generally related to the present invention are set forth in U.S. Patents 6,524,156 issued to Horchler, et al.; 6,780,076 also issued to Horchler, et al; 4,925,424 issued to Ohta, et al.; 5,862,615 issued to O'Rourke; 5,413,516 issued to Lam; D490486 issued to Hornsby, et al.; D480768; and D463834 both also issued to Hornsby, et al.; Des.280754; 4,698,927 issued to Yoshiro and Published U.S. Patent Application 2002/0019193 filed on behalf of Maggiore, et al.

[0012] While the foregoing described prior art devices have to some extent improved the art and have in some instances enjoyed commercial success, there remains nonetheless a continuing need in the art for evermore amusing, interesting and enjoyable toy vehicles.

Summary of the Invention

[0013] Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved toy vehicle. It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide an improved toy vehicle which combines conventional play activities together with a variety of fanciful facial expression changes including fanciful eyes.

[0014] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a toy vehicle having a body, a plurality of rolling wheels and a cockpit or driver's compartment and a covering roof. The toy vehicle further includes a front windshield formed of a clear transparent material such as plastic or like. A pair of simulated eye pupils are supported behind the clear transparent windshield and are coupled to a linkage which terminates in a moveable button accessed on the roof of the toy vehicle. A pair of simulated eyebrows are moveably supported above the eye pupils and are operatively coupled to the eye pupil supporting and moving linkage. A white backing plate is secured behind the eye pupils and simulated eyebrows to provide a white eye backing. In operation, the child user utilizes manual movement of the button supported upon the vehicle roof to operate the eye support and movement mechanism to cause the eye pupils and eyebrows to be moved within the windshield area. Additional buttons are supported on the vehicle roof which are coupled to an internal sound apparatus within the toy vehicle.

[0015] In another respect, the present invention provides a toy vehicle comprising: a body having a windshield aperture therein; a transparent windshield covering the windshield aperture; a pair of simulated eye pupils and means for movably supporting the simulated eye pupils behind the transparent windshield; a pair of simulated eyebrows and means for movably supporting the simulated eyebrows between the simulated eye pupils and the transparent windshield; and means for moving the simulated eye pupils and the simulated eyebrows to impart expressions to the toy vehicle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements and in which:

[0017] Figure 1 sets forth a front perspective view of a toy vehicle constructed in accordance with the present invention having the simulated eyes raised;

[0018] Figure 2 sets forth a front perspective view of the present invention toy vehicle having the simulated eyes moved to provide a "frowning" expression; [0019] Figure 3 sets forth a partial front view of the simulated eyes and eyebrows within the toy vehicle windshield;

[0020] Figure 4 sets forth a bottom perspective view a the present invention toy vehicle showing the windshield backing plate installed;

[0021] Figure 5 sets forth a bottom perspective view having the windshield backing plate removed to reveal the operative mechanism of the simulated eyes and eyebrows.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment

[0022] By way of overview, the present invention toy vehicle provides a chassis supporting a molded plastic body and a plurality of rolling wheels. Within the plastic body a clear transparent windshield is further supported. A pair of simulated eye pupils are supported behind the clear transparent windshield by a movement mechanism. The movement mechanism includes a moveable button accessible from outside the vehicle upon the vehicle roof. A pair of simulated eyebrows are supported above the simulated eye pupils behind the transparent windshield. The eyebrows are moveable in response to movement of the eye pupil mechanism. The combined effect of eye movement and eyebrow movement produced in response to movement of the rooftop button by the user provides a fanciful eye movement and coordinated eyebrow expression characteristic. A white back plate is secured behind the transparent windshield and the simulated eye and eyebrows to further enhance the expression of the eyes and eyebrows when moving.

[0023] More specifically, Figure 1 sets forth a perspective view of a toy vehicle constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral 10. Toy vehicle 10 includes a molded plastic body 11 and a plurality of rolling wheels such as wheels 12 and 13. Body 11 includes a clear transparent windshield 15 preferably formed of a molded plastic material or the like. Body 11 further includes a roof portion 14 upon which a button recess 30 is formed. Within recess 30, a slot 31 is formed which receives a moveable button 32. Roof 14 further supports a plurality of sound buttons 40, 41, 42 and 43 which are coupled to a sound circuit 55 (seen in Figure 5).

[0024] In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, toy vehicle 10 further includes a white-colored backing plate 20 positioned behind windshield 15. Between windshield 15 and backing plate 20, a pair of simulated eye pupils 21 and 22 are supported by an eye carrier 60 (seen in Figure 4). Toy vehicle 10 further includes a pair of simulated eyebrows 23 and 24 which are also positioned between backing plate 20 and windshield 15. The support and movement apparatus for simulated eye pupils 21 and 22 as well as simulated eyebrows 23 and 24 is set forth below in greater detail in Figures 5 and 6. Suffice it to note here however that the operative mechanisms supporting simulated eye pupils 21 and 22 and simulated eyebrows 23 and 24 is operatively coupled to button 32. As a result, movement of button 32 in the directions indicated by arrows 33 (side to side) results in movement of simulated eye pupils 21 and 22 in the directions indicted by arrows 36 and 37. Correspondingly, and as is set forth below in Figure 3 in greater detail, movement of simulated eye pupils 21 and 22 results in a corresponding movement of simulated eyebrows 23 and 24. Similarly, front to back movement of button 32 in the directions indicated by arrows 34 results in corresponding movement of simulated eye pupils 21 and 22 and simulated eyebrows 23 and 24 in the directions indicated by arrows 35. More specifically, moving button 32 rearwardly raises simulated eye pupils 21 and 22 and simulated eyebrows 23 and 24 while pushing button 32 forward lowers simulated eye pupils 21 and 22 and simulated eyebrows 23 and 24.

[0025] In the example shown in Figure 1 , the relative positions of simulated eye pupils 21 and 22 and simulated eyebrows 23 and 24 which result from pushing button 32 rearwardly are illustrated. Conversely, the "expression" resulting from pushing button 32 forwardly in which simulated eye pupils 21 and 22 as well as simulated eyebrows 23 and 24 are lowered is shown in Figure 2. Finally, the response of simulated eye pupils 21 and 22 and simulated eyebrows

23 and 24 to a sideways movement of button 32 is shown in Figure 3.

[0026] Sound buttons 40, 41, 42 and 43 are operative to cause sound circuit

55 (seen in Figure 4) to produce a different corresponding sound. Sound circuit 55 is of conventional fabrication and includes a sound processor having an associated memory.

[0027] Figure 2 sets forth the front perspective view of toy vehicle 10 shown and described above. Simulated eye pupils 21 and 22 and simulated eyebrows 23 and 24 are shown in a lowered or "frowning" position resulting from the above-mentioned forward movement of button 32. As is also mentioned above, toy vehicle 10 includes a molded plastic body 11 supported by a plurality or rolling wheels such as wheels 12 and 13. Body 11 further includes a clear plastic windshield 15 and a roof portion 14. Roof 14 in turn defines a recess 30 within which a button 32 is moveable. A plurality of sound buttons 40, 41 , 42 and 43 are operatively coupled to sound circuit 55 (seen in Figure 4).

[0028] In the operative positions shown in Figure 2, button 32 has been moved forwardly within recess 30 in the direction indicated by arrow 45. The corresponding movement provided by the operative linkage coupled to button 32 (set forth in Figure 5) causes simulated eye pupils 21 and 22 to move downwardly to the position shown in Figure 2. It will be recalled that a white backing plate 20 positioned behind windshield 15 provides for movement of simulated eye pupils 21 and 22. Simulated eyebrows 23 and 24 are positioned between backing plate 20 and windshield and are also coupled to the operative mechanism moved by button 32. Eyebrows 23 and 24 are moved downwardly and inwardly in the directions indicated by arrows 38 and 39 in response to movement of button 32. The forward and downwardly tilted movement of simulated eyebrows 23 and 24 combine to create the "frowning" expression which is fancifully depicted in Figure 2. [0029] Figure 3 sets forth a partial front view of toy vehicle 10 showing body 11 supporting a clear plastic windshield 15. A white backing plate 20 is secured behind windshield 15. As mentioned above, a pair of simulated eye pupils 21 and 22 together with a pair of simulated eyebrows 23 and 24 are supported between windshield 15 and backing plate 20. In the configuration shown in Figure 3, button 32 (seen in Figure 2) has been moved in the direction indicated by arrow 25. Correspondingly, simulated eye pupils 21 and 22 are also moved in the direction indicated by arrow 25. The interactive coupling of the operative mechanism which supports and moves simulated eye pupils 21 and 22 also operates to move simulated eyebrows 23 and 24 in the direction indicated by arrows 26 and 27 respectively.

[0030] Figure 4 sets forth a bottom view of body 11 removed from the remainder of toy vehicle 10. As mentioned above, body 11 is preferably formed of a molded plastic material or the like and defines a roof portion 14. As is also described above, body 11 supports a clear transparent windshield 15 (seen in Figure 5). A conventional sound circuit 55 is operatively coupled to a plurality of buttons supported on roof 14 (buttons 40 through 43 shown in Figure 1). Sound circuit 55 responds to any of the coupled buttons being activated by producing a characteristic or particular sound.

[0031] Body 11 further defines a downwardly extending post 50. An eye carrier 60 better seen in Figure 5 defines an elongated slot 61 which is received upon post 60 to provide limited movement of eye carrier 60. A plate 51 is secured to eye carrier 60 and is further coupled to button 32 (seen in Figure 1) by a pair of conventional fasteners.

[0032] In the bottom view of body 11 shown in Figure 4, backing plate 20 is secured behind windshield 15 and maintained by a plurality of conventional fasteners. A pair of simulated eyebrows 23 and 24 are secured beneath backing plate 20. [0033] Figure 5 sets forth a bottom view of body 11 removed from the remainder of toy vehicle 10. For purposes of illustration, Figure 5 shows toy vehicle 10 also having backing plate 20 removed. Thus, as described above, body 11 includes a roof portion 14 and a windshield 15. A conventional sound circuit 55 is secured within body 11 and is operatively coupled to a plurality of buttons 40 through 43 (seen in Figure 1). Windshield 15 is preferably formed of a transparent plastic material or the like and is secured to body 11 by conventional attachment means. Body 11 further defines a post 71 extending downwardly from roof portion 14 and a pair of posts 72 and 74 extending downwardly from the forward portion of roof 14. A pair of simulated eyebrows define generally curved planar members 23 and 24. Simulated eyebrows 23 and 24 are positioned against the inside surface of windshield 15 and define respective slots 73 and 75 which receive posts 72 and 74. The cooperation of posts 72 and 74 within slots 73 and 75 control the type of movement enjoyed by simulated eyebrows 23 and 24 as button 32 (seen in Figure 1) is moved by the user. Button 32 is secured by conventional fasteners to a plate 51. An eye carrier 60 defines a generally planar member having a slot 72 received upon post 71 together with an aperture 70 which receives post 69. Eye carrier 60 further includes a travis 69 which further supports a pair of forwardly extending arms 67 and 68. Arms 67 and 68 are joined to a pair of generally circular eye pupil pads 65 and 66. Pads 65 and 66 receive and support simulated eye pupils 21 and 22 (seen in Figure 1).

[0034] By means described above, movement of button 32 (seen in Figure

1) causes a corresponding movement of eye carrier 60 which in turn moves simulated eyebrows 23 and 24 together with eye pads 65 and 66. Movement of eye pads 65 and 66 in turn moves simulated eye pupils 21 and 22. In this fashion, button 32 (seen in Figure 1) is operative to provide eyebrow and eye pupil movement to provide the above described simulated expressions of the fanciful toy vehicle of the present invention. [0035] What has been shown is a toy vehicle having fanciful eyes which are moveable in response to a child operated button. The fanciful expressions provided by the movement of simulated eyes and eyebrows produces an amusing almost comic fanciful facial expression set for the toy vehicle.

[0036] While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A toy vehicle comprising:

a body having a windshield aperture therein;

a transparent windshield covering said windshield aperture;

a pair of simulated eye pupils and means for movably supporting said simulated eye pupils behind said transparent windshield;

a pair of simulated eyebrows and means for movably supporting said simulated eyebrows between said simulated eye pupils and said transparent windshield; and

means for moving said simulated eye pupils and said simulated eyebrows to impart expressions to said toy vehicle.

2. The toy vehicle set forth in claim 1 wherein said toy vehicle further includes a backing plate supported behind said simulated eye pupils.

3. The toy vehicle set forth in claim 2 wherein said backing plate defines a generally white-colored surface.

4. The toy vehicle set forth in claim 3 wherein said means for moving includes a button supported on said roof, operably coupled to said means for movably supporting said simulated eye pupils and said means for movably supporting said simulated eyebrows.

5. The toy vehicle set forth in claim 4 further including a sound- producing circuit and a plurality of sound selectors supported on said body.

6. The toy vehicle set forth in claim 5 wherein said sound selectors include a plurality of buttons supported on said roof.

7. A toy vehicle comprising:

a toy vehicle body having a windshield;

a pair of simulated eyes and eyebrows supported in said windshield; and

means for moving said simulated eyes and eyebrows to impart fanciful expression to said toy vehicle.

8. The toy vehicle set forth in claim 7 wherein said toy vehicle further includes a backing plate supported behind said simulated eye pupils.

9. The toy vehicle set forth in claim 8 wherein said backing plate defines a generally white-colored surface.

10. The toy vehicle set forth in claim 9 wherein said means for moving includes a button supported on said roof, operably coupled to said means for movably supporting said simulated eye pupils and said means for movably supporting said simulated eyebrows.

11. The toy vehicle set forth in claim 10 further including a sound- producing circuit and a plurality of sound selectors supported on said body.

12. The toy vehicle set forth in claim 11 wherein said sound selectors include a plurality of buttons supported on said roof.

13. The toy vehicle set forth in claim 1 further including a sound- producing circuit and a plurality of sound selectors supported on said body.

14. The toy vehicle set forth in claim 1 wherein said sound selectors include a plurality of buttons supported on said roof.

15. A toy vehicle comprising:

a toy vehicle body having a driver's cockpit, a windshield and a covering roof;

an eye carrier and a pair of simulated eye pupils supported within said windshield by said eye carrier;

a pair of simulated eyebrows movably supported within said windshield and coupled to said eye carrier; and

movement means coupled to said eye carrier for moving said simulated eye pupils and eyebrows to impart expressions to said toy vehicle.

16. The toy vehicle set forth in claim 15 wherein said toy vehicle further includes a backing plate supported behind said simulated eye pupils.

17. The toy vehicle set forth in claim 16 wherein said backing plate defines a generally white-colored surface.

18. The toy vehicle set forth in claim 17 further including a sound- producing circuit and a plurality of sound selectors supported on said body.

19. The toy vehicle set forth in claim 18 wherein said sound selectors include a plurality of buttons supported on said roof.