CA2344706A1 - Doll having eye movement responsive to limp movement - Google Patents

Abstract

A doll (10) includes a torso (11), a neck (36), a head (14), and a pivotally coupled arm (12). The head (14) defines a pair of eyes (15, 45) depicting op en and closed appearances are pivotally supported behind the apertures (20, 46) . A cam (72) driven mechanism is coupled between the pivotable arm and the eye mechanism to cause the doll to present an eyes open or eyes closed appearanc e as a function of the pivotal position of the arm. A lock mechanism (81) is provided for latching the eyes in an open configuration.

Description

DOLL HAVING EYE MOVEMENT RESPONSIVE
TO LIMP MOVEMENT
SPECIFICATION
Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to dolls or toy figures and particularly to such dolls or toy figures which utilize eye apparatus movement.
Backaround of the Invention Dolls and toy figures have been provided in a variety of shapes and appearances for many years and have become well known in the art. In response to the long term popularity of dolls and toy figures, practitioners in the art have endeavored to provide evermore amusing, entertaining and attractive toy figures. Thus doll and toy figures utilizing various human-like activities have been provided to produce doll which speak, walk, talk, skate, eat, and perform human-like activities associated with sports or the like. The variety of dolls and toy figures which have been provided is virtually limitless and as the popularity of dolls and toy figures continued to increase, practitioners employed other technologies to enhance dolls and toy figures. Thus for example, as electronic and computer arts improved, dolls which included electronic speaking circuitry were provided.
As mechanical arts have improved and battery powered motor systems become more popular, dolls were provided with a variety of battery powered movements such as eye movement, mouth movement, and movement of various limps or combinations of limps.
One type of doll which enjoyed great popularity for many years is found in the doll type in which the dolls eyes are moveable between open and closed positions. In many dolls having moveable eyes, a counter weight or balance mechanism is provided which operates the eyes in response to the position of the doll. Thus such dolls are able to close their eyes when laying prone and open them when sitting or standing.
other types of enhancement features for increasing the attractiveness and commercial liability of dolls and toy figures have been provided. For example, US Patent 5,288,259 issued to Konta et al.
sets forth a DOLL WITH ILLUMINATED HAIR having a quantity of simulated hair, at least some of which is formed by optical fibers. The optical fibers extend into the dolls head within which a light source is positioned. Light emanating from the dolls head is coupled out through the optical fibers of the hair to produce a dramatic effect.
US Patent 5,234,378 issued to Shapero et al. sets forth a POSABLE DOLL HAIR AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE
FOR THE SAME in which a doll supports a quantity of rooted hair fabricated to provide a poseable or cold setting characteristic. The poseable hair is formed of an amorphous thermoplastic material preferable having a high molecular rate in a compound including plastiasisers, heat stabilizers and lubricants.

WO 00/45919 PCT/I1S99/26~75 US Patent 5,277,644 issued to Osborne et al. sets forth a DOLL HAVING ILLUMINATED COLOR CHANGE FIBER
OPTIC FEATURE in which a dolls torso supports a battery powered light source having an upwardly directed illumination pattern. A sliding color filter is positioned above the light source and a plurality of fiber optic filaments are positioned above the filter to be illuminated by light passing upwardly through the filter. The outer ends of the fiber optic elements extend along the exterior of the dolls garment.
US Patent 3,704,542 issued to Suchowski sets forth a DOLL having a hollow body which includes a turnable head defining an opening in its top. A lock of hair extends through the opening and is retracted by a rubberband extending between the lock of hair and a leg outer end. The lock of hair passes through a pair of eccentric openings in supper imposed clamp plates supported within the head. One plate is affixed to the torso while the other is affixed to the head. The turning of the head opens and closes the aperture defined by the plate openings to alternatively or lock or release the hair lock.
US Patent 5,180,325 issued to Edins et al. sets forth a POSEABLE HAIR STRAND FOR TOY DOLL having a ductile and formable center core fiber and an outer casing thereon. The center core fiber includes a multifilament yarn fiber which is impregnated with a relatively soft formable wax material while the outer casing includes a plurality of yarn fibers which are not impregnated with a wax material.

US Patent 3,758,771 issued to Frohardt sets forth a ILLUMINATED WIG having a plurality of light emitting devices supported within a wig to provide a decorative effect for the wearer.
US Patent 4,781,647 issued to Doane Jr. sets forth a TOY DOLL CONSTRUCTION WITH PHOSPHORESCENT HAIR
FIBERS having each fiber supporting a quantity of to phosphorescent particles to provide a glow-in-the-dark characteristic US Patent 5,118,319 issued to Smith et al. set forth a TOY DOLL WITH SELF-CONTAINED LIGHT SHOW having a plurality of appendages supported along the doll body and a plurality of light portions. Apparatus is provided within the doll body for projecting an image to focus at a point outside the doll.
While the foregoing described prior art dolls and toy figures have improved the art and in some instances enjoyed commercial success, the remains nonetheless a continuing need in the art for evermore interesting and attractive toy figures.
Summary of the Invention Accordingly, it is a object of the present invention to provide an improved doll. It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide an improved doll having eye movement responsive to an interesting play pattern.

In accordance with the present -invention there is provided a doll comprising: a torso defining an interior torso cavity and a neck having a neck passage therein; a head supported by the neck defining a head 5 cavity and a face defining a pair of eye apertures; a pair of eyes, each having a lid portion, an iris portion and an eyelash therebetween; eye means for pivotally supporting the pair of eyes within the head cavity against the eye apertures; an arm and arm means for pivotally supporting the arm upon the torso;
a cam supported within the torso cavity pivotally moved by the arm means when the arm is pivoted with respect to the torso; and a cam follower coupled to the eye means and moved by the cam, whereby pivotal movement of the arm pivots the cam and moves the cam follower to pivot the eyes.
Brief Description of the Drawings 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:
Figure 1 sets forth a side elevation view of a doll constructed with the present invention;
Figure 2 sets forth a partial side view of the eye portion of the present invention doll in the eyes open position;

WO 00/45919 PC'T/US99/26775 -Figure 3 sets forth a partial side view of the eye portion of the present invention doll in the closed position;
Figure 4 sets forth a partial section view of a doll constructed in accordance with the present invention in the eyes closed configuration;
Figure 5 sets forth a partial section view of the present invention view of the present invention doll taken along section lines 5-5 in Figure 4;
Figure 6 sets forth a partial section view of the right arm support of the present invention doll;
Figure 7 sets forth a partial section view of the present invention doll in the eyes open position.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment Figure 1 sets forth a side elevation view of a doll constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally reference by numeral 10. As used herein, it will be understood that the term "doll" is inclusive in a variety of dolls and toy figures which include both human-like figures as well as fanciful or exaggerated toy figures. Thus while the embodiment of the present invention set forth in Figure 1 through 7 utilizes a human-like doll, it will be understood that the present invention is equally applicable to other types of dolls and toy figures.

More specifically, doll 10 includes a torso 11 supporting a head 14 which in turn defines a facial area 19. A simulated eye 15 is supported in proximity to face 19 in the manner set forth below in greater 5 detail. Suffice it to note here, that eye 15 is moveable in the directions indicated by arrows 16 between and eyes open and eyes closed position. In further accordance with the present invention torso 11 supports a shoulder joint 13 farm which a right arm 12 l0 is pivotally supported. In further accordance with the present invention right arm 12 is pivotally moveable about shoulder joint 13 in the directions indicated by arrows 17 and 18. By means set forth below in greater detail with particular attention to 15 Figures 4 through 7 right arm 12 is operatively coupled by apparatus supported within torso 11 and head 14 and extending through neck 36 to move eye 15 between an open and closed position in response to the movement of right arm 12. Thus, as right arm 12 is 20 pivoted upwardly in the direction indicated by arrow 17 eye 15 is moved to an eyes open position.
Conversely, as right arm is pivoted downwardly in the direction indicated by arrow 18 eye 15 is moved to an eyes closed position.
As is better seen in Figure 5, face 19 further supports a second eye 45 which in accordance with the apparatus set forth in Figure 5 causes eye 45 to move simultaneously with eye 15 as arm 12 is pivoted. A
30 lock tab 81 is moveable within torso il to secure eye 15 and eye 45 (seen in Figure 5) in the eyes open position by means set forth below in greater detail.

Accordingly, doll 10 is capable of conventional play activity similar to other dolls and in addition is able to provide a sleeping appearance or a wide awake appearance in response to the pivotal movement of one arm of the doll.
Figure 2 sets forth a partial view of the eye mechanism of the present invention doll with particular attention to the pivotal movement of the ZO eye apparatus which is operative to present an eyes open or eyes closed appearance to the above mentioned arm movement. Thus for purposes of comparison it will be noted that Figure 2 shows an eye open configuration while Figure 3 shows an eyes closed position.
More specifically, eye 15 is received within the interior of face 19 and includes an eyeball 21 supporting an eyelash 23. Eyeball 21 and eyelash 23 are position behind an eye aperture 20 formed in face 19. By means set forth below in greater detail eyeball 21 is pivotally supported behind eye aperture 20 by an eye pivot 24. The frontal surface eyeball 21 includes a depiction of an iris 25 having a center pupil 22 therein. Correspondingly, the portion of eyeball 21 above eyelash 23 is colored to represent an eyelid 31. Eyeball 21 is coupled to a rearwardly extending lever 35 which in turn is secured to a cylindrical eye bar 30.
In the eyes open position shown in figure 2, lever 35 has been pivoted downwardly about eye pivot 24 in the direction indicated by arrow 26 as the apparatus described below pivots eye bar 30 downwardly. Eyelash 23 is as a result positioned against the upper edge of eye aperture 20 exposing iris 25 and pupil 22 through eye aperture 20. This defines the awake or eyes open position of eye 15.
5 Figure 3 sets forth a partial view of eye 15 corresponding to the view of Figure 2 with the difference being the depiction of eye 15 in a closed position rather than an opened position of Figure 2.

10 More specifically, eye 15 is received within the interior of face 19 and includes an eyeball 21 supporting an eyelash 23. Eyeball 21 and eyelash 23 are position behind an eye aperture 20 formed in face 19. By means set forth below in greater detail 15 eyeball 21 is pivotally supported behind eye aperture 20 by an eye pivot 24. The frontal surface eyeball 21 includes a depiction of an iris 25 having a center pupil 22 therein. Correspondingly, the portion of eyeball 21 above eyelash 23 is colored to represent an 20 eyelid 31. Eyeball 21 is coupled to a rearwardly extending lever 35 which in turn is secured to a cylindrical eye bar 30.
Thus by apparatus set forth below in Figures 4 25 through 7 in greater detail, eye 15 is pivoted about pivot 24 as eye bar 30 is moved in the direction indicated by arrow 39 in response to arm movement of the doll. The pivotal movement of eyeball 21 about pivot 24 lowers eyelash 23 against the lower edge of 30 eye aperture 20 concealing iris 25 and pupil 22 and exposing eyelid 31. Thus each time eye bar 30 pivots upwardly about pivot 24 in the direction indicated by arrow 39, eyelash 23 pivots downwardly in the direction indicated by arrow 38. Eye 15 is returned to the open position shown in Figure 2 by a downward pivotal movement of eye bar 30 in the opposite direction indicated by arrow 39.
5 It will be understood by those skilled in the art that eye 45 (seen in Figure 5) is substantially identical to eye 15 and thus the movement depicted in Figures 2 and 3 for eye 15 will be understood to be simultaneously carried by eye 45 in the manner 10 described below. Thus the eyes of doll 10 appear to open and close in response to movement of right arm 12 (seen in Figure 1).
Figure 4 sets forth a partial section view of the 15 operative mechanism of the present invention doll. By way of overview, it will be noted that Figure 4 sets forth the present invention mechanism in an eyes closed position while a similar partial section view shown in Figure 7 depicts the same mechanism in the 20 eyes open configuration. As a result, comparison of Figures 4 and 7 facilitates the understanding of the operation of the internal mechanism within the present invention doll by which pivotal movement of right arm 12 results in eyes open and eyes closed alternate 25 positions of the dolls eye.
More specifically, doll l0 includes a torso 11 formed of a molded plastic material or the like and defining an interior cavity 27. Torso 11 further 30 defines an upwardly extending neck portion 36 and a head 14. Head 14 defines an interiar cavity 33 while neck portion 36 defines a connecting passage 37 extending between interior cavity 33 and interior cavity 27. Doll 10 further includes a right arm 12 which as is described above and which is particularly shown in Figure 3 is secured at a pivotal shoulder joint 13 to torso 11.
Doll 10 further includes an elongated pushrod 60 having a flange 61 at the upper end thereof and further supporting an upwardly extending post 62.
Head 14 defines a plate 63 having an aperture 64 formed therein. Upper post 62 extends through aperture 64. Pushrod further includes a flange 65 supporting a downwardly extending post 66. A spring 71 is received upon post 66 and captivated beneath flange 65 against the undersurface of head 14. A
sleeve 50 defining an interior bore 51 is slidingly received upon post 62 while a spring 70 is captivated upon post 62 between the underside of plate 63 and the upper end of sleeve 50. Sleeve 50 supports a forwardly extending clasp 52 having a notch 53 formed therein.
An eye 15 includes an eyeball 21 pivotally supported within head 14 by a pivot 24 in the manner seen in Figure 5. Eyeball 21 further includes an eyelid portion 31 and an eyelash 23. A lever 35 extends rearwardly from eyeball 21 and is joined to a transversely extending eye bar 30. Eyeball 30 is received within notch 53 of clasp 52. A limit stop 40 is positioned upon eyeball 21 to limit the pivotal movement of eyeball 21 about pivot 24. Head 14 also defines an eye aperture 20 which exposes a portion of eyeball 21. Thus the pivotal position of eyeball 21 determines which portion of eyeball 21 is exposed through eye aperture 20.

Torso 11 further supports a cam-hausing 90 having a notch 92 and interior cavity 1 formed therein.
Housing 90 further defines an aperture 93 at the bottom side thereof and a curved slot 95 at the rear portion thereof. Correspondingly, torso 11 defines a rear surface 28 which in turn defines a curved slot 80 therein. A lock tab 81 is pivotally supported upon notch 92 of housing 90 and extends outwardly through slot 80 of rear torso 28. Slot 95 facilitates pivotal movement of tab 81 downwardly in the direction indicated by arrow 82.
A cam housing 72 is joined to pushrod 60 at the lower end thereof and is preferably formed as a integral member with pushrod 60. Cam housing 72 defines a cam surface 76 and an elongated slot 73.
Cam housing further defines a downwardly extending post 75 which passes through aperture 93 of housing 90. In the preferred fabrication of the present invention cam housing 72 is supported within interior cavity 91 of housing 90.
A rotatable drum 102 and a curved stop member 103 are rotatable supported by a post 100 which extends through slot 73. Drum 102 supports a cam 101 which extends downwardly toward surface 76. As is better seen in Figure 6, and described below in greater detail, drum 102, post 100, cam 101 and stop 103 are rotatable in response to pivotal movement of arm 12.
Thus suffice it to note here, that pivotal movement of arm 12 correspondingly pivots post 100, cam 101, drum 102 and stop 103.

As mentioned above Figure 4 shows doll 10 in an eyes closed position which results from the downward pivotal movement of right arm 12 to its position shown. The position of right arm 12 rotates cam 101 to the corner end of cam surface 76. With cam 101 in this position, the upward force of spring 71 against flange 65 causes spring 70 to be compressed between sleeve 50 and the underside of plate 63. This in turn allows pushrod 60 to be moved upwardly which in turn raises sleeve 50 and clasp 52. The upward movement to clasp 52 pivots eyeball 21 and lever 35 about pivot 24 to lower eyelash 23 and raise eye bar 30 until stop 40 contacts the interior of eye aperture 20. The spring force of spring of 70 and 71 combined to facilitate the alternative of positioning of pushrod 60 between the eyes closed position of Figure 4 and the eyes open position of Figure 7. Thus as it will be apparent to those skilled in the art the position of pushrod 60 is determined by the angular position of cam 101 within cam housing 72.
Tab 81 which is pivotally secured within notch 92 by post 84 is moveable between an open position shown in Figure 4 and a locked position by pivoting tab 81 downwardly. This locking feature is provided by the cooperation of a tab 74 formed on cam housing 72 and a tab 83 extending inwardly from tab 81. Thus as tab 81 is pivoted downwardly from the position shown in Figure 4 in the direction of arrow 82, tab 83 is positioned against tab 74. The position of tab 83 against tab 74 prevents cam housing 72 and pushrod 60 from rising when cam housing 72 and pushrod 60 are in the eyes open position shown in Figure 7. Thus with tab 81 in the raised position shown in Figure 4, pivotal movement of right arm 12 upwardly pivots cam 101 against surface 76 to drive cam housing 72 and pushrod 60 downwardly which in turn lowers sleeve 50 and clasp 52 pivoting eyeball 21 about pivot 24 toward the open position shown in Figure 7. So long as tab 81 remains in the raised position shown, cam housing 72 and pushrod 60 are freely moveable in response to the pivotal movement of cam 101 in response to movement of right arm 12.
Figure 5 sets forth a partial section view of the support of eyes 15 and 45 within head 14 of doll 10.
As mentioned above, doll 10 includes a pair of substantially identical eyes 15 and 45 which are each joined to an eye bar 30. Eye 15 is coupled to eye bar 30 by a lever 35 while eye 45 is coupled to eye bar 30 by a lever 49. Head 14 defines a pair of cylindrical pivot seats 41 and 42 which receive barring 24 and 48 respectively in a pivotal attachment. A travel stop 40 extends upwardly from the junction of levers 35 and 49 and eyeballs 21 and 54. As shown in Figure 4, the function of stop 40 is to limit the pivotal movement of eyeballs 21 and 54 in downward direction. A pair of eyelashes 23 and 47 extend forwardly from eyeballs 21 and 54 respectively.
As described above, pushrod 60 includes an upwardly extending post 62 which receives a sleeve 50 thereon. Sleeve 50 defines a bore 51 through which post 62 extends and a clasp 52. A notch 53 is formed in clasp 52 to engage eye bar 30. Thus it will be understood by examination of Figure 5 that the above described eye movement described for eye 15 in response to movement of sleeve 50 and clasp 52 provides a simultaneous corresponding movement of eye 45. As a result, eyes 15 and 45 move in unison between the open and closed position in the manner described above.

Figure 6 sets forth a partial section front view of the shoulder joint and right arm support of the present invention doll. Arm 12 terminates at its upper end at a ball 108 and is pivotally secured to a 10 flange 109 by a pivot pin 115. The cooperation of flange 109 and pivot pin 115 allow arm 12 to pivot outwardly from torso 11 if desired. Flange 109 is further secured to an inwardly extending shaft 106 having a barring 105 formed thereon. A baring support 15 104 is formed within an interior 27 of torso 11 to cooperate with barring 105 rotatably supporting shaft 106.
A housing 90 is supported within interior 27 by conventional attachment means (not shown). Housing 90 defines an aperture 93 at the lower end thereof and an aperture 96 through which shaft 106 extends. A
cylindrical drum 102 supporting a stop member 103 is joined to shaft 106 and is rotatable supported 25 thereby. Shaft 106 further supports a cam 101 and a post 100. Post 100 extends through aperture 109 formed in housing 90 to provide rotational support for shaft 106.
30 A cam housing 72 defines a slot 73 and a cam surface 76. Slot 73 is vertically oriented and facilitates vertical movement of cam housing 72 with respect to post 100. Cam housing 72 further includes a downwardly extending post 75 which passes through aperture 93 of housing 90. In the preferred fabrication of the present invention post 100, cam 101, drum 102, stop 103, and shaft 106 are joined to form a complete unit which ensures that pivotal movement of shaft 106 produces corresponding pivotal movement thereof.
In operation it will be recalled that springs 70 and 71 (seen in Figure 5) generally balanced each other to allow vertical movement of pushrod 60 in the vertical direction. Thus the pivotal movement of right arm 12 produces pivotal movement of shaft 106 which in turn results in pivotal movement of cam 101 against surface 76 of cam housing 72. In response, cam housing 72 and pushrod 60 are moved vertically in the manner described above.
Figure 7 sets forth a partial section view of the present invention doll in the eye open configuration.
As mentioned previously, Figure 4 depicts the same section showing the present invention doll mechanism in the eyes closed position. As a result, comparison of Figures 4 and 7 facilitates an understanding of the operative mechanism of the present invention doll.
More specifically, doll 10 includes a torso 11 formed of a molded plastic material or the like and defining an interior cavity 27. Torso 11 further defines an upwardly extending neck portion 36 and a head 14. Head 14 defines an interior cavity 33 while neck portion 36 defines a connecting passage 37 extending between interior cavity 33 and interior cavity 27. Doll 10 further includes a right arm 12 which as is described above and which is particularly shown in Figure 3 is secured at a pivotal shoulder joint 13 to torso 11.
Doll 10 further includes an elongated pushrod 60 having a flange 61 at the upper end thereof and further supporting an upwardly extending post 62.
Head 14 defines a plate 63 having an aperture 64 formed therein. Upper post 62 extends through aperture 64. Pushrod further includes a flange 65 10 supporting a downwardly extending post 66. A spring 71 is received upon post 66 and captivated beneath flange 65 against the undersurface of head 14. A
sleeve 50 defining an interior bore 51 is slidingly received upon post 62 while a spring 70 is captivated 15 upon post 62 between the underside of plate 63 and the upper end of sleeve 50. Sleeve 50 supports a forwardly extending clasp 52 having a notch 53 formed therein.
20 An eye 15 includes an eyeball 21 pivotally supported within head 14 by a pivot 24 in the manner seen in Figure 5. Eyeball 21 further includes an eyelid portion 31 and an eyelash 23. A lever 35 extends rearwardly from eyeball 21 and is joined to a 25 transversely extending eye bar 30. Eyeball 30 is received within notch 53 of clasp 52. A limit stop 40 is positioned upon eyeball 21 to limit the pivotal movement of eyeball 21 about pivot 24. Head 14 also defines an eye aperture 20 which exposes a portion of 30 eyeball 21. Thus the pivotal position of eyeball 21 determines which portion of eyeball 21 is exposed through eye aperture 20.

Torso il further supports a cam housing 90 having a notch 92 and interior cavity 1 formed therein.
Housing 90 further defines an aperture 93 at the bottom side thereof and a curved slot 95 at'the rear 5 portion thereof. Correspondingly, torso il defines a rear surface 28 which in turn defines a curved slot 80 therein. A lock tab 81 is pivotally supported upon notch 92 of housing 90 and extends outwardly through slot 80 of rear torso 28. Slot 95 facilitates pivotal 10 movement of tab 81 downwardly in the direction indicated by arrow 82.
A cam housing 72 is joined to pushrod 60 at the lower end thereof and is preferably formed as a 15 integral member with pushrod 60. Cam housing 72 defines a cam surface 76 and an elongated slot 73.
Cam housing further defines a downwardly extending post 75 which passes through aperture 93 of housing 90. In the preferred fabrication of the present 20 invention cam housing 72 is supported within interior cavity 91 of housing 90.
A rotatable drum 102 and a curved stop member 103 are rotatable supported by a post 100 which extends 25 through slot 73. Drum 102 supports a cam 101 which extends downwardly toward surface 76. As is better seen in Figure 6, and described below in greater detail, drum 102, post 100, cam 101 and stop 103 are rotatable in response to pivotal movement of arm 12.
30 Thus suffice it to note here, that pivotal movement of arm 12 correspondingly pivots post 100, cam 101, drum 102 and stop 103.

In operation, pivotal movement-of right arm 12 upwardly in the direction indicated by arrow 110 produces rotation of post 100 and cam 101 in the direction indicated by arrow 111. As will be seen by 5 comparing Figures 4 and 7, this pivotal movement of cam 101 forces surface 76 of cam housing 72 downwardly overcoming the force of spring 71 and allowing spring 70 to expand. As cam housing 72 is driven downwardly by cam 101, pushrod 60 is moved downwardly in the 10 direction of arrow 112 which in turn lowers sleeve 50 upon post 62. Clasp 52 is carried downwardly with sleeve 50 and in turn moves eye bar 30 downwardly which causes lever 35 to pivot eyeball 21 about pivot 24. This pivotal motion moves eyelash 23 upwardly in 15 the direction indicated by arrow 113 exposing the iris and pupil of eye 15 (seen in Figure 2) through aperture 20 of head 14.
Thus each time arm 12 is pivoted upwardly, eyes 20 15 and 45 (seen in Figure 5) are pivoted to their open position while each downward pivotal movement of arm 12 returns eyes 15 and 45 to their closed position.
Under some circumstances it may be desirable to maintain eyes 15 and 45 in their open positioned for 25 conventional doll play. This capability is provided by lock tab 81 in its pivotal support upon housing 90.
As mentioned above, lock tab 81 supports an inwardly extending tab 83 while housing 90 supports a rearwardly extending tab 74. Thus with arm 12 raised 30 and the eyes of doll 10 positioned in an eyes open configuration, the movement of tab downwardly to the bottom of slot 80 brings tab 83 thereof into contact of upper surface of tab 74. This in turn locks or captivates cam housing 72 in the lowered position shown in Figure 7 notwithstanding of cam 101. In this circumstance the movement of arm 12 does not effect the position of cam housing 72 and pushrod 60 due to the engagement of tab 83 upon tab 74. Doll 10 5 therefore maintains an eyes open configuration for all positions of arm 12 and allows conventional doll play.
Once tab 81 is raised to the position shown in Figure 7 this eyes open locking feature is released and the position of eyes 15 and 45 (seen in Figure 5) is again 10 determined by the pivotal position of arm 12.
What has been shown is a doll having moveable eyes to present an eyes open or eyes closed appearance. The dolls eyes are moved in response to 15 apparatus which is controlled by the pivotal position of one of the dolls arms. A lock mechanism facilitates the conversion of the doll to a conventional play pattern in which the eyes are maintained open despite movement of the dolls arms.
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 25 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 (10)

THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A doll comprising:
a torso defining an interior torso cavity and a neck having a neck passage therein;
a head supported by said neck defining a head cavity and a face defining a pair of eye apertures;
a pair of eyes, each having a lid portion, an iris portion and an eyelash therebetween;
eye means for pivotally supporting said pair of eyes within said head cavity against said eye apertures;
an arm and arm means for pivotally supporting said arm upon said torso;
a cam supported within said torso cavity pivotally moved by said arm means when said arm is pivoted with respect to said torso; and a cam follower coupled to said eye means and moved by said cam, whereby pivotal movement of said arm pivots said cam and moves said cam follower to pivot said eyes.

2. The doll set forth in claim 1 wherein said cam follower includes:

a cam housing having a cam surface contacting said cam; and a pushrod extending from said cam housing through said neck passage engaging said eye means, said cam forcing said cam housing and said pushrod downwardly to open said eyes when said arm is pivoted upwardly and allowing said cam housing and pushrod to rise to close said eyes when said arm is pivoted downwardly.

3. The doll set forth in claim 2 wherein said pushrod includes a first spring coupled to said pushrod urging said pushrod upwardly.

4. The doll set forth in claim 3 further including a second spring coupled to said pushrod oppositely urging said pushrod downwardly.

5. The doll set forth in claim 4 further including a lock tab movably supported between a lock position, latching said cam housing in its lowered position and an open position disengaging from said cam housing.

6. A doll set forth in claim 1 further including lock means coupled to said cam follower to secure said cam follower in a position in which said eyes are held in their open position.

7. The doll set forth in claim 6 wherein said cam follower includes:
a cam housing having a cam surface contacting said cam; and a pushrod extending from said cam housing through said neck passage engaging said eye means, said cam forcing said cam housing and said pushrod downwardly to open said eyes when said arm is pivoted upwardly and allowing said cam housing and pushrod to rise to close said eyes when said arm is pivoted downwardly.

8. The doll set forth in claim 7 wherein said pushrod includes a first spring coupled to said pushrod urging said pushrod upwardly.

9. The doll set forth in claim 8 further including a second spring coupled to said pushrod oppositely urging said pushrod downwardly.

10. The doll set forth in claim 4 wherein said lock means include a lock tab movably supported between a lock position, latching said cam housing in its lowered position and an open position disengaging from said cam housing.