EP1567237A1

EP1567237A1 - Remotely controlled toy animal simulating an object chase

Info

Publication number: EP1567237A1
Application number: EP03739174A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Tara Mcgrath
Original assignee: Mattel Inc
Current assignee: Mattel Inc
Priority date: 2002-11-01
Filing date: 2003-06-19
Publication date: 2005-08-31
Also published as: CA2482562A1; EP1567237A4; AU2003245549A1; WO2004041391A1

Abstract

A remotely controlled toy includes a body (21) resembling a dog within which a conventional remote control receiving (50) and drive apparatus (60) is supported. A plurality of wheels (42 and 43) provide rolling movement and directional support for the remotely controlled toy animal. A hand-held controller (30) is manipulated by the user to provide the desired control signals to remotely control the movement and direction of the toy animal. An elongated flexible wand (25) includes a first end secured to the toy animal body (21) and a further end supporting a butterfly ornament (28). The flexible character of the wand (25) allows the butterfly ornament (28) to move in response to movement of the remotely controlled toy animal. This provides a play pattern in which the toy animal appears to chase the butterfly ornament (28).

Description

REMOTELY CONTROLLED TOY ANIMAL SIMULATING AN OBJECT CHASE

SPECIFICATION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to remotely controlled toys and particularly to those resembling an animal figure such as a cat or dog or the like.

Background of the Invention

Remotely controlled toys are well known and well established in the art and have enjoyed substantial popularity. The popularity of the remotely controlled toys has been particularly enhanced by the relatively recent development of lower cost electronic circuit apparatus. While the variety of remotely controlled toys presented in the marketplace is virtually unending, basically all remotely controlled toys include the combination of a usually self- propelled controlled toy, a hand-held remote control unit and a communication mechanism. The communication mechanism may utilize virtually any transmission and reception technique which accommodates the communication of data or commands between the hand-held remote controller and the toy itself. For example, the communication mechanism may use inferred, sound or ultrasound or radio frequency communication.

The remotely controlled toy typically includes a toy body within which a battery powered drive apparatus is supported. A common drive apparatus is found in an electric motor together with operative gear drive and one or more drive wheels for moving the toy body. The remotely controlled toy further includes a signal receiver and control unit which is operatively coupled to the drive apparatus. The hand-held remote controller typically includes a hand-held housing within which a control transmitter is supported. The housing typically further includes one or more control input command devices such as buttons or levers or the like which are operatively coupled to the control transmitter.

h operation, the user holds the hand-held remote controller and manipulates the input apparatus in accordance with the desired movement of the remotely controlled toy to be implemented. In response to the inputs, the transmission circuit within the hand-held remote controller encodes the command signals into a suitable format and transmits an encoded signal.

At the remotely controlled toy, the receiver therein responds to the encoded transmission and recovers the encoded command signals. The command signals are converted to appropriate drive signals which are applied to the drive apparatus of the toy. Typical commands which are transmitted and received and responded to the by the toy include direction of travel, forward, reverse, or stop.

The popularity of remotely controlled toys within the toy industry has prompted manufactures to produce a virtually endless variety of toys. One source of substantial variety is found in the character and appearance of the remotely controlled toy itself. While a large number of remotely controlled toys are provided which generally comprise vehicles such as toy automobiles, trucks or other vehicles as well as toy airplanes and toy boats, additional remote controlled toys have been provided which resemble figures or animals.

In additional arts generally related to the present invention, practitioners have provided a variety of apparatus which may be secured to an animal such as a dog or cat. For example, US Patent 5,199,383 issued to Lagana sets forth a DOG SPOTTER SAFETY HARNESS which facilitates the attachment of a raised flag to a dogs body thereby rendering it easier to track the animal. A similar apparatus is shown in US Patent 5,746,158 issued to Landherr.

US Patents 5,546,970 and 5,918,611 both issued to Amato and both entitled ANIMAL UMBRELLA set forth a harness apparatus securable to a dog or other animal which supports a vertically extending shaft upon which an umbrella structure may be supported.

In a different area of the art, also generally related to the present invention, a plurality of animal toys and/or animal exercise apparatus are provided which may be generally described as mountings or supports for a tethered animal toy. Each of these animal toy and exercise devices may be characterized as utilizing a supporting base, an extending arm or wand, and a flexibly tethered animal toy. Often apparatus for moving the toy by moving the arm are also provided. Examples of such devices are found in US Patent 4,930,448 issued to Robinson and entitled ANIMAL TOY; US Patent 5,052,968 issued to Lodrick, Sr. and entitled MAGNETICALLY ACTUATED AMUSEMENT DEVICE; US Patent 5, 924,387 issued to Schramer and entitled INTERACTIVE PET TOY; US Patent 5,657,721 issued to Mayfield et al. and entitled CAT EXERCISE TOY; US Patent 5,881,679 issued to Hann and entitled MAGNETIC PENDULUM DEVICE FOR FELINE AMUSEMENT AND EXERCISE; US Patent 3,295,499 issued to Manchester and entitled ANIMAL AMUSEMENT AND EXERCISING DEVICE; US Patent 5,829,391 issued to Krietzman et al. and entitled UNDER-THE-DOOR MOUNTED PET TOY; US

Patent 5,103,770 issued to Burkovich and entitled PET EXERCISING DEVICE; US Patent 5,111,771 issued to Mathews and entitled EXERCISE AND AMUSEMENT DEVICE FOR PETS; US Patent Des.411,357 issued to Baiera et al. entitled PET TOY and US Patent Des.413,415 also issued to Baiera et al. and also entitled PET TOY. In a still further related art, US Patents 5,467,740 issued to Redwine; US Patent 4,499,855 issued to Galkiewicz; US Patent 6,314,913 issued to Lettau et al. and US Patent 5,755,184 issued to Neidenberger variously set forth exercise and training apparatus utilized in supporting an animal toy from an extended flexible member by an elongated string such as a fish line.

Despite the substantial variety of remotely controlled toys provided by practitioners in the art, there remains nonetheless a continuing need for evermore interesting, amusing and entertaining remotely controlled toys.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved remotely controlled toy. It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide an improved remotely controlled toy which is particularly suited to use with an animal like remotely controlled toy. It is a still more particular object of the present invention to provide an improved remotely controlled toy which facilitates the play pattern replicating the play activities of an animal-like remotely controlled figure.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a remotely controlled toy comprising: a toy body; drive means within the toy body providing movements; control means with the toy body for receiving command transmissions of controlling the drive means; an elongated wand having first and second ends; an ornament supported by the second end; attachment means securing the first end to the toy body such that the ornament is above the toy body; and a handheld remote control for transmitting command transmissions to the control means. 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 perspective view of the present invention remotely controlled animal toy in a typical play environment with a child user;

Figure 2 sets forth a perspective view of the internal remote control and drive apparatus of the present invention remotely controlled toy showing the toy animal body in phantom-line depiction;

Figure 3 sets forth a partial section view of the flexible wand attachment to the present invention remotely controlled toy showing the animal toy in phantom-line depiction;

Figures 4A through 4D set forth partial section views of alternative flexible wand attachment apparatus for use in the present invention remotely controlled toy.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Figure 1 sets forth a perspective view of a remotely controlled toy and control apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral 10. Remotely controlled toy 10 includes a toy animal generally referenced by numeral 20 operative under the control of a handheld control unit generally referenced by numeral 30. Controller 30 is shown in the hands of the child user for purposes of illustration.

It will be understood that in accordance with the descriptions of toy animal 20 set forth below in greater detail, that the remote control responsive apparatus within toy animal 20 and the control apparatus within controller 30 may be fabricated entirely in accordance with conventional fabrication technique. Further, it will be equally apparent that while the example set forth in Figure 1 contemplates a radio frequency or "RF" communication mechanism between controller 30 and toy animal 20, other communication apparatus equally well known in the art such as infrared or sound or ultrasound systems may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Toy animal 20 is preferable fabricated to includes a soft plush animal body 21 formed of a conventional plush fabric material and having a back portion 22. Animal 20 is supported by a plurality of wheels 40 through 43 which, in accordance with conventional fabrication techniques (not shown) support animal 20 for movement upon a play surface such as a floor or the like.

Toy animal 20 further includes an elongated flexible wand having an outer end 26 supporting a butterfly shaped member 28. Flexible wand 25 further defines an end 27 which, in the manner set forth below in greater detail, is secured to toy animal 20 at back portion 22.

In operation, and in accordance with conventional fabrication techniques, the child user manipulated command inputs 32, 33, 34 and 35 upon controller 30 to transmit encoded control signals via antenna 32 to responsive circuitry (seen in Figure 2) within toy animal 20. As the user manipulates command inputs 32 through 35, and as commands are sent to and received by operative systems within toy animal 20, toy animal 20 begins moving about the underlying play surface. This movement is controlled by the users manipulation of command inputs 32 though 35 causing toy animal 20 to move forwardly, rearwardly, stop, or turn left and right. During this movement the flexible character of wand 25 causes butterfly ornament 28 to move in a fashion which allows the user to employ a play pattern in which toy animal 20 seems to chase butterfly ornament 28. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the shape of butterfly ornament 28 is selected entirely in accordance with design preference. It will be further apparent that the shape of ornament 28 may be varied utilizing other implements which toy animal 20 may be perceived the be chasing such as a ball 25 shown in dash-line depiction in Figure 1.

Thus, as the user manipulates controller 30 causing control movement of toy animal 20, flexible wand 25 resiliently supports butterfly ornament 28 above and in front of toy animal 20 giving the appearance of animal 20 interacting with a butterfly represented by butterfly ornament 28. In accordance with the attachment apparatus set forth below in greater detail in Figures 4A through 4D, flexible wand 25 may, as desired, be securely attached to toy animal 20 causing the position of flexible wand 25 to remain fixed and causing butterfly ornament 28 to remain positioned in front of animal 20. Alternatively, end 27 of flexible wand 25 may be secured to toy animal 20 in a manner permitting rotational movement of flexible wand 25 as toy animal 20 is turned. This provides further variation of the play pattern.

Figure 2 sets forth a perspective view of the interior apparatus of toy animal 20 showing the outer surface of toy animal 20 and particularly body 21 in phantom-line depiction. Thus, as described above, toy animal 20 includes a plush animal body 21 having a back portion 22. Body 21 is shown in phantom-line depiction to facilitate the illustration of the operative apparatus housed within body 21.

In accordance with conventional fabrication techniques, a pair of rear wheels 42 and 43 are rotatably supported within body 21 by conventional means (not shown). Similarly, a pair of front wheels 40 and 41 are rotatably supported within body 21 by conventional support means (not shown). In further accordance with conventional fabrication techniques, a receiver and controller circuit 50 together with a drive apparatus 60 is supported within body 21 of animal 20. Drive apparatus 60 includes conventional apparatus (not shown) for rotating wheels 40 and 41 either oppositely, independently or in unison to provide the desired directional movement of animal 20. Thus, in accordance with conventional fabrication techniques, drive apparatus 60 in response to received encoded signals at receiver controller 50 may move toy animal 20 forwardly or rearwardly in the manner indicated by arrows 55 or cause animal 20 to turn to the left as indicated by arrow 56 or to the right as indicated by arrow 57. A receiving antenna 51 is supported within body 21 and is operatively coupled in accordance with conventional fabrication techniques to receiver and controller 50. It will be recalled that encoded signals transmitted by controller 30 via antenna (seen in Figure 1) are utilized in transmitting commands to animal 20. Accordingly, receiving antenna 51 responds to the transmitted signals to provide the required input signals to receiver and controller 50.

In accordance with the preferred fabrication of the present invention, flexible wand 25 includes an end portion 27 secured to back 22 of body 21.

Flexible wand further includes an outer end 26 supporting an ornament such as butterfly ornament 28.

While it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that flexible wand 25 may be fabricated to exhibit a variety of characteristics ranging from extremely rigid or substantially inflexible to extremely resilient and flexible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. However, in the preferred fabrication of the present invention, flexible wand 25 is formed of a flexible resilient material which cooperates with the weight represented butterfly ornament 28 to allow ornament 28 to move resiliently as flexible wand 25 flexes in response to movement to toy animal 20. In accordance with a further variation of the present invention, end 27 may be securely attached in the manner set forth below in Figures 4A, 4C and 4D to remain in a fixed position with respect to toy animal 20. However, by way of further variation, end 27 may be secured to back portion 22 in accordance with a structure such as that set forth in Figure 4B which facilitates rotational motion of flexible wand 25 in the manner indicated by arrows 66. This latter case allows the side to side movement of flexible wand 25 and thereby butterfly ornament 28 as toy animal 20 turns or spins during drive operations.

Figure 3 sets forth a partial section perspective view of the attachment of flexible wand 25 to back portion 22 of toy animal 20. For purposes of illustration, animal body 21 is shown in phantom-line depiction in Figure 3. More specifically, toy animal 20 includes a plush animal body 21 having a back portion 22. An internal supporting frame 24 shown in partial section in Figure 3, extends beneath back portion 22 of body 21 and supports an upwardly extending support receptacle 70. Receptacle 70 defines an upwardly open bore 71 which receives end portion 27 of flexible wand 25. In the preferred fabrication of the present invention, receptacle 70 is secured to frame 24 in a rigid attachment. Thus, receptacle 70 extends upwardly through the plush fabric forming back portion 22 of body 21.

While it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the position of receptacle 70 with respect to animal body 21 of toy animal 20 may be varied to achieve different effects for flexible wand 25 as toy animal 20 moves, it has been particularly advantageous to center receptacle 70 along the rotational axis 23 of toy animal 20. Axis 23 defines the spin or rotation axis about which animal 20 rotates or spins in response to signals from controller 30 (seen in Figure 1). The positioning of receptacle 70 with respect to axis 23 is particularly important when flexible wand 25 is freely rotatable in its attachment to receptacle 70 such as that shown in Figure 4B. However, the characteristic of flexible wand 25 is, in any event, influenced by its position upon body 21 as toy animal 20 is moved.

Figures 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D set forth partial section views illustrating alternative embodiments of the present invention with specific attention to the manner of attachment between end 27 of flexible wand and receptacle 70 of frame 24 (seen in Figure 3). By way of overview, Figure 4A sets forth a direct friction fit attachment while Figure 4B sets forth a freely rotatable attachment which allows flexible wand 25 to rotate with respect to the toy animal. Further, Figure 4C sets forth an embodiment which facilitates a snap fit insertion of end 27 of flexible wand 25 while Figure 4D sets forth a still further alternate embodiment in which a magnetic attachment or retaining apparatus is used.

More specifically, Figure 4A sets forth a portion of frame 24 supporting upwardly extending receptacle 70 having bore 71 formed therein. End 27 of flexible wand 25 is inserted into bore 71 and is sized with respect thereto to provide a frictional or slight force fit. The frictional character of this force fit securely retains end 27 of flexible wand 25 within receptacle 70.

Figure 4B sets forth a partial section view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention utilizing a freely rotatable attachment for flexible wand 25. In the embodiment of Figure 4B, frame 24 supports receptacle 70 having bore 71 formed therein. Flexible wand 25 includes an end 27 which is significantly smaller than bore 71 allowing a non-friction fit for end 27 within bore 71. An annular rib 37 is formed upon flexible wand 25 and rests upon the upper surface of receptacle 70. Thus, end 27 is rotatable within bore 71 allowing flexible wand 25 to rotate within bore 71 in the manner set forth by arrows 38. Thus, in the embodiment of Figure 4, the above mentioned additional movement capability of flexible wand 25 in respond to movement of toy animal 20 as illustrated in Figure 2 may take place.

Figure 4C sets forth a partial section view of a snap-fit embodiment of the present invention in which frame 24 supports a receptacle 70 having a bore 71 formed therein. An indent groove 45 is further formed within the interior of bore 71. Flexible wand 25 includes an end 27 received within bore 71 having an annular rib 46 formed therein. Rib 46 is received within indent groove 45 to provide a snap-fit attachment for end 27 of flexible wand 25.

Thus, end 27 of flexible wand 25 may be inserted into receptacle 70 by forcing end 27 and rib 46 downwardly causing the resilience of receptacle 70 to allow bore 71 to expand. As end 27 is forced downwardly, rib 46 passes downwardly and is received within groove 45. With rib 46 positioned within groove 45, the resilient character of receptacle 70 causes it to grip rib 46 and maintain flexible wand 25 in a snap-fit attachment.

Figure 4D sets forth a partial section view of a still further alternate embodiment attachment for flexible wand 25. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4D, frame 24 supports upwardly extending receptacle 70 having bore 71 formed therein. A permanent magnet 75 is secured at the lower end of bore 71 by conventional means such as force fit or adhesive attachment. Flexible wand 25 includes an end 27 supporting a permanent magnet 76 therein. Magnet 76 is oriented with respect to magnet 75 such that a magnetic attraction is created therebetween. The attachment of magnet 76 within end 27 of flexible wand 25 may utilize conventional attachment such as adhesive attachment or the like. Of importance in the embodiment shown in Figure 4D, is the additional retaining force provided for end 27 within receptacle 70 by the magnetic attraction between magnets 75 and 76. Flexible wand 25 may be withdrawn by inserting sufficient drawing force outwardly to overcome any frictional force between end 27 and bore 71 and the magnetic attraction between magnets 75 and 76. Thus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that the size of end 27 with respect to bore 71 may be chosen to provide either a snug-fit for fixed position attachment or a loose-fit relying on the magnetic attraction to provide a rotatable attachment for flexible wand 25. In the latter case, the rotatable character of flexible wand 25 would be similar to that shown in the embodiment of Figure 4B.

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 remotely controlled toy comprising:

a toy body;

drive means within said toy body providing movements;

control means with said toy body for receiving command transmissions of controlling said drive means;

an elongated wand having first and second ends;

an ornament supported by said second end;

attachment means securing said first end to said toy body such that said ornament is above said toy body; and

a handheld remote control for transmitting command transmissions to said control means.

2. The remotely controlled toy set forth in claim 1 wherein said elongated wand is resiliently flexible.

3. The remotely controlled toy set forth in claim 2 wherein said toy body is shaped to resemble an animal.

4. The remotely controlled toy set forth in claim 3 wherein said ornament is shaped to resemble a butterfly.

5. The remotely controlled toy set forth in claim 4 wherein said attachment means includes a receptacle having a bore therein for receiving said first end.

6. The remotely controlled toy set forth in claim 5 wherein said first end fits snuggly within said bore to fixedly attach said wand.

7. The remotely controlled toy set forth in claim 5 wherein said first end fits loosely within said bore to allow said wand to rotate in response to movement of said toy body.

8. The remotely controlled toy set forth in claim 1 wherein said attachment means includes a receptacle having a bore therein for receiving said first end.

9. The remotely controlled toy set forth in claim 8 wherein said first end fits snuggly within said bore to fixedly attach said wand.

10. The remotely controlled toy set forth in claim 8 wherein said first end fits loosely within said bore to allow said wand to rotate in response to movement of said toy body.

11. A toy comprising:

a toy body;

drive means within said toy body for moving said toy body over a play surface; an elongated flexible wand having a first end secured to said body and a second end; and

an ornament supported by said second end,

said elongated flexible wand holding said ornament above said toy body such that said ornament moves with respect to said toy body as it moves and said toy appears to be pursuing said ornament.

12. The toy set forth in claim 11 further including means for remotely controlling said drive means.