EP3405268A1 - Toy apparatus and methods of manufacture and use thereof - Google Patents

Toy apparatus and methods of manufacture and use thereof

Info

Publication number
EP3405268A1
EP3405268A1 EP17703210.9A EP17703210A EP3405268A1 EP 3405268 A1 EP3405268 A1 EP 3405268A1 EP 17703210 A EP17703210 A EP 17703210A EP 3405268 A1 EP3405268 A1 EP 3405268A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
toy
game apparatus
character
trigger means
shaking
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP17703210.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3405268B1 (en
EP3405268B8 (en
Inventor
Don ULLMAN
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
John Adams Leisure Ltd
Original Assignee
John Adams Leisure Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by John Adams Leisure Ltd filed Critical John Adams Leisure Ltd
Publication of EP3405268A1 publication Critical patent/EP3405268A1/en
Publication of EP3405268B1 publication Critical patent/EP3405268B1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3405268B8 publication Critical patent/EP3405268B8/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
    • A63F9/001—Games or toys connected to, or combined with, other objects; Objects with a second use as a toy or game
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
    • A63F3/00003—Types of board games
    • A63F3/00006—Board games played along a linear track, e.g. game of goose, snakes and ladders, along an endless track
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
    • A63F3/00003—Types of board games
    • A63F3/00028—Board games simulating indoor or outdoor sporting games, e.g. bowling, basketball, boxing, croquet, athletics, jeu de boules, darts, snooker, rodeo
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
    • A63F3/00643—Electric board games; Electric features of board games
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H13/00—Toy figures with self-moving parts, with or without movement of the toy as a whole
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
    • A63F3/00003—Types of board games
    • A63F3/00006—Board games played along a linear track, e.g. game of goose, snakes and ladders, along an endless track
    • A63F2003/00018—Board games played along a linear track, e.g. game of goose, snakes and ladders, along an endless track played along an endless track
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
    • A63F9/001—Games or toys connected to, or combined with, other objects; Objects with a second use as a toy or game
    • A63F2009/0012—Games or toys connected to, or combined with, other objects; Objects with a second use as a toy or game the other object being a container or part thereof
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2250/00—Miscellaneous game characteristics
    • A63F2250/04—Miscellaneous game characteristics containing a liquid
    • A63F2250/0407—Water
    • A63F2250/0428—Water being squirted
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2250/00—Miscellaneous game characteristics
    • A63F2250/10—Miscellaneous game characteristics with measuring devices
    • A63F2250/1063—Timers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2250/00—Miscellaneous game characteristics
    • A63F2250/10—Miscellaneous game characteristics with measuring devices
    • A63F2250/1063—Timers
    • A63F2250/1089—Mechanical timer causing a random event

Definitions

  • the invention to which this application relates is an apparatus in the form of a toy, game or plaything and methods of manufacture and use thereof.
  • a toy or game apparatus said apparatus including a figure or character member and a trigger means, wherein user actuation of the trigger means causes at least part of the figure or character member to vibrate and/or shake, said vibrating or shaking occurring occasionally and/or after a period of time has elapsed.
  • user actuation of the trigger means occasionally causes at least part of the figure or character member to vibrate and/or shake.
  • actuation of the trigger means only causes shaking and/or vibrating of the character member occasionally and/or some of the time.
  • each and/or every actuation of the trigger means does not result in the figure or character member shaking.
  • the users or players cannot predict which actuation or the trigger means will cause shaking or vibration of the figure or character member. Further typically such an arrangement creates suspense for the one or more players or users of the toy apparatus.
  • the trigger means includes a timer. Typically actuation of the trigger means initiates, sets or actuates the timer to start timing a predetermined amount of time. In one embodiment the character or figure member starts to vibrate and/or shake after a predetermined or set amount of time has passed.
  • the character or figure member starts to vibrate and/or shake after a predetermined or set amount of time has passed and the user actuates the trigger means.
  • the shaking or vibrating occurs on a user's actuation of the trigger means after the time has elapsed and the user actuates the trigger means.
  • the trigger means includes a latched engagement mechanism.
  • the latched engagement mechanism is biased and/or balanced such that relatively light contact and/or small movements of the trigger means and/or the figure or character member can actuate or start the shaking and/or vibration.
  • the trigger means includes a rotatable member.
  • the trigger means is in the form of a tap, spigot and/or the like. Further typically rotation or partial rotation of the tap can occasionally cause or actuate the vibration and/or shaking of a at least part of the character or figure member.
  • the trigger means includes an actuating or shaking mechanism.
  • the shaking mechanism includes any one or any combination of springs, magnets, cams, oscillating members, rotating members, axles and/or the like.
  • actuation of the trigger means usually by rotation, coils and/or creates more tension in a spring associated with the shaking mechanism. Further actuation or turns, usually by a second or further user creates more tension. This continues periodically until sufficient tension is reached to trigger a vibrating or oscillating member which generates movement in at least part of the figure or character.
  • the vibrating or oscillating member includes one or more rotating cams and/or the like.
  • the vibrations, shaking and/or oscillations are caused by one or more rotating magnets.
  • said magnets are incorporated into said shaking mechanism.
  • the apparatus includes a microprocessor.
  • the microprocessor is programmed with a random or apparently random series which actuates the trigger means and/or shaking mechanism.
  • the apparatus includes a container portion in which at least part of the character of figure member is located or positioned.
  • the container portion is an open topped container such as a bath, tub and/or the like.
  • the container portion can contain or hold liquid.
  • the container portion holds an amount of water.
  • a user actuation of the trigger means causes or occasions at least a portion of the character or figure member to shake or vibrate, this movement causes some of the water to be sprayed or flung about.
  • the character or figure member is in the form of an animal.
  • the animal character or figure includes substantially flexible material portions.
  • the substantially flexible material portions form or represent features of the animal such as fur, ears, tail and/or the like which extend from the character or figure member.
  • the animal character member shakes or vibrates the material portion also move, thereby enhancing the visual effect of the movement.
  • the material portions cause droplets of liquid to be flung about when the character or figure member shakes or vibrates.
  • the character or figure member is a dog, or in the form of a canine like character.
  • at least the ears and/or fur of the dog is formed from substantially flexible material.
  • the apparatus includes or is associated with a board portion.
  • the board portion includes one or more markings.
  • the one or more markings indicate portions or places of the board where game counters, tokens, pieces and/or the like should be positioned or placed in use.
  • the board portion includes a plurality of markings at least some of which designate the number of times the trigger means should be actuated by a user or player.
  • the character or figure member and/or the container portion is located or positioned on the board.
  • the character member and/or the container portion are substantially centrally located on the board.
  • the markings substantially encircle and/or are located around at least part of the character member and/or the container portion.
  • the apparatus includes one or more dies or dice.
  • the die includes markings which indicate which portions of the board they must move their counters to and/or how many places forward they can move.
  • the apparatus includes a brush member.
  • the brush member is used to comb or brush the figure or character member and/or the flexible material portions depending therefrom.
  • brushing the figure or character member can actuate and/or trigger the vibration and/or shaking of the same.
  • the apparatus includes a liquid dispenser.
  • the dispenser is a spray, hose, tap and/or the like.
  • a user dispenses water from the dispenser on to the character or figure member and/or into the container portion.
  • the user actions of brushing and/or washing the character member is dependent on the places or markers on the board on which they land during playing the game.
  • a method of manufacturing a toy apparatus said apparatus including a figure or character member and a trigger means, wherein user actuation of the trigger means causes at least part of the figure or character member to vibrate and/or shake, said vibrating or shaking occurring occasionally and/or after a period of time has elapsed wherein said method includes the step of engaging a vibrating or shaking mechanism with at least part of said figure or character member.
  • a method of using or playing with a toy apparatus said apparatus including a figure or character member and a trigger means, wherein user actuation of the trigger means causes at least part of the figure or character member to vibrate and/or shake, said vibrating or shaking occurring occasionally and/or after a period of time has elapsed.
  • each player takes it in turns to actuate the trigger means at least once.
  • a game including a character or figure member, a vibrating or oscillating mechanism and at least one trigger means wherein actuation of the trigger means may or may not start or cause the vibrating mechanism to make the character member vibrate, oscillate and/ or shake.
  • Figures 1 -10 illustrates perspectives view of an apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • the present invention concerns a toy or game apparatus wherein a user actuates a trigger, in the present example by turning a tap, which turn may, or may not, actuate or otherwise cause a figure to begin shaking or oscillating.
  • FIG. 1 there is illustrated an apparatus 2 which includes a character figure 4, in this example a dog, although the skilled person will appreciate that other figures or animals could be employed.
  • the premise behind the game is that the users take turns in performing bathing activities on the character, any one of which could cause the character to start shaking.
  • the dog 4 in this example is positioned inside a bath tub 6 which is not essential but can hold water such that when the dog does start shaking water can be sprayed or flicked around (in part on to the users) thus increasing the appeal of the game.
  • the dog 4 and bath 6 are placed on a board 8 on which there are a number of squares.
  • the players take it in turns to roll a die 10 to determine which square the players counter is moved forward to.
  • the die has landed with the colour blue face up and therefore the user moves the counter to the next available blue square on the board.
  • the square denotes that the player must actuate the trigger or actuation means, in this example in the form of a tap 12, three times. In this example an actuation is a quarter (1 /4) rotation of the tap 12 as shown in figure 3.
  • the three actuations or quarter turns of the tap 12 do not result in the dog 4 shaking or vibrating and therefore it is the second users turn to throw the die 10 and move their counter as shown in figure 4.
  • the die indicates that the second player must move to a yellow square whereby it is denoted that the user must brush the dog using the brush 14 supplied and after this actuate or turn the tap 12 once (one quarter turn) , as shown in figures 5-7.
  • the dog 4 includes flexible material making up at least part of the fur and ears. On vibration the fur and ears flail around depositing any water on the dog and/or in the bath.
  • the material may comprise or consist of substantially absorbent material so that if water is used some of it will be taken up by the character. The skilled person will appreciate that the game is effective and entertaining whether water is used or not and is an option to the players.
  • the game is equipped with a spray bottle to which water can be sprayed onto the dog and/or added to the bath when a square which is landed instructs the player to do so.
  • a spray bottle to which water can be sprayed onto the dog and/or added to the bath when a square which is landed instructs the player to do so.
  • other equipment and liquids could be incorporated, including sponges, soaps and/or the like.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Educational Technology (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)

Abstract

A toy or game apparatus which including a figure or character member and a trigger means. User actuation of the trigger means causes at least part of the figure or character member to vibrate and/or shake, said vibrating or shaking occurring occasionally and/or after a period of time has elapsed.

Description

Toy appar tus and methods of manufacture and use thereof
The invention to which this application relates is an apparatus in the form of a toy, game or plaything and methods of manufacture and use thereof.
Although the following description refers exclusively to a children's toy and the use thereof, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention could also be used in adult adaptations and/or the like and is not limited to toys for children.
It is known to provide children's toys or games with a figure or character movement of which is actuated or caused by a trigger, often coupled to a timer.
Often such toys are relatively simple and only include movement in one direction. For example the popular game Buckaroo™ whereby placing items on a mule figure can cause the figure to kick or buck and thus the user placing that particular item loses the game.
It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus that addresses the aforementioned problems associated with the prior art.
It is another aim of the present invention to provide a method of manufacturing an apparatus that addresses the aforementioned problems associated with the prior art.
It is yet a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using an apparatus that addresses the aforementioned problems associated with the prior art. In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a toy or game apparatus, said apparatus including a figure or character member and a trigger means, wherein user actuation of the trigger means causes at least part of the figure or character member to vibrate and/or shake, said vibrating or shaking occurring occasionally and/or after a period of time has elapsed.
In a preferred embodiment user actuation of the trigger means occasionally causes at least part of the figure or character member to vibrate and/or shake. Typically actuation of the trigger means only causes shaking and/or vibrating of the character member occasionally and/or some of the time.
Further typically occasionally, or occasional actuation means that each and/or every actuation of the trigger means does not result in the figure or character member shaking.
Typically shaking or vibrating only occurs on some of the actuations. Further typically actuation of the trigger means infrequently, intermittently, irregularly, periodically, and/or otherwise sporadically or randomly, causes the figure or character member to vibrate or shake.
Thus in a preferred embodiment the users or players cannot predict which actuation or the trigger means will cause shaking or vibration of the figure or character member. Further typically such an arrangement creates suspense for the one or more players or users of the toy apparatus.
In one embodiment the trigger means includes a timer. Typically actuation of the trigger means initiates, sets or actuates the timer to start timing a predetermined amount of time. In one embodiment the character or figure member starts to vibrate and/or shake after a predetermined or set amount of time has passed.
In one embodiment the character or figure member starts to vibrate and/or shake after a predetermined or set amount of time has passed and the user actuates the trigger means. In this embodiment the shaking or vibrating occurs on a user's actuation of the trigger means after the time has elapsed and the user actuates the trigger means.
In one embodiment the trigger means includes a latched engagement mechanism.
In one embodiment the latched engagement mechanism is biased and/or balanced such that relatively light contact and/or small movements of the trigger means and/or the figure or character member can actuate or start the shaking and/or vibration.
In a preferred embodiment the trigger means includes a rotatable member. Typically the trigger means is in the form of a tap, spigot and/or the like. Further typically rotation or partial rotation of the tap can occasionally cause or actuate the vibration and/or shaking of a at least part of the character or figure member.
In one embodiment the trigger means includes an actuating or shaking mechanism. Typically the shaking mechanism includes any one or any combination of springs, magnets, cams, oscillating members, rotating members, axles and/or the like.
In one embodiment actuation of the trigger means, usually by rotation, coils and/or creates more tension in a spring associated with the shaking mechanism. Further actuation or turns, usually by a second or further user creates more tension. This continues periodically until sufficient tension is reached to trigger a vibrating or oscillating member which generates movement in at least part of the figure or character.
In one embodiment the vibrating or oscillating member includes one or more rotating cams and/or the like.
In one embodiment the vibrations, shaking and/or oscillations are caused by one or more rotating magnets. Typically said magnets are incorporated into said shaking mechanism.
In one embodiment the apparatus includes a microprocessor. Typically the microprocessor is programmed with a random or apparently random series which actuates the trigger means and/or shaking mechanism.
In one embodiment of the apparatus includes a container portion in which at least part of the character of figure member is located or positioned. Typically the container portion is an open topped container such as a bath, tub and/or the like.
Further typically the container portion can contain or hold liquid.
In one embodiment the container portion holds an amount of water. Typically, when a user actuation of the trigger means causes or occasions at least a portion of the character or figure member to shake or vibrate, this movement causes some of the water to be sprayed or flung about.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the character or figure member is in the form of an animal. Typically the animal character or figure includes substantially flexible material portions. Further typically the substantially flexible material portions form or represent features of the animal such as fur, ears, tail and/or the like which extend from the character or figure member. Thus when the animal character member shakes or vibrates the material portion also move, thereby enhancing the visual effect of the movement.
In addition, if water or other liquid is added to the container portion and/or the character or figure member itself, the material portions cause droplets of liquid to be flung about when the character or figure member shakes or vibrates.
Preferably the character or figure member is a dog, or in the form of a canine like character. Typically at least the ears and/or fur of the dog is formed from substantially flexible material.
In one embodiment the apparatus includes or is associated with a board portion. Typically the board portion includes one or more markings. Further typically the one or more markings indicate portions or places of the board where game counters, tokens, pieces and/or the like should be positioned or placed in use.
In one embodiment the board portion includes a plurality of markings at least some of which designate the number of times the trigger means should be actuated by a user or player. Thus, when playing the game, if a user lands on a marking which designates a relatively high number of actuations, the greater the risk and/or higher the chance that the user will cause the figure or character member to shake or vibrate.
In one embodiment the character or figure member and/or the container portion is located or positioned on the board. Typically the character member and/or the container portion are substantially centrally located on the board. Further typically the markings substantially encircle and/or are located around at least part of the character member and/or the container portion.
Typically two or more users or players take it in turn to move tokens or counters around the board. The player who can move to the end of the markings without causing the figure to shake and/or causing it to shake the least or fewest number of times wins the game. Further typically when a user triggers the shaking they must move back and/or return to the start of the markings.
In one embodiment the apparatus includes one or more dies or dice. Typically the die includes markings which indicate which portions of the board they must move their counters to and/or how many places forward they can move.
In one embodiment the apparatus includes a brush member. Typically the brush member is used to comb or brush the figure or character member and/or the flexible material portions depending therefrom.
In one embodiment brushing the figure or character member can actuate and/or trigger the vibration and/or shaking of the same.
In one embodiment the apparatus includes a liquid dispenser. Typically the dispenser is a spray, hose, tap and/or the like. Further typically a user dispenses water from the dispenser on to the character or figure member and/or into the container portion. Typically the user actions of brushing and/or washing the character member is dependent on the places or markers on the board on which they land during playing the game.
In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a toy apparatus, said apparatus including a figure or character member and a trigger means, wherein user actuation of the trigger means causes at least part of the figure or character member to vibrate and/or shake, said vibrating or shaking occurring occasionally and/or after a period of time has elapsed wherein said method includes the step of engaging a vibrating or shaking mechanism with at least part of said figure or character member.
In a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of using or playing with a toy apparatus, said apparatus including a figure or character member and a trigger means, wherein user actuation of the trigger means causes at least part of the figure or character member to vibrate and/or shake, said vibrating or shaking occurring occasionally and/or after a period of time has elapsed.
Typically where there are two or more users or players, each player takes it in turns to actuate the trigger means at least once.
In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a game including a character or figure member, a vibrating or oscillating mechanism and at least one trigger means wherein actuation of the trigger means may or may not start or cause the vibrating mechanism to make the character member vibrate, oscillate and/ or shake.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein: Figures 1 -10 illustrates perspectives view of an apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
The present invention concerns a toy or game apparatus wherein a user actuates a trigger, in the present example by turning a tap, which turn may, or may not, actuate or otherwise cause a figure to begin shaking or oscillating.
Referring to Figure 1 there is illustrated an apparatus 2 which includes a character figure 4, in this example a dog, although the skilled person will appreciate that other figures or animals could be employed. The premise behind the game is that the users take turns in performing bathing activities on the character, any one of which could cause the character to start shaking. The dog 4 in this example is positioned inside a bath tub 6 which is not essential but can hold water such that when the dog does start shaking water can be sprayed or flicked around (in part on to the users) thus increasing the appeal of the game.
The dog 4 and bath 6 are placed on a board 8 on which there are a number of squares. In use the players take it in turns to roll a die 10 to determine which square the players counter is moved forward to. In figure 2 the die has landed with the colour blue face up and therefore the user moves the counter to the next available blue square on the board. The square denotes that the player must actuate the trigger or actuation means, in this example in the form of a tap 12, three times. In this example an actuation is a quarter (1 /4) rotation of the tap 12 as shown in figure 3.
The three actuations or quarter turns of the tap 12 do not result in the dog 4 shaking or vibrating and therefore it is the second users turn to throw the die 10 and move their counter as shown in figure 4. The die indicates that the second player must move to a yellow square whereby it is denoted that the user must brush the dog using the brush 14 supplied and after this actuate or turn the tap 12 once (one quarter turn) , as shown in figures 5-7.
On the actuation this occasions or starts the dog shaking or vibrating as shown in figures 8 and 9. This shaking sends droplets of water over the player and indicating that they must go back to the start and/or pick up one of the cards 16 associated with the game indicating that the player has caused the dog to shake. In this example the dog 4 includes flexible material making up at least part of the fur and ears. On vibration the fur and ears flail around depositing any water on the dog and/or in the bath. The material may comprise or consist of substantially absorbent material so that if water is used some of it will be taken up by the character. The skilled person will appreciate that the game is effective and entertaining whether water is used or not and is an option to the players.
In this embodiment the game is equipped with a spray bottle to which water can be sprayed onto the dog and/or added to the bath when a square which is landed instructs the player to do so. The skilled person will appreciate that other equipment and liquids could be incorporated, including sponges, soaps and/or the like.

Claims

Claims
1. A toy or game apparatus, said apparatus including a figure or character member and a trigger means, wherein user actuation of the trigger means causes at least part of the figure or character member to vibrate and/or shake, said vibrating or shaking occurring occasionally and/or after a period of time has elapsed.
2. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein user actuation of the trigger means occasionally causes at least part of the figure or character member to vibrate and/or shake.
3. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 2 wherein actuation of the trigger means only causes shaking and/or vibrating of the character member occasionally and/ or some of the time.
4. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 3 wherein each and/or every actuation of the trigger means does not result in the figure or character member shaking.
5. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein shaking or vibrating only occurs on some of the actuations.
6. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the users or players cannot predict which actuation or the trigger means will cause shaking or vibration of the figure or character member.
7. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the trigger means includes a timer.
8. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 7 wherein actuation of the trigger means initiates, sets or actuates the timer to start timing a predetermined amount of time.
9. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the figure or character member starts to vibrate and/or shake after a predetermined or set amount of time has passed.
10. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the character or figure member starts to vibrate and/or shake after a predetermined or set amount of time has passed and the user subsequently actuates the trigger means.
11. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the trigger means includes a latched engagement mechanism.
12. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 1 1 wherein the latched engagement mechanism is biased and/or balanced such that relatively light contact and/or small movements of the trigger means and/or the figure or character member can actuate or start the shaking and/or vibration.
13. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the trigger means includes a rotatable member.
14. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the trigger means is in the form of a tap or spigot.
15. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 14 wherein rotation or partial rotation of the tap can occasionally cause or actuate the vibration and/or shaking of a at least part of the character or figure member.
16. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the trigger means includes an actuating or shaking mechanism.
17. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 16 wherein actuation of the trigger means coils and/or creates more tension in a spring associated with the shaking mechanism.
18. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 17 wherein further actuation or turns, creates more tension in said spring which continues periodically until sufficient tension is reached to trigger a vibrating or oscillating member thereby generating vibrating and/or shaking movement in at least part of the figure or character.
19. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the vibrating or oscillating member includes one or more rotating cams and/or the like.
20. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the vibrations, shaking and/or oscillations are caused by one or more rotating magnets.
21. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 16 wherein the apparatus includes a microprocessor programmed with a random or apparently random series which actuates the trigger means and/or shaking mechanism.
22. A toy or game apparatus according to any previous claim wherein the apparatus includes a container portion in which at least part of the character of figure member is located or positioned.
23. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the container is open topped and can contain or hold liquid.
24. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the container portion holds an amount of water and when user actuation of the trigger means causes or occasions at least a portion of the character or figure member to shake or vibrate, this movement causes some of the water to be sprayed or flung about.
25. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 24 wherein the character or figure member is in the form of an animal and the animal character or figure includes substantially flexible material portions .
26. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 25 wherein the character or figure member is a dog, or in the form of a canine like character and at least the ears and/or fur of the dog is formed from substantially flexible material.
27. A toy or game apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus includes or is associated with a board portion.
28. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the board portion includes one or more markings indicating portions or places of the board where game counters, tokens, pieces and/or the like should be positioned or placed in use.
29. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the board portion includes a plurality of markings at least some of which designate the number of times the trigger means should be actuated by a user or player.
30. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 29 wherein the character or figure member and/or the container portion is located or positioned on the board and the markings substantially encircle and/or are located around at least part of the character member and/or the container portion.
31 . A toy or game apparatus according to claim 30 wherein two or more users or players take it in turn to move tokens or counters around the board and the player who can move to the end of the markings without causing the figure to shake and/or causing it to shake the least or fewest number of times wins the game.
32. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 31 wherein the apparatus includes one or more dies or dice which includes markings which indicate which portions of the board they must move their counters to and/or how many places forward they can move.
33. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 25 wherein the apparatus includes a brush member used to comb or brush the figure or character member and/or the flexible material portions depending therefrom.
34. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 33 wherein brushing the figure or character member can actuate and/or trigger the vibration and/or shaking of the same.
35. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the apparatus includes a liquid dispenser and a user dispenses water from the dispenser on to the character or figure member and/or into the container portion.
36. A method of manufacturing a toy apparatus, said apparatus including a figure or character member and a trigger means, wherein user actuation of the trigger means causes at least part of the figure or character member to vibrate and/or shake, said vibrating or shaking occurring occasionally and/or after a period of time has elapsed wherein said method includes the step of engaging a vibrating or shaking mechanism with at least part of said figure or character member.
37. A method of using or playing with a toy apparatus, said apparatus including a figure or character member and a trigger means, wherein user actuation of the trigger means causes at least part of the figure or character member to vibrate and/or shake, said vibrating or shaking occurring occasionally and/or after a period of time has elapsed.
38. A toy or game apparatus according to claim 37 wherein Typically where there are two or more users or players, each player takes it in turns to actuate the trigger means at least once.
EP17703210.9A 2016-01-22 2017-01-23 Toy apparatus and methods of manufacture and use thereof Active EP3405268B8 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1601231.2A GB201601231D0 (en) 2016-01-22 2016-01-22 Toy apparatus and methods of manufacture and use thereof
PCT/GB2017/050161 WO2017125762A1 (en) 2016-01-22 2017-01-23 Toy apparatus and methods of manufacture and use thereof

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3405268A1 true EP3405268A1 (en) 2018-11-28
EP3405268B1 EP3405268B1 (en) 2019-12-18
EP3405268B8 EP3405268B8 (en) 2020-02-26

Family

ID=55534802

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17703210.9A Active EP3405268B8 (en) 2016-01-22 2017-01-23 Toy apparatus and methods of manufacture and use thereof

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20190201782A1 (en)
EP (1) EP3405268B8 (en)
JP (1) JP7069038B2 (en)
GB (2) GB201601231D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2017125762A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4071249A (en) * 1977-02-07 1978-01-31 Goldfarb Adolph E Doll head having two randomly selected movements
US4149725A (en) * 1977-04-23 1979-04-17 Masatoshi Todokoro Game board having animated ball projectors with retracting hoods and central target
US4147358A (en) * 1978-01-26 1979-04-03 Marvin Glass & Associates Vibrating game apparatus with loosely interfitting surface elements
JPH0182087U (en) * 1987-11-21 1989-06-01
US5263714A (en) * 1992-08-07 1993-11-23 Elliot Rudell Game with selective members for releasing water
US5342064A (en) * 1993-10-25 1994-08-30 Western Publishing Co., Inc. Acquisition game
JP3035974U (en) * 1996-06-14 1997-04-08 株式会社トイボックス Swing toys
US6554679B1 (en) * 1999-01-29 2003-04-29 Playmates Toys, Inc. Interactive virtual character doll
US20070026763A1 (en) * 2002-01-14 2007-02-01 Panec Don J Actuatable toys containing deformable bladders
US8951151B2 (en) * 2007-03-23 2015-02-10 Theresa A. Glowinski Game ball

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2564024B (en) 2021-01-20
JP2019508195A (en) 2019-03-28
WO2017125762A1 (en) 2017-07-27
EP3405268B1 (en) 2019-12-18
JP7069038B2 (en) 2022-05-17
EP3405268B8 (en) 2020-02-26
US20190201782A1 (en) 2019-07-04
GB201601231D0 (en) 2016-03-09
GB201813676D0 (en) 2018-10-03
GB2564024C (en) 2022-04-06
GB2564024A (en) 2019-01-02

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