GB2277882A

GB2277882A - Doll toy

Info

Publication number: GB2277882A
Application number: GB9409268A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hisashi Shiraishi
Original assignee: Tomy Co Ltd
Current assignee: Tomy Co Ltd
Priority date: 1993-05-11
Filing date: 1994-05-10
Publication date: 1994-11-16
Anticipated expiration: 2014-05-10
Also published as: JP2507705Y2; GB2277882B; GB9409268D0; JPH0681593U

Abstract

A doll toy (1) comprises; a doll 6 having a movable portion 7, 16, 20, a base 3 for supporting the doll, a moving body 13 incorporated in the base so as to be movable therein, a means 4, 12 for operating the moving body, and an object of play movable on the base, wherein a magnet 14, 24 is incorporated in at least one of the moving body, the object of play and the movable portion for exerting magnetic actions between the moving body and the object of play, and between the object of play and the movable portion. Thus the doll toy may take the form of a kitten playing with a ball (Figure 1), a dog with a puppy (Figure 4), or a seal playing with a large ball (Figure 6). <IMAGE>

Description

DESCRIPTION DOLL TOY The present invention relates to a doll toy and, more particularly, to a doll toy in which a doll, or a part of the doll body thereof1 is moved by magnetic action.

Presently, toy dolls are known to be formed in shapes resembling animals, such as kittens and puppies, or various characters. These types of toy dolls are popular because they are cute, funny and pleasant in their appearance, as well as in their movements. Accordingly, the majority of toy dolls have, for example, a spiral spring or motor incorporated within the body to -move a part of the body, such as, for example, hands or feet.

When power from a spiral spring, motor or the like is used to move the hands and feet of a doll toy, a gear, cam, link mechanism or the like is generally involved. However, when operated by such a mechanism, the movements of the body part are rough or stiff. As a result, it is difficult to mimic the smooth and fine movements of the hands and feet of a real animal or character and, consequently, this represents a disadvantage of this type of mechanism.

A first embodiment of the doll toy comprises a doll which has a movable portion, a base for supporting the doll, and a moving body incorporated in the base which is movable therein.

Additionally, this embodiment comprises a mechanism for operating the moving body and an object of play which is movable on the base.

A magnet is incorporated in the moving body, the object of play and/or the movable portion. The magnets exert magnetic force between the moving body and the object of play, and between the object of play and the moving portion, thereby causing repulsion or attraction of the pieces.

A second embodiment of the doll toy comprises a doll, a base for movably supporting the doll, and a moving body incorporated in the base which is movable therein. Additionally, this embodiment includes a mechanism for operating the moving body and an object of play which is movable on the base. A magnet is incorporated in the moving body, the object of play and/or the doll. The magnets exert magnetic force between the moving body and the object of play, and between the object of play and the doll, thereby causing repulsion or attraction of the pieces.

A further embodiment of the doll toy comprises a doll having a movable portion and a mechanism to exert magnetic force between the movable portion of the doll and an object of play.

According to the above-described embodiments, when a moving body is moved within the base, the object of play is moved on the base due to the magnetic force exerted between the moving body and the object of play. Additionally, the doll, or part of the doll body, is moved by exerted magnetic force between the object of play and the doll, or part of the doll body. Since the doll, or part of the doll body, is moved by the attractive or repulsive force of the magnet, the movable portion is finely moved and is less restricted in its movement. Therefore, the motions closely resemble those of a real animal or character.

By use of the present invention it may be possible to achieve a doll toy capable of mimicking the smooth and fine movements of a real animal or character.

The invention will now be further described by way of example, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in utich:- Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a doll toy according to a first embodiment.

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the doll toy according the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a right side view showing a structure of connecting a barrel portion to a head portion of the doll toy of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a doll toy according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the doll toy according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a doll toy according to a third embodiment.

Pigure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the doll toy according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 provides a perspective view of the first embodiment of a doll toy 1. In this example, the doll toy 1 comprises a kitty doll 6, having a right hand 7 (movable portion) which plays with a knitting ball 2 (object of play), and a head portion 20. The ball 2 and the kitty doll are placed on a base 3. A string 4 is attached on a rear edge through a side of the base 3. A knob 5 is attached to the leading edge of the string 4.

The string 4 is pulled out of the side of the base 3 by pulling on the knob 5 attached to the string 4. When the pulled string 4 is released, the string 4 is drawn into the base 3 to be returned to the original position. While the string is being drawn back to its original position, the knitting ball 2 is turned rightward while turning on its axis on the front side of the kitty doll 6. As the knitting ball 3 approaches the kitty doll 6 by its rightward rotation, the kitty doll 6 plays with the knitting ball using the right hand (movable portion) 7. When the knitting ball 2, being close to the kitty doll 6, crosses just before the kitty doll 6, the right hand 7 motion is stopped and the head portion 20 of the kitty doll 6 follows the motion of the knitting ball 2.

The construction of this doll toy 1 will now be described in detail. As shown in Fig. 2, the base 3 is comprised of an upper frame 8 and a lower frame 9. The kitty doll 6 is screwed to the upper frame 8. A micro spiral spring 12, held between a lower cover 10 and an upper cover 11, is mounted on the lower frame 9.

The micro spiral spring 12 is biased by pulling the string 4, A rotating disk (movable body) 13 is rotated by the biasing force.

A circular opening lia is provided on the upper cover 11, and the rotating disk 13 is fitted into the opening lia with a slight interval. Additionally, a magnet 14 is provided at a shifted position on the upper surface of the rotating disk 13.

The kitty doll 6 will now be described. A barrel portion 15 of the kitty doll 6 comprises a left half portion 15a and a right half portion 15b, which are screwed together. In this embodiment, a tail 16 is simultaneously mounted to the barrel portion 15 by being held between the left half portion 15a and the right half portion lSb when they are screwed together, The right hand 7 can be divided into an upper half portion 7a and a lower half portion 7b. A magnet 17 is incorporated in the leading edge of the right hand 7. A leading edge of a bending pin 18 extends through the right half portion 15b. At the other end of the bending pin 18, a weight 19 is mounted. The right hand 7 is mounted at the leading edge of the bending pin 18 onto the right half portion 15b.

A head 20 of the kitty doll 6 is mounted to the barrel portion 15 through a pendulum 21. As shown in Fig. 3, the pendulum 21 is loosely fitted around the outer periphery of a shaft 25a additionally provided on a joint ring 25 fitted in the barrel portion 15. A weight 22 is mounted on the lower end portion of the pendulum 21. Tn this example, since the pendulum 21 is loosely fitted around the outer periphery of the shaft 25a, the head portion 20 can be rotated in the right and left directions, as well as in the longitudinal direction. The upper end portion of the pendulum 21 is engaged with the head portion 20. The head portion 20 has a front half portion 20a and a rear half portion 20b. A magnet 23 is incorporated in the leading edge of a nose portion of the front head portion 20a.

As shown in Fig. 2, the knitting ball 2 has an upper half portion 2a and a lower half portion 2b, A magnet 24 is disposed in a space formed within the knitting ball 2.

In the doll toy 1 having the above construction, the rotating disk 13 is rotated rightward by the biasing force of the micro spiral spring 12. Due to the rotation, magnetic force is exerted between the magnet 14 on the rotating disk 13 and the magnet 24 within the knitting ball 2. Consequently, the knitting ball 2 is rotated rightward while turning on its axis.

As the knitting ball 2 approaches the kitty doll 6, the right hand 7 is moved due to the magnetic force exerted between the magnet 24 within the knitting ball 2 and the magnet 17 in the right hand 7. At this time, since the knitting ball 2 is rotated while swinging, the magnetic force exerted between the magnet 24 within the knitting ball 2 and the magnet 17 in the right hand 7 becomes stronger or weaker. As a result, the right hand 7 of the kitty doll 6 moves closer or further from the knitting ball 2, in cooperation with the weight 19. Thus, the motion of the doll toy 1 appears just as a real kitty playing with a knitting ball.

Further, when the knitting ball 2 crosses just before the kitty doll 6, magnetic force is exerted between the magnet 24 within the knitting ball 2 and the magnet 23 in the head portion 20. As a result, the pendulum 21 is twisted and swigged. The head portion 20 becomes tilted forward slightly, and gradually is directed toward the left. The motion appears just as a real kitty following a moving object with its eyes, In the doll toy 1 having the above construction, since the motions of the hand 7 and the head portion 20 of the kitty doll 6 are a result of the magnetic force, the motions of the hand 7 and the head portion 20 are smooth and fine. Additionally, the restriction of the motion in the moving direction is reduced, thus making it possible to finely express the motions and very closely resemble those of a real kitty.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a doll toy according to a second embodiment. The doll toy 1 of the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a base 30 is formed into a box. Additionally, the doll toy comprises a mother dog doll 31 (doll toy) having a head portion 36 with eyes, and a puppy doll 32 (object of play). In this embodiment, parts corresponding to those in the first embodiment are indicated using the same symbols.

In a doll toy 1 according to this embodiment, the puppy doll 32 is placed on the base 30. A string 4, attached through a side of the base, is moved out of a side of the base 30 by pulling a knob 5 attached at the leading edge of the string 4. When the knob is released, the puppy doll 32 rotates rightward on one side of the mother dog doll 31. By the rightward rotation, the mother dog doll 31 is directed to the puppy doll 32. As the puppy doll 32 gets close to the mother dog doll 31 and crosses just before the mother dog doll 31, the head portion 36 of the mother dog doll 31 moves, following the puppy doll 32 with its eyes. Additionally, a tail 40 moves in the right and left directions accompanied with the motion of the head portion 36.

The construction of the second embodiment will now be described. As shown in Fig. 5, the base 30 comprises an upper frame 33 and a lower frame 34, The mother dog doll 31 is screwed to the upper frame 33. A micro spiral spring 12 held between a lower cover 10 and an upper cover 11 is mounted on the lower frame 34. By pulling the string 4, the micro spiral spring 12 is biased.

A rotating disk (moving body) 13 is rotated by the biasing force.

Magnets 14a are provided on shifted positions on the upper surface of the rotating disk 13.

The mother dog doll 31 comprises a barrel portion 35. The barrel portion 35 comprises a left half portion 35a and a right half portion 35b, which are screwed together.

The head portion 36 of the mother dog doll 31 is mounted on the barrel portion 35 using a pendulum 21. The pendulum 21 is loosely fitted around the outer periphery of a shaft 25a provided on a joint ring 25 fitted in a neck portion of the barrel portion 35. A weight 22 is mounted on the lower end portion of the pendulum 21 through a pipe 37. A bending pin 41 has a tail 40 on one end and is hung at the other end from the pipe 37.

Accordingly, as the pendulum 21 moves, the tail 40 is moved.

The upper end of the pendulum 21 is engaged with the head portion 36. The head portion 36 comprises a front half portion 36a and a rear half portion 36b. A magnet 39 is incorporated in a nose portion of the front half portion 36a. In this second embodiment, since the mother dog doll 31 is sitting, the barrel portion 35 of the mother dog doll 31 does not have enough space to perfectly receive the pendulum 21. Therefore, an opening 30a is provided on the base 30, so that the lower end portion of the pendulum 21 faces the inside of the base 30.

The puppy doll 32 comprises a main body 32a and a base 32b.

A magnet 38 is disposed in a space formed between the main body 32a and the base 32b.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve motions which very closely resemble those of a real dog.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a doll toy according to a third embodiment. A doll toy 1 in this third embodiment comprises a fur seal doll 51 having hands 54 and a tail 55, a large ball 52 as the object of play on which the fur seal doll 51 is placed, and a small ball 53 placed on the fur seal doll 51. Parts in this embodiment corresponding to those in the first embodiment are indicated using the same symbols, and the explanation thereof is omitted.

In the doll toy 1 of this embodiment, the fur seal doll 51 is placed on the large ball 52 and the small ball 53 is placed on the fur seal doll 51. The string 4 is moved out of the side of the base 3 by pulling on a knob 5 which is attached at the leading edge of the string 4. When the pulled string 4 is released, the large ball 52 is rotated rightward while swigging, Thus, the fur seal doll S1 dances on the large ball 52, appearing to try to maintain its balance. Hands 54 attached to the fur seal doll 51 move during this "balancing act", as does the tail 55. At this time, the small ball 53 is swigged on the head of the fur seal doll 51.

The construction of the doll toy 1 according to the third embodiment 3 will be described, with reference to Fig. 7.

The base 3 will be described first. The base 3 comprises an upper frame 8 and a lower frame 9. The base 3 comprises the same mechanism as in the first embodiment. Accordingly, parts corresponding to those in the first embodiment are indicated using the same symbols, and the explanation thereof is omitted.

The fur seal doll 51 will now be described. A barrel portion 56 of the fur seal doll 51 has a left half portion 56a and a right half portion 56b, which are screwed together.

The fur seal doll 51 additionally includes a bending pin 57 which extends through the left half portion 56a and the right half portion 56b. A hand 54 is mounted on each end of the bending pin 57. The hands 54 are moved by the motion of the bending pin 57 through the swinging of the fur seal doll 51.

A magnet 58 is mounted on the barrel portion of the fur seal doll 51 and a magnet 59 is mounted in the head portion of the fur seal doll 51. Additionally, a tail 55, rotatable around a shaft 55a, is mounted on the tail portion of the fur seal doll 51. The tail 55 is moved by the swinging of the fur seal doll 51. A magnet 60 is incorporated within the large ball 52 and a magnet 61 is incorporated within the small ball 53.

This embodiment can achieve motions which very closely resemble those of a real fur seal.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is not limited to the above described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the above-described embodiments, the attractive force of the magnet is primarily used: however, the repulsive force and suitable combinations of the attractive and repulsive forces of the magnet may be used. Moreover, in the above-described embodiments, the magnets are incorporated in each of the moving body, the object of play and the doll; however, the magnets may be incorporated in the moving body and the doll, and the magnetic body may be incorporated in the object of play. Alternately, a magnet may be incorporated in the object of play, and magnetic bodies may be incorporated in the moving body and doll.

In addition to the above-described embodiments of dolls resembling a kitty, a dog and a fur seal, dolls resembling other animals or characters may be used, as for example, a baby doll.

Additionally, in the above-described embodiments, a spiral springs has been used as a power source; however, a motor may be used as the power source.

In the above-described embodiments, although not included in the scope of the present invention, to concretely express the motions of a real animal reacting to the moving object, the doll is moved in response to movement of the object of play. Alternately, however, the object of play may be reversely moved through the doll. In addition, the movement may be made through an intermediate subject, such as a toy car, airplane, ship, electric car, or helicopter, or the other subject may be moved through a toy such as a car, airplane, ship, electric car, or helicopter. In such a case, of course, the movement shall appear smooth and fine.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a doll toy which smoothly and finely mimics the motions of a real animal or character.

Claims

1. A doll toy comprising: a doll having a movable portion; a base for supporting said doll; a moving body incorporated in said base so as to be movable therein; means for operating said moving body; and an object of play moveable on said base, wherein a magnet is incorporated in at least one of said moving body, said object of play and said movable portion for exerting magnetic force between said moving body and said object of play, and between said object of play and said movable portion.

2. A doll toy comprising: a doll; a base for movably supporting said doll; a moving body incorporated in said base so as to be movable therein; means for operating said moving body; and an object of play movable on said base, wherein a magnet is incorporated in at least one of said moving body, said object of play and said doll for exerting magnetic force between said moving body and said object of play, and between said object of play and said doll.

3. A doll toy according to claim 2, wherein said doll has a movable portion, and magnetic force is exerted between said movable portion and said object of play.

4. A doll toy substantiallv as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3 and Figs. 4 and 5 or Figs. 6 and 7 of the accompanying drawings.