GB2279886A

GB2279886A - Head shaking mechanism

Info

Publication number: GB2279886A
Application number: GB9414137A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Yoshizo Nagasaka
Original assignee: Tomy Co Ltd
Current assignee: Tomy Co Ltd
Priority date: 1993-07-16
Filing date: 1994-07-13
Publication date: 1995-01-18
Also published as: JPH079396U; JP2538822Y2; GB9414137D0

Abstract

A head shaking mechanism 9 comprising a supporting shaft 12 which is secured in the torso of a doll 1 at its proximal end and enters the head 4 of the doll 1 which is configured separately from the torso at its distal end. The distal end of the supporting shaft 12 is formed substantially as a spire. A bearing member 15, disposed in the head 4, has a substantially cone-shaped hole 15a for receiving the distal end of the supporting shaft 12. A guide member 13 is provided at the distal end of the supporting shaft 12 for guiding the rocking motion of the head 4. Additionally, a sliding member 10, slidable relative to the guide member when the head 4 rocks, is securely provided in the vicinity of the guide member 13 in the head 4 for cushioning an impact or bending stress produced at the contact portion between the bearing member 15 and the supporting shaft 12. This head shaking mechanism 9 allows subtle head shaking actions through natural motions, which closely mimic those of an actual baby. Suitably the doll is provided with an operating member, such as an arm (8) or a pacifier (3, Fig. 4) that can closely approach and distance itself from the head. Preferably, both operating member and head are provided with magnets so that when they closely approach, magnetic forces induce movement of the head. The doll may include a sound generator in its torso. <IMAGE>

Description

DESCRIPTION HEAD SRAKTNG MECRNISM The present device relates to a head shaking mechanism for moving, for instance, the head of a toy doll, and more particularly relates to a head shaking mechanism for rocking the head in an arbitrary direction.

A head shaking mechanism of a conventional type allows head shaking action only in a single direction, i.e., vertical or horizontal. Generally, the head of a doll is moved so as to be artificially rotated in a horizontal direction or tilted in a vertical direction.

With a conventional head shaking mechanism of this type, the head of a doll may only be rotated horizontally or tilted vertically; hence, reproduction of subtle head shaking actions, which mimic those of a human being whose head is shaken in an arbitrary direction, is impossible. Thus, the conventional head shaking mechanism produces head shaking actions which appear unnatural.

The present device addresses the above-mentioned problem, and an object thereof, is to provide a head shaking mechanism for allowing the head of a toy doll to rock in all directions, thereby reproducing subtle head shaking actions through natural movements which mimic those of a human being.

To accomplish the above object, the present device provides a head shaking mechanism comprising a supporting shaft which is secured in the torso of a doll at its proximal end. The supporting shaft enters the head of the doll which is configured separately from the torso at its distal end. The distal end is tapered or formed substantially as a spire. Further, a bearing member is disposed in the head which has a substantially cone-shaped hole, for receiving the distal end of the supporting shaft. A guide member is provided at the distal end of the support shaft for guiding the rocking motion of the head.Additionally, a sliding member, slidable relative to the guide member when the head rocks, is securely provided in the vicinity of the guide member in the head as a cushion member for cushioning an impact or bending stress produced at the contact portion between the bearing member and the supporting shaft.

Moreover, in this case, it is preferable that the doll has an operating member that can closely approach and distance itself from the head. Further, it is preferable that at least one of the operating member and the head is provided with a magnet member and the other one is provided with a magnet member of a magnetic material.

According to a first embodiment of a head shaking mechanism, since the substantially tipped distal end of the supporting shaft is received in the substantially cone-shaped hole of the bearing member provided in the head, the head is supported at a point of the substantially pointed distal end of the supporting shaft. The head is configured separately from the torso and, as a result, can rock in an arbitrary direction relative to the torso. In this case, since the sliding member secured to the head is slidable 'relative to the guide member provided at the distal end of the supporting member, the head can smoothly rock relative to the torso. Moreover, since the cushion member is provided for cushioning impact and bending stress produced at the contact portion between the supporting shaft and the bearing portion, the distal end of the supporting member can be protected.

In this case, according to a second embodiment of a head shaking mechanism, since the magnetic effect is produced or ceased between the magnet member and the magnet member or magnetic material by moving the operating member toward or away from the head, it is possible to rock the head in arbitrary fashion.

The above and other objects and novel features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is an external view showing a doll to which the present device is applied.

Figure 2 is a cut-away side view showing a head shaking mechanism of the present device.

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a head shaking mechanism described in an embodiment.

Figure 4 is an explanatory view of the head shaking mechanism of the embodiment.

Referring to accompanying drawings, a preferred embodiment of the present device will be described below in detail.

Figure 1 shows a doll 1, which is often referred to as a toy baby doll. The doll 1 has a sucking finger 2 (in this example, a thumb) which is an operating member. In addition, a pacifier (operating member) 3 is also shown in the same figure.

The doll 1 is constructed such that its head 4 freely shakes.

The thumb 2 of the left hand 8 incorporates a magnet which may be moved close to and/or away from the mouth 5 which also incorporates a magnet 6. In addition, in this example, the doll 1 has an external component or a pacifier 3 which incorporates a magnet 28.

In this example, when the pacifier 3 is moved close to the head 4 of the doll 1, the head 4 rocks so that the mouth S of the doll 1 is directed toward the pacifier 3. Thus, the movement of the pacifier 3 produces a head shaking action which appears as though the doll 1 is expressing its eagerness for the pacifier 3.

As the pacifier 3 continues to be moved closer to the mouth 5 of the doll 1, the pacifier 3 is drawn to the mouth 5 and eventually sticks" to the mouth 5. It is possible, for example, to generate sucking sounds from the doll 1 to more accurately mimic a real baby's actions by activating a voice generating device (not shown) disposed in the torso 7 of the doll 1. In another example, a mechanism (not shown) disposed in the torso 7, may be activated to move the left hand 8 slowly toward the head . In this example, when the thumb 2 of the left hand 8 approaches the head 4, due to the magnetic action, the head 4 rocks such that the mouth 5 of the doll 1 faces the thumb 2.Eventually, the thumb 2 of the left hand 8 becomes "secured" to the mouth 5 through magnetic attraction. r Again, sucking sounds may be automatically generated from the doll 1 to more closely resemble a real baby's actions.

Next, the configuration of the doll 1 will be described in detail.

The doll 1 is constructed as a baby doll wearing a typical baby dress 30. The doll 1 comprises a torso 7, a head 4, arms 26, and legs 27. The head 4 is constructed so as to freely rock relative to the torso 7. In addition, the voice generating means (not shown) for generating sucking sounds and the mechanism (not shown) for activating the left hand may be incorporated in the torso 7.

As shown in Figure 2, a magnet 6 and a head shaking mechanism 9 are incorporated in the head 4 of the doll 1 at the mouth 5 and in the lower portion thereof, respectively. The head shaking mechanism 9, as shown in Figure 2 as part of the head, and in a perspective view in Figure 3, comprises a sliding supporting frame (a sliding member) 10 for supporting the head shaking mechanism 9 in the head 4. An overlapping ring 11 is mounted on the sliding supporting frame 10 and a pivot shaft (a supporting shaft) 12 penetrates through the center of the sliding supporting frame D.

A rocking base (a guide member) 13 is fitted over the exterior of the pivot shaft 12. A sliding supporting frame cover 14 covers the upper end of the sliding supporting frame 10 and a pivot tIp receiver (a bearing member) 15 is disposed in the upper portion of the sliding supporting frame cover 14. A coil spring (cushion member) 16 is provided above the pivot tip receiver 15, and a protection cap 17 presses the coil spring 16 down from above. A locking ring 21a is mounted at the distal end of the pivot shaft i2 for preventing the head 4 from coming off the torso 7. The head 4 rocks relative to the pivot shaft 12; however, as purely a matter of convenience, the pivot shaft 12 is illustrated as swinging relative to the head 4.

The sliding supporting frame 10 is formed into a bowl-like shape, and a circular opening 10a is formed in the bottom thereof.

An outward flange 18a is provided on the exterior of a circular rim 18, which forms the circular opening 10a. The sliding supporting frame 10 is secured to the head 4 when this flange portion 18a is brought into engagement with the head 4. The interior of the circular rim 18 is brought into abutment with the outer circumference of the pivot shaft 12 when the head 4 rocks, whereby the rocking range of the head 4 is restricted. In addition, the interior of the sliding supporting frame 10 is constructed with a selected curvature to thereby allow the rocking base 13 to be seated thereon.

The overlapping ring 11 is formed into a ring-like shape, and is mounted on the exterior of the sliding supporting frame 10.

This overlapping ring 11 stabilizes the head 4. However, in a case where the sliding supporting frame 10 is formed of a heavy material such as die casting, this overlapping ring 11 may be omitted.

The distal end of the pivot shaft i2 is pointed so as to be formed into a cone shape, and a spherical surface 19 is formed at the tip of the cone. The lower end of the pivot shaft 12 is secured inside the torso 7, while the tip thereof is fitted into the pivot tip receiver 15.

The rocking base 13 is formed into a cup-like shape. A cylindrical boss 20 is provided at the center of the bottom surface of the rocking base. A through hole 21 is formed in the center of this cylindrical boss 20 along the axis thereof. The pivot shaft 12 is allowed to penetrate through this through hole 21.

Additionally, the rocking base 13 is installed on the pivot shaft 12 by the locking ring 21a that is post mounted on the distal end of the pivot shaft 12. Furthermore, the rocking base 13 is sized such that it is completely received in the sliding supporting frame 10, and the curvature of the exterior of the base is made approximately equal to that of the interior of the sliding supporting base. As a result, as the head 4 rocks vertically or horizontally, the sliding supporting frame 10 slidingly moves relative to the exterior of the sliding base.

The sliding supporting frame cover 14 is formed to resemble, for example, a lid for a bowl so that it can cover the upper end of the sliding supporting frame 10. A cylindrical accommodating portion 22 is provided in the center of the upper surface thereof for accommodating therein the pivot tip receiver 15. An inward flange 22b is formed around the interior of a through hole 22a, and the pivot tip receiver 15 is designed to be seated on this inward flange 22b.

The pivot tip receiver 15 is formed into a substantially column-like shape. A small cylindrical projection 23 is provided at the center of the upper surface thereof as to protrude upwardly therefrom so that the coil spring 16 is caught thereon at one end thereof. A cone-like recessed portion (hole) 15a is formed inside the pivot tip receiver 15 in such a manner that it converges toward the upper end thereof. The spherical surface 19 at the distal end of the pivot shaft 12 is in contact with the bottom of this recessed portion 15a.

The coil spring 16 is interposed between the protection cap 17 and the pivot tip receiver 15 at its ends. This coil spring 16 functions to protect the distal end of the pivot shaft 12 by absorbing the impact or bending stress resulting from an excessive force applied from above or sideways.

The protection cap 17 is substantially formed into a hollow truncated cone, and is fitted over the exterior of the cylindrical accommodating portion 22 of the sliding supporting frame cover 14.

Provided at the upper end of the interior of the protection cap 17, in such a manner as to downwardly protrude therefrom, is a small raised portion 24 on which the coil spring 16 is designed to be caught at one end thereof. The protection cap 17 presses down the coil spring 16 from above and downwardly biases the pivot tip receiver 15 via the coil spring 16.

Referring to Figure 4, a head shaking action of the doll 1 will now be described.

As shown in Figure 4 (a), in a normal state, the head 4 of the doll 1 rocks due to the head shaking mechanism 9 experiencing external vibrations.

In addition, as shown in Figure 4 (b), when the pacifier 3, as an external component, is brought closer to the mouth 5, a magnetic attraction effect is generated between the magnets 6 and 28 incorporated in, respectively, the mouth 5 and the pacifier 3. As a result, as the pacifier 3 is brought toward the mouth 5, the doll 1 rocks its head 4 so as to direct the mouth 5 toward a position where the strongest magnetic force is available. Moreover, as the pacifier 3 continues to be brought closer to the mouth, the pacifier 3 is eventually attracted to "adhere to the mouth 5. At this moment, it is possible , for example, to produce a sucking sound by activating voice generating means provided inside the torso 7 of the doll 1.Therefore, this doll reacts to the magnetic force caused by the movement of the pacifier 3, which causes the head 4 to rock, thereby mimicking a natural head shaking action of a baby wanting a pacifier, and, as the pacifier 3 "adheres" to the mouth 5, appears to "suck" the pacifier at the mouth 5. Thus, a natural and real-looking sucking action is created.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(c), when, for example, a mechanism inside the torso 7 is activated, the thumb 2 of the left hand 8, which incorporates therein a magnet 25, is directed toward the head 4. In addition, when the thumb 2 approaches a predetermined position from the mouth 5, a magnetic attraction force is generated between the magnets 6 and 25 incorporated, respectively, in the mouth 5 and the thumb 2. As a result, the head 4 of the doll 1 rocks as the mouth 5 is directed to the thumb 2. As the mouth 5 and the thumb 2 are brought closer to each other, the mouth 5 is directed toward a position where the strongest magnetic force is available. Eventually, the thumb 2 "adheres" to the mouth 5. As the thumb 2 "adheres" to the mouth 5, a voice generating means may be activated so as to generate a sucking sound.Therefore, as the doll 1 brings its thumb 2 of the left hand 8 closer to its mouth 5, a natural head shaking action for sucking the thumb 2 is started and, through the magnetic force or the mechanism for activating the left hand, the doll 1 puts its thumb 2 into its mouth 5 by itself. A natural and real-looking sucking action is thereby created.

Thus, the doll 1 of the present device rocks its head 4 in response to the thumb 2 of the left hand 8 and the pacifier 3, both of which incorporate therein the magnets 25 or 28, respectively, and directs the head 4 toward either or both of them. Moreover, the doll 1 is able to bring the thumb 2 of the left hand 8 toward its head 4, rock the head 4 in response, and produce a natural head shaking action as if it wants to suck its thumb 2. Therefore, with this doll, it is possible to closely mimic a sucking action through a natural and real-looking head shaking action similar to that of an actual baby.

In this embodiment, although the head shaking mechanism of the present device is applied to a baby doll representing a human baby, it is possible to apply this mechanism, for instance, to other types of baby dolls, such as those representing baby animals. In addition, in this embodiment, in order to produce a magnetic effect between the mouth of the doll and the pacifier and/or the mouth of the doll and the thumb (operating member) of the left hand, a combination of a magnet and a magnet is employed. Other embodiments may, however, comprise an arbitrary combination of a magnet and a magnetic material. In this case, since there are a set number of operating members, it is desirable to incorporate a magnetic material which is less expensive in the operating material.Furthermore, in this embodiment, although the magnetic attraction effect by a magnetic force is used to represent a baby's sucking action, it is also possible to represent a "no, no" action performed when the baby shakes its head horizontally against "what it does not like". This may be accomplished by employing a repulsion force generated by magnets. A similar function may also be performed for an arbitrary application to other toys and actions of living or imaginary beings. In addition, it is possible to make suitable modifications to the configurations of the detailed portions of the mechanism without departing from the spirit of the present device.

As is described heretofore, the head shaking mechanism of the present device has an effectiveness that it can represent in a real fashion a subtle head shaking action through motions similar to those of a human baby.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A head shaking mechanism for a doll having a head and a torso comprising: a supporting shaft, having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being secured in the torso of the doll, said supporting shaft entering the head of the doll, the head being configured separately from the torso at the distal end of the supporting staff, and the distal end being formed substantially as a spire; and a bearing member disposed in the head, said bearing member having a substantially cone-shaped hole for receiving the distal end of said supporting shaft, wherein: a guide member is provided at the distal end of said supporting shaft, for guiding a rocking motion of said head; and a sliding member, slidable relative to said guide member, is securely provided in the vicinity of said guide member in said head, for cushioning an impact or bending stress produced at a contact portion between said bearing member and said supporting shaft.

2. A head shaking mechanism as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising: an operating member which is able to approach and separate from said head, wherein: a magnet member is provided in at least one of said operating member and said head; and a magnetic material is provided in the other one of said operating member and said head.

3. A head shaking mechanism for a doll having a head and a torso comprising: a supporting shaft, having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being secured in the torso of the doll, said supporting shaft entering the head of the doll, the head being configured separately from the torso at the distal end of the supporting staff, and the distal end being tapered; and a bearing member disposed in the head, said bearing member having a substantially cone-shaped hole for receiving the distal end of said supporting shaft, wherein: a guide member is provided at the distal end of said supporting shaft, for guiding a rocking motion of said head; and a sliding member, slidable relative to said guide member, is securely provided in the vicinity of said guide member in said head, for cushioning an impact or bending stress produced at a contact portion between said bearing member and said supporting shaft.

4. A head shaking mechanism substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in any one of the foregoing drawings.