GB2481829A - Doll or puppet with spinning means - Google Patents

Abstract

A doll or puppet comprises body parts including a torso, and a head and legs connected to the torso, and a turning means 10 attached to the head, for suspending the doll and rotating it about a vertical axis. A joint connects the torso with another discrete body part such that, when the turning means is rotated, the head rotates and the joint transmits this rotation to the other body part with an inertial delay. The joints may be loop-in-loop connections. When the doll is rotated the legs and arms are free to rise due to centrifugal force. A stage may also be provided for the doll.

Description

DESCRIPTION

DOLL OR PUPPET

This invention relates to a doll or puppet. More particularly, it relates to a doll or puppet with discrete, movable body parts.

Many dolls and puppets are known, both as children's toys and for dramatic entertainment. However, the dolls designed for children tend to be io inanimate -even if they have limbs that can move relative to the torso, these can only be manipulated into static positions. In contrast, puppets are available which can be animated highly realistically; however, these tend to have controls that are too delicate or complicated to be operated by children. For example, marionettes have complex arrangements of string or wire to control them, which can become tangled or break if a child plays with the puppet.

US 5,888,116 discloses a ballerina doll which can spin to give the impression of dancing.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a doll or puppet having body parts including a torso, and a head and legs connected to the torso, the doll further comprising: turning means attached to the head, for suspending the doll and rotating it about a vertical axis; and a joint, connecting the torso with another, discrete body part such that, when the turning means is rotated, the head rotates and the joint transmits this rotation to the other body part with an inertial delay.

When the doll is rotated about the vertical axis, the inertia of the body parts below the joint causes the joint to store some of the rotational energy as potential energy. This energy is released again as rotational kinetic energy in the at least one other body part, after a delay. The amount of delay will depend on the relationship between the joint characteristics and the moment of inertia of the other, lower body parts. The energy storage can be accomplished in a variety of ways. For example, gravity can be exploited to store the potential energy; or the joint may comprise a resilient connection. In the first example, the force of gravity is the restoring force that transmits the rotational kinetic energy to the lower body parts. In the second example, the elastic restoring force of the resilient connection does the work.

The visual effect of the inertial delay means that the doll can be made to appear to move or dance in a realistic way. This is especially true if the turning means are twisted back and forth in an oscillatory fashion. The energy storage by the joint means that there is a natural resonant frequency at which these io oscillating rotations are most efficiently transmitted to the body parts of the doll.

All of the body parts may be discrete, or some body parts may be formed integrally -for example, with the torso.

The turning means may comprise at least one of: a rigid shaft; or a is flexible ribbon or cord.

The turning means are preferably of a size and shape that they can be grasped and rolled between thumb and forefinger, to rotate the doll. This provides fine control of the doll's movements.

The turning means may be attached to the head by a further joint configured such that, when the turning means is rotated, the further joint transmits this rotation to the head with an inertial delay.

The further joint, between the head and the turning means may be of a similar kind to the joint between the body parts. The further joint means that the turning means is not rigidly connected to the head of the doll, with the result that the doll can appear to move independently of the turning means.

This can create a more lifelike visual impression.

The joint can have a stable equilibrium configuration in respect of rotation about a vertical axis, to which configuration it is urged by the force of gravity, when the doll is in a normal, upright orientation.

That is, the weight of the body part below the joint, pulling downwards, acts to rotate the joint into its equilibrium configuration. The joint has a stable, minimum-energy state in this configuration.

The joint preferably comprises a loop-in-loop connection.

This is one advantageous example of a simple joint which allows energy storage (and therefore inertial delay) under rotation. The joint comprises two inter-linked loops. At least one of the loops should be curved at the point of contact with the other. This will cause one loop to rise up on the other when one is twisted with respect to the other. Thus, a V-shaped or U-shaped loop is appropriate. Preferably, both loops are curved in this way. The curvature of the loop or loops will determine the mechanical energy storage characteristics of the joint.

At least one leg may be articulated with respect to the torso, whereby, when the doll is rotated, the leg is free to rise due to centrifugal force.

The lifting of the leg while rotating can enhance the visual impression that the doll is performing a dance or kicking. For example, it may give the convincing impression of a balletic style of dance.

is The torso may comprise an upper part and a pivotally connected lower part.

The upper part may comprise the thorax of the doll. The lower part may comprise the hips or abdomen.

By permitting the hips to move independently of the rest of the torso, for example, it is possible to recreate other styles of dance, such as hula or latin styles.

The doll may further comprise second turning means which extend through the head and are connected to the torso, whereby, when the second turning means is rotated, the torso rotates.

The second turning means permit independent control of the torso or a part thereof. The first and second turning means are preferably arranged concentrically. The first turning means may be hollow and may encompass the second turning means. That is, the second turning means may extend through the first turning means.

The torso may comprise an upper part and a pivotally connected lower part; and the second turning means may extend through the upper part of the torso and be connected to the lower part of the torso.

This can allow the hips, in particular, to be turned independently of the upper torso and head.

Optionally, the turning means are mechanically powered.

This is an alternative to manual operation of the doll or puppet.

The legs may comprise feet having restraining means for retarding the motion of the legs when the doll is rotated.

This is helpful for enhancing the visual impression of dancing. It means that one or both legs are inclined to stay static while the other body parts move. This can give the impression that the doll is standing upright, disguising the fact that the doll is suspended from above. If the legs swing very freely, it is more difficult to create this appearance.

The restraining means comprise at least one of: a magnet or ferromagnetic material, for magnetically restraining the legs; a weight, for retarding the motion of the legs by means of inertia.

A weight resists motion of the legs by its inertia (or moment of inertia).

Magnets can be used to resist or restrict motion of the legs by magnetic attraction to another body.

The doll may further comprises a weight at an extremity of at least one body part.

This modifies the rotational inertia, so that this body part responds differently when the doll is rotated. This can be used to adapt the response of the doll as a whole and its individual body parts to rotational motion delivered via the turning means. The weight may comprise a material of increased density embedded in a body part at its extremity. Alternatively, the body part may be fabricated in separate pieces of different densities.

Also provided is a toy, comprising: a stage; and a doll according to any preceding claim.

The legs of the doll may comprise feet having magnets or ferromagnetic material; and the stage may be magnetic or may include ferromagnetic material, whereby the feet are magnetically attracted to the stage.

This provides one effective way of restraining the feet, as explained above.

The toy can further comprise a stand for suspending the doll over the stage.

This allows the doll to be displayed even when not being played with.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a doll according to a first embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 2 is a schematic drawing of a doll or puppet according to a second embodiment.

It should be noted that these figures are diagrammatic and not drawn to scale. Relative dimensions and proportions of parts of these figures have been shown exaggerated or reduced in size, for the sake of clarity and convenience in the drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a doll according to an embodiment of the invention. The doll is suspended from turning means 10 attached to the head 40. The turning means 10 is a flexible cord and is attached to the head 40 by a loop-in-loop connecting joint 51. The doll has a torso 20a, 20b, to which two legs 30 and two arms are connected. The torso is connected to the legs by further loop-in-loop joints 52a, 52b. The torso is formed of two discrete components: thorax 20a; and hip/abdomen part 20b. The thorax 20a and hips 2Db are connected by additional loop-in-loop connections 53.

When the turning means 10 is twisted about a vertical axis, torque is transferred to the head 10 with a delay due to the loop-in-loop joint. This delay occurs because of the inertia (strictly, moment of inertia) of the head 40 resists the rotation. The turning means therefore initially rotates more than the head, mutually twisting the two loops of the loop-in-loop connection. As the one loop twists with respect to the other, the lower loop must lift slightly, because of the curvature of the loops at their point of contact. This lifting stores potential energy in the joint, which will then be released as the inertia of the head 40 is overcome and the head twists to "catch up" with the turning means. That is, the head turns with an inertial delay that is dependent on various factors, such as the mass (weight) of the head and the dimensions and shape of the loop-in-loop joint.

In a similar manner, the joint 51 at the neck of the doll transmits a torque created by the turning head to the upper torso 20a, with a further inertial delay. Neck joint 51 is also formed of two interlinked loops and operates in the same manner as described above. The turning force (torque) is also relayed to the lower torso 20b by loop-in-loop joints 53 and to the legs 30 by similar joints 52a, 52b, one for each leg 30.

Note that, in this embodiment, the joint at the waist between the upper 20a and lower 20b torso comprises two loop-in-loop connections 53. This reduces the range of motion permitted by the joint, which is appropriate because the two parts of a human torso should not have the freedom to rotate independently. In this regard, it is noted that a single loop-in-loop connection provides an angular range of rotation of slightly less than 180 degrees, in practice. The ends of the rotational range occur when the two loops are as nearly aligned as possible; and the centre of the range (which corresponds to the equilibrium configuration) occurs when the two loops are oriented in mutually perpendicular planes. The range of rotation is therefore symmetric about the neutral position, which also mimics human bio mechanics.

The precise dynamics of the doll will depend on the relative masses and moments of inertia of the body parts and the characteristics of the joints.

However, the effect is that the doll moves in a realistic, lifelike way -particularly with practice at controlling the turning means. Because of the inertial delay or lag in the movements of the different body parts, the doll appears to be moving to some extent independently of the actions of the operator. In other words, the operator has only indirect control over the motion of the lower body parts.

If the doll is made to spin faster, the centrifugal force causes the legs 30 and arms to be raised, as shown by the dashed lines in Fig. 1. This can enhance the impression of dancing. Alternatively, it may be used to create the impression of kicking, for example for a kick-boxing action-figure. Note that this is a further advantage of using loop-in-loop joints: as well as permitting relatively free rotation (about the vertical axis) within a limited range of angles, they also permit elevation of the legs to the side as well as forwards and backwards. In this embodiment, the joint 52a, 52b between each leg and the lower torso 20b is horizontally displaced from the central vertical axis of the doll. The turning means turns the doll about this central axis, so the centrifugal forces act to raise the legs to the sides, as illustrated in Fig. 1. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the arms are also attached by loop-in-loop connections, so that they too can swing up under the influence of centrifugal force.

Fig. 2 shows a doll according to a second embodiment of the invention, in schematic form. In this embodiment the torso 20 is also split into 2 parts.

The second embodiment differs from the first in that the lower part 20b of the torso, such as the hips, can be twisted independently of the upper body 20a via a central axle 11 operated from a separate control at the initial point of suspension. That is, axle 11 comprises second turning means, which extend is through the head 40 and upper torso 20a, via a bore 25.

The interface 22 between the lower body 20b and upper body 20a is angled, which will cause the hips to rise and fall on either side as they swivel, in the manner of a catwalk model. Since the interface is at an oblique angle with respect to the vertical axis of the doll, some additional mechanism is needed to allow the rotation of the vertical central axle 11 to be transformed into rotation of the hips at a different angle. If a rigid vertical axle was connected rigidly to the hip part 20b, then the hips would be limited to rotating in a horizontal plane, and the angled interface tend would force the hips 20a and thorax 20b apart vertically. To avoid this, in the present embodiment a coil spring is used to transmit the rotation. The spring forms the lower part of the axle 11 and can flex to allow the rotation to be transformed to the angle of the interface plane. Note that, although a flexible axle such as the spring is one way to achieve the desired function, the same effect could also be obtained by means of a universal joint.

In either case, the joint permits the rotation of the vertical axle to be converted to rotation in the angled plane between the parts 20a, 20b of the torso. The legs will then lift and swing backwards and forwards to mimic walking. An additional limited swinging knee joint 55 further embellishes the effect.

In this embodiment, the doll wears a skirt 60, attached at to the hips 20b. The dress has weights at its extremity (hem) which alters its moment of inertia. This also means that the dress will rise and fall in a natural way and the doll moves and rotates. The arms 70 of the doll comprise an upper arm that is rigidly fixed to the upper torso 20a at the shoulder and a forearm that is articulated with respect to the upper arm, by means of a loop-in-loop joint.

The first turning means 10 are attached directly to the head 40. The io head 40 is also attached directly to the upper body 20a by neck 54 While specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various other modifications will be apparent to a person skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, although loop-in-loop joints are used in the two is embodiments described above, other types of joint may also be suitable.

Similar effects can be obtained by the use of a resilient connection such as a joint comprising an elasticated cord. This will also provide the energy storage necessary to facilitate an inertial delay in movement of the body parts and the resulting appearance of lifelike motion. In this case, the potential energy is stored by the elastic deformation of the resilient joint.

In the first embodiment described above, the hips 20b and upper torso 20a are connected by a pair of loop-in-loop joints. However, as those skilled in the art will realise, this is not intended to be restrictive: a single similar connector could be used, or three or more connectors could be used.

In the second embodiment described above, it may also be preferable for the hip part 20b to be resiliently connected to the remainder of the torso 20a, so that the hips are urged to return to their neutral position (in line with the upper body 20b). This can be achieved, for example, by providing a further captive spring or other resilient means in the joint between the hips 20b and upperbody2Oa.

Generally, the doll is suspended from turning means. The suspension can be rigid or flexible. It can be hand operated or mechanically powered by rotational movement concentrically within the vertical axis of the doll to cause various centrifugal, inertial and torque forces within the mechanism. When not being played with, the doll could hang loosely from a stand with feet touching on a small stage. It could further be solar power activated, or wind activated spinning round similarly to a mobile, as a permanent decoration.

The torque from the turning means is transferred to the doll via the attachment of the suspension. In a simple embodiment a single attachment to a solid head transfers torque via a joint to the torso. The torso may comprise a single part or multiple discrete parts. The torso transfers torque via further io joints to the legs. Incorporated in the design is the storing and delayed actions of the torque as applied to the doll by the sensitivities of the operator.

The torque may be applied by hand operation; but this could further be sensitized by mechanical or remote programmable or electronic rnotorised operation with suitable control means. In the first embodiment described above, the motorisation would preferably be external to the doll's body. In the second embodiment the motorisation could be internal. If the doll is electrically operated, batteries could be either internal or external to the body. For example, a hand-held, in-palm controller could comprise the batteries and/or motor, with one or more switches or buttons to control the operation of the doll.

A cable from the controller running concentrically within the means of suspension would not inhibit the action of the doll. In this mode the user could, for example, take the doll for a walk activated by one hand.

By rotation, raising and lowering of the doll, and further imaginative movements by the operator, many delightful dancing and humanistic traits of the doll can be enjoyed.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the doll can be manufactured using various suitable materials, including shaping a polymer clay or moulding a plastics material.

Variations of the following elements can change the performance of the doll or puppet according to requirements: The materials, circumference and shape of the first and second turning means.

The flexibility and circumference of the suspension or torque drives throughout the doll. For example, rigid or flexible rods, a coiled spring acting as a rod, cord or elastic types including concentric tubing, or parallel rods, tubes or combinations thereof The design, position and number of the jointing and connecting attachments with regard to material, flexibility land looseness of the joint.

The design, position, jointing and flexibility or stiffness of the arms and hands. The body parts may be rigid or flexible. If they are flexible, they may be resilient (elastic).

io The choice of the number of individual torso parts to mimic spine flexibility.

Variation of the number of connecting attachments to each part.

Variation of widths of the parts, for example hips, waists or shoulders.

The torso could also be formed from a single piece or pieces of malleable and flexible material incorporating springing or otherwise to stiffen and transfer drive and flexibility.

The variation of the meeting faces of individually driven or un-driven parts with regard to angle and limits of attack for hip leg or other limb movement.

The design, position, jointing and flexibility or stiffness of the legs and feet.

Generally, the incorporation of weighting to parts of the doll or puppet or clothing to increase or decrease centrifugal or other forces relevant to the design.

The incorporation of a magnetic dance floor or stage, or the inclusion of magnets in the feet to enable more stability and the ability of the doll to stand unaided. Preferably, each foot would be independently controllable by means of magnets. For example, the stage or feet could incorporate two separate electromagnets. Energising one magnet would restrain the corresponding foot, leaving the other foot (and thus leg) free to swing, or lift when the doll is rotated. Likewise, energising another magnet would restrain the other foot.

This would allow the doll to pirouette on either foot.

Alternative restraining means for the feet could include hooks on the stage adapted to engage with loops on the feet (or vice versa). Similarly, the foot could be provided with a dowel, adapted to mate with a corresponding opening in the stage (or vice versa). A further alternative is a hook-and-loop fastener. Such examples are non-limiting.

As an alternative to, or in addition to, the suspension of the doll from a stand while not in use, the doll could be held upright by magnetic forces. This could be achieved by providing magnets or ferromagnetic materials in other limbs of the doll's body. When these are magnetised, they will attract one io another, locking the limbs of the doll together, to make it rigid.

Various other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (17)

1. CLAIMS1. A doll or puppet having body parts including a torso, and a head and legs connected to the torso, the doll further comprising: turning means attached to the head, for suspending the doll and rotating it about a vertical axis; and a joint, connecting the torso with another, discrete body part such that, when the turning means is rotated, the head rotates and the joint transmits this io rotation to the other body part with an inertial delay.
2. 2. A doll according to claim 1, wherein the turning means comprise at least one of: a rigid shaft; or is a flexible ribbon or cord.
3. 3. A doll according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the turning means are attached to the head by a further joint configured such that, when the turning means is rotated, the further joint transmits this rotation to the head with an inertial delay.
4. 4. A doll according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the joint has a stable equilibrium configuration in respect of rotation about a vertical axis, to which configuration it is urged by the force of gravity, when the doll is in a normal, upright orientation.
5. 5. A doll according to claim 4, wherein the joint comprises a loop-in-loop connection.
6. 6. A doll according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one leg is articulated with respect to the torso, whereby, when the doll is rotated, the leg is free to rise due to centrifugal force.
7. 7. A doll according to any preceding claim, wherein the torso comprises an upper part and a pivotally connected lower part.
8. 8. A doll according to any preceding claim, further comprising second turning means which extend through the head and are connected to the torso, whereby, when the second turning means is rotated, the torso rotates.
9. 9. A doll according to claim 8, wherein the torso comprises an upper part and a pivotally connected lower part; and wherein the second turning means extend through the upper part of the torso and are connected to the lower part of the torso.
10. 10. A doll according to any preceding claim, wherein the turning means are mechanically powered.
11. 11. A doll according to any preceding claim, wherein the legs comprise feet having restraining means for retarding the motion of the legs when the doll is rotated.
12. 12. A doll according to claim 11, wherein the restraining means comprise at least one of: a magnet or ferromagnetic material, for magnetically restraining the legs; a weight, for retarding the motion of the legs by means of inertia.
13. 13 A doll according to any preceding claim, further comprising a weight at an extremity of at least one body part.
14. 14. A toy comprising: a stage; and a doll according to any preceding claim.
15. 15. The toy of claim 14, wherein the legs of the doll comprise feet having magnets or ferromagnetic material; and wherein the stage is magnetic or includes ferromagnetic material, whereby the feet are magnetically attracted to the stage.
16. 16. A toy according to claim 14 or claim 15, further comprising a stand for io suspending the doll over the stage.
17. 17. A doll or puppet substantially as described herein and/or with reference to the accompanying drawings.