GB2482135A

GB2482135A - Invertible toy

Info

Publication number: GB2482135A
Application number: GB201012153A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Best
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-07-20
Filing date: 2010-07-20
Publication date: 2012-01-25
Anticipated expiration: 2030-07-20
Also published as: GB201012153D0; GB2482135B; WO2012011062A1

Abstract

A toy is disclosed that is arranged to maintain predetermined configuration when inverted. The toy may be a vehicle 101and is preferably made symmetrical with respect to a horizontal plane through its longitudinal axis so that the vehicle can run upside down. A figure 204, 301 may be pivotally mounted to the vehicle at point 303 and weighted at 304 for maintaining an upright position of the figure. The figure will project through either aperture 205 or 301 depending on the orientation of the vehicle. The lowermost aperture is substantially externally obscured from view.

Description

ATOY

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a toy.

Background of the Invention

Toys commonly comprise one or more moving features arranged to encourage and maintain user interaction. For example, GB485404A discloses a toy vehicle in the form of a car. The toy vehicle is double side, that is, the toy can run on both sides and flip between each. The car comprises two simultaneously visible cockpits each containing a simultaneously visible driver figure. When the car turns over, the driver figure is raised though the upper cockpit and retracted within the lower cockpit, thus providing an engaging feature for the two-sided or reversible toy.

Summary of the Invention

Embodiment of the invention provide a toy comprising: a body member arranged to have a first and second states of stable equilibrium when supported relative to a reference surface; a first and second apertures formed in the body member, the first aperture arranged so as to be externally viewable and the second aperture arranged so as to be substantially externally obscured from view by the body member when the body member is in the first state of stable equilibrium and the second aperture arranged so as to be externally viewable and the first aperture arranged so as to be substantially externally obscured from view by the body member when the body member is in the second state of stable equilibrium; a feature means arranged to be movable between a first feature state in which the feature means is arranged to at least partially project from the body member via the first aperture and a second feature state in which the feature means is arranged to at least partially project from the body member via the second aperture; and actuating means automatically operable to move the feature means into the first feature state in response to the body member being in the first state of stable equilibrium and to move the feature means into the second feature state in response to the body member being in the second state of stable equilibrium.

The actuating means may be automatically operable in response to gravity. The actuating means may comprise one or more cantilevers. The apertures may be arranged in respective substantially parallel planes. The planes may be generally parallel to the reference surface when the body member is in the first or second state of stable equilibrium. The reference surface may be generally horizontal.

The body means may comprise support means for supporting the body member at a predetermined distance relative to the support surface in both the first and second states of stable equilibrium. The support means may comprise one or more sets of one or more wheels. The outer faces of one or more of the wheels may be convex. The axles for one or more of the sets of wheels may be arranged substantially coincident with the central longitudinal axis and generally parallel to the support surface. The pivot for one or more of the cantilevers may be provided by an axle for one or more of the wheels.

The body member may comprise an upper half and a lower half relative to its central longitudinal axis in the states of stable equilibrium, the halves comprising a common external shape. The body may be externally symmetrical about its central horizontal axis in the states of stable equilibrium.

The feature means may comprise a first and second feature elements, the first feature element arranged to project from the body member via the first aperture and the second feature element arranged to project from the body member via the second aperture. The first and second feature elements are identical. The first and second feature elements may be formed in the shape of a figure.

The body member may represent a vehicle and the first and second feature elements are formed in the shape of an element of the vehicle. When the feature means is in the first or second features states, any view through the body member via the apertures may be substantially obscured. The body member may comprise two or more relatively articulated sections. The articulated sections may be arranged to pivot relatively about an axis substantially normal to the support surface. One or more of the articulated sections may be suspended above the support surface by an associated section and the feature member is carried by the suspended section. The toy may be arranged to be pulled along the support surface. The toy may be substantially as described herein with reference to figures 1 to 5.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an illustration of a toy vehicle being pulled by a user; Figures 2a to 2f are a sequence of illustrations showing the toy vehicle of figure 1 turning over; Figures 3a to 3c are a series of cross-sectional side views of the toy vehicle illustrating the operation of an interior mechanism during the turning over movement of the toy vehicle of figures 2a to 2f; Figures 4a to 4c are a series of cross-sectional front views of the toy vehicle illustrating the movement of the interior mechanism during the turning over of the toy vehicle of figure 2ato 2f; and Figure 5 is and exploded perspective view of the toy vehicle of figure 1.

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention With reference to figure 1, a toy 101 in the form of a toy car, is arranged, in the present embodiment, to be pulled along a substantially horizontal support surface 102, in the formofafloor,byauser 103.

With reference to figure 2a, the car 101 comprises a body member 201 and support means in the form of front and rear sets of wheels 202, 203 for supporting the body member 201 at a predetermined distance above the floor 102. The car 101 further comprises a feature element 204 in the form of a representation of a figure of a driver for the car and a projecting part of a steering wheel. An aperture 205 is provided in the upwardly facing surface of the body member 201. Tn the present embodiment, the aperture 205 is in the form of a cockpit for the car 101 and the figure 204 is arranged to project from the cockpit 205.

Figures 2b to 2f illustrate sequential positions of the car 101 relative to the floor 102 as the car 101 overturns during use as a result of hitting an obstacle or undulation in the floor 102. In figure 2b, the car 101 is shown rotated by 40 degrees and in figure 2c by degrees. In figure 2d, the car 101 is shown rotated by 110 degrees and in figure 2e by degrees. In figure 2f, the car 101 is shown rotated by 180 degrees and thus has overturned and come to rest upside down relative to its position in figure 2a. However, despite the car 101 having turned upside down, the figure 204 apparently remains in its original orientation projecting from the cockpit 205.

In the present embodiment, the structure of the car 101 is arranged so as to have a first and second states of stable equilibrium 206, 207 as shown in respectively in figures 2a and 2f, where all wheels 202, 203 are generally in contact with the floor 102. In the present embodiment, 180 degrees of rotation separate the first and second states of stable equilibrium 206, 207. If the car 101 is left free to rotate at any intermediate unstable state of rotation between the first and second states of stable equilibrium 206, 207, the car 101 will tend to rotate towards one of the states of stable equilibrium 206, 207 of figures 2a and 2f.

With reference to figure 3a, illustrating the car 101 in cross-section, the first aperture 205 is complemented by a second aperture 301 in the opposite side of the body member 201. In the present embodiment, the apertures 205, 301 are arranged in respective substantially parallel planes. The apertures 205, 301 are arranged in respective planes generally parallel to the reference surface 102 when the body member 201 is in the first or second state of stable equilibrium 206, 207. In the present embodiment, the apertures 205, 301 open into a cavity 302 within the body member 201. A pivot 303 within the cavity 302 supports a feature means 304 in the form of a cantilever. The cantilever 304 is rotatably mounted on the pivot 303 for rotation in a plane substantially normal to the plane of the apertures 205, 301. One end of the cantilever 304 comprises the first feature element in the form of the figure 204 and a corresponding second feature element 305. The second figure 305 is located in the plane of rotation of the cantilever 304 in an inverted and generally opposing position relative to the figure 204. In the present embodiment, the other end of the cantilever 304 is formed so as to be heavier than the end comprising the figures 204, 305.

The cantilever 304 is thus arranged to be movable between a first feature state in which first figure 204 projects from the body member 201 via the first aperture 205 and a second feature state in which the second figure 305 is arranged to project from the body member 201 via the second aperture 301. The cantilever 304 operates automatically under the force of gravity G to move into the first state, as shown in figure 3a, in response to the car 101 being in its first state of stable equilibrium 206. In response to the car 101 turning over by 180 degrees into its second state of stable equilibrium 207, the cantilever 304 operates automatically under the force of gravity G to move into its second state, as shown inverted in figure 3c. Figure 3b shows the cantilever 304 midway between its fist and second states and the car 101 rotated by 90 degrees, midway between the states of stable equilibrium 206, 207.

With reference to figures 4a to 4c, which show a cross-sectional front view of the car 101, the apertures 205, 301 are orientated relative to the floor 102 such that, in normal use, only the upward facing aperture 205, 301 is generally visible to a user 103 or other viewer. The downward facing aperture 301, 205 is orientated in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the reference surface in the form of the floor 102. Thus, the downward facing aperture 301, 205 is substantially obscured from view by a combination of the floor 102 and the side of the body 201. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the figures 204, 305 are arranged to substantially conform to the respective aperture 205, 301 in the regions of their emergence from the respective aperture 205, 301. Such conformity reduces or minimises the possibility of the user 103 or other viewer gaining a view through the body member 201 via the apertures 205, 301. This feature serves to obscure the mechanism employed so as to promote the surprise in the effect described above with reference to figures 2a to 2f.

Figure 5 is an exploded view of the car illustrating the components for manufacture of the car in the present embodiment. The body 201 is formed from two body halves 501, 502 having the same shape or form. In other words, the two halves are duplications of the same component. In the present embodiment, the two halves 501, 502 are also fully symmetrical. The axles 503 for the sets of wheels 202, 203 are carried by the body member in the plane between the two halves. The wheels 202, 203 are spaced away from the body 201 by respective bushes 504 mounted on the respective axles 503. The wheels 202, 203 comprise convex outer surfaces 505, that is, the surfaces facing away from the body 201. In the present embodiment, the convex surfaces 505 are provided by domed hubcaps and are arranged to avoid the car 101 coming to rest on its side at 90 degrees of rotation from one of the stable states of equilibrium 206, 207 but instead to always return to one of the stable states of equilibrium 206, 207.

The decals 506 and other features of surface decoration, such as the car radiator 507, are also formed so as to be symmetrical over their respective horizontal axes. The decals 506 or other features that cross the central longitudinal plane of the body 201 are fixed in positions centred on the central axis of the body 201 so that they appear the same to the user 103 or other viewer in both stable states of equilibrium 206, 207 of the toy 101.

The cantilever 304 is also formed from two symmetrical parts 508, 509 each having an integrally formed respective one of the figures 204, 305 and associated parts 510. In the present embodiment, the gravitational biasing of the cantilever 304 is provided by a separately formed weight 511 attached to the opposite end of the cantilever 304 to the figures 204, 305. The cantilever parts 508, 509 are arranged to join either side of the pivot 303 mounted between the two body halves 501, 502.

As will be understood by those versed in the art, taking into account the features and functions described herein, the toy may take any suitable form such as a car, truck, boat, animal or other invented, created or modelled entity or part thereof The upper and lower halves of the toy may not be symmetrical. For example, the halves may be arranged to have similar forms that face in opposing directions. Similarly, the features elements, such as the figures, may not be symmetrical and may be different in other aspects. The body member of the toy may itself provide the support means. In other words, the toy is supported on the support surface by the body means. The respective features may be arranged to project underneath the body member.

As will be understood by those versed in the art, the toy may be propelled by any suitable means. For example, the toy may be pulled, pushed, pushed and released, powered by any suitable means or controlled automatically either by internal control means or external control means. The toy may be controlled remotely control by a user.

In another embodiment, the toy is not supported on the reference surface but is designed for use as an airborne toy or submerged in water. The toy may be user or self powered in the air or water. Tn this embodiment, each aperture is provided with closure means arranged to operate automatically to close the aperture when that aperture is not in use as the feature element is projecting from the other aperture.

In a further embodiment, the toy is arranged for floating on the surface of a liquid. In this embodiment, the feature means may be operated by buoyancy. In other words, the feature means comprises a buoyant element, captive within the body member. For example, the parts of the feature means arranged to project from the body member may be formed so as to be buoyant in the relevant liquid so that immersion of the lowermost feature element result in the feature means floating upwardly so that the uppermost feature elements projects from the body. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the feature means may be arranged to float freely while captured within the body or may be movably attached to body by any suitable means such as a hinged lever.

As will be understood by those versed in the art, for some toys embodying the invention there may be no immediate reference surface as described herein. In such cases, the term reference surface should be taken to include a notional generally horizontal reference surface, that is, an arbitrary plane oriented generally normal to gravity.

As will be understood by those versed in the art, the feature means may comprise one or more cantilever mechanisms or any other suitable mechanical mechanism for providing the required movement in response to the overturning of the toy. The feature means may be operated by any other suitable means such as a electrical, electronic, hydraulic, mechanical, or other suitable means or combination thereof. The feature means may be substantially contained within the body apart from the feature elements arranged to project from the body. The feature means may be arranged at least partially externally to the body member. Such an at least partially external feature means may be disguised as part of or a fitting for the body member.

The term aperture used herein is used to refer to any recess, dip or feature of the body that serves to obscure the or each relevant feature element, such as the lowermost feature element. In other words, embodiments of the invention may comprise apertures that open into an interior space within the body and may be connected by that interior space to the corresponding aperture. The aperture may however be partially or wholly closed from any interior space of the body member. In this arrangement, the aperture is the opening into a recess, dip or other space in the surface of the body member.

As will be understood by those versed in the art, any significant gap between the feature means and the apertures that may otherwise provide a view through the apertures may be at least partially closed by sealing means carried by the features means or the interior of the body. The sealing means may, for example, comprise an overlap provided by the aperture or the feature element or a flap or brush barrier supported by either the aperture or the body means or a combination thereof.

In another embodiment, the body member is articulated, that is, the body member comprises two or more body sections interconnected by a pivot or hinge. The hinge or pivot enables relative movement of the body sections about an axis substantially normal to the support surface. One or more of the body sections may be unsupported, that is supported via the pivot away from the reference surface by one or more other body sections. The feature means may be provided within one such unsupported body section.

To a user or viewer, in particular to a young user or viewer, the car action is counterintuitive. The car overturns but driver position suggests it has not done so. Tn other words, the configuration of the car, when in use on the ground, provides little or no obvious evidence that the toy is double-sided. In other words, the toy arranged to maintain predetermined configuration when overturned.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details of any representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departure from the scope of applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

Claims 1. A toy comprising: a body member arranged to have a first and second states of stable equilibrium when supported relative to a reference surface; a first and second apertures formed in said body member, said first aperture arranged so as to be externally viewable and said second aperture arranged so as to be substantially externally obscured from view by said body member when said body member is in said first state of stable equilibrium and said second aperture arranged so as to be externally viewable and said first aperture arranged so as to be substantially externally obscured from view by said body member when said body member is in said second state ofstable equilibrium;a feature means arranged to be movable between a first feature state in which said feature means is arranged to at least partially project from said body member via said first aperture and a second feature state in which said feature means is arranged to at least partially project from said body member via said second aperture; and actuating means automatically operable to move said feature means into said first feature state in response to said body member being in said first state of stable equilibrium and to move said feature means into said second feature state in response to said body member being in said second state of stable equilibrium.
2. A toy according to claim 1 in which said actuating means is automatically operable in response to gravity.
3. A toy according to any preceding claim in which said actuating means comprises one or more cantilevers.
4. A toy according to any preceding claim in which said apertures are arranged in respective substantially parallel planes.
5. A toy according to claim 4 in which said planes are generally parallel to said reference surface when said body member is in said first or second state of stable equilibrium.
6. A toy according to any preceding claim in which said reference surface is generally horizontal.
7. A toy according to any preceding claim in which said body means comprises support means for supporting said body member at a predetermined distance relative to said support surface in both said first and second states of stable equilibrium.
8. A toy according to claim 7 in which said support means comprises one or more sets of one or more wheels.
9. A toy according to claim 8 in which the outer faces of one or more of said wheels are convex.
10. A toy according to claims 8 or 9 in which the axles for one or more of said sets of wheels are arranged substantially coincident with the central longitudinal axis and generally parallel to said support surface.
11. A toy according to claims 3 and 8 in which the pivot for one or more of said cantilevers is provided by an axle for one or more of said wheels.
12. A toy according to any preceding claim in which said body member comprises an upper half and a lower half relative to its central longitudinal axis in said states of stable equilibrium, said halves comprising a common external shape.
13. A toy according to any preceding claim iii which said body is externally symmetrical about its central horizontal axis in said states of stable equilibrium.
14. A toy according to any preceding claim in which said feature means comprises a first and second feature elements, said first feature element arranged to project from said body member via said first aperture and said second feature element arranged to project from said body member via said second aperture.
15. A toy according to claim 14 in which said first and second feature elements are identical.
16. A toy according to claims 14 or 15 in which said first and second feature elements are formed in the shape of a figure.
17. A toy according to any of claims ito 15 in which said body member represents a vehicle and first and second feature elements are formed in the shape of an element of said vehicle.
18. A toy according to any preceding claim in which when said feature means is in said first or second features states, any view through said body member via said apertures is substantially obscured.
19. A toy according to any preceding claim in which said body member comprises two or more relatively articulated sections.20. A toy according to claim 19 in which said articulated sections are arranged to pivot relatively about an axis substantially normal to said support surface.
20. A toy according to claim 19 or 20 in which one or more of said articulated sections is suspended above said support surface by an associated section and said feature member is carried by said suspended section.
21. A toy according to any preceding claim arranged to be pulled along said support surface.
22. A toy substantially as described herein with reference to figures 1 to 5.