JP2020028754A - Assembly with object in housing and mechanism to open housing - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a toy assembly.SOLUTION: A toy assembly comprises: a housing; and a main toy character and a sub-toy character that are disposed inside the housing. The main toy character comprises a breakout mechanism operable to break the housing to expose the main toy character and the sub-toy character. The breakout mechanism extends to push the sub-toy character out of the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present specification relates generally to an assembly having an interior object in a housing, and more particularly to a toy character in a housing shaped like an egg.

  There is a continuing need to provide toys that interact with the user and that the toys reward the user based on the interaction. For example, some robot pets show simulated love when their owner strokes the robot pet's head several times. Although owners enjoy such robot pets, there is a continuing need for new and innovative types of toys, especially toy characters, that interact with the owner.

  The present invention is to solve the problem of the background art.

  In one aspect, a toy assembly is provided, wherein the toy assembly includes a housing, an internal object (which may be a toy character in some embodiments), at least one sensor, and a controller. The interior object is positioned within the housing and includes a breach mechanism operable to break the housing to expose the interior object. The at least one sensor detects interaction with a user. The controller is configured to determine, based on at least one interaction with the user, whether a selected condition is met, and, if the condition is met, destroying the housing and The breaching mechanism is configured to operate to expose the object. Optionally, the condition is satisfied based on having a selected number of interactions with the user.

  Optionally, the breach mechanism includes a hammer and a breach mechanism power source. The pre-piercing position, wherein the inner object includes at least one release member, wherein the release member is operatively connected to the hammer to drive the hammer to destroy the housing. Thus, the breaching mechanism power source can be moved to a post-breaching position where the hammer is operatively disconnected from the hammer. The at least one release member is in the pre-breakthrough position prior to breaking the housing to expose the internal object.

  In another option, the breaching mechanism is a hammer, wherein the hammer has a retracted position where the hammer is spaced from the housing and an extended position where the hammer is driven to break the housing. It may include a hammer; an actuating lever; and a breach mechanism cam movable between. The operating lever is biased by an operating lever biasing member to drive the hammer to the extended position, and the breach mechanism cam is rotatable by a motor, whereby the operation from the hammer is performed. Retraction of the lever and subsequent release of the actuation lever for press-fitting into the hammer by the actuation lever biasing member is periodically triggered. The actuation lever urging member and the motor integrally constitute the breaching mechanism power source. Optionally, said actuation lever biasing member is a helical coil tension spring.

  Optionally, when in the pre-breakthrough position, the at least one release member connects the first end of the spring to the housing and an actuating lever pivotable to engage the hammer. Releasably connected to one of the The spring has a second end connected to the other of the housing and the actuation lever. When in the post-breakthrough position, the at least one release member disconnects the first end of the spring from the one of the housing and the actuation lever.

  Alternatively, when in the pre-breaching position, the at least one release member connects the first end of the spring to the housing and an actuating lever pivotable to engage the hammer. Releasably connected to one of the Here, the spring has a second end connected to the other of the housing and the actuation lever. When in the post-breakthrough position, the at least one release member disconnects the first end of the spring from the one of the housing and the actuation lever.

  Alternatively, the internal object further includes at least one limb and a limb power source. When the internal object is in the pre-breakthrough position, the branch power source is operatively disconnected from the at least one branch. The branch power source is operatively connected to the at least one branch when the internal object is in the post-breaching position.

  Alternatively, when the internal object is in the pre-breakthrough position, the at least one branch is in a non-functional position where the branch power source does not drive the movement of the at least one branch. Will be retained. The branch power source drives movement of the at least one branch when the internal object is in the post-breakthrough position.

According to another aspect, a method is provided for managing interaction between a user and a toy assembly, wherein the toy assembly includes a housing and a toy character within the housing. The above method:
a) receiving registration of the toy assembly from the user;
b) receiving a first progression scan of the toy assembly from the user after the step a);
c) displaying a first output image of the toy character in a first stage of virtual development;
d) receiving a second progression scan of the toy assembly from the user after the step c); and e) in a second stage of virtual development different from the first output image. Displaying a second output image of the internal object.

  In another aspect, a toy assembly is provided. The toy assembly includes: a housing; an interior object within the housing (which may be a toy character in some embodiments); coupled to the housing, operable to break the housing and expose the interior object. Including the breakthrough mechanism. The breaching mechanism is powered by a breaching mechanism power source connected to the housing. Optionally, the breaching mechanism is in the housing. As a further option, the breaching mechanism may be operable from outside the housing. Optionally, the breaching mechanism includes a hammer positioned in relation to the internal object, wherein the breaching mechanism power source is operable on the hammer to drive the hammer to destroy the housing. Connected to. Optionally, the breaching mechanism power source is operatively connected to the hammer to reciprocate the hammer and break the housing.

  Optionally, the breaching mechanism includes: a base member; a plunger member; and a biasing element that provides a separating force that biases the plunger member and the base member apart.

  As a further option, the breaching mechanism further comprises a release element, which blocks the release element from moving the biasing element away from the plunger member and the base member. Positionable in a block position and removable from the block position such that the biasing element can be driven to separate the plunger member and the base member.

  Optionally, the motor draws power from a battery, and the breach mechanism further comprises a magnetic switch, which controls power from the battery to the motor and is operable by the presence of a magnet proximate the housing. It is.

  In another aspect, a toy assembly is provided that includes a housing and an interior object within the housing (which may be a toy character in some embodiments), wherein the housing is within the housing. It has a plurality of irregular break paths formed, whereby the housing is configured to break along at least one of the break paths when subjected to sufficient force.

  In another aspect, a toy assembly is provided that includes a housing and an interior object within the housing in a pre-break position (which may be a toy character in some embodiments). The internal object includes a set of functional features. The internal object can be removed from the housing and can be positioned at a position after breaking through. When the internal object is in the pre-breakthrough position, the functional mechanism set is operable to perform a first series of movements. When the internal object is in the post-breakthrough position, the functional mechanism set is operable to perform a second series of movements different from the first series of movements. In some examples, the internal object further includes: a breach mechanism; a breach mechanism power source; at least one branch; and a branch power source, all of which together form part of the functional mechanism set. I do. When the internal object is in the pre-breaching position, the branch power source is operatively disconnected from the at least one branch, so that the motion of the branch power source is Does not drive the movement of the branches. However, in the position after the breach, the breaching mechanism power source drives the movement of the breaching mechanism, thereby destroying the housing and exposing the internal object. When the internal object is at the post-breaching position, the branch power source is operatively connected to the at least one branch to drive movement of the branch, but the breach mechanism is Not driven by the breaching mechanism power source.

  In another aspect, a polymer composition is provided, wherein the polymer composition comprises: about 15-25% by weight of a base polymer; about 1-5% by weight of an organic acid metal salt; and about 75-85% by weight of an inorganic / Contains particulate filler.

  In another aspect, an article of manufacture is provided, wherein the article comprises: about 15-25% by weight of a base polymer; about 1-5% by weight of an organic acid metal salt; and about 75-85% by weight of an inorganic / particulate filler. , Formed from the above polymer composition.

  In another aspect, a toy assembly is provided that includes a housing and an interior object within the housing (which may be a toy character in some embodiments), wherein the interior object attaches the housing. A breaching mechanism operable to break to expose the internal object, wherein the housing includes a plurality of breaks provided on an inner surface of the housing to facilitate breaking upon impact from the breaching mechanism. Contains elements.

  In another aspect, a housing breaking mechanism is provided that includes: a first frame member; a second frame member rotatably connected to the first frame member; a housing to be destroyed therein. An aperture to be positioned; and at least one cutting element pivotally connected to the first frame member and slidably connected to the second member, the at least one cutting element comprising: A first position adjacent the housing when the at least one cutting element is located within the aperture; and the housing when the at least one cutting element is located within the aperture. , And pivots to and from a second position.

  In yet another aspect, a toy assembly is provided, comprising: a housing; an interior object within the housing; and a breakthrough coupled to the housing and operable to break the housing to expose the interior object. A breach mechanism, wherein the breach mechanism exhibits additional behavior when returned into the housing.

  For a better understanding of the various embodiments described herein, and to more clearly show how the various embodiments can be implemented, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which are by way of example only.

Or FIG. 4 is a perspective side view of a toy assembly according to a non-limiting embodiment. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a housing that is part of the toy assembly shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a toy character that is part of the toy assembly shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the toy character shown in FIG. 2 at a position before breaking before a hammer that is a part of the breaking mechanism is engaged. FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the toy character shown in FIG. 2 at a position before breakthrough after engagement of a hammer that is a part of the breakthrough mechanism. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the toy character causing rotation of the toy character within the housing. FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of the part of the toy character shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the toy character shown in FIG. 2 at a position after breaking through, showing the hammer in an extended state. FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the toy character shown in FIG. 2 at a position after breaking through, showing a hammer retracted. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a portion of the toy assembly shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, showing a plurality of sensors that are part of the toy assembly. FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of a portion of the toy assembly, showing the branches of the toy character in a non-functional breakthrough position, while still being positioned when the branches are in the housing. FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the toy assembly, further illustrating the branches of the toy character in a non-functional breakthrough position, where the branches are positioned when the branches are in the housing. FIG. 3 is an enlarged front elevation view of a joint between a branch portion and a character frame of a toy character. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the toy assembly, showing the branches of the toy character in a post-functional breakthrough position, where the branches remain positioned when the branches are outside the housing. 1 is a perspective view of a toy assembly and an electronic device used to scan the toy assembly. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a step of uploading a scan of a toy assembly to a server. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating transmitting an output image from a server for electronic display, illustrating a first virtual stage of development for the toy character. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating transmitting an output image from a server for electronic display, illustrating a second virtual stage of development for the toy character. 14 is a flowchart of a method for receiving a scan from an electronic device and illustrating a toy character based on the steps illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 13. FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of a housing shown in the form of an egg shell having a combination of continuous and discontinuous break paths formed therein. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the housing shown in the form of an egg shell having a plurality of continuous break paths arranged in a random pattern. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a housing shown in the form of an egg shell having a plurality of continuous fracture paths arranged in a geometric pattern. FIG. 17B is a perspective view of the housing of FIG. 17A, showing the geometric pattern of the break path in more detail. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the housing shown in the form of an egg shell having a plurality of discontinuous break paths arranged in a random pattern. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a housing shown in the form of an egg shell having a plurality of breaking units arranged in a random pattern. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the housing shown in the form of an egg shell having a plurality of breaking units arranged in a regular repeating pattern. FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a breach mechanism forming part of a toy assembly according to another non-limiting embodiment, prior to activation by release of a tab. FIG. 21 is an exploded side view of the breakthrough mechanism of FIG. 20. FIG. 21 is another cross-sectional side view of the breaching mechanism of FIG. 20 after activation by release of a tab. FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of a housing according to another non-limiting embodiment, shown in the form of an egg shell having a plurality of continuous break paths formed therein. FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a number of components of another breakthrough mechanism forming part of a toy assembly, according to a further non-limiting embodiment. FIG. 25 is a side sectional view of the breaching mechanism of FIG. 24 in the housing before the breaching mechanism is activated. FIG. 26 is a side cross-sectional view of the breaching mechanism of FIG. 25 protruding through the housing after activation. FIG. 9 is a side view of a breaching mechanism according to yet another non-limiting embodiment. FIG. 9 is a top view of a housing breaking mechanism according to a further non-limiting embodiment. FIG. 29 is a top cross-sectional view of the housing breaking mechanism of FIG. 28, showing a state in which the housing is broken. FIG. 29 is a side sectional view of the housing breaking mechanism of FIG. 28. FIG. 15 is a top view of a housing breaking mechanism according to yet another non-limiting embodiment having two pivotally connected members. FIG. 31B is a top view of the housing breaking mechanism of FIG. 31A, wherein the two members pivot with respect to each other to limit an aperture defined by the two members. It is a front view of the breach mechanism by another embodiment in an expansion state. FIG. 32B is a front view of a companion mechanism for placement in a housing having the breaching mechanism of FIG. 32A. 32A shows the breaking through mechanism of FIG. 32A and the companion mechanism of FIG. 32B in a laminated and compressed state. FIG. 32B is a cross-sectional view of an egg-shaped housing having two toy characters employing a breach mechanism similar to the breach mechanism of FIG. 32A and a companion mechanism similar to the companion mechanism of FIG. 32B. FIG. 32B is a front cross-sectional view of a companion mechanism smaller than the companion mechanism of FIG. 32B for placement in a housing having a breach mechanism such as the breach mechanism of FIG. 32A. FIG. 36B is a partial cross-sectional front view of a breaching mechanism similar to the breaching mechanism of FIG. 32A and two companion mechanisms of FIG. FIG. 37B is a cross-sectional view of an egg-shaped housing having three toy characters employing a breach mechanism similar to the breach mechanism of FIG. 32A and two companion mechanisms as shown in FIG. 36. FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a housing, an adapter disk, and a breaching mechanism according to yet another embodiment. FIG. 39 is a top perspective view of the bottom of the housing of FIG. 38. FIG. 39 is a top perspective view of the adapter disk of FIG. 38. FIG. 39 is a bottom perspective view of the adapter disk of FIG. 38.

  1A and 1B, which show a toy assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The toy assembly 10 includes a housing 12 and a toy character 14 positioned within the housing 12. To illustrate the toy character 14 within the housing 12, portions of the housing 12 are shown as transparent in FIGS. 1A and 1B, but the housing 12 is a typical environment in this physical assembly. It may be opaque in the sense that the user cannot see the toy character 14 through the housing 12 under lighting conditions. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 12 is in the shape of an egg shell and the toy character 14 in the housing 12 is in the shape of a bird. However, the housing 12 and the toy character 14 may have any other suitable shape. For manufacture, the housing 12 may be formed from a plurality of housing members separately illustrated as a first housing member 12a, a second housing member 12b, and a third housing member 12c, which are integrally formed. It is fixedly joined and substantially surrounds the toy character 14. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the housing 12 may only partially surround the toy character 14 so that the toy character is visible from several angles, even when within the housing 12.

  The toy character 14 is configured to break the housing 12 from within the housing 12 to expose the toy character 14. In embodiments where the housing 12 is in the form of an egg, the action of destroying the housing 12 is particularly when the toy character 14 is a bird, or any other animal that normally hatches from an egg, such as a turtle, lizard, dinosaur or some other animal In embodiments that are shaped, the toy character 14 will appear to the user as hatching from an egg.

  Referring to the perspective view shown in FIG. 2, the housing 12 may include a plurality of irregular break paths 16 formed in the housing 12. As a result, if the toy character 14 destroys the housing 12, the housing 12 appears to the user to have been randomly destroyed by the toy character 14, thereby adding a sense of realism to the process of destroying the housing. The irregular break path 16 may have any suitable shape. For example, the break path 16 may be generally arcuate, which prevents the presence of sharp corners in the housing 12 during destruction of the housing 12 by the toy character 14. The irregular break path 16 may be formed in any suitable manner. For example, the break path may be directly molded of one or more of the housings 12a-12c. In the illustrated example, the break path 16 is provided on an inner surface (shown at 18) of the housing 12 so that it is not visible to a user before the housing 12 is broken. The break path 16 causes the housing 12 to be configured to break along at least one of the break paths 16 when subjected to sufficient force.

  Housing 12 may be formed of any suitable natural or synthetic polymer composition, depending on the desired performance (ie, fracture) characteristics. When shown in the form of an egg shell, for example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the polymer composition may be selected to exhibit realistic fracture behavior upon impact from the breach mechanism 22 of the toy character 14. . In general, materials suitable for the simulated breakable egg shell may exhibit one or more of low elasticity, low plasticity, low malleability, and low tensile strength. When actuated by the breach mechanism 22, the material must break without significantly absorbing the impact forces. In other words, upon impact by the breach mechanism 22, the material must not bend significantly and must break along one or more of the defined breaking elements. Further, the polymer composition may be selected to exhibit fracture without sharp edges being formed. During the rupture event, the selected polymer composition separates cleanly from the broken free pieces from the housing 12 with minimal unrealistic dangling due to bending or bending at the points that did not separate. We need to be able to do it.

  It has been determined that polymer compositions having a high filler content relative to the base polymer exhibit desirable performance characteristics to simulate broken eggs. An exemplary composition having a high filler content may include about 15-25% by weight of a base polymer, about 1-5% by weight of an organic acid metal salt, and about 75-85% by weight of an inorganic / particulate filler. . It will be appreciated that a variety of base polymers, metal salts of organic acids and fillers may be selected to achieve the desired performance characteristics. In one exemplary embodiment suitable for use in forming the housing 12, the composition comprises 15-25% by weight ethylene-vinyl acetate, 1-5% by weight zinc stearate, and 75-85% by weight calcium carbonate It consists of.

  Although illustrated using ethylene-vinyl acetate, it will be appreciated that a variety of base polymers may be used depending on the desired performance characteristics. Alternatives for the base polymer include thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers. For example, in some embodiments, the base polymer can be a polyolefin (ie, polypropylene, polyethylene). Further, it will be appreciated that the base polymer may be selected from a range of natural polymers used in the production of bioplastics. Exemplary natural polymers include, but are not limited to, starch, cellulose and aliphatic polyester.

  Although illustrated using calcium carbonate, it will be appreciated that alternative particulate fillers may be suitably used. Exemplary alternatives include, but are not limited to, talc, mica, kaolin, wollastonite, feldspar and aluminum hydroxide.

  Referring to FIG. 2, in which the housing 12 is provided in the form of an egg shell, the wall thickness of the structural area 17 of the housing 12, which is the portion surrounding the breaking element (shown as the breaking path 16 in FIG. 2) The height may be in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 mm. The wall thickness selected may take into account a number of factors, including ease of molding (ie, injection molding), with respect to melt flow performance through the molding tool, particularly with respect to the selected polymer composition. For the exemplary polymer composition described above, i.e., a composition consisting of 15-25% by weight ethylene-vinyl acetate, 1-5% by weight zinc stearate, and 75-85% by weight calcium carbonate, To achieve molding performance, a wall thickness of 0.7-0.8 mm for the structural area 17 may be selected. For this composition, a thickness of 0.7-0.8 mm for structural area 17 also provides sufficient strength to maintain the integrity of housing 12 during transport and handling, especially when handled by children. I know it will provide.

  The arrangement of the plurality of rupture paths 16 formed on the inner surface 18 of the housing 12 serves to facilitate the process of breaking the housing 12 by the breach mechanism 22. For a housing 12 provided in the form of a breakable egg shell, the break path 16 is generally provided in a break area 19 of the first housing member 12a. However, it will be appreciated that the break area 19 may be provided in one or more of the various housing members 12a, 12b, 12c. The fracture path 16 may be formed in either a random or regular (ie, geometric) pattern, depending on the desired fracture behavior. Turning to FIGS. 15-19B, a number of exemplary break elements that may be formed in housing 12 are shown.

  FIG. 15 shows an embodiment in which the rupture elements are shown as rupture paths 16 in the rupture area 19, wherein the rupture paths 16 are continuous (ie, interconnected) and discontinuous formed on the inner surface 18 of the housing 12. It includes a combination of channels 21 (ie, dead ends). To facilitate fracture, channel 21 is positioned to provide a generally continuous, centrally located fracture path (shown by dotted line C) through fracture region 19. The break path 16 defines an area of reduced wall thickness, typically 40-60% less than the wall thickness of the structural area 17. In some embodiments, the break path is dimensioned to exhibit a wall thickness that is 50% less than the wall thickness of the surrounding structural area 17. Thus, when providing a housing 12 having a wall thickness of 0.8 mm in the structural area 17, the break path 16 will generally exhibit a wall thickness of 0.4 mm. As shown, the width of channel 21 varies between 0.5-1.5 mm along its length, with some channels generally decreasing towards their terminal (ie, dead end) region. The width to be exhibited.

  FIG. 16 shows an embodiment in which the breaking elements are shown as breaking paths 16 in the breaking area 19, wherein the breaking paths 16 are randomly positioned and the channels 21 forming the breaking paths 16 are continuous therethrough ( That is, they are interconnected). As in the embodiment of FIG. 15, the fracture path 16 of FIG. 16 defines an area of reduced wall thickness, typically 40-60% thinner than the wall thickness of the structural area 17. In some embodiments, the break path 16 is dimensioned to exhibit a wall thickness that is 50% less than the wall thickness of the surrounding structural area 17. Thus, when providing a housing 12 having a wall thickness of 0.8 mm in the structural area 17, the break path 16 will generally exhibit a wall thickness of 0.4 mm. The width of the channel 21 can vary, particularly in the region where two or more channels intersect, but the channels are typically formed to have a width in the range of 0.8-1.2 mm.

  FIG. 17A shows an embodiment in which the rupture elements are shown as rupture paths 16 in the rupture area 19, wherein the rupture paths 16 are arranged in a geometric pattern, and the channels 21 forming the rupture paths 16 have through them. Continuous (ie, interconnected). As shown, the geometric pattern includes a plurality of hexagons arranged in a grid, the perimeters (ie, sides) of these hexagons defining a fracture path 16. Each hexagon further includes a central break path 16a that bisects the hexagon through opposing vertices or opposing sides. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 15, the break path 16 / 16a of FIG. 17A defines an area of reduced wall thickness, typically 40-60% less than the wall thickness of the structural area 17. In some embodiments, the break path 16 / 16a is dimensioned to exhibit a wall thickness that is 50% less than the wall thickness of the surrounding structural area 17. Thus, when providing a housing 12 having a wall thickness of 0.8 mm in the structural area 17, the break path 16 / 16a will generally exhibit a wall thickness of 0.4 mm. Within each geometry, the area delimited by the surrounding break path 16 may be formed with a uniform wall thickness. In one alternative configuration, the area 25 delimited by the peripheral break path 16 may be tapered as shown in FIG. 17b. As shown, each region 25 includes a central ridge 27 having a first thickness (i.e., similar to or greater than the thickness of structural region 17) and a central ridge 27 to an adjacent break path 16. And a plurality of tapered walls 29 extending in the direction of movement. Compared to the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16, the width of the channel 21 is more uniform if the break paths 16 are arranged in a certain geometric pattern. Although the width of the channel may vary, the channel in some embodiments may be formed to have a width of approximately 0.8 mm.

  FIG. 18 shows an embodiment in which the break area 19 comprises a series of closely related but discontinuous and randomly positioned break elements (shown as break units 23). Each breaking unit 23 generally exhibits the shape of a T or Y-shaped channel and has a width of 0.5-1.5 mm. The breaking unit 23 defines a region where the wall thickness is reduced, generally in the region of 40-60% compared to the wall thickness of the structural region 17. In some embodiments, the breaking unit 23 is dimensioned to exhibit a wall thickness that is 50% less than the wall thickness of the surrounding structural area 17. Thus, when providing a housing 12 having a wall thickness of 0.8 mm in the structural area 17, the breaking unit 23 will generally exhibit a wall thickness of 0.4 mm.

  Referring to FIGS. 19A and 19B, a further alternative embodiment is shown in which a discontinuous array of break elements is provided to establish a break area 19. 19A and 19B show a plurality of break elements (shown as break units 23) in the form of circular and / or elliptical recesses formed in housing 12. FIG. The circular and / or elliptical breaking units 23 may be provided in various sizes and orientations to achieve a generally random breaking behavior. Further, the breaking units 23 may be arranged in a generally random pattern, as shown in FIG. 19A, or in a regular repeating pattern, as shown in FIG. 19B. The breaking unit 23 of FIGS. 19A and 19B defines an area of reduced wall thickness, typically 40-60% less than the wall thickness of the structural area 17. In some embodiments, the breaking unit 23 is dimensioned to exhibit a wall thickness that is 50% less than the wall thickness of the surrounding structural area 17. Thus, when providing a housing 12 having a wall thickness of 0.8 mm in the structural area 17, the breaking unit 23 will generally exhibit a wall thickness of 0.4 mm.

  The breaking element (breaking path 16 / breaking unit 23) may occupy 20 to 80% of the area in the breaking area 19. In some embodiments where the housing needs to break at relatively high impact forces, the break path / unit may occupy 20-30% of the area within the break area 19. Conversely, it is necessary to break the housing 12 with a relatively small impact force, and the breaking element may occupy 70% to 80% of the area in the breaking area 19. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15-19B, the rupture element occupies approximately 40-60% of the area within the rupture region 19. The selection of the ratio of the breaking element to the structural area of the housing 12 will take into account a number of factors, including but not limited to the material used, the force required to break the housing, and the shape of the housing. For example, in certain embodiments where the polymer composition incorporates a base polymer having higher strength properties compared to ethylene-vinyl acetate, the housing may be more susceptible to achieving breakage of the housing under the same impact conditions. High fracture element ratios (i.e., 70% to 80%) may be required. Other embodiments may employ a proportion of the rupture element that can be less than 20% or more than 80%, depending on the intended application and the impact force used to achieve rupture of the housing. Will be understood.

  Although the housing 12 has been illustrated in the form of an egg shell, it will be understood that the materials and molding features described above may be applied to other products, including but not limited to other housing configurations and consumer packaging. Will be done. For example, if the toy character is provided in the form of an action figure, the housing may be provided in the form of a building, wherein the action figure is configured to impact the housing from the inside when activated. It will be appreciated that numerous toy / housing combinations may be possible.

  The toy character 14 is illustrated in FIG. 3 as being installed only on the housing member 12c. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the toy character 14 includes a toy character frame 20, a breakthrough mechanism 22, a breakthrough mechanism power source 24, and a controller 28. The breach mechanism 22 is operable to break the housing 12 (eg, break the housing 12 along at least one of the break paths 16) to expose the toy character 14. The breach mechanism 22 includes a hammer 30, an operating lever 32, and a breach mechanism cam. The hammer 30 is movable between a retracted position where the hammer 30 is spaced from the housing 12 (FIG. 4) and an advanced position where the hammer 30 is positioned to break the housing 12 (FIG. 5).

  The operating lever 32 is pivotally mounted on the toy character frame 20 via the pin joint 40, and the hammer retracted position (FIG. 4) in which the operating lever 32 is positioned so that the hammer 30 can be moved to the retracted position. And the operating lever 32 is movable between a hammer driving position (FIG. 5) in which the hammer 30 is driven. The operating lever 32 is urged by the operating lever urging member 38 to the hammer driving position. In other words, the operating lever 32 is biased by the biasing member 38 to drive the hammer 30 to the extended position. The actuating lever 32 has a first end 42 having a cam engaging surface 44 and a second end 46 having a hammer engaging surface 48, which will be described further below.

  The breach mechanism cam 34 may rest directly on the output shaft (shown at 49) of the motor 36 and is therefore rotatable by the motor 36. Breakthrough mechanism cam 34 has a cam surface 50 that engages a cam engaging surface 44 on first end 42 of actuating lever 32. When the breach mechanism cam 34 is rotated by the motor 36 (clockwise in the views shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 from the position shown in FIG. 4 to the position shown in FIG. 5), indicated at 51 on the cam surface 50. This stepped area causes the cam surface 50 to suddenly fall off the actuation lever 32, which allows the biasing member 38 to accelerate the actuation lever 32 and impact the hammer 30 at a relatively high speed, , Driving the hammer 30 forward (outward) from the frame 20 at a relatively high speed, which provides a high impact energy when the hammer 30 strikes the housing 12 to facilitate the destruction of the housing 12. In some embodiments, this will give the appearance of a bird pricking and opening the way out of the egg.

  As the breach mechanism cam 34 continues to rotate, the cam surface 50 pulls the actuating lever 32 back to the retracted position shown in FIG. The hammer engaging surface 48 of the actuating lever 32 may have a first magnet 52a, which is attracted to a second magnet 52b of the hammer 30. As a result, during the retraction of the operating lever 32, the operating lever 32 returns the hammer 30 to the retracted position shown in FIG.

  The piercing mechanism cam 34 is rotatable by a motor 36, whereby the operating lever 32 is pulled from the hammer 30, and subsequently, the operating lever 32 is pressed into the hammer 30 by the operating lever biasing member 38. Release periodically. Therefore, the motor 36 and the operating lever urging member 38 together constitute the breaching mechanism power source 24.

  The actuating lever biasing member 38 may be a helical coil tension spring as shown, or may be any other type of biasing member.

  Further, the toy character 14 includes a rotation mechanism indicated by 53 in FIG. The rotation mechanism 53 is configured to rotate the toy character 14 within the housing 12. The controller 28 is configured to operate the rotation mechanism 53 when the break-through mechanism is operated to break the housing 12 at a plurality of locations.

  Rotation mechanism 53 may be any suitable rotation mechanism. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the rotation mechanism 53 includes a gear 54 fixedly installed on the bottom housing member 12c. The output shaft 49 of the motor 36 is a dual output shaft that extends from both sides of the motor 36 and drives the first wheel 56a and the second wheel 56b. One of the wheels (on the first wheel 56a in the illustrated example) has a drive tooth 58. When the motor 36 rotates the output shaft 49, the driving teeth 58 on the first wheel 56a engage the gear 54 once per rotation of the output shaft 49 to drive the toy character 14 to drive the housing Rotate with respect to 12. Bush 60 supports toy character 14 for rotation about the axis of gear 54 (shown as Ag). In the example shown, the bush 60 slidably and rotatably engages the shaft 62 of the gear 54 and, as shown in FIG. 6A, axially on the support surface 64 of the bottom housing member 12c. Supported. The toy character 14 can be held releasably with respect to the bush 60 via the protrusion 66 of the bush 60 that engages with the aperture 68 of the toy character frame 20. If the user wishes to remove the toy character 14 from the bush 60, the user may pull the toy character 14 off the protrusion 66. The bush 60 also supports the wheels 56a and 56b at a distance from the housing 12. As a result, while the toy character 14 is in the housing 12, the bush 60 slides on the bottom housing member 12c so that the wheels 56a and 56b do not engage with the housing member 12c and the rotation of the toy character 14 An indexing is performed.

  As can be seen from the above description, once per rotation of the output shaft 49, the rotation mechanism 53 rotates the toy character 14 by the selected angle amount (that is, the rotation mechanism 53 rotates and rotates the toy character 14). ), The actuating lever 32 is retracted to the retracted position and then released, driving the hammer 30 forward to engage the housing 12 and destroy the housing 12. Therefore, due to the continuous rotation of the motor 36, the toy character 14 finally breaks through the entire outer periphery of the housing 12.

  When the toy character 14 breaks through the housing, the user can help the toy character 14 escape from the housing 12. Note that in some embodiments, if desired, the housing member 12c may remain and function as a base for the toy character 14. When the toy character 14 has escaped from the housing 12 and the hammer 30 no longer needs to break through the housing 12, the user may move at least one release member from a pre-breakthrough position to a post-breakthrough position. In the example shown in FIG. 5, there are two release members, a first release member 70a and a second release member 70b. Prior to the destruction of the housing 12 to expose the toy character 14, the release members 70a and 70b are in a pre-breakthrough position. When in the pre-breakthrough position, the first release member 70 a connects the first end (shown at 72) of the actuation lever biasing member 38 to the toy character frame 20. The second end (shown at 74) of the biasing member 38 is connected to the actuating lever 32, which causes the biasing member 38 to drive the hammer 30 forward (by actuation of the actuating lever 32). Connected to break housing 12. Movement of the release member 70a to the post-breach position in the illustrated example entails removal of the release member 70a, thereby causing the biasing member 38 to move the actuation lever 32 and the Accordingly, the hammer 30 cannot be driven. As a result, when the rotation of the motor 36 that causes the rotation of the piercing mechanism cam 34 occurs, the operation lever 32 is not pressed into the hammer 30 due to the passage of the cam surface 50 through the stepped region 51.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the second release member 70b holds the lock lever 78 in the lock position when in the pre-break-through position, thereby holding the hammer biasing structure 80 in the non-use position. In this non-use position, the hammer biasing structure 80 holds the operating lever 32 fixed and acts integrally with the operating lever 32. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, when the second release member 70 b moves from the pre-break position to the post-break position, the lock lever 78 releases the hammer biasing structure 80. The hammer biasing structure 80 includes a pivot arm 82 pivotally connected to the actuation lever 32 (e.g., via a pin joint 84) and a pivot arm biasing member 86, and includes a pivot arm biasing member 86. A biasing member 86 acts between the operating lever 32 and the pivot arm 82 to bias the pivot arm 82 toward the hammer 30 and bias the hammer 30 to the extended position shown in FIG. Or any other suitable spring. As a result, the hammer 30 can be integrated into the appearance of the toy character. In the illustrated embodiment, the toy character 14 is in the shape of a bird and the hammer 30 is a bird's beak. Since the hammer 30 is urged upward by the urging member 86 and is not locked in the extended position, as shown in FIG. 8, an external force (for example, by a user) can push the hammer 30 against the urging force of the urging member 86. This can reduce the risk of injuring a child who plays with the toy character 14 by hitting it.

  Any suitable scheme may be used to initiate the toy character 14 breaking through the housing 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, at least one sensor may be provided on the toy assembly 10, which detects user interaction while the toy character 14 is in the housing 12. For example, by providing the capacitive sensor 90 at the bottom of the housing member 12c, holding by the user can be detected. By providing the microphone 92 on the toy character frame 20, voice input by the user can be detected. A push button 94 may be provided on the front of the toy character 14. By providing the toy character 14 with the inclination sensor 96, the inclination of the toy character 14 by the user can be detected. The controller 28 counts the number of interactions the user has made with the toy assembly 10 and causes the breakthrough mechanism 22 to destroy the housing 12 and expose the toy character 14 if the selected conditions are met. May work. For example, the condition may be a selected number of interactions with the user, for example, 120 interactions. Interaction with the toy character 14 using the microphone 92 may entail the user saying commands recognized by the controller 28, or any type of clapping and tapping sound that the microphone 92 will receive. May be accompanied by the user making the noise. The interaction may involve a user holding or touching the housing 12 at a location where the capacitive sensor receives it. In another example, the interaction may involve the user pressing a push button 94 of the toy character 14 by pressing a precise point on the housing 12, wherein the point reduces the pressing force. It may be flexible and elastic enough to transmit to the push button 94. Push button 94 may control the operation of LED 95 in toy character 14 that is bright enough to be viewed through housing 12. The LED 95 emits light in a plurality of different colors (controlled by the controller 28) to affect the "feeling" of the toy character 14 depending on a number of factors, including the interaction occurring between the toy character 14 and the user. mod) "can be shown to the user. Other sensors may be used to detect interaction with the user. For example, a thermal sensor may be provided on the toy character 14 (eg, may be located on the frame 20), or may be provided coupled to the housing 12 (eg, in contact with the inner surface of the housing 12). The thermal sensor detects when a selected portion of the housing 12 or a selected portion of the character 14 reaches a selected temperature, allowing the user to hold the housing 12 or to release the toy assembly 10. The placement near the heat source can indicate that it is interacting with the toy assembly 10. Still other sensors that may be used to detect interaction with the user may include, for example, a light sensor that detects light at a selected wavelength and / or intensity, wherein the user may select the light sensor at the selected wavelength and / or intensity. This indicates that the light source having the specified wavelength and / or intensity is arranged at a position where the light sensor can detect the light source. Still other sensors that may be used to detect user interaction include, for example, wireless signal receivers, such as Bluetooth® or BLE (Low Energy Bluetooth Low Energy) receivers. It can receive wireless signals transmitted by the user from a device (e.g., smartphone) that can transmit the selected type of signal.

  If the toy character 14 is outside the housing 12, the toy character 14 may perform a different exercise than the exercise performed within the housing 12. For example, toy character 14 may have at least one branch 96. In the example shown, two branches 96 are provided, which are shown as wings, but may be any suitable type of branch. When in the housing, the wing 96 is positioned in a pre-breakthrough position where the wing 96 is in a non-functional state, as shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C, and when outside the housing, as shown in FIG. The wing 96 is positioned at the position after the breakthrough at which the wing 96 becomes functional. As shown in FIG. 10D, the wing 96 is connected to the character frame 20 via a wing connector link 100, which is pivotally mounted at one end to the associated wing 96, At the other end, it is installed so as to be pivotable with respect to the character frame 20. For each wing 96, a wing driver arm 104 is pivotally connected at one end to an associated wing 96 and has a wing driver arm wheel 106 at the other end. When the toy character 14 is at the post-break position, the wing driver arm wheel 106 is settled on the main wheels 56a and 56b of the toy character. The main wheels 56a and 56b of the toy character have a cam profile thereon and have at least one leaf 108 on each wheel (shown in FIG. 6 where two leaves 108 are shown). Provided for each wheel). Leaf 108 has two purposes. First, when the motor 36 rotates, the wheels 56a and 56b drive the toy character 14 along the ground, and the leaves 108 swing the toy character 14 so that the toy character 14 rolls along the ground. At this time, an appearance closer to the creature is given to the toy character 14. Second, as the wheels 56a and 56b rotate, the presence of the leaves 108 causes the wheels 56a and 56b to act as wing driver cams, which causes the wing driver arm wheel 106 to define the cam profile of the main wheels 56a and 56b. The wing driver arm 104 is driven up and down as it follows. The vertical movement of the wing driver arm 104 drives the wings 96 to pivot up and down, giving the toy character 14 the appearance of flapping its wings as the toy character 14 moves along the ground. Preferably, the leaves 108 on the first wheel 56a are offset in rotation with respect to the leaves 108 on the second wheel 56b so that the toy character 14 is oriented laterally as the toy character rolls. The rocking motion enhances the appearance of the athletic creature.

  For each wing connector link 100, the wing connector link biasing member 102 (FIG. 10C) biases the associated wing 96 downward by biasing the associated wing connector link 100, with the character shown in FIG. 10D. When in the post-break position, contact between the driver arm wheel 106 and the main wheels 56a and 56b is maintained.

  In the illustrated example, where the branches 96 are wings, the driver arm 104 is referred to as a wing driver arm, the driver arm wheel 106 is referred to as a wing driver arm wheel 106, and the wheels 56a and 56b are associated with the wing driver cam. Called. However, if the wing 96 is any other suitable type of branch, the driver arm 104 and the driver arm wheel 106 may be more broadly defined as the branch driver arm 104 and the branch driver arm wheel 106, respectively. It will be understood that the wheels 56a and 56b may be referred to as branch driver cams.

  In the example shown, the motor 36 drives the branch 96 by driving the wheels 56a and 56b. Thus, when the branch 96 is in the post-breakthrough position, the motor 36 is operatively connected to the branch 96.

  Thus, the motor 36 is a branch-shaped power source. However, the motor 36 is merely an example of a suitable branch power source, and alternatively, any other suitable type of branch power source may be used to drive the branch 96.

  When the wing 96 is in the pre-break position (FIGS. 10A-10C), the link 100 may be hinged to the character frame 20 if necessary, so that the wing fits within the housing 12. In the example shown, the wing connector link 100 is hinged upward against the biasing force of the biasing member 102. Thus, while in housing 12, wing 96 remains in its non-functional position, where wing driver arm 104 is held such that wing driver arm wheel 106 is disengaged from toy character main wheels 56a and 56b. You. Accordingly, the motor 36 (ie, the branch power source) is operatively disconnected from the branch 96 when the branch 96 is in the pre-breakthrough position. As a result, if the toy character 14 is within the housing 12 and the motor 36 rotates (eg, to cause movement of the breakthrough mechanism 22), rotation of the main wheels 56a and 56b will not cause movement of the wings 96. As a result, wings 96 do not cause damage to housing 12 during operation of motor 36 while character 14 is within housing 12.

  The illustrated motor 36 includes an energy source which may be one or more batteries.

  Referring to FIG. 11, which shows how a user can play with the toy assembly 10 before breaking through the toy character 14 from the housing 12. In FIG. 11, the lower housing member 12b is shown as transparent to show the toy character 14 inside. At a first point in time, the user generates a first progression scan 153 of the toy assembly 10 by scanning the toy assembly 10 by any suitable means, for example, by the camera 150 of the smartphone 152 ( That is, this may be an image of the toy assembly 10 taken by the smartphone camera 150). The user may then upload the scan 153 to the server 154 as part of the registration of the toy assembly 10, or after registration of the toy assembly 10, via a network such as the Internet indicated at 156. . The server 154 generates an output image 158a representing a first virtual stage of development of the toy character 14 within the housing 12 in response to the uploaded scan, and provides the user with the toy character 14 growing within the housing 12. Communicates the impression of being a living entity. The output image 158a may be displayed electronically (for example, on the smartphone 152). The user may take a second progression scan 153 of the toy assembly 10 and upload it to the server 154 at a second time thereafter, whereupon the server 154 may access the toy character 14 in the housing 12. An output image 158b (shown in FIG. 13B) representing a second virtual stage of development is generated. In this second virtual stage of development, the toy character 14 may have a more developed appearance than in the first virtual stage of development.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a method 200 for managing the interaction between the user and the toy assembly 10 according to the operations shown in FIGS. The method 200 begins at 201 and includes a step 202 of receiving registration of the toy assembly 10 from a user. This may be done by receiving information about the model number or serial number of the toy assembly 10 from the user. Step 204 includes, after step 202, receiving from the user a first progression scan of the toy assembly as shown in FIG. Step 206 includes displaying an image of the toy character 14 in the first stage of virtual development as shown in FIG. 13A. Step 208 includes, after step 206, receiving a second progression scan of the toy assembly 10 from the user, also as shown in FIG. Step 210 displays a second output image 158b of the toy character 14 in the second stage of virtual development, different from the first output image 158a showing the first stage of development, as shown in FIG. 13B. Including steps.

  Although the toy assembly 10 has been described as including a controller and sensors and also including a breach mechanism within the toy character 14, many other configurations are possible. For example, toy assembly 10 may be provided without a controller or any sensors. Instead, the toy character 14 is controlled by a power switch that can be activated from outside the housing 12 (eg, this switch can be activated by a lever that extends through the housing 12 and out of the housing 12). May be powered by an electric motor.

  Breakthrough mechanism 22 is shown as being provided within toy character 14. It will be understood that this position is merely one example of a position associated with the housing 12 in which the breaching mechanism 22 can be positioned. In other embodiments, the breaching mechanism can be positioned outside the housing 12 while connected to the housing 12. For example, in embodiments where the housing 12 is shaped like an egg (as in the example shown), a "nest" can be provided that can hold the egg. The nest may have a breaching mechanism built into the nest, which can be activated to break the eggs to visualize the toy character 14 therein. Thus, in one aspect, a toy assembly may be provided that includes a housing, such as housing 12, and a toy character within the housing, wherein the toy character is similar to toy character 14, but coupled to the housing. A breaching mechanism, which may be inside or outside the housing, or may be partially inside the housing or partially outside the housing; Operable to expose the toy character 14. The breaching mechanism is powered by a breaching mechanism power source (eg, a spring or motor) coupled to the housing 12. In some embodiments (eg, as shown in FIG. 3), the breaching mechanism includes a hammer (eg, hammer 30), and a breaching mechanism power source is applied to the hammer to drive the hammer and destroy housing 12. Operationally connected. In some embodiments (eg, as shown in FIG. 4), a breach power source is operatively connected to the hammer to reciprocate the hammer and break housing 12.

  Another aspect of the present invention relates to the movement of the toy character 14 when in the pre-breakthrough position and when in the post-breakthrough position. More specifically, the toy character 14 includes, for example, a branch 96, a main wheel 56, a branch connector link 100 and an associated biasing member 102, a branch driver arm 104, a driver arm wheel 106, a hammer 30, It can be said to include a functional mechanism set that includes all the motion elements of the toy character 14, including the operating lever 32, the breach mechanism cam 34, the motor 36, and the operating lever biasing member 38. The toy character 14 is detachable from the housing 12 and can be positioned at a position after breaking through. When the toy character 14 is in the pre-breakthrough position, the functional mechanism set is operable to perform a first set of exercises. In the illustrated example, the branch power source (i.e., motor 36) is operatively disconnected from the branch 96, so that the movement of the branch power source 36 does not drive the movement of the branch 96. . However, in the pre-breach position, the breach mechanism power source destroys the housing 12 by driving the movement of the breach mechanism 22 (by reciprocating the hammer 30 and rotating the toy character 14 within the housing 12). To expose the toy character 14. When the toy character 14 is in the post-breakthrough position, the functional mechanism set is operable to perform a second set of exercises different from the first set of exercises. For example, when the toy character 14 is in the post-breakthrough position, the branch power source 36 is operatively connected to the branch 96 to drive movement of the branch 96, while the breach mechanism 22 is driven by the breach mechanism power source. Not driven.

  Several optional aspects of the play pattern with the toy assembly are described below. While the toy character 14 is within the housing 12 (if the toy character 14 is still at the pre-breakthrough stage), the user can interact with the toy character in multiple ways. For example, a user can tap the housing 12. This beating operation can be picked up by the microphone on the toy character 14. The controller 28 can interpret the input to the microphone, and if it determines that the input was due to a tapping action, the controller 28 can output a tapping sound from the speaker, thereby allowing the toy character 14 to provide the user with a toy character 14 It looks as if it is returning a tapping action. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 28 may cause the hammer 30 to move relative to the inner wall of the housing 12 by initiating the movement of the hammer 30 as described above depending on whether the controller 28 can control the speed of the hammer 30. It can be hammered light enough to be perceived by the user, but not strong enough to break housing 12. The controller 28 may be programmed (or otherwise configured) to produce an irritating sound if the user performs the tapping action too many times within a certain amount of time or according to some other criteria. May be. Optionally, if the user turns the toy assembly 10 upside down for the first time, the controller 28 may be programmed to emit the sound “Wee!” From the speaker of the toy character 14. If the user turns the toy assembly 10 upside down more than a selected number of times within a certain amount of time, the controller 28 will emit a sound (or some other output) indicating that the toy character 14 is feeling anxious. May be programmed to emit. Optionally, the controller 28 may be programmed to emit a heartbeat from the toy character 14 if the controller 28 detects, via a capacitive sensor, that the user is holding the housing 12. Optionally, controller 28 may be configured to indicate that it is cold using any suitable criteria, and if controller 28 detects that a user is holding or rubbing housing 12. , May be programmed to stop showing cold. Optionally, the controller 28 may be programmed to emit a sound indicating that the toy character 14 is hiccuping and stop indicating when a sufficient number of tapping actions have been received from the user. The controller 28 may be programmed to indicate to the user that the toy character 14 is bored and wants to play, and to stop such instructions when the user is interacting with the toy assembly 10. May be.

  Optionally, if the controller 28 determines that the criteria for leaving the pre-breakthrough stage and breaking through the housing 12 have been met, the controller 28 may cause the LEDs to emit light in a selected sequence. For example, the LEDs may emit light in a rainbow sequence (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple). Thereafter, the toy character 14 may begin hitting the housing 12 a selected number of times, after which the toy character 14 stops and waits for the user to further interact with the toy character 14, and then again selects the housing 12 a number of times. You may start typing.

  Optionally, after the toy character 14 first breaks through the housing 12, the controller 28 may act in a first stage of development after "hatch" (ie, after the toy character 14 is released from the housing 12), It may be programmed to emit baby-like sounds and to perform baby-like movements, such as being able to only turn in a circle, for example. During this first stage, the controller 28 may stroke the toy character 14, feed the toy character 14, inspire the toy character 14, care for the toy character 14, and indicate that the toy character 14 is ill. Carrying on the toy character 14 when emitting a certain output, laying down the toy character 14 for a nap, and playing with the toy character 14 when the toy character emits an output that is an indicator of boredom The user may be programmed to require interaction with the toy character 14 in a selected manner. In this first stage, the toy character 14 may emit an output that indicates the horror of the sound above the selected volume. At this stage, the toy character may generally make a baby-like sound, such as a throat sound, when the user attempts to communicate with the toy character by language.

  Optionally, during the first stage, some criteria are met (eg, sufficient time has elapsed, or a sufficient number of interactions (eg, 120 interactions) between the user and the toy character 14). After that, the controller 28 may be programmed to change its mode of operation to a second stage after "hatch" (ie, after the toy character 14 is released from the housing 12). Optionally, the LED again emits a rainbow sequence to indicate that the above criteria have been met and that the toy character is changing its stage of development.

  In the second stage of this development, the toy character 14 can move linearly and circularly. Further, the sound emitted by the toy character 14 may sound like a more mature one. At the beginning of the second stage of post-hatch development, the controller 28 may be programmed to drive the toy character 14 to move linearly, but not smoothly, and the motor 38 learns to walk. It may be driven and stopped randomly to give the appearance of a child who is present. Over time, the motor 38 is driven with fewer stops, which gives the toy character 14 a more mature "walking" appearance. In the second stage of this development, the toy character 14 can utter a voice in the intonation used when the user speaks to the toy character 14. Also, in the second stage of this development, the game involving the interaction with the toy character 14 is unlocked, and the user can play it.

  FIG. 20 illustrates a breach mechanism 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The breach mechanism 300 includes a generally cup-shaped base member 304 having a feature, a plunger lock recess 308 in its side wall, and a slot 312 in its base wall. Plunger member 316 has a tubular body 320 and a round cap 324. The outer circumference of the tubular body 320 of the plunger member 316 is dimensioned to be smaller than the inner circumference of the side wall of the base member 304 so that the tubular body 320 can be laterally displaced within the base member 304 as needed. . A feature along the outer surface of the tubular body 320, a protrusion 328, at the proximal end of the body 320 (ie, the end opposite the round cap 324) fits within the plunger locking recess 308 of the base member 304. Is sized as follows.

  A biasing element, in particular a spring 332, is fitted inside the tubular body 320 of the plunger member 316 and applies a biasing force between the plunger member 316 and the base member 304. A collar 336 is placed around the tubular body 320 of the plunger member 316 (eg, by thermal bonding, glue, or any other suitable means), and the impact of the protrusion 328 against the collar 336 causes the plunger member 316 to move away from the base member 304. Prevent it from coming out completely. When the plunger member 316 is in the retracted position, the spring 332 is in a state of being compressed between the round cap 324 of the plunger member 316 and the base wall of the base member 304. In the retracted position, as shown in FIG. , Plunger member 316 is within base member 304.

  The release element or wedge 340 is inserted into the slot 312 when the plunger member 316 is fully inserted into the base member 304, thereby moving the tubular body 320 of the plunger member 316 to one side inside the base member 304. And the projection 328 is positioned in the plunger lock recess 308. Ridge 344 along wedge 340 limits insertion of wedge 340 into slot 312.

  FIG. 21 shows the breaking mechanism 300 in a compressed state, wherein the plunger member 316 is in a retracted position within the base member 304 and the spring 332 is compressed. The wedge 340 is inserted into the slot 312 and is urged against the tubular body 320 by an internal ridge 346 in the slot, biasing the tubular body 320 of the plunger member 316 toward one side inside the base member 304. Also, the projection 328 is biased into the recess 308 to prevent the spring 332 from biasing the plunger member 316.

  In some alternative embodiments, the release element limits expansion of a spring or other biasing element.

  FIG. 22 shows the breaking mechanism in an expanded state. By removing the wedge 340, the tubular body 320 of the plunger member 316 can be displaced within the base member 304, thereby allowing the protrusion 328 to exit the plunger locking recess 308 and releasing the plunger member 316. Thus, the spring 332 can be moved outward from the base member 304 by the separating force.

  The breakthrough mechanism 300 can form a part of a toy character similar to the toy character 14. For example, the plunger member 316 and the base member 304 may both be contained within the housing of the toy character. Accordingly, plunger member 316 and base member 304 may be configured to contribute to the appearance of young birds, reptiles, etc., as needed. In addition, the breaching mechanism 300 can be disposed within a housing, such as an egg, which is biased by a spring 332 that biases the plunger member 316 outwardly toward the extended position (FIG. 22) relative to the base member 304. Can be broken. The housing has an aperture that allows the wedge 340 to be removed from the breach mechanism 300. The spring 332 can apply a sufficiently strong biasing force to separate the plunger member 316 and the base member 304 and break the housing in which the piercing mechanism 300 is disposed.

  FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a housing in which the breaking mechanism 300 of FIGS. The housing of this example is in the form of a simulated egg shell 360 having a series of break paths 364 formed along its interior, with the break path 364 relative to the portion around the egg shell 360. With reduced shell thickness. The wedge access aperture 368 of the egg shell 360 allows the end of the wedge 340 to penetrate so that the user can grip and remove the wedge 340 to activate the breach mechanism 300.

  FIG. 24 illustrates a breach mechanism 400 according to another embodiment. Breakthrough mechanism 400 includes a base member 404 formed by two base member portions 404a, 404b, and a plunger member 408 formed by two plunger member portions 408a, 408b. The base member 404 has a tubular sidewall 412 having a generally hollow interior for receiving the plunger member 408, and an inner lip 416 along the top of the sidewall 412. The plunger member 408 has a tubular side wall 420 and an outer ridge 424 along the bottom of the side wall 420, which cooperates with an inner lip 416 of the base member 404 to allow the plunger member 408 to move the base member 404. To prevent it from coming out completely. Plunger member 408 also has a set of multiple inner walls 428 that define a channel. A screw drive 432 is fixed inside the base member 404 and a motor 436 that rotates the threaded shaft 440 (by a suitable mechanical drive that is readily configured by those skilled in the art based on the packaging requirements of the particular application). And a battery 444 that supplies power to the motor 436. A traveler 448 having an internal threaded portion receives the threaded shaft 440. Traveler 448 is generally tubular and has a rectangular outer shape dimensioned to prevent rotation within the channel defined by inner wall 428 of plunger member 408. The lip 450 on the outer surface of the traveler 448 abuts the lower edge of the inner wall 428, thereby limiting insertion into the channel defined by the inner wall 428. A biasing element 452 (shown as a helical compression spring and sometimes referred to as a spring 452 for convenience) fits within the end of the traveler 448 opposite the threaded shaft 440. The magnetic switch 453 is provided in the breaking mechanism 400 and controls electric power from the battery 444 to the motor 436. The magnetic switch 453 can be activated (ie, closed) by the presence of the magnet 454 proximate the housing as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 25 shows the breaching mechanism 400 in a compressed state positioned within the housing. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing is an egg shell 460. Egg shell 460 includes a rupturable shell portion 464 secured to annular shell portion 468. Annular shell portion 468 snaps into base shell portion 472. Traveler 448 is positioned within the channel created by inner wall 428 of plunger member 408 and is positioned at the lower end of threaded shaft 440. The spring 452 is compressed between the shoulder inside the traveler 448 and the end face in the channel. Driving the screw drive 432 with the motor 436 drives the incremental deflection of the spring 452, thereby biasing the plunger member 408 outward from the base member 404, the biasing force applied by the spring 452. Increase.

  FIG. 26 shows the breaching mechanism 400 in an expanded state after activation of the screw drive 432 due to the placement of a magnet proximate the egg shell 460 adjacent to the motor 436. The screw drive 432 operatively applies a separating force that urges the plunger member 408 and the base member 404 away from each other. When the egg shell 460 is sufficiently ruptured, the spring 452 expands from the compressed state and suddenly pushes and tears the broken egg shell 460 to enhance the realism of the hatching operation.

  FIG. 27 shows a toy character 500 that includes a breakthrough mechanism similar to the breakthrough mechanism 400 shown in FIGS. The breaching mechanism shown in FIG. 27 has a base member 504 and a plunger member 508 shown in an expanded state. Toy character 500 includes a swivel wheel assembly 512, which has a pair of wheels 516, optionally driven by the same motor that drives base member 504 and plunger member 508 apart. A pair of non-slewing wheels 520 are mounted on base member 504. The swivel wheel assembly may be connected to a motor such that the wheel assembly 512 is intermittently rotated by the motor by some angle. This results in a somewhat unstable movement of the toy character 500. This unstable movement can convey a sense of reality to the character during the movement of the character.

  Also, the breaching mechanism described and illustrated herein may be provided with a decorative cover to simulate the appearance of any suitable character.

  28-30 illustrate a housing breaking mechanism 600 according to an embodiment. The housing breaking mechanism 600 has a base frame member 604 that includes an outer bowl 608 secured to an inner bowl 612. Outer bowl 608 has an inner lip 616 around its top. The upper frame member 620 is rotatably coupled to the base frame member 604 around the top circumference of the outer bowl 608. The inner lip 624 of the upper frame member 620 securely receives the inner lip 616 of the outer bowl 608. The three cutting elements 628 are pivotally connected at their first ends to the base frame member 604 by fasteners such as partially threaded screws 632. The second end 636 of the cutting element 628 is slidably connected to the upper frame member 620 by a protrusion of the cutting element 628 through an opening 640 in the side wall of the upper frame member 620. The cutting element 628 is somewhat arcuate and defines an aperture 644 in which the housing 648 to be broken can be positioned.

  As will be appreciated, counterclockwise rotation of the upper frame member 620 relative to the base frame member 604 causes the cutting element 628 to pivot and traverse / shrink the aperture 644, much like an analog camera aperture. A sharp protrusion 652 along the cutting element 628 projects toward the aperture 644 and acts to pierce and / or crack the housing 648. In this manner, the housing 648 disposed in the housing breaking mechanism 600 can be broken.

  As will be appreciated, the cutting element can be slidably connected to the upper frame member in a number of ways, such as by providing a channel in the cutting element where a fastener fastened to the upper frame member can be secured. Further, the cutting element may be pivotally connected to the upper frame member and may be slidably connected to the base frame member.

  One or more cutting elements can be employed, and one or more cutting elements can act to compress the housing to be broken against another cutting element or against a portion of the frame.

  31A and 31B show a housing breaking mechanism 700 according to another embodiment. The housing breaking mechanism 700 includes a pair of cutting elements 704 pivotally connected by fasteners 708 such as bolts or rivets. One or both of the cutting elements 704 have a recess 712 at its cutting edge 716. The housing to be broken can be located in the one or more recesses 712 and can be broken by pivoting of the cutting element 704, as shown in FIG. 31B, thereby providing access to a toy character provided in the housing. Becomes possible.

  A toy character that employs the above-described breakthrough mechanism, particularly the breakthrough mechanism shown in FIGS. 20-23 and 24-27, can be used with a companion toy character that may or may not be located in the housing with the toy character.

  FIG. 32A illustrates a breach mechanism 800 for a toy character similar to the toy character of FIG. 27 in an inflated state. The breaching mechanism 800 has a base member 804 that nests within the plunger member 808 in a compressed state and is biased away from the plunger member 808 by a screw drive with a motor into the expanded state shown. . The movement of the toy character on a surface is provided by a plurality of wheels 812, which have a cam profile and at least one leaf on each wheel, similar to that shown in FIG. . Wheel 812 is driven by a motor.

  FIG. 32B shows a companion mechanism 820 for a companion toy character located in a housing with the toy character (using the breakthrough mechanism 800 of FIG. 32A). The companion mechanism 820 has a body 824 and a wheel base 828 that is nested within the body 824 but is outwardly directed to an expanded state as shown by an internal helical metal coil spring. It is urged to. The wheel base 828 has a set of wheels 832 that allow the companion mechanism 820 to move along the surface with minimal pressing.

  FIG. 33 shows the breaching mechanism 800 of FIG. 32A and the companion mechanism 820 of FIG. 32B in a stacked compressed state. In this compressed state, the screw drive of the breach mechanism 800 has not yet been driven to drive the plunger member 808 away from the base member 804. The companion mechanism 820 is also in a compressed state, and the wheel base 828 is held in a compressed state in the main body 824 against the force of the spiral metal coil spring. Companion mechanism 820 is on top of plunger member 808 of breakthrough mechanism 800.

  FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of a housing in the form of an egg shell 840 having two toy characters positioned inside. The main toy character 844 employs the breakthrough mechanism 800 in a compressed state. The auxiliary toy character 848 acts on the companion mechanism 820, which is also in a compressed state. Upon activation of the motor of the breakthrough mechanism 800 in the main toy character 844 and the attached screw drive, for example by a magnet to close the circuit with the two contacts together, the screw drive separates the plunger member 808 from the base member 804. To push the auxiliary toy character 848 through the egg shell 840 to break the egg shell 840. At the same time, the wheel 812 begins to rotate, and the leaves of the wheel 812 assist in pressing against the interior of the egg shell 840 to break the egg shell 840.

  When the egg shell 840 breaks, the companion mechanism 820 in the toy character 848 is no longer held in compression, and the wheel base 828 is biased away from the body 824 by a helical metal coil spring.

  When the main toy character 844 escapes from the egg shell 840, the wheel 812 moves the main toy character 844 across the surface on which the main toy character 844 is located.

  Breakthrough mechanism 800 and companion mechanism 820 may include electronic components that are activated upon inflation. In the case of the breakthrough mechanism 800, the electronic components can be located on the same circuit as the motor and can be activated when the circuit is closed. With respect to companion mechanism 820, its electronic components can be activated upon closing of the circuit when body 824 and wheel base 828 are biased apart by a helical metal coil spring.

  The electronic components allow the main toy character 844 and the auxiliary toy character 848 to generate audible noise, such as a bird sing, display light, and the like. Further, the main toy character 844 and the auxiliary toy character 848 can “talk” by sensing the other. For example, the main toy character 844 can include an audio speaker to generate noise such as a bird call, and the auxiliary toy character 848 can include an audio sensor (i.e. And an audio speaker for outputting a corresponding higher pitch bird call. Both the main toy character 844 and the auxiliary toy character 848 can include sensors such as microphones, photodetectors, network antennas, and processors, and output devices such as audio speakers, light emitting diodes, and network radios. In this way, the main toy character 844 and the auxiliary toy character 848 can interact and one can complement the other.

  In one embodiment, the audio and / or light signals output by the auxiliary toy character can be received and used by the main toy character to position and move with respect to the auxiliary toy character.

  FIG. 35 illustrates another companion mechanism 900 for a smaller auxiliary toy character, similar to companion mechanism 820 of FIG. 32B, according to another embodiment. The companion mechanism 900 has a body 904 and a wheel base 908, which is nested within the body 904 and outwardly directed to an expanded state as shown by an internal helical metal coil spring. It is urged to. The wheel base 908 has a set of wheels 912 that allow the companion mechanism 900 to move along the surface with minimal pressing.

  FIG. 36 shows a breaching mechanism 920 similar to the breaching mechanism of FIG. 32A and two companion mechanisms 900 of FIG. 35 in a stacked compressed state. The breaching mechanism 920 has a base member 924 that nests within the plunger member 928 in a compressed state as shown and is biased away from the plunger member 928 by a screw drive to an expanded state. . Movement of the breaching mechanism 920 on a surface is provided by a plurality of wheels 932, which have a cam profile and at least one leaf on each wheel, similar to that shown in FIG. Have.

  Each of the two companion mechanisms 900 has a wheel base 908 that is held within the body 904 under compression against the force of a helical metal coil spring. One of the companion mechanisms 900 is positioned at the top of the other companion mechanism 900, and the other companion mechanism 900 is positioned at the top of the plunger member 928 of the breakthrough mechanism 920.

  FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of a housing in the form of an egg shell 940 with three toy characters positioned inside. The main toy character 944 employs a breakthrough mechanism 920 in a compressed state. Each of the three auxiliary toy characters 948 acts on a companion mechanism 900, also in a compressed state. Upon activation of the screw drive of the breach mechanism 920 in the main toy character 944, for example, by a magnet for closing the circuit with the two contacts together, the screw drive biases the plunger member 928 away from the base member 924. This causes the breaching mechanism 920 of the main toy character 944 to expand, pushing the toy character 948 positioned at the top through the egg shell 940 and breaking the egg shell 940. When the egg shell 940 breaks, the companion mechanism 900 in each auxiliary toy character 948 is no longer held in compression, and the wheel base 908 is biased away from the body 904 by a helical metal coil spring.

  Primary toy character 944 and auxiliary toy character 948 can include electronic components to provide additional functionality as described above with respect to primary toy character 844 and auxiliary toy character 848.

  The breaching mechanism can be configured with one or more additional behaviors when the breaching mechanism is located at the rear in the housing. For example, the breaching mechanism can move, emit audible noise, emit light, and the like.

  FIG. 38 shows an exemplary breach mechanism 1000 configured with additional behavior when placed in a housing. The housing is an egg shell 1004 with a raised inner ring 1008. The small magnet 1012 magnetizes a metal rod 1016 protruding from the center of the bottom inner surface of the egg shell 1004. Adapter disk 1020 is positioned on top of the raised inner ring 1008 of egg shell 1004. Adapter disk 1020 fits over breach mechanism 1000 and allows movement of breach mechanism 1000 relative to egg shell 1004 as part of additional behavior. The frustoconical metal disk 1024 is fixed to the bottom of the breaking mechanism 1000 and guides the placement of the metal rod 1016 with respect to the Hall sensor inside the breaking mechanism 1000. The Hall sensor 1028 detects the time when the breaking mechanism 1000 is positioned inside the egg shell 1004 by sensing the magnetism of the metal rod 1016.

  FIG. 39 shows the bottom of an egg shell 1004 with an inner ring 1008 raised along its inner surface. A notched ring 1032 projects from the inner surface of the bottom of the egg shell 1004 within the raised inner ring 1008. The post anchor 1036 in the notched ring 1032 has an aperture, and a metal rod 1016 is secured within the aperture.

  FIGS. 40A and 40B show an adapter disk 1020 having an annular plate 1040 with a peripheral lip 1044 extending downward. The pair of wheel recesses 1048a, 1048b are dimensioned to receive the wheels of the breakthrough mechanism 1000. One of the wheel recesses 1048a is deeper than required to receive the breach mechanism 1000 wheel. The disc grip 1052 protrudes from the bottom surface of the annular plate 1040. At the same time, the adapter disc 1020 can be pulled away from the breaking mechanism 1000 in which the adapter disc 1020 is fitted by the wheel concave portion 1048a and the disc grip 1052, thereby exposing the wheel of the breaking mechanism 1000, 1000 can be used to mobilize on a surface. The central gear disk 1056 is rotatably connected to the annular plate 1040 and has a number of teeth on its upper surface. Two arcuate walls 1060 extend from the lower surface of the central gear disk 1056. These arcuate walls 1060 have thickened vertical edges 1064. The through hole 1068 allows the metal rod 1016 to pass through the adapter disk 1020. The pair of fixing posts 1072 extend from the upper surface of the annular plate 1040 to releasably engage with corresponding holes in the bottom surface of the piercing mechanism 1000.

  Breakthrough mechanism 1000 is configured such that detection of magnetism of metal rod 1016 does not trigger the motor of breakthrough mechanism 1000 before triggering breakthrough mechanism 1000 to break egg shell 1004. Thereafter, the adapter disk 1020 is fixed to the bottom of the breaking mechanism 1000 via the fixing post 1072 to trigger the additional behavior of the breaking mechanism 1000, and the combined breaking mechanism 1000 and the adapter disk 1020 are connected to the egg. It is located at the bottom of the shell 1004. The arcuate wall 1060 of the adapter disk 1020 is fitted into the notched ring 1032 of the egg shell 1004, and the thickened vertical edge 1064 engages the notched ring 1032 to form the egg shell. Prevent rotation of central gear disk 1056 relative to 1004.

  During the arrangement of the breach mechanism 1000 and the adapter disk 1020, the metal rod 1016 is inserted into the breach mechanism 1000 guided by the frustoconical metal disk 1024, whereby the metal rod 1016 engages the Hall sensor 1028. The magnetism of the metal rod 1016 is sensed by the Hall sensor 1028 and triggers activation of the motor of the breach mechanism 1000.

  The breach mechanism 1000 includes an angled piston arm connected to a motor, which protrudes from the bottom surface of the breach mechanism 1000. The motor is retracted back into the breaching mechanism 1000 by extending it at an angle below the bottom surface of the breaching mechanism 1000 and by being mounted off-center on a rotating disk driven by the motor. Drive the cycle of the angled piston arm between states. During its downward stroke, the angled piston arm engages the gear teeth on the upper surface of the central gear disk 1056 to move the breach mechanism 1000 and the annular plate 1040 secured to the breach mechanism 1000 to the central gear disk 1056. And rotate it. During the upward stroke of the angled piston arm, the breaking mechanism 1000 and the annular plate 1040 fixed to the breaking mechanism 1000 remain stationary with respect to the egg shell 1004. As will be appreciated, continuous operation of the motor of the breaking mechanism 1000 causes the breaking mechanism 1000 to rotate intermittently within the egg shell 1004.

  The motor of the breach mechanism 1000 can also drive other mechanisms, such as rotation of the extending wing members, providing the illusion that the breach mechanism 1000 is flapping its wings.

  Further, Hall sensor 1028 may trigger other elements of breach mechanism 1000. For example, the breach mechanism 1000 can include one or more lights, an audio speaker that emits a bird crow, and the like, which can be triggered by the Hall sensor 1028.

  Other types of sensors and mechanisms can be used instead of Hall sensors to trigger additional behavior. For example, a metal rod can complete an electrical circuit for driving a motor when inserted into a breach mechanism. In a further example, the rod may urge the two metal contacts into contact when inserted into the breach mechanism to complete a circuit for driving the motor.

  Movement of the breaching mechanism relative to the housing can be achieved in other ways. For example, a circular track in the housing may allow rotation of one wheel to rotate the breaching mechanism relative to the housing.

  The size and shape of the recess and the material of the cutting element can be varied to suit the shape, material and size of the housing.

  The breaching mechanism and companion mechanism may include one or more switches to change their behavior. The switches can take the form of buttons, physical switches, and the like, and can include audio sensors, light / motion sensors, magnetic sensors, electrical sensors, thermal sensors, and the like.

  In the figure, the toy character is illustrated as being provided in the housing. However, it should be noted that the toy character is merely an example of an internal object provided within the housing. In some embodiments described herein, the internal object may be of a biological type and include a breaching mechanism. In some embodiments, the internal objects may not be of a biological type. In some embodiments, the internal object may be of a biological type, but may not itself include a breach mechanism. In some embodiments, the internal object may be a toy character. In some embodiments, an internal object may not be a character in the sense that it cannot be configured to be embodied as a perceptual entity.

  One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there are further possible alternative implementations and modifications, and that the above examples are merely illustrative of one or more implementations. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be limited only by the appended claims.

(Note)
The toy assembly of Appendix 1 is a housing; an internal object within the housing, the internal object including a breach mechanism operable to destroy the housing and expose the internal object. At least one sensor for detecting interaction with a user; and a controller for determining, based on at least one of the interactions with the user, whether a selected condition is satisfied; and A controller configured to operate the breach mechanism to break the housing and expose the internal object when a condition is met.
The toy assembly of Appendix 2, wherein the condition is satisfied based on having the selected number of interactions with the user in the toy assembly of Appendix 1.
The toy assembly according to attachment 3 is the toy assembly according to attachment 1 or 2, wherein the internal object includes an LED that is visible through the housing when emitting light.
4. The toy assembly of claim 4, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect contact with skin, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect contact with skin. Including sensors.
The toy assembly according to attachment 5 is the toy assembly according to any one of attachments 1 to 4, wherein the at least one sensor includes a microphone.
The toy assembly of Appendix 6 is the toy assembly of any one of Appendixes 1 to 5, wherein the internal object includes a rotating mechanism configured to rotate the internal object within the housing. The controller is configured to operate the rotating mechanism when operating the breaching mechanism to break the housing at a plurality of locations.
The toy assembly of Appendix 7 is a housing; an internal object within the housing; and a breach mechanism, wherein the breach mechanism is coupled to the housing and operable to break the housing to expose the internal object. A toy assembly comprising a breaching mechanism, wherein the breaching mechanism is powered by a breaching mechanism power source coupled to the housing.
The toy assembly according to attachment 8 is the toy assembly according to attachment 7, wherein the breakthrough mechanism is located in the housing and is operable from outside the housing.
The toy assembly according to attachment 9 is the toy assembly according to attachment 7 or 8, wherein the piercing mechanism includes a hammer positioned in relation to the internal object, and the breach mechanism power source drives the hammer. Operatively connected to the hammer to break the housing.
The toy assembly of Appendix 10 is the toy assembly of Appendix 9 wherein the breaching mechanism power source is operatively connected to the hammer to reciprocate the hammer and destroy the housing.
The toy assembly according to attachment 11 is the toy assembly according to any one of attachments 7 to 10, wherein the breaching mechanism is operable to mechanically expand the internal object within the housing.
The toy assembly of Appendix 12 is the toy assembly of Appendix 11, wherein the breakthrough mechanism provides: a base member; a plunger member; and a separating force that biases the plunger member and the base member apart. A biasing element; and a screw drive driven by a motor, wherein the screw drive biases the plunger member outwardly from the base member by driving an increasing deflection of the biasing element. Increase the biasing force applied by the element.
The polymer composition of Appendix 13 comprises about 15-25% by weight of the base polymer; about 1-5% by weight of the organic acid metal salt; and about 75-85% by weight of the inorganic / particulate filler.
The toy assembly of Appendix 14 is a housing; a toy character within the housing, the toy character including a breakthrough mechanism operable to destroy the housing and expose the toy character. Wherein the housing includes a plurality of break elements provided on an inner surface of the housing to facilitate breaking upon impact from the breach mechanism.
The toy assembly of appendix 15 is a toy assembly comprising: a housing; and an internal object in the housing at a pre-breakthrough position, wherein the internal object includes a functional mechanism set, wherein the internal object comprises: The functional mechanism set is operable to perform a first series of movements when removable from the housing, positionable in a post-breach position, and when the internal object is in the pre-breach position. , When the internal object is in the post-breakthrough position, the functional mechanism set is operable to perform a second series of movements different from the first series of movements.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 toy assembly 12 housing 12 a first housing member 12 b second housing member 12 c third housing member 14 toy character 16 irregular break path 16 a central break path 17 structural area
18 Inner Surface of Housing 12 Break Area 20 Toy Character Frame 21 Channel 22 Breakthrough Mechanism 23 Break Unit 24 Breakthrough Power Source 25 Area Delimited by Surrounding Break Path 16 27 Central Ridge 28 Controller 29 Tapered Wall 30 Hammer 32 Actuation Lever 34 Breakthrough mechanism cam 36 Motor 38 Operating lever biasing member 40 Pin joint 42 First end of operating lever 32 44 Cam engaging surface 46 Second end of operating lever 32 48 Hammer engaging surface 49 Output shaft 50 Cam surface 51 Stepped area 52a First magnet 52b Second magnet 53 Rotating mechanism 54 Gear 56 Main wheel 56a First wheel 56b Second wheel 58 Driving tooth 60 Bush 62 Shaft 64 Support surface 66 Projection 68 Aperture First release member 70b Second release member 72 First end of actuating lever urging member 38 Second end of actuating lever urging member 38 78 Lock lever 80 Hammer urging structure 82 pivot Moving arm 84 Pin joint 86 Pivoting arm urging member 90 Capacitive sensor 92 Microphone 94 Push button 95 LED
Reference Signs List 96 branch portion, wing 100 branch portion connector link, wing connector link 102 wing connector link biasing member 104 branch driver arm, wing driver arm 106 wing driver arm wheel 108 leaf portion 150 camera 152 smartphone 153 progress scan 154 Server 156 Network 158a First output image 158b Second output image 300 Breakthrough mechanism 304 Base member 308 Plunger lock recess 312 Slot 316 Plunger member 320 Tubular body 324 Round cap 328 Projection 332 Spring 336 Color 340 Wedge 344 Ridge 346 Inside Raised portion 360 Egg shell 364 Breaking path 368 Wedge access aperture 400 Breakthrough mechanism 404 Base member 404a Base member portion 404b Base member portion 4 8 Plunger member 408a Plunger member portion 408b Plunger member portion 412 Tubular sidewall 416 Inner lip 420 Tubular sidewall 424 Outer ridge 428 Inner wall 432 Screw drive 436 Motor 440 Threaded shaft 444 Battery 448 Traveler 450 Lip 452 Biasing element, Spring 45 454 magnet 460 egg shell 464 breakable shell part 468 annular shell part 500 toy character 504 base member 508 plunger member 512 turning wheel assembly 516 pair of wheels 520 pair of non-rotating wheels 600 housing breaking mechanism 604 base frame member 608 outside Bowl 612 Inner bowl 616 Inner lip 620 Upper frame member 624 Inner lip 628 Cutting element 632 Partially threaded screw 636 Second end 640 Through opening 644 Aperture 648 Housing 652 Protrusion 700 Housing break mechanism 704 Cutting element 708 Fastener 712 Recess 716 Cutting edge 800 Breakthrough mechanism 804 Base member 808 Plunger member 812 Wheel 820 Companion mechanism 824 main body 828 wheel base 832 wheel 840 egg shell 844 main toy character 848 auxiliary toy character 900 companion mechanism 904 main body 908 wheel base 912 wheel 920 breakthrough mechanism 924 base member 928 plunger member 932 wheel 940 auxiliary character 944 Toy character 1000 Breakthrough mechanism 1008 Raised inner ring 1004 Egg shell 1012 Small Mold magnet 1016 Metal rod 1020 Adapter disk 1024 Frusto-conical metal disk 1028 Hall sensor 1032 Ring with notch 1036 Post anchor 1044 Peripheral lip 1040 Annular plate 1048a Wheel recess 1048b Wheel recess 1052 Disk grip 1056 Central gear disk 1060 Bow wall 1064 Thick vertical edge 1068 Through hole 1072 Fixed post Ag Gear 54 axis

Claims (23)

A housing; and a main toy character and an auxiliary toy character arranged in the housing;
The main toy character includes the breakthrough mechanism operable to break the housing to expose the main toy character and the auxiliary toy character,
The breaking mechanism extends so as to push the auxiliary toy character from the housing,
Toy assembly. The housing is egg-shaped,
The toy assembly according to claim 1. Each of the main toy character and the auxiliary toy character is a bird shape,
The toy assembly according to claim 2. Each of the main toy character and the auxiliary toy character includes a microphone and a speaker,
The main toy character and the auxiliary toy character interact with each other,
The toy assembly according to claim 1. The main toy character is configured to output an audio signal via the speaker,
The auxiliary toy character is configured to identify the audio signal via the microphone.
The toy assembly according to claim 4. The main toy character pushes out the auxiliary toy character from the housing via a screw drive,
The toy assembly according to claim 1. Audio and / or light signals output from the auxiliary toy character are received by the main toy character and used for position setting and movement of the auxiliary toy character.
The toy assembly according to claim 4. The breakthrough mechanism,
A plunger member having a plunger tubular side wall;
A base member having a base tubular sidewall having a generally hollow interior in which the plunger member is received; and a motor driving the base member and the plunger member to break the housing.
The toy assembly according to claim 1. The breakthrough mechanism,
A plunger member having a plunger tubular side wall;
A base member having a base tubular side wall received in the plunger tubular side wall; and a motor driving the base member and the plunger member to break the housing.
The toy assembly according to claim 1. The auxiliary toy character is
A companion mechanism in a compressed state within the housing, the companion mechanism expanding when the housing breaks;
The toy assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The auxiliary toy character is
A spring that biases the wheel base of the auxiliary toy character in a direction away from the main body of the auxiliary toy character,
The toy assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The auxiliary toy character is one of two auxiliary toy characters,
The toy assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The breaching mechanism and the companion mechanism include electronic components that operate when the breaching mechanism and the companion mechanism are expanded, respectively.
The toy assembly according to claim 10. housing;
An internal object disposed within the housing;
A breaching mechanism coupled to the housing, the breaching mechanism being operable to break the housing and expose the internal object, wherein the breaching mechanism is powered by a breaching mechanism power source coupled to the housing. A push button for the internal object, the push button being pressed when a correct point on the housing is pressed, and the push button controlling an LED operation of the internal object. ,
The LED is visible through the housing when illuminated;
Toy assembly. The housing is egg-shaped,
The toy assembly according to claim 14. The internal object is bird-shaped;
A toy assembly according to claim 15. The internal object includes a microphone that receives a voice input, and a speaker.
The toy assembly according to claim 14. The breaching mechanism includes a hammer at a position connected to the internal object,
The breaching mechanism power source is operatively connected to the hammer to drive the hammer to destroy the housing;
The toy assembly according to claim 14. The interior object is not visible through the housing under ambient lighting conditions;
The toy assembly according to claim 14. The breakthrough mechanism,
Base member;
Plunger member;
A biasing element for providing a separating force for biasing the plunger member and the base member apart; and a screw drive driven by a motor, wherein the deflection of the biasing element is gradually increased, whereby the plunger member is increased. A biasing force for biasing the base member outward, increasing the biasing force applied by the biasing element, including the screw drive,
The toy assembly according to claim 14. The breakthrough mechanism,
Base member;
Plunger member;
A biasing element for providing a separating force for biasing the plunger member and the base member apart; and a blocking position for blocking movement of the biasing element to separate the plunger member and the base member. A release member that is positionable and removable from the block position to allow the biasing element to drive to separate the plunger member and the base member.
The toy assembly according to claim 14. The housing includes a plurality of rupture elements provided on an inner surface of the housing to promote rupture upon impact from the breach mechanism.
The toy assembly according to claim 14. housing;
An internal object disposed within the housing; and a breaching mechanism coupled to the housing, wherein the breaching mechanism is operable to break the housing and expose the internal object. Including the breach mechanism powered by a coupled breach mechanism power source,
The breakthrough mechanism,
Base member;
A plunger member; and a screw drive driven by a motor, wherein the screw drive progressively moves the plunger member away from the base member to break the housing.
Toy assembly.

Images