JPH1015254A - User responding toy assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a doll which performs a specified response when two parts of the doll are simultaneously touched, grasped, and/or treated by an user. SOLUTION: This toy assembly or doll is provided with first and second accessory sections 15 and 16, and first and second sensors 23 and 25 which detect touch and/or other operations with the accessory sections. A response operation section 27 quickly performs a specified response when identifying the simultaneous detection of the first and second sensors. The response is generated from an electronic circuit in the doll. For an example, the response is a musical sound output. The sensors are covered with the accessory sections, and treated with a clear conductive coating. Users do not clearly identify electrodes, sensors, or certain touching zones. When an user simultaneously grasps the both accessory sections, the doll generates a sound response.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to a user-responsive toy, and more particularly, to the use of a user or a group or a plurality of users simultaneously contacting or grasping two predetermined appendages of a toy. A user-responsive toy assembly, such as a doll, that, when operated, creates a predetermined sound response when a series of connections or bridges is formed between the two appendages through the one or more users.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Children often play with lifeless dolls that imitate humans, animals, etc., as if they were living creatures or humans, rather than merely simulated objects. Such play involves the child handling the doll in the form of touching, grasping, holding, holding, twisting, teasing, and / or other physical contact as if the doll were alive Is usually included. Also, children sometimes want to see the doll make a living movement, and sometimes make the puppet make such a movement by hand.

[0003] Such fantasy play is more enjoyable if the doll is configured to respond to certain movements of the child with sounds in a manner similar to living humans, animals and creatures. Will be. A child may also play a doll or make a sound when the child is performing certain movements associated with the doll, not of the type that the human being, animal or creature in which the music or sound is normally emitted. Can be enjoyed as long as the music and sounds are in harmony or coherence with the child's movement towards the doll. Dolls that can emit characteristic light or produce other perceptible responses when the child is performing certain movements associated with the doll, instead of making music or sound, may also be fun for the child. Absent.

[0004]

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide for a particular part, such as an accessory of a toy, to be touched, grasped, and / or handled in a broader sense by one or more users simultaneously. A responding user-responsive toy assembly or doll is provided.

It is a further object of the present invention to have first and second electrical terminals attached to an attachment of a toy embodiment, wherein one or more users have simultaneously touched, grasped or otherwise contacted the terminals. Occasionally, the one or more users are electrically bridged, and a conductive path is formed between the attachments through the one or more users' bodies, which activates the toy assembly or doll and provides a predetermined response. To provide a user responsive toy assembly or doll.

A further object of the invention is to have two arms,
One or more users touch both arms or hands simultaneously,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a doll-shaped user-responsive toy assembly that produces a predetermined sound response when a bridging connection is formed between the two arms.

Yet another object of the present invention is to increase the value of the doll to the user in fantasy games, so that it is effectively hidden and not easily recognized by the user of the doll.
An object of the present invention is to provide a touch-sensitive user-responsive doll, wherein the doll's arm or other attachment part is provided with an electric terminal to which a user can make contact. The various novelties that characterize the invention are:
It is pointed out with particularity in the claims appended hereto and forming a part of this specification. For a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the particular objects attained by its practice,
Reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and description which illustrate and describe the presently preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect of the present invention, a touch-sensitive, user-responsive toy assembly is shaped to resemble the appearance of a human, animal, or other living thing, and includes a first such as a doll's arm or leg. And a toy body or doll body having a second attachment part. First and second sensors, such as in the form of conductive electrodes, are supported on respective appendages of the doll body and simultaneously grasp the first and second appendages, specifically the sensors or electrodes supported thereon. , A touch with another user or a predetermined operation by the user is sensed. In the intent of the present invention and the content of the present disclosure, “operation” means touching, grasping, holding, holding, twisting, tweaking,
And / or should broadly be considered to include any contact between one or more users and the accessory having the toy-specific sensor.

[0009] The toy assembly further includes a responsive actuator held by or in the toy embodiment. The response operation unit is connected to an electrode supported by the attachment unit, and allows the user to perform the first operation.
And an electrical or electronic circuit operable in response to the simultaneous operation or contact of the two electrodes of the and the second appendage when the two electrodes are connected or bridged together through the user's body. Such actuation or functioning of the response activator immediately produces a predetermined response, preferably in the form of an audible output, and the toy assembly provides the user with a primary response.
And a direct response or reaction to the simultaneous operation of the and the second appendage. The responsive actuator will not activate unless the user simultaneously operates or touches the respective sensors of the first and second appendages-i.e., does not produce an audible output or other predetermined response.

[0010] In a particularly preferred form of the inventive doll, the electrodes carried on each of the predetermined appendages are applied to the appendages and are provided with a conductive paint or coating which is not effectively seen or noticed by the user. Given in the coating. Thus, there is an advantage that the value of the doll in the user's reality and the resulting fantasy play is conspicuous.

[0011] Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the drawings are merely illustrative and are not intended to define the scope of the invention. Reference should be made to the appended claims for a definition of the scope of the invention. Moreover, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and are merely intended to conceptually describe the structures and procedures described herein.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings, FIG.
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a toy assembly, particularly a touch-sensitive user responsive doll, constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and indicated generally by the reference numeral 10; The toy assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1 and the toy embodiments shown or described elsewhere herein take a doll body 12 in the form of a human or animal, but the toy specifically comprises at least a first And a second (i.e., a set of) appendages, such as the existence of animals, myths, legends, extraterrestrials, living or inanimate objects, and the shape and appearance of anything imagined. It is conceivable that this may be imitated.

The illustrated user-responsive toy assembly 10
Are basically the first and second appendages 15, 16-here two arms (for a human-shaped doll) or two front legs or two (for an animal-shaped doll) Is shown as the opposite leg of the doll body 12. The first and second sensing means 23, 2
5 is supported and receives or detects a predetermined operation of the first and second attachment parts 15 and 16, respectively. In the context of the present disclosure and the present disclosure, “operation” includes, but is not limited to, for example, touching, grasping, holding, holding, twisting, tweaking, and / or a user and a doll body of one or more dolls 10. It is intended to include any other contact with or between the twelve appendages 15,16. Further, the toy assembly 10 is provided with the first and second attachment parts 15, 1
(6) Response operation means 2 for recognizing the simultaneous operation of the respective users, that is, more specifically, the simultaneous contact between the first and second sensing means 23 and 25 and the user or operating in response thereto
7 inclusive.

The response actuating means 27 operates at the same time as recognizing or detecting such simultaneous operation, and generates a predetermined response that can be perceived by the user, so that the toy 10 can simultaneously operate the first and second attachment parts 15 and 16. Respond effectively to operations directly, and preferably in a related, not random, manner. On the other hand, if the user does not perform such a simultaneous operation on the first and second attachment parts 15 and 16, the response actuating means 27 will not be actuated, and therefore will not produce a response that the user can perceive.

In the presently preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the toy body 12 comprises a doll body imitating a human figure, and the first and second attachment parts 15 and 16 are the first and second doll parts. It is formed by the second arms 18, 19 (ie, right and left hands). The arms 18 and 19 each have a distal end 21 away from the center of the doll body, the arm tip 21 preferably having a shape or shape generally imitating the shape of a human hand. However, even if the tip 21 of this arm is only a round tip, it is within the scope of the present invention. It is easy for a child to imagine that such a tip is in the shape of a hand. You can understand from playing. One skilled in the art will also recognize that the first and second appendages 15, 16 are formed with other extensions from the toy body, for example, when the doll is in the form of an animal or other creature or object. It will be readily appreciated that many different embodiments for the doll-like toy 12, which are formed of different legs and feet, are within the scope of the present invention.

More specifically, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first and second sensing means 23 and 25 are provided on the outer surfaces near the tips 21 of the first and second arms 18 and 19, respectively. First and second electrodes or terminals 3 supported or equipped
0 and 32. The first and second terminals 30, 32 are formed or constructed of a conductive material and preferably have sufficient flexibility or flexibility-such as a plate made of a material-such as a thin aluminum plate. The arm tip 21 may be made of cloth or generally a soft or flexible surface material so that it can be surfaced and bent easily and uniformly. The surface properties and conductivity of the electrodes or terminals 30, 32 are determined by the user of the toy assembly 10 when he or she physically contacts the electrical terminals or electrodes 30, 32 by intentionally touching or gripping the attachments 21. A small, harmless current can flow between the electrical terminal and the user in physical contact with it through the joint formed by adjacency or contact with the terminal provided on the arm. .

In order to maximize the electrical conduction of the joint formed by the proximity of the electrodes 30 and 32 connected to the user, it is preferred that the user's skin touches the electrodes supported on the appendage directly, It is generally thought so. However, in some embodiments of the invention, the electrodes or junctions are sufficiently conductive (and / or the circuit is sufficiently sensitive) to allow the user and terminal 30,
Even if a thin layer of a poorly conductive material is sandwiched between one of the 32, there is no need for direct contact between the user's skin and the electrode surface, i.e., surface-to-surface adjacent. Such a layer made of a material having low electrical conductivity may be made of, for example, one of the doll's arms 15, 18 in which a covering or material such as clothes is made to resemble a sleeve or glove of a shirt worn over the tip 21 of the arm. It will be present when placed close to both electrodes 30,32.

The response actuating means 27 comprises a set of opposing electrical input connectors 33 and a battery 35 to form a separable modular electrical connection to the respective electrodes 30, 32 supported on the appendages. Etc. may be provided as an integral or incidental power source. The operating means 27 includes a battery 27 and is preferably placed in an inner chamber 28 formed by a hollow or cut-out portion in the center of the toy body 12 as illustrated in FIG. However, embodiments in which the response actuating means 27 is fixed or supported on the outer surface of the toy body 12, such as in a belt or backpack around the waist of the doll, are also within the contemplation of the present invention.

The response actuating means 27 is provided for hiding and protecting the toy 10 from being responsive to or capable of responding to the user's actions, at least initially, to the user.
It is preferred that it be securely or at least sufficiently retained in the interior chamber 28 so that it does not move or slip unintentionally. This will add astonishment to users, especially small children. At this time, the toy assembly 10 unexpectedly generates a predetermined reaction,
Enhance the experience of the accompanying play.

The unintentional displacement of the responsive actuation means 27 within and with respect to the interior chamber 28 is more preferably achieved by mounting the actuation means with, for example, conventional hooks and loops or other fasteners. Can be restrained by appropriately sizing the interior chamber 28 so that the actuation means can fit completely therein. This latter method minimizes the gap between at least some of the actuating means 27 and the peripheral partition of the inner chamber 28, or fills the inner chamber 28 with cotton or other soft, non-conductive filler. This can be easily achieved by filling the space with the necessary inner room.

First and second electrodes or terminals 30, 32
Are electrically connected to one of each of the two input connectors 33 by corresponding conductive wires as shown in FIG. Preferably, but not necessarily, the conductors are contained within and pass through the first and second arms 18, 19 and the center of the doll body 12, ie, the interior of the torso.

The conductors extending from the first and second electrodes 30, 32 extend from the first and second arms 18, 19, respectively, along the outer surface to the body of the toy body 12, where they penetrate the outer surface. It will of course be understood that the housing 12 can be housed, secured, and retained in any other suitable manner so as to be inserted and passed through to the respective input connector of the responsive actuation means 27. At this time, the conductor is connected to the first and second arms 18 and 19 by an adhesive such as glue or epoxy, or other means known to those skilled in the art.
May be adhered to the outer surface of the device.

The conductive bridge or connection formed from the first electrode 30 to the second electrode 32 effectively combines with the actuation means 27 to form a closed electrical circuit,
It provides a conductive path between opposing input connectors 33 outside of the responsive actuation means 27. In other words, the operating means 27
It is configured to activate and output a predetermined response when a predetermined conductive bridge or connection is formed between the electrodes 30,32. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one
The user of the human doll 10-gripping each hand or end 21 of the doll's arms 18, 19 with their respective hands-electrodes through the user's body by simultaneously touching or touching the first and second electrodes respectively. The connection formed when a conductive path is created between the electrodes 30, 3
When 2 is crosslinked, the means 27 are configured to operate. The opposite input connector 33 is
It is connected to the outside of the actuation means 27 through a closed electrical circuit formed by the two conductors, the electrodes 30, 32 and the body of the user touching or touching the electrodes simultaneously.

According to the invention, within the spirit and scope of the invention, by appropriately configuring the actuation means 27, a plurality of users can hold the doll 10 in one of a series of rings and hold hands. It will be apparent that sufficient conductive bridges can be provided and formed in a series, sufficient to actuate the means 28, such as when making a loop. This forms a closed electrical circuit with two or more users in place of the one user.

Thus, by the formation of the conductive path between the electrodes 30 and 32 and the corresponding conductive path between the opposing input connectors 33 outside the response operating means 27, the operating means is activated and then activated. The means generates or generates a predetermined response. This response, in all preferred forms of the invention, is a sound output that is easily perceivable and apparent to the user. FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a suitable electrical circuit implementing the response actuating means 27. The actuating means 27 of FIG. 2 comprises a speaker 3 for transmitting or outputting a predetermined response by sound when the means 27 is actuated, such as a melody of a music, a simulated voice, or a combination thereof.
4 is found to be included.

Accordingly, the electric circuit shown in FIG. 2 is operated by the above-mentioned conductive bridge formed by the user to operate the operating means 27, for example, to play a song, a predetermined melody, a melody or a melody such as a song associated therewith. The program or the configuration can be such that the recorded or simulated sound that has been converted or stored is generated and output. Such a melody may, for example, be consistent with the normal behavior of a child playing with the toy assembly 10, thereby extending the child's play experience.

In a doll-like toy 10 constructed in accordance with the disclosed embodiments of the present invention, the response actuating means 27
A suitable song that is sent from is "Ring Around The Rosy".
The selection of such music also has the advantage of matching the operation of the attachment required for the generation of the audio output. Accordingly, the doll 10 of the present invention, as currently devised, can be obtained by grasping the tips of the arms 18, 19, that is, the hands 21, with the hands of the child.
Responds as if the child were playing with a doll in a well known "ring around the rosie" game. The child can then pretend to dance with the doll-like toy assembly 10 to the melody of the “ring around the rosie” generated and emitted by the doll body 12.

The response actuating means 27, shown schematically by way of example in FIG. 2, includes an input pin TG1 and two microchip bias pins VDD and VSS, two output pins OSC for providing a desired output signal to the output stage 44, and S
It comprises a microchip U1 having a PK, such as a speech synthesis chip or a speech generator. A suitable speech synthesis chip is
Winbond Inc.
ADPCM Voice Synthesizer (Patt)
No. W52508). However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the use of appropriate alternative chips or components can produce the desired audio signal.

As shown in FIG. 2, the bias pin VDD is connected to the first terminal 30, and supplies a bias voltage to the microchip U1 through a 1.5 DC power supply (not shown). Capacitor CZ filters out noise in the power signal before it is applied to the bias pin. The input pin TG1 is connected to the second terminal 32 through a tactile sensor amplifier circuit 42 including a transistor Q2, a resistor R3, and a capacitor C3 and serving to amplify an input signal sent to the microchip U1.

When the toy assembly 10 is being used—by one or more users creating a conductive path between the first and second sensing means 23, 25—the input signal provided by the DC power supply or battery 35 is: Sensor amplifier circuit 4
2 and especially through resistor R3 to the base of transistor Q2. Next, this input signal is amplified by the transistor Q2 and applied to the input pin TG1. This activates the microchip U1 and generates a speaker control signal and a desired output signal corresponding to, for example, a predetermined sound or a series of sounds or melodies. The generated signal is output to output stage 44 through output pins OSC and SPK.

The output stage 44 comprises a speaker 34 having a first terminal 46 connected to a DC power supply 35 and connected to an output pin OSC via a resistor R2. The speaker terminal 46 supplies the generated output signal to the speaker 34, and the speaker terminal 48 is biased through the resistor R1 and the capacitor C1, and connects the speaker 34 to a ground potential (ground) through a transistor Q1 that receives a speaker control signal at its base terminal. potential). When transistor Q1 is "off", the speaker terminal is left floating. However, when transistor Q1 is turned "on", such as when a speaker control signal is present at output pin SPK, terminal 48 is connected to ground potential. A conductive path is formed between the first and second electrodes 30 and 32, and when an input signal is supplied to the input pin TG1 through the tactile sensor amplifier circuit 42, an output signal corresponding to a predetermined sound or melody is resistance. It is supplied to the speaker terminal 46 through R2. At the same time, the speaker control signal is applied to the transistor Q1 through the output pin SPK.
, The transistor Q1 is turned on. When this happens, the speaker terminals are at ground potential and the speaker 34 is activated, playing or outputting the corresponding sound or melody.

As will be appreciated, the circuit 27 is configured to operate when its inputs are bridged by at least a predetermined conductivity connection. That is, the current path through the user's body is significantly larger than the path formed, for example, through a metal wire, and has a different resistance (and parameters affecting conductivity or other parameters that determine conductivity). It is clear to have. Accordingly, the circuit is designed and configured to operate when at least a minimum level of conductivity exists between its inputs according to the conductivity provided through the body of one or more users.

Although the user-responsive toy assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 represents the presently preferred embodiment, others are within the intended scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, the plate-shaped first and second terminals 30 and 32 are respectively connected to the first and second terminals 30 and 32.
And a sensor that operates with a force constituting the second sensing means. Such a force-activated sensor would be included in each of the first and second arms and would be electrically connected to the responsive activation means 27, such as by the same lead shown in FIG. Therefore, the response operation means 27 includes the first and second arms 18 simulating human hands,
When the nineteen tips 21 are simultaneously operated-for example twisted-they will give a predetermined response.

In such an alternative embodiment, the force sensor responds by applying a specific predetermined force to the arm tip 21, such as a force when the user grips the tip 21. It may be of the type that can activate the means 27 and cause a predetermined response. In such an embodiment, the actuation means 27 comprises the first and second arms 1
Simply touching the tips 21 of 8 and 19 simultaneously will not produce the desired response. However, as long as the arm tip 21 is gripped with sufficient force, an electrical circuit is formed through one or more users simultaneously gripping the arm tip 21 as described above in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. If not, the actuation means 27 will produce a predetermined response. Thus, the actuating means 27 comprises, for example, the first and second arms 18, 1
Whenever two users grip the nine different tips 21 at the same time, they will have a predetermined response, even if they have no conductive contact with each other-or indeed no contact.

In another embodiment within the scope of the present invention, the illuminated part or element of the actuating means is attached to or visible on the outer surface of the toy body 12, ie at least the cavity inside the doll body Responsive means 27 comprising or including one or more light sources or lighting devices, if not completely contained within, but held or supported on the outer surface of the doll body. When the first and second sensing means 23, 25 are simultaneously contacted by a predetermined operation of the first and second arms 18, 19, the actuating means 27
One or more light sources or lighting devices are illuminated with light. Thus, in this alternative of the invention, the predetermined response of the doll 10 to the simultaneous operation of the first and second arms 18, 19 is attached to or visible on the outer surface of the doll body 12. Illumination by one or more lamps or other lighting devices—but other forms of response can also be incorporated depending on design choices.

Another embodiment within the intended scope and spirit of the present invention is a toy, such as a doll, having a movable part, such as a head, that nods or moves back and forth with respect to the operation of the means 27. It consists of 12. Such head movement of the toy embodiment 12 will be controllably effected by a motor or other suitable mechanism mounted on or within the doll body 12. The motor or other mechanism would be electrically connected to the response actuating means 27 which commands the motor or other mechanism to transmit the intended nodding movement to the head of the toy embodiment 12, such as a doll. Thus, the response of the toy assembly 10 of this embodiment to the simultaneous operation of the arm tip 21 simulating or representing the doll's hand is a predetermined movement or movement of the head of the toy embodiment 12.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a modification of the sensing elements, ie, the electrodes 30, 32 described above for the embodiment of the invention described in FIGS. In this modification, the sensing element electrode is made to be very transparent in its functionality, thereby hiding the interoperability of the doll 10.

In the doll 10 of FIG. 1, by way of example, the sensing elements 30, 32 are relatively thin (preferably flexible or flexible) plates made of a conductive metal material such as aluminum. is made of. Such materials exhibit excellent conductivity and can easily form a conductive circuit through the user's body and activate the responsive actuation means 27, but with respect to the support member forming the arm or appendage of the doll. , Are very easily and easily visible and are easily distinguished as further elements. Therefore, for a user, the ability to create a pretend play of a doll designed to have the appearance of humans, animals, etc. is considerably impaired. This disadvantage −
At least for some children, the value of the imaginary play provided by the doll is significantly impaired--the metal electrode is colored so that it closely matches the color of the surface to which it is attached. Or it remains even if it is colored. In addition, the user immediately learns and notices that a voice response to a given operation only occurs when grasping, touching, or otherwise making a distinct electrode distinction. As a result, the realism is more lost, which is an unfortunate aspect of such an arrangement.

This disadvantage is overcome in another embodiment of the inventive doll, which is now the most preferred. In this embodiment, the attachment or arm 50 shown in FIG.
Are replaced with the attachment portions 18 and 19 shown in FIG. Instead of a separate electrode made of a metal plate-like material attached to or held on the outer surface of the doll's arm or appendage at a predetermined location near the tip 21, each arm or appendage in FIG. Is applied or coated with a conductive paint or ink, coating, which is applied to the outer surface of the arm 50 and therefore forms a conductive area 52 along the surface of the arm over the surface of the arm. Preferably, this paint-covered location or area 52 extends the entire hand or end 21 ′ and continuously from the end 21 ′ to the center or torso (ie, where the cavity 28 is formed). It includes at least a portion of the arm 50. Most preferably, arm 5
A continuous region 5 formed from the free end of 0 (ie, end 21 ′) to the center or a point very close to the body
2 inclusive. Also, the coated or conductive location or region 52 completely or almost completely wraps around the arm 50 along a continuous length or extension of the arm or appendage from which the region 52 extends, When the user touches or squeezes the doll's arm, the conductive area can be easily contacted. In addition to the conductive property, most preferably, the paint is transparent or-at least invisible to obscure the presence of the conductive area of the arm 50-if opaque, it may be a flesh color or of the doll of the invention. Should be colored or colored to fit the selected color of the arm 50 considered. In this way, the user may be substantially on or along the arm,
By simultaneously manipulating or touching, grasping, or touching any location, the generation of a programmed voice response for the doll can be initiated, thereby effectively disguising or hiding how to sense the user's touch. Can,
Correspondingly, the utility and functionality of the doll of the invention for fantasy play can be maximized.

A variety of suitable conductive paints, inks, and other coating materials are available and, as a general method of design choice, the doll 10 of FIGS. It is anticipated that one such material would be an opaque and suitable color for the applications disclosed herein-for example, a flesh color-in the form of a water-soluble conductive ink that would be easily colored, in Kearney, NJ Available from Fabertronix.

Similarly, it is understood that numerous configurations can be used to achieve the necessary electrical connection between the coated or coated area 52 of the arm 50 and the responsive actuation means or circuit 27. For example, metal rivets 54 may be placed on and through the outer surface of arm 50 at a location along the arm within coated area 52. As with the doll of the invention described herein with reference to FIG. 1, rivets are passed through and through the arms 50 and the doll body 12, such as through modular or removable connectors 33, respectively. The connection between 54 and the operating means 27 may be made. A rivet 54 in contact with the outer surface of the arm 50 and also in contact with the conductive area 52 coated thereby,
It joins with the conducting wire to provide a current path for the operating means 27. This allows one or more users to access the 2
When simultaneously touching the area 52 of the book arm 50, the electrical connection through the user bridges the input terminals of the actuation circuit 27, effectively producing a predetermined audio output. Thus, the functionality of the arrangement of FIGS. 1 and 2 is realized as an advantageous and improved arrangement. In this configuration, the sensing elements or electrodes for completing the actuation circuit by touch are not readily visible or noticeable to the user.

Therefore, an important and novel feature of the present invention is:
While shown, described and pointed out with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will be able to make various omissions, alternatives and modifications in the form, details and operation of the described apparatus without departing from the spirit of the invention. It will be appreciated that it is possible. For example, any combination of these elements and / or method means that performs substantially the same function and achieves the same result in substantially the same way is expressly intended to be within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is limited only as indicated in the appended claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

In the drawings, the same symbols represent the same elements throughout all the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a user responsive doll constructed according to the present invention. A portion of the doll has been removed to show the interior cavity in which the response actuation means is located.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an electric circuit showing the connection with first and second electric terminals forming the response operation means of FIG. 1, activating the response operation means in contact with a user, and starting sound output; FIG.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view showing another form of the user response type conductive sensor supported by the attachment part of the doll body, with a part thereof being omitted;

Continued on the front page (72) Craig Peenadell, United States, 07045 New Jersey, Montville, Tomalin Hill Road 20 (72) Inventor Dietmar Nagel, United States, 07930 New Jersey, Chester South Road 11

Claims (8)

[Claims] A doll body having a central portion, first and second elongated appendages each projecting from the central portion and including an outer surface; and at least an outer surface of each of the first and second appendages. Forming a surface coating on each appendage supported by the longitudinally extending portion and allowing the doll user to make substantial contact with the coating, thereby providing the user with substantial contact with the coating. Forming a conductive connection sufficient to achieve a conductive connection of
A conductive coating and an electrical circuit having a set of inputs operative to produce an audible output when the inputs are bridged by at least a predetermined conductive connection formed between the inputs. Operable means for generating an audible output in response to the first and second appendages; and conductive means for connecting the conductive coating of each of the first and second appendages to each of a set of inputs of the operable means. The operable means is such that the user simultaneously contacts the conductive coating on both the first and second appendages to complete at least a predetermined conductive electrical connection through the user's body in contact with the coating, and wherein the input is Configured to operate when bridged through the user's body,
User responsive toy assembly. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the surface coating comprises a conductive paint applied to the surface of each attachment to form a conductive coating, wherein the applied paint is substantially indistinguishable from the surface of the attachment. User responsive toy assembly. 3. The surface coating comprises a conductive paint applied to the surface of each accessory to form a conductive coating, wherein the applied paint is opaque and the coating is supported when supported on the accessory surface. The user responsive toy assembly of claim 1, wherein the toy assembly is colored in a color selected to be substantially indistinguishable from the surface of the appendage. 4. The user-responsive toy assembly of claim 1, wherein said coating extends around the entire perimeter of each appendage at least along a longitudinally extending portion of each appendage. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein each of the attachments forms a doll's arm, and the attachment has a tip at a tip of the attachment apart from the center of the doll body, and the coating covers at least a tip of each attachment. Item 7. The user-responsive toy assembly according to Item 1. 6. The coating covers at least the tip of the accessory and at least the portion between the tip of the accessory and the center of the doll, and extends over each accessory from the tip to near the center. 6. The user responsive toy assembly of claim 5, wherein a single continuous coating terminates therefrom. 7. The operable means is operable to generate a musical melody perceptible to a user when the input is bridged by at least a predetermined conductive connection formed between the inputs through the user's body. 2. The user-responsive toy assembly of claim 1, wherein the doll emits its musical melody when the user simultaneously touches the conductive coating on the first and second appendages and completes the electrical signal path through the user's body. Stuff. 8. Each of the appendages forms a doll's arm and includes a tip forming a doll's hand at the tip of each of the appendages remote from a central portion of the doll body, and wherein the coating comprises at least each of the appendages. The user simultaneously touches the conductive coatings of the first and second appendages by simultaneously grasping the hands of the first and second appendages by covering the tips of the set of inputs through the user's body. Bridging a portion, thereby activating said operable means, said operable means being perceivable by a user when the input is bridged by at least a predetermined conductive connection formed between the inputs through the user's body. Being operable to generate a music melody allows a user to simultaneously touch the conductive coatings on the first and second appendages and to communicate through the user's body. Upon completion of the path, the puppet emits its musical melody, the melody being activated by the user when the actuable means is activated when the user simultaneously holds the puppet's hands and forms a circular closed connection with and across the puppet's hands. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is selected to be relevant to start-up operation.
User responsive toy assembly.