US3315406A

US3315406A - Animated speaking figure toy

Info

Publication number: US3315406A
Application number: US505895A
Authority: US
Inventors: John W Ryan
Original assignee: Mattel Inc
Current assignee: Mattel Inc
Priority date: 1963-02-08
Filing date: 1965-11-01
Publication date: 1967-04-25
Anticipated expiration: 1984-04-25

Description

April 25, 1967 J. w. RYAN 3,315,406

ANIMATED SPEAKING FIGURE TOY Original Filed Feb. 8, 1963 6 Sheets-Sheet l ATTJF/VEV April 25, 1967 J. w. RYAN 3,315, 0

ANIMATED SPEAKING FIGURE TOY Uriginal Filed Feb. 8, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet z i J L 1 L O Z0 40 G0 60 I00 [Z0 I40 60 I50 200 Z20 240 260 Z80 500 320 540 560 INVENTOR. JQH/V w eyA/v flPm 54.

Liza/m wa ,7

ATTORNEY ANIMATED SPEAKING FIGURE TOY Original Filed Feb. 8, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. JUH/V 14/. ,l AA/ ATTOE/VEV April 25, 1967 J. w. RYAN ANIMATED SPEAKING FIGURE TOY s SheetsSheef 4 Original Filed Feb. 8, 1963 INVENTOR. JOHN W. PW/V ATTORNEY April 25, 1967 J. w. RYAN 3, ANIMATED SPEAKING FIGURE TOY Original Filed Feb. 8, 1963 j e Sheets-Sheet .5

g I N VE NTOR.

Jay/v w em/v 295 BY um 3 /53 34 g; W 4770/? EY April 25, 1967 J. w. RYAN ANIMATED SPEAKING FIGURE TOY 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Original Filed Feb. 8, 1963 INVENTOR. ////V [4/ F74 United States Patent 3,315,406 ANIMATED SPEAKING FIGURE TOY John W. Ryan, Bel-Air, Califi, assignor to Mattel, Inc., Hawthorne, Calif, a corporation of California Original application Feb. 8, 1963, Ser. No. 257,123, now

Patent No. 3,230,665, dated Jan. 25, 1966. Divided and this application Nov. 1, 1965, Ser. No. 505,895

6 Claims. ((31. 46-118) This application is a divisional application which was divided from copending application Serial No. 257,123, filed February 8, 1963 and which issued as Patent No. 3,230,665. This invention relates to an improved toy which is an animated speaking figure toy such as a doll or other figure which might 'be a plush toy, for example.

The toy of the invention, which in a preferred form is embodied in a figure toy simulating a talking horse, has a manually actuatable phonograph or voice unit in it and the toy has an animated or movable jaw part. The phonograph or voice unit may be of the type disclosed in Patent No. 3,017,187 of John W. Ryan. The phonograph device, as stated, is manually operated and preferably has a random characteristic in that in response to actuating manipulations it can produce a variety of distinctive sounds or sentences or the like at random so that What the toy says in effect is unexpected or unanticipated.

A particular feature of the invention is that the phonograph or voice unit has combined with it a novel power take-off whereby the jaw part is moved in synchronism with or in relation to the operation of the phonograph and the sounds emanating therefrom so that the toy simulates lifelike characteristics, both from the standpoint of sounds and also from the standpoint of the movements or animation of the jaw part. The power take-off is constructed to provide particular coordination between the movements of the jaw part and the phonograph operation.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved figure toy capable of simulating speaking or making sounds which are coordinated with a movable or animated pa-rt.

Another object is to provide a toy as in the foregoing, including a phonograph device and a combined power take-off whereby the phonograph device drives the movable or animated part.

Further objects and additional advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and annexed drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a view of a doll having the invention embodied therein;

FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view of a doll embodying a preferred form of the phonograph device and power take-off of the invention;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 3A is a graph showing the relationship between phonograph movement and lip movement of the dol FIGURE 4 is a view taken along the line 44 of FIG- URE 2;

FIGURE 5 is a detail View of a part of the power take-01f;

FIGURE 6 is a view similar to FIGURE 5 with the part in a different position;

FIGURE 7 is a view similar to FIGURES 5 and 6 with the part in another position;

FIGURE 8 is a plan view of a phonograph device which may be used in a toy of the type shown in FIGURE 13;

FIGURE 9 is a sectional view taken along the line 9 9 of FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 10 is a view taken along the line 1010 of FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 11 is a sectional view taken along the line 1111 of FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 12 is a view taken along the line 1212 of FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 13 is a partial view of a figure toy which may be animated by the phonograph device of FIG. 8;

FIGURE 14 is a partial view of the figure toy shown in FIGURE 13;

FIGURE 15 is a detail view of part of the operating mechanism of the form of the invention shown in FIG- URES 13 and 14; and

FIGURE 16 is a sectional view taken along the line 1616 of FIGURE 13.

The major components of the assembly will be described in order and then the overall operation will be summarized.

Phonograph and power lake-019 The phonograph device is shown in FIGURES 2 and 3 and the power take-off device is shown in these figures and in FIGURES 4, 5, 6 and 7.

Numeral 10 in FIGURE 1 designates a toy doll figurewhich may have a body made of plastic or other suitable material and may have articulated legs and arms and a head, as shown. In this form of the invention, the phonograph device is embodied in the torso of the doll with the speaker cone 11 in a position as shown in the figures. The flange 13 of the speaker cone engages against an annular ri'b 16 extending inwardly from the body of the doll and this part of the doll is perforated as shown at 17 to allow the sound to come out.

Preferably the body of the doll is formed in halves or sections as designated at 19 and 20. The sections form a circular neck part 22 having a flange 23. The head 25 may be made of a suitable material, preferably having a flexible flanged neck opening, as shown at 27, which can be fitted over the flange 23 on the neck part 22 of the body, as shown.

The parts of the phonograph device generally are supported from posts or bosses extending inwardly from the part or half 20 of the body and are held in position by an overlying frame structure. The phonograph has a tumtable 30 which has peripheral flanges as shown at 31 and 32 and is peripherally toothed. Passing around the turntable is a toothed belt 34 which drives a toothed pulley 35 by means of which a governor, as designated at 37, is driven as will be described. The turntable has an extending stem 40 received in an opening in a post 41 extending from the doll part 20. The stem 40 extends inwardly and mounted on it is a spool 43 for drawstring 44. The stem 40 has an extending end part 46 journaled in a part 47 of a frame 49 on which some of the parts are mounted and which holds certain parts in position, as will be described. Between the spool 43 'and the turntable 30 is a clock type spring 51 which is wound or energized when the drawstring 44 is pulled by pulling the ring 52. The spool 43 is provided with a one Way clutch, not shown, so that when the drawstring 44 is pulled the spring is wound or energized without the turntable being driven and when the drawstring is released, the spring can drive or rotate the turntable.

The turntable carries a record 54 which may preferably be a record of the type disclosed in prior Patent No. 3,017,187 having interleaved spiral grooves each having a distinctive group of words or sounds recorded thereon. The end of the spring 51 is held between

posts

55, 56 and 57 extending from the part 20 of the body, as shown in FIGURE 3.

The frame 49 has a domed circular boss 57 within which governor 37. This shown in Patent No.

part 56 and an extending is mounted the centrifugal governor may perferably be of a type 3,017,187. The governor has a rotor the part 20 of the doll or figure.

59 which carries the toothed wheel 35 and which has an extending stem 61 which extends into an opening in a post 62 which extends from the part 20 of the doll. The rotor has an extending stem 63 at the other end which is journaled in an opening in a boss 64 extending from one side of the domed part 56 of the frame 49. The governor is of the fly ball type having arcuate weighted members, one of which is designated at 65 having extending arms 66 and 67 journaled on a pin or stem 69 having on it a torsion spring 71. The weights or fly ball members have friction surfaces, as shown at 73, which frictionally engage against the interior of the circular boss 57 to regulate the speed of rotation, the outward movement being against the force of the torsion springs, as designated at 71.

The frame 49 has an extending part 74 from which a pin extends into an opening in a post 76 extending from FIGURE 3 which is a secitonal view taken along the line 3-3 of FIGURE 1 shows the configuration of the frame member 49. The frame 49 has extended portions 80 and 8-1 around the circular skirt 57 and an extending portion 82 and diagonal ribs 83 and 84. Numeral 86 designates 'a portion of the frame of channel shaped cross section which extends upwardly with an inwardly extended portion, as designated at 90. The frame has the tone arm mounted on it and it provides an eyelet for guiding the drawstring 44 in passing to the spool 43. The tone arm is designated at 92, it having a cross section including side ribs 93 and 94 and an intermediate diagonal web 95. At the end of the tone arm 92 is a bushing 98 which is journaled on 'a pivot pin or stem 100 having a head 101. The pin 100 is mounted as stated in a part 86 of the frame 49 one of the side ribs of the frame part 86 being interrupted to provide for movement of the tone arm. The tone arm carries the needle 103 which overlies the record surface. The end of the tone arm is shaped as shown at 105 in the figures having a transverse eyelet 106 through which the drawstring 44 passes, the drawstring having frictional engagement with the eyelet. The tone arm 92 also has a transverse rib 107 which provides for sliding engagement between the tone arm and the connection or coupling to the speaker cone 11. The drawstring 44- also passes through an eyelet 110 provided in a side rib of the part 90 of the frame 49. The drawstring also passes through an eyelet 111 in an actuating member 112 for the movable eyes of the doll. The actuating member 112 has a cutout, 'as shown at 113 in FIGURE 2, providing a hinge. The end part of the member 112 is attached to a boss 114 on the half or part 20 by a rivet 115.

The coupling to the speaker cone includes a sleeve element 116 telescoped into a cylindrical member 117 attached to the lower part of the speaker cone. A silicone grease or similar material may be provided between these elements for the purpose of providing for sliding movement while still being capable of transmitting sonic frequencies as disclosed in the patent of John W. Ryan, No. 3,095,201. In operation, as will be described, a pull on the drawstring is able to lift the end of the tone arm so as to lift the needle off the record. When this happens the sleeve 116 is able to move relative to the cylinder 117 so that stress is not applied to the speaker cone so that it will not be caused to take a permanent set if left in storage with tension on the drawstring and the tone arm lifted. The coupling is nevertheless capable of transmitting the sonic vibration.

The turntable of the phonograph device embodies a power take-off from which coordinated power is taken off for actuating the movable lips. FIGURE 4 shows the underside of the turntable 30. -It has in it a groove or slot 130 of the shape as shown. The slot is not circular, but is shaped so that it provides a pathway having varying distances from the center established by the stem or arbor 40 about which the turntable rotates. Numeral 131 designates a roller carried by a slide plate 133 so that as the turntable rotates, the roller 131 and slide plate 133 are caused to move back and forth, as illustrated by the different positions of the slide plate 133 in FIGURES 5, 6 and 7. The slide plate is rectangular having a central or intermediate opening 135 to accommodate the post 41 which receives the stem or arbor of the turntable. The movement of the slide plate 133 is guided by guide members 137 and 138 extending from the part 20 of the doll, these members having square guide shoulders at their upper edges. The slide plate 133 has

side orcorner ribs

140, 141, 142 and 143 which engage the shoulders at the end edges of the guide members 137 and 13$ to provide for guided sliding movement of the slide plate 133. FIGURE 4 shows the relative positions of the parts, numeral 146 in this figure designating an idler roller which keeps the toothed belt 34 in engagement with the toothed wheel 35 which drives the governor.

Extending from the slide plate 133 is a slotted tubular holder 150 for a ball 151 on the end of a flexible actuating wire or filament 152 by which the lips are moved. This wire or filament extends through a tube 153 to the lip actuating mechanism which will be described presently. The tube 153 has a flange on the end of it which is received in a slot 154 at the end of a mounting member extending from the part 20 of the doll as designated at 155. During operation of the phonograph, coordinated movement is taken off by the power take-off through the filament 152 to impart coordinated movements to the movable lips as will be described in detail presently. The eyes and lips themselves will be described and then the manner in which they are coordinated with the phonograph will be described.

Next will be described the movable lips and their actuation from the power take-off.

Lip movement As described, the head of the doll 25 is made of a flexible material. The lips are designated at 210 and 211 and are attached to the head by weakened portions forming hinges, as shown at 213 and 214 to allow simulated natural movements of the lips. There is a cavity simulating the mouth between the lips and a septum or membrane 216 on the inside of which is a bowed metal plate 220. Mounted on the end of the tube 153 is a bracket 222 having a slotted foot 223 which engages the end of the tube 153. At the upper end of the bracket 222 is a yoke 224 in which is journaled the ends of a member 228 forming a pivot for extending lever member 230. The lever 230 extends through a slot in the plate 220. The end part of the lever 230 is embedded in the upper lip 210 in order to move it.

The end of the wire or filament 152 extends through an opening in a lever 240 and is flattened to hold it in place. The lever 240 extends through a slot in the plate 220 and is embedded in the lower lip 211 for moving it. When the wire 152 moves axially, it moves the lever 240, as illustrated in FIGURE 2, so as to move the lower lip to simulate speaking. This movement can flex the flexible material of the membrane or septum 216 sufficiently to also impart movement to the upper lip 210 by movement of lever 230 about its pivot. The effect is to closely simulate human lip movement.

In operation of the phonograph, due to the irregular shape of the slot 130 in the turntable, the slide plate 133 and wire 152 are moved in accordance with the diagram of FIGURE 3A which shows lip displacement in inches relative to angular position of the turntable. Preferably the slot 130 is shaped so that in a revolution of the turntable the mouth opens twice, once to full opening and a second time to about two-thirds of a full opening. These movements are coordinated with the sound on the record by way of the shape of the slot 130 so that the animated lip movements simulate the words or music that are being reproduced by the phonograph.

From the foregoing it will be observed that the phonograph is operated by the pull ring 52 and drawstring 44 and that the lip movement, as described, is coordinated with the sound being reproduced.

FIGURES 8-16 show another embodiment of the invention wherein the phonograph device is embodied in a figure toy which is illustrated in the form of a figure of a horse having a movable jaw part.

The phonograph device that is used in the figure toy of this embodiment is similar to that of the previous embodiment, but is modified slightly to adapt it to use in a figure toy. Preferably it has a case having a configuration as shown at 295 in FIGURE 8. Parts of the phonograph device of this embodiment, which are identical with or substantially the same as corresponding parts of the previous embodiment will be similarly numbered in order to avoid duplication of description. The outline of the case of the unit is such as to adapt it for mounting in a figure toy in the manner illustrated in FIGURE 14. The case 295 has an extending cylindrical part 296 having an opening 297 through which the drawstring 44 extends to the exterior to the ring 52. The configuration of the case 295 in longitudinal and transverse cross section is illustrated in FIGURES 9 and 10. The arrangement of parts of the phonograph is very similar to that of the previous embodiment as will be apparent from the figures. The case 295 has an upstanding circular rib 310 over which fits a conical cap 311 having a rim which fits over the rib 310. The cap 311 is over the speaker cone 11 and has openings 312 to allow the sound to come out.

The case is made in upper and lower sections as designated at 315 and 316 and a lower rectangular insert as designated at 318 as best seen in FIGURES and 11. The upper part of the case has an extending boss 321 having an opening which receives the end 63 of the stem or arbor of the governor 37, which is like that of the previous embodiment. upper part 315 of the case is the skirt 322 within which the governor operates. The upper part 315 of the case has a cylindrical part 324 providing an opening in which is journaled the extending end 46 of the spindle or arbor of the spool or pulley 43 and the turntable.

Extending from the inside of the other part 316 of the case is a member 326 having in it an eyelet 327 through which the drawstring 44 passes in going to the exterior of the toy.

The turntable is like that of the previous embodiment and the slide plate 133 is similar. The rectangular insert 318, as may be seen in FIGURES 10 and 11, has upstanding guide members 330 and 331 having square shoulders on the inside of their ends in which the slide plate 133 is guided. The guide plate 133 itself is like that of the previous embodiment and need not be described again in detail. The rectangular insert 318 has an embossment 334 having a channel in it to receive the tube 153 which extends in a direction as shown in FIGURE 9. The wire or filament 152 is attached to the slide plate in the same manner as in the previous embodiment. The tube 153 and wire 152 extend from the casing 295, as shown in FIGURE 9. On the outside of the rectangular insert 318 is a snapon plate 339.

In the present embodiment the tone arm 92 has an end part 98 which is journaled on a pin 341 extending from a post 342 on the inside of the lower part 316 of the casing. This pin extends into an opening in a post 344 extending from the inside of the other part 315 of the casing. As will be observed, the entire structure is designed to facilitate easy manufacture and protection of parts and fabrication. The parts are held in position and held together in the manner described in detail and which provides for a strong, sturdy construction not easily susceptible to breakage. The sections of the casing in both embodiments are held together in such a way as to allow for some deformation as a result of dr0pping or the like without breaking. Attention is called to the construction of FIGURE 2 wherein a cylindrical Extending inwardly from the inward extension is provided as designated at 346 which is spaced from the dome 56 over the governor. This construction allows deformation of the body or torso of the doll in an inward direction, which is limited by engagement of the part 346 with the dome 56. This provides a deformation tolerance without breakage.

Referring now more in particular to FIGURES 13, 14, 15 and 16, the horse may be made of a suitable material such as a semi-rigid plastic material. The body of the horse is partially shown at 360 having an upper jaw part 361 and a movable or hinged lower part 362. These parts simulate the corresponding parts of a horse. The lower jaw 362 has an embossment 365 with an arcuate opening 366 thereon. This embossment is pivotally or rotatably journaled on the rolled end 368 formed at the end of an extending finger or bracket 369. The finger 369 is a part of an assembling bracket designated generally at 372. Bracket 372 has an end part comprising the plate 373 having end spring clip 374 and lateral spring clips 375 so that this part can be clipped over an extending ledge or lip 380 at the forward part of the body of the horse as shown in FIGURES 13 and 16. The plate 373 extends to the right from a right angle part 382 of the bracket which includes the two

angular parts

383 and 384. Part 383 has a cutout 385 which forms the upstanding leg or bracket 369. At one edge of the angular part 384 is an upstanding ear or part 390 having a leaf 391 out out therefrom and bent outwardly to form a loop, as shown at 392, which receives and clamps the end of the tube 153 from which the wire 152 extends and is attached to an extending part 397 of the lower jaw member 362.

From the foregoing those skilled in the art will readily understand the operation of the present embodiment. When the ring 52 is pulled, the phonograph device reproduces appropriate sounds and the power take-ofi? from the phonograph device produces coordinated movements of the lower jaw 362 of the horse or other figure.

From the foregoing those skilled in the art will see that the invention as described herein achieves all of the objects as enumerated in the foregoing as well as having the advantages stated in addition to many more which are apparent from the detailed description. The invention provides a novel, unique and extraordinarily fascinating toy in the form of a figure which has animated mouth movements coordinated with the sounds emanating from the figure.

The invention provides a power take-off in combination with the phonograph device whereby the means of actuating the mouth are simplified and are coordinated with the sounds.

The foregoing disclosure is representative of preferred forms of the invention and is to be interpreted in an illustrative rather than a limiting sense, the invention to be accorded the full scope of the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:

1. In a toy figure adapted to simulate a talking animal, the combination comprising:

a semi-rigid forward body part forming an upper jaw part simulating the upper jaw of said animal and a ledge subjacent said upper jaw part;

a semirigid lower jaw part adapted to simulate the lower jaw of said animal, said lower jaw part including an embossment having an arcuate opening provided thereon;

a bracket having a rolled end engaging said arcuate opening to pivotally mount said lower jaw part in said toy, said bracket also including a clip connecting said bracket to said ledge for pivotally mounting said lower jaw part subjacent said upper jaw part;

a phonograph device mounted in said toy for playing sounds characteristic of sounds emitted by said animal, said phonograph device including a turntable having a cam groove provided thereon, said groove having a predetermined shape; and

connecting -means connecting said lower jaw part to said groove on said turntable for pivoting said lower jaw part when said phonograph is played, said connecting means including a cam follower following the predetermined shape of said groove, whereby said lower jaw part will be opened and closed in a predetermined manner when said phonograph device is played.

2. A toy figure as stated in claim 1 wherein said cam groove has means shaped in such a manner that said lower jaw part is moved from a closed to a fully opened position and then to a partially open position during each revolution of said turntable.

3. A toy as stated in claim 1 wherein said toy figure simulates a talking horse.

4. A toy as stated in claim 1 wherein said connecting means includes a hollow tube clamped to said bracket and a wire reciprocably mounted in said hollow tube, said wire having one end connected to said lower jaw part and its other end connected to said cam follower.

5. In an animated figure toy having at least one movable portion and including movable animating means for animating said portion of said toy and sound producing means for producing sounds during said animation, said sound producing means including a rotatable turnable member having a stem, an upper surface and a lower surface, said sound producing means including a phonograph record mounted on said upper surface of said turntable member, the combination comprising:

(A) cam means operatively associated with said rotatable turntable member for rotation therewith, said cam means comprising:

(-a) an asymmetrically shaped radially undulating groove provided on said lower surface of said turntable member;

(B) a roller mounted in said groove for tracing said asymmetrical shape;

'8 (C) connecting means connecting said roller to said animating means for animating said portion of said toy in coordination with the rotation of said turntable member, said connecting means comprising:

(a) a plate reciprocably mounted in said toy in operative association with said sound producing means, said plate being provided with an elongated opening encompassing said stem on said turntable member; (b) pin means rotatably connecting said roller to said plate; (c) cable means connecting said plate animating means; and (D) guide members provided in said toy in operative association with said plate for guiding said plate during reciprocation thereof by said roller upon rotation of said turntable member. 6. A combination as stated in claim 5 wherein said phonograph record is provided with interleaved, spiral grooves each having a distinctive group of sounds recorded thereon.

to said References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,260,159 3/1918 DiMario 46-118 X 1,512,283 10/1924 Fritsche 46118 X 2,555,800 6/1951 Levine.

3,024,535 3/1962 Von Rabenau.

3,210,887 10/1965 Glass et al. 46-118 3,230,664 1/1966 Bornn et al 46-118 F. BARRY SHAY, Primary Examiner. RICHARD C. PINKHAM, Examiner. L. I. BOVASSO, Assistant Examiner.

Claims

1. IN A TOY FIGURE ADAPTED TO SIMULATE A TALKING ANIMAL, THE COMBINATION COMPRISING: A SEMI-RIGID FORWARD BODY PART FORMING AN UPPER JAW PART SIMULATING THE UPPER JAW OF SAID ANIMAL AND A LEDGE SUBJACENT SAID UPPER JAW PART; A SEMI-RIGID LOWER JAW PART ADAPTED TO SIMULATE THE LOWER JAW OF SAID ANIMAL, SAID LOWER JAW PART INCLUDING AN EMBOSSMENT HAVING AN ARCUATE OPENING PROVIDED THEREON; A BRACKET HAVING A ROLLED END ENGAGING SAID ARCUATE OPENING TO PIVOTALLY MOUNT SAID LOWER JAW PART IN SAID TOY, SAID BRACKET ALSO INCLUDING A CLIP CONNECTING SAID BRACKET TO SAID LEDGE FOR PIVOTALLY MOUNTING SAID LOWER JAW PART SUBJACENT SAID UPPER JAW PART; A PHONOGRAPH DEVICE MOUNTED IN SAID TOY FOR PLAYING SOUNDS CHARACTERISTIC OF SOUNDS EMITTED BY SAID ANIMAL, SAID PHONOGRAPH DEVICE INCLUDIN A TURNTABLE HAVING A CAM GROOVE PROVIDED THEREON, SAID GROOVE HAVING A PREDETERMINED SHAPE; AND CONNECTING MEANS CONNECTING SAID LOWER JAW PART TO SAID GROOVE ON SAID TURNTABLE FOR PIVOTING SAID LOWER JAW PART WHEN SAID PHONOGRAPH IS PLAYED, SAID CONNECTING MEANS INCLUDING A CAM FOLLOWER FOLLOWING THE PREDETERMINED SHAPE OF SAID GROOVE, WHEREBY SAID LOWER JAW PART WILL BE OPENED AND CLOSED IN A PREDETERMINED MANNER WHEN SAID PHONOGRAPH DEVICE IS PLAYED.