US3641702A

US3641702A - Doll with leg kick action

Info

Publication number: US3641702A
Application number: US34010A
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert Gardel; Egon Gorsky
Original assignee: Mattel Inc
Current assignee: Mattel Inc
Priority date: 1970-05-04
Filing date: 1970-05-04
Publication date: 1972-02-15
Anticipated expiration: 1989-02-15

Abstract

A doll having animated torso, leg, arm and head movement. The torso is comprised of an upper and lower portion, the upper portion of which gyrates with respect to the lower portion. The arms and the head of the doll move as the torso of the doll gyrates. The legs of the doll kick upwardly to a substantially horizontal position, in alternate movements, as the arms, torso and head of the doll are moving.

Description

United States Patent [151 3,641,702

Gardel et al. Feb. 15, 1972 [54] DQLL WITH LEG KICK ACTION 3,147,566 9/1964 Ong ..46/l49 [72] Inventors: Robert Gardel, New York, N,Y.; Egon :2 :3 corskhwestfield, NJ.

[7 3] Assignee: Mattel, Inc., Hawthorne, Calif. rimary ExaminerL0uis G. Mancene Assistant Examiner-D. L. Weinhold Flledl y 4, 1970 Attorney-Seymour A. Scholnick [21] AppL No.: 34,010 ABSTRACT Related [1.8. Application Data A doll having animated torso, leg, arm and head movement. Continuation-impart of 3611 The torso is comprised of an upper and lower portion, the 1969. upper portion of which gyrates with respect to the lower portion. The arms and the head of the doll move as the torso of [52] U.S.Cl ..46/l20 the do rates. The g of the do kick p y to a [Sl] Int. Cl. ..A63h 11/00 h l al h Field Search 46/149 50 159 161 173 stanti y orizonta position, In temate movements, ast e l 46/120 1 9 arms, torso and head of the doll are movmg.

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,462,875 8/1969 May ..46/120 15 Chums 11 Draw Figures 88 I M I' I I ll l I l I /Z6 32 $4 r O 82 y 26 72 /56 5 I66 Le Z00 Z26 Ll g 42 H 1%?26 2/6 2 202 $6 22a 54 205 182 I86 F 2 9 240 7 286 Z 7 326 284 254 5 L j 246 30 a; 1 264 DOLL WITII LEG KICK ACTION This application is a continuation-in-part of our copending application Ser. No. 866,953, filed Oct. 16, 1969.

This invention relates to an animated doll, and more particularly, to an animated doll having a leg kick action.

There are various types of animated dolls available which can accomplish varying actions. Among the actions accomplishable by the prior art dolls is a walking action. The doll disclosed and claimed in our aforementioned copending application Ser. No. 866,953 is an improved animated walking doll.

The doll of this invention possesses the same animated features of arm, torso and head movement of the doll disclosed in our aforementioned copending application Ser. No. 866,953. The improvement residing in the doll of this invention is the fact that in addition to the arm, torso and head movement, the doll of this invention possesses a leg kick action rather than a walking action. In this way, the doll can be used to simulate the movements of a cheerleader or a dancer.

It is accordingly an object of this invention to provide a new and improved animated doll.

It is another object of this invention to provide a new and improved animated doll having a leg kick action.

These and other objects of this invention are accomplished by providing an animated doll comprising a torso, a pair of arms, a head, a pair of legs vertically depending from said torso, with at least one of said legs being pivotally mounted to said torso, and drive means within said torso, said drive means having means associated therewith for raising said one of said legs from a vertical dependent position to a raised position relative to said torso, with said leg returning to said vertical position after being raised by said raising means.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a doll embodying this invention in a first position;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the doll of this invention in a second position;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the doll of this invention in a third position;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the doll of this invention in a fourth position;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary front elevational view of the doll of this invention with the forward portions of the torso shell removed and portions shown in vertical section for purposes of clarity;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line 66 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 77 of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line 88 of FIG.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 9 9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the mechanism for releasing each of the legs for leg kick action; and

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the mechanism for securing a leg member to the torso of the doll.

Referring now in greater detail to the various figures of the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts, a doll embodying the present invention is generally shown at in FIGS. 1 to 4. D01] 20 basically comprises a torso 22, a head member 24, a pair of

arm members

26 and 28 and a pair of

leg members

30 and 32 which depend from and support the torso 22.

The axis of the body of the doll is illustrated in phantom at 34 in FIGS. 1 to 4, As noted above, FIGS. 1 to 4 show four of the positions of the doll during a complete animation cycle. That is, the axis 34 of the doll basically includes a pair of vertically extending

portions

36 and 38 which are joined by central offset portion 40.

The torso 22 of the doll is comprised of a lower torso portion 42 and an upper torso portion 44. As best seen in FIGS. 1 to 4, the lower straight portion 36 of the axis 34 extends through the lower torso portion 42. The offset portion 40 of the axis extends through the upper torso portion 44, and the vertical upper portion 38 of the axis extends through the head 24 The lower portion 36 of the axis remains stationery with respect to the lower portion 42 of the torso and with respect to the

legs

30 and 32. The offset portion 40 rotates about the vertical axis portion 36 when the doll is set in motion. The upper vertical portion 38 of the axis follows the rotation of the offset portion 40.

Thus, the movement of the offset portion 40 stays within a conical configuration, whereas the movement of the upper vertical portion of the axis is within a generally cylindrical, but slightly conical, configuration. Viewing the doll from above, the straight portion 38 and offset portion 40 rotate in a clockwise direction about the lower vertical portion 36 of the axis 34. Thus, the axis of the doll shown in FIG. I is rotated clockwise to arrive at the position shown in FIG. 4. The rotation of the axis an additional 90 clockwise causes the doll to be disposed in the position shown in FIG. 2. Rotation of the axis another 90 causes the doll to be in the position shown in FIG. 3. Rotation of the axis an additional 90 brings the doll back to the position shown in FIG. I.

It should be understood that

legs

30 and 32 vertically depend from the lower torso 42, and are pivotally mounted with respect thereto. The legs are both so mounted with respect to the lower portion 42 of the torso that when the center of gravity of the doll is disposed over one leg, the other leg is lifted and moves upwardly to the kicking position shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2.

When the doll is in the position shown in FIG. 1, the weight of the doll is centered over the leg 32, which acts to support the entire doll. The sole of each shoe of the doll is thicker along the inside edge than along the outside edge. Accordingly, when the weight of the doll is supported on either leg, the supporting leg will be tilted slightly outwardly. This slightly lifts the other leg off the supporting surface on which the doll is placed. Accordingly, again referring to FIG. 1, leg 30 will be lifted above the supporting surface when the weight of the doll is centered over leg 32. At this time, the leg 30 can be raised to the substantially horizontal position shown in FIG. I.

When the doll is in the position shown in FIG. 2, the weight of the doll is centered over leg 30, which supports the entire doll. Here again, since the sole of the shoe on leg 30 is slightly thicker on the inside than on the outside edge, the doll will be tilted slightly outwardly, when in the position shown in FIG. 2, thereby raising the leg 32 slightly off the supporting surface. Immediately after the leg 32 is lifted, it is kicked forwardly to the horizontal position shown in FIG. 2. Thus, when the

portions

40 and 38 of the axis of the doll are in the position shown in FIG. 2, the leg 32 is substantially horizontal.

It should also be noted that as the doll moves through the positions shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 2 and 3 in succession, the

arms

26 and 28 are moved upwardly and downwardly with respect to the torso 22. As the central portion 40 of the axis moves toward the left of the doll, the left arm is raised and the right arm 26 is lowered. Consequently, the arms move in a natural motion as the legs of the doll are kicked. It also should be noted thatthe head 24 constantly changes its position with respect to the upper portion 44 of the torso.

It can therefore be seen that an animated kicking doll is provided. The doll not only has motion in the legs, but also the natural gyrating torso motion of a dancer or cheerleader, as well as arm and head movement.

Construction of doll 20 is best seen in connection with FIGS. 5 to 11. As best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the upper torso 44 comprises a rear shell 52 and a forward shell 54. The shell portions are preferably made of molded plastic, and together they form a housing for a drive means comprised of a motor 56, a gear train 58 and a drive shaft 60. The motor preferably comprises a DC motor which is supported by a U-shaped bracket 62.

As best seen in FIG. 6, the U-shaped bracket 62 is secured to the web of a U-shaped bracket 64, the legs of which extend substantially horizontally. Bracket 64 is in turn supported by the walls of a compartment formed in the rear shell 52. Further details of the compartment and the securement of bracket 64 are disclosed in our aforementioned copending application Ser. No. 866,953, and these details are incorporated by reference herein. The compartment 66 is generally shown in FIGS. and 6, and includes a pair of inwardly extending vertically disposed walls 68 and a bridging vertically disposed integral wall 72. Bracket 64 is secured to walls 68 by any suitable fasteners.

The rear shell 52 further includes an opening in which a rectangular panel 76 is suitably secured. The panel 76 includes an on-off" switch 78 which is mounted thereon, and which includes a manually movable member on the outside surface to selectively enable energization of motor 56.

Shaft 60 is mounted in an L-shaped bracket 80 which is secured by fastener 82 to the bridging wall 72 of the compartment 66. An opening is provided in the upper legs of bracket 80 for receiving a bearing 84 in which shaft 60 rotates. Shaft 60 basically comprises an elongated shaft which includes a bottom vertically extending portion 86, a top vertically extending, but slightly angled, portion 88 and an integral, offset central portion 90.

As best seen in FIG. 6, the lower vertical end portion 86 is provided in the lower torso portion 42. The central portion 90 of the shaft is provided in the upper torso portion 44, and the upper portion 88 extends into the head member 24.

As best seen in FIG. 6, gear train 58 includes a plurality of

gears

92, 94 and 96 which are mounted on the central portion 90 of shaft 60. The

gears

92 and 94 are rotatably mounted on central portion 90, and gear 96 is keyed to the central portion 90 by a keying pin 98 which extends through the lower boss of the gear 96 and offset portion 90 of shaft 60.

Gear train 58 also includes

gears

100 and 102 which are pivotally secured to a pin 104 which is secured to and supported by a U-shaped bracket 106. The lower leg of bracket 106 is disposed substantially horizontally, and is secured to and supported by a plate 108 which is preferably adhesively secured to the lower inside surfaces of

shells

52 and 54, and which forms the floor of the upper torso 44.

The bracket 106 is secured to the plate 108 by a suitable fastener 110 and is spaced from the plate 108 by a pair of washers 112. The gear train 58 thus forms a reducing gear between the shaft 60 and a gear 114 which is connected to the shaft of motor 56. A plate 116, similar to plate 108, is secured to the underside of plate 108.

Plates

108 and 116 form the bottom wall of upper torso portion 44.

Plates

108 and 116 include an opening 1 18 through which the conductor leads 120 extend from battery terminals in the lower torso 42 to the switch 78 and the motor 56.

Plates

108 and 116 include an opening 122 through which the central portion 90 of the shaft 60 extends.

As best seen in FIG. 5, the rear shell 52 of the upper torso 44 includes a pair of integrally formed horizontally extending cylindrical socket members 124. A pair of integrally formed horizontally extending cylindrical pins (not shown) are provided in the front shell 54, and enable securement between the front and rear shells by a pressed fit of the pins within the sockets 124. The front shell and rear shell include complimentary slots which form a first opening 126 for reception of a neck member 128 and a pair of lateral openings for reception of cylindrical lever means 130 and 132 which support

arm members

26 and 28, respectively.

As best seen in FIG. 6, the neck member 128 is generally cylindrical and includes a cylindrical boss 134 and an enlarged portion 136 which has an arcuately tapered outer surface to facilitate rotation within opening 126. The neck member 128 further includes a cylindrical recess 138 which forms the mouth of an axially extending opening through the neck member 128. The neck member 128 is rotatably mounted on end portion 88 of shaft 60 by inserting the shaft through the axially extending opening in the neck member.

A pin 140 is pressed fit through a transversely extending opening in the end portion 88 of the shaft to limit the longitudinal movement of the neck member 128 with respect to the shaft. Within the recess 138, a washer 142 is provided between the shoulder of the recess 138 and a pin 144, which is pressed fit through a transversely extending opening in the end portion 88. The neck member is thus fixed longitudinally with respect to shaft portion 88 between

pins

140 and 144. However, member 128 is rotatable with respect to shaft portion 88.

An elongated pin 146 is secured in the neck member 128 parallel to the shaft portion 88. The pin 146 is secured by a suitable fastening member 148, which is secured axially in the pin 146. The pin 146 is trapped longitudinally with respect to the neck member 128 by a peripheral annular collar 150, which is secured to the lowermost portion of the pin 146. The pin 146 projects downwardly and extends into a slot 152 in the L-shaped bracket 80. The slot 152 and pin 146 form a limiting means to prevent rotation of the head and neck member 128 with the shaft portion 88 of the shaft 60.

As best seen in FIG. 6, the head member 24 is preferably hollow and comprised of molded plastic. The head includes an opening at the lowermost end thereof which fits about the cylindrical portion 134 of the neck member 128, and rests against the enlarged portion 136 at the shoulder therebetween.

As best seen in FIG. 5, the

lever members

130 and 132 are each generally cylindrical, and each has an enlarged end portion 154 which includes a tapered arcuate front edge 156 to enable insertion of the enlarged end portion into an opening in the arm members. The

arm members

26 and 28 are preferably hollow, and are comprised of molded plastic. The rear surface of the enlarged end portion 154 is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the

lever members

130 and 132 to thereby preclude the arm members from being pulled off the lever member easily.

An annular collar 158 is also provided on each lever member which is spaced from the rear surface of the enlarged end portion 154 to form therebetween an annular groove in which the wall of the opening in the

arm member

26 or 28 is trapped. The arms are frictionally secured in the groove to enable a change in the disposition of the arms by forcing the rotation of the arms with respect to the lever members.

Spaced from the collar 158 is an enlarged rear member 160 which forms with the collar 158 a second annular groove which embraces the periphery of the lateral openings in the front and

rear shells

52 and 54 of the upper torso portion. The

lever members

130 and 132 are each rotatably mounted within the openings provided in the sides of the upper torso.

As seen in FIG. 5, a pin 162 is axially mounted in each of the

lever members

130 and 132, and extends inwardly of the upper torso and through openings provided in walls 68 of the compartment 66. A bearing 164 is provided in each opening to enable rotation of the pins 162 in the walls 68.

As further seen in FIG. 5, rods 166 are pivotally secured to the

lever members

130 and 132 by suitable fasteners 168 eccentric to the axes of

members

130 and 132, as is clear from FIG. 6. Each of the rods 166 includes a flattened portion which is mounted adjacent the

lever members

130 and 132. The rods depend from fasteners 168 through an opening 172 in the plate 108.

As best seen in FIG. 6, the lower portion of the torso 42 includes a rear shell and a forward shell 182 which house a pair of dry cell batteries 184 (FIG. 5). The rear and

front shells

180 and 182, respectively, are each preferably comprised of a molded plastic. The rear shell includes a plurality of sockets 186 which are formed integrally with the shell and which extend horizontally. The front shell 182 includes a plurality of pins 188 which are integrally formed with the shell, and which extend horizontally, and are aligned with sockets 186 so that the pins are pressed fit into the sockets 186 to secure the front shell to the rear shell.

Batteries 184 are supported by brackets 190 which are suitably secured to the shell of the lower torso. As best seen in FIG. 6, at one end of each bracket 190, there is provided a terminal 192 which is comprised of a flexible or resilient contact of conductive metal for engaging a first terminal of a battery 184. A removable panel 194 is provided in the rear wall of the rear shell 180. Panel 194 is aligned with batteries 184, so that the panel may be removed and the batteries replaced when they are run down. A second terminal 196 is provided on each bracket 190. Terminal 196 contacts the other terminal of its encased dry cell battery, so that

terminals

192 and 196 are provided across the potential of each battery. Batteries 184 are arranged in parallel, and conductor leads 120 are connected to the

terminals

192 and 196, and as set forth above, are connected via the switch 78 to the input leads of the motor 56.

As best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6,

shells

180 and 182 include an upwardly extending skirt 200 which extends around the periphery of the

shells

180 and 182, and which overlaps the lower surface of the

shells

52 and 54. The skirt 200 also includes an inner arcuate surface to enable the rotation of the upper torso 44 within the skirt so that no space or hiatus is visible between the upper and lower torso.

The shell 180 further includes an integral top wall 202 which forms the top wall of the lower torso 42. A plate 204, which is substantially the same size as the top wall 202, is secured to the wall 202 at the upper surface thereof by fasteners 205. Wall 202 and plate 204 are horizontally disposed and extend between the periphery of skirt 200.

As best seen in FIG. 6, wall 202 and plate 204 include aligned openings 206 which extend vertically, and enable passage of conductors 120 from the upper torso into the lower torso. Openings are also provided centrally of wall 202 and plate 204 in which a bearing 208 is provided for rotational securement of shaft 60. Shafi 60 includes at the top of the lower portion 86 a pair of projections 210. Projections 210 are spaced from the plate 204 by a spacing washer 212 which acts to space the lower wall 108 of the upper portion of the torso from the top plate 204 of the lower torso portion 42. Thus, the inclined attitude of the lower wall of the upper torso is inhibited from engaging the top wall of the lower torso, which is substantially horizontally disposed.

The plate 204 and wall 202 further include a slotted opening 214 (FIG. 6) which extends through both the plate and the wall. Opening 214 extends forwardly, and a pin 216 passes therethrough. As best seen in FIG. 6, pin 216 is secured to the lower wall 108 of the upper torso 44, and projects downwardly. The pin 216 includes enlarged head 218 which rests on the upper surface of wall 108, and a threaded portion 220 which extends through an opening in wall 108. A nut 222 is threadedly secured to the threaded portion of pin 216 so that the wall 108 is trapped between the enlarged head 218 and nut 222.

The pin 216 extends transversely to the lower wall 108 and acts to prevent movement of the upper torso 44 with the shaft 60. That is, the pin 216 which rides in slotted opening 214 in the top wall of the lower torso 42 prevents the rotation of the upper torso with-respect to the lower torso. Therefore, the central portion 90 of the shaft 60 rotates about its axis, yet the upper torso moves with the axis of the central portion 90 of the shaft, but without rotating therewith. This provides a gyrating motion of the upper torso with respect to the lower torso.

It should also be noted that the pin 216 extends through a slotted opening in the upper wall of the lower torso. This means that pin 216 can move from the rear of the slot 214 to the forward portion of the slot.

For example, when the shaft 60 is in the position shown in FIG. 6, the pin 216 is disposed closer to the rear of the slot 214. However, when the shaft is in the position which causes the doll to be in the position shown in FIG. 3, the lower wall of the upper torso is more closely spaced to the rear of plates 204 and wall 202, thereby causing the pin 216 to pass through the forwardmost portion of slot 214. Of course, as the portion of shaft 60 gyrates, the pin is moved between the extreme positions discussed above.

Plate 204 and wall 202 further include a pair of aligned openings through which rod 166 extends. Rod 166 is secured against longitudinal movement through the openings in plate 204 and wall 202 by a pair of projections 226 which rest on the upper surface of plate 204 and a pin 228 which extends through a transversely extending opening in rod 166, and is pressed fit therein. The pin 228 is adjacent the lower surface of wall 202. The projections 226 and pins 228 thereby prevent movement of the rod 166 through the openings.

Thus, each of the rods 166 is fixed longitudinally with respect to the lower torso 42. Accordingly, when the upper torso 44 moves with portion 90 of shaft 60, the lever members and 132 are rotationally reciprocated about the axes through pins 162. The rotational reciprocation of the arms is described in greater detail in our aforementioned copending application Ser. No. 866,953.

As best seen in FIGS. 5 and 8, the lower torso portion 42 includes a pair of

openings

238 and 240 which are provided in the opposing lateral surfaces thereof for securement of the

leg members

30 and 32 to the lower torso portion. The

leg members

30 and 32 are both hollow and are preferably comprised of molded plastic. The legs are spaced from each other by the lower torso.

To the extent described above, the structure of the doll of this invention is substantially identical to the structure of the doll disclosed in our aforementioned copending application Ser. No. 866,953. Accordingly, the details of the aforementioned copending application Ser No. 866,953 are incorporated herein by reference. The novelty of the doll of this invention resides in the structure of the leg mechanisms, and the mechanism for moving the legs in a kicking action. The details of the kicking structure are apparent from FIGS. 5 to 11.

As seen in FIGS. 9 and 11, each

leg

30 and 32 includes an upper disc-shaped portion 242 which is received in the leg opening of the lower torso section 42. The disc-shaped portion projects at an angle to a vertical plane through the center of the doll, as seen in FIG. 5. The balance of each of the

legs

30 and 32 is vertical, as is apparent from FIGS. 1 to 4. A hollow cylindrical hub 244 (FIG. 9) projects from each disc 242. An integral rim 246 projects around the base of each hub 244. A notch 248 (FIG. 11) is formed in each rim 246. A central opening 250 is formed in hub 244.

It should be noted that the structure of leg 32 is identical to the structure of leg 30, insofar as the mechanical operation is concerned. Accordingly, the detailed description of leg 30 applies equally to the structure of leg 32.

The elements of the leg mounting structure are shown in FIG. 11. As seen therein, the structure includes a mounting disc 252, a leg kick disc 254, a mounting rod 256 and a bearing sleeve 258. Mounting disc 252 includes three equally spaced openings 260 fonned in the surface thereof. An annular n'm 262 is formed around the disc 252. Flange 264 projects from rim 262, and includes a lip 266. A central opening 268 is formed in disc 252.

As best seen in FIGS. 9 and 1], leg kick disc 254 includes three equally spaced nibs or projections 270. Nibs 270 have the same spacing as openings 260 in disc 252. A flange 272 projects vertically from disc 254, and includes a bent upper lip 274. A central opening 276 is provided in disc 254. The disc also includes a notch 278 at its outer edge.

Sleeve 258 is formed from a bearing material, and can be any of the bearing metals or plastic. The sleeve includes a central longitudinally extending bore 280. The outer surface of the sleeve is threaded, as shown at 282 in FIG. 11. An annular flange 284 is formed at one end of sleeve 258. The securement of

legs

30 and 32 in

openings

238 and 240, respectively, of the lower torso section 42 is best seen in FIGS. 5 and 9. Referring to FIG. 9, it is seen that rods 256 are secured in a cam block 286 (FIG. 10) by a pressed fit. The details of the cam block will be explained hereinafter. As seen in FIGS. and 9, rods 256 extend perpendicularly to the disc 242 of each of the legs. After the rods 256 have been inserted in the cam block, sleeves 258 are telescoped over the rods until the annular flanges 284 abut the cam block.

After the sleeves 258 have been set in place, discs 254 are telescoped over the sleeves by inserting the ends of the sleeves through openings 276 in the discs. As seen in FIG. 5 the disc 254 associated with leg 30 has its flange 272 projecting upward, that is, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of rod 256. The flange 272 on the disc 254 which is associated with leg 32 projects downward, and is also perpendicular to its associated rod 256. Because of the angle of inclination of flange 272 relative to leg 32, it is unnecessary to provide the additional lip 274 with this flange, as will be explained hereinafter.

After the discs 254 have been placed on sleeve 258, discs 252 are telescoped over the sleeve. As seen in FIG. 9, the discs 252 abut discs 254, and nibs 270 on disc 254 are received in openings 260 in disc 252. Leg 30 is then telescoped over sleeve 258, with the sleeve passing through the central opening 250 in hub 244. Flange 264 and lip 266 of disc 252 (FIG. 11) are received in notch 248 of rim 246 (FIG. 5). A similar connection is made between the disc 252 and the rim 246 with respect to leg 32.

The remainder of the items necessary for mounting the

legs

30 and 32 in place is shown in FIG. 11, and includes a coiled compression spring 288, a washer 300, a nut 302 and a cotter pin 304. As seen in FIG. 9, leg 30 is held in place by telescoping spring 288 over sleeve 258. The spring 288 abuts the inside surface of the end wall of hub 244. Washer 300 is telescoped over sleeve 258, and abuts the other end of spring 288. The spring is held in place by the threaded securement of nut 302 on threads 282 of sleeve 258. The entire assembly of the sleeve 258 and all of the elements mounted thereon is then pivotally secured on rod 256 by the insertion of cotter pin 304 through hole 306 (FIG. 11) in the end of rod 256.

In order to assemble the elements in the interior of

legs

30 and 32, each of the legs is provided with a removable plate 308 (FIG. 9). Plate 308 is molded from the same plastic as the remainder of the leg, and will be inconspicuous in the assembled doll. The tension on spring 288 can be varied by the longitudinal adjustment of nut 302 on the threads of sleeve 258.

Cam block 286 is shown in exploded perspective in FIG. 10. The cam block basically comprises a horizontally extending cylinder 310 having planar front and backfaces 312. A circular bore 314 extends vertically through cylinder 310. A cylindrical boss 316 is formed on each planar face 312. A laterally extending slot 318 passes through each boss 316 and extends into cylinder 310.

A lever 320 is pivotally mounted in each slot 318 by a pin 322 at one end thereof. Each lever includes a lip 324 which is offset from the main body of the lever, and which projects outwardly of cylinder 310. Each boss 316 includes an internally threaded bore 326 formed at the center of each slot 318. As seen in FIG. 8, a coiled compression spring 328 is placed in bore 326, and is secured therein by a setscrew 330. Spring 328 is slidable in bore 326, and bears against lever 320. The pressure of the spring is varied through setscrew 330.

A ring 332 (FIG. 10) having a central opening 334 is telescoped over each cylindrical boss 316. Each ring 332 includes a notch 336 at its outer edge. Rings 332 are mounted against planar surfaces 312 of cylinder 310 by suitable fasteners, such as screws 338. When the rings 332 have been secured against faces 312, lips 324 of levers 320 are received in notches 336.

As seen in FIG. 6, cam block 286 is mounted in the lower torso section 42 by a pair of braces 340. Braces 340 are secured to rear torso section 180 by suitable fasteners 342. They are also secured to one of the cylindrical bosses 316 by screws 344. Braces 340 are spaced by a gap 346 through which screw 330 passes.

As seen in FIG. 6, the lower section 86 of shaft 60 passes through the central bore 314 of cylinder 310. A cam 348 is keyed to shaft section 86 in the area of levers 320. As seen in FIGS. 8 and 10, cam 348 is basically circular, but includes a projecting tab 350 which serves the cam function. The cam 348 can be keyed to shaft section 86 by any of the means known to the art, such as a setscrew or a pressed fit.

As best seen in FIG. 6, a collar 352 is secured on shaft section 86 by a set screw 354. A bearing washer 356 is mounted on shaft section 86, and supported by collar 352. A disc 358 is in turn mounted on shaft section 86 and supported by collar 352 through bearing washer 356. A rod 360 is secured in disc 358, and projects horizontally outward therefrom.

A bearing sleeve 362 is telescoped over shaft section 86, with the lower end thereof passing through a central opening in disc 358, and the lower edge thereof bearing against washer 356. Accordingly, disc 358 is rotatable about bearing sleeve 362. A coiled compression spring 364 is telescoped over sleeve 362, and has its lower end abutting disc 358. The upper end of spring 364 is held in place by a collar 366 which is secured to shaft section 86 by a setscrew. Accordingly, even though disc 358 is rotatably mounted on sleeve 362, the pressure of spring 364 prevents the disc from rotating relative to shaft 86 when the shaft is rotating. Accordingly, collar 352, washer 356, disc 358, sleeve 362 and collar 366 rotate as a unit along with shaft section 86.

As best seen in FIG. 6, a plate 368 is positioned at the bottom of lower torso section 42. Plate 368 includes an opening 370 through which the bottom of shaft section 86 projects. As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, plate 368 is held in a horizontal position by screws 372 over which sleeves 374 are telescoped.

As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, a bearing washer 380 is mounted on plate 368. Section 86 of shaft 60 passes through a central opening in the bearing washer 380. A bearing sleeve 382 is telescoped over shaft section 86, and has one end abutting washer 380. The other end of sleeve 382 abuts bearing washer 384, which is also telescoped over shaft section 86. A collar 386 is positioned over washer 384, and is held against shaft section 86 by a setscrew. A disc 388 is telescoped over sleeve 382. Disc 388 includes a horizontally projecting rod 390. A spring 392 is telescoped over sleeve 382, and has one end which bears against washer 380 and a second end which bears against the underside of disc 388. Accordingly, when shaft 60 is rotated, washer 380, sleeve 382, disc 388, washer 384, col lar 386 and spring 392 will rotate as a unit therewith.

In order to operate the doll, the on-off switch 78 is placed in the on position, thereby making a closed circuit between the batteries 184 and the electric motor 56. As the electric motor begins to operate, the motor shaft causes gear 114 to rotate, which drives the gear 92, which in turn drives gear 100. Gear 100 in turn drives gear 94, which in turn drives gear 102. Gear 102 drives gear 96, which is keyed to shaft section 90. As shaft section is rotated with gear 96, the shaft begins to rotate through the axis of the lower portion 86. Because most of the weight in the doll is in the upper portion of the doll in the upper torso 44 and in the neck portion 128, as shaft section 86 rotates, the upper torso follows the axis of shaft section 90, thereby causing the weight to shift from one leg of the doll to the other.

It should also be understood that the axis 34 of the doll 20 coincides with the axis of the shaft 60. It can therefore be seen that the axis 34 of the doll, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, follows the axis of the shaft 60. Thus, portion 36 of axis 34 corresponds to the portion 86 of the shaft 60. Similarly, central portion 40 of the axis corresponds to the axis of the central portion 90 of the shaft 60, and the upper portion 38 of the axis corresponds to the axis of the upper portion 88 of shaft 60.

Therefore, when the doll is in the position shown in FIG. 1, the center of gravity of the doll is drawn to a position over the left leg 32 of the doll, thereby causing the entire weight of the doll to be supported by the left leg. Consequently, the leg 30, which has no weight thereon, can be moved upwardly to the position shown in FIG. 1, by a mechanism explained hereinafter, because the center of gravity of the doll is over the left leg. Additionally, as explained above, the soles of each of the feet of the doll are angled outwardly, thereby permitting the doll to rock slightly to the outside when the weight is on a given leg. This lifts the other leg from the supporting surface, and enables the rotation of the free leg to a horizontal position. It should also be noted that in the position shown in FIG. 1, the arm member 28 is in its upper position because of the fact that the distance between the axis through lever member 132 and the plate 204 and wall 202 of the lower torso 42 has been shortened. Consequently, the lever member is moved in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 6, thereby causing the arm member to be raised. At the same time, the distance between the center of lever member 130 of the arm member 26 is more distantly spaced from the plate 204 and wall 202, thereby causing the lever member to be rotated downwardly to cause the arm 26 to be in the lower position.

Similarly, when doll 20 is in the position shown in FIG. 2, the center of gravity of the doll is located above leg 30, thereby causing leg 32 to be freed, and moved up to the position shown in FIG. 2. Also, since the lever member 130 is more closely spaced in this position to the upper wall of the lower torso, the rod 166 causes the lever member to be rotated with the right arm member moving upwardly. The lever member 132 is caused to rotate in a clockwise direction downwardly, as viewed in FIG. 6, thereby enabling the left arm member to be lowered.

As the upper torso portion 44 and the head 24 are gyrated to the intermediate positions shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the

arm members

26 and 28 are at approximately the same height, as the distance between the

lever members

130 and 132 and the wall of the upper torso 42 are approximately equal.

The movement of the upper torso arms and head described above are identical to the movement of the same parts in the doll disclosed in our aforementioned copending application Ser. No. 866,953. The novel feature of this invention resides in the combination of the torso, arm and head movements with the leg kick action shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The leg kick action is controlled through the rotation of lower shaft section 86 and the movement of cam 348 secured thereon.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 7 and 8, it is seen that with the shaft 60 in the position shown therein, tabs 324 of levers 320 are received in notches 278 of discs 254 (FIG. 7). As seen in FIG. 9,

legs

30 and 32 can rotate about rods 256 by the rotation of the sleeves 258 about the rods. The engagement of the tabs 324 in notches 278 prevents the disc 258 from rotating relative to the rods 256. Since the discs, legs and sleeves 258 are rotatable as a unit, in view of the pressure of springs 288, the prevention of rotation of the discs will also prevent the rotational movement of the legs.

Referring specifically to FIG. 8, it will be seen that the rotation of shaft section 86 through a 90 are from the position shown in FIG. 8 will cause the abutment of tab 350 of cam 348 against lever 320. This, in turn, causes the pivoting of lever 320 around pin 322, against the urging of spring 328. As the lever 320 is rotated, tab 324 of the lever, as shown in FIG. 8, is removed from notch 278 of disc 254 associated with leg 30. This will in turn free disc 254 for rotational movement along with sleeve 258 and leg 30.

As the cam 348 is rotated 90, disc 358 will also be rotated 90 clockwise from the position shown in FIG. 7. Accordingly, rod 360, which is secured in disc 358, will also be rotated 90. The 90 rotation of rod 360 will bring the rod into abutment with lip 274 of flange 272 on disc 254 (FIG. Since the sleeve on which disc 254 is mounted in now freely rotatable about rod 256, continued rotational movement of shaft section 86 will cause rod 360 to rotate flange 272 downwardly, as viewed in FIG. 5. This will in turn cause the rotational movement of leg 30 upwardly to the position shown in FIG. I. It should be noted that although the disc 242 of the leg 30 is positioned at an angle with respect to the vertical axis of the doll, when the disc is rotated, the balance of the leg 30, which lies in a plane which is parallel to the vertical axis of the doll, will be rotated upwardly. This is apparent from FIG. 1.

Leg 30 is held in the horizontal position until rod 360 has passed over flange 272 of disc 254. When the rod has passed the flange, the weight of the leg 30 will return it to the vertical position shown in FIG. 4. In this position, rod 360 will be moved 180 from the position shown in FIG. 7.

It should be understood that during the time the rod 360 is in contact with flange 272, the weight of the doll has been shifted to the left leg 32, as shown in FIG. 1. Accordingly, the doll will remain in an upright position while the leg 30 is being kicked.

The leg 32 is kicked in the same manner as leg 30. Thus, when cam 348 is 180 removed from the position shown in FIG. 8, it will begin to bear upon the other lever 320 which is associated with leg 32. Continued rotation of shaft 60 will force the tab 324 out of the notch 278 of disc 254 associated with leg 32 (FIG. 7). At the same time, rod 390 of disc 388 (FIG. 6) will come into contact with flange 272 which projects downwardly from disc 254 associated with leg 32. The movement of rod 390 into engagement with flange 272 associated with leg 32 will kick the leg upwardly to the position shown in FIG. 2. Because of the limited space at the base of lower torso section 42, as seen in FIG. 5, it is unnecessary to have an extension 274 on flange 272 associated with leg 32 to bring the flange closer to the axis of rotation of disc 388.

The rotational movement of the cam 348 is indicated by arrow 394 in FIG. 10. Likewise, the reciprocating movement of levers 320 is indicated in FIG. 10 by arrows 396. The shaft is synchronized with the cam 348 and

discs

358 and 388 to ensure that the

legs

30 and 32 will only be kicked when the weight of the doll is on the opposite leg. It should also be noted that the action of kicking leg 30 occurs through a pushing movement at the top of the disc, whereas the kicking motion of leg 32 occurs through a pushing movement at the bottom of the disc. As seen in FIG. 6,

rods

360 and 390 are aligned in order to cause the kicking of each of the legs at the proper time. Thus, shaft 60 must rotate 180 between the time one leg is kicked and the time the other leg is kicked.

The spring mounting of

discs

358 and 388 serves as a safety feature during the operation of the doll. Thus, if a child should hold one of the legs of the doll during the operation of the doll, disc 358 or disc 388 could bind the entire shaft 60 if the discs were keyed to the shaft. This is because the discs would no longer be able to rotate once their projecting rods had abutted one of the flanges 272. Since the

discs

358 and 388 are spring loaded relative to the shaft 60, if the flanges 272 are held rigidly by a childs holding the dolls leg, the shaft 60 will continue to rotate in a clockwise direction, while the discs will remain stationary so long as both of the flanges 272 remain immovable. In this way, there is no possibility of burning out the motor 56 by a childs holding one of the legs against rotation. When the holding force is removed from the legs, the legs will continue to kick in the manner described above.

It is thus seen that springs 364 and 392 have a sufficient force to cause the

discs

358 and 388, respectively, to rotate with the shaft 60 and pivot flanges 272 during the normal operation of the doll. However, the springs will permit the rotation of shaft 60 relative to the discs if there should be an obstruction to the continued rotational movement of the discs, such as the holding of one of the legs to prevent the rotation of one of the flanges 272.

When the doll is operating in its gyrating and leg kicking movements, the cam 348 will alternately force each of the tabs 324 of levers 320 out of notches 278 in disc 254, and into notches 336 of rings 332 (FIG. 10). Continued rotation of shaft 60 will move cam 348 out of abutment with lever 320, and the force of spring 328 will move the lever back to the position shown in FIG. 10. Accordingly, as soon as the leg kick action has been completed, and the leg has been returned to the vertical position shown in FIG. 5, tab 324 will automatically be reseated in notch 278. This prevents the free rotational movement of the leg. However, the leg can still be hand moved from the vertical position shown in FIG. 5 to a horizontal position. In this connection, attention is called to FIG. 9 wherein it is seen that one of the nibs 270 on disc 254 is lowermost on the disc and is received in one of the holes 260 in disc 252, which is also lowermost. The spacing of the other nibs and holes is 120 in either direction from the position shown in FIG. 9 (see FIG. 11). With the nibs and openings in the position shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the doll can freely stand and go through its kicking and gyrating movements.

With the switch 78 in the off position, the doll can either stand, or can be placed in a sitting position. To place the doll in a sitting position, the legs and 32 are grasped and rotated 120 upwardly toward the front of the torso of the doll. In doing this, discs 254 remain in the position shown in FIG. 9 because the tabs 324 lock them against any rotational movement. However, as is apparent from FIG. 9, disc, 252, which is keyed to

legs

30 and 32 can rotate relative to disc 254 by the compression of spring 288. When the

legs

30 and 32 have been rotated 120, the forward nibs 270 (FIG. I 1) will then be received in the lowermost holes 260 of disc 252. The spring 288 will then secure the nibs 270 in their newly aligned holes 260. When in this position, the

legs

30 and 32 can be placed in a horizontal position on a supporting surface, with the torso of the doll leaning slightly forward. In this way, the doll will be supported in a sitting position.

When it is desired to place the doll in its upright, operational position,

legs

30 and 32 are rotated back to the position shown in FIG. 5. At this time, the doll is again ready for its gyrating and kicking action.

It is thus seen that the doll of this invention provides a novel leg, torso, arm and head movement which was unattainable with the dolls of the prior art. With the novel leg kick action, various performers can be imitated, Thus, the doll can be used for imitating the motions of a cheerleader or a dancer.

Without further elaboration, the foregoing will so fully illustrate our invention that others may, by applying current or future knowledge, readily adapt the same for use under various conditions of service.

What is claimed as the invention is:

1. An animated figure toy having a torso and at least one pair of legs mounted on said torso, at least one of which is pendulously pivotally mounted thereon to normally depend therefrom in a vertical dependent position and having a pro jecting means thereon, in said torso, eccentric to its pivot axis; drive means in said torso and having a drive member movable along a path intersecting said projecting means whereby movement of said drive member along said path into engagement with said projecting means swings said one leg upwardly then disengages itself from said projecting means to permit said one leg to pendulously return to vertical dependent position.

2. The figure toy of claim 1 wherein said drive means comprises a rotatable shaft, said drive member comprising a rod projecting outwardly from said shaft, and rotatable therewith, said projecting means being contacted by said rod when said shaft is rotated, thereby pivoting said one of said legs.

3. The figure toy of claim 2 wherein said projecting means is releasably secured to said one of said legs, a pivot rod projecting from said torso, with said one of said legs and said projecting means being pivotable about said pivot rod.

4, The figure toy of claim 3 and further including means for releasably securing said projecting means in a first position, said one of said legs being in its vertical dependent position when said projecting means is in said first position, said figure toy further including means for releasing said releasable securement means to permit said projecting means to rotate around said pivot rod to a second position, said one of said legs being in said raised position when said projecting means is in said second position, and means for returning said releasable securement means to a position whereby said projecting means is retained in said first position after said one of said legs has been pivoted and returned to its vertical dependent position.

5. The figure toy of claim 1 wherein both of said legs are pivotally mounted on said torso, and both of said legs are alternately pivotable from a vertical dependent position to a raised position.

6. The figure toy of claim 5 wherein said torso comprises an upper torso portion and a lower torso portion, with said legs being pivotally secured to said lower torso portion, said drive means drivingly connecting said upper and lower torso portions to move said upper portion in a gyrating path with respect to said lower portion so that the weight of said doll is shifted from said one of said legs to the other, with one of said legs being pivotable from its vertical dependent position to its raised position when the weight of the upper torso portion is disposed over the other of said legs, and the other of said legs being pivotable from its vertical dependent position to its raised position when the weight of said upper torso is disposed over said one of said legs.

7. An animated doll having a torso, a pair of arms, a head, a pair of legs pivotally mounted on said torso, said legs being pendulously pivotally mounted thereon to normally depend therefrom in a vertical dependent position and each having a projecting means thereon, in said torso, eccentric to its pivot axis; drive means in said torso comprising a shaft and means for rotating said shaft, said shaft having a drive member movable along a path intersecting said projecting means whereby movement of said drive member along said path into alternate engagement with said projecting means alternately swings said legs upwardly then disengages itself from said projecting means to permit said legs to pendulously return to vertical dependent position, and means associated with each of said legs to retain each of said legs in said vertical dependent position when it is not being pivoted to its raised position; said shaft having an offset portion to move said torso in a gyrating path when said shaft is rotated.

8. The doll of claim 7 wherein said torso comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, with said upper portion moving in said gyrating path, with the movement of said upper portion shifting the weight of said doll from a position over one of said legs to a position over the other of said legs, with each of said legs being pivotable to its raised position when the weight of the doll is centered over the other of said legs.

9. The doll of claim 7 wherein said projecting means are releasably secured to each of said legs, said legs and said projecting means being pivotally mounted on pivot rods, said shaft having a pair of rods projecting therefrom and rotatable therewith, said rods comprising said drive member, each of said projecting rods adapted to contact one of said projecting means when said shaft is rotated, thereby pivoting the leg associated with said projecting means when said projecting rod is urged into said projecting means by the rotation of said shaft.

10. The doll of claim 9 and further including means for releasably securing said projecting means in a first position, with the leg associated with said projecting means being releasably secured in its vertical dependent position when said projecting means is in said first position, said doll further in cluding means for releasing said releasable securement means to permit said projecting means to rotate around said pivot rod when said projecting rod comes in contact with said projecting means, thereby permitting said projecting means to be pivoted to a second position, with said leg being in said raised position when said projecting means is in said second position,

11. The doll of claim 10 wherein said projecting means includes a base having a notch formed therein, said releasable securement means comprising a lever having one end thereof received in said notch, the other end of said lever being pivotally mounted on a cam block secured in said torso, said shaft having cam means secured thereon, with said cam means camming said lever means out of said notch when said shaft is rotated.

12. The doll of claim 11 and further including spring means for returning said lever means to a position wherein it is received in the notch in said base after said cam means is rotated out of contact with said lever means.

13. The doll of claim 7 and further including spring urged releasable means for maintaining said legs in said vertical dependent position, both of said legs being pivotable to a forward position against the urging of said spring means, whereby said doll can be placed in a sitting position when said legs are pivoted forwardly.

14. The doll of claim 7 and further including means for gyrating said head when said torso is gyrating.

15. The doll of claim 7 and further including means for alternately raising and lowering said arms when said torso is gyrating.

Claims

1. An animated figure toy having a torso and at least one pair of legs mounted on said torso, at least one of which is pendulously pivotally mounted thereon to normally depend therefrom in a vertical dependent position and having a projecting means thereon, in said torso, eccentric to its pivot axis; drive means in said torso and having a drive member movable along a path intersecting said projecting means whereby movement of said drive member along said path into engagement with said projecting means swings said one leg upwardly then disengages itself from said projecting means to permit said one leg to pendulously return to vertical dependent position.

4. The figure toy of claim 3 and further including means for releasably securing said projecting means in a first position, said one of said legs being in its vertical dependent position when said projecting means is in said first position, said figure toy further including means for releasing said releasable securement means to permit said projecting means to rotate around said pivot rod to a second position, said one of said legs being in said raised position when said projecting means is in said second position, and means for returning said releasable securement means to a position whereby said projecting means is rEtained in said first position after said one of said legs has been pivoted and returned to its vertical dependent position.

10. The doll of claim 9 and further including means for releasably securing said projecting means in a first position, with the leg associated with said projecting means being releasably secured in its vertical dependent position when said projecting means is in said first position, said doll further including means for releasing said releasable securement means to permit said projecting means to rotate around said pivot rod when said projecting rod comes in contact with said projecting means, thereby permitting said projecting means to be pivoted to a second position, with said leg being in said raised position when said projecting means is in said second position.