US3786596A

US3786596A - Animated musical figure toy

Info

Publication number: US3786596A
Application number: US00270229A
Authority: US
Inventors: J Breslow; B Kaelin
Original assignee: Glass Marvin and Associates
Current assignee: Glass Marvin and Associates
Priority date: 1972-07-10
Filing date: 1972-07-10
Publication date: 1974-01-22
Anticipated expiration: 1991-01-22

Abstract

A doll having a movable head and movable upper arms and a lower torso comprised of a music box mechanism covered by a long skirt. The torso is positioned on a wheel-supporting platform having depending wheels and depending pivot structure.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 Breslow et al.

ANIMATED MUSICAL FIGURE TOY Inventors: Jeffrey D. Breslow, Highland Park; Bette Marie Kaelin, Chicago, both of 111.

Marvin Glass and Associates, Chicago, 111.

Filed: July 10, 1972 Appl. No.: 270,229

Assignee:

US. Cl 46/98, 46/118, 46/211 Int. Cl A63h 5/00 Field of Search 46/211, 98, 103, 104, 105,

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1/1942 Bocchino 46/211 Jan. 22, 1974 820,843 5/1906 Arnold ..46/98 2,649,805 8/1953 Lohr 46/211 Primary Examiner-Louis G. Mancene Assistant Examiner-J. Q. Lever Attorney, Agent, or Firm-James F. Coffee et a].

[57] ABSTRACT A doll having a movable head and movable upper arms and a lower torso comprised of a music box mechanism covered by a long skirt. The torso is positioned on a wheel-supporting platform having depending wheels and depending pivot structure.

9 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PAIENTH] JAN 2 2 I974 SHEET 1 0F 2 PATENTED JAN 2 Eli-1T4 sum 2 or 2 ANIMATED MUSICAL FIGURE TOY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to toys and more particularly to a doll having movable limbs, as well as a music box mechanism in the interior thereof.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art Prior art relating to dolls or amusement devices, having movable components and/or musical producing devices associated with the figure toy include the followmg:

Schuettenhelm U.S. Pat. No. 2,627, 699

Reuge U.S. Pat. No. 2,807,118

Tiebe U.S. Pat. No. 2,813,371

Faulkner U.S. Pat. No. 2,840,949

Faulkner U.S. Pat. No. 3,012,366

Van Zanten U.S. Pat. No. 3,523,478

Figure toys, such as dolls which produce musical sounds, are well received. In addition, dolls which have movable limb components or have the characteristic features of simulated movement are also well received. Younger children may readily identify with both the movement of thedoll or the musical sound associated with the doll. It is the object of this invention to meet the continuing need and desire in the art for improvements in figure toy .devices by providing an improved figure toy in the form of a doll having movable limb and head components and associated music box, with the music box, the limbs and head, as well as the doll as an entirety, being driven from a central drive source within the doll.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention is directed in brief, to the provision of an improved doll which is capable of traversing in a random path of travel, which also is provided with movable limbs and a movable head and a music producing source in the interior thereof.

The best mode currently contemplated for carrying out the invention is the provision of a main supporting frame holding a music box structure and an axle with supporting wheels as well as relatively reciprocating pivot bars. A central drive source is also held on the frame. The frame supports a doll shell which includes pivoted arms and a pivoted head. The arms and head are connected, by linkage, to the frame and to the central drive source for both driving the music box components and the axle. Thus, as the device is activated, the arms and head may be moved, the doll driven about a random path of travel as well producing musical sounds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the doll of this invention in one position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the doll of this invention in another position;

FIG. 3 is a vertical section view through the doll of this invention;

FIG. 4 is a section view taken generally along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a section view taken generally along the line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a section view taken generally along the line 66 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a portion of the drive components of the doll of this invention; and

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of another portion of the drive components of the doll of this invention.

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail a specific embodiment therefor, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The doll 10 of this invention includes a main supporting frame 12 which supports the several components of the doll including a garmet shell 14,

movable arms

16 and 18 and a movable head 20. The garmet shell 14 is configured in a style of a long womans dress and includes a bottom panel 22 with depending supporting tabs 22a. The shell 14 further includes a skirt portion 24, which is enlarged and generally in a bell configuration to enclose the frame 12 and several components associated therewith. The garmet shell 14 further tapers from the skirt 24 to a narrowed waist 26 and to a slightly enlarged torso portion 28 to which the

arms

16 and 18 and head 20 are pivotally secured.

Arms

16 and 18 are secured to a head 30 which expands the upper portion of torso 28. Rod 30 extends inwardly, and is rotatably mounted within, the inwardly directed

arm hubs

32 and 34. Rod 30 has upwardly extending

pins

36 and 38 to form part ofa means for moving the arms. A vertical rod or link means 40 extends generally through the torso portion of the doll and below the waist 26 into the skirt portion 24 wherein it is rotatably mounted in a frame block 42. Rod 40 has enlargement 44 in the area of the rod 30 and

radial pins

46 and 48 which extend outwardly in a position to engage the

rod pins

36 and 38. The rod 40 extends through the neck hub 50 and is provided with an enlarged head connecting end 52 exteriorly of the neck hub for connection of the head 20 thereto for movement with the rod 40. The association of the

rod pins

46 and 48 with the rod pins 36 to 38 is such that, as the vertical rod 40 is rotated about a vertical axis, the arm rod 30 will be moved about a horizontal axis.

The frame 12 is mounted within the skirt portion 24 of the garment shell 14. Frame 12 is generally U- shaped in elevation and includes a bottom portion 54 and spaced

upright portions

56 and 58. Upright 58 has a return portion 60 at the'top thereof which extends toward upright 56. In addition, upright 56 is provided with a cross member 62 at the top thereof, which terminates in end flanges 64 and 66. Fasteners 68 extend through the end flanges 64 and 66 to secure the frame 12 with respect to the garment shell 14. Upright 56 has an upper leg 70 with

arms

72 and 74 which hold the frame block 42 in which the vertical rod or link 40 is rotatably mounted. A main winding and drive shaft 76 extends through the frame 12. Shaft 76 has the usual square end 78 for receiving a suitable winding key which may be inserted through the opening 80 in the skirt portion 24 of garment shell 14. Winding shaft 76 is associated with a spring motor 82 for stressing the same as the shaft is wound to provide a means for driving the several components of the doll of this invention.

Spring motor 82 has an output shaft 92 connected with drum 94 having the usual spikes 96, which is conventional with music box sound producing means. In addition, a gear train 98 is associated with output shaft 92 for dampening the reeds 102 which are periodically engaged by the spikes 96 or drum 94 to produce a musical sound. The drum, spring motor 82, and gear train 98 and reed means 99, are all supported within a sound producing frame 102 which is held within the main frame 12, of the doll of this invention.

Axle 108 spans the lower portion of frame 12 and supports a pair of spaced apart wheels 110 thereon. Wheels 110 are provided with rubber tread means 112 for assistance in providing friction when driving upon a supporting surface. Wheels 110 protrude through

openings

114 and 116 in bottom 22 of the housing 14. A pinion 118 is provided on axle 108 which is in engagement with gear 120 connected to the main drive shaft 108 to provide a means for driving the axle 108 and, therefore, rotating the wheels 110 to drive the doll figure about a supporting surface. The pinion l 18 is associated with the axle 108 by a one way clutch arrangement 122 and a washer 124 so that as the shaft 76 is wound to stress the motor, the winding action will create a slip in the shaft 108, but, as the spring motor unwinds, this will be transferred as a driving action to shaft 108 to propel the wheels. A bar like lift member 130 is also provided as part of the drive mechanism of the doll of this invention. Lift member 130 has an elongate drive shaft slot 132 through which shaft 76 passes. Member 130 further has an outwardly extending lip 134 and an elongate axle slot 136 through which axle 108 passes. A wiper cam 138 is connected with shaft 76 for engaging the lip 134 to periodically cause vertical displacement in lift member 130. Lift member 130 has a floor engaging end 140 which extends through 141 in the bottom 22 of the housing.

Another lift member 142 is provided on the other side of the frame. Lift member 142 has a drive shaft opening 144, an outwardly extending lip 146, and an elongate axle slot 148. A wiper cam 150 is connected to the opposite end of the drive shaft 76 for engagement with lip 146 for horizontal displacement of lift member 142 as shaft 76 is rotated.

Lift member 142 further has an elongate open notch 154 at the top thereof through which a spool 156 extends. Spool 156 is secured by screw 158 in the threaded opening 160 of the bar 84. Bar 84 further has a horizontally widened slot 164 through which drive shaft 76 passes to permit horizontal movement of bar 84 relative to the shaft 76. Bar 84 terminates in a downwardly opening forked end 166 which embraces groove 168 of eccentric wheel 170. Eccentric wheel 170 is mounted off center through the opening 172 through which the axle shaft 108 passes. Thus, as the axle shaft 108 rotates responsive to the driving of the gear 120 off of the main shaft 76, eccentric wheel 170 will be driven through an eccentric path of travel, causing movement to and fro of the bar 84.

The upper end of bar 84 has a forked end 174 through which finger 176 extends. Finger 176 is connected to enlarged lower end 178 of the rod 40. Thus, as the bar 84 is moved to and fro, responsive to the eccentric action from wheel 170, this will cause to and fro movement of the finger 176 which will cause rotation of the rod 40. Through the arrangement previously described with respect to the pins 36-38 and 46-48, rotation of rod 40 will cause rotation of the arm rod 30 about a horizontal axis producing swinging movement in the

arms

16 and 18. Also, because the head is directly secured to the rod 40, this will produce rotational movement of the head.

While the shaft 76 is rotating to produce musical sounds from the musical sound producing means, and also to rotate the wheels through the connection of drive gear with pinion 118, the shaft 76 further causes rotation of the

wiper cams

138 and 150. Preferably, these wiper cams are offset approximately 180 to produce alternate motion in a vertical direction in each of the lift members and 142. Thus, the doll will be caused to be lifted periodically by one lift member and then the other, while at the same time it is propelled forwardly by the driven wheels. This will cause the doll to pivot at the time that it is lifted by one of the two lift members. As the lift members then are returned upwardly, the doll is driven forwardly by both wheels 110 until the other lift member is then vertically displaced to engage the supporting surface and cause a pivot in the other direction. Following this, the forward movement of the doll will resume. This forward and pivot movement transpires while the doll is also going through an arm swinging and head turning motion as previously described, and while the sound producing means produces musical sounds.

Thus, it can be seen that the doll of this invention is capable of producing much enjoyment and fascination through the combination of watching its unique movements and listening to the sound produced. A child observing the doll will not only note the arm and head turning, but also the unique simulated pirouette and waltzing motions of the doll.

The foreging detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, as some modifications may be obvious to those skilled in the art.

We claim:

1. A musical animated figure toy comprising:

means defining a supporting housing configurated to simulate a live figure, including at least a portion movably mounted to the exterior of the housing with a support shaft movably mounted in the interior of the housing and connected to said movable portion, and a frame in the interior of the housing;

motor means mounted on said frame in the interior of the housing, said motor means having an output shaft, said output shaft being interconnected with said support shaft for to and fro driving of said support shaft and said movable portion responsive to activation of said motor;

sound producing means in said housing connected to said motor means to actuate said sound producing means to produce sounds thereby;

means for moving said figure toy in a random path of travel, including first drive means for advancing said figure including an axle in said housing extending through said frame, said axle supporting wheel means having surface engaging portions thereon, a drive train interconnecting said output shaft with said axle for rotating said wheel means responsive to activation of said motor, and second drive means for intermittently pivoting said figure, said second drive means including a lifting member having an outer end, said lifting member being movably mounted within said housing for movement be tween a retracted position, wherein said outer end is spaced above said surface engaging portion, to an extended position, wherein said outer end protrudes beyond said surface engaging portion, said lifting member being operably connected to said output shaft for intermittent movement between said retracted and extended positions, whereby said figure produces sound and is driven in an advancing and intermittently pivoting path of travel by means of a single drive source; and

said means interconnecting said output shaft and said support shaft includes an eccentric portion operatively associated with said axle and a movable link on said frame in position for engagement with said eccentric portion to drive said link thereby.

2. The animated figure toy of claim 1 wherein said I lifting member is mounted about said output shaft for reciprocal movement relative thereto with a cam being mounted on said shaft and a wiper surface provided on said lifting member for engagement by said cam to reciprocate said lifting member as said shaft rotates.

3. The animated figure toy of claim 2 wherein a pair of said lifting members is providedv 4. The animated figure toy of claim 3 wherein said movable link is connected to said housing for to and fro movement about a horizontal axis responsive to movement of said eccentric, and said support shaft is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis with a radial arm member extending from said support shaft to said link for rotating said support shaft responsive to to and fro movement of said link.

5. A musical animated figure toy comprising: means defining a supporting housing configurated to simulate a live figure, including at least a portion movably mounted to the exterior of the housing with a support shaft movably mounted in the interior of the housing and connected to said movable portion, and a frame in the interior of the housing;

motor means mounted on said frame in the interior of the housing, said motor means having an output shaft, with said output shaft being interconnected with said support shaft for said movable portion for to and fro driving of said support shaft and said movable portion responsive to activation of said motor;

sound producing means in said housing connected to said motor means to actuate said sound producing means to produce sounds thereby; and

means for moving said figure toy in a random path of travel, including first drive means for advancing said figure including an axle in said housing extending through said frame, said axle supporting wheel means having surface engaging portions thereon, a drive train interconnecting said output shaft with said axle for rotating said wheel means responsive to activation of said motor, and second drive means for intermittently pivoting said figure. said second drive means including a lifting member having an outer end, said lifting member being movably mounted within said housing for movement between a retracted position, wherein said outer end is spaced above said surface engaging portion, to an extended position, wherein said outer end protrudes beyond said surface engaging portion, said lifting member being operably connected to said output shaft for intermittent movement between said retracted and extended positions, whereby said figure produces sound and is driven in an advancing and intermittently pivoting path of travel by means of a single drive source.

6. The animated figure toy of claim 5 wherein said lifting member is mounted about said output shaft for reciprocal movement relative thereto with a cam being mounted on said shaft and a wiper surface provided on said lifting member for engagement by said cam to reciprocate said lifting member as said shaft rotates.

7. The animated figure toy of claim 6 wherein a pair of said lifting members is provided.

8. A musical animated figure toy comprising:

means defining a supporting housing configured to simulate a live figure;

motor means in said housing;

sound producing means in said housing connected to said drive means to actuate said sound producing means to produce sounds thereby; and

means for moving said figure toy in a random path of travel, including first drive means for advancing said figure and second drive means for intermittently pivoting said figure, said second drive means including a lifting member having an outer end, said lifting member being movably mounted within said housing for movement between a retracted position, wherein said outer end is spaced above said surface engaging portion, to an extended position, wherein said outer end protrudes beyond said surface engaging portion, said lifting member being mounted about said output shaft for reciprocal movement relative thereto with a cam being mounted on said shaft and a wiper surface provided on said lifting member for engagement by said cam to reciprocate said lifting member as said shaft rotates, whereby said figure produces sound and is driven in an advancing and intermittently pivoting path of travel by means of a single drive, source.

9. The animated figure toy of claim 8 wherein a pair of said lifting members is provided.

. UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No 3, 78 596 v Dated v January 22 1974 Inventofls) .J EY D. BRESLOW en 1 It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 2, lines l7 and 18, change the two occurrences of "garmet" to 1germent-. 7

Column 2, line 28 change "heed" to --rod--.

Column 2, lines 28 and 29, change "expands" to -spans-..

Column 3. line 5, change the numeral "102" to -99--.

si ned and sealed this 16th day of July 1971.

(SEAL Attest:

MCCOY- M. GIBSON, JR. Attesting Officer 0 MARSHALL DANN Qommissioner of Patents USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 '2 us. GOVERNMENT palm-ma OFFICE lacs o-ass-au F ORM F'O-105O (10-69)

Claims

1. A musical animated figure toy comprising: means defining a supporting housing configurated to simulate a live figure, including at least a portion movably mounted to the exterior of the housing with a support shaft movably mounted in the interior of the housing and connected to said movable portion, and a frame in the interior of the housing; motor means mounted on said frame in the interior of the housing, said motor means having an output shaft, said output shaft being interconnected with said support shaft for to and fro driving of said support shaft and said movable portion responsive to activation of said motor; sound producing means in said housing connected to said motor means to actuate said sound producing means to produce sounds thereby; means for moving said figure toy in a random path of travel, including first drive means for advancing said figure including an axle in said housing extending through said frame, said axle supporting wheel means having surface engaging portions thereon, a drive train interconnecting said output shaft with said axle for rotating said wheel means responsive to activation of said motor, and second drive means for intermittently pivoting said figure, said second drive means including a lifting member having an outer end, said lifting member being movably mounted within said housing for movement between a retracted position, wherein said outer end is spaced above said surface engaging portion, to an extended position, wherein said outer end protrudes beyond said surface engaging portion, said lifting member being operably connected to said output shaft for intermittent movement between said retracted and extended positions, whereby said figure produces sound and is driven in an advancing and intermittently pivoting path of travel by means of a single drive source; and said means interconnecting said output shaft and said support shaft includes an eccentric portion operatively associated with said axle and a movable link on said frame in position for engagement with said eccentric portion to drive said link thereby.

2. The animated figure toy of claim 1 wherein said lifting member is mounted about said output shaft for reciprocal movement relative thereto with a cam being mounted on said shaft and a wiper surface provided on said lifting member for engagement by said cam to reciprocate said lifting member as said shaft rotates.

3. The animated figure toy of claim 2 wherein a pair of said lifting members is provided.

4. The animated figure toy of claim 3 wherein said movable link is connected to said housing for to and fro movement about a horizontal axis responsive to movement of said eccentric, and said support shaft is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis with a radial arm member extending from said support shaft to said link for rotating said support shaft responsive to to and fro movement of said link.

5. A musical animated figure toy comprising: means defining a supporting housing configurated to simulate a live figure, including at least a portion movably mounted to the exterior of the housing with a support shaft movably mounted in the interior of the housing and connected to said movable portion, and a frame in the interior of the housing; motor means mounted on said frame in the interior of the housing, said motor means having an output shaft, with said output shaft being interconnected with said support shaft for said movable portion for to and fro driving of said support shaft and said movable portion responsive to activation of said motor; sound producing means in said housing connected to said motor means to actuate said sound producing means to produce sounds thereby; and means for moving said figure toy in a random path of travel, including first drive means for advancing said figure including an axle in said housing extending through said frame, said axle supporting wheel means having surface engaging portions thereon, a drive train interconnecting said output shaft with said axle for rotating said wheel means responsive to activation of said motor, and second drive means for intermittently pivoting said figure, said second drive means including a lifting member having an outer end, said lifting member being movably mounted within said housing for movement between a retracted position, wherein said outer end is spaced above said surface engaging portion, to an extended position, wherein said outer end protrudes beyond said surface engaging portion, said lifting member being operably connected to said output shaft for intermittent movement between said retracted and extended positions, whereby said figure produces sound and is driven in an advancing and intermittently pivoting path of travel by means of a single drive source.

8. A musical animated figure toy comprising: means defining a supporting housing configured to simulate a live figure; motor means in said housing; sound producing means in said housing connected to said drive means to actuate said sound producing means to produce sounds thereby; and means for moving said figure toy in a random path of travel, including first drive means for advancing said figure and second drive means for intermittently pivoting said figure, said second drive means including a lifting member having an outer end, said lifting member being movably mounted within said housing for movement between a retracted position, wherein said outer end is spaced above said surface engaging portion, to an extended position, wherein said outer end protrudes beyond said surface engaging portion, said lifting member being mounted about said output shaft for reciprocal movement relative thereto with a cam being mounted on said shaft and a wiper surface provided on said lifting member for engagement by said cam to reciprocate said lifting member as said shaft rotates, whereby said figure produces sound and is driven in an advancing and intermittently pivoting path of travel by means of a single drive source.