Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
  • A63H3/00—Dolls
  • A63H3/006—Dolls provided with electrical lighting
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
  • A63H3/00—Dolls
  • A63H3/28—Arrangements of sound-producing means in dolls; Means in dolls for producing sounds
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
  • A63H3/00—Dolls
  • A63H3/36—Details; Accessories
  • A63H3/365—Details; Accessories allowing a choice of facial features, e.g. to change the facial expression
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
  • A63H3/00—Dolls
  • A63H3/36—Details; Accessories
  • A63H3/38—Dolls' eyes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
  • A63H30/00—Remote-control arrangements specially adapted for toys, e.g. for toy vehicles
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
  • A63H30/00—Remote-control arrangements specially adapted for toys, e.g. for toy vehicles
  • A63H30/02—Electrical arrangements

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a remotely controlled apparatus and, more particularly to a toy doll having a tethered remote control connected by only a single pair of conductors.
• Conventional tethered remote controls typically employ a connection cord having n plus one separate conductors.
• the present invention comprises a toy doll assembly including a toy doll and a separate tethered remote control unit electrically connected to the toy doll only by a two conductor cord comprising an electronic control unit within the toy doll, the electronic control unit including a signal generator for generating output signals and a controller for receiving the output signals and controlling at least two actions of the doll by detecting predetermined period variations in the received output signals, a first action being enabled upon the detection of a first predetermined period variation in the output signals and a second action being enabled upon the detection of a second predetermined period variation in the output signals, and the remote control unit electrically connected to the signal generator only by first and second electrical conductors of the cord, the remote control unit including a switch array having at least a first switch in series with a first resistance connected in parallel with a second switch in series with a second resistance, the switch array being connected between the first and second conductors so that when the first switch is closed the
• the present invention comprises a toy doll assembly including a toy doll and a separate tethered remote control unit electrically connected to the toy doll only by a two conductor cord comprising an electronic control unit within the toy doll, the electronic control unit including a signal generator for generating output signals and a controller for receiving the output signals and controlling the illumination of at least one LED associated with each eyes and at least one LED associated with the lip of the doll by detecting predetermined period variations in the received output signals, the illumination of the at least one LED associated with a first eyelid being enabled upon the detection of a first predetermined period variation in the output signals, the illumination of the at least one LED associated with the second eyelid being enabled upon the detection of a second predetermined period variation in the output signals and the illumination of the at least one LED associated with the lips being enabled upon the detection of a third predetermined period variation in the output signals, and the remote control unit electrically connected to the signal generator only by first and second electrical conductors of the cord, the remote control unit including a switch array having
• the present invention comprises an apparatus capable of performing at least two controlled actions comprising an electronic control unit within the apparatus, the electronic control unit including a signal generator for generating output signals and a controller for receiving the output signals and controlling the at least two actions by detecting predetermined period variations in the received output signals, a first action being enabled upon the detection of a first predetermined period variation in the output signals and a second action being enabled upon the detection of a second predetermined period variation in the output signals and a remote control unit separate from the electronic control unit and electrically connected to the signal generator only by a cord having only first and second electrical conductors, the remote control unit including a switch array having at least a first switch in series with a first resistance connected in parallel with a second switch in series with a second resistance, the switch array being connected between the first and second conductors so that when the first switch is closed the first resistance is connected between the first and second conductors and when the second switch is closed the second resistance is connected between the first and second conductors, the signal generator including electrical circuitry connected
• FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of toy doll assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a tethered remote control in a CD player configuration;
• Fig. 2 top plan view of the tethered remote control of Fig. 1 shown in a make-up kit configuration;
• FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the toy doll assembly of Fig. 1;
• Fig. 4 is a top plan view of a second preferred embodiment of a lid of the tethered remote control of the toy doll assembly of Fig. 1; and
• Fig. 5 is a top plan view of a second preferred embodiment of a base of the tethered remote control of the toy doll assembly of Fig. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• the toy doll assembly 10 includes a toy doll 20 and a separate, spaced apart tethered remote control unit 50.
• the remote control unit 50 is convertible as hereinafter described between a simulated CD player configuration 52 (Fig. 1), including a generally flat, circular base 60 hinge connected to an openable lid 62 (shown closed in Fig. 1), and a simulated make-up kit configuration 54 (Fig. 2), wherein the lid 62 is pivoted about the hinge 64 to an open position away from the base 60.
• the toy doll 20 is generally conventional and includes a body 22 having a head 24.
• a speaker LSI (Fig. 3) is mounted within the doll body 22 for playing music and other sounds.
• a power supply 25 (Fig. 3) preferably including conventional batteries, is also located within the doll body 22, preferably within the head 24.
• An on/off switch S3 (Fig. 3) is also mounted to the doll body 22, at an accessible location along with a music activation switch Sl (Fig. 3), and a "try-me” switch S2 (Fig. 3).
• An electrical connector receptacle preferably a conventional phone jack receptacle Jl (Fig.3), is also mounted to the doll body 22 at an accessible location, such as at or near the ear of the toy doll head 24 for connection to the tethered remote control unit 50.
• a conventional phone jack receptacle Jl Fig.3
• the tethered remote control unit 50 may be permanently secured to the toy doll body 22.
• the tethered remote control unit 50 may be connected at some other location on the toy doll body 22.
• the doll head 24 is provided with a representation of a human face, including a left eyelid 26, a right eyelid 28, and lips 30.
• the remote control unit 50 includes the base 60 and lid 62, connected together by a hinge 64 for relative pivotal movement between the closed simulated CD player configuration 52 as shown in Fig.l and the open simulated make-up kit configuration 54 as shown in Fig. 2.
• a hinge switch SlO (Fig. 3) is provided to allow detection of the position of the lid 62 relative to the base 60 i.e. whether the remote control unit 50 is in the closed or open configuration.
• a connection cord 66 allows the remote control 50 to be operatively electrically connected to an electronic control unit 40 (Fig. 3) which is housed within the toy doll body 22.
• the connection cord 66 includes only first and second electrical conductors 66a, 66b, respectively and no additional conductors.
• the connection cord 66 terminates in an electrical connector 68, adapted to be releasably received in the electrical connector receptacle Jl located on the toy doll head 24.
• the remote control unit 50 further includes a magnetic wand 70, preferably connected to the base 60 by a tether 72. Operation of the wand 70 is discussed below.
• the Hd 62 may be provided with one or more decorative (inactive) control buttons 74, a decorative (inactive) display 76 for simulation of a CD player and/or decorative indicia 78, such as the stars illustrated.
• the lid 62 is preferably provided with a mirror 86, visible to a user with the remote control unit 50 in the make-up kit configuration 54.
• First, second, and third color selection switch panels 80, 82, and 84 are provided on a first or inner face 60a of the base 60.
• the switch panels 80- 84 are simulative of make up and are color coded, for example, the first switch panel 80 corresponding to the color red, the second switch panel 82 corresponding to the color yellow, and the third switch panel 84 corresponding to the color blue. Of course, any desired combination of colors could be assigned to the switch panels 80-84.
• the first, second, and third switch panels 80, 82, and 84 cover corresponding first, second, and third color selection switches S7, S8, and S9 (Fig. 3). Operation of the switch panels 80-84 and the corresponding switches S7, S8 and S9 is discussed below.
• the electrical and electronic elements of the doll assembly 10 include the electronic control unit 40 housed within the doll body 22 and a switch array 90 housed in the remote control unit 50.
• the electronic control unit 40 includes a programmed microprocessor Ul, preferably a SNC5A9 Two Channel Direct Drive Speech Controller microprocessor available from SONIX Technology Co., LTD. of Taiwan.
• the electronic control unit 40 further includes circuitry forming a signal or parameter generator such as a multivibrator 42.
• the signal generator 42 in the present embodiment generates square wave output signals 42o (shown in Fig. 3) which are passed along conductor 43 connected to pin 13 of the microprocessor Ul.
• the output signals 42o allow determination by the microprocessor Ul of which of the first, second, and third color selection switches S7, S8, and S 9 has been activated. It will be appreciated that some other type of signal generator could alternatively be employed and that the output signals could be something other than square waves.
• the electronic control unit 40 further includes a left eyelid LED illumination assembly 44, a right eyelid LED illumination assembly 46, and a lips LED illumination assembly 48.
• the left eyelid LED illumination assembly 44 includes first, second, and third light emitting diodes (LEDs) Dl, D2, and D3, respectively.
• the LEDs D1-D3 emit light which is colored in correspondence with the switch panels 80-84. That is, if the first switch panel 80 is red, the first left eyelid LED Dl is also red, and so forth.
• the right eyelid LED illumination assembly 46 and lips LED illumination assembly 48 each also include a set of LEDs D4-D6 and D7-D9, respectively, which are similarly colored in correspondence with the switch panels 82 and 84, like the left eyelid LEDs D1-D3 (preferably red, yellow, and blue, respectively). It will be appreciated that other colors may be employed and that a lesser or greater number of color LEDs may be employed if desired.
• a left eyelid magnetic switch S4 is positioned within the doll head 24 proximate to the left eyelid 26.
• a right eyelid magnetic switch S5 and lips magnetic switch S6 are mounted within the doll head 24 proximate the right eyelid 28 and lips 30, respectively.
• Magnetic switches S4-S6 are preferably conventional magnetic reed switches known in the art. The magnetic switches S4-S6 are adapted to be activated when the magnetic wand 70 is brought into proximity to the switch.
• the intensity or brightness of light emitted from the LEDs D 1 -D9 can be controlled, using any of various methods. First, the level of current supplied to the LED being illuminated can be adjusted up or down, resulting in more or less brightness.
• the power provided to the LED can be modulated using a technique known in the art such as Pulse Width Modulation (PWM).
• PWM Pulse Width Modulation
• Power to the LED is provided intermittently, being turned off and on at a high rate beyond the ability of the human eye to discern any flicker. As the duration of the "on" pulse increases, so does the intensity of the LED.
• a third and preferred method of controlling the LED illumination level is known in the art as Frequency Modulation, wherein the duration of a single "on" cycle over which power is supplied to the LED is constant, but the frequency of "on” cycles is increased to increase the LED brightness.
• the signals from the switches S4, S5, and S6 are sent to the microprocessor Ul to control the intensity of the various LEDs as will be described below.
• the remote control unit 50 includes the switch array 90, comprising the first, second, and third color selection switches S7, S8, and S9, respectively, along with a hinge switch SlO which is closed when the lid 62 is opened.
• the four switches S7-S10 are all connected in parallel across the two conductors 66a, 66b of connection cord 66.
• a first resistor R28 having a first resistance (preferably 130 kohms), is electrically connected in series with the first switch S7
• a second resistor R29 having a second resistance (preferably 47 kohms) is electrically connected in series with the second switch S8
• a third resistor R30 having a third resistance (preferably 27 kohms) is electrically connected in series with the third switch S9.
• a fourth resistor R31 having a fourth resistance (preferably 15 kohms) is electrically connected in series with the hinge switch SlO.
• the electronic control unit 40 and remote control switch array 90 operate in conjunction to allow the microprocessor Ul to determine which of the first through third color selection switches S7-S9 has been activated, as well as determining whether the remote control 50 is in the closed or CD player configuration 52 or the open or make-up kit configuration 54, using only the two conductor connection cord 66.
• the signal generator 42 generates square wave output signals 42o. When one of the first, second, third or fourth switches S7-S10 is closed, the associated resistance R28-R31 is inserted into the circuitry of the signal generator 42 and changes the output signal 42o in a predetermined manner depending on which resistance R28-R31 has been inserted.
• the period during which the output signal 42o square wave is at a logical low level varies directly and in a predetermined detectable manner with the particular resistance of the first, second, third or fourth resistors R28, R29, R30 or R31 which is inserted into the circuitry.
• the duration of the low level portion of the square wave signal 42o is directly proportional to the resistance of the first through fourth resistors R28-R31. Therefore, by monitoring the output signals 42o, particularly the period or duration of the low level portions of the output signals, the microprocessor Ul can determine which of the first, second, third or fourth switches S7-S10 in the switch array 90 of the remote control unit 50 has been closed or activated.
• the remote control unit 50 is capable of controlling various actions of the toy doll 20 using only the two conductor cord 66 connecting the remote control unit 50 to the toy doll 20.
• two operational modes are provided.
• the remote control unit 50 is in the CD player configuration 52, with the lid 62 closed.
• the user turns on the doll assembly 10 by activating the on/off switch S3.
• the user may then proceed to activate the music activation switch Sl to initiate playing of a musical passage though the speaker LSI .
• the microprocessor Ul preferably causes enunciation of a message prompting the user to continue play activity. If the user fails to initiate additional play activity, the microprocessor Ul preferably causes an exit phrase to be enunciated, and the electronic control unit 40 enters an inactive state.
• a second "make-up" operational mode with the remote control 50 operatively connected to the doll 20 and the on/off switch S3 activated, the user pivots the lid 62 to move the remote control 50 from the CD player configuration 52 to the make-up kit configuration 54.
• the position of the Hd 62 is detected by the microprocessor Ul because of the closing of the hinge switch SlO which results in a detectible change in the output signal 42o.
• the electronic control unit 40 and microprocessor Ul preferably cause enunciation of an introductory phrase, encouraging the user to select a color by pressing one of the three color selection switch panels 80-84.
• the microprocessor Ul After the user has pressed one of the switch panels 80-84, preferably with the wand 70 (functioning as a play make-up applicator), the microprocessor Ul detects which switch panel 80-84 has been pressed by detecting another predetermined change in the output signal 42o, and which color selection switch S7-S9 has been activated, as discussed above.
• the microprocessor Ul preferably causes a phrase to be enunciated in response to the color selection, preferably encouraging the user to "apply make- up" to the doll 20 by touching the wand 70 to the doll's eyelids 26, 28 or lips 30.
• the microprocessor Ul causes the LED D1-D9 corresponding to both the closed magnetic switch S4- S6 chosen (left eyelid, right eyelid, or lips) and to the color of the color selection switch panel 80-84 previously selected.
• the microprocessor Ul detects activation of first color selection switch S7 and the lips magnetic switch S6. The microprocessor Ul then cause the lips red LED D7 to be illuminated, thus creating an illusion of the application of red make-up to the doll's lips 30.
• the microprocessor Ul Upon touching of the eyelids 26 and 28 or lips 30 with the wand 70, the microprocessor Ul preferably also causes a phrase to be enunciated through the speaker LSI . For example, the phrase could compliment the user on the color selection or encourage the user to "apply additional make-up” by repeating the touching of the wand 70 to the eyelids 26, 28 or lips 30.
• the lips magnetic switch S6 is again activated, and the microprocessor Ul causes the brightness of LED D7 to be increased, preferably using the frequency modulation technique as discussed above.
• the electronic control unit 40 is preferably designed to produce three levels of brightness for LEDs D1-D9, thus allowing the user to make three discernable "applications of make-up" with increasing levels of brightness to the doll's eyelids 26, 28 or lips 30.
• the user can also cause multiple LEDs to be illuminated simultaneously. For example, if the user touches the first color selection switch plate 80 (corresponding, for example, to the color red), and then activates the left eyelid magnetic switch S4 with wand 70, the left eyelid red LED Dl is caused to be illuminated at a first level of brightness. If the user then selects the second switch plate 82 (corresponding, for example, to the color yellow), and then again activates the left eyelid magnetic switch S4 with the wand 70, both the red LED Dl and the yellow LED D2 are illuminated at a first level of brightness. The red and yellow light emitted from the LEDs Dl and D2 tend to combine to create an orange color.
• a second activation of the left eyelid magnetic switch S4 with wand 70 causes illumination of the yellow LED D2 to be increased to a second level, and the illumination of the red LED Dl to be decreased by one level (in the case of this example, to be turned off).
• the level of illumination of the red LED Dl could be maintained while the level of illumination of the yellow LED D2 is increased upon a second activation of the left eyelid magnetic switch.
• the user can cause a song or portion of a song to be enunciated via speaker LS 1 by pressing the music activation switch S 1.
• the microprocessor Ul preferably causes an exit phrase to be enunciated. If no additional user input is detected within a second predetermined period of time, the doll assembly 10 enters the inactive state.
• the user can reset the electronic control unit 40, terminating illumination of all of the LEDs D1-D9, by closing the lid 62 on the remote control 50. Upon detection of the lid 62 being closed (via a signal from the hinge switch SlO), the microprocessor Ul preferably causes a phrase and a song or portion of a song to be enunciated.
• a second phrase encouraging the user to initiate another sequence of "make-up application" play activity will be enunciated. If the user fails to initiate another sequence of play activity, the microprocessor Ul will preferably cause an exit phrase to be enunciated, and if no additional user input is received, the doll assembly 10 will enter the inactive state.
• a second embodiment base 60' and second embodiment lid 62' are generally similar in structure and operation to the first embodiment base 60 and first embodiment lid 62.
• the hinge switch SlO is reconfigured in the second embodiment base and lid 60', 62' to be activated by contact or lack of contact between the second embodiment base and lid 60, 62'.
• the lid 62' presses against a preferably decorative switch plate 88 operatively coupled to hinge switch SlO, while with the lid 62' rotated away from the base 60', the lid 62' does not contact the switch plate 88, and hinge switch SlO is released.
• Hinge switch SlO is closed with the lid 62 closed and the remote control 50 in the CD player configuration 52.
• Hinge switch SlO is open with the lid 62 pivoted away from the base 60, and the remote control 50 in the make-up kit configuration 54.
• the switch plate 88 is in the shape of stylized lips. Operation of the hinge switch SlO using switch plate 88 is a preferred implementation.
• the magnetic wand 70 is shown to include a tip 71 (see Fig. 5).
• a doll assembly is thus disclosed, requiring only two conductors to transmit data from a tethered remote control unit 50 to an electronic control unit 40 to communicate status of multiple input switches S7-S10 contained in the remote control unit 50.
• the doll assembly 10 further discloses a toy doll 20 providing novel play activities. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the preferred embodiments of the toy doll assembly 10 described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. [0036] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
• Toys (AREA)

Priority Applications (4)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=37396872

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (5)

Citations (5)

• 2006
  • 2006-05-05 GB GB0721334A patent/GB2439895B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2006-05-05 WO PCT/US2006/017365 patent/WO2006121830A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2006-05-05 DE DE112006001136T patent/DE112006001136B4/de not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2006-05-05 CN CNB2006800198919A patent/CN100571833C/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2006-05-05 CA CA2606937A patent/CA2606937C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related

Patent Citations (5)

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