WO2023086870A1 - Actuatable toy animal - Google Patents

Abstract

Children can love, nurture, and feed their toy puppy and then monitor the appearance of growth. After feeding, the toy puppy can defecate. Educational efforts have been taken to teach children of the interconnection of separate biological and/or chemical processes without the need for employing the same. The toy animal can employ sound effects based upon the biological and/or chemical processes.

Description

ACTUATABLE TOY ANIMAL

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to provisional patent application U.S. Serial No. 63/263,976, filed November 12, 2021. The provisional patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, including without limitation, the specification, claims, and abstract, as well as any figures, tables, appendices, or drawings thereof.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and corresponding method of use in at least the toy industry. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a actuatable toy that simulates growth after feeding.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The background description provided herein gives context for the present disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art.

[0004] Children love toys, games, and activities. For children, toys, games, and activities are more than just fun. Most provide at least some opportunity for children to leam. The best toys engage the senses and spark imaginations. The best activities encourage children to interact with others and teach teamwork.

[0005] From a very early age, children are eager to leam more about the world around them. Every new shape, color, texture, taste, and sound presents an opportunity to leam more. Parents quickly identify giving their children toys that are safe and stimulating will help their children discover their senses. Rattles and toys that make music are favorites of infants. Toys with contrasting colors are fascinating to babies and stimulate their developing vision. As they grow, infants can use toys to explore object permanence and cause and effect relationships. They also need objects such as blocks to help them build motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

[0006] Toddlers can play with a wider variety of toys than infants. Toddlers may still enjoy some of the toys they played with as babies, however they also need that are designed with their increased capability to leam in mind. Even the same blocks they played with previously can provide them with new and different educational opportunities as their knowledge expands. Shape sorters are great for toddlers. They teach them how to match similar items and provide parents the opportunity to teach them the names of the shapes. Lego® blocks, for example, provide an opportunity to learn more about colors and symmetry developing a child’s motor skills.

[0007] When children reach schooling age, parents and teachers shift their focus from helping children discover their senses to developing a child’s aptitude for lingual (e.g., written and spoken), numeric, memorial, and social skills. There are a lot of toys that encourage this type of learning, from simple alphabet puzzles to high-tech electronic gadgets. These toys help give children a head start by introducing them to the things they will be learning in school. Kids who are in school can supplement their learning with recreational and educational toys. Giving children the opportunity to have fun while practicing the things they are learning in school will increase their retention of those things.

[0008] Children often make an emotional connection with their toys. Not surprisingly, the value a child assigns to any given collection is not monetary but sentimental. Thus, some connections are stronger than others. The collections allow children to relive previous experiences and connect themselves to a period or to a time they feel strongly about. This in effect helps ease insecurity and anxiety and allows the past to continue to exist in the present.

[0009] It is often a challenge for creators of games and activities to establish for kids a unique emotional connection to each and every individual experience a child has. Toys to often offer only a static or one-way experience, employ gimmicks for cheap thrills, and/or teach children nothing. For example, most people remember fondly their first experiences playing with a yo-yo, but are quickly frustrated by the process required to develop enough skill to make the journey worth the effort. The issue of creating strong emotional connections with individual experiences along the way is even more vulnerable for those children who want more than to be merely distracted by their toys and/or than to focus on developing only a limited set of skills.

[0010] Some toys in the art have attempted gain a child’s attention in an effort to teach the child about growth and development by employing chemical or biological means. An example of such toys are expandable water toys, which are novelty items made from a superabsorbent polymers that retain extremely large amounts of a liquid relative to their own mass. These toys can expand significantly in size after being submerged in water for several days. Some even shrink through the prolonged exposure to salty water and/or air. hey are made from polymers that can absorb. While the science employed by these toys is impressive, the toys remain novelty items because their gimmick fails to create that strong emotional connection with the toy that most children seek. If anything, the child’s patience is tested. [0011] Thus, there exists a need in the art for an apparatus which employs a quicker means for emulating growth and other biological processes and simultaneously creates a strong emotional connection between children and the toy.

SUMMARY

[0012] The following objects, features, advantages, aspects, and/or embodiments, are not exhaustive and do not limit the overall disclosure. No single embodiment need provide each and every object, feature, or advantage. Any of the objects, features, advantages, aspects, and/or embodiments disclosed herein can be integrated with one another, either in full or in part.

[0013] It is a primary object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to improve on or overcome the deficiencies in the art.

[0014] It is a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to emulate growth using preferably, only mechanical and electric actuation means, less preferably pneumatic and hydraulic actuation means. In other words, and in most embodiments, no chemical and/or biological means are employed to give the appearance of growth.

[0015] It is still yet a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to track the progression of the appearance of growth. For example, children may be encouraged to manually track said progression for scientific study and/or said progression may be automatically tracked through computational means and children may be encouraged to select how the results of said progression should be interpreted and/or displayed. The toy will “grow” at least in length, possibly in height over time.

[0016] Any suitable growth mechanism can be employed, including but not limited to ratchet, expanders, etc. At least two types of growth mechanisms can be employed: a manual version, wherein feeding and growth are simultaneously tied to cranking something, and a battery operated version, wherein automatic means are provided. Moreover, a hybrid of the two versions can be employed. In other words, the toy animal can grow and consume on its own, but the user might also be able to override that process through manual means.

[0017] It is still yet a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide a toy which can be used by children of different skillsets and skill levels.

[0018] It is still yet a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide a child the ability to engage in an activity which can be practiced along and/or while playing with other children. For example, a means for engaging social media may be provided with the toy.

[0019] It is still yet a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide a toy that may be played with in a wide variety of applications. For example, children can collect different toy animals (e.g. dog, cat, etc.), play with individual components of the toy (e.g., place apparel on the toy, repair electromechanical components of the toy upon failure, etc.), or arrange components of the toy for easy storage until later play.

[0020] It is still yet a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide a toy that is safe (e.g, non-toxic, eliminates choking hazards, etc.), cost effective, and durable.

[0021] At least one embodiment disclosed herein comprises a distinct aesthetic appearance. Ornamental aspects included in such an embodiment can help capture a child’s attention and/or identify a source of origin of a product being sold. Said ornamental aspects will not impede functionality of the present invention.

[0022] It is still yet a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to practice methods which facilitate use, manufacture, assembly, and repair of a toy accomplishing some or all of the previously stated objectives.

[0023] It is still yet a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to incorporate a toy into a system or kit accomplishing some or all of the previously stated objectives.

[0024] These and/or other objects, features, advantages, aspects, and/or embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reviewing the following brief and detailed descriptions of the drawings. Furthermore, the present disclosure encompasses aspects and/or embodiments not expressly disclosed but which can be understood from a reading of the present disclosure, including at least: (a) combinations of disclosed aspects and/or embodiments and/or (b) reasonable modifications not shown or described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Several embodiments in which the present invention can be practiced are illustrated and described in detail, wherein like reference characters represent like components throughout the several views. The drawings are presented for exemplary purposes and may not be to scale unless otherwise indicated.

[0026] Figure 1 shows a toy animal that emulates growth upon being “fed”.

[0027] Figure 2 shows a method step emulating the care of the toy puppy of Figure 1.

[0028] Figure 3 shows a method step emulating the feeding of the toy puppy of Figure 1.

[0029] Figure 4 shows a method step emulating the excretion of food fed through the toy puppy of Figure 1.

[0030] Figure 5 shows a method step emulating the growth of the toy puppy of Figure 1. [0031] An artisan of ordinary skill need not view, within isolated figure(s), the near infinite number of distinct permutations of features described in the following detailed description to facilitate an understanding of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present disclosure is not to be limited to that described herein. Mechanical, electrical, chemical, procedural, and/or other changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. No features shown or described are essential to permit basic operation of the present invention unless otherwise indicated.

[0033] Referring now to the figures, a toy animal 100 capable of emulating growth and/or other biological processes through non-biological and/or chemical means is shown in Figures 1-5.

[0034] The toy animal 100 can be made and/or filled with any suitable materials. For example, external portions which get actuated may be made from plastic to retain some rigidity for actuation but may be coated with fur-like materials after the fact to enhance the play experience of the child. [0035] The toy animal 100 can include those aspects which help give the appearance of a real animal, such a body 101, head 102, limbs 104, muzzle 106, mouth 108, eye 110, ear 112, intestines 114, a tail 124, and an exit 126.

[0036] Tokens and/or other solid objects may represent food 114 and may thus take any suitable shape to do so (e.g, dogbones). A botte 118 may be provided so as to provide children the opportunity to milk the puppy.

[0037] While only a bandana 136 and bow 138 are shown in Figure 1, any suitable or desirable apparel may be included. The combination 140 shown in Figure 1 is particularly advantageous in that it can be rotated so as to be distinctly displayed, for example when the toy animal 100 has a minimally sized appearance 130 or maximally sized appearance 132.

[0038] The actuatable external portions 142 of the toy animal which can be actuated along exemplary axes 142 need not always be the same. Said portions 142 can comprise anywhere from the entirety of a limb or head to only a small external plate or component of the toy animal 100. The actuatable external portions 142 in some embodiments will include locking means (e.g. fasteners to prevent movement) so as to be more easily transported during periods of non-play. The actuatable external portions 142 may employ telescoping components.

[0039] Product packaging 90 can also be included with the kit 150 disclosed herein. Such product packaging 90 may be useful for shipping kits to children in a compact manner prior to first play. The product packaging 90 may completely subsume the toy animal 100 and all of the components therein or may only encompass a portion thereof. The product packaging 90 will typically include plastics, thermoplastics, glass, wood, wood wool, paper, paperboard, corrugated cardboard, other biodegradable or recyclable materials, and/or the like. Optionally, the product packaging 90 can include a product and/or source identifier 91, such as a word or trade mark, on the packaging 90; a viewing window 92 for viewing at least one component and/or the entirety of the toy system or kit on or near the product packaging 90; instructions 93 for play, assembly, and/or configuring (e.g. resetting) the toy animal 100 in connection with the emulated biological processes described herein; a hang tab 94 from which the packaging can hang from shelves in public stores; and/or perforations, folds, pull strings, and/or other predefined points of failure 95 which facilitate ripping, cutting, and/or opening the product packaging 90. The product packaging 90 should be selectively placed on shelves and/or in store locations such that the kit is best marketed to/for children.

[0040] A person may be broadcasted by way of an electronic recording device 202 on a social media platform playing with the toy animal 100. Alternatively, said persons may broadcast data (historic or real-time) associated with growth or other emulated biological processes of the toy animal 100, data related from other sensed characteristics, analyses (tables, charts, graphs, etc.) of said data, and/or the like. For example, children can compare results of play and/or growth of their toy animal 100, which may potentially lead to the children inquiring about the best methods for facilitating growth. Said sharing may occur via any suitable wireless/wired electronic network and/or social media platforms 204.

[0041] From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present disclosure accomplishes at least all of the stated objectives.

LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

[0042] The following table of reference characters and descriptors are not exhaustive, nor limiting, and include reasonable equivalents. If possible, elements identified by a reference character below and/or those elements which are near ubiquitous within the art can replace or supplement any element identified by another reference character.

Table 1: List of Reference Characters

GLOSSARY

[0043] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used above have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of the present invention pertain.

[0044] The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include both singular and plural referents. [0045] The term “or” is synonymous with “and/or” and means any one member or combination of members of a particular list.

[0046] The terms “invention” or “present invention” are not intended to refer to any single embodiment of the particular invention but encompass all possible embodiments as described in the specification and the claims.

[0047] The term “about” as used herein refer to slight variations in numerical quantities with respect to any quantifiable variable. Inadvertent error can occur, for example, through use of typical measuring techniques or equipment or from differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of components.

[0048] The term “substantially” refers to a great or significant extent. “Substantially” can thus refer to a plurality, majority, and/or a supermajority of said quantifiable variable, given proper context.

[0049] The term “generally” encompasses both “about” and “substantially.”

[0050] The term “configured” describes structure capable of performing a task or adopting a particular configuration. The term “configured” can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases, such as constructed, arranged, adapted, manufactured, and the like.

[0051] Terms characterizing sequential order, a position, and/or an orientation are not limiting and are only referenced according to the views presented.

[0052] The term “play” can be used herein as an adjective, a verb, a noun, or any other suitable part of speech given proper context. As an adjective, “play” means relating to an activity engaged in for enjoyment and recreation, especially by children. As a verb, “to play” means to engage in a game or activity for enjoyment or recreation. As a noun, “play” means an activity engaged in for enjoyment and recreation.

[0053] The “scope” of the present invention is defined by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The scope of the invention is further qualified as including any possible modification to any of the aspects and/or embodiments disclosed herein which would result in other embodiments, combinations, subcombinations, or the like that would be obvious to those skilled in the art.

Claims

9 CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method for emulating growth of a toy animal comprising: sensing one or more solid objects representing food have been inserted into a mouth of the toy animal; in response to sensing the one or more solid objects have been inserted into the mouth, extending portions of the toy animal in an outward direction along at least two different axes to give an appearance of growth; and allowing the solid object to pass through and eventually exit the toy animal; wherein after exiting the toy animal, the one or more solid objects can be reinserted into the mouth and the method repeated.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising powering electromechanical components of the toy animal with a battery.

3. The method of any one of claims 1-2 further comprising controlling with a remote control limbs of the toy animal to allow for walking the toy animal.

4. The method of any one of claims 1-3 further comprising emitting sound effects selected from the group consisting of:

(a) a noise emulating a distinct sound associated with an animal an appearance of the toy animal is based upon, said distinct sound said optionally selected from the group consisting of: a growl, a groan, a scream, a call, a laugh, a cry, a bark, a woof, a howl, a roar, a snarl, a meow, a purr, a neigh, a whinny, a nicker, a heehaw, an oink, a snort, a moo, a bellow, a bleat, a baa, a chortle, a trumpet, a squeak, a click, a chirp, a chatter, a squawk, a hoot, a caw, a crow, a quack, a cluck, a gobble, a warble, a honk, a screech, a buzz, a croak, a hiss, and a rattle; and

(b) a noise emulating an occurrence of or a response to a biological process, such as a cough or a sneeze.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein selection, a noise level, and/or pitch of the sound effects produced are based upon which step of the method is being performed and/or the appearance of the toy animal.

6. The method of any one of claims 1-5 further comprising inserting a bottle into the mouth.

7. The method of any one of claims 1-6 further comprising placing an article of clothing onto the toy animal.

8. The method of any one of claims 1-7 further comprising instructing a user how to perform the method.

9. The method of any one of claims 1-8 further comprising mechanically and/or electrically actuating the solid object through the toy animal.

10. The method of any one of claims 1-9 further comprising automatically tracking the appearance of growth over a period of time.

11. A toy animal comprising: a sensor an internal conduit including an automatic mechanism which allows solid objects to enter the toy animal at one end and exit the toy animal at the other; actuators which allow for extension of external portions to give appearance of growth; and a speaker for emitting sound effects.

12. The toy animal of claim 11 wherein the toy animal is able to balance on a flat surface when three of at least four extremities contact a substantially horizontal plane, such as the ground.

13. The toy animal of claim 12 further comprising a muzzle and a tail.

14. The toy animal of any one of claims 12-13 wherein the internal conduit is cylindrical and is positioned a longitudinal axis of the toy animal when three of at least four extremities contact a substantially horizontal plane, such as the ground. 11

15. The toy animal of any one of claims 11-13 wherein the internal conduit winds similar to intestines.

16. The toy animal of any one of claims 11-15 wherein the automatic mechanism is driven, at least in part, by an electrical switch, an actuator, a motor, a solenoid, or pneumatic or hydraulic means.

17. The toy animal of any one claims 11-16 wherein the automatic mechanism includes a manual back up mechanism, said manual back up mechanism optionally comprising a rotatable handle.

18. The toy animal of any one of claims 11-17 wherein progression of the appearance of growth (i) is linearly proportional, (ii) exponentially decreases, or (iii) is predetermined, from a first, minimum apparent size of the toy animal to a second, maximum apparent size of the toy animal, based on how many of the one or more solid objects are sensed.

19. A computerized system for tracking and displaying growth progression of a toy animal comprising: the toy animal of claim 18; and a non-transitory computer readable medium capable of receiving data related to said progression and transmitting the same for display.

20. The computerized system of claim 19 further comprising a software application which can be executed by the non-transitory computer readable medium and allows for a user to store in a memory aspects related to said progression.

21. The computerized system of claim 20 wherein said progression can be transmitted from the at least one non-transitory computer readable medium to another which employs a similar software application.

22. The computerized system of any one of claims 20-21 wherein the software application allows the user to broadcast play with the toy animal and/or results related to said progression on social media. 12

23. A kit comprising: the toy animal of claim 11 ; a storage device for storing one or more solid objects representing food.

24. The kit of claim 23 wherein the storage device is a zipper storage bag.

25. The kit of any one of claims 23-24 further comprising an instruction manual which includes how to operate the toy animal.

26. The kit of any one of claims 23-25 further comprising product packaging for initially marketing the toy animal to children.

27. The kit of any one of claims 23-26 further comprising a dish for holding the one or more solid objects during play.

28. The kit of any one of claims 23-27 further comprising a bottle.

29. The kit of any one of claims 23-28 further comprising a bandana, a bow, and/or a reversible combination of a bandana and a bow.

30. The kit of any one of claims 23-29 wherein the one or more solid objects include therein an object which facilitates sensing, such as a magnet, a radio transponder / receiver / transmitter.