Articulated walking toy device

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0001This invention generally relates to powered, motive toys and, in particular, to articulated walking toys.

0002While articulated walking toys are generally known, it is believed that an articulated toy with an alternate motive mechanism for providing a more anatomic-like walking movement would be desirable.

0003<patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US4629440A"><text>US 4629440</text></patcit><u>discloses an articulated walking toy device according to the preamble of claim 1. The articulated walking toy device is configured for movement across a surface and comprises a frame and a plurality of leg assemblies movably coupled with the frame so as to at least partially support it for movement across the surface. Each leg assembly includes a leg member configured to rotate with respect to the frame about a joint, a tab extending from the joint generally away from the leg member, a crank operably connected with the tab for providing a composed movement of the leg members about their respective joints, and a drive mechanism operatively engaged with the plurality of leg assemblies so as to actuate each of the leg members of the plurality to rotate about the joint in a like, predetermined cycle of movement. Upon actuation of the drive mechanism at least some of the leg members of the plurality are out of phase other leg members of the plurality, thus producing an anatomic-like gait of the toy device on the surface.</u>

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0004Briefly stated, the present invention is an articulated walking toy device configured for movement across a surface. The toy device comprises a frame and a plurality of leg assemblies movably coupled with the frame so as to at least partially support the frame for movement across the surface. Each leg assembly includes a leg member configured to rotate with respect to the frame about a joint. The joint is formed by a pin passed through an hour glass shaped aperture to provide rotational movement of the leg member with respect to the frame about at least first and second axes of rotation intersecting in the joint. A drive mechanism is operatively engaged with the plurality of leg assemblies so as to actuate each of the leg members to rotate about the first and second axes in a like, predetermined, repeatable cycle of movement. At least some of the leg members are out of phase with other leg members to produce an anatomic-like gait of the toy device upon actuation of the drive mechanism.

0005In another aspect, the present invention is an articulated device configured for walking movement across a surface. The device comprises a frame and a plurality of leg assemblies movably coupled with the frame so as to at least partially support the frame for movement across the surface. Each leg assembly includes a leg member configured to rotate with respect to the frame about a joint. A tab extends from the joint generally away from the leg member and includes a ramped surface with a slot therealong. A crank is operably connected with the tab to slide along the slot such that rotation of the crank causes the leg member to pivot about a first axis of rotation of the joint. The crank has a cam surface operably connected with the ramped surface such that rotation of the crank causes the cam surface of the crank to slide along the ramped surface of the tab and pivot the leg member about a second axis of rotation of the joint. A drive mechanism is drivingly engaged with each of the plurality of leg assemblies through the tab of each leg assembly so as to cause each of the leg members of the leg assemblies to move in the at least two different directions in a like, predetermined, repeatable cycle of movement of each leg member. Movement of at least some of the plurality of the leg members is unsynchronized with movement of others of the plurality of the leg members, such that the plurality of leg members produce an anatomic-like gait of the device across the surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

0006The following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings an embodiment which is presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

0007In the drawings:

0008<figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> is a top right front perspective view of an articulated toy device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

0009<figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2</figref> is a top plan view of the toy device of <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>;

0010<figref idref="f0003">Fig. 3</figref> is an exploded perspective view the toy device of <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> having an outer housing and a projectile launcher removed;

0011<figref idref="f0004">Fig. 4</figref> is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the toy device of <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> taken generally along line 4-4 of <figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2</figref>, the toy device having the outer housing and the projectile launcher removed;

0012<figref idref="f0004">Fig. 5</figref> is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the toy device of <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> taken generally along line 5-5 of <figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2</figref>, the toy device having the outer housing and the projectile launcher removed;

0013<figref idref="f0005">Fig. 6</figref> is a partial view of the toy device of <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> having an alternative drive mechanism and projectile launcher control; and

0014<figref idref="f0006">Fig. 7</figref> is a side elevational view of the toy device of <figref idref="f0005">Fig. 6</figref>.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

0015Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words "right," "left," "upper," and "lower" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of an articulated walking toy device in accordance with the present invention, and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

0016Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms "a", "an" and "the" are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning "at least one".

0017Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005">Figs. 1-6</figref> preferred embodiments of an articulated walking toy device, indicated generally at 10, configured for movement across a surface (not shown) in accordance with the present invention. The toy device 10 includes a frame 12 and a plurality of leg assemblies 14 movably coupled with the frame 12 so as to at least partially support the frame 12 for movement across the surface, as will be described in more detail below. Each leg assembly 14 includes a leg member 16. Preferably, the toy device 10 includes six leg members 16, three leg members 16 on each opposing lateral side of a body or frame 12, to mimic an insect-like creature. The leg members 16 are preferably curved in order for a distal end of the leg members 16a to support the frame 12 above the surface and to give the device 10 an animal-like appearance. The leg members 16, toward the front and rear of the device 10, are preferably curved or angled toward the front or rear of the device 10 respectively, but it is within the scope of the present invention that the leg members 16 are identically shaped or have any shape capable of performing the desired movement. It is also within the scope of the present invention that there be more or less than six leg members 16, provided the toy device 10 can still function to propel or support and propel the toy device 10, as described herein.

0018The toy device 10 is intended to have a power source, such as one or more batteries 18 (see <figref idref="f0004">Figs. 4 and 5</figref>) disposed within a battery case 20, for instance, to power movement of the toy device 10. Furthermore, it is preferred that the toy device 10 have control electronics (not shown) within a control electronics housing (not shown) and be remotely controlled by a user using a generally conventional remote control device (not shown) spaced from the toy device 10. Additionally, it is intended that the toy device 10 includes a decorative outer housing 22, which is decorated in a manner that is visually pleasing to the user, for instance, giving the toy device 10 a robotic, bug-like, and/or monster-like appearance.

0019Referring to <figref idref="f0001 f0002">Figs. 1-2</figref>, the toy device 10 preferably includes a generally conventional, spring actuated projectile launcher 24 engaged to a top surface of the outer housing 22. The projectile launcher 24 preferably uses conventional means to allow a single dart 26 to be selectively fired by a user The toy device 10 further includes wing-like, preferably stationary, structures 28 positioned on either side of the projectile launcher 24 to mimic wings or wing covers of an insect. While this is preferred, it is within the scope of the present invention that the projectile launcher 24 be configured differently so as to operate in a different, generally conventional manner and/or to fire more than one dart 26. It is also contemplated that the wing-like structures 28 of the toy device 10 be eliminated or differently configured. Furthermore, the projectile launcher 24 could be eliminated or replaced with a different device to perform a different function, such as a flashlight to illuminate an area around the toy device, a crane-like member to allow the user to pick up and move objects during play, or a canister for expelling a web-like substance, for instance.

0020Referring to <figref idref="f0003 f0004">Figs. 3-5</figref>, the plurality of leg members 16 are preferably attached to the frame 12 in a manner to allow the leg members 16 to move generally in at least two rotational directions, and, specifically, to pivot back and forth with respect to the frame 12 and to allow distal ends 16a of the leg members 30 to be raised and lowered with respect to the surface on which the toy device 10 is supported. The leg members 16 are arranged on first and second sides 22a, 22b of the device 10. Preferably, the leg members 16 are configured to rotate with respect to the frame 12 about a joint 30 having at least two degrees of freedom. The joint 30 is preferably formed by a pin 32 passed through an hour glass shaped aperture 34 to provide rotational movement of the leg member 16 with respect to the frame 12 about at least first and second axes of rotation 36, 38 intersecting in the joint 30. The pin 32 is preferably fixed to or stationary with respect to the frame 12 however it is within the scope of the present invention that the pin 32 be attached to the joint 30 and rotatably retained within the frame 12 or between the frame 12 and the battery case 20. The shape of the aperture 34 allows rotation of the leg members 16 back and forth through interaction of the pin 32 with a narrow portion of the aperture 34 and pivoting of the leg members 16 upward and downward through interaction of the pin 32 with angled-out portions of the aperture 34. The aperture 34 has a central aperture axis 36' coaxial with the axis of rotation 36 of or about the pin 32. The aperture 34 is preferably disposed in a plane parallel with the central aperture axis 36' but the aperture 34 may also have an hour glass shape such that the aperture is formed about an axis of symmetry take about the central aperture axis 36'. The joint 30 provides rotational movement of the leg members 16 with respect to the frame 12 about at least first and second axes of rotation 36, 38 intersecting in the joint 30. The first axis 36 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the pin 32 and the second axes of rotation extends generally perpendicular to the first axis 36 shown into the page in <figref idref="f0004">Fig. 4</figref>. Although the above-described joint is preferred, it is within the scope of the present invention that the leg members 16 be movably engaged with the frame 12 in a different manner, such as with a rotating hinge, a conventional universal joint or a ball-in-socket configuration (not shown), for instance, provided the leg members 16 are generally capable of moving in the at least two rotational directions, as described above.

0021Referring now to <figref idref="f0003">Figs. 3</figref> and <figref idref="f0004">4</figref>, driving of the leg members 16 is preferably accomplished using first and second motors 40, 42, which each drive a separate drive trains or mechanism 44. The drive mechanisms 44 are essentially identical, with the first motor 40 driving a first drive mechanism 44a and the second motor 42 driving a second drive mechanism 44b on the first and second lateral sides 22a, 22b of the device 10 respectively. Because the drive mechanisms 44a, 44b are essentially identical, only the first drive mechanism 44a will be described in detail. The first motor 40 drives a pulley 46 including a first (smaller) pulley wheel 46a and a second (larger) pulley wheel 46b, which are rotatably engaged to one another with a belt 46c. An output shaft 40a of the first motor 40 is rotatably fixed with the first pulley wheel 46a, such that actuation of the first motor 40 drives the first pulley wheel 46a to rotation and, in turn, rotates the second pulley wheel 46b. A drive gear 48 is fixed to the second pulley wheel 46b so as to rotate therewith. Three cranks 50 are disposed in a line proximate first lateral side 22a of the frame 12. The cranks 50 are preferably comprised of leg gears 50a. The drive gear 48 is meshed with two adjacent leg gears 50a of the three leg gears 50a engaged with the frame 12 to rotate the two meshed leg gears 50a about respective pins 52. An idler gear 54 is disposed between the third leg gear 50a and the leg gear 50a adjacent thereto. In this way, each of the leg gears 50a is driven in the same rotational direction by the first motor 40. Rotation of the leg gears 50a causes movement of the leg members 16, as described below.

0022In this way, the first motor 40 controls operation of the leg members 16 on the first lateral side 22a of the toy device 10, and the second motor 42 similarly controls operation of the leg members 16 on the second lateral side 22b of the toy device 10, thereby allowing turning of the toy device 10 by actuating one of the first and second motors 40, 42 slower or in a direction opposite to the actuation of the other of the first and second motors 40, 42. While the above-described drive train configuration is preferred, it is within the scope of the present invention that other drive train configurations be used, provided the alternate drive train configuration functions to cause similar movement of the leg members 16 of the toy device 10. For instance, a single motor and a drive train having a generally convention throw-out gear could be used for the movement of all six leg members 16. In this way, when the motor is driven in a first direction, all leg members 16 move together in one direction (i.e., a forward walking motion of the toy device), and, when the motor is driven in a second direction, the leg members 16 on one lateral side of the toy device are caused to move in one direction (i.e., a rearward walking motion of the toy device), while the leg members on the other lateral side of the toy device, through operation of the throw-out gear, are caused to either move in an opposite direction (i.e., a forward walking motion of the toy device) or to stop motion, thereby allowing the toy device to be turned. Alternatively, each leg member 16 or smaller groups of leg members 16 could each have a separate motor and drive train.

0023Referring to <figref idref="f0003 f0004">Figs. 3-5</figref>, each leg member 16 includes a tab 56 extending therefrom and disposed generally within the toy device 10 proximate the respective crank 50. The tab 56 includes a ramped surface 56a with a slot 56b therealong. The ramped surface 56a is preferably angled with respect to the frame 12 such that the proximal end of the tab 56 is closest to the frame 12 and becomes further spaced from the frame 12 moving toward the joint 31. The slot 56b accepts an eccentric post 58 extending from a top surface of the respective crank 50. Rotation of the crank 50 causes revolution of the post 58 and causes movement of the leg member 16 in a front and back motion, or a direction generally parallel to the frame 12, due to interaction of the slot 56b with the post 58. Because the post 58 is eccentric with respect to the crank 50, quick return back-and-forth motion of the leg member 16 is produced such that the leg member 16 moves slower in one rotational direction (i.e., rearward with respect to the toy device 10 when the toy device 10 moves in a forward direction) than the opposite rotational direction (i.e., forward with respect to the toy device 10 when the toy device 10 moves in a forward direction). The post 58 includes upper cam surface 58a and the crank 50 includes a cam surface 58b, which essentially sandwich and capture the tab 56 of the leg member 16 therebetween to constrain the leg member 16 and control up and down motion of the leg member 16 or otherwise pivot about the second axis of rotation 38 of the joint 30. In this way, up and down motion of the leg member 16, motion perpendicular to the frame 12, can be controlled by the profile of the tab 34. That is, due to interaction of the ramped surface 34b of the tab 34 with the cam surfaces 58a, 50a of the post 58 and the crank 50 respectively, the leg member 16 is caused to pivot upwardly and downwardly during rotation of the crank 50. The shape of the ramped surface 56a is preferably tailored to cause the leg member 16 to be rotated in a first direction around the first axis of rotation 36 of the joint 30 during the cycle of movement than the leg member 16 is rotated in an opposing direction around the first axis of rotation 36 of the joint 30 during a remainder of the cycle of movement. In this way, the leg member 16 is moved in a cyclical walking motion during actuation of the first motor 40. Although not shown in <figref idref="f0004">Fig. 4</figref>, preferably, the cranks 50 are configured so that the eccentric posts 58 are offset from one another to cause an offset of the cyclical motion of each of the leg members 16 from one another so that when some of the leg members 16 are in the quick return phase of motion and is out of contact with the surface, others of the leg members 16 are in the slower phase of motion and in contact with the surface to ensure that the toy device 10 remains supported on the surface by at least some of the leg members 16 during motion of the toy device 10. This offset further causes the toy device 10 to mimic an anatomic gait in order to approximate ambulation of an actual six-legged creature, like an insect.

0024Referring to <figref idref="f0005">Figs. 6</figref> and <figref idref="f0006">7</figref>, the toy device of <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004">Figs. 1-5</figref> may include an alternate driving mechanism 144. Numbers similar to those used in <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004">Figs. 1-5</figref> but incremented by one hundred indicate similar elements as discussed above but included in embodiment 10'. A discussion of the similar features has been eliminated for convenience only and is not limiting.

0025Driving of the leg members 116 is preferably accomplished using first and second motors 140, 142, which each drive a separate drive trains or mechanism 144. The drive mechanisms 144 are essentially identical, with the first motor 140 driving a first drive mechanism 144a and the second motor 142 driving a second drive mechanism (not shown) on the first and second lateral sides 122a, 122b of the device 10' respectively. Because the drive mechanisms 144a are essentially identical, only the first drive mechanism 144a will be described in detail. The first motor 140 drives a gear train 146 including a first gear 146a, a second gear 146b and a third gear 146c, which are rotatably attached to the frame 112. The first gear 146a is meshed with the second gear 146b. The second gear 146b and the third gear 146c are preferably identical combination spur gears, each having a smaller inner gear portion 145 and a larger outer gear portion 147 but mounted with an opposite orientation such that the smaller inner gear portion 145 meshes with the larger outer gear portion 147 on each second and third gear 146b, 146c, respectively. The third gear 146c is operably connected through the frame 112 to a drive gear 148. The third gear 146c and the drive gear 148 are preferably fixedly coupled together through a common axel (not shown). The drive gear 148 drives the cranks 150, leg gears 150a and the idler gears 154 to move the leg members 116 as was described above. The drive mechanisms 144 and the corresponding components may be oriented directly underneath the frame 112 such that the orientation of the drive mechanisms 144 and tabs (not shown) is inverse to the orientation of the drive mechanisms 44 described above.

0026The toy device 10 may include a latching mechanism 160 to releasably engage a dart 126 in a projectile launcher 124. The latching mechanism 160 is spring biased from the projectile launcher 124 and includes two separately pivotably latch legs 160a and 160b. The latch legs 160a, 160b retain the dart 126 by engaging with a ridge 126a in the dart 126. First and second sector wheels 162a, 162b are rotatatably mounted on the top of the frame 112 and driven with the leg gear 150a positioned on the opposing side of the frame 112 such that the sector wheels 162a, 162b are driven in the same direction as the corresponding leg gears 150a. The sector wheels 162a, 162b have a circular flange 162c with an outer periphery notch 162d. A pair of levers 164 are pivotably mounted above each sector wheel 162. The levers 164 are positioned such that the extend through the notches 162d. As the sector wheels 162a, 162b are rotated, the flanges 162c engage with the levers 164 to pivot the lever 164 in the direction of rotation. When the device moves in one of two longitudinal directions, preferably rearward toward the first motor 140, the sector wheels 162a, 162b rotate the corresponding levers 164 toward the latching mechanism 160 to pivot the latching mechanism 160 and releasing the latch legs 160a, 160b from the dart 126. Once the latch legs 160a, 160b are released, a spring 126b launches the dart 126 from the projectile launcher 124. Because the latch legs 160a, 160b are separately pivotable, both latch legs 160a, 160b must be released simultaneously in order to release the dart 126. To ensure that both latch legs 160a, 160b are released at the same time, the each drive mechanism 144 must be operated simultaneously in the same direction, again preferably corresponding to a reverse direction of the device 10'.

0027It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiment described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. In one important aspect of the invention, as few as a pair of the legs on opposite sides of the toy device could be used to propel the toy device. Two legs also could be used to both support and propel the toy device. For example, the distal, surface contacting end of each leg could be provided with a member or surface that resists rearward motion while permitting forward motion. This would permit each leg to be moved from a forward position to a rearward position as described above and brought back to a forward position without being raised from the support surface. Alternatively or in addition, each leg could be pivoted slightly downwardly at the end of its rearward movement to momentarily tilt the toy device away from that side before the leg is slightly raised from the surface and returned to a forward position. Also, a chassis with support wheels or equivalents could be provided and the leg assemblies used only for propulsion. Four leg assemblies could be used to mimic four-legged creatures (e.g., mammals, amphibians, and reptiles) while eight leg assemblies can be used to mimic arachnids.

0028While remote control of the toy device is preferred, it will be appreciated that the toy device can be factory preprogrammed to perform a predetermined movement or series of movements or configured to be selectively programmed by a user to create such predetermined movement(s). Alternatively or in addition, the toy device can be equipped with sensors, e.g., switches, proximity detectors, etc., that will control the toy device to turn away from or reverse itself automatically from whatever direction it was moving in if or when an obstacle is contacted or otherwise sensed.

0029It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the scope of the present invention.