Smart musical toy

Abstract

A spin toy or draydel comprises at least a first audio response that is played when the spin toy comes to rest. In one embodiment the first audio response comprises recorded music and/or speech. The recorded audio response may additionally comprise at least four distinct messages corresponding to a different side of the draydel. The message may identify the Hebrew letter shown on the side of the draydel that is facing up after it comes to rest. Alternatively, the message may reflect the player's game position corresponding to the traditional draydel game, reflected by the Hebrew letter shown on the side of the draydel that is facing up after it comes to rest. The message may also be triggered by a second audio response, which is initiated when the draydel is spun. Upon coming to rest after spinning the second audio response stops and the first audio response, is played. This second audio response may also comprise recorded music.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of toys and in particular spinning toys such as spin toys and draydels. More specifically, the invention relates to a toy with a recorded audio response and/or visual display in reaction to the movement and rest of the toy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It is well known to combine toys with an audio or visual component and a wide range of such toys, from the most primitive rattle to sophisticated computer games are familiar to consumers. All such devices include a means for triggering an audio or visual response. With a rattle, it is the child's movement of the toy. Arcade games, however, are examples of toys that employ a variety of more sophisticated audio mechanisms including for example, electronic tones that are triggered as a pinball passes over a switch. In some toys the movement of the toy triggers an audio response as the toy is moved. In other toys an audio response reacts to the cessation of movement by the toy.

[0003] One example of a toy that emits sound is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. This example is not presented as prior art. Indeed, Applicant observed this toy only in a foreign country after having conceived the present invention. Furthermore, Applicant is not aware of any printed publication or patent corresponding to this toy.

[0004] The toy is a cube 10 with a different animal design on each of its six sides 12. FIG. 2 shows a front view of one of the sides 12 of cube 10. Referring to FIG. 2, an opening 15 to a cavity within the cube acts as a housing for an audio response device 20, powered by two 1.5V batteries. An external switch on the device allows a user to selectively turn the audio response device on and off. The hole may be closed with a plug made of the same material as the cube. The side may then be covered with a flap, the external side of which is decorated to match the other sides 12 of the cube 10 and secured with Velcro. The animal design for the side of the cube with the hole is printed on the exterior side of the flap so that it is visible when the flap covers the plug.

[0005] In play, a different animal sound emanates from the audio response device as the cube is tossed. The particular sound corresponds to the animal design on the side of the cube that faces upward when the cube comes to rest. The discriminating audio response is made possible by the device, which is manufactured in China by a company named Ontex/Charlie and identified as MS-801A Magic Sound Block. A diagram of device 20 is shown in FIG. 3.

[0006] Referring to FIG. 3, shown is a top view of the inside of device 20. In its commercial embodiment the components of device 20 are completely enclosed within a removable plastic housing (not shown). As shown, a circuit board 22 is electrically connected to a battery 26 through lead lines 28, to a speaker 27 and to a trigger device 23. Circuit board 22 also includes an on/off switch which is accessible from without the housing and memory means, in which six different sounds are stored for playback in response to trigger device 23, as described below.

[0007] Four leads 21 are shown electrically connecting circuit board 22 to the four sides of trigger device 23. In fact two other leads are present, but not shown. These leads connect the circuit board 22 to the top and bottom of trigger device 23.

[0008] Trigger device 23 comprises two identical conical shaped receptacles, with four side surfaces 24, a bottom minor opening 25 and a top major opening through which the view of FIG. 4 is shown. Referring to FIG. 4, conductive contacts 32 are shown at each of the four corners of the conical shaped receptacles of trigger device 23, with leads 21 extending therefrom A fifth and sixth conductive contact (not shown) may also be found on two opposite sides of minor opening 25. The same arrangement appears on the other conical shaped receptacle, not shown.

[0009] When the major openings of the two conical shaped receptacles are secured together a symmetrical housing with six comers, each with an identical minor opening is formed, where each of the minor openings have conductive contacts at two opposite sides of the minor opening.

[0010] Also shown in FIG. 4 is a metal ball 30 seated in one of the conical shaped receptacles of trigger device 23. With trigger device 23 in device 20 is placed in the cavity of the cube 10, the ball 30 will rest against the minor opening at the comer of trigger device 23 that is opposite the top side 12 of cube 10. The metal ball creates a circuit by connecting the two conductive contacts opposite the minor opening on which it sits. This connection activates the sound recorded for playback corresponding to the graphic shown on the top side 12 of cube 10. In the particular embodiment shown, the sound is the sound of the animal shown on the top side 12 of the cube.

[0011] In other toys the audio response can be characterized as discriminating in that a different response is heard depending on the start position of the toy. For example, in the well known See 'N Say toy a dial points to any one of the letters of the alphabet. Each letter has a corresponding word that begins with that letter and a picture of what the word represents. A pull cord spins the dial, which after several rotations comes to rest, pointing to any one of the letters. As the dial spins an electronic message is played sounding out the word associated with the letter which the dial was pointing to before the cord was pulled.

[0012] This particular invention relates to the spin top toy and other toys similar to the spin tops, such as a draydel. Traditionally, a spin top has no audio or visual response. The toy is merely spun on one tip until it comes to rest. Spin toys have been commercially introduced which release an audio response when spun. Specifically, some spin toys emit a series of electronic tones corresponding to a song.

[0013] The draydel is a well-known variation of the spin top. FIG. 5 shows a traditional simple draydel. The toy substantially resembles a spin top, except that the middle part of the body is four sided, resembling a cube. Printed on each side of the draydel is a different one of four Hebrew letters: a “Nun” , a “Gimel ” , a “Heh” and either a “Shin” or a “Pei” . Rather than merely spinning the draydel, the game attributes a different win or lose position to each letter. The highest score is achieved when the draydel lands with the “Gimel” facing up. A “Heh” represents a half score, a “Nun” a null score and a “Shin” or “Pei” a negative score.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention is a spin toy with at least one audio response that is played when the spin toy comes to rest. In one embodiment of the present invention the audio response comprises recorded music and/or speech as opposed to electronic tones.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the present invention the spin toy is a four-sided draydel and the recorded audio response comprises at least four distinct messages corresponding to each of the four sides of the draydel. The message may identify the Hebrew letter shown on the side of the draydel that is facing up after it comes to rest. Alternatively, the message may reflect the player's game position corresponding to the traditional draydel game, reflected by the Hebrew letter shown on the side of the draydel that is facing up after it comes to rest.

[0016] In yet a further embodiment of the present invention the message response may be triggered first by a second audio response which is initiated when the draydel is spun. Upon coming to rest the second audio response stops and the message as described above, is played. This second audio response may be recorded music.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a toy cube which emits a different sound as the cube is flipped corresponding to the top showing side of the cube.

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates one side of the cube of FIG. 1 with an opening for a cavity housing a audio response device.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a top view of the inside of the audio response device of the cube of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a top view inside one half of the trigger device of the cube of FIGS. 1-3.

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a prior art draydel.

[0022] FIG. 6 is an assembly diagram of one embodiment of the draydel of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates the draydel of FIG. 6 in assembled form.

[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates the holder component of the draydel of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] In accordance with the present invention a novel spin toy is taught which has at least one audio response from a first set of a plurality of available responses, when the toy stops spinning. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, where the spin toy toy is a draydel, the audio response corresponds to the letter that appears on the side of the draydel which faces up when the draydel stop spinning. Since the draydel has four sides, each side having a different letter, the audio response will be one of a set of four unique audio responses, each of which uniquely relates to one of the four sides of the draydel. Thus in a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the first set of four audio responses is only audible after the draydel is spun and it comes to rest with one side facing up.

[0026] The aforementioned first set of audio responses may be music, speech, or a combination of the two. Where the audio responses are music one of four songs will play upon the draydel coming to rest. The song will play for a specified duration. This duration may be pre-programmed, or correspond to the length of recorded music stored in the draydel, as described more fully below. A speech response may be an announcement of the letter that is facing up when the draydel comes to rest, or a comment reflecting the win or lose consequence of the letter facing up in the game of draydel, described above.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a second audio response may be triggered upon spinning the draydel. This audio response may similarly be music, speech, or a combination thereof. This second audio response stops upon the draydel coming to rest, at which point the first audio response described above is played.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the present invention visual responses may also be associated with the spinning and rest of the draydel. Thus one visual display may be activated by spinning the draydel either in combination with or as an alternative to the second audio response. It is also possible to have a visual display activated when the draydel comes to rest. This may either be a single display regardless of the side of the draydel that is facing upward, or a different visual display corresponding with each of the four sides of the draydel.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 6, an assembly of a draydel in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Housing 61 is shown separated from cover 71 so that a cavity within is visible within which components 62-70 are contained. Housing 61 has four lateral sides, each of which contains a different Hebrew letter, as found in conventional draydels. The bottom surface is arcuate such that the draydel may be made to spin about the lowest point.

[0030] The ability to play one of four audio responses unique to each of the four lateral sides of the draydel depends upon circuit board 65, steel ball 64, holder 63 and speaker 62. The circuit board contains a computer chip and memory, not shown. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the computer chip and memory used is manufactured by Smart Fair Electronics Co., Ltd and designated YEKF-0013.

[0031] When triggered as described below, the computer chip retrieves the appropriate audio response and plays it over speaker 62, which is electrically connected to circuit board 65. Circuit board 65 receives power from batteries 67, which in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 are held in place with battery holder 66. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention four (4) button cell batteries providing 1.5 volts per battery, are used. These batteries can be found with the designation Ag10 or LR1130.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 8, holder 63 is shown in which four channels 83 are clearly visible. Ball 64 resides within holder 63 and circuit board 65 is placed in close proximity or in contact with holder 63 at opening 85, so that ball 64 is contained within holder 63. Furthermore, holder 63 is aligned with circuit board 65 such that when inserted into housing 61, each of the four channels 83 is substantially centered with one of the four sides of housing 61 and a separate one of four contact switches on circuit board 65.

[0033] As the draydel spins, ball 64, which is within holder 63, spins as well. However when the draydel stops, or otherwise rests on one side, one of the channels 83 will be in a lower position relative to the other channels 83. Thus, ball 64 will by gravitational force rest within the relatively lower channel. Furthermore, since holder 63 has a generally pyramidal shape with each of channels 83 sloping inward, away from the circuit board 65, the gravitational force on ball 64 will also cause the ball to rest against circuit board 65 and contact the switch on circuit board 65 which is adjacent the channel 83 holding ball 64.

[0034] Circuit board 65 is designed such that each of the four switches adjacent a different channel 83, triggers a different one of the first set of four audio responses. Specifically, each of these four switches triggers the audio response corresponding to the Hebrew letter found on the lateral side of housing 61 which is directly opposite the channel adjacent to that switch. Since the ball 64 will fall to the lowest channel and the announcement should correspond to the Hebrew letter on the lateral side of housing 61 which faces up, the design described herein assures that the proper audio response will be triggered.

[0035] Various embodiments for the switches that trigger one of the four audio responses, are possible, all of which are within the scope of the present invention. In one preferred embodiment the ball 64 is comprised of a conductive material and when it rests in one of the channels 83, it bridges a gap between two contacts, thus completing a circuit. Alternatively, the two contacts can be designed such that when the ball 64 comes to rest in one of the channels 83, two contacts are pushed together under the weight of ball 64, thus completing a circuit. In either of these two embodiments depending on the circuit that is completed, a different one of the four audio responses is emitted.

[0036] In a further embodiment of the present invention, a hammer spring may be designed within housing 61 to elicit a second audio response during movement of the draydel 73. For example the hammer spring may be mounted on the surface of circuit board 65. Hammer springs are well known in the art, especially in their application with spinning toys. Typically, a hammer spring is mounted such that it will tend to flex under the centrifugal force that acts on it as a result of the toy being spun. A contact is mounted in close proximity to the hammer spring such that only when the spring is caused to flex will it electrically connect with the contact and thus close a circuit. Where the centrifugal force is too weak, either under weak spinning or the toy is stationary the hammer spring will not touch the contact. One skilled in the art of using hammer springs may easily devise a suitable hammer spring for purposes of the present invention such that only spinning the toy would trigger the second audio response. Certainly, it will be obvious to one skilled in the art that alternatives to the use of a hammer spring are possible in order to trigger the second audio response while the draydel is spinning.

[0037] In constructing the draydel in accordance with the present invention one advantageous arrangement of the components has holder 63 below circuit board 65 and the hammer switch, if any, mounted on the underside surface of circuit board 65. The top surface of circuit board 65 will have two sets of battery contacts (not shown). The battery holder 66 will comprise of a board with two slots. The battery holder 66 will be arranged above circuit board 65 with the two slots aligned over the two sets of battery contacts, respectively. In this manner when the battery holder 66 is in place, each of the sets of battery contacts will be in contact with one set of two button cell batteries. Access to the batteries is available from the top surface of the battery holder 66. Securing means such as a piece of tape may be used to secure the batteries in their respective slots in battery holder 66. Those skilled in the art will easily identify alternative means for securing the batteries. This arrangement has the advantage of allowing a user to remove cover 71 to replace the batteries without risking damage to the circuit board and hammer spring, if any.

[0038] Consequently, in an embodiment of the present invention in which first and second audio responses are available as described above, upon spinning draydel 73 an audio response such as a song will be audible. When the draydel 73 comes to rest, the song stops and an announcement or different song is played corresponding to the Hebrew letter that appears on the lateral side of draydel 73 facing upward. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention with the second audio response, approximately 20 seconds of music is recorded and stored on the circuit board. Since spinning time is generally not longer than 10-15 seconds, 20 seconds of music is sufficient. In addition, the computer chip on circuit board 65 may preferably be programmed to repeat the second audio response until the draydel 73 comes to rest.

[0039] In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, draydel 73 can be designed with a sixth switch, which activates a “try-me” feature. By activating this switch, any combination of first and second audio response may be played, in accordance with the design of the computer chip on circuit board 65. The switch for the “try-me” feature may be activated with a push button accessible from any of the external surfaces of draydel 73.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, shaft 72 may be designed as a sleeve through which a dowel like rod 70 passes through and extends to circuit board 65 on which resides a push button sixth switch. When dowel like rod 70 is pushed inward toward the inside of housing 61, it will push against and activate the switch located on circuit board 65. In the advantageous arrangement of components described above, the switch will reside on the top surface of circuit board 65. Dowel like rod 70 reaches from the top surface of circuit board 65, through an opening in the battery housing, through the sleeve of shaft 72. As an alternative to the push button switch, two contacts 68 and 69 may be electrically connected to circuit board 65 to act as the sixth switch. When the dowel like rod 70 is pushed into the draydel, the two contacts 68 and 69 are closed and the “try-me” feature is activated.

[0041] In one preferred embodiment of the “try-me” feature, the audio response corresponding to the sixth switch includes approximately 7 seconds of a song, followed by a ⅛ second pause and followed by one of the four vocal messages, such as “Gimel”, referring to one of the four Hebrew letters appearing on the lateral sides of draydel 73.

[0042] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stored first and second audio responses are actual recorded music, singing and/or speech, as opposed synthesized electronic tones.

[0043] The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to devise various modifications, which although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are thus within its spirit and scope.

Claims

1. A spin toy, comprising:

a main body having an inner cavity and a tip on which the spin toy is spun; and

electronic means housed within said cavity of said main body for triggering at least one audio response from a first set of a plurality of audio responses, said one audio response corresponding to the position of said spin toy when said spin toy, after being spun, stops spinning on said tip.

2. The spin toy of

claim 1 further comprising a second set of audio responses which are triggered upon movement of the spin toy.

3. The spin toy of

claim 1 further comprising a first visual response.

4. The spin toy of

claim 1 further comprising a first set of a plurality of visual responses wherein a different one of said plurality of visual responses corresponds to the position of said spin toy when said spin toy, after being spun, stops spinning on said tip.

5. The spin toy of

claim 1 further comprising a second visual response which is triggered upon movement of said spin toy.

6. The spin toy of

claim 1 wherein said main body comprises a mid-section with a plurality of sides, each of said sides of said mid-section associated with a different one of said plurality of audio responses from said first set.

7. The spin toy of

claim 6, wherein said spin toy is a draydel and said mid-section comprises four sides, wherein depicted on each of said four sides is a different image.

8. The spin toy of

claim 7, wherein each of said images is a different Hebrew letter.

9. The spin toy of

claim 6 wherein each of said plurality of audio responses of said first set of audio responses is a verbal message.

10. The spin toy of

claim 8 wherein each of said plurality of audio responses of said first set of audio responses is a different verbal message announcing the associated game value of the Hebrew letter appearing on the side of the draydel facing up.

11. The spin toy of

claim 6 further comprising a second set of audio responses triggered upon movement of said spin toy.

12. The spin toy of

claim 11 wherein said second set of audio responses includes at least one recorded song.

13. The spin toy of

claim 12 wherein said first set of audio responses and said second set of audio responses are not simultaneously playable.

14. The spin toy of

claim 6 further comprising a visual response activated by spinning said spin toy.

15. The spin toy of

claim 6 further comprising a visual response activated when said spin toy stops spinning on said tip.

16. The spin toy of

claim 1 further comprising a “try-me” button for triggering at least part of said first set of audio responses independent of any movement of said spin toy.

17. The spin toy of

claim 2 further comprising a “try-me” button for triggering at least one audio response of said first set of audio responses or said second set of audio responses, independent of any movement of said spin toy.

18. A musical draydel comprising:

a housing comprising four sides, a tapered bottom and an open top, said sides and bottom defining a central cavity;

a speaker secured within said central cavity;

a holder secured within said central cavity for holding an electrically conductive ball, said ball freely moveable within said holder, said holder further comprising at least four conductive contacts corresponding to said four sides of said draydel housing;

a circuit board secured within said housing and in close proximity to said holder such that said ball may electrically connect one of said conductive contacts of said holder and a corresponding contact on said circuit board;

an integrated circuit chip electronically connected to said circuit board for storing and playing a first set of a plurality of audio responses, wherein each of said four sides corresponds with at least one unique audio response of said first set of a plurality of audio responses;

a power source connected to said circuit board and said speaker;

a trigger connected to said power source and responsive to the spinning of said draydel, such that upon the draydel ceasing to spin, one of said audio responses of said first set of a plurality of audio responses will be played; and

a cover for closing said top of said housing, said cover including a shaft for use in spinning said draydel.

19. The musical draydel of

claim 19 wherein said integrated circuit chip comprises storage media for storing said first set of a plurality of audio responses.