Doll
A toy doll is described having a first member and a second member coupled to said first member. The said second member can slidably and/or rotatably move relative to said first member, said second member comprising an armature, an element coupled to said armature, said element being more compliant than said armature, and a molded form around at least said armature and element to simulate a body part with a bendable joint. In another embodiment, the doll includes a body member, where the body member has electronics configured to selectively energize a light emitting source exposed through said body member and a platform configured to enable removable coupling of an accessory to said body member, where said source illuminates at least portions of said accessory.
The present application claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 60/534,887 filed Jan. 7, 2004 and provisional application Ser. No. 60/557,033 filed Mar. 25, 2004, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated by reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUNDExamples of known bendable dolls are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 593,592; 1,189,585; 3,325,939; 3,624,691; 3,955,309; 4,233,775; and 5,516,314; and in publications JP49-18956 A; JP50 037068 B2; JP62-164092U; JP63-103685 A; EP1108454; GB2354456. Examples of known dolls with magnetic attachments are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,038,775, 4,118,888, 4,170,840, 4,176,492, 4,183,173, 4,186,515, 4,206,564, 5,277,643, 5,295,889, 5,380,233, 5,727,717, and 6,171,169. The disclosures the patents and publications listed in this paragraph are incorporated herein by reference.
SUMMARYThe present disclosure relates generally to toy dolls with a bendable armature, and in one example, to dolls in which the armature includes a combination of bendable limbs and articulated joints. In another example, it further relates to such dolls in which a torso of the doll houses electronics, and provides an attachment platform for accessories such as simulated wings. In another example, electronics power an LED in the torso, and the wings are attached to the torso by aligning magnets in the wings with corresponding magnets in the torso. Still further, the wings can be translucent to transmit light within the wings.
The advantages of the present disclosure will be understood more readily after a consideration of the drawings and the Detailed Description of Example Embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the doll 1000 shown in
In one embodiment, a pair of twisted wires is trapped within the arm portion of the joint, and extends approximately to a wrist portion of the arm.
It is believed that twisted wire may improve cyclic life for the limb, allowing the doll to be manipulated further, and more often, while maintaining acceptable durability. Furthermore, by using twisted wire, this can be achieved with simple manufacturing processes to generate the twisted wire either during the doll assembly, or before the raw material is shipped to the plant. Also, the use of twisted wire trapped within the arm can achieve other synergistic effects. For example, in some cases with untwisted wire, a different modulus of elasticity can be encountered depending on the bend angle. As such, by using twisted wire, a more uniform effect can be achieved, if desired. Not also that the twisted wire can include three strands of wire twisted together, or other multiples higher than 2.
A second rigid plastic member may be used to trap the ends of the twisted wires, safely encasing those ends in protective plastic. A further alternative includes legs with a similar insert-molded joint and armature, as described below herein.
Due to the shape of the legs 1010, in which a narrow isthmus 1026 is defined at the knee of the leg, as shown in
Accessories for the various embodiments described above include removable wings, such as the wings 1300 of
Note that, in one example, the magnets not only can be used to maintain a connection between the doll and the accessory, but also can be used to locate the accessory to the doll during connection. In other words, the magnets can also be used to align the accessory, such as the wings, to the doll, thereby allowing easier attachment and detachment of accessories to a doll. This is due in part to the self-centering action of magnets, caused by the shape of the magnetic field. Further, since this easier attachment/detachment may require less dexterity than other attachment approaches, it can be easier for children playing with the doll to attach and detach the accessories, without degrading or breaking the parts.
Another aspect of the present doll is electronics contained within the torso, and/or within other locations of the doll body. An LED (such as LED 1314) may be powered by the electronics, and may be aligned with the wings so that light from the LED shines through the wings. Note that other LEDs can be added at various portions of the body as an alternative, or in addition to, the LED used to shine through the wings. By making the wings of translucent or clear plastic, light may be transmitted throughout the wings, creating a magical glow effect. For example, totally and/or partially internally reflective surfaces may be used to direct light through the wings, before being reflected outward to a viewer. In this way, certain portions of the wings may appear illuminated, even though the entire structure is translucent (or transparent).
The detachable wings 1300 can be of various forms. The figures show example wing configurations, however, others can also be used. In one example, the wings are formed of translucent material, such as polymeric material, to allow transmission of light from a light source, such as an LED as described above. Further, the wings can be fabricated with integrally molded recesses for receiving and holding a magnet. In the example of
Returning to
Referring to
As depicted in
The strands of wire in the armature may be connected at junctures 28 and 30 to form a unitary structure. As indicated, juncture 28 may connect lower strand 14 to upper strand 18 at a point at or near a lower end of the upper strand, so that the upper strand may not extend appreciably below its intersection with the lower strand at juncture 28. Juncture 30 may connect the middle strand to the upper strand at a point between juncture 28 and head portion 26. Junctures 28 and 30 may be formed, for example, by spot welding, although other forms of adhesion such as gluing, crimping, or the like may also be suitable for forming connections between the strands of wire.
As depicted in
The strands of wire may be chosen to have any diameter that permits a desired amount of flexibility in the various regions of the armature. For example, lower strand 14 and upper strand 18 may be formed from twisted wires that are approximately 0.030-inches in diameter, and middle strand 16 may be formed from a twisted wire that is approximately 0.025-inches in diameter. However, it will be appreciated that wires of other diameters may be equally suitable or more suitable for various designs, depending on the overall size of the posable figure and its intended use.
In the embodiment depicted in
In
The support members may be constructed from any suitable material, such as a resin material that may be conveniently molded around wire armature 10 in molten form. The support member material may, for example, be a relatively flexible polymer material such as polypropylene, or it may be a more rigid polymer such as polyethylene. The support member material may also be a thermoplastic elastomer material such as polyvinylchloride (PVC), or a styrene-based elastomer such as a Kraton material manufactured by Kraton Polymers of Houston, Tex. In some embodiments, this material may be chosen to bond and/or be otherwise compatible with a material used for the outer covering of the toy figure.
Surrounding members 48, 50, and 52 each may be configured to surround a portion of the wire of armature 10, and each may include a plurality of locating pegs extending substantially radially outward from the wire. For example, surrounding member 48 may include upper arm pegs 64 and 66, surrounding member 50 may include upper leg pegs 68 and 70, and surrounding member 52 may include lower leg pegs 72, 74, and 76. The locating pegs may be substantially cylindrical as depicted in
Providing locating pegs of the type just described may help to position partially formed figure 110 in a desired location within a mold. For example, a particular locating peg may be configured to substantially span a radius of the mold, thereby holding a wire strand of the armature spaced away from the walls of the mold. This may allow material to be injected into the mold to form a continuous molded body, encasing and bonded to the armature, with the wires of the armature spaced away from the surface of the body.
As depicted in
Sprues 58, 60, and 62, which may be substantially cylindrical, may serve to further locate partially formed figure 110 in a mold during a second injection molding step. For example, the sprues may be placed in corresponding cylindrical depressions or recesses in the mold, to hold the armature in position while a surrounding body is injection molded around partially formed
As depicted in
Aside from the aforementioned structures, a molded head portion 90 may also be added during the first injection molding step. Molded head portion 90 may include a rear section 92 extending in slight relief from the remainder of the molded head portion. Rear section 92 may include a substantially rectangular aperture 94, and two smaller circular apertures 96. Apertures 94 and/or 96 may be used for additional secure positioning of partially formed figure 110 in a second mold, for instance using shafts, pins, or the like to extend from the mold into the apertures.
A chest portion 98 may also be added during the first injection molding step. Furthermore, portions of the inner wires may be covered with a relatively thin coating of material, generally indicated at 100. The additional structure of chest portion 98 and wire coating 100 may serve to selectively increase the rigidity of portions of the toy figure, and to provide greater stability to the partially formed figure prior to a second injection molding step.
Although in general, any suitable material may be used to construct the body of the toy figure, in some embodiments the body material may be chosen to bond to and/or be otherwise compatible with the material used for the support members of the armature of the toy figure. For example, the body material and the support member material may both be constructed from styrene-based elastomers such as a Kraton material, with either similar or different Shore hardnesses. Such similar elastomers may tend to bond particularly securely to each other during injection molding of the body around the armature.
Further,
Electronic chip 230 is housed within the molded body of the doll. In this particular example, chip 230 is located in torso region 228. However, the chip, or its circuitry, could be located in other regions (such as the legs), or distributed about various regions of the body. Also, in this example, the light source (in this case LED 236) is located at the surface of the body so that light can be emitted out to the accessory (not shown) coupled via magnets 232 and 234.
Electronic chip 230 is also coupled to a switch 240 for actuating LED 236. In this case, a contact switch is utilized in which the user depresses a button to activate LED 236. The LED is activated while switch 240 is depressed, and the LED is deactivated while switch 240 is not depressed. Note however that alternative switches could be used. For example, a heat sensor could be used to sense heat from the user's body contacting the doll. Other alternative sensors could also be used that sense when the doll is held, or contacted in a certain way by the user. Such sensor could further be integrally molded in the doll, which may also provide improved appearance of the doll body.
Continuing with
Specifically,
After the second molding operation, the piece is placed in another mold and located by pegs 330 to form either a right arm or left arm as described in more detail below. By structuring insert 300 in this way, it is possible to have a single insert design that can be used to form both the left and right arms, thereby saving cost.
Lower structure 324 is shown with two locating pegs 330, however only a single peg, or more than 2 pegs, could be used, if desired. Further, lower structure 324 has a stepped outer form which can improve the strength of the piece and thereby improve durability, while still properly capturing wire 314. Likewise, middle structure 326 is also formed in a step manner, for similar reasons. Also, lower and middle structures 324 and 326 have reinforced structure around holes 320 and 322, respectively to compensate for the lack of material in the hole. Again, this improves strength and durability of the finished arm, thereby allowing repeated use by a doll user.
Referring now to
As shown in
Arm 400 is thus formed to provide improved durability and desired flexibility, as well as a more realistic simulation of human parts, while still enabling the desired degrees of freedom and motion for effective play by the user. Therefore, the combination of rotary shoulder joints with bendable elbow joints thus provides an advantageous result.
While the above example shows a right arm, it is also possible to form a left arm in a substantially similar way.
Referring now to
First, as shown in
The following molding steps can be used to form insert 600, although alterative approaches may also be used. First, wire 614, which spans from approximately hole 620 to hole 622 is placed in a mold and held or located by the pins of the mold (not shown), where the pins form holes 620 and 620 in insert 600. Wire 614 can be twisted pair of two or more wires, or a single wire. Then, the insert is partially molded, forming the lower structure 624, and the middle structures 626. Included in lower structure 624 are locating pegs 630, which are used to locate the piece after the first molding operation in later molds. After forming the lower and middle structure 624 and 626, a second molding operation is performed which forms upper structure 628, thereby forming rotary pivot 610 (which is later captured by the doll body to form a pivot at the hip). Alternatively, these two molding operations could be combined in a single molding operation.
After the second molding operation, the piece is placed in another mold and located by pegs 630 to form a left leg as described in more detail below. While the different left and right leg inserts are described, they could be reused as described above with regard to
Lower structure 624 is shown with two locating pegs 630, however only a single peg, or more than 2 pegs, could be used, if desired. Further, lower structure 624 has a stepped outer form which can improve the strength of the piece and thereby improve durability, while still properly capturing wire 614. Likewise, upper structure 628 is also formed in a step manner, for similar reasons. Also, lower and upper structures 624 and 628 have reinforced structure around holes 620 and 622, respectively to compensate for the lack of material in the hole. Again, this improves strength and durability of the finished leg, thereby allowing repeated use by a doll user.
Referring now to
As shown in
Leg 700 is thus formed to provide improved durability and desired flexibility, as well as a more realistic simulation of human parts, while still enabling the desired degrees of freedom and motion for effective play by the user. Therefore, the combination of rotary hip joints with bendable elbow knees thus provides an advantageous result. Furthermore, the shape formed by this third molding operation provides a thinned portion 720 to form the knee. Thus, even though wire 614 spans an area much larger than the knee joint, the knee bends about thin area 720 due to the shape formed in this third molding operation. As such, less manufacturing complexity can be used while still achieving repeatable bending at a desired location. Again, a right leg may be formed in a similar fashion.
Referring now to
Continuing with
Second, the barrel diameter in the location near dimple 814 has been reduced, and a support rib 816 has been added to increase the strength of the leg section 628, thereby providing improved durability.
It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct examples with independent utility. While each of these examples has been disclosed in example form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, where any claim recites “a” or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof, such claim should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.
Inventions embodied in various combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed through presentation of claims in a related application. Such new claims, whether they are directed to a different invention or directed to the same invention, whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure.
Claims
1. A toy doll, comprising
- a first member;
- a second member coupled to said first member, where said second member can slidably rotatably move relative to said first member, said second member comprising an armature, an element coupled to said armature, said element being more compliant than said armature, and a molded form around at least said armature and element to simulate a body part with a bendable joint.
2. The doll of claim 1 wherein said first member is a plastic body member.
3. The doll of claim 1 wherein said first member is a plastic torso member.
4. The doll of claim 1 wherein said second member is a limb.
5. The doll of claim 4 wherein said limb is an arm.
6. The doll of claim 4 wherein said limb is an leg.
7. The doll of claim 1 wherein said relative movement includes rotating movement.
8. The doll of claim 1 wherein said armature is plastic and insert molded to said first member to form said coupling.
9. The doll of claim 1 wherein said element comprises twisted wire.
10. The doll of claim 1 wherein said coupling is configured to form an articulated shoulder joint.
11. The doll of claim 1 wherein said coupling is configured to form an articulated hip joint.
12. A doll, comprising:
- a body member, the body member comprising: electronics configured to selectively energize a light emitting source exposed through said body member; a platform configured to enable removable coupling of an accessory to said body member, where said source illuminates at least portions of said accessory.
13. The doll of claim 12 wherein said source is a light emitting diode.
14. The doll of claim 12 wherein said platform includes a magnet configured to be coupled to a magnet in said accessory.
15. The doll of claim 14 wherein said platform includes at least two magnets configured to be coupled to at least two magnets in said accessory.
16. The doll of claim 12 wherein said accessory is at least partially translucent to transmit light from said source through said accessory and create a visual glowing effect.
17. The doll of claim 12 wherein said accessory includes wings.
18. A toy doll, comprising
- an accessory;
- a first member, said first member comprising:
- electronics configured to selectively energize a light emitting source exposed through said body member; a platform configured to enable removable coupling of said accessory to said body member, where said source illuminates at least portions of said accessory; a second member coupled to said first member, where said second member can rotatably move relative to said first member, said second member comprising an armature, an element coupled to said armature, said element being more compliant than said armature, and a molded form around at least said armature and element to simulate a body part with a bendable joint.
19. The doll of claim 18 wherein said platform includes at least two magnets configured to be coupled to at least two magnets in said accessory.
20. The doll of claim 18 wherein said accessory is at least partially translucent.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 5, 2005
Publication Date: Sep 1, 2005
Inventors: Jon Marine (Fullerton, CA), Mark Wittenberg (Rossmoor, CA), Debbie Glassberg (Manhattan Beach, CA)
Application Number: 11/030,865