POWER OF PLAY TOY

Abstract

A toy is provided that includes a body portion configured for attachment to a moveable object. An action portion is configured for temporary attachment to the body portion. An energy storage mechanism is attached to the action portion and is configured for storing energy in response to movement of the moveable object. A selectively operable portion of the toy is attached to the action portion, coupled to the energy storage mechanism and configured to be selectively operable when the action portion is disconnected from the body portion.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/045,449 filed Apr. 16, 2008.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to toys, and more specifically to toys powered by a battery recharged by child activity.

BACKGROUND

Numerous types of toys employ batteries to power lights, sounds and other features. A child may be entertained by playing with these toys, but the nature of the power used is hidden from the user. A toy which receives its power from kinetic energy generated by the child playing with the toy, however, can be an educational tool to teach about energy generation and energy conservation. Further, a toy which has features which are only present when kinetic energy is supplied by the child encourages a child to be active, which in turn, is beneficial to the child's health. Toys which require a user to create energy in order to power the toy's features educate children about energy generation, harness a child's kinetic energy that would otherwise be lost, do not depend on traditional sources of energy (batteries or fossil fuels), and encourage children to be active by rewarding activity with powered features.

Accordingly, it is advantageous for children, their health and for the environment to provide a toy that encourages a child to participate in physical activity and to convert this activity into its power source. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment a toy is provided that includes a body portion configured for attachment to a moveable object. An action figure is configured for temporary attachment to the body portion. An energy storage mechanism is attached to the action portion and is configured for storing energy in response to movement of the moveable object. A selectively operable portion of the toy is attached to the action portion, coupled to the energy storage mechanism and configured to be selectively operable when the action portion is disconnected from the body portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and wherein

FIG. 1 illustrates the toy in its entirety mounted on a bicycle;

FIG. 2 illustrates details of the body portion of the toy mounted on bicycle handlebars;

FIG. 3 illustrates details of the energy generation portion of the toy;

FIG. 4 illustrates the attachment of the energy generation portion to the bicycle frame;

FIG. 5 illustrates the circuit between the dynamo and the body portion of the toy;

FIG. 6 illustrates the temporary circuit between the dynamo and the battery;

FIG. 7 illustrates the circuit between the battery and the action figure portion of the toy;

FIGS. 8-11 illustrate, in side, front, back, and bottom views, respectively, the action figure portion of the toy;

FIG. 12 illustrates, in exploded view, of the action figure portion of the toy;

FIG. 13 illustrates how action figure can be controlled by a remote control;

FIG. 14 illustrates, in exploded, cutaway view, how the action figure docks with the body portion of the toy;

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate, in perspective view and back view, respectively, the body portion of the toy;

FIG. 17 illustrates an enlarged detail of the LED array colored lens;

FIG. 18 illustrates an enlarged detail of the LCD screen;

FIG. 19 illustrates body portion of the toy as a camera;

FIG. 20 illustrates body portion of the toy as a digital music player;

FIGS. 21-24 illustrate, in side, front, back, and bottom views, respectively, an alternative version of the action figure portion of the toy; and

FIGS. 25-28 illustrate, in side, front, back, and bottom views, respectively, a second alternative version of the action figure portion of the toy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This application claims priority from Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/045,449 filed Apr. 16, 2008.

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, toy 20 includes a body portion 24 configured for attachment on a bicycle 34 for example, on the handlebars 26, or other child-propelled wheeled vehicle such as a scooter, cart, ride-on vehicle or the like. The body portion is connected to an energy generation portion 30 via cable 28. The body portion can be in the shape of a vehicle such as a rocket ship, moon cruiser, car, plane or the like. The body portion serves as a docking station for an action figure 22. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention the action figure can be a robot, an alien, an animal or the like. For ease of discussion, but without limitation, toy 20 and variations thereof will be described and illustrated herein as a rocket ship body portion and a robot action figure adapted for use with a bicycle. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that this is for purposes of illustration only and that other body portions and action figures are also encompassed by the invention and such toy can be attached to other child-propelled wheeled vehicles besides bicycles. Other illustrative embodiments will be described below.

FIG. 2 illustrates, in accordance with one embodiment, how the rocket ship body portion 24 is attached to bicycle handlebars 26. In accordance with this embodiment rocket ship body portion 24 is securely mounted to bike handlebars 26 with recess 37 of the rocket ship body portion sitting on the middle point 36 of handlebars. The rocket ship body portion is held in this position by connector piece 38 and screw fasteners (not illustrated) or other conventional fastening mechanisms. The weight of the rocket ship body portion is comparable to many bicycle baskets, bells, and the like, so there is no added danger with having rocket ship body portion mounted to the bicycle handlebars in this manner.

FIG. 3 illustrates, in exploded view, details of the energy generation portion of the toy in accordance with one embodiment. Energy generation portion 30 contains a dynamo 40, with rotating axle 42, contact knob 44, left outer shell 46 and right outer shell 48. Right outer shell 48 and left outer shell 46 are coupled together with suitable fasteners. Dynamo 40 is held inside the shells such that axle 42 protrudes through hole 50 in right outer shell 48. Contact knob 44 is mounted on axle 42 such that when contact knob rotates, axle 42 rotates as well turning dynamo 40. Dynamo electrical contacts 56 connect to cable 28.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, energy generation portion 30 is attached with a suitable fastener such as a bolt and nut through hole 51 and a front brake frame hole 52 on the bicycle frame. The energy generation portion is positioned on the bicycle so that contact knob 44 rests on top of wheel 32 and is configured to rotate when wheel 32 rotates. The energy generation portion 30 is electrically connected to rocket ship body portion 24 by cable 28. Cable 28 is secured to the frame of the bicycle, for example, near the top of stem 54, but with enough slack to allow handlebars to rotate freely without restraint from the cable.

When energy generation mechanism 30 is securely affixed to the bicycle at hole 52, contact knob 44 and dynamo axle 42 will rotate as the bicycle wheel rotates. The rotation of the dynamo axle generates DC current. When DC current is generated, it is transferred to the rocket ship body portion of toy 20 via cable 28.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate circuits found in an embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 5, circuit 58 schematically illustrates circuit elements that are found between the energy generation portion 30 and the rocket ship body portion 24. Power generated by the dynamo 40 when the bicycle wheel rotates can be utilized to powers speaker 60, rear thruster lights 62, LED array 64, LCD screen 66 and the like (detailed below) that are selectively operable features resident on body portion 24. Although the selectively operable features may vary from embodiment to embodiment, a circuit such as this preferably is present in all embodiments. The selectively operable features on the rocket ship body portion of the toy can be powered regardless of whether or not a robot action figure is docked, so long as the energy generation portion is correctly mounted and the bicycle wheel is in motion.

When a robot action figure 22 is docked in rocket ship body portion 24 of the toy, the energy generation portion is configured to power a second, temporary circuit 68 consisting of the dynamo and the rechargeable battery 70 in the robot action figure as illustrated in FIG. 6. Power from the dynamo charges the rechargeable battery. This circuit is only complete when a robot action figure is docked to the rocket ship body portion of the toy.

Once the rechargeable battery 70 has charged past a minimum threshold, the battery is configured to provide power for circuit 72 in the robot action figure as illustrated in FIG. 7. Battery 70 is connected to selectively operable features such as energy indicator LED 74, microprocessor 78, speaker 80 which is activated by switch 84, and motor 82. This circuit, in some configuration, is present in the robot action figure whether or not the robot action figure is docked to the rocket ship body portion of the toy. The selectively operable features present in any action figure can vary from embodiment to embodiment.

FIGS. 8-11 illustrate, in right side, front, back, and bottom views, respectively, details of robot action figure 22 in accordance with one embodiment. Again, action figure 22 is here illustrated, for purposes of ease of description but without limitation, as a robot action figure. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the action figure and the selectively operable features of the action figure can take different forms. In accordance with this embodiment the outside of robot action figure 22 is made of front plastic shell 86 and back plastic shell 88, which are connected by fasters at points 90. Robot head 92 includes two antennae 94 which can rotate. Robot action figure also contains left leg 96, right leg 98, left arm 100, and right arm 102, which are all separate plastic pieces, held in places by front shell 86 and back shell 88. Each leg contains a wheel 104 which can rotate. At the bottom of the feet are visible electrical contacts 106.

FIG. 12 illustrates internal components of the robot action figure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention including a circuit board assembly 114 upon which a circuit such as circuit 72 (FIG. 7) can be implemented. Circuit board assembly 114 includes an energy storage mechanism, rechargeable battery 70, mounted on circuit board 113 inside robot action figure 22. Also mounted on circuit board 113 are energy indicator LED 74, switch 86, IR receiver 77, and microprocessor 78. Also inside plastic shell are speaker 80, electrical contacts 106, motor 82, and gear assembly 116.

As further illustrated in FIG. 12, button 108 rests above a switch on the circuit board (not illustrated in FIG. 7). Button 108 has a clear portion 109, surrounded by a solid colored ring 110. Light from an energy indicator LED 74 can be seen through the clear portion 109 of button 108. Speaker holes 112 are located above the button.

Sounds from speaker 80 in the robot action figure can be activated by pressing button 108. Different sounds are synthesized by microprocessor 78 depending on the power level in rechargeable battery 70. “Happy” robot sounds are created when battery is more than two-thirds charged. Monotone robot sounds are created when battery is one-third to two-thirds charged. “Sad” robot sounds are played when battery is less than one third charged, prompting a child to recharge the rechargeable battery with further activity. Different action figures have different sounds as relates to their characters.

Energy indicator LED 74 is preferably a tri-color LED and acts as a visual energy indicator. When rechargeable battery is fully charged, energy indicator LED 74 glows blue. When rechargeable battery is half-charged, energy indicator LED 74 glows green. When rechargeable battery energy level is nearly depleted, energy indicator LED 74 glows yellow.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention motion and sound features on robot action figure 22 can also be activated by remote control 118, as illustrated in FIG. 13 taken together with FIG. 12. Pressing button 120 on remote control 118 sends a signal received by IR receiver 77, processed by microprocessor 78 which activates motor 82. Motor 82 turns gear assembly 116 which turns wheels 104 so the robot spins. Pressing button 122 on remote control 118 sends a signal received by IR receiver 77, processed by microprocessor 78 which activates speaker 80 to make sounds. Pressing both button 120 and button 122 together at the same time causes robot to spin and make a “Wheee” sound or the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 14 taken together with FIGS. 1, 6 and 11, rechargeable battery 70 is connected to battery contacts 106 located in the right leg 96 and left leg 98 of the robot action figure 22. These contacts have a concave profile 124 which mates with convex connectors 126 in the rocket ship body portion of the toy, as shown in FIG. 14. When robot action figure is docked to the rocket ship body portion, battery contacts 106 in the robot action figures legs 96, 98 make electrical contact with metal connectors 126 in the rocket ship body portion. Robot action figure 22 is held in position by springs 128 in the rocket ship body portion of the toy. Springs 128 compress to release legs 96, 98 when robot action figure is pulled from rocket ship body portion of toy. The concave shape 124 and slight recession of the contacts 106 in robot action figure legs are a safety measure so that battery contacts are not exposed and cannot be easily contacted by a child.

Connectors 126 in the rocket ship body portion are electrically connected to the energy generation mechanism. Thus the action of docking the robot action figure 22 to rocket ship body portion 24 completes circuit 68 shown in FIG. 6 between rechargeable battery 70 and dynamo 40.

FIGS. 15-16 illustrate optional details of the rocket ship body portion of the toy in perspective and rear views, respectively, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 15, for example, windshield 129 is clear so the robot action figure can “see through it”.

As illustrated in FIG. 16 the selectively operated features of the rocket ship body portion 24 are viewable from the back of the rocket so the child can see them while riding the bicycle. Energy from the rechargeable battery powers thruster lights 62, imitation rocket sounds played through speaker holes 130, an LED array 64, and an LCD screen 66 in the rocket ship body portion of the toys. In accordance with one embodiment thruster lights 62 glow brighter and sounds through speaker holes 130 become louder as the speed of the wheel increases, providing positive feedback to the child for pedaling.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention the LED array 64, shown enlarged in FIG. 17, works as a speedometer display. As pedaling speed of the bicycle increases, more LEDs in the array light up, from left to right. The LEDs can be configured to shine through a multi-colored lens so that at slow speeds, the green portion 132 of the lens is lighted, at medium speeds the green portion 132 and yellow portion 134 are lighted, and at higher speeds, the green portion 132, yellow portion 134, and red portion 136 are lighted.

In accordance with another embodiment the LCD screen 66 illustrated in FIG. 16 turns on and displays information once pedaling starts. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the LCD screen can display distance traveled in numerals 138 and level of power created, displayed with a system of stars 140. Each star represents a small unit of energy created. Pressing button 142 (FIG. 16) toggles the display between distance and energy created, and pressing button 144 resets the information on the display to zero.

The body portion of the toy can also be configured with alternative selectively operable functions as illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 19, in accordance with these embodiments, body portion 24 uses energy from the energy generation portion to power a digital camera (not illustrated) which takes pictures with lens 148 as child rides the bicycle. As illustrated in FIG. 20, energy from the energy generation portion powers a digital music player. Controls 152 control music track playback.

FIGS. 21-24 and 25-28 illustrate alternative action figures 222 and 322, respectively in accordance with alternative embodiments of the invention. Illustrated in FIGS. 21-24 in side, front, back and bottom views respectively, is an alternate action figure, alien action figure 222. In accordance with one embodiment alien action figure 222 has front plastic shell 156 and back plastic shell 158 as well as head 160, right arm 162, left arm 164, and clear space visor 166. The alien action figure has clear button 168 which reveals light from an energy indicator LED and that can be pressed for sounds to be played from speaker holes 170. Alien action figure 222 preferably has different sounds than robot action figure 22 and makes different sounds depending on energy level in rechargeable battery 70. Alien action figure 222 has electrical contacts 172 in its legs and can be docked in rocket ship body portion 24 in the same way as robot action figure 22.

Illustrated in FIGS. 25-28 in side, front, back, and bottom views is a second alternate action figure, animal action figure 322. In accordance with one embodiment animal action figure 322 has front plastic shell 176, back plastic shell 178, front legs 180, and eyeball 182. Eyeball 182 can freely rotate within front shell 178. Animal action figure 322 has clear button 184 which reveals energy indication LED and can be pressed for sounds to be played from speaker holes 186. Animal action figure 322 can be configured to have different sounds than robot action figure 22 and alien action figure 222 and makes different sounds depending on energy level in rechargeable battery 70. Animal action figure 322 has electrical contacts 188 in right rear leg 190 and left rear leg 192 and can be docked in rocket ship body portion 24 in the same way as robot action figure 22.

All action figures can use the same circuit board assembly 114, as illustrated in FIG. 12. When a child breaks the plastic shell of an action figure or outgrows the character of an action figure, the shell can be removed and circuit board assembly 114 can be placed in a new shell representing a new character. Discarded shells can be recycled.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A toy comprising:

a body portion configured for attachment to a moveable object;

a selectively operable action portion configured for temporary attachment to the body portion;

an energy storage mechanism attached to the action portion and configured for storing energy upon movement of the moveable object; and

a selectively operable portion attached to the action portion and configured to be powered by the energy storage mechanism and to be selectively operable when the action figure is not attached to the body portion.

2. The toy of claim 1 further comprising:

a wheel coupled to the body portion and to the energy storage mechanism and configured to rotate when the body portion is attached to the moveable object and the moveable object is in motion and wherein rotation of the wheel initiates generation of energy for storage in the energy storage mechanism.

3. The toy of claim 2 further comprising a dynamo attached to the body portion and coupled to the wheel and to the energy storage mechanism and configured to generate electrical energy in response to rotation of the wheel.

4. The toy of claim 3 further comprising a selectively operable function connected to the body portion and the dynamo and powered by the dynamo.

5. The toy of claim 1 wherein the body portion comprises one of the group consisting of: a rocket ship, moon cruiser, car, and a plane.

6. The toy of claim 5 wherein the selectively operable portion comprises an element of the group consisting of: a light, a simulated speech center, an operable appendage, and operable drive wheels.

7. The toy of claim 6 further comprising:

a microcontroller attached to the action portion and coupled to the selectively operable portion; and

a controller remote from the action portion and in communication with the microcontroller for activating the selectively operable portion.

8. A toy comprising:

a body portion configured for attachment to a wheel of a child powered vehicle;

a dynamo attached to the body portion and configured to generate electrical energy in response to rotation of the wheel;

an action portion configured for temporary attachment to the body portion;

a rechargeable battery attached to the action portion, coupled to the dynamo, and configured to receive electrical energy from the dynamo; and

an operative portion attached to the action portion, selectively coupled to the rechargeable battery, and operative when the action portion is separated from the body portion.

9. The toy of claim 8 further comprising a rotatable body attached to the body portion and coupled to the dynamo and configured to rotate when the wheel of the child powered vehicle is rotated.

10. The toy of claim 8 further comprising a remote controller spaced apart from the action portion for remotely controlling the operative portion.

11. The toy of claim 8 further comprising second operative portions couple to the body portion.

12. The toy of claim 8 further comprising a second selectively operative portion connected to the body portion and to the dynamo.

13. A toy comprising:

a body portion configured for attachment to the wheel of a bicycle;

an action figure configured for docking in contact with the body portion;

a rechargeable battery attached to the action figure;

a charging circuit coupled to the body portion and configured to charge the rechargeable battery in response to rotation of the wheel of the bicycle;

a first operative feature attached to the body portion and to the rechargeable battery and configured to be operatively powered by the rechargeable battery; and

a second operative feature attached to the action figure and configured to be powered by the rechargeable battery when the action figure is not docked to the body portion.

14. The toy of claim 13 wherein the charging circuit comprises a dynamo coupled to the rechargeable battery and configured to generate electrical energy in response to rotation of the wheel.

15. The toy of claim 14 further comprising a rotatable member coupled to the body portion and to the dynamo and positioned to press against the wheel of the bicycle and configured to rotate in response to rotation of the wheel of the bicycle to operate the dynamo.

16. The toy of claim 13 further comprising:

a microcontroller attached to the action figure;

a remote controller spaced apart from the action figure and configured to communicate with the microcontroller to control the second operative feature.

17. The toy of claim 13 wherein the first operative feature comprises one of the group consisting of: a light, a speech simulator; a sound generator, a speedometer, and a digital camera.

18. The toy of claim 11 wherein the action figure comprises a molded plastic body having a shape selected from the group consisting of: an animal figure, an action figure, and a robot.

19. The toy of claim 13 wherein the body portion comprises a molded figure portraying a figure selected from the group consisting: of a rocket ship, a plane, a moon cruiser, and a car.

20. The toy of claim 13 further comprising an energy indicator configured to indicate generated power level.