Walking Patents (Class 446/355)
  • Patent number: 10836032
    Abstract: A leg assembly of a robot comprising a waist includes a thigh rotatably coupled to the waist, a lower leg rotatably coupled to the thigh, a foot rotatably coupled to the lower leg, a servo fixe to the thigh, a first transmission mechanism configured to transmit motion from the servo to the thigh to drive the thigh to rotate with respect to the waist; a second transmission mechanism configured to transmit motion from the thigh to the lower leg to drive the lower leg to flex when the thigh move upward and extend when the thigh move downward; and a third transmission mechanism configured rotatably connected to the thigh and the foot in such a way that the foot dorsiflexes from an original position when the lower leg is flexing and rotates back toward the original position when the lower leg is extending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: UBTECH ROBOTICS CORP
    Inventors: Youjun Xiong, Defu Liu, Gao Yang, Zuyi Mao, Xinpu Chen
  • Patent number: 9675896
    Abstract: A walking toy includes a body on which gravity center position adjusting members and paired legs are supported to be able to swing in a forward/backward direction, and a gearbox which has a crank mechanism for forcibly swinging the paired legs alternately forward and backward in a forcible swinging direction and which is mounted in the body. Each of the paired legs has a bottom which is configured to be in contact with a floor surface and which is formed into a curved face curved in the forcible swinging direction. The gearbox is driven by a torsion coil spring and has a lever which rotates a drive gear of a gear train for transmitting rotation of the torsion coil spring to an output shaft for rotating the crank mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: MD Works Company Limited
    Inventors: Ryota Morikawa, Takayuki Takano
  • Patent number: 9233312
    Abstract: A doll is provided which performs dance motions and may be used as an instructional aide. In a novel instructional method, a dancer is instructed to perform dance motions by observing and repeating the sequence of motions performed by the doll. Dance motions, such as the pliƩ, are performed by the doll in a fluent, life-like manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Inventors: Mary Dressendofer, Catherine Vigliotti
  • Patent number: 9183346
    Abstract: Embodiments provided herein generally relate to robotic limbs and uses thereof. In some embodiments, a motor for driving movement of the limb is provided. In some embodiments, the motor for driving movement of the limb can itself be repositioned, thereby altering the forces and/or torque involved in moving and/or operating the limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: Masaaki Mihara
  • Publication number: 20140295729
    Abstract: An articulating ornament is in the form of a sports figurine wherein the figurine is secured to a target surface via a post. The legs of the figurine move up and down and slightly forward and back to give the appearance that the figurine is running The arms of the figurine may also arc up and down to further the running illusion. The figurine holds a desired sports implement in one hand, which implement can be swapped out for a different implement. The figurine is capable of emitting light and sound outputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Sharon L. Blalock, William B. McBride
  • Patent number: 8500512
    Abstract: A motorized doll includes an upper body portion and a lower body portion. The upper body portion may include a torso and a pair of arms. The lower body portion may include a pelvis connected to the torso at a universal joint, a pair of legs, and a pair of feet rotatable with respect to the legs. The doll is actuated to walk by a torso motor which drives the torso to tilt and rotate about the universal joint, which causes the doll to shift from foot to foot and repeatedly rotate forwards in a realistic walking motion. The doll includes a shoulder motor for rotating the pair of arms and a pelvis motor for driving the legs between a standing position and one of a crawling position or sitting position depending on the position of the pair of arms when the doll is tipped forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Bang Zoom Design, Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael G. Hoeting
  • Publication number: 20120322340
    Abstract: A motorized doll includes an upper body portion and a lower body portion. The upper body portion may include a torso and a pair of arms. The lower body portion may include a pelvis connected to the torso at a universal joint, a pair of legs, and a pair of feet rotatable with respect to the legs. The doll is actuated to walk by a torso motor which drives the torso to tilt and rotate about the universal joint, which causes the doll to shift from foot to foot and repeatedly rotate forwards in a realistic walking motion. The doll includes a shoulder motor for rotating the pair of arms and a pelvis motor for driving the legs between a standing position and one of a crawling position or sitting position depending on the position of the pair of arms when the doll is tipped forward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: BANG ZOOM DESIGN
    Inventor: Michael G. Hoeting
  • Patent number: 8241085
    Abstract: A motorized doll includes an upper body portion and a lower body portion. The upper body portion may include a torso and a pair of arms. The lower body portion may include a pelvis connected to the torso at a universal joint, a pair of legs, and a pair of feet rotatable with respect to the legs. The doll is actuated to walk by a torso motor which drives the torso to tilt and rotate about the universal joint, which causes the doll to shift from foot to foot and repeatedly rotate forwards in a realistic walking motion. The doll includes a shoulder motor for rotating the pair of arms and a pelvis motor for driving the legs between a standing position and one of a crawling position or sitting position depending on the position of the pair of arms when the doll is tipped forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Bang Zoom Design, Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael G. Hoeting
  • Patent number: 7938708
    Abstract: An articulated walking device, configured for movement across a surface, includes a frame and a plurality of leg assemblies movably engaged with the frame. Each leg assembly includes a leg member configured to rotate with respect to the frame about first and second axes at least generally transverse to one another. A drive mechanism operatively engaged with the plurality of leg assemblies actuates each of the leg members in like, predetermined, repeatable cycles of movement. The leg members are out of phase with one another, such that sufficient leg members are always supporting the toy device in an upright manner and immediately adjoining leg members do not move together in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: William Willet, Vladimir Leonov
  • Patent number: 7862398
    Abstract: A robot toy including one block to which a servo is installed, another block joined to the one block by fitting an output shaft of the servo to a shaft hole, and a shaft hole diameter adjustment member to change a diameter of the shaft hole so as to be in a condition where the shaft hole is loosely fitted to the output shaft or a condition where the shaft hole is tightly fitted to the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yosuke Yoneda, Kimitaka Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20100216370
    Abstract: A motorized doll includes an upper body portion and a lower body portion. The upper body portion may include a torso and a pair of arms. The lower body portion may include a pelvis connected to the torso at a universal joint, a pair of legs, and a pair of feet rotatable with respect to the legs. The doll is actuated to walk by a torso motor which drives the torso to tilt and rotate about the universal joint, which causes the doll to shift from foot to foot and repeatedly rotate forwards in a realistic walking motion. The doll includes a shoulder motor for rotating the pair of arms and a pelvis motor for driving the legs between a standing position and one of a crawling position or sitting position depending on the position of the pair of arms when the doll is tipped forward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: BANG ZOOM design, Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael G. Hoeting
  • Publication number: 20090069935
    Abstract: A system and method of distributed control of an interactive animatronic show is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of animatronic actors, at least one of the actors comprising a processor and one or more motors controlled by the processor. The system also includes a network interconnecting each of the actors, and a plurality of sensors providing messages to the network, where the messages are indicative of processed information. Each processor executes software that schedules and/or coordinates an action of the actor corresponding to the processor in accordance with the sensor messages representative of attributes of an audience viewing the show and the readiness of the corresponding actor. Actions of the corresponding actor can comprise animation movements of the actor, responding to another actor and/or responding to a member of the audience. The actions can result in movement of at least a component of the actor caused by control of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexis Paul Wieland
  • Publication number: 20080108276
    Abstract: An articulated walking device, configured for movement across a surface, includes a frame and a plurality of leg assemblies movably engaged with the frame. Each leg assembly includes a leg member configured to rotate with respect to the frame about first and second axes at least generally transverse to one another. A drive mechanism operatively engaged with the plurality of leg assemblies actuates each of the leg members in like, predetermined, repeatable cycles of movement. The leg members are out of phase with one another, such that sufficient leg members are always supporting the toy device in an upright manner and immediately adjoining leg members do not move together in parallel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: William Willett, Vladimir Leonov
  • Patent number: 7338341
    Abstract: An animated toy effectively mimics human dance steps such as the Hokey Pokey with upper and lower halves of the torso pivoting about a diagonal waist laterally upwardly sloping to the left so that a left arm may be put forward and back. A spin/shake drive mechanism in a left leg selectively rotates the toy about a spin disk when activated in one direction and rotating a shake cam against the upper half of the torso when activated in another direction, thereby achieving each portion of the dance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Bang Zoom Design Ltd., LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Hoeting, Steven K. Hurt, Steven T. Fink
  • Patent number: 7270590
    Abstract: A toy doll may include a body supported by a skeletal structure including one or more joint assemblies. A joint assembly may include a pivot block further including a pivot stop, and a joint member rotatably coupled to the pivot block, the joint member further including a stop protrusion configured to engage the pivot stop upon rotation of the joint member in a predetermined direction, wherein engagement of the pivot stop prevents further rotation of the joint member in a predetermined direction, wherein the joint member is moveable through a predetermined range of motion transverse to the plane of rotation of the joint member, and wherein movement of the joint member transverse to the plane of rotation allows the stop protrusion to bypass the pivot stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon C. Marine, Joe Carl Ward, Elizabeth Libretti
  • Patent number: 7238079
    Abstract: In one aspect, a supported walking system is disclosed, comprising a robotic walking figure and a wheeled support that at least partially supports the robotic walking figure. The supported walking system may be driven and controlled by a human operator. Computer algorithms automatically control the robot's walking functions so that it may step forwards, backwards, and sideways in synchronicity with the movements of the cart while driving and turning at varying speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Disney Enterprise, Inc.
    Inventors: Akhil Jiten Madhani, Holger Irmler, Alexis P. Wieland, Bryan S. Tye
  • Patent number: 7163430
    Abstract: A movable toy animal having legs that are controlled by a motor operated teeter-totter assembly. The motor is bi-directional and sequentially moves the legs in opposite directions to move the animal in a forward walking, running or turning direction. Various switches and mechanisms are provided to obtain the desired movement by a battery operated program controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventors: Bruce D. Lund, Michael D. Slarrick, Sunil Moothedath
  • Publication number: 20040219861
    Abstract: In one aspect, a supported walking system is disclosed, comprising a robotic walking figure and a wheeled support that at least partially supports the robotic walking figure. The supported walking system may be driven and controlled by a human operator. Computer algorithms automatically control the robot's walking functions so that it may step forwards, backwards, and sideways in synchronicity with the movements of the cart while driving and turning at varying speeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Akhil Jiten Madhani, Holger Irmler, Alexis P. Wieland, Bryan S. Tye
  • Patent number: 6752683
    Abstract: An animated figure is provided with a body and at least one jointed appendage that is pivotably coupled thereto. Motive force is provided to a shaft having a cam which is coupled to a follower formed within the appendage to pivot the appendage with respect to the body. A control rod extends between the cam and the joint of the appendage to enable the joint to bend as the appendage is pivoted. Additional joints and control rods may be provided depending on the appendage movement desired. Likewise, multiple appendages, including a neck and head, may be provided and coupled to one another to impart a natural movement to the figure, such as walking or running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas P. Godfrey
  • Patent number: 6645036
    Abstract: The present invention includes a toy figure having a torso connected to a first leg and a second leg. A first motor is secured in the torso and is in communication with a first gear train, which is meshed to a fastener in the first leg, such that when the figure is in a standing position, the first motor causes the torso to move in relation to the first leg. A second motor is secured in the second leg and is in communication with a second gear train, which is rotatably attached to the torso such that when the figure is in the standing position, the second motor causes the second leg to move in relation to the first leg along the axis. A circuit board has pre-programmed instructions that when the figure is in the standing position controls the motors such that the figure walks across the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Lund and Company Invention, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Bruce D. Lund, Michael Starrick, Krishnan Srirangam, Sunil William Moothedath
  • Patent number: 6629871
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a transmission mechanism for motion toy comprising a transmission box including a transmission gear set having an input meshed with a driven wheel and an output meshed with at least one idler gear; and a leg assembly including at least one pair of legs each having one end pivotably connected to a point in the idler gear distal from its shaft and the other end pivotably connected to one end of a foot. When the driven wheel is driven by a driver element the transmission mechanism can indirectly drive the idler gear and shift the leg horizontally. In such a manner, a motion toy having a plurality of the transmission mechanisms can walk step by step on a planar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Da-Ming Liu
  • Patent number: 6620021
    Abstract: An oscillation device of a motion toy includes a variety of moveable shells configured for receiving the oscillation device, a first transmission box, a first link member, and an end arcuate groove near in one of the shells. One or more cams are provided on the first transmission box. Each cam is coupled to a first shaft of the first transmission box so that during a rotation of the cams as activated by the first shaft, another shell is capable of being pushed by one cam. Hence, the cams and the first link member are operative to move together wherein the first link member moves reciprocally in the arcuate groove, thereby enabling an oscillation by the moving first link member to move the another shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Da-Ming Liu
  • Patent number: 6602106
    Abstract: A walking device (10) comprising a body portion (11), defining a front, a rear and sides extending between the front and rear. A pair of legs (12) are disposed on each side of the body portion (11) and are connected at an upper end thereto and define a heel (18) at the other end. A foot (13) is disposed at the lower end of each leg (12). The legs (18) are connected to the body portion (11), by a pair of spaced-apart shafts (15, 16) and each shaft includes an eccentric end portion (15b, 16b), which is received in an opening formed in each respective leg (12). One of the openings (21) is a journal opening which confines the end portion (16b) to rotation relative to the leg (12), while the second opening (23) is formed as a slot and permits the end portion (15b) rotational and lengthwise movement within the opening (23) relative to the leg (12). Rotation of the pair of shafts (15, 16) causes the legs (12) to move in a walking motion, in generally opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Lik Yuen Cheung
  • Patent number: 6478652
    Abstract: A two-legged body includes at least two legs, and oscillation element and connecting element for the mutual coupling of the legs and the oscillation element, wherein the legs are pivotable in relation to the connecting element and during operation undergo a reciprocating angular displacement in relation to the connecting element, depending on the oscillation element. The oscillation element includes at least two springs for the generation of antagonistic forces, which springs each are coupled at one side with a leg, and together with the mass present in the body they are able to form a vibrating mass-spring system. The spring stiffness of at least one spring is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Technische Universiteit Delft
    Inventor: Richard Quint Van der Linde
  • Patent number: 6462498
    Abstract: An apparatus that is capable of achieving self-stabilization while walking comprises two front legs and two rear legs with each leg having three joints including a hip joint, an upper leg joint, and a lower leg joint. Each joint is powered by a motor and is monitored by an encoder, totaling twelve of each for the entire apparatus. Stability is maintained by adding weight to the two front legs and by positioning a separate weight toward the front and middle of the apparatus, thereby moving the center of balance of the apparatus further within the stability envelope of the apparatus. As a result, the apparatus maintains its stability by itself without the need for additional CPU's. The apparatus also includes an animation motor that is capable of causing the apparatus to make non-ambulatory movement and a cartridge slot which allows the user to download new programming which facilitates new behavior being exhibited by the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Andrew S. Filo
  • Publication number: 20020111113
    Abstract: An apparatus that is capable of achieving self-synchronized walking and turning includes a first motor that is attached to the apparatus that is in communication with a first limb and a second motor, independent from the first motor, that is attached to the apparatus and is in communication with a second limb. Initially, the lateral phase differential is set at 180 degrees and is maintained by a dampening mechanism that is interposed between the two limbs, or other movable members mechanically linked thereto, making sure that apparatus walks in a straight line. Regulators may forcibly upset this balance by speeding up one of the motors, thereby overcoming the force exerted by the damper mechanism, causing one limb to move faster than the other limb. This results in the apparatus turning in a prescribed radius.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Andrew S. Filo
  • Patent number: 6350170
    Abstract: A swinging structure for a mechanical animal includes a housing and a shell. The housing has disposed therein a shaft and a rod. The shaft has an eccentric wheel and a worm gear mounted thereon. The rod is provided with a worm that engages the worm gear. The outer wall of the shaft is provided with at least one post. These posts are fitted with a T-shaped actuated plate. The end of the actuated plate that is connected to the posts is provided with an elongated groove. The opposite end thereof is provided with a pin. The other side of the elongated groove is provided with a notch that can just accommodate the outer edge of the eccentric wheel. The shell is provided with an actuated rod corresponding to the pin. When the eccentric wheel rotates, due to the notch that moves along the outer edge of the eccentric wheel, the actuated plate can oscillate within the elongated groove thereof, and the pin thereon can actuate the actuated rod to cause the shell to oscillate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Da-Ming Liu
  • Patent number: 6210249
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical model of an animal, especially a toy dog with forelegs and hind legs which are pivotally arranged around a first pivot with a rotation axis perpendicular to the direction of movement of the animal model, wherein the forelegs are articulated by a first drive mechanism with a first gear unit and a first drive axis. Said arrangement is configured in such a way that at least one hind leg is pivotally arranged around a second pivot, wherein the rotation axes of the hind leg are tilted in relation to each other at a given angle and a second drive mechanism is provided for selectable movement of the hind leg around the second pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Andreas Stadlbauer
  • Patent number: 6190230
    Abstract: A walking and rocking toy device has a base seat, a transmission mechanism, a hollow cylinder casing, and an annular cover. The hollow cylinder casing covers the base seat. The transmission mechanism is disposed between the base seat and the hollow cylinder casing. The hollow cylinder casing has a center portion and an annular recess receiving the annular cover. A micromotion switch device is disposed on the center portion of the hollow cylinder casing. A cell box is disposed on the base seat. A cell box cover is disposed on a bottom of the base seat to cover the cell box. A contact starting switch is disposed on a lateral of the cell box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Chin-Jung Hou
  • Patent number: 6149491
    Abstract: A doll includes a body and a head, two legs and two arms, each movably attached to the body. The doll includes a mechanism connected with the head, with each of the legs, and with the arms. The mechanism is configured to displace the legs frontwardly with respect to the body in alternating succession and to displace the head in lateral directions with respect to the body such that the head moves toward one lateral side of the body as one of the legs displaces frontwardly from the opposite lateral side of the body. Movement of the legs displaces the body of the doll in either a walking or a crawling mode. Further, a motor is connected with the mechanism to drive the mechanism to displace the legs, arms and head with respect to the body. An electrical circuit is connected with the motor and has a microphone. The circuit is configured to drive the motor when the microphone receives sound, particularly a user-generated command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Abraham A. Arad, Janos Beny
  • Patent number: 6146235
    Abstract: A movement assembly particularly for the legs of a doll comprises a geared transmission whereof the end wheel, supported on the body structure of the doll, has two opposite eccentric pins (48,48'), one for eah leg. On each of the pins a movable U-shoped element (50') is rotatably engaged and is mounted and restrained to the body structure of the doll in order to be driven by the respective eccentric pin in an upward and downward motion and simultaneously an oscillating movement. The U-shaped element has a pin (58) for assembly of the leg, which can be mounted thereon with the possibility of being rotated around the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Giochi Preziosi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Sostene Migliorati
  • Patent number: 6095887
    Abstract: The mechanism comprises an electric motor 12 capable of rotating in two directions and transmitting rotational movement through an endless belt 14 and two reducer trains 15, 16 to a clutch assembly 17 comprising a center drive wheel 18 and two driven wheels or pinions 19, 20, one on each side, which rotate in a mutually excluding manner depending on the rotational direction of drive wheel 18, its facing side surfaces presenting saw teeth 21, 22 of an appropriate configuration. When the mechanism is activated by removing the pacifier 5 from the doll's mouth, a first phase is executed, consisting in an unsteady walking motion generated by eccentric discs 25 and connecting rods 26, 27; after a specified time has elapsed, this passes on to a second phase consisting in a fall and subsequent upright recovery of the doll, driven by a central wheel 32. FIG. 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Onilco Innovacion S.A.
    Inventor: Jaime Ferri Llorens
  • Patent number: 6036572
    Abstract: An electrically-powered device incorporated in a toy comprising a motor-driven mechanism and a pair of robotic-limbs each with a resilient sucker to emulate human walking motion on vertical wall or on ceiling, providing the surface is virtually smooth and leveled. The motor and gear assembly is housed in the gearbox while a gear-engaged shaft adjoins a pair of driving wheels, which output the force to a pair of geneva wheels. The geneva wheels that are coupled with the limbs rotate in varied velocity as long as the driving studs of the driving wheel dwells. A lever is disposed in the limb and is actuated by the driven wheel to lift up the sucker that is located at the bottom of the limb, whenever the limb is designated to leave the surface. The pair of driving wheels are properly orientated while one of the geneva wheels is arranged at 180 degree out of phase to its counterpart to ensure either one of the limbs clinched firmly onto the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Chau-King Sze
  • Patent number: 5823845
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a toy having a body for housing and supporting its various constituent elements, the elements including: a gyroscopic mechanism, mounted therein so as to gyrostabilize the toy, which includes a rotor mounted on an axle and a mechanism for attaching the axle so that it is free to rotate about one or both of two axes which are perpendicular to each other and to the axis of spin; a selectively, intermittently operable drive mechanism for causing the axle and the rotor to spin with sufficient speed to gyrostabilize the toy; one or more appendages attached to and supported by the body portion of the toy, optionally operatively connected by a transmission to the selectively, intermittently operable drive mechanism, or to an independent drive mechanism, for moving the one or more appendages in a predetermined manner; and a mechanism for permitting independent directional movement of the toy, on which the body portion is supported and which resists the natural precessional forces of the gyroscopic
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Kieran Bergin, Inc.
    Inventor: Kieran J. O'Berrigan
  • Patent number: 5628668
    Abstract: Complicated movements of a walking doll such as going frontward or backward while making a big turn or making a turn in place is possible if the walking doll includes a body with a gear unit for supporting and driving a pair of feet having the same length and moved in an oscillating manner in the front/rear direction with respect to the body without restraint. The doll stands erect on the feet since they have surfaces which stay in contact with the floor. These surfaces have a curvature in the oscillating direction and the curvature is constantly in contact with the floor. A member for adjusting the position of a gravitational center of the doll is swiveled or deformed on a first plane parallel to the oscillation direction and another plane orthogonal to the first plane. This can three-dimensionally shift the center of gravity frontward or backward or to a side region of the doll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Seikoken Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kunitaka Takemae
  • Patent number: 5501628
    Abstract: A unique, visually enhancing and exciting entertainment system is obtained by providing an elongated path or track, along which a plurality of objects automatically advance, with the objects constructed to perform independent animated movements in direct synchronization with each other. In addition to the coordinated, synchronized, independent movement of each of the objects as the objects movably advance along the track or pathway, the present invention is also constructed to enable each object to perform a separate and unique activity, completely distinguishable from the normal animated movement being performed by the object as the object moves along the path. In this way, further excitement and visual stimulation is provided and an entertainment system is attained which provides long-term benefits and interest to the viewers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Link Group International
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, Deborah J. McDarren
  • Patent number: 5326302
    Abstract: This invention refers to a perfected roller-skating doll of the type that alternately moves its legs and head in sync, and which has two speeds that alternate while the doll is in operation. The system is based on a gear mechanism worked by a motor which includes features that allow a cog wheel to axially move so that it can engage alternately with one or another pinion, of different sizes, in order to achieve the two speeds. The mechanism is complemented with a drum which is made to revolve in order to transmit movement to the legs. The drum in question is provided with a winding, ring-shaped groove inside which a pin emerging from each corresponding leg freely moves. This pin joins each corresponding to the mechanism assembly and, in particular, to the drum groove. On the shaft on which the drum-affecting pinion is mounted, there is a socket integral with the pinion, and which houses a widened section of the aforementioned shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Fabricas Agrupadas de Munecas de Onil, S.A.
    Inventor: Jaime F. Llorens
  • Patent number: 5238441
    Abstract: A roller-skating doll includes a gear mechanism operated by an electric motor. The gear mechanism provides a revolving movement to a drum having a winding, ring-shaped groove containing two pins belonging to levers that actuate the legs of the doll. These levers are linked to two other levers, articulated in the middle, which convey the movement to the arms of the doll. There is also an eccentric on the outlet shaft of the drum in order to translate the movement to the head of the doll. The winding groove provided in the drum ensures that the movements of the legs, arms and head of the doll are synchronized. In addition, there is a device that causes the mechanism to stop for a moment and then to start again, as well as a clutch which allows the motor to idle in the event the doll would fall over if blocked by an obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Fabricas Agrupadas de Munecas de Onil S.A.
    Inventor: Jaime F. Llorens
  • Patent number: 5224896
    Abstract: A motorized, self supporting ambulatory doll having pivoting foot or ankle, knee and hip joints with internal hidden parallelogram linkages driving the legs in a realistic articulation as the doll walks or jogs. In addition, the doll's torso, head and arms pivot in cooperation and synchronization with the movement of the legs to enhance the realism of the movement of the doll. Two speed operation of the doll provides for selective walking or jogging operation and electronic speech is coordinated with the selected speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Breslow, Morrison, Terzian & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Rouben T. Terzian
  • Patent number: 5158493
    Abstract: A robotic biped, quadruped or the like including a skeletal frame having right and left leg/foot assemblies, skeletal structure interconnecting the right and left leg/foot assemblies with freedom for movement relative to one another in respective ones of spaced parallel vertical planes and with one leg/foot assembly leading the other when both are firmly planted on the ground, right and left leg actuating mechanisms for raising and advancing respective ones of the left and right leg/foot assemblies mounted on respective ones of the right and left leg/foot assemblies, a remotely operable motor/transmission carried by the skeletal frame with freedom for right-to-left and left-to-right translation into the one of the right and left spaced parallel vertical planes containing the leading ground-engaged leg/foot assembly, a clutch or coupling mechanism for coupling the motor/transmission to the one of the right and left actuating mechanisms mounted on the leading one of the ground-engaged right and left leg/foot as
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventor: Richard Morgrey
  • Patent number: 5088954
    Abstract: A doll with articulated legs that are motor driven to pivot in an alternating, out-of-phase, motion to simulate walking has switch controls actuatable by user manipulation of an arm and hand of the doll. Rotation of the arm energizes the motor while squeezing a depressible portion of the hand selectively increases the power to the motor and hence the walking speed of the doll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Breslow, Morrison, Terzian & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Rouben T. Terzian, Donald A. Rosenwinkel
  • Patent number: 5045015
    Abstract: A doll having a pair of mechanically driven legs for enabling the doll to move over a surface when held in an upright position. The doll includes a body portion for housing and supporting various elements of the doll. A pair of leg members are mounted on the body portion and extend therefrom for movement with respect to the body portion. A drive mechanism is drivingly connected to the leg members for moving the leg members with respect to the body portion and with respect to each other, such that the doll moves over a surface when held in an upright position. The doll includes a pair of feet positioned which are biased such that when the doll moves over a surface only the toe portions of the feet contact the surface. Additionally, the left arm and head member are drivingly connected to the drive mechanism such that when the leg members move, the head member and left arm member pivotally reciprocate with respect to the body portion to provide the doll with a ballerina-like fluidic motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Tyco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Avi Arad, Janos Beny, Berne E. Danielson
  • Patent number: 4944708
    Abstract: A moving doll toy capable of positively and repeatedly carrying out walking action and being protected from damage due to misoperation. The moving doll toy includes each pair of arms and legs pivotally connected to a body so as to be pivotally moved in forward and backward directions and a driving structure. The driving structure includes a motor, a gear transmission mechanism connected to the motor, each pair of first and second cams connected to an output shaft of the gear transmission mechanism, and each pair of first and second connecting members engaged with the first and second cams and operatively connected to the arms and legs, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Takara Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Haruo Kawabe
  • Patent number: 4878874
    Abstract: A character includes legs that pivot as well as move up and down relative to the torso either in an alternating, out of phase, walking simulating motion or simultaneously, in phase, to simulate rocking, as selected by the user. Movement of the legs is effected by a reversible motor driving a pair of crank disks that engage the legs connected to the torso by a pin received in a slot. One disk is fixed to the shaft and the other disk is rotatable about the shaft but is engaged by a peg that is received in a semicircular recess in a face of the other disk to, depending on the direction of rotation of the shaft, either drive the other disk in phase with the fixed disk or out of phase with the fixed disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: Marvin Glass & Associates
    Inventor: Rouben T. Terzian
  • Patent number: 4878878
    Abstract: A system for stabilizing, powering and controlling walking animatronic figures or vehicles by magnetically attracting and/or repelling the feet of such structures, using various cooperative combinations of interacting ferromagnetic plates and electromagnets to guide and stabilize the structures along a platform, as well as facilitating transformer coupling of AC power and/or command signals from the platform to the walking figure without the need for an umbilical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: The Walt Disney Company
    Inventor: Ronny E. Bittner
  • Patent number: 4824415
    Abstract: A doll with articulated legs and an articulated neck is releasably connected to a motor driven, steerable, remote controlled shopping cart. Movement of the cart causes a cam driven set of handles, to which the doll is attached, to pivot from side-to-side causing the doll to rock from side-to-side alternately lifting one leg and then the other. The accessory has two motors driving separate wheel axles that are each connected through a spring clutch to independently drive the cam. Remote control of the separate motors effects turning of the accessory. As each side of the doll is lifted from the ground, the respective leg is lifted and an eccentric weight within the lifted leg causes the leg to step forwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: Marvin Glass & Associates
    Inventors: Horst-Dieter Herbstler, Rouben T. Terzian
  • Patent number: 4795395
    Abstract: An animal motion toy wherein a toy body modeled in the form of an animal has movable arm frames on both sides, movable leg frames on both sides, an openable mouth portion, and a built-in sounding member. The arm frames are rotated by a first crankshaft incorporated in the toy body and the mouth portion is opened and closed and the sounding member makes a sound by a second crankshaft incorporated in the toy body. The leg frames are moved by a third crankshaft incorporated in the toy body. A gear changeover mechanism is connected to a motor which is turned on when a microphone provided in the toy body receives a sound generated by an external signal. The gear changeover mechanism is operative to drive either said first and second crankshafts or said third crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Iwaya Corporation
    Inventors: Shingo Oishi, Toshihiro Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 4613315
    Abstract: A doll toy comprising hollow upper and lower body portions. The lower body portions are adapted to wag relative to the upper body portion by a swinging mechanism provided within the upper and lower body portions. The doll toy has a switch provided within a mouth portion and adapted to be actuated by a teething ring or the like for actuating a motor to drive the swinging mechanism. The legs of the doll toy are adapted to be bent around knee portions. With this arrangement, the doll toy can assume a crawling mode and an upright walking mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1986
    Assignee: Takara Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Isamu Kataoka
  • Patent number: 4555237
    Abstract: A toy has a body with a fly wheel rotatably mounted in the body. First and second appendages are rotatably mounted to the body and are connected to the fly wheel by a gear train. Further, a member is movably mounted on the body. When the member is in a first position the gear train is connected between the fly wheel and the appendages to move the appendages and propel the toy in a walking-like manner across a support surface. When the member is in a second position on the body the gear train is disrupted, the body is flipped so as to rest on the fly wheel, and the body is then rolled by the fly wheel across a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Assignee: Tomy Kogyo Company, Incorporated
    Inventor: Teruo Nikaido
  • Patent number: 4480834
    Abstract: A toy has a base with a surface thereon. A portion of the surface is movable with respect to the remainder of the surface. A target is mounted on a pedestal above the surface. A self-propelled object is associated with the surface. The object is of the type having a body section and a pedestal section, with a motor located in the body section which is capable of moving the pedestal section with respect to the body section. The object further includes a hand-shaped member which is capable of locking with a post which projects upwardly from the surface of the base near the movable portion of the surface. A moving member is associated with the movable portion of the surface for moving that portion. The moving member is utilized to move the movable portion of the surface such that when the object is located on that portion as the portion moves then the object is also moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: Tomy Kogyo Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Koichi Minami