US20190262730A1 - Toy figurine having alternative movement configurations - Google Patents

Abstract

A toy figurine comprising a body, one or more appendages movably connected to the body, and a selector attached to the body. The selector is configurable between a disengaged setting and an engaged setting. Setting the selector to the disengaged setting causes the one or more appendages to be positioned in a default configuration and limited to movement within a first range of motion. Setting the selector to the engaged setting causes the one or more appendages to be positioned in an engaged configuration and limited to movement within a second range of motion.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates generally to toy figurines, and in particular toy figurines with one or more movable appendages, such as toy action figures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Toy figurines include dolls and action figures that model humans, animals, robots, aliens, and other real and fictional entities. To enhance the playability of these toy figurines, it is common for toy figurines to have points of articulation and/or moving parts that allow for posing and/or movement. For example, many action figures provide movement features that mimic human actions such as running, jumping, punching or kicking. These movement features add another layer of playability to the action figure, which further enhances its play value.
• The movement features of a toy figurine typically consist of a limited set of actions. Depending on the actions available, this may result in limited playability of the toy figurine. Thus, it is desirable for a toy figurine to have multiple sets of actions or movement configurations. Additionally, there may be a desire for the toy figurine to display a specific pose and have a separate set of alternative and/or restricted movements for demonstration purposes while it is in its toy packaging. Therefore, there is a need for a toy figurine having multiple movement configurations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention provides a toy figurine having alternative movement configurations. Depending on the setting of a selector located on the toy figurine, the toy figurine positions itself into a respective configuration that allows for a particular set of movements and/or range of motions. This plurality of configurations greatly enhances the playability of the toy figurine. Additionally, in some instances, the plurality of configurations allows the toy figurine to display certain demonstrative movements within its toy packaging that are different from its full set of actions.
• According to one aspect of the present invention, a toy figurine is provided. The toy figurine comprises a body, one or more appendages movably connected to the body, and a selector attached to the body. The selector is configurable between a disengaged setting and an engaged setting. Setting the selector to the disengaged setting causes the one or more appendages to be (a) positioned in a default configuration and (b) limited to movement within a first range of motion. Furthermore, setting the selector to the engaged setting causes the one or more appendages to be (a) positioned in an engaged configuration and (b) limited to movement within a second range of motion. In one or more embodiments, the first range of motion is greater than the second range of motion. For example, the second range of motion can be a portion of the first range of motion.
• The toy figurine also comprises a drive means that imparts movement to the one or more appendages. In one or more embodiments, an actuator is operably connected to the drive means. Operating the actuator in a particular manner causes the one or more appendages to move within the first range of motion when the selector is in the disengaged setting. Operating the actuator in the particular manner causes the one or more appendages to move within the second range of motion when the selector is in the engaged setting. In some embodiments, positioning the selector in the engaged setting partially restricts the drive means in moving the one or more appendages.
• In one or more embodiments, the toy figurine includes a first indentation and a second indentation in the body and a tab on the selector. The tab engages the first indentation when the selector is set to the disengaged setting. The tab engages the second indentation when the selector is set to the engaged setting. In certain embodiments, the selector further includes a protrusion. Setting the selector to the engaged setting causes the protrusion to be positioned such that the drive means is partially restricted in moving the one or more appendages.
• In one or more other embodiments, the toy figurine includes a toy packaging. The toy packaging has a rod positioned to be inserted into an opening on the body of the toy figurine. Inserting the rod into the opening keeps the selector in either the disengaged or engaged setting until the rod is removed from the opening.
• According to another aspect of the present invention, a toy figurine is provided. The toy figurine comprises a torso, one or more limbs movably connected to the torso, and a selector slidably attached to the torso. An actuator is operably connected to a drive means within the torso that moves the one or more limbs. The selector is slidable between a disengaged setting and an engaged setting. Sliding the selector to the disengaged setting causes the one or more limbs to be positioned in a default configuration and operating the actuator causes the one or more limbs to move within a first range of motion. Sliding the selector to the engaged setting causes the one or more limbs to be positioned in an engaged configuration and operating the actuator causes the one or more limbs to move within a second range of motion. In one or more embodiments, sliding the selector to the engaged setting partially restricts the drive means in moving the one or more limbs.
• In one or more embodiments, the one or more appendages or limbs are two legs pivotally connected to the body. In one example embodiment, the default configuration is a running pose having a set of leg movements that mimic running. In this running pose, the two thigh sections of each leg are substantially at a right angle with each other. Operating the actuator causes the two legs to pivot in a simulated running motion. The engaged configuration is a standing pose having a different set of leg movements. In this standing pose, the two legs are substantially coplanar with the body.
• According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method of providing multiple movement configurations to a toy figurine is provided. The method comprises providing a toy figurine comprising a body, one or more appendages movably connected to the body, and a selector attached to the body. An actuator is operably connected to a drive means within the body that moves the one or more appendages. The selector is configurable between a disengaged setting and an engaged setting. Setting the selector to the disengaged setting causes the one or more appendages to be positioned in a default configuration and operating the actuator causes the one or more appendages to move within a first range of motion. Setting the selector to the engaged setting causes the one or more appendages to be positioned in an engaged configuration and operating the actuator causes the one or more appendages to move within a second range of motion.
• Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. It is to be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating some embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:
• FIGS. 1A-B illustrate general block diagrams of a toy figurine in a default configuration (FIG. 1A) and an engaged configuration (FIG. 1B), according to an embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a toy figurine in an engaged configuration according to another embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 3 illustrates a back view of the toy figurine ofFIG. 2 in the engaged configuration;
• FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the toy figurine ofFIG. 2 in a default configuration and having a first range of motion;
• FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the toy figurine ofFIG. 2 in the engaged configuration and having a second range of motion;
• FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the toy figurine ofFIG. 2 along line A-A;
• FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the toy figurine ofFIG. 5 along line B-B;
• FIG. 8 illustrates a close-up view of the selector of the toy figurine ofFIG. 2;
• FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of the toy figurine ofFIG. 2; and
• FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the toy figurine ofFIG. 2 and a toy packaging according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• A toy figurine according to the present invention includes alternative movement configurations. A selector on the toy figurine determines the movement configuration for certain movable appendages or limbs. A single toy figurine thus possesses multiple poses and/or sets of movements, which enhances the playability of the toy figurine. Additionally, in some instances, the alternative movement configuration feature allows the toy figurine to be displayed in its toy packaging with a restricted set of movements specifically for demonstration purposes. When the toy figurine is removed from the packaging, the selector can then be set to access a full range of movements.
• According to a general embodiment of the present invention,FIGS. 1A and 1B show simplified block diagrams of atoy figurine100 in a default configuration720 (FIG. 1A) and an engaged configuration820 (FIG. 1B). Thetoy figurine100 comprises abody200 with anappendage300 movably connected to thebody200. Aselector400 and anactuator600 are attached to thebody200. Theactuator600 is operably connected to a drive means500 that imparts movement to theappendage300. InFIG. 1A, theselector400 is set to adisengaged setting700. In this setting, thetoy figurine100 positions theappendage300 in adefault configuration720. Operating theactuator600 causes the drive means500 to move theappendage300 in a first range ofmotion740. InFIG. 1B, theselector400 is set to an engaged setting800. In this setting, thetoy figurine100 positions theappendage300 to an engagedconfiguration820. Operating theactuator600 causes the drive means500 to move theappendage300 in a second range ofmotion840.
• As described herein, a toy figurine includes dolls, figures, models, and action figures that may be based on or model any real, fictional or fantasy character, object or entity. Additionally, the movable appendage may be a limb, body part, member, attachment or accessory movably connected to any part of the toy figurine. In one or more embodiments, the movable appendage is a head, arm or leg connected to the torso of the toy figurine. Further, depending on the desired set of movements, a single or a plurality of appendages (e.g., 1, 2, 4) may be movably connected to the toy figurine. In various embodiments, the movable appendage performs a movement such as punching, kicking, pivoting, twisting, turning, spinning, extending, etc.
• FIGS. 2 and 3 respectively provide front and back views of a toy figurine in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2 shows atoy figurine100 comprising a body ortorso200 with two appendages, aright leg302 and aleft leg304, movably connected to thebody200. Anactuator600 is located on the side of thebody200, which allows a user to operate theactuator600 with a finger or thumb while holding thebody200 of thetoy figurine100 with the same hand. In other embodiments, the actuator is located at other places of the body200 (e.g., front, back, top).
• Theactuator600 is operably connected to a drive means500 inside thetoy figurine body200 that causes the twolegs302,304 to pivot on a central axis310 (see, e.g.,FIGS. 6 and 7). Theactuator600 is operated by pushing theactuator600 towards thebody200 of thetoy figurine100. In some embodiments, the actuator is part of an appendage that can be used to operate the drive means. For example, instead of theactuator600 being a separate attachment on the side of thebody200 inFIG. 2, thearm210 functions as an actuator that can be operated by squeezing thearm210 towards thebody200. Other actions may also be used to operate the actuator. For example, in some embodiments, the actuator is a button, pull string, tab or thumbwheel that is mechanically operated by a respective pressing, pulling, sliding or turning action. In other embodiments, the actuator is operated electronically or through the use of a remote control. Furthermore, in some embodiments of the invention, thetoy figurine100 includes multiple actuators that are used to control the movement of different appendages or groups of appendages. For example, one actuator controls the legs of the toy figurine while another actuator controls the arms.
• FIG. 3 shows aselector400 attached to the back of thetoy figurine100. Here, theselector400 is set to an engaged setting800. Under the engaged setting800, thetoy figurine100 is positioned in an engagedconfiguration820 where the twolegs302,304 are generally coplanar with thebody200. In other embodiments, theselector400 is located at other places of the body200 (e.g., front, side, top). The engaged and disengaged settings are selected by sliding theselector400 upwards and downwards along thebody200. Other actions may also be used to set theselector400. For example, in some embodiments, theselector400 is set by pressing a button, flipping a switch, turning a knob, or lifting a flap. In other embodiments, theselector400 is set electronically or through the use of a remote control. Furthermore, though only two settings (i.e., engaged and disengaged) are described, some embodiments of the invention include toy figurines having more than two settings and/or configurations. In such instances, theselector400 is used to select from the multiple settings. Operation of theactuator600 results in different movement sets and/or ranges of motion depending on the setting selected with the selector.
• FIGS. 4 and 5 show a side view of thetoy figurine100.FIG. 4 shows thetoy figurine100 in adefault configuration720 with theselector400 in itsdisengaged setting700. In this instance, thedefault configuration720 is a running pose in which theright leg302 is forward and theleft leg304 extends behind. Thelegs302,304 are spring-biased to this particular position via torsion springs250 in the hips of the toy figurine100 (see, e.g.,FIG. 7). The twothigh sections306,308 of respective right and leftlegs302,304 are approximately at a right angle with each other. Depending on the desired appearance of thetoy figurine100 in thedefault configuration720, the movable appendages may be positioned accordingly. For instance, the twolegs302,304 may be set at other angles (e.g., obtuse, acute angles) with each other in thedefault configuration720. Pressing theactuator600 inwards toward thebody200 causes the twolegs302,304 to pivot in opposite directions in a first range ofmotion740. This results in the twolegs302,304 swapping positions such that theleft leg304 is now forward and theright leg302 extends behind. The arrows inFIG. 4 illustrate the movement of the twolegs302,304 and the dotted outlines represent the position of thelegs302,304 when theactuator600 is fully depressed. Releasing theactuator600 allows theactuator600 to move back to its original position, as well as allows the torsion springs250 to pivot the twolegs302,304 in opposite directions back to thedefault configuration720. By repeatedly pressing and releasing theactuator600, thelegs302,304 of the toy figurine pivot back and forth to simulate a running motion.
• FIG. 5 shows thetoy figurine100 in an engagedconfiguration820 with theselector400 moved downwards to itsengaged setting800. In this instance, the engagedconfiguration820 is a standing pose in which bothlegs302,304 are substantially coplanar with thebody200. Pressing theactuator600 inwards toward thebody200 causes the twolegs302,304 to pivot in opposite directions in a second range ofmotion840. This results in theleft leg304 pivoting forward and theright leg302 pivoting backward. The arrows inFIG. 5 illustrate the movement of the twolegs502 and the dotted outlines represent the position of thelegs302,304 when theactuator600 is fully depressed. Releasing theactuator600 allows theactuator600 to move back to its original position, as well as allows the torsion springs250 to pivot the twolegs302,304 in opposite directions back to the engagedconfiguration820. This results in bothlegs302,304 returning to a position substantially coplanar with thebody200.
• The leg movements in the second range ofmotion840 are more limited than the leg movements in the first range ofmotion740. In this particular instance, the second range ofmotion840 is a portion or subset of the first range ofmotion740. In other embodiments, thetoy figurine100 has a second range of motion that is greater than the first range of motion. Additionally, the standing pose of the engagedconfiguration820 allows thetoy figurine100 to more easily stand upright on a flat surface whereas thetoy figurine100 may be unable to stand upright by itself while in the running pose of thedefault configuration720. Furthermore, in some instances, due to size constraints of the toy packaging, the engagedconfiguration820 allows thetoy figurine100 to take up less space in the toy packaging but still demonstrate partial running movements to a potential customer.
• FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of thetoy figurine100 along line A-A ofFIG. 2. When theselector400 is in the engaged setting800 as illustrated inFIG. 6, aprotrusion404 is positioned approximately halfway within the length of a groove206 (see, e.g.,FIG. 8). Thisprotrusion404 keeps thetoy figurine100 in the engagedconfiguration820. Operating theactuator600 causes aportion502 of the drive means500 to be pushed downwards, which then translates to a rotational movement that causes thelegs302,304 to pivot on thecentral axis310. When theactuator600 is released, a spring240 (see, e.g.,FIG. 9) pulls theportion502 of the drive means500 upwards such that theportion502 abuts theprotrusion404 of theselector400 and thetoy figurine100 returns to the originalengaged configuration820. Theprotrusion404 restricts theportion502 of the drive means500 from traversing up the full length of the groove206 (see, e.g.,FIG. 8).
• When theselector400 is set to thedisengaged setting700, theprotrusion404 becomes positioned approximately at the top of the length of thegroove206. This causes the drive means500 to position thelegs302,304 of thetoy figurine100 in thedefault configuration720. Operating theactuator600 pushes theportion502 of the drive means500 downwards which then translates to a rotational movement that causes thelegs302,304 to pivot aboutcentral axis310. When theactuator600 is released, thespring240 pulls theportion502 of the drive means500 upwards such that theportion502 of the drive means500 traverses substantially the full length of thegroove206. By allowing theportion502 to traverse the full length of thegroove206 rather than only halfway (i.e., when theselector400 is set to an engaged setting800), thelegs302,304 are allowed to pivot in a greater range of motion. Therefore, the position of theprotrusion404 within thegroove206 defines and restricts the range of motion available to the drive means500 and thus thelegs302,304.
• FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the toy figurine along line B-B ofFIG. 5.Actuator600 includes awedge section602 that abuts theportion502 of the drive means500. Pressing theactuator600 towards thebody200 causes theportion502 of the drive means500 to slide across thewedge section602 and downwards along thegroove206. Releasing theactuator600 allows thespring240 to pull theportion502 of the drive means upwards along thegroove206 and acrosswedge section602, thereby pushing theactuator600 outwards from thebody200. Also shown inFIG. 7 is aspeaker222 powered bybatteries220. Pressing on aside button224 on the side of thebody200 causes a preprogrammed sound effect to be emitted fromspeaker222. In some embodiments, pressingside button224 causes lights on thetoy figurine100 to light up and/or flash.
• FIG. 8 shows theselector400 of the toy figurine ofFIG. 2. The interior cavity of thebody200 includes afirst indentation202 and asecond indentation204. As shown inFIG. 8, atab402 on theselector400 engages thesecond indentation204 when the selector is set to the engaged setting800. Setting theselector400 to the disengaged setting700 moves thetab402 upwards where it engages thefirst indentation202. More specifically in the embodiment shown inFIG. 8, thebody200 includes twofirst indentations202 and twosecond indentations204 on either side of thegroove206. Theselector400 also includes twotabs402 on either side of theselector400 to engage with the twofirst indentations202 or twosecond indentations204. This allows theselector400 to be more securely positioned when it is set to the engaged setting800 ordisengaged setting700.
• Some embodiments of thetoy figurine100 include a locking mechanism that prevents theselector400 from changing to a different setting. For example, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 9, the toy figurine includes anopening260 in thebody200. Thisopening260 is located above theselector400 and allows a rod to be inserted. By inserting a rod into theopening260, theselector400 is prevented from sliding upwards to thedisengaged setting700.
• This locking mechanism can be used in toy packaging to keep thetoy figurine100 in an engagedconfiguration820 while it is still in the toy packaging. As shown for example inFIG. 10,toy packaging900 includes arod920 that inserts into opening260 of thetoy figurine100. This prevents theselector400 from sliding to the disengaged setting700 while thetoy figurine100 is in the toy packaging900 (i.e., locks theselector400 to the engaged setting800). While locked, a child is only able to access and try-out the second range ofmotion840 for thetoy figurine100. Therod920 can be removed when thetoy figurine100 is taken out of thepackaging900. Removing therod920 from theopening260 allows theselector400 to slide upwards to thedisengaged setting700. The child is then able to access the first range ofmotion740 for thetoy figurine100, which provides a greater set of movements than the second range of motion840 (see, e.g.,FIG. 4).
CONCLUSION
• Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.
• Moreover, it is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, the term “exemplary” may be used herein to describe an example or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as exemplary is not to be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but rather as one example or illustration of a possible embodiment of the invention.
• Finally, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.

Claims (19)

1. A toy figurine comprising:

a body having a front, a back, a first side, and a second side opposite to the first side;

one or more appendages movably connected to the body;

a drive means within the body that imparts movement to the one or more appendages;

an actuator positioned on the first side of the body and operably connected to the drive means;

a side button positioned on the second side of the body, wherein pressing the side button activates a preprogrammed sound or light effect on the toy figurine;

an external selector attached to the back of the body, the selector configurable between a disengaged setting and an engaged setting, wherein:

setting the selector to the disengaged setting causes the one or more appendages to be (a) positioned in a default configuration and (b) limited to movement within a first range of motion; and

setting the selector to the engaged setting causes the one or more appendages to be (a) positioned in an engaged configuration and (b) limited to movement within a second range of motion;

wherein operating the actuator when the selector is in the disengaged setting causes the one or more appendages to move within the first range of motion and operating the actuator when the selector is in the engaged setting causes the one or more appendages to move within the second range of motion.

2-3. (canceled)

4. The toy figurine ofclaim 1, wherein the body has a first indentation and a second indentation, and the selector includes a tab that engages the first indentation when the selector is set to the disengaged setting and engages the second indentation when the selector is set to the engaged setting.

5. The toy figurine ofclaim 1, wherein positioning the selector in the engaged setting partially restricts the drive means in moving the one or more appendages.

6. The toy figurine ofclaim 5, wherein the selector includes a protrusion, and setting the selector to the engaged setting causes the protrusion to be positioned such that the drive means is partially restricted in moving the one or more appendages.

7. The toy figurine ofclaim 1, wherein the first range of motion is greater than the second range of motion.

8. The toy figurine ofclaim 7, wherein the second range of motion is a portion of the first range of motion.

9. The toy figurine ofclaim 1 further comprising a toy packaging including a rod positioned to be inserted into an opening on the body of the toy figurine, wherein inserting the rod into the opening keeps the selector in the disengaged or engaged setting until the rod is removed from the opening.

10. A toy figurine comprising:

a torso having a front, a back, a first side, and a second side opposite to the first side;

one or more limbs movably connected to the torso;

an actuator positioned on the first side of the torso, the actuator operably connected to a drive means within the torso that moves the one or more limbs;

a side button positioned on the second side of the torso, wherein pressing the side button towards the torso activates a preprogrammed sound or light effect on the toy figurine;

an external selector slidably attached to the back of the torso, the selector slidable between a disengaged setting and an engaged setting, wherein:

sliding the selector to the disengaged setting (a) causes the one or more limbs to be positioned in a default configuration and (b) pressing the actuator towards the torso causes the one or more limbs to move in a first range of motion and releasing the pressed actuator allows the one or more limbs to return to the default configuration; and

sliding the selector to the engaged setting (a) causes the one or more limbs to be positioned in an engaged configuration and (b) pressing the actuator towards the torso causes the one or more limbs to move in a second range of motion and releasing the pressed actuator allows the one or more limbs to return to the engaged configuration.

11. The toy figurine ofclaim 10, wherein the first range of motion is greater than the second range of motion.

12. The toy figurine ofclaim 11, wherein the second range of motion is a portion of the first range of motion.

13. The toy figurine ofclaim 10, wherein sliding the selector to the engaged setting partially restricts the drive means in moving the one or more limbs.

14. The toy figurine ofclaim 10, wherein the one or more limbs are two legs pivotally connected to the torso.

15. The toy figurine ofclaim 14, wherein each leg comprises a thigh section and further wherein the default configuration is a running position in which the two thigh sections are angled in opposite directions from each other.

16. The toy figurine ofclaim 14, wherein the engaged configuration is a standing position in which the two legs are coplanar with the torso.

17. The toy figurine ofclaim 14, wherein operating the actuator causes the two legs to pivot in a simulated running motion.

18. A method of providing multiple movement configurations to a toy figurine, the method comprising:

providing a toy figurine comprising:

a body;

one or more appendages movably connected to the body;

an actuator operably connected to a drive means within the body that moves the one or more appendages; and

a selector attached to the body, the selector configurable between a disengaged setting and an engaged setting;

wherein:

setting the selector to the disengaged setting (a) causes the one or more appendages to be positioned in a default configuration and (b) operating the actuator causes the one or more appendages to move within a first range of motion; and

setting the selector to the engaged setting (a) causes the one or more appendages to be positioned in an engaged configuration and (b) operating the actuator causes the one or more appendages to move within a second range of motion.

19. The method ofclaim 18, further providing a first indentation and a second indentation in the body and a tab on the selector, wherein the tab engages the first indentation when the selector is set to the disengaged setting and the tab engages the second indentation when the selector is set to the engaged setting.

20. The method ofclaim 18, further providing a protrusion on the selector, wherein setting the selector to the engaged setting causes the protrusion to be positioned such that the drive means is partially restricted in moving the one or more appendages.

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