US3858352A - Doll with ingestion system - Google Patents

Abstract

A doll having a hollow head with a mouth opening therein. An actuating device is positioned within the head which causes a food-type material introduced into the mouth, to be discharged through a discharge opening remote from the mouth. An electric switch proximate the mouth, closes a circuit which permits the device to operate and create a peristaltic pumping action within the doll. The switch can be actuated by inserting a spoon or nursery bottle into the mouth, or by gently pressing against the doll''s lower lip.

Description

United States Patent 1191 Cummings et a1. 1 1 Jan. 7, 1975 [5 DOLL WITH INGESTION SYSTEM 3,490,170 1/1970 Wolf 46/141 x 3,583 093 6/1971 Glass et al. 46/141 [75] lnventors: Charles A. Cummings; George P. 3 745696 7 1973 S k t I 46 4| Giordano, both of Cincinnati, Ohio 8p Us 6 a l' l [73] Assignee: General Mills Fun Group, Inc., Primary Examiner-Louis G. Mancene Minneapolis, Minn. Assistant Examiner-J. Q. Lever [22] Filed: Oct. 15, 1973 21 Appl. 110.; 406,504 [57] ABSTRACT A doll having a hollow head with a mouth opening therein. An actuating device is positioned within the head which causes a food type material introduced n into the mouth to be discharged through a discharge [58] Fleld ofSearch 46/141 135 R 135 A opening remote from the mouth. An electric switch 56 R f (rt d proximate the mouth, closes a circuit which permits 1 e erences I e the device to operate and create a. peristaltic pumping UNITED STATES PATENTS action within the doll. The switch can be actuated by 2,945,321 7/1960 Carter 46/141 X inserting a spoon or nursery bottle into the mouth, or 3,005,283 10/1961 Cohn 1 46/141 X by gently pressing against the dolls lower 3,063,192 11/1962 Ayala 46/141 X 3,383,795 5/1968 Ryan et a1 46/141X 14 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures Patented Jan. 7, 1975 3,858,352

5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Pmmmd Jan. 7, 1975 ,3 ,352

5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Jan. 7, 1975 3,858,352

5 Sheets-Sheet 4 1 DOLL WITH INGESTION SYSTEM The present invention relates to toy figures, and more specifically to a toy doll having an ingestion system for receiving and disposing of material and liquid introduced into its mouth.

Dolls of many types are known in the art, and their popularity as playthings for children, increases constantly. One possible reason for the universal appeal and interest in dolls is due in part at least, to a continual effort to manufacture new and different types of dolls. There appears to be an endless effort on the part of manufacturers to make dolls which simulate as much as possible, human beings and human characteristics, whether they be adult type dolls, or baby dolls. Talking dolls for example, are well known in the art; various types of sound reproducing systems have been devised for use with dolls, whereby the doll will reproduce sounds of different kinds, including complete sentences. Articulated dolls are also popular, whereby one or more members of the doll body such as its head, arms, legs, or the like, can be manually or automatically manipulated. Yet another type of doll is one having a system for receiving a liquid; usually a reservoir is provided into which liquid of some type is introduced by using a baby bottle, for example. The liquid can then be dispensed so as to simulate tears, or if preferred, to simulate wetting.

To the best of our knowledge, no toys have been devised which will simulate a baby receiving and consuming a food-type material, in a semi-solid state. While mechanisms have been devised for simulating ingestion, we are not aware of any system which actually permits a doll, or other toy, to receive a food-type material through its mouth, and thereafter dispense it through a discharge opening in the dolls body.

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved toy in the form of a doll.

Another object is to provide a doll adapted to simulate a baby, such doll being capable of receiving and disposing of semi-solid and liquid materials.

A further object is to provide a doll having a new and improved system for receiving material through its mouth and discharging it through an opening in the body, remote from the mouth.

A still further object is to provide a doll having a motor driven mechanism for moving its mouth, lips and checks, thereby simulating the eating action of a baby.

Another object is to provide a doll or similar toy with new and improved structure for conveying a material introduced into the dolls mouth, away from the mouth to a discharge opening in the dolls body.

A still further object is to provide a doll with improved means for energizing an actuating device or peristaltic pump within the dolls body, which creates a peristaltic action in the body of the doll.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following specification and accompanying drawings. Before proceeding with a detailed description of the invention however, a brief resume of it will be presented.

Briefly, the invention comprises a doll, or similar toy, having a head with a movable mouth therein. An elongated tube is provided within the dolls body, and it connects the mouth to a discharge opening in the dolls body, thus forming a continuous passage from the mouth to the discharge opening. A motor driven actuating device (also referred to as peristaltic pump) within the dolls head, acts upon the tube in such a manner that a peristaltic action is created within the tube. By energizing the actuating device, the mouth is caused to move, and material placed in the mouth is forced, or extruded, through the tube and through the discharge opening.

The invention will best be understood by reference to the following drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a doll embodying our invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view illustrating the doll;

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1, which illustrates the invention within a dolls body, as viewed from the right side of the doll;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view which illustrates the skull of the doll;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side elevational view showing the internal construction of the device of FIG. 3, and illustrating the invention in a first operating condition;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, but depicting the mechanism in a second operating condition;

FIG. 7 is a partial front view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 illustrates the actuating device removed from the dolls head, and with parts broken away, as viewed from the left side;

FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view, with parts broken away, taken along line 12-12 of FIG. ll);

FIG. 13 is a partial sectional view, taken along line 13-13 of FIGQIZ; and

FIG. 14 is an electrical circuit diagram of the circuit utilized for energizing the motor which actuates the invention.

The figures illustrate adoll 10 as having atorso 12, ahead 14,arms 16, andlegs 18. The torso is comprised of afront 20, a rear 22, a right side 54 (as viewed in FIG. 1) and aleft side 56. A dress 24, or other appropriate clothing, is provided as a covering. Thehead 14 is secured to thetorso 12 by conventional means, as shown for example in FIG. 3. The head includes alower head portion 26 having the configuration of a face thereon, and an upper head portion orscalp 28 which is attachable to thelower head portion 26 by appropriate means, such as an adhesive. Construction of the head in two parts in this manner, permits access to the interior of the head for inserting the components forming the invention.Artificial hair 30, when secured to thescalp 28, conceals the connection formed by the upper and lower head portions. Amouth 32, which includes anupper lip 34 and alower lip 36, forms an opening into the head, and achin 84 is positioned below the mouth. Ashort inlet tube 38 projects inwardly from the lips and it forms a short passage into the interior of the head.

A hollow skull, designated bynumeral 40, is positioned withing thelower head portion 26, and it is provided with anopening 42 in its frontal portion. As shown in FIG. 4, the skull has the general configuration of the lower portion of a dolls head; theprotruberances 58 generally forming the cheekbones of the dolls face, and thelower portion 82 forming the dolls lower jaw. In assembled relationship, thejaw 82 is enclosed by the chin'84. Thelower head portion 26 is formed of a soft, pliable material and it is adapted to fit snuggly over theskull 40 so that it effectively forms a skin-type covering. As viewed in FIG. 3, both theskull 40 and thehead portion 26 are affixed to thetorso 12 by a circular flanged member 44 which forms a part of the torso, and which projects throughcircular openings 46 and 48 in the head portion and skull respectively. Anelongated tube 50 is connected at one end to thetube 38 and it extends to the lower part of the torso to provide adischarge opening 52.

Reference is made more specifically to FIGS. 3, 5, 6 and 10-13, which illustrate an actuating device, or peristaltic pump, referred to generally byreference numberal 60. As explained below, thedevice 60 acts as a means for causing material introduced into the dolls mouth to be extruded through thetube 50 and through thedischarge opening 52. In addition, it imparts relative movement to the mouth, and to some extent, the dolls lips and cheeks.

Assh own inthe drawings, thedevice 60 has a generally circular shapeTand it is positionedwit hihTheTdoIIs head 14, and more specifically, thelower portion 26 andskull 40. For purposes of describing the invention, the device will be described as having a right side (as shown in FIGS. 3, and 6 for example), a left side (as shown in FIG. for example), and a front and a rear portion (as shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6). In general, they correspond to the right and leftsides 54 and 56 respectively, of the doll. The device includes a housing or casing 62 comprised of a first wall member 64- (also referred to as the right side wall) and a second wall member 66 (also referred to as the left side wall). Thewalls 64 and 66 are connected together by appropriate means such as clips, mating male and female members, screws, or the like, to form s substantially enclosed unit. Thehousing 62 is provided with afirst tab 68 positioned on its rear portion and asecond tab 70 positioned on its front portion. Thefirst tab 68 is inserted in a retainingslot 72 formed by a pair ofprojections 74 and 76 in the rear wall of the skull. Thesecond tab 70 is fixedly secured to the front wall of the skull at 78 by means of ascrew 80. Thus, thehousing 62 is readily removable from thehead 14 by removing thescrew 80 and slipping the housing out of theslot 72, provided of course, that thescalp 28 has not been permanently connected to thelower portion 26.

FIGS. 5, 6 and 11-13, illustrate the interior of thedevice 60. A gear train designated generally bynumeral 85, is mounted therein. A main drive gear (spur gear) 86 is fixedly connected to one end of ashort shaft 88, which in turn is rotatably journaled in thehousing 62, and more specifically theleft side wall 66, by projecting it through a mountingblock 90 formed in thewall 66. The mountingblock 90 effectively spaces thegear 86 from the inner surface of thewall 66. Theshaft 88 is formed as having a toothed end or drivepinion 92,

which projects outside thehousing 62. Ashort pin 94 forms an integral part of the other side of thedrive gear 86. Thepin 94 is offset relative to the centerline of theshaft 88. Anidler pulley 96 having apinion gear 98 integrally formed on one side, is also rotatably mounted in theside wall 66 by ashaft 100 journaled in thewall 66 in such a manner that it is interposed between thedrive gear 86 and the inner surface of thewall 66. A

stub shaft 102 is journaled in asupport block 104 formed on theopposite side wall 64. In assembled relationship, thepinion gear 98 meshes with themain drive gear 86.

The periphery of theidler pulley 96 is provided with agroove 106 for receiving adrive belt 108. Theidler pulley 96 is driven by means of anelectric motor 110 positioned in amotor mount structure 112 forming a part of thewall 64, as well as thesupport block 104. Agrooved drive pulley 114 is fixed to the drive shaft of the motor and it is aligned with respect to theidler pulley 96 so that thebelt 108 operatively connects themotor 110 to thepulley 96. By energizing themotor 110, themain drive gear 86 can be caused to rotate about the axis of theshaft 88, due to its driving relationship with thepinion gear 98.

Afirst arm 118 and a primary mouth lever 116 (also referred to as a second arm) are movably mounted within thehousing 62, and they together form a linkage for compressing thetube 50. As depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, both thelever 116 and thearm 118 project through anopening 119 in the base of thedevice 60. Thelever 116 is formed as having anenlarged end 120 with anelongated slot 124 therein, and apivot end 122. Aroller 126, having approximately the same outer diameter as the width of theslot 124, is mounted on thepin 94. Thelever 116 is mounted within the housing so that theroller 126 is movably positioned within theslot 124, thus operatively connecting the lever to thedrive gear 86. Thelever 116 is pivotally mounted relative to theside walls 64 and 66 by means of ashort shaft 128 located proximate thepivot end 122 of the lever which projects from both sides of the lever. As thedrive gear 86 rotates, thelever 116 is caused to rock or pivot about the axis of theshaft 128.

Atubular stocking 130, formed of a flexible resilient material, is placed over theend 122 of thelever 116, and it includes a tubular portion 132 which fits over the lever end, and a flattened web-shapedportion 134. Thewebbed protion 134 projects in somewhat the opposite direction with respect to the tubular portion 132 so that it defines an angle therewith, such angle varying in size as thelever 116 is pivoted. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, thewebbed portion 134 is positioned on top of theinlet tube 38 and thetube 50, so that it is interposed between thearm 118 and the tube, and theend 122 of thelever 116 projects into the region of the dollsupper lip 34.

The arm 118 (also referred to as the secondary mouth lever) is formed as having a first orpivot end 136 and asecond end 138. Thearm 118 is pivotally mounted within thehousing 62 by means of a shaft journaled in theside wall 64 and 66, so' that it is positioned below thelever 116. Thesecond end 138 of the arm is formed as having a triangular shaped web which is positioned above and in contact with thewebbed portion 134 by a somewhat flattenedbearing surface 135. Aprojection 139 is directed toward thelever 116 so that thelever 116 bears against the tip 'of the projection, and thus exerts a force against thearm 118 as thelever 116 pivots downwardly. Thegear train 85 operatively connects the linkage to themotor 110.

A toothed gear timer (spur gear) 140 is rotatably connected to the exterior surface of thehousing wall 66 by mounting it on ashaft 142 fixed to the housing wall.

I A hub 144 formed on the gear timer, separates the gear timer from the wall. As shown more fully in FIG. 10,

the teeth on thegear timer 140 mesh with, and are driven by, thedrive pinion 92 formed on the end of theshaft 88. Anut 146 forcibly secured to the end of theshaft 142, retains the gear timer on the shaft. Awedgeshaped cam 148 forms an integral part of thesurface 150 of thegear timer 140, and it is interposed between thewall 66 and the gear, note FIG. 13.

Reference is now made to the electrical components for energizing the actuating device orperistaltic pump 60. In general, the doll is caused to accept and ingest food by exerting an external pressure in the region of the dolls mouth. The specific technique involved will be described hereinafter.

A timing switch (also referred to as a secondary switch) designated generally bynumeral 150, is connected to the outer surface of thewall 66. Theswitch 150 includes acontact member 152 in the form of an elongated, flexible leaf, and afixed contact member 164, likewise in the form of an elongated, flexible leaf. Theleaf 152 is connected to thewall 66 by securing it to amounting block 154, proximate itsend 156. Theother end 158 of the leaf projects toward thehub 144 so that it is in the path of thecam 148 as the cam orbits about the axis ofshaft 142. Theend 156 is bifurcated so that it has a pair of projecting prongs orterminals 160 and 162, phased generally at right angles to each other. Theleaf 164 has afirst end 166 and asecond end 168, and it is generally aligned at right angles to theleaf 152 by securing it to theside wall 62 by means of arivet 176. As shown more specifically in FIG. 13, theend 168 has a somewhat U-shaped configuration which forms anedge 170. Theend 166 is bifurcated to form prongs orterminals 172 and 174, likewise phased approximately 90" apart. Theflexible leaf 152 is biased so that it normally contacts theleaf 164, and more specifically, theedge 170. As thecam 148 contacts theleaf 152, it breaks the electrical connection, by separating the leaf from theedge 170.

A primary switch (also referred to as mouth switch) designated generally bynumeral 180, is positioned in the region of thedolls chin 84. FIGS. 4 and 7-9 show the specific construction in detail. The specific construction of thelower jaw 82 will also be described at this time, since it forms a part of themouth switch 180. The jaw is provided with astationary switch member 182, and acontact member 184 which is movable relative to themaember 182. Theswitch member 182 is fixedly connected to thejaw structure 82 by means of L shapedmembers 186 and 188 which engage the edge of theopening 42, as well as by means of arivet 190. Themember 182 includes an elongatedvertical wall member 192 and a somewhat rounded and slopedbottom surface 194 having an L-shaped projection orledge 196, which projects downwardly from thebottom surface 194, as viewed for example in FIG. 7. Thewall member 192 lends some rigidity to the facial construction of the doll. Oneedge 198 of thesurface 194 is cut at a bias as shown in FIG. 9, thus forming an irregularly shapedsurface 194.

Themovable contact member 184 is connected to thestationary switch member 182 by means of a flexiblemetalic leaf spring 200. As shown more fully in FIG. 8, theleaf spring 200 is formed so that it includes a pair ofend sections 202 and 204 which are parallel to, and separated from, amain body section 206, by connectingsections 208 and 210 respectively. Theend section 202 is secured to themember 182 by means of therivet 190, and thecontact member 184 is secured to themain body section 206 by means of arivet 212. Athird rivet 214 is connected to theswitch member 182 so that it is adapted to be contacted by theend section 204. Theleaf spring 200 is biased. so that theend section 204 normally abuts against anabutment member 216, and contact with therivet 214 is broken.

Thecontact member 184 includes a generally L- shapedmember 220 which includes an elongated vertically orientedleg 222 and a horizontal leg 224 (as viewed for example in FIG. 7). The contact member also includes a somewhat rounded and slopedsurface 226, which is spaced from theleg 224 and which has oneedge 228 which is cut at a bias, such bias being generally aligned with thebias 198 of surface 194 (in this regard, note FIG. 9). As depicted, theedges 198 and 228 normally contact each other, when the switch is open; however, a small gap normally exists between the edges 218 and 219 (note FIG. 9). By exerting an appropriate force against. themovable contact member 184, as explained below, the member 1184 is caused to move relative to thestationary switch member 182 so that the gap between the edges 218 and 219 narrows. At the same time, theend 216 ofleaf spring 200 contacts therivet 214, thus closing a circuit as described below. By positioning theedges 198 and 228 against each other in this manner, theswitch 180 will remain open, while the device is in a static condition; since the facial covering surrounding the skull may be relatively tight, this construction prevents the switch from closing prematurely.

At this point, it might be mentioned that the actuating device and its component parts, as well as theskull 40 and its component parts which make up the lower jaw, are preferably made of a relatively hard plastic material. Since numerous plastic materials are known to those skilled in the art, no specific materials will be mentioned. It should be recognized of course, that materials other than plastics might also be used if desired.

Apower source 230, comprised of one or more batteries, is positioned within abattery case 232 located in a cavity 234 formed in the back portion of thetorso 12. As shown, the case is formed so as to partially surround thetube 50. A removable cover (not shown) permits access to thebatteries 230.

Thebatteries 230 are electrically connected to the other electrical components, namely the switches and 180 and themotor 110, by appropriate leads. Afirst lead 236 electrically connects the batteries to a terminal 238 on themotor 110, and asecond lead 240 connects the batteries to the terminal 162 atswitch 150. Alead 242 connects the terminal ofswitch 150, to theswitch 180, and more specifically the terminal orrivet 190. Alead 244 connects the terminal or rivet 214 to the terminal forming a part of theswitch 150. Finally, alead 246 connects theterminal 172 of theswitch 150 to a terminal 248 located on themotor 110. In this regard, note FIG. 14 which schematically illustrates the electrical circuits and components.

In operation, the actuating device is normally inoperative because themotor 110 is denergized. While in the inoperative condition, the primary switch is open; in other words, no contact is made between theleaf spring 200 and the rivet or contact 214. Thetiming switch 150 on the other hand, might be either open or closed, depending upon the relative position of thecam 148 with respect to theflexible leaf 152. If thegear timer 140 is oriented so that thecam 148 contacts theleaf 152 for example, the switch is open. Once thecam 148 orbits pass theleaf 152 however, theswitch 150 is closed.

Themouth switch 180 is manually closed by exerting an appropriate force against themovable contact member 184, which is mounted on theflexible leaf spring 200. As pointed out hereinbefore, theswitch 180 is positioned in the region of thelower jaw 82. By inserting or wedging an item in thedolls mouth 32, i.e., between thewall member 192 and theleg 220, such as the nipple of a bottle, or aspoon 250 with material M thereon, a force is applied against theleg 220 so that themember 192 and theleg 220 spread apart slightly. In other words, the leg 220 (and member 184) moves toward the left as shown in FIG. 9, in addition, it moves toward thestationary mouth member 182, so that the gap between the edges 218 and 219 narrows thus closing theswitch 180, and permitting the circuit to be energized. It is pointed out that when theswitch 180 is closed, the circuit is energized regardless of whether or not theswitch 150 is open or closed. It might also be pointed out that the switch can also be closed by applying sufficient pressure against the dolls chin so that themember 184 moves relative to themember 182, thus closing the switch.

As the circuit is energized, themotor 110 causes theactuating device 60 to operate. Since thedrive gear 86 is operatively connected to themotor drive pulley 114, it rotates about the axis ofshaft 82, and thepin 94 orbits around the same axis. Orbital movement of thepin 94 causes theprimary mouth lever 116 to pivot or rock about the axis ofshaft 128. Such pivotal movement of thelever 116 in turn, imparts pivotal or rocking movement to thearm 118 about the axis ofshaft 140, since thelever 116 bears against theprojection 139 located on thearm 118. As thearm 118 pivots, the bearingsurface 135 exerts a pulsating or cyclic compressing force against thewebbed portion 134 of the stocking 130, and more specifically against thetube 150. This rythmic compressing force creates a peristaltic action within thetube 50 which causes material M introduced into thedolls mouth 32, to be forced or extruded toward the discharge end of the tube, and out through thedischarge opening 52. Moreover, since theend 122 of thelever 116 projects towards theupper lip 34, it generates a mouth movement similar to that of a baby eating or sucking.

Since thegear timer 140 is operatively connected to thedrive gear 86, it likewise is caused to rotate when themotor 110 is energized. As previously pointed out, thecam 148 follows an orbital path as thegear timer 140 rotates. While theswitch 150 is normally closed, itwill of course, be momentarily opened when thecam 148 passes by theleaf 152. As long as theprimary switch 180 is closed however, the circuit will remain energized regardless of whether or not theswitch 150 is open, as pointed out before. Once the pressure is removed from thecontact member 184, for example by removing thespoon 250, theswitch 180 is opened. As long as thetiming switch 150 is closed however, the circuit will remain energized and thedevice 60 will continue to operate. As the wedge-shapedcam 148 comes in contact with theleaf 152, it causes it to flex and separate from theedge 170 of thecontact member 164, thus breaking the circuit. At this point, the actuating device stops. The system can again be put into operation by merely closing theprimary switch 180, as explained above.

Since thedoll 10 is used by children, it is desirable that some care and consideration be given regarding the formulation and make-up of the material M, in order to prevent injury or illness to the child if he should intentionally or accidentally consume some of it. It is preferred that the material generally have a moist, mushy consistency, so that it might be readily removed from thespoon 250 when the spoon is inserted in themouth 32. While numerous edible materials are known in the art which might be satisfactorily used, such as commercially available baby food, it has been found that small packets of dry ingredients are a convenient means of making a shelf stable material available. By adding and mixing a prescribed amount of water to a packet of dry ingredients, a quantity of the material can be prepared, for use by a child. As the material is fed into the doll, it is eventually discharged through thedischarge opening 52 due to the peristaltic action generated by thedevice 60.

In order to simulate as closely as possible real life situations, aremovable diaper 252 is attached to the doll. After the doll has been used, thetube 250 can readily be cleaned by flushing it with a quantity of warm water. By inserting the nipple of a small baby bottle into the dolls mouth and gently squeezing the bottle, the tube can be flushed and cleaned. During this operating of course, theactuating device 60 will be energized as well, which aids in the flushing operation.

The present invention results in a baby doll which is not only lifelike in appearance, but also in operation. The ingestion system described herein, permits a child to introduce a quantity of food-like material into the dolls mouth, whereupon the doll will accept the mate rial, generate an eating-like motion, and subsequently discharge the material. It should be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with a baby doll, other types of toys might be used as well, such as a variety of animalfigures.

In the above description and attached drawings, a disclosure of the principles of this invention is presented, together with some of the specific embodiments by which the invention might be carried out.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A toy figure comprising a body member having a head attached thereto, a movable mouth in said head, tubular means within said body for connecting said mouth to a discharge opening in said body, actuating means within the toy, at least a portion of which contacts said tubular means, for creating a peristaltic action in the tubular means whereby material placed in the mouth is extruded through said tubular means and through the discharge opening, and means for energizing said actuating means.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein the toy is a doll, said actuating device includes at least one elongated arm pivotally mounted therein, a portion of said arm adapted to contact a portion of the tube and exert a pulsating compressing force against said tube thereby creating said peristaltic action, and means including a motor for causing said arm to pivot.

3. The combination ofclaim 2 wherein the means for causing said arm to pivot includes a primary mouth lever pivotally mounted within the device, one end of said terminating proximate the mouth whereby pivotal movement of said lever imparts relative movement to the mouth, said lever being positioned proximate the elongated arm and adapted to engage a portion of said arm and cause it to pivot about its pivot axis.

4. The combination of claim 3 wherein a tubular stocking is provided which includes a webbed portion, means for securing said stocking to said one end of the lever so that said webbed portion is interposed between the elongated arm and the tube.

5. The combination of claim 3 wherein a gear train is provided within the device, means for operatively connecting said gear train to the motor means, and means for operatively connecting the other end of the lever to the gear train.

6. The combination of claim 5 wherein the gear train includes a main drive gear, means for securing a pin to one surface of said gear so that it is offset relative to the axis of rotation of said gear, the other end of said lever having an elongated slot therein, and means for attaching said lever to said gear by mounting the slotted end on said pin.

7. The combination of claim 3 which includes a battery for energizing the motor, electrical circuit means, a normally open primary switch for opening and closing said electrical circuit, and means for positioning said switch proximate the mouth whereby said switch can be closed by applying a pressure in the region of the mouth.

8. The combination ofclaim 7 wherein the skull has a lower jaw, a portion of said jaw being movable relative to the skull, and the primary switch includes a movable contact in the form of a flexible leaf spring and a stationary contact, said movable portion of said jaw being affixed to the leaf spring.

9. The combination of claim 8 wherein said lower jaw includes a fixed elongated wall member, and the movable jaw portion includes an elongated leg, said wall member and said leg being aligned with respect to each other to provide a space therebetween, said movable portion and said leg being movable so that said space can vary in size, said primary switch being closed in response to relative separation of said leg and said wall member with respect to each other.

10. The combination of claim 81 wherein a normally closed timing switch is provided in the electrical circuit, said timeing switch permitting the actuating device to operate for a prescribed period of time after the primary switch has been opened.

11. The combination ofclaim 10 wherein means is provided for attaching said timing switch to the exterior of said actuating device, said timing switch including a movable contact in the form of a flexible leaf spring and a fixed contact, and means for opening the switch by breaking the electrical connection between said contacts.

12. The combination of claim 11. wherein a spur gear is rotatably mounted proximate said timing switch, means for operatively connecting said gear to the motor, and a cam secured to said gear means, said cam adapted to move the flexible leaf spring and break the circuit as the spur gear is caused to rotate.

13. The combination ofclaim 12 wherein the cam is wedge-shaped and it is positioned on the surface of said spur gear so that it is offset with respect to the axis of rotation of said gear, and it circumscribes an orbital path as said gear rotates.

14. The combination of claim 1 wherein the toy is a doll, said actuating means is positioned within the dolls head, the lower portion of said head including a skull to which the actuating device is secured, and a skintype covering is provided which surrounds said skull and has the configuration of a dolls head formed

Claims (14)

1. A toy figure comprising a body member having a head attached thereto, a movable mouth in said head, tubular means within said body for connecting said mouth to a discharge opening in said body, actuating means within the toy, at least a portion of which contacts said tubular means, for creating a peristaltic action in the tubular means whereby material placed in the mouth is extruded through said tubular means and through the discharge opening, and means for energizing said actuating means.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein the toy is a doll, said actuating device includes at least one elongated arm pivotally mounted therein, a portion of said arm adapted to contact a portion of the tube and exert a pulsating compressing force against said tube thereby creating said peristaltic action, and means including a motor for causing said arm to pivot.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein the means for causing said arm to pivot includes a primary mouth lever pivotally mounted within the device, one end of said terminating proximate the mouth whereby pivotal movement of said lever imparts relative movement to the mouth, said lever being positioned proximate the elongated arm and adapted to engage a portion of said arm and cause it to pivot about its pivot axis.

4. The combination of claim 3 wherein a tubular stocking is provided which includes a webbed portion, means for securing said stocking to said one end of the lever so that said webbed portion is interposed between the elongated arm and the tube.

5. The combination of claim 3 wherein a gear train is provided within the device, means for operatively connecting said gear train to the motor means, and means for operatively connecting the other end of the lever to the gear train.

6. The combination of claim 5 wherein the gear train includes a main drive gear, means for securing a pin to one surface of said gear so that it is offset relative to the axis of rotation of said gear, the other end of said lever having an elongated slot therein, and means for attaching said lever to said gear by mounting the slotted end on said pin.

7. The combination of claim 3 which includes a battery for energizing the motor, electrical circuit means, a normally open primary switch for opening and closing said electrical circuit, and means for positioning said switch proximate the mouth whereby said switch can be closed by applying a pressure in the region of the mouth.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein the skull has a lower jaw, a portion of said jaw being movable relative to the skull, and the primary switch includes a movable contact in the form of a flexible leaf spring and a stationary contact, said movable portion of said jaw being affixed to the leaf spring.

9. The combination of claim 8 wherein said lower jaw includes a fixed elongated wall member, and the movable jaw portion includes an elongated leg, said wall member and said leg being aligned with respect to each other to provide a space therebetween, said movable portion and said leg being movable so that said space can vary in size, said primary switch being closed in response to relative separation of said leg and said wall member with respect to each other.

10. The combination of claim 8 wherein a normally closed timing switch is provided in the electrical circuit, said timeing switch permitting the actuating device to operate for a prescribed period of time after the primary switch has been opened.

11. The combination of claim 10 wherein means is provided for attaching said timing switch to the exterior of said actuating device, said timing switch including a movable contact in the form of a flexible leaf spring and a fixed contact, and means for opening the switch by breaking the electrical connection between said contacts.

12. The combination of claim 11 wherein a spur gear is rotatably mounted proximate said timing swiTch, means for operatively connecting said gear to the motor, and a cam secured to said gear means, said cam adapted to move the flexible leaf spring and break the circuit as the spur gear is caused to rotate.

13. The combination of claim 12 wherein the cam is wedge-shaped and it is positioned on the surface of said spur gear so that it is offset with respect to the axis of rotation of said gear, and it circumscribes an orbital path as said gear rotates.

14. The combination of claim 1 wherein the toy is a doll, said actuating means is positioned within the doll''s head, the lower portion of said head including a skull to which the actuating device is secured, and a skin-type covering is provided which surrounds said skull and has the configuration of a doll''s head formed thereon.

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