WO2002007843A1

WO2002007843A1 - Remote controlled toy robot with animated arms

Info

Publication number: WO2002007843A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/022988
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ian J. Findley; William Byles; Emil Von Winckelmann
Original assignee: Brainstorm Productions
Priority date: 2000-07-20
Filing date: 2001-07-19
Publication date: 2002-01-31
Also published as: AU2001276019A1

Abstract

A remote controlled toy robot having animated arms is disclosed. The preferred embodiment of the present invention incorporates a four wheel chassis with combined rear steering and drive mechanism. Both the right arm and the left arm associated with main body chassis of the present invention animate via signals sent by remote control. This animation includes a swinging arm motion, a punching arm motion, and locking arm motion. When a target area is hit a designated number of times, this triggers an event that temporarily disables one or more of a number of functions described. All of a number of push button switches trigger sound events described. The motion of said right arm animates in a manner that emulates a chopping and/or sword swinging motion whereby said right arm swings forward, outward and away from said main body chassis. The motion of left arm raises and lowers about the shoulder axis in a manner that emulates a blocking motion. The present invention allows for left and right steering and forward and backward, propulsion. When the animated arms are operated in conjunction with said combined rear steering and drive mechanism, the present invention can maneuver in a variety of ways, each of which depend on the users specific combination of remotely controlled animated events. The resulting said maneuverability of the present invention coupled with the function of said target area allows for a game of skill and strategy unparalleled in the toy industry.

Description

REMOTE CONTROLLED TOY ROBOT WITH ANIMATED ARMS

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to toys, doll figures, and remote controlled vehicles,

particularly to those having articulated limbs and appendages capable of a remotely controllable motion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Toy and doll figures have always been immensely popular. This popularity has

caused practitioners of the art to create a wide variety of toy figures that often mimic various

human actions. The advent of low cost sound generating chips in recent years has also prompted the development of toys or dolls which perform actions that trigger phrases or other sound events. Dolls and toy figures have been created which are realistic while others have

been created which are fanciful or exaggerated in appearance.

As dolls and toy figures continue to evolve, the mechanism used to power toy figure

activity has progressed from simple manual manipulation to remotely controlled motor-powered mechanisms. As a result of this evolution, dolls and toy figures have become more complex. However, doll and toy figures currently available have a number of deficiencies.

For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,290,185 issued to Murakami sets forth a boxing remote control toy robot having arm appendages capable of boxing movements. The robot

includes a plurality of driver devices each having an electric motor.

The limitation of the Murakami reference, however, is that no method of blocking and/or dodging an attack is disclosed. Nor does the Murakami reference provide for arm retraction movement returning the arm to a retracted ready position. U.S. Patent No. 3,955,311 issued to Lyons, et al. sets forth a mechanism for moving

an upper appendage of a toy figure having a torso supporting at least one pivotal arm. A movement mechanism mounted within the torso operatively couples the push button to the

movable arm to facilitate a sword/type movement. However, the Lyons reference again fails

to provide a blocking feature; nor does the Lyons reference provide for a retracted arm ready

position.

U.S. Patent No. 5,046,987 issued to Djordjevic discloses a pair of toy boxer arms for a

doll having incorporating a pivotal attachment. A pair of rotational drive mechanisms articulate the figure's arms in a punching type action. However, the Djordjevic reference does

not provide for remote operation.

U.S. Patent No. 4,738,649 issued to Dellibovi, et al. sets forth a figure toy with

punching arm mechanism having a spring-powered rotatable arm which is capable of

simulating a striking action. The arm utilizes a spring motor with a ratchet and clutch arrangement which permits full winding while protecting the mechanism against damage due to excessive rotation of the punching arm in either direction. The Dellibovi, et al. reference,

however does not provide arm movement about the elbow axis thereby reducing the effect of

realism that would be accomplished with an added pivoting elbow.

While the foregoing described prior art devices have improved the art and in some instances enjoyed commercial success, there remains nonetheless a continuing need in the art

for evermore improved, entertaining, realistic cost effective dolls and toy figures which

provide movement activity for interactive game play.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a remote controlled toys that overcome the deficiencies on the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses and resolves the deficiencies in the prior art. It is a

general object of the present invention to provide an improved doll or toy figure. It is a more

specific object of the present invention to provide an improved remotely controllable doll or

toy figure having at least three unique, realistic arm motions which when coupled with a

wheel driven mobility makes possible a game of skill and strategy between two or more

operators.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a maneuverable remote

controlled toy robot which can make realistic blocking, chopping, and sword swinging

movement. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is fitted with a push button switch that when triggered, disables its remote controlled toy robot in one of a number of manners and for the express purpose of facilitating a game of skill and strategy.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention incorporates a body chassis, two

front wheels, a rear drive and steering assembly, a plurality of push button switches

associated with a control circuit, a sound generating device, a total of four wheels supporting all components, a push button switch associated with front of main body chassis that when

triggered causes any of a number of said remote controlled toy robots functions to be

disabled, and two remotely controlled animated arms supported by said main body chassis

which are driven by an arm motion assembly that causes the right arm to move in three phases.

In the first phase, the arm begins in a ready, retracted position. In the second phase, the right arm raises about the shoulder axis placing the arm in the attack position. A release

mechanism causes the forearm to swing forward about the elbow axis. Finally, in the third

phase, the arm is retracted about the elbow and shoulder axes returning the figure to its ready position. The left arm raises and lowers to block an object from making contact with the

"target area".

In an effort to improve on the activity aspects of such dolls and toy figures, the present

invention has been made with remotely controlled animated features that offer multi

directional mobility on a surface, two animated arm motions plus a target area which makes

possible a game of skill and strategy between one or more remote controlled toy robots of same or similar design.

The present invention may be better understood by referring to the following detailed

description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The

detailed description of a particular preferred embodiment, described below, is intended to be a particular example, and not a limitation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with

the preceding general description and the following detailed description, explain the principles of the invention.

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the

following drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is an exploded view drawing of toy robot.

FIGURE 2 is a front view of toy robot.

FIGURE 3 is a side view of toy robot.

FIGURE 4 is a top view of toy robot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide

a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled

in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other

instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form or clarity and

in order not to obscure the details of the invention.

Figure 1 is an the exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention

illustrating remote controlled toy robot with animated features. A preferred embodiment of

the present invention comprises a right and left front wheel (1, la) that are mounted to spin

freely on a common axis. The rear wheels (2, 2a) are mounted on the drive wheels axle (13) and driven by crown gear (12) which is driven by the drive gear (11) mounted to drive axle

(10). The drive axle (10) is mounted to and driven by the drive gear (9) which is driven by a

worm gear (8) mounted to worm gear axle (7) mounted to reduction gear (6) and driven by drive motor (3) which responds to signals received by remote control receiver (44). Additionally, responding to signals received by remote control receiver (44), the steering

motor (4) drives the reduction gear (6) which is mounted to worm gear axle (7) mounted to

worm gear (8) which drives steering gear assembly (14) which is pivot mounted to and

supported by the drive wheels axle (13).

The arm motion motor (5), responding to signals received by remote control receiver

(44), drives the reduction gear (6) mounted to worm gear axle (7) mounted to worm gear (8) which rotates drive gear for arm motion (15) fixed to a crank axle (18) driving at least two

operations: First, cranks (17) are mounted in a fixed position to left and right side of the crank axle (18) as well as to the left and right upper arms (20,22). Push rods (19) are pivot mounted to the four cranks (17), which translate single direction rotary motion into a dual direction action for the left and right upper arms (20,22). Secondly, the drive gear for arm motion (15) rotates gear for arm motion (16) driving actuator (24) which grabs and releases

the claw arm (25) pivot mounted to right forearm (23). When claw arm (25) is released, the

return spring (26) brings claw arm (25) back into contact with actuator (24) causing right

forearm (23) to move from a bent position to an outstretched position then back to a bent position once more which, acting in conjunction with the movement of upper arm (22),

animates the whole of the arm in a manner that emulates a person punching and/or swinging

his or her arm outward and away from his or her body.

The right fist (46) is pivot mounted to the right forearm (23), which when rotating on a pivot mount, depresses the right forearm push button switch (37), which, facilitated by

electronic control circuit (45), triggers any of a number of sound effects via a speaker (47).

The right forearm (23), when raised to an upward position, and just before or during release

of claw arm (25), causes right upper arm push button switch (36) to depress which, facilitated

by electronic control circuit (45), triggers any of a number of sound effects. The electronic control circuit (45) in the preferred embodiment is a model SPC81A microcontroller by

Sunplus of Hsinchu, Taiwan. The left forearm (48) can remain in either a fixed and bent

position or it can be manually adjusted into a desired position on the elbow axis.

Responding to the 3rd contact in a series of three depressions of the push button

switch (29), the electronic control circuit (45) causes any or all of the following functions to be temporarily disabled: drive motor (3), steering motor (4), arm motion motor (5) and/or power to the unit.

A motor calling box (42) and a sound battery box (43) provide the power source for the present invention. Left and right upper arm housings (33) are constructed in such a way as to fit, over the upper arms (20, 22). The left forearm housing (34, 35) and the right forearm housing (38, 39) are mounted to left and right forearm (48, 23) respectively, such that

unobstructed animation can occur. A steering assembly housing (32) is also constructed in

such a way so that when assembled it does not obstruct the movement.

Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4 illustrate the preferred embodiment of the present

invention from a front, side and top view respectively. The elements function in a manner

described previously.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A remote controlled toy robot comprising:

a body chassis; an upper arm member having an upper end and a lower end, said upper end of

said upper arm member rotably attached to said body chassis; and

a lower arm member having an upper end and a lower end, said upper end of

said lower arm member rotably attached to said lower end of said upper arm member whereby manipulation of said upper arm member and said lower arm member results in a

plu ality of distinct positions simulating human motion.

2. A remote controlled toy robot in claim 1 wherein said plurality of distinct positions comprises a retracted ready position, an attack position and a swinging forward

position.

3. A remote controlled toy robot claim 1 wherein manipulation of said upper arm member and said lower arm member is accomplished by remote control.

4. A remote controlled toy robot claim 2 wherein manipulation of said upper arm

member and said lower arm member is accomplished by remote control.

5. A remote controlled toy robot claim 1 further comprising a drive means.

6. A remote controlled toy robot claim 5 further comprising a steering means

connected to said drive means.

7. A remote controlled toy robot comprising: a body chassis supported by a plurality of wheels; a combined rear steering and drive mechanism mounted to said body chassis; a right arm assembly moveably mounted to said body chassis, where said right

arm assembly animates;

a left arm assembly moveably mounted to said body chassis, where said left

arm mutually animates; a sensor mounted to said body chassis whereby contact with said sensor

triggers random sound effects and disablement of one or more of a plurality of functions; and

a remote control receiver electrically connected to a control circuit, said

remote control receiver associated with a controller, whereby signals received by said remote

control receiver from said controller activates said control circuit resulting in rendering said remote controlled toy robot in one of a plurality of positions.

8. A remote controlled toy robot according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of

positions comprise: said left arm assembly raises and lowers about a shoulder axis, said left arm assembly having a manually adjustable elbow axis position, whereby said right arm assembly animates in a manner that emulates a chopping or sword/swing action whereby at the starting

position the right arm is bent at an elbow axis and in a downward position, said right arm

assembly raises to an upward apex while still bent at elbow, then by a release mechanism, right forearm lunges forward on said elbow axis as said right arm assembly animates back to an original bent and downward position.

9. The remote controlled toy robot according to claim 7 wherein said control

circuit comprises a microprocessor having voice synthesis capabilities.

10. The remote controlled toy robot according to claim 7 additionally comprising a sound generating device adapted to generate a set of predetermined phrases and sound effects in response to said depression of said push button switches.

11. The remote controlled toy robot according to claim 7 wherein said sensor is

associated with front surface of said main body chassis is depressed three times, an event is triggered that temporarily disables one or more of a plurality of functions including:

Right arm movement; Left arm movement; and

Wheel driven mobility.

12. The remote controlled toy robot according to claim 9 wherein said control

circuit is operatively coupled to said push button switch, said control circuit being adapted to

disable one of a plurality of functions.

13. The remote controlled toy robot according to claim 11 wherein after one of

said plurality of functions is disabled, said control circuit re-enables said plurality of

functions.

14. The remote controlled toy robot according to claim 11 wherein a remote control receiver, responding to signals sent from a remote controller, causes any of the following remotely controllable events:

Forward and Reverse Drive (rear drive wheels);

Left and Right steering (rear steering unit);

Right arm motion; and Left arm motion.

15. A remote controlled toy robot comprising:

a right arm punch and sword swinging mechanism, said right arm punch and sword swinging mechanism comprising; a left arm blocking mechanism;

a body chassis driven by a combined drive and steering mechanism; a push button switch target area; a combination of remotely controllable animated events and a push button

switch target area, said push button switch target area when operated by a user allows for a

game of skill and strategy between two or more remote controlled toy robots of same or

similar design in which said two or more remote controlled toy robots maneuver on a surface

and utilizing remotely operated animated arms in an attempt to impact said push button

switch target area of an opponents remote controlled toy robot of same or similar design.

16. A remote controlled toy robot in claim 15 further comprising:

a pair of animated arms, a plurality of wheels supporting a chassis, a combined

steering and drive assembly, a push button switch target area, an assortment of sound events

triggered by a plurality of push button switches positioned in such a way as to be triggered by animated events which allows for a game of skill and strategy whereby a user controlling said remote controlled toy robot can maneuver around and with an animated right arm sword

swinging mechanism, impact the target area of an opponent's remote controlled toy robot of

same or similar design, said user also being able to defend an attack aimed at said push button switch target area of said remote controlled toy robot using the animated left arm blocking mechanism.