JP6706282B2 - Object within housing and assembly having mechanism for opening housing - Google Patents

Description

The present specification relates generally to assemblies having internal objects within a housing, and more particularly to toy characters within an egg-shaped housing.

There continues to be a need to provide toys that interact with a user and that the toy rewards the user based on the interaction. For example, some robot pets exhibit false love when their owner pets the robot pet's head several times. Owners enjoy such robot pets, but there continues to be a need for new and innovative types of toys, especially toy characters, that interact with the owner.

The present invention is to solve the problems of the background art.

In one aspect, a toy assembly is provided, the toy assembly including a housing, an internal object (which may be a toy character in some embodiments), at least one sensor, and a controller. The inner object is positioned within the housing and includes a breakthrough mechanism operable to break the housing to expose the inner object. The at least one sensor detects a user interaction. The controller determines, based on at least one interaction with the user, whether a selected condition is met, and, if the condition is met, destroys the housing to destroy the interior. It is configured to operate the breakthrough mechanism to expose the object. Optionally, the condition is met based on having a selected number of interactions with the user.

Optionally, the breakthrough mechanism includes a hammer and a breakthrough mechanism power source. The inner body includes at least one release member, the release member being in a pre-breakthrough position in which the breach mechanism power source is operatively connected to the hammer to drive the hammer to destroy the housing. From the breach mechanism power source to the post-breach position, which is operatively disconnected from the hammer. The at least one release member is in the pre-breakthrough position prior to breaking the housing to expose the internal object.

Alternatively, the breakthrough mechanism is a hammer, the hammer having a retracted position in which the hammer is spaced from the housing and an extended position in which the hammer is driven to break the housing. It may include a hammer movable between; an actuating lever; and a breach mechanism cam. The actuating lever is biased by an actuating lever biasing member to drive the hammer to the extended position, and the breakthrough mechanism cam is rotatable by a motor, thereby causing the actuation from the hammer. Periodically causing the lever to retract and the subsequent release of the actuating lever for press fitting into the hammer by the actuating lever biasing member. The actuating lever biasing member and the motor together form the breakthrough mechanism power source. Optionally, the actuating lever biasing member is a helical coil tension spring.

Optionally, when in the pre-breakthrough position, the at least one release member causes the first end of the spring to move between the housing and an actuating lever pivotable to engage the hammer. Releasably connected to one of the two. The spring has a second end connected to the other of the housing and the actuating lever. When in the post-breakthrough position, the at least one release member disconnects the first end of the spring from the one of the housing and the actuating lever.

Alternatively, when in the pre-breakthrough position, the at least one release member causes the first end of the spring to engage the housing and an actuating lever pivotable to engage the hammer. Releasably connect to one of the two. Here, the spring has a second end connected to the other of the housing and the actuating lever. When in the post-breakthrough position, the at least one release member disconnects the first end of the spring from the one of the housing and the actuating lever.

Alternatively, the inner body further comprises at least one limb and a limb power source. The branch power source is operably disconnected from the at least one branch when the internal object is in the pre-breakthrough position. The branch power source is operably connected to the at least one branch when the internal object is in the post-breach position.

Alternatively, when the internal object is in the pre-breakthrough position, the at least one branch is in a non-functional position in which the branch power source does not drive movement of the at least one branch. Retained. The branch power source drives movement of the at least one branch when the internal object is in the post-breakthrough position.

According to another aspect, a method for managing an interaction between a user and a toy assembly is provided, wherein the toy assembly includes a housing and a toy character within the housing. The above method:
a) receiving registration of the toy assembly from the user;
b) receiving a first progress scan of the toy assembly from the user after step a);
c) displaying a first output image of the toy character in the first stage of virtual development;
d) receiving a second progress scan of the toy assembly from the user after step c); and e) in a second stage of virtual development that is different from the first output image. Displaying a second output image of the interior object.

In another aspect, a toy assembly is provided. The toy assembly is: a housing; an internal object within the housing (which may be a toy character in some embodiments); operatively associated with the housing to destroy the housing and expose the internal object. Including the breakthrough mechanism. The breakthrough mechanism is powered by a breakthrough mechanism power source coupled to the housing. Optionally, the breakthrough mechanism is within the housing. As a further option, the breakthrough mechanism may be operable from outside the housing. Optionally, the breach mechanism includes a hammer positioned relative to the internal object, wherein the breach mechanism power source is operative to the hammer to drive the hammer to destroy the housing. Connected to. Optionally, the breach mechanism power source is operatively connected to the hammer to reciprocate the hammer to break the housing.

Optionally, the breach mechanism includes: a base member; a plunger member; and a biasing element that provides a separating force that biases the plunger member and the base member apart.

As a further option, the breach mechanism further includes a release element that blocks the release element from moving the biasing element away from the plunger member and the base member, It is positionable in a blocking position and is removable from the blocking position so that the biasing element can drive the plunger member and the base member apart.

Optionally, the motor draws power from a battery and the breakthrough mechanism further comprises a magnetic switch, the magnetic switch controlling the power from the battery to the motor and operable by the presence of a magnet proximate the housing. Is.

In another aspect, a toy assembly is provided that includes a housing and an internal object within the housing, which in some embodiments may be a toy character, wherein the housing is within the housing. There are a plurality of irregular fracture paths formed such that the housing is configured to fracture along at least one of the fracture paths when subjected to sufficient force.

In another aspect, a toy assembly is provided that includes a housing and an internal object within the housing in a pre-breakthrough position, which in some embodiments may be a toy character. The internal object includes a functional mechanism set. The internal object can be taken out of the housing and can be positioned at the post-breakthrough position. The functional mechanism set is operable to perform a first series of movements when the internal object is in the pre-breakthrough position. When the internal object is in the post-breach position, the functional mechanism set is operable to perform a second series of movements different from the first series of movements. In one example, the internal body further includes: a breakthrough mechanism; a breakthrough mechanism power source; at least one branch; and a branch section power source, all of which together form part of the functional mechanism set. To do. When the internal object is in the pre-breakthrough position, the twig power source is operatively disconnected from the at least one twig, so that movement of the twig power source results in at least one of the at least one twig power source. Does not drive branch motion. However, in the post-breakthrough position, the break-through mechanism power source drives the movement of the break-through mechanism to break the housing and expose the internal object. The branch power source is operatively connected to the at least one branch to drive movement of the branch when the internal object is in the post-breakthrough position, and the breakthrough mechanism is The breakthrough mechanism is not driven by the power source.

In another aspect, a polymer composition is provided, wherein the polymer composition comprises: about 15-25 wt% base polymer; about 1-5 wt% organic acid metal salt; and about 75-85 wt% inorganic/ Contains fine particle filler.

In another aspect, a product is provided wherein the product comprises: about 15-25 wt% base polymer; about 1-5 wt% organic acid metal salt; and about 75-85 wt% inorganic/particulate filler. Formed of the above polymer composition.

In another aspect, a toy assembly is provided that includes a housing and an internal object within the housing, which in some embodiments may be a toy character, wherein the internal object includes the housing. A rupture mechanism operable to rupture to expose the internal object, wherein the housing includes a plurality of ruptures provided on an inner surface of the housing to facilitate rupture upon impact from the rupture mechanism. Contains elements.

In another aspect, a housing break mechanism is provided, which includes: a first frame member; a second frame member rotatably coupled to the first frame member; An aperture positioned; and at least one cutting element pivotally connected to the first frame member and slidably connected to the second member, the at least one cutting element comprising: A first position adjacent the housing when the at least one cutting element is located in the aperture and the housing when the at least one cutting element is located in the aperture And pivots to and from a second position.

In yet another aspect, a toy assembly is provided that includes: a housing; an internal object within the housing; and a breakthrough, coupled to the housing, operable to break the housing to expose the internal object. A mechanism, wherein the breakthrough mechanism exhibits additional behavior when returned into the housing.

For a better understanding of the various embodiments described herein and to more clearly illustrate how the various embodiments can be practiced, reference is made to the accompanying drawings by way of example only.

Through FIG. 6 is a perspective side view of a toy assembly according to a non-limiting embodiment. 2 is a perspective view of a housing that is part of the toy assembly shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a toy character that is part of the toy assembly shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the toy character shown in FIG. 2 at a pre-breakthrough position before engagement of a hammer that is part of the breakthrough mechanism. FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the toy character shown in FIG. 2 at a pre-breakthrough position after engagement of a hammer that is a part of the breakthrough mechanism. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of a toy character causing rotation of the toy character within the housing. FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of the portion of the toy character shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the toy character shown in FIG. 2 at a post-breakthrough position, showing a state in which a hammer is extended. FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the toy character shown in FIG. 2 at a position after breakthrough, showing a state in which a hammer is pulled in. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the toy assembly shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B showing a plurality of sensors that are part of the toy assembly. FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a portion of the toy assembly showing the toy character's branches in a non-functional pre-breakthrough position that remains positioned when the branches are in the housing. FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the toy assembly further showing the toy character's branches in a non-functional pre-breakthrough position that remains positioned when the branches are in the housing. FIG. 6 is an enlarged front elevational view of a joint between a branch and a character frame of a toy character. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the toy assembly showing the toy character's branches in a post-functional breakthrough position that remains positioned when the branches are outside the housing. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a toy assembly and an electronic device used to scan the toy assembly. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the steps for uploading a scan of a toy assembly to a server. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the steps of transmitting an output image from a server for electronic display, showing a first virtual stage of development for a toy character. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the steps of transmitting an output image from a server for electronic display, showing a second virtual stage of development for a toy character. 14 is a flowchart of a method of receiving a scan from an electronic device and illustrating a toy character based on the steps shown in FIGS. 11 and 13. FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a housing shown in the shape of an egg shell with a combination of continuous and discontinuous break paths formed therein. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a housing shown in the shape of an egg shell having a plurality of continuous break paths arranged in a random pattern. FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a housing shown in the shape of an egg shell having a plurality of consecutive break paths arranged in a geometric pattern. FIG. 17B is a perspective view of the housing of FIG. 17A, showing in more detail the geometric pattern of the fracture paths. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a housing shown in the shape of an egg shell having a plurality of discontinuous break paths arranged in a random pattern. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a housing shown in the shape of an egg shell with a plurality of break units arranged in a random pattern. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a housing shown in the shape of an egg shell having a plurality of break units arranged in a regular repeating pattern. FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a breakthrough mechanism forming part of a toy assembly according to another non-limiting embodiment, prior to activation by tab release. It is a side surface disassembled three-dimensional view of the breakthrough mechanism of FIG. FIG. 21 is another side cross-sectional view of the breakthrough mechanism of FIG. 20 after activation by tab release. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a housing according to another non-limiting embodiment, shown in the shape of an egg shell having a plurality of continuous break paths formed therein. FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a number of components of another breakthrough mechanism forming part of a toy assembly, according to a further non-limiting embodiment. FIG. 25 is a side cross-sectional view of the breakthrough mechanism of FIG. 24 within the housing before activation of the breakthrough mechanism. FIG. 26 is a side cross-sectional view of the breakthrough mechanism of FIG. 25 projecting through the housing after activation. FIG. 8 is a side view of a breakthrough mechanism according to yet another non-limiting embodiment. FIG. 6 is a top view of a housing break mechanism according to a further non-limiting embodiment. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional top view of the housing breaking mechanism of FIG. 28, showing a state in which the housing is broken. FIG. 29 is a side sectional view of the housing breaking mechanism of FIG. 28. FIG. 6 is a top view of a housing break mechanism according to yet another non-limiting embodiment having two pivotally connected members. FIG. 31B is a top view of the housing break-away mechanism of FIG. 31A, wherein the two members pivot relative to each other to limit the aperture defined by the two members. FIG. 7 is a front view of a breakthrough mechanism according to another embodiment in an expanded state. 32B is a front view of a companion mechanism for placement within a housing having the breakthrough mechanism of FIG. 32A. FIG. The breakthrough mechanism of FIG. 32A and the companion mechanism of FIG. 32B are shown in laminated compression. 32B is a cross-sectional view of an egg-shaped housing having two toy characters employing a breakthrough mechanism similar to the breakthrough mechanism of FIG. 32A and a companion mechanism similar to the companion mechanism of FIG. 32B. 32B is a front cross-sectional view of a companion mechanism smaller than the companion mechanism of FIG. 32B for placement in a housing having a breach mechanism such as the breach mechanism of FIG. 32A. FIG. 36A is a partial cross-sectional front view of a breakthrough mechanism similar to the breakthrough mechanism of FIG. 32A and two companion mechanisms of FIG. 35 in a laminated compression state. FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of an egg-shaped housing having three toy characters employing a breakthrough mechanism similar to the breakthrough mechanism of FIG. 32A and two companion mechanisms as shown in FIG. 36. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a housing, an adapter disc and a breakthrough mechanism, according to yet another embodiment. FIG. 39 is a top perspective view of the bottom of the housing of FIG. 38. FIG. 39 is a top perspective view of the adapter disc of FIG. 38. FIG. 39 is a bottom perspective view of the adapter disc of FIG. 38.

Reference is made to FIGS. 1A and 1B showing a toy assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The toy assembly 10 includes a housing 12 and a toy character 14 positioned within the housing 12. To show the toy character 14 within the housing 12, portions of the housing 12 are shown as transparent in FIGS. 1A and 1B, although the housing 12 is typical of the environment in this physical assembly. It may be opaque in the sense that the user cannot see the toy character 14 through the housing 12 under lighting conditions. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 12 is in the shape of an egg shell and the toy character 14 within the housing 12 is in the shape of a bird. However, the housing 12 and toy character 14 may have any other suitable shape. For manufacturing, the housing 12 may be formed from a plurality of housing members, shown separately as a first housing member 12a, a second housing member 12b, and a third housing member 12c, which are integrally formed. Fixedly joined to substantially surround the toy character 14. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the housing 12 may only partially surround the toy character 14, which allows the toy character to be visible from several angles, even when within the housing 12.

The toy character 14 is configured to destroy the housing 12 from within the housing 12 to expose the toy character 14. In embodiments in which the housing 12 is in the shape of an egg, the action of destroying the housing 12 is specifically for the toy character 14 to be a bird or some other animal that normally hatches from an egg, such as a turtle, lizard, dinosaur or any other animal. In the shaped embodiment, the toy character 14 will appear to the user as if it were hatching from an egg.

Referring to the perspective view shown in FIG. 2, the housing 12 may include a plurality of irregular fracture paths 16 formed in the housing 12. As a result, when the toy character 14 destroys the housing 12, it appears to the user that the housing 12 was randomly destroyed by the toy character 14, thereby adding a sense of realism to the process of destroying the housing. The irregular fracture path 16 may have any suitable shape. For example, the break path 16 may be generally arcuate to prevent the presence of sharp corners in the housing 12 during breakage of the housing 12 by the toy character 14. Irregular fracture paths 16 may be formed by any suitable method. For example, the break path may be directly molded to one or more of the housings 12a-12c. In the example shown, the break path 16 is provided on the inner surface of the housing 12 (shown at 18) so that it is not visible to the user prior to breaking the housing 12. The break paths 16 configure the housing 12 to break along at least one of the break paths 16 when subjected to sufficient force.

Housing 12 may be formed of any suitable natural or synthetic polymer composition, depending on the desired performance (ie, fracture) properties. When shown in the form of an egg shell, for example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the polymer composition may be selected to exhibit realistic fracture behavior upon impact from the breakthrough mechanism 22 of the toy character 14. .. In general, materials suitable for simulated destructible egg shells may exhibit one or more of low elasticity, low plasticity, low malleability and low tensile strength. Upon operation by the breakthrough mechanism 22, the material must break without significantly absorbing the impact force. In other words, upon impact by the burst mechanism 22, the material must not bend significantly and must fracture along one or more of the defined fracture elements. In addition, the polymer composition may be selected to exhibit fracture without the formation of sharp edges. During the rupture event, the selected polymer composition minimizes unrealistic dangling due to bending or flexing at points that did not separate, allowing the broken and free pieces to separate and cleanly drop from the housing 12. Need to be able to.

It has been determined that polymer compositions having a high filler content relative to the base polymer exhibit desirable performance characteristics for simulating broken eggs. An exemplary composition having a high filler content may include about 15-25 wt% base polymer, about 1-5 wt% organic acid metal salt, and about 75-85 wt% inorganic/particulate filler. .. It will be appreciated that a variety of base polymers, organic acid metal salts and fillers may be selected to achieve the desired performance characteristics. In certain exemplary embodiments suitable for use in forming the housing 12, the composition comprises 15-25 wt% ethylene-vinyl acetate, 1-5 wt% zinc stearate, and 75-85 wt% calcium carbonate. Composed of.

Although illustrated with ethylene-vinyl acetate, it will be appreciated that a variety of base polymers may be used depending on the desired performance characteristics. Alternatives for base polymers include thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers. For example, in some embodiments, the base polymer may be a polyolefin (ie polypropylene, polyethylene). Further, it will be appreciated that the base polymer may be selected from a range of natural polymers used in the manufacture of bioplastics. Exemplary natural polymers include, but are not limited to, starch, cellulose and aliphatic polyesters.

Although illustrated with calcium carbonate, it will be appreciated that alternative particulate fillers may be suitably used. Exemplary alternatives include, but are not limited to, talc, mica, kaolin, wollastonite, feldspar and aluminum hydroxide.

Referring to FIG. 2, where the housing 12 is provided in the shape of an egg shell, the wall thickness of the structural region 17, which is the portion of the housing 12 that surrounds the breaking element (shown as the breaking path 16 in FIG. 2). The thickness may be in the range of 0.5-1.0 mm. The wall thickness selected may take into account a number of factors, including ease of molding (ie injection molding), with respect to melt flow performance through the molding tool, particularly for the selected polymer composition. Good for the exemplary polymer composition described above, ie, a composition comprised of 15-25 wt% ethylene-vinyl acetate, 1-5 wt% zinc stearate, and 75-85 wt% calcium carbonate. A wall thickness of 0.7-0.8 mm may be selected for the structural area 17 to achieve molding performance. In the case of this composition, a thickness of 0.7-0.8 mm for the structural area 17 also provides sufficient strength to maintain the integrity of the housing 12 during shipping and handling, especially when handled by children. I know I will provide it.

The provision of the plurality of break paths 16 formed on the inner surface 18 of the housing 12 serves to facilitate the process of breaking the housing 12 by the breakthrough mechanism 22. In the housing 12 provided in the form of a breakable egg shell, the break path 16 is generally provided in the break region 19 of the first housing member 12a. However, it will be appreciated that the break area 19 may be provided in one or more of the various housing members 12a, 12b, 12c. The break paths 16 may be formed in either a random or regular (ie geometric) pattern, depending on the desired fracture behavior. 15-19B, there are shown a number of exemplary breaking elements that may be formed in the housing 12.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment in which the breaking element is shown as the breaking path 16 in the breaking area 19, which is continuous (ie interconnected) and discontinuous formed in the inner surface 18 of the housing 12. It includes a combination of (ie dead ends) channels 21. To facilitate fracture, the channel 21 is positioned to provide a generally continuous, centrally located fracture path (shown by dotted line C) through the fracture region 19. The break path 16 defines an area of reduced wall thickness, which is typically 40-60% thinner than the wall thickness of the structural area 17. In some embodiments, the fracture path is sized to exhibit a wall thickness that is 50% less than the wall thickness of the surrounding structural region 17. Thus, when providing the housing 12 with a wall thickness of 0.8 mm in the structural region 17, the break path 16 will generally exhibit a wall thickness of 0.4 mm. As shown, the width of the channel 21 varies along its length between 0.5 and 1.5 mm, with some channels generally decreasing towards their terminal (ie dead end) regions. Exhibit the width to do.

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment in which the breaking elements are shown as breaking paths 16 in the breaking area 19, the breaking paths 16 being randomly positioned and the channels 21 forming the breaking paths 16 being continuous therethrough ( That is, they are interconnected). Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 15, the fracture path 16 of FIG. 16 defines a region of reduced wall thickness that is typically 40-60% thinner than the wall thickness of the structural region 17. In some embodiments, the break path 16 is dimensioned to exhibit a wall thickness that is 50% less than the wall thickness of the surrounding structural region 17. Thus, when providing the housing 12 with a wall thickness of 0.8 mm in the structural region 17, the break path 16 will generally exhibit a wall thickness of 0.4 mm. The width of the channel 21 may vary, especially in the region where two or more channels intersect, but the channel is generally formed to have a width in the range 0.8 to 1.2 mm.

FIG. 17A shows an embodiment in which the breaking elements are shown as the breaking paths 16 of the breaking area 19, the breaking paths 16 being arranged in a geometric pattern, through which the channels 21 forming the breaking paths 16 pass. It is continuous (that is, interconnected). As shown, the geometric pattern includes a plurality of hexagons arranged in a grid, the perimeters (ie, sides) of the hexagons defining fracture paths 16. Each hexagon further comprises a central break path 16a that bisects the hexagon through opposite vertices or opposite sides. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 15, the fracture path 16/16a of FIG. 17A defines a region of reduced wall thickness, which is typically 40-60% thinner than the wall thickness of structural region 17. In some embodiments, the break path 16/16a is dimensioned to exhibit a wall thickness that is 50% less than the wall thickness of the surrounding structural region 17. Thus, when providing the housing 12 with a wall thickness of 0.8 mm in the structural region 17, the break path 16/16a will generally exhibit a wall thickness of 0.4 mm. Within each geometry, the area delimited by the peripheral break path 16 may be formed with a uniform wall thickness. In an alternative configuration, the area 25 delimited by the circumferential break path 16 may be tapered as shown in Figure 17b. As shown, each region 25 has a central ridge 27 having a first thickness (ie, similar to or greater than the thickness of structural region 17 ), and from central ridge 27 to an adjacent fracture path 16. A plurality of tapered walls 29 extending in the direction. Compared to the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16, the width of the channels 21 is more uniform when the break paths 16 are arranged in a certain geometric pattern. The width of the channels may vary, but in some embodiments the channels may be formed to have a width of approximately 0.8 mm.

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment in which the break region 19 comprises a series of closely related but discontinuous and randomly positioned break elements (shown as break units 23). Each breaking unit 23 generally exhibits the shape of a T or Y channel and has a width of 0.5 to 1.5 mm. The break unit 23 defines a region of reduced wall thickness, typically in the region of 40-60% of the wall thickness of the structural region 17. In some embodiments, the break unit 23 is sized to exhibit a wall thickness that is 50% less than the wall thickness of the surrounding structural region 17. Thus, when providing the housing 12 with a wall thickness of 0.8 mm in the structural area 17, the breaking unit 23 will generally exhibit a wall thickness of 0.4 mm.

19A and 19B, there is shown a further alternative embodiment in which a discontinuous array of breaking elements is provided to establish the breaking area 19. 19A and 19B show a plurality of break elements (shown as break units 23) in the form of circular and/or elliptical recesses formed in the housing 12. The circular and/or elliptical breaking units 23 may be provided in various sizes and orientations to achieve a generally random breaking behavior. Further, the break units 23 may be arranged in a generally random pattern as shown in FIG. 19A or in a regular repeating pattern as shown in FIG. 19B. The break unit 23 of FIGS. 19A and 19B defines a region of reduced wall thickness, which is typically 40-60% thinner than the wall thickness of the structural region 17. In some embodiments, the break unit 23 is sized to exhibit a wall thickness that is 50% less than the wall thickness of the surrounding structural region 17. Thus, when providing the housing 12 with a wall thickness of 0.8 mm in the structural area 17, the breaking unit 23 will generally exhibit a wall thickness of 0.4 mm.

The break element (break path 16/break unit 23) may occupy 20-80% of the area within the break region 19. In some embodiments where the housing needs to fracture with a relatively high impact force, the fracture path/unit may occupy 20-30% of the area within the fracture region 19. Conversely, the housing 12 needs to be broken with a relatively small impact force, and the breaking element may occupy 70% to 80% of the area within the break region 19. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15-19B, the fracture elements occupy approximately 40-60% of the area within the fracture region 19. The selection of the ratio of break element to structural area of housing 12 will take into account a number of factors including, but not limited to, the material used, the force required to break the housing, and the shape of the housing. For example, in certain embodiments where the polymer composition incorporates a base polymer that has higher strength properties compared to ethylene-vinyl acetate, the housing is more vulnerable to achieving fracture of the housing under the same impact conditions. High fracture element ratios (ie 70%-80%) may be required. Other embodiments may employ a ratio of rupture elements that may be less than 20% or greater than 80%, depending on the intended application and the impact force used to achieve rupture of the housing. Will be understood.

Although the housing 12 has been illustrated in the shape of an egg shell, it is understood that the materials and molding features described above may be applied to other products including, but not limited to, other housing configurations and consumer packaging. Will be done. For example, if the toy character is provided in the form of an action figure, the housing may be provided in the shape of a building, the action figure being configured to impact the housing from inside when activated. It will be appreciated that many toy/housing combinations may be possible.

The toy character 14 is illustrated in FIG. 3 as being installed only on the housing member 12c. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the toy character 14 includes a toy character frame 20, a breakthrough mechanism 22, a breakthrough mechanism power source 24, and a controller 28. The breakthrough mechanism 22 is operable to break the housing 12 (eg, break the housing 12 along at least one of the break paths 16) to expose the toy character 14. The breaking mechanism 22 includes a hammer 30, an operating lever 32, and a breaking mechanism cam 34. Hammer 30 is moveable between a retracted position (FIG. 4) in which hammer 30 is spaced from housing 12 and an advanced position (FIG. 5) in which hammer 30 is positioned to break housing 12.

The actuating lever 32 is pivotally installed on the toy character frame 20 via a pin joint 40 and the actuating lever 32 is positioned to allow the hammer 30 to move to the retracted position (FIG. 4). And the actuating lever 32 drives the hammer 30 to a hammer drive position (FIG. 5). The actuating lever 32 is biased to the hammer driving position by the actuating lever biasing member 38. In other words, the actuating lever 32 is biased by the biasing member 38 to drive the hammer 30 to the extended position. The actuating lever 32 has a first end 42 having a cam engagement surface 44 and a second end 46 having a hammer engagement surface 48, which are described further below.

The breakthrough cam 34 may rest directly on the output shaft of the motor 36 (shown at 49) and is therefore rotatable by the motor 36. The breakthrough mechanism cam 34 has a cam surface 50 that engages a cam engaging surface 44 on the first end 42 of the actuating lever 32. When the breach mechanism cam 34 is rotated by the motor 36 (clockwise in the views shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, from the position shown in FIG. 4 to the position shown in FIG. 5), indicated by 51 on the cam surface 50. The stepped area that is caused causes the cam surface 50 to suddenly drop from the actuating lever 32, which causes the biasing member 38 to accelerate the actuating lever 32 to impact the hammer 30 at a relatively high speed. , Drives the hammer 30 forward (outward) from the frame 20 at a relatively high speed, which provides high impact energy when the hammer 30 strikes the housing 12 to facilitate destruction of the housing 12. In some embodiments, this will give the bird the appearance of begging and opening its way out of the egg.

As the breach mechanism cam 34 continues to rotate, the cam surface 50 pulls the actuation lever 32 back to the retracted position shown in FIG. The hammer engaging surface 48 of the actuating lever 32 may have a first magnet 52a, which is attracted to the second magnet 52b of the hammer 30. As a result, during retraction of the actuation lever 32, the actuation lever 32 pulls the hammer 30 back to the retracted position shown in FIG.

The breach mechanism cam 34 is rotatable by a motor 36, thereby retracting the actuation lever 32 from the hammer 30 and subsequent actuation lever 32 for press fitting into the hammer 30 by an actuation lever biasing member 38. And cause the liberation of. Therefore, the motor 36 and the actuating lever urging member 38 together constitute the breakthrough mechanism power source 24.

The actuating lever biasing member 38 may be a helical coil tension spring as shown, or any other type of biasing member.

Further, the toy character 14 includes a rotating mechanism indicated by 53 in FIG. The rotation mechanism 53 is configured to rotate the toy character 14 within the housing 12. The controller 28 is configured to operate the rotating mechanism 53 when the breakthrough mechanism is operated to break the housing 12 at multiple locations.

Rotation mechanism 53 may be any suitable rotation mechanism. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the rotation mechanism 53 includes a gear 54 fixedly installed on the bottom housing member 12c. The output shaft 49 of the motor 36 is a dual output shaft that extends from both sides of the motor 36 and drives the first wheel 56a and the second wheel 56b. One of the wheels (on the first wheel 56a in the illustrated example) has a drive tooth 58. When the motor 36 rotates the output shaft 49, the drive teeth 58 on the first wheel 56a engage the gear 54 once for each rotation of the output shaft 49 to drive the toy character 14 and the housing. Rotate with respect to 12. Bushing 60 supports toy character 14 for rotation about the axis of gear 54 (shown as Ag). In the illustrated example, the bushing 60 slidably and rotatably engages the shaft 62 of the gear 54 and axially on the bearing surface 64 of the bottom housing member 12c, as shown in FIG. 6A. Supported. The toy character 14 can be releasably retained against the bush 60 via a protrusion 66 on the bush 60 that engages an aperture 68 in the toy character frame 20. If the user wants to remove the toy character 14 from the bush 60, the user may pull the toy character 14 off the protrusion 66 and remove it. Bushing 60 also supports wheels 56a and 56b spaced from housing 12. As a result, while the toy character 14 is in the housing 12, the bushing 60 slides on the bottom housing member 12c to prevent rotation of the toy character 14 without the wheels 56a and 56b engaging the housing member 12c. The indexing is performed.

As can be seen from the above description, once for each rotation of the output shaft 49, the rotation mechanism 53 rotates the toy character 14 by the selected angle amount (that is, the rotation mechanism 53 performs the rotation feed of the toy character 14). ), the actuating lever 32 is pulled back to the retracted position and then released to drive the hammer 30 forward to engage the housing 12 and destroy the housing 12. Therefore, due to the continuous rotation of the motor 36, the toy character 14 eventually breaks through the entire outer circumference of the housing 12.

When the toy character 14 breaks through the housing, the user can help the toy character 14 escape from the housing 12. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the housing member 12c may remain and serve as a base for the toy character 14, if desired. When the toy character 14 escapes from the housing 12 and the hammer 30 no longer needs to break through the housing 12, the user may move the at least one release member from the pre-breakthrough position to the post-breakthrough position. In the example shown in FIG. 5, there are two release members, a first release member 70a and a second release member 70b. Prior to breaking the housing 12 to expose the toy character 14, the release members 70a and 70b are in the pre-breakthrough position. When in the pre-breakthrough position, the first release member 70a connects the first end of the actuating lever biasing member 38 (shown at 72) to the toy character frame 20. The second end of biasing member 38 (shown at 74) is connected to actuating lever 32 so that biasing member 38 drives hammer 30 forward (by actuation of actuating lever 32). Connected to break the housing 12. Movement of the release member 70a to the post-breakthrough position in the illustrated example entails removal of the release member 70a, which causes the biasing member 38 to engage the actuating lever 32 and the same as shown in FIG. Accordingly, the hammer 30 cannot be driven. As a result, when the rotation of the motor 36 causing the rotation of the breakthrough mechanism cam 34 is occurring, the actuation lever 32 is not pressed into the hammer 30 due to the passage of the stepped region 51 of the cam surface 50.

Referring to FIG. 4, the second release member 70b, when in the pre-breakthrough position, holds the hammer biasing structure 80 in the non-use position by holding the lock lever 78 in the locked position. In this non-use position, the hammer urging structure 80 holds the actuating lever 32 fixed and acts as an integral part of the actuating lever 32. 7 and 8, when the second release member 70b moves from the pre-breakthrough position to the post-breakthrough position, the lock lever 78 releases the hammer biasing structure 80. The hammer biasing structure 80 includes a pivot arm 82 pivotally connected to the actuating lever 32 (eg, via a pin joint 84) and a pivot arm biasing member 86. The biasing member 86 acts between the actuating lever 32 and the pivot arm 82 to bias the pivot arm 82 toward the hammer 30 and bias the hammer 30 to the extended position shown in FIG. Or any other suitable spring. As a result, the hammer 30 can be integrated into the appearance of the toy character. In the illustrated embodiment, the toy character 14 is in the shape of a bird and the hammer 30 is a bird's beak. Since the hammer 30 is biased upward by the biasing member 86 and is not locked in the extended position, it can be pushed by an external force (for example, by the user) against the biasing force of the biasing member 86 as shown in FIG. This can reduce the risk of a child playing with the toy character 14 being injured by being caught.

Any suitable scheme may be used to initiate the breakthrough of the housing 12 by the toy character 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, at least one sensor may be provided on the toy assembly 10, which detects interaction with the user while the toy character 14 is in the housing 12. For example, by providing the capacitive sensor 90 on the bottom of the housing member 12c, the user's holding can be detected. By providing the microphone 92 on the toy character frame 20, it is possible to detect a voice input by the user. A push button 94 may be provided on the front surface of the toy character 14. By providing the tilt sensor 96 on the toy character 14, the tilt of the toy character 14 by the user can be detected. The controller 28 counts the number of interactions the user has had with the toy assembly 10 and activates the breakthrough mechanism 22 to destroy the housing 12 and expose the toy character 14 if the selected conditions are met. It may be operated. For example, the condition may be a selected number of user interactions, for example 120 interactions. Interaction with the toy character 14 using the microphone 92 may entail that the user say a command that the controller 28 recognizes, or any type of clapping and tapping sound that the microphone 92 will receive. May inevitably involve the user making noise. The interaction may involve the user holding or touching the housing 12 at the location where the capacitive sensor receives it. In another example, the interaction may involve the user depressing a push button 94 on the toy character 14 by depressing a precise point on the housing 12, which point exerts a pressing force. It may be flexible and elastic enough to be transmitted to the push button 94. The push buttons 94 may control the operation of LEDs 95 within the toy character 14 that are bright enough to be viewed through the housing 12. The LED 95 emits in different colors (controlled by the controller 28) to affect the "feeling" of the toy character 14 depending on a number of factors, including the interaction that is occurring between the toy character 14 and the user. “Mood)” can be shown to the user. Other sensors may be used to detect user interaction. For example, a thermal sensor may be provided on the toy character 14 (eg, on the frame 20) or coupled to the housing 12 (eg, in contact with the inner surface of the housing 12). The thermal sensor detects when a selected portion of the housing 12 or a selected portion of the character 14 reaches a selected temperature, allowing the user to hold the housing 12 or the toy assembly 10. The proximity of the heat source can indicate that it is interacting with the toy assembly 10. Yet another sensor that may be used to detect interaction with the user may include, for example, an optical sensor that detects light of a selected wavelength and/or intensity, which the user may choose from above. It shows that a light source having a specified wavelength and/or intensity is arranged at a position where the photosensor can detect. Still other sensors that may be used to detect user interaction may include, for example, wireless signal receivers such as Bluetooth® or BLE (Low Energy Bluetooth) receivers, It can receive wireless signals transmitted by a user from a device (eg a smartphone) capable of transmitting a selected type of signal.

When the toy character 14 is outside the housing 12, the toy character 14 may perform an exercise that is different from the exercise performed in the housing 12. For example, the toy character 14 may have at least one branch 96. In the illustrated example, two branches 96 are provided, which are shown as wings, but may be any suitable type of branches. When inside the housing, the wing 96 is positioned in a pre-breakthrough position where the wing 96 is in a non-functional state, as shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C, and when outside the housing, as shown in FIG. 10D. The wing 96 is positioned at the post-breakthrough position where it becomes functional. As shown in FIG. 10D, the wing 96 is connected to the character frame 20 via a wing connector link 100, which at one end is pivotally mounted relative to the associated wing 96, At the other end, the character frame 20 is pivotally installed. For each wing 96, wing driver arm 104 is pivotally connected at one end to an associated wing 96 and has a wing driver arm wheel 106 at the other end. The wing driver arm wheel 106 rests on the toy character's main wheels 56a and 56b when the toy character 14 is in the post-breakthrough position. The main wheels 56a and 56b of the toy character have a cam profile thereon and have at least one lobe 108 on each wheel (shown in FIG. 6, where two lobes 108 are shown). Provided on each wheel). The leaflets 108 have two purposes. First, when the motor 36 rotates, the wheels 56a and 56b drive the toy character 14 along the ground, and the leaf-shaped portion 108 swings the toy character 14, so that the toy character 14 rolls along the ground. At this time, the toy character 14 is given an appearance closer to that of a living being. Second, as the wheels 56a and 56b rotate, the presence of the leaflets 108 causes the wheels 56a and 56b to act as wing driver cams, which causes the wing driver arm wheel 106 to match the cam profile of the main wheels 56a and 56b. The wing driver arm 104 is driven up and down as it follows. This vertical movement of the wing driver arm 104 drives the wing 96 to pivot up and down, giving the toy character 14 the appearance of flapping its wings as the toy character 14 moves along the ground. Preferably, the lobes 108 on the first wheel 56a are offset in rotation with respect to the lobes 108 on the second wheel 56b so that the toy character 14 is laterally aligned as the toy character rolls. Swing to enhance the look of that athletic creature.

For each wing connector link 100, wing connector link biasing member 102 (FIG. 10C) urges the associated wing connector link 100 to urge the associated wing 96 downward, with the character shown in FIG. 10D. Maintains contact between the driver arm wheel 106 and the main wheels 56a and 56b when in the post-breakthrough position.

In the illustrated example, where the branch 96 is a wing, the driver arm 104 is referred to as a wing driver arm, the driver arm wheel 106 is referred to as a wing driver arm wheel 106, and the wheels 56a and 56b are wing driver cams. be called. However, if wing 96 is any other suitable type of branch, driver arm 104 and driver arm wheel 106 are more broadly defined as branch driver arm 104 and branch driver arm wheel 106, respectively. It will be appreciated that the wheels 56a and 56b may also be referred to as branch driver cams.

In the example shown, motor 36 drives branch 96 by driving wheels 56a and 56b. Thus, the motor 36 is operably connected to the branch 96 when the branch 96 is in the post-breakthrough position.

Therefore, the motor 36 is a branch portion power source. However, the motor 36 is merely one example of a suitable branch power source, and any other suitable type of branch power source may alternatively be used to drive the branch 96.

When the wing 96 is in the pre-breakthrough position (FIGS. 10A-10C), the link 100 may be hinged to the character frame 20 if desired so that the wing fits within the housing 12. In the illustrated example, the wing connector link 100 is hinged upwardly against the biasing force of the biasing member 102. Thus, while in the housing 12, the wing 96 remains in its non-functional position, where the wing driver arm 104 is held so that the wing driver arm wheel 106 is disengaged from the toy character's main wheels 56a and 56b. It Thus, the motor 36 (ie, the branch power source) is operatively disconnected from the branch 96 when the branch 96 is in the pre-breakthrough position. As a result, when the toy character 14 is in the housing 12 and the motor 36 rotates (eg, to cause movement of the breakthrough mechanism 22), rotation of the main wheels 56a and 56b does not cause movement of the wings 96. As a result, the wings 96 do not cause damage to the housing 12 during operation of the motor 36 while the character 14 is in the housing 12.

The illustrated motor 36 includes an energy source that may be one or more batteries.

Reference is made to FIG. 11, which illustrates how a user can play with toy assembly 10 prior to breaking through toy character 14 from housing 12. To show the toy character 14 therein, the lower housing member 12b is shown as transparent in FIG. At a first time, the user generates a first progress scan 153 of the toy assembly 10 by scanning the toy assembly 10 by any suitable means, such as the camera 150 of the smartphone 152 ( That is, this may be an image of the toy assembly 10 taken by the smartphone camera 150). The user may then upload the scan 153 to the server 154 as part of the registration of the toy assembly 10 or after registration of the toy assembly 10 via a network such as the Internet shown at 156. .. The server 154 is responsive to the uploaded scan to generate an output image 158a that represents a first virtual stage of development of the toy character 14 within the housing 12 and allows the user to grow the toy character 14 within the housing 12. Communicate the impression of being a living entity. The output image 158a may be displayed electronically (eg, on the smartphone 152). The user may take a second progress scan 153 of the toy assembly 10 at a second point in time thereafter and upload it to the server 154, which may then retrieve the toy character 14 within the housing 12. Generate an output image 158b (shown in FIG. 13B) that represents the second virtual stage of development. In this second virtual stage of development, the toy character 14 may have a more developed appearance than it did in the first virtual stage of development.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a method 200 for managing a dialog between a user and toy assembly 10 in accordance with the acts shown in FIGS. Method 200 begins at 201 and includes receiving 202 a registration of a toy assembly 10 from a user. This may be done by receiving information from the user regarding the model number or serial number of toy assembly 10. Step 204 includes, after step 202, receiving a first progress scan of the toy assembly as shown in FIG. 12 from the user. Step 206 includes displaying an image of the toy character 14 on the first stage of virtual development as shown in FIG. 13A. Step 208 includes, after step 206, receiving a second progress scan of the toy assembly 10, also shown in FIG. 12, from the user. Step 210 displays the second output image 158b of the toy character 14 at the second stage of virtual development, which is different from the first output image 158a showing the first stage of development, as shown in FIG. 13B. Including steps.

Although toy assembly 10 is described as including a controller and sensor, and a breakthrough mechanism within toy character 14, numerous other configurations are possible. For example, toy assembly 10 may be provided without a controller or any sensor. Instead, the toy character 14 is controlled by a power switch that can be actuated from outside the housing 12 (eg, this switch can be actuated by a lever that extends through the housing 12 and out of the housing 12). It may be powered by an electric motor that is operated.

The breakthrough mechanism 22 is illustrated as being provided within the toy character 14. It will be appreciated that this position is merely one example of a position associated with the housing 12 in which the breakthrough mechanism 22 may be positioned. In other embodiments, the breakthrough mechanism can be positioned outside the housing 12 while still coupled to the housing 12. For example, in embodiments where the housing 12 is shaped like an egg (as in the illustrated example), a "nest" can be provided to hold the egg. The nest may have a breakthrough mechanism built into the nest, which may be activated to destroy the egg to visualize the toy character 14 therein. Accordingly, in one aspect, a toy assembly may be provided that includes a housing, such as housing 12, and a toy character within the housing, the toy character being similar to toy character 14, but coupled to the housing. A breach mechanism is provided, which may be within the housing or outside the housing, or may be partially within the housing or partially outside the housing and destroy housing 12. And is operable to expose the toy character 14. The breakthrough mechanism is powered by a breakthrough mechanism power source (eg, a spring or a motor) coupled to the housing 12. In some embodiments (eg, as shown in FIG. 3), the breach mechanism includes a hammer (eg, hammer 30) and a breach mechanism power source is applied to the hammer to drive the hammer and destroy the housing 12. Operationally connected. In some embodiments (eg, as shown in FIG. 4), a breach mechanism power source is operably connected to the hammer to reciprocate the hammer to destroy the housing 12.

Another aspect of the invention relates to the motion of the toy character 14 in the pre-breakthrough position and in the post-breakthrough position. More specifically, the toy character 14 includes, for example, the branch 96, the main wheel 56, the branch connector link 100 and the associated biasing member 102, the branch driver arm 104, the driver arm wheel 106, the hammer 30, and the like. It can be said to include a functional mechanism set that includes all the motion elements of the toy character 14, including the actuation lever 32, the breakthrough mechanism cam 34, the motor 36, and the actuation lever biasing member 38. The toy character 14 is removable from the housing 12 and can be positioned at the post-breakthrough position. When the toy character 14 is in the pre-breakthrough position, the functional mechanism set is operable to perform the first set of movements. In the illustrated example, the branch power source (ie, motor 36) is operatively disconnected from the branch 96, so that movement of the branch power source 36 does not drive movement of the branch 96. .. However, in the pre-breakthrough position, the breakthrough mechanism power source drives the movement of the breakthrough mechanism 22 (by reciprocating the hammer 30 to rotationally feed the toy character 14 within the housing 12) to destroy the housing 12. Expose the toy character 14. When the toy character 14 is in the post-breach position, the functional mechanism set is operable to perform a second set of movements different from the first set of movements. For example, when the toy character 14 is in the post-breach position, the branch power source 36 may be operatively connected to the branch 96 to drive the motion of the branch 96, while the break mechanism 22 is driven by the break mechanism power source. Not driven.

Some optional aspects of play patterns with toy assemblies are described below. While the toy character 14 is in the housing 12 (if the toy character 14 is still in the pre-breakthrough stage), the user can interact with the toy character in multiple ways. For example, the user can tap the housing 12. This tapping action can be picked up by a microphone on the toy character 14. When the controller 28 can interpret the input to the microphone and determines that this input was due to a tapping action, the controller 28 can output a tapping sound from the speaker, which allows the toy character 14 to the user. It looks as if you are returning the tapping motion. Alternatively, or in addition, the controller 28 may cause the hammer 30 to move relative to the inner wall of the housing 12 by initiating movement of the hammer 30 as described above, depending on whether the controller 28 can control the speed of the hammer 30. It is light enough to be perceived by the user, but not strong enough to damage the housing 12 and can be struck. The controller 28 is programmed (or otherwise configured) to emit an annoyed voice if the user performs the tapping action too many times within a certain amount of time or according to some other criteria. You may. Optionally, controller 28 may be programmed to emit a "Wee!" voice from the speaker of toy character 14 when the user first inverts toy assembly 10. If the user turns the toy assembly 10 upside down more than the selected number of times within a certain amount of time, the controller 28 will give a voice (or some other output) indicating that the toy character 14 is anxious. May be programmed to call. Optionally, controller 28 may be programmed to emit a heartbeat from toy character 14 if controller 28 detects via a capacitive sensor that the user is holding housing 12. Optionally, controller 28 may be configured to indicate cold using any suitable criteria, and if controller 28 detects that the user is holding or rubbing housing 12. , May be programmed to stop showing cold. Optionally, the controller 28 may be programmed to emit a sound indicating that the toy character 14 is hiccups and stop showing this when a sufficient number of tapping movements have been received from the user. The controller 28 may be programmed to indicate to the user that the toy character 14 is bored and wants to play, and may be programmed to stop such instructions when the user is interacting with the toy assembly 10. You may.

Optionally, if controller 28 determines that the criteria for leaving the pre-breakthrough stage of development to break through housing 12 are met, controller 28 may cause the LEDs to fire in a selected sequence. For example, the LEDs may emit in a rainbow sequence (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet in that order). Thereafter, the toy character 14 may begin to strike the housing 12 a selected number of times, after which the toy character 14 stops, waits for the user to interact further with the toy character 14, and then selects the housing 12 again a selected number of times. You can start typing.

Optionally, after the toy character 14 first broke through the housing 12, the controller 28 acted in a first stage of development after "hatching" (ie, after the toy character 14 was released from the housing 12), It may be programmed to produce a baby-like sound and to perform baby-like movements, such as only being able to swivel in a circle. During the first stage, the controller 28 strokes the toy character 14, feeds the toy character 14, annoy the toy character 14, soothes the toy character 14, and the toy character 14 is an index of illness. Symbolizes hugging the toy character 14 when it emits a certain output, laying down the toy character 14 for a nap, and playing with the toy character 14 when the toy character emits an output that is an indicator of boredom. It may be programmed to require the user to interact with the toy character 14 in a selected manner. In this first stage, the toy character 14 may emit an audible fear output over the selected volume. At this stage, the toy character may generally emit a baby-like sound, such as a throat sound, when the user attempts to communicate with the toy character by language.

Optionally, some criteria have been met during the first stage (eg, sufficient time has elapsed, or a sufficient number of interactions (eg, 120 interactions) between the user and the toy character 14 have occurred. Controller 28, the controller 28 may be programmed to change its operating mode to the second stage after “hatching” (ie, after the toy character 14 is released from the housing 12). Optionally, the LED again emits a rainbow sequence to indicate that the above criteria have been met and that the toy character is changing stages of its development.

In the second stage of this development, the toy character 14 can move linearly and circularly. Further, the sound produced by the toy character 14 may sound more mature. At the beginning of the second stage of post-hatch development, the controller 28 may be programmed to drive the toy character 14 to move in a straight, but not smooth, motion and the motor 38 learns to walk. It may be randomly driven and stopped to give the appearance of a living child. Over time, the motor 38 is driven to fewer stops, which gives the toy character 14 the appearance of a more mature "walk" ability. In this second stage of development, the toy character 14 is able to speak with the intonation used when the user speaks to the toy character 14. Also, in the second stage of this development, the game that involves interaction with the toy character 14 is unlocked and the user can play this.

FIG. 20 illustrates a breakthrough mechanism 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The breach mechanism 300 includes a generally cup-shaped base member 304 having a feature, a plunger locking recess 308 in its sidewall, and a slot 312 in its base wall. Plunger member 316 has a tubular body 320 and a round cap 324. The outer circumference of the tubular body 320 of the plunger member 316 is dimensioned to be smaller than the inner circumference of the sidewall of the base member 304, which allows the tubular body 320 to be laterally displaced within the base member 304, if desired. .. A feature on the proximal end of body 320 (ie, the end opposite from round cap 324) along the outer surface of tubular body 320, protrusion 328, fits within plunger locking recess 308 of base member 304. Is sized as.

A biasing element, particularly a spring 332, fits inside the tubular body 320 of the plunger member 316 and applies a biasing force between the plunger member 316 and the base member 304. A collar 336 is installed around the tubular body 320 of the plunger member 316 (eg, by thermal bonding, adhesive or any other suitable means), and the impact of the protrusion 328 on the collar 336 causes the plunger member 316 to exit the base member 304. Prevent it from coming out completely. The spring 332 is in a compressed state between the round cap 324 of the plunger member 316 and the base wall of the base member 304 when the plunger member 316 is in the retracted position, and in the retracted position, as shown in FIG. 25. Plunger member 316 is within base member 304.

The release element or wedge 340 is inserted into the slot 312 when the plunger member 316 is fully inserted into the base member 304, which causes the tubular body 320 of the plunger member 316 to move against one side of the interior of the base member 304. And the projection 328 is positioned in the plunger locking recess 308. Ridge 344 along wedge 340 limits insertion of wedge 340 into slot 312.

FIG. 21 shows the breakthrough mechanism 300 in a compressed state where the plunger member 316 is in the retracted position within the base member 304 and the spring 332 is compressed. The wedge 340 is inserted into the slot 312 and is biased against the tubular body 320 by an internal ridge 346 in the slot to bias the tubular body 320 of the plunger member 316 toward one side inside the base member 304. Also, the protrusion 328 is biased into the recess 308 to prevent the spring 332 from biasing the plunger member 316.

In some alternative embodiments, the release element limits expansion of the spring or other biasing element.

FIG. 22 shows the breakthrough mechanism in an expanded state. By removing the wedge 340, the tubular body 320 of the plunger member 316 can be displaced within the base member 304, which allows the projection 328 to exit the plunger locking recess 308 and release the plunger member 316. Then, the separating force of the spring 332 can move the base member 304 outward.

The breakthrough mechanism 300 can form part of a toy character similar to the toy character 14. For example, the plunger member 316 and the base member 304 may both be contained within the toy character's housing. Therefore, the plunger member 316 and the base member 304 may be configured to contribute to the appearance of young birds, reptiles, etc., if desired. Further, the breakthrough mechanism 300 can be disposed within a housing such as an egg, which housing biases a spring 332 that biases the plunger member 316 outwardly toward the extended position (FIG. 22) relative to the base member 304. Can be broken by. The housing has an aperture that allows the wedge 340 to be removed from the breakthrough mechanism 300. The spring 332 can apply a sufficiently strong biasing force to separate the plunger member 316 and the base member 304 and to break the housing in which the breaking mechanism 300 is disposed.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view of a housing in which the breakthrough mechanism 300 of FIGS. The housing of this example is in the shape of a simulated egg shell 360 with a series of break paths 364 formed along its interior, the break path 364 being relative to the perimeter of the egg shell 360. Have a reduced shell thickness. The wedge access aperture 368 of the egg shell 360 allows the end of the wedge 340 to penetrate, thereby allowing the user to activate the breakthrough mechanism 300 by gripping and removing the wedge 340.

FIG. 24 shows a breakthrough mechanism 400 according to another embodiment. The breakthrough mechanism 400 includes a base member 404 formed of two base member portions 404a, 404b and a plunger member 408 formed of two plunger member portions 408a, 408b. The base member 404 has a tubular side wall 412 having a generally hollow interior for receiving the plunger member 408, and an inner lip 416 along the top of the side wall 412. The plunger member 408 has a tubular side wall 420 and an outer ridge 424 along the bottom of the side wall 420 that cooperates with an inner lip 416 of the base member 404 to cause the plunger member 408 to move to the base member 404. To prevent it from getting completely out of. Plunger member 408 also has a set of inner walls 428 that define a channel. The screw drive 432 is fixed inside the base member 404 and rotates a motor 436 that rotates the threaded shaft 440 (by a suitable mechanical drive that will be readily configured by one of ordinary skill in the art based on the packaging requirements of the particular application). And a battery 444 that powers the motor 436. A traveler 448 having an internal threaded portion receives a threaded shaft 440. The traveler 448 is generally tubular and has a rectangular profile dimensioned to prevent rotation within the channel defined by the inner wall 428 of the plunger member 408. The lip 450 on the outer surface of the traveler 448 abuts the lower edge of the inner wall 428 and thus limits its insertion into the channel defined by the inner wall 428. Biasing element 452 (illustrated as a helical compression spring and sometimes referred to as spring 452 for convenience) fits within the end of traveler 448 opposite threaded shaft 440. The magnetic switch 453 is provided in the breakthrough mechanism 400 and controls the electric power from the battery 444 to the motor 436. The magnetic switch 453 can be actuated (ie closed circuit) by the presence of a magnet 454 adjacent the housing as shown in FIG. 24, thereby powering the screw drive 432.

FIG. 25 shows the breakthrough mechanism 400 in a compressed state positioned within the housing. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing is an egg shell 460. Egg shell 460 includes a breakable shell portion 464 secured to an annular shell portion 468. The annular shell portion 468 snap fits into the base shell portion 472. The traveler 448 is positioned within the channel created by the inner wall 428 of the plunger member 408 and is positioned at the lower end of the threaded shaft 440. The spring 452 is compressed between a shoulder inside the traveler 448 and an end surface within the channel. The motor 436 is used to drive the screw drive 432 to drive the incremental deflection of the spring 452, thereby biasing the plunger member 408 outwardly from the base member 404. Increase.

FIG. 26 shows the breakthrough mechanism 400 in the expanded state after activation of the screw drive 432 due to the placement of the magnets adjacent to the egg shell 460 adjacent to the motor 436. The screw drive 432 operatively applies a separating force that biases the plunger member 408 and the base member 404 apart. When the egg shell 460 is sufficiently ruptured, the spring 452 expands from the compressed state and suddenly pushes the broken egg shell 460 apart, enhancing the realization of the hatching action.

FIG. 27 shows a toy character 500 that includes a breakthrough mechanism similar to the breakthrough mechanism 400 shown in FIGS. The breakthrough mechanism shown in FIG. 27 has a base member 504 and a plunger member 508 shown in an expanded state. Toy character 500 includes a swing wheel assembly 512 having a pair of wheels 516, optionally driven by the same motor that drives base member 504 and plunger member 508 apart. A pair of non-slewing wheels 520 are attached to the base member 504. The swivel wheel assembly may be connected to the motor so that the wheel assembly 512 is intermittently rotated by the motor by some angle. This provides the toy character 500 with a somewhat erratic movement. This unstable movement can convey a sense of reality to the character during movement of the character.

Also, the breach mechanism described and illustrated herein may be provided with a decorative cover to simulate the appearance of any suitable character.

28-30 illustrate a housing break mechanism 600 according to an embodiment. The housing break mechanism 600 has a base frame member 604 that includes an outer bowl 608 secured to an inner bowl 612. The outer bowl 608 has an inner lip 616 around its top. The upper frame member 620 is rotatably coupled to the base frame member 604 around the top circumference of the outer bowl 608. The inner lip 624 of the upper frame member 620 securely receives the inner lip 616 of the outer bowl 608. The three cutting elements 628 are pivotally connected at their first ends to the base frame member 604 by fasteners such as partially threaded screws 632. The second end 636 of the cutting element 628 is slidably coupled to the upper frame member 620 by a protrusion of the cutting element 628 that passes through an opening 640 in the sidewall of the upper frame member 620. The cutting element 628 is somewhat arcuate and defines an aperture 644 in which the housing 648 to be fractured can be positioned.

As will be appreciated, counterclockwise rotation of the upper frame member 620 with respect to the base frame member 604 causes the cutting element 628 to pivot and traverse/contract the aperture 644 like the aperture of an analog camera. A sharp projection 652 along the cutting element 628 acts toward the aperture 644 and acts to puncture and/or crack the housing 648. In this way, the housing 648 arranged in the housing breaking mechanism 600 can be broken.

As will be appreciated, the cutting element can be slidably connected to the upper frame member in a number of ways, such as by providing the cutting element with channels into which fasteners fastened to the upper frame member can be secured. Further, the cutting element may be pivotally connected to the upper frame member and may be slidably connected to the base frame member.

One or more cutting elements can be employed and the one or more cutting elements can act to compress the housing to be ruptured against other cutting elements or against a portion of the frame.

31A and 31B show a housing break mechanism 700 according to another embodiment. The housing break mechanism 700 includes a pair of cutting elements 704 pivotally connected by fasteners 708 such as bolts or rivets. One or both of the cutting elements 704 has a recess 712 in its cutting edge 716. The housing to be destroyed can be placed in the one or more recesses 712 and can be destroyed by pivoting the cutting element 704, as shown in FIG. 31B, thereby providing access to the toy character provided within the housing. Is possible.

A toy character that employs the breakthrough mechanism described above, and in particular the breakthrough mechanism shown in FIGS. 20-23 and 24-27, may be used with a companion toy character that may or may not be placed in a housing with the toy character.

32A shows a breakthrough mechanism 800 for a toy character similar to the toy character of FIG. 27 in the expanded state. The breakthrough mechanism 800 has a base member 804 that nests within a plunger member 808 in compression and is biased away from the plunger member 808 by a screw drive having a motor to the inflated condition shown. .. The movement of the toy character on a surface is provided by a plurality of wheels 812, which have a cam profile and also have at least one lobe on each wheel, similar to that shown in FIG. .. Wheel 812 is driven by a motor.

32B shows a companion mechanism 820 for a companion toy character that is placed in a housing with a toy character (which employs the breakthrough mechanism 800 of FIG. 32A). The companion mechanism 820 has a body 824 and a wheel base 828, which is nested within the body 824, but which is outwardly extended to the inflated state as shown by an internal spiral metal coil spring. Be urged by. The wheel base 828 has a set of wheels 832 that allow the companion mechanism 820 to move along the surface with minimal pressure.

FIG. 33 shows the breakthrough mechanism 800 of FIG. 32A and the companion mechanism 820 of FIG. 32B in a laminated compression state. In this compressed state, the screw drive of the breakthrough mechanism 800 has not yet been driven to drive the plunger member 808 away from the base member 804. The companion mechanism 820 is also in compression and the wheel base 828 is held in compression in the body 824 against the force of the spiral metal coil spring. Companion mechanism 820 is on top of plunger member 808 of breakthrough mechanism 800.

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of a housing in the shape of an egg shell 840 having two toy characters positioned inside. The main toy character 844 employs the breakthrough mechanism 800 in a compressed state. The auxiliary toy character 848 acts on the companion mechanism 820, which is also in the compressed state. Upon activation of the motor and attached screw drive of the breakthrough mechanism 800 in the main toy character 844, for example by a magnet to close the circuit with the two contacts together, the screw drive separates the plunger member 808 from the base member 804. Thus, the breaking mechanism 800 is inflated to press the auxiliary toy character 848 through the egg shell 840 and break the egg shell 840. At the same time, the wheel 812 begins to rotate and the leaves of the wheel 812 assist in pushing against the interior of the egg shell 840 to break the egg shell 840.

When the egg shell 840 breaks, the companion mechanism 820 within the toy character 848 is no longer held in compression and the wheel base 828 is biased away from the body 824 by a helical metal coil spring.

Once the primary toy character 844 escapes from the egg shell 840, the wheels 812 move the primary toy character 844 across the surface on which the primary toy character 844 is located.

The breakthrough mechanism 800 and the companion mechanism 820 can include electronic components that are activated upon inflation. In the case of breakthrough mechanism 800, the electronic components can be located on the same circuit as the motor and can be activated when the circuit is closed. With respect to companion mechanism 820, its electronic components can be activated upon closure of the circuit when body 824 and wheel base 828 are biased apart by a helical metal coil spring.

The electronic components described above allow the main toy character 844 and the auxiliary toy character 848 to generate audible noise such as the sound of birds and to display light. In addition, the primary toy character 844 and the auxiliary toy character 848 can "talk" by sensing the other. For example, the main toy character 844 can include an audio speaker to generate noise such as bird calls, and the auxiliary toy character 848 includes audio sensors (ie, microphones), noise such as the bird calls, and the like. Processor for discriminating from the audio signals of the above, and an audio speaker for outputting a corresponding higher pitched bird's bark. Both the main toy character 844 and the auxiliary toy character 848 can include sensors such as microphones, photodetectors, network antennas, processors, and output devices such as audio speakers, light emitting diodes, network radios, and the like. In this way, the primary toy character 844 and the auxiliary toy character 848 can interact and one can supplement the other.

In one embodiment, the audio and/or optical signals output by the auxiliary toy character are received and used by the primary toy character to position and move relative to the auxiliary toy character.

FIG. 35 illustrates another companion mechanism 900 for smaller auxiliary toy characters, similar to the companion mechanism 820 of FIG. 32B, according to another embodiment. The companion mechanism 900 has a body 904 and a wheel base 908, which is nested within the body 904 and is also outwardly directed by an internal spiral metal coil spring to an expanded state as shown. Be urged by. The wheel base 908 has a set of wheels 912 that allow the companion mechanism 900 to move along the surface with minimal pressure.

FIG. 36 shows a breakthrough mechanism 920 similar to the breakthrough mechanism of FIG. 32A and two companion mechanisms 900 of FIG. 35 in a laminated compression state. The breakthrough mechanism 920 has a base member 924 that nests within the plunger member 928 in the compressed state as shown and is biased by the screw drive away from the plunger member 928 and into the expanded state. .. The movement of the breach mechanism 920 on a surface is provided by a plurality of wheels 932, which wheels 932 have a cam profile and which, like that shown in FIG. 6, each wheel has at least one lobe. Have.

Each of the two companion mechanisms 900 has a wheel base 908 that is retained within the body 904 under compression against the force of a helical metal coil spring. One of the companion mechanisms 900 is positioned on top of the other companion mechanism 900, and the other companion mechanism 900 is positioned on top of the plunger member 928 of the breakthrough mechanism 920.

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of a housing in the shape of an egg shell 940 with three toy characters positioned inside. The main toy character 944 employs the breakthrough mechanism 920 in a compressed state. Each of the three auxiliary toy characters 948 acts on the companion mechanism 900, which is also in a compressed state. Upon activation of the screw drive of the breakthrough mechanism 920 in the main toy character 944, for example by a magnet to close the circuit with the two contacts together, the screw drive biases the plunger member 928 away from the base member 924. This causes the breach mechanism 920 of the main toy character 944 to expand and push the toy character 948 positioned at the top through the egg shell 940 and break the egg shell 940. When the egg shell 940 breaks, the companion mechanism 900 within each auxiliary toy character 948 is no longer held in compression and the wheel base 908 is biased away from the body 904 by a helical metal coil spring.

Primary toy character 944 and auxiliary toy character 948 can include electronic components to provide additional functionality as described above with respect to primary toy character 844 and auxiliary toy character 848.

The breakthrough mechanism can be configured with one or more additional behaviors when the breakthrough mechanism is located rearward in the housing. For example, the breakthrough mechanism can be in motion, emit audible noise, emit light, and the like.

FIG. 38 illustrates an exemplary breakthrough mechanism 1000 configured with additional behavior when placed in a housing. The housing is an egg shell 1004 with a raised inner ring 1008. The small magnet 1012 magnetizes the metal rod 1016 protruding from the center of the bottom inner surface of the egg shell 1004. The adapter disc 1020 is positioned on top of the raised inner ring 1008 of the egg shell 1004. The adapter disc 1020 fits over the breach mechanism 1000, allowing movement of the breach mechanism 1000 relative to the egg shell 1004 as part of the additional behavior. The frusto-conical metal disk 1024 is fixed to the bottom of the breaking mechanism 1000 and guides the placement of the metal rod 1016 with respect to the Hall sensor inside the breaking mechanism 1000. The Hall sensor 1028 detects the magnetism of the metal rod 1016 to detect when the breakthrough mechanism 1000 is positioned inside the egg shell 1004.

FIG. 39 shows the bottom of an egg shell 1004 with a raised inner ring 1008 along its inner surface. The notched ring 1032 projects from the inner surface of the bottom of the egg shell 1004 within the raised inner ring 1008. The post anchor 1036 in the ring 1032 having the cutout has an aperture and the metal rod 1016 is fixed in the aperture.

40A and 40B show an adapter disc 1020 having an annular plate 1040 with a downwardly extending peripheral lip 1044. The pair of wheel recesses 1048a, 1048b are sized to receive the wheels of the breakthrough mechanism 1000. One of the wheel recesses, 1048a, is deeper than the depth required to receive the wheel of the breakthrough mechanism 1000. The disc grip 1052 projects from the bottom surface of the annular plate 1040. At the same time, the wheel recess 1048a and the disc grip 1052 allow the adapter disc 1020 to be pulled away from the breach mechanism 1000 in which the adapter disc 1020 is fitted, thereby exposing the wheel of the breach mechanism 1000 and allowing the breach mechanism to be exposed. It can be used to mobilize 1000 on a surface. The central gear disc 1056 is rotatably coupled to the annular plate 1040 and has a number of teeth on its upper surface. The two arcuate walls 1060 extend from the lower surface of the central gear disc 1056. These arcuate walls 1060 have thickened vertical edges 1064. Through hole 1068 allows metal rod 1016 to penetrate adapter disk 1020. The pair of fixed posts 1072 extend from the upper surface of the annular plate 1040 to releasably engage the corresponding holes in the bottom surface of the breakthrough mechanism 1000.

The breach mechanism 1000 is configured such that detection of the magnetism of the metal rod 1016 does not trigger the breach mechanism 1000 motor prior to triggering the breach mechanism 1000 to break the egg shell 1004. The adapter disc 1020 is then secured to the bottom of the breach mechanism 1000 via a locking post 1072 to trigger the additional behavior of the breach mechanism 1000, and the combined breach mechanism 1000 and adapter disc 1020 are crushed by the egg. It is located at the bottom of shell 1004. The arcuate wall 1060 of the adapter disc 1020 fits into the notched ring 1032 of the egg shell 1004, and the thickened vertical edge 1064 engages the notched ring 1032 to engage the egg shell. Prevents rotation of central gear disc 1056 relative to 1004.

During placement of the breach mechanism 1000 and the adapter disc 1020, the metal rod 1016 is guided by the frusto-conical metal disc 1024 and inserted into the breach mechanism 1000, which causes the metal rod 1016 to engage the Hall sensor 1028. The magnetism of the metal rod 1016 is sensed by the Hall sensor 1028 and triggers the activation of the breakthrough mechanism 1000 motor.

The breakthrough mechanism 1000 includes an angled piston arm coupled to a motor, which projects from the bottom surface of the breakthrough mechanism 1000. The motor is pulled back into the breach mechanism 1000 by being installed at an angle below the bottom surface of the breach mechanism 1000 and by being offset from the rotating disk driven by the motor. Drive the cycle of the angled piston arm to and from the state. The angled piston arm engages with the teeth of the gear on the upper surface of the central gear disc 1056 during its downward stroke to attach the breach mechanism 1000 and the annular plate 1040 fixed to the breach mechanism 1000 to the central gear disc 1056. Rotate against. During the upward stroke of the angled piston arm, the breakthrough mechanism 1000 and the annular plate 1040 secured to the breakthrough mechanism 1000 remain stationary with respect to the egg shell 1004. As will be appreciated, the continuous motion of the breach mechanism 1000 motor causes the breach mechanism 1000 to rotate intermittently within the egg shell 1004.

The motor of the breakthrough mechanism 1000 can also drive other mechanisms, such as rotation of the extending wing member, which provides the illusion that the breakthrough mechanism 1000 is flapping its wings.

In addition, Hall sensor 1028 may trigger other elements of breakthrough mechanism 1000. For example, the breakthrough mechanism 1000 can include one or more lights that can be triggered by the Hall sensor 1028, an audio speaker that emits a bark of birds, and the like.

Other types of sensors and mechanisms can be used in place of Hall sensors to trigger additional behavior. For example, a metal rod can complete the electrical circuit for driving the motor when inserted into the breakthrough mechanism. In a further example, the rod, when inserted into the breakthrough mechanism, can bias the two metal contacts into contact, completing the circuit for driving the motor.

Movement of the breakthrough mechanism relative to the housing can be accomplished in other ways. For example, a circular track within the housing may allow rotation of one wheel to rotate the breakthrough mechanism relative to the housing.

The size and shape of the recess and the material of the cutting element can be varied to suit the shape, material and size of the housing.

The breakthrough mechanism and the companion mechanism may include one or more switches to change their behavior. The switches may take the form of buttons, physical switches, etc., and may include audio sensors, light/motion sensors, magnetic sensors, electrical sensors, thermal sensors, etc.

In the figure, the toy character is illustrated as being provided within the housing. However, it should be noted that the toy character is only one example of an internal object provided within the housing. In some embodiments described herein, the internal object may be of a biological type and may include a breakthrough mechanism. In some embodiments, the internal object may not be a biotype. In some embodiments, the internal object may be of a biological type, but may not itself include a breakthrough mechanism. In some embodiments, the internal object may be a toy character. In some embodiments, internal objects may not be characters in the sense that they cannot be configured to be materialized as a perceptual entity.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there are further possible alternative implementations and modifications, and that the above examples are merely illustrative of one or more implementations. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims.

[First Note ]
The toy assembly of the first appendix 1 is a housing; an internal object within the housing, the internal object including a breakthrough mechanism operable to destroy the housing to expose the internal object. An internal object; at least one sensor for detecting an interaction with a user; and a controller for determining whether a selected condition is met based on the at least one interaction with the user. And a controller configured to operate the breakthrough mechanism to destroy the housing and expose the internal object when the conditions are met.
The toy assembly of the first annex 2 is the toy assembly of the first annex 1, wherein the condition is met based on having a selected number of the interactions with the user.
The toy assembly according to the first supplementary note 3 is the toy assembly according to the first supplementary note 1 or 2, wherein the internal object includes an LED that is visible through the housing when emitting light.
The toy assembly of the first supplementary note 4 is the toy assembly of any one of the first supplementary notes 1 to 3, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect contact with skin. A capacitive sensor on the housing is included.
The toy assembly of the first supplementary note 5 is the toy assembly according to any one of the first supplementary notes 1 to 4, wherein the at least one sensor includes a microphone.
The toy assembly of the first appendix 6 is the toy assembly of any one of the first appendices 1 to 5, wherein the inner object is configured to rotate the inner object within the housing. A rotating mechanism, wherein the controller is configured to operate the rotating mechanism when operating the breakthrough mechanism to break the housing at multiple locations.
The toy assembly of the first appendix 7 is a housing; an internal object in the housing; and a breach mechanism, the breach mechanism being coupled to the housing, and breaking the housing to expose the internal object. A toy assembly including a breakthrough mechanism operable to be actuated in such a manner that the breakthrough mechanism is powered by a breakthrough mechanism power source coupled to the housing.
The toy assembly according to the first supplementary note 8 is the toy assembly according to the first supplementary note 7, in which the break-through mechanism is inside the housing and is operable from outside the housing.
The toy assembly of the first supplementary note 9 is the toy assembly of the first supplementary note 7 or 8, wherein the breach mechanism includes a hammer positioned in relation to the internal object. Is operatively connected to the hammer to drive the hammer and destroy the housing.
The toy assembly according to the first supplementary note 10 is the toy assembly according to the first supplementary note 9, wherein the break-through mechanism power source operates on the hammer to reciprocate the hammer to destroy the housing. Connected to each other.
The toy assembly according to the first supplementary note 11 is the toy assembly according to any one of the first supplementary notes 7 to 10, wherein the break-through mechanism mechanically expands the internal object in the housing. It is operational.
The toy assembly according to the first supplementary note 12 is the toy assembly according to the first supplementary note 11, in which the break-through mechanism urges the base member; the plunger member; A biasing element providing a separating force; and a screw drive driven by a motor, the screw drive driving the incremental deflection of the biasing element to move the plunger member outwardly from the base member. Increasing the biasing force applied by the biasing element.
The polymer composition of the first appendix 13 comprises about 15-25 wt% base polymer; about 1-5 wt% organic acid metal salt; and about 75-85 wt% inorganic/particulate filler.
The toy assembly of the first appendix 14 is a housing; a toy character within the housing, the toy character including a breakthrough mechanism operable to destroy the housing to expose the toy character. A toy assembly comprising a toy character, wherein the housing includes a plurality of breaking elements provided on an inner surface of the housing to facilitate breaking upon impact from the breaking mechanism.
The toy assembly of the first appendix 15 is a toy assembly comprising a housing and an internal object within the housing in a pre-breakthrough position, the internal object comprising a functional mechanism set, the internal object comprising: When the object is removable from the housing, positionable in a post-breakthrough position, and the internal object is in the pre-breakthrough position, the functional mechanism set is operative to perform a first series of movements. It is possible and when the internal object is in the post-breach position, the functional mechanism set is operable to perform a second series of movements different from the first series of movements.
[Second note]
(Second note 1)
housing;
An internal object located within the housing;
A breach mechanism operable to break the housing to expose the internal object;
The breakthrough mechanism is
Base member;
Plunger member;
A biasing element that provides a separating force that biases the plunger member and the base member apart; and
The plunger member and the base member can be positioned at a block position that blocks movement of the biasing element so as to separate from each other, and the biasing element drives so as to separate the plunger member and the base member from each other. A release member that is removable from the blocking position to allow
Toy assembly.
(Second note 2)
housing;
An internal object located within the housing;
A breach mechanism operable to break the housing to expose the internal object;
The breakthrough mechanism is
A plunger member having a tubular side wall;
A base member having a tubular side wall with a generally hollow interior in which the plunger member is received;
A motor for driving the base member and the plunger member to destroy the housing,
Toy assembly.
(Second note 3)
The base member has a pair of wheels driven by the motor,
The toy assembly according to the second appendix 2.
(Second note 4)
housing;
An internal object disposed within the housing; and
A breaking mechanism connected to the housing, the breaking mechanism operable to break the housing to expose the internal object, the power being supplied by a breaking mechanism power source connected to the housing. Including the breakthrough mechanism
The breakthrough mechanism is
Base member;
Plunger member; and
A screw drive driven by a motor, comprising the screw drive progressively separating the plunger member from the base member so as to destroy the housing,
Toy assembly.
(Second note 5)
The housing is oval shaped,
The toy assembly according to any one of the second supplementary notes 1, 2, and 4.
(Second note 6)
The internal object is a bird shape,
The toy assembly according to any one of the second supplementary notes 1 to 5.
(Second note 7)
housing;
A toy character arranged in the housing; and
A breakthrough mechanism operable to destroy the housing to expose the toy character;
The housing includes a plurality of breaking elements provided on an inner surface of the housing in order to promote breaking at the time of impact from the breaking mechanism, and the plurality of breaking elements are formed on an inner surface of the housing. Including multiple channels,
The plurality of breaking elements are formed in a breaking area of the housing, and the plurality of breaking elements are surrounded by a structural area including a lowermost portion of the housing,
Toy character assembly.
(Second note 8)
The housing is formed of a plurality of housing members including a first housing member and a lower housing member,
The first housing member includes the plurality of channels,
The lower housing member does not include any of the plurality of channels,
The toy character assembly according to the second supplement 7.
(Second note 9)
The plurality of breaking elements define a region of thin wall thickness relative to the wall thickness of the structural region,
The toy character assembly according to the second supplement 7.
(Second Appendix 10)
The wall thickness of the plurality of break elements is 40 to 60% of the wall thickness of the structural region,
The toy character assembly according to the second supplementary note 9.
(Second appendix 11)
The plurality of fracture elements occupy 20 to 80% of the area within the fracture region,
The toy character assembly according to the second supplement 7.
(Second supplement 12)
The plurality of fracture elements occupy 40 to 60% of the area within the fracture region,
The toy character assembly according to the second supplement 7.
(Second note 13)
The plurality of breaking elements are provided in the form of a plurality of breaking paths,
The toy character assembly according to the second supplement 7.
(Second note 14)
The plurality of break paths include a combination of continuous paths and discontinuous paths,
The toy character assembly according to the second supplement 13.
(Second Appendix 15)
The plurality of fracture paths are continuous in the fracture area and are randomly positioned,
The toy character assembly according to the second supplement 13.
(Second appendix 16)
The plurality of break paths are continuous and arranged in a geometric pattern,
The toy character assembly according to the second supplement 13.
(Second note 17)
The plurality of breaking elements are provided in the form of a plurality of discontinuous breaking units,
The toy character assembly according to the second supplementary note 8.
(Second note 18)
The plurality of breaking units are randomly positioned in the breaking area,
The toy character assembly according to the second appendix 17.
(Second note 19)
The plurality of breaking units are positioned in a regular repeating pattern in the breaking area,
The toy character assembly according to the second supplement 7.
(Second note 20)
The housing is formed of a polymer composition,
The polymer composition is
About 15-25% by weight of base polymer;
About 1 to 5% by weight of organic acid metal salt; and
Comprising about 75-85% by weight inorganic/particulate filler,
The toy character assembly according to the second supplement 7.
(Second Supplement 21)
The base polymer is ethylene-vinyl acetate,
The organic acid metal salt is zinc stearate,
The inorganic/particulate filler is calcium carbonate,
The toy character assembly according to the second supplement 20.
(Second note 22)
housing;
An internal object located within the housing;
A breaking mechanism connected to the housing, the breaking mechanism operable to break the housing to expose the internal object, the power being supplied by a breaking mechanism power source connected to the housing. The breakthrough mechanism;
A push button for the internal object, the push button being pressed by pressing a correct point on the housing, the push button controlling the operation of an LED of the internal object,
The LED is visible through the housing when illuminated.
Toy assembly.
(Second supplement 23)
The housing is oval shaped,
The toy assembly according to the second appendix 22.
(Second supplement 24)
The internal object is a bird shape,
The toy assembly according to the second supplement 23.
(Second note 25)
The internal object includes a microphone receiving a voice input and a speaker.
The toy assembly according to the second appendix 22.
(Second Appendix 26)
The breakthrough mechanism includes a hammer in a position to connect to the internal object,
The breach mechanism power source is operatively connected to the hammer to drive the hammer to destroy the housing;
The toy assembly according to the second appendix 22.
(Second Appendix 27)
The interior object is not visible through the housing under ambient lighting conditions,
The toy assembly according to the second appendix 22.
(Second note 28)
The breakthrough mechanism is
Base member;
Plunger member;
A biasing element that provides a separating force that biases the plunger member and the base member apart; and
A screw drive driven by a motor, which is an urging force that urges the plunger member outward from the base member by gradually increasing the deflection of the urging element, and is applied by the urging element. Increasing the biasing force of the screw drive, including the screw drive,
The toy assembly according to the second appendix 22.
(Second Appendix 29)
The breakthrough mechanism is
Base member;
Plunger member;
A biasing element that provides a separating force that biases the plunger member and the base member apart; and
The plunger member and the base member can be positioned at a block position that blocks movement of the biasing element so as to separate from each other, and the biasing element drives so as to separate the plunger member and the base member from each other. A release member that is removable from the blocking position to allow
The toy assembly according to the second appendix 22.
(Second note 30)
The housing includes a plurality of breaking elements provided on an inner surface of the housing to facilitate breaking upon impact from the breaking mechanism.
The toy assembly according to the second appendix 22.
(Second supplement 31)
Housing; and
Including a primary toy character and an auxiliary toy character located within the housing,
The main toy character includes the breakthrough mechanism operable to destroy the housing to expose the main toy character and the auxiliary toy character;
The breakthrough mechanism extends so as to push the auxiliary toy character out of the housing,
Toy assembly.
(Second note 32)
The housing is oval shaped,
The toy assembly according to the second supplementary note 31.
(Second supplement 33)
Each of the main toy character and the auxiliary toy character is a bird shape,
The toy assembly according to the second appendix 32.
(Second Appendix 34)
Each of the main toy character and the auxiliary toy character includes a microphone and a speaker,
The main toy character and the auxiliary toy character interact with each other,
The toy assembly according to the second supplementary note 31.
(Second Appendix 35)
The main toy character is configured to output an audio signal via the speaker,
The auxiliary toy character is configured to identify the audio signal via the microphone,
The toy assembly according to the second appendix 34.
(Second note 36)
The primary toy character pushes the auxiliary toy character out of the housing via a screw drive,
The toy assembly according to the second supplementary note 31.
(Second note 37)
An audio and/or optical signal output from the auxiliary toy character is received by the main toy character and used for setting and moving the auxiliary toy character.
The toy assembly according to the second appendix 34.
(Second note 38)
The breakthrough mechanism is
A plunger member having a plunger tubular side wall;
A base member having a base tubular side wall with a generally hollow interior in which the plunger member is received; and
A motor for driving the base member and the plunger member to destroy the housing,
The toy assembly according to the second supplementary note 31.
(Second note 39)
The breakthrough mechanism is
A plunger member having a plunger tubular side wall;
A base member having a base tubular sidewall received in the plunger tubular sidewall; and
A motor for driving the base member and the plunger member to destroy the housing,
The toy assembly according to the second supplementary note 31.
(Second supplement 40)
The auxiliary toy character is
A companion mechanism in a compressed state within the housing, the companion mechanism expanding when the housing breaks,
40. The toy assembly according to any one of the second supplementary notes 31 to 39.
(Second Appendix 41)
The auxiliary toy character is
A spring base for biasing the wheel base of the auxiliary toy character away from the main body of the auxiliary toy character;
40. The toy assembly according to any one of the second supplementary notes 31 to 39.
(Second Appendix 42)
The auxiliary toy character is one of two auxiliary toy characters,
The toy assembly according to any one of the second supplementary notes 31 to 40.
(Second supplement 43)
The breakthrough mechanism and the companion mechanism each include an electronic component that operates when the breakthrough mechanism and the companion mechanism are expanded,
The toy assembly according to the second appendix 40.
(Second appendix 44)
housing;
An internal object disposed within the housing; and
Including a breakthrough mechanism operable to break the housing to expose the internal object;
The housing is formed of a polymer composition,
The polymer composition is
About 15-25% by weight of base polymer;
About 1 to 5% by weight of organic acid metal salt; and
Comprising about 75-85% by weight inorganic/particulate filler,
Toy assembly.
(Second supplement 45)
The base polymer is an elastomeric polymer,
The toy assembly according to the second appendix 44.
(Second appendix 46)
The elastomeric polymer is ethylene-vinyl acetate,
The toy assembly according to the second appendix 45.
(Second appendix 47)
The organic acid metal salt is zinc stearate,
The toy assembly according to the second appendix 44.
(Second appendix 48)
The inorganic/fine particle filler is an inorganic filler,
The toy assembly according to the second appendix 44.
(Second note 49)
The inorganic filler is calcium carbonate,
The toy assembly according to the second appendix 48.
(Second supplement 50)
The housing includes a plurality of breaking elements provided on an inner surface of the housing to promote breaking upon impact from the breaking mechanism.
The toy assembly according to the second appendix 44.

10 Toy Assembly 12 Housing 12a First Housing Member 12b Second Housing Member 12c Third Housing Member 14 Toy Character 16 Irregular Break Path 16a Central Break Path 17 Structural Area
18 Inner Surface of Housing 12 19 Breaking Area 20 Toy Character Frame 21 Channel 22 Breaking Mechanism 23 Breaking Unit 24 Breaking Mechanism Power Source 25 Area Delimited by Breaking Path 16 Around 27 Central Ridge 28 Controller 29 Tapered Wall 30 Hammer 32 Actuation Lever 34 Breakthrough mechanism cam 36 Motor 38 Actuating lever biasing member 40 Pin joint 42 First end portion 44 of actuating lever 32 Cam engaging surface 46 Second end portion of actuating lever 32 Hammer engaging surface 49 Output shaft 50 Cam surface 51 Stepped area 52a First magnet 52b Second magnet 53 Rotation mechanism 54 Gear wheel 56 Main wheel 56a First wheel 56b Second wheel 58 Drive tooth portion 60 Bushing 62 Shaft 64 Supporting surface 66 Protruding portion 68 Aperture 70a 1st release member 70b 2nd release member 72 1st end part of the actuation lever biasing member 38 74 2nd end of actuation lever biasing member 38 78 Lock lever 80 Hammer biasing structure 82 Pivot Arm 84 Pin joint 86 Pivoting arm biasing member 90 Capacitive sensor 92 Microphone 94 Push button 95 LED
96 branches, wing 100 branch connector link, wing connector link 102 wing connector link biasing member 104 branch driver arm, wing driver arm 106 wing driver arm wheel 108 leaf 150 camera 152 smartphone 153 progress scan 154 Server 156 Network 158a First output image 158b Second output image 300 Breakthrough mechanism 304 Base member 308 Plunger locking recess 312 Slot 316 Plunger member 320 Tubular body 324 Round cap 328 Protrusion 332 Spring 336 Color 340 Wedge 344 Ridge 346 Inside Raised portion 360 Egg shell 364 Breaking path 368 Wedge access aperture 400 Breakthrough mechanism 404 Base member 404a Base member portion 404b Base member portion 408 Plunger member 408a Plunger member portion 408b Plunger member portion 412 Tubular sidewall 416 Inner lip 420 Tubular sidewall 424 External Ridge 428 Inner wall 432 Screw drive 436 Motor 440 Threaded shaft 444 Battery 448 Traveler 450 Lip 452 Biasing element, spring 453 Magnetic switch 454 Magnet 460 Egg shell 464 Breakable shell part 468 Annular shell part 500 Toy character 504 Base member 508 Plunger member 512 Slewing wheel assembly 516 A pair of wheels 520 A pair of non-slewing wheels 600 Housing breaking mechanism 604 Base frame member 608 Outer bowl 612 Inner bowl 616 Inner lip 620 Upper frame member 624 Inner lip 628 Cutting element 632 Partial thread Screw 636 Second end 640 Through opening 644 Aperture 648 Housing 652 Protrusion 700 Housing breaking mechanism 704 Cutting element 708 Fastener 712 Recess 716 Cutting edge 800 Breaking mechanism 804 Base member 808 Plunger member 812 Wheel 820 Companion mechanism 8 24 Body 824 Base 832 Wheel 840 Egg shell 844 Main toy character 848 Auxiliary toy character 900 Companion mechanism 904 Main body 90 8 Wheel base 912 Wheel 920 Breakthrough mechanism 924 Base member 928 Plunger member 932 Wheel 940 Egg shell 944 Main toy character 948 Auxiliary toy character 1000 Breakthrough mechanism 1008 Raised inner ring 1004 Eggshell 1012 Small magnet 1016 Metal rod 2420 Adapter disk 10 Frustum-shaped metal disc 1028 Hall sensor 1032 Notched ring 1036 Post anchor 1044 Peripheral lip 1040 Annular plate 1048a Wheel recess 1048b Wheel recess 1052 Disc grip 1056 Central gear disc 1060 Arched wall 1064 Thick vertical edge 1068 Through hole 1072 Fixed Post Ag Shaft of Gear 54

Claims (5)

housing;
An internal object located within the housing;
A breach mechanism operable to break the housing to expose the internal object;
The breakthrough mechanism is
Base member;
A plunger member , wherein the base member and the plunger member form part of the internal object ;
A biasing element that provides a separating force that biases the plunger member and the base member apart; and a blocking position that blocks movement of the biasing element to separate the plunger member and the base member. is positionable, is removable from said blocking position to allow said biasing element so as to separate the said plunger member and said base member is driven, seen including a release member,
The plunger member has a protrusion that can be positioned in a locking recess in the base member, the release member is a wedge, and positioning the release member in the block position allows the protrusion to be locked. Including inserting the wedge into a slot in the base member to bias the plunger member into a recess, and removing the release member from the blocking position of the wedge from the slot. Removing includes allowing the plunger member to displace and allowing the projection to exit the locking recess.
Toy assembly. The housing is oval shaped,
The toy assembly according to claim 1 . The internal object is a bird shape,
The toy assembly according to claim 1 . Before Symbol housing, in order to facilitate breakage when the impact from the break mechanism includes a plurality of fracture path provided on the inner surface of said housing, said plurality of fracture path is formed on an inner surface of the housing Including multiple channels,
The plurality of breaking paths are formed in a breaking area of the housing, and the plurality of breaking paths are surrounded by a structural area including a lowermost portion of the housing,
The toy assembly according to claim 1. The plurality of fracture paths define a region of thin wall thickness relative to the wall thickness of the structural region,
The toy character assembly according to claim 4 .

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