Transformable toy and launcher

A toy set is provided including a reconfigurable toy capable of transitioning between a first configuration and a second configuration. The toy set also includes a launch mechanism having an activation means and a toy receiver. A propulsion mechanism transfers movement of the activation means to the reconfigurable toy to propel the reconfigurable toy in a second configuration from the launch mechanism along a propulsion axis.

BACKGROUND

Toys are popular and provide entertainment and excitement to a user. Toys can be used alone or with other toys and may be used in conjunction with launch devices. In order to add additional play features to these toys it is desirable to provide them with additional features wherein the toys can change from one configuration to another configuration thus the user has in essence, two different types of toys provided by a single structure.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a toy that can transform from one configuration to another configuration, and to provide a launch mechanism that can be used with such a toy.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In one embodiment a reconfigurable toy having a first configuration and a second configuration is provided including a main body. A front portion is pivotally connected to a first end of the main body for movement between a first position and a second position. A back portion is pivotally connected to a second end of the main body for movement between a third position and a fourth position. The toy also includes a retaining mechanism for holding the front portion in the second position and the back portion in the fourth position. Movement of the front portion between the first and second position and movement of the back portion between the third position and the fourth position cause the toy to transition between the first configuration and the second configuration.

In another embodiment a combination of a reconfigurable toy having a first configuration and a second configuration and a grasper configured to transform the toy between the first configuration and the second configuration while the toy is stored within a package is provided. The toy having: a main body; a front portion pivotally connected to a first end of the main body, the front portion being movable between a first position and a second position; a back portion rotatably connected to a second end of the main body, the back portion being movable between a third position and a fourth position; and a retaining mechanism for holding the front portion in the second position and the back portion in the fourth position; wherein movement of the front portion between the first and second position and movement of the back portion between the third position and the fourth position cause the toy to transition between the first configuration and the second configuration; and wherein the grasper has a generally semicircular upper portion that contacts a bottom surface of the main body of the toy and at least one tab extends inwardly from both ends of the upper portion adjacent the top surface of the main body to secure the grasper to the main body.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, a toy set is provided including a reconfigurable toy capable of transitioning between a first configuration and a second configuration. The toy set also includes a launch mechanism having an activation means and a toy receiver. A propulsion mechanism is configured to transfer movement of the activation means to the reconfigurable toy to propel the reconfigurable toy in a second configuration from the launch mechanism along a propulsion axis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention a reconfigurable toy10is provided. The toy10is capable of transitioning from a first configuration (seeFIG. 1A) to a second configuration (seeFIG. 1B). In one embodiment, the toy10resembles a car, automobile, or other land based vehicle first configuration and the toy10resembles a ball or other generally spherical object in the second configuration.

Referring toFIGS. 1A-1C, a reconfigurable toy10is illustrated having a generally semicircular main body12. A ring portion20is connected to a top surface18of the main body12and extends in a direction away from the main body12. Adjacent each interface of the ring portion20and the top surface18is a cam surface21. A front portion22is pivotally mounted to a first end14of the main body12with a first spring member24. Similarly, a back portion26is pivotally mounted to a second, opposite end16of the main body12with a second spring member28. The front portion22and back portion26each include at least one pivotable strut30having a rotatable wheel32coupled thereto. The strut30allows the rotatable wheel32to move between a vertical, deployed position when the toy10is in the first configuration (seeFIG. 1A) and a horizontal, stowed position when the toy10is in the second configuration (seeFIG. 1B). A spring member (not shown) may bias the strut30such that the rotatable wheel mounted to the strut is in the vertical, deployed position. In one embodiment, the front portion22and the back portion26each include two struts32disposed on opposing sides of the front portion22and back portion26respectively, such that the toy10resembles an automobile.

The front portion22and the back portion26of the toy10are movable between a first position, shown inFIG. 1A, and a second position, illustrated inFIG. 1B. When the toy10is in the first configuration, the front portion22and the back portion26are in a first position disposed on opposing sides of the main body12such that the back portion26, the main body12, and the front portion22are arranged generally linearly. To transform the toy10to the second configuration, the front portion22and the back portion26are rotated in the directions indicated by arrows A1and A2respectively, opposite the bias of the first and second spring members24,28, to a second position. In the second position, the front and back portions22,26are positioned adjacent the top surface18of the main body12and the ring portion20. While moving from the first position to the second position, the spring biased struts30contact the cam surfaces21adjacent the ring portion20, causing the rotatable wheels32to pivot to a horizontal, stowed position. When the toy10is in the second configuration, the front and back portions22,26form a semicircle complementary to the shape of the main body12, such that the toy10has a generally round shape, similar to a ball.

Because the front and back portions22,26are biased by the first and second spring member24,28into the first position, the toy10may include a retaining mechanism39for retaining the front portion22and the back portion26in the second position. In one embodiment, the retaining mechanism39may include a hook40and an opening42. For example, the back portion26includes hook40movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position (seeFIG. 1C) and the front portion22includes opening42configured to receive the hook40. The hook40may be spring biased into an engaged position, such that when the toy10is transformed to the second configuration and the front portion22and the back portion26are in the second position, the hook40engages the opening42. In an alternate embodiment, the hook40may be located on the front portion22, and the back portion26may include the opening42complementary to the hook40.

Additionally, the top surface18of the main body12may include a spring biased button50indirectly coupled to the hook40, such as with an arm member41for example. If the button50is pressed when the toy10is in the second configuration, such as by the force of the toy10hitting an object for example, the hook40will rotate to a disengaged position. The biasing force of the first and second spring members24,28will cause the front portion22and the back portion26to rotate to a first position and the biasing force of the struts30will cause the wheels32to deploy.

Referring now toFIGS. 15-17, a grasper60, may be used to transform the toy10between a first configuration and the second configuration while the toy10is stored within a package80. The grasper60includes a generally semicircular upper portion62that contacts a bottom surface19of the main body12of the toy10. At least one tab68extends inwardly from both the first end64and the second end66of the upper portion62adjacent the top surface18of the main body12to secure the grasper60to the main body12. Mounted near the center of the upper portion62is a pull tab70that extends in a direction away from the upper portion62of the grasper60and the main body12of the toy10. If a force is applied to the pull tab70, the upper portion62and tabs68of the grasper60apply the force to the main body12. In one embodiment, the free end72of the grasper60may be generally curved to provide an easier grip for a user applying a force to the pull tab70.

The toy10may be stored within a package80having a first support arm82and a second support arm84. The front portion22of the toy10is supported by the first support arm82and the back portion26of the toy10is supported by the second support arm84. The first support arm82and the second support arm84define an opening86there between. A connector88, may extend between the first support arm82and the second support arm84such that the opening86has a generally semicircular contour configured to receive a portion of the toy10in the second configuration. The interface between the opening86and the connector88is illustrated with a dotted line for clarity. A portion of the grasper60, such as the free end72of the pull tab70for example, may be accessible through the packaging80by a prospective buyer of the toy10. In one embodiment, the toy10may be stored within a bubble, and the free end72of the pull tab70may extend through an opening in the bubble.

If a user applies a force F to the pull tab70extending from the packaging (seeFIG. 16), the toy10will transform from the first configuration to the second configuration (seeFIG. 17). The force F is transferred to the main body12via the grasper60. In addition, the first support arm82and the second support arm84limit movement of the front portion22and the back portion26such that the front portion22and the back portion26of the toy10rotate from the first position to the second position. When the force F applied to the free end72of the pull tab70is removed, the first spring member24and the second spring member28bias the front portion22and the back portion26into the first position.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the transformable toy10is intended for use with a launch mechanism100, to propel to toy10along a propulsion axis P. Referring now toFIGS. 2-6, in one embodiment a launch mechanism100includes a base110, an activation means150, and a propulsion mechanism130. The launch mechanism100may include a first base portion112and a second base portion114configured to rest upon a planar support surface, such as a tabletop or floor for example. The first and second base portions112,114are sized and located such that the launch mechanism100is self-supported when rested on the planar surface. The first and second base portions112,114maintain the launch mechanism100in an upright, stable position, and prevent the launch mechanism100from falling on its side. A generally cylindrical chute120is positioned adjacent a front end102of the launch mechanism100. In one embodiment, the chute120may be formed integrally with the base110and a portion of the propulsion system130. The launch mechanism100may also include a handle116formed between a portion of the base110and the propulsion mechanism130or between a portion of the base110and a feed mechanism160.

The toy propulsion mechanism130is configured to propel a toy10from the launch mechanism100along a propulsion axis P through the chute120. An interior facing circular track132is mounted to a top surface122of the chute120, and extends approximately 270 degrees to the base110of the launch mechanism100. First and second side supports134,136extend perpendicularly from the second base114adjacent a first side106and a second side108of the launch mechanism100. In one embodiment, the first side support134and the second side support136extend to the center C of the circle formed by the circular track132and to the interface between the circular track132and the chute120. Adjacent an upper edge138of the first side support134is a hole140for receiving a toy10, such as toy10in a second configuration for example. A toy receiver142, such as a scoop for example, is pivotally mounted at a first end143to at least one of the first and second side supports134,136for rotation about the center C of the circular track132in the direction indicated by arrow S. The length of the toy receiver142may be approximately equal to the radius of the circular track132. In one embodiment, the free end144of the toy receiver142includes a groove146for supporting a toy10in a second configuration. In a first position, illustrated inFIG. 2, the toy receiver142is positioned adjacent the hole140in the first side support134to receive a toy10to be launched.

An activation means150, such as a crank or a lever for example, is mounted to the second side support136. In embodiments where there activation means150is a lever, a spring member (not shown) is positioned at the coupling between the activation means150and the second side support136to bias the activation means150into a first, inactive position (seeFIG. 6). The propulsion mechanism130couples the activation means150to the toy receiver142to transfer movement of the activation means150to the toy10. In one embodiment, the activation means150may be directly coupled to the toy receiver142such that a full rotation of the activation means150causes a full rotation of the toy receiver142. Alternatively, the activation means150may be indirectly coupled to the toy receiver142, such as with a gear train (not shown) for example. In such instances, only partial movement of the activation means150is required to generate a full rotation of the toy receiver142.

To operate the launch mechanism100, a toy10is inserted onto the toy receiver142through hole140in the first side support134. A force F is then applied to pivot the activation means150, thereby causing a launch event. The rotation of the activation means150causes the toy receiver142to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow S. As the toy receiver142rotates about the circular track132, the centripetal force causes the toy10to remain engaged with the toy receiver142. Once the toy receiver142is in a position adjacent the base110, the toy receiver142propels the toy10through the chute120along the propulsion axis P.

Toys10may be fed to into the toy receiver142through the hole140in the first side support134manually. Alternatively, the launch mechanism100may include a feed mechanism160to feed toys10onto the toy receiver142automatically. In one embodiment, illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3, the feed mechanism160may include an angled track162that extends from adjacent the hole140in the first side support134, such that a plurality of toys10may be retained within the track162. The free end of the track164, may be supported by a portion of the base110. Gravity will cause the toys10to roll down the track162, through the hole140, and into engagement with the toy receiver142.

In another embodiment, illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6, the feed mechanism160includes a canister170capable of storing a plurality of toys10to be fed to the launch mechanism100. Adjacent a first end172of the canister170is a176door, through which a toy10in a second configuration may be inserted. Disposed within the canister170is a spiral track180that extends from adjacent the door176, to a second end174of the canister170. Mounted adjacent the second end174of the canister170, aligned with the door176, is a first mating piece190slidable relative to the surface173of the canister170between a first position (seeFIG. 5) and a second position (seeFIG. 6). When the first mating piece190is moved to the second position, an opening182, through which toys10in a second configuration exit the canister170, is exposed. A complementary second mating piece192(seeFIG. 4) is mounted to the first side support134adjacent hole140. As the first mating piece190engages the second mating piece192, the first mating piece190slides to a second position to expose opening182. The opening182of the canister170and the hole140in the first side support134are aligned, thereby allowing toys10to travel from the canister170to the toy receiver142.

Referring now toFIGS. 7-9, an alternate launch mechanism200for use with the reconfigurable toy10is illustrated. The launch mechanism200includes a flat, generally rectangular base202for supporting the launch mechanism200on a planar surface. An additional base support208may be positioned adjacent opposing sides of the base202to improve the stability of the launch mechanism200on a surface. A first sidewall210and a second, opposing sidewall212extend perpendicular to the base202adjacent a first end204.

A sliding support222of the propulsion mechanism220is slidably engaged with the base202to propel a toy10from the launch mechanism200along a propulsion axis P. A portion of the sliding support222is disposed within an elongated slot207of the base202, such that activation of the propulsion mechanism220causes the sliding support222and a toy receiver280fixed to the sliding support222to translate within the slot207, relative to the base202. In one embodiment, the toy receiver280is a claw having a first arm282and second arm284rotatable about axes A1and A2respectively to grasp a toy10. A first flange286extends from a portion of the first arm282, and a second flange288extends from a portion of the second arm284. The first arm282and the second arm284may include spring members (not shown) that bias the arms in opposite directions, towards one another.

In one embodiment, the propulsion system220includes a plurality of links that transfer the motion of a launch event to the sliding support222and the toy receiver280. A first link224is coupled to the sliding support222by a pin R1at a first end226. The second end228of the first link224is coupled to a first end232of a second link230by a pin R2. The second end234of the second link230is coupled to a first sidewall210at pin R3. A spring member (not shown) may be mounted to the second end234of the second link230about pin R3. The spring member provides a biasing force causing the second link230to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow B3. In one embodiment, a third link236, identical to the second link230, is similarly coupled at a first end238to the first link224about pin R2and at a second end240to the second sidewall212at pin R3. In such instances, the second end228of the first link224may be positioned between the first end232,238of the second link230and the third link236, such that the first link224is centered along pin R2. A first end244of a fourth link242is coupled to the first sidewall210adjacent the first end204for rotation about pin R4and is coupled at a second end246about pin R5to an activation means260, such as a handle or lever for example. In one embodiment, a fifth link248, identical to the fourth link242, may be pivotally coupled at a first end250to the second sidewall212about pin R4and coupled at a second end252to the activation means260about pin R5. The activation means260may be disposed between the second end246,252of the fourth and fifth links242,248about pin R5. A sixth link254is coupled at a first end256about pin R5, and is coupled at a second end258to the middle of the second link230.

To generate a launch event, a force F is applied to the activation means260causing the series of links224,230,236,242,248,254to rotate relative to one another to an extended launch position (seeFIG. 9), thereby moving the sliding support222within the elongated slot207, towards the second end206of the base202. A first and second endpiece270,274are disposed on opposing sides of the propulsion axis P adjacent the second end206of the base202. Each endpiece270,274includes a foot272,276that extends in the direction of the opposite endpiece. When the propulsion mechanism220is in a launch position, the toy receiver280is positioned adjacent the endpieces270,274. The foot272of the first endpiece270engages the first flange286and the foot276of the second endpiece274engages the second flange288of the toy receiver280, thereby opening the arms282,284of the toy receiver280to either grab or release a toy10. When the force F is removed from the activation means260, the biasing force of the spring member causes the second link to rotate about pin R3to a first position (seeFIG. 7), such that all of the links224,230,236,242,248,254in the propulsion mechanism220return to a first position.

FIGS. 10-13illustrate another alternate launch mechanism300including a first base302and a second base308. A first base302is generally rectangular and extends along the length of the launch mechanism300. A second base308is positioned perpendicular to the first base302and rests upon a planar surface. A first end304of the first base302is mounted to the second base308, such that the first base302is at a slight incline to the planar surface. The first base302includes an elongated slot310adjacent a second end306. A propulsion mechanism320is slidably engaged with the first base302. The propulsion mechanism320includes a trigger322disposed within the elongated slot310, and coupled to the first base302with a spring member (not shown). The trigger includes a first protrusion328adjacent a first end324and a second protrusion329adjacent a second, opposite end326.

A hollow, generally cylindrical chute330is mounted to a top surface307,309of the first and second base302,308respectively, as illustrated inFIG. 10. The first end332of the chute330extends a distance beyond the second base308, and the second end334of the chute330is located in the middle of the first base302. Adjacent the second end334of the chute330, a pair of parallel toy receiver supports340,346, each having a channel342,348, extend perpendicular to the chute330. In one embodiment, first and second angled supports352,354extend between the pair of toy receiver supports340,346in the direction of the base302. The first angled support352may be disposed between the first end332and the second end334of the chute330, and the second angled support354may be adjacent the second end334of the chute330. Mounted near the free ends344,350of the toy receiver supports340,346is a toy receiver360, such as a tray for example, for receiving a toy10in a first configuration. The toy receiver360includes a hole362between the toy receiver supports340,346. In one embodiment, the hole362is at least the size of a toy10in the second configuration.

An activation means370, such as a lever for example, is coupled to the propulsion mechanism320to launch the toy10. A first side panel372is positioned adjacent a first side303of the launch mechanism300, and a second side panel382is positioned adjacent a second side305of the launch mechanism300. A first end374,384of both the first and second side panels372,382is pivotally mounted to a portion chute330. The second end376,386of both the first and second side panels372,382are connected using a dowel D1. A toy engagement prong364(seeFIG. 13) is positioned adjacent the interior of each toy receiver support340,346, and is connected, through the channel342,348, to a portion of a respective side panel372,382. A first end392of a first link390is pivotally mounted to a portion of the first side panel372, and a first end398of a second link396is pivotally mounted to a portion of the second side panel382. The second end394,400of both the first link390and the second link396are connected with another dowel D2. In an inactive position, shown inFIG. 10, the links390,396extend at an angle from the side panels372,382towards the first base302, such that dowel D2is adjacent the first protrusion328of the trigger322.

To operate the launch mechanism300, a toy10in a first configuration is inserted by a user into the toy receiver360. Application of a force F to the dowel D1, causes the activation means370to rotate relative to the chute330, and the toy engagement prongs364to translate within their respective channels342,348. The toy engagement prongs364engage and apply a force to the main body12of the toy10in the first configuration. Because of the shape of the toy receiver360, application of a force by the toy engagement prongs364to the main body12causes the front portion22and the back portion26of the toy10to rotate, thus transforming the toy10to a second configuration to fit through hole362. Rotation of the activation means370relative to the chute330also causes the second dowel D2to engage and move the first protrusion328of the trigger322to an end of the elongated slot310. In this launch position, the second protrusion329of the trigger322is located adjacent the second end334of the chute330. Once the toy10transforms to the second configuration, the toy10drops from the toy receiver360to the first base302and into contact with the second protrusion329. In the launch position, the spring member of the propulsion mechanism is in tension. Once the force F on the activation means370is released, the biasing force of the spring member will cause the trigger322to slide within the elongated slot310. The second protrusion329pushes the toy10as the trigger322slides, thereby launching the toy10in the second configuration along a propulsion axis P out of the chute330.

In one embodiment, a target420, shown inFIG. 14, may be spaced a distance from the launch mechanism300, along the propulsion axis P. When the toy10contacts a surface of the target420, the toy10force causes the retaining mechanism39to disengage such that the front portion22and the back portion26of the toy10rotate to a first position, thereby transforming the toy10from the second configuration back to a first configuration.

As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. In addition, it is noted that the terms “bottom” and “top” are used herein, unless otherwise noted, merely for convenience of description, and are not limited to any one position or spatial orientation.

The modifier “about” used in connection with a quantity is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., includes the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity).

In the preceding detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details, that the present invention is not limited to the depicted embodiments, and that the present invention may be practiced in a variety of alternative embodiments. Moreover, repeated usage of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Lastly, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used in the present application, are intended to be synonymous unless otherwise indicated. This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.