Patent Publication Number: US-6702644-B1

Title: Amusement device

Description:
The present application claims the priority of a U.S. provisional application, Ser. No. 60/165,572, filed Nov. 15, 1999. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to toys and amusement devices and, in one embodiment, an electromechanical interactive amusement device which gives birth to one or more offspring. The present invention encompasses a “mother” amusement device which is interactive with a user, and which appears to give birth spontaneously to one or more “baby” amusement devices. In some embodiments, the mother and baby(ies) may be interactive with the user and each other. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, the present invention provides an interactive amusement device comprising a parent, a mother, and at least one offspring, a baby. 
     In one embodiment, the mother comprises a body with a skin and an internal structure that provide an internal space with an exit opening. The skin may include a pouch generally overlying the opening. The internal space carries a moveable container structure, a portion of which may removably close or occlude the opening. In one embodiment, the container structure is releaseably lockable in an open position and, when closed after opening once, is permanently locked in the closed position. In another embodiment, the container structure is releaseably lockable in an open position and, when closed after once being open, is releaseably locked in the closed position, whereby it may open or be opened again. The mother further comprises an internal operating mechanism operably coupled to the container structure and to one or more of a plurality of sensors and/or inputs carried by the body and/or internal structure. In some embodiments, the internal operating mechanism may be automatic, that is, operable in response to a condition or trigger independent of intentional user input. In some embodiments, at least a potion of the internal operating mechanism may be automatic, and the mechanism may also be coupled to inputs for deliberate, intention manipulation by a user to actuate the operating mechanism or a portion thereof. The operating mechanism powers, drives or operates the container structure, and other operational features, attributes or functions of the mother. In some embodiments, a single operating mechanism, e.g, an electric motor, or multiple discreet or multiple interlinked operating mechanisms, may be used to power, drive or operate operational features, attributes or functions of the mother. The operational features, attributes or functions of the amusement device, either one or both the parent figure and child figure, may include, in addition to the moveable container structure, other movable portions, including, for example, a moveable head-like portion, and/or movable eyes, mouth, appendages, etc. The sensors and/or inputs may be intentional or inadvertent user touch or contact-type switches, gravity switches, reed switches and/or magnetic or magnetically sensitive switches, or movement, light (e.g., visible, IR, etc.) or sound sensitive sensors or switches. In addition, the mother and baby, and/or portions thereof, may be adapted to emit sounds, light or heat; suitable speakers and/or sound chips or boards, light bulbs or LEDs, and heat producing or radiating elements, e.g., resistors or heating elements, may be provided. In some embodiments, portions of the mother may be positionable by being flexible, wherein they are able to be manipulated into a selected position, or may moveable resiliently or under the influence of gravity, e.g., if the mother has appendages, such may be positionable by a user. 
     In one embodiment, the amusement device of the present invention is an interactive electronic device, largely an amusement device and largely digital, and it may display animation or movement with sound effects. The movement and/or sound effects may be interactive with a user, for example, in response to deliberate or unintentional user input, such as sound, contact, movement or selective actuation (e.g., though a button, touch panel or the like). The interactivity could also be in conjuction with like devices, including other “mother” devices and/or “baby” devices, or it may be generated by or be responsive to ambient conditions such as sounds (e.g., music or voice), nearby movement, temperature, light level or other conditions or situations. 
     In one embodiment, the amusement device comprises an interactive system, in turn comprising an electronic system for use with a suitable electric motor and linkage(s) to drive, receive, actuate and control movement, and an audio component for receiving and broadcasting sound, wherein a user of the system may interact with the system, and a software controller for carrying out functions in accordance with a software program stored in a software controller and in accordance with certain selected input data supplied by the user and certain additional input data stored in another system memory, wherein said certain additional input data is received and processed by the software controller. 
     The interactive device of the present invention provides and encompasses a method for controlling operation of the device comprising providing a visual output, providing an audio output on an audio output device, receiving input from an input device, and controlling visual output and the audio output device based on received input. The input device may receive input by being manipulated physically and/or intentionally, or it may receive input comprising an ambient condition and, in response to the input, the method comprises at least a first mode providing the visual output and a second mode providing the audio output, which modes may be provided at different times or concurrently. Additional modes may be provided. 
     An advantage of the amusement device of the present invention is that it increases the appeal and interactivity of such devices by, for example, appearing to spontaneously produce sounds or movement with or without intentional input from the user, observer or adjacent device, which sounds or movements may provoke or require a response from a person observing the device. 
     In one embodiment, the baby is initially nested, and/or hidden, inside the mother, in the container structure. It may be contained in a container, e.g., an “egg,” removably carried in the container structure. The baby and the mother may have generally similar attributes. However, in some embodiments, the baby is smaller and may not include the moveable “birthing” container structure carried by the mother. The baby may have a skin and an internal structure similar to that of the mother, and it may be provided with movable portions, including, for example, a moveable head-like portion, and/or movable eyes, mouth, appendages, etc. The baby may have sensors and/or inputs including, for example, intentional or inadvertent user touch or contact-type switches, gravity switches, reed switches and/or magnetic or magnetically sensitive switches, or movement, light (e.g., visible, IR, etc.) or sound sensitive sensors or switches. In addition, the baby, and/or portions thereof, may be adapted to emit sounds, light or heat; suitable speakers and/or sound boards, light bulbs or LEDs and heat producing elements may be provided. 
     In one embodiment, the mother requires input, i.e., a user must interact or play with her for a selected period of time before the mother will give birth to the baby. In this or other embodiments, the mother may go to “sleep,” i.e., become inactive, in the absence of stimulus, particularly in the absence of stimulus or input from the user. In one embodiment, “birth” or “delivery” comprises an apparently spontaneous movement of the container structure and opening of the opening, the user then removing the egg from the container structure, and opening it to reveal at least one baby. The birth of thebaby, i.e., the movement of the container structure, may be a timed event, i.e., it may occur after a certain elapsed time or after a measured period of use, or it may happen in response to a particular, and variable, input, for example, the user touching a selected location of the mother or touching the mother a selected number of times. The container structure may be provided with devices to help the user remove the egg, e.g., a coil or leaf spring, or a pull tab or a ribbon. 
     In one embodiment, the amusement device of the present invention comprises a first figure representing a mother and comprising a body having an interior space and an opening into the space, a container structure movably received in the space, and an operating mechanism operably coupled to the container structure to move at least a portion of the container structure to block and unblock the opening, and a second figure representing a baby of the mother, and receivable in and removable from the container structure through the opening when the opening is unblocked. In one embodiment, the opening may be blocked and unblocked repeatedly, and in another embodiment, it is initially blocked and may be unblocked and reblocked once. 
     In one embodiment, an advantage of the present invention is that it may be “reloaded” for birthing of more than one baby, thereby providing for continued amusement of the user. In another embodiment, the birth may be a one time occurrence. 
     In some embodiments, operational or functional aspects of the amusement device of the present invention may be controlled by a microprocessor or computer, including one or more suitable printed circuit boards. 
    
    
     Other features and advantages of the amusement device and method of the present invention will become more fully apparent and understood with reference to the following description and drawings. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of one feature of one embodiment of the amusement device of the present invention, namely, a mother amusement device. 
     FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of another feature of one embodiment of the amusement device of the present invention, namely, a baby amusement device. 
     FIG. 3 is an elevational side view of one embodiment of the mother of the present invention, with portions in section and/or broken away to show internal and/or operational features. 
     FIG. 4 is an elevational front view of one embodiment of the mother of the present invention, with portions in section and/or broken away to show internal and/or operational features. 
     FIG. 5 is an elevational side view of an embodiment of the mother of the present invention, with portions in section and/or broken away to show internal and/or operational features. 
     FIG. 6 is an elevational side view of one embodiment of the mother of the present invention, with portions in section and/or broken away to show internal and/or operational features and also to show an initial step in the method of the birthing or delivery process of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is an elevational side view depicting another step in the method of the birthing or delivery process of the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is an elevational side view depicting another step in the method of the birthing or delivery process of the present invention. 
     FIG. 9 is an elevational side view depicting another step in the method of the birthing or delivery process of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 is an elevational side view depicting another step in the method of the birthing or delivery process of the present invention. 
     FIG. 11, including FIGS. 11 a-c , depicts one embodiment of an operational feature of the birthing or delivery mechanism of the present invention, namely, a lock mechanism. 
     FIG. 12, including FIGS. 12 a-c , depicts one embodiment of an operational feature and method of the birthing or delivery mechanism of the present invention, the internal baby container of the mother and a portion of the operating mechanism for moving it. 
     FIG.  13 ,including FIGS. 13 a-c , depicts one embodiment of a baby device. 
     FIG. 14, including FIGS. 14 a-c , depicts one embodiment of the baby device of the present invention with portions removed and/or in section to show internal features. 
     FIG. 15, including FIGS. 15 a-d , depicts one embodiment of operational features of the mother device of the amusement device of the present invention. 
     FIG. 16, including FIGS. 16 a  and  b , depicts one embodiment of the mother device of the present invention and an operational feature thereof, namely, a movement. 
     FIG. 17, including FIGS. 17 a-c , depicts one embodiment of the mother device of the present invention and another operational feature thereof, namely, another movement. 
     FIG. 18, including FIGS. 18 a-c , depicts one embodiment of the mother device of the present invention and a structural and operational feature thereof, namely, the mouth and mouth movement of the device. 
     FIG. 18 d  depicts details of one embodiment of the mouth of the mother device. 
     FIG. 19 depicts a portion of the amusement device of the present invention, namely, an embodiment of a mouth structure suitable for either the mother or the baby. 
     FIG. 20 depicts one embodiment of a feature of the mother device of the present invention, namely, a touch sensor. 
     FIG. 21 depicts one embodiment of the operational characteristics a feature of the mother and/or baby of the present invention, namely, movement of the eyes. 
     FIG. 22 depicts one embodiment of the eye moving mechanism of the present invention. 
     FIG. 23 depicts one embodiment of an operational of the baby of the present invention, namely, an actuating mechanism. 
     FIG. 24 depicts one embodiment of an electronic operating system suitable for use in the present invention, including one embodiment of a microprocessor controller. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     Features and advantages of the amusement device apparatus and method of the present invention will become more fully apparent and understood with reference to the above-referenced drawings, this description and the appended claims, including embodiments of an interactive birthing amusement device (which also may be referred to as a toy), and features and components thereof, and the description of the method or process by which the toy interacts with a user, another toy or an ambient condition, and gives birth. 
     With regard to fastening, mounting, attaching or connecting the components of the present invention to form the device or apparatus as a whole, unless specifically described otherwise, the invention may incorporate or use conventional fasteners such as screws, nut and bolt connectors, machined connectors, snap rings, clamps such as screw clamps and the like, rivets, nuts and bolts, toggles, pins and the like. Components may also be connected by adhesives, sewing, welding, friction fitting or deformation, if appropriate. Electrical features and functions may be accomplished by using suitable electrical devices, including motors, speakers, sensors, inputs, outputs, printed circuits, pc boards, chips and the like, and electrical connections may be made using appropriate electrical components and connection methods, including available components, connectors and connecting methods. Mechanical and mechanical operational features may be accomplished by using suitable mechanical devices, including motors, cams, links and linkages, drive trains, gears, shafts, pins and the like. Unless specifically otherwise disclosed or taught, materials for making components of the present invention are selected from appropriate materials such as metal, metallic alloys, fibers, fabrics, plastics and the like, natural or synthetic, and appropriate manufacturing or production methods including casting, extruding, weaving, spinning, molding and machining may be used. 
     Any references to front and back, right and left, top and bottom and upper and lower are intended for convenience of description, not to limit the present invention or its components to any one positional or spacial orientation. 
     As used herein, the terms “parent” and “mother” are intended to mean a parent creature, figure or character, an older creature, figure or character, or older clone or twin creature, figure or character, and the terms “child” and “baby” are intended to mean an offspring creature, figure or character, a younger and/or smaller creature, figure or character, or a younger and/or smaller clone or twin creature, figure or character. The subject creature, figure or character of the present invention, including the mother and baby, may be generally representative of reality, i.e., human, animal and the like, or may be entirely imaginary or whimsical. 
     The embodiments of the amusement device of the present invention include a suitable data and control operating or processing system or systems, typically in the form of a computer or one or more microprocessor boards or chips (for example, integrated circuits or printed circuit boards) contained within the amusement device. See, for example, FIG. 3, reference  30 . These printed circuit boards or chips may be configured as desired and convenient for particular embodiments and functions, and may be constructed and located as suitable for particular embodiments. A plurality of selected inputs (e.g., buttons, gravity sensor/switches, touch sensitive switches, magnetic switches, temperature sensors and/or microphones) may be operably connected to the microprocessor or directly to operational or functional features (e.g., in analog embodiments), as may be a plurality of selected outputs, e.g., motor, light sources and speaker. A reset input (not shown) may also be coupled to the microprocessor  30 . The microprocessor  30  may comprise one chip, or more, and future performance needs and features (e.g., audio enhancements, RAM, etc.) may involve the use of multi-chip sets. A chip or chips may be function specific or two or more functions or operations may be controlled by a single chip. 
     FIG. 24 depicts a representative selection and arrangement of the electronics or electronic circuitry and related components which may be used in embodiments of the invention. The depicted control and data processing system  32  includes a suitable power supply  34 , typically a battery or a direct current supply of a suitable voltage (e.g., a battery or battery assemblies), but other power supplies, such as solar cells, may be used or incorporated as well. Power is supplied to a power distribution and sensor electronics control circuit  36 . Control circuit  36  can be one or a combination of several commercially available power switching and control circuits, and may be provided in the form of a circuit or circuit board which is detachable, and plugs into a main board or chip  38  or a suitable expansion slot board receptacle. 
     Power control circuit  36  may be connected to a first exemplary input control switch  40  and a second exemplary input control switch  42 , or to as many such switches as are desired or necessary. The switches may be operated by inputs, such as sensors or switches, of the present invention. In one embodiment, for example, one switch may control powering up the system, and the second switch may control activation of aspects of the programs or modes of operation. There may be one or more additional switches, buttons or inputs, or functions may be combined in a button by the selective operation thereof, and the system  32  can include default settings or subroutines. 
     FIG. 24 also depicts a controller board, circuit or chip  38  which comprises a central microprocessor (not shown) and related components well-known in the industry as computers or printed circuit boards, for example, four or eight bit microprocessors such as those made and offered for sale by Elan Microelectronics Corporation and others, and related memory (not specifically shown). A variety of different configurations and types of memory devices can be connected to a suitable pc or board as is well-known in the art. A control board  44 , and/or an optional second such board  46  (shown in phantom), may be included. The board  44  typically would be connected or operably coupled to the board  38 , for example in expansion slots of circuit board  38 , and would be capable of controlling operational parameters of the present invention. Additionally, the control board  44  may be connected to one or more interface circuits  48 ,  50 ,  52 ,  54 . 
     The circuit board  38  may include a port  58  to allow data to be programmed or downloaded. This allows performance data to be analyzed in various ways using added detail, or by providing integration with data from other devices so that performance problems can be identified and eliminated. In some embodiments, performance requirements, user use, responses, performance and/or skill can be varied or manipulated, recorded and displayed, or downloaded. The board  38  also may have a number of optional sensor interface connections  60  or control input interfaces  62  for sensing of ambient conditions (light or sound sensors) or direct input through the use of inputs (such as buttons, touch sensitive switches or the like). 
     The processor or controller  32 , whatever form it takes, includes software or programming which is used in the operation of the present invention, including the interactive aspects. It should be understood that the particular software used may vary dependent upon, for example, the desired input and output options and/or interactivity, e.g., the movement(s) displayed and the sound(s) produced. There may be modifications to the software and program routines to accomplish changes, or such may be required in connection with the wide variety of performance, functions, characters, activities, movement, displays, actions and sounds available. 
     The processor  32  includes suitable operational modules, e.g., modules  64 , for performing a number of data processing function in connection with the selected and preferred operations. One function is receiving user input and translating it into a selected action. Other representative functions include, but are not limited to, producing and/or controlling an audio output, both or selectively in response to a sensed ambient condition or stimulus or in response to user input, producing and/or displaying audio and/ or visual inquiries or prompts of the user, sensing functions, and/or displaying actions or movements in response to user inputs. 
     Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention provides a mother figure, or “mommy,”  70  interactive amusement device which, as depicted by the movement lines adjacent to the mother figure, includes movable portions. For example, the head portion  72  of the device  70  moves up and down, the eyes  74  may move all around in a random fashion and the mouth  76  moves in an eating and/or speaking or noise making manner. The mother device  70  includes suitable internal electromechanical drive mechanisms to accomplish these motions, including (as set forth below) at least one motor  80  which may be actuated to deliver an egg  82  and/or baby  84 , to wobble the head  72 , and move the eyes  74  and the mouth  76 . 
     With continued reference to FIG. 1, the mother amusement device  70  includes a plurality of communication and sensor devices. These devices are intended to communicate or show or symbolize that the amusement device feels and communicates emotions. For example, the device  70  includes an antenna assembly  86  which carries colored LED&#39;s  88  or other appropriate light sources which may flash on and off, for example, in red if the amusement device  70  is “angry” or green if the amusement device  70  is “happy.” Additionally, the device  70  may be provided with suitable clap sensors  90  whereby the device  70  appears to respond positively to soft or gentle sounds and negatively to loud or abrupt voices or sounds. The sensors  90  also allow the mother device  70  to listen for the baby device  84  when it “talks” or make sounds. In one embodiment, if the mother device  70  hears the baby  84 , the mother device  70  will respond. The mother device  70  also may include shake or movement sensors wherein a light shake sensor  92  detects gentle movements and the device responds positively (e.g., the green LED comes on) and a heavy duty shake sensor  94  which detects rough movement to which the mother  70  will respond negatively. The device  70  is also provided with a suitable sound emitting device(s)  96 , for example, a 0.29 millimeter speaker, so that the mother device  70  may emit sounds or talk. 
     FIG. 2 depicts a baby amusement device  84  which may be provided with generally similar sensing and communication devices as the mother device  70 , including suitable light sources such as LED&#39;s  100  inside its antenna  102 , two clap sensors  104  whereby the baby device  84  may sense and respond to soft voices or sounds positively and loud voices negatively, and which allow for the baby device  84  to listen for the mother device&#39;s or other sounds. The baby device  84  further comprises a speaker  106  so that the baby  84  can talk or emit sounds, a magnet  108  for providing for a kissing function as will be explained herein below, an inputs such as feeding push buttons  110  and/or wake-up push buttons  112  for actuating the baby device  84 . 
     FIGS. 3 and 4 are side and front elevational layout views, respectively; with portions of the device  70  of the present invention depicted in section and portions broken away for clarity. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, particularly FIG. 3, the mother device  70  of the present invention includes a body  120  having a skin  122  and an internal frame  124 . The frame  124  supports an eye assembly  74 , an antenna assembly  86 , a head housing  126  and a body housing  128 . Input and output mechanisms are suitably mounted on or adjacent to the frame  124  and generally under the skin  122 . The head housing  126  contains or supports the mechanism which moves the head  72 , eyes  74 , mouth  76 , and opens an internal container  130 . The internal container contains an egg basket  131  is provided for containing the offspring or baby device  84  and is located generally at the front of the mother device  70  behind a pouch  134  formed in the skin  122 . The pouch  134  has an elastic band  136  on its rim to return it to a closed position. 
     The container  130  is pivotally mounted to the frame  124  and includes a torsion spring  138  for returning it to its closed or internal position. The birthing mechanism  140  of the present invention includes a lock  142  which keeps the container  130  closed, and a cam  144  which opens the lock  142  for a birth to occur, as described herein below. A rack gear and pinion  148  linked to the motor  80  is provided to open the container  130  for birth, and the birthing mechanism  140  may be provided with a reed or other suitable switch  150  to let the microprocessor controller  30  know if an egg  82  or baby  84  is inside the container  130 . Power is provided by four suitable batteries or other suitable power source  152 . If batteries are used they may be received in a battery compartment  154  closed by a hatch  156  supported by the frame  124  at the base of the mother device  70 . 
     With continued reference to FIG. 3, the internal frame  124  supports a mouth moving mechanism  158  wherein an arm  160  adjacent to the mouth may be moved by a cam or gear arrangement  162  to open and close the mouth  76  to provide an eating or simulated eating function. Further detail is described below with reference to FIG.  18 . 
     The internal frame  124  includes a built-in stop  164  so that the internal container  130  cannot open too far. 
     The antenna  86  is formed of suitable materials such as a PVC material and may be attached to the skin  122  as, for example, by a retaining ring  166  positioned on the inside of the skin  122 . The antenna  86  is provided with suitable colored LED&#39;s or other light sources  88  which may blink or be continuously on or off. The light sources  88  are mounted behind suitable lenses  168  such as ABS lenses, which may be glued into the antenna body  86  and which help defuse the light provided by the light sources. 
     The eye assembly  74  of the present invention may be supported on the internal frame  124 , and includes a clear lens  170  exterior surface which is glued into an eye socket  174 . An eye ball  176  is trapped between the lens  170  and the socket  174 , and free floats in the manner of a ball joint. 
     Referring to FIG. 4, the eye assembly  74  includes a bidirectional cam mechanism  180 , trapping a pin  182  which is attached to the eyes  74  and which, when moved, moves the eyes  74 . The eye assembly  74  may include molded guide flanges or portions  184  attached to the frame  124 , and FIG. 4 depicts one approximate location of the motor  80 , which may be a suitable electric motor, for providing the movements of the mother device  70 , including the eye movement, the head up and down movement and the wobble. 
     FIG. 4 also depicts additional features of the birthing mechanism  140  including a slot  186  on the container  130  for a catch arm  188  (see FIG. 3) which follows the container  130  and rotates into the container  130  to keep the egg  82  from being put back into the container  130  after a birth. Also seen is an egg ejector  190  which is provided to urge an egg  82  half-way out of the container  130  during the birth cycle. A rib  192 , also visible in FIG. 3, may be provided to hold the egg  82  in position when the container  130  is closed. Container supports  194  are provided adjacent to the container  130 . In operation, the pinion gear  149  is operated by the motor  80  to drive the container  130  open along the rack  151 . FIG. 4 also depicts one possible location for the clap sensors  90 . It also depicts how the skin  122  or fabric forming the skin may be trapped by adjacent portions of the frame  124  or other support mechanisms. 
     FIG. 5 is a sectional view with portions broken away depicting another embodiment of the mother device of the present invention, including substantially the components referenced with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4. Note that a single motor  80 ′ and suitable gear and arm transmission arrangements  200  may be used to drive the mechanisms for opening the egg container  130  and for providing for movement of the head  72  and other movements of the mother FIG.  70 . 
     Additional details with respect to the birthing process provided by the amusement device  70  of the present invention are depicted in FIGS. 6-12. Referring to FIG. 6, the lock  142 , which includes a spring  202  so the container  130  can be relocked in a closed position is cammed open at the beginning of a delivery to allow the container  130  to open. This lock  142  is provided so that a user cannot simply pry open the container  130 . FIG. 7 depicts the opening of the container  130  around its pivot point  204 . As the container  130  opens, the catch arm  188  rotates against the container  130  and through the slot  186  provided at the rear of the container  130 . If the user tries to force the container  130  closed before the egg  82  is removed, the catch arm  188  rotates into place and doesn&#39;t allow the container  130  to shut. It also does not allow the egg  82  to be put back into the container  130  after removal. In at least one embodiment, the catch arm  188  is provided to insure the egg  82  cannot be accidentally closed back inside the mother device  70 , i.e., a user must remove the egg  82  to reclose the container  130 . Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the drive or birthing mechanism  140  for moving the container  130  comprises the pinion gear and rack  148 ; when the motor  80  is actuated the pinion gear  149  drives the rack  151  to open the container  130 . In one embodiment, the mechanism  140  drives the pinion  149  until the container  130  is completely open, and then the gear  149  may permanently disengage. In this embodiment, the device  70  is a single birth device. In some embodiments, at the full extent of travel of the container  130 , a pin (not shown) at the base of the container catches a cam, flange or shoulder (not shown) on the floor of the internal frame  124  holding the container  130  open until the egg is removed. In one embodiment, the pinion gear  149  permanently disengages from the rack  151  once the container  130  is open. Note that the egg container  130  may be provided with an ejector  210 , including the basket  131  and a spring  212  whereby as soon as the container  130  opens far enough to allow the egg  82  to pass through, the ejector  210  pushes the egg  82  up and out making it more easily removable by a user. 
     FIG. 9 depicts the delivery or birth of the baby and/or egg  82  wherein the container  130  is fully opened and the user is removing an egg  82  (containing a baby  84 , or babies) by hand. Removing the weight of the egg  82  allows a suitable sensing switch (not shown) to operate, and releases the pin so that the container  130  will close. In one embodiment, the container  130  may close permanently. A reed switch  214  makes contact to let the mother device  70  know that the egg  82  has been removed and this is communicated to the microprocessor for control purposes. 
     FIG. 10 depicts the container  130  after the birth wherein the ejector  210  is fully extended and the container  130  has been returned to its locked position wherein the lock  142  re-engages the edge of the container  130  so it cannot open. Note that the cam  144  is disengaged from the motor drive so it cannot release the lock  142  again. Also note that the switch  150  stays in contact so that the integrated circuit controller or microprocessor  30  knows that the egg  82  has been removed. 
     Referring to FIG. 11, additional details of the lock  142  are depicted. When the birth mode begins the lock cam  144  rotates pushing the lock arm  145  up and the lock cam  144  slides freely on the square shaft  147  that is held against the lock arm  145  by the lock arm lip  149 . As the lock arm  145 . reaches the furthest point in its rotation the lock  142  is opened and the container  130  is free to rotate out. When past the lock arm lip  149 , the lock cam  144  is pushed out past the lock arm  145  and never again opens the lock mechanism  142 . When the container  130  is returned to its closed position, the lock  142  falls back into place and can&#39;t be opened any longer. Similarly, for the one-time birth embodiment, the driving mechanism  148  for opening container  130  may function only once, as depicted in FIG.  12 . When the birth mode is actuated the sliding pinion gear  149  rotates against the container rack  151  forcing the container  130  open. The pinion lip  230  keeps sliding pinion  149  in place until the container  130  is fully opened, at which point the drop off gap  232  allows the sliding pinion  149  to slide down past the lip  230 , disengaging from the rack  151 . After this point, the container  130  cannot be opened mechanically again. In particular, after the egg  82  is removed from the container  130 , the container  130  may be rotated by hand back into home position, sliding back past the container opening and then locking shut forever. 
     Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, including FIGS. 14 a-c , the assembly or structure of one embodiment of the baby device  84  is depicted. The baby device  84  includes an internal frame  240  provided with appropriate through holes, e.g.,  242  for receiving and accommodating sensors  243 , input and output buttons  244 , and speaker vents  246 . The frame  240  also mounts a microprocessor  248 , and may be provided with a battery hatch  250  and a tie mechanism  248  for tying the skin  122 ′ in place, or the skin  122 ′ may be trapped by the battery hatch  250 . As in the mother device, the baby is provided with an antenna  86 ′ which carries a light source  88 ′, such as an LED. The internal frame  240  supports a magnet  252  for the kissing mother device function. FIGS. 14 a-c  depict the mounting of these components on the internal frame  240 . 
     FIG. 15, including FIGS. 15 a-d , depicts various pouch  134 /egg container  130  functions of the amusement device of the present invention, particularly the mother device  70 . FIG. 15 a  depicts the exterior of the mother device  70 , along with  15   b , showing that the exterior pouch  134  is always accessible by a user, that it is formed from the same material forming the skin  122  of the mother device  70 , such as suitable cloth or fur-like material, and that it is easily opened by a user. FIGS. 15 c  and  d  depict features of the interior container  130  and its interaction with the pouch  134 , namely that the container  130  forces open or distends the pouch  134  with the egg  82  being visible, and that it opens mechanically at the time of birth, i.e., when actuated in response to user inputs or in accordance with time passing. 
     FIG. 16 depicts an up and down movement of the head  72  provided by operating the motor  80 , which may operate in forward and reverse modes to provide the up and down movement. Alternatively, a suitable rotating or translating linkage (not shown) may be provided to move the head  72  up and down. Total movement may be approximately one inch and may be triggered by the microprocessor controller  30  or by direct input, in some embodiments happening before and after a birth or birth cycle. In one embodiment, when actuated or triggered, the up and down motion may occur a selected number of times per cycle (this may be true of any of the activities of the parent and child figures  70 ,  84  of the present invention, i.e., their outputs may comprise cycles or periods of activity and inactivity). 
     FIG. 17 depicts a head tilting function of the mother device  70 . The motion may range from a full right, a center and a full left position. The right and left positions may be approximately 30° from center. When actuated, the mother device  70  may tilt its head  72  from side to side representing, for example, a happy reaction. This function may happen after the birth or birth cycle, but in some embodiments, never before. The head movement may comprise a full left to right movement with three movements per cycle. This movement, and all motion associated with the devices  70 ,  84  of the present invention, may be provided by a single motor, e.g., motor  80 , operably linked appropriately to movable portions of the devices. 
     FIG. 18, including FIGS. 18 a-d , depicts mouth  76  movement and includes a representation of the mouth moving cam and actuation system  260 . When activated, the actuation system  260  forces the mouth open and closed to simulate talking. The cycle length of the mouth movement may be controlled by the microprocessor  30 , and may depend on or correspond to the length of the sound being produced. FIGS. 18 d  and  19  provide additional detail, showing how the arms  262  are located in the bottom and upper jaw of the mouth  76 , and depicting that the devices  70 ,  84  may be provided with a contact switch  264  for providing a “feeding or eating function” wherein the contact switch  264  is operated by contacting a “food item” pushed into the mouth. 
     FIG. 19 depicts additional details of a kissing function as well as a eating or feeding function. The kissing function is provided by positioning a magnet  252  carried by the baby  84  adjacent to a reed switch  266  carried by the mother  70  to cause movement of the mother&#39;s upper lip. The feeding mechanism, including the contact switch  264  and a “food item”  268 , is shown in detail as well. 
     FIG. 20 depicts a petting, waking or wake up function wherein the mother  70  is provided with a contact switch  270  adjacent to the antenna  86 . For example, if a user pets or contacts the back of the head  72 , the switch  270  activates the mother  70 , waking her from a sleep mode and causing selected outputs such as sound production or head movement. The switch  270  for receiving the petting motion may be coupled to the microprocessor  30  to sense the petting as a positive input, triggering a positive response. 
     FIG. 21 is provided to depict the eye  74  movement provided by the mother device  70  of the present invention. Such movement may be triggered at the occurrence of certain events, for example, a birth or perceived input from the user. The eyes  74  may move in a left to right curved swooping motion and/or may move in a random rotational motion. Whichever motion of the eyes  74  occurs, it should be smooth. A selected motion may occur upon the occurrence of a particular event, for example, after a birth sequence, the eyes  74  may move in a swooping motion left and right. And before a birth sequence, the eyes  74  may be triggered to move up and down. Additionally, eye movement may be triggered by perceived input such as sound or petting, and the eyes  74  may then move in a random rotation, for example, to any of the positions shown in phantom. Typically, the eyes  74  move in a cycle comprising three to six repetitions of the movement, no set rest position is provided, the drive mechanism (see FIG. 22) may leave the eyes in any position at the time of stop. 
     FIG. 22 shows the eye drive mechanism  180 , particularly the eye cams  282 ,  284  and followers  286 ,  288  and how they are combined to create the unique eye movement. Note that with reference to the gearing of the drive linkage depicted in FIG. 5, the cams may operate a different selected speeds so that the eye movement always changes. With reference then to FIG. 22, the left/right cam  282  moves the eyes  74  left and right and moves more slowly than the up/down cam  284 . For example, a 25 tooth gear may be used instead of a 22 tooth gear. Also, with respect to the left/right cam  282 , it operates in both motor directions. The up/down cam  284  moves the eyes  74  up and down, moves faster and operates only when the motor moves into reverse, e.g., into the non-egg laying or birthing direction. 
     FIG. 23 is provided to depict a pull-tab  290  and its function whereby the baby  84  is automatically actuated when removed from the egg  82 . A tab  290  is heat staked suitably inside an egg  82  and, after a user opens the egg  82  and takes the baby  84  out, the free end  292  of the tab  290  pulls out of the baby  84  sensing the separation from the egg  82  and automatically actuating the baby device  84  for interaction with both the mother device  70  and a user. 
     In exemplary use, after power is supplied to the mother  70 , she may sleep, or appear to be inactive for a selected period of time, then automatically, under control of the microprocessor  30 , appear to wake up, i.e., emit selected outputs such as sound or movement. Birth of the baby  84  may appear to be spontaneous, occurring after a period of time, or it may occur as a result of intentional or inadvertent input from a user or the environment. For example, the mother  70  may require petting or touching by a user to actuate the birthing process, or may require “feeding” to give birth. Similarly, interaction between the mother  70  and baby  84 , i.e., communication among the various outputs and inputs of each, may appear to be spontaneous, e.g., when placed near each other, the mother  70  may talk to the baby  84 , the mother  70  may ask that the baby  84  be placed near her, the baby  84  may ask to be fed, etc. These various functions may be appropriately controlled by the software and program flows associated with the microprocessor  30 ,  248  (or microprocessors) carried by the mother  70  and/or baby  84 . Such software and program may be designed to include appropriate function and decision points as known to those skilled in art. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential spirit or attributes thereof. For example, outputs other than those described herein may be provided, and the figures may take the form of “plush” toys, human or animal figures, or whimsical figures. It is desired that the described embodiments be considered in all respects as illustrative, not restrictive.