Patent Publication Number: US-2021187403-A1

Title: Apparatus for a toy

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/951,254, filed on Dec. 20, 2019 and titled APPARATUS FOR A TOY, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to an apparatus for a toy. The apparatus includes a foldable material. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Persons of all ages enjoy playing with toys. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, an apparatus includes: a foldable material including a first portion and a second portion, the second portion at least partially surrounding the first portion; an inner connection structure; and an outer connection structure. The inner connection structure is configured to rotate relative to the outer connection structure; at least part of the first portion of the foldable material is attached to the inner connection structure and at least part of the second portion of the foldable material is attached to the outer connection structure; and the foldable material changes shape when the inner connection structure rotates relative to the outer connection structure. 
     Implementations may include one or more of the following features. 
     A central region of the first portion may be attached to the inner connection structure, and an outer edge of the second portion may be attached to the outer connection structure. 
     The inner connection structure may have a rotational range of motion from a first position to a second position. The inner connection structure may be configured to rotate from the second position to the first position in a first direction and the inner connection structure may be configured to rotate from the first position to the second position in a second direction. The first portion of the foldable material may be attached to an end of the inner connection structure, and the inner connection structure may be recessed relative to the outer connection structure such that a recessed region exists at the end of the inner connection structure, and the first portion is drawn into the recessed region when the inner connection structure is rotated in the first direction. The foldable material may not be visible when the inner connection structure is at the first position. At least some of the first portion of the foldable material may be visible when the inner connection structure is at the first position. The foldable material may change shape by folding. In some implementations, the foldable material forms one or more folds only when the inner connection structure is not at the second position, and the foldable material does not include any folds when the inner connection structure is at the second position. The foldable material may include one or more pre-formed fold regions, and the foldable material may fold along the one or more pre-formed fold regions. One or more folds may be pre-formed in the foldable material prior to attaching the foldable material to the inner connection structure, and additional folding or unfolding may occur when the inner connection structure rotates relative. 
     The inner connection structure may include a rod mechanically coupled to a driving mechanism. The outer connection structure may include a sidewall that extends along a longitudinal axis, and a curved surface at one end of the sidewall. The curved surface may define a central region, and the curved surface may have a tangent that is perpendicular to the sidewall. The rod may extend into the central region of the curved surface and may be recessed from the tangent. The foldable material may contact the curved surface. The outer portion of the foldable material may be attached to the sidewall, and the inner portion of the foldable material may be attached to the rod. 
     The outer connection structure may include an annulus. The inner connection structure may be surrounded by the annulus, and the outer connection structure may be concentric with the inner connection structure. 
     The foldable material may change shape by folding. The foldable material may fold only after the inner connection structure is rotated relative to the outer connection structure. The foldable material may include one or more pre-formed fold regions that are formed in the foldable material prior to attaching the foldable material to the inner connection structure, and the foldable material may fold along the fold regions. 
     The apparatus may be a replica eye for a toy. The first portion may be a pupil portion, and the second portion may be an iris portion. The pupil portion may be a first color and the iris portion may be a second color. 
     The foldable material may have a first amount of flexibility in a first direction and a second amount of flexibility in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. A ratio of the first amount of flexibility to the second amount of flexibility may be between 1 and 2. 
     The first portion of the foldable material may be attached to the inner connection structure with a first securing apparatus, and the second portion of the foldable material may be attached to the outer connection structure with a second securing apparatus. The first securing apparatus may include an adhesive or a mechanical connector, and the second securing apparatus may include an adhesive or a mechanical connector. 
     The apparatus may include a cover that is attached to the outer connection structure at a peripheral region of the outer connection structure. The cover may extend over the outer connection structure, the inner connection structure, and the foldable fabric. 
     The apparatus may include a motor configured to rotate the inner connection structure in the first direction or the second direction. The motor may include a shaft that is attached to the inner connection structure. The motor may be configured to rotate the shaft to thereby rotate the inner connection structure. 
     The apparatus may include a housing attached to the outer connection structure, and the inner connection structure may be within the housing. 
     The foldable material may include a woven fabric material. 
     The foldable material may include a non-woven material. The non-woven material may include an elastic material. The non-woven material may include paper. 
     The foldable material may include a flexible material. 
     The second portion may change shape when the inner connection structure rotates relative to the outer connection structure. 
     In another aspect, an apparatus for a toy includes: a pliable material; an outer connection structure; and an inner connection structure configured to move relative to the outer connection structure. An outer region of the pliable material is attached to the outer connection structure, an inner region of the pliable material is attached to the inner connection structure, and the pliable material changes shape when the inner connection structure moves relative to the outer connection structure. 
     Implementations may include one or more of the following features. 
     The pliable material may include a foldable fabric, and the inner connection structure may be configured to rotate relative to the outer connection structure. The foldable fabric may change shape by folding or unfolding when the inner connection structure rotates. The foldable fabric may change shape by the inner region expanding or contracting when the inner connection structure rotates. The foldable fabric may be flexible. 
     The inner connection structure may be configured to translate relative to the outer connection structure in a first direction and a second direction that is opposite the first direction, and the first and second directions may be substantially perpendicular to a surface tangent of the outer connection structure. The pliable material may be pulled into a recessed region at an end of the inner connection structure when the inner connection structure moves in the second direction to thereby change the shape of the pliable material. The pliable material may be a single piece of a flexible fabric. 
     The pliable material may be a single piece of a flexible fabric. 
     In another aspect, a toy includes: a body; an activation feature on the body; and one or more apparatuses. Each apparatus includes: a foldable material including a first portion and a second portion, the second portion at least partially surrounding the first portion; an inner connection structure coupled to the activation feature; and an outer connection structure. The inner connection structure is configured to rotate relative to the outer connection structure in response to movement of the activation feature. At least part of the first portion of the foldable material is attached to the inner connection structure and at least part of the second portion of the foldable material is attached to the outer connection structure. The foldable material changes shape when the inner connection structure rotates relative to the outer connection structure. 
     Implementations may include one or more of the following features. 
     The toy may include a doll including a face portion and at least two apparatuses. The at least two apparatuses may include at least a first apparatus and a second apparatus on the face portion of the doll. The first apparatus may be a first eye, and the second apparatus may be a second eye. The first portion of the foldable material of the first apparatus may be a pupil portion of the first eye, the first portion of the foldable material of the second apparatus may be a pupil portion of the second eye, and the first portions of the foldable material of the first and second apparatuses may change shape by expanding or contracting in unison in response to movement of the activation feature. The doll may include a plurality of appendages, and one of the appendages may be the activation feature. The inner connection structure may be coupled to the activation feature by a gear system. 
     The first portion of the foldable material may include a design that is revealed or hidden by rotating the inner connection structure relative to the outer connection structure. 
     The foldable material may be on an exterior surface of the body, and the inner connection structure may be inside the body. 
     The techniques discussed herein may be implemented as a toy figure, a toy set that includes a toy figure, or a method of manufacturing or using a toy figure. 
    
    
     
       DRAWING DESCRIPTION 
         FIG. 1A  is a block diagram of a side cross-sectional view of an apparatus 
         FIG. 1B  is a block diagram of a front view of a support structure that may be used with the apparatus of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIGS. 1C and 1D  are block diagrams of a front view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIGS. 2 and 3  are block diagrams of various foldable materials. 
         FIG. 4A  is a block diagram of another foldable material. 
         FIG. 4B  is a block diagram of a pre-formed fold in the foldable material of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 4C  is a block diagram of a top view of a pre-formed fold in the foldable material of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of an exterior of another apparatus. 
         FIG. 5B  is a front view of the apparatus of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 5C  is a side view of the exterior of the apparatus of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 5D  is a side cross-sectional view of the apparatus taken along the line D-D of  FIG. 5C . 
         FIG. 5E  is a block diagram of a front cross-sectional view of an outer connection structure and an inner connection structure of the apparatus of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 5F  is a block diagram of a side cross-sectional view of the outer connection structure and an end of the apparatus of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 5G  is a block diagram of a front view of a support structure of the apparatus of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIGS. 5H, 5I, and 5J  are a block diagram of a front view of the support structure of  FIG. 5G . 
         FIG. 6A  is a side view of the exterior of another apparatus. 
         FIG. 6B  is a side cross-sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 6A  taken along the line B-B of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 6C  is a side cross-sectional view of an inset labeled in  FIG. 6B   FIG. 6D  is a perspective view of an inner connection structure of  FIG. 6B . 
         FIG. 6E  is a side view of the exterior of a peg of  FIG. 6B . 
         FIG. 6F  is a top view of the exterior of an end of the inner connection structure of  FIG. 6D . 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of a toy figure. 
         FIG. 7B  is a front view of a head of the toy figure of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 7C  is a rear cross-sectional view of the head of the toy figure of  FIG. 7A   
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are block diagrams of a side cross-sectional view of another apparatus. 
         FIGS. 8C and 8D  are block diagrams of a front view of the apparatus of  FIGS. 8A and 8B . 
         FIG. 8E  is a block diagram of a pliable material. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1A  is a side cross-sectional view of an apparatus  100  in the Y-Z plane. The apparatus  100  may be part of a toy, such as a toy  FIG. 791  of  FIG. 7 , or may be part of a toy system that includes a toy such as the toy  FIG. 791 . The apparatus  100  includes a foldable material  110  that is connected to a support structure  130 .  FIG. 1B  is a front view of the support structure  130  (without the foldable material  110 ) in the X-Y plane.  FIGS. 1C and 1D  are front views of the apparatus  100  and the foldable material  110  in the X-Y plane. The Z direction is out of the page in  FIGS. 1C and 1D . 
     Each of  FIGS. 1C and 1D  shows the foldable material  110  in a different state. The foldable material  110  changes state by, for example, folding, twisting, or otherwise changing shape in response to manipulation (for example, movement) of the support structure  130 . The manipulation may be, for example, a manual movement of the support structure  130  by a user or an automated movement of the support structure  130  by a machine, such as a motor. The foldable material  110  includes a first portion  111  and a second portion  112 . As discussed below, the size and/or visibility of the first portion  111  changes in response to manipulation of the support structure  130 . Changing the size and/or visibility of the first portion  111  increases the play value and versatility of the apparatus  100 . For example, the apparatus  100  may be used as an eye structure in a toy figure or doll. In these implementations, the first portion  111  is the pupil of the eye. The pupil dilates (enlarges) and contracts in response to manipulation of the support structure  130 . In another example, the apparatus  100  may be used to provide a reveal feature on a toy figure or doll. For example, the apparatus  100  may be configured to only allow the first portion  111  to be visible (or revealed) in response to a particular user manipulation of the support structure  130 . 
     The support structure  130  includes an inner connection structure  131  and an outer connection structure  140 . In the example of  FIGS. 1A-1D , the inner connection structure  131  is a cylindrical structure that extends in the X direction along a longitudinal axis  133 , and the outer connection structure  140  surrounds the inner connection structure  131 . The inner connection structure  131  is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis  133  relative to the outer connection structure  140 . The support structure  130  may include other components that hold the inner connection structure  131  relative to the outer connection structure  140  such as a housing  550  or  650  and a mounting bracket  552  or  652 , shown in  FIGS. 5D and 6B , respectively. 
     At least part of the first portion  111  is attached to the inner connection structure  131 . For example, all of the first portion  111  may be attached to the inner connection structure  131 , or discrete points along the interface between the first portion  111  and the second portion may be attached to the inner connection structure  131 . An edge portion  114  of the second portion  112  is attached to the outer connection structure  140 . The second portion  112  folds, gathers, and/or twists about the part of the first portion  111  that is attached to the inner connection structure  131  and/or untwists or unfolds when the inner connection structure  131  rotates about the axis  133 . In this way, rotating the inner connection structure  131  causes the second portion  112  to fold over some or all of the first portion  111 , thereby changing the size of the first portion  111 . 
       FIG. 1C  shows a first state in which the foldable material  110  is folded along five (5) folds  120 . When viewed in the X-Y plane with the Z direction out of the page, the outer connection structure  140  has a diameter  141 , and the first portion  111  has a first diameter d 1 . The inner connection structure  131  is at a first position  134   a  ( FIG. 1B ).  FIG. 1D  shows second state in which the inner connection structure  131  has been rotated counterclockwise from the first position  134   a  to a second position  134   b . Rotating the inner connection structure  131  from the first position  134   a  to the second position  134   b  deepens the folds  120  and gathers the material in the second portion  112  over an outer region of the first portion  111 , thereby reducing the diameter of the first portion  111  to a diameter d 2 . The edge portion  114  remains attached to the outer connection structure  140  and the diameter  141  of the outer connection structure  140  does not change. Rotating the inner connection structure  131  clockwise from the second position  134   b  to the first position  134   a  reduces the depth of the folds  120  and expands the diameter of the first portion  111  to the diameter d 1  ( FIG. 1C ). 
     In some implementations, the folds  120  are created by rotating the inner connection structure  131  clockwise from the first position  134   a  to the second position  134   b  or counterclockwise from the second position  134   b  to the first position  134   a.    
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a foldable material  210 . The foldable material  210  may be attached to the support structure  130 , or other support structures (such as a support structure  530  shown in  FIGS. 5G-5J ). In the example of  FIG. 2 , the foldable material  210  is not attached to a support structure and is not folded. The foldable material  210  is shown in its equilibrium state in  FIG. 2 . 
     The foldable material  210  is a single piece of material that includes a first portion  211  and a second portion  212  that surrounds the first portion  211 . The foldable material  210  has a rectangular perimeter  217 , but other shapes are possible. For example, the perimeter  217  of the foldable material  210  may be circular or elliptical. The first portion  211  is a circle in the example of  FIG. 2 . However, the first portion  211  may have other shapes. For example, the first portion  211  may be elliptically shaped. The first portion  211  and the second portion  212  are visually distinct. For example, the first portion  211  may be a first color, and the second portion  212  may be a second color that is different from the first color. In another example, the first portion  211  may include a fanciful design, and the second portion  211  may be a solid color that does not include a design. The second portion  212  includes an edge portion  214 , which includes at least part of the perimeter  217 . In the example of  FIG. 2 , the edge portion  214  is between the dotted line and the perimeter  217 . 
     The foldable material  210  may be a woven fabric material or a non-woven material. Examples of a woven fabric material include all types of knit fabrics, for example, rayon, polyester, cotton, and bamboo. The knit fabrics may be blended with spandex. Spandex is a synthetic fiber that expands or contracts when the fiber is manipulated. For example, the spandex may be Lycra produced by E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company. Examples of a non-woven material include an elastic material, a polymer film, or a paper material. The foldable material  210  also may be flexible. For example, the foldable material  210  may be a woven fabric material that is flexible, such as a fabric that includes lycra or another stretchable fabric. The foldable fabric  210  may include a first amount of flexibility (or amount of stretch) in a first direction  215 , which is along the X direction, and a second amount of flexibility (or amount of stretch) in a second direction  216 , which is along the Y direction and is orthogonal to the first direction  215 . The amount of flexibility or stretch is any metric or measure that describes the ability of the material  210  to stretch without tearing or ripping. Moreover, the material  210  may be capable of contracting after being stretched. In some implementations, the material  210  returns to its original shape or an equilibrium configuration after being stretched. In implementations in which the foldable material  210  is flexible, the foldable material  210  may have a flexibility ratio, which is the ratio of the first amount of flexibility to the second amount of flexibility, between 1 and 2. A flexibility ratio equal to or near 1 generally results in the most uniform folds. 
     The foldable material  210  may include, for example, one or more pre-formed fold regions.  FIG. 3  shows an example of a foldable material  310  that includes four (4) pre-formed fold regions  322 . For simplicity, only one of the fold regions  322  is labeled. The pre-formed fold regions  322  are regions that encourage folding. The pre-formed fold regions  322  are formed prior to attaching the foldable material  310  to the support structure  130  (or another support structure). The pre-formed fold regions  322  encourage the foldable material  310  to fold at the pre-formed fold regions  322  as the support structure  130  is manipulated. For example, if the foldable material  310  is a paper material, the foldable material  310  may be scored at each of the pre-formed fold regions  322 . In another example, if the foldable material  310  is a woven fabric material, the foldable material  310  may be heat pressed to create wrinkles at each of the pre-formed fold regions  322 . Further, for example, if the foldable material  310  is a woven fabric material, the foldable material  310  may also be uniquely woven such that the weaves of the foldable fabric  310  follow a pattern of the preformed fold regions  322 . 
     The foldable material  310  is a single piece of material that includes a first portion  311  and a second portion  312  that surrounds the first portion  311 . The foldable material  310  has a rectangular perimeter  317  in the example of  FIG. 3 . The first portion  311  is a circle in the example of  FIG. 3 . The first portion  311  and the second portion  312  are visually distinct. In the example of  FIG. 3 , the pre-formed fold regions  322  are straight lines that extend radially outward from an area near or at an interface between the first portion  311  and the second portion  312  toward the perimeter  317 . In the example of  FIG. 3 , the pre-formed fold regions  322  are in the second portion  312 . However, in other implementations, the pre-formed fold regions  322  are formed in the first portion  311  and the second portion  312 . 
     The foldable material  210  may include, for example, one or more pre-formed folds.  FIG. 4A  is an example of a foldable material  410  that includes four (4) pre-formed folds  424 . For simplicity, only one of the folds  424  is labeled.  FIG. 4A  shows the foldable material  410  in the X-Y plane, with the Z direction coming out of the page.  FIG. 4B  shows one of the pre-formed folds  424  from the side (for example, in the X-Z plane with the Y direction going into the page). 
     The foldable material  410  is a single piece of material that includes a first portion  411  and a second portion  412  that surrounds the first portion  411 . The foldable material  410  includes a first side  418  and a second side  419  opposite the first side  418 . 
     The pre-formed folds  424  are formed in the foldable material  410  prior to attaching the foldable material  410  to the support structure  130  (or another support structure). The pre-formed folds  424  are formed by bending the material  410  about lines  423 . The lines  423  extend radially outward from the first portion  411  toward the perimeter  417 . Specifically, to form one of the folds  424 , two distinct portions of the first side  418 , each on an opposite side of one of the lines  423 , are oriented to face each other, and two distinct portions of the second side  419 , each on an opposite side of another one of the lines  423 , are oriented to face each other, as shown in  FIG. 4B . Each fold  424  includes two of the lines  423 . The depth of the fold  424  is the length of a segment  429  that includes the material between the two lines  423  of a particular fold  424 .  FIG. 4C  shows a top view of one of the folds  424 . Each fold  424  extends radially outward from a tip  426 , to a fold edge  427 . The fold edge  427  and two sides  428   a  and  428   b , that each extend from the tip  426  to the fold edge, define the perimeter of the fold  424 . 
     Each of the pre-formed folds  424  may fold or unfold in response to manipulation of the support structure  130 . For example, the lengths of the segments  429  of the pre-formed folds  424  may increase or decrease in response to rotation of the inner connection structure  131  ( FIG. 1A ). The depth of the folds  424  increases when the length of the segment  429  increases. The depth of the folds  424  decreases when the length of the segment  429  decreases. 
     In the example of  FIG. 4 , the pre-formed folds  424  are only in the second portion  412 . However, in other implementations, the pre-formed folds  424  are formed in the first portion  411  and the second portion  412 . 
       FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of an exterior of an apparatus  500 . The apparatus  500  is an implementation of the apparatus  100  ( FIGS. 1A-1D ).  FIG. 5B  is a front view of the apparatus  500  in the Y-Z plane.  FIG. 5C  is a side view of the exterior of the apparatus  500 .  FIG. 5D  is a side cross-sectional view of the apparatus  500  taken along the line D-D of  FIG. 5C . 
     The apparatus  500  includes the housing  550 , the mounting bracket  552 , and a cover  558 . The housing  550 , the mounting bracket  552 , and the cover  558  form the exterior of the apparatus  500 . A first side of the housing  550  is attached to the mounting bracket  552 . The cover  558  extends from a second side of the housing  550  that is opposite to the first side. The cover  558  is dome-shaped and is made of a transparent material, such as, for example, transparent plastic. The apparatus  500  also includes a motor housing  560 . The motor housing  560  is attached to the mounting bracket  552  via mechanical connectors  556 . The mechanical connectors  556  may be any type of connection mechanism. For example, the mechanical connectors  556  may be screws. 
     The housing  550  is attached to the mounting bracket  552  via mechanical connectors  554  ( FIG. 5D ). The mounting bracket  552  may be used to mount the housing  550  to an external object, such as a portion of a toy figure. The mounting bracket  552  also provides support for components in the housing  550 , as discussed below. In the example of  FIG. 5A , the mechanical connectors  554  are screws. However, any device or mechanism capable of securing the housing  550  to the mounting bracket  552  may be used as the mechanical connectors  554 . For example, the mechanical connectors  554  may be pins, rivets, nails or an adhesive material, such as, for example, epoxy or glue. 
     Referring also to  FIG. 5D  and  FIG. 5E , the apparatus  500  also includes an outer connection structure  540  and an inner connection structure  531 .  FIG. 5E  shows a front cross-sectional view of the outer connection structure  540  and the inner connection structure  531 . The outer connection structure  540  is an annulus that surrounds the end  535 . The inner connection structure  531  includes a body  534  and an end  535  that extends from the body  534  in the Z direction. The body  534  and the end  535  are joined together or formed from a single piece of material such that the inner connection structure  531  is a unitary structure. The inner connection structure  531  is received in a cavity  555  of the mounting bracket  552 . The inner connection structure  531  is not fixed to the mounting bracket  552  and is able to rotate within the cavity  555 . 
     The motor housing  560  encloses a driving shaft  562 . The driving shaft  562  extends along a longitudinal axis  533 , which is parallel to the Z direction. The driving shaft  562  is configured to rotate about the axis  533 . The body  534  defines a bore  536  at an end that is opposite the end  535 . The bore  536  holds a pin  537 , which is mechanically connected to the motor shaft  562 . The pin  537  mechanically connects the motor shaft  562  to the inner connection structure  531 . Thus, the end  535  rotates about the longitudinal axis  533  when the motor shaft  562  rotates about the longitudinal axis  533 . 
       FIG. 5F  is a side block diagram of the outer connection structure  540  and the end  535 . The outer connection structure  540  includes an edge region  547  and an inner region  548  (also shown in  FIG. 5E ). The outer connection structure  540  includes a first side  545  and a second side  546 . The edge region  547  includes the outer circumference of the second side  546  and includes or is near the portion of the outer connection structure  540  that is connected to the inner wall  551  of the housing  550 . The second side  546  is a surface that extends from the edge region  547  to the inner region  548 . The second side  546  has a maximum region  543 , which is the region of the second side  546  that is farthest from an X-Y plane that includes the first side  545 . The second side  546  curves outward (relative to the first side  545 ) to the maximum region  543  and then curves inward (relative to the first side  545 ) to the inner region  548 . The inner region  548  defines a passage  570  between the second side  546  and the first side  545 . The end  535  is positioned in the passage  570 , with a recessed region  571  between the end  535  and the tangent  549 . In other words, the end  535  is displaced in the −Z direction relative to the maximum region  543  and the tangent  549 . 
     The first side  545  is attached to the mounting bracket  552  at an interface  575  ( FIG. 5D ). The first side  545  may be attached to the mounting bracket  552  with an adhesive or any other connection mechanism. The outer connection structure  540  is spatially fixed relative to the mounting bracket  552  and the housing  550 . As discussed above, the inner connection structure  531  is able to rotate relative to the mounting bracket  552 . Thus, the inner connection structure  531  is also able to rotate about the longitudinal axis  533  relative to the outer connection structure  540  and the housing  550 . 
     A foldable material, such as the foldable material  110 ,  210 ,  310 , or  410  may be attached to the apparatus  500 . In the example shown in  FIG. 5D , the foldable material  210  is attached to the apparatus  500 . The edge portion  214  ( FIG. 2 ) of the flexible material  210  is attached to the outer connection structure  540  at a contact point  544  with a securing apparatus such as, for example, an adhesive. The contact point  544  is on the edge region  547  of the outer connection structure  540 . Although only one contact point  544  is labeled in  FIGS. 5D and 5E , a plurality of contact points  544  may be used. The contact points  544  may be discrete, or the entire edge region  547  may form a continuous contact region  544  such that all or almost all of the edge portion  214  of the flexible material  210  is secured to the edge region  547  of the outer connection structure  540 . 
     The outer connection structure  540  also includes a channel  542  that encircles the outer connection structure in the X-Y plane. The channel  542  is sized to hold an elastic band or a non-elastic or elastic string. In some implementations, the edge portion  214  is placed over the channel  542  and an elastic band or a string is placed over the edge portion  214  in the channel  542 . The band or string is tightened, thereby securing the edge portion  214  to the outer connection structure  540 . The edge portion  214  may be secured at the channel  542  instead of or in addition to being secured at the contact point  544 . Moreover, the edge portion  214  may be secured to the outer connection structure  540  only at the contact point or points  544  and without being secured at the channel  542 . 
     At least part of the first portion  211  is attached to a contact point  572  at the end  535  by a securing apparatus such as, for example, an adhesive. Although only one contact point  572  is illustrated in  FIGS. 5D and 5E , the first portion  211  may be attached to the end  535  at more than one contact point  572 . In some implementations, the number of folds that appear in the foldable material  210  may be controlled or determined. For example, in a foldable material that does not include pre-formed folds or pre-formed fold regions (such as the foldable material  210 ), the number of contact points  572  may determine the number of folds that appear when the inner connection structure  531  is rotated relative to the outer connection structure  540 . In these implementations, the number of folds may be the same as the number of contact points  572 . In another example, a difference between the radius of the end  535  of the inner connection structure  53  land the radius of the edge region  547  may determine the number of folds that appear when the inner connection structure  531  is rotated. 
     In implementations that use a foldable material that includes pre-formed fold regions (such as the foldable material  310  of  FIG. 3 ), each fold region may be attached to a discrete contact point  572 . Similarly, in implementations that use a foldable material that includes pre-formed folds (such as the foldable material  410  of  FIG. 4 ), the tip  426  of each pre-formed fold  424  is attached to a contact point  572 . 
       FIG. 5G  is a front view of the support structure  530  in the X-Y plane with the Z direction out of the page. The support structure  530  includes the inner connection structure  531  and the outer connection structure  540 . The foldable fabric is not shown in  FIG. 5G . The inner connection structure  531  rotates relative to the outer connection structure  540  and may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. The inner connection structure  531  has a range of motion and is only able to rotate within the range of motion. The range of motion of the inner connection structure  531  may be, for example, 360 degrees (°), less than 360°, or greater than 360°. The range of motion of the inner connection structure  531  is the angular distance through which any point on the circumference of the inner connection structure  531  is able to rotate relative to the outer connection structure  540 . The range of motion is illustrated in  FIG. 5G  by a first position  534   a  and a second position  534   c . A reference point  577  on a circumference of the end  535  is able to rotate in the counterclockwise direction from the first position  534   a  to the second position  534   c  and in the clockwise direction from the second position  534   c  to the first position  534   a.    
     Each of  FIGS. 5H-5J  is a front view of the support structure  530  with the foldable fabric  210 . The  FIGS. 5H-5J  show the foldable fabric  210 , respectively, when the reference point  577  is at the first position  534   a , a third position  534   b  between the first position  534   a  and the second position  534   c , and the second position  534   c . In other words,  FIGS. 5H-5J  shows the changes in the foldable fabric  210  as the inner connection structure  531  rotates through its range of motion. 
       FIG. 5H  shows the foldable material  210  when the inner connection structure  531  is at a first end of its range of motion (the reference point  577  is at the first position  534   a ). In the implementation of  FIG. 5H , the foldable material  210  is in the equilibrium state and no folds are present. The inner portion  211  has a diameter d 1 _ 5 , which is the same as the diameter of the inner portion  211  when the foldable material  210  is in the equilibrium state. 
       FIG. 5I  shows a second state after the inner connection structure  531  has been rotated counterclockwise (the reference point  577  has been rotated from the first position  534   a  to the third position  534   b ). Rotating the inner connection structure  531  such that the reference point  577  moves from the first position  534   a  to the second position  534   b  draws some of the material of the first portion  211  into the recessed region  571  ( FIG. 5F ) and gathers the material to create folds  520 , thereby reducing the diameter of the first portion  211  to a second diameter d 2 _ 5 . The second diameter d 2 _ 5  is smaller than the first diameter d 1 _ 5 . 
       FIG. 5J  shows a third state after the inner connection structure  531  has been rotated counterclockwise from the third position  534   b  to the second position  534   c  (the reference point  577  has been rotated from the third position  534   b  to the second position  534   c ). In other words, as compared to  FIG. 5H ,  FIG. 5J  shows the support structure  530  when the inner connection structure  531  is at a second end of its range of motion. In the implementation shown in  FIGS. 5G-5J , rotating the inner connection structure  531  from the third position  534   b  to the second position  534   c  gathers the remaining material in the first portion  211  into the recessed region  571  ( FIGS. 5D and 5F ) and deepens the folds  520  such that the first portion  211  is not visible when the support structure  530  is viewed from the front. 
     Rotating the inner connection structure  531  clockwise from the second position  534   c  back to the first position  534   a  expands the diameter of the first portion  211 . Rotating the inner connection structure  531  clockwise such that the reference point  577  moves from the second position  534   c  to the third position  534   b  reduces the depths of the folds  520 , pushes some of the material of the inner portion  211  out of the recessed region  571 , and expands the diameter of the first portion  511  to the second diameter d 2 _ 5 . Rotating the inner connection structure  531  clockwise such that the reference point  577  moves from the third position  534   c  to the first position  534   a  further reduces the depths of the folds  520 , pushes additional material of the inner portion  211  out of the recessed region  571 , and expands the diameter of the first portion  511  to the first diameter d 1 _ 5 . 
     The range of motion discussed with respect to  FIG. 5G-5J  is an example, and other implementations are possible. For example, the range of motion may be double the range of motion discussed in the above example. In these implementations, the inner connection structure  531  may be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise when the reference point  577  is at the first position  534   a  such that the diameter of the inner portion  211  may be reduced to zero or made invisible by rotating the inner connection structure  531  in either of two possible directions. 
       FIG. 6A  is a side view of the exterior of an apparatus  600 . The apparatus  600  is an implementation of the apparatus  100  ( FIGS. 1A-1D ).  FIG. 6B  is a side cross-sectional view of the apparatus  600  taken along the line B-B of  FIG. 6A . 
     The apparatus  600  includes the housing  650 , the mounting bracket  652 , and a cover  658 . The housing  650 , the mounting bracket  652 , and the cover  658  form the exterior of the apparatus  600 . The mounting bracket  652  may be used to mount the housing  650  to an external object, such as a portion of a toy figure. The mounting bracket also provides support for the components in the housing  650 . 
     A first side of the housing  650  is attached to the mounting bracket  652 . The cover  658  extends from a second side of the housing  650  that is opposite to the first side. The cover  658  is dome-shaped and is made of a transparent material. The housing  650  is attached to the mounting bracket  652  via mechanical connectors  654 . The mechanical connectors  654  may be any device or mechanism capable of securing the housing  650  to the mounting bracket  652 . For example, the mechanical connectors  654  may be screws. 
     The apparatus  600  also includes a gear  665 . The gear  665  is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis  633  ( FIG. 6B ) that is parallel to the Z direction. The gear  665  is configured to be driven by a gear system  667 . The gear system  667  includes one or more gears and/or elements that are configured to interact with the gear  665  such that the gear  665  rotates. The gear  665  is attached to an inner connection structure  631 . The gear  665  may be attached to the inner connection structure  631  by any type of attachment mechanism. For example, the inner connection structure  631  may be attached to the gear  665  with pins, rivets, nails, screws, or an adhesive material, such as, for example, epoxy or glue. 
       FIG. 6D  shows a perspective view of the inner connection structure  631 . The inner connection structure  631  includes a body  634 , a rod portion  638  that extends from the body  634  in the −Z direction, and an end  635  that extends from the body  634  in the +Z direction. The body  634 , the rod portion  638 , and the end  635  are joined together or formed from a single piece of material such that the inner connection structure  631  is a unitary structure. The body  634  is received in a cavity  655  ( FIG. 6B ) of the mounting bracket  652 . The rod  638  extends in the −Z direction through an opening in the cavity  655  to the exterior of the apparatus  500 . The inner connection structure  631  is not fixed to the mounting bracket  652  and the body  634  is able to rotate within the cavity  655 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6B and 6C , the apparatus  600  also includes an outer connection structure  640 .  FIG. 6C  is a block diagram of an inset  690  labeled in  FIG. 6B . The inset  690  shows a portion of the outer connection structure  640  and the end  635 . The outer connection structure  640  includes a first side  645  and a second side  646 . The outer connection structure  640  includes an edge region  647  and an inner region  648 . The edge portion  647  of the outer connection structure  640  is connected to an inner wall  651  of the housing  650  with, for example, an adhesive such as glue, solvent welding, sonic welding, or thermal bonding. Attaching the outer connection structure at interface  675  and to the inner wall  651  results in the outer connection structure  640  being spatially fixed relative to the mounting bracket  652  and the housing  650 . The inner connection structure  631  is able to rotate with the gear  665  about the longitudinal axis  633  relative to the outer connection structure  640  and the housing  650 . Thus, the inner connection structure  631  also rotates relative to the outer connection structure  640  and the housing  650 . 
     The edge region  647  includes the outer circumference of the second side  646 . The second side  646  is a surface that extends from the edge region  647  to the inner region  648 . The second side  646  curves outward (relative to the first side  645 ) to a maximum region  643  that is farthest from an X-Y plane that includes the first side  645 . The second side  646  then curves inward (relative to the first side  645 ) to the inner region  648 . The inner region  648  defines a passage  670  between the second side  646  and the first side  645 . The end  635  is positioned in the passage  670 , with a recessed region between the end  635  and a tangent  649 . In other words, the end  635  is displaced in the −Z direction relative to the maximum region  643  of the second side  646  and the tangent  649 . 
     A foldable material, such as the foldable material  110 ,  210 ,  310 , or  410  is attached to the apparatus  600 . In the example shown in  FIGS. 6B and 6C , the foldable material  210  is attached to the apparatus  600 . The edge portion  214  ( FIG. 2 ) of the foldable material  210  is attached to the outer connection structure  640  at a contact point  644  with a securing apparatus such as, for example, an adhesive. The contact point  644  is on the edge region  647  of the outer connection structure  640 . Although only one contact point is labeled in  FIG. 6B , a plurality of contact points  644  may be used. The contact points  644  may be discrete, or the entire edge region  647  may form a continuous contact region  644  such that all or almost all of the edge portion  214  of the flexible material  210  is secured to the edge region  647  of the outer connection structure  640 . The outer connection structure  640  also includes a channel  642  that encircles the outer connection structure  640  in the X-Y plane. The channel  642  is sized to hold a rigid or semi-rigid mechanical fastener such as, for example, an elastic band, a string, a snap-fit ring, or a ratcheting cable tie. The mechanical fastener is tightened, thereby securing the edge portion  214  to the outer connection structure  540 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6B, 6C, 6E, and 6F , the apparatus  600  includes a peg  632 .  FIG. 6E  shows a side view of the exterior of the peg  632 .  FIG. 6F  shows a top view of the exterior of the end  635  of the inner connection structure  631 . The peg  632  is used to attach the foldable fabric  210  to the inner connection structure  631 , as discussed below. 
     The peg  632  includes an end  639   a  and a body  639   b  that extends for an extent  678  from the end  639   a  in the −Z direction to a tip  676 . The end  639   a  and the body  639   b  are joined together or formed from a single piece of material such that the peg  632  is a unitary structure. The body  639   b  is received in the end  635  of the inner connection structure  631  ( FIG. 6C ). The body  639   b  of the peg  632  is a protrusion that fits into a recess  679  at the end  635 . The recess  679  has a cross-section in the X-Y plane that has approximately the same shape and size as the cross-section of the body  639   b  in the X-Y plane. The recess  679  is slightly larger than the body  639   b  such that the recess  679  is able to hold the body  639   b  securely with, for example, a friction fit or a barbed adaptor. The barbed adaptor may be a Christmas tree shape. The body  639   b  is a cone-like structure that has a plus-shaped or cross-shaped cross-section in the X-Y plane, as shown in  FIG. 6F . The cross-section is a shape defined by four (4) lobes, each lobe extending from a central region  681 . The recess  679  is at the end  635  and also has a plus-shaped cross-section in the X-Y plane. The recess  679  has a depth in the Z-direction that is approximately equal to the extent  678 . Therefore, when the body  639   b  is received in the recess  679 , the end  639   a  is adjacent to with the end  635  of the inner connection structure  631 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6C , the foldable material  210  is placed on the second side  646  of the outer connection structure  640  and is held to the end  635  with the peg  632 . At least part of the first portion  211  ( FIG. 2 ) of the foldable material  210  is captured between the tip  676  and the recess  679 . By capturing at least some of the first portion  211  with the tip  676 , the foldable fabric  210  is also captured between the body  639   b  of the peg  632  and a wall  674  that defines the recess  679 . This secures the foldable material  210  to the inner connection structure  631 . The peg  632  is not able to rotate in the recess  679  due to the shape of the body  639   b . This configuration prevents the foldable fabric  210  from spinning relative to the inner connection mechanism  631 . 
     The cross-sectional shape of the body  639   b  and the recess  679  may be any cross-sectional shape that prevents relative rotation of the body  639   b  and the end  635  when the body  639   b  is received in the recess  679 . For example, the body  639   b  and the recess  679  may each have a cross-section in the X-Y plane that contains three lobes extending from the central region  681 , five lobes extending from the central region  681 , or six lobes extending from the central region  681 . In another example, the body  639   b  may contain a plurality of cone-like structures each extending from the end  639   a  in the −Z direction to the tip  676  with the extent  678 . In this example, the end  635  contains a plurality of recesses  679  with a depth in the Z-direction that is approximately equal to the extent  678 , each recess  679  having a cross-section in the X-Y plane that is approximately the same shape and size as the cross-section of each of the cone-like structures of the body  639   b.    
     In some implementations, the foldable material  210  is directly secured to the end  635  of the inner connection structure  631  and the body  639   b  of the peg  632  with an adhesive material, such as, for example, epoxy or glue. 
       FIG. 7A  shows a perspective view of the toy  FIG. 791  that includes two instances of the apparatus  600 . The toy  FIG. 791  includes a body  792  and a head  793 . Each of the two instances of the apparatus  600  is used as an eye structure in the head  793  of the toy  FIG. 791 . The first portion  211  of the foldable fabric  210  is the pupil of the eye, and the second portion  212  is the iris of the eye. The pupil dilates (enlarges) and contracts in response to manipulation of the inner connection structure  631 . The head  793  has two ears and the body has five appendages: four legs  795   a ,  795   b ,  795   c ,  795   d  and a tail  796 . The toy  FIG. 791  is shown as a toy tiger. However, the toy  FIG. 791  may be any toy figure that includes one or more eye structures, the apparatus  600  used as each of the eye structures. For example, the toy  FIG. 791  may be a doll or an animal such as, for example, a cat, a dog, or a lion. 
       FIG. 7B  shows a front view of the head  793  in the X-Y plane with the Z direction out of the page.  FIG. 7C  shows a rear cross-sectional view of the head  793  in the X-Y plane with the Z direction into the page. The inner connection structure  631  is attached to the gear  665 . When the gear  665  is rotated, the inner connection structure  631  also rotates and changes the size of the first portion  211 . For example, the first portion  211  dilates or contracts when the inner connection structure  631  is rotated. The gear  665  is rotated by translation of a driving structure  794  in the Y direction. The driving structure  794  is configured to move linearly in the +Y direction and the −Y direction. The driving structure  794  includes teeth-like ridged edges  798  that fit into corresponding ridged edges  799  of the gear  665  such that the ridged edges of gear  665  catch within the ridged edges of the driving structure  794 . In this way, linear movement of the driving structure  794  in the Y direction causes rotational movement of the gear  665  about the axis  633  ( FIG. 6B ). 
     The driving structure  794  is mechanically connected to a rotating disk  797 . The rotating disk  794 , the driving structure  794 , and the gear  665  form a gear system. The rotating disk  797  rotates about an axis in the Z direction. The driving structure  794  is mechanically connected to the rotating disk  797  such that the rotation of the rotating disk  797  causes linear movement of the driving structure  794  in the Y direction. The rotating disk  797  may be mechanically connected to an activation feature accessible from an exterior of the  FIG. 791 . Movement or manipulation of the activation feature rotates the rotating disk  797 . 
     The activation feature may be, for example, one or more of the legs  795   a ,  795   b ,  795   c ,  795   d  and the tail  796 . For example, the tail  796  may move back and forth in the X-Y plane to replicate a motion of the toy  FIG. 791  wagging the tail  796 . In this example, the movement of the tail  796  in the X-Y plane causes the rotating disk  797  to rotate. In another example, the activation feature is a mechanical interface such as, for example, a button or a slider positioned on the toy  FIG. 791 . 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  are side cross-sectional views of an apparatus  800  in the Y-Z plane.  FIG. 8A  shows the apparatus  800  in a first state.  FIG. 8B  shows the apparatus  800  in a second state.  FIG. 1C  is a front view of the apparatus  800  in the X-Y plane when the apparatus  800  is in the first state.  FIG. 1D  is a front view of the apparatus  800  in the X-Y plane when the apparatus  800  is in the second state. The apparatus  800  may be a part of a toy, such as the toy  FIG. 791  of  FIG. 7 , or may be part of a toy system that includes a toy, such as the toy  FIG. 791 . 
     The apparatus  800  includes a pliable material  810  that is connected to an outer connection structure  840  and to an inner connection structure  831 . The inner connection structure  831  includes a body  834 , a first end  835   a , and a second end  835   b . The body  834  of the inner connection structure  831  is a cylindrical structure that extends in the −Z direction along a longitudinal axis  833  from the first end  835   a  to the second end  835   b . The first end  835   a  and the second end  835   b  are surfaces on opposite sides of an exterior of the body  834   
     The outer connection structure  840  surrounds the inner connection structure  831 . The outer connection structure  840  includes a first side  845  and a second side  846  opposite the first side  845 . The first side  845  and the second side  846  extend in the X-Y plane from an edge region  847  to an inner region  848 . The inner region  848  surrounds the inner connection structure  831 . The inner region  848  defines a passage  870  that extends along the Z direction between the first side  845  and the second side  846 . 
     The inner connection structure  831  is positioned in the passage  870 . The inner connection structure  831  is not fixed to the outer connection structure  840 . The inner connection structure  831  is configured to translate relative to the outer connection structure  840  along the longitudinal axis  833 . In other words, the inner connection structure  831  is configured to move in the Z and −Z directions in the passage  870  relative to the outer connection structure  840 . 
     The apparatus  800  may include other components that hold the inner connection structure  831  relative to the outer connection structure  840  such as a housing (similar to the housing  550  or  650 ) and/or a mounting bracket (similar to the mounting bracket  552  or  652 , shown in  FIGS. 5D and 6B , respectively). The end  835   b  of the inner connection structure  831  may be coupled to a mechanism (not shown) that allows the user to control the translation of the inner connection structure  831 . For example, the end  835   b  may be coupled to a motor, a linear gear system, a pushing structure, a linear actuator, or a translation stage. In some implementations, the user causes the inner connection structure  831  to move in the −Z and Z directions by direct manual manipulation of the end  835   b.    
     Referring also to  FIG. 8E , a block diagram of the pliable material  810  when it is not attached to the inner connection structure  831  and the outer connection structure  840  is shown. The pliable material  810  is supple enough to bend and unbend repeatedly without any breakage of the pliable material  810  occurring. For example, the pliable material  810  may bend, fold, twist, or otherwise be manipulated without breaking. The pliable material  810  may be a woven fabric or non-woven material. The pliable material  810  may be a flexible material. For example, the pliable material  810  may be a woven fabric material that is flexible, such as, for example, lycra or another stretchable fabric. The pliable material  810  may be a non-woven material that is flexible such as, for example, an elastic material, a polymer film, or a paper material. The pliable material  810  may be a foldable material. 
     The pliable material  810  is a single piece of material that includes a first portion  811  and a second portion  812  that surrounds the first portion  811 . The foldable material  810  has a rectangular perimeter  817 , but other shapes are possible. For example, the perimeter  817  of the pliable material  810  may be circular or elliptical. The first portion  811  is a circle in the example of  FIG. 8E . However, the first portion  811  may have other shapes. For example, the first portion  811  may be elliptically shaped. The first portion  811  may be a first color, and the second portion  812  may be a second color that is different from the first color. In another example, the first portion  811  may include a fanciful design, and the second portion  812  may be a solid color that does not include a design. The second portion  812  includes an edge portion  814 , which includes at least part of the perimeter  817 . In the example of  FIG. 8E , the edge portion  814  is between the dotted line and the perimeter  817 . 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , at least part of the first portion  811  is attached or secured to an end  835   a  of the inner connection structure  831  at a connection point  872  using, for example, an adhesive. The part of the first portion  811  that is attached at the connection point  872  may be all of the first portion  811  or less than all of the first portion  811 . In some implementations, more than one part of the first portion  811  is attached to the end  835   a  at a plurality of discrete points. The edge portion  814  of the second portion  812  is attached to the outer connection structure  840  with, for example, an adhesive or a band. Some parts of the pliable material  810  are not attached or secured to the outer connection structure  840  or the inner connection structure  831 . 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 8C and 8D , the pliable material  810  changes shape when the inner connection structure  831  moves along the axis  833  relative to the outer connection structure  840 . In the first state ( FIGS. 8A and 8C ), the end  835   a  is substantially flush with the first side  546  of the outer connection structure  840 . The inner portion  811  has a diameter of d 1 _ 8 . 
     To change to the second state ( FIGS. 8B and 8D ), the inner connection structure  831  is translated in the −Z direction along the longitudinal axis  833 . Because the pliable material  810  is attached to the end  835   a , some of the pliable material  810  is pulled into the recessed region  871  when the inner connection structure moves in the −Z direction. This changes the shape of the pliable material  810 . For example, in implementations in which the pliable material  810  is a flexible material, when the inner connection structure  840  translates in the −Z direction, the second portion  812  stretches and the first portion  811  recedes into the recess  871  and into the passage  870 . As a result, the diameter of the first portion  811  decreases from d 1 _ 8  to d 2 _ 8  and the visible area of the second portion  812  increases. After the second connection portion  831  translates in the −Z direction, the area of the second portion  812  has increased and the diameter of the visible part of the first portion  811  has decreased from d 1 _ 8  to d 2 _ 8  ( FIG. 8D ). Translating the inner connection structure  831  in the Z direction pushes the pliable material  810  out of passage  870 , thereby expanding the visible diameter (of the first portion  811  to the diameter d 1 _ 8  ( FIG. 8C ). 
     The apparatus  800  may be used as post of a toy figure. For example, two instances of the apparatus  800  may be used as the eyes of the toy  FIG. 791 . In these implementations, the inner connection structure  831  may be coupled to, for example, one or more of the four legs  795   a ,  795   b ,  795   c ,  795   d  or the tail  796  such that the pliable material  810  of both instances of the apparatus  800  changes shape in response to user manipulation of any of the four legs  795   a ,  795   b ,  795   c ,  795   d  or the tail  796 . 
     Other implementations are within the scope of the claims.