Patent Abstract:
A dynamo powered amusement device is provided that has multiple amusement functions integrated into a housing. The amusement functions include two or more of a movement, a light emitting diode illumination, an auditory output and a video presentation. The electrical power source for the amusement functions is a manually powered dynamo. The direct current generated by a dynamo is provided to a printed circuit board in electrical communication with the amusement functions so as to provide power directly from the manually powered dynamo or, if a chargeable battery is present, to supply power from the chargeable battery. The amusement device provides enhanced performance relative to mechanical amusement devices while avoiding costs and environment problems associated with disposable battery containing amusement devices.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention in general relates to a dynamo containing amusement device and in particular to an amusement device providing multiple electrically powered amusement functions with power derived from dynamo operation. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Mechanically powered amusement devices have traditionally relied upon springs and windings to generate movement or sound. Representative of these early amusement devices are music boxes and penny banks. Mechanical mechanisms suffer from a number of limitations including metal fatigue, complex construction, and imprecise movements. As a result, components such as a spring-loaded button provide variable mechanical resistance throughout the travel during depression, and a music box has a characteristic “tinny” sound to the auditory program. 
     With the advent of miniature electrical motors and speaker components, battery powered amusement devices largely supplanted mechanical movements. Typically, an electrically powered amusement device offers longer usage between reenergizing, wider material choices, and extended movement longevity. The power source for operating electrically powered amusement devices has largely been disposable alkaline batteries. Reliance on disposable battery power creates inconvenience and cost associated with stocking replacement batteries, as well as creating an ecologically noxious waste stream. 
     An alternative to the use of alkaline batteries is rechargeable batteries of various chemistries. A rechargeable battery upon being discharged is removed from the amusement device and placed into an electrically powered charger typically coupled to line power or a vehicle electrical system as the power origin. Unfortunately, battery recharge to again power an amusement device requires downtime during which the amusement device cannot be used and often involves adult interaction to remove a battery and place the same into a charging device. Additionally, since an extrinsic electrical source is required to charge the battery, ongoing constraints on usage environment for the amusement device and costs remain. 
     Thus, there exists a need for an electrically powered amusement device rechargeable by a child absent adult intervention. A further need exists for a dynamo powered rechargeable amusement device alternatively operative between direct dynamo output or from a battery charged by the dynamo. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A dynamo powered amusement device is provided that has multiple amusement functions integrated into a housing. The amusement functions include two or more of a movement, a light emitting diode illumination, an auditory output and a video presentation. The electrical power source for the amusement functions is a manually powered dynamo. The direct current generated by a dynamo is provided to a printed circuit board in electrical communication with the amusement functions so as to provide power directly from the manually powered dynamo or, if a chargeable battery is present, to supply power from the chargeable battery. The amusement device provides enhanced performance relative to mechanical amusement devices while avoiding costs and environment problems associated with disposable battery containing amusement devices. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is further detailed with respect to the following exemplary depictions which are not intended to be a limitation upon the practice of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a jack-in-the-box embodiment of an inventive dynamo powered amusement device in an open position; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the jack-in-the-box embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1  in a closed position along line  2 - 2 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic flowchart of an exemplary operating procedure for the jack-in-the-box embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial cutaway semitransparent view of an animate figurine embodiment of an inventive dynamo powered amusement device; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial cutaway semitransparent view of a chance game embodiment of an inventive dynamo powered amusement device; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom view of the chance game embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of the chance game embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial cutaway view of a fan torch embodiment of an inventive dynamo powered amusement device; 
         FIG. 9  is a partial cutaway view of a spinning charm torch embodiment of an inventive dynamo powered amusement device; and 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic flowchart of exemplary operating procedure for the fan torch embodiment of  FIG. 8  or  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention has utility as an amusement device that provides two or more amusement functions such as a movement, a light emitting diode illumination, an auditory output and a video presentation without resort to disposable batteries or the necessity of removing a chargeable battery to effect battery recharge. The present invention performs in this manner through the integration of a manually operated dynamo. As a result, a child user is able to enjoy the amusement device indefinitely without resort to adult supervision to replace or charge a battery. With the inclusion of printed circuit board mounting of operational electronics, superior amusement functions as compared to mechanical amusement functions is achieved. It is appreciated that in several inventive embodiments a battery is optionally not present and instead the amusement device operates directly only through manual operation of a dynamo crank. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an inventive dynamo powered amusement device configured as a jack-in-the-box is shown generally at  10 . It is appreciated that the attributes of the device  10  are likewise applicable to a music box that also provides a movement, a light emitting diode illumination or video presentation. The device  10  has a housing defining an internal volume V, the volume V being selectively accessible with the opening of a housing lid  14 . A hand crank  16  terminating in a rotatable knob  18  is coupled to a dynamo  22  by way of gearing  20 . The gearing  20  operates to translate a single rotation of hand crank  16  into multiple input rotations into a dynamo  22  mechanically coupled to the output of the gearing  20 . A conventional dynamo-gearing-crank arrangement is depicted in U.S. Pat. No. 6,959,999. The dynamo  22  provides a direct current electrical output to a printed circuit board  24 . Operation of the hand crank  16  powers the dynamo  22  that in turn supplies energy input to power a auditory generator  26  located within the housing  12 . LEDs  27  located on the housing  12  are also powered in this manner. The auditory generator  26  is operational at least at such time as the hand crank  16  is being operated. Suitable auditory generators to produce an auditory output for use in the present invention illustratively include a speaker, buzzer, piezoelectric vibratory crystal, a bell, music box, clime, and a bellows. The printed circuit board  24  in turn operates a solenoid switch  28  to electrically induce the opening of lid  14  thereby allowing the internal figure to spring forth from the volume V. Figurine  30  is supported around the perimeter of a weal spring constant coil spring (not shown) as is conventional to the art. Optionally, the figurine  30  is in electrical communication with the printed circuit board  24  so as to provide novel functions to the extended figurine such as auditory presentation  33  by way of a figurine auditory generator  34 , light emitting diode emission from LEDs  36  decorating the figurine  30 , or an electrically powered movement; each of these functions is provided alone or in combination. Unlike a conventional mechanical jack-in-the-box, the amusement device depicted with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2  preferably has a solenoid opening switch  28  that triggers at a random interval so as to create a heightened sense of anticipation. Alternatively, to mimic the function of a conventional mechanical jack-in-the-box, the solenoid  28  is triggered to release after a cumulative time of crank manipulation. Optionally, a switch  37  is provided to vary the mode of solenoid activation. 
     A schematic operational diagram for the device  10  as depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is shown in  FIG. 3  as an exemplary operational program. In order to initiate play at step  38 , one begins to crank the hand crank  16  at step  40 . With rotation of the dynamo  22 , prerecorded music or other audio output is provided from auditory generator  26  at step  42  while LEDs  27  within the housing  12  are also activated at step  44 . It is appreciated that the temporal interaction between auditory output  42  and light activation  44  during the course of the cranking at step  40  may include any number of various sequences. Preferably, the auditory output continues continually during cranking while the housing lights blink. Thereafter, the solenoid  28  receives a signal from the printed circuit board  24  causing the lid  14  to open at step  46 . The compressed  FIG. 30  springs from housing volume V at step  48 . The jack figurine  30  then preferably plays a prerecorded program  33  through auditory generator  34 , if present, or otherwise from auditory generator  26  and/or LED lights  32  associated with the  FIG. 30  are illuminated at step  52 . Preferably, the  FIG. 30  provides both auditory output and LED light emission. As with steps  42  and  44 , the temporal relationship between auditory and optional output can take a variety of forms. Optionally, the  FIG. 30  also provides a mechanical motion associated with a secondary solenoid within the figure or a motor (not shown) to initiate figure movement at step  54 . A typical movement might include releasing a spring associated with a limb so as to simulate a hand wave of the figure. It is appreciated that the user stops manipulating the hand crank subsequent to step  48  and as such electrical power for steps  50 - 52  is provided through capacitor energy storage within the printed circuit board  24  during cranking. Alternatively, the functions provided at steps  50 - 54  are provided by continuing to crank after the jack has emerged from the housing at step  48 . With the closing of the lid  14  at step  56 , the amusement device  10  is ready again for the initiation of play. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a partial cutaway semitransparent view of animate figurine embodiment of the present invention is depicted generally at  70  where like numerals correspond to those detailed above with respect to  FIGS. 1-3 . The figurine  70  as depicted is a plush amusement device configured as a teddy bear. However, it is appreciated that such a figurine is readily constructed to simulate a variety of animal, human, or fanciful creatures and is readily formed from materials illustratively including plush, injection molded thermoplastics, and porcelain. The figurine  70  is in component casing  72 . The component casing  72  includes a dynamo  22  providing electrical input to a printed circuit board  24 , and optionally a rechargeable battery  74 . Rechargeable battery  74  is also in electrical communication with the dynamo and the printed circuit board  24  such that amusement functions driven by printed circuit board  24  are powered either directly from the dynamo  22  or via rechargeable battery  74 , that in turn is recharged through operation of the dynamo  22 . Extending from component casing  72  is a pull cord  76  terminating in a handle  78 . It is appreciated that the size and type of battery  74  is not critical to the present invention. For example, nickel-cadmium, metal hydride, acid, and polymeric batteries are operative herein. Operative battery sizes illustratively include 24 volt, 12 volt, 9 volt, AAA, AA, B, C, and D sized cells. Optionally, the handle  78  is rendered in the form of a figure body portion or accoutrement. The pull string  76  engages a spring-tensioned spool  80  in mechanical communication with the dynamo  22  to induce movement thereof. The figurine  70  in one operational mode commences to provide at least two forms of amusement for a user in the form of LED emission; electrically driven movable jointed appendages such as a jaw, neck, ears or a limb; a auditory generator providing prerecorded music and/or spoken utterances; a microphone recording and a auditory generator playing back the recording; and a video display. While a full complement of amusement functions are depicted on figurine  70 , it is appreciated that an inventive device need not be inclusive of all such components. These components depicted in  FIG. 4  include a video display  82 , a auditory generator  26 , a microphone  84 , LEDs  85 , and a mechanical actuator  86 , each of which is in electrical communication with the printed circuit board  24  by way of electrically conductive wires or directly fixtured thereto. At least one switch  88  is optionally provided such that a user elects components that are to be operative to provide an amusement function. By way of example, toddlers are often fearful of a figurine  70  of an animate creature and as such emission from LEDs  85  positioned within the nose of the  FIG. 70  is precluded by pressing the left foot switch  88 ′, while for instance  88 ″ activates a prerecorded message. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a game of chance is depicted generally in partial cross-sectional semitransparent view at  100  where like numerals correspond to those detailed above with respect to those particular elements. The game  100  includes a housing stationary portion  102  having a hingeably attached movable portion  104 . The housing portions  102  and  104  in combination are provided in a simulative form of an animal, human, fanciful creature, a cave, or a manmade structure illustratively including a garbage truck and a trap. The housing portions  102  and  104  are each independently formed of an injection moldable thermoplastic, an elastomer or combination subcomponents thereof. A series of electrical switches  106  are exposed upon the hingeable attached movable portion  104  being rotated into an open position. Switches  106  are in electrical communication with a printed circuit board  108  that randomly assigns to one of the multiple switches  106  a circuit connection to a solenoid  28  engaging a spring-loaded hinge  110 . Electrical power is provided to the circuit board  108  and ultimately to the solenoid  28  by way of a chargeable battery. The chargeable battery  84  in turn is charged by a dynamo  22 . The dynamo  22  generates an electrical output through the rotation of a hand crank  112  rotatable about a spindle  114 . Spindle  114  conveys rotational mechanical energy to the dynamo  22  by way of gearing  20 . As depicted in  FIGS. 5-7 , the hand crank  112  is recessed into a basal surface  115  of the stationary housing portion  102 . An access door  116  is also optionally provided in the basal surface  115 . The hand crank  112  preferably includes a knob  117  that sits within stationary housing portion  102  when not in use. Elevating the handle  112  through an arc of 180 degrees around hinge axis A-A exposes the knob  117  and allows the handle  112  to rotate circumferentially around the spindle  114 . In addition to the printed circuit board  108  arbitrarily forming a circuit between one of the switches  106  and the solenoid  28  so as to cause the hingeably attached movable portion  104  to rotate relative to the stationary housing portion  102 , the chance game  100  is optionally provided with one or more light emitting diodes  120  or a auditory generator providing a prerecorded audio amusement function (not shown). The LED  120  is in electrical communication with the printed circuit board  108  and derives operational power therefrom. 
     A chance game as depicted at  100  in  FIGS. 5-7  represents a considerable improvement over prior art, nonelectrical forms of such a chance game that operate through mechanical depression of a randomly selected key to induce a hingeable portion to close. Such mechanical versions of this game have a tension associated with the triggering key that can be felt by a game participant prior to triggering so as to avoid that particular key. Additionally, keys adjacent to a triggering key receive a certain bracing based on their position and relative to other nonactive keys so as to afford still another mechanism by which a chance game participant may manipulate the outcome. U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,808 is representative of this prior art supplanted by the present invention. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8  where like numerals correspond to those detailed above with respect to the previous figures, an inventive amusement device having a rotating lighted portion is depicted generally at  140 . The device  140  has a housing  142 . Preferably the housing  142  has a planar base  144 . The base  144  has dimensions relative to the center of gravity of the device  140  such that the device  140  is operable resting on the base  144 . While a variety of conventional materials are well suited for the formation of the housing  142 , injection moldable thermoplastic represents a preferred material. A hand crank  146  is mechanically coupled to gearing  20  that feeds the mechanical power to operate a dynamo  22 . The hand crank  146  is preferably hingeably connected to a crank spindle  148 . More preferably, the crank  146  terminates in a rotatable knob  150 . The knob  150  is preferably adapted to insert within a recess  152  within the housing  142 . Upon elevating the hand crank  146  through an axis of 180 degrees, the knob  150  is exposed in order to provide power the dynamo  22 . The dynamo  22  generates direct current electrical power that is fed to a printed circuit board  154  to either directly power LEDs  156  and rotation of a head portion  158  or alternatively to charge a battery  74  that in turn is used to illuminate LED  156  or the rotation of the head  158  at times when the hand crank  146  is not being operated. An electric motor  162  is operated by way of the printed circuit board  154  to power the rotation of head  158 . The head  158  optionally has one or more fan blades  164  so as to provide a measure of air circulation associated with the operation of the device  140 . Optionally, an electrical switch  166  is in electrical communication with the printed circuit board  154 , the switch  166  extending from the housing  142  to provide various operational modes illustratively including rotation of head  158  only, illumination of LED  156 , on/off, or various patterns of LED illumination. An LED  156  is appreciated to be operable in various modes including continuous emission, periodic emission or various patterns of emission associated with multiple LEDs to provide visually interesting effects. 
       FIG. 9  depicts an alternate design of an illuminated rotating head amusement device relative to  FIG. 8  where like numerals correspond to previously described components. The device  180  depicted in  FIG. 9  varies from that depicted in  FIG. 8  with regard to the nature of the rotating head  182 . The head  182  has LEDs  156  decorating the head  182 . A protective transparent globe  184  envelopes the rotating head  182  and is secured to the housing  142 . 
     A typical operational scheme for an inventive rotating head device as depicted in either  FIG. 8  or  FIG. 9  is shown as a schematic in  FIG. 10 . With the rotating head  158  or  182  and the LEDs  156  in an off position, at step  200  the hand crank  146  is elevated through an arc of 180 degrees and cranked so as to charge a battery at step  202 . After cranking for a sufficient time to impart charge to the battery  160 , the switch  166  is moved to a position to create an electrical circuit between the battery  160  and the LED  156 , head  158  or  182 , or combination thereof at step  204 . Rotation of the head and/or LED illumination thereafter occurs at step  206 . 
     Patent documents and publications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. These documents and publications are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document or publication was specifically and individually incorporated herein by reference. 
     The foregoing description is illustrative of particular embodiments of the invention, but is not meant to be a limitation upon the practice thereof. The following claims, including all equivalents thereof, are intended to define the scope of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0