Abstract:
An activity toy includes a base with an upper surface that has recessed regions. Elements are positionable in each recessed region. Positioning an element in each recessed region produces a sound. For instance, the sound may be a combination of sounds when more than one element is position in the recesses or a verse of a song that is associated with an element. In addition, the base may be a toy vehicle, with the recesses defining positions in the vehicle. The sound may depend on the position of the elements in the vehicle. The recesses may include a forward recess near the front of the vehicle and a secondary recess located behind the forward recess, and the sound produced may depend on whether an element is placed in the forward or secondary recess.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
   This invention relates to interactive toys for toddlers. 
   BACKGROUND 
   Interactive toys and games for toddlers that produce melodies or phrases in response to the pressing of a button are well known. 
   SUMMARY 
   In one general aspect, an activity toy includes a base with an upper surface that has recessed regions. Elements are sized to fit in the recessed regions. Positioning an element in a recessed region causes the toy to produce a sound. 
   Implementations may include one or more of the following features. For example, the recessed region may be a hemispherical dimple in the upper surface of the base. The dimple may have a dimple switch that is actuated when an element is positioned in the dimple. 
   The base may include a sound switch that changes the sound mode when the sound switch is actuated. Positioning several of the elements in the recessed regions may produce a combination of sounds. The sound may be, for example, music, a tone or a phrase. 
   The elements may be balls. The balls may be made of a translucent material in a variety of colors. The activity toy also may produce light when a moveable element, such as, for example, a ball, is placed in a recessed region. 
   In another general aspect, playing with an activity toy includes providing an activity toy with the features described above, positioning an element such as a ball above the upper surface of the toy, and dropping the element into a dimple to produce a sound. 
   In another general aspect, an activity toy includes a body having recessed regions, elements each having differently identifiable features, and a circuit configured to identify an element and to produce a unique sound in response to placement of the element in a recessed region. 
   Implementations may include one or more of the following features. For example, the body may be a vehicle, such as, for example, a tractor or a rowboat. The elements may be figures having characteristics of a person or animals. Each figure may include an electrical component with unique electrical characteristics, such as, for example, a resistor having a unique resistance value. The circuit may identify the element by measuring a dynamic electrical state of the circuit relating to the electrical characteristic of the electrical component. For example, the dynamic electrical state of the circuit may be a period of time to charge a reactive electrical component, such as, for example, a capacitor, above a threshold voltage. 
   The details of one or more implementations of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an activity toy. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a sound processor circuit for the activity toy of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  are flow charts of a process for playing with the activity toy of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a toddler playing with the activity toy of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an activity toy tractor. 
       FIGS. 7A–7D  are perspective views of farm characters for use with the activity toy tractor of  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 8A  is a perspective of an activity toy rowboat. 
       FIG. 8B  is a perspective bottom view of a sea-going character for use with the activity toy rowboat of  FIG. 8A . 
       FIG. 8C  is a top view of the activity toy rowboat of  FIG. 8A . 
       FIGS. 9A–9D  are perspective views and  FIG. 9E  is a cut-away view of sea-going characters for use with the activity toy rowboat of  FIG. 8A . 
       FIG. 10  is a side view of the activity toy rowboat of  FIG. 8A  with the sea-going characters of  FIGS. 9A–9D  positioned therein. 
       FIG. 11  is a circuit diagram of a sound circuit for the activity toy tractor of  FIG. 6  and the activity toy rowboat of  FIG. 8A . 
   

   Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , an activity toy  100  includes a base  110  having an upper surface  112  with hemispherical dimples  114  and balls  116  that can be positioned in the dimples  114 . The dimples  114  include dimple switches  118  that cause the toy to produce sounds when they are actuated. A dimple switch  118  can be actuated by placing a ball  116  in the dimple  114  or by pressing the dimple switch  118  with a finger (not shown). Actuating more than one dimple switch  118  at a time can produce a variety of sounds or a combination of sounds. In one implementation, the balls are made from translucent plastic in a variety of colors including red, yellow, green, orange, blue, and teal. 
   The upper surface  112  of the base  110  includes a sound port  120  and a sound switch  122 . The sound port  120  is a series of cut-outs that allows a speaker in the base (not shown) to transmit sound. The sound switch  122  may be shaped as a musical note, such as, for example, a clef. Pressing the sound switch  122  produces a voice and also changes the sound mode between modes that produce music, phrases, and sounds. 
   The base also includes a mode switch (not shown). Actuating the mode switch changes modes between demonstration mode, play mode with loud volume, and play mode with soft volume. In play mode, the toy  100  is ready for play. In demonstration mode, the activity toy can simulate the sounds and melodies created by playing with the toy  100 . 
   The upper surface  112  of the base  110  includes a ball tray  124 . The ball tray is a recess in the base  110  that holds the balls. A slanted area  126  above the ball tray  124  guides balls into the ball tray  124 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , a sound processor circuit  128  located inside the base  110  produces sounds. The circuit  128  includes a battery  130 , a power switch  132 , dimple switches  118 , a sound switch  122 , a sound generator  134 , a speaker  136 , and a mode switch  138 . The power switch  132 , which is located on the base  110 , provides power to the sound processor circuit  128 . The dimple switches  118 , sound switch  122 , and mode switch  138  provide inputs to the sound generator  134 . 
   Lights  140  are mounted inside the base  110  directly under each dimple switch  118 . Each light  140  is electrically connected to a dimple switch  118  so that the light  140  is activated when the switch  118  is actuated. The light  140  illuminates a translucent ball  116  positioned in the dimple to make the ball appear to glow. 
   The sound generator  134  is a microprocessor that is programmed with a variety of sounds. The sounds can be phrases or music that are repeated in a sequence or in a random order. The sound generator  134  produces a combination of sounds when several of the dimple switches are actuated simultaneously. 
   The sound generator  134  changes sound modes between music, sounds, and phrases when the sound switch  122  is actuated. The output of the sound generator  134  is connected to the speaker  136 . The sound generator  134  also may include an amplifier circuit (not shown) to increase the volume of the sound. 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , the game is prepared for play according to a procedure  142 . The player is provided with an activity toy that has the features described above (step  144 ). The player turns the game on by activating the power switch (step  146 ). The mode switch prepares the toy for play or for demonstration (step  148 ). If the player is not familiar with the game or would like to observe the game, the player can select the demonstration mode using the mode switch (step  150 ). In the demonstration mode, the activity toy may produce sounds and light and may provide the user with playing instructions. 
   To ready the game for play, the player selects a play mode (step  152 ). The player also may choose between play modes (step  154 ) with loud or soft volumes. In one implementation, the mode switch  138  may be a three position switch that allows the user to select between a demonstration mode, a play mode with loud volume, and a play mode with soft volume. In another implementation, the activity toy  100  has a separate volume switch that allows the player to select loud or soft volumes. 
   Next, the player presses the sound switch  122  to select from the desired sound modes of music, voice and sounds (step  156 ). In one implementation, the sound circuit  100  is programmed to begin in the music mode. Each time that the sound switch  122  is pressed, the sound circuit may advance to the next sound mode until the desired sound mode is selected. In another implementation, pressing the sound switch  122  without any balls  116  in the dimples  114  produces a few measures of music notes when the toy  100  is in music mode. In addition, a metronome sound may then play for about 15 seconds to indicate that the toy  100  is in music mode. In a further implementation, pressing the sound switch  122  while a song is playing changes the song to the next song in a sequence. 
   In yet another implementation, the toy  100  may have a sound effects mode. In this implementation, a specific sound effect may play each time a specific dimple switch  118  is actuated. Thus, a young player may learn to associate a specific sound to the action of pressing a specific dimple switch  118 . A rhythmic xylophone may sound when the sound switch  122  is pressed to indicate that the toy  100  is in sound effects mode. In this implementation, the toy  100  may revert from sound effects mode to music mode after about a minute of inactivity. A few measures of a tune may then be produced to indicate that the toy  100  is back in music mode. 
   The balls are then placed in the ball tray (step  158 ) and the game is ready to start ( 160 ). The ball tray  124  may also be used for storage of the balls  116 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , the game is played according to a procedure  400 . The player selects a ball from the ball tray (step  162 ). The player positions the ball over a dimple (step  164 ). Next, the player drops the ball with the goal of placing the ball in the dimple (step  166 ). If the ball misses the dimple, it may roll off the toy or into the ball tray. If the player is successful in dropping the ball into the dimple, the player selects another ball (step  168 ). As more balls are dropped into dimples, the activity toy produces a combination of sounds. Once the player position balls in all of the dimples (step  170 ), the game may be played again by placing the balls back into the ball tray (step  158 ). If no switch is activated within a period of time, the activity toy  100  goes into sleep mode. Once the toy  100  is reactivated, play resumes at the next song in the sequence. 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , a player  172  is shown positioning a ball  116  over the upper surface  112 . The player  172  must position the ball  116  directly over a dimple before the ball  116  is dropped. Otherwise, the ball  116  falls off of the toy  100  or back into the ball tray  124  and the player  172  starts again. Depending on the age and the physical coordination of the player  172 , the balls  116  may be dropped from greater or lesser heights, tossed, or placed directly into the dimples  114 . 
   The activity toy  100  is appropriate for a very young child. The sounds and light provide stimulation and amusement and assist a toddler in discovering music and other sounds. As the child learns more about music, the child can combine sound tracks by positioning balls  116  in several of the dimples  114 . Game play also helps to develop coordination and motor skills. The base  110  of the activity toy  100  may have a relatively low height to allow a toddler that is still learning to walk to play from a seated position. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 8A , an activity toy can be shaped as a vehicle, such as, for example, a farm tractor  174  or a rowboat  176 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the tractor  174  includes an upper surface  178  with recessed regions  180 . The tractor has other features, such as wheels  182 , an engine compartment  184 , a front grill  186 , a smoke stack  188 , and side rails  190 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 7A–7D , figures with a farm theme, such as, for example, a farmer  192 , a pig  194 , a cow  196 , and a duck  198 , are configured to be positioned in the recessed regions  180  of the tractor  174 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 8A , the rowboat  176  includes recessed regions  200 , with each recessed region having a raised post  201  having a center contact  203  and an outer contact  205 . Referring also to  FIG. 8B , a  FIG. 207  may be positioned in the recessed region  200 . The bottom of the figure has a hole  209  with a center conductor  211  and an outer conductor  213 . With the  FIG. 207  positioned in the recessed region  200 , the center contact  203  makes contact with the center conductor  211  and the outer contact  205  makes contact with the outer conductor  213 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 9A–9D , figures with a sea-going theme, such as, for example, crew members including a captain  206 , sailors  208 ,  210 , and a mate  212 , are configured to be positioned in the recessed regions  200  of the rowboat  176 . Referring to  FIG. 10 , each of  FIGS. 206 ,  208 ,  210 , and  212  may be inserted into any of the recessed regions and may, but need not, face the bow  214  of the rowboat  176 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 8C , in another implementation, the recessed region  200  has contact posts  202  and a ridge  204 . In the alternative implementation described with respect to  FIG. 8C , each of  FIGS. 206 ,  208 ,  210 ,  212  has a slot (not shown) that matches the ridge  204  such that the figures must face the bow  214  of the rowboat  176  in order to be properly positioned in the recessed regions  200 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 9E , each figure includes a resistor  216  that is connected between the center conductor  211  and the outer conductor  213 . The resistor  216  in each figure may have a different resistance value. When a figure is positioned as shown in  FIG. 10 , an electrical circuit through the resistor  216  is completed by contact between the center contact  203  with the center conductor  211  and the outer contact  205  with the outer conductor  213 . 
   The rowboat  176  has other sea-going features, such as, for example an anchor  218 , oars  220 , and a rudder  222 . The rowboat also has wheels  224  for motion on flat surfaces. 
   Referring to  FIG. 11 , the tractor  174  and the rowboat  176  each have a sound circuit  226  that can be actuated by positioning the toy&#39;s respective figures in the recessed regions  180 ,  200 . The sound circuit  226  includes a power supply  228 , an integrated circuit  230 , and a speaker  232 . In one implementation, the integrated circuit  230  is a Sonix SNC582 dual-channel directive drive speech controller. Other implementations may use other integrated circuits with similar features. 
   A resistor  234  is connected between the power supply  228  and the integrated circuit  230  to establish an oscillation frequency. A capacitor  236  is also connected to the power supply  236  to reduce voltage fluctuations. A power switch  238  and a mode switch  240  are ganged together to provide power to the circuit  226  and to program the circuit for either demonstration or play mode. 
   A switch  242  is incorporated into the tractor  174  or the rowboat  176  to allow a user to actuate the sound circuit without insertion of a figure in the recessed regions. For example, the switch  242  may be positioned in the smokestack  188  of the tractor  174  or behind the anchor  218  of the rowboat  176 . When the smokestack  188  or the anchor  218  is pressed, the switch  242  actuates the sound circuit  226 . 
   Each pair of contact posts  202  includes one post connected to a terminal of the integrated circuit  230  and one post connected a supply voltage such that a circuit including a resistor  216  is established between the supply voltage and the terminal of the integrated circuit when a figure is positioned in a recessed region. Capacitors  299  are connected between these terminals of the integrated circuit and electrical ground. 
   Depending on the resistance of the resistor  216 , the capacitor  244  charges from ground potential to a threshold voltage in a set period of time. The integrated circuit  226  measures and stores the capacitor charging time period. Thus, figures can be differentiated by the sound circuit  226  based on unique resistance values of the resistors  216  located in each figure. Typical values for the timing components of the sound circuit  226  are between 15K–100K ohms for the resistor  216  and 1 microfarad for the capacitor  244 . 
   In operation, the toy  174  or  176  plays different sounds and music depending on the position of the figures. For example, when the farmer is placed in the forward recessed region of the tractor (driver position), the toy determines if the other farm animals are present. If no other farm animal is in the tractor, the farmer stops to ask: “Hey, where is everyone?” If farm animals are positioned in the tractor, the farmer states, “here we go,” and the song “Old MacDonald” along with accompanying instrumental music begins to play. 
   Different verses of the song will play depending on which farm animal is present. For example, the song may begin: “Old MacDonald (that&#39;s me!) giggle has a tractor, ee i ee i oh!” If the pig is in the tractor, the farmer voice sings, “And on my tractor I have a pig, ee i ee i oh! With an oink-oink here, and an oink—oink there, here oink—oink there oink—oink, everywhere oink—oink.” If the cow is in the tractor, the song continues, “and on my tractor I have a cow, ee i ee i oh! With a moo—moo here, and a moo—moo there, here a moo—moo, there a moo—moo, everywhere a moo—moo.” And if the duck is present, the song continues, “And on my tractor I have a duck, ee i ee i oh! With a quack—quack here, and a quack—quack there, here a quack—quack, there a quack—quack, everywhere quack—quack.” 
   If any character is removed during the song, the toy utters “uh-oh”, then continues the song. If the pig, cow or duck are placed in the driver position, the animal states: “Uh-oh . . . I can&#39;t drive . . . ” and sound effects made by that animal begin playing, such as, for example, oink, moo or quack sounds. If all characters are removed, the toy plays an instrumental version of “Old MacDonald.” 
   The rowboat sounds are based on a sea-going theme and the song “Row Your Boat.” Various scripts also are played depending on the character positioned in the rowboat. If the captain is in the captain&#39;s position closest to the bow, the captain states “Hey?! Where is everyone?” if other characters are not present, or “Here we go . . . ” if other characters are present. If a sailor is placed in the rowboat without the captain, the sailor exclaims, “Uh-oh?! I can&#39;t sail by myself! (giggle)” The toy then begins playing: “Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream, merrily, merrily, merrily . . . life is but a dream.” Various instrumentals also play along with the song depending on the characters positioned in the rowboat. 
   A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made. For example, a ball tray may be configured to extend around the entire perimeter of the base to keep dropped balls on the base. In another implementation, a switch may be located in the ball tray to produce a sound when a dropped ball actuates the switch. In a further implementation, the toy may be another type of vehicle, such as, for example, a train or an airplane. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.