Patent Description:
The present invention is directed to illuminable and interactive toys.

A toy can depict one of various characters or objects that have defining features that are preferably illuminable or changeable in appearance.

<CIT> discloses a player for a pre-recorded sound magnetic tape package in a cartridge or a cassette format in which each package is united with a three-dimensional character thematically related to the recording and animated thereby. The character is provided with eye and mouth openings covered by translucent elements. Housed in the character are light guides extending from the eye and mouth elements to a common optical inlet. When the package is inserted in the player to effect actuation thereof, the character is then at an erect position thereabove and the optical inlet is then in registration with a light outlet on the player behind which is a light bulb connected to the audio output thereof. As the recorded sound is reproduced, the light emitted by the bulb is modulated in accordance therewith. The resultant light pulses are conveyed by the guides to the eye and mouth elements to impart animation to the character in synchronism with the reproduced sound.

The document "<NPL>et al describes an approach to 3D printing custom optical elements for interactive devices which is said to enable sensing, display and illumination elements to be directly embedded in the casing or mechanical structure of an interactive device.

In embodiments, a toy comprises a housing and a unitary thermoplastic light pipe mounted to the housing. The housing comprises a first exterior surface, a second exterior surface, and a feature at the second exterior surface. The light pipe comprises a collector portion proximate the first exterior surface of the housing, a transmitter portion, and an output portion proximate the feature of the housing. The surface area of the collector portion is greater than or equal to twice the surface area of the output portion. The light pipe is configured to transmit light incident on the first exterior surface of the housing to the output portion, illuminating the feature of the housing. The light pipe provides a maximum angle of deflection of about <NUM> -<NUM> degrees.

In embodiments, the light pipe comprises at least one curve that is less than or equal to a maximum angle of deflection.

In embodiments, the maximum angle of deflection is about <NUM> degrees.

In embodiments, the light pipe is formed of PMMA.

In embodiments, the light pipe comprises two or more collector portions.

In embodiments, the light pipe comprises two or more output portions.

In embodiments, the light pipe is only attached to the housing at one or both of the collector portion and the output portion.

In embodiments, the collector portion is a truncated conical shape.

A feature and benefit of embodiments is the collector portion provided in a portion of a base of the toy.

A feature and benefit of embodiments is the output portion mounted in one or more of a head, eyes, hands, clothing, and weapon or accessory of the toy.

A feature and benefit of embodiments is the toy does not comprise the light source.

In other embodiments a toy system comprises a mount, a light source, and a toy. The toy comprises a base sized to support the toy on the mount, a housing comprising a first exterior surface, a second exterior surface, and a feature at the second exterior surface, and a light pipe mounted to the housing. The light pipe comprises a collector portion proximate a first exterior surface of the housing, a transmitter portion, and an output portion proximate the feature of the housing. The light pipe is configured to transmit light from the light source to the output portion, illuminating the feature of the housing.

In embodiments, the light pipe comprises at least one curve that is less than or equal to a maximum angle of deflection, wherein the maximum angle of deflection is about <NUM> -<NUM> degrees.

In embodiments, the mount comprises a predetermined placement area for the base of the toy, wherein the light source is configured to illuminate a portion of the base of the toy when the base of the toy is located in the placement area of the mount.

In embodiments, the mount comprises two or more predetermined placement areas corresponding to two or more toys having different features.

A feature and benefit of embodiments is the mount is an elevated platform configured to allow ambient light to reach the base of the toy when the toy is on the elevated platform, wherein the light pipe is configured to transmit said ambient light from the base of the toy to the output portion of the light pipe.

In embodiments, the light source comprises a display of an electronic device, the display configured to show: an outline of a base of said toy defining a placement area, an illumination area corresponding to a collector portion of the light pipe, and an activation button.

In embodiments, an electronic device comprises the mount and the light source.

A feature and benefit of embodiments is the toy comprising two or more toys, the light source configured to output a different color light to each of the two or more toys.

A feature and benefit of embodiments is the toy comprising a first toy and a second toy having different features; the mount comprising a first placement area corresponding to the base of the first toy and a second placement area of the second toy; and the light source comprising a first light source corresponding to the first placement area of the mount and a second light source corresponding to the second placement area of the mount, wherein the first light source is configured to illuminate the collector portion of the light pipe at the base of the first toy and to not illuminate the collector portion of the light pipe at the base of the second toy, and wherein the second light source is configured to illuminate the collector portion at the base of the second toy and to not illuminate the collector portion at the base of the first toy.

The above summary of the various representative embodiments of the invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the invention. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the invention. The Figures in the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

The invention can be completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been depicted by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular examples described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

<FIG> show a toy <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the toy <NUM> is comprised of a housing <NUM> and one or more light pipes <NUM>, <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may have various forms and may be formed or mounted on a base <NUM>. In this embodiment, the housing <NUM> is a humanoid character including a head <NUM> with a face <NUM>, a first eye <NUM>, a second eye <NUM>, a body <NUM>, arms <NUM> with hands <NUM>, and legs <NUM> with feet <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> and the light pipes <NUM>, <NUM> are configured such that the light pipe <NUM> may use light from a light source <NUM> incident on one surface of the housing <NUM> and transmit the light through the light pipe <NUM> to another surface of the housing <NUM>, such as an upper front surface <NUM> at the first and second eyes <NUM>, <NUM> of the face <NUM>. In one embodiment, the light pipes <NUM>, <NUM> transmit light from a light source <NUM> incident on a bottom surface <NUM> of a base of the housing <NUM> through the interior of the housing <NUM> and to a feature <NUM> on another surface of the housing, for example, but not limited to, the feature <NUM> being the first and second eyes <NUM>, <NUM> on an upper surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> in the face <NUM>. In comparing <FIG>, the eyes <NUM>, <NUM> of the toy <NUM> are changed and illuminated when the toy <NUM> is properly placed relative to the light source <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the housing <NUM> and light pipes <NUM>, <NUM> are formed by injection molding. However, other manufacturing methods may be used including three-dimensional printing or machining. For example, in some embodiments, the light pipes <NUM>, <NUM> are coextensive with the other parts of the toy <NUM>, i.e. the toy <NUM> is one solid continuous piece of material, with the light pipes <NUM>, <NUM> comprising portions of the toy <NUM> that are able to transmit light. In other embodiments, the light pipes <NUM>, <NUM> are coextensive with only a portion of the toy <NUM> or are formed separately from the toy <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> may be comprised of one or more components assembled together. In one embodiment, the housing <NUM> is comprised of two components, a front component <NUM> (<FIG>) and a rear component <NUM> (<FIG>). In a further embodiment, the components <NUM>, <NUM> are formed by, for example, but not limited to, injection molding, casting, stamping, and rotational molding. In certain embodiments, the light pipes <NUM>, <NUM> are coextensive with one of the front component <NUM> and the rear component <NUM> and may be formed as one solid continuous piece of material with the respective component.

The housing <NUM> and the light pipes <NUM>, <NUM> may be assembled by any known techniques including mechanical connections such as a snap fit or a pressure fit, or by use of adhesives, welding, rivets, screws, ribbing, or other fasteners. <FIG> shows an exemplary embodiment for how the light pipes <NUM>, <NUM> may be secured to the housing <NUM> with a positive connection at the base <NUM>, for example via press fit, adhesive, or the like. In one embodiment, the light pipes <NUM>, <NUM> are secured to the housing <NUM> near one or both of the bottom surface <NUM> (or first exterior surface <NUM>) and the upper surface <NUM> (or second exterior surface <NUM>) of the housing <NUM>, and any points of contact between the housing and the light pipes are at locations spaced apart from any curves or bends in the light pipes <NUM>, <NUM>. In another embodiment, ribs <NUM> or other internal structures (e.g., posts, flanges, and the like) in the housing <NUM> may be used to hold the light pipes <NUM>, <NUM> in place. Such structures may be integrally formed with the housing <NUM>, integrally formed with the light pipes <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or may be separate parts installed within the housing <NUM>. In still further embodiments, the light pipe <NUM>, <NUM> does not have any sharp edges or bends in order to facilitate being retained in the housing <NUM>. In other embodiments, any features of the light pipe <NUM>, <NUM> that interact with the housing <NUM> are proximate to the terminal ends of the light pipe <NUM>, <NUM>, at either a collector portion <NUM> and/or an output portion <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the light pipe <NUM>, <NUM> does not include any retention features that would otherwise assist in affixing the light pipe <NUM>, <NUM> to the housing, <NUM>. As used herein, examples of retention features include but are not limited to features whose purpose is other than to transmit light, such as bosses, ribs, struts, buttons, protrusions, ridges, grooves, recesses, shoulders, and the like. In further embodiments, the light pipe <NUM> is secured by the housing <NUM> in only one location on the light pipe <NUM>. In other embodiments, the light pipe <NUM> is secured by the housing <NUM> in only two locations on the light pipe <NUM>. In still further embodiments, the light pipe <NUM> is secured by the housing <NUM> in only three locations on the light pipe <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the toy <NUM> does not include any internal electronics or batteries. In other embodiments, the toy may include electronics and/or batteries (not shown) inside the toy <NUM> for any purpose, including additional or supplemental illumination. For instance, the electronics and/or batteries may be used for emitting sound from the toy <NUM> or actuating movement of the toy <NUM>. The base <NUM> of the toy <NUM> may include features such as tabs <NUM> and slots <NUM> (<FIG>) for connecting to additional toys, platforms, or other structures.

As noted, many variations of the toy and the housing are contemplated and applicable to the present invention. In some embodiments, the housing <NUM> forms the shape of a humanoid figurine, an animal, a vehicle, a weapon, a building, or some other object or portion thereof. In other embodiment, the housing <NUM> forms a geometric shape. In some embodiments, a toy <NUM> (<FIG>) is embodied as a weapon <NUM> and an arm <NUM> of a character extending from a base <NUM>. Additional example embodiments of humanoid characters with varying appearances, features, and light pipe arrangements are shown as toys <NUM> (<FIG>), <NUM> (<FIG>), <NUM> (<FIG>), <NUM> (<FIG>), <NUM> (<FIG>), and <NUM> with <NUM> and <NUM> (<FIG>). Details and variations of the toy <NUM> discussed herein are applicable to any of the toy embodiments. These various toys may be implemented with any of the mounts and light sources disclosed herein. In general, the toy <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is configured to interact with the light source <NUM> to illuminate a feature of the toy, thereby expanding the utility and play possibilities. For example, the illuminated feature(s) may represent supernatural or magical powers of a fictional character depicted by the toy.

One embodiment of light pipe <NUM> is shown isolated in <FIG> and schematically in <FIG>, the features of the light pipe <NUM> being generally applicable to any disclosed embodiments of light pipes for toys disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, the light pipe <NUM> transmits light from a light source <NUM> incident on the bottom of the base <NUM> of the housing <NUM> to the features <NUM> on an upper portion of the housing <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, each light pipe <NUM> comprises a collector portion <NUM>, a transmitter portion <NUM>, and an output portion <NUM>. The collector portion <NUM>, transmitter portion <NUM>, and output portion <NUM> work together such that light incident on the collector portion <NUM> may be transmitted through the light pipe <NUM> to the output portion <NUM> with minimal loss of light from the light pipe <NUM> in between the collector and output portions. In certain embodiments, the outer surface of light pipe <NUM> is smooth.

In certain embodiments, the light pipe <NUM> is comprised of a thermoplastic such as poly (methyl methacrylate), or PMMA. In other embodiments, the light pipe <NUM> is made from a material selected from the group consisting of glass, crystal, acrylics, PMMA, PVC, ABS, polycarbonate, cycloolefin copolymers, PMMI, and silicones. Various other materials and arrangements are contemplated. For example, the light pipe <NUM> may be comprised of a transparent or clear material, while in other embodiments, the light pipe is comprised of a material that is able to transmit light and is tinted or colored. In another embodiment, the light pipe <NUM> and each portion thereof comprises a solid unitary piece of material. In still another embodiment, each portion of the light pipe <NUM> is made from separate pieces of material, which may have their own properties. The light pipe <NUM> or portions thereof may be supplemented with internal voids or channels or roughened or otherwise modified surfaces.

In one embodiment, the light pipe <NUM> is surrounded by air in the interior of the housing <NUM>, in other words, the light pipe <NUM> is only held within the housing <NUM> at its ends. In another embodiment, the light pipe <NUM> is surrounded in a cladding material such as an opaque material. In still further embodiments, the light pipe <NUM> is integral to and coextensive with the housing.

In certain embodiments, the light pipe <NUM> is calibrated to transmit light in view of its material, shape, and other properties. In some embodiments, the light pipe <NUM> comprises one continuous piece and is designed with only smooth internal and external surfaces and gradual curves while avoiding sharp edges and sharp bends. For example, a portion or a majority of the light pipe <NUM> may have a consistent curve defined by a large radius R (<FIG>). In one embodiment, the maximum bend angle of any curve in the light pipe <NUM> is less than or equal to the critical angle θcrit for total internal reflection (TIR). The critical angle for TIR may be calculated using a derivative of Snell's law: <MAT>, where θcrit is the critical angle, n<NUM> is the refractive index of the material of the light pipe (for plastics, n<NUM> can range from about <NUM> to <NUM> and for PMMA is about <NUM>), and n<NUM> is the refractive index of the cladding material surrounding the light pipe such as air (for air, n<NUM> = <NUM>). In addition, other factors such as surface roughness or manufacturing processes may impact the ability of the light pipe <NUM> to efficiently transmit light to the output portion <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the maximum angle of any curve in the light pipes is less than or equal to the critical angle for TIR with a design margin to account for surface roughness or other factors. In one embodiment, the design margin is less than <NUM>%. In another embodiment, the design margin is between <NUM>% and <NUM>%. In a further embodiments, the design margin is between <NUM>% and <NUM>%. In one embodiment, the light pipe is made from PMMA and the maximum bend angle is around <NUM> degrees corresponding to the critical angle for total internal reflection. In another embodiment, the light pipe is made from PMMA and the maximum angle of any curves in the light pipes is less than <NUM> degrees corresponding to the critical angle for total internal reflection with an approximately <NUM>% design margin.

In one embodiment, the collector portion <NUM> includes a collection surface <NUM> and a condenser or collimator (not shown) or other such optical lenses for capturing and/or manipulating light. The collection surface <NUM> comprises a two-dimensional surface with a corresponding surface area. The collection surface <NUM> is configured to capture or transmit light from an external source such as a diffuse light source <NUM> such as a smartphone or tablet screen, or even ambient light, and across the collection surface and into the light pipe <NUM>. The collection surface <NUM> may take on many different shapes including a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a polygonal, or free form shape. In addition, the collection surface <NUM> may be flat, or a three dimension shape such as convex, concave, smooth, contoured, or include bends or other features. In one embodiment, the collection surface <NUM> comprises a flat, circular or elliptical two-dimensional shape.

The condenser or collimator is a lens that comprises one or more three-dimensional geometric shapes. The condenser is configured to transmit light from the collection surface to the transmitter portion. In certain embodiments, the condenser portion <NUM> changes shape from the larger surface area of the collection surface <NUM> to the smaller diameter of the transmitter portion <NUM>. The condenser may take on many different shapes including a truncated polyhedron, cone, cylinder, sphere, or other geometric shape. In embodiments shown, for example, in <FIG>, and <FIG>, the collector portion <NUM> and the condenser comprise a truncated conical shape with the apex proximate to the transmitter portion <NUM>.

The collector portion <NUM> and, in particular, the collection surface <NUM>, may be located proximate to any portion of the toy housing <NUM>. In one embodiment, the collector portion <NUM> is located within the base <NUM> and/or feet <NUM> of the toy <NUM> and the collection surface <NUM> is facing downward when the toy is positioned upright on its base <NUM>. Other locations may include vertical surfaces of the base <NUM> or any area of the housing <NUM> of the toy <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the transmitter portion <NUM> is connected to the collector portion <NUM> on one end and the output portion <NUM> on the other end. The transmitter portion <NUM> is configured to transmit light from the collector portion <NUM> to the output portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the transmitter portion <NUM> may include one or more optical lenses (not shown) for transmitting and/or manipulating light.

In certain embodiments, the transmitter portion <NUM> comprises one or more three-dimensional geometric shapes. The transmitter portion <NUM> may take on many different shapes including a polyhedron, cone, cylinder, sphere, or other geometric shape. In one embodiment, the transmitter portion <NUM> is generally tubular in shape. The transmitter portion <NUM> may be linear or fully or partially curved or bent. In one embodiment, the transmitter portion <NUM> comprises a cylinder or tube with a maximum bend angle as discussed above.

In one embodiment, the output portion <NUM> is connected to the transmitter portion <NUM> and further comprises an output surface <NUM>. In one embodiment, the output portion <NUM> corresponds to the feature <NUM> of the toy <NUM> to be illuminated such as the eyes <NUM>, <NUM> of the toy, the details of the costume of the toy, or another accessory of the toy. In some embodiments, the output portion <NUM> may include one or more optical lenses (not shown) for emitting and/or manipulating light.

The output surface <NUM> comprises a surface with a corresponding surface area. The output surface <NUM> may take on many different shapes including a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape. In addition, the output surface <NUM> may be flat or two dimensional, or may form a three-dimensional shape such as convex, concave, smooth, contoured, or include bends or other features. In one embodiment, the output surface <NUM> comprises a smooth surface without any bends or other features. Such a smooth surface allows for a more uniform light distribution across the output surface <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the output area does not include sharp interior corners or large interior shapes. In further embodiments, the surface area of the output portion <NUM> is not larger than the area of the cross-section of the transmitter portion <NUM>. In still further embodiments, the surface area of the output portion <NUM> is not more than <NUM>% larger than the area of the cross-section of the transmitter portion <NUM>. In other embodiments, the surface area of the output portion <NUM> is not more than <NUM>% larger than the area of the cross-section of the transmitter portion <NUM>. In further embodiments, the surface area of the output portion <NUM> is not more than <NUM>% larger than the area of the cross-section of the transmitter portion <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the surface area of the collection surface <NUM> of the collector portion <NUM> has a size ratio compared to the surface area of a transverse cross-section of the transmitter portion <NUM>. In other embodiments, the surface area of the collection surface <NUM> of the collector portion <NUM> has a size ratio compared to the surface area of the output surface <NUM> of the output portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the size ratio is about 2x, wherein, for example, the surface area of the collection surface <NUM> is about two times the size of the surface area of a transverse cross-section of the transmitter portion <NUM>. In other embodiments, the size ratio is greater than about 2x. In other embodiments, the size ratio is in a range of from about 2x to 10x. In still other embodiments, the size ratio is about <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG> with a circular cross-section, the collection surface diameter is <NUM> millimeters (area of about <NUM><NUM>) whereas the output surface diameter is <NUM> (area of about <NUM><NUM>) resulting in a size ratio of approximately <NUM>. 5x (with a corresponding ratio of diameters being <NUM>.

In various embodiments, one or more collector portions <NUM> may be connected to one or more transmitter portions <NUM> and/or the one or more transmitter portions <NUM> may be further connected to one or more output portions <NUM>. For instance, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, two collector portions <NUM> may be used to collect light for a single output portion <NUM>. As another example, one collector portion <NUM> may be used to collect light for one or more output portions <NUM>. As another example shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, two transmitter portions <NUM> of light pipes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be connected to a single output portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, one collector portion <NUM> is connected with only one transmitter portion <NUM> which is further connected with only one output portion <NUM>, forming one discrete light pipe. In other embodiments shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a toy may comprise two or more discrete light pipes <NUM> with <NUM> and <NUM> with <NUM> with each collector portion <NUM> connected with only one transmitter portion <NUM> which is further connected with only one output portion <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the design of the collector portion <NUM>, transmitter portion <NUM>, and output portion <NUM> as described in certain embodiments herein are unexpectedly effective at transmitting light incident on the collection surface <NUM> to the output surface <NUM>. In one embodiment, the design of the collector, transmitter, and output portions is such that ambient light incident on the collection surface <NUM> is clearly visible at the output portion <NUM> and stands out even in ambient light such as shown in <FIG>. In such embodiments, light is clearly visible at the output surface <NUM> with ambient light only, and without an electric light source such as a device display, flashlight, or other portable light source. The ambient light comprising this light source <NUM> may emanate from e.g. light fixtures in a room, or from ambient outdoor light from the sun or moon.

<FIG> show one exemplary toy <NUM>, mount <NUM>, and light source <NUM> according to an embodiment of the invention that together comprise a toy system. According to one embodiment, this interactive toy system is comprised of a toy <NUM> and an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., smartphone, tablet, or the like) that comprises both the mount <NUM> and the light source <NUM>. The light source <NUM> may alternatively be provided by a separate light, a reflective surface, ambient light, as discussed in detail below. Various other mounts may be utilized, including a foldable cardboard mount <NUM> shown in <FIG> or a relatively flat platform mount <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Such a mount <NUM>, <NUM> may be a separate accessory toy or may be packaged and sold with one or more corresponding toys <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The toy may be illuminated by any light source <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the light illumination source <NUM> is a display <NUM> that is part of an electronic device <NUM> such as a smartphone or tablet having a screen that is generally operable in a horizontal condition. In other embodiments, the light source <NUM> is an artificial light source such as a flashlight, LED or a lamp. In other embodiments, the light source <NUM> is a surface such as a table, paper, mirror, or polished surface. In those embodiments, the toy <NUM> may be held at a certain distance away from the light source <NUM>, and the light is reflected from the light source <NUM> and into the collector portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the light pipe <NUM> transmits an effective amount of illumination to the output portion <NUM> from such reflected light, or even ambient light when the collector portion <NUM> is facing a light source <NUM> at a distance, e.g. an artificial light source or the sun or moon.

In one embodiment, the toy <NUM> and collector portion <NUM> may be placed directly on a light source <NUM>, allowing the light source <NUM> to also function as a mount <NUM> for the toy. In other embodiments, the toy <NUM> and collector portion <NUM> may be positioned in proximity from the light source <NUM>. In any embodiment, the housing <NUM> and one or more light pipes <NUM>, <NUM> are configured such that the light pipes <NUM>, <NUM> may use light from the light source <NUM> incident on one surface of the housing <NUM> and transmit it through the one or more light pipes <NUM>, <NUM> to another surface of the housing <NUM> as discussed herein.

In one embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> including the display <NUM> is programmed to emit light from the display <NUM>. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the electronic device <NUM> comprises the requisite battery, memory, and computer-readable media to run a program applicable to the present disclosure. The light emitted by the display <NUM> may be any color, intensity, or brightness permitted by the display hardware and software. The light may further be emitted in any shape on the surface of the display <NUM>. The light emitted by the display <NUM> may be constant in intensity or color, or the light may change, adjust, dim, shimmer, or shift color.

In one embodiment, the device <NUM> is programmed to emit multiple colors across the surface of the display <NUM>, represented in <FIG> as patterns depicting colors C1 - C9. The light source <NUM> provided on the display <NUM> corresponds with the collector portions <NUM> of one or more of the toys <NUM>, <NUM>. As a result, the particular color C1 - C9 at the collector portion <NUM> on the display <NUM> is transmitted to the feature <NUM>, <NUM>. In particular, the toy <NUM> has eyes <NUM>, <NUM> as illuminable features <NUM> that may exhibit different colors C8 and C9 in <FIG> or the same color C7 in <FIG>. Likewise, the toy <NUM> has first and second uniform areas <NUM>, <NUM> as illuminable features <NUM> that may exhibit different colors C8 and C9 in <FIG> or the same color C7 in <FIG>.

In another embodiment, the device <NUM> is programmed to emit light in certain shapes across the surface. In related embodiments, the collector potions <NUM> of different toys may have different arrangements, such that a given arrangement of the light source <NUM> will illuminate one toy but not another. In still other embodiments, the shapes corresponding to the collector portions <NUM> of the toys may emit the same color, or may emit different colors. In still further embodiments, the shapes corresponding to the collector portions <NUM> of the toys may emit light effects such as changing color, flashing, strobe effects, and changes in intensity.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the device <NUM> is programmed to display a placement area <NUM> constituting an outline of the base <NUM> of the toy <NUM> to allow a user to properly position the toy <NUM> on the display <NUM> surface. Within the placement area <NUM> are one or more illumination areas <NUM> to correspond with the collector portion(s) <NUM> of the toy and provide the light source <NUM>. In one embodiment, the user may then press a virtual activation button <NUM> on the display <NUM>, or a physical button (not shown) on the device <NUM>, and the display <NUM> may subsequently emit light corresponding to the area of the collector portion <NUM> of the toy. In another embodiment, the display <NUM> may already be emitting light corresponding to the collector portion <NUM> of the toy <NUM> before the toy <NUM> is placed on the display <NUM>. In either event, when the toy <NUM> is properly placed on the placement area <NUM> of the display <NUM> corresponding to the outline of the toy with the display emitting light in the illumination area <NUM> corresponding to the collector portion <NUM> of the toy, the light travels through the collector portion <NUM> to the transmitter portion <NUM> and then the output portion <NUM> of the light pipe <NUM> in the toy <NUM> may be illuminated. In other embodiments where a toy comprises two or more discrete light pipes <NUM>, <NUM>, the display <NUM> may emit either the same or different light effects at each illumination area <NUM> for each discrete light pipe.

The placement area <NUM> and the illumination area <NUM> providing the light source <NUM> may have various arrangements to have different effects on different toys applicable to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the placement area <NUM> is an outline shape that is consistent for all applicable toys, a subset of applicable toys, or only one applicable toy. Moreover, the illumination area <NUM> corresponds to the collector portion <NUM> of one or more toys. Applicable toys may have respective collector portion(s) <NUM> in the same locations (e.g., in the same place at the bottom of the base <NUM> of the housing <NUM>) or varied locations. Accordingly, illumination areas <NUM> may be provided that will illuminate all applicable toys, a subset of applicable toys, or only one applicable toy. As such, the light source <NUM> may illuminate the collector portion at the base of a first toy but not illuminate the collector portion at the base of a second toy.

In a further embodiment, the device <NUM> is programmed to emit an image on the display <NUM> corresponding to the area of the collector portion <NUM> of the toy <NUM>, wherein the image is reproduced at the output portion <NUM> of the light pipe <NUM> in the toy <NUM>. In other embodiments, the device <NUM> is programmed to output one or more sounds such as music, dialogue, and/or sound effects in conjunction with the light effects. In embodiments, the device <NUM> is programmed to emit one or more lights upon activation. In other embodiments, the device <NUM> is programmed to choreograph or coordinate the sounds and emitted light such as for a light show or to illustrate a story or a scene including the toy <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the device <NUM> may be programmed to illustrate and narrate a story or scene. For instance, the device <NUM> may prompt the user to place one or more toys <NUM> on one or more portions of the display <NUM> and press an activation button <NUM> (such button may also be part of a touchscreen interface of the device display <NUM> as shown in <FIG>). Upon pressing of the activation button <NUM>, the device <NUM> may output sounds and lights corresponding to a scene, where the light is transmitted through the toy <NUM> via the light pipes <NUM>, <NUM> to create light effects on the toy <NUM>. When the scene is complete, the device <NUM> may prompt the user to adjust the one or more toys <NUM> on the display or place different toys on the display and press the activation button <NUM>. Upon pressing the activation button <NUM>, the device <NUM> may output sounds and lights corresponding to a different scene.

In another embodiment, the device <NUM> is programmed to allow the user to program their own light and/or sound output according to user preference. In embodiments, the device <NUM> may be programmed with pre-existing options for light and/or sound output which may be adjusted according to user preference. In certain embodiments, the device <NUM> may be configured to sense a toy <NUM> or its position on or in proximity to a display <NUM> including, for instance, by using the capacitive touch capabilities of a device <NUM>.

Referring to embodiments shown in <FIG>, both the mount <NUM>, <NUM> and the light illumination source <NUM> may be provided by a platform <NUM> or <NUM>. The platform <NUM>, <NUM> is a separate structure from the toy(s) and may take any shape including a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a polygonal, or free form shape. In some embodiments, the platform <NUM>, <NUM> may take the shape of a scene setting such as a spaceship, building, cityscape, or the like. The platform <NUM>, <NUM> may be made out of cardboard as one unitary folded piece, from multiple cardboard parts, or may be made from paper, plastic and/or other materials.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, the platform <NUM> may include an upper portion <NUM>, a lower portion <NUM>, and one or more vertical portions <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the platform <NUM> may only include an upper portion <NUM> and one or more vertical portions <NUM>. The vertical portions <NUM> may be used to support the upper portion <NUM> of the platform <NUM>. In other embodiments, vertical portions <NUM> may cover one or more sides of the platform <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the upper portion <NUM> may be used to support one or more toys <NUM>. In another embodiment, the upper portion <NUM> may have one or more lighting areas <NUM> formed as an opening or cutaway which allows a light source <NUM> to shine onto the collection surface(s) <NUM> of the toy <NUM>. The upper portion <NUM> may include an outline (not shown) of the base <NUM> of the toy <NUM> as a placement area to show a user how to position the toy <NUM> on the upper portion <NUM>, similar to the placement area <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In another embodiment, the upper portion <NUM> may include one or more docking areas (not shown) meant to positively secure the base <NUM> in place over the lighting area <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in certain embodiments, the platform <NUM> provides a platform with an embedded light source <NUM> and three toys <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that may interact with the platform <NUM>. The platform <NUM> may include a power source such as a battery, an electric light source for the lighting area, sound source such as speakers, and/or other electronics. Such a platform <NUM>, <NUM> may include an embedded light source <NUM> such as an LED for illuminating the lighting area and the light pipe features of the toys. In a further embodiment, the platform <NUM>, <NUM> may be interactive. In embodiments, the platform may include an outline of the base of the toy <NUM> and/or a docking area meant to positively secure the base of the toy in place over the lighting area. In another embodiment, the docking area may include a trigger (not shown) for initiating electronics in the platform when the base of the toy is secured in the docking area. The trigger may include a physical switch, electronic sensor, or other switching mechanism. In other embodiments, the electronics in the platform <NUM>, <NUM> may be operated by a button on the platform. In further embodiments, the electronics in the platform <NUM>, <NUM> may be operated by a remote control such as by a smartphone or tablet communicating wirelessly with the platform. In certain embodiments, activating the trigger or button may cause the platform <NUM>, <NUM> to emit light (e.g. incident to the base of the toys) and/or sound.

In another embodiment, the platform <NUM> does not include any power source, electronic light source for the lighting areas, or other electronics. In this embodiment shown in <FIG>, ambient light or light from a separate light source such as a flashlight or display may illuminate the lighting area <NUM>. The lighting area <NUM> comprises an open area of the platform <NUM>, formed in at least the upper portion <NUM> of the platform <NUM>, which allows light from the separate light source to shine on a collection surface <NUM> of the toy <NUM> when placed over the lighting area <NUM>.

In a further embodiment, the lower portion <NUM> of the platform <NUM> may be used to help reflect light to the upper portion <NUM> and, in particular, to the lighting area(s) <NUM>. In embodiments without a lower portion, the platform <NUM> may be positioned on a separate surface such as a table and the table may help reflect light to the lighting area <NUM>. In other embodiments, the platform <NUM> may be held and the light may reach the upper portion <NUM> without reflection. In another embodiment, the platform <NUM> includes its own light pipe (not shown) to transmit light from a first surface of the platform <NUM> to a lighting area of the platform and to the collection surface <NUM> of the toy <NUM>. In certain of these embodiments, the toy <NUM> is positioned in such a way such that light is reflected into the collection surface <NUM> of the toy. The light source <NUM> may be ambient light as described herein, or the light may be from an indirect electric light source such as a flashlight, device display or some other portable electric light.

It will be appreciated that the present disclosure provides toys with unique functionality and even a digital interactive experience from a relatively low-cost and simplified design. Embodiments of the toy provide passively illuminated features such as eyes or other components of the toy without the need for electronics or batteries inside the toy. The disclosed toy and toy system provide a user an experience combining a physical toy and a digital experience through software on a separate electronic device, which digital experience can include visual animated effects and/or audio effects. Various light sources may be utilized to illuminate features of the toy, including a smartphone, tablet, LED, ambient light, or other sources such as reflection from bright colored table surfaces or light colored paper. One or more toys and one or more mounts may be combined together as a toy system with greater variety in play.

The above description of the disclosed examples is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles described herein can be applied to other examples without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Thus, it is to be understood that the description and drawings presented herein represent examples of the invention and are therefore representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present disclosure. It is further understood that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other examples and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly limited by nothing other than the appended claims.

All of the features disclosed, claimed, and incorporated by reference herein, and all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is an example only of a generic series of similar features. Inventive aspects of this disclosure are not restricted to the details of the foregoing examples, but rather extend to any novel example, or any novel combination of examples, of the features presented in this disclosure, and to any novel example, or any novel combination of examples, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claim 1:
A toy (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) comprising a first exterior surface (<NUM>), a second exterior surface (<NUM>), and a feature (<NUM>) at the second exterior surface; and
a unitary thermoplastic light pipe (<NUM>) mounted to the housing and comprising:
a collector portion (<NUM>) proximate the first exterior surface of the housing,
a transmitter (<NUM>) portion, and
an output portion (<NUM>) proximate the feature of the housing, wherein the surface area of the collector portion is greater than or equal to twice the surface area of the output portion,
the light pipe configured to transmit light incident on the first exterior surface of the housing to the output portion, illuminating the feature of the housing,
wherein the light pipe provides a maximum angle of deflection of <NUM> - <NUM> degrees.