阅读说明：本技术 具有多种面部表情的玩具 (Toy with multiple facial expressions ) 是由 乔奥娜·保尔 于 2018-05-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：本申请涉及一种用于使面板显示的装置,该装置具有：外部结构,其具有显示开口；内部构件,其可旋转地安装在外部结构内；以及多个面板,其可旋转地安装到内部构件,该多个面板中的每个包括第一侧和相对的第二侧。内部构件可相对于外部结构围绕第一轴线旋转,以将该多个面板中的一个移动成与显示开口对齐；并且该多个面板中的每个可相对于内部构件围绕第二轴线旋转,以通过外部结构中的显示开口显示第一侧或第二侧。(The present application relates to an apparatus for displaying a panel, the apparatus having: an outer structure having a display opening; an inner member rotatably mounted within the outer structure; and a plurality of panels rotatably mounted to the inner member, each of the plurality of panels including a first side and an opposing second side. The inner member is rotatable relative to the outer structure about a first axis to move one of the plurality of panels into alignment with the display opening; and each of the plurality of panels is rotatable relative to the inner member about a second axis to display the first side or the second side through the display opening in the outer structure.)

1. An apparatus for displaying a panel, comprising:

an outer structure having a display opening;

an inner member rotatably mounted within the outer structure; and

a plurality of panels rotatably mounted to the inner member, each panel of the plurality of panels including a first side and an opposing second side;

wherein the inner member is rotatable relative to the outer structure about a first axis to move one of the plurality of panels into alignment with the display opening; and is

Wherein each panel of the plurality of panels is rotatable relative to the inner member about a second axis to display the first side or the second side through the display opening in the outer structure.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first side and the second side of each panel of the plurality of panels have different facial or facial expressions.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first axis and the second axis are parallel and offset from each other.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the inner member includes a first shaft and the outer structure includes a bore, and the first shaft extends through the bore to rotatably connect the inner member to the outer structure.

5. The device of claim 4, further comprising a knob on the first shaft.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein each panel of the plurality of panels includes a second shaft rotatably connecting the respective panel to the inner member.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first detent system associated with the inner member and the outer structure, the first detent system adapted to releasably hold the inner member in place relative to the outer structure with one of the plurality of panels aligned with the display opening.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the first detent system comprises a spring-biased detent system.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein each of the display panels comprises a second detent system adapted to maintain the first side or the second side of the display panel in alignment with the display opening.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the second detent system comprises a spring-biased detent system.

11. A doll or doll comprising:

a body part; and

the apparatus for causing a panel display of claim 1, said apparatus coupled to said body part, wherein each panel of said plurality of panels displays a different face or facial expression.

12. A method for displaying a plurality of different faces or facial expressions on a doll or a doll, comprising:

rotating an inner member within an outer structure until one of a plurality of panels mounted on the inner member is positioned in alignment with a display opening on the outer structure; and

rotating the panel positioned in alignment with the display opening until a first side or a second side of the panel is positioned in alignment with the display opening, the first side and the second side of the panel containing different faces or facial expressions.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first side and the second side of each panel of the plurality of panels have different faces or facial expressions.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein rotating the inner member within the outer structure comprises rotating the inner member about a first axis, and rotating one of the plurality of panels located on the inner member comprises rotating one of the plurality of panels about a second axis that is perpendicular to and offset from the first axis or parallel to and offset from the first axis.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

rotating the inner member within the outer structure until a second panel of the plurality of panels located on the inner member is positioned in alignment with the display opening in the outer structure.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

rotating the second panel of the plurality of panels until a first side or a second side of the second panel of the plurality of panels is positioned in alignment with the display opening, the first side and the second side of the second panel of the plurality of panels including different faces or facial expressions.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

rotating the inner member within the outer structure until a third panel of the plurality of panels located on the inner member is positioned in alignment with the display opening in the outer structure.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

rotating the third panel of the plurality of panels until a first side or a second side of the third panel of the plurality of panels is positioned in alignment with the display opening, the first side and the second side of the third panel of the plurality of panels including different faces or facial expressions.

Technical Field

The present application relates generally to toys, such as figurines (handbooks). More particularly, the present application relates to such toys having a head unit with an outer structure containing a rotatable panel therein that provides a display of a plurality of faces and/or facial expressions.

Background

The vast majority of dolls and figures available on the market have a body portion and a head with a single face that displays a single facial expression. This limits the user from pretending to be a doll or a doll that may express different emotions or looks during the game. It also prevents the possibility of using a doll or a doll to represent multiple objects.

Disclosure of Invention

One embodiment of the present invention relates to an apparatus for causing a panel display, the apparatus having: an outer structure having a display opening; an inner member rotatably mounted within the outer structure; and a plurality of panels rotatably mounted to the inner member, each of the plurality of panels including a first side and an opposing second side. The inner member is rotatable relative to the outer structure about a first axis to move one of the plurality of panels into alignment with the display opening; and each of the plurality of panels is rotatable relative to the inner member about a second axis to display the first side or the second side through the display opening in the outer structure.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a doll or figure having a body portion; and means for displaying the panels coupled to the body part, wherein each of the plurality of panels displays a different facial or facial expression.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method for displaying a plurality of different faces or facial expressions on a doll or a doll, the method comprising: rotating the inner member within the outer structure until one of the plurality of panels mounted on the inner member is positioned in alignment with the display opening on the outer structure; and rotating the panel aligned with the display opening until a first side or a second side of the panel is positioned in alignment with the display opening, the first side and the second side of the panel containing different faces or facial expressions.

Drawings

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a head unit for a doll or a doll having an outer structure and a rotatable inner member having a plurality of panels, each panel having a different facial expression, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view of the internal components of FIG. 1, showing two panels, each having a different facial expression;

FIG. 3 is a view of the inner member of FIG. 2, showing the inner components in phantom, and showing rotatable panels, each having a different facial expression;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the head unit of FIG. 1, showing the position of the inner member relative to the two engageable members that comprise the outer structure;

FIG. 5 shows the head unit of FIG. 1 during use as the inner member is rotated to show facial expressions;

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are a series of images of the head unit of FIG. 1 decorated with fur and illustrating the rotation of the internal components within the head unit, which results in the display of different panels, each displaying a different facial expression;

FIG. 7A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of an apparatus for displaying panels having an outer structure and a rotatable inner member with a plurality of panels according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7B shows a top view of the device of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C shows a side view of the device of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7D shows another side view of the device of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the device of FIG. 7A, showing internal components within the outer structure;

fig. 9A, 9B and 9C are a series of images of the device of fig. 7A depicting rotation of the internal components within the external structure. In fig. 9A to 9C, the front panel of the outer structure is removed to show the inner member and other components;

FIG. 10A is a front view of the inner member of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the inner member of FIG. 7A;

11A, 11B, and 11C are a series of images of the device of FIG. 7A depicting the rotation of the faceplate within the inner member. In fig. 11A to 11C, the front side of the panel is removed to show the internal components of the panel when the panel is rotated.

Detailed Description

One embodiment of the present invention relates to an apparatus for displaying a panel, the apparatus having: an outer structure having a display opening; an inner member rotatably mounted within the outer structure; and a plurality of panels rotatably mounted to the inner member, each of the plurality of panels including a first side and an opposing second side. The inner member is rotatable relative to the outer structure about a first axis to move one of the plurality of panels into alignment with the display opening; and each of the plurality of panels is rotatable relative to the inner member about a second axis to display the first side or the second side through the display opening in the outer structure.

One embodiment of the present invention relates to an apparatus for displaying the above panels, wherein the first side and the second side of each of the plurality of panels have different faces or facial expressions.

One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for displaying a plurality of different facial or facial expressions on a figurine, the method comprising: rotating the inner member within the outer structure until one of a plurality of panels mounted on the inner member is positioned in alignment with a display opening on the outer structure; and rotating the panel aligned with the display opening until a first side or a second side of the panel is positioned in alignment with the display opening, the first side and the second side of the panel containing different faces or facial expressions.

Figures 1 and 2 show a head unit 10 for a doll or doll according to one embodiment of the present invention having an outer structure 12 and a rotatable inner member 14, the inner member 14 having a plurality of panels 16, each panel 16 having a different facial expression. The head unit 10 of fig. 1 and 2 allows a single panel 16 to be displayed at a time when the inner member 14 is rotated by turning the attached shaft and knob 18. The inner member 14 is contained within the outer structure 12. In such an embodiment, the inner member 14 is configured to rotate within the outer structure 12 along a first axis. The inner member 14 has a plurality of panels 16 and a shaft and knob 18 extending from the inner member 14 and protruding through a hole in the outer structure. The shaft and knob 18 are configured such that the inner member 14 can rotate within the outer structure 12 along a first axis. The display opening 13 is disposed on the external structure 12 such that the opening 13 is configured to display at least a portion of one of the plurality of panels 16 at a time. The inner member 14 rotates within the outer structure 12 along a first axis such that at least a portion of any one of the plurality of panels can be displayed through the display opening 13. According to one embodiment, different faces or different facial expressions may be located on each side of each panel 16 such that neither side of any panel 16 displays the same face or facial expression. Alternatively, the same facial and facial expressions may be repeated such that at least two of the plurality of sides included on the panel share the same facial and facial expressions. Thus, various combinations and permutations of repetitive and non-repetitive facial and facial expressions are possible.

Fig. 3 shows a transparent illustration of the above internal components, showing three rotatable panels 16, each having a different facial expression. In fig. 3, each of the three rotatable panels 16 is a double-sided panel having a first side and a second side and is configured to rotate within the inner member 14 along the second axis 20 such that rotation of the double-sided panel 16 allows the first side or the second side to be displayed through the display opening 13 of the outer structure. In some embodiments, the second axis is parallel to the first axis. In some embodiments, the second axis is not parallel to the first axis.

In some embodiments of the invention, the panel 16 has more than two sides. For example, in some embodiments, the panel has 3, 4, 5, 6, or more sides.

Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the head unit 10 described above, showing the position of the inner member 14 with the faceplate 16 and shaft 18 relative to the two engageable members 20, 22 that make up the outer structure 12. In this embodiment, the display opening 13 is provided on one engageable member 20 so that one panel 16 of the inner member 14 can be displayed. The two engageable members may also be configured to form an opening through which the shaft of inner member 14 and knob 18 may extend. In embodiments where the outer structure has more than one member, the means for engaging the complementary member will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Non-limiting examples of how the complementary members engage include screws, clamps, adhesives, fasteners, and the like. In some embodiments, the complementary members may be configured such that they snap or lock into place when engaged. In some embodiments, the complementary members may be reversibly engageable. In some embodiments, the complementary members may be permanently joined.

Fig. 5 shows the head unit 10 described above during use when the shaft and knob 18 are rotated such that a facial expression on the faceplate 16 is displayed through the display opening 13 on the outer structure 12.

Fig. 6A, 6B and 6C show the rotation of the inner members of the head unit 30 of the plush and fur doll according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 6A, 6B and 6C, the head unit 30 allows different panels 32 to be displayed, each having a different face or facial expression. By rotating the shaft and knob 34 attached to the inner member, different panels can be displayed separately. As the user rotates the shaft and knob, a different panel 32 may be displayed, the panel 32 displaying a different face or facial expression.

Figures 7A-7D illustrate a doll and doll head unit 70 having an outer structure 72 and a rotatable inner member having a plurality of panels 76, each of which may have a different face or facial expression, according to one embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, fig. 7A is a front view of the head unit, fig. 7B is a top view of the head unit, and fig. 7C and 7D are side views of the head unit. The head unit 70 allows a single panel 76 to be displayed at a time when the inner member is rotated by turning the attached shaft and knob 78. The inner member is contained within the outer structure 72. In such an embodiment, the inner member is configured to rotate along a first axis within the outer structure 72. The inner member 74 has a plurality of panels 76 and a shaft with a knob 78 extending from the inner member and out through a hole in the outer structure. The shaft is configured such that the inner member is rotatable within the outer structure 72 along a first axis. The display opening 73 is disposed on the outer structure 72 such that the display opening 73 is configured to display at least a portion of one of the plurality of panels 76 at a time. Rotation of the inner member within the outer structure 72 along the first axis enables at least a portion of any one of the plurality of panels to be displayed through the display opening 73.

In fig. 7A-7D, each of the plurality of panels 76 is a double-sided panel having a first side and a second side, and is configured to rotate within the inner member 74 along a second axis such that rotation of the double-sided panel 76 allows the first side or the second side to be displayed through the display opening of the external structure. In some such embodiments, the second axis is parallel to the first axis. In some such embodiments, the second axis is not parallel to the first axis.

In fig. 7A-7D, the head unit may include one or more circular ridges 84 for securing the outer structure 72 to the doll's head. In this embodiment, the doll's fabric is secured by a cable attachment assembly secured between two ridges 84.

Fig. 8 is an exploded view of the head unit of fig. 7A-7D, depicting the inner member 74 within an outer structure. Fig. 9A-9C are a series of images showing the structure as the inner member 74 is rotated within the outer structure (from left to right, fig. 9A-9C). In fig. 8 and 9A-9C, the front panel is removed from the outer structure 75 to show the inner components and parts as they rotate. As described above, the head unit 70 allows a single panel 76 to be displayed at a time when the internal member is rotated by turning the attached shaft 78. The inner member is contained within the outer structure 72. In such an embodiment, the inner member is configured to rotate along a first axis within the outer structure 72. The inner member 74 has a plurality of panels 76 and a shaft with a knob 78 extending from the inner member and out through a hole in the outer structure. The shaft is configured such that the inner member is rotatable within the outer structure 72 along a first axis. The display opening 73 is disposed on the outer structure 72 such that the display opening 73 is configured to display at least a portion of one of the plurality of panels 76 at a time. Rotation of the inner member within the outer structure 72 along the first axis enables at least a portion of any one of the plurality of panels to be displayed through the display opening 73. Moreover, each of the plurality of panels 76 may be a multi-sided panel (e.g., double-sided) having at least a first side and a second side and configured to rotate along a second axis within the inner member 74 such that rotation of the panel 76 allows the first side or the second side to be displayed through a second opening of the outer structure.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 8, 9A to 9C, 10A and 10B, the head unit comprises a stop system (detent system) associated with the inner member 74 and the outer structure 72. The detent system is adapted to releasably hold the inner member 74 in position relative to the outer structure 72 with one of the plurality of panels aligned with the display opening. In some embodiments, the detent system comprises a spring biased detent system having a resilient member 79 and a cooperating ramp structure 80. The resilient member biases the ramped surfaces of the mating ramped structures into engagement with one another. When the user applies sufficient force to rotate the inner member, as shown in fig. 9A, 9B and 9C, the two ramped surfaces slide against each other, as shown in fig. 9B, compressing the resilient member until the ramped structure disengages and allows the inner member to rotate to different incremental positions. At this point, as shown in fig. 9C, the resilient member extends, pushing the ramped surface back into engagement and holding the inner member in place until rotation is again applied to move the inner member to the next incremental position. Non-limiting examples of elastic members are springs or elastomers.

In some embodiments, the stop system allows 360 degrees of rotation of the inner member. In some embodiments, the stop system is configured to allow the inner member to rotate in 120 degree increments, however, other amounts and sizes of increments are possible.

Fig. 10A and 10B show views of the inner member 74 and its shaft 78, one of the panels 76, and a detent system having a resilient member 79 and cooperating ramp structure 80. Fig. 10A is a front view, and fig. 10B is a side view.

Fig. 11A to 11C are a series of images showing the configuration of the panel 76 as the panel 76 rotates along the second axis (from left to right, fig. 11A to 11C) within the inner member of the head unit of fig. 7A to 7D. In fig. 11A to 11C, when the panel is rotated, the front side of the panel is removed to show the internal components. In this embodiment, each panel has a detent system. The detent system is adapted to releasably hold the panel 74 in place when one of the two sides is shown. In some embodiments, the detent system comprises a spring biased detent system having a resilient member 82 and a cooperating ramp structure 83. The resilient member biases the ramped surfaces of the mating ramped structures into engagement with one another. As shown in fig. 11A, 11B, and 11C, when the user applies sufficient pressure to rotate the panel, the two ramped surfaces slide against each other, as shown in fig. 11B, compressing the resilient member until the ramped structure disengages and allows the panel to rotate to different incremental positions. At this point, as shown in FIG. 11C, the resilient member extends, pushing the ramped surface back into engagement and holding the panel in place until pressure is again applied to move the panel to the next incremental position. Non-limiting examples of elastic members are springs or elastomers.

In some such embodiments, the stop system allows 360 degrees of rotation of the panel within the inner member. In some such embodiments, the stop system is configured to allow the panel to rotate in 180 degree increments, although other amounts and sizes of increments are possible.

In some embodiments according to the invention, the doll or figure is designed to resemble an object. As used herein, the term "subject" may refer to a particular animal or organism, a cartoon character, a public character, or a fictional human or animal or organism. Thus, the head unit may be attached to or incorporated into the plush toy. Alternatively, the head unit may be decorated with fur or other ornamentation. In some embodiments, the doll or figure may be customized to resemble a user or avatar.

In some embodiments according to the invention, the plurality of panels of the interior member of the head unit display different facial expressions of a single subject. In such embodiments, the user may rotate between various facial expressions to allow the doll or doll to exhibit different hypothetical expressions and/or emotions during use.

In some embodiments according to the invention, the plurality of panels of the interior member of the head unit display different facial expressions of different subjects. In such embodiments, the presence of different facial expressions from different subjects allows a user to simulate a doll or a figure representing more than one subject during use.

In some embodiments according to the invention, the head unit is detachable from the body part.

In some embodiments according to the invention, the inner member has a panel with a two-dimensional or three-dimensional design, graphic or structure. In any event, the inner member is configured such that the panels rotate slightly so that the various designs, graphics or structures do not interfere with one another.

In some embodiments, the panel is configured to lock or snap into place after being rotated 180 degrees to prevent the panel from inadvertently rotating during use of the doll or doll.

In some embodiments, the inner member is configured to lock or snap into place during rotation and after positioning a desired panel into the display opening of the outer structure to prevent the inner member from inadvertently rotating during use of the doll or doll.

In some embodiments, the external structure of the head unit is a helmet or hood.

In some embodiments, the external structure is decorated with accessories, including but not limited to ears, hair or wigs, or a hat. Additional accessories that may be used to decorate an external structure will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on this disclosure.

In some embodiments, the shaft gear or design is in the form of one or more accessories or accessories. Examples include, but are not limited to, hats, crowns, bands, bows, flowers, scutellum, hairpins, beanies, buns, horns, fins, antennas. Additional accessories that may be used to decorate the shaft will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on this disclosure.

The embodiments illustrated and discussed in this specification are intended only to teach those skilled in the art the best way known to the inventors to make and use the invention. Nothing in this specification should be taken as a limitation on the scope of the invention. All examples given are representative and non-limiting. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing teachings, the above-described embodiments of the invention can be modified or varied without departing from the invention. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.