Sound synchronized animation mechanism that utilizes electromagnetics

Abstract

An animation system for animating parts of a toy figure. A toy figure is provided that has movable parts. A magnet is attached to one part. An electromagnet is attached to an opposing part of the toy figure opposite the magnet. The electromagnet creates an electromagnetic field when activated that interacts with the magnetic mass and causes movement between the parts that support the electromagnet and the magnet. The movement of the parts animate the toy figure.

1 . In a figure head having a discernable mouth defined between opposing jaw elements, an animation system, comprising:
 an electromagnet supported by a first of said opposing jaw elements;   a magnetic mass supported by a second of said opposing jaw elements;   wherein said electromagnet creates an electromagnetic field when activated that interacts with said magnetic mass and causes movement between said opposing jaw elements.   
   
   
       2 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein said electromagnet is selectively activated by audio signals. 
   
   
       3 . The system according to  claim 1 , further including an audio driver for creating audio signals. 
   
   
       4 . The system according to  claim 3 , wherein said electromagnet activates when said audio signals surpass a predetermined threshold. 
   
   
       5 . The system according to  claim 4 , further including a speaker for broadcasting said audio signals. 
   
   
       6 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein one of said opposing jaws is fixed in position and a second of said opposing jaws is moveable about a pivot. 
   
   
       7 . The system according to  claim 6 , further including a spring that contacts said second of said opposing jaws, therein biasing said second of said opposing jaws into a set position. 
   
   
       8 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein said magnetic mass is a magnet. 
   
   
       9 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein said magnet has a uniform pole facing said electromagnet. 
   
   
       10 . The system according to  claim 1 , further including batteries for providing electric current and a controller for selectively controlling flow of said electric current to said electromagnet. 
   
   
       11 . The system according to  claim 10 , wherein said controller and said batteries are coupled to a common circuit board within said figure head. 
   
   
       12 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein said figure head is an inflated balloon. 
   
   
       13 . A system for creating sound synchronized animation in a novelty object, said system comprising:
 two opposing elements, wherein at least one of said opposing elements is moveable relative the other and wherein movement of at least one of said opposing element causes animation in said novelty object;   a magnetic mass coupled to a second of said opposing elements;   an electromagnet coupled to a first of said opposing elements, wherein said electromagnet interacts with said magnetic mass and causes movement between said opposing elements when activated;   a speaker that broadcast sound signals; and   a controller coupled to said electromagnet that activates said electromagnet when said sound signals surpass a predetermined threshold level.   
   
   
       14 . The system according to  claim 13 , wherein said novelty object has a mouth and wherein said mouth is disposed between said opposing elements, therein animating said mouth. 
   
   
       15 . The system according to  claim 13 , further including a spring that contacts said second of said opposing jaws, therein biasing said second of said opposing jaws into a set position. 
   
   
       16 . The system according to  claim 13 , wherein said magnetic mass is a magnet. 
   
   
       17 . The system according to  claim 16 , wherein said magnet has a uniform pole facing said electromagnet. 
   
   
       18 . A method of creating sound synchronized animation in a novelty object, said method comprising the step of:
 providing an electromagnet;   providing a magnetic mass that interacts with said electromagnet when said electromagnet is activated;   positioning said electromagnet and said magnet mass on opposing elements that are part of said novelty object;   providing an audio driver within said toy figure that produces audio signals;   providing a speaker on said toy figure that broadcasts said audio signals; and   controlling said electromagnet with said audio signals, wherein said electromagnet activates when said audio signals surpass a predetermined threshold level, therein creating animation that is at least in part synchronized with said audio signals.   
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein said novelty object has a mouth and said animation causes movement in said mouth.