Interactive response system for a figure

Abstract

The present invention is to an interactive response system for a figure. The figure includes a first portion that includes mechanisms for mechanical movement such as the movement of arms, head and legs. A second portion, which may be removably attached, includes various electronics. In response to a user's input or a preprogrammed play routine, or in response to sounds, the figure will responds with various movement and audio content.

1 . An interactive response system comprising: 
 a figure containing: 
 a means for triggering movement in the figure;  
 a movable head connected to the figure and having a mouth pivotally connected to the head;  
 a jaw mechanism in communication with said triggering means and linked to control movement of said mouth, such that the mouth moves in response to a first activation of said triggering means;  
 a head pivot mechanism in communication with said triggering means and linked to control movement of the head, such that the head moves in response to a second activation of said triggering means; and  
   a removable electronics housing positioned externally from the figure, the electronics housing containing at least a power supply and a processor for the receipt of signals generated in response to an activation of said triggering means and for controlling the movement of the figure in response to said signals, the removable electronics having a housing connector used to electronically connect to a figure connector defined on the figure.    
   
   
       2 . The interactive response system of  claim 1 , wherein said processor in said removable electronics housing further includes the transfer of audio signals to a speaker in response to said activation of said triggering means.  
   
   
       3 . The interactive figure of  claim 1 , wherein an activation of said triggering means includes a user moving an appendage of said figure.  
   
   
       4 . The interactive response system of  claim 1 , wherein said jaw mechanism defined by the figure further comprises: 
 a movable jaw defined in the mouth;    a jaw servo in communication with a power source for operation;    a jaw pin that rotatably secures said jaw servo to a jaw servo arm and further directs movement of said jaw servo arm when said jaw servo receives power and a control signal; and    a jaw linkage operatively connecting said movable jaw and said jaw servo arm to transfer power from said jaw servo arm to said movable jaw such that said movable jaw will open and close in accordance to said interactive response system.    
   
   
       5 . The interactive figure of  claim 1 , wherein said head is a flexible material and said mouth is defined by said jaw mechanism, whereby said flexible material enables said movable jaw to define the exterior shape of said mouth such that opening and closing of the movable jaw gives the appearance of said figure speaking or singing.  
   
   
       6 . The interactive response system of  claim 1  wherein said head pivot mechanism defined by the figure comprises: 
 a head servo in communication with a power source for operation;    a head linkage operatively connecting a head servo arm and a head pivot;    a head pin extending from said head servo to securely connect said head servo to said figure where said head pin further directs said head servo arm to move based on power and control signals received by said head servo, wherein said head linkage transfers movement of said head servo arm to said head pivot; and    the head secured to said head pivot such that said head pivot and head move from side to side in accordance to direction from said interactive response system.    
   
   
       7 . The interactive figure of  claim 1 , wherein said triggering means includes a third activation to simultaneously direct movement of said jaw mechanism and said head pivot mechanism.  
   
   
       8 . The interactive figure of  claim 1 , wherein said triggering means includes means to respond and trigger movement based on preprogramming, audio content, or user input.  
   
   
       9 . An interactive response system for animating movements of a mouth and head on a toy figure, said interactive response system comprising: 
 a processor that facilitates the operation of programs and access of data and content stored on a memory;    at least one switch whereby upon triggering said switch, a signal is sent to said processor to direct said processor to access content based on a program and/or in accordance to said signal received from said switch wherein said processor generates a response relating to a jaw mechanism and/or a head pivot mechanism; and    wherein said response includes a means to move said jaw mechanism and/or said head pivot mechanism based on content, preprogrammed signals, and/or a user's input.    
   
   
       10 . The interactive response system of  claim 9 , wherein said jaw mechanism further comprises: 
 a movable jaw;    a jaw servo in communication with a power source for operation;    a jaw pin that rotatably secures said jaw servo to a jaw servo arm and further directs movement of said jaw servo arm when said jaw servo receives power and a control signal; and    a jaw linkage operatively connecting said movable jaw and said jaw servo arm to transfer power from said jaw servo arm to said movable jaw such that said movable jaw will open and close in accordance to said interactive response system.    
   
   
       11 . The interactive response system of  claim 10 , wherein said head is a flexible material and said mouth is defined by said jaw mechanism, whereby said flexible material enables said movable jaw to define the exterior shape of said mouth portion of the head cavity such that opening and closing of the movable jaw gives the appearance of said figure speaking or singing.  
   
   
       12 . The interactive response system of  claim 11 , wherein said activation of said jaw mechanism animates said mouth in combination with audio content to simulate speech and/or signing.  
   
   
       13 . The interactive response system of  claim 10 , wherein said head pivot mechanism comprises: 
 a head servo in communication with a power source for operation;    a head linkage operatively connecting a head servo arm and a head pivot;    a head pin extending from said head servo to securely connect said head servo to said figure where said head pin further directs said head servo arm to move based on power and control signals received by said head servo, wherein said head linkage transfers movement of said head servo arm to said head pivot; and    said head secured to said head pivot such that said head pivot and head move from side to side in accordance to direction from said interactive response system.    
   
   
       14 . The interactive response system of  claim 13 , further comprising a means to operably connect to an external media device, whereby said means to operably connect enables the transfer of additional audio content from said external media device to said toy figure for play in accordance therewith.  
   
   
       15 . The interactive response system of  claim 1 , wherein the removable electronics housing is shaped as a stand and has a base for supporting the figure in a standing position and an arm extending upwardly therefrom, an end of the arm includes the housing connector for electronically connecting the removable electronics housing to the figure.  
   
   
       16 . The interactive response system of  claim 1 , wherein the removable electronics housing is shaped as a chair with an extended base for supporting the figure in a seated position and a backing for supporting the torso of the figure, the backing defined to include the housing connector for electronically connecting the removable electronics housing to the figure.  
   
   
       17 . The interactive response system of  claim 1 , wherein the removable electronics housing is shaped as a backpack and includes a pair of straps for securing around the arms of the figure and includes a portion that is positioned against the torso of the figure wherein the portion of the backpack includes the housing connector for electronically connecting the removable electronics housing to the figure.