US20050059317A1 - Educational toy - Google Patents
Educational toy Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050059317A1 US20050059317A1 US10/665,106 US66510603A US2005059317A1 US 20050059317 A1 US20050059317 A1 US 20050059317A1 US 66510603 A US66510603 A US 66510603A US 2005059317 A1 US2005059317 A1 US 2005059317A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- attachable
- host structure
- reader
- toy
- items
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/30—Capturing games for grabbing or trapping objects, e.g. fishing games
- A63F9/305—Fishing games
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H33/00—Other toys
- A63H33/006—Infant exercisers, e.g. for attachment to a crib
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/24—Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for
- A63F2009/2401—Detail of input, input devices
- A63F2009/2411—Input form cards, tapes, discs
- A63F2009/2419—Optical
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/24—Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for
- A63F2009/2401—Detail of input, input devices
- A63F2009/2411—Input form cards, tapes, discs
- A63F2009/2419—Optical
- A63F2009/242—Bar codes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/24—Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for
- A63F2009/2483—Other characteristics
- A63F2009/2488—Remotely playable
- A63F2009/2489—Remotely playable by radio transmitters, e.g. using RFID
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H2200/00—Computerized interactive toys, e.g. dolls
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H3/00—Dolls
- A63H3/16—Dolls made of parts that can be put together
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H3/00—Dolls
- A63H3/36—Details; Accessories
- A63H3/365—Details; Accessories allowing a choice of facial features, e.g. to change the facial expression
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H33/00—Other toys
- A63H33/26—Magnetic or electric toys
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally as indicated to an educational toy and, more particularly, to an educational toy having a host structure and items selectively attachable thereto.
- children generally enjoy toys that allow them to manipulate different parts of the toy so as to produce a certain result and/or changing characteristics. For example, children enjoy catching items, dressing up stuffed animals, and/or putting together puzzles. These activities typically help to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. However, a parent usually needs to be participating to assist the child with placement problems or errors, to congratulate the child for placement successes, to encourage the child to try new things, and/or to provide any other type of educational feedback.
- the present invention provides a toy that allows a child to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while at the same time receiving corrective advice, congratulations, and encouragement without direct parental participation.
- the present invention provides such educational feedback without requiring mature manipulative skills (e.g., requiring the child to place complex parts into an opening in just the right manner) and/or without the need for complicated circuitry running throughout the toy. In this manner, an educational toy can be easily constructed without compromising the optimum or desired “toy shape.”
- the present invention provides a toy that comprises a host structure, a plurality of attachable items which can be selectively attached to the host structure, and an identification device.
- the identification device comprises at least one reader and a plurality of tags which, when read by a reader, provide identification information particular to that tag.
- Each reader is housed by the host structure and the tags are each housed by one of the plurality of attachable items.
- a reader reads the identification information from a particular tag at the time that the corresponding attachable item is attached to the host structure. Different outputs are generated depending upon which attachable item has been identified by the reader.
- the identification device is preferably a radio frequency identification device.
- the reader(s) broadcast a radio frequency activation signal, which is received by one of the tags at the time that the corresponding attachable item is attached.
- the tag is thereby powered to transmit identification information to the reader, and this information is used to generate the appropriate output.
- the identification device could be a bar code identification device, wherein each tag comprises a bar code printed on the attachable item and wherein each reader reads the bar code to obtain identification information.
- any other type of suitable identification system namely, one that does not require a child to have strong manipulative skills and does not require complicated circuitry running throughout the toy) is possible with, and contemplated by, the present invention.
- the host structure can be constructed so as to be able to house only one reader and permit the attachment of only one of the attachable items at a time.
- the host structure can house a plurality of readers, and a plurality of the attachable items may be simultaneously attached to the host structure.
- the generated outputs may be audio and/or visual, may occur on the host structure and/or the attachable items, and/or may change dependent upon the selected mode of operation.
- the outputs can correspond to names (e.g., the name of the attached item), colors (e.g., the color of the attached item) and/or numbers (e.g., the number printed on the attached item).
- an output can be generated when all of the items are attached to the host structure.
- the host structure resembles a fishing rod and the attachable items (e.g., fish, aquatic animals and/or sea creatures) are attached, one at a time, to an attachment location corresponding to where a fish would be caught by a fishing rod.
- the host structure resembles a personality-void head, and the attachable items resemble hat-like masks which can be fitted over, one at a time, the host structure to impart personality thereto.
- the host structure resembles a torso (e.g., a teddy bear torso), and the attachable items resemble body parts (e.g., arms, legs, ears, nose, etc.) that are attachable to the torso.
- a torso e.g., a teddy bear torso
- body parts e.g., arms, legs, ears, nose, etc.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toy 10 according to one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the identification device 30 of the toy 10 .
- FIGS. 3A-3D are perspective views of a toy 110 according to another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the identification device 130 of the toy 110 .
- FIGS. 5A-5C are perspective views of a toy 210 according to another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the identification device 230 of the toy 210 .
- FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an alternate identification device 330 .
- the toy comprises a host structure 12 and a plurality of attachable items 14 .
- the host structure 12 resembles a fishing rod and the attachable items 14 resemble different kinds of fish, aquatic animals, and/or sea creatures. That being said, it should be understood that the host structure 12 does not have to resemble a fishing rod and/or the attachable items 14 do not have to resemble such creatures.
- the host structure 12 could resemble a crane (or other structure having a cord design to attach items at its distal end) and/or the attachable items could resemble houses, plants, people, flowers, etc.
- the host structure 12 comprises an attachment location 16 that actually “catches” the attachable items 14 .
- the attachment location 16 is preferably situated at a location corresponding to where a fish would be caught by a fishing rod and, in the illustrated embodiment, the attachment location 16 resembles a bobber at the end of the rod's fishing line.
- the host structure 12 e.g., the fishing rod
- the host structure 12 is designed to “catch” one attachment item 14 (e.g., one fish) at a time, and thus has only one attachment location 16 .
- attachment location 16 e.g., the bobber
- an attachable item 14 e.g., a fish
- mating magnetic elements 18 and 20 e.g., a magnet and a metal strip
- a certain proximity is reached, attachment will occur.
- complimentary hooks and loops e.g., VELCROTM
- the connectors 18 and 20 are preferably selected so that the child can detach a “caught” item 14 so that parental participation is not necessary for continued play.
- the toy 10 additionally comprises a radio frequency identification device 30 .
- the device 30 includes a reader 32 and a plurality of tags 34 that, when read by the reader 32 , provide identification information unique to that attachment item 14 . Since the toy 10 is designed to “catch” one item 14 at a time, it has only one reader 32 .
- the reader 32 is housed by the host structure 12 (see FIG. 1 ) and comprises an antenna 36 and a decoding transceiver 38 .
- the tags 34 are each housed by one of the plurality of attachable items 14 and each includes a receiver 40 , an integrated circuit 42 (which stores encoded identification information), and a transmitter 44 .
- the reader 32 is positioned adjacent to the attachment location 16 on the host structure 12 , and the tags 34 are positioned adjacent to the expected attachment area of the items 14 .
- a power supply 50 , a host computer 52 , and an output generator 54 coordinate with the identification device 30 to generate different outputs for the different attachment items 14 .
- the reader's transceiver 38 emits an activation signal, which is broadcast by the antenna 36 .
- the activation signal is received by the radio frequency receiver 40 .
- the integrated circuit 42 is then powered, and the stored encoded identification information (e.g., a 32 bit word or 128 bit word) is transmitted and received by the reader's transceiver 38 .
- the transceiver 38 decodes the transmitted identification information and sends it to the host computer 52 , whereat it acts like a “key” to a database of information stored on the computer.
- the reader 32 reads the identification information from a particular tag 34 when the corresponding attachable item 14 is attached to the host structure 12 at the attachment location 16 . In this manner, different outputs are generated depending upon which attachable item 14 has been identified by the reader 32 .
- the toy 10 can announce to the child what has been caught (e.g., gold fish, octopus, shark, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, a variety of theme sets can be developed. For example, the toy 10 can announce the color of the fish, the numeral printed on the fish, or any other feature. Depending upon the age of the child, the toy 10 could add the number of “fish” caught, the numerals printed on the fish or do other simple math. Moreover, the toy 10 can have different modes of operation so as to accommodate children of different ages (see mode switch 48 in FIG. 2 ), whereby the toy 10 would be a “grow-with” toy.
- the toy 110 is similar to the toy 10 in many ways and comprises a host structure 112 and a plurality of attachable items 114 .
- the host structure 112 resembles a personality-void head (e.g., a spherical object with eyes and mouth painted thereon), and the attachable items 114 resemble different hat-shaped accessories (e.g., masks, wigs, etc.) that can impart personality or other attributes.
- the host structure 112 of the toy 110 is designed to accommodate one item 114 at a time, and thus has one attachment location 116 which, in the illustrated embodiment, is the northern hemisphere of the sphere.
- the toy 110 does not include and/or need connectors (e.g., like the connectors 18 and 20 in toy 10 ) because the attachable items 114 are made of a stretchable fabric that is sized and shaped to fit around the northern hemisphere of the host structure and over the attachment location 116 .
- connectors can be used if necessary or desired.
- the toy 110 also comprises a radio frequency identification device 130 .
- the device 130 is in many ways the same as the above-described device 30 , whereby like reference numerals are used (with “100” added thereto).
- the radio frequency device 130 includes a reader 132 and a plurality of tags 134 .
- the tags 134 each further include an LED 146 for providing a light response.
- the attachment items 114 do not include any separate source of power (e.g., their own batteries) in order to generate a response.
- the toy 110 When an attachable item 114 is “worn” by the host structure 112 , the toy 110 is assigned a personality/character and it comes “to life.” Specifically, the host structure 112 and/or the attached item 114 can vibrate, light up, or otherwise generate a response corresponding to the attached item. For example, the toy 110 can start making corresponding character sounds (e.g., “moooo” for a cow, “oink” for a pig, etc.). A single sound would be appropriate for younger children while longer word texts (e.g., three to six cycling messages) would be appropriate for older children. Additionally or alternatively, the attachment items 114 can include numbers and/or letters, and the responses can be designed to teach the alphabet and/or number patterns.
- the toy 210 is similar to the toy 10 in many ways and comprises a host structure 212 and attachable items 214 .
- the host structure 212 resembles a torso (e.g., a teddy bear's torso) and the attachable items 214 resemble different body parts (e.g., left arm, right arm, left leg, right leg, tail, eyes, nose, ears, etc.).
- Color dots or other matching aids can be provided on the host structure 212 and the attachable items 214 to help the child match up the body parts to the torso.
- the host structure 212 is designed to “attach” all of the items 214 at one time and, to this end, includes a plurality of attachment locations 216 and corresponding connectors 218 and 220 .
- hook-and-loop (e.g., VELCROTM) connecting components are preferred; however, magnets and other suitable connectors could be used instead.
- the connectors 218 and 220 might not be necessary.
- the toy 210 also comprises a radio frequency identification device 230 , which includes a plurality of readers 232 (one for each attachment location 216 ) and a plurality of tags 234 (one for each attachable item 214 ).
- the identification device 230 is similar to the identification device 30 , and thus like reference numerals (with “200” added thereto) are used for corresponding components.
- an attachment item 214 e.g., a body part
- an attachment location 216 e.g., a body part
- a suitable response can be provided. For example, if the “left arm” attachment item 214 is placed in the “nose” attachment location 216 , the toy 210 can say “try again, that's not my nose” and, if the “left arm” is appropriately placed, the toy 210 can say “very good, that's my left arm!” Additionally or alternatively, the host structure 212 could light up once an attachment item 214 is correctly attached.
- the attachment items 214 could also light up upon attachment if LEDs like those described above in connection with toy 110 are incorporated into the toy 210 .) This play can continue until all the body parts 214 are attached to the torso 212 and, upon such completion, the toy 210 can generate another response. For example, upon attachment of all of the body parts 214 , the toy 210 can “come to life” by singing songs, blinking lights, asking questions about where certain body parts are located, etc.
- the reader(s) and the tags are designed for recognition by radio frequency patterns. This is the preferred form of the identification device as it requires very little space, is very reliable, and does not require precision attachments. That being said, these identification devices 30 , 130 and 230 could be replaced with the bar code identification device 330 shown schematically in FIG. 7 .
- the device 330 is designed for incorporation into the toy 310 , whereby like reference numerals are used to identify corresponding parts (with “300” added thereto).
- the reader 332 is a bar code reader and the tag 334 comprises a bar code printed on the attachable item 314 .
- Similar bar code devices could be structured for the toys 110 and 210 by simply replacing each reader 132 / 232 with a bar code reader and replacing each tag 134 / 234 with a bar code tag 334 .
- other types of suitable identification systems could be substituted for the devices 30 , 130 and/or 230 .
- the present invention provides a toy 10 / 110 / 210 that allows a child to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while at the same time receiving corrective advice, congratulations, and encouragement without direct parental participation.
- the present invention can provide such educational feedback without requiring strong manipulative skills and/or without the need for complicated circuitry running throughout the toy.
Abstract
A toy comprising a host structure, a plurality of attachable items that can be selectively attached to the host structure, and a radio frequency identification device. The radio frequency identification device comprises at least one reader and a plurality of tags which, when read by a reader, provide identification information particular to each tag. Each reader is housed by the host structure and the tags are each housed by one of the plurality of attachable items. The reader reads the identification information from a particular tag at the time that the corresponding attachable item is attached to the host structure and different outputs are generated depending upon which item is attached.
Description
- The present invention relates generally as indicated to an educational toy and, more particularly, to an educational toy having a host structure and items selectively attachable thereto.
- Children generally enjoy toys that allow them to manipulate different parts of the toy so as to produce a certain result and/or changing characteristics. For example, children enjoy catching items, dressing up stuffed animals, and/or putting together puzzles. These activities typically help to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. However, a parent usually needs to be participating to assist the child with placement problems or errors, to congratulate the child for placement successes, to encourage the child to try new things, and/or to provide any other type of educational feedback.
- The present invention provides a toy that allows a child to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while at the same time receiving corrective advice, congratulations, and encouragement without direct parental participation. The present invention, among other things, provides such educational feedback without requiring mature manipulative skills (e.g., requiring the child to place complex parts into an opening in just the right manner) and/or without the need for complicated circuitry running throughout the toy. In this manner, an educational toy can be easily constructed without compromising the optimum or desired “toy shape.”
- More particularly, the present invention provides a toy that comprises a host structure, a plurality of attachable items which can be selectively attached to the host structure, and an identification device. The identification device comprises at least one reader and a plurality of tags which, when read by a reader, provide identification information particular to that tag. Each reader is housed by the host structure and the tags are each housed by one of the plurality of attachable items. A reader reads the identification information from a particular tag at the time that the corresponding attachable item is attached to the host structure. Different outputs are generated depending upon which attachable item has been identified by the reader.
- The identification device is preferably a radio frequency identification device. In such an identification device, the reader(s) broadcast a radio frequency activation signal, which is received by one of the tags at the time that the corresponding attachable item is attached. The tag is thereby powered to transmit identification information to the reader, and this information is used to generate the appropriate output. Alternatively, the identification device could be a bar code identification device, wherein each tag comprises a bar code printed on the attachable item and wherein each reader reads the bar code to obtain identification information. Moreover, any other type of suitable identification system (namely, one that does not require a child to have strong manipulative skills and does not require complicated circuitry running throughout the toy) is possible with, and contemplated by, the present invention.
- The host structure can be constructed so as to be able to house only one reader and permit the attachment of only one of the attachable items at a time. Alternatively, the host structure can house a plurality of readers, and a plurality of the attachable items may be simultaneously attached to the host structure. In either case, the generated outputs may be audio and/or visual, may occur on the host structure and/or the attachable items, and/or may change dependent upon the selected mode of operation. The outputs can correspond to names (e.g., the name of the attached item), colors (e.g., the color of the attached item) and/or numbers (e.g., the number printed on the attached item). With particular reference to situations in which a plurality of the attachable items can be simultaneously attached to the host structure, an output can be generated when all of the items are attached to the host structure.
- In a first illustrated embodiment of the invention, the host structure resembles a fishing rod and the attachable items (e.g., fish, aquatic animals and/or sea creatures) are attached, one at a time, to an attachment location corresponding to where a fish would be caught by a fishing rod. In a second illustrated embodiment of the invention, the host structure resembles a personality-void head, and the attachable items resemble hat-like masks which can be fitted over, one at a time, the host structure to impart personality thereto. In a third illustrated embodiment of the invention, the host structure resembles a torso (e.g., a teddy bear torso), and the attachable items resemble body parts (e.g., arms, legs, ears, nose, etc.) that are attachable to the torso.
- These and other features of the invention are fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these embodiments being indicative of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of atoy 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of theidentification device 30 of thetoy 10. -
FIGS. 3A-3D are perspective views of atoy 110 according to another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of theidentification device 130 of thetoy 110. -
FIGS. 5A-5C are perspective views of atoy 210 according to another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of theidentification device 230 of thetoy 210. -
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an alternate identification device 330. - Referring now to the drawings, and initially to
FIG. 1 , atoy 10 according to one embodiment of the invention is shown. The toy comprises ahost structure 12 and a plurality ofattachable items 14. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1 , thehost structure 12 resembles a fishing rod and theattachable items 14 resemble different kinds of fish, aquatic animals, and/or sea creatures. That being said, it should be understood that thehost structure 12 does not have to resemble a fishing rod and/or theattachable items 14 do not have to resemble such creatures. For example, thehost structure 12 could resemble a crane (or other structure having a cord design to attach items at its distal end) and/or the attachable items could resemble houses, plants, people, flowers, etc. - The
host structure 12 comprises anattachment location 16 that actually “catches” theattachable items 14. Theattachment location 16 is preferably situated at a location corresponding to where a fish would be caught by a fishing rod and, in the illustrated embodiment, theattachment location 16 resembles a bobber at the end of the rod's fishing line. The host structure 12 (e.g., the fishing rod) is designed to “catch” one attachment item 14 (e.g., one fish) at a time, and thus has only oneattachment location 16. - When a child lowers the attachment location 16 (e.g., the bobber) towards an attachable item 14 (e.g., a fish), attachment therebetween can be accomplished in an appropriate manner. By way of an example, and as is shown in the illustrated embodiment, mating
magnetic elements 18 and 20 (e.g., a magnet and a metal strip) can be situated on thebobber 16 and theattachment item 14, respectively, so that once a certain proximity is reached, attachment will occur. By way of another example, complimentary hooks and loops (e.g., VELCRO™) could be placed on theattachment items 14 and theattachment location 16. In any event, theconnectors item 14 so that parental participation is not necessary for continued play. - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , thetoy 10 additionally comprises a radiofrequency identification device 30. Thedevice 30 includes areader 32 and a plurality oftags 34 that, when read by thereader 32, provide identification information unique to thatattachment item 14. Since thetoy 10 is designed to “catch” oneitem 14 at a time, it has only onereader 32. - The
reader 32 is housed by the host structure 12 (seeFIG. 1 ) and comprises anantenna 36 and adecoding transceiver 38. Thetags 34 are each housed by one of the plurality ofattachable items 14 and each includes areceiver 40, an integrated circuit 42 (which stores encoded identification information), and atransmitter 44. Thereader 32 is positioned adjacent to theattachment location 16 on thehost structure 12, and thetags 34 are positioned adjacent to the expected attachment area of theitems 14. - A
power supply 50, ahost computer 52, and an output generator 54 (e.g., visual display and/or speaker) coordinate with theidentification device 30 to generate different outputs for thedifferent attachment items 14. Specifically, when thepower supply 50 is turned on, the reader'stransceiver 38 emits an activation signal, which is broadcast by theantenna 36. Once anattachable item 14 passes through the electromagnetic field created by the broadcast (e.g., when theattachable item 14 attaches to the attachment location 16), the activation signal is received by theradio frequency receiver 40. The integratedcircuit 42 is then powered, and the stored encoded identification information (e.g., a 32 bit word or 128 bit word) is transmitted and received by the reader'stransceiver 38. Thetransceiver 38 decodes the transmitted identification information and sends it to thehost computer 52, whereat it acts like a “key” to a database of information stored on the computer. Thus, thereader 32 reads the identification information from aparticular tag 34 when the correspondingattachable item 14 is attached to thehost structure 12 at theattachment location 16. In this manner, different outputs are generated depending upon whichattachable item 14 has been identified by thereader 32. - When an
attachable item 14 is “caught” by thehost structure 12, thetoy 10 can announce to the child what has been caught (e.g., gold fish, octopus, shark, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, a variety of theme sets can be developed. For example, thetoy 10 can announce the color of the fish, the numeral printed on the fish, or any other feature. Depending upon the age of the child, thetoy 10 could add the number of “fish” caught, the numerals printed on the fish or do other simple math. Moreover, thetoy 10 can have different modes of operation so as to accommodate children of different ages (seemode switch 48 inFIG. 2 ), whereby thetoy 10 would be a “grow-with” toy. - Referring now to
FIGS. 3A-3D , atoy 110 according to another embodiment of the invention is shown. Thetoy 110 is similar to thetoy 10 in many ways and comprises ahost structure 112 and a plurality ofattachable items 114. In the illustrated embodiment, thehost structure 112 resembles a personality-void head (e.g., a spherical object with eyes and mouth painted thereon), and theattachable items 114 resemble different hat-shaped accessories (e.g., masks, wigs, etc.) that can impart personality or other attributes. - As with
host structure 12 of thetoy 10, thehost structure 112 of thetoy 110 is designed to accommodate oneitem 114 at a time, and thus has one attachment location 116 which, in the illustrated embodiment, is the northern hemisphere of the sphere. Thetoy 110 does not include and/or need connectors (e.g., like theconnectors attachable items 114 are made of a stretchable fabric that is sized and shaped to fit around the northern hemisphere of the host structure and over the attachment location 116. However, in certain situations, connectors can be used if necessary or desired. - Referring now to
FIG. 4 , thetoy 110 also comprises a radiofrequency identification device 130. Thedevice 130 is in many ways the same as the above-describeddevice 30, whereby like reference numerals are used (with “100” added thereto). Thus, theradio frequency device 130 includes areader 132 and a plurality oftags 134. In addition to a radio frequency receiver 140, anintegrated circuit 142, and atransmitter 144, thetags 134 each further include anLED 146 for providing a light response. When thetag 134 comes within broadcast range of thereader 132, the power obtained by the incoming signal is sufficient to power the LED 146 (as well as the integrated circuit 142). In this manner, theattachment items 114 do not include any separate source of power (e.g., their own batteries) in order to generate a response. - When an
attachable item 114 is “worn” by thehost structure 112, thetoy 110 is assigned a personality/character and it comes “to life.” Specifically, thehost structure 112 and/or the attacheditem 114 can vibrate, light up, or otherwise generate a response corresponding to the attached item. For example, thetoy 110 can start making corresponding character sounds (e.g., “moooo” for a cow, “oink” for a pig, etc.). A single sound would be appropriate for younger children while longer word texts (e.g., three to six cycling messages) would be appropriate for older children. Additionally or alternatively, theattachment items 114 can include numbers and/or letters, and the responses can be designed to teach the alphabet and/or number patterns. - Referring now to
FIGS. 5A and 5B , atoy 210 according to another embodiment of the invention is shown. Thetoy 210 is similar to thetoy 10 in many ways and comprises ahost structure 212 andattachable items 214. In this embodiment, thehost structure 212 resembles a torso (e.g., a teddy bear's torso) and theattachable items 214 resemble different body parts (e.g., left arm, right arm, left leg, right leg, tail, eyes, nose, ears, etc.). Color dots or other matching aids (not shown) can be provided on thehost structure 212 and theattachable items 214 to help the child match up the body parts to the torso. - In this embodiment, the
host structure 212 is designed to “attach” all of theitems 214 at one time and, to this end, includes a plurality ofattachment locations 216 andcorresponding connectors toy 210, hook-and-loop (e.g., VELCRO™) connecting components are preferred; however, magnets and other suitable connectors could be used instead. In fact, in some forms of thetoy 210, theconnectors - Referring now additionally to
FIG. 6 , thetoy 210 also comprises a radiofrequency identification device 230, which includes a plurality of readers 232 (one for each attachment location 216) and a plurality of tags 234 (one for each attachable item 214). Theidentification device 230 is similar to theidentification device 30, and thus like reference numerals (with “200” added thereto) are used for corresponding components. - When an attachment item 214 (e.g., a body part) is attached to an
attachment location 216, a suitable response can be provided. For example, if the “left arm”attachment item 214 is placed in the “nose”attachment location 216, thetoy 210 can say “try again, that's not my nose” and, if the “left arm” is appropriately placed, thetoy 210 can say “very good, that's my left arm!” Additionally or alternatively, thehost structure 212 could light up once anattachment item 214 is correctly attached. (Theattachment items 214 could also light up upon attachment if LEDs like those described above in connection withtoy 110 are incorporated into thetoy 210.) This play can continue until all thebody parts 214 are attached to thetorso 212 and, upon such completion, thetoy 210 can generate another response. For example, upon attachment of all of thebody parts 214, thetoy 210 can “come to life” by singing songs, blinking lights, asking questions about where certain body parts are located, etc. - In the
identification devices identification devices FIG. 7 . The device 330 is designed for incorporation into the toy 310, whereby like reference numerals are used to identify corresponding parts (with “300” added thereto). In this embodiment, however, thereader 332 is a bar code reader and thetag 334 comprises a bar code printed on theattachable item 314. Similar bar code devices could be structured for thetoys reader 132/232 with a bar code reader and replacing eachtag 134/234 with abar code tag 334. Moreover, other types of suitable identification systems could be substituted for thedevices - One may now appreciate that the present invention provides a
toy 10/110/210 that allows a child to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while at the same time receiving corrective advice, congratulations, and encouragement without direct parental participation. The present invention can provide such educational feedback without requiring strong manipulative skills and/or without the need for complicated circuitry running throughout the toy. - Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it is evident that equivalent and obvious alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification.
Claims (32)
1. A toy comprising a host structure, a plurality of attachable items that can be selectively attached to the host structure, and an output device;
wherein the host structure comprises at least one reader;
wherein the plurality of attachable items each include a tag which, when read by the at least one reader, provides identification information particular to that tag;
wherein the at least one reader reads the identification information from a particular tag when the corresponding attachable item is attached to the host structure; and
wherein the output device generates different outputs depending upon which attachable item has been identified by the at least one reader;
wherein the at least one reader broadcast a radio frequency activation signal, which is received by one of the tags at the time that the corresponding attachable item is attached, and wherein the tag is powered by the activation signal to transmit identification information to the at least one reader.
2. (Cancelled)
3. (Cancelled)
4. A toy comprising a host structure, a plurality of attachable items that can be selectively attached to the host structure, and an output device;
wherein the host structure comprises at least one reader;
wherein the plurality of attachable items each include a tag which, when read by the at least one reader, provides identification information particular to that tag;
wherein the at least one reader reads the identification information from a particular tag when the corresponding attachable item is attached to the host structure; and
wherein the output device generates different outputs depending upon which attachable item has been identified by the at least one reader;
wherein the at least one reader and tags comprise a bar code identification device.
5. A toy as set forth in claim 4 , wherein each tag comprises a bar code printed on the attachable item and wherein each reader reads the bar code to obtain identification information.
6. A toy as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the at least one reader comprises only one reader and wherein only one of the attachable items is attachable to the host structure at a time.
7. A toy as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the at least one reader comprises a plurality of readers and wherein a plurality of the attachable items can be attached to the host structure at the same time.
8. A toy as set forth in claim 7 , wherein the output device generates a particular output when all of the attachable items have been attached to the host structure.
9. A toy as set forth in claim 1 , comprising a mode selector to select different modes of operation and wherein the outputs change depending upon the selected mode of operation.
10. A toy comprising a host structure, a plurality of attachable items that can be selectively attached to the host structure, and an output device;
wherein the host structure comprises at least one reader;
wherein the plurality of attachable items each include a tag which, when read by the at least one reader, provides identification information particular to that tag;
wherein the at least one reader reads the identification information from a particular tag when the corresponding attachable item is attached to the host structure; and
wherein the output device generates different outputs depending upon which attachable item has been identified by the at least one reader;
wherein the output is audio.
11. A toy as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the output is visual.
12. A toy as set forth in claim 11 , wherein the visual output occurs on the attachable item.
13. A toy as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the different outputs occur on at least one of the attachable items.
14. A toy as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the attachable items are of different colors and the different outputs correspond to these different colors.
15. A toy as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the attachable items have different numerals printed thereon and wherein the different outputs correspond to these different numerals.
16. A toy as set forth in claim 15 , wherein the outputs correspond to addition or subtraction of these numerals.
17. A toy comprising a host structure, a plurality of attachable items that can be selectively attached to the host structure, and an output device;
wherein the host structure comprises at least one reader;
wherein the plurality of attachable items each include a tag which, when read by the at least one reader, provides identification information particular to that tag;
wherein the at least one reader reads the identification information from a particular tag when the corresponding attachable item is attached to the host structure; and
wherein the output device generates different outputs depending upon which attachable item has been identified by the at least one reader;
wherein the host structure resembles a fishing rod.
18. A toy as set forth in claim 17 , wherein the attachable items resemble fish, aquatic animals and/or sea creatures.
19. A toy comprising a host structure, a plurality of attachable items that can be selectively attached to the host structure, and an output device;
wherein the host structure comprises at least one reader;
wherein the plurality of attachable items each include a tag which, when read by the at least one reader, provides identification information particular to that tag;
wherein the at least one reader reads the identification information from a particular tag when the corresponding attachable item is attached to the host structure; and
wherein the output device generates different outputs depending upon which attachable item has been identified by the at least one reader;
wherein the host structure resembles a personality-void head and the attachable items resemble hats, masks, and other accessories that project a certain personality onto the head.
20. A toy as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the host structure resembles a torso and the attachable items resemble body parts attachable to the torso.
21. A toy as set forth in claim 20 , wherein the identification device generates an output when all of the attachable items are attached to the host structure.
22. A toy as set forth in claim 1 , further comprising connectors for connecting the attachment items to the host structure.
23. A toy as set forth in claim 22 , wherein the connectors comprise a magnetic connecting arrangement between the host structure and the attachment items.
24. A toy as set forth in claim 22 , wherein the connectors comprise a hook-and-loop fastening arrangement between the host structure and the attachment items.
25. A toy as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the attachment items are fitted around the host structure.
26. A toy comprising:
a host structure that resembles a fishing rod,
a radio frequency reader housed by the host structure and positioned at an attachment location corresponding to where a simulated fish would be caught by a fishing rod,
a plurality of attachable items that can be selectively attached, one at a time, to the host structure at the attachment location,
a plurality of radio frequency tags each housed by one of the plurality of attachable items and, when respectively read by the reader, providing identification information particular to that attachment item, and
magnetic connectors for connecting the attachable items to the attachment location;
wherein the reader reads the identification information from a particular tag at the time that the corresponding attachable item is attached to the host structure; and
wherein different outputs are generated depending upon which attachable item is identified by the reader.
27. A toy as set forth in claim 26 , wherein the attachable items resemble fish, aquatic animals, and/or sea creatures.
28. A toy comprising:
a host structure that comprises a substantially spherical object with facial expressions thereon;
a radio frequency reader housed by the host structure and positioned in an upper portion of the spherical object;
a plurality of attachable items, which resemble hats, masks, and other accessories that project a certain personality onto a head, and which can be selectively attached to the host structure by fitting them around the upper portion of the substantially spherical object, and
a plurality of radio frequency tags, each housed by one of the plurality of attachable items and, when respectively read by one of the readers, providing identification information particular to that attachment item;
wherein the reader reads the identification information from a particular tag at the time that the corresponding attachable item is attached to the host structure; and
wherein different outputs are generated depending upon which attachable item is identified by the reader.
29. A toy as set forth in claim 28 , wherein at least some of the different outputs are provided through at least some of the attachment items.
30. A toy as set forth in claim 29 , wherein the outputs provided through the attachment items comprise lights, which are turned on when the attachment item is identified by the reader.
31. A toy comprising:
a host structure that resembles a torso;
a plurality of radio frequency readers housed by the host structure at different attachment locations corresponding to missing body parts;
a plurality of attachable items, which resemble the missing body parts and which can be selectively attached to the host structure at the different attachment locations;
a plurality of radio frequency tags, each housed by one of the plurality of attachable items and, when respectively read by one of the readers, providing identification information particular to that attachment item;
wherein each of the readers read the identification information from a particular tag at the time that the corresponding attachable item is attached to the adjacent attachment location; and
wherein different outputs are generated depending upon which attachable item is identified by the reader.
32. A host structure as set forth in claim 31 , wherein the host structure resembles a teddy-bear torso and the attachment items resemble teddy-bear body parts.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/665,106 US20050059317A1 (en) | 2003-09-17 | 2003-09-17 | Educational toy |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/665,106 US20050059317A1 (en) | 2003-09-17 | 2003-09-17 | Educational toy |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20050059317A1 true US20050059317A1 (en) | 2005-03-17 |
Family
ID=34274666
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/665,106 Abandoned US20050059317A1 (en) | 2003-09-17 | 2003-09-17 | Educational toy |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20050059317A1 (en) |
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US20090011837A1 (en) * | 2007-04-27 | 2009-01-08 | Elaine Marans | Computer fashion game with machine-readable trading cards |
KR101386983B1 (en) | 2005-10-20 | 2014-04-29 | 커민스 터보 테크놀러지스 리미티드 | Turbine with variable inlet nozzle geometry |
US20150196846A1 (en) * | 2014-01-13 | 2015-07-16 | Quanta Computer Inc. | Interactive system and interactive method |
USD789449S1 (en) * | 2014-07-22 | 2017-06-13 | Dustin Meyer Berk | Hand-held educational game |
US20170326466A1 (en) * | 2015-09-14 | 2017-11-16 | 3.14 Co., Ltd. | Mobile toys using paper craft |
US20170348602A1 (en) * | 2016-06-07 | 2017-12-07 | Laura Hoinsky | Multiple component transition toy assembly |
US20190050701A1 (en) * | 2017-08-09 | 2019-02-14 | Nippon Mektron, Ltd. | Attachment tag and tag system |
US20230131242A1 (en) * | 2021-10-26 | 2023-04-27 | Mattel, Inc. | Interactive Toy System |
US11755851B2 (en) | 2019-08-23 | 2023-09-12 | Cfa Properties, Inc. | Object detection-based control of projected content |
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KR101386983B1 (en) | 2005-10-20 | 2014-04-29 | 커민스 터보 테크놀러지스 리미티드 | Turbine with variable inlet nozzle geometry |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: LITTLE TIKES COMPANY, THE, OHIO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:MCEACHEN, PETER C.;HUI, CHI KONG (STANLEY);SMITH, STEVE;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:014542/0102;SIGNING DATES FROM 20030811 TO 20030826 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |