TRANSFORMABLE TOY SET

Description

FIELD

The specification relates generally to transformable toys, and more particularly to a transformable toy with a cover layer that is removable.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

There is a continuing desire to provide toys that provide an element of surprise to the user. Thus, some toys have the ability to transform from one configuration to another. While these toys are entertaining, there is a continuing need for new ways for toys to transform in some way for the user.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In a first aspect, a transformable toy set is provided and includes, a transformable member, a cover layer, a plurality of drums and a plurality of tethers, and a drive source. The cover layer is movable between an extended position in which the cover layer covers at least a portion of the transformable member, and a retracted position in which the cover layer exposes at least a portion of the at least a portion of the transformable member. Each of the plurality of tethers has a first end that is connected to a respective one of the plurality of drums, and has a second end that is connected to a respective point on the cover layer. Rotation of the plurality of drums draws the plurality of tethers so as to draw each of the second ends of the plurality of tethers through respective travel paths so as to pull the cover layer from the extended position towards the retracted position. The drive source having an operative connection to each drum of the plurality of drums to drive rotation of each drum at a respective point in time for each drum, and wherein each drum has a drum perimeter. The respective point in time and the drum perimeter for a first drum from the plurality of drums are selected to draw the second end of a first tether of the plurality of tethers through a first travel path of the respective travel paths. The respective point in time and the drum perimeter for a final drum from the plurality of drums are selected to draw the second end of a final tether of the plurality of tethers through a final travel path of the respective travel paths. The first travel path is longer than the final travel path.

In a second aspect, a transformable toy set is provided and includes a base, a cartridge that is releasably mounted to the base, a transformable member positioned on the cartridge, a cover layer, at least one drum mounted in the cartridge and at least one tether, and a drive source. The cover layer is movable between an extended position in which the cover layer covers at least a portion of the transformable member, and a retracted position in which the cover layer exposes at least a portion of the at least a portion of the transformable member. Each of the at least one tether has a first end that is connected to a respective one of the at least one drum, and has a second end that is connected to a respective point on the cover layer. The drive source has an operative connection to each of the at least one drum to drive rotation of each of the at least one drum to draw each second end of the at least one tether through a respective travel path so as to pull the cover layer towards the retracted position. The transformable member and the cartridge are removable together as a unit from the base when the cover layer is in the extended position on the transformable member. The transformable member is removable from the cartridge while the cartridge remains mounted to the base when the cover layer is in the retracted position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the various embodiments described herein and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a transformable toy set in a closed position, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the transformable toy set shown in FIG. 1, in an open position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of the transformable toy set shown in FIG. 1, showing a base, a cartridge and a transformable member.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the base.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the base to illustrate movement of an enclosure member therefrom.

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the portion of the base shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a geartrain that is in the base.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the transformable member with a cover layer thereon, and the cartridge.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the transformable member separated from the cartridge, with the cover layer removed from the transformable member.

FIG. 9 is a sectional side view of the transformable member and the cartridge.

FIG. 9A is a sectional side view of a portion of the interface between the cartridge and the transformable member.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the transformable member from underneath.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the cartridge with a housing element removed.

FIG. 12 is a perspective exploded view of the cartridge.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a plurality of drums, at a first point in time.

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the plurality of drums, at a second point in time.

FIG. 13C is a perspective view of the plurality of drums, at a third point in time.

FIG. 14 is a sectional side view of the transformable member with a cover layer end cover in a retracted position.

FIG. 15 is a sectional side view of the transformable member with the cover layer end cover in an extended position.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a plurality of cartridge latches and a latch actuator in the base.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the cartridge latches and a portion of the cartridge, with some elements shown in section.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a housing element from the cartridge to illustrate tether apertures to permit tethers to enter into the cartridge.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of a portion of the cover layer and one tether.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the cartridge with the cover layer connected towards the bottom of the cartridge to illustrate the tethers within the cover layer and the tethers paths that the tethers may travel along.

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of the cartridge where the release member, final drum, and second drum have been removed from the cartridge housing such that the first drum is visible.

FIG. 21B is a perspective view of the cartridge where the release member and final drum have been removed from the cartridge housing such that the second drum is visible.

FIG. 21C is a perspective view of the cartridge where the release member has been removed.

FIG. 22 is a section view of the transformable toy showing the first and second disconnectable electrical connections within the base and the cartridge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiment or embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. It should be understood at the outset that, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below.

The terms ‘comprising’ and ‘including’ and their various conjugations (e.g. ‘comprises’) will be understood to be inclusive and open-ended, and not exclusive. This means that if an element A includes or comprises an element B, it will be understood that element A could include or comprise other elements in addition to including or comprising element B. The term ‘having’ and its various conjugations are also to be understood as being open-ended in the same way as ‘comprising’ and ‘including’. These terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

As used herein, the terms “about” and “approximately” are meant to cover variations that may exist in the upper and lower limits of the ranges of values, such as variations in properties, parameters, and dimensions.

Various terms used throughout the present description may be read and understood as follows, unless the context indicates otherwise: “or” as used throughout is inclusive, as though written “and/or”; singular articles and pronouns as used throughout include their plural forms, and vice versa; similarly, gendered pronouns include their counterpart pronouns such that pronouns should not be understood as limiting anything described herein to use, implementation, performance, etc. by a single gender; “exemplary” should be understood as “illustrative” or “exemplifying” and not necessarily as “preferred” over other embodiments. Further definitions for terms may be set out herein; these may apply to prior and subsequent instances of those terms, as will be understood from a reading of the present description. It will also be noted that the use of the term “a” or “an” will be understood to denote “at least one” in all instances unless explicitly stated otherwise or unless it would be understood to be obvious that it must mean “one”.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, “each” refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

As used in this document, “attached” in describing the relationship between two connected parts includes the case in which the two connected parts are “directly attached” with the two connected parts being in contact with each other, and the case in which the connected parts are “indirectly attached” and not in contact with each other, but connected by one or more intervening other part(s) between.

As used in this document, terms describing relative positions of elements such as ‘top’, ‘upper’, ‘bottom’, ‘lower’, or other analogous terms will be understood to refer to the placement of the described element during use of the apparatus of which it is a part unless the context would make it clear that it is otherwise. It will be understood that the aforementioned placement of an element, for example, can still be considered its placement even when the object that it is a part of is lying in some position other than the position in which it will be used. As an example, if reference is made to a device having an upper member, it will be understood that the upper member is being described as having an upper position when the device that it is a part of is in use or is in position for use, unless the context would make it clear that it is otherwise. Further to this example, it will be understood that the aforementioned upper member of the object can still be considered its upper member even when the object is lying on its side, for storage, or for transport, or for some other reason.

“Memory” refers to a non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium for storing information (e.g., data or data structures) in a format readable by a processor, and/or instructions (e.g., computer code or software programs or modules) that are readable and executable by a processor to implement an algorithm. The term “memory” includes a single device or a plurality of physically discrete, operatively connected devices despite use of the term in the singular. Non-limiting types of memory include solid-state semiconductor, optical, magnetic, and magneto-optical computer readable media. Examples of memory technologies include optical discs such as compact discs (CD-ROMs) and digital versatile discs (DVDs), magnetic media such as floppy disks, magnetic tapes or cassettes, and solid-state semiconductor random access memory (RAM) devices, read-only memory (ROM) devices, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) devices, flash memory devices, memory chips and combinations of the foregoing. Memory may be non-volatile or volatile. Memory may be physically attached to a processor, or remote from a processor. Memory may be removable or non-removable from a system including a processor. Memory may be operatively connected to a processor in such a way as to be accessible by a processor. Instructions stored by a memory may be based on a plurality of programming and/or markup languages known in the art, with non-limiting examples including the C, C++, C#, Python™, MATLAB™, Java™, JavaScript™, Perl™, PHP™, SQL™, Visual Basic™, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Extensible Markup Language (XML), and combinations of the foregoing. Instructions stored by a memory may also be implemented by configuration settings for a fixed-function device, gate array or programmable logic device.

“Processor” refers to one or more electronic hardware devices that is/are capable of reading and executing instructions stored on a memory to perform operations on data, which may be stored on a memory or provided in a data signal. The term “processor” includes a single device or a plurality of physically discrete, operatively connected devices despite use of the term in the singular. The plurality of processors may be arrayed or distributed. Non-limiting examples of processors include integrated circuit semiconductor devices and/or processing circuit devices referred to as computers, servers or terminals having single or multi-processor architectures, microprocessors, microcontrollers, microcontroller units (MCU), central processing units (CPU), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application specific circuits (ASIC), digital signal processors, and combinations of the foregoing.

Any method, application or module herein described may be implemented using computer readable/executable instructions that may be stored or otherwise held by a memory, and executed by a processor. Aspects of the present disclosure may be described with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor, such that the processor, and a memory storing the instructions, which execute via the processor, collectively constitute a machine for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The flowcharts and functional block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

The embodiments of the disclosures described herein are exemplary (e.g., in terms of materials, shapes, dimensions, and constructional details) and do not limit by the claims appended hereto and any amendments made thereto. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet more alternative implementations and modifications possible, and that the following examples are only illustrations of one or more implementations. The scope of the disclosure, therefore, is only to be limited by the claims appended hereto and any amendments made thereto.

Reference is made to FIGS. 1-3, which show a transformable toy set 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The transformable toy set 10 is shown in a closed position in FIG. 1, an open position in FIG. 2, and an exploded position in FIG. 3. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the transformable toy set 10 includes a base 12, a cartridge 14 and a transformable member 16. The base 12 and the cartridge 14 may together be referred to as a support structure. Also provided is a cover layer 18 that is movable between an extended position (FIG. 8A) in which the cover layer 18 covers at least a portion of the transformable member 16, and a retracted position (FIG. 8B) in which the cover layer 18 exposes at least a portion of the at least a portion of the transformable member 16.

The cover layer 18 may be made from any suitable material such as a plush material, or some other type of fabric material.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, at least one drum 20 may be rotatably mounted in the support structure for rotation. In the embodiment shown, the at least one drum 20 is rotatably mounted in the cartridge 14, and more specifically may be rotatably mounted to a cartridge housing 21 of the cartridge 14, as can be seen in FIG. 11. In FIG. 11, a top portion of the cartridge housing 21 is removed to more clearly illustrate the elements within the cartridge housing 21.

As shown in FIGS. 20, 21A and 21B, at least one tether 22 is provided and has a first end 24 that is connected to a respective one of the at least one drum 20, and a second end 26 that is connected to a respective point 28 on the cover layer 18.

In some embodiments such as shown in FIG. 20, the at least one drum 20 and the at least one tether 22 include a plurality of drums 20 and a plurality of tethers 22. In such embodiments, the plurality of drums 20 and the plurality of tethers 22 include a first drum 20a and a first tether 22a, and a final drum 20f and a final tether 22f. In the embodiment shown, there are three drums 20, namely, the first drum 20a, a second drum 20b, and the final drum 20f, which may also be referred to as a third drum 20f, and there are correspondingly three tethers 22 including the first tether 22a, a second tether 22b, and the final tether 22f, which may also be referred to as a third tether 22f. For greater certainty, each drum 20 has at least one tether 22 that has a first end 24 is connected to the drum 20. There could optionally be two or more tethers 22 connected at their first ends 24 to any one of the drums 20 and each with a respective second end 26 connected to a respective point 28 on the cover layer 18.

Rotation of the plurality of drums 20 draws the plurality of tethers 22 so as to draw each of the second ends 26 of the plurality of tethers 22 through respective travel paths 29 (see FIG. 8A and FIG. 20) so as to pull the cover layer 18 towards the retracted position (FIG. 8B).

A drive source 30 may be positioned in the base 12 or more generally in the support structure. The drive source 30 has an operative connection to each drum 20 of the plurality of drums 20 to drive rotation of each drum 20 at a respective point in time for each drum 20. Each drum 20 has a drum perimeter. The length of the perimeter is a parameter that affects the length of the travel path of the second end 26 of the associated tether 22. Additionally, the point in time in which movement of the drum 20 is initiated is also a parameter that affects the length of the travel path of the second end 26 of the associated tether 22. In some embodiments, the drums 20 may be circular, such as is shown in FIG. 12. In other embodiments, the drums 20 may have any other suitable shape, such as for example, a square shape with rounded corners, a hexagonal shape, a pentagonal shape, or any other suitable shape. The respective point in time and the drum perimeter for the first drum 20a are selected to draw the second end 26 of the first tether 22a through a first travel path 29a from the respective travel paths 29 (see FIG. 20). In embodiments in which there is the final drum 20f, the respective point in time and the drum perimeter for the final drum 20f are selected to draw the second end 26 of the final tether 22f through a final travel path 29f from the respective travel paths 29. In embodiments in which there is the second drum 20b, the respective point in time and the drum perimeter for the second drum 20b are selected to draw the second end 26 of the second tether 22b through a second travel path 29b from the respective travel paths 29 (see FIG. 20).

In the embodiment shown, it can be seen that a first portion 32 of the cover layer 18 covers a head portion 34 of the transformable member 16, and a second portion 36 of the cover layer 18 covers a body portion 38 of the transformable member 16. In the embodiment shown, the transformable member 16, with the cover layer 18 thereon, is in the form of a caterpillar that is somewhat anthropomorphic—somewhat resembling a human standing up with a head and face that faces forwardly. When covered by the cover layer 18 so as to be in the form of a caterpillar, the transformable member 16 may be said to be in a caterpillar state. As a result, in order to remove the cover layer 18, advantageously, only the first portion 32 of the cover layer 18 is pulled initially, in order to pull the first portion 32 off of the head portion 34 of the transformable member 16. After the first portion 32 is pulled off the head portion 34, some part of the second portion 36 (e.g. an upper portion 36a of the second portion 36) of the cover layer 18 may be pulled, and the first portion 32 can continue to be pulled. After some further time, another part of the second portion 36 (e.g. a lower portion 36b of the second portion 36) that is lower down on the transformable member 16 than the upper portion 36a, may be pulled, while the first portion 32 and another part of the second portion 36 are also pulled.

As can be seen, the first travel path 29a is longer than the final travel path 29f. Accordingly, the drum perimeter and the respective point in time of initiation of driving of the first drum 20a may be selected to reflect this longer distance for the first travel path 29a as compared to the final travel path 29f. Similarly, in embodiments in which there is a second drum 20b and a second tether 22b, the first travel path 29a may be longer than the second travel path 29f, which may be longer than the final travel path 29f. Accordingly, the drum perimeter and the respective point in time of initiation of driving of the first drum 20a may be selected to reflect this longer distance for the first travel path 29a as compared to the second travel path 29f, and the drum perimeter and the respective point in time of initiation of driving of the second drum 20b may be selected to reflect this longer distance for the second travel path 29b as compared to the final travel path 29f.

It will be noted that, as shown in FIG. 8A, the cover layer 18 is oriented such that, upon driving of the first drum 20a, the second end 26 of the first tether 22a initially travels in a first direction D1 along the first travel path 29a for a first period of time, and subsequently travels in a second direction D2 along the first travel path 29a that is generally perpendicular to the first direction D1, for a second period of time after the first period of time. If one were to start rotating the first drum 20a and the second drum 20b at the same time, the cover layer 18 could be pulled downwardly on the transformable member 16 making it difficult for the first portion 32 of the cover layer 18 to be pulled rearwardly on the transformable member 16 so as to come off of the head portion 34 of the transformable member 16. Advantageously, the first tether 22a pulls the first portion 32 of the cover layer 18 at least partially off of the head portion 34 of the transformable member 16 before the second tether 22b begins pulling the cover layer 18. In the particular embodiment shown and described, the second point in time is advantageously after the first point in time, such that the second point in time is selected such that the second drum 20b starts drawing the second end 26 of the second tether 22b while the second end 26 of the first tether 22a is travelling in the second direction D2, which is generally parallel to the second travel path 29b. Similarly, the final point in time is advantageously after the first point in time, such that the final point in time is selected such that the final drum 20f starts drawing the second end 26 of the final tether 22f while the second end 26 of the first tether 22a is travelling in the second direction D2, which is generally parallel to the final travel path 29f.

For greater certainty, the term ‘generally parallel to’ in relation to the respective travel paths, as mentioned above, will be interpreted to mean ‘angularly within 45 degrees of’.

Having the respective points in time being different from one another may be achieved in any suitable way. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, FIGS. 13A-13C, and FIGS. 21A-21C, the first drum 20a may include a first drum drive lug 40 and the second drum 20b may include a second drum driven lug 42. The first drum drive lug 40 is angularly spaced from the second drum driven lug 42 by a selected first angular distance A1 (FIG. 13A) such that driving of the first drum 20a through the selected first angular distance A1 drives the first drum drive lug 40 into engagement with the second drum driven lug 42 (FIG. 13B), such that further driving of the first drum 20a beyond the first angular distance A1 also drives the second drum 20b.

Similarly, in the embodiment shown, the second drum 20b may include a second drum drive lug 44 and the final drum (which is in this embodiment a third drum), may include a third drum driven lug 46. The second drum drive lug 44 is angularly spaced from the third drum driven lug 46 by a selected second angular distance A2 such that driving of the second drum 20b through the selected second angular distance A2 drives the second drum drive lug 44 into engagement with the third drum driven lug 46 (FIG. 13C), such that further driving of the second drum 20b beyond the second angular distance A2 also drives the third drum 20c.

The operative connection between the drive source 30 and the at least one drum 20 is described below. The drive source 30 may include an electric motor 200 (FIG. 7), which may optionally be bi-directional. The electric motor 200 may drive a gear train 202 which may be any suitable gear train, and which includes a drum drive gear 204. The drum output gear 204 may mate with a drum input gear 206 (FIG. 9) that is part of the first drum 20a. The drum output gear 204 and the drum input gear 206 may be shaped with leading edges that are chamfered so as to facilitate placement of the cartridge 14 on the base 12 with the drum output gear 204 and the drum input gear 206 in engagement with one another.

When the drive source 30 is driven the first drum 20a may be driven immediately. Thus, the first point in time may be the time that the drive source 30 is actuated. Completion of rotation of the first drum 20a through the first angular distance A1 so as to bring the first drum drive lug 40 into engagement with the second drum driven lug 42 may correspond to the second point in time. Completion of rotation of the second drum 20b through the second angular distance A2 so as to bring the second drum drive lug 44 into engagement with the third drum driven lug 46 may correspond to the final point in time.

Thus, as described above, the drive source 30 has an operative connection to each of the at least one drum 20 to drive rotation of each of the at least one drum 20 to draw each second end 26 of the at least one tether 22 through its respective travel path 29 so as to pull the cover layer 18 towards the retracted position.

Each of the at least one tether 22 extends from the cover layer 18 to the associated from the at least one drum by passing through a tether aperture 208 in the cartridge housing 21. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, there are five tether apertures 208, including a first tether aperture 208a, through which the first tether 22a passes to connect to the first drum 20a, two second tether apertures 208a, through which two second tethers 22b pass to connect to the second drum 20b, and two third tether apertures 208c, through which two third tethers 22c pass to connect to the third drum 20c. Each of the tether apertures 208 extends from an inlet 210 that is on the exterior, shown at 212, of the cartridge 14.

The transformable member 16 may sit on the support structure without being connected to the support structure. Alternatively, the transformable member 16 may be connected to the support structure in any suitable way. The transformable member 16 may be positioned on the cartridge 14, and may be releasably mounted to the cartridge 14 (e.g. via the transformable member latches 54). In the embodiment shown, the transformable member 16 includes a plurality of latch grip surfaces 50, one of which is shown in FIG. 9, which may be internal to the transformable member 16, and which are accesses through latch grip apertures, shown at 52 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The support structure includes a plurality of transformable member latches 54, shown in FIGS. 8B, 9, and 11. In the example shown, the transformable member latches 54 are mounted to the cartridge housing 21 and are included as part of the cartridge 14. The transformable member latches 54 may be movable between a latching position (FIG. 9A) in which the plurality of transformable member latches 54 (two of which are shown) engage the latch grip surfaces 50 to hold the transformable member 16 to the support structure, and an unlatching position in which the plurality of transformable member latches 54 are disengaged from the latch grip surfaces 50 to permit removal of the transformable member 16 from the support structure. One of the transformable member latches 54 is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 9A in the unlatching position. In the embodiment shown, the transformable member latches 54 may be pivotally connected to the support structure (e.g. the cartridge housing 21), for pivoting movement between the latching and unlatching positions. Alternatively, the transformable member latches 54 may have any other kind of movement, such as, for example, a sliding linear movement, between the latching and unlatching positions.

The plurality of transformable member latches 54 may be biased towards the latching position. Such biasing may be by any suitable means such as by a transformable member latch biasing member 56, which may be a compression spring between the transformable member latch 54 and a suitable point on the cartridge housing 21.

The transformable toy set 10 may further comprises a release member 58 that is movable between a latch opening position (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 9A) in which the release member 58 drives the plurality of transformable member latches 54 to the unlatching position, and a latch closing position (shown in solid lines in FIG. 9A) in which the release member 58 permits movement of the plurality of transformable member latches 54 to the latching position.

The release member 58 may be movable between the latch opening and latch closing positions in any suitable way. For example, the final drum 20f may be operatively connected to the release member 58 such that rotation of the final drum 20f to draw the second end 26 of the final tether 22f along the final travel path 29f drives the release member 58 to drive the plurality of transformable member latches 54 to the unlatching position so as to permit removal of the transformable member 16 from the support structure when the final drum 20f has rotated to draw the second end of the final tether 22f along an entirety of the final travel path 29f.

The operative connection between the final drum 20f and the release member 58 may be any suitable operative connection. For example, the final drum 20f may have a first thread 60, and the release member 58 may have a second thread 62 that mates with the first thread 60. The release member 58 is constrained by the support structure from rotation, such that rotation of the final drum 20f drives linear movement of the release member 58 to the latch closing position. The constraint from rotation may be from any suitable structure, such as by a rotation prevention projection 64 on the release member 58 that engages a complementary slot (not shown) in the cartridge housing 21.

Once the release member 58 has been driven linearly sufficiently to move the transformable member latches 54 to the unlatching position, the release member 58 drives a change of state of a limit switch 66 that is optionally provided. The limit switch 66 may be positioned anywhere suitable, such as inside the transformable member 16.

The transformable toy set 10 includes a control system 68 that includes a processor 68a and a memory 68b, which may optionally be provided on a printed circuit board (PCB) 68c. The processor 68a may be operatively connected to the drive source 30. The PCT 68c may have the limit switch 66 mounted thereto. The processor 68a may receive signals from the limit switch 66, and may send a command to the drive source 30 to stop driving the rotation of the drums 20. In other words, the driving of the release member 58 sufficiently to cause a change of state of the limit switch 66 is indicative that the plurality of drums 20 have been rotated sufficiently to drive the second ends 26 of the plurality of tethers 22 along the entirety of the travel paths 29, thereby removing the cover layer 18 from at least a portion of the transformable member 16, and unlatching the transformable member latches 54 so as to permit the transformable member 16 to be removed from the support structure (e.g. from the cartridge 14).

As can be seen in FIG. 8B, the transformable member 16 with the cover layer 18 removed therefrom may be in the form of a butterfly. This may be referred to as a butterfly state for the transformable member 16. For example, the transformable member 16 may include four wing members 70 that are resilient. The wing members 70 flex and conform to an outer surface of the transformable member 16, when the transformable member 16 is covered by the cover layer 18. When the cover layer 18 is removed, the wing members 70 can move away from the outer surface of the transformable member 16, so as to more clearly resemble a butterfly.

Based on the above it can be seen that the transformable toy set 10 optionally includes at least one projection (e.g. at least one of the aforementioned wing members 70) that is movable between a first projection position (e.g. the position as shown in FIG. 8A in which the at least one wing member 70 pressed towards the outer surface of the transformable member 16), and a second projection position in which the at least one projection extends further from a remainder of the transformable member than in the first position (e.g. the position as shown in FIG. 8B in which the at least one wing member 70 has moved away from the outer surface of the transformable member 16). The transformable toy set 10 further optionally includes at least one projection biasing member that is positioned to urge the at least one projection towards the second projection position. In relation to the at least one wing member 70, the projection biasing member may be integral to the at least one wing member 70. Another example of at least one projection is each of the ear members shown at 72, which are pressed down against the outer surface of the transformable member 16 when covered by the cover layer 18, and which pop up as a result of being urged by a suitable biasing member such as a helical torsion spring when the cover layer 18 is removed (as shown by dashed lines in FIG. 8B). Thus, the ear members 72 constitute at least one projection that is movable between a first projection position and a second projection position in which the at least one projection extends further from a remainder of the transformable member 16 than in the first position, and the aforementioned helical torsion spring on each of the ear members 72 constitutes at least one projection biasing member that is positioned to urge the at least one projection towards the second projection position, wherein the cover layer 18 holds the at least one projection in the first projection position and wherein removal of the cover layer 18 permits movement of the at least one projection to the second projection position by the at least one projection biasing member.

As can be seen in FIGS. 8A, 9, and 14, the cover layer 18 has a proximal end 80 that is adjacent the support structure, and a distal end 82. The proximal end 80 may optionally have a proximal end opening 212 that is connected to a suitable point on the cartridge 14. In some embodiments, the proximal end 80 is mounted to the cartridge 14 at a position so as to cover the plurality of tether apertures 208. For example, the proximal end opening 212 may be connected to the cartridge 14 in a circumferential channel 214 that is closer to a bottom 216 of the cartridge 14 than are the tether apertures 208. As a result, the cover layer 18 covers the at least one tether aperture 208, thereby hiding the at least one tether aperture 208 from the user. Furthermore, it will be noted that the at least one tether 22 may be at least partially hidden from the user by being positioned within or inside of the cover layer 18. For example, the at least one tether 22 may be provided in a fabric passageway 218 (FIG. 19) defined between at least one fabric strip 220 and an inside surface 222 of the cover layer 18. Alternatively, the at least one tether 22 may extend in between two sheets of the cover layer 18 in an embodiment in which the cover layer 18 includes an outer sheet (e.g. a plush fabric), and an inner sheet (e.g. a sheet that is low friction so as to slide easily on the transformable member 16 during removal of the cover layer 18.

The cover layer 18 has a distal end opening 84 at the distal end 82. When the cover layer 18 is covering the at least a portion of the transformable member 16 (i.e. when the transformable member 16 is in the caterpillar state), the distal end 82 of the cover layer 18 is extended distally from the proximal end 80 of the cover layer 18 such that the cover layer 18 surrounds the transformable member 16, as shown in FIG. 8A. Movement of the second ends 26 of the plurality of tethers 22 along the respective travel paths 29 moves the distal end 82 of the cover layer 18 towards the proximal end 80. Completion of the movement of the second ends 26 of the tethers 22 along the respective travel paths 29 pulls the cover layer to the retracted position to expose at least a portion of the at least a portion of the transformable member 16, thereby bringing the transformable member 16 to the butterfly state shown in FIG. 8B.

The transformable member 16 includes a cover layer end cover 86 that is movable between a retracted position (FIG. 14) in which the cover layer end cover inhibits proximal movement of the distal end 82 of the cover layer 18, and an extended position (FIG. 15) in which the cover layer end cover 18 freely permits proximal movement of the distal end 82 of the cover layer 18.

A cover layer end cover biasing member 88 urges the cover layer end cover 86 towards the extended position. A first locking member 90 connected to the housing structure (shown at 91) of the transformable member 16 blocks a second locking member 92 on the cover layer end cover 86 to hold the cover layer end cover 86 in the retracted position. The first locking member 90 may be biased in a locking position in any suitable way, such as by being positioned on a locking member arm 94 that is resilient and is cantilevered to the housing structure 91 of the transformable member 16. The user can press down on a cover layer end cover disengagement member 96 that engages the locking member arm 94 and pushes it out of the way of the second locking member 92, which in turn permits the cover layer end cover 86 to move to the extended position under the urging of the cover layer end cover biasing member 88. The cover layer end cover disengagement member 96 may itself be in the form of a resilient, cantilevered arm that forms part of the housing structure 91 of the transformable member 16, and may form part of the exterior surface of the transformable member 16 so as to be easily accessible by a user. After pressing the cover layer end cover disengagement member 96 to release the cover layer end cover 86 to the extended position, the user may simply stop pressing on the cover layer end cover disengagement member 96 and it will return to its home position due to its resiliency. Similarly, the first locking member 90 will also return to its home position due to the resiliency of the locking member arm 94.

To bring the cover layer end cover 86 back to the retracted position the user simply pushes the cover layer end cover 86 towards the housing structure 91 of the transformable member 16. The second locking member 92 engages a sloped surface 98 on the first locking member 90 and drives the first locking member 90 out of the way. Once the second locking member 92 has cleared the first locking member 90 the first locking member 90 can return to its home position to lock the cover layer end cover 86 in the retracted position.

When removing the cover layer 18 from the transformable member 16, as a first step the user can move the cover layer end cover 86 to the extended position (by pressing on the cover layer end cover disengagement member 96 through the cover layer 86. The user can then operate the drive source 30 to drive the at least one drum 20 to pull the cover layer 18 towards the retracted position. When the cover layer 18 is in the retracted position, the user can then remove the transformable member 16 from the cartridge 14, or more broadly, from the support structure. In the embodiment shown, once the cover layer 18 has been moved to the retracted position, the transformable member 16 is in the butterfly state.

The cartridge 14 may be releasably mounted to the base 12. In the embodiment shown, the base includes a plurality of cartridge latches 100 one of which is shown in FIGS. 3 and 16, and a latch actuator 102. The cartridge latches 100 are releasably engageable with a plurality of cartridge latch grip surfaces 104 on the cartridge 14 as shown in FIG. 17. The latch actuator 102 may be a lever that is integral with a first one of the cartridge latches 100 (as can be seen in FIG. 16) and which is connected to the rest of the plurality of cartridge latches 100 by way of a suitable linkage shown at 106. Actuation of the latch actuator 102 drives the plurality of cartridge latches 100 to open, so as to disengage from the cartridge latch grip surfaces 104, thereby releasing the cartridge 14 from the base 12. This, in turn, permits the user to remove the cartridge 14 from the base 12. In embodiments in which the cartridge 14 has the cover layer 18, and the cover layer 18 is in the extended position on the transformable member 16, actuation of the latch actuator 102 permits the user to remove the transformable member 16 together with the cartridge 14, in the caterpillar state, from the base 12 and interact with the transformable member 16 in the caterpillar state. In an alternative embodiment, each of the cartridge latches 100 may have its own individual latch actuator 102 so as to avoid providing the linkage 106 to connect them all to a single actuator.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the base 12 includes at least one enclosure member 108 that is positionable in a closed position (FIG. 1) in order to hide the transformable member 16 from view and an open position (FIGS. 2 and 3) to permit viewing of the transformable member 16. In the embodiment shown, the at least one enclosure member 108 includes five enclosure members 108, which may be shaped so as to resemble a flower bulb when moved to the closed position shown in FIG. 1 and to resemble an open flower when moved to the open position shown in FIG. 2.

The at least one enclosure member 108 may be pivotally mounted to a remainder of the base 12 so as to pivot between the open and closed positions.

The drive source 30 may optionally be operatively connected to the at least one enclosure member 108. In the embodiment shown, the gear train 202 includes an enclosure member output gear 110. The base 12 further includes an enclosure member input gear 112, which is rotatably connected to the base 12. The enclosure member input gear 112 is also engaged with the enclosure member output gear 110, and is connected to a cam path member 114. The enclosure member input gear 112 may be a ring gear as shown. Rotation of the enclosure member output gear 110 drives the enclosure member input gear 112 and the cam path member 114 to rotate.

The at least one enclosure member 108 may have a cam path member engagement member 116 (FIG. 6) that engages a cam path 118 in the cam path member 114.

The cam path 118 may have an undulating shape including peaks 120 and valleys 122. During rotation of the cam path member 114, when the cam path member engagement member 116 of one of the enclosure members 108 engages one of the peaks 120, then the enclosure member 108 is driven to pivot to the open position, shown in FIG. 3, and when the cam path member engagement member 116 engages one of the valleys 122, then the enclosure member 108 is driven to pivot to the closed position, shown in FIG. 1.

With reference to FIG. 7, the gear train 202 may include a switching gear 124 that is mounted on a pivot arm 126 that is itself pivotally mounted to an upstream gear 128. The upstream gear 128 meshes with the switching gear 124. When the drive source 30 is rotated in a first rotational direction, the upstream gear 128 rotates in a first rotational direction for the upstream gear 128. This drives rotation of the switching gear 124, causing the switching gear 124 to translate in a first direction DG1 about the perimeter of the upstream gear 128, and to mesh with a gear 130 on a support shaft for the drum input gear 206. Rotation of the drive source 30 in the opposing rotational direction, drives rotation of the upstream gear 128 in a second rotational direction for the upstream gear 128, which drives rotation of the switching gear 124, causing the switching gear 124 to translate in a second direction DG2 about the perimeter of the upstream gear 128, and to mesh with a gear 130 on a support shaft for the enclosure member output gear 110.

Initially, the transformable toy set 10 may be in the position shown in FIG. 1, with the at least one enclosure member 108 in the closed position. In operation, the user may interact with the transformable toy set 10 in any suitable way, such as by engaging with sensors on the base 12, which communicate with the processor 68a of the control system 68. Upon a determination by the processor 68a that the interaction meets a requirement, the processor 68a sends a signal to the electric motor 200 to rotate in the second direction DG2 so as to drive the at least one enclosure member 108 to move to the open position so as to bring the transformable toy set 10 to the configuration shown in FIG. 2. The user may unlatch the cartridge 14, e.g. using the latch actuator 102, and may then pick up the cartridge 14 and the transformable member 16 with the cover layer 18 in the extended position thereon, in the caterpillar state from its receptacle on the base 12 (shown at 230. The user may interact with the transformable member 16 in any suitable way, via at least one sensor on the transformable member 16. The user may return the cartridge 14 with the transformable member 16 still mounted to it, back in its receptacle 132 on the base 12. The control system 68 may initiate rotation of the electric motor 200 further in the second direction DG2, which drives the cam path member 114 to bring the at least one enclosure member 108 to the closed position. The processor 68a may then initiate the process of moving the cover layer 18 to the retracted position, by driving the electric motor 200 in the first direction DG1, which drives the drum output gear 204 to drive the at least one drum 20 to wind the at least one tether 22 thereon.

Upon driving the at least one drum 20 sufficiently the at least one drum 20 drives the release member 58 to the latch opening position, while having retracted the cover layer 18. The processor 68a may initiate driving of the electric motor in the second direction DG2 to bring the at least one enclosure member 108 to the open position, so as to expose the transformable member 16 in the butterfly state, positioned on the cartridge 14, and unlatched therefrom. The user may then remove the transformable member 16 from the cartridge 14 while the cartridge 14 remains mounted to the base 12 (i.e. in the receptacle 132). It will be noted that the base 12 optionally includes an apron 134 at a top end of the receptacle 132, which obscures the view of the cover layer 18 when the cover layer 18 is in the retracted position.

Based on the above, the memory 68b may be said to store instructions that are executable by the processor 68a to: a) operate the drive source 30 in order to move the at least one enclosure member 108 to the closed position to hide the transformable member 16 with the cover layer 18 mounted thereon in the extended position; b) after step a), operate the drive source 30 to drive the at least one drum 20 to pull the cover layer 18 to the retracted position; and c) after step b), operate the drive source 30 in order to move the at least one enclosure member 108 to the open position to show the transformable member 16 while the cover layer 18 is in the retracted position.

Once the transformable member 16 is removed from the cartridge 14, the user may interact with the transformable member 16 via one or more sensors positioned thereon, in any suitable way.

The transformable toy set 10 includes a battery pack 136 (FIGS. 9 and 9A), which includes at least one battery 138 therein. The battery pack 136 provides power to the control system 68, to any sensors that need it, and to the drive source 30. In the embodiment shown, the electric motor 200 is in the base (or may be elsewhere in the support structure) and the battery pack 136 is positioned in the transformable member 16 and is connected to the electric motor 200 and any sensors that require power via at least one disconnectable electrical connection shown generally at 140. This is beneficial as the user will potentially spend most of their time interacting with the transformable member 16 outside of the base 12. As a result of this arrangement, a separate battery pack is not needed for the base 12 to operate the electric motor 200. Furthermore, the processor 68a and the memory 68b for the control system 68 may be positioned in the transformable member 16, and may connect to any electrical components in the support structure via the at least one disconnectable electrical connection 140. As a result, a separate processor and memory are not needed for the base 12 to control operation of the electric motor 200 or any other electronic components in the base 12, and to receive signals from any sensors in the base 12.

As shown in FIGS. 8B, 11, and 22, the at least one disconnectable electrical connection 140 may include a first disconnectable electrical connection 140a and a second disconnectable electrical connection 140b. The first disconnectable electrical connection 140a is between the cartridge 14 and the transformable member 16 and includes a first terminal pin block 142 that includes a plurality of first terminal pins 144, and a first terminal receptacle block 146 that includes a plurality of first terminal receptacles 148. The first terminal pin block 142 is positioned on one of the cartridge 14 and the transformable member 16 and the first terminal receptacle block 146 is positioned on the other of the cartridge and the transformable member 16. In the embodiment shown, the first terminal pin block 142 is positioned on the cartridge 14 and the first terminal receptacle block 146 is positioned on the transformable member 16. When the user places the transformable member 16 on the cartridge 14, the first terminal pins 144 engage the first terminal receptacles 148 to electrically connect the transformable member 16 and the cartridge 14.

As shown in FIG. 22, the second disconnectable electrical connection 140b is between the base 12 and the cartridge 14, and includes a second terminal pin block 150 that includes a plurality of second terminal pins 152, and a second terminal receptacle block 154 that includes a plurality of second terminal receptacles 156. The second terminal pin block 150 is positioned on one of the base 12 and the cartridge 14, and the second terminal receptacle block 154 is positioned on the other of the base 12 and the cartridge 14. In the embodiment shown, the second terminal pin block 150 is positioned on the base 12 and the second terminal receptacle block 154 is positioned on the cartridge 14. When the user places the cartridge 14 on the base 12, the second terminal pins 152 engage the second terminal receptacles 156 to electrically connect the cartridge 14 and the base 12. The first terminal pin block 142 on the cartridge 14 and the second terminal receptacle block 154 on the cartridge 14 may be connected via a plurality of electrical conduits (not shown). The first terminal pins 144 and the second terminal pins 152 may be spring-loaded so as to ensure an electrical connection with the associated terminal receptacles (148, 156) in spite of any variation in the precise vertical position of the transformable member 16 when mounted on the cartridge 14 and any variation in the precise vertical position of the cartridge 14 on the base 12. Thus, the processor 68a and the memory 68b are in electrical connection with the electrical components in the base 12 such as the electric motor 200 and any sensors contained in the base 12. Some of the first and second terminal pins 144 and 152 may be positioned to transfer electrical power from the battery pack 136 to the electric motor 200. Some of the first and second terminal pins 144 and 152 may be positioned to transfer data signals between any electrical components in the base 12 and the processor 68a and the memory 68b.

It is noted that, with the battery pack 136 in the transformable member 16, it is not possible to change out the at least one battery 138 if the at least one battery 138 is dead and the transformable member 16 is on the base 12 with the at least enclosure member 108 in the closed position. To address this, the transformable toy set 10 may include a manual actuator 160 shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, that is positioned underneath the base 12 and is accessible by the user even if the at least one enclosure member 108 is in the closed position. The manual actuator 160 may connect directly to the enclosure member output gear 110 so as to permit user to manually rotate the enclosure member output gear 110 so as to drive the cam path member 114, so as to, in turn, drive the at least one enclosure member 108 to the open position. The user may then press the latch actuator 102 to release the cartridge 14 and the transformable member 16 from the base 12. The user may then manually engage the drum input gear 206 to drive rotation of the at least one drum 20 until the release member 58 opens the transformable member latches 54. The user may then remove the transformable member 16 from the cartridge 14 to then access the battery pack 136 (via a battery pack cover 162 shown in FIG. 10) so as to remove and replace the at least one battery 138.

While the transformable member 16 shown in the figures has a smooth outer surface, it is optionally possible to provide the exterior of the transformable member 16 with a plush covering or any other suitable covering. Thus, when in the caterpillar state, there may be a first plush layer (i.e. the cover layer 18) on top of a second plush layer (i.e., the aforementioned plush layer making up at least part of the outer surface of the transformable member 16).

While the drive source 30 has been shown and described as a single electric motor that is rotated in a first rotational direction (i.e. rotational direction DG1) to drive rotation of the at least one drum 20 and is rotated in a second rotational direction (i.e. rotational direction DG2) to drive the at least one enclosure member 108 between the open and closed positions, it is alternatively possible for the drive source 30 to include a first electric motor that drives rotation of the at least one drum 20 and a second electric motor that drives the at least one enclosure member 108 between the open and closed positions.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet more alternative implementations and modifications possible, and that the above examples are only illustrations of one or more implementations. The scope, therefore, is only to be limited by the claims appended hereto.

Other concepts are also disclosed herein, for which protection is being sought.