荷兰专利NL2020532A Likeness bearing handheld touch object

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专利摘要:
The present disclosure relates to a handheld touch object having a plurality of manually manipulated tactile features extending from or formed into at least one surface thereof. The present disclosure relates particularly but not exclusively to a handheld touch object that may be used as a fidget toy, a stress relief toy, a toy, or a hand therapy device or exerciser.
公开号:NL2020532A
申请号:NL2020532
申请日:2018-03-06
公开日:2018-09-14
发明作者:Mclachlan Matthew；Mclachlan Mark
申请人:Mclachlan Matthew；Mclachlan Mark；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates to a handheld touch object having a plurality of manually manipulated tactile features extending from or formed into at least one surface thereof.
The present disclosure relates particularly but not exclusively to a handheld touch object that may be used as a fidget toy, a stress relief toy, a toy, or a hand therapy device or exerciser.
BACKGROUND
In the modern lifestyle, people are accustomed to being busy and occupied for most of the time. This can be exacerbated by devices such as cell phones and other electronic devices and the widespread availability of the internet. Thus people may tend to fidget and get restless when they are not occupied. Some people are no longer accustomed to occupying themselves in a passive manner, e.g. by observing the world around them and engaging in thought. It may be beneficial if ways could be devised of responding to this need or modern habit and provide an outlet for energy that would otherwise be directed to fidgeting. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an object to address at least of the needs described above or at least provide the public with a useful alternative.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect the present invention can be said to broadly consist in a handheld touch object comprising a body presenting a plurality of manually manipulated tactile features extending from or formed into at least one surface of the body, and wherein said object is configured to bear the likeness of a being such as a character, human, or animal being.
In some embodiments the invention comprises one or more likeness bearing elements configured to, alone or in concert with other likeness bearing elements, bear the likeness of a being such as a character, human or animal being.
In some embodiments said likeness bearing elements suggest or mimic various physical aspects of the being, such as its body, head, face, facial features, clothing and accoutrement.
In some embodiments one or more of said likeness bearing elements comprise either or both of:
a) features of contour, shape, outline or texture, and
b) features of pattern or ornament.
In some embodiments one or more of said likeness bearing elements can be experienced by the user of the touch object both by way of visual appearance and by touch.
In some embodiments at least one of said likeness bearing elements is:
a) a feature of contour, shape, outline or texture, and/or
b) is perceptible by touch to a user of the touch object.
In some embodiments at least one of said likeness bearing elements is defined or provided by either or both of:
a) a one of said manually manipulated tactile features, and
b) said body.
In some embodiments at least one of said likeness bearing elements is defined or provided by a one of said manually manipulated tactile features.
In some embodiments all of said likeness bearing elements are defined or provided by one or more of said manually manipulated tactile features.
In some embodiments said plurality of manually manipulated tactile features are selected from one or more of:
a) a plurality of moveable gears
b) a ball that rolls and is retained by the body and exposed at an outer surface of the body,
c) a switch,
d) a moveable joystick, and
e) a plurality of pressable buttons.
In some embodiments said at least some of the likeness bearing elements are defined or provided by a plurality of gears aligned in a row, and a rolling ball retained within said body yet partly exposed through a side surface of said body.
In some embodiments said plurality of manually manipulated tactile features comprise a plurality of gears and a roller ball that together define or suggest the facial features of a being such as a character, human or animal.
In some embodiments said plurality of manually manipulated tactile features comprise buttons that click.
In some embodiments said plurality of manually manipulated tactile features comprises a plurality of gears arranged in a row, each of the plurality of gears being able to roll about a common axis.
In some embodiments said plurality of manually manipulated tactile features comprises a dial that rotates, the dial mounted substantially parallel with an exterior surface of the body.
in some embodiments the dial is an end cap.
In some embodiments said plurality of manually manipulated tactile features provide audible/or visual feedback upon manual manipulation.
In some embodiments at least two different tactile features are provided at opposed regions ofthe body.
In some embodiments each of the plurality of tactile features is different and distinct from the other tactile features presented by the body.
In some embodiments the body is substantially shaped as a block, a cube or a sphere.
In some embodiments the body is substantially shaped as a blockora cube, and wherein a rounded surface transition is provided between adjacent faces of the block or cube.
In some embodiments the body is substantially shaped as a block or a cube, and wherein a rounded surface transition is provided between adjacent faces of the block or cube.
In some embodiments the body is substantially shaped as a block or a cube, and wherein each of said likeness bearing elements is located on, or visible when viewed from, a single side of the cube.
The term ‘comprising’ as used in this specification and claims means ‘consisting at least in part of’. When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include the term ‘comprising’, other features besides the features prefaced by this term in each statement can also be present. Related terms such as ‘comprise’ and ‘comprised’ are to be interpreted in a similar manner.
This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.
As used herein the term ‘and/or’ means ‘and’ or ‘or’, or where the context allows both. The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.
The term axis as used in this specification means the axis of revolution about which a line or a plane may be revolved to form a symmetrical shape. For example, a line revolved around and axis of revolution will form a surface, while a plane revolved around and axis of revolution will form a solid.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of a handheld touch object that may be used, for example, as a fidget toy, a stress relief toy, a toy, or a hand therapy device or exerciser.
Figure 2 shows a first face of the handheld touch object of Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows a second face of the handheld touch object of Figure 1;
Figure 4 shows a third face of the handheld touch object of Figure 1;
Figure 5 shows a fourth face of the handheld touch object of Figure 1;
Figure 6 shows a fifth face of the handheld touch object of Figurel;
Figure 7 shows a sixth face of the handheld touch object of Figure 1;
Figure 8 shows a partially exploded view of the handheld touch object of Figure 1 in a simplified form to illustrate how it can be assembled from two shell parts and an internal chassis, some features removed and/or simplified in form for ease of interpretation,
Figure 9 shows a sectional view through the assembled form of the touch object shown in figure 8.
Figure 10 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a handheld touch object according to the present invention;
Figure 11 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a handheld touch object according to the present invention;
Figure 12 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a handheld touch object according to the present invention in front on view;
Figure 13 shows the handheld touch object of Figure 12 from a top view;
Figure 14 shows the handheld touch object of Figure 12 from a base view;
Figure 15 shows the handheld touch object of Figure 12 from a side view;
Figure 16 shows the handheld touch object of Figure 12 from an opposing side view to that of Figure 15;
Figure 17 shows the handheld touch object of Figure 12 from a rear view;
Figure 18 shows an exploded view of the handheld touch object of Figure
12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Figures 1 to 9 show an example of a handheld touch object that may be used, for example, as a fidget toy, a stress relief toy, a toy, or a hand therapy device or exerciser. In Figures 1 to 7, reference numeral 10 refers generally to a handheld touch object in accordance with the disclosure.
The handheld touch object 10 comprises a body 12, which may for example take the form of a multifaceted block. For example, the body 12 may be in the form of a substantially rectangular block, e.g. preferably a cube, forming six substantially planar faces 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 of identical perimeter shape.
As detailed in Figures 1 to 10 body 12 may carry different tactile features for contact and/or manual manipulation (e.g. movement) presented at or on one or more exterior surfaces. For example there could be tactile features at each of the six faces 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24. Alternatively only some of the faces may present a tactile feature and some faces may present a flat or smooth face with no tactile feature. In some embodiments the body 12 may also comprise rounded edges and rounded corners. For example, each edge 60 may be located between two adjacent faces of a body can be rounded (i.e. include a radius) to provide a rounded edge and smooth transition between two adjacent faces.
The handheld touch object 10 can be grasped and manipulated in one hand or alternatively the handheld touch object can be grasped in one hand and manipulated by the other hand. The object may also be placed on a surface such as a table and then have one or more of its tactile features manipulated.
As shown in Figure 2, the tactile feature presented by the object 10 may comprise one or more dials 30. The dial (optionally in the form of a gear having teeth presented at its perimeter) can be manually manipulated by the user. In the illustrated form shown in figure 2, for example, a plurality of dials or gears 30, i.e. a set of dials or gears thereon that can be manually moved by a user’s fingers, are presented at the first face 14. The set of dials 30 can be similar to those found in mechanical devices such as combination locks. In the illustrated form, the three dials 30 are arranged in a row. Moreover, the dials 30 can be rotatable in one or two directions. In the illustrated form shown in figure 2, the dials 30 are arranged for dual direction movement (i.e. dual direction rotation). Alternatively the dials 30 may be constrained for a single direction movement (i.e. single direction rotation). The dials 30 may be arranged to rotate about an axis that is parallel to a face 14 ofthe body 12 upon which they are presented.
The dials 30 may comprise one or more teeth to be like a gear. The teeth provide bearing features or bearing points for a user to push against as the user manipulates or interacts with the gear. The teeth on one gear may be equidistant and evenly spaced around the circumference of the gear. In one aspect all the gears 30 may be identical and include the same number of teeth. Alternatively at least one gear 30 may include more teeth than the other gears or at least one gear may include larger sized teeth than the other gears. The dials or gears 30 may also provide an audible click sound as one or more of the dials 30 are rotated. In an alternative form one or more dials may be silent when rotated or manipulated and may not provide an audible feedback.
In some examples the touch object 10 may also present a ball or rollerball 32 mounted thereon capable of a rolling movement. The ball or rollerball 32 may be rolled by a user in any direction by manual manipulation by a user. In one aspect the rollerball 32 is preferably able to be subject to omnidirectional movement but alternatively may be constrained for unidirectional or bidirectional movement. In addition, the rollerball may also be pressed down, towards the center of the body 12 and when released it reverts to its original rest position. The rollerball 32 may optionally be mounted on or coupled to a biasing member or members that bias the rollerball 32 back to its original rest position. The rollerball 32 may provide some audible feedback such as a sound when the ball is pressed.
In the exemplary touch object 10 shown in FIGS. 1-7, the first planar face 14 can be subdivided into two halves, with the one or more dials or gears 30 being positioned on one half and the rollerball 32 being positioned on the other. This can allow a user to run a thumb or finger first over the rollerball 32 and then immediately onto the gears 30, thereby creating an interesting or pleasing tactile sensation of touching a smooth hard rolling surface immediately followed by a rough hard rolling surface, all in the same short movement. Moving a thumb or finger in the opposite direction can create a reversed sequence of tactile sensations. If positioned correctly, it may even possible for a user to touch and/or manipulate both tactile features 30, 32 presented on the first planar surface at the same time. Such a configuration can beneficially provide for a variety of tactile sensations and sequences that help maintain a user’s interest in touching and manipulating the tactile features on the touch object.
Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that the one or more gears 30 and the rollerball 32 could be presented at different locations, either individually or in combination with different tactile features, as discussed in more detail below.
As shown in Figure 3, a further or alternative tactile feature can be a turning disk (preferably in the form of a dial) 34 rotatably mounted upon a surface of the body 12. In one aspect the turning disk 34 may be mounted substantially flush with a surface or face 16 of the body 12 and is capable of being manually turned and rotated on the face by the finger of a user, wherein the finger could be any one of the user’s five fingers. In the exemplary form the rotation axis of the turning disk 34 may benormal to the second face 16 or alternatively the turning disk or dial 34 may be mounted slightly proud of the face 16.
The turning disk 34 can further include a gripping tab in the form of a small protrusion 36 projecting up therefrom for assisting a user to grip the disk 34 and rotate it relative to the face 16. The protrusion 36 is generally located adjacent or near to the circumferential edge of the disk 34 but alternatively may be spaced from the circumferential edge and spaced away from the center of the disk 34. In an alternative form the turning disk 34 may include multiple gripping tabs positioned around the disk 34 and where gripping tabs are protrusions. The gripping tabs may be equally spaced around the circumference or may be randomly distributed around the disk or dial 34.
As shown in Figure 4, a further present tactile feature can be a switch 40. It may be a toggle switch. The switch 40 can be pivoted by manual manipulation by a user between two positions that mimics an equipment control switch being shifted between on and off positions. In the example touch object 10 the axis of rotation of the switch 40 is parallel to the third face 18.
Another option is that a tactile feature that can comprise a plurality of buttons 42, preferably arranged in the form of an array over a surface of the body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four buttons 42 delimiting 20 a notional square and a fifth button 42 positioned centrally within the notional square. The buttons 42 can be moveable inward toward the middle of the body 12 and while being biased outward toward the fourth face 20. One or more of the buttons 42 may provide a tactile feedback when pushed and/or may provide an audible feedback such as, for example, an audible click when pushed inward. In one example selected buttons from the array of buttons 42 can make an audible click and while other selected buttons make no sound. At least two of the buttons 42 may provide an audible and tactile feedback when pushed or depressed by a user and at least two of the buttons 42 provide a tactile feedback and no audible feedback when pushed or depressed. The height of the buttons above the fourth face 20 after being pushed inward can also vary. One or more of the push buttons 42 may also provide a visual feedback when pushed or depressed.
As shown in Figure 6, another tactile feature can be a shallow recess 44 in a surface of the body 12. The recess 44 may have an interesting or unique tactile feel or a surface finish that is different to the rest of the body. In one example the recess 44 may have a different tactile feel to the outer surfaces of the body 12, for example the recess may be smoother or rougher than the surface of the body 12 or have some other texture. The recess 44 can also include transition regions 48 extending between a face 22 of the body and a base 50 of the recess 44. The transition regions 48 may be rounded or provide a smooth transition from the face 22 to the base 50 of the recess 44. As noted above, the base 50 may include a surface finish that may be different to the surface finish of one or more surfaces of the body 12. For example the base 50 may be rougher or smoother than the fifth face 22, thereby providing a user with a different tactile sensation when the user touches (i.e. manipulates) the recess. This tactile feature 44 may mimic a worry stone. When fidgeting, a user can manually run their finger along and/or around the recess 44 in the same way that they would do for a worry stone, to calm and soothe the emotions.
As shown in Figure 7, the body 12 may present another tactile feature that can be a joystick 46. The joystick preferably comprises an axle 52 projecting outwardly from an outer surface 24 of the body (as seen in figures 4 and 5) and at the end of which may be presented a disk 54. The disk 54 preferably sits proud of a body surface or face
24. The disk may alternatively be of another shape that a user can touch and/or grasp. The joystick may be flexibly or rotationally mounted on the body 12, with the disk 54 spaced a small distance above a surface or face 24 of the body, which can be manually manipulated by a user. Typically a user might push back and forth or around in a circle using the flat surface of the disk 54 of the joystick 46. This fidget feature mimics joy sticks that are used in computer games and would be known to computer game users. In one example a user may also rotate the disk 54 slightly by twisting the circumference of the disk 54.
In use, the handheld touch object 10 can be manually used by a user to occupy their hands. The user typically grasps the touch object 10 in their hand and uses their fingers to manipulate the tactile features that may be presented at or extending from the body 12. It will be appreciated that the handheld touch object 10 is shaped and capable of being gripped by the fingers of a hand. For example the body of the touch object 10 may occupy between 1/6^th to 1/3^rd the area of an average user’s palm, when the touch object 10 is placed flat on the palm. For example, in one form the body 12 may be cube shaped, with each face of the cube having a width and a height ranging from about 2.5cm to about 4.5cm, and preferably a width and a height of about 3.3cm. In exemplary forms with a cube shaped body 12, each face 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 may have an equal height and width, and each face may be identical in plan perimeter shape.
The different tactile features can provide a wide variety of different user experiences, and a user can continuously manipulate or rotate the handheld touch object 10 to select a tactile feature that best fits his or her preference at that moment. For example, the shallow recess 44 with its tactile feel mimicking a worry stone, contrasts with the deliberate action of switching the toggle switch 40 on and off repeatedly. Further the user could conceivably interact with the tactile features on two opposed faces ofthe body at one time, with different fingers of one hand or different fingers of two hands. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the user might interact with (or manipulate) with the push buttons on one face and the toggle switch on the opposed face simultaneously. Accordingly, one or more of the tactile features may provide a tactile (i.e. haptic feedback) when manipulated. In addition, one or more ofthe tactile features may provide an audible feedback when manipulated for example an audible click. Finally, one or more of the tactile features described herein may also provide a visual feedback when manipulated. One or more of the tactile features described herein may provide either one or two or all three of a tactile feedback, audible feedback and visual feedback. For example the recess 44 generally provides a tactile feedback. The toggle switch 40 can provide an audible feedback, tactile feedback and a visual feedback. Similarly the turning disk 34 can also provide a tactile, audible and visual feedback. The pushbuttons 42 preferably provide a tactile and audible feedback. Other combinations are also possible and considered to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.
Furthermore, it will also be appreciated that a user can manipulate a plurality of the tactile features at different locations on the touch object body 12, either simultaneously or in a desired sequence, to achieve a desired sensation or feedback. This activity may be undertaken using either different fingers of one hand, different fingers of two hands, or both. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the user might simultaneously interact with (or manipulate) with the push buttons 42 on one the fourth face 20 using a thumb and the toggle switch 40 on the opposed third face 18 using the middle finger, while all the while stabilizing the object with the index finger pressed against the disk of the joystick 46 presented on the sixth face 24. The user could then rotate the touch object body by 90 degrees around two different axes so that the thumb could simultaneously interact with the rollerball 32 and gears 30 on the first face 16 while the index finger interacted with the toggle switch 40 on the third face 18 and the middle finger interacted with the turning disk 34 on the second face 18. It is desired that the touch object is configured to permit that a wide variety of additional simultaneous multi-tactile feature interactions are also possible.
In addition to the above, one or more of the tactile features may also comprise different colours or coloured portions to provide a visual feedback as the tactile features are manipulated. For example the rotating risk 34 may have a spoke pattern disposed thereon, where the spokes are a different colour to the rotating disk 34, and the coloured spoked providing a visual feedback as the disk is rotated. In another example each dial 30 may include a colour portion, e.g. a coloured tooth or teeth that provide a visual feedback as the dials are manipulated by a user.
The handheld touch object body 12 is formed from rigid material or materials. Preferably the material is a rigid, lightweight material such as for example a plastics material. Preferably the handheld touch object body 12 is moulded from a plastics material. Alternatively the body 12 may be vacuum formed or could be formed using any other suitable processing method. The tactile features are preferably made from a plastics material. The tactile features may be formed of the same plastics material as the body 12, or may be formed from a different plastics material. The tactile features are formed by a moulding process or other suitable process. In one exemplary configuration the tactile features may be of a different colour to the body 12. For example the tactile features are formed of a plastics material that has a different colour to the plastics material used to form the body 12. Alternatively the body 12 and the tactile features are formed of the same coloured material.
The touch object 10 may be comprised of a multi part construction, where each part of the body is coupled to the other the other parts to form a complete body. For example the body 12 may be formed of a two part shell construction as seen in figure 8. A first shell 80 and a second shell 90 may be provided that can be connected together to form the outer shell of the body. Within the outer shell of the body a chassis member 95 can be retained.
The outers shell may be formed of two equal parts with a split plane (i.e. part line) formed along multiple faces. The two shell parts 80 and 90 may be permanently connected at their interface 96. This may be achieved for example with a permanent snap fit connection or alternatively by adhesive or by a suitable plastic welding process such as for example ultrasonic welding.
The chassis is an internal chassis for mounting and/or providing retention features to mount or retain one or more of the tactile features described above (save for the recess which may merely be provided by one of the shells 80/90). The mounting or retaining features retain may the tactile features in a manner that allows movement of the tactile features when manipulated by the user. Some examples of the mounting or retaining features are a recess 97 for the ball (i.e. rollerball) to seat into and be captured by the housing shell. Another example is a hole 98 to receive an axle of the turning disk 34.
The shells 90 and 90 may have appropriate shaped opening for the tactile features held or retained by the chassis to protect through. The opening 81 is large enough for a part of the ball 32 to project through but is smaller than the diameter of the ball 32 to help retain the ball in its seated condition. The opening 91 is preferably of a diameter just bigger than the diameter of the disk 34 so that the disk can sit in the opening. For simplicity only two tactile features are shown, associated with the chassis. A skilled person will, based on the disclosure made, be able to design a chassis that provides for an ability to retain and/or mount other tactile features as herein described.
The chassis 95 may be secured to one of both shells in a rigid manner.
There may be mounts 83 provided at where the chassis and the shell 80 are connected together in a secure manner.
Each ofthe shells are preferably formed from a plastics material. The body 12 is preferably formed of a rigid plastics material meaning the body 12 does not deform visually when squeezed or manipulated by a user’s hands or fingers. The body 12 maintains its shape substantially in response to a force being applied to the body.
In embodiments of the present invention, in addition to presenting a plurality of manually manipulated tactile features, the touch object 10 is also configured (and optionally patterned) to bear the likeness of a being. The being could for example be a fantasy or comic character, a human or humanoid being, an animal, a monster or an anthropomorphized object or robot. Configuring the touch object 10 to bear the likeness of a being can produce an emotional response in the user of the object, which response can increase the degree of amusement, enjoyment, distraction and/or stress relief that a user experiences in using the touch object.
The touch object may be configured to bear the likeness of a particular being by comprising certain likeness bearing elements that suggest or mimic various physical aspects of the being, such as its body, head, face, facial features, clothing and accoutrement. The likeness bearing elements could for example suggest or mimic features such as the eyes, nose, mouth and hairstyle of a particular character being.
In some embodiments one of more of the manually manipulated tactile features (e.g. 30, 32, 34, 42, 50) can be used to define likeness bearing elements of the touch object 10. For example, pressable buttons that click (e.g. 42) may serve as likeness bearing elements to resemble the eyes of a character. As a further example, a moveable joystick (e.g. 46) may serve as a likeness bearing element by resembling the arm or hat of a character.
To some extent patterning on an exterior surface (e.g. 22, 24) ofthe body 12 may also constitute a likeness bearing element ofthe object. For example, a line drawn mouth or costume may at least in part contribute to the object 10 bearing the likeness of a particular being. However in preferred forms of the present invention the touch object comprises at least one or more features of contour, shape, outline or texture which provide said likeness bearing elements. In this manner the objects configuration to bear the likeness of a being can be experienced by the user via the sense of touch as well as by visual recognition.
For example, where the character to be emulated in likeness is a superhero, the touch object 10 may include as a likeness bearing element a sheet made of a soft or flexible material. Such a likeness bearing element suggests or mimics the superhero’s cape both in visual appearance and in texture. The user is able to appreciate both of these dimensions while manually manipulating the object, and thus the degree of amusement, enjoyment, distraction and/or stress relief that a user experiences in using and handling the touch object is enhanced.
In various embodiments the likeness bearing elements may be defined or provided by the body 12 or regions of the body 12; by one or more of the tactile manipulation features; or by some additional feature carried by the touch object 10. In some embodiments the object 10 may be configured to bear the likeness of a being by way of a singular likeness bearing element. However in other embodiments several likeness bearing elements may act in concert to result in a configuration that bears likeness to a being.
Figures 10 to 19 show some specific examples of how a touch object 10 with tactile features such as those exemplified in Figures 1 to 7 can in various ways be configured (and optionally also patterned) to bear the likeness of a being such as a character, human, or animal being. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that these are some specific examples, but that there are a wide variety of configurations that belong to the scope of the present invention. In particular the body 12 of the touch object need not be a block or cube. In other embodiments the body 12 could be substantially spherical, or shaped with angular sides, or any other shape (e.g. conical, prism, elongate, helical) that lends itself to the desired configuration for bearing the likeness of a being.
Generally the manually manipulated tactile features illustrated as examples in Figures 1 to 9 can be employed in embodiments of the present invention, and have been numbered correspondingly in Figures 10 to 18. However a person skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative manually manipulated tactile features could be used instead of or along with those specifically described in various embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 10 shows an embodiment of the present invention in which the likeness bearing elements include manually manipulated tactile features to define the eyes, nose and mouth of an animal, and features of pattern to define the pupils of the eyes. In this manner the object is configured to bear the likeness of an animal being. The body 12 may be coloured pink to signify that the animal being is a pig.
The body 12 has a flat face 14 which mimics the shape of the face of an animal being. The face 14 presents likeness bearing features corresponding to the animals eyes, nose and mouth that are provided by a row of movable gears 30 positioned above a rolling ball 32 which is partially retained within the body 12 but exposed through a surface of the face 14. Said gears 30 and ball 32 function as moveable tactile features to facilitate fidgeting. There are dots marked on the gears 30 to mimic the animal’s pupils. Such patterning can in some embodiments serve the additional purpose of providing visual feedback about the movement of the tactile feature, and thus enhances the utility of the tactile features for fidgeting.
Figure 11 shows a different embodiment of the present invention wherein the animal being is a mouse, and wherein many of the likeness bearing elements, being those which define the eyes and nose of the mouse, are applied as a pattern on the face 14 of the body 12. The body 12 also has features of shape and contour which act as likeness bearing elements in concert with those defining the eyes and nose. These features of shape and contour comprise circular projections 53 which extend outwardly from either side of the face 14 to bear the likeness of the mouse’s ears. The likeness bearing element which suggests the mouth of the mouse is provided by a rolling ball 32 retained by the body 12 but exposed through the face 14. It can be seen that there are additional tactile features, such as press buttons 42, a joystick 46, and a switch 40, which project from other faces (24,20,18) of the touch object which do not carry likeness bearing elements. Although in some embodiments of the present invention it is possible that all faces or surfaces of the body may carry likeness bearing elements.
A final example embodiment of a touch object of the present invention is shown in Figures 12-18, wherein the object is configured to bear the likeness of a human being by virtue of a rotatable end cap 50. The exterior surface 55 of the end cap 50 is shaped and contoured to define the likeness of the human being’s eyes, nose, mouth and hair. The likeness bearing element which represents the being’s hair defines a series of ridges 56, such that a user can experience the likeness element both visually and by touch when manually manipulating the touch object.
The object 10 has a substantially cube shaped body 12, with the end cap 50 associated parallel to a notional face 16 of the cube. However the end cap 50 protrudes out from the notional cube-shaped periphery of the body 12 to some extent. The remaining faces of the cube (14, 18, 20, 22, 24) carry manually manipulated tactile features including an array of press buttons 42, a moveable joystick 46, a switch 40, a row of gears 30 and a roller ball 32.
The rotatable end cap 50 itself provides a manually manipulated tactile feature. As shown in Figure 18 there is a ratchet plate 52 secured over a notional face 16 of the cube-shaped body 12. The end cap 50 is rotatably mounted on the ratchet plate 52 and is associated with a circular collar 51. The circular collar 51 carries an elastic pawl 57 which it urges against the ratchet plate 52. As the circular collar 51 rotates along with the end cap 50, the pawl 57 is dragged over the teeth of the ratchet 52. This causes noise and vibration as the end cap 50 rotates, providing tactile and audible feedback to the user as the tactile feature is manually manipulated.
In various embodiments, the packaging for the object may have features that compliment the packaged object. The packaging could be in the same theme as the object. As one example, a touch object may be in the likeness of an alien, and may come in packaging that resembles a space craft. The packaging itself may have features adapted for manual manipulation.
For example, an object having the likeness of a being such as a character, human or animal being, in some embodiments may be put into a container. The size of the container relative to the touch object may be selected such that characteristics ofthe likeness of the object project through the outside of the container. To provide a more specific example, if making a touch object in the likeness of a superhero, there may be the hint of muscles, a cape, a signature, or the like, that is evident on the outside of the packaged object. These textures and shapes of the packaged object may provide an additional sensation a user might use to fidget with, perhaps increasing the functionality of such characteristics.
To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

权利要求:
Claims (23)
[1]
CONCLUSIONS
A hand-fitting touchable object consisting of a body that exhibits a plurality of hand-manipulable tactile features extending into or formed on at least one surface of the body, and wherein the object is configured to resemble the similarity to possess a being, such as a character, a human, or an animal being.
[2]
A hand-fitting touchable object according to claim 1, comprising one or more similarity elements configured to possess, alone or in combination with other similarity elements, the similarity of a being, such as a character, a human or an animal being .
[3]
A hand-fitting touchable object according to claim 2, wherein the likeness elements express or mimic different physical aspects of the being, such as its body, head, face, features, clothing, and equipment.
[4]
A hand-engaging touchable object according to claim 2 or claim
3, wherein the similarity elements comprise one or both of:
(a) characteristics of contour, shape, outline or texture, and
b) characteristics of pattern or ornament.
[5]
A hand-fitting touchable object according to any of claims 2-4, wherein the similarity elements can be experienced both by visual appearance and by touch by the user of the touch object.
[6]
A hand-engaging touchable object according to any one of the claims
2-5, wherein at least one of the corresponding similarity elements is:
a) a characteristic of contour, shape, outline or texture, and / or
b) noticeable when touched by a user of the touch object.
[7]
A hand-fitting touchable object according to any one of claims 2-6, wherein at least one of the corresponding similarity-bearing elements is defined by or provided by one or both of:
(a) one of the tactile features that can be touched by hand, and
b) the body.
[8]
A hand-fitting touchable object according to any of claims 2-7, wherein at least one of the similarity-bearing elements are formed or provided by one of the hand-touchable tactile features.
[9]
A hand-fitting touchable object according to claim 8, wherein all said similarity-bearing elements are intended or formed by one or more of the manually manipulated tactile features.
[10]
A hand-fitting touchable object according to claim 8 or 9, wherein at least some of the similarity-bearing elements are formed or provided by a plurality of gears aligned in a row, and a rolling ball received within the body and yet partially protruding from a side surface of the body.
[11]
A hand-fitting touchable object according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of hand-touch manipulated tactile features comprises a plurality of gears and a rolling ball, which together form or suggest the features of a being such as a character, human or animal .
[12]
A hand-fitting touchable object according to any of claims 8-11, wherein the number of hand-touchable tactile features includes click buttons.
[13]
A hand-fitting touchable object according to any one of claims 8-12, wherein the number of hand-touchable tactile features comprises a plurality of sprockets arranged in a row, each of the plurality of sprockets rotating about a common axis .
[14]
A hand-fitting touchable object according to any one of claims 8-13, wherein the number of hand-touchable tactile features comprises a disk that rotates, the disk being mounted substantially parallel to an outer surface of the body.
[15]
A hand-fitting touchable object according to claim 14, wherein the disc is a closure cap.
[16]
A hand-fitting touchable object according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the number of hand-touchable tactile features is selected from one or more of:
a) a number of movable gears
b) a rolling ball that is received by the body and protrudes from an outer surface of the body,
c) a switch,
d) a movable joystick, and
e) a number of push buttons.
[17]
A hand-fitting touchable object according to any of claims 1 to 16, wherein the number of hand-touchable tactile features are adapted to provide audible or visual feedback when touched by hand.
[18]
A hand-fitting touchable object according to any one of claims 117, wherein at least two different tactile features are provided on opposite areas of the body.
[19]
A hand-fitting touchable object according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein each of the plurality of tactile features are different and distinct from the other tactile features represented by the body.
[20]
A hand-fitting touchable object according to any of claims 1-19, wherein the body is substantially shaped as a block, a cube or a sphere.
[21]
A hand-fitting touchable object according to claim 20, wherein the body is substantially shaped as a block or a cube, and wherein a rounded surface transition is provided between adjacent faces of the block or cube.
[22]
A hand-fitting touchable object according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the body is substantially shaped as a block or a cube and wherein a round surface transition is arranged between adjacent faces of the block or cube.
[23]
A hand-fitting touchable object according to any of claims 20-22, wherein the body is substantially shaped as a block or a cube, and wherein each of said similarity-bearing elements is located on, or visible from, one side of the block or cube.
42 <
Rg> 2
5/13
6/13 ίο
42 42 42
42 42 42
FIGURE 8
12/13
13/13

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引用文献:

公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题

KR200462192Y1|2011-12-01|2012-08-30|주식회사 소노코리아|Led toy lights|

法律状态:
2018-11-21| PD| Change of ownership|Owner name: ANTSY LABS LLC; US Free format text: DETAILS ASSIGNMENT: CHANGE OF OWNER(S), ASSIGNMENT; FORMER OWNER NAME: MATTHEW MCLACHLAN Effective date: 20180919 |

优先权:

申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

US201762467721P| true| 2017-03-06|2017-03-06|

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