Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE OF THE INVENTION :~
FIGURE MOVING ARTICLE .
BACKGROUND OF THE INVE~TION
This invention relates to a figure moving article,
and more particularly to a figure moving article which
carries out bending motion or relative angular movements
which vary the configuration, appearance or the like of the
article in a unique and unexpected manner upon detection of
an external stimulus such as light, sound, infrared rays or
the like. .
One form of a figure moving article which is known
generally takes the appearance of a still life such as a
10 flower or the like and is typically used for interior ` ;~
decoration. The article is so constructed that when a sound `~
sensor detects sound of a predetermined level or more such
as the voice of a viewer talking to the article, hand `
clapping, background music or the like, a switching element `~`
15 is turned on to drive a motor through a power supply. The ;
so-actuated motoe causes a core element serving as an ~ ;
actuation member to be rotated, resulting in a cover member `~ ~`
which has an appearance in imitation of, for example, a ~ ~ `
flower and in which the core element is loosely fitted, ` -
being moved in a meandering manner with the rotation of the
core element. `;
When the sound detected by the sensor disappears,
the motor immediately stops and the article may assume an i ;
unnatural posture. This suggests to the viewer that the
25 article is adapted to move and therefore somewhat diminishes ` ~`~
the surprise which the next viewer might otherwise ~`
experience. - -
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to ~-
provide a figure moving article adapted to produce unique
and unexpected movements in response to a stimulus and which
otherwise imitates a still life object without providing any ;
clues of its adaptability for movement. ;
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3 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Generally speaking, in accordance with the present
invention, a figure moving article is provided. The figure
moving article includes a container formed of a flexible
I material; a bending structure received in the container and
5 actuated to cause the container to carry out bending motion;
a motor received in the container and operatively connected ;~
to the bending structure to actuate the bending structure;
and a motor drive circuit for driving said motor. The
bending structure is operatively connected to the container
1~ so as to transmit the actuation of the bending structure to
the container, resulting in the container exhibiting bending ;~
movement.
Also, in accordance with the present invention,
the figure moving article includes a container formed of a
15 flexible material into a cylindrical shape: a base; a motor -
mounted on the base; a motor drive circuit electrically
connected to the motor to drive the motor; a rotation member "`-
operatively connected to the motor so as to be rotated with `
the driving of the motor; an oscillation member supported on ` ;~
20 the base in a manner to stand up and be pivotally movable ~ ~`
and operatively connected to the rotation member so as to be ~
pivotally moved in response to rotation of the rotation ; `
member: a support member arranged above the oscillation `
member in a manner to be movable in relation to the ;~`
25 oscillation member and connected to the side wall of the `~`
container to transmit the pivotal movement of the
oscillation member to the container, to thereby cause the "
container to carry out bending motion; a sensor for
detecting external stimulus; a switching element connected
30 between the sensor and the motor drive circuit so as to be -~
actuated in response to an external stimulus detected by the ~;
sensor; and a posture detecting switch for detecting a
predetermined posture of the oscillation member. ~he ~-
posture detecting switch is connected to the switching
element and motor drive circuit to cause the motor drive
circuit to drive the motor when the switching element is
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turned off and until such time when the posture detecting
switch detects the predetermined posture of the oscillation
member. The figure moving article also includes a spring
interposed between the oscilation member and the support
member so as to bias the oscillation member and support
member away from each other. The container receives the
above-described respective components therein. ~-
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF T~E DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the invention,
reference is had to the following description taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings in which like ~ `
reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts ~ -
throughout; wherein~
Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional view showing an~
embodiment of a figure moving article according to the; ` `
present invention;
Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a
bending structure incorporated in the figure moving article
shown in F.~g. 1;
Figs. 3A to 3C each are a schematic perspective ` ;
view showing the manner of bending movement of the figure
moving article shown in Fig. l; -~
Fig. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a motor drive
circuit incorporated in the figure moving article shown in
Fig. 1;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the figure movi~g
articl-~ shown in Fig. 1 to which accessories are attached;
Fig. 6 is a fragmentary schematic view partly in
section showing a modification of a reduction gear
mechanism arranged between a motor and a bending struc.ure
in the figure moving article shown in Fig. l;
Fig. 7 is a schematic diagrammatic view of the gear
mechanism shown in Fig. 6;
Fig. 8 is ar. exploded perspective view showing ~`
another embodiment of a figure moving article according to ~ -
the present invention; ~ -
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Fig. 9 is a vertical sectional view of the figure
moving article shown in Fig. 8;
Figs. 10A to 10C each are a schematic perspective
view showing the manner of bending movement of the figure
5 moving article shown in Fig. 8;
Fig. 11 is a circuit diagram showing another motor
drive circuit suitable for use for a figure moving article
according to the present invention;
I Fig. 12 is a wave form chart showing the operation ;:-
¦ 10 of the motor drive circuit of F'ig. 11 and
1 Fig. 13 is a circuit diagram showing a further
i motor drive circuit suitable for use for a figure moving ~ `~
article according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
. .
Now, a figure moving article according to the
present invention will be described hereinafter with `~
reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figs. l to 3 illustrate an embodiment of a figure `
20 moving article according to the present invention. "
A figure moving article of the illustrated `
embodiment generally designated at reference numeral 20 `
includes an envelope or container 22 formed into a `
cylindrical shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the
25 container 22 may be formed in imitation of a beer can. The
container 22 includes a bottom 24, a peripheral wall or
barrel 26 and a top 28. In the container 22 is arranged a
receptacle 30 in which a power supply 32 such as a dry cell
or the like is received. The receptacle 30 is placed on
30 the bottom 24 of the container 22 so as to replaceably
receive the power supply 32 therein. For this purpose, the
bottom 24 is formed so that a part thereof may be openable.
Also, on the bottom 24 are mounted a main switch 34 and a
sound sensor 36 constituting part of a motor drive circuit `
35 described hereinafter. The main switch 34 includes an
operation lever 38 arranged in a manner to project outwardly
through the bottom 24, and through which the main switch 34
is operable for actuation of the figure moving article.
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Also, in the container 22 is securely mounted a ;~
box-like casing 40, which is arranged on the receptacle 30.
In the illustrated embodiment, the casing 40 may be ::
considered to constitute a base. In the casing 40 are .
received a motor 42 and a reduction gear mechanism 44
including a spur gear, a reduction gear comprising a worm
and a worm gear, and an over-load cutout friction clutch. ~ ~
The gear mechanism 44 also includes an output shaft 46 ::
arranged so as to extend upwardly through the top wall of
10 the casing 40. On the portion of the output shaft 46 . .-
projecting from the casing 40 is mounted a cam 48 acting as ; ".
a rotation member, which is provided on the upper surface ~:
thereof with an eccentrically located drive pin 50 in a `` -`
manner to extend upwardly therefrom. :`
The casing 40 is provided on both sides of the ; :~
upper portion of the side wall thereof with fixing pins 52;.-:~
extending outwardly through the casing 40. Above the càsing`:.`
40 is arranged an oscillation member 54, which includes a
pair of leg portions 56 arranged so as to straddle the upper .:.
portion of the casing 40 and a connection portion 58
extending between the leg portions 56. The leg portions 56
each are formed at the lower portion ~hereof with a
through~hole 60 through which each of the fixing pins 52 is : ~
loosely inserted, so that the oscillation member 54 may be ~:
25 pivotally moved about the fixing pins 52 with respect to the ~:
casing 40. The connection portion 58 is formed on the lower
surface thereof with an elongated recess 62 and receives the
above-described eccentrically located drive pin 52 of the
cam 48. ~:-`~ .
In this arrangement of the cam 48 and oscillation
member 54, the rotation of the cam 48 in a direction ~ .
indicated at an arrow 64 in Fig. 2 causes the oscillation
member 54 to be pivotally moved about the fixing pins 52 in
directions indicated at arrows 66. ;~
The oscillation member 54 is provided thereon with
a cylindrical member 68. In the illustrated embodiment, the
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cylindrical member 68 is formed integrally with the member
54 and positioned so as to extend upwardly from the `~
oscillation member 54. The cylindrical member 68 is ~ --
provided on the outer periphery of the upper portion thereof ~ -
5 with an annular projection 70 extending laterally ~ ;
therefrom. A cylindrical projection 72 arranged -
concentrically within the member 68 and extending in the
axial direction of the member 68, defines a blind hole 74
open at the upper surface of the member 68 and extending in
10 the axial direction thereof. `-~
Further, in the container 22 is fittedly arranged
a support member 76 in the form of a cover in a manner to be ~`~
positioned between the top 28 and the oscillation member ~ .
54. The support member 76 is adapted to be engaged with the
15 container 22 to support it and transmit the actuation of the "~` `
support member 76 to the container as described below. In
the illustrated embodiment, it is engaged with the side wall ;``~
or peripheral wall 26 of the container 22 and, for this ;~` `
purpose, it is formed into a circular shape of substantially
20 the same diameter as the peripheral wall 26 of the container ~-
22. Thus, the support member 76 is engaged at the overall
periphery thereof with the side wall 26 of the container 22.
A coiled spring 78 is interposed between the
support member 76 and the oscillation member 54 to bias said
members away from each other. In the embodiment of FIG. l,
the spring 78 is fitted on the projection 72 within
cylindrical member 68. The support member 76 is provided at
the central portion of the lower surface thereof with a
guide pin 80 extending downwardly therefrom so as to be
30 inserted into the blind hole 74 of the projection 72. The ~
support member 76 is also provided on the lower surface ~-
thereof with a plurality of elongated projections 82, which
extend downwardly therefrom and are radially spaced from
each other so as to surround the cylindrical member ~8. The `~
35 projections 82 each are formed at the distal end thereof ; -
with a claw 84 in a manner to project inwardly therefrom,
the claws 84 being adapted to engage the annular projection
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70 of the cylindrical member 68, so as to prevent the
support member 76 from being released or disengaged from the
cylindrical member 68 under urging from the coiled spring ~-
78. It will be noted that the support member 76 is adapted ` `-
5 to respond to movements imparted to the oscillation member
54 without disengagement from the member 54. ~-
Thus, a bending movement produced in the :
oscillation member 54 is transmitted to the container and ~ ~`
the walls of the container 22 are formed of flexible h
10 material to better exhibit such bending movement or relative `;- `
angular movement of the top 28 relative to the bottom 24.
In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral wall -:
or barrel 26 of the container 22 is formed from a flexible ~:`
plastic sheet. The so-formed barrel 26 is engagedly ~ ~`
15 connected to the support member 76 by adhesion or bonding
and held on the bottom 24 in a manner to somewhat compress ~
the coiled spring 78, resulting in the figure moving article ~ `
20 of the illustrated embodiment normally exhibiting such an
appearance as shown in Fig. 1 because the container is under
20 tension. In the illstrated embodiment, the upper end of the
barrel 26 overlaps the inside surface of the cover member 76
and is secured in position by the top 28. ~ :~
The figure moving article 20 of the illustrated `~
embodiment may include a posture detecting switch 86 which ~ `
constitutes a part of the motor drive circuit and is
provided on the casing 40 for detecting a predetermined ~`
posture of the figure moving article. In the illustrated
embodiment, the switch 86 is arranged on the outer surface ;~
of the casing 40 in a manner to be opposite to the outer
periphery of the cam 48 and is adapted to detect the angle
of inclination of the bending structure and therefore the
figure moving article 20. More particularly, the
configuration of the cam 48 is adapted to turn on (close),
the switch 86 when the article 20 is in bent postures as
shown in Figs. 3B and 3C and to turn off (open) the switch
86 when the article is in the erect position shown in Figs.
1 and 3A. Designated at reference numeral 88 is a drive ~;
circuit body forming a part of the motor drive circuit.
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Fig. 4 shows the motor drive circuit for driving
the motor 42, wherein reference numeral 90 designates a
switching element adapted to be turned on depending upon the
output of the sound sensor or microphone 36. The switching
5 element 90 is connected in series to the drive circuit body
88, power supply 32 and main switch 34. 6
The manner of operation of the figure moving ~
article of the illustrated embodiment constructed as -
described above will be described hereinafter with reference ~ -
10 to Figs. 1 to 5. `
The figure moving article formed in imitation of a -~
beer can will normally have an erect posture as shown in `~ `
Fig. 3A. When the sound sensor or microphone 36 detects `
sound of a predetermined level or more such as hand
15 clapping, music, voice talking to the article or the like
with the main switch 34 turned on, the switching element 90 ~ : ~
turns on or off depending upon the magnitude or volume of ~ -
the sound to control the supply of electric power to the
motor drive circuit 88. With the power on, the motor 42 is `~ ;
20 driven to rotate the rotation member or cam 48 through the ; `
gear mechanism 44, leading to rotation of the drive pin 50
in the recess 62~ so that the oscillation member 54 may be
pivotally moved about the support pins 52. This results in
the figure moving article or beer can 20 being deformed in
one direction or from the erect position shown in Fig. 3A to
a bent position or posture shown in Fig. 3B or 3C, where the
top 28 is angularly displaced relative to the bottom 24,
where the top and bottom are in alignment, returned to the
erect position shown in Fig. 3A and then deformed in the
opposite direction or from the erect position to the bent
position shown in Fig. 3C or 3B. Such bending motion of the
article or can 20 is continued as long as said predetermined -~
sound level is maintained. ;~
In the case where the posture of the figure moving
article, beverage can or beer can 20 is erect when the
detection of the sound is interrupted, the posture detecting
switch 86 is off (open), so that the supply of electric -~
power from the power supply 32 to the drive circuit body 88
is interrupted, resulting in the movement of the can 20
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being stopped. On the other hand, in the case where the ;
beer can 20 is in a bent posture when the detection of the
sound is interrupted, the posture detecting switch 86 is
kept turned on (closed) until the oscillation member 54 is ;
pivotally moved to the predetermined posture or erect
position even with the switching element 90 turned off. - ;
Thus, the beer can 20 is returned to the erect position
shown in Fig. 3A, whereafter the movement of the can is
stopped. This results in the barrel 26 of the figure moving
article or can 20 being placed under tension to impart a
configuration or appearance natural to a stored beer can. -~
It will also be appreciated that some tension in
the barrel 26 is desirable in order to dampen the momentum
imparted to the support member 76 as otherwise the support -~
member 76 may continue to move beyond the erect posture and
cause the oscillation member 54 and the cam 48 to follow, -~
thereby restoring motion in the motor 42 as the posture
detecting switch 86 turns on (closes).
In the figure moving article or beer can of the ~ ;
illustrated embodiment, reference numeral 92 designates
accessories formed in imitation of sunglasses and a
headphone detachably mounted on the outer periphery of the ~ `~
top 28 by means of holders 94, as shown in Fig. S. ~^`
Figs. 6 and 7 show a modification of the gear
25 mechanism 44 incorporated in the figure moving article 20 of `~
the illustrated embodiment in which the gear mechanism 44
includes a pinion 96 mounted on an output shaft 98 of the
motor 42, a gear 100 mounted on a support shaft 102 and
engaged with the pinion 96, a gear 104 provided integral `
with and coaxial with the gear 100, a gear 106 engaged with ` `
the gear 104, a ~ear 108 formed integral with the gear 106,
a gear 110 engaged with the gear 108, a gear 112 provided
integral with the gear 110, a gear 114 engaged with the gear
112, a bevel gear 116 rotatable with the gear 114, and a - "~
bevel gear 118 mounted on an output shaft 46 of the
mechanism 44. When the motor 42 is driven, the rotation of
the motor 42 is transmitted through the so-constructed gear
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mechanism 44 to the output shaft 46 to rotate the cam 48,
resulting in the drive pin 50 being eccentrically rotated. -`
This results in the oscillation member 54 being pivotally -~
moved, leading to actuation of the posture detecting switch ~
5 86. ~ -
The figure moving article of the illustrated `
embodiment is adapted to detect sound, however, a sensor for
detecting external stimulus other than sound such as static
electricity, light, pressure, infrared rays, smell,
temperature or the like may be incorporated in an article
made according to this invention. For example, a pressure
sensor may be used to detect the weight of a person -~ `
approaching the figure moving article. Also, the figure
moving article of the embodiment is made so as to have a
figure in imitation of a beer can, however, it may be formed
in imitation of a doll, a bottle, a monstrous beast or the
like. ~ :
As can be seen from the foregoing, the figure
moving article of the illustrated embodiment is constructed
20 so as to be kept stationary when the sensor does not detect``~
external stimulus, resulting in exhibiting a stationary `~
configuration and/or appearance of a still life. When the `
article detects an external stimulus, it carries out
deformation or bending motion, to thereby cause a viewer to
25 take much interest and be surprised at any communication ~
preceived to be possibly created between the viewer and the `~ `
article. Also, the provision of the posture detecting
switch in the article permits the article to be displayed in - ~
a normal posture inherent to a still life which the article ~ -;
30 imitates whenever the article does not detect external -;
stimulus.
Figs. 8 to 10 show another embodiment of a figure
moving article according to the present invention. ;`
A figure moving article of the illustrated ~ -
embodiment is constructed so as to more smoothly exhibit
bending motion and compensate for some problems which may
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develop in articles made according to the embodiments
described above.
In the embodiment described above with reference
to Figs. 1 to 7, the support member 76 is apt to apply
excessive or immoderate tension or force to the peripheral
or side wall of the container, so that there is a
possibility that the side wall is subject to irreversible
stretching, resulting in sagging, because it is made of a ~ -~
flexible material. Also, this may cause the separat~on of
the container from the support member or rupture of the
container. Finally, the arrangement of the spring between ~ `
the support member and the oscillation member may fall to
sufficiently transmit the pivotal movement of the
oscillation member to the support member thereby leading to
a failure of the article to transform its configuration.
In the figure moving article shown in Figs. 8 to
10, the connection between an oscillation member and a
support member is improved to prevent unreasonable tension
or force from being applied to a container and ensure that ~ ~ `
pivotal movement of the oscillation member is transmitted to
the support member so as to maximize the amount of movement
exhibited by the figure. `~;
The figure moving article of the illustrated .
embodiment includes a container 22 formed in imitation of a j
beer can and comprising a bottom 24, a peripheral or side
wall 26 made of a flexible material such as a flexible vinyl
resin sheet and a top 28. In the container 22 are arranged
a casing 40 serving as a base, an oscillation member 54, a
coiled spring 78 and a support member 76 of a substantially
cylindrical shape, which may be arranged in substantially
the same manner as those in the embodiment described above
with reference to Figs. 1-5. Between the oscillation member
54 and the support member 76 is arranged a ball joint 120
for operatively connecting both to each other.
In the container 22 is arranged a receptacle 30 in
which a power supply (not shown) such as a dry cell or the
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like is received. The receptable 30 is placed on the bottorn -
24 of the container 22 so as to replaceably receive the -
power supply 32 therein. For this purpose, the peripheral ;~
wall 26 of the container 22 is bent inwardly at the lower
end thereof to form an inward flange 122 on which the
receptacle 30 is placed and the bottom 24 is formed so that
a part 124 thereof may be openable. The receptacle is fixed
on the flange 122 by means of screws 126 inserted through ` `~-~
the bottom 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the
receptacle 30 may be formed integral with the casing 40.
On the casing 40 is mounted a sensor 36 which is
adapted to detect external stimulus such as light, sound,
infrared rays or the like to actuate a switching element ~ `~
(not shown) for a drive circuit body 88 arranged
15 substantially in the casing 40. The sensor 36 is externally ~ ~`
projected through a through-hole 128 when the casing 40 is `~
positioned in the container 22. Also, in the casing 40 are
arranged a motor (not shown) driven when electric power is
supplied from the power supply through the switching element
thereto, a reduction gear mechanism (not shown) operatively
connected to the motor and including an output shaft (not
shown) on which a rotation member or cam 48 is mounted.
Reference numeral 52 designates support pins projecting `~ `
outwardly through the casing 40. Such components may be
25 constructed in substantially the same manner as those in the `
embodiment described above with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. ~
The rotation member or cam 48 includes an eccentrically ;
positioned drive pin 50.
The oscillation member 54 includes a pair of leg
portions 56 and a connection portion 58 interposed between
the leg portions 56 so as to connect both together. On the
connection portion 58 is arranged a cylindrical member 68
serving as a spring receiver. The connection portion 58 is
formed on the lower surface thereof with an elongated recess
35 62 which penetrates the cylindrical member 68. The leg ~ ~;
portions 56 each are formed with a through-hole 60 through
which the support pin 52 is fitted to support the
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oscillation member 54 on the casing or base 40 in a manner :
to be pivotally movable about the support pins 52. In the
recess 62 is fitted the eccentrically positioned drive pin
50 of the cam 48, so that the rotation of the rotation
member or cam 48 causes the oscillation member 54 to be
pivotally moved about the support pins 52. `.
The ball joint 120 briefly referred to above
comprises a ball 130 provided at one of the oscillation .~;~
member 54 and connection member 76 and a ball socket 132 .` .:
10 provided at the other of the members 54 and 76. In the ;~
illustrated embodiment, the ball 130 is arranged at the ~ ~
oscillation member 54 and the ball socket 132 is arranged at ` ~`
the support member 76. More particularly, the ball 130 is ` :
mounted on the distal end of a support pin 80 fixed at the .-
15 proximal end thereof on the central portion of the bottom of ~ ~
the cylindrical member or spring receiver 68 so as to extend .:
upwardly therefrom and the ball socket 132 is mounted on the
central portion of the lower surface of the support member
76. The ball socket 132 is formed on the upper surface ~-
thereof with a plurality of holding holes 134 and the
support member 76 is formed with a plurality of '~
through-holes 136 in a manner to positionally correspond to `
the holding holes 134. Reference numeral 138 designates a
fixture which includes a flat support section 140 and a
plurality of claws or clicks 142 provided on the lower
surface of the support section 140 so as to extend .:~
downwardly therefrom and be fixedly inserted through the
holes 134 and 136, to thereby fix the ball socket 132 to the `:
support member 76.
Between the support member 76 and the oscillation
member 54 is interposed the coiled spring 78 for constantly ~: `
biasing the members 76 and 54 apart from each other. The : ~
coiled spring 78 is so arranged that its lower portion is `,
received in the cylindrical member or spring receiver 68 and ~ ;
35 its upper portion is fitted on the ball socket 132. `~
Thus, a bending structure is formed which serves
to transmit the output of the motor therethrough to the side
wall 26 of the container 22. '~
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In the bending structure constructed as describedabove, the coiled spring 78 is received at the lower portion
thereof in the spring receiver 68 and then the ball 130 of
the ball joint 120 is forcedly placed in the ball socket 132
mounted on the lower surface of the support member 76, to
thereby connect the oscillation member 54 and support member
76 to each other and pressedly abut the upper end of the
coiled spring 78 against the lower surface of the support
member 76.
The so-assembed bending structure is then inserted
into the container while being integrally connected between
the casing or base 40 and the support member 76. Then, the
base 40 is fixed with respect to the container 22. The
peripheral wall 26 of the container 22 is inwardly folded ~-~
15 down at the upper end thereof as indicated at reference `~
numeral 144 so that the folded upper end may securely `
enclose the upper end 145 of the annular support member 76. ;~
Thereafter, the top 28 is fitted in the support member 76,
resulting in the container being rigidly connected to the
support member 76 while being kept erect.
In the embodiment shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the -~
rotation member 48 comprises a cam as described above, and a
micro switch 146 is arranqed in proximity to the cam 48 and
connected to the drive circuit body 88 in parallel with the
switching element connected to the sensor 36, resulting in a
posture restoring mechanism being constructed which serves ~ ~
to drive the motor to restore the figure moving article to ~ -
the normal erect posture even if no external stimulus is
detected at the time the article is in a bent posture. ;
In the figure moving article of Figs. 8 and 9
constructed as described above, when the sensor detects
external stimulus such as sound, light, infrared rays,
smell, heat or the like, it actuates to turn on the `~
switching element to drive the motor. This results in the ~
35 rotation member 48 being rotated, leading to pivotal -
movement of the oscillation member 54, which is transmitted
through the ball joint 120 to the support member 76. This
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causes the container 22 and more specifically the peripheral ~
wall 26 of the container 22 to repeatedly carry out bending ~.
motion, as shown in Figs. lOA to lOC. During the bending
motion, one side of the peripheral wall 26 is repeatedly
5 subject to contraction and expansion, whereas the other side ;~
is repeatedly subject to expansion and contraction
corresponding to the movement of the one side,
respectively. Because the support member 76 rolls on the
ball joint 120 excessive force is prevented from being ~ -
10 applied to the peripheral wall 26 of the container 22. This ,
effectively prevents damage to the container 22 and
particularly the peripheral wall 26 notwithstanding the ~ "~
repeated bending movement of the container 22. `~
Further, when the oscillation member 54 is
15 - returned to an erect position, the coiled spring 78 causes I`` ``
the support member 76 to be forced upwardly away from the
oscillation member 54 to thereby stretch the peripheral wall `~ -
or barrel 26 and allow the figure moving article to be
restored to the erect position. `` `~
The arrangement of the posture restoring mechanism
comprising, in the illustrated embodiment, the rotation
member 48 and micro switch 146 causes the driving of the
motor to be continued until the figure moving article is
restored to the erect position even when cessation of the
external stimulus occurs during a bending motion. Thus, a
viewer seeing the stationary article is not given any clues `
to the nature of the article and does not suspect that the
article is adapted to move so that when the article does ~; `
bend in response to an external stimulus the viewer is taken - `
by surprise.
As can be seen from the foregoing, the figure ~ u
moving article shown in Figs. 8 and 9 is so constructed that
the ball joint is interposedly arranged between the -
oscillation member and the support member and the spring is
likewise interposed between both members to bias the members
away from each other. Such construction permits the support
member to readily carry out positional variations and
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effectively prevents unreasonable or excessive force from ~`
being applied to the peripheral wall of the container.
The remaining part of the embodiment of Figs. 8
and 9 may be constructed in substantially the same manner as
that shown in Figs. 1 to 7.
A motor drive circuit suitable for use in each of -~ ;~
the above-described embodiments may alternatively be
constructed as shown in Fig. 11. The motor drive circuit
generally indicated at reference numeral 148 in Fig. 11 is -~
adapted to cause a motor to also act as a brake when the
movement of the motor is stopped in response to the
disappearance or attenuation of external stimuli detected by
the sensor. Preferably, the figure moving article of the
present invention is stopped at a predetermined posture
corresponding to a posture natural for the still life object
of which the figure moving article is an imitation.
For this purpose, the sound sensor or microphone
36 of the monitor drive circuit 148 is adapted to generate
an output signal upon detection of sound of a predetermined
20 level or more, which signal is then supplied through a ~`~
switching element 90 comprising an NPN-type transistor to ~-
one terminal of a first NAND circuit 150. Reference numeral
152 designates a selection circuit, which may be a
well-known flip-flop circuit comprising two NAND circuits
25 crossedly connected to each other. The flip-flop circuit `-
152 uses a signal supplied thereto from the NAND circuit 150
as a start signal to turn on a motor-drive switching element
154 and uses a signal supplied thereto from a second NAND
circuit 156 described hereinafter as a reset signal to turn ~
30 on a short-circuit switching element 158. Thus, the ~-
flip-flop circuit 152 acts to selectively actuate the -`
switching elements 154 and 158.
The second NAND circuit 156 is supplied through a
prohibition circuit 160 with a signal generated from the
posture detecting switch 86 actuated by the rotation member
or cam 48 rotated in synchronism with the motor 42 and
adapted to close (to turn ON) when the figure moving article
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is in a predetermined erect posture. The prohibition
circuit 160 may be a well-known differentiating circuit
comprising a capacitor 162 and a resistor 164, and when the ~ -
posture detecting switch 86 turns ON, the out-put of the `~
NAND circuit 156 is reversed into a low level and maintained
at a low level during a time T corresponding to a time
constant of the prohibition circuit 160. Consequently, for
such a period of time, the NAND circuit 150's output is
maintained at a high level and acts to prohibit a reverse ~ `
10 action of the flip-flop circuit 152, thus keeping the motor ;
42 stopped, even when the NAND circuit 150 received a sound -
signal from the transistor 90. Both switching elements 154
and 158 each may comprise a PNP-type transistor, of which
the bases are connected to output terminals of the two NAND
circuits constituting the flip-flop circuit or selection
circuit 152, respectively. `~
The collector and emitter of switching ele~ent 154 ` `~
acting as a motor-drive are connected to a line for
supplying electric power from the power supply 32 to the
20 motor 42, so that when a signal is supplied from the ``` ~`~
flip-flop circuit 152 to the motor-drive switching element ;~
154, the element 154 drives the motor 42. The collector and `
emitter of the switching element 158 acting as a
short-circuit switching element are connected to both
25 terminals of a capacitor 166 connected in parallel with a "
drive coil of the motor 42. Thus, when a signal is supplied `~
from the flip-flop circuit 152 to the base of the
short-circuit switching element 158, it causes the drive ~ `
coil of the motor 42 to be short-circuited to discharge the
30 drive coil, resulting in braking of the motor 42. ~-
The manner of operation of the motor drive circuit
constructed as described above will now be described
hereinafter with reference to Figs. 11 and 12.
When the sound sensor or microphone 36 detects
sound of a predetermined level or more with the main switch
34 on, and the NAND circuit 156's output is maintained at a ;~
high level, the NAND circuit 150 causes the flip-flop
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circuit 152 to be actuated. The actuated flip-flop circuit
152 then actuates the motor-drive switching element 154,
thereby driving the motor 42 and causes the figure moving
article to assume a bent posture. The motor 42 also causes
the rotation member or cam 48 to rotate and thereby to turn
on (close) the posture detecting switch 86 when the figure
moving article reaches the predetermined erect posture. ~;~
With the posture detecting switch 86 turned on the
differentiating circuit 160 causes the output of the second `~`
NAND circuit 156 to be reversed into a low level, for a
period of time corresponding to a time constant T. This ~ ~
causes the flip-flop circuit 152 by means of the NAND ~-
circuit 150, to interrupt the actuation of the motor-drive
switching element 154 and to turn on the short-circuit
15 switching element 158 whereupon the drive coil of the motor ~
42 is discharged and the motor 42 is stopped. ;`
Thus, the motor 42 acts as a brake when the figure
moving article reaches a predetermined posture, so that it
may stop the movement of the article at the predetermined
posture consistently even when there is a variation in the
moment of inertia of the figure moving article or when load
applied from the peripheral wall of the container of the
figure moving article to the motor is varied due to a
variation in flexibility of the peripheral wall of the
figure moving article caused by a variation in ambient
temperature.
The time constant T during which the short circuit -~
switching element is operational is set to be greater than
the time t required to discharge the motor 42. During the
30 time interval T when the second NAND circuit 156 supplies ~;
the signal to the flip-flop circuit 152, the flip-flop
circuit 152 operates to stop the motor 42 even though an
output from the sound sensor or microphone 36 may be
supplying the first NAND circuit 150. Accordingly, the
35 bending movement of the figure moving article is temporarily -~
stopped at an erect posture such as shown in ~ig. 3A or lOA ;~--
irrespective of whether any sound is detected by the sensor ; `;
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so that the resulting bending motion of the article will
exhibit satisfactory modulation.
In the motor drive circuit of Fig. 11, a sound
sensor is used as the senor 36. However, a sensor which
5 detects external stimulus other than sound such as light, ~;;
infrared rays, temperature, pressure, static electricity, ~
smell, smoke or the like may be suitably used for this ~-
purpose. `
The motor drive circuit may also be constructed in
the manner shown in Fig. 13 where a posture detecting switch
86 is adapted to be turned off (open) when the figure moving ;~
article is in an erect posture. When a sensor or microphone i
36 detects sound of a predetermined level or more with a ``i
main switch 34 closed, a transistor Q3 is turned on to `~
drive a motor 42, resulting in the figure moving article
carrying out a bending motion. The article continues the ~ -
motion for as long as the sound is maintained above the ` ~
predetermined level at which the sensor 36 operates. While ` `
the figure moving article is in a bent posture, the posture
20 detecting switch 86 is turned on (closed), so that the ~ `
figure moving article continues the bending motion until it `~
reaches the erect posture even if the sensor 36 does not
detect sound. When the figure moving article reaches the ~
erect posture, the posture detecting switch 86 is turned off ;
(open) thereby interrupting the bending movement of the
article until a sound exceeding the predetermined level is
detected by the sensor 36.
It will thus be seen that the objects set forth
above, among those made apparent from the preceding
description, are efficiently attained and, since certain
changes may be made in the above construction without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is ` ~ -
intended that all matter contained in the above description
or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted
as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
It is also to be understood that the following
claims are intended to cover all the generic and specific -~ ~
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features of the invention herein described and all
statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter
of language, might be said to fall therebetween. ;;~
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