Toy actuation device

Abstract

A toy actuation device is disclosed which has a device body comprising a holding unit that holds a toy such as a stuffed toy. The holding unit including first detecting unit for detecting that the toy is held in the holding unit; and movable engagement members that are engageable with outer parts of the toy. An actuation mechanism actuates the engagement members. A user-holdable member is detachably disposed at the device body and includes a second detecting unit for sensing that the user is holding the user-holdable member in association with the toy; and a control unit that actuates the actuation mechanism on the basis of the detection results of the first detecting unit and the second detecting unit.

1 . A toy actuation device having a device body, the device body comprising: 
 a holding unit for holding a toy, said holding unit including first detecting means for detecting that said toy is being held in said holding unit;    movable engagement members that are engageable with parts of said toy;    an actuation mechanism that actuates said engagement members;    at least one user-holdable member associated with said toy, said member being detachably disposed at the device body and including second detecting means for sensing that the user is holding said member and operating said holding member in association with said toy; and    a control unit that actuates said actuation mechanism on the basis of the detection results of said first detecting means and said second detecting means.    
   
   
       2 . The toy actuation device according to  claim 1 , wherein said device body further comprises a sound effect output unit for outputting sound effects associated with said user-holdable member, said control unit actuating said sound effect output unit on the basis of the detection result of said second detecting means.  
   
   
       3 . The toy actuation device according to  claim 1 , wherein said first detecting means is configured by a light sensor.  
   
   
       4 . The toy actuation device according to  claim 1 , wherein said movable engagement members are configured by two seesaw panels, legs of said toy engaging with top surfaces of said seesaw panels when said toy is seated in a chair.  
   
   
       5 . The toy actuation device according to  claim 1 , wherein said second detecting means are configured to be able to input detecting signals via signal lines to said control unit controlling a motor.  
   
   
       6 . A toy actuation device for a passive toy figure comprising: 
 a housing having a holding unit of a configuration to operatively mount a toy figure simulating a living animal;    a movable engagement member on the housing for engagement with the toy figure to provide movement to one or more parts of the toy figure when mounted on the holding unit;    a sound unit on the housing for providing a sound characteristic of the toy figure;    a control unit in the housing for activating the movable engagement member and sound unit; and    an operator remote controller for sending operational signals to the control unit, whereby a toy figure of a passive configuration can be animated when removably mounted in the holding unit.    
   
   
       7 . The toy actuation device of  claim 6  further including a first sensor unit for indicating to the control unit the mounting of a toy figure.  
   
   
       8 . The toy actuation device of  claim 7  further including a second sensor unit for indicating to the control unit that a user has picked up the operator remote controller whereby the control unit is enabled.  
   
   
       9 . The toy actuation device of  claim 8  wherein the operator control unit has an exterior housing simulating an article appropriate for interaction with the toy figure.  
   
   
       10 . The toy actuation device of  claim 9  wherein a plurality of operator remote controllers are provided.  
   
   
       11 . The toy actuation device of  claim 10  wherein one of the plurality of operator remote controllers simulates a bottle with a nipple for feeding the passive toy figure.  
   
   
       12 . The toy actuation device of  claim 10  wherein one of the plurality of operator remote controllers simulates a food container for feeding the passive toy figure.  
   
   
       13 . The toy actuator device of  claim 12  wherein the food container further includes a utensil that simulates food on the utensil that can be fed in a simulated manner to the passive toy figure.  
   
   
       14 . The toy actuator device of  claim 13  wherein the utensil has a hollow handle and a simulated food member can be retractively moved into the hollow handle to provide a simulated appearance of a feeding interface with the passive toy figure.  
   
   
       15 . The toy actuator device of  claim 14  wherein the food container has a guide member that causes the simulated food member to be extended from the handle when inserted in the guide member.  
   
   
       16 . The toy actuation device of  claim 8  wherein the moveable engagement member is configured to activate the appendages of a passive toy figure configured like a humanoid.  
   
   
       17 . The toy actuation device of  claim 10  wherein one of the plurality of operator remote controllers simulates a rattle to provide sound effects.  
   
   
       18 . A combination toy assembly comprising: 
 a humanoid stuffed toy figure having a head and appendages;    a housing having a holding unit of a configuration to operatively mount the toy figure;    a movable engagement member on the housing for engagement with the toy figure to provide movement to one or more parts of the toy figure when mounted on the holding unit;    a sound unit on the housing for providing a sound characteristic of the toy figure;    a control unit in the housing for activating the movable engagement member and sound unit; and    an operator remote controller, configured to simulate and object that could interact with the toy figure, the toy figure of a passive configuration can be animated when removably mounted in the holding unit.    
   
   
       19 . The toy actuation device of  claim 18  further including a first sensor unit for indicating to the control unit the mounting of a toy figure.  
   
   
       20 . The toy actuation device of  claim 19  further including a second sensor unit for indicating to the control unit that a user has picked up the operator remote controller whereby the control unit is enabled.