Texas Ride

Abstract

The present invention discloses an improved hobby horse used by children to simulate a real horse. The hobby horse comprises a life like horse head with a neck, a saddle horn, and a hardwood stick body or tail. The horse's head further includes multiple electronic components such as a pair of backlighted eyes, a pair of nostrils, a controlling computer, an amplifier with a horse sound synthesizer, a smoke generator with a driver and a power source to power the electronic components. The saddle horn is disposed at the horse's neck, comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) to illuminate the saddle horn. The amplifier is configured to emit a whinny sound of the horse and the smoke generator is configured emit smoke from the nostrils of the horse's head. The electronic components of the hobby horse could be activated via a multi-functional switch.

Claims

1. A hobby horse toy, comprising: a head comprises a pair of eyes and a pair of nostrils, each eye comprises a light source to illuminate the eye; a neck extending from the head; a tail extending from the neck; a saddle horn disposed at the neck comprises a light source to illuminate the saddle horn; a smoke generator embedded within the toy, configured to generate a plume of smoke from the nostrils; an amplifier with a horse sound synthesizer embedded within the toy, configured to emit a whinny sound of a horse; a switch assembly disposed at an exterior surface of the toy, configured to control operation of the amplifier, and the smoke generator; and a controlling computer embedded within the toy, in communication with the amplifier, the controlling computer, the smoke generator and the switch assembly.

2. The hobby horse toy of claim 1, further comprises a power source in communication with the amplifier, the controlling computer, the smoke generator and the switch assembly, configured to supply power.

3. The hobby horse toy of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises plurality of light emitting diodes.

4. The hobby horse toy of claim 1, further comprises a sisal rope disposed at the neck to provide a tight grip to a user's hand.

5. The hobby horse toy of claim 1, wherein the switch assembly comprises at least one switch to control operation of the amplifier, and the smoke generator by depressing the switch for a pre-programmed number of times.

6. The hobby horse toy of claim 1, wherein the switch assembly comprises a bank of tactile membrane switches with one function per switch.

7. The hobby horse toy of claim 1, wherein the switch assembly comprises one or more switches.

8. The hobby horse toy of claim 1, wherein the head is in a shape of horse head.

9. The hobby horse toy of claim 1, is configured to be used as a walking cane.

10. The hobby horse toy of claim 1, wherein the head and the neck are made of rigid urethane foam.

11. The hobby horse toy of claim 1, wherein the saddle horn is made of linear fiberglass.

12. The hobby horse toy of claim 1, wherein the tail is made of at least one of hardwood or metal.

13. The hobby horse toy of claim 1, wherein the tail is coated with a clear resin to provide a durable scratch resistant surface.

14. The hobby horse toy of claim 1, wherein end of the tail is connected to a crutch tip.

15. The hobby horse toy of claim 1, further comprises a disk disposed at a top of the saddle horn, wherein the disk is made of fiber glass.

16. The hobby horse toy of claim 1, is logoed on a surface of at least one of head, neck, switch, saddle horn, disk or tail.

17. A hobby horse toy, comprising: a head comprises a pair of eyes and a pair of nostrils, each eye comprises a light source to illuminate the eye; a neck extending from the head; a tail extending from the neck; a saddle horn disposed at the neck comprises a light source to illuminate the saddle horn; a smoke generator embedded within the toy, configured to generate a plume of smoke from the nostrils; an amplifier with a horse sound synthesizer embedded within the toy, configured to emit a whinny sound of a horse; a switch assembly disposed at an exterior surface of the toy, configured to control operation of the amplifier, and the smoke generator; a controlling computer embedded within the toy, in communication with the amplifier, the controlling computer, the smoke generator and the switch assembly, and a power source in communication with the amplifier, the controlling computer, the smoke generator and the switch assembly, configured to supply power.

18. The hobby horse toy of claim 1, further comprises a sisal rope disposed at the neck to provide a tight grip to a user's hand.

19. The hobby horse toy of claim 1, further comprises a disk disposed at a top of the saddle horn.

20. A hobby horse toy, comprising: a head comprises a pair of eyes and a pair of nostrils, each eye comprises a light source to illuminate the eye; a neck extending from the head; a tail extending from the neck; a saddle horn disposed at the neck comprises a light source to illuminate the saddle horn; a smoke generator embedded within the toy, configured to generate a plume of smoke from the nostrils; an amplifier with a horse sound synthesizer embedded within the toy, configured to emit a whinny sound of a horse; a switch assembly disposed at an exterior surface of the toy, comprises at least one switch to control operation of the amplifier and the smoke generator by depressing the switch for a pre-programmed number of times; a controlling computer embedded within the toy, in communication with the amplifier, the controlling computer, the smoke generator and the switch assembly, and a power source in communication with the amplifier, the controlling computer, the smoke generator and the switch assembly, configured to supply power.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and structures disclosed herein. The description of a method step or a structure referenced by a numeral in a drawing is applicable to the description of that method step or structure shown by that same numeral in any subsequent drawing herein.

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a hobby horse used by a user according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a hobby horse used by a user according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a hobby horse according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 4 shows a front perspective view of a hobby horse according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 5 shows a rear perspective view of a hobby horse according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of a horse head of the hobby horse according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of a saddle horn of the hobby horse according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 8 shows a top perspective view of a saddle horn of the hobby horse according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the hobby horse according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 10 shows a top view of the saddle horn having a logo according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0030] A description of embodiments of the present invention will now be given with reference to the Figures. It is expected that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, the perspective view of a hobby horse or hobby horse toy 100 used by a user 102 is illustrated. In one embodiment, the hobby horse 100 is designed to enhance the playability of the hobbyhorse games. In one embodiment, the hobby horse 100 has been designed to make noise, generate smoke, and backlighted horse's eyes. The user 102 could switch on and off the noise and smoke from the hobby horse 100 via a switch assembly. In one embodiment, the hobby horse 100 could be used by the user 102 with a rope for roping practice. The user 102 could practice roping while riding or playing with the hobby horse 100. The hobby horse 100 is a life-like countenance with a saddle horn 110 (shown in FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the saddle horn 110 is configured to hold the rope. The top of the saddle horn 110 (shown in FIG. 3) is shaped to be able to retain the rope or lasso just like a standard saddle horn. The saddle horn 110 is ruggedized to relieve stress from pretend roping.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of a hobby horse 100 used by a user 102 is illustrated. In another embodiment, the hobby horse 100 could be used as a convenient walking cane for the elderly or disabled user 102. The hobby horse 100 is configured to provide extra support to the elderly or disabled user 102. In one embodiment, the hobby horse 100 could provide tight grip to the user's hand for extra support while walking or standing. Due to the tight grip, the hobby horse 100 could not slip from the user's hand.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 3, a side view of the hobby horse 100 is disclosed. In one embodiment, the hobby horse 100 comprises a life like horse's head 104 with a neck 108, the rugged saddle horn 110 and a hardwood stick body or tail 114. In one embodiment, the horse's head 104 with the neck 108 and the saddle horn 110 is connected or joined to the stick body or tail 114 of the hobby horse 100 via an adhesive. In one embodiment, the horse's head 104 could be a molded part. In one embodiment, the horse's head 104 is fabricated in a permanent mold using a material, but not limited to, a rigid urethane foam.

[0034] In one embodiment, the saddle horn 110 is made of a material but not limited to a linear fiberglass. In one embodiment, the saddle horn 110 has a diameter but not limited to the range of about 0.625 inches. The saddle horn 110 further comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) to illuminate the saddle horn 110. In one embodiment, the LEDs is turned on or off via a switch assembly comprising a switch 112 logoed with a logo 118 (shown in FIG. 8). In one embodiment, the switch 112 is positioned, but not limited to, at a side portion of the horse's neck 108 and below the saddle horn 110.

[0035] In one embodiment, the body or tail 114 is made of a material, but not limited to, a hardwood and a metal. In one embodiment, the body 114 of the hobby horse 100 is turned to 0.875 inches diameter from a hickory hardwood blank. This blank is turned to shape on a CNC lathe and is machine sanded before removal. After fabrication, the body or tail 114 section is coated with a thick layer of clear resin, that provides a durable scratch resistant surface. In one embodiment, the body or tail 114 of the hobby horse 100 having two ends. One end of the body or tail 114 is connected or joined to the horse's head 104 via a fastener or a threading means, and the other end is connected to a standard crutch tip 116.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 4, the front perspective view of the hobby horse 100 is illustrated. In one embodiment, the saddle horn 110 is lightened via the plurality of LEDs. In one embodiment, the saddle horn 110 is drilled to accept the plurality of LEDs. The plurality of LEDs is adhesively bonded into the drilled holes of the saddle horn 110 with the plurality of LEDs pointing outward. In one embodiment, the switch 112 is configured to turn on or turn off the plurality of LEDs of the saddle horn 110 of the hobby horse 100. In one embodiment, the switch 112 could be logoed on the surface using team, school, manufacturer, or various other logos. In one embodiment, the horse's head 104 also could be logoed on the surface using team, school, manufacturer, or various other logos.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 5, the rear perspective view of the hobby horse 100 is illustrated. In one embodiment, the saddle horn 110 of the hobby horse 100 having a disk 111. The upper end of the saddle horn 110 is covered with the disk 111. The disk 111 having a diameter in the range of about 0.25 inches. In one embodiment, the disk 111 is made of a material, but not limited to, a fiberglass. In one embodiment, the disk 111 is connected or joined to the top of the saddle horn 110 via an adhesive or a glue. In other embodiment, the disk 111 is connected or screwed at the top of the saddle horn 110 via a fastener, but not limited to, a screw and a bolt. In one embodiment, the upper surface of the disk 111 of the saddle horn 110 could be decorated or logoed using team, school, manufacturer, or various other logos.

[0038] In one embodiment, the switch 112 could be used to trigger or operate different functions. In one embodiment, a backlighted eyes or eyes having a light source 120, and the saddle horn 110 of the hobby horse 100 could be illuminated by pressing the switch 112 once. The hobby horse 100 could make a whinny sound of a horse by pressing the switch 112 for two times continuously and the switch 112 could activate the smoke generator and driver to generate a plume of smoke from the nostrils 122 by pressing the switch 112 for three times continuously. In one embodiment, the controlling computer of the hobby horse 100 could automatically shut off the electronic components of the hobby horse 100 by pressing the switch 112 four times continuously. In other embodiment, a bank of tactile membrane switches could be installed on the hobby horse 100 with one function per switch.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 6, the enlarged view of the horse's head 104 of the hobby horse 100 is illustrated. In one embodiment, the horse's head 104 could be a molded part. In one embodiment, the horse's head 104 is made of a material, but not limited to, a rigid urethane foam. The horse's head 104 is reinforced with stainless steel wire. The foam expands and becomes rigid, providing a detailed, life like horse's head 104 with the neck 108. The horse's head 104 is coated with an epoxy and then painted to look like a real horse. In one embodiment, the hobby horse 100 could emit smoke from nostrils 122 when the switch is depressed a pre-programmed number of times.

[0040] In one embodiment, the face of the horse's head 104 about but not limited to 4.75 long and the neck/head 108 about but not limited to 8.5 long. After curing and mold separation, the sprues and parting lines are smoothed, then the horse's head 104 and neck 108 could be coated with four coats of two-part epoxy. Due to the durable coating, the hobby horse 100 could be used harshly without damage. After the epoxy cures, the horse's head 104 is painted to match one of four basic horse colors, but not limited to, a bay (brown), a black, a paint, and a palomino. All this fabrication and coating could be done robotically, without human supervision. In one embodiment, a sisal rope could wound around the horse's neck 108. The sisal rope could be adhesively bonded to the horse's neck 108. The sisal rope of the horse's neck 108 could provide tight grip to the user's hand.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 7, the enlarged view of an illuminated saddle horn 110 of the hobby horse 100 is illustrated. In one embodiment, the saddle horn 110 having 2.25 inches tall and inclined at a 15-degree angle to the body or tail 114 of the hobby horse 100. In one embodiment, the saddle horn 110 comprises a light source, but not limited to, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), but not limited to four. In one embodiment, the saddle horn 110 could be drilled for positioning the plurality of LEDs. In one embodiment, the plurality of LEDs is pointing outward and configured to illuminate or lighten the saddle horn 110 and the surrounding of the hobby horse 100. In one embodiment, the plurality of LEDs could be powered via a power source, but not limited to, a battery of the hobby horse 100. The plurality of LEDs is connected to the power source via cables or wires through an electronic circuit or drivers. The wires or cables are directed down through the center of the horse's neck 108.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 8, the top perspective view of the saddle horn 110 of the hobby horse 100 is illustrated. In one embodiment, the saddle horn 110 could be disposed at one end of the horse's neck 108 via an adhesive or a fastener. In one embodiment, the top of the saddle horn 110 includes the disk 111. In one embodiment, the upper surface of the disk 111 of the saddle horn 110 could be decorated or logoed using team, school, manufacturer, or various other logos. In some embodiments, multiple logos could be placed on, but not limited to, the sides of the hobby horse 100 and the horse's neck 104.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 9, the side view of the hobby horse 100 is illustrated. In one embodiment, the horse's neck 108 is wrapped with a sisal rope and joined or glued to the neck 108 via an adhesive. In one embodiment, the body or the tail 114 is coated by a clear resin for a scratch resistant surface. One end of the body or the tail 114 is terminated with the standard crutch tip 116 to prevent wear of the hardwood and scratching the floor surface. In one embodiment, the crutch tip 116 is made of a material, but not limited to, a nylon. In one embodiment, the electronic components of the hobby horse 100 is powered by the power source. In one embodiment, the power source could be, but not limited to four replaceable AA batteries. The power sources of the hobby horse 100 could be disposed within a molded battery hatch 126 provided to the hobby horse 100. In one embodiment, the molded battery hatch 126 is covered and protected via a cover 128.

[0044] In one embodiment, the horse's head 104 further includes multiple electronic components such as a pair of backlighted eyes 120, a pair of nostrils 122, a controlling computer with 1 GB of memory, an amplifier 124 with a horse sound synthesizer, a smoke generator with a driver, and a power source box contains batteries. In one embodiment, the pair of backlighted eyes 120 includes at least one, but not limited to, white LED. The white LED could be powered via the power source of the hobby horse 100. The white LED could be turned on by pressing the switch 112 once. In one embodiment, the switch 112 could be a multi-functional switch. The switch 112 is configured to turn ON the backlighted eyes 120, generate smoke from the nostrils 122, and lighten the saddle horn 110. In one embodiment, the user 102 could turn ON the backlighted eyes 120 and the saddle horn 110 by pressing the switch 112 once.

[0045] In one embodiment, the amplifier or speaker 124 with the horse sound synthesizer is disposed within the horse's head 104 via, but not limited to, an adhesive or a fastener. In one embodiment, the amplifier or speaker 124 is configured to emit the whinny sound of a horse. The sound could be pre-programmed into the horse sound synthesizer and driven via the amplifier or the speaker 124. The user 102 (shown in FIG. 1) could trigger the amplifier or sound 124 by pressing the switch 112 for two times continuously. In one embodiment, the hobby horse 100 could emit the smoke from the nostrils 122 by the smoke generator and the driver. The user 102 (shown in FIG. 1) could operate the smoke generator by pressing the switch 112 at three times continuously. In one embodiment, the user 102 (shown in FIG. 1) could turn OFF the multiple electronic components of the hobby horse 100 by pressing the switch 112 for four times continuously.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 10, the top view of the saddle horn 110 having a logo 130 is illustrated. In one embodiment, the top of the saddle horn 110 is logoed with team, school, manufacturer, or various other images or logos. The top of the saddle horn 110 could be coated with clear resin to protect the logo 130 from normal wear.

[0047] A printed circuit board (PCB) for the devices is fabricated to the final assembler's requirements in a world class contract electronic assembler facility. The standard thickness, double sided FR4 circuit board material is populated with surface mounted components where possible. Any through-hole devices are inserted after the surface mounted assembly, soldering, and cleaning. The circuit board is designed to have all the components oriented so they could be mounted with the LED illuminators projecting out of the lenses mounted in the saddle horn 110 and the horse's backlighted eyes 120. After assembly, the PCBs are protected with a moisture adsorption preventive conformal coating. The PCB contains the multiple electronic components, but is not limited to, a pair of backlighted eyes 120, a pair of nostrils 122, a controlling computer with 1 GB of memory, an amplifier 124 with a horse sound synthesizer, a smoke generator with a driver, a power source box contains batteries and switches 112.

[0048] The hobby horse 100 is made from lightweight material. The nylon crutch tip 116 on the end of the body or tail 114 prevents scuffing of floors and increases the durability of the hobby horse 100. The hobby horse 100 is designed to be aesthetic and effective in the application. The relative ease of manufacture and the moderately inexpensive components provide good marketability for the manufacturer. The user 102 benefits from the many functions of play, life like looks, and exceptional durability, which should provide considerable market interest in the product.

[0049] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0050] The foregoing description comprise illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings in the foregoing descriptions. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used only in generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein.