MOVABLE FIGURINE ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A movable figurine assembly includes a support, a figurine, and a movement mechanism. The support includes a guide track. The figurine includes a movable body and a traveler that engages with the guide track. The movement mechanism includes a coupling and a motor. The motor is operatively coupled to the figurine by the coupling to move the figurine. The traveler engages with the guide track and guides the figurine to move along the guide track when the motor is operated to move the figurine.

Claims

1. A movable figurine assembly comprising: an upright support assembly including an upright support and a guide track; a figurine including a movable body and a projecting appendage extending from the movable body, the projecting appendage including a distal end that is distal from the movable body, the projecting appendage having a traveler on the distal end that engages with the guide track; and a movement mechanism including a tether and a motor, the motor operatively coupled to the figurine by the tether, the motor operable to raise and lower the figurine by moving the tether, wherein the traveler engages with the guide track and guides the figurine to move along the guide track when the motor is operated to move the figurine.

2. The movable figurine assembly of claim 1, wherein the movement mechanism includes a reel, and the motor is operably coupled to the reel (i) to rotate the reel in a first direction to wind the tether on the reel and raise the figurine and (ii) to rotate the reel a second direction opposite to the first direction to unwind the tether from the reel and lower the figurine.

3. The movable figurine assembly of claim 1, wherein the movement mechanism is disposed above the figurine to raise and lower the figurine.

4. The movable figurine assembly of claim 1, wherein the tether is attached to the traveler.

5. The movable figurine assembly of claim 1, wherein the tether is attached to the movable body of the figurine.

6. The movable figurine assembly of claim 1, wherein the upright support is a rigid support.

7. The movable figurine assembly of claim 1, wherein the upright support is a flexible support strand.

8. The movable figurine assembly of claim 7, wherein the flexible support strand includes a plurality of lights.

9. The movable figurine assembly of claim 1, wherein the upright support is the guide track.

10. The movable figurine assembly of claim 9, wherein the upright support is a flexible support strand, and wherein the traveler includes a U-shaped recess, the flexible support strand being positioned in the U-shaped recess to engage the traveler with the guide track.

11. A movable figurine assembly comprising: an upright support assembly including two upright supports connected to each other by a plurality of transverse supports disposed transverse to the two upright supports, the two upright supports each having a guide track; a figurine including a movable body, a plurality of projecting appendages, and an appendage motor, each projecting appendage of the plurality of projecting appendages extending from the movable body, the plurality of projecting appendages including: two upper projecting appendages, each of the two upper projecting appendages including a distal end that is distal from the movable body and having a traveler on the distal end that engages with a corresponding guide track, the traveler of one of the two upper projecting appendages engages with the guide track of one of two upright supports and the traveler of the other one of the two upper projecting appendages engaging with the guide track of the other one of the two upright supports; and two lower projecting appendages, each of the two lower projecting appendages being movable relative to the movable body by the appendage motor to have a rotating envelope for each of the two lower projecting appendages, the two lower projecting appendages being disposed proximate to the plurality of transverse supports such that the rotating envelope of each of the two lower projecting appendages has a position of closest extent, wherein a gap is maintained between the two lower projecting appendages and the plurality of transverse supports at the position of closest extent; a movement mechanism disposed above the figurine, the movement mechanism including a tether, a reel, and a drive motor, the tether being connected to the figurine and the drive motor being operably coupled to the reel (i) to rotate the reel in a first direction and (ii) to rotate the reel a second direction opposite to the first direction to alternatively wind the tether on the reel and raise the figurine and to unwind the tether from the reel and lower the figurine, wherein the traveler of each upper projecting appendage engages with the corresponding guide track and guides the figurine to move along the guide track when the drive motor is operated to move the figurine, and the appendage motor is operable to rotate the two lower projecting appendages as the figurine is raised and lowered.

12. The movable figurine assembly of claim 11, further comprising a housing, the drive motor and the reel of the movement mechanism being located within the housing and the two upright supports extending from the housing.

13. The movable figurine assembly of claim 11, wherein the figurine has a humanoid form, each of the two upper projecting appendages is a biomorphic structure resembling a human arm, and each of the two lower projecting appendages is a biomorphic structure resembling a human leg.

14. The movable figurine assembly of claim 11, wherein the upright support assembly is arranged in a ladder configuration with the plurality of transverse supports spaced apart from each other and arranged parallel to each other.

15. The movable figurine assembly of claim 11, wherein the movement mechanism further includes a tether guide wheel positioned between the reel and the figurine to be in contact with the tether as the drive motor winds and unwinds the tether from the reel, the guide wheel operatively connected to a reset switch to cut power to the drive motor if the tether loses tension.

16. The movable figurine assembly of claim 11, wherein the tether is a first tether and the reel is a first reel, the first tether being attached to the traveler of a first one of the two upper projecting appendages, and wherein the movement mechanism further includes a second tether and a second reel, the second tether being attached to the traveler of a second one of the two upper projecting appendages, the drive motor being operably coupled to the second reel (i) to rotate the second reel in the first direction and (ii) to rotate the second reel the second direction opposite to the first direction to alternatively wind the tether on the reel and raise the figurine and to unwind the tether from the reel and lower the figurine, the first reel and the second reel being rotated in concert with each other.

17. The movable figurine assembly of claim 14, wherein each of the two of upright supports and the plurality of transverse supports is a flexible support strand.

18. The movable figurine assembly of claim 17, wherein the traveler of each of the upper projecting appendages includes a U-shaped recess, and the flexible support strand of a corresponding upright support is positioned in the U-shaped recess as the corresponding guide track to engage the traveler with the guide track.

19. A movable figurine assembly comprising: a support including a guide track; a figurine including a movable body and a traveler that engages with the guide track; and a movement mechanism including a coupling and a motor, the motor operatively coupled to the figurine by the coupling to move the figurine, wherein the traveler engages with the guide track and guides the figurine to move along the guide track when the motor is operated to move the figurine.

20. The movable figurine assembly of claim 19, wherein the coupling is a tether, and the motor is operatively coupled to the tether to retract the tether to raise the figurine and extend the tether to lower the figurine.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a movable figurine assembly 100.

[0011] FIGS. 2A and 2B depict another movable figurine assembly. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the movable figurine, and FIG. 2B is a front view of the movable figurine assembly.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another movable figurine assembly.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the movable figurine assembly shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, with an outer covering of the figurine removed to show features of a structural frame, and a front case 234 of a movement mechanism housing 230 removed to show details of a movement mechanism.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a detail view of detail 5 in FIG. 4, showing features of the movement mechanism.

[0015] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the movable figurine assembly as shown in FIG. 4.

[0016] FIGS. 7A and 7B are detail views of detail 7 in FIG. 5, showing features of a reel assembly of the movement mechanism. FIG. 7A is a front view of detail 7, and FIG. 7B is a side view.

[0017] FIGS. 8A and 8B are detail views of a right distal end of a right upper projecting appendage, showing a guided interface, such as one that can be used with the movable figurine assembly shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0018] FIGS. 9A and 9B are detail views of a right distal end of a right upper projecting appendage, showing a guided interface, such as one that can be used with the movable figurine assembly shown in FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an electrical system that can be used with the movable figurine assemblies discussed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Embodiments discussed herein relate to mechanical decorations and, more specifically, movable figurine assemblies.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a movable figurine assembly 100. The movable figurine assembly 100 includes a figurine 110 and a support 140. The figurine 110 shown in FIG. 1 is a biomorphic figurine, such as a humanoid figurine. The figurine 110 can thus have a biomorphic form, such as a humanoid form. As used herein, the term humanoid refers to a form that emulates the general anatomical structure of a human figure, including, for example, a central torso and multiple projecting appendages corresponding to arms and legs. The humanoid figurine may include additional features such as a head, facial characteristics, hands, feet, or other anatomical representations, whether stylized, abstract, or anatomically detailed.

[0022] The figurine 110 may be formed as a unitary molded body, or it may be assembled from multiple components. The outer surface may be contoured or textured to resemble human features or thematic elements. In some embodiments, the figurine 110 includes a structural frame 115 (FIG. 4) covered by an outer covering, such as one or more flexible outer layers. For example, the figurine 110 may be dressed in clothing or costume elements applied over the structural frame 115. The outer covering can be integrally formed, adhered, sewn, or removably attached, and may include fabrics, plastics, or other suitable materials. In FIG. 1, the figurine 110 is a humanoid figurine configured to represent a Santa Clause figure, incorporating visual and structural characteristics commonly associated with Santa Clause, such as a bearded face, a rotund torso, and costume features including, for example, a coat, belt, boots, and a sack with presents.

[0023] The figurine 110 includes a movable body 112, which can correspond to the torso of the humanoid form, and a plurality of projecting appendages 114 extending from the movable body 112. Collectively the movable body 112 and the projecting appendages 114 can form the structural frame 115 of the figurine 110. When the figurine 110 is a humanoid form, the projecting appendages 114 can resemble limbs and can be connected to the body in a manner that allows for articulation or relative movement. More specifically, the plurality of projecting appendages 114 includes two upper projecting appendages 120 including a left upper projecting appendage 122 (FIG. 2B) and a right upper projecting appendage 124, each of which extends from the upper region 116 of the movable body 112. These upper projecting appendages 120 are generally representative of arms and terminate at respective distal ends, such as a left distal end 126 of the left upper projecting appendage 122 and a right distal end 128 (FIG. 2B) of the right upper projecting appendage 124. The distal ends (e.g., the left distal end 126 and the right distal end 128) can be spaced from the movable body 112. The left upper projecting appendage 122 and the right upper projecting appendage 124 can be contoured, jointed, or clothed to resemble sleeves, gloves, or other upper limb elements consistent with the figurine's theme.

[0024] The plurality of projecting appendages 114 also includes two lower projecting appendages 130, including a left lower projecting appendage 132 and a right lower projecting appendage 134, each of which extends from a lower region 118 of the movable body 112. These lower projecting appendages 130 are generally representative of legs and, as will be discussed in more detail below, can be configured for movement relative to each other in a manner that simulates a climbing action. The left and right lower projecting appendages can include shaping, jointing, or clothing features corresponding to pants, boots, or similar lower-limb elements consistent with the figurine's theme.

[0025] The figurine 110 of the movable figurine assembly 100 is supported by a support 140. The support 140 can be an upright support assembly 150. The support 140, such as the upright support assembly 150, can have an upper portion 142 and a lower portion 144. The upright support assembly 150 can be placed on or secured to the ground 10, with a base 146 (or stand) supporting the lower portion 144. The upright support assembly 150 can be positioned in a variety of environments and mounting configurations. For example, the upright support assembly 150 can be positioned so that its upright orientation is maintained by leaning or securing it against a surface, such as building surface 20. The building surface 20 can be a wall, faade, roof, or other portion of a building.

[0026] The upright support assembly 150 depicted in FIG. 1 is formed from rigid supports. The rigid supports can be materials such as metal, molded plastic, wood, or composite materials, arranged in a frame structure using, for example, solid or hollow extrusions. In FIG. 1, the upright support assembly 150 is arranged in a ladder configuration. The upright support assembly 150 includes two upright supports 152, a left upright support 154 and a right upright support 156. The two upright supports 152 are spaced apart from each other and connected by a plurality of transverse supports 158. The transverse supports 158 are arranged transverse to the two upright supports 152, and can be arranged as rungs, bars, or crosspieces. More specifically, the left upright support 154 and right upright support 156 can be spaced apart from each other and/or can be arranged parallel to each other. This arrangement resembles the structure of a traditional ladder, providing both structural integrity and aesthetic compatibility with a climbing motion performed by the figurine 110.

[0027] The upright support assembly 150 includes one or more guide tracks 160. The guide track 160 can engage with corresponding components of the figurine 110, such as a traveler 170, and serve to constrain and direct the movement of at least a portion of the figurine along defined paths during operation. For example, one or both of the two upright supports 152 can includes the guide track 160. When either one or both of the two upright supports 152 includes the guide track 160, the guide track 160 can be integrally formed, attached to, or embedded within the upright support 152. Similarly, the traveler 170 can be integrally formed, attached to, or embedded within the figurine 110.

[0028] The guide track 160 can have various geometric configurations. For example, the guide track 160 can have C-shaped channels, T-slots, U-shaped grooves, and rectangular or arcuate slots, each configured to guide and constrain the corresponding traveler 170. Some guide tracks 160 can include raised rails engaged by notched travelers 170, while others use recessed channels that receive sliding or rolling components. The traveler 170 can include a protrusion, tab, roller, or shaped follower configured to engage the corresponding track profile and remain constrained along its path. In some embodiments, the traveler 170 includes a bearing or wheel to reduce friction and promote smooth motion within the guide track 160. Together, the guide track 160 and traveler 170 define a guided interface that enables controlled motion of the figurine 110 relative to the support 140.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the upright support assembly 150 includes two guide tracks 160, a left guide track 162 and a right guide track 164. The left guide track 162 is connected to or a part of the left upright support 154, and the right guide track 164 is connected to or a part of the right upright support 156. The figurine 110 includes two travelers 170, a left traveler 172 (FIG. 2B), and a right traveler 174. Each of the travelers 170 engages with a corresponding guide track 160. More specifically, the left traveler 172 engages with the left guide track 162, and the right traveler 174 engages with the right guide track 164. The travelers 170 can be located on the projecting appendages 114, such as on the upper projecting appendages 120. As noted above, the left upper projecting appendage 122 (FIG. 2B) includes a left distal end 126, and the left traveler 172 can be attached to or formed in the left distal end 126 of the left upper projecting appendage 122. Similarly, the right upper projecting appendage 124 includes a right distal end 128 (FIG. 2B), and the right traveler 174 can be attached to or formed in the right distal end 128 of the right upper projecting appendage 124. The left traveler 172 and right traveler 174 each can be formed as part of the hands of the humanoid figurine, such that figurine holds on to the left upright support 154 and the right upright support 156, resembling the figurine 110 holding on to the sides of the ladder.

[0030] The movable figurine assembly 100 also includes a movement mechanism 200 including coupling, such as a tether 210, and a drive motor 220 (FIG. 5). In FIG. 1, the drive motor 220 is enclosed within a movement mechanism housing 230. The drive motor 220 is operatively coupled to the figurine 110 by the tether 210 to move the figurine 110. In FIG. 1, one tether 210 is used and the tether 210 is attached to the movable body 112 of the figurine 110. As will be discussed below, the tether 210 can be attached to the figurine 110 at other locations. Additionally, a plurality of tethers 210 can be used.

[0031] The movement mechanism 200, such as the drive motor 220 and the movement mechanism housing 230 can be disposed above the figurine 110 to raise and lower the figurine 110. More specifically the drive motor 220 can be operatively coupled to the tether 210 to retract the tether 210 to raise the figurine 110 and extend the tether 210 to lower the figurine 110. As noted above, the travelers 170 engage with a corresponding guide track 160 and guides the figurine 110 to move along the guide track 160 when the drive motor 220 is operated to move the figurine 110. The support 140, such as the upright support assembly 150, provides a stable framework for controlled movement of the figurine 110, enabling reliable interaction between the projecting appendages 114 during movement such as simulated climbing.

[0032] FIGS. 2A and 2B depict another movable figurine assembly 102. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the movable figurine assembly 102 illustrated as being attached to the building surface 20, and FIG. 2B is a front view of the movable figurine assembly 102. The movable figurine assembly 102 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B is similar to the movable figurine assembly 100 discussed above with reference to FIG. 1. Features of the movable figurine assembly 102 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B that are the same or similar to features of the movable figurine assembly 100 in FIG. 1 will use the same reference numerals and the discussion above applies here.

[0033] The movable figurine assembly 102 in FIGS. 2A and 2B includes an upright support assembly 180 similar to the upright support assembly 150 discussed above. The upright support assembly 180 includes two upright supports 182, a left upright support 184 and a right upright support 186, that are similar to the two upright supports 152, the left upright support 154, and the right upright support 156. Likewise, the upright support assembly 180 includes a plurality of transverse supports 188 that are similar to the plurality of transverse supports 158 discussed above. The upright support assembly 180 is a flexible support assembly and each of the upright supports 182 and the transverse supports 188 are flexible supports. More specifically, the flexible supports are flexible support strands. The flexible support strands can include one or more elongate, flexible bodies such as cords, ropes, cables, or wires. In some embodiments, the flexible support strands incorporate decorative or functional elements such as electrical wiring or integrated lighting, including holiday-themed lights such as Christmas lights. The lights 189 may be embedded within, wrapped around, or otherwise attached to the strands. The strands may be made of synthetic or natural materials and may vary in diameter, strength, and flexibility depending on the application and environmental conditions. The lights 189 can be LEDs and the strands can be an LED light string. The lights 189 can be adjustable to produce different colors, change different colors, and/or flash.

[0034] The two upright supports 182 can extend from the movement mechanism housing 230. For example, the movement mechanism housing 230 can include one or more hangers 232 for attaching the movable figurine assembly 102 to the building surface 20. For example, the hanger 232 shown in FIG. 2A is a hanger ring. The movable figurine assembly 102 can be attached to the building surface 20 at an elevated position using the hanger 232. The two upright supports 182 can be suspended by the movement mechanism housing 230 and extend downwardly therefrom in an upright orientation which, as depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B, can resemble a rope ladder.

[0035] The figurine 110 of the movable figurine assembly 102 is coupled to the drive motor 220 (FIG. 5) using a plurality of tethers 210, but a single tether 210, as in FIG. 1, could also be used with the upright support assembly 180. The tethers 210 can include a left tether 212 connected to the left side of the figurine 110, such as the left upper projecting appendage 122, and a right tether 214 connected to the right side of the movable figurine assembly 100, such as to the right upper projecting appendage 124. More specifically, the left tether 212 can be attached to the left distal end 126 of the left upper projecting appendage 122, such as the left traveler 172, and the right tether 214 can be attached to the right distal end 128 of the right upper projecting appendage 124, such as the right traveler 174. As will be discussed further below, the left tether 212 and the right tether 214 can be directly attached to the left distal end 126 and the right distal end 128, respectively.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another movable figurine assembly 104 illustrated as being attached to the building surface 20. The movable figurine assembly 104 shown in FIG. 3 is similar to the movable figurine assemblies 100 and 102 discussed above. Features of the movable figurine assembly 104 shown in FIG. 3 that are the same or similar to features of the movable figurine assemblies 100 and 102 discussed will use the same reference numerals and the discussion above applies here. The movable figurine assembly 104 includes a figurine 111 similar to the figurine 110 discussed above, but the figurine 111 shown in FIG. 3 has a different form. More specifically, the figurine 111 is a biomorphic figurine having a biomorphic form. The biomorphic figurine is a spider that can be used as a Halloween decoration, for example. The figurine 111 thus includes eight projecting appendages 114, each of which are generally representative of spider legs.

[0037] The movable figurine assembly 104 in FIG. 3 also includes an upright support assembly 190 similar to the upright support assembly 180 discussed above. The upright support assembly 190 includes two upright supports 192, a left upright support 194 and a right upright support 196, that are similar to the two upright supports 182, the left upright support 184, and the right upright support 186. Likewise, the upright support assembly 190 includes a plurality of transverse supports 198 that are similar to the plurality of transverse supports 198 discussed above.

[0038] In FIG. 3, the upright support assembly 190 resembles a spider web. The upright support assembly 180 includes a plurality of radially extending supports 191 connected by the transverse supports 198. The radially extending supports 191 can extend outward from a central region or hub and spaced apart to define a portion of the web-like framework. The transverse supports 198 can be arranged in a circumferential direction about the central region or hub. More specifically, the transverse supports 198 can extend between and across the radially extending supports 191, forming a generally circular or spiral pattern that resembles the intersecting strands of a spider web. The two upright supports 192 can correspond to two of the radially extending supports 191, providing the guide tracks 160 (e.g., the left guide track 162 and the right guide track 164), while also functioning as part of the overall aesthetic or thematic design. The transverse supports 198 can help maintain the relative spacing and structural integrity of the radially extending supports 191. In addition, the movement mechanism 200 raising and lowering the figurine 111, the two upright supports 192 and the movement mechanism 200 can be arranged relative to each other to also impart some lateral motion to the figurine 111, e.g., left and right movement.

[0039] FIGS. 4 to 7B show details of the movement mechanism 200 and the structural frame 115 of the figurine 110. The movement mechanism 200 and structural frame 115 are described with reference to the movable figurine assembly 102 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, but the movement mechanism 200 and structural frame 115 and features thereof can be used with any one of the movable figurine assemblies discussed herein.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the movable figurine assembly 102. In FIG. 4, the outer covering of the figurine 110 is removed to show features of the structural frame 115. The movement mechanism housing 230 includes a front case 234 and a back case 236. In FIG. 4, the front case 234 is removed to show details of the movement mechanism 200.

[0041] As noted above, the movable body 112 and the projecting appendages 114 can collectively form the structural frame 115 of the figurine 110. The lower projecting appendages 130 can be configured to move relative to the movable body 112 by operation of an appendage motor 202. The appendage motor 202 can be housed within the movable body 112, and the lower projecting appendages 130 can extend outward through slots formed in the lower region 118 of the movable body 112. The movable body 112 can form the torso of the figurine 110 and can be formed of a plurality of portions including a torso front 112a and a torso back 112b. The torso front 112a and the torso back 112b can form a housing and define a cavity therebetween. The appendage motor 202 can be located in the cavity defined between the torso front 112a and the torso back 112b. The appendage motor 202 can be powered separately from the movement mechanism drive motor 220.

[0042] The appendage motor 202 can be operatively connected to the lower projecting appendages 130 to drive rotational or articulated motion of the appendages relative to the movable body 112, and in some embodiments, independently of each other. Each of the lower projecting appendages 130 is movable within a defined rotating envelope 136, which refers to the three-dimensional space traced by the distal end of the lower projecting appendage 130 (e.g., the left lower projecting appendage 132 or the right lower projecting appendage 134) as the lower projecting appendage 130 rotates or moves through its full range of motion. This motion is intended to simulate a climbing action, such as that of the figurine 110 ascending or descending a rope ladder (i.e., the upright support assembly 180), by engaging in coordinated, repetitive leg-like movements.

[0043] The two lower projecting appendages 130 are disposed proximate to the upright support assembly 180, such as the transverse supports 188 that can be rungs of a simulated rope ladder. In this context, proximate refers to the lower projecting appendages 130 being positioned sufficiently close to interact visually and spatially with the upright support assembly 180, but not so close as to make contact during normal operation. At a position of closest extent 138 (i.e., the point during movement when the rotating envelope 136 of a given lower projecting appendage 130 comes nearest to the transverse supports 188), a gap is maintained between the lower projecting appendage 130 and the upright support assembly 180 to prevent physical interference. This gap can range from approximately 2 mm to 10 mm, depending on the scale and application, to ensure reliable clearance while preserving the visual simulation of climbing.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a detail view of detail 5 in FIG. 4, showing features of the movement mechanism 200. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the movable figurine assembly 102 as shown in FIG. 4. The movement mechanism 200 can be disposed above the figurine 110 and configured to simulate climbing motion by raising and lowering the figurine 110 along a movement path defined by the guide track 160. As noted above, the movement mechanism includes the drive motor 220, and at least one tether 210, such as the left tether 212 and the right tether 214 as depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6. Each tether 210 is connected to the figurine 110 as discussed herein and extends upward to a reel 241. More specifically, the movement mechanism 200 can include a plurality of reels 241, such as a left reel 242 and a right reel 244. The left tether 212 extends from the figurine 110 to the left reel 242 and is connected to the left reel 242 to be wound on the left reel 242. Similarly, the right tether 214 extends from the figurine 110 to the right reel 244 and is connected to the right reel 244 to be wound on the right reel 244.

[0045] The left reel 242 and the right reel 244 are each affixed to a corresponding drive shaft, such as a left drive shaft 246 and a right drive shaft 248. In some embodiments, the left drive shaft 246 and the right drive shaft 248 can be left and right ends, respectively, of the same drive shaft, which is referred to herein as drive shaft 249. Although the following description uses the drive shaft 249, this description also applies to embodiments where the left drive shaft 246 and the right drive shaft 248 are separate shafts driven by the same or different motors (e.g., a plurality of motors). The drive shaft 249 is rotatably driven by the drive motor 220 via a gearbox assembly 222. The drive shaft 249 can be various suitable drives shafts that transmit a rotational movement from the drive motor 220 to the left reel 242 and the right reel 244, such as, for example, a square drive shaft. The drive motor 220 can be energized to rotate the drive shaft 249 in a first direction (direction A) and energized to rotate the drive shaft 249 in a second direction (direction B), opposite the first direction (direction A). Rotating the drive shaft 249 rotates the reels 241 and wind the tethers 310, pulling the figurine 110 upward along the upright support assembly 180, or unwinds the tethers 310, allowing the figurine 110 to descend under its own weight or under controlled motorized release. As will be discussed in more detail below, the drive motor 220 can thus be energize to rotate the reels 241 to alternatively wind the tethers 310 on the reels 241 and raise the figurine 110 and to unwind the tethers 310 from the reels 241 and lower the figurine 110. This bidirectional operation simulates a climbing motion by alternately raising and lowering the figurine 110.

[0046] The movement mechanism 200, including the drive motor 220, can be electronically controlled by a main control unit 250 housed in the movement mechanism housing 230. The main control unit 250 can be a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA). The main control unit 250 can be other types of controllers, such as, for example, other types of control circuitry such as a wired logic circuit, a microcontroller module, a programmable logic controller (PLC), or a compact embedded system board. Sensors and switches, including those discussed below, can be communicatively coupled to the main control unit 250 to manage operation of the movable figurine assembly 102, such as the drive motor 220.

[0047] The movable figurine assembly 104 can also include one or more speakers 252 communicatively coupled to the main control unit 250 to emit sounds during operation, such as, for example songs that correspond to the theme of the movable figurine assembly 104. The speaker 252 is depicted as being located within the movement mechanism housing 230, but the speaker 252 can be located in other locations, such as in the movable body 112 (FIGS. 4 and 6).

[0048] FIGS. 7A and 7B are detail views of detail 7 in FIG. 5, showing features of a reel assembly 240 of the movement mechanism 200. FIG. 7A is a front view of detail 7, and FIG. 7B is a side view. Each of the left reel 242 and the right reel 244 can include a reel assembly 240. The reel assembly 240 depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B is the reel assembly 240 corresponding to the left reel 242, but the discussion also applies to the reel assembly 240 corresponding to the right reel 244. The reel assembly 240 includes features that aid in operation and winding of the left tether 212. The reel assembly 240 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B includes the left reel 242, a reverse direction assembly 260, and a slack detection and guide assembly 270.

[0049] As the drive motor 220 rotates the left reel 242 in the first direction (direction A), the left tether 212 is wound on the left reel 242 and the figurine 110 is raised. When the figurine 110 reaches a predetermined upper position, a stopper, which is referred to herein as an upper stopper 216, formed in the left tether 212 actuates an alternate revolution lever 262 of the reverse direction assembly 260. The upper stopper 216 can be, for example, a knot or other enlarged portion of the left tether 212. Other stoppers can include, for example, a crimped ferrule, heat-formed bulb, adhesive stop bead, tether clip, molded button, swaged sleeve, or barbed insert, or other molded feature. The alternate revolution lever 262 actuates an alternate revolution switch 264, which sends a signal to the main control unit 250 to reverse the direction of the drive motor 220. The drive motor 220 then rotates the left reel 242 or allows the left reel 242 to rotate in the second direction (direction B) to lower the figurine 110. When the figurine 110 reaches the bottom of its travel, the left tether 212 can be completely unwound from the left reel 242. With the drive motor 220 continuing to rotate in the second direction (direction B), the left tether 212 is then wound on the left reel 242 raising the figurine 110 until the upper stopper 216 actuates an alternate revolution lever 262 to change the direction of the motor to the first direction (direction A).

[0050] To prevent tether slack or tangling, the reel assembly 240 includes a slack detection and guide assembly 270. The slack detection and guide assembly 270 includes a guide wheel 272 and a bracket 274 supporting the guide wheel 272. The slack detection and guide assembly 270 ensures that sufficient tension is maintained on the left tether 212. The guide wheel 272 can be a grooved wheel. The guide wheel 272 is positioned along the path of the left tether 212 to direct and stabilize its movement during operation. The groove formed along the circumference of the guide wheel 272 receives the left tether 212, maintaining its alignment and preventing lateral displacement as the left tether 212 moves during winding and unwinding. The guide wheel 272 ensures smooth, controlled motion of the left tether 212 as it is wound onto or released from the left reel 242, reducing friction and wear.

[0051] The guide wheel 272 is mounted on the bracket 274. In operation, the weight of the figurine 110 tensions the left tether 212 together with the left reel 242. The tension exerts a radially inward force on the guide wheel 272, which in turn exerts a force on the bracket 274, referred to herein as an inward force. A spring or other biasing member can exert a biasing force on the bracket 274 in the direction opposite to the inward force. The bracket 274 is movable, such as pivotable about a pivot access, in response to the inward force and the biasing force. The biasing force is set such that, when the left tether 212 produces the inward force, the inward force to closes (or turns on) a slack-prevention reset switch 276. With the guide wheel 272 closed, the main control unit 250 operates the drive motor 220 to raise and lower the figurine 110. If the left tether 212 loses tension, such as when the figurine 110 is removed or an obstruction occurs, the biasing force of the spring moves the bracket 274 outward and releases the slack-prevention reset switch 276, automatically cutting power to the drive motor 220 to halt operation and prevent entanglement of the left tether 212.

[0052] FIGS. 8A and 8B are detail views of the right distal end 128 of the right upper projecting appendage 124, showing a guided interface, such as one that can be used with the movable figurine assembly 102 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 8A shows the right distal end 128 disengaged from the right tether 214, and the right traveler 174 disengaged from the right guide track 164. FIG. 8B shows the right distal end 128 engages with the right tether 214, and the right traveler 174 engaged with the right guide track 164. Although FIGS. 8A and 8B show the right distal end 128, the discussion also applies to the left distal end 126 of the left upper projecting appendage 122 and the left guide track 162. As noted above, the right tether 214 can be attached to the right distal end 128, such as to the right traveler 174. For example, the right distal end 128 can include a tapered slot 280. The right tether 214 can engage with the tapered slot 280, such as by being positioned within it. The tapered slot 280 narrows toward its upper end, creating a constriction that securely grips the right tether 214 by friction or interference fit. This configuration pinches the right tether 214 between the converging walls of the tapered slot 280, preventing the right tether 214 from slipping or becoming dislodged during operation without the need for adhesives or additional fasteners.

[0053] The right tether 214 can include another stopper, which is referred to herein as a lower stopper 218, formed in the right tether 214. The lower stopper 218 can be, for example, a knot or other enlarged portion of the right tether 214. Other stoppers can include, for example, a crimped ferrule, heat-formed bulb, adhesive stop bead, tether clip, molded button, swaged sleeve, or barbed insert, or other molded feature. In addition, or as an alternative, to the frictional engagement, the lower stopper 218 can be positioned below the tapered slot 280 to provide a mechanical stop that prevents upward movement of the right tether 214 through the tapered slot 280. The tapered slot 280 can included a tapered portion 282 and an enlarged opening 284 formed beneath the tapered portion 282 of the tapered slot 280. The lower stopper 218 can be seated within the enlarged opening 284 and the tapered portion 282 and/or the enlarged opening 284 is dimensioned to retain the lower stopper 218 while preventing the lower stopper 218 from passing through the narrower tapered portion 282. This dual-retention configuration provides enhanced tether security and positional stability during repeated motion cycles. FIG. 8B shows the right tether 214 and lower stopper 218 engaged with the tapered slot 280.

[0054] As discussed above, the right traveler 174 can have various shapes. As depicted in FIGS. 8A and 8B, for example, the right traveler 174 can include a recess 292. The recess 292 can be, for example, a U-shaped recess. The right guide track 164 can be positioned in the recess 292. More specifically, when the right guide track 164 is the right upright support 186 and a flexible support strand, the flexible support strand can be positioned in the U-shaped recess to engage the right traveler 174 with the right guide track 164, as shown in FIG. 8B.

[0055] FIGS. 9A and 9B are detail views of the right distal end 128 of the right upper projecting appendage 124, showing an alternate guided interface, such as one that can be used with the movable figurine assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 9A shows the right traveler 174 disengaged from the right guide track 164, and FIG. 9B shows the right traveler 174 engaged with the right guide track 164. Although FIGS. 9A and 9B show the right distal end 128, the discussion also applies to the left distal end 126 of the left upper projecting appendage 122 and the left guide track 162. In FIG. 9A, the right distal end 128 includes a traveler slot 294, which is T-shaped in cross-section, although other cross-sectional shapes can be used to achieve similar guiding functionality. The right guide track 164 includes a rail 296 that has a corresponding shape, such as a T-shape. The rail 296 is received within the traveler slot 294, as shown in FIG. 9B. This rail-and-slot configuration allows the right distal end 128 to slide smoothly along the rail 296 as the figurine 110 is raised and lowered, maintaining alignment and guiding movement along the intended path.

[0056] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an electrical system that can be used with the movable figurine assemblies discussed herein.

[0057] As noted above, like reference numerals used in the accompanying drawings generally identify identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar features throughout the various figures. Features described in connection with a particular embodiment or figure are not intended to be limited solely to that embodiment, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Rather, the various features, components, and configurations disclosed herein may be combined, interchanged, or adapted across different embodiments. For example, although the movable figurine assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 is shown with a single tether 210, the arrangement using a plurality of tethers 210 discussed herein can be used with the movable figurine assembly 100.

[0058] As used throughout this description, the terms left and right are provided for ease of reference and are defined with respect to the orientation of the figurine, as if the figurine were facing forward in an upright, anthropomorphic posture.

[0059] As used herein, the term upright refers to a structure that extends in a generally vertical orientation when the support assembly is in its intended position of use. The upright orientation may be vertical or inclined at an angle relative to horizontal, the structure being more vertical than horizontal.

[0060] As used herein, the term rigid support refers to a support structure that maintains a fixed shape and spatial orientation under the forces encountered during operation. A rigid support resists bending, sagging, or other deformation during operation.

[0061] As used herein, the term flexible support refers to a support structure that is capable of bending, curving, or otherwise deforming in response to applied forces. Flexible supports can include ropes, wires, cords, or similar materials and do not retain a fixed shape.

[0062] Although this invention has been described with respect to certain specific exemplary embodiments, many additional modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure. It is, therefore, to be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Thus, the exemplary embodiments of the invention should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention to be determined by any claims supportable by this disclosure and the equivalents of the embodiments and structures discussed herein, rather than by the foregoing description.