Patents by Inventor Teruo Nikaido

Teruo Nikaido has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5019010
    Abstract: A transformable block toy includes a main body segment and at least one movable segment movably connected to the main body segment and being movable between retracted and extended positions. The main body segment and the movable segment form a building block having a geometric shape when the movable segment is in the retracted position and a vehicle or animal when in the extended position. A variety of geometric shapes and vehicle types are formed in different embodiments of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruo Nikaido, Ichiro Ohi
  • Patent number: 4555237
    Abstract: A toy has a body with a fly wheel rotatably mounted in the body. First and second appendages are rotatably mounted to the body and are connected to the fly wheel by a gear train. Further, a member is movably mounted on the body. When the member is in a first position the gear train is connected between the fly wheel and the appendages to move the appendages and propel the toy in a walking-like manner across a support surface. When the member is in a second position on the body the gear train is disrupted, the body is flipped so as to rest on the fly wheel, and the body is then rolled by the fly wheel across a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Assignee: Tomy Kogyo Company, Incorporated
    Inventor: Teruo Nikaido
  • Patent number: 4529391
    Abstract: A toy having two modes of locomotion includes a body having a fly wheel rotatably mounted thereon. A further wheel is also rotatably mounted on the body. A plurality of appendage members each having ends are also mounted to the body about one of their ends. The appendage members are movable on the body between a retracted and extended position. When in the retracted position, the body is supported on a support surface by the fly wheel and the other wheel and can be moved across a support surface by energizing the fly wheel. When the appendage members are in the extended position, they contact the support surface such that the body is then supported by the appendage members. The fly wheel is connected to the appendage members via a gear train and appropriate crank disks and crank followers. Motion of the fly wheel can be transferred via the gear train, the crank disks and the crank followers to the appendage members so as to move the appendage members with respect to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Assignee: Tomy Kogyo Company, Incorporated
    Inventors: Shiro Hoshino, Teruo Nikaido
  • Patent number: 4342174
    Abstract: A floating toy which is capable of propelling itself through a body of water has a body to which is attached a propelling member. The propelling member is pivotally mounted to the body at its center and moves backward and forward in an oscillating motion. The member includes a ridge having an essentially triangular shape in cross section which is located at the leading edge of the member. The ridge is able to cut through the water to move in a forward direction but meets with fluid resistance when moved in a rearward direction. The resistance against the ridge propels the toy through the water. The toy includes a head pivotally mounted to the body which is capable of moving in what can best be described as a nodding motion with respect to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1982
    Assignee: Tomy Kogyo Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Teruo Nikaido
  • Patent number: 4277908
    Abstract: A floating toy which is capable of propelling itself through a body of water has a body to which is attached a propelling member. The propelling member is pivotally mounted to the body at its center and moves backward and forward in an oscillating motion. The member includes a ridge having an essentially triangular shape in cross section which is located at the leading edge of the member. The ridge is able to cut through the water to move in a forward direction but meets with fluid resistance when moved in a rearward direction. The resistance against the ridge propels the toy through the water. The toy includes a head pivotally mounted to the body which is capable of moving in what can best be described as a nodding motion with respect to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1981
    Assignee: Tomy Kogyo Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Teruo Nikaido