Plural Mutually Attachable Patents (Class 446/101)
  • Patent number: 11899456
    Abstract: There is provided an information processing device to realize a rich motion expression of an autonomous mobile object by easier attitude control. The information processing device includes: a motion control unit that controls a motion of an autonomous mobile object, wherein the autonomous mobile object includes a wheel that can be stored inside a main body and that can be protruded to an outside of the main body, and the motion control unit keeps a standing state by making the wheel protruded to the outside of the main body and performs driving control of the wheel and attitude control of the autonomous mobile object in movement of the autonomous mobile object, and makes the autonomous mobile object remain still in a seated state during a stop thereof by storing the wheel inside the main body is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignees: SONY CORPORATION, SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS, INC
    Inventors: Noriaki Takagi, Masahiro Shimase, Tomoyuki Sonoda, Daisuke Watanabe, Kohei Takada
  • Patent number: 11766605
    Abstract: In a system having multiple coupling elements configured for single-handed coupling and single-handed de-coupling, each coupling element includes a body portion defining an opening and having a base configured to be free-standing. The body portion has an outer limb defining a hook member and at least one slot formed therein, the respective slot of a second initially free-standing coupling element being accessible to the respective hook member of a first suspended coupling element or vice versa. The coupling elements being configured so that mutual points of contact between the first and second coupling elements are maintained during both lifting and lowering the second coupling element thereby facilitating a one-handed intercoupling or decoupling operation with respect to a free standing coupling element disposed upright on a horizontal support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Inventor: Shoshana Menkes
  • Patent number: 11409289
    Abstract: There is provided an information processing device to realize a rich motion expression of an autonomous mobile object by easier attitude control. The information processing device includes: a motion control unit that controls a motion of an autonomous mobile object, wherein the autonomous mobile object includes a wheel that can be stored inside a main body and that can be protruded to an outside of the main body, and the motion control unit keeps a standing state by making the wheel protruded to the outside of the main body and performs driving control of the wheel and attitude control of the autonomous mobile object in movement of the autonomous mobile object, and makes the autonomous mobile object remain still in a seated state during a stop thereof by storing the wheel inside the main body is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignees: SONY CORPORATION, SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS. INC
    Inventors: Noriaki Takagi, Masahiro Shimase, Tomoyuki Sonoda, Daisuke Watanabe, Kohei Takada
  • Patent number: 10518189
    Abstract: A tool for separating blocks and other elements from an assembly of toy construction elements is disclosed. The tool may include a coupling end that can attach to pegs and/or openings in a block and is configured for easily prying off the block. The tool may include a moving member that can be used to configure the coupling end in two different configurations for coupling to either the top or bottom of a block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Mattel-MEGA Holdings (US), LLC
    Inventors: Amélie Lachance, Louis-Philippe Beaulieu, Steve Ross
  • Patent number: 9277793
    Abstract: User configurable wearable devices are discussed herein. Some embodiments may include a wearable device including a flexible band having an outer surface. The flexible band may be formed into a loop and worn on a user or an object. A plurality of male interface components may be disposed on the outer surface. Each male interface component may comprise a protrusion dimensioned to be capable of insertion within a female interface component of an object, such as a building block, to mechanically attach the object with the flexible band. In some embodiments, each of the male interface components may be separated from each other by at least a common or standard distance, such as the distance defined between two adjacent female interface components of the object. Furthermore, adjacent male interface components may be separated by the standard distance for interfacing with adjacent female interface components of an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: PLEYING INC.
    Inventors: Amit Singh Rana, Jacob Wingrove Lafleur, Ranan Lachman
  • Patent number: 8540544
    Abstract: A novelty assembly that is used to retain and display toy figures. The assembly utilizes a band having a first surface and a second surface. The band can be formed as a bracelet, necklace, headband, belt, shoe strap, handle strap, or the like. A plurality of nub projections extend from the first surface of the band. A plurality of toy figures are provided. Each of the toy figures has a bottom opening. The bottom opening of each toy figure is pressed onto one of the nub projections that extend from the band. The bottom opening of the toy figures receive and engage the nub projection with a friction fit. This interconnects the toy figures with the band. The result is a novelty band or strap where the toy figures appear to be the ornamentation of the novelty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Dax Logue
  • Publication number: 20130095723
    Abstract: A folding toy figurine includes a lid formed from a flat foldable stock and has a top wall and side walls when it is folded into erect position. The toy also has a box component which is formed from flat foldable stock which, when folded into erect position, has a bottom wall, walls and a hollow interior. At least one of side walls has a small slot therein and a lid fitting snugly over the box component to form a hollow box. The toy has parts that are loosely held inside the box. At least one of the parts is removable from the interior of the box and insertable into said small slot in side wall, from the exterior thereof. The invention also provides a method of making parts with boundaries for insertion into slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: REALLY BROTHERS, LLC
    Inventor: REALLY BROTHERS, LLC
  • Publication number: 20120238179
    Abstract: A transformative floor mat system that is interactive as a toy and a mat that is safe, fun and creative. In one form, the floor mat has tiles with interlocking structure around the edges of each tile to prove for a secured large surface area. The floor mat also has play pieces that can be removed from within each tiles so that each tile can be connected to one another to form a play figure. The floor mat system could also be configured to form other three-dimensional structures and environments, such as castles, forests, and beaches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: PARALLAX GROUP INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Thrush, Peter Szucs
  • Patent number: 8062088
    Abstract: A modular construction system involving at least one balancing element having a center of gravity, a vertical axis, and at least one balancing surface for enhancing equilibrium; and at least one permanent magnet disposed at each at least one balancing surface, the system optionally having a base, wherein balancing the at least one balancing element in relation to the base is facilitated, and wherein the base optionally includes a feature, such as a magnetic property, a metal, at least one leveling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Quill Inc.
    Inventor: John Perry
  • Patent number: 8007338
    Abstract: A construction system includes a plurality of construction elements having body member and a plurality of coupling members, each of said coupling members having an exterior portion and an interior locking device of hermaphroditic type. The interior locking device includes protrusions and a receiving block. A first coupling member belonging to one construction element can interlock with a second coupling member belonging to another element, so that the protrusions of the first coupling member resiliently deflect away from each other and subsequently retract, and settle, into provided recesses in the receiving block of the second element. Concurrently, the protrusions of the second coupling member settle into corresponding recesses in the receiving block of the first coupling member. Applications of the construction system in toy construction sets, construction puzzles and board games are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: Saso Stevkovski
  • Patent number: 6776682
    Abstract: An acrobatic doll and accessory combination with an acrobatic doll body, an engaging member coupled to the doll body, a doll accessory, and an engaging member coupled to the doll accessory wherein the engaging member coupled to the doll body and the engaging member coupled to the doll accessory can engage one another in a mating relationship. The acrobatic doll can have a torso, a head, first and second arms hingedly coupled to the torso, and first and second legs hingedly coupled to the torso. The doll accessory can take many forms including a tumble baton, a tumble garment, a tumble bar arrangement, a dancing stand, a balance wand, a vertical stand, a rocker unit, a swing arrangement, a propeller driven arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventors: Robert W. Engel, Robert Stephen Lee, Steve G. Fouke, John Rey Hollis, William John Kelley
  • Patent number: 6695667
    Abstract: A tool set is mounted within and on a tool case having tool receiving means supporting a first portion of the plurality of hand tools within the tool case and tool attachment means engaging a second portion of the plurality of hand tools exteriorly. The tool case and the second portion of the hand tools, together, roughly resemble a human form. The tool case is generally cylindrical in shape resembling a human torso and has a side wall terminating with opposing closed ends, and provides an access door in the side wall for access to an interior space within the tool case for storage of smaller tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: John Matthew Kee
  • Patent number: 6685533
    Abstract: Disclosed is a reproducible doll which a user can assemble to simulate a desired type of person or animal by himself or herself. According to the present invention, a desired type of doll is made in such a manner that the head, hands, feet, etc. shaped like corresponding portions of a real person or animal are connected by means of a plurality of connecting bars that form artificial bone sections. Joints are formed on the connecting bars to detachably and bendably connect the connecting bars, and artificial muscle sections and artificial skin sections made of elastic materials having elasticity are sequentially fitted with the outsides of the artificial bone sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: In Bong Lee
  • Publication number: 20030190855
    Abstract: A unitary humanoid figure comprising a robust torso from which projects a head, oppositely extending arms, diverging legs, a neck, shoulders, hands having palms and backs, and feet having bridges, soles, toes, and heels. The body parts of plural figures can be interconnected in a variety of combinations and orientations. Both the projecting body parts and the part-receiving openings, spaces, pockets, etc. have close dimensional tolerances to insure that interfitting parts will easily slide into engagement with one another yet stay in place due to frictional force resisting disassembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Michael A. Teel
  • Patent number: 6439947
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a visible marker when at least two objects are combined. The visible marker may be any desired marking but, in the preferred embodiment, is a heart-shape. The two objects may be two-dimensional, such as cards, or three-dimensional, such as toys or household items. The creation of the visible marker by bringing two objects into proximity can show common origin and manufacture and, where a heart-shape is used, can send positive social and moral messages of love and togetherness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Tali Lehavi
  • Publication number: 20020111107
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a visible marker when at least two objects are combined. The visible marker may be any desired marking but, in the preferred embodiment, is a heart-shape. The two objects may be two-dimensional, such as cards, or three-dimensional, such as toys or household items. The creation of the visible marker by bringing two objects into proximity can show common origin and manufacture and, where a heart-shape is used, can send positive social and moral messages of love and togetherness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Tali Lehavi
  • Patent number: 6250927
    Abstract: A cosmetic application training system includes a substrate having a facial image thereon, the facial image divided into multiple facial regions; and one or more transparent overlays having outlines of the facial image regions including printed instructions for applying make-up to each of the facial image regions; wherein the substrate is treated to permit application and removal of the make-up directly onto the substrate. Multiple pads with different facial region images are also contemplated, with removable facial region pieces being interchangeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Jean Narlo
  • Patent number: 6234858
    Abstract: Deformable foam toys and puzzles. Novel resilient foam puzzles can be removed from puzzle form and converted into a three dimensional objects, such as toy foam animals. The objects preferably include interchangeable parts, and more preferably include articulating appendages which are interchangeably attachable to a body portion at pivot structures that are affixed to, or which extend thru, the body portions. Preferably, pivot structures are formed by resilient foam pivot pins having deformable retaining caps at opposing ends thereof, which, in the case of foam animals, serve to retain articulating limbs. Alternately, a hex-shaped socket aperture defined by a wall edge portion is provided as a joint socket in one or more of the limbs, and a parallepiped, and preferably an elongated rectangular shoulder pin or hip pin is provided for displaceable frictional engagement with the hex shaped socket to articulate the limbs to desired positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Jon O. Nix
  • Patent number: 6213839
    Abstract: A toy building set is disclosed which includes a first type of building element formed of relatively flexurally flexible portions and a second type of building element having gripping fingers facing each other and spaced a distance apart that corresponds to the outer diameter of the flexurally flexible elements. The first type of building element may thus be releasably secured between the gripping fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: INTERLEGO AG
    Inventor: Niels Milan Pedersen
  • Patent number: 6179681
    Abstract: The present invention provides a versatile construction kit which can be used to easily form models of virtually any conceivable person, place or thing including a variety of vehicles, buildings, people, animals, weapons, machinery, caricatures, objects and the like. The construction kit comprises plural connectors which are connectable by a tongue-and-slot mechanism and optionally also by way of interconnectable notches by which they can be perpendicularly and detachably interconnected. The universal connectors are so versatile they can form virtually any geometric, regular, irregular, asymmetric, or symmetric configuration. They can be used to form a model of any known or imagined object. Generally, the width of the notches and of the slots of the connectors substantially approximates the thickness of the connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Jose R. Matos
  • Patent number: 6164972
    Abstract: An educational doll or action figure comprises the professional attire, tools and safety gear of a particular profession so as to give a child a hands-on learning experience regarding the requirements, responsibility and hazards involved in carrying out the profession. The educational doll or action figure preferably also includes a written, schematic and/or multimedia description of the attire, tools and safety gear of the profession so as to further the general knowledge of the child about the particular profession. The clothing, tools, safety gear and written description may be sold separately from the doll figure so as to allow the child to dress a single doll in a variety of professions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Andrew R. Winslow
  • Patent number: 6161975
    Abstract: A marker assembly which includes a first end cap, a first marker body, and a second end cap, each component having a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion of the first marker body nests within the rear portion of the first end cap. The front portion of the second end cap nests within the rear portion of the first marker body. The formation results in a predetermined interconnected marker configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: EK Success, Ltd.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Clarke
  • Patent number: 6083077
    Abstract: A pop-up toy including a housing for enclosing a plurality of interlocking elements. The housing includes an opening through which the series of interlocking elements may be individually extracted by a child. The opening in the housing is provided with a gripping mechanism for separating a leading interlocking element from an immediately following interlocking element as the leading interlocking element is extracted from the housing. After the leading interlocking element has been extracted from the housing, the immediately following interlocking element in the series of interlocking elements is positioned and held in place within the opening by the gripping mechanism for subsequent extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Paul E. McGinn
  • Patent number: 5980260
    Abstract: Replicas of prehistoric lizards which consist of a replica core body part with interchangeably attachable replica head, and/or neck, and/or limb, and/or body armor parts which combine to depict different species within a given biological Order or Family. 3/4" circular magnets 11 are applied to appropriate surfaces on the replica core body parts and replica head, neck, limb, or body armor parts, allowing the parts to attach and detach quickly and easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Claude G. Caputi
  • Patent number: 5104345
    Abstract: A construction toy configured as a humanoid figurine formed from: a torso having a front wall and a rear wall, a head area, downwardly extending legs and outwardly extending arms. The torso and its front and rear walls provide first and second attachment surfaces which are complementally formed mirror images, one of the other so as to provide connecting elements when the figurines are to be stacked and interconnected. Because the nature of the attachment surfaces is neutral with respect to its center, the connecting elements can also allow attachment to an adjacent stack of figurines in a rotational pattern. The connecting elements also allows quadrans of the torso to be stacked forming imbrications. The head has a profile provided with a first fastening elements for interconnection with either the second attachment surface or other fastening elements. Each leg is formed from two pieces of planar stock spaced one from the other defining a groove. The groove defines a second fastening elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Inventor: Ronald L. Lyman
  • Patent number: 5090935
    Abstract: A composite toy having a plurality of interfitting toy components. The composite toy and the toy components, each has the shape of a separately identifiable structure, the exterior surfaces of the toy components forming the exterior surface of the composite toy when they are interconnected in a selected relationship. In the embodiment shown herein, the composite toy consists of a globe depicting the Earth's surface, including its land and water masses. The component toys comprise three stuffed animals comprising an elephant, an eagle and a whale. Fastening means are provided to permit interconnection of the toy components in a stable fashion, while minimizing any detrimental impact on the appearance of the completed toy structure. In the embodiment illustrated herein, the fastening devices consist of Velcro strips attached to the edges of the toy components which are adapted to interface with one another when an elephant, eagle and whale are interconnected to form the globe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Inventor: Chris S. Monson
  • Patent number: 4921458
    Abstract: A self-righting upright rolling toy figure is provided which can be molded in half sections and assembled into a body forming the figure. Weights are mounted in the lowermost portion of the sides of the halves in precise location to form the necessary righting and stabilizing forces. A wheel having a relatively wide rim and hollow interior portion is pivotally mounted within the halves with the lower portion of the wheel exposed below the body surface for rolling contact on a support surface. The mounted counterbalancing weights are positioned within the rim of the wheel in symmetrical configuration and spaced slightly inward from the inner surface of the rim which is in contact with the support surface. A circular cap can be attached to the upper portion of the assembled body halves to seal and secure the halves. Suitable sockets are provided on each side of the figure in a position coaxial with the axle rotatably supporting the internal wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Inventor: Donald L. Greenwood
  • Patent number: 4802879
    Abstract: An action figure toy construction is disclosed which has been configured to exhibit animate characteristics for enhanced entertainment for children. In particular, the present toy construction inludes a liquid crystal graphics display mounted on a humanoid torso portion of the action figure. Suitable micro-processor controls are provided which are operatively connected to the graphics display for controlling and regulating the graphic representation of a plurality of simulated life functions shown by the display, thus lending animation to the toy construction. Embodiments of the toy constructon may include interchangeable limbs for connection to the torso portion, as well as light and sound sensors, and light and sound generating devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Assignee: Tiger Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Owen R. Rissman, Henry T. H. Tai
  • Patent number: 4789369
    Abstract: A toy building block construction includes a lower portion having a generally rectangular solid configuration and an integral upper portion extending therefrom. Extending outwardly from one end of the lower portion are two pair of hinge arms, each pair of arms being spaced apart in laterally opposed, parallel fashion. Each hinge arm includes a detent knob formed on the interior surface thereof confronting the paired, opposing arm. A third pair of identical hinge arms extends upwardly from the top of the upper portion. The end of the lower portion opposed to the one end includes two pair of detent recesses formed in laterally spaced fashion in opposed edges of the lower portion, each detent recess including a detent depression formed therein. Each detent recess is adapted to receive a hinge arm of an adjacent, similar block, with the detent knob of the arm engaged in the detent depression in freely pivoting fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Assignee: Fantasy Toys, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald L. Lyman
  • Patent number: 4682966
    Abstract: A human-like toy figure comprising a profile having distinct arms, legs, head and torso portions, having sufficient thickness that it will stand in a variety of orientations on its arms, legs, head or combinations thereof, with an imaginary central plane passing front-to-back through its head and torso, with the center of gravity of said figure lying to one arm/leg side of the central plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Inventor: Neil Kagan
  • Patent number: 4642064
    Abstract: An assemblage toy which includes a robotic humanoid form that can be interconnected with optional assemblage elements is provided. Interconnection recesses and/or projections are provided on the humanoid parts of the robotic assemblage toy and on the optional elements to facilitate the formation of new toy objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Assignee: Takara Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Yoke
  • Patent number: 4594071
    Abstract: A composite toy robot that may be assembled from five individual lion-like vehicles. Each of the vehicles has a hollow body with an openable portion for receiving a toy figure within the body and a pivotal head. Four legs are attached to the body for pivotal movement from an extended position in which the body is supportable on a surface to a retracted position. In addition, each body has an elongated tail mounted for pivotal movement relative to the body. One of the lion-like vehicles forms the torso of the composite toy robot and the limbs of this vehicle are substantially within a respective hip or shoulder joint in the retracted position. The tail of each of the arm and leg forming vehicles has a notch adjacent the end that is received in the hip or shoulder joint of the torso vehicle so that pivotal movement of the respective leg of the torso vehicle into the retracted position retains the tail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1986
    Assignee: Marvin Glass & Associates
    Inventors: John V. Zaruba, Patrick S. Baran, Terry E. Webb, Harry Disko
  • Patent number: 4529385
    Abstract: A system of interlocking keyed play pieces is adapted for receiving and displaying indicia bearing tile members. Each of the play pieces is provided with a display window through which the tiles may be viewed. The pieces may be interconnected both laterally and longitudinally to enable a child to interconnect the play pieces in an infinite number of combinations so as to form a multitude of structures of varying configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Assignee: Selchow & Righter Company
    Inventors: Lawrence Reiner, Arthur Albert, Judy Albert