Including Unattached Gravity-fed Rolling, Tumbling, Or Energy-imparting Falling Ele Ent, Or Pathway Therefor (e.g., Marble Runway) Patents (Class 446/168)
  • Patent number: 11819769
    Abstract: A racing game comprising track modules formed from flat sheet material manipulated into three-dimensional track segments or modules, rigidified connectors to connect the track modules and specialized track accessories to form a modular racing track to race spherical objects. Racing track assemblies include elevated, helically-coiled assemblies that mimic Christmas tree shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Inventor: William O. Textores, III
  • Patent number: 11779853
    Abstract: A marble run track connection arrangement for use with a plurality of physically interconnectable marble run elements includes a marble track section, a tube, and a connector. The marble track section has first and second connecting posts coupled to or forming a portion of a marble travel path of the marble track section. The tube includes a connecting portion configured to directly physically connect to another tube. The connecting portion passes a marble from or to the other tube. The tube also has a side opening configured to receive a marble therethrough into or out of an interior of the first tube. The tube also includes a track connector extending outward from the tube. The connector is configured to receive the first and second connecting posts and to couple to the track connector such that a path is defined between the marble travel path and the interior of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Pike Brands LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey David Forgrave, Chong Piu Wong
  • Patent number: 11654376
    Abstract: A toddler toy includes a box including one or more internal horizontal shelves extending to different depths from one or more corresponding openings at a front end of the box, and a chute positioned below the one or more internal horizontal shelves, the chute configured to return one or more objects falling from distal ends of the one or more internal horizontal shelves, in response to an additional object pushed onto the one or more internal horizontal shelves through the one or more corresponding openings, to a retrieval opening at the front end of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Lovevery, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Creason Rigby, Philip Jacob Fouts, Amanda McKown O'Grady
  • Patent number: 11033804
    Abstract: A dispensing assembly includes a cradle above for supporting and dispensing a plurality of balls. The dispensing assembly also includes an output ramp below. The dispensing assembly also includes a guide rail with a spiral section extending downwardly from the cradle to the output ramp. A receiving assembly includes an input ramp below and a cup above. The plurality of balls are positioned in the cradle for being fed by a player down the guide rail, down the output ramp, and hopefully, up the input ramp into the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventor: Joseph M. Lipscomb
  • Patent number: 10765932
    Abstract: A maze capable of changing rolling paths contains: a rotatable three-dimensional block formed in a six-sided cube shape and defined by twenty-six square cube units for matching with a central fixing element. The rotatable three-dimensional block includes nine of the twenty-six square cube units formed in a 3 by 3 grid arranged on the rotatable three-dimensional block, and each square cube unit has three sets of rotary layers so as to form twelve rotary layer units. The rotatable three-dimensional block includes at least one path having at least one visible window formed on the at least one path respectively. The at least one path is formed in any one of a T shape, a cross shape, and an arc shape on each square cube unit, and the at least one path includes a ball rolling therein and at least one channel which communicates with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Inventors: Kuo-Ming Tsai, Peter Tsungyu Tsai
  • Patent number: 10531715
    Abstract: A disclosed bead tray for holding and sorting beads includes a tray with a contoured bottom surface for orientating beads and guiding the beads from the tray onto a track. The track is disposed between side surfaces that are angled away from the track. The side surfaces are angled such that an end of a string is guided upward toward the track and into an opening of a bead within the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Choon's Design LLC
    Inventor: Cheong Choon Ng
  • Patent number: 10052563
    Abstract: A toy vehicle track set is provided including a track segment. The track set having: a track segment for a toy vehicle; a contact member mounted adjacent to the track segment and configured to be actuated by a toy vehicle on the track segment; and a character adjacent to the track segment, the character including a first portion and at least a second portion movably coupled to the first portion, wherein the at least a second portion moves relative to the first portion in response to actuation of the contact member by a toy vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W Nuttall, Stacy Lynn O'Connor
  • Patent number: 9779705
    Abstract: A musical sound generator is provided including a tube defining a resonant cavity, the tube having a plurality of sound producing chimes configured to produce an audible sound when at least one object impacts on at least one of the chimes; a reservoir configured to hold a number of objects; and a transfer mechanism configured to transfer the objects from the reservoir to an elevated position within the resonant cavity, wherein the objects fall down from the elevated position within the resonant cavity by gravity after being transferred by the transfer mechanism, to strike the plurality of sound producing chimes; and wherein the position of the reservoir is configured to be moved depending on the level of the objects held in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: ELBY INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventor: Liam Bryan O'Daly
  • Patent number: 8992282
    Abstract: A toy which simply yet uniquely varies the height and curvature of a flexible ramp uniquely supported on a pivoting ramp frame. The toy includes a frame for resting on a horizontal surface, spaced apart horizontally and extending upwardly from the frame defining an open area therebetween above the frame, and first and second pivoting assemblies at the frame engaging first and second arm members for adjustably pivoting the arm members between varying angles with respect to the frame. A bendable ramp is adjustably supported at the frame, secured to the arm members and sitting in the open area defined by the arm members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Nash Desent, John Boyce
  • Patent number: 8801492
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a relay for a toy track set, the relay having: a first actuator; a second actuator; an object movably secured to the relay for movement from a first elevated position to a second lower position; a first trigger moveably secured to the first actuator for movement between a first position and a second position wherein movement of the trigger from the first position towards the second position causes the actuator to release the object from the first elevated position such that the object travels towards the second lower position; and a second trigger coupled the second actuator wherein movement of the second trigger launches an object from the second actuator, wherein the second trigger is moved when the object is at the second lower position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Stacy Lynn O'Connor, Brendon Vetuskey
  • Patent number: 8790152
    Abstract: A ramp for a ride-on toy includes a base adapted to be positioned on a surface. The base has a top, sidewalls and an interior space. An end ramp section is also adapted to be positioned on the surface. A middle ramp section is removably connected between the base and the end ramp section. The end ramp section and the middle ramp section are sized to be removably positioned within the interior space of the base for storage. The ramp sections include a track formed on their top surfaces sized for miniature toy vehicles. The base features a roller wheel and a handle for pulling the base along the surface when the ramp sections and ride-on toy are stored in the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Schlegel, Joseph Agati
  • Patent number: 8747180
    Abstract: A relay for a toy is disclosed herein, the relay having: a first relay segment having an upper portion rotatably secured to a lower portion for movement between a first position and a second position with respect to the lower portion; a trigger coupled to the first relay segment, the trigger being configured for movement from a first position to a second position; a mechanism for retaining the upper portion in the second position after it has been rotated to the second position from the first position, the upper portion being spring biased towards the first position, wherein the mechanism releases the upper portion to allow for rotation movement of the upper portion to the first position from the second position, when the trigger is moved from the first position to the second position; a projectile launcher for launching a projectile into air after the release mechanism releases the upper portion and the upper portion is rotated to the first position from the second position; and a second relay segment, the s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Stacy L. O'Connor, Michael Nuttall, Brendon Vetuskey
  • Patent number: 8690632
    Abstract: A relay segment for a toy track set is provided, the relay segment having a trigger moveably secured to the relay segment proximate to a first vehicle track segment pivotally mounted to the relay segment for adjustable movement with respect to the relay segment, the trigger being capable of movement between a first position and a second position; and a launching element for launching a vehicle from the relay segment when the trigger is moved from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Stacy L. O'Connor, Michael Nuttall, Brendon Vetuskey
  • Publication number: 20140038488
    Abstract: A toy which simply yet uniquely varies the height and curvature of a flexible ramp uniquely supported on a pivoting ramp frame. The toy includes a frame for resting on a horizontal surface, spaced apart horizontally and extending upwardly from the frame defining an open area therebetween above the frame, and first and second pivoting assemblies at the frame engaging first and second arm members for adjustably pivoting the arm members between varying angles with respect to the frame. A bendable ramp is adjustably supported at the frame, secured to the arm members and sitting in the open area defined by the arm members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Nash Desent, John Boyce
  • Publication number: 20140017970
    Abstract: An accessory, such as a trampoline, for a toy or game may include a base, a rebounding portion configured to rebound an impacting object, and an adjustment portion coupled to the base and the rebounding portion, supporting the rebounding portion relative to the base, and configured for at least two degrees of rotational freedom relative to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew Comfort
  • Publication number: 20140011424
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a plurality of interconnectable modular members that may create a pathway system with multiple entrances into the upper portion of each member and at least one exit from the lower portion of each member, thereby providing for a variety of convergence and divergence possibilities. The pathway system is suitable for receiving and transporting marbles and other spherical objects from one member to another. The modular members may be interlinked via male/female connectors to create a variety of configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Q-BA-MAZE, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Comfort
  • Patent number: 8597069
    Abstract: A toy car race track set comprised of a plurality of easily connectible track sections, in which the track sections have novel provisions for integrating the track sections with structures formed with K'NEX rod and connector elements, including but not limited to structures for elevating track sections above a support or above other track sections, providing obstructions on the race course, and the like. A variety of shapes and forms of track sections enables a substantially limitless variety of track configurations to be assembled. Each section is provided at each end with at least one tongue element and one slot element positioned such that the tongue element of one section is received in the slot of an adjacent section with a desired, snap-in action substantially preventing unintended separation. Optional locking pins are provided for positively locking the track sections to other sections when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: K'NEX Limited Partnership Group
    Inventor: Joel I. Glickman
  • Patent number: 8574099
    Abstract: A golf system that includes a tee or other area for striking a golf ball; and a golf green having a concave surface with a ball receptacle located at the lowest point in the surface so that a ball landing and remaining on the green will roll into the ball receptacle. The green includes a resiliently compressible layer coinciding with the concave surface. The resiliently compressible surface may include at least one layer of corrugated plastic material and may be covered with an artificial turf surface. The golf system may be used to play a unique game, wherein a plurality of balls are rolled on the green and travel in a spiral manner into the ball receptacle. The golf green may be mounted on a portable frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Gary L. Sells
  • Patent number: 8568188
    Abstract: A series of spaced apart track segments provide a path for the rolling of a marble from beginning to end. The track segments have a magnetic strip attached to one outer surface so that they can be mounted on a ferromagnetic wall such as a door or sidewalls or refrigerator. This provides for a user the ability to configure a wide variety of pathways for a rolling marble and to include on that pathway certain gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventors: Victor Horowitz, Judith Horowitz
  • Patent number: 8568193
    Abstract: A mechanical toy apparatus operated by a lever structure transforming a removable symbolic structure in a way that is simple yet unique and exciting for a user. A symbolic structure having a plurality of sections is configured to shift between a first collapsing position and a second rising position and is mounted at a base including a mounting portion for receiving the symbolic structure at the base. A support structure is mounted at the base for contacting and shifting the symbolic structure to the rising position and a lever structure is affixed to the base to traverse between an engaging position and a non-engaging position at the support structure. A guide structure including a cam and a slider linkage is mounted at the base with the symbolic structure contacting with the cam to move the slider linkage, the support structure is positioned into contact with the lever structure to shift the symbolic structure to the second rising position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Evans, Ivy Strauss, Gary Strauss
  • Patent number: 8550870
    Abstract: Described is a track set with a tiltable surface for use with a toy vehicle. The track set includes a handle that allows a user to tilt the surface while resting the track set on a base and tilting the surface at a pivot point. Further, the surface includes a first side and a second side. The track set is formed to allow a user to switch the position of the pivot point and base and thereby selectively use either the first side or second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominic Laurienzo, Michael Bernstein, Gabriel Carlson, Dion Fields
  • Publication number: 20130252506
    Abstract: A marble race game is made such that tracks for marbles to roll along are formed by a V-groove between flexible tubes that are held side-by-side. The racetrack starts at a higher elevation and transverses downward sloping such that gravity accelerates the marbles along the racetrack. Since the racetrack is made of flexible tubes it may be bent into any form that the imagination can conjure such as curves, loops, hills, figure eights and other convoluted shapes, as well as over, around and through objects. The fun for the game player is in designing a convoluted track where a marble will reach the end of the track successfully. If three or more tubes are placed and held side-by-side, a racetrack is formed where two or more marbles can be raced together. This racing action increases the enjoyment and allows for multiple players.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Michael R. Ridinger
  • Patent number: 8516977
    Abstract: An animal toy features the ability to connect two or more separate toys of varying shape, size, color, and/or texture, together to create larger and more complex toy systems. The animal toy allows an almost endless variety of toy systems to capture the interest as well as challenge and develop the animal's problem solving skills. The animal toy is either solid or include internal chambers for holding and ultimately dispensing food. When two or more toys with the internal chambers are combined the food may flow from the chamber of one toy into another toy several times before exiting the toy system. The increased problem of extracting the food challenges and develops the animal's skills. Moreover, by combining solid and food dispensing toys in random combinations further increases the problem solving skills required to completely extract the food from the toy system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Canine Genius, Inc.
    Inventors: Alise Shatoff, Birte M. Haakansson
  • Patent number: 8475226
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a plurality of interconnectable modular members that may create a pathway system with multiple entrances into the upper portion of each member and at least one exit from the lower portion of each member, thereby providing for a variety of convergence and divergence possibilities. The pathway system is suitable for receiving and transporting marbles and other spherical objects from one member to another. The modular members may be interlinked via male/female connectors to create a variety of configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Q-BA-MAZE, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Comfort
  • Patent number: 8425337
    Abstract: A skate park has a hard top shell formed with skate features drawn down from a top surface of the hardtop shell. The hard top shell has a thickness between 0.2 mm and 1 mm. The hard top shell has a hard top shell inside surface. The hard top shell is pervious to light. A sidewall is formed on a side of the hardtop shell. A paint layer is disposed on the hard top shell inside surface. The skate park may have at least one half pipe. A foil layer may be laminated to the underside of the hardtop shell. The skate park preferably includes at least one bowl recess, but may have two bowl recesses joined at a connecting ridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Dean Ronald Thompson
  • Publication number: 20130065477
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an interactive playset with a slide/ramp including an entrance area at the top of the slide and an exit area at the bottom of the slide. The playset further includes a dynamic transfer system that transfers the accessory from the slide exit back to the slide entrance. The dynamic transfer system includes a plurality of stepped platforms, each platform having a piston that is selectively engaged to drive the accessory from a lower platform to an upper platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventor: John Thaddeus Smokowski
  • Publication number: 20120171922
    Abstract: A ramp for a ride-on toy includes a base adapted to be positioned on a surface. The base has a top, sidewalls and an interior space. An end ramp section is also adapted to be positioned on the surface. A middle ramp section is removably connected between the base and the end ramp section. The end ramp section and the middle ramp section are sized to be removably positioned within the interior space of the base for storage. The ramp sections include a track formed on their top surfaces sized for miniature toy vehicles. The base features a roller wheel and a handle for pulling the base along the surface when the ramp sections and ride-on toy are stored in the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas Schlegel, Joseph Agati
  • Publication number: 20120108139
    Abstract: A series of spaced apart track segments provide a path for the rolling of a marble from beginning to end. The track segments have a magnetic strip attached to one outer surface so that they can be mounted on a ferromagnetic wall such as a door or sidewalls or refrigerator. This provides for a user the ability to configure a wide variety of pathways for a rolling marble and to include on that pathway certain gaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Victor Horowitz, Judith Horowitz
  • Patent number: 8141521
    Abstract: An animal toy features the ability to connect two or more separate toys of varying shape, size, color, and/or texture, together to create larger and more complex toy systems. The animal toy allows an almost endless variety of toy systems to capture the interest as well as challenge and develop the animal's problem solving skills. The animal toys are either solid or include internal chambers for holding and ultimately dispensing food. When two or more toys with the internal chambers are combined the food may flow from the chamber of one toy into another toy several times before exiting the toy system. The increased problem of extracting the food challenges and develops the animal's skills. Morever, by combining solid and food dispensing toys in random combinations further increases the problem solving skills required to completely extract the food from the toy system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Canine Genius, Inc.
    Inventors: Alise Shatoff, Birte M. Haakansson
  • Patent number: 8011994
    Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides a toy assembly system comprising a central compartment configured to house a plurality of toy bodies, each toy body having magnetic hubs arranged in an outer region of the body. The system can include outer compartments that house ferromagnetic outer components (e.g., ferromagnetic spheres) separate from the toy bodies and a release mechanism configured to release during a single operation a single toy body and a set of outer components, wherein the single toy body and the set of outer components self-assemble and automatically align. Another aspect provides a toy track system comprising a launch portion configured to magnetically retain the magnetic vehicle in a launch position, a release configured to release the vehicle from the launch position, and a track portion coupled to the launch portion and configured to guide the released vehicle along a predetermined path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: MEGA Brands International
    Inventors: Steven Fink, Neil Hamilton, Michael Hoeting, Yannick Poirier
  • Patent number: 7946903
    Abstract: A play system includes a toy vehicle and a playset for use therewith. A toy vehicle includes a chassis having a bottom surface that is at least partially magnetic and a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to the chassis. A playset includes a base, a launch ramp mounted to the base and having an upper end and a lower end that includes an upwardly-inclined section terminating in a jump lip, and a magnetic element selectively positionable within a predefined range of positions relative to the jump lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: David Sheltman
  • Patent number: 7914361
    Abstract: An entertainment apparatus and methods propelling toy vehicles about multiple tracks providing a variety of play modes while mechanically driven by a single motor and simple belt sub-system. A motor and a plurality of adjacent discs disposed in the same horizontal plane are mechanically engaged with the motor for rotating the discs simultaneously in the same direction. An object alternately engages each of the plurality of discs and at least one transition area is adjacent the plurality of discs and disposed in the same horizontal plane for facilitating the action of the object about the plurality of discs. One or more objects are propelled about one or more tracks providing a variety of play modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: LaMont Morris, Douglas A Schultheis, Mark Foster
  • Publication number: 20110070803
    Abstract: An entertainment device including a track for rolling marbles. The track may be configured onto at least one vertical or horizontal planar support surface, such as walls, tables, doors, floors, and vertically or horizontally oriented rod-like structures, such as the branches of a tree. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional track configurations may include at least one interconnected substantially vertical and substantially horizontal support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: ACTIVE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Hoffman, Jake T. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7882788
    Abstract: The present invention provide a rail system for transporting spherical objects comprising: a first flexible rail; a second flexible rail; a flexible spine; and a connector attached to said first flexible rail, said second flexible rail, and said flexible spine. The connector allows for the track to be easily adjusted, while providing rigidity to hold the flexible rails and spline into position during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Carl Sorenson
  • Patent number: 7766720
    Abstract: A racing play set for toy vehicles includes a first track segment, a second track segment disposed in intersection with the first track segment, a return portion disposed in communication with the first and second track portions, and a scoring mechanism, where the return portion is configured to be shared by toy vehicles traveling on the first and second track segments, where the return portion is configured to receive a first toy vehicle from the first track segment and return the first vehicle to the first track segment, where the return portion is configured to receive a second toy vehicle from the second track segment and return the second vehicle to the second track segment, where the scoring mechanism is configured to record a pass of the first vehicle through the return portion and a pass of the second vehicle through the return portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel Inc.
    Inventor: Eric C. Ostendorff
  • Publication number: 20100178840
    Abstract: An entertainment device consisting of a track for rolling marbles. The track may be configured onto at least one support surface, such as walls, tables, doors, floors, and vertically or horizontally oriented rod-like structures, such as the branches of a tree. The three dimensional track configurations may consist of at least one interconnected substantially vertical and substantially horizontal support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20100124866
    Abstract: The invention provides an intellectual training toy with more elaborate idea which comprises disks 12 having an identification portion 20 and a toy main body 40 into which the disks 12 are inserted for use, the toy main body 40 comprising an insertion port switch 44 for detecting the insertion of the disks 12, an identification unit 70 for identifying the identification portions 20 of the disks 12, a sound storage unit for storing a plurality of voice signals which produce a voiced question and a voiced answer and music, a sound output unit for outputting voiced information and music, a disk discharge unit 54 for discharging the disks from the toy main body 40, a discharge port switch 62 for outputting a discharge signal when the disk discharge unit 54 is activated, and a control unit for reading out corresponding voice signals to output the voice signals so readout to the sound output unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: AGATSUMA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shinji Todokoro
  • Patent number: 7690964
    Abstract: A toy ramp device for two or more moveable objects is disclosed. In some embodiments, the toy ramp device may include a base; a ramp configured to support at least a first of the two or more moveable objects and including a first ramp end portion and a second ramp end portion, the ramp being movably connected to the base and configured to move among a plurality of positions relative to the base; and a holder mechanism attached to the ramp and configured to support at least one of the two or more moveable objects adjacent to the ramp when the ramp is in the first position, and to allow the at least one of the two or more moveable objects to move onto the ramp and move along the ramp toward the second ramp end portion when the ramp is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Nuttall, Harold Garner
  • Patent number: 7677991
    Abstract: A golf system that includes a tee or other area for striking a golf ball; and a golf green having a concave surface with a ball receptacle located at the lowest point in the surface so that a ball landing and remaining on the green will roll into the ball receptacle. The green includes a resiliently compressible layer coinciding with the concave surface. The resiliently compressible surface may include at least one layer of corrugated plastic material and may be covered with an artificial turf surface. The golf system may be used to play a unique game, wherein a plurality of balls are rolled on the green and travel in a spiral manner into the ball receptacle. The golf green may be mounted on a portable frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Gary L. Sells
  • Patent number: 7618302
    Abstract: A toy play set includes a body having opposing ends and a side wall therebetween, which define and generally surround an at least partially hollow cavity within the body in a closed configuration of the body. At least the one end is sized and shaped to fit at least partially into a beverage cup holder of a vehicle sufficiently for the cup holder to support the body in a generally upright orientation. The body has an open configuration in which the hollow cavity is at least partially accessible. A toy vehicle track as long or longer than the length of the body between the ends is configured for storage within the cavity of the body in the closed configuration and is engaged with the body for play in the open configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Collins, Stephen Lau, Alan O'Bryan
  • Patent number: 7591234
    Abstract: An animal toy features the ability to connect two or more separate toys of varying shape, size, color, and/or texture, together to create larger and more complex toy systems. The animal toy allows an almost endless variety of toy systems to capture the interest as well as challenge and develop the animal's problem solving skills. The animal toys are either solid or include internal chambers for holding and ultimately dispensing food. When two or more toys with the internal chambers are combined the food may flow from the chamber of one toy into another toy several times before exiting the toy system. The increased problem of extracting the food challenges and develops the animal's skills. Moreover, by combining solid and food dispensing toys in random combinations further increases the problem solving skills required to completely extract the food from the toy system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Canine Genius
    Inventors: Alise Shatoff, Birte M. Haakansson
  • Publication number: 20080242184
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for collecting and/or playing with circular and spherical objects. The device comprises: a base comprising an open top portion and a closed bottom portion; an open top main body comprising a rim portion, and a circular portion extending downwardly and inwardly from the rim portion to an aperture concentric with the rim portion and coupling with the open top portion of the base; a flange extending horizontally and outwardly about the rim portion; and at least one launching ramp mounted on the flange. Due to the mounting of the launching ramps on the flange the device is capable of accommodating the launching ramps outside the rim portion, that is, outside the outer circumference of the circular portion. Such an accommodation of the launching ramps provides the entire surface of the circular portion as a rolling surface for the circular and spherical objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Stevan M. Divnick
  • Patent number: 7389748
    Abstract: An animal toy features the ability to connect two or more separate toys of varying shape, size, color, and/or texture, together to create larger and more complex toy systems. The animal toy allows an almost endless variety of toy systems to capture the interest as well as challenge and develop the animal's problem solving skills. The animal toys are either solid or include internal chambers for holding and ultimately dispensing food. When two or more toys with the internal chambers are combined the food may flow from the chamber of one toy into another toy several times before exiting the toy system. The increased problem of extracting the food challenges and develops the animal's skills. Morever, by combining solid and food dispensing toys in random combinations further increases the problem solving skills required to completely extract the food from the toy system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Canine Genius
    Inventors: Alise Shatoff, Birte Haakansson
  • Patent number: 6953377
    Abstract: A runway over which can travel vehicles driven by gravity, comprising a supporting structure and a track line structure sustained by the supporting structure and extending from a upper start region to a lower arrival region, wherein the supporting structure is limited to a central region of the runway by forming a pillar, and the track line structure includes some track line sections directly connected to the supporting structure and several overhanging track line sections of large extent, which project out of the supporting structure and are sustained by the same by means of rigging systems whose extension can be regulated; these rigging systems establish the geometrical location of the overhanging track line sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: Alessandro Quercetti
  • Patent number: 6945839
    Abstract: A runway over which can travel vehicles driven by gravity, comprising a supporting structure and a track line structure sustained by the supporting structure and extending from a upper start region to a lower arrival region, wherein the supporting structure is limited to a central region of the runway by forming a pillar, and the track line structure includes some track line sections directly connected to the supporting structure and several overhanging track line sections of large extent, which project out of the supporting structure and are sustained by the same by means of rigging systems whose extension can be regulated; these rigging systems establish the geometrical location of the overhanging track line sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Alessandro Quercetti
  • Patent number: 6935274
    Abstract: The pet toy consists of an inner elastomer ball having an inner ball wall, a squeaker mounted in the inner ball wall, an outer elastomer ball having an outer ball wall, an air hole mounted in the outer ball wall, the inner ball being within the outer ball. The outer ball protects the squeaker from dislodgement from the wall of the inner ball and protects the inner ball wall when the pet attacks the toy. The inner ball can be pushed through air hole so that the inner ball can be placed into the outer ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Steven M. Rothschild
  • Publication number: 20040266311
    Abstract: A three dimensional structure having multiple turns about a longitudinal direction retains an object so that when spun, the object and the structure appear by illusion to be moving relative to the longitudinal direction. The structure is shaped either with varying longitudinal distances between consecutive turns, varying internal latitudinal width dimensions of the individual turns, or both. An object can be retained within the structure by having a dimension of the object greater than an internal latitudinal width of one of the multiple turns of the structure. By having an internal dimension of another one of the multiple turns and/or the longitudinal distance between two consecutive turns being greater than a dimension of the object, the object can be positioned inside of the structure to be retained by the structure even though both the structure and the object are made from non-resilient materials such as metal, glass, stiff plastic, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: David A. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20040203316
    Abstract: A runway over which can travel vehicles driven by gravity, comprising a supporting structure and a track line structure sustained by the supporting structure and extending from a upper start region to a lower arrival region, wherein the supporting structure is limited to a central region of the runway by forming a pillar, and the track line structure includes some track line sections directly connected to the supporting structure and several overhanging track line sections of large extent, which project out of the supporting structure and are sustained by the same by means of rigging systems whose extension can be regulated; these rigging systems establish the geometrical location of the overhanging track line sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Alessandro Quercetti
  • Patent number: 6651797
    Abstract: An in-wall coin bank with novelty face. The bank features a novelty face with an entertainment feature. The entertainment feature responds when a deposit is made, amusing or entertaining the user. The face may be detachable, different types of faces with entertainment features are possible. Methods of using the bank for saving are also disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Evan Tree
  • Patent number: 6638134
    Abstract: A rotating spinner travels down a number of track segments by the force of gravity, the spinner jumping across gaps separating the track segments and yet remaining in an upright position to enable reliable transfer of the spinner across the gaps. This is accomplished by designing the back spinner disk to have a weight that counterbalances the weight of the front spinner disk for thwarting tilting of said spinner member. The flat face of the spinner disk is large to display a large graphic design that moves as the spinner is transported down the track segments. A target member receives the spinner upon termination of its travel along the head-to-tail positioned track segments, and the skill level is changed by changing the gap sizes between track segments and the positions of the magnetized track segments supported upon a refrigerator door by force of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Peter L. Hewitt