Operated By Relatively Moving Fluid Or Pressure Differential Patents (Class 446/176)
  • Patent number: 11255324
    Abstract: An integrated, portable, battery-powered, variable-pressure electric liquid pump and power emergency station including a remote wireless communication unit located remotely from and in wireless communication with the emergency station to improve wireless reception in the integrated, portable, battery-powered, variable-pressure electric liquid pump and power emergency station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: FFP2018, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Leonard Flaster
  • Patent number: 10716963
    Abstract: An integrated, portable, battery-powered, variable-pressure electric liquid pump and power emergency station including one of one or more wired sensors and one or more wireless sensors that provide at least one of real-time heat, water, smoke, barometric, wind speed, humidity, distance, or seismic data, wherein the emergency station includes at least one hardware processor; and one or more software modules that, when executed by the at least one hardware processor, provide at least one of the emergency station, one or more users, and one more ancillary devices with at least one of real-time heat, water, smoke, barometric, wind speed, humidity, distance, and seismic data from at least one of the one or more wired sensors and the one or more wireless sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: FFP2018
    Inventor: Michael Leonard Flaster
  • Patent number: 10245467
    Abstract: A pneumatic pogo stick is provided that utilizes compressed air like a spring to have a potentially higher power to weight ratio than a comparable coil spring pogo stick. The pneumatic pogo stick includes an elongate cylindrical housing which forms a cylinder. Improvements are also provided to the piston and air shaft that allow for reduced hammering and a lower maximum compression ratio in order to provide relatively smooth jumping and landing while propelling a user to greater heights. Examples of such improvements include a hollow air shaft and modifications to the shape and structure of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Vurtego, LLC
    Inventors: Ian Britt, Brian James Spencer
  • Patent number: 10037084
    Abstract: A wearable glasses is provided. The wearable glasses includes a sensing circuit, a communication interface, a display, and a controller. The sensing circuit senses movement information of a user wearing the wearable glasses. The communication interface receives notification message information. The display displays the notification message information within an angle of view of the user wearing the wearable glasses. The controller determines a movement state of the user based on the sensed movement information of the user and controls the display to display the received notification message information according to the movement state of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ga-hyun Joo
  • Patent number: 9443515
    Abstract: A personality designer system for making a remote object produce phrases consistent with a designed personality is described. The personality designer program allows a person to select a particular character, particular personality traits, specific phrases, create their own phrases, provide input levels for specific personality traits or any suitable combination of input or selection options described. As an example, a plurality of personalities may be described and a person may select a desired personality for their remote audio object. The plurality of personalities may include characters from history, celebrities, politicians, or fictional characters from books, television or movies, for example. The remote audio object is a detachably attachable object and comprises a speaker for emitting the selection of phrases or personality, and may be configured on, or placed near or in any suitable object including a pet collar, toy, car, plant and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Paul G. Boyce
  • Patent number: 8974265
    Abstract: A self-righting mechanism for a toy vehicle includes a base configured to be coupled to the vehicle; an actuator rotatably coupled to the base and extending generally toward a top of the vehicle, the actuator comprising a housing and an actuating rod, wherein the actuator has an inactivated position in which the actuating rod extends a first distance from the housing and an activated position in which the actuating rod extends a second distance from the housing greater than the first distance; an arm rotatably coupled to the base and rotatably coupled to the actuator; and a cartridge containing a pressurized gas coupled to the actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to be moved from the unactivated position and the activated position by the pressurized gas and wherein when the actuator is in the activated state, the arm protrudes from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: D.T. Mattson Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew S. Wallace
  • Patent number: 8932099
    Abstract: A game device has a ball-activating chamber attached to a central, ball-receiving chamber. Participants compress a pressure mechanism that causes the release of a ball in the ball-activating chamber into the central, ball-receiving chamber. The ball may be acted upon when in the central chamber to add an element of randomness to the game. The central chamber may be at least partially or fully transparent or translucent to allow the participants and/or spectators to view the ball as it travels through the central chamber, ultimately ending at a holding bin. Having more than one ball-activating chamber, the game device may be configured to resemble an octopus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Wilmer David Walker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8851955
    Abstract: A rocking inflatable figure has a hollow inflatable body, a rocking mechanism and an air pump. The inflatable body has an air inlet, a movable portion and two partition diaphragms securely mounted on an inner wall inside the movable portion. The rocking mechanism is mounted between the two partition diaphragms and has a housing and an oscillating lever pivotally mounted on the housing. An electric motor and a transmission mechanism are mounted inside the housing. When the electric motor and the transmission mechanism drive the oscillating lever to keep oscillating, the two partition diaphragms on the movable portion rock relative to each other. Accordingly, the rocking inflatable figure can exhibit a continuously rocking form to increase the viewing fun and animated effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Gemmy Industries Corporation
    Inventor: Cheng-Chun Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140287651
    Abstract: To provide a game device capable of sending air into a bag-shaped elastic sheet, even if distance is required between a blower or other air sending means and the elastic sheet. The present invention is a game device comprising a game device main body, an air flowpath that receives air sent by an air sending means, and an elastic sheet. The game device is characterized by the elastic sheet being formed in a bag shape that is expanded by air that is sent in from the air flowpath, and the elastic sheet being supported by the air flowpath formed using part of the frame of the game device main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Yasushi Ochi
  • Patent number: 8795021
    Abstract: A diving toy having hydrostatic depth control adapted to cause said diving toy to continuously seek a predetermined depth in water. The diving toy includes a sealed main body with a motor and a battery compartment for receiving at least one battery positioned inside the sealed main body. A propeller is attached to an axle of the motor protruding through the sealed main body so that when the motor is activated the propeller spins. The sealed main body has a flexible portion disposed substantially rearward on the sealed main body. The flexible portion is hydrostatic pressure sensitive varying the fluid displacement volume and volumetric center of the toy as it dives or climbs. The toy may be adapted to have positive, negative or neutral buoyancy when placed in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: William Vernon Thompson
  • Patent number: 8708768
    Abstract: A whirlpool toy for use in a partially enclosed household fixture having water therein and having a drain. An example of the whirlpool toy comprises a generally cylindrical body having a generally cylindrical upper chamber, the body having a top allowing a clear view of the upper chamber and at least one generally vertical side wall. A first outlet aperture is formed in a bottom of the upper chamber, located near a center of the bottom of the upper chamber. A lower chamber is connected to the upper chamber by the first outlet aperture, and has an open bottom offering a flow connection to the exterior of the device. The lower chamber extends beyond and is offset from the upper chamber. At least one inlet slot extends vertically up a portion of the at least one generally vertical side wall. A third chamber may be connected above the lower chamber offset to allow for the removal of objects drawn down into the lower chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Richard Alan Fahnline
  • Publication number: 20130316611
    Abstract: A water balloon launching cannon is disclosed. The water balloon launching cannon includes a slotted barrel for rapid and easy loading and uses compressed air as the propelling force for firing the water balloon. Namely, the water balloon launching cannon includes an I-beam support upon which is mounted an air delivery system and the slotted barrel. For ease of disassembly, (1) the air delivery system includes quick-release mechanisms and (2) a plunger assembly inside the barrel is held by an easily removable pin. Further, a method of operating and a method using the water balloon launching cannon are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Mike Phillips
  • Publication number: 20130090035
    Abstract: A game device has a ball-activating chamber attached to a central, ball-receiving chamber. Participants compress a pressure mechanism that causes the release of a ball in the ball-activating chamber into the central, ball-receiving chamber. The ball may be acted upon when in the central chamber to add an element of randomness to the game. The central chamber may be at least partially or fully transparent or translucent to allow the participants and/or spectators to view the ball as it travels through the central chamber, ultimately ending at a holding bin. Having more than one ball-activating chamber, the game device may be configured to resemble an octopus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Wilmer David Walker, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130023181
    Abstract: The present invention particularly uses directional continuous flowing pressure shocks to drive a freely disposed rolling cylinder, thereby providing an ornament with dynamic pictorial images, which mainly consists of a fixed cylindrical body of circular cross-section provided with refractive effectiveness, the surface of which is provided with scenic patterns. The lower end of the cylindrical body is joined to a base thereby sealing the cylindrical body. A water pressure driven rotating drive device is installed in the base, the output of which is primarily outputted to affect a liquid at the inner bottom of the cylindrical body, whereupon pressure is divided to produce an upward resultant precession force, which radially drives the rolling cylinder freely disposed in the interior of the cylindrical body. The surface of the rolling body is provided with decorative patterns, and the radial relative motion produced achieves a dynamic pictorial image, decorative design effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Kuo-Hui CHANG
  • Publication number: 20130023182
    Abstract: Toy vehicle systems and methods for propelling toy vehicles are disclosed. The system may include a toy vehicle having a body, a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the body, and a first elongate container having a first open end that is configured to receive a first reactant. The toy vehicle system may additionally include a launcher assembly having a base and a second elongate container including a second open end that is configured to receive a second reactant. One of the first and second open ends may be configured to further receive the other of the first and second open ends such that the first and second elongate containers are in fluid communication with each other. The launcher assembly may additionally include a locking mechanism configured to secure the toy vehicle to the base, and including a trigger configured, when activated, to release the toy vehicle from the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventor: Anthony M. Martino
  • Patent number: 8322660
    Abstract: A relay for a toy track set, the relay having, a first actuator in a first plane; a second actuator in a second plane vertically elevated from the first plane; a conduit fluidly coupling the first actuator to the second actuator; and a release mechanism moveably secured to the first actuator for movement between a first position and a second position wherein movement of the release mechanism from the first position towards the second position causes the first actuator to force a fluid through the conduit, wherein the fluid forced through the conduit by the first actuator causes the second actuator to actuate a second release mechanism, wherein the first actuator is coupled to a first vehicle track segment and the second actuator is coupled to a second vehicle track segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Stacy Lynn O'Connor
  • Patent number: 8256721
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a relay for a toy track set, the relay having: a first actuator; a second actuator; an object coupling the first actuator to the second actuator, the object being releasably received on the first actuator and the object has a mechanism configured to retract a cord into the object, the cord being secured to the second actuator at one end and the mechanism at the other end; a 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 actuates the mechanism of the object and the object moves towards the second actuator as the mechanism of the object retracts the cord into the object; and a trigger moveably secured to the second actuator for movement between a first position and a second position wherein movement of the trigger from the first position towards the second position launches an object from the second actuator, wherein the trigger secured to the second
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Stacy Lynn O'Connor, Brendon Vetuskey
  • Patent number: 8177120
    Abstract: A device which collects donations of paper currency by allowing a person to insert paper currency and subsequently cause it to be floated through one or more tubes to a collection box by means of air flowing through the tubes is disclosed. A user of the device may use a diverter box to select one of several collection boxes to receive the donation. An audible or visual signal announces that a donation has been made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: DuPage Children's Museum, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Wickart
  • Patent number: 8118635
    Abstract: A mechanical toy having two enclosed chambers, one positioned above the other, connected by a tube; a vaporizing medium contained within the enclosed chambers and tube; means for rotationally supporting the tube and chambers; means for exciting the vaporizing medium within the lower chamber to create an increase in vapor pressure within the lower chamber relative to the upper chamber that exerts force upon the vaporizing medium within the lower chamber to communicate the vaporizing medium through the tube into the upper chamber allowing gravity to act upon the upper chamber when a sufficient amount of the vaporizing medium has collected within the upper chamber pulling the upper chamber downward around the means of rotational support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Edward Doran
  • Patent number: 8100343
    Abstract: A water sprinkler toy includes a base having a water inlet and a nozzle adapted to spray water in the shape of a funnel. Additionally, the water sprinkler toy includes an object capable of being suspended in the air by the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Jeff A. Michelsen
  • Publication number: 20120009843
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in conducting an eruption reaction are disclosed. The apparatus includes a catalytic solids container with a mouth and fluid egress opening and a trigger device or mechanism that allows for the controlled release of a catalytic solid into an eruptible fluid. The catalytic solids container may be adapted to be coupled to a container for an eruptible fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Steven D. Spangler
  • Patent number: 8038500
    Abstract: A bubble generating assembly has a housing having a motor, an air generator and a bubble producing device associated therewith. The assembly also includes a source of bubble solution, and a pump system provided inside the housing that draws bubble solution from the source to the bubble producing device. The bubble producing device includes a tubular member having an inner surface and an outer surface, and oriented so that air from the air generator will flow along both the inner and outer surfaces, and where bubble solution coats both the inner and outer surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Arko Development Limited
    Inventor: Douglas Thai
  • Patent number: 8006943
    Abstract: A relay for a toy track set, the relay having a first actuator, a second actuator and a conduit fluidly coupling the first actuator to the second actuator. The first actuator having a release mechanism moveably secured thereto for movement between a first position and a second position wherein movement of the release mechanism from the first position towards the second position causes the first actuator to force a fluid through the conduit, wherein the fluid forced through the conduit by the first actuator causes the second actuator to actuate a second release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel Inc.
    Inventor: Stacy Lynn O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7959484
    Abstract: A bathtub whirlpool toy and educational device has a bottom and gasket designed to allow the device to fit over the drain of a household fixture such as a bathtub or sink. The device has a generally cylindrical interior space having inlet slots set at an angle, so that water entering the interior from the bath will begin to rotate immediately. A central outlet leads to a recuperation chamber having an offset recuperation chamber outlet allowing the recuperation chamber outlet to sit directly over a bathtub drain. The recuperation chamber may have a plurality of vanes/fins designed to reduce water circulation and increase water flow. An adapter may allow the user to alter the size and shape of the interior space outlet aperture, and may be fixable in place or movable during use so as to allow the user to alter the vortex/whirlpool dynamically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Alan Fahnline
  • Patent number: 7934972
    Abstract: Flying devices which can ride up and down along a vertical elongate guide member in response to air flow over an airfoil portion of the device. Strings and wires can be used for elongate guide members in some embodiments. Some embodiment flying devices have an adjustable angle of attack. Some devices include an angle of attack lock to lock in a negative angle of attack at a top stop and/or lock in a positive angle of attack at a bottom stop, and a lock, release to release the lock at the opposite travel extreme. Kits having hardware for securing the elongate guide members to buildings are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventors: Wayne L. Barber, Gene R. Barber
  • Patent number: 7785166
    Abstract: A game call for controlling sound quality (volume and pitch) of an internal bellows call. A hand-manipulable external bellows or other device provides air through an aperture to the internal bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Richard C. Kirby
  • Patent number: 7775849
    Abstract: A toy fencing sword that is adapted to also fire its blade tip as a missile and to squirt water. The sword includes an internal piston activated by pulling and pushing the sword's handle to either fire the sword's tip as a missile or to inhale water and squirt it in a powerful stream. The sword is comprised of soft and buoyant materials which make it safe and painless during play and also make it ideally adapted for use in and around water, such as at a swimming pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventors: Veronica Pui Chung Wong, Boguslau Orlowski
  • Patent number: 7775850
    Abstract: To provide a water toy with which infants can play joyfully in a bathroom, which is easy to be fixed in place and which prevents the infants from losing their interests in playing therewith, there is provided a water toy including a pedestal portion having a pump, a circular cylindrical shaped column fixed to an upper portion of the pedestal portion, which includes a water flowing tube in an interior and a water outlet port at an upper end thereof, a spiral water flowing rail fixed to a circumferential edge of the column, a first water flowing rail detachably coupled to a lower end of the spiral water flowing rail, which includes a windmill portion having a rotor turned by using a flow of water, a second water flowing rail detachably coupled to a lower end of the first water flowing rail while being fixed onto an auxiliary fixing base, a third water flowing rail detachably coupled to a lower end of the second water flowing rail, a fourth water flowing rail detachably coupled to a lower end of the third water
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Agatsuma Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Todokoro
  • Patent number: 7758400
    Abstract: Outer and inner inflatable members and a motor assembly including a fan are disposed on a base member. Air provided under pressure by the motor assembly including the fan passes through vents in the base member to inflate the inflatable members. Flakes are disposed in the space between the inflatable members. One vent, larger than the others, provides for the flakes to be lifted upwardly from the base member by the pressurized air. At least another vent in the base member provides for a movement of the flakes by the pressurized air in an annular direction in the space between the inflatable members. A permeable cap disposed on the outer inflatable member limits the pressure in the outer and inner inflatable members to a particular value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Bergman Design Corporation
    Inventor: David E. Moomaw
  • Publication number: 20100144236
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an activity system that can be used with a supply of fluid, such as water. In particular, the present invention relates to an activity system that includes a supply unit or station and an activity unit that can be used with the supply unit. The supply unit is configured to supply a fluid to the activity unit station when a user engages the activity unit with the supply unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Ronald Asbach, Mark Wojtkiewicz
  • Patent number: 7686667
    Abstract: A mechanical toy having two enclosed chambers, one positioned above the other, connected by a tube; a vaporizing medium contained within the enclosed chambers and tube; an object within each chamber to displace the vaporizing medium; a rotational shaft centrally connected to the tube and chambers; support arms connected to ends of the rotational shaft at bearing points; means for exciting the vaporizing medium within the lower chamber to create an increase in vapor pressure within the lower chamber relative to the upper chamber that exerts force upon the vaporizing medium within the lower chamber to communicate the vaporizing medium through the tube into the upper chamber, displaced by the object within the upper chamber creating an imbalance, allowing gravity to act upon the upper chamber when a sufficient amount of the vaporizing medium has collected within the upper chamber pulling the upper chamber downward around the rotational shaft in the direction of the imbalance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Edward Doran
  • Publication number: 20090071137
    Abstract: A fluid transmission that employs a fluid to transmit a force, comprising a conduit for the fluid made from heat shrink polymer tubing, wherein at least a portion of the heat shrink polymer tubing is shrunken, whereby the force can be transmitted by the fluid from a first or proximal end of the conduit to a second or distal end of the conduit. Also, an actuator and methods for manufacturing the transmission and actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2006
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Martin Russell Harris
  • Patent number: 7410405
    Abstract: The subject invention provides an amusement device and method of play using the device, wherein the device includes a gun for shooting a liquid and/or a light beam, wherein the gun comprises a generally elongated barrel, a tank for containing a liquid, a source of power, a pump for pressurizing the tank, valve structures suitable for controlling the flow of the liquid, at least one light source, and a trigger mechanism which may selectively cause a stream of liquid to be discharged and one of more of the light sources to be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Jakks Pacific, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Hornsby, Marcellus R. Benson, Paul M. Brown, Joseph L. McGowan
  • Patent number: 7402092
    Abstract: A drinking cup that has a removable lid with three different types of drink delivery novelties. The first is a rotary drive dispenser. In which fluid is drawn up in a straw. At the top of the straw is a rotary arm, which is free to rotate. As the fluid is brought up through the straw, it is forced out of holes formed in the rotary arm causing the arm spins around the straw. As it rotates, the fluid is dispensed into a sump where a drinking straw is used to remove it. In the second design, fluid rises up through the straw where it exits the straw like a fountain spray. In the third design, a tall tube extends up from the lid. A ball sits in the tube. As the fluid is brought up, the ball is propelled upward inside the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventors: Gary Randall, Don Karterman
  • Patent number: 7381112
    Abstract: A device typically adapted for association with an air diffuser of a ventilation system of a dwelling. The device redirects an air stream from a forced air column received through the diffuser. A novelty item is disposed to depend from structure associated with the base for rotation of the novelty item by the air stream. An operable suspension system includes a magnet assembly and a magnetically attracted bearing element. Desirably, a safety catch is included to maintain the novelty item in proximity to the base in the event of decoupling between the magnet assembly and the bearing element. One preferred base is adapted to form a slip-on fit to a diffuser register of a dwelling's ventilation system. Certain novelty items are sized to provide a self-packaging capability for commercial display. An alternative base is structured to look like furniture, and may include a plurality of internal passageways through which air may selectively be directed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: Greg L. Symes
  • Publication number: 20080121652
    Abstract: A squirting toy is comprised of a cylindrical housing and a piston that slides within to force water into or out of the housing via a hole therein. The housing is encased within a shell creating a water impervious volume sufficient for the toy to float in water. The shell is soft, so that the gun is not a safety hazard when left floating in a swimming pool. Handles associated with one or both actuating portions of the squirting toy are provided for gripping and operating the squirting toy more effectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: PRIME TIME TOYS, LTD.
    Inventors: Boguslaw Orlowski, Veronica Wong, Francis Chia
  • Patent number: 7367861
    Abstract: A bubble generating assembly has a housing, a container coupled to the housing and retaining bubble solution, a trigger mechanism, a bubble generating device, a tubing that couples the interior of the container with the bubble generating device, a stationary wiping bar that is fixed to the housing, and a link assembly housed inside the housing. The link assembly couples the trigger mechanism and the bubble generating device in a manner in which actuation of the trigger mechanism causes the bubble generating device to move past the wiping bar and to contact the wiping bar, so as to create a film of bubble solution across the bubble generating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Arko Development Limited
    Inventor: Douglas Thai
  • Publication number: 20080076321
    Abstract: The present invention includes a nozzle for creating and controlling geysers erupting from carbonated soda bottles. The present invention also includes methods of starting and controlling soda geyser fountains including remote triggering and chain reaction geysers. The nozzle of the invention is used for combining ordinary carbonated soda and small objects. The small objects are typically candies, such as MENTOS. The combination of soda and small objects creates a reaction that rapidly releases carbon dioxide causing tall, geyser-like fountains of soda. The nozzle includes a base section for securing to a bottle of soda, a pin and chamber section for holding small objects, and a nozzle orifice for controlling fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen Mark Voltz, Frederick Grobe
  • Patent number: 7331839
    Abstract: The lower portion (12) of a water toy (10) is buoyant and floats on a body of water (FIG. 1). An upper portion (14) of the toy includes an inner cavity (32) sides to receive the head (34) of a user. The user sights through a sight opening (30) in the upper portion (14). The user's hands are on the controls (64) for a pair of water guns (38,40). When the user depresses the triggers (54) the water guns (38,40) pump water up through the water guns (38, 40) and discharge the water in the form of streams at some target selected by the user. The upper portion (14) is inflatable to give it stand up rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Brett J. Diffley
  • Patent number: 7311580
    Abstract: Outer and inner inflatable members and a motor assembly including a fan are disposed on a base member. Air provided under pressure by the motor assembly including the fan passes through vents in the base member to inflate the inflatable members. Flakes are disposed in the space between the inflatable members. One vent, larger than the others, provides for the flakes to be lifted upwardly from the base member by the pressurized air. At least another vent in the base member provides for a movement of the flakes by the pressurized air in an annular direction in the space between the inflatable members. A permeable cap disposed on the outer inflatable member limits the pressure in the outer and inner inflatable members to a particular value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Bergman Design Consortium
    Inventor: David E. Moomaw
  • Patent number: 7306231
    Abstract: A pneumatic prize dispensing system for an arcade game. The game includes a pneumatically-controlled method of suspending and controlling the movement encapsulated prizes within a vertically-oriented transparent tube by means of differential air pressure. A player controls the vertical position of the prize by means of a pneumatic control valve. The object of the game is to control the position of the prize capsule to match a target position zone presented to the contestant via a set of visual cues for a predetermined period of time. The game dispenses the encapsulated prize or alternatively, prize tokens, if the game-winning criteria are achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Bob's Space Racers, Inc.
    Inventor: John Callahan
  • Publication number: 20070259596
    Abstract: A toy system that utilizes a vehicle that rides upon a track using a unique propulsion system. The track used by the toy has an external surface upon which the toy rides. The track also defines an internal conduit that extends the length of the track. A primary magnet is provided that is free moving within the internal conduit. The primary magnet is moved by a flow of fluid. The toy that rides along the track contains a secondary magnet. The secondary magnet and the primary magnet attract through the structure of the track, thereby causing the secondary magnet and the toy to move along the exterior surface of the track as the primary magnet travels through the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventors: Webb T. Nelson, Simeon E. Tiefel
  • Patent number: 7261611
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an aquatic toy device that is particularly adapted for skipping upon and across the irregular surface of a body of water. The aquatic surface skipping toy device may be used for recreation, sports, or exercise either by an individual or a group of individuals. The toy device includes a buoyant body having a generally planar bottom surface and a pair of outwardly and forward mounted sponsons constructed and arranged to convert forward motion into hydrodynamic lift to raise the bottom surface of the toy device into a position above the surface of the water. As the bottom surface is extended above the surface of the water the air is channeled between the lower surface of the toy device and the upper surface of the water. Allowing the toy device to glide predominately on a thin layer of air with the sponsons alternatingly skipping across the surface of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventors: George I Smith, Doug Smith
  • Publication number: 20070197125
    Abstract: A confetti projectile is provided for amusement purposes which includes a body having a plurality of spirally oriented individual and discrete members of confetti material. The members are preferably lightweight strips of material such as paper and arranged in a shingled fashion so that one of the ends of each strip is exposed relative to the adjacent strip in the body. The body is preferably encircled by a band which is releasably connected to itself by adhesive. Upon detaching the band from itself and throwing the body, the strips will fall away as the body encounters air resistance. The body travels through the air a much greater distance than would be possible in the case of the individual strips, but as the strips fall away and disperse, new strips are exposed to provide a greater area of distribution of the confetti.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventor: Michael S. Marietta
  • Patent number: 7223152
    Abstract: Provided may be a wind propelled rolling vehicle with a self-adjusting sail that may be substantially formed in a relatively small, single sheet of material, or assembled onto a standard chassis. The exemplary embodiments may utilize bushings to spread dynamic loads so as to allow the use of very light structural material such as thin sheet foam thereby forming a safe, low-mass toy vehicle capable of achieving good acceleration and rolling speed relative to a given wind force, and configurable into many themes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: John H. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7172485
    Abstract: A bubble generating assembly has a housing, a container coupled to the housing and retaining bubble solution, a trigger mechanism, a bubble generating device, a tubing that couples the interior of the container with the bubble generating device, a stationary wiping bar that is fixed to the housing, and a link assembly housed inside the housing. The link assembly couples the trigger mechanism and the bubble generating device in a manner in which actuation of the trigger mechanism causes the bubble generating device to move past the wiping bar and to contact the wiping bar, so as to create a film of bubble solution across the bubble generating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Arko Development Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas Thai
  • Patent number: 7150670
    Abstract: A mechanical toy having two enclosed chambers, one positioned above the other, connected by a tube; a vaporizing medium contained within the enclosed chambers and tube; means for rotationally supporting the tube and chambers; means for exciting the vaporizing medium within the lower chamber to create an increase in vapor pressure within the lower chamber relative to the upper chamber that exerts force upon the vaporizing medium within the lower chamber to communicate the vaporizing medium through the tube into the upper chamber allowing gravity to act upon the upper chamber when a sufficient amount of the vaporizing medium has collected within the upper chamber pulling the upper chamber downward around the means of rotational support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: Edward Doran
  • Patent number: 7090557
    Abstract: A mobile constructed from a single sheet of material having alternating cut lines and fold lines so that wind striking the mobile causes the intervening panels to undulate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Ainsworth, Jr., Daniel T. Hefty
  • Patent number: 7089731
    Abstract: A an improvement in a two wheel motor vehicle having an internal combustion motor and a wheel drive mechanism, wherein the motor has an exhaust system connected thereto, includes a) an exhaust system having a first exhaust pipe and a second exhaust pipe with the first exhaust pipe being in a fixed position relative to the internal combustion motor, and the second exhaust being rotatably connected to the first exhaust pipe, and b) an exhaust pipe drive mechanism connected to the second exhaust pipe for rotation of the second exhaust pipe. The pipe drive mechanism may operate off some power source of the vehicle, operate independently of the vehicle power sources, may operate from exiting exhaust gases, ambient wind form motion of the vehicle, or a combination of the foregoing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Corey Perry
  • Patent number: 7086224
    Abstract: A motor vehicle having at least three wheels, an internal combustion motor and a wheel drive mechanism, wherein the motor has an exhaust system connected thereto, includes a) an exhaust system having a first exhaust pipe and a second exhaust pipe with the first exhaust pipe being in a fixed position relative to the internal combustion motor, and the second exhaust being rotatably connected to the first exhaust pipe, and b) an exhaust pipe drive mechanism connected to the second exhaust pipe for rotation of the second exhaust pipe. The pipe drive mechanism may operate off some power source of the vehicle, operate independently of the vehicle power sources, may operate from exiting exhaust gases, ambient wind form motion of the vehicle, or a combination of the foregoing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Corey Perry