Sounding Patents (Class 446/213)
  • Patent number: 9288976
    Abstract: A housing forms an enclosed chamber. A container essentially fills the chamber is fabricated of a crinkle paper or like material adapted to produce a crackling and rustling sound when touched and manipulated by a user. A plurality of objects within the container are fabricated of a rigid material adapted to provide a three dimensional shape to the container and the housing for facilitating the movement of the crinkle paper or like material when manipulated by the user for creating a sound which will attract game during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Steven J. Wright
  • Patent number: 9186562
    Abstract: The present invention relates to sports gear and in particular to sports gear that is capable of being manufactured to achieve specific performance criteria. As an example, a baseball bat is described herein. However, other sports gear where “bat-ball” type of collision is expected is also within the scope of the present invention. The sports gear can be made of a long thin-walled structure. The wall itself has long discontinuous fibers. A three dimensional (3D) structure is therefore provided. The sports gear is designed to achieve specified performance criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Plasticomp, Inc.
    Inventors: Raj Narain Mathur, Stephen T. Bowen
  • Patent number: 8939136
    Abstract: A hand-held flinging device includes a launcher that engages the projectile and improves control of the launcher and projectile, during a throwing/flinging motion, until centrifugal force causes disengagement of the projectile from the launcher. The engagement system involves the rearward portions of a launcher shaft and the projectile bore, so that, upon disengagement, frictional engagement and interference of the engagement system with the projectile is prevented or limited as the projectile moves forward to fly off the launcher. The engagement system may include a member that snaps into engagement with a hole or recess to hold the projectile on the launcher even through the wind-up portion of the throw that may include the launcher distal end being pointed downward. The preferred projectile covers the entire or nearly the entire launcher shaft distal of the hand grip and is heavier toward its front end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventors: Douglas M. Gaus, Caleb Chung
  • Patent number: 8721386
    Abstract: Noise-making devices are presented including: a compressible noise-making assembly, the compressible noise-making assembly configured for emitting a noise upon compressive deformation; a compression assembly for compressing and retaining the compressible noise-making assembly, the compression assembly including, at least two opposing surfaces defining a cavity for receiving the compressible noise-making assembly, the opposing surfaces each in mechanical communication with the compressible noise-making assembly, and at least two pulls each attached to one of the opposing surfaces such that when the two pulls are divergently pulled a compressive force is exerted upon the compressible noise-making device by the opposing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventors: Charles W. Lamprey, Jr., Amanda E. Hutton
  • Patent number: 8723644
    Abstract: The device of this invention is for use in marking, locating and retrieving an object with respect to the user, and has particular usefulness for hunters and the like to assist in locating a hunted game that has fallen some distance from the hunter. The device is an object that can be fastened to or hung from a user, can be easily removed from its attachment, is hand-holdable in size, and light weight for being launched or thrown toward the location to be marked. Once places and after a reasonable time delay, the device can emit sound, light or electronic signals that can assist the user in finding the marked location. The device can be have other uses as an assist in returning to a located place after the device has been launched or placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: James Bruce Morehead
  • Publication number: 20140051323
    Abstract: A game calling device including a mouthpiece having inlet and outlet portions and holes between the inlet and outlet portions, whereby sounds having varied pitch and intensity can be generated. The game calling device also includes an inner tubular member that at least partially houses a reed and configured to be selectively positioned on the axial direction of the reed so that the emitted sound can be varied based at least on the position of the inner tubular member along the reed and thereby allowing the game calling device to be used hands-free.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: David Eugene Oathout
  • Publication number: 20130309934
    Abstract: An apparatus for calling wild game. The apparatus may be used for calling wild turkeys. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a barrel that receives an air flow and a bell which is the part where sound is emitted. The apparatus also includes a sound chamber made-up of two parts that are fixed together to create one sound chamber, where the sound chamber is inserted into the bell. The call also includes latex reeds, wherein the latex reeds cover the openings in the sound chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Wildgame Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: William Thomas Wiley
  • Publication number: 20130260638
    Abstract: Noise-making devices are presented including: a compressible noise-making assembly, the compressible noise-making assembly configured for emitting a noise upon compressive deformation; at least two pull channels circumferentially disposed approximately 90° apart with respect to one another along a surface of the compressible noise-making assembly; a number of channel overhangs disposed along an upper edge of the at least two pull channels along the surface of the compressible noise-making assembly; and a compression assembly for compressing and retaining the compressible noise-making assembly, the compression assembly including, at least two opposing surfaces defining a cavity for receiving the compressible noise-making assembly each disposed along the at least two pull channels, where the at least two opposing surfaces are each in mechanical communication with the compressible noise-making assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Charles W. Lamprey, JR., Amanda E. Hutton, John J. Stone
  • Patent number: 8113906
    Abstract: A noisemaker assembly that includes an annular horn body having an inner wall, an outer wall and a groove disposed there between. The groove is open at the top surface of the horn body. A tubular mouthpiece is provided that extends into the horn body. The mouthpiece communicates with the groove inside the horn body. When air is blown into the mouthpiece, that air passes into the groove within the horn body. A membrane is placed over the horn body so that the membrane covers the top of the groove. When air is blown into the groove, the air slips past the membrane from inside the groove. This causes the membrane to vibrate and generate a loud low frequency noise. The horn assembly can be held within a housing. The housing has perforations to enable sound energy from the horn assembly to escape from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Wayne Cohen
  • 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: 7749044
    Abstract: A manually operated air-driven music box which will generate music at a relatively constant tempo as a user moves the music box back and fourth in opposite directions through the air. The music box has a rotatable drum cylinder to activate tone arms. A first propeller on one end of a drive axle and a second propeller on an opposite end of the drive axle rotate the drive axle as the music box is moved through the air. A gear mechanism for the drive axle rotates the drum cylinder in the same direction as the drive axle is rotated by the propellers. The first propeller is constructed to rotate in a counterclockwise direction and the second propeller is constructed to rotate in a clockwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Harald Herglotz
  • Patent number: 7727044
    Abstract: An animal call includes a mouthpiece, a barrel, and a reed. The mouthpiece defines an air channel therein and has a reed bed proximate the air channel. The barrel is coupled to the mouthpiece and has an internal chamber that is fluidically coupled to the air channel of the mouthpiece. A surface comprising the air channel varies in order to maintain a substantially constant cross-sectional area magnitude along a length of the channel. The reed is disposed adjacent the air channel and proximate the reed bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Leslie W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7674153
    Abstract: An animal training device (10) having a housing (11), a sound-producing member, an actuator (15), and a whistle (21, 23). The sound-producing member is mounted within a central cavity (12) formed in the housing (11), and the actuator (15) is provided in an opening (14) in one face (13) of the housing (11). The actuator (15) is arranged to transfer to the sound-producing member a manual force applied to the actuator (15), thereby to produce a first audible signal. The whistle (21, 23) includes a resonance chamber (23) formed integrally in the other face (22) of the housing (11), and a mouthpiece (21) in communication with the resonance chamber (23). The whistle (21, 23) is adapted to produce a second audible signal upon a user blowing into the mouthpiece (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen Geoffrey King
  • Patent number: 7509761
    Abstract: Apparatus for creating a number of display images comprises a first rotating element provided with a plurality of mounting means, each of said mounting means rotatably carrying one or more second rotating elements each provided with a number of display surfaces in which the mounting means are arranged such that they define a shape with substantially straight edges, and in which two or more second rotating elements can combine to create a changeable display surface substantially parallel to each substantially straight edge of said shape, and in which in use each second rotating element is rotated independently of all other second rotating elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Kwame Owusu-Atuahene
  • Patent number: 7445537
    Abstract: A game call for use during hunting various species of animals. The game call includes a housing at opposite axial ends of which are mounted a pressurized gas reservoir and a nozzle. Pressurized gas in the reservoir passes through an egress port and into a plenum formed in the housing. Gas metered by the plenum of the housing passes through an ingress port into a chamber within the nozzle. A sound-producing member mounted in the chamber is actuated by the gas exhausted through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Paul S. Langenfeld
  • Patent number: 7175499
    Abstract: The present invention provides a means for holding the components of the device, a means for storing gas under pressure which is maintained separately from the interior of the device until actuating, a means for releasing pressurized gas from the storage device into the interior of the device, a means for actuating the device upon an external event, a means for retaining the pressurized gas in the interior of the device until a desired internal pressure level is achieved and a means for channeling the pressurized gas that is released upon actuation so that the energy supplied propels a pressurized fluid to explosively pass outside of the device through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Forest Hatcher
  • Patent number: 7097533
    Abstract: The invention provides a noise-maker having an injection molded single piece body, a membrane and a retaining ring. The injection molded single piece body includes a generally cylindrical central tube and a generally cylindrical pressure tube which defines a pressure chamber. The retaining ring has an inner diameter adapted to fit over the outer surface of the central tube such that the membrane is secured to and stretched across the central tube first end and the pressure tube first end. Sound is created when air or other gas is forced into pressure chamber. The air must pass through the pressure chamber around a pressure tube first end and out the discharge end of central tube. By forcing air into the pressure chamber, membrane vibrates producing a loud sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Szekely
  • Patent number: 6881121
    Abstract: The invention provides a noise-maker having an injection molded single piece body, a membrane and a retaining ring. The injection molded single piece body includes a generally cylindrical central tube and a generally cylindrical pressure tube which defines a pressure chamber. The retaining ring has an inner diameter adapted to fit over the outer surface of said pressure tube such that the membrane is secured to and stretched across the central tube first end and the pressure tube first end. Sound is created when air or other gas is forced into pressure chamber. The air must pass through the pressure chamber around a central tube first end and out the discharge end of a sound extension end. By forcing air into the pressure chamber, membrane vibrates producing a loud sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Szekely
  • Patent number: 6749481
    Abstract: Sound producing apparatus (20) is disclosed which simulates a fire cracker. The apparatus comprises a selectively actuatable aerosol (24) which fills a chamber (35) with compressed fluid which, when a certain pressure is reached, blows off a cap (38) creating a shower of confetti (39) and a loud bang. In other embodiments, a plurality of elastomeric members filled with compressed air which are ruptured or a selectively operable compressed fluid container formed by the apparatus housing, art used to create a similar effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: TechnoCracker Private Limited
    Inventors: Leong Kheng Yap, Tiang See Neo
  • Patent number: 6709309
    Abstract: A game call is provided having an elongated tube having an inlet and outlet. A diaphragm is disposed in the tube. The game call has a pump assembly with a plunger slidably received within the tube between the inlet and the diaphragm. The plunger is movable with respect to the diaphragm so that air passes over and vibrates the diaphragm when the plunger is moved toward the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Kolpin Outdoors, Inc.
    Inventors: Ricky Joe Bishop, Terry L. Butler
  • Patent number: 6599167
    Abstract: A game call amplifying call holder device includes a concave member and upward sloping sides. A pair of parallel rail members within the concave member are elevated a selected distance by pairs of spaced apart support members. Each rail member has a retaining flange member extending along its length on a top side, and a biasing member extending along its length adjacent to and beneath the retaining flange member. A stop member and a bridge member are connected between adjacent ends of the parallel rail members opposite each other. The rail members reversibly secure at least one planar call device there between, with the planar circular call device secured on opposite edges between the flange member and the biasing member of each rail member. The flange members and biasing members allowing the planar call device to vibrate when activated by a striker, with the concave member amplifying vibrations thus produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Glenn Waltz
  • Patent number: 6555979
    Abstract: A system and method for selectively controlling an electrical component is claimed. The system contains an audio detector, such as a microphone, that receives sound energy and converts the sound energy into a corresponding electrical signal. The content of the sound energy is irrelevant. Rather, it is the volume of the sound energy that is to be represented by the electrical signal. To produce an electrical signal that corresponds to noise volume, the amplitude of the electrical signal is amplified. The amplified signal is then rectified and filtered, thereby producing a D/C electrical signal that is representative of the volume of the sound energy detected. The D/C electrical signal is used to selectively regulate a current flow controller. The current flow controller controls the flow of current to the electronic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventors: L. Taylor Arnold, Richard Michelli
  • Patent number: 6494764
    Abstract: A kite comprises a body attached to a rigid frame and a noise emitting device. The noise emitting device includes a resilient bow having a holder at each of its ends and a ribbon attached to each of the bow holders which vibrates in response to air flow. The bow holders comprise a holder member attached to the bow and a saddle which cooperates with the holder member for removably securing the ribbon to the bow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall L. Tom
  • Patent number: 6471563
    Abstract: A diaphragm game call having an integral dome-shaped resonant cavity coupled to and disposed above a frame containing a latex diaphragm and a flexible game call having a flexible sound chamber coupled to a multi-part mouthpiece assembly which includes therein a removable diaphragm with a dome-shaped resonant cavity and a method of operating the game call in which the diaphragm is placed between the caller's teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Hunter's Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: L. Wayne Carlton
  • Patent number: 6386938
    Abstract: A sound-producing device for producin a loud noise in support of one's team during sporting events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventors: William R. Novak, Penny A. Novak
  • Patent number: 6328626
    Abstract: A game call having a striking member and a body member, the body member forming an enclosure about a central cavity and having a pair of opposing edges defining a longitudinal opening that is contiguous with the central cavity. The body member has an inner surface and an outer surface, with a scalloped surface extending from the outer surface adjacent each of the opposing edges. The striking member is engaged against the body member in combinations of striking actions and sliding actions along one or both of the scalloped surfaces to create sounds similar to rattling antlers of antlered game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Primos, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve D. Eubanks
  • Patent number: 6257949
    Abstract: The present invention is a noise making device comprising a two-part tubular structure including a mouthpiece and a tube. The mouthpiece is connected to the tube in the lengthwise axis. During the course of user operation, the free-end of the tube is disposed into the users armpit and the mouthpiece is disposed to the user's mouth. Air is then blown into the mouthpiece through the lengthwise axis of the noisemaker and is expelled from the end of tube. This expulsion of air generates vibrations at the end of the tube, surface of the user's armpit and into the surrounding air. Such vibrations in turn generate sound. In addition, two slits have been applied in one end of the tube. Inclusion of these slits enhance the generation of the aforementioned vibrations and impart discrete sounds to the noisemaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Dean Scott Vickers
  • Patent number: 6227927
    Abstract: A sound producing device comprises an outer tube having an open end and a closed end, a plunger which fits inside the open end of the outer tube, and an amount of flexile material arranged between an outer surface of the plunger and an inner surface of the outer tube when the plunger is inserted in the outer tube. Movement of the plunger within the outer tube creates a pressure or vacuum, forcing air past the flexile material and thereby creating an amusing sound. The movement may also create an entertaining visual effect if the outer tube is made of a transparent material. The device may be configured to include a guided plunger having a longitudinal guide shaft therethrough which is adapted to receive a centering guide pin associated with the outer tube. Other embodiments may incorporate multiple tubes to produce distinctly different amusing sounds, or a sound enhancer tube to produce an amusing sound with richer tone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Frank T. Smith
  • Patent number: 6149492
    Abstract: A portable game call ideally adapted for turkey hunting is user transformable between a variety of configurations for producing selected, game-attractive sounds. A rigid supportive hub assembly, generally in the form of a parallelepiped at least temporarily mounts the remaining parts for transportation and storage. The hub assembly comprises an upwardly projecting dome that removably gimbel mounts a ring assembly. The removable ring assembly mounts two radially spaced apart, outwardly extending strikers that can be rubbed across a frictional striking surface on the call for making "peg and slate" sounds. An outwardly extending hollow metal suction tube located between the strikers makes "wing bone" sounds. An elongated, blade-like sounding vane removably coupled to the call is slidably received within a slot in the hub. A timing cord extending between the vane and the ring enables the vane, once removed, to be spun in the air by a hunter to produce the "Pulmonic Puff" sound of the wild turkey gobble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Penline Production L.L.C.
    Inventor: James Deff Davis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6137584
    Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for expanding the field of application of florescent correlation spectroscopy. The device has a confocal optical structure, a pulsed laser for excitation and components for detection and evaluation of measuring signals for time-correlated single photon counting. The data is registered in such a way that for each detected photon, detection time is recorded in microseconds while fluorescence delay time is recorded in nanoseconds. The information on each detected photon is used to assign parameters determined by time-correlated single photon counting to each detected photon and to create correlation functions from the determined parameters arising therefrom. Correlation functions of parameters or selective correlation functions, e.g. for fluorescence burning life, are thus obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignees: Max-Planck-Gesellschaft Zur, Evotec BioSystems Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Claus Seidel, Leif Brand, Rolf Gunther
  • Patent number: 6083127
    Abstract: A sound emitting toy dart includes an elongate body having a first end and a second end. A sound emitting end cap is secured to the first end. The end cap has a resilient wall member defining a cavity, and an aperture formed in the wall member in communication with the cavity. The aperture is formed as whistle and is further arranged to permit the evacuation of air from the cavity responsive to a collapsing of the wall member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerrard M. O'Shea
  • Patent number: 6068534
    Abstract: A toy ball which emits sounds as it is rolled, comprising: a ball body; and a plurality of mechanically-operated sound tubes carried within the ball body, each sound tube including a sliding whistle which moves along the tube by the force of gravity, and each sound tube lying along a longitudinal axis, in which the axes are transverse to one another, so that the sound tubes emit sound when the ball is moved along various axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: HandsOnToys, Inc.
    Inventor: Ned Strongin
  • Patent number: 6053793
    Abstract: A game call blowing device for blowing air through a forced air game call remote from a user. The game call blowing device includes a support frame with elongate upper and lower arms. The upper arm of the support frame has a bore therethrough. A tube with open first and second ends is extended through the bore of the upper arm of the support frame. The first end of the tube is inserted into a hole in the top face of a canister. The first end of the tube has an annular disk outwardly radiating therefrom in the canister. One end of an elongate flexible cord is coupled to the top face of the canister. The second end of the tube is designed for attaching a blowing end of a forced air game call to fluidly connect the tube to the forced air game call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Billy Green
  • Patent number: 6048250
    Abstract: A toy dart includes a cylindrical wall having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first open end at one end of the cylindrical wall, and second open end at the other end of the cylindrical wall. At least two fins are attached to the outer surface of the cylindrical wall. In addition, a resilient, bulbous head portion is mounted on the cylindrical wall at the second open end thereof, the head portion defining a chamber adapted to contain fluid and having an opening formed therein so that the chamber communicates with an interior of the cylindrical wall. The toy dart is constructed and arranged for aerodynamic flight when thrown, and upon the bulbous head impacting a hard surface, the bulbous head portion deforms for moving fluid contained therein into the interior of the cylindrical wall. Other embodiments of the toy dart are further contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Robert H. Hudson
  • Patent number: 6024624
    Abstract: A novelty article for use in connection with liquid has a body and a generating mechanism, which is attached to the body, for generating electrically produced special effects, such as audible sounds and visible lights, so as to enhance amusement for a user. The generating mechanism is provided with an activating mechanism, which is attached to the body, for activating the generating mechanism in response to contact by liquid. In accordance with one feature of the present invention, the body includes a drinking straw having a passageway for liquid. The activating mechanism has a pair of electrical contacts positioned in the passageway so as to activate the generating mechanism in response to liquid flow through the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Joy World, Inc.
    Inventor: Seungsoo Lee
  • Patent number: 5941751
    Abstract: A sound-generating unit (30) is encased within the body (20) of an article (10) which is to be launched by a burst of compressed and/or pressurized fluid (15) from a fluid launching device (11). The sound-generating unit (30) has the three main elements of a piezoelectric electromechanical transducer (32), a sound-generator electronic circuit (40), and a speaker (42). The body (20) of the article to be launched has a bore to receive the burst of fluid (15). The piezoelectric element (32) is positioned within the bore in alignment for receiving the impact of the burst of fluid (15). The piezoelectric element (32), the speaker (42) and an electrical energizer (36) are connected to the sound-generator circuit (40). Upon being impinged by a burst of fluid (15) projected into the bore of the body (20), the piezoelectric element (32) minutely deforms and generates a voltage that is processed by the sound-generator circuit (40) into a desired sound-effect signal that drives the speaker (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Johnson Research and Development Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Lonnie G. Johnson, John T. Applewhite, John A. Alphonso-Gibbs
  • Patent number: 5842903
    Abstract: A novelty noise making, odor generating Apparatus is provided having a clear beaker made of glass or plastic provides visual access to an interior volume. A removable stopper seals the interior volume of the beaker, which contains a colored gas having a humorously offensive odor. A base is provided for mounting the beaker in statue form, with a nameplate mounted thereto to provide a humorously offensive description of the colored gas. A stopper for providing fluid communication between the beaker's interior and exterior volumes is included forming an interior conduit and having a reed or bendable flap extends outward from the conduit wall to create an impediment to fluid flow through the conduit. When the stopper is placed into or removed from the beaker opening, the differential pressure created across the reed or bendable flap causes a momentary vibration, thereby generating an incremental noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: John W. Messick
  • Patent number: 5820438
    Abstract: A toy bat (10) having a handle (12) which has a handle base (12A) securely fastened to a handle stopper (12B). The handle base (12A) and the handle stopper (12B) have a handle female fastener (12C) therein and therethrough, respectively. The toy bat further has a bat (14) which is removably attachable to the handle (12). The bat (14) comprises a bat male fastener (14A) which securely engages the handle female fastener (12C). The bat (14) further comprises a bat shaft (14B) extending longitudinally from and parallel with the bat male fastener (14A). A whistle (16) is optionally integrally mounted within the distal end of the bat shaft (14B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Larkin Horton, III
  • Patent number: 5746640
    Abstract: A motion-activated musical device is disclosed which sounds harmonic overtones of a longitudinal resonator. Swinging the device causes the formation of a pressure differential across the device. This pressure differential causes air to flow through the longitudinal resonator, initiating an oscillation in the hole tone resonator. A standing wave is then established in the longitudinal resonator in response to this oscillation and a musical tone results. Variations in motion cause the device to sound a sequence of harmonically related musical tones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Michael R. Meadows
  • Patent number: 5423706
    Abstract: A toy aircraft glider for launching by a slingshot, having two-axis wing retraction for improved launch height and wing stability, internally-mounted wing deployment springs for improved toy life, the ability to eject smaller toys while airborne to enhance toy enjoyment, sound effects and remote control steering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Inventor: George W. Chase
  • Patent number: 5346421
    Abstract: A toy bird capable of drinking water and producing sound is composed of a base and a hollow tubular body. The base is provided with two limbs having a support hole located at the top thereof. The hollow tubular body comprises a head located at the top thereof, a spherical container located at the bottom thereof, and a middle tube located between the head and the spherical container. The middle tube is provided centrally and horizontally with an electrically conductive support rod having two ends received in the support holes of the two limbs. The base contains a sound device comprising a sound circuit, a speaker and batteries. The two limbs are provided respectively with a conducting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: Thomas Yeh
  • Patent number: 5238439
    Abstract: A miniature musical windmill barn is provided and consists of a housing simulating a miniature barn with louvers covering a mechanical reproducing music mechanism on an elevated platform. A wind wheel exteriorly of the housing on a vertical shaft will rotate the shaft when the wind blows. A structure between the mechanical reproducing music mechanism and the vertical shaft will operate the mechanical reproducing music mechanism by the rotation of the vertical shaft, so that when the wind blows, the music will be mechanically reproduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Inventors: Gary Greene, George Spector
  • Patent number: 5106332
    Abstract: An improved noise making device (10) particularly suited for use in stadiums, arenas and the like comprises a flexible, planar member of "whooping plate" (12), and a handle (14), both preferably comprised of plastic, the ends of the handle (14) being joined to the ends of the planar member (12) with the central section of the handle bowed outwardly from the planar member, such that when the handle is gripped and thrust forward and backward, the planar member bows inwardly and outwardly, thereby generating a loud noise. Suitable indicia, such as a team logo or advertising message, may be imprinted on the outer surface of the planar member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: M. H. Segan & Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc H. Segan, Steven M. Cohen
  • Patent number: 4799913
    Abstract: A hand-operated game call having a sound chamber, a handle including a horn at one end of the chamber, a bellows at the other end of the chamber and openings in both chamber ends; the chamber including a diaphragm normally closing each chamber, each diaphragm having a normally taut edge engaging an opening chord edge, the chord edge including a lip on the outside of the wall for preventing the diaphragm from overlapping the wall during vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Inventor: Gilbert H. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 4758197
    Abstract: A toy windmill and noise maker comprises a frame and handle. The frame rotatably carries a shaft that has a windmill mounted at one end for rotating the shaft. The handle is connected to the center of the bottom member of the frame so that the device is balanced. Radially extending paddles are carried by the shaft and these actuate drumsticks that beat upon a metal drum supported by the frame. A rubber band having two enlarged ends is stretched across two side members of the frame and supports the drumsticks and causes them to strike the drum after they have been released by the paddles. The bottom member of the frame defines a depression therein near the drum to avoid damping the drum. The windmill is formed from a single square blank which has cuts therein to define the four blades. The four blades have integral extensions where the extensions of diagonally opposed blades are connected to each other in two pairs to hold the blades in concave shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Inventor: Hop Lee
  • Patent number: 4693162
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved wind-bell of the seated type comprising of at least two or more blades, a central rotating axle, a striking bar, sound-producing bars, dragging means, a frame and a base plate. The blades are connected to the central rotating axle which is inserted through a bore at the center of the frame into a hollow stationary post secured to the base plate. A plurality of sound-producing bars are provided with hooks on both ends thereof, with hooks on the upper ends hooking at an annular support and hooks on the lower ends hooking at retaining rings provided on the base plate. The striking bar is mounted at a suitable location on the central rotating axle. In use, wind force drives the blades to rotate which, in turn, rotates the central rotating axle, making the striking bar provided thereon rotate with it, thereby striking the sound-producing bars to produce tuneful music sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Inventor: Cheng F. Lee
  • Patent number: 4690404
    Abstract: A tagging stick has a long, solid, rod-like, cylindrical body composed of resiliently flexible cellular foam material, such as polyurethane foam, being stiff enough to allow grasping and swinging by a human without bending but soft enough to permit striking objects and human bodies. The stick body has an exterior surface configured to form a plurality of pockets of air which, upon impact of the body against an object, cause compression of the air and production of loud popping sounds. Preferably, the body surface which defines the air pockets has an undulating configuration composed of alternating ridges and troughs with respect to a cross section along a longitudinal axis of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Inventor: Jerry L. Yoder
  • Patent number: 4656770
    Abstract: This invention is a combination of visual and aural devices to create panic in selected bird species. This is accomplished in part through a body simulating a Tiger Cat which is weathervane mounted. The body includes bright orange stripes and has predatory eyes. Streamers depicting paniced birds are attached to the tiger's tail and an internal wind driven flute produces a variety of the noises. Additionally, reflectors are used on a propeller to simulate light reflection from a gun barrel. Further, random or scheduled explosions from an automatic acetylene exploder and bird warning and distress calls are broadcast over loud speakers for the species of birds being repelled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Inventor: David A. Nuttle
  • Patent number: 4614503
    Abstract: The subject invention is a game call that is individually fitted to the user. One embodiment includes a molded plastic frame having an inverted "U" shaped channel in which a thermal plastic insert molded to fit the user's incisor teeth is retained. In a second embodiment, a thermal plastic strip is molded around part of the frame and is fitted between the user's incisor teeth and lip. The user may do the molding, which is carried out at relatively low temperatures. Adjoining either channel portion of the frame in the first embodiment, or the portion on which the molded strip is fitted in the second embodiment, is a planar arcuate shaped groove adapted to hold an elastic diaphragm. The call is held in the user's mouth with one surface of the diaphragm disposed adjacent the user's lip. As air is expelled from the user's mouth over the diaphragm, the user's lip modulates the airflow, thereby controlling the sound produced by the vibrating diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1986
    Inventor: Jerald T. Skoda
  • Patent number: 4560392
    Abstract: A noise making valve for a toy balloon includes a casing enclosing a moveable valve body and a resonant reed disposed upstream of the valve body. A perforated membrane substantially closing the end of the casing opposite the balloon is depressable to lift the valve body from its seat, causing emission of a tone. The valve body is positively enclosed in the casing, and the reed is protected by folded-over tabs, such that no part of the valve is removable by the user. Safety features also include an enlarged trumpet shape and a restriction preventing a complete sudden ejection of the valve from the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Inventor: John L. Basevi