Including Wheel-driven Mechanism For Moving Figure Or Figure Portion Patents (Class 446/280)
  • Patent number: 8371898
    Abstract: A suction toy assembly and its method of operation. The suction toy assembly has a chassis. The chassis has a front end, a rear end, side surfaces and a base plate. A fan opening is formed through the base plate. A motorized fan is mounted to draw air through the fan opening from the surrounding area. This creates a low pressure condition under the base. A drive wheel is used to propel the assembly. A linkage element is coupled to the drive wheel. At least one extraneous element is provided that protrudes outwardly away from the chassis as a cantilever. The extraneous elements are articulated by movements of the linkage element when the drive wheel rotates, or the chassis moves. Appendages may be mounted on a flexible member to allow for the illusion of climbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: John Sinisi
  • Patent number: 8210897
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an interactive intelligent toy comprising an intelligent element configured to resemble a person, animal, vehicle or other character and an environmental element configured to resemble a related environment, habitat or object. The intelligent element is adapted to perform certain preprogrammed actions upon coming into contact with or proximity to the environmental element. In one embodiment, the intelligent element is a motive component having a drive mechanism, a control mechanism and power source. The motive component is programmed to monitor and detect user and event inputs, and detect and decode embedded codes from an environmental element and perform predetermined actions or generate predetermined sounds in response. The motive component also engages with a coupling component and supplies the drive mechanism and power source for moving both the motive component and the coupling component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Cepia, LLC
    Inventors: James Russell Hornsby, Marcellus Benson, Joseph McGowan, Michael Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8043138
    Abstract: Toy apparatus is provided including a playbase (22) and at least a first toy member (16) movable relative to said playbase between at least first (36) and second (90) positions via movement means. The movement means are arranged so as to separate the at least first toy member a spaced distance apart from a surface of the playbase in moving said toy member between the at least first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Origin Products Limited
    Inventor: Mark Buckley
  • Patent number: 7347761
    Abstract: A toy is comprised of a propulsion system, such as a frame rollably supported by one or more driven wheels. The toy may be configured generically to include one or more platforms and a mounting bracket for connecting or supporting a variety of elements for transport and the remote control is used to control the toy, such as to cause the toy to move forward, in reverse, to stop, and to turn. In one embodiment the toy is utilized to entertain a pet, the toy having an animal likeness connected thereto. The animal likeness maybe animated and controlled remotely as well. The animal likeness is enticing to a pet in engaging in hunting and tracking of the toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Think Tek, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick Rowe, John Rowe
  • Patent number: 7298103
    Abstract: A control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arragement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Lionel L.L.C.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Denen, Neil P. Young, Gary L. Moreau, Martin Pierson, Robert Grubba
  • Patent number: 7066782
    Abstract: A toy is configured to closely resemble a live animal and to respond to stimuli in a realistic manner that is consistent with the way in which a real animal would respond. For example, when the toy is designed to resemble a dog or a cat, the toy may be configured to move in a manner consistent with the movements of a dog or a cat. This realistic movement, in conjunction with a realistic fur coat coupled to and covering inner mechanical components, may be used to provide a strikingly realistic toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Maddocks, Jeffrey M. Ford
  • Patent number: 6964572
    Abstract: A developmental toy for small children includes a contacting member is rotated by an electric motor and a controller that, in response to input from a sensor, signals the electric motor to move the toy from a starting position for an initial period of time in an initial direction and signals the motor to wait a resting period of time. If no further input is received from a child that is detected by the sensor within the resting period of time, the controller signals the motor to move the toy back in an opposite sense, toward the starting location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: The First Years Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Cesa
  • Patent number: 6123600
    Abstract: A motor driven surface engaging multi directional and surface translating amusement device which simulates a creature of the sea or land, or a robot which has forward, reverse or rotational movement across a surface and which forward and reverse movement may be interval-cycling timed including forward-reverse speed control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Po Man Yuen
  • Patent number: 6039626
    Abstract: A voice activated toy truck having animated features includes a truck chassis that supports a hood and cab that readily flexes and bends and that may have an exterior surface molded in the shape of a set of facial features. The truck chassis supports a truck bed carrier that supports a truck bed. The truck bed is mounted to the carrier in a movable fashion such that the truck bed is capable of movement in a side-side fashion relative to the truck chassis. A first actuator assembly causes the flexible hood to flex thereby causing the facial features to move and a second actuator assembly causes the truck bed to move in the side-to-side fashion that emulates a puppy dog wagging its tail. A sound detecting circuit actuates a control circuit that is coupled to the first and second actuator assemblies and that causes the first and second assemblies to operate in the manner described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventors: Gregory L. Gerold, Mark R. Wiesenhahn
  • Patent number: 6027395
    Abstract: A self-powered carrier includes a seat within a cockpit and a quartet of rolling wheels each supported by downwardly extending wheel supports. A battery pack and motor drive supported within the carrier are operative in response to a motion sensing switch to activate the drive motor and produce rotational power which is coupled to the front two supporting wheels to move the carrier forward. The seat is pivotally supported within the cockpit and is configured to receive a plush figure straddling the seat and having its legs secured by fabric attachment pads. A timer within the battery power circuit interrupts operation of the motor following each activation and a predetermined time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: David Strom
  • Patent number: 5931338
    Abstract: A wheeled dispenser capable of storing and dispensing one or more objects from the interior of the dispenser. The wheeled dispenser is generally in the shape of an automobile and has a body having a deflector spaced in front of an opening and a recessed portion to collect items inside the dispenser body. The dispenser body is supported by rotatable wheels affixed to rotatable axles, one of which has a rotatable cog thereon. The rotatable cog strikes a deflector plate located beneath the dispenser body causing a striker to push objects inside the interior of the dispenser body off the deflector and through the opening and out into a collection bin where the user may remove the objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Bang Zoom Design Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Hoeting, Sean T. Mullaney
  • Patent number: 5232390
    Abstract: The present invention provides an action amusement set having as a primary member a self-propelled, multi-purpose doll that can be disassembled to reveal a gameball usable with various sporting accessories included with the amusement set. The multi-purpose doll is provided with a drive mechanism for propelling and turning the doll. A remote control unit is also provided for remotely controlling the drive mechanism. The action amusement set includes several types of gameballs that can be selectively incorporated in the multi-purpose doll but which are configured for play in connection with a particular sport. The sporting accessories of the amusement set include several components that may be arranged into suitable setups corresponding to a particular sport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Inventor: Clay Brooks
  • Patent number: 4954117
    Abstract: An action toy consisting of a main frame, a pair of wheels journalled to the frame by corresponding shafts for rollingly supporting same on the ground, a handle fixed to the frame, a hollow human figure, the feet of which are anchored to the rearward section of the frame so that his legs extend upwardly therefrom, a wooden log anchored to the frontward section of the frame in substantially horizontal register with his hands, a bucksaw having a rear handle grasped by the figure's hands and a lower horizontal blade slidingly engaging a groove made about a transverse section of the log. The human figure includes waist, shoulders, neck, and elbows pivot members, for pivotal action thereabout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventors: Camille Daleus, deceased, by Ursule Dubreuille, legal representative, by Regine Daleus, legal representative
  • Patent number: 4929216
    Abstract: A cylindrical ring and a character having a number of extending parts that are circumscribed by a circle having a diameter equal to the inside diameter of the ring are readily combinable by a child to make a rotating toy. Insertion and removal of the character from the inside of the ring are facilitated by making the ring of a deformable material. The combined ring and character are placed in a vehicle in contact with the vehicle wheels so that as the vehicle is moved along a playing surface, the wheels rotate the combined ring and character. Part of the vehicle body is hinged for closing an opening through which the combined ring and character are inserted. Above the ring is a transparent dome in which a ball is positioned in contact with the ring so that as the combined ring and character rotate, the ball rotates within the dome. Other accessories provide rotatable surfaces which engage the outer curved surface of the cylindrical ring to rotate the combined ring and character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Marvin Glass & Associates
    Inventors: Lamont C. Morris, Wayne A. Kuna, Rouben T. Terzian
  • Patent number: 4759557
    Abstract: A toy vehicle (1) comprising a vehicle body (2), front and rear wheels (3 and 4) disposed under the vehicle body to support the latter, a seat (5) and a handle post (7) provided with grips (6). The portion of the handle post projecting upwardly from the vehicle body is provided with a formation or structure which serves as a child's plaything, such as a shape simulating the head (10) of an animal or a music box (50) contained therein. The portion of the handle post projecting downward from the vehicle body supports an axle (9) for the front wheels and is provided with a cushioning mechanism (29), a height adjusting mechanism, and a mechanism for operating an operable object (37, 47) installed in connection with the handle post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: Aprica Kassai Kabushikikaisha
    Inventor: Kenzou Kassai
  • Patent number: 4717364
    Abstract: A voice actuated toy robot receives commands via a radio transmitter and receiver, and in response to receipt of these commands propogates a signal through a CPU. Initially the toy is programmed by storing records of commands in a memory which is associated with the CPU. Upon further receipt of identical commands, the CPU scans the memory and upon finding a match between a record in the memory and a new command, the CPU activates a switch associated with the record in the memory so as to set the switch. A mechanical interogator is capable of cycicly interogating a plurality of switches each of which corresponds to one of the records in the memory. Upon interogation of the switches, if it is determined a signal is present at one of the switches, the interogator ceases interogation and a mechanism is set so as to propogate motion from a motor to an appendage driving wheel or the like of the robot to produce an output in response to the audio command which was received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: Tomy Kogyo Inc.
    Inventor: Masami Furukawa
  • Patent number: 4662856
    Abstract: An animated toy which comprises a rigid hollow base over the open top of which there is a flexible sheet of plush fabric material. Rotatably mounted in the base there is a wheel, the bottom of which extends beneath the bottom surface of the base. A cam interconnects the wheel with the underside of the plush fabric covering such that movement of the toy over a surface effects expansion and contraction of the plush fabric cover. On the exterior surface of the plush fabric cover there are animal characteristics, such as nose and eyes, so that the impression created by the expansion and contraction of the cover is one of a living, breathing animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Inventors: William F. Getgey, Rudolph D. Vap