Having Hand-or Finger-accommodating Means In Figure Patents (Class 446/327)
  • Patent number: 11833437
    Abstract: A small scale dynamic activity which comprises the use of a method, a hand-operated apparatus, a shooting apparatus, and a playing surface platform, presented as a preferred embodiment in the format of a small scale adaptation of the sport of hockey. A hand-operated apparatus is used as goalie equipment with a method of defending a goal from forthcoming small pucks. A shooting apparatus allows rotating a paddle member to control and propel such small pucks. A playing surface platform complements the use of the method along with these two apparatuses within shielded boundaries. The hand-operated apparatus can be positioned in a pose representative of goalie equipments and of bending of limbs. Furthermore, the present invention can be composed of different arrangements for alternative embodiments such as new types of games or to allow small scale adaptation of a physical activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Inventor: Anthony Lam
  • Patent number: 11554327
    Abstract: A toy finger board kit includes a board and at least one shoe. Each shoe includes a finger hole in an upper of the shoe and at least one bracket on a sole of shoe. The at least one bracket is configured to removably attach the at least one shoe to the board. In some instances, the board is formed by inserting a flange portion of a toy finger skateboard truck into a flange receiver of a toy finger skateboard deck. Then, the toy finger skateboard truck is moved such that a column portion of the toy finger skateboard truck is received by a through hole of the toy finger skateboard deck. Finally, a top end of the column portion of the toy finger skateboard truck is affixed to the toy finger skateboard truck to the toy finger skateboard deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler Kenney, Timothy Rettberg, Neal Thomas Smith
  • Patent number: 10981075
    Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to dolls and action figures that are capable of lifelike movement via a manual controller. In some embodiments, only the movement of the arms or legs is manually controlled. In another embodiment, the movement of both the arms and legs is manually controlled. In some embodiments, the actuator gearing system includes a clutch to help prevent the gears from stripping. In other embodiments, the controller is removable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Bellon
  • Patent number: 10449463
    Abstract: The toy includes a body section including flexible limbs and a head section rotatably coupled with the body section having eyes and eye lids. A speaker and a motor to rotate the head section are provided along with an eyes blink actuator which moves the eye lids. A touch sensor and a sound sensor for detecting sound in the vicinity of the toy are included. A rotational motion sensor detects rotational motion of the toy about selected axes. A memory is provided for storing a plurality of physical animations. A processor, coupled with the speaker, motor, eyes blink actuator, touch sensor, sound sensor, rotation motion sensor and the memory, selects at least one physical animation corresponding to signals received from the touch sensor, sound sensor and rotational motion sensor. The processor produces signals corresponding to the selected physical animation for the speaker, the motor and/or the eyes blink actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: WOWWEE GROUP LTD.
    Inventors: Davin Sufer, Anthony Lemire, Sydney Wiseman
  • Patent number: 9620806
    Abstract: A battery having flat, stacked, anode and cathode layers. The battery can be adapted to fit within an implantable medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Phelan, Tom G. Victor, Benjamin J. Haasl, Lawrence D. Swanson, Richard J. Kavanagh, A. Gordon Barr, Reilly M. Dillon
  • Patent number: 8911278
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a toy puppet that is supportable on a manipulator's torso. In particular, a torso-supporting means typically takes the form of a sling in which the puppet figure is supported. The sling can be tied about the user or have two ends which are attachable. Typically, the ends are attached via velcro. Thus, the torso-supportable puppet has a slit into which the user can insert their hands to manipulate the puppet. The torso supportable means also comprises a slit into which the user can insert their hand. When the puppet is manipulated, the inserted hand is hidden by the puppet which gives the operation of the puppet a life-like feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Clonies, Inc.
    Inventor: Marcelino Hoyo
  • Patent number: 8905810
    Abstract: A plush writing toy that is attached to the user's wrist and holds a writing utensil in its front paws, legs, or hands, thereby simulating the movements of the user as the user draws, writes, colors, or paints. The plush writing toy can be manufactured to resemble an animal or any other fictional or non-fictional child's character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventors: Edward Joseph Muccini, Robert Manca
  • Publication number: 20130217299
    Abstract: A personalized finger puppet that is composed of a body. The body is at least three inches and at most six inches in height and is at least two inches and at most six inches in length. The body has a top, a middle and bottom section. The top section defines a transparent pocket and the bottom section defines a pair of finger sleeves. A personalized facial image removably attaches to the pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Deepak Parvani
  • Patent number: 8444451
    Abstract: A hand operated puppet includes a pair of characters that are interconnected such that when the first character is in a display orientation the other character is in a storage orientation inside the first character. The head of one character is shaped and dimensioned to compressibly store the head of the other character. The head of each character includes an elastic, resilient foam insert shaped and dimensioned to conform to the contour of the face of the character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Wen Zhang
  • Patent number: 8244402
    Abstract: A robotic system includes a humanoid robot with robotic joints each moveable using an actuator(s), and a distributed controller for controlling the movement of each of the robotic joints. The controller includes a visual perception module (VPM) for visually identifying and tracking an object in the field of view of the robot under threshold lighting conditions. The VPM includes optical devices for collecting an image of the object, a positional extraction device, and a host machine having an algorithm for processing the image and positional information. The algorithm visually identifies and tracks the object, and automatically adapts an exposure time of the optical devices to prevent feature data loss of the image under the threshold lighting conditions. A method of identifying and tracking the object includes collecting the image, extracting positional information of the object, and automatically adapting the exposure time to thereby prevent feature data loss of the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: James W. Wells, Neil David Mc Kay, Suhas E. Chelian, Douglas Martin Linn, Charles W. Wampler, II, Lyndon Bridgwater
  • Publication number: 20120108140
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a toy puppet that is supportable on a manipulator's torso. In particular, a torso-supporting means typically takes the form of a sling in which the puppet figure is supported. The sling can be tied about the user or have two ends which are attachable. Typically, the ends are attached via velcro. Thus, the torso-supportable puppet has a slit into which the user can insert their hands to manipulate the puppet. The torso supportable means also comprises a slit into which the user can insert their hand. When the puppet is manipulated, the inserted hand is hidden by the puppet which gives the operation of the puppet a life-like feel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Marcelino Hoyo
  • Patent number: 8141281
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a display body having a three-dimensionally contoured exterior shape and an interior, hand-receiving cavity extending within the display body. An optional display cover may be mounted on a selected portion of the display body or included in an unassembled kit. The display cover bears a communication attribute and is configured for repeated removal from and replacement on the display body. The apparatus may be configured for use by a person as a hand-mounted display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventors: Joe M. Sample, Vincent J. De Felice
  • Publication number: 20110283438
    Abstract: A glove-doll entertainment system is presented. The glove-doll system allows for playing with the doll separate from the glove, playing with the doll attached to the glove, or using the glove as a hand covering without the doll. The appendages of the doll directly and removeably attach to exterior surfaces of the glove's finger receiving cavities. Each of the attached appendages can be separately articulated by finger movement. The doll is three dimensional and is physically distinct from the glove. Contemplated dolls can include an electronic circuit that generates a sound when an appendage is moved. A sequence of sounds can be generated by movement of a plurality of appendages to generate a song or a story. Contemplated gloves are sufficiently thick and waterproof to replace a regular pair of winter gloves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Devyn Davis, Rose Davis
  • Patent number: 8062087
    Abstract: A glove-doll entertainment system is presented. The glove-doll system allows for playing with the doll separate from the glove, playing with the doll attached to the glove, or using the glove as a hand covering without the doll. The appendages of the doll directly and removeably attach to exterior surfaces of the glove's finger receiving cavities. Each of the attached appendages can be separately articulated by finger movement. The doll is three dimensional and is physically distinct from the glove. Contemplated dolls can include an electronic circuit that generates a sound when an appendage is moved. A sequence of sounds can be generated by movement of a plurality of appendages to generate a song or a story. Contemplated gloves are sufficiently thick and waterproof to replace a regular pair of winter gloves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventors: Devyn Davis, Rose Davis
  • Patent number: 7935100
    Abstract: A light sensitive media packaging with unique shrink-wrap light protection label that works as a light barrier to protect media from light damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: International Stem Cell Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey Janus
  • Publication number: 20100136877
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to hand-manipulated puppets. In particular, the present invention relates to a self-supporting hand manipulated puppet adapted to serve as a rest or support for the forearm of the puppeteer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Michael S. Maddi
  • Publication number: 20100093252
    Abstract: A glove puppet manipulating system comprises a control module for generating control signals base on movements of human hand and a robot electrically connecting the control module installed inside a glove puppet. The robot has a body manipulating apparatus disposed on a foundation to manipulate the body of the glove puppet to rotate, a pair of hand manipulating apparatuses disposed on the body manipulating apparatus to manipulate the hands of the glove puppet to swivel, and a head manipulating apparatus interposed between the hand manipulating apparatuses on the body manipulating apparatus to manipulate the head of the glove puppet to nod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Jwu-Sheng HU, Jyun-Ji Wang, Guan-Qun Sun, Chi-Him Tang
  • Publication number: 20100035509
    Abstract: This utility model relates to a puppet blanket, including a blanket. In the blanket that nearby the human head locates a hand puppet or finger puppet, which is made by soft material and will sleep abreast with human head after we cover over with the blanket. After covered with the blanket, the soft hand puppet or finger puppet will sleep alongside of a child or the grown-up, by which the child or the grown-up could pay with the beloved toy by entering hand or fingers into the puppet, so that it is able to lead the children to fall asleep or sleep well. And also, one could play with the puppet while sleeping, or be lulled to sleep by the storytelling of the grown-up and so on. In this way, it will not only for children to fall in love with sleeping, but also to improve the sleeping quality of the grown-up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: c/o Sun Solutions Ltd.
    Inventor: Hannah Lei
  • Patent number: 7635288
    Abstract: A soft sculpture puppet and a pliable animator therefor which is in the form of an elongated member that is inserted in an appendage of the puppet in a position accessible to the hand of a puppeteer and which includes controls that can be manipulated to cause the animator to curve and bend and thereby move the appendage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Folkmanis, Inc.
    Inventor: Erica Kawata
  • Publication number: 20090305604
    Abstract: An entertainment device, such as a toy, is provided with one or more internal cavities, at least a portion of which are accessible though at least one corresponding external opening, where at least one of the cavities is sized and configured to receive, through at least one external opening, at least a portion of an elongated object of a particular size and shape profile, and to releasably retain such a portion of an object inserted therein, until the user successfully performs a predetermined release activity to remove the inserted object portion therefrom. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the inventive device may be a hand-held toy representative of a character (e.g., an animal, creature, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: William J. Jemas
  • Publication number: 20090286451
    Abstract: A toy for children comprising a thimble fitted to the thumb of the player with a shaped figure of a warrior on top of the thimble, enabling a method of new game. The game is played by two opponent players, each player places a thimble with a warrior on his thumb, both player holding their hands with the rest of the fingers so the thumb with the warrior is free to contest the other opponent warrior. The purpose of the game is to bring down the opponents' warriors and gaining the higher score. The game includes a serial of different warriors attached to a thimble, each warrior has a different score. The player chooses his warriors according to the theme they represent for him and according to the warrior score, the higher the score of the warrior, the higher possibility to gain a higher score and win the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: MOSHE BAR-HEN
  • Publication number: 20090227176
    Abstract: A puppet with a detachable weight is described. The weighted puppet includes a shell having a top portion and a bottom portion. The shell further has a cavity therein with an opening in the bottom portion that provides access to the cavity. A detachably attachable weighted apparatus is included for connecting with the opening. When the weighted apparatus is connected with the opening, the weighted puppet is weighted and operates as a bop bag. Thus, when pushed over, the weighted apparatus is attracted to a ground surface and thereby raises the top portion. When the weighted apparatus is removed from the opening, a user can position a body part within the cavity and utilize the shell as a puppet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Skourtis
  • Publication number: 20090193562
    Abstract: The invention is an article of manufacture comprising a glove or mitten having a thumb region and a forefinger region and a character disposed across the middle finger and thumb regions. The character is placed such that the top of the character's face and mouth is across the middle finger region, and the bottom of the mouth is across the thumb region. The mouth is therefore open when the thumb region and middle finger region are not touching each other, and is closed when the thumb region and middle finger region are touching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Deborah Magglo
  • Publication number: 20090191525
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for diagnosing and applying treatment for the emotional, physical, spiritual, and cognitive development of a child by presenting illustrations having social and emotional attributes so the emotional, physical, spiritual, and cognitive levels of the child can be further developed in our multicultural society. This is a pyramid with hand/finger puppets, emotional faces, intellectual, educational and physical attributes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Kimberly Ann Shepherd
  • Patent number: 7530876
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body shaped as a large open-faced hand made from deformably resilient material. The body has a water-impermeable outer surface and a solid core monolithically formed therewith. The solid core has a cavity that has flanges for receiving a user's metacarpals therein. A rectilinear stabilizing bar traverses longitudinally across the body, is statically seated within the solid core, is intercalated between the outer layers, and has a threaded aperture formed at a midpoint thereof. A mechanism is included for covering an arm of the user such that the user's arm is protected from undesirable air-traveling particulates during clapping conditions. The arm is invisible from an exterior of the arm covering mechanism. The arm covering mechanism is formed from flexible and water-impermeable material for prohibiting the user's arm from becoming soaked during inclement weather conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Greg E. Wimberly
  • Publication number: 20090100571
    Abstract: Described herein is a clothing and puppet system. The clothing and puppet system includes an article of clothing and a puppet attached to the article of clothing. The system further includes at least one coupling, wherein a first portion of the at least one coupling is attached to the article of clothing, and wherein a second portion of the coupling is attached to the puppet, such that when the first portion mates with the second portion, the puppet is attached to the article of clothing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: PAUL FRANK INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Benjamin Soto
  • Publication number: 20080109930
    Abstract: In order to provide a garment which incorporates a plaything which can be operated within an element of surprise, the garment comprises a concealment space such as a pocket (2), in which a plaything such as glove puppet (8) can be stored. The concealment space comprises a concealment aperture (9). There is an operating aperture (10( through which a wearer may place their hand in order to operate the plaything. The plaything is configured to have a first position in which it is stored in an interior of the concealment space (2) and a second position in which it extends through the concealment space aperture (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: POCKET PUPPETS LTD.
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Murray, Rebecca J. Nagan
  • Patent number: 7029361
    Abstract: A finger puppet toy sits comfortably on a finger of a child, and generates a sound when the finger is tapped against a hard object, such as a desk or a table-top. The sound may be a voice, an animal sound, an animal voice sound, a musical note, or any of the above sounds in the key of a musical note. The head of the puppet toy articulates about a shaft when the child articulates the finger, and the head may thus appear to move while the sound is generated. Multiple toys worn on one or more hands and having different musical notes may be tapped in sequence to play a melody.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: The Marketing Store Worldwide, L.P.
    Inventors: Amy M. Seibert, Ruth E. Synowic, Michael G. Gierek, Thomas Tretter, Kevin L. Taylor, Julie E. Yu
  • Patent number: 7025655
    Abstract: A dynamic eye simulation mechanism in which an eye orb having a spherical surface has one area of that surface of a color simulating an eyelid and another area having a representation of an eye iris and surrounding sclera applied thereto wherein the orb is mounted for rotation relative to an eye aperture to simulate an eyelid closing and an eyelid blinking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Folkmanis, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Chase
  • Patent number: 7017912
    Abstract: An aquatic amusing toy is adapted for an aquatic game combining dive and amusement and includes a holding element and at least a sinking object. The holding element has a holding portion and a hollow portion defining an opening therein. In an aquatic game, the sinking object is pre-stored in water. The swimmer dives into water with the holding element. The sinking object is clamped in the opening and is taken out of water. The aquatic amusing toy has a shape like an aquatic animal biting a quarry, making the aquatic game more amusing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Herman Chiang
  • Patent number: 6994554
    Abstract: A manipulative tool for demonstrating the relative positions and configurations of articulators and other oral structures, when making phonetic sounds. The tool comprises a tongue, upper and lower palate, and upper and lower teeth, as well as, adjustable and positional lips, any one of which may be manipulated and posed so as to retain placement once released by a user. In this regard, the manipulative tool is used to demonstrate proper formation of certain phonetic sounds to assist in speech therapy or training of persons who are affected by speech impediments, or to assist in the training of future clinicians.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Marie A. Daigle
  • Patent number: 6971943
    Abstract: A sound-producing toy configured to represent a living being having movable parts to simulate a natural form of animation of a mouth includes a sound-producing unit operable in the response to the simulated animation. Animation may be simulated by a hand inserted in the toy, by operation of an actuator incorporated in the toy, or by a remote control device. The apparatus includes a switch that activates a sound-producing unit, which produces a sequence of syllables that is capable of being synchronized with the animation of the mouth. The onset, coda, and duration of each syllable's nucleus is controlled by the user of the toy with the ability to synchronize visual animation and the vocal performance of a familiar song, poem, or other series of verbal audio events divided into individual syllables, in a totally realistic manner. In another aspect of the invention, a musical instrumental sequenced performance may be synchronized with the vocal presentation and the synchronized visual animation of the toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Arne Schulze
  • Patent number: 6929526
    Abstract: A children's book having three-dimensional puppet elements that may appear coordinated with a variety of different characters with a variety of different facial expressions on each page of the book including the cover. Various characters and facial expressions are made possible because the three-dimensional puppet element appears in two parts with an illustratable gap in-between the two elements. With appropriate surrounding artwork, a unique and new three-dimensional effect is created which has never before been seen in a book. A reader can hold the book and animate the puppet elements with a right hand while turning the pages of the book with a left hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Accord Publishing, LTD
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Cole, Kenneth H. Fleck
  • Publication number: 20040259646
    Abstract: Nested toy figures are provided depicting the likeness of sports personalities or other celebrities. A method of manufacture is provided for forming the nested toy figures using moisture resistant material, pressed wood and resin, or injection molded plastic. Raised features such as arms, hands, collars, sports equipment or other features are secured to the exterior surfaces of the nested toy figures. Moisture resistant images are printed and applied to provide substantially identical images of faces or other individualistic features in mass production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Michael E. Clark, Tao Wang, Steve Minick, Stacy Weiland
  • Publication number: 20040102133
    Abstract: The invention provides an animal-human interactive pet toy (the pet toy) comprising an external protective cover formed to resemble the shape of an animal, and an interior shell for comfort and safety. The pet toy promotes interactive play with a pet via realistic appearance such as a moveable mouth, arms, or legs, so as to mimic the play of a real animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Stacy Yarbrough
  • Patent number: 6672929
    Abstract: A puppet system consisting of puppet, or other first body, able to fit within an opening or hole in an second object. The first object has straps that are attached on both ends to the first object. At least one end of the strap is reversibly attachable. The strap is able to fit in second openings in the second objects and then re-attached to the first object securing the first objects to the second object in a loose but secure manner. A preferred embodiment is use of a puppet as the first object and a book cover as the second object so that an operator can use one to both support the book cover and operate the puppet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Lisa Leleu
  • Patent number: 6663456
    Abstract: A toy comprising in combination a story media, a puppet manipulator, and puppet figures in a stage-like box. The puppet figures may represent characters objects or scenes from the story media. The puppet manipulator device is adapted to allow a user to removably attach various puppet figures to act out a play, scene or story selected from the story media using several puppet figures at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Innovative USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward A. Gemma, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030211808
    Abstract: The invention provides an animal-human interactive pet toy (the pet toy) comprising an external protective cover formed to resemble the shape of an animal, and an interior shell for comfort and safety. The pet toy promotes interactive play with a pet via realistic appearance such as a moveable mouth, arms, or legs, so as to mimic the play of a real animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Stacy Yarbrough
  • Patent number: 6631723
    Abstract: An artificial nail having a three dimensional feature. The three dimensional feature may be a three dimensional representation of any known or imagined person, place or thing. The three dimensional feature may have a protrusion that is graspable. The protrusion may be used to assist in placing the artificial nail onto a fingernail or toenail. The artificial nail may include a tool or writing implement that may be extendible/retractable, movable and/or rotatable. The artificial nail may include removably attached three dimensional features. The three dimensional feature may include hair. The three dimensional feature may include a sound emitter or be designed to emit sound. The three dimensional feature may be plush or made from fabric. The artificial nail may include a power source and a light emitter to emit light from a portion of the three dimensional feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Make Ideas, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith A. Mullin
  • Patent number: 6575808
    Abstract: A puppet for cheering having manipulable limbs having pom-pom attachments limbs, and a method of using the same. The puppet may include a handle portion that can be held by the user during use of the puppet, on which is attached one or more limb assemblies, and each limb assembly may include an upper limb element pivotally attached to the body support, an extending limb element pivotally carried on the upper limb element, a pom-pom attached to the extending limb element, a means to activate the limb assemblies, and a head connected to the handle portion. The method includes use of the puppet as a method of cheering, such that by manipulation of the limbs the pom-poms attached to the limbs move and the puppet appears to be the one cheering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventors: Alvina L. Wright, Elana Burbank
  • Patent number: 6540581
    Abstract: A kit for making a personalized hands operated puppet, the kit comprising a sculptable block of material, such as a flexible foam, that may be readily cut and trimmed to form a head portion that can be manipulated by the hand of the puppeteer. The kit may further include a piece of fabric to be glued to the mouth opening to help stimulate the mouth of the puppet, a pair of eye balls to be inserted in eye sockets, an elongated sleeve, with simulated arms, for receiving the puppeteer's hand to operate the mouth motions of the puppet, and a pair of rigid wire members that may be used by the puppeteer's other hand to manipulate the arms of the puppet. A process for making the puppet is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: John Edward Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20020193044
    Abstract: A kit for making a personalized hands operated puppet, the kit comprising a sculptable block of material, such as a flexible foam, that may be readily cut and trimmed to form a head portion that can be manipulated by the hand of the puppeteer. The kit may further include a piece of fabric to be glued to the mouth opening to help simulate the mouth of the puppet, a pair of eye balls to be inserted in eye sockets, an elongated sleeve, with simulated arms, for receiving the puppeteer's hand to operate the mouth motions of the puppet, and a pair of rigid wire members that may be used by the puppeteer's other hand to manipulate the arms of the puppet. A process for making the puppet is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: Hands In Art, Inc.
    Inventor: John Edward Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20020182975
    Abstract: A sports demonstration figure including a body portion comprised of a leg portion, a torso portion, a pair of arm portions, and a head portion. The leg portion has a pair of apertures therein dimensioned for receiving two fingers therein. The leg portion has a pair of openings disposed on lower ends thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher Schaffer
  • Patent number: 6394874
    Abstract: A sound-generating finger puppet wherein more than one such puppet can be supported and activated with a single hand. Also provided is a sound-generating finger puppet wherein such puppet can be supported and primarily activated with a single finger. Also provided is a method for producing electronic sound generation in a puppet supportable on a single finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Takao Kubo, Todd Miller Lustgarten
  • Patent number: 6371828
    Abstract: A hand-driven toy (100) for playing by hand (10) of a player, which toy comprises a body (110), front and rear wheels (120 & 130), and a steering member (140) for steering the front wheel (120). The toy (100) includes a pair of finger connectors (150) attachable to the steering member (140) for enabling the index and middle fingers (12 & 13) of the hand (10) to maneuver the steering member (140). Each connector (150) resembles a gauntlet (150) having a fist (152) for gripping a respective opposite part (142) of the steering member (140) and a cuff (156) for frictional engagement by a respective finger (12/13) such that the toy (100) may be held and driven by the hand (10) to move on a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: May Cheong Toy Products Fty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Wing Ngan
  • Patent number: 6350169
    Abstract: The invention relates to a puppet comprising a front side, a back side, and a tummy cavity formed within the puppet. A transparent window section is formed on the front side of the puppet and positioned so that a user can view into the tummy cavity. The puppet also includes a finger cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Legends USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Paul Holt
  • Patent number: 6276074
    Abstract: The invention provides a slipper in combination with a hand puppet. The slipper comprises a sole and an associated upper attached to the sole and forming therewith a foot pocket having an inlet opening for reception of a persons foot. Decoration is provided on the upper representing a puppet character such as a head. Either a set of finger slots or a pocket is provided in the sole so that a person, by inserting their fingers into the slots or by insertion of their hand into the pocket, can manipulate the puppet character in the manner of a glove puppet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Marcove Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Paul Martin
  • Patent number: 6247730
    Abstract: A book has two covers and a set of book pages contained between the covers. The covers close to form a shape which has an external appearance resembling the head of a creature, with two eyes and a mouth. The two covers are joined to one another along a minor portion of the circumference, and are connected along the remaining portion of the said circumference by a releasable fastener such as a zip such that the fastener (the zip) forms the mouth. The pages of the book can be accessed by releasing the fastener and hinging open the two covers about the minor portion of the circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Top That Publishing plc
    Inventors: Barrie John Henderson, Simon Peter Couchman
  • Patent number: 6135847
    Abstract: A puppet (10) or other character representation includes an inner tube (11), an outer tube (12) and an extra tube (13) located within the inner tube (11). The upper ends of the inner and outer tubes (11 and 12) are connected by a sleeve (23) of simulation hair. A moulding (16) is secured to the outer tube (12) and has the appropriate facial characteristics including an opening (19) corresponding to the mouth of the character. The extra tube (13) has an upper edge which is connected to the part of the moulding (16) which provides the lower jaw of the character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Andrew Stephen Coates
  • Patent number: 6126507
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reversible doll/hat that can be altered from a doll shape into a wearable hat and back to a doll. The doll/hat has a doll portion and a hat portion, where the doll portion defines an internal cavity, and has a head portion having a mouth portion, a torso portion fixedly attached to the head portion, an aperture having a perimeter that provides access to the interior cavity, and a zipper for closing the aperture. When configured as a puppet, the doll portion has a pocket configured and adapted to permit insertion of a hand of a puppeteer within an internal space defined by the pocket, thereby permitting movement of the mouth portion by the hand. The hat portion has a crown having a front, a back, an exterior, an interior, and an inner periphery, and a headband fixedly attached to and extending around the inner periphery of the crown. The hat portion may also have a brim fixedly attached at the front of the crown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Chameleon Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry Lieberman