Including Motive-power Means Or Hand-crank Mechanism Patents (Class 446/352)
  • Patent number: 10086303
    Abstract: A model figure has a body comprising a pair of legs each of which is connected to a foot and a torso, a head connected to the body, a pedestal connected to at least one foot, and an audio device inside of the pedestal. The model figure also has an arm connected to the torso, a glide connected to a distal end of the arm, and a post connected to the guide, wherein the post extends from the guide and away from the arm. The model figure has a contact on a distal end of the post, said contact in communication with the audio device, and a spring surrounding the post and the contact, a length of the spring in an uncompressed state is longer that a total length of the post and the contact. In addition, the model figure has an oversized hand comprising a keyhole in a back of the hand, said keyhole configured to slide over the glide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: BUDDY WORLD LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Vaughn
  • Patent number: 8628372
    Abstract: An actuator assembly including a resilient substrate having one or more shape memory alloys secured to the substrate. The shape memory alloys are configured to move a portion or all of the actuator assembly between an at-rest configuration and an actuated configuration. The shape memory alloys are elastically bendable and can be contracted from an elongated length to a contracted length in response to transmission of an electrical current therethrough. The electrical current is of a magnitude sufficient to heat the shape memory alloys from a first temperature to a second temperature so that a portion of or the entire actuator assembly can move from the at-rest configuration to the actuated configuration. Termination or reduction of the electrical current allows the shape memory alloy to cool and thereby elongate from the contracted length to the elongated length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: Pedro L. Cabrera
  • Publication number: 20130331001
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a play system representing a character, including multiple distinct physical play units for representing the same character simultaneously, while establishing and preserving the impression that, independent of the physical play units, the character itself has a genuine and unique existence of its own. The invention provides for this property of the play system by permitting only a single play unit to fully represent the dynamic components of the character at any given time. Enabled status can be reversibly transferred from one play unit to another by user command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Eitan Lev, Mordechai Teicher
  • Publication number: 20120276807
    Abstract: An actuator assembly including a resilient substrate having one or more shape memory alloys secured to the substrate. The shape memory alloys are configured to move a portion or all of the actuator assembly between an at-rest configuration and an actuated configuration. The shape memory alloys are elastically bendable and can be contracted from an elongated length to a contracted length in response to transmission of an electrical current therethrough. The electrical current is of a magnitude sufficient to heat the shape memory alloys from a first temperature to a second temperature so that a portion of or the entire actuator assembly can move from the at-rest configuration to the actuated configuration. Termination or reduction of the electrical current allows the shape memory alloy to cool and thereby elongate from the contracted length to the elongated length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Pedro L. Cabrera
  • Patent number: 8188390
    Abstract: A low cost cam mechanism facilitating an automatic shut off mechanism preserving battery life in a toy. A rotatable cam including a recess captures an internal actuator and completely shuts down a motor at a defined cam rotation to preserve the battery life in the toy. A resetting biasing lever coupled, to a manually operable actuator advances the cam and is then moved from engagement so as to completely shut down the motor at the defined cam rotation even if the manually operable actuator continues to be depressed. Further Thusly the internal actuator 18 facilitates limited activations of the motor for automatically shutting off a rotating cam mechanism to prevent repetitive continued operation. Further the internal actuator may provide powering up the motor and rotating the cam for “try me” operation for limited demonstrative operations of the toy while packaged or configured in a point of sale environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Alan Poirier
  • Patent number: 8171875
    Abstract: An owl replica for deterring pests, having a plastic owl body; a plastic owl head; an unstable mount disposed between the body and head for free movement of the head relative to the body; and a powered assembly supported by the mount and operable to move with the mount relative to the body and enable intermittent powered movement of the head relative to the body without interfering with free movement of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Dalen Products, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Neal Caldwell, John Kevin Hodges
  • Patent number: 8157612
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an interactive figure with several pivot regions in the ankles, knees and hips. Two drive mechanisms are housed within a base to drive movement of the lower portion of the figure while an additional drive mechanism is included within the torso of the doll to drive movement of the arms and head. Additionally, gear mechanisms are included within the base and the figure to transfer movement from the drive mechanisms to the figure along with various electronics. In response to a user's input or a preprogrammed play routine, the figure will respond with various movement and audio content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Rehkemper, Ryan Kratz
  • Patent number: 7966963
    Abstract: An owl replica for deterring pests, having a plastic owl body; a plastic owl head; an unstable mount disposed between the body and head for free movement of the head relative to the body; and a powered assembly supported by the mount and operable to move with the mount relative to the body and enable intermittent powered movement of the head relative to the body without interfering with free movement of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Dalen Products, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Neal Caldwell, John Kevin Hodges
  • Patent number: 7815485
    Abstract: Pose and play dolls that will stand on a platform by magnetic attraction and dance with lifelike animation, but which may be removed from the stand for ordinary play. The dolls include animation powered from the platform through the legs of the doll. A motor in the doll animates the doll body, arms and head, with proportional feedback allowing control by a controller in coordination with music being played. The doll head may rotate or gyrate, and the arms swing as a unit or with the lower arms bending as the arms swing. In one form of platform simply rotates through controlled angles, again in coordination with the music being played. In another form of doll, the hips are configured to swing back and forth, and another form of platform controls the hip movement, again in coordination with the music being played. Various other features and capabilities are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Shoot the Moon Products II, LLC
    Inventors: Sunil William Moothedath, Russell G. Rasmussen, Paul S. Rago, David B. Small
  • Publication number: 20100099329
    Abstract: Novelty apparatus including a creature assembly having appendage portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher N. Brokering, Philip T. Levin
  • Publication number: 20090215358
    Abstract: Pose and play dolls that will stand on a platform by magnetic attraction and dance with lifelike animation, but which may be removed from the stand for ordinary play. The dolls include animation powered from the platform through the legs of the doll. A motor in the doll animates the doll body, arms and head, with proportional feedback allowing control by a controller in coordination with music being played. The doll head may rotate or gyrate, and the arms swing as a unit or with the lower arms bending as the arms swing. In one form of platform simply rotates through controlled angles, again in coordination with the music being played. In another form of doll, the hips are configured to swing back and forth, and another form of platform controls the hip movement, again in coordination with the music being played. Various other features and capabilities are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: SHOOT THE MOON PRODUCTS II, LLC
    Inventors: Sunil William Moothedath, Russell G. Rasmussen, Paul S. Rago, David B. Small
  • Publication number: 20090098797
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a human figure toy. The toy includes a head with an aperture. A support member is placed within the head and a motor is secured to the support member. The motor includes a threaded motor shaft. A nose assembly, which is attached to the motor shaft, includes a first rod, an attachment means, a second rod, and a shock absorbing means. The first rod includes a threaded bore for engaging with the motor shaft. The second nose extends through the aperture on the head. The attachment means is used for slidably attaching the second rod to the first rod. The shock absorbing means is placed between the first rod and the second rod. Additionally, the toy includes rotation stop means on the attachment means and the support member for limiting a rotation of the first rod. The toy also includes a sensor means and a controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chuan-Hong WANG, Hsiao-Chung CHOU, Tsu-Li CHIANG, Kuan-Hong HSIEH, Han-Che WANG, Shin-Hong CHUNG
  • Publication number: 20080153385
    Abstract: A combination rotary novelty and confection includes a manual energy storage such as a spiral spring wind-up to power gears and shafts that rotate a confection and novelties. The components include a pawl and ratchet control and a speed control using a vibrator gear and oscillating plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Publication number: 20080050999
    Abstract: The invention discloses a device for animating facial expression. The device includes at least one resilient member and at least one actuator. The resilient member is regarded as a facial feature on a face, and the resilient member has a first end and a second end. The first end of the resilient member is rotatably and/or movably attached onto the face. The actuator is used for actuating the first end of the resilient member to rotate, so that the facial feature is capable of exhibiting various facial expressions on the face, wherein the facial feature can be eyebrow, upper eyelid, lower eyelid, upper lip or lower lip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: BOW-YI JANG, William Wang, Chung-Cheng Chou, Chen Peng, Ta-Yuan Lee, Lin Hsiao
  • Patent number: 7163430
    Abstract: A movable toy animal having legs that are controlled by a motor operated teeter-totter assembly. The motor is bi-directional and sequentially moves the legs in opposite directions to move the animal in a forward walking, running or turning direction. Various switches and mechanisms are provided to obtain the desired movement by a battery operated program controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventors: Bruce D. Lund, Michael D. Slarrick, Sunil Moothedath
  • Patent number: 7111905
    Abstract: A toy armchair cushioning and entertainment apparatus for use by a caregiver interacting with a child. The apparatus is secured to the chair arm and a caregiver rests his or her arm on or against the apparatus while holding or cradling a child. Moreover, movement and/or music generated by the apparatus provides entertainment for the caregiver and child. A storage attachment provides a convenient place to store feeding bottles or frequently used items such as books or toys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Catherine Finney
  • Patent number: 7048605
    Abstract: A bobble head doll shaker includes a base and housing and a supporting platform that is hingedly mounted to the housing. A motor drives an agitator that lifts and releases the supporting platform, thereby imparting an oscillating motion to a bobble head doll supported on the platform. The agitator includes engagement portions that lift the supporting platform. The motor has variable speed and agitator elements having different profiles that may be interchanged to achieve a greater variability of the oscillating motion. Moreover, with the hinge attachment, the bobble head doll's position and corresponding movement may be varied by changing its location on the supporting platform. A riser element may also be placed under the doll to increase the instability of the doll and provide for further varying the bobble head doll motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventors: Grant Hawthorne, David Kapell, Andrew Comfort, Thomas Cheung, Gan Wei Xiong, Liao Wang Xian, Lowell Fritzke
  • Patent number: 6722939
    Abstract: An intermittent actuator of moving bear toy, which can continue a dancing motion of the moving bear toy, is disclosed. The intermittent actuator is to operate the existing moving bear toy capable of performing motions of walking, standing with roaring, and dancing with front legs. The intermittent actuator, which can continuously perform the above motions by operation of a stopper, a timing cam and a plate for an intermittent operation, can be manufactured at a low price and strengthen the price competitiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Jamina Corporation
    Inventor: Sang-Min An
  • Patent number: 6695672
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a toy figure having a circuit board to store audio outputs, a speaker to emit the audio outputs, and the ability to activate the playback of the audio outputs. The figure includes a motor mechanism along with the ability to move or pivot the figure's head and/or an appendage attached to the figure. A plurality of switches are positioned about the figure; each switch when triggered, activates controls to move the figure and activates the playback of audio outputs that are incomprehensible to a user. The figure also includes a proximity sensor that is triggered when the figure is in close proximity to an object. When the proximity sensor is triggered, the circuit board is activated to control the movement of the figure and to playback audio outputs that are in a language understandable by the user and played at a low tone such that the user is inclined to move the figure towards the user's ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Rehkemper, Dennis O'Patka, Mike Kass
  • Patent number: 6685530
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a toy figure having a circuit board to store pre-recorded sounds, a speaker to emit the pre-recorded sounds, and a means to activate the playback of said pre-recorded sounds. The figure also includes a plurality of sensors separately positioned about the figure at specific locations; each sensor when triggered activates the playback of pre-recorded sounds indicative of the location. A first arm having a hand attached thereto includes a magnet that when in proximity to one of the sensors triggers said sensor, whereby a user moving the hand with the magnet to a location on the figure containing a sensor, the figure plays pre-recorded sounds indicative of the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Rehkemper, Dan Bryce, Dennis O'Patka
  • Patent number: 6652351
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a dancing figure that includes a body defined by a torso, a head, and a pair of arms, and a pair of legs pivotally attached to the torso at a hip region. Each leg includes at least an upper leg section pivotally attached to a lower leg section at a knee region. Also included therewith is a pair of oversized feet adapted to provide support such that the figure is free-standing. The pair of oversized feet is separately and pivotally attached to one of the lower leg sections at an ankle region. Each foot houses a foot mechanism for independently pivoting the lower leg sections forwards and backwards at said ankle region, wherein the pivoting at said ankle regions causes pivoting motion at the knee regions and hip region to simulate animated movement in the figure. In addition thereto the foot mechanism may independently twist the foot to the left and right.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Rehkemper, Bret Gould, Peter Greenley, Michael Kass, Jackson Wilson
  • Patent number: 6648720
    Abstract: A self-propelled toy is disclosed that utilizes a combination of outboard “legs” and at least one inboard drive wheel in order to provide movement of the device over smooth and irregular terrain. The outboard legs are especially configured and adapted so as to cause of wobbling of the device during movement so as to enhance contact of the outboard legs with irregular terrain for improved mobility and to allow the device to engage and climb elevated surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Francisco Bicalho Domingues
  • Patent number: 6524158
    Abstract: An animated toy comprising a toy body which itself includes at least one shoulder member and a pair of waist members, the upper ends of which are pivotally connected to the shoulder member. The toy body further includes a pair of leg members having upper ends which are pivotally connected to the lower ends of respective ones of the waist members. The lower ends of the leg members are pivotally connected to a support base. In addition to the toy body, the animated toy comprises a drive unit mounted to the support base and including a reversible motor which is mechanically coupled to at least one of the leg members and operative to reciprocally tilt the leg members in first and second directions. The toy body is configured such that the tilting of the leg members in the first direction causes the waist members to be tilted in the second direction, with the tilting of the leg members in the second direction causing the waist members to be tilted in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Sui Lun Fong
  • Patent number: 6506095
    Abstract: The present invention includes a doll defined by an upper half hingedly attached to a lower half. A spring means attached to the upper and lower halves resiliently place the halves in a substantially planar position. A locking mechanism is included for retaining the halves in a substantially non-planar position, when the locking mechanism is engaged. A motor means is also attached to the upper and lower halves for moving the halves in a substantially non-planar position. When the motor means moves the upper and lower halves a predetermined distance, the locking mechanism engages and the upper and lower halves are maintained in the substantially non-planar position. The doll may be moved from a standing position into a sitting position; from a sitting position into a laying position; a laying position into a sitting position and a laying position into a laying position with the lower half angled upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Lund & Company
    Inventors: Bruce D. Lund, Krishnan Srirangam, Sunil Moothedath, Michael Starrick
  • Patent number: 6488560
    Abstract: A walking apparatus having an appearance similar to a real insect and capable of taking movements similar to those of a real insect is provided. A walking apparatus comprises a body and at least two of leg portions provided in the left and the right sides of the body. A power source and a plurality of gear wheels rotated by the power source are provided inside the body. The leg portions have rear parts mounted in the body, which are mounted in the rotational centers of the gear wheels and are made to be rotated on their axes. The leg portions can be bent and are formed such that they can retain the bent posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Bandai
    Inventor: Yoshio Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 6454626
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a motion expressible toy featuring an animal character, and more particularly to a motion expressible toy which is capable of expressing emotion or intention by taking the various kinds of body gesture characterized by the independent and the combined mechanism of a mouth, a head, arms and a main body as a whole body, and to thereby characterize a real gesture as a really living character such as a gesture of approval, denial or hesitation related to the communication circumstance, to thereby provide familiarity and curiosity to the children.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Jamina Corporation
    Inventor: Kyung-Cheol An
  • Patent number: 6439949
    Abstract: An apparatus including an appendage coupled to a body and a drive. The drive produces a force that causes the appendage to move with respect to the body. When the apparatus is resting on a support surface, the force produced by the drive is insufficient to overcome the force produced by the weight of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher F. Lucas, James R. Bauman
  • Patent number: 6390882
    Abstract: A decorative-article structure made from winding metallic wires and being rotatable under solar energy, it includes a specifically designed main body formed by winding metallic wires, and includes a solar energy board and a motor at proper positions on the main body, a decorative housing covers the motor, the housing is glued with a patterned sticker formed by laser. When the solar energy board absorbs light source and supplies power for the motor, the motor will drive housing to rotate, the laser formed sticker on the top of the housing will reflect light to generate various colors, the metallic main body will generate vibrations during activating of the motor, and create the feature of extremely interesting visual sensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Chang
  • Patent number: 6386943
    Abstract: A puppet mechanism for moving two legs of a puppet includes an output shaft rotatably extending from a gear box and engaged with a gear reduction device in the gear box. Two disks are respectively connected two ends of the output shaft and each disk has an eccentric protrusion extending therefrom. Two swing members are pivotally connected to two sides of the gear box and each swing member has a slot in which the eccentric protrusion is movably engaged. The swing members are inserted in the two legs of the puppet and are swung when the disks rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Chao-Tsung Chang
  • Patent number: 6350170
    Abstract: A swinging structure for a mechanical animal includes a housing and a shell. The housing has disposed therein a shaft and a rod. The shaft has an eccentric wheel and a worm gear mounted thereon. The rod is provided with a worm that engages the worm gear. The outer wall of the shaft is provided with at least one post. These posts are fitted with a T-shaped actuated plate. The end of the actuated plate that is connected to the posts is provided with an elongated groove. The opposite end thereof is provided with a pin. The other side of the elongated groove is provided with a notch that can just accommodate the outer edge of the eccentric wheel. The shell is provided with an actuated rod corresponding to the pin. When the eccentric wheel rotates, due to the notch that moves along the outer edge of the eccentric wheel, the actuated plate can oscillate within the elongated groove thereof, and the pin thereon can actuate the actuated rod to cause the shell to oscillate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Da-Ming Liu
  • Patent number: 6312308
    Abstract: A motion display toy, which includes a housing having a top cover and a top center opening at the top cover, two sliding door panels moved to close/open the center opening at the top cover, a telescopic device mounted inside the housing and driven to extend out of the top center opening, an annular rotary member decorated with ornaments and rotated around the top center opening, first drive means controlled by the control circuit to move the sliding door panels, second drive means controlled by the control circuit to move the telescopic device between extended position and retracted position, and third drive means controlled by the control circuit to rotate the annular rotary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Kun Yueh Chen
  • Patent number: 6280285
    Abstract: A first member is pivotally connected to a base for rotation about a first axis, and a second member is pivotally connected to the first member for rotation about a second axis. One end of a cable is attached to the base at a point spaced from the first axis, and the other end of the cable is attached to the second member at a point spaced from the second axis. The cable is slidingly engaged by a portion of the first member. As the first member is driven to rotate with respect to the base, the second member is forced to rotate with respect to the first member due to the inextensibility of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Morehouse
  • Patent number: 6257950
    Abstract: A self-propelled toy including a body member in the shape of an animal such as a gorilla. The body member includes a torso with a pair of legs and a pair of rotatably attached arms that are slightly longer than the legs when rotated to their lowermost position. A rotary drive, such as a battery powered DC motor or a wound spring drive, is operably attached to the body member with its output drivably coupled to the arms. The arms rotate 360° with respect to the torso in synchronization with each other. Pivotally connected hand and feet portions provide a degree of freedom for better landing and balance. As the arms rotate, the hands contact the floor to raise the body member and move it a step forward. Each complete revolution of the arms advances the toy another step forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Jamal M. Saleh
  • Patent number: 6244924
    Abstract: A motion toy includes a toy body, the toy body having a hollow trunk, a head pivoted to the trunk at a top side, and two legs respectively pivoted to the trunk at two opposite sides, the legs each having a thigh pivoted to the trunk, a foot, and a calf pivotally coupled between the thigh and the foot, a power drive unit formed of a DC motor and gear transmission means and installed in the trunk of the toy body and controlled to turn the thighs of the legs alternatively back and forth and the calves of the legs alternatively up and down, and a battery box installed in the trunk to provide battery power supply to the DC motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Chain Fong Toys Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kun-Hsin Liu
  • Patent number: 6210250
    Abstract: An ornamental display apparatus suited for the Christmas season having a concealable figurine that is movable from a concealed position to a display position. While the figurine is in the display position, seasonal music is broadcasted. The ornamental display apparatus generally comprises a base, a botanical model, a housing, a figurine, a motorized drive assembly and a music broadcasting means. The botanical model is disposed on the base, and the housing is enclosed within the botanical model. The botanical model is movable between an open and closed position. The figurine resides atop the base and is movable between a concealed position within the housing and an exposed position external to the botanical model. The motorized drive assembly moves the figurine between the concealed and exposed position, as well as the botanical model between the open and closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Aocheng Sui
  • Patent number: 6210249
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical model of an animal, especially a toy dog with forelegs and hind legs which are pivotally arranged around a first pivot with a rotation axis perpendicular to the direction of movement of the animal model, wherein the forelegs are articulated by a first drive mechanism with a first gear unit and a first drive axis. Said arrangement is configured in such a way that at least one hind leg is pivotally arranged around a second pivot, wherein the rotation axes of the hind leg are tilted in relation to each other at a given angle and a second drive mechanism is provided for selectable movement of the hind leg around the second pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Andreas Stadlbauer
  • Patent number: 6200192
    Abstract: A toy device has a base seat, a platform disposed on the base seat, a first drive mechanism disposed between the base seat and the platform, and a first toy figure disposed on the platform. The base seat has a hollow interior, and an inner periphery recess. The platform is inserted in the inner periphery recess of the base seat. The first toy figure has a trunk, a pair of lower limbs connected to the trunk, and a pair of upper limbs connected to the trunk. The first drive mechanism drives the lower limbs of the first toy figure to vibrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Chin-Jung Hou
  • Patent number: 6200186
    Abstract: A candy-toy device which includes a housing. The housing includes a pivot arm which functions to move a cross-armed jack up and down along lower and upper slide tracks when forced by a pushbutton. The pivot arm activates an electrical on-and-off switch which controls an electrical circuitry which produces a desired sound as the pivot arm moves the cross-armed jack up and down along the upper and lower slides. A candy pop is secured to an upper surface of the upper slide track so that the candy pop moves up and down as the jack is moved up and down. The sounds can be made in alternation as the pivot arm closes and opens the on-and-off switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 6146234
    Abstract: An ascending/descending mechanism in which a face gear is rotated to drive two symmetrically arranged cylindrical gears, whereby two eccentric shafts fitted with the cylindrical gears are rotated in reverse directions. Two driven slide blocks are fitted with the short shafts of the eccentric shafts. The top ends of the driven slide blocks are fitted with two columns which are fitted in fitting holes of retaining blocks. When the cylindrical gears are reversely rotated, the short shafts of the eccentric shafts are slided within the slide slots of the driven slide blocks, whereby the columns are reciprocally moved up and down. Accordingly, the dolls or decorative articles at the top ends of the columns are alternately ascended or descended. The power source for driving the face gear can be a music bell or a motor, so that when the dolls or decorative articles at the top ends of the columns are alternately ascended or descended, a music or other audio/video effect is cooperatively created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Ya Yung Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shin-Ya Yang
  • Patent number: 6126508
    Abstract: A motion toy includes a hollow base having two upright top lugs, two leg members respectively pivoted to the two upright top lugs, a trunk member pivoted to the leg members remote from the base, a head member pivoted to the trunk member, a transmission gear meshed between a toothed portion at one leg member and a bottom rack at the head member, spring means connected between the leg members to pull the leg members toward each other, and a power drive mounted inside the hollow base and controlled to turn the leg members back and forth on the upright top lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Jin-Long Chou
  • Patent number: 6123598
    Abstract: A hand held doll includes a pivotally supported nose and upper jaw upon a head which is supported by a torso. A mechanism within the torso utilizes a pullstring drive to rotate a drum. The drum defines an angled slot which receives one end of a pivotable lever. A link couples a pivotable lever to an arm which pivotally supports the nose and upper jaw of the doll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Robynn M. Cook
  • Patent number: 6062941
    Abstract: A hand held doll includes a body supported by a pair of legs and having a pair of arms and a head. One of the arms is pivotally supported upon the torso portion of the body and holds a simulated whip formed of a flexible cord and end weight. The drive mechanism within the body interior includes a movable panel which is pressed inwardly when the body is squeezed and a return spring which restores the panel position when the torso is released. A gear drive mechanism operatively couples the pivotally moving panel and an arm gear such that panel movement during successive squeezes and releases of the doll torso causes the whip holding arm to be rapidly raised and lowered to "crack" the whip. A flexible reed within the doll interior is caused to make clicking sounds as the panels moves in and out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Robynn M. Cook
  • Patent number: 6036570
    Abstract: Drinking containers having viewable elements. The containers comprise a receptacle portion adapted to receive a liquid and to dispense the liquid to a person, and a sealed compartment having a viewable, actuatable element therein which can be viewed. The drinking containers disclosed herein entertain people observing them. Since the viewable element provides a point of focus for the person drinking the liquid prior to, subsequent to and during drinking, a caregiver providing health or child care to the person will be able to attend to other matters since the person will be entertained by the drinking container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Craig P. Nadel
  • Patent number: 5833513
    Abstract: Crawling and movement simulating doll that makes waking up and falling asleep gestures, comprising a mechanism located inside a body make of resilient material which incorporates a doll's head and is provided with mechanisms acting on the eyes and mouth, the internal mechanism generating a plurality of movement and sound stages as a result of the direct action of a battery-powered motor on the mechanism, thereby causing a rhythmic action of said mechanism for moving the head and arms and for providing the crawling action, acting according to specified stages through internal contactors in cooperation with the parts comprised in the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Onilco Innovacion S.A.
    Inventor: Jaime Ferri Llorens
  • Patent number: 5762534
    Abstract: An automatic opening/closing mechanism is disclosed. It includes a coil spring, a pushing member, a driven member and a contact board which are disposed in a cylinder under a decorative article. A shaft is disposed at a center of the coil spring. One end of the shaft is connected with one end face of the pushing member. The pushing member has a disc-like shape. The other end face of the pushing member is disposed with several slope teeth which are slidably engaged with several slope recesses of one end of the driven member. The other end of the driven member abuts against the contact board. Two electric contacts are disposed beside the contact board. The power of coil spring is gradually released to rotate the pushing member so as to upward push the driven member for lifting the contact board to contact with the electric contacts and close the circuit. At this time, a bulb or a music box is turned on to emit light or music.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Yi-Chen Lo
  • Patent number: 5735726
    Abstract: An animated character such as a Santa figure which is capable of moving repeatedly from a sitting to a standing position, and also producing vocal speaking or singing sounds synchronized with movements of the character. The character includes a body having a torso casing containing an electric motor and multiple gears, a head-piece capable of making side-to-side nodding motions, and multiple lever members provided on opposite sides of the casing and pivotably connected together so as to produce the repeated standing motions of the character from a sitting position. Operation of the character is controlled by an electric circuit which is operated either manually or from a light-sensitive switch which can sense motion of any nearby moving object or person and activate movements of the character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Telco Creations, Inc.
    Inventor: Seymour Cohen
  • Patent number: 5727982
    Abstract: The action figure disclosed includes a mechanism for rotating an armor other appendage relative to its torso. The arm is activated by pivoting one leg toward another against the bias of a spring to pivot an internal lever that imparts linear movement in a follower. The follower includes a cam for engaging helical ribs on an arm shaft to translate linear motion of the follower to rotary motion in the arm shaft and arm. A ratchet on the follower prevents engagement with the lever while the spring returns the leg and internal lever back to their original positions to permit substantially continuous rotary movement of the follower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven K. Hurt
  • Patent number: 5609341
    Abstract: A sight-designed fishing game toy including a base and a transmission mechanism disposed therein. A sight tower preferably made of transparent material is disposed on upper surface of the base. Various kinds of sight articles are disposed in the sight tower. A chamber is connected on top face of the sight tower for placing a rotary disk therein. Multiple fish dolls are disposed on the rotary disk. A hollow transmission column preferably made of transparent material has a bottom end drivingly connected with the transmission mechanism in the base. A connecting ring is disposed on the top end of the transmission column, whereby a central shaft of the rotary disk is passed through the chamber to drivingly connect with the transmission column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: Chuan-Tien Chuang
  • Patent number: 5558555
    Abstract: A platform for animating a doll mounted thereon, the platform being provided with a base having a circular well recessed in its underside. Anchored on the base is an upright bearing in which is received a shaft whose upper end projects above the bearing and is clamped to one leg of the doll to support it above the base. The lower end of the shaft projects into the well and is joined to an actuator having an eccentric tip which frictionally engages the horizontal play surface on which the platform is placed. When a player pushes the platform back and forth along this surface the tip is then caused to sweep in a circular path within the well and in doing so to cause the shaft and the doll clamped thereto to rotate. Thus as the platform is pushed, the advancing doll rotates to execute a pirouetting dance movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: Melvin Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5556318
    Abstract: A toy carrousel comprising a body which is formed by a stationary base part and a top part supported above the base part for rotation about a vertical axis. The base part includes a vertical shaft having an upper end reaching into the top part. The top part supports at least one decorative figure atop. The toy carrousel includes a drive mechanism provided in the base part for rotating the top part, which is formed by a motor and a train of gears to be driven by the motor to rotate the top part. The toy carrousel further includes a drive transmission mechanism provided at the upper end of the shaft for setting the decorative figure into individual motion relative to the top part upon rotation of the top part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: May Cheong Toy Products Factory Limited
    Inventor: Moon-Lam So