Rod-supported Or -controlled Figure Patents (Class 446/366)
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Publication number: 20130324007Abstract: A puppet includes a hollow outer shaft having a first end and a second end, an inner shaft disposed substantially within the outer shaft and slidable in a longitudinal direction relative to the outer shaft. The inner shaft includes a first end and an opposing second end. The puppet further includes a first puppet piece attached to the outer shaft near the first end thereof, a second puppet piece attached to the inner shaft near the first end thereof, and a lever connected to the inner shaft and extending outward therefrom through a first slot formed in the outer shaft. The second end of the inner shaft extends outside of the outer shaft. One of the first and second puppet pieces is movable relative to the other by sliding the lever longitudinally relative to the outer shaft or by moving the second end of the inner shaft away from the outer shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Inventor: Brent Alan Geppert
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Patent number: 8157612Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 11, 2009Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Rehco, LLCInventors: Steven Rehkemper, Ryan Kratz
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Patent number: 7895779Abstract: An apparatus hovering winged objects. The apparatus includes an elongate support and a driver with an output shaft that supports a first end of the support. The driver imparts an oscillating displacement to the first end of the support. A body is mounted at a second end of the support and wings are attached to the support at an offset distance from the body. The body is positioned near the second end to swivel or pivot in response to vibration of the support. The driver vibrates the first end at a frequency that shapes the support as a wave, and the frequency is selected or tuned such that the wings are displaced more than the body such by imparting a harmonic frequency on the support. The output shaft is positioned by the driver in angular positions to move the first end of the support and the body and wings.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2007Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Gary W. Schnuckle
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Patent number: 7517271Abstract: There is provided a control mechanism for use with a puppet and puppets adapted for control thereby. One or more single-strand, sheathed cables are adapted for imparting motion to at least one movable part of a puppet. Both longitudinal (i.e., in-and-out) and rotary motions may be imparted to the cables, thereby allowing a wide range of resulting movements of the attached puppet part. In one embodiment, longitudinal movement of the cable strand imparts a flapping motion to the wings of a puppet while rotary motion of the same cable imparts a wagging motion to the puppet's tail. Regardless of whether one or two cables are used, the actuation of the cables may be performed discreetly and out of view of the audience of the puppeteer's show.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2005Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Inventor: Albert Alfaro
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Patent number: 7338342Abstract: A hand held omnidirectional toy figure manipulator allowing an operator to manipulate a toy figure to mimic movements made by a player of various sports such as baseball or soccer. The device employs with a one or a plurality of actuators attached to communicating control rods to move the arms, legs, and torso of the toy figure in sports related motions.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Inventor: Michael Lee Bellon
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Patent number: 7255625Abstract: A hand held omnidirectional toy figure manipulator allowing an operator to manipulate a puppet like toy figure concurrently with a variety of miniature toy replica devices such as a skateboard, a surfboard, a bicycle or a motorcycle or animals such as bull, in a wide variety of associated and disassociated trick style movements. The device works with a one or a plurality of actuators and communicating control rods operating in attachment to the toy replica and using a tubular member attached to the torso of a toy figure.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Inventor: Michael Lee Bellon
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Patent number: 7182340Abstract: A hockey player toy with internal motion rail for puck hitting. The major component is a hockey toy player with special internal mechanism. When the head of the toy player is pulled up, the body, which consists of front piece and back piece, will spin to pull the hockey stick back, ready for a shoot. When the head is pushed down, the body, which consists of front piece and back piece, will spin back, thus move the stick forward to hit the puck. The toy is a big break through from the previous hockey toys in its actuality. It adds a lot of fun and entertainment to the hockey toy games.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2005Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Sinolink Holdings (China) Ltd.Inventor: Dylan Lam Kang Tim
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Patent number: 6939196Abstract: A hand held omnidirectional toy figure manipulator allowing an operator to manipulate a puppet like toy figure concurrently with a variety of miniature toy replica devices such as a skateboard, a surfboard, a bicycle or a motorcycle in a wide variety of associated and disassociated trick style movements. The device works with a one or a plurality of actuators and communicating control rods operating in attachment to the toy replica and using a tubular member attached to the torso of a toy figure.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Inventor: Michael Lee Bellon
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Patent number: 6827626Abstract: A marionette having a controller and a puppet. The controller having a pair of control wings pivotably connected at the second end to one end of a control rod. The other end of the control rod is connected to the puppet. The puppet can have a human form with a head, torso, arms and legs. A pair of control strings extend from the first ends of the control wings to the arms of the puppet. The arms of the puppet are connected to the torso so as to allow a wide range of movement of the arms. The puppet is moved by tilting and pivoting the control wings on the end of the control rod and by moving the control rod.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Playstages, IncorporatedInventors: Mary Jo Feeney, Tucker Fort, Alexandra Fort
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Patent number: 6679749Abstract: A telescopic doll structure comprises a base, a top stage, and a telescopic rack. The telescopic rack is composed of at least two hollow pipes with one pipe being able to be straightly shrunk into another pipe. The base is assembled to one end of one pipe and the top stage is assembled to one end of another pipe. At least one clamping unit is used to clamp the at least two hollow pipes when they are expanded. A figure is arranged on the top stage to enclose an exterior of the telescopic doll structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2002Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Inventor: Jui Hsia Yu
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Patent number: 6626730Abstract: A foldable device suited for toys comprises a connecting rod and a retractable cylinder both sleeved by a toy shank support, wherein a bottom end of the connecting rod is connected to a transmission device that can force the connecting rod to move downward and upward, characterized in that a first snapping bead box is installed at a bottom end of the retractable cylinder, the first snapping bead box is equipped with a snapping bead and a spring, one end of the connecting rod is inserted into and passes through the first snapping bead box, a backside of the snapping bead leans against the connecting rod and is in contact with the sidewall of the first snapping bead box through a spring, and a recess is provided on the connecting rod above the first snapping bead box.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2002Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Inventor: Jui Hsia Yu
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Patent number: 6352464Abstract: A character (2) capable of forming facial expressions is provided. The character includes a hollow head (4) with a face defining a mouth (6) thereon. The mouth has a length and includes a first end portion (6A), a second end portion (6B), and a central portion (6C). The character further includes, externally or within the hollow head, a mechanism (7) for causing various facial expressions. The mechanism includes a main frame plate (8), a mouth assembly (10) fixedly mounted on the main frame plate, and a drive assembly (12) also mounted on the main frame plate. The mouth assembly includes an upper lip chain (14), which is formed from a plurality of links (16) and has a first end (14A), a second end (14B), and a center portion (14C). The upper lip chain is disposed to underlie the mouth.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2000Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Inventors: Douglas J. Madland, Nathan Wayne Foster
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Patent number: 6204439Abstract: A transmission mechanism for a music box having a plurality of ornaments coupled thereon includes a driving mechanism having a rotary wheel with an eccentric rod and disposed in the music box, a first support mounted in the music box and having a through hole, a connection rod having two opposite ends, a first elongated support member inserted through the through hole of the first support, secured on the first support and having one end coupled with an ornament and the other end secured on one end of the connection rod, a coupler having a first end connected with the other end of the connection rod and a second end coupled with the eccentric rod.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2000Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Inventor: Yu-Kai Chen
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Patent number: 6135847Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 14, 1999Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Inventor: Andrew Stephen Coates
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Patent number: 6116984Abstract: A pop-out toy including a housing with an opening through a central portion thereof. A bottom wall of the housing has a gear mounted on a rod extending upwardly from the inner surface interiorly thereof. A figurine is provided and is mounted on a platform positioned within the opening in the housing. The platform is secured to a support rod extending rearwardly therefrom interiorly of the housing. The support rod has teeth extending along a side edge thereof. The teeth engage an upper portion of the gear. A release mechanism is provided that is comprised of a handle extending inwardly of the housing interiorly thereof. The handle has teeth disposed along a side edge thereof. The teeth engage a lower portion of the gear.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1998Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Inventors: Armando Munoz, Bonnie Munoz
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Patent number: 6068536Abstract: A character (2) capable of forming facial expressions is provided. The character includes a hollow head (4) with a face defining a mouth (6) thereon. The mouth has a length and includes a first end portion (6A) and a second end portion (6B). The character further includes, externally or within the hollow head, a mechanism (7) for causing various facial expressions. The mechanism includes a main frame plate (8), a mouth assembly (10) fixedly mounted on the main frame plate, and a drive assembly (12) also mounted on the main frame plate. The mouth assembly includes an upper lip chain (14) which is formed from a plurality of links (16) and has a first end (14a) and a second end (14b). The drive assembly is adapted to move at least one of the first and second ends of the upper lip chain and, hence, at least one of the corresponding end portions of the mouth, to cause various facial expressions, such as a smile, frown, or mumbling mouth.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1999Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: Merriment Inc.Inventors: Douglas J. Madland, Nathan Wayne Foster
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Patent number: 5980357Abstract: Apparatus for animating a figure includes a head pivotably connected to a body, a control rod having a lower end fixed in the head and an upper end pivotable about an axis through a handle, and a second rod suspending the body from the handle remotely from the pivot axis, whereby pivoting the control rod about the pivot axis causes the head to pivot with respect to the body, giving the appearance of a change in posture. The head is preferably mounted for universal movement with respect to the body, and the rod is mounted for rotation with respect to the handle about a longitudinal rod axis which is perpendicular to the pivot axis. Rotating the control rod thus causes the head to rotate with respect to the body, giving the impression of looking left and right.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Inventor: Thomas O. Newby
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Patent number: 5908344Abstract: A head cover or similar protective article for a sporting implement, particularly a golf club, is disclosed having a sound-generating device for producing sounds which are thematically linked to the decorative or artistic aspects of the cover. The sound generating device may emit music or other sounds (such as simulated voices) when activated by a switch. The sound generating device may be powered by a battery or photoelectric cell. The switch may assume a variety of configurations, and be positioned in a variety of locations on or remote from the head cover. The head cover may include an ornamental or configured portion which resembles or caricaturizes one or more renowned personalities, creatures, or entities. The particular emitted tune or other voice sound may be coordinated in theme to the personality, creature, or entity configured on a portion the head cover.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1998Date of Patent: June 1, 1999Assignee: Gazelle, Inc.Inventor: Bruce Kociemba
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Patent number: 5830035Abstract: A puppet is adapted to be mounted on a single human digit for providing animated motion of a figurine responsive to movement of the single human digit. The puppet comprises a hollow, elastic cap having an interior wall defining a cavity into which the single human digit is snugly received. The cap includes a resilient neck portion for supporting the figurine at a distance spaced from the single human digit such that movement of the single human digit causes the neck portion and the figurine to oscillate to and fro under the influence of the weight of the figurine.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1997Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Inventor: David J. Budreck
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Patent number: 5823844Abstract: A vibrating toy is provided and includes a housing, a battery mounted within the housing, a motor mounted within the housing activated by the battery, a shaft driven by the motor, a mechanism on the shaft for imparting an eccentric vibration from the housing, a play element outside of the housing, and a mechanism for connecting the play element to the housing and through which the play element can receive vibrations generated from the mechanism that imparts the eccentric vibration. A weighted element attached to the shaft in a manner to unsymmetrically distribute weight imparts the eccentric vibration. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a vibration is transferred to the housing which in turn through contact vibrates a wire serving as the mechanism that connects to the play element. The invention further concerns a method whereby a live pet animal can be entertained by interaction with the aforementioned vibrating toy.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1994Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Inventor: Eli Markowitz
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Patent number: 5810641Abstract: A rocking mechanism with upward, downward, forward and backward actions is disclosed. It mainly includes a base, a driving unit, a rocking unit, an outer pipe unit, an inner pipe unit, a rocking block, a upper sleeve and a decoration. With matching the inclined guiding slots on the rocking block and the fixed key of the outer pipe unit, the driving block can rock forward and backward when moving upward and downward in the same time. The effect of the rock makes the decoration of the mechanism lively as a horse runs.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1997Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Inventor: Szu Wei Lo
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Patent number: 5732953Abstract: A boxing game machine in which a pair of boxer dummies are opposed to each other, each boxer dummy having at least one extensible arm, includes: an extender which drives the extension of the arm; a rotary unit which is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and carries at least one of the boxer dummies; and an operative member which is connected with the rotary unit and provided with a switch for switching over the drive of the extender, the operative member being operable to rotate the rotary unit about the horizontal axis. By rotating the operative member about the substantially horizontal axis together with the rotary unit while gripping the operative member, the boxer dummy connected with the rotary unit rotates about the same axis.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1995Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Assignee: Konami Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yuji Tamura
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Patent number: 5601471Abstract: A platform on which is mountable a doll resembling a figure skater, the platform serving as a stage simulating a skating rink. Housed within the platform in a finger-actuated mechanism operatively coupled to the lower end of a shaft extending through an upright bearing anchored on the stage. The upper end of the shaft which is slidable in the bearing is clamped to one leg of the doll to support it above the stage. When the mechanism is actuated by a finger on one hand of the player, it then causes the shaft to rotate and thereby spin the doll. When the mechanism is actuated by a finger of the other hand, it then acts to raise the shaft and thereby lifts the doll above the stage. The player, therefore, by concurrently causing the figure skating doll to spin and lift, simulates a figure skating movement.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1995Date of Patent: February 11, 1997Inventor: Melvin Kennedy
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Patent number: 5393058Abstract: A simulated golf game in which a remotely controlled golfer plays on a miniature course, The physical mechanisms and methods of control of the game are directed to heighten its realism. The course has all the characteristics of a real golf course, e.g., hills, valleys, sand traps, and trees. The golfer is a model human figure who plays a miniature ball free that is to roll anywhere on the course. The golfer is remotely controlled through an overhead gantry positioning mechanism that connects to the golfer's back by way of a small-diameter rigid tube. The gantry simulates walking by moving the tube, with the golfer attached, about the golf course. Animation of the golfer itself (bending at the waist, swinging the club, etc.) is effected by a set of electric motors driving cables running inside the tube. Many of the motors are operated simultaneously to give the golfer a lifelike look. The motor operations are controlled by a computer.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1993Date of Patent: February 28, 1995Inventors: Bruce Rowland, Dean Rowland
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Patent number: 5299967Abstract: A model figure connected to a remote pistol grip handle has one or more activity motions for the figure controlled from the handle. Unlike other model figures which have activity motions, there is a pivot arrangement between the handle and the figure that allows the operator to easily move the figure on a surface. The model figure has a middle torso portion with a pin extending therethrough, a model limb for the figure is mounted to pivot on the pin, a rotating pulley is mounted on the pin to pivot the limb, and the remote pistol grip handle is connected to the figure through a wand. There is a linkage system from a trigger mechanism on the handle to the rotating pulley so that movement of the trigger mechanism pivots the limb on the pin.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1992Date of Patent: April 5, 1994Inventor: John M. Gilbert
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Patent number: 4952189Abstract: A spinable balleria doll having a body, legs, feet arms, hands and a head. A pushrod extends through the body and out of the head. The pushrod is mounted for reciprocal movement relative to the doll. The pushrod engages a square drive nut located in the body of the doll to rotate the body as the pushrod is pushed into the body. Each leg is connected to the body and each foot is connected to its leg to permit rotation of one relative to the other. Releasable detents and teeth are associated with the body, legs and feet to permit each leg to be held in selected positions of rotation relative to the body and each foot to be held in selected positions of rotation relative to its leg.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 1989Date of Patent: August 28, 1990Assignee: Gordon Barlow DesignInventor: Gordon A. Barlow
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Patent number: 4804348Abstract: The animated toy puppet theater comprises a box-like frame defining a top surface having a hole formed therein, and a puppet having a head and hollow body, made of flexible material, connected to the head and the top surface. A rod is connected to the head and extends through the hole into the frame. A motor driven cam shaft acts on a cam follower attached to the rod for automatically animating the puppet. An aperture is provided in the frame for permitting manual animation of the puppet. A cover defining an internal surface bearing a background panel is pivotally connected to the frame. The cover defines at least one open position, whereat the background panel lies perpendicular to the top surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1987Date of Patent: February 14, 1989Inventor: Francesco Bondi'
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Patent number: 4518366Abstract: An improved manipulable doll (10) for reproducing lifelike movement while operated by a human operator (12) on a rhythm board. The doll (10) includes a torso member (18), and a head portion (26) fixedly engaged to the upper end portion of the torso member (18). An outer covering (30) serves to give the doll (10) the desired appearance. The outer covering (30) comprises a pair of arm portions (34) and a pair of leg portions (40). A pair of hand members (38) are fixed engaged to each arm portion (34), and a pair of foot members (44) are fixedly engaged to leg portions (40). The invention further provides for a manipulator rod (14) and a support board (16) for manipulating the doll (10) during operation to simulate a dancer.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1983Date of Patent: May 21, 1985Inventors: Carl Fultz, Jr, Phyllis D. W. Fultz