Having Movably Joined Body Parts Patents (Class 446/376)
  • Patent number: 11931891
    Abstract: A robot includes a trunk portion frame (functioning as a “base portion”), a head portion frame (functioning as a “first movable portion”) supported by the trunk portion frame, a flexible outer skin provided in such a way as to come into contact with the head portion frame and cover the trunk portion frame, and a pair of arm portions (functioning as a “second movable portion”), provided in contact with the outer skin, whose relative displacement with respect to the trunk portion frame changes in accompaniment to a displacement of the outer skin that accords with an operation of the head portion frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: GROOVE X, INC.
    Inventors: Kaname Hayashi, Daijiro Kato, Tomoaki Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 11782391
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a wall clock AI voice assistant, such as a computing device, is provided herein. The wall-mountable electronic clock includes an optical sensor, a microphone, a digital display and a speaker. The optical sensor captures image data representing at least a portion of a user. The microphone receives an audio input from the user when certain criteria is met, such as when the image data representing at least a portion of the user is captured. The digital display provides visual information to the user provided in response to the captured image data or the audio input. The speaker provides audio information provides from a digital voice assistant in response to the captured image data or the audio input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian Harms, Cathy Kim, Curtis Aumiller, Jack Thrun, Jiawei Zhang, Michael Noh, Pranav Mistry, Praveen Jayakumar, Robert Wang, Ruokan He, Sajid Sadi, Thomas Brenner, Anthony Liot, Marc Estruch Tena, Ik Seon Kang, Cheoljun Lee, Younseong Kim, Bola Esther Yoo
  • Patent number: 11738455
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to methods, computer program products, and computer systems of a robotic apparatus with robotic instructions replicating a food preparation recipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: MBL Limited
    Inventor: Mark Oleynik
  • Patent number: 11679336
    Abstract: A transformable toy transformable so as to be coupled to a model toy and a toy set including the model toy and the transformable toy are provided. The transformable toy includes a transformable body that is transformable into a first state of being independent from the model toy and a second state of partially covering the model toy and being releasably coupled to the model toy. The transformable body incudes a frame portion and a transformation portion. The frame portion partially covers the model toy in the second state of the transformable body. The transformation portion is coupled to the frame portion so as to be rotatable about a corresponding rotation axis. The transformation portion is rotated about the corresponding rotation axis with respect to the frame portion for transformation of the transformable body from one of the first and second states to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: DAEWON MEDIA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sun Il Kim, Isao Kokubun
  • Patent number: 11663919
    Abstract: Techniques for facilitating the autonomous presentation of a self-driving vehicle are provided. In one example, a method can include a system operatively coupled to a processor, where the system: determines a feature of a self-driving vehicle based on information regarding an entity in a pending transaction; determines a task to be performed by the self-driving vehicle based on the feature; and generates an instruction for the self-driving vehicle to perform the task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Maplebear Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Adam Greenberger, James Robert Kozloski, Clifford A. Pickover
  • Patent number: 11602698
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mini-figure that may be used with existing and standard toy block systems and also have the appearance of a sports figure. Improvements over traditional mini-figures include additional separate components in the arms and feet, an optional variation in torso shape, accessories which create visual impression of sports figures in natural use, unique markings identifiable by specific player or production, and a unique method of marketing and distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: OYO Toys, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Keath Skripps
  • Patent number: 11524246
    Abstract: A toy assembly comprising a first section and a second section coupled to the first section. The first section includes a plurality of first section members positioned on an inner side of the first section. The second section includes a plurality of second section members positioned on an inner side of the second section. The plurality of second section members are heat welded directly to the plurality of first section members without any additional welding or filler material. The first section and the second section are solely held together by the heat welded first section members and second section members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis-Philippe Mayer, Ronald M. Asbach, Andrew Sik lun Wong, Peter John Simpson
  • Patent number: 11524247
    Abstract: A body assembly for a toy figurine comprising an inner plate having a plurality of openings, a first outer section coupled to a first side of the inner plate, and a second outer section coupled to a second side of the inner plate. The first outer section includes one or more first coupling members positioned on one side of the first outer section that are engaged with one or more of the openings on the inner plate. The second outer section includes one or more second coupling members positioned on one side of the second outer section that are engaged with one or more of the openings on the inner plate. The inner plate is thus enclosed between the first outer section and the second outer section. The inner plate further holds the first outer section and the second outer section together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis-Philippe Mayer, Ronald M. Asbach, Andrew Sik lun Wong
  • Patent number: 11511208
    Abstract: A bionic stress relief toy, including a plurality of splicing bodies connected in sequence. The splicing body includes a funnel-shaped main shell, wherein a peripheral edge surrounding the main shell obliquely extends from a front side edge of the main shell rearward and outward, a center in the main shell is concavely provided with a female connector, and a rear end of the main shell is provided with a male connector corresponding to the female connector. During assembly, the male connector of one splicing body is rotatably connected to the female connector of the next splicing body, and a rear section of the peripheral edge of one splicing body is located outside a front section of the peripheral edge of the next splicing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Inventor: Penghe Zhang
  • Patent number: 11504638
    Abstract: A toy robot includes a joint structure which includes first and second links and first and second connecting members, wherein each of the first and second links includes a central region and a pair of sidewall regions that are bent to extend to the left and right of the central region, and the pair of sidewall regions face each other. A first one of the sidewall regions of the first link and a second one of the sidewall regions of the second link partially overlap, the first connecting member includes a first shaft penetrating the overlapping region of the first and second sidewall regions, a third one of the sidewall regions of the first link and a fourth one of the sidewall regions of the second link partially overlap, the second connecting member includes a second shaft penetrating the overlapping region of the third and fourth sidewall regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: DELLO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong Yoon Kim, Hee Dong Kim
  • Patent number: 10773177
    Abstract: A transformable robot that can take a vehicle form and a humanoid form. In the vehicle form, the robot has a front side section located on the side of a front center section, a cockpit in which a seat is arranged, a door section located on the side of the cockpit, and a rear upper section and rear lower section located behind the cockpit respectively upward and downward. In the humanoid form, the front center section constitutes a head, the front side section constitutes a chest, the door section constitutes an arm, the rear upper section constitutes a lower back, and the rear lower section constitutes right and left legs and feet. The seat surface of the seat of the cockpit are kept at a same slope angle in both the vehicle form and the humanoid form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Brave Robotics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenji Ishida
  • Patent number: 10421025
    Abstract: In an aspect, a kit of parts is provided for assembling at least a portion of a character figure. The kit includes first and second kit member each having a body having a representation of a body portion of the character figure thereon. The first kit member has a hook extending outwardly from the body, and the second kit member body has a first hook-receiving aperture which has an interior surface that frictionally engages the exterior surface of the first hook, and is free of any bight pass-through members that engage the bight of the first hook to prevent removal of the first kit member from the second kit member. The kit members are joinable together to form at least a portion of a character figure. The bight of the first hook permits the first kit member to be hung on a first storage bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignees: SPIN MASTER LTD., FUSE LONDON LTD
    Inventors: Mercedeh M. Ward, Oliver L. Pope, Mark A. Buckley
  • Patent number: 10105614
    Abstract: An assembly for tactile promotion of simplicity and amusement incorporating a quadruple of rear extraction stops; a quadruple of flexible ties attached to and extending forwardly from the rear extraction stop; a rear torso and head silhouetting sheet having a first quadruple of eyes, wherein the quadruple of flexible ties forwardly extends through the first quadruple of eyes; a quadruple of appendages having proximal ends having a second quadruple of eyes, wherein the quadruple of flexible ties further forwardly extends through the second quadruple of eyes; a front torso and head silhouetting sheet having a third quadruple of eyes, wherein the quadruple of flexible ties further forwardly extends through the third quadruple of eyes; a quadruple of front extraction stops attached to forward ends of the quadruple of flexible ties; and a twig attached to and extending downwardly from the rear and front torso and head silhouetting sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Inventor: Shakila Saifullah
  • Patent number: 10035076
    Abstract: A transformer toy in a first and untransformed configuration receives a toy vehicle therein. The vehicle entering the first toy triggers the toy to transform into a robot, airplane, or other figure or structure capable of movement. As the toy transforms, it picks up the vehicle and positions it within the cockpit or other command center of the transformed toy such that a driver of the vehicle now appears to be commanding the transformed toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: MGA Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn Nai-Tong Yu
  • Patent number: 9919230
    Abstract: Hip joint assemblies, and posable toy figures that incorporate the hip joint assemblies, including a pelvis housing having a front portion and a back portion, where the front and back portions in combination define side openings in the pelvis housing, and a contoured friction plate vertically disposed within the pelvis housing. The hip joint assembly further includes two leg sections, each leg section having a disk member attached via a hip post, and each leg combined with the pelvis housing so that the disk member lies within the pelvis housing and the hip post passes through a side opening so that the face of the disk member abuts a face of the contoured friction plate, and the frictional interaction between the disk face and the friction plate renders the attached leg posable as it pivots around the axis defined by its hip post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Josiah To Sang Li, Jian Sheng Hu, Wai Nang Lam, Sun Ho Chan
  • Patent number: 9808731
    Abstract: A transformation mechanism assembly is adapted to a transformable toy car that includes a head, a main body, a right front door, a left front door, a rear left door, a rear right door and a right tail and a left tail, separable from each other. The two sides of the main body are respectively provided with the transformation mechanism assembly corresponding to the left front door, left rear door, right front door and right rear door, and the main body is adapted to pivotally rotate in relative to the head. The transformation mechanism includes a first driving unit, a driving rod, a linkage mechanism and a support rod. In addition, a transformable toy car, a driving module assembly adapted to drive the transformable toy car and the transformation mechanism assembly, and a robot are also mentioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Kinpo Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kuan-Che Liu
  • Patent number: 9511301
    Abstract: A model includes arm parts each including a rotational shaft portion, and a body part including a shaft supporting portion and being connected to and rotatable relative to the arm part. The arm part includes a projecting portion. The body part includes a recessed portion into which the projecting portion is fitted when the rotational shaft portion is inserted into the shaft supporting portion. The rotational shaft portion and the shaft supporting portion include respective locking members that are engageable with each other and limit the movement of the rotational shaft portion in an axial direction within a range between a first position where the projecting portion is fitted in the recessed portion and a second position where the projecting portion is out of the recessed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Bandai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Fukuchi, Yuki Sato, Yasuhiro Ishikawa, Yukihide Ide
  • Patent number: 9415322
    Abstract: A combinable transformable toy is provided with a doll body and a mounting body which can be externally mounted on the doll body. The mounting body is provided with a base portion in which an insertion port is opened, a movement portion which is provided to be movable relatively to the base portion, and transformation portions which are coupled to the movement portion. When a head portion of the doll body is inserted from the insertion port, the movement portion is pushed by the doll body to move together with the doll body so that the transformation portions can be transformed in conjunction with the movement of the movement portion. Thus when a mounting body is attached to a doll body, the doll body can change in appearance and the mounting body can be transformed in conjunction with the attachment operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: ING21 CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shigeru Kanauchi
  • Patent number: 9205341
    Abstract: A toy is provided, the toy having: an action figure with a pair of appendages movably secured thereto for movement between a first separated position and a second un-separated position; a pair of accessories removably secured to the pair of appendages; and wherein the pair of accessories are configured to be secured to each other and form an item when the pair of appendages are in the second un-separated position and the pair of accessories are secured to the pair of appendages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: Terence J Y. Higuchi, Kit Hong Lau, J. Austin Rucker
  • Patent number: 9056258
    Abstract: Toy figures may include a torso, an elongate member extending from the torso, an articulation element, and a limb having a socket. The elongate member may include an end region. The articulation element may be molded substantially around the end region and may be received within the socket. The socket may be configured for pivotable movement about the articulation element. Some examples of toy figures may include a hip joint assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Handy, Henry Jen, Lung Yau Choi
  • Patent number: 9022832
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mini-figure that may be used with existing and standard toy block systems and also have the appearance of a sports figure. Improvements over traditional mini-figures include additional separate components in the arms and feet, an optional variation in torso shape, accessories which create visual impression of sports figures in natural use, unique markings identifiable by specific player or production, and a unique method of marketing and distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas Keath Skripps
  • Publication number: 20150004873
    Abstract: A stuffed animal includes a body and an appendage attached to the body. The appendage includes an elongate bi-stable spring element movable between a first extended position that is straight and a second articulated position that forms a loop. The stuffed animal further includes a material covering the body appendage. Deflecting the surface of the bi-stable spring element, such as by lightly rapping it, causes the spring element to move to the second articulated position and wrap the appendage around an object, such as a wrist, a child's bed rail, or stroller bar. The stuffed animal hangs from the object by the appendage, and will stay attached until pulled off, thereby preventing the accidental loss of the animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Coily-Q Toys LLC
    Inventors: Fred Schecter, Allison C. Cohen
  • Publication number: 20140349549
    Abstract: A toy with a frame assembly having a plurality of frame members each having a gear and centering aperture. Each gear has a plurality of rounded tetrahedral teeth. A flexible fastener connects the first and second frame members together with their gears in alignment with one another. The flexible fastener applies a force to the first and second gears to releasably engage said first and second gears with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Lisa McCue Karsten, Kenneth Stephen Karsten, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140329435
    Abstract: A toy doll with a movable portion is a toy doll with a first portion and a second portion that is movably coupled to the first portion and movable between a first configuration and a second configuration. The first portion includes a trigger that may actuate at least one of an engagement assembly and a hinge assembly. The engagement assembly may retain the second portion in the first configuration until the trigger is actuated while the hinge assembly may move the second portion of the toy doll to the second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Patricia CHAN, Guo Lin ZHOU, Steven D. RYNIKER
  • Publication number: 20140315469
    Abstract: A toy is provided, the toy having: an action figure with a pair of appendages movably secured thereto for movement between a first separated position and a second un-separated position; a pair of accessories removably secured to the pair of appendages; and wherein the pair of accessories are configured to be secured to each other and form an item when the pair of appendages are in the second un-separated position and the pair of accessories are secured to the pair of appendages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Terence J Y. Higuchi, Kit Hong Lau, J. Austin Rucker
  • Patent number: 8808054
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an action piece for a toy play set is provided, the action piece being configured to have at least three separate engagement features configured to retain and subsequently release a portion of an action figure. In another embodiment a play set is provided, the play set having: a ring structure, at least one action figure and an action piece for securement to a portion of the ring structure. In still another embodiment, a method of launching an action figure from a play set in order to cause the action figure to fly through the air in a predetermined fashion is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Barthold
  • Patent number: 8784154
    Abstract: A toy figure includes a body, an arm movably coupled to the body, and a drive mechanism coupled to the arm. The drive mechanism moves the arm along a first path of motion between a first position and a second position during a first segment of a movement cycle, and the drive mechanism moves the arm along a second path of motion between the second position and a third position during a second segment of the movement cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Chuang
  • Patent number: 8784153
    Abstract: A transformable toy (100) which is instantaneously changeable from a flat plate-like shape to the shape of a character figure and which is used to play a game by rotating a roulette wheel (189) to compete for the score of attack or defense. A transformable toy comprises character-figure constituting members (111, 122, 131, 141) foldable to a state of a generally flat plate and rotatably connected to each other, elastic members each provided between each of the character-figure constituting members, a roulette wheel (108) attached to any of the character-figure constituting members, a rotation imparting mechanism for imparting rotation to the roulette wheel, and an engaging means (157) for maintaining and releasing the folded state of the character-figure constituting members. When the character-figure constituting members are folded against the elastic forces of the elastic members to operate an engaging member, the character-figure constituting members are rotated and caused to protrude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Sega Toys Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Michitoshi Sugimoto, Nobuhiro Arai, Wataru Sato, Fujio Nobata
  • Publication number: 20140051325
    Abstract: A toy system having two toy vehicles and a figurine for enhanced play value. One toy vehicle is large, has three actuators and front and rear ramps. The first actuator causes the large vehicle to open its sides to form a playset. The second actuator is located on a risible ladder with a platform having a trap door floor and enables the figurine to drop from the platform to the small toy vehicle. The third actuator launches the small toy vehicle down the front ramp from a storage compartment in the large toy vehicle after the small toy vehicle had been loaded into the storage compartment by opening the rear ramp. The small vehicle is transformable between a vehicle configuration and a robot configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: William M. Paukert, Dan Judkins, Eric Listenberger, Hiroyuki Nagasu
  • Patent number: 8568191
    Abstract: A toy vehicle which may have the capability to raise and lower a spin mechanism within the vehicle to lift the vehicle up off of a surface and spin the vehicle in a top-like manner when the spin mechanism is charged. The vehicle may further include a chassis with a cavity to house the spin mechanism and a release mechanism to direct the spin mechanism to lower a spin shaft below wheels on the vehicle. Energy may be generated in a power drive system and transferred to the vehicle via a transfer gear in the spin mechanism. Another embodiment of the vehicle may also transforms between multiple configurations, including a spinning top, and utilizes a launch mechanism to spin the vehicle in a top-like manner. This embodiment may further include a sliding front segment, a sliding rear segment, two sliding side segments and a receiving cavity. When the sliding front segment and rear segment move toward one another, the two side segments are pushed outward and direct a spin shaft downward to extend below the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Rehkemper, Ryan Kratz, Phillip H Fensel
  • Patent number: 8517790
    Abstract: A transforming vehicle and launch system where the vehicle transforms between multiple configurations including a spinning top. The vehicle includes sliding front and rear segments, two sliding side segments and a receiving cavity. The launch mechanism includes a rotating launch shaft in communication with a power system and a release button. The power system includes the capability to generate and store energy. When the front and rear segments move toward one another, the two side segments are pushed outward directing a central shaft downward below the vehicle. The receiving cavity receives the launch shaft and transfers energy from the power system to the vehicle when it rotates. Energy generated and stored in the power system is transferred to the second configuration via the rotation of the launch shaft when a release button is triggered such that the vehicle separates and spins on the central shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Rehkemper, Ryan Kratz
  • Publication number: 20130165016
    Abstract: Hip joint assemblies, and posable toy figures that incorporate the hip joint assemblies, including a pelvis housing having a front portion and a back portion, where the front and back portions in combination define side openings in the pelvis housing, and a contoured friction plate vertically disposed within the pelvis housing. The hip joint assembly further includes two leg sections, each leg section having a disk member attached via a hip post, and each leg combined with the pelvis housing so that the disk member lies within the pelvis housing and the hip post passes through a side opening so that the face of the disk member abuts a face of the contoured friction plate, and the frictional interaction between the disk face and the friction plate renders the attached leg posable as it pivots around the axis defined by its hip post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventor: Mattel, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8414350
    Abstract: A toy figure with controlled motorized movements is provided having a head, two arms two legs and a tail which are pivotally and/or rotatably attached to a chassis. Mechanisms and electronics are included to move the head, arms, legs and tail in a variety of play patterns and movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Rehkemper, Ryan Kratz, Dennis O'Patka
  • Patent number: 8388404
    Abstract: A transformable toy, in which exposure of a coupling mechanism is reduced and the turning range of the second exterior member with respect to the first exterior member is increased, is provided. An exterior main body for a shin section covers a part of an intermediate member and has an opening portion at a location opposing a thigh section when the shin section turns toward the thigh section. A movable exterior member, which moves through a link mechanism, is coupled to the intermediate member via the link mechanism, and configured to block the opening portion when it is at a first position and to be at least partially located inside the exterior main body when it is at a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinnosuke Okumura, Noboru Kasahara
  • Publication number: 20130052912
    Abstract: Certain disclosed embodiments use utilize a doll having a body to which multiple heads and limbs may be removably attached and rearranged. Certain disclosed embodiments include clothing that may also be removably attached and rearranged. Certain disclosed embodiments include two heads and four limbs that may be used to create dual characters with a single doll, thereby encouraging children to be creative, mix characters using one doll, and provide a name for the doll that is a combination of the names of the two individual characters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Diana Pampliega
  • Patent number: 8382551
    Abstract: A toy figure with a movable appendage and a movable head is disclosed. The appendage is coupled to a movement mechanism such that movement of the appendage results in movement of the head. Depending on the particular quantity of appendage movements, the head is moved to the side or tilted forward as the appendage is moved relative to the body of the toy figure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Hong
  • Patent number: 8382550
    Abstract: The present invention is such that a doll equipped with a plurality of auxiliary magnetic poles is inserted into a hermetically-sealed container filled with liquid and the container is circumferentially arranged with variable magnetic poles whose polarities are determined by electromagnets, whereby attraction or repulsion is applied on each portion of the doll. The polarity of each variable magnetic pole can be arbitrarily controlled by adjustment of direction of current flowing in the electromagnets to enable the doll in the container to be driven in various types of motions. Therefore, the motions of the doll can be expressed in various interesting types including dancing to the accompaniment of music without recourse to making the doll in a complicated robotic shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hyun Gu Kang
    Inventor: Hyun Gu Kang
  • Publication number: 20130045659
    Abstract: A bobble doll device is formed and configured to include a base, a support stanchion, a stationary upper body portion and a movable lower body portion. The support stanchion extends outwardly from the base and supports the upper body portion to remain stationary. An elastic object (such as a spring) is attached to a bottom part of the upper body portion and to an top part of the lower body portion such that the lower body portion is movable in a reciprocating motion in relation to the upper body portion. In a further embodiment, a motion sensor detects motion of the lower body portion and triggers activation of a sound producing device that emits audio from a speaker in the base. In yet a further embodiment, the lower body portion may be caused to move by an actuator located in the base or an actuator in the upper body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Michael C. Tobias
  • Patent number: 8337271
    Abstract: A reconfigurable toy including a body, a first leg coupled to the body, and a second leg coupled to the body is disclosed. The reconfigurable toy can be disposed in a first configuration in which the toy resembles a toy vehicle and in a second configuration in which the toy resembles a power-suit configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Fraser Campbell, Dwayne Vance
  • Publication number: 20120282843
    Abstract: A bobble doll is formed and configured as a human figurine and, in a preferred embodiment, a female adult. The body of the doll has three portions, namely: an upper portion formed to include a head, arms and a torso; a mid-portion formed to include a buttocks and hips; and a lower portion formed to include legs and feet. The mid-portion is supported on a biasing element (e.g., a spring) and is movable in a reciprocating up and down and/or side to side motion relative to the upper and lower body portions. The doll is supported on a base that can be decorated to resemble a beach, sports field, dance floor or other environment. In a further embodiment, a motion sensor detects motion of the mid-portion and triggers activation of a battery powered sound producing device that emits audio from a speaker in the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: Michael C. Tobias
  • Patent number: 8210896
    Abstract: A lights and sounds mechanism for use in a toy is provided. The lights and sounds mechanism may be connected to a product test switch switch. One or more components of the toy may be disassembled for packaging. The disassembled components may include one or more lights or speakers. When the product test switch is triggered, the lights and/or speakers in the disassembled components may properly function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark S. Wittenberg
  • Patent number: 8210891
    Abstract: A toy with repositionable portions is disclosed. The toy may be stylized as a toy figure that may include a leg section and a torso section. The leg section includes legs pivotally coupled to a pelvic section. The pelvic section may also include an upward-extending connection post. The torso section, furthermore, may include a body cylinder that connects to the connection post. The body cylinder includes a series of resilient tabs that slidingly engage the post, securing the sections together while permitting the rotation of the torso section about the post. With this configuration, the toy figure possesses multiple degrees of motion, being adapted to move in bending and twisting motions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Brumagin, Dafna Mor
  • Publication number: 20120156960
    Abstract: A system for interconnecting discrete rigid member mating components creates different stable, freestanding three-dimensional figures such as robots. The mating components are positioned in tandem employ an elastic element through bores and each mating component has at least one slot that is aligned with a corresponding slot formed on adjacent mating component or body. The arrangement of the slots and elastic element permits each mating components to be maneuvered onto an adjacent mating component and retains its position without the use of hinges or other securing devices. A reconfigurable toy is constructed by interconnecting a plurality of different sized mating components. The mating components can thus be rearranged to form different-shaped figures including a robot that is reversibly transformable between a first configuration, which can comprise a myriad of forms, and a second configuration that is a cube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: David Weeks Studio LLC
    Inventor: David Weeks
  • Patent number: 8187049
    Abstract: A remotely controlled transformable toy vehicle that is remotely transformable from a standing position to a flying position, where the toy performs like a helicopter and also to a driving position, where the toy performs like a wheeled vehicle. Transformations are carried out on-the-fly by remote control and the toy vehicle has the ability to maintain proper center of gravity for stable flight, takeoff and landing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Spin Master Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeff Corsiglia, Charles Sink, James E Elson
  • Patent number: 8162713
    Abstract: The invention provides a leg member for a transformable toy which prevents impairment of the aesthetic appearance even if the range of motion of a shin section relative to a foot section is increased. A first link member 29 is shaped and configured to cover a circular plate portion 31b constituting the main portion of a second link member 31. When the second link member 31 is rotated about the rotation center (axial center of a shaft portion 29i) of the second turning pair, portions (31c and 31d) forming a third turning pair in the second link member 31 are exposed to the outside of the first link member 29.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Kasahara, Shinnosuke Okumura
  • Publication number: 20120073032
    Abstract: A doll is disclosed. The doll has an outer layer that is constructed of a faux fur and that includes a number of openings. The faux fur has a pile height sufficient to at least partially conceal the openings. A number of interchangeable features can be connected to the outer layer by securing connecting members in the openings. Depending on the embodiment, the openings may be buttonholes or grommeted openings, and the connecting members may be buttons or connecting bars. Some embodiments of the doll may have a removable stuffed insert. When embodiments of the doll are not stuffed, or when the removable insert is removed, the doll may serve as a puppet, a hat, or a cover for an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Jazz Tigan, Maricriz Perea
  • Patent number: 8087971
    Abstract: A doll toy is provided with a thigh section capable of turning further upward toward its chest section when extending ahead of its waist section. The doll toy includes a waist section, hip joint mechanisms, and thigh sections attached to a lower portion of the waist section via the hip joint mechanisms. The hip joint mechanisms include rotation links which rotate about a first rotation centerline within a predetermined rotation angular range, first connecting mechanisms which connect the rotation links to the waist section to allow the rotation links to rotate within the predetermined rotation angular range, stoppers disposed to restrict movement of the rotation links, and second connection mechanisms disposed to connect base portions of the thigh sections to the rotation links to allow the thigh sections to rotate about a second rotation centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Asai
  • Publication number: 20110306270
    Abstract: A toy device that enables a transformable toy to be played individually and in combination with another transformable toy. The toy device includes a transformable toy with a form which can be reversibly changed by turning a plurality of pivotable members, and a base unit on which the transformable toy is mountable. The transformable toy includes a pivoting mechanism for turning the plurality of pivotable members and an actuator for actuating the pivoting mechanism. The base unit includes an actuating part to which the actuator is coupled and an operating part for externally operating the actuating part. When the operating part is operated, the actuator operates via the actuating part, and the pivoting mechanism is actuated to turn the plurality of pivotable members, thereby changing the form of the transformable toy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: TOMY COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Takashi KUNIHIRO
  • Patent number: 8066542
    Abstract: A transformable toy which can be automatically transformed despite the fact that members are merely pivotably connected as in conventional transformable toys is provided. The transformable toy, which is transformed from a box-like configuration to a robot configuration, is vertically and longitudinally divided into two parts, when in the box-like configuration, includes an upper front member, an upper rear member, a lower front member, and a lower rear member, and has a frame disposed therein for supporting the above members. The upper front member and the upper rear member are each pivotably connected to the frame directly, or through a link, and are foldably connected with each other. The connecting portion between the frame and the upper rear member has an elastic member for urging the upper front member and the upper rear member in a direction to be folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takio Ejima
  • Patent number: 8057275
    Abstract: A toy employing a simple yet unique pivoting mechanism to provide back and forth and side to side pivoting movements and operable to wiggle, twist back and forth, and roll the toy over numerous times imitating a playing, cuddling and rolling over puppy or the like. The toy includes a body portion, a first pivoting portion, and a first linkage coupling the body portion to the first pivoting portion at an angled pivot point offset from a vertical axis intersecting the point at which the body and the first pivoting portions are coupled. An angled surface is included at the first pivoting portion and a gear mechanism is coupled to the body portion and operable to pivot the first pivoting portion with respect to the body portion driving the pivoting action at the angled surface of the first pivoting portion providing back and forth and side to side pivoting movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Don Cameron, Richard J. Maddocks, Jeffrey Olson, Linas Peckus, Brian S. Kujawski, Lc Yang, Zhi Xin Sun