And Locking Means For Retaining Body Parts In Adjusted Position Patents (Class 446/378)
  • Patent number: 11566659
    Abstract: A manikin (1) comprising jointed body parts that are configurable to (1) closely mimic natural movement of corresponding body parts of a real baby and/or (2) closely mimic a range of poses or postures of a real baby. The baby manikin (1) includes a neck joint (11) (articulated ball and socket joint), a waist joint (12) (articulated ball and socket joint), a hip joint (13) (double ball and socket joint), two knee joints (14) (pin joints), two ankle joints (15) (articulated ball and socket joints), two shoulder joints (16) (double ball and socket joints), two elbow joints (17) (pin joints), and two wrist joints (18) (articulated ball and socket joints).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Inventors: Brendon Jay Moffatt, Sandra Jaye Moffatt, Daniel Peter Freund, Christopher Graham Conway Lamb
  • Patent number: 10232276
    Abstract: An action character model includes a torso having a first magnet disposed therein, the torso bounding a first passage extending from an exterior surface of the torso toward the first magnet. A first appendage has a first connector attached thereto, a portion of the first connector being received within first passage so that the first connector is magnetically coupled to the first magnet, the first connector being non-magnetic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Morphonauts LLC
    Inventor: Beau Jared Hacking
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8684783
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mannequin having one or more articulated joints capable of exhibiting a full range of motion and of supporting substantial weight. In particular, this invention relates to an apparatus for movably joining two parts of a mannequin. The apparatus includes a first element having an arcuate surface and a second element having a convex surface and a magnetic portion. The second element is movably engageable with the first element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Anna Ehrsam
  • 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: 20110111672
    Abstract: A transformable toy which is transformed without any direct touching by a user, displays visual information that is invisible before the form of the toy is changed, and has a game element in addition to the form change is provided. A transformable toy reversibly transformed between a first form and a second form includes a toy main body which changes its form to form the first form and the second form, a restricting mechanism which restricts the form change of the toy main body, and a transformation activating body for detecting physical stimulation from outside and releasing the restriction by the restricting mechanism. The toy main body includes a display body having visual information thereon, and the display body is disposed at such a position that the visual information of the display body is invisible to a user in the first form while the visual information of the display body is visible to the user in the second form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: TOMY COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Tomoya Miyake
  • Publication number: 20110086573
    Abstract: A toy system with a body part insertable into a self-supported opening in a separate plastic piece self-supportable on a surface. The part frictionally engaging the piece with a protrusion projecting from one of the part or piece. Another part fits into the opening without engaging the piece and telescopes against a spring into the part engaging and picking up the piece upon release of the spring. An audible sound is produced upon inserting the part, releasing the spring, or both. Attaching the piece onto the part is done by placing the piece on a surface, positioning the biased parts over the opening with the lower proximate and pointed toward the opening, pushing down on the upper telescoping it over the lower and inserting the upper into the opening, then releasing the bias to move the two parts apart with the piece picked up by and retained on the upper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Leonard J. Stubenfoll, John K. Fertig
  • Publication number: 20110003529
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mannequin having one or more articulated joints capable of exhibiting a full range of motion and of supporting substantial weight. In particular, this invention relates to an apparatus for movably joining two parts of a mannequin. The apparatus includes a first element having an arcuate surface and a second element having a convex surface and a magnetic portion. The second element is movably engageable with the first element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Anna Ehrsam
  • Publication number: 20090170401
    Abstract: A toy system with a body part insertable into an opening substantially defined by a separate band, retains the band to accessorize playthings by pushing them into a separate piece bearing accessories on the outer surface. Retention is by frictional or magnetic engagement. For frictional engagement, resilient material is used. A separation in the band allows it to spread apart; a coupling may limit the extent of separation. Geometric shapes of the part and opening may be substantially the same or different, as long as there are at least two points of contact for frictional engagement. A second part fits into the opening without engaging the piece and telescopes against a spring into the part engaging the piece. Removal is facilitated by a component that receives the second part, but not the part engaging the piece. Chamfers on the part inserted into the opening and/or on the opening facilitate insertion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Leonard J. Stubenfoll
  • Patent number: 7325996
    Abstract: Forms for display of clothing and the like with magnetically attachable parts are provided. The magnetic joints comprise a magnetic assembly with a depth-of-pull sufficient to cause the attachable part to begin to pull toward the form at a distance preferably greater than one-half inch, preferably about one inch. Preferably the magnetic assembly has a depth-of-pull of at least about 120 gauss at a distance of one inch. A metallic plate is arranged in mating configuration with the magnetic assembly. Mating pins may be provided, as well as indexing pins. If the manikin is knocked over, or if the attached part is pulled or bumped, it will come loose rather than breaking off; and the mating parts are self-seeking in use, so that they will come together in proper orientation even when being mated beneath clothes. A bump to the manikin sufficient to overcome the on-contact strength of the magnetic attachment may not result in detachment of the limb because of the depth-of-pull strength of the magnetic assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Fusion Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Varner, James D. Barber, James Talaric
  • Patent number: 7270590
    Abstract: A toy doll may include a body supported by a skeletal structure including one or more joint assemblies. A joint assembly may include a pivot block further including a pivot stop, and a joint member rotatably coupled to the pivot block, the joint member further including a stop protrusion configured to engage the pivot stop upon rotation of the joint member in a predetermined direction, wherein engagement of the pivot stop prevents further rotation of the joint member in a predetermined direction, wherein the joint member is moveable through a predetermined range of motion transverse to the plane of rotation of the joint member, and wherein movement of the joint member transverse to the plane of rotation allows the stop protrusion to bypass the pivot stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon C. Marine, Joe Carl Ward, Elizabeth Libretti
  • Patent number: 7144179
    Abstract: Forms for display of clothing and the like with magnetically attachable parts are provided. The magnetic joints comprise a magnetic assembly with a depth-of-pull sufficient to cause the attachable part to begin to pull toward the form at a distance preferably greater than one-half inch, preferably about one inch. Preferably the magnetic assembly has a depth-of-pull of at least about 120 gauss at a distance of one inch. A metallic plate is arranged in mating configuration with the magnetic assembly. Mating pins may be provided, as well as indexing pins. If the manikin is knocked over, or if the attached part is pulled or bumped, it will come loose rather than breaking off; and the mating parts are self-seeking in use, so that they will come together in proper orientation even when being mated beneath clothes. A bump to the manikin sufficient to overcome the on-contact strength of the magnetic attachment may not result in detachment of the limb because of the depth-of-pull strength of the magnetic assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Fusion Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Varner, James D. Barber, James Talaric
  • Patent number: 7140945
    Abstract: An action toy consisting of a vertically mounted compression spring with a weighted top, and a means for preventing the base of the spring from bouncing away from the surface on which it is standing when the spring is compressed and released. The invention includes weighted projections extending horizontally and attached just below the top of the spring and clamps or weights on the base. It also includes a spring adjustment means on the base, a means of imbedding the ends of the springs, a means of indexing the top weight and the base weight with reference to each other and finger grips on the base. A piping of light weight non-attenuating material can be snaked around the coiled spring. A closure is added to the base and a filament is attached between the top of the spring and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Jay B. Dinhofer
  • Patent number: 6705794
    Abstract: Forms for display of clothing and the like with magnetically attachable parts are provided. The magnetic joints comprise a magnetic assembly with a depth-of-pull sufficient to cause the attachable part to begin to pull toward the form at a distance preferably greater than one-half inch, preferably about one inch. Preferably the magnetic assembly has a depth-of-pull of at least about 120 gauss at a distance of one inch. A metallic plate is arranged in mating configuration with the magnetic assembly. Mating pins may be provided, as well as indexing pins. If the manikin is knocked over, or if the attached part is pulled or bumped, it will come loose rather than breaking off; and the mating parts are self-seeking in use, so that they will come together in proper orientation even when being mated beneath clothes. A bump to the manikin sufficient to overcome the on-contact strength of the magnetic attachment may not result in detachment of the limb because of the depth-of-pull strength of the magnetic assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Fusion Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Varner, James D. Barber, James Talaric
  • Patent number: 6659315
    Abstract: Joints for joining together limb members of mannequins and forms, and methods of assembly of joints and mannequins are provided. The joints and mannequins of this invention provide natural anatomical shape and ease of assembly. This is accomplished using one or more assembly fixtures, located within or on a limb member to be joined, that contain elements of a locking mechanism to hold the limbs together and other elements for creating tension or friction between joined limb members. The assembly fixtures also comprise a disc (or tab) that provides a natural appearance to the joint and allows for ease of assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Fusion Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: James Talaric, James Barber, Richard Varner
  • Patent number: 6626730
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Jui Hsia Yu
  • Patent number: 6572432
    Abstract: A telescopic mascot includes a head core, a shoulder supporting the head core and a body having a pair of upright telescopic tube assemblies adapted to support the shoulder. Each of the upright telescopic tube assemblies has a plurality of tubes, slidable one in another, to allow the upright telescopic tube assembly to be variable in length between an elongated position and a shortened position, and the tubes are further spring-loaded so as to urge the upright telescopic tube assembly to the elongated position. In addition, a pair of retainers is formed on the lowest tubes and the shoulder is provided with a pair of pivotal hooks adapted to be locked with the retainers when the telescopic tube assemblies is adequately shortened, so as to retain the telescopic tube assemblies in their shortened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Chih-Cheng Tsai
  • Patent number: 6368178
    Abstract: A toy figure having an arm or leg incorporates an internal clicking sound-generating mechanism. For toy figures molded from deformable plastic material, the sound-generating mechanism is within an arm or leg of the toy, and includes first and second members relatively movably engageable with each other inside a closed chamber. A clicking sound is produced thereby, typically when the arm or leg is bent. The arm or leg is formed by an insert molding operation with the plastic material molded to shape completely around the sound-generating mechanism. For other toy figures, such as stuffed animals, the filling or stuffing surrounds the sound-generating mechanism, and the portions of the sound-generating mechanism that engage each other are arranged inside a closed chamber, or at least within an enclosure shaped to substantially exclude the filling or stuffing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Jakks Pacific, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Gregory Berman
  • Patent number: 6171169
    Abstract: A toy figure torso supports at least one pivotal arm together with a spring-loaded mechanism urging the arm toward pivotal motion in a forward direction. A spring is coupled to the arm and provides the urging force. A trigger and latch mechanism is supported within the torso of the toy figure and is operable by a push button supported at the torso rear. The mechanism includes a cooperating lock arm and a cam which engage to inhibit return motion when the toy figure arm is raised to the cocked position. Energy is stored in the spring which is released by activation of the push button allowing rapid forwardly pivoting motion of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff A. Saunders
  • Patent number: 6155904
    Abstract: A wrestling doll which functions as an exerciser for a boy playing with the doll and as a surrogate for a wrestling opponent. The doll is composed of a head joined by its neck to a torso from whose shoulder region extend a pair of articulated arm appendages and from whose groin region extends a pair of articulated leg appendages. The wrestling doll is stuffed with compressible material so that it may be comfortably grappled with by the boy player. The head of the doll is spring-biased to resist displacement as are each of the arm and leg appendages. Hence when a boy player free-style wrestles with the doll by manipulating the head as well as the leg and arm appendages, the player exerts various sets of muscles to do so, thereby promoting his general state of fitness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Donald Spector
  • Patent number: 6126509
    Abstract: A toy figure having an arm or leg incorporates an internal clicking sound-generating mechanism. For toy figures molded from deformable plastic material, the sound-generating mechanism is within an arm or leg of the toy, and includes first and second members relatively movably engageable with each other inside a closed chamber. A clicking sound is produced thereby, typically when the arm or leg is bent. The arm or leg is formed by an insert molding operation with the plastic material molded to shape completely around the sound-generating mechanism. For other toy figures, such as stuffed animals, the filling or stuffing surrounds the sound-generating mechanism, and the portions of the sound-generating mechanism that engage each other are arranged inside a closed chamber, or at least within an enclosure shaped to substantially exclude the filling or stuffing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Jakks Pacific, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Gregory Berman
  • Patent number: 6033284
    Abstract: Improvements in the form of articulated structures for dolls or puppet bodies are disclosed. The improvements include a structure or skeleton-like framework in which the various elements and members which comprise it are connected with one another at their ends by link connections which in combination with the structure of the referenced ends constitute ball and socket articulations. The link connections are formed by two spheres 8a connected by a radial appendix 8b, over which is injected the integrating material making up the semispherical catches 9, constructed in the ends of the elements or members of the skeleton-like framework. The improvements are applicable in the manfuacture of articulated structures for dolls which permit stable and voluntary positioning of their members or connecting parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Jose'Manuel Rodriguez Ferre
  • Patent number: 5800243
    Abstract: A toy figure having an arm or leg which is moulded from deformable plastic material and incorporates an internal clicking sound generating mechanism. The sound generating mechanism has a closed chamber and includes first and second members which are relatively movably engageable with each other inside the chamber for producing a clicking sound within the chamber upon relative movement where the arm or leg is bent. The arm or leg is formed by an insert moulding operation with the plastic material moulded to shape completely around the sound generating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Jakks Pacific, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen G. Berman
  • Patent number: 5580295
    Abstract: A toy figure having rotatable arms which protrude from the body of the figure. The arms are rotationally coupled to each other so that they have a limited mutual rotatability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: INTERLEGO AG
    Inventors: Frank Ruzskai, Bent Landling, Synn.o slashed.ve Vatakar
  • Patent number: 5380233
    Abstract: A toy figure includes a hollow body having coupling openings formed in its upper side walls and bottom wall, the openings having inwardly tapered conical faces with peripherally spaced longitudinal channels. A magnet slab housed in the body is sandwiched by yoke plates which closely confront each opening. A coupling member having a circular base section with a ribbed conical face engages each opening and includes an inner portion of magnetic material engaged by the yoke plates to releasably retain the coupling members in the openings. An arm is attached to each coupling member for angular movement about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the coupling member base section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Inventor: Kiyomi Numoto
  • Patent number: 5310378
    Abstract: The toy is transformable into two distinct open and closed conditions (O, C) through a body and appendages each of a fixed geometric shape mentioned to collectively present the image of an identifiable animate object in the open condition (O) and an image of an inanimate object in the form of a rounded structure in the closed condition (C) through hinges connecting the body and the appendages to permit controlled relative movement of the appendages both for transformation and play in either configuration. Fasteners are provided to hold the toy in the closed configuration defining the inanimate image and upon release to allow the appendages to open relative to the body to define the open configuration and animate image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Inventor: Suel G. Shannon
  • Patent number: 5045015
    Abstract: A doll having a pair of mechanically driven legs for enabling the doll to move over a surface when held in an upright position. The doll includes a body portion for housing and supporting various elements of the doll. A pair of leg members are mounted on the body portion and extend therefrom for movement with respect to the body portion. A drive mechanism is drivingly connected to the leg members for moving the leg members with respect to the body portion and with respect to each other, such that the doll moves over a surface when held in an upright position. The doll includes a pair of feet positioned which are biased such that when the doll moves over a surface only the toe portions of the feet contact the surface. Additionally, the left arm and head member are drivingly connected to the drive mechanism such that when the leg members move, the head member and left arm member pivotally reciprocate with respect to the body portion to provide the doll with a ballerina-like fluidic motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Tyco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Avi Arad, Janos Beny, Berne E. Danielson
  • Patent number: 5024611
    Abstract: A doll support apparatus including a ferromagnetic base having an upwardly facing support surface for receiving the bottom surface of a doll foot device incorporating a magnetic insert which, when supported on such surface, is disposed in close proximity to the ferromagnetic base to thereby maintain the doll in an erect position. The foot device may be in the form of a foot having a magnetic insert embedded directly there into or may be in the form of a removable shoe having the magnetic insert embedded therein. The foot or shoe may incorporate a hinge element which incorporates a releasable lock for locking the shoe or foot in selected different positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventors: Douglas W. Eckerle, Frank P. Sainburg
  • Patent number: 4952189
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Gordon Barlow Design
    Inventor: Gordon A. Barlow
  • Patent number: 4790789
    Abstract: A toy figure is provided with joints having adjustable mobility. Threadably movable rings provided at each joint are used to limit the degree of associated limb movement, and ball sockets are provided with integral stops to control directional movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Inventor: Michael S. Mathis
  • Patent number: 4762513
    Abstract: A reconfigurable walking toy which may be operated by turning a control knob which activates a gear mechanism within the toy used to move the leg members of the toy in order to simulate a walking action. The toy has two leg members, each having upper and lower leg members. The two upper leg members are rotatably engaged to a hollow body. Each of the two lower leg members is rotatably engaged to one of the upper leg members. The toy is supported by foot members which rotatably engage the bottom ends of the lower leg members. The gear mechanism features two sector gears which are rotatably mounted to the hollow body of the toy. The sector gears are driven by a pinion gear attached to a gear shaft. A control knob is used to rotate the shaft. Rotation of the knob back and forth causes one leg member to stride forward followed by the other leg member, simulating a walking movement of the toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Terence A. Choy, Harold A. Hartleben, Jaime Serna
  • Patent number: 4750895
    Abstract: A reconfigurable toy assembly which is capable of transforming into six different forms, such as a robotic humanfold form, a gun form, a jet plane form, an automobile form, an armored car form and a puma form, by changing positions of movable toy components is disclosed. The toy assembly having a base member constituting a trunk portion of the robotic humanoid form, a robotic head member, a pair of arm members, a pair of leg members, a pair of front wing members, a pair of rear wing members, a pair of hand members and at least one head member of another form such as the puma form. When configured into one particular form, the toy assembly is capable of containing the components used for the other forms within the movable components used for the particular form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Assignee: Takara Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Muneyoshi Shinohara, Yoshio Suzuki, Takashi Kunihiro
  • Patent number: 4680019
    Abstract: A toy figure includes a hollow torso. The arms of the figure are each provided with a ball having a shank extending inwardly therefrom. At the free end of the shank is a disk that is received in an arcuate slot formed by first and second pairs of ribs. The first pair of ribs function to retain the disk so that the ball of each arm is pulled against a beveled annular seat formed in the torso, whereas the second pair of ribs are sufficiently resilient so that they frictionally engage the disk to hold the disk in various positions when the arm with which the disk is associated is swung into various angular positions, thereby retaining the arm in whatever posed relation it has been moved into.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Kenner Parker Toys Inc.
    Inventors: Philip M. Baerenwald, Phillip G. Reed
  • Patent number: 4673373
    Abstract: A toy block constructed into one geometrically regular block formed from at least two nestingly interengagingly configured three-dimensional components having adjacent pairs of couplers interconnected by a generally H-shaped unitary hinge, the hinge having first and second opposing sides with an interconnecting web and a transversely extending plate portion. The sides are provided with axially aligned pairs of inwardly extending pivot stub projections. The plate portion includes a pair of oppositely extending, generally resilient, aligned catch arms with depending tangs which engage detents formed between the couplers for retaining the components in preferred position. The blocks may form humanoid objects, quadrupeds, or articles such as vehicles or furniture, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Assignee: Mattel Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Herring, Lawrence C. Wang
  • Patent number: 4623317
    Abstract: A metamorphic radio-controlled traveling toy having a traveling element; a leg element; a torso element; a pair of arm elements; and a head element. The traveling element includes a radio receiving unit and a drive and moving unit. The leg element is pivotably attached to the traveling element such that it can perform standing-up and falling-down shape-changing actions. The torso element is slidably attached to the leg element. The arm elements are slidably and rotatably attached to the torso element using cylindrical sleeve-type connecting mechanisms for providing different stop positions of the arm elements during rotational movement and for providing sliding movement of the arm elements away from and to the torso element. The head element is slidably attached to the torso element such that it can be embedded in the torso element in one position and extended from the torso in another position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Assignee: Shinsei Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiaki Nagano
  • Patent number: 4606618
    Abstract: A pair of binoculars which is convertible to a toy robot. The binoculars have a body to which leg tubes are attached, each leg tube having an ocular lens inserted in one end and an objective lens inserted in a second end. A focusing device is also attached to the body and is used to focus the lenses to sharply view a desired object. To convert the binoculars into a toy robot, hinged body frames on the binocular body rotate outward to form arms and the leg tubes are extendable to form legs. A cover over the torsion spring connecting the two halves of the body, rotates away from the body to form the robot's head. An upper set of notches and a lower set of notches along the outer parameter of the leg tubes are used to fit the body frame ends into and hold the toy in either the binocular form or the robot form and set of notches are used to insert the body frame ends to hold the toy in the binocular form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1986
    Assignee: ARCO Industries
    Inventor: Steven E. Geller
  • Patent number: 4555237
    Abstract: A toy has a body with a fly wheel rotatably mounted in the body. First and second appendages are rotatably mounted to the body and are connected to the fly wheel by a gear train. Further, a member is movably mounted on the body. When the member is in a first position the gear train is connected between the fly wheel and the appendages to move the appendages and propel the toy in a walking-like manner across a support surface. When the member is in a second position on the body the gear train is disrupted, the body is flipped so as to rest on the fly wheel, and the body is then rolled by the fly wheel across a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Assignee: Tomy Kogyo Company, Incorporated
    Inventor: Teruo Nikaido
  • Patent number: 4530671
    Abstract: A toy figure having a head with an elongated neck and skull, and a body having an orifice for slideably receiving the neck so that the neck can extend from and retract within the body. The outward movement of the neck is limited by a stop member and guided by a tab and slot. The skull has a heavy portion which is eccentrically positioned with respect to the axis of the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1985
    Assignee: L.J.N. Toys, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mel Mednick, Karyn Weiss