Formed From Specific Material Patents (Class 446/385)
  • Patent number: 6439953
    Abstract: A three-dimensional built-up toy with freely connectable bases mainly includes at least one base in the form of a flat piece having a plurality of insertion slots formed thereon, and at least one figure and a plurality of matching decorations formed on and removable from the at least one base. The at least one figure and the plurality of matching decorations are integrally provided at lower ends with connecting sections adapted to insert into any of the insertion slots on the at least one base to hold the figure and the decorations to the at least one base in an upright position. The at least one base is provided along peripheral edges with coupling means. Two or more of the bases could be connected together to provide a large flat plane by engaging the coupling means on different bases with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Kuo-Ching Liu
  • Publication number: 20020111114
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a baby doll gift set comprised of component gift items which, when assembled, are sized and shaped so as to resemble a human infant. A baby doll gift assembly comprises essential component items of this set. Flexible, elongate, cylindrically shaped gift items are transversely inserted through a centralized elastic fabric sleeve to simulate infant appendages. At least one gift item sized and shaped so as to resemble an infant torso is longitudinally sandwiched between the cylindrically shaped gift items inside the elastic fabric sleeve to simulate an infant torso. A spherically shaped gift item is inserted spatially superior to the arm-simulative gift item to simulate an infant head. The resulting baby doll gift assembly may then be further accessorized as desired to complete the baby doll gift set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Beth G. Horsfall, Walter S. Horsfall
  • Patent number: 6425795
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a baby doll gift set comprised of component gift items which, when assembled, are sized and shaped so as to resemble a human infant. A baby doll gift assembly comprises essential component items of this set. Flexible, elongate, cylindrically shaped gift items are transversely inserted through a centralized elastic fabric sleeve to simulate infant appendages. At least one gift item sized and shaped so as to resemble an infant torso is longitudinally sandwiched between the cylindrically shaped gift items inside the elastic fabric sleeve to simulate an infant torso. A spherically shaped gift item is inserted spatially superior to the arm-simulative gift item to simulate an infant head. The resulting baby doll gift assembly may then be further accessorized as desired to complete the baby doll gift set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventors: Beth G. Horsfall, Walter S. Horsfall
  • Patent number: 6390882
    Abstract: A decorative-article structure made from winding metallic wires and being rotatable under solar energy, it includes a specifically designed main body formed by winding metallic wires, and includes a solar energy board and a motor at proper positions on the main body, a decorative housing covers the motor, the housing is glued with a patterned sticker formed by laser. When the solar energy board absorbs light source and supplies power for the motor, the motor will drive housing to rotate, the laser formed sticker on the top of the housing will reflect light to generate various colors, the metallic main body will generate vibrations during activating of the motor, and create the feature of extremely interesting visual sensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Chang
  • Publication number: 20010034178
    Abstract: A compressible figure form which includes an air permeable skin and a compressible resilient foam core, wherein the compressible resilient foam core includes resilient mechanical means within a cavity within said core. The resilient mechanical means is comprised of a material or configuration of material which is both more resistant to compression than the foam core and more resilient to expansion than the foam core. Thus, the compressible figure can be readily compacted by compression thereof into a compact form. Unlike traditional compressible figure forms, the release of the compressive forces thereon results in a rapid and unexpected expansion of the mechanical means within the figure, and thereby the full extension of the figure form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: Donald Spector
  • Patent number: 6299501
    Abstract: An apparatus for satisfying the non-nutritive sucking needs of infants, especially medically compromised infants, which includes an infant's pacifier holder near one end of a wand-like structure; wherein the pacifier holder comprises a two-piece tab-flap fastener for holding the pacifier to the wand; wherein the wand-like structure is formed on a non-toxic, non-allergenic, elastomeric material which is easily cleaned and will not harbor infectious germs or viruses, and wherein the wand-like structure can take the form of an adorable toy animal such as an otter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Therese Anthony Lynch
  • Patent number: 6264526
    Abstract: A resilient covering houses an air filled coiled flexible stuffing material maintaining the shape of the covering in the form of a stuffed toy. Applying a force to the stuffed toy distorts the shape of the stuffing material changing the air content to change the shape of the stuffed toy. Releasing the force permits the stuffing material to resume its original shape and air content, restoring the shape of the stuffed toy. An elongated insert, normally coiled and straightenable by snapping the ends, is inserted in one embodiment for a roll-up stuffed toy which can be snapped into a rigid straight configuration. Another embodiment with an elasticized covering enables the stuffed toy to be stretched. Mating hook and loop fasteners at the extremities enable the stuffed toy to be stretched around objects and secured in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Donald W. Meeker
  • Patent number: 6261146
    Abstract: A package containing a humanoid or animal-like figure or other shaped object whose body is formed of open-cell, flexible-foam plastic material which when compressed then expels air therefrom to cause the body to shrink so that it can be stuffed into a small container. When the body is removed from the container it then inhales air to assume its normal full scale form. To enhance the shrinkability of the body so that it can be stuffed into a smaller container, dispersed throughout the flexible-foam body are air pockets that are much larger than the open cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Donald Spector
  • Patent number: 6234858
    Abstract: Deformable foam toys and puzzles. Novel resilient foam puzzles can be removed from puzzle form and converted into a three dimensional objects, such as toy foam animals. The objects preferably include interchangeable parts, and more preferably include articulating appendages which are interchangeably attachable to a body portion at pivot structures that are affixed to, or which extend thru, the body portions. Preferably, pivot structures are formed by resilient foam pivot pins having deformable retaining caps at opposing ends thereof, which, in the case of foam animals, serve to retain articulating limbs. Alternately, a hex-shaped socket aperture defined by a wall edge portion is provided as a joint socket in one or more of the limbs, and a parallepiped, and preferably an elongated rectangular shoulder pin or hip pin is provided for displaceable frictional engagement with the hex shaped socket to articulate the limbs to desired positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Jon O. Nix
  • Patent number: 6220922
    Abstract: An inanimate figure having soft, resiliently deformable skin defining a body and limbs, at least one of the limbs housing an articulating limb structure comprising at least two substantially rigid limb frame members joined by at least one articulating joint disposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: C. J. Associates, Ltd.
    Inventors: James S. W. Lee, Chiu-Keung Kwan
  • Patent number: 6217406
    Abstract: A wire skeleton for a soft sculptured doll comprised of a wire backbone member that extends into the head of the doll and secures within an upward extending sleeve of an inverted t-shaped connector and a unshaped wire that extends through the two sleeves in the horizontal portion of the t-shaped connector to form the leg members of the doll's skeleton. The unshaped wire freely rotates within the t-shaped connector, allowing the leg members to rotate in unison forward and backward on the doll. Also, backbone member and each of the leg members can be bent to pose the doll. Dolls are formed around the wire skeleton by padding the skeleton; placing covering material, such as leotards and lady's knee-high stockings, over the padding; and then securing the covering material together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Shawna Dan'iel Ross
  • Patent number: 6193577
    Abstract: An alternative medicine elements package in which a soft sculpture doll having a body portion and at least two arm-like appendages attached to the body portion includes a magnet in each of the arm-like appendages and a copper strip that extends through the body portion and into each of the arm-like appendages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Mira S. Kaplan
  • Patent number: 6174216
    Abstract: A resilient elastic toy figure body supports a quartet of downwardly extending legs and a pair of heads outwardly facing from each end of the toy figure body. The stretchy elastic material body defines an interior cavity within which a particulate filler is captivated. Each head is securely attached to its respective end of the toy figure body. A relatively inelastic limiter cord is secured to each head and passes through the particulate filler of the toy figure body. As the stretchable body is elongated during play activity, the limiter cord reaches its full extension and further elongation which might damage the toy figure is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Chianese
  • Patent number: 6089950
    Abstract: A toy figure having multiple articulating limbs connected to the torso by pivot joints that are molded in a vertical injection molding step that forms and pivotally interconnects, in situ, one member of the pivot joint to a second, pre-formed member of the pivot joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: C. J. Associates, Ltd.
    Inventors: James S. W. Lee, Chiu Keung Kwan
  • Patent number: 6030271
    Abstract: A baby doll whose torso is defined by a fabric bag having a pair of arm openings, a pair of leg openings and a neck opening. Coupled to the arm openings and extending therefrom are hollow, flexible-plastic arms, coupled to the leg openings and extending therefrom are hollow, flexible-plastic legs, while mounted above the neck opening is a hollow, flexible-plastic head having a neck coupled to the neck opening whereby the arms, legs and head are articulated from the torso bag. Enclosed within the bag is an inflatable bladder which when inflated, erects the torso. The bag is formed of an outer fabric shell having a relatively thick inner liner formed by a layer of soft batting whereby the torso is exceptionally soft to the touch and the baby doll simulates the feel of a real baby not only in regard to the torso, but also with respect to the hollow arm and leg appendages and the head, all of which are soft and compressible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Michael Pietrafesa
  • Patent number: 6012963
    Abstract: A system of colored, scented dolls is provided each constructed from a molded vinyl with a coloring substance and a scenting substance mixed therewith. The vinyl is molded in the form of a human, wherein the coloring substance and scenting substance are combined together in combinations selected from the group of combinations including red and cherry, green and lime, orange and orange, yellow and lemon, and purple and grape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: Lena M. Lee
  • Patent number: 5989095
    Abstract: A decorative combination of component bags representing the head, torso, two arms, and two legs of a festive, seasonal, holiday, or non-holiday figure is provided. Each of the bags is comprised of a bag member formed of a flexible waterproof material and has an initially open end. The initially open end is for receiving filler material. A closing means is provided for closing the initially open ends of the component bags. The bags may have fanciful indicia for representing festive, seasonal, holiday, or non-holiday figures. Once assembled, the figure resembles a costumed male or female human, is substantially human-proportioned, and preferably has articulable appendages. The components of the figure may also be supplied in a kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Sun Hill Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Wotton
  • Patent number: 5981005
    Abstract: A decorated animal having the trunk of said animal simulated by a piece of carpeting folded with the side containing the fibers on the outside of the folded carpet to simulate the trunk of an animal. One or more appendages are attached to the carpeting to represent heads, necks, arms, legs, and tails. And one or more additional appendages are connect to the appendages to simulate ears; manes; eyes; beaks; noses; and heads, when a neck has been attached to the carpet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Robert C. Schiess
  • Patent number: 5975981
    Abstract: A method of making a fibrous doll, in particular a raffia doll, is disclosed that uses an internal support structure so that each doll as constructed will be essentially identical in form. The internal support structure comprises a lower conical form, a central shaft and a spherical member. The spherical member defines the head portion of the doll and the central shaft extends between the spherical member and the lower conical form to define the height of the doll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Dennis M. Crouthamel
  • Patent number: 5962572
    Abstract: Oriented gels aliened by controlled stretching during the gel's transition from a heated, extremely viscous, non melting, non flowing state and the cooled solid gel state produces strong gels which are found to have greater tensile strength than gels of the same rigidity which have not been stretched to a selected degree during its heating and cooling histories. Gels which are selectively stretched during its (non melt flowing) heated state and rapidly cooled by flowing air, cold liquid bath or in contact with a cool surface exhibit optical birefringence when viewed under plane-polarized light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Applied Elastomerics, Inc.
    Inventor: John Y. Chen
  • Patent number: 5961363
    Abstract: A package housing a humanoid or animal-like figure, or other shaped object such as a miniature automobile, formed of porous, compressible material which when compressed to expel the air therefrom then assumes a shrunken state. The shrunken object is stuffed into the cavity of a small container having a form thematically related to the object stuffed therein. When the container is opened and the object released therefrom, the object inhales air to assume its normal full scale size and shape. Embedded in the object is a sound-producing electronic unit which when the object is agitated, then generates audible sounds appropriate to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Donald Spector
  • Patent number: 5954561
    Abstract: A play material container includes a base having an interior cavity, a sidewall and a cookie-cutter edge defining a predetermined shape. A lid is configured to be snap-fitted upon the base to provide container closure. An extrusion die is formed in the container base sidewall which is capped by a resiliently supported cap secured to the container lid. The container lid defines an upper surface supporting a plurality of open face press molds. The cookie-cutter shape, the press mold elements, and the extrusion die aperture are preferably coordinated in accordance with a common theme such as a food article or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory M. Cannone
  • Patent number: 5934969
    Abstract: A model kit for creating replicas of animals comprises a mold into which a casting material is placed to generate the chosen animal-like form. Components simulating internal organs of the creature are assembled and placed within the mold prior to casting, whereby they are embedded in the casting material. One or more of the components may simulate selected soft tissue organs or groups of organs, and may be of a bladder-like construction, allowing it to be filled with a liquid. The casting material sets to a thick gel-like consistency, allowing the material to be excised from about the internal organ components, whereby the user can "dissect" the creature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Rehkemper ID, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven F. Rehkemper, Jeffrey G. Rehkemper
  • Patent number: 5913708
    Abstract: A method making a toy, doll, or mannequin wherein a relatively rigid core is covered with an elastic skin. The skin is bonded to the core in some areas but not others. This creates an expansible, variable volume pressurizable space between the core and the skin so that the skin may expand relative to the core to simulate weight gain or change of muscle tone. The method comprises selecting and/or treating the core so that only certain parts adhere to the skin-forming material, covering the core with a curable, skin-forming coating and allowing the material to form the skin that, after inflation, assumes a different size and/or shape than the core and thus simulates weight gain, change of muscle tone or other significant change of shape and appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventor: Flora Geane Gross
  • Patent number: 5813895
    Abstract: A toy simulates a realistic hatching from an egg of an animal-like figure. Two halves of a plastic egg-shaped shell are joined by a liquid-soluble adhesive. Liquid can enter into liquid channels in the shell to dissolve the adhesive, "hatching" the figure in the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Deborah A. Cho
  • Patent number: 5733170
    Abstract: A decorative combination of component bags representing the torso, head, two arms and two legs of a festive, seasonal, holiday, or non-holiday figure is provided. Each of the bags is comprised of a bag member formed of a flexible waterproof material and preferably formed having a presealed end and an initially open end opposite the presealed end. The initially open end is for receiving filler material. The pre-sealed end of the head bag is shaped such that the head bag assumes a generally spherical shape once filled with filler material. The pre-sealed end of the torso bag is shaped such that the torso bag assumes a generally cylindrical shape once filled with filler material. The pre-sealed ends of the two arm bags and two leg bags are shaped such that the arm bags and leg bags assume a generally elongate cylindrical shape once filled with filler material. A closing means is provided for closing the initially open ends of the component bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Sun Hill Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Wotton
  • Patent number: 5727979
    Abstract: A craft kit for children having minimal craft skills, making it possible for a child to create a toy figure, such as a miniature dinosaur, and to decorate this figure. Included in the kit is a collapsible cloth casing which when erected then assumes the shape of the desired figure, and a rubber balloon which is inserted in a deflated state into the casing through an opening therein. The cloth casing is impregnated with a curable resin and the balloon inflated to erect the casing so that it assumes the shape of the figure whereby when the resin cures, the casing is then rigidified to create the toy figure. The balloon is then deflated and withdrawn from the figure which may then be painted or otherwise decorated by the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Donald Spector
  • Patent number: 5639245
    Abstract: A teaching tool for teaching consumers and, in particular, children the benefits of recycling. In one embodiment, a teaching tool in accordance with the present invention comprises an object (for example, a toy) and a package for the object, wherein the package comprises a source material which may be recycled, and the object is manufactured at least in part from recycled source material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Post-Consumer Products
    Inventors: Geraldine B. McMains, Manny Greenfield
  • Patent number: 5630745
    Abstract: A figure configured in the shape of human or animal with multiple repositionable parts is disclosed. The figure is made of two kinds of soft resilient materials, one is of extra softness to be placed in the joint areas; the other is of average softness to be placed in all other areas. Coated on the surface of the figure is rubber or rubber-like resilient material which can be textured and colored. Running through the torso and various parts of the figure are single or multiple internal flexible wires or braided wires. Rigid bars are bonded to the internal flexible wires or braided wires in the nonflexible parts. By protruding rigid bars into a joint from both proximal and distal aspects of joint, and not bonding protruded parts of rigid bars to the internal flexible wires, one can restrict direction and range of the bendability of the joint. A coil encases the internal flexible wires or braided wires within the repositionable joints to extend the life of the internal flexible wires or braided wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Inventor: Hsu-Chong Yeh
  • Patent number: 5577947
    Abstract: A scented ink composition and method of printing are employed in applying a scented ink image to a novelty item. The scented ink composition comprises printing ink and concentrated fragrant oils mixed and used in flexographic printing of sheeting used to make balloons or to print images on novelty items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Betallic, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene Malloy, Maureen Day, Frank Fundaro, Lance Cvancara
  • Patent number: 5549500
    Abstract: An animalian figurine (10) has an outer covering (11) which contains a body of plant life nutrient material (13) and a bed of plant seeds (14). The plant seeds are positioned adjacent a scalp portion (16) of the covering so that the grass stalks sprouting therefrom grow through a scalp portion to simulate hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Bob Kennedy
    Inventor: Ron Manoah
  • Patent number: 5518436
    Abstract: A stretchable toy figure which preferably has the ability to be altered from a first, unposable state to a second, posable state by reducing the pressure on the interior of the toy figure. The reduced pressure can also preferably alter the appearance of the toy figure. A manifold assembly for reducing the pressure on the interior of a toy figure includes two one-way valves. A valve through which air may be removed from the interior of the manifold includes a knob adapted to be associated with a device for reducing pressure. A second valve, when opened by a switch, allows air to enter the interior of the manifold when the pressure therein is below ambient pressure. The toy figure can alternatively utilize a single, two-way valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Cap Toys Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce D. Lund, Robert H. Yeager
  • Patent number: 5515592
    Abstract: A method of making a doll having an image impregnated thereon is disclosed comprising the steps of obtaining the image, forming an altered image that is substantially similar to the original image, copying the altered image onto heat transfer paper using a copying machine, applying the altered image from the heat transfer paper onto material, and constructing the doll with the material. A color laser copier is used to form the altered image and to make a copy of the altered image onto heat transfer paper. In particular, the color laser copier is used to reduce or expand the size of the original image, and, in addition, the mirror image function of the copier is used to copy a mirror image of the original image onto the heat transfer paper. As a result, when the altered image, namely the reduced or enlarged mirror image, is applied from the heat transfer paper onto the material which is used to make the doll, the altered image is properly shown on the doll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Kimberley A. Mills
  • Patent number: 5506013
    Abstract: A resilient solid foam object which has a part of its outer surface scribed with a series of connected cuts. These cuts communicate with the interior of the foam object. The cuts are arranged to allow the foam object to be turned inside out and are shaped to form a three dimensional structure within the solid foam object. The three dimensional object is displayed upon turning the solid foam object inside out. Also described is a method for making these novel foam objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: Yuris E. Lesnik
  • Patent number: 5497543
    Abstract: A doll making method. The method of the present invention includes the steps of forming ribbon material (10) into a plurality of first loops (32) disposed on opposite sides of a first gathered portion (34) of the ribbon material (10), and then folding the ribbon material (10) proximate the first gathered portion (34) whereby the first loops (32) are adjacently disposed so as to define a skirt-like configuration. The remaining ribbon material (10) is then formed into a plurality second loops (40) which are disposed on opposite sides of a second gathered portion (42) of ribbon material so as to produce first and second oppositely disposed wing-like portions (36, 38). The first and second gathered portions (34, 42) of ribbon material (10) are then secured together and a head member (50) is secured to the ribbon material (10) proximate the first and second gathered portions (34, 42) of ribbon material (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventors: D. Lea Cavender, Tina L. B. Slater
  • Patent number: 5491007
    Abstract: The invention is in the field of three-dimensional hollow novelty items and their manufacture, particularly items such as artificial pumpkins that the consumer desires to carve or alter after purchase. Disclosed is a carvable novelty article, such as an artificial Halloween pumpkin, comprising a polyurethane shell substantially surrounding an interior volume and having a thin, elastomeric coating, such as an acrylic, on the exterior surface of the shell. The carvable article can be formed by an inventive process in which polyurethane foam material, such as material having a nominal density of about 2.5-3.0 pounds per cubic foot, is sprayed from a nozzle rotating with respect to the inside of a mold. After the polyurethane foam article and the mold are separated, the article is coated with an elastomeric coating, such as an acrylic material that is applied as a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Chapman
  • Patent number: 5489231
    Abstract: A stuffed animal for providing tactile and audio stimulation to an individual. The inventive device includes a stuffed animal formed of a plurality of disparate materials, with each material corresponding to a particular portion of the body such that a blind person can effect dressing and undressing of the figure for learning purposes. An audio recorder and player is provided within the stuffed animal for instructing the individual and for selectively recording audio messages as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventor: Debbie Leyser
  • Patent number: 5397609
    Abstract: The invention is in the field of three-dimensional hollow novelty items and their manufacture, particularly items such as artificial pumpkins that the consumer desires to carve or alter after purchase. Disclosed is a carvable novelty article, such as an artificial Hallo-ween pumpkin, comprising a polyurethane shell substantially surrounding an interior volume and having a thin, elastomeric coating, such as an acrylic, on the exterior surface of the shell. The carvable article can be formed by an inventive process in which polyurethane foam material, such as material having a nominal density of about 2.5-3.0 pounds per cubic foot, is sprayed from a nozzle rotating with respect to the inside of a mold. After the polyurethane foam article and the mold are separated, the article is coated with an elastomeric coating, such as an acrylic material that is applied as a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Chapman
  • Patent number: 5367986
    Abstract: A chew toy for dogs comprises a plurality of threads of soft pliable material having a knot tightly formed therein and a skirt of a soft durable material disposed about a portion of the threads. The skirt is secured within the knot with the threads disposed throughout the skirt and projecting therefrom. The skirt is closed about the threads so as to secure the threads in place within the skirt. A second portion of the threads projects from the knot on a side thereof opposite from the skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Booda Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony O'Rourke, M. William Perel, Kimberley Ammons
  • Patent number: 5338245
    Abstract: A giant gummy bear is provided which consists of a pre-molded stretchable bladder in a shape of a bear with a check valve for filling gelatin solution into the bladder. A nylon cloth skin with a bear face is placed about the bladder, so as to simulate a large gummy bear candy. In a first modification the bladder is transparent and the gelatin solution has colored glitter particles therein, so that the nylon cloth skin can be eliminated. In a second modification the nose has an aperture therethrough to the check valve, so that a pump nozzle can be inserted to allow the gelatin solution to be inserted into the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventors: Stefan D. Murza, George Spector
  • Patent number: 5322465
    Abstract: For maximizing creative play, a hand puppet kit includes a sock-like body member formed of a flexible material to have a hand receiving opening at one end thereof. The kit also includes a separate sheet of flexible material together with at least one pattern for creating a piece in a predetermined shape from the separate sheet of flexible material. With these features, the hand puppet kit further includes at least one portion of a hook and loop fastener to be secured to the piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Div. of Plastic Specialties & Tech. Inc. Ozite Company
    Inventor: David P. McGill
  • Patent number: 5308546
    Abstract: The phosphorescent toy gel composition is produced by suspending phosphorescent particles in an aqueous solution, thickened with guar gum and crosslinked by a borate compound. The method for manufacturing the phosphorescent gel composition comprises, in one aspect, the steps of providing a water-based solution with a borate ion-containing compound dissolved in the water, providing guar gum and phosphorescent particles suspended and dispersed in propylene glycol, and mixing the water-based solution and the propylene glycol dispersion in a proportion to provide a phosphorescent gel composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Glow-Tec
    Inventors: Gary L. Hansen, Richard E. Trapp, Robert B. Clay
  • Patent number: 5273476
    Abstract: A toy whose entertainment value is altered when placed in water includes an outer package dissolvable in water which has an inner, sealed compartment to hide at least one novelty item therein. The outer package is comprised of a water soluble material which is sufficiently opaque to preclude visual inspection of any item disposed within the compartment, and in the preferred embodiment, is comprised of two sheets of such a material bonded together about their peripheral edge by a water soluble binding agent. The package has an outer peripheral edge or silhouette, generally corresponds in shape to the object, character, animal, animate or inanimate, etc., which is depicted on either or both exterior surfaces of the package. The novelty item(s) held within the compartment are made from a material, such as plastic, metal, etc., which is non-expandable when the package is placed in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Inventor: Alan Dorfman
  • Patent number: 5257955
    Abstract: A figurine in the form of a doll or a doll's head is provided for displaying human baby teeth. The head includes an open mouth having a groove in the lower portion thereof. The human baby teeth are received in the groove and are held in place by epoxy. In addition, a cavity may be provided on the top portion of the doll's head for receiving human baby hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Inventor: Deborah S. Jones
  • Patent number: 5233845
    Abstract: A decorative, detailed three-dimensional, sculptured jewelry is described, which is worn either directly on a person's body, clothing, or otherwise via an adhesive layer. The jewelry includes a sculptured three-dimensional predetermined ornamental design on its front side having a substantially flat surface on its back. The design has peaks and impressions with varying elevations to create true, detailed sculptured results. There is an adhesive applied to the flat surface of the ornamental design. The adhesive is protected before its use by a removable, peelable non-adhesive layer that attaches to the back of the ornamental design over the applied adhesive. The ornamental design is created from nonconductive, plastic material. The ornamental design is attached, to the area of the user's preference, by removing the peelable protective layer from the adhesive coating on the flat side of the ornament and pressing the adhesive against the preferred surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Inventor: Bruce M. D'Andrade
  • Patent number: 5234370
    Abstract: A doll supports a quantity of rooted hair fabricated to provide a posable or cold setting characteristic. The posable hair is formed of an amorphous thermoplastic material preferably having a high molecular weight in a compound including plasticizers, heat stabilizers and lubricants. The material is formed to provide a combination of glass transition temperature characteristic and hardness to produce the cold setting or posable quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Wallace Shapero, John Sneddon
  • Patent number: 5205776
    Abstract: A figure toy having a body and a head with a plurality of flat artifical hair fibers [6] on said head. The cross section of the artifical flat hair fibers has the largest dimention [4] between 0.01 in. and 0.25 in. and preferably between 0.01 in. and 0.1 in. Flat fibers can be utilized for artificial hair for toy dolls and various other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventor: Carole A. Lenz
  • Patent number: 5195917
    Abstract: A method for relieving tension, and a stress-relief doll figure for practicing the method. A doll is provided representing a source of stress, such as a television sports referee. The doll has a torso, legs, arms and a head each removably attached by means of Velcro such that the limbs and head can be selectively torn off in repsonse to an action of the source of stress, such as a "bad call", and subsequently replaced. A method and means for relieving tension in a satisfying manner are thus provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignees: Mary Russell, Cheryle Karnikis
    Inventors: Mary Russell, Cheryle Karnikis
  • Patent number: 5180325
    Abstract: A poseable hair strand for a toy doll includes a ductile and formable center core fiber and an outer casing on the center core fiber. The center core fiber preferably includes a multifilament yarn fiber which is impregnated with a relatively soft formable paraffinic wax material, and the outer casing preferably includes a plurality of multifilament yarn fibers which are substantially unimpregnated with the wax material and formed in a tubular braid configuration around the core fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred D. Eddins, Maureen Patterson
  • Patent number: 5171151
    Abstract: A generally circular floating base includes a support surface for receiving a quantity of soap foam to form a sculpted foam body. A plurality of lightweight play elements having different shapes and configurations are partially embedded by the child user within the foam body to enhance the appearance of the sculpted foam and provide a variety of appearance functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Barthold