Formed From Specific Material Patents (Class 446/385)
  • Patent number: 5149291
    Abstract: A system for constructing a variety of moving toys from flexible sheet material uses the vibrations of a loudspeaker to move the toy. The toy is provided in the form of an elongate strip that is assembled into the complete toy by simply bending the strip along its long axis into a generally cylindrical shape and fastening together. The strip has a top portion defining one or more animate or inanimate objects, an intermediate portion for fastening the assembled toy together and a bottom portion with parallel ribbons or strips extending downward. When assembled into the cylindrical shape, the toy is self-supporting and rests upon the ribbons. When a box with an open side is applied with the open side against a loudspeaker, music will vibrate the top of the box. When the toy is on the box, it will move or dance to the music. When the ribbons extend downward at a slanting angle, the toy will rotate in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Inventors: Jack E. Di Franco, Alvin S. Blum
  • Patent number: 5142803
    Abstract: A system includes a control station for remotely controlling an animated character. Radio frequencies are used to transfer audio, video and other control signals to the animated character to provide speech, hearing, vision and practically any movement in real-time. A camera is used in the head of the animated character, and microphones are used in its ears to provide vision and hearing to a monitoring operator at the control station. A speaker is co-located with the animated character to generate sound from the operator. Servo control units are included within the animated character to provide a plurality of body movements. Other aspects of the animated character includes a multi-layer skin composite to make it appear more life-like, and an audio driver circuit for controlling the mouth of the animated character in proportion to the level of an audio signal generated at the control station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Semborg-Recrob, Corp.
    Inventor: Victor H. Lang
  • Patent number: 5133683
    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: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Inventor: Alan Dorfman
  • Patent number: 5123870
    Abstract: The doll is formed by outlining a desired feature with an adhesive such as either a meltable, fuser thread or a sheet of fuser material with cutouts in the shape of the desired feature between a stretchable front and a non-stretchable rear piece of fabric. Soft material is inserted between the two sheets within the feature such as through the top of the U-shaped nose opening and through a slit in the rear piece of fabric behind the mouth. The mouth can also be formed by satin-like stitches. The lips can also be formed by running stitches forming an outline, which is then filled. Satin-like stitches then cover the protruding lips. Small heat fusible adhesive disks create the eyes. Inset eyes may be formed by placing a length of thick, elongated material, such as a cord, around the attached region and sewing the ends of the cord together. The area between the outline of the thick, elongated fabirc is inset from the raised outline of the thick, elongated material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Inventor: Mary J. Cahill
  • Patent number: 5085607
    Abstract: An toy set having at least one section which bears a color memory dye of an electron-supplying organic coloring compound, an electron accepting compound and an ester. The color memory dye assumes a first color below t1 (.degree.C.) and a second color above t2 (.degree.C.), wherein t2>t1, 0.ltoreq.t1, t2.ltoreq.50.degree. C. and 5.ltoreq.t2-t1.ltoreq.35. Both the first and second colors can be displayed between t1 and t2. For the purpose of determining the proper temperature range for a color characteristic, temperature-sensitive visual indicators are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: The Pilot Ink Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Shibahashi, Tsutomu Kito, Norikazu Nakasuji, Hiroshi Inagaki
  • Patent number: 5083967
    Abstract: A doll having hair comprising synthetic fiber consisting essentially of an acrylonitrile polymer comprising 30 to 80% by weight of an acrylonitrile and 70 to 20% by weight of at least one of a vinyl chloride and a vinylidene chloride. The fiber hair of the invention have the excellent flame resistance, the natural touch, the natural and quiet luster, the excellent curl retention and the excellent bulkiness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Kanegafuchi Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaaki Yokoe, Hiroshi Yokoyama, Yoshihiro Mizumoto
  • Patent number: 5066259
    Abstract: A doll structure is provided which incorporates a mass of material in selected parts of the doll body to impart to the selected part of the doll a weight factor approximately equivalent to the weight factor of the corresponding part in a human child of approximately the same size. Mats of unoriented filaments are arranged in relation to the weight producing mass or masses to provide bulk and girth to the parts, while selected layers of a soft and pliant elastically compressible material are applied to provide a compressibility to the doll parts substantially equivalent to the compressibility of the corresponding part of a human child. The doll body or its independent parts is covered with a layer of material that simulates the "feel" of human tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Inventor: Judith S. Acker
  • Patent number: 5057053
    Abstract: A doll having hair comprising synthetic fiber consisting essentially of an acrylonitrile polymer comprising 30 to 80% by weight of an acrylonitrile and 70 to 20% by weight of at least one of a vinyl chloride and a vinylidene chloride. The fiber hair of the invention have the excellent flame resistance, the natural touch, the natural and quiet luster, the excellent curl retention and the excellent bulkiness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Kanegafuchi Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaaki Yokoe, Hiroshi Yokoyama, Yoshihiro Mizumoto
  • Patent number: 5032102
    Abstract: A doll is fabricated of a combination of waterproof materials together with overlying fabric layers formed of a water dissolvable fabric. In addition, embodiments are shown in which facial appearance features are formed of a water dissolvable material to alter the facial appearance of the doll. In its intended use, the doll is immersed in a vessel of water causing the dissolvable fabric layers and dissolvable facial appearance elements to be completely removed from the doll exposing the underlying waterproof elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Liliane Davidson, George Dunsay, Cathy Larson, Robin K. Smith
  • Toy
    Patent number: 5026054
    Abstract: A resiliently deformable toy ball which is soft and supple and provides an intriguing relaxing feeling when squeezed, and which possesses a low rebound percentage due to its resiliently deformable nature. The ball has a highly plasticized polymeric core which is resiliently deformable due to its highly plasticized state. The polymeric core is encased in a flexible polymer shell and both the core and the flexible shell are further encased in a strechable fabric outer cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: Cap Toys, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Osher, Allison W. Katzman, Mark Luecke, John R. Wildman
  • Patent number: 5011445
    Abstract: A color memory toy set has a color memory toy with surface, at least one portion of the surface being provided with a color memory temperature-sensitive color changing layer colored with a coloring material including a color memory temperature-sensitive dye exhibiting hysteresis characteristics in response to temperature change between a colored state and a colorless state or between a color (I) state and a color (II) state. The toy set also includes a writing pen for either causing an image to appear or disappear on the color memory temperature-sensitive layer by drawing the image on the layer to change the color state of the drawn portion into a first state, or for causing an image to appear or disappear on the color memory temperature-sensitive layer by drawing the image on the layer to change the color state of the drawn portion to a second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: The Pilot Ink Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norikazu Nakasuji, Tsutomu Kito, Yutaka Shibahashi
  • Patent number: 5006089
    Abstract: A stuffed animal has a closed fluid containing liner filled with a viscous silicon or silicon/water material. The weight of the silicon/water material gives the animal a life-like weight. The liner is covered by a fur-like plush. The viscous material may be a material used to make a prosthesis of a human organ. If desired a material such as a plastic simulation of a skeleton may be added to give a feel of bone. The "skeleton" may have a plastic memory for causing the animal to retract its leg, paw, or the like after it has been stretched. Small patches of hook and loop fasteners may be used to secure the animal in a desired posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: C. J. Associates, Ltd.
    Inventor: James S. W. Lee
  • Patent number: 4987615
    Abstract: A method of constructing large human-like costume heads such as caricatures of famous people which includes the steps of sculpting a large block of foam into the rough form of a head to form a sculpted human-like head with a facial portion. The outer portion of the foam block is painted using a desired color scheme. A very thin layer of rubber-like material is applied to the foam block outer surface which seals the foam block but which is sufficiently thin to allow deflection of the foam when squeezed and to provide a texture to the foam that can be felt and which resembles a skin like feeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Inventor: Judy E. Massey
  • Patent number: 4959036
    Abstract: A doll made of rush stalks assembled of prefabricated body sections comprising rusk stalk fabrics woven into a ball shape form or other body forms and a head section fitted into the body such that the doll makes best use of the original nature of rush stalks while providing the refinement of a fancy doll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Inventor: Chang-Am Koh
  • Patent number: 4952190
    Abstract: A novelty toy including a flexible bladder in any desired shape having a sealable filling stem for receiving a moldable filling medium such as a cohesive mixture of hollow or solid microspheres and water, wherein after being filled with the filling medium the filling stem is sealed and pushed into the flexible bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Main Street Toy Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard R. Tarnoff, Victor G. Reiling
  • Patent number: 4950194
    Abstract: A doll having body portion(s) indicative of the structural features of a dicotyledonous seed is disclosed. The doll has a head wherein the structural features of the head duplicates the structural features of a dicotyledonous seed. Moreover, the head contains indicia indicative of the coloring and coloring patterns of the seed emulated. Structural features of the seed such as the raphe, the strophiole, and the hilum are used to form various facial features such as the nose and mouth. Eyes are added to the structural features of the head to give the doll a lifelike appearance. Hair may be added to the head so that the doll incorporates the characteristics of age and gender. The doll includes a specific carrying/display case having substantially the same markings and shape of the head of the doll. The case may be displayed on an advertising stand having the shape of a vine or other bean carrying stalk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Inventor: Marlene Gullace
  • Patent number: 4944363
    Abstract: A resiliently deformable toy ball which is soft and supple and provides an intriguing relaxing feeling when squeezed, and which possesses a low rebound percentage due to its resliently deformable nature. The ball has a highly plasticized PVC core which is resiliently deformable due to its highly plasticized state. The PVC core is encased in a flexible polymer shell and both the core and the flexible shell are further encased in a stretchable fabric outer cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Cap Toys, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Osher, Allison W. Katzman, Mark Luecke, John R. Wildman
  • Patent number: 4939005
    Abstract: A figurine or object of art constructed from cured tobacco leaves. The torso or trunk of the object consists of leaves impressed onto a conical support in an overlapping manner where they are arranged to resemble various forms of attire. The figurine appendages are also constructed from leaves which are shaped to resemble known body parts and these are secured by known means. The leaves may differ from one another in size, shape and texture but they have in common a pliancy which allows the creator to produce and re-produce the desired art object by duplicative methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Inventors: Fred W. Whitson, Freda G. Saunders
  • Patent number: 4929213
    Abstract: A method of creating images, such as the face of a child, on flexible foam plastic, such as a doll's head. The method can also be used to create realistic images of other objects such as pet animals, with the head on a separate piece of foam attachable to the body in different tilted positions by means of Velcro. Existing technology is used to make the type of thermal transfer which obtains its color from deposits of colored wax. This is then brought into register with bumps and hollows on the flexible foam blank, and the blank flattened by mechanical pressure during the transferring step. After completion, the resilience of the flexible foam blank recreates a three dimensional surface; hence, the final product is more representative of the object than was the transfer from which it was made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Inventor: Richard H. Morgan
  • Patent number: 4921460
    Abstract: An assembled toy, doll or decorative article is composed of a plurality of stretchable knitting rings, tori or cylinders which are optionally tied, wound, twisted, bound, bonded or assembled with one another to mimic an animal or a person vividly and lively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Inventor: Ping-Chia Lin
  • Patent number: 4908001
    Abstract: A soft latex figure is formed by sculpting clay appendages, making a plaster casting of the appendages, slush molding a colored pre-vulcanized latex replica of the appendage in the plaster mold, wrapping a form or base structure representing the torso with batting, and securing the molded latex appendages in position on the form. Strips of paper toweling saturated with colored pre-vulcanized latex are applied to the form and juncture of the molded latex appendages therewith to form a integral first layer of the outer skin of the figure having the appendages joined thereto. The first layer of the skin is cut or otherwise removed from the form, and stuffed with a quantity of soft fill material of desired density to achieve the desired shape retention characteristics of the figure. Any undesired seams, holes, or openings are sealed by applying more latex saturated paper toweling thereover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Inventor: Thomas O. Kopian
  • Patent number: 4892501
    Abstract: A first sheet (3A) of weft-knitted polyester capable of stretching in two perpendicular directions and a first lining (3B) of polyester fabric are attached to opposite sides of a first 12 mm thick sheet (3C) of foamed polyurethane/polyester by means of an acrylic adhesive to form a first laminate (3) which is heat and pressure molded to form a face portion (1) and an integral neck extension (8) having two ends (9 and 10). A second sheet (18A) of weft-knitted polyester fabric capable of stretching in two perpendicular directions and a second sheet (18B) of polyester fabric are attached to opposite sides of a second 12 mm thick sheet (18C) of foamed polyurethane/polyester by means of an acrylic resin adhesive to form a second laminate (18) which is heat and pressure molded to form a crown portion (11). The crown portion (11) is sewn to the face portion (1) and the integral neck extension (8) to form part of an outer casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard Girelli
  • Patent number: 4881915
    Abstract: A realistic hatching of a dinosaur occurs from an egg-like storage container. A transluscent egg sheel includes a series of crack lines, which forms weakened fault lines on the surface of the eggshell. A compressed sponge dinosaur is located within the eggshell. Opening at the ends and/or sides of the eggshell allow water to enter the shell when the egg is placed in hot water of a preferred temperature of 50.degree.-60.degree. C. The water entering the shell, after approximately 5 to 10 minutes, causes the compressed sponge dinosaur to expand and break through the eggshell at random points on the shell, preferably along the molded crack lines of lesser thickness than the remainder of the eggshell. The rupturing of the shell occurs at its weakest points, as affected by the depth of the preformed cracks in the shell as well as the portions of the shell which have dissolved due to the exposure to hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Li'l Mort Sales
    Inventor: J. Y. Liaw
  • Patent number: 4877454
    Abstract: Model skin surface adapted for testing adhesion of medical adhesives as a screening test and/or as an alternative to costly and highly variable human skin substrates, which model skin possesses human topography and consists essentially of a water content which is adjustable to simulate varying moisture contents in human skin; water-swellable but water-insoluble proteinaceous material; and fatty acid di- or triglyceride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: The Kendall Company
    Inventor: John C. Charkoudian
  • Patent number: 4854912
    Abstract: A doll having an upper body section of rush stalks being tied or plaited or braided into a shape and a lower body section of rush stalks having a plain skirt or a pleated skirt, wherein both body sections are joined by means of a bar passing through support plates or by adhesive means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Inventor: Chang-Am Koh
  • Patent number: 4846757
    Abstract: A novelty item or toy for use by young children. The invention provides a predetermined amount of conventional kneaded rubber type cleaner and a rubber band. The rubber band and kneaded rubber are mixed together and appropriately kneaded to form a single mass. When the rubber band within the mass is first twisted and then allowed to unwind, the mass formed by the kneaded rubber and rubber band changes to surprising and curious shapes as the rubber band unwinds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Inventor: Larry D. McMurray
  • Patent number: 4833193
    Abstract: This invention relates to relatively thick pressure sensitive adhesive films comprising a homogeneous mixture based on 100% of the solids weight of the adhesive film, (i) at least 20 weight % of a low molecular weight resin produced by the polymerization and hydrogenation of styrenic monomer feedstock having a ring and ball softening point of about 10.degree.-45.degree. C., (ii) from about 2 to about 40 weight % of a triblock copolymer with a saturated elastomeric block in the center and a thermoplastic block on each end alone or in combination with a diblock copolymer of a hard thermoplastic block and a saturated, soft ethylene-propylene polymeric block, and (iii) up to about 80 weight % of a mineral oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Inventor: David L. Sieverding
  • Patent number: 4781647
    Abstract: A synthetic phosphorescent fiber having a sectional dimension of less than approximately 0.015 in. and a method of manufacturing the fiber. The fiber comprises a body portion made of a flexible and durable polymeric material which is at least partially translucent and a plurality of phosphorescent particles in the body portion. The particles have a miximum particle size which is less than one half of the sectional dimension of the fibers and between approximately 0.0075 in. and 0.0005 in. and they have a mean particle size which is greater than approximately 0.0025 in. The fibers are manufactured in accordance with the method by mixing appropriately sized phosphorescent particles with a coupling agent, mixing the particles and the coupling agent with a suitable polymer and extruding the resultant mixture to form fibers. The fibers can be effectively utilized for artificial hair for toy dolls as well as for various other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventor: Linwood E. Doane, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4758195
    Abstract: Elastomeric foam blocks are provided for constructing toys and models with a means of attachment of one block to another block in the form of flexible protuberances and cellular receptacles present on all surfaces, so that when one or more blocks are engaged, a clinging force is generated. Furthermore, either independently of, or in collaboration with the above, another means of connecting said blocks is provided by inserting simple pins into the matrix of said foam in any direction and without preformed perforations. The pins are held in place in the perforations created by the insertion of the pins into the foam by the elastomeric forces inherent in the polymeric structure of the foam, and the perforations snap shut upon the removal of the pins, thus allowing the building units to be reused again to construct more toys and models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Assignee: 3 W Designers, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher T. Walsh
  • Patent number: 4738647
    Abstract: An activity toy which may be used to first form a toy monster figure by shaping a plastic molding material mixed with sodium bicarbonate powder around a toy skeleton, and to then dissolve or break the molding material free from the toy skeleton by immersing the monster figure in a diluted citric acid solution contained in a vat. The toy skeleton is made out of a number of parts removably held together by ball-and-socket joints. Measuring receptacles are provided for determining the amount of plastic molding material needed for forming the toy monster figure. Stamps may be used to form the face or other part of the toy monster figure, or to add texture or detail to the molding material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry H. Renger, Dennis C. Rich, Wallace H. Shapero
  • Patent number: 4696655
    Abstract: The present invention involves a toy vehicle which includes a body, at least three wheels, wheel support means and a suspension system. The wheel support means connects the body and the wheels in conjunction with the suspension system such that the body may be raised or lowered merely by pulling or pushing on the wheels away from or toward the underside of the body. The suspension system utilizes hollow plastic tubes which include a flexible zone with a plurality of circumferential corrugations which enable the tube to be stretched to sequential lengths until the corrugations assume a longitudinally spaced position. The toy vehicle of the present invention may have as part of its suspension system a single tube as described, or a plurality of tubes, such as one for each of the two front wheels or one for the front wheels and one for the back wheels, or any other combination which may be functionally possible. At least two tubes is preferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Inventors: Bruce M. D'Andrade, Joseph A. Marino
  • Patent number: 4674985
    Abstract: A toy construction having a toy element which is preferably embodied in a toy character figure, and a liquid crystal identification element on the toy element. The identification element is operative by the application of a small amount of heat thereto to change it from a non-displaying condition wherein an identifying image thereon is imperceptible and a displaying condition wherein the image is clearly visible. Hence, the identity of the character figure is normally concealed but can be readily revealed by a child when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: Hasbro Bradley, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Orenstein, George Dunsay
  • Patent number: 4670070
    Abstract: A method of forming a decorative doll or figurine is disclosed that uses many parts such as the torso, upper and lower arm, upper and lower legs, feet, hands, head and an encasing mask that is placed over the head of the doll. The mask is easily removed from the doll and the single doll can be changed into many by changing the mask style to form a different decorative doll or figurine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Inventor: John C. Reed, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4618213
    Abstract: A novel gelatinous composition is disclosed which contains an intimate melt blend admixture of poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) triblock copolymer having said styrene end block to ethylene and butylene center block ratio within the range of from between 31:69 to 40:60, and high levels of a plasticizing oil.The gelatinous composition is transparent and have a novel combination of properties including unexpectedly high elongation and tensile strength and excellent shape retention after extreme deformation under high-velocity impact and stress conditions. The gelatinous products of this invention are soft, flexible, and have elastic memory, characterized by a gel rigidity of from about 20 gram to about 700 gram Bloom. These and other properties are particularly essential for the gelatinous composition to have utility as toys, therapeutic hand exercising grips, shock absorbers, acoustical isolators, and other uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1986
    Assignee: Applied Elastomerics, Incorporated
    Inventor: John Y. Chen
  • Patent number: 4597574
    Abstract: Toy apparatus for simulating hunting or battle comprises one or more target figures, such as an animal. The target figure is made of relatively hard material and is provided with at least one cavity extending to the surface of the figure, preferably located where on the animal simulated there is no protective bone or plate structure, such as the abdomen, neck, etc. A soft clay-like or putty-like substance is in the cavity. A weapon such as a toy spear, sword, etc. upon striking the soft material, will penetrate into and remain in it until withdrawn. A human-like hunter figure may also be provided, releasably carrying a spear or other penetrating weapon. Other figures may be provided, of various existing, non-existing, and fanciful animal or other targets, and corresponding hunter figures; there may be provided plural human or human-like figures, with both soft substance-filled cavities and a penetrating simulated weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Inventor: Henry S. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 4560362
    Abstract: An animated figure toy (10) includes an upper torso (14) made of transparent material and a lower torso (16) rotatably secured together. The upper torso is provided with a neck opening (30) in which a hollow head is rotatably mounted. The hollow head includes a jaw (19) articulately mounted thereon by a tang portion (78) captured between the upper end (72, 74, 76) of an elongated jaw actuator (64) which extends into and out of the interior of said head upon actuation of a gear train (50, 52, 54) and an eccentric (56) through a torso coupling mechanism (34, 36, 46) upon rotation of the torsos with respect to each other. The transparent upper torso allows the gear train and mechanism to be viewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry H. Renger
  • Patent number: 4529569
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an expandable member comprising the steps of separating a shaped member from a sheet of cellular spongy material, soaking the member in a solution containing a water soluble binder and water, compressing the member into a container and drying the compressed member. The dried member expands to its original shape and size when placed in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Inventor: Margaret Palau
  • Patent number: 4519787
    Abstract: A toy mechanical bull having rotary and reciprocal movements used in conjunction with a doll figure having releasable securing means adapted for cooperation with complementary releasable securing means on the toy mechanical bull, wherein the rotary and reciprocal movements of the toy mechanical bull will disengage the releasable securing means resulting in a simulation of a mechanical bull throwing a rider from its back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Inventor: Lanny J. Williams
  • Patent number: 4518367
    Abstract: An activity toy including a hollow skull extending from a hollow, tubular neck and having eye, nose, and mouth openings. Attachable about and spaced from the skull in relatively tight relation to the neck is a clear face and head mask formed of separable halves secured together by clamps. A plastic amorphous solid substance is loaded into the skull through the neck and extruded out of openings to fill the space between the skull and the mask. Removal of the mask permits further hand working of the plastic substance to modify the appearance of the formed face. Suitable appendages and a hooded cloak are provided to obscure the plastic substance extrusion mechanism and provide a figure that may be placed in combination with the face and head extruding feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1985
    Assignee: Marvin Glass & Associates
    Inventors: John V. Zaruba, Burton C. Meyer
  • Patent number: 4505687
    Abstract: A figurine having a form retaining shape. The figurine comprises a body portion and a head portion connected with the body portion. The body portion comprises (i) a tubular outer covering, (ii) a fill material substantially filling the tubular outer covering, and (iii) a piece of elastic extending along at least a part of the tubular outer covering. The piece of elastic is in a partially tensioned state resulting from being fixedly secured under a state of high tension to at least two points spaced apart along the length of the tubular covering and then being allowed to relax to a partially tensioned state and being held in the partially tensioned state by the tubular outer covering. The piece of elastic allows the body portion to be manually deformed against that bias. The piece of elastic returns the body portion to the predetermined shape when the deforming forces are removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventor: Joan C. Munro
  • Patent number: 4464861
    Abstract: An electrically lighted plush toy having a glowing face or head. A semi-rigid vinyl, hollow, translucent head has a plush exterior cover attached thereto. The plush exterior cover encloses a resilient mass which surrounds an essentially cylindrical, molded plastic, translucent battery and lightbulb housing. A retaining ring in the neck portion of the head coaxially positions and retains the housing. The housing has an integrally molded battery compartment, an integrally molded globe for enclosing a lightbulb, and an integrally molded operating lever positioned on its exterior. A first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor are positioned in the interior of the housing with at least one battery and a lightbulb. The operating lever is adapted for depressing the first electrical conductor through an opening in the housing to contact the second electrical circuit and complete an electrical circuit formed by the electrical conductors, battery and lightbulb to light the lightbulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1984
    Inventors: A. Edward Fogarty, Bonnie R. Fogarty