Including Illumination Means Patents (Class 446/438)
  • Patent number: 11046109
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an artware with a water stirring function and a projection function. The artware includes a housing structure, a control circuit board including a switch, a magnetic rotating unit controlled by the control circuit board, and a projection unit controlled by the control circuit board. The control circuit board, the magnetic rotating unit, and the projection unit are arranged in the hosing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: SHENZHEN SUNRISE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Min Ji
  • Patent number: 8869708
    Abstract: A model railroad car flashing rear end device contained entirely on or about the model railroad car truck and powered by the model railroad track rails. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel P. Meyer
  • Patent number: 8845386
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling a plurality of detachable components from a transmitter unit used to control radio controlled (RC) models. Specifically, a steering unit and a grip unit may be coupled and decoupled from the main upper body unit comprising the transmitter. When coupling the steering unit to the upper body, guide projections on the steering unit are inserted into a corresponding number of groove guides defined within the upper body unit. A shutter stopper locks the guide grooves and prevents the guide projections from moving. The grip unit is similarly coupled to the upper body unit by means of a locking claw which maintains the grip unit in a fixed position until a release button is actuated by a user. The transmitter unit comprises the ability of providing for a number of different operational configurations, thus accommodating the needs and preferences of each user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Kondo Kagaku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirotoshi Kondo
  • Patent number: 8579672
    Abstract: A car 1 for amusement devices comprises a frame (not shown), which is connected to a person-receiving apparatus 10. A running gear 30 is arranged on the frame. Arranged on the running gear 30 and spaced at a distance from the frame and from the person-receiving apparatus 10 are rotatable wheels with coils and illumination elements 33 integrated therein. Between the wheels 31 and the running gear 30 is arranged in each case at least one magnet 32, such that electric current is induced in the coil by rotation of the wheels 31 for feeding the illumination elements 33.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Maurer Soehne GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jörg Beutler
  • Patent number: 8348712
    Abstract: A toy vehicle is disclosed. It has a main vehicle body portion and a display device rotatably mounted to the main body portion, the display device being configured to create a plurality of images via a persistence of vision effect. A mechanism is also present for rotating said display device. An actuator is included and is attached to a sensor for determining when the actuator is depressed. A microcontroller is in operable communication with the sensor and the display device; the microcontroller changing the appearance of at least one of the plurality of images when the sensor determines the actuator has been depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Gabriel De La Torre
  • Publication number: 20110189921
    Abstract: A device and method are provided for applying a glowing trail onto a surface on a playmat of material that glows in the dark, which lasts only for a limited time depending on the type and strength of the light and playmat material. The trail can be generated by a game piece that moves on the playmat, or a game board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: HOME FOCUS DEVELOPMENT, LTD.
    Inventor: Jacob Ranis Stokholm Andersen
  • Patent number: 7892068
    Abstract: Vehicle playsets having multiple configurations. The vehicle playsets may include a track segment, a trigger adjacent to the track segment, a moving component adapted to move toward the trigger, and a launch mechanism coupled to the track segment and adapted to launch a toy vehicle along the track segment toward the moving component. Striking the moving component with the toy vehicle will prevent the moving component from reaching the trigger. The playset has at least two configurations including a closed configuration and an open configuration that is suitable for play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Nuttall, Harold Garner, Stacy O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7867115
    Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention include lighted bounceable toys for play and amusement. Such toys or structures can be made in an infinite number of graceful and useful configurations. Exemplary bounceable ball toys include a light assembly having a power source and a plurality of light emitting elements, and a spherical skeletal structure having a plurality of segments. The spherical skeletal structure defines an open interior cavity, and at least some segments of the skeletal structure include a channel opening that faces toward the interior cavity. Light emitting elements transmit light to the channel openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Tangle, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Zawitz
  • Publication number: 20100041308
    Abstract: A new model representation technique is provided, providing a realistic feeling to the color tone at the time of lights-out as that of the actual one, while keeping lighting properties of a headlamp-equipped model. A rear light-guiding unit 8c guides light emitted from an illuminator 7b provided near the unit itself according to its shape. A front light-guiding unit 8d has a facing surface that faces the rear light-guiding unit 8c and a tip-end face 8a exposed when inserted in a through hole, and a linear shape is formed between these surfaces. A half mirror 8b is interposed between the front and rear light-guiding units 8c and 8d.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Masamitsu Kumegawa
  • Publication number: 20090227179
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a toy comprised of a vehicle that is capable of generating electrical energy and a body that can be physically and electrically connected to and disconnected from the vehicle. In one embodiment, the body comprises a light and a capacitor that stores electrical energy produced by the generator when the body is connected to the vehicle and the vehicle is used to produced electrical energy. After separation of the body from the vehicle, the capacitor provides electrical energy to the light that allows a child to separately use the body as a torch or flashlight. In another embodiment, the vehicle includes a speaker and the body includes a memory device that stores a signal that can be played over the speaker when the body is connected to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: SPRIG TOYS, INC.
    Inventors: Justin Miles Discoe, David Scott Bowen, Christopher Jon Clemmer
  • Publication number: 20090156092
    Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention include lighted bounceable toys for play and amusement. Such toys or structures can be made in an infinite number of graceful and useful configurations. Exemplary bounceable ball toys include a light assembly having a power source and a plurality of light emitting elements, and a spherical skeletal structure having a plurality of segments. The spherical skeletal structure defines an open interior cavity, and at least some segments of the skeletal structure include a channel opening that faces toward the interior cavity. Light emitting elements transmit light to the channel openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Tangle, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Zawitz
  • Publication number: 20090075557
    Abstract: An illuminated toy is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the toy has a body, and may have one or more wheels rotatably thereto such that the body may rest upon the one or more wheels and may be conveyed about by the one or more wheels. The toy includes a sound module adapted to generate sound, and a light source is located about the body. The light source cooperates with the sound module to emit light in coordination with the sound generated by the sound module. For example, the light source may be switched on and off in coordination with the beat of sound in the form of music.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Martin Arriola, Scott Hart Derman, Michael L. Strauss, Kenneth R. Heimann, Steven Verbera
  • Publication number: 20080220692
    Abstract: A toy vehicle has first, second and third wheels for movement over a surface. Each of the first, second and third wheels has a respective first, second and third axis of rotation that lies between the remaining two other axes of rotation such that the three axes of rotation are mutually adjoining. Each of the three axes of rotation crosses over the other two axes of rotation such that an angle is formed between each adjoining crossing pair of the axes of rotation where each angle is other than a multiple of 90 degrees. Each wheel is individually powered so that the toy vehicle can translate in any horizontal direction regardless of its facing direction. Two of the wheels can be realigned so their axes of rotation are collinear for conventional movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Torres, Christopher J. Hardouin, Mark S. Mayer, Tin Hung Ngai, Chun Wing Wong
  • Patent number: 7367863
    Abstract: A toy vehicle with a rotatable light display. The toy vehicle includes a housing defined by outer walls surrounding a hollow interior and at least substantially forming a toy vehicle body. The housing has a plurality of openings through the outer walls. At least translucent panels are coupled to the housing and aligned with the plurality of openings. A motor is mounted within the hollow interior. A light source is within the hollow interior. A rotatable member is drivingly connected to the motor in the interior so as to be rotated by operation of the motor. The rotatable member is positioned with respect to the light source so as to direct at least one beam of light emitted from the light source about the hollow interior and sequentially and cyclically through the plurality of openings and aligned translucent panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Ellen Fosbenner, Anthony P. Monzo, Robert Jude Henry
  • Patent number: 7074106
    Abstract: A toy comprises generally spherical translucent housing having an inner cavity and at least one opening positioned to provide an outlet from the inner cavity, a power source positioned within the housing, an electrical circuit connected to the power source, a light source connected to the power source through the electrical circuit, and a switch connected in the electrical circuit, wherein an amount of a scent-producing material is positioned in the inner cavity of the housing so as to release a scent through the outlet opening. Also included is an entertainment device including a housing having a cavity and at least one opening positioned to provide an outlet from the cavity, a power source, an electrical circuit, a stimulator selected from a light source, a sound source, and a combination thereof, the stimulator connected to the power source through the electrical circuit, and a switch connected in the electrical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventors: Daniel Deutsch, Jason Barber, Russell Rothan
  • Patent number: 6913508
    Abstract: A toy race car and track system are disclosed having illuminated portions in the car and the track that are illuminated by light sources based on movement of the car on the track. The car includes a pull-back motor and has translucent windows for display of the light source inside the car. The track is a modular track system having interchangeable track portions and other parts. The track system includes a jump and a gauge for measuring the height of a vehicle on the jump. The gauge illuminates when the car travels through it and includes a break-away sign at the end of the gauge that detaches when the car reaches the end. The track system also includes a jump and loop portion, in which the jump launches the car upside down toward one of a plurality of loops that catch the car and redirect it back toward the jump. The car then is launched from the jump to an inner loop to decreased jump speed, and the process repeats until the car no longer has sufficient speed to reach the loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventors: James R. Hornsby, Kurt V. Ulmer, Joseph L. McGowan, Marcellus R. Benson
  • Patent number: 6902464
    Abstract: A rolling toy includes a chassis, an electric power source attached to the chassis, a remote signal receiver, an electric motor attached to the chassis and receiving power from the power source in response to a signal received by the remote signal receiver, a pair of riding surface-engaging wheels mounted co-axially to the chassis and capable of rotating independently of one another, and wherein at least one of the wheels is driven to rotate by the electric motor, and a dome-shaped profile formed on each wheel and adapted to bear upon the riding surface to assist in righting the toy, should it topple in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Silver Manufactory Holdings Company Limited
    Inventor: Michael Pui Kuen Lee
  • Patent number: 6758718
    Abstract: A simulated emergency vehicle display, for providing realistic light and sound in a toy emergency vehicle having a housing, having a front, a back, and a roof. A pair of headlights are located at the front, a pair of tail lights are located at the rear, and a plurality of light bar LEDs are located on the roof. A control circuit alternately illuminates each of the headlights, alternately flashes each of the tail lights three times, and repeatedly illuminates the light bar LEDs in sequence to simulate motion by the light bar LEDs. A speaker is selectively activated to provide a realistic siren sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: John Morris
  • Patent number: 6575855
    Abstract: Chemoluminescent illuminators are used in night visible game equipment, notably, croquet and bocce. Game balls overcome rotational wobble tendencies resulting from perturbations in the rotational moments of inertia. The balls are at least partially transparent or translucent and include a receptacle for receiving a chemoluminescent illuminator. Different colored illuminators are provided to mark different balls as relating to different players. In one embodiment the balls have relatively thin outer walls and internal metallic rings to contribute a majority of the necessary weight and to add differential weighting to equalize the moments of inertia around all three axes. Wickets comprise chemoluminescent illuminators held in proximity to conventional wickets. Wicket holders may assist with supporting the illuminators. Stakes and mallets accept chemoluminescent illuminators to illuminate the stakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Technical Visions, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Buzak, Kevin J. Ilcisin
  • Patent number: 6558224
    Abstract: A toy (2) has a housing (4) at least a part of which is light translucent, a resiliently-mounted light-reflecting member (20) including a plurality of light-reflecting facets, and a light source (40) directed at the light-reflecting member so that a light pattern is reflected onto the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: BEA Development Ltd.
    Inventor: Alex Wai Chi Chan
  • Patent number: 6547634
    Abstract: A toy car includes a car body, a transmission box and a generator device, the generator device has an inductive coil sleeved on a transmission shaft extending outward from the transmission box, and a magnet sleeved on the transmission shaft with respect to the inductive coil. When the transmission shaft rotates, the magnet and the inductive coil are in an opposition movement, which generates electric power to supply load, such as bulbs to produce a lighting effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Far Great Plastics Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ting-Hsing Chen
  • Patent number: 6527619
    Abstract: A toy vehicle has a vehicle body, a firing apparatus rotatably mounted on the vehicle body and a ram mounted within the firing apparatus. A spring is operably coupled to the ram and a firing lever is rotatably coupled to the firing apparatus and the ram. Rotation of the firing lever retracts the ram against the spring and abruptly releases the ram to strike a projectile within the firing apparatus to fire the projectile from the firing apparatus. A pair of foot rests are pivotally mounted and releasably latched to the vehicle body and released by a button mounted on the rear of the vehicle body. The toy vehicle further includes circuitry having switches for operating light and/or sound effects on the toy vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew F. Agostini, Mary Ellen G. Fosbenner, William F. M. Dougherty, Jeremy S. Robotham
  • Patent number: 6524161
    Abstract: A luminous toy capable of emitting light at any time anywhere without having to worry about a power shortage and failing to turn off a switch and capable of preventing environmental pollution. The luminous toy includes a toy body provided with a piezoelectric element which induces a voltage when it is strained, a rectifying circuit for rectifying the voltage generated from the piezoelectric element, a capacitor for smoothing the voltage rectified by the rectifying circuit and a luminous element connected in parallel to the capacitor. The luminous toy also includes a strain generating mechanism for generating strain for straining the piezoelectric element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignees: Shine Co., Ltd., Sega Toys, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukihiro Asami
  • Patent number: 6364509
    Abstract: A musical light for illuminating an object in an entertaining manner using electrical sound signals produced by an audio device. The musical light includes a circuit adapted for electrically connecting to an audio device. The circuit is mounted on an object to be illuminated. The circuit has first and second leads. The first and second leads are connected to first and second contacts of the audio device. The circuit comprises a plurality of lights and a plurality of wires. The plurality of lights is for mounting on the object. The plurality of wires is designed for connecting the plurality of lights to the first and second leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: J & J Creative Ideas
    Inventor: Clifford Johnson, III
  • Patent number: 6352352
    Abstract: A drink container, such as a drinking glass, drinking cup, a vase, or a bottle, is illuminated with an LED. The power for the LED is supplied by quick-charging capacitors which are integrated in a cavity of the container together with the LED. The LED is disposed in a wedge-shaped recess which effects advantageous distribution of the light through the obliquely inclined walls. The capacitors are typically charged within a matter of seconds and they have a virtually unlimited cycle life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Inventors: Georg Schletterer, Opadia Hauser, Michael Lerchster
  • Patent number: 6231421
    Abstract: A low-power lighting system for illuminating the interior of scale models such as model railroad cars is disclosed. The lighting system includes a plurality of miniature bulbs in the 2.5 to 3.0 Volt range operating at 100 milliamps that are soldered directly to a printed circuit board in lieu of socket mounting to provide a low-profile configuration to the assembled lighting system which can be installed within the interior roof structure of a scale model so as to be hidden from exterior view. The printed circuit board which carries the miniature bulbs is configured to fit various standard classes of model railroad cars and scale model buildings to permit interior details thereof to be displayed. The lighting system dissipates the heat intensity of the miniature bulbs over the entire surface area of the printed circuit board to eliminate hot spots and warpage of plastic model structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Albert C. Ruocchio
  • Patent number: 6171171
    Abstract: A substantially solid light conductive toy vehicle body is fabricated to include a light cavity in which a light emitting diode is supported. A vehicle drive mechanism is operatively coupled to a pair of charging terminals and a power storage capacitor. The light emitting diode is energized when the power supply capacitor is charged to permeate light into the solid light transmissive body of the toy vehicle. The outer surface of the toy vehicle body is light transmissive and is coated, for the most part, by an opaque coating. A plurality of light transmissive openings are formed in the opaque coating to allow selectively determined points of light to permeate light from the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Barthold
  • Patent number: 6159069
    Abstract: A rear telemetry light for use in association with a model train kit including a track and a caboose with a rear axle, the apparatus comprises a light assembly comprising a bulb, a bulb cover, a rigid tube and a base including a contact, the rigid tube having an upper end, a lower end and a hollow interior, the bulb cover being positioned upon the upper end of the tube through the aperture in the light housing, a bulb support being positioned within the bulb cover, the bulb including a plurality of power wires electrically coupled thereto, the bulb being positioned within the bulb support, the base including an aperture extending therethrough, the base being positioned within the lower end of the tube, the contact being positioned within the base, the contact being in electrical communication with the power wires, an inner spring being positioned within the hollow interior of the rigid tube, a ground wire being coupled to the base and around an axle of a caboose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Raymond Grapp
  • Patent number: 6123600
    Abstract: A motor driven surface engaging multi directional and surface translating amusement device which simulates a creature of the sea or land, or a robot which has forward, reverse or rotational movement across a surface and which forward and reverse movement may be interval-cycling timed including forward-reverse speed control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Po Man Yuen
  • Patent number: 6113458
    Abstract: A railway car for a model railroad train system has a low-power laser for providing entertainment, for example, by simulating a laser "death ray" or by producing a laser light show. When an operator activates a switch on the transformer of the model railroad train system, an electronics module on the car receives the signal and turns on the laser source. A scanning mirror system receives and deflects the laser beam to provide the laser light show or other entertaining laser pattern. The car can carry a scattering medium to make the laser beam visible on the car. The car can also produce sound effects to accompany the laser light show or other entertaining laser pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Bruce J. Brown
  • Patent number: 6076946
    Abstract: A spherical housing (11) having multiple flats (1-8) about the surface of the housing with adhesive means (i.e. . . . magnets) that enable it to adhere to an alternate surface. Multiple flats (1-8) are arranged around the housing (11) for the purpose of directing light in many directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventors: Thomas Brouillette, III, Thomas Brouillette, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5902166
    Abstract: A multi-colored LED biasing circuit that allows users to selectively choose the colors for a given state or condition. A user will assign by use of switches which color of a multi-colored LED will light on the presence of an electronic signal representing a state or condition in need of a visual output. One embodiment for a tri-colored LED will allow a user to select a base color for when no signal is present, the base color selected between a first color, and a second color and a secondary color for when a signal is present, the secondary color selected between the opposite of the base color (first or second color) and a third color. The present invention can be embodied in toys in a variety of ways. For example, dolls and other figurines having eyes that can change color to represent a change of state or condition in the figurine for enhanced play or decorative purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Charles L. R. Robb
  • Patent number: 5846117
    Abstract: Vehicle lighting system consisting of a vehicle with an integral light source powered either internally by an on-board energy source such as a rechargeable capacitor or a battery. In another embodiment the light source may be powered by an external energy source such as electrical conductors that may be integral with a track. The light source in the vehicle interacts with features on the track. The track acts as a light reflecting and emitting medium so that it accepts the light transmitted from the vehicle, redirects the light rays and emits the light rays in the direction desired. These light rays can be continuous in nature and output or can be discontinuous. The discontinuous feature gives the impression of a pulsing light and this pulsing light is proportional to the vehicle's speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas H. McGaffigan
  • Patent number: 5746642
    Abstract: A rear telemetry light for use in association with a model train kit including a track and a caboose with a rear axle, the apparatus comprises a light assembly comprising a bulb, a bulb cover, a rigid tube and a base including a contact, the rigid tube having an upper end, a lower end and a hollow interior, the bulb cover being positioned upon the upper end of the tube through the aperture in the light housing, a bulb support being positioned within the bulb cover, the bulb including a plurality of power wires electrically coupled thereto, the bulb being positioned within the bulb support, the base including an aperture extending therethrough, the base being positioned within the lower end of the tube, the contact being positioned within the base, the contact being in electrical communication with the power wires, an inner spring being positioned within the hollow interior of the rigid tube, a ground wire being coupled to the base and around an axle of a caboose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Raymond Grapp
  • Patent number: 5660575
    Abstract: A toy vehicle operated by depressing a body downwardly with respect to a captured case containing a rack and gear assembly so that upon release of the body, the rack actuates the gear assembly to rotate a set of wheels. Visual and sonic effects may be provided for actuation during depressing of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Chuan-Tien Chuang
  • Patent number: 5482493
    Abstract: An assembly mounted in a toy containing a light emitting diode and a battery. The light emitting diode lights when the module is moved. The assembly may be mounted in a toy such as a toy truck with rough tires and the vibration caused by rolling the truck on a flat surface causes the light emitting diode to go on and off. The diode is energized by a movable weight positioned above a wafer battery in the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Carmen C. Rapisarda
  • Patent number: 5348508
    Abstract: A toy including a light source for emitting a light beam longitudinally outward of the toy, and a water discharge nozzle directed to intersect the light beam at a low angle thereto outward of the toy to diffuse and reflect the light for simulation of a force or pressure discharge from the toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Inventor: Henry A. Garfinkel
  • Patent number: 5334075
    Abstract: A radio-controlled car capable of making a high-speed turn on the spot is provided. The radio-controlled car provides a controller and a car designed to run forward and turn by changing the direction of rotation of a motor. A first driving wheel is fixedly mounted on one end of a driving shaft of the car and an idly rotatable second driving wheel is mounted on the other end of the driving shaft. A gear mechanism for driving the second driving wheel includes a sun gear mounted on a shaft and planetary gears rotatable around the sun gear on the center of the shaft of the sun gear. The planetary gears are designed to alternately mesh with two gears which rotate in different directions, in accordance with a change in the direction of rotation of the motor. A controller is provided in the radio controlled car and includes a charging circuit for recharging rechargeable batteries therein without requiring a separate charger or having to remove the batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Kakizaki, Taichi Iimura
  • Patent number: 5314372
    Abstract: A battery and generator operated electro-mechanical device looks like an engine and emits engine sounds. The engine attaches to a bicycle frame giving the bicycle the appearance of being a motor bike. The engine makes an authentic idle sound when first started up and sounds like an engine accelerating to full throttle as the bike is pedalled. In a second embodiment, a fully mechanical engine sound is produced whenever the bike is in motion. Both embodiments are housed in an authentic looking engine housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Fred J. Kramer
  • Patent number: 5154658
    Abstract: A child's walker toy includes a walker unit and a sound and light module on the walker unit. The walker unit is operable by a toddler-age child for stabilizing the child during a walking exercise; and the sound and light module is responsive to movement of the walker toy on a supporting surface for producing predetermined sound and light signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Playskool, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne S. Marcus
  • Patent number: 5138535
    Abstract: A baby rattle is made up of a light-transparent shell, a light source in the interior of the shell, an impact or motion-sensing member within the shell will generate an electrical signal to activate a control circuit between the light source and a portable power source to illuminate the shell. The impact motion-sensing member is preferably a piezoelectric crystal mounted within the shell, and a fiber optic array within the shell can be used in association with a light source to create different lighted displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Inventor: William G. Aragon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5127869
    Abstract: A toy includes a board having a path and a plurality of animal figures drawn on the board along the path, and a toy sightseeing bus moved along the path. Electrically conductive members are formed on the path at positions opposing the animal figures for producing commands which specify the corresponding animals. A group of contacts are arrayed on the bottom of the toy bus in such a manner that the contacts come into sliding contact with the electrically conductive members. When the toy bus arrives at a position opposing an animal figure, a set of the contacts is closed selectively by the electrically conductive member corresponding to this animal figure so that the closed contacts generate a signal designating the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: K.K. Hanzawa Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuneo Hanzawa
  • Patent number: 5119277
    Abstract: An illuminated skateboard is provided which comprises a riding platform with dependent wheels, a front housing and rear housing each secured to the bottom surface of the riding platform. An illumination source in each housing is operable to provide the desired illumination while riding the skateboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: David R. Ekedal
    Inventors: Michael C. Copley, David R. Ekedal, Kenneth D. Harris, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5102131
    Abstract: Self-illuminated luminous game balls for nighttime play which may be either inflated or self-supporting and consist of various apparently ordinary looking balls with portable electric lighting assemblies or chemi-luminescent lights, including fireworks inside them for exciting novel effects.A shaft manufactured integrally within a toroidal form is disclosed which firmly holds an electric or other lighting assembly such that said lighting assembly may be removed in its entirety for servicing or replacement, through a flush, waterproof cover designed for such purpose.A conveniently located On-Off switch is also located such that it may be actuated without deflating the ball, and its electrical connections to the batteries and bulbs are designed so that the center of gravity of said heavy batteries and other electronics are mounted near the center of gravity of said ball for optimum handling and closer simulation of a normal play ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Inventor: Bruce Remington
  • Patent number: 5080359
    Abstract: A toy ball formed of a single, thin skin and being of light passing material having a source of chemilluminescent light retained therein. The chemilluminescent element is activated prior to insertion or placement into the ball and the element is either positively retained within a structural element integral to surface of the ball or is allowed to lie loosely within the ball. Such a light increases the play effect and useability of the ball during twilight or night hours. For positive placement of the element, the skin is cut to form a door which remains hinged at the uncut portion and normally urged closure of the door results in a holding force applied to the element. Several skin cuts will result in several doors which interact to retain the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Spearhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald D. Thill
  • Patent number: 4991066
    Abstract: A skateboard lighting adaptor kit that is mountable to a conventional skateboard having a deck with front and rear wheel assemblies, the lighting kit including head lights mountable to the underside of the deck proximate the front wheel assembly, tail lights mountable to the underside of the deck proximate the rear wheel assembly, and side running lights mountable to the sides of the deck, the kit including electronic control means to allow the side running lights to be slectively lighted to signal a turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Inventor: Gregory L. McCowan
  • Patent number: 4963117
    Abstract: A footbag having a pliant outer skin made of a translucent plastic material. The interior of the footbag is filled with a plurality of translucent or fluorescent beads. An aperture is provided in the skin, the diameter of which permitting one chemical light stick, or if desired one or more chemical light sticks to be inserted into the footbag. Connected with the skin adjacent the aperture therein, and extending into the interior of the foot bag is a sack of generally cylindrical shape. The sack is translucent and receives the chemical light stick so that the beads are prevented from spilling out of the footbag through the aperture. A plurality attached flexible skin panel covers the aperture, and is secured, to the perimeter of the aperture, in those areas where it is not permanently attached, by a hook and loop type fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Inventor: Kevin G. Gualdoni
  • Patent number: 4911675
    Abstract: A hoop and guide device which is characterized by a round hoop provided with an optional light housing mounted therein and a telescoping guide designed for propelling the hoop. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the guide telescopes in order to adjust the length thereof and is provided with a light at the upper end and a bevelled contact plate at the lower end. Furthermore, the hoop includes a hollow rim cavity designed to receive water and stabilize the hoop while it is propelled by the contact end of the guide. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a circular housing ring is built into the light housing and includes a ball race for receiving a metal ball, and electrical contacts connected to a battery located in the light housing extend into the ball race in spaced relationship for periodically illuminating a light located in the battery housing as the ball traverses the ball race and bridges the contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Inventor: M. Maurice Rogers
  • Patent number: 4813907
    Abstract: A toy vehicle construction is disclosed which has been particularly configured so that the toy vehicle exhibits animated characteristics. To this end, a liquid crystal graphics display is provided on the chassis of the vehicle, with the graphics display particularly configured to display a plurality of simulated life functions. An associated micro-processor effects operation and control of the graphics display, with additional sound-generating, light-emitting, and detecting devices further provided to further lend to the animated nature of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Tiger Electronic Sales, Ltd.
    Inventors: Owen R. Rissman, Henry T. Ho Tai
  • Patent number: 4813905
    Abstract: An illumination mechanism for moving toys provides projection of an image to projection faces of an outer shell by using a transparent frame and light source located within the shell. An elevating frame supports a projection device for projecting additional images to surfaces external to the toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Tomy Kogyo Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Hidehiko Yamaguchi, Kouich Minami, Nobuo Kobayashi