Simulated Dispenser Or Pump Patents (Class 446/483)
  • Patent number: 8951094
    Abstract: In one arrangement, a confetti projector may be operated using SCUBA quality gas. In another arrangement, a confetti projector may include a support frame having a storage surface that is used to support, and thus transport, one or more gas canisters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Joseph D. Ropelewski
  • Patent number: 8033889
    Abstract: A drinking cup that has a removable lid with three different types of drink delivery novelties. The first is a rotary drive dispenser. In which fluid is drawn up in a straw. At the top of the straw is a rotary arm, which is free to rotate. As the fluid is brought up through the straw, it is forced out of holes formed in the rotary arm causing the arm spins around the straw. As it rotates, the fluid is dispensed into a sump where a drinking straw is used to remove it. In the second design, fluid rises up through the straw where it exits the straw like a fountain spray. In the third design, a tall tube extends up from the lid. A ball sits in the tube. As the fluid is brought up, the ball is propelled upward inside the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventors: Gary Randall, Don Karterman
  • Patent number: 8010211
    Abstract: An appliance configured to perform a physical operation on an article, using a resource, includes a process control apparatus to control a cycle of the physical operation, and a service interface in communication with the process control apparatus and configured to receive a consumable holder. The service interface has at least one coupling point for conveying the consumable from a consumable holder to the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Hendrickson, Joel A. Luckman, Richard A. McCoy
  • Patent number: 7731061
    Abstract: A wearable toy having an outer housing capable of rotating around a wearable component with more than one pod at the outer housing each able to receive a contained discharge element. The pods are engaged by an actuator assembly which operates to project the contained discharge element of each pod. The pods at the outer housing may receive, e.g., a removable canister containing the discharge elements. The actuator assembly includes a first actuator coupled to the wearable component for manipulation by a user and a second actuator capable of engaging the first actuator projecting the contained discharge element of each of the plurality of pods. The canister may include a second actuator coupled and capable of engagement with the first actuator as the outer housing member is rotated to allow alignment of first and second actuators for projecting the contained discharge element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Hampton R Woodhouse, Alric J Lam
  • Patent number: 7115014
    Abstract: A toy animal having a rigid body with movable legs, head and tail, is operated by internal gear mechanisms powered by a single, reversible, battery-powered motor operated in different directions. A hand controller is attached to the body to actuate the single motor in a selected direction to either move a plurality of legs to cause movement of the body while wagging the animal's tail, and to then cause the toy animal to urinate, or to move the head and actuate a tongue held in the head to lick a person holding the toy animal, or ingest fluid. The toy animal may also include a speaker and related circuitry that is actuated to cause the toy animal to make sounds, such as a bark, panting, a whimper and/or a tinkling sound at appropriate times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Tara McGrath, Kevin W. Gray, Ok-Soo Choi, Sam Tsui, Jon Marine
  • Patent number: 7066820
    Abstract: An illusion toy has a housing in which a blade is rotated in one direction too rapidly to be seen through 270 degrees between rest positions on respective opposite sides of an article receiving through hole, providing the illusion that the blade has rotated in an opposite direction across the through hole, through the article. An actuating lever for a blade rotating overcenter mechanism has a loop aligned with the through hole so that a trigger end of the lever can be visibly moved between opposite sides of the through hole in the same direction as the apparent movement of the blade. A hollow housing handle forms a candy dispensing store and connects to a delivery chute extending across the housing obscuring a radially outer portion of the blade path providing an impression that rotation of the blade in the one direction is blocked by candy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventors: William L King, Mark Setteducati, Robert Carignan, Terry Chan
  • Patent number: 6648726
    Abstract: A system and a method for launching glow-in-the-dark projectiles from a projectile launcher wherein the toy comprises projectiles exposed to light prior to being launched and a firing mechanism wherein a portion of the firing mechanism is positioned with the projectile prior to being fired from the launcher. In one embodiment, the firing mechanism comprises a light for exposing the projectile to radiation prior to being fired from the gun. The present invention is well suited for use as a toy projectile launcher wherein the toy may be used in dark or low-light areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: All Seasons Toys, Inc
    Inventors: James E. Hornsby, Paul M. Brown, Chad P. Stuemke, Ryan A. Wolfinbarger
  • Patent number: 6532314
    Abstract: A toy scanner is disclosed capable of scanning printed price indicators and audibly and visually displaying the scanned price. The price indicators are printed in carbon ink and the toy scanner includes a conductive rubber strip located on the reading face of the scanner for reading the carbon ink printed price indicators. The scanned price is visually displayed on an LCD display. The scanned price is audibly displayed by a voice synthesizer and loud speaker combination which “talks” the scanned price. A mute switch is included for turning off the talk feature. The scanner also includes a random number generator for generating a random price, which is also audibly and visually displayed, upon activation of a random price activation switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Learning Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Barbara Plain, Tirza Ernst, Samuel Nguy
  • Publication number: 20020081939
    Abstract: A system and a method for launching glow-in-the-dark projectiles from a projectile launcher wherein the toy comprises projectiles exposed to light prior to being launched and a firing mechanism wherein a portion of the firing mechanism is positioned with the projectile prior to being fired from the launcher. In one embodiment, the firing mechanism comprises a light for exposing the projectile to radiation prior to being fired from the gun. The present invention is well suited for use as a toy projectile launcher wherein the toy may be used in dark or low-light areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: James R. Hornsby, Paul M. Brown, Chad P. Stuemke, Ryan A. Wolfinbarger
  • Patent number: 6312311
    Abstract: The present invention provides a water tower generally having a base portion, a tower support attached to the base portion, and a fluid vessel attached to the tower support and containing a fluid. A buoyant vessel having a first magnet attached is contained within the fluid vessel. A first arm defining a cam slot and rotatably attached to the tower support by a first pivot pin guides a second arm, an end of which is disposed within the cam slot. The second arm is rotatably attached to the tower support by a second pivot pin. A second magnet is attached to a second end of the movable arm. In operation, the first arm is rotated to move a second arm, bringing the first and second magnets into alignment. The magnets create an attraction force which sinks the buoyant vessel within the fluid, giving the water tower the appearance of being full. When the first arm is rotated so magnets are taken out of axial alignment, the attraction force of the magnets is diminished, and the buoyant vessel floats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Learning Curve International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Wilhelm, Robert Cecchini
  • Patent number: 5984760
    Abstract: A bottle includes an outer vessel formed of a transparent or clear material and an inner vessel slightly smaller than the outer vessel and received therein to create a space therebetween. A cap is secured to the outer vessel and defines apertures therein. The outer vessel defines a closed upper end having apertures aligned with the cap apertures. A valve body providing check valves operable in opposite directions is coupled to a pair of straws which in turn are directed upwardly through the respective apertures and are joined at a common pump bulb. The pump bulb is formed of a resilient elastic material and cooperates with the check valves to displace liquid from the outer vessel to the inner vessel as the bulb is repeatedly squeezed and released. A doll cooperating with the bottle receives the pump bulb in a mouth opening and provides mouth motion to squeeze and release the pump bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon C. Marine
  • Patent number: 5928085
    Abstract: A novelty gas dispensing nozzle attachment for attachment to a fuel cap of a vehicle for simulating a torn away gas dispensing nozzle because the driver forgot to remove the gas dispensing nozzle from the vehicle before driving away from the gas pump. The inventive device includes a main member having an outer configuration adapted to resemble a fuel dispensing nozzle of a gas pump including a middle portion configured to resemble a trigger assembly of a fuel dispensing nozzle, a proximal portion configured to resemble a portion of corrugated protective nozzle bellow inserted into a fuel tank of a vehicle, and a distal portion configured to resemble a torn off portion of a fuel line hose connecting a fuel dispensing nozzle to a gas pump. The proximal portion terminates at an open proximal end which is adapted for receiving a fuel cap of a vehicle therein to attach the main member to the fuel cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Torii L. Lehr
  • Patent number: 5897038
    Abstract: A utility wagon or toy version thereof for containing a source of dispensable liquid and having a pump mounted in the wagon for pressurizing the source of liquid by actuating a reciprocally movable handle, and a wand connected to the source of liquid for selectively dispensing the liquid under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Jeff D. Myers
  • Patent number: 5215491
    Abstract: A water actuated toy kitchen set includes a housing having an interior cavity therein supported by a support base. A sink includes a depressible faucet together with a sink well and drain coupling. A dishwasher cavity supports a slidable dishwasher tray, a spray head, a return drain and a pivotable dishwasher door having a transparent window therein. A pressure responsive bellows is operatively coupled to the dishwasher spray head and controls the vertical position of one or more simulated toast slices within a toaster which appears to rest upon the counter top of the kitchen set. A battery-operated pump and pump motor is operatively coupled to a switch mechanism actuated by depressing the faucet to pump water under pressure through the faucet as well as through the dishwasher spray head. Recirculating paths are provided for the pump water to maintain a continuous recycled water flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: William Willet, Milan J. Seda
  • Patent number: 5186674
    Abstract: Toy paint applicators for creating the illusion of picking up paint and applying it to a surface. The present invention includes a toy paint applicator having a handle; a simulated paint receiving element having a translucent portion for simulating a paint receiving area of the applicator; a color imparting member movably disposed with respect to the translucent portion for movement between a coloring position for simulating the presence of paint on the paint receiving element, and a noncoloring position for simulating the absence of paint on the paint receiving element to create the effect of picking up paint and applying it to a surface. The toy paint applicator includes a first preferred embodiment of a paint roller for creating the illusion of applying paint to and from the roller and a second preferred embodiment of a paint brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Fisher-Price, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard F. Beckhusen, Gail S. Mowrer
  • Patent number: 5176561
    Abstract: A toy nursing bottle for simulating emptying of the bottle when the doll is "drinking" and "filling" the bottle from a can or the like. The bottle body is formed of outer and inner shells defining a liquid receiving chamber therebetween, a nipple member mounted on the bottle body and having a liquid receiving reservoir, and a valve that controls flow of liquid between the liquid receiving chamber and the liquid receiving reservoir. A rod extends from the valve member through the reservoir and into the nipple, so that it moves, when the nipple is depressed, to open the valve. Any surface on a container, such as a can, bottle or cardboard container or the like, may be used to depress the nipple to open the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Kenner Products, Division of Tonka Corp.
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Greenberg, Gregory E. Hyman, Judith H. Blau, Michele P. Trammel
  • Patent number: 5158208
    Abstract: An apparatus including a fluid storage tank, with a torso belt organization for mounting the storage tank about a torso portion of an individual. A glove member is in fluid communication with the fluid storage tank, wherein the fluid storage tank is pressurized and the glove member includes at least one trigger member for effecting directing of fluid from within at least one compartmented chamber within the fluid storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventor: Joshua R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5108337
    Abstract: An inflatable balloon system comprises an optional first container having an openable top and a collapsed balloon positioned within the first container. A compressed gas container having a gas release valve is provided, with the compressed gas container and release valve being sealed entirely within the collapsed balloon. The gas release valve faces the openable top. Upon opening of the top, one can actuate the gas release valve through the wall of the balloon, to release the compressed gas and to cause inflation of the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Inventors: John D. Sloan, Allan P. Newman, Stanley S. Budzinski
  • Patent number: 5002514
    Abstract: A tears-shedding device for a doll includes a tank, an L-shaped opening extension disposed at the lower portion of the tank via a spherical inlet valve, for each eye of the doll a perspective convex-shaped eye extension disposed at one side of the tank via a similarly spherical outlet valve, a press pump mounted at another side of the tank, and a press mechanism for the press pump, the aforesaid opening extension being mounted in a mouth of the doll, each of the aforesaid eye extensions being mounted in a respective eye of the doll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Bandai, Kabushiki Kaisha Shiba
    Inventor: Hiroshi Takei
  • Patent number: 4857031
    Abstract: A toy rotatable grill kabob is disclosed for simultanously rotatably driving a skewer onto which simulated food chunks are mounted, and a pair of spaced support rods for supporting a simulated wiener or the like. The skewer and support rods are driven by a common drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: The Quaker Oats Company
    Inventor: Eric E. Lucas
  • Patent number: 4586280
    Abstract: A baseball-type cap having on the front and above the visor a miniature transparent mug which contains a small motor and pump that circulates a fluid from the bottom of the mug up through a conduit within the cap to a small dispensing tap mounted above the mug. The tap handle operates an electrical switch to power the motor and also a lamp that back-lights advertising material visable through the transparent mug and illuminates the fluid flowing through a transparent tube connected between the dispensing tap outlet and the bottom of the mug. A top cover of the mug may support a plastic foam for further realism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1986
    Inventor: Brian Dane
  • Patent number: 4550876
    Abstract: A sprinkler toy, advantageously in the shape of a fire hydrant, includes a connector for placing the toy in fluid communication with a garden hose. A first spraying nozzle is capable of communicating with the connector through a pivotally operated valve. The first nozzle includes a plurality of apertures for producing an upwardly directed, diffused liquid spray. A second nozzle, also capable of fluid communication with the connector through a pivotally operated valve, is connected to the remainder of the toy by a flexible hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Assignee: Marvin Glass & Associates
    Inventors: Ralph J. Kulesza, Donald A. Rosenwinkel, Harry Disko
  • Patent number: 4531654
    Abstract: A drink dispensing device which simulates the appearance and operation of a drill rig comprising a base structure on which is mounted a model of a drill rig, control circuitry, and a plurality of drink dispensers. Each drink dispenser comprises a solenoid which, when actuated, releases a predetermined amount of liquid into a collection device leading to a receptacle. The control circuitry includes a selection switch for selecting a drink dispenser solenoid. The circuitry energizes a selected solenoid, and an arrangement for causing the drill rig to lower a block and attached kelly bar to a predetermined lower position while rotating the kelly bar when the selected solenoid is energized. Upon reaching the lower position, rotation of the kelly bar is stopped and then the block and attached kelly bar are raised back to the upper position and stopped until a selection switch is again actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Inventor: Gerard E. Guyon