With Lamp Patents (Class 446/485)
  • Patent number: 5603652
    Abstract: A doll assembly has a toy figure and an audio output generator to simulate the singing of a song by the toy figure. A microphone, capable of providing audio input to the audio output generator, includes a light source modulated by the audio output generator when placed in propinquity with the toy figure. The modulated light creates the sensation that the toy figure is moving its lips in synchronization with the song.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventors: Omri Rothschild, Roni Raviv
  • Patent number: 5595434
    Abstract: A flashlight wand attachment including a wand member having a truncated generally conical portion and an opposing member. The attachment also includes threads for fastening the wand member to the opposing member when the wand member is disposed at one end of a wide portion or lamp housing of a handle member or flashlight, and the opposing member is disposed at an opposite end of the wide portion or lamp housing. Fastening the wand member to the opposing member in this way operably connects the wand attachment to the handle member. The present invention also includes a method of attaching a wand attachment to a flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventors: Ricky C. Pasch, David R. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5580154
    Abstract: A glove apparatus including a glove member having an outer surface covering material, such as a pliable plastic, treated with an illuminative substance having phosphorescence, fluorescent, or both, illuminative properties. The glove apparatus includes a light circuit system integrally packaged with the glove member. The light may be selectively energized and may be directionally controlled by the user of the apparatus to illuminate an object. The light is contained within a ring-like light housing member which is preferably mounted on a finger section of the glove member. As a child glove toy item, the outer glove surface covering material is decorated to ornately represent a fictional cartoon hero character. Variations of the apparatus include a light filter adapted with a screen shaped in the form of the cartoon character to effect projecting an image of the cartoon character upon a child energizing the light circuit system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventors: James D. Coulter, Jovee Coulter
  • Patent number: 5555163
    Abstract: A miniature light string display container for selectively displaying a plurality of light bulbs of a miniature light string in a desired arrangement, including a container with a front display panel having an array of regularly spaced mounting openings therethrough, which openings are sized for securely receiving light bulbs of a light string at least partially therethrough in a desired arrangement or pattern which is selectable on the array of mounting openings. The display container also includes a reversibly openable entry panel with a closed position and an open position, in which open position a rear surface of the display panel may be accessed. Electrical connection wire is extendable through the display container, when closed, for connecting the string of lights to an electrical power source, so that the pattern of inserted light bulbs is illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: Richard R. Pisani
  • Patent number: 5545069
    Abstract: The illuminable toy has a replaceable, illuminable edible, that can be soft or hard crystal candy or any other translucent or transparent food in a figure form which is attached to a holder which is in turn part of or attached to a base. Concealed inside the base are a light source and battery connected to an electrical switch. The illuminable edible toy can be a simulation toy with more than one replaceable, illuminable edible under a cover. The base can have a cover simulating a coffin or horror house for conveying horror themes, or simulating an egg shell for conveying an Easter celebration theme or a cave for conveying a fairy tale mining cave theme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Ideal Ideas, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Glynn, James R. Blair, II
  • Patent number: 5545072
    Abstract: An image projecting toy comprised of a toy figure and an associated internally disposed projection system, the projection system including a disk assembly containing a segmented film element having a plurality of images which are transilluminated by an illumination source, the images being selectable by the user for projection of the same onto a proximately disposed viewing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Toy Biz, Inc.
    Inventors: Avi Arad, Melvin Kennedy
  • 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: 5482277
    Abstract: A Talking Crystal Ball Toy operatively electrically effective to respond to a previously asked question in which the battery-operated circuit providing this operating mode is completed through the body of the user which significantly enhances the play value of the toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Gordon Young
  • Patent number: 5480338
    Abstract: A luminescent screen image making toy includes a generally planar luminescent screen having a luminescent surface defined thereon. A light unit includes an elongated housing supporting a directed light beam source and a strobe light unit. The strobe light unit and directed light beam source are constructed in accordance with conventional fabrication techniques and are utilized in providing either large are short duration illumination of the luminescent surface of the screen or small area light spot illumination suitable for writing or drawing activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Barthold
  • Patent number: 5478267
    Abstract: An electronic soap bubble sensing and responsive device which is activated upon making contact between a soap bubble and an electronic sensor. The device consists of two electrodes mounted on a support frame and electrically coupled to internal electrical signal generation circuitry. The soap bubble sensor includes electrodes which are positioned so as to contact the soap bubble conjointly. Soap bubble fluid being conductive allows such contact to complete a trigger circuit, which contact also bursts the bubble, thereby breaking the circuit. The electrodes have a geometric configuration so as to maximum the conjoint contact with spherical bubbles, and the electrodes are supported on a frame so as to minimize wetting of the frame and triggering inadvertent activation. The completed electrical circuit can activate any sensory output as a result of the triggering, including sounds, lights or motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignees: Gerald A. McDonald, Ronald G. Magers
    Inventors: Gerald A. McDonald, Ronald G. Magers, Lee K. Wa
  • Patent number: 5476407
    Abstract: A child's toy for playing checker at a check out stand used in retail stores and the like. An on/off switch is connected to a battery power source inside a housing. The power source, via electrical leads, is connected to a red and green light mounted in the top portion of the housing. An item switch, which is temporarily engaged by different play items to be checked, is also mounted in the top portion of the housing and electrically connected to the power source and the red and green lights. When the on/off switch is turned "on", the red light is turned "on". When a child places a play item to be checked against the item switch in the top portion of the housing, the item switch opens electrical lead to the red light turning it "off" and at the same time closes the electrical lead to the green light turning it "on". The toy can also include a buzzer which sounds when the green light is turned "on".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Inventor: Alton L. Hall, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5466181
    Abstract: A doll includes a hollow torso within which a battery power source is supported. The doll further includes a pair of outer surface areas supporting coating or deposits of conductive material. Electrical connection is provided between the conductive outer surface areas and the internal battery power source. A plurality of electrical toy apparatus such as a music or sound producing device or a lighted mirror are provided with conductive pads and electrical connection thereto. In the anticipated play pattern, the doll contacts the electrical apparatus conductive pads using the conductive outer areas of the doll's outer surface to provide electrical connection between the internal battery power supply of the doll and the electrical toy apparatus. Thereafter and so long as the contact is maintained, the battery source within the doll powers the electrical apparatus to provide the desired effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Linda K. Bennett, Joseph Feldman
  • Patent number: 5456625
    Abstract: A doll formed in the likeness of the Lord Jesus with a movable head and extremities comprised of a torso section including a loin cloth molded into its lower portion and a pair of movable leg sections. The lower ends of the leg sections have a pair of feet sections secured thereto. A pair of arm sections are secured to the torso section. A pair of hand sections are secured to the lower ends of the arm sections. A head section is secured to the upper end of the torso section. The doll is provided with electrically conductive nails which when inserted through apertures in the hands of the doll, mount the doll to a provided cross and close an electrical circuit which illuminates the cross.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Inventor: Linda M. S. Dumond
  • Patent number: 5445552
    Abstract: A base unit adapted to accommodate a miniature building, having a lamp unit, and adapted to be mechanically and/or electrically connected to further, similar base units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: John Hine Limited
    Inventor: John Hine
  • Patent number: 5439407
    Abstract: A doll of this invention includes a torso having an upper chest portion, a pair of arms, a pair of legs and a head, the chest includes a predetermined area of a predetermined shape, such as a heart which is constructed from translucent colored plastic material. A light is located within the cavity behind the heart to create a varying silhouette which corresponds in configuration to the doll upon the illumination of the light within the doll. The varying configuration of the silhouette is created by rotating an object between a lamp and the translucent colored plastic material, and this imparts a varying size and shape to the silhouette. In its broader aspects, the present invention is not limited to a doll, but instead to the concept of a rotating object(s) positioned between a translucent imaging surface and a source of illumination can be utilized in a variety of other environments and objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: Joan Friedel
  • Patent number: 5436817
    Abstract: A lamp socket system for an illuminated decorative figure includes a lamp socket with an integral male electrical plug and a flange for mounting the socket in a hole in the decorative figure. The decorative figure is provided with a well surrounding a hole in which the socket is mounted. The well is large enough to accommodate the female end connector of an extension cord and may be provided with an oblong radially extending portion to accommodate an oblong female end connector. When the socket is installed in the hole in the figure and an extension cord is connected to the integral male plug on the socket, the electrical connection between the extension cord and the socket is sheltered by the well. The well protects the electrical connection from rain, snow, and other environmental elements. It also supports the weight of the female end connector of the extension cord so that the socket is not pulled out of the figure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Sun Hill Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Wotton, Benson E. Zinbarg
  • Patent number: 5434761
    Abstract: A novelty flashlight is provided with a deformable body in the shape of a novelty character, wherein manual squeezing of the deformable body is effective to close an electrical circuit to energize a lamp. The flashlight includes a flashlight unit adapted to fit within the deformable body and to support one or more button cell batteries. A switch member is movably mounted on the flashlight unit and functions, upon manual squeezing of a selected region of the deformable body, to close an electrical circuit including the batteries and a lamp. The lamp is mounted on a base member to provide beam of light emanating from the bottom of the novelty character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: With Design in Mind
    Inventors: Daniel Lesnick, Wang T. Wong
  • Patent number: 5422458
    Abstract: By providing a fully integrated timer controlled actuation and locking system that automatically prevents access to the heating chamber whenever the system is engaged, a unique multi-purpose, automatic toy oven is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, the toy oven incorporates a forced air cooling assembly for substantially reducing the time period required for cooling of the heating chamber and product. In addition, the locking system of the present invention preferably prevents access to the heating chamber until both the desired heating and cooling time have expired and both the heating chamber and the heated product can be safely accessed. In addition, the actuation system automatically engages and sequentially times the heating and cooling cycles, to provide an oven which is easy to use and enjoy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Thomas L. Simmel
  • Patent number: 5422796
    Abstract: A light twirler wand including a central portion held in the hand and furthermore containing batteries, motors, switches and an electrical power transfer device; and a series of rotating lighted arms at one or both ends of the central portion. Lights affixed to the arms may be positioned at the tips or a plurality of lights may be dispersed throughout the arm to produce a desirable lighting effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventors: Sheon J. Peebles, Gary N. Peebles
  • Patent number: 5391105
    Abstract: The picture toy includes a housing, a first opaque plate including a first array of apertures, a second opaque plate including a second array of apertures, and a plurality of light pipes. The picture toy is assembled such that each aperture of the first array is axially aligned with a corresponding aperture of the second array. Each light pipe includes a rear section and a front section which are respectively fitted into one of the apertures of the first array and its corresponding aperture of the second array. The rear section of each light pipe further includes an opaque end surface which substantially prevents light from entering the picture toy through the rear section when the light pipe is slid into a raised position. Illuminated indicia are created by selectively depressing the light pipes so that light may enter the rear section of the light pipe and propagate therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: InnoLand, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence T. Jones
  • Patent number: 5389056
    Abstract: A new and improved jump rope assembly with illuminated components comprising, a pair of handles, each handle having an inboard end and an outboard end, one of the handles being hollow and having therein electrical components including a battery, electrical contacts and an on/off switch. A flexible rope is formed in a hollow tubular configuration from a translucent material and having therein a plurality of light bulbs with spherical translucent covers thereover and with electrical wires coupling the light bulbs interiorly along the length of the rope. A pair of connectors mechanically couple the ends of the rope with the adjacent end of a handle, one of the connectors being electrically conductive and coupling the wires in the rope with the batteries and the switch for selective illumination of the bulbs when the switch is in the on position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: Edward W. Ricker
  • Patent number: 5387146
    Abstract: A cover is attached to a housing, and a hollow shaft extends from a motor in the housing to a rotatable disk within the cover. Several optical fibers extend between the disk and a light source in the housing. The forward ends of the fibers are attached around the circumference of the disk, and the fibers pass through the shaft. The fibers exit the shaft and turn forward toward the light source. A shaft extension disk positions the rearward ends of the fibers radially outward from the shaft. A light filter, having sectors of various colors, is located between the optical fibers and the light source. Ornaments are suspended from the disk, and cover the forward ends of the fibers when the ornaments are near the top of the disk, and reveal the ends of the fibers when the ornaments are near the bottom of the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Smith, Dayna L. Smith, Larry L. Uland
  • Patent number: 5385500
    Abstract: The present invention features a snake toy having an illumination apparatus in its mouth. The body of the snake toy has an inner, flexible, corrugated tube of metal or plastic. The flexible corrugation is easily twisted in order to provide different shapes or configurations for the snake body. In this fashion, the snake can be shaped to stand alone upon a table or to wrap around handlebars of a bicycle or the back of a chair, for example. Likewise, the snake can be easily carried about one's person by wrapping it about the neck, arm, or leg. The twisting and shaping capability also serves as a means by which the illumination from the built-in flashlight can be focused or directed upon an object or a particular spot. By shaping the snake, one can direct the light emanating from the snake's mouth onto the page of a book, for instance. The inner tube of the snake's is covered by soft polyester batting, which is further overlaid with an outer cloth shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventor: Caitlyn R. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5356343
    Abstract: A black magician's wand with white tips with a built in flash at one end and a triggering means contained therein. The method of triggering the flash is concealed. In one version of the wand, the flash is triggered by means of a push button switch. In another version of the invention, the flash is triggered by means of a mercury tilt switch within the wand. Manipulation of the wand through a horizontal plane causes the switch to activate the flash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventor: Christopher J. Lovetere
  • Patent number: 5356329
    Abstract: A ridable toy which is adapted to be rocked by a child has a body on which the child may sit to rock the toy, a translucent portion, and a centrifugally operated light display visible through the translucent portion. The light display is caused to spin and light up by an arcuate rack drive system which is responsive to the rocking motion induced in the toy by the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Handi-Pac, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest L. Thornell
  • Patent number: 5352147
    Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a vehicle body having at least one substantially transparent portion and an opaque portion. The substantially transparent portion includes a substantially stripe-shaped pattern extending from the front of the vehicle body to the rear sides thereof. The opaque portion is defined as the entire body except for the substantially transparent portion. A plurality of illuminating devices are disposed within the body and proximate the stripe-shaped pattern of the substantially transparent portion so that when each of the illuminating devices emits light, the emitted light is transmitted through the substantially transparent portion for viewing from the exterior side of the body. An operable control circuit causes the lights to be sequentially illuminated along the stripe-shaped pattern, thereby simulating vehicle motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Inventors: Dietmar Nagel, Craig P. Nadel
  • 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: 5346418
    Abstract: A kit for assembling a plurality of toy weapons includes a basic weapon having a first configuration and a first plurality of conversion adaptors for converting the basic weapon to a second plurality of different weapon configurations. The basic weapon and at least one of the adaptors are releasably securable together to form a second plurality of weapons, the second plurality being greater than the first plurality. The basic weapon may include a compartment for an electrical power supply, as well as a light generator and a sound generator associated with the power supply for providing light and a variety of different sounds when activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Toy Biz, Inc.
    Inventor: Avi Arad
  • Patent number: 5339479
    Abstract: A child's motivational toothbrush of unitary construction such that no part, of the toothbrush can be nondestructively detached so as to endanger a child. The toothbrush has as a part of its handle construction a three dimensional figure which has a cavity in which an electronic package is sealed, and from which an electronic activation switch is accessible to a user. When the activation switch is pressed the electronic package cycles through a program that produces sounds and electrical impulses that activate lights that blink on and off in a programmed sequence. The intersection between the handle and the toothbrush is provided with and aid for the clean and destructive detachment of the brush end from the handle end so that the brush end can be discarded and the handle end saved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Inventor: Mark Lyman
  • Patent number: 5328401
    Abstract: In combination with a childrens cuddly toy, a facial plate which will move when contacted manually by a child. This movement will cause a light to shine through the actuating plate and then slowly dim giving the appearance of blushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: Robert A. DeMars
  • Patent number: 5324224
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a hollow globe including a plurality of apertures which are formed substantially throughout the entire surface of the globe. Formed within the globe and disposed in laminar juxtaposition to the interior surface of the globe's sphere, a bladder means is formed of an opaque flexible material. A plurality of cross slits are formed on the bladder in substantial alignment with the globe's surface. An internal light source is disposed within said bladder at approximately the midpoint of the globe's sphere, and a plurality of luminescent pegs are provided for insertion into the apertures formed in the globe's surface. The present invention provides the user with the plurality of luminescent, differently colored pegs to design a picture or art form. The present invention may additionally serve as a night light and the luminescent pegs may be specially adapted to project light from the interior of the globe's surface to the exterior of the globe and onto surrounding walls and ceilings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Inventors: Richard H. Anderson, Robert R. Anderson, Richard R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5324201
    Abstract: A doll includes a body having a torso defining a cavity housing a shelf and closed by a door. A user tears a sheet from a note pad, writes a "secret" upon the sheet, inserts the sheet into a pocket into the star-like body and inserts the latter upon the shelf. The door of the cavity is closed and the star-like body and the "secret" upon the note is displaced for subsequent reuse. The "secret" can also be written upon the sheet torn from the note pad using a pen with conventional "disappearing" ink. Preferably a door or doors of the doll is then locked by a suitable time-delay mechanism to prevent access to the note until the ink/secret has disappeared, thus telling the user/child that the "secret" has been received by the "inner child" or doll and is respected (secret) thereby through its disappearance. Further, in lieu of blank sheets, a stack of preprinted sheets or cards may be provided each with a different "secret" or message thereon which the user can select, fold, insert into the star-like body, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Inventor: Joan Friedel
  • Patent number: 5321591
    Abstract: A toy flashlight formed in a configuration including a strobe module. The flashlight includes a handle housing and a releasably mounted transparent enclosure with the strobe module enclosed therebetween. The strobe module is provided to switch a light source between ON state and an OFF state to create a rapidly blinking light. Further, a strobing circuit is provided to control the switching mechanism of the strobe module. In this manner, the strobe module with strobing circuit can be inserted into a conventional flashlight to enhance its play value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: I & K Trading Co.
    Inventors: Benjamin Cimock, Eric Gatley, Patrick Chau, John Lam
  • Patent number: 5317489
    Abstract: An illuminated horseshoe set comprising, in combination a plurality of illuminated horseshoes, each horseshoe including an elongated upper member comprised of an elastomeric material and having a bend adjacent to its center, an elongated lower member comprised of an elastomeric material and having a bend adjacent to its center, a plurality of screws coupling the upper member to the lower member to define a hollow U-shaped member having an upper exterior surface, a lower exterior surface, a major bend adjacent to its center with the major bend aligned with the bends in the upper and lower members, a pair of legs extending in a generally common direction from the major bend with the legs defining a space therebetween, an inner edge located adjacent to the space, an outer edge located remote from the space, and a hole centrally disposed on the outer edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventors: Sal Delli Gatti, Barbara Delli Gatti, Frank Delli Gatti
  • Patent number: 5316293
    Abstract: A toy ball, preferably a football, that emits light and bomb-emulating sounds when spiraled. It comprises a foam body defining a central bore with open ends, conical end caps associated with the ends, and an electronic circuit responsive to a centrifugal switch. The circuit and its battery are fitted within a tubular canister, preferably coaxially disposed in the bore. Rubber tethers suspend the canister between the end caps. A D-ring bracket flexibly connects one end of each tether to the canister. An S-hook connects the other tether end to an end cap. When the ball spirals during flight, a sound simulating a bomb dropped from an aircraft is emitted from piezoceramic transducers mounted on the lids of the canister. Sound horns extend from the transducers to the end caps to conduct the sound. Radially spaced apart light emitting diodes mounted in recesses in the outer surface of the ball are activated by the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventor: David H. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 5314371
    Abstract: A toy for mounting on the dashboard of a vehicle in front of the driver. The toy includes a box-like housing that houses a plurality of tone generators. Each tone generator, when activated, produces the sounds of a military assault weapon, and a selector switch is provided for each tone generator so that the driver of the vehicle may select the desired sound. A firing button is provided so that after the desired tone generator has been activated, pressing the firing button causes the selected sound to be generated. The sounds may be broadcast over a built-in speaker, or over the vehicle's speaker system. LED lights in the top wall of the housing are reflected onto the windshield of the vehicle, and form a simulated target sight. Thus, a driver desiring to vent frustrations may simulate shooting at a fanciful enemy driver by activating the device, activating a selected tone generator, aligning the other vehicle in the target sight, and pressing a firing button to cause generation of the selected sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Kirk D. Mason
  • Patent number: 5310377
    Abstract: An illuminated sound producing toy comprising a base frame, a drive mechanism, a sound producing mechanism, an opening formed in the base frame, a mirror fitted in the opening, an electric lamp, a switch and a first light transmitting board. The sound producing mechanism is capable of being driven by the drive mechanism and the switch turns the electric lamp ON and OFF. The first light transmitting board is positioned generally between the mirror and the electric lamp and is driven through a predetermined motion by the drive mechanism. The first light transmitting board comprises an illustration display area so that illustrations can be seen through the mirror means only when the electric lamp is ON.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Joja
  • Patent number: 5295891
    Abstract: A holding device for inflatable balloons or the like which have a balloon envelope and a filling connection has a holding part which has clamping means for the airtight clamping off of the filling connection of the balloon after its inflation. The holding part has the shape of a bowl (2; 2') which is open towards the balloon (1), and the clamping means comprise a groove (6, 7; 6', 7') which is formed in the circumferential wall of the bowl (2; 2') and passes through said circumferential wall, the groove extending from the edge (2a) of the bowl (2; 2') that rests against the balloon envelope upon use and being intended to receive the filling connection (3) of the balloon 1), and a clamping device (4) for the end of the filling connection (3) of the balloon (1) arranged on the outside of the circumferential wall of the bowl (2; 2').
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Inventor: Alfons Schalk
  • Patent number: 5291674
    Abstract: A display formed of two colorless, transparent plastic cylinders mounted concentrically with a vertical axis upon a base. The space between the two cylinders forms a tank which is filled with liquid and some plastic snowflakes having a slightly greater specific gravity than the liquid. An object to be displayed is positioned within the inner cylinder and, so, is not in contact with the liquid. The object and the liquid are illuminated by a light within the base. A motor operates a pump having an uncased spiral rotor projecting vertically downwardly into the liquid. Rotation of the pump causes a diffuse upward flow of the liquid and the snowflakes in the vicinity of the pump. Though this causes the snowflakes to move upwardly in a gentle and diffuse manner, this motion isn't particularly noticed by an observer. When the snowflakes reach the top of the liquid, they are diffused sidewardly and begin dropping, creating a snowfall effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Mechtronics Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur L. Torrence
  • Patent number: 5290184
    Abstract: A flying disc with two lights located on or near the disk's perimeter, with two symmetrically opposed housings on the underside of the disk near the disk's outmost edge. The two housings store the batteries and the electrical components for illuminating the disk. The housings are placed on opposite sides of the disk, so that the bulk of the disk's weight is on the disk's outside edge. Aerodynamic stability in a flying disk is optimum when the bulk of the disk's weight is distributed on it's outside edge. Thus, the present invention has greater stability when set in rotational motion than existing disks which house electronic components and batteries in the center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Imagination Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Balogh, Donald V. Kress, Michael Toler
  • Patent number: 5288259
    Abstract: A toy doll or toy animal having simulated hair at least some of which is formed by optical fibres. The optical fibres extend into the toy doll's or toy animal's body. A light source is positioned within the body so that light from the source is coupled into the optical fibres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Sente Creations Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Konta, Sachiko Kitajima, Peter C. Lancaster
  • Patent number: 5279513
    Abstract: An illuminated toy sword includes a handle. A light source mounted in said handle provides focused light. A light rod has a first end and a second end, the first end being optically coupled to the light source. The light source is focused upon the second end of the light rod, such that the light rod is substantially evenly illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: I & K Trading Corporation
    Inventor: Keith Connelly
  • Patent number: 5277644
    Abstract: A doll includes a torso having a bodice portion assembled thereto and defining an interior cavity. A battery powered source and lamp are supported within the torso in an operative coupling arrangement. A plurality of fiber optic elements are optically coupled to the lamp source through a movable color filter having a plurality of differently colored filtered segments. The remaining ends of the fiber optic elements extend outwardly and upwardly from the junction between the doll bodice piece and the torso in a neckline array. A movable belt ornament is operatively coupled to the filter to provide selection of the filter segment aligned with and interposed between the lamp and the interior ends of the fiber optic elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian G. Osborne, Wesley E. Thomas, Linda K. Bennett
  • Patent number: 5277643
    Abstract: A connectable toy capable of permitting a user to enjoy play full of unexpectedness and novelty. The connectable toy includes a toy body and attachments constructed so as to be detachably connectable to the toy body. The connectable toy further includes a circuit consisting of a circuit portion arranged in the toy body and a circuit portion arranged in each of the attachments. Connection and disconnection of the circuit is carried out through coupling sections of the toy body and the attachments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Takara Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takio Ejima
  • Patent number: 5269719
    Abstract: A light show mechanism is provided that includes light brackets which are mounted for rotation on opposite ends of a platform. The light brackets have at least two spaced lamps mounted thereon. The platform rotates about a central axis. As the platform rotates, the light brackets travel in a planetary path. The light brackets rotate on the platform as the platform rotates so that its lights sweep out aesthetically pleasing designs. The rate of rotation of the light brackets can be changed independently of each other to change the design formed by the lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Handi-Pac, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald R. Klawitter, Jerrald Spencer
  • Patent number: 5266063
    Abstract: The present invention is a spinning light device. The device primarily consists of a metallic battery case, a hard wire coil, and a number of insulated wires, light bulb sockets, and light bulbs. When the device is turned on by means of a switch, the user simply grasps the device by the metallic battery case and whirls the attached lights about in circular or other motions. The effect is to produce a trail of light behind the moving light bulb or bulbs. A sparkling effect may be added to the whirling of the illuminated device by attaching either a tinsel wrap or another reflective material to the hard wire coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventor: William J. Baumgartner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5248276
    Abstract: A compact landing field for use by individuals, and particularly children, to include airport landing field simulation, including a rigid first board overlying a resilient second board, with the first board having a conductive path in operative communication with various patterns of light-emitting diode lights to simulate a landing field strip of L-shaped configuration and a heliport, with the switching operative through sequencing and flashing units to effect visual and desired effects relative to the field structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Inventor: Herbert Deleon
  • Patent number: 5236383
    Abstract: A toy ball of increased play value is provided and includes a sphere. A light source is disposed within the sphere. A switch disposed within the sphere activates the light source when the ball is impacted such as when it is bounced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: I & K Trading Corporation
    Inventor: Keith Connelly
  • Patent number: 5230650
    Abstract: A projectile toy includes a plurality of opposing target hoops arranged for selective securement to upper distal end portions of mounting posts. The projectiles are arranged of varying and contrasting colorations utilizing a semi-spherical head formed with a conical central tail portion and a rear tail web for manual grasping of the projectile to permit its hurtling towards an opposing target ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Inventor: Donald R. Brayton
  • Patent number: 5228879
    Abstract: A hand held two-way mirror assembly 10 having one or more hidden images 26 mounted behind the back surface of a two-way mirror 20, one of which images can be seen when a light 36 behind the image is lit. The mirror assembly includes a frame 12, 14, 16, there being a cavity 30 behind the mirror 20, which cavity receives the lights 36 and a circuit board 48. A speaker 50 is mounted on the board. One or more digitized voices is stored in a memory chip 54 mounted on the board. Electronic switches 52 and 56 select a lamp 36 to be lit when a manually engageable switch is operated, and also cause one of the digitized voice tracks to be broadcast through the speaker, the particular voice track being associated with the illuminated image, the lights and voices preferably being selected in a predetermined manner to follow a script.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventor: Wayne G. Fromm