Convertible From, Or Serving As Diverse Article Patents (Class 446/71)
  • Patent number: 7144359
    Abstract: The present invention is a combination flexible planar item and character. The item comprises a flexible planar item, that when manipulated, takes on the appearance of a character. The character is formed by a character body that becomes defined from the manipulation of the planar item. The planar item has an exterior surface and at least one character feature that is present on the exterior surface of the item. When correctly manipulated, the combination of at least one character feature and the character body provide the appearance of a character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: MPA International Corporation
    Inventors: Mary M. Ponthan, David P. Behr, George R. Larsgard
  • Patent number: 7018267
    Abstract: A transportable play design assembly with an open operative position, an alternative closed position and which may be folded to enclose play items therebetween when play time is concluded. The open operative position is utilized as a play surface. The alternative closed position is utilized as a transporting and storage device for play items. The alternative closed position further has a closing mechanism to prevent the play items from falling out of the assembly during transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Homegrown Kids, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Delaney, Jennifer L. Delaney
  • Patent number: 6899585
    Abstract: An amusement device that includes a mounting assembly that is selectively attachable to a person's body. An electronic assembly is either built into, or attached to, the mounting assembly. The electronic assembly includes a sensor that detects movement. Also included in the electronic assembly is a sound generating device that generates one note of a melody each time the sensor detects movement. By manipulating the mounting assembly on the body, a user can repeatedly trigger the sensor and cause sound generating assembly to produce notes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Webb T. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6830430
    Abstract: A Frisbee™ fan comprises a fan body made from a fabric bordered by a flexible strip on the peripheral rim thereof and a folding plate clamping the fan body for generating a strong air flow. The fan body may be printed with a selected pattern. The fan body may be separated from the folding plate to become a Frisbee™ for recreational use. The flexible strip allows the fan body be twisted and folded to a smaller size and be encased in the folding plate to facilitate carrying and storing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Jack Lien
  • Publication number: 20040198138
    Abstract: An assemblage of structural elements is provided for combining in one or more ways to make toys or toy-like figures that are edible. The structural elements of the assemblage include components that may be comprised of edible materials or a combination of edible and inedible materials. The components may also be in the form of general geometric shapes or preformed parts or a combination of both general geometric shapes and preformed parts. The structural elements are preferably provided in a packaging structure which facilitates transportability of the assemblage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Chase A. Vasic, Stevan Vasic
  • Publication number: 20040187889
    Abstract: A child's toothbrush includes a handle in the form of a toy, such as a rocket ship or a vehicle, and wherein a toothbrush head and neck easily connects and disconnects from the handle. The handle may also contain a hollow compartment for holding stationary a removable vehicle, figurine, other toy or sundry product therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: James Kemp, Al Sprosta, Brett Traficant, Tau Dai, Eduardo Jimenez, Nancy Won Mee Pak
  • Patent number: 6786792
    Abstract: A stuffed toy (10) for play by an animal is taught. The stuffed toy (10) has an outer pliable shell (12) formed of a first fur (54), an inner pliable shell (56) formed of a second fur (54′) located within the outer pliable shell (12), a pouch (58) formed of a third fur (54″) located within the inner pliable shell (56), and a play-stimulation item (68) located within the pouch (58) to provide stimulation for play by the animal. The outer and inner pliable shells (12,56) form an interior cavity (14) having an opening (22) though the outer and inner pliable shells (12,56). A hook-and-loop fastener (72) is used to releasably seals the opening (22). The pouch (58) is configured to pass through the opening (22) and is contained within the interior cavity (14) during the play by the animal. The play-stimulation item (68) may be an olfactory-excitation material (catnip) or a sound-producing device (squeaker).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Sharon A. Ritchey
  • Patent number: 6773324
    Abstract: A bilboquet toy (20) is provided. The toy (20) incorporates a handheld radio (26), such as a cellular telephone or other handheld electronic device, to which is attached a coupler (22). A bille (24), in the form of a stylized ring or cup, is coupled to the coupler (22) by a tether (32). In play, the bille (24) is tossed upward and caught as it falls upon an antenna (28) of the radio (26). The bille (24) may assume any of a plurality of shapes to allow different forms and levels of play. The coupler (22) may be removable, such as an O-ring pressed over the antenna (28), semi-removable, as a two-part hook-and-loop fastener, or permanent. Either the coupler (22) or the bille (24) may display advertising copy (46). The coupler (22), the bille (24), and the tether (32) are fabricated of non-conducting materials to avoid interference with communicative use of the handheld radio (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Richard W. Davis
  • Patent number: 6767269
    Abstract: A steel toy disk has patterns or designs printed on an upper surface thereof, and includes a curled and upward protruded rim and a raised central portion formed through punching. A top of the raised central portion is located between a bottom of the steel toy disk and a top of the curled rim. The raised central portion produces a three-dimensional effect on the printed patterns or designs, and gives the steel toy disk an increased structural strength to protect the steel toy disk from deformation under impact of an external force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Kuo-Ching Liu
  • Patent number: 6763681
    Abstract: A combination ring and object holder with an integral spring is designed to secure and retain an object, such as a lollipop. The combination ring and object holder includes a ring, preferably fabricated from plastic, with a substantially flat upper surface to which a spring is secured, and further includes a coupling member secured to the opposite end of the spring which preferably defines a central opening in the upper surface thereof for receiving and retaining an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: K & A Design, LLC
    Inventor: Kalvin Klundt
  • Patent number: 6764372
    Abstract: A puppet book kit and associated method of using the puppet book kit are disclosed. The puppet book kit comprises a plurality of pages, a cover, an aperture traversing through each of the pages and through the cover to form a three dimensional void, a backdrop curtain, a slide out panel, at least one card holder, a plurality of story cards, and at least one marionette. The plurality of pages is bound together to the cover along one common edge. The backdrop curtain is attached onto the cover, in which the backdrop curtain covers over the cover aperture. The slide out panel is slidably attached to the cover, wherein the slide out panel is mounted over the cover aperture and positioned under the backdrop curtain. Each card holder is attached to each corresponding page in which each story card is attachable to each card holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Rita Rae
  • Publication number: 20040092198
    Abstract: A stuffed toy (10) for play by an animal is taught. The stuffed toy (10) has an outer pliable shell (12) formed of a first fur (54), an inner pliable shell (56) formed of a second fur (54′) located within the outer pliable shell (12), a pouch (58) formed of a third fur (54″) located within the inner pliable shell (56), and a play-stimulation item (68) located within the pouch (58) to provide stimulation for play by the animal. The outer and inner pliable shells (12,56) form an interior cavity (14) having an opening (22) though the outer and inner pliable shells (12,56). A hook-and-loop fastener (72) is used to releasably seals the opening (22). The pouch (58) is configured to pass through the opening (22) and is contained within the interior cavity (14) during the play by the animal. The play-stimulation item (68) may be an olfactory-excitation material (catnip) or a sound-producing device (squeaker).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Sharon A. Ritchey
  • Patent number: 6679749
    Abstract: A telescopic doll structure comprises a base, a top stage, and a telescopic rack. The telescopic rack is composed of at least two hollow pipes with one pipe being able to be straightly shrunk into another pipe. The base is assembled to one end of one pipe and the top stage is assembled to one end of another pipe. At least one clamping unit is used to clamp the at least two hollow pipes when they are expanded. A figure is arranged on the top stage to enclose an exterior of the telescopic doll structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Jui Hsia Yu
  • Patent number: 6666688
    Abstract: A teaching aid is disclosed herein that includes at least one gallon model, four quart models, two pint models, and two cup models. The appropriate measurement is attached to each model, thus showing a student how many of each measurement are in each model. A method for teaching students is also disclosed herein, using the teaching aid and the associated models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Lyn H. Goeckel
  • Patent number: 6663457
    Abstract: A stuffed toy (10) for play by an animal is taught. The stuffed toy (10) has an outer pliable shell (12) formed of a first fur (54), an inner pliable shell (56) formed of a second fur (54′) located within the outer pliable shell (12), a pouch (58) formed of a third fur (54″) located within the inner pliable shell (56), and a play-stimulation item (68) located within the pouch (58) to provide stimulation for play by the animal. The outer and inner pliable shells (12,56) form an interior cavity (14) having an opening (22) though the outer and inner pliable shells (12,56). A hook-and-loop fastener (72) is used to releasably seal the opening (22). The pouch (58) is configured to pass through the opening (22) and is contained within the interior cavity (14) during the play by the animal. The play-stimulation item (68) may be an olfactory-excitation material (catnip) or a sound-producing device (squeaker).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Cats with an Attitude, Inc.
    Inventor: Sharon A. Ritchey
  • Patent number: 6663455
    Abstract: Foils is adapted to be marked readily by having a water-soluble, water-based or other surface coating (22) applied thereto. The adapted surface (22) permits ink to mark the foil. Such foil may be used for manufacturing balloons (10) or wrapping materials. A method of manufacturing such a foil comprises the step of spraying onto the surface or otherwise adapting the surface (22) of the foil with a readily markable substance, such as a water-soluble coating, to permit printing of chosen designs (24) onto the foil. A method of imprinting a foil with a design (24) comprises the step of feeding a package (36) containing foil through a printer, the printer being arranged for printing the design (24) onto an adapted surface of the foil exposed by the package (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Phillip E. Lang
  • Patent number: 6663456
    Abstract: A toy comprising in combination a story media, a puppet manipulator, and puppet figures in a stage-like box. The puppet figures may represent characters objects or scenes from the story media. The puppet manipulator device is adapted to allow a user to removably attach various puppet figures to act out a play, scene or story selected from the story media using several puppet figures at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Innovative USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward A. Gemma, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6663459
    Abstract: A transportable play system simulating a backpack or bag unfolds to provide a self-adhering fabric play surface whereby children can create themes or stories by attaching self-adhering play pieces onto the fabric play surface. When the play surface in the closed position to simulate a bag or a backpack, the inner and outer surfaces are held together in a such configuration by hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro®, or other fastening means. Self-adhering play pieces are preferably pre-made to create a theme or story. In other embodiments, the user can create individualized play pieces with supplied fabric stock, and in other embodiments, specific game backgrounds can be added to allow playing of a transportable game. In one embodiment, several backpacks or bags can be interconnected to form a large play surface when unfolded into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Carmen Ostolaza
  • Patent number: 6659833
    Abstract: A beverage can cap for attachment to a beverage can having a top wall surrounded by a peripheral and circular lip and a tab opener attached to the top wall is provided. The beverage can cap includes an upper layer sized and shaped to fit within the peripheral and circular lip of the beverage can, the upper layer having a substantially circular periphery, and a lower layer having an arc-shaped outer periphery which corresponds to a portion of the substantially circular periphery of the upper layer. A pocket is defined by the upper layer and the lower layer, which pocket is adapted to receive the tab opener of the beverage can when the beverage can cap is installed on the can and the lower layer is disposed between the tab opener and the top wall of the beverage can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Printmark Industries, Icn.
    Inventor: Alexander Sloot
  • Publication number: 20030211807
    Abstract: A toy includes a base, a character figure, a simulated chair, and a simulated razor. The simulated chair is positioned on top of the base and is shaped to receive the character figure. The character figure includes simulated hair made from a deformable modeling compound. The simulated razor includes a simulated razor blade and two contacts positioned at the blade. Circuitry connected to these contacts provides a sound simulating the cutting of hair when a portion of the simulated hair provides a conductive path between the two contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Brian Marc Jarvis
  • Patent number: 6637759
    Abstract: A transformable riding toy includes a frame having front, rear, and central portions with a seat for a child. The toy includes a canopy having a top panel and a plurality of legs coupled to the central portion of the frame. The canopy is removable from the frame for use as a table. The toy also includes a digger assembly mounted to the rear portion of the frame and having a bucket with wheels that is removable, the bucket being operative as a wagon when removed. The toy includes a front-end loader assembly coupled to the front portion of the frame and having a bucket with a removable panel, the front-end loader bucket being operative as a bench when removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Myra L. Jones
  • Patent number: 6638133
    Abstract: In a first embodiment, a hair accessory doll is made from a mop that has a pliable plastic loop about its center. The mop is folded about an edge of the loop, thereby providing a demarcation between the loop with a first group of mop strands and a second group of mop strands. A bend of the first group is made to bring sides thereof into contact with each other. The bend is maintained by a cloth mask that is sewn about the first group. In a second embodiment, a head of a doll is a polystyrene ovoid. A rope with a hollow center has a center section that extends over the head. A wire loop is inserted in an end section of the rope, thereby forming a bendable appendage from which jewelry and hair accessories are hung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventors: Ronnie Lynn Brancolino, Josephine Koumbis
  • Publication number: 20030183241
    Abstract: A child's toothbrush includes a handle in the form of a toy, such as a rocket or a vehicle, and contains a removable vehicle, figurine, other toy or sundry product therein, and wherein a toothbrush head may be detachable from the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: James Kemp, Al Sprosta, Brett Traficant, Tau Dai, Eduardo Jimenez, Nancy Won Mee Pak
  • Publication number: 20030183242
    Abstract: A child's toothbrush includes a handle in the form of a toy, such as a rocket or a vehicle, and contains a removable vehicle, figurine, other toy or sundry product therein, and wherein the toothbrush head may be detachable from the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: James Kemp, Al Sprosta, Brett Traficant, Tau Dai, Eduardo Jimenez, Nancy Won Mee Pak
  • Publication number: 20030181125
    Abstract: A telescopic doll structure comprises a base, a top stage, and a telescopic rack. The telescopic rack is composed of at least two hollow pipes with one pipe being able to be straightly shrunk into another pipe. The base is assembled to one end of one pipe and the top stage is assembled to one end of another pipe. At least one clamping unit is used to clamp the at least two hollow pipes when they are expanded. A figure is arranged on the top stage to enclose an exterior of the telescopic doll structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Jui Hsia Yu
  • Patent number: 6620019
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a magic egg, which mainly comprises a hollow egg-like membrane having the color of egg white, and features of contractibility and stickiness, and besides, an opening is set at the top portion to let the diaphanous liquid and the yellow ball pass through and enter the egg-like membrane to bulge it, making it like an elliptic egg. In addition, a cover is combined with the opening of the egg-like membrane to enclose the opening steadily so that the diaphanous liquid can be prevented from effusion. When the user exert himself to cast the egg-like membrane having the diaphanous liquid and the yellow ball toward an plane, the egg-like membrane can adhere to the plane in a flat status like a fried egg. After a period, the egg-like membrane slowly recovers to the original elliptic egg style because of its contractibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Wen-Chuan Kuo
  • Publication number: 20030166373
    Abstract: A toothbrush kit is disclosed comprising a package, a toothbrush, one or more removable end caps adapted for engaging an end of the toothbrush, and one or more emblems that may be adhesively attached to the toothbrush. Also disclosed are methods for selectively customizing a toothbrush by use and selection of components contained in the kit. Additionally disclosed are methods for manufacturing and packaging the components of the toothbrush kit. Furthermore, a strategy is disclosed for specifically tailoring the toothbrush kit for particular markets, geographic regions, or consumer groups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Co.
    Inventors: John Roy Whitney, Lawrence A. Blaustein, Patrick W. Brown
  • Publication number: 20030162471
    Abstract: A toy comprising in combination a story media, a puppet manipulator, and puppet figures in a stage-like box. The puppet figures may represent characters objects or scenes from the story media. The puppet manipulator device is adapted to allow a user to removably attach various puppet figures to act out a play, scene or story selected from the story media using several puppet figures at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Edward A. Gemma
  • Publication number: 20030134563
    Abstract: The Action Sequence Sports Collectible is a bound, graphical publication possessing an enhanced collectible value which utilizes the phenomena of persistence of vision of the eye and the human mind to render, through the rapid sequential presentation of a series of printed two-dimensional images, the actions of a subject athlete. The invention comprises a bound stack of flexible planar leaves on which are imprinted successive photographic renderings of an extreme sports stunt or similar athletic activity. It preserves the recognized attributes of the traditional collector card while representing an enhanced visual experience and collecting opportunity for the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Donald Noel Gray, Jody Eve Grant-Gray, Coleman Aero Gray
  • Patent number: 6589096
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating and destroying toys having a solid exterior and liquid interior are disclosed. The apparatus and method entail the creation of an impression within a supply of modeling compound using a form having a desired shape. The impression formed within the modeling compound is then filled with a curable liquid which cures upon contact with the modeling compound. The modeling compound remains in contact with the curable liquid for a sufficient length of time to cure an exterior skin while leaving the interior in a liquid state. The liquid interior is then drained and refilled with a non-curable liquid so as to provide a toy having life-like features. The kit further provides a crushing mechanism having a movable plunger adapted to physically crush the toy by rupturing the exterior skin and splattering the liquid interior against a dome of the crushing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Linwood E. Doane, Jr., Brian Merten, Fred Daniel Eddins, Lev Tsimberg
  • Patent number: 6589094
    Abstract: A portable, hand-held light display that has a handle or barrel, a transparent enclosure mounted on the handle and a light display mounted for rotation on the handle, visible through the transparent enclosure, the light display having a first rotating support, at least one light support rotatably mounted on the first rotating support, and lamps mounted on the light support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Jerrald D. Spencer
  • Publication number: 20030119416
    Abstract: An intermeshed gear toy, comprising at least eight primary gears, the primary gears spatially interrelated such that they are located at what would be the corners of a virtual cube, the primary gears directly or indirectly connected such that when any one of the primary gears is turned, all of the primary gears turn, and at least six additional gears, at least some of which are located along the faces of the virtual cube, each additional gear intermeshed with one or more of the primary gears, to increase the motion of the device such that all of these additional gears also move when any one primary gear is turned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Esterle
  • Patent number: 6572436
    Abstract: A modular toy station is transformable from a closed storage configuration to an open in-use configuration providing a play surface. The station includes a box section and a platform. The box section is hingedly connected to the platform so as to pivot from a storage configuration to an in-use play configuration. The platform has features typically like those of a service station extending from it, which are concealed by the box section in the storage configuration and which extend upwardly from the platform in the in-use play configuration. The toy station further includes a recessed ledge at an edge of the platform configured to support a tab of an ancillary item such as a ramp joining piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: May Cheong Toy Products Factory Limited
    Inventor: Moon-Lam So
  • Patent number: 6544096
    Abstract: A camping toy having an assembly with a coupled configuration and an expanded configuration. The assembly defines a toy lantern when the assembly is in the coupled configuration, and the assembly defines a plurality of separated toy camping items when the assembly is in the expanded configuration. The plurality of toy camping items include a light and a toy canteen, a toy stove, and/or a toy cooking pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip R. Pyrce, David DuBois
  • Patent number: 6540371
    Abstract: An artificial pumpkin stem apparatus that includes a stem portion with an attachment portion. There is also a mounting plate that includes a shaft-engaging portion. The shaft is connected to the attachment portion of the stem at a first end and is associated with the shaft-engaging portion of the mounting plate between the first and second ends of the shaft. A source of light may also be attached at the second end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Leonard Franks
  • Publication number: 20030040248
    Abstract: An amusement device is disclosed that comprises an endless flexible loop and an inline traction drive unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Clifford Wagner
  • Patent number: 6520825
    Abstract: A parade throw and its method of use are disclosed. The parade throw includes a bag having an open top and a contained support member that can be in the form of a disk, ring, or plastic “Frisbee®” like member. The combination of bag and support disk are assembled together. In one embodiment, the disk is hollow, providing a hollow interior or cavity that can receive substantially all of the bag for storage when it is to be thrown. The disk can be made of cardboard or other disposable material so that the user simply removes the internal support and uses the bag for storing articles once it is retrieved. In other embodiments, the support disk may be in the form of a toy that can be a throwable disk or ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Kenner Innovative Design Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Lisa Montelepre Herr
  • Patent number: 6497601
    Abstract: A collapsible three-dimensional construction in the form of a cube is described. The construction is formed of paperboard, pasteboard, cardboard plastic or similar material. The cube may be formed from a single sheet of die-cut material. Four of the faces of the cube include perforation lines to allow the cube to be collapsed into a flattened cube when twisted about a central axis in a first direction. Two elastic members are attached to tensioning members inside of the cube and serve to hold the cube in an erected position when twisted in a second, opposite direction. The assembly of the cube from the blank requires only a single fastening of one portion of the construction to another. The surfaces of the cube may be easily printed with advertising or promotional material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventor: Eric Ward
  • Publication number: 20020187718
    Abstract: A stuffed toy (10) for play by an animal is taught. The stuffed toy (10) has an outer pliable shell (12) formed of a first fur (54), an inner pliable shell (56) formed of a second fur (54′) located within the outer pliable shell (12), a pouch (58) formed of a third fur (54″) located within the inner pliable shell (56), and a play-stimulation item (68) located within the pouch (58) to provide stimulation for play by the animal. The outer and inner pliable shells (12,56) form an interior cavity (14) having an opening (22) though the outer and inner pliable shells (12,56). A hook-and-loop fastener (72) is used to releasably seals the opening (22). The pouch (58) is configured to pass through the opening (22) and is contained within the interior cavity (14) during the play by the animal. The play-stimulation item (68) may be an olfactory-excitation material (catnip) or a sound-producing device (squeaker).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Sharon A. Ritchey
  • Patent number: 6491567
    Abstract: The present invention disclosed a contractile toy structure having a building or figure bodily shape. The toy structure according to the invention comprises one or more sets of resilient supporting mechanisms and a plurality of lock mechanisms. The resilient supporting mechanism makes the toy structure contractile and the lock mechanism holds the toy in a contracted state after the resilient supporting mechanisms are compressed. Through changes between contracted and extended states, the toy can display different postures. In addition, the invention has the advantage of reduced space requirement in transportation due to its contractility that has an effect similar to a foldable or compressible characteristic and thus provides convenience in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Po Wing Chan
  • Patent number: 6491562
    Abstract: A kit that can be assembled to make a moving toy comprises a container having at least one wall portion movable between a closed position closing an opening in the container and an open position allowing access to the inside of the container through the opening. A shaft supported for rotation relative to the container has a first portion disposed within the container. A plurality of mechanical parts are selectively locatable on the first portion of the shaft to be supported for rotation with the shaft relative to the container. A plurality of design parts are provided for location outside the container. The kit includes structure for connecting at least one of the mechanical parts on the shaft to at least one of the design parts thereby to transfer rotational force from the shaft to the design parts to move the design parts relative to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: T & R Scenery West Inc.
    Inventor: Susan Jackson
  • Publication number: 20020164917
    Abstract: A child's activity center that may alternately be assembled as a stationary activity center with a seat for very young children and as a floor play set for older children. As a stationary activity center the assembly has a base that rests on the floor with upwardly extending legs that support a tray above the base. The tray may be removed from the base and placed on the floor next to it and a connector unites the tray and base together. Toys are provided on the tray and base that have a common theme to allow the activity center to grow as the young child grows so as to hold the child's interest for a long period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Charles Keegan, Brian Sundberg, Kurt Nygren, William St. Pierre, Nancy Johnson
  • Patent number: 6446361
    Abstract: A slipper having a sole and a foot covering that transforms into a toy play character by coupling the sole to the foot covering. The toy character may take the form of an animal, a human figure, or an imaginary, or abstract character, or other object. The transforming slipper toy may be made of plush material. Conveniently, the sole is coupled to the foot covering using Velcro®, button or snap fasteners, hooks, a zipper® or string. The sole may also have a pocket for receiving a heel portion of the sole whereby the sole and the foot covering are united.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Perceptek Inc.
    Inventor: Michelle Chun
  • Patent number: 6447363
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing tangible evidence of intercessory prayers offered on behalf of a recipient is disclosed. A soft sculpture in the form of a doll or stuffed animal and being comprised of a fabric material suitable for the application of handwritten signatures by a writing implement is utilized to perform the method of the present invention. The method of the present invention includes the steps of fabricating the soft sculpture doll with the attached writing implement, circulating the soft sculpture doll among a plurality of persons who have pledged to remember the recipient in their personal prayers, and delivering the soft sculpture with an attached prayer inscription to the recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Teresa L. Carraway
  • Patent number: 6439945
    Abstract: An octopus-shaped toy is built up from a plurality of modeled parts including two main body parts, two interconnecting parts, and a plurality of tentacle parts. All these modeled parts are connected to one another through engagement of slits provided thereon and thereby form a three-dimensional toy octopus. These parts are also provided with patterns showing specific features that are usually found on a real octopus, so that the assembled toy octopus is vivid to attract more players and helps players to know more things about the octopus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Kuo-Ching Liu
  • Publication number: 20020111106
    Abstract: A box for holding contents during delivery to a user contains play graphics associated with a play activity of a child, thus encouraging reuse of the box as a toy by children. In one embodiment, the box contains pre-printed play graphics on the inside of the box and is of sufficient size so as to allow a significant portion of the child to enter the box while the child performs the play activity. In this embodiment, the original logos displayed on the box are maintained. In another embodiment, the box contains at least some graphics to be used to reconfigure the box according to a predetermined configuration associated with the play activity. The box is reconfigured for play, either alone or in combination with one or more other boxes. The play graphics may supplement or supplant the original logos on the box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Jill C. Bollman
  • Publication number: 20020106962
    Abstract: The present invention disclosed a contractile toy structure having a building or figure bodily shape. The toy structure according to the invention comprises one or more sets of resilient supporting mechanisms and a plurality of lock mechanisms. The resilient supporting mechanism makes the toy structure contractile and the lock mechanism holds the toy in a contracted state after the resilient supporting mechanisms are compressed. Through changes between contracted and extended states, the toy can display different postures. In addition, the invention has the advantage of reduced space requirement in transportation due to its contractility that has an effect similar to a foldable or compressible characteristic and thus provides convenience in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Po Wing Chan
  • Patent number: 6428383
    Abstract: A remotely controllable model vehicle includes one or more audio output or playback devices onboard. The model vehicle may have a cassette player, CD player, and/or AM/FM radio contained therein, for selectively providing audio output according to the desire of the operator of the model. Conventional speed and directional control systems are also provided. The operator of the model selects the audio system to be used and installs the appropriate media (tape, CD, etc.) or tunes the radio as desired, and operates the vehicle to provide a mobile audio program according to the travel of the model. Additional functions (lights, horn, clock or timer, etc.) may also be included. The present model vehicle is particularly valuable for advertising and entertainment wherever crowds may gather, such as remote live radio broadcast shows, store openings, parties, dances, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventors: Stanley W. Allmon, Jerry D. Swiney
  • Publication number: 20020102903
    Abstract: A candy toy holder device which provides fun and visual pleasure for the consumer as well as providing a candy treat. The device includes an upper housing and a main housing which provides a support for a lollipop via a rotatable support holder operative by a motor and gearing in the main housing. The upper housing has one or more movable parts that perform a variety of movements. It may be constructed so that the movements include appendages moving around, up, down, in or out and the candy is designed to rotate whether or not the motion parts are active or inactive. The movements are activated by the use of a motor on a gearing device, a switching device and a power source. The power source is self-contained within the main housing and the housing is designed in a manner that allows the battery to be replaceable as well as the candy. Use of one or more gears and/or gearing systems allows the movements of parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: RE38946
    Abstract: A small toy or figurine is located inside a transparent body of soap. The soap fully surrounds and encapsulates the small toy. The small toy is completely visible within the body of soap. The body of soap is shaped like a figurine or is in another form which may complement or conform to the shape of the inner toy. A clear or colored plastic container whose shape matches the shape of the body of soap serves as a container for the soap and may also serve as a soap dish. The body of soap is placed inside the plastic container. The small toy incased within the body of soap is visible from outside the plastic container once the body of soap is placed inside the plastic container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Mary K. Bitton