Including Container Or Storing Toy Parts Patents (Class 446/75)
  • Patent number: 6135844
    Abstract: A children's activity book is disclosed comprising illustrated pages having openings thereon for the placement of edible candy. When the page is turned the edible candy passes through the opening and is deposited onto and completes an illustration on a subsequent page. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, edible candy is placed into a portal at one position of an illustrated page and passed through a passageway before exiting from an outlet at a second position of the illustration. The book is designed to encourage reading by making it more enjoyable. The book has the added feature of teaching young readers about change observed through the transformation of candy from one meaning on a first page to a second meaning on a subsequent page.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Deborah D'Andrea
  • Patent number: 6132281
    Abstract: A music toy kit combining a music toy instrument like a piano or a drum, with a set of construction toy blocks. The music toy instrument is provided with coupling elements similar to or compatible with those of the construction toy blocks and at least some of the blocks are provided with a music score on at least one of their sides, whereby, in use, one may stack one or more of the construction toy blocks onto the music toy instrument and use these blocks as a combined music stand and score to play a given tune.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Ritvik Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Klitsner, Brian Clemens, Christian Lemire, Solange Jacques, Drew Stevenson
  • Patent number: 6128794
    Abstract: A sleeping bag formed with an outer case having an exposed surface and a coextensive liner having an exposed surface, the case and liner being secured together along their edges to form a pad which may be folded in half and releasably secured along the bottom and side of the pad opposite the fold. The exposed surface of the liner bears indicia representing a selected activity surface and the exposed surface of the outer case carries a design whose motif is suggestive of the activity surface which becomes visible when the bag is unfolded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Seneca Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean Pariseau
  • Patent number: 6098794
    Abstract: A container is provided therein with a hollow tubular body which is provided at the bottom end thereof with an end piece having a first magnet. An ornament is movably disposed in the hollow tubular body and is provided in the underside of the bottom thereof with a second magnet for bringing about a repulsion effect in conjunction with the first magnet. The ornament is caused by the repulsion effect to trip up and down in a reciprocating manner in the hollow tubular body at such time when the container is moved up and down. The ornament is also caused by the repulsion effect and the inertia effect of the ornament to suspend in the hollow tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Jenn-Shiun Lin
  • Patent number: 6083077
    Abstract: A pop-up toy including a housing for enclosing a plurality of interlocking elements. The housing includes an opening through which the series of interlocking elements may be individually extracted by a child. The opening in the housing is provided with a gripping mechanism for separating a leading interlocking element from an immediately following interlocking element as the leading interlocking element is extracted from the housing. After the leading interlocking element has been extracted from the housing, the immediately following interlocking element in the series of interlocking elements is positioned and held in place within the opening by the gripping mechanism for subsequent extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Paul E. McGinn
  • Patent number: 6079748
    Abstract: A book having a storage tube attached thereto for storage of manipulatives for use with enjoyment of the book is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Innovative USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Shari Kaufman
  • Patent number: 6048249
    Abstract: A toy cleanup vacuum attachment which can be used easily by attaching to household vacuum hose for the quick and efficient clean up of a plurality of different size and shape plastic building block toys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Anthony Peter Vandenberg
  • Patent number: 6030228
    Abstract: An educational system is provided including a recipient surface such as a cloth or base having a plurality of entities positioned thereon which are selected from the group of entities including colors, shapes, alphabetic characters, and numbers. Also included are marbles and figurines for being removably positioned adjacent to the entities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Thalia I. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 6027392
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an amusement device for collecting and storing secrets. The device includes two chambers, each chamber having an opening, which leads into the chamber. Each opening has an associated latch for covering and uncovering the opening. Secrets can be communicated to and collected in the device when the openings are uncovered and stored when the openings are covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Maegan Ruhlman
  • Patent number: 6021941
    Abstract: A generally rectangular package top defines a planar top surface and a quartet of perpendicular sidewalls joined to enclose the top surface. A package bottom is configured in substantially the same manner as the package top but is slightly smaller and thus insertable within the sidewalls of the package top. The package top and package bottom are inverted to allow the package top to form an upwardly open-faced base receiving the downwardly open package bottom. A plurality of extensions defining substantially planar surfaces support tabs folded downwardly therefrom which are insertable into the spacing between sidewalls of the package top and package bottom to secure the extensions in a cantilevered support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Lucy Schultz
  • Patent number: 5984755
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination play station and container. In its broadest context, the invention includes a receptacle with a number of flaps secured thereto. Additionally, the receptacle includes a number of smaller containers which are slidably secured thereto. These smaller containers are labeled with the names of various vehicle accessories. Additionally, these containers are adapted to hold toy versions of such accessories. In the preferred embodiment, there are three flaps which are each pivotally secured to the container. These flaps can be pivoted outwardly such that entire container obtained an opened configuration. Alternatively, each of the flaps can be folded over the receptacle such that the container in placed in a closed orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Jennie L. Avey
  • Patent number: 5971826
    Abstract: A system of display case modules can be connected to form a display case of variable size and configuration for displaying or storing toys and toy action figures. A single display module has shelves to make variable size compartments and has a clear front panel to allow viewing of the toys, which are vertically stacked inside the display module. The shelves can be varied in position so that various sizes of toys can be displayed. In addition, the shelves are tilted slightly backward so that toys lean against a back wall of the display module, thereby resting upright. The display module also has connectors on its sides, top and bottom so that the display module can be connected to other display modules to make a larger display case. The connectors on the sides of the display modules create a hinge mechanism to link display modules side by side, such that the modules can be pivoted in various directions with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventors: Lisa A. Delzompo, Laura L. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 5954561
    Abstract: A play material container includes a base having an interior cavity, a sidewall and a cookie-cutter edge defining a predetermined shape. A lid is configured to be snap-fitted upon the base to provide container closure. An extrusion die is formed in the container base sidewall which is capped by a resiliently supported cap secured to the container lid. The container lid defines an upper surface supporting a plurality of open face press molds. The cookie-cutter shape, the press mold elements, and the extrusion die aperture are preferably coordinated in accordance with a common theme such as a food article or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory M. Cannone
  • Patent number: 5951355
    Abstract: A combined dual object device and method is disclosed which can be configured either to display a book or an animate type object. In another embodiment of the present invention, a dual object device and method is disclosed which is in the form of a book which stores a child's blanket. The combined dual object device and method preferably have a pocket on a surface thereof for securing an audiotape or a compact disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Bill Dana Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Bill Dana, Mark Hannah
  • Patent number: 5944532
    Abstract: An educational fungal spore or bacteria kit is presented which has three dimensional, full-color depictions of the various fungal spores or bacteria grouped together in a kit. The kit is a common compartmented box having a top that closes to secure the contents of the kit when it is not in use. The compartments each contain a variety of three-dimensional, full-color fungal spores or bacteria models depicting all of the constrictions, attachment scars, septas, and other individual characteristics of fungal spores or bacteria. Located in the lid of the kit is a two-dimensional depiction of the three-dimensional fungal spore or bacteria in the base of the kit. The two-dimensional depictions also have the name of the spore or bacteria depicted below, respectively, in the base of the kit for easy reference. The kit may be used when viewing a sample fungal spore or bacteria under a microscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Marie T. Lienhop
  • Patent number: 5931099
    Abstract: A model train set includes a base member having two base member sections that are connected together in a horizontal arrangement such that an upper surface is formed. The upper surface has a continuous integral trackway disposed thereon. The model train set includes at least one snap-in reversible storyboard, having a first surface and a second surface with unique surface configurations to modify the upper surface. Further included is a plurality of visual elements which are selectively engageable with the upper surface. An array of storage recesses are provided which serve to provide storage for the visual elements. A toy train is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Lionel LLC
    Inventors: Dan Bruner, Keith Kresge, Norio Sujikawa
  • Patent number: 5915729
    Abstract: An instructional book for children which enables the reader to remove and play with a plurality of removable parts housed within recesses formed in the pages of the book. Two of the pages of the book have a half shell integrally formed therein in the shape of an object which is the subject of the text of the book. The half shells cooperate to form a hollow three-dimensional shell which is adapted to receive one or more of the removable parts stored within the book in order to aid in the learning process of the reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Vap Creative Limited
    Inventor: Rudolph D. Vap
  • Patent number: 5908112
    Abstract: A travel case for dolls incorporating a doll enclosure having a bottom wall, opposed upstanding end walls and two side walls interconnecting the bottom and end walls. A top wall is provided which is secured to the top edges of the side walls and is inclined relative to the bottom wall. The top wall is provided with an aperture and a cover of clear transparent material is secured to the top wall in overlying relationship to the aperture therein to permit the doll to be observed at all times by the doll owner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Susan Ann Hardie
  • Patent number: 5895307
    Abstract: A combination of a top, and a base that has a flat surface upon which the top may be spun and a cavity for storing the top when the top is not in use. The top has a pointed end upon which it is spun, an opposite handle end and an intermediate disk-like mass. The surface has an upstanding peripheral ridge to keep the spinning top on the surface. The cavity is sized to receive the top pointed end first. An O-ring is held in a groove in the cavity surface and extends into the cavity. When the top is pushed into the cavity, the disk engages the O-ring and is resiliently held in place. The top is removed for use by reaching fingers into the cavity opening, grasping the handle and withdrawing the top. A base having a number of these cavities may also be provided for storing a number of the tops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventors: Hunter Jamison, Scot Jamison, Terry Jamison
  • Patent number: 5873762
    Abstract: A playing structure in one embodiment comprises a plurality of playing structure modules arranged in an array. Each of the playing structure modules includes a re-orientatable top having at least two major sides, each of the at least two major sides constituting a playing surface. The playing surface on each major side of the re-orientatable top depicts a different scene. A support frame supports the re-orientatable top above the surface on which the support frame is located in a manner such that one of the playing surfaces is upwardly presented. The re-orientatable tops of the playing structure modules in the array are first arrangeable such that the scene over the upwardly presented playing surfaces of adjacent playing structure modules is continuous and visually fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: 550058 Alberta Limited
    Inventor: Robert de Chazal
  • Patent number: 5839937
    Abstract: A portable model railroad including a foldable enclosure comprised of a pair of tray members. The enclosure includes a hinge secured between interior edges of the tray members. A track system is removably secured to and extends around the pair of tray members. The track system is adapted to receive a model train thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Richard Roy Thomas
  • Patent number: 5830033
    Abstract: A sheet has a number of slots laterally defining elements with fold lines extending between said slots. One end of the sheet is attached to the bottom surface of a box and the other end is attached to the inner surface of a lid hinged to the box. The elements can be spatially unfolded, forming at least one plane parallel to one of the said surfaces when it is substantially perpendicular to the other surface, and so that the scenery construction is folded on itself when the lid is swung down on the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: David Piron
  • Patent number: 5820436
    Abstract: A carrying case provides a storage space for toy building system components which include couplers and building pieces. The case has a hinged lid with apertures which can detachably receive and lockably mount the couplers. The apertures are arranged in an array of staggered rows laid out so that couplers mounted on the lid can be interconnected by the building pieces. Models can be built upon the mounted couplers in a desired form and configuration. Each aperture on the lid is configured to receive a coupler peg in an insertion area. The peg includes a neck and a head. In order to lockably mount the coupler, it is shifted laterally from the insertion area, so that the peg neck moves through a transition channel and into a clasping area where the coupler is locked in position. The coupler cannot be removed vertically from the locked position because the peg head is trapped below the lid, compressing the lid between the coupler and the peg head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Joe K. Pohlman
  • Patent number: 5816882
    Abstract: A construction toy kit comprises a plurality of construction elements and fasteners adapted for forming structures of various forms. The construction elements comprise straight flat strip, angled flat strips of various configurations, plates of various configurations, angled brackets of various configurations, blocks of various forms, and other accessories such as axle rods of various lengths, wheels, pulleys, locking clips, pin connectors, fasteners, spacers, washers, etc. Each of the construction elements has at least two holes of a same diameter, each hole having an associated concentric embossment formed therearound. The kit also includes a hand toy tool for tightening and loosening fasteners, which could also be used an accessory of the construction element. The kit further includes a container for holding the components thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Meccano, S.A.
    Inventors: Jacques Guegan, Francis Lecocq, Jean-Pierre Moussaud, Jean-Jacques Urvoy, Valerie Gautier, Francis Bance
  • Patent number: 5791475
    Abstract: A carrying case for a dental head includes a container sized to receive the dental head, a cover member connected to the container, and a socket mounted in the container. The cover member pivots between an open position and a closed position. The socket is adapted to receive a connector attached to the dental head and the case is preferably shaped to simulate a human torso. A handle is provided for carrying the case. Alternatively, straps connected to recessed clips may be used to carry the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Columbia Dentoform Corp.
    Inventor: Penelope Pichardo
  • Patent number: 5788350
    Abstract: A system, adapted for use with connectable building components used to build a unit, includes a structure having an open area accessible from the front of the structure for storing the unit. A baseplate is moveable between a storage position for controlled movement of the baseplate in the open area and an extended position adapted for building the unit from the connectable building components. The baseplate includes either a plurality of upwardly extending members, openings or other connectors for connecting the unit to the baseplate. Guide rails block upward movement of the baseplate and the closure when moved in the closed position blocks movement of the baseplate out of the structure. The system further includes a plurality of drawers having compartments positioned in the structure movable between a retracted position adapted for storing and transporting the connectable building components and an extended position for access to the connectable building component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Daniel Edwin Fladung
  • Patent number: 5782185
    Abstract: The upper side of the tabletop (11) of the play table is formed with storage depressions (14) for the storage of e.g. toy building blocks (30). The play table has slidable building plates (20) having cylindrical coupling knobs (21) on which the toy building blocks (30) may be built. The building plates (20) are slidable between a closed position in which they cover the storage depressions (14), and an open position providing access to the depressions. The legs (40-43) of the play table are pivotally mounted so that in a folded-up position they are disposed below and in parallel with the long edges (13) of the tabletop, and in an unfolded position the legs slope outwardly so that the table stands stably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: INTERLEGO AG
    Inventors: S.o slashed.ren Xerxes Frahm, Jan Ryaa
  • Patent number: 5769680
    Abstract: The present invention provides a drinking vessel including an internally formed display area for concealing a decorative element such as a three dimensional figurine. The internally formed display area upwardly extends into a fluid retention cavity of the drinking vessel. A retaining member is provided which can be selectively removed to access the decorative element. In the preferred embodiment, the retaining member is rotatable relative to an upwardly extending sidewall of the drinking vessel to thereby lock the retaining member in place. In one application, the retaining member includes a plurality of radially extending tabs which cooperate with a inwardly extending cylindrical flange formed to include a corresponding plurality of notches. The tabs are upwardly advanced past the notches and then rotated to thereby lock the retaining member in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Edward J. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 5733166
    Abstract: A story board with attachable elements (10) for being secured to a wall, with the associated set of dolls (26) being individually and releasably secured thereto. A plurality of loop members (14) are provided along the top border to enable the securement of the story board (12) to a wall. The front panel (15) of the story board (12) is sectioned into a grid of individual panels (16). Each panel (16) illustrates a particular scene, in similar fashion to a conventional story board. Each of the individual panels (16) is decorated to reflect the personality of the particular doll (26) to be secured to that panel (16) and is provided with a conventional fastener (18) for the securement of the doll (26). A pocket (17) is carried by selected of the individual panels (16) for storing various selected items. One individual panel (16) may be provided with a pocket (20) for carrying a story book (24) illustrating at least one story involving the characters of the dolls (26) carried on the individual panels (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Barbara J. Hoag
  • Patent number: 5720617
    Abstract: An educational toy provides a dispenser box member having an aperture or other opening it its top surface, and containing a plurality of discrete flexible fabric sheet elements. An infant is encouraged to pull one sheet element out of the dispenser box at a time, and after all the sheet elements have been removed, either the infant or an adult can reinsert the sheet elements into the dispenser box member for repeated play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: Laurie A. Var
  • Patent number: 5707269
    Abstract: A child's toy which includes a plurality of detachable planar wall members. Each of the wall members has an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a plurality of side edges. The side edges define four corners. A plurality of VELCRO hook and loop type fastening strips are secured to each of the wall members. Each of the hook and loop type fastening strips on the wall members is adapted to mate with a complementary loop and hook type fastening strip on a different wall member in order to secure the wall members together. The child's toy includes at least one three dimensional toy figure releasably fastened to the interior surface of one of the wall members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Patricia Murphy
  • Patent number: 5692943
    Abstract: An opihi picker toy (10) comprising a simulated opihi shellfish (12). A facility (14) is for securing the simulated opihi shellfish (12) to an adhering surface (16). An implement (18) is for releasing the simulated opihi shellfish (12) from the adhering surface (16). The simulated opihi shellfish (12) will be propelled upward about two inches from the adhering surface (16) by a popping effect. A component (20) is for storing the simulated opihi shellfish (12) after being removed from the adhering surface (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Wyatt L. Copp
  • Patent number: 5674103
    Abstract: Disclosed is a shape sorting bucket for use in combination with a set of construction toy blocks having coupling elements that make them detachably stackable onto each other. The bucket is made of three parts including a container defining an enclosure in which the construction toy blocks can be stored, a shape sorting rim extending above the container, this rim having walls provided with holes of different shape, and a lid detachably connectable onto the rim, this lid having an upper surface from which project coupling elements similar to or compatible with those of the construction toy blocks, whereby the lid can be used as a base plate for use to play with the construction toy blocks. Some of the construction blocks are sized and shaped to snugly fit into and thus be sortable through the holes in the walls of the rim, whereby the bucket can also be used as a shape sorting toy. This bucket can be personalized into a character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: The Ritvik Group Inc.
    Inventor: Sandra Bean
  • Patent number: 5643038
    Abstract: A receptacle for the storage of building elements for a constructional building set is constructed as a trunk having hinged parts. The receptacle is formed with one or more recesses to receive plate-shaped elements incorporated in the constructional building set. Coupling portions in the form of projections are provided along at least a portion of the periphery of the recesses to cooperate with complementary coupling portions in the form of grooves on the plate-shaped elements with a view to establishing temporary retention of the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Interlego AG
    Inventors: Flemming H.o slashed.jberg Olsen, Per Br.o slashed.ms.o slashed.
  • Patent number: 5615619
    Abstract: A play table includes a top and a base for supporting the top. The base can include a first leg secured at its upper end to the top and a second leg secured at its upper end to the top, the second leg being spaced from the first leg. A bottom wall is secured between the lower ends of the first and second legs. A front wall is secured to the first and second legs and the bottom wall and cooperates with them to define a bin housed under the top. An opening is provided in the front wall to define a front opening for the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: Christine L. King
  • Patent number: 5580293
    Abstract: A toy stairway is disclosed which may be used to play with a spring toy and which comprises elongated first and second collapsible side rails in confronting spaced relationship relative to each other, a plurality of rigid steps disposed between the first and second side rails, and means for releasably connecting the plurality of steps to the first and second side rails. Each side rail may be coilable and resilient, or may be foldable and comprised of a plurality of hingedly connected fold sections. The first and second side rails preferably are formed from a single stringer having a first portion and a second portion, the stringer being made of a material to permit the stringer to bend for bringing the second portion in a confronting spaced relationship relative to the first portion to define the first and second side rails. The stringer may be made of a coilable resilient material or of a foldable material comprised of a plurality of hingedly connected fold sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventors: Joseph T. Sestak, Anthony H. Lariccia
  • Patent number: 5577945
    Abstract: A portable toy-assembly set that in a disassembled state is of a sufficiently miniature size as to be transportable by a child and assembled by a child, as water tank-like vessel having a sufficiently large upper water addition opening as to enable a child to add water thereto, drainable therefrom by a lower positioned drainage port connectable by disassembled joinable transparent conduits, with water-head pressure providable by disassemble support structure joinable with the tank-like vessel to support the tank-like vessel at selectable elevation. The conduits are connectable to a water-drivable accessory. A handle is mounted on the tank-like vessel or a vessel lid secureable to the tank-like vessel, enabling a child to more easily transport the portable toy-assembly set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Michael LaBelle
  • Patent number: 5573437
    Abstract: A packaged balloon and greeting card are disclosed comprising a balloon having an uninflated body, a filler neck extending from said body, and a first image displayed on said body; a greeting card having a face displaying a second image matching the first image; a tether line having a first end attached to the filler neck and a second end attached to the greeting card; and a packaging envelope receiving the uninflated balloon body, the greeting card, and at least a portion of the tether line. A third image, matching the first and second image, can be displayed on the envelope. The packaging envelope can also include an opening through which the balloon filler neck extends outside the envelope for communication to a source of inflating gas to permit in-situ inflation of the balloon body in the envelope. The envelope can also be constructed so as to be burst by inflation of the uninflated balloon body while it resides in the envelope to facilitate unpackaging of the balloon for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: CTI Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Mark J. Van Dyke, Ernst R. Reiter
  • Patent number: 5558226
    Abstract: A novel amusement device is constructed of a plurality of individual plates, and internally thereof the plates define a secret chamber within which one or more articles can be housed. The various plates are constructed to be assembled through a specific sequence of steps, while a reverse sequence of steps results in the disassembly thereof which essentially reveals the secret compartment of the amusement device and the article contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: Gerald W. Fritz
  • Patent number: 5542870
    Abstract: A folding box dioramic toy has a rectangular base panel for displaying central scenic structures and rectangular side panels hinged thereto also displaying scenery. The side panels include integral triangular members extending orthogonally therefrom which in a box closed mode form a closed box top and in an unfolded mode provide vertical back-drops for additional scenery or structures. The scenery and structures show a diorama, such as a medieval castle and outbuildings, such that a child can place and move toy archers, horse-mounted knights and villagers around while playing an imaginative interactive play game. The panels and hinge elements are all snap-connected. The apex of each triangular member terminates in a quarter-ball segment and contains in the closed mode a circumferential groove into which a flexible latch loop or ring mounted on one of the triangular members can be pushed locking the resultant locking dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Curtis D. Westersund
  • Patent number: 5525088
    Abstract: A soft sculpture toy apparatus having one or more storage slots for a compact disc and/or cassette tape and a book. The apparatus also includes one or more storage cavities located within the apparatus having a storage flap for storing a plurality of toys used with the apparatus. Finally, the apparatus may include a satchel for storing and transporting the apparatus and the plurality of toys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Louise L. Mayne
  • Patent number: 5514022
    Abstract: A balloon package is provided to facilitate erection of a balloon assembly, which prevents unintentional loss of buoyant balloons. The package includes an uninflated balloon, a placard or preferably planar object of a mass sufficient to overcome the buoyancy of the balloon when inflated and articles such as a ribbon for joining the balloon to the placard. In an alternative embodiment, the neck of the balloon is inserted directly into the placard. In package form the balloon kit is sealed in a plastic overwrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: M & D Balloons, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale A. Harris
  • Patent number: 5509844
    Abstract: The present invention comprises legless storage and play table for use by children, comprising a first member operatively arranged to form a first side of the table, the first member having a trough-like section extending outwardly with respect to the table; a second member operatively arranged to form a second side of the table in parallel spaced relationship to the first side, the second member having a trough-like section extending outwardly with respect to the table; a third member operatively arranged to form a third side of the table positioned perpendicularly to the first and second sides, the third member having a trough-like section extending outwardly with respect to the table; a fourth member operatively arranged to form a fourth side of the table in parallel spaced relationship to the third side, the fourth member having a trough-like section extending outwardly with respect to the table; fasteners connecting the four members together to form a rectangularly shaped table, wherein the fasteners com
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Inventors: Michael Poirier, Mariann Poirier, Evan Poirier, Jordan Poirier
  • Patent number: 5501602
    Abstract: A dental care kit for simulating a visit of a fictional tooth fairy and instructing a child of the importance of proper dental care. The inventive kit includes a storage chest containing a plurality of envelopes, magical fairy dust contained within a fairy dust container, an ink pad, left and right foot stamps, a coin bag, and a plurality of written notes. A method of utilizing the kit includes placing a deciduous tooth within one of the envelopes and underneath a pillow of the child's sleeping accommodations. After the child falls asleep, a parent of the child removes the tooth in the envelope for storage within the chest, sprinkles the magical fairy dust around and about the child, utilizes the left and right foot stamps and ink pad to place footprints on or about the child, places an amount of money within the coin bag underneath the pillow, and leaves one of the written notes underneath the pillow along with the coin bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Inventors: Karen L. Anderson, Keith E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5498188
    Abstract: A child-constructable toy including a set of components, each component having a characteristic color, each component further having a plurality of edges bearing other characteristic colors; a tool-actuateable coupling mechanism having a same characteristic color as that on an edge of one component and that on an edge of another component for coupling the same colored edges of the components together and with such repeated coupling allowing a toy to be created; and a tool operatively associated with the coupling mechanism for facilitating coupling of components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventor: Christine M. Deahr
  • Patent number: 5484318
    Abstract: A novelty stress reduction kit including a container having a hollow interior and an opening for allowing access to the interior; a lid securable over the opening of the container; a set of sheets of bubble-type packing material, each sheet having a plurality of hand-burstable air-filled bubbles formed thereon, the sheets of the set positionable in stacked relation to define a deck and with the deck snugly positionable within the interior of the container with the lid closeable thereover, the set of sheets including a plurality of subsets of sheets and with the subsets of sheets each having different characteristic colors; a color-coded instruction sheet affixed to the cover with the instruction sheet associating a color of a subset of sheets with a description of a type of stress, whereby a user determines the type of stress currently being experienced and notes the associated color, selects a sheet with the same color as the noted color, and then bursts the bubbles on the sheet for relieving the stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventors: Todd M. Mayert, Curtis Mayert
  • Patent number: 5482490
    Abstract: A doll's house comprises a plurality of separable components including walls, a floor, a roof, and internal dividing partitions, each component being separable from the other components, and foldable into a collapsed configuration. Two of the components form the base and top of an elongate rectangular box and the other components, when collapsed, are sufficiently compact to fit within the box. The floor forms the base of the box and has upstanding flanges around its periphery and the walls, when in their erected condition are being located inside of the upstanding flange and are held there. The roof comprises a pitched part which is collapsible into a flat form, and a lid adapted to locate over and support the upper edge of the walls when in their erected condition. The lid has a downwardly extending flange which extends around the upper edges of the walls when in their erected condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Richard S. Weldon-Ming
  • Patent number: 5480335
    Abstract: A toy includes a clam shell case having a hingedly coupled base and cover member which in the open configuration supports the remaining toy components. A hand crank operated shredder is securable to the open case and is operative to receive and shred a plurality of chewing gum sticks to form elongated ribbons of chewing gum. A holder replicating a conventional fast food french fry envelope or carton receives the chewing gum ribbons to provide the appearance of a pair of french fry orders from a fast food type restaurant. The gum shredder and holder are receivable within the interior of the folding case and are enclosed therein when the case is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin J. Caveza
  • Patent number: 5474483
    Abstract: A multifunctional toy container including a hollow container body shaped like a motor vehicle and supported on wheels for keeping toy blocks, a handle fastened to the rear side of the container body for moving the container body on the ground by hand, and a top cover detachably covered on the container body and having a plurality of studs raised from the top side for mounting toy blocks to build up any of a variety of objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventor: Jin R. Sun
  • Patent number: 5471968
    Abstract: A projectile launcher includes a clam shell housing formed of pivotally secured shell halves having a maintaining latch for securing the housing in the closed position. A projectile launcher is supported within the shell halves and includes a collapsible bellows together with a pair of cylindrical launch tubes. A selection valve selectively couples the compressed air provided by collapse of the bellows to either of the launch tubes. A pair of generally cylindrical projectiles preferably formed of a resilient foam material or the like define respective closed end cylindrical bores which receive the end portions of the launch tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Sean S. Lee