Vehicle Patents (Class 446/93)
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Patent number: 10240326Abstract: A faucet including a faucet head, a body and a magnetic coupling releasably coupling the faucet head to the faucet body.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: Delta Faucet CompanyInventor: Alfred Charles Nelson
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Patent number: 9682717Abstract: A ride through control system for a machine is disclosed. The ride through control system may include a sensor associated with an asset of the machine and configured to generate a signal indicative of an operating parameter of the asset. The ride through control system may also include a user interface associated with the machine and a controller in communication with the sensor and the user interface. The controller may be configured to display on the user interface a plurality of selectable ride through control levels, each being associated with a respective operating parameter threshold, receive via the user interface a user selection of one of the plurality of ride through control levels, and automatically generate a machine control signal based on the signal generated by the sensor and the respective operating parameter threshold associated with the user selection.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2015Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.Inventors: Alexander Shubs, Jr., Curtis Montgomery, James David Seaton
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Patent number: 9205703Abstract: A hub or wheel assembly includes a retaining element, biasing element, and hand-maneuverable release mechanism. The housing includes an axle bore configured to receive an axle and a pin sleeve including a first end in fluid communication with the axle bore, a second end, and a conduit between the first end and the second end. The retaining element is within the conduit and is configured to operatively engage a groove in an axle. The biasing element is within the conduit and is configured to bias the retaining element towards the axle bore. The hand-maneuverable release mechanism is configured to displace the retaining element away from the axle bore.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2013Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: GEO PlasticsInventors: Michael Abraham Morris, William Michael Palleva
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Patent number: 8973861Abstract: Described herein is a vertical take-off and landing aircraft comprising: an upper enclosure comprising a first upper arm and a second upper arm; a lower enclosure comprising a first lower arm and a second lower arm; wherein the first upper arm and the first lower arm comprise a first upper buckle and a first lower buckle, respectively; wherein the second upper arm and the second lower arm comprise a second upper buckle and a second lower buckle, respectively; wherein the first upper buckle engages the first lower buckle and the second upper buckle engages the second lower buckle, thereby securing the upper enclosure to the lower enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2012Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Shenzhen Hubsan Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Qiangwu Zhou, Shidong Zhu, Guangyao Chen
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Patent number: 8939810Abstract: A kit for quick replacement of unitary model airplane structural components contains a first wing assembly is removable from a model airplane fuselage component so a second wing assembly from the kit can be quickly installed. A first vertical stabilizer subassembly is removable from the model airplane fuselage component so a second vertical stabilizer subassembly from the kit can be quickly installed. A first horizontal stabilizer subassembly is removable from the model airplane fuselage component so a second horizontal stabilizer subassembly from the kit can be quickly installed. The kit has a kit box for portable storage of the wing assembly, vertical stabilizer subassembly, and the horizontal stabilizer subassembly. The kit does not contain the fuselage component or a fuselage padding component.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2012Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Inventor: Noel F. Suknanan
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Patent number: 8790151Abstract: A toy construction base plate configured to receive a toy construction and having a collapsible handle, which allows the construction to be built on the base plate on a flat play surface, after which the handle may be deployed from the base plate to allow a user to hold and play with the toy construction. The handle may be deployed by, for example, pivoting with respect to a support member of the base plate and pivoting above, below, or to the side of the toy construction. The handle may also be used as a stand to hold a construction above a play surface. The toy construction may be made of interlocking stackable blocks and the support surface of the base plate may be configured to receive the interlocking stackable blocks.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: MEGA Brands Inc.Inventors: Vic Bertrand, Alexandre Huneau, RĂ©al Laurent Lanoix, Yanick Tremblay
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Patent number: 8708765Abstract: A kit for constructing a variety of play structures for children includes a plurality of arcuate tubes, a plurality of linear tubes, and a plurality of connectors. At least one of the tubes is releasably assembled together with another one of the tubes using the connectors to form a frame. An instruction manual provides directions for releasably assembling the tubes and the connectors to form the variety of play structures from the kit. The kit may also include at least one covering and at least one covering connector to releasably affix the covering to at least a portion of the frame of the play structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Fort Magic, LLCInventor: Erika Pope-Gusev
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Patent number: 8695259Abstract: A souvenir 10 has a display portion 21 upon which is incorporated a three dimensional profile of a representation or display 40 of a memory evokable element, such as an iconic geographical location, cityscape, building, event, structure or person in positive or male profile. A complementary removable covering portion 20 has incorporated therein a negative or female profile of the representation or display 40, allowing the souvenir to be cast from either one of the portions 20, 21 should one of the portions become lost. A recess 51 is located within the display portion 21 for retaining a relic 52 taken from or closely associated with the memory evokable element displayed on the display portion 21. When assembled, the two portions show on the sides silhouettes of the representation or display, to further evoke viewer memories.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Inventor: Paul Bailey
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Patent number: 8579671Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer software to provide a kit which allows an operator to construct a variety of vehicles such as cars, boats, hovercraft, airplanes, etc. The operator can use software to select characteristics of the vehicles, and then print out sheets of paper or other thin material that can then be folded into a vehicle. Motors can be inserted into each vehicle in order to propel the vehicle. The kit can also comprise special tools which allow for forming the paper or other material into particular three dimensional shapes. The kit can also comprise a remote control transmitter and receiver so that the vehicles can be controlled remotely.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2008Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Inventors: Rick DeRennaux, Paul Berman
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Patent number: 8534394Abstract: The power brick assembly includes a solar energy collecting plate carried on a carrier for collecting solar energy to generate electrical energy. A first connecting port is mounted on the carrier so that the carrier is movable relative to the first connecting port. A mechanical rotary power generating unit includes a second connecting port mounted on a brick-like casing and connected electrically and detachably to the first connecting port so that the first connecting port is movable relative to the second connecting port. The brick-like casing receives a battery module for supplying electric power, a driving module for generating a mechanical rotary power output in response to an electric power input, and a control module operable to output the electric power input based on one of the electrical energy from the solar energy collecting plate and the electric power from the battery module.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2011Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Inventor: Wen-Pin Lin
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Patent number: 8066542Abstract: A transformable toy which can be automatically transformed despite the fact that members are merely pivotably connected as in conventional transformable toys is provided. The transformable toy, which is transformed from a box-like configuration to a robot configuration, is vertically and longitudinally divided into two parts, when in the box-like configuration, includes an upper front member, an upper rear member, a lower front member, and a lower rear member, and has a frame disposed therein for supporting the above members. The upper front member and the upper rear member are each pivotably connected to the frame directly, or through a link, and are foldably connected with each other. The connecting portion between the frame and the upper rear member has an elastic member for urging the upper front member and the upper rear member in a direction to be folded.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2009Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.Inventor: Takio Ejima
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Patent number: 8011992Abstract: A transformable toy which can be automatically transformed despite its appearance in which members are merely pivotably connected as in conventional transformable toys is provided. Front end portions of a first base member and a second base member, as well as rear end portions of the first and second base members, are pivotably connected by first and second link members, respectively. The second base member is urged by an elastic force of a first elastic member, provided on at least one connecting portion, to move forwardly with respect to the first base member. Figure members expressing states differing between first and second configurations are connected to the first base member and the first link member. Connecting portions of figure members have second elastic members acting against the elastic force of the first elastic member and having an elastic force set to be smaller than that of the first elastic member.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.Inventor: Takio Ejima
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Patent number: 7963818Abstract: A toy is described herein that is made from correlated magnetic toy parts (e.g., toy building blocks) which have an ingenious coupling means that enable the correlated magnetic toy parts to be attached to or released from one another. The correlated magnetic toy parts could have many different shapes and can be attached to one another to form an abstract shaped toy or a predetermined shaped toy.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2009Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Cedar Ridge Research, LLC.Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, Mark D. Roberts
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Patent number: 7942721Abstract: A toy is disclosed which is adapted to reconfigure from a simulated vehicle into a simulated toy gun able to launch actual projectiles. In one embodiment, the simulated toy vehicle is provided in the form of a semi or tractor trailer with rotatable wheels which, upon a single rotational movement by the child, can be reconfigured into a toy gun complete with trigger, sliding pump for a firing chamber and visualizing sight or cross hairs as well. In a second embodiment, the vehicle is provided as an airplane or jet which can be reconfigured into a gun able to simultaneously launch multiple projectiles.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2006Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Hasbro, IncInventor: Jared Wade
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Patent number: 7922556Abstract: What is disclosed is a versatile interlocking crossbar device and system for coupling modular components of toy assemblages, educational models, hobby constructions, component attachments, or the like together using one or more connectors, configured with a set of male connector parts and a set of female connector parts, configured to enable the selective attachment of such parts. The disclosed system is exemplified in this application as a toy vehicle and a ball and demonstrates how the parts and interlocking crossbar device interrelate to one another in a plurality of ways to create varying embodiments. The unique interrelationships spoken of are, for the most part, capable of creation because similar sized openings and recesses are indexed within each body member such that the pieces and interlocking crossbar conform thereto.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Claw L.L.C.Inventors: David J Schreff, Donna J Lindsay, Julian Lindsay
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Patent number: 7880414Abstract: A control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arrangement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2009Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Lionel L.L.C.Inventors: Dennis J. Denen, Neil P. Young, Gary L. Moreau, Martin Pierson, Robert Grubba
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Patent number: 7803030Abstract: A toy vehicle, a toy assembly device and a related method includes a toy body having a plurality of component members, and a plurality of support frame members respectively supporting the component members. The component members and the support frame members have respective engaging portions that can engage and disengage in a horizontal direction. Each of the support frame members has a fitting part provided thereon for connecting the support frame members to one another. Each of the component members has a fitting portion provided thereon for connecting the components members to one another. When the support frame members, each with a component member supported thereon, are connected to one another through the fitting parts, the component members are connected to one another by the fitting portions to form the toy body, so that the toy body can engage with or disengage from the support frame members connected to one another.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignees: Tomy Company, Ltd., Tokyo Unique Co., Ltd.Inventor: Junichi Nagaoka
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Patent number: 7762867Abstract: A lever activated toy vehicle includes a body, a chassis and a lever. The chassis accommodates the body and has a front wheel and a rear wheel. A motor is disposed within the chassis and is drivingly coupled to at least one of the wheels. The lever is movably supported on the toy vehicle so as to be accessible by a user for movement between a first position and a second position. The toy vehicle further includes a moveable part and an actuator mechanism. The moveable part has at least a portion on the exterior of the body and a portion on the interior of the body. The actuator mechanism is operably coupled with the motor and the moveable part and is configured to move the moveable part from the concealed position to the revealed position after the lever is moved from the first position to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2004Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Felix Agostini, Mary Ellen Gertrude Fosbenner, Robert Jude Henry, Gregory John Sisolak, William Francis Michael Dougherty
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Patent number: 7749042Abstract: The toy building set comprises interconnectable modular elements that include flat, substantially square bricks, each having two opposite, substantially square main faces, of which a first one is shaped with an array of recesses. Two first, adjacent, narrow side faces bear tabs projecting at right angles from the respective side faces. Two second, adjacent, narrow side faces bear forks projecting from the respective side faces so that the tabs of an adjacent brick can be inserted therein. Each fork is of a size and shape such that it is insertable in one of the recesses with a tight fit. The modular elements also comprise disc-shaped, peripherally toothed bricks, each having transverse openings in which the forks are insertable.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2006Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Giochi Puliti S.R.L.Inventor: Ettore Fulgenzi
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Publication number: 20100136876Abstract: A toy or scale replica of an underground toy miner for coal mining having movable parts includes a body having an upper surface and movable caterpillar treads and a plurality of rotatable wheels mounted to the opposed sides of the miner, a boom mounted to the upper surface and extending from the front to the rear of the miner, an endless conveyor mounted on the boom with the distal end of the boom being laterally movable, a bucket mounted to the front and having at least two inwardly rotatably collectors for moving material from the bucket to the conveyor and boom and a ripper head terminating with a cylindrical ripper pivotably mounted to the front of the miner and above the bucket for gouging and digging material out of the wall of the mine for deposition in the bucket and thence movement rearward by the collectors to the conveyor and boom.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2008Publication date: June 3, 2010Inventor: David C. Nelson
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Patent number: 7597174Abstract: An anti-deflection structure for a chassis of a remote-controlled car includes a board which is added below a central differential gear at a center of a chassis, to strengthen a rigid structure of the chassis. A center of the board is provided with a hollow part for emplacing a gear set of the central differential gear, and an exterior side of the hollow part is provided with a plurality of pivoting holes. The pivoting holes correspond to through-holes on the chassis for locking the central differential gear, thereby locking and fixing the board. In addition, the hollow part is locked at columns of the central differential gear by transfixing screws from bottom to top into the pivoting holes and the through-holes. On the other hand, front and rear ends of the board provide for connection of two support arms, thereby constituting the anti-deflection structure for the chassis.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2007Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Inventor: Daimler Chu
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Publication number: 20090209167Abstract: A transformable toy which can be automatically transformed despite the fact that members are merely pivotably connected as in conventional transformable toys is provided. The transformable toy, which is transformed from a box-like configuration to a robot configuration, is vertically and longitudinally divided into two parts, when in the box-like configuration, includes an upper front member, an upper rear member, a lower front member, and a lower rear member, and has a frame disposed therein for supporting the above members. The upper front member and the upper rear member are each pivotably connected to the frame directly, or through a link, and are foldably connected with each other. The connecting portion between the frame and the upper rear member has an elastic member for urging the upper front member and the upper rear member in a direction to be folded.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2009Publication date: August 20, 2009Applicant: TOMY COMPANY, LTD.Inventor: Takio Ejima
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Publication number: 20090209168Abstract: A transformable toy which can be automatically transformed despite its appearance in which members are merely pivotably connected as in conventional transformable toys is provided. Front end portions of a first base member and a second base member, as well as rear end portions of the first and second base members, are pivotably connected by first and second link members, respectively. The second base member is urged by an elastic force of a first elastic member, provided on at least one connecting portion, to move forwardly with respect to the first base member. Figure members expressing states differing between first and second configurations are connected to the first base member and the first link member. Connecting portions of figure members have second elastic members acting against the elastic force of the first elastic member and having an elastic force set to be smaller than that of the first elastic member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2009Publication date: August 20, 2009Applicant: TOMY COMPANY, LTD.Inventor: Takio Ejima
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Publication number: 20090017714Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer software to provide a kit which allows an operator to construct a variety of vehicles such as cars, boats, hovercraft, airplanes, etc. The operator can use software to select characteristics of the vehicles, and then print out sheets of paper or other thin material that can then be folded into a vehicle. Motors can be inserted into each vehicle in order to propel the vehicle. The kit can also comprise special tools which allow for forming the paper or other material into particular three dimensional shapes. The kit can also comprise a remote control transmitter and receiver so that the vehicles can be controlled remotely.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventors: Rick DeRennaux, Paul Berman
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Publication number: 20080254707Abstract: A modular toy vehicle design having a universal mating system between the body of the vehicle and the chassis such that multiple body styles will interchangeably mate with multiple chassis designs and where electrical interfaces are automatically established between the body and the chassis simply by mating and aligning the two together. The design allows for an electrical connection to be made in the process of mechanically mating and aligning the body of a toy vehicle to its chassis thereby powering electronic features that are physically connected to the body with the power source which is housed in the chassis. When the body is properly aligned and mounted, the electrical interfaces are automatically established. There is no separate step of plugging together mating connectors where one connector extends from a wire bundle electrically interfacing with the body and the mating connector extends from a separate wire bundle electrically interfacing with the chassis.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2007Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicant: RETAIL ENTERTAINMENT CONCEPTS, LLCInventors: Donald W. Amadio, James V. Mendillo, Yuk Kei Chan
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Patent number: 7329166Abstract: An automotive toy (1) constructed from a number of toy building elements, of which a plurality are configured as functionality modules (2, 3, 4, 5), each of which being configured with technical means for performing a specific functionality in the automotive toy (1). In the automotive toy at least one flexible toy building element (18) is provided that is located between two functionality modules (2, 3, 4, 5), whereby this flexible toy building element (18) is caused to form a flexible interconnection between the functionality modules (2, 3, 4, 5).Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2002Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: Interlego AGInventors: Jan Hatting, Olav Krøigaard
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Patent number: 7244163Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy car kit comprised of a block or frame, wheels, a motor and electric circuitry to operate the toy vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2005Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Inventor: Max Benassi
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Patent number: 7238078Abstract: A changeable model flight toy which can simulate the takeoff and landing attitudes and flight attitudes at low cost in accordance with different types of airplanes is provided. A plurality of airplane bodies having different outer appearance forms which can be maintained for a long period of time are interchangeably mounted on an inner sleeve. A changeable model flight toy 100 characterized by a flight operation unit 120 which is incorporated within airplane bodies 110, 210 is disclosed. A takeoff and landing control panel 130 hoists and lowers the flight operation unit 120 while bearing the unit 120. The airplane body 110, 210 comprises a nose side body 110A, 210A including the main wing 112, 212 and a tail assembly side body 110B, 210B including the tail assembly 115, 215.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Inventor: Noboru Kimura
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Patent number: 7223152Abstract: Provided may be a wind propelled rolling vehicle with a self-adjusting sail that may be substantially formed in a relatively small, single sheet of material, or assembled onto a standard chassis. The exemplary embodiments may utilize bushings to spread dynamic loads so as to allow the use of very light structural material such as thin sheet foam thereby forming a safe, low-mass toy vehicle capable of achieving good acceleration and rolling speed relative to a given wind force, and configurable into many themes.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Inventor: John H. Anderson
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Patent number: 6957996Abstract: A mobile toy is described. The mobile toy includes a wheel assembly having a hubcap removably engaging a wheel of the wheel assembly. The mobile toy may also include a transmitter having a charging pad for charging of a radio-controlled embodiment of the toy. The transmitter comprises an indicator showing certain states of the toy as well as a storage compartment for housing items associated with the toy. Additional embodiments include an assembly for retaining the toy on the charging pad during charging of the toy. A kit for storing the components of the radio-controlled embodiment of the toy is also described.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignee: RadioShack CorporationInventor: Wai Hui
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Patent number: 6910939Abstract: A mobile toy is described. The mobile toy includes a wheel assembly having a hubcap for removably engaging a wheel of the wheel assembly. The mobile toy may also include a transmitter having a charging pad for charging of a radio-controlled embodiment of the toy. The transmitter comprises an indicator showing certain states of the toy as well as a storage compartment for housing items associated with the toy. Additional embodiments include an assembly for retaining the toy on the charging pad during charging of the toy. A kit for storing the components of the radio-controlled embodiment of the toy is also described.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: RadioShack CorporationInventor: Wai Hui
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Patent number: 6878031Abstract: A toy comprising a plurality of removable members, each member having a predetermined shape, such that the members, when assembled in a predetermined order, form the outer shape of the toy, each member also having a plurality of removable elements of a predetermined shape that are insertable into a correspondingly shaped void in the member, whereby the toy may be assembled with or without the elements being within their corresponding members.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2001Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Inventor: Michael Petrus Romyn
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Patent number: 6773323Abstract: A toy element set for constructional toy includes square planar elements, each square planar element having a center through hole, coupling elements adapted to connect square planar elements on a plane or at right angles, and gears, each gear having a split shaft pivotally connectable to the through hole of one planar element, the diameter of the pitch circle of the gears being equal to the length of the diagonal of the planar elements, each gear having a spacer flange at the inner side around the shaft and adapted to space the gear face of the respective gear from the corresponding planar element upon installation of the respective gear in the planar element.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2003Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Inventor: Te-Li Huang
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Publication number: 20040063379Abstract: A mobile toy is described. The mobile toy includes a wheel assembly having a hubcap for removably engaging a wheel of the wheel assembly. The mobile toy may also include a transmitter having a charging pad for charging of a radio-controlled embodiment of the toy. The transmitter comprises an indicator showing certain states of the toy as well as a storage compartment for housing items associated with the toy. Additional embodiments include an assembly for retaining the toy on the charging pad during charging of the toy. A kit for storing the components of the radio-controlled embodiment of the toy is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: RadioShack CorporationInventor: Wai Hui
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Patent number: 6641457Abstract: A chassis of remotely controllable car, including an upper board and two side walls which are integrally formed. A lower board is connected under the bottoms of the side walls. The chassis is a frame body integrally formed by the upper board, the lower board and the two side walls. The engine, gear cases and wheels of the remotely controllable car are mounted on the chassis.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2002Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Inventor: Aling Lai
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Patent number: 6595824Abstract: The disclosed educational snap-together toy vehicle system is exemplified in this application as a set of cars and trucks. The vehicles are broken down into four primary components: a main body, front clip, rear clip, and roof. The body parts are snapped together by a contrasting color, plastic three-element connector system consisting of: a fixed universal socket; an intermediate shaped-socket coupler; and a fixed shaped socket.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventors: Patrick M. Calello, Danilo I. Medina
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Publication number: 20030054726Abstract: The disclosed educational snap-together toy vehicle system is exemplified in this application as a set of cars and trucks. The vehicles are broken down into four primary components: a main body, front clip, rear clip, and roof. The body parts are snapped together by a contrasting color, plastic three-element connector system consisting of: a fixed universal socket; an intermediate shaped-socket coupler; and a fixed shaped socket.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventors: Patrick M. Calello, Danilo I. Medina
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Publication number: 20030022589Abstract: A model vehicle that operates to emulate “hydraulics” in a full size vehicle is taught. A suspension lift function and a suspension tilt function are produced though implementation of suspension apparatus. A wheel carriage is coupled to a chassis and the movement therebetween is controlled by one or more actuators. Either lift or tilt, or both, movement may be employed. In an illustrative embodiment, rotational movement is employed to effect lift and tilt, along perpendicular axis defined by a sub-chassis. A first actuator works between the chassis and sub-chassis, and a second actuator works between the sub-chassis and a wheel carriage. Control may be remote, utilizing wired, radio, sonic, or infrared remote control schemes.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2001Publication date: January 30, 2003Inventor: Bill Yeung
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Patent number: 6497602Abstract: A shock absorber for use as a construction element of a toy building set, the shock absorber comprising a rod element provided with a collar at a first end and a mounting at a second end; a sleeve through which the rod element extends; an air-filled cylinder element abutting the sleeve and enclosing the collar; the air-filled cylinder element having a cylindrical inner surface which is so configured that the collar on the rod element is in displaceable abutment on the inner wall of the cylinder element; and a spring surrounding the rod element having one end in abutment on the rod element at the second end, and having an opposite end in abutment on the sleeve, whereby the spring presses the sleeve towards the air-filled cylinder element.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Interlego AGInventor: Olav Kroigaard
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Publication number: 20020182974Abstract: A toy vehicle is adapted to be launched by an actuator. The toy vehicle includes a chassis, a biasing member and a device. The chassis has a cavity. The biasing member is disposed within the cavity. The device is removably engaged to the chassis for biasing the biasing member.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2001Publication date: December 5, 2002Inventor: Christopher J. Grabianski
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Patent number: 6475060Abstract: A three-dimensional toy train is built-up from a plurality of modeled flat parts that are directly stamped on a thin plate for forming a front locomotive, a back locomotive and a plurality of passenger cards. The modeled flat parts are provided at predetermined positions with slits of predetermined depths, so that the flat parts are connected through engagement of these slits with one another in different ways. A player is trained to employ imagination and thinking ability in the process of connecting the modeled flat parts to form the toy train.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2001Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Inventor: Kuo-Ching Liu
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Patent number: 6468128Abstract: In one embodiment a collapsible toy car is provided with a front top portion, a rear top portion, and two side portions is provided. The front top portion is pivotally attached to the rear top portion via a hinge. The two side portions are pivotally attached to the front and rear top portion via a front and rear pivot assembly, respectively. When assembled the front, rear and two side portions form an upright, operational position. When a force, however, is applied downwardly on the collapsible toy, the front, rear and two side portions collapse forming a substantially planar, collapsed configuration. A latch may be provided in order to retain the collapsible toy car in its collapsed configuration. Similarly, the latch may be released in various ways to permit the collapsible toy car to return to its operation position.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Inventors: Virginia M. Bala, Russell G. Rasmussen
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Patent number: 6454624Abstract: An assemblage of robotic modules includes a plurality of robotic modules, with each robotic module having memory capability, an actuator, a joint position sensor, and communication means. The assemblage of robotic modules also includes a distributed control unit, which is defined at least in part by a plurality of individual central processing units, with each robotic joint module having at least one central processing unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2001Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: David G. Duff, Mark H. Yim, Samuel B. Homans, Kimon D. Roufas, John W. Suh
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Patent number: 6450853Abstract: A building block system, in particular a toy building block system, comprises a plurality of inter-connectable building blocks (1), whereby each building block (1) comprises an undercut trough-shaped groove (3) on at least one lateral surface (2) into which a connection bar (5) with a cylindrical part (6)is insertable. The building block system is suited for a variety of uses, easy to handle and provides many form-locking connection options of one or several building blocks, including of building blocks of differing geometrical form. According to the invention, the connection bar (5) is also formed with a hammer head-shaped boundary body (7) on at least one end of the cylindrical part (6), which can be inserted into a corresponding recess (11) on the end of the groove (3) in the building block (1) so as to form-lock with the lateral surface (2) of the same, when the connection bar (5) snaps into the groove (3) of the building block (1).Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2001Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Palimondial S.A.Inventor: Peter Larws
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Patent number: 6443797Abstract: A built-up toy car includes a body, and a front-wheel assembly and a rear-wheel assembly connected to lower front and lower rear ends, respectively, of the body. Both the front and the rear wheel assemblies include a flat axle part supported in two open-bottomed axle holes provided at the lower front and the lower rear ends, respectively, of the body, and two flat wheel parts connected to two ends of the axle part. Each of the axle parts is provided at upper and lower edges at positions engaging with the axle holes with two pairs of upper and lower notches to form thereat a reduced width slightly smaller than the axle holes, so that the axle parts of the front and the rear wheel assemblies are rotatable in the axle holes relative to the body of the toy car.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2001Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Inventor: Kuo-Ching Liu
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Publication number: 20020068499Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle. The ride-on vehicle includes a frame adapted to support a child, and a drive assembly with a battery-powered motor assembly. The ride-on vehicle further includes one or more steerable wheels and one or more driven wheels. In some embodiments, the ride-on resembles a full-size motorcycle. In some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle includes a free-floating wheel, which is unbiased and travels within a defined range of positions with respect to the ride-on vehicle's frame as external forces are imparted to the wheel. In some embodiments, the ride-on includes a high-speed switch positioned for momentary high-speed travel of the ride-on vehicle and a user-manipulable portion may be provided to enable a child to select such a high-speed configuration. In some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle includes a simulated shock absorber and/or a passenger sidecar. Finally, in some embodiments, the ride-on may include wheel assemblies that simulate inflatable wheels.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2001Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventors: Kurt J. Huntsberger, John L. Jones, William R. Howell, Karl D. Lerch, Brian L. Bienz
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Patent number: 6306004Abstract: A model airplane, airplane kit, and method of making a model airplane. The kit of the present invention enables children and adults to easily make a well-flying model airplane using recycled plastic foam moldings such as polystyrene food trays well known as 10-S in the food packaging arts.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2000Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Inventor: Rodney K. Farrar
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Patent number: 6257946Abstract: A toy airplane includes a fuselage and a main wing fastened to the fuselage, the fuselage having a top clamping strip at a front side thereof, a vertical stabilizer at a rear side thereof, a plug strip spaced between the top clamping strip and the vertical stabilizer, a first retaining notch disposed between the top clamping strip and the plug strip, and a second retaining notch disposed between the plug strip and the vertical stabilizer, the main wing having two parallel front tips attached to the top clamping strip of the fuselage at two opposite sides, a first retaining notch longitudinally extended to a front side thereof and defined between the front tips and forced into engagement with the first retaining notch on the fuselage, a second retaining notch longitudinally extended to a rear side thereof and forced into engagement with the second retaining notch on the fuselage, and an elongated plug hole longitudinally disposed on the middle and engaged with the plug strip of the fuselage.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Inventor: Ming-Ting Yang
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Patent number: 6203393Abstract: A toy which includes a hollow spherical body is disclosed. The body is adapted to be dismantled into at least two parts. Component parts are included within the body. These component parts are adapted to be releasably fixed to the exterior of the body to modify the appearance of the body into a car, a truck, a helicopter, aircraft, spaceship, submarine or similar vehicle. A character may also be included within the spherical body.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: The All-Round Company LimitedInventor: John Flynn
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Patent number: 6056616Abstract: The flying ball of this invention is a solid foamed synthetic polymer composition ball having an opening therethrough in which is engaged a solid foamed fuselage so that the ball can be moved front and back on the fuselage. The ball carries wings, and the fuselage carries tail surfaces, both preferably of solid foamed polymer material.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1999Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Inventor: Earl K. Bushman