Figure Patents (Class 446/97)
  • Patent number: 10905965
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a paper model toy. The paper model toy includes: a head unit configured to form a polyhedral shape, and configured such that a hole is formed in the bottom surface thereof; the body unit including a head coupling portion configured to be inserted and coupled into the hole, and holes configured to receive arm units; the arm units each configured such that a coupling portion configured to be inserted and coupled into each of the holes is formed at an end thereof; a leg unit including a coupling portion configured to be coupled into the lower portion of the body unit and to be inserted and coupled into a cut line, and a reception space configured such that a support unit is inserted thereinto; and the support unit including a protrusion portion, and a support portion configured to support the protrusion portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Inventor: Myeungseok Song
  • Patent number: 10098453
    Abstract: A foldable greening rack, a plurality of first supporting rods are overlaid and intersect with a plurality of second supporting rods, they are in hinged connection through rivets to form the latticed greening rack; an upper end face of a base is centrally provided with a first column; the upper end of the first column is provided with a first cone boss; an upper end face of the first cone boss is centrally provided with a second column; an upper end of the second column is provided with a second cone boss; the outer diameter of the first cone boss and the outer diameter of the base are both greater than the outer diameter of the first column, the outer diameter of the second cone boss is greater than the outer diameter of the second column, and the outer diameter of the first cone boss is greater than the outer diameter of the second cone boss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG MINZO NEW MATERIALS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Cungao Xu, Baohua Wang
  • Patent number: 9999839
    Abstract: A ball is provided forming an inside structure of the snow person, the ball having an inner and outer surface. The ball is a unitary work piece that is free and unconnected to other work pieces. An adhesion surface is disposed on the outer surface of the ball, the adhesion surface provided with nodules that extend away from the surface of the ball to adhere snow while the ball is rolled. Light units are integrated into the surface of the ball and having light emitting portions that extend away from the surface of the ball. A light output of the light units is selected to transmit light through a layer of snow. Connections between the light units situated within the ball connect the light units together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Ignacio Marc Asperas
  • Patent number: 8998670
    Abstract: A figurine system having interchangeable appendages features a body component having a general shape of a body of an animal. A body anterior end features a female head component slot. A body posterior end features a female tail component slot. A body first side features a female first anterior limb component slot and a female first posterior limb component slot. A body second side features a second female anterior limb component slot and a female second posterior limb component slot. The system features a head component, a tail component, a first anterior limb component, a first posterior limb component, a second anterior limb component, and a second posterior limb component. The system features a plurality of adapter components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Efrain De Leon
  • Publication number: 20150024654
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly (100) for selectively coupling the portions between the parts of a toy configured of a plurality of parts which are coupled to one another. The present invention comprises: a housing (110) defining an installation space (S) therein; and a coupling block (130) rotatably inserted in the installation space (S), and having a plurality of cantilever-shaped coupling pieces (140), at least a portion of which project outward from the installation space (S), wherein a coupling head (145) is disposed to project at one end of each of the coupling pieces (140) to thereby reduce the space between two adjacent coupling pieces (140). Thus, according to the present invention, through resilient deformation of the coupling pieces (140) of the assembly (100), parts are assembled together without the use of magnets in order to provide a relatively safe toy for infants. Also, due to the omission of magnetic parts, the manufacturing cost of the assembly (100) can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Yong-Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 8834225
    Abstract: A modular construction toy kit includes components to construct a modular construction toy. The toy kit includes at least three contoured body sections operable to be interconnected in series with one another to cooperatively form a continuous toy body. The body sections include at least one transition body section and a pair of end body sections. Each end body section is truncated to present a contoured outer end surface that is intersected by an end joining face. The end joining faces have different marginal shapes and/or sizes. The at least one transition section presents a contoured outer transition surface and opposite, endmost transition joining faces that intersect the outer transition surface. Each endmost transition joining face marginally matches a respective one of the end joining faces to define a connection interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Tangerine Creative, LLC
    Inventor: Robert William Ferron
  • Patent number: 8790150
    Abstract: A modular combination toy and desktop writing accessory apparatus comprising a plurality of structural elements each having at least one nodal connector portion to which a complementary connector portion of another structural element can be coupled. The structural elements can be assembled into a barrel-like form that is configured with a passageway for carrying a writing component of the invention. The writing component can be a pen, pencil, marker, crayon, eraser or the like. The modular combination toy and writing instrument has multiple functions in playtime as well as in everyday desk-bound activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Hermes Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Csaba Truckai
  • Publication number: 20140148076
    Abstract: A toy building set comprising at least a first building element having a ball (5,10) arranged on a connecting rod on each element, and a second building element having a socket (6) arranged and adapted for receiving said ball in order to form an articulated ball and socket joint. According to the invention the building set also comprises at least one third building element having a second type of socket (9) being adapted for receiving said ball on the first building element in order to provide a snap connection between the second type of socket and the ball, and where the first building element and the third building element comprises positioning means adapted for engaging with each other when the ball (5) is received in the second type of socket (9), so as to hold the third building element in a fixed position with respect to the first building element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: LEGO A/S
    Inventors: Christoph Röttjer, Cerim Manovi, Christoffer Raundahl
  • Patent number: 8721385
    Abstract: This method of interconnection utilizes aesthetic features of the toy itself to alloy interconnection in a safe and secure way, without the use of snaps and pins that can cause a safety hazard to young children. The proposed method also allows for interconnection of multiple toys to create a toy chain as well as an adapter that allows for toys that embody this feature to be connected to clothing, back packs, shoes as an accessory. By extension of this basic interconnection method, any two or more objects can be connected this same way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventors: Lisa McCue Karsten, Kenneth Stephen Karsten, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8708765
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Fort Magic, LLC
    Inventor: Erika Pope-Gusev
  • Patent number: 8684783
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mannequin having one or more articulated joints capable of exhibiting a full range of motion and of supporting substantial weight. In particular, this invention relates to an apparatus for movably joining two parts of a mannequin. The apparatus includes a first element having an arcuate surface and a second element having a convex surface and a magnetic portion. The second element is movably engageable with the first element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Anna Ehrsam
  • Patent number: 8549726
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple and easy to make snowman with a limited amount of snow. The system does not require the lifting of heavy snow balls, typically used in the making of a snowman, and provides for small children to be able to handle the snow without adult help. Further, this invention provides a quick and affective decorating system which can be reused and positioned securely anywhere on the figure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Phyllis Washburn
  • Publication number: 20130260637
    Abstract: A toy with a frame assembly having a plurality of frame members each having a gear and centering aperture. Each gear has a plurality of rounded tetrahedral teeth. A flexible fastener connects the first and second frame members together with their gears in alignment with one another. The flexible fastener applies a force to the first and second gears to releasably engage said first and second gears with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Lisa McCue Karsten, Kenneth Stephen Karsten, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130225034
    Abstract: A toy is provided with a reversible base of the type intended to be propelled manually or with the aid of a manual operating tool for moving the base during game play. The toy has features aimed at allowing its assembly in different positions for achieving different sliding or jumping movements of the figure due to the propulsion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Magic Box Int. Toys, S.L.U.
    Inventor: Magic Box Int. Toys, S.L.U.
  • Patent number: 8512092
    Abstract: A method of attaching a piece having an opening onto a part in a toy system by positioning the part adjacent the opening, pushing on the part inserting it into the opening, and releasing the part allowing the piece to be picked up by and retained on the part. In a toy system in which the part is an upper one of two generally elongated parts, the other being a lower part, that telescope axially against a bias, the biased apart parts are positioned adjacent the opening with the lower part proximate and pointed toward the opening and the upper part away from the opening. Pushing on the upper part telescopes it against the bias over the lower part and inserts the upper part into the opening. Releasing the parts allows the bias to move the parts apart with the piece picked up by and retained on the upper part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Leonard J. Stubenfoll
  • Publication number: 20130157539
    Abstract: A marionette 1 includes a FIG. 3 having a number of segments, at least two segments connected by steering strings with a control device (2). At least one active segment is connected with the control device (2) by the steering string exiting the surface of this segment at the steering point. An adjacent segment comprises a convex contact surface. Connectors (5, 81) exit these segments at the connecting points (51, 55) which are displaceable with regard to each other. A centroid of the convex contact surface (71, 731, 75) is located below the connecting point (51, 531, 55) of the convex contact surface. In a predefined free overhang position of the figure 3, a straight line (312, 3321, 3322, 352) extending between the connecting point (51, 531, 532, 55) of the active segment (31, 33, 35) and the steering point extends above the segment center of gravity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Andrzej Zatwarnicki
  • Patent number: 8393932
    Abstract: A doll's seamless garment which is adapted to be dressed, fitted and be removed in a life-like manner from a doll having a height in the range of above 8 cm to about 32 cm, wherein the doll is bendable at least in part. The garment is molded from an elastomeric material or rubber having an average modulus of elasticity of less than 1 MN/m2. The garment wall thickness is preferably in the range of about 1 mm to about 3 mm. Further disclosed is a skin. The skin is adapted to be dressed, fitted and removed from a doll to transform the doll into a different character or object, and wherein the skin is molded in at least one part from an elastomeric material. The skin may have a wall thickness from 1 to 3 mm, the material having an average modulus of elasticity of less than 1 MN/m2. The garments are easily manipulated by children and provide opportunities for creative play. Still further disclosed is a play set comprising, in cooperative combination, a doll donned and fitted with a garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Genie Toys plc
    Inventors: Casey William Norman, Torquil Patrick Alexander Norman
  • Publication number: 20120252308
    Abstract: This method of interconnection utilizes aesthetic features of the toy itself to alloy interconnection in a safe and secure way, without the use of snaps and pins that can cause a safety hazard to young children. The proposed method also allows for interconnection of multiple toys to create a toy chain as well as an adapter that allows for toys that embody this feature to be connected to clothing, back packs, shoes as an accessory. By extension of this basic interconnection method, any two or more objects can be connected this same way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Lisa McCue Karsten, Kenneth Stephen Karsten, JR.
  • Patent number: 8257132
    Abstract: A toy kit for creating a three-dimensional object such as an Easter egg, or a doll having a humanoid or animal appearance is described. The kit has at least two parts formed of resiliently deformable material. One of the part or parts includes posts extending outwardly from a surface thereof for mating with corresponding holes formed in the other part or parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Lisa Frank, Inc.
    Inventor: Lisa Frank
  • Patent number: 8257131
    Abstract: A modular combination toy and desktop writing accessory apparatus comprising a plurality of structural elements each having at least one nodal connector portion to which a complementary connector portion of another structural, element can be coupled. The structural elements can be assembled into a barrel-like form that is configured with a passageway for carrying a writing component of the invention. The writing component can be a pen, pencil, marker, crayon, eraser or the like. The modular combination toy and writing instrument has multiple functions in playtime as well as in everyday desk-bound activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Hermes Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Csaba Truckai
  • Patent number: 8210892
    Abstract: A transformative floor mat system that is interactive as a toy and a mat that is safe, fun and creative. In one form, the floor mat has tiles with interlocking structure around the edges of each tile to prove for a secured large surface area. The floor mat also has play pieces that can be removed from within each tiles so that each tile can be connected to one another to form a play figure. The floor mat system could also be configured to form other three-dimensional structures and environments, such as castles, forests, and beaches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Parallax Group International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Thrush, Peter Szucs
  • Patent number: 8210891
    Abstract: A toy with repositionable portions is disclosed. The toy may be stylized as a toy figure that may include a leg section and a torso section. The leg section includes legs pivotally coupled to a pelvic section. The pelvic section may also include an upward-extending connection post. The torso section, furthermore, may include a body cylinder that connects to the connection post. The body cylinder includes a series of resilient tabs that slidingly engage the post, securing the sections together while permitting the rotation of the torso section about the post. With this configuration, the toy figure possesses multiple degrees of motion, being adapted to move in bending and twisting motions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Brumagin, Dafna Mor
  • Patent number: 8033892
    Abstract: A toy system with a body part insertable into an opening substantially defined by a separate band, retains the band to accessorize playthings by pushing them into a separate piece bearing accessories on the outer surface. Retention is by frictional or magnetic engagement. For frictional engagement, resilient material is used. A separation in the band allows it to spread apart; a coupling may limit the extent of separation. Geometric shapes of the part and opening may be substantially the same or different, as long as there are at least two points of contact for frictional engagement. A second part fits into the opening without engaging the piece and telescopes against a spring into the part engaging the piece. Removal is facilitated by a component that receives the second part, but not the part engaging the piece. Chamfers on the part inserted into the opening and/or on the opening facilitate insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Fertig Stubeufoll Design Group L.L.C.
    Inventor: Leonard J. Stubenfoll
  • Patent number: 8007338
    Abstract: A construction system includes a plurality of construction elements having body member and a plurality of coupling members, each of said coupling members having an exterior portion and an interior locking device of hermaphroditic type. The interior locking device includes protrusions and a receiving block. A first coupling member belonging to one construction element can interlock with a second coupling member belonging to another element, so that the protrusions of the first coupling member resiliently deflect away from each other and subsequently retract, and settle, into provided recesses in the receiving block of the second element. Concurrently, the protrusions of the second coupling member settle into corresponding recesses in the receiving block of the first coupling member. Applications of the construction system in toy construction sets, construction puzzles and board games are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: Saso Stevkovski
  • Publication number: 20110165820
    Abstract: A toy kit for creating a three-dimensional object such as an Easter egg, or a doll having a humanoid or animal appearance is described. The kit has at least two parts formed of resiliently deformable material. One of the part or parts includes posts extending outwardly from a surface thereof for mating with corresponding holes formed in the other part or parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Lisa Frank
  • Patent number: 7963500
    Abstract: A mold for forming a snowman includes lower, intermediate and upper generally spherical, hollow members comprised of clear plastic. Each plastic member includes an upper aperture for filling the member with snow. The lower member includes a generally flat base portion for positioning stability and an upper connection ring adapted for secure coupling to a lower connection ring on the intermediate member. The intermediate member also includes an upper connection ring adapted for secure coupling to a lower connection ring on the upper member. The three connected members form a hollow, vertical structure which when filled with snow provides a snowman of classic shape, symmetry and proportions. The individual spherical hollow members are easily connected and disconnected, with the intermediate and upper members having apertures for receiving eye, nose, mouth and arm indicia, with the upper member further including a hat mounting arrangement in one embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Angela C. Holiday
  • Publication number: 20110059674
    Abstract: A toy construction system includes a block component and a connector component. The connector component has a connector-to-block coupling section for releasable coupling to the block component and a connector-to-connector coupling section for releasable coupling to a substantially similar connecting component. The connector-to-block coupling section defines a connector block contacting surface for contacting the block component. The coupling aperture defines a peripheral edge retaining section made out of a substantially resiliently deformable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: Nathalie Barcelo
  • Patent number: 7846003
    Abstract: An action figure fabrication toy in which a preselected action figure torso is placed in the center of the toy and individual body parts for the action figure are then placed in separate chambers arranged circumferentially about the center on opposite sides. The toy is then activated and one body part from each chamber is selected and automatically attached to the preselected torso, in order to form a composite action figure comprised of the torso and each of the selected body parts from each of the separate chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventors: Yusuke Takiguchi, Kenichi Morita
  • Patent number: 7798884
    Abstract: A toy construction system includes a block component and a connector component. The connector component has a connector-to-block coupling section for releasable coupling to the block component and a connector-to-connector coupling section for releasable coupling to a substantially similar connecting component. The connector-to-block coupling section defines a connector block contacting surface for contacting the block component. The coupling aperture defines a peripheral edge retaining section made out of a substantially resiliently deformable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Nathalie Barcelo
  • Publication number: 20100216367
    Abstract: An assembly unit for a toy capable of preventing a pair of side walls thereof surrounding a recessed part for engagement from cracking. A plurality of part units are connected to each other through a projected part (109) for engagement and the recessed part (111) for engagement. The projected part (109) for engagement comprises a base (113), a plate-like part (115) extending in a direction apart from the base, and an engagement part side extension part (117) formed at the tip of the plate-like part. The recessed part (111) for engagement comprises the pair of side walls (121) with flexibility integrally having, at its tip part, engaged part side extension parts (119) for stopping the extraction of the engagement part side extension part (117) and a bottom wall (123) connecting the base parts of these pair of side walls to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Noboru Kasahara, Motokazu Shibasaki, Akio Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7780499
    Abstract: A modular combination toy and desktop writing accessory apparatus comprising a plurality of structural elements each having at least one nodal connector portion to which a complementary connector portion of another structural element can be coupled. The structural elements can be assembled into a barrel-like form that is configured with a passageway for carrying a writing component of the invention. The writing component can be a pen, pencil, marker, crayon, eraser or the like. The modular combination toy and writing instrument has multiple functions in playtime as well as in everyday desk-bound activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Hermes Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Csaba Truckai
  • Publication number: 20100210170
    Abstract: A toy with repositionable portions is disclosed. The toy may be stylized as a toy figure that may include a leg section and a torso section. The leg section includes legs pivotally coupled to a pelvic section. The pelvic section may also include an upward-extending connection post. The torso section, furthermore, may include a body cylinder that connects to the connection post. The body cylinder includes a series of resilient tabs that slidingly engage the post, securing the sections together while permitting the rotation of the torso section about the post. With this configuration, the toy figure possesses multiple degrees of motion, being adapted to move in bending and twisting motions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Brumagin, Dafna Mor
  • Patent number: 7727045
    Abstract: A paper doll in which a trunk portion is hollow and disposed with its axial line directed in a longitudinal direction. Right and left shoulder joint members each formed in an approximately U-shape are rotatably coupled with the trunk portion by a first metal coupling passing through the trunk portion and the intermediate wall portions of the shoulder joint members. The base end portion of each of hollow upper arm members is held between a pair of side wall portions of the shoulder joint member and the upper arm members are rotatably coupled with the shoulder joint members by a second metal coupling passing through the side wall portions and the upper arm members, and femoral members each formed to be hollow are rotatably abutted against the trunk portion through the portions where the femoral members are abutted against sides of the trunk portion by a third metal coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Butterfly. Stroke. Inc.
    Inventor: Tomohiro Yasui
  • Publication number: 20100041300
    Abstract: Toy figures assembled from components including ball and socket attributes which allow for movement between the components, which allows the user to position the various portions of the figures into desired positions. A kit of components including ball and socket attributes which allow for assembly into a large number of different types of figures or structures of vastly different types and shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Joeben Bevirt
  • Patent number: 7662014
    Abstract: A joint system for joining polyhedric facet elements together. Polyhedrons have a plurality of facets. The polyhedric facet elements have facet planes that are generally congruent with the facets of the polyhedrons in which they are found. Various facet elements occupy angular relationships such that they can be joined in rigid stable joints by means of key elements where the planes of the key elements extend generally perpendicular to the planes of each of the facet elements. The joint system is suitable for inter-polyhedron joint systems where the joints include four joint elements, three of which are in the respective polyhedrons that are to be joined, and the fourth is a key element perpendicularly disposed between the other three joint elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Gregg R. Fleishman
  • Publication number: 20090114059
    Abstract: A curved surface actuating mechanism suitable for controlling motions of eyelids for a doll is provided, which includes a main shaft, a first drive unit, a second drive unit, a third drive unit, a sleeve, and a curved surface. The main shaft is a fixed shaft. A first drive wheel of the first drive unit is fitted on the main shaft and driven to rotate by a first driving member. A second drive wheel of the second drive unit is fitted on the main shaft and driven to rotate by a second driving member. The sleeve is fitted on the main shaft and has a vertical split shaft. A third drive wheel of the third drive unit is fitted on the vertical split shaft, and meanwhile engaged with the first and the second drive wheels. The curved surface has a link lever fixed to the third drive wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Chia-Chun CHU, Ching-Shuan Chiu
  • Patent number: 7520793
    Abstract: A manipulative toy is provided comprising a body and a plurality of interchangeable appendages, such as arms, legs, heads, tails and wings, removably attachable to the body at certain predefined coupling points using complementary magnetic elements disposed within both the appendages and the body. The appendages are retained in place by the interaction between two sets of complementary ribbed elements disposed on both the body and the appendages about the magnetic elements, which complementary ribbed elements are formed in a beveled configuration. The configuration of these ribbed elements, in combination with attractive force of the complementary magnetic elements and the frictional engagement of the complementary ribs, limits the appendages from moving rotationally about the point of attachment, and limits the movement of the appendage in the plane of the point of attachment, thereby allowing the manipulative toy to be posed by a user and retain its position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventors: Gopala Pillai, Mark Yager, Mike Grasela, Jason Karecki
  • Patent number: 7491139
    Abstract: A collapsible ball game practice device is comprised of a plurality of sections, each section above a lower section being substantially collapsible into the lower section. Detent structure is provided on an upper portion of each lower section and a lower portion of each upper section to secure each upper section when raised to its raised condition. A mounting structure is provided on the bottom of the lowermost section for releasably securing the device to a basketball playing surface. Arms may be rotated to various positions. The arms may be collapsed and slid on a carrier into the uppermost section. A head structure may also be slid into the uppermost section. The sections may be collapsed such that all of them may be collapsed into the lowest section. A handle is provided in the top of the head structure for carrying the entire assembly. The collapsed device may be easily transported and/or stored. The device is particularly useful as a defensive dummy in practicing the games of basketball and volleyball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventors: Kurt A. Bridge, Burditt J. Bridge
  • Publication number: 20090036219
    Abstract: An interactive entertainment system including numerous thematically-related elements, and particularly including one or more pliant, design-bearing ornaments which are transferrable and/or attachable nearly anywhere. Each ornament includes and defines a character embodied in a design fixed thereupon, and such characters provide a thematic-basis and continuity throughout the numerous features and elements of the invented entertainment system. The ornaments are typically universally-interchangeable within the system embodiments, being operably attachable and detachable via reciprocal hook and loop fastener, for example, with any of a great variety of structures, each structure configured for coupling an ornament with one or more of a great variety of substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Marissa Beth Crouch, Anne Frances Mersereau, James Stewart, Patrick D. Boyd
  • Publication number: 20080227362
    Abstract: A building component for facilitating a construction of a snow man/woman. A spherically-shaped body is provided that has an outer surface and an interior, the interior substantially lighter than when the interior is filled with snow. An adhesion surface is provided on the outer surface of the spherically-shaped body that substantially increases the ability of the outer surface to adhere snow to the spherically-shaped body. The spherically-shaped body and adhesion surface form a building component for facilitating the construction of the snow man/woman.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Ignacio Marc Asperas
  • Patent number: 7326100
    Abstract: This application discloses a toy construction apparatus that can be used to make posable toy figures. The apparatus includes structural pieces, called “bones,” which can be connected to a plurality of other bones by joints that can be formed by a marble or similar device and connecting structures on the ends of each bone. These joints can either be movable or rigid depending on the type of connecting structures on the end of each bone being connected by the joint. Additionally, specialized structures, such as heads, feet, and torsos, can be used with the toy construction apparatus that allow the user to create more complex and life-like toy figures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Gilford O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7140945
    Abstract: An action toy consisting of a vertically mounted compression spring with a weighted top, and a means for preventing the base of the spring from bouncing away from the surface on which it is standing when the spring is compressed and released. The invention includes weighted projections extending horizontally and attached just below the top of the spring and clamps or weights on the base. It also includes a spring adjustment means on the base, a means of imbedding the ends of the springs, a means of indexing the top weight and the base weight with reference to each other and finger grips on the base. A piping of light weight non-attenuating material can be snaked around the coiled spring. A closure is added to the base and a filament is attached between the top of the spring and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Jay B. Dinhofer
  • Patent number: 6964594
    Abstract: A three-dimensional sculptural celebrity figurine appears dressed in his or her uniform or costume and speaks a signature phrase for that celebrity. The celebrity figurine is molded from a pair of plastic shells forming a caricature and painted to display a uniform or costume. The figurine contains a voice recording stored on a chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Kelly Kleinman
  • Patent number: 6887120
    Abstract: A hand-held toy is disclosed having portions which may be detached with an audible “snap” and interchanged in a variety of combinations. Various embodiments of the present invention may comprise a plush toy, a cloth- or fabric-covered toy and a wire frame toy having a pliant endoskeleton covered by a polymer or the like to allow the toy to be bent into a variety of positions. The plush toy, the cloth-covered toy or the fabric-covered toy may also include a pliant endoskeleton allowing it to be bent into a variety of positions. Each of the above-described embodiments includes appendages or portions that may be detached with an audible snap and interchanged in a variety of combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Joel B. Shamitoff
  • Publication number: 20040192158
    Abstract: A transformable toy with which children play, wherein arms of the toy are formed integrally with legs of the toy, respectively, and the arms and the legs easily pass through-holes formed in a body part of the toy in such a manner that the lengths of the arms are longer than those of the legs or the lengths of the legs are longer than those of the arms so that the transformable animal toy can hang on an object, such as a rope or a bar, or the transformable animal toy can hug another toy, thereby improving a sense of mystery thereof. The transformable toy comprises a body part having an outer cover and an inner cover, and a head part. The body part has through-holes longitudinally formed therethrough at both sides thereof, respectively through which a respective arm and leg combination are inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Ik Sung Kim
  • Patent number: 6782128
    Abstract: A method for digitally editing an image of a real-life person for attaching the image to a soft-bodied doll having a generally planar face. The process includes electronically importing an image into a computer by use of a scanner, a digital camera, a compact disc, or an attachment to an e-mail, to produce a digital image file. The image is then digitally edited using any image editor. The face is masked while the neck of the person and background of the image are deleted. A portion of the person's cheek is then sampled and lightened slightly to form a neck color which then fills in the previously deleted portion. In a second embodiment, only the eyes, nose and mouth are masked while the rest of the image is either tinted to a chosen color corresponding to the color of fabric used in producing the doll, or partially erased to allow the chosen background color to blend through and create a color match between the facial images and the cloth body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Diane Rinehart
  • Patent number: 6773768
    Abstract: A spring novelty item which has a head and appendages attached to a body by means of a spring connecting means so as to add dynamic and aesthetic beauty to any garden, kitchen or other setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Exhart Environmental Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Margaret Weiser
  • Publication number: 20040126506
    Abstract: A spring novelty item which has a head and appendages attached to a body by means of a spring connecting means so as to add dynamic and aesthetic beauty to any garden, kitchen or other setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Margaret Weiser
  • Patent number: 6676481
    Abstract: A wire maze toy includes an endless wire frame that is of substantially uniform cross-sectional configuration over its entire length and is configured to form multiple curves. A carriage including two slider members is fitted on the wire frame and is slidable along the wire frame. A spring structure has two ends connected to the two slider members respectively. The spring structure and the wire frame are dimensionally related such that tension in the spring structure depends on relative positions of the slider members along the wire frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Educo International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kathy A. Klaus, Patrick D. Bidwell
  • Patent number: 6669526
    Abstract: A plurality of connecting bodies are formed in various shapes of a resilient material such as molded plastic or other resilient material. The connecting bodies each define a plurality of inwardly extending slots which form receiving mechanisms for the edge portions of a plurality of cooperating generally planar plate members. The plate members are assembled to form more complex structures utilizing the connecting bodies to form interconnection therebetween. In alternate embodiments, a complex structure for the inwardly extending slots includes flexible ribs on each side of the slots together with relief slots adjacent the ribs. In further alternate embodiments, the connecting bodies and plate members may be assembled to form complex fanciful figures utilizing specialized elements such as a fanciful head member which bears a fanciful face and leg elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Manville, James P. Mills-Winkler, Armen Danielian