Patents Examined by Jeffrey D. Carlson
  • Patent number: 6174214
    Abstract: A flexible waterproof flying disc comprises a generally disc-shaped body terminating at its periphery in a downwardly extending rim. The body and the rim define a substantially convex upper surface and a substantially concave lower surface. The body has a core formed from a single piece of flexible, close, water-impervious cellular material and has at least one binding strip connected to and around a peripheral edge of the core for imparting a prestressed curvature to the core to define the convex and concave upper and lower surfaces, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Coopsort International Ltd.
    Inventor: John Scott Cooper
  • Patent number: 6171169
    Abstract: A toy figure torso supports at least one pivotal arm together with a spring-loaded mechanism urging the arm toward pivotal motion in a forward direction. A spring is coupled to the arm and provides the urging force. A trigger and latch mechanism is supported within the torso of the toy figure and is operable by a push button supported at the torso rear. The mechanism includes a cooperating lock arm and a cam which engage to inhibit return motion when the toy figure arm is raised to the cocked position. Energy is stored in the spring which is released by activation of the push button allowing rapid forwardly pivoting motion of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff A. Saunders
  • Patent number: 6171171
    Abstract: A substantially solid light conductive toy vehicle body is fabricated to include a light cavity in which a light emitting diode is supported. A vehicle drive mechanism is operatively coupled to a pair of charging terminals and a power storage capacitor. The light emitting diode is energized when the power supply capacitor is charged to permeate light into the solid light transmissive body of the toy vehicle. The outer surface of the toy vehicle body is light transmissive and is coated, for the most part, by an opaque coating. A plurality of light transmissive openings are formed in the opaque coating to allow selectively determined points of light to permeate light from the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Barthold
  • Patent number: 6168493
    Abstract: A box type game call wherein a striking member is attached at one end by a screw to one end wall of a box. The striking member has one or more slots for receiving the screw shank for movement of the screw shank along the slot or slots to different positions for varying the orientation of the striking member relative to the box for adjusting the sound quality. In one embodiment, a pair of slots cross each other. The striking member has a plurality of recesses along a slot for receiving the screw head whereby the striking member may be adjusted reliably to different positions by selecting the recess in which the screw head is received. In accordance with an alternative embodiment, a disc is fastened to the box so that it is rotatable, and the screw is eccentrically mounted to the disc so that striking member orientation is adjustable by rotating the disc to a different positiion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Richard C. Kirby
  • Patent number: 6162110
    Abstract: An accessory for diabolo juggling may take the form of hand held unit or a free standing unit. In each case, at least one stretchable, flexible, resilient and elastic member is supported by a frame. The elastic member, preferably a bungee cord, is free of any cross-member and in spaced parallel relation to any additional elastic members such that there is an unobstructed region on each side of the elastic member. In one form, there is a horizontal and vertical frame member with a plurality of elastic members supported in spaced parallel relation on transverse members mounted on the frame members. In use the diabolo is propelled toward the accessory, impinges on one or more cords and is propelled away due to the resilient nature of the cords. The free space on each side of the cord permits passage of the cones of the diabolo on each side of the cord to prevent the cone from contacting a fixed component of the accessory and thus slowing down the rotation of the diabolo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Edzui Leon Szumowski
  • Patent number: 6162108
    Abstract: A stacking block system includes a plurality of blocks, each having a top face and a plurality of side walls extending downwardly from the top face. At least one coupling knob extends upwardly from the top face and has a substantially spherical upper part and a substantially cylindrical lower part. A tubular coupler or flange extends downwardly from the top face and beyond the side walls is complementary to the coupling knob, enabling coupling of two blocks. The tubular flange guides the coupling knob to enable coupling of two blocks, even when the blocks are tilted with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Interlego AG
    Inventor: Jesper Bo Frederiksen
  • Patent number: 6149492
    Abstract: A portable game call ideally adapted for turkey hunting is user transformable between a variety of configurations for producing selected, game-attractive sounds. A rigid supportive hub assembly, generally in the form of a parallelepiped at least temporarily mounts the remaining parts for transportation and storage. The hub assembly comprises an upwardly projecting dome that removably gimbel mounts a ring assembly. The removable ring assembly mounts two radially spaced apart, outwardly extending strikers that can be rubbed across a frictional striking surface on the call for making "peg and slate" sounds. An outwardly extending hollow metal suction tube located between the strikers makes "wing bone" sounds. An elongated, blade-like sounding vane removably coupled to the call is slidably received within a slot in the hub. A timing cord extending between the vane and the ring enables the vane, once removed, to be spun in the air by a hunter to produce the "Pulmonic Puff" sound of the wild turkey gobble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Penline Production L.L.C.
    Inventor: James Deff Davis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6149487
    Abstract: A multi-purpose interlocking pentagonal block having five points each formed with a slot, the slot having a width slightly greater than a thickness of the block, two adjacent edges of the block having a notch therebetween, the notch having a width greater than the width of the slot, whereby the multi-purpose interlocking block can be assembled with other similar blocks into many different structures and can be used as a dart or top to play with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Jung-Chieh Peng
  • Patent number: 6149485
    Abstract: A collapsible toy building block with strong board members. Base board (12) and roof board (10) interconnect loosely with frame boards (24)(24A). Frame boards set loosely in channel (26) that is formed by, short in length, projecting spacers (18) that run parallel to flanges (14),(16) that are along the front and back ends of base (12) and roof (10). A building block of this construction can be combined with other identical building blocks or a variety of other building blocks, that have the same widths, to build toy buildings of many different configurations. The loosely fitting members, of a building block of this type, permit a building block or toy building constructed of building blocks to be knocked down flat by an outside force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Lyle J. Christiansen
  • Patent number: 6146235
    Abstract: A movement assembly particularly for the legs of a doll comprises a geared transmission whereof the end wheel, supported on the body structure of the doll, has two opposite eccentric pins (48,48'), one for eah leg. On each of the pins a movable U-shoped element (50') is rotatably engaged and is mounted and restrained to the body structure of the doll in order to be driven by the respective eccentric pin in an upward and downward motion and simultaneously an oscillating movement. The U-shaped element has a pin (58) for assembly of the leg, which can be mounted thereon with the possibility of being rotated around the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Giochi Preziosi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Sostene Migliorati
  • Patent number: 6142850
    Abstract: A yo-yo kit comprises precise metal fitting parts which provide the accuracy and ease of assembly. Metal sleeves are pressed into each yo-yo half. The sleeves provide a mounting point for turning the yo-yo halves and also carry compressive forces of the axle. During assembly, the sleeves are affixed to each body half by an adhesive such as an epoxy glue. Inner and outer hubs located at the ends of the sleeve of each body are rigidly press-fitted into each sleeve. The outer hubs include blind threaded apertures which receive the threaded ends of the axle to secure the parts in a rigidly assembly. The inner hubs are likewise press-fitted into the other ends of the sleeves and act both as radial spacers between the axle and the sleeve and also capture a centrally mounted ball bearing between opposing flanges on their respective inner facing surfaces. The inner hubs also include friction grooves to increase friction between the spinning yo-yo and the string which operates the yo-yo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Penn State Industries
    Inventor: Edwin Levy
  • Patent number: 6139393
    Abstract: A combination whistle and candy/gum holding device. The device is provided with a central hollow shaft which is surrounded by a cylindrical housing. A whistle is attached to one end and a slide piston is slidable in the hollow shaft so that different sounds can be made by blowing into the whistle while moving the piston. Candy in the surrounding housing can be dispensed as desired by a consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 6132285
    Abstract: A doll includes a torso supporting a pivotally attached arm and a string winding spool. A slide is moveably supported within the torso and is coupled to a button extending outwardly from the rear of the doll torso. A pivotable arm is secured to the torso and is operated through a predetermined pivot angle in response to the vertical movement of the button. A spring urges the button to its upper most position. A string passes through an aperture formed in a dolls arm and is wound partially upon the interior string winding mechanism. The outer end of the string supports a simulated yoyo object. As the button is pressed downwardly against the return spring by the user the arm pivots upwardly and the string winds upon the winding spool raising the yoyo. As the button is released the return spring raises the button allowing the arm to pivot downwardly and unwinding a quantity of the supporting string from the spool causing the simulated yoyo to descend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Feldman
  • Patent number: 6129605
    Abstract: The modular base for a playing structure, such as a toy building set, includes a first planar member, or tile base, having attachment fittings on its bottom for removable attachment to a substructure, such as a lattice. The top of the first planar member has attachment fittings thereon. Preferably, each of the attachment fittings on the top of the first planar member are aligned with one of the attachment fittings on the bottom to form a common opening through the first planar member. The modular base also includes a second planar member, or tile, having attachment fittings on its bottom. The attachment fittings are preferably protrusions that are most preferably clover leaf in shape and have an interference fit with the attachment fittings on the top of the first planar member that are most preferably square openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Parvia Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Cyrus, Sean Cryan, Steve Proctor, Rich Franko, Chris Brady, David Wicklander, Gary Franz, William Burns, Matt Gibson, Rebecca Jaynes
  • Patent number: 6129606
    Abstract: An action mechanism toy or amusement device which by centrifugal force causes the device to wobble, bob and rock due to a motor mechanism and offset weight rotating about a fixed motor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventor: Po Man Yuen
  • Patent number: 6126508
    Abstract: A motion toy includes a hollow base having two upright top lugs, two leg members respectively pivoted to the two upright top lugs, a trunk member pivoted to the leg members remote from the base, a head member pivoted to the trunk member, a transmission gear meshed between a toothed portion at one leg member and a bottom rack at the head member, spring means connected between the leg members to pull the leg members toward each other, and a power drive mounted inside the hollow base and controlled to turn the leg members back and forth on the upright top lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Jin-Long Chou
  • Patent number: 6120346
    Abstract: A ribbon gun with replaceable decorated head and cartridge includes a body portion having one end formed with a cavity and an upper portion formed with a recess, a magazine including a plurality of cartridges each having a plurality of slotted ribs and protruded ribs engageable with the slotted ribs, the magazine being fitted within the cavity, a movable cover having a positioning eye at a top rear portion thereof, a circular neck at an upper front portion thereof, a protuberance extending from a top of the circular neck, and a pivot hole at a lower portion thereof. The movable cover is pivotally connected with the body portion. A decorated head has a circular hole adapted to receive the circular neck and a groove configured to engage with the protuberance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Kun-Meng Wang
  • Patent number: 6120341
    Abstract: A unique three sound chamber game call is presented, which creates a wide variety of game calls and sounds utilized in detecting the location of game. The game call has a first sound chamber or mouthpiece barrel in which a vibrating reed is located. The cylindrical portion of the reed carrier may connect the first mouthpiece barrel sound chamber to a second middle baffle sound chamber. The aperture of the second middle sound chamber reduces the exit area of the air blown over the reed and thus changes the pitch of the call. A trombone-like third baffle or sound chamber is placed over the end of the second sound chamber. The third sound chamber can be taken off completely, increasing the volume of the call or may slide up and down the outer end of the second sound chamber varying the tone, pitch and volume of the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Darrell D. Hafford
  • Patent number: 6120342
    Abstract: A sounding toy has a sounding member body that defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced internal cavities (12), each of which is enclosed except for a side opening (10) communicating therewith. A pair of flexible cords (30) extend axially through a center portion of the body (2). The cavities (12) and side openings (10) are configured to produce a whistling sound when the sounding member (2) is caused to rotate by winding and then tightening the cords (30). The geometry of the body (2) is chosen to force air into the cavities (12) when the body (2) is rotating in either direction about its axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Candy Novelty Works Ltd.
    Inventor: Pak Nin Chan
  • Patent number: 6116981
    Abstract: A constructional system provides a plurality of pieces that can be used to assemble an object. The object includes a connector piece having a shaft that includes opposing first and second ends, and a first deformable section including opposing first and second bars extending from the first end of the shaft. A first notch is defined by the first bar and a first shaft edge, and a second notch is defined by the second bar and a second shaft edge, with the first deformable section having a width defined by the opposing first and second bars. The object further includes a first body piece provided with an aperture having a dimension which is smaller than the width of the first deformable section. The opposing first and second bars of the first deformable section of the connector piece are deformed to insert the first deformable section through the aperture to effectuate a connection of the first deformable section with the first body piece at the location of the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng