Patents Examined by Joseph B Baldori
  • Card-like structure and connector toys for building
    Patent number: 9919235
    Abstract: Provided herein is a set of card-like structure and connector toys for building; the set comprising one or more card-like structures and one or more end cap connectors, wherein the one or more end cap connectors comprise one or more slots for inserting the card-like structures. Also provided herein is a connector toy or a kit of connector toys; comprising one or more slots for inserting card-like structures for building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: THE UPPER DECK COMPANY
    Inventors: Adam Kislevitz, Mary Sholl
  • Frictional joint for a toy figure
    Patent number: 9919230
    Abstract: Hip joint assemblies, and posable toy figures that incorporate the hip joint assemblies, including a pelvis housing having a front portion and a back portion, where the front and back portions in combination define side openings in the pelvis housing, and a contoured friction plate vertically disposed within the pelvis housing. The hip joint assembly further includes two leg sections, each leg section having a disk member attached via a hip post, and each leg combined with the pelvis housing so that the disk member lies within the pelvis housing and the hip post passes through a side opening so that the face of the disk member abuts a face of the contoured friction plate, and the frictional interaction between the disk face and the friction plate renders the attached leg posable as it pivots around the axis defined by its hip post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Josiah To Sang Li, Jian Sheng Hu, Wai Nang Lam, Sun Ho Chan
  • Toy mechanical straw with actuator diaphragm
    Patent number: 9913554
    Abstract: A novelty straw assembly has a first straw section and a second straw section. Both sections interconnect to a manifold. A diaphragm is coupled to the manifold, wherein the diaphragm expands and contracts with changes in pressure within the manifold. Linkage assemblies are moved by the diaphragm as the diaphragm expands and contracts. A toy with moving parts is mounted between the two straw sections. The moving parts are coupled to the linkage assemblies and are moved by the linkage assemblies as a person drinks through the novelty straw assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Hog Wild, LLC
    Inventors: Simeon E. Tiefel, Keith Scheffler
  • Bubble generating apparatus
    Patent number: 9884262
    Abstract: A bubble generating apparatus includes an air flow generator, a liquid tray defined by a floor and sidewalls and having one or more bubble forming ports therein, and a pivot arm coupled to a motor for pivoting the pivot arm about an axis so that during pivoting a bubble generating member of the pivot arm passes over one of the bubble forming ports, the air flow generator positioned to direct an air stream through the one or more bubble forming ports, and a gravity feed liquid reservoir, wherein the liquid tray is configured to generate bubbles from the liquid when the air flow generator directs the air stream through the one or more bubble forming ports while the pivot arm pivots about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Honor Metro Limited
    Inventor: Marcus Huey
  • System for moving an anatomical model of a fetus inside a mannequin having a birth canal and a childbirth simulator
    Patent number: 9852658
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for moving an anatomical model of a fetus inside a mannequin having a birth canal. The system comprises a descent mechanism and a rotation mechanism. The descent mechanism is integrated in the mannequin and can move an anatomical model of a fetus longitudinally towards the birth canal of the mannequin. The rotation mechanism is mounted to the descent mechanism and can rotate the anatomical model of the fetus. The model of the fetus is inserted in the rotation mechanism. Also provided is a childbirth simulator comprising a mannequin with a birth canal, and the aforementioned system integrated in the mannequin for moving an anatomical model of a fetus inside the mannequin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: CAE Healthcare Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Maxime Lavigueur, Gary Halbert, Giuseppe Mallaci, Daniel Fernandez, Francois Caron
  • Vibratory device for bobble toys
    Patent number: 9827504
    Abstract: Disclosed are vibratory devices for inducing movement to a bobble toy, such as a bobble head, without user interaction. The vibratory device has a platform upon which the bobble toy rests, a base supporting the platform, springs and/or bearings supporting the platform, and magnetic vibration means. The magnetic vibration means include electromagnets, permanent magnets, and/or ferromagnetic materials. The electromagnetics can be controlled by hardware, software, and user inputs, and may be programmable or controllable by a computer, a mobile phone, or a remote. Multiple vibratory devices may be programmed or coupled to provide synchronized vibratory motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Olson
  • Toy building set
    Patent number: 9821245
    Abstract: A toy building set comprising at least two toy building elements of which the one toy building element is provided with one or more coupling means of first type, and the second toy building element is provided with one or more coupling means of second type that is/are configured to be complementary to said coupling means of first type to the effect that they can be interconnected to form a structure, wherein the second toy building element comprises a flywheel (10) which is rotatably mounted on the toy building element, wherein the flywheel comprises one or more actuator mechanisms (21); and wherein the coupling means and the complementarily configured coupling means are configured such that the second toy building element can be mounted on the first toy building element in two or more different positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: LEGO A/S
    Inventors: Allan Westermann Larsen, Klaus Elias Nielsen, Per Frederiksen, Erik Legernes
  • Simple, glue-free movable track model with dual-pin structure
    Patent number: 9789414
    Abstract: A simple, glue-free movable track model with a dual-pin structure comprises an intermediate connecting component (1), a track shoe (2), elastic pin bushes (58) and an auxiliary clamp, an elastic opening (50) is formed on a rotating shaft hole of the intermediate connecting component (1), and the intermediate connecting component (1) is spliced, in a snap-fit manner, with an intermediate rotating shaft (51) of the track shoe (2) through the elastic opening (50); back-off dowels (21) are arranged at the both ends of the track shoe (2) and are spliced with the elastic pin bushes (58) so that the elastic pin bushes (58) can be fit into the back-off dowels (21) and then securely engaged. The movable track model can realize one-time assembly, reduce manufacturing difficulty and improve manufacturing efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Rui Ye Century (Shenzhen) Hobby Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yi Meng
  • Dispenser that converts into a spinning toy
    Patent number: 9782685
    Abstract: A Dispenser that converts into a spinning toy that is divided into a first, a second and a third section. The sections of the dispenser separate after the contents within the dispenser are consumed. The first, second, and third sections are connected to each other by a cord. After the dispenser is separated for use, the cord serves, when wound, as the means for providing a spinning movement of the toy when the toy is manipulated by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventor: Rolando H Perez
  • Apparatus and method for generating bubbles
    Patent number: 9757661
    Abstract: A bubble generating device and a method for producing bubbles. In one aspect, the invention can be an apparatus for generating bubbles comprising: a housing; a motor; an air flow generator operably coupled to the motor; a trough containing a bubble solution; a cam surface; a follower member comprising a bubble generating device, the follower member in operable cooperation with the cam surface; and the motor operably coupled to the follower member to drive the follower member along the cam surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: HONOR METRO LIMITED
    Inventor: Adam Hing Ping Chan
  • Playhouse with removable fastening system
    Patent number: 9731214
    Abstract: A playhouse composed of a sheet material is provided that utilizes plastic windows, doors, and fasteners to secure various sections together. The fastener engages a clip that is attached to various sections. The fastener is then twisted to secure the windows and doors to the structure as well as securing two sections together. The playhouse is disassembled for easy storage under a bed or in a closet. Additionally, the fasteners, windows, door, and clips can be re-used with additional corrugated structures or kits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventor: Ben Lindaman
  • Magnetic construction toy
    Patent number: 9713777
    Abstract: A construction toy is provided, with illustrated panels that connect together magnetically to assemble two- and three-dimensional structures and background scenery, optionally with accessory items that bind magnetically or mechanically to the panels to embellish the structures or scenes that are created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Build & Imagine, LLC
    Inventor: Laura E. Peterson
  • Balloon gun and method
    Patent number: 9713775
    Abstract: A balloon gun comprising a hollow cylindrical body, one or more hand grips attached to the cylindrical body, a release trigger pivotally mounted on one of the hand grips or on the hollow cylindrical body and a balloon attaching mechanism. A balloon inflated with a fluid can be inserted inside the hollow cylindrical body and the inflated balloon is held by the balloon attaching mechanism. When the trigger is pressed the neck of the inflated balloon gets released from the balloon attaching mechanism and by the difference in fluid pressure that exists between the inside and outside of the balloon, the fluid rushes out of the balloon once the neck gets released from the balloon attaching mechanism and the force of the fluid coming out of the inflated balloon pushes the balloon forward and the balloon flies till the fluid pressures inside and outside of the balloon get equalized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Intelligent Innovation LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Cogliandro
  • Braille erasure mechanism
    Patent number: 9707787
    Abstract: An improved Braille erasure mechanism may comprise a reverse-embosser or impressing mechanism to imprint a negative Braille cell. A negative Braille cell is the reverse of a normal Braille cell, with one or more dots lowered or pressed into the printing medium in an opposite direction to the raised dots of a normal Braille cell. Because the dots of a negative Braille cell are lowered past the surface of the printing medium, they may be ordinarily undetectable to the fingers of a Braille user. Accordingly, by imprinting a full negative Braille cell on top of a Braille cell to be erased, all of the previously raised dots of the Braille cell may be lowered beyond the surface of the printing medium. Any further Braille cell embossed over the erased cell will be free from corruption, because any dot not used by the new cell will remain lowered and undetectable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Perkins School for the Blind
    Inventors: Michael Schmidt, Jude Jonas
  • Toy vehicle, launching apparatus therefor and methods of using the same
    Patent number: 9707488
    Abstract: A toy vehicle is disclosed that is configured to be driven by a pull cord that is inserted through the axle of a drive wheel of the toy vehicle, such that the drive wheel of the toy vehicle is energized through movement of the driving pull cord in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the direction of intended travel of the toy vehicle. This configuration allows a user to launch multiple toy vehicles arranged in a side-by-side arrangement using a single pull cord, and moreover by pulling such single pull cord through a single pull stroke. This configuration also allows the simultaneous launching of multiple toy vehicles aligned in a single row when multiple pull cords are provided an engage a single actuator to withdraw all such pull cords in a single pulling stroke. Launchers for use with such a toy vehicle, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Berrigan August Romig Lennon
  • Rolling push toy
    Patent number: 9694300
    Abstract: A push toy having a puppet mounted on a first member. Pivotally cross-connected at one end of the first member is a second member having wheels and pivotally cross-connected at the other end of the first member is a third member used for steering. Cables connecting the third member to the second member extend along each side of the first member. The cables extend through the puppet and the feet of the puppet are connected to the second member. As a user pushes the push toy and steers the wheels turn as the puppet moves in a manner such that the puppet appears to be steering the push toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Everett Kesna Daley
  • Mechanical connection unit
    Patent number: 9662593
    Abstract: A mechanical connection unit may create a structure when removably joined with copies of itself, copies of minor-image counterparts of itself, or both. A connection unit may be made of four joined members, two of the members having the shape of isosceles right triangular prisms with right triangles as bases, and two of the members having the shape of truncated isosceles right triangular prisms with right triangles as bases. Two of the members are joined substantially parallel to each other and substantially at a right angle to the other two members. Sets of units and minor-image counterpart units may be provided, e.g., as toys, and units and counterparts may be provided in multiple sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: Jacob Eisenberg
  • Construction toy element and set
    Patent number: 9636601
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a construction toy element is provided and includes a body and a first circumferential row of arms extending from the body. The body has an axis, and has a first axial end and a second axial end. A first circumferential row of arms extends from the body. Each arm includes a root end and a free end, and has a first connecting member thereon that is configured for connecting the construction toy element to another construction toy element. The root end projects from the body in a direction that is angled towards one of the first and second axial ends relative to a normal direction to a surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: SPIN MASTER LTD.
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Reynolds
  • Toy figure with movable appendage
    Patent number: 9586153
    Abstract: A toy appendage assembly includes an elongated member, an offset shaft having a first end coupled to a coupling end of the elongated member, and a wheel coupled to a second end of the offset shaft. The offset shaft is coupled to the wheel at a location away from the center of the wheel. The coupling end of the elongated member is at least partially spherical in shape and is capable of rotating within a support structure. The elongated member has a first axis, and the offset shaft has a second axis, where the first axis is angularly offset from the second axis. The coupling end serves as a pivot point for the elongated member and the offset shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Alan Saunders
  • Toy building set
    Patent number: 9573074
    Abstract: A toy building element comprising at least one first type of building element (1), on which a rotation shaft (3) located along an axis of rotation is arranged, and wherein the toy building set comprises at least one second type (6) of building element in which a rotation bushing (9) is provided which is configured for receiving and being interconnected with the rotation shaft on the first building element in such a manner that the two building elements can rotate relative to each other about the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: LEGO A/S
    Inventor: Jan Ryaa