For Operating Valve, Switch, Or Clutch Patents (Class 446/130)
  • Patent number: 11485443
    Abstract: A scooter has a front wheel at a proximal end of a platform and a rear wheel at opposing distal end of the platform. A shaft extends upward from the proximal end of the platform. The shaft terminating in a handle bar. A friction motor propels one of the front wheel or the rear wheel of the scooter the scooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Inventor: George J. Mendez
  • Patent number: 11126183
    Abstract: A target steering angle determining section determines a target steering angle based on the operation amount of the steering gear. A target angle setting section sets a target angle of a steered wheel. A control state switching section switches between an enabled state in which steering control is performed to deflect the steered wheel such that an actual steering angle reaches the target angle and a disabled state in which the steering control is not performed. When the steering control state is switched to the enabled state, the target angle setting section sets the target angle to an angle that was brought closer to the actual steering angle from the target steering angle. After the steering control state is switched to the enabled state, the target angle setting section brings the target angle closer to the target steering angle as time passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: SUMITOMO PRECISION PRODUCTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yutaro Minami, Atsushi Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 10821371
    Abstract: Provided are examples of a radio controlled vehicle infrared combat system and methods of gameplay for radio controlled vehicles. In one aspect, the system is comprised of a 38 KHz IR transmitter, 38 KHz IR filtered receiver, an audio/visual display, and a processing unit. The system accepts signals from both the IR receiver and the vehicles control receiver and manipulates the control output to the vehicle to simulate damage. When firing, the IR transmitter is enabled and disabled. The processing unit disables the IR receiver when the IR transmitter is engaged to avoid hitting its own receiver. The processing unit has user-adjustable settings to allow for use in various types of RC vehicles including land vehicles, RC aircraft, and drones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: VIDEO AERIAL SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventor: Charles A. Greve
  • Patent number: 10363938
    Abstract: Systems of an electrical vehicle and the operations thereof are provided. In particular, a motor controller is described. The motor controller is described to have the ability to emit an electromagnetic signal via a motor of the electrical vehicle. The motor controller may be designed to control a speed of the motor's rotation so as to control a frequency of the emitted electromagnetic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Austin L. Newman
  • Patent number: 9550131
    Abstract: A plurality of toy and accessory figurines are provided which may be arranged in any number of configurations to provide a response upon the formation of a closed electrical circuit. The toy figurines comprise two electrical contacts which, when closed with an external connection source, provide a response stimuli, such as one or a combination of light, sound and/or motion. The toy figurines may be configured to provide the closed electrical circuit. Alternatively, direct skin contact with the electrical contacts may provide the closed electrical circuit. The accessory figurines provide a further level of interaction. The accessory toy figurines comprise a magnetic switch which is actuated between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The magnetic switch is actuated to a closed configuration to close the electrical circuit when in proximity with a conductive metal, such as the electrical contact of the toy figurine, to deliver a response stimuli.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: LUMINATION LLC
    Inventors: Lee Loetz, Anna Lee
  • Patent number: 9453637
    Abstract: An illumination device is secured to an object, such as, but not limited to, one or more keys. The illumination device is provided with circuitry such that the bulbs are energized only upon a sufficient shaking force being provided. When the illumination device is located within a purse or carrying bag, shaking of the purse or carrying bag, causes, the illumination device to light up and allow a user to quickly locate his or her keys or other object secured to the illumination device within the purse or carrying bag, amongst the various other objects also contained within the purse or carrying bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Barry Biondo
  • Patent number: 8992283
    Abstract: This present invention relates generally to an infant seat and, in particular, to an infant seat that provides a stable, enhanced seating position for an infant and includes a sensory stimulus unit with a slide switch that, when actuated, effectuates a change in visual appearance of the stimulus unit and a corresponding change in the sensory output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Piwko, Jr., John F. Rhein, Michael Thomas Kane
  • Patent number: 8777689
    Abstract: A transforming toy vehicle, includes a chassis; a motive system coupled to the chassis translating a location of the chassis over a surface, the motive system including a free drive mode and an inhibited drive mode wherein the mode of the motive system establishes a state for a mode control latch, the mode control latch including a latched state and a not latched state; a housing, coupled to the chassis and responsive to the state of the mode control latch, the housing having an untransformed mode and a transformed mode, the housing transitioning from the untransformed mode to the transformed mode when the state of the mode control latch changes from the latched state to the unlatched state; and a detector, coupled to the chassis the motive system changing from the free drive mode to the inhibited drive mode when the carriage overlies the particular environmental feature wherein the housing transitions to the transformed mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Phillip H. Neal, Andrew Lewis Johnston, Derek Garvens, Scott Eckerman
  • Publication number: 20140094085
    Abstract: A plurality of toy and accessory figurines are provided which may be arranged in any number of configurations to provide a response upon the formation of a closed electrical circuit. The toy figurines comprise two electrical contacts which, when closed with an external connection source, provide a response stimuli, such as one or a combination of light, sound and/or motion. The toy figurines may be configured to provide the closed electrical circuit. Alternatively, direct skin contact with the electrical contacts may provide the closed electrical circuit. The accessory figurines provide a further level of interaction. The accessory toy figurines comprise a magnetic switch which is actuated between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The magnetic switch is actuated to a closed configuration to close the electrical circuit when in proximity with a conductive metal, such as the electrical contact of the toy figurine, to deliver a response stimuli.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Lumination LLC
    Inventors: Lee Loetz, Anna Lee
  • Patent number: 8506300
    Abstract: The invention is embodied in the form of a flight simulator in the conditions of vortex danger and in conditions when a pilot is informed about the possibility to penetrate into said dangerous area of vortex sheddings produced by a vortex generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignees: Spetstekhnika, FSBI Falpiar
    Inventors: Nikolai Alekseevich Baranov, Andrei Sergeevich Belotserkovski, Mikhail Igorevich Kanevski, Igor Vladimirovich Pasekunov
  • Patent number: 8500508
    Abstract: A toy with an exterior structure. Constructed to transform from a rollable first shape to a second shape. An interior structure inside the exterior structure is endowed with a magnetic body that moves by way of a magnetic force that acts from the exterior of the toy, an interior locking portion that moves simultaneously with the movement of this magnetic body, and a biasing member that effects a force which moves or turns this interior locking portion in a particular direction. If the magnetic force does not act from the exterior of the toy, the first shape of the exterior structure maintained. In the event that a magnetic force has acted from the exterior of the said toy, the exterior structure transforms from the first shape to the second shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Spin Master Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Yamada, Fujio Nobata
  • Patent number: 7878878
    Abstract: A Halloween novelty item used for entertainment consisting of a removable reservoir of fluid and a timed electromagnetic valve inside a head that is activated by a motion sensor whereby allowing fluid to expel intermittently out of orifices attached to a tongue when the Halloween novelty item is approached. The expelled fluid is caught by a bucket attached to a slide bracket which is attached to a body panel whereby allowing the bucket to be removable. An assembly attached to a bucket handle consisting of a pair of hooks attached to a pair of hands connected to a pair of flexible arms allows the assembly to detach from the bucket's handle. A stabilization board keeps the novelty item stable. Motion sensors facing different directions are attached to a voice recorder and a speaker allowing messages to play. A hinge and latches attached to the body allows the invention to condense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Darren S. Massaro
  • Patent number: 7662015
    Abstract: An interactive toy unicorn is disclosed, where the unicorn can emit sounds and flap its wings. Pressing a button on the unicorn's head, where this button also doubles as the unicorn's horn, will trigger this functionality. Alternatively, the unicorn will emit sound and flap its wings if a magnet is placed over a magnetic switch located in the nose of the unicorn. This magnet can be placed inside of a toy wand, to give a magical effect to the toy unicorn. Lights can be placed inside the wings and light up when the wings flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Man Kit Hui
  • Publication number: 20100003888
    Abstract: A life-size Halloween novelty item used for entertainment standing at 5?5?, designed to contain a reservoir of fluid inside the head, so it can be expelled through the mouth into a metal bucket via gravity when someone comes close to trigger the front sensor. Hands connect to the metel bucket's handle using hooks, further the arms connect to the hooks using chain link surrounded by pipe insulation, this combination coupled with the detachable metal bucket that slides on and off allows for the easiest disconnection of the arms from the metal bucket and the bucket from the body. There are four sensors, the sensor located in the right front of the invention controls the valve, the other three sensors facing forward, left, and right control messages. A switch on the invention controls what three messages will play. The invention contains three latches and one-hinge for folding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Darren Scott Massaro
  • Publication number: 20090053969
    Abstract: An interactive toy unicorn is disclosed, where the unicorn can emit sounds and flap its wings. Pressing a button on the unicorn's head, where this button also doubles as the unicorn's horn, will trigger this functionality. Alternatively, the unicorn will emit sound and flap its wings if a magnet is placed over a magnetic switch located in the nose of the unicorn. This magnet can be placed inside of a toy wand, to give a magical effect to the toy unicorn. Lights can be placed inside the wings and light up when the wings flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Man Kit Hui
  • Patent number: 7455566
    Abstract: A toy system that utilizes a vehicle that rides upon a track using a unique propulsion system. The track used by the toy has an external surface upon which the toy rides. The track also defines an internal conduit that extends the length of the track. A primary magnet is provided that is free moving within the internal conduit. The primary magnet is moved by a flow of fluid. The toy that rides along the track contains a secondary magnet. The secondary magnet and the primary magnet attract through the structure of the track, thereby causing the secondary magnet and the toy to move along the exterior surface of the track as the primary magnet travels through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventors: Webb T. Nelson, Simeon E. Tiefel
  • Patent number: 7354331
    Abstract: A set of interactive eating utensils includes a first eating utensil, such as a spoon or other piece of cutlery, and a container for containing food. The spoon or other cutlery piece has an embedded magnet that produces a magnetic field. The container is electrically operable and includes an induction coil that is electrically operatively connected to a speaker for producing sound upon the interaction of the magnetic field of the magnet and an electromagnetic field of the induction coil generated upon passing of an electric current through the coil. The container has a moveable portion that moves in response to a predetermined set of conditions, such as failure of the induction coil magnetic field to interact with first eating utensil magnetic field for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Star H.K. Electronic Limited
    Inventor: Andre Sala
  • Patent number: 7293891
    Abstract: A lighting device (10) has an elongated light tube (12) to be used in combination with a holster (80) in a manner which will enable the holster (80) to hold the lighting device (10) as may be necessary and also enable the holster (80) to adjust the extent of illumination of the light tube (12) of the lighting device by light received from a light source (24) disposed within the lighting device (10) using magnets (66, 96).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Herold Design Group LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Herold
  • Patent number: 6793551
    Abstract: A doll in combination with a toy toilet the doll having a reservoir contained within the torso that can be filled with liquid through a mouth. The reservoir is in communication with a nozzle having an orifice which is sealable with a magnetic valve assembly. The magnetic valve assembly is defined by a hollow valve housing with a top portion secured to the bottom section of the reservoir, a central opening in the top portion, and longitudinal grooves on the inside surface of the housing. A magnetic piston is slidably received within the valve housing, however, the longitudinal grooves permit liquid within the reservoir to travel past the magnetic piston. A valve ball is secured to the magnetic piston, and a spring positioned within the valve housing biases the magnetic piston out of the valve housing such that the valve ball creates a fluid tight seal against the nozzle sealing the orifice, preventing liquid from exiting the doll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Rehkemper, Amparo Zacarias
  • Patent number: 6623326
    Abstract: A sound producing unit and a light emitting unit are provided in the toy body so as to be actuated when combined proximally with another toy body. A battery-powered, electro-mechanical device includes a bipolar magnet, which automatically generates sound-effects and flashing lights depending on its position. The stimulus may include at least one of a sound producing unit or a flashing light emitting unit arranged in at least one of the proximally located combined toy vehicle bodies. The device includes an actuator/sensor, an electronic circuit board, a sound-effects generator, an amplifier, a speaker, LED lamps and driver. Combinable toy vehicles and the like include toy vehicle bodies such as battling starships with at least one detachably combined toy adapted to actuate a stimulus appealing to the sense such as at least one of a sound producing unit and a light emitting unit arranged in at least one of the toys and the proximally located combined toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Judkins
  • Patent number: 6592422
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a toy figure in combination with a toy megaphone. The toy figure includes a circuit board to store pre-programmed audio outputs having different volume levels and a speaker to emit the pre-programmed audio outputs. The toy figure also includes a switch to activate the emitting of an audio output with a first volume level, as well as a sensor that when activated triggers the toy figure to emit a second audio output with a second volume level that is different than the first volume level. The toy megaphone has the ability to activate the sensor such that the toy figure emits the second audio output. When the toy figure is activated through the switch, the toy figure will emit the first audio output with a first volume level until the toy megaphone comes in proximity to the sensor in the toy figure, at which point the toy figure will emit the second pre-programmed audio output that has a second volume level different from the first volume level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Rehkemper, Jeffrey Rehkemper
  • Patent number: 6592427
    Abstract: A toy vehicle set accessory is claimed. The toy vehicle set accessory comprises a grain loader and a toy vehicle adapted for use with the grain loader. The grain loader comprises a grain elevator assembly for simulating the transfer of grain to the toy vehicle. The toy vehicle includes a movable load and a release mechanism for returning the movable load from an unstable condition to a stable condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Learning Curve International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Wilhelm, Gregory R. Kieso, Gary Aigner
  • Patent number: 6575810
    Abstract: An illuminating toy figure for use with a conductive surface and an energy source is disclosed. The toy figure includes a structure having means for securing a battery and a first and second terminal, a light source having a third and fourth terminals, a first and second appendages, and a circuit. The circuit provides for an arrangement where the first, second, third and fourth terminals are connected to a first and second conductive plates located in the first and second appendages, respectively, such that when the first and second conductive plates are in electrical contact via the conductive surface, the light source is illuminated. The toy figure further includes magnetic properties in order to adhere to metal surfaces and a plastic structure embodying humanoid qualities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Toynami, Inc.
    Inventor: George Sohn
  • Patent number: 6471565
    Abstract: A toy includes a toy proper and accessories. The toy proper includes a processing unit having a microprocessor or a microcontroller incorporated therein. An autonomous electrical supply supplies the processing unit with electrical energy. An assembly of at least one of a sensor and an actuator connected to the processing unit carries out at least one type of function. An inductive coupler is connected to the processing unit. The accessories associated with the toy proper each include at least one inductive label for interacting electromagnetically with the inductive coupler so that a current of defined frequency flows through said at least one inductive coupler connected to said at least one processing unit and said inductive coupler exchanges with said inductive labels binary data corresponding to phase or amplitude states of the frequency modulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Groupe Berchet
    Inventor: Janick Simeray
  • Patent number: 6468124
    Abstract: An object display method and apparatus is disclosed which can easily display changeover of an entity, and an amusement apparatus is disclosed which can display a simulated burst having reality and punch. The method and apparatus first displays only one of the objects and hides other objects from the field of view. Then, the method and apparatus displays the previously hidden objects and at the same time hides the previously displayed object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Namco, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Muramatsu, Yoh Kuno
  • Patent number: 6322415
    Abstract: The present invention is a guidance apparatus for movable toy vehicles that includes a track, or roadway, on which the toy vehicles move. The truck has an intersection. The intersection has a magnetic guidance mechanism for steering the toy vehicles in alternate directions through the intersection. An intersection magnetic sensing mechanism, i.e., electromagnets at the intersection and magnets in the vehicles, stops the vehicles prior to entering the intersection. Additionally, the vehicles stopped at the intersection can be actuated by a timing mechanism after passage of a predetermined time period. Furthermore, the vehicles stopped at the intersection can be actuated only after a mechanism for sensing vehicle presence in the intersection senses no vehicles in the intersection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventors: Peter Cyrus, Peter M. Maksymuk, IV, Leo M. Fernekes, Stefan Rublowsky, Eduard Kogan, Scott J. Kolb, Eric S. Moore, Dmitriy Yavid, Christopher S. Cosentino
  • Patent number: 5975979
    Abstract: The doll of the invention includes an internal mechanism based on gears, cams and terminations by virtue of which a series of movements are performed to provide a) swinging of the left arm, causing a rattler attached to said arm's hand to sound; b) stopping these movements and initiating movement of the second arm, bending the arm at the elbow and closing the hand in an approaching and grabbing motion on the pacifier previously inserted in the doll's mouth, opposite movements of said second arm being performed thereafter to pull out the pacifier, it being released from the hand holding it as a result of the pacifier being attached to a tether placed around the doll's neck. This cycle is repeated every time the pacifier is placed in the doll's mouth, thus simulating real-life movements for sounding the rattler and then removing the pacifier by itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Onilco Innovacion S.A.
    Inventor: Jaime Ferri Llorens
  • Patent number: 5941750
    Abstract: A baby doll (10) capable of simulating physiological functions of a human body in response to an applied magnetic field. The doll (10) has an internal reservoir (12) that can be filled with liquid through a mouth (14) of the doll. The internal reservoir (12) has an outlet (16) which is closable by a closure member (18). The closure member (18) is movable from a closed position in which the outlet (16) is closed, to an open position in which the outlet (16) is opened, in response to an applied magnetic field. A permanent magnet (40) is fixed to the closure member (18). A receptacle in the form of a cot (22) designed to receive the doll (10) in a recumbent position, is provided with a permanent magnet (20) therein, so that when the doll (10) is placed in the cot, a magnetic field can be applied to the magnet (40) on closure member (18) by the permanent magnet (20), so that outlet (16) is opened and liquid can flow from the reservoir (12) so the doll appears to have wet itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Technovation Australia Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Victor Manuel Pracas
  • Patent number: 5916007
    Abstract: An entertainment apparatus includes a chassis, support wheels rotatably secured to the chassis, a back-wind spring powered motor mounted to the chassis and drivably connected to at least one of the support wheels, so that the motor is wound by rolling the chassis backward on the support wheels, and a locking mechanism including a structure for releasibly locking the motor against unwinding and a structure for releasing the motor to deliver torque to and thereby rotate the at least one support wheel and accelerate the apparatus across a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: John G. Maxim
  • Patent number: 5842902
    Abstract: A magnetically propelled pendulum toy which includes a base and a toy member at the end of the pendulum and movable relative to the base. One end of the pendulum is connected to the toy member and the other end is connected to an arm that extends above the base so that the toy member can swing back and forth in pendulum fashion. The toy member and/or pendulum is caused to move back and forth because of the action of magnets in the base and in the toy member and switches in the toy member cause lights in the toy member to blink on and off as a function of the pendulum-like movement of the toy relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Liff
  • Patent number: 5676582
    Abstract: A rolling toy includes a sphere body composed of two parts between which a axle is connected, a frame disposed in the sphere body and having a motor disposed thereto which is mechanically connected to a gear assembly, an end gear of the gear assembly fixedly mounted to the axle, a magnetic switch disposed to the frame and including a switch element and a first magnetic element, a weight disposed to the frame and located opposite to the first magnetic element, a second magnetic element magnetically adhered to an outer surface of the sphere body and magnetically lifting the first magnetic element so as to actuate the magnetic switch to let the gear assembly be operated such that when the sphere is rolled, the second magnetic element will always be magnetically adhered to an upper position of the rolling sphere body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Kuo Jung Lin
  • Patent number: 5603652
    Abstract: A doll assembly has a toy figure and an audio output generator to simulate the singing of a song by the toy figure. A microphone, capable of providing audio input to the audio output generator, includes a light source modulated by the audio output generator when placed in propinquity with the toy figure. The modulated light creates the sensation that the toy figure is moving its lips in synchronization with the song.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventors: Omri Rothschild, Roni Raviv
  • Patent number: 5441434
    Abstract: A magnetic conveyance system uses magnetic drivers within a tube having pressurized fluid moving therethrough. The magnetic drivers have magnets mounted at an angle other than 90 degrees to the central axis of the tube. Outside of the tube, a cart has a magnet thereon and is moved by magnetic force interaction when the driver is moved by pressure of the fluid, preferably a liquid such as water. A number of balls flow in the tube and keep the magnetic drivers spaced apart. The balls also serve to push the magnetic drivers as the balls are more directly pushed by the pressure of the fluid. A water wheel is connected by gears to an index wheel and serves to keep the balls, and thus the magnetic drivers and associated carts, moving in the proper direction. The carts may be configured as model cars, trucks, and other such vehicles which move on a board having a simulated road surface with the pressurized fluid tube mounted thereunder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Inventor: Kenneth B. Caulkins
  • Patent number: 5422628
    Abstract: An movable article carries a circuit including a normally OFF reed switch. In the ON state of the switch, the circuit is adapted to emit an audible or a visible signal. A magnet, mounted on the article to move during normal movement moves over a designed locus which include positions which will cause the reed switch to be ON and OFF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 5343190
    Abstract: An article of footwear is provided with a normally open reed switch and provides a visual or audible signal when the reed switch is closed. A magnet is provided movable under inertial forces between an ON position where it causes the reed switch to close and an OFF position where it allows the reed switch to open. The magnet is biased to OFF position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 5322469
    Abstract: A remotely controlled vehicle toy is provided with an internal actuator to temporarily secure the vehicle body close to the chassis, thereby substantially or essentially covering lateral sides and an upper side of the vehicle beneath the body, and to remotely release the body from the secured position, permitting the body to move to an elevated position spaced above the chassis thereby permitting off-road movement and revealing internal automotive detailing on the remaining portion of the vehicle previously covered and hidden by the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Tyco Investment Corp
    Inventor: Neil Tilbor
  • Patent number: 5295889
    Abstract: A combined toy capable of permitting a user to enjoy play full of unexpectedness and/or novelty. The combined toy includes a toy body constituted by a trunk, and attachments including a head, arms and legs detachably combined with the trunk. Combining between the trunk and the attachments is carried out using magnetic force. Also, a sound producing unit and a light emitting unit are provided in the toy body and/or attachments so as to be actuated when the attachments each are combined with the toy body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Takara Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takio Ejima
  • Patent number: 5252101
    Abstract: An simulated toy commode or potty for dolls including a removeable vessel having clear spaced apart walls defining an annular space. Similar reservoirs are mounted above and below the annular and are in controlled fluid communication with the annular space. A predetermined volume of liquid wholly containable in any one of the annular space or either reservoir is sealed within the vessel. Similar valves control the flow of the liquid between each of the reservoirs and the annular space. The vessel is removeably positionable in a housing that includes a hinged seat carrying an actuator for the upper one of the reservoirs so that upon downward movement of the seat the upper reservoir is emptied into the annular space. A flushing lever carried by the housing is linked to an actuator for the valve of the lower one of the reservoirs so that upon operation of the flushing lever, the liquid is drained from the annular space into the lower one of the reservoirs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Breslow, Morrison, Terzian & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Rosenwinkel, Richard B. Kuralt
  • Patent number: 5127658
    Abstract: Each of a plurality of toy vehicles is remotely-controllable by a single associated remote controller for movement, and for the emission of a directed light beam in simulation of gunfire. Each vehicle is sensitive to the directionally emitted light beams, or simulated gunfire, of other vehicles. Such sensitivity is normally sequentially periodic in quadrants circumferentially around the vehicle, providing an element of randomness, and timing, to the registration of simulated hits from the simulated gunfire of opposing vehicles. The vehicle indicates the number of successive hits sustained, and after a predetermined number, nominally three, such hits becomes disabled until manually reset. Two such vehicles, each under the individual control of an associated remote controller, may be used to simulate combat during war gaming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Inventor: Renato M. Openiano
  • Patent number: 5041044
    Abstract: A figure placed into a first unit and watched through a transparent door is made to disappear and simultaneously to reappear in a remote second unit from which it may be removed. The first unit, also referred to as the sending unit, comprises a housing which includes a multi-chamber turntable which can contain one or more figures. A door in the first unit includes a half silvered mirror and an additional chamber so that a figure in a turntable chamber can be made to seem to dissolve and disappear. A second multi-chamber unit, also referred to as a receiving unit, substantially identical to the first, is connected to the first unit by wires. Selected chambers of the second unit are filled with figures substantially identical to the figures to be sent by the first unit. Initially, a first figure is placed into the first unit. The transparent door closes and locks and the figure seems to dissolve by the transfer of lighting to the additional chamber in the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Inventor: Stephen Weinreich
  • Patent number: 4993983
    Abstract: A mobile toy includes a plurality of body shells, each being shaped to resemble a different vehicle type, a chassis to which any one of the plurality of body shells is selectively and detachably coupled; and siren sound generating means, mounted on the chassis, for producing a plurality of siren sounds, each being selectable to correspond to a selected and coupled one of the plurality of body shells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Kurita, Akihisa Hatakeyama
  • Patent number: 4938730
    Abstract: A toy house has a lamp for illuminating an interior of the toy house and a switch which is magnetically actuated by placing a play piece having magnet disposed in its bottom surface area in proximity to an end of a lever which carries magnetically attractable material. When the end of the lever moves towards the play piece due to magnetic attraction, the opposite end of the lever causes two contacts to come into electrical contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Tomy Kogyo Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Yuji Yamane, Hideya Nishikawa, Tetsuya Joja
  • Patent number: 4878869
    Abstract: A toy having a movable element is provided with a magnetic actuator which includes a magnet that is placed in proximity to a magnetically attractable component of a transmission disposed within the toy for transmitting power from a motor to the movable element of the toy. The magnet is embedded in a play piece which is placed on the toy on a designated area in proximity to the magnetically attractable component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: Tomy Kogyo Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Yuji Yamane, Hideya Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 4757946
    Abstract: A flow actuated pulsator for shooting water in consecutive pulses. The pulsator is powered by water flowing under pressure therethrough and includes a nozzle for ejecting water at high speed, a pulse valve which cycles through opened and closed states to effect on-off cycling of water flow and a sound effects generator for producing sound effects with each water pulse. The pulse valve is biased to an open state when the pulsator is not being actuated by flowing water so that an initial water flow initiates open-closed cycling. The pulse valve is biased to an open state following each closed cycle. The pulsator is built into a compressed air powered water gun designed to contain water and air under pressure and including an air pump for compressing air into the gun to pressurize water contained therein and a trigger coupled to a valve for manually shooting the gun by controlling flow of pressurized water to the pulsator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Inventor: Lonnie G. Johnson
  • Toy
    Patent number: 4737131
    Abstract: In a toy, an image of expanding and contracting heart (309',311') is produced by a separate generator (207), or in response to sensing a pulse beat of a child by a sensor (3,403,405), or in response to sensing at least one parameter of environment by environment sensors (511-513).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Inventor: Vladimir Sirota
  • Patent number: 4701146
    Abstract: A rattle for an infant is provided wherein the noise making device within the rattle also is a light activation device to momentarily light, in sequence, a plurality of lights mounted on the rattle. The noise-making device is made of magnetic material and is moved back and forth in a tube within the rattle so as to activate reed switches adjacent to the tube thereby sequentially illuminating the lights. The device is powered by batteries mounted in a handle on the rattle. In one form of the invention, the toy is elongated in shape and the magnetic member moves along a straight tubular path. In another embodiment, the magnetic member moves along an annular path and the toy is spherical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Assignee: Neptune Corporation
    Inventor: Paula S. Swenson
  • Patent number: 4684354
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for the operation of a propulsion unit by a magnetic switch which includes a pair of longitudinally extending reeds that are held in a closed or open position by an associated auxiliary magnet. When an external magnet is moved along the longitudinally extending direction of the reeds, the switch is opened or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Inventor: Henry Orenstein
  • Patent number: 4601668
    Abstract: A doll heart monitoring toy includes a doll element, a stethoscope element, an electronic device operative for producing signals imitating at least one characteristic of heart activity and arranged in one of the elements, and a magnetic member arranged to activate the electronic device upon bringing the magnetic member in proximity to the electronic device, or in other words upon bringing the stethoscope close to the heart region of the doll. The electronic device including a sensor and signal generators for activating a sound device and a light device in response to the sensor sensing pulse beats of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Inventor: Vladimir Sirota
  • Patent number: 4588387
    Abstract: A rattle for an infant is provided wherein the noise making device within the rattle also is a light activation device to momentarily light, in sequence, a plurality of lights mounted on the rattle. The noise-making device is made of magnetic material and is moved back and forth in a tube within the rattle so as to activate reed switches adjacent to the tube thereby sequentially illuminating the lights. The device is powered by batteries mounted in a handle on the rattle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Assignee: Neptune Corporation
    Inventor: Paula S. Swenson
  • Patent number: RE35556
    Abstract: A figure placed into a first unit and watched through a transparent door is made to disappear and simultaneously to reappear in a remote second unit from which it may be removed. The first unit, also referred to as the sending unit, comprises a housing which includes a multi-chamber turntable which can contain one or more figures. A door in the first unit includes a half silvered mirror and an additional chamber so that a figure in a turntable chamber can be made to seem to dissolve and disappear. A second multi-chamber unit, also referred to as a receiving unit, substantially identical to the first, is connected to the first unit by wires. Selected chambers of the second unit are filled with figures substantially identical to the figures to be sent by the first unit. Initially, a first figure is placed into the first unit. The transparent door closes and locks and the figure seems to dissolve by the transfer of lighting to the additional chamber in the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Inventures, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Weinreich