Including Unattached Gravity-fed Rolling, Tumbling, Or Energy-imparting Falling Ele Ent, Or Pathway Therefor (e.g., Marble Runway) Patents (Class 446/168)
  • Patent number: 6619962
    Abstract: A toy for promoting gross motor development includes a base and a support communicating with the base. The toy also includes an activity area disposed on the support above the base. The activity area is attractive to an infant and encourages the infant to reach up to the activity area by pulling up from a seated position to a standing position using handles or grips disposed on the support or the activity area. The toy also includes sensory output generators configured to encourage the infant to pull up using the handles or grips to reach the activity area. The toy further includes a track coupled to the support and positioned between the top activity area and the base. The track is configured for guiding an object between the top and the base. The top activity area, track, and gripping regions interact to provide an enjoyable and stimulating toy for the child while at the same time promoting the child's gross motor development.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Domenic T. Gubitosi, Jerry A. May, Kenneth G. Parker
  • Patent number: 6599164
    Abstract: A fountain toy comprising a channel defining first and second openings and a conduit adjacent to the channel defining a downward delay path. The conduit includes a first opening near the top of the channel and a second opening communicating with the second opening of the channel. An intake portal for transferring liquid from an external source is coupled to a nozzle located adjacent to the base of the channel. When the external source provides liquid to the intake portal, the liquid travels through the nozzle and flows upward and out of the channel in a laminar flow. A spherical game piece is placed by a user in the first opening of the conduit, where it travels through the conduit. When the game piece reaches the bottom of the conduit, the game piece enters the channel and is carried by the stream of liquid through the channel and out of the fountain to be suspended in the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: The Little Tikes Company
    Inventors: Christina N. Gerwitz, Larry C. Dick, Thomas E. Fish, James N. Fitzsimmons
  • Patent number: 6551183
    Abstract: A snack dispenser and coin bank is disclosed. The assembly includes a housing and a shaft member making up a portion of the housing. A first storage area is located in the housing for storing associated snacks and a dispenser is movably mounted in the shaft for selectively dispensing the associated snack. A depositing member is movably mounted in the housing for selectively allowing the deposit of associated coins in the housing, the depositing member being operatively connected to the dispenser. An actuator is mounted on the dispenser, and when the actuator is moved to one position, it actuates the dispenser and the depositing member. A method of saving coins and receiving a snack is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Mag-Nif Incorporated
    Inventors: William J. Knox, Jr., Paul Tamulewicz
  • Patent number: 6536763
    Abstract: The invention relates to game which is provided in the form of a ball track and which is comprised of individual components having roller rails. The roller rails have a guide for balls that roll and have at least one through boring for leading into a connecting element arranged below said through boring. The connecting element has a ball passageway which is essentially vertical and/or which is distinctly slanted with regard to the horizontal. In order to provide a ball track which can be variably composed of few different elements (roller rails and connecting elements), whereby a high degree of stability should be attained also in high structures, roller rails and connecting elements can be assembled side by side or one above the other to produce a ball path which leads away over more than one component, whereby the ball path horizontally extends at least on a section of the rolling rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Wilfried Braun
  • Publication number: 20030054727
    Abstract: A runway over which can travel vehicles driven by gravity, comprising a supporting structure and a track line structure sustained by the supporting structure and extending from a upper start region to a lower arrival region, wherein the supporting structure is limited to a central region of the runway by forming a pillar, and the track line structure includes some track line sections directly connected to the supporting structure and several overhanging track line sections of large extent, which project out of the supporting structure and are sustained by the same by means of rigging systems whose extension can be regulated; these rigging systems establish the geometrical location of the overhanging track line sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Alessandro Quercetti
  • Patent number: 6520374
    Abstract: A curvy slide delivery chute for use in a machine for vending products includes an elongated body having a central hole formed therein, a pair of recessed channels formed in the body and provided in a wavy longitudinal configuration in the body on opposite sides of the central hole such that the channels are substantially mirror images of one another and protrude below a remainder of the body and extend from an upper end to an opposite lower end of the body such that a product can slide along either one of the channels in being transferred from the upper end to the lower end of the body, and a pair of side rails each formed on the body and protruding thereabove along one of opposite outer sides of the recessed channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Kil Jae Chang
  • Patent number: 6485349
    Abstract: A rolling toy having a tubular assembly with a helical ridge that guides movement of a ball within the tubular assembly when the toy is rolled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Carol Snyder, Domenic T. Gubitosi, Christopher J. Hayes, Joseph E. Hoppy
  • Patent number: 6405682
    Abstract: An animal toy comprises a spherical housing including two annular tracks defining upper and lower polar regions and a ball retained in at least one of the circular tracks so that when an animal plays with the toy, the ball tends to move in the track. The housing includes a removable cap so that a material such as cat nip can be placed within the housing and holes in the housing so that the material can fall from the housing when the toy is played with by an animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Four Paws Products, Ltd.
    Inventor: Allen Simon
  • Patent number: 6386538
    Abstract: A game apparatus for providing a game of chance that can be utilized at various events. The inventive device includes a platform, a plurality of support poles attached to the platform extending upwardly, and a length of track supported upon the support poles in a gradual decline for receiving a plurality of balls. The tracks is comprised of a plurality of corners and obstacles for providing a random selection of balls at the end of the length of track. The balls released from a start gate near the upper portion of the track. The balls randomly pass through the track until they are collected in a single line at the lower portion of the track in a random order. Players can select the first ball, the last ball, specific orders of balls and various other combinations to win a payout similar to horse betting. Each of the balls are distinctly identified from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Gerardo Mejia
  • Patent number: 6340323
    Abstract: The present invention is a waterslide toy block construction system. The present invention includes a plurality of toy construction blocks that can be arranged to create a variety of multi-block structures. Some of the construction blocks have a plurality of elongated projections extending from said top surface, and the undersurface of such blocks defines recesses therein for frictionally engaging the elongated projections of other such blocks. Other construction blocks have conduits for water flow (hereinafter groves) which can be assembled to create continuous, extendable and generally horizontal and vertical paths for the travel of water thereon. The top surface of such blocks defines at least one groove thereon for the routing of water. When a user correctly arranges the blocks to form a multi-block structure, these grooves form a path thereon for the travel of water throughout such a multi-block structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Ideal Ideas, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth P. Glynn
  • Patent number: 6293800
    Abstract: An educational and entertainment device includes n layers stackable in a predetermined order one on top of the other to define a tower having n layers. The xth layer, where x varies between 1 and n, is divided into x sections, at least one of the x sections of the xth layer having a passage segment formed therethrough such that with the n layers stacked one on top of the other in the predetermined order, the passage segments of the n layers are in communication with each other to define a passage which extends through the tower. The device also includes an indicator element passable through the passage to confirm that the n layers have been assembled in the predetermined order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: John Robertson
  • Patent number: 6273778
    Abstract: A toy building set with toy building elements having coupling means in the form of projecting studs and corresponding cavities which allow interconnection of building elements, has a building element with an integrated pipe member with a female end and a male end having complementary snap coupling means for connection with other pipe members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: INTERLEGO AG
    Inventor: Steen Kyster
  • Patent number: 6059699
    Abstract: An exercise device for use with a medicine ball utilizing a support frame with a seat thereon. A medicine ball track is mounted to the frame and is pivotal to a user selectable position of a plurality of positions at which one end of the track is higher than the opposed track end. A seated user facing away from the track initially places the medicine ball at the elevated track end upon torso rotation in one direction. The incline of the track causes a rolling movement of the ball to the lower track end for recovery by the user upon the user oppositely rotating the torso in order to reach the ball at the lower track end. Either end of the track may be elevated so as to provide a balanced exercise. The degree of elevation of the upper track end is adjustable which varies the speed of the ball rolling movement and thus the speed at which the user must rotate between the ball placement and recovery positions. A selector plate positions and maintains the track at a desired inclination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Anthony Ramsey
  • Patent number: 6056620
    Abstract: A marble track construction toy for assembly on a vertically-oriented planar surface. The construction toy includes chutes down which the marble can roll, pivot elements and bumpers for altering the direction of the motion of the marble, and a catch basket for retaining the marble at the terminus of the track. Each chute includes a mounting means so the chute can be mounted on the vertically-oriented planar surface with both ends of the chute oriented parallel to the planar surface. Similarly, each bumper includes a mounting means so the bumper can be mounted on the vertically-oriented planar surface with an impact surface oriented perpendicular to the mounting surface. And each pivot element has a bucket and a pivoting bucket arm, and includes a mounting means so the pivot element can be mounted on the vertically-oriented planar surface such that the bucket pivots in the plane of the mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Think of it, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Zev Tobin
  • Patent number: 6056623
    Abstract: A toy playset is fabricated of a tent like fabric cover to represent a fanciful depiction of an anthill. The tent-like cover is formed about a frontal opening which facilitates viewing of the enclosure interior. A base secured to the tent-like enclosure further supports a vertically extending trunk which in turn supports the upper portion of the tent-like structure together with a platform. The platform further supports a table in a manner facilitating raising or lowering the table. A plurality of projectile launchers are supported by the table. A spring loaded catapult launcher is positioned upon the outer portion of the base and a ball guiding member extends downwardly from an aperture formed in the table to provide a ball rolling path which deposits a ball into the catapult causing a launch of the ball. Additional projectile launchers are provided on the supporting base. The fabric utilized on the tent-like structure is preferably translucent or otherwise light transmissive in character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Mettel, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin F. Arriola
  • Patent number: 6019712
    Abstract: A balancing apparatus includes a platform that tilts upon a hemisphere attached to the lower surface thereof. The platform has a grooved track along its periphery. The outermost wall of the track is inclined. A ball is movable around said track upon tilting of the platform and can climb the outermost wall of the track when moved at a fast speed. The ball adds resistance to the tilting of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: James Eugene Duncan
  • Patent number: 5944575
    Abstract: A building plaything comprising building elements, connected in a known way and produced in module size or in any multiple thereof, for creating rolling tracks, upon the building elements a rolling groove is shaped and directrix of the rolling groove is straight or arched or slanting, and the plaything comprising connecting elements to be joined to the building elements in the known way, and the building elements are shaped as at least one of the following elements: as straight element, as slanting element, as arched element, the plaything furthermore comprising a rolling element wherein the rolling groove is shaped with slanting sides having an obtuse angle to one another, further, for the purpose that the slanting element can be placed also at right angle to any of the building elements gradient of the slanting side of the rolling groove of the building elements is the same as the gradient of the directrix of the slanting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Judit Fuchsne Tolnay
  • Patent number: 5924907
    Abstract: A marble track is constructed from cubes, base blocks, tower dowels, track dowels and rubber bands. Each cube has four vertically oriented tower bores, through-bores of approximately the width of the tower dowels, adjacent and parallel to the four vertical edges of the cube. Each base block has four vertically oriented tower bores with the same spacing as the tower bores in the cube. Cubes may be positioned on tower dowels extending vertically from a base block, and the position of a cube may be stabilized by a rubber band around the tower dowels just below the cube. A channel in each cube (except the "end cubes") permits a marble to pass through the cube. A channel may be bifurcated, and may have entrances/exits to any combination of the six faces of a cube. Track dowels may be inserted in track bores below each side channel entrance/exit to permit the marble to roll out of the channel and onto the track dowels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Inventor: Adam Zev Tobin
  • Patent number: 5924908
    Abstract: A child and cat toy consisting of an enclosure having a least one opening defined by a rim edge projecting toward the interior of the enclosure. The enclosure contains at least one ball with a diameter small enough to pass freely through the opening. In operation the user attempts to remove the ball from the enclosure. The ball is restrained from rolling out through the opening by the curvature or step of the rim edge. The removal of the ball can be further hampered by interference from an additional ball, and by various geometric characteristics of the enclosure. Various embodiments of the present invention utilizing different enclosure geometries, number of openings, and number of balls are disclosed having utility for specifically entertaining various aged children and cats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Inventor: Brian Sean O'Heir
  • Patent number: 5888115
    Abstract: The present invention provides an interactive funnel amusement device. The interactive funnel amusement device allows a user to interact with the interactive funnel amusement device to a greater extent than prior art funnel devices. In one embodiment, the interactive funnel amusement device includes a funnel and a target. The target is located on an interior surface of the funnel such that when an object is rolled along the interior surface of the funnel the object is capable of interacting with the target. The interactive funnel amusement device can also include an adjustable guide. The adjustable guide is capable of guiding the object along one of a number of trajectories along the funnel such that the object rolls around the interior surface of the funnel in a substantially spiral manner. The adjustable guide can also be used to aim the object along a trajectory that causes the object to interact with the target located on the interior surface of the funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: RLT Acquisition, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Shoemaker, Jr., Ken Y. Hata, Norman B. Petermeier
  • Patent number: 5855501
    Abstract: A circulating toy assembly has a toy piece that circulates through an elevator and an inclining track member. A swing lever is mounted between a platform provided at the top of the elevator and an entrance end of the track member for conveying the toy piece from the platform to the entrance end. The swing lever swings in a plane which is inclined downward from the platform to the entrance end. The swing lever has a toy piece receiving bucket at one end and a counterweight at another end. When the bucket receives the toy piece from the platform the bucket turns downward and toward the entrance end by gravity to deliver the toy piece to the entrance end. When the bucket is empty, the counterweight causes the swing lever to turn so that the bucket turns to the platform. The toy piece preferably has an elongated hollow body which receives a ball to roll freely therein, thereby causing the toy piece to somersault along the track member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Dah Yang Toy Industrial Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yuji Kato, Satoshi Fukumura
  • Patent number: 5800240
    Abstract: A marble race toy including a modular track that is assembled by the user from channel components into any desired configuration. An infrastructure is utilized to support the desired track layout. An infrastructure is utilized to support the desired track layout. Affixing elements are used to fix dowel rods of the infrastructure in place, and thereby support the modular components of the track. An elevator with an endless conveyor raises the marbles to a start position of the track, and retrieves them from an end position of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Douglas L. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5785005
    Abstract: An annular ball track is provided with a flat top surface having a material affixed thereon for the purpose of claw scratching. A hollow ball containing an electronic sound synthesizer within is disposed inside the annular track and visible around the periphery of the track. A switch operates the electronic sound synthesizer within the ball and broadcasts mouse related scratching sounds and/or squeaks, thereby serving as an irresistible attractant to an animal for promoting more frequent exercise by swatting and chasing the ball, and to encourage the claw scratching needs inherent to animals, thereby saving articles of furniture from claw damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventors: Steven D. Udelle, Laura L. Udelle
  • Patent number: 5782378
    Abstract: A gumball machine which has a transparent support column supporting a partially transparent gumball housing. The support column encloses several individual plates. The plates are spaced apart and arranged in a descending manner. Each of the plates has an opening located thereon so that a gumball can gravitationally descend from one plate to another and eventually ends up in a dispensing aperture for removal by a customer. The plates can also be manually manipulated by an exterior handle for additional customer amusement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Suncloud Inc.
    Inventors: Don Hart, Guy Hart
  • Patent number: 5673651
    Abstract: A toy for cats provided with a freely moving pivotal annular ball and track mounted on springs surrounding a circular housing. An upper surface (54) provides containment of continuous track assembly (29) around housing (32). A plurality of flexible springs (34) support the track assembly (29) in a level position. As a cat claw scratches on the upper surface material (56), any downward pressure of the track top (40) or outer bottom track edge (44) by the animal's weight will cause the track assembly (29) to pivot or tilt, thereby causing a ball (50) to roll in the track interior. The movement of the ball provokes an animal into immediate play. A miniature electronic sound synthesizer (58) is employed within the housing (32) and intermittantly broadcasts mouse related scratching sounds and such, thereby serving as an attractant to the animal, and encouraging the claw scratching needs inherent to cats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Inventors: Steven D. Udelle, Laura L. Udelle
  • Patent number: 5653171
    Abstract: Disclosed are improved, unpredictably tumbleable capsule structures that are loosely internally provided with weighty rollable spherical ball, whereby such improved capsule is adapted to unpredictably compete with identical tumbleable capsule structures along downwardly-inclined ramps. Such improved tumbleable capsule structures are preferably circularly symmetrical about a directionally longitudinally extending horizontal central-axis and also about a central vertical-plane, and having uniquely ratioed capsule housing and interior rollable sphere interdimensional parameter values. Ancillarily disclosed are improved topically-textured and judicially-inclined racing ramps and ramp starting gates, all devoted toward enhancing unpredictable racing capability for a plurality of identically constructed internally-weighted tumbleable capsule structures along downwardly-extending ramps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventors: Richard C. LeBron, Shelden P. LeBron, Dickson B. LeBron
  • Patent number: 5569867
    Abstract: A musical education toy capable of receiving balls in a prearranged order, separating them according to size, and then guiding them to corresponding xylophone bars in order to play selected tunes. The toy has a track on which to place a plurality of balls, a hand crank to control the release of the balls, guide rails which allow the balls to drop into corresponding holes, chutes to further guide the balls to corresponding xylophone bars, and a box to collect the balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Levine
  • Patent number: 5564962
    Abstract: A modular track for toy cars allows different race tracks to be made so that small toy cars can run along them. The track includes six types of pieces which combined according to the user's imagination provide multiple possibilities of different race tracks. Three of these types of pieces are stretches of the race track, straight, curved or sloped, which include some guardrails interrupted at the end to facilitate crossings and intersections in the race track. Two other types are connection blocks between the different stretches of the race track, and the other type is an end piece for the beginning and end of the race tracks. The connections between the stretches of the race track and the connection blocks are achieved by respective cylindrical holes and projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Mac Molto, S.A.
    Inventor: Ramon Navarrete Espinosa
  • Patent number: 5529017
    Abstract: An animal action and claw scratching device comprises a movable track ring 12 confining a ball 20 within its U-shaped cavity 14, and includes a pair of axles 22 protruding outward from the track ring 12. The track ring 12 surrounds a stationary platform housing 10, and is connected by mating axles 22 through openings 24 in the vertical sides of the stationary platform housing 10. A portion of the track ring 12 floor surface 15 has a brief incline 17 at opposite ends of track ring 12 to provide a left or right off center of ball 20 when at rest in respect to the axles 22. An electronic sound synthesizer assembly 8 is concealed within the platform housing 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventors: Steven D. Udelle, Laura L. Udelle
  • Patent number: 5517948
    Abstract: An animal toy and claw scratching device comprising a movable circular closed circuit track ring 10 containing a ball 14 within a U-shaped cavity 12, including a pair of axles or dowels 16 protruding outward from the track ring 10. The track ring 10 surrounds a stationary housing assembly 8, and is connected by mating dowels 16 through openings 18 in the vertical sides 20 of stationary housing assembly 8. A pair of spring blades 28 assure a level attitude of the track ring 10 when at rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventors: Steven D. Udelle, Laura L. Udelle
  • Patent number: 5437408
    Abstract: The present invention is for a bank which has a visible serpentine coin path through which coins are deposited into a coin reservoir. The serpentine coin path has a major slot for the transportation of the coins into the reservoir and at least one minor slot through which the coins can be viewed as they travel down the serpentine path to the reservoir. The slot and reservoir are particularly well suited for incorporation into an animal bank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Inventor: John M. Chesnut
  • Patent number: 5358241
    Abstract: The ramp consists of a wire rail formed as a helix. The rail extends between a first elevation where the ball enters the ramp to a second, lower elevation where the ball exits the ramp. A straight rail extends through the center of the helical rail for the length thereof. The helical rail is dimensioned such that the distance between it and straight rail is less than the diameter of the ball. As a result, the ball will contact both the straight rail and helical rail simultaneously as it rolls down the helical rail by the force of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Python V. Anghelo, Raymond J. Czajka
  • Patent number: 5314367
    Abstract: A toy (10) comprising an elongated block (12) which is carved out to form one or more patterns (30) for a path along which marbles (15) are propelled by a person's finger through a slot (17) communicating with a channel (14) in any one of such patterns (30) which are interlinked to provide continuity in rolling motion for the marbles (15). Pivoting gates (50) across the path or at intersections of the channels (14) forming patterns (30) provide means to determine the direction of motion for marbles (15), including "dead ending" the marble in its own channel. Various features in the path patterns provide impetus or an inertial bar to the marbles' motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Nicholas E. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 5314368
    Abstract: A toy or display suspends a ball in mid-air and moves the ball in a closed path without any visible means of support above a housing. The ball is moved radially toward, and alternately away from, a central housing axis, and may also be raised and lowered in elevation during its travel along the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Peter S. C. Cheng
  • Patent number: 5312285
    Abstract: A descending ball game apparatus includes a gate deflect channel member and a pivoting ramp channel member. The gate deflect channel member includes two gates which are positioned adjacent to opposing sidewalls of a channel portion thereof and are operative for deflecting a ball back-and-forth from one sidewall of the channel portion to the other sidewall thereof as the ball descends along the channel portion. The pivoting ramp channel member includes upper and lower level channel segments and a pivoting ramp positioned therebetween. The ramp is operative for receiving a ball descending along the upper level of the channel segment and delivering the ball into the lower level channel segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Playskool, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick M. Rieber, Joseph P. Sejnowski
  • Patent number: 5273436
    Abstract: A changeable grid system kit for constructing three-dimensional toy and scale model designs, including a base component fabricated of a tough, resilient material, slots formed in the top face of the base, and slats which are insertable into the slots. The invention is designed to ensure that there is little or no loss in the tight fit between the slats and the base material after repeated insertion and removal of the slats. The base material is selected so as to avoid fracturing or splintering caused by repeated use or incidental contact. One such material is a closed-cell crosslinked polyethylene foam. In one embodiment of the invention, the base component is placed vertically such that the slats extend from the slots to form quasi-horizontal surfaces. In this orientation the present invention may be used as an educational tool to illustrate such physical principles as gravity, friction, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Inventors: Weston Lord, James Hoover, George Forman
  • Patent number: 5256071
    Abstract: A device comprising several highly elastic objects is presented whose purpose is to demonstrate an unobvious consequence of fundamental laws of physics--the acceleration of an object to high speed by multiple collisions among a series of heavier objects moving at slower speed. The objects, each of different mass, are arrayed in close proximity in order of decreasing mass with their centers lying along a straight line. This arrangement of the assembly of objects is maintained by a constraining element which permits the assembly axis to be oriented in any desired direction and permits the assembly to be moved or manipulated as a unit in any desired way without destroying the arrangement of objects. In the preferred embodiment the elastic objects are polybutadiene balls (12), the constraining element is an interior guide-pin (10) fastened in the largest ball and extending radially therefrom, on which the remaining balls can slide freely because of diametrical holes formed in them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Inventors: Edward W. Hones, William G. Hones, Stirling A. Colgate
  • Patent number: 5197924
    Abstract: A slide apparatus is arranged for mounting to a stairway relative to an uppermost and lowermost stair vertical wall, with a first anchor member mounted to the uppermost vertical wall and a lowermost vertical wall mounting a second anchor member thereto and to the associated floor surface. A plurality of aligned slide blocks are arranged in a pivotal interconnected relationship relative to one another configured for pivotal association to accommodate various undulations in the arrangement of an individual utilizing the organization in a sliding fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Inventor: Kristie Gerrells
  • Patent number: 5169317
    Abstract: The educational toy of the present invention comprises a base and transparent tubular members attached to the base arranged in a generally parallel relationship to each other. The output end of each tubular member is lower than the input end of each tubular member so that balls inserted in the input end flow to the output end. Removable means are provided at the output ends for retaining the balls within the tubular members. Insertion and removal of balls from the tubes by the user improves hand-eye coordination. The toy is useful in teaching left/right, up/down, and part-whole relationships. The device teaches movement, counting, and color awareness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Inventor: Leonard Hollander
  • Patent number: 5078642
    Abstract: A bar soap slide is presented along with a method of construction and use whereby a conventional bathtub can be converted into an arena of entertainment for a child. The bar soap slide is releasably affixed to the inner bathtub walls on a grade which will allow a bar of soap when placed at the upper end, to rapidly descend providing amusement for a child. After use the slide can be quickly removed from the bathtub, rinsed and stored for future use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Inventor: Jon L. Glessner
  • Patent number: 5056789
    Abstract: A game housing includes a series of angulated ramps arranged vertically underlying one another, with a predetermined column of contrastingly colored or enumerated spheres positioned adjacent the bottommost ramp. The housing includes a slide defining an upper end of the housing, wherein the slide, upon retraction from a first retracted position to a second extended position, permits descent simultaneously of a series of spheres to the uppermost ramp. "L" shaped lever plates are selectively withdrawn from the ramp to permit descent of a predetermined number of spheres from the ramp to ultimately position and arranged the spheres directed along the ramps to align with the aforenoted column of spheres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Inventor: Derek J. Talbot
  • Patent number: 5055079
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bank for coins comprising a container having an open top and interior. A cover is rotatably associated with the container top. A plurality of dividers are connected to a support column. The column and dividers are insertable as a unit within the container to divide the interior of the container into a plurality of chambers. The column has an upper end bore and a lower end bore and a collar is associated with the container interior. The column lower end bore and collar are dimensioned to provide an axial interference fit therebetween. There is a pin with a shank end, the shank end and the column upper end bore being dimensioned to provide an axial interference fit therebetween. The cover is rotatable about the pin and is retained in associated with the container by the pin. The pin shank end and the column upper end bore cooperate in such fashion as to limit the interference fit therebetween and to enhance securement of the interference fit between the column lower end bore and the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventors: Philip H. Hobson, Charles E. Goodwin
  • Patent number: 5046984
    Abstract: An improved amusement device includes a base and open-top guide tube with two or more balls in the tube. When the balls are lifted to the top of the guide tube and dropped, the top ball rebounds to a height much higher than that from which it was dropped. With three balls in the tube, for example, the top one will typically rebound to a height six times as high as the height from which it was dropped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Inventor: David A. Cane
  • Patent number: 5007876
    Abstract: A marble race toy (4) for use with a marble race game (2) of the type in which a marble (6) moves along a tortuous path. The toy alters the path of the marbles rolling through the game along a track (16) and includes a downwardly sloping first portion (10) extending from an entrance (18) and continuous with an upwardly sloping second portion (12). The toy includes a third portion (14) parallel to the second portion. The third portion includes an upper end (28) coupled to the second portion by a U-shaped track portion (34) for generally reversing the direction of the marble, and a lower end (30) which opens into the exit. An escape (36) couples the second and third ends (22, 24) of the first and second track portions to the exit to allow the marble to move through the toy, bypassing the third track portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Assignee: Discovery Toys, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel B. Klitsner
  • Patent number: 4971246
    Abstract: A toy assembles to provide a variably inclined trackway for rolling a ball or marble. The course of the trackway in both horizontal and vertical planes being variable by increments of fixed distances. A base has many vertical holes with modular spacing. Vertical members with lengths varying by a vertical length module fit in holes in the base. The horizontal path is chosen by selecting holes in the base. Horizontal elements with a right angle trackway segment on the upper surface fit on the vertical members. Elongate straight sloping elements with a straight trackway segment on the upper surface connect horizontal members on different levels to form a continuous trackway. Sloping elements are provided in different lengths for connecting horizontal elements that are different distances apart. The pathway can be configured for different slopes and crossing over and under itself without adjustment, special skills or tools and packs away in a small space. It may easily be made entirely of wood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Inventor: Albert A. Goudis
  • Patent number: 4932917
    Abstract: A marble race toy (4) for use with a marble race game (2) of the type in which a marble (6) moves along a tortuous path. The toy is used for simultaneously starting a plurality of marbles rolling through the game and includes an upper element (8) for holding and retaining the marbles therein which is spaced above a center section (10) connecting the path from the upper element to a funnel-shaped surface (24) for allowing the marble to pass therethrough. The upper element pivots (28, 32) on the center section to begin the marbles rolling through the game. The center section includes a first surface (14) inclined upwardly toward the upper element which is continuous with the funnel-shaped surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Discovery Toys, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel B. Klitsner
  • Patent number: 4884989
    Abstract: A toy which is capable of moving on a substantially vertical surface and which is provided with separated regions of a sticky material, the regions defining at least two planes in which the toy can rotate or tumble, which planes are non-parallel to each other. Preferably the toy has two parts pivotably connected together with each part bearing separated regions of the sticky material, whereby axes of rotation defined by respective pairs of the regions can be moved relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignee: T. K. Wong & Associates, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tak K. Wong
  • Patent number: 4874342
    Abstract: A marble race toy (4) for use with a marble race game (2) of the type in which a marble (6) moves along a tortuous path. The toy alters the path of the marbles rolling through the game and includes a chute (10) and a landing (12) spaced from the chute. The chute includes an entrance (16) at the top of a downwardly extending speed track (14) and a jump (18), defined by an upturned end (20) at the lower end of the speed track. The landing is spaced from the jump and includes an exit (24) for the marble's traverse through the remaining toys of the marble race game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: Discovery Toys, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel B. Klitsner
  • Patent number: 4863160
    Abstract: A multi-positionable arrangement of substantially parallel bars which form a substantial track for a ball and for disposing the track to a position accessible to the feet, legs, hands and arms of the body to be exercised. The bars are adjustably spaced apart to provide for adjustment of contact engagement with ball surface so that repeated stroking of the ball on the track path requires striking contact at a particular point on the ball surface and thereby exercise of some specific body muscles and reflexes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Inventor: Ralph D. Pelle
  • Patent number: 4863169
    Abstract: A body action game includes a hose which is flexible to wrap around a player's body in a plurality of convoluted dispositions. A ball dropped into one end of the hose is rolled through the hose until reaching a receptacle or goal attached to the opposite end of the hose. Because of the convolutions in the hose, a player is required to twist and turn in order to manipulate the ball through the hose. A bell mounted in the receptacle is rung by the ball when it enters the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Tomy Kogyo Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Kunio Miyazaki