Including Motorized Fan Patents (Class 446/178)
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Patent number: 10086312Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for dispensing confetti. The dispensing apparatus includes a housing that has a base and a hood and defines a chamber. A barrier divides the chamber into a fan compartment and a storage compartment. A fan assembly is disposed in the fan compartment and includes a shroud and an exhaust conduit that extends from the shroud out of the hood of the housing. The fan assembly further includes an impeller that is disposed in the shroud to blow confetti through the exhaust conduit and to draw confetti into the shroud from the storage compartment. The apparatus further includes a conduit for conveying confetti toward the shroud. The conduit is disposed in the fan compartment and extends between the barrier and the shroud for allowing the confetti in the storage compartment to be uniformly transmitted into the shroud prior to being blown out of the exhaust conduit.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2016Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: International Gaming Project LimitedInventor: Alejandro de Viveiros Ortiz
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Patent number: 8979609Abstract: A motorized toy vehicle or Wall Racer that is capable of operating on vertical and inverted horizontal surfaces such as walls and ceilings, while being manufacturable at reasonable cost and operable on batteries having sufficient lifetime as to be enjoyable. One or more battery-powered fans draw air from around all or defined portions of the periphery of the chassis of the Wall Racer through a carefully-shaped duct, so that the air in the portion of the duct immediately adjacent the surface flows at high velocity and low pressure; the relatively greater pressure of the surrounding air urges the vehicle against the surface, allowing it to operate on vertical surfaces, such as walls, or inverted on horizontal surfaces, such as ceilings.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2013Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Inventors: Leonard R. Clark, Jr., H. Peter Greene, Jr.
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Publication number: 20140030952Abstract: A motorized toy vehicle or Wall Racer that is capable of operating on vertical and inverted horizontal surfaces such as walls and ceilings, while being manufacturable at reasonable cost and operable on batteries having sufficient lifetime as to be enjoyable. One or more battery-powered fans draw air from around all or defined portions of the periphery of the chassis of the Wall Racer through a carefully-shaped duct, so that the air in the portion of the duct immediately adjacent the surface flows at high velocity and low pressure; the relatively greater pressure of the surrounding air urges the vehicle against the surface, allowing it to operate on vertical surfaces, such as walls, or inverted on horizontal surfaces, such as ceilings.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Inventors: Leonard R. Clark, JR., H Peter Greene, JR.
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Patent number: 8414347Abstract: A smart stuffed animal includes a head portion, a torso portion and four limbs. An air flow ventilation device is embedded within the torso portion of the smart stuffed animal to provide air circulation and reduce the settlement of carbon dioxide. The air ventilation device comprises soft foam fan blades.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2011Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: LCAIP, LLCInventors: Leonard Achan, Jr., Susan Levine
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Patent number: 8371898Abstract: A suction toy assembly and its method of operation. The suction toy assembly has a chassis. The chassis has a front end, a rear end, side surfaces and a base plate. A fan opening is formed through the base plate. A motorized fan is mounted to draw air through the fan opening from the surrounding area. This creates a low pressure condition under the base. A drive wheel is used to propel the assembly. A linkage element is coupled to the drive wheel. At least one extraneous element is provided that protrudes outwardly away from the chassis as a cantilever. The extraneous elements are articulated by movements of the linkage element when the drive wheel rotates, or the chassis moves. Appendages may be mounted on a flexible member to allow for the illusion of climbing.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Inventor: John Sinisi
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Patent number: 8342900Abstract: A glitter circulation device includes a housing defining a chamber configured to receive a doll. A tray is coupled to the housing and configured to hold a plurality of glitter particles. A fan is coupled to housing and in communication with the tray and the chamber. The fan is configured to draw the glitter particles from the tray and expel the glitter particles into the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Erika Kane, Andrew Lourits, James A. Molina, Ben Yip
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Publication number: 20120045960Abstract: A toy assembly includes an air blower than can blow air and particles such as glitter. In one embodiment, the toy assembly includes a doll and an air blower that can blow air and glitter particles as well as change the color of the hair of the doll.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Inventors: Erika Kane, Eric Lau, Melissa Ozuna, Catherine Wong
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Publication number: 20120003898Abstract: A glitter circulation device includes a housing defining a chamber configured to receive a doll. A tray is coupled to the housing and configured to hold a plurality of glitter particles. A fan is coupled to housing and in communication with the tray and the chamber. The fan is configured to draw the glitter particles from the tray and expel the glitter particles into the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2010Publication date: January 5, 2012Inventors: Erika Kane, Andrew Lourits, James A. Molina, Ben Yip
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Patent number: 7980916Abstract: A motorized toy vehicle or Wall Racer that is capable of operating on vertical and inverted horizontal surfaces such as walls and ceilings, while being manufacturable at reasonable cost and operable on batteries having sufficient lifetime as to be enjoyable. One or more battery-powered fans draw air from around all or defined portions of the periphery of the chassis of the Wall Racer through a carefully-shaped duct, so that the air in the portion of the duct immediately adjacent the surface flows at high velocity and low pressure; the relatively greater pressure of the surrounding air urges the vehicle against the surface, allowing it to operate on vertical surfaces, such as walls, or inverted on horizontal surfaces, such as ceilings.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2009Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Inventors: Leonard R. Clark, Jr., H. Peter Greene, Jr.
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Patent number: 7753755Abstract: A motorized toy vehicle or Wall Racer that is capable of operating on vertical and inverted horizontal surfaces such as walls and ceilings, while being manufacturable at reasonable cost and operable on batteries having sufficient lifetime as to be enjoyable. One or more battery-powered fans draw air from around all or defined portions of the periphery of the interior volume of the Wall Racer through a carefully-shaped duct, so that the air in the portion of the duct immediately adjacent the surface flows at high velocity and low pressure; the relatively greater pressure of the surrounding air urges the vehicle against the surface, allowing it to adhere to vertical surfaces, such as walls, or operated inverted on horizontal surfaces, such as ceilings.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2005Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Inventors: Leonard R. Clark, Jr., H. Peter Greene, Jr.
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Patent number: 7727044Abstract: An animal call includes a mouthpiece, a barrel, and a reed. The mouthpiece defines an air channel therein and has a reed bed proximate the air channel. The barrel is coupled to the mouthpiece and has an internal chamber that is fluidically coupled to the air channel of the mouthpiece. A surface comprising the air channel varies in order to maintain a substantially constant cross-sectional area magnitude along a length of the channel. The reed is disposed adjacent the air channel and proximate the reed bed.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2008Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Inventor: Leslie W. Johnson
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Publication number: 20080318490Abstract: A dual output blower for inflatable puppet has a fan and a valve assembly. The fan has an inlet, a primary outlet and a valve outlet. The valve assembly comprises a body, a switching board and a driver. The body has a valve chamber formed in the body, a valve inlet, two valves and a blower output, each communicating with the valve chamber. The switching board is rotatably mounted in the valve chamber. The driver is mounted securely on the switching board and rotates the switching board to determine which valve of the valve assembly inputs and outputs air. When an inflatable puppet is connected to one of the valves of the valve assembly, the driver may control the orientation of the switching board to guide the air and make the inflatable puppet perform novel and entertaining movements.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2007Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventor: Sheng-Hung Hsu
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Patent number: 7356951Abstract: An inflatable toy may include a housing, a balloon-like structure, a blower mechanism, a drive mechanism, and a motor. The balloon-like structure may include a base, an inflatable portion, and an inlet. The base and the inflatable portion may define an air storage area. The blower mechanism may be fluidly connected to the inlet of the balloon-like structure, and the drive mechanism may be operatively connected to the base. The motor may be operatively connected to the blower mechanism and the drive mechanism, wherein upon activation of the motor the blower mechanism may inflate the balloon-like structure and the drive mechanism may cause the balloon-like structure to move.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2005Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.Inventors: Lee Spielberger, Douglas Arthur Schultheis
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Publication number: 20070259596Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2006Publication date: November 8, 2007Inventors: Webb T. Nelson, Simeon E. Tiefel
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Patent number: 7059930Abstract: A bubble making toy includes a propeller to cause liquid from an outlet port to spread across the space formed in a ring downstream of the propeller. The air generated by the propeller rotates under the action of a fan upstream of the propeller, and causes the ejection of air bubbles from the toy. The bubbles are formed by liquid which is pumped from a reservoir to a dispensing port above the circumferential ring. There is a second reservoir connected to an outlet and operable by finger action to effect the ejection of fluid such as water from a second orifice from the toy. The freely rotating propeller is mounted in the air path from the housing to the outlet for the bubbles and assists in spreading liquid across the space defined by the circumferential ring onto which liquid flows from the outlet port.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2003Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Silverlit Toys Manufactory, Ltd.Inventor: Kei Fung Choi
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Patent number: 6976899Abstract: An all terrain vehicle having a casing, a motor assembly, a cradle supporting the propulsion system, and an outer shell. The casing surrounds the propulsion system with three connected rings, each ring capable of independent rotation. The cradle is positioned in the center of the vehicle and is attached to the innermost ring. The outer shell encircles the motor assembly, cradle, and casing, and is constructed from a plurality of vertical and horizontal bars. The vehicle rolls upon the ground while the cradle remains upright. The vehicle may be operated by a remote control or by a person seated within the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2002Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Inventor: Kypros Tamanas
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Patent number: 6672930Abstract: A toy having movable elements actuated upon introduction of compressed air is disclosed. The toy may include a source of compressed air which is adapted to direct air through a valved port for communication to individual and removable play pieces. Each of the play pieces may include movable elements which are caused to move upon contact with the compressed air. Each of the play pieces may be stackable to allow for simultaneous actuation of multiple play pieces through a single valve.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.Inventor: Craig McElhaney
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Publication number: 20020141189Abstract: A lighting device includes a decorative member disposed on a plate, one or more light devices may be used for lighting the decorative member, and a fan device may be used to blow the decorative member and to oscillate or fluctuate the decorative member for generating the other decorative effects. One or more sockets are secured to the plate with brackets for plugging the light devices. The plate includes a housing having one or more air passages formed between the fan device and the decorative member for allowing the air stream to flow toward the decorative member.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventor: Yu Chuan Lin
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Publication number: 20020094746Abstract: A figure toy having a head with a mouth and eyes mounted on a torso, the figure toy including a mechanism for expelling a flow of air from the mouth. This mechanism consists of an electric motor-driven blower mounted within the torso, an electronic controller operatively connected to the blower for activating and deactivating it, a power supply operatively connected to the blower and controller, and a sensing device designed and configured such that upon triggering, the sensing device provides a signal to the electronic controller for the purpose of activating and deactivating the blower. The figure toy can include a lamp for illuminating the eyes. The power supply and electronic controller can be mounted inside the figure toy. Sensing devices can be based on an LED emitter/receiver, ultrasonic detection, infrared detection, a directly-contacted microswitch, noise detection, verbal command recognition, temperature sensing, relative humidity sensing, or motion detection.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventor: Amos Harlev
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Publication number: 20020052163Abstract: A set of interactive toys that perform a sequence of actions in response to one another without external activation other than an initial actuation to begin the sequence of actions. Preferably, each toy has an activation switch and/or a receiver for a wireless signal such as an infrared signal which activates the toy. Upon activation, the toy performs a desired action, such as the enunciation of a speech pattern, and signals another toy to perform a responsive action. Preferably, the toy are capable of performing several different action sequences, such as the enunciation of different conversations, the performance of different movements, etc. Additionally, the toys are programmable by a remote control device. The remote control device either functions as an activation switch, initiating a random or predetermined (yet not user determined) sequence of interactions, or as an interaction selector, such that a desired sequence of actions may be selected.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2001Publication date: May 2, 2002Inventors: Peter Sui Lun Fong, Chi Fai Mak
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Patent number: 6186857Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a dynamic gas-inflated object such as a figure with legs, a torso and head, and a pair of arms. The figure performs generally repetitive movements such as dance-like undulations in a manner that appears to keep time with music. The figure is hollow and connected to a continuous generally constant input flow of air or other gas under pressure. The figure is provided with at least two spaced-apart outlets or vents to allow a continuous discharge of generally all of the air being introduced into the figure. In operation, the figure tends to cycle between extending generally upright, then, as more air is discharged, destabilizing and moving to a contorted or bent position, then, as more air flows in, to extending, etc. The figure may be designed for extensive movement e.g., dancing, or for a narrower range of movements. In a preferred form, the outlets are generally at the top of the head and at the ends of the arms.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Inventors: Doron Gazit, Arieh Leon Dranger
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Patent number: 6077143Abstract: A bubble producing device comprising a rotor defining an axis that extends longitudinally, the rotor defining a plurality of through openings spaced about an axis to dip into a bubble solution bath, and to rise above the bath as the rotor rotates; a motor driven fan directed to displace air toward openings above the bath; and a circular series of turbine vanes carried by the rotor and angled to receive air displaced by the fan, for creating torque acting to rotate the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1999Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Inventor: Andrez Gutierrez
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Patent number: 5919078Abstract: A toy is intended to resemble a cyclone type vacuum cleaner. The toy vacuum cleaner includes a body comprising a cylindrical container which has a transparent cylindrical outer wall. A core extends axially into the container to define a space between itself and the outer wall. A fan assembly is mounted to close an open end of the container. A multiplicity of polystyrene beads are disposed within the space between the core and the outer wall. The fan assembly includes a fan rotor mounted substantially coaxially with the container, to be driven by a motor, whereby on activation of the motor, the fan causes a circulation of air within the container, which circulation causes the beads to move in approximately circular paths about the core.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1998Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Assignee: Cassidy Brothers, plcInventor: Paul Michael Cassidy
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Patent number: 5498191Abstract: A hand holdable bubble producing toy that, when activated by the user, produces a stream of bubbles. Activation of the toy is accomplished by manually moving of a trigger which electrically operates a fan and a pump as well as a film producing mechanism in order to produce the dispensed bubbles and includes a collection system for recycling unused bubble solution.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1995Date of Patent: March 12, 1996Inventor: Robert A. DeMars
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Patent number: 5467543Abstract: The present invention teaches an inflatable body representative of at least the upper portion of a human form including a plastic inflatable exoskeleton with an inner side and an outer side molded to represent a torso, a head and appendages. Additionally, inserting members are located on either the inside or the outside of the plastic exoskeleton and are capable of receiving elongated inserts. These elongated inserts may be flexible wire, wooden dowels, plastic rods or any other suitable material. The invention also includes a device to inflate the exoskeleton. The inflation device can assume several different embodiments in which either a sealed exoskeleton is inflated, or an exoskeleton with an open release valve is continuously inflated.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1994Date of Patent: November 21, 1995Assignee: Sterman Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Steven R. Fink, Floyd J. Herman
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Patent number: 5332364Abstract: An accessory (10) mounted for relative rotation with respect to a conventional ceiling fan (100); wherein, the accessory (10) includes a housing unit (13) suspended from the ceiling fan (100) and bearing visual elements (60) whose appearance will change relative to a stationary viewer, in response to the rotation of the housing unit (13) due to air currents generated by the ceiling fan (100) impinging upon a propulsion unit (14) contained within the housing unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1993Date of Patent: July 26, 1994Inventor: Larry Rodarmer
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Patent number: 5320571Abstract: A dummy for use as a sham passenger can be fastened to the passenger side of the front seat of a car by means of a safety belt, The dummy can be properly dressed and furnished with a wig. In addition, the dummy is provided with a driving device and a circuit, which are capable of causing the dummy to move in a manner that it appears to be talking to the driver or looking out through the car window located by the passenger side of the front seat. The dummy is used as an effective means to deter an assault made on a lone driver and to give the lone driver a timely sense of security as well as peace of mind.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1993Date of Patent: June 14, 1994Inventor: Hsin-Hsin Lo
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Patent number: 5313727Abstract: A decorative kinetic device which includes a transparent hollow dome containing a fluid and a plurality of small particles. The dome is open on its bottom and is mounted on a base having a pumping chamber formed therein. The top of the pumping chamber, which serves as the bottom of the dome, includes an intake hole and an outlet hole to provide flow paths between the dome and the pumping chamber. A pump impeller is positioned within the pumping chamber to circulate the fluid and the particles, the impeller being rotated by a motor positioned in the base below the pumping chamber. An extension member is attached to and extends vertically upward from the pump impeller into the dome and is adapted to receive a decorative object. A transport tube having an intake port and an outlet port is positioned in the dome such that the intake port is connected to the outlet hole of the pumping chamber and the outlet port of the transporting tube is positioned near the top of the dome.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1992Date of Patent: May 24, 1994Assignee: Merton Company, Ltd.Inventor: Joseph E. Murray, Jr.
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Patent number: 5269718Abstract: The present invention includes a radio-controlled toy racing car having an elongate, light-weight tubular body constructed of polymeric material. Rotatably mounted on the front end of the body is a front wheel and steering shaft for controlling the directional turning movements of the car. The car is supported at its rear end by a pair of wheels mounted on the respective outer ends of an axle extending laterally from the body, and is driven by an engine pivotally mounted on the body adjacent the rear end thereof. A spoiler is pivotally mounted on the body and behind the engine at a position near the rear end of the body and above the center of the axle to utilize the wind force of the drive engine's propeller to exert a downward and stabilizing force on the rear wheels. Further, a braking element comprising a parachute is housed within the body near the rear end thereof.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1992Date of Patent: December 14, 1993Inventor: David A. Reed
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Patent number: 5194032Abstract: A mobile toy including at least one vacuum generating assembly mounted on a chassis and including an impeller with the axial intake end thereof positionable closely adjacent a support surface whereby at least a major portion of the radial discharge from the impeller flows radially outward and along the support surface to define a fluidic seal about a central zone wherein a negative pressure is maintained. The impeller will preferably mount with a cylindrical sleeve. The mobile device is propelled by driven traction wheels.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1991Date of Patent: March 16, 1993Inventor: Henry A. Garfinkel
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Patent number: 5186675Abstract: An inflatable vent toy for an exhaust vent air outlet comprising: an inflatable balloon made of a flexible material patterned and shaped to suit the preference of a user having a base defining an air inlet with surrounding attachment structure to secure the base over the exhaust vent air outlet such that the air inlet is in communication with the vent air outlet to enable in-coming air from the vent to enter the base air inlet and fill the balloon in a first mode, and to escape and collapse in a second mode when the in-coming air from the vent stops.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1991Date of Patent: February 16, 1993Inventor: Robert D. D. Stoddard
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Patent number: 5092808Abstract: There is disclosed an action toy system comprising a base, an air blower, and unit toys connected with holes formed in the surface of the base. The blower blows air into the unit toys through the base and the holes to cause the toys to perform action.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1991Date of Patent: March 3, 1992Assignee: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.Inventors: Akira Takasaka, Eiji Takuma, Hirotsugu Tomizawa
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Patent number: 5041045Abstract: The present invention provides a wind instrument toy having a plurality of melody pipes played by air fed from a blower. A plurality of valves open and close vent portions of the melody pipes. A plurality of vent pipes connect to the corresponding vent portions of the melody pipes and have vertically movable floats therein which float on the air in accordance with music played.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1990Date of Patent: August 20, 1991Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.Inventor: Michiya Ohashi
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Patent number: 5024625Abstract: A spinning member, such as a top, and an impeller are employed together. The spinning member has a gripping section on an upper portion thereof, while the impeller imparts rotational movement to the spinning member when the spinning member is at rest and when the spinning member is rotating without substantially interrupting the rotation of the spinning member. The impeller includes a brush disposed on a rotatable portion of the impeller and cooperatively engageable with the gripping section of the spinning member for imparting rotational movement thereto, and a driver for supplying rotational movement to the brush.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1988Date of Patent: June 18, 1991Inventor: Patrick MacCarthy
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Patent number: 4888903Abstract: A reed-type game call which can be operated by blowing and sucking on a single end of the call. This permits a caller to make one type of sound when blowing out through the call, and a different or same sound when sucking in, thus allowing for rapid sound successions. This permits the caller to sound like a whole flock of geese, or ducks with the rapid varied sound; it also permits a hyperventilating deer sound.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1988Date of Patent: December 26, 1989Inventors: Harold W. Knight, David E. Hale
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Patent number: 4820232Abstract: A voice making device for a moving animal toy, wherein an air is drawn in by a fan through air suction slits and delivered to a voice generating member with a vibrating piece through an air flow controlling cock, and the air suction slits are opened and closed by communication holes and blocking portions of an adjust plate, the cock and the adjust plate being actuated according to the motion of the moving animal toy. A moving animal toy using a voice making device, wherein a head, upper and lower jaws are mounted oscillatably and a voice making device is actuated by the indivisual motion of the head, upper and lower jaws to produce a sound with a specific tone.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1988Date of Patent: April 11, 1989Assignee: Iwaya CorporationInventors: Hajime Takahashi, Eiichi Maeda
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Patent number: 4765079Abstract: A pneumatic structure a part or the whole of which can desirably be put in motion when the pneumatic structure is shaped into, for example, outlines of living things or the like. A spare portion having at least a pair of bending fulcra is formed on the structure main body on the opposite side to a bending direction of the structure, and a length of arc between the respective fulcra of the spare portion is made shorter than 1/2 outer circumferential length of the pneumatic structure containing a set of the respective fulcra, whereby the structure can positively be maintained in a desired state under normal conditions and bending operation thereof can be promptly effected at a large angle by means of small external force.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1987Date of Patent: August 23, 1988Inventor: Shiro Takahashi
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Patent number: 4656770Abstract: This invention is a combination of visual and aural devices to create panic in selected bird species. This is accomplished in part through a body simulating a Tiger Cat which is weathervane mounted. The body includes bright orange stripes and has predatory eyes. Streamers depicting paniced birds are attached to the tiger's tail and an internal wind driven flute produces a variety of the noises. Additionally, reflectors are used on a propeller to simulate light reflection from a gun barrel. Further, random or scheduled explosions from an automatic acetylene exploder and bird warning and distress calls are broadcast over loud speakers for the species of birds being repelled.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1985Date of Patent: April 14, 1987Inventor: David A. Nuttle
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Patent number: 4573938Abstract: A spaceship type toy is disclosed employing a lower base assembly, a duct, and a generally spherical toy space capsule closely received by the tube. A fan assembly within the base provides air pressure to the lower portion of the duct which, when sufficiently great, causes the toy capsule to translate within the tube, thus simulating space travel over a limited distance. By providing an adjustable electrical power supply to the fan assembly, the position of the capsule within the tube can be controlled by the user. In accordance with another feature of this invention, within the capsule is a seat which supports a toy astronaut figure. This seat can be rotated between two positions, which causes an electrical switching action upon a visual display within the spacecraft. The toy astronaut figure chair is further movable to expose a battery compartment within the spacecraft.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1984Date of Patent: March 4, 1986Inventor: Mark S. Sassak
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Patent number: 4505346Abstract: A rolling vehicle having a generally spherical cage-like body with a diametrical axle on which a pod is suspended within the cage structure. The pod contains a propulsion unit which provides thrust for driving the vehicle in a particular direction and also carries aerodynamic lift and control surfaces. When the vehicle is rolling, the lifting surfaces reduce the bearing load of the vehicle on the supporting surface and the control surfaces provide directional control. Outrigger stabilizing wheels on the ends of the axle provide basic stability and can be made of buoyant material for operation on water.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1982Date of Patent: March 19, 1985Assignees: Leonard E. Mueller, Carl R. BrownInventor: Leonard E. Mueller