Having Chemiluminescent Light Source, Optic Fiber, Mirror, Or Lens Patents (Class 446/219)
  • Patent number: 5279513
    Abstract: An illuminated toy sword includes a handle. A light source mounted in said handle provides focused light. A light rod has a first end and a second end, the first end being optically coupled to the light source. The light source is focused upon the second end of the light rod, such that the light rod is substantially evenly illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: I & K Trading Corporation
    Inventor: Keith Connelly
  • Patent number: 5277644
    Abstract: A doll includes a torso having a bodice portion assembled thereto and defining an interior cavity. A battery powered source and lamp are supported within the torso in an operative coupling arrangement. A plurality of fiber optic elements are optically coupled to the lamp source through a movable color filter having a plurality of differently colored filtered segments. The remaining ends of the fiber optic elements extend outwardly and upwardly from the junction between the doll bodice piece and the torso in a neckline array. A movable belt ornament is operatively coupled to the filter to provide selection of the filter segment aligned with and interposed between the lamp and the interior ends of the fiber optic elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian G. Osborne, Wesley E. Thomas, Linda K. Bennett
  • Patent number: 5236383
    Abstract: A toy ball of increased play value is provided and includes a sphere. A light source is disposed within the sphere. A switch disposed within the sphere activates the light source when the ball is impacted such as when it is bounced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: I & K Trading Corporation
    Inventor: Keith Connelly
  • Patent number: 5230650
    Abstract: A projectile toy includes a plurality of opposing target hoops arranged for selective securement to upper distal end portions of mounting posts. The projectiles are arranged of varying and contrasting colorations utilizing a semi-spherical head formed with a conical central tail portion and a rear tail web for manual grasping of the projectile to permit its hurtling towards an opposing target ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Inventor: Donald R. Brayton
  • Patent number: 5228879
    Abstract: A hand held two-way mirror assembly 10 having one or more hidden images 26 mounted behind the back surface of a two-way mirror 20, one of which images can be seen when a light 36 behind the image is lit. The mirror assembly includes a frame 12, 14, 16, there being a cavity 30 behind the mirror 20, which cavity receives the lights 36 and a circuit board 48. A speaker 50 is mounted on the board. One or more digitized voices is stored in a memory chip 54 mounted on the board. Electronic switches 52 and 56 select a lamp 36 to be lit when a manually engageable switch is operated, and also cause one of the digitized voice tracks to be broadcast through the speaker, the particular voice track being associated with the illuminated image, the lights and voices preferably being selected in a predetermined manner to follow a script.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventor: Wayne G. Fromm
  • Patent number: 5224652
    Abstract: A water shower device for spraying water to entertain and amuse children has a device at its bottom end for receiving water from a garden hose and for anchoring a hollow tube in the vertical direction. The hollow tube contains one or more crinkle plastic strips exhibiting neon edge glow, and at its upper end has a nozzle which carries a pinwheel, the pinwheel also displaying neon edge glow. The nozzle is a one-piece structure having downwardly ad inwardly directed struts which meet at a central nose and define openings through which the water spurts so as to impinge upon and drive the pinwheel, the pinwheel in turn disbursing the water droplets over 360.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Maui Toys, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian D. Kessler
  • Patent number: 5215492
    Abstract: A toy balloon in or on which is attached at a predetermined position a light source structure capable of emitting light without generating a significant amount of heat. The light source structure can include a light stick over which is positioned a translucent envelope having a predetermined decorative peripheral shape; or a length of transparent or translucent small diameter flexible polymeric tubing having a central passageway in which mixed chemical substances are reacting to emit visible light, with the tubing extending around, through, or away from the outlet opening of the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Inventor: James F. Kubiatowicz
  • Patent number: 5207728
    Abstract: A removable maternity dress for a doll which simulates pregnancy and child delivery and which may be easily adapted to a conventional doll. The invention includes a doll dress preferably made of non-stretchable flexible fabric having a concealed upright front pocket connected thereto. The pocket is sized to receive a baby doll insertable therein through a flapped lower opening at the bottom of the pocket. Removal of the baby doll from the pocket downwardly through the lower opening simulates child birth. A front opening in the dress adjacent the pocket coverable by an apron-like fabric sheet may also be provided. A layer of flexible latex or the like connected to and extending across the front opening simulates the appearance of the pregnant mid section of the doll. A liquid or gel-filled bladder attached between the front of the dress and the pocket affords a more realistic sensation of touch of the baby doll within the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventors: A. Edward Fogarty, Bonnie R. Fogarty
  • Patent number: 5145439
    Abstract: The invention discloses a fuselage which is subdivided into a fuselage lower part (1) and a shell-shaped upper fuselage portion (3) where the upper fuselage portion (3) is provided with windows arranged in rows (12, 13), the windows being formed by inserted pieces (8) with the fuselage moulded around them, the windows being formed on an integral insert part (7). It is desirable that, on the one hand, the upper fuselage portion including the injection-moulded window pieces be of simpler construction and, on the other hand, should have a continuous external fuselage surface extending continuously without any conspicuous joint line down to the joint with the fuselage lower part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Herpa Miniaturmodelle GmbH
    Inventor: Claus W. Wagener
  • Patent number: 5141463
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for internally sealing and sculpturing an elastic membrane expandable container is provided. One end of a generally hollow tubular insert extends into the container and stretches the elastic membrane of the container from the inside so that such end is sealed by the elastic force of the membrane. Another end of the insert extends out of the container with the container sealed therearound. The container may be pressurized by forcing materials such as fluids into the insert outward end and through the hollow insert so as to cause the elastic membrane to unseat from the sealed end thereof, thereby inflating the membrane. Once the pressure source is removed from the insert outward end, the elastic force of the membrane will cause it to contract and reseat against the tubular insert, thereby resealing it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Inventor: Graham M. Rouse, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5139455
    Abstract: A visual toy having a concave reflective surface affixed to a transparent cover to enclose a volume. A color imparting member is movably disposed within the enclosed volume. The concave reflective surface and color imparting member are configured so that substantially the entire portion of the reflective surface visible from any sight line may exhibit the color of the color imparting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Fisher-Price, Inc.
    Inventor: Cheryl A. Israel
  • Patent number: 5118319
    Abstract: A doll including a body and appendages, a plurality of light positioned to light on portions of the doll, apparatus positioned within the doll for projecting an image to focus at a point outside of the doll, and apparatus for causing the lights to light in a predetermined sequence and the image to be projected from the doll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin K. Smith, Daria Pietrowski, Doren Rosenthal
  • Patent number: 5108340
    Abstract: An improvement in an entertainment and exercise device commonly referred to as a Hula Hoop, such improvement comprising the insertion within the tubular form of a variety of sensory appealing features, such as lighting and music.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Inventor: Madelyn T. Farrow
  • Patent number: 5094621
    Abstract: A therapeutic doll for self-help that can be used outside of a therapeutic or self-help session. The doll includes a heart area which can be illuminated and a speech-producing device which outputs encouraging messages. The doll also includes a variety of icons, such as a liquor bottle or pill bottle, which symbolize personal vices. The doll includes a shelf inside its cavity for placement of these icons. The shelf is collapsable by the push of a button mechanism allowing the icons to fall through a hollow portion in the doll and into a knapsack coupled to the doll. Use of the doll encourages the user to confront his or her problems and abstain from using liquor, drugs, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Inventor: Joan Friedel
  • Patent number: 5092809
    Abstract: A pinwheel toy has blades formed of transparent plastic, preferably polycarbonate, in which the transparent plastic contains fluorescent dye such that when the plastic is cut to form the blades, the cut edges are iridescent providing a pleasing and existing visual display either when the pinwheel is spinning or still.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Maui Toys, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian D. Kessler
  • Patent number: 5080359
    Abstract: A toy ball formed of a single, thin skin and being of light passing material having a source of chemilluminescent light retained therein. The chemilluminescent element is activated prior to insertion or placement into the ball and the element is either positively retained within a structural element integral to surface of the ball or is allowed to lie loosely within the ball. Such a light increases the play effect and useability of the ball during twilight or night hours. For positive placement of the element, the skin is cut to form a door which remains hinged at the uncut portion and normally urged closure of the door results in a holding force applied to the element. Several skin cuts will result in several doors which interact to retain the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Spearhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald D. Thill
  • Patent number: 5078643
    Abstract: A toy designed for twirling or spinning by a person which not only emits a whistling sound but also includes a light emitting, replaceable unit with the light being emitted therefrom due to a chemical reaction initiated by the user. The toy is provided on a string for swinging of the same about his person with the whistling noise being emitted upon swinging of the same through the air. The unit may include reflective or attraction streamers attachable to the body of the unit and the light emitting portion of the unit is replaceable after exhaustion of the chemical reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Spearhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald D. Thill
  • Patent number: 5042972
    Abstract: A toy building set of the type having elements with projections on one surface for engagement with apertures on a surface of another element is provided with detection elements for receiving light energy reflected from bar code elements. The detection elements and the bar code elements are also provided with at least one of the projections or apertures on a surface thereof to permit those elements to be mechanically coupled to other elements of the building set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Interlego A.G.
    Inventors: Erik Bach, Allan Toft
  • 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: 5030158
    Abstract: An optical construction toy assembly including modular optical apparatus having optical power and construction apparatus for permitting selectable arrangement of the modular optical apparatus having optical power to selectably define a plurality of different optical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Inventors: Eli Gal, Dan Moran, Yonatan Gerlitz, Roni Raviv
  • Patent number: 5013278
    Abstract: A miniature toy kit including a three-dimensional diorama scene, figures positionable on the scene and a case which functions both as a supporting field for the toy and a storage and carrying case. The diorama scene is formed of an elastic and memory-retaining material such as latex so that the same may be compressed into the case for storage but springs back to its original three-dimensional form when the case is opened. Different dioramas can be substituted and numbers of kits can be connected in modular fashion. When stored in the case, the figures are safely held against movement and possible injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Monogram Models, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Dixon, Peter R. J. Manning
  • Patent number: 5007924
    Abstract: A baby's pacifier comprises a straight bar handle to facilitate the grasping of the infant, there being a cylindrical, removable clip-on luminescent sheath which clips on over the crossbar and can be removed to be charged in a bright light, and returned to the bar so that it glows in the dark to facilitate the infant's grasp of the pacifier in the dark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Inventor: Tina M. Jekel
  • Patent number: 4991066
    Abstract: A skateboard lighting adaptor kit that is mountable to a conventional skateboard having a deck with front and rear wheel assemblies, the lighting kit including head lights mountable to the underside of the deck proximate the front wheel assembly, tail lights mountable to the underside of the deck proximate the rear wheel assembly, and side running lights mountable to the sides of the deck, the kit including electronic control means to allow the side running lights to be slectively lighted to signal a turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Inventor: Gregory L. McCowan
  • Patent number: 4986790
    Abstract: A rotatable disk string toy has two planar disks rotatably mounted on a continuous loop of string. A holder in the form of two connected rings is mounted on each other end of the loop of string to facilitate handling of the toy. The holder includes a first ring having a central aperture for receiving the fingers of the user. A second ring is mounted on one edge of the first ring and extends outward from the first ring. The second ring has a central aperture which slidably receives one end of the loop of string therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Inventor: Bradley J. Boury
  • Patent number: 4971592
    Abstract: An apparatus is set forth to provide a toy to enhance the imagination and entertainment of children simulating ghost detection and capture. The device includes a central cabinet provided with a battery powered sequencing of LED lights. The lights are mounted upon spaced "L" shaped arms directed in a parallel relationship relative to the main cabinet. A further series of lights mounted on a forward face of the cabinet cooperates with the LED lights to enhance the visual effect of their use. Accessories include a forwardly mounted ghost capturing concial illumination barrel mounted to a forward panel of the cabinet, and further including a telescopic lens utilizing multi-colored panels to enhance visual effect of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Inventor: Joseph P. Carcia, III
  • Patent number: 4964837
    Abstract: The self-contained sound effects system for a model radio controlled toy vehicle. The conventional internal control signals of the vehicle are detected by the present invention and are utilized to generate realistic sound effects on board the vehicle. The sound data and programming necessary to coordinate the realistic sound effects with the conventional on-board control signals are entirely contained on the vehicle. A microprocessor is used to provide the coordination of the sound data with the programming and the microprocessor modifies the sound effects with any changes in the on-board control signals by varying the pitch, timbre, amplitude, and the like of the sound effects. A communications port is also provided on the vehicle so that when connected with a remote computer, the sound data and programming can be selectively modified by the operator to add new sound effects or to change current sound effects and operating software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Inventor: Harry B. Collier
  • Patent number: 4963117
    Abstract: A footbag having a pliant outer skin made of a translucent plastic material. The interior of the footbag is filled with a plurality of translucent or fluorescent beads. An aperture is provided in the skin, the diameter of which permitting one chemical light stick, or if desired one or more chemical light sticks to be inserted into the footbag. Connected with the skin adjacent the aperture therein, and extending into the interior of the foot bag is a sack of generally cylindrical shape. The sack is translucent and receives the chemical light stick so that the beads are prevented from spilling out of the footbag through the aperture. A plurality attached flexible skin panel covers the aperture, and is secured, to the perimeter of the aperture, in those areas where it is not permanently attached, by a hook and loop type fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Inventor: Kevin G. Gualdoni
  • Patent number: 4950202
    Abstract: A toy mailbox includes a mounting member formed as an "L" shaped rod threadedly mounting the mailbox at an upper end and including a "C" shaped clamp for securing the mailbox to door frame portions of an interior door frame. The toy mailbox further includes a base with a battery housing and switch therein with fiber optic illumination members directed upwardly through a transparent post for selective illumination of the post as an alert when the mailbox is secured interiorly of a dwelling. A transparent base member is securable to the mailbox housing for securement to the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Inventor: Robert J. Florio
  • Patent number: 4946416
    Abstract: A toy wheeled vehicle such as a toy truck which is intended to be pushed along by a child includes electronic circuitry which is capable of emitting a plurality of different sounds similar to the sounds of a real truck. The actual sound of a truck's internal combustion engine is digitized and stored in a microprocessor along with other sounds such as those generated by a starter motor, horn, backup beeper and the like. In addition, the microprocessor is capable of synthesizing additional realistic vehicle sounds such as those generated by air brakes and the like. A starter switch first activates the starter motor sound and then the engine sound at idle speed. A speed sensor senses both speed and the direction of travel and varies the engine sound in response to the sensed speed. The backup beeper sound is automatically generated along with the engine sound when the truck is moved in reverse. The microprocessor not only stores all of the digitized sounds but also controls all of the operations of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Innova Development Corporation
    Inventors: Carl M. Stern, Richard N. Meckstroth, Stephen L. Hayes
  • Patent number: 4930776
    Abstract: The present invention takes the WIFFLE.RTM. BALL baseball into the darkness and allows for the continued play, without need of any complicated or expensive lighting equipment or the like. The standard WIFFLE.RTM. BALL baseball design is retained, and instead of traditional white plastic, a translucent plastic material is employed in the construction of the ball. Inserted into the ball for night play is an activated chemiluminescent light stick, such as those manufactured by, or under license from, the American Cyanamid Company and sold under the trademark CYALUME.RTM.. The light stick used herein is an elongated flexible tubular member, joined at its ends with a connecting piece forming a circular light-ring. The light ring is readily inserted into the cavity of the translucent WIFFLE.RTM. BALL baseball and retained therein without the need of any special attachments or further modifications. Under field testing, the thus modified NITELITE WIFFLE.RTM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Inventors: Nelson F. Newcomb, Nelson F. Newcomb, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4915663
    Abstract: An optical toy image generator of the present invention comprises a parabolic reflector having a central opening for movable receipt of an image bearing shaft. The image bearing shaft contains a distorted representation which will appear on the shiny mirrored surface of the reflector as a dynamic changing proper image to the viewer who is facing the reflector's parabolic surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Inventor: Ronald G. Magers
  • Patent number: 4911673
    Abstract: A toy viewing assembly kit for producing multi-directional image reflecting configurations. The kit is comprised of a plurality of angular reflecting sections having reflecting elements disposed therein and hollow extension sections. The individual sections having coupling portions for permitting removable interconnection thereof. The coupling portions allowing unrestricted axial rotations of adjacently connected sections thereby creating multi-directional assembly configurations. The assembly configurations provide multi-axis image reflections viewable by the child user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Inventor: John R. Hollowell
  • Patent number: 4898560
    Abstract: An amusement device having a plurality of mirror blocks of the same size and configuration, each of the blocks having a mirror face adapted to face upwardly when the blocks are supported on a flat horizontal supporting surface, and a plurality of pattern-bearing elements each bearing a partial section of an overall pattern and selectively positionable with respect to the mirror faces of the blocks to reconstruct the overall pattern by reflections from the mirror faces of the mirror blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Inventor: Ivan Moscovich
  • Patent number: 4897069
    Abstract: A toy hoop and guide stick allows the hoop to be rolled along and controlled by an individual through use of the guide stick. A rectangular channel member is secured to an end portion of the guide stick and has a width equal to about twice the width of the hoop. This allows a wide variety of maneuvers and tricks to be performed by manipulating the hoop. In a second embodiment, the circular hoop has a hollow circular interior track receiving a plurality of elongated rolling members. The hoop is formed from a transparent material to allow observation of the rolling members. The rolling members including a phosphorescent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Inventor: Sterlin U. Overturf
  • Patent number: 4894040
    Abstract: A toy construction set may utilize blocks with electrical connections, this block receives electrical power, outputs energy in the electromagnetic spectrum, receives reflected energy and outputs a result to be utilized elsewhere in the toy assembly. Though it has connectors to attach it to other like blocks, it has a bearing shaft to enable an anemometer (FIG. 5) or a tachometer. It may sense bar codes and enable an assembled vehicle to accept trackway commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Interlego AG.
    Inventors: Erik Bach, Allan Toft
  • Patent number: 4887893
    Abstract: A periscope, particularly a toy periscope formed of an elongated housing, having at one end portion an inlet opening in one side surface, and at the opposite, second end portion an outlet opening, and two deflection mirrors arranged in the interior of the housing at the two end portions thereof. To facilitate manufacture, the housing is formed of a one piece blow molded plastic material. Mirror holding elements are located in the inlet and outlet openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Inventor: Lennart Dahlgren
  • Patent number: 4884990
    Abstract: Luminescent balloons (18', 18") and methods of manufacture thereof wherein one or more balloon forms (11) are respectively moved through discrete sequential processing stations (12/16, 14/21 and, optionally, 15/22) for the purpose of applying successive laminations (19, 20 and, optionally, 24) on the balloon forms (11), which laminations are dryed, set and cured in drying stations (16, 21, 22) so as to form a balloon (18', 18") having: (i) an outer lamination (19) formed essentially of pure latex and providing structural integrity for the balloon; (ii) an inner lamination (20) bonded to the inner surface of the outer lamination (19), in which inner lamination (20) the luminescent dry solid particles are maintained in a latex carrier and constitute at least FIFTY PERCENT (50%), and preferably from SIXTY-FIVE PERCENT (65%) to SEVENTY-FIVE PERCENT (75%), of the total dry solids in the inner lamination (20) for imparting the luminescent qualities to the balloon; and (iii), optionally, a third essentially pure lat
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Inventor: Craig J. Lovik
  • Patent number: 4878873
    Abstract: A doll toy has head and trunk portions which are illuminated to project images thereon by a single interior light source. Illumination of both portions is achieved by making inner cavities of the two portions in communication with each other, so that the light source disposed in the trunk portion and head portions. Projectable images are contained on transparent frames located in both the trunk and head portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: Tomy Kogyo Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Hidehiko Yamaguchi, Kouichi Minami, Nobuo Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 4874343
    Abstract: A toy figure for detecting and signaling changes in ambient light level in which a detection circuit includes an operational amplifier acting as a comparator for comparing two signals from a voltage divider network. The first input signal is the signal of interest to be detected. The second input signal is held stable by a capacitor with a relatively long time constant. When the first signal exceeds the second signal, a change in output of the comparator is produced to effect both radiation and audio signal outputs from the toy figure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Doren Rosenthal
  • Patent number: 4865575
    Abstract: A light responsive remote control vehicle is operated in response to a beam of colored control light eminating from a hand operated and handheld controller. The vehicle is operative on a track having confining side walls and includes a pair of light sensors which respond solely to the illumination of the vehicle by the colored light beam. Electronic circuitry controls the operation of the vehicle in response to the relative illuminations of internal photosensors. A diffuser and light filter configuration is interposed between the controlled light and the photosensors to provide color selectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Doren Rosenthal
  • Patent number: 4828527
    Abstract: A three-dimensional play character provided with translucent eye and mouth elements, the character having fixedly mounted within its body a pre-recorded microcassette which is accessible through a body opening, the recorded sounds being appropriate to the personality of the character. Within the body are light guides that run from an optical inlet on the wall of the opening to the eye and mouth elements. Insertable through the opening to occupy an operative position with respect to the microcassette is a battery-powered playback module that serves to drive the microcassette, the module including a pick-up heat coupled to an audio amplifier whose audio signals are applied both to a loudspeaker which reproduces the recording and to a light bulb that is modulated by the signals to produce light pulses in synchronism with the reproduced sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Inventor: Donald Spector
  • Patent number: 4824413
    Abstract: The toy vehicle of the present invention includes a body having two idler wheels and a battery driven power pack rotatably mounted therein, the power pack having a driven wheel mounted thereon and rotating therewith. The rear driven wheel has 360.degree. of movement relative to the body selectively to allow the body to be driven in any direction. The body has a battery powered flashlight assembly mounted therein and may be adapted to receive a plurality of snap-on pieces to change the appearance and apparent function of the toy vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: Those Characters from Cleveland
    Inventor: Jerzy Perkitny
  • Patent number: 4789371
    Abstract: A toy simulated flash camera is disclosed for simulating the flash exposure of a real camera. The toy camera has a flash housing containing a light reflecting member which is visible through a front opening in the front wall of the flash housing. The toy flash camera further has a top opening in the top wall of the flash housing. A flash shutter mechanism is provided for the top opening which is movable between a normal shutter closed position for preventing the passage of ambient light through the top opening into engagement with an outer surface of the light reflecting member, and a shutter open position allowing the passage of ambient light through the top opening. A flash shutter actuating mechanism is provided for momentarily moving the flash shutter mechanism to its shutter open position causing the ambient light momentarily reflected from the outer surface of the light reflecting member through the front opening to simulate a real flash lamp exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Assignee: The Quaker Oats Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Boggs, Janet E. Snell-Kelly
  • Patent number: 4787635
    Abstract: An eye-hand coordination game includes a hand-held hoop assembly and an untethered ball. A plurality of connecting posts and clicking assemblies join two rings of the hoop assembly. The game is utilized by keeping the unconstrained ball in motion along the inner edges of the rings via centrifugal force, whereupon a rhythmic, clicking sound is produced in time with the movement of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Inventor: Allen G. Mynatt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4781647
    Abstract: A synthetic phosphorescent fiber having a sectional dimension of less than approximately 0.015 in. and a method of manufacturing the fiber. The fiber comprises a body portion made of a flexible and durable polymeric material which is at least partially translucent and a plurality of phosphorescent particles in the body portion. The particles have a miximum particle size which is less than one half of the sectional dimension of the fibers and between approximately 0.0075 in. and 0.0005 in. and they have a mean particle size which is greater than approximately 0.0025 in. The fibers are manufactured in accordance with the method by mixing appropriately sized phosphorescent particles with a coupling agent, mixing the particles and the coupling agent with a suitable polymer and extruding the resultant mixture to form fibers. The fibers can be effectively utilized for artificial hair for toy dolls as well as for various other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventor: Linwood E. Doane, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4781646
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a toy toaster oven that simulates real toaster ovens used by adults. The toy toaster oven has a turn-on knob which uncovers a skylight for illuminating light-reflecting material in the oven with ambient light to simulate a glowing electrical heating element for initiation of a heating cycle. To turn off the toy toaster oven, a drive motor latch on-off button is depressed to its "off" position, causing the drive motor to close the skylight, the simulated glowing heating element to cease glowing and a bell to ring indicating that the simulated food item placed in the oven has been fully toasted or baked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: The Quaker Oats Company
    Inventor: Joseph L. Dibley
  • Patent number: 4778429
    Abstract: A toy for dabbling, having a toy body; a cylinder extending from one side portion of the toy body to the opposite portion thereof and supported fixedly therein; a fish bowl in which a smaller imitation fish is to swim, an imitation windmill, a larger imitation fish connected to a thread, a pump, and an ejection nozzle joined to the pump, all of which are fitted in different portions of the wall of the toy body; a reel which is urged so that the thread is constantly taken up therearound, and which is secured to the portion of the wall of the toy body in which the larger imitation fish is fitted; a lens or a transparent plate fitted in one end of the cylinder; and a cover having a plurality of air vents and fixed to the other end of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: Staff Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masatoshi Todokoro
  • Patent number: 4715564
    Abstract: A chemiluminescent kite has a frame including at least one support member, and a cover sheet supported by the frame and adapted to catch the wind. At least one support member of the kite includes at least one self-contained source of chemiluminescent light. The source has an outer flexible container which transmits light and which contains both a first reactive composition and at least one inner breakable container. The inner container contains a second reactive composition which is adapted to react with the first reactive composition to provide chemiluminescent light. The cover sheet may be made of a translucent or transparent material so that the light is visible through the cover sheet. In addition, the cover sheet may be decorated with an opaque design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Inventors: John J. Kinn, Donna A. Kinn
  • Patent number: 4655721
    Abstract: A toy construction having a light element which can be illuminated without the use of an artificial light source in the toy. The toy comprises a toy body made of an opaque material and having an aperture therethrough, and a light element made of a translucent material having a fluorescent color. The light element is mounted on the toy body and it includes a collecting portion having an enlarged, preferably smooth, collecting surface thereon which is located in an exposed position on the exterior of the toy and an emitting portion having a reduced, preferably roughened, emitting surface thereon which is also located in an exposed position on the exterior of the toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: Hasbro Bradley, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard Loomis, Vincent A. Baiera, Bennie J. Caldwell, Gary J. Strauss
  • Patent number: 4623318
    Abstract: An animated figure toy (10) includes an upper torso (14) provided with a pair of arms (22) articulately mounted for relative movement thereto upward toward the plane of the shoulders by centrifugal force, as the upper torso is rotated relative to a lower torso (16) upon which it is mounted, by means of a thumbwheel (64) coacting with a drive means (44) connected between the torsos. The individual arms are also rotatable for 360.degree. about an axis through the shoulders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Phedon J. Tsiknopoulos, Roger H. Sweet