Leaping Or Projected Figure Or Accessory Patents (Class 446/308)
  • Patent number: 11452946
    Abstract: A humanoid batter toy system comprising: a baseball home plate comprising: a bottom plate, a top plate, wherein the set of gear transfers the torque force to the leg shaft. The baseball batter humanoid includes the leg shaft coupled to a hip gear in the baseball batter humanoid, wherein the hip gear receives the torque force uses the torque force to cause an upper torso of baseball batter humanoid to rotate a baseball bat in a batter swinging motion, wherein the metal rope is placed in a central manner within the upper torso portion and when metal wire rope is pulled, the shoulder rotation of the baseball batter humanoid occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Inventors: Bhupendra M Patel, Jagdish M Patel
  • Patent number: 10525372
    Abstract: A pop action toy assembly having an elastomeric body that is defined primarily by a first surface and a second surface. The elastomeric body is selectively positionable between a normal orientation, where the first surface faces outwardly, and an inverted orientation, where the second surface faces outwardly. In use, the elastomeric body is manually inverted. As the inverted body strikes the ground, the toy assembly pops from an inverted orientation back into its normal orientation. A knob is molded at part of the elastomeric body. The knob can be used to hold the toy assembly when inverted. If the toy assembly is inverted and strikes the ground, the knob act to increase the rebounding force by adding significant mass to the moving apex of the toy assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: KMA Concepts Limited
    Inventor: Peter Alan Fish
  • Patent number: 9061217
    Abstract: A toy includes a magazine and a movable arm having a launching end. A plurality of disks are configured to be stacked face to face in the magazine, where each disk has a recess in its face and an engagement element near an edge of the disk. The launching end of the arm includes a retractable extension that is insertable into the recess in the disk, such that the arm is capable of receiving the disk. A protrusion on the magazine engages the engagement element in the disk, causing the disk to rotate around the retractable extension as the arm removes the disk from the magazine. A mechanism in the arm causes the retractable extension to protrude when the arm is adjacent to the magazine, and to retract to release the disk when the arm is moved away from the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Strauss
  • Publication number: 20150079874
    Abstract: A toy includes a magazine and a movable arm having a launching end. A plurality of disks are configured to be stacked face to face in the magazine, where each disk has a recess in its face and an engagement element near an edge of the disk. The launching end of the arm includes a retractable extension that is insertable into the recess in the disk, such that the arm is capable of receiving the disk. A protrusion on the magazine engages the engagement element in the disk, causing the disk to rotate around the retractable extension as the arm removes the disk from the magazine. A mechanism in the arm causes the retractable extension to protrude when the arm is adjacent to the magazine, and to retract to release the disk when the arm is moved away from the magazine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Michael L. Strauss
  • Patent number: 8974264
    Abstract: A figurine launcher is described. The figurine launcher includes at least two shell components. The shell components are hingedly attached with one another to move between an open position and a closed position. An open mechanism is attached with at least one of the shell components and is adapted to allow a user to selectively separate the shell components when in the closed position. A launch positioning mechanism is attached with at least one of the shell components. The launch positioning mechanism is adapted to engage with a figurine and conceal the figurine within the housing when the shell components are in a closed position. Alternatively, when the shell components are in an open position, the launch positioning mechanism is adapted to move the figurine into a launch position. When in the launch position, the user can compress the shell components to force the figurine from the launcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim McCafferty, Greg Leong, Dominic Laurienzo, Rip Lopusnak
  • Patent number: 8943721
    Abstract: This invention is a huggable picture frame in the form of a person or doll, with an audio playback and recording unit. The shape of the invention is preferably a human shape in a soft sculpture, with a frame capable of holding a photograph. The audio playback and recording unit is activated by at least one remote button. The audio playback and recording unit contains a microphone or other audio input device and a speaker or other audio output device. The audio playback and recording unit and power supply are enclosed within the soft sculpture with sufficient cushioning that the presence of such relatively hard objects is not easily felt while the soft sculpture is hugged or squeezed. The overall impression of the picture frame is a huggable doll, which with a selected photograph, presents a reminder of a particular person to the user of the picture frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Audrey Storch
  • Publication number: 20140273724
    Abstract: A shape changing apparatus includes a body portion and first and second appendages pivotally attached to respective first and second opposing sides of the body portion so as to be rotatable about respective first and second axes of rotation. The first and second appendages are moveable between an open position and a closed position. Each appendage has a generally arcuate shape. The shape changing apparatus further includes a biasing mechanism coupled to the first and second appendages. The biasing mechanism is configured to bias the first and second appendages to the open position. The shape changing apparatus further includes a release mechanism operatively coupled to one of the first or second appendages. Upon activating the release mechanism the biasing mechanism pivots the first and second appendages to the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: BANG ZOOM DESIGN, LTD.
    Inventor: Michael G. Hoeting
  • Toy
    Patent number: 8708769
    Abstract: A toy figure is disclosed herein, the toy figure having a main body portion; a pair of appendages movably secured to the main body portion for movement from a first position to a second position and back to the first position; and a removably body portion removably secured to the main body portion, wherein the pair of appendages grasp the removably body portion when they are moved to the second position and the removably body portion is removably secured to the main body portion, wherein the removably body portion is subsequently removed from the main body portion by the pair of appendages as they are moved back towards the first position from the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel De La Torre, Jian Sheng Hu, Josiah To Sang Li, Wai Nang Lam
  • Patent number: 8371899
    Abstract: A novelty pop-up toy and its associated method of operation. The pop-up toy has a head section that is supported on a double-layered braided sleeve body. When the pop-up toy is compressed, the double-layered braided sleeve body elastically deforms from an uncompressed state to a compressed state. While in the compressed state, the double-layered braided sleeve body stores energy. If the compression force is suddenly released, the double-layered braided sleeve body releases its stored energy and pops back into its uncompressed state. As the double-layered braided sleeve body returns to its uncompressed state, it rapidly expands, therein providing enough force to propel the entire pop-up toy into the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Steve Walterscheid
  • Patent number: 8230630
    Abstract: A soft sculpture picture frame in the shape of a human or animal, with a contained audio recording and playback device. A message may be recorded on the audio recording and playback device for later playback, by pressing a recording activation means contained within part of the human shape of the picture frame. The recorded message may be played back by pressing a playback activation means contained within part of the human shape of the picture frame, preferably a different part. Picture retaining means holds a photograph of a person whose voice may be recorded on the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Audrey Storch
  • Patent number: 8109518
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a game in which players launch, shoot, or propel objects at a target, and more specifically, to a game in which players launch, shoot, or propel objects in an attempt to attach the objects to a target that may be in motion, or to dislodge objects that are hanging from the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Blagg, Janice E. Ritter, Stephen Pang Kwai Lau, Sammy Wai Nang Lam
  • Patent number: 8052501
    Abstract: A water toy device utilizing elongated body having first and second surfaces and first and second ends. A pair of wings extend from the elongated body and are bendable to determine the path of travel of the device in a body of water. An elongated fin projects from the first surface from the elongated body to stabilize the movement of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: John H Friend
  • Patent number: 7927177
    Abstract: A pop action toy ball assembly. The pop action toy ball assembly has a lower hemispherical section and a separate upper hemispherical section. The two hemispherical sections are joined together by a connection element. The connection element has one end that is anchored to the apex of the lower hemispherical section. The connection element extends upwardly through the apex of the upper hemispherical section without being affixed to the upper hemispherical section. The lower hemispherical section is selectively positionable between a normal orientation, where a first surface faces outwardly, and an inverted orientation, where a second surface faces outwardly. If the toy ball assembly is impacted while the lower hemispherical section is inverted, the toy assembly pops from its inverted orientation back into its normal orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Steve Walterscheid
  • Patent number: 7871304
    Abstract: A gaming device for enhancing sporting event on television including an assembled unit loaded with a number of pins/flags and a remote control through which the unit receives radio/infrared signals in order to actuate the device. A right arm of the figurine is connected to a stepper motor and can be placed on top of the assembled unit. When the user depresses the button on the remote control the stepper motor makes one revolution and the hand portion of the arm makes contact with the pin/flag and ejects the pin/flag out of the assembled unit in order to signal rule infractions associated with a game. The device simply gives users the satisfaction of calling their own penalties, and or counts the number of actual penalties in the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventor: Anthony R. Lovato
  • Patent number: 7861444
    Abstract: A device which simulates natural flowering actions, including growth and efflorescence, is actuated by partial immersion of a stem into a liquid. An aperture through the stem base admits the liquid into the stem. A piston slidably disposed within the stem is driven downwardly by the bias force of a resilient spring while an agent which impedes the piston motion dissolves in the liquid. Growth is simulated by a sleeve outside the stem which descends in relation thereto to push the flower upwardly. A simulated corolla is attached to the stem and gradually rotates and opens during the ascent thereof. A cam controls the pivotal position of lifters which open and close the corolla. The petals of the corolla vibrate before opening and open with variations in starting time. As the corolla opens, a surprise gift, gradually ascending on a presentation platform, is revealed. The device may be reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Marlow
  • Patent number: 7806746
    Abstract: A novelty popper toy and its associated method of operation. The popper toy has a head section that is supported on a braided sleeve body. When the popper toy is compressed, the braided sleeve body elastically deforms from an uncompressed state to a compressed state. While in the compressed state, the braided sleeve body stores energy. If the compression force is suddenly released, the braided sleeve body releases its stored energy and pops back into its uncompressed state. As the braided sleeve body returns to its uncompressed state, it rapidly expands, therein providing enough force to propel the entire popper toy into the air. The popper toy can be delayed in its expansion and/or prevented from flying into the air by the addition of a suction cup to the popper toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Steve Walterscheid
  • Patent number: 7803033
    Abstract: A pop action toy assembly having an elastomeric body that is defined primarily by a first surface and a second surface. The elastomeric body is selectively positionable between a normal orientation, where the first surface faces outwardly, and an inverted orientation, where the second surface faces outwardly. An activator assembly having an impact disc and a knob extends through the elastomeric body at its apex. The impact disc strikes the ground when the toy assembly pops from an inverted orientation back into its normal orientation. The knob is used to grasp, spin and throw the toy assembly when inverted. A plurality of tabs symmetrically protrude from the base rim of the elastomeric body. If the toy assembly is inverted and strikes the ground, the protruding tabs act to concentrate the force of the impact and cause the toy assembly to pop back into its normal orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventor: Steve Walterscheid
  • Patent number: 7713105
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a launching device for a flying toy. The launching device facilitates the transition of the flying toy from a resting state to a flying state. The launching device may include elements for holding one or more parts of the flying toy in a retracted position while the flying toy is in a resting state and for releasing the parts when the flying toy launches into a flying state. According to the invention, the launching device includes a launch-assist mechanism that provides a force to facilitate the launch of the flying toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Barthold
  • TOY
    Publication number: 20100041305
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a toy including a figure and a launcher for launching objects at the figure. The figure has an upper portion and a lower portion wherein the upper portion is movably secured to the lower portion and at least one appendage is movably secured to the upper portion, the at least one appendage having a distal end with an item rotatably secured thereto. An actuator is disposed on an exterior surface of the upper portion of the figure and movement of the actuator causes the upper portion to move from a first configuration to a second configuration with respect to the lower portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Stacy Lynn O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7575496
    Abstract: A toy locking mechanism, a toy releasing mechanism, and action figure toys that include the same. The toy locking mechanism may include first and second members having at least one corresponding pair of first and second locking elements forming nip regions. The locking mechanism may also include a third member having an end portion adapted to be retained in a nip region when the second member is in a locked position. A fourth member may be adapted to bias the second member toward the locked position. A fifth member may be adapted to be moved by a user relative to the first and second members, and may be adapted to contact the second member during movement to urge the second member toward an unlocked position. Some embodiments include a releasing mechanism adapted to urge the end portion of a third member away from an associated nip region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Leon Lau, Jamie Cheung
  • Patent number: 7537506
    Abstract: Toy figures having a moveable appendage, an object associated with the toy figure at a first position, and a transfer mechanism configured to couple the moveable appendage with the object, and transfer the object to a second position on the figure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Gabriel de la Torre
  • Publication number: 20090075554
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a launching device for a flying toy. The launching device facilitates the transition of the flying toy from a resting state to a flying state. The launching device may include elements for holding one or more parts of the flying toy in a retracted position while the flying toy is in a resting state and for releasing the parts when the flying toy launches into a flying state. According to the invention, the launching device includes a launch-assist mechanism that provides a force to facilitate the launch of the flying toy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Mark Barthold
  • Publication number: 20080233832
    Abstract: “Drop and pop” is a new rubberband-powered plastic pop-up toy. The toy features a unique suction cup delayed-release mechanism. (FIG. 9) The toy is made from flexible polyethelene plastic. (FIG. 1) The plastic is cut, creased, and folded into a box-like shape. (FIG. 6) Rubberbands fit in slots around the embodiment. (FIG. 7) When the corners opposite the rubberbands are pressed, the toy is flattened like an accordian. A vinyl suction cup adheres to a special semi-smooth surface, holding the embodiment flat, but slightly “cupped”. The toy is now “cocked” or “set”. (FIG. 8) The toy stays “set” for 2 to 5 seconds, unless dropped. When dropped on a flat surface, concave side down, the suction cup is forced loose. (FIG. 9) The rubberbands retract and the toy pops-up several feet. (FIG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel Joseph Lirot
  • Patent number: 7037171
    Abstract: An entertainment device for use with at least one toy block is provided, wherein the entertainment device comprises a housing including a block support surface for the at least one toy block. The at least one toy block includes at least first and second planar surfaces adapted to contact the block support surface. The entertainment devices includes a block reorientation mechanism attached to the housing, the block reorientation mechanism being capable of (1) moving the block off of the block support surface from a first position in which the first surface of the block is in contact with the block support surface and (2) reorienting the block to a second position in which the second surface of the block is in contact with the block support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley M. Clark, Robert J. Sonner
  • Patent number: 7008289
    Abstract: A toy including an openable container, and a non-porous, molded, hollow, elastic three-dimensional representative object arranged to be contained in a compressed condition within the container such that on opening the container the object springs out by assuming its uncompressed shape and size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Genie Toys PLC
    Inventor: Casey Norman
  • Patent number: 6988927
    Abstract: A simple two-piece interactive toy has one part made as a simulated gun that transmits an infrared signal. The other piece is a spring-loaded can. When the can receives the infrared signal from the gun, the internal spring mechanism is activated to shift an internal weight. This causes the can to impulsively jump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventors: Moti Gingold, Amit Nuillin
  • Patent number: 6837769
    Abstract: Human-like toy figure (1) comprising a body (3) and legs (4) that are, in the upright position of the toy figure, configured such in relation to each other that the body (3) is turnable about an essentially horizontal axis (A). In connection with the body (3) means are provided for temporarily securing an object (21); and the toy figure (1) is provided with a spring device that seeks to keep the body (3) upright, but allows the body (3) to swing resiliently both forwards and backwards about the axis (A). Also a game comprising such toy figure (1) and at least one goal and an object (21) intended to be thrown towards the goal by the toy figure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Interlego AG
    Inventors: Ib Torben Skov, Erik Legernes
  • Patent number: 6808437
    Abstract: A projectile plush toy including a body portion having a mass and a first extendible link. The first extendible link having a forward end portion and a rearward end portion. The rearward end portion connected to the body portion. The first extendible link extendible between a first position and a second position. In the second position, the forward end portion defines a first release point and the first extendible link biases the body portion towards the forward end portion. In the second position, a major mass portion of the plush toy is positioned at the rearward end portion of the first extendible link. In one preferred embodiment of this invention, the projectile plush toy further includes a second extendible link having a forward end portion and a rearward end portion connected to the body portion. The second extendible link is extendible between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Senario LLC
    Inventors: George Podd, Tim Copeland
  • Patent number: 6796872
    Abstract: The invention is a pop-up device adapted to allow for a number of triggering means and a number of special effects upon triggering of the device. The pop-up device may be placed in a hollow section of a cake, which is later iced over so that the candle holder is not visible. In the preferred embodiment, the base of the device supports the pop-up mechanism within a housing. The device is held in a compressed state by a release mechanism. Upon triggering of the release mechanism, the device is released and pushed through the cake or other confection, thereby providing surprise and entertainment. In alternative embodiments, the device is actuated by a drive mechanism or a fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Herber
  • Patent number: 6761612
    Abstract: A digital sports pop-up apparatus in which the apparatus is representative of a predetermined sport. The apparatus comprises a stand member with a substantially hollow member engageable with an upper portion of the stand member, the substantially hollow member being in a predetermined shape indicative of a particular sport. There is an opening disposed adjacent a top of the hollow member to enable access into an interior thereof. A pop-up figure is disposed within the interior of the hollow member. A hinged lid is rotatingly engageable with the hollow member adjacent the opening for closing the opening. A latch is disposed in one of the hollow member and the hinged lid for securing the hinged lid in a closed position. There is a means engageable with the latch means for releasing the lid and a biasing means for causing the pop-up figure to be raised out of the hollow member when the hinged lid is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Out Of The Box
    Inventors: Brad A. Pencil, James A. Leopardo
  • Patent number: 6726572
    Abstract: “Pop-Up Surprise is a novelty gift idea designed to blend naturally with any bouquet of flowers and seemingly magically delivers a pre-printed message to its recipient. The pop-up mechanism resembles a flower stem, is green in color and is height adjustable. The silk bud or other outer housings are stand alone pieces designed to house a banner on which the message will be written. The outer housing (Silk bud in this example) easily snaps on the top of the outer stem. A spring and a plastic pop-up rod are parts of the internal mechanism designed to pop the banner up through the outer housing. A timed release tablet dissolves in water over a period of 24 hours releasing the pop-up rod which pushes the banner up through the outer housing, revealing the banner with a pre-printed message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas R Versen
  • Patent number: 6684819
    Abstract: A toy device for an animal wherein a catapulting apparatus is disposed on a base whereupon a toy-like member is catapulted from the apparatus in a horizontal-like trajectory, whereupon the animal will chase and capture the toy-like member. A string is connected between the apparatus and the toy-like member so that the toy-like member is recoiled back upon the base for a repetition of events. A microcontroller is provided for use with the catapult device so that the catapult works on a timing mechanism and operates at a predetermined time interval. The apparatus can be either battery operated or can use conventional 110-volt alternating current as its power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Carl L. Locke
  • Patent number: 6666745
    Abstract: The present invention includes a doll that has a torso hingedly attached to a pair of legs. Springs are attached to the torso and legs for exerting a spring force that keeps the torso and legs in a substantially planar position. A motor mechanism attached to the torso and legs for moving the torso and legs towards each other against the springs. A circuit board in communication with the motor mechanism controls the torso and legs such that the doll hops along a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Lund and Company
    Inventors: Bruce D. Lund, Krishnan Srirangam
  • Publication number: 20030027486
    Abstract: The invention include foam toys such as a slingshot, a bow, and a plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Brian K. LaPointe, Cole E. Larner
  • Publication number: 20020164921
    Abstract: A jumping toy comprising a projectile comprising a cushioned head, a propulsion mechanism, a base, and, in some embodiments, a releasable catch mechanism that prevents the propulsion mechanism from activating until the catch mechanism is released. In various embodiments, the propulsion mechanism may comprise a spring with the cushioned head attached to the spring; the base may comprise a launching tube into which the spring is compressed; the toy may comprise an article with a spring mounted in an inner compartment; or the toy may comprise a launching apparatus comprising a projectile interface and a base, wherein movement of the projectile interface relative to the base creates stored energy that is subsequently converted to kinetic energy and transferred to the projectile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: William T. Wilkinson, Phil Bart
  • Patent number: 6468126
    Abstract: The invention is a pop-up device adapted to allow for a number of triggering means and a number of special effects upon triggering of the device. The pop-up device may be placed in a hollow section of a cake, which is later iced over so that the candle holder is not visible. In the preferred embodiment, the base of the device supports the pop-up mechanism within a housing. The device is held in a compressed state by a release mechanism. Upon triggering of the release mechanism, the device is released and pushed through the cake or other confection, thereby providing surprise and entertainment. In alternative embodiments, the device is actuated by a drive mechanism or a fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Herber
  • Patent number: 6422871
    Abstract: An educational system for teaching individuals their emotions employs a multiplicity of sets of faces. Each set of faces expresses a different emotion experienced by individuals from time to time. The sets of faces have facial expressions correlated to the different emotions. There are a plurality of states of the particular emotion that are expressed in the facial expressions of each set of faces. The states defined for each of the different emotions are subdued, normal and exaggerated states. The facial expressions on the faces employ certain facial features to express the particular emotions, namely, eyes, eyebrows, a mouth and a nose. These facial features are enclosed in a facial circle. The sizes of these facial features relative to the facial circle change from one state of a particular emotion to another and are smallest in the subdued state, largest in the exaggerated state and inbetween and balanced in the normal state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Kimberly A. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 6343969
    Abstract: A figure-like toy-projectile and launching platform assembly adapted to propel the figure into space by means of an elastic spring concealed in the figure. The figure whose head forms the nose of the projectile includes arms and legs extending from a torso joined to the head, and an elongated cavity in the torso whose front end is an opening in the crotch between the legs and whose rear end lies in an upper region in the torso in line with the head. Received in the cavity is an elastic spring in the form of a condom having a ring and a stretchable shank, the ring being mounted in the crotch opening. The normal length of the shank is such as to create a space between the end of the shank and the end of the cavity to allow for expansion of the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Donald Spector
  • Patent number: 6220921
    Abstract: A movable frog toy includes a body, a mouth, a movable tongue, and front and rear legs. A sound generator is provided for simulating audible sounds of a real frog. A drive motor and transmission provide power and movement to the parts of the frog to simulate the realistic movements of a frog. The drive motor may be an electric motor. A plurality of gear groups coupled thereto are selectively driven to impart the realistic motion to the respective parts of the frog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Jamina Corporation
    Inventor: Jung-Gyu Kim
  • Patent number: 6171169
    Abstract: A toy figure torso supports at least one pivotal arm together with a spring-loaded mechanism urging the arm toward pivotal motion in a forward direction. A spring is coupled to the arm and provides the urging force. A trigger and latch mechanism is supported within the torso of the toy figure and is operable by a push button supported at the torso rear. The mechanism includes a cooperating lock arm and a cam which engage to inhibit return motion when the toy figure arm is raised to the cocked position. Energy is stored in the spring which is released by activation of the push button allowing rapid forwardly pivoting motion of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff A. Saunders
  • Patent number: 6086449
    Abstract: A spring biased projectable latch mechanism having a triggerable release mechanism at the end of said latch which is projected furthest into a latch receptacle during fastener engagement. A latch housing part of an object being fastened, said housing comprising said latch, said spring bias means, at least one receptacle, and a trigger chamber area. The housing and latch mechanism are constructed such that the spring biased release of the latch of one object actuates the trigger release mechanism of each adjacent object, resulting in a cascading release of a complex structure of interconnected objects in response to a single latch release trigger event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: David F. Sharp
  • Patent number: 6086446
    Abstract: A toy figure resembles a fanciful insect and includes a body supporting a head and a pair of arm-like appendages each supporting a hand. A pair of legs are secured to the body and coupled to feet which in turn support the body in a vertical stance. The body further supports a pair of pivotally coupled wing shells which in turn support a pair of pivotally coupled wings. With the wings and wing shells folded to the closed position, the appearance of an insect shell is provided. With the wing shells and wings pivoted to their respective outward positions, a wing spread approximately twice the normal wing spread is presented. Within the wing shells, a pair of projectile launchers are supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc
    Inventor: Martin F. Arriola
  • Patent number: 6017262
    Abstract: An animated toy with an extendible tongue appendage that can be retracted back towards the opened mouth of the toy creature. In the first preferred embodiment an inner spring and outer spring are used, respectively, to propel the tongue away from the creature's body and to retract the extended tongue. In another second embodiment, the body of the creature is hollow, deformable and resilient with an internal air chamber. Air pressure in this chamber is used in place of the springs to extend and retract the hollow tongue. In a third embodiment, similar to the second embodiment in operation, pressurized air is supplied by an external bellows to extend the creature's tongue before it is retracted by an internal spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Inventor: Byron S. Starnes
  • Patent number: 5601472
    Abstract: A new type of simulated volcano toy is described. It uses a formed mold to create the outer shell of the volcano. A tubular insert is used to ensure the center opening is properly formed. Once the shell is made, a disk is placed at the bottom of the eruption tube. A length of ribbon or string is placed through slots formed in the disk. The ribbon ends are placed out of the eruption tube and are allowed to fall over the sides of the shell. The eruption tube can then be filled with whatever the user desires. For example, candy, plastic pellets, confetti, small toys etc. The user then grasps the ribbon ends and pulls them sharply. This causes the disk in the bottom to be quickly pulled up, out of the eruption tube. As the disk is being pulled upward, all of the material placed over the disk in the eruption tube is thrown upwards and out of the eruption tube by the disk. This creates an "eruption" that is entertaining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventor: Robin L. Parker
  • Patent number: 5391106
    Abstract: An animated toy figure comprising an articulate jaw and a spring actuated tongue member, wherein the articulate jaw defines a mouth movable between an open position for rigidly extending the tongue member away from the mouth and a closed position for storing the tongue member which recoils automatically into the mouth upon actuation, the spring actuated tongue member further including fabric fasteners for attaching small objects to be caught in the tongue member as it recoils into the mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Inventor: Albert W. Lidert, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5334073
    Abstract: A toy figure has a torso with a plurality of removable, spring-biased appendages. Each appendage inserted into the torso with connectors. Each of the connectors includes a groove for receiving a movable detent to attach the appendages to the torso. The front of the toy figure contains two buttons which are actuated upon application of a force. When an upper button is actuated, three spring detents move out of engagement with the connector grooves causing both arms and the head appendages to be simultaneously released and biased outwardly from the torso. When a lower button is actuated, two spring detents move out of engagement with connector grooves, causing both leg appendages to be simultaneously released and biased outwardly from the torso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Tyco Investment Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Tilbor, Anthony R. Garr, Jean Newton, Salvatore Mucaro
  • Patent number: 5334079
    Abstract: A toy for launching projectiles. The toy includes a flexible shell generally having a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface. The convex outer surface has a first protrusion and a plurality of claws. The concave inner surface has a second protrusion. A first projectile is mountable on the first protrusion. A second projectile is mountable on the second protrusion. When the first projectile is mounted on the first protrusion and the shell is inverted such that the convex outer surface becomes a concave surface, the plurality of claws grip the first projectile. Thereafter, when pressure is applied to the shell, the shell returns to its original non-inverted shape and the first projectile is discharged into the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Abrams/Gentile Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Gentile, Anthony Gentile
  • Patent number: 5213538
    Abstract: A pop-action doll includes a resilient bistable hemispherical support member together with a dome-shaped hat portion. A head and torso are secured to the resilient member and the hat portion. The resilient member may be configured in an open position in which it extends downwardly and provides a stable support for the torso, head and hat portions of the doll. Alternatively, the resilient member may be deformed to an alternate stable configuration in which the torso and head portions are enclosed within the domed hat and the resilient member in a "clamshell" type configuration. When in the closed configuration, any impact of the doll against a play surface causes the resilient member to rapidly switch to its alternate configuration in a pop-action which in turn causes the doll to rebound dramatically from the impacted play surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: William Willett
  • Patent number: 5064399
    Abstract: A toy is provided with a catapult having a launching surface, a plurality of interlocking figures, similarly shaped and sized to be launched from the launching surface, and a wave-like undulating surface with which the interlocking figures also fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Discovery Toys, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Klitsner, D'Miles E. Milsal
  • Patent number: 5055084
    Abstract: A spring box is an assembly of a box body and a spring, the box body being formed of a single piece of foldable material such as card stock. The box body bears a message on a message panel. When the box body is closed the message is covered by a cover panel. The box body includes a tab that releasably holds the box body closed with the cover panel overlapping the message panel with the spring biasing the message panel against the cover panel. When the tab is released, the spring suddenly opens the box body, thus to push the message panel upward. The upward movement of the message panel causes the cover panel suddenly to move away from the message panel, thus to expose the message to view. During the sudden opening of the box body, the message panel and the cover panel pivotally move in opposite arcuate directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventor: Zoran Jokic