Motive-power Means Intrinsic To Figure Patents (Class 446/353)
  • Patent number: 12128570
    Abstract: An example method may include i) detecting a disturbance to a gait of a robot, where the gait includes a swing state and a step down state, the swing state including a target swing trajectory for a foot of the robot, and where the target swing trajectory includes a beginning and an end; and ii) based on the detected disturbance, causing the foot of the robot to enter the step down state before the foot reaches the end of the target swing trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: Boston Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Blankespoor, Benjamin Stephens, Marco da Silva
  • Patent number: 12102936
    Abstract: A wearable toy robotic arm, related to a technical field of building toys, including an execution device and a control. The execution device includes a first frame body, a first transmission mechanism, a mechanical gripper, and a first reset elastic component. The mechanical gripper is disposed on the first frame body, the first transmission mechanism includes a first transmission component, the first transmission component is configured to drive the mechanical gripper to open, and the first reset elastic component is configured to drive the first transmission component to reset. The control device includes a second frame body, a first instruction mechanism, at least one second reset elastic component, and a first sliding component. The first instruction mechanism is rotatably disposed on the second frame body, the second reset elastic component is configured to drive the first instruction mechanism to reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Inventor: Donglong Liao
  • Patent number: 10779588
    Abstract: A wrist of a person may be supported as the person operates equipment over a flat work surface by using an article of manufacture having only a sheet and a plurality of protrusions extending from the sheet by placing the article of manufacture as a flat mat for placement on the flat work surface or by wearing the article of manufacture as a wristband.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Inventor: Idan Hazani
  • Patent number: 9017136
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a rotational motor situated within the housing, an eccentric load adapted to be rotated by the rotational motor, and a plurality of legs each having a leg base and a leg tip at a distal end relative to the leg base. The legs are coupled to the housing at the leg base and include at least one driving leg constructed from a flexible material and configured to cause the apparatus to move in a direction generally defined by an offset between the leg base and the leg tip as the rotational motor rotates the eccentric load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Innovation First, Inc.
    Inventors: David Anthony Norman, Robert H. Mimlitch, III, Douglas Michael Galletti, Joel Reagan Carter
  • Patent number: 8905813
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a rotational motor situated within the housing, an eccentric load adapted to be rotated by the rotational motor, and a plurality of legs each having a leg base and a leg tip at a distal end relative to the leg base. The legs are coupled to the housing at the leg base and include at least one driving leg constructed from a flexible material and configured to cause the apparatus to move in a direction generally defined by an offset between the leg base and the leg tip as the rotational motor rotates the eccentric load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Innovation First, Inc.
    Inventors: David Anthony Norman, Robert H. Mimlitch, III, Douglas Michael Galletti, Joel Reagan Carter
  • Publication number: 20140349547
    Abstract: A system may include two character figurines, each of which may be an action figure. Each character figurine may have a body with a humanoid shape. The character figurines may include a first character figurine with a wireless transmitter that transmits a wireless signal, and a second character figurine with a wireless receiver that receives the wireless signal. The second character figurine may have an action system that causes the second character figurine to undertake a visually perceptible action when the wireless signal is received. The action system may include a motor, and the visually perceptible action may include motion of the second character figurine, driven by the motor, that approximates receipt of a wound inflicted by the first character figurine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: James A. Fife, Aaron Womack
  • Patent number: 8834227
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, an eccentric load, a rotational motor coupled to the body and adapted to rotate the eccentric load, and a plurality of legs each having a leg base and a leg tip at a distal end relative to the leg base. At least a portion of the plurality of legs are constructed from a flexible material, are injection molded, are integrally coupled to the body at the leg base, and include at least one driving leg configured to cause the apparatus to move in a direction generally defined by an offset between the leg base and the leg tip as the rotational motor rotates the eccentric load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Innovation First, Inc.
    Inventors: David Anthony Norman, Robert H. Mimlitch, III, Douglas Michael Galletti, Joel Reagan Carter
  • Patent number: 8834226
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a rotational motor situated within the housing, an eccentric load adapted to be rotated by the rotational motor, and a plurality of legs each having a leg base and a leg tip at a distal end relative to the leg base. The legs are coupled to the housing at the leg base and include at least one driving leg constructed from a flexible material and configured to cause the apparatus to move in a direction generally defined by an offset between the leg base and the leg tip as the rotational motor rotates the eccentric load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Innovation First, Inc.
    Inventors: David Anthony Norman, Robert H. Mimlitch, III, Douglas Michael Galletti, Joel Reagan Carter
  • Patent number: 8793016
    Abstract: A hexapod robot device includes a main body and six legs coupled thereto. Each leg has a first connecting rod pivotally connected with the main body, a first driver electrically pivotally connected between the main body and the first connecting rod, with the first driver controllably driving the first connecting rod to move forward and backward along a longitudinal direction, a second connecting rod pivotally connected with the first connecting rod, and a second driver pivotally connected between the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod, with the second driver controllably driving the second connecting rod to move upward and downward along a vertical direction. The second connecting rod further has an end to engage with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: National Kaohsiung University of Applied Science
    Inventor: Chih-Hsiung Yang
  • Publication number: 20140094088
    Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a mechanical device capable of mimicking a serpentine motion. The mechanical device includes a plurality of segmented portions interconnected consecutively at pivoted junctions. A rotational motor and an eccentric weight are secured about one segmented portion and at least one pair of legs extends from a segmented portion towards a contact surface and causes the segmented portion to move in a direction defined as the rotational motor rotates the eccentric weight. The additional segmented portions following the segmented leg portion follow in a serpentine motion as these portions rock and pivot to counter-balance the undulation caused by the segmented leg portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: INNOVATION FIRST, INC.
    Inventors: Raul Olivera, Jeffrey Russell Waegelin, Robert H. Mimlitch, III, David Anthony Norman
  • Publication number: 20140094089
    Abstract: A novelty device includes an electronic module for operatively connecting to an audio jack of a base unit. The novelty device also includes a mechanism configured to react in response to an analog signal received by the electronic module from the base unit. The novelty device may further include a power supply for providing energy to the mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: THE MARKETING STORE WORLDWIDE, LP
    Inventors: Francis Ng, Benjamin Poate, Tom Harvat, Michael Edelstein, Ned Flanagan, Warren Kronberger
  • Publication number: 20140094085
    Abstract: A plurality of toy and accessory figurines are provided which may be arranged in any number of configurations to provide a response upon the formation of a closed electrical circuit. The toy figurines comprise two electrical contacts which, when closed with an external connection source, provide a response stimuli, such as one or a combination of light, sound and/or motion. The toy figurines may be configured to provide the closed electrical circuit. Alternatively, direct skin contact with the electrical contacts may provide the closed electrical circuit. The accessory figurines provide a further level of interaction. The accessory toy figurines comprise a magnetic switch which is actuated between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The magnetic switch is actuated to a closed configuration to close the electrical circuit when in proximity with a conductive metal, such as the electrical contact of the toy figurine, to deliver a response stimuli.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Lumination LLC
    Inventors: Lee Loetz, Anna Lee
  • Patent number: 8662955
    Abstract: A toy figure is disclosed. In some embodiments, the toy figure may include a head; plural facial-expression structures movably mounted to the head and configured to move independent of each other; plural cams configured to rotate about a first axis and to move the plural facial-expression structures; and an elongate cam drive configured to rotate about a second axis spaced from the first axis, and to contact and rotate the plural cams about the first axis, the elongate cam drive having a constant outer diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Chang K. Fai, Edward Wong, James Wong
  • Publication number: 20130288566
    Abstract: A toy having a rotating feature is provided. The toy includes a motor mount and a motor. The motor mount includes a post and a housing. The housing includes a base and at least one first arm extending from the base, the at least one first arm having a flange on an end opposite the base, the flange being rotationally coupled to the post. The motor mount further includes a biasing member coupled to the housing and arranged to rotate the housing in a first direction. The motor is coupled to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Miva A. Filoseta, Jebraeil SAMO
  • Patent number: 8554367
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a robot, which has a simple structure and makes a gesture in a curved shape. The robot includes a body part, at least one cam member symmetrically arranged at both sides of the inside of the body part, an outer cover member surrounding the at least one cam member, and a linear moving device to linearly move the at least one cam member. The shape of the outer cover member is varied, under the condition that the outer cover member is adhered closely to the at least one cam member, according to the movement of the at least one cam member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong Won Kim, Woo Sup Han, Yong Jae Kim
  • Patent number: 8414350
    Abstract: A toy figure with controlled motorized movements is provided having a head, two arms two legs and a tail which are pivotally and/or rotatably attached to a chassis. Mechanisms and electronics are included to move the head, arms, legs and tail in a variety of play patterns and movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Rehkemper, Ryan Kratz, Dennis O'Patka
  • Patent number: 8188390
    Abstract: A low cost cam mechanism facilitating an automatic shut off mechanism preserving battery life in a toy. A rotatable cam including a recess captures an internal actuator and completely shuts down a motor at a defined cam rotation to preserve the battery life in the toy. A resetting biasing lever coupled, to a manually operable actuator advances the cam and is then moved from engagement so as to completely shut down the motor at the defined cam rotation even if the manually operable actuator continues to be depressed. Further Thusly the internal actuator 18 facilitates limited activations of the motor for automatically shutting off a rotating cam mechanism to prevent repetitive continued operation. Further the internal actuator may provide powering up the motor and rotating the cam for “try me” operation for limited demonstrative operations of the toy while packaged or configured in a point of sale environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Alan Poirier
  • Patent number: 8060255
    Abstract: A system of distributed control of an interactive animatronic show includes a plurality of animatronic actors, at least one of the actors having a processor and one or more motors controlled by the processor. The system also includes a network interconnecting each of the actors, and a plurality of sensors providing messages to the network, where the messages are indicative of processed information. Each processor executes software that schedules and/or coordinates an action of the actor corresponding to the processor in accordance with the sensor messages representative of attributes of an audience viewing the show and the readiness of the corresponding actor. Actions of the corresponding actor can include animation movements of the actor, responding to another actor and/or responding to a member of the audience. The actions can result in movement of at least a component of the actor caused by control of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexis Paul Wieland
  • Patent number: 8057275
    Abstract: A toy employing a simple yet unique pivoting mechanism to provide back and forth and side to side pivoting movements and operable to wiggle, twist back and forth, and roll the toy over numerous times imitating a playing, cuddling and rolling over puppy or the like. The toy includes a body portion, a first pivoting portion, and a first linkage coupling the body portion to the first pivoting portion at an angled pivot point offset from a vertical axis intersecting the point at which the body and the first pivoting portions are coupled. An angled surface is included at the first pivoting portion and a gear mechanism is coupled to the body portion and operable to pivot the first pivoting portion with respect to the body portion driving the pivoting action at the angled surface of the first pivoting portion providing back and forth and side to side pivoting movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Don Cameron, Richard J. Maddocks, Jeffrey Olson, Linas Peckus, Brian S. Kujawski, Lc Yang, Zhi Xin Sun
  • Patent number: 7946902
    Abstract: An articulated walking device, configured for movement across a surface, includes a frame and a plurality of leg assemblies movably coupled with the frame so as to at least partially support the frame for movement across the surface. Each leg assembly includes a leg member configured to rotate with respect to the frame about a joint. The joint is formed by a pin passed through an at least generally hour glass shaped aperture to provide rotational movement of the leg member with respect to the frame about at least first and second axes of rotation intersecting in the joint. A drive mechanism is operatively engaged with the plurality of leg assemblies so as to actuate each of the leg members to rotate about the first and second axes in a like, predetermined, repeatable cycle of movement. At least some of the leg members are out of phase with other leg members to produce an anatomic-like gait of the toy device upon actuation of the drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: William Willett, Chung Ming (Bryan) Cheng, Chun Wing (Edward) Wong
  • Patent number: 7905760
    Abstract: A robot toy including: a first block including a servo; a second block connected to the first block by fitting an output shaft of the servo into a boss; and a servo control section. The servo is provided with, a first disk to rotate with the output shaft; a second disk provided facing the first rotating disk to rotate relatively to the first rotating disk in a plane parallel to the first rotating disk according to user operation; and an angle detection section to detect a relative angle between predetermined reference lines on the first and second disks. The servo control section includes a center position control section to rotate the output shaft and the first rotating disk, and to control the servo while a position of the servo, when the relative angle is 0, is at a center position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yosuke Yoneda, Kimitaka Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7901265
    Abstract: A toy drive mechanism having extensions such as leg and neck members covered with a plush covering. The drive mechanism is operative to move the leg, back, and head members in coordinated movements imitating an animal tugging or pulling on a rope. The realistic movement is provided by a series of rotating devices, some on differing axes relative to the drive shaft, and an information processor activated by one or more switches located throughout the body. One switch in particular, located between the neck and head and motivated by a user pulling on the rope in the toy's mouth, will cause the toy to exert a pulling motion accompanied by sound effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Don Cameron, Mark A. Poirier, Richard J. Maddocks
  • Publication number: 20100261405
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an interactive intelligent toy comprising an intelligent element configured to resemble a person, animal, vehicle or other character and an environmental element configured to resemble a related environment, habitat or object. The intelligent element is adapted to perform certain preprogrammed actions upon coming into contact with or proximity to the environmental element. In one embodiment, the intelligent element is a motive component having a drive mechanism, a control mechanism and power source. The motive component is programmed to monitor and detect user and event inputs, and detect and decode embedded codes from an environmental element and perform predetermined actions or generate predetermined sounds in response. The motive component also engages with a coupling component and supplies the drive mechanism and power source for moving both the motive component and the coupling component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: James Russell Hornsby, Marcellus Benson, Joseph McGowan, Michael Reynolds
  • Patent number: 7762863
    Abstract: There are illustrated and claimed three versions of toy characters that are programmed to go through various sequences of movements such as sitting, lying down, rotating on a support accomplished by the movements of the body and leg assemblies as determined by a microprocessor. The three characters include various rib and block assemblies to provide for the desired programmed movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Lund and Company
    Inventors: Bruce D. Lund, Paul N. Paulson, Michael D. Starrick
  • Patent number: 7695341
    Abstract: A toy includes a sensor that senses a condition, a movable region, and an actuator coupled to the movable region to move the movable region in a direction relative to the sensed condition. The movable region is coupled to a body that houses electromechanical components for sensing conditions and for moving the movable region in response to the detected conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J Maddocks, Leif J. Askeland, Michael J. Iaconis, Adam B. Craft, Robert P. Felice
  • Publication number: 20090156091
    Abstract: An animatronic figurine includes a base portion configured to be placed upon a surface, a body portion, and a head portion. A first pivoting assembly is configured to allow the body portion to pivot about a first axis and a second axis with respect to the base portion. A second pivoting assembly is configured to allow the head portion to pivot about at least a third axis with respect to the body portion. One or more motor assemblies are configured to facilitate one or more of: the pivoting of the body portion about the first axis with respect to the base portion, the pivoting of the body portion about the second axis with respect to the base portion, and the pivoting of the head portion about the third axis with respect to the body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: BARNET MANKES
  • Publication number: 20090149109
    Abstract: Disclosed is a robot toy including: a first block including a servo; a second block connected to the first block by fitting an output shaft of the servo into a boss; and a servo control section, wherein the servo is provided with, a first rotating disk to rotate following the output shaft; a second rotating disk provided facing the first rotating disk to rotate relatively to the first rotating disk in a plane parallel to the first rotating disk according to user operation; and an angle detection section to detect a relative angle between predetermined reference lines on the first rotating disk and the second rotating disk, and the servo control section includes a center position control section to rotate the output shaft and the first rotating disk, and to control the servo while a position of the servo when the relative angle is 0 is a center position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Yosuke YONEDA, Kimitaka Watanabe
  • 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: 20090117820
    Abstract: An articulated walking device, configured for movement across a surface, includes a frame and a plurality of leg assemblies movably coupled with the frame so as to at least partially support the frame for movement across the surface. Each leg assembly includes a leg member configured to rotate with respect to the frame about a joint. The joint is formed by a pin passed through an at least generally hour glass shaped aperture to provide rotational movement of the leg member with respect to the frame about at least first and second axes of rotation intersecting in the joint. A drive mechanism is operatively engaged with the plurality of leg assemblies so as to actuate each of the leg members to rotate about the first and second axes in a like, predetermined, repeatable cycle of movement. At least some of the leg members are out of phase with other leg members to produce an anatomic-like gait of the toy device upon actuation of the drive mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: William Willett, Chung Ming (Bryan) Cheng, Chun Wing (Edward) Wong
  • Patent number: 7507139
    Abstract: A toy includes a sensor that senses a condition, a movable region, and an actuator coupled to the movable region to move the movable region in a direction relative to the sensed condition. The movable region is coupled to a body that houses electromechanical components for sensing conditions and for moving the movable region in response to the detected conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J Maddocks, Leif J. Askeland, Michael J. Iaconis, Adam B. Craft, Robert P. Felice
  • Publication number: 20090023359
    Abstract: A motion toy includes a first drive system, a second drive system, a plurality of pivoted portions, a body assembly, a head portion, a base, a hand portion, and a foot portion. The first drive system and the second drive system are constituted by a set of gears and a set of motors. The first drive systems are respectively configured in the head portion, the body assembly, and the base. The second systems are configured in the hand portion. The first drive systems configured in the head portion, the body assembly and the base are associated to the second drive systems configured in the hand portion via the pivoted portions. The pivoted portions cooperate with the first drive system and the second drive system respectively to perform various movements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: TRIPLE ONE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ching-Feng Lu
  • Patent number: 7458874
    Abstract: A robot-like electronic device changeable from a cubical or box profile to a robot profile includes a first body, two second bodies and a third body. The two second bodies are hinged to two sides of the first body through a swiveling beam. The third body is pivotally coupled on the bottom side of the first body. The first, second and third bodies can swivel relative to one another. The two second bodies and the third body can be coupled with the first body, to become a cubic or box. The two second bodies also may be swiveled outwards, like two arms of a robot. The third body can be swiveled 90 degrees relative to the first body and bent forwards like a foot, so that the first body can stand upright on a flat surface like a robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Micro-Star Int'l Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bi-Jang Rung, Yi-Lung Wu, Ching-Yuan Yang
  • Patent number: 7435153
    Abstract: A companion doll for use in either a patrol car to give the illusion of the presence of an additional officer or for home companion use has a human-like appearance and has several components that articulate including a head that turns, upper and lower arms that raise and lower, and hands that open and close. Motion of these components can be random or can be in response to received external stimuli wherein the doll uses motion and light sensors to detect this stimuli. A closed loop heated water pumping system within the doll warms exterior surface of the doll to give the doll further human-like qualities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: John Sodec, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7422506
    Abstract: A cartwheeling toy including an upper assembly including a torso with rigid arms and hands extending therefrom. A lower assembly including legs and a motor means for moving the assembles relative to each other to move the toy into a headstand and then return it to its upright position or cartwheel the toy as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Lund & Company Invention LLC
    Inventors: Bruce D. Lund, Michael D. Starrick, Krishnan Srirangam
  • Publication number: 20080188159
    Abstract: There is illustrated and claimed the structure and method for performing a certain set of sequences of a toy character. Depending on the programming of a microprocessor and the functioning of various motor means the character can go from a standing position to a sitting position; a standing to a sitting position and a back position and back to a standing position, and a standing to a sitting position, a back position, a rollover position and, eventually, back to a standing position. The character is also capable of performing other functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Bruce D. Lund, Michael D. Starrick, Paul N. Paulson, Krishnan Srirangam
  • Patent number: 7407426
    Abstract: An actuation device is provided herein to give self-acting toys more lively and appealing moves. The major characteristic of the present invention lies in that a motor is used to drive a gear assembly which in turn drives a gear on top of the gear assembly to rotate around the axle of the gear assembly. The gear therefore sequentially and periodically gets into contact with a number of eccentric gears arranged along the rotational path. These eccentric gears in turn drive their connecting rods which are connected to various parts of the self-acting toy to swing in various manners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Chao-Yung Chen
  • Publication number: 20080108276
    Abstract: An articulated walking device, configured for movement across a surface, includes a frame and a plurality of leg assemblies movably engaged with the frame. Each leg assembly includes a leg member configured to rotate with respect to the frame about first and second axes at least generally transverse to one another. A drive mechanism operatively engaged with the plurality of leg assemblies actuates each of the leg members in like, predetermined, repeatable cycles of movement. The leg members are out of phase with one another, such that sufficient leg members are always supporting the toy device in an upright manner and immediately adjoining leg members do not move together in parallel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: William Willett, Vladimir Leonov
  • Patent number: 7364489
    Abstract: A toy includes a body, a motor within the body, an appendage coupled to the body of the toy, a tail device coupled to the body of the toy, and a neck device coupled to the body of the toy. The appendage is actuated by the motor to move along a first path. The tail device is actuated by the motor to move along a second path. The neck device is actuated by the motor to move along a third path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Iaconis, Jeffrey M. Ford, Leif J. Askeland, Peter Hall, Richard Maddocks
  • Patent number: 7258591
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to apparatuses having some characteristic(s) of traditional “roly-poly” toys, which are traditional passive toys that, when struck, wobble about their typically-rounded base but stay upright due to bottom-heavy weighting. Some embodiments of the present invention can be especially relevant to such an apparatus that is mobile and/or not totally passive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Yang-Sheng Xu, Hang Tong, Shu-Shang Zhao, Wing-Seng Fong
  • Patent number: 7207860
    Abstract: The present invention provides an interactive robotic device having a body, a transport mechanism, a drive mechanism, a plurality of inputs and outputs for receiving, delivering and/or displaying information, including aural and/or visual information or signals, a container for carrying or holding items to be delivered or dispensed to a user, and a dispensing structure for dispensing items to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: JAKKS, Pacific, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Hornsby, Marcellus R. Benson, Joseph L. McGowan, Timothy S. Brakensiek, David Niehaus
  • Patent number: 7066782
    Abstract: A toy is configured to closely resemble a live animal and to respond to stimuli in a realistic manner that is consistent with the way in which a real animal would respond. For example, when the toy is designed to resemble a dog or a cat, the toy may be configured to move in a manner consistent with the movements of a dog or a cat. This realistic movement, in conjunction with a realistic fur coat coupled to and covering inner mechanical components, may be used to provide a strikingly realistic toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Maddocks, Jeffrey M. Ford
  • Patent number: 7047835
    Abstract: An articulated bending mechanism is formed by connecting links which rotatably support a plurality of gears including input-side gears and output-side gears by engaging the gears. Each link rotatably supports an odd number of gears by engaging the gears, and an output-end gear rotates in the same direction as an input-end gear. The output-side gear of one link and the input-side gear of an adjacent link are used in common, and the rotating shaft of the common gear provides a degree of freedom provided at a joint of the articulated bending mechanism. Such an articulated bending mechanism can be formed with a small size and at a low cost, and can be used to imitate the way a living being shows its feelings and emotions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 7025657
    Abstract: Electronic toy receives control information via an input interface and stores the received control information in memory. The electronic toy includes at least one sensor for detecting an external stimulus applied to the toy, and control information is read out from the memory in response to an external stimulus detection signal generated by the sensor so that the electronic toy is controlled to perform a predetermined operation in accordance with the read-out control information. It is possible to readily renew operations that can be performed by the electronic toy, by, for example, downloading desired control information from a server via a communication line and then storing the desired control information in an internal memory of the toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuo Nishimoto
  • Patent number: 7018068
    Abstract: A movable animal-like lamp hanger has a body including a first movable portion, a plurality of ornamental lights attached to the body, a motor disposed in the body, a transmission shaft connected to the motor, and a first drive rod pivotally connected to the transmission shaft and connected to the first movable portion of the body in such an manner that when the motor drives the transmission shaft to rotate, the first drive rod can direct the first movable portion to move like a desired animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Jingqiang Fan
  • Patent number: 6955581
    Abstract: A light-decorative object puppet luminous flux driving device, and more particularly, a driving device for providing an appearance of a light decorative object with dynamic luminous flux effects, includes a base having joined with a puppet located above, and a driving device and a light source at an interior thereof. The driving device is for simultaneously driving a planar grating and a barrel-shaped grating. Using the barrel-shaped grating, contrast light waves are projected onto a body of the puppet and transmitted to an exterior. Using the planar grating, constantly changing glittering effects are formed at illuminating portions of the decorative object for enhancing aesthetic values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Fong-Ku Liu
  • Patent number: 6939195
    Abstract: A toy animal formed of molded plastic provides simulated respiration. An aperture in the upper section of the molded plastic animal is covered with a flexible simulated animal pelt. A battery-powered electric motor within the toy animal provides a rotating output which is coupled to the underside of the flexible simulated animal pelt within the aperture utilizing a flexible shaft. This manner rotation of the motor output alternately extends and depresses the flexible simulated animal pelt, thereby simulating respiration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: CD3 Storage Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Eugene Hunt, Verlon Eugene Whitehead
  • Patent number: 6935919
    Abstract: An animation device is provided for generating movements of limbs and extremities of an animated figure. The device includes a single motor coupled to a gear box assembly. A first drive axle, rotatable about a first axis, is coupled to the gear box assembly. A second drive axle, rotatable about a second axis and oriented substantially perpendicular to the first drive axle, is also coupled to the gear box assembly. A gear train assembly is coupled to a lower end of the second drive axle and an output drive shaft is coupled to the gear drain assembly. The output drive shaft is rotatable about a third axis oriented parallel to and offset from the second axis. A left cam is coupled to a left end of the first drive axle and a right cam is coupled to a right end of the first drive axle, both of which are configured for radial movement about the first drive axle when the motor is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Peter Sui Lun Fong
  • Patent number: 6926580
    Abstract: A robotic toy has a pedestal, a first casing assembly, a first transmission device, a mounting shaft assembly and a toy assembly. The pedestal has a speaker and a battery container. The first casing assembly is trunk-like and is mounted on the pedestal. The first transmission device and the mounting shaft assembly are mounted in-to the first casing assembly and cooperate with each other to provide a rotating function. The toy assembly is mounted rotatably on the mounting shaft assembly and has movable wings. The bird-like toy assembly can flap its wings, shake its toy head and open its lower beak and coordinate with the speaker producing music or bird song to perform in a natural and charming manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Gemmy Industries Corporation
    Inventor: Sheng-Chien Wang
  • Patent number: 6790119
    Abstract: A toy turtle is provided with a head, a tail, front right and left flippers, and rear right and left flippers extending from a body. A battery driven gear motor within the body causes linkage in the body to drive the front flippers back and forth, propelling the turtle through the water. The rear flippers are selectively positionable by the user to act in combination either as a rudder, controlling the direction in which the turtle swims when the flippers are positioned asymmetrically, or to control the turtle's swimming speed by increasing or reducing drag when the flippers are positioned symmetrically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Francis See Chong Chia
  • Patent number: 6769954
    Abstract: A Christmas deer toy is capable of moving the head, neck, and tail thereof. The body unit, head unit, neck unit, and tail unit are pivotally connected. By a driving unit, the parts can move vividly to simulate the action of an animal. The driving unit includes a motor, a rotary arm, a main driving arm, a tail driven arm, and a head driven arm. Only a few components are used and the structure is simple. A rear end of the neck unit has an extending arm and a weight for assisting the actions of the head unit and neck unit to be more vivid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Lien Cheng Su