Sounding Patents (Class 446/397)
  • Patent number: 7474197
    Abstract: An audio generating apparatus includes: a sensor which senses a motion of a predetermined apparatus and generates a sensor signal corresponding to the sensed motion; a motion pattern recognizer which recognizes a motion pattern of the predetermined apparatus based on the sensor signal; and an audio signal generator which generates an audio signal corresponding to the motion pattern. The motion pattern recognizer includes: an analog-to-digital converter which converts the sensor signal into a digital sensor signal; and a motion pattern analyzer which analyzes the motion pattern of the predetermined apparatus based on the digital sensor signal. The audio signal generator includes: a storage medium which stores the motion pattern of the predetermined apparatus and audio signal data corresponding to the motion pattern; and a signal generator which extracts the audio signal data from the storage medium to generate the audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eun-seok Choi, Dong-yoon Kim, Jong-koo Oh, Won-chul Bang, Joon-kee Cho, Sung-jung Cho, Wook Chang, Kyoung-ho Kang
  • Patent number: 7470167
    Abstract: A dual functioning system for enabling a user to selectively monitor and entertain a subject comprises an entertainment system and a surveillance system. The entertainment system comprises a visual display, signal-delivering circuitry, signal-inputting hardware, and an extendable arm assembly. The arm assembly selectively positions the visual display for viewing by a target subject. The signal-inputting hardware enables the user to output stimuli upon the visual display via the signal-delivering circuitry. The visual display comprises at least one energy-passing aperture. The surveillance system comprises a camera assembly, data-transmitting circuitry, and monitoring hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Cynthia C. Clark
  • Patent number: 7462091
    Abstract: A game call having a bellows coupled to a reed for producing sound, together with a reed controller which is operable by contact with the bellows, thereby changing the pitch of the sound produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Hunter's Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Ron M. Bean
  • Patent number: 7458875
    Abstract: A system and method for generating game sounds in a directionally adjustable manner which includes a friction pan call of the type having a circular flat top playing surface and a plurality of holes on generally opposing sides of a substantially cylindrical sound chamber wall, and a method whereby holes or portion of a hole are successively closed in an incremental rotating manner around the call so as to help to create a sound emulating a moving sound source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Hunter's Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: David R Forbes, Carman S Forbes, Ron M Bean
  • Publication number: 20080293324
    Abstract: A toy doll is provided including a torso having a longitudinal axis lying in a first horizontal plane and a head shell attached to the torso configured for housing at least a movable eyelid piece, a movable jaw piece and at least one motor for operating the eyelid and jaw pieces. At least one arm is provided having a longitudinal axis, and is pivotally attached to the torso and configured to be rotatable about the pivotal attachment point on a second horizontal plane substantially parallel to the first horizontal plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Les Friedland
  • Publication number: 20080287034
    Abstract: A cracker (1) including a central body (2), and a pair of opposing pull-formations (4) frangibly connected to opposite ends of the central body. A sound module (10) is disposed substantially within the central body and is adapted upon activation to produce a predetermined sequence of audible tones. The cracker further includes activation means (15) for the sound module and triggering means (21) operable such that detachment of either one of the pull-formations from the central body causes the triggering means to activate the sound module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Fabio Georgio Baroni
  • Publication number: 20080287033
    Abstract: A doll that can be personalized to display a familiar image and/or play a recorded sound comprises a body, a head and a digital display in the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Wendy Steinberg
  • Publication number: 20080280526
    Abstract: An interactive development toy for infants and children is provided comprising a flexible fabric envelope filled with a crumpled plastic film to provide a three-dimensional structure to the envelope. The envelope may include a fabric mesh through which the crumpled plastic film may by easily viewed when inserted. The shape of the envelope is immaterial, although in the preferred embodiment the envelope includes at least one edge element that may be easily grasped by an infant. Also in the preferred embodiment, the crumpled plastic film comprises a thin plastic film. Biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (boPET) polyester film has been found to be effective for this application due to its high tensile strength, iridescence, reflectivity, safety, springiness (memory), light weight, and crackling sound on handling. Many other plastic films also have these features, and perform comparably.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Richard A. Chase
  • Publication number: 20080280525
    Abstract: A turkey call includes a first cup-shaped member having a first bottom wall and a first upstanding peripheral wall, the bottom wall formed with a first plurality of apertures, and an internal wall fixed in overlying relationship to the first bottom wall. Interchangeable lids each includes a second cup-shaped member having a second bottom wall formed with a second plurality of apertures and a second upstanding peripheral wall. A striking surface is supported on the second peripheral wall, spaced from the second bottom wall, and a fastening arrangement is provided for securing the lid to the first cup-shaped member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: AC Metal Products, LLD
    Inventor: Alex Carr
  • Publication number: 20080274844
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a false activation reducing centrifugal activation system. The system is an activation system that may be used to activate a wide variety of functionalities in a wide variety of devices. The functional elements to the system are a device housing, a power supply module, and one or more activation modules that are activated by a particular motion of the housing, such as when the device housing is able to at least partially spin or rotate about one or more axis' of rotation. The disclosed activation modules include a centrifugally activated electronic system that allows a device's functionality to be turned on or off by moving the device's housing in a particular fashion. In this way, a device equipped with the disclosed centrifugally activated electronic system does not need to have a manual ON/OFF switch or fragile mechanical switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: EMD3
    Inventor: Thomas Alan Ward
  • Patent number: 7445537
    Abstract: A game call for use during hunting various species of animals. The game call includes a housing at opposite axial ends of which are mounted a pressurized gas reservoir and a nozzle. Pressurized gas in the reservoir passes through an egress port and into a plenum formed in the housing. Gas metered by the plenum of the housing passes through an ingress port into a chamber within the nozzle. A sound-producing member mounted in the chamber is actuated by the gas exhausted through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Paul S. Langenfeld
  • Publication number: 20080263766
    Abstract: A child management system is provided for entertaining, calming, and affecting the proper development of a child. The child management system comprises a mat having a top and bottom surface, a timing device mounted on the mat and set for a pre-determined amount of time, and a pressure sensitive sensor embedded within the mat electronically connected to the timing device such that the timing device counts down a predetermined amount of time while a child is activating the pressure sensitive sensor. The system further comprises a speaker mounted on the mat that is electronically connected to the sensor wherein the type of audio sound emitted by the speaker is a function of a child activating the pressure sensitive sensor. Additionally, a control device is connected to the timing device and speaker to set the pre-determined amount of time and control the audio sound emitted by the speaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Melanee Omar
  • Publication number: 20080261485
    Abstract: A turkey call having a hollow housing with a top surface and a bottom surface. A slate side is disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface. A wood side is disposed at an opposed surface from the slate side between the top surface and bottom surface. The wood side has a sounding board suspended between the top surface and the bottom surface, which resonates the top surface and the bottom surface. The slate side has a slate disposed thereon substantially coextensive with the slate side. The striker has a strike peg and a block member. The strike peg extends from a surface of the block member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Coffield
  • Patent number: 7438624
    Abstract: A device for generating sounds associated with movements of animals, the device including a movable member operatively associated with a motion generation system and configured to be set in a desired motion by the motion generation system, and an extension assembly configured to replicate a leg and foot of an animal and move in a desired path for contact with a desired contact medium to generate sounds that mimic sounds associated with movements of animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Halstead Services Group, LLC
    Inventors: Scott M. Halstead, Gary L. Harding
  • Publication number: 20080248714
    Abstract: An attachment arrangement for use in connection with an existing ceiling fan having a plurality of rotatable fan blades. The arrangement includes a connecting arrangement for attaching an object to at least a portion of at least one of the fan blades, such that, as the fan blade rotates, the object rotates via the connecting arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: WHETSTONE MANAGEMENT LLC
    Inventors: Anne Zacharias, Robert Frazzini
  • Publication number: 20080171490
    Abstract: A friction type turkey call that is affixed to a belt buckle only requires one hand to use the call, very little movement is required, the belt buckle call is always within the hunter's reach and should never be lost or misplaced when hunting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: Gary D. Kinser
  • Publication number: 20080139083
    Abstract: A toy or play set is provided that includes one or more components having a sensor with a state, and an actuator coupled to the sensor. The sensor is capable of sensing an action of a user/object in the play area or a proximity of the object and setting the state of the sensor in accordance with the sensed action or proximity. A controller determines the state of the sensor and performs or initiates an action in accordance with the state of the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: KidKraft LP
    Inventors: Steven Lampert, David A. Barr
  • Patent number: 7378981
    Abstract: A tip jar system comprises a receptacle for receiving a deposit of money and a signaling apparatus for sensing the presence of a person depositing the money in the receptacle and for responding to the sensed presence. The signal provided is generally of an amusing sort and preferably provides both audible and visible iconic simulation of a familiar action that is unrelated to the actual deposit. The preferred signaling apparatus uses an array of light sources configured to simulate a trajectory of an object involved in the familiar action. The signaling apparatus also provides a sound output to generate the simulation having both visual and audible components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Gerald W Sachs
  • Patent number: 7367862
    Abstract: A firecracker simulating device includes a plate, an actuating device attached to the plate and extended outwardly from the plate, a number of balloons are strung together, and a forcing device may be used for forcing the balloons to engage with the actuating device, to have the balloons to be pierced by the actuating device, and to generate sounds of explosion. The balloons may be strung together with a wire. The wire may be engaged through an opening of the plate and pulled by the users. A bar may be attached to the plate, for attaching the plate to supporting members, and includes a ring, the wire may be engaged through the ring. A weight member or a flag may be attached to the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Jung Te Tsai
  • Patent number: 7347762
    Abstract: A box-type turkey call has not only a pin that pivotally interconnects the call's base to the call's paddle-like actuator but also a fastener that allows endless disconnection and re-connection of the actuator-to-base connection. That way, the actuator can be rolled over a half a roll to present the opposite broad side thereof for production of calls. The actuator's handle is bored through with a lock hole, which allows insertion of a locking fastener through it that is then tightened into a socket therefor in the call base. This optionally locks the turkey call from squawking when not wanted. Moreover, the call actuator can be disconnected from the original end of the call base and re-connected to the opposite end by virtue of the socket for the locking fastener. Hence, the call actuator can be operatively connected to either end of the call base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Long
  • Publication number: 20080026664
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy flying propeller with a sound-emitting device. The propeller includes a hub with a plurality of blades extending radially from the hub and having an outer edge. An outer ring is connected with the outer edge of the blades and circumferentially surrounds the plurality of propeller blades. At least one sound-emitting device such as a whistle is mounted to the toy flying propeller such that when the toy flying propeller is rotated and launched into the air, the movement of the toy flying propeller through the air causes the sound-emitting device to produce a sound. The toy flying propeller also includes a rotating device such as a launcher that connects with the hub to rotate and launch the toy flying propeller into the air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Brian Rosenblum, Dominic Laurienzo
  • Patent number: 7308994
    Abstract: A holster secures a turkey call to a hunter's leg or arm freeing up one hand for supporting her/his shotgun or bow. A series of serrations on an external face of an annular retainer ring engage serrations on an internal surface of a cylindrical upper portion of the holster to retain the retainer ring and the encircled turkey call engaged with the holster. A reverberation chamber in the lower portion of the holster has an angled reflecting surface to bounce the sound vibrations emanating from the turkey call out an opening in the opposing side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Robert J. Vanicek
  • Patent number: 7281966
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a device for simulating the sound of rattling antlers. The device comprises a striker rod and a box. The striker rod comprises a head, a shaft and a handle. The box comprises a left and a right side wherein the left and right side each have a channel for receiving the head of the striker rod. The box also has a front and back side; and a top and bottom. The top has an opening to allow insertion of the shaft. The channels have nubs for impacting the head of the striker rod. When the head is reciprocated within the channels of the box, a simulated sound of rattling antlers is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Roger McQueen
  • Patent number: 7252572
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for figurines to form and join a network of figurines by setting them near other figurines, by activating them via a power switch, or by placing them in communication with a central hub. A communications path using radio or IR frequency is used to form the network, such that only one figurine can transmit data while the others receive data at any time. Once the network has been formed, the figurines can formulate behaviors based on the attributes, requests, and actions of the others. These behaviors are based on the data transpired between the figurines and can include meaning of spoken words, current state, etc. Each figurine has a personality controlled by its internal data, which also controls its relationships with others. Each figurine can spontaneously create a speech or action based on the reply given by another coupled with data stored within its databank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Stupid Fun Club, LLC
    Inventors: Will Wright, Michael Winter, Matthew Sibigtroth
  • Publication number: 20070161325
    Abstract: A bottle holder is provided which includes a MP3 player or other high fidelity device that is used to play-back recorded content. In one embodiment, a standard baby bottle can be used with the invention in connection with playing recorded content while a baby is feeding. In another embodiment, the bottle holder includes an activation switch triggered by a bottle position change. The bottle holder can be constructed of a stretchable and conformable cloth material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2006
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Inventors: Angela T. Brooks, Courtney White
  • Patent number: 7175499
    Abstract: The present invention provides a means for holding the components of the device, a means for storing gas under pressure which is maintained separately from the interior of the device until actuating, a means for releasing pressurized gas from the storage device into the interior of the device, a means for actuating the device upon an external event, a means for retaining the pressurized gas in the interior of the device until a desired internal pressure level is achieved and a means for channeling the pressurized gas that is released upon actuation so that the energy supplied propels a pressurized fluid to explosively pass outside of the device through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Forest Hatcher
  • Patent number: 7169009
    Abstract: This invention is a striker for a friction game call that comprises two or more separate pegs. When the pegs are moved against a slate or other plate surface, a multiple-pitched call sound is made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Robert E. Marsh
  • Patent number: 7165869
    Abstract: An internally illuminated novelty device having an electronics module contained within a translucent elastic casing. The elastic casing has a hollow central region that defines an internal pocket. A plurality of protrusions extend outwardly from the central region so as to cushion the central region from experiencing any direct impact forces. The electronics module is disposed within the internal pocket so that the elastic casing surrounds the electronics module. The electronics module includes a housing, at least one light source, at least one battery, and a switch for activating and deactivating the light source. The switch is controlled by selectively compressing the housing. Since the housing is within the elastic casing, the switch can be controlled by selectively squeezing the elastic casing. When activated, the light source illuminates the interior of the elastic casing, thereby internally illuminating the novelty device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventors: Mark Chernick, Webb T. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7145067
    Abstract: A game calling device capable of producing variable pitched sounds includes a truncated fan-shaped body having a mouthpiece end and a discharge end and multiple bores extending through the body from the mouthpiece end to the discharge end. First and second reed inserts are located in two of the bores and are tuned to produce high and low pitched sounds. A whistle insert is located in a third one of the bores for producing a whistling sound. A mouthpiece having three separate inlet openings is located at the mouthpiece end of the body and can be used to blow air through all three bores simultaneously or one at a time. The three bores extend through the body in a diverging configuration relative to each other from the mouthpiece end toward the discharge end. The reed inserts and whistle insert are held within the respective bores of the body by O-rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Fox & Pfortmiller Custom Calls, LLC
    Inventors: Glenn H. Pfortmiller, Travis Fox
  • Patent number: 7133528
    Abstract: An electronic animal lure for generating an animal call pattern by combining actual stored analog animal sounds with a micro controller. The animal sounds are stored in an analog storage device. A micro controller selects and addresses one of the pre-stored sounds then generates the signals to cause the storage device to play back the sound. The micro controller then selects a period of time delay before selecting and addressing the next sound to be played. Both time delays and sound selections are accomplished by use of an algorithm stored in the micro controller. The algorithm uses an onboard timer counter to generate a random number that is placed in a software counter causing the software counter to cycle for a period of time, creating a constantly varying time period between animal calling sounds. The algorithm also uses the onboard timer counter to select one of the stored sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: Dennis D. Stilwell
  • Patent number: 7119665
    Abstract: A sound generator including a mounting clip for attachment to a kite frame. A support arm is secured to, and projects from, the mounting clip. The support arm has a distal end remote from the mounting clip. A pivot mechanism is secured to the distal end of the support arm. A siren housing is secured to the pivot mechanism for pivoting movement relative to the mounting clip. A wind-powered siren is positioned within the siren housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Abdallah Joe Albert
  • Patent number: 7120509
    Abstract: An invented sound and image producing system is disclosed. The system may include a cartridge that stores, processes and controls data representative of sound and/or images, and a player that provides the interface, annunciation and transduction of sound and/or images. The cartridge includes a computer integrated circuit or chip that stores and transmits signals from which sound and/or images may be produced. The system also may include a source of signals representative of sound, an audio port associated with the source and through which signals representative of sound may be sent, and a device configured to receive and store signals representative of sound, and to produce sound from such signals, where the device is configured to connect with the audio port and to receive and store signals representative of sound transmitted from the source through the audio port to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew S. Filo, David G. Capper
  • Patent number: 7097533
    Abstract: The invention provides a noise-maker having an injection molded single piece body, a membrane and a retaining ring. The injection molded single piece body includes a generally cylindrical central tube and a generally cylindrical pressure tube which defines a pressure chamber. The retaining ring has an inner diameter adapted to fit over the outer surface of the central tube such that the membrane is secured to and stretched across the central tube first end and the pressure tube first end. Sound is created when air or other gas is forced into pressure chamber. The air must pass through the pressure chamber around a pressure tube first end and out the discharge end of central tube. By forcing air into the pressure chamber, membrane vibrates producing a loud sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Szekely
  • Patent number: 7029362
    Abstract: A device for generating sounds associated with movements of animals, the device comprising a movable member operatively associated with a motion generation system and configured to be set in a desired motion by the motion generation system, and an extension assembly operatively associated with the movable member so as to cause contact with a desired contact medium to generate sounds that mimic sounds associated with movements of animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Halstead Services Group, LLC
    Inventor: Scott M. Halstead
  • Patent number: 7014526
    Abstract: A computer-related stress relief device is configured to be mounted on a computer component. The device includes a support having a connector that is releasably engageable with the computer component and a punching bag-shaped contact element movably mounted on the support and spaced from the connector. The contact element can include a sound-producing device and/or display indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: James L. Chamberlin
  • Patent number: 7008290
    Abstract: A system and method for holding turkey pan calls which utilize a holder with legs that elevate the bottom of the pan call, having a plurality of grasping fingers which grip a side portion of a turkey pan call in response to a mechanical adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Hunter's Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Ron M. Bean
  • Patent number: 7006001
    Abstract: A speech or phrase emitting celebration device, in the nature of a piñata, includes a longitudinal axial channel within which is placed a complementally sized integrated circuit (“IC”) including a library of pre-programmed voice chips having phrases selected by random. The circuit is responsive to impacts or shocks upon a fanciful housing of the device sufficient to actuate a shock sensor switch thereof. A speaker, in electrical communication with the circuit board of the integrated circuit, is in mechanical communication with a speaker at an end of the channel so that the emitted phrase may be heard by those in the vicinity of the device. A hollow cylindrical sensor may be disposed within the interior channel to provide appropriate input to the shock sensor switch, or a more sensitive discrete element sensor may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventors: Mark A. Estrada, Robert A. Sherwood, Roy A. Griffin, III
  • Patent number: 7001238
    Abstract: A clapping apparatus preferably having a knob like handle securely fastened to a clapping plate. The clapping plate preferably having a recessed area with air holes placed though the clapping plate enabling air to fill the void created when two contacting clapping plates are rapidly pulled away from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Manuel Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 6994555
    Abstract: A play cube comprises a set of at least four pictorial representations of different emotional states (e.g., “happy”, “sad”, “angry”, “proud”), with each state depicted on a different face of the cube. One other face of the cube may included a mirrored surface. The cube is used to assist children in learning and identifying emotional states using various processes: visual (seeing lenticular holographic photos), spatial (drawing facial elements of emotional sates), auditory (recording and hearing their own voices depicting emotional states). One embodiment of the inventive play cube includes an embedded game/song element, where the child can respond to different requests within the game/song by touching the associated (matching) face on the cube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Educcomm LLC
    Inventors: Andrea Goodman Weiner, Judith L. Jacobson, Donna Evans Strauss, Lisa Pretecrum, Tammy Russeck
  • Patent number: 6991509
    Abstract: An activity toy includes a base with an upper surface that has recessed regions. Elements are positionable in each recessed region. Positioning an element in each recessed region produces a sound. For instance, the sound may be a combination of sounds when more than one element is position in the recesses or a verse of a song that is associated with an element. In addition, the base may be a toy vehicle, with the recesses defining positions in the vehicle. The sound may depend on the position of the elements in the vehicle. The recesses may include a forward recess near the front of the vehicle and a secondary recess located behind the forward recess, and the sound produced may depend on whether an element is placed in the forward or secondary recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean N. Carley, Gregory R. Horton
  • Patent number: 6979245
    Abstract: A puzzle apparatus comprising a first plurality of puzzle pieces that form a picture when combined together that includes a representation of at least one cartoon character, a magnet associated with at least one of the puzzle pieces, a platform on which the puzzle pieces can be arranged, a detector for sensing the magnet and sound generating apparatus for producing audible sounds corresponding to the character shown on the puzzle pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Fenwick Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Richard P. Goodwin
  • Patent number: 6955582
    Abstract: A system and method for generating game sounds in a directionally adjustable manner which includes a friction pan call of the type having a circular flat top playing surface and a plurality of holes on generally opposing sides of a substantially cylindrical sound chamber wall, and a method whereby holes or portion of a hole are successively closed in an incremental rotating manner around the call so as to help to create a sound emulating a moving sound source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Hunter's Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Forbes, Carman S. Forbes, Ron M. Bean
  • Patent number: 6942539
    Abstract: An improved sound quality box call. The box call comprises a box and a paddle. The box has a pair of longitudinal walls, a sounding chamber between the walls, and a pair of longitudinally extending upper arcuate edges on the walls respectively. The paddle has a lower surface for engaging the edges for making sounds. The paddle lower surface is longitudinally arcuate and has a contour longitudinally which desirably conforms substantially to the contour longitudinally of the arcuate side wall edges, which allows increased length of contact between the paddle and box side walls whereby to produce a more realistic yelp and better sound quality in both pitch and volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Richard C. Kirby
  • Patent number: 6935274
    Abstract: The pet toy consists of an inner elastomer ball having an inner ball wall, a squeaker mounted in the inner ball wall, an outer elastomer ball having an outer ball wall, an air hole mounted in the outer ball wall, the inner ball being within the outer ball. The outer ball protects the squeaker from dislodgement from the wall of the inner ball and protects the inner ball wall when the pet attacks the toy. The inner ball can be pushed through air hole so that the inner ball can be placed into the outer ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Steven M. Rothschild
  • Patent number: 6937152
    Abstract: This invention allows for an electronic doll-house to be constructed at a reasonable cost that provides the ability to identify the location of a number of figures that a child may manipulate in a play space. By use of IR communications and the characteristics of such a communications link, a doll-house is provided that combines the ability to be built at a relatively low cost with the advantages of not requiring physical contacts, special purpose RFID chips and transceiving arrangements, or other expensive sensing methods. In brief, the invention makes use of an IR transmitter that sends a unique ID code upon user activation which allows for power savings, the elimination of contact points or RF components, the localization of the signal to a room in a doll-house, and by use of reflecting paths, allows relative independence of orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Shoot the Moon Products II, LLC
    Inventor: David Small
  • Patent number: 6933431
    Abstract: Each of a plurality of TG (tone generation) units includes a plurality of TG elements corresponding to a plurality of tone pitches. A plurality of resonant boxes are provided in corresponding relation to the TG units, and each box is formed of a material having a characteristic different from the materials forming the other boxes. One or more of the TG elements to be driven for tone generation are determined on the basis of tone pitch designating information and tone color setting information, and the determined TG elements are driven to vibrate. Because the resonant boxes are formed of different materials, tones can be generated with peculiar tone colors in accordance with the materials of the resonant boxes corresponding to the vibrated TG elements. In an alternative, the TG elements in each of the TG units may be formed of a material of a characteristic different from materials forming the TG elements of the other TG units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeru Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 6929528
    Abstract: A wild game call of the box and striking plate variety is provided that can easily produce superior sound variety, sound quality, and volume control with minimal user input. The invention comprises a box with a base portion and substantially vertical sidewalls, which form an opening, and a striking plate, which provides a striking surface, and a bottom surface. The striking plate further includes a main body portion, which is adhered to the sidewalls to form the top of the box, and a protruding portion adjacent the opening, which extends over and beyond the opening. The striking plate provides a striking surface, which may be comprised of a single material, or of multiple friction materials. Hollow structures such as channels and grooves are also provided to alter the sound of the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Edwin Collier
  • Patent number: 6923708
    Abstract: A noise generating device for generating a nuisance noise to disturb a person. The noise generating device includes a housing member being designed for being gripped by a user. An actuation assembly is coupled to the housing member. The actuation assembly is designed for being actuated by the user. A speaker member is coupled to the housing member. The speaker member is operationally coupled to the actuation assembly whereby the speaker member is designed for being actuated by the actuation assembly to produce the nuisance noise, such as the buzzing sound of a flying gnat or fly, when the actuation assembly is actuated. The housing member is designed for being selectively manipulated by the user to direct the speaker member towards an ear of the person to distract the person with the nuisance noise when the actuation assembly is actuated by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Craig Coons
  • Patent number: 6905391
    Abstract: An interactive shopping role-play toy comprises a toy item bin, a first set of toy items replicating shopping items, an input device adapted to uniquely identify each of the toy items; and an audio playback device adapted to play an audio acknowledgment associated with the identified toy item. The audio acknowledgement is uniquely associated with the identified toy item. The input device is configured to uniquely identify a toy item when the toy item is within physical proximity of the input device. Each toy item includes an RF identification tag corresponding to a unique electronic identification, and the input device includes an RF identification tag reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jorge Gabriel Soto, Kathleen Campisano, Richard Glen Freeman, Eric Thomas Shuler
  • Patent number: 6902463
    Abstract: A slate-type game call includes a flange extending downwardly below the bottom wall of the pot portion of the call. The flange creates a unique sound chamber. One or more apertures may be provided around the flange to assist in projecting sounds from the sound chamber when the call is secured to a support surface. The flange may further include a pair of slots through which a fastening strap can be inserted to secure the call to a person's limb or hunting implement. Relatively narrow channels leading to the strap slots may be formed in the flange to allow the game call to be quickly connected and disconnected from the fastening strap. The configuration of the flange in combination with the flexible fastening strap allows the game call to be pivoted relative to a support surface to which the game call is secured to project and direct sounds from the sound chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Primos, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Vaicunas, Wilbur R. Primos