With Electric Light Or Sounder Patents (Class 446/47)
  • Patent number: 11375831
    Abstract: A propeller food plate assembly has a plate component and a propeller component that includes a plurality of propellers that subdivide the plate into a plurality of compartments for holding food during a dining activity. During a different recreational activity, the components rotate when the assembly is thrown and spun in the air. During flight, the components initially engage each other in a torque-transmitting relationship, and subsequently move apart. The propellers have contoured, aerodynamic surfaces configured to enhance an aerodynamic flight characteristic of the assembly, One or more light sources may be mounted on the assembly to emit light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Inventor: Leonid Shendelman
  • Patent number: 11241036
    Abstract: A flying disc smoking pipe apparatus is provided wherein a flying disc, having a central opening, has a centrally mounted smoking pipe insert within the central opening, having a plurality of draw pipes extending radially from the insert to and through the flying disc shaped housing lip. The distal end of the draw pipes is flush with the outside circumference of the flying disc. A smoking bowl is provided in the top of the insert and is in direct pneumatic communications with the draw pipes. The flying disc housing facilitates passing the pipe amongst multiple users at a distance by gliding the pipe from user to user. A single user may draw smoke through a draw pipe and selectively adjust the smoke temperature by throttling air flow into other draw pipes. Multiple users may also smoke simultaneously. The flying disc smoking pipe apparatus further provides entertainment and recreation to smoking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Inventor: Alexander Droldium Fraser
  • Patent number: 11161053
    Abstract: An audio playing frisbee for entertainment and recreation includes a disc and an audio player. The disc is resilient and configured to be grasped in a hand of a user, positioning the user to throw the disc. A void is centrally positioned in the disc. The void is circularly shaped and defines an inner perimeter of the disc. The audio player is shaped complementary to and is positioned in the void. The audio player is coupled to the disc. The audio player comprises a plurality of speakers so that the audio player is configured to broadcast an audio file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Inventor: Lucas Phipps
  • Patent number: 9586158
    Abstract: Toy kits and methods of using toy kits including a light-up object and near-invisible tether are described herein. The light-up objects can be of any suitable size and shape, and includes a plurality of light sources disposed along its inner or outer surface(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: WILLIAM MARK CORPORATION
    Inventor: William Mark Forti
  • Patent number: 9062841
    Abstract: A lighting system having neural hubs that connect to other neural hubs in a manner that allows a lighting system to be configured in a two dimensional pattern that can propagate out from a single neural hub. Straight sections can be provided for use in connection with the neural hubs to enhance the configurability of the lighting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: ABL IP Holding, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Trung Tran, Darren Blum, Peter Y. Y. Ngai, Min-Hao Michael Lu, Jeannine Fisher Wang, Aaron Mathew Engel-Hall
  • Patent number: 9039479
    Abstract: A water disc toy comprises an upper platter, a lower platter, and a plurality of supports. Both the upper platter and the lower platter comprise a plastic structure with a flat or even slightly convex outer surface which facilitates skipping the device across a water surface. The upper and lower platter are interconnected with the plurality of integral supports. Each support comprises a small cylindrical plastic structure. The area between the upper platter, the lower platter, and the supports is filled with a lightweight foam material which allows the entire device to float in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Dakota I. Green
  • Patent number: 8858289
    Abstract: A soft, flexible, illuminating flying disk toy may be used for recreation by adults and children and as a fetch toy for animals. The disk is designed as an improvement to existing soft, flexible flying disks by incorporating an illuminated outer edge, typically battery powered. This illuminated outer edge, while sewn into a durable, light weight, tear resistant translucent material, will also provide the semi-rigid support needed to create and maintain stable flight. The illuminated outer edge which is sewn into the translucent durable material is then sewn onto a slightly over-sized central circular disk shaped section of the same or similar material which, when thrown, creates an aerodynamic lift providing stable flight. By incorporating the illuminated outer edge into a soft flying disk, visibility and additional safety are provided when using the disk in dimming light conditions and during the dark of night.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Nite Ize, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad Forte
  • Publication number: 20140248818
    Abstract: An aerodynamic device includes a plate having a generally circular periphery, a central portion, and a plurality of compartments for holding food substances during a dining activity. Each compartment is bounded by curved ribs, each rib extending continuously from the central portion along an arcuate path to the periphery. All of the ribs are aerodynamically shaped to provide lift during a subsequent recreational activity in which the device is thrown through the air. An insert is mounted in the central portion for holding a dining item, e.g., a drink container, for use during the dining activity, and a different recreational item for use during the recreational activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: Leonid SHENDELMAN
  • Patent number: 8434765
    Abstract: An illuminated skeet target comprises a substantially disc-shaped body that is suitable for launching via a trap or other launching device. The skeet target contains at least two reagents that undergo a chemiluminescent reaction and give off light when combined so that the skeet target can be illuminated and identified when ambient lighting conditions are insufficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Eugene Taylor
  • Patent number: 8232732
    Abstract: A light module for signaling comprising an assembly module (1), defined by a body with any geometry and ordinarily in the form of a box (2), including a rear closing (3) and a frontal lens (4) and, between said parts, an electronic circuit (5) and a corresponding set of light emitting diodes (6), being said electronic circuit (5) constituted by the following blocks: a source (7) to regulate the feeding voltage of other blocks within five volts with low quiescent current; synchronism (8) for electrical conditioning if an eventual reference signal for foreign synchronism occurs; blinking sequence generator (9) with means to define the period of time during which the set of lights (6) is on and off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Rontan Eletro Metalurgica Ltda.
    Inventor: Jose Carlos Bolzan
  • Patent number: 8142295
    Abstract: Described is a levitating disk for performing illusions of levitation. The disk includes a disk-shaped housing, with a circuit board, microprocessor, and batteries encased within the housing. A series of LEDs are connected with the housing and are activated via a centrifugal force switch. The circuit board and batteries are positioned within the housing such that they distribute the weight evenly from a central axis toward the periphery of the housing. A micro-thread is included for attaching with the disk. Thus, in operation, a user can hang the disk with the micro-thread and spin the disk about the central axis to cause the lights to illuminate and cause the disk to appear as if it is levitating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Yigal Mesika
  • Publication number: 20120058703
    Abstract: A flying toy manually propelled by a finger includes embedded elements. The flying toy is a planar body with a fingertip notch configured to receive the finger of a user. An aperture within the planar body contains an embedded element. The embedded element may be light emitting diodes, flint pieces, or other types of elements that enhance enjoyment of the flying toy. A user places a finger into the fingertip notch, coils the finger, and quickly opens up the coiled finger so that the toy is disengaged from the finger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Charles E. Mandeville, V
  • Patent number: 8122626
    Abstract: An optical illusion device such as a drinking glass/cup for providing a multi-dimensional visual display. The device includes a body with tubular sidewalls extending from an opening at a first end to an opening at a second end. A base assembly is provided at the second end. The base assembly includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a sidewall that together form or define an inner chamber. A visual display assembly is provided with a mirror element with a convex reflective surface or mirror positioned within the chamber with the reflective surface facing the top wall of the base assembly. A primary image element is provided proximate to the reflective surface such that the primary image and mirror element can be observed via the opening in the body. A framing element is included proximate to the top wall of the base assembly including background images facing the reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary W. Schnuckle
  • Patent number: 8051590
    Abstract: An optical illusion device such as a drinking glass/cup for providing a multi-dimensional visual display. The device includes a body with tubular sidewalls extending from an opening at a first end to an opening at a second end. A base assembly is provided at the second end. The base assembly includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a sidewall that together form or define an inner chamber. A visual display assembly is provided with a mirror element with a convex reflective surface or mirror positioned within the chamber with the reflective surface facing the top wall of the base assembly. A primary image element is provided proximate to the reflective surface such that the primary image and mirror element can be observed via the opening in the body. A framing element is included proximate to the top wall of the base assembly including background images facing the reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary W. Schnuckle
  • Patent number: 8046941
    Abstract: An optical illusion device such as a drinking glass/cup for providing a multi-dimensional visual display. The device includes a body with tubular sidewalls extending from an opening at a first end to an opening at a second end. A base assembly is provided at the second end. The base assembly includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a sidewall that together form or define an inner chamber. A visual display assembly is provided with a mirror element with a convex reflective surface or mirror positioned within the chamber with the reflective surface facing the top wall of the base assembly. A primary image element is provided proximate to the reflective surface such that the primary image and mirror element can be observed via the opening in the body. A framing element is included proximate to the top wall of the base assembly including background images facing the reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary W. Schnuckle
  • Publication number: 20110104977
    Abstract: A soft, flexible, illuminating flying disk toy may be used for recreation by adults and children and as a fetch toy for animals. The disk is designed as an improvement to existing soft, flexible flying disks by incorporating an illuminated outer edge, typically battery powered. This illuminated outer edge, while sewn into a durable, light weight, tear resistant translucent material, will also provide the semi-rigid support needed to create and maintain stable flight. The illuminated outer edge which is sewn into the translucent durable material is then sewn onto a slightly over-sized central circular disk shaped section of the same or similar material which, when thrown, creates an aerodynamic lift providing stable flight. By incorporating the illuminated outer edge into a soft flying disk, visibility and additional safety are provided when using the disk in dimming light conditions and during the dark of night.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Chad Forte
  • Patent number: 7594349
    Abstract: A toy device unit that includes a pair of stacked transparent plates coupled to a housing. A user can write images on each plate. Mounted to the housing is a first light source aligned with an edge of the first plate and a second light source aligned with an edge of the second plate. The unit has a switch that can be moved by a user to illuminate either the first plate or the second plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventors: Elliot Rudell, Roger Gardner
  • Patent number: 7575499
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus is disclosed for providing illumination to an object or surface. In one illustrative embodiment, the light apparatus is used to help improve the visibility of a vehicle by providing illumination to at least part of the vehicle. In other illustrative embodiments, the light apparatus may be used to provide illumination for other objects or equipment including, for example, docks, retail and/or store shelving and/or equipment, bars, desks, counters, walls, railings, steps, and/or any other object or surface, as desired. In some embodiments, the lighting apparatus includes a bumper. When so provided, the lighting apparatus may help provide a level of protection to objects and/or surfaces that are subject to bumping, sliding or other abuse. In other illustrative embodiments, the lighting apparatus may be used to increase the visual appeal of an object or surface, such as a wall, a toy, an appliance or any other object, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: 13 Ventures, LLC
    Inventor: Brian N. Tufte
  • Patent number: 7513220
    Abstract: A throwable pet toy bounces and creates an interest for a pet when impacting the ground or an object. The toy includes two domed structures, which are mounted on opposite sides of an aerodynamic base. The structures are in fluid communication with each other. A fascinator is mounted in one of the first and second domed structure to produce an interest for a pet when one of the domed structures impacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: J.W. Pet Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter T. Ragonetti, Jonathan Willinger, Ryan Rutherford
  • Patent number: 7347758
    Abstract: A recreational or competitive flying disc includes an illumination system employing an array of flexible optical fibers to distribute the light of a single light emitting diode (LED) from the rotational center of the disc to its outside periphery. A small water-resistant compartment centered on the underside of the disc houses the LED, battery, and the illumination control. The leads of the LED also serve as the contacts of the battery. One end of each of the optical fibers is embedded in the LED, and the other end extends radially from the central housing on the underside surface of the disc to the rim of the disc. The flying disc is illuminated without altering the aerodynamic properties of the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Playhard, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry Moore
  • Publication number: 20070212973
    Abstract: An illuminated flying disc device that can be used in low-light conditions to play an organized game similar to golf or croquet. The disc is aerodynamically designed with lights around it that can blink or remain on for effect. Poles that act as golf holes or croquet rings come in contact with the flying disc to effect a score. Scores are kept according to the number of throws necessary for the contestant to contact a lighted pole the lowest score being the winner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: David Brockes, James C. Helfrich
  • Patent number: 7223150
    Abstract: An internally illuminated toy having a flexible body that is made from an elastomeric gel. The flexible body defines an internal chamber that is accessible through a small access opening. An electronics module is provided that contains a light source. The electronics module is inserted into the internal chamber of the flexible body by hyper-extending the access opening. Once inside the internal chamber, the access opening elastically contracts and the electronics module is trapped within the flexible body. When activated, the electronics module illuminates, thereby internally illuminating the flexible body of the toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: Mark Chernick, Webb T. Nelson, Dustin S. Chernick, Adam J. Chernick, Martin L. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7108576
    Abstract: A projectile adapted for being discharged from a suitable firing device such as a gun, slingshot, cannon and the like. The device includes a three-dimensional shaped body constructed of a foam material and which may include such as a disc shaped, conical arrow shape or spherical ball shape. A plurality of LED lighting elements are supported within the foam material body at specified locations and are visible from a surface of the body. A battery is supported within the body and electrically communicates the LED lighting elements. A switch accessibly is located upon the body and selectively engages or disengages the battery with the lighting elements and in order to provide an illuminating effect to the projectile as it is discharged from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Poof Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian LaPointe
  • Patent number: 6975213
    Abstract: A whistle has a whistle member having a mouthpiece at a front thereof, a chamber therein, a passage communicated with the chamber, and an outlet at a sidewall of the chamber, and a light emitting device provided on the whistle member, which has a lamp, a battery and a switch device, wherein the lamp is conducted with the battery and the switch is provided at between the lamp and the battery to turn the lamp on or off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Lo-Pin Wang
  • Patent number: 6971940
    Abstract: An illuminated flying disc may have adapted to attach a light source to the disc in the area of the rim in a manner that may have no substantial effect on the aerodynamic qualities of the device and is sufficient to hold the light source in place while throwing and upon impact with obstacles, said device being durable, safe and easy to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventors: Adam Cohen, Stephen S. Roma
  • Patent number: 6921313
    Abstract: An illuminated flying toy with an improved propeller that can bring the flying toy to high altitude. The illuminated flying toy provides a dazzling and fantastic effect when played at night. The illuminated flying toy mainly contains a propeller and a launcher. The propeller contains an outer ring, a transparent base plate, a cover and plural blades. The transparent base plate has an illuminating device thereon, a power device thereon for supplying electric power to the illuminating device. The cover is used for covering topside of the transparent base plate. The plural blades radially extend from edges of the transparent base plate to the outer ring. The launcher is adapted to the transparent base plate for launching the propeller. The illuminating device can alternatively be installed on the blades and controlled by a chip installed on the transparent base plate to display various patterns shown at night.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: Derrick Yu
  • Patent number: 6860783
    Abstract: A disc toy for throwing between at least two persons includes a disc with a panel and a flange. The panel has a top surface, a bottom surface and a peripheral edge having a substantially circular shape. A flange is integrally attached to and extends downwardly from the peripheral edge. A plurality of windows is positioned in the disc for allowing light to pass through the disc. Each of the windows is positioned at a juncture of the panel and the flange and the peripheral edge. A plurality of light emitters is provided. Each of a plurality of clip members is attached to the disc at a juncture of the bottom surface and the flange. Each of the clip members abuts one of the windows and each is adapted for releasably securing one of the light emitters in a position adjacent to one of the windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventors: Edward T. Kucha, Lori Romanowski
  • Patent number: 6783421
    Abstract: The waterproof illuminated disc flyer is an illuminated and waterproof flying plastic disc. The disc has upper and lower disc members sealed together at the outer perimeter of the discs, and is illuminated by light-emitting diodes (LEDs). A pushbutton switch and a battery compartment are enclosed within a waterproof enclosure formed between the upper and lower discs. A battery cover having a thin depressible plastic membrane enables a user to toggle the switch from outside the waterproof interior. The upper surface of the flying disc has a centered dome having six spokes, each spoke having a LED extending from alternating opposite ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Frank Lopez
  • Publication number: 20040141311
    Abstract: An EL Frisbee is composed of a main body and an electroluminescent device. The electroluminescent device includes at least one electroluminescent plate secured on the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Applicant: Chen, Chung-Jung
    Inventors: Chung-Jung Chen, Tzu-Kuei Chang, Yang-Chou Lai, Chi-Chen Wu
  • Patent number: 6764371
    Abstract: An amusement device toy in the shape of a flying saucer disk having aero-dynamically shaped whistle structures for emitting different tones when the disk is thrown into the air, mounted symmetrically on the periphery of the disk. The size of the whistle air chambers may be varied or the openings for admitting air displaced at different angles to obtain the different tones, while the aero-dynamic shape of the whistle assures laminar flow of air over the whistle entry for increased air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventors: William V. Hartman, Ralph P. Shaw, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6713313
    Abstract: A method for fabricating field emission arrays employs a single mask to define emitter tips, their corresponding resistors, and, optionally, conductive lines. One or more material layers from which the emitter tips and resistors will be defined are formed over and laterally adjacent substantially parallel conductive lines. The exposed surface of the layer or layers of emitter tip and resistor material or materials may be planarized. The emitter tips and underlying resistors are then defined. Substantially longitudinal center portions of the conductive lines may be exposed between adjacent lines of emitter tips, with at least a lateral edge portion of each conductive line being shielded by material that remains following the formation of the emitter tips and resistors. The exposed portions of the conductive lines may be removed in order to define conductive traces. Field emission arrays and display devices fabricated by such methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Ammar Derraa
  • Publication number: 20040043694
    Abstract: An illuminated flying disc may have adapted to attach a light source to the disc in the area of the rim in a manner that may have no substantial effect on the aerodynamic qualities of the device and is sufficient to hold the light source in place while throwing and upon impact with obstacles, said device being durable, safe and easy to use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Adam Cohen, Stephen S. Roma
  • Patent number: 6695666
    Abstract: A flying disk toy is provided with a streamer, windsock or the like for aesthetically enhancing the visual effect of the flying disk toy while in flight with minimal interference to its flight aerodynamics. The flying disk toy is in the form of a substantially disk-shaped body having an outer rim, a generally convex top surface, a generally concave bottom surface, and a central axis about which the body rotates when the disk toy is in flight. The streamer includes a leading end and a trailing end. The streamer may be illuminated while the disk toy is in flight. The streamer may also be positioned such that its leading end is adjacent to the outer rim of the disk body. If a hanger arm is employed to attach the streamer to the disk body, the hanger arm can be mounted in an anti-friction bearing position in the top surface of the disk body, whereby the hanger arm and the streamer are rotatable relative to the disk body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Igor M. Nikonorov
  • Patent number: 6604742
    Abstract: A throw and catch game or sport whereby a plastic disk is thrown by one player and caught by the other player wearing a glove or pad. The disk and the glove have complementary strips of VELCRO on their outer surfaces. The catcher merely touches the flying disk, allowing it to adhere to the target glove. The disk is a plastic, arc-shaped device with a foam padding or air pocket at the bottom center portion. VELCRO covers the foam padding/air pocket at the top center, and the plastic disk below the bottom center and the outer edge. The pocket may also contain a battery operated light. The pocket may also include an electronic recorder (programmed or random) and an electronic sound/music player, which may be activated by spinning the disk, as when it is thrown or activated by other means as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Jimmy El Sabbagh
  • Patent number: 6547623
    Abstract: An illuminated flying disk with three concentric rings located on its upper surface, each ring made up of a plurality of independently addressable individual light bulbs which enables it to be seen even under low ambient lighting conditions. The bottom surface of the disk has a centrally located battery housing unit for holding the batteries and a control unit. Adjacent to the battery storage unit is an on/off switch and a mode selector which allows a choice of three settings for the light display system. The first setting provides for constant emission of light from all bulbs at all times. The second setting provides for a lighting effect which entails sequential lighting of adjacent individual bulbs located on each ring, thereby imparting an illusion of moving light around the ring. The third setting allows for alternate flashing between successive rings. By choosing one of the three settings, the user determines which visual effect to enable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Manuel Collado
  • Patent number: 6544093
    Abstract: A highly entertaining revolving and flying toy which is manufactured at low cost and can be seen in the dark. A revolving disk-shaped body 2 is provided with an insert pocket 2g in which chemical luminous body 3 is placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Lumica Corporation
    Inventor: Yuichi Komuro
  • Patent number: 6402342
    Abstract: A cold-light emitting Frisbee mainly includes a transparent round top cover, a round base covered by the top cover, and a cold-light emitting means. The round base is provided at a central area with open-bottomed battery compartments to accommodate batteries therein, and at an upper surface with radially spaced recesses. The cold-light emitting means includes a control plate and some cold-light strips connected to the control plate via flat cables and fitly positioned in the radial recesses. The control plate is fixed to the upper surface of the base to electrically connect to the batteries in the battery compartments. A user may push a watertight sealing member from a bottom of the base to actuate a pressure switch on the control plate, causing the cold-light strips to emit cold light when the Frisbee is thrown out to fly and turn in the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Kuo-Pin Chiang
  • Patent number: 6270391
    Abstract: This invention relates to a lighting system for a rotating object wherein the lights are made to appear stationary by being turned on and off in synchrony with the rotation of the object. This synchronization is achieved by utilizing magnetic field sensors which determine the instantaneous orientation of the object relative to the Earth's magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Tryggvi Emilsson
  • Patent number: 6247989
    Abstract: A flying toy in the form of an aerodynamic flying ring. An annular disk (17) surrounds a central opening (12) to create a ring. A convex upper surface (11) deflects air flowing over the top side of the disk, increasing air speed and reducing downward air pressure. An aerodynamic protruding annular fin (27) located near the inner perimeter (18) of the unit deflects air upward again, increasing air speed and decreasing air pressure again. The lower side of the unit contains an undercut that can be straight (16), curved (20), or angled (22). This undercut creates a lower cutaway surface (19) which may be parallel to, or at an angle to, the horizontal plane. This structure captures air beneath the unit, slowing air speed and increasing upward air pressure on the unit. These features combine to provide greater lift capacity than any of them would produce separately. In the preferred embodiment the disk is made of a soft foam material such as polyethylene or polyurethane, but other materials could be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Richard D. Neff
  • Patent number: 6200185
    Abstract: A flying disc comprising a displaying panel and coupling means for attaching the displaying panel to the flying disc is provided. The flying disc provides suitable space for advertising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Dwight Trump Kuster, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5931716
    Abstract: A substantially disk shaped body includes a downwardly curved perimeter and a circular, raised central portion. A plurality of substantially evenly spaced apertures are distributed annularly about the central portion. A switch is positioned substantially at a top of the central portion, the switch including a hole there-through for connecting to a cord for hanging the body. A circuit includes the switch, a battery receptacle, a sound generating device, and at least one light source. The circuit is configured to activate the light source when the switch is moved to one side, and to activate the light source and the sound generating device when the switch is moved to an opposite side. The battery receptacle, the sound generating device, and the light source are positioned beneath the central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventors: Lloyd M. Hopkins, Jane M. Hopkins
  • Patent number: 5902166
    Abstract: A multi-colored LED biasing circuit that allows users to selectively choose the colors for a given state or condition. A user will assign by use of switches which color of a multi-colored LED will light on the presence of an electronic signal representing a state or condition in need of a visual output. One embodiment for a tri-colored LED will allow a user to select a base color for when no signal is present, the base color selected between a first color, and a second color and a secondary color for when a signal is present, the secondary color selected between the opposite of the base color (first or second color) and a third color. The present invention can be embodied in toys in a variety of ways. For example, dolls and other figurines having eyes that can change color to represent a change of state or condition in the figurine for enhanced play or decorative purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Charles L. R. Robb
  • Patent number: 5873761
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an aerodynamic toy particularly of the type for manually launching into the air. The toy includes a disc shaped body having a plurality of airfoil shaped sections, and a plurality of slots in the body. Light emitting devices and sound generating devices may also be included to enhance the amusement value of the toy. It is believed that airfoil shaped disc sections, depressions in the bottom of the disc body, and slots in the body improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the toy enabling it to remain in the air for a longer period of time when thrown, and cause the toy to tend to level itself while airborne.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventor: Michael W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5810636
    Abstract: An autorotating flyer (10) having a sound-making device (80) for generating an audible sound during descent of the autorotating flyer (10) to the ground after having been thrown into the air. The audible sound generated by the sound-making device (80) is a result of air being passed therethrough during rotation of the autorotating flyer (10). The sound-making device (80) may generate a whistle, a buzzing sound, or any other sound which may be created using the passage of air through the sound-making device (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: William D. Harned
  • Patent number: 5676988
    Abstract: The U.F.O. Pop consists of a sucker-type candy with a candy stick inserted into an aperture at the top of a clear plastic upper housing. The clear plastic upper housing is connected to the plastic lower housing with a toy creature inside. The top of the plastic lower housing contains a circuit board, LEG bulbs, contact switch and a battery operated power supply. The outside of the plastic lower housing has a launch button on one side and a contact switch on the opposite side. The inside of the plastic lower housing contains a launch button, pin, push block with an anchored pivot point, release mechanism and a spring anchor containing a windup spring and a spinner shaft. The buttom of the plastic lower housing has winding locks and a spinner end. The flying disk is connected to the spinner end by placing the winding lock teeth over the winding locks at the bottom of the plastic lower housing. The flying disk is turned to windup for flight. It is now ready to launch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 5611720
    Abstract: A flying disc toy of the FRISBEE.RTM. type provides a lighting system having LEDs used in conjunction with a glow-in-the-dark body. The flying disc provides a raised center section having a plurality of LEDs mounted radially at spaced intervals. A motion responsive switch is used to turn on the LEDs in response to movement of the disc. Electronic circuitry controlling the LEDs provides a timer circuit that automatically turns off the LEDs a timed period after they are turned on. As a result of the motion sensitive switch and timer circuit, the lights flash on and off rapidly as the disc flies through air turbulence. No on-off switch is required, since the circuitry rapidly turns itself off. Because no on-off switch is present, all components are carried in a waterproof raised center section having no opening. An optional battery plug structure is threadedly insertable into a plug receiver in the raised center section, and allows the user to replace the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Alien Warper, Inc.
    Inventor: John Vandermaas
  • Patent number: 5319531
    Abstract: An illuminated, translucent flying disc includes electronic lighting and a lighting control. A plurality of high intensity light sources are centrally located below the disc in a protective center hub enclosure. The light sources distribute their alternating high intensity light rays radially outward along the top and bottom of the disc to the rim, flooding an angular area and rim of the disc with their alternating colored light rays, thus producing a high glowing effect through the opaque or translucent disc body. The controller for alternating the illumination of the light sources uses square wave timing circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Inventor: Mark R. Kutnyak
  • Patent number: 5290184
    Abstract: A flying disc with two lights located on or near the disk's perimeter, with two symmetrically opposed housings on the underside of the disk near the disk's outmost edge. The two housings store the batteries and the electrical components for illuminating the disk. The housings are placed on opposite sides of the disk, so that the bulk of the disk's weight is on the disk's outside edge. Aerodynamic stability in a flying disk is optimum when the bulk of the disk's weight is distributed on it's outside edge. Thus, the present invention has greater stability when set in rotational motion than existing disks which house electronic components and batteries in the center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Imagination Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Balogh, Donald V. Kress, Michael Toler
  • Patent number: 5181876
    Abstract: A flying disk includes a circular plate and a bowl-shaped member attached to the circular plate. The bowl-shaped member includes a threaded recess extending into the same. A threaded rod is threadably inserted into the threaded recess. A threaded rod has a tapered end so that the whole assembly serves as a top as well as a flying disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Inventors: Ching-Ming Chen, Cheng-Fu Lee
  • Patent number: 5083799
    Abstract: A toy in the form of a tossable disc capable of being illuminated and provided with elements to create an auditory sound as the unit is tossed and spun through the air. The unit includes a substantially flat, planar section and an inflatable ring therearound and attached thereto with a chemiluminescent light source positioned on the planar section and a plurality of whistle elements mounted on the inflated ring such that as the toy is tossed through the air the movement thereof will present an auditory sound and the chemiluminescent light source may be activated at the user's desire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Spearhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald D. Thill