Building Furnishing Or Appliance Patents (Class 446/479)
  • Patent number: 9072973
    Abstract: An interactive play station designed to provide for play which utilizes digitally generated content, mechanical or other physical objects, and digital control to simulate a physical environment which physical objects can appear to interact with. In this regard, the play station is a mixed reality or augmented environment that comprises both real and virtual elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.
    Inventor: Brandon Elliott
  • Publication number: 20130171909
    Abstract: The Imaginative Play Furniture Cover transforms existing furniture into immersive imaginative play environments. It is made of flexible material, folding away into a small volume for storage or transport. It is easy to travel with, allowing parents to take play structures to other locations and eliminate the need for additional structures at visited locations. It can be machine washable to prevent the spread of germs in public play areas, such as schools or waiting rooms, and to keep it looking clean and neat. The main play elements are panels that are surrounded by a margin of background indicia, allowing the cover to fit furniture of various sizes. The main play element panels can be placed on the cover in such a way as to utilize the empty space within the furniture as multiple imaginative environments, maximizing creative play space in a small footprint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 1, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Lysandra Amanda Nicole DeForest
  • Patent number: 8390850
    Abstract: A toy mailbox for children includes a storage unit and a media processing mechanism. The storage unit includes a door member for closeably opening the storage unit and an ejection slot configured on a portion of the storage unit. The media processing mechanism is coupled to the storage unit, such that the media processing mechanism is capable of dispensing a media sheet having data content printed thereon, into the storage unit through the ejection slot. Opening the storage unit enables children to access the media sheet from within the storage unit. The media processing mechanism is also capable of printing the data content on the media sheet prior to dispensing the media sheet into the storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventor: John Thomas Writt
  • Publication number: 20120321286
    Abstract: A folding panel assembly includes a first panel having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and a second panel having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The first and second panels have respective adjoining first edges that together define a first gap between the panels. An interior image layer is fixed to the interior surfaces of the first panel and of the second panel. An exterior image layer is fixed to the exterior surfaces of the first panel and of the second panel. At least one of the image layers forms a first reversibly foldable hinge spanning the first gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: The American Doll Room Company LLC
    Inventor: Rory O'Connor
  • Patent number: 8292689
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for electronic playsets and components thereof. An electronic playset of the present disclosure may include a see-through monitor having a transparent screen configured to display an animated image superimposed over one or more regions. The see-through monitor may be moveable by rotation or translation between one or more positions, the one or more positions being adjacent to the one or more regions. Some embodiments including a see-through monitor with a light source configured to illuminate the one or more regions. Another aspect of the present disclosure provides for a removable toy having an identifiable accessory that may be provided to an electronic playset. The playset may be configured to identify the toy and display an animated character based on the identity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Hardin, Andy Chan, Eric Skifstrom, Jack Millerick
  • Patent number: 7980918
    Abstract: A playhouse is provided that includes an outer structure and a roof supported by and positioned atop the outer structure. The outer structure and the roof cooperate to at least partially define a first playspace. In one embodiment, the playhouse can further include a fence that at least partially defines a second playspace. The first and second playspaces can communicate with one another such that a person can travel between the first and second playspaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: The Step2 Company, LLC
    Inventor: Zhanna Prilutsky
  • Patent number: 7744443
    Abstract: The invention relates to a toy grilling apparatus. The apparatus includes a grill base, a grill lid, and a reservoir. The grill base has a grilling surface. The grill lid and the grill base are movable relative to one another to be brought together into a grilling arrangement. The reservoir is capable of retaining fluid. When the grill base and the grill lid are in the grilling arrangement, fluid is able to be expelled from the reservoir to flow on the grilling surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Cassidy Brothers PLC
    Inventor: Paul M. Cassidy
  • Publication number: 20080113586
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for electronic playsets and components thereof. An electronic playset of the present disclosure may include a see-through monitor having a transparent screen configured to display an animated image superimposed over one or more regions. The see-through monitor may be moveable by rotation or translation between one or more positions, the one or more positions being adjacent to the one or more regions. Some embodiments including a see-through monitor with a light source configured to illuminate the one or more regions. Another aspect of the present disclosure provides for a removable toy having an identifiable accessory that may be provided to an electronic playset. The playset may be configured to identify the toy and display an animated character based on the identity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Mark Hardin, Andy Chan, Eric Skifstrom, Jack Millerick
  • Patent number: 7104864
    Abstract: A system for the construction of life size play structures includes a multiplicity of inflatable building blocks, each being a member of a finite set of different multi-sided block types. Each such type is a cylinder having the cross section of a regular polyhedron, and the length of each side of each polyhedron is identical. The blocks are attached to each other by means of a rotating joint which aligns each contiguous side of each block with the contiguous side of the adjoining block, but which does not allow each such to translate relative to the adjoining block. The joints are constructed at fixed locations along the sides according to specific dimensional ratios. Stiffening means are used to maintain the dimensional integrity of each block, and to maintain the uniformity of the system from block to block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Dick Liou
  • Patent number: 7086923
    Abstract: A system and method for simulating a wide variety of different toy furniture items including a plurality of three-dimensional predetermined shaped members wherein at least some of the predetermined shaped members are adaptable to be positioned and repositioned adjacent to other shaped members in a plurality of different configurations to simulate a plurality of different furniture items. The present system and method further includes providing a plurality of slipcovers having indicia associated therewith which are shaped and dimensioned respectively to be positioned over at least one of the plurality of shaped members to simulate the particular furniture item or other home/business furnishing depicted on the slipcover, and providing at least one wall board having indicia associated therewith for simulating a particular room setting, the wall board being used in conjunction with the system components to simulate different room settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Build-A-Bear Retail Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin W. Karabees
  • Patent number: 6848747
    Abstract: An article of furniture formed from a plurality of slotted substantially planar members joined together at their respective slots is disclosed. The planar members can be formed into a chair, a bench, a bed, or a table. In a preferred embodiment, the furniture is doll furniture, and the chair can also include a slotted substantially planar desk member or tray member, thereby allowing the chair to serve as a desk or highchair. The seat of the chair and the seats of the bench preferably include a substantially arcuate protrusion sized so that a doll's legs straddle it. Accordingly, dolls with at least a pair of legs extending therefrom and having no pivoting leg joints, only pivoting hip joints, or pivoting knee joints and pivoting hip joints can all appear to be sitting in the chair simply by straddling the arcuate protrusion. The planar members can include surfaces adapted to allow the user to apply desirable surface ornamentation thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Dina M. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6728981
    Abstract: A portable play enclosure area for use with interchangeable decorative theme covers converts a bed having removable bed rails into a play area. The portable play area upper enclosure has an upper structural frame defining a top area; a plurality of vertical bars having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end is coupled to the upper structural frame; and, a coupling mechanism for removably attaching the distal end of the plurality of vertical bars to the removable bed rails. The coupling mechanism enables the upper structural frame and plurality of vertical bars to be removed from the bed rails as a free standing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Ray Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 6648725
    Abstract: A toy comprises: a first part and a second part, the parts being adapted to be placed into registration, the first part comprising short-range sensor means, the second part comprising one or more reflective areas adapted to be sensed and/or one or more non-reflective areas adapted not to be detected by the sensor means, such that when the second part is placed into registration with the first part, a sensor signal is generated specific to the area or areas sensed; and processing means in the first part adapted to receive said signal and to general an appropriate response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Thinking Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Wai Tai Chan
  • Publication number: 20030148704
    Abstract: A child's toy caddy for use with a conveyance such as a bicycle, tricycle, or scooter, has a pair of handles permitting drop-on attachment to the handlebars of the conveyance, so that a child's toy such as a doll, teddy bear, raptor or like favoured toy can be strapped into the seat of the caddy, and safely transported by the child while at play with the conveyance. The caddy includes a safety harness with safety belt and shoulder strap, enabling a child to secure its toy to the caddy, with safe transportation for both toy and child upon the conveyance. The caddy handles may be flexible so as to release from the handlebars under undue loading, and are sized to readily accommodate the brake cables of a bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Michael F. Hollick
  • Patent number: 6582276
    Abstract: A toy washing machine has a safety function to prevent the release of water and the like. The safety function locks the door of the toy washing machine when the machine is filled with water. As water is poured into the machine, it flows to a container positioned below an internal drum cabin. The container has a float that rises as the container fills with water. The rising of the float activates a lever device that is connected to a pin. The pin locks the door and prevents the door from opening when water is within the machine. The door of the machine has a seal made of heterotypic silicon rubber that prevents leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Golden Bright Manufacturer Limited
    Inventor: Wei Gang Bao
  • Patent number: 6547635
    Abstract: A doll bath for bathing dolls and the like. The doll bath includes a housing having a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, and a fourth side wall. The first and second side walls is opposite of each other. The top wall has an opening therein. A toy bathtub is positioned in the opening and has a size substantially equal to the opening. An upper edge of the bathtub has a lip thereon coupled to the top wall. A pipe is elongated and has a first end and a second end. The pipe has a pair of bends therein each generally equal to 90 degrees. Each of the bends is located generally adjacent to one of the ends of the pipe such that the ends are directed in opposite directions of each other. The pipe is positioned in the first side wall and extends upwardly from the top wall such that the first end of the pipe is directed toward the bath tub and the second end of the pipe extends through the back side of the first side wall. The first end of the pipe has a nozzle thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Edward J. Gildea
  • Patent number: 6537129
    Abstract: A generally square-shaped doll bed includes a square base supporting a quartet of vertical posts at its corners. The base defines a center recess within which a platform is supported by a pivoting arm. The pivoting arm is secured to a further pivoting arm which extends outward beyond the base and terminates in a depressible pad. A doll is supported above the platform by a pair of resilient bands secured to frame members coupled between the vertical posts. As the user depresses and releases the pad, the platform exerts upward forces against the doll causing it to move in a jumping action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Erika Kane
  • Patent number: 6520831
    Abstract: A modular doll house has interconnectable walls, floors and roofs that are held together by a variety of connectors. The connectors of the modular doll house include tabs which slidably engage the interconnectable walls, floors and roofs and can be easily manipulated by children to assemble and disassemble the modular doll house. Specifically, the modular doll house includes a first structural member having a first surface and a first groove disposed in the first surface and a second structural member having a second surface and a second groove disposed in the second surface. Additionally, the modular doll house has a rigid connector including a first tab adapted to slidably engage the first groove and a second tab adapted to slidably engage the second groove to connect the first structural member to the second structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Sarah A. Craig
  • Patent number: 6450851
    Abstract: A bubble blowing toy in the shape of a barbeque unit. The kettle portion of the barbeque unit contains a grill and a power driven fan located below the grill. A bubble solution is poured on the grill and it forms a film thereon. When the fan is turned on bubbles are formed by the solution on the grill. Accessories having shape of foods normally grilled are also provided. These accessories also have openings over which a film is formed and arrays of bubbles will be formed having the outline of such accessories when the fan is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Rehkemper, Jeffrey Rehkemper
  • Patent number: 6439957
    Abstract: The toy kitchen of the invention has a variety of play features, including a countertop, a stove top arrangement, a sink, an answering machine and telephone, and a cookbook. The toy kitchen includes a control system that receives and processes inputs from several switches associated with the various play features. The disclosed stove top arrangement includes a pair of simulated burners on which a child may place a utensil. A switch is placed beneath each burner to sense an object that has been placed on a burner. A simulated cookbook is mounted on the countertop. The cookbook includes a page that is pivotally mounted to the cookbook base so that it can be turned by the child user. When the page is turned to either side of the cookbook, it engages a switch on the cookbook base. When an object is placed on one of the burners, the sound output by the control system varies depending on which side of the page engages the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph M. MacCarthy
  • Publication number: 20020102911
    Abstract: A slewing unit mounted to the upper end of a tower rotates a combination jib and counterjib which extends in a horizontal direction about a vertical axis. A first electrical drive unit powers the slewing unit to rotate the jib to a selected angular position relative to the tower. A trolley is movable longitudinally along the jib. A second electrical drive unit moves the trolley to a selected longitudinal position along the jib. A third electrical drive unit mounted on the trolley extends and retracts a rigid elongate load lifting boom in a vertical direction. A load handler, such as a hook, clam-shell bucket or load lifting platform, is connected to the lower end of the boom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Mammano, Daniel J. Aldred
  • Publication number: 20020086612
    Abstract: A toy comprises: a first part and a second part, the parts being adapted to be placed into registration, the first part comprising short-range sensor means, the second part comprising one or more reflective areas adapted to be sensed and/or one or more non-reflective areas adapted not to be detected by the sensor means, such that when the second part is placed into registration with the first part, a sensor signal is generated specific to the area or areas sensed; and processing means in the first part adapted to receive said signal and to general an appropriate response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Albert Wai Tai Chan
  • Patent number: 6358113
    Abstract: A nursery includes a frame, a bassinet, a swing, a single drive unit and a coupling mechanism. The bassinet, the swing, the drive unit and the coupling assembly are supported by the frame. The coupling assembly is operably coupled to the drive unit and has first and second outputs. The first output is pivotally coupled to the bassinet and the second output is pivotally coupled to the swing. The coupling assembly is configured to transfer the drive unit output to one of the swing and the bassinet such that the one of the swing and the bassinet swing relative to the frame. An apparatus for selectably operating at least two separate features of a toy includes a frame, first and second devices coupled to the frame, a control device, a single drive unit, and a gear assembly. The gear assembly includes a pivoting member, and first and second output assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: The Little Tikes Company
    Inventor: James A. Ruggiero
  • Patent number: 6171173
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a toy refrigerator with a body and a door that has an activity surface, which is either a metallic surface or a writing surface, such as a whiteboard. The body and the door is made either from plastic material or from wood. The activity surface is used as a space to teach children through use of additional play items such as magnetized alphabets or figures. The activity surface is alternatively used as writing or drawing or posting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: ABC School Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose Alcala, Sofia Dumery, Sun Chul Kim, Kimberly Leonard, Andrew Schloss
  • Patent number: 6048251
    Abstract: A toy is provided in which a first entertaining environment is provided when the toy is in a first position and a second entertaining environment is provided when the toy is in a second position. The toy is transformed form the first position to the second position by rotating the toy from one side to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: F. F. Acquisition Corp.
    Inventors: Daniel Klitsner, Charles W. Bookstaver, Brian Clemens
  • Patent number: 5955157
    Abstract: A candle holder specially shaped so as to resemble a TV set. The body portion of the candle holder is preferably made of glass and is relatively opaque except for a screen simulative portion recessed into a front wall thereof which is relatively translucent. The candle holder also may include means for simulating a "rabbit ears" antenna in the form of bent wire mounted in a rear wall and extending upwardly therefrom. A lit candle may be placed on the floor of the candle holder through an upper opening formed by the front wall, rear wall and side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Design Ideas, Ltd.
    Inventor: Christopher Hardy
  • Patent number: 5954561
    Abstract: A play material container includes a base having an interior cavity, a sidewall and a cookie-cutter edge defining a predetermined shape. A lid is configured to be snap-fitted upon the base to provide container closure. An extrusion die is formed in the container base sidewall which is capped by a resiliently supported cap secured to the container lid. The container lid defines an upper surface supporting a plurality of open face press molds. The cookie-cutter shape, the press mold elements, and the extrusion die aperture are preferably coordinated in accordance with a common theme such as a food article or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory M. Cannone
  • Patent number: 5938281
    Abstract: A seating structure for a child is provided. The seating structure includes a box open at an upper end. The box includes a bench positioned within the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Ellen M. Keils
  • Patent number: 5919078
    Abstract: A toy is intended to resemble a cyclone type vacuum cleaner. The toy vacuum cleaner includes a body comprising a cylindrical container which has a transparent cylindrical outer wall. A core extends axially into the container to define a space between itself and the outer wall. A fan assembly is mounted to close an open end of the container. A multiplicity of polystyrene beads are disposed within the space between the core and the outer wall. The fan assembly includes a fan rotor mounted substantially coaxially with the container, to be driven by a motor, whereby on activation of the motor, the fan causes a circulation of air within the container, which circulation causes the beads to move in approximately circular paths about the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Cassidy Brothers, plc
    Inventor: Paul Michael Cassidy
  • Patent number: 5890338
    Abstract: A modular structure for constructing houses is designed for children to play. The structure includes moulded material panels which are connected with the assistance of corner parts through conjugated members built into the panels. The panels have an outer embossed surface resembling stonework, windows and door openings in which the relevant leaves or panes are articulated. The facade parts form a top angle for supporting saddle roof parts above. The modular structure is used for mounting houses for children to play within and it is accessible for children. The house may also have auxiliary rotatable simulated domestic elements, such as a vertical mirror that rotates down to be a horizontal table top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Jose Manuel Rodriguez-Ferre
  • Patent number: 5718089
    Abstract: A framed modular miniature front for a shelter, which front has a header, threshold and side rails together with an inner wall portion mounted on the surrounding frame. A full length door opening is formed in that wall adjacent a side rail of the modular frame. One or more dutch-type doors are swingably mounted in the opening by dowel hinges. This door opening is covered by a door pinned at the hinge side by a dowel pin that is seated in slightly oversized openings drilled lengthwise into the hinge side of the door. A swing space provides easy and full opening of the hinged door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Inventor: Roy Clayton Dakin
  • Patent number: 5655946
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for simulating the feeding of a variety of food types to a child's baby doll is disclosed. The apparatus includes a spoon and a food container. The food container is segmented into three compartments, each of which contains a different simulated food type. Within each compartment is a cam assembly for interaction with a cam follower that is disposed within a spindle that is rotatably mounted within the bowl of the spoon. The outer surface of the spindle is configured to also represent food, where the types of food represented on the spindle in the bowl of the spoon are the same food types that are simulated in the food container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Fisher-Price, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Harris, Charles W. Paddock
  • Patent number: 5647786
    Abstract: A stuffed personal computer toy, having a simulated processing unit, a simulated monitor, and a simulated keyboard, all of which are constructed of a soft material and provide the appearance of complementary functional components of a functional personal computer. The monitor and keyboard are attached to the processing unit using detachable fastening mechanisms so that they may be separated from the processing unit, and then reassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: George L. Caspescha
  • Patent number: 5580293
    Abstract: A toy stairway is disclosed which may be used to play with a spring toy and which comprises elongated first and second collapsible side rails in confronting spaced relationship relative to each other, a plurality of rigid steps disposed between the first and second side rails, and means for releasably connecting the plurality of steps to the first and second side rails. Each side rail may be coilable and resilient, or may be foldable and comprised of a plurality of hingedly connected fold sections. The first and second side rails preferably are formed from a single stringer having a first portion and a second portion, the stringer being made of a material to permit the stringer to bend for bringing the second portion in a confronting spaced relationship relative to the first portion to define the first and second side rails. The stringer may be made of a coilable resilient material or of a foldable material comprised of a plurality of hingedly connected fold sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventors: Joseph T. Sestak, Anthony H. Lariccia
  • Patent number: 5480335
    Abstract: A toy includes a clam shell case having a hingedly coupled base and cover member which in the open configuration supports the remaining toy components. A hand crank operated shredder is securable to the open case and is operative to receive and shred a plurality of chewing gum sticks to form elongated ribbons of chewing gum. A holder replicating a conventional fast food french fry envelope or carton receives the chewing gum ribbons to provide the appearance of a pair of french fry orders from a fast food type restaurant. The gum shredder and holder are receivable within the interior of the folding case and are enclosed therein when the case is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin J. Caveza
  • Patent number: 5387149
    Abstract: A pie making toy includes a generally rectangular base having an angularly disposed roller bed surface and a pair of upwardly extending side walls on either side thereof. A generally cylindrical roller is movable upon the roller bed surface to facilitate the flattening or compressing of a bread slice placed upon the roller bed. The rectangular base further supports an upwardly extending rectangular die having an outer cutting edge and a recess formed in the interior portion thereof. A pivotally supported crimper is pivotally secured to the base proximate the upwardly extending die. A crimping die extends downwardly from the pivotal crimper and is configured to be received upon the upwardly extending die in a precision fit. The flattened bread slice is placed within the pie making toy so as to overlie the upwardly extending die and a quantity of filling material is deposited upon the upper surface of the bread slice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin J. Caveza
  • Patent number: 5346423
    Abstract: A toy for making simulated french fried potatoes includes a base supporting a generally rectangular housing within which a pair of cutter rollers are rotatably supported at the upper end thereof. A crank arm and gear coupling drive mechanism is operatively coupled to the cutter assembly to rotate the cutter rollers as the crank is turned. An upwardly extending cover member positioned above the cutter assembly includes a feed slot and guide passage which directs a bread slice deposited within the feed slot to the interface of the cutting rollers. As the crank is turned the bread slice is drawn through the cutter rollers and sliced into a plurality of elongated segments having an appearance similar to french fried potatoes. The bread segments are then collected within a collecting receptacle and a cooked appearance is imparted thereto by sprinkling coloring and flavoring agents such as cinnamon and sugar upon the bread segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin J. Caveza, Caleb S. Chung, John N. Handy
  • Patent number: 5344234
    Abstract: A toy beverage mixer and dispenser includes a horizontal support and vertical support combined to support a cylindrical mixing container. A crank housing is pivotally secured to the vertical support and includes a hand crank operated drive mechanism which is coupled to a rotating mixing blade extending downwardly into the mixing container. A dispensing valve is supported at the lower portion of the mixing container and controls the dispensing of mixed beverage into a drinking cup supported upon the horizontal support beneath the dispensing valve. The mixing blade is removable from the crank mechanism for cleaning and the entire mixing container and dispensing valve is similarly removable for cleaning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin J. Caveza
  • Patent number: 5314373
    Abstract: A toy food processor and oven includes a generally rectangular housing supporting a slidable tray above an internal simulated baking chamber. The housing includes a frontal opening which receives the tray in a sliding insertion. A food grinder including a pair of parallel rollers and handle crank mechanism is supported by a generally cylindrical housing above the food tray. The food grinder receives a brittle food material such as crackers or the like which is converted or crushed to a particulate material as the rollers are rotated and the food article is inserted between the rollers. The crushed particulate food material is accumulated upon the tray. The tray and food grinder are separated and the particulate food material is formed into a plurality of shaped food articles or patties upon the tray surface. The tray is then inserted into the baking chamber through the frontal opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin J. Caveza, Caleb S. Chung, Gregory M. Cannone
  • Patent number: 5252101
    Abstract: An simulated toy commode or potty for dolls including a removeable vessel having clear spaced apart walls defining an annular space. Similar reservoirs are mounted above and below the annular and are in controlled fluid communication with the annular space. A predetermined volume of liquid wholly containable in any one of the annular space or either reservoir is sealed within the vessel. Similar valves control the flow of the liquid between each of the reservoirs and the annular space. The vessel is removeably positionable in a housing that includes a hinged seat carrying an actuator for the upper one of the reservoirs so that upon downward movement of the seat the upper reservoir is emptied into the annular space. A flushing lever carried by the housing is linked to an actuator for the valve of the lower one of the reservoirs so that upon operation of the flushing lever, the liquid is drained from the annular space into the lower one of the reservoirs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Breslow, Morrison, Terzian & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Rosenwinkel, Richard B. Kuralt
  • Patent number: 5167564
    Abstract: A clothes rack for use with doll clothing and the like is arranged, wherein spaced side walls mount a hanger supporting rod orthogonally therebetween underlying a roof plate for use in storage of various components of doll accessories. A trio of connecting rods at lower distal ends of the side walls define a shoe-receiving slot for reception of shoes therewithin. The hanger structure of the invention is arranged to optionally include a mounting frame to accommodate elongated doll clothing of various sizes and is formed with magnet members to effect a spacing of the hangers when arranged in adjacency relative to one another by magnets of confronting like polarity. The mounting frames are further provided with fluid reservoirs to direct various scented fluids about an overlying wick structure of the mounting hanger organization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Inventor: Murray L. Lord
  • Patent number: 4973287
    Abstract: A toy check out station simulates the action of an actual check out station by including a work supporting surface, a system that simulates the action of a bar code reader system, a cash register and a conveyor system. The station includes a plurality of objects that have identifying discs thereon and which are passed over a field generator. When the field of the generator is broken by the discs, a signal is actuated so that each individual item can have its own code according to the number of discs thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Inventor: Cynthia L. Martin
  • Patent number: 4818233
    Abstract: A set of figures and objects used to teach children about the proceedings in religious worship services. The figures represent participants and the objects represent altar vessels and the like. The figures and objects are particularly useful in teaching about the Roman Catholic church and churches with a similar liturgical tradition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Hugh F. J. Behan
    Inventor: Hugh F. J. Behan
  • Patent number: 4624649
    Abstract: A toy furniture device adapted to be converted from a couch arrangement to a fold-down bed arrangement. The device includes a main frame member within which a bed member is pivotably supported, the bed member being pivotably movable between a stored position within the main frame member and a folded-down position wherein it extends substantially perpendicularly from the main frame member. A couch frame cooperates with a couch back portion defined on a bottom panel of the bed to define a couch configuration with a vertical wall therebehind when the bed member is in the stored position. In the folded-down position of the bed member, the couch frame is disposed below the bed member so as to support same and a panel of the main frame member defines a decorative vertical wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Inventor: Shirley L. Blocker
  • Patent number: 4571210
    Abstract: An elevator for a toy playset has a drum wound cable attached to a carrier for toy figures. The carrier includes an elongated, open bottomed shell into which is secured a folded piece of high density foam material, such as foam polyethylene. Compressed together opposed faces of the material form a slit along the length of the open bottom of the shell. Hands of a toy figure are inserted into the slit and retained by the compressed foam as the figure is transported by winding and unwinding the elevator drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Assignee: Marvin Glass & Associates
    Inventors: John V. Zaruba, Michael A. Andersen, Burton C. Meyer