With Lamp Patents (Class 446/485)
  • 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: 6909360
    Abstract: A barrel of a flashlight has a front barrel portion defining a front receiving space, and a rear barrel portion connected to the front barrel portion and defining a rear receiving space for receiving a battery unit. A lamp is disposed in a reflector retained in the front receiving space of the front barrel portion. A conductor unit is disposed in the barrel and establishes electrical connection between the lamp and the battery unit. A coupling sleeve has a front coupling section formed with an internally threaded surface for engaging an externally threaded mouth of a light-transmissible bottle body of a plastic beverage bottle, a rear coupling section mounted securely on the front barrel portion, and an intermediate section interconnecting the front and rear coupling sections. A lens piece is mounted in the intermediate section of the coupling sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventor: Kan-Yi Chen
  • Patent number: 6896390
    Abstract: A headlamp includes a housing securable to a human appendage. Within the housing a battery is located. Upon activation of a switch, the battery forms an electrical circuit with a light source located within the housing and directed to project a light beam therefrom. The housing is formed as an animate head having a mouth portion aperture defined by a hingeably secured jaw portion such that a light beam emanating from the light source projects through the aperture. The housing modifies the shape of the light beam and creates an inducement for a child-pedestrian to use the headlamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Zen Design Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Sun Yu, David A. Perrin, Anmena Yau
  • Patent number: 6802758
    Abstract: A toy with a plurality of lights that a user can suspend from his hands and spin, twirl, whirl, and otherwise manipulate to create amusing patterns of light. The toy consists of a hub (30), power supply (56), a plurality of light emitting elements (72) which are mounted on the hub using connectors (70), and an additional plurality of light emitting elements (92) which are mounted remotely on wires (170) using connectors (90) and attached to the hub (30) using connectors (52, 172) or (162). A tether (40) to suspend the toy from the users hands (48L, 48R), such as string which is passed though holes (42) in the hub (39). The user can then rotate, twist, wind up, spin, swing and otherwise manipulate the toy causing the light emitting elements (72, 92) to move in various circular and random patterns causing amusing displays of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew Michael Somers
  • Patent number: 6800012
    Abstract: An image generating apparatus includes a pigment sheet having an array of translucent pigment clusters, each pigment cluster being formed of a number of pigment regions, each pigment region containing an individual pigment differing in radiated color from that of a pigment in another pigment region within the pigment cluster; an image display board perforated by an array of light transmission member wells and positioned above the pigment sheet so that the member wells are located over and substantially register with a corresponding pigment cluster; a number of translucent light transmission members, each light transmission member being mounted within one of the member wells so that each light transmission member is movable within its corresponding member well relative to the pigment sheet to any one of various light transmission member positions to selectively receive a selected radiated color from one of the pigment regions; and at least one artificial light source mounted below the pigment sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventor: John G. Maxim
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6776687
    Abstract: A face with glowing eyes returns stare or blinks at onlookers. At least the head of a being or creature is provided on a backing with a pair of LEDs positioned in empty sockets or under evil brows. The base of each LED rests against or is placed adjacent to the front of the backing, while electrical leads on the other side secure the LEDs in place. The approach to prop construction described may also be employed for less sinister purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Frank P. Becking
  • Patent number: 6770002
    Abstract: A bat, constructed generally of the shape, weight and material usually used and formed for the batter is provided so as to have a small diameter stream of light extended through the central axis from one end to the other. The formation of the light stream emitting out the knob end of the bat will allow the batter to correctly align the knob of the bat with the ball during the initial movement of a swing. The batter and his/her coach will then be able to determine if there are errors in the player's angular position of the bat relative to the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Christine Aigotti
  • Patent number: 6755713
    Abstract: The invention includes a toy having a translucent body that includes a first surface and a second surface. A light source is disposed opposite the first surface. The first surface includes an image of a facial feature in a first position and the second surface includes an image of the same facial feature in a second position. When the light source is illuminated, the facial feature appears to be in the first position and when the light source is not illuminated, the facial feature appears to be in the second position. An audible output generator produced audible output simultaneously with illumination of the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Mattel
    Inventors: Gary Weber, Robert Sonner, Christopher J. Hayes, Albert Maggiore, Nancy M. Cariffe
  • Patent number: 6726522
    Abstract: An object display method and apparatus is disclosed which can easily display changeover of an entity, and an amusement apparatus is disclosed which can display a simulated burst having reality and punch. The method and apparatus first displays only one of the objects and hides other objects from the field of view. Then, the method and apparatus displays the previously hidden objects and at the same time hides the previously displayed object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Namco, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Muramatsu, Yoh Kuno
  • Patent number: 6712487
    Abstract: A light emitting golf ball is constructed to include a plastic outer shell that admits light, a plastic core embedded in the outer shell, the plastic core admitting light, and a light emitting circuit assembly embedded in the core, the light emitting circuit assembly including a battery, a plurality of LEDs, and an impact switch electrically connected between the battery and the LEDs and adapted to turn on the LEDs upon an impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Hsueh-Yen Liou
  • Patent number: 6695668
    Abstract: This invention relates to an inexpensive toy track vehicle with optical sensors for use on a printed track, and a method for controlling the vehicle on a printed track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventors: Kevin Gerard Donahue, Jack I. Raffel, Robert John Caldicott
  • Patent number: 6666782
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a blinking spherical toy, comprising an internal sphere composed of an upper hemisphere and a lower hemisphere, and the lower hemisphere having a circuit board with a circuit connecting to at least one lamp and one battery module, and two electrode rods passing through the bottom of the lower hemisphere; an external sphere having a size larger than the internal sphere and composed of a bottom hemisphere and a top hemisphere for accommodating the internal sphere, and a contact end disposed on both sides of the bottom axial line of the bottom sphere and passing through and being exposed from the bottom hemisphere. A non-conductive liquid is injected into the external sphere to fill the space between the internal sphere and the external sphere. By means of the gravitational force of the internal sphere, its upper sphere finally faces upward, and the two electrode rods of its lower sphere touch both contact ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Li-Hsiung Wu
  • Patent number: 6645038
    Abstract: A toy includes an at least partially translucent member. The member includes a flexible, elongate portion, and a first peg portion and a second peg portion on opposite ends of the elongate portion. A toy includes a toy assembly and a flexible peg. The toy assembly includes a peg board having a plurality of spaced apertures extending therethrough and a light source positioned adjacent to the peg board. The flexible peg has at least one end dimensioned to be inserted into one of the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Thin Air, LLC
    Inventor: Laureen A. Trotto
  • Patent number: 6620024
    Abstract: A computerized toy system has a body having the appearance of an animal. The computerized toy system permits the animal to adopt different attitudes and positions, the positions including at least three of a lying attitude, a sitting attitude, a working attitude, a standing attitude and different types of walking attitudes. There are limbs having joints to permit for movement of the toy. There are sufficient in number to permit for a relatively natural and smooth manner of movement representation of the animal. The body construct or skin appearance renders the toy realistic of an animal. The skin appearance may selectively be a fur or plush-type body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Silverlit Toys Manufactory, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kei Fung Choi
  • Patent number: 6589094
    Abstract: A portable, hand-held light display that has a handle or barrel, a transparent enclosure mounted on the handle and a light display mounted for rotation on the handle, visible through the transparent enclosure, the light display having a first rotating support, at least one light support rotatably mounted on the first rotating support, and lamps mounted on the light support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Jerrald D. Spencer
  • Patent number: 6575810
    Abstract: An illuminating toy figure for use with a conductive surface and an energy source is disclosed. The toy figure includes a structure having means for securing a battery and a first and second terminal, a light source having a third and fourth terminals, a first and second appendages, and a circuit. The circuit provides for an arrangement where the first, second, third and fourth terminals are connected to a first and second conductive plates located in the first and second appendages, respectively, such that when the first and second conductive plates are in electrical contact via the conductive surface, the light source is illuminated. The toy figure further includes magnetic properties in order to adhere to metal surfaces and a plastic structure embodying humanoid qualities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Toynami, Inc.
    Inventor: George Sohn
  • Patent number: 6558022
    Abstract: The present invention is an illumination system for use near a wall or surface for creating one or more images of light thereon. An important characteristic of the invention is the ability to produce coordinated images by passing radiant light through an at least one convergent refracting lens. The lens may have a decorative shape, and the surface of convergent refracting lens may be embellished with etched, drawn, painted or otherwise applied designs for projecting said images, or a prism for producing decorative rainbow spectra effects. The invention is capable of being used in common household lighting fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Jamie Kawahara
  • Patent number: 6554683
    Abstract: An amusement device for use in a traveling vehicle, includes a housing having a paper holding area defined by side walls and a bottom wall for receiving and holding a piece of paper therein, a transparent top wall in overlying relation to the paper holding area such that the piece of paper is viewable through the transparent wall, the transparent wall having an outer surface which can be written on and then erased, and a slot in one side wall for receiving the piece of paper into the paper holding area and for removing the piece of paper from the paper holding area; a mounting assembly for mounting the housing to a seat of the traveling vehicle so that the piece of paper is viewable by a person to the rear of the seat, the mounting assembly including two hook members connected with the housing for hanging the housing from the seat of the traveling vehicle; a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted in spaced relation to an inner surface of the transparent wall for providing an indication as to predefined po
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Alan Hochfeld
  • Patent number: 6547624
    Abstract: A toy building set of building elements (10, 14) having a coupling means (11, 12, 13) by which building elements (10, 14) may be built together. One of the building elements (20) contains a camera, which is adapted to record images of its surroundings. A user may built a remote-controlled toy (30) in which the building element (20) with the camera may be arranged in positions and with an orientation at the user's option. A film production system with a camera and recording and editing facilities. Movable objects and a plurality of predefined positions for the movable objects, and means for holding the movable objects in selected one of the predefined positions when the camera records one or more images. Thereby the movable objects can be placed accurately and repeatedly in predetermined positions. The predefined positions are preferably defined by toy building elements having coupling means for interconnecting building elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Interlego AG
    Inventors: Simon Berg Bojesen, Richard Siegrist
  • Patent number: 6540371
    Abstract: An artificial pumpkin stem apparatus that includes a stem portion with an attachment portion. There is also a mounting plate that includes a shaft-engaging portion. The shaft is connected to the attachment portion of the stem at a first end and is associated with the shaft-engaging portion of the mounting plate between the first and second ends of the shaft. A source of light may also be attached at the second end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Leonard Franks
  • Patent number: 6537130
    Abstract: A support system is made up of a plurality of alternating rods and sleeves. Each sleeve forms a pair of sockets configured to movably receive and retain one of the first or second ends of adjacent rods, forming a bendable linkage. A cover is provided to surround the linkage, and a coupler is provided to cover the linkage. An electrical switch may be provided within one of the joints between sleeves and rods whereby movement of the rod relative to the sleeve actuates the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: C.J. Associates, Ltd.
    Inventors: James S. W. Lee, Chiu-Keung Kwan
  • Patent number: 6524161
    Abstract: A luminous toy capable of emitting light at any time anywhere without having to worry about a power shortage and failing to turn off a switch and capable of preventing environmental pollution. The luminous toy includes a toy body provided with a piezoelectric element which induces a voltage when it is strained, a rectifying circuit for rectifying the voltage generated from the piezoelectric element, a capacitor for smoothing the voltage rectified by the rectifying circuit and a luminous element connected in parallel to the capacitor. The luminous toy also includes a strain generating mechanism for generating strain for straining the piezoelectric element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignees: Shine Co., Ltd., Sega Toys, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukihiro Asami
  • Patent number: 6500041
    Abstract: An animated head gear assembly that features an object that simulates an animal, fowl, caricature, inanimate object, and the like, to be worn on the head of a user. The object offers motion, such as the moving parts of a bird's beak, and a light to simulate the eyes or other item of the object. The animation may be activated by a remote source, such as a remote control, or by a motion sensor that frees the hands of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Walter L. Crome, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6497495
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for a self-contained illumination device that couples to a toy are given. The self-contained illumination device comprises a first housing containing a battery, a middle housing coupled to a light emitting body, and a second housing having an aperture. The second housing is detachably attached to the middle housing such that the light emitting body fits through the aperture on the second housing. The second housing moves from a non-illuminating position to an illuminating position such that the light emitting body contacts the battery when the second housing is in the illuminating position. A connection device attached to the first housing detachably couples to a toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventor: James R. Janz
  • Patent number: 6485165
    Abstract: A terrestrial globe has a base seat, a semicircular plate connected to the base seat, and a spherical shell supported by the semicircular plate. The-spherical shell has a top aperture and a bottom hole. The base seat has an upper socket. The semicircular plate has a distal post inserted in the top aperture of the spherical shell and a proximal plug having a round hole. A motor has a motor shaft. A pinion receives the motor shaft. A pivot tube is disposed on a positioning seat. A base disk which is disposed on the proximal plug has a center hole and a plurality of oblong holes. A gear has a center aperture and a plurality of upper protruded blocks inserted in the oblong holes of the base disk. The gear which is. inserted in the round hole of the proximal plug engages with the pinion. The pivot tube is inserted through the gear. The positioning seat is disposed on the gear. A collar is inserted in the bottom hole of the spherical shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Peng-An Ho
  • Patent number: 6482064
    Abstract: A toy system comprising a first toy element arranged to emit infrared light to its surroundings; a play face with a light reflection varying structurally over the play face; and a second toy element with means for moving the second toy element in response to detected infrared light and light reflection of the play face. Moreover, a battery-operated electronic toy ball for use in an electronic toy system, comprising: infrared light emitters arranged spatially within the ball to emit infrared light to its surroundings, and wherein said emitters are turned on and off sequentially to avoid excessive battery drainage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Interlego AG
    Inventor: Henrik Hautop Lund
  • Patent number: 6450855
    Abstract: An angel doll for displaying on a table or mounted on a Christmas tree in Christmas season or such occasion includes a slow transmission device inside a base. The transmission includes a main shaft that drives a palette, two rotating cylinders and two rotating rods, so the palette rotates slowly, and colorful rays can be projected from the lamp inside the base, through the two rotating cylinders, to the margins of the optical fiber wing units. The swinging movement activated by the two rotating cylinders and the two rotating rods through the connecting rods and the side shaft in linkage, causes the wing units and the arm units to swing reciprocally, creating an active and lively atmosphere to the angel doll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Tai-Ning Tang
  • Patent number: 6443796
    Abstract: A child's construction set contains virtual intelligence, is interactive and smart, characteristics that may be exhibited to a player during player construction activity with the set and, thereafter, during continuing play and instills a sense of unpredictability to play. The set incorporates a programmed controller (17), a speaker (23), special (“smart”) play pieces or blocks (1,3,5,7, et cet.) and a base (15) on which to position the play pieces or blocks. Sensors (A1-C3), referred to as “hot spots”, are distributed at various positions about the base and are coupled to the controller, whereby the controller identifies special play pieces and the location of those play pieces when the respective play piece is installed at one of those positions. Some of the special play pieces may depict characters, some contain electrically operated devices, and some contain a player operated input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Judith Ann Shackelford
  • Publication number: 20020068505
    Abstract: A hand-held toy that lights when spun, and which includes a shaft, a head attached to, and spins with, the shaft, a light source associated with, and illuminates with movement of, the head, and apparatus associated with, and illuminates, the light source, and which is grasped by the hands of a user. The head is either spherically-shaped or a pair of stacked disks. The light source includes a plurality of bulbs that are disposed on the head, a pair of battery interfaces that are in electrical communication with the plurality of bulbs and hold, and electrically communicate with, a pair of batteries, and a centrifugal switch that is electrical communication with the plurality of bulbs, and which closes when the head is spun, and when closed, illuminates the plurality of bulbs so as to allow the plurality of bulbs to illuminate when the head is spun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Colin Williams
  • Patent number: 6364509
    Abstract: A musical light for illuminating an object in an entertaining manner using electrical sound signals produced by an audio device. The musical light includes a circuit adapted for electrically connecting to an audio device. The circuit is mounted on an object to be illuminated. The circuit has first and second leads. The first and second leads are connected to first and second contacts of the audio device. The circuit comprises a plurality of lights and a plurality of wires. The plurality of lights is for mounting on the object. The plurality of wires is designed for connecting the plurality of lights to the first and second leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: J & J Creative Ideas
    Inventor: Clifford Johnson, III
  • Patent number: 6322421
    Abstract: A luminous toy structure includes a lower casing mounted on a base, an upper casing secured on the lower casing and including a rotatable drive rod and two fixed support rods, a support hood for securing the base, the lower casing and the upper casing together, a support disk secured on the two support rods, a swing device having an eccentric wheel secured on the drive rod to rotate therewith, an eccentric rod secured on the eccentric wheel, two arm skeletons each having a pivot shaft pivotally mounted on the support disk, a follower defining an oblong slot receiving the eccentric rod for pivoting the pivot shaft, and an extension bar pivoted with the pivot shaft, a first pivot tube having a first gear, a follower defining an oblong slot receiving the eccentric rod, a second pivot tube having a second gear meshing with the first gear, and two wing bars each secured to one of the first pivot tube and the second pivot tube to pivot therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Chin-Jung Hou
  • Patent number: 6296543
    Abstract: A toy figure includes a body having an upper torso pivotally coupled to a lower torso. The lower torso is coupled to a pair of supporting-legs while the upper torso is coupled to a pair of pivotally supported arms. A head is further supported upon the upper torso. The upper torso includes a spring pivot allowing the upper torso to be pivoted approximately ninety degrees with respect to the lower torso. When pivoted and released, the upper torso rapidly pivots back to its original alignment imparting a punching motion to one of the toy figures arms. A switch is supported within the punching arm of the toy figure together with a flash element and a light emitting diode. A control circuit within the toy figure torso responds to actuation of the switch to produce a crash-type sound and to energize the flash element to provide a simultaneous burst of bright light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Andrews
  • Patent number: 6296544
    Abstract: An amusement device for use in a traveling vehicle, includes a housing having a paper holding area defined by side walls and a bottom wall for receiving and holding a piece of paper therein, a transparent top wall in overlying relation to the paper holding area such that the piece of paper is viewable through the transparent wall, the transparent wall having an outer surface which can be written on and then erased, and a slot in one side wall for receiving the piece of paper into the paper holding area and for removing the piece of paper from the paper holding area; a mounting assembly for mounting the housing to a seat of the traveling vehicle so that the piece of paper is viewable by a person to the rear of the seat, the mounting assembly including two hook members connected with the housing for hanging the housing from the seat of the traveling vehicle; a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted in spaced relation to an inner surface of the transparent wall for providing an indication as to predefined po
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Alan Hochfeld
  • Patent number: 6293800
    Abstract: An educational and entertainment device includes n layers stackable in a predetermined order one on top of the other to define a tower having n layers. The xth layer, where x varies between 1 and n, is divided into x sections, at least one of the x sections of the xth layer having a passage segment formed therethrough such that with the n layers stacked one on top of the other in the predetermined order, the passage segments of the n layers are in communication with each other to define a passage which extends through the tower. The device also includes an indicator element passable through the passage to confirm that the n layers have been assembled in the predetermined order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: John Robertson
  • 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: 6244872
    Abstract: A light-drawing type display apparatus according to the present invention is formed by: a plate provided in the front side of the apparatus and having a plurality of light-transmitting small holes and standing upright; each light-cutting member is provided to each of the small holes of the plate in order to open or close each of the small holes; and a light source provided to the rear of the light-cutting members for irradiating the whole of the plate; wherein the light-cutting members are moved by using a predetermined writing means so that the light-transmitting small holes are opened, and the light from the light source is transmitted to the front side, then, characters or pictures are drawn on the plate; and wherein the light-cutting members are moved by using a predetermined erasing means so that the light-transmitting small holes are closed, and the light from the light source is cut off, then, characters or pictures are erased from the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Shozo Hirayama
  • Patent number: 6241359
    Abstract: A fluid-filled light apparatus comprises a two-tube transparent container which provides light and produces distinct visual effects. The two-tube transparent container comprises an inner transparent tube suspended within an outer transparent tube. First terminal ends of each of the transparent tubes is sealed by a transparent tube cap which suspends the inner transparent tube within the outer transparent tube. A second terminal end of the outer transparent tube attaches the transparent tubes as one assembly to a base member. Each transparent tube holds liquid and decorative objects. The base member includes a motor, a power supply and an illuminating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Yung Chang Lin
  • Patent number: 6238261
    Abstract: An improved light transmitting peg is constructed so as to eliminate uneven brightness spots when used in a toy illuminating assembly of the type including a housing, a peg board, and a light source mounted within the housing. The light transmitting peg includes an enlarged three-dimensional head portion, and at least one shaft portion that is inserted into an aperture in the peg board of the toy illuminating assembly. The three dimensional head shapes provide added play value and creative input from the user. The light transmitting pegs further incorporate a light masking material, such as an opaque coating, disposed on the distal ends of the shaft portions to eliminate or reduce bright spots, or hot spots, which are noticeably visible on the head portion of the peg when the masking material is absent. When the masking material is disposed on the distal ends of the shafts, enough light is blocked so that the entire head portion is provided with an even glow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy J. G. Lang
  • Patent number: 6224457
    Abstract: A knockdown style safety disk-shooting toy mainly comprises a gadget platform coupling with a handgrip which can be plugged in an insertion pillar to form a hand-held or an automatic shooting toy alternatively in virtue of a positive/negative electrode plate that extends sound and light effect to a machine base and a transmission device that drives a laser gun to sway back and forth for disk-shooting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Wen-Long Wu
  • Patent number: 6224234
    Abstract: A hollow carrier having a handle in the shape of a jack-o-lantern or the like is provided with a light and diffuser assembly. When the light is activated, a portion of the light is reflected onto a path external to the carrier while another portion is reflected back into the carrier illuminating the carriers interior allowing the person holding the carrier to be visible from all directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Renee Lynn Demmery
  • Patent number: 6206748
    Abstract: A simulated weapon is disclosed which uses a hologram, an electric lamp and various other optical components to produce holographic images resembling the rays or beams of ray guns or space guns as portrayed in motion pictures, television programs, video games, and comic books in that the rays extend into and occupy space in front of the device itself but are not tangible. Sound effects accompany the projection of holographic images. The device also provides ancillary visual effects prior to the display of holographic images. Sound effects accompany the ancillary visual effects. The toy is intended for floor use and can be mounted on toy tank treads or other conveyance means. The rays are visible to those sitting, kneeling, or standing in front of the device. The preferred embodiment of the device is powered by an electric storage battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Christopher Kauth
  • Patent number: 6199439
    Abstract: A simple device producing both action effect and electronic effect includes a housing, an elastic driving mechanism and an electronic control circuit with a vibration sensor. The elastic driving mechanism has an elastic member, a transmitting shaft, a power input device, an eccentric action member. The electronic cir-control circuit has a circuit board, the vibration sensor, a battery and a function device. The elastic member stores and releases energy, and a changed energy is produced in the storing and releasing process. The eccentric member is connected to the output shaft of the elastic driving mechanism and rotated by the changed energy to produce vibration or jumping phenomenon. Then the vibration sensor senses the vibration phenomenon and triggers a signal of changing its own condition and starts the electronic circuit to produce function to let the function device perform preset action or function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Lisa Lin
  • Patent number: 6190229
    Abstract: A fiber optic enhanced figurine assembly includes a figurine body having a figurine outer surface, and a bunch of fibers affixed to the figurine body and extending outwardly from the figurine outer surface. The fiber bunch includes a plurality of nonilluminatable fibers extending outwardly at least a first distance from the figurine outer surface. The fiber bunch further includes at least one illuminatable optical fiber that extends outwardly from the figurine outer surface to a second distance less than the first distance of the nonilluminatable fibers. The figurine assembly further includes a light source for selectively illuminating the at least one optical fiber to visually and decoratively enhance the fiber bunch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventors: Craig P. Nadel, Dietmar Nagel
  • Patent number: 6190227
    Abstract: An incoming call reporting toy that visually or aurally reports a call arrival state of a portable terminal to a person around the toy in an amusing fashion. An electromagnetic wave emitted when a portable terminal receives an incoming call is used to activate an incoming call reporting circuit incorporated in the toy body. A signal outputted from a signal controller configuring the incoming call reporting circuit drives a motor to allow the toy body to perform a predetermined operation while emitting a sound and/or light, thereby notifying a person around the toy of the arrival of the call at the portable terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Jun Planning Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Jun Oba
  • Patent number: 6171170
    Abstract: A type of musical rotating luminous device is composed of a base, retarding device, rotating stand, outer shell and a luminous device. It utilizes the battery's power within the base to make the motor drive the retarding device. Within the said rotating stand, a central shaft is connected to a retarding device. At one end of the central shaft, a drive sprocket is fitted on, while the other end is attached to a stand's rotary wheel. Additionally, in each corner of a containment space, a plurality of shaft rods pass through the stand. At the other end of the shaft rods, drive sprockets of different diameter sizes are attached. Between the shaft rods and the central shaft the drive sprockets engage a plurality of driven sprockets, transferring the driven force. Furthermore, the outer shell houses the said base, retarding device and rotating stand. When in use, and due to the different diameter sizes of the drive sprockets, the central shaft and the shaft rods will spin at different speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Cheng-Chung Lin
  • Patent number: 6165038
    Abstract: A doll which has a compartment which stores a smaller doll therein. The smaller doll has a body covered with a hexagonal crystalline pattern and an inner light source which shows through the smaller doll body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Luisa B. Muller
  • Patent number: 6165037
    Abstract: A toy, preferably a plush toy, includes a main body and an electroluminescent display panel arranged on and forming a surface portion of the main body. When the plush toy is a toy pony, the electroluminescent display panel is placed, for example, on the blaze on the pony's face. The power source is arranged within the main body and a first ON switch is placed within one front hoof of the pony while a second OFF switch is placed within the other front hoof of the pony. The hooves are soft and deformable so that they can be compressed when squeezed to selectively actuate one of the switches. In this way, application of power to the electroluminescent panel by squeezing of the ON hoof energizes the panel and causes it to generate illumination in the region of the toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: WildHeart Ranch, Inc.
    Inventor: Dawn L. Van Zant
  • Patent number: 6165042
    Abstract: A bob toy device has a male disk, a female disk, a hollow bobbin disposed between the male disk and the female disk, a first cover disposed on the male disk, a generally T-shaped block disposed in the female disk, a second cover disposed on the female disk, and a shaft passing through the first cover, the male disk, the hollow bobbin, the female disk, the generally T-shaped block, and the second cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Lin-Chi Chin
  • Patent number: 6155901
    Abstract: A light-emitting inflatable envelope structure equipped with a nozzle composed of at least two overlapped membranes. The lateral edges of the membranes are fused with or adhered to each other to define an air passage communicating an inner side of the envelope with an outer side. The air passage is formed with at least one receptacle for receiving a light emitting body. After the envelope is inflated through the nozzle, the air pressure in the envelope inwardly compresses the membranes of the air passage to achieve an air-tight state of the air passage. The light emitting body in the receptacle is directly enclosed by the two membranes of the air passage and firmly associated with the envelope without using any other clamping or connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: David Chen