Foldable, Collapsible, Or Having Pivoted Portion Patents (Class 446/487)
  • Patent number: 11491413
    Abstract: A toy brick system is provided having a plurality of bricks each of which has a post extending from first end of a body of the brick and having a socket at a second end. The post in each brick in the plurality is engageable with a socket of an adjacently place brick in a removable rotational engagement enabling curved and angled configuration of assembled structures. Engagement and disengagement from the rotational engagement can only occur at a specific engagement angle between adjacent bricks thereby maintaining the rotational engagement of adjacent bricks once engaged and rotated out of the engagement angle. The bricks are configurable in a linear fashion or with curved exterior walls for forming curved structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Inventor: Paul Anderson
  • Patent number: 11318370
    Abstract: A polyhedron (100) configured to be removably coupled by shape with another polyhedron (200) to form a Yoshimoto cube (1), such polyhedron (100) comprising: eight half-cubes (101, 102) equal to each other, each of which being delimited by three outer faces (1011, 1012, 1013), having a substantially square configuration, arranged orthogonally to each other whereby each outer face (1011, 1012, 1013) is delimited by two edges (10111, 10112) in common with the other outer faces (1012, 1013) and two free edges (10113, 10114), and by 6 inner faces (1014, 1015, 1016, 1017, 1018, 1019), having a substantially triangular configuration, wherein each inner face (1014, 1015, 1016, 1017, 1018, 1019) extends between a vertex (V), in common with the other inner faces of the half-cube (101), substantially coinciding with the geometric centre of a cube delimited by said three outer faces (1011, 1012, 1013), and a respective base, corresponding to a free edge (10113) between two free edges of one of said outer faces (1011, 101
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Inventor: Filippo Guenzani
  • Patent number: 10688406
    Abstract: A piñata defined in part by a front wall and a flap that selectively covers an open bottom. The flap is positionable between an open and closed position. Box holes are formed through the front wall. At least one finger extends from the flap. Each finger has a key hole formed there through. Each finger abuts against the front wall so that each key hole aligns with a box hole. A removable pull tab extends through the box hole and through the key hole wherever the box hole and key hole align. The presence of the removable pull tab prevents the flap from moving to an open position under the weight of the loose objects. When all the pull tabs that engage a key hole are removed, the flap can swing to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Inventor: Steven Menow
  • Patent number: 10646737
    Abstract: A lightweight trampoline enclosure system has a bed subsystem and an enclosure subsystem. The enclosure subsystem comprises netting suspended from a plurality of flexible poles. Upon a jumper's impact into the surrounding enclosure subsystem, the energy of the jumper's impact is absorbed and distributed outward and away from the location of impact and into the trampoline bed subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: JumpSport, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Publicover, William Knight Foster, Kevin Benjamin Charles, James Chau
  • Patent number: 9301633
    Abstract: A multi-piece ceremonial sculpture and a method of assembly. The method of assembling the sculpture is to fasten a heart-shaped outer piece to a base by way of a peg and an indented hole. Once the outer piece has been secured, an inner piece will be inserted within the outer piece and securely fastened within. A topper pin is placed through aligned openings on the top of both the outer and inner pieces. Once assembled, the heart sculpture represents love, unity and commitment between two parties together in a union.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Michael James Letney
  • Patent number: 9011193
    Abstract: A collapsible and expandable children's toy building block is described. The toy blocks may be made in various sizes and shapes. The toy block includes an internal frame. A cover is positioned over the internal frame to form the toy block. The toy block converts from a collapsed position to an expanded position, and the toy block converts from the expanded position back to the collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Cliff Dochtermann, III
  • Patent number: 8974264
    Abstract: A figurine launcher is described. The figurine launcher includes at least two shell components. The shell components are hingedly attached with one another to move between an open position and a closed position. An open mechanism is attached with at least one of the shell components and is adapted to allow a user to selectively separate the shell components when in the closed position. A launch positioning mechanism is attached with at least one of the shell components. The launch positioning mechanism is adapted to engage with a figurine and conceal the figurine within the housing when the shell components are in a closed position. Alternatively, when the shell components are in an open position, the launch positioning mechanism is adapted to move the figurine into a launch position. When in the launch position, the user can compress the shell components to force the figurine from the launcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim McCafferty, Greg Leong, Dominic Laurienzo, Rip Lopusnak
  • Patent number: 8821207
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for teaching skills to a child includes a toy barn kit which has a plurality of structural elements including walls, gables, and roof panels which can be assembled into a completed toy barn. The structural elements have color coded connectors and mating connectors which assist the child in the assembly process. In performing the assembly, the child learns skills of (1) principles of construction, (2) spatial relationships, (3) sequential thinking, and (4) color recognition and matching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Sheila Adams Hart
  • Patent number: 8814629
    Abstract: A transformable toy with an alterable exterior structure. The toy is constructed to transform from a non-rollable first shape to a second rollable shape. An interior structure inside the exterior structure includes two or more exterior wall portions that collectively define a sphere, the wall portions moveably coupled relative to each and actuated by a triggering mechanism reactive to a magnetic force that is initiated external to the toy, and a biasing member that effects a force which transitions the wall portions to control the exterior structure—from a non-rollable (e.g., half-sphere or the like) first shape to a rollable (e.g., sphere or the like) second shape. Without initiation of the magnetic force, the first shape is maintained. With initiation of the magnetic force, the first shape transforms to the second shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew Lewis Johnston
  • Patent number: 8790151
    Abstract: A toy construction base plate configured to receive a toy construction and having a collapsible handle, which allows the construction to be built on the base plate on a flat play surface, after which the handle may be deployed from the base plate to allow a user to hold and play with the toy construction. The handle may be deployed by, for example, pivoting with respect to a support member of the base plate and pivoting above, below, or to the side of the toy construction. The handle may also be used as a stand to hold a construction above a play surface. The toy construction may be made of interlocking stackable blocks and the support surface of the base plate may be configured to receive the interlocking stackable blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: MEGA Brands Inc.
    Inventors: Vic Bertrand, Alexandre Huneau, Réal Laurent Lanoix, Yanick Tremblay
  • Patent number: 8784153
    Abstract: A transformable toy (100) which is instantaneously changeable from a flat plate-like shape to the shape of a character figure and which is used to play a game by rotating a roulette wheel (189) to compete for the score of attack or defense. A transformable toy comprises character-figure constituting members (111, 122, 131, 141) foldable to a state of a generally flat plate and rotatably connected to each other, elastic members each provided between each of the character-figure constituting members, a roulette wheel (108) attached to any of the character-figure constituting members, a rotation imparting mechanism for imparting rotation to the roulette wheel, and an engaging means (157) for maintaining and releasing the folded state of the character-figure constituting members. When the character-figure constituting members are folded against the elastic forces of the elastic members to operate an engaging member, the character-figure constituting members are rotated and caused to protrude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Sega Toys Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Michitoshi Sugimoto, Nobuhiro Arai, Wataru Sato, Fujio Nobata
  • Publication number: 20140106644
    Abstract: A child novelty toy device is provided for use spreading “fairy dust” in the form of granular salt or sand particles from the device interior. The device comprises a toy wand or sword structure having a salt dispensing means and a two-part, hollow construction wherein a first member is slidably engaged within a second member. The first member comprises an open interior and a sidewall structure having a plurality of apertures therealong for dispensing salt stored therewithin. The second member slides over the first member and shrouds the apertures until salt dispensing is desired. The sliding members form either a wand-like structure or a sword-like structure having a handle and a pointed end. The device is utilized to act out narratives wherein a child is capable spreading magical “dust” from the device during play time or prior to bed time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Fran Urbaniak
  • Patent number: 8668542
    Abstract: A multiple use, light weight, cost-effective, indoor and all-weather outdoor construction toy for stimulating children's imaginations and encouraging physical activity comprises a basic modular unit with open ended cup-like coupling-means on its perimeter for male to female coupling and decoupling to other couple-able units, is described. The coupling-means may be molded as an integral part forming one seamless basic unit. The open bottom end of the coupling means provides for coupling, the open top end prevents the buildup of snow inside the coupling unit. Coupling can be achieved via coupling-means on basic units to each other or through the use of accessory independent coupler-units. The basic unit of the modular toy may be in the form of a saucer, disc, an oval, or in a rectilinear-shape for use as a sled, skiing device, a flotation device, or as fort building modules. Additional accessory parts include skis and inner-tubes, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Joshua D Bruzgul
  • Publication number: 20130316613
    Abstract: A toy apparatus has a primary structure with components movably coupled together, and a target movably coupled to the primary structure. Repeated impacts on the target move the target from an initial position to a critical position. When the target reaches the critical position, the primary structure is released from a first state to a second state in which the components of the primary structure are at least partially displaced from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael O'Hare, Michael Strauss
  • Patent number: 8568187
    Abstract: The invention relates to a construction set made of a plurality of different members interacting together for assembly, characterized in that one so-called connector member (100) among said members has an essentially cylindrical body with a cylindrical surface (110) that is preformed in order to interact for assembly with the correspondingly preformed bases (120, 130) of other connector members (100). The construction set includes a plurality of other constitutive members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Robosynthesis Limited
    Inventor: Philip Norman
  • Patent number: 8568194
    Abstract: A collapsible toy kitchen apparatus and method, an embodiment including a back support including a backsplash, a kitchen counter including a countertop and a range and being pivotably connected to the back support, a base pivotably connected to the back support, and two side walls that are each foldable. The pivotable connections and foldable side walls allow the toy kitchen to collapse, such as for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Guidecraft Inc.
    Inventors: Jason L. Fein, Gary L. Bilezkian
  • Publication number: 20130244535
    Abstract: Toys according to the present disclosure include a body, at least one pivotal member that is coupled to the body and biased toward a first position from a second position, and a user release mechanism configured to release the at least one pivotal member from the second position to the first position. In some embodiments, the toys include more than one pivotal member. In some embodiments, a pivotal member is configured to resemble different elements of the toy when in the first position than when in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Ruben Leonard Martinez
  • Publication number: 20130122776
    Abstract: A maneuverable figure assembly toy including a modeling material at least partially covering a maneuverable skeleton, where the skeleton includes a plurality of connector parts connected by a plurality of maneuverable joints, where each of the joints includes a first joint part and a second joint part connected with a snap fit action, and where at least one of the joint parts includes a receptacle for connecting to at least one of the connector parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: OZ GABAI
  • Publication number: 20130109270
    Abstract: An expander has a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration. The expander has at least one expander component that is movably coupled to another expander component. The expander may be used with a toy figure. In one implementation, each of the expander components is pivotally coupled to another expander component. The expander includes a biasing member that biases adjacent expander components away from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Ruben Martinez, Steed Sun, Doug Taylor
  • Patent number: 8430712
    Abstract: A track set is provided. The track say may include at least two selectively positionable track arms each with a toy vehicle launcher, each track arm further defining a vehicle pathway, where each track arm may be positioned in at least an extended play configuration and a folded storage configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Stacy O'Connor, Michael Nuttall
  • Patent number: 8382547
    Abstract: A projectile and a compact carrying and launching case in combination. The projectile includes foldable wings which when unfolded resemble a plane. The compact carrying and launching case includes a two piece housing that is pivotally attached to each other about a hinge/launching mechanism. When closed, the two piece housing encloses the plane in its folded position. When opened, the hinge/launching mechanism can be pulled to a cocked position and then released forcibly moves the projectile such that it releases from the launching mechanism and is capable of flying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: G2 Inventions, LLC
    Inventors: Nick Grisolia, Peter Greenley, John Vanderbeek
  • Patent number: 8337271
    Abstract: A reconfigurable toy including a body, a first leg coupled to the body, and a second leg coupled to the body is disclosed. The reconfigurable toy can be disposed in a first configuration in which the toy resembles a toy vehicle and in a second configuration in which the toy resembles a power-suit configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Fraser Campbell, Dwayne Vance
  • 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: 8328596
    Abstract: A play set having a main panel section and a pair of side panel sections, each of which is pivotably connected to tile side lateral edges of the main panel section. When the play set is in a first orientation, the main panel section and the pair of side panel sections are oriented generally co-planar to each other such that the upper main surface and upper side surfaces define a play surface having a perimeter, and when the play set is in a second orientation, the side panel sections are adjacent each other and in a plane parallel to the main panel section to define a play set case. When in the first orientation, one of the panel sections includes an elongated member extendable therefrom in a telescoping manner to define an additional play surface outside the perimeter of the main panel sections and side panel sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Julian R. Payne
  • Publication number: 20120270469
    Abstract: A toy folding umbrella rotatably attached a vehicle base. In one embodiment, the toy folding umbrella has a frame, a central tube, and a cover. Furthermore, the frame comprises a runner slidably attached to the central tube, and at least three ribs with one end of each rib pivotally attached at or near the top of the central tube. Moreover, the folding umbrella rotates from a first configuration to a second configuration when the runner slides on the central tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Andrew LOURITS
  • Patent number: 8294936
    Abstract: A method of designing handmade paper crafts is disclosed. The method includes accessing a server from a client and selecting a three-dimensional view of a paper craft from a database in the server. The server computes a two-dimensional view of the paper craft according to the three-dimensional view of the paper craft. The two-dimensional view of the paper craft is capable of being made to form the three-dimensional view of the paper craft. In the two-dimensional view of the paper craft, a dotted line indicates a to be cut line and a solid line indicates a to be fold line. The client adds pictures or words on the two-dimensional view of the paper craft to create a modified two-dimensional view of the paper craft, and stores the modified two-dimensional view back in the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Fang Wu, Qin Wen
  • Patent number: 8267737
    Abstract: A display system is provided. The display system may include a housing and a transparent display screen mounted to the housing, the screen configured to be moved between a first position and a second position. The display system may further include a sensor mounted to the housing to detect screen position in relation to the housing and a character generator configured to generate and display images of a virtual character on the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Hardin, Dominic Ambriz, Evelyn Viohl
  • Patent number: 8251224
    Abstract: A product packaging with expanding structures. The product packaging includes a body configured to house a toy. The body includes a central section configured to receive the toy, a front section coupled to the central section and having a transparent region configured for viewing the toy and a storage region for receiving an accessory, and a rear section configured to rotate relative to the central section and having expandable features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Jody L. Meger
  • Patent number: 8226451
    Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided with enhancements and other features that impart additional utility or amusement value to the basic underlying structure. The collapsible structure has at least one foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form a panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. An electrical component can attached to the fabric material, and an electrical coupling connected to the electrical component. Alternatively, a two-dimensional or three-dimensional object can be attached to the fabric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 8216020
    Abstract: A vehicle reconfigurable between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration includes a body having opposing upper and lower parts extending between lateral sides and ends of the body. A first wheel and a second wheel are each operatively mounted to the body to at least partially support the body for movement. A first suspension assembly and a second suspension assembly pivotally connect each wheel to the body and a linkage assembly connects the body to each wheel. The linkage assembly is adapted to pivot each wheel with respect to the body. A linear compression bias member is mounted between the upper and lower parts of the body to bias the upper part of the body away from the lower part of the body. The vehicle transforms from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration by compression of the upper part and lower part together to actuate the linkage and compress the linear compression bias member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignees: Red Blue Limited, N.Z. Nachman Zimet Ltd.
    Inventor: Nachman Haim Zimet
  • Patent number: 8210898
    Abstract: A pivotally manipulable toy is disclosed which includes a plurality of sections pivotally coupled in series, with a plurality of counting apertures being located in a plurality of the sections. The pivotally manipulable toy can be manipulated to form a plurality of shapes including letters and numbers. The pivotally manipulable toy may be used in a manner that is both educational and enjoyable for children. Further, a manual which correlates each of the shapes with the number of unobstructed counting apertures that are visible when each shape is formed correctly may be provided together with the pivotally manipulable toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Parchmint, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8181960
    Abstract: An assembly comprising three or more elements; each element comprises a shape with an opening completely through the element; and each element comprises a plurality of edges, the edges being joined together at angular junctions. Each element links all of the other elements, and each element links the other elements in the same way. The link is formed by a portion of the shape passing through the openings in the other elements, so that the elements form a nested structure, and the elements are interchangeable in the nested structure without altering the nested configuration of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Nils Folke Anderson
  • Patent number: 8066542
    Abstract: A transformable toy which can be automatically transformed despite the fact that members are merely pivotably connected as in conventional transformable toys is provided. The transformable toy, which is transformed from a box-like configuration to a robot configuration, is vertically and longitudinally divided into two parts, when in the box-like configuration, includes an upper front member, an upper rear member, a lower front member, and a lower rear member, and has a frame disposed therein for supporting the above members. The upper front member and the upper rear member are each pivotably connected to the frame directly, or through a link, and are foldably connected with each other. The connecting portion between the frame and the upper rear member has an elastic member for urging the upper front member and the upper rear member in a direction to be folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takio Ejima
  • Publication number: 20110281496
    Abstract: A life-size pop-out play structure is provided that includes a first foldable cardboard panel, a second foldable cardboard panel hingedly bound to the first panel along a first edge and one or more pop-out portions attached to the first and second cardboard panels. The portions are configured to lie flat against at least one of the first and second panels when the first and second panels are in a closed position and the pop-out portions are configured to pop-out when the first and second panels are separated by an angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Welsh, Andy Carcioppolo, Sam Cahill
  • Patent number: 8011992
    Abstract: A transformable toy which can be automatically transformed despite its appearance in which members are merely pivotably connected as in conventional transformable toys is provided. Front end portions of a first base member and a second base member, as well as rear end portions of the first and second base members, are pivotably connected by first and second link members, respectively. The second base member is urged by an elastic force of a first elastic member, provided on at least one connecting portion, to move forwardly with respect to the first base member. Figure members expressing states differing between first and second configurations are connected to the first base member and the first link member. Connecting portions of figure members have second elastic members acting against the elastic force of the first elastic member and having an elastic force set to be smaller than that of the first elastic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takio Ejima
  • Publication number: 20110207380
    Abstract: A game call tone selector that allows the user to change the tone, pitch and volume of a game call. A movable cap is disposed over the rim of a game calls sound chamber. Openings in the cap's lip and the sound chamber's rim may be aligned and fully open, partially aligned and partially open, or unaligned and fully closed, altering the tone, pitch and volume of the call. The game call further discloses a flexible call pipe that may be retracted within a larger bugle tube, thereby providing a game call that is compact, easy to carry, and can be used hands-free while deploying a gun or bow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Rockie L. Jacobsen
  • Publication number: 20110163154
    Abstract: A container for transporting a beverage bag inside of a carton includes a game feature on the outside of the carton for a diversion. The carton is formed from a plurality of walls that are folded together in order to create the container that contains product inside of the carton when assembled. On one of the exterior surfaces of the walls a game feature is designed to be used as an entertainment source and a game piece is in a holder of the carton to play the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Andrew Gordon, Dennis Heydorn, JR., Curtis Sigretto, John W. Stevie
  • Patent number: 7934974
    Abstract: A toy container is provided including a multiple portions. In some embodiments, the device has several portions that are movable from a closed configuration, in which the portions overlay one another, to an open configuration, in which a doll section and cosmetics are accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Emily Kelly
  • Patent number: 7927176
    Abstract: A play set having a main panel section and a pair of side panel sections, each of which is pivotably connected to tile side lateral edges of the main panel section. When the play set is in a first orientation, the main panel section and the pair of side panel sections are oriented generally co-planar to each other such that the upper main surface and upper side surfaces define a play surface having a perimeter, and when the play set is in a second orientation, the side panel sections are adjacent each other and in a plane parallel to the main panel section to define a play set case. When in the first orientation, one of the panel sections includes an elongated member extendable therefrom in a telescoping manner to define an additional play surface outside the perimeter of the main panel sections and side panel sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel Inc.
    Inventor: Julian R. Payne
  • Patent number: 7927174
    Abstract: A toy vehicle is provided having a wheel base, a chassis, and a cab. The wheel base has pairs of rear wheels. The chassis is attached to the wheel base about a horizontal rotational axis which is capable of raising and lowering the chassis from a first position to a second position. The cab is pivotally attached to the chassis such that the cab is able to remain in a substantially horizontal position when the chassis is moved. The cab further includes a pair of joints that secure arms, which have at the end a wheel. The joint enables the arms to move when the chassis moves. When moving the cab, the vehicle transforms between the first and second positions, where the wheels attached to the arms are able to move with the cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Kim, Ryan Kratz
  • Patent number: 7914405
    Abstract: The toy assembly is a ball or similar object that can be temporarily compressed into a disc-shaped object. A short time after compression, the toy pops back into its original ball-like shape. The toy assembly has a body that can be selectively configured between an expanded shape and a compressed shape. The body is naturally biased into its expanded shape. A binding hole is defined on a first side of the body. A nub extends inwardly from the body opposite the binding hole. The nub passes into the binding hole with a friction fit when the body is in its compressed shape. The friction fit creates a friction force that temporarily counteracts the natural bias of the body. After a predetermined period of time, the friction fit fails and the body of the toy pops back into its original shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventors: Keith Scheffler, Simeon E. Tiefel
  • Patent number: 7909703
    Abstract: A trampoline apparatus with an attached safety net for use by young children of toddler age that provides them with the ability to stand on the apparatus and bounce up and down on their feet is herein disclosed. The apparatus does not allow a child to flip or jump through the air as do conventional trampolines. The safety bounce apparatus is approximately two (2) to three (3) feet in diameter and is supported with a bouncing surface six (6) inches from the floor. The apparatus provides the child with grasping handles and safety net sides being affixed thereto a plurality of vertical extension rods attached to a padded upper ring. An entry/exit opening is provided in the vertical configuration and is secured with hook-and-loop fastening means. The complete apparatus may be disassembled for storage and transporting and includes a handled carrying case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventors: Charlotte Semrau, Amanda Richtor
  • Patent number: 7892064
    Abstract: A portable backpack which doubles as a play activity center is disclosed. It is a portable entertainment center with numerous features for engaging young children in imaginative play. The front of the backpack is hinged to open an interior area where play toys and accessories can be located to simulate a dollhouse, space vehicle, barn or like play themes. The backpack is made of shape retaining materials that are nevertheless soft to the touch but crushable, and collapsible to minimize injury to the user and wear-and-tear during playful use by children. Various features such as a swing, ladder, escape hatch, windows, operable doors, promote imaginative play. Some embodiments of the backpack include colorful replicas of butterflies, beetles, etc. on the front to attract attention of peers to the backpack and its owner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: George Carruth
  • Patent number: 7862397
    Abstract: A toy or game apparatus that includes a base in the shape of a cupcake, a simulated flame structure movable between an exposed-to-view position and a hidden-to-view position within a simulated candle structure, a support structure mounted to the base with a top edge in contact with a bottom edge of the flame structure to support the flame structure in the exposed position, a reset structure having a slanted top surface to enable the flame structure to move to the support structure and have the top edge of the support structure engage the bottom edge of the flame structure, the candle structure being depressible for moving the support structure relative to the reset structure, and a spring for raising the flame structure and the support structure so that the flame structure is again exposed, is disclosed and described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Wing Keung Wally Ng, Donna J. Goes, Fred D. Eddins
  • Publication number: 20100267311
    Abstract: A vehicle reconfigurable between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration includes a body having opposing upper and lower parts extending between lateral sides and ends of the body. A first wheel and a second wheel are each operatively mounted to the body to at least partially support the body for movement. A first suspension assembly and a second suspension assembly pivotally connect each wheel to the body and a linkage assembly connects the body to each wheel. The linkage assembly is adapted to pivot each wheel with respect to the body. A linear compression bias member is mounted between the upper and lower parts of the body to bias the upper part of the body away from the lower part of the body. The vehicle transforms from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration by compression of the upper part and lower part together to actuate the linkage and compress the linear compression bias member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicants: RED BLUE LIMITED, N. Z. NACHMAN ZIMET LIMITED
    Inventor: Nachman Haim ZIMET
  • Publication number: 20100227529
    Abstract: A set of substantially rectangular blocks which are hingedly interconnected in a linear series by two smaller ribbons which are fixed at both ends of each adjacent block with one larger ribbon alternative between the blocks capable of displaying images or messages on either side of said ribbon depending on the articulation of the blocks. As the toy articulates through its motions, the images will appear unobstructed by any ribbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Ulysses G. Riley
  • Patent number: 7785168
    Abstract: A toy with an exterior structure. Constructed to transform from a rollable first shape to a second shape. An interior structure inside the exterior structure is endowed with a magnetic body that moves by way of a magnetic force that acts from the exterior of the toy, an interior locking portion that moves simultaneously with the movement of this magnetic body, and a biasing member that effects a force which moves or turns this interior locking portion in a particular direction. If the magnetic force does not act from the exterior of the toy, the first shape of the exterior structure maintained. In the event that a magnetic force has acted from the exterior of the said toy, the exterior structure transforms from the first shape to the second shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Spin Master Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Yamada, Fujio Nobata
  • Publication number: 20100210176
    Abstract: A pivotally manipulable toy is disclosed which includes a plurality of sections pivotally coupled in series, with a plurality of counting apertures being located in a plurality of the sections. The pivotally manipulable toy can be manipulated to form a plurality of shapes including letters and numbers. The pivotally manipulable toy may be used in a manner that is both educational and enjoyable for children. Further, a manual which correlates each of the shapes with the number of unobstructed counting apertures that are visible when each shape is formed correctly may be provided together with the pivotally manipulable toy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Dennis E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7731563
    Abstract: A transformable toy is presented. The toy includes a first member, a second member and a third member. A first surface of the first member is a first part of an exterior surface of a substantially spherical structure in a first configuration. A second surface of the second member is a second part of the exterior surface of the substantially spherical structure in the first configuration. The first member and second member are positionable in a second configuration in which at least a portion of the second member is further from at least a portion of the first member. The at least portion of the second member includes an edge which includes an arc-shaped portion. The first member, second member and third member are positionable in a third configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Aldric J. Saucier
  • Patent number: 7726054
    Abstract: The invention relates to a display unit consisting of two panels which are joined along the lateral edges thereof, and at least one push unit joined to one of the panels and comprising first and second edges wherein at least said second edge is a free edge. The inventive display unit can be collapsed, whereby the element and the panels are disposed back-to-back adopting a flat configuration. The invention also comprises a pull element intended to rotate, curve or bend the push element thereby pushing the free second edge of the push element towards one of the two panels in order to expand the panels automatically from the collapsed configuration to a service position in which the display unit it adopts a convex configuration able to stand upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Promotec Publicidad, S.L.
    Inventors: Fernando Mestres Armengol, Francisco López Fernández