Foldable, Collapsible, Or Having Pivoted Portion Patents (Class 446/487)
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Patent number: 7722426Abstract: A toy, comprising or a cockpit; and a pair of wings moveably coupled to the cockpit; wherein at least the pair of wings are transformable between a driving configuration and a flying configuration, wherein in the driving configuration the wings extend longitudinally and flank the cockpit, and wherein in the flying configuration the wings extend laterally.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: Fraser Campbell
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Patent number: 7722429Abstract: A product, comprising of a reconfigurable toy assembly, said assembly being reversibly reconfigurable between at least a first configuration and a second configuration; where said toy assembly operates as a toy vehicle in said first configuration and operates as a wearable power-suit toy in said second configuration, wherein said wearable power-suit toy may be coupled to a figure.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: Fraser Campbell
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Patent number: 7713060Abstract: A convex polyhedron is formed from planar polygonal members, wherein aligned sides of adjacent abutting polygonal members meet to form edges of the polyhedron. A flexible polycarbonate plastic joining tab fits into slots in the centers of sides of adjacent polygonal members to enable adjustment of the dihedral angle between the adjacent polygonal members. A supplemental source of support such as hook and loop strips are used to fasten joined polygonal members securely in place at a desired alignment and dihedral angle. The polygonal members have mirrored interior faces which impart infinite internal reflections within an interior of the polyhedron, wherein one of the polygonal members is a two-way transparent mirror serving as a viewport, allowing a user to see into the infinitely-reflective interior of the polyhedron.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2008Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Inventor: Ted Ichino
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Patent number: 7686002Abstract: The present invention is a toy launcher which is transfigurable from a compacted state to an operative state for launching projectiles. In one embodiment, the launcher utilizes a hand-pressurized air pump for providing the launching power, and may accommodate multiple types of projectiles to be loaded in the gun at the same time. Projectiles may include, for example, a bolo bullet, grapnel, or miniature missiles. Auxiliary retractable features such as targeting components and a flashlight with a logo projector may be added to enhance the play value of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2007Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: Michael Andrews
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Publication number: 20100062682Abstract: A stable, safe, lightweight modular play structure for encouraging and supporting ambulatory motion by one or more infants and which may be selectively assembled in a variety of configurations in an enclosed, modular unitType: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2008Publication date: March 11, 2010Inventor: Christopher Bering
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Publication number: 20100056021Abstract: A motion device capable of incorporation into an ornament has a module drive mechanism and one or more visual elements capable of being set in motion by a user's interaction with the drive mechanism. The module drive mechanism includes a plurality of motion components, such as gears. The motion components are activated via manual rotation of a crank arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: HALLMARK CARDS, INCORPORATEDInventors: Ronald L. Carlson, Kenneth Dean Crow, Robert W. Ferron, Doug L. Krivanek
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Patent number: 7666056Abstract: An apparatus for launching streamers is disclosed in which the streamers remain connected to the user's hand during and after launch.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2004Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Parti-Line International, Inc.Inventors: Raul Vicente Munoz, James O. Watkins, Shirley Watkins, legal representative
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Patent number: 7662014Abstract: A joint system for joining polyhedric facet elements together. Polyhedrons have a plurality of facets. The polyhedric facet elements have facet planes that are generally congruent with the facets of the polyhedrons in which they are found. Various facet elements occupy angular relationships such that they can be joined in rigid stable joints by means of key elements where the planes of the key elements extend generally perpendicular to the planes of each of the facet elements. The joint system is suitable for inter-polyhedron joint systems where the joints include four joint elements, three of which are in the respective polyhedrons that are to be joined, and the fourth is a key element perpendicularly disposed between the other three joint elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Inventor: Gregg R. Fleishman
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Patent number: 7662012Abstract: A throwable device consisting of a generally tube-shaped body having a baffle defined on one end of the body, wherein the baffle defines an opening therein restricting the flow of air through the tube-shaped body, thereby providing aerodynamic stability to the device. The body of the device also has a spring integral therewith, which allows the compression of the body of the device. The device is propelled away from the thrower by holding the device in a compressed position with both hands and propelling the device away from the body of the thrower in a motion similar to a two-handed basketball pass, with a combination of the throwing force and the decompression of the spring determining the speed, distance and trajectory of the device.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2009Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Inventor: Eric E. Wright
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Patent number: 7662016Abstract: The present invention provides a transformable toy capable of being transformed from a doll robot toy into a compact figure. Each of leg sections 11 of the doll robot toy 1 has a knee-position connecting mechanism 23 for connecting a thigh section 11a and a shin section 11b and an ankle-position connecting mechanism 27 for connecting the shin section 11b and a foot section 11c. The knee-position connecting mechanism 23 is constructed so as to allow a calf portion of the shin section 11b to be placed adjacent to the rear side of the thigh section 11a. The ankle-position connecting mechanism 27 is constructed so as to allow a sole portion of the foot section 11c to be placed adjacent to the back side of the body section 5 of the doll robot toy.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2004Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Okamoto, Ryosuke Toriyama, Shinya Saito, Shinichi Hanamoto
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Patent number: 7654276Abstract: Collapsible structures include at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The first panel has a first retaining mechanism that defines an adjustment space, and the second panel has a second retaining mechanism that is movably received inside the adjustment space of the first retaining mechanism to couple the second panel to the first panel. The second retaining mechanism is movable within the adjustment space to allow the relative positions of the first and second panels to be adjusted. Other collapsible structures include at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2005Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Patent Category Corp.Inventor: Yu Zheng
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Publication number: 20090298385Abstract: There is provided a collapsible structure including a plurality of collapsible walls. A respective one of the plurality of walls is connected to at least one adjacent one of the plurality of walls. Each wall defines an internal wall face and an opposing external wall faces. The collapsible structure further includes a panel having a panel contact face and an opposing panel exposed face. The panel includes a display portion disposed on the panel exposed face. The panel is engageable to a respective one of the plurality of collapsible walls.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2008Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventor: Sandra Brinckerhoff
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Patent number: 7601045Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for a textured therapeutic toy that can be manipulated into an infinite number of shapes and configurations. The invention is best applied to relieve minor stress as well as strengthen hand muscles, rehabilitate finger and joint movement and improve overall range of hand motion. In one exemplary embodiment, a textured coating is applied to the surface of each segment that gives the therapeutic toy a unique feel, thereby creating a pleasant sensation and feel to the hands and fingers.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2004Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Tangle, Inc.Inventor: Richard E. Zawitz
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Patent number: 7592053Abstract: An ornamental figure construction kit of parts comprising a plurality of elongated structures having a plurality of article stop restraints, at least one locking structure, and at least one lock engagement and a plurality of construction article stops mountable adjacent the article stop restraints on the elongated structures. In one version, plastic rods with a plurality of spherical enlargements at intervals along the rod are terminated in a plate having an aperture for passing other rods through it. Plastic discs, when mounted on the rods, can be used to position construction articles such as clay pots or aid in locking two rods together. Typically, the ornamental figures are used in lawns or gardens.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2004Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Inventor: Lee Anne Mansfield
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Patent number: 7591705Abstract: A toy train is provided having a folding body with body segments joined by a hinge, adapted to engage a base having wheels. The folding body may be disassembled for storage in a generally flattened arrangement. A novel drive assembly for a toy train or toy train accessory is provided having a motor and a gear, which can be removably inserted in the base and covered by the folding body. A storage kit is provided including a storage case for storing a folding body of a toy train, a base for a toy train, and a drive assembly for a toy train. A toy train set is provided including tiles with raised train tracks. The tiles are joined by dovetail joints. Themed tiles are provided for creating a multi-themed play environment.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2004Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: The Good Stuff Company, LLCInventors: Stephen Ciccarelli, Alan Dorfman, Michael Kind, Steven Menow, Tomoru Tohyama
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Patent number: 7549433Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least one lower panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material substantially covering the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The fabric assumes the unfolded orientation of its frame member, and each panel further includes a first side, a second side, a bottom side and a top side. The first side of one panel is coupled to the second side of an adjacent panel. The collapsible structure according to the present invention further includes an upper panel having a bottom side coupled to the top side of one of the lower panels. In other embodiments, at least two upper panels are provided, with the upper panels provided above the lower panels. The respective panels can be coupled to each other using stitching and/or detachable connectors, or by crossing the frame members of the panels at adjacent left, right, top or bottom sides.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2005Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Patent Catergory Corp.Inventor: Yu Zheng
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Patent number: 7540215Abstract: A ring linkage is hereby disclosed that is comprised of at least six links, each link having at least two pivots located proximate to their ends, said links being arranged in a loop whereby each link is pivotally attached via its end pivots to two neighboring links. The motion of the linkage is synchronized by a multiplicity of mechanical elements that serve to synchronize the relative rotation of the links in the assembly such that when a given link rotates by an angle, every second link rotates by the same angle. These synchronizing elements may be either gears, cables or belts, thus the relative angle between the every second link in the ring linkage (as defined by lines passing through their respective end pivots) remains constant and unchanging even as the position of the linkage is changed.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2004Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Inventors: Charles Hoberman, Matthew Davis
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Patent number: 7510457Abstract: A method for constructing three-dimensional structures with a multi-part construction toy comprised of connectable component parts. A flat construction plan is provided illustrating in full size a two-dimensional structure constituting all or a large part of the intended three-dimensional structure. The connectable component parts are placed directly over their respective illustrations on the flat plan, and joined to form the two-dimensional structure. The two-dimensional structure may include a pair of opposite side subassemblies joined by one or more reorientable bridging elements, for example a flexible panel. After completion, the two-dimensional structure is picked up and erected to three-dimensional form by bending or pivoting the bridging element to position the opposite side subassemblies in spaced apart, usually parallel relation. The free ends of the subassemblies are then joined, usually by a bridging element, which may form an end element of the two-dimensional structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: K'Nex Limited Partnership GroupInventor: Kyle Philip Hussa-Lietz
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Patent number: 7470166Abstract: A toy race track providing a mat for simulating a stock car racing track is disclosed. The toy race track includes a plurality of interlocking tiles having top and bottom surfaces. Each interlocking tile top surface includes top surface indicia depicting a portion of a stock car race track. Upon interlocking the tiles, the various top surface indicia cooperate to depict a complete stock car race track.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Inventor: Christie L. Allen
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Publication number: 20080213735Abstract: An educational device having a two-dimensional setting having a smooth surface and at least one three-dimensional manipulative figure and/or object comprising a front side that is 3-dimensional in shape, a backside that is releasably adhereable to said setting. The manipulative can be posable into a desired configuration and can include an internal wire or wires embedded within the manipulative to help make the item posable and able to retain the posed configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2007Publication date: September 4, 2008Inventors: Wendy E. Shorr, Edwin E. Shorr
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Publication number: 20080207087Abstract: The present invention relates to an activity center comprising a flexible sheet having a plurality of activity sections. Each section comprises at least one means of temporarily securing an activity, and various types are described. Also, a portable activity case, formed by folding or otherwise collapsing, the activity center of the present invention is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: Kristen P. Stocking, Katherine H. P. Huck
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Publication number: 20080200095Abstract: A stage and origami assembly provides at least one origami object and a stage assembly upon which the origami object is connectable. The stage assembly includes a base tray and a stage insert removably insertable therein. The stage insert provides a stage surface having an origami object slit into which an origami object tab of the origami object can be inserted to connect the origami object. The stage assembly may also have a rear wall and backdrop section, both releasably connectable to the base tray and storable therein when disconnected therefrom. An upper floor insert, connectable to the rear wall and backdrop section and storable in the base tray, provides further origami object slits for the origami objects.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2008Publication date: August 21, 2008Inventors: Daniel Guenette, Normand Lessard
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Publication number: 20080118900Abstract: A pop-up educational toy for a child includes a housing having a display platform, an actuator mechanism coupled to the housing and operably connected to the display platform, and a display attached to the display platform and having a display area for interchangeably receiving items that have unique personal meaning to the child where the display changes from a non-stimulatory arrangement to a stimulatory arrangement when the actuator mechanism is activated by the child.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2007Publication date: May 22, 2008Inventor: Anthony A. Salerni
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Patent number: 7371148Abstract: In one example, the disclosure includes a playset. The playset may include a middle section having a movable front face; a first side section coupled to one side of said middle section, said first side section having a movable front face; a second side section coupled to another side of said middle section, said second side section having a movable front face; and an input receiving device, where upon receiving an input, each of said movable faces of the middle, first side, and second side sections move to reveal internal units of said middle, first side, and second side sections.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2004Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Jon C. Marine, Debbie Glassberg
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Patent number: 7350950Abstract: A safety device comprising a housing, an extendable tube located in the housing, and a light source for illuminating the extendable tube. The extendable tube is translucent and may be extended from a first position to a second position.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2005Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Safe-T-Lite LLCInventors: Randall F. Alder, Myles E. Davis, Donald B. Ford, William P. Long
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Patent number: 7331841Abstract: The present invention provides a transformable toy of which a figure is transformed between a doll robot toy and a four-legged walking robot toy with rear-leg sections thereof of a more natural shape. One of a pair of leg sections 11 of the doll robot toy 1 is provided with a knee-position connecting mechanism 114 for connecting a thigh section 111 and a shin section 112 and an ankle-position connecting mechanism 115 for connecting the shin section 112 and a foot section 113. The knee-position connecting mechanism 114 includes a connecting link 118 connected to both of the thigh section 111 and the shin section 112 respectively with turning pairs 116 and 117. The ankle-position connecting mechanism 115 is so constructed as to connect the shin section 112 and the foot section 113 with a turning pair 119. Then, the shin section 112 is length-adjustably constructed so that it can become long in a figure of the doll robot toy and become short in a figure of the four-legged walking robot toy.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Okamoto, Ryosuke Toriyama, Shinya Saito, Shinichi Hanamoto
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Patent number: 7306504Abstract: A transformable toy including a first movable member, a second movable member and a coupler positioned between and coupled to the first and second movable members. The coupler is adapted to enable the first and second movable members to independently move or pivot towards each other to a closed position and away from each other to a substantially open position. The first and second movable members include at least one revealer. The revealer is movably connected to one of the first and second movable members and is movable to reveal at least one surface when the first and second movable members are in the open position. In one embodiment, the toy forms a ball in the closed position and a figurine in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2004Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Spin Master, Ltd.Inventor: Aldric J. Saucier
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Patent number: 7285034Abstract: A toy play set for use in a vehicle having a beverage cup holder includes a generally elongated body. At least a first longitudinal end is sized and shaped to fit at least partially into the cup holder sufficiently for the cup holder to support the body in a generally upright orientation when the body has in a closed configuration. The body has an open configuration in which a hollow interior is at least partially accessible through at least one opening in a side wall. A plurality of movable components is stored in storage positions within the hollow interior in the closed configuration of the body. At least two of the plurality of movable components are removable from the storage position and are repositionable in the open configuration of the body into at least one play position different from the storage position of the at least two movable components.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2004Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Robert Kay, Andrew Needham, Gary Collins, Stephen Lau, Jeffrey Osnato, Alan O'Bryan
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Patent number: 7258592Abstract: A kit for creating an illusion that suggests a Santa Claus visit in a premises is disclosed. The kit includes items revealed to a child audience. These items include a displayer at which small items can be placed, and amusement items for use by at least a member of the child audience in carrying out steps that the child audience is invited to believe will assist Santa Claus in making the visit. The kit also includes items at least temporarily concealed from the child audience. The concealed items include means for making boot print resembling marks to mark an illusionary trail of Santa Claus in the premises.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2004Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Inventor: John I. Colak
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Patent number: 7252107Abstract: A foldable enclosure structure containing a fabric cover defining a desired shape when expanded to an expanded position; a first supporting frame fixedly attached to the cover and a second supporting frame provided within the cover and rotatably coupled to the first frame such that the second frame is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The second frame is superposed over the first frame in the collapsed position for ease of storage, but is rotated axially to intersect with the first frame in the expanded position to prop up the cover to the desired shape. To ensure that the structure is stable in the expanded position, fixing means is/are provided for fixedly attaching the second frame to the first frame in the expanded position.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Best Tide Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Wan-sing Chu, Lai-Ha Wu
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Patent number: 7222466Abstract: A foldable truss member suitable for commercial displays includes a plurality of side members that are adjacently hinged together. The side members include support members and bridging members having extensions. The side members are joined into a foldable structure with a hinge member between the support member and extensions of adjacent side members. A display structure can be formed by connecting locking members between two truss members.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Eagle Development CorporationInventors: Ralph L. Schipani, Richard K. Strayer, Mark Brauer, Walter Croll, Paul Miklautsch, Patrick M. Hamilton, Charles Austen Angell, Jennifer Dianne Astwood, Shaohui Qiu, Lee Powers, Kyle Gudmunson, Brian Clemens, Brett R. Johnson, Charles Graves
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Patent number: 7223152Abstract: Provided may be a wind propelled rolling vehicle with a self-adjusting sail that may be substantially formed in a relatively small, single sheet of material, or assembled onto a standard chassis. The exemplary embodiments may utilize bushings to spread dynamic loads so as to allow the use of very light structural material such as thin sheet foam thereby forming a safe, low-mass toy vehicle capable of achieving good acceleration and rolling speed relative to a given wind force, and configurable into many themes.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Inventor: John H. Anderson
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Patent number: 7219871Abstract: A Pyramid Easel display holder for primarily flat objects includes ten main contiguous, triangular and polygonal (modified triangular) planes with additional contiguous triangular and trapezoid planes as part of optional base(s). On each of two display sides, objects are supported by a modified triangular center face, a triangular wing on each side of the center face, with two base options which brace the bottom of display objects, and aid in expansion control through friction with the surface support area. Front and mirrored back, and mirrored side wings, are connected by modified triangular swing arms, which are essentially the dynamic planar backsides of the front and back center pyramids, meeting at the crown of the embedded pyramids and “swinging” inside the center of the easel structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2004Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Inventor: Susan Rae Hecker
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Patent number: 7198536Abstract: A toy throwing disc that is tossed between players has a unique feature of having the compartment in the center filled with a liquid or gel that creates a stabilizing effect. The water disc is a plastic molded flying disc with an outside molded rim and a sealed compartment in the top that holds water, and additionally may hold gel, glitter, colorful beads, decorative parts, etc. The top and bottom of the center portion is clear to make the contents visible from both sides. The center compartment stabilizes the disc by centrifugal force, creating extra speed and stabilization. The compartment also serves as a chamber that allows for attractive designs to constantly change by movement of the liquid and glitter or objects incorporated in the liquid when the disc is tossed.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2005Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Inventors: Mark C. Nuccio, Matthew D. Nuccio
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Patent number: 7192328Abstract: A method of simulating real-life motion of a character includes providing a toy having a plurality of interconnected links. The links are rotatably attached to one another and the character is attached to one of the links. The method also includes grasping the toy by holding two different links that are separated by at least two other links, one of which is the link to which the character is attached. The method also includes moving the hands with respect to one another, thus causing the character to move in a manner that simulates the real-life motion of the character.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Tangle Inc.Inventor: Richard E. Zawitz
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Patent number: 7100333Abstract: Improved reversibly expandable structures are formed from novel loop assemblies comprising a plurality of links, each of said links having at least one center pivot joint and a plurality of end pivot joints, each of at least two of said plurality of end pivot joints proximate to the outer edge of said loop assembly and connected to another link; each of said plurality of links being connected to another one of said plurality of links by at least two end pivot joints thereby forming a link pair, said loop assembly comprising at least three link pairs, each of said at least three link pairs connected to at least two other link pairs through at least one of said end pivot joints; each of said at least three link pairs connected to a central piece that is central to the loop assembly, said central piece being rotatable around a central axis, wherein the rotation of the central piece reversibly expands said loop assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2002Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Inventor: Charles Hoberman
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Patent number: 7090557Abstract: A mobile constructed from a single sheet of material having alternating cut lines and fold lines so that wind striking the mobile causes the intervening panels to undulate.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Inventors: Thomas Ainsworth, Jr., Daniel T. Hefty
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Patent number: 7018267Abstract: A transportable play design assembly with an open operative position, an alternative closed position and which may be folded to enclose play items therebetween when play time is concluded. The open operative position is utilized as a play surface. The alternative closed position is utilized as a transporting and storage device for play items. The alternative closed position further has a closing mechanism to prevent the play items from falling out of the assembly during transportation.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2004Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Homegrown Kids, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Delaney, Jennifer L. Delaney
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Patent number: 6966814Abstract: An improved hoop-type amusement system is disclosed wherein a plurality of variously sized and shaped connectable components may be selectively interconnected by the user to form simple and complex hoop configurations of a particular size and complex geometric shape. Hoop components may have opposing ends that are adapted for mating engagement with other components to form a hoop of a particular size and shape. In addition, the hoop components may include a radially inner edge defining a recessed groove, and a radially outer edge defining a projecting tongue, or opposite variations thereof, thereby enabling the components to be connected with other components in tongue and groove engagement to form a wide variety of hoop configurations, whether annular or otherwise, thereby enhancing fun and enjoyment.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Inventor: Nancy W. Mendel
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Patent number: 6926020Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least one lower panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material substantially covering the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The fabric assumes the unfolded orientation of its frame member, and each panel further includes a first side, a second side, a bottom side and a top side. The first side of one panel is coupled to the second side of an adjacent panel. The collapsible structure according to the present invention further includes an upper panel having a bottom side coupled to the top side of one of the lower panels. In other embodiments, at least two upper panels are provided, with the upper panels provided above the lower panels. The respective panels can be coupled to each other using stitching and/or detachable connectors, or by crossing the frame members of the panels at adjacent left, right, top or bottom sides.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2002Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Patent Category Corp.Inventor: Yu Zheng
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Patent number: 6921314Abstract: The invention is a system and set of intercleaving (interfitting and adhering/clinging) toy or real polyhedral construction elements which may be implemented either directly in physical form or indirectly in a virtual reality via the hardware of a computer system. These construction elements may be used as structural elements, building blocks, modeling elements, or the like. Each element of the invention has the ability to be interfitted with other complimentary elements in a mutually intercleaving manner along the coincident edges (edgesets) of sets of edge-aligned diagonally adjacent pyramidal/polyhedral members which, while connected along an innermost portion of those edgesets for structural stability, have been separated/difurcated along an outermost portion of those same edgesets in order to facilitate, along with resulting pyramidal/polyhedral recesses, their interfitting.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2002Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Inventor: George R. Miller
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Patent number: 6896577Abstract: A toy assembly and its method of manufacture. The toy assembly is a spherical object that can be temporarily compressed into a disc. A short time after compression, the toy pops back into its original ball-like shape. The toy assembly has arcuate sections that join form a generally spherical body. The arcuate sections are symmetrically disposed around a central axis. The spherical body is bisected by an imaginary equatorial plane that is perpendicular to the central axis. A leaf spring is provided behind each of the arcuate sections that bias the arcuate sections into a spherical shape. A connector mechanism is provided that temporarily connect opposite sides of the spherical body when the spherical body is compressed. The leaf springs provide a spring bias that resists any compression and causes the arcuate sections to return to a spherical shape when the connector mechanism release.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2004Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Inventor: Jung Chung Feng
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Patent number: 6863588Abstract: A toy assembly and its method of manufacture. The toy assembly is a spherical object that can be temporarily compressed into a disc. A short time after compression, the toy pops back into its original ball-like shape. The toy assembly has shell sections that join along at least one joint line to form a generally spherical body. The shell sections are symmetrically disposed around a central axis. The spherical body is bisected by an imaginary equatorial plane that is perpendicular to the central axis. The joint lines between shell sections exist in meridian planes that are perpendicular to the equatorial plane. A connector mechanism is provided that temporarily connect opposite sides of the shell when the shell is compressed. The shell sections provide a spring bias that resists any compression and causes the shell sections to return to a spherical shape when the connector mechanism release.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2003Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Inventor: Kwong Wing Chu
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Patent number: 6835113Abstract: A structure of a decorative article including a base device, a motor, a guiding device and a transmission device is disclosed. The motor including a driving shaft is mounted on the base device. The guiding device including a guiding means with a guiding track is mounted on the base device. The transmission device includes a sliding plate with a hole, a transmission shaft with a disk wheel eccentrically formed on the end, a linking bar connected to the sliding plate and a gear set, the disk wheel being located in the hole so that the sliding plate is slidably moved in the guiding track when the transmission shaft is driven by the motor through the transmission of the gear set. It provides a smooth transmission with lower friction to obtain a stable structure having longer lifetime and higher quality.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2003Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Inventor: Lieh-Liang Hsu
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Publication number: 20040259466Abstract: A toy item includes a body with a drive, a drive input, a drive output, and a driven activity member, or other movable output. Application of force to the drive input can activate the drive and produce movement of the driven activity member. Two similar toy items can be disposed in operable engagement so that the drive output of one toy item can engage the drive input of the other toy item, so that application of force to the drive input of one toy item can activate the drives of both toy items.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2003Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventors: Matthew C. Maxwell, Jeffrey A. Brown, Anthony A. Morley
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Patent number: 6830430Abstract: A Frisbee™ fan comprises a fan body made from a fabric bordered by a flexible strip on the peripheral rim thereof and a folding plate clamping the fan body for generating a strong air flow. The fan body may be printed with a selected pattern. The fan body may be separated from the folding plate to become a Frisbee™ for recreational use. The flexible strip allows the fan body be twisted and folded to a smaller size and be encased in the folding plate to facilitate carrying and storing.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2002Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Inventor: Jack Lien
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Patent number: 6786797Abstract: Disclosed is a double layer block assembly comprising four single layer blocks, two first double layer blocks, two second double layer blocks, four outer stickers, and four inner stickers. An upper layer section of the assembly comprises two single layer blocks, two upper layers of two first double layer blocks, and two upper layers of two second double layer blocks. A lower layer section of the assembly comprises the other two single layer blocks, two lower layers of two first double layer blocks, and two lower layers of two second double layer blocks. The outer stickers are adhered to top and bottom surfaces of the assembly. The inner stickers are adhered between the upper and lower layer sections so that the assembly is able to turn about two parallel axes endlessly. A variety of shapes and colorful patterns for advertisement can be thus formed.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2003Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Inventor: I-Fen Cheng
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Patent number: 6769950Abstract: The present invention relates to a wind operated device in the shape of a fish or the like. The device comprises at least two generally planar or segmented constructions of a lightweight material, each of the segments being flexibly connected to the other and a support rod connected to one of the segments by means of a bearing for supporting of the said device. When the device is subjected to an air-stream the segments move in a generally sinuous pattern in imitation of motion of a fish or the like while at the same time indicating wind direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1998Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Inventor: Emil Suciu
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Patent number: 6766815Abstract: A collapsible structure has a first panel and a second panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The first panel has a first side that is stitched to the fabric of the second panel by a stitching. Another collapsible structure has a first panel and a second panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The second panel has an opening provided in its fabric, with a first side of the first panel inserted through the opening to couple the first panel to the second panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2001Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Patent Category Corp.Inventor: Yu Zheng
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Patent number: 6761609Abstract: A toy building set comprising a plurality of toy building elements (1, 3) provided with complementary coupling means. At least one of the toy building elements (3) is/are provided with at least one groove (4) provided in an outwardly facing face of the toy building element (3), said groove (4) being able to receive and frictionally secure the edge of a toy building sheet element (5, 5a). The toy building sheet element (5, 5a) is planar with an even thickness that slightly exceeds the narrowest width of the groove (4) in the second toy building element (3), and it is made of a self-supporting, soft, elastically deformable, and form-stable material.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Interlego AGInventor: Dorthe Kjærulff Andersen