Foldable, Collapsible, Or Having Pivoted Portion Patents (Class 446/487)
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Patent number: 5197924Abstract: A slide apparatus is arranged for mounting to a stairway relative to an uppermost and lowermost stair vertical wall, with a first anchor member mounted to the uppermost vertical wall and a lowermost vertical wall mounting a second anchor member thereto and to the associated floor surface. A plurality of aligned slide blocks are arranged in a pivotal interconnected relationship relative to one another configured for pivotal association to accommodate various undulations in the arrangement of an individual utilizing the organization in a sliding fashion.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1991Date of Patent: March 30, 1993Inventor: Kristie Gerrells
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Patent number: 5181727Abstract: A toy game apparatus includes a body portion, a vertically extendable semi-rigid appendage, and an advancing mechanism in the body portion for advancing the appendage from a retracted position therein to various vertically upwardly extended positions relative thereto. The body portion is preferably formed in the configuration of a waiter character figure, and the appendage is preferably formed as an arm on the waiter character figure which is vertically extendable for supporting a tray and dishes at various elevations.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1991Date of Patent: January 26, 1993Assignee: Sente Creations Co., Ltd.Inventor: Satoshi Fukumura
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Patent number: 5174570Abstract: An image transformation puzzle comprising a series of elements with image portions on respective front faces thereof successively linked together for incremental translational and rotational movement around a closed loop path between different positions in which image portions of different elements combine to form different composite images. Image portions of successive elements combine in one of the different positions to reduce the total number of composite images in that position producing a vanishing image effect. The elements may be formed as solid profiles of the image portions.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1991Date of Patent: December 29, 1992Inventor: Mark Setteducati
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Patent number: 5145446Abstract: Disclosed is a retractable toy sword with visual and sound effects having a sword, a retraction driver, and a visual and sound effects driving circuit. The sword is divided into a hilt and a blade. The hilt is a hollow structure, and the blade is composed of at least two blade sections, each having a hollow interior space for holding a spring, and each having an L-like front end, and an L-like rear end for mutual engagement during extension and retraction. The retraction driver is placed within the hilt to control extension and retraction of the blade. The visual and sound effects driving circuit is also located in the hilt. It can generate a variety of noises, such as a collision noise "Dang" and a flying noise "Hee", as well as a directed emission of light by reflection and convergence at a reflective hood and a convergent lens.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1991Date of Patent: September 8, 1992Inventor: Yi-Yu Kuo
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Patent number: 5129854Abstract: A rolling toy is created by segments which are bound together by connectors and axles. The toy has a plurality of segments including front and rear segments. The toy declines in a revolving end-to-end motion. The segments are spaced apart with a specified distance and are rotatable to each other. This rolling toy has the capability of declining down stairways and rolling on most horizontal surfaces. The toy is of an appropriate length for revolving end-to-end while declining down stairways.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1991Date of Patent: July 14, 1992Inventor: Joseph M. Hill
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Patent number: 5120068Abstract: A domino game is provided wherein some of the domino pieces have rotatable or convertible end sections that thus permit player a choice as the symbol to be displayed when the game piece is played. Symbols are displayed on both sides of each game piece, and the game pieces having rotatable or convertible ends can be changed to display alternative symbols, thereby adding to the challenge and complexity of the game. Preferably, the symbols comprise representations of U.S. or foreign currency or coins, with each game piece displaying both the front and back of at least one denomination. In one embodiment, the convertible game pieces comprise relatively rotatable sections. In an alternative embodiment, the game pieces have end sections that may be pivoted or flipped over, rather than rotated, to display different symbols. In another embodiment, each game piece comprises two separate sections which may be mated together in various orientations.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1990Date of Patent: June 9, 1992Inventor: Antonio Tablan
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Patent number: 5114377Abstract: A framework assembly that can be selectively manipulated to a variety of configurations for leisure activity, hand and finger exercise and as a teaching aid for shape recognition. Respective circular frame members have a plurality of semi-circled frame members rotatably attached at their ends to the circular frame members in successively overlapping engagement along the lengths of the circular frame members. Two of the semi-circled frame members are rotatably attached to each other thereby providing a framework assembly that can be configured in virtually an infinite variety of shapes.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1990Date of Patent: May 19, 1992Inventors: Leslie M. Cove Mercuri, Luis A. Mercuri
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Patent number: 5110130Abstract: A self-contained loop puzzle has a plurality of closely spaced casements, selected casements being rotatable around their longitudinal axes of symmetry. Selected casements contain an indicia bearing tile and a second indicia bearing tile in spaced relationship such that the plurality of casements presents a series of tiles in a given order, and at least two spaced tracks are defined by the closely spaced casements in the loop. The tiles are slidably in the respective tracks, whereby selective, partial rotation of casements and the sliding movement of tiles along the loop produces a reverse order for the series of tiles.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1991Date of Patent: May 5, 1992Inventor: Daniel Aulicino
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Patent number: 5110315Abstract: An annular support device is formed by a series of identical torus segments with adjacent segments connected end-to-end in a continuous loop. One end face of each segment has a central channel for receiving the extension of the adjacent torus segment. The extension-channel interface between adjacent segments defines a twisting axis permitting each segment to be twisted through 360 degrees relative to the other segments. The support device may be twisted into an infinite variety of decorative and useful configurations. Each end face has a raised peripheral rim which abuts with an identical cooperating peripheral rim on the opposed face of the adjacent segment. The rims are circular and define a common interface plane perpendicular to the twist axis therebetween. The torus curve causes the twist axis at each end of a segment to be non-aligned, and prevents individual segments from being twisted relative to both adjacent segments simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1991Date of Patent: May 5, 1992Inventor: Richard Zawitz
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Patent number: 5108100Abstract: The invention provides a puzzle embodied in a 3-sided regularly shaped pyramid comprising eleven smaller 3-sided pyramids and four small octaeder shaped bodies, which smaller pieces are connected to a string forming an endless chain. The complexity of the puzzle is achieved by coloring the side planes of the smaller parts in various colors and connecting the smaller pieces in a certain sequence to a string. The solution of the puzzle is obtained by placing the smaller parts of puzzle in such a way that the large pyramid is formed and the side planes of the large pyramid are uniformly colored by the smaller pieces. A preferred embodiment is given in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprising the 15 smaller pieces of FIGS. 3 and 4 placed in a continuous string as shown in FIG. 5.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1990Date of Patent: April 28, 1992Inventors: Jan Essebaggers, Jaap Koops
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Patent number: 5104124Abstract: A collapsible game (10) is disclosed having the rear face (20) of a first panel (14) secured to the back of a box (12) or like product. A second panel (16) is integrally formed and pivotal about the bottom edge (18) of the first panel (14) between a first, abutting position and a second, angular position. The panels (14, 16) are formed of paper stock with the box (12) and the support surface upon which the box (12) is placed providing external support for the panels (14, 16). A goal (48) is simultaneously pivotal with the panels (14, 16) between a first, flat condition intermediate the panels (14, 16) in the first position and a second condition with the goal (48) three dimensionally spaced from the panels (14, 16) in the second position. The goal (48) is integrally formed from a single blank and is planar in the flat condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1990Date of Patent: April 14, 1992Assignee: General Mills, Inc.Inventors: Stuart N. Bernard, Sanford K. Otsuji, David J. Rosendale
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Patent number: 5098327Abstract: A combination gift (a surprise) and its casing are disclosed which are formed essentially as a single unit, for example of molded plastic material. After the combination's formation, the gift, or its constituent parts, can be folded into the casing which is then closed. Furthermore, forming the combination as a single unit enables the packaging of the unit to be carried out completely automatically.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1990Date of Patent: March 24, 1992Assignee: Ferrero S.p.A.Inventor: Pietro Ferrero
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Patent number: 5090569Abstract: A reusable packaging device is provided which is in the nature of a joke or novelty item or advertising article. The device includes an outer shell assembly in which an object to be packaged can be housed prior to use thereof or during interruptions in that use. This shell assembly includes a plurality of shell parts which, in the closed position thereof, surround the object. An elongate support member supports the shell assembly and the object. The shell parts are hinged at one end thereof to the support member so that said shell parts can pivot between a closed position in which the shell parts surround and enclose the object, and an opened position wherein the object is revealed. A rubber band secured to hooks formed on each of the shell parts biases the shell parts toward the support member so as to tend to maintain the shell parts in the positions to which shell parts are moved, i.e., to hold the shell parts either opened or closed.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1991Date of Patent: February 25, 1992Inventors: Michael Nissen, Marianne Zerlang
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Patent number: 5083960Abstract: A children's toy employing the domino effect in which the cascadable elements are hinged to linkable sections of track in such a manner that upon completion of the forward cascade a further cascade ripples through the same cascadable elements in the reverse direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1991Date of Patent: January 28, 1992Inventor: Kent E. Erickson
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Patent number: 5055082Abstract: A convertible toy in which a device of one appearance can be change to a substantially different appearance. For example, from an apparently innocuous-looking device, such as a computer or a trash can, a figurine can be rotated up through a space left by a receding part in the top so that the figurine may appear to visually observe the surroundings.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1990Date of Patent: October 8, 1991Assignee: Varner IncorporatedInventor: Steven R. Varner
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Patent number: 5046988Abstract: A transformable combination of linked polyhedra which includes a set of a plurality of objects each having at least first and second faces and a member for connecting adjacent objects in a manner which allows rotation of one object while an adjacent object is fixed so that the position of the first and second faces of the one object can be changed with respect to the position of the adjacent object. Preferably, the connecting member is a corner connector which includes a straight or bent rod member having first and second rotatable end members which facilitate rotation of the objects. Also, a single continuous connecting member may be used to join all objects in the set.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1989Date of Patent: September 10, 1991Inventor: Herbert G. Bennett
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Patent number: 5045012Abstract: A toy glider has an elongated fuselage having a longitudinal axis in the normal horizontal flight attitude, a nose section and a tail section having airfoil portions in horizontal and vertical planes. The fuselage includes a trapezoidal portion with non-parallel sides forming wing root fairings at an angle to the longitudinal axis for mounting a pair of wings having wing roots at an angle to a wing span axis, and pivotal on the wing root fairings. The wings may be extended into normal flight position and may also be pivoted into a retracted position parallel to the longitudinal axis. In a preferred embodiment the nose section simulates a head, and the vertical tail portions simulate feet, providing the appearance of an animal figure. The glider has the aft edges of the tail section in a vertical, transverse plane, whereby the glider can stand on its tail in an erect, standing posture, and the aft edges of the vertical tail portions also include wheels so the erect glider may also be rolled on the wheels.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1990Date of Patent: September 3, 1991Inventor: Jack V. Miller
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Patent number: 5019010Abstract: A transformable block toy includes a main body segment and at least one movable segment movably connected to the main body segment and being movable between retracted and extended positions. The main body segment and the movable segment form a building block having a geometric shape when the movable segment is in the retracted position and a vehicle or animal when in the extended position. A variety of geometric shapes and vehicle types are formed in different embodiments of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1989Date of Patent: May 28, 1991Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.Inventors: Teruo Nikaido, Ichiro Ohi
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Patent number: 4998902Abstract: An improved toppling toy is characterized by a resetting capability that comprises a plurality of finger tip operated actuators, each of which is associated with and coupled to an associated one of the pivotally mounted tiles for joint pivotal movement therewith; and each actuator contains an outer actuator surface exposed on the upper surface of the track to a players finger, such outer surface having a frictional characteristic, whereby dragging movement of the players finger along a finger dragging lane on the track and across and transverse the actuator when the tile is in the down position causes pivoting of the actuator and thereby uprights the associated tile. Suitably the actuator and tile are formed in a unitary one piece structure of molded plastic material. A novel track contains rods to serve as a pivot for the tiles and is also formed of a unitary one piece assembly of molded plastic material.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1990Date of Patent: March 12, 1991Assignee: Universal Product Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Harold E. Garner, Merrill M. Miller, Brian E. Kavanagh, Gorden W. Spring
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Patent number: 4997375Abstract: Elastic cord interconnected blocks in which each block contains a plurality of deep slots cut to a centrally positioned interior washer-like connecting element having a hole coaxial that can freely pass the elastic cord. The element hole is coaxial with an axial hole formed in the block by the spacing of adjacent block segments, the segment having a spacing for passing a stretched elastic cord and for locking the cord in its relaxed state. Unusual shapes can be formed with several interconnected blocks.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1989Date of Patent: March 5, 1991Inventor: Ted L. Heinz
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Patent number: 4993989Abstract: A folding device for use as a toy, puzzle, game and the like is formed by a series of like components. Each component comprises a pair of mirror-image segments, hinged together along a common edge and essentially forming a truncated triangle. A series of these truncated triangles are hinged together in a series to permit the unit to be folded in a variety of arrangements.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1989Date of Patent: February 19, 1991Inventor: Joan Gidwani
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Patent number: 4955841Abstract: A disc-shaped throwing toy includes a collapsible shell cooperatively formed by a plurality of segments coupled between a first and second center element and at least one elastic element coupled between at least two of the plurality of segments, each of the plurality of segments includes a first and second segment member operatively coupled together by a hinge wherein corresponding first and second segment members are selectively movable between a first or collapsed position and second or expanded position relative to each other such that as disc-shaped throwing toy with the corresponding first and second segment members in the first or collapsed position relative to each other is thrown the centrifugal force initially maintains the disc-shaped throwing toy in a substantially flat configuration and as the rotational speed of the disc-shaped throwing toy decreases the elastic element causes the corresponding first and second segment elements to move to the second or expanded position relative to each other wheType: GrantFiled: November 3, 1989Date of Patent: September 11, 1990Inventor: Anthony Pastrano
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Patent number: 4940195Abstract: A decoy aircraft construction of compact format during transport and able to form a decoy model of an aircraft on disposition on an airfield has the form of a rectilinear box blank having six primary panels joined at edges so as to form a box on bringing together free edges thereof. The panels have hinged to each of one or more thereof a single secondary panel or a secondary panel complex formed in turn of a plurality of panels hinged together. No secondary panel or secondary panel complex of the construction when folded at its hinges has overall dimensions greater than those of the primary panels. The location and shape of the secondary panel(s) and secondary panel complex(es) are such that on dismantling to a flat format, the primary panels of the box with the secondary panel(s) and secondary panel complex(es) housed therein, the secondary panel(s) and secondary panel complex(es) augment the flat format by unfolding to impart to it a three dimensional shape simulating that of an aircraft construction.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1989Date of Patent: July 10, 1990Assignee: Hoybond LimitedInventor: David H. Jackson
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Patent number: 4927402Abstract: Apparatus having at least three members joined by couplings to form a closed loop, each coupling being twistable and bendable such as to allow bending through an angle of substantially 360.degree. in substantially all directions, whereby the loop can be made to take on a variety of configurations.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1989Date of Patent: May 22, 1990Inventors: Wylci Fables, Jore Park
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Patent number: 4925429Abstract: A simple construction toy of thin, planar flexible material, and characterized also by some stiffness and resilience, wherein two generally similar and opposable sides extend from a connective member, and each side has a remote free end. The toy is manually assembled by flexing the sides about the connective member and hooking them together near the remote free ends. Thus-assembled, the toy's sides bow outwardly. Inequality between the connected lengths of the sides imparts moderate asymmetry to the bowed sides, and contributes to a three-dimensional effect. Where the toy has legs, the asymmetry enhances its stance. One or several of the toys may be presented within a larger sheet of such material and adapted easily to be taken from the sheet.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1988Date of Patent: May 15, 1990Assignee: Kaulfuss Designers, Inc.Inventors: William P. Kaulfuss, Robert H. Kaulfuss
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Patent number: 4915664Abstract: A toy glider designed for launching with a slingshot like device, the glider having automatically converging wings for creating a swept-back appearance and for reducing air resistance during launch. The wings automatically rotate forward to an extended or glide configuration after launch. Wings are automatically converged by means of a sliding launching hook, which is pulled forward by the slingshot like launcher. When pulled forward, the launching hook slides forward within a longitudinal central aperture between the inboard portion of the wings, simultaneously rotating the inboard portions of the wings forward. This rotates the outlying wings into a swept-back or converged configuration. A rubber band tends to rotate the wing back into an extended or glide configuration, so when the force applied by the rubber band is greater than the forces opposing it, as when the plane slows, the wings are rotated out into an extended or glide configuration.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1988Date of Patent: April 10, 1990Inventor: Erik Bakker
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Patent number: 4911670Abstract: An educational doll kit is provided including a flat doll body to which doll clothing is removably attachable by means of hook-and-loop fasteners. One component of the fasteners is permanently affixed to the doll body and formulated to simulate undergarments, making the act of dressing the doll more realistic and ensuring that the fastener will not be exposed to view when a garment is properly applied. The kit includes a mounting board on which an environmental setting may be depicted and which can be refined by the application of scenic components, likewise removably attachable by means of hook-and-loop fasteners. Both the articles of clothing and the scenic components are of an improved construction enabling them to more closely simulate, respectively, actual clothing and envionrmental objects. The doll kit can provide an educational experience to children, teaching them the type of clothing which would be appropriate for a selected environmental setting.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1989Date of Patent: March 27, 1990Inventors: Cindy D. McNicholas, Melinda M. Medsker
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Patent number: 4895364Abstract: An electronic game apparatus having a central body from which rigid arms extend to remote switches. The arms are pivotally connected to the central body and the remote switches to allow the apparatus to be folded for storage in an upright, free-standing position. Each arm has as member a sequence of numbers by which the players can keep score.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1988Date of Patent: January 23, 1990Assignee: Great Games Pty. Ltd.Inventors: Robert J. Martel, Thomas G. Bishop
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Patent number: 4883443Abstract: A collapsible play structure, such as a doll house, is formed with a base unit having storage means, such as drawers, located therein. A pair of opposed parallel and upright side wall panels, are pivotly mounted to the base, and a plurality or horizontal panels are pivotly mounted to and between the side walls to form the floors and ceilings of the unit. A front wall panel extends upwardly between the side walls and is pivotly attached to the front edge of one of the horizontal panels. Lock means are provided on the horizontal panels and on the front wall panel to removably join the horizontal and front wall panels together to permit the structure to be retained in the upright and upstanding position.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1988Date of Patent: November 28, 1989Inventor: Herbert S. Chase
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Patent number: 4878872Abstract: Adjustable animal or creature-appearing toy formed of a number of discs of identical diameter arranged side by side on a common axis. The discs are hinged to each other on an axis offset from the common axis for individual swinging movement of each disc independently of the others. Indicia appear on the exposed side of each endmost disc depicting facial features of a selected animal or creature, the intermediate discs being of different selected colors resembling those of the body of the selected animal. Thereby, when said discs are selectively swung through different predetermined arcs about the offset axis, they suggest to the viewer the body of said animal facing toward or away from the viewer.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1988Date of Patent: November 7, 1989Inventor: Cynthia L. Johnson
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Patent number: 4875681Abstract: The invention provides an amusement and display device comprising at least eight distinct elements each of the elements being of regular prismatic shape and having sides, edges and corners wherein each of the elements is interconnected to an adjacent element by flexible joining means provided along an edge thereof, at least two adjacent elements and least one of the elements being connected along three separate edges to three adjacent elements, characterized in that the elements are cubical prisms formed by interfitting two identical units of U-shaped profile mutually angularly offset by 90.degree.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1988Date of Patent: October 24, 1989Inventor: Arie Ofir
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Patent number: 4874341Abstract: A polygonal toy construction element is described having a substantially flat body portion with edge faces and top and bottom faces. Each edge face has a plurality of outwardly projecting integrally formed connectors adapted to connect with corresponding projecting connectors of an edge face of another construction element in a snap-together lateral interlock between adjacent elements while permitting hinging action between connected element on an axis parallel to connected edge faces. According to the novel feature of the invention, the polygonal construction element has at least one line of reduced thickness extending across the element between at least two apices of the polygon to form a living hinge which separates the element into at least two face portions joined by a living hinge and at least one edge face. This has the advantage of making possible a greatly increased variety of constructions while using only one modular edge length.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1988Date of Patent: October 17, 1989Assignee: Novation Design Ltd.Inventor: James T. Ziegler
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Patent number: 4865574Abstract: A device for amusement and instruction comprises a succession of planar display panels, hingedly connected to collectively provide a book-like structure. The panels display words, pictures and the like. One or more of the panels displays an incomplete or partial scene within its perimeter. Adjunct display members needed to complete the partial scene are supported by such panel and/or an adjacent panel for movement from disposition within the perimeter of the book-like structure to position completing the partial scene. When the panels are disposed to provide the book-like structure, the adjunct display members may be nested within its perimeter such that the closed book-like structure is generally square, rectangular, or of other desired shape, not evidencing the presence of the adjunct display members.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1987Date of Patent: September 12, 1989Assignee: Zokeisha Publications, Ltd.Inventor: Taeko Kobayashi
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Patent number: 4832652Abstract: A plastic film including indicia such as letters and/or a picture thereon is stretched across a continuous elastic circular member to form a planar toy. A player holds the elastic circular member on opposite sides by both hands, twists the elastic circular member into a figure 8 shape, and then folds the elastic circular member into three overlapping portions, which configuration is retained until disturbed. When the folded toy is thrown at an object, the toy opens to the original, flat, circular shape with a frightening sound, while simultaneously displaying the indicia.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1987Date of Patent: May 23, 1989Assignee: Tomy Kogyo Co., Inc.Inventor: Yasushi Matsuyama
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Patent number: 4822315Abstract: An assembly toy comprising a plurality of engaged interconnectable elements, each interconnectable element including a generally planar surface and comprising at least one engagement portion selected from first and second types of mutually interconnectable engagement portions, individual ones of the first and second types of mutually interconnectable engagement portions, when engaged permitting relative displacement of the elements interconnected thereby with a plurality of degrees of freedom.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1987Date of Patent: April 18, 1989Inventors: Ofer Ben-Gal, Nissim Sabatov
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Patent number: 4820231Abstract: A portable mannequin includes a carrying case which may be unfolded to reveal the contents which include a collapsible mannequin form having a head form and a torso form that are foldable in the case and unfoldable to fit upon the case in an erect fashion. The mannequin may be used as a security companion or by itself in automobiles, homes and the like.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1987Date of Patent: April 11, 1989Assignee: Samaritan Industries, Inc.Inventors: Nancy L. Mikitka, Emerson J. Purkapile, Duane R. Picht
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Patent number: 4790787Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a bubble making system for making large bubbles comprises a pallet for holding bubble-making fluid and a bubble maker with a plurality of user controlled bow members. The bow members are pivotally attached to each other at upper ends and lower ends and having protruding hand grips at the lower ends on their concave sides. Each bow member may include a supply system to wick and hold a supply of bubble-making fluid.In operation, a user draws the bow members through bubble-making fluid held by the pallet to fill the supply system. Then, while waving the bows through the air or projecting the bows into the wind, the user pivots the bow members with the hand grips to produce a variable sized opening between the bows to form a bubble between the bows. The bubble can then be set free by twisting the hand grips in the opposite direction, causing the bows to close and contact each other.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1986Date of Patent: December 13, 1988Inventor: Lloyd V. Rector
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Patent number: 4787872Abstract: A reusable pinata has a body with a frangible bottom closure surface which is replaceable, and a top closure surface which is outlined to define punch-out or cut-out areas for permitting access to the interior of the pinata body when desired. The pinata may have a hood overlying the top closure surface and the body, the hood being preferably bell-shaped and formed from at least one expansible paper unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1987Date of Patent: November 29, 1988Inventor: Ricardo Bajo
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Patent number: 4778184Abstract: This puzzle device is constructed for recreation, amusement and educational purposes. Primarily, it consists of a multiple number of tubes that are joined together by a cord that is exposed at the ends of the tubes to serve as hinges for manipulating the device to form various geometric shapes, such as, a cube, a square, a hexagonal form, a rectangle, a four sided pyramid, a three sided pyramid, etc.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1987Date of Patent: October 18, 1988Inventor: Howard J. Fleischer
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Patent number: 4764142Abstract: A children's portable stage structure embodying a changeable pictorial scene setting outer curtain, an inner closure curtain, and a canopy removably extending the stage structure outwardly of a supporting wall surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1987Date of Patent: August 16, 1988Inventors: Marlene J. Griffith, Mary E. Heinlein
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Patent number: 4753597Abstract: A recording has a plurality of segments, each of which is user selectable. The recording may be on any audio delivery medium including a phonograph record or a series of cassette tapes in which each segment is recorded on one band of the record or on one of the series of cassette tapes. Each recorded segment, such as the band on the phonograph record, may be identified by a visual indicium, such as color. The recorded information of at least some of the segments instructs the user to select another segment, with the other segment identified by its visual indicium so the user can select the chosen segment. Pieces may be provided for manipulation in accordance with the interactive recording. A play field may be provided having locations thereon coded with visual indicia corresponding to the visual indicia identifying the recorded segments to reinforce the choices available to the user and to supply feedback or contributing information to the user.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1986Date of Patent: June 28, 1988Assignee: Tummies Limited PartnershipInventors: James E. Pash, James V. Patton, Denise A. Patton, Don R. Murray
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Patent number: 4750895Abstract: A reconfigurable toy assembly which is capable of transforming into six different forms, such as a robotic humanfold form, a gun form, a jet plane form, an automobile form, an armored car form and a puma form, by changing positions of movable toy components is disclosed. The toy assembly having a base member constituting a trunk portion of the robotic humanoid form, a robotic head member, a pair of arm members, a pair of leg members, a pair of front wing members, a pair of rear wing members, a pair of hand members and at least one head member of another form such as the puma form. When configured into one particular form, the toy assembly is capable of containing the components used for the other forms within the movable components used for the particular form.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1987Date of Patent: June 14, 1988Assignee: Takara Co., Ltd.Inventors: Muneyoshi Shinohara, Yoshio Suzuki, Takashi Kunihiro
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Patent number: 4740185Abstract: A toppling toy unit and construction set enables a plurality of toy units to be assembled into a variety of structures of different configurations. Each toppling toy unit includes end-connectable track-like base sections of different shapes and configurations each with a plurality of dominoes that are pivoted to move from an up position to a down position with each held by a stop that projects up from the base section. When connected end to end when a rear-most domino is toppled the rows of dominoes topple. The base sections are straight, angled, Y-shaped, curved and stair-steps. The base section and stop are a molded plastic unitary construction. A keeper is adapted to be positioned forwardly of the front domino to stop the toppling progression at the forward domino. A pair of posts extended up from the base section are provided for each domino. Each post has an aligned opening for receiving the aligned pivot pins projecting from opposite sides of each domino.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1986Date of Patent: April 26, 1988Inventor: Philip R. Inglee
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Patent number: 4738558Abstract: A ballpoint pen which does not require use of a separate cap member is constituted in the form of a linkage of four levers which form a holder. At least one of the four levers is formed to be hollow so as to receive a writing element therein; and the front portion of said writing element projects out of the end of one part of a given connected piece of one of four connecting bodies firmly fitted into an opening portion of each end of the four levers. A concave portion is provided in a second part of the given connected piece for receiving the front portion of said writing element when the ballpoint pen is in closed pen condition. The tip of each lever is joined to the tip of an adjacent lever by a hinge element.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1986Date of Patent: April 19, 1988Assignee: Hiromori Industrial CompanyInventor: Junji Hiromori
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Patent number: 4722712Abstract: An educational toy including four geometric members arrangeable to form a plurality of stylized representations of animals. In one embodiment, the four geometric members are blocks sequentially rotatably connected, the members being arrangeable to form a square and to form an equilateral triangle, the stylized representations of animals being formed in positions intermediate the square and equilateral triangle configurations. In another embodiment the geometric members are made of cloth and filled with a stuffing material. Elements may be provided for detachable attachment to the geometric members, to further characterize the representations. A method for forming the stylized represention of animals is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1985Date of Patent: February 2, 1988Inventor: Katharine L. McKenna
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Patent number: 4721490Abstract: A miniature theatre adapted for placement in a conventional doorway having a pair of support members held in place against opposite doorjambs by a pair of tension rods, one of which has a top curtain suspended therefrom, the other of which has a pair of curtains suspended therefrom, and a third tension rod compressibly extending between the doorjambs and supporting a bottom curtain. The support members extend rearwardly and support a fourth rod from which a backdrop is suspended.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1986Date of Patent: January 26, 1988Inventor: Edward F. Draugelis
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Patent number: 4717214Abstract: Hingedly connected rectangular panels are used to construct demountable module assemblies useful alone or in combination as multifunctional furniture items. A modular dressing table includes four such module assemblies secured in a two-by-two matrix, and a restraint belt and pad affixed to the top of the matrix. The module assemblies are provided with an aperture to allow user access to the interior space of said assemblies for storage.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1985Date of Patent: January 5, 1988Assignee: Cosco, Inc.Inventors: Donald L. Moore, Raymond Spilman, Thomas Pendleton
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Patent number: 4685894Abstract: A toy vehicle having front opening gates and an ejectable flywheel seat which may be used as a gyroscopic top or to propel the vehicle. The flywheel seat is removably mounted to the top of the vehicle. A launching level rotatably coupled to the front axle of the vehicle may be used to simultaneously eject the flywheel seat from the toy vehicle and open two gates at the front of the vehicle. Downward movement of the level causes a tiltable box to rotate resulting in the seat being ejected from the vehicle. Movement of the lever also causes a sliding plate to move forward forcing the front gates to open. A flywheel is rotatably mounted inside the flywheel seat. When the flywheel seat is mounted on top of the vehicle, gears coupled to the front axle and mounted inside the tiltable box cause the flywheel to rotate inside the seat as the front wheels of the vehicle rotate. As such, the kinetic energy of the flywheel may be used to propel the toy vehicle forward.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 1986Date of Patent: August 11, 1987Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Janos Beny, Toshio Yamasaki
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Patent number: 4685680Abstract: A composite array consists of plate-like elements or solid bodies interconnected by endless filaments. The front and rear surfaces of each element are provided with grooves, the grooves being divided in two groups, with grooves of each group running parallel with one another. The filaments lie within the grooves and are not attached to the elements. The filaments are arranged upon the elements so that each filament, upon reaching a lateral side of an element, is led into a groove on the opposite surface of the array. If the lateral side lies at the outmost edge of the array, the grooves are of different direction, while at lateral sides forming a line of contact, the grooves run in the same direction. On one or both surfaces of the elements, markings, numbers, letters, text or pattern elements may be found, for differentiating and determining the elements' positions.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1986Date of Patent: August 11, 1987Assignee: 501 Rubik StudioInventor: Erno Rubik
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Patent number: D291973Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1985Date of Patent: September 22, 1987Assignee: Takara Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takayoshi Doi