Including Electrical Feature Patents (Class 446/477)
  • Patent number: 10413808
    Abstract: An electronic word game uses a plurality of tiles and electronic rack to make one or more words. The tiles are received in a plurality of receivers in the rack enabling electronic communication between the tiles and rack. Each tile includes a display screen, a microprocessor, and communication means. The rack includes an on-off switch, microprocessor, speaker, power source, and a means of communicating with each tile. A capacitor in each tile provides power to keep the display screen on temporarily after the tile is removed from the rack. The microprocessor includes a means for selecting a word to be spelled based on the number of tiles selected to play the game (between 3 and 7 tiles), a means for determining whether a word has been formed, and a means to signal the player that a word has been formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventors: Shari Spiridigliozzi, Robert Driscoll
  • Patent number: 9028293
    Abstract: A dollhouse is moveable from a closed or folded position to an open or unfolded position. In its open configuration, the dollhouse provides one or more play areas on each side of the dollhouse. The dollhouse can be provided with a variety of sensors for detecting play activities and providing feedback such as audible feedback, motion or lights in response to the specific play activities. Feedback can also be produced in response to the order in which the sensors are activated and in response to activation by particular play components to encourage desired play behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: TOMY International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin K. Smith, Liliane Davidson
  • Patent number: 8926395
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for interactive play is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, an interactive toy is provided. The interactive toy is configured to store a plurality of codes and display codes on a display on the toy. The codes can authenticate the toy and unlock functionality within a virtual world. In one embodiment, the interactive toy is configured to communicate with a user computer. Another embodiment provides methods for interactive play with an interactive toy and a virtual world. A further embodiment provides a computing device configured to participate in the interactive play system. This Abstract is provided for the purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu “Brian” Zheng
  • Publication number: 20140106645
    Abstract: A dollhouse is moveable from a closed or folded position to an open or unfolded position. In its open configuration, the dollhouse provides one or more play areas on each side of the dollhouse. The dollhouse can be provided with a variety of sensors for detecting play activities and providing feedback such as audible feedback, motion or lights in response to the specific play activities. Feedback can also be produced in response to the order in which the sensors are activated and in response to activation by particular play components to encourage desired play behavior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: TOMY International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin K. Smith, Liliane Davidson
  • Patent number: 8608529
    Abstract: A dollhouse is moveable from a closed or folded position to an open or unfolded position. In its open configuration, the dollhouse provides one or more play areas on each side of the dollhouse. The dollhouse can be provided with a variety of sensors for detecting play activities and providing feedback such as audible feedback, motion or lights in response to the specific play activities. Feedback can also be produced in response to the order in which the sensors are activated and in response to activation by particular play components to encourage desired play behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: TOMY International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin K. Smith, Liliane Davidson
  • Publication number: 20130095726
    Abstract: A system includes a drivable surface that includes location encoding markings. A mobile agent is provided that includes a drive motor, an imaging system for taking images of the markings, a vehicle wireless transceiver, and a microcontroller operatively coupled to the motor, the imaging system, and the vehicle wireless transceiver. A basestation is provided that includes a controller operatively coupled to a basestation wireless transceiver. Via wireless communication between the wireless transceivers of the mobile agent and the basestation, an action to be implemented by the mobile agent can be determined by the basestation and communicated to the mobile agent, whereupon the microcontroller of the mobile agent controls detailed movement of the mobile agent on the drivable surface based on images taken of the markings of the drivable surface by the imaging system to cause the mobile agent to implement the action on the drivable surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Anki, Inc.
    Inventor: Anki, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130017757
    Abstract: A dollhouse is moveable from a closed or folded position to an open or unfolded position. In its open configuration, the dollhouse provides one or more play areas on each side of the dollhouse. The dollhouse can be provided with a variety of sensors for detecting play activities and providing feedback such as audible feedback, motion or lights in response to the specific play activities. Feedback can also be produced in response to the order in which the sensors are activated and in response to activation by particular play components to encourage desired play behavior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: TOMY International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin K. Smith, Liliane Davidson
  • Patent number: 8292689
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for electronic playsets and components thereof. An electronic playset of the present disclosure may include a see-through monitor having a transparent screen configured to display an animated image superimposed over one or more regions. The see-through monitor may be moveable by rotation or translation between one or more positions, the one or more positions being adjacent to the one or more regions. Some embodiments including a see-through monitor with a light source configured to illuminate the one or more regions. Another aspect of the present disclosure provides for a removable toy having an identifiable accessory that may be provided to an electronic playset. The playset may be configured to identify the toy and display an animated character based on the identity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Hardin, Andy Chan, Eric Skifstrom, Jack Millerick
  • Publication number: 20080113586
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for electronic playsets and components thereof. An electronic playset of the present disclosure may include a see-through monitor having a transparent screen configured to display an animated image superimposed over one or more regions. The see-through monitor may be moveable by rotation or translation between one or more positions, the one or more positions being adjacent to the one or more regions. Some embodiments including a see-through monitor with a light source configured to illuminate the one or more regions. Another aspect of the present disclosure provides for a removable toy having an identifiable accessory that may be provided to an electronic playset. The playset may be configured to identify the toy and display an animated character based on the identity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Mark Hardin, Andy Chan, Eric Skifstrom, Jack Millerick
  • Patent number: 7371148
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon C. Marine, Debbie Glassberg
  • Patent number: 7229334
    Abstract: A house-building toy comprises element blocks that include floor foundation blocks (2) functioning as the foundation of a house model and structuring a floor portion of the house model, wall blocks (3) structuring a wall portion of the house model, roof blocks (4) structuring a roof portion of the house model, and floor panel blocks (5) structuring on the floor foundation blocks (2) the ground and a floor surface in the house. Hole portions communicating with the element blocks are formed at joints between the floor foundation blocks (2) and the wall blocks (3) and at joints between the floor foundation blocks (2) and the roof blocks (4). Wires (W) for supplying electricity, for example, for lighting are laid from the outside to the inside of the house model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Akiko Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7066783
    Abstract: A toy comprising a figure having an arm attachment portion; and at least two figure transport units, each of said figure transport units having a body and an arm movable between a first position and a second position with respect to said body, said arm having a figure attachment portion for removable attachment of said figure thereto, said figure attachment portion of said arm having a first configuration for attachment of said figure to said arm by attachment of said figure attachment portion of said arm to said arm attachment portion of said figure where said arm is in said first position, said figure attachment portion of said arm having a second configuration for removal of said figure from said arm by separation of said figure attachment portion of said arm from said arm attachment portion of said figure when said arm is in said second position whereby said figure is transported from a first one of said at least two figure transport units to a second one of said at least two figure transport units after
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Marvel Characters, Inc.
    Inventor: Troy Fischer
  • Toy
    Patent number: 7059934
    Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of a play area of a toy, typically a model, said play area provided for the selective placement of toy articles thereon, at least one of which has a function which is activated by the provision of electrical power to the article. The play area is provided with electrically conductive material on at least a portion thereof which is connected to a power supply such that when the article, which has electrical contacts thereon, is placed on the play area portion, power is supplied to the article and the function activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Origin Products, Ltd.
    Inventor: Brian Whitehead
  • Patent number: 6935920
    Abstract: A toy train accessory for use with a toy train is provided and has at least one track section disposed across the accessory and connectable to a toy train track. A slot is formed in the track section, and an upwardly spring biased sensor is disposed in the slot. At least one entertainment device such as a light or sound generator is connectable to the sensor. When a toy train passes over the sensor on the track, the entertainment device is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Battat Incorporated
    Inventor: Choi Man Wa
  • Patent number: 6773322
    Abstract: A programmable assembly toy including a multiplicity of toy elements which are joinable to define a player selectable structure including a plurality of controllable toy elements which are joinable by a player with the selectable structure, and a player programmable control system for controlling the operation of the plurality of controllable toy elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Creator Ltd.
    Inventors: Oz Gabai, Jacob Gabai, Nimrod Sandlerman
  • Patent number: 6227931
    Abstract: A child's electronic playset defines a setting or character environment (1) for various toy characters (57-62), play pieces, representing persons or fantasy characters, which the player may move about that environment. Through its electronics (90) the environment possesses built-in intelligence and defines virtual beings through spoken messages which are attributed by the player to the toy characters, creating a virtual universe. Markers (65) identify each toy character to the environment when checked by the environment's sensors (90, S1-S48) enabling the environment to know which characters are present and to call up an appropriate dialog there between to broadcast through a loudspeaker (92). The environment also keeps track of the time of day, enabling it to know the order in which toy characters are placed in the environment and possess the ability to call up a dialog appropriate to certain hours in the day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Judith Ann Shackelford
  • Patent number: 6210250
    Abstract: An ornamental display apparatus suited for the Christmas season having a concealable figurine that is movable from a concealed position to a display position. While the figurine is in the display position, seasonal music is broadcasted. The ornamental display apparatus generally comprises a base, a botanical model, a housing, a figurine, a motorized drive assembly and a music broadcasting means. The botanical model is disposed on the base, and the housing is enclosed within the botanical model. The botanical model is movable between an open and closed position. The figurine resides atop the base and is movable between a concealed position within the housing and an exposed position external to the botanical model. The motorized drive assembly moves the figurine between the concealed and exposed position, as well as the botanical model between the open and closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Aocheng Sui
  • Patent number: 6206745
    Abstract: A programmable assembly toy including a multiplicity of toy elements which are joinable to define a player selectable structure including a plurality of controllable toy elements which are joinable by a player with the selectable structure, and a player programmable control system for controlling the operation of the plurality of controllable toy elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Creator Ltd.
    Inventors: Oz Gabai, Jacob Gabai, Nimrod Sandlerman
  • Patent number: 6168494
    Abstract: An expandable and changeable playset building system with at least one retained playset member, which may comprise a resiliently compressible panel, and at least one squeeze connector, which may be formed from a pair of opposed gripping surfaces, for selectively retaining the retained playset member by frictional engagement. An interactive base connector unit can be provided that simulates a structure, such as a bridge, a tree, a fence, a merry-go-round, or a parking gate, in miniature and in three dimensions. A plurality of squeeze connectors can be coupled to the interactive base connector unit for retaining a plurality of retained playset members. Also, first and second squeeze connectors could be rotatably coupled together. Further, a plurality of squeeze connectors with a plurality of different orientations could be fixedly joined to form a fixed universal connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventors: Robert William Engel, Stephen George Fouke, John Rey Hollis
  • Patent number: 6053792
    Abstract: A playhouse with story telling function comprises a miniature church structure adapted for children to play in. A means within the miniature church structure is for reproducing music and messages for the children, while the children are playing within the miniature church structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventors: Teresa K. Sallee, Jack L. Sallee
  • Patent number: 5957562
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus for a model lighthouse provides a lighting effect similar to that of a commercial lighthouse. In one embodiment a lamp is rotationally driven. In another embodiment a lighting means for extending a stationary lamp is taught so as to accommodate various size lighthouse models. In a still further embodiment, a combination of rotational and extension features are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Raymond Hill
  • Patent number: 5584571
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for simulating lighting effects such as an illumination effect necessary to simulate a real life effect for an ornamental display. More specifically, the present invention relates to a light effect which undergoes a number of readily discernable illumination intensities so as to create an illusion of a rotating light beacon which may be used in connection with a lighthouse, control tower, search light or the like. The present invention is quite durable and reliable and economically manufactured and may be positioned readily within a model display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventors: Vinal D. Chandler, Thomas L. Edmonds
  • Patent number: 5445552
    Abstract: A base unit adapted to accommodate a miniature building, having a lamp unit, and adapted to be mechanically and/or electrically connected to further, similar base units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: John Hine Limited
    Inventor: John Hine
  • Patent number: 5248276
    Abstract: A compact landing field for use by individuals, and particularly children, to include airport landing field simulation, including a rigid first board overlying a resilient second board, with the first board having a conductive path in operative communication with various patterns of light-emitting diode lights to simulate a landing field strip of L-shaped configuration and a heliport, with the switching operative through sequencing and flashing units to effect visual and desired effects relative to the field structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Inventor: Herbert Deleon
  • Patent number: 5169355
    Abstract: A number of miniature passenger figures and/or other objects are disposed along the loading platform of a toy train station awaiting arrival of a train. When the train stops at the station, a control switch is operated to swing the passengers upward to a hidden area under the station roof. When the train leaves the station, the passengers are no longer in view on the platform and appear to have boarded the train. A reverse action simulates the detraining of passengers when a train arrives at an empty platform. The passenger figures are mounted along a common base plate having a vertical lift bar connected by a linkage and slide plate mechanism to a dual coil electromagnetic drive. A controller actuates the drive and linkages to swing the plate and passengers upward through an arc to a horizontal position under the roof out of view. The controller and drive also return the passengers to the platform for the reverse sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Inventor: Robert F. Tammera
  • Patent number: 4938730
    Abstract: A toy house has a lamp for illuminating an interior of the toy house and a switch which is magnetically actuated by placing a play piece having magnet disposed in its bottom surface area in proximity to an end of a lever which carries magnetically attractable material. When the end of the lever moves towards the play piece due to magnetic attraction, the opposite end of the lever causes two contacts to come into electrical contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Tomy Kogyo Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Yuji Yamane, Hideya Nishikawa, Tetsuya Joja
  • Patent number: 4810224
    Abstract: An action toy for simulating combat between two opposing forces using miniaturized toy combat equipment and target locations. The top comprises at least one miniature combat attack device having a transmitter therein for selecting and generating a radio signal at a preset first frequency. At least one target device is provided and includes a plurality of target components which are releasably coupled together and capable of being dislodged to simulate a combat strike with attendant destruction. The target device includes a receiver pretuned to the first frequency and responsive to its transmission. Detection circuitry is provided to detect the transmission of the first signal and generate a destruct signal. A target release arm is placed proximate to the target component in spring loaded manner and includes a releasable retaining arm which holds the target release arm in a spring loaded, retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Inventor: Robert J. DeVincent
  • Patent number: 4601924
    Abstract: A tree ornament is disclosed in which a plurality of images are produced by two-dimensional image formations or three-dimensional objects, with a plurality of lights being energized in timed relation to selectively present the images to view through a window, and with reflecting and transmitting surfaces being used to allow energization of the lights to replace one image with another and/or to superimpose images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Birkes, Donna L. Hill, Kurt Pfahl
  • Patent number: 4462066
    Abstract: An electrical lighting circuit for doll houses or other miniature installations includes, for actual connection in operating relation to a power source, a miniaturized master breaker switch, and a miniaturized master panel, together with a distribution circuit. In addition, for aesthetic appeal, a miniature power line input, including a weather head and a miniature current meter box, is simulated. Each of the separate outputs in the distribution circuit from the master panel leads to an individual doll house room or circuit group. One unique circuit group comprises a series circuit of subminiature bulbs mounted in shrink tubes to simulate candles, which are constructed to serve as miniature christmas tree lights, miniature chandeliers, or in like installations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1984
    Inventors: Holly S. Gibson, Daniel J. Gibson