U.S. patent application number 09/993181 was filed with the patent office on 2003-02-06 for article and method using pressurized air to provide motive power for toys.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Step2 Company. Invention is credited to Feeney, Michael.
Application Number | 20030027481 09/993181 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26977129 |
Filed Date | 2003-02-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030027481 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Feeney, Michael |
February 6, 2003 |
Article and method using pressurized air to provide motive power
for toys
Abstract
An article comprises a body, wherein a portion of the body is
hollow. A pressurized gas is disposed within the hollow portion of
the body. The hollow portion of the body has at least one opening
defined therein. The opening is adapted to enable the pressurized
gas to escape from the hollow portion of the body, such that the
escaping gas provides energy to an associated object operatively
associated with the body. The article and method of pressurizing
hollow toys may provide a plurality of objects that are
interchangeably and operatively associated with the body of the
article.
Inventors: |
Feeney, Michael; (Chagrin
Falls, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EMERSON & SKERIOTIS
One Cascade Plaza, Fourteenth Floor
Akron
OH
44308-1136
US
|
Assignee: |
The Step2 Company
10010 Aurora-Hudson Road P.O. Box 2412
Streetsboro
OH
44241
|
Family ID: |
26977129 |
Appl. No.: |
09/993181 |
Filed: |
November 16, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60309969 |
Aug 3, 2001 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/74 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/3055 20130101;
A63H 29/16 20130101; A63H 33/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/74 |
International
Class: |
A63H 003/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An article, comprising: a body, a portion of said body being
hollow; a pressurized gas disposed within said hollow portion of
said body, said hollow portion having at least one opening defined
in said hollow portion of said body, said opening adapted to enable
said pressurized gas to escape from said hollow portion of said
body, such that pressurized gas escaping from said hollow portion
of said body provides energy to an associated object operatively
associated with said body.
2. The article of claim 1, wherein said article is a toy.
3. The article of claim 1, further comprising a pressurizing
mechanism operatively connected to said body.
4. The article of claim 3, wherein said pressurizing mechanism is a
fan.
5. The article of claim 1, wherein said hollow portion of said body
has an aperture disposed therein, said aperture being adapted to
allow pressurized gas to escape from said hollow portion of said
body.
6. The article of claim 5, wherein said aperture is adapted to
allow for said pressurized gas to escape from said hollow portion
of said body.
7. The article of claim 1, further comprising a sealing mechanism
for sealing said opening defined in said hollow portion of said
body.
8. The article of claim 7, wherein said sealing mechanism is a
sliding cover in pivotal association with said body, said sliding
cover adapted to pivot over a part of said opening.
9. A pressurized toy, comprising: a hollow body member, said hollow
body member defining a volume therein, said hollow body member
having at least one opening in said hollow body member; a
pressurizing mechanism; a gas disposed within said volume, said
pressurizing mechanism adapted to pressurize said gas, said opening
adapted to permit said pressurized gas to escape from said volume;
and, an object, said object selectively and operatively associated
with said hollow body member, wherein said gas escaping through
said opening transmits energy to said object.
10. The pressurized toy of claim 9, wherein said body is a toy
kitchenette.
11. The pressurized toy of claim 9, wherein said object comprises;
an object body having a hole defined therein for said pressurized
gas to pass therethrough;
12. The pressurized toy of claim 11, wherein said object is a
teapot.
13. The pressurized toy of claim 12, wherein said teapot is adapted
to whistle when said energy is transmitted to said teapot.
14. The pressurized toy of claim 13, wherein said object further
comprises at least one movable element in operative association
with said object.
15. The pressurized toy of claim 14, wherein said object is at
least one selected from the group of blender, frying pan, toaster,
dishwasher, baking item, icemaker, or bubble machine.
16. The pressurized toy of claim 15, wherein said movable element
of said blender is a plurality of particulate matter, said
particulate matter adapted to circulate within said body of said
object.
17. The pressurized toy of claim 15, wherein said movable element
of said frying pan is a pivotable plate attached thereto.
18. The pressurized toy of claim 15, wherein said movable element
of said toaster is at least one slice of toast, said toaster body
having at least one elongated slot, said slice of toast adapted to
pass through said elongated slot when said toaster is in operative
association with said hollow body member.
19. The pressurized toy of claim 15, wherein said object body of
said dishwasher comprises at least one transparent wall to view
said movable element, said movable element being a plurality of
particulate matter, said particulate matter adapted to circulate in
said object body.
20. The pressurized toy of claim 15, wherein said object body of
said baked food item is a pan, said movable element being a piece
of expanding material operatively connected to said pan, said foil
and pan defining a cavity, said foil adapted to expand as said gas
fills said cavity.
21. The pressurized toy of claim 15, wherein said movable element
of said icemaker is at least one imitation ice cube.
22. The pressurized toy of claim 21, wherein said icemaker further
comprises a dispenser for releasing gas into said object body to
chum said ice cube.
23. The pressurized toy of claim 15, wherein said movable element
of said bubble machine is a rotation mechanism.
24. The pressurized toy of claim 15, wherein said movable element
of said bubble machine is a bubble formation device.
25. The pressurized toy of claim 23, wherein said object body of
said bubble machine comprises: an interior wall, said interior wall
defining an interior space with said body; and, a disk operatively
connected to said body within said interior space, said disk having
a first opening defined therein, said disk also having a disk edge,
a portion of said disk edge forming a sealed connection with said
interior wall to form a separate cavity.
26. The pressurized toy of claim 23, wherein said rotation
mechanism further comprises: an axle disposed through a hole in
said disk; and, paddles operatively connected to said axle beneath
said disk, said paddles adapted to rotate said axle as said gas
passes through said interior space of said object body.
27. The pressurized toy of claim 26, wherein said bubble machine
further comprises a bubble formation device operatively connected
to said axle.
28. The pressurized toy of claim 27, wherein said bubble formation
device comprises at least one bubble wand, said bubble wand having
a first end operatively connected to said axle, said bubble wand
further comprising a second end distal from said first end, said
second end having an opening.
29. The pressurized toy of claim 9, further comprising a sealing
mechanism for preventing said gas from escaping from said
opening.
30. The pressurized toy of claim 29, wherein said sealing mechanism
is a plug.
31. The pressurized toy of claim 29, wherein said sealing mechanism
is a slidable cover.
32. An object utilized with an associated pressurized toy, said
object comprising: a base, said base having a hole defined in said
base for an associated gas to pass therethrough from the
pressurized toy; and, a body operatively connected to said base,
the gas adapted to transmit energy to said object.
33. The object of claim 32, wherein said object is a teapot, such
that transmitted energy causes said teapot to whistle.
34. The object of claim 32, further comprising: a movable element
operatively connected to said base, wherein transmitted energy sets
said movable element into motion when the gas passes through said
hole.
35. The object of claim 34, wherein said object is at least one
selected from the group of blender, frying pan, toaster,
dishwasher, baking item, icemaker, or bubble machine.
36. The object of claim 35, wherein said movable element of said
blender is a plurality of particulate matter, said particulate
matter adapted to circulate within said body.
37. The object of claim 35, wherein said movable element of said
frying pan is a pivotable plate attached thereto.
38. The object of claim 35, wherein said movable element of said
toaster is at least one slice of toast, said toaster body having at
least one elongated slot, said slice of toast adapted to pass
through said elongated slot when said toaster is in operative
association with said hollow body member.
39. The object of claim 35, wherein said movable element of said
dishwasher is a plurality of particulate matter, said particulate
matter adapted to circulate in said object body.
40. The object of claim 35, wherein said object body of said baked
food item is a pan, said movable element being a piece of expanding
material operatively connected to said pan, said foil and pan
defining a cavity, said foil adapted to expand as said gas fills
said cavity.
41. The object of claim 35, wherein said movable element of said
icemaker is at least one imitation ice cube.
42. The object of claim 41, wherein said icemaker further comprises
a dispenser for releasing gas into said object body to chum said
ice cube.
43. The object of claim 35, wherein said movable element of said
bubble machine is a rotation mechanism.
44. The object of claim 35, wherein said movable element of said
bubble machine is a bubble formation device.
45. The object of claim 43, wherein said object body of said bubble
machine comprises: an interior wall, said interior wall defining an
interior space with said body; and, a disk operatively connected to
said body within said interior space, said disk having a first
opening defined therein, said disk also having a disk edge, a
portion of said disk edge forming a sealed connection with said
interior wall to form a separate cavity.
46. The object of claim 43, wherein said rotation mechanism further
comprises: an axle disposed through a hole in said disk; and,
paddles operatively connected to said axle beneath said disk, said
paddles adapted to rotate said axle as said gas passes through said
interior space of said object body.
47. The object of claim 46, wherein said bubble machine further
comprises a bubble formation device operatively connected to said
axle.
48. The object of claim 47, wherein said bubble formation device
comprises at least one bubble wand, said bubble wand having a first
end operatively connected to said axle, said bubble wand further
comprising a second end distal from said first end, said second end
having an opening.
49. A method for utilizing a toy; providing a pressurized toy
comprising a body, a portion of said body being hollow; said hollow
portion of said body having an opening, said opening adapted to
enable pressurized gas to escape from said hollow portion of said
body; pressurizing said hollow portion of said body; releasing said
gas through said opening and into operative engagement with an
associated object, said released gas transferring energy from said
body to the associated object.
50. The method of claim 49, further comprising the step of:
emitting sound from the object.
51. The method of claim 49, wherein the object further comprises at
least one movable element in operative association with the object,
the method further comprising the step of: moving the movable
element.
52. The method of claim 49, wherein said hollow portion of said
body is pressurized through a pressurizing mechanism.
53. The method of claim 52, wherein said pressurizing mechanism is
a fan.
54. A toy system, comprising: a toy body, comprising: a hollow body
member, said hollow body member defining a volume therein; a gas
disposed within said volume; a pressurizing mechanism; and, a
plurality of apertures disposed in said hollow body member, said
plurality of apertures adapted to permit said pressurized gas to
escape from said volume; and, a plurality of objects selectively
and interchangeably in operative association with said body, such
that said pressurized gas escaping from said hollow portion of said
body provides energy to said selected object.
55. The article of claim 3, wherein said pressurizing mechanism
comprises: a fan; and, a manifold, said fan being in operative
association with said manifold.
56. The article of claim 55, wherein said manifold further
comprises: a manifold body; and, at least one port extending from
said manifold body, wherein said port and said manifold body define
a continuous passageway for said pressurized gas to flow.
57. The article of claim 56, wherein said body further comprises a
plurality of openings defined in said body.
58. The article of claim 57, further comprising a plurality of
pressurizing mechanisms, each of said plurality of pressurizing
mechanisms being selectively positioned in operative association
with at least one of said plurality of openings.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This application claims priority from a provisional patent
application filed on Aug. 3, 2001, having serial No.
60/309,969.
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] This invention pertains to the art of methods and
apparatuses for providing pressurized air as a motive force in
toys, such as toys having hollow bodies and further to use such
pressurization to cause movement of a related member.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] It is well known that products made from plastic or similar
materials are often produced via methods that create hollow bodies.
Examples of such manufacturing processes include rotational
molding, blow molding, compression molding, and transfer molding.
Typically, products produced from these processes have an outside
wall and an inside wall. Numerous products are manufactured
utilizing these processes since they are economical, and the
resulting products are lightweight but still sturdy.
[0006] More specifically, children's toys are commonly made of
plastic. Plastic provides many advantages, including the ability to
brightly color the plastic, to easily clean the plastic, and
plastic's ability to absorb loads, such as is common from sudden
impacts common when children play with toys. For example, one
popular toy is a kitchenette. In these toys, the kitchenette often
includes a play refrigerator, stove, microwave, and/or other
similar home products. Accessories, such as play appliances or play
foods, may be utilized in conjunction with the kitchenette.
Children can be occupied for hours pretending to play "house."
However, the associated accessories for toy kitchenettes are
limited in performance. Children use their imagination and pretend
that food is being cooked, or that appliances are working. Over
time, a child may be less able to think of new creative ideas when
playing with the kitchenette and could become bored with the toy.
As the kitchenette and its accessories become more intricate and
closer to those used by adults, children's imaginations can be
sparked so that they can think of new and exciting scenarios.
[0007] Therefore there is a need in the art to provide an apparatus
and method for pressurizing hollow toys that helps children's
creative thinking and imagination by providing a hollow toy that
more closely simulates a similar item utilized by adults.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An article comprises a body, wherein a portion of the body
is hollow. A pressurized gas is disposed within the hollow portion
of the body. The hollow portion of the body has at least one
opening defined therein. The opening is adapted to enable the
pressurized gas to escape from the hollow portion of the body, such
that the escaping gas provides energy to an associated object
operatively associated with the body. Accordingly, it is an
objective of the present invention to provide an article and method
of pressurizing hollow toys that provides a plurality of
objects/implements that are interchangeably and operatively
associated with the body of the article.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
pressurized toy further comprising a pressurizing mechanism
operatively connected to the body.
[0010] Yet, another object of the present invention is to provide a
pressurized toy wherein the pressurizing mechanism is a fan.
[0011] Still, another object of the present invention is to provide
a pressurized toy, wherein the hollow portion of the body has a
plurality of apertures disposed in the walls thereof.
[0012] Further, another object of the present invention is to
provide a pressurized toy, wherein the plurality of apertures are
adapted to allow for the pressurized gas to continuously escape
from the hollow portion of the body.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
pressurized toy, further comprising a sealing mechanism for sealing
the opening defined in the hollow portion of the body.
[0014] Still, another object of the present invention is to provide
a pressurized toy, wherein the sealing mechanism is a plug.
[0015] Yet, another object of the present invention is to provide a
pressurized toy wherein the plug threadably connects to the hollow
body.
[0016] Further, another object of the present invention is to
provide a pressurized toy, wherein the sealing mechanism is a
sliding cover in pivotal association with the body. The sliding
cover is adapted to pivot over and seal the opening.
[0017] Still, another object of the present invention is to provide
a pressurized toy, wherein the body is a toy kitchenette.
[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
pressurized toy, wherein the object comprises a base having a hole
defined therein for the pressurized gas to pass therethrough; and,
an object body operatively connected to the base.
[0019] Still, another object of the present invention is to provide
a pressurized toy, wherein the object is a teapot.
[0020] Yet, another object of the present invention is to provide a
pressurized toy, wherein the teapot is adapted to whistle when the
energy is transmitted to the teapot.
[0021] Further, another object of the present invention is to
provide a pressurized toy, wherein the object further comprises at
least one movable element in operative association with the
object.
[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
pressurized toy, wherein the object is at least one selected from
the group of coffee maker, teapot, blender, frying pan, toaster,
dishwasher, baking item, icemaker, or bubble machine.
[0023] Still, another object of the present invention is to provide
a pressurized toy, wherein the movable element of the blender is a
plurality of particulate matter, the particulate matter adapted to
circulate within the body.
[0024] Yet, another object of the present invention is to provide a
pressurized toy, wherein the movable element of the frying pan is a
pivotable plate attached thereto.
[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
pressurized toy, wherein the movable element of the toaster is at
least one slice of toast, the toaster body having at least one
elongated slot, the slice of toast adapted to pass through the
elongated slot when the toaster is in operative association with
the hollow body member.
[0026] Further, another object of the present invention is to
provide a pressurized toy, wherein the object body of the
dishwasher comprises at least one transparent wall to view the
movable element, the movable element being a plurality of
particulate matter, the particulate matter adapted to circulate in
the object body.
[0027] Still, another object of the present invention is to provide
a pressurized toy, wherein the object body of the baked food item
is a pan, the movable element being a piece of expanding material
operatively connected to the pan, the foil and pan defining a
cavity, the foil adapted to expand as the gas fills the cavity.
[0028] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
pressurized toy, wherein the movable element of the icemaker is at
least one imitation ice cube.
[0029] Yet, another object of the present invention is to provide a
pressurized toy, wherein the icemaker further comprises a dispenser
for releasing gas into the object body to churn the ice cube.
[0030] Still, another object of the present invention is to provide
a pressurized toy, wherein the movable element of the bubble
machine is a rotation mechanism.
[0031] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
pressurized toy, wherein the movable element of the bubble machine
is a bubble formation device.
[0032] Further, another object of the present invention is to
provide a pressurized toy, wherein the object body of the bubble
machine comprises an interior wall, the interior wall defining an
interior space with the body; and, a disk operatively connected to
the body within the interior space, the disk having a first opening
defined therein, the disk also having a disk edge, a portion of the
disk edge forming a sealed connection with the interior wall to
form a separate cavity.
[0033] Still, another object of the present invention is to provide
a pressurized toy wherein the rotation mechanism further comprises
an axle disposed through a hole in the disk; and, paddles
operatively connected to the axle beneath the disk, the paddles
adapted to rotate the axle as the gas passes through the interior
space of the object body.
[0034] Yet, another object of the present invention is to provide a
pressurized toy, wherein the bubble machine further comprises a
bubble formation device operatively connected to the axle.
[0035] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
pressurized toy, wherein the bubble formation device comprises at
least one bubble wand, the bubble wand having a first end
operatively connected to the axle, the bubble wand further
comprising a second end distal from the first end, the second end
having an opening.
[0036] Yet, another object of the present invention is to provide
an object utilized with an associated pressurized toy, the object
comprising a base, the base having a hole defined in the base for
an associated gas to pass therethrough from the pressurized toy;
and, a body operatively connected to the base, the gas adapted to
transmit energy to the object.
[0037] Still, another object of the present invention is to provide
a method for utilizing a toy comprising the steps of:
[0038] providing a toy comprising a body, a portion of the body
being hollow; the hollow portion of the body having an opening, the
opening adapted to enable pressurized gas to escape from the hollow
portion of the body;
[0039] pressurizing the hollow portion of the body; and,
[0040] releasing the gas through the opening and into operative
engagement with an associated object, the released gas transferring
energy from the body to the associated object.
[0041] Further, another object of the present invention is to
provide a method for utilizing a toy comprising the step of causing
sound to emit from the object.
[0042] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
method for utilizing a toy, wherein the object further comprises at
least one movable element in operative association with the object,
the method further comprising the step of moving the movable
element.
[0043] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a toy system, comprising:
[0044] a body, comprising:
[0045] a hollow body member, the hollow body member defining a
volume therein;
[0046] a gas disposed within the volume;
[0047] a pressurizing mechanism; and,
[0048] a plurality of apertures disposed in the hollow body member,
the plurality of apertures adapted to permit the pressurized gas to
escape from the volume; and,
[0049] a plurality of objects selectively and interchangeably in
operative association with the body, such that the pressurized gas
escaping from the hollow portion of the body provides energy to the
selected object.
[0050] Further, another objective of the present invention is to
provide an article and method of pressurizing hollow toys, wherein
the body of the article comprises an first wall and a second wall
with the volume defined therebetween.
[0051] Still yet, another objective of the present invention is to
provide an article and method of pressurizing hollow toys, wherein
the first wall of the body has a hole defined therein for
positioning the pressurizing mechanism.
[0052] Still, another objective of the present invention is to
provide an article and method of pressurizing hollow toys wherein
the object is in a kitchen appliance.
[0053] Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains
upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed
specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0054] The invention may take physical form in certain parts and
arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be
described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and herein:
[0055] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present
invention.
[0056] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the present
invention.
[0057] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the present
invention.
[0058] FIG. 4 is cross sectional view of the body of the present
invention.
[0059] FIG. 5 illustrates a hole defined in the body member of the
present invention.
[0060] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a hole defined in the
body of the hollow body of the present invention and a sealing
mechanism.
[0061] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of
the sealing mechanism.
[0062] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the pressurizing mechanism
for the hollow body.
[0063] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the pressurizing mechanism for
the hollow body.
[0064] FIG. 10 shows a front view of the power means of the present
invention.
[0065] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a toy blender
apparatus in operative association with the hollow body.
[0066] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a toy frying pan
apparatus having toy food therein.
[0067] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a toy toaster
apparatus.
[0068] FIG. 14 is a top view of a toy toaster apparatus.
[0069] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of toy plastic bread apparatus
disposed within the toasters of FIGS. 13 and 14.
[0070] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of a toy door removed
from a toy dishwasher to show a simulated water and suds
action.
[0071] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the oven of the body
showing a hole defined therein.
[0072] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a toy pan and a
simulated toy dough apparatus configured so that the air entering
into the toy pan appears to cause the dough to rise;
[0073] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a toy teapot apparatus in
operative association with the hollow body of the present
invention.
[0074] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a toy icemaker apparatus in
operative association with the hollow body of the present
invention.
[0075] FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of FIG. 20.
[0076] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a toy bubble machine in
operative association with the hollow body of the present
invention.
[0077] FIG. 23 is another top perspective view of the bubble
machine in operative association with the hollow body of the
present invention.
[0078] FIG. 24 is a side view of a manifold utilized in another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0079] FIG. 25 is a top view of the manifold shown in FIG. 24.
[0080] FIG. 26 is an alternative embodiment of the present
invention showing the use of the manifold with the stovetop in the
pressurizing mechanism.
[0081] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of the manifold.
[0082] FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the manifold of FIG. 27.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0083] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for
purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention
only and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-23
illustrate the present invention. With reference to FIGS. 1-4, an
article 10 having a body 12 is shown. At least a portion of the
body 12 is hollow. The preferred method of manufacturing the body
12 is through rotational molding, although other methods from
molding plastic can also be used. For example, it is believed
similar type products can be manufactured through injection
molding, transfer molding, compression molding, and blow molding
techniques. As shown in FIG. 4, the hollow portion 14 of the body
12 comprises a first wall 16 and a second wall 18 with a volume 20
defined therebetween. A gas 22, such as air, but not limited
thereto, is disposed within the volume 20. The volume 20 defined
between the first and second walls 16, 18 is pressurized so that
the gas 22 may continuously circulate throughout the hollow portion
14 of the body 12 and eventually escape into the surrounding
environment. The amount of pressurization can be chosen with
respect to sound engineering judgment. The device can also operate
if a slight vacuum is created within the body 12. The important
issue is that there is a differential in pressure between the
interior of the body 12 and the ambient atmosphere.
[0084] With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-4, one embodiment of
the present invention takes the form of a toy body. In this case
the toy body is a plastic kitchenette 26. As shown in the FIGURES,
the kitchenette 26 may comprise certain facsimiles of real-life
kitchen products, such as a countertop 28, a microwave 30, a
refrigerator 32, and a range 34 having an oven 36 and a stovetop
38. The body 12 may take other forms of pressurized toys including
without limitation, a work bench (not shown), or other home and
garden items.
[0085] With reference to FIG. 5, the hollow body portion 14
comprises at least one opening 24 defined therein. The opening 24
is adapted to enable the pressurized gas 22 to escape from the
hollow portion 14 of the body 12. The pressurized gas 22 escapes
from the hollow portion 14 of the body 12 and provides energy to an
associated object 62 operatively associated with the body 12. The
present invention may include one object 62 or a plurality of
objects 62 that are selectively and interchangeably in operative
association with the body 12. Each of the plurality of objects 62
may have one movable element or component 70. The energy from the
escaping pressurized gas 22 causes movement to the movable
component 70 of each of the plurality of objects 62. Alternatively,
the energy may produce another result, such as producing sound, but
not limited thereto. When the toy body 12 is a kitchenette 26, the
objects 62 may be a variety of kitchen appliances or food items.
When the toy body 12 is a work bench, the objects may be tools.
[0086] With reference to FIG. 6, yet another aperture 40 defined in
the hollow body 14 is shown. Similar apertures 40 are disposed at
predetermined locations about the body 12. These apertures 40 allow
for the pressurized gas 22 to continuously escape from the body 12.
Also shown in FIG. 5 is a sealing mechanism 42, which prevents the
gas 22 from escaping from the selected opening 24 or apertures 40.
It should be understood that the sealing mechanism 42 only needs to
cover the opening 24 and/or apertures 40. The sealing mechanism 42
does not need to provide a complete airtight seal with the hollow
body portion 14. When the sealing mechanism 42 is utilized, the
pressure increases throughout the hollow body 14, which increases
the amount of energy provided to the objects 62.
[0087] With continuing reference to FIG. 6, the sealing mechanism
42 is shown in the form of a threaded plug 44, which may be
selectively and threadably attached to the wall 16 of the hollow
body portion 14 defining the aperture 40. The plug 44 prevents the
gas 22 from escaping through the opening 24 and/or apertures 40 of
the hollow body portion 14. It is also contemplated that the plug
44 may be received within the opening 24 or aperture without
utilizing a threaded connection.
[0088] With reference to FIG. 7, another form of the sealing
mechanism 42 is shown. This sealing mechanism 42 may generally be
placed on top of the opening 24 and/or the apertures 40. The
sealing mechanism 42 of FIG. 7 comprises a substantially planar
plate member 46 with an elongated hole 48 defined therein. A
sliding cover 50 is pivotally attached to the substantially planar
plate member 46 in order to selectively open and close the hole 48
in the substantially planar plate member 46. The sliding cover 50
determines the amount of gas 22 that can escape from the hollow
body 14 by changing the size of the opening 24 and/or apertures 40.
By selectively sealing the hole 48 in the plate 46, the apertures
40 and/or the opening 24 in the hollow body portion 14 are also
sealed. Other sealing mechanisms 42 may be utilized in conjunction
with the present invention, and the foregoing description serves
only as an example.
[0089] FIGS. 8-10 illustrate the pressurizing mechanism 52 for the
gas 22. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, one embodiment of the
pressurizing mechanism 52 is shown in the form of a fan 54, which
pressurizes the gas 22 contained within the body 12 of the present
invention. Pressurizing the gas 22 also results in pressurizing the
volume 20 previously described. In order to effectively position
the fan 54 within the body 12, a hole is drilled in one of the
walls 16, 18 of the body 12, and the fan 54 is positioned therein,
as shown in FIG. 4. The fan 54 may be secured to the hollow body
member 14 with fastening means 56. To power the fan 54, any power
means 58 generally known in the art may be utilized, including
without limitation, batteries or an AC adapter 60 as shown in FIG.
10. An example of an AC adapter 60 utilized with the present
invention is available from HON-K WANG having model number
D12-10-1000.
[0090] With reference to FIGS. 11-23, the plurality of objects 62
associated with the body 12 of the present invention is shown.
Generally, each of the objects 62 comprises a base 64 having a hole
66 or other passageway defined therein for the escaping gas 22 to
pass therethrough from the hollow body 14. An object body 68 is
operatively connected to the base 64. The movable element 70 is in
operative association with the base 64 and/or the object body 68,
such that energy from the escaping pressurized gas 22 sets the
movable element 70 in motion. Alternatively, instead of the energy
setting the movable element 70 in motion, the object 62 may have
energy transferred to it to result in another function, such as
producing sound. For the objects 62 comprising the movable element
70, the hole 66 should be large enough for gas 22 to pass
therethrough, but yet small enough to prevent any component of the
object 62 from disassociating with the object 62. To prevent the
movable element 70 from disassociating with the object 62, the hole
66 may have a screen or other mesh covering 67 placed over it, as
illustrated in FIG. 11. In another embodiment, the object 62 may
comprise a plurality of holes integrally formed with the object
body 68 or the object base 64. The following description serves as
an example of the various objects 62 that may be placed in
operative association with the body 12 of the article 10 and are
not intended to serve as limitations.
[0091] With reference to FIG. 11, one object 62 associated with the
article 10 is shown. This embodiment of the object 62 takes the
form of a kitchen blender 72. The blender 72, which is in operative
association with the hollow body portion 14 of the article 10,
comprises a base 74 having a hole 76 defined therein. The blender
72 has a blender body 78 extending from the base 74, and it
comprises a lid 80 that may be selectively engageable with the
blender body 78. The lid 80 may also permanently attach to the
blender body 72. A handle 82 is also attached to the body 78 for
easy usage. The movable element 70 is disposed within the blender
72. In this embodiment, the movable element 70 may be a plurality
of particulate matter 84, such as small pellets 86. The particulate
matter 84 may be a lightweight material such as Styrofoam.RTM., a
registered trademark of The Dow Chemical Company of Midland, Mich.
When the blender 72 is positioned over the opening 24, gas 22
passes through the hole 76 of the base 74, into an interior space
88 of the blender body 78, and circulates the particulate matter
84. This has the effect of simulating food being processed within
the blender 72.
[0092] With reference to FIG. 12, shows yet another embodiment of
the object 62 associated with the body 12 of the present invention.
In this embodiment, the object 62 takes the form of a frying pan
90. The frying pan 90 has various food items 92 disposed therein.
For example, FIG. 12 illustrates a fried egg 94 and slices of bacon
96. Of course, any other simulated food item 92 may be placed
therein to imitate cooking. The frying pan 90 comprises a base 98
having at least one hole 100 therein for allowing gas 22 to escape
from the hollow portion 14 of the article 10. A pivotable plate 102
is positioned within the frying pan 90. As the gas 22 escapes
through the hole 100 in the base 98 of the frying pan 90, the
pivotable plate 102 moves relative to the frying pan 90. The
movement of the pivotable plate 102 causes the egg 94 and the bacon
96 to appear that it is moving. This movement simulates the actual
movement of frying eggs and frying bacon in a pan. Of course,
moveable plate 92 can be eliminated and the egg 94 and bacon 96 can
be directly impacted by the air.
[0093] With reference to FIGS. 13-15, another object 62 of the
article 10 is shown. In this embodiment, the object 10 is a toaster
104. The toaster 104 may be placed in operative association with
the body 12 of the article 10 by being positioned on the opening 24
or on one of the apertures 40. As shown in FIGS. 13-15, the toaster
104 has a base 106 with a hole 108 defined therein for the
pressurized gas 22 to pass therethrough. The toaster 104 has a body
110 with two elongated slots 112.
[0094] The toaster body 110 may also have one elongated slot 112
for a single slice of toast, a waffle (not shown), a bagel (not
shown), a pastry (not shown), or other food item generally
processed in toasters. FIG. 15 shows the movable element 70 in the
form of slices of toast 114 positioned within the body 110 of the
toaster. The slices of toast 114 maybe substantially parallel and
are joined by a base member 116. The slices of toast 114 are
inserted into the toaster body 110. As gas 22 escapes through the
opening 24 or apertures 40, the increased gas pressure raises the
slices of toast 114 through the elongated slots 112. As shown in
FIGS. 13-15, the amount of pressurized gas 22 may be controlled by
the sealing mechanism 42 utilizing the substantially planar plate
46 and the sliding cover 50.
[0095] With reference to FIG. 16, another embodiment of the object
62 is shown in the form of a dishwasher 118. A dishwasher base 120
has a hole 122 defined therein so that pressurized gas 22 may pass
therethrough. The dishwasher 118 comprises a body 124 having two
walls 126 to define a substantially sealed cavity 128, which holds
a plurality of particulate matter 84, such as small pellets 86. The
dishwasher 118 may also comprise at least one angled shelf member
87. As shown in FIG. 16, the dishwasher comprises two angled shelf
members 87. The shelf members 87 funnel the particulate matter 84
toward the hole 122. In this embodiment, the pellets 86 serve as
the movable element 70. At least one of the walls 126 should be
transparent in order to view the pellets 86. As the gas 22 passes
within the sealed cavity 128, the pellets 86 circulate to resemble
soapsuds.
[0096] With reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, the inside of the oven 36
of the body 12 is shown. As shown in FIG. 17, the oven 36 has a
shelf 132. The shelf 132 also has a hole 134 defined therein for
gas 22 to escape from the hollow body 14. As shown in FIG. 18, an
object 62 may be placed over the hole 134 to imitate the food item
rising. As shown in FIG. 18, the object 62 is a loaf of bread 136
being baked in a baking pan 138. The baking pan 138 has a base 140
with a hole 142 defined therein. In this embodiment, the movable
element 70 is a piece of expanding material 144, such as aluminum
foil, but not limited thereto. The expanding material 144 and the
baking pan 138 define a cavity 146. As gas 22 passes through the
hole 142 in the base 140, gas 22 fills the cavity 146 of the baking
pan 138 and raises the expanding material 144. Naturally, other
objects 62 may be placed within the oven 36 to simulate baking,
including without limitation, a cake.
[0097] As shown in FIG. 19, the object 62 of the article 10 may
take the form of a teapot 148. The teapot 148 comprises a body 151
operatively connected to a base 152. The body 151 may be integrally
formed with the base 152. The teapot 148 has a hole 150 defined in
the base 152. At the top of the teapot 148, a whistle 154 is
operatively connected thereto. When the teapot 148 is placed over
the opening 24 or apertures 40 of the body 12, gas passes through
the cavity 155 of the teapot 148 and exits through the whistle 154
making a whistle sound, which imitates the same sound as teapots
fabricated from traditional heat resistant materials.
[0098] With reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, another object 62 of the
article 10 is shown in operative association with the body 12. In
this embodiment, the object 62 takes the form of an icemaker 156,
and the moving element 70 is a plurality of imitation ice cubes
158. The icemaker 156 has a base 160 fastened to the hollow body
portion 14. The top portion 162 of the icemaker 156 defines an
enclosed volume 164, which is utilized to hold the imitation ice
cubes 158. The bottom 166 of the icemaker 156 comprises a dispenser
168. As shown in FIG. 21, when pressure is applied to the dispenser
168, the dispenser 168 is pushed toward the hollow body portion 14,
and the gas 22 escapes into the enclosed volume 164. Pressure may
be applied in any manner, such as with a cup or a user's hand. This
causes the imitation ice cubes 158 disposed within the enclosed
volume 164 to churn, which simulates a traditional icemaker.
[0099] With reference to FIGS. 22 and 23, still another object 62
of the article 10 of the present invention is shown, which takes
the form of a bubble machine 170. In this embodiment, the bubble
machine 170 comprises a body 176 having a hole 174 defined in the
base 172, which operatively associates with the body 12 of the
article 10. The moving element 70 is a rotation mechanism 192,
which rotates a bubble formation device 198 through soapy solution
208 and across the pressurized gas 22 to produce bubbles. The body
176 has an interior wall 178, wherein the interior wall 178 and the
body 176 define an interior space 180. A disk 182 is operatively
connected to the body 176 at an angled position within the interior
space 180. An opening 184 is defined within an upper portion 186 of
the disk 182. A portion of a disk edge 188 forms a sealed
connection with the interior wall 178 to form a separate cavity 190
to contain the soapy solution 208, which will produce bubbles.
[0100] The rotation mechanism 192 comprises an axle 194 disposed
through a hole in the disk 182. Further, paddles 196 are
operatively attached to the axle 194 beneath the disk 182, as
clearly seen in FIG. 23. Only one paddle 196 may be utilized
provided that it does not inhibit the passage of gas through the
disk opening 184.
[0101] The bubble formation device 198 is also attached to the axle
194 on a topside 183 of the disk 182. In one embodiment of the
present invention, the bubble formation device 198 comprises at
least one bubble wand 200. The bubble wand 200 has one end 202
operatively connected to the axle area. The second end 204 is
distal to the first end 202, wherein the second end 204 has an
opening 206 and may be circular in shape. As shown in FIGS. 22 and
23, the bubble formation device 198 utilizes three bubble wands
200.
[0102] As the gas 22 escapes through the hole 174 in the body 176,
it passes into the interior space 180 of the bubble machine 170.
The gas 22 contacts the paddles 196 underneath the disk 182. This
causes the paddles 196 to rotate, which in turn rotates the axle
194. The axle 194 then turns the bubble formation device 198, such
that the bubble wand 200 passes through the soapy solution 208. The
bubble formation device 198 rotates over the hole 174 in the disk
182. Gas 22 passes through the hole 174 and against the bubble
formation device 198 to cause a plurality of bubbles to be formed.
Any mechanism may be utilized to rotate the bubble formation device
198 through the soapy solution 208. The foregoing description
serves as one possible example.
[0103] In order to utilize the present invention, a pressurized toy
as previously described is provided. Power means 58 energizes the
pressurizing mechanism 52 to pressurize the hollow portion 14 of
the body 12. The gas circulates throughout the hollow body portion
14. Gas is then released through the opening 24 and/or the
apertures 40 of the hollow body 14 and into operative engagement
with the associated object 62. The released gas transfers energy
from the hollow body 14 of the article 10 to the associated object
62. The transferred energy results in movement of the movable
object 70 or produces sound.
[0104] An alternative embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated in FIGS. 24-28. In this embodiment, the pressurizing
mechanism 52 is a fan 54 used in operative association with a
manifold 210. Turning to FIGS. 24 and 25, the manifold comprises a
manifold body 216. An intake 212 and at least one port 214 extend
from the manifold body 216. As shown in FIGS. 24-28, a plurality of
ports 214 extend from the manifold body 216. The intake 212, the
plurality of ports 214, and the manifold body 216 define a
continuous passageway for the pressurized gas to flow to the
objects 62, which are selectively positioned on the body 12 of the
present invention. As shown in FIGS. 24-26, the plurality of ports
214 extends upwardly from the manifold body 216.
[0105] FIG. 26 illustrates the manifold 210 containing the
pressurized gas. The gas passes through the intake 212 through the
manifold body 216 and through the ports 214. The gas then provides
energy to the object 62, which is positioned on the stovetop
38.
[0106] Viewing FIGS. 27 and 28, another embodiment of the manifold
210 is shown. In this embodiment, the manifold body 216 is
cylindrical. Further, the manifold body 210 comprises a sidewall
218. The fan 54 is positioned within the manifold body 216. Two
curved ports 214 extend from the sidewall 218, which operatively
associates with the opening 24 and/or apertures 40 of the hollow
body 12. It should be understood that the ports 214 and manifold
body 210 may be of any geometry chosen in accordance with sound
engineering judgment.
[0107] As previously discussed, the body 12 may comprise a
plurality of openings 24. As such, a plurality of pressurizing
mechanisms 52, as shown in FIGS. 2428, may be utilized in
conjunction with the hollow body 12. Each of the plurality of
pressurizing mechanisms 52 may be selectively positioned in
operative association with at least one of the plurality of
openings 24.
[0108] The invention has been described with reference to preferred
embodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to
others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. It
is intended to include all such modifications and alternations in
so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the
equivalence thereof.
[0109] Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:
* * * * *