US20030027482A1

US20030027482A1 - Article and method using pressurized air to provide motive power for toys

Info

Publication number: US20030027482A1
Application number: US10/197,132
Authority: US
Inventors: Keith Dumigan; Tammy Ortner; Andrew Hauptner; Michael Feeney; John Hradisky
Original assignee: Step2 Co
Current assignee: Step2 Co
Priority date: 2001-08-03
Filing date: 2002-07-17
Publication date: 2003-02-06

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.

Description

This application claims priority from a provisional patent application filed on Feb. 19, 2002, having serial No. 60/358,630, a utility application filed on Nov. 16, 2001, having Ser. No. 09/993,181, and a provisional patent application filed on Aug. 3, 2001, having serial No. 60/309,969.[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

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.

2. Description of the Related Art

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.

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.

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

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.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pressurized toy further comprising a pressurizing mechanism operatively connected to the body.

Yet, another object of the present invention is to provide a pressurized toy wherein the pressurizing mechanism is a fan.

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.

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.

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.

Still, another object of the present invention is to provide a pressurized toy, wherein the sealing mechanism is a plug.

Yet, another object of the present invention is to provide a pressurized toy wherein the plug threadably connects to the hollow body.

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.

Still, another object of the present invention is to provide a pressurized toy, wherein the body is a toy kitchenette.

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.

Still, another object of the present invention is to provide a pressurized toy, wherein the object is a teapot.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Still, another object of the present invention is to provide a method for utilizing a toy comprising the steps of:

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;

pressurizing the hollow portion of the body; and,

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.

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.

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.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a toy system, comprising:

a body, comprising:

a hollow body member, the hollow body member defining a volume therein;

a gas disposed within the volume;

a pressurizing mechanism; and,

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,

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an article comprising a frame, in a pressurizing mechanism in an airflow communication with a frame, wherein placement of an associated object on the frame results in a visual effect and an audio effect.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an article wherein the article is a self-contained unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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: [0056]
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present invention. [0057]
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the present invention. [0058]
FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the present invention. [0059]
FIG. 4 is cross sectional view of the body of the present invention. [0060]
FIG. 5 illustrates a hole defined in the body member of the present invention. [0061]
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. [0062]
FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of the sealing mechanism. [0063]
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the pressurizing mechanism for the hollow body. [0064]
FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the pressurizing mechanism for the hollow body. [0065]
FIG. 10 shows a front view of the power means of the present invention. [0066]
FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a toy blender apparatus in operative association with the hollow body. [0067]
FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a toy frying pan apparatus having toy food therein. [0068]
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a toy toaster apparatus. [0069]
FIG. 14 is a top view of a toy toaster apparatus. [0070]
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of toy plastic bread apparatus disposed within the toasters of FIGS. 13 and 14. [0071]
FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of a toy door removed from a toy dishwasher to show a simulated water and suds action. [0072]
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the oven of the body showing a hole defined therein. [0073]
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; [0074]
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a toy teapot apparatus in operative association with the hollow body of the present invention. [0075]
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a toy icemaker apparatus in operative association with the hollow body of the present invention. [0076]
FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of FIG. 20. [0077]
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a toy bubble machine in operative association with the hollow body of the present invention. [0078]
FIG. 23 is another top perspective view of the bubble machine in operative association with the hollow body of the present invention. [0079]
FIG. 24 is a side view of a manifold utilized in another embodiment of the present invention. [0080]
FIG. 25 is a top view of the manifold shown in FIG. 24. [0081]
FIG. 26 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing the use of the manifold with the stovetop in the pressurizing mechanism. [0082]
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the manifold. [0083]
FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the manifold of FIG. 27. [0084]
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a toy kitchenette. [0085]
FIG. 30 is another front perspective view of FIG. 29 before it is completely assembled. [0086]
FIG. 31 is a right side view of FIG. 29. [0087]
FIG. 32 is a rear view of FIG. 28. [0088]
FIG. 33 is a left side view of FIG. 28. [0089]
FIG. 34 is a top perspective view of the cavity that contains the workstation unit of the present invention. [0090]
FIG. 35 is another embodiment of the toy kitchenette. [0091]
FIG. 36 is a front perspective view of FIG. 34 and it is not yet completed. [0092]
FIG. 37 is a rear view of FIG. 35. [0093]
FIG. 38 is a left view of FIG. 35. [0094]
FIG. 39 is an enlarged top perspective view of FIG. 35. [0095]
FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the battery compartment of the present invention. [0096]
FIG. 41 is an indentation in the toy kitchenette wherein the electrical communications travel from the workstation unit to the batteries. [0097]
FIG. 42 is a perspective view of an assembled workstation unit. [0098]
FIG. 43 shows the workstation unit divided into a top and bottom portion. [0099]
FIG. 44 is another to perspective view showing the top and bottom portions of the workstation unit. [0100]
FIG. 45 is a bottom view of a frying pan. [0101]
FIG. 46 is a top view of a frying pan. [0102]
FIG. 46[0103] a is a side view of the frying pan.
FIG. 47 is the top view of a coffee pot. [0104]
FIG. 48 is a bottom view of the coffee pot. [0105]
FIG. 49 is a side perspective view of a coffee pot. [0106]
FIG. 50 is a top view of a blender. [0107]
FIG. 51 is a bottom view of a blender. [0108]
FIG. 52 is a side perspective view of the blender. [0109]
FIG. 53 is another side pespective view of the blender. [0110]
FIG. 54 is a top view of a pot. [0111]
FIG. 55 is a bottom view of a pot. [0112]
FIG. 56 is a side view of the pot.[0113]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

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. [0114] 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.
With continuing reference to FIGS. [0115] 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.
With reference to FIG. 5, the [0116] 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.
With reference to FIG. 6, yet another [0117] 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.
With continuing reference to FIG. 6, the [0118] 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.
With reference to FIG. 7, another form of the [0119] 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.
FIGS. [0120] 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.
With reference to FIGS. [0121] 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.
With reference to FIG. 11, one [0122] 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®, 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.
With reference to FIG. 12, shows yet another embodiment of the [0123] 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.
With reference to FIGS. [0124] 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. 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 may be 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.
With reference to FIG. 16, another embodiment of the [0125] 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.
With reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, the inside of the [0126] 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.
As shown in FIG. 19, the [0127] 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.
With reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, another [0128] 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.
With reference to FIGS. 22 and 23, still another [0129] 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.
The [0130] 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.
The [0131] 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.
As the gas [0132] 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.
In order to utilize the present invention, a pressurized toy as previously described is provided. Power means [0133] 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.
An alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. [0134] 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.
FIG. 26 illustrates the manifold [0135] 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.
Viewing FIGS. 27 and 28, another embodiment of the manifold [0136] 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.
As previously discussed, the [0137] body 12 may comprise a plurality of openings 24. As such, a plurality of pressurizing mechanisms 52, as shown in FIGS. 24-28, 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.
With reference to FIGS. [0138] 29-56, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, a body 230 takes the form of a toy kitchenette. The body comprises a stove 232, an oven 234, a microwave 236, and a counter 237. However, the body is not limited to these features and may comprise any number desired. The stove body 230 may also comprise the sink 240. The rear portion of the body 230 has a battery compartment 238, which is concealed through a compartment door 239. The stove body comprises a cavity 242 for a workstation unit 244. The workstation 244 comprises a frame 245. Disposed within the frame 245 is the pressurizing mechanism 52, which is in airflow communication with the frame 245. In essence, placement of the objects 62 described herein on the frame 245 results in a visual effect and an audio effect.
With reference to FIGS. [0139] 42-44, the workstation unit 244 is shown. The frame 245 comprises an upper portion 245 a and a lower portion 245 b. On the top portion 245 a of the frame 245, various stations 246 are shown. As shown in FIG. 42, the stations 246 may include a first burner 247, a second burner 248, and an appliance station 250. Each of the stations 246 has a plurality of concentric annular rings 252. A channel 253 is defined between each of the concentric rings 252. An audio mechanism 254 is positioned within each channel 253, from which sound is transmitted to a speaker 268. A timer 256 extends from the upper portion 245 a of the workstation 244 and comprises a rotatable dial 258. It is contemplated that the timer 256 makes a ticking sound and also serves as a true timer, in that, it will shut-off the pressurizing mechanism 52 at the end of a predetermined time interval. Optionally, an LED display light may be utilized in conjunction with the timer to show when the pressurizing mechanism 52 is in use. The timer 256 may also have an additional on/off button.
Also attached to the [0140] workstation 244 is a faucet 260. The faucet 260 may swivel for pretend clean-up activities. A faucet knob 261 is operatively connected to the faucet 260. Depression of the faucet knob 261 results in any water sound chosen with sound engineering judgment. For example, the sound may be drippy water, running water, or gushing water. The first and second burners 247, 248 as well as the appliance station 250, each comprise an airflow control mechanism 288. The airflow control mechanism 288 is activated through a first knob 262 for the first burner 247, a second knob 264 for the second burner 248, and a slider 266 for the appliance station 250. In the top portion 245 a of the frame 245, each of the stations 246 has a hole defined therein for an associated gas, most commonly air, to pass therethrough. A first hole 270, a second hole 272 and a third hole 274 are used in conjunction with the first burner 247, second burner 248, and an appliance station 250, respectively. A mesh unit 276 is positioned in each of the holes 270, 272, 274 to aid in air flow.
With reference to FIGS. 43 and 44, the inside of the [0141] workstation 244 is displayed. The pressurizing mechanism 52 takes the form of the manifold 282. The manifold 282 comprises a body 283 having a fan 284 disposed therein. A plurality of ports 286 extends from the body 283 so that pressurized air may pass through the holes 270, 272, 274 of the workstation 244.
With reference to FIG. 43, the [0142] airflow control mechanism 288 will now be further described. The airflow control mechanism 288 for the first and second burners 247, 248 are similar in structure. Each of the air control mechanisms 288 is pivotally attached to the knob 262, 264 or the slider 266. The mechanisms for the first and second burners 247, 248 utilize a disk 289 connected to the first and second knobs 262, 264. Two arms 290 extend from the disk 289. The arms 290 terminate in an arcuate section 293. The arcuate section has a closed portion 294, a first opening 291 and a second opening 292. The second opening 292 is generally larger than the first opening. Upon turning of the knobs 262, 264 or sliding of the slider 266, the airflow control mechanism 288 pivots about a pivot point 296 such that the closed portion 294, the first opening 291, or the second opening 292 are in alignment with one of its respective holes 270, 271, 272 of the workstation unit 242. This provides for airflow communication from the manifold 282 to the associated object 62. To maintain the airflow control mechanism within its proper general position, stoppers 298 are located strategically so that the air control mechanisms 288 are not rotated beyond the second opening 292 or the closed portion 294.
Electrical connections are used between the manifold and its [0143] circuit board 300. Further, other electrical connections known in the art are used between the speaker 268 and the circuit board 300, as well as, between the audio mechanism 254 and the circuit board 300. Electrical connections are well known in the art and will not be further described herein. The power supply comes from batteries. The wires, which lead from the workstation unit 242 to the batteries, may be hidden through an indentation 241 of the body 230, best seen in FIG. 41.
With reference to FIGS. [0144] 45-56, various objects 62 will now be described. As previously stated, each object 62 comprises a base, at least one hole 66 in the base and an object body 68. A movable element 70 is positioned within the object body 68, which may be styrofoam pellets or other particulate matter 84 chosen in accordance with sound engineering judgment. As shown in the FIGURES, the hole 66 is a plurality of holes forming a mesh 326. For each object 62, the base 64 has a diameter, which is equal to the diameter of one of the channels 253 defined between the rings 252. Placement of the object 62 within the channel 253 triggers the audio mechanism 254 and produces a sound, as more fully described below.
More specifically, with reference to FIGS. 44 and 45, a frying pan is shown. The [0145] base 64 of the frying pan is at least partially dome-shaped and may have a flat portion 316. This provides for the eggs and bacon positioned therein 94, 96 or other food item 92, to come to rest in a substantially horizontal position after the pressurizing mechanism 52 is deactivated. As shown in FIGS. 45 and 46, the base 64 has a diameter. This diameter corresponds to a diameter of one of the channels 253 defined between the annular concentric rings 252 of one of the stations 246. With the given diameter, placement of the frying pan 302 on the station 246, such as the first burner 247, will result in the activation of a sizzling sound from the audio mechanism 254.
With reference to FIGS. [0146] 47-49, another object 62 is shown in taking the form of a coffee pot 318. The coffee pot 318 has similar features as the frying pan 302. The coffee pot 318 also has a top 308 with a plurality of holes 309 disposed therein. This allows the associated gas to escape from the object body 68. As with the frying pan 302, the coffee pot 318 has the mesh 326 defined in the base. The base 64 has a given diameter that also correlates with a channel 253 defined between the concentric rings 252 of the workstation unit 242. Placement of the coffee pot 318 initiates a percolating sound from the audio mechanism 254.
With reference to FIGS. [0147] 50-53, a blender 320 with similar parts is shown. Placement of the base 64 activates a blending sound when it is placed on the appliance station 250. The blender 320 has a slanted piece that defines the hole for airflow so that the particulate matter 84 may be moved in a swirling type motion. Again, the sound is determined by the diameter of the base 64.
With reference to FIGS. [0148] 54-56, a pot 324 is shown. This also has similar features as the coffee pot 318 and the blender 320. When placed upon the first or second burner 247, 248, the diameter of the base 64 corresponds to the diameter of one of the channels 253 defined by the concentric rings 252 and, thus, activates the audio mechanism 254. When the pot 324 is utilized, the sound of boiling water is produced.
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. [0149]
Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed: [0150]

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. An article, comprising:

a frame; and,

a pressurization mechanism in air flow communication with said frame, wherein

placement of an associated object on said frame results in a visual effect and an audio effect.

3. The article of claim 2, wherein said frame has a top portion having at least one station with a hole defined therein for air to flow from said pressurization mechanism to the object.

4. The article of claim 2, wherein said station is an appliance station.

5. The article of claim 2, wherein said station is a burner.

6. The article of claim 3, wherein said station comprises an audio mechanism, said audio mechanism being activated by placement of the object on said station.

7. The article of claim 3, wherein said station comprises a plurality of concentric annular rings.

8. The article of claim 7, further comprising a channel defined between each of said concentric rings, said station further comprising an audio mechanism positioned within each channel.

9. The article of claim 8, wherein each audio mechanism produces a different sound.

10. The article of claim 3, wherein said station further comprises an air flow control mechanism operatively connected to said frame.

11. The article of claim 10, wherein said air flow control mechanism comprises a solid portion having a first opening and a second opening, wherein said second opening is larger than said first opening, said solid portion and first and second openings are adapted to align with said opening defined in said station.

12. The article of claim 3, wherein said station further comprises a timer operatively connected to said frame.

13. The article of claim 2, wherein said pressurization mechanism is a manifold.

14. The article of claim 13, wherein said manifold further comprises:

a body having a fan rotatably disposed therein; and,

at least one port extending from said body.

15. The article of claim 2, wherein said article is a self-contained unit.

16. The article of claim 3, further comprising a faucet operatively connected to said frame, said faucet comprising an audio mechanism adapted to produce an audible sound.

17. 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.

18. The object of claim 17, wherein at least a portion of said base is dome-shaped.

19. The object of claim 18, wherein said dome-shaped base further comprises a flat portion.

20. The object of claim 17, further comprising a top operatively connected to said body, said top having a plurality of holes to enable the gas to escape from said body.

21. The object of claim 17, wherein said hole in said base is angled.

22. A toy system, comprising:

a toy body with a cavity defined therein;

a workstation adapted to be received within said cavity, said workstation further comprising:

a pressurizing mechanism for producing an associated gas; and,

an audio mechanism adapted to produce sound upon activation; and,

at least one object adapted to be selectively positioned on said workstation, wherein upon placement of the object on said workstation, the gas transmits energy to said object and the object activates said audio mechanism.

23. The toy system of claim 22, wherein said toy body is a toy kitchenette.

24. The toy system of claim 22, wherein said workstation is a self-contained unit.

25. The toy system of claim 22, wherein said pressurizing mechanism is a manifold.

26. A method for utilizing a toy, comprising the steps of:

providing a toy body with a cavity defined therein; a workstation adapted to be received within said cavity, said workstation further comprising a pressurizing mechanism, and an audio mechanism;

activating said pressurizing mechanism to produce gas flow;

releasing said gas through an opening in said workstation and into operative engagement with said object, said released gas transferring energy to an associated object.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising the step of:

positioning the object on said workstation; and,

producing sound.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the workstation further comprises at least one air flow control mechanism.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of:

controlling the flow of the gas through the workstation via said air flow control mechanism.

30. The method of claim 26, further comprising the step of:

deactivating said pressurizing mechanism after a predetermined time interval.