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For the Inventor, By the Inventor

Chicago, IL, United States of America

Alan A Hicks

This inventor holds 18 USPTO granted patents, primarily in Toys And Games. Top assignee: Marvin Glass & Associates. Active years: 1976-1984.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Alan A Hicks. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/alan-a-hicks

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

Calculating rank
USPTO Granted Patents = 18

% Patents Active = 100.0

Average Co-Inventor Count = 2.6

ph-index = 6

Forward Citations = 106(Granted Patents)


Location History:

  • Wilmette, IL (US) (1976)
  • Chicago, IL (US) (1977 - 1984)

Company Filing History:

goldMedal18 out of 422 
 
Marvin Glass & Associates
 patents

Years Active: 1976-1984

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Areas of Expertise:
Toy Puzzle
Counting Device
Pattern Location Board
Dump Truck Toy
Electronic Fencing Game
Mechanical Action Toy
Sound Actuated Game
Flying Toy
Vibratory Drawing
Chase-Type Board Game
Skill-Type Game
Hand Printing Stamp
18 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents
1. 4440394 - Toy puzzle (1984-04-03),
2. 4370064 - Counting device with ball actuated aligned rotatable indicating elements (1983-01-25),
3. 4341390 - Pattern location board game device (1982-07-27),
4. D263401 - Dump truck toy with enclosure (1982-03-16),
5. 4299386 - Electronic fencing game (1981-11-10),
6. 4287680 - Mechanical action toy (1981-09-08),
7. 4248009 - Toy motor vehicle (1981-02-03),
8. 4230317 - Sound actuated competitive game apparatus (1980-10-28),
9. 4174105 - Player actuated flying toy (1979-11-13),
10. 4157183 - Game apparatus (1979-06-05),
11. 4132411 - Game with chance shot dictating pieces (1979-01-02),
12. 4132155 - Paper craft kit (1979-01-02),
13. 4128246 - Chase-type board game apparatus (1978-12-05),
14. 4126309 - Rotatable target game device (1978-11-21),
15. 4099330 - Vibratory drawing device (1978-07-11),

Title: The Innovative Mind of Alan A. Hicks

Introduction

Alan A. Hicks is a prominent inventor based in Chicago, IL, known for his creative contributions to the field of toy design and counting devices. With a remarkable portfolio of 18 patents, Hicks has made significant strides in developing engaging and functional products that capture the imagination of users.

Latest Patents

Among his latest inventions is a toy puzzle that features a base member with first and second rows of circular containers. This unique design includes one more container in the first row than in the second row. The toy puzzle allows players to position a plurality of playing pieces in the top row of containers to create an object with one eye and an open mouth. The pieces can then be repositioned in the second row to form a closed mouth, one-eyed object, ensuring no leftover pieces. Another notable patent is a counting device with ball actuated aligned rotatable indicating elements, which is particularly useful as a clock. This device consists of several indicating elements that rotate around parallel axes, arranged in three columns. Each element features a display portion and a ball actuated flange, which work together to create a unique counting mechanism. The balls are continuously recycled by a synchronous motor elevator, enhancing the device's functionality and user experience.

Career Highlights

Alan A. Hicks has made significant contributions to the field of invention while working at Marvin Glass & Associates. His innovative designs have not only garnered patents but have also influenced the toy industry and beyond.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Hicks has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Jeffrey D. Breslow and Howard J. Morrison. Their combined expertise has led to the development of groundbreaking inventions that continue to impact the market.

Conclusion

Alan A. Hicks stands out as a visionary inventor whose work has left a lasting mark on the industry. His innovative patents and collaborative efforts exemplify the spirit of creativity and ingenuity in the world of inventions.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.
Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]
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