Abstract: A magnetic top system for energizing, launching, and controlling movement of a spinning top. In one embodiment, a magnetic top launcher may magnetically couple to a top and induce a spinning motion in the top. A top controlling device may magnetically control a traversing movement of the top on a play surface without directly contacting the top.

Abstract: An electronic perpetual calendar erasable board with a tackable surface, such as a bulletin bar. In one embodiment, the calendar may include a front panel having a graphic that includes cells each representing a calendar day, e.g., a month grid of cells arranged in rows and columns or a weekly planner table with cells arranged in a row. The front panel may include a plurality of electronic displays so that the calendar is capable of displaying an accurate number and configuration of days for any month or week. Other embodiments may include a markable and erasable write-on/wipe-off surface and a frame that has a tackable surface integrated therein. The tackable surface may be cork, foam, fiber, or a composite.

Abstract: Magnetic and electronic toy construction systems and elements are provided that include an assembly panels that have magnets located around the panel perimeter such that the dipole axes of magnets in a single panel are coplanar and intersect to define a polygon. To attach adjacent panels, ferromagnetic spheres are used such that the dipole axes of one magnet from each of the adjacent panels are collinear. Also disclosed is a magnetic construction element comprising a longitudinally extending rod formed of a non-magnetic material; a magnet holder disposed at an end of the rod; a magnet embedded in the magnet holder; and a ferromagnetic material disposed at an intermediate portion of the rod, the ferromagnetic material being formed of two generally hemispherical portions that are attached to each other with at least a portion of the non-magnetic material of the rod being disposed within the hemispherical portions.

Abstract: A portable drawing apparatus configured to act as an easel and/or desk includes a pair of upper support members each pivotally connected to a respective lower support member, and also each pivotally connected to a respective rear support member. In an operational configuration, the rear support members can project rearwardly in a plane substantially normal to a plane defined by two mutually parallel upper support members. A lower cross frame and upper cross frame are each connected to respective lower support members, and upper support members, and each further connected to the non-removable portion. A hinged lateral member, when configured in a locked position, defines the apparatus width. In a collapsed configuration, the distal portions of the upper and lower support members are configured to point in the same direction and form a bundle whose length is substantially less than that of the apparatus length in operational configuration.

Abstract: Construction kit with two- and/or three-dimensional construction elements (1, 9) with magnetic elements (4) in the corners and/or sides and ferromagnetic spheres (11), which can be placed between the magnetic elements (4) of adjacent construction elements (1, 9) to connect the construction elements (1, 9) together using a magnetic bond so that they can be detached.

Abstract: Construction kit with two- and/or three-dimensional construction elements (1, 9) with magnetic elements (4) in the corners and/or sides and ferromagnetic spheres (11), which can be placed between the magnetic elements (4) of adjacent construction elements (1, 9) to connect the construction elements (1, 9) together using a magnetic bond so that they can be detached.

Abstract: A magnetic top system for energizing, launching, and controlling movement of a spinning top. In one embodiment, a magnetic top launcher may magnetically couple to a top and induce a spinning motion in the top. A top controlling device may magnetically control a traversing movement of the top on a play surface without directly contacting the top.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides a toy assembly system comprising a central compartment configured to house a plurality of toy bodies, each toy body having magnetic hubs arranged in an outer region of the body. The system can include outer compartments that house ferromagnetic outer components (e.g., ferromagnetic spheres) separate from the toy bodies and a release mechanism configured to release during a single operation a single toy body and a set of outer components, wherein the single toy body and the set of outer components self-assemble and automatically align. Another aspect provides a toy track system comprising a launch portion configured to magnetically retain the magnetic vehicle in a launch position, a release configured to release the vehicle from the launch position, and a track portion coupled to the launch portion and configured to guide the released vehicle along a predetermined path.