Abstract: A hand held remote controlled toy vehicle. The toy vehicle includes a motor that can be activated by a wireless signal. The motor is coupled to a drive wheel by a drive gear assembly. Activation of the motor turns the drive wheel and propels the vehicle. The drive gear assembly can be de-coupled from the drive wheel so that the toy vehicle can be manually propelled in a free-wheeling mode.

Abstract: A toy system that can be used in a body of water. The system includes a plurality of toy accessories that can be placed in the water. Placement of a toy accessory into the water activates the accessory to generate a signal. The signal is received by a base station. The base station generates an output in response to the signal. By way of example, the base station can generate a speech pattern. Each toy accessory may provide a unique code to the base station. Each code may generate a different speech pattern.

Abstract: A token game set that includes a game board with a stationary portion and a rotating portion. The stationary and rotating portions each having a plurality of token spaces. The game set also includes a plurality of tokens that are located on the token spaces. The game set can be played by initially placing a plurality of first tokens onto token spaces in a first area of the stationary portion, and a plurality of second tokens onto token spaces in a second area of the stationary portion. The first and second tokens may be moved into the rotating portion. The rotating portion is then rotated to move the positions of the first and second tokens. The game board can be arranged so that the tokens can be moved in accordance with the rules of “Chinese Checkers”.

Abstract: A game set that includes a first unit and a second unit. The first unit includes a first controller that is coupled to a first motion sensor. The first controller causes the transmission of a wireless signal in response to movement of the first unit as sensed by the first motion sensor. The second unit includes a second controller that is coupled to an input device and a speaker The second controller causes the speaker to emit a sound that is a function of an input to the input device and the wireless signals.

Abstract: An electronic game that awards the last player to correctly answer a question before the expiration of a timer. The game includes a plurality of buttons and corresponding indicators coupled to a housing. A question is provided to the players. A timer counts to a time interval. The controller activates an indicator associated with a button that was depressed last by a player that provides a correct answer to the question at the expiration of the timer. The last player can then move a token on a board. The player that moves their token to the end of the board wins the game.

Abstract: An electronic system that includes a working surface and a camera that can capture a plurality of images on the working surface. The system also includes a control station that is coupled to the camera and has a monitor that can display the captured images. The monitor displays a moving graphical image having a characteristic that is a function of a user input on the working surface. By way of example, the graphical image may be a character created from markings formed on the working surface by the user. The system can then “animate” the character by causing graphical character movement.

Abstract: An apparatus that moves a jumping element. The apparatus includes a motorized hub that is attached to a housing. The hub can rotate a jumping element, such as a jump rope, about a horizontal axis and/or a vertical axis. The hub is connected to a motor. The jump rope is coupled to the hub by a crank arm. The crank arm automatically releases from the arm in response to a threshold force. The apparatus includes a deactivation element that deactivates the motor when the jumping element is released from the hub. The jump rope can be coupled to the hub by a strap that limits the movement of the rope when decoupled from the hub. Deactivating the motor terminates rotation of the hub to prevent further movement of the crank arm and rope.

Abstract: A toy that emits a sound and/or emits light when an end user drinks a liquid through a straw. The toy includes a first electrode and a second electrode in fluid communication with an inner channel of the straw. The electrodes are connected to an indicator such as a light source or a sound generating device. When the end user drinks a liquid through the straw the liquid provides an electrical path between the electrodes. The liquid closes a circuit between the electrodes and activates the indicator. The present invention also includes a sound/light emitting toy which supports a piece of candy. The toy includes a first electrode that can be grasped by the end user and a second electrode that is in contact with the candy. The electrodes are connected to an indicator. By licking the candy the end user provides an electrical path between the electrodes which closes a circuit and activates the indicator.