Abstract: A baseball training apparatus includes a body, a drive assembly connected to the body, the drive assembly configured to impart motion on to the ball, a ball interface device connected to the body, the ball interface device configured for movement between a first position in which the ball engages the drive assembly and a second position in which the ball is prevented from engaging the drive assembly, and a control system operably coupled to the ball interface device, the control system interacting with the ball interface device such that the ball interface device changes between first and second positions at a predetermined time interval for a predetermined duration. The control system applies the signal to the ball interface device at a predetermined frequency. A ball feeder tube removably connects to the body, the ball feeder tube configured to hold the balls and a ball projection means connected to the body, the ball projection means configured for projecting a ball upward from the body.

Abstract: A motion sensing device for producing either an audio or a visual output includes a toy body, a motion sensor, either a sound generating device or a light generating device, and a control circuit. The motion sensor is coupled to the toy body. The motion sensor defines a cavity and has at least three contacts and a moveable object disposed in the cavity. The moveable object is positionable between at least a first position in which, the movable object bridges a first combination of two of the at least three contacts to form a first circuit input, and a second position, in which the moveable object bridges a second combination of two of the at least three contacts forming a second circuit input. The control circuit is coupled to the toy body and is electrically coupled to the motion sensor and to the generating device.

Abstract: A swing seat comprising a chair having a region for the placement of a child and a bar rotatably coupled to the chair at one end thereof. The opposite end of the bar is capable of engaging the bottom of the chair. When secured to the bottom of the chair, the bar is at such a position so as to allow a person to remove the child from the chair. A plurality of straps are removably coupled to the bar and are used for securing the child in the chair. At least one support rope is coupled to the chair, allowing the swing seat to be suspended above the ground or other surface.

Abstract: A baseball training apparatus includes a body, a drive assembly connected to the body, the drive assembly configured to impart motion on to the ball, a ball interface device connected to the body, the ball interface device configured for movement between a first position in which the ball engages the drive assembly and a second position in which the ball is prevented from engaging the drive assembly, and a control system operably coupled to the ball interface device, the control system interacting with the ball interface device such that the ball interface device changes between first and second positions at a predetermined time interval for a predetermined duration. The control circuit applies the signal to the ball interface device at a predetermined frequency. A magazine removably connects to the body, the magazine configured to hold the balls and a ball projection means connected to the body, the ball projection means configured for projecting a ball upward from the body.

Abstract: A cart including a body, at least two wheels, and a frame. The body has an upper surface and a lower surface. The at least two wheels are operably coupled to the body. The frame includes a generally planar and substantially rigid upper member and at least one support member. The support member is coupled to the upper member and is releasably coupled to the body. The frame is positionable in a first configuration, wherein the upper member is substantially disposed over the upper surface of the body thereby forming a cover, and a second configuration, in which the frame is decoupled from the body and placed on a generally horizontal surface thereby forming a table. The frame includes means for releasably coupling the at least one support member to the body without the use of tools. A table is configured for removable attachment without the use of tools to a cart. The table includes a generally planar and substantially rigid first member, and second and third substantially rigid members.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing shavings of a solid volume of frozen beverage includes a hollow body, a blade assembly, and a drive mechanism. The hollow body defines a cavity having an axis and a substantially constant non-circular cross-section perpendicular to the axis. The body has a first end and a second end. The non-circular cross-section is configured to engage the solid volume and to prevent rotational movement of the solid volume about the axis while allowing for axial movement of the solid volume along the axis. The blade assembly is rotatably mounted in the cavity near the second end of the body. The drive mechanism is operably coupled to the blade assembly. A refreshment stand for dispensing snacks, drinks and snow cones using a solid volume of frozen beverage produced in a conventional home freezer includes a cart, an ice shaving apparatus, means for removably connecting the apparatus to the cart, and at least one mold.

Abstract: A foldable climber comprises a plurality of walls coupled to each other by a plurality of hinges, each wall being substantially perpendicular a support surface when the climber is in an assembled position. At least one platform is removably connected to at least two of the walls to stabilize the structure when in the assembled position. When the structure is in the collapsed position, the walls fold into a substantially flat configuration and define regions in which the platform can be stored.

Abstract: An amusement apparatus includes a base, an arm and a seat biasing device. The base is configured for placement on to a generally horizontal surface. The arm has a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end of the arm is rotatably and pivotally coupled to the base. The distal end of the arm includes a seat. The seat biasing device is coupled to the seat and configured to repeatedly and resiliently contact the surface. An adjustable biasing member is coupled to the base and the proximal end of the arm. The biasing member is configured to upwardly bias the seat of the arm. A resilient ball is coupled to the seat.

Abstract: A nursery includes a frame, a bassinet, a swing, a single drive unit and a coupling mechanism. The bassinet, the swing, the drive unit and the coupling assembly are supported by the frame. The coupling assembly is operably coupled to the drive unit and has first and second outputs. The first output is pivotally coupled to the bassinet and the second output is pivotally coupled to the swing. The coupling assembly is configured to transfer the drive unit output to one of the swing and the bassinet such that the one of the swing and the bassinet swing relative to the frame. An apparatus for selectably operating at least two separate features of a toy includes a frame, first and second devices coupled to the frame, a control device, a single drive unit, and a gear assembly. The gear assembly includes a pivoting member, and first and second output assemblies.

Abstract: A ball tossing or teeing device (20) includes a housing (21) which carries an operating mechanism (22). A pedal (30) is depressible to actuate the operating mechanism (22) such that upon a single depression and release of pedal (30), the operating mechanism (22) launches a ball and positions another ball in place for launching. A chute (24) can be attached to the housing (21) and carries a tee (25). When the chute (24) is attached to the housing (21), the ball will move up the chute (24) and be placed on the tee (25) upon activation of the operating mechanism (22).

Abstract: A collapsing table is disclosed comprising a table panel (12); two seat panels (14, 16); two support panels (18, 20); two brace members (22, 24); and two attachment clasp members (108). The support panels (18, 20) each pivotally couple to a respective end of the table panel (12) by means of pivot lugs (100, 102), each lug having flat surfaces (106) which prevent unintentional uncoupling. The support panels (18, 20) further slideably couple to the seat panels (14, 16) by means of coupling lugs (90, 92) reciprocally moving with a U-shaped guide track (60). The coupling lugs (90, 92) have flat surfaces (96) which engage detent protrusions (61) at the terminal ends (62, 64) of the guide track (60), which in conjunction with the non-linear geometry of the guide track (60), resists unintentional movement of the table from either the extended or collapsed conditions.

Abstract: A toy sprinkler (10) is disclosed comprising a hub assembly (12) having a water pressure activated spinning cap member (68) and a manifold member (64) connected to a pressurized water source. Multiple right angle arm assemblies (14, 16, and 18) are connected to the manifold (64) and direct water by a conduit (34) to wand members (22) mounted to remote ends of arm assemblies (14-16). The conduit (34) affords sufficient slack to allow removal of the wand members (22) from the arm assemblies (14-16) and the aiming of water ejected from the wand members (22).

Abstract: A collapsible activity center (10) includes a frame (12) which has pivotally connected thereto a wall (14) and a wall (16). The frame (12) includes a support leg (24) connected to a hinge leg (26) by a cross-piece (28). The hinge leg (26) is provided with a pair of transversely extending ribs (54) that engage a rib (84) extending from each wall (14, 16) to allow pivotal movement of each. A latitudinal detent (94) is provided on the rib (84) to engage the hinge leg (26) to allow the walls (14, 16) to be selectively held in position with respect to the frame (12). The cross-piece (28) includes a handle opening (30) while the support leg (24) includes a lip (46) to assist in carrying the walls (14, 16) when they are closed and the frame (12) is lifted.

Abstract: A mobile computer work station for a personal computer is disclosed comprising a wheel mounted cabinet (12) for enclosing the computer CPU therein and supporting a computer monitor thereon. A concave vertical partition (18) mounts to a forward side of the cabinet (12) and defines a three sided user station providing improved acoustic and visual isolation to the user. A window (120) extends through the partition (18) and receives the screen of the computer monitor therein. A bezel plate (26) affixes to a forward side of the partition (18) and surrounds the window (120). A lower portion (122) of the plate (26) protects the controls to the monitor there behind from unauthorized tampering. A speaker cavity is defined behind the lower plate portion (122) likewise isolated thereby from unauthorized contact. S-shaped support bars (14, 16) structurally connect cabinet (12) and partition (18) and support a keyboard support plate (20) upon bar segments (98) within the concave partition (18).