Abstract: An extendable, modular toy bank for storing coins and the like. The toy bank is substantially tubular and includes a head portion, a segmented extendable body portion and a tail portion. One of the portions, preferably the head portion, has a slot therein, dimensioned to receive a coin. The portions are hollow and, in combination, define an interior compartment. The body portion includes a plurality of tubular members, which may be bent, having forward and rearward ends that are adapted to be interconnected, end to end, by body segment connector rings placed therebetween, thereby elongating the body portion to increase the interior volume of the toy. A releasable locking mechanism on the ends of the head, body and tail portions of the toy interconnect with the body segment connector rings and enable the head, body and tail portions to be releasably attached to an adjacent tubular body portion segment of the device.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a toy figure having a circuit board to store pre-recorded sounds, a speaker to emit the pre-recorded sounds, and a means to activate the playback of said pre-recorded sounds. The figure also includes a plurality of sensors separately positioned about the figure at specific locations; each sensor when triggered activates the playback of pre-recorded sounds indicative of the location. A first arm having a hand attached thereto includes a magnet that when in proximity to one of the sensors triggers said sensor, whereby a user moving the hand with the magnet to a location on the figure containing a sensor, the figure plays pre-recorded sounds indicative of the location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for teaching and learning reading is disclosed. The apparatus comprises blocks that are removably connectable and bear various reading indicia on their faces. The reading indicia includes pictures, vowels, consonants, combinations of vowels and consonants, rimes, parts of speech, and punctuation. Preferably, any selected block has only one type of reading indicia and has color-coding associated with that type of indicia. By connecting two or more blocks so that the reading indicia form an appropriate pattern or unit, students can form parts of words, words, phrases or even sentences. Different subgroups of reading indicia may be used in progression to teach and learn at different skill levels.

Abstract: A bone shaped reed is provided for use in game call having a sounding board defining a central elongated groove. The reed has maximal width at each end for tonal quality and attachment purposes but has an arcuate portion along each margin defining a minimum width to prevent fouling due to the presence of water.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved noisemaker. In particular, it is a cylindrical noisemaker containing two sets of commingled particles having a predetermined tonality. The noisemaker comprises a cylinder containing a first set of particles. Each particle in the first set is preferably made of polypropylene and averages at least four millimeters in diameter. The first set of particles is commingled with a second set of particles in the cylinder. Each particle in the second set is preferably made of general purpose polystyrene and averages at least six millimeters in diameter. The cylinder is preferably made of high impact polystyrene of 1.5 millimeters thickness or less. The first set of particles preferably comprises 437 particles and the second set of particles preferably comprises 325 particles.

Abstract: A gyroscopic figure in accordance with the present invention includes a freely rotatable flywheel mounted within the figure such that the flywheel has a pre-determined orientation. A pinion gear is secured to the flywheel and a guide post is positioned a distance away from the pinion gear to form a channel therebetween. A flexible rack gear is then used to rapidly rotate the flywheel. The figure also includes a plurality of apertures. The figure may be used with a toy vehicle that includes a plurality of pegs positioned about the vehicle and sized to fit an aperture. As such when the figure is secured to the vehicle in a specific position and the flywheel is rotating, the rotating flywheel creates a gyroscopic effect that balances and stabilizes the vehicle such that the vehicle can be moved in a specific direction. In various embodiment of the present invention the vehicle may be a skateboard, a mountain board, a scooter a bicycle, or a car.

Abstract: A continuous loop toy vehicle trackset supports a booster and a plurality of toy vehicles. The trackset is formed of spaced apart track rails forming a gap therebetween. The toy vehicles are open wheeled and able to roll upon the track rails in either a right side up or inverted configuration. In the inverted configuration, the top surface of the toy vehicle is able to extend into the gap between the track rails. A staging lane facilitates introduction of additional toy vehicles to the trackset.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for using one or more inflatable three-dimensional humanoid figures for use in background scenes associated with still photography, motion pictures and video productions which are low in cost, lightweight, easy to use, easy to store, easy to transport and provides a greater range of viewing angles. It is also envisioned that this invention can be used for corporate conventions requiring the illusion of a large number of participants, in advertising and other functions where the illusion of large numbers of people enhance the overall objective of the functions.

Abstract: A toy or article containing an elastomeric and deformable bladder therein that facilitates in actuating a component of the toy or article such as a tail or an arm when squeezed or otherwise deformed is disclosed. The actuatable toy generally comprises a deformable bladder containing a fluid substance and is deformable proximate to the actuatable component upon application of pressure thereon. In addition, the actuatable toy comprises a flexible outer covering enclosing the deformable bladder, where at least a portion of the outer covering comprises a movable material disposed proximate to the actuatable component of the toy, whereupon actuating of the movable material and deformation of the bladder facilitate actuation of the actuatable component upon application of pressure on the toy.

Abstract: A sound activated toy vehicle includes a body, a chassis, and a motor. The chassis accommodates the body and has at least a front wheel and a rear wheel. The motor is drivingly connected to at least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel. The toy vehicle also includes a sound transducer configured to generate an electrical signal in response to detected sound. The toy vehicle also includes a controller having an input electrically connected to the sound transducer and an output electrically connected to the motor. The controller changes the output to the motor when the electrical signal is received by the input from the sound transducer. The toy vehicle also includes a vehicle accessory having an exterior portion. The vehicle accessory is mounted for movement between a first position and a second position by mechanical power from the motor.

Abstract: An animated display comprising an outer sleeve having an inner sleeve positioned therein. The outer sleeve is itself rotatably connected to a support base. Also included in the animated display is an actuation assembly which is cooperatively engaged to the outer and inner sleeves. The actuation assembly is operative to facilitate the rotation of the outer sleeve relative to the support base concurrently with the rotation of the inner sleeve relative to the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A transportable play system simulating a backpack or bag unfolds to provide a self-adhering fabric play surface whereby children can create themes or stories by attaching self-adhering play pieces onto the fabric play surface. When the play surface in the closed position to simulate a bag or a backpack, the inner and outer surfaces are held together in a such configuration by hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro®, or other fastening means. Self-adhering play pieces are preferably pre-made to create a theme or story. In other embodiments, the user can create individualized play pieces with supplied fabric stock, and in other embodiments, specific game backgrounds can be added to allow playing of a transportable game. In one embodiment, several backpacks or bags can be interconnected to form a large play surface when unfolded into the open position.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a dancing figure that includes a body defined by a torso, a head, and a pair of arms, and a pair of legs pivotally attached to the torso at a hip region. Each leg includes at least an upper leg section pivotally attached to a lower leg section at a knee region. Also included therewith is a pair of oversized feet adapted to provide support such that the figure is free-standing. The pair of oversized feet is separately and pivotally attached to one of the lower leg sections at an ankle region. Each foot houses a foot mechanism for independently pivoting the lower leg sections forwards and backwards at said ankle region, wherein the pivoting at said ankle regions causes pivoting motion at the knee regions and hip region to simulate animated movement in the figure. In addition thereto the foot mechanism may independently twist the foot to the left and right.

Abstract: An entertainment device comprising a plurality of rotational member divided into two groups: triangular members 10 and pentagonal members 20, a plurality of arcuate movable pieces 30 and a base for rotatably supporting said triangular and pentagonal members. The respective axes of rotation of said triangular and pentagonal members intersect at a common point representing the center of the exterior spherical surface of the device. The triangular and the pentagonal members are symmetrically disposed with regards to said center, wherein each triangular member is centrally positioned between three pentagonal members, and each pentagonal member is centrally positioned between five triangular members. Moveable pieces are disposed and slidably attached in the areas between a triangular and a corresponding neighboring pentagonal member, wherein a subsequent rotation of the triangular and pentagonal members results in changing the disposal of the moveable pieces relative to the center.

Abstract: A shrouded chamber piñata is disclosed having an inner chamber and a surrounding outer chamber or shroud. The inner chamber has an opening on one side, and one or a plurality of handles fixably attached to the chamber and extending outwardly from the opening of that chamber. A pull line, fixably attached at one point to a first ribbon, and fixably attached at a second point to a ring, passes through at least one face of the chamber, so that when the pull line is pulled with sufficient force the chamber will rupture. A support member is attached to the inner chamber to provide attachment points for the first ribbon and additional ribbons. A shroud having openings on opposite sides is positioned atop the containing chamber to shroud the containing chamber. One of the shroud openings is positioned on the same side as the inner chamber opening.

Abstract: A three wheeled wireless controlled toy stunt vehicle capable of both highly elastic impact and less elastic impact with obstacles struck while the vehicle is in motion is disclosed. Two wheels are separately driven, and have tires with interiors that are vented to atmosphere. The third wheel has a tire with an interior that is sealed and pressurized. The pressurized tire is capable of highly elastic impact when it strikes obstacles while the toy vehicle is in motion. The non-pressurized tires are characterized by a less elastic impact with obstacles. The third wheel has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the drive wheels. All components of the vehicle are contained within the two planes tangent to the three wheels, such that the toy vehicle may be operated on either of its two major sides.

Abstract: A generally tubular doll body having hinged upper and lower leg portions. The doll body is provided with arms sockets for freely rotatable arms and a stem for receiving a head. The doll can be accessorized with tubular dresses, skirts, bracelets etc. The doll further includes a head portion on which various hair designs can be placed.

Abstract: A self-propelled toy is disclosed that utilizes a combination of outboard “legs” and at least one inboard drive wheel in order to provide movement of the device over smooth and irregular terrain. The outboard legs are especially configured and adapted so as to cause of wobbling of the device during movement so as to enhance contact of the outboard legs with irregular terrain for improved mobility and to allow the device to engage and climb elevated surfaces.

Abstract: A modular toy construction system employing frictional channel connections, which supports combining an assortment of simple modular components without special tools. The system includes a series of post, panels and foundation pieces. Channels are pre-cut to allow the panels to slide into place, or for connectors to seat in the channels of adjacent pieces forming a clean joint between two channeled parts. Assembly in this fashion provides a friction fit and achieves substantial stability. This stability is present in completed and partially assembled structures, allowing whole projects or sections thereof to be moved during construction with minimal risk of structural collapse. The system supports the possibilities of a wide variety of configurations and specialty pieces, which may be added to effect distinct characteristics, features and looks.

Abstract: The present invention includes a toy figure having a torso connected to a first leg and a second leg. A first motor is secured in the torso and is in communication with a first gear train, which is meshed to a fastener in the first leg, such that when the figure is in a standing position, the first motor causes the torso to move in relation to the first leg. A second motor is secured in the second leg and is in communication with a second gear train, which is rotatably attached to the torso such that when the figure is in the standing position, the second motor causes the second leg to move in relation to the first leg along the axis. A circuit board has pre-programmed instructions that when the figure is in the standing position controls the motors such that the figure walks across the surface.