Abstract: A snowball launching and batting apparatus comprising a barrel member, a handle member, and a knob feature, the handle member further comprising a primary cradle structure configured to accept, form, and store snow or snowballs. The apparatus further comprises a secondary cradle structure capable of coupling the primary cradle structure and configured to accept, form, and store snow or snowballs. The knob feature may further comprise a depression configured to form snowballs. The apparatus is further configured to have an extended and retracted state. A user inserts snow into the barrel and cradle structure to form a snowball and inserts it into the apparatus while in an extended state. Launching the snowballs from the apparatus may comprise swinging the apparatus or applying a force to the handle member to quickly move it from an extended state to a retracted state.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a toy deformable to several structural configurations. The toy includes two endcaps connected by a plurality of pliable ribs. The toy may be deformed into a low-profile configuration by pressing the endcaps together, the ribs bending outward to accommodate the deformation. The toy may be deformed into a high-profile configuration by squeezing the ribs together, the endcaps being pushed apart to accommodate the deformation. While pressure is not applied to the toy, the toy may enter a non-deformed configuration wherein the ribs and the toy as a whole take on a substantially spherical form. A retention device may also be utilized to confine the toy to a specific configuration.

Abstract: A snowball launching and batting apparatus comprising a barrel member, a handle member, and a knob feature, the handle member further comprising a primary cradle structure configured to accept, form, and store snow or snowballs. The apparatus further comprises a secondary cradle structure capable of coupling the primary cradle structure and configured to accept, form, and store snow or snowballs. The knob feature may further comprise a depression configured to form snowballs. The apparatus is further configured to have an extended and retracted state. A user inserts snow into the barrel and cradle structure to form a snowball and inserts it into the apparatus while in an extended state. Launching the snowballs from the apparatus may comprise swinging the apparatus or applying a force to the handle member to quickly move it from an extended state to a retracted state.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a toy deformable to several structural configurations. The toy includes two endcaps connected by a plurality of pliable ribs. The toy may be deformed into a low-profile configuration by pressing the endcaps together, the ribs bending outward to accommodate the deformation. The toy may be deformed into a high-profile configuration by squeezing the ribs together, the endcaps being pushed apart to accommodate the deformation. While pressure is not applied to the toy, the toy may enter a non-deformed configuration wherein the ribs and the toy as a whole take on a substantially spherical form. A retention device may also be utilized to confine the toy to a specific configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aerodynamic throwing toy having a general geometry of a shape formed by taking a sphere of a desired radius, with a disc of a desired height removed from the sphere's equatorial region. The remaining partial hemispherical portions are rejoined along their respective base sections. The resulting toy is round from a plan view, and has an edge, visible in a side view. The toy rotates about the center of its joined partial hemispherical portions while in flight. The toy can be thrown like a baseball, can spin while in flight, and can usually be caught with one hand. The height of the disc can be determined from a predetermined angle of latitude of the sphere. The aerodynamic throwing toy can have dimples disposed circumferentially about the toy. The toy can have various graphics, designs or patterns disposed on the outer surface of the toy.

Abstract: An activity center includes a plurality of polygonal frames pivotally connected together. Each frame includes an open area accessible from each side thereof and an activity device mounted therein whereby each device is accessible from either side of its respective frame. At least some of the activity devices are movable with respect to their respective frames. Particular elements of the activity center are interchangeable among the respective activity devices and the devices are generally cooperable with each other, therey enhancing the usefulness of the apparatus.