Abstract: Magnetic joints for toy figurines are provided. In one embodiment, the magnetic joint comprises a socket which is formed in a first figurine component and includes a ring magnet, and a ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion attached to a second figurine component, wherein the ring magnet receives and is magnetically coupled to the ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion. In another embodiment, the magnetic joint comprises a socket which is formed in a first figurine component and includes a magnet having a recess, a ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion attached to a second figurine component, and an O-ring positioned between the magnet and the ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion. In another embodiment, the magnetic joint comprises a flexible socket attached to a first figurine component and having a magnet positioned therein, and a ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion attached to a second figurine component and magnetically coupled with the flexible socket.

Abstract: Magnetic joints for toy figurines are provided. In one embodiment, the joints include a pair of sockets with magnets formed therein and a ball positioned between the sockets, wherein the sockets are magnetically coupled to the ball and allow for rotation and angulation of coupled components. Friction inlays or O-rings could be provided between the ball and the sockets to retain the coupled components in one or more desired positions. In another embodiment, the joints include complementary, generally planar surfaces having magnets embedded therein for coupling the planar surfaces and allowing rotation and indexing of coupled parts. Conductive regions could be provided in the planar surfaces to allow power transmission through the joints. In another embodiment, the joints include a magnetically-coupled peg and socket for providing rotation and indexing of coupled parts.

Abstract: A construction kit having various construction elements including truss and joint connectors with each truss connector having a light source associated therewith and each joint connector connectable to a power source so as to energize the various truss connectors directly or indirectly operatively connected thereto. The various construction elements cooperate to be expandable into any of a variety of structural profiles and to provide an attractive illuminated visual display. Additional design/construction flexibility is accomplished via additional connecting elements such as variously shaped panel connectors.

Abstract: A magnetic construction kit is provided for connecting base blocks with a variety of connecting rods. The construction kit includes a base block and a connecting rod having at least one magnetic connector suitable for cooperating with another magnet and/or for holding a spherical object. A stud connector can be included for attachment of the connecting rod to a stud of the base block. The stud connector may mechanically connect onto a stud extending from an exposed surface of the base block. Alternatively, the stud and stud connector may also have a magnetic attachment by providing a magnet in the stud connector and providing a stud made of, or coated with, a ferromagnetic material. The construction kit may also include different connecting rod structures that are suitable for achieving mechanical and/or magnetic connections to different sized base blocks.

Abstract: The cotton candy machine includes a base and a bowl attached thereto. A spinner is included for rotating sugar as well as a heating assembly for heating sugar which falls on a plate of the spinner. A cap is also provided and is attached to the spinner. The cotton candy machine is also equipped with various safety devices. For example, an interlock safety switch is used to indicate whether the bowl has been removed from the cotton candy machine while the cotton candy machine is in operation. A reed switch/magnet arrangement is utilized to detect whether the cap has been removed from the cotton candy machine. Sensors are provided to detect mechanical malfunctions. Thermostats are also employed to monitor and to sense an overheat condition in the cotton candy machine.