Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention there is described a vehicle having a propeller mechanism for propelling the vehicle in a horizontal direction. The vehicle includes a transmitter positioned on the bottom of the vehicle for transmitting a signal from the vehicle downwardly away from the vehicle. A receiver is positioned on the bottom of the vehicle for receiving the signal as it is bounced off of a surface, defined as a bounced signal. A control system is also provided that automatically sets a speed of the propeller mechanism in response to the receiver. The control system sets the speed of the propeller mechanism to a first speed when the receiver receives the bounced signal and the control system sets the speed of the propeller mechanism to a second speed when the receiver does not receive the bounced signal. The first speed is predefined as a speed that causes the vehicle to gain altitude, while the second speed is predefined as a speed that causes the vehicle to lose altitude.

Abstract: A universal chassis which may be assembled with modular componentry allowing for a play pattern with the user in which modification of the overall construction of the vehicle is encouraged. The modularity is purposely built in to allow users to modify their Battlebot chassis. In operating the configured vehicle, two motors, i.e., left and right, are provided with pulsed controlled operation to facilitate two-speed performance. The ability to transmit/receive IR signals modulated on one or more of multiple carriers facilitates the play pattern with simultaneous operation of multiple vehicles. An impact sensor or the like provides for detecting impacts, and processor control may be used for counting impacts in order to modify the functionality accorded to the user with the universal chassis.

Abstract: A handheld portable oral cleaning device that includes a refillable internal bladder, which a user is able to fill with a liquid. The bladder is preferably an expandable but resilient latex rubber. One end of the bladder is accessible to the user, such that the user may fill the bladder with a liquid, such as water from a faucet. As the bladder fills with water it expands and exerts a pressure on the water as the bladder has a tendency to return to its original unfilled form. The pressurized water may then be sprayed out of the oral cleaning device to assist in cleaning the user's mouth.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an oral cleaning device is provided with a nozzle to jet a pressurized liquid. The oral cleaning device has a body, a neck extending from the body and a head attached to the neck. The oral cleaning device further includes a refillable reservoir defined by the body for holding a liquid. An on-board pump is used to pressurize the liquid contained in the reservoir. The oral cleaning device further includes a channel from the reservoir to the nozzle in the head such that when pressurized fluid in the reservoir is released, the fluid jets from the oral cleaning device. The head and neck assembly is also interchangeable with other head and neck assemblies to provide different cleaning features. First, the nozzle by itself to remove plaque and to simulate flossing between teeth. Second, the nozzle with bristles and the head shaped to brush teeth. Third, the nozzle with bristles and the head shaped to brush a tongue.

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: There is provided in one embodiment a twisting figure that includes a head and body having a pair of arms and a lower leg section separately extending therefrom. A housing formed in the body contains a motor secured between a pair of horizontal plates. The plates are pivotally secured to the lower leg section. A combo gear is secured to the upper plate and in communication with the motor. The combo gear is arranged to reciprocate against a bumper that is secured to the lower leg section. When the combo gear reciprocates against the bumper, the pair of plates pivots back and forth causing the twisting figure to move therewith. The figure may also include a worm gear in communication with the motor and the pair of arms, such that when the motor rotates the pair of arms move upwardly or downwardly.

Abstract: A collision course including at least two vertically stacked looping track sections, each looping track section starts at a beginning area that connects to an upwardly extending curved section that peaks at an apex and then travels along a downwardly extending curved section. In order to stack the looping track sections vertically each looping track section is unsymmetrical. The downwardly extending curved sections feed into the beginning areas of the succeeding looping track section, and the downwardly extending curved section of the last (or third) looping track section feeds into the beginning area of the first looping track section. Each looping track section further intersects with another looping track section to define junctions. Gaps formed in each intersecting track section permit a vehicle to travel through the intersection unobstructively.

Abstract: A universal chassis which may be assembled with modular componentry allowing for a play pattern with the user in which modification of the overall construction of the vehicle is encouraged. The modularity is purposely built in to allow users to modify their Battlebot chassis. In operating the configured vehicle, two motors, i.e., left and right, are provided with pulsed controlled operation to facilitate two-speed performance. The ability to transmit/receive IR signals modulated on one or more of multiple carriers facilitates the play pattern with simultaneous operation of multiple vehicles. An impact sensor or the like provides for detecting impacts, and processor control may be used for counting impacts in order to modify the functionality accorded to the user with the universal chassis.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an interactive posable toy that when positioned in various configurations, emits electronic sounds and/or produces motions indicative of such configurations. The posable toy includes a head pivotally attached to an upper torso. The upper torso is also pivotally attached to a mid-section, which is further pivotally attached to a lower torso. The arms and legs of the posable toy are pivotally and/or rotatably attached to the upper torso and lower torso, via shoulder and hip joints, respectively. The posable toy also includes a motor coupled a pair of cams. When activated, one of the cams laterally rocks the upper torso while the other cam tilts the mid-section relative to the lower torso. Positioned within each joint are means for triggering responses to specific positions of the arms and legs. A PC board is coupled to the triggering means as well as a power source, the motor and a speaker unit.

Abstract: A toy bicycle that is a scale model including frame, seat, handlebar, front and rear wheel assemblies and front and rear suspension systems comparable to a full-sized bicycle. The bicycle may also include various rear and front brakes such that the user may apply a downward force to either the front or rear end of the bicycle and stop the turning of the respective wheel. There are also included various finger-operated attachments that permit the user to more readily and easily control the toy bicycle with one or more fingers.

Abstract: A toy bicycle that is a scale model including frame, seat, handlebar, front and rear wheel and drive assemblies comparable to a full-sized bicycle. There is also included front and rear braking mechanisms that can be readily and easily finger operated. The bicycle includes pedal and foot pegs that are oversized relative to the other components to facilitate finger operation of the bicycle. The handlebar is provided with projections to enable one playing with it to perform stunts.