Abstract: A crib mobile comprises a base assembly, a support bar mounted on the base assembly, and a body assembly mounted on the support bar, The body assembly includes a motor for rotating a support frame. The support frame has a clover-leaf configuration comprising a plurality of contiguous lobes each having a circularly opening. A plurality of character elements are mounted on each of the lobes and are rotatable thereabout. The character elements simulate the appearance of an animal figure and may include peripheral portions which are pivotally attached to the character element and are rotatable relative to one another. Each of the character elements includes a musical instrument and a movable member for simulating the playing of the musical instrument in response to gravitational forces acting upon the movable member during rotation of the support frame. The base assembly produces preprogrammed music during the simulated playing of the musical instruments.

Abstract: A crib mobile comprises a base assembly, a support bar mounted on the base assembly, and a body assembly mounted on the support bar, The body assembly includes a motor for rotating a support frame. The support frame has a clover-leaf configuration comprising a plurality of contiguous lobes each having a circularly opening. A plurality of character elements are mounted on each of the lobes and are rotatable thereabout. The character elements simulate the appearance of an animal figure and may include peripheral portions which are pivotally attached to the character element and are rotatable relative to one another. Each of the character elements includes a musical instrument and a movable member for simulating the playing of the musical instrument in response to gravitational forces acting upon the movable member during rotation of the support frame. The base assembly produces preprogrammed music during the simulated playing of the musical instruments.

Abstract: A mechanical beading system is disclosed. Specifically, the beading system rotates a stiff but flexible beading wire inside an appropriately-shaped container of beads, causing them to slide onto the open end of the beading wire. The beading wire engages the beading mechanism with an endpiece which also allows the beading wire to be removeably fixed in place to complete the work.

Abstract: A toy doll includes a body having an opening simulating a mouth and first and second electrical switches, each switch being disposed proximal to the simulated mouth and activatable by an object inserted at least partially into the mouth. A speaker is attached to the body. An electrical circuit including an integrated circuit chip is electrically connected with the switches and with the speaker. A base configured as a feeding tray is disposed externally of and is detachably connected with the body. The base has three external switches electrically connected with the circuit chip. The circuit chip has a plurality of memory registers, each register storing a separate signal corresponding to a separate audio message. The chip is configured to randomly select a prompt signal from the memory registers and to transmit the stored signal to the speaker. The prompt signal prompts the user to select a specified one of the switches. The chip is also configured to compare the selected switch with the specified switch.

Abstract: An illusory liquid apparatus is disclosed which provides the illusion of an item appearing and disappearing. An illusory item is suspended in a translucent or opaque fluid, and raised and lowered to alternatively be visible at the top of the fluid, and hidden under the surface of the fluid. Also disclosed is a new means for moving the illusory item by means of magnetic attraction. A magnetic attractor is placed in the illusory item, and magnetic attraction is used to raise and lower the illusory item. Alternatively, liquid may be moved to alternatively cover a fixed illusory item and then reveal it, or a mechanical linkage used to raise and lower the illusory item in the liquid. A new configuration for an illusory liquid apparatus is also disclosed in which the completely sealed outer body and inner vessel of the illusory liquid apparatus avoids the use of complex mechanical linkages.

Abstract: A textured surface improvement for puzzles is disclosed. A flocking material is applied to selected areas of a multi-piece puzzle. If the puzzle portrays an image, the areas and flocking are matched to provide greater realism and entertainment value. The flocking material also guides the user and makes the puzzle easier to reassemble.