Abstract: An article, such as a towel, having an opening to secure a twirling mechanism thereto. The twirling mechanism having a handle extending from a bottom portion thereof and having a mechanism to permit rotating of the handle with respect to the fabric-article, such that the fabric article is capable of twirling around the twirling mechanism. The twirling mechanism may in other embodiments include noise maker when the handle is rotated.

Abstract: A toy top playing apparatus for one person to play a toy top spinning game. A main body of the apparatus is provided with a display portion for displaying a game point, a play stage for spinning a toy top thereon, a dummy toy top simulating a toy top and arranged on the play stage, a sensor for detecting contact between the toy top and the dummy toy top, and a control section for processing the game point displayed on the display portion when the sensor detects the contact. The dummy toy top rotates on its axis, and a rotational direction thereof is controlled.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved hoop-type amusement device adapted with a counter for counting the number of revolutions achieved by the user. The counter is preferably adapted for attachment to any of a variety of hoop type devices, including the HULA HOOP, as well as specially configured hoop type devices, such as the type that may be formed from a plurality of variously sized and shaped connectable components that are selectively interconnected by the user to form a simple or complex hoop configuration of a particular desired size and shape. The counter functions to count the number of revolutions achieved by the user thereby allowing the user to monitor and gage performance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hula-hoop, which applies pressing force in a vertical direction as well as in a horizontal direction when the hula-hoop is rotated, thus achieving a good exercise effect, and which performs an acupressure action and a compression action using acupressure protrusions. The hula-hoop includes first and second rings (10, 20). Protruding parts (11, 21) and grooves (12, 22) are alternately provided on the first and second rings (10, 20). Streamlined body pressing space (30) is defined between the grooves (12, 22) by attaching inward protruding parts (11, 21) to each other, so that the waist flesh (h) is pinched between the grooves, thus providing pressing force in a vertical direction.

Abstract: An artificial eye structure rotates an artificial upper eyelid via the attraction between a number of electromagnetic elements disposed in a line and a magnet. The rotation angle of the artificial upper eyelid can be controlled by selectively magnetizing the electromagnetic elements.

Abstract: A play and/or exercise hoop for hip gyration is formed of a tube formed into a circle, the tube having a cross-section with a flat outwardly facing wall suitable for accepting a decorative strip adhered thereto. The cross-sectional shape of the tube is D-shaped.

Abstract: A solar power ornamental device that features spinning, expandable decorative element displays a constantly changing array of colors when light is reflected from the rotating decorative element. The ornamental display includes: (a) a mounting assembly that includes a base that is rotatable about an axis; (b) means for rotating the rotatable base; and (c) an expandable decorative element that is secured to the rotatable base whereby the expandable decorative element is radially expandable when subjected to centrifugal forces that develop when the rotatable base is rotated.

Abstract: An embodiment of a baton apparatus may include a grip having an inner ring and an outer ring. The inner ring may have a handle. The outer ring may be mounted concentric to the inner ring and be movable/slidable with respect to the inner ring. A ratchet assembly that is positioned on the grip may also be provided for driving the outer ring in a predetermined direction. In addition, at least two arms may be provided that are mounted to, and extend radially outward from, the outer ring. In operation, the ratchet may function to permit the outer ring to remain substantially stationary as the inner ring is rotated in a first direction, and then function to permit the inner ring to drive the outer ring as the inner ring is rotated in a second opposite direction.

Abstract: A portable device comprises a motor for providing vibration, a power source for powering the motor, a switching device for controlling the direction of the motor, propelling means for engaging a surface and for propelling the device when the motor is vibrating, the propelling means extending downwardly at an angle to the vertical, and an input device connected to the switching device, the switching device arranged to switch the direction of the motor when the input device receives a predetermined signal. Advantageously, the propelling means comprise a set of bristles. By using angled bristles, this increases friction in the backwards direction and so causes the device to move forwards when vibrating. The bristles dig into surface when vibration tries to move the object backwards, and the bristles slide over surface when vibration tries to move object forwards.

Abstract: An entertainment apparatus and methods propelling toy vehicles about multiple tracks providing a variety of play modes while mechanically driven by a single motor and simple belt sub-system. A motor and a plurality of adjacent discs disposed in the same horizontal plane are mechanically engaged with the motor for rotating the discs simultaneously in the same direction. An object alternately engages each of the plurality of discs and at least one transition area is adjacent the plurality of discs and disposed in the same horizontal plane for facilitating the action of the object about the plurality of discs. One or more objects are propelled about one or more tracks providing a variety of play modes.

Abstract: A dreidel has a flasher that visually enhances the experience of play. The dreidel can include a rotatable body having four sides, the rotatable body including at least one flashing device; each of the four sides having a transparent or translucent window, each window being marked with a Hebrew letter selected from ?(Nun), ?(Gimel), ?(Hei), ?(Shin) or ?(Pei); and a handle protruding from the rotatable body, the handle being configured to turn the flashing device on and off.

Abstract: A hoop suitable for producing bubbles is constructed by forming an arcurate hollow loop by a connector, filling the hoop with a low surface tension liquid, feeding the liquid through a channel in the connector to a film forming element. The film is removed by an air flow through the film forming element to form a bubble. The liquid is moved through the hoop and into the film forming element by centrifugal force and subsequently removed by an air flow through the film forming element caused by rotation of the hoop by gyration of the hips.

Abstract: The invention is a yo-yo in which at least one of the yo-yo's sides includes a powered rotation system capable of maintaining the yo-yo's rotation when the yo-yo is sleeping at the end of its tether. The system functions by converting one of the yo-yo's sides into a motor, and in one embodiment includes a number of permanent magnets, an electromagnet, a sensor capable of detecting a magnet field, and a power source. Also disclosed is the use of a programmable controller to control the system. In another embodiment of the rotation system, a reflector, an energy emitter and a complementary sensor are employed to lead to an actuation of the electromagnet.

Abstract: A gaming device for enhancing sporting event on television including an assembled unit loaded with a number of pins/flags and a remote control through which the unit receives radio/infrared signals in order to actuate the device. A right arm of the figurine is connected to a stepper motor and can be placed on top of the assembled unit. When the user depresses the button on the remote control the stepper motor makes one revolution and the hand portion of the arm makes contact with the pin/flag and ejects the pin/flag out of the assembled unit in order to signal rule infractions associated with a game. The device simply gives users the satisfaction of calling their own penalties, and or counts the number of actual penalties in the game.

Abstract: A weightable hoop system comprising: a single bodied molded hoop with a top and a bottom comprising: a first annular volume located at the top; a second annular volume located at the bottom; a pinch seal located between the first annular volume and the second annular volume, and preventing fluid communication between the first annular volume and the second annular volume; a first threaded input member in fluid communication with the first annular volume; and a second threaded input member in fluid communication with the first annular volume.

Abstract: A rotating structure capable of revolution and rotation includes a base, a gear device mounted on the base, and an ornament coupled to a rotation shaft of the gear device. The present invention uses the gear device to turn the ornament. The gear device has another rotation shaft fixed to the base. When an external force is applied to turn the gear device, the gear device will generate power for the ornament to rotate itself and to move around, providing a dual effect of rotation and revolution. By the difference between the two rotational speeds, the present invention provides a novel vision effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a playing device with which a player can perform more diversified plays. A playing device 1 comprises a beam 11 disposed such that its longitudinal direction is directed laterally and which is configured such that a player Y can move on the outer circumferential surface thereof under a standing state along the longitudinal direction; a first support mechanism and a second support mechanism which are disposed at a distance in the longitudinal direction of the beam 11 for supporting the both end portions of the beam 11, respectively, the first support mechanism and the second support mechanism for supporting the beam 11 such that one or both end portions of the beam 11 can displaces freely in the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction; and a drive mechanism for driving the beam 11 to displace one or both end portions thereof in the intersecting direction.

Abstract: A hula hoop has a plurality of arched coupling units, which are plastic molded articles and coupled to one another in sequence to complete a circular assembly. Each coupling unit is centrally formed with an expanded acupressure portion, and has one end formed into a bolt-shaped coupling portion and the other end formed into a nut-shaped coupling portion. Thereby, the bolt-shaped coupling portion of one coupling unit is able to be forcibly fitted into and fastened to the nut-shaped coupling portion of another neighboring coupling unit. Each coupling unit is densely wound, throughout an outer peripheral surface of the overall body thereof except for the coupling portions, by a braid that is made by interweaving a plurality of strands. Metal or plastic connecting members are fitted around the respective coupling portions between the neighboring coupling units in the course of assembling of the coupling units.

Abstract: A hand-held light-up toy including a see-through housing, a handle connected to the see-through housing, a light source assembly rotatably mounted within the see-through housing, the light source assembly comprising a housing and a printed circuit board mounted within the housing, a plurality of light sources mounted on the printed circuit board, a power source disposed within the handle, motor disposed within the handle and connected to the power source, having a motor shaft extending therefrom, a rotation means disposed within the handle and connected to the motor shaft, and to the printed circuit board assembly for rotating the printed circuit board assembly when the motor is turned on, and an on/off switch assessable on the handle for selectively activating the power source and the motor.

Abstract: A system is provided for representing an autonomous entity, which may be a winged entity. In a particular embodiment, the system includes a vessel having an interior that is viewable from outside the vessel. The system further includes a rotational drive system, a flexible shaft connected to the rotational drive system for rotation by the rotational drive system, and a display object positioned in the interior of the vessel and connected to the flexible shaft at a position that is spaced from the rotational drive system. In a particular embodiment, the display object has a plurality of wings, including a first wing and a second wing that is generally opposed to the first wing. Rotation of the flexible shaft causes the display object to move within the vessel.

Abstract: A jousting element for use in a game. The jousting element has a body which is arranged around a cylindrically aligned vertical axis. The body is configured to rotate about the vertical axis and to be carried above a playing surface. A traveling component connected to the body enables the body of the jousting element to be carried above the playing surface along multiple directions of travel. Attached to the body is a first playing component. The first playing component enables the jousting element to engage a second jousting element.

Abstract: Apparatus including at least three 3-dimensional shapes, a first one of the 3-dimensional shapes being rotatably supported within a second one of the 3-dimensional shapes, the second one of the 3-dimensional shapes being rotatably supported within a third one of the 3-dimensional shapes, at least one of the 3-dimensional shapes including an opening capable of connecting at least one of the shapes to another one of the shapes.

Abstract: The present invention is a kind of innovative method to manufacture the hula loops and their products, which directly joints two ends of the hollow plastic pipe together to form an integrated body by a hot welding method. And, it is different from other ordinary methods that need to utilize a sleeved element or jointing device to joint then form the hula loop. It can not only reduce the waste of materials but also shorten the time required for manufacturing. Thus, it can reach the purpose of largely saving the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: An overturn prevention control device includes a bicycle robot capable of freely laterally inclining, an angular velocity sensor mounted on the bicycle robot such that a detection axis thereof extends in a substantially longitudinal direction of the bicycle robot, a motor mounted on the body such that a rotating shaft thereof extends in a substantially longitudinal direction of the body, a rotation sensor that detects a rotational position or a rotational speed of the motor, and an inertial rotor coupled to the rotating shaft of the motor. The overturn prevention control device corrects inclination of the bicycle robot by rotating the inertial rotor using the motor and by utilizing a reaction torque occurring when the inertial rotor is rotated. The overturn prevention control device further includes an inclination angle estimating portion arranged to estimate an inclination angle relative to a balanced state.

Abstract: A magnetic attraction type motion display toy includes a base having a non-ferromagnetic spacer board at the top, a see-through hollow shell covering the base, a free-flow substance contained in the enclosed space defined by the see-through hollow shell and the base, a first magnet and a second magnet respectively provided at the top and bottom sides of the non-ferromagnetic spacer board for synchronous rotation by an external driving force by means of magnetic attraction, a rotary member fastened to the first magnet at the top and supporting an ornament, and a driving device mounted in the base for rotating the second magnet to cause synchronous rotation of the rotary member with the first magnet so that rotation of the rotary member causes the free-flow substance to flow in the enclosed space.

Abstract: A play and/or exercise hoop for hip gyration is formed of a tube formed into a circle, the tube having a cross-section with a flat outwardly facing wall suitable for accepting a decorative strip adhered thereto. The cross-sectional shape of the tube is D-shaped.

Abstract: A play and/or exercise hoop for hip gyration is formed of a tube formed into a circle, the tube having a cross-section with a flat outwardly facing wall suitable for accepting a decorative strip adhered thereto. The cross-sectional shape of the tube is preferably D-shaped, with the flat wall of the D extending between two outwardly projecting ribs.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a system for deflecting and distributing liquid from a liquid source is provided. The system comprises a dispersing element disposed along an elongated member, and a retaining structure adapted to enclose at least a portion of the elongated member. The dispersing element further comprises a series of diagonal, spaced grooves configured to receive and deflect the liquid. The dispersing element and the elongated member are configured to rotate and precess relatively freely within the retaining structure.

Abstract: A launchable doll having arms, legs and wings fixed to the doll at a waist level thereof which impart aerodynamic lift to the doll when the doll is rotated A set including the launchable doll and a launcher including a base, a tube that contains the legs and a mechanism that rotates the tube and the doll with respect to the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hula hoop, in which a main body is made of soft synthetic resin (semisolid) so that the inner circumferential surface of the main body can be readily turned over to the outside so as to be used for both of a hula hoop provided with the higher projections thereon and a hula hoop with the lower projections thereon, as desired, thereby providing an acupressure effect which cannot be easily be compared with that of the conventional hula hoop. That is, the original shape of the hula hoop of the present invention is maintained due to a certain degree of rigidities thereof, when it is not used.

Abstract: A novelty apparatus which includes .a rotationally symmetrical hollow body having an axis; a shaft having an axis and first and second axial extremities, the axis of the shaft being disposed in the rotationally symmetrical hollow body with the axis thereof disposed substantially coincident with the axis of the rotationally symmetrical body; first and second bearings disposed at axially spaced portions of the shaft and supporting the shaft for rotational movement about the axis thereof; a disc fixed to the shaft; and a motor for driving the shaft. Some forms of the novelty apparatus include a switch and battery for connection in series to the motor. Some forms include a housing having first and second discrete sections that are dimensioned and configured to be selectively coupled together to permit selective access to the interior of the housing for installation of a battery. The selectively coupled housing sections may include mating lips.

Abstract: A hula hoop comprised of multiple curved bodies which combine with a plurality of curved inner lids, and whereon multiple built-in hollows are installed at the curved inner lids and a plurality of soft protrusions are provide on the surface of the curved inner lids. The soft protrusions correspond to hollows of the curved inner lids such that the protrusions are drawn into the hollows when the protrusions make contact with the user's body, avoiding injury. In addition, the curved body comprises an inserting piece and an inserting aperture at two ends such that each curved body combines with the curved inner lid and can be connected to one another, forming a circular hula hoop.

Abstract: A twirling prop devoid of a gun barrel and for use by a marching band or the like is provided. The twirling prop includes a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a base, a distal end, and a midline. The top surface, bottom surface, and base are non-colinear and are constructed such that at least a portion of each can be gripped. Openings extending laterally through the body of the twirling prop can be present and can, in certain instances, provide a means for gripping the twirling prop. Such openings can be positioned anywhere along the length of the body between the top surface and the bottom surface and can be of any size and shape desired.

Abstract: A muscle building tool for providing an effective upper body workout. The present invention includes a circular ring having substantially planar upper and lower surfaces, and a handle portion that extends perpendicularly from the circular ring. The handle portion is held within a hand of the user and is rotated to exercise the muscles of the user.

Abstract: The invention is a yo-yo in which at least one of the yo-yo's sides includes a powered rotation system capable of maintaining the yo-yo's rotation when the yo-yo is sleeping at the end of its tether. The system functions by converting one of the yo-yo's sides into a motor, and includes a number of permanent magnets, an electromagnet, a sensor capable of detecting a magnet field, and a power source.

Abstract: A centrifugal dispensing apparatus with a centrifugal dispensing drum that can be divided into compartments and that has at least one open inner volume for retaining a volume of flowable material, an exit aperture for each open inner volume for allowing flowable material to pass during a rotation of the centrifugal dispensing drum, and a drive shaft. A catch shield or a cam operated plunger arrangement for sealing off the exit aperture in a directionally sensitive manner can be provided. Flowable material can be deposited in lines onto flat surfaces, curved surfaces, and non-flat surfaces that can be rendered flat after the application of flowable material thereto. The centrifugal dispensing drum, which can be modular, can take the form of a top or can be retained by a gimbaled gyroscopic arrangement.

Abstract: A plush toy that has a spinning nose construction. The plush toy includes a plush character form made of a sewn body shell that is filled with soft stuffing. The sewn body shell terminates along open seam edges in a head section. The open seam edges define an opening. A motor is positioned in the head section of the plush character form. The motor is positioned so that the shaft protrudes out of the head section through the opening. To prevent the motor from moving, the open seam edges of the sewn body shell are fastened directly to the motor. A nose structure is provided that is coupled to the motor. The nose structure includes a proboscis and a plurality of elongated elements that radially extend from the proboscis. An array of lights can be attached to at least one of the elongated elements.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hula-hoop, which applies pressing force in a vertical direction as well as in a horizontal direction when the hula-hoop is rotated, thus achieving a good exercise effect, and which performs an acupressure action and a compression action using acupressure protrusions. The hula-hoop includes first and second rings (10, 20). Protruding parts (11, 21) and grooves (12, 22) are alternately provided on the first and second rings (10, 20). Streamlined body pressing space (30) is defined between the grooves (12, 22) by attaching inward protruding parts (11, 21) to each other, so that the waist flesh (h) is pinched between the grooves, thus providing pressing force in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A spinning toy system and its method of providing rotational energy to a spinning toy. A platform is provided having a bottom surface and a friction ring that encircles the bottom surface. A spinning toy assembly is provided that has a point upon which it spins in a balanced condition. The spinning toy assembly is initially set to spin on the platform at a low RPM rate. The platform is then manipulated to cause the spinning toy assembly to repeatedly contact the friction ring. The spinning toy assembly gathers rotational speed as it contacts the moving friction ring and accelerates from its initial RPM rate to a rate much faster. Once up to full speed, the spinning toy assembly can be removed from the platform and used for even more play.

Abstract: An amusement device having a rotating carriage and means for rotating the carriage. A plurality of spaced apart sliding members is connected to the rotating carriage. A plurality of magnetic actuators, act upon the sliding members as the sliding members rotate relative to the magnetic actuators. An electromagnetic force applied by the magnetic actuators to the sliding members causes the device to lift.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved hoop-type amusement device adapted with a counter for counting the number of revolutions achieved by the user. The counter is preferably adapted for attachment to any of a variety of hoop type devices, including the HULA HOOP, as well as specially configured hoop type devices, such as the type that may be formed from a plurality of variously sized and shaped connectable components that are selectively interconnected by the user to form a simple or complex hoop configuration of a particular desired size and shape. The counter functions to count the number of revolutions achieved by the user thereby allowing the user to monitor and gage performance.

Abstract: A hand-held amusement device is provided for spinning a ball. The ball spinning device has a ball shaft having a hand-held portion and a finger portion. The hand-held portion is configured to be grippe by a user's hand. The finger portion has a distal end which includes a receiving space that is adapted to receive a connection shaft. The ball spinning device has a cup that receives the connection shaft. The cup has a recessed hole configured to receive a bearing ball. The bearing ball is in contact with the connection shaft providing a low friction surface which allows the cup to freely rotate on the ball shaft.

Abstract: A sequencing game is provided with a housing and a microprocessor disposed within the housing. A plurality of manually operable controls are affixed to the housing and are in communication with the microprocessor. The microprocessor generates and sensorially renders a sequence of events, wherein each event is related to one of the manually operable controls. Each manually operable control is externally acutable by a participant for responding to said sequence of signals. The microprocessor further compares the participant's response to said sequence of events for determining the correctness of the participant's response. The difficultly of the game is increased with a motor that drives wheels which move the game while the sequence of events are being sensorially rendered.

Abstract: A hoop for play and exersise activities is provided that may be collapsed for easy transport and storage.

Abstract: A drive unit for driving a mobile assembly where the mobile assembly includes a mobile and a rotational coupling unit for storing and delivering energy to the mobile and where the mobile assembly has an oscillating period. The drive unit includes a motor for connecting to the mobile assembly, a power source, a motor driver for providing power from the power source to the motor and a control unit for controlling the motor driver to provide drive-pulse impulses to the motor with a low duty cycle and with a pulse period tailored to the mobile assembly.

Abstract: An improved hoop assembly that may be alternately formed from a plurality of variously sized and shaped connectable components that are selectively interconnected by the user to form a simple or complex hoop configuration of a particular desired size and shape is disclosed. A plurality of hoop components may have opposing ends that are adapted for mating engagement with other components to form a hoop of a particular size and shape. In addition, the hoop components include connector components that enable hoop components to be connected in concentric configurations. The various components thus may be assembled into a wide variety of hoop configurations, whether annular or otherwise, thereby enhancing fun and enjoyment.

Abstract: A display ornament includes a transparent or translucent container for hanging on a Christmas tree or support, a light source, an ornament in the container, a driving mechanism, a circuit board with a solenoid for causing the driving mechanism to rotate the ornament, and a solar panel for collecting light energy from the light source and converting light energy into electrical energy for the working of the circuit board.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hula-hooping device having no hoop. The hula-hooping device includes a case having a circular inner space, and a movable-object movably accommodated inside of the inner space. The movable-object performs a circular motion inside the inner space of the case by means of centrifugal force as the case performs a circular motion. A hanger is combined with the case. The case is comprised of a circular-shaped lower case, an upper case facing and combined with the lower case to form the inner space, and a connection means for combining the upper and lower cased into one unit.

Abstract: An inflatable Ferris wheel that can be rotated by a motor has a base having a pedestal chamber connected to two sidewall chambers, and an inflatable wheel having two end-plate chambers connected to a central hub chamber. A major hollow shaft is located through the end-plate chambers of the inflatable wheel to rotatably mount the wheel in the open space defined by the sidewalls of the base. Multiple ornaments are attached to minor hollow shafts and rotatably mounted to the inflatable wheel. A blower-fan mounted on a seat is connected to an intake pipe at one of the sidewall chambers to inflate the Ferris wheel. A motor with an arbor is located inside one of the sidewall chambers and is attached to the major hollow shaft. The motor rotates the inflatable wheel and the ornaments to create a dynamic sight and an exciting atmosphere.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a hoop having an inner circumference that generally forms a circle with an inner diameter sufficient to receive portion of a human body therethrough. A weighted member is slidably secured onto the hoop to increase a centrifugal force of the hoop when in use. The weighted member has a central body with two ends diametrically opposed and has a hollow channel aligned with the two ends. The two ends being sized to slide over the hoop. Bushings may be inserted into the two ends to reduce friction.