Abstract: A novelty noisemaker and hand sign comprising a hand-shaped foam rubber body portion having a front panel and a rear panel. The invention has a vinyl plastic or other like material covering which is affixed continuously to said front panel. The rear panel contains five digit slits in a pattern such that the spectator can press his or her fingers into the slits to wear the novelty hand. The invention has an orifice in one of the comers of the bottom of said foam rubber body and a hand strap which is connected to the body through the orifice. The covering can be affixed with team logos, colors, slogans or the like such that the spectator can visually communicate his or her support.

Abstract: A doll includes a waist belt rotatably secured between upper and lower torso portions of the doll. A spring driven windup mechanism is supported within the upper torso of the doll and is operative to rotate the upper and lower torsos with respect to the waist belt. The waist belt further includes a pair of outwardly supported belt loops which may be used to hold the waist belt of the doll as the upper and lower torsos spin to simulate activities such as skating or dancing. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a cooperating support doll is configured to couple to the waist belt to simulate support typical of pairs skating or pairs dancing.

Abstract: A robot system including a robot, an operator control center and having a communication system connecting the robot and control center wherein an operator in the control center responds with natural movements to stimulus signals from the robot environment by issuing commands that control the robot. In one embodiment, the operator occupies a command chair with an exoskeletal arm that is secured to the "shoulder" (backrest) of the chair. The operator slides his hand into a glove of the invention attached to the end of the exoskeletal arm. He views the robot environment through a video screen and exerts control in response to views presented on the screen. The communication system sends signals to the operator glove in response to conditions at the robot site prompting the operator to take appropriate action.

Abstract: A display system is shown which comprises, in combination, a display panel and a modular multi-layer three dimensional figure which can be readily disassembled and re-assembled in different forms. The display panel has a structural member with a first and second outer covering member, at least one of which is a hook or loop material, and which outer coverings are joined at their lateral edges in a narrow, unobtrusive seam. The figure is comprised of a plurality of first flexible elements, flat in relaxed state, and having hook or loop fabric on at least one facial surface, and a plurality of second flexible elements, also flat in relaxed state, with hook or loop material on both facial surfaces which are releasably secured to the first flexible elements. A method of making the panel and a finger or hand puppet constructed from the flexible elements are also shown.

Abstract: A teething device is provided, including a web of sheet material constructed to be positioned around an infant's hand without substantially confining the infant's fingers, and a toy, mounted on the web of sheet material in a position so that it rests on the back of the infant's hand when the device is in use.

Abstract: A hand-held and manipulated eating toy for simulating eating, chewing, swallowing and discharge of objects by finger and thumb manipulation of a fabric mouth and throat, comprises a toy figure, which may be an animal, dinosaur, imaginary type figure, or the like, includes a mouth forming area with an introducing aperture and a discharge forming area with a discharge aperture. An inner fabric pouch is secured within the toy figure and has a first opening at a top end and a second opening at a bottom end. The first opening is positioned in the mouth forming area of the toy figure and the second opening is positioned in the discharge forming area of the toy figure. The second opening has mating pieces of hook and loop fastening material secured thereto for closure of the second opening. The inner fabric pouch is irregularly configured and has a bottom tapered base portion and a broadened portion secured to the bottom tapered base portion.

Abstract: A puppet is adapted to be mounted on a single human digit for providing animated motion of a figurine responsive to movement of the single human digit. The puppet comprises a hollow, elastic cap having an interior wall defining a cavity into which the single human digit is snugly received. The cap includes a resilient neck portion for supporting the figurine at a distance spaced from the single human digit such that movement of the single human digit causes the neck portion and the figurine to oscillate to and fro under the influence of the weight of the figurine.

Abstract: A puzzle toy including an arrangement of puzzle elements attached to hand engagement structures for locating the puzzle elements with respect to the hands in an unsolved puzzle orientation, such that upon placing the hands in a predetermined orientation a puzzle solution is achieved.

Abstract: The personalized needleless puppet kit includes at least two puppet blanks which are joined together using a yarn lace having a collared lead end for ease in threading of the lace through cooperating holes in the blanks, without requiring use of a needle. The blanks may then be decorated, as desired to produce a one or two character hand puppet, the blanks including generic ear portions which are trimmable to enhance features of the character(s) chosen for the puppet.

Abstract: An animal-like toy having hollow appendages into which a wearer can insert his arms and feet.

Abstract: The invention provides a finger puppet comprising a finger stall (30) formed of a resilient material and having a generally tubular configuration with a base area (31) extending generally parallel to the axis of the finger stall on the outer surface thereof. A plurality of inter-changeable human or animal facial head parts (33 to 37), each comprising a portion adapted to be secured to said base area by mutually engaging spigot and bore arrangements is also provided whereby each of said head parts is additionally spatially located on said base area by abutment with a portion of an adjacent head part. The arrangement allows the finger stall to be articulated to provide animation of the features.

Abstract: A puppet toy which can be transformed from a book to a puppet and vice versa is disclosed. The puppet toy comprises a cover having a pocket therein. A number of pages are connected to the cover, such that in one form the puppet toy is a book. A number of puppet features are located on the inside surface of the pocket of the cover. The puppet toy is turned inside-out to transform the book into a puppet.

Abstract: A movable hand sign 10 formed of several pieces of material 12,14,16,18 and a pair of inserts 20,22 for concealing and displaying advertisements or messages. The pieces of material 12,14,16,18 and the inserts 20,22 are assembled by sewing or stitching the pieces of material 12,14,16,18 together and securing the inserts 20,22 between them. A hand pocket 24 is formed in the assembled hand sign 10 which accommodates a hand 28 and fingers 30 of a user. The hand 28 and fingers 30 control the position of the hand sign 10. When the hand sign 10 is in a first position, a first surface 32 of a first piece of material 12 is displayed, a second surface 34 of a fourth piece of material 18 is displayed, and a third surface 36 of a third piece of material 16 is concealed.

Abstract: An integrally formed Christmas stocking and puppet is provided in combination with a story media sized to be contained within the open-ended cavity of the Christmas stocking. The Christmas stocking includes a sidewall having a first side and a second side, the first side carrying decorative means indicative of the Christmas season and the second side carrying decorative means defining a puppet character. The stocking is reversible such that in a first configuration the second side of the sidewall faces the interior of the stocking cavity and in a second configuration the first side of the sidewall faces the interior of the stocking cavity. The story media is attached to the second side of the sidewall in the vicinity of the closed end of the stocking cavity. A hanger is attached to the first side of the sidewall adjacent the open end of the stocking cavity.

Abstract: A toy hat, mask, puppet or the like on which fanciful animal, human or monster faces can be created by attaching discrete facial elements comprised of a nose, eyes, ears, cheeks and the like. They are made, in whole or part, from fabric materials of a "loop" fastening nature, which with selective parts may be transformed (intra-changed) to make different styled nose, ear, tongue, eyebrow and the like. These discrete formable parts along with the other inter-changeable parts may then be mounted to the "hook" fastening composite materials of the curved compound surface located in the area of the face, forehead and front scalp region of the toy and other like items. At least 50% of the area of this curved compound composite surface is covered by a "hook" material layer made up of an essentially non-extensively flexible "hook" of a woven and/or extruded product.

Abstract: The two-dimensional stuffed toy has a stiff cloth pocket sewn on its back. The opening of the pocket is approximately level with the base of the stuffed figure, such that, when the pocket is pulled away from the stuffed toy it provides a stable support to keep the toy upright when placed on a level surface. By inserting one's finger into the pocket, the stuffed toy may also be used as a finger puppet.

Abstract: For maximizing creative play, a hand puppet kit includes a sock-like body member formed of a flexible material to have a hand receiving opening at one end thereof. The kit also includes a separate sheet of flexible material together with at least one pattern for creating a piece in a predetermined shape from the separate sheet of flexible material. With these features, the hand puppet kit further includes at least one portion of a hook and loop fastener to be secured to the piece.

Abstract: A multiple configuration toy vehicle includes an elongated chassis supported by a plurality of wheels. A rear support is pivotally secured to the rear of the chassis. A creature includes a center body, a rear body and head. The head and rear body are pivotally secured to the center body. The rear body is removably securable to the rear support and includes foldable wings which open as the rear body pivots with respect to the center body.

Abstract: The present invention provides an action amusement set having as a primary member a self-propelled, multi-purpose doll that can be disassembled to reveal a gameball usable with various sporting accessories included with the amusement set. The multi-purpose doll is provided with a drive mechanism for propelling and turning the doll. A remote control unit is also provided for remotely controlling the drive mechanism. The action amusement set includes several types of gameballs that can be selectively incorporated in the multi-purpose doll but which are configured for play in connection with a particular sport. The sporting accessories of the amusement set include several components that may be arranged into suitable setups corresponding to a particular sport.

Abstract: Am improved manipulative articulated toy figure has rings attached to certain movable limbs and is operated by the fingers of a human hand for reproducing lifelike human or animal movement. The figure has a central body portion and a plurality of limbs movably mounted thereto. The rings extend outwardly from the limbs and each receives a human finger for independent manipulation of the limbs to control the movements of the articulated figure. The rings allow the figure to be selectively used as a conventional articulated toy figure or as a finger actuated puppet figure.

Abstract: A hand basket has a toy, such as a stuffed animal or the like, releasably attached exteriorly thereon. In one embodiment of this invention, the toy is formed integrally and has member parts thereof releasably attached on the basket. In a second described embodiment, feet of the toy are separate from the toy's main body portion and can be detached from the basket to constitute slippers. Further, the main body portion of the toy can be detached to constitute a puppet.

Abstract: A device for use in aiding a snowboard trainee in practicing a variety of snowboard maneuvers is disclosed herein having an elongated platform conformal to and simulating a miniature snowboard, including a slightly up-curved tail and a more pronounced upwardly curved nose. The plateform nose and tail are integrally joined by a flat midportion carrying a pair of attachment pads on its upper surface adapted to be detachably connected with a pair of finger couplers carried on the fingertips of the user. Attachment devices releasably connect the finger couplers with the attachment pads.

Abstract: A toy figure is disclosed having a body and feet extending from the body. Pockets in the feet receive parts of the user's hands. The pockets and feet extend perpendicularly with respect to the upright axis of the body and parallel to the surface on which the toy figure will be used. When the user's fingers are moved through vertical arcs, the toy figure will move in an action resembling waddling.

Abstract: A glove toy having a simple tubular structure which is closed at each end and which, by virtue of an underside opening 6 gives access to the hand in order to allow the toy to be animated in the way of a glove puppet; while at the same time providing, by virtue of a stuffed rear section 9, a sufficiently solid body toy for a child to cuddle. The front end 12 of the tube is folded back inside the interior to form a head and mouth for animation by the hand.

Abstract: An arm-mounted device for producing a puppet-on-the-arm illusion includes a fake at least partial forearm and hand member in the form of a glove having a hand portion and wrist and partial forearm portion extending therefrom, and a connector member operable for attaching the fake member directly to the forearm of a puppeteer next to the elbow thereof in a cantilevered fashion. Once the fake member is so attached to the puppeteer's forearm, the forearm is bent upward and a forearm-length puppet slipped over the hand and forearm of the puppeteer, the fake member will then define an extension from an upper portion of the puppeteer's arm so as to create the illusion of a glove-covered hand and forearm supporting the puppet on the puppeteer's forearm proximate the elbow thereof.

Abstract: A glove puppet having interconnected front and back surfaces sides outlin at least the contours of front and back sides of a head of a figure, two upper limbs of a figure and a sleeve. At least portions of the front and back surfaces are made of a material to which hooks of a hook and loop type pile fastener will adhere. A kit for a puppet show including the glove puppet and a plurality of feature elements is also provided.

Abstract: A doll and flower-in-pot combination. A head is pivotally attached to a hollow body and the hollow body is attached to a sleeve. When the sleeve is folded by upon the body and the head folded down, the combination appears to be a flower pot. Raising the head or pulling the sleeve down, or both, produces a doll.

Abstract: A quilt and hand puppet combination comprising a sheet of material having top and bottom surfaces, a scene on the top surface of the sheet including a doorway, and at least one puppet attached to the sheet at the base of the doorway in position to be part of the scene. A hole in the sheet aligned with the puppet gives access to the interior of the puppet from the bottom surface of the sheet to operate the puppet. A pocket sized to receive the puppet may be integrated into the scene, preferably over the doorway, to give the appearance that the puppet enters and leaves the scene.

Abstract: A plush toy, comprising a costume which is a sculptural representation of a first item is disclosed. The costume comprises a hollow base portion, a head portion attached to the hollow base portion and a snout portion attached to the head portion. A second sculptural element which may be a human figure is adapted to fit into hollows defined by the costume. Finally, a pillow is attached to the costume between the hollow head portion and the hollow base portion and is freely movable to fill either hollow.

Abstract: A soft-bodied puppet doll includes a stuffed body, a stuffed head affixed to the body, stuffed arms and legs affixed to the body, and sleeves disposed about the arms and affixed to the body. The body, sleeves and head possess interior surfaces, and said arms possess exterior surfaces, such that said surfaces together define a substantially continuous cavity within said body, dimensioned to receive the hand of a wearer therein. The puppet doll is free of any rigid reinforcement; rather, the stuffing of the elements of the doll provide the rigidity necessary for maintenance of the shape of the doll during use. The body of the doll is constructed from a stuffed body front and a stuffed body back affixed to each other along most of their side and top edges, except for neck and arm openings. The sleeves are connected to each of the front and back body halves at the arm openings, while the arms are disposed in the sleeves, affixed only to the front body half.

Abstract: A creature figure toy includes a launching device for a flying object. The object is seated within an enclosure formed by wings simulated on the body of the device, in which position high-speed rotation can be imparted to it. When the operator wishes to release the object, the actuating lever is moved to a stroke limit position, whereupon the enclosing wings spring open to permit exit of the object.

Abstract: A hand held puppet comprised of a hinged body having jointed arms and legs, and a head with actuators for each which are positioned to be engaged by each of the user's fingers for controlling movement thereof with the arms being formed by "V" shaped members pivoted at their respective bases. Actuating wires are also provided for moving the forearms and the jaw of the puppet.

Abstract: A toy playset for use with toy action figures including a simulated cage having a door, an arrangement for securing and releasing the door capable of being reached by a toy action figure used with the playset, a trap capable of ensnaring a toy action figure positioned in front of the cage, a hand-puppet monster guarding the cage, and a tree capable of grasping a toy action figure positioned to guard the arrangement for releasing the door.

Abstract: A teaching aid which can be manipulated to demonstrate the principles involved in dealing with the human body and mind. The sides of a sheet of soft fabric are folded over itself towards its central axis to form a pair of separable flaps. The sheet is sewn together along its top to form shoulders and a pocket is attached to the interior of each flap, one labelled + and the other -. A simulated mirror or picture frame is attached at the top center and a pocket is formed on its exterior rear. A U-shaped sheet of soft fabric may be used surrounding the bottom and sides of the folded sheet. It is provided with gloves attached to the upper end of each leg of the U and downwardly extending tabs near the bends of the U which are used to extend into shoes.

Abstract: A toy creature includes a one-piece member providing wings that can be reciprocated, by direct manual force, to simulate a flapping action. The creature may include legs that permit it to grasp an object for unassisted support thereon.

Abstract: A hand puppet for amusing a child or the like including a soft, machine washable material in a manner as to allow a child to play with the puppet without being harmful to oneself. The puppet includes a base member, a top member and a body member that is selectively movable between an extended position and a concealed position.

Abstract: A glove puppet assembly simulating a creature with movable claws has a body member and forwardly extending claw members with lever arm portions which extend into the cavity of the body member. A bell crank assembly in the cavity is pivotally connected to the inner ends of the lever arm portions, and an actuator connected to the bell crank assembly extends outwardly of the body member so that it may be manually actuated to pivot the bell crank assembly and cause the forward ends of the claw members to move relative to each other. A glove is secured to the lower outer surface of the body member and has a finger thereof extending through a ring portion on the actuator so that the user's finger may be pivoted downwardly to provide the desired manual action. The creature also includes a tail member pivoted to the body member, and it is pivotable by relative motion between the forearm and hand of the user in the glove.

Abstract: A puppet toy and game which includes a configured body support having pivotally connected thereto an operable limb assembly in which an upper arm is pivotally connected to the body support. A forearm is integrally extended from the upper arm and is moveable with respect thereto. A trigger activates the upper arm and forearm to extend the limb assembly into a striking position. A resilient return element means returns the limb assembly to an at-rest position, with the trigger being located relative to the body support so as to allow an operator to grasp and carry the body support in one hand while controlling the trigger simultaneously with the same hand. A head is resiliently carried upon the body support to allow the head to return to its original position after being struck, and in toys in which a plurality of limb assemblies are provided, the trigger or levers are located to allow an operator to control the limb assemblies either independently or simultaneously with the same finger or thumb.

Abstract: A user interface device for interfacing with a microprocessor driving a video display. The device is particularly adapted for the use of small children in interfacing with a microprocessor operating to drive a video game or a personal computer. The device comprises a hand puppet adapted to be worn on the user's hand. Pressure-sensitive switches, a light pen, a motion detector, and a speaker are included within the puppet's head and body to allow input by the user through the devices within the puppet and output by the microprocessor at the puppet over the speaker.

Abstract: An activity toy including a hollow skull extending from a hollow, tubular neck and having eye, nose, and mouth openings. Attachable about and spaced from the skull in relatively tight relation to the neck is a clear face and head mask formed of separable halves secured together by clamps. A plastic amorphous solid substance is loaded into the skull through the neck and extruded out of openings to fill the space between the skull and the mask. Removal of the mask permits further hand working of the plastic substance to modify the appearance of the formed face. Suitable appendages and a hooded cloak are provided to obscure the plastic substance extrusion mechanism and provide a figure that may be placed in combination with the face and head extruding feature.

Abstract: A toy including apparatus for producing a desired sequence of sounds and chordic keyboard apparatus for operating same. The desired sequence of sounds may be human speech, music or any other desired sequence of sounds. In a preferred embodiment of the invention a talking doll is provided.

Abstract: A hollow puppet is secured to a book and is sufficiently large that a user can introduce a hand to manipulate the puppet within its interior. The puppet may be detachably secured to the book.

Abstract: A hand puppet in which a plurality of different facial components can be removably attached to a head portion to produce different characters, such as monsters, funny looking characters, science fiction characters, etc. The hand puppet has a relatively rigid head portion, and the facial components can be attached anywhere on the head portion, and in any orientation relative to the head portion. A sleeve depends from the head portion, and has an opening at its distal end, and into which an operator's hand can be inserted to support the puppet.The sleeve is preferably formed of fabric which depicts an outer garment for the puppet and the sleeve has a pocket for storing the detachable facial components. Further, the sleeve is designed so that when the pocket is closed, it is basically hidden from view.

Abstract: A puppet toy and game which includes a configured body support having pivotally connected thereto an operable limb assembly in which an upper arm is pivotally connected to the body support, a forearm is pivotally carried on the upper arm, and an activation means activates the upper arm and forearm to extend the limb assembly into a striking position. A return means returns the limb assembly to an at-rest position, with the activation means including a triggering means which is located relative to the body support so as to allow an operator to grasp and carry the body support in one hand while controlling the activation means simultaneously with the same hand. A head is resiliently carried upon the body support to allow the head to return to its original position after being struck, and in toys in which a plurality of limb assemblies are provided the triggering means or levers are located to allow an operator to control the limb assemblies either independently or simultaneously with the same finger or thumb.