Abstract: A coated ?-sulfofatty acid alkyl ester salt particle group containing ?-sulfofatty acid alkyl ester salt particles (A) and a zeolite particle group-containing coating component (B) with which the particles (A) are coated, in which the zeolite particle group is a zeolite particle group (b1) having a mean particle size of equal to or greater than 0.8 ?m and less than 3.8 ?m.

Abstract: A carrier and a conventional toy vehicle have mating structures to releasably connect the two together. The carrier is configured to support the vehicle to run along a T shaped portion of the monorail track. The carrier has a main housing having the mating structure and a through channel on upper and lower sides. Rollers support the carrier to move on the upper running surface of the track while other structures extend beneath the running surface to capture the surface in the through channel. Weights are supported from the main housing in legs extending below the main housing, through channel and running surface.

Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a main body assembly supported for movement on wheels and having opposing right and left lateral sides, opposing front and rear ends, and opposing top and bottom sides extending between the lateral sides and the ends. The combined opposing right and left lateral sides and opposing top and bottom sides of the main body assembly define a slot that extends through the toy vehicle. An arm is provided for lifting at least one track segment from a level below the main body assembly up and into the slot while one or more other propulsion elements are provided in or around the slot to engage and move the one track segment from the one end of the vehicle entirely through the main body assembly along the slot and out the opposing end of the vehicle.

Abstract: A wheel device for a toy vehicle, in which one of a pair of wheels rolling on a pair of metal rails attracts with a magnet to reduce resistance caused by magnetic force and suppress load on a motor. The wheel device 1 includes a first axle 2, and a first wheel 10 and a second wheel 20 provided on opposite sides of the first axle 2. The first wheel 10 includes a first wheel main body 11 rolling on one of the rails 261 and a first flange 12 guided by the one rail. The second wheel 20 includes a second wheel main body 21 rolling on the other of the rails 261 and a second flange 22 guided by the other rail. The second wheel main body 21 is formed of a magnet.

Abstract: A racing play set for toy vehicles includes a first track segment, a second track segment disposed in intersection with the first track segment, a return portion disposed in communication with the first and second track portions, and a scoring mechanism, where the return portion is configured to be shared by toy vehicles traveling on the first and second track segments, where the return portion is configured to receive a first toy vehicle from the first track segment and return the first vehicle to the first track segment, where the return portion is configured to receive a second toy vehicle from the second track segment and return the second vehicle to the second track segment, where the scoring mechanism is configured to record a pass of the first vehicle through the return portion and a pass of the second vehicle through the return portion.

Abstract: An illuminable apparatus including a thematic structure configured with an operably closed chamber and defining an opening extending between an exterior of the structure and the operably closed chamber. A light source is arranged within the operably closed chamber of the structure, and an electric circuit operably connects the light source to a power source to allow the light source to provide luminescence viewable through the opening in the structure. The electric circuit includes a sensor for sensing motion of air passing through the opening in the structure, and further includes a light source control apparatus connected to the sensor for controlling the luminescence provided by the light source. The light source control apparatus is configured to change the luminescence provided by the light source when the motion of air is sensed through the opening in the structure. A method of operating such an illuminable apparatus to produce controlled levels of illumination is also provided.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a gas barrier film improved in gas barrier characteristics by decreasing the adsorbent of the surface of a gas barrier layer to water and the like. The present invention attains the above object by providing a gas barrier film comprising a substrate, a gas barrier layer which is a vacuum deposition film, formed on one surface or both surfaces of the above substrate, and a water-repellent layer which is a film having water repellency, formed on the above gas barrier layer.

Abstract: A hand held shuttle wheel toy is provided having parallel metal rails on which a shuttle wheel can be rolled back and forth.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions containing one or more &agr;-sulfofatty acid esters, and methods for making and using the same. At least one &agr;-sulfofatty acid ester is included in an inner portion. The invented composition can further include an outer portion which protects the &agr;-sulfofatty acid ester from di-salt formation. The resulting composition improves the stability of the &agr;-sulfofatty acid ester after manufacture, during shipping and storage, and in detergents. The invention further included detergents containing the invented composition, and methods of making such detergents.

Abstract: A structure is provided for creating an elevated subroadbed for an artificial landscape. The structure includes a flexible riser section of a given length that has a generally planar bottom. The riser section also has a generally planar top extending and supported parallel to the bottom so that the height of the section is consistent along its entire length. The riser is provided with first and second side walls, which each have a series of channels that extend into the riser in spaced apart relation. The channels allow the riser to be positioned in a radius. The top forms an elevated surface that enables low-lying areas to be more easily created on the artificial landscape below the elevated surface.

Abstract: A model railway system with improved banking characteristics 10 comprising a series of track sections 16, 18 joined end-to-end to form a continuous track assembly 12 and a modular trestle assembly 32 to elevate the track assembly 12. The trestle assembly 32 includes a biaxially inclined coupling module 28 that allows the track 12 to be built at a greater incline within a tighter radius than would otherwise be possible. The model railway system 10 includes a battery 114 powered locomotive 110 with a portable hand-held remote control device 84 that uses infrared signals 102 to send commands to the locomotive 110. The locomotive 110 pulls modular train cars 53,54 that have coupling protrusions 30 and beam support brackets 64 to support accesories to build different types of cars.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions containing one or more .alpha.-sulfofatty acid esters, and methods for making and using the same. At least one .alpha.-sulfofatty acid ester is included in an inner portion. The invented composition can further include an outer portion which protects the .alpha.-sulfofatty acid ester from di-salt formation. The resulting composition improves the stability of the .alpha.-sulfofatty acid ester after manufacture, during shipping and storage, and in detergents. The invention further included detergents containing the invented composition, and methods of making such detergents.

Abstract: A model train set includes a base member having two base member sections that are connected together in a horizontal arrangement such that an upper surface is formed. The upper surface has a continuous integral trackway disposed thereon. The model train set includes at least one snap-in reversible storyboard, having a first surface and a second surface with unique surface configurations to modify the upper surface. Further included is a plurality of visual elements which are selectively engageable with the upper surface. An array of storage recesses are provided which serve to provide storage for the visual elements. A toy train is also included.

Abstract: A toy bridge comprising a stand and, supported thereby, a bridge road element having a roadway on each of two opposite flat sides. The stand is turnable and can optionally be placed on a base in a first or second position, in which the bridge road element is arranged at a first or a second distance from the base and its one or other flat side faces upwards. A supporting yoke is arranged at each end of the bridge to form a support for a ramp road element connected to the bridge road element. The supporting yoke is pivotable relative to the bridge road element by the force of gravity between a first and a second stop position, in which it forms a subjacent support for the ramp road element when the stand is in its first and its second position, respectively.

Abstract: A portable model railroad including a foldable enclosure comprised of a pair of tray members. The enclosure includes a hinge secured between interior edges of the tray members. A track system is removably secured to and extends around the pair of tray members. The track system is adapted to receive a model train thereon.

Abstract: A toy vehicle switch track comprising a junction element having an incoming track and a plurality of outgoing tracks, a pivotable switching mechanism, an activator bar, and a guide slot. The pivotable switching mechanism is positioned at an intersection between the incoming track and the outgoing track, and guides a toy vehicle from the incoming track to one of the outgoing tracks. The activator bar has first and second ends and passes through the junction element from a first junction element edge to a second junction element edge. The activator bar engages a portion of the pivotable switching mechanism wherein the activator bar is used to alternately position the pivotable switching mechanism between the plurality of outgoing tracks. The first end and the second end each comprise a handle. The opposing handles provide an alternating resistive force against the first junction element edge and the second junction element edge to prevent over-travel of the pivotable switching element.

Abstract: A switching device (5) is arranged in a junction element (1), which is to be used in a toy railway and is in the form of a reversible plate. On each flat side, this plate is formed with depressions (2, 2', 2"), which in pairs form an incoming railway track (2) and two outgoing railway tracks (2', 2") extending therefrom. On each flat side, the switching device (5) has a switch plate (6) which is arranged in a recess (7) formed in the respective flat sides and which is pivotable between a first position and a second position, in which it produces a track connection between the incoming railway track (2) and the one or the other of the outgoing railway tracks (2', 2"). The switch plates (6) are interconnected by means of a connecting element (12), which extends through a profile hole (16) in the junction element (1) and which, when the switch plates (6) occupy the first and the second position, engages a first and a second portion (16', 16"), respectively, of a wall delimiting the profile hole (16).

Abstract: A track display apparatus comprises an elongated endless track preferably in the form of a ring. A pair of spaced apart conductive rails extend along the track and are engaged by conductive rollers which receive electrical power for a motor housing surrounded by an ornament. The ornament is advantageously Santa with his sleigh and the reindeer. Power is supplied by a power signal unit attached along the track and electrically connected to the rails and a low voltage direct current power source. A plurality of supports are connected around the track for supporting the track above the floor or around another ornament, for example, a Christmas tree.

Abstract: A track set as set forth for use with a toy train or the like includes a pair of mirror image C-shaped track portions coupled to a circular base. A circular platform is rotatably supported upon the base and includes a plurality of track segments supported thereon. The track segments include orthogonally intersecting straight track portions as well as offset arcuate curved portions symmetrically arranged upon the platform. The base further defines an upwardly extending annular rim which defines a plurality of notches equally spaced thereupon. A platform lock includes a pivotable handle receivable within the notches to securely position the platform at a selected rotational position and thereby align selected track segments of the platform with the C-shaped track portions. The travel path of the track set may be configured to provide a figure-eight, a peanut-shape, and a pair of separate distinct circular travel paths.

Abstract: A self-propelled toy train engine for pulling a train of wooden railroad cars over a variety of surfaces including a child safe magnetic coupling for connecting the engine to the railroad cars, high traction drive wheels for being propelled over a variety of surfaces, a gear train which disengages from the drive axle given a predetermined force. The train engine is weighted to provide added traction for propelling the train set over smooth surfaces and a low center of gravity for stabilizing the engine when propelling the train set over rough surfaces such as carpeting.

Abstract: A dual sound toy train set includes a toy track formed in a continuous loop and having guiding rails on either side thereof. An electrically powered toy train engine is coupled to the track and includes an internal battery power source, an electric drive motor and a motor control unit. An ultrasonic microphone is supported upon the toy train engine and operatively coupled to the motor control unit. A sound unit includes a housing supporting a pair of air bellows having one way inlet valves attached thereto. A movable pump handle is operative to collapse the air bellows and produce pressurized air streams which are coupled by hollow tubes to an ultrasound whistle and an audible sound whistle. The audible sound whistle produces exciting play sounds similar to those produced by conventional locomotives.

Abstract: A ball positioned between three circular cross-section bars acting as support. The bars are substantially parallel and oriented generally vertically. One end of each bar is partly restrained but permits full rotation of the bar about its longitudinal axis, but only limited motion laterally. The other bar end is partly restrained by a structure and is controlled by an operator's hand for providing limited bar movement. Two of the bars have handles and the third bar position can be set and remains fixed during a game. The bar cross-section diameters vary lengthwise between bar ends. The ball is urged by means of one specially shaped first bar to move upward against a recall force. A second bar with handle is controlled by another hand. The combination of the variations of the bar diameters and shapes lengthwise with the recall force acting on the ball creates difficulties for the ball to move axially, though urged to do so.

Abstract: A double-bar riding wheel positioned between two circular cross-section bars acting as support. One end of each bar is partly restrained but permits a limited amount of rotational movement of the bar. The other end of each bar is held by an operator's hand by means of a handle, thus providing the wheel actuating motion by lifting the handles. The bar cross-sections generally increase from one end to the other. The riding wheel is equipped with two shafts, one attached to each one of the two sides of the wheel. The combination of the variations of the bar shapes lengthwise and of the shaft shapes lengthwise makes it difficult for the wheel to remain astride of the two bars while being urged to ride forward by the operator. The shapes of both shafts and bars are such that the degree of difficulty increases from one end of the bars to the other. The object of the operation, is to make the wheel ride the full length of the bars, or at least to proceed as far as possible from the starting point.

Abstract: A toy train set includes a toy train car operative upon a two rail trackway. The trackway includes a braking system for reducing the toy train speed at selected places along the trackway and a track intersection having no moving parts which permits a child user to select either of two direction paths. An elongated beam spring is provided on the toy cars to facilitate placement upon the trackway by a younger child.

Abstract: A toy train set includes a toy train car operative upon a two rail trackway. The trackway includes a braking system for reducing the toy train speed at selected places along the trackway and a track intersection having no moving parts which permits a child user to select either of two direction paths. An elongated beam spring is provided on the toy cars to facilitate placement upon the trackway by a younger child.

Abstract: A bar-riding wheel positioned on a single circular cross-sectional bar. One end of the bar is partly restrained but allows for a limited amount of swinging and/or rotating motions. The other end of the bar is held by the operator's hand, by means of a handle, and provides its actuating motion to the wheel by lifting the handle. The bar cross-section generally increases from its free end to its partly restrained end. The riding wheel exhibits a deeply shaped groove such that as the wheel rolls in the direction of the increasing cross section of the bar, the center of gravity of the wheel eventually rises, up to and beyond a point where the wheel riding position becomes unstable. A mobile counterweight system causes the instantaneous center of gravity of the riding wheel to be located below its instantaneous axis of rotation at all times. The object of the operation is to successfully manipulate the bar such that the riding wheel rolls as far as possible, in the unstable region without toppling over.

Abstract: A toy train set includes a toy train car operative upon a two rail trackway. The trackway includes means for reducing the toy train speed at selected places along the trackway and a track intersection having no moving parts which permits a child user to select either of two direction paths. Means are provided on the toy cars to facilitate placement upon the trackway by a younger child.

Abstract: An educational toy for a child. The toy includes a rectangular frame surrounding a rectangular center area. Tiles are positioned in the center area to fill this area except for one vacant space equal in size to a tile. A pair of grooves are formed in the top surface of each tile with each groove extending from one side edge of a tile to another side edge of a tile with all grooves intersecting the side edges of its tile at the midpoint of each side edge. Some tiles have only straight grooves which intersect while other tiles have only arcuate curves which do not intersect. Turnaround grooves are formed in the rectangular frame. Each turnaround groove opens at its opposite ends into the center area of the frame.

Abstract: A shuttle wheel toy comprising a rotary wheel having a magnetized rotation shaft extending through a central portion of the wheel to have ends protruded beyond side walls of the wheel and mounted across a pair of substantially parallel arranged rails secured at one end respectively thereof in a grip, which may be gripped by a hand to axially sway the rails to thereby let the rotary wheel rotate and run on the rails which provide for a path of reciprocation to the wheel. Through a battery housed in the grip and the rails functioning as a positive and a negative electrodes, an illumination element housed in the rotary wheel can be energized to light.