Abstract: A finger tossing toy having a hollow body comprising a pliant unitary wall and at least one square shaped aperture through the wall where the at least one aperture is sized to accept and tightly grip a human finger.

Abstract: An example input apparatus includes an elastic member, a base portion and a strain gauge. The elastic member includes a first end portion and a second end portion, and at least a part of the elastic member is elastically deformable. The base portion holds the opposite end portions of the elastic member so that a ring is formed by the base portion and the elastic member. The strain gauge is provided on the base portion and detects a strain generated on the base portion due to deformation of the elastic member in response to an input from the user. Note that instead of the configuration where a ring is formed by the base portion and the elastic member, the input apparatus may be configured so that two elastic members are held by the base portion.

Abstract: A device for launching an object away from a user comprising a popper placed on the floor for providing force for the object, a ramp positioned on said popper wherein the user applies pressure on a substantially planar peripheral portion of said popper by pressing plurality of legs through placement of foot on an elongated body of the ramp resulting in change of convex position of said substantially planar peripheral portion returns to a concave position of said substantially planar peripheral portion through the application of vertical force on said object base which further results in launching the object away from a user from said object base.

Abstract: An interactive electronic greeting card with pop up feature includes a three-sided pocket or cavity which houses various electronic and mechanical components and a pop up element. In a first position, the pop up element is substantially contained within the greeting card pocket or cavity. When the push button is depressed, the pop up element is ejected or “pops up” out of the greeting card pocket or cavity, revealing a greeting or other printed indicia. The push button also initiates playback of a pre-loaded digital audio file, which may be a spoken message, a sound, a song, music or other such audio recording. Manually pushing the pop up element back into the cavity ends playback of the audio.

Abstract: A novelty system having an internally illuminated amorphous putty that both stretches and bounces. An illumination module is provided that contains a battery and at least one light source that produces light when powered. A volume of putty material is provided in an amount sufficient enough to completely envelop the illumination module. The putty material is translucent so that the light from the light source can be seen through the putty material when the illumination module is enveloped within the putty material. The translucent putty material is created by reacting silicon polymers with boric acid and stearic acid. The reacted polymers are mixed with calcium carbonate, a whitener, and a colorant to obtain a color tinted level of translucency. The illumination module is activated by changes in acceleration caused by impact.

Abstract: A play toy has at least one stretchable link body having a preselected cross-sectional shape and arranged in a preselected structural configuration. The stretchable body is formed by link members linked together and each having a generally ring-shaped configuration such as in the general form of a donut.

Abstract: A kinetic entertainment device comprises one or more elongated flexible strips anchored to a surface either directly or via a base. As a result, the strip can be modified into a desired static shape and, upon excitation, a corresponding kinetic (i.e., motion) shape.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an action piece for a toy play set is provided, the action piece being configured to have at least three separate engagement features configured to retain and subsequently release a portion of an action figure. In another embodiment a play set is provided, the play set having: a ring structure, at least one action figure and an action piece for securement to a portion of the ring structure. In still another embodiment, a method of launching an action figure from a play set in order to cause the action figure to fly through the air in a predetermined fashion is provided.

Abstract: A spring ball toy includes spherical core and a plurality of spring arms radiating from the spherical core. The distal end of each spring arm is fitted with one of a selection of different types of spring feet. The spherical core may be hollow to have lights and/or a sound maker controlled by digital logic and powered by a battery. The lights and sounds of the spring ball toy may be motion activated or controlled by a selector switch.

Abstract: A device for launching an object away from a user comprising a popper placed on the floor for providing force for the object, a ramp positioned on said popper wherein the user applies pressure on a substantially planar peripheral portion of said popper by pressing plurality of legs through placement of foot on an elongated body of the ramp resulting in change of convex position of said substantially planar peripheral portion returns to a concave position of said substantially planar peripheral portion through the application of vertical force on said object base which further results in launching the object away from a user from said object base.

Abstract: A toy apparatus. The toy including a guide having one or more tracks formed by one or more links; a helical spring coil having first and second ends and a plurality of turns (T) situated about and defining a center axis between first and second ends of the helical coil spring; and/or a coupler which couples the and second ends of the helical spring coil to each other so as to form center opening configured to receive the one or more tracks, wherein an outer surface of one or more of the plurality of urns is in contact with the one or more tracks so that the helical coil spring rotates in a substantially poloidal direction about the central axis when traveling axially along the guide.

Abstract: A toy apparatus including a guide having one or more tracks; a helical spring coil having first and second ends and a plurality of turns (T) situated about and defining a center axis between first and second ends of the helical coil spring; and/or a coupler which couples the and second ends of the helical spring coil to each other so as to form center opening configured to receive the one or more tracks, wherein an outer surface of one or more of the plurality of turns is in contact with the one or more tracks so that the helical coil spring rotates in a substantially poloidal direction about the central axis when traveling axially along the guide.

Abstract: A method of attaching a piece having an opening onto a part in a toy system by positioning the part adjacent the opening, pushing on the part inserting it into the opening, and releasing the part allowing the piece to be picked up by and retained on the part. In a toy system in which the part is an upper one of two generally elongated parts, the other being a lower part, that telescope axially against a bias, the biased apart parts are positioned adjacent the opening with the lower part proximate and pointed toward the opening and the upper part away from the opening. Pushing on the upper part telescopes it against the bias over the lower part and inserts the upper part into the opening. Releasing the parts allows the bias to move the parts apart with the piece picked up by and retained on the upper part.

Abstract: A play system includes a toy vehicle and a playset for use therewith. A toy vehicle includes a chassis having a bottom surface that is at least partially magnetic and a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to the chassis. A playset includes a base, a launch ramp mounted to the base and having an upper end and a lower end that includes an upwardly-inclined section terminating in a jump lip, and a magnetic element selectively positionable within a predefined range of positions relative to the jump lip.

Abstract: A pop action toy assembly having a disc with a top surface, a bottom surface, a peripheral edge. The disc is formed to have a first stable configuration and a second stable configuration, wherein the disc can be inverted between the two stable configurations. The disc assumes the first stable configuration when symmetrically bent around a first axis so that its top surface is concave. The disc assumes its second stable configuration when symmetrically bent around a second axis so that the top surface is convex. The first axis and second axis are in the same plane and are generally perpendicular to each other. The invertible pop action toy is manually set into its second stable configuration. The invertible pop action toy is then dropped against a hard surface. Upon impact with the surface, the invertible pop action toy snaps back into its first stable configuration.

Abstract: An interactive greeting card operative to move between a first position wherein several interconnected panels are folded into a substantially flat position and a second position wherein the several interconnected panels are unfolded into a three-dimensional pop-up structure. Movement between the first and second positions may also control playback of digital audio, activation of one or more LED lights, or various other special effects. An inner sentiment panel is substantially contained within an outer greeting card body and is revealed when the greeting card is moved from the first to the second position. Various openings on the greeting card panels accommodate movement and visibility of the inner sentiment panel.

Abstract: A toy projectile is provided which is preferably constructed of TPR, and thus, can be used as an inherently stretchable elastic toy projectile. A handle section is also provided which can be used as a projectile launcher. Further, a storage container is also provided which can also act as a projectile launcher. In a preferred embodiment, a game is also described in which the projectiles are launched by hand, or with the handle or by the storage container/launcher, in order to impact targets, and preferably moving targets. A child's toy projectile and projectile launcher, with a game, are thereby provided.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a hookah having a bottom surface, hookah hose and a hookah bowl; a hookah suspension assembly for containing and suspending the hookah from an elevated structure; a hookah support structure on which a bottom surface of the hookah can rest; a number of flexible support members each engaging the support structure; a guide ring; the support members extending upwardly from the support structure to and engaging the guide ring preventing the guide ring from sliding down the support members below a predetermined point and forming a circumferential series of the support members, the support members extending further upwardly from the guide ring and converging above the guide ring for engaging a suspension member secured to an elevated structure; so that the hookah and the hookah suspension assembly is elevated and suspended and the hookah is accessible for use and so that the hookah bowl is accessible between the support lines.

Abstract: A projectile and a compact carrying and launching case in combination. The projectile includes foldable wings which when unfolded resemble a plane. The compact carrying and launching case includes a two piece housing that is pivotally attached to each other about a hinge/launching mechanism. When closed, the two piece housing encloses the plane in its folded position. When opened, the hinge/launching mechanism can be pulled to a cocked position and then released forcibly moves the projectile such that it releases from the launching mechanism and is capable of flying.

Abstract: A novelty pop-up toy and its associated method of operation. The pop-up toy has a head section that is supported on a double-layered braided sleeve body. When the pop-up toy is compressed, the double-layered braided sleeve body elastically deforms from an uncompressed state to a compressed state. While in the compressed state, the double-layered braided sleeve body stores energy. If the compression force is suddenly released, the double-layered braided sleeve body releases its stored energy and pops back into its uncompressed state. As the double-layered braided sleeve body returns to its uncompressed state, it rapidly expands, therein providing enough force to propel the entire pop-up toy into the air.

Abstract: A toy folding umbrella rotatably attached a vehicle base. In one embodiment, the toy folding umbrella has a frame, a central tube, and a cover. Furthermore, the frame comprises a runner slidably attached to the central tube, and at least three ribs with one end of each rib pivotally attached at or near the top of the central tube. Moreover, the folding umbrella rotates from a first configuration to a second configuration when the runner slides on the central tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making same utilizing a breathable mesh material having a reduced suffocation resistance level for infant and toddler use. The breathable mesh material includes an inner and outer fabric that includes larger openings on the front substructure than on the back substructure and a pile substructure is integrated and extends between the front and back substructures allowing air to substantially move effectively therethrough.

Abstract: A water toy device utilizing elongated body having first and second surfaces and first and second ends. A pair of wings extend from the elongated body and are bendable to determine the path of travel of the device in a body of water. An elongated fin projects from the first surface from the elongated body to stabilize the movement of the device.

Abstract: A toy system with a body part insertable into an opening substantially defined by a separate band, retains the band to accessorize playthings by pushing them into a separate piece bearing accessories on the outer surface. Retention is by frictional or magnetic engagement. For frictional engagement, resilient material is used. A separation in the band allows it to spread apart; a coupling may limit the extent of separation. Geometric shapes of the part and opening may be substantially the same or different, as long as there are at least two points of contact for frictional engagement. A second part fits into the opening without engaging the piece and telescopes against a spring into the part engaging the piece. Removal is facilitated by a component that receives the second part, but not the part engaging the piece. Chamfers on the part inserted into the opening and/or on the opening facilitate insertion.

Abstract: A simulated mouse toy having a prerecorded sound chip therein is provided which emits a prerecorded sound upon physical movement, such as when swatted, rolled or carried, to encourage pets to continue to play. An illumination device, such as luminescent or chemiluminescent coatings or light emitting diodes (LED's) are operatively connected in conjunction the prerecorded sound chip to simultaneously provide a blinking visual stimulation.

Abstract: A toy assembly that has an impact surface made from an array of taut strings. The hardness of the impact surface is a function of the tension present in the strings. The toy assembly has two plates that are spaced apart. The two plates are held apart by a post. One or more of the plates may be selectively adjustable in position along the post. A plurality of strings extends between the first plate and the second plate. Each of the strings is maintained in tension to create a resilient impact surface. The strings are maintained in tension by the use of spring clips and/or by adjusting the distance between the two plates.

Abstract: A pop action toy ball assembly. The pop action toy ball assembly has a lower hemispherical section and a separate upper hemispherical section. The two hemispherical sections are joined together by a connection element. The connection element has one end that is anchored to the apex of the lower hemispherical section. The connection element extends upwardly through the apex of the upper hemispherical section without being affixed to the upper hemispherical section. The lower hemispherical section is selectively positionable between a normal orientation, where a first surface faces outwardly, and an inverted orientation, where a second surface faces outwardly. If the toy ball assembly is impacted while the lower hemispherical section is inverted, the toy assembly pops from its inverted orientation back into its normal orientation.

Abstract: A toy or game apparatus that includes a base in the shape of a cupcake, a simulated flame structure movable between an exposed-to-view position and a hidden-to-view position within a simulated candle structure, a support structure mounted to the base with a top edge in contact with a bottom edge of the flame structure to support the flame structure in the exposed position, a reset structure having a slanted top surface to enable the flame structure to move to the support structure and have the top edge of the support structure engage the bottom edge of the flame structure, the candle structure being depressible for moving the support structure relative to the reset structure, and a spring for raising the flame structure and the support structure so that the flame structure is again exposed, is disclosed and described.

Abstract: In one aspect, a supported walking system is disclosed, comprising a robotic walking figure and a wheeled support that at least partially supports the robotic walking figure. The supported walking system may be driven and controlled by a human operator. Computer algorithms automatically control the robot's walking functions so that it may step forwards, backwards, and sideways in synchronicity with the movements of the cart while driving and turning at varying speeds.

Abstract: A novelty popper toy and its associated method of operation. The popper toy has a head section that is supported on a braided sleeve body. When the popper toy is compressed, the braided sleeve body elastically deforms from an uncompressed state to a compressed state. While in the compressed state, the braided sleeve body stores energy. If the compression force is suddenly released, the braided sleeve body releases its stored energy and pops back into its uncompressed state. As the braided sleeve body returns to its uncompressed state, it rapidly expands, therein providing enough force to propel the entire popper toy into the air. The popper toy can be delayed in its expansion and/or prevented from flying into the air by the addition of a suction cup to the popper toy.

Abstract: A pop action toy assembly having an elastomeric body that is defined primarily by a first surface and a second surface. The elastomeric body is selectively positionable between a normal orientation, where the first surface faces outwardly, and an inverted orientation, where the second surface faces outwardly. An activator assembly having an impact disc and a knob extends through the elastomeric body at its apex. The impact disc strikes the ground when the toy assembly pops from an inverted orientation back into its normal orientation. The knob is used to grasp, spin and throw the toy assembly when inverted. A plurality of tabs symmetrically protrude from the base rim of the elastomeric body. If the toy assembly is inverted and strikes the ground, the protruding tabs act to concentrate the force of the impact and cause the toy assembly to pop back into its normal orientation.

Abstract: A novelty device and the associated method of fabricating component parts of the novelty device. The novelty device has at least one protrusion that is made from an elastomeric gel. The protrusion has a distal end. A hole is disposed through the protrusion proximate its distal end. A secondary object is provided. The secondary object is made from a rigid material. The secondary object defines an interior space. The distal end of the elastomeric gel protrusion extends through the secondary object and into the interior space of the secondary object. The secondary object is comprised of an assembly of interconnecting parts. The parts of the secondary object are assembled around the elastomeric gel protrusion in the area of the hole. Once assembled, the secondary object engages the hole in the elastomeric gel protrusion. As a result, the secondary object becomes mechanically interconnected to the end of the elastomeric gel protrusion.

Abstract: Toy helices each having a variable rate of movement. The toy helices, such as springs and coils, for example, may be formed of at least two different types of material each having different properties such as elasticity, flexibility, and attraction. In one embodiment, a first portion of a toy helix may be constructed of a first material having a first elasticity and a second portion of a toy helix may be coupled to the first portion and constructed of a second material having a second elasticity. The first elasticity and second elasticity are not identical and, thus, have different restoring forces acting to return the toy helix to its original shape. After such a toy helix is stretched, for example, the helix has a variable rate of movement during return to the compressed state because the first portion returns to its original shape at a different rate than the second portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display unit consisting of two panels which are joined along the lateral edges thereof, and at least one push unit joined to one of the panels and comprising first and second edges wherein at least said second edge is a free edge. The inventive display unit can be collapsed, whereby the element and the panels are disposed back-to-back adopting a flat configuration. The invention also comprises a pull element intended to rotate, curve or bend the push element thereby pushing the free second edge of the push element towards one of the two panels in order to expand the panels automatically from the collapsed configuration to a service position in which the display unit it adopts a convex configuration able to stand upright.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention disclose a spherical walking robot, the spherical walking robot comprises a spherical coronal; a spherical housing which has a surface groove; a walking and transmission mechanism in the spherical housing; a lift and transmission mechanism; mechanical arms located in the surface groove, and the mechanical arm comprises a little arm and an upper arm connected the little arm by an elbow joint motor. The embodiments of the present invention also disclose a spherical walking robot, the spherical walking robot does not comprise the lift and transmission mechanism, but a fastness mechanism and a rotating mechanism rotatably connected with the fastness mechanism.

Abstract: An action wobble head doll includes a preprinted, die cut, animated body having an image secured thereto. The image can be a customized digital photograph. The image is secured to the body of the doll via a mounting assembly, which includes a spring secured to at least one mounting plate in a substantially perpendicular manner thereby creating a unique side-to-side movement of the image with respect to the body.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a compressible mechanism for a toy. The compressible mechanism includes a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion, a coil spring, a power source, and a switch. The first mounting portion is capable of being secured to a part of the toy. The second mounting portion is capable of being secured to another part of the toy. The coil spring is made of electromagnetic material. The coil spring includes a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end are connected to the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion respectively. The power source is configured for providing a voltage across the coil spring. The switch is used for turning on or turning off the voltage across the coil spring.

Abstract: An apparatus for launching streamers is disclosed in which the streamers remain connected to the user's hand during and after launch.

Abstract: A throwable device consisting of a generally tube-shaped body having a baffle defined on one end of the body, wherein the baffle defines an opening therein restricting the flow of air through the tube-shaped body, thereby providing aerodynamic stability to the device. The body of the device also has a spring integral therewith, which allows the compression of the body of the device. The device is propelled away from the thrower by holding the device in a compressed position with both hands and propelling the device away from the body of the thrower in a motion similar to a two-handed basketball pass, with a combination of the throwing force and the decompression of the spring determining the speed, distance and trajectory of the device.

Abstract: A device for use in a microwave oven comprising a body being selectively formed of cells having a substantially non-deleterious reaction to microwave action, wherein the cells are purposefully arranged so that the effect of the microwave action causes the cells to expand, thereby transforming the body from a compressible state to a state exhibiting ornamental or toy effect.

Abstract: A flying toy (10) includes a planar body defining an outer edge (16). A recess (18) extends inwardly from die outer edge and includes an undercut section (22). The body defines a hook section (24) adjacent the undercut section of the recess, and a finger engagement section (28) opposite the hook section that defines a pair of wings (32, 34). The wings are resilient, and include outer end areas that can be spread apart. The recess is configured to receive the tip of a user's finger. When the user's fingertip is positioned within the recess, the hook section engages one side of the user's finger and the finger engagement section engages an opposite side of the user's finger. The wings spread apart so as to stabilize the body on the user's finger. The user flicks his or her finger to dislodges the flying toy from the user's fingertip, and the flying toy is then propelled through the air.

Abstract: A streamer toy or a performance device, including a handle attached to a cord whose length can be varied and which can be extended or retracted. A weight, such as a ball, may be connected to the cord. The cord may have one or more ribbons or streamers attached to it. A user can perform various movements with the toy or performance device which cause the ribbons or streamers to make various configurations in the air, such as serpents, spiral, throws and catches, boomerangs, and flips. The invention may also include whistles, bells, and/or lights to further enhance the performance.

Abstract: A throwable device consisting of a generally tube-shaped body having a baffle defined on one end of the body, wherein the baffle defines an opening therein restricting the flow of air through the tube-shaped body, thereby providing aerodynamic stability to the device. The body of the device also has a spring integral therewith, which allows the compression of the body of the device. The device is propelled away from the thrower by holding the device in a compressed position with both hands and propelling the device away from the body of the thrower in a motion similar to a two-handed basketball pass, with a combination of the throwing force and the decompression of the spring determining the speed, distance and trajectory of the device.

Abstract: A fine motor skills development toy device is described that has a ring member which stores a plurality of granular materials such as beads. The toy device also has a knob section, a button section, a cuff section, a handle section, and a key section which may operate between a first and a second position to facilitate pulling, squeezing, rotating, spinning, and turning actions that improve motor skills of the hands of the child.

Abstract: By providing a unique, pre-printed promotional/delivery system which can be produced in a wide variety of alternate forms and/or configurations incorporating at least two principal cooperating components mounted to each other, with one component being movable relative to a fixed holding component in response to action taken by the user, a unique, hands-on, printed, visually exciting and interest generating advertising/promotional product and/or delivery system is attained. In the preferred construction, the user action causes the movable component to move from a first position, wherein the movable component is fully retained in the holding component, to a second position, wherein the movable component extends outwardly from the holding component. In this way, a unique, user controlled, unanticipated and surprising result is achieved which enables any desired gift, display, award, certificate, prize, or promotion to be delivered in a unique manner.

Abstract: A novelty device and the associated method of fabricating component parts of the novelty device. The novelty device has at least one protrusion that is made from an elastomeric gel. The protrusion has a distal end. A hole is disposed through the protrusion proximate its distal end. A secondary object is provided. The secondary object is made from a rigid material. The secondary object defines an interior space. The distal end of the elastomeric gel protrusion extends through the secondary object and into the interior space of the secondary object. The secondary object is comprised of an assembly of interconnecting parts. The parts of the secondary object are assembled around the elastomeric gel protrusion in the area of the hole. Once assembled, the secondary object engages the hole in the elastomeric gel protrusion. As a result, the secondary object becomes mechanically interconnected to the end of the elastomeric gel protrusion.

Abstract: A sculpture skeleton includes a hollow body, a spring one end of which is extended into a hollow head to securely engage with an inner periphery of the hollow head, a first resilient wire, a second resilient wire diagonally extending through the hollow body so as to extend through the chest portion and the abdomen portion of the hollow body, an arm portion and a leg portion respectively mounted around a portion of the first resilient wire and of the second resilient wire which extend out of the chest portion of the hollow body and a base having multiple apertures defined through a side face thereof to allow extension of the first resilient wire, the second resilient wire and the third resilient wire so as to be positioned on top of the base.

Abstract: A finger tethered toy assembly that falls from and then rebounds into a user's hand in the manner of a yo-yo. The finger tethered toy assembly has a plurality of graspable objects that includes a first graspable object and a last graspable object. An elastic tether is provided in between each of the graspable objects that link the graspable objects together in a chain. The elastic tethers interconnect the graspable objects so that all the graspable objects and the elastic tethers lay along a common linear axis. A finger loop is used to connect the chain of graspable objects and elastic tethers to a user's hand so that the graspable objects and elastic tethers dangle below the hand in the position traditionally used with a yo-yo.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the invention includes a magnetic construction module having a body and at least one elastic limb extending from the body, the at least one limb having a first end portion including a first magnet disposed therein, the limb and the body comprising a gelatinous elastic material having sufficient stiffness to maintain its form under the force of gravity and having sufficient flexibility to easily bend such that the end portion is contiguous to the body.

Abstract: Toy helices each having a variable rate of movement. The toy helices, such as springs and coils, for example, may be formed of at least two different types of material each having different properties such as elasticity, flexibility, and attraction. In one embodiment, a first portion of a toy helix may be constructed of a first material having a first elasticity and a second portion of a toy helix may be coupled to the first portion and constructed of a second material having a second elasticity. The first elasticity and second elasticity are not identical and, thus, have different restoring forces acting to return the toy helix to its original shape. After such a toy helix is stretched, for example, the helix has a variable rate of movement during return to the compressed state because the first portion returns to its original shape at a different rate than the second portion.