Abstract: A catching toy includes a container having a first container body and a second container body which is relatively movable to the first container body. The first and second container bodies are configurable in a first state in which the container is opened and a second state in which the container is closed to form a chamber which is large enough to contain an object to be caught. A biasing member biases the second container body to the second state when the container is in the first stage. An engaging member engages the second container body with the first container body to keep the container in the first state. A releasing member releases an engagement of the first and second container bodies to change the container in the second state, by a contact with the object to be caught so that the object is entrapped in the chamber of the container.

Abstract: A spring biased projectable latch mechanism having a triggerable release mechanism at the end of said latch which is projected furthest into a latch receptacle during fastener engagement. A latch housing part of an object being fastened, said housing comprising said latch, said spring bias means, at least one receptacle, and a trigger chamber area. The housing and latch mechanism are constructed such that the spring biased release of the latch of one object actuates the trigger release mechanism of each adjacent object, resulting in a cascading release of a complex structure of interconnected objects in response to a single latch release trigger event.

Abstract: A novel aerodynamic toy comprising a camber defined by one or more inner or outer parameter gel profile(s) in the shape of an airfoil made from an elastic, tear resistant, crystal gel with or without one or more outer parameter gel profile(s) having a connective thin gel membrane, said gel membrane having one or more preselected holes therethrough. The airfoils of the invention exhibits excellent flight stability and no turnover.

Abstract: Dynamic, spinning, twisting string toys referred to as "humdingers" are disclosed. The toys include at least one highly elastic gel body having at least two holes extending through the body along a selected axis of rotation. The holes are treaded with a string(s) which are twisted and untwisted alternatively by the pulling and releasing action of the strings. The holes are provided with means to resist the shearing forces of the twisting strings. The dynamic effect of the extreme high centrifugal and shearing forces generated during play causes the gel bodies to change shape during spinning. Soft gels or low strength materials can also be substituted in place of the highly elastic gel body provide the body reinforced with shear resistant means to prevent cutting by the twisting and untwisting actions of the string(s).

Abstract: An amusement device for a helical coil spring toy that generates a response such as sound or light whenever the wave of the helical coil spring changes direction. The amusement device includes two end caps affixed to the two free ends of the coil spring. One of the two end caps is an active end cap which houses the mechanism for generating the response. When the helical coil spring is compressed at the active end cap end a trigger switch activates an integrated circuit thereby producing the desired response. When the wave of compressed coils travels to the passive end cap a second response is produced by a time delay circuit so that user selective alternating responses are produced each time the wave of coils travels from one end cap to the other.

Abstract: A toy is for entertaining a user includes a shell portion configured to execute a play function, and at least one propulsion mechanism including a spring-loaded, directionally selectable propulsion member connected to the shell portion.

Abstract: Oriented gels aliened by controlled stretching during the gel's transition from a heated, extremely viscous, non melting, non flowing state and the cooled solid gel state produces strong gels which are found to have greater tensile strength than gels of the same rigidity which have not been stretched to a selected degree during its heating and cooling histories. Gels which are selectively stretched during its (non melt flowing) heated state and rapidly cooled by flowing air, cold liquid bath or in contact with a cool surface exhibit optical birefringence when viewed under plane-polarized light.

Abstract: A novel elastic gel toy for play including at least one elastic gel body having at least one elastic gel rod extending from opposite sides of the elastic gel body along a selected axis of rotation, said gel body the said gel rod capable of withstanding an elongation of at least 50% during play. The body suspended on the gel rod are also suitable for undulating up, down, around, sideways, and lateral back and forth play.

Abstract: A playcenter for babies includes, in combination, a resilient foam arch, play objects and a pouch into which the resilient foam arch may be folded for transport. The resilient foam arch is supported in a substantially vertical plane. The play objects are suspended from the resilient foam arch.

Abstract: A flexable foam construction toy set, comprising: a plurality of elongated foam tube toys, each having an elongated foam body, with a flexible wire adhered therein, to allow each foam tube toy to be bent and retain its bent shape; wherein each tube toy is capable of connection to another tube toy by intertwining the tube toys to be interconnected without the need for defined interconnection structures.

Abstract: A method making a toy, doll, or mannequin wherein a relatively rigid core is covered with an elastic skin. The skin is bonded to the core in some areas but not others. This creates an expansible, variable volume pressurizable space between the core and the skin so that the skin may expand relative to the core to simulate weight gain or change of muscle tone. The method comprises selecting and/or treating the core so that only certain parts adhere to the skin-forming material, covering the core with a curable, skin-forming coating and allowing the material to form the skin that, after inflation, assumes a different size and/or shape than the core and thus simulates weight gain, change of muscle tone or other significant change of shape and appearance.

Abstract: A toy capable of emitting clapping noise, emitting scent, and emitting light. The toy is constructed with an elongated central member and a plurality of resilient ribs which are attached at one of their ends to the elongated central member and are attached at their other end to a sliding collar. The sliding collar is free to slide along the elongated member thereby causing the resilient ribs to move radially outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated central member.

Abstract: A novel rotating aerodynamic toy made of a ultra-elastic gel airfoil which is suitable for launch in light or heavy wind conditions and capable of performing various aerodynamic effects including climb, stall, return, straight-line flight and other aerobatics. The ultra-elastic properties of the airfoil allow the airfoil to transform by at least 50% extension of its aerodynamic profile at launch and; while in flight; one or more preselected sized cavities and holes, slots and holes, cavities, slots and holes and cavities, slots, or holes provide handling, elastic control of airfoil profile stretching for flight, and flight stability.

Abstract: A light-reflection band device has a protection band, a flexible plate disposed on the protection band, a base band disposed on the flexible plate, a transparent layer disposed on the base band, and a liquid solution and a large number of light-reflection particles disposed between the transparent layer and the base band. A periphery of the protection band, a periphery of the flexible plate, a periphery of the base band, and a periphery of the transparent layer are melted together.

Abstract: An illuminated inflatable balloon, with an envelope inflated with a gas, is connected to the ground by an elongate element. The envelope encloses an electrical bulb connected to an electrical power supply. Spring loaded filar elements are sensitive to the deformation of the envelope, as well as the internal pressure of the gas. The spring loaded filar elements cooperate with a control hairpin for actuating a switch interposed in the connection between the bulb and the electrical supply in order to make and break the connection on either side of a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A toy element having a thin, flexible material as well as a holder for it is provided. The toy element may be used in the construction of a doll house for which it constitutes a curtain and the suspension, in the form of a rod, for the curtain. An elongated cavity having a longitudinal slot through which the flexible material extends is provided in the holder. A locking part couples to the holder and secures the rod holding the curtain in position.

Abstract: A rolling toy comprises a ball, an expandable coil, and a connecting device connected to the ball and the expandable coil. The ball has a first semispherical shell and a second semispherical shell engaging with the first semispherical shell. A hole is formed in the ball. An aperture is formed in a front end of the expandable coil. The connecting device has a rod, a plate and a block. The connecting device is made of a flexible material. The length of the plate is larger than the diameter of the hole. The length of the block is larger than the diameter of the aperture. The rod has a first end connected to the plate and a second end connected to the block. The plate is folded and inserted in the hole. The block is folded and inserted in the aperture.

Abstract: A helical spring device used for amusement or for stress relief having a plurality of concentrically positioned helical coil springs each extending between two endpieces. The helical coil springs each are highly flexible with a low spring stiffness to mass ratio, and each have a different diameter. The endpieces have an internal member and an external member, with the internal piece having a slit extending through it. The ends of the helical coil springs are inserted through the slits in the internal members in such a manner that they are positioned between the internal and external members. The ends are secured in place by a fastener such as a screw which extends between the internal and external members.

Abstract: A collapsible structure having front and back ends with front and back support members includes a single central support member to pass in a direct line along the cover and thus support the entire structure at roughly the center of the cover. The item may be sewn and easily manufactured in a fashion so that upon being collapsed it occupies the smallest possible volume and has no overlapping support members. Finally in pet toy applications crinkly material and washable material may be included.

Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a rear body having a rear chassis portion extending downwardly therefrom which supports a pair of rear wheels. A front chassis is pivotally secured to the rear chassis and extends forwardly therefrom supporting a pair of front wheels. The vehicle further includes a front body portion formed of a pair of pivotally coupled members commonly secured to an elongated rearwardly extending gear rack. A spoiler slidably supported within the rear body is coupled to a forwardly extending gear rack. A compound gear is rotatably supported within the rear body and engages each gear rack such that movement in the forward direction of the rear spoiler causes a multiplied distance movement of the gear rack supporting the front body portion. A resilient membrane partially encloses the gear racks and is stretched between the rear chassis and the front body portion.

Abstract: Spinning twisting string toys herein referred to as "humdingers" are disclosed which comprises one or more gel bodies having two or more substantially parallel holes approximately equal distance apart extending through the gel body transversely along a selected axis of rotation. The parallel holes are treaded with a string which is twisted and untwisted alternatively by a pull and release action in play. The parallel holes may be surrounded by an reinforcing material interlocked with the gel body about the vicinity surrounding the holes or each of the parallel holes may be fitted with a tear resistant hollow tube insert for preventing cutting by the shear forces of the twisting string(s). In the operation of the humdingers, the gel body, the hollow tubes, and the string(s) are made in such a manner so that they do not result in disastrously effect caused by the extremely high centrifugal and shearing forces generated during play.

Abstract: A play material shooting toy utilizes a housing supporting a face element having a mouth aperture formed therein. The face element is removable from the housing and may receive a plug of amorphous play material. The housing further defines a collapsible bellows portion which facilitates the creation of pressurized air within the housing as the bellows are collapsed by the user's hand. The play material plug within the face unit may be launched or shot from the housing by replacing the loaded face unit into the housing and thereafter rapidly collapsing the bellows to pressurize the air within the housing and launch the plug of play material.

Abstract: A toy stairway is disclosed which may be used to play with a spring toy and which comprises elongated first and second collapsible side rails in confronting spaced relationship relative to each other, a plurality of rigid steps disposed between the first and second side rails, and means for releasably connecting the plurality of steps to the first and second side rails. Each side rail may be coilable and resilient, or may be foldable and comprised of a plurality of hingedly connected fold sections. The first and second side rails preferably are formed from a single stringer having a first portion and a second portion, the stringer being made of a material to permit the stringer to bend for bringing the second portion in a confronting spaced relationship relative to the first portion to define the first and second side rails. The stringer may be made of a coilable resilient material or of a foldable material comprised of a plurality of hingedly connected fold sections.

Abstract: A grunt tube includes a tubular member, a reed and an elastic skin. The tubular member includes a mouthpiece end that allows air to enter, an outlet end that emits sounds and an opening in a wall of the tubular member between the mouthpiece end and the inlet end. The reed vibrates in response to passing air and is disposed within the tubular member adjacent the mouthpiece end and the opening. The elastic skin extends over the wall of the tubular member to at least partially cover the opening. A user can modify sounds emanating from the outlet end produced by air passing through the mouthpiece end and over the reed by selectively applying pressure to the elastic skin. As a result, a varied array of sounds can be produced with the grunt tube.

Abstract: A hopping toy made up of a platform, a base, a spring supporting the platform on the base and a sack having an open top and an open bottom. A ring is attached to the open top. An inflatable animal-like figure is supported on the top of the sack. A child may stand in the sack on the platform in front of the animal-like figure and hop with the base engaging the ground.

Abstract: A novel, flexible device which is attachable to a visor, baseball cap or like attire and which functions to display various logos, slogans, trademarks and other designs. The invention includes a spring or other flexible attachment means which can be attached to the top button, back, bill or strap of a cap and which supports a rigid display means bearing indicia such as a logo, slogan, trademark or other design.

Abstract: An educational toy that lets the user experiment with assembling hollow polyhedral building block in a variety of different ways. The toy includes new polyhedral building blocks which can be assembled in different ways to form a multiplicity of configurations. It allows the user to assemble building blocks to one configuration and then to change over from this configuration to another configuration by rotating, pivoting, rolling, or shifting one or more of the already assembled building blocks. The toy can be used to introduce the user to different number systems and arithmetic and geometric principles.

Abstract: An inflatable recreational ball with an outer covering formed of a stretchable, flexible fabric material, which when fully expanded assumes a desired ball configuration, said covering having a small opening therein to permit the insertion into the outer covering of an inflatable balloon in its uninflated state. The balloon is formed of a thin elastic material having an air passage stem which projects through the opening, and which permits inflation of the balloon within the outer covering to cause the balloon on full inflation to engage the inner surface and to stretch slightly the outer covering to a desired generally spherical configuration. The ball includes a band or loop on the covering to secure an elastic element to the ball and preferably an elastic loop element is secured to the band and adapted to be held with the hand of a recreational ball user.

Abstract: A multi-ball drop toy assembly comprising a flexible harness for holding elastically deformable balls in a vertical, spaced-apart array, which when dropped, permits the uppermost ball of the array, to escape the harness after collision with its adjacent ball.

Abstract: A flexible foam construction toy, comprising: an elongated foam body having a central aperture with a first diameter; a flexible wire, with a second diameter approximately equal to the first diameter, .+-.20%, and located along the central aperture of the foam body such that its ends are within a distance no greater than the diameter of the foam body (or the diameter of the largest circle that can be drawn completely within a non-cylindrical foam body) from either end of the foam body; and adhesive between the wire and the foam body for assisting to maintain the wire within the foam body.

Abstract: This invention provides a doll having a head, a body, a motorized appendage for providing a caress, and a recorder for recording a personal, audible message to be played back. The doll further includes disengagement means for disengaging said motor upon the incidence of a threshold force level.

Abstract: Various toys simulating animal characters have appendages with inserts therein which produce slow return motion of the appendages from positions to which they have been deformed to simulate a natural movement or gesture. The inserts each includes an elongate, tubular, resiliently compressible air bags with an impermeable (air tight), skin of plastic or rubber, penetrated by a slow leak valve formed as a small hole and stuffed with resiliently compressible synthetic fiber or foam. In one example the air bag is located in the body of a doll to extend across the chest and along respective arms, whereby a child can deform the arms between open and closed positions, compressing the air bag so that the resiliency returns the arms slowly to an undeformed position while producing a simulated natural gesture of affection such as giving or requesting a hug.

Abstract: A new and improved quick opening and self closing container made of a resilient rubber-like material for removably receiving large coins, keys or pieces of candy the size and shape of the well known cylindrically shaped bubble gum or of the common chocolate HERSHEY'S.RTM. KISSES.TM., coins, or the like. Said container is shaped in the form of a face with lips along the edges of its opening, giving it the appearance of a person opening its mouth when the container is opened for receiving or retrieving an object. The present invention is designed for the amusement of children and adults, and may be formed for attachment to a key chain, as a head of a doll or may be formed as a complete doll.

Abstract: The invention describes objects made from a soft, elastic (foam-like) material characterized by their topological structure which gives them remarkable transformability and makes them highly manipulable. They are defined by an outer shape (A) and an inner shape (B). Transformation is effected by completely turning the entity inside out. Following this manipulation, the initial inner form (B) determines the new form (B) of the object and the initial outer form (A) is now reversed (A) to become the inner form. The invention is aimed at the industrial manufacture of objects which may be individual objects or objects associated in sets of several geometric or figure forms which may have an aesthetic, leisure, didactic, ergotherapeutic or advertising application.

Abstract: An educational and amusement device for the development of a sense of rhythm with eye and hand coordination is described. An embodiment device combines the action of a helical spring with a pressure-actuated tone generator, annunciated through a transducer in the form of a musical melody.

Abstract: A walking spring device having two or more distinct walking springs. Each of the springs is initially located in parallel side-by-side relation, and has a first and a second longitudinal end. The second end of a first of the springs is rigidly connected to the first end of the adjacent spring. In use, the first end of the first spring is deflected to cause the spring to undergo the known "walking" motion to a lower level, such as an adjacent stair step. When the second end of the first spring is drawn to the next level, the rigid connection causes the first end of the second spring to also be drawn to the next level. This in turn causes the second spring to undergo the known "walking" motion. The second spring will then continue this motion to the next level yet, and then cause the first spring to follow. This alternating process is repeated through the length of the stairs.

Abstract: A toy rocket with velocity dependent chute release comprises an elongated generally cylindrical fuselage formed with a cavity along one side. The cavity is sized to receive and contain a folded parachute. An elongated hatch is hingedly attached to the fuselage and is movable at its hinged attachment between a first position covering the cavity and constraining the parachute therein and a second position displaced from and opening up the cavity for deployment of the parachute. A latch mechanism releasably secures the hatch in its closed position. A trigger assembly includes a flap that is presented to the wind during flight of the rocket and that has a first position securing the latch mechanism and a second position releasing the latch mechanism to open the hatch. The flap is oriented such that the force of the impinging wind urges the flap to its first position.

Abstract: A manually manipulatable flexible toy includes an elongated tube unitarily fabricated of semi-rigid material such as plastic. The tube forms bellows which, in turn, define a plurality of larger diameter rings and a plurality of smaller diameter rings joined in an alternating array lengthwise of the tube by frusto-conical walls. The tube or any portion thereof is extendable and retractable and manipulatable into various curvilinear configurations, with the tube maintaining its last chosen extended or retracted or curvilinear condition. A pair of the frusto-conical walls diverge radially inwardly from any given larger diameter ring to an adjacent pair of smaller diameter rings when the tube is in the extended condition. A pair of the frusto-conical walls extend radially inwardly offset to one side of any given larger diameter ring when the tube is in the retracted condition. The tube is of a length sufficient to be curved into a closed configuration such as a circle and the like.

Abstract: A toy for launching projectiles. The toy includes a flexible shell generally having a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface. The convex outer surface has a first protrusion and a plurality of claws. The concave inner surface has a second protrusion. A first projectile is mountable on the first protrusion. A second projectile is mountable on the second protrusion. When the first projectile is mounted on the first protrusion and the shell is inverted such that the convex outer surface becomes a concave surface, the plurality of claws grip the first projectile. Thereafter, when pressure is applied to the shell, the shell returns to its original non-inverted shape and the first projectile is discharged into the air.

Abstract: This invention relates to a toy hitting rod and in particular to one which includes a main hitting rod made of resilient material and formed with a longitudinal hole at the center and two aligned holes at one end thereof, an inner hitting rod made of resilient material and inserted into the longitudinal hole of the main hitting rod, a spring sleeved on one end of the inner hitting rod, a hand grip made of hard material and having a recess for taking a firm hold thereto, the grip having a connecting rod having a through hole in alignment with the aligned holes of the main hitting rod, the connecting rod being provided with two protuberances engageable with the other end of the spring, the hand grip further having a flange at its intermediate portion, a guard plate made of resilient material and having a hole at the center, a casing put over the main hitting rod and having two aligned holes in alignment with the two aligned holes of the main hitting rod, and a limiting collar composed of two semi-cylindrical me

Abstract: An educational toy that lets the user experiment with assembling components of different shapes in a variety of ways. The toy introduces new methods and means for assembling building blocks allowing the user to assemble them to one configuration and then to change over to other configurations by rotating, pivoting, rolling, or shifting one or more of the already assembled building blocks. The toy can introduce the user to number systems and arithmetic and geometric principles.

Abstract: A device comprising several highly elastic objects is presented whose purpose is to demonstrate an unobvious consequence of fundamental laws of physics--the acceleration of an object to high speed by multiple collisions among a series of heavier objects moving at slower speed. The objects, each of different mass, are arrayed in close proximity in order of decreasing mass with their centers lying along a straight line. This arrangement of the assembly of objects is maintained by a constraining element which permits the assembly axis to be oriented in any desired direction and permits the assembly to be moved or manipulated as a unit in any desired way without destroying the arrangement of objects. In the preferred embodiment the elastic objects are polybutadiene balls (12), the constraining element is an interior guide-pin (10) fastened in the largest ball and extending radially therefrom, on which the remaining balls can slide freely because of diametrical holes formed in them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy vehicle capable of shooting color ribbon crackers and is characterized by a master shooting member which is normally held by a retaining means. When the bumper of the toy vehicle collides with something else, it is pushed to cause an impact link to disengage the retaining means from said master shooting member, permitting the same to impact a secondary shooting member which has a percussion head that will in turn knock a color ribbon cracker pre-mounted on the toy vehicle. The percussed cracker shall explode and disperse colored ribbons or papers of different shapes or patterns contained therein, creating interesting and joyous air.

Abstract: A pop-action doll includes a resilient bistable hemispherical support member together with a dome-shaped hat portion. A head and torso are secured to the resilient member and the hat portion. The resilient member may be configured in an open position in which it extends downwardly and provides a stable support for the torso, head and hat portions of the doll. Alternatively, the resilient member may be deformed to an alternate stable configuration in which the torso and head portions are enclosed within the domed hat and the resilient member in a "clamshell" type configuration. When in the closed configuration, any impact of the doll against a play surface causes the resilient member to rapidly switch to its alternate configuration in a pop-action which in turn causes the doll to rebound dramatically from the impacted play surface.

Abstract: A variable flight toy having a plurality of strips constructed of a resilient material folded and secured proximate their midpoints to form alternating loops with ends centrally gathered to radially extend the ends and loops to form a ball, which, when struck, the loops and ends provide non-uniform aerodynamic resistance to the flight of the ball.

Abstract: A pair of platform devices used for interaction with a flexible coil spring toy have a plurality of flat step-like surfaces separated vertically and horizontally corresponding to the periodic step-walking motion of the flexible coil spring toy. The platform devices are manipulated in an alternating sequence in cooperation with the motion of the flexible coil spring toy to give the appearance that the toy is walking down a set of stairs. In the preferred embodiment, the platform devices have a handle and are held and manipulated by a human operator. The spring momentum transfers the coils of the spring from one surface of the device to the next lowermost surface of the device as the spring's adjacent coils successively sweep through the path of an arc.

Abstract: A self-closing bag is disclosed as having front and rear sidewalls which are interconnected at their side edges and top and bottom. A spring strip holder in the form of a longitudinal slot extends from near a top edge to near a bottom edge of the bag on at least one of the front and rear sidewalls. The holder is designed to accept a self-rolling spring strip which has a concave top surface and convex bottom surface. The spring strip has the property of remaining straight when unrolled but self-rolling when it is slightly bent from its straight condition. The spring strip when provided in the bag serves to roll the top of the bag down to seal the bag once it is opened. When the bag is reopened, the user may straighten the spring strip again to thereby hold the bag in its opened condition.

Abstract: An exploding box is disclosed having upright sides which are provided with horizontal ribs or grooves which lock a false box bottom in position while the sides are maintained in an upright position by a top cover or lid. The false bottom is biased upwards by a compressed spring. When the top cover is removed, the upright sides of the box fold outwards, releasing the false bottom. The false bottom then springs upwards, springing forth any contents in the box.

Abstract: A toy apparatus including a plurality of spaced handle members, each handle member including a central support rod surrounded by a polymeric foam exterior cylindrical member secured together by frangible link members defining a chain, wherein the link members are of a flexible material separable to prevent inadvertent injury during use of the toy apparatus. The organization includes in a modified organization the use of a mounted simulated knife member, wherein the simulated knife member includes an interior reservoir and a valve member mounted at a forward end of the knife member to permit imparting of a fluid upon striking an opponent with the valve mounted at a forward end of the knife member.

Abstract: A utensil which has a feeding end and a hollow handle. A holding element is displaceable within the hollow element relative to the feeding end between a revealing position, where an end of the holding element that is decorated with imitation food projects over the feeding end, and a hidden position, where the decorated end of the holding element is withdrawn and concealed within the hollow handle. A spring biases the holding element into the hidden position and a latch retains the holding element in the revealing position. The holding element enters the revealing position during withdrawal of the utensil from a toy container and enters the hidden position during insertion of the feeding end into a doll`s mouth.