Abstract: An illuminated rim for a roundnet set is provided. The illuminated rim of the present application is an illuminated circular frame attached to the top of an existing frame of a standard roundnet set. The underside of a connector unit of the illuminated rim snaps onto the existing frame of the standard roundnet set. An optional sensor may be used in connection with the game to detect pressure on the net from, for example, a ball hitting it. Once the sensor is triggered, the LED lights may be programmed to go off. In an embodiment, the device may be programmed so that the light may be used to determine if a valid or invalid shot was executed by a player.

Abstract: A storage box for a refrigerator at an entrance according to an embodiment of the present invention, may comprise: a base; first side walls erected at the top front end and the top rear end of the base, respectively; and second side walls erected at the top left end and the top right end of the base, respectively, wherein the first side wall may include a plurality of first blocks stacked in the vertical direction and arranged in the horizontal direction, and a plurality of connectors movably connecting the adjacent first blocks in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A punching-training device is provided, including: a seat portion; a support portion, connected with the seat portion; a punched portion, connected with the support portion; and an elastic assembly, disposed on the support portion, the elastic assembly including a first elastic member and a second elastic member, at least one of the first elastic member and the second elastic member being movably relative to the support portion between a first position and a second position to change a relative position of the first elastic member and the second elastic member.

Abstract: A toy having three bobs on a string where the middle bob slides. A low moment of inertia of the middle bob is desirable because it minimizes tangling of the string about the middle bob and produces smooth, tactile-appealing orbits. Each bob has a pair of mated throughbore pieces sandwiching a central metal weight and an equatorial bag stuffed with low-density pellets. Concave sections (in profile on a plane along the polar axis) of the throughbore occupy a substantial portion of the length of the throughbore to take best advantage of the torques produced by the string by focusing the tension of the string at the mouths of the throughbore. The concave sections also reduce the volume occupied by the bag, thereby reducing moment of inertia. Additionally, hollows in the concave regions of the throughbore pieces further reduce the moment of inertia.

Abstract: A projectile for launching through the air comprises a body and one or more projecting members integral therewith extending outwardly a distance from the body, which can be hollow or solid. The projectile is formed from an elastomeric material capable of being stretched to energize the projectile for launching. The projecting members are positioned a distance apart from one another and include openings disposed therethrough at distal ends for engaging sections of a launching device. The launching device includes a handle with the sections extending outwardly therefrom to accommodate placement of the projectile openings thereagainst for retaining the projectile before and during launch. The projectile is launched from the device by pulling the body away from the launching device to energize the projectile, and then releasing the energized projectile, causing it to be propelled from the launching device into the air and towards a desired target.

Abstract: A swinging bob toy having three bobs constrained on a string, the middle bob being slideably constrained between the two end bobs, and at least one of the bobs being reversibly separable into two partial bobs. A wide variety of new tricks and maneuvers are made possible by the separability of the bobs. The two partial bobs have roughly the same weight thereby providing balanced orbits. Each of the two partial bobs slides less easily along the string than a non-separated bob. The two partial bobs have roughly the same diameter along at least one axis thereby allowing visual illusions to be performed.

Abstract: A toy having a looped string and three handles, each of the handles having a grip section, an eyelet through which the string passes, and a swivel between the eyelet and the grip section. The swivels allow the eyelets to rotate relative to the grip sections so that a handle can be held at the grip section and one or both of the other handles can be rotated without resulting in tangling of the string about the eyelet of the held handle. The grip sections are considerably larger and more massive than the eyelets so that the centers of mass of the handles are generally displaced from the string. In an alternate embodiment a pivot is included between each grip section and associated eyelet. A wide variety of motions and maneuvers can be performed by swinging one or more of the handles while holding or releasing one or more of the handles and/or holding or releasing one or more sections of the string.

Abstract: The present invention relates to moldable sand compositions, methods for making the moldable sand compositions, and methods for using the moldable sand compositions. In a particular embodiment, the moldable sand composition comprises between about 70% to about 95% sand, between about 5% to about 30% water, a polar polymeric resin, a crosslinking agent, and a humectant. In an exemplary embodiment, the composition contains no oils, waxes, glycols, or rubbers. The composition is capable of becoming hardened over time in order to maintain the achieved shape, and can be re-wetted and molded again after becoming hardened.

Abstract: A toy ball includes a stack of elastic corolla-like units, each having a central portion and a plurality of petal-like portions extending radially outwards therefrom. The central portions are formed with one or more through-holes. A connector is configured to pass through the through-holes and hold the corolla-like units together. The connector squeezes the central portions inwards thereby bending the petal-like portions outwards around the squeezed central portions and turns the petal-like portions from a stacked configuration to a substantially spherical configuration. The connector may be a cable tie or a plug-and-socket fastener.

Abstract: A customizable play structure that includes a fabric, a flexible material or a combination thereof having illustrations of objects found in an environment that are created on a top surface of the play structure. Illustrations that are included on the top surface of the material include objects that are found in a known environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to moldable sand compositions, methods for making the moldable sand compositions, and methods for using the moldable sand compositions. In a particular embodiment, the moldable sand composition comprises between about 70% to about 95% sand, between about 5% to about 30% water, a polar polymeric resin, a crosslinking agent, and a humectant. In an exemplary embodiment, the composition contains no oils, waxes, glycols, or rubbers. The composition is capable of becoming hardened over time in order to maintain the achieved shape, and can be re-wetted and molded again after becoming hardened.

Abstract: A scented stuffed toy includes a body having an internal cavity that is filled with filler material that has absorbed a fragrance substance. The filler material is grain or pellets that are capable of absorbing the fragrance substance, such as an oil-based fragrance liquid. The fragrance substance is mixed with the filler material and then inserted into the body of the stuffed toy to provide a scented stuffed toy. A unique identifier is attached to the stuffed toy to differentiate the stuffed toy from other stuffed toys. The unique identifier comprises at least one indicia that corresponds to one or a combination of a type of fragrance substance and a type of stuffed toy. A method of making the scented stuff toy is provided.

Abstract: The Imaginative Play Furniture Cover transforms existing furniture into immersive imaginative play environments. It is made of flexible material, folding away into a small volume for storage or transport. It is easy to travel with, allowing parents to take play structures to other locations and eliminate the need for additional structures at visited locations. It can be machine washable to prevent the spread of germs in public play areas, such as schools or waiting rooms, and to keep it looking clean and neat. The main play elements are panels that are surrounded by a margin of background indicia, allowing the cover to fit furniture of various sizes. The main play element panels can be placed on the cover in such a way as to utilize the empty space within the furniture as multiple imaginative environments, maximizing creative play space in a small footprint.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a composite sheet for creating a customized design. The composite sheet includes a first fabric portion, a second fabric portion, and a membrane portion disposed between the first fabric portion and the second fabric portion, where the first fabric portion is sewn with stitching to the second fabric portion. One advantage of the composite sheet and related systems and methods is that users can create customized designs conveniently on their own home printer.

Abstract: A play toy has strands of different materials braided together to form at least one braided body having a pre-selected cross-sectional shape and arranged in a pre-selected structural configuration.

Abstract: A tethered ball toy is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the tethered ball toy includes a handle, first and second tethers, first and second balls, a tether cavity configured to receive and secure the tethers, and first and second fasteners to secure the tethers to the balls. In at least one embodiment, each ball is tethered at equal distance to the handle by a tether cord and configured to be set in motion and subsequently to collide with one another, thereby remaining in motion through a basic level of acquired skill in use of the tethered ball toy. In at least one embodiment, a ball is filled with one or more inert gases. In at least one embodiment, the tethered ball toy includes lights within each ball that illuminate upon impact.

Abstract: An infant toy is disclosed generally comprising a core section and a plurality of tags interconnected about the core section substantially forming the toy. The tags may be different lengths, widths, and colors, and may have different designs printed thereon, in order to further stimulate the infant. In certain embodiments, the tags are fabric loops, and in some embodiments, the toy has a handle member or a connector for attaching the toy to an accessory, such as car keys or a zipper pull. In some embodiments, the tags are arranged in an annular fashion such that they can be worn on the wrist or in the hair.

Abstract: An apparatus hovering winged objects. The apparatus includes an elongate support and a driver with an output shaft that supports a first end of the support. The driver imparts an oscillating displacement to the first end of the support. A body is mounted at a second end of the support and wings are attached to the support at an offset distance from the body. The body is positioned near the second end to swivel or pivot in response to vibration of the support. The driver vibrates the first end at a frequency that shapes the support as a wave, and the frequency is selected or tuned such that the wings are displaced more than the body such by imparting a harmonic frequency on the support. The output shaft is positioned by the driver in angular positions to move the first end of the support and the body and wings.

Abstract: A handle wrap assembly decorates a handle. The handle wrap assembly includes a wrap adapted to be secured around the handle. A decorative item is fixedly secured to the wrap to cover a portion of the wrap and a portion of the handle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a moving toy including: a shell body including a plurality of shell pieces placed side by side adjacent shell pieces of which are connected with each other to be capable of bending and stretching, the shell body being configured so as to capable of being both in a shrinking state in which the shell body curls up and in a unfolding state in which the shell body is released by bending and stretching; and a forcing member to allow the shell body to be in the shrinking state by an urging force, wherein the shell body includes an unfolding member on one surface side of the shell body, and the unfolding member is configured to push the shell body from the one surface side against the urging force by the forcing member to allow the shell body to be temporary and intermittently in the unfolding state.

Abstract: A child management system is provided for entertaining, calming, and affecting the proper development of a child. The child management system comprises a mat having a top and bottom surface, a timing device mounted on the mat and set for a pre-determined amount of time, and a pressure sensitive sensor embedded within the mat electronically connected to the timing device such that the timing device counts down a predetermined amount of time while a child is activating the pressure sensitive sensor. The system further comprises a speaker mounted on the mat that is electronically connected to the sensor wherein the type of audio sound emitted by the speaker is a function of a child activating the pressure sensitive sensor. Additionally, a control device is connected to the timing device and speaker to set the pre-determined amount of time and control the audio sound emitted by the speaker.

Abstract: A novelty loose string ball assembly having a multitude of long string elements that extend from opposite sides of a narrow central hub. The loose string ball assembly is created by fabricating a rolled structure that contains a string ribbon. The string ribbon has a central band and a plurality of long string elements that extend from opposite edges of the central band. The rolled structure is created by rolling the first string ribbon up along the central band. Adhesive is deposited along the central band that prevents the rolled structure from unraveling. Secondary string ribbons can be added to the rolled structure.

Abstract: A device for amusing a cat or other pet is provided that has a housing having a top portion and a bottom portion, a motor disposed in the housing, a belt attached to the housing via an upper shaft and a lower shaft, a string having a first end attached to the belt and a second end extending freely from the belt, and means for activating the motor. In operation the motor rotates the belt causing the string to repeatedly fling outwardly from being hidden within the frame and amuse the cat. Methods for amusing a pet are also disclosed that comprise the steps of automating a string, whereby a free end of the string appears and disappears from view. These methods are preferably accomplished by attaching one end of the string to a rotating belt within a housing.

Abstract: A symmetrical poi to be used by jugglers to safely perform moves includes a flexible long strap and two weights disposed at each end of the flexible long strap having reversibly deformable soft structure and having dimensions that fit in a human hand for easy grasping, easy releasing and easy catching, wherein the length of said strap and the weights mass is suitable for performing a wide variety of new moves.

Abstract: A swinging bob toy having two bobs constrained to, yet slidable along, a string. Each end of the string has a pair of low-mass, spaced-apart stoppers which allows the end of the string to be easily grasped so that smooth transitions can be made between various modes of operation. The string is smooth enough and thick enough that it slides over the fingers and wrists with a minimum of friction and abrasion. The even number of bobs on the string allows for configurations with a symmetrical weight distribution so that one bob may act as an exact counterweight to the other bob.

Abstract: A self-play cat's cradle toy temporarily holds a string loop configuration while a user frees her hands in order to retrieve the string loop and advance it through successive string loop configurations. The toy comprises a base, first and second arms, digits supported by each of the arms, an actuator operative to move at least one arm closer to the other, and a surface provided on at least a portion of some of the digits which is configured to resist release of the string loop when the string loop is brought into a taut condition. A method for self-play cat's cradle is also provided.

Abstract: A swinging bob toy having an outer bob and middle bob on a string, with the middle bob having a bore through which the string passes to allow the middle bob to slide along the string. The middle bob has a substantially toroidal, liquid-containing bladder. The mass of the liquid contributes substantially to the overall mass of the middle bob, but the viscosity of the liquid and the dimensions of the bore of the toroid are such that the dynamic moment of inertia (i.e., a moment of inertia dependent on linear and/or rotational velocity and/or acceleration, of a history thereof) is small as the middle bob begins its rotation as the outer bob passes the top of its orbit.

Abstract: A stringed cat toy to encourage playful activity and exercise in cats and healthy interaction between cat owners and their pets. The cat toy comprises an elongated music string with a small handle securely connected at one end and an object which is attractive to cats secured at the opposite end. The preferred cat toy string is selected from a group of composite strings used for instruments such as the cello, bass or violin, which are of low tensile strength and are designed for low-frequency vibration on the order of about 100 Hertz or less. The dynamic properties of the composite string facilitate interesting movements of the attractor, preferably a horse hair tassel, when the handle is rotated. The motion of the attractor appears to be a life-like and erratic movement that simulates prey and stimulates natural predatory instincts within the cat to encourage the animal to leap at the object. Such playful activity both exercises the cat and promotes beneficial interaction between cat and owner.

Abstract: A swinging bob toy having an outer bob and middle bob on a string, with the middle bob having a bore through which the string passes to allow the middle bob to slide along the string. The middle bob has a substantially toroidal, liquid-containing bladder. The mass of the liquid contributes substantially to the overall mass of the middle bob, but the viscosity of the liquid and the dimensions of the bore of the toroid are such that the dynamic moment of inertia (i.e., a moment of inertia dependent on linear and/or rotational velocity and/or acceleration, of a history thereof) is small as the middle bob begins its rotation as the outer bob passes the top of its orbit.

Abstract: An amusement device used to move a supported display object through an erratic path. The amusement device includes a base element in which is disposed a motorized assembly. A support spring is used to interconnect a display object to the motorized assembly in the base element. The support spring has a first end and a second end. The first end of the support spring is coupled to the motorized assembly within the base element, wherein the support spring is caused to move by the vibrating assembly. The remainder of the support spring extends freely from the base element. The display object is coupled to the second end of the support spring.

Abstract: An amusement device used to move a supported display object through an erratic path. The amusement device includes a base element in which is disposed a motorized assembly. A support spring is used to interconnect a display object to the motorized assembly in the base element. The support spring has a first end and a second end. The first end of the support spring is coupled to the motorized assembly within the base element, wherein the support spring is caused to move by the vibrating assembly. The remainder of the support spring extends freely from the base element. The display object is coupled to the second end of the support spring.

Abstract: A swinging bob toy having a middle bob with a non-cylindrically symmetric internal structure. The center of mass is located near the middle of the bore axis, and the percentage azimuthal variation V in the moment of inertia I about an axis in the equatorial plane, given by V=100×[I(&phgr;max)−I(&phgr;min)]/I(&phgr;max), is minimized, for instance by positioning the internal components to produce a weight distribution with n-fold symmetry, where n≧3. In one preferred embodiment, the bobs are equipped with lights powered by on-board batteries. Flat cylindrical batteries are mounted on an equatorial circuit board with their axes of symmetry perpendicular to the bore axis. To allow battery replacement, the top and bottom halves of each bob are removably attached by screw-secured posts parallel to, but offset from, the bore axis. An on/off switch is accessible via a small aperture through a transparent outer shell.

Abstract: A novelty device has a compacted spring loop in a container. During an effort of a person to remove the loop from the container, the loop under stored spring energy expands toward its extended configuration to assist in opening the container or to fly out from the container to the surprise of the person.

Abstract: A swinging bob toy having a middle bob with a non-cylindrically symmetric internal structure.

Abstract: A toy conker which has a main body portion attachable to a line member, the body portion having at least one insert which can be struck off.

Abstract: A toy and storage play set for providing a wrestling ring and storage area. The toy and storage play set includes a container device and wrestling ring device. The container device has a housing having a top side which is open. A covering member covers the housing. The wrestling ring device has a stage portion. The stage portion is generally planar, having a facing side and a back side. The back side is releasably securable to the covering member. Four elongate members each have a first end and a second end. Each of the elongate members has central portion having two spaced bores therein such that a top bore and a bottom bore is defined. A first cord forms a closed hoop and extends through each of the top bores. A second cord also forms a closed hoop and extends through each of the bottom bores. A plurality of fastening means fasten the elongate members to the facing side of the stage portion. Each of the fastening means is coupled to one of the second ends of the elongate members.

Abstract: An amusement device used to move a supported display object through an erratic path. The amusement device includes a base element in which is disposed a rotating assembly. A support spring is used to interconnect a display object to the rotating assembly in the base element. The support spring has a first end and a second end. The first end of the support spring is coupled to the rotating assembly within the base element, wherein the support spring is rotated by the rotating assembly. The remainder of the support spring extends freely from the base element. The display object is coupled to the second end of the support spring. As the display object rotates, it causes the support spring to oscillate, thereby causing the display object to move erratically from point to point.

Abstract: An amusement device used to move a supported display object through an erratic path. The amusement device includes a base element in which is disposed a vibration mechanism. A support spring is used to interconnect a display object to the vibration mechanism in the base element. The support spring has a first end and a second end. The first end of the support spring is coupled to the vibration mechanism in the base element. The remainder of the support spring extends freely from the base element. The display object is coupled to the second end of the support spring. As the display object vibrates, it causes the support spring to oscillate, thereby causing the display object to move erratically from point to point.

Abstract: A manipulatable beaded string toy device comprising of a plurality of interconnectable elements, each element including a number of beads disposed on a cord. When the plurality of interconnectable elements are interconnected, a junction formed comprises at least four beads, two from each cord, each of the at least four beads is in contact with at least three other beads of the junction.

Abstract: A toy building set is disclosed which includes a first type of building element formed of relatively flexurally flexible portions and a second type of building element having gripping fingers facing each other and spaced a distance apart that corresponds to the outer diameter of the flexurally flexible elements. The first type of building element may thus be releasably secured between the gripping fingers.

Abstract: An educational and recreational toy system for toddlers including a plurality of toy components having various shapes and sizes. The various shapes and sizes of the components are based upon a unit measurement. Toy structures are provided, including a balance, a stringer, and a pegboard for integrated use with the components. The toy components may be used interchangeably among the various toy structures. According to the invention, the system allows a child to improve motor, coordination, and thinking skills. This is accomplished by using the toy components—in conjunction with the toy structures—for matching, piling, patterning, and balancing exercises.

Abstract: A room-environment string-pull construction toy consisting of a string, multiple wall-mountable pulleys, and a variety of colorful, eye-catching and/or whimsical cardboard or paper cutouts which can be mounted on the pulley wheels. Each wall-mountable pulley has a base with a non-permanent adhesive affixed to a back surface thereof, and an axle extending from a front surface thereof on which a pulley wheel is rotatably mounted. The configuration of the toy is constructed by attaching the pulleys to the walls and possibly the ceiling of a room, running the string over the pulleys, and attaching cutouts to the pulleys and string. Planar cutouts attached to the pulley wheels may be shaped as propellers, arrows, cams, disks and the like. Preferably, the cutouts are bright colors and/or are decorated with designs which have a striking appearance when in motion.

Abstract: A wind driven flying toy comprising a single guideline and an aerodynamic body slidably secured to the guideline, the aerodynamic body being capable of traversing the entire length single guideline in both directions by reacting with the action of wind power member even when the wind power is in a constant wind direction. The direction of the travel of the aerodynamic body can be modified by adjusting the orientation of the aerodynamic body and is not dependent upon a change in the direction of the wind. In addition, the direction of travel of the aerodynamic body along the single guideline can be reversed by rotation of a handle connected to the end of the guideline when the aerodynamic body is in contact with the handle.

Abstract: A toy apparatus including a toy character and a game unit that is detachably secured to the toy character. The game unit is sized to fit into a receptacle of the toy character and includes a visual display. The game unit is programmed to display a virtual toy character corresponding to the toy character and to display a sequence of visual displays embodying a time-dependent interactive game pertaining to the virtual toy character.

Abstract: A novel design and method of manufacturing confetti uses an interior cutout type die-cutting process. The resulting die cut confetti has unique and unusual aerodynamic features creating visually pleasing flight patterns. The predominant descent pattern of this new confetti is a hover action. The confetti rocks slightly back and forth during its descent but primary remains parallel to the ground.

Abstract: The structures of this invention comprise a plurality of panels. Rod formations are associated with the panels along at least some edges thereof. Joining devices consisting of elongated frame members are provided with openings for removably receiving the rod formations with the associated panel edges. Connectors are utilized for receiving the respective ends of the frame members. By providing a plurality of openings in the connectors for receiving different rod ends, and by providing a plurality of such connectors, numerous temporary structural configurations can be achieved.

Abstract: The element to be protected hereby is an element consisting of a pull string (2), chain, wire or the like having at each end a coupling device (3) which may be coupled onto a coupling stud (6). The element is characterised in that the string (2), the chain, etc., is mounted so high on the coupling device (3) that a momentum influences the coupling device (3) that twists the coupling device (3) off the coupling stud (6) despite the frictional force therebetween when the element is pulled.

Abstract: A lasso toy comprises a generally elongate rope and a handle having an axial bore dimensioned to slidingly receive the rope. A swivel is provided on a first end of the rope and cooperates with the handle to permit rotational movement of the handle about the rope while limiting axial movement of the rope relative to the handle. The second end of the rope is detachably secured preferably by hook and loop fasteners to an intermediate portion of the rope and thereby create a noose. The fasteners permit the noose to release under moderate tension of the rope if the lasso is used unsafely.

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 climbing toy device has a ring, a first climbing toy, a climbing mechanism disposed in the first climbing toy, a rope connected to the ring and the climbing mechanism, a second climbing toy, and a string connected to the ring and the second climbing toy.