Abstract: A modular combination toy and desktop writing accessory apparatus comprising a plurality of structural elements each having at least one nodal connector portion to which a complementary connector portion of another structural, element can be coupled. The structural elements can be assembled into a barrel-like form that is configured with a passageway for carrying a writing component of the invention. The writing component can be a pen, pencil, marker, crayon, eraser or the like. The modular combination toy and writing instrument has multiple functions in playtime as well as in everyday desk-bound activities.

Abstract: The toy of the invention includes an outer tube and an inner tube slidably penetrating the outer tube. An outer section of the inner tube is formed with a handle and an inner end thereof is provided with a piston air-tightly disposed in the outer tube. The toy can serve as a water gun by pushing and pulling the inner tube against the outer tube. The end of the outer tube, which connecting with the inner tube, is provided with a locking ring. An inner end of the handle is provided with two protrusions which can engage with the locking ring. The locking ring and protrusions are correspondingly asymmetric in size to avoid undesired engagement. This toy can serve as a bat when they are engaged.

Abstract: A play set having a main panel section and a pair of side panel sections, each of which is pivotably connected to tile side lateral edges of the main panel section. When the play set is in a first orientation, the main panel section and the pair of side panel sections are oriented generally co-planar to each other such that the upper main surface and upper side surfaces define a play surface having a perimeter, and when the play set is in a second orientation, the side panel sections are adjacent each other and in a plane parallel to the main panel section to define a play set case. When in the first orientation, one of the panel sections includes an elongated member extendable therefrom in a telescoping manner to define an additional play surface outside the perimeter of the main panel sections and side panel sections.

Abstract: A vehicle toy makes an imagination of an appearance of a second mode which is transformable from an appearance of a first mode difficult. A vehicle toy transformable between a first mode and a second mode includes a base member having a front surface forming part of the first mode and a back surface forming part of the second mode, at least two or more rotating members each rotatably coupled to the base member and having different features on the front surfaces and the back surfaces thereof so that the front surfaces form the first mode and the back surfaces form the second mode, and have connecting portions disposed at respective ends of at least two of the rotating members connecting to each other and retain the vehicle toy in either the first mode or in the second mode.

Abstract: An optical illusion device such as a drinking glass/cup for providing a multi-dimensional visual display. The device includes a body with tubular sidewalls extending from an opening at a first end to an opening at a second end. A base assembly is provided at the second end. The base assembly includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a sidewall that together form or define an inner chamber. A visual display assembly is provided with a mirror element with a convex reflective surface or mirror positioned within the chamber with the reflective surface facing the top wall of the base assembly. A primary image element is provided proximate to the reflective surface such that the primary image and mirror element can be observed via the opening in the body. A framing element is included proximate to the top wall of the base assembly including background images facing the reflective surface.

Abstract: A stored-value product includes a toy automobile and a panel. The toy automobile includes a body and wheels rotatably coupled to the body. The panel is coupled to the body and includes an account identifier signifying a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card assembly. Stored-value product assemblies, methods of promoting sales of stored-value products, methods of using a stored-value product and other embodiments are also disclosed.

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: An example feeding device includes a container and a controller that determines an orientation of the container. The controller activates a first stimulus when the container is in a first orientation and a second stimulus when the container is in another orientation. The first stimulus may please a child, and the second stimulus may displease a child.

Abstract: A container with a first member and a second member releasably connected to the first member with a space therebetween, either or both members a flyer disc, the first member having two spaced-apart parts and the second member having a lip releasably held between the two spaced-apart parts; and, in one aspect, an item, e.g. a pizza, in the space.

Abstract: An extensible straw for incorporation as an integral component of a disposable or collapsible beverage container has telescoping tubes extensible from the container, a screw cap and multiple seals preventing inadvertent leakage from the container whether the container is maintained upright or not.

Abstract: A reconfigurable structure for use with toy vehicles is provided, the structure having a first tower structure having a plurality of floors each having an entrance and an exit; a lift movably secured to the first tower, the lift being positionable at any entrance of the plurality of floors of the first tower; a ramp movably secured to the first tower, the ramp being positionable at any exit of the plurality of floors of the first tower; a second tower structure having a plurality of floors each having an entrance and an exit; a lift movably secured to the second tower, the lift being positionable at any entrance of the plurality of floors of the second tower; a ramp movably secured to the second tower, the ramp being positionable at any exit of the plurality of floors of the second tower; and wherein the reconfigurable structure is capable of having a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration and the first tower has a connecting member configured to engage the second tower when the reconfigurable stru

Abstract: A shoe is adaptable to receive a number of different styled decorative toy shoe straps. On a first side of the shoe is a male portion of a snap assembly that secures one end of a toy shoe strap having a female portion of the snap assembly. Located on the second side of the shoe is a rectangular slot for receiving the toy strap wherein the strap passes through the slot and is folded back on itself towards the first side of the shoe. The second end of the toy strap is then secured to the shoe over the first end using a hook and loop material (e.g., Velcro). An upper side of the interchangeable toy shoe strap is decorated with various designs, shapes and colors.

Abstract: A reconfigurable child's toy features a first configuration including a table with a top and a supporting pedestal and chairs about the table. A second configuration includes two or more of the chairs stacked on each other and the table top and supporting pedestal interlocked with the stacked chairs forming a play structure such as a tower, a rocket ship, or other round or square play structure.

Abstract: A combination play set and exercise station having a base supported by a ground support surface. A platform is disposed above and supported by the base while at least one swing support is attached to and extends outwardly from the platform. At least one hook is attached to the base, platform, or swing support and an exercise strap is engageable with the hook to perform at least one exercise routine.

Abstract: An article including a book, a closeable housing and an object in a compressed state in the housing is disclosed. The object is compressed foam that expands into a figure when the housing is opened. The book has one or more characters and the figure is representative of one of the one or more characters. The housing is preferably in a back cover of the book. The compressible toy is made from a compressible and expandable foam.

Abstract: The present invention provides interchangeable activity centers having a variety of themes, complexity, or content. Parents, teachers, therapists, or others can select, combine, and arrange two or more activity centers according to a user's interests and capabilities at that time. As the user develops greater skills or begins to lose interest, one or more of the activity centers may be removed, rearranged, or substituted for one or more other activity centers. This may lead to longer interest in the device and better correlate its subject matter with information or materials needed for further development.

Abstract: The present invention is an article of manufacture comprising a dish and a marker moveably affixed upon or within the dish, wherein the marker can be moved with a utensil. In a preferred embodiment, a dish is constructed that has an inner section and an outer section, and a space between the two sections. The space is filled with a fluid in which markers that appeal to children, such as brightly colored fish. The markers contain a magnet which can be activated using flatware. The child uses his or her spoon to move the fish marker up the side of the dish. This teaches the child how to use a utensil and provides entertainment during mealtimes.

Abstract: A safety lollipop holder includes a tube (2) extending around a longitudinal axis (10) to take a lollipop stick (11) with a lollipop sweet (12) on one end of this stick (11), a collar (3) in the vicinity of the proximal end (17) of the tube (2), the collar (3) extending radially and being larger in shape and radial dimensions than the dimensions of a child's mouth, and a main body (1). The holder includes an element (4) for the one-way clamping of a lollipop stick (11) held in the tube (2), the clamping element (4) being designed to clamp this stick (11) in the lengthwise direction inside the tube (2) and prevent the stick (11) from being removed axially from the proximal end (17) of the tube (2), so that a child cannot withdraw the lollipop from the lollipop holder through this proximal end (17).

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination comprising a first part and a second part; the first part having a stem with a free end defining an axis and body extending along the axis from the stem and terminating at a tip; the second part having a receptacle for receiving the free end of the stem; the combination having an assembled state in which the stem's free end is received in said receptacle and in which the combination can be positioned with the second part constituting a base thereof and the first part projecting upwards constituting an ornament; and having a disassembled state in which the first part can be used as a spinning top.

Abstract: The invention was made with a dual purpose, 1) a child's musical toy, and 2) a hands free baby bottle holder for feeding.

Abstract: A combination stuffed toy contains features of both a plant and an animal or another combination of entities. Preferably, the toy is a stuffed plant-animal combination comprising a cover with a plant component and an animal component which stores a stuffing material. Plant-animal combination toys are not only aesthetically pleasing but are also intellectually stimulating. Plant-animal combination toys require users to think to determine what the plant-animal combination is, as well as encourage users to utilize their imaginations. Plant-animal combination toys are also able to be used as a support, either emotionally or physically.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an interactive toy in which a user operates an instrument in association with the toy and one or more corresponding images show up on a display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy bank that includes a toy or toy housing, a money bank, and a computer interface in communication with the money bank. The money bank has a storage compartment; one or more unidirectional slots for receiving coins, dollar bills, or both; a compartment door at the storage compartment; and a processor to calculate an amount of coins, dollar bills, or both. The present invention also pertains to a toy bank that includes a pet carrier and a money bank, wherein the money bank is removably attached to the pet carrier. The present invention further relates to a toy bank that includes a toy and a money bank integrated with the toy. The present invention also includes systems and methods that incorporate the toy bank.

Abstract: A toothbrush for children has a cape element extending from a point along its handle, the rigid cape element extending from the handle and adjoining the handle so as to divide the handle into a lower portion and an upper portion, the upper portion including a head having bristles. The handle and cape element define a space between them into which a child can place a hand to hold the toothbrush. The cape element meets the handle at a sufficiently large angle that a hand of a child on the lower portion of the handle can hold the lower portion and brush the child's teeth. The lower portion of the handle is smooth and not in contact with anything from a point on the lower portion just below where the cape element adjoins the handle and downward.

Abstract: A teething toy that is chewable and sensory stimulating uses a hollow cylinder made of a soft clear polymeric material. It is approximately half filled with a colored fluid. Shiny particle specks and different shaped multicolored floating objects are suspended in the fluid. Nipple shaped protrusions extend from each spherical end. A circular handle with oval cross section extends from the side of the cylinder. Directly opposite this handle is a rectangular shaped handle with oval cross section. The sides of both handles have small extension knobs protruding from the narrow sides of the cross sections. Options include longitudinal ribs running along the cylinder surface for easy grasp and manipulation. Additional options include rectangular grips extending from the sides of the toy. Other options include a suction cup end suspended from a flexible plastic cord that tethers the toy to a surface such as a high chair tray.

Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a central housing having first and second oppositely disposed sides. A first wheel is rotatably mounted on the first side of the housing and a second wheel is rotatably mounted on the second side of the housing. Each of the first and second wheels has a central hub. Each hub has a center disposed along a common first axis of rotation. A plurality of vanes are attached to the hub and form the first and second wheels. An end of each vane distal to the hub forms a circumferential surface portion of one of the first and second wheels. Each vane is individually and separately manually angularly repositionable about a second axis of rotation extending transversely with respect to the first axis of rotation.

Abstract: A toy play set for use in a vehicle having a beverage cup holder includes a body having first and second opposing ends and a side wall extending therebetween defining an at least partially hollow cavity within the body. The body has in a closed configuration at least the first end sized and shaped to fit at least partially into the cup holder sufficiently for the cup holder to support the body in a first generally upright orientation with the second end forming a top end of the body. The body has an open configuration in which the hollow cavity is at least partially accessible. A tank with a pump is disposed within the body and is capable of being at least partially filled with a fluid in order to play at least one predetermined game.

Abstract: A cushioning device for placement on a mobility aid at a predetermined location thereon is provided. Such cushioning device includes a cushion member having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape. A first securing mechanism is operably disposed on such cushion member for releasably securing such cushion member to such mobility aid.

Abstract: An improved vehicle-shaped book includes a lower chassis body, an upright book support strut and at least two book pages, each page including a middle foam plate and front and back semi-rigid paper plates mounted on and sandwiching the middle foam plate, the book pages bound to adjacent pages thereof in a book format, the book pages mounted on the upright book support strut generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lower chassis body and front and rear wheels rotatably mounted on the lower chassis body whereby the vehicle-shaped book is rollable on the wheels.

Abstract: An article, toy or doll, including a first portion with an inner portion and an outer surface surrounding the first portion, and an insert positioned within the first portion. The insert is adapted to permit an indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque to be removably connected to the outer front surface of the first portion. The insert, which is not visible to the outer surface of the first portion, is preferably a magnetic member or a member attractable to a magnetic member. The article, toy or doll, which is constructed to have a three dimensional configuration, preferably resembles an animal or a human.

Abstract: A bubble wand having a hilt and a disc for blowing bubbles therethrough is provided. The disc can be removably connected to the hilt. The hilt can also comprise a removable base, and have a hollow chamber disposed therein. The base can be removed, so that items can be stored in the hollow chamber, such as coins, or other bubble wands. The hilt can also be disassembled into separate components.

Abstract: A miniature toy vehicle serviceable as an eraser and a pencil sharpener is primarily composed of a chassis and a housing combined thereto. A sharpener base for being screwed with a blade is provided at an appropriate position on the chassis, while a cone hole is provided at the side of the sharpener base for receiving a pencil to be sharpened. The front end and the rear end of the chassis are provided with respective wheel axles, the two ends of which are provided with tires, while a driving device is combined to the front or rear wheel axle, for moving on a plane. The housing is made of an eraser material, the side of which has a through hole corresponding to the shape of the cone hole at the sharpener base, thereby the housing can be combined to the chassis to form a toy vehicle.

Abstract: A toy includes a telescoping member, the telescoping member having a first member and a second member slidably disposed over the first member, a handle portion coupled to one end of the first member, a head portion coupled to the distal end of the second member, an enclosure device slidably disposed over the telescoping member, the enclosure device having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and a layer of fabric secured to the perimeter of the interior surface of the enclosure device and to the head portion. The layer of fabric has at least two appendages extending therefrom. When the head portion is fully retracted within the enclosure device, the layer of fabric and appendages are fully contained within the enclosure device. When the head portion is fully extended outside of the enclosure device, the layer of fabric and appendages are substantially located outside of the enclosure device.

Abstract: A multipurpose bowl assembly including a bowl, a target having a coupler configured to attach the target to the bowl and a launching device coupled to the bowl and configured to propel at least one item in a direction generally toward the target.

Abstract: A child's play gym (1) comprising a base (2) to be positioned on a support surface (P), said base (2) having a perimetral frame (3) connected to an arched element (6) carrying games (11) and able to be disposed in at least one working position in which it lies above the base (2), this latter preferably presenting a flat element (4) connected to the perimetral frame (3). Said perimetral frame (3) comprises a first portion (12) and a second portion (13) hinged together and inclinable relative to each other, the flat element (4) being connected to at least a first (12) of said portions (12, 13), to act as a backrest for supporting a child when said first portion (12) is inclined to the second (13), the play gym being able to act as a seat when in that configuration.

Abstract: The invention is a promotional structure, such as a greeting card, which is collapsible to fit into a flat envelope for mailing, and which unfolds into the shape of a recognizable type of building, such as a house. Some of the panels are flexibly joined to one another while others (or portions of others) carry reusable fasteners, such as ribbons corresponding to complementary holes on adjacent panels. When the structure is unfolded and the fasteners join the corresponding panels, the panels define the building's shape and its promotional theme. The design provides a structure well suited for distributing promotional material in a medium that is different than traditional greeting cards or brochures, and the structure may be fabricated either from a plurality of panels secured to each other or from the die-cutting and scoring of a single sheet of material.

Abstract: Souvenir kits are disclosed, the kits including an assortment of multiple parts including a front member, a rear member, and at least one side member. At least the front member is thematically representative of an aspect of a particular travel destination. At least the front member is configured for connection to one or more other parts in the kit in multiple respective ways so as to make a selected souvenir assembly of at least three possible souvenir assemblies, each having a different use, that can be made from the parts in the kit. Exemplary assemblies include bookends, wall-hangings, enclosures (e.g., planters), light-switch covers, object-holding devices, and wind chimes, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A hand-held amusement device has a variety of features that encourage manipulative activities in and/or by a person's hand. These features may include various combinations of a base that is configured for rocking back and forth on a support surface; a cylinder that rotates relative to the base; a plunger that telescopes relative to the base; a clip that slides back and forth on the base; a lever that pivots back and forth on the base; a hole that extends through an end of the base to facilitate twirling of the device about a finger; at least one word embossed in braille on the base; and a spherical ball that is rotatably mounted in the base and protrudes outward from the base. The base may also be configured for rotation about as many as three orthogonal axes while supported in respective positions between a person's thumb and an opposing finger.

Abstract: A portable theater for children that has multiple features of a theater integrated together. The portable theater has a stage, refreshment stand, ticket booth and alternatively a dressing room or puppet theater. Each side of theater has one element for a total of four elements in any given theater. The theater allows children to enact not only a performance, but also other aspects of the theater experience like selling tickets, selling refreshments and changing between scenes.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding at least one of a pen and a business card. The apparatus comprises a deer antler formed of natural deer antlers having various configurations depending on the shape of such deer antler when shed by a deer. At least one holder member is engageable with at least one prong of the deer antler for holding at least one of business cards and a pen. There is a means for securing the at least one holder member to such deer antler.

Abstract: A cup structure is disclosed.

Abstract: A building component for facilitating a construction of a snow man/woman. A spherically-shaped body is provided that has an outer surface and an interior, the interior substantially lighter than when the interior is filled with snow. An adhesion surface is provided on the outer surface of the spherically-shaped body that substantially increases the ability of the outer surface to adhere snow to the spherically-shaped body. The spherically-shaped body and adhesion surface form a building component for facilitating the construction of the snow man/woman.

Abstract: The invention includes a block and a cord threaded through a bore formed within the block. The bore bears a crooked configuration such that when the cord is in a slack position, the block is displaceable along the cord. However, when the cord is taut it frictionally engages the block within the bore and restricts displacement of the block along the cord.

Abstract: A novelty figurine and carabiner storage assembly is provided. The figurine comprises a head portion, a body portion located proximate to the head portion, and at least one carabiner attachment assembly extending from the body portion for selectively allowing the figurine to be attached to or removed from another item able to receive the attachment assembly. The carabiner attachment assembly comprises at least first and second leg assemblies, with one of the leg assemblies having a selectively openable gate assembly extending therealong. The body portion has at least one substantially hollow interior section and at least one selectively openable door assembly for access into the substantially hollow interior section.

Abstract: A multifunctional device for supporting a lid of a container in order to protect an item stored within the container is provided. The support device includes a generally planar upper member. The support device also includes at least one leg member detachably connected to the upper member by a connecting member and projecting from a surface of the upper member. The upper member and leg member have a first function as a lid support when the leg member and upper member are attached. Further, either one of the upper member or the leg member have a second function different from the first function when the leg member is detached from the upper member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the risk that a thrown toy will injure an animal. The apparatus consists of a toy which when thrown bounces erratically, which compressively elastically deforms, which includes a soft fabric outer surface that compresses to absorb blows, and which can withstand being bitten or chewed by a dog.

Abstract: Beverage bottle tops having interactive elements or performing interactive actions are disclosed. The beverage bottle tops are capable of conveying liquid from the bottle to a person. The beverage bottle tops include interactive elements, structures, or acts, which result from activation thereof. For example, the interactive elements, structures, or acts include, but are not limited to, members moving on the bottle top, lights illuminating on the bottle top, sounds emanating from the bottle top, or squirting liquid from the bottle top. The interactive bottle tops can be activated manually, electrically, or magnetically. In addition, the interactive bottle tops can be activated by squeezing a body on the bottle top, by operating a trigger on the bottle top, by changes in environmental light or sound, or by drinking liquid through the bottle top.

Abstract: A purse that converts into a doll bed, having an upwardly facing basket; fabric mounted in the basket and which extends upwardly from the basket to form an upwardly facing container that may serve as either a purse or a doll bed; straps secured to the upper end of one of the fabric or the basket so that the combination purse and doll bed may be readily carried; the fabric of the purse extends upwardly sufficiently so that the fabric may form a purse or be folded outwardly to form a doll bed; and a fabric hood secured to the interior of the fabric which may lay concave when the fabric is formed into a purse or be lifted to serve as a toy sunshade for a doll when the fabric is formed into a doll bed.

Abstract: A combination toy building block and container for holding liquids and the like, wherein the functional configuration of the device permits both the carrying of a dispensable substance and the stacking of multiple containers, thereby enabling the imaginative play construction of buildings and objects such as, but not limited to, play forts, play houses, play cars and boats, statues, tables and chairs.

Abstract: An animal toy is configured to stimulate at least one sense of an animal during play by said animal. The toy includes a shell formed of a first pliable material and having an interior; a pouch formed of a second pliable material and contained within the shell during play; a play stimulation item wholly contained within the pouch and configured to issue an emission detectable through the pouch and the shell by at least one sense of said animal; an opening formed in said shell for admitting the pouch into said interior and having a margin; a hem formed along the margin; and, a draw string extending through and from the hem to draw the hem closed.