Abstract: A realistic electro-mechanical toy that can simulate lifelike purring and other vibratory sensations of animals and other creatures by transmission of vibrations to the body of the mechanical toy providing enhanced and lifelike interaction with a user. An arm is coupled to a body and includes a finger portion at an end of the arm. The finger portion is biased against a cam which is rotatably coupled to the body and includes one or more protuberances on a surface perimeter such that when the cam is rotated a vibration is transmitted to the body simulating lifelike purring and other vibratory sensations. The cam is rotated in a back and forth motion and is synchronized with a sound element producing a purring sound occurring around the time the vibration is transmitted to the body.

Abstract: A wearable toy having an outer housing capable of rotating around a wearable component with more than one pod at the outer housing each able to receive a contained discharge element. The pods are engaged by an actuator assembly which operates to project the contained discharge element of each pod. The pods at the outer housing may receive, e.g., a removable canister containing the discharge elements. The actuator assembly includes a first actuator coupled to the wearable component for manipulation by a user and a second actuator capable of engaging the first actuator projecting the contained discharge element of each of the plurality of pods. The canister may include a second actuator coupled and capable of engagement with the first actuator as the outer housing member is rotated to allow alignment of first and second actuators for projecting the contained discharge element.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical character or figure such as a toy animal that can replicate realistic grasping and standing positions of animals and other creatures while they are supported on a surface as well as when they are perched on a bar or other supporting elements by coordinating the positioning and movement of specific body parts. To this end it is regarded that through observation of live animals, the mechanism can be seen to exhibit a grasping action around a perch to achieve a fully supported free-standing position. Birds in particular can readily be shown to exhibit a grasping action in their talons. The grasping members and support members include a front portion and a rear portion that facilitate a pivoting action on a center portion to a closed position when grasping and an open position when standing.

Abstract: A retail display case for retail items such as a doll packaged in a center tubular section with end caps that may be removed from a center tubular section and assembled to form various accessories including a storage case. In addition one or more of the end caps may be used to provide a display stand for the doll. The retail display packaging includes the set of top and bottom end caps, and further includes the center tubular section made from clear plastic or the like. Internal components such as foam pieces or a set of molded plastic sections may be used with molded components for storage and subsequent use from the storage case. The display case is thus convertible from its original retail housing purpose into a storage case or use by the consumer for novel use as an alternative to discarding the packaging. Accordingly, the center section is provided as being disposable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a customized jigsaw puzzle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an image capturing mechanism, such as a camera, that captures one or more images of one or more individuals, animals, or objects or combinations of these posed against a background. A computer that is linked to the mechanism and to a printer is programmed to print an image on flexible sheets having a printable surface. Then a press, having a platen carrying a jigsaw puzzle cutting die, when activated uses pressure to laminate together the flexible sheet bearing the printed image and a foam sheet thicker and more rigid than he flexible sheets, setting pressure responsive adhesive material used as a binder to form a laminated product, and substantially simultaneously to cut the laminated product into jigsaw puzzle pieces.

Abstract: An artificial eye for use in animated plush toys has a one-piece eyeball and lid that are integrally molded. The eye further includes a shaped member and a retaining post. A crossplate of the shaped member is preferably curved to correspond to the curvature of the eye, and is operative to animate a portion of plush contiguous to the eye. The portion of plush to be animated has an attached elongated flap which includes a forked free end wherein each branch of the forked end includes a hole. The elongated flap is inserted into the doll's body or head cavity, and each branch is tucked under the curved crossplate of the shaped member. The retaining post engages the holes near the ends of each branch, thereby fixedly retaining the flap to the eye. When the eye is rotated the plush portion also moves thereby simulating movement of an eyelid.

Abstract: A game device that uses an inclined playing surface to achieve the goal of making the game more convenient by allowing the player easier accessibility to game pieces. The game assembly includes a base, an upright module and a pair of support assemblies. The inclined playing surface is achieved through combination of a locking hinge and an interlocking set of bars. The locking hinge is achieved through the connection of a set of plastic fasteners on the pair of support assemblies to a set of notches on the base. The locking hinge allows the support assemblies to be able to pivot upwards towards the upright assembly. The interlocking set of bars is achieved through the even spacing of bars along the bottom edge of the base and the edge of the pair of support assemblies.

Abstract: A device combining a gun and target for facilitating a game of tag using infrared light communications between a two or more players is provided. The device includes two infrared transceivers and a shaped housing facilitating handling of the device by a user. The housing includes a grip portion with a finger-operable trigger, a barrel portion and a user-interface including a display and a keypad for programming the device and controlling various game and device functions. A first infrared transceiver transmits a directional infrared signal to another game participant and receives an acknowledgment signal therefrom in response to the transmitted directional signal. A second infrared transceiver facilitates omnidirectional two-way communications between two or more devices. The transceivers facilitate communications between game players before, during, and after a game of infrared electronic tag such as game setup, player identification and gameplay analysis.

Abstract: A device and method for transmitting sound waves between a signal source and a user's ears, wherein the sound waves bypass the air. The sound waves are conducted by the user's teeth and bones to the user's ears, where they are perceived as sound. Sound-transmitting toothbrushes and the like are described to transmit and/or conduct sound to the user's ear, while the user is brushing his or her teeth. The toothbrush head and a signal source are configured to produce sound waves for transmission through the toothbrush head to the user's mouth, and a tension controller is configured to control the volume of the sound waves based on the pressure applied by the toothbrush head. The signal source may produce sound waves directly or with the assistance of a transducer. The signal source may be replaceable, connect to a replaceable cartridge, or connect to an adaptor capable of downloading data to allow the signal source data to be replaceable.