Abstract: Toy motorcycle play apparatus comprising a toy motorcycle having an energy-storing drive-train mechanism, and a launcher for imparting energy to the mechanism and then releasing the motorcycle for forward movement. The motorcycle comprises aligned rotatable front and rear ground-engaging wheels and an intermediate flywheel, all rotatable about horizontal transverse axes. The energy-storing drive-train mechanism is formed by the flywheel, one of the wheels, and a gear train between them which reduces speed and increases power and duration of rotation at that drive wheel. In operation, the motorcycle is powered by the flywheel, which also serves to maintain it upright by gyroscopic action as it moves forwardly. The launcher holds the motorcycle in the desired upright orientation with the drive wheel elevated so that it can rotate freely while energy is being stored in the flywheel. Then the motorcycle is released, the drive wheel is allowed to engage the launcher platform and propel the motorcycle forwardly.

Abstract: An electronic learning apparatus and methodology is disclosed wherein answer codes to a plurality of questions or tasks are disposed on the periphery of a disc. The answer codes are photo-optically read from the periphery of the disc as the disc is rotated with the answer thus read being stored in a register. The user inputs a student's answer through a keyboard into a second register. The answer code as read from the disc is compared to the keyed answer from the user to give an indication of correctness or error. The invention also includes a method for teaching arithmetic operations wherein the user must input the nature of the arithmetic operation as well as the result in order to complete the questions. The invention is also characterized in that the keyboard is adapted to be combined with a plurality of keyboard overlays whereby an arbitrary number of associations may be made between the fixed number of keys and an indefinite number of response types.

Abstract: Four roll-formed slats attached to a vehicle top or rear deck have external tracks formed along their opposite edges. Two brackets slidably engage the external tracks of each slat, and lock at any point along the slat by means of an intermediate clamping plate. The clamping plates are shaped to permit application of clamping force without marring a plastic trim strip which is along the center of the slat. The brackets on the inboard slats carry retractable luggage stops, and those on the outboard slats carry tie-down loops. The outboard brackets are also adapted for attachment of crossbars, spanning the outboard slats, but only at certain discrete positions along the slats. Crossbar accessories facilitate securing bicycles, skis or other special articles to the vehicle.

Abstract: Stage apparatus for use with a stand-up doll figure where the doll figure not only moves across the stage area, but rotates successively in opposite directions and for different degrees of rotation to simulate life-like as distinguished from mechanical motion. The apparatus comprises a base having a stage mounted for rotation, mechanism for effecting rotation of the stage, a doll support disc mounted on the stage for rotation relative to the stage, an attaching arrangement on the support disc for releasably securing a stand-up doll figure to the disc for common rotation, and a cam arrangement between the support disc and the base which operates incident to rotation of the stage to effect rotation of the support disc and the doll figure. In one form the apparatus is arranged so that the movements of the disc and the doll figure tend to be different each time the doll figure passes across the stage area.

Abstract: A toy car wash for advancing a toy car along a car washing line, applying water to the car, brushing the car, and then rapidly spinning the wet car to remove water. The water is essentially confined within the toy by use of a transparent top cover, a water capturing bottom cover or pan, and effective water removal before the toy car exits the device. The spinning mechanism includes a rotatable cradle that receives the car, and retains it without physical attachment and without further action by the user while it is being spun dry. The device provides a series of separate player-controlled operations which affords continuous user involvement and a high level of play value.

Abstract: A simple preschool assembly toy for young children which comprises at least three relatively large parts that are assembled together by the child to provide a representation of a recognizable object such as a toy vehicle and driver. A first and a second part are positioned adjacent to one another and include mechanically inter-engaging elements which limits relative movement between these parts only in a first direction, while allowing them to be separated in a second direction generally transverse to the first direction. A third part is positionable adjacent to the other parts, and second inter-engaging elements are provided on the third part and one of the other parts to limit relative movement between the parts in the second direction. The second inter-engaging elements may be engaged and disengaged by motion only in the second direction; as for example by the provision of magnets.

Abstract: A play set comprising a three-dimensional doll figure and a variety of flexible, resilient clip-on pieces representing clothing for the doll to wear, vehicles and animals for the doll to ride in and/or on, etc. The doll has an original appearance, i.e. original clothes, pose, etc. The clip-on pieces may cover over portions of the original appearance and replace them in addition to adding to them. For example, original arm positions and a shirt may be replaced by different arm positions and a coat. Similarly, legs of a standing figure may be replaced by a motorcycle and legs positioned astride the motorcycle. In preferred form, the figure is bias-relief, having a flat rear surface defining a peripheral shoulder and the clip-on pieces each conform generally to the front of the bias-relief figure and have retaining lips that engage the peripheral shoulder.

Abstract: An improved grill containing a solid grill plate. Grooves disposed in the grill plate retain juices from the food cooked thereupon to enhance the flavor of the food. The edges of the grill plate curve downwardly allowing excess grease and juice to run off the surface of the plate. A drip tray funnels the runoff grease to a refuse compartment. A collar supports the grill plate and a housing supports the collar and a heating source. Holes in the housing allow air to enter and be warmed by the heating source. The hot air escapes through a space between the collar and the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic game apparatus that in its preferred embodiment may be used either to play a game of musical concentration or else as a musical instrument. The apparatus is provided with an on-off switch, four mode buttons and a 5 by 5 keyboard having 24 active designator buttons. When the apparatus is placed in the musical instrument mode, each keyboard button is associated with a different musical note in the chromatic scale; thus the instrument is capable of playing two full chromatic octaves. When the apparatus is operated in one of its game modes, (some of which may be "easy"; other "difficult") a number of different tunes, each having an average length of approximately ten notes, are each assigned by the apparatus at the commencement of a game to a pair of designator buttons of the keyboard in a random or apparently random manner unknown to the players at the game's commencement.

Abstract: A continuous thin cushion is provided with stiff backing sections, arranged to align with the sections of an underlying conventional articulated hospital bed. The combination of cushion, backing, and preexisting hospital bed has a desired composite degree of firmness, ideal for orthopedic patients with back problems. Suitable covering and attachments to the bed are provided. Inexpensive materials and methods make the unit economically disposable.

Abstract: A bedside commode carried on a mobile frame including a ramp for bridging the space between the bed and the commode, and a peripheral railing mounted to extend above the commode platform for providing a protective barrier as well as a gripping bar for the patient. A front railing with a raised lateral portion is mounted in a fixed position on the forward edge of the commode platform. At least one side railing is manually movable from an upright locked position to an unlocked lower position below the upper surface of the commode platform, and the preferred embodiment also includes a rigidly mounted side railing opposite the manually movable side railing.

Abstract: A bicycle operated by a rider in a reclining position. The frame of the bicycle is constructed of a forward section, a middle section and a rear section. The rear section supports the rear wheel and the back of the seat. An X member behind the seat connected to the rear section provides further support for the back of the seat. The forward section is reinforced by a pair of more or less parallel crank assembly braces extending from the rear of the middle section to a crank assembly positioned at the front of the forward section. A chain extends from the crank assembly to the rear wheel to drive the bicycle.

Abstract: A doll play set including a doll figure and a doll house. The doll house is open access, having a circular floor and three radially-extending upright walls defining three areas for play within a generally hemispherical outline or outer shape. The doll house is rotatably mounted on a base to afford ready access to all the areas. A receptacle for the doll figure is provided at the upper center of the doll house. There is a playhouse cover of flexible material, conforming to the hemispherical shape of the doll house, and being supported solely by the walls. The cover has a central opening to afford access to the receptacle. The components are proportioned to permit both (1) the doll to be placed in the receptacle up to its waist, with the cover over the doll house giving the appearance of an oversized skirt, and (2) the doll to be placed and played with in the play areas, the doll being shorter than the walls.