Abstract: The Toy System is a toy for use with a computer having a display. The system includes a plurality of interconnecting hardware toy pieces and a toy design system software for operating the computer. An inventory database stores an inventory of the toy pieces. An inventory database manager module updates the inventory database in response to player input. A design layout module creates and modifies a toy layout in response to player input using software representations corresponding to the inventory of the toy pieces and conforming to a plurality of design rules, and generates a screen indicating the toy layout. A layout database stores the toy layout created by the player using the toy design system. Other features includes inventory management and control allowing a layout based on a fixed inventory, a layout completion module, a layout library module, a design assistance module, a simulation module and an education module.

Abstract: A kinetic toy in which a ball rolls down a trackway from an upper location to a lower location and is automatically returned to the upper location for recycling, the toy including an accesory, such as a ball-operated switch, adapted for quick-connection on the trackway, and a collector trackway arrangement for collecting the ball at a lower level, the accesary per se, and tracks per se for the collector trackway arrangement.

Abstract: A kinetic toy in which a ball rolls down a trackway from an upper location to a lower location and is automatically returned to the upper location for recycling, the toy being constructed of individual parts which are readily assembled in various configurations, including frame parts, trackway parts, including ball-operated switch parts, and bracket parts for supporting the trackway on the frame.