Abstract: An electronic learning and entertainment system that includes a plurality of housings that can be coupled to an electronic module. Each housing has a plurality of input devices. The electronic module can be plugged into one of the housings and generate outputs that are unique to the housing. The input devices and corresponding module outputs may be designed for play by a specific age group. Thus each housing can be operated by a user of a certain age. By way of example, one housing may be designed to by operated by an infant, another housing may be designed to be operated by a user in the 2-5 year age group, etc.

Abstract: Vibrating musical devices including a motorized drumstick that can generate and/or distort sound when placed into contact with a surface. For example, the motorized drumstick can generate a “buzz roll” on a drum or other resonating surface. The drumstick includes a rod that is attached to a handle. Located within the handle is a motor that can create an oscillating movement of the rod. The oscillating movement may be induced by an off-center weight that is attached to the motor. The motor and weight may be incorporated into other musical devices.

Abstract: A combination musical instrument comprising first and second instrument portions each having first and second sides and a plurality of input devices actuable by a user on one side thereof. The first and second portions are coupled to each other. In one embodiment of the invention, the first portion resembles a keyboard and the second portion resembles a guitar. When the input devices on the guitar portion are actuated, sound files stored in a microcontroller are transmitted through a speaker, producing sounds that resemble those made by a guitar. When the input devices on the keyboard portion are actuated, different sound files are transmitted by the microcontroller through the speaker, producing sounds that resemble those made a keyboard, organ, drums, xylophone or other instrument. In one embodiment of the invention, the keyboard portion is foldable about an axis, concealing the keyboard portion from view.

Abstract: A toy that activates an indicator while an end user consumes an edible substance. The toy includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are connected to the indicator. An electrical path is created between the first and second electrodes while the end user is consuming the consumable substance to close an electrical circuit with the indicator. The closed circuit activates the indicator.

Abstract: A children's ride-on toy convertible between tricycle and a scooter configurations includes a curved backbone having an upper end segment and a lower end segment defining an upwardly facing step area, rear wheels rotatably mounted to the lower end segment, a front fork including a head post rotatably mounted to the upper end segment and a front wheel rotatably mounted to the fork. The toy also has a rigid frame member with first and second ends and a seat area between those ends, the first end being connected by a two-axis pivot joint to the head post, This allows the frame member to be moved between a first, tricycle, position wherein the frame member extends over the backbone away from the head post such that the seat area faces upwardly away from the backbone and a second, scooter, position wherein the frame member extends up in front of the head post to a location spaced above the backbone thereby exposing the step area.

Abstract: A toy that includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are coupled to an electrical circuit. The first electrode is also coupled to an consumable substance. The circuit is closed when an end user becomes electrically coupled to the first electrode and the consumble substance. Closing the circuit may activate one or more actuators, sound devices, etc. of the toy.

Abstract: A toy that emits a sound and/or emits light when an end user drinks a liquid through a straw. The toy includes a first electrode and a second electrode in fluid communication with an inner channel of the straw. The electrodes are connected to an indicator such as a light source or a sound generating device. When the end user drinks a liquid through the straw the liquid provides an electrical path between the electrodes. The liquid closes a circuit between the electrodes and activates the indicator. The present invention also includes a sound/light emitting toy which supports a piece of candy. The toy includes a first electrode that can be grasped by the end user and a second electrode that is in contact with the candy. The electrodes are connected to an indicator. By licking the candy the end user provides an electrical path between the electrodes which closes a circuit and activates the indicator.

Abstract: A game wherein a player is sprayed with water if the player does not correctly answer a question within a time interval. The game may include a spray unit and an electronic visual display that are attached to a housing. The spray unit and visual display are connected to a controller circuit. The controller circuit may generate a question that is displayed by the visual display. The question can be provided to a player of the game. Alternatively, the game may have a speaker so that the question is provided to the player in an audible form. The game may initiate a timer when the question is displayed. The controller circuit can actuate the spray unit to spray a fluid onto the player if the player does not correctly answer the question within a time interval. The game may also have a reset switch which can reset the timer if a correct answer is provided within the time interval. If a correct answer is provided by the first player the same question can be provided to a second player and so forth and so on.

Abstract: A toy that activates an indicator while an end user consumes an edible substance. The toy includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are connected to the indicator. An electrical path is created between the first and second electrodes while the end user is consuming the consumable substance to close an electrical circuit with the indicator. The closed circuit activates the indicator.

Abstract: A toy device that leaves a liquid footprint as the device is moved along a surface. The device includes a housing that resembles a duck. Attached to the bottom of the duck is a roller that can rotate relative to the housing, so that the toy can be pushed or pulled along a sidewalk or other similar surface. The housing is connected to a handle that allows the user, such as a small child, to move the toy along the surface. Attached to the roller are a pair of sponge pads that are constructed to resemble the feet of a duck. The sponge pads are soaked with water and leave a liquid pattern when pressed into contact with a surface. The sponge pads are located on the roller, such that a duck foot shaped pattern is left on the surface each time the user moves the duck and rotates the roller.

Abstract: A water game that periodically releases a volume of water. The game includes a trough that is pivotally connected to a stand. The trough is in fluid communication with a source of water such as a garden hose that is attached to the stand. The hose provides water that fills the trough. The water trough has a cavity that is offset from the stand so that the trough pivots about the stand and releases a volume of water when the water reaches a certain level. The trough rotates back into an upright position and again becomes filled with water, wherein the process is repeated. The stand can support the trough above a mat. A game participant can slide across the mat as the trough releases water to simulate a "riding of a wave".

Abstract: A toy that releases a fluid onto a player when another player successfully projects a projectile onto a target. The toy may include a basketball hoop and a container that is filled with a fluid. The hoop is coupled to the container by a release mechanism and a trigger. The container may be elevated above a player by a post. The release mechanism is switched to a released state so that the fluid is released onto the player when the projectile is thrown through the basketball hoop and engages the trigger a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: A toy that can sense contact with a fluid. The toy preferably contains a conductive member and an adjacent conductive screen. An indicator circuit has one terminal connected to the conductive member and another terminal connected to the conductive screen. The screen and conductive member are in relative close proximity so a fluid which flows through the screen will provide an electrically conductive path between the two conductive members. The conductive path closes the indicator circuit. The indicator circuit has an audio unit and/or light source that are activated when the circuit is closed by the fluid. The conductive members can be attached to a shield which also has a spray device. A player can spray another player with the spray device of the shield. The player can also block the spray of an opposing player with the shield. If the fluid makes contact with the conductive members the indicator circuit provides an indication that a "hit" has occurred.

Abstract: An electronic paddle that requires a player to strike an object with the paddle in a certain sequence. The electronic paddle includes a paddle that contains a game circuit and a speaker. The game circuit is connected to a first pressure sensor located on a first side of the paddle, and a second pressure sensor located on a second side of the paddle. The pressure sensors provide feedback signals to the game circuit when the paddle strikes the object. The game circuit and speaker generate a first sound when the object strikes the first side of the paddle, and a second sound when the object strikes the second side of the paddle. To play a game the player strikes the object with the first and second sides of the paddle in a pattern that is compared by the game circuit with a predetermined sequence. The game circuit and speaker can emit one sound to indicate a successful matching of the sequence, or another sound to indicate that the player did not strike the object in the correct sequence.

Abstract: A remotely controlled vehicle that mechanically activates an action accessory. The vehicle contains a remotely controlled plunger that engages a trigger of the action accessory. Engaging the trigger activates a mechanism within the action accessory. Activation of the mechanism induces a mechanical action such as ejecting a projectile or loading items onto the vehicle. The plunger and vehicle are remotely controlled by a transmitter which emits command signals to a receiver located within the vehicle. In operation, the end user skillfully manipulates the vehicle over the trigger and then transmits a command to extend the plunger and activate the mechanism of the action accessory.

Abstract: A game that allows one player to win by scoring goals at a faster rate than the opposing player. The game includes a vertical wall that has a first goal attached to a first side and a second goal attached to a second opposite side of the wall. The game also has a first launcher that can project a ball toward the first goal and a second launcher that can project a ball toward the second goal. The goals may be coupled to openings in the wall by chutes that guide the balls into the court of the opposing player when a player makes a basket. The game can be played by having each player project balls into their basket so that the balls roll into the court of the opposing player. The first player to run out balls wins the game.

Abstract: A toy device that leaves a liquid footprint as the device is moved along a surface. The device includes a housing that resembles a duck. Attached to the bottom of the duck is a roller that can rotate relative to the housing, so that the toy can be pushed or pulled along a sidewalk or other similar surface. The housing is connected to a handle that allows the user, such as a small child, to move the toy along the surface. Attached to the roller are a pair of sponge pads that are constructed to resemble the feet of a duck. The sponge pads are soaked with water and leave a liquid pattern when pressed into contact with a surface. The sponge pads are located on the roller, such that a duck foot shaped pattern is left on the surface each time the user moves the duck and rotates the roller. The duck toy also includes mechanism for allowing the user to generate sound and move the duck's head up and down to further generate bubbles.

Abstract: A game wherein a player is squirted with water if the player does not correctly answer a question within a time interval. The game includes a plurality of cards that each have at least one question and a spray unit which has a manually activated resettable timer assembly. The timer assembly releases a fluid from the spray unit if not reset within a time interval. To play the game, the timer assembly is activated and a player is asked a question provided by a card. If the player answers the question correctly the timer is reset and the question is provided to another player. If the player does not answer the question correctly within the time interval the spray device squirts fluid onto the player. The player must then take the card, select a new card and repeat the process of setting the timer and asking other players a question from the newly selected card. This process is repeated until the players hold all of the cards. The player with the least amount of cards wins the game.

Abstract: A ball that has a foam outer shell which surrounds a hollow inner chamber. The ball is constructed by initially forming a first section and a separate second section. The first and second foam sections are attached to create a ball with an inner chamber. The outer shell and inner chamber create a moment of inertia that is conducive to a spiral rotation when thrown by a player. Additionally, the soft foam material of the outer shell minimizes the discomfort of catching the ball.

Abstract: A toy hockey game which includes a stick and a projectile that both have hook and loop material which releasably attach the projectile to the stick, so that the participants can maintain the projectile in contact with the stick while playing a game of hockey.