Abstract: A shape-matching educational toy apparatus includes a first plate having a plurality of different shape apertures therein and a plurality of block elements of corresponding shapes which are receivable in the apertures. The block elements are retained in the apertures by resilient retaining elements until a second plate engages the block elements to push them therethrough. The second plate is hingedly attached to the first plate but resiliently upwardly displaceable relative thereto whereby when an obstruction such as a child's finger is interposed between the plates, injury is avoided.

Abstract: An amusement game device generally in the configuration of a dragon-like figure including a body portion having an open cup portion therein, an elongated flexible neck member which normally extends outwardly from the body portion, and a head portion which is attached to the neck member and includes an outwardly extending hook-like tongue. A tail on the device which extends rearwardly from the body portion is manipulatable to curl the neck member upwardly and rearwardly to move the head portion to the interior of the cup portion or slightly thereabove whereby ring-like game elements disposed on the hook-like tongue may be deposited in the cup portion by manipulating the tail.

Abstract: A motorized track laying vehicle is operable for forward, reverse and turning movement by manipulation of a turret on the vehicle. The turret is movable between forward, intermediate and rearward positions on the vehicle to correspondingly control the vehicle for forward, stopped and reverse modes. The vehicle is steered by rotating the turret in a desired direction to thereby disengage an appropriate track laying assembly.

Abstract: A drawing appliance is disclosed of the type that includes a screen to which a powdered substance adheres, a stylus being used to trace lines through the powdered substance, and a mechanism being provided that enables the stylus to be withdrawn from engagement with the screen so that movement of the stylus to another location on the screen does not result in unnecessary tracing of lines on the screen.

Abstract: A toy device adapted to loop a strand such as yarn through sheet material such as resinous foam fabric so as to simulate sewing or other needlework. The overall shape of the device simulates a sewing machine, that is, includes a platform on which material to be worked is held and a head supported in vertical spaced relationship thereabove. A hollow needle through which a strand may be threaded is supported on the bottom of a reciprocal plunger which when moved up and down, as by the child manipulating the device, causes the needle to project through the material and causes a series of loops to be formed on the back face thereof. A strand inserting device including a vertically reciprocal rod is positioned in alignment above the open end of the needle so as to thread the same. In the upper position of the plunger, the rod is independently operable from the plunger but acts in conjunction with the plunger in its lower position for safety purposes.