Abstract: An electronic perpetual calendar erasable board with a tackable surface, such as a bulletin bar. In one embodiment, the calendar may include a front panel having a graphic that includes cells each representing a calendar day, e.g., a month grid of cells arranged in rows and columns or a weekly planner table with cells arranged in a row. The front panel may include a plurality of electronic displays so that the calendar is capable of displaying an accurate number and configuration of days for any month or week. Other embodiments may include a markable and erasable write-on/wipe-off surface and a frame that has a tackable surface integrated therein. The tackable surface may be cork, foam, fiber, or a composite.

Abstract: A magnetic top system for energizing, launching, and controlling movement of a spinning top. In one embodiment, a magnetic top launcher may magnetically couple to a top and induce a spinning motion in the top. A top controlling device may magnetically control a traversing movement of the top on a play surface without directly contacting the top.

Abstract: Magnetic and electronic toy construction systems and elements are provided that include an assembly of at least two panels that have at least three magnets located around the perimeter of the panel such that the dipole axes of magnets in a single panel are coplanar and intersect to define a polygon. When attaching two adjacent panels, at least two ferromagnetic spheres are used such that the dipole axes of one magnet from each of the adjacent panels are collinear, and such that the dipole axes are collinear with the centers of the ferromagnetic spheres. In this manner, several panels configured in this way may be nested together to form great varieties of constructions.

Abstract: A tiling puzzle having a first two-dimensional portion and a second three-dimensional portion that extends away from the plane of the first two-dimensional portion.

Abstract: Construction kit with two- and/or three-dimensional construction elements (1, 9) with magnetic elements (4) in the corners and/or sides and ferromagnetic spheres (11), which can be placed between the magnetic elements (4) of adjacent construction elements (1, 9) to connect the construction elements (1, 9) together using a magnetic bond so that they can be detached.

Abstract: Magnetic and electronic toy construction systems and elements are provided that include an assembly of at least two panels that have at least three magnets located around the perimeter of the panel such that the dipole axes of magnets in a single panel are coplanar and intersect to define a polygon. When attaching two adjacent panels, at least two ferromagnetic spheres are used such that the dipole axes of one magnet from each of the adjacent panels are collinear, and such that the dipole axes are collinear with the centers of the ferromagnetic spheres. In this manner, several panels configured in this way may be nested together to form great varieties of constructions.

Abstract: Magnetic and electronic toy construction systems and elements are provided that include an assembly of at least two panels that have at least three magnets located around the perimeter of the panel such that the dipole axes of magnets in a single panel are coplanar and intersect to define a polygon. When attaching two adjacent panels, at least two ferromagnetic spheres are used such that the dipole axes of one magnet from each of the adjacent panels are collinear, and such that the dipole axes are collinear with the centers of the ferromagnetic spheres. In this manner, several panels configured in this way may be nested together to form great varieties of constructions.

Abstract: Magnetic and electronic toy construction systems and elements are provided that include an assembly panels that have magnets located around the panel perimeter such that the dipole axes of magnets in a single panel are coplanar and intersect to define a polygon. To attach adjacent panels, ferromagnetic spheres are used such that the dipole axes of one magnet from each of the adjacent panels are collinear. Also disclosed is a magnetic construction element comprising a longitudinally extending rod formed of a non-magnetic material; a magnet holder disposed at an end of the rod; a magnet embedded in the magnet holder; and a ferromagnetic material disposed at an intermediate portion of the rod, the ferromagnetic material being formed of two generally hemispherical portions that are attached to each other with at least a portion of the non-magnetic material of the rod being disposed within the hemispherical portions.

Abstract: A magnetic top system for energizing, launching, and controlling movement of a spinning top. In one embodiment, a magnetic top launcher may magnetically couple to a top and induce a spinning motion in the top. A top controlling device may magnetically control a traversing movement of the top on a play surface without directly contacting the top.

Abstract: A tiling puzzle having a first two-dimensional portion and a second three-dimensional portion that extends away from the plane of the first two-dimensional portion.

Abstract: A magnetic top system for energizing, launching, and controlling movement of a spinning top. In one embodiment, a magnetic top launcher may magnetically couple to a top and induce a spinning motion in the top. A top controlling device may magnetically control a traversing movement of the top on a play surface without directly contacting the top.

Abstract: A tiling puzzle having a first two-dimensional portion and a second three-dimensional portion that extends away from the plane of the first two-dimensional portion.

Abstract: A portable drawing apparatus configured to act as an easel and/or desk includes a pair of upper support members each pivotally connected to a respective lower support member, and also each pivotally connected to a respective rear support member. In an operational configuration, the rear support members can project rearwardly in a plane substantially normal to a plane defined by two mutually parallel upper support members. A lower cross frame and upper cross frame are each connected to respective lower support members, and upper support members, and each further connected to the non-removable portion. A hinged lateral member, when configured in a locked position, defines the apparatus width. In a collapsed configuration, the distal portions of the upper and lower support members are configured to point in the same direction and form a bundle whose length is substantially less than that of the apparatus length in operational configuration.