Abstract: A product and method where a multi-colored product is rotationally molded with no or essentially no blending of the colors. A separation sheet is positioned in the mold to separate relatively adjacent portions of the mold cavity that contain differently colored resins. The separation sheet acts as a barrier to prevent the differently colored resins from blending during the molding process. During the molding process, the molten resins may fuse to opposite sides of the separation sheet, or the separation sheet may melt and disperse, all or in part, within the mold while maintaining a distinct color difference between the differently colored portions of the molded product.

Abstract: A battery retainer assembly (42) is provided for retaining a battery package (18) in a storage location (20) on a child's riding vehicle. The battery retainer assembly (42) comprises a clamp (44) and a separate locking tab (46). The clamp (44) is movable relative to the vehicle body (12) between a clamped condition whereat it clamps the battery package (18) in the storage location (20) and a released condition whereat it allows removal of the battery package (18) from the storage location (20). The locking tab (46) is movable relative to the vehicle body (12) between a locked position whereat it locks the clamp (44) in the clamping position and an unlocked position whereat it allows the clamp (44) to be moved to the released condition.

Abstract: A toy percussion instrument that is characterized by a novel method of attaching a tether to a striker and/or main instrument body. The new location of attachment enables compliance with stringent safety standards without detracting from the playability of the toy instrument. In particular, two tethered strikers can be provided while still satisfying cord maximum perimeter standards and at the same time allowing an appropriate length of cord to play the instrument without difficulty. The provision of two tethered strikers enables a more realistic instrument while satisfying a parent's preference to have the tethers. In particular, The striker attachment location is spaced inwardly from the ends of the striker, thereby to allow a shorter tether to be used while still allowing the instrument to be played without difficulty.

Abstract: A toy kitchen including a main unit and at least one island. Each island is removably coupled to the main unit in one of at least two positions. The island includes a frame and a coupling mechanism attached to the frame. The coupling mechanism is configured to removably couple the island to the toy kitchen in at least one position. A repositionable toy kitchen includes a first unit extending along a first longitudinal plane and a second unit extending along a second longitudinal plane. The second unit is positionable adjacent to the first unit in a first position, in which the first longitudinal plane is angled with respect to the second substantially vertical longitudinal plane, and a second position, in which the first and second longitudinal planes are substantially coplanar. A toy kitchen also may include a main unit and at least two countertop sections coupled to the main unit.

Abstract: A wheel for a child's toy formed from a first and second section. The first section is made from a material having a Shore A durometer of 100 or less. The second section is disposed within the first section. The second section is made from a rigid material and provides structural support for the wheel.

Abstract: A bulk box (200) comprising a base panel (202) and four side panels (204, 206) individually formed and assembled into a container. The bottom surface (232) of the base panel (202) comprises a matrix of pedestals (236) with the ground-contacting face (244) of each of the corner pedestals extending to the cornermost portions of the respective pedestal. The side panels (204, 206) include lateral flanges (254, 274) which overlap to form “double-thickness” corners. The side panels (204, 206) also have upwardly extending tabs (266, 286) and the base panel (202) has notches (242) so that, when a plurality of the bulk boxes are stacked one on top of the other, the tabs of a lower bulk box are received within the notches of an upper bulk box.

Abstract: A container having an opening that extends through the container. The outer surface of the container includes a tapered section located within the opening. The tapered section extends from the bottom of the container towards the inner surface of the container. A plug is retained within the opening of the container. The plug has a head, an upright section and a base with a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge of the base contacts the tapered section of the container to enable the plug to remain in an upright drainage position.

Abstract: A ball launching device for children that has an outer housing, an inner bowl and a launch assembly. The inner bowl has an inner surface with an outwardly curved cone shaped wall and a vertical linear wall. The launch assembly is connected to the bowl. When the bowl rotates at high speeds, the curved cone shaped wall enables balls to ascend up the inner surface and eventually propel out of the ball launching device.

Abstract: A compact ball launching activity device has an upper and lower member. The upper member having multiple funnel shaped openings that are positioned on the sides of the upper member. The upper member also has one funnel shaped opening positioned at the top of the upper member. The device includes a launch system having an angled feeder tray and flywheel. The balls enter the side funnels of the upper member and are collected on the angled feeder tray. The balls fall through a hole in the feeder tray to a launch channel. The flywheel propels the balls through the launch channel, up and out of the funnel positioned at the top of the ball launching activity device.

Abstract: A device that provides resistance to the wheels of a children's toy. The device includes an axle with a first wheel attached to one end of the axle and a second wheel attached to a second end of the axle. A cam with an outwardly extending lever is positioned on the axle adjacent to one of the wheels. The lever rotates the cam which brings the cam closer to the wheel thereby increasing the rolling resistance of the wheel.

Abstract: A sports goal comprised of a frame formed by a base and an upright portion. The upright portion is pivotally connected to the base and extends upwardly therefrom. The base has parallel legs with a cross member positioned therebetween. The parallel legs of the base are releasably secured to the cross member of the base. The upright portion has parallel legs with a cross member positioned therebetween. The parallel legs of the upright portion are releasably secured to the cross member of the upright portion. The upright portion is pivoted onto the base member and the base legs and upright legs are disengaged from each respective cross member and folded towards the cross members to collapse the sports goal for storage.

Abstract: A playground apparatus having at least one support base for stabilizing the apparatus. A plurality of pockets are formed within the support base. The playground apparatus also includes at least one side member disposed within the pockets. A plurality of fasteners secure the side members disposed within the pocket to the support base to form the playground apparatus.

Abstract: A toy vehicle (10) comprising a part (12) resembling a truck tractor, a part (14) resembling a truck trailer and a pivotal connection (16) therebetween. The pivotal connection (16) is positioned between a platform portion (20) of the tractor part (12) and a front portion (22) of the trailer part (14) that extend over the tractor's platform portion (20). The pivotal connection (16) includes a recess-and-projection arrangement allowing pivotal movement between the tractor part (12) and the trailer part (14), and a groove-projection arrangement limiting the maximum turning radius between the tractor part (12) and the trailer part (14).

Abstract: A playground structure has a playhouse with a base and a platform. The base and platform are separated by a variety of vertical posts. The vertical posts are secured to the base by a plurality of supports that are positioned within pockets in the base. The vertical posts are secured to the platform by a plurality of supports positioned within pockets in the platform.

Abstract: A compact ball launching activity device has an upper and lower member. The upper member having multiple funnel shaped openings that are positioned on the sides of the upper member. The upper member also has one funnel shaped opening positioned at the top of the upper member. The device includes a launch system having an angled feeder tray and flywheel. The balls enter the side funnels of the upper member and are collected on the angled feeder tray. The balls fall through a hole in the feeder tray to a launch channel. The flywheel propels the balls through the launch channel, up and out of the funnel positioned at the top of the ball launching activity device.

Abstract: A sand and water table that includes a sand basin and a water basin. One side of the sand basin includes rotation channels and a locking groove. One side of the water basin includes pivot rods and a locking bead. The pivot rods of the water basin rotate within the rotation channels of the sand basin while the water basin is rotated from a closed position, covering the sand basin, to an open position. As the water basin is rotated to the open position, the locking bead engages the locking groove. The locked bead and groove connection supports the sand basin and the water basin in the open position. When the water basin is rotated to cover the sand basin, the locking bead disengages from the locking groove. The water basin may be removed from the sand basin or may be rotated to cover the sand basin.

Abstract: A fountain toy comprising a channel defining first and second openings and a conduit adjacent to the channel defining a downward delay path. The conduit includes a first opening near the top of the channel and a second opening communicating with the second opening of the channel. An intake portal for transferring liquid from an external source is coupled to a nozzle located adjacent to the base of the channel. When the external source provides liquid to the intake portal, the liquid travels through the nozzle and flows upward and out of the channel in a laminar flow. A spherical game piece is placed by a user in the first opening of the conduit, where it travels through the conduit. When the game piece reaches the bottom of the conduit, the game piece enters the channel and is carried by the stream of liquid through the channel and out of the fountain to be suspended in the air.

Abstract: An amusement apparatus that includes a base, an arm, a seat biasing device and a arm biasing device. The base is configured for placement on to a generally horizontal surface. The arm has a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end of the arm is rotatably and pivotally coupled to the base. The distal end of the arm includes a seat. The seat biasing device is coupled to the seat and configured to repeatedly and resiliently contact the surface. The arm biasing device is coupled to a pivot member and the proximal end of the arm. The arm biasing device is configured to upwardly bias the seat of the arm.

Abstract: A model racing toy including a convertible model transport vehicle, a model vehicle and model vehicle accessories. The model transport vehicle may be converted by means of a push button or other such device into a model racing pit stop. The convertible transport includes a storable deployment ramp which is ejected when the conversion button is pressed, allowing the model vehicle to move from an exemplary position atop the model transport vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with activation points, motors and a speaker. The activation points compose a variety of different switches, designed to resemble vehicle parts. When a specific activation point is activated, it triggers a series of actions by the motors and speaker, prompting the user to make certain repairs. The successful making of repairs activates other activation points, which provide affirming messages and vehicle motion to simulate the continuance of a race after repair has been made.

Abstract: A cart including a body, at least two wheels, and a frame. The body has an upper surface and a lower surface. The at least two wheels are operably coupled to the body. The frame includes a generally planar and substantially rigid upper member and at least one leg support member. The leg support member is coupled to the upper member and is releasably coupled to the body. The frame is positionable in a first configuration, wherein the upper member is substantially disposed over the upper surface of the body thereby forming a cover, and a second configuration, in which the frame is decoupled from the body and placed on a generally horizontal surface thereby forming a table. The frame includes means for releasably coupling the at least one leg support member to the body without the use of tools. A table includes a generally planar and substantially rigid first member, and leg support members. The first member substantially extends between and connects the leg support members.