Abstract: A geometric art toy (10) comprises a plurality of first toy members (312A) and a plurality of second toy members (312B). Each first toy member (312A) includes a plurality of first magnets (314A) that are oriented to exhibit a first polarity. Each second toy member (312B) includes a plurality of second magnets (314B) that are oriented to exhibit a second polarity that is substantially opposite to the first polarity. Each first toy member (312A) is movably coupled to another first toy member (312A) and one of the plurality of second toy members (312B). Each of the first toy members (312A) and the second toy members (312B) are formed in a shape of a tetrahedron. The first magnets (314A) and the second magnets (314B) enable the geometric art toy (10) to be alternatively and stably positioned in a first configuration and a second configuration that is different than the first configuration.

Abstract: A skin or skin system for a robot or robotics assembly is provided that includes one or more integral elastomeric links (or bars) (“IELs”) that are configured for receiving and connection with coupling elements or members (e.g., pivot pins) at the ends of mechanical links/bars. The IELs are also configured to act as a final link of a mechanical linkage made up of these mechanical links to provide a closed chain. For example, the body of each of the IELs, or a portion of the IEL body extending between connection points with the coupling elements of the links/bars of the mechanical linkage, provides a final link in a mechanical linkage forming a closed chain to allow it properly function.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a paper model toy. The paper model toy includes: a head unit configured to form a polyhedral shape, and configured such that a hole is formed in the bottom surface thereof; the body unit including a head coupling portion configured to be inserted and coupled into the hole, and holes configured to receive arm units; the arm units each configured such that a coupling portion configured to be inserted and coupled into each of the holes is formed at an end thereof; a leg unit including a coupling portion configured to be coupled into the lower portion of the body unit and to be inserted and coupled into a cut line, and a reception space configured such that a support unit is inserted thereinto; and the support unit including a protrusion portion, and a support portion configured to support the protrusion portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are toy systems for creating and fixing an array of polygon shaped plastic beads together to form a design. The toy systems can include a tray, a plurality of beads, and a template. The plurality of beads can engage pins on the surface of the tray. Each of the beads can be configured to fuse or adhere to adjacent beads upon drying after the application of liquid to the plurality of beads engaged to the tray, forming a fixed array of beads. The template can be configured to engage the pins of the tray between the tray and the plurality of beads. The template can provide a design for the plurality of beads and can be used to remove a fixed or loose array of beads from the tray.

Abstract: Provided are methods, apparatus and articles for vehicles, such as or relating to a skid-plate shock absorber, body mounting, chassis assembly, component securing, engine mounting, slipper clutch, and transmission housing that may be employed in the assembly, operation, and control of vehicles.

Abstract: The invention is a container comprised of two or more sections that are held together at an interface by one or more joints or seams. Decorative exterior layers can cover or otherwise obscure the seams, or the joints can be obscured or made inconspicuous. Two sections of the container each have a cord that is attached to the exterior side of the sections on opposite sides of the container, and a ring is attached to each cord so that when pulled, the sections of the container separate to reveal the interior of the container. A flexible connector is attached to the sections of the container at its interior side so when the container is pulled open, the flexible connector extends from a folded arrangement to an unfolded arrangement while the sections remain connected, and a message holder attached to the flexible connector and extending between the sections is revealed.

Abstract: A toy building set comprising a number of toy building elements and an overload-safe linear actuator having a center axis and with two spindle parts comprising a first spindle part with an internal thread arranged concentrically to the center axis, and a second spindle part with an external thread screwed into the internal thread on the first spindle part, and wherein the thread on the one spindle is at least twice as long as the thread on the second spindle part. One of the spindle parts being provided with a slot extending through the spindle part longitudinally of the thread configured on the spindle part and essentially along the entire thread, it is accomplished that it is easy to adjust the length of the actuator by pulling or pressing the two spindle parts together or away from each other.

Abstract: A rolling wheel toy assembly includes a ring that is rollable along a support surface and the ring is comprised of a luminescent material. A pole is provided that can be gripped by a user and a cage is coupled to the pole. The ring extends through the cage such that the cage engages the ring when the ring is rolled along the support surface. In this way the cage can steer the ring. A roller is rotatably coupled to the cage and the roller rotatably engages the ring when the ring is rolled along the support surface. In this way the cage can urge the ring forwardly with a minimum of friction between the cage and the ring.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-aligning magnetic stationary accessory for use atop a spherical RC controlled self-propelled device. A novel device is employed includes a toy robot having first and second pairs of magnets aligned respectively with opposite polarities disposed in the stationary accessory. The spherical body with its stationary accessory allow the user to simply and precisely navigate the spherical body in a particular orientation for optimal RC controlled manipulation of the robot by a user.

Abstract: Audiovisual devices and methods of controlling those devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, an audiovisual toy may include a controller configured to receive a first output signal generated by an audio input device based on received first audio input that exceeds a predetermined threshold level, ignore the audio input device subsequent to receiving the first output signal during a first predetermined time interval, drive a motor based on the received first output signal during the first predetermined time interval, and, after the first predetermined time interval has elapsed, wind down the motor during a second predetermined time interval and monitor, during the second predetermined time interval, for a second output signal generated by the audio input device based on received second audio input that exceeds the predetermined threshold level.

Abstract: An automatic mobile robot for facilitating activities to improve both neurotypical and autistic children's intellectual and emotional development is disclosed. The mobile robot has a non-humanoid toy shape but includes an expressive face perceived as friendly and approachable by autistic children. The mobile robot is durable and safe for children. It includes auto-play, game, and occupational therapy modes, each of which may be used by a one or more child users at a time. Games and therapeutic activities may be customized to suit each child user's developmental level. The mobile robot includes multiple sensors and components configured to process and express emotion in response to data received from the sensing units and the patterns of child users' interactions with the robot. The robot is programmed to show only limited amounts of negative behavior or emotions to children so that the children do not become afraid and decide not to interact with the robot.

Abstract: A game set allows building wall structures with magnetic tiles that have magnets located around the peripheral sides or edges. Since the tiles are held only by magnetic force, they are susceptible to buckling by application of perpendicular forces and to prevent such buckling, a plurality of thin holding strips are provided that extend over the joint, magnetically held edges of the magnetic tiles and prevents buckling. The magnet set also includes additional accessories, such as figurines that can be magnetically adhered to the wall structures, electrical lighting that can be adhered to the wall structures and drawing sheets that can be adhered to the wall structures.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for simulating realistically practicing firing of a firearm. More particularly, embodiments disclose coupling a moving cylinder with a thrust rod into the barrel of a firearm, wherein responsive to a user pressing the trigger, the thrust rod moves a slide of the firearm.

Abstract: In a robot, after a first value indicating acceleration in the up-and-down axis direction output from an acceleration sensor exceeds a certain threshold value, when any of the first value indicating the acceleration in the up-and-down axis direction, a second value indicating the acceleration in the front-and-back axis direction, and a third value indicating the acceleration in the left-and-right axis direction is determined to exhibit variation exceeding a certain width for a fixed period, the robot determines that a housing of the robot is being held by a user.

Abstract: A multi-function modular robot apparatus provides a wide range of entertainment and functional use options that may be tailored by a user to the specific entertainment and functional purposes so desired. The specific entertainment and functional purposes of the multi-function modular robot apparatus are obtained through inclusion of multiple stackable modules. The interlocking mechanical and electric communications connections for each stackable module act as a power and electronic communication pass through to allow for each module to be arranged in any order and in any combination while still maintaining power and function.

Abstract: Certain embodiments may generally relate to smart robotic therapeutic devices. A modular toy may include a multiple detachable carriages. The modular toy may also include a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen mounted on a first carriage of the plurality of carriages. The modular toy may further include a bubble-generation mechanism installed on the first carriage, a container disposed on a second carriage of the plurality of carriages that is attached to the first carriage, and a robotic arm mounted on a third carriage of the plurality of carriages that is attached to the second carriage.

Abstract: The invention is a tube connector for a play structure, and a play structure system that uses such tube connectors to connect a plurality of tubes together. The tube connector has a center portion and at least one projecting member extending from the center portion. To construct a play structure, tubes are fitted over the projecting members in the tube connectors. Flexing tabs on the projecting members, which are fixed at the end of the projecting member and extend back toward the center portion, lock into openings in the tubes to secure the tubes to the projecting members and connect the tubes together into a play structure.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus that improves the motion and sounds of a model locomotive such that they more closely represent or simulate that of a real locomotive. The motion and sounds are changed in such a way that it is more realistic when compared to a real locomotive that is pulling a heavy load.

Abstract: A pop sensor and device for revealing a winner for use in battle or sword-type games with at least two players. A device for revealing a winner comprises a bladder, a pop mechanism, a pop mechanism support structure, and a bladder destruction apparatus. The device for revealing a winner is coupled to a pop sensor system comprising a pop sensor that is worn on the player's body. Activating the pop sensor causes the player's pop mechanism to activate and cause the bladder to pop, instantly disengaging the losing player while revealing the winning player.

Abstract: Four embodiments or variations of launcher apparatus storing either one toy car, two toy cars, eight toy cars or ten toy cars are disclosed. As a safety feature a flex member is used to block toys or other objects that are not properly configured to deflect the flex member. If the flex member is not deflected and the object inserted will not push an ejector rearward from a relaxed position to a cocked position. When a proper toy is inserted, the ejector moves rearward and stretches a spring that supplies launch energy to the ejector and the toy. The flex member is also designed to allow the ejector to deflect the flex member when the ejector is snapped back from the cocked position to the relaxed position. A safety lock is mounted to the housing for preventing operation of the trigger mechanism when the launcher apparatus is not disposed on a surface.