Abstract: The disclosed toy may be used for capturing an intended toy victim within a snare net sufficiently large when opened to fit over and around at least part of the victim. A carrier, shaped as a monstrous insect or the like, may be used for holding the net open while stalking the victim, for positioning the net over and down around the victim, and for releasing the net when desired to snare the victim. The carrier may have a body and a plurality of legs depending from the body in an array to fit at least partially down and around the victim. Corresponding free ends of the legs have means for receiving and removably holding the snare net, to hold the same opened. The net may be elongated and generally tubular in shape, having a closed end and an open end. Flexible elastic means at the open net end, may be stretched to the holding means on the legs; and when released, may resiliently close the open net end against and relative to the victim.

Abstract: Polygonal construction modules are capable of being connected together by their edges and by their faces to create many different three-dimensional shapes. Each module has a generally planar body with edge faces, a top face and a bottom. Each edge face has a plurality of outwardly projecting fingers designed to provide a snap-together lateral interlock between fingers of adjacent modules while permitting hinging or rotation between modules on an axis parallel to the side face. Projecting upwardly from each top face is at least one annular connector element for establishing a friction fit with a like connector element in face-to-face interlocking engagement. The connector element includes a series of projections arranged in a uniform circular array, each projection being segmental in shape with radial side walls.

Abstract: Balloon stem connector for securing a balloon by its neck to the end of a stem-like object includes a wire formed slot at the end of the stem for receiving the balloon neck. A capture element having a tubular body portion is fitted in sleeve-like fashion to slide along the stem from a position where the slot is fully exposed to a captive position where it envelops a substantial portion of the loop. The capture element also has balloon positioning body portions outwardly flaring from the tubular body.

Abstract: An inflation valve, adapted for sealed attachment within a stem of a balloon, includes a valve body defining a longitudinal passage for receiving a fill tube therein, such as a straw. Insertion of an open distal end of the fill tube to a first position within the passage will facilitate communication of a pressurized fluid, such as air or helium, through a fill port defined in the valve body and into the inflation chamber of the balloon. After filling, the fill tube is moved axially forwardly to a second position for sealing-off communication of the open distal end of the fill tube with the fill port.