Abstract: A vehicle toy combination includes a wireless controlled toy vehicle having a mobile platform configured to move over a surface. A central controller on the platform is configured to control at least one aspect of the toy vehicle. A hand-held manually actuable wireless controller is configured to remotely control user selected movement of the toy vehicle. Multiple vehicles can be controlled simultaneously with multiple wireless, manually operated controllers operating at the same frequency by initially synchronizing the controllers to transmit in non-overlapping windows.

Abstract: A vehicle toy combination includes a wireless controlled toy vehicle having a mobile platform configured to move over a surface. A central controller on the platform is configured to control at least one aspect of the toy vehicle. A hand-held manually actuable wireless controller is configured to remotely control user selected movement of the toy vehicle. An optical receiver is attached to the platform to look downward on the surface and is coupled to the central controller. The receiver is configured to read a predetermined reflective pattern located on the surface over which the toy vehicle moves. Multiple vehicles can be controlled simultaneously with multiple wireless, manually operated controllers operating at the same frequency by initially synchronizing the controllers to transmit in non-overlapping windows.

Abstract: A vehicle toy combination includes a wireless controlled toy vehicle having a mobile platform configured to move over a surface. A central controller on the platform is configured to control at least one aspect of the toy vehicle. A hand-held manually actuable wireless controller is configured to remotely control user selected movement of the toy vehicle. Multiple vehicles can be controlled simultaneously with multiple wireless, manually operated controllers operating at the same frequency by initially synchronizing the controllers to transmit in non-overlapping windows.

Abstract: A motion-detecting note holder is disclosed. Such a note holder includes a note retention member, a motion sensor, a note-waiting indicator, and a controller in communication with the motion sensor and the note-waiting indicator. The controller, upon receiving a motion-detection signal from the motion sensor, causes the note-waiting indicator to provide a human-perceptible indication that a note is in the note retention member.

Abstract: A rotary feedback mechanism includes a first set of electrically conductive pads mounted to a first member and a wiper mounted to a second member. As the first and second members rotate relative to one another, the wiper sequentially contacts one or more pads of the first set of pads and provides an electrical signal to the contacted pad or pads. The electrical signal is communicated via the pad or pads to a controller, providing the controller with an indication of the angular position of the first member relative to the second member.

Abstract: An airfoil blade in a powered toy aircraft has a body with a cushioned edge. The body has a first end adjoining a hub, a second opposing end, a forward edge, and an opposing trailing edge. The cushioned leading edge is attached mechanically to the body and extends along the forward edge so as to form a cushioned leading edge of the blade or along the second end to form a cushioned blade tip or both. The body is formed from a first resiliently flexible polymer plastic material. The cushioned edge is formed from a second noticeably softer material such as an elastomer.

Abstract: A rotary feedback mechanism includes a first set of electrically conductive pads mounted to a first member and a wiper mounted to a second member. As the first and second members rotate relative to one another, the wiper sequentially contacts one or more pads of the first set of pads and provides an electrical signal to the contacted pad or pads. The electrical signal is communicated via the pad or pads to a controller, providing the controller with an indication of the angular position of the first member relative to the second member.

Abstract: A remote-controlled toy skateboard device comprises a skateboard with a deck and front and rear truck assemblies pivotally connected to the deck. A toy figure has a lower body portion that is fixedly connected to the deck and an upper body portion that is connected for rotation with respect to the lower body portion. A torso drive mechanism is operably connected to the upper body portion of the toy figure to rotate the upper body portion with respect to the lower body portion. A steering mechanism is operably connected with one of the truck assemblies to tilt the deck with respect to the truck assemblies to thereby steer the skateboard. A drive mechanism is also operably connected to wheels of one truck assembly to propel the skateboard. A remote-control unit is configured to generate signals to remotely control movement of the toy figure, tilt between the deck and truck assemblies, and the speed and travel direction of the skateboard.

Abstract: A remote-controlled toy skateboard device comprises a skateboard with a deck and front and rear truck assemblies pivotally connected to the deck. A toy figure has a lower body portion that is fixedly connected to the deck and an upper body portion that is connected for rotation with respect to the lower body portion. A torso drive mechanism is operably connected to the upper body portion of the toy figure to rotate the upper body portion with respect to the lower body portion. A steering mechanism is operably connected with one of the truck assemblies to tilt the deck with respect to the truck assemblies to thereby steer the skateboard. A drive mechanism is also operably connected to wheels of one truck assembly to propel the skateboard. A remote-control unit is configured to generate signals to remotely control movement of the toy figure, tilt between the deck and truck assemblies, and the speed and travel direction of the skateboard.