Abstract: A toy building block set includes multiple polyhedron blocks of different lengths removably attachable together. Each block includes at least a top and four side walls. At least one connector extends from the top and includes opposing interior and exterior surfaces. A recessed area is provided at the bottom of each block. Engagement projections or depressions are provided on the connector and the remaining engagement structure are provided in the recessed area of each block where they might fully or partially engage or not engage with structures on the connector. The mechanical interference engagements and resulting engagement forces provided between any two of the blocks are less than three and even less than two times the number of engagements and resulting engagement forces provided by a mated pair of the smallest polyhedron blocks of the set.

Abstract: A toy building block set includes multiple polyhedron blocks of different lengths removably attachable together. Each block includes at least a top and four side walls. At least one connector extends from the top and includes opposing interior and exterior surfaces. A recessed area is provided at the bottom of each block. Engagement projections or depressions are provided on the connector and the remaining engagement structure are provided in the recessed area of each block where they might fully or partially engage or not engage with structures on the connector. The mechanical interference engagements and resulting engagement forces provided between any two of the blocks are less than three and even less than two times the number of engagements and resulting engagement forces provided by a mated pair of the smallest polyhedron blocks of the set.

Abstract: A toy building block set includes multiple polyhedron blocks of different lengths removably attachable together. Each block includes at least a top and four side walls. At least one connector extends from the top and includes opposing interior and exterior surfaces. A recessed area is provided at the bottom of each block. Engagement projections or depressions are provided on the connector and the remaining engagement structure are provided in the recessed area of each block where they might fully or partially engage or not engage with structures on the connector. The mechanical interference engagements and resulting engagement forces provided between any two of the blocks are less than three and even less than two times the number of engagements and resulting engagement forces provided by a mated pair of the smallest polyhedron blocks of the set.

Abstract: A diverter valve includes a cup-shaped, substantially cylindrical body with a plurality of ports extending from the side of the body, each communicating with a hollow in the body. A disk shaped top is held in sealing engagement with the body. A plug is rotatably positioned within the body and seals against the body for closing a selected one of the plurality of ports. A portion of the plug extends through the top to permit the plug to be turned. A handle is coupled to the extending portion of the plug. The handle has an adjustable stop for limiting the rotation of the plug.

Abstract: A diffuser, which is adapted for use in a filter, includes a pair of tiers. Once of the tiers is supported on and is laterally movable relative to the other tier in response to contact by a closure dome as the dome is applied to an access opening formed in a housing of the filter, whereby the diffuser automatically and properly adjusts itself in relation to the access opening during its assembly in the housing.

Abstract: A simulated burner for a toy cooking stove, range or the like. The burner comprises a first member having at least one slot extending therethrough. The burner has a second member having a projection complementary to and in register with the slot. The first and second members are preferably of contrasting colors. The first and second members are movable relative to one another causing the projection to gradually move between retracted and extended positions. In the retracted position, the projection is out of and adjacent one side of the slot and not appreciably visible to the operator. In this retracted position, the burner simulates an "off" or "no heat" condition. In the extended position, the projection extends through the slot and is highly visible to the operator. In this extended position, the burner simulates a maximum heat condition. In the positions between retracted and extended positions, the burner simulates varying heat conditions.

Abstract: A plurality of track sections in which each track section has end portions for interlocking with end portions of adjoining track sections to form an endless track for a toy train. Each end portion has longitudinally extending and laterally spaced apart projections and recesses extending into and receiving complementary recesses and projections respectively of a complementary end portion in an adjoining track section. The interacting projections and recesses automatically align the end portions laterally and horizontally, and prevent twisting of the track sections when interlocked or joined together. Each end portion further has a longitudinally extending flexible finger having a laterally extending rib on the end thereof which cooperates with a complementary longitudinally extending flexible finger and rib on an adjoining track section.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a toy or the like for imparting reciprocal movement to a driven member. In one toy application, the driven member comprises a sidewalk, and the drive mechanism imparts reciprocal movement to the sidewalk in either direction of movement of the drive mechanism. By designing the drive mechanism so that the sidewalk is moved in a forward direction at a slow rate of speed and in a reverse direction at a high rate of speed, it is possible to make objects such as toy people or animals advance in steps along the sidewalk.