Abstract: A play device includes an outer shell, a holding compound, and at least one activatable character concealed within the compound. The character has a resilient/elastomeric body and at least one appendage. The character may bend, stretch, and/or be compressed. The compound is capable of temporarily confining a character covered with the compound. The compound gradually releases the character from a deformed state within the compound to an un-deformed state. The outer shell holds the deformed character within the compound to prevent the character from progressing to an activated, undeformed state until the user is ready to activate the character by releasing the character from the outer shell. Spring forces associated with the resilient or elastomeric material of the character allows it to progress from the deformed state to the un-deformed state in which the character expands and at least a portion of the character breaks free from the compound.

Abstract: A wall sconce provides a lighted projection on a wall which can simulate motion or an environment. The wall sconce comprises a lighting chamber having a pair of light emitting diodes (LED). The LEDs emit light which is projected through a translucent cover and projected onto a wall thereby producing a pattern. The LEDs may be turned on or off to change the angle at which light passes through the translucent cover. This change of angle causes the simulation of motion or an environment on the wall. The wall sconce comprises a speaker capable of producing sounds configured to enhance the illusion of motion or the environment on the wall. The wall sconce further comprises an integrated circuit operable to control actuation of the LEDs and the speaker. Decals may be included to enhance the experience produced by the wall sconce.

Abstract: Illumination provided to the interior of a convex surface can be controlled using a plurality of internal barriers separating light sources such as light emitting diodes. Such controlled illumination can simulate phases of the moon using logic which can be limited to yes or no Boolean decisions, thereby minimizing the complexity of required input.

Abstract: Illumination provided to the interior of a convex surface can be controlled using a plurality of internal barriers separating light sources such as light emitting diodes. Such controlled illumination can simulate phases of the moon using logic which can be limited to yes or no Boolean decisions, thereby minimizing the complexity of required input.

Abstract: Illumination provided to the interior of a convex surface can be controlled using a plurality of internal barriers separating light sources such as light emitting diodes. Such controlled illumination can simulate phases of the moon using logic which can be limited to yes or no Boolean decisions, thereby minimizing the complexity of required input.

Abstract: Illumination provided to the interior of a convex surface can be controlled using a plurality of internal barriers separating light sources such as light emitting diodes. Such controlled illumination can simulate phases of the moon using logic which can be limited to yes or no Boolean decisions, thereby minimizing the complexity of required input.

Abstract: A glider toy has pivoting wings that may be locked in a retracted position prior to launch. Upon launching of the glider, the wings may be unlocked. During flight, the wings extend forward for an entertaining glide at the urging of one or more elastic members. A launcher includes an orientation-sensitive safety feature that limits the angles at which projectiles may be launched therefrom. The safety feature permits projectiles to be launched from the launcher only within approximately a generally upward, non-vertical angular range.

Abstract: A set of toy figures each has a main body portion and a detachable brain portion that are associated with a certain archetype (e.g., policeman, skateboarder, soldier, infant, athlete, cheerleader, pirate, princess, etc). In response to a user engaging a brain portion and depressing the squishy brain, a switch activates a voice response circuit that plays a voice script stored on a main PCB assembly in the brain portion with a tonal quality associated with the archetype for the main body portion. Thus, if a brain portion matched with another archetype is attached, the assembled toy figure will say content that is not associated with the toy figure but in a manner that is appropriate. Thus, a soldier's brain would speak soldier jargon, but in an infantile way when on an infant body, providing increased variety and amusement possibilities for a set of such toy figures.

Abstract: A glider toy has pivoting wings that may be locked in a retracted position prior to launch. Upon launching of the glider, the wings may be unlocked. During flight, the wings extend forward for an entertaining glide at the urging of one or more elastic members. A launcher includes an orientation-sensitive safety feature that limits the angles at which projectiles may be launched therefrom. The safety feature permits projectiles to be launched from the launcher only within approximately a generally upward, non-vertical angular range.