Abstract: A tethered flying toy includes a ring-like frame rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the toy. The frame extends outwardly and upwardly from the plane of the toy away from the axis and has a downwardly extending skirt around the periphery thereof. The frame includes an inner circumferential edge defining an opening and the skirt includes an outer circumferential edge defining a border. The outer circumferential edge of the skirt extends in a plane parallel to but in upwardly offset relation from the plane of the inner circumferential edge. The frame also includes an S-shaped cross member interconnecting diametrically opposed portions of the frame. A tether line extends through an aperture formed in the cross member to a wrist strap which can be located around the arm of the thrower. An elastic band portion interconnects the wrist strap and the tether to provide elasticity for the tether during the flight of the toy.

Abstract: A cooking utensil for use in a microwave or conventional oven is disclosed. The utensil comprises a metal baking pan of largely conventional design with a plastic ring or girdle fitted around the outside edge of the pan to space the pan from the oven walls. The girdle may be provided with an interior shoulder to accept a lip on the pan. A rib on the girdle extending above the shoulder may be used to capture the pan lip between the rib and the shoulder in a snap-fit arrangement. Additionally, the girdle may be used as a cool-to-the-touch handle with or without handle extensions.

Abstract: A hand tool (implement) such as a glue gun and a support for the hand tool. The support is designed for engaging the hand tool and supporting the hand tool in a manner that enables the hand tool to be conveniently removed therefrom. In the preferred embodiment, the support comprises an upstanding post adapted to engage a first portion of the hand tool. The support includes a special lever which is adapted to exert a prying force upon the first portion of the tool to disengage the tool from the upstanding post. The construction of the tool and the support allows the user to readily disengage and remove the hand tool from the support with a single hand simply by grasping the tool and imparting a slight rocking or rotational force thereto. The tool and support are particularly useful in constructing a cordless glue gun that is electrically energized while on the support and which is conveniently detached from the support and from the source of electricity.

Abstract: A coin sorting bank that sorts coins according to their diameters, and also provides a unique form of animation when a coin is deposited therein. A coin deposited in the bank moves under gravitational/inertial forces from an inlet to a coin storage area. As it moves between the inlet and the coin storage area, the coin is engaged by a sorting mechanism comprising a unique arrangement of ramps, wheels, levers and guide rails which directs the coin to a respective coin bin in the coin storage area. A particular feature of the invention is a part of the sorting mechanism comprising a pivotal ramp and a stop member associated with the ramp. The structure provides effective sorting between coins of different diameters, and also provides a way of readily changing the bank to sort coins of different currencies by simply changing the location of the stop member relative to the pivotal ramp.

Abstract: An animated coin sorting bank that provides a unique form of animation when a coin is deposited therein, and which sorts coins of different diameters. A coin deposited in the bank moves under gravitational/inertial forces from an inlet to a sorting area. As it moves between the inlet and the sorting area, the coin moves through an arcuate segment in which it engages and rotates a display member. Preferably, a composite image is formed partly on the display member and partly on a front cover, so that when the display member is rotated an element of animation of that composite image is produced. After releasing from the display disc the coin continues to move under gravitational/inertial forces to a sorting area in which the coin is sorted according to its diameter. According to the preferred embodiment a high speed rotation of the display member and a high speed sort is effected, in order to enhance the visual animation produced.