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: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a pushpin retaining device is disclosed. An exemplary pushpin retaining device can include a resilient, elongated pin that can have a first end portion for puncturing and a second end portion. A grip foot can be operatively associated with the second end portion of the pin. Alternatively, a cut edge can be on the second end portion of the pin. A method of retaining objects without object puncture can include providing a pushpin retaining device. The method can also include puncturing a support surface with an end of the pin of the pushpin device and pressing a portion of an object against the support surface with the grip foot or cut edge, respectively.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a pushpin retaining device is disclosed. An exemplary pushpin retaining device can include a resilient, elongated pin that can have a first end portion for puncturing and a second end portion. A grip foot can be operatively associated with the second end portion of the pin. Alternatively, a cut edge can be on the second end portion of the pin. A method of retaining objects without object puncture can include providing a pushpin retaining device. The method can also include puncturing a support surface with an end of the pin of the pushpin device and pressing a portion of an object against the support surface with the grip foot or cut edge, respectively.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a pushpin retaining device is disclosed. An exemplary pushpin retaining device can include a resilient, elongated pin that can have a first end portion for puncturing and a second end portion. A grip foot can be operatively associated with the second end portion of the pin. Alternatively, a cut edge can be on the second end portion of the pin. A method of retaining objects without object puncture can include providing a pushpin retaining device. The method can also include puncturing a support surface with an end of the pin of the pushpin device and pressing a portion of an object against the support surface with the grip foot or cut edge, respectively.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a pushpin retaining device is disclosed. An exemplary pushpin retaining device can include a resilient, elongated pin that can have a first end portion for puncturing and a second end portion. A grip foot can be operatively associated with the second end portion of the pin. Alternatively, a cut edge can be on the second end portion of the pin. A method of retaining objects without object puncture can include providing a pushpin retaining device. The method can also include puncturing a support surface with an end of the pin of the pushpin device and pressing a portion of an object against the support surface with the grip foot or cut edge, respectively.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a pushpin retaining device is disclosed. An exemplary pushpin retaining device can include a resilient, elongated pin that can have a first end portion for puncturing and a second end portion. A grip foot can be operatively associated with the second end portion of the pin. Alternatively, a cut edge can be on the second end portion of the pin. A method of retaining objects without object puncture can include providing a pushpin retaining device. The method can also include puncturing a support surface with an end of the pin of the pushpin device and pressing a portion of an object against the support surface with the grip foot or cut edge, respectively.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a pushpin retaining device is disclosed. An exemplary pushpin retaining device can include a resilient, elongated pin that can have a first end portion for puncturing and a second end portion. A grip foot can be operatively associated with the second end portion of the pin. Alternatively, a cut edge can be on the second end portion of the pin. A method of retaining objects without object puncture can include providing a pushpin retaining device. The method can also include puncturing a support surface with an end of the pin of the pushpin device and pressing a portion of an object against the support surface with the grip foot or cut edge, respectively.

Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a body supported by a plurality of wheels. The body also includes a roof and rear window supporting a plurality of user inputs. Within the toy vehicle body, a microprocessor controller drive and steering mechanism is operative. The operation of the microprocessor is set by the user inputs. The body further supports a movable bumper mouth and movable eyes and eyebrows behind the windshield.

Abstract: A pneumatic action figure doll is disclosed with articulated limbs controlled by a hand operated pneumatic pump. The articulated limbs may comprise connected limb members and links configured to move in a plane. Operation of the handheld pump may cause the articulated limbs to extend and retract. When the limbs are arms, operation simulates arm swinging motions similar to fighting or boxing. The doll may include actuators to extend articulated arms in response to operation of the pump. The doll may be articulated at the waist to provide movement of the torso when articulated arms extend and retract. The doll may be used alone or with other similarly configured dolls. The dolls may be placed opposite each other. Simultaneous extension and retraction of the doll arms in response to simultaneous operation of the handheld pumps may resemble fighting or boxing between the dolls.

Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a body supported by a plurality of wheels. The body also includes a roof and rear window supporting a plurality of user inputs. Within the toy vehicle body, a microprocessor controller drive and steering mechanism is operative. The operation of the microprocessor is set by the user inputs. The body further supports a movable bumper mouth and movable eyes and eyebrows behind the windshield.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a pushpin retaining device is disclosed. An exemplary pushpin retaining device can include a resilient, elongated pin that can have a first end portion for puncturing and a second end portion. A grip foot can be operatively associated with the second end portion of the pin. Alternatively, a cut edge can be on the second end portion of the pin. A method of retaining objects without object puncture can include providing a pushpin retaining device. The method can also include puncturing a support surface with an end of the pin of the pushpin device and pressing a portion of an object against the support surface with the grip foot or cut edge, respectively.

Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a body supported by a plurality of wheels. The body also includes a roof and rear window supporting a plurality of user inputs. Within the toy vehicle body, a microprocessor controlled drive and steering mechanism is operative. The operation of the microprocessor is set by the user inputs. The body further supports a movable bumper mouth and movable eyes and eyebrows behind the windshield.

Abstract: Toys and toy operating systems for use therein. A toy operating system may include an input system responsive to a predetermined quantitative characteristic of a liquid body, such as electrical conductivity, and a response system coupled to the input system and configured to generate one or more toy output patterns based at least in part on the given characteristic. A toy vehicle for use with such an operating system may include a chassis, a chamber adapted to contain a liquid body, and at least one toy component operable to display an output according to a generated output pattern. Exemplary toy components include an audiovisual assembly to produce an audiovisual display and a drive assembly to move the toy vehicle across a ground surface.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a pushpin retaining device is disclosed. An exemplary pushpin retaining device can include a resilient, elongated pin that can have a first end portion for puncturing and a second end portion. A grip foot can be operatively associated with the second end portion of the pin. Alternatively, a cut edge can be on the second end portion of the pin. A method of retaining objects without object puncture can include providing a pushpin retaining device. The method can also include puncturing a support surface with an end of the pin of the pushpin device and pressing a portion of an object against the support surface with the grip foot or cut edge, respectively.

Abstract: A toy vehicle that measures and displays performance characteristics is presented. The toy vehicle may be configured to measure performance of the toy, such as speed or acceleration, and display a value for the performance characteristic. A display for showing the performance values may be mounted on the body of the toy vehicle. Movement of the toy vehicle may be measured using an accelerometer. The toy vehicle may determine the number of wheel rotations in a set period of time using a rotary encoder. The value of the performance characteristic may be output to a microprocessor onboard the toy vehicle. The microprocessor may use the value in calculations and the result of the calculations, such as a scaled speed value, may be shown on the display screen.

Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a body supported by a plurality of wheels. The body also includes a roof and rear window supporting a plurality of user inputs. Within the toy vehicle body, a microprocessor controlled drive and steering mechanism is operative. The operation of the microprocessor is set by the user inputs. The body further supports a movable bumper mouth and movable eyes and eyebrows behind the windshield.

Abstract: A pneumatic action figure doll is disclosed with articulated limbs controlled by a hand operated pneumatic pump. The articulated limbs may comprise connected limb members and links configured to move in a plane. Operation of the handheld pump may cause the articulated limbs to extend and retract. When the limbs are arms, operation simulates arm swinging motions similar to fighting or boxing. The doll may include actuators to extend articulated arms in response to operation of the pump. The doll may be articulated at the waist to provide movement of the torso when articulated arms extend and retract. The doll may be used alone or with other similarly configured dolls. The dolls may be placed opposite each other. Simultaneous extension and retraction of the doll arms in response to simultaneous operation of the handheld pumps may resemble fighting or boxing between the dolls.

Abstract: A toy vehicle that measures and displays performance characteristics is presented. The toy vehicle may be configured to measure performance of the toy, such as speed or acceleration, and display a value for the performance characteristic. A display for showing the performance values may be mounted on the body of the toy vehicle. Movement of the toy vehicle may be measured using an accelerometer. The toy vehicle may determine the number of wheel rotations in a set period of time using a rotary encoder. The value of the performance characteristic may be output to a microprocessor onboard the toy vehicle. The microprocessor may use the value in calculations and the result of the calculations, such as a scaled speed value, may be shown on the display screen.

Abstract: A movable assembly such as a wheel, top, or axle, a launcher, a drive mechanism that is used to spin all or a portion of the movable assembly. The launcher may include two arms that are adapted to engage the movable assembly on opposite sides. Other examples may include a handle that may extend along a longitudinal axis that may be substantially transverse to an axis of rotation of the movable assembly.

Abstract: Toys and toy operating systems for use therein. A toy operating system may include an input system responsive to a predetermined quantitative characteristic of a liquid body, such as electrical conductivity, and a response system coupled to the input system and configured to generate one or more toy output patterns based at least in part on the given characteristic. A toy vehicle for use with such an operating system may include a chassis, a chamber adapted to contain a liquid body, and at least one toy component operable to display an output according to a generated output pattern. Exemplary toy components include an audiovisual assembly to produce an audiovisual display and a drive assembly to move the toy vehicle across a ground surface.