Abstract: A dual element, spring-biased clamping device such as a bookend is proposed in which the clamping pressure exerted by the elements can be varied while maintaining the relative separation of the elements. One element comprises a polygonal wall to which a tethering cord is attached, the cord being spring-mountedly held within another element. In use, successive walls of the polygonal element can be brought to bear against the retained objects in an over-center relationship of the tethering cord with edge portions disposed between adjacent walls, the over-center relationship causing the polygonal element to snap tightly into place against the retained books.

Abstract: A combination switch plate and photograph holder is disclosed which includes a switch of suitable configuration to overfit a usual wall switch. A spring clip is seated within a recess in the switch plate and extends outwardly sufficiently to receive and engage a photograph holder. The photograph holder includes a square mounting box within which is positioned a mounting plate. The mounting plate cooperatively is engaged by the spring clip to secure the photograph holder to the switch plate in either vertical or horizontal orientation. In the preferred embodiment, the photograph holder includes in combination a planar base which is defined by a peripheral flange. The cover overfits a photograph and is engaged over the base by frictional contact between the respective peripheral flanges.

Abstract: An instructive amusement device for young children that embodies the concept of a puzzle for enhancing the child's intellectual and motor skills by requiring correct assembly of puzzle pieces, and also to stimulate learning about wheeled vehicles that the child can be expected to see in the world around him. The device includes a wheeled wagon on which is supported a vertically oriented rectangular frame having a pocket for receiving and retaining in edgewise juxtaposition a plurality of puzzle pieces each in the form of a flat elongated strip having a length substantially equal to the length dimension of the frame. The puzzle pieces each have fragmentary pictorial representations on each of its two flat surfaces which, when the puzzle pieces are juxtaposed edgewise in the frame in correct order and with correct longitudinal orientation, create on the two opposite surfaces of the assembled puzzle pieces complete pictorial representations of two different views of the body portion of a wheeled vehicle.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a combination toy top, projectile toy, and bath toy. In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosed toy there is provided a cup-shaped receptacle having a tip protruding from the outer apex thereof and a central stem extending upwardly from the bottom inner surface thereof. The receptacle has a retaining rim extending inwardly from the inner surface thereof at about the periphery thereof. The rim preferably comprises a plurality of inwardly extending tabs. A plurality of projectiles are provided, the projectiles preferably being annular rings having a sufficiently small outer dimension to fit between the stem and the rim of the receptacle, and a sufficiently large central opening to fit over the stem. In play, the receptacle is held by the central stem and spun. Rings accurately tossed toward the receptacle are either captured in the region between the rim and the stem, or, if very accurately tossed, encircle the stem and are retained thereon.

Abstract: A competitive pneumatic game to be played by two persons includes a straight section of rigid, transparent tubing having compressible air bellows secured to its opposite ends and a projectile disposed within the tubing for movement therealong by air pressure in the tube. Associated with each of the bellows is a scoring indicator actuable when the projectile strikes it. The object of the game is for one player to force the projectile, by skillful manipulation of his bellows against the manipulation by his opponent of his bellows, to strike the scoring indicator at the opponent's end of the tubing.

Abstract: A game to be played by two persons in competition or by one person against time, the game apparatus including a base member simulative of a boat on which is supported a vertical mast structure having a plurality of crossarms projecting outwardly at various levels, two pairs of strings which are tethered at one end to the top of the mast and each string having a hand grip at its other end, a pair of rings each surrounding one pair of the strings and having a hook secured thereto, and a plurality of game pieces each simulative of a fish and having an aperture for receiving the hook. The game pieces are removably supported in an upright position on the base member, half of them on either side of the mast, to be engaged by a corresponding hook.

Abstract: A pictorial amusement device for children consisting of two cooperating parts, a generally cubical block having four side surfaces and top and bottom surfaces, the side surfaces having representations thereon of a human figure from the shoulders down in four different attires depicting different human activities, and a cylindrical block dimensioned to be received in a central socket in the top surface of the cubical block. The cylindrical block has a length approximately twice the depth of the socket, approximately half of which has a representation on the outer surface thereof of a human head with a smiling face and the other half of which has a representation of a human head with a frowning face, the smiling and frowning faces being inverted relative to each other.