Abstract: Embodiments herein use multiple different transmission modes of a line-of-sight (LOS) communication system (e.g., an infrared (IR) or visible light communicate system) to simulate user actions that correspond to different distances—e.g., a melee attack versus a ranged attack. A toy device may include various sensors that detect user motion which is then used to identify a user action. If the user action is a melee attack, then the attack should affect only targets that are close to the toy device. To simulate this difference between user actions, the toy device uses a first LOS transmission mode which may have a limited range to send an instruction to a target device. Conversely, if the user action is a ranged attack, then the toy device uses a second LOS transmission mode which has a greater range than the first LOS transmission mode to send the instruction.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a retention apparatus for a head-mounted device and a head-mounted apparatus including the retention apparatus and the head-mounted device. The retention apparatus includes left and right band portions arranged on respective sides of a user's head, which connect to the head-mounted device at one end, and include opposing free ends that are arrangeable toward a back side of the wearer's head. The retention apparatus includes left and right elastic straps and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is arrangeable at the back of the user's head and includes arms the telescope into and out of the adjustment mechanism. The elastic straps are attached to the left and right band portions at first ends and to respective arms of the adjustment mechanism at second ends. Adjustably moving the arms of the adjustment mechanism stretches or relaxes the elastic straps, adjusting tension of the retention apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a retention apparatus for a head-mounted device and a head-mounted apparatus including the retention apparatus and the head-mounted device. The retention apparatus includes left and right band portions arranged on respective sides of a user's head, which connect to the head-mounted device at one end, and include opposing free ends that are arrangeable toward a back side of the wearer's head. The retention apparatus includes left and right elastic straps and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is arrangeable at the back of the user's head and includes arms the telescope into and out of the adjustment mechanism. The elastic straps are attached to the left and right band portions at first ends and to respective arms of the adjustment mechanism at second ends. Adjustably moving the arms of the adjustment mechanism stretches or relaxes the elastic straps, adjusting tension of the retention apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a throwing apparatus that includes a projectile that slides on a rail. In one example, as the user makes a throwing action, the projectile slides along the rail and locks into place at an end of the rail. In response, the throwing apparatus launches a virtual object representing the projectile along a virtual path extending away from the throwing apparatus. The apparatus may include an emitter that transmits a signal indicative of the signal path of the virtual object. An external device receiving the signal can determine whether the device is on the path and whether it is struck by the virtual object. The apparatus may also include a speaker that outputs a sound simulating the projectile flying through free space. The speaker may change the volume of the sound depending on whether the virtual object is moving away or towards the throwing apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a throwing apparatus that includes a projectile that slides on a rail. In one example, as the user makes a throwing action, the projectile slides along the rail and locks into place at an end of the rail. In response, the throwing apparatus launches a virtual object representing the projectile along a virtual path extending away from the throwing apparatus. The apparatus may include an emitter that transmits a signal indicative of the signal path of the virtual object. An external device receiving the signal can determine whether the device is on the path and whether it is struck by the virtual object. The apparatus may also include a speaker that outputs a sound simulating the projectile flying through free space. The speaker may change the volume of the sound depending on whether the virtual object is moving away or towards the throwing apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments herein use multiple different transmission modes of a line-of-sight (LOS) communication system (e.g., an infrared (IR) or visible light communicate system) to simulate user actions that correspond to different distances—e.g., a melee attack versus a ranged attack. A toy device may include various sensors that detect user motion which is then used to identify a user action. If the user action is a melee attack, then the attack should affect only targets that are close to the toy device. To simulate this difference between user actions, the toy device uses a first LOS transmission mode which may have a limited range to send an instruction to a target device. Conversely, if the user action is a ranged attack, then the toy device uses a second LOS transmission mode which has a greater range than the first LOS transmission mode to send the instruction.

Abstract: A ventless fireplace is provided, including a protective fireplace door, a wall positioned behind the protective fireplace door, a hearth surface positioned adjacent the wall, the protective fireplace door, wall and hearth surface defining a cavity the hearth surface further defining an opening therein, and a mechanical structure for housing one or more fuel cells positioned below the hearth surface, so that when operational, one or more flames emanating from the one or more fuel cells supported by the mechanical structure pass through the opening in the hearth surface. The protective door further includes a door frame, a door bezel hingedly attached to the door frame by one or more hinges, a door screen fixed within the door bezel, and a latch assembly fixed to the door frame to selectively engage the door bezel from the door frame.

Abstract: A ventless fireplace is provided, including a protective fireplace door, a wall positioned behind the protective fireplace door, a hearth surface positioned adjacent the wall, the protective fireplace door, wall and hearth surface defining a cavity the hearth surface further defining an opening therein, and a mechanical structure for housing one or more fuel cells positioned below the hearth surface, so that when operational, one or more flames emanating from the one or more fuel cells supported by the mechanical structure pass through the opening in the hearth surface. The protective door further includes a door frame, a door bezel hingedly attached to the door frame by one or more hinges, a door screen fixed within the door bezel, and a latch assembly fixed to the door frame to selectively engage the door bezel from the door frame.