Abstract: A system and method for curling a lock of hair. A hair curling assembly contains a bi-stable ribbon spring. The ribbon spring is biased into a coiled configuration. The ribbon spring has positional stability in both its coiled configuration and its linear configuration. The ribbon spring is manipulated into its linear configuration within the hair curling assembly. The hair curling assembly is then positioned proximate the lock of hair to be curled. The ribbon spring is triggered back to its coiled configuration. The lock of hair winds with the ribbon spring into its coiled configuration, therein forming a curl in the lock of hair.

Abstract: A system and method for curling a lock of hair. A hair curling assembly contains a bi-stable ribbon spring. The ribbon spring is biased into a coiled configuration. The ribbon spring has positional stability in both its coiled configuration and its linear configuration. The ribbon spring is manipulated into its linear configuration within the hair curling assembly. The hair curling assembly is then positioned proximate the lock of hair to be curled. The ribbon spring is triggered back to its coiled configuration. The lock of hair winds with the ribbon spring into its coiled configuration, therein forming a curl in the lock of hair.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling for toy vehicles includes a stationary protruding member and a retractable member, each having a rounded end piece. One of the end pieces is at least partially formed of a magnetic material and the other is at least partially formed of a non-magnetic, magnetically attractive material. A separate end piece can be provided on each of a pair of toy vehicles or each vehicle can be provided with both. The retractable member can be configured to receive the protruding member in a mechanical coupling.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling for toy vehicles includes a stationary protruding member and a retractable member, each having a rounded end piece. One of the end pieces is at least partially formed of a magnetic material and the other is at least partially formed of a non-magnetic, magnetically attractive material. A separate end piece can be provided on each of a pair of toy vehicles or each vehicle can be provided with both. The retractable member can be configured to receive the protruding member in a mechanical coupling.

Abstract: A composite toy includes a first component vehicle and a vehicle accessory. The first component vehicle includes a chassis with wheels and an integral cab portion and a first coupling member configured for releasable coupling to another component vehicle. The vehicle accessory is configured for releasable attachment to the first component vehicle so as to create a new vehicle having a modified appearance relative to the first component vehicle. In an alternate embodiment, the composite vehicle further includes a second component vehicle including a chassis with an integral cab portion and a second coupling member configured for releasable coupling to another component vehicle either longitudinally or laterally.