Abstract: A piñata defined in part by a front wall and a flap that selectively covers an open bottom. The flap is positionable between an open and closed position. Box holes are formed through the front wall. At least one finger extends from the flap. Each finger has a key hole formed there through. Each finger abuts against the front wall so that each key hole aligns with a box hole. A removable pull tab extends through the box hole and through the key hole wherever the box hole and key hole align. The presence of the removable pull tab prevents the flap from moving to an open position under the weight of the loose objects. When all the pull tabs that engage a key hole are removed, the flap can swing to an open position.

Abstract: A piñata defined in part by a front wall and a flap that selectively covers an open bottom. The flap is positionable between an open and closed position. Box holes are formed through the front wall. At least one finger extends from the flap. Each finger has a key hole formed there through. Each finger abuts against the front wall so that each key hole aligns with a box hole. A removable pull tab extends through the box hole and through the key hole wherever the box hole and key hole align. The presence of the removable pull tab prevents the flap from moving to an open position under the weight of the loose objects. When all the pull tabs that engage a key hole are removed, the flap can swing to an open position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to an apparatus and method for creating folded multi-dimensional shapes from pliable substrates. An apparatus having a handle connected to one or more plungers that are configured to move along a longitudinal axis is used to form folds in a flat substrate by pressing dies attached to the plungers into a die area to shape the flat substrate. The handle is depressed multiple times to achieve the desired number of folds in the substrate. The apparatus may include one or more plunger adjustment mechanisms to switch use of the one or more plungers to create different sets of folds in the substrate with each depression.

Abstract: A reusable piñata system having a hollow body with a first end and a second end. The second end contains at least one opening. Slots are disposed in the hollow body. A shaft extends into the hollow body. An obstruction is coupled to the shaft that is sized to obstruct the opening in the second end of the hollow body. The shaft is selectively positionable between a closed position and an open position. Platforms engage the shaft within the hollow body. The platforms are selectively rotatable in position about the shaft. Pull pins are disposed in the slots. The pull pins extend into the hollow body and at least some of the pull pins engage the platforms to hold the shaft in its closed position. When all the pull pins that engage the platforms are removed, gravity causes the shaft to fall to the open position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to an apparatus and method for creating folded multi-dimensional shapes from pliable substrates. An apparatus having a handle connected to one or more plungers that are configured to move along a longitudinal axis is used to form folds in a flat substrate by pressing dies attached to the plungers into a die area to shape the flat substrate. The handle is depressed multiple times to achieve the desired number of folds in the substrate. The apparatus may include one or more plunger adjustment mechanisms to switch use of the one or more plungers to create different sets of folds in the substrate with each depression.

Abstract: A toy train is provided having a folding body with body segments joined by a hinge, adapted to engage a base having wheels. The folding body may be disassembled for storage in a generally flattened arrangement. A novel drive assembly for a toy train or toy train accessory is provided having a motor and a gear, which can be removably inserted in the base and covered by the folding body. A storage kit is provided including a storage case for storing a folding body of a toy train, a base for a toy train, and a drive assembly for a toy train. A toy train set is provided including tiles with raised train tracks. The tiles are joined by dovetail joints. Themed tiles are provided for creating a multi-themed play environment.

Abstract: A reusable piñata system having a hollow body with an open bottom end. Slots are disposed in the hollow body. An end cap is provided to obstruct the open bottom end of hollow body. A support element is coupled to the end cap. The support element extends into the hollow body through the open bottom end. The support element is selectively positionable between a closed position, where the support element holds the end cap element in obstruction of the open bottom end, and an open position where the support element holds the end cap element away from the open bottom end. Removable pull pins are inserted through the slots in the hollow body. The pull pins extend into the hollow body where some of the pull pins engage the support element. The pull pins that do engage the support element hold the support element in the closed position.

Abstract: A toy train is provided having a folding body with body segments joined by a hinge, adapted to engage a base having wheels. The folding body may be disassembled for storage in a generally flattened arrangement. A novel drive assembly for a toy train or toy train accessory is provided having a motor and a gear, which can be removably inserted in the base and covered by the folding body. A storage kit is provided including a storage case for storing a folding body of a toy train, a base for a toy train, and a drive assembly for a toy train. A toy train set is provided including tiles with raised train tracks. The tiles are joined by dovetail joints. Themed tiles are provided for creating a multi-themed play environment.

Abstract: A toy gun for launching a foam projectile includes a housing having an outlet, an inlet, and a passage sized to receive the projectile. A launch station disposed in the housing and is arranged to receive the projectile, a crank rotates a resilient actuating paddle. The paddle is shiftable between an undeflected position and an energy storing deflected position, and moves along a path in response to rotation of the crank and extends into the launch station. A post is disposed in the path and is positioned to shift the paddle to the deflected position in response to rotation of the wheel, with the paddle arranged to disengage the post in response to continued rotation of the wheel thereby releasing stored energy as the paddle returns to the undeflected position and travels through the launch station.

Abstract: A throwing toy has a football-shaped body with an openable section. A compartment within the football-shaped body is exposed when the openable section is opened. A display surface becomes exposed within the compartment when the openable section is opened. The display surface can be a writable and erasable surface such that desired information can be written and visible on the display surface and can be erased therefrom.