Abstract: An animation device for manipulating an object is provided. The animation device includes a base and a support member extending from the base. The animation device further includes a first arm moveably coupled to the support member and adapted to couple to a first part of the object. The animation device further includes a second arm moveably coupled to the support member and adapted to couple to a second part of the object. The animation device further includes a third arm fixedly coupled to the support member and adapted to couple to a third part of the object. The first and second arms are adapted to be operated by a user for manipulating the first and second parts of the object relative to the third part of the object.

Abstract: A toy kit and components for a floating illusion is presented in which a manipulator releaseably engages via a coupling element with a composite structure. Preferred composite structures include first and second, sheet-like portions in which at least one portion has a face or head feature in registration with a coupling element.

Abstract: Toy kits and methods of using toy kits including a light-up object and near-invisible tether are described herein. The light-up objects can be of any suitable size and shape, and includes a plurality of light sources disposed along its inner or outer surface(s).

Abstract: A toy having changing facial features. Upon using the toy, its facial features change from a first configuration that appears “nice” to a second configuration that appears “mean” or “scary” in a way that is designed to cause an emotional reaction in a person that sees the change. To cause the change, an activator engages the transmission such that the transmission causes the eye features of the toy to rotate and the mouth to open in a coordinated fashion.

Abstract: Toy kits and methods of using toy kits including a light-up object and near-invisible tether are described herein. The light-up objects can be of any suitable size and shape, and includes a plurality of light sources disposed along its inner or outer surface(s).

Abstract: An interactive device for interacting with a touch-sensitive electronic display is contemplated. In some embodiments, the interactive device includes a registration module that is configured to generate a touch-based registration signal perceptible to the touch-sensitive display. The registration module is coupled to an optical sensor that is configured to receive a communication from the display. The interactive device also includes a configuration module that configures the interactive device to be responsive to the content that is displayed on the touch-sensitive display based on at least one of the registration signal and the communication received from the display.

Abstract: An interactive device for interacting with a touch-sensitive electronic display is contemplated. In some embodiments, the interactive device includes a registration module that is configured to generate a touch-based registration signal perceptible to the touch-sensitive display. The registration module is coupled to an optical sensor that is configured to receive a communication from the display. The interactive device also includes a configuration module that configures the interactive device to be responsive to the content that is displayed on the touch-sensitive display based on at least one of the registration signal and the communication received from the display.

Abstract: A marionette toy kit is provided where the container forms a portion of a performing stage that is easily assembled by the player and where the marionette is supported by a near-invisible tether. The kit may be further configured to integrate consumer electronics that permit the player to incorporate programmed special effects or electronic media into their play in an interactive fashion, and/or to integrate personalized items with at least one component of the toy kit.

Abstract: A light-weight toy is attached to a player via a near-invisible fixed-length tether, typically using a low-tack adhesive at the ends of the tether. In especially preferred embodiments, the toy has a mechanism that creates an appearance of plausible possibility of flight without actually providing sufficient lift and/or propulsion for flight. Imaginary flight is achieved by manual lifting and moving the toy via the tether. Thus, the tether forms an integral part of the imaginary play for the player and is not used as an implement of a ‘magic trick’ for an audience.

Abstract: A light-weight toy is attached to a player via a near-invisible fixed-length tether, typically using a low-tack adhesive at the ends of the tether. In especially preferred embodiments, the toy has a mechanism that creates an appearance of plausible possibility of flight without actually providing sufficient lift and/or propulsion for flight. Imaginary flight is achieved by manual lifting and moving the toy via the tether. Thus, the tether forms an integral part of the imaginary play for the player and is not used as an implement of a ‘magic trick’ for an audience.

Abstract: A neutrally buoyant flying toy has a tail fin assembly and a movable weight element that are configured such that the toy moves forward and can be steered left and right by controlled motion of the tail fin, and such that the toy ascends or descends by controlled motion of the weight element. Most preferably, the toy is configured as a fish and is remote controlled.

Abstract: One or more ready-to-use near-invisible fixed-length tethers are provided on a carrier such that each tether can be removed from and reattached to the carrier without tangling. Most typically, such attachment is facilitated by modifying the ends of the tethers with a low tack adhesive and by winding the tether around a spool portion. Especially preferred low-tack adhesives provide adhesion of the tether ends to a user, the carrier, and the toy. In particularly preferred aspects, the tether is attached such that one end is removable while the other end remains attached such that the tether can be unwound from the spool by inverting the carrier.

Abstract: A launcher for a flying cylinder has a elongated guide member to which a base is slidably coupled. In preferred aspects, a pair of resilient elements is coupled at respective first portions to one end of the guide member while respective second portions are coupled to the base. Most preferably, coupling is performed via cutouts in the guide element and the base to permit simple replacement of the resilient elements.

Abstract: An apparatus has a container with a cavity containing a medium, and the container is sealed with a membrane that ruptures at a rupture pressure. A pressurizer pressurizes the cavity to at least the rupture pressure, and a projectile is disposed externally to the cavity during the pressurization. The projectile is propelled by the medium following rupture of the membrane. Preferred containers include pressurized cylinders, gun barrels, and ammunition cartridges, and preferred media include air, pressurized air and explosives, and a particularly preferred apparatus is a toy rocket launcher.

Abstract: A light-weight toy is attached to a player via a near-invisible fixed-length tether, typically using a low-tack adhesive at the ends of the tether. In especially preferred embodiments, the toy has a mechanism that creates an appearance of plausible possibility of flight without actually providing sufficient lift and/or propulsion for flight. Imaginary flight is achieved by manual lifting and moving the toy via the tether. Thus, the tether forms an integral part of the imaginary play for the player and is not used as an implement of a ‘magic trick’ for an audience.

Abstract: One or more ready-to-use near-invisible fixed-length tethers are provided on a carrier such that each tether can be removed from and reattached to the carrier without tangling. Most typically, such attachment is facilitated by modifying the ends of the tethers with a low tack adhesive and by winding the tether around a spool portion. Especially preferred low-tack adhesives provide adhesion of the tether ends to a user, the carrier, and the toy. In particularly preferred aspects, the tether is attached such that one end is removable while the other end remains attached such that the tether can be unwound from the spool by inverting the carrier.

Abstract: A flying toy has a leader portion defining an opening, and a supple tail portion defining an inlet and outlet, wherein when the toy is flying in air, the air enters through the inlet and exits through the outlet. Also, a center of gravity of the toy is within the leader portion. Furthermore, the thickness of the tail portion is not more than 1 mm, or even 0.5 mm.