Abstract: An improved pinata which is reusable and comprises a generally cylindrical housing having a plurality of compartments formed therein to releasably retain a quantity of candy and having trap door means individually actuable to release the contents of a respective one of said compartments, together with a plurality of resilient latches disposed about the exterior of said housing and individually actuable to selectably release a gift retained by the respective latches.

Abstract: A portable basketball system that in a preassembled state is capable of disposition within an outer relatively flat container to assist in shipping. The basketball system comprises a pole, a backboard, a basketball goal, and a hollow ballast-receiving base. The pole has a proximate end and a distal end and comprises a plurality of pole sections. The backboard may be connected to the pole near the distal end of the pole. The basketball goal may be connected to the backboard. The hollow ballast-receiving base supports the pole in a stationary, substantially upward disposition when connected to the pole near the proximate end of the pole. This provides a pole upon which the basketball goal may be suspended at an elevation above a playing surface and the base.

Abstract: A chess set game (2) includes a chess set (4), in which two sets of chess pieces (44) are housed within a container (8), and a chess board (6). The board can be divided into four separable quadrants (10-13) which are secured to one another. The chess pieces and the squares (38, 40) of the board have magnets (46, 42) so the chess pieces are attracted to and securely fastened to the centers of the squares. The chess board includes rank and file ID devices (50, 48) which permit the user to change file and rank indicia (54-60) according to which player has the white pieces. The container includes a rectangular bottom (70) and four sides (74-77) pivotally mounted to the outer edge (72) of the bottom. The four sides and the bottom have magnetized spaces (108, 118) against which the chess pieces are secured. Each of the sides has a top portion (82-85) extending therefrom so that when the sides are in their upright, closed positions, the top portions create a closed top (80) for the container.

Abstract: A box assembly arranged to secure various arrow shafts therewithin, as well as accessory tools and the like, includes a container body having pivotally mounted thereto a lid body, with the lid body including spaced front and rear lid walls accommodating first and second support assemblies interconnected by a support length that in turn is selectively secured to the lid front wall by a latch member. The support assemblies are arranged to secure plural rows of archery arrows therebetween. The container body is arranged to receive a tray member that is further configured to accommodate various accessory components therewithin.

Abstract: A kit including an assembled puzzle allows the sender to inscribe a message or the like on the back surface of the assembled puzzle, then disassemble the puzzle and send the disassembled puzzle and instructions to a recipient. The recipient must then reassemble the puzzle in order to determine the message inscribed upon the puzzle back surface by the sender. A card included in the kit provides instructions to the recipient, and may also include either a preprinted message or space for a further message by the sender. If the recipient wishes, he or she may use a transparent adhesive sheet provided with the kit to keep the puzzle in a permanently assembled state, and the adhesive sheet may provide an extension in order to secure the permanently assembled puzzle to the card in the manner of a conventional greeting card, if the recipient so desires.

Abstract: A case for carrying baseball bats and balls and which also serves as a bat rack and ball dispenser when opened at the playing field is disclosed. A rigid hinged case has bat racks which maintain the bats in parallel relationship when the case is being carried, and a gravity feed ball dispenser.

Abstract: A container for a block of wax, said as surfboard wax, where the container utilizes a manually deflectable cup which provides the storage compartment for the wax. If per chance the block of wax has melted and then hardened assuming the precise shape of the cup, the bottom wall of the cup can be deflected in an upward manner thereby causing removal of the block of wax.

Abstract: A simulated three-dimensional night sky kit for a substantially flat surface includes a plurality of groups of discrete star-shaped bodies. Each of the bodies is a rigid, planar member formed of a plastic material exhibiting phosphorescent properties. The number of bodies forming each of the plurality of groups of bodies and the tip-to-tip dimensions of the bodies of each group of bodies varies substantially between the groups of bodies to provide a simulated three-dimensional night sky when the groups of bodies are mounted in a random distribution on a substantially flat surface. Each body includes a mounting arrangement formed of a resilient foam pad, a permanent adhesive layer bonding the pad to the body, and a releasable adhesive layer on an opposite surface of the pad to releasably mount the body and the pad to a surface.

Abstract: A portable, integrated system for displaying products and services at a display booth is disclosed. The system comprises a carrying case which includes a plurality of compartments, a table cloth for substantially covering a display table in the display booth, a display easel which displays printed indicia when in an open position and which is insertable into one of the compartments of the carrying case when in a closed position, and a header display which includes a flexible header with printed indicia thereon. The header display further includes a header frame which surrounds and supports the header and to which the header is temporarily attached and a plurality of wire hooks for suspending the header frame and header from the framework of the display booth. Alternatively, when the display booth does not include a framework, the header frame and header may be suspended from a plurality of upright, free-standing poles.

Abstract: A combination storage and display unit is disclosed wherein the unit can be used as a device for educating young children about the birthing process. The unit in its closed position resembles an egg. During this time the birthing process can be explained. After the birthing process is explained the unit can be placed in an open position and decorated to resemble a bassinet.

Abstract: There is disclosed a game comprising a game board provided with a plurality of holes distributed in a pattern and consecutively numbered from 1 to 29, a plurality of game pieces to be moved along the pattern of the holes and also an appropriate box in the form of a sphinx for storing the game board, game pieces and other materials which are used with the game.

Abstract: An organizer (10) for golf accessories is disclosed including a cover (12) and a liner (20) connected by their peripheries and folded about a fold line (32) into overlying first and second halves (34,36). A tube is formed by spine support stitching (38) extending parallel to and spaced from the fold line (32) and frictionally, slideably receives the first leg (44) of a clip holder (42). The second leg (46) of the clip holder (42) sandwiches a golf card (48) against the spine support stitching (38). A ball mark repair tool holder (16) is formed by a pouch stitched to the outside of the second half (36) of the cover (12). A holder (22) for a notebook or pad (24) is formed by a slit in the liner (20) for slideable insertion of the back (26) of the notebook or pad (24) between the cover (12) and the liner (20). A holder ( 40) for a pen or pencil is formed by a U-shaped strip having its free ends secured between the liner (20) by the spine support stitching (38).

Abstract: A storage device and organizer is provided for card collections. The interior of the storage device is divided into a right, central and left zone by dividing slats permanently affixed to the case. The right and left zones are dimensioned in such a fashion to receive collectible cards in either a case or in a loose condition. The central region has a three-ring binding device included for the storage of cards placed in a transparent storage page. One may flip the pages or display a favorite page. The case has a handle for carrying and a latch for securing. A lock may be provided for security.

Abstract: A sports card sorter box/tray combination unit and card sorting method. The card sorter box/tray unit includes two mating half-sections which each include five card sorting bins. The sorting bins in the first half-section are numbered in sequence from 0 to 4 and the sorting bins of the second half-section are numbered in sequence from 5 to 9. With the tray-box unit in open and card sorting position the half-sections of the unit are aligned in substantially end-to-end orientation with the bins aligned in numbered sequence from 0 to 9. The card sorting bins of each half-section of the tray-box unit are open on their upper and inner sides so that sports cards can be easily slipped into the numbered bins. The half-sections of the tray-box unit each bear an upper cover and handle portion which cooperate together, when the unit is closed for card carrying and storage purposes, to close the upper sides of the sorting bins and maintain the enclosed sports cards in stored position therein.

Abstract: A portable desktop kit for demonstrating principles relating to carpet care includes a carrying case divided into a first compartment and a second compartment by a barrier. At least one tube is slidably secured by the barrier for representing an erect strand of carpet in a demonstration position. The first compartment is divided to at least two carrying cavities, one of the cavities being sized to receive the tube when the kit is arranged for carrying. The first compartment also contains demonstrating means for describing the construction of carpet while the second compartment contains means for soiling a portion of the tube for demonstration purposes. The second compartment also contains means for cleansing the soil from the tube. Methods for using the kit are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-mode playball whose components are a shaped casing of flexible material having an opening therein that is closable by a drawstring whose end portions, when the string is drawn, then extend from the closed opening, and a toy balloon, which in its uninflated state is insertable into the casing and when then inflated stretches to conform to the shape of the casing to create a pneumatic playball. The playball is operable in any one of three modes, the first being a ball mode in which the end portions of the drawn string are inserted into the casing before the balloon is inflated and the resultant pneumatic ball can then be thrown, kicked and bounced. In the second or bop mode, the pneumatic ball is tethered by the end portion of the drawstring whereby the ball can then be punched back and forth.

Abstract: A carrying case is opened to arrange in a planar relationship, the housing floor of each mirror image housing. The structure includes cooperative handle retractably mounted with each rear end wall of the first and second housing, with elastomeric bands mounted to exterior surfaces of the floors of the first and second housings for securement of bingo card members therewithin. Spaced chambers are formed adjacent upper terminal ends of the forward end wall to accommodate bingo components, such as bingo chips, pencils, and the like. A modification of the invention includes each floor formed with an underlying illumination member positioned longitudinally of and coextensively with a translucent sheet coextensive with an overlying transparent sheet, wherein a bingo card member is positioned between the translucent and transparent sheets for mounting and positioning in play of a bingo game.

Abstract: A stencil kit including a case, a drawing panel releasably mountable to said case in the manner of a cover, and multiple stencils selectively mounted to drawing surfaces formed on opposite faces of the drawing panel. The drawing panel includes an integral handle, which, upon a mounting of the drawing panel to the case, provides a handle for the entire kit. Interengaging lugs and a latch and keeper assembly provide for releasable joinder of the drawing panel to the case. Positioning flanges, projections and recesses about each drawing surface and on the associated stencils releasably position the stencils for use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a note card assembly that is watertight, yet accessible to remove a completed note card. In one embodiment the assembly has a generally rectangular shape in plan view and comprises a watertight envelope having an interior pocket defined by permanent seals on three sides and a resealable seal on the fourth side. A subassembly inside the pocket includes a layered sandwich of a rigid writing board, a note card having a CF coated top surface, and a transparent sheet having a CB coated bottom surface in contact with the top surface of the note card. When pressure is applied to the outer envelope, a chemical reaction takes place between the two coated layers leaving a permanent marking on the top surface of the note card.

Abstract: A traveling card table comprised of a flexible sheet member having card pockets and pencil pockets provided at the upper surface thereof. An elongated flexible strap is secured to the underside of the card table and is designed to receive either a magazine or a tray table to provide the necessary stability to the card table to enable a card game to be played thereon.

Abstract: A hard case for chess equipment is provided and consists of a housing having three front compartments and a rear compartment. A lid is hinged to the housing over the three front compartments while a door is hinged to the end wall of the housing at the rear compartment. A removable padded receptacle is for protecting and storing chess pieces within the first and third front compartments. A removable tray is for protecting and storing a chess clock within the second front compartment. An elongated tube is for protecting and storing a roll up type chess board within the rear compartment. A handle is attached to one side wall of the housing for carrying the hard case from place to place. In another embodiment the housing has an enlarged compartment directly behind the other compartments with a second lid hinged thereto so that books and the like can be stored therein. A pocket is affixed to the underside of the second lid for holding various papers and the like.

Abstract: A soft-sided utility bag having a hinged door-like end opening is provided, wherein a plurality of shelves can be used to divide the bag enclosure into two or more compartments. The shelves are supported by flexible suspension structures which can be easily displaced out of the way when not in use. The shelves can be conveniently stored within the bag when the full, undivided volume of the bag is needed. In some embodiments of the invention, the bag is collapsible for easy storage and/or transport.

Abstract: A game carrying and playing device including a case having a top, bottom, front, back and sides. The top includes a surface for supporting one or more game cards. The sides are of trapezoidal shape so that, when the bottom is positioned on a horizontal surface, the top surface is inclined with respect to the horizontal. The device also includes a storable, compartmentalized tray or container, and structure on the back of the case for detachably supporting the tray adjacent to the top surface when the case is in the playing position.

Abstract: A color-crayons and board games combination set, which comprises a case formed of two pivoted parts for receiving different chessboards and pieces. The two pivoted parts have each a track on its back side around its periphery so that different chessboards can be drawn out and then pushed back into place. The case defines therein a trough covered with a sliding cover board for receiving a variety of writing materials, and a plurality of raised grooves for receiving different pieces which are simultaneously used as color-crayons and chessmen.

Abstract: A kit for lottery playing paraphernalia having a pair of rectangular members formed for positioning face-to-face to provide an openable folio case adapted for containing equipment for playing a lottery, an integral hinge joining the rectangular members along one side so they are swingable between a closed position and an open position, the confronting faces of the rectangular members being provided with a plurality of identations sized to receive and contain stacks of rectangular papers and other objects used in playing the lottery, with latch means on the rectangular members being provided for releasably holding the latter in their closed position. Changeable protective snap-on covers are provided for the rectangular members.

Abstract: Luminescent golf balls and a carrying case. A luminous substance having a radiant color is mixed into a soltuion of compounds used to produce golf ball covers so that when the cover has been completed, it is impregnated with the luminous substance. An octagonal carrying case has a false bottom that divides the case into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The upper chamber is lined with a light-reflective material. A single layer of golf balls and a light source are disposed in the upper chamber of the case and a first power supply for the light source is disposed in the lower chamber. Solar panels on the lid of the case provide an alternative power supply.

Abstract: A packaged toy having a temporary, inexpensive battery power supply, replaceable by conventional batteries for long term use, permits the creation of a point of purchase display, activated while in the package. Two circuits may be wired in parallel so that the temporary battery power supply is disconnected after the permanent power supply is placed in the unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning a gun barrel including a tubular casing having a cap covering one end thereof and a cleaning rod detachably connected to the other end thereof. The cleaning rod constitutes a plurality of sections which are detachably interconnected with one another. Several types of cleaning members are provided for being selectively and detachably connected to the cleaning rod. Whereby the dirt and powder attached to the inner surface of the gun barrel can be effectively wiped off. The apparatus for cleaning the gun barrel also can be dismantled and stored in the tubular casing.

Abstract: A portable gun disassembly and cleaning kit that can be used in the field is disclosed. The implements in the kit can be used to disassemble and clean essentially any type or size of gun (e.g., pistols, rifles, shotguns). The carrying case is flexible, foldable, water-resistant, and oil-resistant, and has spaces for securely holding all of the implements. A strap is pulled tight to secure the implements in their respective spaces inside the case.

Abstract: The tote bag of the present invention comprises a container having an elongated tunnel extending through the middle of the container for receiving a weightlifter's belt. The weightlifter's belt extends through the tunnel and wraps around the top of the tote bag where it is secured in place for carrying.

Abstract: A personal sports equipment carrier adapted for carrying baseball or softball equipment is provided. The sports equipment carrier has a rigid frame with recesses formed in it to receive bats. Balls may be positioned in the bottom of the rigid frame and are held in place by straps that are fastened longitudinally onto the frame at a distance above the bottom of the frame approximately equal to the radius of the balls to be retained. An eyelet or a velcro strip is provided to receive the strap of a baseball glove and the tied-together laces of shoes. A handle is secured to the rigid frame so that a baseball or softball player may carry his own equipment conveniently. Storage eyelets may also be secured to the frame so that the frame and the equipment therein may be stored by passing the eyelets over hooks or nails that protrude from a wall or the like.

Abstract: A golf accessory carrier includes a drink can jar, a golf ball holding cylinder, a golf tee holding cylinder, a golf marking pencil holding cylinder disposed therein, and an attaching member mounted thereto for attaching the golf accessory carrier to the golf bag.

Abstract: A game carrying case convertible to a game board includes two identical half sections, symmetrical in construction and doweling. The two sections can be adapted to house the playing pieces in the carrying case configuration. The sections can also be oriented so that when section one and section two are connected end-to-end, they provide the playing surface. Dowel pins are affixed to section one. Dowel holes on the second section are adapted to frictionally receive the dowel pins for both the carrying case and the game board configurations.

Abstract: A fabric bag for carrying and storing chess equipment comprising of two external strap carrying handles, a single external zipper longitudinally enabling the bag to be completely closed or when open to lie flat on a surface, two internal zippered pockets attached to one side at opposite ends for the storage of game pieces, two internal hook and loop (VELCRO R) straps attached to one side above the pockets for the securing of a rolled flexible playing board, two internal hook and loop (VELCRO R) straps attached to one side between the zippered pockets for the securing of a tournament chess clock and having all non-zippered sides internally padded.

Abstract: A case for croquet equipment which is substantially rectangular comprising a lower case section and an upper case section. Being moulded integrally, the upper and lower case sections are connected together at one side, a handle being arranged on the opposite side of the lower case section. At each side of the handle, there is a lock provided respectively. Within the case sections, a plurality of different shaped recesses are moulded to receive the different equipment pieces.

Abstract: A basketball goal (14) and backboard (2) assembly are provided for shipment in a carton (120) having a girth plus longest dimension less than or equal to 108 inches, for shipment by common carrier. A backboard (2) is provided with reduced outside dimension for saving material cost, particularly fiberglass, yet still affording 92% of the playing surface area of a conventional board. Support bracket hardware (30) is provided with significantly reduced shipping height requirements, yet providing precise 90.degree. mounted orientation of the rim (20) relative to the backboard (2), by slight deformation of interlocking bosses (78, 80) in mating nested relation upon tightening of bolts (62 and 68) through mounting apertures (58, 60, 64, 66) subject to tolerance deviation which may otherwise deviate the position of the rim (20) from horizontal, particularly at the forward edge.

Abstract: A utility bag which is generally rectangular in shape and sized to fit into an athletic locker or under the seat of an airplane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an educational kit for increasing safety awareness. The kit includes a container in the shape of a tire and at least one toy figure preferably in the form of an animal having a flattened portion and simulated tire tread attached to the flattened portion. The container has an interior compartment for storing the toy figure(s), simulated tire tread about a portion of its periphery and a substantially flat base portion for enabling the container to stand erect.

Abstract: A container which, when empty, is nestable within a like container and may be used to contain a structured paint or other material. The container comprises grippable (22), wall (20) and base (12) portions, the grippable portion (12) being integrally formed with the wall portion (20) and lying adjacent the wall portion (20) and extending within an outer like container in a nesting configuration. When not nested the grippable portion (22) is displaceable relative to the wall portion (20).

Abstract: A kit for visual demonstration of principles relating to carpets and carpet care. The kit includes a horizontal base member, vertical members removably securable in erect position with respect to the base member at their proximal ends, and means on the base member to hold the vertical members in carrying position when not in their erect positions. A highly preferred base member is a transparent rigid box with spaced upper and lower walls, the vertical members being attacked to the lower wall and extending loosely through openings in the upper wall.The method includes applying dirt onto a shaft near its distal end and, when the shaft is erect on the lower wall of the preferred base member, executing a cleaning step. The cleaning step may involve applying a free liquid, which carries dirt through the opening into the rigid box, or rubbing with a damp wiper and then removing the dirty wiper from a position on top of the rigid box.

Abstract: A thin flexible disk of opaque material and at least one flexible disk comprised of a translucent plastic material is provided in a kit. A shooter aims a weapon such as a rifle in the normal fashion with the optical axis of one eye aligned with the rear and front sights on the rifle. While the rifle is being aimed, the other eye, that is, the eye which is not consciously doing any aiming, has the opaque disk applied to the lens of the shooter's glasses. The opaque disk is then moved around until it is aligned with the pupil and on the optical axis of said other eye. A translucent disk is then applied coincidentally with the opaque disk after which the tentatively adhered opaque disk is removed.

Abstract: A utility bag which is generally rectangular in shape and sized to fit into an athletic locker or under the seat of an airplane.

Abstract: A sheet of plastic material folded at the middle and forming a pair of side panels, with the juncture edge between the panels lowermost and the panels extending upwardly therefrom, forming a tote. The ends and top are open, and the panels can be opened to a flat position. Plastic pocket pieces are secured to the panels, forming large pockets between themselves and the panels, and certain of those pocket pieces have additional pocket pieces secured thereto to form additional and smaller pockets. All of the plastic pieces are clear and all of the contents of the pockets can be seen from either side of the folded tote either in open or folded position. Plastic carrying handles are secured to the free edges of the panels, and a detachable shoulder strap is also provided. Reinforcing fabric strips are secured to the juncture edge and other edges. A large number of items are carried in the tote for small children, and the tote is most useful in travelling.

Abstract: A child's lunch box designed so as to be readily transformable into a toy robot is disclosed. A specially designed cover portion covers one panel of the lunch box and defines a normally concealed compartment containing attached arm members and a head member. To transform the lunch box into a toy robot, the special compartment is opened and the arm and head members contained therein are extended. The process is reversed to transform the toy robot back to a lunch box.

Abstract: The invention is designed to use with lottery tickets. It includes a container to hold at least ten lottery tickets. The container houses a scraper designed to remove the coating from the tickets, a protective lip which covers the "void if removed" section of the ticket, and a slot to allow for easy disposal of the residue coating through the bottom of the container.

Abstract: A packaging and shipping assembly (12) is provided for a basketball rim (4), backboard (6), pole (8) and extension arm (10) all in one relatively flat outer carton (14) having a length and width approximately the same as the backboard (6). The pole is provided in three sections (16, 18 and 20). A first subassembly (40, 42) retains two of the pole sections (16 and 20) side-by-side in parallel along one side of the outer carton (14). A second subassembly retains the third pole section (18) and the extension arm (10) side-by-side in parallel along the opposite side of the outer carton (14). A third subassembly retains the rim (4) and mounting hardware within the outer carton (14) between the other two subassemblies. The backboard (6) lies flat over the subassemblies within the outer carton (14).

Abstract: A baseball equipment holder comprising an elongate tubular housing that can have a diameter sufficient to accommodate a plurality of playing balls in side-by-side relationship. A plurality of longitudinally aligned openings open to the housing to retain a plurality of baseball bats. Hanger members extend from the housing for suspending items of baseball equipment. The housing is connectable to upright structure such as a chain link fence.

Abstract: An exercise device having a container formed from two mated halves releasably connected to one another and a flexible strap ending in loops capable of encircling one of the container halves which thereby provides a convenient, lightweight foot restraint, easily stored and quickly assembled for use in performing sit-ups in the home or in the office is disclosed.

Abstract: A utility bag which is generally rectangular in shape and size to fit into an athletic locker or under the seat of an airplane. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A preferred embodiment of the .Iaddend.