Abstract: A fidget toy has a set of three gimbals, wherein two of the gimbals may be in a parallel configuration, while an intermediate gimbal is mounted with an orthogonal pivot axis compared to the other gimbals. The fidget toy may have a spherical core, two successive rings, and a hemispherical outer shell wherein the three gimbals are at the interface of these four objects.

Abstract: The articles with spinning globe include articles worn by a user and containers in which a spinning or rotating globe is disposed. The articles of apparel may be a shirt, a pair of pants a hat or other wearing apparel. The container may be a backpack, a purse, a suitcase, a lunchbox or other carrying container. The rotating globe is mounted in the articles of apparel and the containers so that a user may manually rotate the globe within the articles of apparel or the containers. The rotating globe may be placed in any of the articles and used by children as an educational tool to learn about geography, or by adults to note specific time zones when traveling or determine where a specific country is in relation to other countries.

Abstract: The educational toy includes a toy figure having a body, a frame affixed within a portion of the body, and an earth globe disposed within the frame. The globe is configured to rotate within the frame. The globe is configured to represent the earth, and has outlines representing the continents and at least larger countries or geographical regions, and may have contours representing mountains or other features. The globe may alternatively be retained on an outstretched hand or limb of a figure and may be rotated on a shaft attached to the limb or limbs of the figure. Optionally, the educational toy may be illuminated, play back an educational audio message, or include a motor for rotating the globe.

Abstract: An educational globe assembly is provided comprising a globe and a base cradle for the globe configured to removably and rotatably support the globe. The base cradle comprises a great circle ring, and the great circle ring comprises at least one annular indicia surface that is capable of rotation in the plane of the great circle ring. Base cradles are separately provided. Methods of use of the educational globe assembly are also described.

Abstract: An Earth globe is provided for studying continental position theories. The globe comprises graphical image representations of a plurality of land masses at locations representing the current position of the land masses on Earth. A plurality of at least a portion of great circle indication lines are graphically marked on the globe that generally correspond to linear portions of geographic features on the globe. Globes having at least one graphically marked intersection zone corresponding to an area within about 5° of defined geographic points are also provided. Methods for marking globes are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides an educational globe-like structure for teaching colors and the relationship between different colors, the globe-like structure being arranged to display the interrelationship between colors simultaneously in both longitudinal and latitudinal directions, characterized in that the globe is constructed of at least 15 different colored interlocking toy building blocks, wherein blocks of at least 3 basic colors are disposed around the equator of the globe, and the poles of the globe-like structure are formed, respectively, of 2 further basic colors and the remaining blocks intermediate between the blocks of basic colors represent interim colors between the basic colors.

Abstract: A globe stand construction for mounting a globe from a single support arm includes hemisphere sections connected together by a polar axis pin mounted in a bushing plate which includes a radial, equatorial axis passage for receipt of a single pin projecting from a single support arm mounted on a base positioned beneath the globe.

Abstract: A spherical world globe with geographic features imprinted on its surface rotates on an axis through the poles. The sphere is not large enough to carry legible details of all areas. Greater details are stored in a memory such as a compact disc. An indicator on the sphere is positionable north and south or the sphere is positionable relative to a fixed indicator to position the indicator along a north/south meridian. A sensor senses the north/south position of the indicator and sends a signal to a control circuit connected to the memory. Another sensor connected to the rotation of the sphere sends an east/west signal to the control circuit. Using the two signals, the circuit finds the area corresponding to the area selected on the sphere in the memory and displays it on a display in greater detail than is visible on the sphere.

Abstract: A globe stand construction for mounting a globe from a single support arm includes hemisphere sections connected together by a polar axis pin mounted in a bushing plate which includes a radial, equatorial axis passage for receipt of a single pin projecting from a single support arm mounted on a base positioned beneath the globe.

Abstract: A spherical world globe with geographic features imprinted on its surface rotates on and axis through the poles. The sphere is not large enough to carry legible details of all areas. Greater details are stored in a memory such as a compact disc. An indicator on the sphere slides north and south. A sensor senses the north south position of the indicator and sends a signal to a selection circuit connected to the memory. Another sensor connected to the rotation of the sphere sends an east/west signal to the memory. Using the two signals, the circuit find the area corresponding to the area selected on the sphere and displays it on a display in greater detail than is visible on the sphere.

Abstract: A display globe is disclosed. The display globe would have flags overlaying the surface area of all the countries rather than displaying mountains, land features, cities, states, or other geographical indications that are typically present with a normal globe. The actual borders of these countries, and all other countries, would be observed, which would cause some cropping of each country's respective flag to occur. However, the display globe would provide an invaluable teaching tool for use with individuals, and especially children, in learning flags of existing countries.

Abstract: A globe stand construction for mounting a globe from a single support arm includes hemisphere sections connected together by a polar axis pin mounted in a bushing plate which includes a radial, equatorial axis passage for receipt of a single pin projecting from a single support arm mounted on a base positioned beneath the globe.

Abstract: A display globe assembly includes a transparent dome defining a cavity in which a scene is disposed and a base supporting the transparent dome. A shaft is rotatably disposed within the cavity of the dome and is rotated by a driving mechanism. An arm is attached to and projects generally radially from a distal end of the shaft within the cavity and engages an ornament disposed on exterior surface of the dome to move it thereon.

Abstract: A globe stand construction for mounting a globe from a single support arm includes hemisphere sections connected together by a polar axis pin mounted in a bushing plate which includes a radial, equatorial axis passage for receipt of a single pin projecting from a single support arm mounted on a base positioned beneath the globe.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an educational device for use with an earth globe having ecliptic angle of inclination for teaching students the position of the earth relative to the sun through the various seasons. The educational device can also be used to teach the months of the year as well as teaching the causes of night and day. The educational device having a flat board, which represents the earth's orbital plane, and having a sun label, a plurality of season labels and a plurality of month labels affixed on the facade of the board. The educational device also has a indexer wheel pivotally mounted to the board for rotatably mounting the earth globe so that the student may be able to freely rotatably maneuver the earth globe relative to the season labels so that the student can visually grasp the causes of the seasons as the year proceeds.

Abstract: Every current geophysical globe contains three main elements, which support the theory of Earth surface expansion; the ridge and rift systems of the spreading sea floors (new crust), the rafted continents of Pangea (old crust), and the folded and uplifted remains of the Tethys basin (K meteor crater). The patent sought is a globe of the smaller Paleozoic Earth around the time of the proposed Tethyian impact of K meteor including; Pangea and the Tethys basin (no Panthalassa Ocean) along with any method of displaying the expansion of the outer shell to current surface size. In specific the geometric expansion of the Earth;s shell above the remnant K meteor along suture lines (ridges) which maintain the geoid throughout time; as an example the stitches on a baseball.

Abstract: A programmable device for the display of information, comprising, a spherical or curved element, such as a globe, which is programmable/reprogrammable for the display of geographical, political, meteorological, biological, and cultural information. A spherical or curved element having a plurality of optical lens segments is in operable communication with programmable electronic displays, for displaying and representing information on the spherical element. The programmable displays are secured to the inside faces of lens segments so that images are directed to the outside surface of the sphere.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for rotating an object using a music box mechanism having a spring motor. Apparatus includes a mechanical motor having a spring coupled between a body and a shaft of the music box where the shaft and the body are mounted for rotation relative to each other. The spring is windable by a user to store mechanical potential energy and when released, unwindable to release the stored energy and cause relative rotation between the body and the shaft. A base adapted for stationary placement against a surface such as a table or desktop or a wall or other stationary surface is fixedly coupled to or integrally formed with the shaft of the music box motor. An object such as a spherical planetary object or globe or any other object is connected to the body and includes an aperture or hole through which the base extends to the shaft. This aperture permits the object to rotate about the shaft without interference so that the body and the object rotate about the shaft as the spring unwinds.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for rotating an object using a music box mechanism having a spring motor. Apparatus includes a mechanical motor having a spring coupled between a body and a shaft of the music box where the shaft and the body are mounted for rotation relative to each other. The spring is windable by a user to store mechanical potential energy and when released, unwindable to release the stored energy and cause relative rotation between the body and the shaft. A base adapted for stationary placement against a surface such as a table or desktop or a wall or other stationary surface is fixedly coupled to or integrally formed with the shaft of the music box motor. An object such as a spherical planetary object or globe or any other object is connected to the body and includes an aperture or hole through which the base extends to the shaft. This aperture permits the object to rotate about the shaft without interference so that the body and the object rotate about the shaft as the spring unwinds.

Abstract: A globe that shows internal structures of the earth three-dimensionally. The globe comprises a plurality of concentrically arranged spheres 1, 2, 3, 4 which are made of a transparent material except the innermost sphere and three-dimensional displaying members 5 to 11 which are arranged in the spaces between the spheres and represent the physically continuous internal structure of the earth.

Abstract: A method of teaching mathematical operations using a first device having a plurality of first columns and a plurality of first rows and a plurality of first cells created by the intersection of the first columns and the first rows. The columns having a top region wherein numbers are inserted within each cell in ascending order. The rows have a first end wherein numbers are inserted within each cell in ascending order. The result of the multiplication of each number within each of the top region of the columns and each number within each of first end of the rows is inserted within each cell of the intersection therebetween.

Abstract: A flexible sheet can be stored or patterned while in a flat configuration, and subsequently readily adapted to overlay a curved surface, for example a hemisphere of a sphere. Radial incisions made to the sheet provide a hub and a plurality of substantially triangular gores that adapt the sheet to conform substantially to the curved surface. A patternable transparent cover, adapted to be removably and/or pivotally secured to the hemisphere, closely overlays the sheet to form a covering assembly. Covering assemblies may be placed over one or both hemispheres of a sphere and fixedly or removably joined together.

Abstract: A visually reinforced learning and memorization system combines the coordination of alphabetic mnemonics, number integers and colors to provide the user with multiple mechanisms for learning memorizing information. The memorization system is particularly suited for memorizing geographic information, which can be surveyed using a diamond-based coordinate system that can be subdivided to increasingly small points.

Abstract: The touch controlled light emitted two balls instrument comprises the following elements. A seat with a two loops touch controlled sensing switch circuit system, one side of the seat is formed with a pivotal hole, and the opposite side of the seat is installed with a through hole used to mounted with a first light source. A supporting frame is a cambered rod having an approximate C shape and is assembled on the pivotal hole of the seat. A screw rod is mounted on the top of the rod and an engaging rod is projected from the lower end thereof and may be pivotally connected with a second light source. A globe is a hollow and transparent round ball and a world map is depicted on the surface thereof, and holes are formed on the upper and lower ends thereof for being inserted by the screw rod and convex shaft of the supporting frame and a first light source. A heaven body ball is a transparent round ball with a hollow inner space, a heaven body map is depicted thereon.

Abstract: A touch controlled multiple functional terrestrial globe is disclosed. A ball is a transparent round ball with a hollow inner space, a world map is depicted on the surface of the ball; a palm shape supporting frame for supporting the ball by the part between the thumb and the index finger. The under-pan of a ball driven device is firmly secured to an axial rod through a positioning piece for bearing the ball, a belt disk is installed on the lower portion thereof, while the belt disk is connected to another belt disk under the central shaft of the motor through a belt, therefore, by starting a decelerated motor, the ball is driven to rotate. A light source is mounted on the top of an axial rod and can emit light. A seat is installed on the lower portion of the palm shape supporting frame, a touch controlled sensing circuit system is installed therewithin, it can connected to the decelerated motor and the bulb base through a dual loop touch controlled switch circuit.

Abstract: An educational globe-shaped tool is provided including a rigid sphere having a plurality of bores formed therein each with a lamp and a switch associated therewith which generates an activation signal when closed. A plurality of country pieces each having an outboard portion with a periphery shaped as a unique country. Each country piece further has a post for being removably coupled with an associated one of the bores for closing the switch thereof. Control circuitry is connected between each of the switches and the lamps. Such control circuitry is adapted to illuminate one of the lamps upon the receipt of an associated activation signal.

Abstract: A visually reinforced learning and memorization system combines the coordination of alphabetic mnemonics, number integers and colors to provide the user with multiple mechanisms for learning memorizing information. The memorization system is particularly suited for memorizing geographic information, which can be surveyed using a diamond-based coordinate system that can be subdivided to increasingly small points.

Abstract: A geographical globe to provide geographical data about all of the continents so that a person can learn about those particular continents of interest. The geographical globe with an information base comprises an orb-shaped model assembly of the earth. A base member supports the orb-shaped model assembly. A structure in the base member supplies data about different countries on each continent of the earth.

Abstract: A computer-aided geographic system highlights a specified area of a map based on operator input. In a preferred embodiment, a voice recognition system receives the operator input in voice form and determines the area to be highlighted. In the preferred form, the map used is a globe, and computerized controls turn and tilt the globe in response to the voice command so that one or more spotlights inside the globe illuminate the area of interest. Information related to the geographic location selected may be retrieved and simultaneously displayed on a computer monitor, video screen, slide screen, and/or narrated by synthesized voice.

Abstract: A globe unit includes a globe element having basic geographical indicia thereon and which is supported on a stand unit. The globe unit further includes a plurality of hemispherical covers, each of which has markings thereon which depict geographic, historic, political or scientific information. The covers are releasably mounted on the globe element by means of a tab on the globe element frictionally engaging the covers adjacent to slots in the covers.

Abstract: The subject invention provides for an educational device for teaching concepts of geography and biology (including ecology). The subject invention comprises a plant growth chamber in which any of a variety of plants may be grown. Covering the plant growth chamber is a plant growth limitation shield having at least one opening. The top surface of the plant growth limitation shield contains an illustration in which the aperture (or apertures) forms a part of the illustration. The subject device also comprises means for holding the plant growth limitation shield in place over the plant growth chamber such that plants growing from the plant growth chamber may grow through the aperture (or apertures) of the plant growth limitation shield and that the plant growth limitation shield is held in fixed position relative to the plant growth chamber.

Abstract: The invention is a game called "Globespin". A globe serves as the gameboard, and other playing pieces include a clothespin which has an adhesive decal attached as a pointer, a deck of cards, a die, and a plurality of tokens which are used as markers. The object of the game is to score a Bingo pattern in any direction on the playing cards, with the position of the markers being determined by spins of the globe.

Abstract: A three dimensional globe utilizing a transparent spherical globe having geographical areas outlined thereon with fluorescent paint combined with an external black light to illuminate and render uniquely observable all of the outline of the geographical areas. A clock with spherical members mounted at the ends of the hands thereon are associated with the globe to simulate the movement of planets in relation to the globe with the balls being relatively small and also fluorescent colored for effective illumination by the black light. The globe provides a unique, attractive and informative globe utilizing high technology and effective structure for movement of the globe in a rotational manner about a substantially vertical axis.

Abstract: A globe, comprising: a stationary base; a day and night boundary ring mounted on the stationary base; an arm supported at its base end by the day and night boundary ring so as to be rotatable around a first axial line; and a spherical globe main body rotatably supported by a free end of the arm so as to be rotatable around its earth's axis; the first axial line defining the ecliptic angle with respect to a vertical line. According to this globe, the distribution of the regions of day and night in any time of the day and in any time of the year can be readily demonstrated by means of the day and night boundary ring simply by turning the globe body around the earth's axis and the first axial line, respectively, without using any complicated structure.

Abstract: A device for controlling the direction of rotation of a world globe. The device has a ratchet ring which is affixed to the globe near the North or South Pole thereof. A deflectable pawl member is held by the support frame of the globe and permits the globe to rotate only so that its surface moves eastwardly.

Abstract: A cartographic device consists in particular of a globe inside which is placed a driving and controlling mechanism able to move a point radiator (42) along the inner wall of the globe in such a way that a point of light visible from the outside and movable at will in the horizontal and vertical directions indicates the geographical location of a place the name of which has been entered in the computer arranged in the base of the globe. The device is controlled by a permanently programmed micro-computer connected to the stepping motors (31, 41) of the mechanism.

Abstract: A terrestrial globe for observing the polar areas. The globe is made from a pair of semi-spherical members put together along a vertical plane into a spherical body. The globe is supported on a pivotally supported semi-circular member which opens upwardly. The semi-spherical members are rotatable together with each other around a vertical polar shaft, and independently of each other around horizontal rotary shafts. The polar shaft is formed at both ends with eccentric shank portions so as to allow one of the semi-spherical members at one side to rotate freely around the rotary shaft while preventing the one at the other side from rotating around the rotary shaft. When it is desired to turn the spherical body upside down, that is, to reverse the positions of the South Pole and the North Pole, the semi-spherical member at the shank-free side is rotated by 180.degree. around the rotary shaft. Then the spherical body is turned by 180.degree.

Abstract: A walk-in globe for permitting unobstructed viewing of a map of the world which includes a hollow sphere having a diameter substantially greater than that of the height of an adult person. The door provided in the sphere permits access for persons to enter the interior of the sphere. An accurately scaled map of the entire world covers the inner surface of the hollow sphere. In order to support the person within the globe, an elevated support platform is carried therein which supports a person at a height so that the eye level of the person standing on the support platform is substantially at the same level as the center of the sphere. Tracking mechanisms are provided for automatically giving the longitudinal and latitudinal coordinates of a particular location, and for automatically calculating the distances between the various locations shown on the map.

Abstract: This Earth Photo Globe is characterized in that LANDSAT or other remote sensing geographical indicia is reproduced on the globe sphere with a definition smaller than that resolvable by the unaided human eye. An optical magnifier is mounted above the globe sphere to enable resolution of the full globe definition. A "cloud cover" spherical overlay may surround the sphere and contain a representation of the earth's cloud cover. The magnifier may be supported by this overlay.Various systems are disclosed for making the Earth Photo Globe. One uses a laser beam that is raster scanned across a photosensitized sphere, and is modulated by LANDSAT pixel data. In another system the LANDSAT data is used to prepare a set of photographic negative images each covering a section of the globe, and each containing alignment and positioning information. These images are projected onto a photosensitized sphere to make the globe.

Abstract: This invention relates to a globe divided by a plurality of symmetrical meridional lines and by an equatorial line and/or by tropical lines in a plurality of spherical triangles and spherical quadrilaterals which are grouped on different colors or which are covered with colored drawings representing colored stories or the world map between two poles. Every couple of symmetrical meridans divides the globe in two hemispheres which can be turned so that one hemisphere changes the poles. The equator divides the globe in other two hemispheres which can rotate independently and the tropical lines divide the globe in zones which also can rotate independently. Combining this plurality of spatial rotations disposed on different angles and on different planes between them, becomes possible to make arrangements of spherical triangles and quadrilaterals to get different symmetrical colored designs or correct drawings according to everyone's ability.

Abstract: This Earth Photo Globe is characterized in that LANDSAT or other remote sensing geographical indicia is reproduced on the globe sphere with a definition smaller than that resolvable by the unaided human eye. An optical magnifier is mounted above the globe sphere to enable resolution of the full globe definition. A "cloud cover" spherical overlay may surround the sphere and contain a representation of the earth's cloud cover. The magnifier may be supported by this overlay.Various systems are disclosed for making the Earth Photo Globe. One uses a laser beam that is raster scanned across a photosensitized sphere, and is modulated by LANDSAT pixel data. In another system the LANDSAT data is used to prepare a set of photographic negative images each covering a section of the globe, and each containing alignment and positioning information. These images are projected onto a photosensitized sphere to make the globe.