Abstract: A handle and lighting system for a tactical shield includes a handle assembly configured to be mounted on the shield. The handle assembly includes a central horizontal handle, a first side handle on one side, and a second side handle on an opposite side. The handle and lighting system also includes a lighting enclosure housing one or more light sources and configured to be mounted on the shield. The handle and lighting system also includes a first switch mounted on the central horizontal handle, a second switch mounted near a top of the first side handle, and a third switch mounted near a top of the second side handle, which are used to activate or deactivate the one or more light sources.

Abstract: A light device and package is disclosed including a light device with a diffuser and a light emitting element arranged so as to generate light through the diffuser which receives electrical power from an electrical power storage device recharged by a photovoltaic device with control circuitry arranged to control power supplied from the electrical power storage device. A test device is included having two conductors connected across a test switch. A device package is included having an opaque and light transmissive package portions and contains the light device and the two conductors. In a first configuration, the test switch is connected between the electrical storage device and the light emitting element via the two conductors, and in a second configuration, the test switch and the two conductors are disconnected from the light device. The test device can be used with multiple light devices and may be secured by a pull-tab.

Abstract: A light device and package is disclosed including a light device with a diffuser and a light emitting element arranged so as to generate light through the diffuser which receives electrical power from an electrical power storage device recharged by a photovoltaic device with control circuitry arranged to control power supplied from the electrical power storage device. A test device is included having two conductors connected across a test switch. A device package is included having an opaque and light transmissive package portions and contains the light device and the two conductors. In a first configuration, the test switch is connected between the electrical storage device and the light emitting element via the two conductors, and in a second configuration, the test switch and the two conductors are disconnected from the light device. The test device can be used with multiple light devices and may be secured by a pull-tab.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to an Audio-Story Engine that includes a repository of prerecorded audio files that, when played in a certain sequence, with user provided recordings placed throughout, tell a story. To obtain the user provided recordings, the Audio-Story Engine asks the user to make audio recordings of various words or phrases. For example, the Audio-Story Engine may ask the user a series of questions in order to record and store the user's audible responses. Upon completion, the Audio-Story Engine plays back a completed story that incorporates the user's audio recordings by playing an appropriate user recording after playing a prerecorded audio file. This is repeated several times in sequence to form a seamless, customized, audio story. In addition, the Audio-Story Engine may alter the pitch or sound of the user's recorded words to match the pitch of the prerecorded story.

Abstract: A lights and sounds mechanism for use in a toy is provided. The lights and sounds mechanism may be connected to a product test switch switch. One or more components of the toy may be disassembled for packaging. The disassembled components may include one or more lights or speakers. When the product test switch is triggered, the lights and/or speakers in the disassembled components may properly function.

Abstract: A device and method for generating a visible vortex for display or educational purposes. A container houses a two-phase fluidic system of a primary fluid, such as water, and a secondary fluid such as silicone fluid carrying a powder which has no affinity for the primary fluid. The two-phase fluidic system may be stirred using a stir bar or pump to generate the vortex.

Abstract: A system and a method for exercise and/or child development for use by an adult and a child. The system and method utilize a mat or other surface upon which exercises are performed. Such a surface is sized to permit an adult to perform exercises thereon. Such a surface has a plurality of indicia marked thereon. The system and method further utilize instructions describing at least one exercise and/or child development activity. The exercise and/or child development activity incorporates the mat and its indicia.

Abstract: An entertainment device that includes an output generator that produces audible outputs is disclosed. The output generator produces outputs in response to user inputs. In one embodiment, the entertainment device includes several actuators that can be activated by a user. The output generator produces different outputs in response to different user inputs.

Abstract: Two previously virtual concepts, such as, for example, the concept of “me” and the concept of “my data” are reified into physical objects which can be physically manipulated and interact with legacy technologies such as, for example, desktop or portable computers. In one exemplary embodiment, a portable computing device in the form of an animal, such as, for example, a bear, with a manipulatable user interface, is used to log onto and off of various computers.

Abstract: A reversibly metachromatic toy having a platelike resin foamed substrate, a resin layer provided on both the outer side surfaces of the foamed substrate, and a reversibly metachromatic layer provided on at least one-side resin layer partly or all over the surface.

Abstract: A toy comprising a figure having an arm attachment portion; and at least two figure transport units, each of said figure transport units having a body and an arm movable between a first position and a second position with respect to said body, said arm having a figure attachment portion for removable attachment of said figure thereto, said figure attachment portion of said arm having a first configuration for attachment of said figure to said arm by attachment of said figure attachment portion of said arm to said arm attachment portion of said figure where said arm is in said first position, said figure attachment portion of said arm having a second configuration for removal of said figure from said arm by separation of said figure attachment portion of said arm from said arm attachment portion of said figure when said arm is in said second position whereby said figure is transported from a first one of said at least two figure transport units to a second one of said at least two figure transport units after

Abstract: On a support, a porous resin layer which is opaque in a water-unabsorbed state and capable of turning transparent in a water-absorbed state is formed, and also a water-repellent resin layer is so provided as to exist in the porous resin layer at its some area or areas in a co-existent state, to make up a water-metachromatic laminate. A novel toy element can be provided in which latent images standing invisible in a normal condition are rendered visible by means of water as a medium so as to be visually distinguished.

Abstract: An activity toy includes a base with an upper surface that has recessed regions. Elements are positionable in each recessed region. Positioning an element in each recessed region produces a sound. For instance, the sound may be a combination of sounds when more than one element is position in the recesses or a verse of a song that is associated with an element. In addition, the base may be a toy vehicle, with the recesses defining positions in the vehicle. The sound may depend on the position of the elements in the vehicle. The recesses may include a forward recess near the front of the vehicle and a secondary recess located behind the forward recess, and the sound produced may depend on whether an element is placed in the forward or secondary recess.

Abstract: On a support, a porous resin layer which is opaque in a water-unabsorbed state and capable of turning transparent in a water-absorbed state is formed, and also a water-repellent resin layer is so provided as to exist in the porous resin layer at its some area or areas in a co-existent state, to make up a water-metachromatic laminate. A novel toy element can be provided in which latent images standing invisible in a normal condition are rendered visible by means of water as a medium so as to be visually distinguished.

Abstract: A device for forming erasable images on a reusable medium, comprising: an erasing portion; and a writing portion; wherein the erasing portion comprises a separator for separating at least two layers of the reusable medium; and wherein the writing portion comprises automatic machine-driven pressure applicators for applying pressure but no ink to the reusable medium, thereby forming an image on the reusable medium.

Abstract: On a support, a porous resin layer which is opaque in a water-unabsorbed state and capable of turning transparent in a water-absorbed state is formed, and also a water-repellent resin layer is so provided as to exist in the porous resin layer at its some area or areas in a co-existent state, to make up a water-metachromatic laminate. A novel toy element can be provided in which latent images standing invisible in a normal condition are rendered visible by means of water as a medium so as to be visually distinguished.

Abstract: A children's educational toy includes a log section having a plurality of uniquely shaped and detachable log portions for defining altering portions of the log section. Each log portion has a top surface provided with a plurality of spaced notches for defining a striking area medially of the plurality of log portions respectively. The assembly further includes a wedge, a wood-splitting maul, and a mechanism for locking the plurality of log portions respectively. The locking mechanism includes a plurality of male portions extending outwardly from select ones of the plurality of sidewalls respectively and a plurality of female portions formed within adjacent ones of the plurality of sidewalls. The plurality of male and female portions are removably engageable when the plurality of sidewalls are positioned adjacent the axis.

Abstract: The personal communication tool and method of use provide for relaxation of a person using the tool and method allowing for a greater depth of interpersonal or intra-personal communication levels.

Abstract: An acrobatic doll and accessory combination with an acrobatic doll body, an engaging member coupled to the doll body, a doll accessory, and an engaging member coupled to the doll accessory wherein the engaging member coupled to the doll body and the engaging member coupled to the doll accessory can engage one another in a mating relationship. The acrobatic doll can have a torso, a head, first and second arms hingedly coupled to the torso, and first and second legs hingedly coupled to the torso. The doll accessory can take many forms including a tumble baton, a tumble garment, a tumble bar arrangement, a dancing stand, a balance wand, a vertical stand, a rocker unit, a swing arrangement, a propeller driven arrangement.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, accelerometers are used as the input devices for an appliance user interface. A first accelerometer is positioned with an orientation substantially different from the orientation of a second accelerometer. The users may either tilt, tap, or tilt and tap on an appliance to invoke different operations of the appliance.

Abstract: Innovative and improved display materials associated with products provide enhanced information to potential or actual purchasers of such products. In an aspect of the invention, electronic product packaging for demonstrative use in association with a product comprises demonstration means adapted to demonstrate visually or audibly the use or capabilities of the product under the control of integrated circuit means.

Abstract: A method and system for encoding control data into the horizontal overscan area of a video signal. Because the control data is concatenated with the video signal on a line-by-line basis, the control data is temporarily synchronized with the underlying video signal. This permits the controlled devices, such as wireless mechanical characters, behave as characters in a scene defined by the programming information of the video signal. A protocol is defined for the encoded data that is addressable, forwardly compatible, error tolerant, and feasible to deploy in connection with a system that is primarily intended to be a children's entertainment product. The bandwidth of the communication link defined by the encoded data is adjustable to meet the cost and performance needs of a wide variety of consumers.

Abstract: An interactive character system that includes one or more toy characters and an environment, such as a theme park. Each toy character has one or more one or more electronic signal receivers, and an electronic system. The electronic system is structured to produce oral communication and has a programmable memory structured to store software. The software is structured to interact with the electronic signals and to cause the electronic system to produce the oral communication. The environment has one or more environmental electronic signal transmitters disposed therein. The toy character, one or more one or more electronic signal receivers interact with the one or more environmental electronic signal transmitters to cause the toy character electronic system to produce the oral communication.

Abstract: An interactive learning apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiments, the interactive learning apparatus comprises: (a) a housing; (b) an impact sensor unit in the housing; (c) a processor and memory unit operatively coupled to the impact sensor unit; (d) a display unit operatively coupled to the processor and memory unit; and (e) an audio output unit operatively coupled to the processor and memory unit, wherein the display unit is adapted to display an image in response to the user striking a portion of the housing.

Abstract: A controller for use with an operated object such as a model vehicle contains therein a memory. The movement of the model vehicle is stored in advance into the memory with each of push buttons in a keyboard unit of the controller. Once a “GO” button is pushed even during a manual operation, a signal to cause to perform the procedure stored in the memory is transmitted from an antenna which is provided in the controller. In this arrangement, the model vehicle can be subject to complicated operations even by an unskilled operator.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a toy figure having a circuit board to store pre-recorded sounds, a speaker to emit the pre-recorded sounds, and a means to activate the playback of said pre-recorded sounds. The figure also includes a plurality of sensors separately positioned about the figure at specific locations; each sensor when triggered activates the playback of pre-recorded sounds indicative of the location. A first arm having a hand attached thereto includes a magnet that when in proximity to one of the sensors triggers said sensor, whereby a user moving the hand with the magnet to a location on the figure containing a sensor, the figure plays pre-recorded sounds indicative of the location.

Abstract: An interactive, animated, robotic doll including a body, a processor, terminals linked to the processor, and a removable attachment. The terminals are connected to metal snaps on the body and the removable attachment includes complimentary snaps that secure the garment to the doll body. An electric circuit is completed when the attachment is secured by the snaps to the doll.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a retractable coiled toy, made of a material having a memory, which has a handle integral with the coil or body of the toy. The slinger is preferably made out of polyurethane, a coiled steel, other plastics or some other material which has memory. The present invention discloses a number of methods for using the coiled toy. The Slinger can be used to wrap around the wrist, like a bracelet. In another use, the slinger may be used as a lasso.

Abstract: Innovative and improved display materials associated with products provide enhanced information to potential or actual purchasers of such products. In an aspect of the invention, electronic product packaging for demonstrative use in association with a product comprises demonstration means adapted to demonstrate visually or audibly the use or capabilities of the product under the control of integrated circuit means.

Abstract: A fashion doll includes a doll body wearing a wedding gown together with an overlying removable princess bodice. The doll further includes a pivotable arm which in turn supports a hand mirror. The outer face of the hand mirror supports a dual image lenticular lens display which transforms the presented image in response to pivotal movement of the doll's arm. The doll further supports a tiara worn upon the doll's head together with a wedding veil which is alternately attachable to the doll's waist and to the tiara. A sound circuit within the doll's body responds to the pivotal movement of the doll's arm to produce a musical tone.

Abstract: A magnetically coupled toy system having two toy components such as a doll and nursing bottle is shown. The nursing bottle contains a motor-driven rotating permanent magnet in the nipple portion. A second permanent magnet is mounted in a flexible region around the mouth of a doll. When the nipple containing the rotating magnet is placed in proximity with the mouth of the doll, relative motion between the magnets imparts motion to the mouth and lip regions of the doll.

Abstract: An interactive system for teaching, entertaining, and habituating a child utilizes an interactive entity such as a doll, the doll having input and output elements and control circuitry adapted for driving the I/O elements, and a bi-directional communication link to a personal computer (PC). Scripted data stored at the computer directs doll activity and verbal articulation, and utilizes response from the child through the doll to the PC in directing output to the doll. The communication between the doll and the PC treats the doll as a peripheral device. In specific embodiments the interactive doll has servo-mechanisms for providing doll motion, such as eye and mouth and limb movement, which may be coordinated with verbalization in different scripts by commands retrieved at the computer and sent to the doll. In a preferred embodiment environments and applications are provided on CD-ROM disks which may also provide the operating application for the interactive doll system.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of motivating a child to want to do what is beneficial, including the steps of

Abstract: A toy band which comprises a bistable spring that can be dynamically deployed from an elongated rigid position to a coiled position around one's wrist, forearm, other part of the body, or any suitably-shaped object through striking the band against that part of the body or object and that also broadcasts a pre-recorded audio message when the band is deployed. The toy band includes an audio broadcast unit removably affixed the bistable spring and includes a housing, a speaker, a battery, an electrical impact switch, and a read-only memory or other memory chip that can store a pre-recorded audio message which is broadcast upon closure of the impact switch. The audio broadcast can be actuated, while affixed to the bistable spring by the striking of the device against any suitably-shaped object, or independently of the spring, by simply removing the unit from the spring and applying pressure to the unit thereby activating the audio messages stored therein.

Abstract: A zoomorphic computer for controlling a computer system includes an animal or humanoid shaped shell having an attached transceiver for two way communication with a computer system. A position detecting unit determines position of the zoomorphic shell relative to the computer system, with change of position of the zoomorphic shell relative to the computer system changing state the zoomorphic shell or the computer system. The zoomorphic shell can have movable elements such as arms or tails, attached to the zoomorphic shell, and support a feedback unit that communicates with the computer system, modifying position of a movable element in response to computer system output.

Abstract: A base unit has a microprocessor onboard and is programmable via a keypad. A drive is operable in accordance with a program input into the microprocessor in order to provide motive power to move the movable element. The base unit may be derived from a telephone unit of conventional type, and have wheels/axles drivable in accordance with the microprossesor program. The base unit may serve as a base for a consructional toy (which may have elements driven by the axles) and functions as an educational aid to introduce basic computer programming.

Abstract: An interactive system for teaching, entertaining, and habituating a child utilizes an interactive entity such as a doll, the doll having a microphone, a speaker, and control circuitry adapted for driving the speaker and microphone and a bidirectional communication link to a personal computer (PC). Scripted data stored at the computer directs doll activity and verbal articulation, and utilizes response from the child through the doll to the PC in directing output to the doll. In alternative embodiments the interactive doll has also servo-mechanisms for providing doll motion, such as eye and mouth and limb movement, which may be coordinated with verbalization in different scripts by commands retrieved at the computer and sent to the doll. In a preferred embodiment environments and applications are provided on CD-ROM disks which may also provide the operating application for the interactive doll system.

Abstract: A child places a specially marked object in front of a toy capable of recognizing the marks on the object and being able to articulate a word, phrase or sentence in response to the markings. This permits the toy to be able to read and speak. Visible codes, invisible codes or holograms may be located on the objects for this purpose. A mechanism inside the toy is provided to vocalize the sounds associated with each code or marking. Electronic representations of the various sounds vocalized may be stored in the toy or on a removable memory card so that the variety of sounds may be changed as desired. The sounds can be words, sentences, paragraphs, or phonemes. The words can be either spoken or sung.