Abstract: A magnetic doorstop and door holder provides an aesthetically pleasing, functionally simple, and effective solution to allow homeowners to closely control an amount of force needed to maintain a door in an open position. The system is designed to work with most doors, including traditional solid doors and hollow core doors. The system involves magnetic and/or ferromagnetic materials affixed to or embedded within various entryway components, including doors, door jambs, door frames, and door hinges, and within walls and/or flooring adjacent to the entryway. The system is designed to be highly customizable to fit each homeowner's particular needs and circumstances, and adjustable based on the type of door or entryway layout and based on the homeowner's desired strength of holding and precise positioning.

Abstract: A system and method for perturbing a permanent magnet asymmetric field to move a body includes a rotating body configured to rotate about a rotation axis, a permanent magnet arrangement arranged on the rotating body containing two or more permanent magnets, and a perturbation element. The permanent magnet arrangement is configured such that an asymmetric magnetic field is generated by the permanent magnets about a perturbation point. Actuation of the perturbation element at or near the perturbation point causes a tangential magnetic force on the rotating body and/or the permanent magnet arrangement, thereby causing the rotating body to rotate about the rotation axis. The disclosure may also be used for linear motion of a body.

Abstract: A motorized aquatic toy having a body with an attached articulated tail formed of pivotally connected hollow tail segments that maintain directional stability when water is flowing through and around them and having forward offset pivot points with mechanical stops that force contiguous tail segments to pivot in sequence from fore to aft in response to yawing of the body to simulate a life-like pattern of movement with a high level of realism.

Abstract: A manipulative device may include a revolving body, having a first perimeter, and a housing. The housing may comprise a retaining body, having a second perimeter, and the revolving body may be removably coupled to the housing via a magnetic attraction between the revolving body and the retaining body. A channel may be formed into the housing. The first perimeter may be movably received in the channel, and the first perimeter may be retained in the channel via the magnetic attraction between the revolving body and the retaining body. Optionally, the housing may comprise a receptacle which may be shaped to receive portions of the revolving body. A user may manipulate the revolving body and housing in one hand, experiencing both the attraction forces and the repelling forces of magnetically attracted objects thus achieving relief from boredom and anxiety or more focused thought and calm in meditation.

Abstract: An action character assembly includes a torso having a first magnet disposed therein, the torso bounding a first passage extending from an exterior surface of the torso toward the first magnet, the first passage having a non-circular transverse cross sectional configuration. A first appendage has a first connector attached thereto, a portion of the first connector being received within first passage so that the first connector is magnetically coupled to the first magnet, the first connector being movably coupled to the first appendage.

Abstract: A first device may be paired to a second device, with the first and second devices including inductive elements, the devices may be paired by aligning a first magnetic element of a first device and a second magnetic element of a second device. At least one additional magnetic element is used to redirect magnetic fields generated by the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element away from the inductive elements.

Abstract: A game controller having at least one arm mobile in relation to a base over a nominal range of displacement between two extreme positions, which implements a stopping mechanism of the aim 1n an intermediary locking position between the extreme positions to avoid reaching involuntarily a zone of the nominal range of displacement. An element of the stopping mechanism is removable and/or retractable with respect to the base so that this element is able to take two positions, an active position, wherein the stopping mechanism in the intermediary locking position is active and cooperates with the base and the arm, and an inactive position, wherein the stopping mechanism is inactive. The game controller also implements mechanical means of crossing the intermediary locking position under the action of a specific control carried out by a user when the stopping mechanism is active.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mannequin having one or more articulated joints capable of exhibiting a full range of motion and of supporting substantial weight. In particular, this invention relates to an apparatus for movably joining two parts of a mannequin. The apparatus includes a first element having an arcuate surface and a second element having a convex surface and a magnetic portion. The second element is movably engageable with the first element.

Abstract: One embodiment may take the form of a flexible creation animated by magnets or electromagnets brought near the flexible creation. Iron particles blended with a flexible material of the flexible creation may interact with the magnetic fields generated by the magnets, causing the object or portions of the object to move toward or away from the controlling magnets, thereby animating the object.

Abstract: A toy with an exterior structure. Constructed to transform from a rollable first shape to a second shape. An interior structure inside the exterior structure is endowed with a magnetic body that moves by way of a magnetic force that acts from the exterior of the toy, an interior locking portion that moves simultaneously with the movement of this magnetic body, and a biasing member that effects a force which moves or turns this interior locking portion in a particular direction. If the magnetic force does not act from the exterior of the toy, the first shape of the exterior structure maintained. In the event that a magnetic force has acted from the exterior of the said toy, the exterior structure transforms from the first shape to the second shape.

Abstract: One particular implementation of the present invention may involve a flexible material infused with fine iron particles to form at least a portion of a flexible character or object. The flexible creation may be animated by one or more magnets or electromagnets brought near the flexible creation such that the iron particles blended with the flexible material may interact with the magnetic fields generated by the magnets. The infused iron particles may be attracted to the magnets, causing the object or portions of the object to move toward or away from the controlling magnets, thereby animating the object or portions of the object. Another implementation may use a magnetic field of a magnet to create an iron-infused flexible plant-like object that may be animated by a magnet. The object may be constructed of a flexible iron-infused material that is introduced into the magnetic field while the material is in a liquid or semi-liquid state.

Abstract: A modular construction system involving at least one balancing element having a center of gravity, a vertical axis, and at least one balancing surface for enhancing equilibrium; and at least one permanent magnet disposed at each at least one balancing surface, the system optionally having a base, wherein balancing the at least one balancing element in relation to the base is facilitated, and wherein the base optionally includes a feature, such as a magnetic property, a metal, at least one leveling device.

Abstract: A magnetic treatment device for liquid within at least one liquid container may include a figurine having a body portion and at least one limb extending outwardly therefrom. The at least one limb may be positioned adjacent the at least one liquid container. At least one permanent magnet may be carried by the at least one limb to expose the liquid within the at least one liquid container to a magnetic field.

Abstract: A sculpture device may comprise a base, at least one figure, a cover and a control element. The base may have upper and lower surfaces. The figure may be movable along the upper surface. The cover may be coupled to the base and may have a lens mounted therein to which an operator may view the figure. The control element may include a magnetic mechanism for magnetically attracting the figure such that movement of the control element along the lower surface causes corresponding movement of the figure along the upper surface.

Abstract: A treatment device is for magnetically treating liquid in a liquid container including a plurality of figurines configured to define a container holder to receive the liquid container. At least one permanent magnet is associated with the plurality of figurines to generate a magnetic field within the liquid in the liquid container.

Abstract: Pose and play dolls that will stand on a platform by magnetic attraction and dance with lifelike animation, but which may be removed from the stand for ordinary play. The dolls include animation powered from the platform through the legs of the doll. A motor in the doll animates the doll body, arms and head, with proportional feedback allowing control by a controller in coordination with music being played. The doll head may rotate or gyrate, and the arms swing as a unit or with the lower arms bending as the arms swing. In one form of platform simply rotates through controlled angles, again in coordination with the music being played. In another form of doll, the hips are configured to swing back and forth, and another form of platform controls the hip movement, again in coordination with the music being played. Various other features and capabilities are disclosed.

Abstract: A wireless toy phone system that may be used with toy figures, such as dolls. The system may include doll sized phones and child sized phones. The child sized phone may have a display screen and input buttons. A child can compose a message with a phone keypad on the child's phone and send the message to another child sized phone, which will display the message. The phone may also receive messages from other child sized phones. The child may also be able to send a message to a doll sized phone associated with a doll or other figure, and the doll sized phone may respond with lights or sounds or both. The child sized phone may then compose a response that is displayed on the child sized phone simulating a return message from the doll.

Abstract: A toy comprises a body formed in the shape of an animal, and has first and second parts representing anatomical elements of the animal. At least one of the first and second parts is movable toward and away from the other of the first and second parts. Each of the first and second parts comprises an outer surface, and has a receiving space defined therein, interiorly of the outer surface. Complementary magnetic elements are disposed within the receiving spaces, so that when the first and second parts are sufficiently close together, the complementary magnetic elements magnetically engage such that the first and second parts are releasably secured to one another. The first and second parts may represent first and second parts of a mouth, such as a maxillary portion of a jaw system and a mandibular portion of the jaw system.

Abstract: A magnetic toy assembly includes a plurality of magnetic shapes and a support having hinged sections, each section having a magnetic array surface to which each of the magnetic shapes can be positioned thereon and held thereto with magnetic attraction. The magnetic array surface comprises an array of magnets wherein the magnets of the array are disposed or formed in a continuous side-by-side relationship so as to form a single unitary body. Each of the magnetic shapes and the magnetic array surface are formed of material that has magnetism.

Abstract: Pose and play dolls that will stand on a platform by magnetic attraction and dance with lifelike animation, but which may be removed from the stand for ordinary play. The dolls include animation powered from the platform through the legs of the doll. A motor in the doll animates the doll body, arms and head, with proportional feedback allowing control by a controller in coordination with music being played. The doll head may rotate or gyrate, and the arms swing as a unit or with the lower arms bending as the arms swing. In one form of platform simply rotates through controlled angles, again in coordination with the music being played. In another form of doll, the hips are configured to swing back and forth, and another form of platform controls the hip movement, again in coordination with the music being played. Various other features and capabilities are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a sculpture, and the method of making the sculpture, utilizing a mold and manufacturing method in which the underside of the mold mimics the top of an ocean bottom, or other underwater environment, which can be painted to realistically depict different types of corals and fishes. This ocean bottom can be seen through clear, smooth-surfaced sections of the front, sides, and back of the sculpture, thereby creating an “aquarium view” of the ocean bottom. The invention also contains a fish-eye lens, which can be moved in several directions, thereby affording a user numerous views of the surfer, wave, and ocean bottom from different perspectives, or of other aquatic sportspeople engaging in various aquatic sports. The fish-eye lens can be mounted above the water, or at the waterline, thereby affording a view of the environment and actions both above and below the waterline.

Abstract: A modular construction system involving at least one balancing element having a center of gravity, a vertical axis, and at least one balancing surface for enhancing equilibrium; and at least one permanent magnet disposed at each at least one balancing surface, the system optionally having a base, wherein balancing the at least one balancing element in relation to the base is facilitated, and wherein the base optionally includes a feature, such as a magnetic property, a metal, at least one leveling device.

Abstract: A combination doll and toy puppy include interacting magnetic elements therein which mimic a face-licking action by the puppy. The doll includes a partially hollow head within which one or more magnets are movably supported behind the cheek portions of the doll's face. A battery-powered electric motor driven gear drive mechanism is operative within the doll's head to move the one or more magnets behind the doll's cheeks. The puppy includes a flexible extending tongue having a magnetic element supported in the end portion thereof. When the puppy is brought sufficiently close to the doll's face, the magnet in the puppy's tongue is attracted to the moving magnet within the doll's cheek area to mimic the face-licking action.

Abstract: A toy includes at least two articles. At least one of the articles has a movement or change of condition component which is caused to occur by magnetic attraction between magnets and/or magnetically attractive material via the respective articles when brought into proximity. The movement is created by a drive assembly provided in one of the articles and connected to a magnet or magnetically attractive material such that the movement force can be transferred between the articles via the magnetic attraction.

Abstract: A toy is provided comprising a figure with a hole disposed therein and having at least one ferrous portion; a manipulator having a magnet for interacting with the at least one ferrous portion to animate the figure; and a stage for receiving the figure on one side thereof and for receiving the manipulator in the other side thereof, for animating the figure.

Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of the toy. The toy comprising at least one article, a play area and, in certain embodiments, a movement device. The play area can be formed with a magnetically attractive base and walls or portions of the same can be so formed. The article is formed with magnetically attractive material, typically magnets, at spaced locations and the article is formed of flexible material such that movement of the magnets by a magnetic moving force cause flexing and movement of parts of the article. The article can depict, in a model form, an animate character such as a human or animal and the movement allowed by the flexible material improves the realism of the same.

Abstract: Human-like toy figure (1) comprising a body (3) and legs (4) that are, in the upright position of the toy figure, configured such in relation to each other that the body (3) is turnable about an essentially horizontal axis (A). In connection with the body (3) means are provided for temporarily securing an object (21); and the toy figure (1) is provided with a spring device that seeks to keep the body (3) upright, but allows the body (3) to swing resiliently both forwards and backwards about the axis (A). Also a game comprising such toy figure (1) and at least one goal and an object (21) intended to be thrown towards the goal by the toy figure.

Abstract: Composition toy including at least one main template, e.g. a body shape and at least one secondary template, e.g. clothing. The main template is provided with first magnetic attraction elements and the secondary template is provided with second attraction elements. The first and the second attraction elements are configured in order to determine a magnetic attraction between the main and secondary templates. The attraction elements are placed at specific points on the templates which orient the templates to each other.

Abstract: A magnet which has a base which is substantially flat the exterior surface of which is formed into a figure representation. The head of the figure is attached by a single, thin member to the base with the head of the figure including a photo receiving slot.

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: A toy game wherein a unique casing includes hinged top and bottom lids shaped to store and provide nesting and securing cradles for a plurality of sheets some of which include overall visual images and others of which include push-out segments to be fastened to the overall visual images.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a toy figure in combination with a toy megaphone. The toy figure includes a circuit board to store pre-programmed audio outputs having different volume levels and a speaker to emit the pre-programmed audio outputs. The toy figure also includes a switch to activate the emitting of an audio output with a first volume level, as well as a sensor that when activated triggers the toy figure to emit a second audio output with a second volume level that is different than the first volume level. The toy megaphone has the ability to activate the sensor such that the toy figure emits the second audio output. When the toy figure is activated through the switch, the toy figure will emit the first audio output with a first volume level until the toy megaphone comes in proximity to the sensor in the toy figure, at which point the toy figure will emit the second pre-programmed audio output that has a second volume level different from the first volume level.

Abstract: An amusement system that includes a miniature toy skateboard and the mechanism for engaging and lifting the miniature toy skateboard. The miniature toy skateboard is less than six inches long and is referred to as a finger board in the toy industry. The finger board is manufactured to have a top surface that is either magnetic or attracted to a magnet. The mechanism for engaging and lifting the finger board is a magnet that is held within an external object, such as a ring or a toy figure. A manually adjustable spacer is positioned in front of the magnet. To engage the finger board with the external object, the length of the spacer is minimized and the finger board is brought into close proximity with the magnet. The magnetic field created by the magnet attracts the finger board and holds the finger board against the external object. To detach the finger board, the length of the spacer is increased. This moves the external object out beyond the effective range of the magnetic field of the magnet.

Abstract: An amusement system that includes a miniature toy skateboard and the mechanism for engaging and lifting the miniature toy skateboard. The miniature toy skateboard is less than six inches long and is referred to as a finger board in the toy industry. The finger board is manufactured to have a top surface that is either magnetic or attracted to a magnet. The mechanism for engaging and lifting the finger board is a magnet that is held within an external object, such as a ring or a toy figure. A manually adjustable spacer is positioned in front of the magnet. To engage the finger board with the external object, the length of the spacer is minimized and the finger board is brought into close proximity with the magnet. The magnetic field created by the magnet attracts the finger board and holds the finger board against the external object. To detach the finger board, the length of the spacer is increased. This moves the external object out beyond the effective range of the magnetic field of the magnet.

Abstract: A jellyfish type underwater swimming toy capable of exhibiting reality sufficient to permit an observer to be impressed as if a jellyfish swims in a fluttering manner under water. A toy body is formed into a jellyfish-like shape and includes a head. The head includes a head body, a plurality of swing arms radially arranged on a periphery of the head body in a manner to be vertically swingable, and an umbrella-like member formed into a configuration like a thin film and arranged on the head body and swing arms. Thus, when the swing arms are swingably moved through a drive mechanism, the umbrella-like member is vertically actuated through the swing arms, resulting in the toy swimming in the water while vertically traveling in a fluttering manner.

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: A toy figure torso supports at least one pivotal arm together with a spring-loaded mechanism urging the arm toward pivotal motion in a forward direction. A spring is coupled to the arm and provides the urging force. A trigger and latch mechanism is supported within the torso of the toy figure and is operable by a push button supported at the torso rear. The mechanism includes a cooperating lock arm and a cam which engage to inhibit return motion when the toy figure arm is raised to the cocked position. Energy is stored in the spring which is released by activation of the push button allowing rapid forwardly pivoting motion of the arm.

Abstract: A playhouse kit which includes a building constructed of thin light weight materials with dry eraser surfaces provided on both the interior and exterior surfaces thereof. The building is constructed using members forming walls, roof, and floor of a house shape structure while the members to construct the house are attached to each other utilizing Velcro.sub..TM. or any other securable attachment means. Numerous magnetically attachable accessories are provided including thematic accessories and/or any accessories which would may interest the child's imagination. In addition to the accessories numerous dry eraser markers in various colors are provided that allows the child to draw on or decorate the interior or exterior surfaces of the playhouse as desired.

Abstract: The toy and movable article which are the subject of this application provide for the article to be moved along a playbase by mechanical assembly and/or variable magnetic field which are remote from and not in physical contact with the article thereby giving the article the effect of being independently movable. The exertion of the movement is via a magnetic arrangement between the mechanical assembly and/or variable magnetic field and article and which, if the article is a scale model of a human character can be arranged in conjunction with the shape of the article, to impart a walking effect on the article as it moves thereby adding to the realism of the toy and article.

Abstract: A device for displaying the loose coupling between magnetic fields is provided, comprising a first disk having a plurality of magnetic elements attached to the first disk so that the magnetic field of said magnets extend radially from an outer edge of the first disk, a second disk having a plurality of magnetic elements attached to the second disk so that the magnetic field of said magnets extend radially from an outer edge of the second disk so that the magnets on the disks are loosely coupled to each other, the strength of the loose coupling depending on the orientation of the magnets with respect to each other, and a rotatable control member having a magnetic element attached to an end of the control member, the control member magnet being rotated to a first position such that a predetermined pole of the control member magnet is located adjacent to the magnets on said first disk causing a magnetic coupling of the magnet on said control member to the magnets on said first so that loose coupling and the chao

Abstract: An educational system is provided including a recipient surface such as a cloth or base having a plurality of entities positioned thereon which are selected from the group of entities including colors, shapes, alphabetic characters, and numbers. Also included are marbles and figurines for being removably positioned adjacent to the entities.

Abstract: A display button worn for adjustably changing human facial expressions from "happy", to "confused", to "sad", to "skeptical", to "scheming to get even", and to "mad". The invention employs a housing having a shell on which are rotatably mounted a pair of rectangular members and an arcuate member, to simulate the eyebrows and mouth of the face, respectively. The facial expression is thereby changed manually by the wearer. Magnets may be used to control the position of the members.

Abstract: A cartwheel tumbling doll has a torso and a head mounted on the torso. An axis extends generally through the center of the head and torso. A pair of arms, each arm having a shoulder end and a hand end, are mounted for limited pivotal movement adjacent each arm's shoulder about a respective axis that is generally perpendicular to the center axis. A pair of legs, each leg having a hip end and a foot end, are mounted adjacent each leg's hip for limited pivotal movement relative to the torso about a respective axis that is generally perpendicular to the center axis. A weight is releasably connected to each hand. The foot of each leg contacts a substantially planar surface to support the doll in a generally upright position with the arms extended away from the feet and carrying the releasably connected weights. Pushing one side of the doll causes it to tumble sideways or cartwheel.

Abstract: A miniature animated display that operates by driving a steel bar with a motor. The steel bar causes the animation motion by means of the swing base and the U-shaped pedestal installed on the hinged assembled end formed by the two ends of the elastic steel bar. The orientation of the U-shaped pedestal is adjusted according to the position of the inner surface of the sliding path so that the circular magnet thereon is affixed on the inner surface of the sliding path.

Abstract: Two-dimensional designs are created by providing a magnetic surface and attaching magnetic parts to the surface. The parts may be precut geometric and representational forms cut from flexible magnetic material. The surface may be a surface painted with a magnetic paint. Three-dimensional designs are created by providing a metallic surface and attaching parts to the surface using small permanent magnets. A magnetic paint formulation and formulations for moldable clay-like and dough-like magnetic compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: A toy figure includes a hollow body having coupling openings formed in its upper side walls and bottom wall, the openings having inwardly tapered conical faces with peripherally spaced longitudinal channels. A magnet slab housed in the body is sandwiched by yoke plates which closely confront each opening. A coupling member having a circular base section with a ribbed conical face engages each opening and includes an inner portion of magnetic material engaged by the yoke plates to releasably retain the coupling members in the openings. An arm is attached to each coupling member for angular movement about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the coupling member base section.

Abstract: Playthings, such as dolls (10, 12), figures or toy animals (22) are provided. The playthings are provided singly or in pairs. The playthings have limbs, such as arms, or other appendages such as tails or trunks, extending from their bodies, the limbs or appendages being provided with connection elements, such as magnets (14), for removably attaching limbs together to simulate "hand holding" or to attach to metal surfaces or to "pick up" metal objects. In alternative embodiments the magnets are arranged so that they will repel each other so that certain limbs or appendages will not attach to each other. In another embodiment the playthings can be manipulated by the thumb and fingers, such as in the form of recesses (44) provided in the clothes or by strings (38), such as in the form of a marionette (46).

Abstract: A toy fishing apparatus includes a fishing rod and reel cooperative with a bait fish that is formed with a magnetic core, such that the bait fish is arranged to selectively magnetically adhere one of a plurality of "target fish". Each of the target fish is arranged for magnetic attraction to the bait fish, wherein selective ones of the target fish are filled within a hollow cavity of the target fish of various prizes such as jewelry, money, and the like. Individuals attempt to buy chance and magnetically adhere a target fish with the greatest number of prize components stored therewithin.

Abstract: A simulation toy includes an electromagnet received in a slot on the body of the toy and attached with a permanent magnet mounted flush with the toy, a control circuit controlled by a snap switch reciprocates a reciprocating rod through the electromagnet in pushing the permanent magnet out of the slot for showing a red colored area simulating a wound and simultaneously activate a speaker for making a sound simulating the crying of a child.

Abstract: An apparatus for animating a figurine movable element having a pivot point for pivotally coupling the movable element to the figurine to allow the movable element to pivot between the first position and a second position, a first portion of the movable element extending in front of the pivot point and a second portion of the movable element extending behind the pivot point; a hollow solenoid on the figurine with an elongated steel shaft having one end inserted in the hollow solenoid winding and the other end pivotally attached to the second portion of the movable element behind the pivot point such that the shaft pivots the movable element between the first position and the second position depending upon the solenoid operation.