Abstract: The children's push snowblower toy provides children with a transformable toy feature that safely mimics a real-life snow blower in order to enhance a child's playing experience in the snow. The children's push snowblower toy introduces a two-in-one toy that serves as a lawn mower and possesses an attachment that connects onto a toy lawnmower to transform it into a toy snow blower. This toy can be assembled by the parents with ease and creates a thrilling outdoor activity for children while playing in the snow. It mimics the movement and sounds of an actual blower and has moving parts, such as the snow-chute that swivels 180 degrees by a crank, and a chute, adjustable by hand.

Abstract: A method and apparatus with predictive triggering includes a housing including electronics operable to perform a process that can be activated by a user depressing a trigger with a finger. A trigger is operable to activate the electronics to perform the process. A proximity sensor is operable to detect a user's finger in proximity to the trigger. A processor coupled to the electronics, trigger, and proximity sensor, wherein when the proximity sensor detects a user's finger in proximity to the trigger, before the user's finger actually depresses the trigger, the processor initiates activation of the electronics to perform a portion of the process, and when the user's finger depresses the trigger, the processor directs the electronics to complete the process.

Abstract: A process for weaving that can be implemented using just the hands as the loom and shuttle, a weaving material such as yarn, an instrument for cutting like nail clippers or a small pair of scissors, and an object for intermissions in the process such as a paper clip. The weaving process is simplified to the most basic concepts of weaving that can be enjoyed by any age group, such as, but not limited to, from five-year-old children to adults. The absence of barriers like cumbersome weaving looms permits the process to be practiced in a multitude of settings.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electric knife is provided that includes a blade that is adapted to cut the pulp and shell of pumpkins and other fruits and vegetables but not readily cut the skin and flesh of humans. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electric knife also includes a shield that that is adapted to prevent fruit or vegetable matter from entering the housing of the electric knife.

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: An article, for example, a toy weapon, has a hand grip provided with a trigger zone. The trigger zone is divided into first and second trigger zone portions forwardly of the hand grip and in a common plane therewith. A light source emits a light beam across the second trigger zone portion for reception by a receiver coupled through a microprocessor to electronic devices affording auditory and/or visual responses to interruption of the visible light beam when an individual pulls a trigger finger back toward the hand grip interrupting the light beam.

Abstract: A toy is intended to resemble a cyclone type vacuum cleaner. The toy vacuum cleaner includes a body comprising a cylindrical container which has a transparent cylindrical outer wall. A core extends axially into the container to define a space between itself and the outer wall. A fan assembly is mounted to close an open end of the container. A multiplicity of polystyrene beads are disposed within the space between the core and the outer wall. The fan assembly includes a fan rotor mounted substantially coaxially with the container, to be driven by a motor, whereby on activation of the motor, the fan causes a circulation of air within the container, which circulation causes the beads to move in approximately circular paths about the core.

Abstract: A power tool is transformable from a power wrench configuration for use in fastening elements forming a toy vehicle to an engine for the toy vehicle. The power wrench includes a handle having sections pivotally mounted to the housing of the wrench. The handle sections, when used as a wrench, form a single handle for the wrench and are pivoted away from one another to lie along opposite sides of the housing. The handle sections have portions simulative of an actual engine whereby the power wrench may be transformed to a toy engine simulative of an actual full-scale engine. The engine may be disposed in the toy built with the power wrench.

Abstract: A sculpting tool is provided for use in sculpting shapeable mass, such as common beach sand, snow, soft dirt or soft clay. The tool has first and second sculpting heads, each sculpting head having a pair of oppositely-facing cutting elements for cutting into the shapeable mass. The tool also has an elongate shaft or handle extending between the sculpting heads. Each cutting element is serrated so that a user may use the tool to produce patterns in the granular material. Preferably, each cutting element has a different serration pattern, thereby providing the user with four different patterns with which to sculpt. In addition, each sculpting head defines a pair of opposite cup-like structures such that a user may scoop and/or move a portion of the shapeable mass.

Abstract: A toy welding apparatus includes a spin welding mechanism which is operative for welding thermoplastic articles together utilizing a rotating thermoplastic rod. The apparatus further includes a sparking mechanism for producing sparks during operation of the spin welding mechanism so that the operation of the welding apparatus realistically simulates that of an arc welding apparatus.

Abstract: An expandable apparatus for displaying multiple panoramic scenes includes a multiplicity of plates and a plurality of folded segments disposed between and attached to opposite lateral end portions of the plates. The plates includes a front plate containing a viewing aperture, a rear plate containing a background scene thereon, and a plurality of intermediate plates disposed consecutively between the front and rear plates. The intermediate plates contain a variety of scenes thereon being complementary to the background scene on the rear plate. The intermediate plates have respective cutouts therein for permitting observing through the viewing aperture the scenes on the rear plate and consecutive ones of the intermediate plates closer to the rear plate than to the front plate.

Abstract: A novelty belt with a control pad for programming and actuating a variety of sound effects emitted through a speaker. The belt also includes a plurality of props that correspond to the sound effects, creating a thematic novelty toy.

Abstract: A spark producing mechanism for a toy includes an at least partially transparent housing, a rotatable abrasive element in the housing and a motor for rotating the abrasive element. The mechanism further includes at least one flint element which is loosely captured in the housing so that it can contact and carom off the abrasive element to randomly produce sparks in the housing during rotation of the abrasive element.

Abstract: A toy device picks up objects from a plane surface, where a set of wheels drives rotary blades adapted to move the objects up a guide plate toward a magazine. The blades are relatively stiff and comprise an integral hinge spaced from the axis of rotation of the blade wheel.

Abstract: A toy sewing machine includes an upper housing and a lower housing coupled by a hinge coupler. A hand crank and drive are coupled to a foot movably supported within the upper housing. A spring coupler within the drive limits the force coupled between the hand crank and the movable foot.

Abstract: A novelty device to simulate use of a remote control unit is provided with a housing having side walls, a first end wall spaced from a second end wall, and a top wall. A plurality of end wall slots arranged in a parallel relationship are directed through the second end wall, with the top wall having a like number of top wall slots, where each top wall slot includes as associated projection in mechanical relation to a drive link and projection plate, wherein each projection plate is arranged for projection through one of the second end wall slots upon directing an associated link guidingly along an associated top wall slot.

Abstract: This invention relates to novelties and in particular to a battery-operated candy holding device. This device has a self-contained power supply that operates a motor and gearing system that produces the proper speed and torque, to spin a piece of candy. After the candy has been consumed, this device may be used as a hand held motorized toy. A noisemaker may be added to provide additional enjoyment by the consumer. The batteries are contained in the handle and are replaceable. The replaceable candy is designed to fit securely over the spindle shaft inside an aperture at the top of the candy holding device.

Abstract: Toy paint applicators for creating the illusion of picking up paint and applying it to a surface. The present invention includes a toy paint applicator having a handle; a simulated paint receiving element having a translucent portion for simulating a paint receiving area of the applicator; a color imparting member movably disposed with respect to the translucent portion for movement between a coloring position for simulating the presence of paint on the paint receiving element, and a noncoloring position for simulating the absence of paint on the paint receiving element to create the effect of picking up paint and applying it to a surface. The toy paint applicator includes a first preferred embodiment of a paint roller for creating the illusion of applying paint to and from the roller and a second preferred embodiment of a paint brush.

Abstract: A shovel is disclosed which is preferably a play shovel for use by a child or adult for making a molded head and neck of any desired character or object such as a storybook or cartoon character in the sand. The shovel includes a bottom spade portion and a middle handle portion and a top head portion. The head and handle portions have walls forming a mold cavity opening at the back. The head portion has inner and outer surfaces having features of the head of a character formed thereon.

Abstract: A starter device for a toy drive mechanism that simulates manual starting of a small engine. The starter device includes an input mechanism, operable by a user, for providing a first drive force; a memory mechanism for storing the number of operations of the input mechanism by the user; a sound generating mechanism for producing sounds in response to at least one of the first drive force and a second drive force; a motor mechanism for providing the second drive force in response to at least one of an intermittent input and the number of operations of the input mechanism being a predetermined number; and a mechanism for providing the intermittent input based on operation of said input mechanism and on the second drive force.

Abstract: A toy rotatable grill kabob is disclosed for simultanously rotatably driving a skewer onto which simulated food chunks are mounted, and a pair of spaced support rods for supporting a simulated wiener or the like. The skewer and support rods are driven by a common drive.

Abstract: An improved toy machine gun is disclosed. The toy gun has a trigger associated with a microswitch. The microswitch engages a rotatable wheel through a reduction gear. A link assembly together with the rotatable wheel provides a reciprocating motion and create a kickback. In addition, the link assembly is arranged to actuate another microswitch which controls an audio circuit board and a speaker for generating a sound mimicking a gun shot.

Abstract: A play service center for toy self-propelled reversible drive vehicles that includes a lift ramp powered by the vehicle. Rollers carried by the lift ramp transfer power from the driven vehicle wheels through a pinion gear that engages a stationary curved rack gear to raise and lower the lift and vehicle. At the top of the curved rack gear a number of teeth are omitted and a stop is provided to retain the lift in the raised position. In order to lower the lift, the vehicle drive is reversed. Levered pads provide additional traction for driving the vehicle off the rollers and lift ramp. A power take-off drives service equipment such as a power meter as well as a rotating buffer or drill. The meter includes a biased dial pointer that provides an indication of the power transmitted by the vehicle wheels through the driven rollers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus with predictive triggering includes a housing including electronics operable to perform a process that can be activated by a user depressing a trigger with a finger. A trigger is operable to activate the electronics to perform the process. A proximity sensor is operable to detect a user's finger in proximity to the trigger. A processor coupled to the electronics, trigger, and proximity sensor, wherein when the proximity sensor detects a user's finger in proximity to the trigger, before the user's finger actually depresses the trigger, the processor initiates activation of the electronics to perform a portion of the process, and when the user's finger depresses the trigger, the processor directs the electronics to complete the process.