Abstract: A lightweight spherical baseball like training ball has a hollow core adhered to a stitched white colored synthetic leather cover with a thin layer of adhesive. The lightweight ball has raised seams and measures in circumference similar to the ball circumference size mandated by Major League Baseball rules whereby the ball is suitable for baseball and softball training and playing variations of the game of baseball or softball in confined areas.

Abstract: A device mounts to a water bottle and produces sounds when the bottle is chewed by a dog, and includes a cap and squeaker. The cap includes: a body with a first opening on a first side defining an interior surface of a cavity, with a plurality of internal threads; and a second opening on a second side being in fluid communication with the cavity. A plurality of fingers are spaced about the second opening, and extend toward the first side, being at a first angle with respect to an axis of the interior surface. The squeaker is inserted into the second opening, and a protruding region of its housing causes the fingers to deform to a second angle with respect to the axis, after which the plurality of fingers nest between an end flange and the protruding region. Internal threads mount the device to threading of the water bottle.

Abstract: A tug toy includes at least one gripping member and a portion housing a noisemaker. The at least one gripping member is attached to the portion housing a noisemaker, and the at least one gripping member is adapted to transmit force to the portion housing a noisemaker.

Abstract: A tug toy that includes at least two gripping members and a central portion, wherein the at least two gripping members are attached to the central portion, and wherein the central portion further includes a noise maker.

Abstract: A tug toy that includes at least two gripping members and a central portion, wherein the at least two gripping members are attached to the central portion, and wherein the central portion further includes a noise maker.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods appropriate for use in medical training are provided. In some implementations, the devices, systems, and methods are not dependent on external power supplies or internal batteries. A patient simulator is provided that includes a simulated patient body portion; and an electric-harvesting system positioned within the simulated patient body portion. The electric-harvesting system converts mechanical energy applied to the simulated patient body portion into electric energy for use by one or more components of the simulated body portion.

Abstract: A tug toy that includes at least two gripping members and a central portion, wherein the at least two gripping members are attached to the central portion, and wherein the central portion further includes a noise maker.

Abstract: One embodiment of a treat dispenser for an animal comprises a first and second chamber separated at a junction of the chambers by a dividing wall, wherein each chamber is formed from a skeletal framework, wherein the skeletal framework of the first chamber is substantially open and the skeletal framework of the second chamber is substantially closed, and further comprising a sound device disposed within the second chamber.

Abstract: A plush toy having electronics therein for interacting with a user includes a non-rigid electrical component for detecting deformation thereof. The component includes a first layer of a compressible material with at least one aperture therethrough. Second and third layers of an electrically conductive material are positioned on opposite sides of the first layer across the aperture. The second and third layers of material may be brought into contact with each other in the aperture of the first layer to complete an electrical connection between the second and third layers by compression of the first layer upon application of a compression force. When the compression force is removed, the first material expands to separate the second and third layers, thereby breaking the electrical connection. Upon detection of deformation of the electrical component, the electronics activate a response by the toy, such as an audio response.

Abstract: An interactive toy for interacting with a user while a story is being read aloud from a book or played from a movie/video. The toy includes a speech recognition unit that receives and detects certain triggering phrases as they are read aloud or played from a companion literary work. The triggering phrase read aloud from the book or played in the movie/video may have independent significance or may only have significance when combined with other phrases read aloud from the book or played in the movie/video.

Abstract: An interactive amusement device and a method therefor are disclosed. The device plays a musical soundtrack in a first game iteration. A sequence of user input actions received during this learning mode is detected, and an output signal is generated in response. Timestamps for each of the user input actions is stored into memory. Additionally, the output signal is generated on at least one interval of the user input actions based on the stored timestamps, and is coordinated with the play back of a second musical soundtrack during a second game iteration.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a system for rendering audio animation, the system comprising: two or more non-biotic figures; an audio player, having two or more audio sources correspondingly to the two or more non-biotic figures, for simultaneously playing the audio signals associated with the two or more non-biotic figures; and two or more speaker units corresponding to the two or more audio sources. The system may further comprise means for wireless transmission of the audio signal of at least one of the audio sources to a remote speaker unit thereof. The means for wireless transmission may comprise a wireless transmission unit deployed at the audio player, and a wireless receiving unit deployed at the speaker unit. The non-biotic figure may be a two-dimensional, three-dimensional figure, and so on.

Abstract: A noise producing toy structure includes a toy having an outer wall and a crown raised from the outer wall, the outer wall defining an inner space and the crown defining a chamber; an opening for passing ambient fluid into the chamber; and a noise producing element placing the inner space in fluid communication with chamber. The crown hinders access to the noise producing element to resist unintended removal of the noise producing element. A noise producing toy structure includes a toy having an outer wall, a noise producing element disposed in the outer wall for placing the inner space in fluid communication with an environment; and a wall upright from the outer wall at a position proximal to the noise producing element. The wall has a free end to space a user from the noise producing element to hinder access to the noise producing element.

Abstract: A pet toy includes a noise making feature that can be selectively activated and deactivated by the pet owner. The noise making feature is in the form of a squeaker incorporated within the pet toy by an internal holding pocket that is integrally molded when the pet toy is manufactured. A control element is used to activate or deactivate the squeaker. The squeaker is positioned for easy access by the pet owner, but the construction of a squeaker assembly holding the squeaker is such that it prevents the animal from contacting the squeaker.

Abstract: A sound-making pet toy includes a shell having an opening and an inner space accessible through the opening and a sound-making body having a reduced state and an expanded state larger than the reduced state. When the sound-making body is disposed in the opening, it has the reduced state and when it is disposed in the inner space, it has the expanded state. The sound-making body has a resilient air-holding body and a sound making device that is responsive to air from the air holding body passing through the sound-making body. When the sound-making body is in the expanded state, it is lodged against the inner surface of the shell. When the sound-making body is in the expanded state, it expels air from the resilient air holding body when a force impacts the shell. In the expanded state, it is larger than the opening.

Abstract: A pet toy includes a plurality of raised features to enhance a dental cleaning action of the animal toy within the animal's mouth. The raised features are provided in groups or sets of linearly extending and uniformly spaced protrusions. The protrusions preferably cover a majority of the outer surface of the pet toy. The distal tips of the protrusions may be roughened in order to enhance dental cleaning. A squeaker may be incorporated within the pet toy by an internal holding pocket that is integrally molded when the pet toy is manufactured. A control element may be used to activate or deactivate the squeaker.

Abstract: A lighted translucent hoop instrument is disclosed. This ruggedly constructed rechargeable hoop comes in a wide range of sizes, designed for a greater scope of movement and function than the “hula-hoop”. It collapses for travel and can be assembled in seconds. Mechanical switches and/or electronic sensors, accelerometers, circuits and programs make the hoop motion-sensitive, and control onboard lights to generate varying and repeatable colors, shapes, patterns and trails, based on the performance of the user. The signals generated by the onboard sensors can also be sent by radio to a computer. These signals modulate existing music, and also synthesize distinct sounds, combinations of sounds and visual displays. The hoop thus becomes an interactive instrument/controller played by the whole body, creating coherent signals synchronized with motion. It is a tool for exercise, entertainment, communication, expression, juggling, dance, performance and play—by both children and adults.

Abstract: A method of making a noise producing toy includes the steps of providing a noise producing assembly; providing or molding a first body portion having a first material and having an aperture, the first material having a material that is conducive mounting of the noise producing assembly into the aperture; mounting the first body portion on a mandrel of a mold core, the mold core for forming at least part of a body of the noise producing toy; molding a second body portion to engage the first body portion on a mold core to form at least part of the body, separating the mandrel and mold core and the at least part toy body; mounting the noise producing assembly into the aperture.

Abstract: An animal toy includes a compressibly elastically deformable hollow thin-walled elastomer core sealingly circumscribing a center, includes an exterior including a first gravure elastomer relief surface and a second surface, includes a wall less than about eight millimeters thick, and includes points on the exterior at varying distances from the center. A fabric cover is affixed to the second surface and has a selected thickness, the ratio of the thickness of the fabric cover to the thickness of the wall being in the range of 1:6 to 1:0.15. A line of demarcation separates the exterior into at least two areas.

Abstract: A pet toy may include an outer covering and a bladder assembly. The bladder assembly may include a bladder and a squeaker assembly. The squeaker assembly may include one or more ribs. The bladder may include a body and a neck. The neck may have one or more grooves. A rib may engage a groove. The engagement of the rib with the groove may prevent the squeaker assembly from exiting the opening of the bladder when the bladder is compressed. The body of the bladder may have a shape which allows the body to return to the uncompressed state after the body has been compressed. The body may be made of a material which allows the body to return to the uncompressed state after the body has been compressed.

Abstract: A game method and apparatus reduces the risk that a thrown toy will injure an animal. The apparatus consists of a buoyant toy with a sealed channel extending completely through the toy. A soft, flexible, water absorbent member extends through the sealed channel and is used to throw the toy and to facilitate retrieval of the toy.

Abstract: A pet toy may include an outer covering and a bladder assembly. The bladder assembly may include a bladder and a squeaker assembly. The squeaker assembly may include one or more ribs. The bladder may include a body and a neck. The neck may have one or more grooves. A rib may engage a groove. The engagement of the rib with the groove may prevent the squeaker assembly from exiting the opening of the bladder when the bladder is compressed. The body of the bladder may have a shape which allows the body to return to the uncompressed state after the body has been compressed. The body may be made of a material which allows the body to return to the uncompressed state after the body has been compressed.

Abstract: A noise producing toy structure includes a toy having an outer wall, which defines an inner space. A sealed cavity and a chamber are disposed in the inner space. An opening in the outer wall passes ambient fluid into the chamber and a noise producing element places the cavity in fluid communication with the chamber. Other noise producing toy structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A responsive novelty punching device for use in amusement and the relief of frustration or aggression of computer users, wherein the responsive novelty punching device contains stored audio responses and means for broadcasting the audio responses when the user strikes the responsive novelty punching device. Audio responses will cycle through a variety of languages for amusement and educational purposes, and for the production efficiencies in the case of international distribution and sales. The responsive novelty punching device also contains connectivity means for communicating data to or from a computer, and affixing means for attaching the responsive novelty punching device to a horizontal surface such as a desk. The responsive novelty punching device can be formed in any of a variety of computer-like shapes for use as a “scapegoat” for computer user frustration and will be encased in a resilent, energy-absorbing material to withstand many blows without losing its shape.

Abstract: A method of mounting a squeaker into a hard rubber ball toy. A separate holder or sleeve is provided that retains a squeaker and forms the noise producing element to be inserted into the rubber toy. The sleeve has a recessed area that tightly mates with an opening in the rubber toy and also includes a bonding surface to secure the sleeve to the toy. The sleeve could also be formed with fin members that extend orthogonally from a distal end of the sleeve. The total width of the sleeve and the associated fin members is such that it complies with consumer product safety requirements. An inherent feature of the disclosed structure is that the fin members will cause the noise producing element to be retained within the toy even if the bonding of the sleeve to the opening in the toy happens to fail.

Abstract: A method of mounting a squeaker into a hard rubber ball toy. A separate sleeve or shroud is provided that retains a squeaker and forms the noise producing element to be inserted into the rubber toy. The sleeve has a recessed area that tightly mates with an opening in the rubber toy and also includes a bonding surface to secure the sleeve to the toy. The shroud could also be formed with differently sized flanges that extend from a proximate end of the sleeve. An inherent feature of the disclosed structure is that the flanges will cause the noise producing element to be retained within the toy even if the bonding of the shroud to the opening in the toy happens to fail.

Abstract: A novelty noisemaker assembly and its associated method of assembly. The noisemaker assembly has a bellows for manually producing a flow of air. Air from the bellows passes through a sound generator that produces sound energy as the air passes. The sound energy from the sound generator passes into a pitch control chamber. A plurality of slots are formed in the sound generator. A secondary object is coupled to the end of the pitch control chamber. The secondary object obstructs the pitch control chamber. Consequently, the slots in the side of the pitch control chamber provide the only exit port for the flow of air created by the bellows and the sound energy created by the sound generator.

Abstract: A toy for animals, comprising an outer, hollow shell member of elastomeric material. The shell member has at least one hole to provide communication between the hollow interior and the exterior thereof. A hollow, flexible insert is disposed within the shell member and is at least partially in contact therewith. An acoustic cartridge is disposed in a port of a hollow insert.

Abstract: A toy for animals, comprising an outer, hollow shell member of elastomeric material. The shell member has at least one hole to provide communication between the hollow interior and the exterior thereof. A hollow, flexible insert is disposed within the shell member and is at least partially in contact therewith. The hollow insert can have a recessed portion or an integral center core. An acoustic cartridge is disposed in a port of the hollow insert.

Abstract: A bubble-squeezing toy includes a hollow body formed of flexible plastics material having low stretchability and an aperture; a liner formed of flexible plastics material having high stretchability and located within the hollow body and having a portion adjacent to the aperture that can stretch through the aperture to form an external bubble upon squeezing of the body.

Abstract: A toy comprises a three-dimensional body that can be compressed to actuate a squeaker chamber to move air through a squeaker device. The squeaker chamber is formed by an elongated resilient member in the toy body that can be actuated to operate the squeaker device from a location on the toy distal from the squeaker device. In one embodiment, the resilient member is one or more elastic bladders and in another embodiment the resilient member is one or more resilient tubes. The squeaker chamber may be of various configurations for a variety of toy shapes.

Abstract: A transitional object in the form of a plush creature having arms and legs with a soothing voice that provides comforting words can be activated by squeezing a sensor located in either foot and prompting soothing phrases including “everything is going to be all right” to reduce the level of stress and anxiety in a person.

Abstract: A novelty item includes a deformable hollow body having an air intake opening and an air exhaust opening. A scented article is contained in the hollow body between the intake and exhaust openings. A noise maker is attached to the body, and cooperates with a discharge of air through the exhaust opening upon deformation of the hollow body to produce a noise. The discharge of air has a scent corresponding to that of the scented article contained in the hollow body.

Abstract: A squeezable plaything which resembles an animal-like or humanoid figure having appendages projecting therefrom. The plaything includes a hollow core molded of resilient plastic material shaped to resemble the figure and provided with an orifice which renders the core collapsible. Enveloping the core and generally conforming to the figure and its appendages is an outer shell formed of flexible transparent plastic film material. Injected into the core through the orifice is a charge of oil which when the plaything is squeezed and deformed, oil and air are then discharged through the orifice into confined spaces between the shell and the core. And when the plaything is released to recover its shape, the oil and air are then sucked back through the orifice into the core. These actions generate squishing sounds, as if the figure were walking on soft mud.

Abstract: A soft toy missile which when let fly by a player and then caught by a catcher, produces upon impact, sounds appropriate to the nature of the missile. When in the configuration of a humanoid figure, the missile includes a body defined by a fabric casing stuffed with a soft compressible filler, the face of the casing having printed thereon the head and torso of the figure. Embedded in the stuffing of the body is a sound-producing unit powered by a battery through an impact-sensitive switch whereby when the missile is caught. The switch turns the unit on to generate sounds that celebrate the catch. Hinged to the body of the figure and extending therefrom are arm and leg appendages, each formed by a fabric sock stuffed with soft compressible material. When the player grasps one of these appendages and whirls the missile to let it fly, the body of the figure then rotates in the course of flight, causing the appendages to stretch out from the body to stabilize the flight.

Abstract: A squeezable plaything which simulates a miniature dinosaur figure and when squeezed and released, then generates gurgling sounds suggestive of dinosaur activity. The plaything comprises a generally spherical outer shell formed of flexible transparent plastic film encasing a hollow inner core having an orifice which renders it collapsible. The hollow core is molded of resilient plastic material contoured to simulate a dinosaur in a fetal position assuming an overall ovoid form that fits into the spherical shell. Injected into the air-filled core through the orifice is a charge of oil. When the ball is squeezed and deformed, oil and air are then discharged from the orifice into the confined spaces between the core and shell, and when the ball is then released to recover its normal shape, oil and air are then sucked back into the core, these actions producing the gurgling sounds.

Abstract: A deformable toy is provided for generating sounds having variable acoustic characteristics. The toy includes a deformable body which changes shapes depending on external pressure applied to the body and a sound-reproducing device for playing back either prerecorded or newly recorded sounds, music, messages, etc., which have a predetermined playback rate as recorded to the device. The device is responsive to changes in shape of the body to vary the playback rate of the sounds by way of a mechanism of the sound reproducing device which varies the playback rate for the sounds being played back from the sound reproducing device to provide a highly interactive game for children which allows them to creatively alter sounds generated from the toy herein.

Abstract: A squeezable toy plaything which simulates an organic object, such as a human organ, a body part, or a humanoid figure, which plaything when squeezed and released then generates a gurgling sound. The plaything includes a generally spherical outer shell formed of flexible transparent plastic film encasing a hollow inner core. The core is molded of resilient plastic material whose outer surface is contoured to simulate the appearance of the object, the core being provided with an orifice which renders the hollow core collapsible. Injected into the core through the orifice is a charge of oil or other viscous liquid. When the ball is squeezed and deformed, oil and air are discharged from the orifice into the confined spaces between the core and shell, and when the ball is then released to recover its normal shape, oil and air are then sucked back into the shell, these actions producing a gurgling sound.

Abstract: A squeezable toy ball which simulates a human organ such as the intestine, the ball when squeezed and released then generating a gurgling sound similar to that produced by a functioning intestine. The ball comprises a generally spherical outer shell formed of flexible plastic film encasing a hollow inner core. The core is molded of resilient plastic material to simulate the appearance of an intestine and is provided with an orifice which renders the hollow core collapsible. Injected into the core through the orifice is a charge of oil or other viscous liquid. When the ball is squeezed and deformed, oil and air are discharged from the orifice into the confined spaces between the core and shell, and when the ball is then released to recover its normal shape, oil and air are then sucked back into the shell, these actions producing a gurgling sound.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use in connection with a child's toy which selectively generates a noise. The apparatus includes a chamber within a child's toy for holding a volume of air. Adjacent the chamber is a noise-making member, such as a reed, constructed to vibrate when subjected to a moving air stream. The moving air stream is created when the child sits on the toy and rocks back and forth (i.e., rides the toy). When the child rides the toy, air passes from the chamber and over the noise-making member. Surrounding the noise-making member is a tubular member for directing the air from the chamber around and past the noise-making member. The tubular member has an intake port in fluid communication with the chamber adapted to received air from the chamber and an exhaust port adapted to expel air after it has passed over the noise-making member.

Abstract: A golf swing practice/training device configured to generate a signal when the power arm of a golfer is properly moved from the top of the backswing to the slot position in the downswing comprising an attachment element to mount the golf swing practice/training device to the upper portion of the power arm of the golfer having a signal generator affixed thereto wherein the signal generator is disposed adjacent the inside of the upper portion of the golfer's power arm to engage the side of the golfer's upper body to activate the signal generator when the golfer's power arm is properly positioned relative to the golfer's body during the downswing. The attachment element is an arm encircling ring of two coextensive elastic strips cooperatively forming a pocket therebetween, in which pocket is located a compressible element capable of generating an audible sound when compressed by a golfer's power arm engaging the side of the golfer's upper body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a doll (10) which is arranged to be fed both liquids and non-liquids or solids. These are received in respective first and second chambers (20, 22). The present invention also provides a chamber pot (54) for a doll (10). Further, the present invention provides a casing (98) for enclosing or enveloping a doll (10) to simulate the womb. The present invention allows for a visual explanation of childbirth and childcare to be given to young children. This may be supplemented by instructions from another source, e.g. an adult or text.

Abstract: A candy container configured as a fowl or the like with the contained candy shaped like an egg. Squeezing or compressing the container causes an egg to be ejected from an orifice on the bottom of the container simultaneously generating air pressure to activate a reed type sound generator located in the bill of the container.

Abstract: A sound-producing toy having a hollow body formed of resilient material, whereby when the body is depressed and deformed by a player, this action produces a honking sound. The body envelops an air-filled cavity at one end of which is an air-intake valve whose actuating element is outside the body so that when the element is actuated by the player, air is admitted into the cavity. Also disposed in the cavity is a sound producer having an air outlet normally closed by a membrane which is partially secured to the outlet so that when the body is depressed by the player, the resultant increase in internal air pressure above ambient is exerted against the membrane and causes deflection thereof to permit air to escape from the outlet. The escaping air causes the membrane to vibrate to produce a honking sound. The air expelled through the outlet creates a partial vacuum in the internal cavity which acts to maintain the body in its deformed state.

Abstract: A doll is provided with a sound generating mechanism which includes a cavity-defining enclosure in the head, a sound generating bladder in the enclosure, a compressible pillow in the torso, and a conduit extending between the pillow and the bladder. When the pillow is compressed, air passing through the bladder causes it to vibrate and flutter and produce a sound which is amplified in the cavity-defining enclosure. The doll's torso is soft so that pressure applied to the back of the torso will compress the pillow.

Abstract: An animated novelty device which is shaped in the form of an animated creature having a flexible body portion and a head portion having eyes. The eyes include a light source connected in a circuit which is operatively associated with a sound producing device which is located within the body portion of the animated device. The arrangement is such that when a force or pressure is applied to the body portion of the device, a sound or voice associated with the animated creature is sounded and simultaneously therewith the eyes light up.