Abstract: Some embodiments relate to systems and methods for encouraging performance of kind acts. A toy object, a task identifier and a code are simultaneously provided to a user. The task includes an instruction to perform a kind act. Instructions further indicate that a user is to input the code into a website upon completing the identified task. Entry of the code causes a reward (e.g., a virtual reward or physical reward) to be distributed (e.g., to the user or to another party).

Abstract: A plurality of toy and accessory figurines are provided which may be arranged in any number of configurations to provide a response upon the formation of a closed electrical circuit. The toy figurines comprise two electrical contacts which, when closed with an external connection source, provide a response stimuli, such as one or a combination of light, sound and/or motion. The toy figurines may be configured to provide the closed electrical circuit. Alternatively, direct skin contact with the electrical contacts may provide the closed electrical circuit. The accessory figurines provide a further level of interaction. The accessory toy figurines comprise a magnetic switch which is actuated between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The magnetic switch is actuated to a closed configuration to close the electrical circuit when in proximity with a conductive metal, such as the electrical contact of the toy figurine, to deliver a response stimuli.

Abstract: A convertible flower doll has garment including a skirt with layers that may be raised or lowered to convert the doll between a figure resembling a flower and a figure resembling a character. In flower form, the doll sits within a container resembling a flower pot. The doll has legs that wrap together and attach at the ankles to resemble a flower stem. The skirt has features resembling flower petals, and elastic in the lowest layer of the skirt bunches up the skirt layers when raised to resemble a flower.

Abstract: A launching device for grasping and launching an action figure is provided, the launching device having: a base member; an arm member pivotally secured to the base member for movement between a first position and a second position; a pair of grasping members rotatably secured to the arm member, wherein the pair of arm members are configured to releasably grasp a portion of the action figure; a drivetrain coupled to the pair of grasping members wherein the drivetrain is configured to rotate the pair of grasping members about an axis of the arm member as the arm member moves between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A toy figure is disclosed. In some embodiments, the toy figure may include a head; plural facial-expression structures movably mounted to the head and configured to move independent of each other; plural cams configured to rotate about a first axis and to move the plural facial-expression structures; and an elongate cam drive configured to rotate about a second axis spaced from the first axis, and to contact and rotate the plural cams about the first axis, the elongate cam drive having a constant outer diameter.

Abstract: A toy doll is provided having a torso defined by a front surface and a back surface. The doll may additionally include legs extending from a lower portion of the torso, an image sensor located on the back surface of the torso, and an image display located on the front surface of the torso. The doll may additionally include a control panel integrated into the pelvic region of the torso, operatively interconnected with the image sensor and the image display, so that that the image sensor and the image display are controllable by using the control panel. The doll may further include fabric clothing covering the image display, permitting a user to create the appearance of personalized graphic clothing for the doll.

Abstract: A toy system having two toy vehicles and a figurine for enhanced play value. One toy vehicle is large, has three actuators and front and rear ramps. The first actuator causes the large vehicle to open its sides to form a playset. The second actuator is located on a risible ladder with a platform having a trap door floor and enables the figurine to drop from the platform to the small toy vehicle. The third actuator launches the small toy vehicle down the front ramp from a storage compartment in the large toy vehicle after the small toy vehicle had been loaded into the storage compartment by opening the rear ramp. The small vehicle is transformable between a vehicle configuration and a robot configuration.

Abstract: A doll is computer interactive and can be connected to their siblings through a website on the internet for children to communicate with each other. The dolls can be produced with a certain number of siblings, where the siblings can be identified through a coding mechanism, such as a colored ribbon, a code number or letter, or the like. The siblings can be distributed throughout the country or throughout the world, not only providing interaction between children and their dolls, but also providing an opportunity to learn of other regions of the world and even other cultures.

Abstract: A game-interactive customizable companion object includes a body, a communication subsystem housed within the body, and a behavior subsystem configured to control movement of the body. The behavior subsystem may include an initiation module configured to set initial behavioral characteristics of the companion object in accordance with the companion object profile, and an update module configured to change behavioral characteristics of the companion object responsive to control commands received from the entertainment system via the communication subsystem.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a signal of light may be emitted from an illumination source of a first transceiver. A second transceiver may detect a signal of light from the first transceiver that exceeds a threshold luminosity; and activate, in response to the detecting of the signal of light that exceeds the threshold luminosity, an illumination source of the second transceiver to illuminate. An intensity of the illumination source of the first transceiver may then be reduced in response to the activating of the illumination source of the second transceiver to illuminate.

Abstract: The invention relates to gaming devices, in particular to toys The device contains a body which moving parts are coupled with. Inductance coils are attached to the inside of the body and the moving parts. The device is equipped with a means of measurement of mutual induction between the coils connected with a computing means designed for determination of mutual position of the specified inductance coils based on mutual induction values, and the computing means is connected to a means designed for creating effects perceivable by the user based on information on mutual position of inductance coils. The gaming device in another variant is physically divided into a controlling part which includes the said body and moving parts in which coils and a means of measurement of mutual induction between coils are located, and a controlled part which includes a means designed for creation of effects perceivable by the user.

Abstract: Toy systems configured to record and edit video are disclosed. In some embodiments, the toy system includes a recording device or module and a playback module. In some embodiments, the toy system includes an action figure with a camera coupled thereto. In some embodiments, the toy system includes a toy vehicle with a camera positioned to record video through the windshield.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a play system representing a character, including multiple distinct physical play units for representing the same character simultaneously, while establishing and preserving the impression that, independent of the physical play units, the character itself has a genuine and unique existence of its own. The invention provides for this property of the play system by permitting only a single play unit to fully represent the dynamic components of the character at any given time. Enabled status can be reversibly transferred from one play unit to another by user command.

Abstract: Provided are an interactive toy whose contents are updated daily, and a method of operating the interactive toy, and more particularly, to an interactive toy in which a wired or wireless communication device and a memory are installed and various contents are downloaded via a web server so as to extract conversation contents from the various contents according to date and other interactive toys and output the extracted conversation contents, and thus allow a user of the interactive toy to engage in conversations with the other users without using an additional conversation contents determining unit, and a method of operating the interactive toy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for using a toy for communicating with a client terminal. The method comprises encoding at least one interacting information as at least one flickering control instruction and using a toy element having a light emitting unit for emitting light according to the at least one flickering control instruction, thereby transmitting the interacting information to a client terminal. The client terminal is configured for capturing the emitted light using an image capturing device and decoding the at least one interacting information therefrom.

Abstract: A toothbrushing monitoring device for a user includes a sensor coupled with the toothbrush for measuring toothbrushing patterns, a recording device coupled with the sensor, and a comparator. The recording device records data relating to the user's preferred toothbrushing patterns in a first mode, which is used to establish toothbrushing pattern reference data. The comparator compares toothbrushing patterns measured by the sensor and the toothbrushing pattern reference data, which may be output to an output device. In one example, the sensor consists of only an accelerometer.

Abstract: A system and subsystems include a server for determining the identity of a media program being received which will provide stimuli to an interactive figure. The system, and the subsystem as well as programmed media which, when executed on a processor, will operate the interactive figure, the system, and subsystems. A master library of sound patterns, preferably housed in a server, provides a reference for a recognition routine to identify, e.g., a particular television show. A control signal library stores commands each corresponding to a distinctive value. The commands initiate actions, e.g., motion, speech, or other response, by operating means in the interactive figure. The server may “push,” or transmit information to a user computer which transmits to and which may receive intelligence from the interactive figure.

Abstract: An entertainment system, methods and computer software products are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, an entertainment system comprises at least one hand held controller with a touch screen interface. In one implementation the hand held controller is a mobile communications device, such as a smartphone or table computer. The system further includes at least one base station unit. The base station unit reads storage data from game character dolls, toys, and accessories. Additionally, a vehicle, toy, or figure, may act as a portal. Multiple portal, multiple character game play with and without accessories is supported for multiple players using different controllers.

Abstract: The Nettie Doll is an eco-friendly cloth doll with out-stretched arms, designed to greet, hug and love children of all ages, is made entirely of fabrics, fibers and threads that are organic, sustainable and/or renewable.

Abstract: A doll with reconfigurable hair and dress is disclosed. The hair is rotatably coupled to the top of the head of the doll and a switch within the head of the doll. Furthermore, the switch is connected to the output mechanism, dictating which output the output mechanism produces. When the hair rotates about the head of the doll, the switch is actuated, changing the output of the output mechanism. Additionally, the dress of the doll is capable from converting from a full gown that folds away to reveal a skirt.

Abstract: A learning plaything set to communicate with similar learning playthings during a game session. The learning plaything comprises a reader which reads a plurality of data marks indicative of a plurality of playing abilities, a memory for storing the plurality of playing abilities, a communication unit which establishes at least one wireless connection with another communication unit of at least one other learning plaything during a game session, a management module which uses the at least one wireless connection to coordinate an outcome to the game session with the at least one other learning plaything according to the stored plurality of playing abilities, and at least one presentation unit which presents at least one plaything action according to the outcome.

Abstract: A figure includes a body with a first portion including an inlet and a second portion including an outlet. The first portion is submersible in a liquid. A conduit extends between the inlet and the outlet. A pump mechanism is coupled to the conduit. The pump mechanism is operable by a user to draw liquid into the inlet, move the liquid through the conduit, and discharge the liquid from the outlet.

Abstract: A toy has a body in the form of a doll or a living being, an audio output to reproduce audio effects, a memory to provide audio data, a controller to control the reproduction of different audio effects based on the reading of the audio data, and a sensor for generating detection signals correlated with the proximity of an object to the toy. The controller is designed in such a way that a selection of the reproduced audio effects depends on an evaluation of the detection signals and of signals generated by a provided interface device that is connected through devices in the play accessories being fed to that controller, and/or being made available for access.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a kit includes a slide device and an action figure coupled to the slide device. The kit also includes a tool configured to modify a shape of a base material such that a path that has a non-zero height is defined within the base material. The action figure and the slide device can collectively slide down at least a portion of the path when disposed on the path. The base material can be, for example, snow or sand. In some embodiments, the tool can include tool body having a length dimension, a width dimension and a height dimension. The length dimension can be greater than the width dimension and the height dimension can be greater than at least half a height dimension of the slide device and the action figure collectively. A handle can be coupled to the tool body.

Abstract: An animal waste bag dispenser wherein a roll of waste bags with the leading waste bag protruding from the center is inserted into a holder with an aperture on one end, and the holder is inserted into a plush animal with a second aperture aligned with the first aperture so that waste bags may be dispensed therefrom.

Abstract: An interactive toy doll is provided having a torso defining a front portion and a back portion. The doll may additionally include legs extending from a lower portion of the torso, an image sensor located on the front portion of the torso, and an image display located on the back portion of the torso. The doll may further include a processor operatively connected to the image sensor and the image display. Additionally, the doll may include legs that may be grasped by a user while leaving the image sensor and the image display exposed so that a user may view an image on the image display while grasping the legs.

Abstract: A doll includes a reconfigurable clothing article coupled thereto. The reconfigurable clothing article can be placed in different configurations relative to the body of the doll. In one configuration, the clothing article can be moved upward and substantially cover an upper portion of the doll body. In another configuration, the clothing article can be moved downward and substantially cover a lower portion of the doll body. In one embodiment, the clothing article may include openings or receiving areas into which the arms of the doll can be inserted. In one embodiment, the clothing article may be placed in intermediate configurations along the body of the doll.

Abstract: A toy figurine includes an internal lighting effect. The internal lighting is visible through the outer surface of the figurine and may be manipulated to produce various lighting effects. The internal lighting includes a lighting layer, a visual effects display layer and a diffusion layer. The light diffusion layer may include an external surface of the toy figurine.

Abstract: The presently disclosed technology is directed towards two-dimensional clothing for a doll that has a portal or passage way for a head and neck of a doll to pass through and which further has shoulder straps that rest on at least one shoulder of the doll. In addition, such a device has a fold line at a line of symmetry between a front side and back side of the clothing which is used to fold the clothing or to adjust the clothing based on the size or fashion style of a doll.

Abstract: Systems and methods for interactive play are provided, including a method of interacting with an action figure. The method includes the steps of providing a base unit having a processor, providing an action figure having a memory which stores data relating to the action figure, communicating the data in the form of communication signals to the processor, and presenting an activity instruction based on the communication signals received, with the activity instruction enacting a real-life activity that the action figure can engage in.

Abstract: A toy figure including one or more appendages each made of a coil spring and a magnet disposed at an end portion of each of the one or more appendages. A plurality of such toy figures may be used in a board game that requires players to position a respective one of the toy figures relative to a game board.

Abstract: A hand operated puppet includes a pair of characters that are interconnected such that when the first character is in a display orientation the other character is in a storage orientation inside the first character. The head of one character is shaped and dimensioned to compressibly store the head of the other character. The head of each character includes an elastic, resilient foam insert shaped and dimensioned to conform to the contour of the face of the character.

Abstract: A composite utility assembly comprises a body in the configuration of a three-dimensional figurine, wherein the three-dimensional figurine comprises one of a plurality of collectable three-dimensional characters. The assembly comprises a utility member having a shaft with a utility end attached to a body that conforms to the shape of one of a plurality of collectable characters, and at least one attachment member for mounting the composite utility assembly to a support surface.

Abstract: An infant simulator capable of emulating the care requirements of an infant and recording the quality ot care and responsiveness of a person caring for the infant simulator and/or signaling the person caring for the infant simulator when care is required. The infant simulator is capable of sensing the unacceptable environmental conditions of exposure to direct sunlight and exposure to temperature extremes and to which the infant simulator is subjected. The infant simulator is also programmed with the ancillary features of multiple behavior modes based upon the historic level of care experienced by the infant, and/or the health of the infant, and perceptibly different demand and distress signals for each type of environmental event.

Abstract: A remotely controlled mobile device control system is disclosed wherein a remote controller of an existing game apparatus is selectively attachable to a remote controlled toy and used for controlling the movement of the remote controlled toy in conjunction with the game apparatus which is used as a central processing unit.

Abstract: An interactive intelligent play set, method and apparatus, is disclosed which includes a principle toy, a plurality of action figures, and/or play accessories. An intelligent play set identifies and tracks action figures and/or play accessories used by a player during a play session, provides interactions based on the specific action figures, accessories, or combinations thereof, used by a player during game play, provides interactions based on the history of how a player has interacted with the set during previous play sessions, and/or enables a player to construct new interactions between the various play pieces of the play set, using basic interactions as building blocks. The specification discloses one preferred embodiment, and three alternate embodiments that are based on one or more of the concepts described herein.

Abstract: A light-weight toy is attached to a player via a near-invisible fixed-length tether, typically using a low-tack adhesive at the ends of the tether. In especially preferred embodiments, the toy has a mechanism that creates an appearance of plausible possibility of flight without actually providing sufficient lift and/or propulsion for flight. Imaginary flight is achieved by manual lifting and moving the toy via the tether. Thus, the tether forms an integral part of the imaginary play for the player and is not used as an implement of a ‘magic trick’ for an audience.

Abstract: A method for specifying a design for an animatronics unit includes receiving motion data comprising artistically determined motions, determining a design for construction of at least a portion of the animatronics unit in response to the motion data, and outputting the design for construction of the animatronics unit.

Abstract: A toy figure assembly is disclosed. The toy figure assembly includes a toy figure and a toy surfboard that can be used with the toy figure. In one embodiment, the toy figure can be coupled to the toy surfboard in an upright or surfing orientation that simulates the toy figure surfing on the toy surfboard. In one embodiment, the toy figure can be coupled to the toy surfboard in a lying orientation that simulates the toy figure paddling on the toy surfboard. In one embodiment, a handle is coupleable to the toy figure to allow a user to move the toy figure into different poses.

Abstract: A detachable garment or accessory for a toy. The garment or accessory includes at least a first front part and a second rear part movable relative to each other via pivot or hinge means on or associated with the parts between an open position, wherein the garment or accessory can be attached to or removed from at least part of the toy, and a closed position, wherein the garment or accessory can be secured to the toy. Each part includes a top edge, a base edge and lateral edges. The pivot or hinge provided between one or more of the lateral edges of the front and rear parts allow at least a portion of the lateral edges of the parts to be separated to form the open position and moved towards each other to form the closed position.

Abstract: A toothbrushing monitoring device for a user includes a sensor coupled with the toothbrush for measuring toothbrushing patterns, a recording device coupled with the sensor, and a comparator. The recording device records data relating to the user's preferred toothbrushing patterns in a first mode, which is used to establish toothbrushing pattern reference data. The comparator compares toothbrushing patterns measured by the sensor and the toothbrushing pattern reference data, which may be output to an output device. In one example, the sensor consists of only an accelerometer.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to frames useful for affixing a garment to figurines such as dolls. In particular, the disclosure relates to play sets comprising a frame of the disclosure and a figurine such as a doll.

Abstract: A remotely controlled mobile device control system is disclosed wherein a remote controller of an existing game apparatus is selectively attachable to a remote controlled toy and used for controlling the movement of the remote controlled toy in conjunction with the game apparatus which is used as a central processing unit.

Abstract: A convertible flower doll has garment including a skirt with layers that may be raised or lowered to convert the doll between a figure resembling a flower and a figure resembling a character. In flower form, the doll sits within a container resembling a flower pot. The doll has legs that wrap together and attach at the ankles to resemble a flower stem. The skirt has features resembling flower petals, and elastic in the lowest layer of the skirt bunches up the skirt layers when raised to resemble a flower.

Abstract: A figurine and play set having an ultraviolet reveal feature is described. The figurine is formed to depict a first state. A reveal pigment is applied to the figurine. The reveal pigment is transparent when in the first state. Importantly, the reveal pigment is applied to the figurine in a shape to depict a second state such that when the reveal pigment is exposed to ultraviolet light, the reveal pigment fluoresces to depict the second state, and when the ultraviolet light is removed from the reveal pigment, the reveal pigment immediately ceases fluorescing and returns to the first state. A reveal pigment can also be applied to a coordinating play set item to reveal features that are otherwise invisible prior to exposure of ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A toy folding umbrella rotatably attached a vehicle base. In one embodiment, the toy folding umbrella has a frame, a central tube, and a cover. Furthermore, the frame comprises a runner slidably attached to the central tube, and at least three ribs with one end of each rib pivotally attached at or near the top of the central tube. Moreover, the folding umbrella rotates from a first configuration to a second configuration when the runner slides on the central tube.

Abstract: An electric toy snail comprises a shell mechanically coupled to a foot and a neck. The shell further comprises a power source and a compartment. The power source is electrically coupled to a motor, a light and a music device.

Abstract: A reconfigurable toy assembly includes an external component having a first portion releaseably coupled to a second portion, the first and second portions forming a cavity when coupled together, and an internal component. A trigger is coupled to the external component. The internal component is reconfigurable between a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration. The internal component is retained in the retracted configuration via a latch and released from the retracted configuration upon actuation of the latch. The internal component is receivable in the cavity in its retracted configuration. The latch is actuatable by activating the trigger, so that the internal component is primed to reconfigure from the retracted configuration to the deployed position upon decoupling of the first and second portions.

Abstract: This invention shows it is possible to use broadcast media to significantly enhance interactive learning or to entertain users while they play with toys or other games or play components. Signal sequences broadcast via the Internet, cable, satellite, or other media can invoke functions in toys while they are being used. These media broadcasts include shows, quizzes, educational or training movies, entertaining or scientific footages, and even broadcasts from radio stations. As interactivity requires feedback, this will be provided by the user playing with the toys or other game devices either by forcing a reaction in the toys themselves or via communication lines into a network. This innovative manner of educating users while they play is provided by the invention's Interactive Play System (IPS). This system consists of hardware and software components and is able to mix “signal-2-function sequences” into any kind of broadcasting media content, whether it is live, streaming, or recorded.

Abstract: Systems and methods for interactive play are provided, including a method of interacting with an action figure. The method includes the steps of providing a base unit having a processor, providing an action figure having a memory which stores data relating to the action figure, communicating the data in the form of communication signals to the processor, and presenting an activity instruction based on the communication signals received, with the activity instruction enacting a real-life activity that the action figure can engage in.