Abstract: An ankle strengthening and rehabilitation exercise device is disclosed. The device is intuitive and simple to use by a patient even without professional medical supervision since the device indicates a specific movement of a foot by pivoting an ankle of the patient. In particular, the device may have an extension member that can be positioned on a frame of the device. The foot of the patient may engage the device. An elastic member may be secured to the extension member and the foot. The direction of the elastic member indicates the direction the foot of the patient should move by pivoting his or her ankle to specifically work or strengthen and exercise a particular ankle muscle of the patient.

Abstract: A toy snake that reproduces the natural movement of a snake as it moves across surface is described. The toy snake comprises a head that is pivotally mounted to a tail and a motor unit located within the head. In a preferred embodiment a body is employed to pivotally mount the head to the tail. The motor unit comprises at least two independently driven wheels located towards opposite sides of the head and the motor unit is configured to introduce a periodic oscillation between the operation of the independently driven wheels. The motor unit may also be configured to operate a tongue that extends out from the head to further increase the realistic nature of the toy. Embodiments of the snake may be adapted for use on land or water.

Abstract: An air bubble operated underwater ornament kit including components for installing an air bubble operated underwater ornament for an aquarium. The kit provides a base, an air supply tube to form air bubbles in the water, and various ornament bodies having respective movement bodies that move upon release of the air bubbles toward each movement body, which include a skeleton riding a motorcycle having a motorcycle underside for a movement body whereby a front wheel of the motorcycle rises; a pair of opposing skeletons with one skeleton having a hand attached to a barrel disposed therebetween for a movement body whereby one skeleton rises and moves toward the other skeleton; and a motorcycle having a rear wheel with blades radially disposed on a tire thereof for a movement body whereby the tire spins.

Abstract: A protective case for a portable electronic device includes a cover having an aperture and sidewalls defining a cavity configured for releasably receiving a portable electronic device. A back plate is removably disposed within the cavity of the cover. The protective case contains at least two supports movably coupled to the protective case, enabling the protective case and electronic device to be positioned in various orientations. The supports pivot independent of each other into deployed or stowed positions.

Abstract: A drive system is presented for controlling rotation of a sphere. The system facilitates holonomic motion of a drive with respect to a sphere such that a holonomic drive or drives may be maintained at a relative position with respect to a sphere. The motion of a sphere may be controlled by controlling the position of a drive with respect to the sphere. The drive may be controlled by way of a controller. A holonomic drive may be urged against a sphere by way magnetic interaction of the holonomic drive and a second structure. Also, a support structure is facilitated that allows a sphere to pass through a support column without breaks or interruptions in the sphere.

Abstract: An artificial eye structure rotates an artificial upper eyelid via the attraction between a number of electromagnetic elements disposed in a line and a magnet. The rotation angle of the artificial upper eyelid can be controlled by selectively magnetizing the electromagnetic elements.

Abstract: A balance device includes an elongated board of generally rectangular shape. The board is a molded construction of glass fibers and plastic. An elongated, longitudinally and downwardly extending track molded integrally with the central part of the bottom of the board fits in an annular groove around a roller on which the board is supported to pivot about a horizontal axis. A removable stop on the board permits the device to be adjusted to restrict the relative movement between the board and a roller to facilitate learning how to balance the board on the roller. In an alternate embodiment, the board includes a timing mechanism and display mounted on the board for tracking and displaying the elapsed time the user remains balanced on the board.

Abstract: A dynamic system for making use of an exercise bicycle supported on front and rear struts, the system permitting the bicycle to sway side to side when ridden vigorously, the system including a first and a second housing for resting on a support surface, a platform retained by each housing, the platform of the first housing serving to receive thereon the bicycle front strut and the platform of the second housing serving to receive thereon the bicycle rear strut, each platform being pivotal end to end and at least one deflectable resilient member engaging each platform and functioning to normally retain the exercise bicycle uprightly.

Abstract: A self-balancing hunting decoy comprised of two vertically attached portions is disclosed. The upper portion depicts the body and appendages of a prey animal. Underneath the upper portion is a lower portion that is a semispherical shell containing a ballast. The decoy sits upright while freestanding on the ground.

Abstract: A vehicle air freshener is constructed to include a bottle holding a color fluid and a volatile liquid perfume floating on the color fluid, a socket fastened to the bottle neck of the bottle to hold an absorptive core member that dissipates the volatile liquid perfume into air outside the bottle, a weight-attached ornament set in the volatile liquid perfume and the color fluid, a base fastened to the bottom side of the bottle and adapted to support the vehicle air freshener on a surface; and a bottle cap fastened to the bottle neck of the bottle around the socket, the bottle cap having a center through hole, which receives the bottleneck of the bottle, and a plurality of wire holes for mounting cord members.

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

Abstract: An asymmetric object, such as a lighter and ashtray, a clock and a base, a model airplane, etc has a base and the object levitates from the base. The base defines an interior space housing a base magnet. A support plate extends perpendicular to the base. The base also defines an interior space housing at least one base magnet. The base magnet is a permanent magnet having a north pole and a south pole. The lighter has an interior space, a base end, a levitating end, and a midpoint. The lighter has a conventional mechanism to create a flame. The lighter has at least one lighter magnet connected thereto. Lighter magnet is a permanent magnet having a north pole and a south pole and the lighter is selectively levitated from the base. Another group of levitated objects are selected from the group comprised of a toothbrush, hairbrush, comb, razor, lipstick, ruler, calculator, calendar, photograph frame, notepad and flashlight.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a captive propelled model is provided comprising a balancing member having a pivoting pin disposed between two ends of the balancing member. A figurine having an actuator and at least one actuable member is disposed near one end of the balancing member, and a counterweight is disposed near the opposite end. A platform for the device includes wiring for connecting a power supply to the actuator. In a further embodiment of the invention, a conductive member is disposed so as to receive the pivoting pin and thereby establish an axis of rotation about which the balancing member rotates when propelled by the actuable member. The conductive surface is also in contact with a drag-line or the like that is suspended from the balancing member to establish an electrical ground for the power supply circuit.

Abstract: The present invention is a trim adjustment mechanism to balance a toy vehicle. One vehicle has a platform supporting two wheels in line along a central longitudinal vertical plane through the platform. The trim adjustment mechanism has a weight holder slideably supported by the platform to move transversely to the central vertical plane. A weight member is engaged with the weight holder for slideable movement with the weight holder. An adjustment lever has a first end operably coupled with the weight holder. The adjustment lever is pivotable about the first end such that rotation of the adjustment lever causes sliding side-to-side movement of the weight member, whereby a user can effectuate side-to-side movement of the weight member within the vehicle with the adjustment lever in order to balance the vehicle and enhance the stability of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention—Ayurvedic Scale—is a machine that physically represents or models the philosophical essence of the ancient science and philosophy of Ayurveda in the form of a tri-armed scale. The Ayurvedic Scale's primary function is to assist users in determining and visually representing their current spiritual state as well as their underlying Ayurvedic body type, which are both helpful in evaluating immediate choices using Ayurvedic philosophy. It also serves to act as a visual model in helping users to more clearly understand the complexities of Ayurveda, to provide a physical reminder of Ayurveda's suggested foci in the user's life, and to act as a decorative model, which reflects the owner's interest in Ayurveda. The invention is meant to embody two of Ayurveda's core foci—simplicity and balance.

Abstract: A yo-yo includes an outer ring, a support arm extending inwardly from the outer ring and a disc supported within the outer ring by the support arm. In addition, a region on the outer ring adjacent the support arm is thinner then another region on the outer ring opposite the support arm to compensate for any additional weight defined by the support arm. Furthermore, the outer ring is defined as having a cavity and the disc has an overall shape smaller then the cavity such that the disc appears to be suspended within the outer ring.

Abstract: A bubble-blowing apparatus for use in blowing bubbles from bubble solution may be provided with a bubble solution container capable of holding a volume of bubble solution and having a rounded bottom surface and a container side wall that at least partially defines an interior volume. The container may have a weight distribution, when the internal volume of the container is at least partially filled with bubble solution, that causes the container to automatically move to an upright position from a tilted position angularly displaced from the upright position. The apparatus may also be provided with a cap member that is capable of being attached to the bubble solution container and a bubble wand having a bubble-blowing orifice disposed therein.

Abstract: A toy device (10) is provided having a housing (11) having a top viewing side (12) and a bottom side (13). The housing (11) has a cavity (15) therein having an annular array of light reflecting surfaces (16). Mounted concentrically within the annular array of light reflecting surfaces is a rotatable sphere (18) having a decorative pattern thereon. The housing cavity (15) has an opening (19) extending from the bottom side (13) sized and shaped to allow a portion of the sphere (18) to extend past the housing bottom side (13).

Abstract: A diving stick of the type which, after being tossed into a swimming pool, sinks to the bottom while maintaining an upright posture so that it can easily be grasped by a diver, includes a soft malleable outer body designed to prevent accidental impalement, and provisions for enabling the diving stick to sink and maintain an upright posture at the bottom of the pool despite the buoyancy of the soft malleable material.

Abstract: A molded rubber toy is formed with a hemispherical base, a shaft extending upwardly from the base, a spoke-like array of arms extending from the shaft and a bumper formed on the top end of the shaft The arms limit the tipping movement of the base, and the base is heavier than the combined weights of the shaft, arms and bumper so that the weight of the base rolls the toy back onto the center of its spherical base surface and into an upright position when the toy is upset from its upright at-rest position.

Abstract: A balancing toy has a base with an upwardly-extending, elongated support member upon which an assembly of a body portion and a plurality of balancing members having weights attached thereto can be balanced. The weights can be removably attachable to outward ends of the balancing members, or can be permanently attached to, or integrally formed with the balancing members. The balancing members can be rigid and can be attached to the body portion in a plurality of locations to alter the center of gravity of the assembly of the body portion and the balancing members. Alternatively, the balancing members can include deformable support arms to alter the positions of the weights relative to the body portion.

Abstract: A pet food feeding apparatus, which includes a bowl-like base having a flat bottom wall, a hollow top cover shell covered on the base, the top cover shell having a plurality of outlets spaced around the periphery, a pan mounted in between the base and the top cover shell to hold pet food, and a weight fixedly fastened to the base at the center for enabling the center of gravity of the pet food feeding apparatus to be kept at the center of the flat bottom wall of the base, such that the pet food feeding apparatus is oscillated to force pet food out of the outlets when the pet touches or pushes the pet food feeding apparatus.

Abstract: A liquid-type rocking ornament includes a transparent container and a seat assembled to a bottom of the container. The transparent container has a dual-liquid and some floating decorative articles seal therein. Differently shaped recess, hole or slit may be formed on outer surface of the transparent container at suitable position for holding clips, pen or cards. The seat includes a semispherical shell and a weight fixedly connected near an inner bottom center of the shell, so that the whole liquid-type ornament could rock under a minor push without easily tumbling over. The liquid in the rocking ornament presents dynamic and interesting scenes that last for a period of time in the transparent container.

Abstract: A self-righting remote control vehicle including a chassis, paired front and rear wheels rotatably mounted on the respective left and right sides of the chassis, and an upwardly tapered, generally pyramidal-shaped body mounted on the chassis. Each of the wheels has a peripheral portion which extends beyond the lower rear and side edge margins of the body such that when the vehicle is rolled over, a portion of at least one of the wheels normally engages the supporting surface. The vehicle further includes two separate drive systems for respectively rotatably driving the left and right pairs of front and rear wheels, and still further includes a remote control receiver for receiving control signals from a remote control transmitter and a controller for selectively independently controlling the separate drive systems responsive to the control signals received.

Abstract: A powered infant mobile that includes a number of detachable mobile elements to allow a child to hold and play with the mobile elements when desired. Because removal of one or more mobile elements from the infant mobile can unbalance the mobile, the powered infant mobile is provided with balancing elements that are positionable by a user to allow the user to balance the mobile after removing one or more of the mobile elements.

Abstract: A pneumatic bop bag which rests on the ground and simulates a humanoid figure having a head, the bag being normally erect. When a player punches the head, the bag is caused to swing to a degree that depend on the force of the punch, the bag then swinging back to resume its erect position. The bag is formed by a collapsible fabric casing having an upper head zone, an intermediate torso zone and a base zone that rests on the ground. The head and torso zones are occupied by an inflated balloon which conforms to the contours of these zones to cause the bag to assume a three-dimensional shape. Confined within the base zone is a weighted convex dish whose center pole which engages the ground is normally aligned with a vertical axis. When the bag is punched and swings away from this vertical axis, the gravitational force imposed on the dish causes the bag to return to its normal position whereby it is again erect.

Abstract: An ornament is shaped to be in balance about a surface point that is adapted to engage an upstanding projection. In one preferred embodiment, the ornament is formed from paper and is in the shape of a bird. The surface point is located at the bird's beak. The beak is adapted to engage the drinking edge of a vessel such as a glass. The center of mass of the bird is located below the surface point so that the bird has a stable equilibrium. The bird has a flat tail positioned to face upward. The tail may be written on, making the bird suitable for use a place indicator on a table at a formal function.

Abstract: A unique biomechanical balancing and exercising device for rehabilitating body muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints in the ankles, legs, knees, and back in order to strengthen these areas to prevent injury. The balancing and exercising device comprises a rectangular shaped platform with a central opening therethrough to accommodate a semi flexible ball member. The platform utilizes a semi flexible ball member so that the individual has the ability to balance in numerous directions and have the angle of drop much steeper. A pair of ball-shaped rigid members are mounted on the platform and located adjacent to and on opposite sides of the central opening for balancing on and securing the semi flexible ball member therebetween. The platform is placed on top of the semi flexible ball member such that the central opening accommodates a top portion of the semi flexible ball member, and thereby allows the platform to be independently tilted or pivoted front-to-back up to a 25.degree.

Abstract: A balancing toy set in which a number of balancing members are interconnected on a support and are dependent upon one another for the stable equilibrium of the set. The invention can be constructed in a variety of forms ranging from a simple toy for preschool children to a complex puzzle for adults. The invention is useful both as an amusement device and as an educational tool.

Abstract: A jigsaw puzzle sculpture comprising a plurality of interlocking pieces with a suspension point which is oriented relative to the center of gravity of the assembled puzzle sculpture. The suspension point is provided for display of the figure on a display means such as a horizontal rod member, or vertical balancing point, thereby replicating the natural posture, position, stance or carriage of the replicated figure. In the preferred embodiment, the puzzle sculpture replicates a living or extinct creature, such as an exotic, endangered, or extinct bird, which perches on a branch in a natural position.

Abstract: A base unit for supporting an infant carrier seat comprising a housing member having a bottom curved surface for rocking on a generally flat support surface, an upper central portion on which an infant carrier seat is removably mountable, an endless pathway that circumscribes said central portion, a weight and a motor to move along the weight in a closed loop at a selected predetermined rate of travel. The weight in the preferred form is a toy train unit with open topped box cars that removably hold a supply of weights. A sound generator on the train provides music and/or train whistle simulation. An infant can be entertained by the train travelling around the infant, by sounds generated by the train and the infant is rocked, all at the same time. The motion of the train travelling around the infant can be used to check responses of the infant as can also the movement of sound relative to the infant.

Abstract: A rocking ornament in a tray, which comprises a tray with an ornamental pattern, and the front recess portion of the tray is mounted with a rocking member; the back side of the rocking member has an elongate slot, which is to be engaged with a stud on an eccentric wheel connected with transmission device in a mechanism chamber behind the tray; the lower part of the rocking member has a through hole for receiving a screw spindle with a shaft, and the screw spindle is to be fastened to the tray as a supporting shaft to the rocking member; the rocking member can move circularly with the stud on the eccentric wheel simultaneously upon of the transmission device in the mechanism chamber driving the eccentric wheel, and then the rocking member will sway laterally and regularly.

Abstract: The musical rocking chair has a body support provided with a seat, a pair of sidewalls and a back projecting upwardly from the seat. The sidewalls of the base are spaced apart to provide with the seat a cavity within the body support. The sidewalls have ground engaging surfaces to permit the body support to rock back and forth when manipulated by a person occupying the seat. A concertina musical instrument is located within the cavity and includes a pair of keyboard operated music boxes and a bellows system for supplying air to the music boxes when the body support is rocked forwards and backwards. A movable bellows actuating plate is engageable with the ground.

Abstract: A display device suitable for attachment to headwear having a self-contained power source, a reciprocating arm powered by the self-contained power source, and a display symbol at the wagging end of the reciprocating arm. The display device may also have one or more additional reciprocating arms or an audio source, and the display symbols may be permanently attached, replaceable or interchangeable.

Abstract: A ridable toy which is adapted to be rocked by a child has a body on which the child may sit to rock the toy, a translucent portion, and a centrifugally operated light display visible through the translucent portion. The light display is caused to spin and light up by an arcuate rack drive system which is responsive to the rocking motion induced in the toy by the child.

Abstract: A plastic stick based toy formed of injection molded plastic, and consisting of one 36 inch stick, four injection molded plastic poles which extend out from the top of the stick, evenly spaced, at 90 degree angles, and four linked chains which extend downward vertically from the ends of each of the four plastic poles. A rounded bottom is attached at the base of the stick to make the stick difficult to control when it is tilted. Four rubber tips are attached to the free ends of the four poles to prevent eye injury. The sucessful contestant is able to maintain the stick in a correct vertical balance on the tip end of the middle finger. The contestant is disqualified, however, when either of the chains touches the stick, or when the stick makes contact with any other object, or when the stick loses contact at any time with the balancing finger.

Abstract: A self-righting carousel toy having an eccentrically mounted internal weight for inducing oscillation of the toy about an upright position upon rotation of the weight relative to the base. The toy includes a drive mechanism for selectively rotating a display assembly relative to the base, independent of the self-righting forces.

Abstract: The invention is a liquid swing decoration having a partially liquid filled hollow bar which pivots at a central portion on a base stand. Magnets are attached at both ends of the bar and magnets are also located in the base stand. The base stand magnets are connected to supporting racks at one end while cam rods are connected to the other end of the supporting rods. Springs dampen the movement of the supporting rods. The effects of the magnets allows the liquid filled hollow bar to wag for long periods of time after it has been set in motion, so that the liquid inside the hollow bar can either shake vigorously or mildly to produce a gentle wave-like motion for decoration and visual pleasure.

Abstract: A word game playing piece having at least one gravity-stable playing position, at least one gravity-unstable playing position, and a holder that supports the playing piece in its gravity-unstable position. The playing piece is provided with word game indicia, concealed when the playing piece is in its gravity-stable playing position, and revealed when the playing piece is supported in its gravity-unstable playing position by the holder. The player piece is automatically self-righting from gravity-unstable to gravity-stable position to minimize the exposure of its indicia to view.

Abstract: A toy includes a tiltable structure having a generally flat surface and an upstanding rim disposed about the periphery of the flat surface, an inverted cup-like member having an open bottom, and a ball disposed partially within the cup-like member and partially therebelow. The ball is configured for free rolling motion over the flat surface within the confines of the upstanding rim when the flat surface is tilted relative to the horizontal. The ball is dimensioned to continuously support at least some portion of the bottom of the cup-like member spaced above the flat surface, whereby movement of the ball over the flat surface carries with it the cup-like member which moves over the flat surface with a wobbling sliding movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stuffed toy configured generally in the shape of the "wishbone" of a bird. The toy includes stuffed flexible elongated legs with a face at the apex of the wishbone. The legs are curved in an arc with a convex lower side facing in a downward direction in side view so that the toy may be rocked back and forth on a support surface. The toy may be used in a variety of ways, such as a pillow or cushion wherein the legs wrap around the neck of a user. Also, the legs may be twisted pretzel-like to simulate a leg crossing position.

Abstract: An ornamental figure is mounted on a vertical support rod extending upwardly from a rocker base assembly comprised of a cross plate, a pair of cross braces and a pair of rocker members which may be quickly assembled without requiring glue or fasteners.

Abstract: Th present invention is related to a modification made on a regular toy tumbler to let the toy tumbler be equipped with a sound generating IC controlled by a plate spring type microswitch. When the toy tumbler stands still, the microswitch is OFF, and no sound is generated. When the toy tumbler is rocking, the microswitch is ON, and the sound generating IC is triggered to provide audio signal through an electronic speaker. Matching with the innovative outer appearance, the toy tumbler is bestowed with a new life.

Abstract: A cat toy with an ovate-shaped configuration having a weight inserted into a recessed area in the front section and a tail piece protruding from the rear section. When manipulated by a cord attached in a front to rear through configuration, the toy moves and rolls in unpredictable ways creating an enticing toy cats will chase.

Abstract: A set of stackable blocks in which there is a subset of blocks each having its center of mass offset from where the center of mass would be located if the block had a uniform mass distribution. In other aspects, the distribution of mass in one block can be shifted, and the blocks bear arbitrary symbols indicative of the characteristics of their mass distributions.

Abstract: The game utilizes free-standing game pieces to enhance a player's options when there are a less than a desirable number of participants for a traditional field game. Each of the game pieces is composed of a lightweight material for easy positioning. The game pieces are large enough to serve as both a target and an obstacle. The game pieces are also constructed with a flexible support means to both cushion contact with a human player or the game object and lessen the possibility of the game pieces breaking upon such contact. The game pieces are connected to a base that disconnects upon contact capable of breaking the support means. Rules for use of the game pieces are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-righting flywheel motor operated toy vehicle includes attitude restoration components at the rear thereof, the vehicle having the center of gravity thereof along the longitudinal centerline thereof. A first component includes an attitude restoration plate configured in the form of a spoiler member attached at the rear of the vehicle above the rear wheels and having a width greater than the distance between the outer sides of the wheels for enabling the maintaining of a slight elevational angle of the vehicle when on either side, with a corner of the driving wheel on that side in contact with the surface. The force of the driving wheel tends to self-right the vehicle.

Abstract: A tubular casing which is designed to be stable in an upright position it has a bottom portion with an axial opening into which is forcibly fitted an axial spigot on a base member which engages the bottom portion. An annular ballast weight is fitted around the spigot and is held in place on it by the bottom portion; the ballast weight may have claws on its inside to engage the spigot, which can be of tapering form and has latching members to hold it in the opening.

Abstract: This invention is a turtle-shaped figurine that includes an arcuately rounded underside surface positioned for rocking the turtle forwardly-rearwardly about a transverse axis.

Abstract: A toy including a base portion having a spherically contoured lower surface with a generally flattened portion at the center thereof and an upper surface with a centrally positioned post, and a plurality of other members, each of like configuration, but of different sizes, each being provided on the undersurface thereof with a centrally positioned cup-shaped socket portion configured for generally interlocking with the post, and on the upper surface thereof with a generally centrally positioned post. A figure member is provided with a cup-shaped socket portion in the bottom thereof for engagement with the post of the uppermost other member.