Abstract: In an aspect, a toy assembly is provided, and includes a housing and a toy vehicle inside the housing. The housing has a movable housing portion, and at least one functional element that is movable and is separate from the movable housing portion. The toy vehicle has a drive wheel that, when driven in a first rotational direction causes the drive wheel to drive movement of the functional element so as to carry out a function without driving movement of the toy vehicle towards the movable housing portion, and when driven in a second rotational direction causes the drive wheel to drive the vehicle towards the movable housing portion.

Abstract: In an aspect, a toy assembly is provided, and includes a housing and a toy vehicle inside the housing. The housing has a movable housing portion, and at least one functional element that is movable and is separate from the movable housing portion. The toy vehicle has a drive wheel that, when driven in a first rotational direction causes the drive wheel to drive movement of the functional element so as to carry out a function without driving movement of the toy vehicle towards the movable housing portion, and when driven in a second rotational direction causes the drive wheel to drive the vehicle towards the movable housing portion.

Abstract: A toy made from a hollow tube configured as a substantially circular toroid with an open center portion and an air gap defined by a segment of arc removed between an input end and an output end of the tube. The tube is shaped such that a ball sized to roll unimpeded through the hollow interior can be maintained in circulation by imparting a small parallel oscillatory motion with a hand when gripped by a user's fingers.

Abstract: A dual-mode suspension system using hydraulic dampers is disclosed. One or more dampers on each side of the four-wheel suspension system are coupled to a respective damper on the other side via a damper valve. One or more leaf springs may be arranged between the leading links coupled to some of the dampers, and trailing links coupled to other of the dampers. The suspension system may advantageously engage, lock, or partially disengage the respective dampers connected by the valve on each side of the system. Manipulating the valve to control engagement of the dampers, which may depend on the speed and related issues, provides control over whether heave motions should be separated from roll. In another embodiment, one or more single or double acting hydraulic cylinders may be used to engage dampers.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a two-stage molded pet toy, which consists of a hard plastic liner which is primarily molded and a flexible material mantle which is secondarily molded and sleeves the liner, wherein the liner is a hollow shell formed by mutually butting half shells of upper and lower parts, openings are formed in its two opposite ends, multiple ribs are arranged perpendicular to a length direction of the liner in the liner, nicks are formed in all of the ribs, openings are also formed in two ends of the mantle respectively, and the openings in the two ends of the mantle correspond to the openings in the two ends of the liner respectively. The pet toy is multifunctional, and has both teething and food leakage functions; and in addition, the pet toy has advantages of the hard and flexible materials, and is multifunctional.

Abstract: A wireless controller includes a handle portion to be held in one or both hands. The wireless controller also includes a gyroscope to output rotation information indicative of rotation of the handle about a steering axis, an accelerometer to output acceleration information, and a magnetometer to output magnetic bearing information. The wireless controller also includes a communication subsystem to wirelessly transmit sensor data to a computing device. The sensor data represents one or more of the rotation information, the acceleration information, and the magnetic bearing information such that the acceleration information is useable to attenuate gyroscopic drift when the handle has a first orientation and the magnetic bearing information is useable to attenuate gyroscopic drift when the handle has a second orientation.

Abstract: A system and method for incentivizing charitable giving based on physical activity includes a computer and a sports ball associated with a first participant identifier. The sports ball includes a sensor that detects and logs activity data. The activity data is received by the computer, and in further transmitted to a server. The server stores the received activity data in a participant record associated with the first participant identifier and assigns a plurality of credits to the participant record associated with the first participant identifier based on the activity data stored in the participant record. Software executing on the server generates a report based on the credits assigned to the participant record associated with the first participant identifier and transmits the report to a participant computer associated with the first participant identifier.

Abstract: A device includes a signaling means and a motion sensor, and logic for activating or controlling the signaling means in response to a sensed motion according to an embedded logic. The device may be used as a toy, and may be shaped like a play ball or as a handheld unit. It may be powered from a battery, either chargeable from an AC power source directly or contactless by using induction or by converting electrical energy from harvested kinetic energy. The embedded logic may activate or control the signaling means, predictably or randomly, in response to sensed acceleration magnitude or direction, such as sensing the crossing of a preset threshold or sensing the peak value. The visual means may be a numeric display for displaying a value associated with the count of the number of times the threshold has been exceeded or the peak magnitude of the acceleration sensed.

Abstract: A self-propelled device can include a spherical housing, an internal drive system, and an inertial measurement unit. The self-propelled device can determine an initial frame of reference for the self-propelled device in a three-dimensional coordinate system. The self-propelled device can further receive control inputs from a controller device, translate the control inputs into commands to maneuver the self-propelled device, and implement the commands on the internal drive system to cause the spherical housing to rotate about each axis of the three-dimensional coordinate system. Utilizing the IMU, the self-propelled device can maintain an awareness of an orientation of the spherical housing relative to the initial frame of reference as the spherical housing rotates about each axis of the three-dimensional coordinate system.

Abstract: A light transmission system for a light emitting game ball provides light passageways extending outwardly from an elongate cavity within the game ball adapted for containing an elongate light source. The shape of each passageway at the exterior surface of the ball is substantially different from the shape of the corresponding joining aperture formed by the intersection of the passageway and the cavity.

Abstract: A transformable toy with an alterable exterior structure. The toy is constructed to transform from a non-rollable first shape to a second rollable shape. An interior structure inside the exterior structure includes two or more exterior wall portions that collectively define a sphere, the wall portions moveably coupled relative to each and actuated by a triggering mechanism reactive to a magnetic force that is initiated external to the toy, and a biasing member that effects a force which transitions the wall portions to control the exterior structure—from a non-rollable (e.g., half-sphere or the like) first shape to a rollable (e.g., sphere or the like) second shape. Without initiation of the magnetic force, the first shape is maintained. With initiation of the magnetic force, the first shape transforms to the second shape.

Abstract: A toy vehicle has a body, at least one wheel associated with the body, a panel having at least one opening, and an actuation system positioned inside the body. The actuation system has a power source, a switch and a controller coupled to the switch and the power source. An eye module is positioned inside the body and coupled to the controller, the eye module having at least one eye positioned adjacent the opening, and mechanism for causing the eye to move when the switch is turned on to actuate the system.

Abstract: A toy carrying mechanism to carry a toy includes a carrying body, a movable deck, a support post and a holding member. The carrying body includes a housing, a lift member located on the housing and a wheel set exposed out of the bottom of the housing. The movable deck is located on the carrying body to carry the toy and coupled with the lift member. The movable deck and carrying body form an included angle between them. The support post is mounted onto the movable deck. The holding member is coupled with the support post and the toy. The movable deck is driven by the lift member to allow the included angle to be changed. The toy is held on the movable deck and swayable in a tilted movement. Thus the toy can be moved when holding on the movable deck to increase fun for children during playing.

Abstract: A combined seat with compression device for interactively actuating a sound effects unit incorporated into a ride on toy vehicle as a user bounces up and down on the combined seat with compression device. The toy includes a frame for a ride-on toy vehicle, a sound effects unit having a housing secured to the frame, a seat secured to the frame and movable between first and second positions, an actuating mechanism attached at the seat for engagement with the sound effects unit, and a deformable compression device positioned at the seat capable of depressing as the seat is moved from the first the position to the second position to interactively activate the sound effects unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of operating a toy. One disclosed method includes receiving a trigger signal for an event from another toy; determining whether a previous trigger signal has been received; and providing a feedback to the trigger event based on the determination of receipt of the previous trigger signal. Apparatuses are also disclosed for performing the method.

Abstract: An educational and entertaining toy vehicle that includes a body member that is designed for including a mechanical music movement. The music movement is coupled to the rear axle via a gear system that winds the spring of the music movement through a first gear ratio while pushing the vehicle in the reverse direction and propels the vehicle through a second gear ratio on release of the vehicle. The release of said spring is controlled by a speed regulator. The toy vehicle is further enhanced by including a toy figure that is representative of the included tune and a lenticular image that wraps around a substantial portion of the top of said vehicle.

Abstract: A remote control ball assembly includes a housing, an actuating device having a circuit board disposed in the housing and having a processing device and a signal receiving device attached to the circuit board, two motors each include a wheel attached to a spindle and contacted with the housing, and a radio transmitter includes another processing device and an angle detector and a signal emitting device attached to another circuit board for detecting a status of the radio transmitter and for emitting the status signal to the signal receiving device, which then actuates the motors and the wheels to operate or to move the housing on land and on water without being operated by the fingers of the user.

Abstract: A simulated mouse toy having a prerecorded sound chip therein is provided which emits a prerecorded sound upon physical movement, such as when swatted, rolled or carried, to encourage pets to continue to play. An illumination device, such as luminescent or chemiluminescent coatings or light emitting diodes (LED's) are operatively connected in conjunction the prerecorded sound chip to simultaneously provide a blinking visual stimulation.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and computer program product for an interactive toy vehicle that provides new structures and combinations of features for enhancing education and amusement, particularly for an improved small-scale vehicle toy that produces feedback (e.g., sounds or lights and a motorized output event) directly related to the amount of a child's input. The apparatus, method, and computer program product for a toy vehicle includes: a chassis; a motive element, coupled to the chassis, for moving the chassis; an impulse detector for generating an impulse signal responsive to one or more impulses applied to the chassis; and a controller, coupled to the chassis and responsive to the impulse signal, for: counting a number N of impulse signals received during a setup period; determining an operational mode responsive to the number N; setting a duty mode for the motive element responsive to the operational mode.

Abstract: An educational and entertaining toy vehicle that includes a body member that is designed for including a mechanical music box. The music box is designed so it is coupled via a ratchet clutch and gears to at least one vehicle wheel. The forward rotation of such wheels drives the music box. Reversing the vehicle winds a spring. This spring drives the music box and vehicle forward on release. The release of said spring is controlled by a speed regulator. The toy vehicle of this invention includes rubber like material on the surfaces of the wheels with debossed numerals, letters or symbols. These replaceable rubber like tires provide increased friction and a means for printing such debossed characters when the vehicle is moved. The toy vehicle is further enhanced by including a toy figure that is representative of the included tune.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus for use with a toy having a movable steering mechanism includes an indicating mechanism for indicating to a user to move the steering mechanism in a first direction. A first sensor is then capable of detecting a movement of the steering mechanism and of outputting first information indicative of the detected direction of motion of the steering mechanism. An alert mechanism is then used for alerting the user on the basis of the first information when (i) the direction of motion of the steering mechanism does not correspond to the indicated direction of motion, and/or (ii) the direction of motion of the steering mechanism corresponds to the indicated direction of motion.

Abstract: A traveling apparatus, including a housing, first and second wheels, a wheel driving section, and a control section. The first and second wheels are supported for individual rotation in one and the other direction around a common axis on the housing. The wheel driving section is configured to drive the first and second wheels to rotate individually. The control section is configured to control the wheel driving section and is operable to control, when traveling of the housing which is traveling is to be stopped, the wheel driving section to drive the first and second wheels to rotate in different conditions from each other so that the housing is revolved toward a first one of the leftward and rightward directions with respect to a traveling direction of the housing once and then revolved toward a second one of the leftward and rightward directions to stop the housing.

Abstract: An entertainment device consisting of a track for rolling marbles. The track may be configured onto at least one support surface, such as walls, tables, doors, floors, and vertically or horizontally oriented rod-like structures, such as the branches of a tree. The three dimensional track configurations may consist of at least one interconnected substantially vertical and substantially horizontal support surface.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus for use with a toy having a movable steering means, the apparatus including: indicating means for indicating to a user to move the steering means in a first direction; a first sensor capable of detecting a movement of the steering means and of outputting first information indicative of the detected direction of motion of the steering means; and alert means for alerting the user on the basis of the first information when (i) the direction of motion of the steering means does not correspond to the indicated direction of motion, and/or (ii) the direction of motion of the steering means corresponds to the indicated direction of motion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling a mobile body that travels around a sound source which generates a sound. This apparatus includes a traveling information producer for producing traveling information, which is information about traveling of the mobile body; a direction estimator for estimating a direction in which the mobile body is located with respect to the sound source; and a position determiner for determining a position of the mobile body using the traveling information and the estimated direction of the mobile body.

Abstract: A reality generating device wherein a traveling toy with a chassis and a body includes: an operation sound generating unit for generating operation sounds of the traveling toy during operation; a vibration generating unit attached to the body for causing the body to vibrate; and a travel driving unit provided on the body for causing the traveling toy to travel. If desired, operation sounds and vibrations are simultaneously generated for enhanced reality of the traveling toy.

Abstract: An apparatus uses a guide toy vehicle and has a smart floor environment. The smart floor environment is filled with location tags. Data can be found in a back-end database for location tags of an exhibit unit through a wireless network. The data comprise multimedia information to improve learning. Thus, with the present invention students can have better learning for achieving a default teaching goal.

Abstract: An illuminated toy is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the toy has a body, and may have one or more wheels rotatably thereto such that the body may rest upon the one or more wheels and may be conveyed about by the one or more wheels. The toy includes a sound module adapted to generate sound, and a light source is located about the body. The light source cooperates with the sound module to emit light in coordination with the sound generated by the sound module. For example, the light source may be switched on and off in coordination with the beat of sound in the form of music.

Abstract: There is provided a device for enhancing a reality of the toy by realizing the sounds and the oscillation of the real article. The device provides an actuation sound generating unit for generating an actuation sound when the toy is actuated and an oscillation generating unit for realizing the oscillation of the running drive unit to generate the actuation sound and the oscillation simultaneously in order enhance the reality of the running toy.

Abstract: A method of making a toy ball having a toy figurine fixed therein includes the steps of: preparing an upper mold and a lower mold; preparing a toy figurine; inserting and fixing the toy figurine to an iron needle of the lower mold; injecting liquid polyurethane glue into the upper mold, combing the lower mold with the upper mold, and turning the combined mold upside down; placing the combined mold on a rotational molding machine for spin-molding the polyurethane glue; cooling the liquid polyurethane glue, and then opening the upper mold and taking out the toy ball from the lower mold; injecting liquid doping with glitter powder or fluorescent powder into the toy ball; sealing a through hole of the toy ball using a plastic sealing needle and then cutting a part of the plastic sealing needle that remains outside the toy ball.

Abstract: A speech or phrase emitting celebration device, in the nature of a piñata, includes a longitudinal axial channel within which is placed a complementally sized integrated circuit (“IC”) including a library of pre-programmed voice chips having phrases selected by random. The circuit is responsive to impacts or shocks upon a fanciful housing of the device sufficient to actuate a shock sensor switch thereof. A speaker, in electrical communication with the circuit board of the integrated circuit, is in mechanical communication with a speaker at an end of the channel so that the emitted phrase may be heard by those in the vicinity of the device. A hollow cylindrical sensor may be disposed within the interior channel to provide appropriate input to the shock sensor switch, or a more sensitive discrete element sensor may be used.

Abstract: A toy is provided having a motion detector that detects motion of the toy and generates a signal indicative of the motion. There is a visual display that is capable of selectively producing a visual output and an audio system capable of producing an audible output corresponding to, and descriptive of, the visual output.

Abstract: A security alarm device is replicated in a toy vehicle. The security device includes a remote control which also can control vehicle functions. The remote control may control alarm arm and disarm, alarm and vehicle sounds such as arm, disarm, alarm set off, engine revving, tire screeching, motor drive, and vehicle lights. The security alarm device includes an LED which indicates whether the alarm is armed or unarmed, and a motion sensor which sets the alarm off (e.g., emitting a siren sound) when the toy vehicle is moved in its armed state.

Abstract: A toy train accessory for use with a toy train is provided and has at least one track section disposed across the accessory and connectable to a toy train track. A slot is formed in the track section, and an upwardly spring biased sensor is disposed in the slot. At least one entertainment device such as a light or sound generator is connectable to the sensor. When a toy train passes over the sensor on the track, the entertainment device is activated.

Abstract: A rolling toy includes a chassis, an electric power source attached to the chassis, a remote signal receiver, an electric motor attached to the chassis and receiving power from the power source in response to a signal received by the remote signal receiver, a pair of riding surface-engaging wheels mounted co-axially to the chassis and capable of rotating independently of one another, and wherein at least one of the wheels is driven to rotate by the electric motor, and a dome-shaped profile formed on each wheel and adapted to bear upon the riding surface to assist in righting the toy, should it topple in use.

Abstract: This invention relates to an inexpensive toy track vehicle with optical sensors for use on a printed track, and a method for controlling the vehicle on a printed track.

Abstract: A golf ball novelty item including a spherical housing having an exterior appearance of a golf ball and which is approximately the same size as a conventional golf ball. A motion sensor is provided in the interior compartment of the golf ball which senses human intrusion into a specified area around the housing. A voice producing and emitting means is operatively connected to the motion sensor so that the voice producing and emitting means will emit a predetermined message when a human intrudes into the specified area around the housing. Preferably, a ground stake is secured to the golf ball for anchoring the golf ball.

Abstract: A sound activated toy vehicle includes a body, a chassis, and a motor. The chassis accommodates the body and has at least a front wheel and a rear wheel. The motor is drivingly connected to at least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel. The toy vehicle also includes a sound transducer configured to generate an electrical signal in response to detected sound. The toy vehicle also includes a controller having an input electrically connected to the sound transducer and an output electrically connected to the motor. The controller changes the output to the motor when the electrical signal is received by the input from the sound transducer. The toy vehicle also includes a vehicle accessory having an exterior portion. The vehicle accessory is mounted for movement between a first position and a second position by mechanical power from the motor.

Abstract: A programmable device such as a toy or novelty item has a keyboard which can be activated by a user to set up any one or multiple different motions of the toy. Sounds and lights can be activated to coordinate with the movement. The toy can be a car or other device capable of moving in the environment. The keyboard can also be used to play a game of skill, for instance, shooting at a target.

Abstract: A ball toy 10 intended for use by pets that is molded of a flexible, resilient material, containing a hollow cavity inside 22. Attached to the hollow cavity is a squeaker 20. The squeaker 20 is activated by air rushing through it, into and out of the hollow cavity within the ball, as the ball 10 is squeezed and released. The ball. 10 is essentially round, allowing it to roll freely and easily in any direction. The ball 10 has features molded in relief on its outer surface 12 which resemble the face 14, legs 16, and tail 18 of an animal. The protruding features 14, 16, 18 cause the ball 10 to roll in a slightly erratic manner and may cause a light pitter-patter sound when the ball 10 rolled on a smooth surface, thus creating a resemblance to a small scurrying animal.

Abstract: A pet toy capable of being moved or rollably deployed about the floor or room or which may be hung from a support as a swingable toy. A housing is provided having an audible sound generator with vents through which sound or light is conducted so as to be sensed by a sensor for actuation of the sound generation. A diaphragm receives motion airwaves, while a photo-electric cell carried on the housing receives light waves. The sound generating device is included in an interior housing along with the sensor and is mounted on a platform. Audio wave generation is conducted from a loudspeaker through the interior of the housing for exiting through the vents.

Abstract: An interactive apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a interactive ball includes (a) a plurality of indicia, (b) a processor and memory unit operatively coupled to the plurality of indicia, (c) an audio output unit operatively coupled to the processor and memory unit, (d) a first outer surface; and (e) a second outer surface that is recessed with respect to the first outer surface, wherein the plurality of indicia are present at the second outer surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for rotating an object using a music box mechanism having a spring motor. Apparatus includes a mechanical motor having a spring coupled between a body and a shaft of the music box where the shaft and the body are mounted for rotation relative to each other. The spring is windable by a user to store mechanical potential energy and when released, unwindable to release the stored energy and cause relative rotation between the body and the shaft. A base adapted for stationary placement against a surface such as a table or desktop or a wall or other stationary surface is fixedly coupled to or integrally formed with the shaft of the music box motor. An object such as a spherical planetary object or globe or any other object is connected to the body and includes an aperture or hole through which the base extends to the shaft. This aperture permits the object to rotate about the shaft without interference so that the body and the object rotate about the shaft as the spring unwinds.

Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle that resembles a riding lawnmower or tractor. The vehicle includes a drive assembly with a battery-powered motor, and a frame that is adapted to support a child. The ride-on further includes a bubble-producing mechanism adapted to produce a stream of bubbles.

Abstract: A tracking device includes an external member and an internal member rotatable relative to the external member. A motor is attached to the internal member and includes a rotor shaft attached to the external member. A pair of target sensors that sense a phenomenon such as a magnetic field, sound, light or RF radiation, provide input to a controller that controls rotation of the motor. Angular acceleration of the internal member will cause an equal and opposite angular acceleration of the external member and the tracking device will roll toward the target. The tracking device may hop by suddenly stopping the rotation of the internal member or by suddenly decreasing or increasing the acceleration of the motor or by inserting a linkage fixed to the external member into the rotation path of the internal member.

Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle that resembles a riding lawnmower or tractor. Th vehicle includes a drive assembly with a battery-powered motor, and a frame that is adapted to support a child. The ride-on further includes a bubble-producing mechanism adapted to produce a stream of bubbles, such as to simulate the stream of clippings discharged by a full-size mower or tractor.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for an interactive toy which synthesizes sound in real time in response to changing events. At least one sensor provides continuous motion information, including at least information related to the angular position and the velocity of at least one toy portion's motion relative to a second toy portion. Each toy portion resembles portions of a vehicle. A memory is used to store data relating to a plurality of play scenarios as well as to store information related to a user's play pattern. A processor is coupled to the memory and the at least one sensor. The processor is configured to select one of the play scenarios based on at least the continuous motion information and to produce synthesized sounds resembling sounds made by real versions of at least one of the two toy portions in response to at least the continuous motion information, the play pattern information, and the selected play scenario.

Abstract: A sound generator used in a cycle having a main body for a child to ride is disclosed. The sound generator includes a lever, a device for defining an original position of the lever relative to the main body and urging the lever to return to the original position after being swung away therefrom, and a sounder adapted to be actuated by the lever. The lever has a first end and a second end, and is formed with a pad at the first end for the child to recline thereagainst and is pivotally connected to the main body of the cycle at the second end.

Abstract: A novelty device having a housing, a sensing element in the housing for sensing a stimulus and for generating an electrical signal in response to the sensed stimulus, a processor in the housing for receiving the corresponding electrical signal and for generating a responsive control signal, and an output producing device for generating in response to the control signal an output suggesting the presence of a living being trying to escape from within the housing. The output may take the form of a simulated voice asking to be “let out” of the housing, in concurrent combination with a rocking or vibrating or irregular motion of the housing suggesting that the housing is being shaken by the trapped being seeking to escape from within the box.

Abstract: An engine model for use on a children's ride-on vehicle. The engine model includes a pivotal portion configured to pivot about a pivot axis, a vibration source connected to the pivotal portion to thereby vibrate the pivotal portion at an amplitude, and an adjustment mechanism for selectively controlling the amplitude. A dampening structure may be provided to dampen the vibration of the pivotal portion.