Abstract: An LCD panel includes a thin-film transistor layer having a first portion to provide an image on the LCD panel, and a second portion. An electronic ink reservoir is located proximate to the second portion of the thin-film transistor layer and includes an electronic ink configured under a first electrical stimulus to present a first color and under a second electrical stimulus to present a second color. The LCD panel directs the second portion of the thin-film transistor layer to provide the first electrical stimulus to the electronic ink reservoir in response to the LCD panel being in a first state, and directs the second portion of the thin-film transistor layer to provide the second electrical stimulus to the electronic ink reservoir in response to the LCD panel being in a second state.

Abstract: A geometric art toy includes first toy members and second toy members which are interconnected and magnetized in particular configurations such that the geometric art toy can be alternately and stably positioned in different configurations.

Abstract: The present invention is a noise maker comprising: a body comprising: an upper chamber, a lower chamber connected to the upper chamber, a handle connected to the lower chamber, a base connected to the handle; a cover, wherein the cover securely fits around the upper chamber; a first set of noise making elements contained with the upper chamber; and a second set of noise making elements contained within the lower chamber.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a polyhedral block with a plurality of intermittently magnetic sides. The magnetic intermittency is caused by a freely movable magnet that resides in and traverses in an inner cavity, exerting its pull-force through the side of the block to which it is nearest. The cavity is shaped to facilitate magnet movement in response to encountering an external magnetically attractable surface. As a user rotates the block on a magnetically attractable surface, the contained magnet is caused to move within its cavity, ultimately resting in a user-selected position on the magnetically attractable surface. The block contains one or more non-magnetic connection elements on its sides. These non-magnetic connection elements serve to connect the block with compatible, non-magnetic blocks and other objects.

Abstract: An apparatus to prevent a wet sheet or blanket from wadding when drying in a clothes-drying machine is provided having two opposing porous objects that are connected by a plurality of outwardly-bowed flexible tubes and a pair of securing straps extending between each object. The porous objects comprise reversibly engaging outside and inside portions that include a plurality of ventilation holes. The outside portions include a plurality of knobs for agitating and softening other articles of clothing during a drying cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transformer toy car that automatically transforms the shape to turn a card over to provide the information on the card, if the card is attached to the transformer toy car. The transformer toy car includes: a separable toy car body; and cards adapted to be attached to the underside of the toy car body, wherein if one of the cards is attached to the underside of the toy car body, a portion of the separable toy car body is separated, and a portion of the separated toy car body pressurizes a floor surface, thereby making the toy car body stand up or turn over and thus allowing the underside surface of the card attached to the underside of the toy car body to be exposed to the outside.

Abstract: The present invention is a percussion instrument comprising a body enclosed on all sides by one or more walls. Internal to the body is a matrix comprising two or more compartments. One or more solid masses are located within at least one of the two or more compartments, and are used to produce sound.

Abstract: A hand-held percussive shaker assembly comprising two identical shakers capable of producing different percussive sounds and rhythms in a single assembly is disclosed. The shakers are detachably connected by an integrally formed lock assembly. The shakers may be played as a single assembly or detached and played individually. Each shaker comprises one or more bottles filled with a striker material. Each bottle isolates its striker material from the striker material in other bottles and from any other part of the shaker. The shakers may produce the same or different tones when the shaker assembly is moved.

Abstract: A nature rattle (10) comprises a container (20) defining a hollow compartment (21) and items (30) within in this compartment (21) which make a rattling sound when the container (20) is shaken or otherwise moved. The items (30) comprise naturally occurring objects, such as rocks (41) (e.g., minerals, mineraloids, stones, pebbles, crystals, granite, limestone, etc.), plant parts (42) (e.g., nuts, seeds, seed or spore carrying pods, twigs, branches, roots, etc.), and/or animal accouterments (43) (e.g., coral, shells, horns, teeth, etc.). The items (30) can be associated with a particular locale having certain significance to the giver, recipient, or owner of the nature rattle (10).

Abstract: A deer rattler is an apparatus that can be used in one hand. The deer rattler has a container filled with a plurality of rattling balls. As a user shakes the container, the plurality of rattling balls are set in motion and knock into each other producing an audible noise that mimics two or more deer antlers clashing together. This recreation of deer sparring attracts deer within hearing range by spurring their curiosity. The volume of the audible noise can be varied according to the force with which the container is rattled. A silencer can be inserted into the container in order to prevent motion of the plurality of rattling balls for quieter transport of the device. The deer rattler also has a carrying case which assists in the transport of the container, as well as helps to conceal the container through the use of a camouflage surface.

Abstract: A tactile and auditory puzzle is provided. The tactile and auditory puzzle includes an outer structure, an inner cavity contained within the outer structure, and an object contained within the inner cavity. A tactile and auditory puzzle set includes a plurality of tactile and auditory puzzles. A method of assaying cognitive ability is further provided, including the steps of providing to a user a tactile and auditory puzzle, instructing the user to describe properties of the puzzle, based on auditory and tactile information obtained by manipulating the puzzle, and comparing the user's description with known properties of the puzzle.

Abstract: Can the Barking Dog is an audible device that individuals can use to train their dogs to refrain from barking uncontrollably. This item comprises a small metal aluminum container that has loose material (media) inside to create a jarring audible noise. Users simply shake the device creating a noise that stops a dog from barking. The container may be coated in rubber for increased durability. The device may have a wrist loop attached to the top making it easy for users to carry the device while walking a dog. The loose materials may be metal marbles or other items that create a metal-on-metal sound that is effective in capturing a dog's attention. The device may be designed with a button-operated component that compresses the loose material allowing users to silence the device in between uses. Further, the dog-bark inhibiting and training device includes a kit and a method of use.

Abstract: A bendable device, such as a child's toy, to be generally comprised of an elongated, flexible body section, a head segment attached to an end of the body section, and a tail segment attached to the other end of the body section is disclosed. In a basic form, the device can be wrapped about an object and secured to itself to form a ring. The head segment includes an opening, preferably in the form of a mouth, and a cavity extending from the open mouth inward to the body, and the tail includes an insertable portion for being frictionally engaged and retained within the cavity. The cavity may extend through the head segment and into the body and may include a plurality of indexed chambers. The chambers allow adjustability of the ring size by providing deeper insertion of the tail into the mouth of the head. Objects may be inserted into the cavity for storage, decoration, or play.

Abstract: An animal herding device has an elongate tubular body portion adapted to avoid kinking thereof, a hand gripping member at one end and a noise making member at the other end. The body portion may be internally reinforced with a rope or like means. The body portion may also be optionally fitted with padding for specified uses.

Abstract: A toy apparatus having a surface is provided. The toy apparatus may include a mesh including a plurality of loop structures having cooperative mating surfaces disposed at least partially around an outer perimeter of each loop structure. The plurality of loop structures may have curved inside perimeter surfaces, and the cooperative mating surfaces of adjacent loop structures may be configured to couple together for a distance along their lengths. The loop structures form the surface of the toy when the cooperative mating surfaces are coupled with each other. The toy apparatus may further include a rattle positioned in a loop structure in the mesh, the rattle having a body with a mounting structure having an outer perimeter sized to conform to the curved inside perimeter surface of the loop structure in which the rattle is mounted.

Abstract: A percussion instrument incorporates a case with an inner surface having a substantially circular profile. Multiple high precision spherical balls are contained with the case for acceleration on the inner surface in uniform circular motion along the profile to produce a persistent sustained sound. In one exemplary embodiment the case is cylindrical and incorporates two end plates. In a second embodiment the percussion instrument case is torroidal. In a third embodiment the percussion instrument case is spherical. Use of varying materials in the case or differing surface textures on the inner surface allows timbre of the instrument to be modified. Motion of the instrument lateral or perpendicular to the circular profile allows the creation of pulsed percussion sounds.

Abstract: A musical shaker is formed with a rigid shell and pellets enclosed therein attached to a flexible handle. In a first embodiment, the shell part truncates to a small end portion and includes a bottleneck opening in the truncated small end portion. The truncated end portion is closed by an internal joint with a cap member covered by the flexible plastic handle or by the flexible handle itself. In a second embodiment, the shell part is formed by two rigid plastic halves sealed so as to enclose the pellets. The end of the flexible handle is fitted to one end of the shell part and is secured to that end by adhesive. In a third embodiment the flexible handle includes two portions, including a flexible handle portion adjoining the shell.

Abstract: A toy maraca is formed having first and second blow-molded shells, each having a hollow interior and a bottleneck extension. Sounding pellets are provided in at least one of the shells and the shells are joined by a connecting member having oppositely facing recesses each for receiving one of the bottleneck extensions of the first and second shells.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved noisemaker. In particular, it is a cylindrical noisemaker containing two sets of commingled particles having a predetermined tonality. The noisemaker comprises a cylinder containing a first set of particles. Each particle in the first set is preferably made of polypropylene and averages at least four millimeters in diameter. The first set of particles is commingled with a second set of particles in the cylinder. Each particle in the second set is preferably made of general purpose polystyrene and averages at least six millimeters in diameter. The cylinder is preferably made of high impact polystyrene of 1.5 millimeters thickness or less. The first set of particles preferably comprises 437 particles and the second set of particles preferably comprises 325 particles.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved noisemaker. In particular, it is a cylindrical noisemaker containing two sets of commingled particles having a predetermined tonality. The noisemaker comprises a cylinder containing a first set of particles. Each particle in the first set is preferably made of polypropylene and averages at least four millimeters in diameter. The first set of particles is commingled with a second set of particles in the cylinder. Each particle in the second set is preferably made of general purpose polystyrene and averages at least six millimeters in diameter. The cylinder is preferably made of high impact polystyrene of 1.5 millimeters thickness or less. The first set of particles preferably comprises 437 particles and the second set of particles preferably comprises 325 particles.

Abstract: A hand-held, gourd based percussion instrument, has a modified guiro gourd with two maraca gourds extended outwardly therefrom. A hollow, elongate guiro gourd is modified by having its ends removed and replaced with light-bulb shaped maracas with the spherical portions extending outwardly, the maracas attached by means of an extended member within the cylindrical center of the guiro. With sounding furrows on the outer surface of the cylindrical center and sounding pebbles within, the furrows are stroked with a rasper and the instrument is shaken to produce rhythmic sounds.

Abstract: A sports related combined noisemaker and visual display device includes a hollow body with a rigid wall, configured to replicate the appearance of a helmet or other type of sporting equipment, a rigid partition disposed in the interior of the body so as to form a closed chamber bounded by the wall of the body and the partition, a plurality of hard pellets loosely disposed in the chamber, and handle means disposed on the body for shaking the body back and forth to cause the pellets to impact the wall and partition and produce sound. The placement of the handle and the orientation of the partition are such that the chamber functions to focus and project the sound from the wall of the body generally opposite the handle. The outer surface of the body provides an area for the application of visual displays such as decals.

Abstract: The Spirit Shaker is a durable, mobile and completely childproof design, made of hard or soft plastic. Partially filled internally with plastic chips, beads or desired filling that makes the unique and ultimate noise. A built-in pick up apparatus (handle) at the top or side operable to grip, lift and then shake. The Spirit Shaker is mounted to a base that allows it to stand alone as a novelty display when not in use.(no assembly require) The Spirit Shaker's designs vary in shapes, sizes, colors for personalized or theme novelty design. The Spirit Shaker will also have a variety of different shapes and sizes sport balls (i.e., football, basketball, baseball, hockey puck, soccer ball, etc.) uniquely matching the specific team colors and painted on logos.

Abstract: Knockdown hand bell including two casings, a ram body and a hook member. The ram body serves to hit the casings and create a sound. The hook member serves to hook the ram body. The casings have multiple patterns and are replaceably mated with each other to form various types of hand bells to achieve a decorative effect.

Abstract: A souvenir or keepsake baseball bat for baseball fans including young children. The souvenir baseball bat is approximately one-third the size of an actual baseball bat in length and dimension and includes a hollowed out portion that is filled with beans, beads, buckshot or the like which causes the souvenir bat to rattle when waved or shaken.

Abstract: A musical shaker instrument has a shaped shell and pellets enclosed therein. The shell has two parts. A first large shell part (24) includes an exterior surface forming a first end portion and a central portion. The first part truncates at a second end portion of the shell and includes an opening (26) in the truncated end portion. The second small shell part (30) has a cap member (32) for closing opening in the first large shell part. The first and second shell parts are joined together by an internal joint which is not exposed to the external surface of the shell. In a second embodiment, the second shell part forms a handle.

Abstract: A percussion instrument has first and second shells each of which extends away from the other, the shells forming cavities; a closure for one of the shells having a diaphragm portion and closing a portion of the cavity formed by the one shell, the closure spaced from a shell interconnection region; a cavity formed by the other of the shells being open at one end thereof in a direction away from the interconnection region, and loose pellets contained in a portion of the cavity formed by one shell, the pellets freely movable to impact the one shell and diaphragm portion to produce a rattling sound when the instrument is shaken.

Abstract: A deer call for luring a deer to a hunter utilizes a bag in which a plurality of discreet artificial antler components confined within a bag in abutting relationship such that shaking the bag generates noise from the interaction of the components with one another, each component having a plurality of resonators therein to vary the tonal qualities of the component along its length dimensioned to aurally simulate the sound of deer antlers interacting.

Abstract: A noisemaker for producing a drumming sound when shaken rapidly back and forth. The noisemaker includes a head with a spaced apart pair of faces and an outwardly extending tubular extent which terminates at an open end. A plurality of resiliently deformable balls are provided in the head. The extent is inserted into one end of a handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a confectionary holder which simulates the sound of rain as the holder is vertically positioned. The holder comprises a transparent tube having ends, two sides, and at least two sets of indents directed inward toward the center of the tube and one set of indents per side of the tube. Each indent has a peak, a peak depth, a sloping upper face, a sloping lower face, and between each indent is a space length. The peaks of the indents alternate from one side to the other side along the tube length. The angle of incline of each indent face and the length of the space between each indent are selected to allow rigid items, e.g., candy or gum, when placed in the holder, to create the sound of rain as the confectionary pieces flow downward dropping onto each indent face, sliding off each face, and moving from side to side from one end of the holder to the other end when the holder is vertically positioned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a confectionary holder which simulates the sound of rain as the holder is vertically positioned. The holder comprises a transparent tube having ends, two sides, and at least two sets of indents directed inward toward the center of the tube and one set of indents per side of the tube. Each indent has a peak, a peak depth, a sloping upper face, a sloping lower face, and between each indent is a space length. The peaks of said indents alternate from one side to the other side along the tube length. The angle of incline of each indent face and the length of the space between each indent are selected to allow rigid items, e.g., candy or gum, when placed in the holder, to create the sound of rain as the confectionary pieces flow downward dropping onto each indent face, sliding off each face, and moving from side to side from one end of the holder to the other end when the holder is vertically positioned.

Abstract: In conclusion the following is to be remembered: The invention concerns a somersault toy figure with a guide-way 12 provided within a figure shell 10 and a roller body 14 moveable back and forth within the guide-way between two end positions separated from each other for bringing about a somersault movement upon placement upon an inclined plane. For achievement of a additional acoustic effect there is provided a oscillating body formed as a tubular section 16, which by the movement of the roller body 14 is mechanically brought to acoustically oscillating.

Abstract: A toy capable of emitting clapping noise, emitting scent, and emitting light. The toy is constructed with an elongated central member and a plurality of resilient ribs which are attached at one of their ends to the elongated central member and are attached at their other end to a sliding collar. The sliding collar is free to slide along the elongated member thereby causing the resilient ribs to move radially outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated central member.

Abstract: An apparatus for use by a user to entertain the user and to dispense a fragrance includes a container made of plastic which contains a colorless or lightly tinted liquid and about 2 to 6 beads of hard plastic or glass. The user shakes the container to produce a pleasing vibration and sound and actuates a spray pump to spray the liquid onto bedding or other household objects to spread a fragrance which is contained in the liquid.

Abstract: An egg shaped musical shaker instrument has an egg shaped shell and pellets enclosed therein. The shell has two parts. A first large shell part includes an exterior surface forming a large end portion and a central portion. The first part truncates at a small end portion of the shell and includes an opening in the truncated small end portion. The second small shell part has a cap member for closing the opening in the first large shell part. The first and second shell parts are joined together by an internal joint which is not exposed to the external surface of the shell. In a second embodiment, a handle, which replaces the second small shell part, is attached to the first large shell part.

Abstract: A sound producing amusement device comprising an inflatable member made of an elastic resilient material, and a handle for supporting and manipulating the inflatable member. A member placed inside the inflatable member produces sound as it rolls or moves inside the inflatable member. The handle is provided with a slot for receiving the open end of the inflatable member for retention and sealing thereof within the handle. Different forms of members placed within the inflatable member produce different sounds, and can simulate different vehicles, animals, etc.

Abstract: A baby rattle (1) comprising two rattle portions (2,3) and an elongated elastic spacer element (4) which connects the two rattle portions (2,3), wherein the two rattle portions (2,3) have mutually complementary coupling portions (5,6) which allow the two rattle portions (2,3) to be coupled to each other, and wherein the weight of the two rattle portions (2,3) and the rigidity of the elastic spacer element (4) are adjusted relative to each other so that the elastic spacer element (4), like a column, may in itself support the one rattle portion (2,3) when the elastic spacer element is maintained substantially vertically upright relative to the second rattle portion (3,2), and wherein the mutually complementary coupling portions (5,6) possess sufficient coupling force to keep the two rattle portions (2,3) together despite the force applied from the elongated elastic spacer element (4) by coupling of the rattle portions (2,3).

Abstract: A hand-held percussive musical shaker comprising an elongated tubular member defining a hollow bore therethrough and having a pair of plastic diaphragms sealed over the respective ends of the tubular member to collectively form an enclosed containment volume, the containment volume being loosely filled with a percussive media such as a plurality of metallic particles, the containment volume having an optimized major length to minor diameter ratio.

Abstract: A sound producing ball includes concentric inner and outer ball elements and a plurality of sound producing particles in an open area therebetween. The sound producing particles are dimensioned to travel in the open area when the ball is rotated, and the inner ball element has a plurality of projections thereon for redirecting the sound producing particles as they travel in the open area. The sounds produced by the sound particles as they strike the inner and outer ball elements are generally similar to the sound of rain striking a building roof.

Abstract: A pacifier holder for holding a pacifier on its upper surface for easy use by an infant. This pacifier holder consists of a soft lightweight elongated generally tubular member that loosely holds a pacifier on its first or upper end region. The holder is configured such that this first end region is offset by curvature from the remainder of the holder so as to position the pacifier in front of the infant's mouth when in use as the remainder of the elongated holder is placed upon the infant's chest. During use, the holder, being placed on top of the infant, will be positioned such that the pacifier is within easy reach of the infant.

Abstract: A combination strumming pick and percussion device (10) that consists of a hollow enclosed container (12) into which is inserted a multiplicity of free-flowing particles (14) that may be selected from sand (14A), wooden beads (14B), plastic beads (14C), steel pellets (14D) and lead pellets (14E). On at least one side of the container (12) is embedded a selectable guitar pick (16). The device (10) is designed to be easily and comfortably held in the hand while the pick is oscillated when a stringed instrument such as a guitar is strummed. The device (10) produces a rhythmic sound emitted by the strumming of the guitar strings and a percussion sound produced by the particles (14) impinging on the internal walls of the container. Either sound may be produced individually or the sounds may be combined. The container (12) can be made in several shapes including cylindrical, elliptical, spherical, cubic and conic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel toy which is releasably fastened to a desired part of the user's body, e.g. about the waist or about the thigh of a user via a belt member. Preferably the belt member is adjustable and supports a plurality of padded or cushioned bell members, via a plurality of support straps and protective covering, adjacent a desired portion of the thighs of the user so that the bell members may be bounced into the air, by the user's thigh, to assist the user with developing his/her eye and thigh coordination and/or improve the rhythm of the user. The bell members may have different shapes and/or sizes so that each bell member will generate a unique sound when struck and bounced in the air thereby allowing the user to play music and develop rhythm. The invention also relates to a method of using the bounceable bell toy.

Abstract: A sound producing ball includes concentric inner and outer ball elements and a plurality of sound producing particles in an open area therebetween. The sound producing particles are dimensioned to travel in the open area when the ball is rotated, and the inner ball element has a plurality of projections thereon for redirecting the sound producing particles as they travel in the open area. The sounds produced by the sound particles as they strike the inner and outer ball elements are generally similar to the sound of rain striking a building roof.

Abstract: An underwater communication device that is simple in design, is simple to operate, is powered solely by a user's wrist action, has only one moving part, is maintenance free, can offer multiple modes of operation, can be made resistant to accidental sound generation, can be made neutrally buoyant, offers a wide margin of safety and reliability, and enables underwater communication up to 100 feet between scuba divers. The underwater communication device including a striker rod, a tubular housing and a support and guide member. The support and guide member supporting the rod in the housing. Communicating underwater with the underwater communication device by the steps of grasping the device approximately along its midpoint, and rapidly rocking or shaking the device from side to side or end to end, causing the endpoints of the striker rod to strike an inner surface of the housing, creating a sound that is readily propagated through the water.

Abstract: A pet toy has a transparent container and a visible figure slidably fitted inside the cylinder. A bell can be fitted inside the container to make a sound in response to motion of the container. The container also has a spaced plurality of longitudinal slots to make the figure partially accessible.

Abstract: A hand-held percussion instrument capable of generating a variety of different sounds upon demand. These sounds including the typical sound of cymbals coming from a tambourine, the sound of a drum which is stretched over an open side of a tambourine, the sound of a maraca which is generated from a multitude of pellets contained within a hollow chamber inside the handle, this sound being adjusted by selectively covering or uncovering openings in the handle, and the sound of a lone cymbal set located at the end of the handle some distance from the tambourine.

Abstract: A new and improved blanket apparatus for fitting over a baby seat or carrier which has a top and sides includes a flexible cloth member having dimensions sufficient to fit over the top and sides of the baby seat or carrier. The flexible cloth member has an outer edge; and an elastic strip or a draw string is installed near the outer edge of the flexible cloth member, for gathering the outer edge to form an opening having a plurality of adjustable sizes. A first adjustable size of the opening is sufficiently large to fit over the top and sides of the baby seat or carrier for installing the blanket apparatus on the baby seat or carrier. A second adjustable size of the opening is sufficiently small to resin the blanket apparatus on the baby seat or carrier, by preventing the blanket apparatus from slipping over the sides once the blanket apparatus has been installed.

Abstract: A percussion instrument is formed from a hollow cylindrical tube which is provided with a surrounding beaded net. The net is mounted by passing net end strands into a circumferential ring of radial boreholes adjacent each end of the tube and outward through the tube ends.

Abstract: An improved drumstick is provided for producing a rattling maraca type sound as the drumstick is used by the drummer. The drumstick includes a tip section for striking the drum, a handle section which is used to grip the drumstick, and an intermediate connecting section that joins the tip and handle sections together and forms a complete drumstick. The intermediate connecting section includes a hollow cavity in which a number of pellete are loosely received. When the drummer uses the drumstick to strike a drum or cymbal, the pellets can move around within the cavity to produce a rattle sound. The cavity is contained only within the intermediate connecting section, and does not underlie the handle section, so that the drummer's hand will not dampen or muffle the rattle sound as it grips the drumstick.