Abstract: A baby monitoring light system includes a light body having a bottom portion and a top portion, the light body having a height generally shorter than the light body width and length, the light body comprising a light source oriented upwardly from the top portion, the light body adapted to project a light beam upwardly onto a surface approximately 5 to 15 feet away. The system may include a blanket having a pocket, the light body positionable in the pocket, the pocket having a space through which the light source projects when the light body is in the pocket. The light body may include one or more releasable fasteners.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing an office play station for a child. The office play station includes a desk, an office controller and one or more peripheral play devices. The peripheral play devices may represent devices commonly found in an office setting. Each of the peripheral play devices may be in communication with the office controller and may include an age setting that adjusts the functionality of the peripheral play device. The office controller may configure the age setting for the peripheral play devices and record activity data that indicates the manner in which the user interacts with the peripheral play devices.

Abstract: Systems are disclosed that relate to modular furniture capable of providing conventional desk functions as well as integrated electronic components which house, store, and operate electronic devices, such as computers and associated devices. Furniture components of a traditional office are adapted to house a plurality of electronic components of a traditional computer system. Connectors, expansion slots, networking capabilities, and other storage units are provided within the furniture components enabling several electronic devices to be installed within the furniture components and communicate with each other, integrating a fully functional computer system into a classroom or office desk. The disclosed modular furniture systems provide multiple resources and functions in a small footprint and are useable in a variety of school, personal and work settings.

Abstract: Systems are disclosed that relate to modular furniture capable of providing conventional desk functions as well as integrated electronic components which house, store, and operate electronic devices, such as computers and associated devices. Furniture components of a traditional office are adapted to house a plurality of electronic components of a traditional computer system. Connectors, expansion slots, networking capabilities, and other storage units are provided within the furniture components enabling several electronic devices to be installed within the furniture components and communicate with each other, integrating a fully functional computer system into a classroom or office desk. The disclosed modular furniture systems provide multiple resources and functions in a small footprint and are useable in a variety of school, personal and work settings.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight, water-resistant, multi-colored toy for placement in a bathtub, either supernatant or stationary, and which can be used with small toy cars of various models includes a base member having a multi-storied superstructure on which toy cars are placed with the base member having pivotal flip-down and flip-up legs for supporting the toy in the bathtub and the legs having suction cup for adhering to the bathtub bottom and one of the floors—the top floor—including a car wash, a gas station and a convenience store with water for the car wash being provided by a conduit that extends from the water up to the car wash and the upper side of the base member including an island and a boat ramp extending to the water.

Abstract: A religious display structure includes two or more removably interconnected wall panels forming a freestanding enclosure for accommodating one or more users. Each wall panel includes a 3-dimensional visual image formed on the front surface of the wall panel where the images on all of the wall panels form religious scenery depicting a place of worship for the one or more users. The 3-dimensional visual images of the wall panels include one of still photographic images and video images. In one embodiment, the religious scenery is selected from a church, a chapel, a temple, or a synagogue. In one embodiment, the religious display structure is made of plastic and the structure is made for easy assembly and disassembly. The religious display structure can be used in various settings, such as a home or an office, to provide a place of worship for the user.

Abstract: A torso exercise machine includes a frame designed to rest upon a floor surface; a seat pivotally mounted on the frame; at least one handlebar pivotally mounted on the frame; and a link pivotally interconnected between the seat and the handlebar. The link constrains the seat and the handlebar to pivot in opposite directions relative to the frame. A resistance device may be interconnected between the handlebar and the frame to resist pivoting of the handlebar and the seat toward one another.

Abstract: A method for distribution and maintenance of entertainment-related objects and devices. A predetermined operational location is provided with toys and a toy station that serves as a hub for toy deployment for the on-site use of the toys by people at the location. Each toy station contains a means of disinfecting toys prior to use by the toy-user. Each toy is permanently mounted to a substrate that removably attaches to the toy station. Each substrate is readily identifiable as belonging to a given toy station to reduce theft and intermixing of provided toys with any personal toys of any toy-users. Each toy is regularly inspected, documented, cleaned, and checked for functionality and safety. Unsafe, broken, and undocumented toys are removed and replaced with new toys.

Abstract: A child's infant-care play center includes a table having a recessed bath tub and a changing-table/bed removably disposed over the tub. Upstanding dividers and a headboard demarcate respective bathing/changing/sleeping and washing-sink/eating areas on the table. A flexible conduit having a faucet attached at one end is extractible from and retractable into one of the dividers, and an electronic element selectably to generate and couple the sound of running water through the conduit and out the faucet. A mobile mounted over the bathing/changing/sleeping area may be selectably actuated to rotate conjointly with an accompanying melody. A baby monitor includes a portion fixed to the upper surface of the table, a portable portion, and elements for selectably generating and projecting one of a variety of baby sounds through the fixed portion. A free-standing booster chair that converts to a potty can be removably supported on an edge of the table.

Abstract: An article of furniture formed from a plurality of slotted substantially planar members joined together at their respective slots is disclosed. The planar members can be formed into a chair, a bench, a bed, or a table. In a preferred embodiment, the furniture is doll furniture, and the chair can also include a slotted substantially planar desk member or tray member, thereby allowing the chair to serve as a desk or highchair. The seat of the chair and the seats of the bench preferably include a substantially arcuate protrusion sized so that a doll's legs straddle it. Accordingly, dolls with at least a pair of legs extending therefrom and having no pivoting leg joints, only pivoting hip joints, or pivoting knee joints and pivoting hip joints can all appear to be sitting in the chair simply by straddling the arcuate protrusion. The planar members can include surfaces adapted to allow the user to apply desirable surface ornamentation thereon.

Abstract: A torso exercise machine includes a frame designed to rest upon a floor surface; a seat pivotally mounted on the frame; at least one handlebar pivotally mounted on the frame; and a link pivotally interconnected between the seat and the handlebar. The link constrains the seat and the handlebar to pivot in opposite directions relative to the frame. A resistance device may be interconnected between the handlebar and the frame to resist pivoting of the handlebar and the seat toward one another.

Abstract: A transportable play center that has a center housing and two side housings attached to opposite sides of the center housing is provided. The play center is configured to provide a child with multiple play opportunities. The play center can be configured with a plurality of shelves that have transparent sliding doors. Further, the play center may be configured with a plurality of removable pockets. Still further, the play center may be equipped with removable carts that have a plurality of drawers in the carts. A tabletop may be slidably received in the center housing and a collapsable chair stored in the play center.

Abstract: A toy that is easily convertible between a toy lounge chair and a toy vanity for a doll. The toy has a main body with a base and a pair of sides with a number of movable sections secured to the base. The main body has two faces, one of which forms portions of the lounge chair and the other of which forms portions of the vanity. A separate leg assembly is selectively moved to act as a support for the lounge chair or the vanity. The movable sections are rotatable so as to reveal face portions that form a mirror and a box-like compartment or drawer of the vanity, or a seat back, seating base and a single or two piece leg rest for the lounge chair. The leg assembly may be hingedly attached to or be formed separate from the main body.

Abstract: A lounger, bed, cradle, swing or the like for dolls or infants. The lounger includes a basic body, a casing therefor and a structure for correctly positioning the lounger when in use. The basic body has a shell-like design and is made of a soft foam material. The basic body has a substantially hollow ellipsoid shape. Thus, the basic body is rounded underneath on all sides and has an elliptical-shaped rim with two somewhat elongated long sides and rounded end sections.

Abstract: A discovery toy/play feature apparatus, for use with water and sand, or other particulate or granular material is provided. The apparatus allows the user to play in both sand and water in such a way as to learn and discover physical and engineering principles while having fun. The play feature apparatus allows the user to bury objects in the sand and play as if the user was on a beach looking for shells or to play as if the user was an archeologist. Further the user is allowed to use the varying channels and pools to make dams and other water obstructions and learn fluid mechanics and engineering principles while having fun.

Abstract: The learning chair helps to teach a child important tools for life, such as how to tell time and days of the week, how to organize a daily wardrobe, and develop communication and organizational skills. The chair is shaped in the form of a fictional character or likable “buddy” to a child, such as a robot, doll, action figure, or cartoon character. A child learns how to prepare a daily wardrobe and vocabulary for placement of pants, dresses, shirts, hats, and shoes. The learning chair is a fun communication tool between a parent and child. The chair has the ability to play pre-recorded messages as alarms on a clock. Messages may be pre-recorded according to the voice of a fictional character portrayed by the chair, or pre-recorded by a parent or adult. Messages may include personal announcement using the child's name such as time to wake up, get dressed, go to bed, take a bath, etc. The chair has a chalkboard for leaving written messages between the parent and child.

Abstract: A generally square-shaped doll bed includes a square base supporting a quartet of vertical posts at its corners. The base defines a center recess within which a platform is supported by a pivoting arm. The pivoting arm is secured to a further pivoting arm which extends outward beyond the base and terminates in a depressible pad. A doll is supported above the platform by a pair of resilient bands secured to frame members coupled between the vertical posts. As the user depresses and releases the pad, the platform exerts upward forces against the doll causing it to move in a jumping action.

Abstract: A room floor plan and visual seating chart organizer. Room floor planning involves arranging type, size and position of room fixtures, such as table, stages, podiums, lighting, dance floors, music/disc jockey area, doors, emergency exits, room walls, and general room artifacts. Seating chart planning involves arranging, and organizing seating preferences including place settings and preferences for guests, special needs guests, and key event people such as brides and grooms. Additionally, room floor plans and room fixtures, such as tables can be resized and scaled to a ratio, proportional to the actual event room fixtures and room dimensions. Further, once arranged and positioned room fixtures and person characterizations, such as key people, guest and special needs guests can be fastened to the room fixtures. A plurality of similar and or different strength or types of adhesives or fastens can be utilized.

Abstract: The toy kitchen of the invention has a variety of play features, including a countertop, a stove top arrangement, a sink, an answering machine and telephone, and a cookbook. The toy kitchen includes a control system that receives and processes inputs from several switches associated with the various play features. The disclosed stove top arrangement includes a pair of simulated burners on which a child may place a utensil. A switch is placed beneath each burner to sense an object that has been placed on a burner. A simulated cookbook is mounted on the countertop. The cookbook includes a page that is pivotally mounted to the cookbook base so that it can be turned by the child user. When the page is turned to either side of the cookbook, it engages a switch on the cookbook base. When an object is placed on one of the burners, the sound output by the control system varies depending on which side of the page engages the switch.

Abstract: A nursery includes a frame, a bassinet, a swing, a single drive unit and a coupling mechanism. The bassinet, the swing, the drive unit and the coupling assembly are supported by the frame. The coupling assembly is operably coupled to the drive unit and has first and second outputs. The first output is pivotally coupled to the bassinet and the second output is pivotally coupled to the swing. The coupling assembly is configured to transfer the drive unit output to one of the swing and the bassinet such that the one of the swing and the bassinet swing relative to the frame. An apparatus for selectably operating at least two separate features of a toy includes a frame, first and second devices coupled to the frame, a control device, a single drive unit, and a gear assembly. The gear assembly includes a pivoting member, and first and second output assemblies.

Abstract: A thermally erasable bath toy for enabling a user to create and erase drawing figures in a wet environment. The bath toy includes a drawing desk with a drawing surface that incorporates thermochromic material. A user can draw on the drawing surface by inducing the thermochromic material to enter its active temperature range, and the user can erase the drawing surface by inducing the thermochromic material to leave its active temperature range. The drawing desk can be caused to float atop a volume of water by incorporating or being formed of buoyant material or by housing an open inner volume. The color change in the thermochromic material can be induced by a temperature-operated drawing implement with a temperature applicator of heat transmissible material. The temperature applicator can include an elongate shaft that will act as a skeleton for a volume of insulative material.

Abstract: A toy is provided in which a first entertaining environment is provided when the toy is in a first position and a second entertaining environment is provided when the toy is in a second position. The toy is transformed form the first position to the second position by rotating the toy from one side to another.

Abstract: A building set for a toy building comprising a number of building module frames (1,1a,1b,2) and a plurality of fittings (10,17,18), and wherein each of the building module frames (1,1a,1b,2) comprises a bottom plate (3,4,19) with a superstructure that defines the walls and ceiling of the building module frame (1,1a,1b,2), and wherein each bottom plate (3,4,19) is provided with coupling means (12) for interconnecting adjoining building module frames (1,1a,1b,2). By arranging the coupling means (12) on the top surface of the bottom plate (3,4,19) and by arranging the coupling means (12) to be releasably interconnected with complementary coupling means (11) on the underside of the fittings (10,17,18), a stable and secure coupling is obtained that possesses much holding force without much force being required to interconnect the building module frames.

Abstract: A children's weight lifting set for simulating proper chest muscle exercises includes a bench construction and a lifting rod assembly. A pair of prop arms extends upward from the a support platform of the bench construction. The prop arms include contoured free ends to selectively maintain the lifting rod assembly in a raised position. A set of support legs extending downward from the support platform. The lifting rod assembly includes an elongated bar and a collection of plates. The plates slidably engage mounting regions on the bar and are held in place by retention pins. The plates also include size-indicating indicia and follow a size-indicating color scheme.

Abstract: A seating structure for a child is provided. The seating structure includes a box open at an upper end. The box includes a bench positioned within the box.

Abstract: A modular toy toddler car seat includes a seat member, a backrest and two armrests. Each of the armrests is a plastic unitary piece and has an inner surface formed with a generally V-shaped open-ended slide slot and a plurality of blind holes which are located under the slide slot. The seat further includes a plurality of rigid connecting rods, each of which has two ends that are respectively press fitted within an aligned pair of the holes in the armrests. The backrest and the seat member are integrally formed with each other and are formed from a flexible plate which is supported on the rigid connecting rods and which has two opposite sides that are received respectively and slidably within the slide slots in the armrests.

Abstract: A walk-in child playhouse having pivotally attached seating surfaces. In one embodiment, the walk-in child playhouse comprises an enclosed rotomolded plastic structure having walls, a roof, and at least one chair or seat member pivotally attached to the playhouse. In another embodiment, the walk-in child playhouse has a garden party theme in which the roof has a canopy portion overhanging the rear of the house. Under the canopy are two chairs or seat members pivotally connected the rear wall and the roof via a pair of continuous bosses, the rear wall also having a substantially horizontally extending table disposed between the chairs and under the canopy. In another embodiment, the playhouse comprises a series of double-walled hollow parts that are interconnected by a unique snap interlock system. In yet another embodiment, the playhouse comprises a lateral connection member for joining various wall panels at a lower portion thereof.

Abstract: A music jewelry cabinet having a space left behind a top drawer thereof for mounting a music-producing means therein. A spring winding shaft projects from the music-producing means to extend out of a back of the cabinet so that it is easily accessible for winding a spring of the music-producing means. A cylinder having bosses on its circumferential surface has a shaft upward extended into a showcase with clear door above the drawer to connect an ornament thereto. When the spring winding shaft is turned and then released, the spring of the music-producing means releases the stored kinetic energy to rotate the cylinder to produce pleasant music and to rotate the ornament. A braking shaft backward projects from a back wall of the top drawer and will insert into a flywheel when the drawer is closed, so that the flywheel is stuck and the cylinder is prevented from rotating at the same time.

Abstract: A building element for a constructional building set having coupling means for coupling to other building elements included in the building set by cooperation with their coupling studs arranged with mutual modular measures, said coupling means comprising flanges whose side faces are adapted to engage a plurality of the coupling studs on the other building element in a first number of orientations of the building element with respect to the other building element, said flanges being divided into sections so as to form edge faces which serve as engagement faces with the coupling studs in a second number of orientations of the building element.

Abstract: A toy bed and bank apparatus includes a first mattress support assembly, a plurality of drawers supported by the first mattress support assembly, and a second mattress support assembly selectively connected to or disconnected from the first mattress support assembly. The second mattress support assembly includes a hollow storage chamber and an access opening for gaining access to the storage chamber. A head board assembly is connected to the second mattress support assembly. The head board assembly includes a hollow coin-receiver chamber which is in communication with the storage chamber in the second mattress support assembly. The head board assembly includes a coin slot in communication with the coin-receiver chamber. A mattress assembly is adapted for placement upon the first mattress support assembly and the second mattress support assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is a stepstool for children with an automatic electronic message mechanism. The stepstool comprises a main housing including a horizontal step and a substantially vertical support having a bottom which rests on a compressive pod which in turn rests on a floor surface. Attached to the inside of the back side of the stepstool is a message mechanism whose switch is activated when weight such as that of a child is introduced to the horizontal step portion of the stepstool. The message mechanism comprises an on/off switch, power source, message chip, audio driver and a speaker which plays a predetermined message when the on/off switch is activated.

Abstract: An alphabet block kit comprising a series of blocks that have letters of the alphabet inscribed or formed on the faces thereof and wherein the respective blocks can be assembled to form a chair and further can be readily disassembled.

Abstract: The present invention comprises legless storage and play table for use by children, comprising a first member operatively arranged to form a first side of the table, the first member having a trough-like section extending outwardly with respect to the table; a second member operatively arranged to form a second side of the table in parallel spaced relationship to the first side, the second member having a trough-like section extending outwardly with respect to the table; a third member operatively arranged to form a third side of the table positioned perpendicularly to the first and second sides, the third member having a trough-like section extending outwardly with respect to the table; a fourth member operatively arranged to form a fourth side of the table in parallel spaced relationship to the third side, the fourth member having a trough-like section extending outwardly with respect to the table; fasteners connecting the four members together to form a rectangularly shaped table, wherein the fasteners com

Abstract: A musical article of furniture, here jewelry armoire (10') which includes a pivotal lid (38') for activating and deactivating a musical movement (19). Mechanical spring wound musical movement (19) is attached to a supporting surface (14') which in turn is attached to lid (38'). Musical movement (19) includes a rotating shaft, also serving as the winding shaft (21), protruding through a top surface of supporting surface (14'). An ornament (34) is affixed to the shaft and the shaft is decoratively finished. Musical movement (19) is provided with a stop-and-start mechanism which includes a control arm (22') being positioned and configured to interfere with the back of housing (39') such that the mechanism will be activated when lid (38') is opened and will shut off when the lid is closed.

Abstract: A play house for use by children to play with dolls or toy figurines. It has a base, a plurality of lateral walls and a roof which altogether define an openable enclosure externally shaped as a house. It also has one or more floor members within the enclosure, each of which has an upper surface provided with a plurality of identical connecting elements, preferably in the form of cylindrical studs, that extend upwardly therefrom. The connecting elements are sized and positioned to fit into, and retain construction toy blocks capable of being assembled with other construction toy blocks provided with the same connecting elements. Advantageously, the floor members are detachably mounted within the enclosure to allow the construction toy blocks to be assembled therewith outside the enclosure.

Abstract: A musical article of furniture, here jewelry chest (10) which includes at least one slidable drawer (12) for storage of articles and for activating and deactivating a musical movement (19). Mechanical spring wound musical movement (19) is attached to a supporting surface (14) of the housing (11) of chest (10) and has a rotating shaft, also serving as the winding shaft (21), protruding through an outside surface of chest housing (11). An ornament (34) is affixed to the shaft and the shaft is decoratively finished. Musical movement (19) is provided with a stop-and-start mechanism which includes a control arm (22) being positioned and configured to interfere with the back (13) of upper drawer (12) such that the mechanism will be activated when the drawer is opened and will shut off when the drawer is closed.

Abstract: A cabinet structure includes side walls, a floor, and a rear wall, and a top wall mounting a concave sink therewithin. The sink is operative through a manually operative pump and an underlying reservoir to direct fluid into the sink, with a drain associated with the sink directed into a further reservoir. A cylindrical cavity contains a series of nested cylindrical cups therewithin mounted for access in an inverted configuration. A modification of the invention includes a rear plate directed upwardly of a rear wall mounting a further reservoir, wherein the further reservoir includes a serpentine conduit, with the serpentine conduit directing metered fluid onto a simulated toothbrush member to effect oscillation of the toothbrush member, whererin the toothbrush member is biased by a spring to effect oscillation of the toothbrush upon fluid directed upon the toothbrush head.

Abstract: A toy table including a table top, a central portion of the table top being separately mounted from the remainder of the table top, apparatus for mounting the central portion of the table top to rotate and provide a first surface to the top and a second surface to the bottom, each of the surfaces of the central portion mounting items to appear on the table top, apparatus for rotating the central portion to place the second surface facing upward and the first surface facing downward, and apparatus for actuating the apparatus for rotating the central portion in response to a push from one side or the other below the table top.

Abstract: A portable, multi-use, self-storing, wall mounted fold down desk/work center providing interior storage with applications for home, office and institutional uses. A box-like storage cavity is mounted on a wall and may be positioned at various selected heights. A single piece desk member having a flat work surface is hingedly attached at its back edge to the bottom frame of the storage cavity. First and second doors are hinged to the edge of the desk member and fold shut against the under edge of the desk member to make a compact box. When open the desk is in a horizontal position and the doors are folded to a vertical position. On one edge of each door is an extendable leg which extends to the floor to give the desk added stability. A collapsible dollhouse may be stored in its carrying case in the storage cavity. Alternatively, a vanity insert is provided so that when the desk is opened it converts into a dressing table. The unit may be a workcenter, game center or other utilitarian uses.

Abstract: A toy in the shape of a dollhouse which can be opened to reveal a furnished house containing diminutive appliances, fixtures and furniture. Some of the diminutive applicances, fixtures and furniture may also be opened to reveal rooms having even more diminutive appliances, furniture and fixtures, with the decor of the rooms being related to the appliance, fixture or item of furniture which contains the room.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a support structure, or leg, for a piece of furniture such as a table or the like. A blank of planar sheet material is provided with a rectangular opening adjacent one end and bent about an axis extending through the opening to form the support structure of the invention. The opening is sized such that after bending an edge of a table top is inserted in the opening and supported thereby. A plurality of the support structures, or legs, are attached to the table top to provide necessary support.

Abstract: Toy crib apparatus which includes a crib housing having at least one hollow rail member supporting a sliding toy member and one hollow wall member. A drive mechanism housed by the hollow wall member is connected to a flexible rod member that extends in a path from the hollow wall member along the hollow rail member. The flexible rod member is connected to a drive member for engaging the toy member for imparting sliding movement to a toy member. At the same time the drive mechanism provides a rocking movement to an accessory positioned adjacent the crib housing and movement to a graphic display observed through an opening formed in the hollow wall member.

Abstract: A reconfigurable toy simulates a school bus when assembled in a first configuration. In a second configuration the constituent components of the toy bus may be selectively arranged to simulate a schoolroom enclosure having figurines and simulated school desks positioned therewithin. The components of the toy include a vehicle chassis, on which side wall panels and roof panels are supported. The side wall panels and roof panels may be placed on edge on a flat floor surface to simulate the walls of a schoolroom. Rounded projections formed on upper edges of the side wall panels cooperate with recesses formed in the roof panels thereby serving to facilitate ready alignment of the roof panels on the side wall panels when the toy is assembled in the school bus configuration.

Abstract: The box-table combination includes a lower open topped toy box with central storage space, and an upper open bottomed drafting table releasably secured to the top of the box and nestable therein when disconnected therefrom for easy transportation. The drafting table has generally vertical side and rear walls and a closed top having an upwardly and rearwardly sloping (at about 40.degree.) front drafting portion and an about horizontal rear portion, all defining a central storage cavity within which staggered horizontal shelves are disposed. The rear ends of the shelves are slideably disposed in and readily removable from slats in the table rear wall. Access to the shelves is through a plurality of child-safe side folding hinged panel members in the table front portion. Access to the central storage space is through a drawer slidably received therein and extending out of the box, and thrugh the folding panels.

Abstract: A toy furniture device adapted to be converted from a couch arrangement to a fold-down bed arrangement. The device includes a main frame member within which a bed member is pivotably supported, the bed member being pivotably movable between a stored position within the main frame member and a folded-down position wherein it extends substantially perpendicularly from the main frame member. A couch frame cooperates with a couch back portion defined on a bottom panel of the bed to define a couch configuration with a vertical wall therebehind when the bed member is in the stored position. In the folded-down position of the bed member, the couch frame is disposed below the bed member so as to support same and a panel of the main frame member defines a decorative vertical wall.