Abstract: A device is described that possesses an overall shape that comfortably fits into a user's hand, and in particular, can be manipulated by the fingers. The device is fabricated of a pliable material that readily can be manipulated by manual pressure, yet holds its equilibrium positions absent pressure. The device has convex/concave surfaces which can be inverted to provide two stable equilibrium positions. The surfaces of the device may have different textures, such as smooth and ridged. The material of the device can have various colors, and also may be phosphorescent. Floral, fruit, spice and other scents may be added to the material such that the scent emanates from the device as the user manipulates the device.

Abstract: A coil spring toy with the ball-trapping tool attached to one or more ends is disclosed. The coil spring toy may be used with a game apparatus having a toy stairway, and a set of lightweight balls of a specific size. A method to play the game includes mechanically starting the spring toy to move downstairs due to gravity and its known properties. If started properly, a spring toy will capture the balls, located on the stairs, with the trapping tool, while it lands on each stair. Captured balls may be kept inside spring toy while it moves and finally stops. The balls may be transparent and may be filled with particles to produce additional visual and sound effects. Collected balls can be manually released out of spring toy by means of its stretching. After balls are released and counted, and are placed back on the stairs, the action may be repeated.

Abstract: An action toy consisting of a vertically mounted compression spring with a weighted top, and a means for preventing the base of the spring from bouncing away from the surface on which it is standing when the spring is compressed and released. The invention includes weighted projections extending horizontally and attached just below the top of the spring and clamps or weights on the base. It also includes a spring adjustment means on the base, a means of imbedding the ends of the springs, a means of indexing the top weight and the base weight with reference to each other and finger grips on the base. A piping of light weight non-attenuating material can be snaked around the coiled spring. A closure is added to the base and a filament is attached between the top of the spring and the base.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a retractable coiled toy, made of a material having a memory, which has a handle integral with the coil or body of the toy. The slinger is preferably made out of polyurethane, a coiled steel, other plastics or some other material which has memory. The present invention discloses a number of methods for using the coiled toy. The Slinger can be used to wrap around the wrist, like a bracelet. In another use, the slinger may be used as a lasso.

Abstract: An inflated non-latex balloon includes at least two latex films that are sealed together at their edges to define an encapsulation member; and an inlet connected to the encapsulation member, wherein the encapsulation member is inflated to a pressure substantially higher than a normal inflating pressure recommended for a typical non-latex balloon and wherein shape of the inflated non-latex balloon is substantially different in comparison with the shape of the balloon if the balloon is inflated to the normal inflating pressure. A method of inflating a non-latex balloon involves over-inflating the non-latex balloon to a pressure substantially higher than a normal inflating pressure recommended for a typical non-latex balloon to achieve a desired shape.

Abstract: Improved reversibly expandable structures are formed from novel loop assemblies comprising a plurality of links, each of said links having at least one center pivot joint and a plurality of end pivot joints, each of at least two of said plurality of end pivot joints proximate to the outer edge of said loop assembly and connected to another link; each of said plurality of links being connected to another one of said plurality of links by at least two end pivot joints thereby forming a link pair, said loop assembly comprising at least three link pairs, each of said at least three link pairs connected to at least two other link pairs through at least one of said end pivot joints; each of said at least three link pairs connected to a central piece that is central to the loop assembly, said central piece being rotatable around a central axis, wherein the rotation of the central piece reversibly expands said loop assembly.

Abstract: A flying toy has a spiral-shaped tail to which a head portion is coupled to effect a wiggling flight pattern of the toy. In preferred embodiments, the spiral-shaped tail is fabricated from a material that maintains the spiral shape of the tail during flight, and has a configuration effective to impart a wiggling motion of the tail.

Abstract: A toy sword having at least one visual or auditory indicator for signaling a user when the sword contacts a target is provided. In one preferred embodiment the visual indicator is a filament disposed within the body of the sword and positioned to extend outward through an opening in the body when the tip of the sword is depressed.

Abstract: A toy assembly and its method of manufacture. The toy assembly is a spherical object that can be temporarily compressed into a disc. A short time after compression, the toy pops back into its original ball-like shape. The toy assembly has arcuate sections that join form a generally spherical body. The arcuate sections are symmetrically disposed around a central axis. The spherical body is bisected by an imaginary equatorial plane that is perpendicular to the central axis. A leaf spring is provided behind each of the arcuate sections that bias the arcuate sections into a spherical shape. A connector mechanism is provided that temporarily connect opposite sides of the spherical body when the spherical body is compressed. The leaf springs provide a spring bias that resists any compression and causes the arcuate sections to return to a spherical shape when the connector mechanism release.

Abstract: An amusement device of a projectile nature that can be thrown or flung or propelled through the air by a launcher includes the characteristic that it can be induced through an electo-mechanical device that deploys articulatable aerodynamic members that cause it to spin in such a way as, to change it's trajectory in mid-flight in response to a signal generated from a remote control device.

Abstract: An amusement device of a projectile nature that can be thrown or flung or propelled through the air by a launcher includes the characteristic that it can be induced through electo-mechanical means, to change it's trajectory in mid-flight in response to a signal generated from a remote control device.

Abstract: The invention is a pop-up device adapted to allow for a number of triggering means and a number of special effects upon triggering of the device. The pop-up device may be placed in a hollow section of a cake, which is later iced over so that the candle holder is not visible. In the preferred embodiment, the base of the device supports the pop-up mechanism within a housing. The device is held in a compressed state by a release mechanism. Upon triggering of the release mechanism, the device is released and pushed through the cake or other confection, thereby providing surprise and entertainment. In alternative embodiments, the device is actuated by a drive mechanism or a fuse.

Abstract: An expandable toy having a plurality of fabric panels joined along their sides forming a desired shape and defining an interior space. These panels also define a single aperture at the top of the toy that provides access to the interior space. A plurality of elastic bands run along the interior surface of the fabric panels. An inflatable device is disposed within the interior space and the neck of the inflatable device is accessible through the single aperture at the top of the toy. Air is forced into the inflatable device, expanding the inflatable device and when large enough expanding the plurality of elastic bands so that the toy may achieve a desired size. The inflatable device is then sealed and a fabric lid is closed to cover the single aperture when the desired size is achieved.

Abstract: A combination ring and object holder with an integral spring is designed to secure and retain an object, such as a lollipop. The combination ring and object holder includes a ring, preferably fabricated from plastic, with a substantially flat upper surface to which a spring is secured, and further includes a coupling member secured to the opposite end of the spring which preferably defines a central opening in the upper surface thereof for receiving and retaining an object.

Abstract: A magnet which has a base which is substantially flat the exterior surface of which is formed into a figure representation. The head of the figure is attached by a single, thin member to the base with the head of the figure including a photo receiving slot.

Abstract: A novelty article includes a base member, an elongated member mounted thereto and made of resiliently flexible material tending to assume an unrolled extended condition when unrestrained by an outside force and being manually rollable upon itself so as to bring opposite portions into contact with one another as the elongated member is rolled upon itself to a rolled-up compact condition, and elements on the elongated member for detachably attaching together the opposite portions thereof when brought into contact with one another such that upon release of the elongated member from the rolled-up compact condition these elements will detach from one another and concurrently generate a drag effect on the detaching of the opposite portions of the elongated member which limits the elongated member to undergoing a controlled progressive unrolling action from the rolled-up compact condition to the unrolled extended condition.

Abstract: Rugged, soft, interconvertible articles constructed from soft, resilient members, which articles adopt a substantially different geometry upon an interior to exterior interconversion. The articles of the invention provide a significant visual effect and are useful as educational aids, magician's props, and toys.

Abstract: A toy includes an at least partially translucent member. The member includes a flexible, elongate portion, and a first peg portion and a second peg portion on opposite ends of the elongate portion. A toy includes a toy assembly and a flexible peg. The toy assembly includes a peg board having a plurality of spaced apertures extending therethrough and a light source positioned adjacent to the peg board. The flexible peg has at least one end dimensioned to be inserted into one of the apertures.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed including a vapor dryer chamber (12) with a lid (14). A heater (16) is disposed within the vapor dryer chamber to vaporize liquid drying medium (24), preferably isopropyl alcohol, in the bottom of the vapor dryer chamber (12). Cooling coils (18) disposed within an upper portion of the vapor drying chamber (12) condense the drying medium vapor. A vapor monitor assembly (30) is disposed within the vapor dryer chamber (12) to monitor the vapor concentration within vapor dryer chamber (12). A controller (40) is associated with the vapor monitor assembly (30) and evaluates vapor concentration measurements from the vapor monitor (38).

Abstract: A doll head mask comprises a hair ring; the hair ring being a cambered rubber ring; and a doll mask for shielding a face of a user wearing the doll mask and being connected to a hair ring. After the doll mask is mounted to the hair ring, the hair ring can be worn upon the head of the user for covering the face of the user. Two sides of the doll mask are extended with respective connecting pieces, and a distal end of each connecting piece is pivotally connected to the hair ring. The lower portion of the doll mask is a movable jaw. The movable jaw has two pivotal shafts; one of the pivotal shafts is connected to the doll mask and the other one is embedded into a cambered groove in the doll mask. Moreover, the doll mask is formed by a plurality of small elements.

Abstract: A toy includes an at least partially translucent member. The member includes a flexible, elongate portion, and a first peg portion and a second peg portion on opposite ends of the elongate portion.

Abstract: A confetti launcher is provided and includes a housing for storing the confetti, a rotatable actuator coupled to the housing, and a spring biased movable member disposed within an interior of the housing for ejecting the confetti. The movable member is positionable between a first position where it is locked relative to the actuator and a second position where it is free to move and an energy stored in a biasing element is released and translated into a force applied to the stored confetti such that the confetti is ejected from an open end of the housing.

Abstract: A key activated toy vehicle includes a body having a front end, a rear end and an exterior. The toy vehicle also includes a chassis that accommodates the body. At least one of the body and the chassis defines an opening to an interior of the toy vehicle. The toy vehicle includes a spring supported within the vehicle so as to be compressed by a key inserted through the opening and to propel the toy vehicle away from the key upon decompressing. The toy vehicle includes a moveable part being supported on one of the chassis and the body for movement between a first position and a second position. The toy vehicle includes an actuator mechanism operably coupled with the spring and moveably mounted within the vehicle so as to be coupled with the moveable part to move the part from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a retractable coiled toy, made of a material having a memory, which has a handle integral with the coil or body of the toy. The slinger is preferably made out of polyurethane, a coiled steel, other plastics or some other material which has memory. The present invention discloses a number of methods for using the coiled toy. The Slinger can be used to wrap around the wrist, like a bracelet. In another use, the slinger may be used as a lasso.

Abstract: A novelty device has a compacted spring loop in a container. During an effort of a person to remove the loop from the container, the loop under stored spring energy expands toward its extended configuration to assist in opening the container or to fly out from the container to the surprise of the person.

Abstract: The fuselage or airframe is a solid, characterised as two-dimensional, plastic moulding. The flapping wings pivot at the inner ends both to a pin on the airframe. Connecting-rods go from the crankshaft to intermediate points on the wings. The various pivot connections are made by snapping resilient split sockets onto respective pins, so no tools or fasteners are needed. Designed thus, the aircraft can be manufactured in kit form, wherein all the required plastic components are formed together in a single injection, the components being detached for final assembly.

Abstract: A figurine assembly is for providing a user with an attractive and functional device that would be used to decorate a computer monitor. The figurine assembly includes a figurine that has a torso, head, arm and leg portions. A base member is adapted for coupling to a top of the computer monitor. A spring member has a first end coupled to the base member and a second end coupled to the body portion. The spring member has a spring constant such that the figurine moves with an exaggerated motion when the movement of the computer monitor moves the base.

Abstract: A toy projectile device that is thrown at flat surfaces, such as pains of glass. The toy projectile has a volume of fill material that is encapsulated within a thin-walled shell. The fill material contains a liquid and may contain solid objects suspended within the liquid. The shell is fabricated from an elastomeric material that is highly elastic, has high tear resistance and has a tacky exterior. When the toy projectile is thrown against a hard surface, the thin-walled shell deforms on impact and stretches into a splat pattern on the impacted surface. Due to the tackiness of the shell, the shell adheres to the impacted surface in the splat pattern. After a short period of time, the elastic properties of the shell cause the shell to contract and peel way from the impacted surface.

Abstract: A cat toy and method of making a cat toy, which is a springy thingy. The lightweight section of plastic coil has at least two windings, said windings allow storage and release of potential energy. The coil offers a cat a lifelike chaotically varied motion and response to mimic a cat's natural prey and evoke a cat's natural hunting instincts. The coil can jump when hit at an end by a cat. A cat can also roll the coil along a floor.

Abstract: A bug-like flipping toy is provided having four resilient leg members extending from a substantially horizontal body member with a depression member in the form of an extended posterior portion. Each leg member is a relatively flat elongated plate having a greater width at the point of adjoinment with the body member and tapering to a narrower, radial, distal foot. The leg members are paired into anterior legs and posterior legs with the anterior legs being elongated plates on a horizontal plane and posterior legs being elongated plates on a diagonal plane. An external force placed on the depression member will push the body member downward and cause the anterior legs to extend forward and the posterior legs to abduct due to their angular construction. When the external force is removed the resiliency of the leg members will cause them to rebound into their static positions thereby launching the present invention into a tumbling trajectory.

Abstract: A coil spring amusement device which includes a spring with a plurality of connected rings, a right end, a left end, and light devices attached to right and left ends, respectively is disclosed. Each light device includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED's); a power source for energizing the diodes; a circuit for selectively electrically connecting the power source with the diodes; and a switch responsive to the motion of the spring for causing the circuit to connect the power source to the diodes in order to illuminate the diodes. The light device also has a clip by which it is secured to the spring.

Abstract: The invention is a pop-up device adapted to allow for a number of triggering means and a number of special effects upon triggering of the device. The pop-up device may be placed in a hollow section of a cake, which is later iced over so that the candle holder is not visible. In the preferred embodiment, the base of the device supports the pop-up mechanism within a housing. The device is held in a compressed state by a release mechanism. Upon triggering of the release mechanism, the device is released and pushed through the cake or other confection, thereby providing surprise and entertainment. In alternative embodiments, the device is actuated by a drive mechanism or a fuse.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adhesive funny jumping toy where the adhesion of the adhesive bodies, the elasticity of the spring coil, the gravity and the free fall of the toy produce continuous rolling and jumping along the vertical surface without free drop so as to attract kids' interest and attention.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a retractable coiled toy, made of a material having a memory, which has a handle integral with the coil or body of the toy. The slinger is preferably made out of polyurethane, a coiled steel, other plastics or some other material which has memory. The present invention discloses a number of methods for using the coiled toy. The Slinger can be used to wrap around the wrist, like a bracelet. In another use, the slinger may be used as a lasso.

Abstract: A toy and a method for washing a body of an individual are provided. The toy includes a resilient coil with one or more bodies attached to the coil. Preferably, one of the bodies is made from soap and may be used as a tub toy for, for example, a child. The bodies are preferably in the shape of an identifiable object or creature. The toy is constructed such that one or both of the bodies may be replaced, and the coil may be re-used with the new body or bodies.

Abstract: A jellyfish type underwater swimming toy capable of exhibiting reality sufficient to permit an observer to be impressed as if a jellyfish swims in a fluttering manner under water. A toy body is formed into a jellyfish-like shape and includes a head. The head includes a head body, a plurality of swing arms radially arranged on a periphery of the head body in a manner to be vertically swingable, and an umbrella-like member formed into a configuration like a thin film and arranged on the head body and swing arms. Thus, when the swing arms are swingably moved through a drive mechanism, the umbrella-like member is vertically actuated through the swing arms, resulting in the toy swimming in the water while vertically traveling in a fluttering manner.

Abstract: A toy and a game are provided as well as a method for playing a game. The toy includes a resilient coil that has an attachment surface for picking up an article or target with a complementary attachment surface associated with the article or target. The toy and the article may be provided as a kit. One or more players may use the coil to pick-up one or more articles or targets. Points may be accumulated based on designated values that may be given to the articles or targets.

Abstract: A flapping heart amusement device comprises a left side, a right side, and a central support member. The left side and right side are symmetrical in nature and represent each half of a heart shape. An interior edge of each side meet at the central support member, which is cylindrical and vertical in orientation. A vertically aligned hinge pin runs through the central support member through openings therewithin, the hinge pin allowing the left side and the right side to swivel therefrom. A housing encapsulates a power means and is located at a position behind the left side and right side. A left linkage means extends outwardly from the power means located within the housing and engages the left side, a first end of the left linkage rigidly affixed to a double-ended crank shaft located within the housing and positioned perpendicularly thereto, with a distal end of left linkage means rigidly attached to the left side of the heart.

Abstract: This invention provides a toy vehicle incorporating actuators made from a shape memory alloy material. These actuators may be in the form of a spring, wire or similar form that has a mechanical response upon the application or removal of heat. In particular, wires may be connected about hinges for doors, hoods, convertible roofs and other such items which, upon the application of heat to the wire of shape memory alloy, causes contraction of the wire and rotation about the hinged joint of the body part. As such shape memory alloy actuators are generally only operably in a single direction, they may be provided in pairs or in opposition to another biasing means to cause the opposed rotation about the joint when desired. The preferred source of heat to the shape memory alloy actuators is through the provision of electrical energy to the wire to create heat through the resistance of the shape memory alloy actuator itself.

Abstract: Provided is a toy that includes at least one insert suspended in a transparent play material matrix, especially a play gel. Also disclosed is a play material composition that includes water, polyvinyl alcohol, a surfactant, and a salt. The present invention further provides a play kit that includes a portion of a play material according to the invention and a container for the play material, especially including one or more inserts or sets of inserts.

Abstract: An amusement device used to move a supported display object through an erratic path. The amusement device includes a base element in which is disposed a rotating assembly. A support spring is used to interconnect a display object to the rotating assembly in the base element. The support spring has a first end and a second end. The first end of the support spring is coupled to the rotating assembly within the base element, wherein the support spring is rotated by the rotating assembly. The remainder of the support spring extends freely from the base element. The display object is coupled to the second end of the support spring. As the display object rotates, it causes the support spring to oscillate, thereby causing the display object to move erratically from point to point.

Abstract: An amusement device used to move a supported display object through an erratic path. The amusement device includes a base element in which is disposed a vibration mechanism. A support spring is used to interconnect a display object to the vibration mechanism in the base element. The support spring has a first end and a second end. The first end of the support spring is coupled to the vibration mechanism in the base element. The remainder of the support spring extends freely from the base element. The display object is coupled to the second end of the support spring. As the display object vibrates, it causes the support spring to oscillate, thereby causing the display object to move erratically from point to point.

Abstract: A device which may be manipulated by the hand is useful as a toy and as an exercising device to rebuild motor skills and rebuild muscles and flexibility. The device comprises an elongate, endless member of a particular shape. The shape comprises a plurality of loops with a portion of the member passing through each loop. The device may be manipulated by bending the loops over one another or by deforming the loops along the general axis of the member so that a point on the member appears to move along the member in wave-like fashion. The member is flexible and resilient so that it may be deformed, but when released, assumes its initial shape. The initial shape may be dictated by a combination of resilience and contact between portions of the member or by the “memory” of the member.

Abstract: A knockdown block toy including a soft extensible outer envelope body and a predetermined number of component blocks contained in the outer envelope body. The outer envelope body softly encloses the component blocks therein, whereby when the knockdown block assembly is squeezed and compressed or pushed by external force, the component blocks are displaced within the outer envelope body relative to each other and re-assembled and stacked to form various patterns of assemblies as desired.

Abstract: A resilient elastic toy figure body supports a quartet of downwardly extending legs and a pair of heads outwardly facing from each end of the toy figure body. The stretchy elastic material body defines an interior cavity within which a particulate filler is captivated. Each head is securely attached to its respective end of the toy figure body. A relatively inelastic limiter cord is secured to each head and passes through the particulate filler of the toy figure body. As the stretchable body is elongated during play activity, the limiter cord reaches its full extension and further elongation which might damage the toy figure is prevented.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a fabric-covered spring toy having a helical body which is decorated both on its outside and on its confronting helical surfaces. In the method, a fabric tube is everted using a lanyard to pull one end of the tube through the tube center to produce the fabric tube. Everting produces a tube with a decorative surface on the outer face. The resulting fabric covered spring body can be sewn to other fabric structures such as simulated animal body parts, for incorporation into an animal-like product having a semi-soft, flexible body.

Abstract: A safety method and toy position a rotatable stopper in a bore where the stopper can not be gripped by human hands and create a friction fit between the stopper and bore that requires a rotational torque that can not be applied to the stopper by human hands alone when the stopper is in the bore.

Abstract: An action mechanism toy or amusement device which by centrifugal force causes the device to wobble, bob and rock due to a motor mechanism and offset weight rotating about a fixed motor shaft.

Abstract: A shaped toy includes a kinetically resilient central core and an outer layer of varying thickness covering the central core. The outer layer may be a material which also exhibits kinetic resiliency, to a degree more or less than that of the core, or, alternatively, be substantially non-resilient, such as fabric or pile. In a preferred embodiment, the toy includes a substantially spherically shaped core, covered by an outer layer of fabric, the type used for fabrication of conventional plush stuffed toys, increasing its appeal, by virtue of appearance and feel, to user and animal alike. The fabric, when stitched together using conventional stuffed animal sewing techniques, encloses the resilient central core, and presents regions of varying thickness over an expanse thereof, such that when thrown against a surface, unpredictable direction and bounce response will result by virtue irregular surface curvature and damping due to increasing and decreasing fabric thickness.

Abstract: An amusement center for rear facing child seats consisting of a soft flexible display structure, a way of supporting the soft, flexible display structure, at least one entertainment item, and a way for attaching the entertainment item to the display structure. The amusement center provides intellectual and visual stimulation for infants ages birth to nine months. The display structure consists of a plurality of panels, each panel having a toy or similar entertainment item attached thereto. The display structure is made from cloth, vinyl, padded foam, or other flexible material to prevent trauma to the infant in case of an accident. The display structure is supported by clips or straps which hang over the back of a vehicle seat. The display structure may be supported by VELCRO.RTM. attachments to the vehicle seat. The attachable items may consist of photos or pictures, soft dolls or animals, or music boxes. The attachable items are attached to the display structure by way of snaps, magnets, VELCRO.RTM.