Abstract: Equipment for building sand castles can include a body having a single, monolithic, hollow structure with a vertical axis and a sidewall that is continuous and uninterrupted in a rotational direction about the vertical axis. The sidewall can include an inner pattern that is castle-like in appearance. The inner pattern can form an outer pattern in sand located inside the body. The body also has an open bottom, an open top that is completely unobstructed and has no inward protrusion, and a top radial dimension at the open top is smaller than a bottom radial dimension at the open bottom such that the body is tapered. A handle extends from the body adjacent the open top. The handle can be used to vertically lift the body from the sand located inside the body to form a freestanding sand castle without support from the body.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a kit includes a slide device and an action figure coupled to the slide device. The kit also includes a tool configured to modify a shape of a base material such that a path that has a non-zero height is defined within the base material. The action figure and the slide device can collectively slide down at least a portion of the path when disposed on the path. The base material can be, for example, snow or sand. In some embodiments, the tool can include tool body having a length dimension, a width dimension and a height dimension. The length dimension can be greater than the width dimension and the height dimension can be greater than at least half a height dimension of the slide device and the action figure collectively. A handle can be coupled to the tool body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to moldable sand compositions, methods for making the moldable sand compositions, and methods for using the moldable sand compositions. In a particular embodiment, the moldable sand composition comprises between about 70% to about 95% sand, between about 5% to about 30% water, a polar polymeric resin, a crosslinking agent, and a humectant. In an exemplary embodiment, the composition contains no oils, waxes, glycols, or rubbers. The composition is capable of becoming hardened over time in order to maintain the achieved shape, and can be re-wetted and molded again after becoming hardened.

Abstract: This invention relates to hand manipulated toy construction equipment such as backhoes, trucks, etc. In one embodiment, the truck body is hollow at one end so that the truck may be manipulated by inserting one's arm into the truck body and grasping and manipulating a transverse dowel handle. Spring-loaded means are provided within the truck body and are coupled to the dumper to control the motion of the equipment. A sound module is also provided to simulate construction sounds.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to features for maintaining or providing a beach area that is adjacent a water feature and that includes beach surface material disposed in one or more containment structures such that a multi-colored or illuminated beach surface is provided. Present embodiments may include multiple containment structures arrayed in an area adjacent a water feature, wherein each containment structure holds beach surface material of a different color. Further, present embodiments may include creating and/or distributing iridescent and/or phosphorescent beach surface material in one or more containment structures that define the beach area. Additionally, present embodiments may include adjustable or attachable barrier extensions to facilitate maintenance. Further, present embodiments may include transparent or translucent beach surface material disposed in one or more containment structures and a lighting system under the beach surface materials.

Abstract: A snowman kit and method of making a snowman is disclosed. In one embodiment, the kit comprises two legs, a base bowl, and a torso cap. The two legs form the base of the snowman. A torso formed from snow is placed in the base bowl. A torso cap of plastic is placed on the top of the torso. Plastic arms are attached to the torso cap, and a head is formed and placed on the torso cap.

Abstract: A portable sandbox comprises a modular sandbox assembly and a plurality of wheels. The sandbox assembly comprises a durable, waterproof open-top box structure, a flat lid, a plurality of attachable handles, and the like. A bottom surface of the box structure comprises the plurality of wheels for transportation along a ground surface. In a preferred embodiment, the box further comprises a drainage hole to allow for use as a planter.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a kit includes a slide device and an action figure coupled to the slide device. The kit also includes a tool configured to modify a shape of a base material such that a path that has a non-zero height is defined within the base material. The action figure and the slide device can collectively slide down at least a portion of the path when disposed on the path. The base material can be, for example, snow or sand. In some embodiments, the tool can include tool body having a length dimension, a width dimension and a height dimension. The length dimension can be greater than the width dimension and the height dimension can be greater than at least half a height dimension of the slide device and the action figure collectively. A handle can be coupled to the tool body.

Abstract: A stackable ride-on toy includes a generally hollow body featuring a saddle, a handle and a primarily open bottom. A number of casters are mounted to the body by shrouds positioned adjacent to the primarily open bottom. The saddle includes a saddle valley and saddle peak that are ergonomically sized and shaped. The saddle also serves as a stacking surface adapted to stack the ride-on toy with similar ride-on toys in a nested configuration.

Abstract: A beach toy is provided to make a moat that is shaped and dimensioned to correspond with an impermeable moat liner. The beach toy includes a shovel, a cord, and a stake. The cord interconnects the shovel and the stake. In use, the stake is inserted into a porous medium. Next, the shovel is pulled away from the stake until the cord is taut. The blade of the shovel is inserted into the porous medium and moved about the stake while keeping the cord taught to remove material and form a annular-shaped moat.

Abstract: A portable sandbox for carrying sand is provided. The portable sandbox includes a support frame and a carrier body. The support frame includes a front axle and a rear axle, a first and a second pair of upright support members, at least two front wheels where each of the at least two wheels is pivotally connected to an end portion of the front axle, at least two rear wheels where each of the at least two wheels is pivotally connected to an end portion of the rear axle, and a base member comprising a first and a second pair of arms. The carrier body includes a bottom enclosure disposed on the base member of the support frame, and front and rear side panels extending vertically upwards from the bottom enclosure. Furthermore, the portable sandbox includes a handle securely attached to the support frame for pulling the portable sandbox.

Abstract: A beach toy kit that presents a compact unit with everything a child needs to have fun at the beach. The beach toy kit includes a castle, a ramp, a bridge, a moat, a sand sifter, a shovel, a boat, and a vehicle. The castle can be used as a play unit, a sand mold, or a storage unit, and is provided in multiple pieces that are capable of stacking and nesting. The ramp is provided in multiple, connected pieces that can be disassembled to allow for compact storage. The ramp is multi-functional in that it can be used as a play vehicle driving surface, a shovel, and a closure device for the castle to retain items inside the castle. The bridge is also multi-functional, in that it can be used as a bridge to span the width of the moat and can be connected to the castle to serve as a handle. The moat is a water resistant or impervious sand liner that can be recessed into the sand to provide a water channel for the boat.

Abstract: Panels for assembling a sandbox frame include an elongate A panel and an elongate B panel. Each panel has an end portion terminating in an end edge. The end edge is oriented transverse to the length dimension of the panel. A first cord receiving notch is disposed in the A panel end edge. A second cord receiving notch is disposed in the B panel end edge. A first elongate A slot is proximate the A panel end portion. The first slot is oriented transverse to the length dimension of the A panel. A second elongate B slot is proximate the B panel end portion. The second slot is oriented transverse to the length dimension of the B panel. A first groove is disposed in the A panel end portion. The first groove is oriented transverse to the A panel length dimension. The groove is recessed from a main surface of the A panel and defined by opposed groove walls wherein one of the groove walls is beveled. When the A and B panels are assembled, the A panel slot interlocks with the B panel slot.

Abstract: A sandbox according to the present invention includes a desk having a plurality of legs and defining an open receiving area. The sandbox includes a basin coupled to the desk and extending into the open receiving area, the basin having an area for receiving sand. The basin includes a plurality of sidewalls and at least one sidewall defines a notch. The desk includes a lip extending outwardly from the basin sidewall that defines a notch. The sandbox includes a perforated cover movable between a first configuration covering the lip and a second configuration exposing the lip, the cover defining a plurality of perforations to allow sand to pass through to the lip when at the first configuration. The sandbox includes a drawing board pivotally coupled to the lid and that may be maintained at various angles relative to an imaginary horizontal plane.

Abstract: Systems for constructing sand structures. The system comprises a plurality of mold blocks that can be assembled together such that their inner surfaces combine to form a internal cavity in the shape of a desired sand structure. There is also an external support used to retain the mold blocks in their assembled position. Sand is packed into the internal cavity formed by the collective internal surfaces of the mold blocks to form the sand structure. There may be a plurality of tiers of assembled mold blocks for constructing complex sand structures and there may be a mechanism to aid the user in grasping a mold block to facilitate the removal of the mold block to uncover the completed sand structure and there may also be some interlocking of adjacent mold blocks together. Once filled, the mold blocks are removed, thus creating the sand structure.

Abstract: A kit 10 which includes various implements, such as a container 12, a pair of sunglasses, 40 suntan lotion 45 and a flag 44, colors container 110, 112, 114, and 116 which allows an aesthetically pleasing sand sculpture 200 to be safely and efficiently created. Particularly, some of the implements, such as the lotion 45, are utilized to protect the user of the kit, the container 12 may worn the user of the occurrence of an undesirably high temperature or ultraviolet radiation condition, and the container 110-116 may be used to selectively create a colorful design upon the created sculpture 200.

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: 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: A vibrating sand sifting toy that has a selectively activated vibrating mechanism mounted in a portion of the toy for causing oscillatory vibration of a surface portion of the toy. Two embodiments are in the form of a scoop with a handle. The bottom of the scoop portion is provided with openings in a predetermined pattern and size for discharging sand, dirt or other particulate material in a predetermined pattern for the education and entertainment of a child operating the vibrating toy. In one of those two embodiments the scoop portion is removable and replaceable with other scoop portions having different predetermined patterns of openings. In the other of those two embodiments the bottom of the scoop portion has an open frame for removably receiving a template having a predetermined pattern of openings for discharging sand and various templates with different predetermined patterns may be used.

Abstract: The device consists of different sized and shaped tools for creating free form sand sculptures, contained in a netted bag. The tools range from larger sized tools with grooved handles for heavier shoveling and scraping, to finer shaped tools with smooth handles for detailing work. Children can use the tools to make simple sand sculptures, while adults can also use the tools to create finely crafted sculptures for recreational enjoyment, contests or professional use. The tools and bag are brightly colored, and made of plastic. They are visible if buried in the sand, and float is swept away by the tide. They are durable, easily cleaned, and safe for use by children and use at the beach. The tools can also be used to create snow sculptures.

Abstract: A novelty device comprised of a transparent body defined by a chamber. First and second horizonal partitions having a plurality of openings depicting text or design traversing said chamber. The first and second partitions in a generally spaced parallel relationship dividing the chamber into a top area, a central area between the partitions and a bottom area. A particulate film material disposed within the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating freestanding columns of compressible substances such as snow and sand. These freestanding columns can then be sculpted into any desired shape. The apparatus is placed on level ground, filled with the compressible substance after which the substance is compressed using hands or other implements. The operator then rotates the apparatus by pushing horizontally on the handles, thereby causing the apparatus to rise vertically due to the spiral grooves on the inside surface of the apparatus. As the apparatus rises vertically, the column of compressed substance remains stationary while creating space at the top of the apparatus for the addition of more of the compressible substance. The process is repeated until desired height is reached.

Abstract: A footprint generating toy that is worn on a person's foot, and enables the wearer to leave liquid or dry simulated footprints. The footprint generating toy is made from an absorbent, moisture retaining material that, after being soaked in water, will leave liquid simulated footprints as the wearer walks. The footprint generating toy may also be used dry, to leave simulated footprint impressions in soft surfaces such as sand, snow or loose dirt.

Abstract: A play material container includes a base having an interior cavity, a sidewall and a cookie-cutter edge defining a predetermined shape. A lid is configured to be snap-fitted upon the base to provide container closure. An extrusion die is formed in the container base sidewall which is capped by a resiliently supported cap secured to the container lid. The container lid defines an upper surface supporting a plurality of open face press molds. The cookie-cutter shape, the press mold elements, and the extrusion die aperture are preferably coordinated in accordance with a common theme such as a food article or the like.

Abstract: A toy construction kit for constructing sand cast structures using a set of different casting molds, support posts installed in the molds during filling and compacting the sand, and support plates that encompass the open part of the mold and that include a socket to engage the post, the support plate and post supporting the sand casting when the mold is removed the kit including interconnection clips to interconnect the support plates of multiple casting when constructing a multi-tier structure.

Abstract: A product for use in creating sculpted shapes and features comprises a dry quantity of granular sand which is treated to retain its cohesiveness when submerged in water. A compressible receptacle contains the granular sand in a hollow interior thereof, and this receptacle includes a longitudinally extending sidewall surrounding the interior, a closure forming an upstream end of the receptacle and a dispensing nozzle disposed at a downstream end. The nozzle has a mouth sized to be larger than the granular size of the sand and in fluid communication with the interior. The sidewall is fabricated from a material having sufficient flexibility to allow the receptacle to be squeezed with enough force to cause a cohesive mass of the sand to be forcibly extruded out of the mouth when the nozzle is immersed within a volume of water.

Abstract: A structure modeling device for the creation of sand figures, including sand castles, that provide structural stability to the resulting figures and aesthetic enhancement. The main structural member includes a central body member and at least two fin members extending outwardly therefrom at an angle so that sand is cooperatively received and its weight directed downwardly to enhance the interlocking engagement with abutting members. Other structural members permit a user to form diverse building shapes, such as columns or cones. All of these members have fin members that hold sand or other granular material and direct its weight downwardly through the engagement means in order to enhance the stability of the resulting figure or structure.

Abstract: A sculpting tool is provided for use in sculpting shapeable mass, such as common beach sand, snow, soft dirt or soft clay. The tool has first and second sculpting heads, each sculpting head having a pair of oppositely-facing cutting elements for cutting into the shapeable mass. The tool also has an elongate shaft or handle extending between the sculpting heads. Each cutting element is serrated so that a user may use the tool to produce patterns in the granular material. Preferably, each cutting element has a different serration pattern, thereby providing the user with four different patterns with which to sculpt. In addition, each sculpting head defines a pair of opposite cup-like structures such that a user may scoop and/or move a portion of the shapeable mass.

Abstract: A toy igloo construction for children consisting of a shell that is designed to collect falling snow. The shell serves as a support for the snow igloo and in addition may serve as a toy igloo in the absence of snow.

Abstract: A toy kit for forming a structure. Individual pieces include at least a cylinder, cone, cube and prism, and at least one additional piece. The piece can be assembled to form a structure, e.g. a sand castle. The pieces are hollow and open bottomed and include fixtures enabling mutual assembly together. Holes in their top walls permit passage of water or sand.

Abstract: A portable sand blanket with associated toys including: a blanket formed in a flat circular configuration of a durable plastic material, the blanket having six holes therethrough located at essentially equally spaced locations adjacent to the periphery, grommets positioned through the holes of the blanket and a single rope in a circular configuration threaded sequentially through the holes and grommets, the rope extending on the upper and lower surfaces of the blanket alternatively. A container for said having upstanding side wall in a circular configuration, the container having a circular base, the side wall coupled at their lower edges to the base to define a container for sand, the lower surface of the container including its base being permanently secured to the blanket at a central extent thereof, the sand container having a lid formed with a circular upper extent and downwardly extending side wall in a circular configuration to fit over the upper edge of the side wall of the container.

Abstract: A shovel is disclosed which is preferably a play shovel for use by a child or adult for making a molded head and neck of any desired character or object such as a storybook or cartoon character in the sand. The shovel includes a bottom spade portion and a middle handle portion and a top head portion. The head and handle portions have walls forming a mold cavity opening at the back. The head portion has inner and outer surfaces having features of the head of a character formed thereon.

Abstract: A sand toy comprising a generally planar body having at least one edge with a plurality of serrations along the edge, spaced side edges and finger engaging holes whereby the sand toy can be grasped along the side edges with the fingers engaging the openings in order to move the sand toy to bring the serrations into contact with sand and the like.