Abstract: A rod connector is provided including a disc portion, a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion. The disc portion has a first side configured to engage a first rod and a second side configured to engage a second rod. The first shaft portion extends from the first side of the disc portion and includes threads along at least a portion of the length thereof for engaging threads of the first rod to draw the first rod into engagement with the disc portion. The second shaft portion extends from the second side of the disc portion and includes threads along at least a portion of the length thereof for engaging threads of the second rod to draw the second rod into engagement with the disc portion.

Abstract: A free-standing blister pack made by heating molding plastic material, film or sheet, creating a container portion of a fixed space, storing a product such as cosmetic, fragrance, or homecare products in the space, and having a cover sheet attached to a flange of the container portion so as to create a sealing function. The blister packaging has a support structure to hold the blister upright after the removal of the perforation and score feature allowing the product to remain in a free-standing position after assembly.

Abstract: A rod connector is provided including a disc portion, a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion. The disc portion has a first side configured to engage a first rod and a second side configured to engage a second rod. The first shaft portion extends from the first side of the disc portion and includes threads along at least a portion of the length thereof for engaging threads of the first rod to draw the first rod into engagement with the disc portion. The second shaft portion extends from the second side of the disc portion and includes threads along at least a portion of the length thereof for engaging threads of the second rod to draw the second rod into engagement with the disc portion.

Abstract: A toy figurine and/or toy figurine packaging is coated with a dissolvable layer. When the toy figurine is coated, the toy figurine is entirely coated so that its overall appearance, including its skin complexion and/or facial features, is substantially hidden or obscured. Then, when the figurine is submerged in a fluid, the dissolvable layer dissolves to reveal the figurine's appearance that had been hidden underneath the dissolvable layer. When the toy figurine packaging is coated, the toy figurine packaging hides the identity of a toy figurine enclosed therein until fluid is introduced to the packaging.

Abstract: The present application prevents an engaging pin or a catcher pin from damaging an upper surface of a side sill or a lower surface of a side door when the door is closed, and reduces a height of the side sill over which an occupant steps when getting into a vehicle. A vehicle side structure includes an engaging portion that is at least partially provided between a lower part of a side door and a side sill and provides engagement between the lower part and the side sill. The engaging portion includes an engaging pin provided to protrude from an upper surface of the side sill, and a catcher pin that is provided in the lower part of the side door, receives the engaging pin brought into a space above the lower part of the side door, and engages a tip of the engaging pin.

Abstract: The 3D models includes parametric data and metadata. A software enables a user to specify search criteria for a selected product among a plurality of products whose 3D models are stored on the data storage device. The search software returns a list of product(s) matching the search criteria. The user selects a product and the 3D model of the selected product is streamed to the user software. The 3D model is then displayed to the user, who now can interact with the 3D model by selecting, hovering over, or decomposing the 3D model to reveal parts or subassemblies of the product in one or more stages of decomposition. Finally, e-commerce software communicates with the user software allowing the user to initiate an ecommerce transaction with respect to the parts or subassemblies depicted in the 3D model of the selected product.

Abstract: A fusible bead toy includes a particulate bead. The particulate bead is made of a transparent and water soluble resin. The particulate bead has a shape of polyhedron.

Abstract: A method allows production of integral frame structures having at least three structural portions separated circumferentially about a central axis and at least one hollow region radially inward thereof. Each of plural mold sections fits between structural potions, and a portion of the mold interior includes a wedge shaped portion which allows the mold sections to slide past the structural portions when molding is complete.

Abstract: A kit and method for creating a 3-dimensional toy includes a battery powered light, a container filled with a light curable polymer and one or more molds into which the light curable polymer is inserted. Optimal the kit may also include one or more sheets of transparent material to which the light curable polymer does not adhere and coloring which can be added to the light curable polymer. The method of forming a the 3-dimensional toy involves obtaining a mold, dispensing a light curable polymer into the mold; and then curing the polymer by applying light in the visible or near visible range to the polymer via a battery powered light.

Abstract: The invention provides means and a method for temporarily or permanently coupling three dimensional blocks together commonly used in toys or puzzles. After the blocks have been assembled, a low current is sent through the blocks in order to notify a user that the blocks have been properly configured. The current through the blocks is then increased which activates a means for coupling the blocks together including a plurality of electrodes, a series of magnetic apertures, a plurality of resin pouches, or a combination thereof. After the blocks are coupled together, the current flow is stopped, leaving the blocks temporarily or permanently in the last position in which they were placed before the increased current was applied. In some embodiments, the blocks may be disassembled, placed into a new configuration, and then recoupled as many times as desired.

Abstract: Described herein is a block set including a plurality of blocks having latently adhesive surfaces. Also described is a method of creating a bound structure from the individual blocks, including activating the adhesive of the latently adhesive surface of one or more of the blocks; and contacting an activated adhesive surface of the one or more blocks with another of said blocks, to bond the blocks together.

Abstract: A system of accessories to be used with a model train table having raised sides, said system comprising at least one perimeter section having a top member, an inner panel, and an outer panel, whereby the perimeter members are suitably adapted to be placed over and onto the sides of the model train table, such that portions of model train track may be placed onto the top members of the perimeter sections and graphic designs may be placed onto the outer faces of the panels of the perimeter sections.

Abstract: A kit and method for creating a 3-dimensional toy includes a battery powered light, a container filled with a light curable polymer and one or more molds into which the light curable polymer is inserted. Optimal the kit may also include one or more sheets of transparent material to which the light curable polymer does not adhere and coloring which can be added to the light curable polymer. The method of forming a the 3-dimensional toy involves obtaining a mold, dispensing a light curable polymer into the mold; and then curing the polymer by applying light in the visible or near visible range to the polymer via a battery powered light.

Abstract: A remotely controlled model airplane includes a receiver responsive to signals from a transmitter to control the direction of flight of the model airplane. The receiver, powered by a battery, demodulates the signal transmitted by the transmitter to selectively energize an electrical coil to generate a magnetic field of a first or second polarity. A rudder pivotally attached to the vertical stabilizer includes a magnet responsive to the magnetic fields generated and is urged in one direction or the other resulting in commensurate pivotal movement of the rudder. A hinge interconnecting the rudder and vertical stabilizer urges return to center of the rudder after it has been deflected left or right by the magnet responding to the magnetic field created as a result of a signal transmitted by the transmitter. An electric motor also under control of the transmitter and receiver may be incorporated to rotate a propeller to provide thrust and forward motion of the model airplane.

Abstract: Toy apparatus are provided. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a mesh having a plurality of loop structures with cooperative mating surfaces located around the perimeter of the loop structures. The loop structures form a surface of the apparatus when the cooperative mating surfaces are coupled with each other.

Abstract: A two-part device for producing a toy wheel from cylindrical playing blocks composed of a hard foam, the device has a cutting device having a trough for insertion of a playing block and a guide for a separating tool extending at an angle to the trough, a joining device which has a circular-ring-shaped trough for insertion of playing block segments cut with the cutting device from the playing blocks, and a wheel shaft hole which is coaxial to the trough of the joining device for passing a wheel shaft.

Abstract: A miniature kite that flies indoors or outdoors is made by cutting a small piece of tissue paper into any preselected shape, including the shape of a standard diamond-shaped kite. Toothpick-like sticks serve as the frame of the miniature kite and are adhered to a first side of the kite body to form a frame that maintains the preselected shape. Two elongate ribbons are secured to one another at their respective leading ends and are secured to the trailing end of the kite body. In a first embodiment, a string is attached to a triangular flap that is adhered to a second side of the kite body. The flap is folded at its base so that it lies in a plane perpendicular to the kite body when functioning. In a second embodiment, a unique tool is used to facilitate the kite-making process. The tool includes a pair of laterally spaced apart upstanding posts mounted on a base. The end of a kite string is looped around the posts and tied into a knot to form a loop.

Abstract: A model rocket kit which has a substantially lower material and manufacturing cost is provided. The model rocket kit includes at least one flat sheet of cardboard material which includes the outlines of the various components of a model rocket such as the rocket frame, nose cone, and recovery device. In order to assemble the model rocket, the various components are either punched by means of perforations or cut out of the flat sheet of cardboard material. The various components of the model rocket are then folded into the appropriate form and secured using conventional adhesive tape or the like. The resulting model rocket has a structurally stable and aerodynamic configuration which is reusable and results in a stable and true flight.

Abstract: A craft kit for children having minimal craft skills, making it possible for a child to create a toy figure, such as a miniature dinosaur, and to decorate this figure. Included in the kit is a collapsible cloth casing which when erected then assumes the shape of the desired figure, and a rubber balloon which is inserted in a deflated state into the casing through an opening therein. The cloth casing is impregnated with a curable resin and the balloon inflated to erect the casing so that it assumes the shape of the figure whereby when the resin cures, the casing is then rigidified to create the toy figure. The balloon is then deflated and withdrawn from the figure which may then be painted or otherwise decorated by the child.

Abstract: A teaching tool for teaching consumers and, in particular, children the benefits of recycling. In one embodiment, a teaching tool in accordance with the present invention comprises an object (for example, a toy) and a package for the object, wherein the package comprises a source material which may be recycled, and the object is manufactured at least in part from recycled source material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of constructing an arts and crafts project using a water soluble composition of low density to make a plurality of child-safe articles. The invention is used for forming toys or construction materials for use in playing a game, constructing arts and crafts projects, or used as building blocks. The composition of the articles used in the invented method preferably comprises a matrix principally made from a food starch supplemented with polyalkylene glycol or a derivative thereof. Alternatively, the composition used in the invented method may also comprise a mixture of a grain, a biodegradable binding agent and water. The composition can be extruded in a sheet-like form, with the sheets being cut and bonded together through the application of water to create an art project. By applying water or moisture, the pieces formed by the invented method can be easily bonded together to create the desired article.

Abstract: Base-ten blocks for teaching arithmetic to children, in which each block (19) has a projecting boss (27) with curved (bowed-out) sides (29) and an aperture (33) with straight sides (35), so that blocks (19) can be securely joined together to form multiples of units. Integrally made rows (37) of ten blocks each have two end bosses (41) for joining to other rows (37) to make flats (47) of one hundred units. Each flat has four bosses (51) for joining to other flats (47) to make a cube of one thousand units. The blocks have one color for units, a different color for rows of tens, a different color for flats of one hundred, and a still different color for cubes of one thousand. The blocks can be used to teach addition, multiplication, subtraction, division, etc., to children.

Abstract: In a model vehicle having a door assembly attached by a pivot bearing to a body including a door sill delimiting a doorway, it is desirable that the pivot bearing should be situated within the doorway permit easy installation and combine simple construction with strength to withstand rough usage. This object is achieved in that a metallic pivot pin attached to a door sill within the doorway projects with its free end upwardly from the door sill and in that a bearing cavity receiving the pivot pin is formed by the door assembly itself. The pivot bearing provided is of simple construction, easy to install and capable of withstanding stresses other than caused by normal opening and closing of the door.

Abstract: A model building kit deploying interchangeable wall panels in order to create a variety of building designs. The model building kit includes wall panels made up of interchangeable sub-units which further allows the builder to conform each individual panel to his needs. The wall panels interconnect with one another and are vertically supported by columns. The columns support a roof panel which may be also used in the interior of the building as floors. The style of architecture of the model kit is that of an industrial building such as a factory or warehouse.

Abstract: A method of forming a decorative doll or figurine is disclosed that uses many parts such as the torso, upper and lower arm, upper and lower legs, feet, hands, head and an encasing mask that is placed over the head of the doll. The mask is easily removed from the doll and the single doll can be changed into many by changing the mask style to form a different decorative doll or figurine.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image, which can be the face of a person, or other image having: a base, a picture module formed of flexible picture material bearing thereon a picture-making coating which latter is imprinted thereon in duplication from a photograph by known methods, the picture-module being attached to the forward side of the base and such forward side having a shape complementary to the picture coating as is accomplished by the method of this invention which is sculpting the material which makes the forward side of the base while such material is flexible and before heating it, the shaping of the moldable material being done by pressure exerted on and through the module as guided visually by the picture-making coating which latter can be accomplished by human sculpturing skill whereby the picture module is also sculpted into a new shape and complementary to the sculpted base.