A skin or skin system for a robot or robotics assembly is provided that includes one or more integral elastomeric links (or bars) (IELs) that are configured for receiving and connection with coupling elements or members (e.g., pivot pins) at the ends of mechanical links/bars. The IELs are also configured to act as a final link of a mechanical linkage made up of these mechanical links to provide a closed chain. For example, the body of each of the IELs, or a portion of the IEL body extending between connection points with the coupling elements of the links/bars of the mechanical linkage, provides a final link in a mechanical linkage forming a closed chain to allow it properly function.

A skin or skin system for a robot or robotics assembly is provided that includes one or more integral elastomeric links (or bars) (IELs) that are configured for receiving and connection with coupling elements or members (e.g., pivot pins) at the ends of mechanical links/bars. The IELs are also configured to act as a final link of a mechanical linkage made up of these mechanical links to provide a closed chain. For example, the body of each of the IELs, or a portion of the IEL body extending between connection points with the coupling elements of the links/bars of the mechanical linkage, provides a final link in a mechanical linkage forming a closed chain to allow it properly function.

A family hand puppet. A substantially solid body is provided in the shape of a human hand, the body having a main portion and a plurality of separate fingers extending therefrom, each finger having a distal end. A set of separate attachments is also provided, and a fastening mechanism such as hook and loop fasteners or adhesive tape releasably connects the set of separate attachments to corresponding distal ends of the fingers. In another embodiment, the puppet has a hollow body, forming a glove for articulation by a human hand inserted therein.

A family hand puppet. A substantially solid body is provided in the shape of a human hand, the body having a main portion and a plurality of separate fingers extending therefrom, each finger having a distal end. A set of separate attachments is also provided, and a fastening mechanism such as hook and loop fasteners or adhesive tape releasably connects the set of separate attachments to corresponding distal ends of the fingers. In another embodiment, the puppet has a hollow body, forming a glove for articulation by a human hand inserted therein.

In an aspect, a toy assembly is provided and includes a housing and an inner object inside the housing. The inner object includes a breakout mechanism that is operable to break the housing to expose the inner object. A pushbutton that is provided on the inner object can be pressed by pressing a correct spot on the housing. The pushbutton controls operation of an LED in the inner object, wherein the LED, when illuminated, is visible through the housing.

In an aspect, a toy assembly is provided and includes a housing and an inner object inside the housing. The inner object includes a breakout mechanism that is operable to break the housing to expose the inner object. A pushbutton that is provided on the inner object can be pressed by pressing a correct spot on the housing. The pushbutton controls operation of an LED in the inner object, wherein the LED, when illuminated, is visible through the housing.

In an aspect, a toy assembly is provided, and includes a housing, an inner object (which may, in some embodiments, represent a character) inside the housing, a tether, and a motor. The tether is driven by the motor to pull at least one removable housing portion from the housing.

In an aspect, a toy assembly is provided, and includes a housing, an inner object (which may, in some embodiments, represent a character) inside the housing, a tether, and a motor. The tether is driven by the motor to pull at least one removable housing portion from the housing.

A mobile phone holder is disclosed for mounting a mobile phone to the dashboard of a car. This mobile phone holder is integrated into the back of a mobile phone or is attached to the back surface of the mobile phone through adhesive pads, or suction cups, or is incorporated into accessories of mobile phones such as attachable card holding wallets, and etc. One embodiment of this mobile phone holder creates a closed loop around the air vent bars. Hence, shakes of the car will not cause sudden detachment and falling of the phone. In Addition, this mobile phone holder is portable and is carried by the mobile phone. Hence, the user can readily have it upon using a temporary car. Moreover, since this mobile phone holder is not permanently stayed in the car, it is not exposed to extreme temperatures and thus its wear and tear is lower than conventional phone holders. The loop that is formed by this apparatus can also be used for mounting a mobile phone to the handlebar of a shopping cart, the handlebar of a bike, safety belt of a car, a belt loop, belt of a user, strap of a bag, or other accessories of a user. This apparatus can also be used as a general purpose fastener for fastening two or more objects together, hanging objects from a bar. Such general purpose fastener can be used as a toy, strap of a watch, or bracelet as well.

A virtual puppeteering system includes a portable device including a camera, a display, a hardware processor, and a system memory storing an object animation software code. The hardware processor is configured to execute the object animation software code to, using the camera, generate an image in response to receiving an activation input, using the display, display the image, and receive a selection input selecting an object shown in the image. The hardware processor is further configured to execute the object animation software code to determine a distance separating the selected object from the portable device, receive an animation input, identify, based on the selected object and the received animation input, a movement for animating the selected object, generate an animation of the selected object using the determined distance and the identified movement, and render the animation of the selected object.