New Ideas

GOODS & SERVICES

Bouncing Platform. A miniature trampoline for youngsters from 1.5 months to seven years is being manufactured by Tekay Products of Milwaukee. Called the "Kangaroo Kid," it is made of lightweight aluminum, heavy-duty elastic cord, and a gaily colored, tear-resistant canvas mat measuring 38 in. by 24 in., has a safety handle bar on which toddlers can do their tricks. Price: $19.95.

Zoom Lens. Bell & Howell put on sale a new zoom-lens attachment for 16-mm. home movie cameras with which the camera buff can change focal length from wide-angle to normal to telescope with the turn of a handle, enabling him to keep right on shooting while switching from closeups to long or panoramic shots. Electric Rug. A carpet pad that can be plugged in like an electric blanket to supply radiant heating in mild climates will be marketed by Britain's Thermalay Ltd. Developed after 18 months of research by electrical engineers and textile men, the pad is designed to heat all the air in a room evenly, give a floor temperature of 70° to 75°. Price in the U.S.: about $75.

Synthetic Sod. A new, weed-retarding method of sowing lawns has been developed by Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co. A green mat of synthetic fibers containing grass seed is unrolled on the soil giving a lawnlike appearance while the grass takes hold and keeping out weeds. It disappears as the lawn grows. Price: 10¢ to 18¢ per sq. yd.