Abstract: Drinking straw kits and methods are disclosed that allow consumers to construct a variety of changeable toys, sculpture, icons, novelties, and designs that can be manipulated in a variety of ways while still maintaining the functionality of the drinking straw to transport liquid via suction. The drinking straws in kits may include one or more corrugated sections that may be elongated into an extended state from a shorter compressed state. The corrugated sections also allow manipulation of the drinking straws into curvilinear shapes that may be substantially retained after manipulation.

Abstract: The present invention, in various embodiments, may combines a toy, and/or a game of skill, and/or chance, and/or a craft activity, and/or a novelty entertainment or amusement, or any combination thereof with food or consumable product. The edible novelty products of the invention may include, e.g., linking articles, puzzle pieces, words, gas-producing compositions, etc. The edible novelty products of the present invention may preferably include a container for the edible articles. The container may be in the form of a can, bottle, pouch, bag, box, etc. The container may preferably be sealed to retain product freshness, etc. until use.

Abstract: Diagnostic demonstration devices and methods are disclosed that, in various embodiments, may include a simulated test strip and a mechanism capable of extending the simulated test strip out of the housing and retracting the simulated test strip into the housing. In other embodiments, a simulated test strip supply and a mechanism operably attached to the simulated test strip supply are provided with the mechanism capable of dispensing a simulated test strip from the simulated test strip supply. The diagnostic demonstration devices may not include functional diagnostic hardware designed to analyze a biological tissue or fluid sample obtained from a patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to the application of premiums positioned on consumer packaging to provide value to the advertising label stock. The premiums preferably are integral with the labeling material such that the label has an essentially uniform thickness that does not create a problem for automated application of the label stock to the consumer product.

Abstract: A novel method for the application of collectible or play premiums which are positioned on labels or wrappers for consumer packaging to provide value to the advertising label stock and provide an incentive for the initial and repeat purchase of the consumer product. The premiums may be in the form of stickers, transferable tattoos, painting or other activity members, glow-in-the-dark or scented inks, etc., which are integral with the labeling material such that the label has an essentially uniform thickness which will not create problems in the use of high-speed automated machinery that is utilized in the application of the label stock to the consumer product. The flexible label comprises a first layer having advertising thereon and a second layer coextensive with the first layer providing a uniform thickness and includes a removable premium which is separated from the label for play or collection by the user.

Abstract: This invention relates to the application of holographic collectible and/or play premiums positioned on consumer packaging to provide value to the advertising label stock. The holograms are integral with the labeling material such that the label has an essentially uniform thickness. The labels of this invention include a front face and a back face. In one embodiment the collectible hologram premium is provided on the front face of the label stock and in another embodiment the collectible hologram premium is provided on the back face of the label stock. The labels with the holographic premium can be trimmed to provide a collectible hologram premium with entertainment value to children or adults.