Abstract: An envelope has a latching mechanism that is activated by a key to releasably secure a flap of the envelope in a closed position. The latching mechanism is located on the envelope's flap. The tip of the key fits into an aperture in the middle of the latching mechanism. Rotation of the key rotates ears on the back of the latching mechanism from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the ears align with a correspondingly-shaped opening in the front panel of the envelope, and the ears pass through the opening. Rotation to the second position rotates the ears behind the front panel such that the ears of the latching mechanism are now behind the front panel, thereby securing the opening of the envelope flap.

Abstract: A realistically opening artificial flower has a slidable pusher basket having an upper end and a lower end and is moveable from a first position to a second position. The flower includes a means for moving the slidable pusher basket from the first position to the second position; the means is located generally adjacent the lower end of the slidable pusher basket. The flower also includes a simulated flower with a base that receives the upper end of the slidable pusher basket along with multiple rows of petals disposed on a plurality of vertically stacked supports. The slidable pusher basket is coupled with at least one of the plurality of vertically stacked supports via a petal attachment member. Incident to the slidable pusher basket moving from the first position to the second position, the multiple rows of petals transition from the generally closed position to the generally open position, and each row of petals has varying open and closed angles.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are provided for interactively playing with a printed image. A printed image resembling a game board, book, or picture, is provided. The printed image includes a plurality of feedback areas in which an indicator color is printed of a predetermined wavelength of light. A figurine is provided that includes a light source, a light sensor, and a plurality of outputs is associated with each color of indicator color. The light source and light sensor are placed in proximity to one of the feedback areas in the image. Activation of the figurine causes the light source to illuminate a feedback area and the sensor to determine the wavelength of light of the illuminated feedback area. A controller selects one of the plurality of outputs associated with the indicator color and an output component provides the selected output.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are provided for interactively playing with a printed image. A printed image resembling a game board, book, or picture, is provided. The printed image includes a registration area and a plurality of feedback areas in which an indicator color is printed at a predetermined level, e.g. percentage of area. A figurine is provided that includes a light source and light sensor. The light source and light sensor are placed in proximity to the designated areas in the image to sense the level of the indicator color printed therein and an associated output is provided. The registration area is useable to identify a predefined template associated with the image to allow feedback of the figurine with a plurality of different printed images. The figurine can include an ultraviolet light source to activate graphics printed in the image with photochromic ink.

Abstract: An envelope has a latching mechanism that is activated by a key to releasably secure a flap of the envelope in a closed position. The latching mechanism is located on the envelope's flap. The tip of the key fits into an aperture in the middle of the latching mechanism. Rotation of the key rotates ears on the back of the latching mechanism from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the ears align with a correspondingly-shaped opening in the front panel of the envelope, and the ears pass through the opening. Rotation to the second position rotates the ears behind the front panel such that the ears of the latching mechanism are now behind the front panel, thereby securing the opening of the envelope flap.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are provided for interactively playing with a printed image. A printed image resembling a game board, book, or picture, is provided. The printed image includes a registration area and a plurality of feedback areas in which an indicator color is printed at a predetermined level, e.g. percentage of area. A figurine is provided that includes a light source and light sensor. The light source and light sensor are placed in proximity to the designated areas in the image to sense the level of the indicator color printed therein and an associated output is provided. The registration area is useable to identify a predefined template associated with the image to allow feedback of the figurine with a plurality of different printed images. The figurine can include an ultraviolet light source to activate graphics printed in the image with photochromic ink.

Abstract: A realistically opening artificial flower has a slidable pusher basket having an upper end and a lower end and is moveable from a first position to a second position. The flower includes a means for moving the slidable pusher basket from the first position to the second position; the means is located generally adjacent the lower end of the slidable pusher basket. The flower also includes a simulated flower with a base that receives the upper end of the slidable pusher basket along with multiple rows of petals disposed on a plurality of vertically stacked supports. The slidable pusher basket is coupled with at least one of the plurality of vertically stacked supports via a petal attachment member. Incident to the slidable pusher basket moving from the first position to the second position, the multiple rows of petals transition from the generally closed position to the generally open position, and each row of petals has varying open and closed angles.