Abstract: The present invention provides dissolvable films for customizing art materials, such as inks, paints, and modeling doughs. The invention also provides methods and kits for delivering artistic effects to art materials. The dissolvable films comprise one or more cellulose compounds, propylene glycol, glycerin, and one or more artistic components. The dissolvable film imparts an artistic effect following administration of the film to the art material. In exemplary embodiments, the artistic components of the film comprise one or more colorants which provide a coloring effect. A kit for delivering one or more artistic effects to an art material includes dissolvable films of various colors and shapes, and one or more art materials, such as ink, paint, or modeling dough.

Abstract: The present invention provides dissolvable films for customizing art materials, such as inks, paints, and modeling doughs. The invention also provides methods and kits for delivering artistic effects to art materials. The dissolvable films comprise one or more cellulose compounds, propylene glycol, glycerin, and one or more artistic components. The dissolvable film imparts an artistic effect following administration of the film to the art material. In exemplary embodiments, the artistic components of the film comprise one or more colorants which provide a coloring effect. A kit for delivering one or more artistic effects to an art material includes dissolvable films of various colors and shapes, and one or more art materials, such as ink, paint, or modeling dough.

Abstract: A data receiving and illuminatable marking instrument and spaced emission source is disclosed. The marking instrument may be a full duplex marking apparatus that communicates with spaced emitters transmitting infrared electromagnetic energy encoded with unique data packets. The marking instrument illuminates a portion of the marking implement in response to the data received from the data transmitting device. A method for using the above invention likewise is disclosed.

Abstract: A data receiving and illuminatable marking instrument and spaced emission source is disclosed. The marking instrument may be a full duplex marking apparatus that communicates with spaced emitters transmitting infrared electromagnetic energy encoded with unique data packets. The marking instrument illuminates a portion of the marking implement in response to the data received from the data transmitting device. A method for using the above invention likewise is disclosed.

Abstract: A stake for supporting a newly planted tree or other plant. The stake has an elongated portion with a lower end which may be secured in the ground and an upper portion that is tied to the plant. At least one secondary support member is pivotally attached to the lower end of the elongated portion. The secondary support member extends in an approximately perpendicular manner from the elongated member. The secondary support member may be pivotally adjusted as desired for support.

Abstract: A three-dimensional position locating system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional position locating system includes a housing including a substantially planar surface. The housing includes a first antenna element under the substantially planar surface. A stylus including a second antenna element is coupled to the housing. A processor is electrically coupled to the first antenna element and the second antenna element, and a three-dimensional structure overlies the first antenna element. An antenna coupling element is associated with the three-dimensional structure and an output device can be coupled to the processor.

Abstract: An interactive apparatus including a reflective member is disclosed. The reflective member includes a first image and a second image, wherein the reflective member is at least partially reflective. The apparatus also includes a first element coupled to a first sensor, the first sensor being activated by the first element, and a second element coupled to a second sensor, the second sensor being activated by the second element. Activation of the first sensor causes the first image to appear in the reflective member at a first location and activation of the second sensor causes the second image to appear in the reflective member at a second location.

Abstract: An interactive educational apparatus is described. The educational toy apparatus includes an indicium containing structure and a base unit capable of being vertically attached to a vertical surface such as a refrigerator door. The indicium containing structure is capable of being attached to the base unit so that the indicium containing structure and the base unit are vertically oriented.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stamping apparatus with an audio feature thereby providing a “talking stamper” for entertainment or educational purposes. The talking stamper provides sounds for the user, particularly in response to a stamping action. The stamper has at least one raised indicium configured to form an imprint of the indicium on a sheet of material during the stamping action. In preferred embodiments, the indicium has the form of a letter of an alphabet or a picture of an object related to a letter of an alphabet. In these embodiments, the sounds provided to the user are related to the letter and/or object, including but not limited to a pronunciation of the letter, a phoneme of the letter, a sound related to the object, or a song.

Abstract: A three-dimensional position locating system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional position locating system includes a housing including a substantially planar surface. The housing includes a first antenna element under the substantially planar surface. A stylus including a second antenna element is coupled to the housing. A processor is electrically coupled to the first antenna element and the second antenna element, and a three-dimensional structure overlies the first antenna element. An antenna coupling element is associated with the three-dimensional structure and an output device can be coupled to the processor.