Abstract: An illumination device that produces a spinning pattern of light. The illumination device utilizes a hub. At least one light source is provided that is supported by the hub. One or more fiber optic bundles are provided that extend from the hub at points eccentric to the axis of rotation for the hub. Each fiber optic bundle has a first end that receives light from the light source and a second end that terminates a predetermined distance from the hub. When the hub rotates about its axis of rotation, the fiber optic strands in the fiber optic bundle bend away from the axis of rotation due to centrifugal force. Light propagates through the various fiber optic strands as they bend, thereby creating a spinning circular pattern of light.

Abstract: A novelty ball assembly that produces noise when squeezed. The ball assembly includes a resilient shell that defines an internal chamber. The resilient shell has a structure that is self-expanding into a fully expanded condition. Consequently, when the resilient shell of the ball assembly is squeezed, it returns to its fully expanded shape on its own accord. A first vent port is present disposed in the resilient shell. When the resilient shell is squeezed, air from the internal chamber is displaced through the first vent port. A noise maker is disposed within the resilient shell, proximate the first vent port so that air displaced through the first vent port passes through the noise maker. As air passes through the noise maker. The noise maker produces an audible sound.

Abstract: A system comprising a rotating device, a finger supported charging assembly for powering the rotating device, and a hand pad assembly for holding the rotating device as it spins. The rotating device has a housing with a base upon which the housing spins. An electric motor is contained within the housing that causes the housing to spin when the motor is activated. The finger supported charging assembly includes two contacts that are coupled to opposite terminals of a battery pack. The contacts are worn on opposing fingers and come into contact with the rotating device when the base of the rotation device is supported with the opposing fingers. When contacting the rotating device, the contacts on the opposing fingers provide electricity to the rotating device. The hand pad assembly attaches to a user's hand providing rigid surfaces on the hand that support the rotating device as it spins.

Abstract: An internally illuminated toy having a flexible body that is made from an elastomeric gel. The flexible body defines an internal chamber that is accessible through a small access opening. An electronics module is provided that contains a light source. The electronics module is inserted into the internal chamber of the flexible body by hyper-extending the access opening. Once inside the internal chamber, the access opening elastically contracts and the electronics module is trapped within the flexible body. When activated, the electronics module illuminates, thereby internally illuminating the flexible body of the toy.

Abstract: A novelty figure having external body contour lines that define a body shape. The body shape is divided into a separate anterior section and posterior section. The anterior section of the body shape has a first flat surface of a first cross-sectional shape. The posterior section of the body shape has a second flat surface of a second cross-sectional shape. The second cross-sectional shape of the second flat surface is an exact mirror image of the first cross- sectional shape of the first flat surface. When the first flat surface is placed in abutment with the second flat surface, the cross-sectional shapes exactly align. At least one first magnet is disposed in the anterior section. Similarly, at least one second magnet disposed in the posterior section. Utilizing magnetic attraction, the first flat surface of the anterior section and the second flat surface of the posterior section can join together.

Abstract: A flying disc is formed of material capable of stretching and converting stored elastic energy therein into ballistic kinetic energy when despatched by hand. The flying disc is typically made of a gelatinous composition produced by a melt blend of a copolymer and plasticising oil or oils.

Abstract: An internally illuminated cosmetic case that enables the color of the cosmetic material inside the case to be observed through the structure of the cosmetic case. A housing is provided that defines an internal chamber. The housing is made of a translucent or transparent material that enables the internal chamber to be observed through the structure of the housing. A volume of cosmetic material is disposed within the internal chamber. A light source is provided that shines light into the structure of the housing and illuminates the internal chamber within the housing. In this manner the color of the cosmetic material in the housing can be perceiveded.

Abstract: An illuminated assembly that can be configured as a pinwheel, pinwheel bow or decorative bow. The illuminated assembly includes segments of material that are folded over to form looped structures. At least some of the looped structures retain chemical light assemblies that are used to illuminate the folded loop structures when activated.

Abstract: A system comprising a rotating device and a support structure for the rotating device, wherein the support structure provides the power to the rotational device than is required to maintain spin. The rotating device has a housing with a base upon which the housing spins. An electric motor is contained within the housing that causes the housing to spin when the motor is activated. The base of the rotating device can be selectively placed on a support structure. The support structure can promote spinning in the rotating device in one of two ways. In the first way, the support structure provides electricity to the rotating device that powers the motor in the rotating device. In the second way, the support structure can generate a magnetic field that reinforces the magnetic field created by the motor in the rotating device.

Abstract: A novelty item that spins at least one array of lights to produce a predetermined changing pattern of lights. The device has at least one array of lights that is supported by at least one flexible arm. The arms radially extend from a spinning hub. Consequently, when the arms rotate, the various lights in the array of lights rotate about the hub in a variety of circular pathways. A control circuit is provided in the hub that spins with the arms. The lights in the array of lights are coupled to the control circuit. The control circuit selectively flashes the lights in the array of lights in a manner that is synchronous to the speed at which the various lights are traveling in their circular pathways. As a result, the control circuit can cause the spinning array of lights to produce any desired pattern, display or alphanumeric message.

Abstract: A device that holds bubble blowing supplies, retains blown bubbles and illuminates the blown bubbles that are retained. The device includes a housing. Bubble blowing supplies are selectively stored within the housing. On the exterior of the housing is a bubble support platform. The bubble support platform is concave to reduce the stresses a bubble experiences when it rests against this surface. Below the bubble support platform is at least one light source. As each light source is activated, the light source shines light into the area immediately above the bubble support platform. Consequently, when a bubble is formed and is placed on the bubble support platform, the light sources shine light into the bubble, thereby internally illuminating the bubble.

Abstract: An amusement system that includes a miniature toy skateboard and the mechanism for engaging and lifting the miniature toy skateboard. The miniature toy skateboard is less than six inches long and is referred to as a finger board in the toy industry. The finger board is manufactured to have a top surface that is either magnetic or attracted to a magnet. The mechanism for engaging and lifting the finger board is a magnet that is held within an external object, such as a ring or a toy figure. A manually adjustable spacer is positioned in front of the magnet. To engage the finger board with the external object, the length of the spacer is minimized and the finger board is brought into close proximity with the magnet. The magnetic field created by the magnet attracts the finger board and holds the finger board against the external object. To detach the finger board, the length of the spacer is increased. This moves the external object out beyond the effective range of the magnetic field of the magnet.

Abstract: An amusement system that includes a miniature toy skateboard and the mechanism for engaging and lifting the miniature toy skateboard. The miniature toy skateboard is less than six inches long and is referred to as a finger board in the toy industry. The finger board is manufactured to have a top surface that is either magnetic or attracted to a magnet. The mechanism for engaging and lifting the finger board is a magnet that is held within an external object, such as a ring or a toy figure. A manually adjustable spacer is positioned in front of the magnet. To engage the finger board with the external object, the length of the spacer is minimized and the finger board is brought into close proximity with the magnet. The magnetic field created by the magnet attracts the finger board and holds the finger board against the external object. To detach the finger board, the length of the spacer is increased. This moves the external object out beyond the effective range of the magnetic field of the magnet.

Abstract: An illuminated assembly that can be configured as a pinwheel, pinwheel bow or decorative bow. The illuminated assembly includes segments of material that are folded over to form looped structures. At least some of the looped structures retain chemical light assemblies that are used to illuminate the folded loop structures when activated.

Abstract: A system and method of gathering and exchanging information between individuals. The system uses survey questionnaires that query a person about a variety of topics. The system can be a software application. However, in a preferred embodiment, the system is embodied by two hand-held electronic assemblies that prompt survey questions to a user and collect answers from the user. After two users have answered the same survey, they join the electronic assemblies they used to answer the survey. The electronic assemblies contain microprocessors that exchange the survey data with one another and analyze the data embodied by the survey answers.

Abstract: A toy figure assembly having a body section, limb sections and a head section. The head section is comprised of a pair of diverging loop structures sized and oriented to retain a marble or other spherical device. The loop structures support the marble in position as a visible part of a head to the figure. The loop structure also enables the marble to be grasped by a person's hand and shot out of the figure when playing the game of marbles. The loop structures used on the head of the figure can also be used as terminations to the limbs of the figure. Consequently, a toy figure is produced that retains at least one marble in a highly visible manner and in a position where the marbles can be readily removed or shot from the figure.

Abstract: A system and method for initiating, orienting and synchronizing the electronic display on a top or a similar spinning object. The system includes a top on which is disposed an array of lights which forms the electronic display. The electronic display lights when an external activation device is brought into close proximity to the spinning top. Within the top is a detector that detects when the external activation device is brought within a predetermined distance of said top. The detector is connected to circuitry that starts the electronic display when the external activation device is detected. The circuitry also orients the electronic display depending upon the location of the external activation device relative the top. Lastly, the circuitry synchronizes the electronic display as a function of the rate of spin of the detector past the external activation device.

Abstract: An amusement device used to move a supported display object through an erratic path. The amusement device includes a base element in which is disposed a vibration mechanism. A support spring is used to interconnect a display object to the vibration mechanism in the base element. The support spring has a first end and a second end. The first end of the support spring is coupled to the vibration mechanism in the base element. The remainder of the support spring extends freely from the base element. The display object is coupled to the second end of the support spring. As the display object vibrates, it causes the support spring to oscillate, thereby causing the display object to move erratically from point to point.

Abstract: An amusement device used to move a supported display object through an erratic path. The amusement device includes a base element in which is disposed a rotating assembly. A support spring is used to interconnect a display object to the rotating assembly in the base element. The support spring has a first end and a second end. The first end of the support spring is coupled to the rotating assembly within the base element, wherein the support spring is rotated by the rotating assembly. The remainder of the support spring extends freely from the base element. The display object is coupled to the second end of the support spring. As the display object rotates, it causes the support spring to oscillate, thereby causing the display object to move erratically from point to point.

Abstract: An amusement device used to move a supported display object through an erratic path. The amusement device includes a base element in which is disposed a rotating assembly. The rotating assembly can be battery powered, spring powered or manually powered. A support spring is used to interconnect a display object to the rotating assembly in the base element. The support spring has a first end and a second end. The first end of the support spring is coupled to the rotating assembly within the base element, wherein the support spring is rotated by the rotating assembly. The remainder of the support spring extends freely from the base element. The display object is coupled to the second end of the support spring. As the display object rotates, it causes the support spring to at least partially elongate, thereby causing the display object to move erratically from point to point.