Abstract: A system and method of performing a mystical card flying illusion or ‘trick’ is provided. In accordance with the innovation, an invisible (or near invisible) levitation means (e.g., string, thread, etc.) can be used to create the illusion of a levitating and/or spinning playing card. The levitation means can be pre-attached or fixedly attached to an ear piece that is configured to fit over and behind a user's ear. Further, an illumination system can be provided in connection with the levitation illusion system. Moreover, spinning aides can be provided to assist a user in rotating or spinning a levitation item (e.g., card).

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, photo-chromic and phosphorescent toys are disclosed. A photo-chromic and phosphorescent toy includes both photo-chromic and phosphorescent materials applied to the toy such as through an ink, paint, plastic, or dye. The photo-chromic and phosphorescent materials may be supplied within a material of the toy or applied-to a surface of the toy at the factory. The photo-chromic and phosphorescent materials may be activated in various ways with various light activating devices that can generate an activating light with appropriate wavelengths.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus that includes, a substrate having a first side and a second side, wherein the substrate is divided into a plurality of pieces, and a two-dimensional image situated on at least one of the first side and second side of the substrate, wherein each piece contains a complementary image portion, such that when the plurality of pieces having complementary image portions are positioned adjacent each other, the image is complete, and wherein the image includes a plurality of colors configured to facilitate a three-dimensional illusion.

Abstract: Transformable scenery includes a shell wherein at least one discrete portion of the shell is configured to be transformable between one outward appearance and one or more other outward appearances wherein the one outward appearance and the one or more other outward appearances are three-dimensional.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating a number of display images comprises a first rotating element provided with a plurality of mounting means, each of said mounting means rotatably carrying one or more second rotating elements each provided with a number of display surfaces in which the mounting means are arranged such that they define a shape with substantially straight edges, and in which two or more second rotating elements can combine to create a changeable display surface substantially parallel to each substantially straight edge of said shape, and in which in use each second rotating element is rotated independently of all other second rotating elements.

Abstract: A children's amusement device has a translucent sheet with hidden images that may be revealed when illuminated from behind. The sheet is laminated with an image disposed on an interior surface of the sheet. The image is substantially hidden from view in ambient lighting. However, the image is revealed when illuminated from behind the sheet.

Abstract: A special effects device is disclosed having a transparent, flexible, static-cling backing for removable attachment to glass or other smooth surfaces, a shatter object attached to the backing, and a shatter pattern imprinted on the backing. When attached to a surface such as glass or plastic, the device gives the visual effect of the shatter object having broken and partially penetrated the surface. A message, logo, or other alphanumeric identification can be imprinted on the shatter object for advertising purposes.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention comprises a method and system for creating images that disappear when exposed to light. The method and system are suitable for commercial printing. In another aspect, the invention comprises a printed image that disappears when exposed to light. In yet another aspect, the image reappears when removed from exposure to light, permitting reuse. In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a item for amusement, preferably a collectible card, bearing an image that disappears when exposed to light and reappears thereafter when removed from exposure to light.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object and method of use is described, such object appearing inverted when viewed by a single eye of a human subject at a selected angle, the three-dimensional object comprising at least one sheet having at least two selected edges, a contoured edge and a surface on which a two-dimensional pattern is formed, at least two of the selected edges of the sheet being attached to each other at an angle of greater than about 25 degrees such that a composite three-dimensional object having at least three interior surfaces and a contoured edge is formed therefrom. The three-dimensional object can further include indicium extending along a portion or all of intersection and fold lines that result when such objects are formed. The interior surfaces can further include patterns, indicia, features and protruding edges.

Abstract: A magic set comprises of a plurality of leaves form a book. The book is provided with at least one portion for holding movable props at predetermined different display locations on faces thereof and a prop moved by a user in accordance with the directions between different display locations on one face of a leaf in the performance routine of one trick mechanically interacts with one of trick indicia and a prop on an opposite face of the one leaf to determine an outcome of one of a same and another, previously initiated trick, while a portion of the prop which would reveal a solution to the one of a same and another trick remains undetected throughout the performance of routines of both tricks performance.

Abstract: A currency bank includes a housing having an inlet and an opening. A shredded currency mechanism is located in the housing and selectively appears in the opening. A feed mechanism is provided for feeding associated currency into the housing at the inlet. A motor powers the shredded currency mechanism and the feed mechanism. A timing assembly is provided for activating the shredded currency mechanism when the feed mechanism is activated by an associated piece of currency so that it appears that the associated currency being fed into the housing is being shredded.

Abstract: The present invention is an air circulating fan which creates optical displays. The fan comprises a housing in a generally circular configuration with a central axis. Also provided is a propeller formed of a plurality of blades mounted for rotational movement within the housing about an axis of rotation coincident with the central axis of the housing, the blades have exposed surfaces with fluorescent paint thereon. A light source is located within the housing in operative proximity to the blades disseminating light from the blades. Further included is a drive mechanism to rotate the blades and a power source to illuminate the light source.

Abstract: A curved container structure has an interior curved reflective surface for reflecting varied and distorted images of objects placed therein or within the near focal range of the reflective surface. A rigid curved structure is metalized on the interior or on the exterior of a transparent structure. A reflective flexible disc has a radial slit with the two sides of the slit overlapping and held together by a temporary binder to form an adjustable cone. A protective cover over the reflective surface is transparent when used on the interior of the container. Objects on a holder are inserted into the curved structure through a main viewing opening or an opposite apex opening. A collar on the holder secures a cord for moving objects hanging therefrom. A rod within a tube may adjustably secure a cord therebetween. One or more cords, such as elasticized cords, may be stretched across or dangled into the viewing opening. A cover, with an attached cord for dangling the object, may be placed over the viewing opening.

Abstract: A motor is secured in the interior of an enclosed housing. The motor shaft extends outside of the housing. A turntable is connected to the motor shaft on the outside of the housing. The turntable is located in a recess in the housing. An illusionary disk is held on the turntable. A potentiometer controls the speed of the motor and thus the speed of the turntable to produce different optical illusions from the illusionary disk. A light is located in the housing near the turntable. The light flashes through openings in the illusionary disk to produce additional optical illusions as the illusionary disk rotates.

Abstract: A device and technique for the passive real-time control of effective emivity, color, and camouflage, the device utilizing surfaces which are interposed between a target and an observer at a viewing position with a predetermined angular resolution. Effective surfaces are utilized, including at least one set of movable surfaces, the effected surfaces having a predetermined surface characteristic, such as emissivity, color, or camouflage pattern. An assembly contains all surfaces relative to each other such that the front and back surfaces are seen by the viewing position as stationary. A drive assembly allows movable surfaces to move.

Abstract: A toy feeding bottle assembly includes a cup-shaped outer warmer housing, and a feeding bottle which is receivable in the warmer housing. The feeding bottle includes concentric transparent inner and outer bottle sections containing a milky liquid therebetween, and an opaque cap portion received on the bottle section in which the milky liquid is received when the bottle is inverted. The bottle assembly further includes a removable, transparent outer sleeve which is adapted to be retained in the warmer portion or retained on the bottle portion. The sleeve is preferably colored to impart a yellow or orange appearance to the milky liquid so that when the sleeve is received on the bottle, the liquid appears to be a juice, whereas when the sleeve is removed from the bottle, the liquid appears to be milk.

Abstract: A visual effects producer employing a source of black light and a patterned rotating blade apparatus subject to fluorescence. The black light source and blade apparatus include variable intensity and speed controls whereby novel effects are provided.

Abstract: Toy paint applicators for creating the illusion of picking up paint and applying it to a surface. The present invention includes a toy paint applicator having a handle; a simulated paint receiving element having a translucent portion for simulating a paint receiving area of the applicator; a color imparting member movably disposed with respect to the translucent portion for movement between a coloring position for simulating the presence of paint on the paint receiving element, and a noncoloring position for simulating the absence of paint on the paint receiving element to create the effect of picking up paint and applying it to a surface. The toy paint applicator includes a first preferred embodiment of a paint roller for creating the illusion of applying paint to and from the roller and a second preferred embodiment of a paint brush.

Abstract: An image transformation puzzle comprising a series of elements with image portions on respective front faces thereof successively linked together for incremental translational and rotational movement around a closed loop path between different positions in which image portions of different elements combine to form different composite images. Image portions of successive elements combine in one of the different positions to reduce the total number of composite images in that position producing a vanishing image effect. The elements may be formed as solid profiles of the image portions.