Jean Cheek Leigh

US Patent:

20040128876, Jul 8, 2004

Filed:

Jul 11, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/618300

Inventors:

Maria Cheek - Roswell GA, US
Jean Leigh - Roswell GA, US
Jeffrey Mullen - Scarsdale NY, US

International Classification:

G09F001/00

US Classification:

040/124120, 040/124110

Abstract:

The present invention provides visual effects in, for example, greeting cards, gift bags, photo albums, postcards. Visual effects are realized through special effects containers that include a special effects substance. This substance may comprise particles (e.g., a glitter or confetti) and a liquid (e.g., water) such that when the special effects container is shaken a visual effect is produced. One type of visual effect produced by the present invention is similar to the effect produced by a snow globe. For example, pieces of a polymer confetti, each having the shape of a snowflake, may be included in a special effects container that also houses a liquid. These pieces of confetti may have a negative buoyancy with respect to the liquid such that after the special effects container is shaken, the pieces of confetti sink. The rate of descent/ascent of the container particles can be configured by changing the specific weight of either the liquid or the container particles.