Novelty apparatus

Abstract

A novelty apparatus ( 11 ) comprising a suspended device ( 13 ), an anchoring means ( 17 ), and a linking means ( 15 ) for connecting the suspended device ( 13 ) to the anchoring means ( 17 ). A control device ( 37 ) is also provided for activating at least one amusement feature on the suspended device ( 13 ).

The claims defining the invention are as follows:  
     
         1 . A novelty apparatus comprising a suspended device, an anchoring means, a linking means for connecting said suspended device to the anchoring means, and a control device for activating at least one amusement feature on said novelty apparatus, wherein the suspended device comprises an enclosure for sealingly containing an inflation fluid, whereby when inflated, the suspended device has a lower total density than that of its surrounding environment, such that the said suspended device remains aloft in said environment.  
     
     
         2 . A novelty apparatus according to    claim 1    wherein the linking means is a physical link.  
     
     
         3 . A novelty apparatus according to    claim 2    wherein the physical link comprises an elongate element.  
     
     
         4 . A novelty apparatus according to    claim 1    wherein the anchoring means is adapted to be secured to an object.  
     
     
         5 . A novelty apparatus according to    claim 4    wherein the object is the body of a user.  
     
     
         6 . A novelty apparatus according to    claim 5    wherein the anchoring means comprises a band for connecting said apparatus to a wrist of the user.  
     
     
         7 . A novelty apparatus according to    claim 1    wherein the control device is associated with the anchoring means.  
     
     
         8 . A novelty apparatus according to    claim 7    wherein the control device is integral with the band.  
     
     
         9 . A novelty apparatus according to    claim 4    wherein the anchoring means is sufficient in mass such that the gravity effect thereon is greater that the buoyancy effect of the novelty apparatus, such that when removed from the object the novelty apparatus remains where placed.  
     
     
         10 . A novelty apparatus according to    claim 1    wherein the control device comprises control means operable to cause activation of at least one said amusement feature of the novelty apparatus.  
     
     
         11 . A novelty apparatus according to    claim 1    wherein at least one said amusement feature is located on the suspended device.  
     
     
         12 . A novelty apparatus according to    claim 1    wherein activation of at least one said amusement feature comprises animation of the suspended device.  
     
     
         13 . A novelty apparatus according to    claim 11    wherein said animation comprises activation of a sound, illumination and/or physical movement.  
     
     
         14 . A novelty apparatus according to    claim 10    wherein said control means is operable by touch.  
     
     
         15 . A novelty apparatus according to    claim 10    wherein said control means is operable by sound.  
     
     
         16 . A novelty apparatus according to    claim 2    wherein the suspended device further comprises a return means for returning the suspended device to ground, whereby breaking of the link between the suspended device and anchoring means activates the return means.  
     
     
         17 . A novelty apparatus according to    claim 15    wherein the return means comprises a deflation device for deflating the suspended device.  
     
     
         18 . A novelty apparatus according to    claim 15    wherein the return means comprises a homing device for returning the suspended device to the user.  
     
     
         19 . A novelty apparatus according to    claim 1    wherein the suspended device is of material capable of bearing a pattern.  
     
     
         20 . A novelty apparatus according to    claim 1    wherein the suspended device further comprises a reinflation system for inflating the suspended device when it deflates.