DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] The basic components of the novelty device are a confection, a color filter means, and a light source. As seen in FIG. 1 , the novelty device 1 includes a flashlight-mounted novelty. The flashlight includes a housing 6 having a closed end 7 and an open end 8 . An electrical energy source 3 , consisting of one or more batteries, provides electricity for the light bulb 4 through conductors 5 with the electric current controlled with a switch 9 . Light from the light bulb either passes upwardly, or is reflected upwardly, from a reflector 2 , that surrounds the light bulb, through the housing open end 8 and the multi-color light filter 20 and into the base 19 of a plastic FIG. 10 and/or confection 11 .

[0020] In FIG. 1, a stationary multi-cooler disk 20 is placed between the light bulb 4 and the candy or confection 11 having a plastic FIG. 10 fixed on the housing and placed within the candy. The candy and/or plastic figure can take the shape of an animate or inanimate object with the irregularities on either or both designed to pass and/or reflect and/or refract light into select configurations or designs. The remote ends 12 , 13 of the plastic confection figure can be shaped to focus or control the beam of light during use and the remaining device can function as a flashlight after the candy is consumed. The multi-color light filter 20 can have an opaque area or distinct colored areas in the shape of an animate or inanimate image or object such that light passing through the filter conveys the image through the plastic FIG. 10 and/or confection 11 and beyond. Using this arrangement the image can be projected onto a distant object or conveyed to an observer remote from the flashlight. This arrangement permits the flashlight and plastic figure to be used as an amusement device or toy or for illumination after the confection is consumed.

[0021] The plastic FIG. 10 is shown transparent with irregularities. The irregularities are designed to convey special effects common to optics. The upper extreme 12 is formed convex to converge light rays. One area 14 is designed to refract light passing through it. This can yield a variety of color and a halo effect. A second area 15 is designed to reflect light striking it back across the plastic figure to assist illumination of the adjacent confection features. A third area 16 is designed to pass light through into the confection. A fourth area 17 and reflection area 15 act to block light and thus provide a somewhat shaded area.

[0022] The shaped confection 11 is in the shape of a human head. Without the use of a plastic figure, the features can be constructed to yield specific highlighting and optical features. Recessing and raising the features and diminishing and exaggerating feature sizes can be used to shade and emphasize features. The color schemes of the multi-color disk can be used in concert with these feature irregularities to enhance various visual affects. Normally the nose 18 , being remote from internally transmitted rays, forms a shaded or less illuminated area, the eyes 19 when directly in line with the light source brightly reflect light, etc.

[0023] FIGS. 2 and 3 represent a side view of the multi-color filter and its position within the housing and top view of the multi-color filter respectively. The multi-color filter 20 is shown with an opaque area 21 , that can be projected through the plastic figures and confection, as well as transparent and/or translucent multi-color areas 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 . Because of the various colors projected into the plastic FIG. 10 and confection 11 through the multi-color filter 20 and because of the light manipulation by the irregular configuration of the plastic FIG. 10 and confection 11 , any relative movement between the observer and novelty device 1 will result in varying the impressions seen by the observer. This will be significant in view of the motions inherent in using the device as a light source and in consumption of the confection.

[0024] FIGS. 4 and 5 are similar to those shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 except that the multi-color filter 30 is free to float between the reflector 2 and base support 19 . A transparent support 37 extends partially or completely over the reflector to house and frictionally support the multi-color filter 30 . The frictional forces retaining the multi-color filter in place are so weak that tilting the device or shaking it readily permits the multi-color filter 30 to translate 35 and/or to rotate 36 due to gravity and momentum. The movement of the multi-color filter 30 exposes the plastic FIG. 10 and confection 11 to different colors 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 in different areas and changes the angle of incident of the different colors. The result is an enhanced varying of the impressions of the objects being observed due to the changing color schemes.

[0025] FIGS. 6 and 7 are similar to those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 except that the multi-color filter 40 is provided with a tab 48 that projects through a slot 49 in the housing 6 to permit manual manipulation of the frictionally secured multi-color filter located between the reflection means 2 plastic FIG. 10 and confection 11 . By rotating and/or reciprocating 47 the color filter, the various colors 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 shift under the plastic figure and confection to expose the various areas to different colors and thus change the color scheme and impressions seen by an observer.

[0026] FIGS. 8 and 9 represent a modification of the structure shown in FIGS. 1 - 3 in that a common spherical shape, such as a lollipop, on a stick is provided for. The confection 57 can have its holding stick 56 placed through an opening 55 in the multi-color filter 50 . In addition, a second light source is provided for in the form of multi-color LED bulbs 58 that extend around and above the multi-color filter and project additional light into the confection 57 . A separate switch 29 and wiring circuit 28 can be used, with a control 27 for varying the sequence and combination of illuminating the lights alone or in concert with lights shining through the multi-color filter 50 . The light entering the confection 57 can be entirely from the LED's 58 or from the light from the bulb 4 passing through the multi-color filter colors 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 or from both that can be used alternately or together in random sequences for a large number of color schemes. The colors can be blended together for various additional effects seen by an observer, including forming new colors by addition or subtraction of colors.

[0027] FIGS. 10 and 11 modify the structure shown in FIGS. 1 - 3 somewhat in that the multi-color filter 60 is formed arcuate to accommodate the lower end of a confection that can be pivoted about its base on a bearing means 65 . An elongated confection 67 is directly pivoted 63 on the bearing means 65 or a support holder 64 to expose the confection to multi-colors produced as the light from the bulbs 4 passes through the multi-color filter 60 . To separate the colors entering into the confection, the lower extreme 61 of the confection or transparent support holder 64 is rounded off for use as a color pick up. Adjacent areas are covered by an opaque covering 62 to prevent adjacent colors from combining with those closest to the multi-color filter pick up area 61 . The opaque covering prevents colors that are not adjacent to the lower extreme 61 from traveling simultaneously up the confection 67 .

[0028] It is believed that the construction, operation and advantages of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is illustrative only and that changes, variations, substitutions, modifications and equivalents will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art and that such may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the following claims.