The present invention relates to a novelty article and has particular reference to a display piece or toy with movement-induced activation.

Novelty articles with movement-induced activation include display pieces or toys in which pieces of solid material contained in a liquid filling in a housing can be set in motion by shaking or otherwise vigorously moving the article concerned. With the article at rest, the pieces gradually settle and in so doing generate an impression of falling snow or movement of living things such as fish. Novelty articles of this kind have existed for decades and have proved popular as display items featuring a subject, for example a three-dimensional model or representation of a landmark or a themed character or a two- dimensional photograph or picture, positioned in the housing to be immersed in a simulated fall of snow. Such articles have their value primarily as a novelty article providing fascination for a small child or amusement for an adult and are generally of simple and inexpensive construction consistent with a likelihood of eventual discard.

Some articles in this category include refinements in the form of supplementary features, such as sound, especially, music and/or illumination to cast light around or within a model or to light up specific points on the model, for example a snowman, a fir tree with lights, etc. Articles of this kind are often intended for seasonal decoration, particularly in winter months, and consequently may have a more expensive or complicated construction consistent with an intention to retain and reuse. The illumination is frequently by way of a light source located directly in the liquid filling and control is provided by a user-operated switch, the illumination remaining effective until switched off by the user. Such novelty articles thus primarily have the function of a light in conjunction with a decorative display and the active aspect of, for example, a simulated snowfall is secondary.

It is therefore the primary object of the present invention to provide a novelty article which combines movement-induced generation of a cloud or loose agglomeration of moving pieces of solid material - whether to simulate a snowfall or the motion of animate bodies or to merely create a decorative effect in conjunction with the moving pieces - with illumination directly linked with generation of the movement of the pieces.

A subsidiary object is provision of a novelty article of that kind which can be of simple and inexpensive construction, so that it can be a low-cost item suitable for purchase on a whim or without detailed consideration, particularly in line with the character of the article primarily as a novelty item with low intrinsic value.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apart from the following description.

According to the present invention there is provided a housing having a liquid-tight first compartment with a filling of liquid which contains pieces of solid material able to be dispersed in the filling in temporary suspension by movement of the housing and a second compartment separated from the first compartment by a partition defining at least one light transmission path for transmission of light from the second compartment to the first compartment, and lighting means arranged in the second compartment and comprising at least one light source activatable to emit light for transmission by the at least one light transmission path to the first compartment and activating means for activating the light source or sources to emit light for a limited time interval, the activating means being connectible with or comprising a source of electrical power and so operable by the movement of the housing for producing the suspension of the pieces in the liquid filling as to permit supply of electrical power to the light source or sources for activation thereof.

In such an article, which has the nature of a working display piece or toy, the combined effects of the motion of pieces, when dispersed in temporary suspension in the liquid filling, with illumination in the compartment containing the filling can be triggered by the single simple action of movement of the housing, preferably shaking or another relatively vigorous motion. The suspended pieces, which settle gradually under gravitational force at a rate depending on the size and weight of the individual pieces and the viscosity of the liquid filling, can, for example, simulate a fall of snow as in the case of the described prior art products, but with the enhancement of light illuminating the moving pieces, which are preferably reflective. The power for activation of the light source or source is provided by the activating means which operates automatically in conjunction with producing the dispersion of the pieces in the liquid filling. Consequently, the duration of the light emission and the duration of the suspension of the pieces, i.e. the time for the pieces to settle, are at least partly coincident. The limited time interval, which can be provided by simple timing means influencing the period of electrical power supply to the light source or sources, can be selected to last for a given period of time typically required for the dispersed pieces to completely settle, i.e. for the temporary suspension in the liquid filling to end. The combined effects of movement of the pieces of solid material, especially particles, and illumination can thus be achieved by a single action and endure for approximately the same time. By arranging the lighting means in a compartment separate from the compartment with the liquid filling, electrical components or corrosion-sensitive components can be protected from contact with the liquid concerned and the provision can be made for access, if this is required, to the location of the electrical power source without obstruction by the liquid filling. Transmission of light from the compartment with the light source or sources to the compartment with the liquid filling is by means of a transmission path or transmission paths in a partition between the compartments, whereby the light source or sources are effectively isolated from the liquid filling and scope is providing for structuring the path or paths, in particular by selection of size and disposition, so that the emitted light is radiated into the first compartment in a way producing a desired effect within that compartment as described further below.

The body preferably comprises a hollow body of transparent material, especially a plastics material, bounding at least part of the first compartment. Such a body, which can represent the principal part of the housing, may be able to be economically produced as, for example, an integral injection-moulded part and, as a hollow component, can have a strength-imparting volumetric form, such as parallelopipedonal, pyramidal, part-spherical or part-ovoidal shape, including a truncated egg shape. Shapes with contours substantially free of edges or contours are preferred.

For preference, the body has an open side and the housing comprises a base member closing the open side and liquid-lightly connected with the body. If both the body and base member are made of plastics material, the liquid-light connection can advantageously be produced by material bond through heat welding or through a solvent adhesive reacting with the material. The provision of a separate base member closing an open side of the hollow body facilitates production of the latter by, for example, a moulding process, in particular simplifies the design of removable mould tools. In addition, the base member can be made from a material having characteristics different from the body, for example a non-transparent as distinct from transparent material.

In one embodiment of the article the partition is part of the body, particularly an integrally formed part, and is liquid-tightly connected with the base member. This results in a simple construction in which the two compartments are bounded in part by the body and for the remaining part by the base member. Attaching the base member to the body thus produces liquid-light closure of the first compartment relative to both the second compartment and to the ambient atmosphere.

As a development, at least one further such partition extending at a spacing from the first- mentioned partition can be provided, the second compartment being located between the partitions and the partitions dividing the first compartment into a plurality of chambers. Light can thus be radiated from the second compartment into each of the chambers so that the article can provide multi-directional viewing. This is particularly advantageous from the aspect of providing different themes in association with the individual chambers.

In another embodiment the base member is hollow and itself bounds the second compartment. In this case illumination of the first compartment will be from the open side of the hollow body rather than from within the body itself, which then offers different possibilities of lighting effects, particularly illumination from below of the pieces of solid material descending in the first compartment. The partition in this embodiment is preferably part of the base member, especially a plate closing the open side of the body. The hollow body can in that case be of a very simple shape, in effect merely an enclosure, and the base member similarly of a simple shape, for example the plate with a peripheral skirt.

For preference the partition comprises transparent material and has a covering to obstruct the passage of light therethrough except in an area or areas forming the light transmission path or paths. Whether the partition is part of the hollow body, in which case it may be of the same transparent material as the body, part of the base member or a separate element, the use of transparent material for part or all of the partition provides a means of permitting passage of light between the compartments without compromising the liquid impermeability of the partition, i.e. no opening in or other disruption of the partition is necessary. A simple covering is employed to confine the passage of light to a specific area or specific areas intended to provide the light transmission path or paths.

This covering can be, for example, an applied coating of light-impermeable material, such as paint or other pigmented substance. Such a coating represents a particularly inexpensive means of confining transmission of light to the selected area or areas and can be applied directly to the partition or to, for example, a transfer, film or membrane which is itself applied to the partition. Alternatively, the covering can be a separate sheet of light- impermeable material, which allows the possibility of prefabrication in a desired shape and, if desired, initial assembly of the article with a selected one of a number of sheets with different characteristics. Such a sheet can, for example, be fixedly attached to the partition or simply held in place against the partition by edge guides, clips or the like.

The covering can be in either compartment, but preferably the second compartment, so that the material of the covering does not come into contact with the liquid filling and any means for holding the covering, if a separate sheet, in place cannot be seen in the first compartment.

The article preferably comprises a carrier adjoining the partition and carrying decoration visible in the first compartment, such a carrier being able to be conveniently provided by the afore-mentioned partition covering, especially the separate sheet, or the aforementioned transfer, film or membrane. The decoration can be, for example, a pictorial representation of elements associated with a specific geographical location, such as a city, in which case use of the separate sheet, which acts as the partition covering, as the carrier offers the advantage of assembly of the article with a selected one of a number of sheets with different decorative themes.

In one embodiment the at least one light transmission path is associated with a feature in the decoration, for example a feature of a kind linked with radiation of light, such as lit windows, the moon, vehicle headlights, etc. Consequently, transmission of light into the first compartment at a point associated with the features can provide a degree of animation of a subject depicted by the decoration. If the partition defines a plurality of such light transmission paths, these can be disposed in discrete locations and each associated with a respective feature of the decoration, whereby an enhanced level of animation of the subject can be achieved.

In another embodiment, instead of linking the light transmission point or points with a feature or features of decoration the partition can define a plurality of light transmission paths in discrete locations forming a pattern, for example a geometric pattern. Such an arrangement is particularly appropriate in a case where the partition is part of a base member and light is radiated into the first compartment in a direction against the direction of descent of the pieces. The light can then emerge in, for example, suitably and preferably regularly spaced cones, which could be influenced in such a way as to provide a decorative effect, for example, varying patterns of light.

For preference, at least a part of the interior surface of the second compartment has a light-reflective covering. This covering, which can be a coating of chromium paint or other reflective substance, serves to maximise the light flux admissible into the first compartment and at the same time to prevent viewing from outside the housing, of the interior of the second compartment if this is bounded wholly or partly by transparent material. Reflectivity can also be employed to enhance the decorative effect and visibility of the pieces when in suspension, in particular if the pieces themselves are light-reflective, for example made of or coated with light-reflective material.

In the simplest form of the partition and the lighting means the former defines a single light transmission path and the latter a single light source. In this case, monochromatic light, which can be of any desired colour, is radiated into the first compartment from a single point. Depending on the lighting effect desired in the first compartment, for example illumination associated with a plurality of decorative features as described in the preceding, the partition can also define a plurality of transmission paths and the lighting means can comprise a single light source to emit light for transmission by all of the paths. Consequently, light can be radiated into the first compartment from a number of points. If an enhanced or a special decorative lighting effect is required, the lighting means can comprise a plurality of light sources to emit light for transmission by the plurality of paths, in particular to each emit light for transmission by one or more of the paths. This allows attainment of special lighting effects, especially if the transmission paths transmit light of different colours. The colours can then be selected for arbitrary decorative effect or for association with decorative features linked with specific colours. Transmission of light of different colours can be achieved by use of light sources emitting differently coloured light. Different colours can, however, also be achieved by one or more light sources emitting, for example, white light and by different coloration of the light transmission paths, such as by light-transmissive coloured coverings of relevant zones of the partition or partitions.

Moreover, although the light sources of such a plurality can be controlled to provide simultaneous light output, striking lighting effects can be achieved if the sources are activatable by the activating means in a sequence, for example one at a time in succession or - depending on the number of sources - two or more at a time in succession. A wide range of permutations, particularly in the case of light sources emitting light of different colours, of different decorative lighting patterns can thereby be achieved.

Yet another decorative lighting effect can be achieved if the at least one light source is activatable by the activating means to emit pulses of light, thus flushing light rather than a constant output. It thus is possible, in the case of a plurality of sequentially activated light sources providing pulsating light, to achieve quasi-stroboscopic illumination in the first compartment, which in conjunction with the moving pieces in suspension in the liquid filling may provide, for example, heightened fascination for a small child.

The activating means preferably comprises movement-sensitive switching means between the power source or connections for the power source and the at least one light source. The sensitivity of the switching means to movement is preferably set to a response threshold substantially corresponding with a predetermined minimum display force sufficient to place the pieces into suspension in the liquid filling when that force is applied to the housing. The switching means can thus be set so that it does not respond to slight movement, but to movement equating with that bringing the pieces into suspension in the liquid filling. In practice, this will normally correspond with vigorous motion, such as shaking, of the housing. The activating means preferably comprises timing means determining the limited time interval, which limiting means may, for example, be integrated with the switching means so that a switching state of the switching means is set and maintained for the limited time interval.

With respect to the supply of electrical power, in one embodiment the activating means can incorporate the source of electrical power, which can be a non-replaceable component of the article. This is appropriate in the case of a low-cost article with a predicted short- term novelty value, there being no requirement for the life of the power source to extend beyond the typical length of time a value remaining attached to the article. If the article is regarded as a product with a longer useful life, it can comprise mounting means for a replaceable source of electrical power for connection with the activating means. Such a source, typically a battery, can thus be replaced when the power delivery drops be/ow the level needed for activation of the light source or sources.

In an advantageous construction the or each light source and the activating means can be part of a module arranged in the second compartment. The working components locating in the second compartment can in that case be preassembled as a working component and inserted as a unit into the second compartment. This may assist economy of manufacture, particularly with respect to assembly time, and if so desired provision can be made for removal of the module from the second compartment so as to allow replacement of the or a light source or the power source.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be more particularly described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-section of a first novelty article embodying the invention, on the line I - 1 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 2 is an elevation of the article of Fig. 1 in the direction II of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 is an inverted plan view of the article of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-section, similar to Fig. 1 , but to reduced scale, of a second novelty article embodying the invention; and

Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-section, similar to Fig. 1 , but to reduced scale, of a third novelty article embodying the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in Figs. 1 to 3 a first embodiment of a novelty article 10 which is intended to serve as a decorative item or as a plaything, in particular by temporary provision of a simulated snowfall in a scene animated by lighting during the time of simulation. The article 10 comprises a housing 11 which in the sectional view of Fig. 1 is shaped somewhat like a fingertip, but which can be of any suitable shape, including ovoidal, spherical, cuboidal, etc., preferably a shape without pointed corners or angled edges. The housing 11 consists of an injection-moulded body 12 of rigid transparent plastics material having a planar open end closed by a base member 13, which is injection-moulded from a rigid pigmented plastics material and has a short depending skirt forming a support foot for the article. The body 12 is composed of a peripheral wall and an integral transverse partition 15 which divides the interior of the body into a first compartment 16 and a second compartment 17. The compartments are closed - liquid-lightly in the case of the first compartment - by the base member 13, which is welded, such as by an ultrasonic welding tool, to the edges of the wall 14 and partition 15 at the previously open end of the body 12.

The first compartment 16 contains a filling 18 of liquid, for example water, and pieces 19 of solid material entrained in the liquid. The pieces are small lightweight particles of plastics material or similar which are preferably coloured white to resemble snowflakes or a highly light-reflective colour such as silver. The relationship of the mass of an individual piece 19 to the viscosity of the liquid of the filling 18 is such that if the housing 11 is moved with sufficient force, particularly inverted and shaken, the pieces 9 disperse in the filling 8 in a temporary suspension and, when the article is at rest and oriented with the base member lowermost, gradually settle under gravitational force, thus giving an appearance of a snowfall. Movement of the liquid filling 8 itself, particularly if an air bubble is included, generates turbulence contributing to the motion of the pieces 19 within the first compartment 16. Novelty articles providing a simulated snowfall in this manner are well- known as such, as discussed in the introduction. It is also possible, however, for the pieces of solid material to be shaped and decorated to resemble objects which, in life, move in a seemingly random manner, for example living things such as fish or butterflies. In that case the pieces con consist of, for example, small sheets of lightweight plastics material, such as acetate, coloured and provided with suitable designs.

The liquid filling 18 and pieces 19 can be conveniently introduced into the first compartment 16 by way of a filler opening which is subsequently closed and sealed by a plug 20.

The second compartment 18 contains a lighting unit 21 which is provided for the purpose of generating light for transmission into the first compartment 17. Light transmission is by way of a plurality of light transmission paths formed by discrete areas 22 of the partition 15, which by virtue of its construction from transparent plastics material is intrinsically light transmissive. Isolation of the areas 22 functioning as the light transmission paths is by way of a screen of light impermeable material, especially a sheet 23 of cardboard or plastics material, which has discrete light transmission openings or transparent zones coincident with - specifically defining the shape, size and position of - the areas 22. On its side visible in the first compartment 16, in particular via the transparent partition 15, the sheet 23 carries a printed image, in the example of Fig. 2 a pictorial representation of landmarks and features of a cityscape. The openings 24 in the sheet 23 and thus the areas 22 forming the light transmission paths are arranged to be coincident with features in the image which in life are associated with illumination or radiation of light, in the illustrated example windows, clock face, streetlight, taxi headlights and sign and gondolas of a wheel. The printed image is coloured as a whole, for example in colours appropriate to the image, so that light from the second compartment 17 can enter the first compartment 16 only by way of the provided transmission paths. These are indicated, in the specific cross- section of Fig. 1 , by arrows.

The intensity of light entering the second compartment 17 can be enhanced by provision of a light reflective coating 25, for example chromium paint, on the interior surface of that part of the wall 14 surrounding the second compartment 17. The coating also obstructs a view of the interior space of the second compartment.

The sheet 23 is preferably insertable into the housing 11 , subsequently to welding of the base member 13 to the body 12, via of a suitably shaped access opening in the base member and is retained in a groove formed between the partition 15 and an integral bead 26 moulded on the inside of the wall 14. The sheet 23 is thus a separately produced component and at the time of assembly of the article can be selected from a range of sheets bearing different images, whereby the pictorial subject visible in the first compartment 16 can be chosen in accordance with, for example, a geographical location or a season in which the article 0 is to be marketed or with which the article is to have a connection.

It is, however, equally possible for the sheet 23 or other light-confining screen to be placed in position before closure of the body 12 by the base member 13. The sheet could, for example, be glued to the partition 14, thus obviating the bead 26. Alternatively, the light- confining screen could simply be a self-adhesive transfer applied directly to the partition 15.

For the sake of clarity the liquid filling 18 and pieces 19 are not represented in Fig. 2, but it will be evident that in use of the article as described above it is possible to generate a simulated snowfall against the background of the image with emerging light serving to animate features of the image and illuminating the settling pieces, thus creating an entertaining effect. The lighting unit 21 has the form of an insertable module which comprises a panel 27 engaged in the above-mentioned access opening in the base member 13 and closing that opening. The panel 27 is secured in place by suitable fastening means, such as clips or screws, or by permanent bonding, such as by adhesive. The panel 27 and the opening it closes are depicted in Fig. 3 and can be of any suitable shape, particularly depending on whether or not provision for insertion of a light-confining screen in the form of the sheet 23 subsequently to closure of the body 12 by the base member 13 is intended.

The modular lighting unit 21 further comprises a printed circuitboard 28 carrying a light source 29 in the form of, for preference, a light-emitting diode, but equally possibly an incandescent bulb. Several such light sources can be provided if so desired, for example to provide better light distribution, to achieve different colouring effects by way of differently coloured sources or to achieve variations in lighting effect such as by sequential or periodic light emission from the various openings 24 in the screen. The or each light source 29 is preferably positioned at a side of the circuitboard 28 remote from the first compartment 16, so that the observer does not, from the side of the first compartment, have a direct view of the light source or sources. However, to the extent that such a direct view is to be precluded, this can be achieved by various positionings and/or shieldings of the or each light source. Since the circuitboard can be of very small size, particularly in its dimension perpendicular to the drawing plane, the circuitboard itself does not significantly obstruct lighting up of the second compartment 17 by light from the light source and the reflective coating 25 generally directs the light towards the image-bearing sheet 23 with the light openings 24.

If different coloured light is to be radiated into the first compartment 16 this can also be achieved by application of a differently coloured light transmissive covering over one or more of the areas 22. For example, if the sheet is of transparent plastics material, it can be printed with the image in a non-transparent printing medium apart from transparent zones coincident with the areas 22, at least one such zone, however, being coloured, but remaining light transmissive so that correspondingly coloured light enters the first compartment 16 from that zone.

Also provided on the circuitboard 28 is activating means for the or each light source, in particular a compact source 30 of electrical energy, particularly a low-power direct-voltage battery which can be removably attached to terminal clips at the circuitboard or permanently attached to terminals, a movement-sensitive switch 31 and a timer 32. The power source 30, switch 31 and timer 32 are indicated only schematically, the latter two components being mounted on the circuitboard in integrated manner and disposed in the feed path between the power source and the light source or sources. The movement- sensitive switch 31 is responsive to application to the housing of a displacing force sufficient to disperse the pieces 9 in the liquid filling 18 and for that purpose can incorporate a suitable tilt, shock and/or vibration sensor, for example a sluggishly movable inertia body such as a ball, which can itself form a switch contact. On closure of a circuit through contacts of the switch the circuit can be kept closed by the timer 32 for a predetermined period of time during which a light source 29 is to remain activated, for example 10 to 30 seconds as a typical time for the pieces 19 in temporary suspension to settle. The timer can, in its simplest form, simply be a latchable relay with appropriately delayed return to an unlatched state.

If special lighting effects are required, such as flashing or periodic or sequential lighting, this can be achieved, in conjunction with an appropriate number of light sources, by provision of a suitable circuit and electronic switching components on the circuitboard without significant penalties in terms of cost and space.

Alternative embodiments of the novelty article are shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the description of which is abbreviated with respect to aspects corresponding with the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 3. The novelty article 40 of Fig. 4, which is a cross-section similar to Fig. 1 , comprises a housing 41 of an arbitrary, approximately cuboidal shape consisting of an open-ended body 42 of transparent plastics material and a base member 43 of non- transparent material. The body 42 is composed of a peripheral wall 44 with two integrally formed, spaced-apart and mutually parallel partitions 45a and 45b which are thus transparent and light transmissive. The partitions divide the interior space of the housing into a first compartment 46 composed of two chambers 46a and 46b and a second compartment 47 between the two chambers. The base member 43 is welded to the body 42 at its open end, in particular to the wall 44 and partitions 45a and 45, so that the first compartment 46 is fluid-lightly closed. The two chambers 46a and 46b are also fluid-lightly separated from one another.

Each of these chambers contains a liquid filling 48 with entrained pieces 49 of solid material corresponding with the filling 18 and pieces 19 of the first embodiment. The fillings and pieces can be introduced into the chambers via subsequently sealed openings (not shown).

It would be possible, especially if the housing 41 is generally round in plan, to provide a greater number of the partitions, for example three in a triangular (in plan view) configuration, so that the first compartment is divided into three chambers.

A lighting unit 50 is arranged in the second compartment 47 for the same purpose as in the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 3. Light emitted by the lighting unit 50 is transmissible into the first compartment 46, in particular each of the two chambers 46a and 46b, by way of discrete areas (not denoted) of the two partitions, these areas being defined by openings 51 in each of two sheets 52a and 52b analogously to the sheet 23. The two sheets 52a and 52b are fixed to or bear against the mutually facing surfaces of the two partitions 45a and 45b, respectively, and carry images visible in the chambers 46a and 46b of the first compartment. Radiated light entering the chambers via the openings 51 and the associated discrete areas of the partitions is indicated in Fig. 4 by arrows.

The part of the interior surface of the housing wall 44 bounding the second compartment 47 is provided with a coating of light-reflective material to enhance light reflectively and obstruct a view of the compartment interior space.

The lighting unit 50 comprises, similarly to Figs 1 to 3, a module formed by a panel 54 engaged in and closing an access opening of the base member 43 and carrying a circuitboard 55 with two light-emitting diodes 56, a removable or fixed battery 57, a movement-sensitive switch 58 and a timer 59. These components are essentially the same in terms of purpose and function at the corresponding components in Fig. 1.

The principal difference between the novelty article 10 and the article 40 is the division, in the case of the latter, of the first compartment with the liquid filling and pieces into two separately observable chambers, in each of which an individual image can be viewed. These images could be, for example, different landscape scenes with no relationship to one another or scenes which are similar, but exhibiting differences reflecting a change in time. The number of chambers and viewable images can be increased by the mentioned possibility of provision of one or more further partitions in the body 42. 1765

14

Fig. 5 shows a novelty article 60 comprising a housing 61 composed of an open-ended body 62 of transparent plastics material, which defines a first compartment 63, and a base member 64, also of transparent material, welded to the body at its open end to complete the housing and liquid-tightly seal the front compartment. The first compartment 53 has a liquid filling 65 with entrained pieces 66 of solid material in similar manner to the preceding embodiments. In departure from the preceding embodiments, the body 62 does not include an internal partition, although optionally present in the first compartment 63, as indicated by dashed lines, is an image-bearing panel 67 which can be part of the body or, as shown, the base member. A statue, model or other three-dimensional form can also be provided in place of a panel.

The housing 61 can be of a desired shape in elevation and plan, for example a substantially cylindrical form.

By comparison with the previous embodiments, the base member 64 of the housing 61 is deepened and comprises a plate 64a with a depending peripheral skirt 64b, which enclose a second compartment 68 accommodating lighting means 69. The lighting means 69 serves the purpose of generating light for transmission into the first compartment 63 by way of light transmission paths formed by discrete areas 70 of the wall 64a. These areas are defined by voids in a coating 71 of light-impermeable material applied to the surface of the plate 64a and skirt 64b in the interior of the base member 64. The coating also serves the purpose of concealing the second compartment from being viewed from outside the housing via the transparent material of the base member. The areas 70 and associated voids in the coating 71 can be arranged in any desired pattern, for example on two concentric tracks, in a star pattern or in any other desired design; four such areas 70 are shown in the cross-section of Fig. 5 merely by way of arbitrary example.

The second compartment 28 is closed by a closure panel 72, which can be removably or permanently secured in place by any suitable means. The panel 72 is spaced from the plate 64a so that the second compartment is closed off and has a sufficient volume to accommodate the lighting means 69.

The lighting means 69 comprises a circuitboard 73 which carries a plurality of light-emitting diodes 74, a battery 75 and switching and timing units 76 similar in effect to the switches and timers - thus activatable in response to a sensed displacing force - of the preceding embodiments and similarly disposed in conductor paths between battery and diodes. By way of arbitrary example, Fig. 5 shows an individual diode 74, associated with each of the discrete areas 70 forming the light transmission paths. Each of the diodes 74 is surrounded by a tubular light screen 77 channelling the light output of the associated diode to the respective light transmission path and thus inhibiting mutual interference of the light emissions of the diodes.

The novelty article 60 of Fig. 5 places greater emphasis on provision of a decorative light effect in conjunction with the motion of the pieces 66. Accordingly, the diodes can be controlled by the switching and timing units 76 to, for example, emit light in any desired sequence, for example those of the inside track in alternation with those of the outside track, or sequentially in rapid rotation around the tracks, to mention just two of a wide range of possibilities depending on the number and disposition of diodes. The diodes can also be controlled to flash and diodes emitting light of different colours can be employed for enhanced effects. The emitted light illuminates the pieces 66 when in suspension according to the same principle as in the preceding embodiments, namely activation of the lighting means, conjunctively with a simulated snowfall, by a force sufficient to cause dispersion of the pieces and to trigger the switching and timing units.

The embodiments hereinbefore described can be modified in various ways and the specific construction of components such as, for example, the lighting means can be realised in a wide range of forms. Common to all embodiments is the creation of a novelty article in which a decorative or entertaining light effect is generated by the action of dispersing the pieces in the liquid filling in temporary suspension, so that the two aspects of motion of the pieces of solid material and lighting are active simultaneously and are triggered by one and the same movement of the article.