Patent Publication Number: US-7712496-B2

Title: Flaming wallet and/or method of making the same

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to wallets that may be used for magic tricks, illusions, jokes, and/or general fun, and/or methods of making the same. More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to flaming wallets, and methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, a flame mechanism may be substantially completely concealed by “fake money.” The flame mechanism of certain example embodiments may include an igniter that produces a spark suitable for causing flammable material (e.g., lighter fluid) pre-applied to flame retardant material to combust, with the flame retardant material being inserted into respective recesses of one or more flame retardant material holders located between the inner surface of the flaming wallet and the rear surface of the fake money. In certain example embodiments, a magnet mechanism may facilitate the closing of the wallet and/or the extinguishing of the flames produced by the flame mechanism of the flaming wallet. 
   BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
   The desire to be entertained is an integral part of the human condition. It is perhaps not that surprising, then, that jokes, gags, goofs, and other forms of general merriment have spurred an entire industry of comics, comedians, and entertainers in general. Furthermore, such general amusement may be yet further enhanced, when entertainers introduce senses of awe, amazement, and/or wonderment through the inclusion of magic tricks, illusions, or otherwise “mysterious” elements, into their routines. The combined reaction can be appreciated at birthday parties for children, special shows for persons of a wide range of ages and sensibilities, special events such as catered dinners or award ceremonies, and/or even for the occasional dose of jovial mischief at a place as ordinarily mundane as a gas station or grocery store. 
   Various devices or props have developed over the years to facilitate the making of merriment. For example, everyone is familiar with magicians using magic wands and saying “abracadabra” or pulling rabbits out of hats. A more recent device that has come into existence is the so-called flaming wallet. Flaming wallets generally look, for the most part, like ordinary wallets to the untrained observer. However, when “activated,” flames may erupt “from” the flaming wallet. Taking an ordinary, everyday item like a wallet and making it do something shocking and unexpected—like temporarily bursting into flames—has been found to capture a sense of amusement and wonderment. Accordingly, a number of flaming wallets have been developed recently to aid merrymakers in their quest to spread amusement and jollity. 
   Unfortunately, however, many conventional flaming wallets suffer from serious disadvantages. For example, many conventional flaming wallets require the use of sleight of hand to complete the illusion. This typical requirement makes flaming wallets too complicated and/or difficult to use for many people. Indeed, sleight of hand often is required to conceal the flame-producing mechanism from observers&#39; views, create the flame, extinguish the flame, show money in the wallet, etc. Thus, if the sleight of hand is not complete and precise, the trick is easily ruined and the “secrets” of the flaming wallet are revealed. 
   One known type of flaming wallet is the “Z-fold” type wallet. A typical Z-fold wallet has a first side that produces flames and a second side that shows and/or includes real or fake money. In operation, the second side is shown to observers, the wallet is flipped and the flame-producing mechanism is actuated, the flames are extinguished, and the wallet is once again flipped to show the second side to the observers. The various flips and actuation of the flame-producing mechanism is intended to be kept secret from target observers. Unfortunately, however, as can be appreciated, the flipping required is often noticeable by untrained observers and is difficult to perform. Thus, Z-fold type wallets are disadvantageous in operation. 
   Z-fold type wallets also typically are disadvantageous structurally. Indeed, typical Z-fold wallets have flame-retardant pads glued directly on the wallet (e.g., directly on leather surfaces thereof). The glue that holds the flame retardant pads to the wallet ultimately melts over time and exposure to the heat produced by the flame. Additionally, the pads tend to melt through the body of the wallet, rendering the wallet inoperable and also creating a fire hazard. Fuel also tends to soak through the pads and onto the wallet, thereby further damaging the wallet. The melting glue also produces an undesirable smell, even before the wallet is rendered useless and/or unsafe. 
   Another type of flaming wallet may be termed a “wallet and a half.” This arrangement may be thought of as a book with one page. An envelope portion includes real and/or fake money. In addition to the above-described drawbacks of Z-fold wallets, “wallet and a half” type wallets require the user to get into an envelope portion to show the real and/or fake money. Accordingly, the illusion is not as good as it otherwise could be, as the flames are not seen to be close to the money. 
   Thus, it will be appreciated that there is a need in the art for improved flaming wallets, and/or methods of making the same. 
   In certain example embodiments of this invention, a wallet is provided. A representation of a bank note is located inside the wallet such that the representation of the bank note is visible when the wallet is open. At least one flame-retardant pad is provided. At least one holder is provided. Each said holder includes a recess for accommodating one said flame retardant pad. The at least one holder is located on a back surface of the representation of the bank note, with the back surface facing towards the wallet. An igniter is at least partially concealed by the representation of the bank note. The igniter is arranged so as to cause a spark proximate to the at least one flame-retardant pad. The spark is sufficiently close to the at least one flame-retardant pad to cause flammable material provided thereto to catch fire. A magnetic closing mechanism is provided to the at least one holder and/or the wallet for facilitating the closing of the wallet after the flammable material has caught fire and/or to help extinguish any flames. 
   In certain example embodiments, a flaming wallet is provided. A fake bill is located inside the wallet such that the fake bill is discernable to a viewer when the wallet is opened. At least one pad comprising flame-retardant material is provided. A metal-inclusive holder for each said pad is provided. Each said holder includes a recess for accommodating the corresponding pad and being substantially concealed from view by the viewer by the fake bill. An igniter is substantially concealed by the fake bill. The igniter is arranged so as to cause a spark proximate to the at least one flame-retardant pad. A magnetic closing mechanism is provided to the wallet to facilitate the closing of the wallet and/or to help extinguish any flames produced by the flaming wallet. 
   Methods of making the above-described wallets also are provided herein. 
   The features, aspects, advantages, and example embodiments described herein may be combined to realize yet further embodiments. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other features and advantages may be better and more completely understood by reference to the following detailed description of exemplary illustrative embodiments in conjunction with the drawings, of which: 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of a closed flaming wallet in accordance with an example embodiment; 
       FIG. 2  is a view of the interior of a flaming wallet in accordance with an example embodiment; 
       FIG. 3  is a view of the inner flame mechanism of the flaming wallet shown in  FIG. 2 , in accordance with an example embodiment; 
       FIG. 4  is a view of the inner magnet closing mechanism of the flaming wallet shown in  FIG. 2 , in accordance with an example embodiment; and 
       FIG. 5  is a view of flames escaping from a flaming wallet in accordance with an example embodiment. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
   In certain example embodiments, flaming wallets, and/or methods of making the same, are provided, with such flaming wallets typically being used for magic tricks, illusions, jokes, and/or general fun. In certain example embodiments, a flame mechanism may be substantially completely concealed by “fake money.” The flame mechanism of certain example embodiments may include an igniter that produces a spark suitable for causing flammable material (e.g., lighter fluid) pre-applied to flame retardant material to combust, with the flame retardant material being inserted into respective recesses of one or more flame retardant material holders located between the inner surface of the flaming wallet and the rear surface of the fake money. In certain example embodiments, a magnet mechanism may facilitate the closing of the wallet and/or the extinguishing of the flames produced by the flame mechanism of the flaming wallet. 
   Referring now more particularly to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicate like parts/layers throughout the several views. 
     FIG. 1  is a side view of a closed flaming wallet  100  in accordance with an example embodiment. The flaming wallet  100  has an exterior main wallet body  102   a . The exterior main wallet body  102   a  may be made of any suitable material such as, for example, leather, vinyl, nylon, or other suitable material. A hinged member  104  (e.g., of metal or plastic) protrudes downwardly from the main wallet body  102   a  in embodiments where such an optional hinged member  104  is included. In other words, the hinged member  104  is optional and is provided as a decorative element, e.g., of the type sometimes found in or on wallets, billfolds, and/or the like. 
     FIG. 2  is a view of the interior of a flaming wallet  100  in accordance with an example embodiment. In particular, the flaming wallet  100  includes a main interior wallet body  102   b , which may include slots for credit cards, a pouch for coins, and/or other features commonly found in wallets and/or billfolds. A reproduction of a bill (also sometimes simply referred to as a “fake bill”)  202  is provided in the flaming wallet  100 . The face of the fake bill  202   a  is discernable to the casual observer and appears as if it were a real bill. Although a $1 bill is shown in  FIG. 2 , it will be appreciated that a bill or banknote of any denomination and/or of any country may be used in connection with certain example embodiments. Optionally, additional fake bills  202  may be provided inside of the flaming wallet  100 . One of the sides of the fake bills  202  may be removedly attached (e.g., by the magnet closing mechanism described in greater detail below in connection with  FIG. 4 ), whereas the other side may be free to move about, in certain example embodiments. The fake bills  202  may help to protect any real money and/or other items (e.g., credit cards, drivers licenses, etc.) inserted into the wallet. That is, in certain example embodiments, additional “real money” may be provided in the flaming wallet  100  “over” the face of the fake bill  202   a  such that the fake bill  202  shields the “real money” from the flames, as explained in greater detail below. 
   The hinged member  104  extends over the face of the fake bill  202   a , just as if the fake bill  202   a  were a real bill. The hinged member  104  helps hold any real money inserted into the wallet  100  substantially in place. The face of the fake bill  202   a  helps conceal an igniter  204  in whole, substantially, or in part. Similarly, the face of the fake bill  202   a  helps conceal the backing member  206  in whole or in part. The stem of the igniter  204  may be inserted into a hole cut in the body of the flaming wallet  100  such that it remains substantially in place when a user attempts to produce a spark. The backing member  206  may be inserted into one of the folds configured to receive credit cards or may be otherwise attached to the flaming wallet  100 . 
   Any suitable igniter may be used in connection with the example embodiments described herein. For example, a “childproof” Flami lighter may be used in example embodiments where it is desirable to reduce the likelihood of a person inadvertently injuring himself or herself or another person. A Zippo lighter may be used in example embodiments where it is desirable to have a larger wheel (e.g., to facilitate the lighting of the material). Other commercially available lighters (such as, for example, those provided by the Spanish company Flamagas) also may be used in connection with certain example embodiments. 
     FIG. 3  is a view of the inner flame mechanism of the flaming wallet shown in  FIG. 2 , in accordance with an example embodiment. An insulating material  302  is provided on the back of fake bill  202   b  such that it covers some, most, or all of the back of the fake bill  202   b . Providing the insulating material  302  helps reduce the amount of heat from the flames that are produced from reaching any real bills or the user&#39;s fingers, which may be inside of the face of the fake bill  202   a . It also may provide some flame-retarding functions in certain example embodiments. Additionally, or in the alternative, the fake bill  202  may comprise a fake bill face  202   a  separate from a fake bill backing  202   b , with the fake bill face  202   a  and the fake bill backing  202   b  being separated by insulating material (e.g., a heat insulating material). 
   The inner flame mechanism shown in  FIG. 3  comprises first and second flame retardant material holders  304   a ,  304   b . The first and second flame retardant material holders  304   a ,  304   b  may be of or include metal, high-temperature plastic, or any other material that is not substantially damaged by the heat of flames. The first flame retardant material holder  304   a  may be connected to the fake bill  202  by any suitable means. For example, the  FIG. 3  example embodiment shows grommets  310  securing the first flame retardant material holder  304   a  to the fake bill  202 . The second flame retardant material holder  304   b  may be secured to the backing member  206  by a similar or different means. Thus, the  FIG. 3  example embodiment shows grommets  310  securing the second flame retardant material holder  304   b  to the backing member  206  via grommets  310 . As alluded to above, other securing means may be used including, for example, high temperature adhesives, bolts, and/or other any other suitable low profile securing means. 
   The first and second flame retardant material holders  304   a ,  304   b  include first and second recessions  306   a ,  306   b , respectively. The first and second recessions  306   a ,  306   b , in turn, are shaped and sized to accommodate pieces of flame retardant material  308  therein. The flame retardant material  308  may comprise any suitable material such as, for example, lamp tern wicking, materials used in flame-retardant curtains, and/or the like. The flame retardant material  308  may be exposed, e.g., slightly beyond the edges of the first and/or second recessions  306   a ,  306   b , such that the flaming wallet  100  will appear to flicker a little because there is some oxygen and material left to combust at such exposed portions. For example, the flame retardant material  308  may be cut at an angle (e.g., a 45 degree or greater or lesser angle), extra material simply may protrude from the first and/or second recessions  306   a ,  306   b , etc. 
   The flame retardant material  308  may be at least partially wetted (and occasionally re-wetted) with a flammable material (such as, for example, liter fluid) so that a spark from the igniter  204  creates a fire that is spread along, but is substantially confined to, the area defined by the flame retardant material  308 . The igniter  204  may be angled towards the flame retardant material  308  (away from the closer edge of the flaming wallet  100  and towards the hinged arm  104 ), thereby making it more likely that a spark therefrom will cause a controlled fire and also making it easier when a safety lighter (e.g., of the type that typically requires a wheel to be moved down and to the side to be struck) is implemented. The exact angling of the igniter  204  may vary, e.g., in dependence on the user&#39;s finger, skill in operating flaming wallet  100 , the visibility of the igniter  204 , etc. The flame retardant material holder  304   b  may be bent somewhat or otherwise positioned such that it is substantially flush with the igniter  204  (and/or the flint wheel thereof), thereby also increasing the likelihood that a spark will cause a flame proximate to the flame retardant material  308 . The flame retardant material holder  304   b  also may be inserted into one of the folds configured to receive credit cards (e.g., as shown perhaps best in  FIG. 4 ) or may be otherwise attached to the flaming wallet  100 . In general, the flame retardant materials may be thought of as pads of flame retardant material. 
   Optionally, the first and second flame retardant material holders  304   a ,  304   b  may be located in close relative proximity to one another and further may be connected by one or more small hinges. The hinge(s) may be made from the same or different material as the first and/or second flame retardant material holders  304   a ,  304   b . For example, in certain example embodiments, a single small brass hinge may be provided so as to connect the first and second flame retardant material holders  304   a ,  304   b  approximately in the vertical centers thereof. The one or more optional hinges may further facilitate the opening and/or closing of the flaming wallet  100 . Furthermore, the one or more optional hinges may be used in connection with, or in place of, the hinged member  104 . 
     FIG. 4  is a view of the inner magnet closing mechanism of the flaming wallet shown in  FIG. 2 , in accordance with an example embodiment.  FIG. 4  is similar to  FIG. 3 , except that the inner magnet closing mechanism of the flaming wallet  100  is shown. That is, the back side of the flame retardant material holder  304   b , or the inner surface of a folded-over flame retardant material holder  304   b  (e.g., of the type shown in  FIG. 4 ) is shown. At least one small magnet  402  is connected to the flame retardant material holder  304   b . If the flame retardant material holder  304   b  itself is metal, an additional connection means (such as an adhesive, bolt mechanism, etc.) need not be used. Additionally, or in the alternative, at least one small magnet  402  also is provided to the backing member  206 . As above, if the backing member  206  itself is metal, an additional connection means (such as an adhesive, bolt mechanism, etc.) need not be used. Although two magnets  402  are shown on each of the flame retardant material holder  304   b  and the backing member  206 , it will be appreciated that more or fewer magnets may be used in the same, similar, or different positions. Of course, it will be appreciated that the various connection means may be varied and/or used in any suitable combination and/or sub-combination such that the magnet closing mechanism functions as desired. 
   The magnet(s)  402  help the user close the flaming wallet  100  when flames are active. For example, the magnet(s)  402  may be positioned such that they encourage the flame retardant material holder  304   a  to magnetically spring closed when it is a predetermined distance from the magnet(s)  402 , thus helping to keep the user&#39;s fingers away from the fire and making it easier for the flaming wallet  100  to close, in general. Indeed, the magnet(s)  402  helps extinguish the flames by reducing the amount of oxygen for the flames to burn proximate to the flame retardant material  308  (e.g., since the two strips of flame retardant material  308  are made to come together). This may be accomplished in certain example embodiments by providing a flame retardant material holder  304   a  made of metal and/or by providing one or more appropriate polar magnets to the flame retardant material holder  304   a  to engage with the magnet(s)  402 . 
   It will be appreciated from the above-description and the examples shown visually in  FIGS. 1-4  that the flame mechanism of the flaming wallet  100  of certain example embodiments is built into the wallet itself and is substantially concealed by the money itself. It also will be appreciated that the holders  304   a ,  304   b  help protect the body of the wallet  100  from damage caused by the flames and/or the flammable material applied to the pads. 
     FIG. 5  is a view of flames F escaping from a flaming wallet  100  in accordance with an example embodiment. Typically, a flammable liquid such as lighter fluid will be applied to the flame retardant material  308 , prior to the illusion or trick being performed. The flaming wallet  100  may be opened to reveal the fake bill  102  and/or any real money inserted therein. A user&#39;s finger (typically an index finger or thumb) may use the igniter  204  when the flaming wallet  100  is closed, opened to reveal the fake money  102 , opened to expose the flame retardant material  310 , or is in the process of being opened to one of these positions, etc. The spark S from the igniter  204  will cause the flammable liquid applied to the flame retardant material  310  to catch fire. Flames F will appear to leap out of the flaming wallet  100  (e.g., when it is fully opened). To complete the illusion or trick, the flaming wallet  100  is closed, and the magnet(s)  402  facilitate the closing of the flaming wallet  100  as well as the extinguishing of the flames F. The flaming wallet  100  may be reopened to show the fake and/or real money still intact after the flames are extinguished. Optionally, the real or fake money may be positioned slightly to the side or top or bottom such that it is slightly singed, thus enhancing the quality of the illusion or trick. Jokes may be made, before, during, and/or after the illusion or trick, along the lines of, for example, “This money is burning a hole in my pocket,” “I stole this wallet; it&#39;s hot,” etc. 
   Advantageously, the flaming wallet of certain example embodiments reduces and sometimes even eliminates the need for the sleight of hand required for some conventional flaming wallets. For example, the flaming wallet of certain example embodiments does not necessarily need to be flipped, turned, or otherwise manipulated in a way that is unlike the normal way a wallet would be used. Similarly, the flaming wallet of certain example embodiments does not necessarily require the use of hidden compartments or areas; rather, as noted above, the flame mechanism is built into the wallet itself and is substantially concealed by the money itself. The first and second flame retardant material holders  304   a ,  304   b , advantageously help protect the body of the flaming wallet from damage by the flames and/or fuel that might otherwise seep through the flame retardant material and onto the wallet. Safety also is improved by keeping the flame and/or fuel away from the body of the flaming wallet itself. 
   It will be appreciated that the example flaming wallets described herein have been described essentially as being “right-handed” flaming wallets. However, the present invention is not so limited. For example, the igniter may be placed on the left side of an open wallet in certain example embodiments. In still other example embodiments, two separate igniters may be provided, with one igniter being provided to each side of the flaming wallet. Furthermore, although two flame retardant pads are shown in certain example embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated number, placement, and relative sizes of pads. That is, in certain example embodiments, more or fewer pads may be provided in the same or different places, and the pads may be the same or different sizes relative to one another. Also, it will be appreciated that the example embodiments herein may be extended to a wide variety of different style wallets. For example, although bi-fold wallets are described, the example embodiments described herein also may be applied to tri-fold wallets, bill folds, and/or other style products. 
   While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.