BACKGROUND
This product represents the invention of the piggy bank with a modern humanitarian twist. It is a container with two or more compartments for self-savings, investments, spending and/or charitable savings, such as but not limited to coins, notes and tokens, with a randomization mechanism to get the savings into any of the compartments.
The piggy bank or savings box is a product or concept that has existed for centuries. It is the traditional name for a coin or savings accumulation and storage receptacle. Children most often, but not exclusively use it. Piggy banks are typically made of ceramic or porcelain, and serve as a pedagogical device to teach the rudiments of thrift and savings to children; savings can be easily inserted, but in the traditional type of bank the pig must be broken open for it to be retrieved. Most modern piggy banks, however, have a rubber plug located on the underside; others are made of vinyl and have a removable nose for easy coin access. Some piggy banks incorporate electronic systems, which calculate the amount of money deposited. The general use of piggy banks is to store loose change in a quaint, decorative manner. Modern piggy banks are not limited to the likeness of pigs, and may come in a range of animal shapes, designs, sizes and colors and materials.
Charity boxes also have historical roots in many cultures for collecting money for charitable giving. One particular example of this type of box is the “tzedakah box”. It has for centuries been a Jewish tradition in the home, school and synagogue, as a means of collecting small contributions of money. The giving of Tzedakah (charity) is a fundamental Mitzvah in Jewish life. It can be made of any material and often exhibits motifs of common Jewish symbols and references to Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel), and often taking the form of a synagogue building, to reinforce the concept of giving to the community. The tzedakah box can be a tangible symbol for themes of Jewish giving.
Unfortunately, these approaches by themselves have several drawbacks. They each are good at promoting savings for each cause, but they do not allow for the side-by-side saving for more than one cause and they are limited to a forced choice by the saver between self-savings in one box or charitable savings in another box.
There are some Chambered piggy banks or moneyboxes for commercial sale that attempt to address this problem.
Two Chambered Banks:
(a) Gamesops has a two-chambered plastic small bank in the shape of a pig with two slots, pre-labeled “save” and “spend”. The user has to decide which compartment the money should go into representing a forced choice.
Three Chambered Banks:
a) Mudpuppy has a three-chambered small moneybox that has different printed designs all around it and a padlock. The chambers are not separated all the way to the top and if tipped upside down, the money can fall between chambers. It is made out of cardboard like printable material and it not transparent or translucent. The user has to decide which compartment the money should go into representing a forced choice.
(b) Moonjar has a three-chambered moneybox that is really three separate diamond shaped containers pre-labeled “share”, “spend” or “save” categories. Money is put in through slots at the top of each container. The three containers are held together by a rubber band. There is a plastic version that is transparent and a cardboard printable like material version that is not transparent. The user has to decide which compartment the money should go into representing, a forced choice.
(c) Learning Cents Bank is a three chambered bank that is plastic and transparent with three towers not of uniform shape side by side and a small place to write something next the slots on top where you enter the money. The user has to decide which compartment the money should go into representing a forced choice.
Four Chambered Banks:
(a) Money Savvy Generation has a plastic transparent pig shaped bank with four slots on top to insert money and each is pre-labeled “save,” “spend”, “donate”, and “invest”. The user has to decide which compartment the money should go into representing a forced choice.
(b) Prosperity4Kids has a ceramic four-chambered bank designed as a larger pig with three small pigs attached in front all standing upright and each one has a slot on the top of the pig's head to insert money. It is made of a ceramic material and is not transparent. The user has to decide which compartment the money should go into representing a forced choice.
Unfortunately, none of these chambered banks allow for a randomization mechanism for entry of the savings into each compartment. These chambered banks only allow for a forced choice entry into any compartment via a slot in each compartment. In addition, there is no place in any of these products to customize each compartment towards the savings goals of each compartment. Some are transparent to allow one to view accruing savings, but most are not.
It would be highly advantageous if one receptacle could provide the functions of the piggy bank and the charity box simultaneously with a randomization mechanism and a forced choice mechanism for savings to be inserted into each compartment and that allows for transparent or translucent viewing of savings accruing and personalization and customization of savings goals. This would alleviate the pressure of choice between personal savings and charitable giving from an either one or the other to a both can be accomplished with the same spirit of savings. It could also make savings fun with a randomization mechanism that is toy like (creates light, sound or movement) and could make saving goal directed and personal with the ability to customize photos, pictures, artwork, and list of desired outcome for either side. It would provide a tangible teaching tool for parents and kids to gain fiscal responsibility and humanitarian contribution from an early age.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a piggy bank with a modern humanitarian twist with the emphasis on the randomization mechanism to allocate savings to two or more compartments.
Said randomization mechanism is a process by which a deposit travels to a compartment, in a way that there is ratio of likelihood that the deposit will end up in any of the compartments.
Said compartment is an enclosed receptacle to hold savings with an opening for entry and a resealable opening for retrieval. The opening for entry in not limited in size and may or may not always be open. The opening for retrieval can be at the bottom or a side of the receptacle and in typical use is sealed and it can be opened and closed intentionally. The retrieval opening is only used when the user intentionally operates the mechanism to open or close it to retrieve savings. The mechanism to open or close the retrieval opening is not limited to but can include a plug, a drawer, and/or a swing or swivel that opens vertically or horizontally. The present invention is exemplified in a number of embodiments, some of which are summarized below and throughout the specification.
The invention directed to a method to combine the concept of saving for charitable giving and one's own needs simultaneously. Charitable savings or saving for charitable giving are defined as when the savings are for the purpose of donating to a not-for-profit organization or giving to another individual or group or organization other than oneself. Features of the invention include: (a) a container with a plurality of compartments at least one of which is for charitable savings and (b) said randomization mechanism that automatically allocates deposits made into a common point of entry among said compartments so that over time savings are allocated among said compartments in a predetermined ratio.
In some embodiments said randomization mechanism may make use of parabolas, tented slides, pegboards, levers and slopes, switches, spirals and/or circular roulette wheel devices to transfer savings from the entry point to either of said compartments. In other embodiments, one or more sides of the container is transparent or translucent so one can see savings accrue. In some embodiments, there are optional points of entry for each compartment to allow for forced choice allocation of savings in each compartment. In yet other embodiments, each compartment has at least one customizable pocket or window in which photos, artwork, lists or other means of personalization could be inserted. In some embodiments, there is an opening at the bottom of each compartment that can be opened and resealed to retrieve stored savings. In some embodiments, environmentally sustainable, sturdy materials are used in the construction of the savings container (e.g. bamboo, but not cardboard or plastic). In other embodiments, the savings container may contain a printed or digital display code, the use of which enables the user to electronically link to other users via a community webpage at a specified internet website or via text messaging on a mobile phone, with the goal of sharing information about one or more charitable causes.
The Dreamsaver Savings Container has said randomization mechanism for deposits to end up in said compartments. Said randomization mechanism may create movement that can be characterized by but is not limited to the motion of the deposit or motion caused by the deposit during its travel through a series of ramps, drops, levers, jumps, circular and/or spinning mechanisms. Said randomization mechanism may create light that can be characterized by but is not limited to the emission of light triggered at certain points of the deposit's movement towards said compartment including, but not limited to the final drop into said compartment. Said randomization mechanism may create sound that can be characterized by but is not limited to the emission of audible sound produced by any material including but not limited to wood or metal and triggered at certain points of the deposit's movement towards said compartment including, but not limited to the final drop into said compartment.
These above-characterized aspects, as well as other aspects, of the present invention are exemplified in a number of illustrated implementations and applications, some of which are shown in the figures and characterized in the claims section that follows. However, the above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating one embodiment of the present invention. A container with dual compartments and two transparent or translucent sides. One opening for savings to enter and savings slide down a parabola design separation and fall into one of the two compartments. There is a space for personalization of either compartment. The orientation of the transparent or translucent and the wooden sides can be interchanged relative to the separation of said compartments such that the divider segments the wooden sides or in an alternative view, separates the transparent or translucent sides.
FIG. 2 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with dual compartments and two transparent or translucent sides. One opening for savings to enter and they slide down a tented inner roof like mechanism to either compartment. There is a large personalization pocket for each compartment. The orientation of the transparent or translucent and the wooden sides can be interchanged relative to the separation of said compartments such that the divider segments the wooden sides or in an alternative view, separates the transparent or translucent sides.
FIG. 3 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with dual compartments and two transparent or translucent sides. One opening for savings to enter and they travel down a pegboard like mechanism in the center of the container to either compartment. The pegboard is shown raised from the center of the container. It is also possible to have this pegboard enclosed in the entirety of the container to create a tall tower or to create the shape of a tented roof. The orientation of the transparent or translucent and the wooden sides can be interchanged relative to the separation of said compartments such that the divider segments the wooden sides or in an alternative view, separates the transparent or translucent sides.
FIG. 4 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with dual compartments and two transparent or translucent sides. One opening for savings to enter and they travel down a pegboard like mechanism in the center of the container to either compartment. The pegboard is shown raised from the rear of the container. It is also possible to have this pegboard enclosed in the entirety of the container to create a tall tower or to create the shape of a sloped roof. The orientation of the transparent or translucent and the wooden sides can be interchanged relative to the separation of said compartments such that the divider segments the wooden sides or in an alternative view, separates the transparent or translucent sides.
FIG. 5 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with three compartments and one or more transparent or translucent sides. One opening for savings to enter and they travel down a pegboard like mechanism in the rear of the container to any of said compartments. The pegboard is shown raised from the rear of the container. It is also possible to have this pegboard enclosed in the entirety of the container to create a tall tower or to create the shape of a sloped roof. The orientation of the transparent or translucent and the wooden sides can be interchanged relative to the separation of said compartments such that the divider segments the wooden sides or in an alternative view, separates the transparent or translucent sides.
FIG. 6 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with dual compartments and one or more transparent or translucent sides. One opening for savings to enter and they travel down a pegboard like mechanism integrated into the shape of the container to either of said compartments. The orientation of the transparent or translucent and the wooden sides can be interchanged relative to the separation of said compartments such that the divider segments the wooden sides or in an alternative view, separates the transparent or translucent sides.
FIG. 7 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with dual compartments and two transparent or translucent sides. One opening for savings to enter and they travel down a series of slopes and levers to either compartment. The slopes and levers are shown raised from the rear of the container. It is also possible to have this mechanism enclosed in the entirety of the container to create a tall tower or to create the shape of a sloped roof. The orientation of the transparent or translucent and the wooden sides can be interchanged relative to the separation of said compartments such that the divider segments the wooden sides or in an alternative view, separates the transparent or translucent sides.
FIG. 8 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with dual compartments and two transparent or translucent sides. One opening for savings to enter and they travel around a circular path before falling into either compartment. Paper material would need to be neatly folded to be placed in the square or rectangular opening. More than one coin can be placed in the opening at a time. The orientation of the transparent or translucent and the wooden sides can be interchanged relative to the separation of said compartments such that the divider segments the wooden sides or in an alternative view, separates the transparent or translucent sides.
FIG. 9 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with dual compartments and two transparent or translucent sides. One opening for savings to enter and they travel around a circular path before falling into either compartment. More than one item of paper or metal material can be placed in the pie shaped opening at one time. The orientation of the transparent or translucent and the wooden sides can be interchanged relative to the separation of said compartments such that the divider segments the wooden sides or in an alternative view, separates the transparent or translucent sides.
FIG. 10 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with dual compartments and two transparent or translucent sides. One opening for savings to enter and they travel around a circular path before falling into either compartment. Paper material will need to be rolled up to enter the small circular opening. The orientation of the transparent or translucent and the wooden sides can be interchanged relative to the separation of said compartments such that the divider segments the wooden sides or in an alternative view, separates the transparent or translucent sides.
FIG. 11 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with four compartments and two transparent or translucent sides. One opening for savings to enter and they travel around a circular path before falling into either compartment. Paper material will need to be rolled up to enter the small circular opening. The orientation of the transparent or translucent and the wooden sides can be interchanged relative to the separation of said compartments such that the divider segments the wooden sides or in an alternative view, separates the transparent or translucent sides.
FIG. 12 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with two compartments and two transparent or translucent sides. One opening for savings to enter and they travel around a circular path before falling into either compartment. Paper material will need to be rolled up to enter the small circular opening. The orientation of the transparent or translucent and the wooden sides can be interchanged relative to the separation of said compartments such that the divider segments the wooden sides or in an alternative view, separates the transparent or translucent sides. There is a button or lever to turn on and off a motorized operation of the circular movement of the mechanism. There is also a display code
FIG. 13 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with two compartments and two transparent or translucent sides. Multiple openings (entry points) for the savings to enter (either simultaneously or sequentially) and travel through cascading paths before falling into either compartment. The cascading paths could be made from bent wood but are not limited to this material. Paper savings may be entered through a bill slot on the side of either compartment, though this functionality is not provided in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the wooden sides may contain a personalization vitrine.
FIG. 14 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with two compartments and two or more transparent sides. Multiple openings (entry points) for the savings to enter (either simultaneously or sequentially) and travel through cascading paths before falling into either compartment. One or more users can utilize the entry points of the savings box simultaneously to race their savings into said compartments. The cascading paths could be made from bent wood but are not limited to this material. Paper savings may be entered through a bill slot on the side of either compartment. The wooden sides contain an area for personalization that allows updatable graphics to slide behind a clear acrylic vitrine, though not limited to this material. Magnets or other mechanism hold the vitrine and personalization graphic in place, simply.
FIG. 15 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with two compartments and two or more transparent sides. Multiple openings (entry points) for the savings to enter (either simultaneously or sequentially) and travel through cascading paths before falling into either compartment. One or more users can utilize the entry points of the savings box simultaneously to race their savings into said compartments. The cascading paths could be made from bent wood but are not limited to this material. Paper savings may be entered through a bill slot on the side of either compartment. The opening for retrieval of savings is on the side of each compartment and may include a key to open. The top of the savings box may have thematic elements like a medieval design.
FIG. 16 is a photograph of the reduction to practice of an embodiment described in FIG. 13. The container contains two compartments and two transparent sides. There are a plurality of openings (entry points) for the savings to enter (either simultaneously or sequentially) and travel through the cascading path before falling into either compartment. One or more users may utilize the entry points of the savings box simultaneously and may race their savings into said compartments. The cascading paths could be made from bent wood but are not limited to this material. The savings in each compartment may be retrieved through a resealable opening at the bottom of each compartment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes, which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims, are to be embraced within their scope.
The invention is directed to a device that combines the concept of saving for charitable giving and one's own needs simultaneously. Features of the invention are: (a) a container with a plurality of compartments at least one of which is for charitable savings and (b) said randomization mechanism that automatically allocates deposits made into a common point of entry among said compartments so that over time savings are allocated among said compartments in a predetermined ratio.
In some embodiments said randomization mechanism may make use of parabolas, tented slides, pegboards, levers and slopes, switches, spirals and/or circular roulette wheel devices to transfer savings from the entry point to either of said compartments. In other embodiments, one or more sides of the container is transparent or translucent so one can see savings accrue. In some embodiments, there are optional points of entry for each compartment to allow for forced choice allocation of savings in each compartment. In still other embodiments, each compartment has at least one customizable pocket or window in which photos, artwork, lists or other means of personalization could be inserted. In some embodiments, there is an opening at the bottom of each compartment that can be opened and resealed to retrieve stored savings. In some embodiments, environmentally sustainable, sturdy materials are used in the construction of the savings container (e.g. bamboo, but not cardboard or plastic). In some embodiments, the savings container may contain a printed or digital display code, the use of which enables the user to electronically link to other users via a community webpage at a specified internet website or via text messaging on a mobile phone, with the goal of sharing information about one or more charitable causes.
FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating one embodiment of the present invention. A container with dual compartments and two transparent or translucent sides (labeled clear acrylic). One opening for savings to enter (labeled coin slot) and savings slide down a parabola design separation and fall into one of the two compartments (shown in section A-A). There is a space for personalization of either compartment (labeled personalization pocket). The orientation of the transparent or translucent and the wooden sides can be interchanged relative to the separation of said compartments such that the divider segments the wooden sides (shown) or in an alternative view, separates the transparent or translucent sides (not shown).
FIG. 2 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with dual compartments and two transparent or translucent sides. One opening for savings to enter (labeled coin and bill slot) and they travel down a tented inner roof like mechanism (labeled stainless steel angle) to either compartment. There is a large personalization pocket for each compartment. The orientation of the transparent or translucent and the wooden sides can be interchanged relative to the separation of said compartments such that the divider segments the wooden sides (not shown) or in an alternative view, separates the transparent or translucent sides (shown).
FIG. 3 broadly illustrates another embodiment of the invention. A container with dual compartments and two transparent or translucent sides. One opening for savings to enter (labeled coin entry) and they travel down a steel pegboard like mechanism (labeled stainless steel cylinders) in the center of the container to either compartment (shown in section, labeled coins cascade down in between steel cylinders). The steel pegboard is shown raised from the center of the container. It is also possible to have this pegboard enclosed in the entirety of the container to create a tall tower or to create the shape of a tented roof (not shown). The orientation of the transparent or translucent and the wooden sides can be interchanged relative to the separation of said compartments such that the divider (labeled clear acrylic divider) segments the wooden sides or in an alternative view, separates the transparent or translucent sides (not shown).
FIG. 4 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with dual compartments and two transparent or translucent sides. One opening for savings to enter (labeled coin entry) and they travel down a steel pegboard like mechanism (labeled stainless steel cylinders) in the center of the container to either compartment. The steel pegboard is shown raised from the rear of the container. It is also possible to have this pegboard enclosed in the entirety of the container to create a tall tower or to create the shape of a sloped roof (not shown). The orientation of the transparent or translucent and the wooden sides can be interchanged relative to the separation of said compartments such that the divider segments the wooden sides (shown) or in an alternative view, separates the transparent or translucent sides (not shown).
FIG. 5 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with three compartments and one or more transparent or translucent sides. One opening for savings to enter (labeled coin entry) and they travel down a steel pegboard like mechanism in the rear of the container to any of said compartments. The steel pegboard is shown raised from the rear of the container. It is also possible to have this pegboard enclosed in the entirety of the container to create a tall tower or to create the shape of a sloped roof (not shown). The orientation of the transparent or translucent and the wooden sides can be interchanged relative to the separation of said compartments such that the divider segments the wooden sides or in an alternative view, separates the transparent or translucent sides.
FIG. 6 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with dual compartments and one or more transparent or translucent sides. One opening for savings to enter (labeled coin entry) and they travel down a steel pegboard like mechanism (labeled coins cascade down in between steel pegs) integrated into the shape of the container to either of said compartments. The orientation of the transparent or translucent and the wooden sides can be interchanged relative to the separation of said compartments such that the divider segments the wooden sides or in an alternative view, separates the transparent or translucent sides.
FIG. 7 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with dual compartments and two transparent or translucent sides. One opening for savings to enter (labeled drop coins in this slot) and they travel down a series of slopes and levers to either compartment (shown in section on left). The slopes and levers are shown raised from the rear of the container. It is also possible to have this mechanism enclosed in the entirety of the container to create a tall tower or to create the shape of a sloped roof (not shown). The orientation of the transparent or translucent and the wooden sides can be interchanged relative to the separation of said compartments such that the divider segments the wooden sides or in an alternative view, separates the transparent or translucent sides.
FIG. 8 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with dual compartments and two transparent or translucent sides. One opening for savings to enter (labeled 1. place coins & bills in this compartment) and they travel around a circular path before falling into either compartment (labeled “2. spin the stainless steel rotating handle” and labeled “3. press down on handle to release the contents of said compartment into dream saver”). Paper material would need to be neatly folded to be placed in the square or rectangular opening. More than one coin can be placed in the opening at a time. The orientation of the transparent or translucent and the wooden sides can be interchanged relative to the separation of said compartments such that the divider segments the wooden sides or in an alternative view, separates the transparent or translucent sides.
FIG. 9 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with dual compartments and two transparent or translucent sides. One opening for savings to enter (labeled 1. place coins & bills in this compartment) and they travel around a circular path before falling into either compartment (shown in section B-B). More than one item of paper or metal material can be placed in the pie shaped opening at one time (labeled 1. place coins & bills in this compartment). The orientation of the transparent or translucent and the wooden sides can be interchanged relative to the separation of said compartments such that the divider segments the wooden sides or in an alternative view, separates the transparent or translucent sides.
FIG. 10 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with dual compartments and two transparent or translucent sides. One opening for savings to enter (labeled 1. place coins & rolled up bills in this compartment) and they travel around a circular path before falling into either compartment (shown in section C-C). Paper material will need to be rolled up to enter the small circular opening. The orientation of the transparent or translucent and the wooden sides can be interchanged relative to the separation of said compartments such that the divider segments the wooden sides or in an alternative view, separates the transparent or translucent sides.
FIG. 11 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with four compartments and two transparent or translucent sides. One opening for savings to enter (labeled 1. place coins & rolled up bills in this compartment) and they travel around a circular path before falling into either compartment (shown in section C-C of FIG. 11). Paper material will need to be rolled up to enter the small circular opening. The orientation of the transparent or translucent and the wooden sides can be interchanged relative to the separation of said compartments such that the divider segments the wooden sides or in an alternative view, separates the transparent or translucent sides.
FIG. 12 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with two compartments and two transparent or translucent sides. One opening for savings to enter (labeled 1. place coins & rolled up bills in this compartment) and they travel around a circular path before falling into either compartment. Paper material will need to be rolled up to enter the small circular opening. The orientation of the transparent or translucent and the wooden sides can be interchanged relative to the separation of said compartments such that the divider segments the wooden sides or in an alternative view, separates the transparent or translucent sides. There is a button or lever to turn on and off a motorized operation of the circular movement of the mechanism (labeled motorized on/off button). There is also a printed or electronic display code (labeled display code), the use of which enables the user to electronically link to other users via a community webpage at a specified internet website or via text messaging on a mobile phone, with the goal of sharing information about one or more charitable causes.
FIG. 13 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with two compartments and two transparent or translucent sides. Multiple openings (entry points) for savings to enter (labeled “slide coins in through one of the slots”). The savings travel down a cascading path before falling into either compartment. Multiple users may utilize the entry points of the savings box simultaneously and may race their savings into said compartments. Individual users may utilize the entry points of the savings box simultaneously and may race multiple savings into said compartments. In some embodiments, paper savings may be entered through a bill slot on the side of either compartment. In some embodiments, the wooden sides may contain a personalization vitrine.
FIG. 14 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with two compartments and two or more transparent sides. Multiple openings (entry points) for savings to enter (labeled “slide coins in through one of the slots”). The savings travel down a cascading path before falling into either compartment. Multiple users may utilize the entry points of the savings box simultaneously and may race their savings into said compartments. Individual users may utilize the entry points of the savings box simultaneously and may race multiple savings into said compartments. Paper savings may be entered through a separate entry (labeled “bill slot”). The wooden sides may be personalized externally (labeled “personalization vitrine”). The wooden sides contain an area for personalization that allows updatable graphics to slide behind a clear acrylic vitrine, though not limited to this material. Magnets or other mechanism hold the vitrine and personalization graphic in place, simply.
FIG. 15 broadly illustrates the concept of another embodiment of the invention. A container with two compartments and two or more transparent sides. Multiple openings (entry points) for savings to enter (labeled “drop coins in one of the tracks”). The savings travel down a cascading path before falling into either compartment. Multiple users may utilize the entry points of the savings box simultaneously and may race their savings into said compartments. Individual users may utilize the entry points of the savings box simultaneously and may race multiple savings into said compartments. The opening for retrieval of savings is on the side of each compartment and may include a key to open. The top of the savings box has thematic elements for instance a medieval design.
FIG. 16 is a photograph of the reduction to practice of an embodiment described in FIG. 13. The container contains two compartments and two transparent sides. There are a plurality of openings (labeled “plurality of entry points”) for the savings to enter (either simultaneously or sequentially) and travel through the cascading path (labeled “cascading path”) before falling into either compartment (labeled “compartments”). One or more users may utilize the entry points of the savings box simultaneously and may race their savings into said compartments. The cascading paths could be made from bent wood but are not limited to this material. The savings in each compartment may be retrieved through a reseal able opening (labeled “reseal able openings”) at the bottom of each compartment.
Patent Application
20110290870
