Patent Application
20130273804
This invention relates to an entertainment device, and more particularly, to a jack-in-the-box type entertainment device having an interchangeable toy that is readily removable.
A jack-in-the-box is a toy generally composed of a box with a crank. When the crank is turned, it plays a tune until a “surprise” is presented at a certain turn of the crank. At this point, the lid pops open and a figure, usually a clown placed on a spring, pops out of the box and startles the user. Some jack-in-the-boxes open at random times when cranked, enhancing the startle affect even more.
Jack-in-the-boxes are well known in the art. A variety of improvements and modifications have been made in order to enhance the play value of the conventional toys. One such example is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,407,504, issued to Popov where an amusement device using tumblers is disclosed. The box-like structure has a transparent, unlatchable lid that may be opened through the proper positioning of tumblers contained in the interior portion of the container. A troll-like figurine is released from the interior portion upon opening of the lid. If desired, the troll may contain a restrictively drawn check, monetary award, or other incentive deliverable to a person who successfully opens the container.
Another example is described in U.S. Pub. No. 2009/0176438, to Meno, where a gift card delivery device is disclosed. The device is spring loaded so that during an actuation event a gift card, which is usually inserted in an envelope, is shown and delivered to the recipient. Then the recipient may remove the card from the envelope.
As mentioned above, some of these toys have a portion of the figure (e.g., a gift card) that can be removable. However, the figure itself is always fixed to the spring. Therefore, conventionally, the types of the figures that pop out from the box limit the types of users to which the toys are demonstrated. For example, if the figure is a clown, it generally appeals to people at a certain age (i.e., children) but not to all age groups. Where the figure delivers a gift card or check it would not be suitable for a young child. Also, if the figure is a basketball, non-basketball fans may be excluded. Likewise, if the figure resembles an adult toy, some people may feel offended. The present invention has been developed to improve the range of these figures used in a typical jack-in-the-box, so that one box can be used for a variety of users, adding more entertainment value to the box at the same time.
The present invention is a typical a jack-in-the-box type entertainment device comprising a box, a crank, an interchangeable (removable) toy, and an interior spring. A custom mount can be attached to the interchangeable toy, while being mounted on the top of the spring. The toy can be any type of toys, e.g., a doll, truck, baseball, and could even be an adult toy. Usually the toy (e.g., a clown) is permanently attached to the spring that is fixed to the box. However, the toy of the present invention is attached to the spring though the custom mount and thus, is readily removable for additional play value. As a result, the entertainment device can be customized to suit the preference of the user by simply exchanging the toy.
Because the cost of the toy is usually less than the value of the entire jack-in-the box, the users of the present invention can enjoy a wide selection of toys at less expense.
In addition, the emergence of a different (unexpected) toy from the same box would provide an added startle effect even to a person who has been presented the box in the past. This surprising effect would not be expected from the devices of any of the above-cited references where only a relatively small portion of the toy (e.g., a gift card) can be exchanged.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily appreciated when considered in connection with the following detailed description and appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements in the various views, and wherein:
With reference now to the drawings, an improved entertainment device with an interchangeable toy will be described in detail. As shown in
With the design of
Any suitable means can be used to connect the custom mount and the interior spring. Those means include, but not limited to, adhesive, molding, binding (e.g., metal wrap) or welding.
Also, any suitable means can be used to connect the interchangeable toy and the custom mount as long as it allows for an easy attachment/detachment of the toy from the box. Those means include, but not limited to, snapping, bayonet connection (for hard toys), and Velcro (for soft toys).
The interior spring 20 can be made of any suitable material including metal and/or plastic, as long as it is compressable inside the box 12. The interior spring 20 is secured on the bottom of the box 12 and is compressed downward when toy is pushed into the opening 15 and the lid 14 is closed.
As shown in
Referring to
The interchangeable toy 16 can be any type and size, including, but not limited to, figures, balls, frames, containers, adult toys and so forth. If a photo frame is employed as an interchangeable toy 16, the toy itself may become a gift to be given away to the person to which the device is presented. Further, if a container, which can have a gift (e.g., a ring) inside, is employed as an interchangeable toy 16, the recipient can remove the container and get access to the gift inside the container when the lid opens. The owner of the box can recycle it for further presentations of gifts. In light of the above description, it is readily apparent that the present invention may provide a unique and entertaining device.
The box 12 can also be any type and size, depending upon the interchangeable toy 16 placed inside the box. However, due to the nature of the device, which is for surprising people, it is preferable that the box be made of a non-transparent material. Any material that would imply the content of the box is preferably excluded.
The crank 13, which is turned manually by hand, is connected to a musical device inside the box.
In another embodiment, as shown in
Having described preferred embodiments for entertainment devices with interchangeable toys (which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting), it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments of the invention disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as outlined by the appended claims.
