PINATA HOLDING DEVICE

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to the field of games and game accessories. Specifically, the invention relates to a piñata holding apparatus with an adjustable upright support and arm assembly capable of adjusting the configuration of the device, as desired by a user.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of games and game accessories. Specifically, the invention relates to a piñata holding apparatus with an adjustable upright support and arm assembly capable of adjusting the configuration of the device, as desired by a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional piñata stands and holders are typically assembled in fixed configurations or require multiple upright poles to support the weight distribution of a suspended piñata in its stationary or mobile states. These prior conceived piñata holders commonly require bulky constructions to support the shifting weight of a moving piñata or are stationary devices that may be able to support the weight of a swaying piñata, but cannot be moved or relocated as desired by a user.

In addition to the limitations above, the piñata holders known in the prior art are constructed with pre-set parameters, without having any mechanism through which users may adjust the distance of a suspended piñata from the ground or the distance of the suspended piñata from the piñata holder itself.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for a piñata holding device which is portable and whose configuration may be easily adjusted. These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be explained and will become obvious to one skilled in the art through the summary of the invention that follows.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is a piñata holding apparatus having an adjustable upright support and arm assembly that may be configured to suspend or hold piñatas and similar objects. The device enables a user to adjust the height of the arm assembly and upright support, in turn enabling the user to adjust the vertical distance of the suspended piñata from the ground, and the horizontal distance of the suspended piñata from the upright support. Furthermore, the device may be configured to be substantially de-constructed such that the device may be re-arranged into a compact storage mode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Accompanying this written specification is a collection of drawings of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that these are merely exemplary embodiments, and additional and alternative embodiments may exist and still be within the spirit of the invention as described herein.

FIG. 1 shows a piñata holding device with two telescoping arm members and a de-constructed base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary folding mechanism employed by a piñata holding device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a partially folded piñata holding device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a de-constructed extendable piñata holding device base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows an upper portion of a piñata holding device having two arm assemblies in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows an upper portion of a piñata holding device having three telescoping arm members in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a deconstructed fixed-length piñata holding device base in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED SPECIFICATION

In the Summary above, the Detailed Description, the Claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features of the present invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

Whenever a reference herein is made to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all of the defined steps (except where context excludes that possibility).

The present invention generally relates to a piñata holding device. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to an adjustable and portable piñata holding device. A piñata holding device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may be formed of any suitable material and may generally comprise a base, an upright support, an arm assembly, and an object suspending mechanism.

Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed toward a piñata holding apparatus having an adjustable upright support and arm assembly that may be configured to suspend or hold an object such as a piñata. The device enables a user to adjust the height of the arm assembly and upright support, in turn enabling the user to adjust the vertical distance of the suspended piñata from the ground, and the horizontal distance of the suspended piñata from the upright support. Additionally, the base of the device may include wheels, or any similarly suitable position maneuvering means, to allow a user to conveniently maneuver or reposition the device as desired. Furthermore, the device may be configured to be substantially de-constructed such that the device may be re-arranged into a compact storage mode.

According to embodiments of the present invention, a piñata holding device has a base, an upright support, one or more arm assemblies, and one or more object suspending mechanisms. In some embodiments, the upright support extends upwardly from the base, with the base able to provide structural support for the piñata holding apparatus. In some embodiments, the upright support includes one or more arm assemblies having a mechanism configured to hold or suspend objects such as piñatas.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, a piñata holding device, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, is shown. As shown in FIG. 1, a piñata holding device 100 has a base 101, an upright support 102, an arm assembly 103, and an object suspending mechanism 104. In some embodiments, the upright support 102 extends upwardly from the base 101 and provides support to the arm assembly 103. In some embodiments, arm assembly 103 comprises the object suspending mechanism 104 at its first end and is adjustably fastened to the upright support 102 at its second end.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, according to embodiments of the present invention, the base 101 may be a platform which provides support to the piñata holding device 100. The bottom of base 101 may be adapted to be placed on the ground. In some embodiments, the base 101 comprises a base beam 105. As shown in FIG. 7, the length of base beam 105 may be fixed. As shown in FIG. 4, the length of base beam 105 may be adjustable. In some embodiments, the length of base beam 105 may be adjusted using a telescoping extension. As shown in the example depicted in FIG. 4, the base beam 105 may be comprised of a slidable bar 107 and a shaft 108, wherein the shaft 108 is adapted to receive the bar 107. The shaft 108 may be provided with pin holes or apertures 109 spaced at predetermined locations along the shaft 108. The pin holes 109 may be adapted to receive a pin lock 110 therethrough which may also be adapted to extend through aligned pin holes 109 in the shaft 108 so as to secure the bar 107 to the shaft 108 at predetermined lengths. In some embodiments, the base beam 105 may be comprised of any similarly suitable components to permit base beam 105 to extend, retract, and lock at a predetermined length as desired by a user.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, according to embodiments of the present invention, the base beam 105 may comprise one or more spaced leg members 106. In some embodiments, each leg member 106 may reversibly fasten to base beam 105. In some embodiments, the base beam 105 may be considered a leg member. In some embodiments, a leg member 106 may include a bar sleeve 111 adapted to horizontally receive a first end of base beam 105. In some embodiments, the bar sleeve 111 may be adapted to horizontally receive the base beam 105 and vertically receive the upright support 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the base beam 105 may be provided with pin holes or apertures 134 placed at predetermined locations at the ends of the base beam 105. A pin lock 135 may be provided on an end of bar sleeve 111. The pin holes 134 may be adapted to receive the pin lock 135 therethrough which may also be adapted to extend through aligned pin holes 134 in the base beam 105 so as to secure the leg member 106 to the base beam 105 at a predetermined location. A pin lock 135 may similarly reversibly secure the upright support 102 having pin holes or apertures 134 at one end of the bar sleeve 111 located on a leg member 106. In some embodiments, the pin holes 134 are provided on the bar sleeve 111, while the pin locks are provided on the base beam 105 and the upright support 102. In some embodiments, a similarly suitable locking mechanism able to reversibly secure the base beam 105 to the leg members 106 and the upright support 102 to the base 101 may be utilized.

In some embodiments, leg members 106 may include a plurality of levelers 136. In some embodiments, levelers 136 may be threadably engaged with the leg members 106 and permit the leveling of base 101 on a ground surface. In some embodiments, the bars 105 may include wheels 114, such as caster wheels or any similarly suitable wheel assembly which may allow for easy maneuvering or transporting the piñata holding device 100. In some embodiments, bars the 105 may have end caps 130 disposed on their respective ends. End caps 130 may be plastic end caps, or any other similarly suitable material able to cover or plug the ends of leg members 106.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an upright support 102 may extend from the base 101. In some embodiments, the upright support 102 comprises a post. In some embodiments, the length of the upright support 102 is adjustable. In some embodiments, the upright support 102 may have a telescoping extension. In an exemplary embodiment, the upright support 102 may be comprised of a support bar 112 and a support shaft 113. The support shaft 113 may be adapted to receive a support bar 112. The support shaft 113 may be provided with pin holes or apertures spaced at predetermined locations along the support shaft 113. The pin holes may be adapted to receive a support pin lock therethrough which may also be adapted to extend through aligned pin holes in the support shaft 113 so as to secure the support bar 112 to the support shaft 113 at predetermined lengths. In some embodiments, the upright support 102 may be comprised of similarly suitable components which permit the upright support 102 to extend, retract, and lock at a predetermined length, as desired by a user.

In some embodiments, the bar sleeve 111 may be adapted to fold such that the upright support 102 and the base beam 105 may be adjusted to be substantially parallel to one another. In some embodiments, the upright support 102 is provided with an end cap 130 on one end. End cap 130 may be a plastic end cap, or any other similarly suitable material able to cover or plug the end of upright support 102.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, arm assembly 103 may comprise an arm 116, an arm lever 117 and an arm mount 118. In some embodiments, the arm assembly 103 may include additional or fewer components which enable a user to adjust the anchoring and length of the arm 116 as desired. In some examples, the arm assembly 103 connects to the upright support 102 via a support mount 119. In some embodiments, the length of arm 116 is adjustable. In some embodiments, arm 116 may have one or more telescoping extensions. In the depicted embodiment, arm 116 is comprised of an arm bar 120 and an arm shaft 121. Arm shaft 121 may be adapted to receive the arm bar 120. The arm shaft 121 may be provided with pin holes or apertures 122 spaced at predetermined locations along the arm shaft 121. The pin holes 122 may be adapted to receive an arm pin lock 123 therethrough which may also be adapted to extend through aligned pin holes 122 in the arm shaft 121 so as to secure the arm bar 120 to the arm shaft 121 at predetermined lengths. In some embodiments, the arm 116 may be comprised of similarly suitable components which permit arm 116 to extend, retract, and lock at a predetermined length, as desired by a user.

As shown in FIG. 5, the pinata holding device 100 may comprise one or more arm assemblies 103. In the depicted example, the pinata holding device 100 comprises two arm assemblies 103. In the illustrated example, each arm assembly 103 comprises an arm 116, an arm lever 117 and an arm mount 118. In some embodiments, the arm assembly 103 may include additional or fewer components which enable a user to adjust the anchoring and length of the arm 116 as desired. In some examples, each arm assembly 103 connects to the upright support 102 via one or more support mounts 119. In some embodiments, the length of arm 116 is adjustable. As shown in the depicted example, in some embodiments, arm 116 may have one or more telescoping members. In some embodiments, the telescoping members of the arm 116 may be configured to friction or pressure fit within their respective shafts when the arm 116 is in its fully extended position. In some embodiments, the arm 116 may be comprised of similarly suitable components which permit arm 116 to extend, retract, and lock at a predetermined length, as desired by a user.

As shown in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, at least one arm 116 may comprise one or more telescoping members. In the depicted example, the arm 116 comprises a first arm shaft 223 configured to receive a second arm shaft 223 configured to receive an arm bar 220. In some embodiments, the telescoping members of the arm 116 may be configured to friction or pressure fit within their respective shafts when the arm 116 is in its fully extended position. In some embodiments, the arm 116 may be comprised of similarly suitable components which permit arm 116 to extend, retract, and lock at a predetermined length, as desired by a user.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the arm lever 117 may be pivotally attached at one end to arm mount 118 that substantially encircles arm 116 and pivotally attached at its other end to a support bracket 125 on the upright support 102. In some embodiments, the length of the lever 117 is fixed. In some embodiments, the length of the lever 117 adjustable. In some examples, the lever 117 is comprised of one or more telescoping members which may be selectively extended or retracted. In some embodiments, the arm mount 118 may be provided with a screw 124 or the like, threaded through or protruding into an opening in arm mount 118 and permitting the position of arm mount 118 on the arm 116 to be releasably locked at any position within its range of motion, or within predetermined pin holes or apertures disposed along arm 116. In some embodiments, the arm mount 118 and the support bracket 125 are one and the same or substantially similar. In some embodiments, the arm assembly 103 may be comprised of similarly suitable components which permit the position of the lever 117 to be re-adjusted, in turn permitting the position of the arm 116 to be adjusted. In an exemplary embodiment, the position of the arm mount 118 on the arm 116 controls the position of the arm 116, which may range anywhere between a closed or “storage” position and a fully open position.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the support mount 119 substantially encircles the upright support 102 and may be provided with a pull or twist handle 127 or the like handle. A pin or screw may be provided on the handle able to be threaded or protruded into an opening or aperture 128 in the upright support 102 to releasably secure the support mount 119 at any position within its range of motion, or within predetermined pin holes or apertures 128 disposed along the upright support 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the position of the support mount 119 on the upright support 102 controls the positions of the arm 116 and the lever 117, engaged with the arm 116.

As shown in FIG. 1, the upright support 102 may have an object suspending mechanism 104 disposed at one end. In some embodiments, the object suspending mechanism 104 is comprised of a hook 129, a clasp 131, and a pulley 132. Some embodiments may comprise fewer or more components which may be similarly used to facilitate the suspension of an object from the top portion of arm 116. In an exemplary embodiment, a rope 133 may be threaded through the pulley 132 and the first end of the rope 133 may be adapted to attach to a piñata 10. Once the rope 133 is secured to the piñata 10, the piñata may be raised to a position desired by a user and may be held in place, as desired.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the piñata holding device may be utilized to suspend a piñata above the ground in substantially the same position while users attempt to hit the piñata and expose its candy contents. The piñata holding device may be assembled by engaging the base beam 105 with one or more leg members 106. The first end of the base beam 105 may be engaged with a first leg member 106 by inserting the base beam 105 into a bar sleeve 111 disposed along a leg member 106. The second end of the base beam 105 may be engaged with a second leg member 106 by compressing the pin locks 135 and inserting the base beam 105 into the bar sleeve 111 disposed atop the second leg member 106. The base beam 105 may be inserted into the bar sleeve 111 until the position of the pin locks 135 on the base beam 105 corresponds to the pin holes 134 on the bar sleeve 111, thereby reversibly securing the base beam 105 to the bar 106. The length of base beam 105 may be adjusted as desired by compressing pin lock 110 and pushing the bar 107 into the shaft 108 to a desired degree, where a pin hole 109 is set in a predetermined location to receive the pin lock 110. The base 101 may be leveled with the ground upon which the piñata holding device 100 is to be used on by twisting or turning the levelers 136 such that the levelers 136 extend until the base 101 is level with the ground.

Additionally, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the upright support 102 may be engaged with the base 101 by vertically inserting the upright support 102 into the bar sleeve 111 disposed along a leg member 106. The upright support 102 may be reversibly secured to the leg member 106 by compressing the pin locks 135 and vertically inserting the upright support 102 into the bar sleeve 111 disposed atop the leg member 106. The upright support 102 may be inserted into the bar sleeve 111 until the position of the pin locks 135 on the upright support 102 corresponds to the pin holes 134 on the bar sleeve 111, thereby reversibly securing the upright support 102 to the base 101. The height of the upright support 102 may be adjusted as desired by compressing pin lock and pushing the support bar 112 into the support shaft 113 to a desired degree, where a support pin hole is set in a predetermined location to receive the pin lock.

Further in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the position of the arm 116 on the upright support 102 may be adjusted by loosening the screw 124 and sliding the arm mount 118 up or down the arm 116. Moving the arm mount 118 up the arm 116 generally has the effect of increasing the distance of one end of the arm 116 from the ground. Conversely, moving the arm mount 118 down the arm 116 generally has the effect of decreasing the distance between one end of the arm 116 and the ground. The tightening of the screw 124 may lead the arm mount 118 to tighten around the arm 116 or the screw itself may be inserted into a pin hole or aperture disposed along the arm 116 to fasten the arm in a desired position. Additionally, the position of the arm 116 may be adjusted in a similar manner by using the handle 127 to loosen the screw engaged with the upright support 102 and sliding the support mount 119 up or down the upright support 102. Moving the support mount 119 up the upright support 102 generally has the effect of increasing the distance between the first end of the arm 116 and the upright support 102. Conversely, moving the support mount 119 down the upright support 102 generally has the effect of decreasing the distance between the first end of the arm 116 and the upright support 102. Once the piñata holding apparatus 100 is assembled in accordance with a user's chosen parameters, the user may thread the rope through the pulley 132 and attach one end of the rope 133 to a piñata 10 to suspend the piñata 10 at a desired distance from the ground.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a user may place the piñata holding device 100 in its storage mode by: (1) adjusting all of the telescoping components of the device, such as base beam 105, the upright support 102, and the arm 116, to be in their retracted positions; (2) loosening the screws on arm mount 118 and support mount 119, respectively; (3) sliding the support mount 119 down the upright support 102 and sliding the arm mount 118 up the arm 116, until the arm 116 is substantially parallel to the upright support 102; (4) optionally, either, folding sleeve 111 such that upright support 102 and arm 116 (now substantially parallel to upright support 102) become substantially parallel to base beam 105, or disengaging the upright support 102 from the sleeve 111; and (5) selectively disengaging the base beam 105 from the leg members 106.

It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. The invention is capable of myriad modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A piñata holding apparatus comprising: a base;an upright support connected to the base;a movable arm assembly operably connected to the upright support and adapted to move between a selection of positions including at least a fully extended position and a folded position; anda piñata fastening component.

2. The piñata holding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the arm assembly includes an elongate arm member.

3. The piñata holding apparatus of claim 2, wherein the elongate arm member comprises one or more telescoping components.

4. A piñata holding apparatus comprising: a base member comprising one or more leg members, with each leg member connected to at least another of the leg members by one or more joints;an upright support extending from and oriented substantially transverse to the base;one or more movable arm assemblies operably connected to the upright support and adapted to move between a selection of positions including at least a fully extended position and a folded position; anda piñata fastening component.

5. The piñata holding apparatus of claim 4, wherein the upright support comprises a post having one or more height settings defining one or more preset arm positions including at least an extended arm position and a folded arm position.

6. A piñata holding apparatus comprising: a base member comprising: one or more leg members, with each leg member connected to at least another of the leg members at one or more joints, and an upright support extending from and oriented substantially transverse to the base, the upright support comprising: a post having one or more height settings defining one or more preset arm positions including at least an extended arm position and a folded arm position, and one or more movable arm assemblies operably connected to the post at a lever post connection point and an arm post connection point,each arm assembly comprising: an elongate arm member connected to the upright support at the arm post connection point;an arm lever connecting the arm member to the upright support at the lever post connection point;a piñata fastening component; anda movable post bracket formed with the arm post connection point, wherein the post bracket is configured to travel along the post and reversibly secure at least one arm member to one of the height settings.

7. The piñata holding apparatus of claim 6, wherein the length of the arm member is extendable.

8. The piñata holding apparatus of claim 7, wherein the arm member comprises one or more telescoping components.

9. The piñata holding apparatus of claim 6, wherein the arm assembly includes an arm bracket having a lever arm connection point.

10. The piñata holding apparatus of claim 9, wherein the arm member includes one or more lever position settings defining one or more preset lever positions along the arm including at least an upper lever position and a lower lever position.

11. The piñata holding apparatus of claim 6, wherein the base is portable.

12. The piñata holding apparatus of claim 11, wherein the base includes one or more wheels.

13. The piñata holding apparatus of claim 6, wherein the base comprises two leg members substantially oriented in an “X” shape.

14. The piñata holding apparatus of claim 6, wherein the base comprises three legs substantially oriented in an “H” shape.

15. The piñata holding apparatus of claim 6, wherein the base comprises two legs substantially oriented in a “V” shape.

16. The piñata holding apparatus of claim 6, wherein the piñata fastening component comprises a clasp.

17. The piñata holding apparatus of claim 16, wherein the piñata fastening component further comprises a rope.