TOY FOR DISPERSING CANDY

Abstract

The present invention is a system and method for dispensing candy from a device that may be manually or automatically triggered to eject candy from a container within the device, wherein the device may include a timer for automatic candy ejection, or a manual trigger, wherein the device may use a spring-loaded mechanism to spin a platform and eject candy both upwards and outwards from the device when a latch is released.

Description

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention: This invention relates generally to a toy. More specifically, the invention pertains to a device having a spring-loaded mechanism that can be triggered by a user and which then ejects candy upwards and outwards.

Description of Related Art: There are party toys that are capable of distributing candy. Typically, such party toys are used in games for children. However, some of these party toys that are commonly used may result in injury to those at the party or to property.

For example, a pinata is a party toy that is often used at children's parties or family events. A person is given a long object that can be swung to strike the pinata. The object is hard enough to break the pinata. The pinata typically has to be struck several times with a sharp blow in order to break it open and cause the candy inside to fall to the ground. To add to the mayhem, the person swinging the long object is typically blindfolded so that they are not certain in what direction they are swinging or what they are going to hit. The person swinging may even be intentionally disoriented by turning them around so that they swing in the wrong direction.

Videos that show the accidents that occur when trying to hit a pinata are ubiquitous on the Internet. Many people have been struck instead of the pinata resulting in various degrees of injury. Furthermore, a lot of property has been damaged.

Accordingly, it would be an advantage over the prior art to provide a party toy that can be used to dispense candy, but which does not require the players to swing a dangerous object while blindfolded. It would be another advantage over the prior art if the candy could be ejected on command or by using a random timer.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention is a system and method for dispensing candy from a device that may be manually or automatically triggered to eject candy from a container within the device, wherein the device may include a timer for automatic candy ejection, or a manual trigger, wherein the device may use a spring-loaded mechanism to spin a platform and eject candy both upwards and outwards from the device when a latch is released.

In a first aspect of the invention, the device may include a system for spinning the candy as it is ejected and thereby obtain wider dispersal of the candy than if the candy was only ejected upwards.

In a second aspect of the invention, the device may include a manual activation feature for triggering the device and ejecting the candy.

In a third aspect of the invention, the device may include a timer that is set to activate a mechanism to cause ejection of candy stored within the device.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, the device may include a system for creating a desired dispersal trajectory for the candy without having to spin it.

These and other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in combination with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a profile view of a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a torsion spring that may be used rapidly open the housing in order to eject candy from the interior.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the first embodiment showing the two halves of the housing laying opened so that the candy may be ejected and showing placement of the torsion spring.

FIG. 5 is a profile view showing the candy ejection device inside the housing.

FIG. 6 is a profile view of the candy ejection device showing how it spins in order to eject the candy.

FIG. 7A is a profile view of the candy ejection device showing how it may include a spring-loaded pedestal that assists in the ejection of candy in the upwards direction.

FIG. 7B is a profile view of the candy ejection device showing how the spring-loaded pedestal has moved the platform upwards to assist in the ejection of candy.

FIG. 8A is a profile view showing the support structure, the rod and the pedestal coupled together.

FIG. 8B is a profile view showing the system shown in FIG. 8A but turned 90 degrees around a vertical axis.

FIG. 9 is a profile view of a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10A shows an uncompressed spring at rest.

FIG. 10B shows the same spring as in !0A but in a compressed state.

FIG. 11 is a profile view of a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a profile view of another alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a profile view of another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the drawings in which the various embodiments of the present invention will be discussed so as to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It is to be understood that the following description illustrates embodiments of the present invention and should not be viewed as narrowing the claims which follow.

The first embodiment of the invention may be a device 10 that ejects candy upwards and outwards in a substantially circular pattern. The purpose of the device is to enable it to safely eject candy while avoiding the more dangerous aspects of similar devices such as a pinata. Accordingly, the device may be used in games with various rules and formats. What is important is that the device may be used to eject candy rapidly and in substantially a circular pattern. While it is not critical that the dispersal is in a circular pattern, it is important that the dispersal be substantially even within the area of dispersal and not concentrated in a single spot.

This dispersal pattern for the candy is selected in order to enable the greatest number of people access to the candy that is being dispensed. Accordingly, the purpose of being able to eject all of the candy inside the device in all directions is because the games in which the device may be used are typically going to allow all of the participants in the game to rush forward and grab the candy, much like a pinata. Therefore, it is important that the candy be ejected in a manner that will obtain a desired pattern of dispersal.

FIG. 1 is a view of a first embodiment of the invention. It is important to understand that the embodiments may vary in shape and other aspects of its outward appearance. In other words, how the device looks on the outside is generally going to be irrelevant to the function of the device, and therefore may vary accordingly. Thus, while FIG. 1 is a specific example of the outward shape of the device, it is important to understand that the outward appearance may be modified without changing the essential elements of the first embodiment.

FIG. 1 is specifically a profile view of a candy ejection device 10 having a housing 12. A top view of the housing 12 shown in FIG. 2 shows a circular candy ejection device 10. The housing 12 may be in the shape of an ellipsoid such as an egg when viewed from the profile view of FIG. 1.

In FIG. 1, the housing 12 may be capable of being placed on the ground and remaining in a stable and upright position without the possibility of falling over. Thus, the housing may include a support structure 40 that prevents the housing 12 from falling over or otherwise preventing the housing from opening at the desired moment. The support structure 40 may just be a frame with legs that prevent the housing from falling over and keeping the housing steady when the housing is opened to eject candy.

In the first embodiment, the housing 12 may open up so that the candy may be ejected upon command or at a moment that is not known to anyone playing the game by using a timing device. In the first embodiment, the housing 12 may open in two pieces or petals 18. However, it should be understood that the housing 12 may have a plurality of petals 18 in other embodiments that unfold to allow the candy to be ejected.

The housing 12 of the first embodiment may have just two petals 18. The petals 18 may come together at a top of the housing 12 and be held together with a latch mechanism 20. The latch mechanism 20 may be a device that is opened by lifting, releasing, or moving a pin or performing some other action by a manual trigger or a remote trigger. What is important is that the latch mechanism 20 may be opened manually or by an automated mechanism.

For example, the latch mechanism 20 may be coupled to a string 22 or other object that when pulled, may open the latch mechanism, and allow the petals 18 of the housing 12 to rapidly move apart. The first embodiment also includes a hinge mechanism 14 at the bottom of the housing 12, wherein the hinge mechanism is coupled to both of the petals 18 of the housing. The hinge mechanism 14 may include a rod 34 that extends therethrough.

To enable the rapid opening of the housing 12, it may be necessary to include a spring in the housing 12. In the first embodiment of the invention, a spring may be disposed at the bottom of the housing at the hinge mechanism 14.

When the spring is disposed at the hinge mechanism 14 in the first embodiment, the type of spring 30 being used may be referred to as a torsion spring.

The two petals 18 that form the housing 12 of the first embodiment are shown having a zig-zagging interface where they come together. This should not be considered a limiting feature of the invention. The interface may be a straight line, a curved line, a zig-zag line as shown, or any combination thereof.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1. This figure shows the latch mechanism 20 at the top of the housing 12. This figure also shows the two petals 18 that form the housing 12.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the torsion spring 30 that may be used in the first embodiment of the invention. The torsion spring 30 is disposed along the axis of the hinge mechanism 14 and around the rod 34, with each of the ends of the torsion spring 30 disposed against a different petal 18 of the housing 12. When the housing 12 is shut, the torsion spring 30 is thus wound tighter, increasing the stored mechanical energy in the torsion spring. The torsion spring 30 is now under increased tension. When the latch mechanism 20 is released, the energy in the torsion spring 30 is released by pushing the two petals 18 apart. This will allow a separate mechanism to eject the candy.

The torsion spring 24 operates by twisting its end along its axis, that is, a flexible elastic object that stores mechanical energy when it is twisted. When it is twisted, it exerts a torque in the opposite direction, proportional to the amount (angle) it is twisted. The force from the torsion spring 24 is applied through the ends 30. One end 30 is secured to one of the petals 18, while the other end is secured to the opposite petal.

FIG. 4 is provided as a top view of the candy ejection device 10 when the housing 12 is laid open exposing the inside of the petals 18. This view also shows the torsion spring 24 with the two ends 30 that are disposed against the inside of the petals 18. The torsion spring 30 may be disposed around a rod 34 that extends through the hinge mechanism 14 that connects the two petals 18 of the housing 12. The rod 34 may also extend beyond the housing 12 to connect the housing to the support structure 40.

A next feature of the first embodiment is the ejection device inside the housing 12 that holds the candy and then ejects the candy from the housing when the release mechanism 20 is activated. In the broadest terms, any device that is capable of throwing the candy upwards and in an outwards trajectory from the housing 12 may be used in the first embodiment. Accordingly, any such device should fall within the claims of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows the exterior of the candy ejection device 10 with the housing 12 comprised of two petals 18. The interior of the housing 12 shows the outline of an ejection device 50. The ejection device 50 is shown having a pedestal 52 and a launch platform 54. The pedestal 52 may be secured to the support structure 40 even though it is disposed within the housing 12.

The ejection device 50 may use a variety of different launch mechanisms. In the first embodiment, the exact launch mechanism used is not critical as long as it is capable of moving the candy in an upwards and outwards trajectory.

The ejection device may be activated in response to the petals 18 of the housing 12 opening a certain amount or any other appropriate trigger event.

FIG. 6 is provided to show that the ejection device 50 may use the pedestal 52 in order to lift the launch platform off of the bottom of the housing 12. However, it should be understood that the pedestal 52 may also be integrated into the launch platform 54 and not be a separate component. Thus, the ejection device 50 is secured to the support structure 40 and not to the housing 12.

In the first embodiment of the invention, the ejection device 10 may be comprised of the pedestal 52 that is stationary, and a rotating launch platform 54. For example, the launch platform 54 may include a rotation mechanism that causes the launch platform to rapidly rotate. Rapidly rotating the launch platform 54 may cause candy in the bottom of the launch platform to be flung outwards and upwards according to the angle of the sidewall. The rotation mechanism may be any suitable system such as a spring or a motor.

The shape of the launch platform 54 may be defined as an inverted and truncated cone or an inverted frustoconical shape. Accordingly, the angle of the sidewall may be adjusted according to the steepness of the sidewall and the speed of the spinning motion. A steeper sidewall will require a faster spinning motion of the launch platform 54 in order to fling the candy upwards and outwards.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show that in an alternative embodiment, the pedestal 52 may be a spring-loaded device. The purpose of a spring-loaded pedestal 52 is to enhance the ability of the ejection device 10 to fling the candy upwards. FIG. 7A shows that the launch platform 54 is pushed down in the pedestal 52 that is compressed with a spring inside. FIG. 7B shows that the spring inside the pedestal is released and causing the launch platform 54 to move upwards.

The timing of the spinning of the launch platform 54 and the release of the pedestal 52 may vary according to different embodiments of the invention. For example, the launch platform 54 may spin at the same time that the pedestal 52 springs upwards as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 7B, the launch platform may start spinning first and then the pedestal springs upwards, or the pedestal may spring upwards and then the launch platform may start spinning. It is understood that the timing of the different scenarios is very rapid and the release of the spring in the pedestal 52 and the spinning of the launch platform 54 would all happen very rapidly, such as within a fraction of a second.

FIG. 8A is a profile view of the first embodiment of the invention showing that the support structure 40 is coupled to the rod 34 that extends through the hinge mechanism 14 of the housing 12. The rod 34 is shown from one end and is secured to the support structure so that as the petals 18 of the housing are opened, the candy ejection device 10 does not fall over as the candy is ejected. In other words, the support structure 40 anchors the entire system and makes sure that the candy is not accidentally flung directly at people that are standing around the system.

The support structure 40 is also directly coupled to the pedestal 52 by any appropriate means. Thus, no matter what movement takes place by the housing 12 as it is closed or rapidly opened to eject the candy, the ejection device 50 remains secured to the support structure 40.

FIG. 8B is a profile view of the support structure 40 shown in FIG. 8A but turned 90 degrees so that the pedestal 52 is still disposed vertically but now the rod 34 is shown as extending from one side of the support structure 40 to the other. Now that the pedestal 52 does not contact the rod 34 as the rod also extends through the hinge mechanism 14 and has the torsion spring 24 wrapped around it.

It should thus be understood that the sides of support structure 40 do not interfere with movement of the housing 12 as the petals 18 open and close.

FIG. 9 shows in a profile view that in an alternative to the first embodiment, a second embodiment provides a plurality of modifications that fundamentally enable the same operation of the candy ejection device 10 but allows for different mechanisms to perform the same functions.

For example, in the second embodiment of the invention, the torsion spring 24 may be replaced with one or more springs at the top of the housing 12 instead of at the bottom. In the second embodiment, the same hinge mechanism 14 is present at the bottom with rod 34. However, the petals 18 are simply free to fall away from each other and come to rest as shown in FIG. 4, but without the torsion spring 24 causing it to happen. Instead, a single spring 60 is forced into a compressed state when the housing 12 is closed.

FIG. 10A shows the spring 60 in a state of rest where it is not compressed. FIG. 10B shows the spring 60 in a compressed state with potential energy stored in the spring 60 ready for release to push apart the petals 18.

FIG. 9 shows that the second embodiment of the candy ejection device 10 may include the housing 12, the petals 18, the hinge mechanism 14, and the latch mechanism 20. When the latch mechanism 20 is released, the potential energy of the spring 60 is released, causing the petals 18 of the housing 12 to fly apart. The two petals 18 will again rapidly fall open, allowing the ejection device 10 to be activated. The ejection device 10 will not be activated until the petals 18 have fallen open far enough to not interfere with ejection of the candy.

A profile view of the housing 12 in FIG. 9 shows the spring 60 is disposed inside the housing 12 and coupled to either one of the petals 18 such as by connector 62. The spring 60 is fully compressed as shown in FIG. 10B when the petals 18 are brought together and the housing 12 is shut.

FIG. 11 is a profile view of a third embodiment of the invention. This embodiment keeps a top portion of the first embodiment but makes a bottom portion of the housing 70 less complicated. Whereas the first embodiment had a housing 12 that was separate from a support structure, the third embodiment combines them.

FIG. 11 shows that the two petals 18 of the first embodiment are now separated into four separate petals 72. It should be understood that the four petals 72 of the third embodiment may just as easily be made into two petals 72. This embodiment demonstrates that the number of petals is unimportant. What is important is that the petals 74 may be opened so that candy may be ejected.

Each of the petals 74 includes a hinge mechanism 74 where the petals are coupled to the housing 70. The hinge mechanism 74 may operate in at least two different ways. The first way is to include a torsion spring 76 on each hinge mechanism 74, where the torsion spring is disposed inside the housing 70. Releasing the lock mechanism 20 will cause the four petals 72 to rapidly swing open.

Alternatively, no torsion spring 76 would be used and instead some springs at the top of the petals 72 would push away from each other and the petals would simply swing open from momentum and their own weight.

One advantage of this third embodiment is that there is no separate support structure 40. Instead, the housing 70 may provide a stable platform for the ejection device 50 disposed inside. Furthermore, the ejection device 50 inside may be the same ejection device used for the first and second embodiments of the invention.

Accordingly, it should be understood that the ejection device 10 shown in FIGS. 6, 7a, and 7B may be disposed within the third embodiment shown in FIG. 11.

In FIG. 11, the four petals 72 comprise the top portion of the housing 70, and a cylindrical structure forms the bottom portion of the housing. Thus, a bottom edge of the four petals 72 form an ellipsoidal shape that matches the cylindrical shape of the bottom portion of the housing 70.

The method of using the first embodiment of the invention comprises the steps of opening the housing and placing candy on the launch platform. The amount of candy should not exceed the amount that can be ejected from the launch platform when the launch platform is rotated using the rotation mechanism. The rotation mechanism should therefore be sufficiently strong such that an amount of candy can be placed on the launch platform, the petals shut, and the latch mechanism secured.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a profile view that shows the candy ejection device 10 having a housing 80. The housing 80 may be in the shape of an ellipsoid such as an egg when viewed from the profile view of FIG. 12.

Unlike the previous embodiments, this embodiment includes a pole 82. The pole 82 may be any desired length but should be long enough to keep the person holding the pole away from players who will be under the candy ejection device 12. However, it should not be so long that the holder will have difficulty holding it up. It is suggested that the pole 82 be approximately 7 feet in length. The pole 82 may be used to suspend the candy ejection device 10 in the air above the players.

The candy ejection device 10 may include a central cylinder 84, a plurality of candy chutes 86 that extend outwards from the central cylinder, a locking pin 88 that keeps the candy ejection device from spinning, a bottom plate 90 that is used to fill the central cylinder of the candy ejection device from the bottom and is then closed to keep the candy 98 inside, and a spring 92 disposed between the bottom plate and the central cylinder.

The candy ejection device 10 may be suspended from the end of the pole 82 by a rubber band 94 or any other elastic material that will allow the candy ejection device 10 to spin freely on the end of the pole 82 when the locking pin 88 is pulled by a string 96 that is attached to the locking pin and extends down the length of the pole to the person who is holding the pole.

When the string 96 pulls out the locking pin 88, the central cylinder 84 is then free to spin as caused by the spring 92. As the central cylinder 84 spins, the candy 98 inside is flung outwards from the central cylinder 84 and down the chutes 86.

The housing 80 is any structure that prevents candy 98 from falling from the chutes 86 until the locking pin 88 is pulled. The release of the locking pin may allow the housing 80 to fall away from the chutes 86. For example, the housing 80 may be formed as separate petals that would separate and fall away from the chutes 86. The petals may be attached to each other at the bottom of the housing 80 so that they do not fall on the players waiting for the candy 98 to fall from the shuts 86.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 13, this view is a profile view that shows the candy ejection device 10 having a housing 100. The housing 100 may be in the shape of an ellipsoid such as an egg when viewed from the profile view of FIG. 13.

This embodiment shows that the top of the housing 100 is open. The housing 100 may include a central cylinder 104 where the candy is disposed. This embodiment also includes a stand 106, a spring 108, a base 110 for holding the housing 100 upright on the stand, a locking release 112, and a string 114.

A user may pull the string 114 to pull the locking release 112 and allow the housing 100 to rapidly move upwards from the force of the spring 108 and eject the candy that is stored in the central cylinder 104.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a profile view that shows the candy ejection device 10 having a housing 80. The housing 80 may be in the shape of an ellipsoid such as an egg when viewed from the profile view of FIG. 12.

Although only a few example embodiments have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the example embodiments without materially departing from this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6 for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the words ‘means for’ together with an associated function.

Claims

1. A system for dispensing candy from a device, said system comprising: a housing that may be opened;a latch mechanism for opening the housing; andan ejection device within the housing for holding the candy, wherein the ejection device includes a rotation mechanism for rapidly spinning the ejection device with sufficient speed to eject the candy from the ejection device, and wherein the housing includes an angled sidewall.

2. The system as defined in claim 1 wherein the system further comprises a string coupled to the latch mechanism, wherein the string releases the latch mechanism when sufficient force is applied to the string.

3. The system as defined in claim 2 wherein the system further comprises a timing mechanism coupled to the latch mechanism, wherein the timing mechanism may be set to count down a predetermined amount of time.

4. The system as defined in claim 1 wherein the housing further comprises: at least two petals, wherein the petals have a top and a bottom;a hinge mechanism disposed at the bottom of the at least two petals; andthe latch mechanism disposed at the top of the at least two petals.

5. The system as defined in claim 4 wherein the hinge mechanism further comprises: a rod disposed through the hinge mechanism; anda torsion spring disposed on the hinge mechanism to thereby enable the at least two petals to open the housing and reveal the ejection device.

6. The system as defined in claim 5 wherein the system further comprises a support structure for holding the system steady when ejecting candy from the system.

7. The system as defined in claim 6 wherein the ejection device further comprises: a pedestal, wherein the pedestal is coupled to the support structure so that the ejection device is held steady when ejecting candy; anda launch platform that is disposed on top of the pedestal, wherein the launch platform has an inverted frustoconical shape to thereby provide a ramp for the candy to be ejected from the launch platform, and wherein the launch platform includes a rotation mechanism that enables the launch platform to spin.

8. The system as defined in claim 7 wherein the rotation mechanism further comprises a rotation mechanism that is selected from the group of rotation mechanisms comprised of a spring and a motor.

9. The system as defined in claim 8 wherein the pedestal further comprises a spring to thereby enable the pedestal to provide an upward force to the launch platform.

10. The system as defined in claim 1 wherein the housing further comprises: at least four petals, wherein the petals have a top and a bottom, wherein the at least four petals meet at the top, and wherein the at least four petals have a flat bottom edge, and wherein the bottom edge of the at least four petals form an ellipsoid;a hinge mechanism disposed at the bottom of each of the at least four petals; andthe latch mechanism disposed at the top of the at least four petals.

11. The system as defined in claim 10 wherein the hinge mechanism further comprises: a rod disposed through the hinge mechanism; anda torsion spring disposed on the hinge mechanism to thereby enable the at least four petals to open the housing and reveal the ejection device.

12. The system as defined in claim 11 wherein the housing further comprises a support structure, wherein the at least four petals form a top portion of the housing, and a cylindrical structure forms a bottom portion of the housing and a support structure for holding the system steady when ejecting candy from the system.

13. The system as defined in claim 12 wherein the ejection device further comprises: a pedestal, wherein the pedestal is coupled to the support structure so that the ejection device is held steady when ejecting candy; anda launch platform that is disposed on top of the pedestal, wherein the launch platform has an inverted frustoconical shape to thereby provide a ramp for the candy to be ejected from the launch platform, and wherein the launch platform includes a rotation mechanism that enables the launch platform to spin.

14. The system as defined in claim 13 wherein the rotation mechanism further comprises a rotation mechanism that is selected from the group of rotation mechanisms comprised of a spring and a motor.

15. A method for dispensing candy from a device, said method comprising: providing a housing that may be opened, a latch mechanism for opening the housing, and an ejection device within the housing for holding the candy, wherein the ejection device includes a rotation mechanism for rapidly spinning the ejection device with sufficient speed to eject the candy from the ejection device, and wherein the housing includes an angled sidewall;placing candy of a suitable size and shape on the ejection device;closing the housing and securing the latch mechanism to hold the housing shut;releasing the latch mechanism to allow the housing to open;activating the ejection mechanism in response to a triggering event; androtating the ejection device and thereby ejecting the candy from the housing.

16. A system for dispensing candy from a device, said system comprising: a housing that may be opened;a pole that is coupled to a top of the housing for holding the housing and suspending it off the ground;a latch mechanism for opening the housing; andan ejection device within the housing for holding the candy, wherein the ejection device includes a rotation mechanism for rapidly spinning the ejection device with sufficient speed to eject the candy from the ejection device, and wherein the housing includes an angled sidewall.

17. The system as defined in claim 16 wherein the system further comprises a string coupled to the latch mechanism, wherein the string releases the latch mechanism when sufficient force is applied to the string.

18. The system as defined in claim 17 wherein the system further comprises a timing mechanism coupled to the latch mechanism, wherein the timing mechanism may be set to count down a predetermined amount of time.

19. The system as defined in claim 18 wherein the housing further comprises: at least two petals, wherein the petals have a top and a bottom;a hinge mechanism disposed at the bottom of the at least two petals; andthe latch mechanism disposed at the top of the at least two petals.

20. The system as defined in claim 19 wherein the housing further comprises a rotation mechanism that rotates the housing when the latch mechanism is released.