U.S. patent application number 11/106954 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-19 for breakaway pinata.
Invention is credited to Jim Bell, Randy Harris.
Application Number | 20060234595 11/106954 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37109114 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060234595 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bell; Jim ; et al. |
October 19, 2006 |
Breakaway pinata
Abstract
A pinata-like device is formed from cardboard panels and
sub-panels. The structure is formed and held together by masking
tape which is partially cut, across the seams of the panels and
sub-panels. The container has an access opening to facilitate
placement of goodies into the cavity. Each panel and sub-panel is
provided with a ribbon. By pulling on the ribbons, the panels are
frangibly detachable from one another. The strength of the
attachment of the ribbons to the panels and sub-panels exceeds the
strength of the masking tape holding the panels and sub-panels into
a container form. When the ribbons are pulled, preferably
substantially simultaneously, the panels substantially detach from
one another, and any contents disposed within the cavity are made
available, usually in a somewhat explosive manner. An end of each
ribbon is passed through one or more slits in each panel and
securely attached to a surface of the panel.
Inventors: |
Bell; Jim; (Villa Park,
CA) ; Harris; Randy; (Carmel, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Levisohn, Berger & Langsam LLP;19th Floor
805 Third Avenue
New York
NY
10022
US
|
Family ID: |
37109114 |
Appl. No.: |
11/106954 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 37/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/005 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/00 20060101
A63H033/00 |
Claims
1. A pinata-like device, comprising: at least two panels forming an
at least partially hollow container; a plurality of ribbons, at
least one of said ribbons being attached to each of said panels,
said panels being secured by securement means to one another to
form said container, yet frangibly detachable from one another; and
wherein when said ribbons are pulled, said panels substantially
detach from one another, and any contents held within said cavity
are made available.
2. A pinata-like device according to claim 1, wherein at least one
of said panels is provided with at least one slit, wherein an end
of said ribbon for said panel is passed through said slit and
securely attached to the surface of said panel.
3. A pinata-like device according to claim 1, wherein said
plurality of panels comprise a front panel and a rear panel and
further comprising at least one side panel.
4. A pinata-like device according to claim 3, wherein at least one
of said panels is formed into sub-panels.
5. A pinata-like device according to claim 1, wherein said
securement means is masking tape.
6. A pinata-like device according to claim 1, further comprising:
an access hole formed through at least one of said panels.
7. A pinata-like device according to claim 6 further comprising a
cover securably attachable to said access hole.
8. A pinata-like device according to claim 1 wherein said ribbons
are secured to said panel(s) by tape.
9. A pinata-like device according to claim 2, further comprising a
second slit associated with at least one of said provided slits,
wherein said ribbon passes first through said first slit, then
through said second slit and is securely attached to the outside of
said panel.
10. A pinata-like device according to claim 4 wherein substantially
all of said panels are provided with at least one ribbon.
11. A pinata-like device according to claim 1 wherein the strength
of said attachment of said ribbons to said panels is stronger than
said securement means.
12. A pinata-like device according to claim 1 wherein said device
is capable of standing in an upright manner on a level surface in
reference to the shape of the device.
13. A pinata-like device according to claim 12 wherein said device
is supported by at least 3 points.
14. A pinata-like device according to claim 1 wherein said device
has a flat surface on its bottom.
15. A pinata-like device according to claim 3 wherein said front
panel, said rear panel, and said side panel are formed into about
20 sub-panels and each sub-panel is provided with a ribbon.
16. A pinata-like device according to claim 1 wherein said
securement means comprises masking tape which is pre-cut across its
width to decrease the strength of said securement means.
17. A pinata-like device according to claim 16 wherein said pre-cut
of said masking tape is across about 50% of the width of said
masking tape.
18. A pinata-like device according to claim 1 further comprising
covering at least a portion of said panels with tissue fringe.
19. A pinata-like device according to claim 1 wherein said panels
are formed from cardboard.
20. A pinata-like device according to claim 9, wherein said
ribbons, when pulled, cause said panels and sub-panels to rotate
about an axis perpendicular to said ribbons attached thereto.
21. A method of making a pinata-like device comprising the steps
of: a) cutting a front panel and a rear panel from cardboard; b)
cutting into either said front panel or said rear panel an access
opening; c) separating at least said front panel or said rear panel
into at least 2 sub-panel sections; d) attaching said panels and
said sub-panels with securement means to form a container-like
device; e) securing at least one ribbon to each of said sub-panels,
and said front and said rear panels such that the strength of
securing said ribbons to said sub-panels and said front and rear
panels is greater than the strength of said securement means.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention is directed to party favors and games, and
more specifically it is directed to party favors and games that
contain candy and toys that are destructively opened, e.g.,
pinatas.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Pinatas are known fun party favors and have been in use for
many, many years. A typical pinata is made out of cardboard, paper
mache, or similar material, is at least partially hollow, and is
filled (either by the consumer or the manufacturer) with candy or
small toys. A typical pinata is hung from a ceiling, a tree limb,
or other similar high structure, and then smashed with a bat or
stick by children attending, for example, a party. Typically, the
children take turns being blindfolded and trying to break the
pinata, to have the candy and toys emerge from the pinata. In very
common usage, each child is in turn blindfolded, handed the bat or
stick, spun around one or more times, and then encouraged to hack
at the pinata. This practice places a bat or stick in the hands of
blindfolded children, and as one might expect, others may become
injured during the attempt of smashing the pinata. In addition, the
one child who successfully breaks the pinata is considered "a
winner" while the other watching children, feel like "losers."
[0005] In response, some pinata makers created a pinata of similar
shape, construction and material having multiple ribbons attached
to its structure. The main body of the pinata has a trap door or
opening, and one of the many ribbons is attached to this trap door.
The other ribbons are attached to other parts of the pinata.
Because of the decoration on the outside of the pinata, the
children do not know which ribbon is attached to the trap door.
After this type of pinata is filled with candy or toys, each child,
one at a time, pulls a ribbon from the suspended pinata. All but
the one ribbon that is attached to the trap door are easily removed
with no release of the candy or toys. The one ribbon attached to
the trap door will, when pulled, release the candy or toys.
However, this approach is not without its own problems. For one,
some parents are unhappy with the situation of providing a single
"winner" in the pinata game, i.e., the child that had the fun of
opening the pinata and releasing the candy while leaving the
remainder of the children feeling unfulfilled or as "losers." The
absence of the pinata exploding or being destroyed is also lost in
this prior art pinata. Also, some parents prefer that the birthday
child or other honored guest of the party be the puller of the
ribbon attached to the trap door release mechanism.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a long felt need in the party favors
art to provide a safe, pinata-like device that involves neither
blindfolded children casting about with a bat, stick or other
bludgeoning device nor a single child (a limited number of
children) enjoying the feeling of breaking open the pinata to
release the candy. There is a need in the party favors field to
provide an inexpensive, colorful, safe, break-apart device where
all participants feel like winners, i.e., where all of the children
feel like they have had a role in the release of candy and toys.
There is also a need in the prior art for a pinata having the door
characteristic which enables it to easily sit flat on a table. This
will facilitate sales of the device since shelf space in stores
creates more of an impulse buy than suspended-from-the-ceiling
devices and the flat bottom also allows the device to serve as a
party table centerpiece until the moment of destruction. Also, a
table top or free standing breakable toy and candy carrier will not
require suspending the device from a ceiling or tree limb. This
makes it more saleable, too. By providing a breakable, spreading
candy and toys virtually in all directions, pinata-like toy, the
candy and small toys will not merely, as in the suspended items,
fall through the opened trap door (when the correct attached ribbon
is pulled,) but the toys and candy will seem to fly in all
directions. This enhances the fun of using the party
decoration.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] To satisfy the above long felt need and other similar
objects, the invention is a pinata-like device having a main
exterior housing and an interior cavity. Preferably the main
structure is made of simple cardboard. The main housing includes
multiple panels--a front panel, and a back panel, and, more
preferably, at least one side panel. Each panel may preferably be
made into sub-panels by scoring, partially cutting, or cutting
entirely through the main panels. Each panel and/or sub-panel has
attached thereto at least one ribbon, string, or similar structure.
The panels and sub-panels are held together by masking tape which
preferably is partially cut to simultaneously hold the device
together and yet make it easily breakable when the ribbons are
pulled. Preferably, each panel and/or sub-panel is provided with a
slit or small hole through which one end of the ribbon is passed,
and the end travels a small distance on the inside of the panel and
then emerges through a second slit. The ends are then taped to the
exterior of the panels. The device is preferably provided with at
least one bottom or flat surface so that it may easily be displayed
for sale on a shelf in a store or be used at a party on a table-top
or on a similar flat surface. Alternatively or in addition, the
inventive pinata-like device can be suspended from a high structure
like a ceiling, tree limb, or the like. The device is decorated
with fringe tissue, of many colors.
[0008] In operation, the main cavity is filled with candies, toys,
or similar party favors (either at the manufacturer, the retailer
or by the customer); a large hole in the main housing may be
provided for such filling. Such large hole is subsequently
covered-up with a decal, sticker, or similar covering. Each child
then takes hold of one or more of the ribbons attached to the main
housing of the device, and all children or guests pull on the
ribbons simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. Because the
main housing is made of a number of panels and sub-panels that are
secured together by partially cut masking tape, the pulling force
generated by all of the participants pulling on all or most of the
ribbons literally pulls the device apart into a number of pieces,
resulting in an "explosion" of the contents inside. Much merriment
is had by all. The passage of the end of the ribbon into the
interior through a first slit, along the interior of the panel and
sub-panel and then securing it to the exterior, by passing it out
through a second opening, causes the panel/sub-panel to spin while
the ribbon is pulled. This tends to cause the enclosed toys/candy
to "fly" away from the device as it is destroyed. This, too, adds
to the merriment of use of the device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a typical embodiment
of a device according to the invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the device of FIG.
1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device in FIG. 2 fully
assembled and showing the insertion of candy and party favors
inside the device.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of one of the inside
surfaces of the main (front or back) panels of the device according
to the invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fully assembled device in
accordance with the invention.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 5 showing
a person's hand pulling on one of the multiple ribbons of the
device. A ribbon is attached to the trap door for facilitating
placement of toys/candy therein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION, DRAWINGS AND PREFERRED
EMBODIMENT
[0015] Description of the invention will now be given with
reference to the appended FIGS. 1 through 6. It should be noted
that these figures are exemplary in nature and in no way serve to
limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims
appearing here and below.
[0016] FIGS. 1 through 6 show the basic configuration and
construction of a tabletop pinata 8 in accordance with the
invention. Of course, it can be suspended from above, too. As shown
in FIG. 1, tabletop pinata 8 includes a main body 10 comprised of a
front panel 12, a rear panel 14, and a side panel 16. In the
preferred embodiment the panels are made from regular corrugated
cardboard which is then decorated with fringe tissue. Preferably,
the invention is shaped to have a certain "look," whether a device,
e.g., a boat, an airplane, a car, star, etc.; an animal, for
example, a dinosaur, dog, cow, etc.; a licensed character, or any
other shape. The device is decorated with fringe tissue (usually
multi-colored) which is glued to the outside surface to enhance the
overall pleasing look.
[0017] The main body is provided with a hole or opening 30 passing
through one of the panels, in the illustrated embodiment through
the front panel 12, which is covered by, in this example, a
disc-shaped cover 32. Attached to and emanating from various
sections of the main body 10 are a plurality of ribbons or strings
40 or similar long, flexible, but substantially inelastic,
hand-holdable elements. It is preferred that the bottom surface of
(or at least one surface of the) main body 10 is flat so that the
device may rest on a shelf or tabletop 50 or similar flat surface.
The base of the shaped device will allow the device to stand erect
or upright with respect to its shape. So, for example, a star shape
will stand up on two points of the star. A car shape will sit on a
shelf supported on at least three of its tires. This would be in
contrast to a star which would lean on its star shape on a shelf or
a car shape, on its side. Alternatively, tabletop pinata 8 may be
suspended from a high structure 60 (a ceiling, a tree limb, or a
overhead chandelier, for example) by securing means 62 which can be
any known pinata securing structure known in the art.
Alternatively, the bottom surface need not be flat but can have 3
or more resting points for supporting the device on a flat surface.
As yet another alternative, the bottom can, of course, be
irregularly shaped, as more traditional pinatas. These latter
configurations, however, may need to be laid flat on their side on
a shelf for display at a retail location on hung from the
ceiling.
[0018] FIG. 2 affords an exploded perspective view of main housing
10. The main housing is comprised of at least two sections and at
least one ribbon or string attached to each section. In the
preferred embodiment, as will be explained, the main housing
actually comprises about 20 sections or sub-sections. In the
preferred and illustrated embodiment, main housing 10 includes a
substantially flat, front panel 12, a similarly shaped and sized,
flat rear panel 14, and one or more side piece or panel 16 secured
between front and rear panels 12 and 14. In the preferred
embodiment, side pieces or panels 16, extending between the front
and rear panels 12 and 14, includes a flat base 18 which provides
the flat bottom surface of main housing 10 described above.
Alternatively, of course, the base need not be flat to sit on a
flat surface but, of course, can have three points or legs to hold
the same upright for its shape on a flat shelf or table top. As yet
another alternative, the base need not be capable of sitting on a
shelf or table top and can be irregularly shaped. Here, then, it
would be intended to be suspended from above in traditional pinata
style. Front 12 may be provided with an opening or hole 30 so that
the cavity formed when panels 12, 14, and 16 are assembled can be
filled with candy, party favors, toys, or the like (hereinafter
often referred to as "goodies.") This filling of the cavity with
goodies can be done by the retailer or the device can be sold empty
and the consumer can fill the same at his/her home (or office). A
disc-like cover 32 may be removably secured and placed over opening
or hole 30 to allow placement of goodies therein and to then seal
the party favors inside the cavity.
[0019] Still referring to FIG. 2, the various panels 12, 14, and 16
of main housing 10 may be divided into sub-panels 20 by one of
several methods. The illustrated example has several sub-panels for
side panel 16. Some sub-panels 20 may be formed by scoring or
partially cutting the originally die-cut front and rear panels 12,
14, or side panel 16 into smaller sections. This results in many
sub-sections. Preferably the device comprises, as mentioned, about
20 sub-sections. In addition or in the alternative (and this is
preferred), some or all sub-panels 20 of side panel 16 are cut from
separate cardboard blanks. However, the front and rear panels are
cut into many sub-panels, i.e., they are detached from their
respective original die-cut panels. Certainly, for the side panels
16, it is contemplated that they be formed of individual pieces
which are then taped together. This would be done, however, after
the ribbons are first attached to the sub-panel pieces, as
explained below, to provide a device which has some structural
rigidity for holding the candy or toys and, yet, will easily be
destroyed when the ribbons are pulled, as will be described.
[0020] Each piece or sub-panel 20 is preferably provided with at
least one or possibly more than one slit 22 (two per ribbon is
preferred) or similar small hole, the purpose of which will be
described below. The slits are preferably die cut at the same time
that the panels are die cut and formed. Preferably each sub-panel
is to be provided with a single ribbon. In the preferred
embodiment, about 20 ribbons are provided to the device. The
disc-shaped cover is also provided with a ribbon, just like the
other pieces or sub-panels, to facilitate removal of the cover for
goodies insertion and to assist in the destruction or disassembly
of the device as will be described.
[0021] As best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, each pair of spaced
but parallel, rectangularly shaped slits 22 is threaded with the
end of a single ribbon 40. According to the preferred embodiment of
the invention, one end 42 of each ribbon is passed through a first
of one of the paired slits 22. The ribbon is then passed a short
distance over the interior surface of the sub-panel or piece and
the end of the ribbon 42 is then threaded out of the second of the
paired set of slits 22. There, the ribbon's end 42 is taped, glued,
or otherwise secured to the outside of the sub-panel. It is
important that the strength of the attachment of end 42 of each
ribbon 40 to each sub-panel 20 (i.e., tape 44) be stronger than the
securing means, i.e., the masking tape, in the preferred
embodiment, holding the sub-panels to one another.
[0022] After the sub-panels or pieces of the device are first
separated and ribbons attached to each sub-panel, as described, the
sub-panels are then taped or glued back together (or secured
together in similar fashion) at seams 26. This reforms the original
perimeter and shape of the panels and when the panels and side
panel pieces are all taped together, again, by use of masking tape
(about 3/4'' in width), the container is formed. Of course, the
ribbons can be secured to the panels before the pieces are cut
apart to form sub-panels or after. Preferably, the ribbons are
secured to the pieces or sub-panels before separation.
[0023] In addition or in the alternative, some or all of sub-panels
20 may simply be originally cut from cardboard stock as separate
pieces which are then taped or glued (or the like) together to
reform or form the panels. In the preferred embodiment, the
sub-panels are secured together by short pieces of masking tape.
The masking tape does not follow or cover the entirety of the
connecting edges (or seams) of adjacent pieces but, rather, a small
piece of tape extends from one sub-panel to an adjacent sub-panel
and from front panel pieces to side panel pieces and back panel
pieces to side panel pieces. A three dimensional structure is
formed, with some rigidity, but maximizing strength of connection
of panel and sub-panels is really not essential. In the preferred
embodiment, the masking tape connections are then cut, preferably
about 50% through their widths, i.e., cuts are made along the edges
on seams connecting the adjacent sub-panels. This ensures that the
device will be easily destroyed when the ribbons are pulled
outwardly, as will be described. Again, the manufacturing process
is intended to provide a structurally integral body, capable of
being supported on a shelf or table or suspended, a container
capable of holding a small quantity of goodies and, yet, the device
needs to be easily disassembled or "exploded" when the ribbons are
desirably pulled.
[0024] The taping of adjacent sub-panels 20 occurs across seams 26.
The intention is to make the bond between a ribbon 40 and its
respective sub-panel 20 relatively strong and permanent, while
making the bond between adjacent sub-panels 20 relatively frangible
and somewhat detachable upon application of appropriate force. The
purpose of having the ribbon pass through one slit, along an inside
surface of a sub-panel piece and then out through a second slit of
a pair of parallel and spaced slits is to enhance the exploding
effect, when the ribbons are pulled. More specifically, with the
ribbons threaded and secured as indicated, the outward pull on the
ribbons not only destroys the device because the force on the
ribbons is greater than the strength of the masking tape holding
the sub-panels together, but, in addition, pulling on the ribbon
will cause the sub-panel pieces to tend to rotate about an axis
passing perpendicular to the ribbon, but in the plane of the
sub-panel piece. This rotation cause the goodies of the container
to move upwardly, outwardly, in many directions, all at once and
the visual effect of exploding the device is enhanced.
[0025] The fully assembled product is shown in FIG. 5. In addition
to the basic container structure shown, tissue fringe, tissue
paper, or any other known decoration may be attached to the outside
of main body 10. Generally, tissue fringe of many colors is
employed to visual effect. The tissue fringe is simply glued to the
outside surface of the device. Here, too, some additional integrity
is provided to the device by the addition of the tissue fringe but
it is still easily overcome by outward pulling on the ribbons since
the masking tape holding together sub-panels is, as mentioned, at
least partially cut (in the preferred embodiment) and the strength
added by the tissue fringe is not significant.
[0026] In operation, the invention works as follows and as shown in
FIG. 6. First, referring to FIG. 3, cover 32 is removed from hole
30, and party favors or goodies 70 are inserted within cavity 80 of
pinata 8. Cover 32 is replaced over hole 30. The device can sit on
a table or be suspended. Each of the ribbons 40 is grasped by a
different child, hand or participant as shown in FIG. 6. Even the
ribbon of the cover 32 can be grasped for helping to explode the
device. Each child or participant is then encouraged to pull on his
or her ribbon(s), outwardly, i.e., in the direction of arrow "A" as
shown in FIG. 6. Since each child or participant pulls on his or
her respective ribbons relatively simultaneously, a lot of force is
generated and substantially evenly distributed around pinata device
8. Each ribbon, when pulled in the direction of arrow "A," yanks
the sub-panel 20 to which it is attached in the direction of arrow
"B" as shown in FIG. 6. Since each of the sub-panels are being
yanked in a different direction, the container "explodes", and
candy and party favors, the goodies, scatter accordingly, to the
delight of all. As mentioned, the distribution of the goodies and
the exploding effect is believed enhanced by the manner of
threading the ribbons through the pairs of slits and attaching the
ribbons to the outside of the sub-panels. Force generated by each
child or participant pulling on each ribbon 40 in the direction of
arrows "A" is more than sufficient to overcome the securing force
(the partially cut masking tape) at seams 26.
[0027] The invention is not limited to the above description. For
example, instead of masking tape or similar securing of adjacent
sub-panels at seams 26, glue may also be used. As another possible
variation, the end 42 of ribbon 40 may be connected to a disk or
button 46 that is larger than the size of slit or hole 22 and
constructed preferably of a more durable material than sub-panel
20. Disks 46 may or may not be glued, taped, or secured to
sub-panels 20. The disks 46 will be on the inside of the container
and prevent the ribbons from passing out through the single
associated slits. Rather, the diameter or size of the disks or
buttons will be greater than the widths of the slits so that the
ribbon will, upon outward pulling, cause the sub-panels to become
detached, one from adjacent other. Also, the invention need not
have discrete front, back, and rear panels but may be made in any
shape, including but not limited to a soccer ball, a football, an
animal, a geometric shape, a person's head, etc. As one may infer
from this list, the panels and/or sub-panels need not be flat but
may be curvilinear, stepped, or otherwise varied in contour.
[0028] Having described the invention, it should be realized that
the invention is not limited by the above description or the
drawings appended hereto but is rather defined by the claims
appearing here and below and all equivalence thereto know by those
of ordinary skill of the art.
* * * * *