U.S. patent application number 12/316442 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-18 for blowout for party.
Invention is credited to Hye-Young Lee.
Application Number | 20090156087 12/316442 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40753883 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090156087 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Hye-Young |
June 18, 2009 |
Blowout for party
Abstract
The present invention relates to a blowout for a party
including: a blow pipe to which air is introduced; a moving part
connected to one side of the blow pipe and having an elastic body
mounted along one side surface thereof in such a manner as to
elastically spread out and roll by a force of the air supplied from
the blow pipe; a switch member disposed at the inside of the blow
pipe in such a manner as to be switched to an `on` state if the air
is introduced to the blow pipe and to an `off` state if the air
blowing stops; and an electronic module connected to the switch
member so as to generate an audible sound upon the `on` state of
the switch member.
Inventors: |
Lee; Hye-Young;
(Geumjeong-gu, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP
200 PARK AVE., P.O. BOX 677
FLORHAM PARK
NJ
07932
US
|
Family ID: |
40753883 |
Appl. No.: |
12/316442 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/202 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 37/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/202 |
International
Class: |
A63H 5/00 20060101
A63H005/00; A63H 33/40 20060101 A63H033/40 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 18, 2007 |
KR |
10-2007-0133093 |
Claims
1. A blowout for a party comprising: a blow pipe to which air is
introduced; a moving part connected to one side of the blow pipe
and having an elastic body mounted along one side surface thereof
in such a manner as to elastically spread out and roll by a force
of the air supplied from the blow pipe; a switch member disposed at
the inside of the blow pipe in such a manner as to be switched to
an `on` state if the air is introduced to the blow pipe and to an
`off` state if the air blowing stops; and an electronic module
connected to the switch member so as to generate an audible sound
upon the `on` state of the switch member.
2. The blowout for a party according to claim 1, wherein the blow
pipe has a shielding plate disposed at a front end portion thereof,
the shielding plate having a plurality of holes formed therein.
3. The blowout for a party according to claim 1, wherein the switch
member has a plurality of electric contacts connected electrically
to the electronic module and a switch plate adapted to electrically
connect or disconnect the electric contacts to each other or from
each other.
4. The blowout for a party according to claim 3, wherein the switch
plate has predetermined elastic and restoring forces.
5. The blowout for a party according to claim 4, wherein the switch
plate has an inclined surface bent upwardly formed at a portion
thereof so as to allow the predetermined elastic and restoring
forces thereof to be increased.
6. The blowout for a party according to claim 3, wherein the switch
plate has a non-conductive film having predetermined elastic and
restoring forces and a conductive object attached on one side
surface of the non-conductive film where the electric contacts are
contacted.
7. The blowout for a party according to claim 3, wherein the switch
plate has a fixed portion fixed at one side thereof to the
electronic module and a free end portion bent at the other side
thereof toward the electric contacts in such a manner so as to be
elastically movable by a force of air.
8. The blowout for a party according to claim 1, wherein the
electronic module comprises a printed circuit board (PCB), an
integrated circuit (IC) in which a sound program and a control
program are stored, a speaker adapted to convert and amplify sound
outputted from the IC, and a battery adapted to supply electric
power upon the operation of the IC and the speaker.
9. The blowout for a party according to claim 8, wherein the sound
program stored in the IC is made such that one sound is repeatedly
played for a predetermined period of time.
10. The blowout for a party according to claim 8, wherein the sound
program stored in the IC is made such that a variety of sounds are
sequentially played.
11. The blowout for a party according to claim 1, wherein the
electronic module has a pair of wings mounted on an outside portion
thereof in such a manner as to be extended toward the blow pipe,
thereby being fixed to the blow pipe and preventing the air flowing
from being interrupted.
12. The blowout for a party according to claim 1, wherein the
electronic module has a protection pipe mounted at the outside
thereof so as to prevent parts of the electronic module and the
switch member from entering a user's mouth, in case one or more of
the parts are separated from the electronic module and the switch
member.
13. The blowout for a party according to claim 12, wherein the
protection pipe is positioned inside the blow pipe.
14. The blowout for a party according to claim 12, wherein the
protection pipe is integrally formed with the blow pipe.
15. The blowout for a party according to claim 1, wherein the
switch member includes first and second electric contacts connected
electrically to the electronic module, the second electric contact
having a portion that is adapted to electrically connect or
disconnect to the first electric contact.
16. The blowout for a party according to claim 15, wherein the
portion of the second electric contact that is adapted to
electrically connect or disconnect to the first electric contact is
a transverse portion that extends in the direction of the first
electric contact so as to be proximate thereto.
17. The blowout for a party according to claim 1, wherein the blow
pipe has a plurality of branched pipes formed at the end portion
thereof, each of the branched pipes being connected to the moving
part.
18. A blowout for a party comprising: a blow pipe to which air is
introduced; a switch member disposed at the inside of the blow pipe
in such a manner as to be switched to an `on` state if the air is
introduced to the blow pipe and to an `off` state if the air
blowing stops; an electronic module connected to the switch member
so as to generate an audible sound upon the `on` state of the
switch member; and a protecting part attached to the end portion of
the blow pipe so as to protect the electronic module.
19. The blowout for a party according to claim 18, wherein the
protecting part has various cartoon and other animated character
shapes.
20. The blowout for a party according to claim 18, wherein the
protecting part has a plurality of holes formed therein such that
when air introduced from the blow pipe is discharged to the
outside, an audible sound generated from the electronic module is
transmitted to the outside.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2007-0133093 filed Dec. 18, 2007, the disclosure
of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a blowout, and more
particularly, to a blowout for a party that is configured wherein
if a blow pipe blows, the rolling portion of a moving part starts
to spread out and an audible sound is generated therefrom.
[0004] 2. Background of the Related Art
[0005] Generally, a variety of items including, for example,
blowouts are used for birthday parties or events. The blowout has a
blow pipe to which air is introduced and a moving part connected to
one side of the blow pipe in such a manner as to be elastically
rolled by means of an elastic body.
[0006] When a user blows the blow pipe of the blowout, air is
passed through the inside of the moving part such that the moving
part being in a rolled state by the elasticity of the elastic body
spreads out. Next, if the blowing stops, the moving part is rolled
again to its original state by means of the elasticity of the
elastic body.
[0007] The moving part of the blowout is made of paper or a thin
synthetic resin, and it has a passageway formed along the inside
thereof, through which air is passed, and a through hole formed at
the end portion thereof, through which the air is discharged to the
outside. Further, the moving part has the elastic body in a
substantially fine thickness mounted along one side surface. If the
blow pipe blows, thus, the elastic body spreads out to allow the
blowing air to be passed through the inside of the moving part,
such that the moving part becomes swollen to a tube-like shape and
spreads out. After that, if the blowing stops, the air is
discharged from the inside of the moving part, such that the moving
part becomes flat to return to its original state by means of the
elasticity of the elastic body.
[0008] The use of the blowout makes people who are in the birthday
parties or events feel excited.
[0009] However, conventional blowouts just have simple functions to
spread out and roll the moving part by blowing the blow pipe or by
stopping the blowing, which fail to provide much fun to the people
who enjoy the parties.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of
the above-mentioned problems occurring in the prior art, and it is
an object of the present invention to provide a blowout for a party
that is configured wherein if a blow pipe blows, the rolling
portion of a moving part starts to spread out and an audible sound
is generated therefrom.
[0011] To accomplish the above object, according to the present
invention, there is provided a blowout for a party including: a
blow pipe to which air is introduced; a switch member disposed at
the inside of the blow pipe in such a manner as to be switched to
an `on` state if the air is introduced to the blow pipe and to an
`off` state if the air blowing stops; an electronic module
connected to the switch member so as to generate an audible sound
upon the `on` state of the switch member; and a moving part
connected to one side of the blow pipe and having an elastic body
mounted along one side surface thereof in such a manner as to
elastically spread out and roll by a force of the air supplied from
the blow pipe.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will be apparent from the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiments of the invention in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an initial state before
a blowout for a party according to a first embodiment of the
present invention is operated;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a moving part in a
spreading state in the blowout for a party of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a plan sectional view of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing the main parts of the
blowout for a party according to the first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an electronic module in
the blowout for a party according to the first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing a switch member in the
blowout for a party according to the first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a protection pipe in
the blowout for a party according to the first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing another example of a
moving part in the blowout for a party according to the first
embodiment of the present invention, wherein a plurality of moving
parts are provided;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another example of the
blow pipe in the blowout for a party according to the first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a blowout for a party
according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a side sectional view of FIG. 11;
[0025] FIG. 13A is a detailed perspective view showing an
alternative switch member for use with a blowout for a party
according to the various embodiments of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 13B is a side view of the switch member shown in FIG.
13A in which the switch member is in an off state; and
[0027] FIG. 13C is a side view of the switch member shown in FIG.
13A in which the switch member is in an on state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] Hereinafter, an explanation on a blowout for a party
according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention
will be given with reference to the attached drawings.
[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an initial state before
a blowout for a party is operated in the blowout for a party
according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is
a perspective view showing a moving part in a spreading state in
the blowout for a party of FIG. 1, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are plan and
side sectional views of FIG. 1. A reference numeral 2 denotes a
blow pipe.
[0030] The blow pipe 2 is a pipe made of plastic or a metal
material, through which air flows, and a moving part 4 is connected
to one side of the blow pipe 2 in such a manner as to be spreadably
rolled.
[0031] The moving part 4 is made of coated paper or a thin
synthetic resin capable of preventing air from leaking therefrom
and has a passageway formed at the inside thereof, through which
the air is passed. Further, the moving part 4 may have a printed
surface formed on the outside thereof so as to make the outside
appearance look more attractive.
[0032] The moving part 4 is formed passed through the both sides
thereof in such a manner as to be fixed at one side end thereof to
the blow pipe 2 by means of an adhesive and to be opened at the
other side end thereof.
[0033] The moving part 4 has an elastic body 6 having a relatively
thin thickness fixed longitudinally thereto, and thus, it can be
fixed to a roll-like shape to the blow pipe 2 by means of the
inwardly applied elasticity of the elastic body 6.
[0034] Under the above-mentioned structure of the blowout, if the
blow pipe 2 blows, air is passed through the blow pipe 2 and the
inside of the moving part 4, such that the elastic body 6 spreads
out and at the same time the rolling portion of the moving part 4
becomes swollen to a tube-like shape and spreads out. Next, the air
passed through the moving part 4 is discharged from an opening 8
formed at the end portion of the moving part 4.
[0035] This state is maintained during the air is sufficiently
supplied to the moving part 4, and if the air blowing to the blow
pipe 2 stops, the moving part 4 is rolled again to its original
shape by the contraction force of the elastic body 6.
[0036] The above-mentioned blowout has the same structure as the
conventional ones, but the blowout for a party according to the
present invention is configured to generate an audible sound while
the moving part 4 is spreading out by blowing the blow pipe 2.
[0037] According to the present invention, thus, the blow pipe 2
includes a switch member mounted at the inside thereof in such a
manner as to be switched to an `on` state if the air is introduced
to the blow pipe 2 and to an `off` state if the air blowing stops.
The blow pipe 2 also includes an electronic module 10 adapted to
generate an audible sound upon the `on` state of the switch member.
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the switch member is composed of a
plurality of electric contacts 12a and 12b connected electrically
to the electronic module 10 and a switch plate 14 adapted to
electrically connect or disconnect the electric contacts 12a and
12b to each other or from each other.
[0038] The electric contacts 12a and 12b and the switch plate 14
are formed of a conductor and are fixed to the electronic module 10
in such a manner as to be spaced apart from each other.
[0039] The electric contacts 12a and 12b are a fixed body that is
secured to the electronic module 10 by mean of soldering, and the
switch plate 14 is a thin metal plate having predetermined elastic
and restoring forces. Alternatively, the switch plate 14 is
composed of a non-conductive film having a thickness of about 0.05
mm having predetermined elastic and restoring forces and a
conductive object 15 like a silver foil sticker attached on a
portion of the non-conductive film where the electric contacts 12a
and 12b are contacted (see FIG. 7).
[0040] The switch plate 14 includes a fixed portion 16 fixed at one
side thereof to the electronic module 10 by means of bonding and a
free end portion 18 bent at the other side thereof toward the
electric contacts 12a and 12b, such that the free end portion 18 is
elastically moved by the force of the air and comes into contact
with the electric contacts 12a and 12b, thereby being switched to
the `on` state. As a result, the electronic module 10 is activated,
and if the force of the air disappears, the switch plate 14 is
isolated from the electric contacts 12a and 12b by the restoring
force thereof, thereby being switched to the `off` state.
[0041] The switch plate 14 further includes an inclined surface 20
slightly bent upwardly formed between the fixed portion 16 and the
free end portion 18, so as to apply more excellent elastic force
thereto. The inclined surface 20 is formed upwardly from the fixed
portion 16 by about 5 degrees. The inclined surface 20 and the free
end portion 18 have about 90 degrees with respect to each
other.
[0042] The free end portion 18 of the switch plate 14 has more
strong elastic and restoring forces by the formation of the
inclined surface 20, which ensures more reliable switching of the
switch member.
[0043] The switch plate 14 is normally spaced apart from the
electric contacts 12a and 12b, thereby maintaining the `off`
switched state, and if air is introduced from the blow pipe 2, the
switch plate 14 overcomes its elastic force and is elastically
moved and contacted with the electric contacts 12a and 12b, thereby
being switched to the `on` state.
[0044] If the air blowing to the blow pipe 2 stops, the switch
plate 14 is isolated from the electric contacts 12a and 12b by
means of its restoring force, thereby being switched to the `off`
state.
[0045] If the switch plate 14 is switched to the `on` state, the
electronic module 10 as will be discussed below is activated to
generate an audible sound for a predetermined period of time and
stop the generation of the audible sound after the predetermined
period of time has passed.
[0046] The electronic module 10, which is adapted to generate the
audible sound according to the `on` state of the switch member,
includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 22, an integrated circuit
(which is referred to as IC) 24 in which a sound program and a
control program are stored, a speaker 26 adapted to convert and
amplify the sound outputted from the IC 24, and a battery 28
adapted to supply electric power upon the operation of the IC 24
and the speaker 26. Further, the electronic module 10 may include a
transistor.
[0047] The control program stored in the IC 24 is made such that
one sound is repeatedly played for a predetermined period of time,
and alternatively, a variety of sounds are sequentially played.
[0048] The audible sound that is generated from the electronic
module 10 may include songs, playing sounds, voices, and the like,
which becomes, for example, happy birthday music.
[0049] The switch member functions as a switch, and the electric
effect like the audible sound generated by means of the switching
is dependent upon the functions embedded in the IC 24 of the
electronic module 10. For instance, the program of the IC 24 is
made such that only if the switch member is in the `on` state, the
audible sound is generated, but if the switch member is in the
`off` state, the audible sound stops.
[0050] If the sound starts in the `on` state of the switch member,
further, the audible sound is continuously generated until one
cycle is finished even in the `off` state of the switch member.
[0051] Alternatively, even during one cycle of audible sound is
continued, if a new signal is inputted to the IC 24 again by
blowing the blow pipe 2 to allow the switch member to be switched
to the `on` state, one cycle of audible sound starts again at the
beginning thereof, or another sound starts.
[0052] Like this, the electric effect like the audible sound is
dependent upon the control program stored in the IC 24, and in
addition thereto, the generation and stopping of the audible sound
may be varied.
[0053] The electronic module 10 having the IC 24 mounted thereon is
fixedly disposed in the blow pipe 2, and at this time, if the
difference between the outer diameter of the speaker 26 and the
inside diameter of the blow pipe 2 is small, the air flowing is
interrupted such that the switch member is not operated well. So as
to prevent the above-mentioned problem from occurring, the speaker
26 is desirably disposed on the moving part 4, not on the outside
of the blow pipe 2.
[0054] So as to prevent the air flowing from being interrupted, the
speaker 26 has a substantially small-sized outside diameter and has
a pair of wings 30 mounted around the outer periphery thereof in
such a manner as to be extended toward the blow pipe 2. The speaker
26 is fixed to the electronic module 10 by means of tape or an
adhesive.
[0055] The formation of the wings 30 on the outside of the
electronic module 10 enables the air flowing to be gentle and
allows the electronic module 10 to be easily attached to the blow
pipe 2.
[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5 and 8, a protection pipe 32 is
mounted at the outside of the electronic module 10 in such a manner
as to be fixed at the inside of the blow pipe 2. The protection
pipe 32 functions to prevent the parts of the electronic module 10
and the switch member from entering a user's mouth in case they are
separated from the electronic module 10 and the switch member.
[0057] The protection pipe 32 has a somewhat smaller size than the
inside diameter of the blow pipe 2 in such a manner as to have an
opening completely opened at one side thereof and to have a
shielding plate 34 closed at the other side thereof. The shielding
plate 34 has a plurality of holes 36 formed thereon so as to allow
air fully passed therethrough. This enables the switch member to be
easily switched to the `on` and `off` state.
[0058] If the air is introduced from the blow pipe 2, the air is
passed through the plurality of holes 36 to make the switch member
operated, and even when the parts constituting the electronic
module 10 and the switch member are separated therefrom, they
cannot enter the user's mouth by means of the formation of the
shielding plate 34.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 10, the blow pipe 2 and the protection pipe
32 may be configured together with each other such that the
shielding plate 34 having the plurality of holes 36 formed thereon
is disposed at the front end portion of the blow pipe 2, that is,
at the portion against which the user's mouth abuts. Alternatively,
the protection pipe 32 may be formed integrally with the blow pipe
2 (i.e., the protection pipe 32 and the blow pipe 2 are formed as
one piece).
[0060] Referring to the assembling procedure of the parts, first,
the protection pipe 32 is attached at the inside of the blow pipe 2
by means of an adhesive, and next, the wings 30 mounted at the
outside of the electronic module 10 are attached on the outer
peripheral wall of the blow pipe 2. After that, the roll-like
moving part 4 is fitted around the outer periphery of the blow pipe
2 by means of tape or an adhesive. Alternatively, after the
adhesive is applied along the inner periphery of the blow pipe 2,
the moving part 4 is completely fitted around the outer periphery
of the blow pipe 2 by uniformly pressing the outer periphery of the
moving part 4 with the user's hand.
[0061] Like this, the blowout for a party according to the present
invention can be used for birthday parties and all kinds of events.
At the initial state, the moving part 4 of the blowout is rolled
like a roll-like shape by means of the inwardly applied elasticity
of the elastic body 6, and the switch plate 14 is spaced apart from
the electric contacts 12a and 12b, such that the switch member is
in the `off` state and at this time, the electronic module 10 is
not operated.
[0062] In this state, if the blow pipe 2 is blown by the user's
mouth, air is passed through the blow pipe 2 and the plurality of
holes 36 of the protection pipe 32, and the free end portion 18 of
the switch plate 14 overcomes its elastic force by the force of the
air and is elastically moved and contacted with the electric
contacts 12a and 12b, thereby being switched to the `on` state.
[0063] At the same time, since the elastic body 6 spreads out by
means of the force of the air, the moving part 4 becomes swollen to
a tube-like shape and spreads out, and the air is discharged from
the opening 8 formed at the end portion of the moving part 4.
[0064] If the electric signal is inputted to the IC 24 according to
the `on` state of the switch member, the electronic module 10 is
operated such that the audible sound in the sound program stored in
the IC 24 is generated through the speaker 26 to the outside of the
blowout.
[0065] Like this, when the blowout blows, the moving part 4 spreads
out, and the audible sound like songs, playing sounds, and voices
is generated through the electronic module 10. At this time, people
who are in the party hear the audible sound and see the spreading
moving part 4, which makes them feel more excited.
[0066] Especially, if the blowout for a party according to the
present invention is used for birthday parties or all kinds of
events, great interest and excitement are provided to people who
are in the parties.
[0067] If the air is not fully introduced to the blow pipe 2, the
air inside the moving part 4 is discharged such that the moving
part 4 is contracted by the restoring force of the elastic body 6
and is returned to its original shape, that is, to the roll-like
shape.
[0068] At the same time, the free end portion 18 of the switch
plate 14 is returned to its original position by means of its own
elasticity, such that the switch plate 14 is disconnected from the
electric contacts 12a and 12b, thereby being switched to the `off`
state. In the `off` state of the switch member, the activation of
the electronic module 10 stops to make the audible sound stop. As
mentioned above, however, the audible sound can be continued until
one cycle is finished according to the function of the IC 24 even
in the `off` state of the switch member.
[0069] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
blowout includes one moving part 4. Alternatively, as shown in FIG.
9, the blowout may include two or more moving parts. That is,
branched pipes 2a and 2b are formed at the end portion of the blow
pipe 2, and moving parts 4a and 4b are connected correspondingly
with the branched pipes 2a and 2b.
[0070] At this time, the speaker 26 may be disposed toward the
respective branched pipes 2a and 2b.
[0071] FIGS. 11 and 12 show a blowout for a party according to a
second embodiment of the present invention, wherein in the second
embodiment of the present invention, an explanation on the parts
different from those in the first embodiment of the present
invention will be given for the brevity of the description.
[0072] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the moving part is not provided
in the second embodiment of the present invention, and instead of
this, a protecting part 38 that is formed by means of plastic
injection molding is provided so as to protect the electronic
module 10.
[0073] The protecting part 38 has a space portion formed at the
inside thereof and is connected at one side thereof to the blow
pipe 2 and has a plurality of holes 40 formed at the other side
thereof, the plurality of holes 40 serving to discharge the air
introduced from the blow pipe 2 to the outside therethrough, such
that the audible sound generated from the electronic module 10 is
transmitted to the outside.
[0074] The protecting part 38 has various cartoons and other
animated character shapes such that great exciting and visual
pleasures are added to the parties or events.
[0075] The protecting part 38 has a pumpkin monster character
appearing at a Halloween party, as shown in the figure, and at this
time, a screaming sound as the audible sound is stored in the IC 24
provided in the electronic module 10, such that when the blow pipe
2 blows, the screaming sound is generated from the speaker 26 and
is transmitted to the outside through the plurality of holes
40.
[0076] The protecting part 38 is not limited to the pumpkin monster
character, and it may have a variety of cartoon and other animated
character shapes appearing in famous stories, cartoons, animations,
and so on.
[0077] The audible sound stored in the IC 24 of the electronic
module 10 can be freely varied according to the character shapes of
the protecting part 38.
[0078] As described above, the blowout for a party according to the
preferred embodiments of the present invention is configured
wherein if the blow pipe blows, the rolling moving part spreads out
and at the same time celebrating music or exciting sound is
generated therefrom, thereby making people who are in the party
feel more excited and providing more exciting party experience to
them.
[0079] While the present invention has been described with
reference to the particular illustrative embodiments, it is not to
be restricted by the embodiments but only by the appended claims.
It is to be appreciated that those skilled in the art can change or
modify the embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit
of the present invention.
[0080] One such modification is illustrated in FIGS. 13A, 13B and
13C, which show an alternative switch member and an electronic
module 100 that may be incorporated into the blowout for a party
according to the various embodiments of the present invention. The
switch member includes electric contacts 112a and 112b, both of
which are electrically connected to the electronic module 100 at a
free end thereof. The electronic module 100 includes a PCB 122
connected to an end opposite the end connected to the electric
contacts 112a and 112b. For the sake of clarity, other components
of the electronic module 100 are not shown, but are understood to
be substantially the same as the components described above in
connection with the various embodiments of the present invention,
unless otherwise disclosed herein.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 13A, the electric contact 112a is
constructed of a rigid electrically conductive material. The
electric contact 112b is constructed of a flexible electrically
conductive material, such as copper foil, and includes a large
transverse portion 112c that extends in the direction of the
electric contact 112a, so as to be proximate thereto. The electric
contact 112b, with the transverse portion 112c thereof, functions
in a similar manner as the switch plate 14 that is described above
in connection with the various embodiments of the present
invention. More particularly, when no air is being introduced into
the blowout, the electric contacts 112a and 112b are separate
(i.e., are not in contact with each other), and the switch member
is in an `off` state (see FIG. 13B). When air is blown through the
blow pipe of the blowout (not shown), the air forces the electric
contact 112b to move towards the electric contact 112a, whereupon
the transverse portion 112c of the electric contact 112b contacts
(i.e., engages) the electric contact 112a, closing the circuit of
the switch member and moving it to an `on` state (see FIG. 13C). As
a result, the electronic module 100 is activated, and the blowout
operates as described above in connection with the various
embodiments of the present invention.
* * * * *