U.S. patent application number 12/316646 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-01 for punch-through gift container opened by punching open individually segregated gift compartments.
Invention is credited to Russell Blake Adams, Ryan Craig Adams.
Application Number | 20090242455 12/316646 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41115508 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090242455 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Adams; Russell Blake ; et
al. |
October 1, 2009 |
Punch-through gift container opened by punching open individually
segregated gift compartments
Abstract
A punch-through gift container for use in party and game play
environments providing in one embodiment an enclosed container
comprising a rigid backwall (40), rigid sidewalls (50 and 51), and
an internally positioned matrix of interlocking rigid partitions
(30 and 32), creating within the container a plurality of
compartments (02). The front wall of the container comprises a thin
fungible wrapper (10) affixed to the front of the container, with a
plurality of aiming targets (20) adorned on the exterior of the
wrapper to indicate the center of each compartment contained
therein. Gifts placed within the compartments of the container are
retrieved from the chosen compartment by punching or otherwise
breaking the wrapper through the aiming target corresponding to the
chosen compartment. Other embodiments are described and shown.
Inventors: |
Adams; Russell Blake;
(Marietta, GA) ; Adams; Ryan Craig; (San
Francisco, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Russell Blake Adams
3615 Stonehenge Way
Marietta
GA
30066
US
|
Family ID: |
41115508 |
Appl. No.: |
12/316646 |
Filed: |
December 13, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61040458 |
Mar 28, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/575 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/4204 20130101;
B65D 5/68 20130101; B65D 5/48038 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/575 |
International
Class: |
B65D 71/00 20060101
B65D071/00 |
Claims
1. A gift container for party games and other interactive gift
distribution activities comprising an enclosure including a
plurality of sidewalls foldably or otherwise connected to a
backwall, said sidewalls being adapted to fold into an
interconnected position relative to said backwall to form said
enclosure with an open interior; an insert disposed in said open
interior of said enclosure, said insert having a plurality of
spaced partitions disposed generally parallel to said corresponding
sidewalls, said partitions fully transversing said interior
dimensions, said partitions intersecting and being connected
together to form a plurality of compartments, said insert being
similar in depth as said sidewalls to provide a level surface
comprising the plurality of front-facing exposed edges of said
sidewalls and said insert; an opaque covering foldably or otherwise
connected to said edges of said sidewalls, a penetrable first means
for accessing compartments whereby a child or adult can use a bare
hand safely to do so; and a plurality of indicating second means
located on the exterior surface of said covering, said second means
indicating the location of each of said compartments, whereby
participants can effectively aim for said compartments to retrieve
gifts.
2. The container of claim 1 wherein said enclosure is four sided,
including a pair of said sidewalls horizontally disposed and a pair
of said sidewalls vertically disposed; said covering is an opaque
fungible wrapper adhesively affixed to said edges comprising said
level surface, the portion of said wrapper coextensive with each
compartment being easily rupturable to gain selective access to
contents therein while continuing to engage said edges to maintain
the remainder of said wrapper intact about said other compartments
and the contents therein; said first means is accomplished
inherently by said wrapper; and said second means is a plurality of
indicating targets adorned on the exterior surface of said
wrapper.
3. The container of claim 1 wherein said enclosure is four sided,
including a pair of said sidewalls horizontally disposed and a pair
of said sidewalls vertically disposed; said covering is a front
wall foldably or otherwise connected to the front of said enclosure
at front edges of said sidewalls, said front wall comprising a
plurality of openings corresponding one for one with said
compartments, said openings being large enough for an average-sized
adult hand to access said compartments through said openings; said
first means is an opaque fungible wrapper adhesively affixed to
said front wall, the portion of said wrapper coextensive with each
of said openings being easily rupturable to gain selective access
to contents therein while continuing to engage said front wall to
maintain the remainder of said wrapper intact about said other
openings; and said second means is a plurality of indicating
targets adorned on the exterior surface of said wrapper.
4. The container of claim 1 wherein said enclosure is four sided,
including a pair of said sidewalls horizontally disposed and a pair
of said sidewalls vertically disposed; said covering is an opaque
fungible wrapper adhesively affixed to said edges comprising said
level surface, said wrapper extending beyond said level surface
encompassing and being adhesively affixed to all exterior sides of
said enclosure whereby a pleasing gift-wrapped effect is achieved,
the portion of said wrapper coextensive with each compartment being
easily rupturable to gain selective access to contents therein
while continuing to engage said edges to maintain the remainder of
said wrapper intact about said other compartments and the contents
therein; said first means is accomplished inherently by said
wrapper; and said second means is a plurality of indicating targets
adorned on the exterior surface of said wrapper.
5. The container of claim 1 wherein said enclosure is four sided,
including a pair of said sidewalls horizontally disposed and a pair
of said sidewalls vertically disposed; said covering is a front
wall foldably or otherwise connected to the front of said enclosure
at front edges of said sidewalls, said front wall comprising a
plurality of openings corresponding one for one with said
compartments, said openings being large enough for an average-sized
adult hand to access said compartments through said openings; said
first means is an opaque fungible wrapper adhesively affixed to
said front wall, said wrapper extending beyond said front wall
encompassing and being adhesively affixed to all exterior sides of
said enclosure whereby a pleasing gift-wrapped effect is achieved,
the portion of said wrapper coextensive with each of said openings
being easily rupturable to gain selective access to contents
therein while continuing to engage said front wall to maintain the
remainder of said wrapper intact about said other openings; and
said second means is a plurality of indicating targets adorned on
the exterior surface of said wrapper.
6. The container of claim 1 wherein said enclosure is four sided,
including a pair of said sidewalls horizontally disposed and a pair
of said sidewalls vertically disposed; said covering is a front
housing foldably or otherwise connected to the front of said
enclosure at front edges of said sidewalls, said front housing
comprising a plurality of openings corresponding one for one with
said compartments, said openings being large enough for an
average-sized adult hand to access said compartments through said
openings, each of said openings being surrounded by a plurality of
eyelets; said first means being a plurality of flexible,
overlapping flaps covering each of said openings and held in place
by a plurality of internally and externally disposed frames with a
plurality of posts and receptacles respectively affixed to said
frames, said frames surrounding each of said openings, said posts
and said receptacles engaging the plurality of flap holes on the
edges of said flaps, said eyelets surrounding said openings, said
posts ultimately engaging said receptacles, thereby sandwiching
said housing and said flaps between said frames at each of said
openings; and said second means is accomplished inherently by said
flaps; thereby providing for a reusable container requiring no
reconstruction effort.
7. The container of claim 1 wherein said enclosure is three-sided,
incorporating three of said sidewalls; said covering is an opaque
fungible wrapper adhesively affixed to said edges comprising said
level surface, the portion of said wrapper coextensive with each
compartment being easily rupturable to gain selective access to
contents therein while continuing to engage said edges to maintain
the remainder of said wrapper intact about said other compartments
and the contents therein; said first means is accomplished
inherently by said wrapper; and said second means is a plurality of
indicating targets adorned on the exterior surface of said
wrapper.
8. The container of claim 1 wherein said enclosure is three-sided,
incorporating three of said sidewalls; said covering is a front
wall foldably or otherwise connected to the front of said enclosure
at front edges of said sidewalls, said front wall comprising a
plurality of openings corresponding one for one with said
compartments, said openings being large enough for an average-sized
adult hand to access said compartments through said openings; said
first means is an opaque fungible wrapper adhesively affixed to
said front wall, the portion of said wrapper coextensive with each
of said openings being easily rupturable to gain selective access
to contents therein while continuing to engage said front wall to
maintain the remainder of said wrapper intact about said other
openings; and said second means is a plurality of indicating
targets adorned on the exterior surface of said wrapper.
9. The container of claim 1 wherein said enclosure is three-sided,
incorporating three of said sidewalls; said covering is an opaque
fungible wrapper adhesively affixed to said edges comprising said
level surface, said wrapper extending beyond said level surface
encompassing and being adhesively affixed to all exterior sides of
said enclosure whereby a pleasing gift-wrapped effect is achieved,
the portion of said wrapper coextensive with each compartment being
easily rupturable to gain selective access to contents therein
while continuing to engage said edges to maintain the remainder of
said wrapper intact about said other compartments and the contents
therein; said first means is accomplished inherently by said
wrapper; and said second means is a plurality of indicating targets
adorned on the exterior surface of said wrapper.
10. The container of claim 1 wherein said enclosure is three-sided,
incorporating three of said sidewalls; said covering is a front
wall foldably or otherwise connected to the front of said enclosure
at front edges of said sidewalls, said front wall comprising a
plurality of openings corresponding one for one with said
compartments, said openings being large enough for an average-sized
adult hand to access said compartments through said openings; said
first means is an opaque fungible wrapper adhesively affixed to
said front wall, said wrapper extending beyond said front wall
encompassing and being adhesively affixed to all exterior sides of
said enclosure whereby a pleasing gift-wrapped effect is achieved,
the portion of said wrapper coextensive with each of said openings
being easily rupturable to gain selective access to contents
therein while continuing to engage said front wall to maintain the
remainder of said wrapper intact about said other openings; and
said second means is a plurality of indicating targets adorned on
the exterior surface of said wrapper.
11. The container of claim 1, further including an assembly affixed
to one of said sidewalls, said assembly comprising a panel fitted
with led's, a motion detection sensor, a control unit, and wiring
to connect said led's and said sensor to said control unit; said
control unit comprised of a battery compartment and suitable
battery, control circuitry, an audio speaker, and an on/off switch;
thereby offering audio and visual effects to enhance enjoyment.
12. The container of claim 1, further including small weights
affixed near the bottom of said enclosure, thereby providing
enhanced stability.
13. The container of claim 1, further including small, tacky-feel
pads affixed to the bottom of said enclosure, thereby providing for
more stability.
14. The container of claim 1, further including cushioning pads
affixed to the interior walls of each of said compartments, thereby
providing additional protection for compartment contents.
15. The container of claim 1, further including a plurality of
carrying handles placed at intervals on the exterior sides and top
of said enclosure, thereby providing for ease of transport and
stability.
16. The container of claim 1, further including a penetration tool
comprising a hand-held, one-piece molded plastic device comprising
a gripping handhold, a hand shield, and a blunt point, thereby
providing a handy device for easily penetrating said first means of
said container.
17. A gift container comprising an enclosure including a plurality
of sidewalls foldably or otherwise connected to a backwall, said
sidewalls being adapted to fold into an interconnected position
relative to said backwall to form said enclosure with an open
interior; an opaque covering foldably or otherwise connected to a
plurality of front edges of said sidewalls, a penetrable first
means for accessing the interior of the enclosure whereby a child
or adult can use a bare hand safely to do so; and an indicating
second means located on the exterior surface of said covering, said
second means indicating the location of each of said compartments,
whereby participants can effectively aim for said compartments to
retrieve gifts.
18. The container of claim 17 wherein said enclosure is four sided,
including a pair of said sidewalls horizontally disposed and a pair
of said sidewalls vertically disposed; said covering is a front
wall foldably or otherwise connected to the front of said enclosure
at front edges of said sidewalls, said front wall comprising an
opening, said opening being large enough for an average-sized adult
hand to access said compartments through said opening; said first
means is an opaque fungible wrapper adhesively affixed to said
front wall, said wrapper extending beyond said front wall
encompassing and being adhesively affixed to all exterior sides of
said enclosure whereby a pleasing gift-wrapped effect is achieved,
the portion of said wrapper coextensive with said opening being
easily rupturable to gain selective access to contents therein
while continuing to engage said front wall to maintain the
remainder of said wrapper intact; and said second means is an
indicating target adorned on the exterior surface of said
wrapper.
19. The container of claim 17, wherein said enclosure is four
sided, including a pair of said sidewalls horizontally disposed and
a pair of said sidewalls vertically disposed; said covering is a
front housing foldably or otherwise connected to the front of said
enclosure at front edges of said sidewalls, said front housing
comprising an opening, said opening being large enough for an
average-sized adult hand to access said compartments through said
opening, said opening being surrounded by a plurality of eyelets;
said first means being a plurality of flexible, overlapping flaps
covering said opening and held in place by internally and
externally disposed frames with a plurality of posts and
receptacles respectively affixed to said frames, said frames
surrounding said opening, said posts and said receptacles engaging
the plurality of flap holes on the edges of said flaps, said
eyelets surrounding said opening, said posts ultimately engaging
said receptacles, thereby sandwiching said housing and said flaps
between said frames at said opening; and said second means is
accomplished inherently by said flaps; thereby providing for a
reusable container requiring no reconstruction effort.
20. A gift container for party games and other interactive gift
distribution activities comprising a grouping including a plurality
of backwalls foldably or otherwise connected to one another at
their respective edges to form a generally three-dimensional shape,
said grouping adhesively connected to a base with a plurality of
extensions extending beyond the area formed by the bottom of said
grouping, a plurality of sidewalls foldably or otherwise connected
to said grouping at the seams of said grouping, said sidewalls
extending outward into three dimensional space, said sidewalls
being adapted to fold into an interconnected position relative to
the corresponding sides of said grouping backwall surrounded by
said sidewalls and said extensions to form a plurality of
enclosures with open interiors; a plurality of inserts disposed in
said open interiors of said enclosures, said inserts having a
plurality of spaced partitions disposed generally parallel to said
corresponding sidewalls, said partitions fully transversing said
interior dimensions, said partitions intersecting and being
connected together to form a plurality of compartments, said
inserts being similar in depth as said sidewalls and said
extensions to provide a level surface comprising the plurality of
outward-facing exposed edges of said sidewalls, said inserts, and
said extensions; an opaque covering foldably or otherwise connected
to said edges of said sidewalls and said extensions, a penetrable
first means for accessing compartments whereby a child or adult can
use a bare hand safely to do so; and a plurality of indicating
second means located on the exterior surface of said covering, said
second means indicating the location of each of said compartments,
whereby participants can effectively aim for said compartments to
retrieve gifts. thereby providing for a multi-dimensional device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent
application Ser. No. 61/040,458 filed Mar. 28, 2008 by the present
inventors.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field
[0005] This invention generally relates to containers, specifically
to such containers which are used for party game play.
[0006] 2. Prior Art
[0007] Various containers are used in party or other group
entertainment situations to facilitate game playing. Containers
commonly known as pinatas are used to house multiple gifts or
prizes for distribution to participants as part of pinata game
play. Compartmented pin{tilde over ( )}atas are also in existence
per U.S. Pat. No. 5,263,889 (1993) to Ledonne, however they are not
as popular as the widely available single compartment pinatas.
Containers utilizing heavy-duty transparent shrinkwrap and dividers
to provide structural transport and display packaging per U.S. Pat.
No. 4,119,202 (1978) and U.S. Pat. No. 3,826,357 (1974) to Roth are
noted. Large custom-built sealed-compartment structures have been
used as part of t.v. game shows to facilitate random selection
games of chance.
[0008] The pinata and its associated party game have several
drawbacks. The bat swinging required to break a pinata causes
safety concerns. String-pull pinatas, though safer, are generally
less exciting due to the nature of pulling a string as a gaming
task. Until the gifts in the pinata are released, the pinata
remains a filled container and the participants are left to wait in
unfulfilled anticipation with little to do. Gift distribution is
random and usually leads to some participants receiving more gifts
than others, or for participants to be accidentally injured in the
fray of gift gathering. Most pinata designs sold are designed for
single use, creating added waste and requiring repurchasing for the
next party.
[0009] Shrinkwrap containers for display and transport are
generally ruggedized for commercial rigor with heavy-duty
materials. Such containers are therefore bulky and weighty, and
compartment access is more difficult and requires relative
strength. The shrinkwrap itself is transparent, allowing the
contents of compartments to be easily seen.
[0010] Large compartmentalized structures used in some t.v. game
shows are ill-suited for typical party environments primarily
because they are custom built as semi-permanent structures for the
specific show's use, and therefore are not generally available to
the public. Further impracticalities exist due to the perceived
cost and trouble of transporting or otherwise procuring such a
complex device.
Advantages
[0011] Thus several advantages of one or more aspects are to
addresses safety concerns, deliver gifts to participants equitably
and timely, and to provide exciting game play for a party group.
Additional advantages will provide aspects that are easy to
manipulate, simple, mass-producible, and reusable. These and other
advantages of one or more aspects will become apparent in the
ensuing description and accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY
[0012] In accordance with one embodiment, a container comprised of
a backwall, 4 sidewalls, a front wall with a plurality of openings
arranged in an array, and a plurality of horizontally and
vertically interlaced partitions, creating within the container an
array of generally equally sized compartments, with each
compartment accessible through the openings on the front wall of
the container. The container is covered using a fungible opaque
wrapper such as gift-wrap which minimally covers the front wall of
the container thereby masking each front wall opening. On the
surface of the wrapping are placed indicating targets, such as
stickers, which identify where each front wall opening is located
beneath the wrapper.
[0013] In such an embodiment, gifts planned for distribution as
part of game play are placed inside each compartment at an
opportune step during assemblage of the embodiment.
DRAWINGS--FIGURES
[0014] FIGS. 1A to 1C are perspective and exploded views of a first
embodiment comprising a rectangular container.
[0015] FIGS. 1D and 1E are perspective and exploded views of
another embodiment comprising a front wall.
[0016] FIGS. 2A to 2C are perspective and exploded views of another
embodiment comprising a triangular shaped container.
[0017] FIGS. 3A to 3C are perspective and exploded views of another
embodiment comprising a container with a flap structure used to
conceal the container openings
[0018] FIGS. 4A to 4C are perspective and exploded views of a
container comprising a single compartment in accordance with
another embodiment.
[0019] FIGS. 5A to 5C are perspective and exploded views of a
single-compartment container with a flap structure used to conceal
the container openings in accordance with another embodiment.
[0020] FIGS. 6A to 6C are perspective and exploded views of a
container with electronic sound and lighting effects added to
further stimulate game play.
[0021] FIGS. 7A to 7C are perspective and exploded views of an
embodiment in which the container's compartments open out in
different directions.
[0022] FIGS. 8A to 8C are perspective and exploded views of another
embodiment providing a container with a hinged lattice assembly for
securing the wrapper to the container front wall.
[0023] FIG. 9 illustrates various embodiments of potential
accessories that are optionally used in conjunction with the
various container embodiments to provide various ways for enhancing
the container.
[0024] FIGS. 10A and 10B provide perspective views of an embodiment
of a device which provides a way for effectively interacting with
the container during game play.
[0025] FIGS. 11A to 11C provide perspective and exploded views of
an embodiment comprising a container with rear access doors for
accessing each compartment from the rear of the container.
DRAWINGS--REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0026] 02 compartment [0027] 03 compartment [0028] 04 compartment
[0029] 05 compartment [0030] 10 wrapper [0031] 11 front wall [0032]
12 opening [0033] 13 wrapper [0034] 14 Wrapper [0035] 15 side
wrapper [0036] 16 top wrapper [0037] 20 target [0038] 30 vertical
partition [0039] 31 slot [0040] 32 Horizontal partition [0041] 33
partition [0042] 37 vertical partition [0043] 38 Horizontal
partition [0044] 39 top partition [0045] 40 backwall [0046] 41 door
[0047] 42 backwall [0048] 43 backwall [0049] 44 backwall [0050] 45
inside wall [0051] 50 vertical sidewall [0052] 51 horizontal
sidewall [0053] 52 sidewall [0054] 53 sidewall [0055] 54 horizontal
sidewall [0056] 55 vertical sidewall [0057] 56 base [0058] 57
sidewall [0059] 58 top wall [0060] 61 post [0061] 62 interior frame
[0062] 63 receptacle [0063] 64 exterior frame [0064] 70 flap [0065]
71 flap hole [0066] 80 housing [0067] 81 housing eyelet [0068] 82
housing [0069] 83 opening [0070] 90 led [0071] 100 panel [0072] 110
vibration sensor [0073] 120 wiring [0074] 130 control unit [0075]
140 outer lattice [0076] 150 lattice hinge [0077] 160 inner lattice
[0078] 170 spur [0079] 200 brace [0080] 201 brace foot [0081] 202
bottom section [0082] 203 middle section [0083] 204 top section
[0084] 210 pad [0085] 220 weight [0086] 230 container foot [0087]
240 handle [0088] 300 handhold [0089] 301 Shield [0090] 302
point
DETAILED DESCRIPTION--FIRST EMBODIMENT--FIGS. 1A, 1B, AND 1C
[0091] The first embodiment of a punch-through gift container is
shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, embodied as a rectangular container.
The container comprises a backwall 40, two vertical sidewalls 50
and two horizontal sidewalls 51, a plurality of vertical partitions
30, a plurality of horizontal partitions 32, a wrapper 10, and a
plurality of targets 20. The partitions 30 and 32 within the
container, in cooperation with each other and with the backwall 40
and sidewalls 50 and 51, form a plurality of compartments 02 within
the interior of the container. The backwall, sidewalls, and
partitions are typically constructed from paperboard, but other
materials such as fabric, plastic or even wood or metal are
optionally used. Materials are optionally mixed, such as using a
metal or plastic tubing framework for the walls and partitions,
with fabric encasing the framework. For the rest of the discussion
of the embodiments and their various ramifications and
realizations, unless otherwise noted and as will be repeated, it is
assumed that paperboard, or more specifically, corrugated
cardboard, has been used in the construction of the container
components. It is recognized, and is to be included in the scope
throughout this application, that suitable alternate construction
materials and their appropriate fastening materials are optionally
used in the construction of the container. The backwall 40 and
sidewalls 50 and 51, shown as separate components in FIG. 1C,
though not required, are optionally formed from a single
appropriately die-cut and folded sheet of paperboard as per normal
practice. The sidewalls are aligned perpendicular to the backwall
and are located along the backwall edges forming an enclosure,
affixed together at any seams by an appropriate adhesive material
such as tape, glue, or other common adhesive material.
[0092] The vertical and horizontal partitions 30 and 32 are
dimensioned to the length or width of the section of the container
being divided within the container from the interior of one
sidewall to the opposite sidewall. The partitions are deep enough
to rest against the backwall 40 and extend perpendicular from the
backwall to a height even with the sidewalls 50 and 51, causing the
front exposed edges of the sidewalls and partitions to form a level
surface. The partitions have slots 31 that are cut into the
partition from the partition edge into half the depth of the
partition. The slots are located along each partition 30 and 32 at
points where the partitions intersect, and the partitions are
joined together by sliding them into each other at the slots,
forming an interlaced matrix insert as illustrated in FIGS. 1B and
1C. The insert is placed against the container backwall 40 and the
ends of each partition abut the sidewalls 50 and 51 per FIGS. 1B
and 1C, creating an array of compartments 02. The partitions are
optionally affixed to one another and the backwall and sidewalls at
their aforementioned touch points via glue or other adhesive
material as required for strength and stability.
[0093] An opaque wrapper 10 is affixed to the exposed edges of the
partitions and sidewalls opposite the backwall using an appropriate
adhesive such as glue, forming the front covering of the container.
As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the wrapper need only be large enough
to cover each compartment opening. However, it is pleasing for the
wrapper to be extended to encompass the entire exterior of the
container, which includes the exteriors of the backwall and
sidewalls in addition to the front of the container, giving the
overall aesthetic impression that the container resembles a large
gift-wrapped box, distinguishing it in appearance from prior art.
The wrapper 10 is typically made from gift-wrap or other popular
thin, fungible material to allow for participants to relatively
easily puncture the wrapper and access an individual compartment 02
within the container.
[0094] Indicating targets 20 are placed on the wrapper at points on
the wrapper which correlate with the location of each compartment
opening to give participants an aiming point for accessing each
compartment through the wrapper. Targets 20 are created using
paper, foil, or other material stickers applied to the gift-wrap
covering, though other methods such as simply drawing or printing
targets on the wrapper also suffices. Optionally, each compartment
02 size is generally physically large enough for an average sized
adult's hand to fit in the compartment. The overall size of a
typical container varies based on the number of compartments, the
size of each compartment, and the overall shape of the container
desired.
[0095] For this embodiment and all embodiments in this patent
application, gifts (not shown) of various types are inserted into
the container's compartments at some natural point during assembly
of the container prior to the compartments being sealed
completely.
OPERATION--FIGS. 1, 2, AND 7
[0096] In operation, the basic use of the punch-through gift
container per FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C is quite simple. Due to the
relatively simple construction and assembly of the container, to
facilitate low cost shipment and sales, and to allow a party host
to be able to determine the type and quantity of gifts (not shown)
to be placed in each compartment 02, the container may likely
require partial assembly by the party host. In more of a full
assembly required realization, the party host may need to fold
backwall 40 and sidewalls 50 and 51, interlock partitions 30 and 32
via slots 31, deposit partition matrix into backwall/sidewall
structure, load the compartments 02 with gifts, add wrapper 10 and
targets 20. In alternative realizations, a complete package
consisting of the container complete with gifts and the covering
are assembled for purchase directly by the party host, or some
other realization is optionally determined to best fit the
requirements of ease of sales vs. ease of assembly by the party
host. The ability to produce the container from low cost materials,
that it is simple to assemble, and that it is easily customizable
with gift contents provide for several advantages over the prior
art.
[0097] Once the container is assembled and filled, each compartment
02 contains at least one gift for distribution, and the wrapper 10
and targets 20 are in place masking the compartment openings. The
container is placed on the floor or a table-top so it is easily
accessible and able to be held in place one or two party hosts
while it is being used. Unlike certain prior art, the container is
often the largest device in use at a typical party, making it a
center of attention. Participants, or possibly their proxy if the
participants are small or shy children, take turns selecting and
punching through the target 20 and cooperating section of wrapper
10 of one of the compartments 02 and retrieving the gift or gifts
in the compartment. That the wrapper is lightweight, allowing for
even small children to enjoy the thrill of the physical activity of
game play, is a solid advantage over prior art.
[0098] That the participant gets to immediately realize the benefit
of their participation in the party game by getting their gift is a
significant advantage over prior art, since there is no waiting for
a `winner` for prizes to be released. Conceivably each participant
wins with each turn taken using the punch-through gift container.
The act of punching through the wrapper 10 provides a uniquely
entertaining and notably safer alternative than prior art which
uses swinging sticks for game play. Another exciting aspect of game
play is the act of choosing which target to punch and the related
suspense of finding out what gift has been chosen due to the hidden
nature of the gifts behind the opaque wrapper, unlike certain prior
art. Since with each punch of the container this same excitement is
generated, another advantage over prior art is realized. Gift
distribution is equitable among the participants, providing another
advantage over prior art.
[0099] The process of taking turns punching and retrieving gifts
continues until all the targets have been punched through and all
the gifts disbursed. Once all the compartments 02 have been punched
through and all gifts therein disbursed, the container is
discarded. Optionally, if the container has retained good
structural condition and the party host so desires, the old wrapper
10 is completely removed, the compartments 02 are refilled with
gifts, a new wrapper is affixed, targets are added, and the
container is reused, providing advantage over certain prior
art.
[0100] The embodiment and its realizations is able to be used for a
vast variety of occasions and party settings, unlike prior art. The
container enables many different ages to participate, unlike some
games that have definite age limitations. The punch-through
container and its game have proven enjoyable for ages 2 and up.
There is also improved ease of cleanup over prior art. Unlike other
party games or traditional wrapped or individual gift boxes, the
mess associated with the punch-through container is self-contained
as the punching through of the compartments leaves little to no
mess outside the container.
[0101] As mentioned above, the types and amounts of gifts placed in
the compartments 02 are variable. A single small gift or groupings
of small trinkets or candy are optionally placed in gift bags for
easy retrieval from the compartment. Larger gifts such as plush
toys or packaged gifts are placed unwrapped or in their original
packaging in the compartment. Fragile gifts or gifts with sharp
edges that may cause harm to the user when punched are not to be
placed in the compartment at all, or if absolutely required, they
are to be completely surrounded with a padded material such as
bubble wrap or pressed foam wrap or placed in individual packaging
before being placed in the compartment 02.
[0102] In addition to the basic game play addressed above, a
multitude of other games are playable involving the punch-through
gift container to vary risk/reward and increase time spent and
overall entertainment value. For instance, the time honored gift
trading game known by the various names Yankee swap/Chinese Gift
Exchange/White elephant/Dirty Santa is optionally played using the
punch-through gift container as the `collection of gifts` for the
game. Participants are optionally able to punch multiple targets 20
instead of one at a time. Participants are optionally blindfolded
when punching targets. The container is optionally playable while
in motion, creating moving targets. The punch-through gift
container is usable to allow winners of other party games such as
relay races or beanbag tosses to select their prizes by punching a
target or two. The container is usable in group settings for gift
distribution instead of the typical handing out of individually
wrapped gifts. For adults, the container is usable as guests arrive
to provide a fun way to distribute party favors.
DESCRIPTION--ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT--FIGS. 1D AND 1E
[0103] As shown in FIGS. 1D and 1E, a front wall 11 is affixed to
the front edges of the sidewalls 50 and 51 to provide improved
structural integrity and stability to the overall container and a
larger surface area for affixing the wrapper 10 to the front of the
container. The shape of the front wall for this embodiment is
rectangular, but the front wall is adaptable for use with other
embodiments requiring that its shape be modified to suit the
respective embodiment for which the front wall is intended.
Alternately, the front wall 11, sidewalls 50 and 51, and the
backwall 40 are foldably connected into a unitized structure
created from a single piece of die-cut and folded paperboard,
commonly known as a paperboard box, affixed at the appropriate
seams with a typical adhesive such as glue.
[0104] The front wall contains a plurality of openings 12 that
correspond one for one to each of the plurality of compartments 02
within the container. Optionally, each opening 12 is to be large
enough to fit an average adult fist through comfortably. In this
embodiment the openings are square in shape and are optionally
configurable as other shapes such as round. The interior surface of
the front wall rests, or is affixed by gluing or other method as
preferred, against the front edges of the matrix of partitions 30
and 32. The wrapper 10 is affixed to the exterior surface of the
front wall 11 via an appropriate adhesive such as glue, and targets
20 are added to the wrapper to indicate the center aiming point for
each compartment as previously discussed. Also as previously
discussed, the wrapper 10 is optionally extended beyond the front
wall and covers the entire exterior of the container to provide a
finished look similar to a large gift-wrapped box.
DESCRIPTION--ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT--FIGS. 2A, 2B, AND 2C
[0105] The punch-through gift container is optionally embodied in
many exterior shape configurations. For instance, the container is
optionally embodied as round, polygonal, fluidly shaped, or in the
shape of the outline of a popular or trendy figure. The
compartments in such shapes are optionally adjusted in size and
shape to ensure space efficiency. A triangular shaped embodiment is
realized in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, comprising a container with a
backwall 42, a plurality of sidewalls 52, a plurality of variable
length partitions 33, wrapper 13, and targets 20. The sidewalls,
backwall, partitions, and wrapper when assembled form a plurality
of compartments 03.
DESCRIPTION--ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT--FIGS. 3A, 3B, AND 3C
[0106] An embodiment is realized in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C which
defines a container that has been constructed with a flap-in-frame
front covering to provide reusable compartment access. The
flap-in-frame container replaces the wrapper 10 and targets 20
found in other embodiments with a front housing 80, a plurality of
exterior and interior frames 64 and 62, and a plurality of flaps
70. The housing 80 is affixed to the front edges of the sidewalls
50 and 51, and contains a plurality of openings 83, with each
opening 83 surrounded by a plurality of eyelets 81. Each of the
openings 83 corresponds one for one to each of the plurality of
compartments 02 within the container. Each of the openings 83 is
covered by a plurality of overlapping flaps 70 constructed of a
semi-flexible material such as rubber to allow for the flaps to be
penetrable by a participant's hand and remain in place blocking the
opening 83 when at rest. Each plurality of flaps 70 is secured in
place around each opening 83 by sandwiching flap holes 71 between a
corresponding exterior frame 64 with corresponding receptacles 63,
the housing 80 with corresponding housing eyelets 81, and a
corresponding interior frame 62 with corresponding posts 61. The
frames 62 and 64 are typically constructed of plastic, but are
optionally constructed of other materials suitable to the
realization.
OPERATION--ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT--FIGS. 3A, 3B, AND 3C
[0107] The embodiment utilizing flap-in-frame compartment access is
operated in a similar manner as other container embodiments with
the addition of eliminating the need to re-wrap the container
compartment openings when reusing the container, since the flaps
are a permanent fixture and they perform the function of allowing
access to the compartments while masking the compartments when at
rest.
DESCRIPTION--ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT--FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 5A, 5B,
5C
[0108] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate a unique
embodiment of the punch-through gift container in that only one
compartment exists in the container. This embodiment allows each
person to receive an individual gift container, but still allow for
the experience of punching the gift open. FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C
illustrate the single compartment punch-through gift container with
a gift-wrap style punch-through covering similar in assembly and
function to the container described by FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C.
Backwall 43, sidewalls 53, and wrapper 14, form single compartment
04, and target 20 indicates the aiming point on wrapper 14 for
compartment access. FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate the single
compartment container with a flaps style covering similar in
assembly and function to the container described by FIGS. 3A, 3B,
and 3C. Backwall 43, sidewalls 53, single housing 82, flaps 70, and
frames 62 and 64 comprise this embodiment.
OPERATION--ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT--FIGS. 4 AND 5
[0109] Operation of the single compartment container embodiments in
FIGS. 4 and 5 are similar to other container embodiments with the
exception that each participant receives a separate container as
opposed to each participant selecting a compartment to access in a
multi-compartment container.
DESCRIPTION--ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT--FIGS. 6A, 6B, AND 6C
[0110] FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate a punch-through gift
container with the added features of battery-operated electronic
visual and audio stimulation via a plurality of led's 90 mounted in
a panel 100, a vibration sensor 110, and a control unit 130. Wiring
120 connects the led's and the vibration sensor to the control unit
130 via separate wiring runs per FIG. 6C. These components are
mounted and affixed within a separate assembly comprising a
backwall 44, two vertical sidewalls 55, horizontal sidewall 54, and
led housing 100. The assembly is secured to the punch-through gift
container along one of its sidewalls using an adherent such as
glue, and the control unit is integrated at one corner of this
container to give access to the control unit's battery compartment
and the on/off switch. The control unit 130 contains a replaceable
battery sized appropriately for the described functions, typically
9V or one or more AA or AAA batteries, appropriate discrete element
or microprocessor circuitry to provide the required functions
described, an on/off switch, and a speaker. As an alternative to
vibration sensing, optical sensors are optionally used within each
compartment to detect a punch-through and trigger effects, in
addition to other possible realizations of electronic
accessories.
OPERATION--ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT--FIGS. 6A, 6B, AND 6C
[0111] When turned on by the user via the on/off switch on the
control box, the electronics included in this embodiment typically
create sound and/or lighting effects while the punch-through gift
container is being used. The vibration sensor is set to trigger
unique sound and/or lighting effects as the compartments are being
punched through. Optionally, sound effects play continually, adding
to the festive atmosphere of the game play.
DESCRIPTION--ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT--FIGS. 7A, 7B, AND 7C
[0112] FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C illustrate a multi-directional
container embodiment built in concept by assembling multiple
single-direction containers with backwall edges and corresponding
sidewalls joined together, with parts eliminated to simplify
construction, so that the different compartments 05 open out into
differing directions, creating an assemblage resembling a cube.
Multiple backwalls 45 are used in these containers with their edges
affixed to one another and to base 56 to create an internal base
structure for the overall container. From each of these multiple
backwalls, partitions 37, 38, and 39 and sidewalls 57 and 58 are
added based on the number of compartments required per the
particular gift container created. Corresponding wrappers 15 and 16
are affixed to exterior surfaces surrounding the corresponding
compartments, and targets 20 are placed at the appropriate aim
spots on the wrappers indicating compartment centers. Additional
possibilities for multi-directional container embodiment shapes are
pyramids, octahedrons, etc.
DESCRIPTION--ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT--FIGS. 8A, 8B, AND 8C
[0113] FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate an embodiment which uses a
sandwiching mechanism to secure the wrapper 10 to the front of the
container. An Inner lattice 160 is affixed to the front edges of
sidewalls 50 and 51. An outer lattice 140 is hinged to the
horizontal sidewall 51 using a plurality of hinges 150. The wrapper
10 is held in place via sandwiching between the inner and outer
lattices. A plurality of posts 170 on inner lattice 160 secure the
wrapper at the edges surrounding the lattice openings in order to
ensure punching of the wrapper affects only the wrapper of the
compartment being punched-through. This lattice arrangement allows
for a container to be created that provides a punch-through
experience while offering the ability to replace the used wrapper
without using glue, thereby creating an easily refillable and
reusable container.
DESCRIPTION--ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT--FIGS. 9, 10A, AND 10B
[0114] Additional accessories are embodied for enhancing the
punch-through container. Per FIG. 9, adjustable length braces 200
affixed to the back of the container are optionally used to keep
the container still and held in place while it is being used. In
this embodiment, each brace comprises two tacky-backed rubber feet
201 attached via a simple hinging mechanism to the two far ends of
the brace 200, and multiple brace sections 202, 203, and 204
comprising the length of the brace that are telescoping and
connected together via multiple catches and pins or other common
mechanism to allow for length adjustment. The brace sections are
made of light metal, plastic, or other suitable material. One foot
201 rests against the backwall of the container and the other foot
201 rests against a surface near the container to provide support
to the container when it is in use. Other embodiments of braces are
similar to a stand-up picture frame stand, easel-style, etc.
[0115] Cushioned Pads 210 are optionally affixed by glue or another
adherent to the walls of compartments to keep gifts from rattling
within each compartment. Weights 220 are optionally affixed by glue
or other suitable adherent at the bottom of the container to assist
in overall balance and stability when using the container.
Tacky-feel rubber feet 230 are optionally placed on the bottom of
the container to assist in overall balance and stability. Plastic
or other suitable material handles 240 are optionally affixed via
tab/slot or other method to the sidewalls and top of the container
to provide for ease of carrying the container, and to assist with
holding the container in place as it is used.
[0116] Per FIGS. 10A and 10B, a punch-through tool comprising a
handhold 300, a hand shield 301, and a blunt point 302, typically
made of molded plastic, is usable to make the act of punching
simple to perform for young children, those concerned with safety,
or those who prefer using something other than their own hand for
punching into the compartment.
DESCRIPTION--ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT--FIGS. 11A, 11B, AND 11C
[0117] FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C illustrate a punch-through gift
container embodiment with a plurality of rear access doors 41 built
into the backwall 40 corresponding one for one with each
compartment 02 in the container, for access into each compartment
02 via the back of the container. The doors 41 are either cut
directly into the backwall or added to backwall openings via
hinges, or other similar mechanism based on the material used for
the backwall and doors. The doors are held closed via friction
between the door edges and the backwall opening edges or by sealing
the door shut with tape or similar adhesive material, or other
method based on the material used for the backwall and doors. This
embodiment allows for the user to add gifts to a container from the
back of the container when the front of the container is already
sealed by a glued or otherwise irremovable wrapper. As with other
embodiments, this embodiment serves to illustrate one method for
adding gifts to a container with the front wrapper already affixed.
Other methods such as allowing side doors for insertion and removal
of partitions with gifts loaded, creating a rear panel that hinges
or slides open revealing compartments, or other methods are also
possible alternatives to this embodiment.
OPERATION--ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT--FIGS. 11A, 11B, AND 11C
[0118] The operation of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11A,
11B, and 11C is different from the operations of similar
embodiments in the method for loading gifts into the container. In
this embodiment, the party host loads gifts into a container to
which the wrapper 10 has already been glued or otherwise
irreversibly affixed to the front of the container. Gift loading in
this embodiment is accomplished by opening a small rear access door
41, one per compartment, placing the gift in the compartment, and
closing the rear access door.
CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE
[0119] Accordingly the reader will see that, according to several
embodiments described, a punch-through gift container is realized
that provides a more commercially viable, safer, more entertaining
party game device for all occasions and ages. Certain embodiments
improve environmental friendliness, reduce waste, and are reusable.
The various embodiments created added suspense, introduce a game of
chance, and offer improved user gratification. Increased and more
widely varied game play options are available, including
alternatives to traditional gift-giving methods, and increased and
more equitable wins are achievable in game play.
[0120] While the above description contains many specificities,
these are not to be construed as limitations on the scope of any
embodiment, but as exemplifications of the presently preferred
embodiments, thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are
possible within the teachings of the various embodiments. For
example, hinged embodiments, collapsible embodiments, modular
embodiments, embodiments with variable or multiple sized
compartments, creatively shaped, embodiments with decorative
appendages, top-loading, mechanized, and back-to-back embodiments,
etc., are all within scope of the realizations envisioned.
[0121] Thus the scope of the invention is to be determined by the
appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the
examples given.
* * * * *