Abstract: A system for facilitating the saving of money including a container having a slot disposed through a top surface of the container. The system includes a hinged door, a hook member, and a locking device. The system includes a slot sensor module configured to sense objects passing through the slot; and a hook sensor module configured to sense utilization of the hook member. The system includes an audio module configured to provide audio broadcasts. The system includes a control module configured to provide operational controls to the modules of the system. The control module includes a timing module and program module, the program module including an instruction set providing for an audio broadcast of the audio module triggered by a predetermined association of a sensor event and the passing of a predetermined period of time. The system includes a first bag and a second bag configured to store money.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy bank that includes a toy or toy housing, a money bank, and a computer interface in communication with the money bank. The money bank has a storage compartment; one or more unidirectional slots for receiving coins, dollar bills, or both; a compartment door at the storage compartment; and a processor to calculate an amount of coins, dollar bills, or both. The present invention also pertains to a toy bank that includes a pet carrier and a money bank, wherein the money bank is removably attached to the pet carrier. The present invention further relates to a toy bank that includes a toy and a money bank integrated with the toy. The present invention also includes systems and methods that incorporate the toy bank.

Abstract: A maze-type coin bank includes a housing having a wall, an inlet opening and an exit door. A lock is mounted to one of the wall and the exit door for selectively opening the exit door. A three-dimensional track construction is held in the housing and includes a plurality of sections extending along different axes which accommodate an associated coin for movement along the track construction. The track construction includes a coin entrance portion communicating with the inlet opening and a maze solution portion. Solving the maze involves placing a coin in the maze solution portion of the track construction in order to facilitate the opening of the exit door.

Abstract: An electronic banking toy is provided. The toy may include a housing defining a storage compartment with an adjoining slot for depositing coins. A controller may display graphical and auditory representations of activities on a display screen based on the sensed location of an icon moveably mounted in a track.

Abstract: An automatic vending machine (1) is provided with a vending machine main unit (10), with a play device (20) including a stuffed toy (21) on which a user can ride and a drive mechanism (24) for driving the stuffed toy (21), and with a control device that controls the vending machine main unit (10) and the drive mechanism (24) in the play device (20). The vending machine main unit (10) and the play device (20) are interconnected via the control device. The vending machine main unit (10) includes a product dispensing mechanism ((14a (14)), and payment accepting mechanisms ((13a), (13b) (13)) for accepting payment for the item, wherein the control device activates the product dispensing mechanism ((14a (14)) so as to deliver the item to the outside, as well as activates the drive mechanism (24) in the play device (20).

Abstract: The present invention is banking device that has a slot on the top surface to accept coins and contains therein a locking reservoir for the collection of change. A money sorter is used to count the deposited money. The reservoir is “keyed” and can only be opened by the local bank, where an account is held, or by parents, if the account is held by a minor. At the time of deposit, the electric money sorter, via the computer connection, contacts the local bank's online banking system to process and record the deposits and beings earning interest that is then credited after deposit of money into the bank account. If the reservoir is emptied prior to deposit, credits and interest are lost and can only be resumed after equal deposit is made at the bank.

Abstract: A coin bank equipped with a recreational function is developed for stimulating an interest in saving money while amusing the children. When a coin is successfully thrown into a target hole, the coins previously thrown and accumulated in the body are drained into a coin bank for storing while performing various amusing events. The coin bank comprises: a body (10) consisting of a target hole (13), a coin receiving part (14) with an open top (11) and a coin outlet (12) for discharging the accumulated coins, a shutter (20) for blocking the coin outlet, a shutter operating mechanism (30), a plurality of transparent pipes (41) vertically extended for supporting the body (10) and used as a coin storing container (40), and a control unit (35) consisting of a driving motor (33), at least one sensor (31), flashing lights (50), voice generators (60) and a dancing doll (70) for performing amusing events.

Abstract: An extendable, modular toy bank for storing coins and the like. The toy bank is substantially tubular and includes a head portion, a segmented extendable body portion and a tail portion. One of the portions, preferably the head portion, has a slot therein, dimensioned to receive a coin. The portions are hollow and, in combination, define an interior compartment. The body portion includes a plurality of tubular members, which may be bent, having forward and rearward ends that are adapted to be interconnected, end to end, by body segment connector rings placed therebetween, thereby elongating the body portion to increase the interior volume of the toy. A releasable locking mechanism on the ends of the head, body and tail portions of the toy interconnect with the body segment connector rings and enable the head, body and tail portions to be releasably attached to an adjacent tubular body portion segment of the device.

Abstract: An in-wall coin bank with novelty face. The bank features a novelty face with an entertainment feature. The entertainment feature responds when a deposit is made, amusing or entertaining the user. The face may be detachable, different types of faces with entertainment features are possible. Methods of using the bank for saving are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A coin handling and sorting device includes a plurality of coin handling modules which are interconnectable by a user, as desired, to define a coin travel path. Each module is easily assembled by a user without use of tools. To facilitate assembly, bases, gears, retaining clips, and other components of different coin handling modules are interchangeable. The housing and other components of each module are assembled using a plurality of C-clips. Each module is typically manually operated to increase a user's interaction with the device. A clutch mechanism prevents accidental reverse operation of each module by a user. To facilitate interconnection of coin handling modules in any desired order, each has an inlet at a common height with other coin module inlets and an outlet at a common height with other coin module outlets. Each module also utilizes identical interchangeable modified spur/bevel gears that are shaped to accommodate co-planar engagement or angular displacement between engaged pairs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coin spinner comprising a plate having a coin slit formed therein and in which a coin spinning mechanism consisting of a pair of leaf springs is encased. The plate is used with a savings box body having a coin receiver provided therein and also a transparent portion. Given a spinning force from the pair of leaf springs, a coin having been passed through the coin slit is spun on the coin receiver. The spinning coin is seen from outside the savings box body through the transparent portion.

Abstract: A savings box comprises a main body and a control box. The main body is provided with a coin slot and shutter plate. A magnet is fixed on the shutter plate and another magnet is fixed on a control member (slider) provided inside the control box. The coin slot is closed by the shutter plate while the control member (T-bar) is placed at the first position due to the reaction between the two magnets. When the T-bar is moved to the second position with a coin placed on the shutter plate, that is, in the coin slot, the reaction between the two magnets will cause the shutter plate to turn and leave under the coin slot, thus the coin falls into the main body of the savings box. The coin is automatically accepted into the main body synchronously with the operation of the T-bar.

Abstract: A coin bank which sorts coins and deposits them in containers is disclosed. A coin or a group of coins is dropped into a coin receiver. Each coin is removed one at a time from the coin receiver and dropped into a helical coin path by a motorized separator mechanism. The coins roll on edge along the coin path where they encounter apertures of varying sizes. When a coin encounters an aperture larger than its diameter, it falls out of the path to a container. A mechanical coin sensor mechanism is provided to start the separator when a coin is sensed in the coin receiver. The sensor mechanism also delays the shut-off of the motor when coins are no longer sensed in the coin receiver. The housing and most parts of the bank are transparent to permit viewing of the sensor mechanism and the coin path.

Abstract: A disk actuated mechanism for a toy which accepts and responds to disks of different diameters. The mechanism can be adapted to a housing having a circular opening in the housing and a disk reservoir in the housing located below the circular opening. A shaft connects the opening and the disk reservoir. A disk carrier is mounted in the shaft for vertical movement from the opening towards a disk discharge position. A handle is connected to the disk carrier for moving the carrier to the disk discharge position. A mechanism engages a disk on the disk carrier to determine its diameter and provide an output indicative of its diameter. A detent mechanism is provided to prevent the handle from moving the disk carrier to the disk discharge position unless a disk is inserted in the disk carrier. Downward insertion of the disk into the disk carrier disengages the detent mechanism and allows the handle to move the disk carrier to the disk discharge position.

Abstract: A savings box housing comprises a front panel with a transparent window and an opaque rear panel and light-opaque side panels extending from the front to the rear panels. The front and rear panels are disposed symmetrically with respect to a partition located in a plane extending across a central location of the housing interior to divide the housing interior into a front compartment on the window side and a rear compartment on the rear-panel side. A mirror extends over substantially the entire surface of a front side of the partition facing the window.

Abstract: A saving box has a cylindrical box body with a closed bottom, a plurality of coin reservoirs each having a different diameter and formed on the closed bottom at proper spaces in a predetermined direction in order of diameter, a sorting disc acting as an upper surface of the box body and provided with a plurality of openings corresponding to the coin reservoirs, a guide sleeve formed within the box body at a central portion thereof and having a vertical groove, an operating rod engaging with the vertical groove and extending upwardly of the box body, a coil spring disposed within the guide sleeve and normally biasing the operating rod upwardly, a moving blade slightly contacting an upper surface of the sorting disc and engaging a spiral groove formed in an outer peripheral surface of the operating rod, an outer surface disc overlaid on and spaced away, by a predetermined distance, from an upper surface of the moving blade and having a coin insertion port, and a soft formative substance having a proper form mou

Abstract: A tithing bank is provided for religious training and personal association of an individual to a tithing situation. The bank structure includes a floor, with the bank defined by simulation of a bible book, including a slot arrangement to direct a percentage of money to a tithing portion and a remaining percentage to a savings portion relative to an individual. A modification of the invention includes an adjustable partition wall arranged to deflect in an adjustable manner various percentages of savings to tithing.

Abstract: A savings bank gaming apparatus in which a game is played by inserting a coin and then by operating a keyboard and the game and results appear on a liquid crystal display. When a control circuit determines the game has been won, the inserted coin is returned to a coin return and when lost, directed to a coin storage box. The coin after insertion is held at a fork by a gate which then directs the coin to one of the two forks in accordance with the game results.

Abstract: A coin bank which sorts coins and deposits them in containers is disclosed. A coin or a group of coins is dropped into a coin receiver. Each coin is removed one at a time from the coin receiver and dropped into a helical coin path by a motorized separator mechanism. The coins roll on edge along the coin path where they encounter apertures of varying sizes. When a coin encounters an aperture larger than its diameter, it falls out of the path to a container. A mechanical coin sensor mechanism is provided to start the separator when a coin is sensed in the coin receiver. The sensor mechanism also delays the shut-off of the motor when coins are no longer sensed in the coin receiver. The housing and most parts of the bank are transparent to permit viewing of the sensor mechanism and the coin path.