Dip-pop novelty

Abstract

A novelty includes a battery powered attention getting device controlled by a switch in combination with an essentially solid confection and a reservoir for a powder or granular confection. The reservoir and essentially solid confection can be separated so that the essentially solid confection can be dipped into the reservoir with powder or granular confection. Plural color and flavor confections can be consumed with the confection in a configuration to reflect or refract light so as to create sparkling. The attention getting device can be motion, lighting, noise or sound generating. A fan can circulate the powder or granular confection during dipping.

Description

[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of applicants' previously filed application Ser. No. 10/162,721 filed Jun. 6, 2002 entitled Spin Dip-Spin Pop now

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] Novelty, battery-powered attention getting devices combine a solid confection with an independent source of a different flavor and/or color confection in powder or granular or particle form that can be combined with the solid confection by dipping the solid confection into the particulate form confection.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] The inclusion of novelty devices such as noises and speakers and illumination means and motion means in combination with solid confections is common. W. Schlotter IV et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,914,748, issued Apr. 3, 1990 and T. Coleman et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,471,373, issued Nov. 28, 1995 and J. Fishmann, U.S. Pat. No. 6,077,144, issued Jun. 20, 2000 and T. Coleman et al, U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,580, issued Aug. 14, 2001, are examples of illumination in combination with a solid confection with T. Coleman et al including sound.

[0006] The attachment of a removable container containing a confection is taught by T. Coleman et al in U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,597, issued Dec. 21, 1999. The broad concept of a hard candy that can be dipped into a removable reservoir is taught by T. Coleman in U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,884, issued Dec. 6, 1994.

[0007] Vibrations in combination with a solid confection is disclosed by T. Coleman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,391,107, issued Feb. 21, 1995 and T. Coleman et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,841, issued Jul. 13, 1999. Rotation of a solid confection is disclosed by T. Coleman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,209,692, issued May 11, 1993 and M. Zak, U.S. Pat. No. 6,074,266, issued Jun. 13, 2000. Oscillation of a solid confection is disclosed by C. Liaw in U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,054, issued Jul. 16, 1996. Random motions of an object is disclosed by T. Coleman et al in U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,885, issued Aug. 1, 2000 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,200,189, issued Mar. 13, 2001 that includes a speaker and microphone. T. Coleman et al in U.S. Pat. No. 5,733,033 combines a solid confection with a speaker and illumination and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,500 combines a solid confection with a mechanical noise maker.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The novelty “dip pop” of the invention combines a confection holder, for an essentially solid confection, with a reservoir or container, for a powder, particulate or granular confection having one or more colors and one or more flavors, and a battery powered and operated attention getting means controlled by a switching means. The confection holder can permanently or removably hold a confection such as a sucker or lollipop or other relatively solid confection on a stick or directly or indirectly on the holder. The combination adds color, flavor and sparkle to the original solid confection.

[0009] The granular or powder confection can be in crystals, spherical or other configuration so as to absorb light or to reflect light directly or break it down into its component colors to give a random or sparkling appearance. The battery operated attention getter can take the form of a motion producer such as oscillating or rotations or vibrations and/or fluid flows, or sounds, such as bell type noises or recorded sounds or messages and/or light, such as light beams or twinkling lights or illuminated indicia.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a side view of a solid confection held on a housing with rotation provisions and a removable powder/particle confection reservoir shown separated.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a side view of the FIG. 1 embodiment with the confection positioned for insertion into the powdered particle confection reservoir.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a front view of the solid confection and housing of FIG. 1 showing the internal operating mechanism.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a side view of a solid confection held on a housing with eccentric vibration provision and a removable powder/particle confection reservoir shown separated.

[0014] FIGS. 5 and 6 are side views of a solid confection held on a housing with vibrating appendages and a powder/particle confection reservoir shown attached and separated respectively.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a side view of a solid confection held on a housing with a pivoting provision and a removable powder/particle confection reservoir shown separated.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a side view of a solid elongated confection on a lid, with illumination, on a powder/granular confection reservoir.

[0017] FIGS. 9 and 10 are side views of the solid elongated confection on a lid, with illumination, removed from and inserted within a reservoir respectively.

[0018] FIG. 11 is a side view of an elongated solid confection unit with illumination and a separate reservoir with a holder for the solid confection unit.

[0019] FIGS. 12 and 13 are side views of a solid confection held on a housing with illumination and speaker and reservoir for powder/granular confection.

[0020] FIGS. 14 and 15 are side views of a solid confection held on a housing with illumination of an object and reservoir for powder/granular confection.

[0021] FIG. 16 is a side view of a solid confection held on a housing with a noise making device and reservoir for powder/granular confection.

[0022] FIG. 17 is a side view of a solid confection held on a housing with a speaker and powder/granular confection reservoir.

[0023] FIGS. 18 and 19 are side views of a solid confection held on a lid and a reservoir provided with a blower for circulating powder/granular confection with the confection and lid removed and with the confection and lid dipping into the reservoir respectively.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] There is shown in FIGS. 1-3 a rotary confection device 1 having a main housing 10 including a gearing system 18, a motor 3 with a switch 6 control, a power source 2, electrical circuit 7 and a rotatable candy pop 5 having one color and/or flavor and a second color and/or flavor 5a, and a third color or flavor 5b on a stick 4. A separate container 12 is shown spaced or separated 8 from the main housing, that can be secured to the lower end of the main housing by compatible male 14 and female 17 screw threads or by a snap-on type connector. The container and the main housing can be made of any suitable material such as clear or opaque plastic.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows the main housing 10, container 12 with the confection 5 positioned to be dipped into the granular confection in the container 12. The switch 6 can be pressed to activate the motor 3 to rotate the confection 5.

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates the operative features of the main housing 10 including the motor 3, and a power source 2 such as at least one battery or other power source. The electrical circuit for operating the motor includes electric wiring 7, and a switch means 6 which controls the operation of the motor 3. The motor is provided with a drive gear 18 which is compatible with a driven gear 11 on a shaft 13. The shaft 13 includes a second driven gear 19 which drives the gear 11 from which the shaft 13 is rotatably secured. The upper end of the rotary shaft 13 has a fitting 16 to which the lower end of a candy stick 4 is secured for rotation therewith. The fitting 16 could extend outside of the main housing so that a candy pop 5 could be secured directly to the fitting 16 without the use of a stick.

[0027] The container 12 is filled with at least one flavor of a candy powder 9 or with a plurality of different flavors of candy powder or particles. The powder could be any granular type of candy or any other type confection that will cling to the candy sucker when it is dipped into the confection 9 in the container 12. Subsequent to filling the container, the container can be secured to the main housing for future use. When one desires to enjoy eating the granular candy, the container 12 is removed from the main housing 10 and the candy pop 5 is dipped into and, if desired, rotated by pressing the control switch to operate the motor. The rotating pop is dipped into the candy powder during spinning to collect some of the candy powder onto the rotating candy pop. Subsequently, the person places the candy pop with the coating thereon onto their mouth to enjoy a taste of the candy powder and the candy pop. In order to more readily have the candy powder collect onto the spinning pop, the person could wet the candy pop by first inserting the candy pop into their mouth. Thus, the candy powder will more readily adhere to the spinning pop. Once the candy pop and/or the candy powder has been consumed, it can be replaced with the same or a different flavor candy pop and/or powder.

[0028] With this invention children can have fun with their candy by dipping and spinning their lollipop, with one or more flavors, into a powdered candy, coating the outside of the lollipop and then spinning the combination of flavors into their mouth creating a fun way to eat their candy. When they are not eating their candy, the container holding the powder can be threaded or snapped back onto the lower end of the spin pop housing to prevent spills. Once the candy powder has been completely consumed, the spin pop could be used with only the candy pop. Once either the candy pop and/or the candy powder has been completely consumed, the candy pop and/or the candy powder can be replaced by a new candy pop and/or candy powder of the same or a different color and/or flavor.

[0029] The vibrating confection 40 of FIG. 4 has a housing with a battery power 2, switch 6, motor 3, and eccentric 45. The first end 42 of the housing 44 has a solid confection securing means 41 for resiliently holding a solid confection 5.. Operation of the motor rotates the eccentric and through the resilient securing means vibrates the solid confection. The second end of the housing releasably secures a reservoir 48 for holding powder or particulate confection 9. By removing the reservoir 48, the solid confection 5 can be dipped 8 into the powder or particle confection. The solid confection can be dipped into the powder or particulate confection while the motor is off or while the solid confection vibrates. The first end 42 of the housing 44 is removably secured 43 to the housing and the reservoir 48 is removably secured to the housing by threaded means 46,47.

[0030] The vibration confection device 50 of FIGS. 5 and 6 show the batteries 2, gearing 54, and switch 6 for controlling motion in a housing in the form of an animation 52 by a motor 3. The first end of the housing 51 has a means 56 for securing a solid confection 5 to it and the second end has a lid 57 for removably securing 55 it to a powder or granular confection 9 containing reservoir 53. Removal of the lid permits the solid confection to be dipped 8 into the powder or granular confection 9.

[0031] The oscillating confection device 70 of FIG. 7 provides a housing with battery power 2, a motor 3, gearing 72, and switch 6 for controlling movement of a confection holder. An eccentric pin-wheel 29 is driven 74 and causes an oscillation 73 of the confection 5 within a pivot slot 71 in a first end of the housing 21. The second end of the housing is provided with a lid 22 for a powder or particle 9 reservoir 78. The reservoir can be removably secured 8 to the housing lid 22 using male 76 and female 77 connectors. With the reservoir removed, the solid confection 5 can be dipped into the reservoir 78 to coat it with powder or particles 9. The rotation of the eccentric pin-wheel 29 causes the pin 75 of the wheel to rotate in one direction. The pin presses against the lower end of the confection stick holder 28 to pivot it about a fixed pivot 23 against return spring 79 resulting in oscillation of the stick 4 and confection stick holder in the slot 71.

[0032] The illuminated confection devices 80 and 90 of FIGS. 8-11 have a small housing 88 that includes a battery power 86 and switch 87 with a light bulb 98 that can be an LED type attached within or beside a nipple 83. The light source is adjacent to or internal of an elongated essentially solid confection 82. The confection 82 and small housing 88 form a unit that can be integral with or separate from a lid 85 that removably closes a reservoir 84 for powdered or granular confection 9. FIGS. 8-10 show the unit integral with the lid 85 and FIG. 11 shows the unit 90 separated from the lid and held to the reservoir 94 by a clip 93 with a simple lid 95 provided for the granular or powder confection 9 and cover 91 for the confection 82 secured to the small housing lid 92. FIG. 8 shows the solid confection protected by a cover 81 and the lid 85 sealing in the powdered or granular confection 9 in the reservoir 84. FIG. 9 shows the lid 85 and solid confection 82 removed from the reservoir 84. FIG. 10 shows the lid 85 on the reservoir 84 and the solid confection 82 within the contained powder or granular confection 9.

[0033] A variable audio and illuminated confection device 120 of FIGS. 12 and 13 has a housing 121 with battery power 2, speaker 127, illumination means 125, lens 126 and switching means 122. A reservoir 133 for powder or particle confection 9 is removably attached 8 to the housing second end by male 132 and female 124 connectors. A solid confection holding means 129 is attached to the housing first end. Multiple switches 122 provide the user the option of selecting various illumination and audio combinations by use of a synthesizer circuit board 128. By removing the reservoir 133 from the housing 121, the solid confection 5 can be dipped into the powder or particle confection 9. The illumination means sends light rays 123 through lenses 126. A door 131 provides access to the housing 121 interior.

[0034] The illuminated confection devices 140 and 150 of FIGS. 14 and 15 have a housing 143, 153 with battery power 2, switch 147 and luminary 142, such as an LED. The first end of the housing has an illuminated object 141, 151 that can take the form of anything from a light bulb 141 to an animate object 151. Licking or pressing on the confection moves the candy stick 4 in to close the switch 147 circuit and illuminate the object 141, 151. The second end of the housing is provided with a lid 144 and means for securing a solid confection. A reservoir 145 for a powder or particle confection 9 is provided. The lid 144 and solid confection 5 are spaced so that securing the lid 144, 154 to the reservoir places the solid confection 5 in the reservoir, but the solid confection can be dipped into the powder or granular confection without securing the lid to the reservoir. The male threads on the lid 144 can be threaded into the female threads 146 on the reservoir. The protrusion 155 can be in the form of an animate or inanimate object.

[0035] The clacker confection device 160 of FIG. 16 has a housing 169 with a battery power supply 2, a motor 3, switching means 6, gearing 168, cam rods 167, bell 162, and clacker ball 163 on a clacker arm 164 operated by the motor 3 when it is activated. A first end of the housing is provided with a solid confection 5, attached to expanding sleeve 161, and the noise making bell 162. A second end of the housing is designed to removably secure a reservoir 27, using female threads 26, to engage male threads 25 on the housing. With the reservoir removed, the solid confection can be dipped into the reservoir. The gearing 168 rotates cam rods 167 that abut the lower ends of the clacker arms 164 and pivots them about pivot pin 165 against return spring 166 tension to impact the balls 163 against the bell 162. A door 24 provides access to the housing interior.

[0036] The speaker confection device 170 of FIG. 17 has a housing 174 with battery power 2, switch 6, sound chip 172 and speaker 171. The first end 178 of the housing has a means 179 for securing a solid confection and the second end has a means for securing a reservoir 177 for powder or granular confection 9. The housing 174 serves as a lid for the reservoir. Female threads 175 on the main housing 174 thread into male threads 176 on the reservoir. With the reservoir removed from the housing, the solid confection can be dipped into the reservoir. A door 173 on the main housing provides access to the interior of the housing.

[0037] A powder circulation device 180 is shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. The housing for the powder or granules includes both a primary outer 186 and a secondary inner container 181. The base of the housing contains the battery power supply 2, motor 3, switch 6, and gearing 184 for the fan or blower 183 that is placed in the bottom of the primary container 186. A secondary inner collection container 181 is placed within the primary container. The secondary container has an open top 193 and a restricted tapered lower opening 185, that serves as a passage for the powder or granules 187 from the secondary inner container to the fan or blower. The secondary inner container 181 is smaller than the primary container 186 with a bypass passage 188 around the secondary inner container that leads to the open top of the secondary inner container. Operation of the fan 183 draws powder or particles 187 from the bottom of the secondary collection inner container 181 and propels them through the bypass 188 to the top of the primary container 186. The top of the primary container 186 has an opening that can be removably secured to a lid confection holding cover 182. By controlling the shape of the primary container 186 upper extreme at and around the lid securing opening, the path of the powder or particles 189 coming from the bypass or outer passage 188 can be controlled to direct them across the opening 193 and/or back downwardly into the secondary container 181. The operation of the fan with the lid in place provides a dynamic display with a transparent primary container and colored and/or reflective crystal powder or particles. The operation of the fan 183 with the lid 182 removed additionally provides an access for insertion of a solid confection 5 into the opening at 192 for contact between the solid confection 5 and the powder or particles 187 in the inner container or in motion 189. The cover 182 can be secured to the primary container 186 by threading the male connector 192 into the female connector 191.

[0038] It is believed that the construction, operation and advantages of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is illustrative only and that changes, variations, substitutions, modifications and equivalents will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art and that such may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A confection novelty combination comprising:

a housing;

a battery associated with said housing;

a battery operated attention getting means associated with said battery;

a switching means for activating said attention getting means;

an essentially solid confection holding means;

a container for a small size confection;

means for combining said housing, said solid confection holding means and said container for a small size confection.

2. A confection novelty combination as in claim 1 including:

an essentially solid confection in said essentially solid confection holding means;

means for separating said container from said essentially solid confection so that said essentially solid confection can be dipped into said container for a small size confection.

3. A confection novelty combination as in claim 2 wherein:

said attention getting means is a gearing and rotation means for an essentially solid confection in said solid confection holding means.

4. A confection novelty combination as in claim 2 wherein:

said attention getting means is a vibration creating means.

5. A confection novelty combination as in claim 2 wherein:

said attention getting means is a gearing for creating an oscillation of said solid confection holding means.

6. A confection novelty combination as in claim 2 wherein:

said attention getting means is an illumination means associated with a solid confection in said solid confection holding means.

7. A confection novelty combination as in claim 2 wherein:

said attention getting means is a gearing means that operates a noise making device.

8. A confection novelty combination as in claim 2 wherein:

said attention getting means is a speaker.

9. A confection novelty combination as in claim 2 wherein:

said attention getting means is a fan for causing motion.

10. A confection novelty combination as in claim 3 wherein:

said solid confection has one or more different flavors and said container contains a third flavor small size confection.

11. A confection novelty combination as in claim 4 wherein:

said vibration creating means is an eccentric that vibrates an essentially solid confection held by said solid confection holding means.

12. A confection novelty combination as in claim 4 wherein:

said vibration creating means vibrates an object associated with said housing.

13. A confection novelty combination as in claim 6 wherein:

said illumination means is an LED that projects light into an elongated solid confection.

14. A confection novelty combination as in claim 6 wherein:

said attention getting means includes a speaker and circuit board.

15. A confection novelty combination as in claim 6 wherein:

said illumination means is an LED that illuminates an adjacent character.

16. A confection novelty combination as in claim 7 wherein:

said noise making device is a bell that is rang by a ball operated by said gearing means.

17. A confection novelty combination as in claim 8 wherein:

said speaker is operated by a sound chip.

18. A confection novelty combination as in claim 9 wherein:

said container for a small size confection contains said battery, said switching means, and said fan.

19. A confection novelty combination as in claim 18 wherein:

said container for a small size confection is a primary container and has a secondary container therein with a passage between said primary container and said secondary container for passage of small size confection.

20. A confection novelty combination as in claim 19 wherein:

said secondary container has an opening at the bottom;

said fan is below said secondary container at the bottom of said primary container for passing the small size confection from said secondary container through said passage between said primary container and said secondary container and back into said secondary container past the top of said primary container and said secondary container where said essentially solid confection can be dipped into said primary container and said secondary container when said primary container top is open.