GB2517924A

GB2517924A - A money collection and storage device

Info

Publication number: GB2517924A
Application number: GB1315726.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stancilaus Mabika
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-09-04
Filing date: 2013-09-04
Publication date: 2015-03-11
Also published as: GB201315726D0

Abstract

A money collection and storage device comprises a body with an entrance 2, a store 3 and an energy source 6; wherein the entrance comprises a trigger mechanism for a feedback portion. A neck 1 may be included to steer coins or tokens into the entrance 2 and a sensor detects when coins or tokens have fed into the device, which triggers a feedback such as a light or sound; in this way a reward is provided by the device for inserting money into the store. The device may be provided in a toy, such as a soft teddy bear or animal, model vehicle, or dolls house.

Description

A MONEY COLLECTION AND STORAGE DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a collecting device, in particular for collecting and storing items, more particularly but not exclusively a children's or vulnerable person's collecting device for encouraging saving.

Background

It is a valuable skill to be able to save money or tokens in order to understand value of possessions and money and to be able to obtain a goal such as purchasing a particular item.

It is often felt that this skill is poorly taught to children and vulnerable persons can lose or not acquire relevant skills, and as a result the concept of money and saving is not well understood and financial awareness reduced. Often children are provided ri with moneyboxes however it may be difficult to encourage the child to collect money in the moneybox on regular occasions. 20

Moneyboxes may be shaped to represent an object that appeals to the child however overtime they may become bored of the object and therefore be less inclined to use it : . and therefore less likely to save. Replacement moneyboxes may be purchased to try and continue encouragement of saving with cost and longevity issues.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Chinese utility model CM 202 268 019 (YINGZHU) provides a novel coin box, which is characterized in that a coin flinging slot is formed on the upper surface of the coin flinging box, wherein the coin flinging slot is connected with an electronic currency recognizing system; and the electronic currency recognizing system is connected with a broadcasting device through a conducting wire. The novel coin box has the

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benefits that the novel coil box can give a voice prompt to remind passengers of the amount of coins to be flung, so as to enable the passengers to actively fling coins.

United States patent application US 2008 261 480 (CHAN) discloses an interactive money box comprising: a housing having a storage region and an opening which provides access to said storage region; a sensor to detect the insertion of a coin through said opening; an electronic display mounted to said housing and visible from an exterior location to said housing; and a processor responsive to said sensor and in communication with said electronic display so that the display exhibits an animated virtual creature sequence in response to the frequency of insertion of a coin.

Chinese utility model CN 2 570 898 (LI) relates to a piggy bank, particularly a piggy bank with functions of sounding and digital display. The body of the piggy bank is made into a doll shape, the upper part is provided with a coin slot, and the lower part is provided with a coin taking port with a cap; the middle part of the body is provided with a digital display screen, a zero resetting switch, a touch switch, an electronic circuit board, a speaker and a battery. Coins thrown from the coin slot touch the touch switch, so that an electronic circuit can be switched on to emit sounds and * prompt the number of the thrown-in coins, and the digital display screen displays the number of the thrown-in coins. The piggy bank adds the functions, and improves and renews the traditional piggy bank. * **

* Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a money collection and storage device comprising: a body with an entrance; a store; and an energy source; wherein the entrance comprises a trigger mechanism for a feedback portion.

In preferred embodiments the feedback portion comprises an audio production means and/or a visual output.

In preferred embodiments the trigger mechanism triggers either or both of said audio means or the visual output.

In preferred embodiments the visual output comprises a signal output to a visual production means. The visual means may comprise at least one or a plurality of light emitting diodes. Ideally therefore the visual output comprises a cable connector or electrical connection point.

In other embodiments the visual output comprises a local visual production means wherein the body includes visual production means such as a plurality of light emitting diodes.

Typically in preferred embodiments said mechanism triggers both the means and output. When a user inserts a coin or money into the store through the entrance the mechanism may be triggered and the means and output trigger may be actuated. In this way a reward may be provided by the device for inserting money into the store.

In preferred embodiments the device includes timing and data apparatus wherein the apparatus enables the device to register timing from last trigger of the mechanism.

In such embodiments the mechanism is triggered by said apparatus.

* Typically therefore there is provided a device for use in a toy comprising: a store inside or formed by a body. The store may in use hold collected objects such as money or tokens. The body may include or describe an entrance to said store for *: 20 accepting objects wherein the device emits visual and/or audible cues after insertion into the store and where insertion has not occurred for a predetermined period of time. * .* * * * n. *

** In this way any act of inserting objects to the device, such as a child putting money or tokens into the device, is encouraged by use of visual and audible cues, increasing interest in performing the action, as well as rewarding the action.

Furthermore the device may be capable of providing an alert by visual and/or audible cues if no objects have inserted into the body for a period of time, reminding the child to use the device and/or save money in order that the child is encouraged to save on a regular basis.

In preferred embodiments the device, is provided in or arranged for a known type of toy, such as a soft teddy bear or animal, model vehicle, or doll's house. The toy may therefore appeal to the child, having the advantage of being a collection device for encouraging saving.

In preferred embodiments the device is provided in and arranged to fit within the toy wherein the toy includes an access point and an internal void for receiving the device. The device may be dimensioned to fit in the cab of a model truck or within the torso of the teddy bear. For example the teddy bear may be adapted to receive the device by a slit on its torso that serves as the access point through which the device can be inserted into a void within the teddy bear torso. Typically the slit may be closed once the device has been inserted, for example the slit may include hook and loop means such as Velcro (RTM), push fittings, a zipper or buttons.

In preferred embodiments the entrance comprises a guide or neck to guide objects to the store. In this way the store may be located in one part of the toy and the entrance may be accessible from another part of the toy allowing objects to be inserted into the entrance and directed to the store on the body.

Typically the neck is a hollow channel directing objects to the store. For example the store may be provided in the torso section of the teddy bear and the neck may * 0 extend from the store to the teddy bear's mouth where objects are inserted and then *. * *

directed by the neck to the body via the entrance. 0**'

*.. : 20 In preferred embodiments the neck, entrance and store are all included in a unitary rigid body. In some further embodiments the body may include different parts and/or different materials, for example wherein the neck may be provided in different shapes or dimensions and may be separable, according to different embodiments of toys, wherein manufacture costs are minimised.

It may be envisaged that the neck removably connects to the body so that it may be added when filled in some toys and removed when used in others. For example the neck may be filled to the store by a twist fitting, detent mechanism, friction fit, clip or hole and pin arrangement.

In a preferred embodiment the store may be a column suitable for receiving coins, tokens, notes or other similar collectable objects. Preferably the entrance is arranged atop the column, or on a side of the column but close to the column top, so as to allow objects to readily fall into the store.

In other embodiments the store and surrounding body may be square, round or multi-sided in order to be filled within the toy.

Preferably the body or the device substantially is formed from a strong, durable lightweight material such as aluminium or a synthetic plastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

Typically the entrance and/or entrance is provided on a removable lid so that the lid can be displaced in order to access objects collected. Typically the lid may be filled to the body may means of at least one screw or by a twist filling. Alternatively the lid may be fitted by a detent mechanism, clip or friction fit. In some embodiments the lid may be integrated with the body and for example hinged.

Preferably the entrance is concave so as to direct objects into the store. For example the entrance may comprise a slot in a recess suitable for receiving coins or tokens. * . S * *

Ideally the device is displaceable from the toy so that contents of the store can be *.*.** * accessed/retrieved and so that parts can be repaired and/or replaced if damaged or *"r. 20 faulty. Furthermore the device can be moved to a different toy so as to be used for

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different children or to accommodate changing preferences of children as they grow up. * * * . *** *

4. In preferred embodiments the device includes a speaker for emitting audio and at least one light for displaying visual feedback. In this way audible and visual cues may be emitted as a feedback to reward the child for saving and/or to alert the child that they have not saved for a period of time.

In some embodiments the feedback portion may comprise vibrating means to alert the child by sensation rather than sound and/or light.

It may be envisaged that the light and sound produced may be programmable at a controller so as to allow different arrangements. For example such as visual only, audio only, a combination of both, either in unison or separately.

Preferably the device may include a controller and digital memory facility capable of being programmed to store and/or generate data, and/or a recording facility. In this way different sounds or light sequences may be used at different times or depending upon user preferences.

Ideally in this way the feedback portion allows changing of the feedback by controlling data. Preferably a printed circuit board (PCB) allows a user to choose their preferred feedback.

Feedback may comprise recorded or speech synthesis such as a message such as you have not topped up your savings for 30 days' or I'm hungry'.

In preferred embodiments a power source is provided by means of at least one battery. Typically the battery(ies) is provided within the body. Ideally the power source may be located beneath a removable cover so as to be readily accessed and changed. For example the cover may be fitted by means of a displacement fitting and a grub screw.

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In preferred embodiments a compartment is provided on the body to house the r. 20 power source, PCB, controller and microchip. In this way all parts are separated from the store. It may be envisaged that the compartment is arranged on a base section of the body so as not to reduce collection area. Furthermore the compartment may be removably attached to the body so that parts can be accessed and replaced/repaired if required. Typically the compartment may attached to the body in a similar manner to the lid, by means of at least one screw, a twist fitting, a detent mechanism, clip or friction fit. In some embodiments the compartment may be integrated with the body and include a flap so as to access the parts.

In some embodiments at least part of the feedback portion, for example the speaker, is mounted on an outer surface of the toy, or near to an outer surface of the toy so that sound is readily emitted and heard by the child. It may be envisaged in such embodiments that the speaker is built into the toy and connected to the body in use by means of a cable. For example the speaker may be plugged in to the body and the cable and speaker stitched into the body of the bear to maintain its position in use. In this way the body can be readily interchangeable between different toys by unplugging the cable from the body.

Typically the toy includes a plurality of lights arranged remote from the body, at or adjacent the toy's the outer surface. In preferred embodiments the lights are light emitting diodes (LEDs) for low energy usage and low temperatures in use. For example a plurality of lights may be arranged on the torso of the teddy bear or around the model vehicle. Advantageously the lights may be capable of operating in a pattern, for example in sequence or flashing, so as to entertain the child.

In some embodiments the lights may be coloured or may comprise various different coloured lights so as to appeal to children. It may be envisaged that the lights are integrated with the toy and may be connected to the body when in use wherein the body includes at least one electrical connection point.

Typically the lights may also be wired to include a cable that can be removably connected to the body in use. In this way the body can be readily interchangeable between different toys. * * *

In preferred embodiments the feedback portion is or are triggered in response to an object being inserted through the entrance into the store wherein preferably the -r. 20 device includes a sensor for detecting objects that pass into the store of the device.

In various embodiments the sensor may be provided at the entrance or within the : store. In this way objects passing into the body are recorded.

Such sensors may comprise displaceable electrical circuit connectors or gates, such that an object passing through the entrance displaces a sprung biased gate so as to complete the circuit.

In further embodiments the sensor may be able to detect movement or changes in light, and or a change in weight of the body.

In some embodiments the sensor may be capable of detecting if the objects added are for example money or tokens, therefore encouraging the child to collect only particular objects rather than any appropriately sized object. For example the sensor may be able to distinguish metal and therefore may only be triggered if metal is detected. Additionally the sensor may be able to identify different types of object for example coins of different value. In some examples for example a gate may only be displaced by a correct weight.

In some other embodiments the entrance may include a mechanical or electronic counter to count number of objects collected, for example noting number of gate displacements. In this way the device may be used to collect a particular amount of money or tokens so that the child achieves a collecting goal.

Typically the sensor, speaker and light/s are connected by means of the PCB so that information produced by the sensor in relation to objects added to the body is interpreted by the PCB to activate feedback as appropriately programmed, at manufacture, retail or use.

It may be envisaged that different feedback may be provided for different types of objects, for example different coins, the numbers of objects or the total of objects inserted. For example a particular combination of feedback may be triggered when a designated quantity of currency has been collected andthen a different cue triggered * when a goal total is reached, such as the amount required for a holiday or new toy. * *

?. 20 In preferred embodiments therefore the device includes a memory means to collect and store information relating to objects collected. In this way collecting history of the child can be observed to identify improvement. * .* * * 0 *** *

In some embodiments the sensor, speaker and/or lights may be wirelessly connected and/or the controller remotely programmed.

Preferably the device may include a timer comprising at least in part the trigger mechanism, in order that feedback may be triggered after a period of inactivity, which period may be defined at manufacture, retail or in use, for example wherein said period may be automatically calculated by reference to deposits into the store.

For example if the mechanism has not been successfully triggered for one week or one month at least part of the feedback portion may be activated to remind the child to make a deposit.

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Such trigger mechanism may activate discrete parts of the feedback portion. For example in some embodiments such as a doll toy the toy may emit a crying sound to alert the child it has not been fed' with an object. This may aid with encouraging regular saving.

In some embodiments feedback portion may be triggered manually, wherein the trigger mechanism comprises a user control portion, such as a button or lever.

In embodiments such as these, trigger from the timer may be interactive with the manual trigger, for example wherein feedback from such as a truck toy may comprise revving noises, and the timer trigger may prevent starting; or doll toys may have crying noises instead of standard chuckling when manually triggered.

In this way or similar the user may be alerted to lack of saving, with direct and simplistic correlation to effects on the toy.

In some embodiments the device may include a screen such as a liquid crystal * display (LCD) for displaying information, such as type of object collected, number collected, number of days since last collection, total amount collected or battery life.

In this way status of the device can be readily observed.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an exploded isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the device with a necked entrance; Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of the device installed in a toy; Figures 3 show toys in which the embodiments of the device are installed; Figure 4 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 2; and Figures 5 show top and bottom isometric views of the embodiment shown in Figure 2.

Detailed DescriDtion of Figures With reference to the figures the device comprises a neck 1, entrance top 2, body 3 including a store, printed circuit board arrangement 4, body cap 5, battery 6 and battery compartment lid 7, loudspeakers 8 and connector 9 to electronics or features dispersed elsewhere such as lights.

The device is installed in use in a toy 10, wherein the embodiment of the toy shown in Figure 2 includes a pocket 11.

In some further embodiments a hole in the bear's mouth connects to a neck leading to the coin compartment r Stuffing cushions the device inside cuddly toys so that the bear feels soft and cuddly. a

* .. a.. a

The neck steers coins or tokens into the entrance and a sensor detects when coins or tokens have been fed into the device, which triggers light and sound modules sewn or fixed into the toy.

For example coloured LEDs shine through the bear's stomach and are sewn into the stomach of the toy, while a motion sensor is located in the transfer tube. These are merged into a single cable which is plugged into the battery compartment. The device sits inside a pocket within the bear, separated from the stuffing so as to allow removal and installation without damage.

The circuit board comprises a programmed or programmable electronic microchip.

Coin store lid comprises the entrance and can be unscrewed to access the coins.

Velcro (RIM) split in the back of the bear allows access to the coin compartment and the battery A twist and lock mechanism holds the entrance and coin compartment top in place at the bottom of the neck or top of the store.

The toy can be programmed to play a reminder message if the child has not saved anything over a set period. A simple sliding switch at the back of the electronic compartment can turn this off and on, and change the time period between reminders.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. * .

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A money collection and storage device comprising: a body with an entrance; a store; and an energy source; wherein the entrance comprises a trigger mechanism for a feedback portion.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the feedback portion comprises an audio production means and/or a visual output.
3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the trigger mechanism triggers either or both of said audio means or the visual output
4. A device according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the visual output comprises a signal output to a visual production means, said visual means comprising at least one or a plurality of light emitting diodes.
5. A device according to any of claims 2 to 4 wherein said mechanism is capable of triggering any of the means and output.S.....* 20
6. A device according to any of the preceding claims including timing and data °r. apparatus wherein the apparatus enables the device to register timing from S. * last trigger of the mechanism.: .*
7. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the entrance S.. -comprises a guide or neck to guide objects to the store.
8. A device according to claim 7 wherein the neck, entrance and store are all included in a unitary rigid body.
9. A device according to claim I wherein the device includes a capable sensor and memory means to collect and store information relating to objects passed into the store.
10. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the device is provided in or arranged for a known type of toy.