GB2620939A

GB2620939A - Gift delivery device

Info

Publication number: GB2620939A
Application number: GB2210888.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Staples Jamie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-07-26
Filing date: 2022-07-26
Publication date: 2024-01-31
Also published as: GB202210888D0

Abstract

A gift delivery device comprising a receptacle 100 for receiving and retaining an item; one or more charges 30; and an activating mechanism extending along an outer surface of the receptacle; wherein the activating mechanism 34 is configured to allow a user to activate one or more of the charges prior to accessing the receptacle to remove the gift item. The charges may be a plurality of charges and may be a store of potential energy selected from an explosive, compressed gas, spring-loaded mechanism, electrical cell, or a combination of these. The receptable may comprise and rigid and/or a flexible container, and further the receptacle may comprise a rigid box with a lid 12a. The receptacle may comprise a plurality of faces 12b. The activation mechanism may be in the form of an elongated strip of material connected to each of the charge. The invention further relates to a method of delivering a gift using the gift delivery device, comprising: placing a gift item within the receptacle; activating one or more of the charges using the activating mechanism prior to accessing the receptacle to remove the gift item; and removing the gift item from the receptacle.

Description

GIFT DELIVERY DEVICE

The present invention relates to a gift delivery device for use at social events, for example celebrations or parties. The present invention further relates to a method of delivering a gift using the gift delivery device.

It is commonplace at social events, such as celebrations or parties, for guests to receive small gifts, otherwise known as 'party favours'. The giving and receiving of party favours is often facilitated by devices which aim to provide a more exciting gift exchange experience, for example by emitting an audible and/or visible effect when opened. The opening of such devices may involve two or more people or 'players' to reinforce the social element of gift exchange. One such device is the traditional Christmas or party cracker.

Christmas crackers typically comprise a cardboard tube having an enclosed portion defined by two folded or crimped regions of the cardboard tube. The enclosed portion forms a container for gifts and associated items. A portion of the cardboard tube extends beyond the fold or crimp at each end of the enclosed portion to form two end portions which can be grasped by players to 'pull the cracker and release the gift by tearing open the enclosed portion of the cardboard tube.

Many Christmas crackers further comprise an explosive charge or 'snap'. The snap typically comprises two lengths of card which overlap and are bound together within the enclosed portion of the cardboard tube. Each length of card extends through the crimp at a respective end of the enclosed portion, and is affixed to a respective end portion of the cardboard tube. A portion of each length of card within the overlap is treated with a friction-activated explosive. When players grasp the end portions of the cardboard tube and 'pull' the cracker, they simultaneously activate the snap by drawing the overlapping lengths of card past one another. The friction generated causes the explosive to detonate and emit an audible sound and/or visible flash.

Attempts have been made to improve the traditional Christmas cracker by providing a more exciting experience for players when the cracker is pulled.

For example, United States published patent application U52149852 (A) discloses a detonator mechanism for achieving two or more successive detonations when a cracker is pulled. However, the mechanism is complex and occupies a large amount of space within the enclosed portion of the cracker, leaving limited space for gifts and associated items.

More recently, crackers have been developed which expel a projectile or charge of material such as confetti or streamers when the snap is activated, in a manner similar to that of a conventional party popper. An example of such a device is disclosed in International published patent application WO 2015/123704 (Al). Again, the mechanism occupies a large amount of space within the enclosed portion of the cracker.

Alternatives to the traditional Christmas cracker have also been proposed. For example, United Kingdom published patent application GB189901228 (A) discloses a cracker in the form of a wishbone or horseshoe, to which an enclosed gift is attached. The explosive or detonating material is contained in a strip of paper connected to each arm of the wishbone so that when the arms are pulled in opposite directions the explosive is detonated.

United Kingdom published patent application GB2466482 (A) discloses a Christmas or party cracker comprising a frangible middle portion separating two end parts, wherein the contents of the cracker are contained in one or both of the end parts and are released when the middle portion of the cracker is broken.

However, crackers according to the prior art nevertheless suffer from drawbacks.

For example, when a cracker is pulled, the enclosed portion containing the gift tears open in an uncontrolled manner, such that the gift contained within can fall to the floor. This risks damage to fragile and/or expensive gifts. Small gifts can also become lost. Accordingly, most crackers contain low-value, single-use gifts, typically of plastic.

In light of ever growing concern for the environment, and a tendency towards reduced consumption of single-use plastic products, there remains a need for a device that may be used to deliver fragile gifts, for example made from materials other than plastic, such as glass, and/or gifts of a higher monetary value, which will not be discarded after a single use.

In addition, Christmas crackers and similar devices have a long history of use and most players will have previously encountered such devices at various social occasions and parties. Therefore, the audible and/or visible effect emitted when a cracker is pulled is unlikely to surprise or excite players already familiar with traditional crackers.

Attempts have been made to enhance the element of surprise by presenting gifts to unknowing recipients in so called 'booby trap' gift boxes. Booby trap gift boxes typically contain a charge of material, such as paper streamers or glitter, which is propelled from the gift box, sometimes accompanied by an audible 'snap', when the gift recipient opens the box. This may surprise the recipient and others present at a social occasion. However, such devices present a health and safety hazard, as the unknowing recipient may be struck in the face or eyes by the charge of material as it is propelled from the box. In addition, the charge of material will cause mess and litter wherever the materials land which, if indoors must be cleaned up, and if outdoors may cause environmental damage.

Therefore, there remains a need for an improved device which can provide a more exciting gift delivery experience, without compromising on the space available within the device for retaining a gift, and without presenting a health and safety hazard or littering.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention provides a gift delivery device comprising: a receptacle for receiving and retaining a gift item; one or more charges; and an activating mechanism extending along an outer surface of the receptacle; wherein the activating mechanism is configured to allow a user to activate one or more of the charges prior to accessing the receptacle to remove the gift item.

The gift delivery device comprises a receptacle. Typically, the receptacle has an interior, for receiving and retaining a gift, and an exterior.

The receptacle may take any suitable form. In one embodiment, the receptacle comprises a rigid container for holding a gift in its interior. In a preferred embodiment, the receptacle is a box. More preferably, the receptacle may take the form of a box with a lid. The lid may be configured to allow a user, for example a gift giver, to access the interior of the box to place a gift item within the receptacle, and to allow a user, for example a gift recipient, to remove the gift item retained therein. The lid may be connected to the box along an edge forming a hinge. Alternatively, the lid may be entirely decoupled from the box to access the interior of the gift receptacle.

The receptacle may have any suitable shape. In one embodiment the receptacle comprises a plurality of faces. Each face may be connected along one or more edges to an adjacent face to form a three dimensional shape. For example, the receptacle may be a regular or irregular polyhedron. Preferred shapes include irregular polyhedra such as triangular prisms, cuboids, pentagonal prisms, hexagonal prisms, heptagonal prisms, octagonal prisms, and cylinders.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the receptacle is a hexagonal prism. Shaping the receptacle as a hexagonal prism is particularly advantageous. Hexagonal prisms can be stored in a close-packed arrangement, that is with no gaps between adjacent prisms. This allows for greater packing and transport efficiency of gift delivery devices according to the present invention, when compared to traditional Christmas or party crackers, which are typically cylindrical and cannot be packed without gaps between adjacent crackers.

Additionally or alternatively, the receptacle may comprise a flexible container, for example a bag or pouch having a flexible wall for enclosing a gift item. Preferably the flexible wall includes an opening allowing access to the interior of the bag or pouch. The opening may be configured to allow a user, for example a gift giver, to access the interior of the bag or pouch to place a gift item within the receptacle, and to allow a user, for example a gift recipient, to remove the gift item retained therein. The opening may be closable, for example by way of a drawstring or other suitable means.

In embodiments in which the receptacle comprises both a rigid container and a flexible container, one of the rigid container and the flexible container is preferably held within the other of the rigid container and the flexible container. For example, the flexible container may be held within the rigid container and only accessed once the rigid container has been opened.

In a further embodiment the receptacle may comprise a capsule having two portions which combine to enclose the interior of the capsule. The capsule may take any suitable form for holding a gift in its interior. For example, the receptacle may comprise a spherical capsule having two separable hemispherical halves which can be opened to access a gift item retained therein.

In some embodiments, the receptacle may comprise a capsule and a further container, such as a box or bag, as described above. In preferred embodiments, the capsule containing a gift item may itself be retained within the box or bag, to which the one or mare charges are mounted. In this manner, the capsule may protect the gift item from damage when the charges are activated.

The receptacle may be sized to receive and retain a variety of gift items. For example, the receptacle may have an internal volume of from 0.05 L to 1 L, preferably from 0.1 L to 0.9 L, still more preferably from 0.2 L to 0.8 L, more preferably still from 0.3 L to 0.7 L, most preferably from 0.4 L to 0.6 L.

S

The receptacle may be formed from any suitable material including but not limited to paper, card, cardboard, wood, metal, polymers, woven and non-woven fabrics, and combinations thereof.

In preferred embodiments the receptacle is assembled from a two-dimensional net. The net preferably includes a plurality of two-dimensional panels, each connected along at least one edge to an adjacent panel. The net may be folded along the connected edges of each panel to form a three-dimensional receptacle.

The net may include a plurality of two-dimensional tabs, each connected along one edge to an adjacent panel. When the receptacle is assembled, the tabs may be used to secure the net in a three-dimensional configuration, for example by affixing each tab to an adjacent panel using an adhesive or tape.

In this manner, the receptacle may be manufactured from a single two-dimensional sheet of material, for example by cutting or stamping to form a net comprising a plurality of connected panels and tabs. In some embodiments, the gift delivery receptacle may be supplied as a two dimensional net for assembly by a user. This is advantageous as it allows for efficient transport and storage of gift delivery devices in a 'fiat-packed' arrangement.

In alternative embodiments, the receptacle may be manufactured by a moulding process. For, example the receptacle may be manufactured from polymers by injection moulding, vacuum forming, or similar processes.

The receptacle may alternatively be formed from a plurality of separate two-dimensional panels, affixed at their edges to adjacent panels using any suitable securing means.

The exterior and/or interior of the receptacle may include decorative elements such as printed text or graphics and/or other embellishments, for examples bows, sequins, and glitter. In a preferred embodiment, the exterior of the receptacle includes printed instructions for players describing a method of delivering a gift, using the gift delivery device, as will be described in more detail below.

The receptacle may be opaque, to conceal the gift item retained therein. In alternative embodiments, the receptacle may be or transparent or translucent.

The gift delivery device includes one or more charges. The term 'charge', as used herein, refers to any device which can be primed and activated to emit an audible effect, visible effect, and/or propel a projectile. Typically, a 'primed' charge comprises a store of potential energy. Upon activation, this stored energy is converted to kinetic energy, sound, and/or light, to produce an audible effect, visible effect, and/or propel a projectile, such as paper streamers, confetti, or glitter.

In preferred embodiments, the one or more charges comprise a store of potential energy selected from an explosive, a compressed gas, a spring-loaded mechanism, an electrical cell, or combinations thereof.

As noted above, the one or more charges may be explosive charges or 'snaps'. For example, the one or more charges may contain a friction-activated explosive. Upon activation, the explosive is detonated to emit an audible sound, visible flash, and/or propel a projectile.

The explosive charges may be of the cartridge-type. These charges comprise a quantity of friction activated explosive contained within a paper or cardboard cartridge. A string also extends within the cartridge. A portion of the string extends from the cartridge to be grasped by a user and pulled from the cartridge, thereby generating friction within the cartridge to activate the explosive. Such cartridge-type charges are traditionally included in party poppers.

The one or more charges may additionally or alternatively contain a compressed gas. Upon activation, the gas is released and expands rapidly to emit an audible sound and/or propel a projectile.

The one or more charges may additionally or alternatively include a mechanical store of energy. For example, the charges may comprise a spring-loaded mechanism which, when activated, converts potential energy into sound and/or propels a projectile.

The one or more charges may additionally or alternatively include an electronic device which may be activated by closing a switch to emit sound and/or light.

The one or more charges may include charges of different types to produce a variety of effects upon activation.

The one or more charges are preferably affixed to the receptacle. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more charges are located within the receptacle, for example affixed to the interior wall of the receptacle. However, in alternative embodiments, at least one of the one or more charges may be affixed to the exterior of the receptacle. The one or more charges may be affixed to the receptacle by any suitable means, including but not limited to adhesive or tape.

In embodiments where the one or more charges are located within the receptacle, a portion of each charge may extend through an opening in the receptacle to allow a user to activate one or more of the charges prior to accessing the receptacle to remove the gift item.

In preferred embodiments, the one or more charges comprise a plurality of charges. For example, the gift delivery device may comprise from 2 to 12 charges, preferably from 3 to 10 charges, still more preferably from 4 to 8 charges. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the gift delivery device comprises 6 charges.

One or more faces or surfaces of the receptacle may be provided with one or more charges. VVhere the receptacle comprises a plurality of faces, each one of the one or more charges may be located on a respective one of the plurality of faces. For example, in embodiments where the receptacle is a hexagonal prism, each of the one or more charges may be affixed to a respective one of the rectangular faces of the hexagonal prism, for a total of six charges.

In alternative embodiments, two or more charges may be located on a respective one of the plurality of faces. For example, in embodiments where the receptacle is a hexagonal prism, two charges may be affixed to a respective one of the rectangular faces of the hexagonal prism, for a total of twelve charges. Alternatively, two charges may be affixed to every other rectangular face of the hexagonal prism, for a total of six charges.

The gift delivery device includes an activating mechanism configured to activate one or more of the charges prior to accessing the receptacle to remove the gift item. The activating mechanism extends along one or more faces of the receptacle prior to being operated and activating the one or more charges In one preferred embodiment, the activating mechanism extends completely around the receptacle.

After activation of the charges, the activating mechanism may be released from the receptacle. In one preferred embodiment, the activating mechanism has a portion that remains attached to the receptacle after activation of the charges.

The activating mechanism extends along an outer surface of the receptacle. In this manner, the charges can be activated by one or more players, in use, to produce an audible or visual effect, thereby enhancing the act of gift giving and receiving.

In one embodiment, the activating mechanism is configured to allow the receptacle to be opened only after the activating mechanism has been operated and the charges detonated. For example, the device may comprise a lock holding the lid of the receptacle closed, wherein the lock is released once the activating mechanism has been operated. For example, the lock may comprise a string, cord or ribbon connected to the lid of the receptacle and held by the activating mechanism, wherein operation of the activating mechanism releases the string, cord or ribbon.

Preferably, the activating mechanism is configured to activate each of the one or more charges. However, in alternative embodiments the gift delivery device may comprise a plurality of activating mechanisms, each activating mechanism being configured to activate one or a subset of a plurality of charges.

The activating mechanism preferably comprises an elongate strip of material connected to each charge or a subset of a plurality of charges. In a preferred embodiment the activating mechanism is a cord, string or ribbon. The cord, string or ribbon may be formed from any suitable material, including but not limited to fabric, paper, card, and plastics.

The elongate strip of material may extend around a perimeter of the receptacle. For example, in embodiments where the activating mechanism is a cord, string or ribbon, the cord, string or ribbon may extend around the receptacle such that the ends of the cord, string or ribbon meet and can be fastened together, for example tied in knot or a bow. In this manner the activating mechanism not only provides a technical function, but also contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the gift delivery device.

In alternative embodiments, the activating mechanism may comprise a tab or which is pulled by a user to activate one or more of the charges. Where the one or more charges comprise an electrical cell, the activating mechanism may comprise a switch.

The manner in which the charges are activated by the activating mechanism will depend upon the type, number and configuration of the charges. However, in general, the activating mechanism is preferably configured to release a store of potential energy within each of the one or more charges or a subset of a plurality of charges.

For example, when the one or more charges comprise an explosive charge, such as a cartridge-type charge as described above, each charge may be activated by way of a string extending from the cartridge. The cartridge may be affixed to the receptacle, and the string connected to the activating mechanism in any suitable manner. For example, the string may be connected to the activating mechanism by an adhesive or tape. Alternatively, the string may be sewn or tied to the activating mechanism.

The one or more charges may be located on the exterior of the receptacle, partially or wholly within the wall of the receptacle or inside the receptacle. In one preferred embodiment, the or each charge, such as a cartridge, is affixed to the interior surface of a wall of the receptacle, and a portion of the activating mechanism extends through an opening in the wall of the receptacle to connect to the charge. In the case of a cartridge-type charge having a string, as described above, the string may comprise part of the activating mechanism and extends through an opening in the wall of the receptacle.

Alternatively, the or one or more charges may be connected to the activating mechanism and connected to the receptacle by an anchor, such that operation of the activating mechanism moves the charge with respect to the anchor and activates the charge. In embodiments in which one or more of the charges is a cartridge-type charge, the cartridge may be connected to the activating mechanism, and the string affixed to the receptacle.

The one or more charges may be in any suitable orientation. In one embodiment, the one or more charges are arranged to extend horizontally when the gift delivery device is placed on a horizontal surface with its lid or opening uppermost. Alternatively, the one or more charges may be arranged to extend vertically in the aforementioned position.

As noted above, the activating mechanism extends around the receptacle before it is operated. As also noted, in one preferred embodiment, the activating mechanism remains attached to the receptacle after activation of the charges. For example, in embodiments in which the activating mechanism comprises a cord, string or ribbon, a portion of the cord, string or ribbon is attached to the receptacle, such as by a suitable adhesive. In this way, the activating mechanism remains with the receptacle, for example for easy disposal after use.

Alternatively, the activating mechanism may be completely removed or may detach from the receptacle following activation of the charges.

Methods of operating the gift delivery device are described in more detail below.

Accordingly, in a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of delivering a gift using a gift delivery device according to the first aspect of the present invention, comprising: placing a gift item within the receptacle; activating one or more of the charges using the activating mechanism prior to accessing the receptacle to remove the gift item; and removing the gift item from the receptacle.

In the method according to the present invention, the gift item may be placed within the receptacle by a gift giver.

The gift delivery device may then be presented to a gift recipient. At least one player, which would typically include the gift recipient, and may include the gift giver or another player, activates the one or more charges using the activating mechanism.

In embodiments where the activating mechanism comprises an elongate strip of material, such as a cord, string or ribbon, extending around the perimeter of the receptacle, the players may grasp and pull either end of the elongate strip to activate the charges.

As described above, the one or more charges are preferably located within the receptacle, with a portion of each charge extending through the wall of the receptacle. For example, when the one or more charges comprises a cartridge-type explosive charge, the cartridge containing the explosive is preferably affixed to the interior wall of the receptacle, and the string extending from the cartridge extends through the wall of the receptacle and is connected to the activating mechanism.

This is advantageous, as when the charges are activated by the players, the explosion emitted by each charge is contained within the receptacle.

Once the charges have been activated, the gift recipient may access the receptacle, for example via a lid or opening, to remove the gift item retained therein. In one embodiment, the activating mechanism may be configured to lock or otherwise keep the receptacle closed until the activating mechanism has been operated, after which the receptacle may be opened by a user or another person.

Accessing the gift receptacle in this manner (i.e. after activation of the charges) has a number of benefits.

Firstly, the receptacle is not torn open when the charges are activated, as in a traditional Christmas cracker, which risks loss or damage of the gift. Instead, the gift item remains safely retained within the receptacle while the charges are activated.

Secondly, the charges are safely activated prior to accessing the receptacle, thus avoiding accidents and harm to the gift recipient when opening the receptacle.

Thirdly, littering or mess caused by activation of the charges is minimized or prevented entirely because all materials within the receptacle remain retained until the receptacle is opened in a controlled manner, following activation of the charges.

The gift delivery device according to the present invention is also not limited in terms of its size and the number of charges it may contain. In particular, unlike traditional Christmas crackers, players are not required to grasp and support the receptacle when activating the charges. Instead, players may activate any number of charges using the activating mechanism extending along an outer surface of the receptacle, irrespective of the size of the receptacle. This allows gifts of any size to be retained and delivered within an appropriately sized gift delivery device.

In addition the type and number of charges may be selected to provide a more exciting gift delivery experience for players than traditional crackers.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a two-dimensional net for forming a gift receptacle for use in a gift delivery device; Figure 2a is a perspective view from above and one side of the net of Figure 1, folded to form a three-dimensional box, in an open configuration; Figure 2b is a perspective view from above and one side of the net of Figure 1, folded to form a three-dimensional box, in a closed configuration; Figure 3a is a first perspective view from above and one side of the box of Figures 2a and 2b, in an open configuration, with charges mounted in the box; Figure 3b is a second perspective view from above and one side of the box of Figures 2a and 2b, in an open configuration, with charges mounted in the box; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the box of Figures 3a and 3b, taken along the line A-A, showing charges mounted in the box; Figure 5 is a perspective view from above and one side of the box of Figures 3a and 3b, in a closed configuration, with a ribbon affixed to the box to form a gift delivery device according to the present invention; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the gift delivery device of Figure 5, taken along the line B-B; Figure 7 is a perspective view from above and one side of the gift delivery device of Figures 5 and 6, in a closed configuration, after detonation of the charges; and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the gift delivery device of Figure 7, taken along the line C-C, after detonation of the charges.

Figure 9 is a perspective view from one side of an alternative gift delivery device according to the present invention.

Turning to Figure 1, there is shown a two-dimensional net, generally indicated as 10, for forming a three-dimensional gift receptacle for use in a gift delivery device according to the present invention.

The net 10 is formed from a single sheet of material. For example, the net may be formed by cutting or stamping from a two-dimensional sheet of material. Suitable materials include but are not limited to card, cardboard, paper, metal, or polymers.

In an alternative embodiment, the net 10 may be formed from a plurality of sheets of material. For example, two or more sheets of material may be laminated to provide a net having improved strength and durability.

The net 10 includes a plurality of two-dimensional panels 12a, 12b, and tabs 14, joined at their edges along fold lines 16. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the panels 12a are regular hexagons, and the panels 12b are rectangular. However, the panels 12a, 12b may be any suitable two-dimensional shape. The shape of the panels 12a, 12b will depend upon the desired shape of the gift receptacle to be formed from the net 10. Suitable shapes include irregular polygons such as isosceles or scalene triangles, rectangles, parallelograms, irregular pentagons, irregular hexagons, irregular heptagons, and irregular octagons, and regular polygons such as equilateral triangles, squares, regular pentagons, regular hexagons, regular heptagons, and regular octagons. In some embodiments, one or more panels 12a, 12b may be circular, semicircular, or oval.

Typically, the tabs 14 are four-sided polygons such as squares, rectangles, trapezia, or parallelograms. However, the tabs 14 may be any suitable two-dimensional shape.

The net 10 is folded along fold lines 16 to form a three-dimensional shape. Once folded, a surface of each tab 14 will meet and contact a surface of an adjacent panel 12a, 12b. The tabs 14 can be affixed to adjacent panels 12a, 12b to prevent the net 10 from unfolding, thereby forming a three-dimensional gift receptacle. The tabs 14 may be fixed to adjacent panels 12a 12b by any suitable means including but not limited to adhesive or tape.

S

The net 10 also includes cut-outs in a subset of panels 12b in the form of slots 18 and holes 20 for receiving further components of the gift delivery device, as will be described in more detail below.

Figures 2a and 2b are perspective views of a three-dimensional gift receptacle, generally indicated as 100, formed by folding the two-dimensional net 10 of Figure 1, as described above. The gift receptacle 100 takes the form of a hexagonal prism, with each panel 12a, 12b forming a face of the prism.

Nets 10 having panels 12a, 12b of different shapes will form gift receptacles 100 having alternative three-dimensional shapes when folded, including but not limited to polyhedra such as triangular prisms, cuboids, pentagonal prisms, heptagonal prisms, octagonal prisms, and cylinders. The shape and configuration of suitable nets for forming such shapes will be known to one skilled in the at As shown in Figure 2a, selected tabs 14 may not be affixed to adjacent panels 12a, 12b, to allow access to the interior of the gift receptacle 100. Accordingly, the gift receptacle 100 may take the form of a box with a lid, the lid being formed by one or more panels 12a, 12b. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the lid is formed by a panel 12a. The lid may be opened, as depicted in Figure 2a, to place a gift within the gift receptacle, and closed, as depicted in Figure 2b to retain the gift within the gift receptacle 100.

The gift receptacle 100 may define any suitable interior volume. The interior volume of the gift receptacle 100 may be appropriately selected depending upon the gift to be received and retained therein. An interior volume of up to 1 L will be suitable for receiving a wide variety of gifts. In preferred embodiments, the gift receptacle 100 has an interior volume of from 0.4 L to 0.6 L. Figures 3a, 3b, and 4 show the gift receptacle 100 of Figures 2a and 2b, in an open configuration with a plurality of charges 30 mounted within the gift receptacle, adjacent holes 20. The charges 30 are explosive charges or 'snaps'. As shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the charges 30 may take the form of a conventional cartridge-type charge as commonly used in party poppers, having a cartridge 32, typically formed from paper or cardboard, containing a string 34 and a friction-activated explosive material. However, any suitable alternative charges may be used, including but not limited to charges of compressed gas, mechanical charges, and electronic charges.

The charges 30 are each affixed to a respective panel 12b within the interior of the gift receptacle 100. In alternative embodiments, the charges may be affixed to a respective panel 12b on the exterior of the gift receptacle 100. Any suitable means may be used for affixing each charge 30 to a respective panel 12b, including but not limited to adhesive or tape. As a further alternative, the charges may be incorporated into the panels 12b of the receptacle.

The charges 30 may be mounted in any orientation to a respective panel 12b. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the charges are mounted horizontally, that is with the longitudinal axis of the cartridges 30 lying in a plane parallel to each panel 12a. In alternative embodiments, one or more of the charges may be mounted vertically, that is with the longitudinal axis of the cartridges 30 oriented perpendicular to each panel 12a, or at any other angle.

Figures 3a, 3b and 4 show three charges 30 mounted within the gift receptacle 100 on respective panels 12b. However, any suitable number of charges may be used.

For example, the gift receptacle 100 may contain from one to twelve charges. Each charge 30 need not be mounted on a different panel 12b of the gift receptacle 100. For example, in alternative embodiments, a plurality of charges 30 may be mounted to one or more of the panels 12b.

The charges 30 are activated by pulling the string 34 from the cartridge 32. This causes friction within the cartridge 32 which ignites the explosive material to detonate the charge.

As can be seen from Figures 3a, 3b, and 4, when the charges 30 are mounted within the interior of the gift receptacle, the strings 34 extend through holes 20 in the gift receptacle 100 so that the charges can be detonated from the exterior of the gift receptacle 100, without accessing the interior, as will be described in more detail below.

Figures 5 and 6 show a gift delivery device, generally indicated as 200. The gift delivery device 200 includes the gift receptacle 100 with charges 30 mounted therein, as described above with reference to Figures 3a, 3b, and 4.

An activating mechanism in the form of an elongate strip of material 50, having a first end 52 and a second end 54, extends around the exterior of the gift receptacle 100. A portion of the activating mechanism 50 passes within the interior of the gift receptacle 100 via slots 18 in a panel 12b. The activating mechanism 50 may be formed from any suitable material, including but not limited to paper, card, cardboard, fabric, or polymer. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 5 and 6, the activating mechanism 50 is a fabric ribbon.

The strings 34 of each snap 30 extending through holes 20 in panels 12b of the gift receptacle 100 are connected to the ribbon 50 using any suitable means, for example an adhesive. In one embodiment, the strings 34 may be sewn or tied into the ribbon 50.

In use, a gift is placed within the gift receptacle 100 of the gift delivery device 200. During gift exchange, in which the gift is given to a recipient, one or more players, typically including the recipient, grasp and pull the first end 52 and second end 54 of the ribbon 50. In this manner, the ribbon is pulled away from the exterior of the gift receptacle 100, simultaneously drawing the strings 34 of charges 30 from the cartridges 32 via holes 20.

The action of pulling the strings 34 from the cartridges 32 detonates the charges 30 to emit a sequential plurality of audible sounds and/or visible flashes 60, as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8.

A portion of the ribbon 50 extends within the gift receptacle 100 via slots 18 to ensure that the activating mechanism remains affixed to the receptacle following activation of the charges. This may prevent the gift receptacle from falling to the floor if it is left unsupported by the players when the ribbon 50 is pulled away from the exterior of the gift receptacle to activate the charges 30.

In alternative embodiments, the slots 18 may be omitted, or replaced with an additional hole 20 and respective charge 30, so that upon activation of the charges the receptacle can be made to detach from the activating mechanism and fall, if desired.

Following detonation of the charges 30, the gift recipient opens the gift receptacle to access a gift item retained therein.

Figure 9 shows an alternative gift delivery device, generally indicated as 300. The gift delivery device includes a gift receptacle 150 in the form of a spherical capsule having two separable hemispherical halves 152, 154, which can be opened to access a gift item retained therein.

The gift delivery device 300 further comprises an activating mechanism in the form of a ribbon 50 having a first end 52 and a second end 54 extending about a circumference of the receptacle 150.

The activating mechanism 50 is connected to charges 30 mounted within the receptacle 150 via strings 34 extending through the wall of the capsule.

In use, a gift item is placed within the gift receptacle 150 of the gift delivery device 300. During gift exchange, one or more players grasp and pull the first end 52 and second end 54 of the ribbon 50. In this manner, the ribbon is pulled away from the exterior of the gift receptacle 150, simultaneously activating the charges 30 mounted with the receptacle. The gift receptacle may be transparent or translucent, so that a flash of light emitted upon activation of the charges mounted within the receptacle may produce a visible effect that can be seen by the players.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A gift delivery device comprising: a receptacle for receiving and retaining a gift item; one or more charges; and an activating mechanism extending along an outer surface of the receptacle; wherein the activating mechanism is configured to allow a user to activate one or more of the charges prior to accessing the receptacle to remove the gift item.
2. The gift delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more charges comprises a plurality of charges.
3. The gift delivery device according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the receptacle comprises a rigid container and/or a flexible container.
4. The gift delivery device according to claim 3, wherein the receptacle comprises a rigid box with a lid.
5. The gift delivery device according to any preceding claim, wherein the receptacle comprises a plurality of faces.
6. The gift delivery device according to claim 5, wherein each one of the one or more charges is located on a respective one of the plurality of faces.
7. The gift delivery device according to any preceding claim, wherein the receptacle comprises a regular or irregular polyhedron.
8. The gift delivery device according to any preceding claim, wherein the receptacle is a hexagonal prism.
9. The gift delivery device according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more charges comprise a store of potential energy selected from an explosive, a compressed gas, a spring-loaded mechanism, an electrical cell, or combinations thereof.
10. The gift delivery device according to any preceding claim, wherein the charges are located within the receptacle
11. The gift delivery device according to any preceding claim, wherein the receptacle has an internal volume of from 0.05 L to 1 L, preferably from 0.1 L to 0.9 L, still more preferably from 0.2 L to 0.8 L, more preferably still from 0.3 L to 0.7 L, most preferably from 0.4 L to 0.6 L.
12. The gift delivery device according to any preceding claim, wherein the activating mechanism is configured to activate each of the one or more charges.
13. The gift delivery device according to any preceding claim, wherein the activating mechanism comprises an elongate strip of material connected to each of the one or more charges.
14. The gift delivery device according to any preceding claim, wherein the activating mechanism remains connected to the receptacle after the one or more charges have been activated.
15. The gift delivery device according to any preceding claim, wherein the activating mechanism holds the receptacle in a closed position, operation of the activating mechanism to activate all of the one or more charges releasing the receptacle and allowing the receptacle to be opened.
16. A method of delivering a gift using a gift delivery device according to any preceding claim, comprising: placing a gift item within the receptacle; activating one or more of the charges using the activating mechanism prior to accessing the receptacle to remove the gift item; and removing the gift item from the receptacle.