WO2007065194A1 - A musical cracker - Google Patents
A musical cracker Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2007065194A1 WO2007065194A1 PCT/AU2006/001296 AU2006001296W WO2007065194A1 WO 2007065194 A1 WO2007065194 A1 WO 2007065194A1 AU 2006001296 W AU2006001296 W AU 2006001296W WO 2007065194 A1 WO2007065194 A1 WO 2007065194A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- cracker according
- cracker
- activation
- central body
- sound module
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H37/00—Jokes; Confetti, streamers, or other dance favours ; Cracker bonbons or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H5/00—Musical or noise- producing devices for additional toy effects other than acoustical
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to party accessories, and more particularly to "Christmas crackers", otherwise known as party crackers or bon bons. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
- Traditional Christmas crackers or bon bons comprise a generally tubular central body portion and a pull-formation at each end.
- the central body usually contains a small novelty item such as a toy, a party hat, a joke or a combination of such items.
- Each pull-formation is joined to the central body by means of a frangible connection, typically formed from paper or cardboard.
- Internal elongate activation strips extend inwardly from the respective pull-formations and are detachably connected in overlapping relationship within the central body. The activation strips incorporate friction tabs and a minute quantity of an explosive such as gunpowder in the overlapping zone.
- the invention provides a cracker including:
- a sound module disposed substantially within the central body and adapted upon activation to produce a predetermined sequence of audible tones
- the triggering means operable such that detachment of either one of the pull- formations from the central body causes the triggering means to activate the sound module.
- the triggering means include a pair of triggering mechanisms, each being operatively associated at one end with a respective one of the pull-formations and being operatively connected at the other end with the activation means.
- each trigger mechanism includes an elongate activation strip, which is preferably secured at one end to the respective pull-formation.
- the sound module is electronic, including a battery, speaker and microchip containing stored information corresponding to the predetermined sequence of audible tones.
- the activation means include a pair of switches wired in parallel with the sound module.
- each switch includes a movable first contact resiliently biased toward a second contact.
- a proximal end of the associated activation strip Prior to activation, a proximal end of the associated activation strip is preferably disposed to separate the first and second contacts so as to maintain the switch in an inoperative or open state.
- the first and second contacts are resiliently biased into engagement whereby the switch is moved into an operative state, the triggering circuit is closed, and the sound module is thereby activated.
- the predetermined sequence of audible tones corresponds to a tune associated with a traditional religious festival, such as a Christmas Carol, a song such as "Happy Birthday” associated with a traditional cultural celebration, a national anthem, a well-known musical theme, or any other tune or song, whether associated with a religious or cultural festival, or otherwise.
- the predetermined sequence of tones could also include a single tone, an essentially random sequence, or a non-musical sound, such as the sound of a small explosion reminiscent of a traditional cracker.
- the microchip is programmed such that the song, tune tone or sound is only repeated a predetermined number of times.
- the sequence is repeated twice, whereas in embodiments adapted to generate an explosive sound, for example, the sequence is preferably played only once.
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cracker, according to the invention
- Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal components of the cracker of figure 1 ;
- Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the sound module, activation switches and triggering mechanisms of the cracker shown in Figures 1 and 2;
- Figure 4 is a circuit diagram in respect of the sound module, battery, speaker and switch mechanisms of the cracker.
- the invention provides a cracker 1, having a central generally tubular body 2, defining an internal containment region 3, and a pair of opposing pull-formations 4, joined to opposite ends of the body by respective frangible connecting portions 5.
- the body 2, pull-formations 4 and connecting portions 5 are integrally formed from a paper-covered cardboard panel, rolled into a tube with overlapping longitudinal edges joined together along an adhesion line.
- the overlapping edges are preferably joined by means of double-sided adhesive tape, but may alternatively be joined by gluing, interlocking flaps or tabs, stapling, stitching or other suitable means.
- the connecting portions are defined by respective series of circumferentially spaced cut-outs 6.
- Each series of cut-outs defines a circumferential line of weakness and also allows a radial contraction between the associated pull-formation and the central body.
- a string tie 7, contracts the connecting portion in this region, and thereby provides the traditional neck region of reduced diameter at each end of the central body.
- the cracker includes a sound module 10 incorporating a battery 11, speaker unit 12, and an integrated circuit or microchip 13 containing stored information corresponding to a predetermined sequence of audible tones, such as a Christmas Carol, festive tune or other sound.
- the cracker further includes an activation mechanism 15, in the form of a pair of switches 16, connected in parallel.
- Each switch includes a movable first contact 17, resiliently biased toward a stationary second contact 18, on an underlying circuit board 19.
- the sound module and associated activation mechanism are ideally wrapped together in heat-shrink plastic 20, and glued to an internal surface of the containment region 3 of the body (see figure 2), which also contains a traditional toy, gift or novelty item (not shown).
- the sound module and the activation mechanism are contained in an integral housing, or alternatively in respective discrete housings, which may optionally be connected together.
- the cracker further includes a pair of trigger mechanisms 21, each being attached at one end to a respective one of the pull-formations and being operatively connected at the other end to the activation mechanism 15, whereby detachment of either one of the pull-formations from the central body as the cracker is pulled, causes the respective trigger mechanism to activate the sound module.
- the sound module is adapted upon activation to play the predetermined tune, and the microchip is preferably programmed such that the tune is played only a predetermined number of times.
- each trigger mechanism includes an elongate activation strip 22 formed from or incorporating a suitable insulating material such as cardboard or plastic.
- Each activation strip is secured at one end to the associated pull- formation and is positioned at the proximal end between the first and second contacts of the respective switch 16, so as to maintain the switch in an inoperative or open state. In this way, separation of either one of the pull-formations from the main body of the cracker physically removes the proximal end of the associated activation strip from the respective switch, whereby the first and second contacts are resiliently biased into engagement. The switch is thereby moved into an operative state, closing the triggering circuit and activating the sound module.
- the outer ends of the activation strips are preferably secured to the respective pull-formations, so that the cracker will operate effectively without the pull-formations or activation strips needing to be held or gripped in any particular way by the users. It will be appreciated, however, that this feature is optional, and that in alternative less preferred embodiments, the outer ends of the activation strips may simply rest within the respective pull-formations without being secured, in which case reliable activation is dependent upon the users gripping the activation strips in conjunction with the respective pull-formations.
- the switches 16 are connected in parallel, as best seen in figure 4, because the triggering mechanisms are symmetrically arranged, and because there is nothing otherwise inherent in the cracker that would bias separation or activation toward one pull-formation or the other, the sound module is activated irrespective of which pull-formation separates from the main body of the cracker, and each pull- formation is equally likely to separate. Importantly, this preserves the element of randomness and surprise associated with traditional crackers. It will be appreciated, however, that other forms of switching devices and triggering mechanisms may alternatively be used.
- the invention provides a simple and reliable cracker, which provides an aural component of festivity and surprise, in a novel form.
- the invention is cost-effective to manufacture, because it can essentially be assembled, rolled, sealed and crimped in the conventional manner, without the need for more complex and expensive production techniques.
- the cracker of the present invention advantageously retains a traditional outward appearance and despite its internal sophistication, avoids any inherent bias toward one pull-formation or the other, such that the element of random bilateral activation is also effectively retained.
- the invention achieves these ends without the use of explosives. This in turn makes the process of packaging, transporting and distributing the crackers in commercial quantities a relatively more straightforward, less expensive and less hazardous exercise. In these and other respects, the invention represents a practical and commercially significant improvement over the prior art.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Toys (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0811412A GB2446995B (en) | 2005-12-07 | 2006-09-05 | A musical cracker |
NZ568627A NZ568627A (en) | 2005-12-07 | 2006-09-05 | A musical cracker |
CA2632320A CA2632320C (en) | 2005-12-07 | 2006-09-05 | A musical cracker |
AU2006322624A AU2006322624C1 (en) | 2005-12-07 | 2006-09-05 | A musical cracker |
US12/096,491 US20080287034A1 (en) | 2005-12-07 | 2006-09-05 | Musical Cracker |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2005906877 | 2005-12-07 | ||
AU2005906877A AU2005906877A0 (en) | 2005-12-07 | A musical cracker |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2007065194A1 true WO2007065194A1 (en) | 2007-06-14 |
WO2007065194A8 WO2007065194A8 (en) | 2008-07-10 |
Family
ID=38122389
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/AU2006/001296 WO2007065194A1 (en) | 2005-12-07 | 2006-09-05 | A musical cracker |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20080287034A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2006322624C1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2632320C (en) |
GB (1) | GB2446995B (en) |
NZ (1) | NZ568627A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007065194A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2544505A (en) * | 2015-11-18 | 2017-05-24 | Ig Design Group Uk Ltd | Cracker snaps |
US20180077905A1 (en) * | 2010-03-01 | 2018-03-22 | Horsemen's Pride, Inc. | Tug toy |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AU2015218227B2 (en) * | 2014-02-11 | 2020-04-30 | Crackertoa Limited | Cracker |
US10039994B2 (en) * | 2016-02-09 | 2018-08-07 | Willow Group, Ltd. | Cracker with viewing window |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2243306A (en) * | 1990-05-19 | 1991-10-30 | Brite Sparks Limited | Cracker |
GB2383000A (en) * | 2001-12-05 | 2003-06-18 | Rowan Rasmussen | Cracker |
Family Cites Families (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1377741A (en) * | 1918-07-19 | 1921-05-10 | Jay H Woolhiser | Favor |
US1290300A (en) * | 1918-08-12 | 1919-01-07 | Louis F Nortier | Detonating device. |
US1509956A (en) * | 1922-04-29 | 1924-09-30 | Leonard F Kipp | Sounding toy |
US2149852A (en) * | 1938-01-20 | 1939-03-07 | Mahaffy Arthur Montague | Detonator for christmas crackers and the like |
US2531853A (en) * | 1948-07-12 | 1950-11-28 | Julius E Larman | Snapper party hat |
US2787862A (en) * | 1953-11-13 | 1957-04-09 | Victor T Hoeflich | Snapping motto or cracker |
US3226236A (en) * | 1964-03-12 | 1965-12-28 | Kitchens Of Sara Lee Inc | Method of forming a food package |
US4059917A (en) * | 1976-11-10 | 1977-11-29 | Mattel, Inc. | Simulated firecracker |
US4206846A (en) * | 1977-10-11 | 1980-06-10 | Bemis Company, Inc. | Pallet load wrapping with stretchable plastic netting |
US4873814A (en) * | 1988-08-16 | 1989-10-17 | Harris Charles C | Method of making a shrink wrap package |
US5955125A (en) * | 1996-07-17 | 1999-09-21 | Oddzon/Cap Toys, Inc. | Confectionary holder |
US5830037A (en) * | 1996-09-09 | 1998-11-03 | Mercury Printing | Noise-making strip |
US5816885A (en) * | 1997-02-05 | 1998-10-06 | Tiger Electronics, Ltd. | Deformable sound-generating electronic toy |
US6971619B2 (en) * | 2000-06-12 | 2005-12-06 | Pearson Leonard B | Airglide computer mouse pad having whisper surfaces |
US6915949B1 (en) * | 2003-05-02 | 2005-07-12 | Demosthenes O. Economopoulos | Multi-layered pizza pie box |
US6920975B1 (en) * | 2003-05-29 | 2005-07-26 | The Gem Group | Clock for notepad cover flap |
CN2668210Y (en) * | 2003-10-29 | 2005-01-05 | 晓兴有限公司 | Music toy |
EA010075B1 (en) * | 2004-05-28 | 2008-06-30 | АБАКУС (Си.Ай.) ЛИМИТЕД ЭЗ ТРАСТИ ОФ ЗЕ БЭЙВЬЮ ТРАСТ | Fishing lure |
US20070194035A1 (en) * | 2006-02-17 | 2007-08-23 | Michael Kivatisky | Tissue housing and dispensing apparatus and method of use |
-
2006
- 2006-09-05 NZ NZ568627A patent/NZ568627A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2006-09-05 CA CA2632320A patent/CA2632320C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2006-09-05 AU AU2006322624A patent/AU2006322624C1/en not_active Ceased
- 2006-09-05 WO PCT/AU2006/001296 patent/WO2007065194A1/en active Application Filing
- 2006-09-05 GB GB0811412A patent/GB2446995B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2006-09-05 US US12/096,491 patent/US20080287034A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2243306A (en) * | 1990-05-19 | 1991-10-30 | Brite Sparks Limited | Cracker |
GB2383000A (en) * | 2001-12-05 | 2003-06-18 | Rowan Rasmussen | Cracker |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20180077905A1 (en) * | 2010-03-01 | 2018-03-22 | Horsemen's Pride, Inc. | Tug toy |
US10765088B2 (en) * | 2010-03-01 | 2020-09-08 | Fyf-Jb, Llc | Tug toy |
GB2544505A (en) * | 2015-11-18 | 2017-05-24 | Ig Design Group Uk Ltd | Cracker snaps |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2446995A (en) | 2008-08-27 |
NZ568627A (en) | 2011-08-26 |
GB0811412D0 (en) | 2008-07-30 |
US20080287034A1 (en) | 2008-11-20 |
CA2632320C (en) | 2014-06-10 |
AU2006322624C1 (en) | 2012-12-13 |
CA2632320A1 (en) | 2007-06-14 |
AU2006322624A1 (en) | 2007-06-14 |
GB2446995B (en) | 2010-06-30 |
AU2006322624B2 (en) | 2012-07-19 |
WO2007065194A8 (en) | 2008-07-10 |
GB2446995A8 (en) | 2008-10-01 |
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