WO2009087387A1

WO2009087387A1 - Inflatable cracker hat and cracker

Info

Publication number: WO2009087387A1
Application number: PCT/GB2009/000052
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chris Piponides
Original assignee: Chris Piponides
Priority date: 2008-01-09
Filing date: 2009-01-09
Publication date: 2009-07-16
Also published as: GB0800322D0; GB2470545A; GB201017092D0

Abstract

An inflatable cracker hat and cracker having an inflatable hat that consists of a device (s) which creates sounds, tunes/melodies, illumination and/or inflation/erecting, when the cracker is pulled. These and any other features may be activated when the cracker is stationery, shaken and/or pulled. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker that is kinetically powered/power-assisted when the cracker is shaken, pulled and/or stationery. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker, comprising any components and contents that may be re-used for any purposes. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker consisting of an inflatable hat of any shape or design, including a conventional cracker crown form that inflates automatically when the cracker is pulled or is inflated via any valve and/or means. The hat may be a pop-up-hat that does not inflate. A device (s) powered by any form(s) of energy is used to inflate/deflate, pop-up/collapse and/or provide illumination and/or music/sounds, within the hat and/or cracker and/or any components. The inflatable cracker hat may be used independently and may consist of any valve including flat valve with straw.

Description

INFLATABLE CRACKER HAT AND CRACKER

This invention relates to an inflatable cracker hat and cracker.

Christmas crackers and party crackers have amused people over the years providing an element of surprise, gifts and fun. The design and contents of these crackers have not changed over the many years of their use in modern society. Cracker hats or crowns in particular have remained a standard design and do not fit well on a person's head. These are available in tissue, paper or card.

An inflatable cracker hat is mainly used with or contained inside, a cracker or Christmas cracker providing a more rigid, practical and aesthetic hat than existing standard cracker hats. An inflatable cracker hat may also be used independently, without the use or provision of a cracker.

An inflatable cracker hat and cracker that creates a musical tune/melody and/or any sounds and/or when the cracker is pulled. An inflatable cracker hat may have a device (s) powered by battery, kinetics and/or any source(s) or energy means and combination that creates sounds and/or illumination. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker may produce a bang or explosion sound without any risk of harm, physical or environmental as with conventional crackers and their components and substances. An inflatable cracker hat may produce any melody or tune including jingle bells, silent night and Christmas carols. Any sounds or words may also be produced including 'ho, ho, ho' , Merry Christmas and sleigh bell chimes. Additionally fun noises including joke sounds and laughter may be used, as well as themes of any kind. Disney, animated and any other characters, children's story themes and any fun melodies may be sounded or used within the design. Tunes, songs and sounds of any type, faith and/or religion may be used, through/from an electronic device and/or mechanical device. An inflatable cracker hat may incorporate any forms of illumination including lasers. This may accentuate the bang sound when the hat is in use and/or cracker is pulled, by emitting a flash. The illumination may create any effects including fireworks, possibly with the aid of corresponding sounds.

An inflatable cracker hat may mainly comprise of, or be housed in a cracker or musical cracker, having an inflated balloon that makes a bang when pulled apart with the cracker. This may contain confetti and/or any form of decoration and/or elements of surprise including a jack-in-the- box. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker may also contain conventional contents including the explosion strip/snap, gifts, jokes, party hats, inflatable hats and/or confectionary. This invention may contain inflatable and adjustable party hats that would form a more rigid structure for the wearer. An inflatable cracker hat may take the form of a pop-up cracker hat. A pop-up hat may have illumination and/or sounds that activate when erect and/or at any stage of formation or any form.

An inflatable cracker hat and cracker as mentioned in the above may have a device producing sounds and/or illumination created at any stage including when the cracker is stationery, pulled or shaken. The inflatable, pop-up and/or any cracker hat may be adjustable and may also play or replay a joke using any device (s) including microphones, recorders and players.

Any components including the sounds/illumination device may be recyclable. This device may be reused as a broach, Christmas tree light and decoration and/or any item after the cracker and/or cracker hat has been pulled or used. A musical cracker may be designed to be reusable for any festive, party and/or occasion. The main cracker may comprise two halves that can be rejoined for use again another time(s) . The device used for sounds/illumination and/or any other functions and features may also be reused and may have replaceable batteries. This device (s) may interlock with other devices to form a larger structure that can work together as well as individually. The device may have a cable or lead which forms a chain when added or connected to other devices and may be powered individually or collectively by battery/ies, electricity and/or any energy sources.

An inflatable cracker hat and cracker and any of its components and contents may comprise of any materials, substances, gases, processes and devices in its construction and use.

In the following embodiment, an inflatable cracker hat, as shown in FIGURE 3, consists of a seamed surface structure that limits the amount of air or gas to form a thin inflated form. This creates the hat shape required. This limited air chamber design also allows for quick or easy inflation to offer convenience. This example illustrates a crown design. An auto-inflating cracker hat may incorporate a device or capsule that inflates the hat automatically when activated. A trigger mechanism may be activated by pressing or pushing a button or sensor. Alternatively, this may be activated when the cracker is pulled by using a sensor or built-in switch connected to the cracker and/or cracker snap or seal.

This invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the following drawings, where:

FIGURE 1 illustrates a cracker being pulled apart revealing a popup cracker hat. FIGURE 2 illustrates a pop-up hat having a device that plays a tune or sounds and may also have illumination. The pop-up hat may consist of a device that plays a recorded joke.

FIGURE 3 is an example of an Inflatable Cracker Hat that inflates automatically, and may use sensors, chemicals and/or any materials, substances, devices, motors and/or means. This may also be available in standard form and inflated by mouth or any process via any valve and/or means. The vertical lines indicate seams that are incorporated to restrict or control the air and/or gas circulated within the inflatable cracker hat, to create the thin inflated wall structure, forming a hat shape. These seams create air chambers or pockets similar to those found on/in 'lilos' or inflatable beds. In this diagram, a flat valve is used for compactness, having a peel-off tab over a section of adhesive that is adhered to the opposite end of the hat length to create a complete ring. This adhesive tab may be adhered to any position to suit the head that it is worn on, thus providing adjustability. Velcro, studs and any fixing or connection means may be incorporated. An inflatable cracker hat may be formed in a complete ring during manufacture.

FIGURE 4 shows an example of an inflatable cracker hat formed in a complete ring.

Claims

1. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker comprising an inflatable hat that sits inside a Christmas cracker or cracker where the hat is revealed when the cracker is pulled. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker can be used in one or separately. An inflatable cracker hat can be inflated through a valve by blowing into it or can be inflated automatically using a device or capsule. An inflatable cracker hat can be musical and/or illuminated. This is achieved using a device (s) powered by battery and/or any source(s) of energy. Kinetic-assisted battery/ies may also be used to accommodate any features including illumination and/or sounds to be powered and/or activated when the cracker is moved or shaken. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker may also incorporate conventional explosion means in combination with the means and features listed in the above. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker consisting mainly of an inflatable cracker hat of any shape or design including a crown that can be inflated manually by blowing into it via any type of valve or automatically using any means, including chemical and/or mechanical processes, power sources and devices. An inflatable cracker hat may be made of any material (s) that is lightweight and when deflated/uninflated, is compact to fit easily inside a cracker. Also the lightweight material(s) makes it comfortable to wear. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker may consist of a pop-up hat. An inflatable cracker hat and/or pop-up hat may be provided without musical or illumination features.

2. An inflatable cracker hat as previously described may be activated by battery and /or any energy sources to create an explosion sound, melodies, any sounds/noises and/or illumination in a physically and environmentally safe manner. An inflatable cracker and hat can be used for any occasion and comprise any design. Any toys, gifts and novelties may also be included and/or contained within an inflatable cracker hat and cracker.

3. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker where the cracker comprises a reusable outer structure made of two halves that can be rejoined after use thus recycled for another occasion. The device (s) and any other components and/or contents may also be reused and/or reusable for any other application (s) or purpose(s) . This helps with environmental issues in reducing waste and preserving materials both natural and man-made.

4. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker where the cracker itself and/or any part, can be used as a cracker hat and/or hat. This is more likely to be the main central cylinder which stays intact after the cracker is pulled apart. This central cylinder may extend or form into a hat. This hat can be self-erecting using pop-up and/or inflatable means. Collapsible means may also be incorporated. The hat formed when the cracker is pulled may reveal a gift inside the cracker. A device (s) may be used to activate, inflate/deflate, pop-up/collapse, emit illumination and/or create/play sounds/music.

5. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker consisting of an inflatable cracker hat that is inflated to form a more rigid structure than conventional paper hats. Adjustable means are provided using a strap, adhesive tab and/or valve, air or gas volume and any other processes. This is be made of polyethylene, rubber, foil, plastic and/or any material(s) and may be adjustable to provide a tailored fit. This inflatable cracker hat is inflated via any valve and/or straw, and/or any means or may be self-inflated/auto-inflated when released from the cracker. The latter may use chemicals, chemical reaction(s) , gas(es) or air of any kind(s) that may be activated using any sensors or release mechanisms/devices. This can incorporate a device to enable it to be collapsed and reused. The adjustable means are provided by a strap(s) and/or any means including hooks, Velcro, studs and inflation levels/stages. The inflatable cracker or party hat consists of a device(s) that produces illumination and/or sounds/music. Illumination and/or sound can be incorporated and/or provided by any power or energy sources including kinetic and/or kinetic assisted and/or battery. Any movement of the hat when worn, in transit and/or within a musical cracker and/or cracker charges and/or activates any features. An inflatable cracker hat made of rubber to form a balloon type of hat. Seams, dimples and protrusions can be used to create the required form or shape.

6. An inflatable cracker hat and hat having a hat that pops-up when released from the cracker. The pop-up-hat comprises a structure having a springy ribbed frame made of any material and/or air/gas filled, arranged in a spiral and/or concertina arrangement. The ribbed frame may be arranged in any way to provide the pop-up and/or collapsing mechanism. A spring and/or any type of pop-up means may be used. This pop-up hat can be collapsed for reuse and may also be adjustable as mentioned in the above. Any device (s) may be used to activate/deactivate a pop-up party hat and/or inflatable party hat. This hat may be any combination of the two mentioned types and with any other features. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker consisting of a conventional type cracker with a pop-up party hat that erects itself when the cracker is pulled apart. The latter may comprise a pop-up hat and/or inflatable hat. The pop-up and/or inflatable hat may include illumination and/or sounds provided by any means and using any device(s) including sound modules/chips.

7. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker as claimed in any of the previous claims where a pop-up party or cracker hat as described in the above is used with/in a party bag, lucky bag and/or any product. A pop- up or inflatable cracker hat included in a party bag consisting of a seal which when released allows the pop-up party hat to self-erect. A pop-up cracker hat for party/lucky bags can be a combination of pop-up and inflatable hats and include any other features. Any device (s) and for any function(s) may be used including sounds, illumination, inflation, deflation, sensor/trigger or activation means, adjustable means and any features, applications and uses.

8. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker comprising any components and contents that can be reused including jokes, hats and novelties. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker having a cracker that contains a balloon which creates a bang or explosion when the cracker is pulled apart. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker as previously described where any part(s) contain confetti and/or any decorative and/or celebratory items that may be scattered when the cracker is pulled. Confectionary and/or any types of food including rice may also be incorporated.

9. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker as claimed in the above comprising any device (s), components and contents and any activation and deactivation means including switches, sensors and mechanisms to achieve any features. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker incorporating means for connecting to Christmas tree light sockets/chambers. This can be accommodated by removing a bulb(s) from Christmas tree lights and connecting a musical cracker to that point (s) and therefore powered by mains and/or any power sources. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker having components that connect to and illuminate in place of the bulb and form part of the decoration. This invention can have any parts be made of a translucent or transparent material. Music and/or sound can also be thus produced. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker may have any means of/for connection onto other decorations or a Christmas tree to achieve these and/or any additional features.

10. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker as claimed in any of the above claims having a voice recorder /player device. This may allow messages, greetings and any other sounds, music and/or recordings to be made/played when the cracker is pulled. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker as previously claimed comprising any devices, contents, materials and features that may be constructed at home. This type of D. I. Y. cracker can also be reusable.

11. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker as claimed in claims 1 to 12 and in any part of this patent application where any details can relate or refer to a cracker and/or cracker hat. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker can be non-musical and/or non-illuminating and simply be inflatable and/or pop-up. An inflatable cracker hat and/or pop-up hat can be used within a cracker and/or used independently and for any purpose. An inflatable hat having a series of seams, as illustrated in Figure 3, to create a thin or compact, inflated wall thickness to restrict the depth. This creates the desired crown hat form or shape. Dimples or any indentations and/or protrusions may be incorporated to achieve this and/or any wall thickness or depth, and/or any shape or structure. Any seams or indentations incorporated form air chambers or ribs similar to those found in inflatable beds or lilos.

12. An inflatable cracker hat and cracker as claimed in claim 12 consisting of any design, print, advertising, and logo(s) within any part(s) , components and contents. Any design, logo and advertising to include Olympic games/rings and/or any sporting events. This specifically relates to an Olympic cracker and/or inflatable hat and/or pop-up hat promoted as memorabilia or official merchandise. An Olympic cracker comprising any related logos/design, any type of hat(s),

Olympic game facts, jokes and/or any novelties. Animated and/or themed characters including Disney may also be accommodated within any design of an inflatable hat, inflatable cracker hat, pop-up hat and/or musical cracker as described in the above.