Patent ID: 6651797
Filing Date: 2003-11-25
Classification: G07F

Abstract:
A coin bank for protecting and safekeeping coins, said coin bank comprising:a slot for receiving said coins therethrough; a container for releasably receiving the coins thereinto, said container including a coin entrance leading to said container, and security means for selectively preventing removal of said coins from said container; a plurality of bumper posts positioned between said slot and said container, said plurality of bumper posts defining a plurality of travel paths for said coins; a frontal face, said frontal face including a transparent panel for allowing movement of said coins to be observed by a user as the coins move along said travel paths; electronic means for producing an observable output, wherein the electronic means further comprises an audible output means for producing an audible sound responsive to coin movement when at least one coin travels along one of the travel paths defined by the bumper posts, for evoking a response of entertainment, or amusement from the user; wherein the plurality of bumper posts extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to said frontal face; wherein the plurality of bumper posts are disposed in horizontal rows, wherein the bumper posts in said horizontal rows align vertically with bumper posts in every other row, and wherein the bumper posts in said horizontal rows are displaced from vertical alignment with bumper posts in adjacent horizontal rows; wherein said transparent panel is planar and configured to extend parallel to a wall of a building; wherein said coin bank further comprises a background panel arranged in a parallel orientation with respect to said transparent panel; wherein said plurality of bumper posts reside between said transparent panel and said background panel such that said bumper posts extend from said background panel to said front panel to thereby reside sandwiched between said background panel and said front panel and wherein said bumper posts thereby extend in a perpendicular orientation with respect to said background panel and said front panel; wherein the transparent panel, background panel, and bumper posts collectively comprise a means for causing a visible, manipulative movement of coins having diverted lateral coin movement combined with downward vertical coin movement such that when said coins are inserted into said slot, said coins fall into contact with at least some of said bumper posts causing the coins to visibly move both downwardly and laterally toward said container in a manner configured to evoke a reaction of interest or amusement; wherein said coin bank further comprises a distinctive image disposed on the frontal face; wherein the distinctive image is selected from the group consisting of: a picturesque scene; a depiction from a popular movie; a depiction of a popular animated character; and a multicolored panel; wherein said coin bank further comprises calculating means for calculating the value of the coins received into the container; wherein the calculating means further comprises means for calculating the total value of the coins deposited; wherein said coin bank further comprises display means for displaying an amount calculated; wherein said plurality of bumper posts each comprise a cylindrical configuration, and wherein said plurality of bumper posts are exposed to be contacted by said coins around an entire circumference of said bumper posts; and wherein said slot extends along a majority width of said coin bank such that said coins can be deposited at various locations along the width of said coin bank.