Piñata Structure and Method for Assembling Same

Systems and methods are disclosed that include providing a piñata with an improved piñata structure. The piñata structure includes a top, a bottom, and a center piece, each having a plurality of slots extending radially inward from a perimeter. A plurality of vertical column components engage the top, bottom, and centerpiece via complementary aligned upper, lower, and middle slots to form compartments in the piñata structure that can be filled with candy or confetti. A tube extending through the center of the piñata structure includes a string passing therethrough and coupled to an anchoring object at the bottom of the piñata structure. The string serves as an axis of rotation for the piñata structure. Tape, streamer, ribbon, or a combination thereof is wrapped around the piñata structure in consecutive layers and when peeled, the piñata rotates and expels the contents of the piñata structure.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention described herein generally relates to an improved structure for a piñata and method for assembling the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In many cultures, piñatas are a traditional element for various festive occasions, including birthdays. Piñatas are often a shaped container made of cardboard, papier-mâché, clay, or cloth-like materials, which are typically decorated, filled with candy, confetti, fruit, or a combination thereof, and then broken as part of a celebration. The shape of the piñata can vary from geometric shapes to animal shapes, persons, or otherwise, and its final appearance is typically artistic and festive.

Another type of piñata is a spinning or rotating piñata in which ribbon, tape, or the like is used to wrap the piñata structure, and gradually pulled or tugged upon to simultaneously spin and unwrap the piñata. A spinning piñata is typically hung, and a rope, string, or similar element traversing the center of the piñata structure is used as an axis on which the piñata can be spun. As the piñata structure is spun, the ribbon or tape wrapping gradually falls away from the piñata and candy or other items fall from the internal portion of the piñata for receipt by onlookers.

SUMMARY

The present invention comprises a structure and method for making a spinning piñata. Its structure, however, may also be applied to a piñata wherein the present structure and method of assembly is used as the inner portion of a piñata and the outer portion of the piñata is shaped as an animal, geometric shape, or the like.

The present invention also comprises an improved construction for a rotating piñata in which the inner portion of the piñata is compartmentalized to provide for more even distribution of candy or the like, as well as more optimal weight distribution within the inner portion of the piñata and support for the bottom of the piñata so that the bottom of the piñata does not collapse from excess weight of its contents.

The present invention also comprises an improved piñata structure that does not require any adhesives, staples, or otherwise to hold its structure together, nor any more solid objects such as clay, and therefore, it is safe for use indoors as well as outdoors.

The present invention also comprises a method for straightforward and fun assembly process of the piñata described herein wherein the assembled piñata will be sturdy and hold sufficient capacity for a festive occasion.

The present invention may also further comprise an inner structure for a more traditional piñata (i.e., not a rotating piñata) wherein the decorative elements may be built around the present structure, but where the benefits of the piñata structure remain intact.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended figures is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and/or operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Referring toFIGS.1to10, various views of a piñata structure100are shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The piñata structure100described herein may generally comprise a top102, a base or bottom104, a center piece106, and a plurality of vertical column pieces108. In some embodiments, the piñata structure100may also comprise a center tube110, a string112disposed therethrough, and a pencil or other anchoring object114used to secure the string112to the piñata structure100.

The top102may generally comprise a hexagonal shape comprising six equal sides116. However, in other embodiments, the top102may comprise any number of sides (e.g., 3, 4, 5, etc.) depending on the preferred configuration or shape of the piñata structure100. The top102may comprises a plurality of slots118equally spaced around the top102and cutting radially inward from corners120formed between adjacent sides116around the perimeter of the top102. In some embodiments, the corners120may be beveled, chamfered, or rounded to enhance or promote easy assembly of the piñata structure100. As will be discussed later herein, the top102may also comprise a plurality of access holes122that each intersect a score line124that defines an access flap or compartment cover126for each of the compartments of the piñata structure100. The top102may also comprise a central opening128. The central opening128may function to receive the center tube110therethrough, which may be formed from cardboard, plastic, or another suitable sturdy material.

The bottom104may also comprise a hexagonal shape comprising six equal sides130. In some embodiments, the bottom104may be substantially similar in size to the top102. As such, it will be appreciated that the bottom104may comprise the same number of sides130as the top102. The bottom104may also comprise a plurality of slots132equally spaced around the bottom104and cutting radially inward from corners134formed between the sides130around the perimeter of the bottom104. In some embodiments, the corners134may be beveled, chamfered, or rounded to enhance or promote easy assembly of the piñata structure100. The bottom104may also comprise a central opening136. In some embodiments, the central opening136may also function to receive the center tube110therethrough. However, in some embodiments, the central opening136may be smaller than a diameter of the center tube110, such that the center tube110rests on a top surface of the bottom104.

The center piece106may comprise three horizontal dividers138that are alternatingly disposed between support structures140. In some embodiments, the dividers138may be vertically aligned with the sides116of the top102and/or the sides130of the bottom104to form an upper compartment142between the top102and the center piece106and a lower compartment144between the bottom104and the centerpiece106. The support structures140may represent removed portions of the centerpiece106that form a larger, single compartment146that extends between the top102and the bottom104. The center piece106may also comprise a plurality of slots148equally spaced around the center piece106and cutting radially inward from the support structures140. It will be appreciated that the slots148may be shorter than the slots118,132formed in each of the top102and the bottom104, respectively. Additionally, the center piece106may also comprise a central opening149. Similar to central openings128,136, the central opening149may also function to receive the center tube110therethrough.

The vertical column pieces108may generally be configured to engage with the top102, the bottom104, and the center piece106to form the compartments142,144,146about the piñata structure100. More specifically, the vertical column pieces108may comprise horizontal slots150,152,154integrally formed therein. Each of the vertical column pieces108may comprise a upper slot150, a middle slot152, and a lower slot154that cut radially outwards from an inner edge of the vertical column pieces108. The slots150,152,154may be formed to be substantially perpendicular to the center tube110and the axis of rotation of the piñata structure100.

The vertical column pieces108may comprise a height greater than the height of the compartments, which allows the vertical column pieces108to extend above the top102and below the bottom104of the piñata structure100, with each vertical column's protrusion forming an upper septum and a lower septum. In some embodiments, the upper slots150and the lower slots154may be shorter than the middle slots152because the structure of the vertical column pieces108includes cutaway portions156disposed at the inner top and the inner bottom of each of the vertical column pieces108. In some embodiments, the cutaway portions156may be beveled, chamfered, or rounded. Accordingly, the upper slot150may be configured to engage one of the slots118in the top102, the middle slot152may be configured to engage one of the slots148in the center piece106, and the lower slot154may be configured to engage one of the slots132in the bottom104. In this manner, the piñata structure100may be assembled and structurally sound.

The center tube110may generally be disposed through the central openings128,136,149in each of the top102, bottom104, and center piece106. In some embodiments, the center tube110may be formed from cardboard, plastic, or another suitable sturdy material. In some embodiments, the center tube110may comprise a constant diameter. However, in some embodiments, the center tube110may taper from one end to the other. The center tube110facilitates passing the string112therethrough from a top to a bottom of the piñata structure100. In some embodiments, the string112may comprise a string, a rope, or other similar, sturdy elongated object. The string112may be coupled to or tied to the pencil or other anchoring object114at the bottom of the piñata structure100. In some embodiments, the pencil or other anchoring object114may rest against the bottom104and support the weight of the piñata structure100. The string112may function as an axis of rotation for the piñata structure100

In some embodiments, the piñata structure100preferably comprises nine compartments142,144,146, comprising three upper compartments142, three lower compartments144, and three larger compartments1146that extend between the top102and the bottom104. Vertically, the piñata structure100preferably comprises six vertical column spaces. In three alternating (i.e., non-adjacent from left to right) column spaces, the column spaces are vertically divided by the horizontal dividers138that extend radially outwards from the center piece106. In the other three column spaces, there is no horizontal divider138, and the vertical columns fill the height of the piñata structure100. In other words, the three upper compartments142and the three lower compartments144are above and below each other, respectively, effectively dividing three alternating column spaces of the piñata structure into the three upper compartments142and the three lower compartments144. The other three column spaces span substantially the entire height of piñata structure100, between the top102and the bottom104of the piñata structure100.

Each upper compartment142and larger compartment146of the piñata structure100comprises an access hole122and a score line124that defines an access flap or compartment cover126for each of the compartments142,146of the piñata structure100. The access holes122comprise a hole in the cardboard structure that allows a user's finger or other suitable object (such as a pen, pencil, or screwdriver) to be inserted, so that the access flap or compartment cover126of each compartment142,146of the piñata structure100may be opened to allow materials such as candy or confetti to be inserted into each compartment142,146by a user. The score lines124may define or provide a perimeter along which the access flaps or compartment covers126may be folded and opened.

The three upper compartments142are designed to facilitate improved distribution of the contents of the piñata structure100. In spinning or rotating piñatas, it is common for most of the contents to accumulate at the bottom so that when the piñata is spun, and the ribbon or other wrapping gradually falls off from the top to the bottom of the piñata, the contents are only expelled in the last few spins. Embodiments of the piñata structure100described herein allows the contents to be expelled more evenly during the spinning process, without the need for excessive filling with contents.

The three lower compartments144are not fillable as there is no access to them (following assembly) to fill them up with contents such as candy or otherwise. The emptiness of the three lower compartments144, however, serves to control or regulate the carrying capacity of the piñata structure100and prevents it from being overfilled and possibly breaking or falling before use or completion of use. The three larger compartments146comprises larger vertical spaces than the three upper compartments142, and thus, possesses approximately double the capacity of the upper compartments142, thereby increasing the storage capacity of the piñata structure100.

To assemble the piñata structure100, the top102, the bottom104, and the center piece106may be assembled with a first vertical column piece108. In no particular order, the upper slot150of the vertical column piece108may be inserted into one of the slots118in the top102, the middle slot152of the vertical column piece108may be inserted into one of the slots148in the center piece106, and the lower slot154of the vertical column piece108may be inserted into one of the slots132in the bottom104. Preferably, assembly of the piñata structure100entails assembling opposing vertical column pieces108. In other words, the first and second vertical column pieces108should essentially be aligned radially and essentially bisect the shape of the piñata structure100when viewed from the top. This process may continue with the remaining vertical column pieces108until all slots150,152,154of vertical column pieces108have been inserted radially into the slots118,132,148, respectively, such that the upper slots150of the vertical column pieces108engage one of the slots118in the top102, the middle slots152of the vertical column pieces108engage one of the slots148in the center piece106, and the lower slots154of the vertical column pieces108engage one of the slots132in the bottom104.

Once the overall piñata structure100is assembled, the center tube110may be inserted into the central opening128of the top102, passed through the central opening149of the center piece106, and rest on the central opening136of the bottom104, which is preferably smaller in diameter so as to form a ledge or seat for the center tube110. Once the center tube110is in place, the string112may be passed through the center tube110and out of the bottom end of center tube110with sufficient length remaining on both ends to permit the piñata structure100to be suspended from the ceiling or other fixed structure by the string112, and to permit a knot to be securely tied to the pencil or other anchoring object114. Once the piñata is suspended or hung, the pencil or other anchoring object114contacts an underside of the bottom104to support the weight of the piñata structure100.

The piñata structure100may be wrapped by affixing adhesive material, such as double-sided tape to the bottom104inside one or more of the compartments142,144,146at a location in the compartment142,144,146that is distal from the center tube110or central axis of the piñata (e.g., substantially flush with an outer edge of one or more of the vertical column pieces108). A first end of a stretch of decorative tape, streamer, or ribbon may be affixed to the double-sided adhesive and wrapped circumferentially and/or horizontally around the piñata structure100, while maintaining tension on the tape, streamer, or ribbon. The tape, streamer, or ribbon may be wrapped around the piñata structure100in consecutive layers, such that substantially no vertical space is left between the progressive layers as they layer vertically up the side of the piñata structure100. This process is continued until the entire side portion of the piñata is wrapped with the tape, streamer, or ribbon.

A portion of the tape, streamer, or ribbon adjacent a second end (the end opposite the first end) of the tape, streamers, or ribbon is affixed to a second area of adhesive material located near the top102or inside one of the compartments142,144,146at a location that is distal from the center tube110or the central axis of the piñata (e.g., substantially flush with an outer edge of one or more of the vertical column pieces108). In this manner, a portion of excess tape or ribbon is available to tug or pull upon when the piñata is placed into use.

In use, the fully assembled piñata comprising the piñata structure100may be suspended from a hook in a ceiling or other similar sixed structure. The tape, streamer, or ribbon that is used to enclose the piñata and which is affixed to adhesive elements is then pulled repeatedly to cause the tape, streamer, or ribbon to slowly and progressively reveal from top to bottom the compartments142,144,146containing candy or the like in the piñata structure100with the centrifugal force of the spinning structure, thereby causing the candy or the like to be expelled from the structure once the tape, streamers, or ribbon no longer prevents such expulsion.

It will be appreciated that a piñata structure100may include one or more of the following embodiments:Embodiment 1. A piñata structure, comprising: a top comprising a plurality of sides and having a plurality of slots equally spaced about the top and extending radially inward from a perimeter of the top; a bottom comprising a plurality of sides and having a plurality of slots equally spaced about the bottom and extending radially inward from a perimeter of the bottom; a center piece comprising a plurality of slots, wherein the plurality of slots in the center piece are aligned vertically with the plurality of slots in each of the top and the bottom; a plurality of vertical column components, each of the plurality of vertical column components comprising an upper slot configured to engage with one of the plurality of slots in the top, a lower slot configured to engage with one of the plurality of slots in the bottom, and a middle slot configured to engage with one of the plurality of slots in the center piece; a tube that extends through a central opening in the top and the center piece; and a string disposed through the tube and coupled to an anchoring object at a bottom of the piñata structure, wherein the string is configured to function as an axis of rotation for the piñata structure.Embodiment 2. The piñata structure of embodiment 1, wherein the top and the bottom are a substantially similar size.Embodiment 3. The piñata structure of embodiment 1, wherein the top and the bottom comprise a same number of sides.Embodiment 4. The piñata structure of embodiment 1, wherein the top and the bottom comprise at least three sides.Embodiment 5. The piñata structure of embodiment 1, wherein the top and the bottom comprise a hexagonal shape comprising six equal sides.Embodiment 6. The piñata structure of embodiment 1, wherein the plurality of slots formed in each of the top and the bottom extend radially inward from a perimeter of each of the top and bottom.Embodiment 7. The piñata structure of embodiment 6, wherein the plurality of slots formed in each of the top and the bottom extend radially inward from corners formed between adjacent sides of each of the top and the bottom.Embodiment 8. The piñata structure of embodiment 7, wherein the corners are beveled, chamfered, or rounded to promote easy assembly of the piñata structure.Embodiment 9. The piñata structure of embodiment 1, wherein the center piece comprises a plurality of horizontal dividers that are alternatingly disposed between support structures and that divide column spaces formed between adjacent vertical column pieces into an upper compartment and a lower compartment.Embodiment 10. The piñata structure of embodiment 9, wherein the plurality of slots formed in the center piece extend radially inward from the support structures.Embodiment 11. The piñata structure of embodiment 10, wherein the plurality of slots formed in the center piece are shorter than the plurality of slots formed in each of the top and the bottom.Embodiment 12. The piñata structure of embodiment 1, wherein each of the plurality vertical column pieces extend above the top and below the bottom.Embodiment 13. The piñata structure of embodiment 1, wherein the upper slot, the lower slot, and the middle slot formed in the vertical column pieces extend radially outwards from an inner edge of each of the plurality of vertical column pieces.Embodiment 14. The piñata structure of embodiment 13, wherein each of the plurality of vertical column pieces comprise cutaway portions disposed at an inner top portion and an inner bottom portion, and wherein the cutaway portions are beveled, chamfered, or rounded.Embodiment 15. The piñata structure of embodiment 14, wherein the middle slot is longer than the upper slot and the lower slot.Embodiment 16. The piñata structure of embodiment 1, wherein the piñata structure comprises a plurality of compartments.Embodiment 17. The piñata structure of embodiment 16, wherein the piñata structure comprises nine compartments.Embodiment 18. The piñata structure of embodiment 1, wherein the piñata structure comprises a plurality of upper compartments formed between the top and a horizontal divider of the center piece and between adjacent vertical column pieces, a plurality of lower compartments formed between the bottom and a horizontal divider of the center piece and between adjacent vertical column pieces, and a plurality of larger compartments formed between the top and the bottom and between adjacent vertical column pieces.Embodiment 19. The piñata structure of embodiment 18, wherein each lower compartment is disposed below an upper compartment, and wherein each adjacent lower compartment and upper compartment is disposed between adjacent larger compartments.Embodiment 20. The piñata structure of embodiment 19, wherein the top comprises a plurality of access flaps, and wherein each access flap provides access to an upper compartment or a larger compartment to allow candy or confetti to be inserted into each of the upper compartments and the larger compartments.Embodiment 21. The piñata structure of embodiment 20, wherein the upper compartments are configured to facilitate improved distribution of contents of the piñata structure when the piñata structure is rotated about the string.Embodiment 22. The piñata structure of embodiment 1, wherein the piñata structure is formed from cardboard, plastic, or a combination thereof.Embodiment 23. The piñata structure of embodiment 1, further comprising: tape, streamer, ribbon, or a combination thereof wrapped around the piñata structure in consecutive layers.Embodiment 24. A method of assembling a piñata structure, comprising: providing a top, a bottom, a center piece, a plurality of vertical column pieces, a tube, and a string; inserting an upper slot of each of the plurality of the vertical column pieces into one of a plurality of slots formed in the top; inserting a middle slot of each of the plurality of vertical column pieces into one of a plurality of slots formed in the center piece; inserting a lower slot of each of the vertical column pieces into one of a plurality of slots formed in the bottom; inserting a tube into a central opening of the top and the center piece; inserting a string through the tube; and affixing an anchoring object to the string at a bottom of the piñata structure.Embodiment 25. The method of embodiment 24, further comprising: wrapping tape, streamer, ribbon, or a combination thereof around the piñata structure in consecutive layers to form a piñata.Embodiment 26. The method of embodiment 25, further comprising: accessing one or more of a plurality of compartments formed in the piñata structure through one or more of a plurality of access flaps formed in the top; and inserting candy or confetti into one or more of the accessed compartments.

In the foregoing specification, the concepts have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, those of ordinary skill in the art appreciate that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Other examples that occur to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than in a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with respect to one or more specific embodiments. After reading the specification, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that certain features that are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombination. Further, references to values stated in ranges include each and every value within that range and include sub-ranges that overlap from one preferred range to another preferred range.