Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Applications No. 60/570,542, filed May 13, 2004, No. 60/577,514, filed Jun. 7, 2004 and No. 60/616,015, filed Oct. 5, 2004 all entitled “Luminescent Pop-up Candy”, and all herein incorporated by reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates generally to illuminated novelty items. More specifically, it relates to illuminated consumable candies. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Light has been used to illuminate candy to generate novelty items through a number of different ways. One example is U.S. Pat. No. 4,914,748 by Schlotter, et. al. The Schlotter invention is based on a flashlight that includes a replaceable candy cylinder attached to the end of it. The flashlight is then turned on to make the candy cylinder glow brightly while being consumed. Coleman et. al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,471,373, expand on the flashlight concept by using it to flash pulses of light onto a candy sucker users face to the beat of music or other sounds made by an integrated circuit. Coleman et. al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,279, provides for varied illusions and color variations to be projected onto a candy by the flashlight. Two other U.S. Patent Application Publications by Coleman et.al.: Nos. 2003/0228828 and 2004/0032731 provide for further integration of candy with a flashlight. 2003/0067772 combines a removable candy ring with the flashlight. 2003/0228828 provides for a flashlight that illuminates a candy at one end and a reservoir at the other end that contains confection powder for dipping the illuminated candy. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,619,819 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0170020 to Johnson, U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,619 to Gordon and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2003/0016529 by Schuren et. al. are all directed to various apparatus for making candy luminescent by transmitting light from a light source along a tube into the candy. The Johnson patent further provides for a reflective coating inside the tube to enhance light transmission along the tube. 
   In other examples the properties of the candy itself can be used to enhance the illumination effect. Weber et.al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,416,800, provides for edible fiber optic candies that transmit light, while Coleman et. al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,732, provide for a flashlight with illuminated liquid candy. 
   In yet another example, the source of light for illuminating the candy may not be that of a power supply and light source, as in the preceding examples, but that of chemical luminescence. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0159244 describes such a chemiluminescent lollipop. 
   There is a significant degree of amusement value provided by the devices described in the prior art patents and publications referenced above. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that opportunity exists for enhancing the aesthetic appeal, amusement level, structural design and commercial viability of illuminated consumables. For example, candies such as the PUSH POPS® candy manufactured by The Topps Company possess a unique design in which the candy is stored within a housing prior to consumption. The housing acts to keep the candy clean when not in use. Having the candy inside the housing also provides for a more compact product for shipping. The candy is then pushed from the housing by either the consumer&#39;s finger or a spring mechanism just prior to consuming. This further lends to the amusement value of the product. The prior art only provides for illuminating candy that is secured outside the housing. The prior art is not believed to teach or suggest illuminating a candy structure such as the PUSH POPS® candy. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for illuminating a pop-up candy. The method includes providing a pop-up candy having an elongated housing with an interior, a longitudinal axis and first and second ends. Then, a candy is positioned within the interior of the elongated housing. This candy is movable along and rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the housing. The method further includes moving the candy along and rotating the candy about the longitudinal axis and illuminating the candy during this step. 
   In another aspect, the invention is directed to an illuminated confection apparatus comprising an elongated housing having a longitudinal axis and an interior having first and second positions. A connector is positioned in the interior and movable along the longitudinal axis between the first and second positions. A candy is disposed proximate the connector. An illumination system including a power and light source transmits light toward the candy. A switch connects the power source to light source when the connector is moved a first distance away from the first position and disconnects the source of power from the light source when the connector is in the first position. 
   In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to an illuminated confection apparatus comprising a housing having a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second end. A support is disposed for axial movement along, and rotational movement about, the longitudinal axis of the housing. A candy is attached to the support so as to move with the support. An illumination system is provided for transmitting light toward the candy. The illumination system including a source of power, a light source proximate the support that is capable of transmitting light toward the candy, and a switch that connects the source of power to the light source while permitting the support and the candy to move along and rotate about the longitudinal axis of the housing. 
   In an additional aspect, the invention is directed to an illuminated confection apparatus comprising an elongated housing having a longitudinal axis, a first end and an interior. A candy is disposed in the interior and movable along the longitudinal axis between first and second positions. A light source is positioned in the interior proximate the candy and movable with the candy between the first and second positions. The light source including a light, a source of power, and a switch assembly for connecting the source of power to the light wherein the switch assembly includes a first contact for connecting the source of power to the light and a bias assembly for urging the source of power against the contact when the light source has moved away from the first position a first distance toward the second position. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing and other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view showing the elements that form one embodiment of an illuminated pop-up candy; 
       FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  are cross-sectional, side elevation, schematic diagrams of assembled elements from  FIG. 1  forming an illuminated pop-up candy that uses the inherent pop-up action to automatically actuate the light source, with  FIG. 2   a  showing the candy in the extended position and  FIG. 2   b  showing the candy in the retracted position; 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view showing the elements that form the illumination system for the illuminated candy depicted in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4   a  is a cross-sectional, side elevation, schematic diagram of the assembled elements from  FIG. 3  showing the relation between elements of the illumination system in the illuminated state; 
       FIG. 4   b  is a cross-sectional, side elevation, schematic diagram of the assembled components from  FIG. 3  showing the relation between elements of the illumination system in the non-illuminated state; 
       FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  are cross-sectional, side elevation, schematic diagrams of another embodiment of an illuminated pop-up candy that uses the inherent pop-up action to automatically actuate the light source, with  FIG. 5   a  showing the candy in the extended position and  FIG. 5   b  showing the candy in the retracted position; 
       FIG. 6   a  is a cross-sectional, side elevation, schematic diagram of another embodiment of an illuminated pop-up candy that uses the inherent pop-up action combined with a magnet to automatically actuate the light source; 
       FIG. 6   b  is a cross-sectional, side elevation, schematic diagram showing the relation between elements of the illumination system of  FIG. 6   a  in the illuminated state; 
       FIG. 6   c  is a cross-sectional, side elevation, schematic diagram showing the relation between elements of the illumination system of  FIG. 6   a  in the non-illuminated state; 
       FIG. 7   a  is a cross-sectional, side elevation, schematic diagram of a design for an illuminated pop-up candy in the non-illuminated state; 
       FIG. 7   b  is a cross-sectional, side elevation, schematic diagram of a design for an illuminated pop-up candy whereby the force of an individuals finger pushes the candy up through the opening in a housing and actuates the illumination source; 
       FIG. 7   c  is an enlarged, cross-sectional, side elevation, schematic diagram of the illumination system in  FIG. 7   a  and  FIG. 7   b;    
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   An illuminated pop-up candy apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2   a  and  FIG. 2   b . Candy apparatus  1  includes a cap  2  that fits on top of a cylindrical housing  3 . Candy  4 , which may be substantially or partially translucent, is secured to moveable connector (aka support)  5  in which illumination system  6  is placed. Typically, moveable connector  5  is substantially transparent or is at least partially translucent, although in some embodiments it may be opaque or may be opaque and include a translucent or transparent portion. Apparatus  1  includes a plunger  7  that has a protrusion that fits within a hole in the base of illumination system  6 . Together illumination system  6 , plunger  7  and a large spring  8  make up switching system  9 . Large spring  8  also acts to apply pressure to candy  4  and push it out of the opening in housing  3  when cap  2  is off. Base  10  is used to secure all of the components within housing  3 . In the illuminated state, light  11  is emitted from illumination system  6  and transmitted through moveable connector  5  into candy  4 . 
   The details of one embodiment of illumination system  6  are illustrated in  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4   a  and  FIG. 4   b  and described below. Illumination system  6  includes a containment structure  20 . Within containment structure  20  is placed a shaped metal or other conductive strip  21  that makes electrical contact between the base of batteries  22  and the base of circuit board  23 . Strip  21  may reside partially within a slot  25  in containment structure  20  so as to be electrically insulated from the edge of batteries  22 . Containment structure  20  may be made from a non-electrically conductive material, or may be lined with a non-conductive material adjacent strip  21  and batteries  22  or everywhere. A small electrically conductive spring  26  is placed between the base of circuit board  23  and the top of battery  22 . 
   The top side of circuit board  23  contains light source  24  bonded to metal pads  27  and encapsulated in a clear epoxy. The light source may be a bulb or light emitting diode (LED) and can be electrically bonded by wire bonds, solder or any other appropriate electrical contact. Metal pads  27  are electrically connected by metal studs or vias  28  to metal pads  29  and  30  on the bottom side of circuit board  23 . Additional circuitry and controller chips can be incorporated into circuit board  23  to make light source  24  light up and flash when illumination system  6  is activated. Circuit board  23  is snapped into a ridge  31  in the top of containment structure  20  to lock all pieces in place and complete an electrical circuit. Alternatively, circuit board  23  may be glued in place and solder used to make electrical contact with strip  21 . Other attachment and connection schemes may also be employed. An insulating strip  32  can be placed between spring  26  and the top of battery  22 , through a slot  33  in the side of containment structure  20 , to keep the electrical circuit open during manufacturing so as to not drain the batteries. When illumination system  6  is integrated with illuminated pop-up candy housing  3 , insulating strip  32  may be removed to activate the illumination system. 
   Assembly of the illuminated pop-up candy occurs by securing candy  4  to moveable connector  5  and then positioning the candy and connector into the interior of housing  3 . Illumination system  6  is placed within moveable connector  5 . Plunger  7  with protrusion  34  is then aligned to a hole  35  in the bottom of illumination system  6 . Large spring  8  is then placed in housing  3  and base  10  press fit to seal the housing. Candy  4 , connector  5 , illumination system  6 , plunger  7  and spring  8  are all sized so that they may be moved along and rotated about the long axis of housing  3  within the interior of the housing. 
   Actuation of the illumination system  6  occurs as follows. When large spring  8  is in a compressed state  8   a , as in the case where the candy resides within housing  3 , enough pressure is applied to small spring  26  to open the electrical circuit by pushing the base of battery  22  away from conductive strip  21  to create gap  36 . In this state the electrical circuit is open and candy  4  is not illuminated. When candy  4  is allowed to pop out of housing  3 , large spring  8  expands toward a non-compressed state  8   b . During this expansion, large spring  8  drives connector  5  and illumination system  6  away from base  10  toward the open end of housing  3 . When connector  5  has been urged by large spring  8  a predetermined distance away from base  10 , e.g., 1 cm (0.4″), this reduces the force enough on small spring  21  to allow it to urge batteries  22  into contact with conductive strip  21 . This contact, together with the electrical contact created by small spring  26  between metal pad  30  and the top battery  22 , closes the illumination circuit, thereby resulting in the delivery of power from batteries  22  to light source  24 . With cap  2  on, the illumination system  6  is shut off and candy  4  is protected and kept clean. With cap  2  off, candy  4  pops out of housing  3  and illumination system  6  is turned on automatically. 
   Variations of the previously described automatic switching system  9  maybe integrated with the pop-up illuminated candy. In general a bias is used in cooperation with the connector to urge the connector from a first position to a second position. One example includes two electrical contacts, one at the top of the housing  3  and another at the top of the moveable connector  5 , coming together. In another example an elastic band with an electrical contact at the end is pulled towards a second electrical contact as large spring  8  expands. In yet another example the use of magnets and magnetic fields can be used to bring two contacts together. These are just a few examples of various switching means that work within the scope of the present invention. However, these switching means are all based on the concept that as large spring  8  expands pushing candy  4  out of housing  3 , the two electrical contacts of a switching system  9  get closer together. At some point, when candy  4  is displaced far enough out of housing  3 , the contacts of switching system  9  make contact and candy  4  is illuminated. 
     FIG. 5   a  and  FIG. 5   b  depict another embodiment of the present invention incorporating one of these different switching means. Candy apparatus  40  includes a cap  41  that fits on top of cylindrical housing  42 . A substantially translucent candy  43  is attached or disposed proximate to moveable illumination system  44  by connector  45 . A large spring  46  is placed between moveable illumination system  44  and the housing base  47  used to secure all components within the housing  42 . Large spring  46  acts to apply pressure to candy  43  and push it out of opening  51  in housing  42  when cap  41  is off. The large spring also acts as electrical wiring between illumination system  44  and power source  48 . Conductive strip  49  runs along the inside length of housing  42  making electrical contact with power source  48  at housing base  47  and having an negative electrical contact point  50  near opening  51  in the housing. Illumination system  44  comprises a light source  52  with a positive lead  53  and a negative lead  54 . Positive lead  53  is electrically connected to conductive large spring  46  through a conductive pad  55 . Negative lead  54  is connected to a positive electrical contact point  56  on top of moveable illumination system  44 . 
     FIG. 5   b  shows the switching mechanism in the off state. Here the large spring  46  is substantially compressed. Positive electrical contact point  56  is separated from electrical negative contact point  50  by gap  57 . When large spring  46  is in the compressed state, contact points  50  and  56  are separated by gap  57 . As cap  41  is taken off, large spring  46  expands reducing the length of gap  57  until negative electrical contact point  50  and positive electrical contact point  56  touch activating the illumination system  44 .  FIG. 5   a  shows the switching mechanism in the on state with zero gap length and light  58  illuminating candy  43 . 
   In yet another embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 6   a , a magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet is used to automatically switch the illuminated pop-up candy on and off. Candy apparatus  60  includes a cylindrical housing  61 . A substantially translucent candy  63  is secured to a moveable connector  64  in which illumination system  65  is secured or placed proximate to. Translucent candy  63 , moveable connector  64  and illumination system  65  are all able to rotate and translate along the long axis of housing  61 . A permanent magnet  66  is attached to base  67 . Together illumination system  65 , magnet  66  and large spring  68  make up the switching system. Large spring  68  also acts to apply pressure to candy  63  and push it out of opening  83  in housing  61  when the cap is off. In the illuminated state  65   a , light  69  is emitted from illumination system  65  and transmitted through moveable connector  64  into substantially translucent candy  63 . 
   The details of the illumination system  65  are diagramed in  FIG. 6   b  and  FIG. 6   c . Illumination system  65  includes a containment structure  70 . Within this containment structure is placed a shaped conductive metal strip  71  that makes electrical contact between small conductive spring  72  and the base of the circuit board  73 . This conductive metal strip can reside partially within a slot  74  in containment structure  70  so as to be electrically insulated from the edge of the batteries. Small conductive spring  72  is placed between the exposed portion of metal strip  71  and the base of the battery  75 . The top side of the circuit board  73  contains a light source  76 . This may be an LED wire bonded to metal pads  77  and encapsulated in clear epoxy  78 . Metal pads  77  are electrically connected by metal through holes  79  to metal pads  80  and  81  on the bottom side of the circuit board. Additional circuitry and controller chips can be incorporated into the circuit board to make the light source  76  light up and flash when illumination system  65  is activated. Circuit board  73  is snapped into a ridge  82  in the top of containment structure  70  to lock all pieces in place and complete an electrical circuit. 
   Actuation of the illumination system occurs as follows. When candy  63  resides within housing  61  illumination system  65  is in close proximity to permanent magnet  66 ,  FIG. 6   c . When illumination system  65  is in close proximity to permanent magnet  66 , it senses a strong magnetic field. The magnetic field creates a pulling force on the feromagnetic casing of batteries  75  that is balanced by a pushing force on the battery from small spring  72 . In close proximity to magnet  66 , the pulling force is large enough to overcome the pushing force from small spring  72 . This pulls battery  75  away from the base of the circuit board creating an open circuit. With the illumination circuit open, candy  63  is in a non-illuminated state  65   b . When the cap is removed from candy housing  61 ,  FIG. 6   b , large spring  68  pushes candy  63  with attached illumination system  65  out of opening  83  in housing  61 . The force of large spring  68  is large enough to overcome the magnetic attraction force between the casing of battery  75  and magnet  66 . Once illumination system  65  with attached candy  63  is translated a sufficient distance away from permanent magnet  66 , the magnetic field becomes weak. The force from small spring  72  is now greater than the magnetic attraction between the battery casing and permanent magnet  66  and battery  75  makes contact with the base of circuit board  73 . This completes the electrical circuit and candy  63  goes into illuminated state  65   a.    
   In still another embodiment of the present invention, the housing for the candy has an opening at both ends. Here it is the touch of a finger, rather than a switching system that incorporates a large spring, which actuates the illumination system and pushes the candy from the housing.  FIGS. 7   a ,  7   b  and  7   c  illustrate this embodiment of the invention. Apparatus  89  includes a cylindrical housing  90  with openings at both ends. A substantially translucent candy  91  is secured by connector  102  to moveable illumination system  92 . With cap  93  on housing  90 , candy  91  resides substantially within the housing. With cap  93  removed, a consumer can put a finger  94  within the opening at the base of housing  90  and push candy  91  out of the top opening of the housing and lick the candy. The act of touching the base of moveable illumination system  92  causes an electrical circuit to be made. When the electrical circuit is made, illumination system  92  is activated and light  95  illuminates candy  91 . A touch sensitive switch  96  is located at the base of moveable illumination system  92 . This touch sensitive switch  96  may be anyone of a number of switches based on pressure, capacitance or resistance. 
   In more detail,  FIG. 7   c , illumination system  92  includes a power source  97  a circuit board  98  with integrated light source  99 . An electrical lead  100  connects circuit board  98  to touch sensitive switch  96 . Touch sensitive  96  switch makes electrical contact with battery  97  through conductive pad  101 . 
   While several embodiments of the invention, together with modifications thereof, have been described in detail herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident that various further modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. Nothing in the above specification is intended to limit the invention more narrowly than the appended claims. The examples given are intended only to be illustrative rather than exclusive.

Technology Category: f