Our Past Models

Following are some pictures of past models, with our newest model shown at the bottom.

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Our first custom model was this five-foot diameter version in 1985 that we placed at many local events and made on a custom basis for museums, zoos, and other large installations. Click here to enlarge this picture.

Perhaps you have seen this size in shopping malls and other large floor-space venues in different colors and a variety of shapes for the base.

Obviously, our Two and Three Foot diameter models are the most popular size since they fit into the available floor space of stores and restaurants, so there are several thousand of them throughout the world.

However, the demand for the super large model continues, and we are very excited to announce our new giant Seven-Footers...the largest production coin funnels on the earth with EIGHT launch ramps!

By way of comparison, our new proprietary design with the ramps mounted OUTSIDE the circumference allows the coins to roll on the ENTIRE surface of the funnel without having to be launched so they miss the ramp on the opposite side. This INCREASES the effective diameter as much as 12 inches. It allows us to build a smaller overall diameter Well and foot-print which stores, restaurants, and other retail locations really like, but with more spirals than past models...a great combination.

To help illustrate the significant benefits of this new innovation, notice the "effective diameter" and coin-rolling time of an old 5' diameter Well compared with our new 3' diameter Well. You will notice in the old 5' model that the ramps are mounted "inside" the funnel and the effective rolling surface is no larger than the new 3' model which is less than half the overall size and cost...both very important factors. You will also notice on the new 3' model that the coins use the entire surface with the first revolutions all the way around the perimeter. The coins actually roll longer in the new 3' than in the old 5'. Of course, our Seven-Footer is even more spectacular and includes EIGHT COIN LAUNCH RAMPS mounted outside the funnel!

Also, because the ramp-mounting surfaces are toward the back of the Two and Three-Footers, and in the "corners" of the Seven-Footer, they do not increase the side-to-side width of the Well. Said another way, when we place the funnel into a box, the ramp-mounting surfaces occupy the otherwise unused "corners" which means they do not increase the foot print floor size.

This is our very first production model. It was a "Three-Footer", referring to the diameter (91.4cm).

The ramps were "single coin at a time" and the base was a modified Rubbermaid trash can! Our design and materials have come a long way since then.

Nevertheless, this Well raised over $200,000 in the Dayton Air Force Museum before it was upgraded to a newer model. They have since topped over $1 million!

This is a picture of our first improvement with "Drop Coins Here" areas that allowed several coins to be dropped at once, and that made it easier for young children to play. Click here to enlarge this picture.

The ramps were connected by a bridge and sign frame.

Notice that this model and all previous models shown above and below had in common that the launch ramps were mounted INSIDE the funnel diameter. That means the coins had to be launched on a path that missed the ramp on the other side. As you will see in the new model shown last (below), the ramps are now OUTSIDE the funnel and the coins are launched on a full-circumference path for more spinning time and a greater show.

Our next major model change included more durable PVC launch ramps and a custom rotationally-molded base, shown here with Steve Divnick, the inventor and President of the company.

Click here to enlarge this picture.

A clear dome.... "To Be, or Not To Be?"

A dome seems like it would be a good design because it keeps people from tossing trash into the Well and prevents them from grabbing the coins before they spiral all the way down into the base. Click here to enlarge this picture.

With those goals in mind, we added a Two-Foot diameter model in the late 1980's with a clear dome with the launch ramps molded into the sides.

Based on popular demand, after 3 years we changed back to the more durable open ramp configuration which is also more profitable since it allows interaction. Click here to read why an open style is better.

 

Another model featured metal launch ramps which were made with a new laser technology which served us very well for several years.

Click here to enlarge this picture.

The most recent model featured rotationally-molded launch ramps connected by a wood bridge.

As mentioned above, notice that this model and all previous models had in common that the launch ramps were mounted INSIDE the funnel diameter.

This changed with our current model shown below.

While past models mostly changed materials to keep up with modern technology, our newest version is a major re-design that includes:

  • The launch ramps are mounted OUTSIDE the funnel surface which yields more spinning area.****
  • The ramps are BACK where they don't block the view of the funnel.
  • The materials are automotive quality for a more professional look and durability.
  • The coins perform much better with wider spirals and a longer show.
  • Available in many colors.

Click here to enlarge this picture.

****To understand the significant benefits of this point further, click here to see a short YouTube video of one of the old style Wells with the ramps mounted INSIDE the perimeter. Notice how the initial spiral path is nearly 1/3 of the way down the funnel. Now compare that to the new models where the ramps are outside the funnel so the initial spiral path is right along the edge, maximizing the floor-space foot print of the Well.

The new Seven Footer has eight molded-in coin ramps, all mounted OUTSIDE the funnel for maximum coin-path diameter. The play value is exceptional.

More reports and testimonies...