Patents and Development History
The original Spiral Wishing Well and Vortx Mini-Wells were invented, and patented by Steve Divnick, President of Divnick International, Inc. in 1985 under patent pending proprietary protection. The first design patent was issued in 1986 with a utility patent issued in 1988.
The first Well was designed as a children's offering device for Divnick's church, and it quickly became an effective fund-raising device at charity events in the Dayton Ohio area. This led to the development of the first fiberglass molds. Marketing began in 1985. The first commercial sale was to the Dayton Air Force Museum where its Well has raised over $1 million so far.
Within a few short months, Wells were being sold to museums, zoos, and all types of stores and restaurants throughout the United States and several other countries. Since that time, over $200 million has been raised for charities throughout the world.
It has been our pleasure to be a part of such a tremendous product that has had a lasting impact on society.
Click here to see pictures of past models.
You can review our patents on the following United States patent office links which will open in a new browser window:
The latest patent (7,704,118) covers several engineering improvements over our initial patents, including the launch ramps being mounted OUTSIDE the funnel which results in the coins being able to circle the entire funnel. The older models mounted the ramps inside the rim, so the coins had to launch on a path to miss the ramp on the opposite side, reducing the effective diameter by about 12" per side .
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!
As the company that invented the fund raising coin funnel, it has been our privilege to participate in helping charities, organizations, and stores raise funds all over the world. We are very proud of our innovative designs, quality, service, timing, and communication.
stevedivnick@spiralwishingwells.com
Direct Phone: 1-937-384-0003 (Eastern USA)