Patent Grant
10598323
The present invention relates to novelty displays involving objects in motion for the home or office that are both pleasing to everyday viewers as well as being conversation pieces.
Most people will agree that it is relaxing to watch objects in motion such as disco balls or fish, to name just two examples.
For this reason and perhaps many others, liquid-filled novelties have long been a staple decoration in homes and offices. The liquid is often water, for reasons of its ready availability, its safety and handling properties, and the fact that a product incorporating water can often be shipped empty of water, instead requiring the end user to add it. It is also typically cheaper than other available liquids such as melted paraffin or any of the various oils. Examples of liquid-filled novelties include the perennial favorite snow globes as well as the '60s-iconic lava lamps, which have also acquired an enduring popularity.
The familiar and cozy snow globe or the groovy lava lamp may make for very appealing decorations to any space, but they also come with some of the same practical limitations as well as others that are unique to each. For example, the dimensions of both novelties will impose certain space requirements on the chosen display location. The base for both a snow globe and a lava lamp are most often circular, but when the additional space occupied by any associated protuberances such as switches or power cables is accounted for, it becomes a roughly square area that must be provided by the table or other available surface. This can represent a problem as it represents a sacrifice of either useful, functional tabletop or counter space, or else just space that most people would prefer to devote to family photos or a needed lamp. In the case of a snow globe, even though the liquid filling the globe is usually water, the globe will typically come filled with water both because of the problem of obtaining the faux snow as well as the fact that the decorative features disposed within snow globes are often delicate and would face the risk of damage if a user were to attempt to fill it with liquid. Regarding a lava lamp, this too comes filled with an oil along with wax, and it would not be desirable or even feasible, for the user to fill it himself. Clearly, in the cases of both the snow globe and the lava lamp, the products would for all practical purposes need to ship from the manufacturing site with all necessary liquid contained therein. This will impose additional shipping costs due to the excess weight caused by shipping liquid-filled novelty items.
Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a novelty item that can provide the viewing pleasure of a movable object while taking up far less space in the display location, having a lower gross weight due to the optional inclusion of liquid at shipment, and having greater ease of use and safety characteristics for the intended consumer.
The present invention satisfies all the above requirements and more. An illuminated novelty frame is provided containing a feature that provides visual stimulation both by its charming appearance and the fact that the feature is set in motion by action of components housed within its frame. The frame accommodates two panels that are separated by a gap, and at least one of the two panels is transparent to allow a clear view of the feature when the frame is hung upon or otherwise disposed against a wall. In one embodiment, the other panel can have a reflective surface, both for purposes of enhancing the visual effect of the feature as well as imparting a utilitarian, mirror function to the frame. Alternatively, both panels can be transparent, which may be advantageous when the intended display location is tabletop in the middle of a room, a counter, a dresser, etc., as conceivably all approaches and lines of sight may be possible. Furthermore, one or both of the panels can have a printed overlay to provide additional visual features to the display, such as an environmental backdrop.
The feature set in motion between the two panels can take a variety of forms. One possible aspect of the feature is the inclusion of water between the panels, which can be added by the user via a port on the frame. Each panel is joined to the frame at an interface, and in frames where the addition of water is desired, the interface forms a liquid-impermeable barrier. The invention includes a motor to provide motive force to any of the various features that are possible in the present invention. The motor is supported by the frame and connectable to an electric power source, and when energized induces movement of rotating or reciprocating machinery that can take the form of an air pump or other pneumatic device that can introduce a quantity of air into the liquid. Alternatively, the motor can be coupled to a shaft to cause directly coupled movement of the feature itself, or of another motion inducing apparatus, such as an impeller. In the case of an impeller, its motion in the volume of liquid between the panels establishes and directs currents within the liquid sufficient to induce movement of a feature suspended in the volume of liquid.
In one embodiment of the invention, the feature is made up of a multiplicity of glitter particles disposed between the panels and suspendable in a volume of liquid added between the panels. Further embodiments can have a multiplicity of white plastic particles disposed between the panels to simulate a snowstorm, or a multiplicity of tan or sand-colored plastic particles disposed between the panels to simulate a sandstorm in a desert environment. A multiplicity of reflective orange-colored plastic particles, combined with an appropriate printed panel overlay showing burning fireplace logs, can simulate a fireplace having a roaring fire throwing sparks when illuminated by an integral light source that is supported by the frame. The motor supported by the frame is energized to drive a flow inducing apparatus, such as an air pump connected to one or more nozzles in fluid communication with the volume of liquid between the panels. The nozzles introduce air into the liquid in patterns that can include continuous streams of air, streams of discrete bubbles, as well as more intermittent, and even larger, bubbles or boluses of air. The action of the bubbles causes a pleasing motion of the suspended glitter particles, both by means of the direct impact of rising bubbles with glitter particles, as well as by the currents established and directed by the streams or boluses of air being introduced into the volume of liquid by the air pump. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the motion of the multiplicity of glitter particles can be established by an impeller acting as the flow inducing apparatus moving within the volume of liquid. The impeller is attached to the end of a drive shaft, and the motor is coupled to the other end of the drive shaft to provide the motive force for the impeller. Some propulsive force will be applied directly to a subset of the glitter particles as they fall to the bottom of the space and are hit by the impeller as it moves, but most of the glitter particles will be set in motion as they are carried along by the currents established by the impeller.
In another embodiment of the invention, the feature takes the form of an object freely floating in the liquid. The object can advantageously be made to resemble a fish or other form of aquatic life, a scuba diver, a submarine, or anything that one might expect to find fully submerged in a body of water. The action of the bubbles emitted from the nozzles and rising into the object will set it into motion, simulating intentional movements either by an aquatic life form, a scuba diver, or a submarine in response to the commands of its captain. The density of the object can be chosen to provide the desired behavior in response to the action and direction of incidence of the bubbles. In an embodiment having the air pump-connected nozzles disposed near the lower edges of the panels and in fluid communication with the volume of liquid, the object can be manufactured to have a greater density than the liquid between the panels so that the air injected in an upward direction will oppose the downward movement of the object due to the force of gravity acting on the object. An alternative embodiment, wherein the nozzles are disposed near the upper edges of the panels and in fluid communication with the volume of liquid, has the object manufactured to have a lower density than the liquid so that the air injected in a downward direction will oppose the upward movement of the object due to the force of buoyancy acting on the object. In both cases, the object's density and the flow pattern of the injected air will be selected to establish the proper force balance that will ensure optimal motion characteristics of the feature while avoiding undesirable results such as the object coming to rest near the lower edges of the panels or rising toward the upper edge of the panels and settling at the top of the frame.
The feature between the panels has a further embodiment that could be described as “the volcano.” This feature requires the introduction of a quantity of globules, which can take the form of elastic, spheroid rubber balls. A sloped, substantially conical projection extends or rises from a base disposed within the frame between the two panels. The projection includes a mouth disposed near its top to simulate the volcano's vent, which is the fissure that expels lava during an eruption. In this arrangement, the output stream of at least one nozzle is positioned within the conical projection and directed such that its output stream axis or centerline extends through a point contained within the vent area, an area defined by the periphery of the mouth. If more than one nozzle is disposed within the projection, they can be positioned such that the respective stream axes extend through a variety of points within the vent area. A catch basin or a guide within the frame conducts quantities of the globules into the path of the one or more nozzles, causing the globules to be expelled through the mouth in a way that is reminiscent of a volcanic eruption. For example, a nozzle whose stream axis extends through a point at the geometric center of the vent area can simulate the effects of an explosive eruption that spews lava and ash into the atmosphere to high altitudes. Alternatively, the output stream from a nozzle whose stream axis extends through a point in the vent area near the periphery of the mouth will experience significant interference or flow impedance, simulating the visual effect of lava drizzling down the flanks of the volcano. One nozzle can be used, oriented to achieve the desired effect, or a plurality of nozzles may be disposed within the projection to achieve an effect that combines elements of both explosive eruption and flank drizzle. Alternatively, the motor can be connected by a shaft to a turbine or an impeller that creates an upward jet of water to expel the globules from the volcano. The catch basin is positioned within the frame to collect the globules as they fall within the volume of liquid under the influence of gravity, and it is formed to direct the collected globules into the output stream of the at least one nozzle. Alternatively, one or more guides can be positioned within the frame, each guide having a first end and a second end in fluid communication with the volume of liquid. The guide conducts globules collected at the first end, on the level of the base or in the catch basin, to the second end, whose output is directed into the output stream of the at least one nozzle or impeller disposed within the projection. An arrangement that combines a catch basin and one or more guides is also possible. In this embodiment, the one or more guides are connected in series between the catch basin and the output stream of the at least one nozzle.
A further embodiment of the present invention includes a shaft having a first end and a second end, with the motor is coupled to the first end of the shaft. When the motor is energized, it rotates the shaft, causing motion of a feature connected to the second end of the shaft. One from that the feature can take in a shaft-actuated embodiment of the invention is that of a mirror ball. When the mirror ball is rotated within the frame it will cast a kaleidoscopic display of dancing reflected light, an effect which can be further enhanced in the embodiment wherein one of the panels has a reflective surface. The mirror ball embodiment does not require the addition of a liquid between the panels to obtain a pleasing visual effect. However, depending on the specific form that the mirror ball, panels, and any other decorative features that can be disposed between the panels take, visual effects could be further enhanced by the addition of liquid between the panels.
A further shaft-actuated feature embodiment includes a volume of liquid between the panels and has the second end of the shaft opposite the motor output coupled to an impeller which when set in motion induces movement of a volume of liquid contained between the panels. The motion of the impeller creates currents in the liquid, resulting in a propulsive force on a feature that is suspended in the liquid. The feature can take the form of the multiplicity of glitter particles or the freely-floating object, both referred to earlier in the discussion of an air pump connected to at least one nozzle. The propulsive force and currents created by the impeller would be sufficient to keep the suspended glitter or object aloft against the force of gravity. In the case of a freely-floating object that is of lower density than the liquid between the panels, an impeller positioned near the top of the panels would exert a propulsive force to resist the upward force of buoyancy on the object.
Further features, aspects and advantages of the invention will be appreciated from the accompanying drawing figures and detailed description of certain embodiments of the invention.
The following disclosure describes embodiments of an illuminated novelty frame for displaying a feature in motion.
The frame can have a rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and a shallow depth, generally suitable for mounting on a wall or placement on a shelf. For instance, the width 101 and height 103 can be around eight inches while the depth 107 can be around 1.5 to 2.0 inches. Embodiments of the invention can have dimensions along these lines to approximate those of a thick picture frame. The two broad sides of the frame whose dimensions are the width and height of the frame 102 are referred to as the front face 113 and the back face 115. The frame also includes at least one aperture 117 disposed near the top edge of one of its faces 113, 115, centrally located with respect to the width of the face. The aperture 117 is adapted to receive a picture frame hanger, such as a nail or a hook, and allow the frame 102 to be hung upon a wall or other vertical surface. The frame can include more than one aperture 117, disposed near the top edge of at least one of the faces 113, 115, provided that the apertures 117 are arrayed symmetrically about the center of the face in the width-wise direction to balance the weight of the illuminated novelty frame 100.
The frame accommodates two panels 104, 106 of equivalent size that are seated within the frame and separated by a gap 105. The panels 104, 106 can be made of glass, but can be made of a lighter transparent material such as plastic or a high-tensile strength plastic. The panels have a width 109 and a height 111 sized to seat within the frame. Thus, for instance, the panels can have a width and height of around five to seven inches. A shaft 108, having a first end 110 and a second end 112, is shown extending from the frame 102 in the space between the two panels 104, 106. The first end 110 of the shaft 108 is attached to a motor 114 that is supported by the frame 102. When energized the motor 114 causes movement of a feature 116 attached to the second end 112 of the shaft 108. One form that the feature 116 can take in a shaft-actuated embodiment is that of a mirror ball which, when rotated within the frame 102, casts a kaleidoscopic display of dancing reflected light, an effect which can be further enhanced in an embodiment wherein one of the panels 104, 106 has a reflective surface. The motor 114 is connectable to any electric power source, for example, an AC power supply or a battery. A power cord 118 extends from the frame 102 in one embodiment of the invention, preferably from near the bottom of the frame 102, allowing connection to an AC power source such as a wall outlet or even a generator. A battery compartment 120 can also be supported by the frame 102 to provide power when an AC power source is not available, or if it is desired to produce an embodiment free of a cable. In a conventional manner, a power switch 560 can be used to turn the circuit on and off, and an optional timer circuit of conventional design can switch the unit off after a prescribed period of time. At least one of the two panels 104, 106 are transparent, to allow a clear view of the feature 116 when the novelty frame 100 is hung upon or otherwise disposed against a wall.
One possible aspect of the feature is the inclusion of water between the panels. The water is added by the user via a port 126, which optionally will have a cap 128 that engages with the frame 102 to provide a liquid-impermeable seal. In frames where the addition of water is desired, the interface 124 forms a liquid-impermeable barrier to define a volume of liquid within the gap 105 between panels 104, 106. In an embodiment, the interface 124 takes the form of a gasket to keep water contained between the panels. Alternatively, the interface 124 can form a liquid-impermeable barrier by having a durable adhesive disposed along the lines of contact between each panel 104, 106 and the frame 102. An additional possibility is having the panels 104, 106 snap-fit tightly enough into the frame 102 to form a liquid-impermeable barrier.
The mirror ball embodiment of the feature 116 does not require the addition of a liquid between the panels 104, 106 to obtain a pleasing visual effect. However, depending on the specific form that the mirror ball, panels, and any other decorative features that can be disposed between the panels take, visual effects could be further enhanced by the addition of liquid between the panels.
In one embodiment of the invention shown in
An alternative embodiment of the invention 200 which requires the addition of a volume of liquid between the panels 204, 206 is shown in
The context of the presentation in the embodiment 200 can employ an alternative multiplicity of particles in the space 205, such as to achieve “a snowstorm,” by adding a multiplicity of white plastic particles instead of glitter to the water in the space 205 between the panels 204, 206. The panels 204, 206 can also have a printed overlay 219 applied to them that adds additional visual stimulation and provides context for the snowstorm feature 216 disposed between the panels 204, 206. A printed overlay 219 that can be used in embodiment 200 of the invention depicts a snow-covered house that enhances the illusion that one is observing a blizzard in progress. Another alternative context can be “a sandstorm,” in which a multiplicity of tan or sand-colored plastic particles is added to the space 205 between the panels 204, 206 and in which a printed overlay showing a desert scene. A further alternative context to the second embodiment 200 can be “a fireplace,” in which a multiplicity of reflective orange-colored plastic particles is added to the space 205 between the panels 204, 206 and combined with a printed overlay showing burning fireplace logs. When illuminated by an integral light source that is supported by the frame, the overall effect simulates a fireplace having a roaring fire throwing sparks.
An alternative embodiment of the invention 300 is shown in
An alternative embodiment of the invention has the object feature 316 made to have a density less than that of the liquid, preferably water. In this case, the buoyancy force exerted on the object feature 316 in an upward direction will counteract the weight of the object, causing it to rise to the top of the volume of water in the absence of any additional forces. The nozzles 334 are disposed within the frame 302 proximally to the upper edges of the panels 304, 306, directing the discharge of air downward toward the object feature 316. The input air volume can be set such that a force balance is achieved between the downward thrust force from the nozzles 334 and the upward buoyancy force exerted on the object feature 316. This force balance maintains the object feature 316 suspended in a position midway between the top and bottom of the panels 304, 306 while mimicking the action of a living creature swimming.
A sloped, substantially conical projection 540 extends or rises from a base 542 disposed within the space 505 in the frame between the two panels 504, 506. The projection includes a mouth 544 disposed near its top to simulate the volcano's vent, which is the fissure that expels lava during an eruption. An air pump 530 is supported by the frame 502 and driven by the motor 514. The discharge from the air pump 530 is fluidly connected by a manifold 532 to at least one nozzle 534 which provides fluid communication between the air pump 530 and the liquid between the panels 504, 506. When the motor 514 is energized, the resulting air discharge delivered through the one or more nozzles 534 induces movement of the globules 538 suspended in the liquid. In this arrangement, the output stream of at least one nozzle 534 is positioned within the conical projection 540 and directed such that its output stream axis 546 or centerline extends through a point contained within the vent area 548, an area defined by the periphery of the mouth 544. If more than one nozzle 534 is disposed within the projection, they can be positioned such that the respective stream axes 546 extend through a variety of points within the vent area. The motor 514 is energized periodically after a user presses a power button 560 connected to a timing circuit 562. The timing circuit 562 is connected by electrical leads 564 to the motor 514, and when the timing circuit 562 is activated globules 538 are expelled during the on-phase of each duty cycle of the motor 514. A recessed catch basin 550 or a guide 552 within the frame conducts quantities of the globules 538 into the path of the one or more nozzles 534, causing the globules 538 to be expelled through the mouth 544 in a way that is reminiscent of a volcanic eruption. Eddy currents in the water are thereby created, which rise and then curve as the incompressible liquid encounters the upper wall of the space 505, turn back in a downward direction and serve to return the globules 538 to the base 542 where they can again be acted upon by the nozzles 534. For example, a nozzle 534 whose stream axis 546 extends through a point at the geometric center of the vent area 548 can simulate the effects of an explosive eruption that spews lava and ash into the atmosphere to high altitudes. Alternatively, the output stream from a nozzle 534 whose stream axis extends through a point in the vent area 548 near the periphery of the mouth 544 will experience significant interference or flow impedance, simulating the visual effect of lava drizzling down the flanks of the volcano. One nozzle 534 can be used, oriented to achieve the desired effect, or a plurality of nozzles 534 may be disposed within the projection 540 to achieve an effect that combines elements of both explosive eruption and flank drizzle. The catch basin 550 is positioned within the frame to collect the globules 538 as they fall within the volume of liquid under the influence of gravity, and it is formed to direct the collected globules 538 into the output stream of the at least one nozzle 534.
Even when a nozzle's 534 stream axis 546 is collinear with the geometric center of the vent area 548, some degree of flow impedance occurs. This is because some of the globules receive a nozzle thrust force that is collinear with the center of gravity, while other globules don't roll directly into the nozzle's path and thus experience an eccentric thrust force from the nozzle. The eccentrically-directed thrust force imparts a spin to the globules, resulting in an off-vertical trajectory that brings the globule into contact with the periphery of the mouth 544 as the globule exits the conical projection 540. This results in a perceptible auditory effect due to the impact of multiple beads with the mouth 544 of the conical projection 540 and with each other, along with the action of the water jet itself from the nozzle 534. The sound is a distinctive gentle “whoosh” that is pleasing and soothing. This gentle “whoosh” sound has a rhythmic, periodic quality corresponding to the duty cycle of the motor 514 that causes it to resemble respiration. As such, the sound has a calming effect on those who hear it.
An alternative source of propulsion for the globules is the use of a turbine or impeller 536 connected by a shaft 508 to the motor 514, an arrangement described in detail in the foregoing discussion of the fourth embodiment of the invention and shown in
The base 542 is also preferably formed with a pitch or grade that will direct the globules under the influence of gravity toward the conical projection 540. One or more guides 552 can be positioned within the frame, each guide having a first end 554 and a second end 556 in fluid communication with the volume of liquid. The guide conducts globules 538 collected at the first end 554, on the level of the base 542 or in the catch basin 550, to the second end 556, whose output is directed into the output stream of the at least one nozzle 534 disposed within the projection 540. An arrangement that combines a catch basin 550 and one or more guides 552 is also possible. In this embodiment, the one or more guides 552 are connected in series between the catch basin 550 and the output stream of the at least one nozzle 534.
While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3387396 | Smith | Jun 1968 | A |
| 4034493 | Ball | Jul 1977 | A |
| 4196899 | Patterson | Apr 1980 | A |
| 5778576 | Kaviani | Jul 1998 | A |
| 5803580 | Tseng | Sep 1998 | A |
| 6065850 | Chiu | May 2000 | A |
| 6135604 | Lin | Oct 2000 | A |
| 6447138 | Yang | Sep 2002 | B1 |
| 6604835 | Zale | Aug 2003 | B2 |
| 6681508 | Unger | Jan 2004 | B2 |
| 8294389 | Finkle | Oct 2012 | B2 |
| 8695247 | Yang | Apr 2014 | B1 |
| 20060291217 | Vanderschuit | Dec 2006 | A1 |
| 20090255155 | James | Oct 2009 | A1 |
| Entry |
|---|
| “Silent Night LED Light Shadow Box”, retrieved from bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/silent-night-led-light-shadow-box/5187082?keyword=light-up-frame, printed Mar. 4, 2019 (prior art), 2 pages. |
| Volcano Lamp, published on or before Mar. 3, 2019 [retrieved on Dec. 1, 2019], 7 pages. Retrieved from the Internet: <URL:www.menkind.co.uk/volcano-lamp>. |
