Patent Application
20160230980
The following description relates to a novelty device, for example, a novelty device with an illuminated channel.
Novelty items may be made in different shapes and sizes. For example, novelty devices may be shaped and/or sized to resemble other devices for use such as props, entertainment or training purposes. The novelty items are often formed from a lightweight, durable and/or resilient material, and may be suitable for use by persons of nearly any age.
Conventional novelty items, such as those described above, may also include a graphic or pattern printed o applied thereon. Further, some novelty items may include lights. The lights may be provided, for example, to simulate a state of operation, to indicate a state of operation, or for visual effects. The lights may be, for example light emitting diodes (LEDs).
However, in some novelty items, the lights are externally mounted and may be subjected to impacts against external objects. As such, the lights may be damaged or become unusable. In addition, in some novelty devices, the lights may be individually mounted, and thus, may need power individually supplied thereto. Thus, in the known configurations, multiple electrical connections must be provided between the individual lights and a power supply.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an illuminated novelty device with simplified circuitry and increased durability.
According to one embodiment, a novelty device includes a body having a base section formed from a foam material, the base section having a channel formed therein. The device further includes an illuminating unit disposed within the channel. The illuminating unit includes a light-transmissive housing having one or more illuminating elements disposed therein.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, elements, components, steps, and processes.
While the present disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described one or more embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered illustrative only and is not intended to limit the disclosure to any specific embodiment described or illustrated.
The illuminating unit 14 is disposed in the channel 12 and may be received therein via an opening or open side 20 of the channel 12. The illuminating unit 14 may be generally tube-shaped. For example, the illuminating unit 14 may be formed generally as an elongated cylinder. However, the illuminating unit is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the illuminating unit 14 may be curved, angled or formed in a closed or substantially closed loop or geometric shape. In addition, the illuminating unit 14 may include a housing 22 formed of a light-transmissive material, such as a transparent or translucent material. The housing 22 may include a light refracting or other light-distorting treatment, material or pattern thereon.
The illuminating unit 14 further includes one or more illuminating elements 24 disposed therein. In one embodiment, the illuminating elements 24 may be one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent bulbs, or other similar, suitable elements. Alternatively, or in addition, the illuminating elements 24 may include a chemiluminecsent material. The illuminating elements 24 are configured to provide a visual effect. In one embodiment, the illuminating elements 24 may, for example, provide different colors, vary in brightness and/or blink.
In addition, referring to
In one embodiment, the outer layer 26 may extend over and cover the open sides 20 of the channel 12. The outer layer 26 may be a relatively thin, flexible material such as plastic, plastic film, or the like, and may be adhered to the base section 18. In addition, the outer layer 26 may be light-transmissive such that a visual effect produced by the illuminating unit 14 is visible through the outer layer 26. For example, the outer layer 26 may be transparent or translucent. Moreover, the outer layer 26 may include a graphic or graphics printed or formed thereon. The outer layer 26 may also include holographics printed thereon. For example, in one embodiment, the outer layer 26 may be substantially transparent or translucent and include a holographic print.
The novelty device 10 may also include a controller 30 electrically and communicatively connected to the switch 28 and the illuminating unit 14. The controller 30 is configured to control the illuminating unit 14 to provide different visual effects. For example, the controller 30 may control a frequency of blinking and/or color of the illuminating elements 24 in the illuminating unit 14 in response to actuation of the switch 28. The controller 30 may be programmed with operating conditions for the illuminating unit 14, and may also store the programmed operating conditions. Different operating conditions correspond to different visual effects provided by illuminating unit 14. Accordingly, the controller is configured to control operation of the illuminating unit 14 to provide different visual effects corresponding to the desired operating condition. The switch 28 may be actuated to change between different conditions stored at the controller 30.
In one embodiment, the body 16 of the novelty device 10 includes a handle 32 and a housing section 34. The channel 12 may be disposed in the housing section 34, but is not limited thereto. For example, the channel 12 may extend in both the housing section 34 and the handle 32. Alternatively, multiple channels 12 may be formed in the body 16 and may be disposed in the housing section 34, the handle 32 or both. Referring to the embodiments in
However, the present disclosure is not limited to the configuration described in the embodiments above. For example,
Further, referring to
The novelty devices 10, 110 described above may also include a receptacle configured to receive a power supply, such as a battery or battery pack. The receptacle may include an electrical connection configured to connect the power supply to the controller 30 and illuminating element 24 so that a current may flow therebetween.
It is understood that the body 16 is not limited to the shapes and configurations described above and shown in
Accordingly, in the embodiments above, one or more illuminating elements 24 may be housed in a housing 22 of an illuminating unit 14. The illuminating unit 14 may be positioned in a channel 12 so that it is recessed in a body 16 of the novelty device, and thus, may be protected from impact with external objects. Further still, a single electrical connection may be made between each of the illuminating unit 14, controller 30, switch 28 and/or power supply, which may allow for easier and quicker manufacturing and assembly and reduced material costs. For example, a single electrical connection may be made to the illuminating unit 14, rather than individual connections for each illuminating element 24 to the controller 30, switch 28 and/or power supply.
It should also be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62112499 | Feb 2015 | US |
