U.S. patent application number 11/303663 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-04 for waving illuminated novelty device with spinning light sources.
Invention is credited to Mark Chernick, Webb T. Nelson.
Application Number | 20060094327 11/303663 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46323417 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060094327 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chernick; Mark ; et
al. |
May 4, 2006 |
Waving illuminated novelty device with spinning light sources
Abstract
A novelty item that spins at least one array of lights to
produce a predetermined changing pattern of lights. The device has
at least one array of lights that is supported by at least one
flexible arm. The arms radially extend from a spinning hub.
Consequently, when the arms rotate, the various lights in the array
of lights rotate about the hub in a variety of circular pathways. A
control circuit is provided in the hub that spins with the arms.
The lights in the array of lights are coupled to the control
circuit. The control circuit selectively flashes the lights in the
array of lights in a manner that is synchronous to the speed at
which the various lights are traveling in their circular pathways.
As a result, the control circuit can cause the spinning array of
lights to produce any desired pattern, display or alphanumeric
message.
Inventors: |
Chernick; Mark;
(Woodinville, WA) ; Nelson; Webb T.; (Woodinville,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAMORTE & ASSOCIATES P.C.
P.O. BOX 434
YARDLEY
PA
19067
US
|
Family ID: |
46323417 |
Appl. No.: |
11/303663 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10944646 |
Sep 20, 2004 |
|
|
|
11303663 |
Dec 19, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/175 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/22 20130101;
A63H 33/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/175 |
International
Class: |
A63H 30/00 20060101
A63H030/00 |
Claims
1. An assembly, comprising: a motor; at least one arm extending
from said motor, wherein said motor rotates said at least one arm
about a central point when activated; a plurality of light sources
supported by said at least one arm, wherein at least some of said
plurality of light sources are positioned at different distances
from said central point; a handle; and an elongated support
extending between said handle and said motor, wherein said
elongated support is longer than said at least one arm, therein
supporting said at least one arm away from said handle as said at
least one arm is rotated by said motor.
2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said elongated
support enables said motor and said at least one arm to waive in a
back and forth motion relative said handle.
3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein said elongates
support includes at least one resilient section that enables said
elongated support to elastically bend.
4. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein said elongated
support is pivotably connected to said handle, therein enabling
said elongated support to rock back and forth relative said
handle.
5. The assembly according to claim 4, further including at least
one resilient element that engages said elongated support and
biases said elongated support into a fixed orientation relative to
said handle.
6. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said elongated
support is configured at a flexible length of soft plastic.
7. The assembly according to claim 1, further including a control
circuit that selectively lights said light sources as they spin to
produce a predetermined changing pattern of light.
8. The assembly according to claim 7, wherein said control circuit
rotates with said light sources.
9. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said light sources
are light emitting diodes.
10. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein different light
sources within said plurality of light sources emit different
colored light.
11. An assembly, comprising: an array of light sources; a motor for
spinning said array of light sources in a circular pattern; a
handle; and an elongated element connecting said array of light
sources to said handle, wherein said resilient element enables said
array of light sources to move through a predetermined range of
motion relative to said handle as said array spins in said circular
pattern.
12. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein said array of light
sources is mounted on a circuit board and said circuit board is
mounted on an arm that is rotated by said motor.
13. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein said elongated
element includes at least one resilient section.
14. The assembly according to claim 11, further including a control
circuit that selectively lights said light sources as they spin to
produce a predetermined changing pattern of light.
15. The assembly according to claim 14, wherein said control
circuit rotates with said light sources.
16. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein different light
sources within said array of light sources emit different colored
light.
17. A method of producing a spinning light assembly, said method
comprising the steps of: providing a handle; attaching an elongated
support to said handle having a first end coupled to said handle
and a free second end; providing an array of light sources;
providing a motor for spinning said array of light sources in a
circular pattern at a predetermined speed of rotation; and
attaching said motor with said array of light sources to said
second end of said elongated support, wherein said elongated
support enables said array of light sources to move through a
predetermined range of motion relative to said handle as said array
of light sources spins in said circular pattern.
18. The method according to claim 17, further including the step of
providing a control circuit for lighting said array of light
sources in a predetermined pattern.
19. The method according to claim 18, wherein said control circuit
lights said array of light sources in at least one predetermined
pattern that is synchronized with said predetermined speed of
rotation to produce a coordinated display image.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/944,646 to Chernick et al, entitled Spring
Supported Illuminated Novelty Device With Spinning Light Sources,
filed Sep. 20, 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to illuminated novelty devices
that are used to produce observable patterns of light during low
light conditions. More particularly, the present invention relates
to such novelty devices where the observed pattern of light is
produced from an array of spinning light sources.
[0004] 2. Prior Art Statement
[0005] In the prior art, there are many different types of
illuminated novelty devices that produce an observable pattern of
light. Such devices are not used for the purposes of illumination,
like a flashlight. Rather, such novelty devices are merely used to
produce an interesting pattern of light that can be observed during
low light conditions. Such novelty devices are commonly sold or
distributed at events that are frequented by children and where
there are low light conditions. Examples of such events include
children's concerts, circuses, amusement parks at night, firework
shows and the like.
[0006] There is a great variety in the types of illuminated novelty
devices that exist. Some illuminated novelty devices use chemical
luminescent light sources, where the observed light is created from
a chemical reaction. Such chemical luminescent devices, however,
cannot be selectively turned on and off once the chemical reaction
has started. Furthermore, after a few hours, the chemical reaction
ends and the novelty device is incapable of producing light.
Furthermore, most chemical compositions used to produce light are
toxic. Accordingly, the use of chemical luminescent novelty devices
is inappropriate for many young children who may bite or teethe on
the device.
[0007] Other types of illuminated novelty devices use batteries to
provide power to either incandescent bulbs or light emitting diodes
(LEDs). Often, to increase the interest of the pattern of light
produced by the device, motors are used to move the electric light
sources when they are illuminated. One popular type of illuminated
novelty device is a device where multiple electric light sources
are positioned on the tips of narrow flexible arms. The flexible
arms are attached to a hub that is supported by a handle. In the
handle is a motor that spins the hub when activated. As such, when
a user activates the motor, the hub spins and the lights at the
ends of the arms illuminate. The result is a circular pattern of
light that is interesting to observe especially in low light
conditions.
[0008] A problem associated with spinning electric novelty devices
is one of play value. Once a child observes the pattern of light
emitted by some prior art spinning lights, the child quickly
becomes bored with the pattern of light produced. As such, the
child no longer is interested in playing with the toy. This is
particularly annoying to the parent of the child who just paid a
substantial sum of money to buy the spinning light toy.
[0009] A need therefore exists for a spinning novelty light that
produces a changing pattern of lights that is highly interesting to
an observer, especially a child observer, thereby increasing the
play value of the device. This need is met by the present invention
as described and claimed below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is a novelty item that spins at least
one array of lights to produce a predetermined changing pattern of
lights. The device has at least one array of lights that is
supported by at least one flexible arm. The arms radially extend
from a spinning hub. Consequently, when the arms rotate, the
various lights in the array of lights rotate about the hub in a
variety of circular pathways. A control circuit is provided in the
hub that spins with the arms. The lights in the array of lights are
coupled to the control circuit. The control circuit selectively
flashes the lights in the array of lights in a manner that is
synchronous to the speed at which the various lights are traveling
in their circular pathways. As a result, the control circuit can
cause the spinning array of lights to produce any desired pattern,
display or alphanumeric message.
[0011] The hub that supports the array of lights is connected to an
elongated support that connects the hub to a handle. The elongated
support preferably has at least one flexible section along its
length. As the handle is moved, the elongated support waives and
the array of lights can be caused to move through a predetermined
range of motion relative to the handle as said array of lights
spins in its circular pattern. The result is a highly complex
pattern of light that is constantly changing and interesting to
view.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For a better understanding of the present invention,
reference is made to the following description of exemplary
embodiments thereof, considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a fragmented view of an array of light sources on
one arm of the exemplary embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a selectively cross-sectioned view of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a front view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1
as it creates moving patterns of light;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0018] FIG. 6 is a partially fragmented view of another alternate
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, a first exemplary embodiment of the
present invention device 10 is show. The device 10 contains a
handle 12. An elongated support 13 extends from the handle 12. The
elongated support 13 has a bottom end that is attached to the
handle 12. However, the opposite end of the elongated support 13 is
free. An illumination assembly 15 is attached to the free end of
the elongated support 13 opposite the handle 12.
[0020] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the elongated support 13 is a
length of soft plastic rod 17. The soft plastic rod 17 has a length
L1 and is capable of elastically flexing along that length. The
illumination assembly 15 has a predetermined weight. The plastic
rod 17 is rigid enough to vertically support the weight of the
illumination assembly 15. However, the plastic rod 17 is also
flexible enough to enable the illumination assembly 15 to swing
back and forth and side-to-side when the handle 12 is manually
rocked or otherwise shaken. As such, the resilient support 13
allows the illumination assembly 15 to move throughout a
predetermined range of motion (RM) relative the handle 12, when the
handle 12 is rocked or shaken.
[0021] The illumination assembly 15 includes a hub 14. Arms 16
radially extend from the hub 14. In the shown embodiment, two arms
16 extend from the hub 14. The diameter in between the ends of the
arms 16 is smaller than the length L1 of the elongated support 13.
In this manner, the handle 12 of the device 10 is always positioned
outside the range of motion (RM) of the illuminated assembly 15.
The arms 16 therefore cannot stike the handle 12 or a person's hand
that is holding the handle 12.
[0022] The arms 16 can be just flat elements that spin with the hub
14. However, in the shown embodiment, the arms 16 are pitched. As a
consequence, the arms 16 act as fan blades when they spin and
displace air. This causes the arm 16 to create a flow of air. The
flow of air, in turn, creates an opposite and equal force to the
illumination assembly 15. It will therefore be understood that when
the arms 16 spin, the arms 16 create a force that attempts to bend
the elongated support 13. Thus, when the arms 16 spin, the arms 16
cause the illumination assembly 15 to move about in the range of
motion (RM).
[0023] In the shown embodiment, each of the arms 16 supports a
plurality of light sources 20 in a fixed position. The light
sources 20 can be incandescent bulbs, but are preferably
high-output light emitting diodes (LEDs). The light emitted by the
light sources 20 can be any color or combination of colors,
depending upon the type of bulbs or LEDs selected. Although five
linearly aligned light sources 20 are specifically illustrated on
one arm 16, it should be understood that any array of light sources
can be mounted on any or all of the arms 16 in any desired
configuration.
[0024] The hub 14 on the illumination assembly 15 rotates. The arms
16 are attached to the hub 14. Accordingly, as the hub 14 rotates,
the arms 16 extending from the hub 14 also rotate. As the hub 14
and arms 16 rotate, current is directed to the light sources 20.
Consequently, the light sources 20 illuminate as they spin, thereby
producing circular patterns of light. The speed at which the light
sources 20 are rotated is known. The light sources 20 are connected
to a control circuit that selectively turns on and off the light
sources 20 in at least one preprogrammed sequence. The control
circuit is synchronized to the speed of rotation for the hub 14.
Consequently, as the light sources 20 spin, complex changing
patterns of light can be produced. If desired, even alphanumeric
messages can be generated.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, it can be seen that on at least one of
the arms 16, the light sources 20 are mounted to flexible circuit
boards 21. Each arm 16 is also preferably made of flexible
material. The flexible material is preferably an elastomeric
material, such as a type of synthetic rubber, silicone or foam
rubber. As such, the arms 16 are free to bend and twist even though
they contain the circuit boards 21 for the light sources 20.
Consequently, the arms 16 are unencumbered by the presence of the
circuit boards 21 and the light sources 20.
[0026] Since the material of the arms 16 is elastomeric, it
provides a natural safety structure. The elastomeric material of
the arms 16 surrounds the periphery of the circuit boards 21.
Accordingly, if some object, such as a child's face, were to
contact the arms 16 as they rotate, the soft elastomeric material
of the arms 16 would be the part of the arms 16 that makes contact.
Since the material of the arms 16 is soft and flexible, it is not
likely to cause injury.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 3, it can be seen that in the handle
12, there is a port 25 for holding batteries 27. The power from the
batteries 27 is used to both illuminate the light sources 20 and
rotate the arms 16.
[0028] The illumination assembly 15 is supported at the top end of
the elongated support 13. Power is fed to the illumination assembly
15 through wires 34. The wires 34 receive power from the batteries
27 in the handle 12.
[0029] In the illumination assembly 15, there is a motor 36. The
motor 36 turns the hub 14. A shaft assembly 24 connects the motor
36 to the hub 14. The shaft assembly 24 contains a conductive inner
shaft 26 and a conductive outer shaft 28. The inner shaft 26 and
the outer shaft 28 are insulated from each other using spacers 30
that are disposed in between the inner shaft 26 and the outer shaft
28. The spacers 30 also act as bearings between the inner shaft 26
and the outer shaft 28. As such, the outer shaft 28 is free to
rotate independently of the inner shaft 26.
[0030] In the hub 14, there is located a central circuit board 33
that spins around the inner shaft 26. A wiper contact 29 is mounted
on the central circuit board 33 that makes electrical contact with
the inner shaft 26. A control circuit is mounted to the central
circuit board 33 in the hub 14. The control circuit receives one of
the leads from each of the light sources 20. The control circuit
contains the circuitry that lights the various light sources 20 in
at least one predetermined sequence to produce a desired changing
pattern of light.
[0031] In the hub 14 is also located a second connector 35. The
second connector 35 is coupled to both the structure of the hub 14
and the outer shaft 28. The second lead from each light source 20
is coupled to the outer shaft 28, via the second connector 35.
[0032] The inner shaft 26 is coupled to one of the wires 34 that
lead to the batteries 27. One of the wires 34 is disrupted by an
on/off switch 40 that can be manually activated by a person holding
the handle 12. Accordingly, a person holding the handle 12 can
selectively control the on/off switch 40 and therefore can control
the flow of electrical power to the inner shaft 26.
[0033] The opposite terminal of the batteries 27 is coupled to a
wiping contact 42. The wiping contact 42 presses against the outer
shaft 28 of the shaft assembly 24. Accordingly, when the on/off
switch 40 is manually closed, a circuit is completed. The circuit
starts at one terminal of the batteries 27 and then travels through
the elongated support 13 to the illumination assembly 15. In the
illumination assembly 15, electricity flows through the inner shaft
26 up to the light sources 20. The circuit then returns to the
opposite terminal of the batteries 27 from the light sources 20
through the outer shaft 28, via the wiping contact 42. It should
therefore be understood that each time the on/off switch 40 is
pressed closed, the light sources 20 illuminate.
[0034] The electric motor 36 rotates at a known speed. Accordingly,
when the electric motor 36 is activated, the electric motor 36
turns the outer shaft 28, that turns the hub 14, that turns the
arms 16. Since the speed at which the electric motor 36 spins is
known, the rotational speed of the arms 16 is also known because it
is proportional to the speed of the electric motor 36 multiplied by
the radius of the arms 16.
[0035] The wires 34 that connect the electric motor 36 to the
batteries 27 also pass through the on/off switch 40. Consequently,
when the on/off switch 40 is pressed, power is supplied to the
light sources 20 and power is supplied to the motor 36 that turns
the hub 14.
[0036] In the shown embodiment of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3 the
array of light sources 20 is a single straight line of LEDs. It
will be understood that the array of light sources can be a matrix
of LEDs where multiple LEDs are arranged in rows and columns. The
use of a single row of LEDs is merely exemplary.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 4, it can be seen that as the light
sources 20 rotate, each light source 20 follows its own circular
path 60 around the hub 14. The circular path 60 of any one light
source 20 depends upon the distance between that light source 20
and the center of the hub 14. There are five light sources 20 shown
in the exemplary embodiment. Accordingly, they create only five
circular paths 60 of light as they spin.
[0038] As the light sources 20 on the arms 16 spin, the control
circuit on the central circuit board 33 (FIG. 2) selectively turns
on and off the light sources 20 in a preprogrammed pattern. The
pattern programmed into the control circuit produces at least one
changing pattern of lights. The changing pattern of lights can
create a geometric pattern, a recognizable shape, such as Mickey
Mouse ears, or alphanumeric characters as the light sources 20
spin.
[0039] In order for the array of light sources 20 on the moving
arms 16 to produce a readable display, the lighting of the various
light sources 20 on the arms 16 must be synchronized with the rate
of rotation of the arms 16. If the lighting of the light sources 20
is not synchronized with the movement of the light sources 20, then
the pattern or message set forth by the light sources 20 will
appear as a blur and will not be readable.
[0040] The speed at which the arms 16 spin is a known constant in
the present invention. The circular path 60 of each of the light
sources 20 is also known. Knowing the speed of rotation and the
circular pattern of light 60 of each light source 20, the relative
speed of each light source 20 is readily calculated. The control
circuit on the central circuit board 33 (FIG. 2) is preprogrammed
with the relative speed of each of the light sources 20 on the arms
16. The control circuit can then synchronize the lighting of the
various light sources 20 to create a clear display of any
preprogrammed pattern and/or message.
[0041] In addition to the light sources 20 spinning around the hub
14, the hub 14 can also be moving relative the handle 12. As the
handle 12 is manipulated, the elongated support 13 bends. The
lights sources therefore not only move in a circular pattern, but
also move throughout a complex range of motion RM (FIG. 1). The
pattern of light 60 being observed is therefore highly complex and
interesting to view. This keeps the assembly interesting to an
observer, especially a child observer.
[0042] In the embodiment of the device previously described, the
elongated support 13 was shown as a length of flexible plastic. It
will be understood that other configurations of the elongated
support can be created that would function in the same manner. One
such embodiment is shown in FIG. 5. Referring to FIG. 5, it can be
seen that the elongated support 70 that attaches the illuminated
assembly 15 to the handle 12 includes at least one resilient area
72 along its length. That resilient area 72 can be a length of
elastomeric material. However, in the shown embodiment, the
resilient area 72 is a spring 74. One end of the spring 74 is
attached to the handle 12. The opposite end of the spring 74
attaches to a shaft 76 that extends to the illuminated assembly 15.
The spring 74 enables the shaft 76 and the illuminated assembly 15
to waive back and forth relative to the handle 12.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 6, yet another embodiment of the elongated
support 80 is shown. In this embodiment, the elongated support 80
is fairly rigid. The elongated shaft 80 extends into the handle 12
and is joined to the handle 12 with a pivot pin 82. The pivot pin
82 acts as a center of rotation for the elongated support 80. The
elongated support 80 can therefore waive back and forth relative to
the handle 12 as the elongated support 80 rotates about the pivot
pin 82. Two elastic bands 84, 85 can be used to center the
elongated support 80 and bias the elongated support 80 into a
central position. When the handle 12 is manipulated back and forth,
the elastic bands 84, 85 will yield and the elongated support 80
with the illuminated assembly 15 will waive.
[0044] It will be understood that the embodiments of the present
invention specifically described and illustrated are merely
exemplary and the shown embodiment can be modified in many ways.
For example, the number of light sources, the number of arms and
the position of the light sources on the arms can be varied in any
manner by a person skilled in the art. Furthermore, the shape of
the arms, the hub and the handle can be varied. In the shown
embodiment, the arms have an elongated shape. This shape can be
varied into any shape including recognizable object shapes such as
Mickey Mouse arms, dinosaur legs and the like. Additionally, the
length and flexibility of the resilient support can be changed to
acquire different degrees of movement. All such alternate
embodiments and variations are intended to be included within the
scope of the claims as listed below.
* * * * *