U.S. patent application number 14/284459 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-26 for three-dimensional (3d) illumination toy or amusement device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Malcolm J. Hall, Richard C. LEVY. Invention is credited to Malcolm J. Hall, Richard C. LEVY.
Application Number | 20150336020 14/284459 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54555358 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150336020 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEVY; Richard C. ; et
al. |
November 26, 2015 |
Three-Dimensional (3D) Illumination Toy or Amusement Device
Abstract
A three-dimensional (3D) illumination toy includes a housing, a
single motor for rotating the housing about a first axis and being
operably connected to the housing so as to be rotatable therewith,
a hub operably connected to the housing and rotatable by the single
motor about a second axis, which interacts the first axis at an
angle of about 0.degree. to 90.degree., and at least one arm
attached to the hub and including at least one illumination member,
such as an LED.
Inventors: |
LEVY; Richard C.; (Delray
Beach, FL) ; Hall; Malcolm J.; (Ashburton,
AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LEVY; Richard C.
Hall; Malcolm J. |
Delray Beach
Ashburton |
FL |
US
AU |
|
|
Family ID: |
54555358 |
Appl. No.: |
14/284459 |
Filed: |
May 22, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/485 ;
29/592.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 13/00 20130101;
Y10T 29/49004 20150115; A63H 33/40 20130101; A63H 33/26 20130101;
A63H 33/22 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/26 20060101
A63H033/26; A63H 13/00 20060101 A63H013/00; A63H 33/40 20060101
A63H033/40 |
Claims
1. A three-dimensional (3D) illumination toy, comprising: a) a
housing; b) a single motor for rotating said housing about a first
axis; c) said single motor operably connected to said housing so as
to be rotatable therewith; d) a hub operably connected to said
housing and rotatable by said single motor about a second axis; e)
said first and second axes intersecting each other at an angle of
about 0.degree. to 90.degree.; and f) at least one arm attached to
said hub and including at least one illumination member.
2. The illumination toy of claim 1, wherein: a) said arm is
flexible and includes a first end portion attached to said hub and
a second free end portion.
3. The illumination toy of claim 2, wherein: a) a plurality of said
flexible arms each including at least one illumination member; and
b) the illumination members are positioned at different points
along the lengths of said corresponding flexible arms from a center
of said hub.
4. The illumination toy of claim 3, wherein: a) at least one of
said flexible arms includes at least two illumination members.
5. The illumination toy of claim 3, wherein: a) at least two of
said flexible arms each includes at least two illumination members;
and b) at least one of said flexible arms includes at least one
illumination member.
6. The illumination toy of claim 3, wherein: a) said first and
second axes intersect each other at an angle of about 45.degree. to
80.degree..
7. The illumination toy of claim 3, wherein: a) said first and
second axes intersect each other at an angle of about
75.degree..
8. The illumination toy of claim 3, wherein: a) a first of said
flexible arms includes at least two illumination members; b) a
second of said flexible arms includes at least two illumination
members; and c) a third of said flexible arms includes at least one
illumination member positioned farthest from the center of the
hub.
9. The illumination toy of claim 8, wherein: a) the illumination
member of said first of said flexible arms is positioned closest to
the center of said hub.
10. The illumination toy of claim 9, wherein: a) the illumination
member of said second of said flexible arms is positioned at a
point between the illumination members of said first and third
flexible arms.
11. The illumination toy of claim 10, wherein: a) said first and
second axes intersect each other at an angle of about 70.degree. to
80.degree..
12. The illumination toy of claim 3, wherein: a) each of said
flexible arms comprises a tubular member made of a generally
translucent or transparent material.
13. The illumination toy of claim 12, wherein: a) said illumination
member comprises a light emitting device (LED) disposed interior of
said tubular member.
14. The illumination toy of claim 12, wherein: a) said illumination
member comprises a light emitting device (LED) disposed exterior of
said tubular member.
15. The illumination toy of claim 1, wherein: a) said single motor
is disposed inside of said housing and is rotatable therewith at
least one complete revolution of 360.degree..
16. The illumination toy of claim 15, wherein: a) said first and
second axes intersect each other at an angle of about 45.degree. to
80.degree..
17. The illumination toy of claim 12, wherein: a) said first and
second axes intersect each other at an angle of about
75.degree..
18. The illumination toy of claim 1, wherein: a) a plurality of
said arms each including at least one illumination member; and b)
the illumination members are positioned at different points along
the lengths of said corresponding arms from a center of said
hub.
19. The illumination toy of claim 18, wherein: a) each of said arms
comprises a generally fan blade configuration.
20. The illumination toy of claim 18, wherein: a) at least two of
said arms each includes at least two illumination members; and b)
at least one of said arms includes at least one illumination
member.
21. A three-dimensional (3D) illumination toy, comprising: a) a
housing rotatably mounted on a support; b) a single motor for
rotating said housing about a first axis; c) said single motor
disposed inside of said housing so as to be rotatable therewith at
least one complete revolution of 360.degree.; d) a hub operably
connected to said housing and rotatable by said single motor about
a second axis; e) said first and second axes intersecting each
other at an angle of about 0.degree. to 90.degree.; f) a plurality
of arms attached to said hub and each including at least one
illumination member; and g) each of said arms including a first end
portion attached to said hub and a second free end portion.
22. The illumination toy of claim 21, wherein: a) said single motor
is disposed generally parallel to said housing.
23. The illumination toy of claim 21, wherein: a) the illumination
members are positioned at different points along the lengths of
said corresponding arms from a center of said hub.
24. The illumination toy of claim 23, wherein: a) said first and
second axes intersect each other at an angle of about 45.degree. to
80.degree..
25. The illumination toy of claim 23, wherein: a) said first and
second axes intersect each other at an angle of about
75.degree..
26. The illumination toy of claim 23, wherein: a) at least two of
said arms include at least two illumination members; and b) at
least one of said arms includes at least one illumination
member.
27. The illumination toy of claim 26, wherein: a) said first and
second axes intersect each other at an angle of about 70.degree. to
80.degree..
28. The illumination toy of claim 23, wherein: a) a first of said
arms includes at least two illumination members; b) a second of
said arms includes at least two illumination members; and c) a
third of said arms includes at least one illumination member
positioned farthest from the center of said hub.
29. The illumination toy of claim 28, wherein: a) the illumination
member of said first of said arms is positioned closest to the
center of said hub.
30. The illumination toy of claim 21, wherein: a) each of said arms
includes a tubular member made of a generally translucent or
transparent material.
31. The illumination toy of claim 21, wherein: a) each of said arms
comprises a generally fan blade configuration.
32. The illumination toy of claim 30, wherein: a) said at least one
illumination member comprises a light emitting device (LED)
disposed interior of said tubular member.
33. A three-dimensional (3D) illumination toy, comprising: a) a
single motor mounted on a support and including an output member;
b) said single motor being rotatable on said support about a first
axis; c) a plurality of arms operably attached to said output
member and each including at least one illumination member; d) said
output member being rotatable by said single motor about a second
axis; e) said first axis and second axes intersecting each other at
an angle of about 0.degree. to 90.degree.; and f) each of said arms
including a first end portion operably attached to said output
member and a second free end portion.
34. The illumination toy of claim 33, wherein: a) said first and
second axes intersect each other at an angle of about 45.degree. to
80.degree..
35. A three-dimensional (3D) illumination toy, comprising: a) a
housing; b) a single motor for rotating said housing about a first
axis; c) said single motor operably connected to said housing so as
to be rotatable therewith; d) a hub operably connected to said
housing and rotatable by said single motor about a second axis; e)
said first and second axes intersecting each other at an angle of
about 0.degree. to 90.degree.; and f) at least one arm pivotally
attached to said hub and including at least one illumination
member.
36. The illumination toy of claim 35, wherein: a) said arm is
pivotable to form an angle of about 0.degree. to 90.degree. with
said second axis.
37. The illumination toy of claim 35, wherein: a) said arm is
pivotable to form an angle of about 40.degree. to 80.degree. with
said second axis.
38. The illumination toy of claim 35, wherein: a) said arm is
pivotable to form an angle of about 45.degree. with said second
axis.
39. The illumination toy of claim 37, wherein: a) a plurality of
said arms each including at least one illumination member; and b)
the illumination members are positioned at different points along
the lengths of said corresponding arms from a center of said
hub.
40. The illumination toy of claim 39, wherein: a) at least one of
said arms includes at least two illumination members.
41. The illumination toy of claim 37, wherein: a) a first of said
arms includes at least two illumination members; b) a second of
said arms includes at least two illumination members; and c) a
third of said arms includes at least one illumination member
positioned farthest from the center of the hub.
42. The illumination toy of claim 41, wherein: a) the illumination
member of said first of said arms is positioned closest to the
center of said hub.
43. The illumination toy of claim 42, wherein: a) the illumination
member of said second of said arms is positioned at a point between
the illumination members of said first and third arms.
44. The illumination toy of claim 35, wherein: a) said single motor
is disposed inside of said housing and is rotatable therewith at
least one complete revolution of 360.degree..
45. A method of creating a varying three-dimensional (3D)
illumination, comprising: a) providing an illumination device,
comprising: i) a housing rotatably mounted on a support; ii) a
single motor for rotating said housing about a first axis; iii) the
single motor operably connected to the housing so as to be
rotatable therewith; iv) a hub operably connected to the housing
and rotatable by the single motor about a second axis intersecting
the first axis at an angle of about 0.degree. to 90.degree.; v) a
plurality of flexible arms attached to the hub and each including
at least one illumination member; and vi) the illumination members
being positioned at different points along the lengths of the
corresponding arms from the center of the hub; b) activating the
motor to rotate the hub, to thereby rotate the arms to create a
plurality of concentric illumination patterns in multiple planes
that intersect each other due to a simultaneous rotation of the
housing.
46. The method of claim 45, wherein: the illumination device
comprises three arms to thereby create three concentric
illumination patterns.
47. The method of claim 46, wherein: the first and second axes
intersect each other at an angle of about 45.degree. to
80.degree..
48. The method of claim 45, wherein: the illumination device
comprises first, second, and third arms, each including at least
one illumination member, at least two illumination members, and at
least two illumination members, respectively; and wherein the at
least five illumination members are positioned at different points
on the respective arms from the center of the hub to thereby create
at least five concentric patterns.
49. The method of claim 48, wherein: the first and second axes
intersect each other at an angle of about 70.degree. to
80.degree..
50. The method of claim 45, wherein: the arms are pivotally
attached to the hub.
Description
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is generally directed to toys or
amusement devices, and more particularly to a toy or amusement
device, which produces myriad 360.degree., three-dimensional (3D)
light patterns.
[0002] The toys or devices that use lights to create various
patterns have always been of interest to children and the adults
alike. It is not uncommon to observe people of all ages at various
events, such as birthdays, New Year's Eve, etc., use hand-held
devices that upon activation produce colorful and aesthetically
pleasing light patterns, especially in the evenings or at night. It
is fascinating to see crowds of children and teenagers using these
types of illumination devices at, for example, a concert or in an
amusement park, such as Disney, Six Flags, etc.
[0003] Various light or illumination devices are available in the
art as shown in U.S. Patents/Publications Nos. D504,7065; D593,237;
U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,960,618; 3,491,374; 5,030,160; 5,401,947;
5,082,422; 5,190,491; 5,269,719; 5,422,796; 6,037,876; 6,175,354B1;
6,589,094B2; 6,592,423B1; 6,802,758B2; 6,994,605B2; 7,161,256B2;
7,179,149B2; 7,361,074B1; 7,445,349B2; 7,766,718B2; 7,771,247B2;
2004/0004828A1; 2004/0105256A1; 2006/0094327A1; 2007/0166148A1;
2009/0099326A1; and 2010/0124867A1; and Foreign FR 2803771; JP
6-285270; and JP 2003-181159.
ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present disclosure is directed to various aspects of the
present invention.
[0005] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a
hand-held, illuminated device, which creates an entertaining
display of three-dimensional (3D) light patterns.
[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a toy
or amusement device, which produces myriad three-dimensional (3D)
light patterns.
[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a toy
or amusement device, which produces myriad variable
three-dimensional (3D) light patterns.
[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a toy
or amusement device, which produces myriad 360.degree.
three-dimensional (3D) light displays created by concentric light
patterns in multiple planes that intersect each other.
[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a toy
or amusement device, which produces myriad 360.degree.
three-dimensional (3D) light displays created by multiple
concentric circular patterns that intersect in at least two
orthogonal planes.
[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a toy
or amusement device, which produces myriad 360.degree.
three-dimensional (3D) light displays created by multiple
concentric circular patterns that intersect in at least two
orthogonal planes, wherein the displays/patterns can be easily
changed by varying any one or more of the number of lights, color
of lights, intensity of lights, lengths of the arms, locations of
the lights on the arms, the light flashing frequency, light
flashing speed, rotational speed of the hub carrying the arms,
rotational speed of the housing carrying the motor, etc.
[0011] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a toy
or amusement device, which produces a constantly changing
360.degree. three-dimensional (3D) light pattern or display.
[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
three-dimensional (3D) illumination toy, which includes a housing,
a single motor for rotating the housing about a first axis and
being operably connected to the housing so as to be rotatable
therewith, a hub operably connected to the housing and rotatable by
the single motor about a second axis, which intersects the first
axis at an angle of about 0.degree. to 90.degree., and at least one
arm attached to the hub and including at least one illumination
member.
[0013] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
three-dimensional (3D) illumination toy, which includes a housing
rotatably mounted on a support, a single motor for rotating the
housing about a first axis and being disposed inside of the housing
so as to be rotatable therewith at least one complete revolution of
360.degree., a hub operably connected to the housing and rotatable
by the single motor about a second axis, which intersects the first
axis at an angle of about 0.degree. to 90.degree., a plurality of
arms attached to the hub and each including at least one
illumination member, and a first end portion attached to the hub
and a second free end portion.
[0014] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
three-dimensional (3D) illumination toy, which includes a single
motor mounted on a support and including an output member, and
being rotatable about a first axis, a plurality of arms operably
attached to the output member and each including at least one
illumination member, the output member being rotatable by the
single motor about a second axis, which intersects the first axis
at an angle of about 0.degree. to 90.degree., and each of the arms
including a first end portion operably attached to the output
member and a second free end portion.
[0015] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
three-dimensional (3D) illumination toy, which includes a housing,
a single motor for rotating the housing about a first axis and
being operably connected to the housing so as to be rotatable
therewith, a hub operably connected to the housing and rotatable by
the single motor about a second axis, which intersects the first
axis at an angle of about 0.degree. to 90.degree.; and at least one
arm pivotally attached to the hub and including at least one
illumination member.
[0016] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
method of creating a varying three-dimensional (3D) illumination,
which includes a) providing an illumination device, including i) a
housing rotatably mounted on a support, ii) a single motor for
rotating the housing about a first axis, iii) the single motor
operably connected to the housing so as to be rotatable therewith,
iv) a hub operably connected to the housing and rotatable by the
single motor about a second axis intersecting the first axis at an
angle of about 0.degree. to 90.degree., v) a plurality of flexible
arms attached to the hub and each including at least one
illumination member, and vi) the illumination members being
positioned at different points along the lengths of the
corresponding arms from the center of the hub, and b) activating
the motor to rotate the hub, to thereby rotate the arms to create a
plurality of concentric illumination patterns in multiple planes
that intersect each other due to simultaneous rotation of the
housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] One of the above and other aspects, novel features and
advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the
following detailed description of a preferred embodiment(s) of the
invention, as illustrated in the drawings, in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the toy or amusement
device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the toy or amusement device
shown in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3A is a partial, enlarged top cross-sectional view of
the device shown in FIG. 2;
[0021] FIG. 3B is a view similar to FIG. 3A, showing an alternate
embodiment of the housing orientation;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG.
3A;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG.
3A;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing a first
alternate arrangement of the lights;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing a second
alternate arrangement of the lights;
[0026] FIGS. 8-9 are views similar to FIG. 1, showing alternate
embodiments of the positioning of the arms; and
[0027] FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 6, showing an alternate
embodiment of the arms.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE
INVENTION
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1-3(A-B), the toy or amusement device T,
in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention,
includes a housing 10 rotatably mounted on a support yoke 12, which
is connected at the lower end 14 thereof to an elongated handle
portion 16. As best shown in FIG. 2, each of the housing 10,
support yoke 12, and the handle portion 16, is preferably of a
clamshell construction, including cooperating shell portions 10A-B,
12A-B, and 16A-B, respectively (FIG. 2).
[0029] The housing 10 supports a hub 18 with preferably three arms
20, 22 and 24, radiating outwardly therefrom. Preferably, the arms
20, 22 and 24 are mounted on the hub 18 so as to be about
120.degree. apart from each other (see FIG. 4). (It is noted
herewith that the number and positioning of the arms on the hub can
be varied, as desired.)
[0030] Each of the arms 20, 22 and 24, is preferably of a generally
rigid or flexible construction and is mounted between the hub
shells 18A and 18B, and further accommodates therein an
illumination or light emitting device/diode (LED) 26. Preferably,
the arms 20, 22 and 24, each is made of a translucent, transparent,
or opaque, flexible or bendable tubular material, such as polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) or polyethylene. The LEDs 26 receive power from the
batteries B via wires 28, as described below in more detail.
[0031] As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A-B, the housing 10
accommodates therein a motor 30 mounted generally parallel thereto
in a sub-housing 32. A motor output shaft 34 includes a plate 36,
which is mounted inside the hub 18 for supplying electrical power
to the LEDs 26.
[0032] A circular gear 38 is fixedly mounted on the motor output
shaft 34 and is in mechanical engagement with a transversely
oriented circular rack gear 40, which is fixedly mounted in the
support yoke 12. One skilled in the art would readily appreciate
that when the motor 30 is actuated, the output shaft 34 would cause
the hub 18 to rotate in a plane P.sub.1 about axis Y, and the
entire housing 10 carrying the motor 30, to rotate in a transverse
plane P.sub.2 about axis X, in complete revolutions of 360.degree.
(see FIG. 3A).
[0033] As best shown in FIG. 3A, the axes X and Y intersect to form
a right angle A. In other words, the axes X and Y are perpendicular
to each other. On the other hand, as best shown in FIG. 3B, the Y
axis (rotational axis of hub 18) intersects the X axis at angle A,
which is less than 90.degree.. In viewing FIG. 3B, therefore, the
housing 10 is tilted or angled upwardly relative to the X axis. The
angle A is about 0.degree. to 90.degree., preferably about
45.degree. to 80.degree., more preferably about 70.degree. to
80.degree., and most preferably about 75.degree.. One would
appreciate that upon actuation of the motor 30, the hub 18 would
rotate in a plane P.sub.3 about axis Y, and the housing 10 carrying
the motor 30, would rotate in a plane P.sub.4 about axis X, wherein
the planes P.sub.3 and P.sub.4 are different from planes P.sub.1
and P.sub.2, shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3A.
[0034] An angled housing would produce more attractive off-center
pattern of lights, and further prevent the arms from bumping into
or interfering with the support yoke 12 and the lower end 14
thereof. It is noted that while in FIG. 3B, both the housing 10 and
the motor 30 are shown as tilted upwardly, it is within the scope
of the present invention to keep the housing horizontal (as shown
in FIG. 3A) and only tilt the motor 30 upwardly within the housing
10 to achieve the same result shown in FIG. 3B.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 4, 6 and 7, various preferred embodiments
of the illumination or LEDs 26 will now be described. In one
embodiment shown in FIG. 4, each of the arms 20, 22 and 24 includes
at least one LED 26. However, the LEDs 26 are positioned at
increasing radial distances D.sub.1, D.sub.2, D.sub.3, from the
center 44 of the hub 18, in the arms 20, 24 and 26,
respectively.
[0036] One would appreciate that the LED 26 in the arm 20 is
closest to the center 44 of the hub 18, while the LED 26 in the arm
22 is farthest, and the LED 26 in the arm 24 is between the LEDs in
the arms 20 and 22. This arrangement would produce three distinct
concentric lighted circles C.sub.1, C.sub.2, and C.sub.3.
[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment in which preferably at
least two LEDs 26 are provided in each of the arms 20 and 24, and
at least one LED 26 in the arm 22. As shown, the two LEDs 26 in the
arm 20, the two LEDs 26 in the arm 24, and the one LED 26 in the
arm 22, are all positioned at increasing distances D.sub.4,
D.sub.5, D.sub.6, D.sub.7, and D.sub.8, from the center 44 of the
hub 18. As a result, five distinct concentric lighted circles
C.sub.4, C.sub.5, C.sub.6, C.sub.7, and C.sub.8 would be
produced.
[0038] The embodiment disclosed in FIG. 7, is similar to the
embodiment in FIG. 6, with the exception that the LEDs 26 are
positioned exterior of the arms 20, 22, and 24, preferably at the
tips thereof. The LEDs 26 are likewise positioned at increasing
radial distances D.sub.9, D.sub.10, D.sub.11, D.sub.12, and
D.sub.13, to produce five distinct concentric lighted circles
C.sub.9, C.sub.10, C.sub.11, C.sub.12, and C.sub.13.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the lengths of the arms 20, 22,
and 24, are also preferably adjusted to correspond to the radial
distances of the LEDs 26 from the center 44 of the hub 18. In this
regard, although not shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the lengths
of the arms 22, 24, and 26, may also be adjusted in accordance with
the radial distances D.sub.1-D.sub.3 from the center 44 of the hub
18.
[0040] It is further noted herewith that the number of LEDs 26 and
their positioning along the arms 20, 22, and 24, as well as the
color, intensity and frequency of the light emitted therefrom, may
be easily varied to produce a different or desired light effect.
Likewise, a variation in the speed of the motor 30 may also be
varied to produce a different light effect.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 8-9, alternate positioning of the arms
20, 22 and 24 will now be described. In particular, these alternate
embodiments depict the arms, which are mounted in the hub 18 so as
to be pivotable to a desired forward position or angle B relative
to axis Y, to create different light patterns. Specifically, the
arms pivot to an angle B of about 0.degree. (FIG. 9) to about
90.degree. (FIGS. 1 and 3A), preferably about 40.degree. to
80.degree., and more preferably about 45.degree. (FIG. 8). It is
noted herewith that the arms may be pre-fixed to a certain desired
angle, or be pivotable by a user between various angles. Further,
it is noted that it is within the scope of the present invention to
configure various combinations of the arms at different angles. For
instance, the arms 20, 22, and 24, could be pre-set (or variably
set by the user) at 0.degree., 45.degree., and 90.degree.,
respectively.
[0042] FIG. 10 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the arms,
which is similar to the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 6, except that
the arms 20A, 22A, and 24A have a generally fan blade or wing-like
configuration, wherein the LEDs 26 are preferably sandwiched
between two suitable translucent, transparent, or opaque, rigid or
flexible material. The lengths of the arms 20A, 22A, and 24A, and
the positioning and number of LEDs 26 can vary in the same manner
as described above regarding FIGS. 4 and 7.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3A-B, and 5, the flow of power from
the batteries B to the LEDs 26 will now be described. As shown,
upon activation of the switch 42, the positive and negative wires
46 and 48 would carry the power to the motor 30 via brush
connections 50 and 52, and the rack gear axle 54. From the motor
30, positive wire 56 carries the power to the motor output shaft
34, and onto the motor plate 36, while the negative current flows
from the motor housing 58 to a brush connection 60 via wire 62.
From the brush connection 60 and the motor plate 36, the power is
supplied to the LEDs 26 via wires 28.
[0044] From a review of the above, it would be readily apparent
that when the hub 18 is rotated by the motor 30, the arms 20, 22,
and 24 would spin in a plane P.sub.1 (or P.sub.3) about axis Y
(FIGS. 3A-B) producing concentric lighted circles, which would
intersect the other planes of lighted circles as the housing 10 and
the hub 18 are simultaneously rotated in a plane P.sub.2 (or
P.sub.4) about axis X, thereby creating a 360.degree.
three-dimensional (3D) light pattern. It would also be appreciated
that by using different exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 4, 6,
and 7, and variations thereof as noted above, myriad light patterns
would be easily created.
[0045] It is also noted herewith that the arms 20 (20A), 22 (22A),
and 24 (24A) are preferably of a flexible construction. As a
result, the arms 20 (20A), 22 (22A), and 24 (24A) would bend or
flex when the hub 18 is rotated, thereby creating an illumination
pattern which would change constantly, depending on the speed of
motor 30 and the transverse rotation of the housing 10 that can be
varied by the size and relationship of the gears 38 and 40.
[0046] As noted above, the motor 30 is positioned inside the
housing 10, and rotates therewith, along with the LED-carrying arms
20 (20A), 22 (22A), and 24 (24A). Therefore, the weight of the
motor 30 would add to the weight of the housing 10, thereby
increasing the torque. As a result, the arms will keep rotating for
a longer period after the power is cut-off to the motor 30. This
will lengthen the duration of the light pattern created by the
device T.
[0047] While this invention has been described as having preferred
sequences, ranges, steps, order of steps, materials, structures,
symbols, indicia, graphics, color scheme(s), shapes,
configurations, features, components, or designs, it is understood
that it is capable of further modifications, uses and/or
adaptations of the invention following in general the principle of
the invention, and including such departures from the present
disclosure as those come within the known or customary practice in
the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to
the central features hereinbefore set forth, and fall within the
scope of the invention and of the limits of the claims appended
hereto or presented later. The invention, therefore, is not limited
to the preferred embodiment(s) shown/described herein.
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