SYSTEM FOR ANIMATING DECORATIVE ELEMENTS

Abstract

A system for animating decorative elements or products moved by means of strings connecting the decorative elements to an animating mechanism includes a closed animating device (2) in which the animating mechanism is arranged and enclosed, decorative elements or products (4) animated by animating strings (5), the decorative elements (4) and their animating strings (5) being arranged outside the animating device (2) and distributed in a space to be decorated, control wires (6) being provided to connect the animating strings (5) of the decorative elements (4) to the animating mechanism, and elements (7) for transmitting movements to the decorative elements (4). The transmitting elements are distributed in the space to be decorated depending on the location of the decorative elements (4) relative to the animating device (2).

Description

This invention relates to a system for animating decorative elements or products moved by means of strings connecting said decorative elements to an animating mechanism making it possible to automatically reproduce the same predetermined cycle of movements of said decorative elements.

Such systems are known, used to animate for example the shop windows of boutiques and to create decorations on different themes according to the shop or the period of the year.

A known animating system includes different decorative elements moved by means of strings, each one of the decorative elements having its own animating mechanism arranged vertically in relation to the decorative element. This system has the disadvantage of using as many animating mechanisms as there are decorative elements installed. The large number of animating mechanisms multiplies as such the price of the animating system as well as the space occupied by all of the mechanisms.

Moreover, FR 1 194 695 discloses an animated model constituted of a casing of which the lower portion is arranged as a stage and comprises decorative elements and of which the upper portion contains a single animating mechanism animating all of the decorative elements. Through its design, this system is a model occupying a small space, which is difficult to see in the shop window of a boutique. It is necessary to provide several models if it is desired to animate different spaces in the same shop window.

Finally, the animating system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,123,865 is also known. This system is constituted of a parallelepipedic casing fixed to the ceiling of a shop window, said casing containing an animating mechanism with a motor driving in rotation eccentrics whereon are directly fixed by S hooks the animating strings connected to the decorative elements or objects to be animated.

The casing is entirely open on the lower side thereof and the eccentrics move in their travel outside the internal volume of the casing.

This system has the disadvantages of having to be fixed above the space to be decorated, which makes it difficult to install the system and to replace the decorative elements as well as to add strings controlling new objects or decorative elements, and of having a risk in terms of safety since the animating mechanism is constantly accessible, which furthermore, is unsightly.

The purpose of this invention is therefore to overcome these different disadvantages, by proposing a system for animating decorative elements or products moved by means of strings, making it possible, using a single system, to simultaneously animate a set of decorative elements or products distributed in the different spaces to be decorated, for example several shop windows as well as inside a shop.

To that effect, and in accordance with this invention, a system is proposed for animating decorative elements or products moved by means of strings connecting said decorative elements to an animating mechanism making it possible to automatically reproduce the same predetermined cycle of movements of said decorative elements, noteworthy in that it comprises:

• • a closed animating device wherein the animating mechanism is arranged and enclosed,

at least one decorative element or one product animated by at least one animating string, said decorative element and the animating string thereof being arranged outside the animating device and distributed in a space to be decorated,

• • at least one control wire, provided to connect said animating string of the decorative element to the animating mechanism,
  • means for transmitting movements of the animating mechanism to the decorative element by the intermediary of the control wire and of the animating string, said transmitting means being distributed in the space to be decorated according to the location of the decorative element in relation to the animating device.

The animating mechanism comprises more preferably a motor, a shaft driven in rotation by said motor and comprising an axis of rotation and at least one eccentric which defines an axis parallel and offset in relation to said axis of rotation, eccentric whereon the control wire is pivotally mounted.

Advantageously, the animating device comprises at least one outlet orifice of the control wire, said control wire comprising, on the outside side of the animating device, a stop member against said outlet orifice preventing the control wire from fully entering the animating device.

Preferably, the control wire is a flexible wire of which the length is such that the control wire hangs freely inside said animating device between the outlet orifice and the eccentric when said control wire is not used.

Advantageously, the control wire comprises a ballasting and guiding device mounted in the vicinity of the eccentric.

The system according to the invention makes it possible to distribute in different spaces to be decorated different decorative elements or products using a single and unique centralised animating device wherein is arranged the animating mechanism.

Other advantages and characteristics shall be better revealed in the following description of a system in accordance with the invention, provided by way of a non-exhaustive example, in reference to the annexed drawings on which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is an overhead view showing the interior of an animating device and control wires utilised in said system,

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the interior of said animating device and the control wires, and

FIG. 4 is a lateral view of the animating device and of the control wires.

In reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the system 1 for animating decorative elements or products according to the invention comprises:

• • a closed animating device 2 wherein an animating mechanism is arranged and enclosed,
  • three decorative elements 4 animated by animating strings 5, said decorative elements 4 and the respective animating strings 5 thereof being arranged outside the animating device 2 and distributed in different spaces to be decorated, such as the windows and the interior of a shop,
  • three control wires 6, provided to connect the animating strings 5 of the decorative elements 4 to the animating mechanism, and
  • means for transmitting 7 movements from the animating mechanism to the decorative elements 4 by the intermediary of the control wires 6 and the animating strings 5, said means for transmitting 7 being for example pulleys receiving the animating strings 5, distributed in the different spaces to be decorated according to the location of the decorative elements 4 in relation to the animating device 2.

The decorative elements 4 are characters, objects, interchangeable, chosen for example according to a decorative theme of the shop according to the periods of the year, for example Christmas, Carnival, Easter, sales, etc. The decorative elements 4 can be replaced with products that are similar to the products sold in the shop.

The animating strings 5 are more preferably strings having a very thin diameter, resistant and discreet, of the fishing line type. Strings of the monofilament or braid type made from synthetic material can thus be used, such as for example Nylon® or polyethylene, or made from metal, such as for example steel. More preferably, transparent or translucent strings shall be used.

A decorative element can be moved by one or several animating strings, according to the movements that are to be given to it. Furthermore, several strings can be connected to the same control wire 6.

In reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, the animating device 2 has the form of a parallelepipedic case 3, of which the upper side constitutes a cover 14, and wherein the animating mechanism is arranged. The animating mechanism includes a motor 8, provided with a reduction gear (not shown) and maintained by a wall separation 9 provided inside the case 3. Said motor drives in rotation a shaft 10 which comprises an axis of rotation 11 and three eccentrics 12 which define parallel axes offset in relation to one another and in relation to said axis of rotation 11. The different eccentrics 12 make it possible to carry out different animation movement. On each eccentric 12 is pivotally mounted a control wire 6, such as shall be described further on. The case 3 is a case of compact dimensions, closed by the cover 14. The animating mechanism, and in particular the motor 8, the shaft 10 and the eccentrics 12, is entirely enclosed in the case 3.

It is obvious that a different number of eccentrics and control wires can be provided according to the animation movement sought and the number of decorative elements to animate.

The case 3 comprises three outlet orifices 13, one for each of the control wires 6. These outlet orifices 13 are arranged according to an axis parallel to the axis of rotation 11. They are more preferably provided in the upper portion of the case 3, for example in the upper side 14 closing the case 3 or at the top of one of the longitudinal sides 15 of the case 3. Each control wire 6 comprises, on the outside side of the case 3 a stop member 16 against the corresponding outlet orifice 13, in such a way as to prevent the control wire 6 from fully entering the case 3, in such a way that the control wire remains accessible even when it is not used. Advantageously, the stop member 16 has the form of a crimped ring on the end of the control wire 6, said ring making it possible to attach one or several animating strings 5.

Underneath the upper side 14 and in the vicinity of the outlet orifices 13 is provided a guide tube 17 arranged in parallel to the axis of rotation 11 making it possible to position and maintain vertical the control wires 6 before the passage thereof in the outlet orifices 13. In an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the guide tube 17 is replaced with an axis provided with rollers, arranged in parallel to the axis of rotation 11 and fulfilling the same function of guiding the control wires 6 which are then positioned by the rollers.

In the animating device used in this invention, the control wires 6 are flexible wires of which the respective lengths are such that, when they are not used, the control wires 6 hang freely inside the case 3 between the outlet orifices 13 and the respective eccentrics 12 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and this regardless of the position of the eccentrics 12 during the animation.

Advantageously, each control wire 6 comprises a ballasting and guiding device mounted in the vicinity of the corresponding eccentric 12. This ballasting and guiding device allows the control wire 6 which is not used and which hangs then freely inside the case 3 to retain its position without the risk of winding around the eccentric 12 and to not hinder the movement of the other corresponding used eccentrics 12 and control wires 6. Indeed, via its weight, the ballasting and guiding device makes it possible to oppose the friction efforts on the pivot connection carried out between the control wire 6 and the corresponding eccentric 12.

In reference more specifically to FIGS. 2 and 3, the ballasting and guiding device has the form of a T-tube 18 made from heavy material, i.e. with high density, as for example metal such as steel. The portion 18a corresponding to the leg of the T is crimped on the end of the control wire 6 which is connected to the corresponding eccentric 12 and has a length that is sufficient to maintain straight and directed downwards said end of the control wire 6. The portion 18b corresponding to the bar of the T is pivotally mounted on the axis of the eccentric 12, this pivot also serving as a pivot to the control wire 6 in relation to the corresponding eccentric 12.

According to another alternative not shown, the ballasting and guiding device has the form of a tube made from heavy material, crimped on the control wire in the vicinity of the corresponding eccentric, and has a length that is sufficient to maintain straight and directed downwards the end of the control wire 6 which is connected to the corresponding eccentric 12. In this case, it is necessary to provide for example a roller mounted on the eccentric and receiving the end of the control wire in order to provide the pivot of said control wire in relation to the eccentric. It is obvious that the tube can be replaced with any other device of a different form that allows for the ballasting and the guiding of the control wire.

The animating device can include a safety device (not shown) arranged in order to automatically disconnect the animating mechanism in the event too much force is detected on the animating strings 5 and/or control wires 6, especially when adjacent decorative elements 4 become tangled during a manipulation error for example, or when a person attempts to hold back one of the animating strings.

This invention applies more particularly to the animation of a same commercial or public space, such as different spaces provided in the same shop, for example the different shop windows and the sales areas, or stands. The system according to the invention makes it possible to distribute in these different spaces different decorative elements, while still animating them all using a single centralised animating device. The system according to the invention is particularly simple to install: the animating device is for example placed on the floor in a suitable centralised location, then different pulleys are hooked to the ceiling, in a number that is sufficient to transmit the movements of the animating mechanism to the decorative element by the intermediary of the control wire and of the animating strings. Then it is sufficient to connect the decorative elements to the control wires with the transparent Nylon® animating strings. As such, the animating system according to the invention makes it possible to give the impression that the decorative elements fly or move in the different spaces to be decorated, on different axes, amplitudes, and offset in relation to one another.

As such, it is understood that by simply placing the system on the floor, connecting the animating strings 5 to the control wires 6 is extremely easy. Furthermore, since the case 3 is closed, the risks of injury in relation to the animating mechanism are almost nil.

Of course, it can be considered to fix the system above the animation space without exiting the framework of this invention.

The decorative elements are easily interchangeable in order to change the decoration theme without necessarily having to modify the layout of the decoration in the different spaces. For this, it suffices to unhook the decorative elements from the animating strings and to replace them with other subjects where applicable. It is also possible to reorganise the layout of the decoration by easily displacing and at will the pulleys, the animating strings and the animating device.

When all of the control wires are not used, the unused wires are stored inside the animating device. The ballasting and guiding device allows the unused wires to not hinder the movements of the eccentrics and of the other wires that continue to be animated.

The number of animating strings, control wires and eccentrics used varies according to the number of decorative elements to be animated. It is possible to connect different wires to a same control wire, as well as to the same decorative element, according to the movements sought. It is also possible to control different animating strings using a single animating string by means of a connection point. The dimensions and forms of the eccentrics and the motor shall be adapted according to the amplitudes and the speed of the animations movements sought.

It is obvious that the example that has just been provided is only a particular and in no case limitative illustration with regards to the fields of application of the invention.

Claims

1. System (1) for animating decorative elements or products moved by means of strings connecting said decorative elements to an animating mechanism making it possible to automatically reproduce the same predetermined cycle of movements of said decorative elements, characterised in that it comprises:

a closed animating device (2) wherein the animating mechanism is arranged and enclosed,

at least one decorative element or one product (4) animated by at least one animating string (5), said decorative element (4) and the animating string (5) thereof being arranged outside the animating device (2) and distributed in a space to be decorated,

at least one control wire (6), provided to connect said animating string (5) of the decorative element (4) to the animating mechanism,

means for transmitting (7) movements from the animating mechanism to the decorative element (4) by the intermediary of the control wire (6) and of the animating string (5), said means of transmitting (7) being distributed in the space to be decorated according to the location of the decorative element (4) in relation to the animating device (2).

2. System (1) set forth in claim 1, characterised in that the animating mechanism comprises a motor (8), a shaft (10) driven in rotation by said motor and comprising an axis of rotation (11) and at least one eccentric (12) which defined an axis parallel and offset in relation to said axis of rotation (11), eccentric (12) whereon the control wire (6) is pivotally mounted.

3. System (1) as set forth in claim 1, characterised in that the animating device (2) comprises at least one outlet orifice (13) of the control, wire (6) and in that the control wire (6) comprises, on the outside side of the animating device (2), a stop member (16) against said outlet orifice (13) preventing the control wire (6) from fully entering the animating device (2).

4. System (1) set forth in claim 3, characterised in that the control wire (6) is a flexible wire of which the length is such that the control wire (6) hangs freely inside said animating device (2) between the outlet orifice (13) and the eccentric (12) when said control wire (6) is not used.

5. System (1) set forth in claim 4, characterised in that the control wire (6) comprises a ballasting and guiding device (18) mounted in the vicinity of the eccentric (12).

6. System (1) set forth in claim 5, characterised in that the ballasting and guiding device (18) has the form of a tube made from heavy material crimped on the control wire (6) in the vicinity of the eccentric (12) and having a length that is sufficient to maintain straight and directed downwards the end of the control wire (6) which is connected to the eccentric (12).

7. System (1) set forth in claim 5, characterised in that the ballasting and guiding device has the form of a T-tube (18), made from heavy material, crimped on the end of the control wire (6) which is connected to the eccentric (12), said tube (18) being pivotally mounted on the axis of the eccentric (12), and having a length that is sufficient to maintain straight and directed downwards said end of the control wire (6).

8. System (1) as set forth in claim 3, characterised in that the animating device (2) has the form of a case of which one of the upper (14) or longitudinal (15) sides comprises said outlet orifice (13) of the control wire (6).

9. System (1) as set forth in claim 1, characterised in that the means of transmitting movements from the animating mechanism to the decorative element include at least one pulley (7) receiving the animating string (5).

10. System (1) as set forth in claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a safety device arranged to automatically disconnect the animating mechanism in the event too much force is detected on the animating strings (5) and/or the control wires (6).

11. System (1) as set forth in claim 2, characterised in that the animating device (2) comprises at least one outlet orifice (13) of the control wire (6) and in that the control wire (6) comprises, on the outside side of the animating device (2), a stop member (16) against said outlet orifice (13) preventing the control wire (6) from fully entering the animating device (2).

12. System (1) as set forth in claim 4, characterised in that the animating device (2) has the form of a case of which one of the upper (14) or longitudinal (15) sides comprises said outlet orifice (13) of the control wire (6).

13. System (1) as set forth in claim 5, characterised in that the animating device (2) has the form of a case of which one of the upper (14) or longitudinal (15) sides comprises said outlet orifice (13) of the control wire (6).

14. System (1) as set forth in claim 6, characterised in that the animating device (2) has the form of a case of which one of the upper (14) or longitudinal (15) sides comprises said outlet orifice (13) of the control wire (6).

15. System (1) as set forth in claim 7, characterised in that the animating device (2) has the form of a case of which one of the upper (14) or longitudinal (15) sides comprises said outlet orifice (13) of the control wire (6).

16. System (1) as set forth in claim 2, characterised in that the means of transmitting movements from the animating mechanism to the decorative element include at least one pulley (7) receiving the animating string (5).

17. System (1) as set forth in claim 2, characterised in that it comprises a safety device arranged to automatically disconnect the animating mechanism in the event too much force is detected on the animating strings (5) and/or the control wires (6).