TROPHY AND ADAPTER PART THEREFOR

Abstract

A trophy-includes a first trophy part, a second trophy part, and a coupling that enables the first trophy part and the second trophy part to be coupled to each other. The coupling comprises a rapid-action coupling which lacks a screw thread. The coupling further comprises a screw thread connection that enables the first trophy part and the second trophy part to be coupled to each other. An adapter part is also included for coupling the first trophy part and the second trophy part to each other.

Description

The invention relates to a trophy comprising a first trophy part and a second trophy part, and a coupling whereby the first trophy part and the second trophy part are coupled to each other. the invention further relates to an adapter part whereby the first trophy part and the second trophy part can be coupled to each other.

A trophy is traditionally assembled from a base and one or more trophy parts connected thereto, which are mutually connected with a screw thread connection. Although successive trophy parts can in each case be mutually connected using separate screw thread connections, in such situations a construction is often opted for wherein a rod provided with screw thread extends through a number of successive trophy parts.

The conservative trophy market is very attached to such screw thread connections which, in addition to the advantage of providing a very reliable connection, also have several significant drawbacks. A very important drawback is that such screw thread connections are labour-intensive. During assembly a nut is twisted onto a rod provided with screw thread, usually a bolt, until this nut clamps the different parts of the trophy relative to each other. Fastening of the nut creates a relative rotation force between the trophy parts, which may displace the trophy parts relative to each other. The relative orientation of successive trophy parts is generally critical, especially when a continuous decoration or print is present.

The American patent applications US-A1-2010/129574 and US-A1-2011/183150 both disclose a trophy wherein a rapid-action coupling is fixed with a screw thread connection (bolt-nut connection) to a first trophy part. The rapid-action coupling couples the first trophy part to a second trophy part, making a conventional connection with a rod provided with screw thread unnecessary. According to US-A1-2011/183150, it is possible owing to the lack of a continuous rod to give a trophy part a wholly or partially transparent form.

US-A1-2010/129574 forms the closest prior art, and at least the measures of the characterizing part of claim 1 are new relative to this document.

The invention now has for its object to provide a trophy of the above described type, wherein said drawbacks do not occur, or at least do so to lesser extent.

Said object is achieved according to the invention with the trophy and the adapter part according to the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention form the subject of the dependent claims.

The trophy according to the invention comprises: a first trophy part, a second trophy part, a coupling whereby the first trophy part and the second trophy part can be coupled to each other, wherein the coupling comprises a rapid-action coupling which lacks a screw thread, and wherein the coupling further comprises a screw thread connection whereby the first trophy part and the second trophy part can be coupled to each other.

The trophy thus comprises a coupling whereby the first trophy part and the second trophy part can be coupled to each other, wherein the coupling comprises on the one hand a rapid-action coupling which lacks a screw thread and the coupling on the other hand further comprises a screw thread connection whereby the first trophy part and the second trophy part can be coupled to each other. The screw thread connection forms part of the coupling between the first trophy part and the second trophy part and thus forms an additional coupling to the rapid-action coupling.

Because the trophy additionally comprises a conventional screw thread connection, this can if desired be utilized in addition to the rapid-action coupling to couple the first and the second trophy part. The first trophy part and/or the second trophy part can further be provided with a screw thread on which can engage a nut which is configured to function as locking nut for the rapid-action coupling. If a conventional screw thread connection is present, a user can thereby of course connect the first trophy part and the second trophy part as desired. The trophy parts can for instance be connected to a conventional base, which is not configured to engage with a rapid-action coupling according to the invention.

The invention provides on the one hand a rapid-action coupling whereby a desired relative orientation of the trophy parts can be ensured, so that a continuous print can for instance be aligned over multiple trophy parts. The relative orientation of successive trophy parts is generally critical, especially when a continuous decoration or print is present.

The screw thread connection, for instance in the embodiment of a bolt-nut connection, provides on the other hand an additional locking of the trophy. The rapid-action coupling in turn prevents a relative rotation force, which is created between the trophy parts during tightening of the nut, from being able to displace the trophy parts relative to each other.

In contrast to the prior art, a rapid-action coupling and a conventional screw thread connection can be applied simultaneously in the trophy according to the invention. This provides for respectively a good mutual alignment of the trophy parts and a reliable mutual connection between the trophy parts. The trophy parts can be coupled both by the rapid-action coupling and by the screw thread connection, which guarantees a dependable coupling. The screw thread connection then forms as it were a locking for the rapid-action coupling.

The coupling comprises both a rapid-action coupling and a screw thread connection whereby the first trophy part and the second trophy part can be coupled. It is noted that, although the two can be applied simultaneously, as elucidated above, this is of course not always necessary. Both types of coupling, i.e. rapid-action coupling and screw thread connection, are however always available. During assembly the trophy according to the invention gives the user multiple options for effecting a coupling between the first trophy part and the second trophy part:

• • simultaneously applying a rapid-action coupling and a screw thread connection;
  • applying only a rapid-action coupling, wherein the screw thread connection is present but unused; and
  • applying only the screw thread connection, wherein the rapid-action coupling is present but unused.

The above stated penultimate and final options of respectively leaving the screw thread connection or the rapid-action coupling unused also make it possible to combine the trophy parts with conventional trophy parts as desired. It is thus possible to envisage a trophy being constructed wherein only one of the first trophy part and the second trophy part is provided with a rapid-action coupling, and this is combined with a conventional part which lacks a corresponding rapid-action coupling. In this case a user is free to couple the first trophy part and the second trophy part with the likewise present screw thread connection.

According to a preferred embodiment, the second trophy part, which also forms the superstructure, comprises the screw thread connection. By providing figurines, as superstructure, with a rapid-action coupling and a screw thread connection they can be coupled both to a conventional base and to a base provided with a corresponding rapid-action coupling.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are further elucidated in the following description with reference to the drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a trophy according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the trophy according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective bottom view of a second trophy part of the trophy shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of respectively an exploded and an assembled state of a second trophy part with an adapter according to a first preferred embodiment of the adapter; and

FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of respectively an exploded and an assembled state of a second trophy part with an adapter according to a second preferred embodiment of the adapter; and

FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views of an assembled and exploded state of a trophy according to a further preferred embodiment, wherein a coupling part of the rapid-action coupling can be fixed to the first and to the second trophy part using an arresting element;

FIGS. 10 and 11 show an assembled and exploded state of a trophy part (dish part) with an arresting element according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 12 shows an exploded state of a trophy part (dish part) with an arresting element according to a second embodiment; and

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view in which a coupling part of the rapid-action coupling can be fixed to a first trophy part using an arresting element.

Trophy 1 comprises a first trophy part 10 and a second trophy part 20, wherein first trophy part 10 forms in the shown embodiment a base 12 and second trophy part 20 forms a superstructure 22. For a sporting trophy, superstructure 22 can depict for instance a number, a player, a characteristic of a game, or another figure. Trophy 1 further comprises a rapid-action coupling 30 whereby first trophy part 10, i.e. base 12, and second trophy part 20, i.e. superstructure 22, can be mutually coupled. Applying a rapid-action coupling 30 makes assembly of such a trophy 1 less labour-intensive than when the different trophy parts 10, 20 are mutually connected using a screw thread connection.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 second trophy part 20 is assembled from a foot part 26 and one superstructure part 24. It is however likewise possible to envisage that in a further preferred embodiment (not shown) second trophy part 10 comprises at least two superstructure parts 24 in addition to a foot part 26, wherein provided between superstructure parts 24 is a further rapid-action coupling (not shown) whereby superstructure parts 24 can be coupled. It is noted that such a further rapid-action coupling can be constructed in the same way as rapid-action coupling 30.

Although rapid-action coupling 30 and/or the further rapid-action coupling itself lacks a screw thread, first trophy part 10 and/or second trophy part 20 can further be provided with a (conventional) screw thread 4 on which a nut 6 can engage. Screw thread 4 can for instance form part of a bolt. Such a bolt can be received in a slot 48. By providing a rib 50 a chamber can be formed in which a head of a bolt can be received, wherein the form of the chamber preferably prevents rotation of the bolt head in this chamber.

Nut 6 can be employed as locking nut for rapid-action coupling 30 in cases where the user requires an extra reliable connection. Screw thread 4 is in that case engaged by a nut 6 of a coupling part lying opposite. The (conventional) screw thread 4 can also be used when a connection has to be effected to a conventional base which lacks measures for co-action with rapid-action coupling 30 according to the invention.

If a (conventional) screw thread 4 is provided in addition to rapid-action coupling 30, rapid-action coupling 30 and/or the further rapid-action coupling and screw thread 4 are arranged substantially concentrically relative to each other.

According to a preferred embodiment, rapid-action coupling 30 and/or the further rapid-action coupling (not shown) comprises two co-acting coupling parts 34, 44, wherein a first coupling part 34 corresponds to first trophy part 10 and wherein a second coupling part 44 corresponds to second trophy part 20.

In an assembled state of trophy 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the two co-acting coupling parts 34, 44 are brought into a coupling position by a relative rotation. A stop 38 is provided which limits the relative rotation of the two co-acting coupling parts 34, 44 in the coupling position, this ensuring a desired alignment of the different trophy parts 10, 20 (FIG. 2). In such a case nut 6 can if desired be employed as locking nut for rapid-action coupling 30, and the screw connection preferably has a screw thread which produces a rotation force in the direction of stop 38 during tightening, so that the coupling position remains secured during tightening of nut 6.

In the shown embodiment the rapid-action coupling comprises a bayonet closure 32. A bayonet closure 32 can be assembled in very simple and rapid manner and can likewise provide a desired alignment. Such a bayonet closure can likewise be applied for the further rapid-action coupling (not shown).

First coupling part 34 comprises a recess 36 and the second coupling part comprises one or more than one protruding part 46 which engages with recess 36 of first coupling part 34. A contact surface 40 of recess 36 of first coupling part 34 with the one or more than one protruding part 46 of second coupling part 44 is provided with a protrusion 42, wherein the orientation of the two co-acting coupling parts 34, 44 in the coupling position is preserved.

According to the first preferred embodiment, the rapid-action coupling and/or the further rapid-action coupling are manufactured from plastic, and are preferably injection-moulded parts.

In the shown embodiment rapid-action coupling 30 is integrated with first trophy part 10 and with second trophy part 20. The further rapid-action coupling (not shown) can be integrated with at least two superstructure parts of second trophy part 20.

FIGS. 4-7 show two embodiments of an adapter part 60, 70. Such adapter parts 60, 70 enable a rapid-action coupling 30 according to the invention to be applied with already existing second trophy parts 20. This means that the current moulds can continue to be used and that it is not per se necessary to make a new mould in order to enable application of a rapid-action coupling 30 according to the invention. Rapid-action coupling 30 and/or the further rapid-action coupling (not shown) can thus be provided with an adapter part 60, 70 which is independent of first trophy part 10 and second trophy part 20, and wherein adapter part 60, 70 engages with screw thread 4 of first trophy part 10 and/or second trophy part 20.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a preferred embodiment of an annular adapter part 60 which is provided with a recess 62 whereby it is displaceable over screw thread 4. If according to a preferred embodiment the inner diameter of recess 62 is slightly greater than the outer diameter of screw thread 4, annular adapter part 60 can be slid over screw thread 4 in longitudinal direction. Sliding arrangement in this manner is less labour-intensive than if annular adapter part 60 were to be screwed over screw thread 4, which can of course also be possible according to an alternative embodiment. By providing resilient slats 64, which extend inward from the inner diameter of recess 62 and into the pitch of screw thread 4, an axial locking can be obtained which prevents an undesired axial displacement of adapter part 60 along screw thread 4.

In the shown embodiment annular adapter part 60 is provided with two protruding parts 66 which can fulfil the function of the protruding parts 46 of first coupling part 34 of rapid-action coupling 30.

A relative rotation between adapter part 60 and second trophy part 20 is prevented in that adapter part 60 is provided with a rotation limiting protrusion 68, which in assembled state (FIG. 5) engages with recess 48. This ensures the orientation of protruding parts 66 relative to second trophy part 20.

According to a further preferred embodiment, a horseshoe-shaped adapter part 70 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 can be applied instead of the annular adapter part 60 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The horseshoe-shaped adapter part 70 is distinguished from annular adapter part 60 by the presence of a slot 72. Because this slot 72 extends in radial direction from the peripheral wall and to drilled hole 62, horseshoe-shaped adapter part 70 can be slid over screw thread 4 in radial direction. The legs of the horseshoe shape are preferably resilient to some extent, and clamp screw thread 4. The slats arranged in drilled hole 62 prevent an axial shift of the adapter part along screw thread 4. The other measures of horseshoe-shaped adapter part 70 are identical to annular adapter part 60, as a result of which the description thereof is not repeated here.

The protruding parts 46, 66 of rapid-action coupling 30 can alternatively (not shown) be distributed non-uniformly over the periphery, which makes the coupling between first trophy part 10 and second trophy part 20 possible in only a single position, this securing a desired relative orientation of these trophy parts 10, 20.

According to further embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 8-13, a coupling part 34, 44 of rapid-action coupling 30 can be fixed to first trophy part 10 or second trophy part 20 using an arresting element 76. A rapid-action coupling 30, such as a bayonet closure 32, consists of two co-acting coupling parts 34, 44. In FIGS. 1-7 these coupling parts 34, 44 of rapid-action coupling 30 are in each case shown integrated with a trophy part 10, 20. Arranging a coupling part 34, 44 of rapid-action coupling 30 on a trophy part 10, 20 using an arresting element 76 makes it possible to also equip conventional trophy parts with a coupling part 34, 44 of a rapid-action coupling 30.

The fact that conventional trophy parts can also be equipped with a coupling part 34, 44 of a rapid-action coupling 30 has significant advantages. Existing stocks of trophy parts can thus be provided with a coupling part 34, 44, for instance in a transitional stage, so that they can be constructed into a trophy 1 using a rapid-action coupling 30 according to the invention. In addition, existing moulds and injection moulds need not be replaced.

A further advantage is that a trophy part 10, 20 of a material which is difficult to process can also be provided with a coupling part 34, 44 of a rapid-action coupling 30 in simple manner. The choice is thus often made, particularly for the European market, to embody base 12 from a hard material which is difficult process, including types of rock such as marble or granite. A base 12 of glass or wood is also possible. By fixing a coupling part 34, 44 of a rapid-action coupling 30 thereto using an arresting element 76, trophy parts of such materials which are difficult process can also be used for a trophy 1 according to the invention which can be constructed in rapid and comfortable manner.

In the shown embodiment first trophy part 10 or second trophy part 20 comprises a recess, more preferably a drilled hole 14, 28, in which or through which the coupling part 34, 44 of rapid-action coupling 30 can be fixed to first trophy part 10 or second trophy part 20.

First trophy part 10 and/or second trophy part 20 can be (optionally partially) manufactured from a non-synthetic material. First trophy part 10 and/or second trophy part 20 can thus be manufactured from a material from the group comprising: rock, glass, wood, metal and resin. In the case of types of rock, first trophy part 10 and/or second trophy part 20 is preferably manufactured from a type of rock from the group comprising: marble, granite and bluestone. These types of rock can if desired be used in a composite with resin, for instance a marble/resin composite.

Second trophy part 20 can be assembled from a foot part 26, a first superstructure part in the form of a figurine part 24 and a dish 27 (FIGS. 8 and 9). Such dishes 27 can be manufactured from a metal, wherein a coupling part 44 of rapid-action coupling 30 can be fixed to dish 27 with an arresting element 76, through a drilled hole 28 in metal dish 27. A first embodiment is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, while FIG. 12 shows a second embodiment.

In FIGS. 10 and 11 a resilient cap 78 is inserted through drilled hole 28 as arresting element 76. This cap 78, which can for instance be manufactured from rubber, is clamped in second coupling part 44 and clamps metal dish 27 between cap 78 and second coupling part 44. Because of the elasticity of cap 78 it closes drilled hole 28, this making dish 27 optionally suitable for drinking from.

According to the alternative embodiment of FIG. 13, the arresting element is a bolt provided with screw thread and second coupling part 44 is provided with a corresponding internal screw thread.

First trophy part 10 can for instance be a base 12 manufactured from marble and provided with a drilled hole 14. A coupling part 34 of rapid-action coupling 30 can be fixed to base 12 through this drilled hole 14 using an arresting element 76 (FIG. 13).

In FIG. 13 coupling part 34 comprises a bushing 84 which can be arranged in drilled hole 14 of base 12, wherein bushing 84 is provided at a first outer end with a flange 86 whereby coupling part 34 can be arranged against a wall 16 of base 12. Rapid-action coupling 30 can engage on the side of flange 86 remote from bushing 84. Bushing 84 is provided at or close to an outer end lying opposite flange 86 with a clamp 88 with which base 12 can be clamped between clamp 88 and flange 86.

It is possible to envisage bushing 84 being provided at or close to the outer end lying opposite flange 86 with an external screw thread on which a nut 90 can engage as clamp 88. Tightening of nut 90 clamps base 12 between nut 90 and flange 86.

Although they show preferred embodiments of the invention, the above described embodiments are intended solely for the purpose of illustrating the present invention and not to limit the scope of the invention in any way. When measures in the claims are followed by reference numerals, such reference numerals serve only to contribute toward understanding of the claims, but are in no way limitative of the scope of protection. It is particularly noted that the skilled person can combine technical measures of the different embodiments. The rights described are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged.

Claims

1-27. (canceled)

28. A trophy, comprising:

a first trophy part;

a second trophy part; and

a coupling whereby the first trophy part and the second trophy part can be coupled to each other; and

wherein the coupling comprises a screw thread connection whereby the first trophy part and the second trophy part can be coupled to each other; and

wherein the coupling further comprises a rapid-action coupling which lacks a screw thread, and wherein each of the screw thread connection and the rapid-action coupling is configured to be activated with or without the other of the screw thread connection and the rapid action coupling.

29. The trophy according to claim 28, wherein at least one of: (a) the first trophy part forms a base, and (b) the second trophy part forms a superstructure; and

wherein the second trophy part comprises the screw thread connection.

30. The trophy according to claim 28, wherein the second trophy part is assembled from a foot part and at least one superstructure part.

31. The trophy according to claim 28, wherein the second trophy part is assembled from a foot part and at least two superstructure parts, wherein provided between the superstructure parts is a further rapid-action coupling whereby the superstructure parts can be coupled, wherein the further rapid-action coupling is integrated with the at least two superstructure parts of the second trophy part.

32. The trophy according to any of claim 31, wherein the further rapid-action coupling lacks a screw thread and wherein at least one of the first trophy part and the second trophy part is further provided with a screw thread.

33. The trophy according to claim 32, wherein at least one of the rapid-action coupling and the further rapid-action coupling are arranged concentrically relative to the screw thread.

34. The trophy according to claim 33, wherein the screw thread is engaged by a nut of a coupling part.

35. The trophy according to claim 31, wherein at least one of the rapid-action coupling and the further rapid-action coupling comprises two co-acting coupling parts, wherein a first coupling part corresponds to the first trophy part and wherein a second coupling part corresponds to the second trophy part; and wherein the two co-acting coupling parts are brought into a coupling position by a relative rotation and a stop is provided which limits the relative rotation of the two co-acting coupling parts in the coupling position.

36. The trophy according to claim 31, wherein at least one of the rapid-action coupling and the further rapid-action coupling comprises a bayonet closure.

37. The trophy according to claim 36, wherein the first coupling part comprises a recess and wherein the second coupling part comprises at least one protruding part which engages with the recess of the first coupling part.

38. The trophy according to claim 37, wherein a contact surface of the recess of the first coupling part with the at least one protruding part of the second coupling part is provided with a protrusion, wherein the orientation of the two co-acting coupling parts in the coupling position is preserved.

39. The trophy according to claim 31, wherein at least one of the rapid-action coupling and the further rapid-action coupling is an injection-moulded part.

40. The trophy according to claim 35, wherein at least one of the rapid-action coupling and the further rapid-action coupling comprises an adapter part which is independent of the first trophy part and the second trophy part, and wherein the adapter part engages with the screw thread of at least one of the first trophy part the second trophy part;

wherein the adapter part comprises a recess which is configured to enable the adapter part to be arranged laterally over the screw thread.

41. The trophy according to claim 28, wherein a coupling part of the rapid-action coupling is fixable to the first or the second trophy part using an arresting element; and

wherein the first or second trophy part comprises a recess in which or through which the coupling part of the rapid-action coupling can be fixed to the first or the second trophy part.

42. The trophy according to claim 28, wherein at least one of the first trophy part and the second trophy part is manufactured from at least one of:

a non-synthetic material;

a material from the group including: rock, glass, wood, metal and resin; and

a type of rock from the group including: marble, granite and bluestone.

43. The trophy according to claim 39, wherein the injection-moulded part is manufactured from a plastic.

44. The trophy according to claim 41, wherein the recess is a drilled hole.