Snowfall Simulator Patents (Class 40/410)
  • Patent number: 8960937
    Abstract: The structure of base for decorative aquatic ball mainly contains a shell, a hollow transparent shell made of plastic material; a decorative layer, a laser paper film with a pattern, the laser paper film covering the inner wall of the shell; and a decorative aquatic ball, a light-transmittable three-dimensional shape, disposed on top of the shell, and sealing in a fluid with slightly higher viscosity. As such, the decorative layer enables the base carrying the aquatic ball to create rich and layered visual effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Chin-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 8776413
    Abstract: Systems and methods of artificial snow dispersal are disclosed in which rapid evaporating snow is produced from a fluid. Two lines, an air line and a fluid line, are configured to substantially reach the top of or near the top of the tree. The respective lines may be configured to move air and fluid to the top of the tree. At the top of the tree there may be a nozzle with air escape holes configured around the exterior of the component. An output membrane may attach to the middle of the nozzle. The fluid line emits a small amount of fluid into the fabric. The air that passes into the fabric causes small foam bubbles. The air that passes through the external section of the output membrane may then peel the foam bubbles off thereby creating artificial snow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Willett
  • Patent number: 8695250
    Abstract: A shared space divider provides privacy on surfaces. The shared space divider comprises a hub that is placed on a portion of a surface, and at least one partitioning structure coupled to a portion of the hub. The at least one partitioning structure comprises a separator configured to partition the surface into two or more sections. The separator has a ribbon structure, an accordion structure, or a fan structure. The at least one partitioning structure is configured to extend from and retract into or, alternatively, fold out from and fold into the hub. In some embodiments, the shared space divider comprises at least one container for holding items commonly found on the surface. In other embodiments, the shared space divider comprises a clip for attaching to documents. Yet, in other embodiments, images such as advertisements are displayed on at least one of the separator and the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Christi O'Connor
  • Patent number: 8689473
    Abstract: A dioramic apparatus includes a vessel having an inferior portion and a superior portion. The vessel includes a shell and defines an interior space. The interior space is partially filled by a liquid medium. At least one dioramic scene is disposed in the interior space. A reservoir is in fluid communication with the interior space. The reservoir includes a flow plate defining at least one liquid intake and at least one liquid output port. The at least one liquid intake is configured and arranged for receiving at least a portion of the liquid medium from the interior space when the dioramic apparatus is at least partially inverted. The at least one liquid output port is configured and arranged to output at least a portion of the liquid medium from the reservoir when the vessel is placed in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: RainGlobes, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua James, Frederick Bowen Northup, Jr., Lawrence Scott Larson, Jeremy Kolenbrander, James Ladtkow
  • Patent number: 8479421
    Abstract: A circulating fluid amusement device is provided having a transparent globe stirred using a stirring motor, and preferably a magnetically coupled stirring system, which also includes LED lighting, in order that the circulating fluid amusement device can also act as a nightlight. The globe is removable from the base, and can be replaced with other globes, to create different effects. Additionally, the circulating fluid amusement device of the present invention is preferably provided in a packaging system which allows the circulating fluid amusement device to be tested and/or its functionality demonstrated without having to remove it from its shipping packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Tech 4 Kids, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley D. Pedersen, Kyle Jeffs
  • Patent number: 8393099
    Abstract: A dioramic apparatus includes a vessel having an inferior portion and a superior portion. The vessel includes a shell and defines an interior space. The interior space is partially filled by a liquid medium. At least one dioramic scene is disposed in the interior space. A reservoir is in fluid communication with the interior space. The reservoir includes a flow plate defining at least one liquid intake and at least one liquid output port. The at least one liquid intake is configured and arranged for receiving at least a portion of the liquid medium from the interior space when the dioramic apparatus is at least partially inverted. The at least one liquid output port is configured and arranged to output at least a portion of the liquid medium from the reservoir when the vessel is placed in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Rainglobes LLC
    Inventors: Joshua James, Fred Northup, Lawrence Scott Larson, Jeremy Kolenbrander, James Ladtkow
  • Patent number: 8342900
    Abstract: A glitter circulation device includes a housing defining a chamber configured to receive a doll. A tray is coupled to the housing and configured to hold a plurality of glitter particles. A fan is coupled to housing and in communication with the tray and the chamber. The fan is configured to draw the glitter particles from the tray and expel the glitter particles into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Erika Kane, Andrew Lourits, James A. Molina, Ben Yip
  • Patent number: 8056274
    Abstract: A dioramic apparatus includes a vessel having an inferior portion and a superior portion. The vessel includes a shell and defines an interior space. The interior space is partially filled by a liquid medium. At least one dioramic scene is disposed in the interior space. A reservoir is in fluid communication with the interior space. The reservoir includes a flow plate defining at least one liquid intake and at least one liquid output port. The at least one liquid intake is configured and arranged for receiving at least a portion of the liquid medium from the interior space when the dioramic apparatus is at least partially inverted. The at least one liquid output port is configured and arranged to output at least a portion of the liquid medium from the reservoir when the vessel is placed in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Rain Globes LLC
    Inventors: Joshua James, Fred Northup, Lawrence Scott Larson, Jeremy Kolenbrander, James Ladtkow
  • Patent number: 7963057
    Abstract: A display apparatus for providing entertaining visual aesthetic effects utilizes pressurized flowing air to propel lightweight beads into the air in arc-shaped trajectories which suggest the paths of water droplets from a water fountain. The beads are propelled upwardly from tubular bead discharge nozzles which protrude upwardly from a collection platform. Each nozzle has therethrough a bore which has a lower entrance opening for receiving pressurized flowing air, and circumferentially spaced apart bead entrance notches which penetrate the tubular side wall and a lower transverse end wall of the nozzle adjacent to the collection platform. Beads which have been propelled into the air and fallen back onto the platform are drawn into the nozzle entrance opening by a venturi effect, thus providing a recirculating levitated beads fountain display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Iraldo F. Ruiz
  • Patent number: 7905426
    Abstract: A snowglobe assembly for emitting a fragrance to an ambient environment. A motor may be provided to agitate particulate material inside the globe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: For Your Ease Only, Inc.
    Inventor: Lori Greiner
  • Patent number: 7739817
    Abstract: An inflatable exhibition product includes a primary inflatable product, an auxiliary characteristic inflatable product received inside and communicating with the hollow body of the primary inflatable product and an air blower assembly mounted at the bottom of the hollow body and having a hollow casing provided therein an upper chamber to receive therein a top blade set and a lower chamber to receive therein a bottom blade set. Rotation of the bottom blade set is able to inflate the auxiliary characteristic inflatable product and the primary inflatable product and rotation of the top blade set is able to suck in the particles from the inlet and project them out to the interior of the hollow body from the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Gemmy Industries Corporation
    Inventor: Sheng-Hung Hsu
  • Publication number: 20100095570
    Abstract: A crystal ball includes a crystal ball body holding a fluid and an ornamental in the fluid, and a base that supports the crystal ball body and has a fluid chamber and a protruding portion downwardly extending from the inner top wall of the fluid chamber and defining an exhaust hole in air communication between the inside space of the crystal ball body and the fluid chamber for guiding air bubbles out of the crystal ball body into the fluid chamber inside the base when the crystal ball is turned upside down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Shung-Lun Yu
  • Patent number: 7597605
    Abstract: A decorative device enabling ornaments to rotate and move up and down inside a crystal ball amidst fluttering, shiny disc snowflakes, which uses a device structured from a motor mechanism, a gear mechanism, a rotary mechanism and a crystal ball so that when a motor drives and rotates transmission gears of the gear mechanism, apart from using mutually repelling of two double-sided magnets to drive and rotate a magnet impeller wheel, and thereby cause whirling of water and fluttering of shiny disc snowflakes within the crystal ball, moreover, rotating of a transmission shaft causes rotating of a rotary tray and toy figurines suspended from lower ends of ornament hanger rods. Furthermore, large and small umbrella-shaped gears drive and rotate eccentric wheels, thereby driving and causing up and down movements of the toy figurines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Ya Yung Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shin-Ya Yang
  • Patent number: 7430823
    Abstract: A snow globe comprises a holder and a photo frame. The holder comprises a globe, a stand and a base. The globe is transparent and comprises a slot, a frame mount and decoration comprising particles. The frame mount is mounted in the globe and the slot is formed through an outer surface of the globe. The photo frame is mounted slidably in the globe, on the frame mount and has a openable backing and a window. Therefore, the snow globe provides visual entertainment while being personalized to increase sentiments of gifts or souvenirs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Gemmy Industries Corporation
    Inventor: Hsi-Yao Chung
  • Publication number: 20080182481
    Abstract: A decorative device enabling ornaments to rotate and move up and down inside a crystal ball amidst fluttering, shiny disc snowflakes, which uses a device structured from a motor mechanism, a gear mechanism, a rotary mechanism and a crystal ball so that when a motor drives and rotates transmission gears of the gear mechanism, apart from using mutually repelling of two double-sided magnets to drive and rotate a magnet impeller wheel, and thereby cause whirling of water and fluttering of shiny disc snowflakes within the crystal ball, moreover, rotating of a transmission shaft causes rotating of a rotary tray and toy figurines suspended from lower ends of ornament hanger rods. Furthermore, large and small umbrella-shaped gears drive and rotate eccentric wheels, thereby driving and causing up and down movements of the toy figurines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Shin-Ya Yang
  • Patent number: 7381112
    Abstract: A device typically adapted for association with an air diffuser of a ventilation system of a dwelling. The device redirects an air stream from a forced air column received through the diffuser. A novelty item is disposed to depend from structure associated with the base for rotation of the novelty item by the air stream. An operable suspension system includes a magnet assembly and a magnetically attracted bearing element. Desirably, a safety catch is included to maintain the novelty item in proximity to the base in the event of decoupling between the magnet assembly and the bearing element. One preferred base is adapted to form a slip-on fit to a diffuser register of a dwelling's ventilation system. Certain novelty items are sized to provide a self-packaging capability for commercial display. An alternative base is structured to look like furniture, and may include a plurality of internal passageways through which air may selectively be directed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: Greg L. Symes
  • Patent number: 7367146
    Abstract: The present invention represents a breakthrough in advertisement tools. The liquid sign uses a system of chambers and electrically powered pumps to produce a dynamic and visually appealing advertising sign. The advertising sign of the invention uses a liquid in motion contained in a front chamber of the sign to highlight the color and other visual characteristics of a beverage or any liquid product being advertised. The liquid in motion highlights and showcases any given characteristic of a product being advertised, including bubble or foam producing capacity, color, brightness, or a logo or symbol placed on the background of the liquid in motion. It also provides for a visually attractive, electrically or battery powered and affordable advertising tool which can be used indoors or outdoors in many different settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Carlos A. Lopez
  • Patent number: 7357265
    Abstract: The invention discloses a container made of a transparent material. The container is of the type comprising, in one wall, a reserve into which is fixed a hollow sealed insert (4) containing a fluid in which particles can move. The container is characterized in that the insert (4) comprises a body (13) in the form of a dish intended to hold said fluid and a blanking plate (15) provided on the front face of the body (13), which extends beyond this face, forming an annular region (16) around the body (13), in that the reserve has a complementary shape to the insert (4), and in that the rear face (17) of this annular region (16) constitutes the region via which the insert (4) is fixed by bonding into the reserve. The invention can be used in bottles that have an insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Wolf Concept S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Wolfgang P. Zoller
  • Patent number: 7322137
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an inflatable display that has a plurality of inflation modules. The modules are inflated by a fan element. More specifically, a first inflation module is formed from a permeable material and configured to represent a predetermined shape or design when inflated, such as a snowman, Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, Uncle Sam or another seasonal or holiday character. The first inflation module is surrounded by a non-permeable material creating an enclosure around the first inflation module and forming a second inflation module. The first inflation module is formed with at least one exhaust port in its base, which has two purposes. First, the exhaust port acts to inflate the second inflation module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Chrisha Creations, Ltd.
    Inventor: William Machala
  • Publication number: 20080016733
    Abstract: An indoor and outdoor decorative device 10 for reproducing a state of snowfall using imitation snow 14 of the present invention comprises: a case body 12 which is hollow at least whose front face 31 is transparent; imitation snow lifting means 16 for lifting the imitation snow 14 from the lower portion to the upper portion of the case body 12; and a cover 18 attached to the case body 12, wherein at least the outer circumference 32 of front face of the case body 12 is covered with the cover 18.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: Teruhisa Tamamori
  • Patent number: 7310900
    Abstract: A liquid-filled display device includes a hollow member mounted on a transparent top end wall of a hollow base and confining a water-tight inner space filled with a liquid body, and a display unit mounted on the top end wall and having a top wall and two transparent sidewalls connected to the hollow member. The sidewalls and the top wall cooperate with the hollow member and the top end wall to confine a display space. At least one of the sidewalls is provided with an advertisement. An air pump unit is mounted in the base, and is operable so as to supply fine air bubbles into the liquid body through a diffuser set mounted within the inner space. A lamp unit mounted in the base beneath the hollow member is operable so as to radiate colored light that penetrates through the top end wall into the inner space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-Yuan Huang
  • Patent number: 7236146
    Abstract: A display device comprising a first body and a second body, the second body connected to the first body at a rotary connection. A display element, which may include one or more light-emitting diodes, is disposed on the second body. A controller is electrically connected to the first display element so as to vary the state of the display element in response to relative movement between the first body and second body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Axxion Group Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Smedley, Po W. Hu, Leon W. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7188443
    Abstract: A charm display apparatus and method of charm display capable of continuously retrieving charms or hearts from a hopper and blowing or moving the charms into a transparent outer display tube whereby a levitating effect is shown. In the preferred embodiment, the art of the present invention allows a person to retrieve a charm between the display tube and the hopper as it flutters in the turbulent air of the tube under gravitational force. Also in a preferred embodiment, a unique venturi flow generator assembly is utilized to move the charms from the hopper into the outer display tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventors: Karl A. Collida, Edwin T. Wood
  • Patent number: 7040050
    Abstract: An amusement device for simulating the appearance of snow including a window-like structure having a space between 2 front panes and a rear pane, where at least one of the panes is a transparent pane, and the panes are mounted in a frame support. There is a recycling system for circulating artificial snow, which falls down, from the top of the window-like structure and collecting at the bottom. The recycling system includes a trough with a rotating vane that opens and closes the open top of the trough, where one end of the trough is cyclically closed by and end cap on the rotating vane. The rotating vane is rotated by an electric motor. Another electric motor operates continuously rotating fan that blows the artificial snow from the trough through a conduit to the top of the window-like structure where it collects on a tray which is tripped to release the artificial snow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Greg T. Skinner
  • Patent number: 6978564
    Abstract: A decorative display which has mainly a support base, a decorative base, a stopper, a transparent housing, a power source, at least a first magnet, and at least a second magnet, in which the stopper without a central hole is provided. Furthermore, at least a first magnet is provided under the stopper and at least a second magnet is provided over the stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Jack Hou
  • Patent number: 6895703
    Abstract: An impeller module of snow drop water ball includes an magnet driven impeller module attached on the anti-leak rubber plug for propelling the snow drops and turning the decoration in a glass dome. The magnet driven impeller module has a blade ring which is magnetically couple with a magnetic rotor, and drive by the magnetic rotor from outside of the snow drop ball. Using the impeller module embodiment of the present invention, the anti-leak rubber plug shall no longer in need of forming a shaft hole, so as can structurally solve the long-suffering liquid leakage problem of the snow drop water ball and prolonging its service life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Hsien Tsai Tien
  • Patent number: 6880274
    Abstract: This invention relates to a crystal ball structure that delivers virtual snowfall scene and light effect, comprising of a crystal ball enclosing a thematic sight and liquid, a seat to support the crystal ball and contain a drive mechanism, an agitating mechanism that can rotate to stir the liquid, and a light to enhance the decoration effect. Under the drive of the dynamic drive mechanism, a gear train and an agitating mechanism, which is powered from a manually fastened spring, the fans of the agitating mechanism agitates the liquid to stir the floating matter dispersed in the liquid and generate a virtual scene of snowfall scene under the reflection of the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Jack Liu
  • Patent number: 6880273
    Abstract: A water plug for an ornamental water ball to prevent from leak upon the water being frozen into ice; the water ball has a neck part mounted with a water plug; the water plug includes a flat plate and a buffer cylinder; the buffer cylinder has a round cylinder extended down from the center of the flat plate; the inside of the round cylinder is furnished with a semi-spherical membrane extended upwards; the water filled in the glass balls subject to being frozen into ice in winter; in that case, the ice therein would distend to need more space, and then the buffer space furnished in the buffer cylinder will meet the requirement so as to prevent the water ball from having water leak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Shih-Yuan Lo
  • Publication number: 20040244243
    Abstract: An impeller module of snow drop water ball of the present invention includes an magnet driven impeller module attached on the anti-leak rubber plug for propelling the snow drops and turning the decoration in a glass dome. The magnet driven impeller module has a blade ring which is magnetically couple with a magnetic rotor, and drive by the magnetic rotor from outside of the snow drop ball. Using the impeller module embodiment of the present invention, the anti-leak rubber plug shall no longer in need of forming a shaft hole, so as can structurally solve the long-suffering liquid leakage problem of the snow drop water ball and prolonging its service life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Hsien Tsai Tien
  • Patent number: 6735892
    Abstract: An ornament with a snowing-scape device including a rotary wheel loaded with water and snow-like flakes. The rotary wheel is mounted in the inner surface of a ring-shaped frame. An outer edge of the rotary wheel is furnished with a gear disc to engage with a transmission assembly so as to drive the rotary wheel to turn the snow-like flakes loaded in the rotary wheel are pushed with the fin plates to a high point, and then the snow-like flakes will fall down slowly to form into a snowing scape to be seen through a transparent window of the ornament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Seagull Decor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lillian Chen
  • Patent number: 6722064
    Abstract: An active display device includes a motorized base and a transparent display. The base unit includes a magnetic drive, which communicates magnetically with a magnetically attractive rotor or agitator in the bottom of the display unit to circulate the fluid within the display unit and any particulate matter mixed therein. The purely magnetic communication between base and display eliminates all mechanical passages therebetween, thereby precluding potential leakage routes from the display component and permitting the display to be readily removed and replaced atop the base. The display may include a magnetically movable floor or other panel, if desired, with the floor panel disposed between the magnetic rotor and the display having a series of passages therethrough to permit liquid circulation, but precluding passage of particles beneath the floor to the rotor area. The base may include numerous additional features, such as an audio system, remote actuation, lighting, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventors: Albert F. Knapp, Tammy W. Knapp
  • Patent number: 6715224
    Abstract: A displaying ornament with rotatable color disc includes a base and a color disc circumferentially rotatably mounted on the base. The color disc includes a plurality of parallelly arranged clear thin plates to provide a closed narrow space between any two adjacent thin plates. Each of the narrow spaces has a differently colored liquid and a small amount of air contained therein, and has a plurality of circumferentially equally spaced air-collecting units formed along an outer peripheral area thereof to catch air bubbles moving upward in the narrow spaces. When the color disc is rotated, air bubbles caught in the air-collecting units are moved from an upper position to a lower position in the color disc and automatically released from the air-collecting units to float and overlap each other in the narrow spaces to show non-uniform shapes, continuously creating dynamic and colorful views in the displaying ornament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Ming-Kuei Lin
  • Publication number: 20040045198
    Abstract: This invention relates to a crystal ball structure that delivers virtual snowfall scene and light effect, comprising of a crystal ball enclosing a thematic sight and liquid, a seat to support the crystal ball and contain a drive mechanism, an agitating mechanism that can rotate to stir the liquid, and a light to enhance the decoration effect. Under the drive of the dynamic drive mechanism, a gear train and an agitating mechanism, which is powered from a manually fastened spring, the fans of the agitating mechanism agitates the liquid to stir the floating matter dispersed in the liquid and generate a virtual scene of snowfall scene under the reflection of the light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Jack Liu
  • Patent number: 6696116
    Abstract: Pellets which may, for example, simulate snow are brought to a position such as the top of a tree from where they are dispensed. After falling to the bottom. the pellets are collected and re dispensed. The pellets are blown through a venturi tube and from there to a tube which runs to the position at where the pellets are dispersed. An adjustable flap is provided in the venturi tube, this flap functioning both to contribute to the venturi action controlling the fluid pressure and as a valve to control the rate of flow of pellets for optimum operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Cary Bigman
  • Patent number: 6675513
    Abstract: The present invention includes the basic components of traditional liquid ornament, which means an ornamental is in the “water ball”. However, the ornamental in the present invention can achieve the effect of three-dimensional movement. The present invention uses at least one string to connect the ornamental object with two passive magnetic objects (e.g. magnet, iron), so that the ornamental will move accordingly when two passive magnetic objects move. Furthermore, the relative position of two passive magnetic objects is also variable so that the ornamental can achieve the effect of three-dimensional movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Ho-Hsin Liao
  • Publication number: 20030196357
    Abstract: An active display device includes a motorized base and a transparent display. The base unit includes a magnetic drive, which communicates magnetically with a magnetically attractive rotor or agitator in the bottom of the display unit to circulate the fluid within the display unit and any particulate matter mixed therein. The purely magnetic communication between base and display eliminates all mechanical passages therebetween, thereby precluding potential leakage routes from the display component and permitting the display to be readily removed and replaced atop the base. The display may include a magnetically movable floor or other panel, if desired, with the floor panel disposed between the magnetic rotor and the display having a series of passages therethrough to permit liquid circulation, but precluding passage of particles beneath the floor to the rotor area. The base may include numerous additional features, such as an audio system, remote actuation, lighting, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Albert F. Knapp, Tammy W. Knapp
  • Publication number: 20030177677
    Abstract: The Winter Dome uses air to circulate snow material from a base into a clear dome where it softly falls on winter scenery and builds up and falls through holes that funnel it to the base where it is picked up to be cycled to the dome repeatedly until turned off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Rodney J. Acosta
  • Publication number: 20030140534
    Abstract: A water plug for an ornamental water ball to prevent from leak upon the water being frozen into ice; the water ball has a neck part mounted with a water plug; the water plug includes a flat plate and a buffer cylinder; the buffer cylinder has a round cylinder extended down from the center of the flat plate; the inside of the round cylinder is furnished with a semi-spherical membrane extended upwards; the water filled in the glass balls subject to being frozen into ice in winter; in that case, the ice therein would distend to need more space, and then the buffer space furnished in the buffer cylinder will meet the requirement so as to prevent the water ball from having water leak.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Shin-Yuan Lo
  • Patent number: 6591525
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fixed supporting structure of a crystal ball transmission, comprising a crystal ball, a base, a soft rubber sealed-spigot, a fixed seat and a driven motor, a magnet set, disturbing vane and a fixed disc of decoration and so on installed on above rubber sealed-spigot and fixed seat; characterized in that the rubber sealed-spigot is designed to have a circular sealed-spigot body for sealing the crystal ball opening and a disk-shaped elastic buffer body, wherein, the buffer body further comprises an upper section planar disc edge, a middle section inclined disc edge and a lower section planar disc bottom; and by means of pushing upward a cup-shaped supporting body of the fixed seat and stopping at the buffer body so as to form selected point supporting; when heat expansion and cold contraction are happened due to temperature difference of liquid within the crystal ball, the middle section inclined disc edge of the buffer body will stretch elastically and automatically to absorb the cha
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Jack Liu
  • Patent number: 6588130
    Abstract: A music bell striking snowflakes in a crystal ball includes an upper rotary mechanism, a lower rotary mechanism and a crystal ball. The music bell rotates not only a gear ring tray of the lower rotary mechanism on the bottom portion and a doll disposed on a rotary tray of the upper rotary mechanism, but also a magnet gear inside the crystal ball to cause water flow therein according to the principle of magnetic repulsion, so as to create a beautiful and dynamic scene of floating snowflakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Shin-Ya Yang
  • Patent number: 6568108
    Abstract: A liquid decoration container comprises an exhibition part, and a fitting part. The exhibition part is formed by way of blowing a hollow blank to constitute a hollow casing with a desirable shape and the hollow casing extends downward a cylindrical casing with an outer thread section. The fitting part is a base with an upper opening corresponding to the cylindrical casing and the upper opening provides an inner thread section. A ring plate is arranged to extend inward from an inner wall under the upper opening in the fitting part. The liquid is filled in the exhibition part and a doll is selectively fixed to or arranged on the ring plate. The cylindrical casing can engage with the upper opening by way of the outer thread section fastening to the inner thread section and a tight sealing can be performed as soon as a lower rim of the cylindrical casing touches the ring plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Yung Chang Lin
  • Patent number: 6568107
    Abstract: This invention deals with an ornamental display receptacle which has a transparent envelope which contains a clear fluid and a particulate such as artificial snow or leaves or the like, which is suspendable in the fluid upon agitation, thus simulating falling snow, leaves or the like, and which includes a power driven agitator which will maintain the particulate in suspension so long as the motor is in the ON. The particulate will be at rest in the display receptacle when the motor driven agitator is not operating. An ornament, such as a house or an individual or the like, will be positioned in the receptacle to enhance the simulation of activity around the ornamental object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Wang Sing Yuen
  • Patent number: 6564483
    Abstract: A water ball decoration includes a plug, which has an annular outer wall fitted into a lower end neck-shaped opening of a water-containing ball-shaped part, and an annular inner wall within the outer wall; a bottom is connected to the lower end of the inner wall to define a containing room. The annular inner wall is provided with corrugated surfaces on both the inner and the outer sides which will reduce the effect of the pressure of the inside of the ball part on the outer wall of the plug provided for tight connection with the opening. A hollow cone-shaped part is fitted into the containing room with an upper wider portion thereof being connected to the upper end of the inner wall; a space is provided between the narrower end opening and the bottom of the plug; thus air bubbles can be confined in a space between the outer side of the cone-shaped part and the inner side of the inner wall by means of turning the ball decoration upside down slowly and moving same back to the original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Shun-Hsi Hsu
  • Patent number: 6550169
    Abstract: A novelty display that comprises a housing. Inside the housing is a catch basin. There is also a blower disposed in said housing and coupled to the catch basin. At a top portion of the housing is a tray wherein said tray has a plurality of perforations. There is also a blower tube which is coupled to the blower at one end and the tray at another end. There is also a display disposed in the housing. This display is disposed substantially above the catch basin and substantially below the tray wherein a plurality of particles are fed through the blower in the blower tube and out of the holes in the tray so that the particles fall through the plurality of perforations onto the display and into the catch basin wherein these particles are recycled throughout the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald Sena, Frances Sena
  • Publication number: 20030041490
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, the apparatus includes a conduit, a base assembly, and a drum. The base assembly has a blower unit to create suction at openings of a tube that is coupled to the conduit. The blower unit has sufficient strength so that particles can be sucked into the tube and then blown through the conduit past a distal opening of the conduit, while the conduit is vertically oriented such as a Christmas tree on display. The base assembly has a first catch that extends away from and surrounds the tube openings. The drum has a number of connected sections where each can pivot with respect to adjacent ones so that the sections can be folded on top of each other to form a stack. Each upper portion of the section has a fastening mechanism which allows upper portions to be removably attached to the portions of adjacent sections so as to form another catch that has an opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Harper Glenn Dott, Yung Sun Kwan
  • Patent number: 6523287
    Abstract: A decorative aqua ball mainly comprises a base, a power device disposed in a cavity of the base, a music box connected with the power device, a transparent casing sitting on the base, an ornamental article placed in the transparent casing, and a lid plug hermetically sealed on an opening of the casing. The aqua ball further comprises a rotation device which is composed of an upper turntable and a lower turntable situated on the lid plug on respective top and bottom faces in virtue of mutual attraction of respective pieces of enhanced magnets residing face to face on the turntables. By proper arrangement of the magnets, both turntables can rotate synchronously without needing extra power so that a reliable aqua ball is realized to present dynamic sightly scene for appreciation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Sern-Chen Lee
  • Patent number: 6508022
    Abstract: A liquid-filled ornament includes a body having a transparent casing having an opening and filled with liquid, a display object in the liquid, and a sealing wall extending across and sealing the opening. The ornament includes a driving mechanism having rotatable magnets and located on an outer side of the sealing wall, and a driven mechanism having rotatable magnets and located on an inner side of the sealing wall and immersed in the liquid. The magnets of the driven mechanism are rotated by the magnets of the driving mechanism through magnetic interaction. The driven mechanism includes a first stationary disc on which the display object is mounted and a second disc supported on the first disc and rotated by the magnetic interaction. A ball bearing is disposed between the two discs. The second disc includes paddles that stir bits of a solid material, resembling snow, dispersing the bits throughout the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Kiu Hung International Enterprises, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jing Lin Huang
  • Publication number: 20020184801
    Abstract: A decorative liquid globe is provided with an electric motor and pump unit for recirculating liquid within the globe. The unit can be located entirely below the liquid chamber and have only an inlet tube or passage and an outlet tube or passage interconnecting the unit with the liquid chamber. Alternatively, providing that the unit can be properly housed in a self-contained combination motor and pump unit, it may be completely immersed in liquid and the pump inlet and outlet effect the recirculation. In this latter construction, electrical wires can pass through and be effectively permanently sealed with a wall of the chamber in a manner that avoids the potential of electrical shorting. In neither instance is there any requirement of moving parts such as shafts passing through a wall of the chamber, and the leakage potential of the prior art globes is eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Josh R. Naragon
  • Patent number: 6449887
    Abstract: A crystal ball or globe display system (10) including a support base (14) and a display (11) mounted to the support base (14). The globe display system (10) also includes a globe assembly (13) mounted to the support base (14), the globe assembly (13) comprising an transparent enclosure (12) surrounding the display (11). The enclosure (12) defines a space filled with a fluid, wherein the display (11) is contained within the fluid. The globe display system (10) further comprises an audio producing mechanism housed in the support base (14). The audio producing mechanism is driven by a touch sensitive mechanism which is activated upon contact with the globe assembly (13). The crystal ball or globe display system (10) is attained where the display (11) is contained in the fluid-filled globe display system (10) and adapted to activate and de-activate digital sound for entertainment and enjoyment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Jin K. Song
  • Publication number: 20020095831
    Abstract: A soft-shelled ornament filled with fluid is provided. The soft shell of the ornament has a lower opening around which a radially inward extended flange is provided. The soft shell is connected to a base by positioning the flange between a top of the base and a retaining member that is seated on the base, and tightening a screw nut onto a lower stem of the retaining member to pull the latter toward the base and thereby pinch the flange of the soft shell between the base and the retaining member. A plunger is extended through a central hole of the retaining member with an expanded head normally pulled downward by a compression spring around the plunger to seal the central hole. When the plunger is upward pushed at a bottom thereof, fluid may be supplied from the plunger into the soft shell via a port provided on the plunger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Jui-An Tsai