Modular illuminated trophy system
Modular illuminated trophies comprise a base and a pedestal mounting an upwardly extending tubular column with a figurine or statuette. The columns are secured together by interior rods, and the internal light bars are conformed to clear the rods. Multiple LED's on the light bars illuminate the column interiorly. A control circuit located within the base is operated by a user accessible button. Each decorative column is made from translucent, tinted plastic to distributes or diffuses light. The LED's may be the same color or multi-colored, and they create several different light patterns by flashing, alternating in different patterns, or by fading in and out.
This application is based upon and claims the benefit of the filing date of previously filed, co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled Modular Illuminated Trophy System, Ser. No. 60/933,463, filed Jun. 07, 2007 by Ky B. Harrod.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONI. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to commemorative trophies, plaques or awards. More particularly, the present invention relates to modular, multi-part trophies with one or more vertical columns that are internally illuminated.
II. Description of the Prior Art
Many varieties of commemorative trophies are known in the art. Typical prior art trophies include a base adapted to be disposed upon a supporting surface, and a pedestal extending upwardly from and affixed to the base. A vertically upright column extends upwardly from the pedestal or base, and terminates in a decorative figurine or statuette, which may be of some bright metallic color. The figurine or statuette is typically a three-dimensional representation relating to the sport or discipline pertaining to the trophy. A typical figurine may be in the form of a cup, or a sports item such as a golf ball, football, tennis racquet or the like. A typical statuette may be of a player, perhaps in the act of swinging a golf club, baseball bat or the like.
Trophies are often awarded for success in sports events, both amateur and professional. Typically, a trophy awarded for participation and success in a sporting event will include a decorative figurine of an item relevant to that sport. The trophy may comprise a statuette representative of a typical contestant in the event, or may be representative of the sport itself as, for example, a baseball bat, or a football. For example, a trophy award for auto racing will often include a small, decorative figurine of a race car sitting atop the column or pedestal.
For many decades trophies have been built in a modular fashion by trophy shops from an array of similar parts. Thus, when a customer selects a trophy of a particular design or theme, a size, and a price range, the shop owner can assemble a customized trophy from an inventory of interfitting parts. For example, a given base for a trophy of a given size usually mates with a variety of differently shaped and sized pedestals and columns. The customer's choice for a figurine to be displayed atop the column will mechanically interfit with a variety of columns of different sizes and dimensions.
Trophies usually are provided with some form of written indicia, commemorating the occasion or sport or date of presentation. A scroll, nameplate, a series of miniature letters, or other writings pertinent to the occasion giving rise to presentation of the trophy may be displayed on the trophy body. Usually trophies end up in an obscure place within the owners dwelling, within a trophy case, or placed aside atop a fireplace mantel, for example. Sometimes the trophy (and it's written materials, if any) are difficult to see because of the relatively poor visibility and lighting.
Combining trophy construction with lighting thus seems desirable. However, because of the typical trophy design, it has been difficult to properly incorporate lights and a battery or power supply within the trophy structure in a manner that will not interfere with the shop-owners ability to readily assemble trophies according to customer wishes. As mentioned, trophies are often custom made from modular parts. The typical column extending between the base or pedestal to the elevated figurine or statuette is supported by an internal, threaded rod that extends from the base to the figurine above. The mechanical strength of the trophy is largely dependent upon the proper placement and tensioning of this rod. Typically the rod is coaxially centered within the column, and is threaded at both ends. Because of its placement it interferes with structures that might otherwise be disposed within the column.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,255 issued Aug. 31, 2004 shows a trophy structure With a base; a figure object and at least one luminous object on the base. The luminous object is coupled to a control circuit to produce different lighting effects.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,059,752 issued Nov. 22, 1977 discloses a trophy lamp with a base provided with a trophy structure and numerous receptacles for displaying mementos such as certificates, photographs or the like. A light source supported by the base illuminates the trophy and displayed items.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,906,215 issued Sep. 16, 1975 depicts a decorative device with a horizontal base from which a plurality of hollow, elongated, decorations project. These upwardly extending yieldable items resemble stalks of a plant. Very small incandescent lamps are disposed in the upper ends of the members. Wires in the members and base supply electricity to the lamps which can flash on and off.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn one form of the invention a trophy comprising a base and/or a pedestal mounting an upwardly extending tubular column with a figurine or statuette includes means for illuminating the column interiorly. One or more upright columns that are usually made of glass or plastic may be provided with batteries, one or more LED's or miniature lights and a control circuit operated by a user accessible button.
Preferably the decorative column is made from translucent, tinted plastic so that it distributes or diffuses light to provide a pleasing visual appeal. Alternatively the column may be colorless or tinted. The lights may be the same color or multi-colored, and they may create several different light patterns by flashing, alternating in different patterns, or by fading in and out, as determined by the controller setting.
Preferably, one or more self-contained lighted columns are attached to the other components of the trophy by a metal rod that runs through the column center. The metal rod is threaded at both ends, with one end attaching to the figurine and the other end attaching to a nut in a recessed hole on the bottom of the base.
In experimenting with trophies of the foregoing design, consisting of a single self-contained, lighted column, it is extremely advantageous that the column be completely compatible with other standard trophy components. Thus, for example, the above design will retrofit, to standard trophy bases and pedestals that are currently in stock. However, since cell batteries are used, battery life is quite limited. Further, the latter design is not practical for multi-tier, multi-column trophies. For example, a typical multi-level trophy includes one or more spaced-apart columns on its lowermost base, projecting upwardly to middle levels and pedestals that in turn support more columns. Some form of electrical linking of each individual column is necessary to avoid the necessity of multiple on/off buttons. In other words, a common control is necessary.
A hollowed base supports the control circuit, wiring interfaces, and a supply of batteries. Special wires and wire connectors are used between columns and bases, including those intermediate columns disposed at higher levels. The wires pass through other components-like the pedestal, for example-and must be connected. This design results in much longer battery life and enables the assembly of multi-tier, multi-column configurations.
The controller circuit senses user inputs from a single button-operated electric switch. The button's function is to turn the lights in the column on and off and to change them from one light pattern to another. A single button pulse turns on the array. However, if a series of pulses are inputted, i.e., by quickly pushing the button down several times in a row, several variable lighting patterns may result. Preferably the battery compartment is located within the trophy base. The added weight of the batteries helps stabilize the trophy. Further, batteries may be changed without completely disassembling the trophy.
Thus a basic object is to provide a modular trophy with a lighting system.
A related object is to provide a means for custom illuminating multi-part trophies.
Another important object is to illuminate three-dimensional trophies.
Another important object is to provide an illuminated trophy column consisting of only one piece, i.e. in the form of a self-contained, lighted column, which is completely compatible with standard, modular trophy components.
A related object is to provide retail trophy stores with a number of options for customizing illuminated trophies.
A similar object is to provide an illuminated trophy column constructions that interfits with standard modular components that a shop owner is likely to have in stock.
An important object is to provide a lighting system for modular trophies that assures simple assembly.
Yet another basic object is to provide an illumination scheme for multi-tier and/or multi-column trophies.
It is also an important object is to provide a lighting design for modular trophies that will function with single level trophies or multiple level trophies while providing control from a single switch or control circuit.
Another important object is to provide a modular trophy lighting control circuit for trophies that can handle a single column or tier, or multiple columns and/or tiers.
A related object is to provide a modular trophy with a lighting control circuit that provides the user with multiple, optional lighting patterns. It is a feature of the invention that multiple lighting patterns can be chosen by the operator by pushing the controller button more than one time- in other words, different numbered sequences of pulses produce different subsequent lighting effects.
It is also an object to provide a modular, illuminated trophy that responds to user inputs by the single push of a button.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, along with features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear or become apparent in the course of the following descriptive sections.
In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views:
With initial reference now directed to
An elongated assembly rod 18 (
With primary reference directed now to
Referencing
Referencing
A preferred illumination circuit 130 is built around a controller chip 131, comprising a YIN 611. A battery power supply 132 comprising battery packs 70, 72 and batteries 74 discussed earlier has a negative lead connected to ground 134 on the YIN611 chip. The positive battery line 135 reaches the anodes on a plurality of LED's 140-145. The LED cathode ends reach chip terminals 150-155 receptively. Switch contacts 161 and 162 (
Thus, the software controlled chip 131 allows for the implementation of different illumination features that are user selectable in response to contacts 161, 162. For example, LED groups can be arranged to flash, alternating with other banks or progressively.
From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure.
It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations.
As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the 11 accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Claims
1. A modular trophy comprising:
- a lower base adapted to be disposed upon a supporting surface;
- at least one decorative column rising vertically upwardly from said base;
- an ornament disposed atop said column; and,
- means for illuminating said column, said means for illuminating comprising light bar means vertically disposed within said column for supporting a plurality of light sources, circuit means disposed within said base for powering said light bar, and user actuated switch means for actuating said circuit means.
2. The trophy as defined in claim 1 further comprising an elongated assembly rod coaxially extending through said column for securing it to said base, and wherein said light bar means is adapted to clear said rod with a clearance slot.
3. The trophy as defined in claim 1 wherein said light bar means has a top and a bottom, said light bar means bottom connects with plugs to said circuit means, and said light bar means top has wiring terminating in a plug for attachment to the bottom of upper columns.
4. The trophy as defined in claim 3 wherein said light bar means comprises a pair of elongated, spaced apart halves supporting a plurality of spaced apart LED's.
5. The trophy as defined in claim 4 wherein a clearance slot between said light bar means halves prevents contact with said assembly rod.
6. The trophy as defined in claim 5 wherein said base has an interior housing at least one battery pack for powering said circuit means.
7. The trophy as defined in claim 4 wherein said circuit energizes different patterns of LED's in response to multiple actuations of said user actuated switch means.
8. A modular, multi-tiered trophy comprising
- a lower base adapted to be disposed upon a supporting surface;
- at least one lower decorative column rising vertically from said base;
- an intermediate tier supported by said at least one lower column;
- at last one upper column extending upwardly from said intermediate tier;
- an ornament disposed above said upper column;
- means for illuminating said upper and lower columns, said means for illuminating comprising light bar means vertically disposed within each column for supporting a plurality of light sources, circuit means disposed within said base for powering each light bar means, and user actuated switch means for actuating said circuit means.
9. The trophy as defined in claim 8 further comprising an elongated assembly rod coaxially extending through each column for securing it, and wherein said light bar means is adapted to clear said rod with a clearance slot.
10. The trophy as defined in claim 9 wherein said light bar means has a top and a bottom, said light bar means bottom connects with plugs to connect with said circuit means, and said light bar means top has wiring terminating in a plug for attachment to the bottom of upper columns.
11. The trophy as defined in claim 9 wherein said light bar means comprises a pair of elongated, spaced apart halves supporting a plurality of spaced apart lights.
12. The trophy as defined in claim 11 wherein a clearance slot between each light bar means halves prevents contact with said assembly rod.
13. The trophy as defined in claim 11 wherein said lights comprise LED's.
14. The trophy as defined in claim 11 wherein said light bar means comprises a curved wire bridge at its top for clearing said assembly rod.
15. The trophy as defined in claim 12 wherein said base has an interior housing at least one battery pack for powering said circuit means.
16. The trophy as defined in claim 15 wherein said circuit energizes different patterns of LED's in response to multiple actuations of said user actuated switch means.
17. A modular trophy comprising:
- a lower base adapted to be disposed upon a supporting surface;
- at least one decorative column rising vertically upwardly from said base;
- an ornament disposed atop said column;
- an elongated assembly rod coaxially extending through said column for securing it to said base;
- means for illuminating said column, said means for illuminating comprising light bar means disposed within said column out of the way of said assembly rod for supporting a plurality of light sources, circuit means disposed within said base for powering said light bar means, and user actuated switch means for actuating said circuit means;
- circuit means disposed within said base for operating said means for illuminating;
- battery means for powering said circuit means; and,
- switch means for activating said circuit means.
18. The trophy as defined in claim 17 wherein said light bar means comprises:
- a pair of halves with an elongated assembly rod clearance slot disposed therebetween;
- a top and a bottom;
- said light bar means bottom connecting with plugs to said circuit means, and said light bar means top comprising wiring terminating in a plug for attachment to the bottom of upper columns.
19. The trophy as defined in claim 18 wherein said light bar means comprises a plurality of spaced apart LED's of different colors.
20. The trophy as defined in claim 17 wherein said circuit means activates different patterns of LED's in response to multiple closings of said switch means.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 4, 2008
Publication Date: Dec 11, 2008
Inventor: Ky B. Harrod (Little Rock, AR)
Application Number: 12/156,749
International Classification: A47G 35/00 (20060101);