Award trophy

A novel award trophy that includes a supporting base, a riser member superimposed over the supporting base, a first uniquely configured connector member having a plurality of securement legs for inter-connecting the riser member with the supporting base, a trophy superimposed over the riser member and a second uniquely configured connector member having a plurality of securement legs for inter-connecting the trophy with the riser member.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to achievement awards. More particularly, the invention concerns a novel award trophy that includes a unique connector member for inter-connecting certain of the key components of the award trophy.

2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

Achievement awards of various types are frequently given to individuals and athletic teams for outstanding achievements in sports such as golf, bowling, tennis, baseball, basketball and the like. These awards include medals, plaques and a number of different types of small statues of which frequently take the form of a decorative member of an appropriate design that is mounted on a supporting base. Exemplary of one type of achievement award is that described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,828,034 issued to the present inventor. This latter patent discloses an award construction that includes a decorative member, a supporting base for supporting the decorative member and an alternate means for interconnecting the decorative member with the supporting base. More particularly, in one form of the invention, the base portion of the decorative member includes a peripheral portion having a locking rim that can be lockably interconnected with a yieldably deformable locking assembly that is affixed to and extends upwardly from the upper surface of the supporting base. In another form of the invention, the identical base portion of the decorative member can be interconnected with the support base by means of a threaded rod which is threadably received within a threaded bore formed in the base portion of the decorative member.

The patent to L. Parkin et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,027,609 concerns a fastening device for mounting in an aperture in a support. The Parkin et al fastening device comprises a support-engaging member and an attaching member. The support engaging member comprises a cup-shaped bowl having a body portion and a slotted peripheral flange integral with the series of deformable fingers, each of the fingers being spaced from the others, the distal ends of the fingers extending in a direction upward from the peripheral flange and outwardly from the axis of the cup shaped bowl.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,518,293 issued to Pleickhardt et al. discloses a tube connector that comprises an integral sheet metal stamping, including a body and a plurality of legs. The body has a centrally disposed securing portion for receiving a threaded fastener and is of a substantially dished shape presenting sharp peripheral edges for aggressively engaging the interior wall of the tube to resist a retrograde movement of the connector axially of the tube.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel award trophy construction that includes a riser member having an inner wall, a trophy support superimposed over the riser member for supporting a trophy, a supporting base for supporting the riser member and a novel connector member for inter-connecting the riser member with the supporting base.

Another object of the invention is to provide a trophy or award construction of the aforementioned character that has several alternate configurations. For example, in one form of the invention the riser member is circular in cross-section and the connector member is uniquely designed to interconnect the riser member with the connector member that is circular in cross-section and in another form of the invention the riser member is oval in cross-section and the connector member is uniquely designed to interconnect the riser member with a connector member that is oval in cross-section. In still another form of the invention the riser member is rectangular in cross-section and the connector member is uniquely designed to interconnect the riser member with a connector member that is rectangular in cross-section.

Another object of the invention is to provide an award trophy construction of the character described in the preceding paragraphs in which the connector member includes a body portion having a central opening and a plurality of first legs extending from the body portion and a plurality of second legs extending from the body portion and interposed between the first legs.

Another object of the invention is to provide an award trophy construction as described in the preceding paragraph in which the first legs of the connector member securely grip the inner wall of the riser to hold the riser in position.

These and other objects of the invention will be realized from the apparatus illustrated in the drawings and described in the paragraphs that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of one form of the award trophy of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a generally perspective exploded view of the portion of the award trophy shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a generally perspective view of one form of the novel connector member of the invention for interconnecting certain of the key components of the award trophy.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an alternate form of the award trophy of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a generally perspective exploded view of the portion of the award trophy shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a generally perspective view of an alternate form of the connector member of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the alternate form of the connector member shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a front view of still another form of the award trophy of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 11-11 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a generally perspective exploded view of the portion of the award trophy shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a generally perspective view of still another form of the connector member of the invention.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1 through 4, one form of the award trophy of the present invention is there shown. In this form of the invention the award trophy comprises a supporting base 20 having a central bore 22 and a counter bore 24. A base connector pin 26, which has a head portion 26a and a shank portion 26b, is mated with the supporting base in the manner shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings so that the shank portion 26b of the pin extends through the counter bore 24 and the head portion 26a engages the upper surface 22a of the central bore 22.

A hollow riser 28, which is superimposed over supporting base 20 in the manner shown in FIG. 2, has an upper portion 28a, a lower portion 28b and an interior wall 28c. A bottom plate 30, which has a central aperture 30a and a peripheral rim 30b, is disposed intermediate supporting base 20 and hollow riser 28 in a manner such that the lower portion 28b of the riser is closely received within and located by the peripheral rim 30b of the bottom plate 30.

A first connector member 32 which is of the configuration shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings, is disposed within the riser and, in a manner presently to be described, functions to interconnect the riser with the supporting base 20. In the present form of the invention, first connector member 32 comprises a body portion 34 having a periphery 36 and a central opening 38 having a pair of oppositely disposed gripping elements 39. Gripping elements 39 are uniquely configured to securely grip the shank portion 26b of the base connector pin when the shank portion of the connector pin is inserted through the central opening 38 of the connector member in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2 of the drawings. More particularly, the gripping elements 39 are configured so that the shank portion of the connector pin can be inserted through central opening 38 in a first direction, but aggressively resist movement of the connector pin in an opposite direction.

Referring particularly to FIG. 4 of the drawings, connector member 32 can be seen to comprise a plurality of first, or securement legs 40 that extend outwardly from the periphery of body portion 34. Legs 40 are circumferentially spaced apart approximately ninety degrees and each has a body portion 40a of a first length and an angularly extending end portion 40b. As illustrated in FIG. 2 of the drawings, when the connector member 32 is inserted into the interior of the lower portion of riser 28 in the manner shown in FIG. 2, the extremities of the end portions 40b aggressively grip the inner wall 28c of the riser so as to positively prevent withdrawal of the connector member from the interior of the riser.

Connector member 32 is also provided with a plurality of second, or positioning legs 44 that extend angularly outwardly from the periphery of body portion 34. Second legs 44 are disposed between first legs 42 in the manner shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings and each has a length that is less than the length of first legs 42.

As best seen in FIG. 4 of the drawings, each of the second legs of the first connector member has an end portion provided with a generally “V”-shaped opening 44a.

Also forming a part of the trophy award of the present form of the invention is a trophy support 46 that is superimposed over riser 28 in the manner shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings. Trophy support 46 functions to support a decorative trophy, such as trophy 48, which is here shown in the shape of a person. It is to be understood that trophy 48 can be of various configurations depending upon the nature of the award trophy. For example, the trophy can be in the configuration of an animal, a cartoon character or a variety of ornamental designs. Trophy support 46 includes a top surface 46a and a downwardly extending connector pin 50, the purpose of which will presently be described. As best seen in FIG. 2 of the drawings, connector pin 50 has a head portion 50a and a shank portion 50b.

A top plate 52, which has a central aperture 52a and a peripheral rim 52b is superimposed over riser 28 in a manner such that the upper portion 28b of the riser is closely received within and located by the peripheral rim 52b of the top plate 52.

A second connector member 54 is disposed within the upper portion 28a of riser 28 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2 of the drawings. Second connector member 54 is substantially identical in construction and operation to first connector member 32 and is of the configuration shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings. In a manner presently to be described, second connector member 54 functions to interconnect the riser with the trophy support 46. Gripping elements 40 of the second connector member 54 are uniquely configured to securely grip the shank portion 50b of the connector pin 50 when the shank portion of the connector pin is inserted through the central opening 38 of the connector member in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2 of the drawings. As before, the gripping elements 30 are configured so that the shank portion of the connector pin 50 can be inserted through central opening 38 in a first direction, but aggressively resist movement of the connector pin in an opposite direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 of the drawings, when the second connector member 54 is inserted into the interior of the upper portion of riser 28 in the manner shown in FIG. 2, the extremities of the end portions 40b of the connector member aggressively grip the inner wall 28c of the riser so as to positively prevent withdrawal of the connector member from the interior of the riser.

In assembling the award trophy of the present form of the invention with the component parts, the device in the configuration shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings, the first step in the assembly process is to insert the connector pin 26 through the central opening 29 provided in the base 20 in the manner shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings. The next step in the assembly process is to place base plate 30 over the shank portion 26b of the connector pin. This done, connector member 32 is mated with the connector pin in the manner shown in FIG. 2 so that the shank portion extends through the central opening 38 of the connector member and the extremities of the shorter, second legs 44 engage the upper surface of plate 30. The second, or positioning legs 44, upon engaging the upper surface of plate 30 properly position the connector member 32 within the riser.

With the connector member 32 in position over the shank portion of the connector pin, the riser 28 can be positioned over the connector member in the manner shown in FIG. 2 so that the lower portion 28b of the riser resides within a peripheral portion 30b of the bottom plate. As previously mentioned, the oppositely disposed gripping elements 39 of the connector member are configured so that the shank portion of the connector pin can be inserted through central opening 38 in a first direction, but aggressively resist movement of the connector pin in an opposite direction. Additionally, as previously discussed, when the connector member 32 is received within the interior of the lower portion of riser 28 in the manner shown in FIG. 2, the extremities 40b of the securement legs 40 of the connector member aggressively grip the inner wall 28c of the riser so as to positively prevent removal of the riser member.

With the riser in position over the shank connector member 32, the next step in the assembly process is to insert the shank portion 50b of the connector pin 50 of the trophy support 46 through the central opening of the upper plate 52. This done, the second connector member 54 is mated with the shank portion of the connector pin 50 in the manner shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings so that the shank portion extends through the central opening 38 of the connector member 54 and the extremities of the shorter, second legs 44 engage the lower surface of plate 52. The second, or positioning legs 44, upon engaging the lower surface of plate 52, properly position the second connector member 54 within the riser.

This done, the assemblage made up of the trophy support 46, the top plate 52 and a second connector 54, is mated with the riser 28 so that the upper portion 28a of the riser resides within a peripheral portion 52b of the top plate. As before, the gripping elements 39 of the connector member are configured so that the shank portion of the connector pin 50 can be inserted through central opening 38 in a first direction, but aggressively resist movement of the connector pin in an opposite direction. Additionally, when the second connector member 54 is received within the interior of the upper portion of riser 28 in the manner shown in FIG. 2, the extremities 40b of the legs 40 of the connector member aggressively grip the inner wall 28c of the riser so as to positively prevent removal of the assemblage made up of the trophy support 46, the top plate 52 and a second connector 54.

With the assembly undertaken in the manner described in the preceding paragraphs, the component parts of the award trophy are securely interconnected to form the award trophy depicted in FIG. 1 of the drawings.

Referring next to FIGS. 5 through 9 of the drawings, an alternate form of the award trophy of the invention is there shown. This embodiment is similar in many respects to that previously described embodiment and like numerals are used in FIGS. 5 through 9 to identify like components. The primary differences between this latest form of the invention and the form of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4 resides in the fact that the riser 58 is oval in cross-section, the top and bottom plates 60 and 62 are oval shaped and the connector member 60 is uniquely configured to mate with the differently configured riser 58.

Like the earlier described form of the invention, this alternate form of the award trophy comprises a supporting base 20 having a central bore 22 and a counter bore 24. A base connector pin 26, which has a head portion 26a and a shank portion 26b, is mated with the supporting base in the manner shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings so that the shank portion 26b of the pin extends through the counter bore 24 and the head portion 26a engages the upper surface 22a of the central bore 22.

The hollow riser 58, which is superimposed over supporting base 20 in the manner shown in FIG. 2, has an upper portion 58a, a lower portion 58b and an interior wall 58c. As indicated in FIG. 7 of the drawings, the hollow riser has a major diameter D-1 and a minor diameter D-2. The bottom plate 62 of this latest form of the invention, which has a central aperture 62a and a peripheral rim 62b, is disposed intermediate supporting base 20 and hollow riser 58 in a manner such that the lower portion 58b of the riser is closely received within and located by the peripheral rim 62b of the bottom plate 62.

A first connector member 64, which is of the configuration shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings, is disposed within the oval shaped riser 58 and, in a manner presently to be described, functions to interconnect the riser with the supporting base 20. In this latest form of the invention, first connector member 64 comprises a body portion 66 having a periphery 68 and a central opening 70 having a pair of oppositely disposed gripping elements 70a. Gripping elements 70a are uniquely configured to securely grip the shank portion 26b of the base connector pin when the shank portion of the connector pin is inserted through the central opening 70 of the connector member in the manner illustrated in FIG. 6 of the drawings. More particularly, the gripping elements 70a are configured so that the shank portion of the connector pin can be inserted through central opening 70 in a first direction, but aggressively resist movement of the connector pin in an opposite direction.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings, first connector member 64 can be seen to comprise a plurality of first legs 74 that extend outwardly from the periphery of body portion 66. Legs 74 are circumferentially spaced apart approximately ninety degrees and each has a body portion 74a of a first length and an angularly extending end portion 74b. As illustrated in FIG. 6 of the drawings, when the connector member 64 is inserted into the interior of the lower portion of riser 58 in the manner shown in FIG. 6, the extremities of the end portions 74b aggressively grip the inner wall 58c of the riser at locations between the major and minor diameters so as to positively prevent withdrawal of the connector member 64 from the interior of the riser (see FIG. 7). It is to be observed that legs 74 have a length greater than the length of legs 40 of the earlier described embodiment in order to effectively grip the inner wall of the differently configured riser 58 which here is oval in cross-section.

Connector member 64 is also provided with a plurality of second legs 76 that extend angularly outwardly from the periphery of body portion 66. Second legs 76 are disposed between first legs 74 in the manner shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings and each has a length that is less than the length of first legs 74.

Also forming a part of the award trophy of the present form of the invention is a trophy support 46 that is superimposed over riser 58 in the manner shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings. Trophy support 46, which is substantially identical in construction and operation to the earlier defined trophy support, functions to support a decorative trophy such as trophy 48, which is also substantially identical in construction to that previously described. Trophy support 46 includes a top surface 46a and a downwardly extending connector pin 50, the purpose of which will presently be described. As best seen in FIG. 6 of the drawings, connector pin 50 has a head portion 50a and a shank portion 50b.

Top plate 60, which has a central aperture 60a and a peripheral rim 60b is superimposed over riser 58 in a manner such that the upper portion 58b of the riser is closely received within and located by the peripheral rim 60b of the top plate 60.

A second connector member 84 is disposed within the upper portion 58a of riser 58 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 6 of the drawings. Second connector member 84 is substantially identical in construction and operation to first connector member 64 and is of the configuration shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings. In a manner presently to be described, second connector member 84 functions to interconnect the riser with the trophy support 46. Gripping elements 70a of the second connector member 84 are uniquely configured to securely grip the shank portion 50b of the connector pin 50 when the shank portion of the connector pin is inserted through the central opening 70 of the connector member in the manner illustrated in FIG. 6 of the drawings. As before, the gripping elements 70a are configured so that the shank portion of the connector pin 50 can be inserted through central opening 70 in a first direction, but aggressively resist movement of the connector pin in an opposite direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 6 of the drawings, when the second connector member 84 is inserted into the interior of the upper portion of riser 58 in the manner shown in FIG. 6, the extremities of the end portions 74b of the connector member aggressively grip the inner wall 58c of the riser at locations intermediate the major and minor diameters so as to positively prevent withdrawal of the connector member from the interior of the riser.

In assembling the award trophy of this latest form of the invention with the component parts, the device in the configuration shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings, the first step in the assembly process is to insert the connector pin 26 through the central opening 29 provided in the base 20 in the manner shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings. The next step in the assembly process is to place base plate 62 over the shank portion 26b of the connector pin. This done, connector member 64 is mated with the connector pin in the manner shown in FIG. 6 so that the shank portion extends through the central opening 62a of the connector member and the extremities of the shorter, second legs 76 engage the upper surface of plate 62.

With the connector member 64 in position over the shank portion of the connector pin, the riser 58 can be positioned over the connector member in the manner shown in FIG. 6 so that the lower portion 64b of the riser resides within a peripheral portion 62b of the bottom plate. As previously mentioned, the gripping elements 70a of the connector member are configured so that the shank portion of the connector pin can be inserted through central opening 70 in a first direction, but aggressively resist movement of the connector pin in an opposite direction. Additionally, as previously discussed, when the connector member 64 is received within the interior of the lower portion of riser 58 in the manner shown in FIG. 6, the extremities 74b of the legs 74 of the connector member aggressively grip the inner wall 58c of the riser so as to positively prevent removal of the riser member. The second or positioning legs 44, upon engaging the lower surface of plate 62, properly position the connector member 64 within the riser.

With the riser in position over the shank connector member 32, the next step in the assembly process is to insert the shank portion 50b of the connector pin 50 of the trophy support 46 through the central opening of the upper plate 60. This done, the second connector member 84 is mated with the shank portion of the connector pin 50 in the manner shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings so that the shank portion extends through the central opening 70 of the connector member 84 and the extremities of the shorter, second legs 76 engage the lower surface of plate 60. This done, the assemblage made up of the trophy support 46, the top plate 60 and a second connector 84 is mated with the riser 58 so that the upper portion 58a of the riser resides within a peripheral portion 60b of the top plate. As before, the gripping elements 70a of the connector member are configured so that the shank portion of the connector pin 50 can be inserted through central opening 70 in a first direction, but aggressively resist movement of the connector pin in an opposite direction. Additionally, when the second connector member 84 is received within the interior of the upper portion of riser 58 in the manner shown in FIG. 6, the extremities 74b of the legs of the connector member aggressively grip the inner wall 58c of the riser so as to positively prevent removal of the assemblage made up of the trophy support 46, the top plate 60 and a second connector 84. The second, or positioning legs 44, upon engaging the upper surface of plate 60 properly position the second connector 84 within the riser.

With the assembly undertaken in the manner described in the preceding paragraphs, the component parts of this latest form of the award trophy are securely interconnected to form the award trophy depicted in FIG. 5 of the drawings.

Referring next to FIGS. 10 through 13 of the drawings, still another form of the award trophy of the invention is there shown. This embodiment is also similar in many respects to the previously described embodiments and like numerals are used in FIGS. 10 through 13 to identify like components. The primary differences between this latest form of the invention and the form of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 9 resides in the fact that the riser 88 is rectangular in cross-section, the top and bottom plates 90 and 92 are rectangular shaped and the connector members are uniquely configured to mate with the differently configured riser 88.

Like the earlier described forms of the invention, this latest form of the award trophy comprises a supporting base 20 having a central bore 22 and a counter bore 24. A base connector pin 26, which has a head portion 26a and a shank portion 26b, is mated with the supporting base in the manner shown in FIG. 11 of the drawings so that the shank portion 26b of the pin extends through the counter bore 24 and the head portion 26a engages the upper surface 22a of the central bore 22.

The hollow riser 88, which is superimposed over supporting base 20 in the manner shown in FIG. 11, has an upper portion 88a, a lower portion 88b and an interior wall 88c. As indicated in FIG. 12 of the drawings, the hollow riser has substantially parallel side walls 89 and substantially parallel and walls 91. The bottom plate 92 of this latest form of the invention, which has a central aperture 92a and a peripheral rim 92b, is disposed intermediate supporting base 20 and hollow riser 88 in a manner such that the lower portion 88b of the riser is closely received within and located by the peripheral rim 92b of the bottom plate 92.

A first connector member 94 which is of the configuration shown in FIG. 13 of the drawings, is disposed within riser 88 and, in a manner presently to be described, functions to interconnect the riser with the supporting base 20. In this latest form of the invention, first connector member 94 comprises a central body portion 96 having a central opening 100. Central opening 100 includes a pair of oppositely disposed gripping elements 100a. Gripping elements 100a are uniquely configured to securely grip the shank portion 26b of the base connector pin when the shank portion of the connector pin is inserted through the central opening 100 of the connector member in the manner illustrated in FIG. 11 of the drawings. More particularly, the gripping elements 100a are configured so that the shank portion of the connector pin can be inserted through central opening 100 in a first direction, but aggressively resist movement of the connector pin in an opposite direction.

Referring particularly to FIG. 13 of the drawings, first connector member 94 can be seen to comprise a plurality of first legs 104 that extend outwardly from the central body portion 96. Legs 104 are spaced apart, are substantially parallel, and each has a body portion 104a of a first length and an angularly extending end portion 104b. As illustrated in FIG. 11 of the drawings, when the connector member 94 is inserted into the interior of the lower portion of riser 88 in the manner shown in FIG. 11, the extremities of the end portions 104b aggressively grip the side walls 89 of the riser so as to positively prevent withdrawal of the connector member 94 from the interior of the riser (see FIG. 7). It is to be observed that connector member 94 is of a totally different configuration from the configuration of the earlier described connector members in order to enable the connector member to effectively grip the opposing side walls of the differently configured riser 88.

Connector member 94 is also provided with a plurality of second legs 106 that extend angularly outwardly from the central body portion 96. Second legs 106 are circumferentially spaced apart in the manner shown in FIG. 13 of the drawings and each has an extremity 106a.

Also forming a part of the award trophy of this latest form of the invention is a trophy support 46 that is superimposed over riser 88 in the manner shown in FIG. 11 of the drawings. Trophy support 46, which is substantially identical in construction and operation to the earlier defined trophy support, functions to support a decorative trophy, such as trophy 48, which is also substantially identical in construction to that previously described. Trophy support 46 includes a top surface 46a and a downwardly extending connector pin 50, the purpose of which will presently be described. As best seen in FIG. 11 of the drawings, connector pin 50 has a head portion 50a and a shank portion 50b

Top plate 90, which has a central aperture 90a and a peripheral rim 90b, is superimposed over riser 88 in a manner such that the upper portion 88b of the riser is closely received within and located by the peripheral rim 90b of the top plate 90.

A second connector member 108 is disposed within the upper portion 88a of riser 88 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 11 of the drawings. Second connector member 108 is substantially identical in construction and operation to first connector member 94 and is of the configuration shown in FIG. 13 of the drawings. In a manner presently to be described, second connector member 108 functions to interconnect the riser with the trophy support 46. Gripping elements 100a of the second connector member 108 are uniquely configured to securely grip the shank portion 50b of the connector pin 50 when the shank portion of the connector pin is inserted through the central opening 100 of the connector member in the manner illustrated in FIG. 11 of the drawings. As before, the gripping elements 100a are configured so that the shank portion of the connector pin 50 can be inserted through central opening 100 in a first direction, but aggressively resist movement of the connector pin in an opposite direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 11 of the drawings, when the second connector member 108 is inserted into the interior of the upper portion of riser 88 in the manner shown in FIG. 11, the extremities of the end portions 104b of the connector member aggressively grip the side walls 89 of the riser so as to positively prevent withdrawal of the connector member from the interior of the riser.

In assembling the award trophy of this latest form of the invention, with the component parts the device in the configuration shown in FIG. 12 of the drawings, the first step in the assembly process is to insert the connector pin 26 through the central opening 29 provided in the base 20 in the manner shown in FIG. 11 of the drawings. The next step in the assembly process is to place base plate 92 over the shank portion 26b of the connector pin. This done, connector member 94 is mated with the connector pin in the manner shown in FIG. 11 so that the shank portion extends through the central opening 100 of the connector member and the extremities of the shorter, second legs 106 engage the upper surface of plate 92.

With the connector member 94 in position over the shank portion of the connector pin, the riser 88 can be positioned over the connector member in the manner shown in FIG. 11 so that the lower portion of the riser resides within a peripheral portion of the bottom plate. As previously mentioned, the gripping elements 100a of the connector member are configured so that the shank portion of the connector pin can be inserted through central opening 100 in a first direction, but aggressively resist movement of the connector pin in an opposite direction. Additionally, as previously discussed, when the connector member 94 is received within the interior of the lower portion of riser 88 in the manner shown in FIG. 11, the extremities 104b of the legs 104 of the connector member aggressively grip the side walls 89 of the riser so as to positively prevent removal of the riser member.

With the riser in position over the shank connector member 32, the next step in the assembly process is to insert the shank portion 50b of the connector pin 50 of the trophy support 46 through the central opening of the upper plate 90. This done, the second connector member 108 is mated with the shank portion of the connector pin 50 in the manner shown in FIG. 11 of the drawings so that the shank portion extends through the central opening 100 of the connector member and the extremities of the shorter, second legs 106 engage the lower surface of plate 90. This done, the assemblage made up of the trophy support 46, the top plate 90 and a second connector 108 is mated with the riser 88 so that the upper portion 88a of the riser resides within a peripheral portion 90b of the top plate. As before, the gripping elements 100a of the connector member are configured so that the shank portion of the connector pin 50 can be inserted through central opening in a first direction, but aggressively resist movement of the connector pin in an opposite direction. Additionally, when the second connector member 108 is received within the interior of the upper portion of riser 88 in the manner shown in FIG. 1, the extremities 104b of the legs of the connector member aggressively grip the side walls 88c of the riser so as to positively prevent removal of the assemblage made up of the trophy support 46, the top plate 90 and a second connector 108.

With the assembly undertaken in the manner described in the preceding paragraphs the component parts of the award trophy of this latest form of the invention are securely interconnected to form the award trophy depicted in FIG. 10 of the drawings.

Having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An award trophy comprising:

(a) a supporting base having a central bore;
(b) a base connector pin extending through said central bore of said base;
(c) a riser superimposed over said base, said riser having an interior wall;
(d) a first connector member disposed within said riser, said first connector member comprising: (i) a body portion having a periphery and a central opening having a gripping element for gripping said base connector pin; and (ii) a plurality of first legs extending from said periphery of said body portion, each said first leg having a first length an end portion for gripping said interior wall of said riser; and
(e) a trophy support superimposed over said riser for supporting a trophy.

2. The award trophy as defined in claim 1 in which said riser is generally circular in cross-section.

3. The award trophy as defined in claim 1 in which said riser is generally oval in cross-section.

4. The award trophy as defined in claim 1 in which said riser is generally rectangular in cross-section.

5. The award trophy as defined in claim 1 in which said first connector member further comprises a plurality of second legs extending from said periphery of said body portion, each said second leg being of a second length less than said first length.

6. The award trophy as defined in claim 1 in which said trophy support has a connector pin and in which said award trophy further comprises a second connector member disposed within said riser, said second connector member comprising:

(a) a body portion having a periphery and a central opening having a gripping element for gripping said connector pin of said trophy support; and
(b) a plurality of first legs extending from said periphery of said body portion, each said first leg having a first length and an end portion for gripping said interior wall of said riser.

7. The award trophy as defined in claim 6 in which said second connector member further comprises a plurality of second legs extending from said periphery of said body portion, each said second leg being of a second length less than said first length.

8. An award trophy comprising:

(a) a supporting base having a central bore;
(b) a base connector pin extending through said central bore of said base;
(c) a riser superimposed over said base, said riser having an interior wall;
(d) a bottom plate disposed intermediate said base and said riser;
(e) a first connector member disposed within said riser, said first connector member comprising: (i) a body portion having a periphery and a central opening having a gripping element for gripping said base connector pin; and (ii) a plurality of first legs extending from said periphery of said body portion, each said first leg having a first length an end portion for gripping said interior wall of said riser;
(f) a trophy support superimposed over said riser for supporting a trophy, said trophy support having a connector pin;
(g) a top plate disposed intermediate said trophy support and said riser; and
(h) a second connector member disposed within said riser, said second connector member comprising: (i) a body portion having a periphery and a central opening having a gripping element for gripping said connector pin of said trophy support; and (ii) a plurality of first legs extending from said periphery of said body portion, each said first leg having a first length and an end portion for gripping said interior wall of said riser.

9. The award trophy as defined in claim 8 in which each of said first and second connector members includes a plurality of second legs extending from said periphery of said body portion, each said second leg being of a second length less than said first length.

10. The award trophy as defined in claim 8 in which each of said plurality of second legs has an end portion provided with a generally “V”-shaped opening.

11. An award trophy comprising:

(a) a supporting base having a central bore;
(b) a base connector pin extending through said central bore of said base, said base connector pin having a head portion and a shank portion;
(c) a riser superimposed over said base, said riser having an interior wall having an upper portion and a lower portion;
(d) a bottom plate disposed intermediate said base and said riser;
(e) a first connector member disposed within said riser, said first connector member comprising: (i) a body portion having a periphery and a central opening having a gripping element for gripping said shank portion of said base connector pin; (ii) a plurality of first securement legs extending from said periphery of said body portion, each said securement leg having a body portion of a first length an end portion and extending angularly award from said body portion for gripping said lower portion of said interior wall of said riser; and (iii) a plurality of positioning legs extending from said periphery of said body portion, each said positioning leg being of a second length less than said first length; and
(f) a trophy support superimposed over said riser for supporting a trophy, said trophy support having a connector pin;
(g) a top plate disposed intermediate said trophy support and said riser; and
(h) a second securement connector member disposed within said riser, said second securement connector member comprising: (i) a body portion having a periphery and a central opening having a gripping element for gripping said connector pin of said trophy support; (ii) a plurality of first securement legs extending from said periphery of said body portion, each said first securement leg having a body portion of a first length and an angularly outwardly extending end portion for gripping said upper portion of said interior wall of said riser; and (iii) a plurality of second positioning legs extending from said periphery of said body portion, each said second positioning leg being of a second length less than said first length.

12. The award trophy as defined in claim 11 in which each of said plurality of positioning legs of said first and second connector members has an end portion provided with a generally “V”-shaped opening.

13. The award trophy as defined in claim 11 in which said riser is generally circular in cross-section.

14. The award trophy as defined in claim 11 in which said riser is generally oval in cross-section.

15. The award trophy as defined in claim 11 in which said riser is generally rectangular in cross-section.

16. The award trophy as defined in claim 11 in which securement legs are circumferentially spaced apart approximately ninety degrees.

17. The award trophy as defined in claim 11 in which said body portion of each of said first and second connector members has a pair of circumferentially spaced gripping elements.

18. The award trophy as defined in claim 11 in which at least two of said plurality of first securement legs of each of said first and second securement connector members are substantially parallel.

19. The award trophy as defined in claim 11 in which said positioning legs are circumferentially spaced apart approximately ninety degrees.

20. The award trophy as defined in claim 19 in which said positioning legs are disposed intermediate said securement legs.

Patent History
Publication number: 20110165349
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 6, 2010
Publication Date: Jul 7, 2011
Inventor: John Banman (South El Monte, CA)
Application Number: 12/655,844
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Hollow Or Container Type Article (e.g., Tube, Vase, Etc.) (428/34.1)
International Classification: A47G 35/00 (20060101);