Snowfall Simulator Patents (Class 40/410)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6415535
    Abstract: A fluid filled novelty amusement device with a magnetic impeller 9 driven by an electric motor 16, through a magnetic couple created between a magnetic rotor 15 and the magnetic impeller 9, that provides forced circulating fluid 3 flow that entrains and disperses ornamental particles 2 throughout a transparent enclosure 1 to provide viewing entertainment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventors: Michael L. White, Patricia E. White
  • Patent number: 6385880
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Josh R. Naragon
  • Patent number: 6382814
    Abstract: A decorative lighting display composed of ornaments, each having a form resembling a snowflake and illuminated by a light or lights. The illumination of the ornaments is sequenced by an electronic controller to create the illusion of falling snow when the display is mounted on a house, tree or other surface. The ornaments may be connected electrically by multi-conductor connectors which are wired in a configuration that maintains the proper sequence of ornament illumination as additional ornaments are added to the display. The controller has features that allow for adjustment of the sequencing rate and direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel W. Petrocelli
  • Patent number: 6380926
    Abstract: Disclosed and claimed is a decorative computer pointer device for use in association with a computer. The computer pointer device includes a sealed decorative vessel containing a first liquid, a second liquid and at least one structure, wherein the structure is insoluble in both the first and the second liquids and floats on the first liquid. The first and the second liquids are advantageously immiscible. The first and the second liquids advantageously have densities such that the first liquid is beneath the second liquid, the first liquid, or the second liquid, or both of the first and the second liquids, are optionally colored or colorless. The structure suspended in the sealed vessel is advantageously weighted so it can maintain its upright configuration irrelevant to the position of the sealed vessel, and capable of remaining in suspension when the computer pointer device is in motion. The structure can also optionally be affixed in the decorative sealed vessel so as to remain substantially stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Allure Home Creation Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley Ho
  • Patent number: 6374522
    Abstract: A glass water ball structure including a base seat having a receptacle in which a fixing seat of the glass water ball is received. A lower support cone is disposed on the fixing seat of the glass water ball to abut against an adjusting bolt screwed in the base seat. An upper support cone is disposed on the dome of the glass water ball to abut against a frame body upward extending from the base seat. The entire glass water ball is pivotally disposed in the base seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Single-Tree Art Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Szu Wei Lo
  • Patent number: 6357151
    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: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Wang Sing Yuen
  • Patent number: 6346026
    Abstract: An ornamental display toy includes a hollow base, a transparent spherical shell supported on the base, the shell having a bottom opening sealed with a rubber gasket, a liquid filled in the shell before sealing of the rubber gasket, a transparent case interference-fit into a hole on the rubber gasket and suspended in the liquid in the shell, a clock holder inserted into the transparent case from the bottom side and secured thereto by a hook joint, an ornament covered on the transparent base leaving the clock of the clock holder visible from the outside of the ornamental display toy, a stepped socket mounted in the hollow base, a bushing covered with a bottom cover and detachably fastened to the inside of the stepped socket, and a musical box mounted on the bottom cover inside the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Corrina Chen
  • Patent number: 6345457
    Abstract: A decorative article for simulating a snow scene. The article includes a housing, a figurine, simulated snow, circulating apparatus, and illuminating apparatus. The figurine and the simulated snow are disposed in the housing, and the figurine is supported on a figurine support therein. The circulating apparatus is disposed in the housing and circulates the simulated snow therearound. The illuminating apparatus is disposed in, and illuminates, the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: William P. Bradley
  • Patent number: 6340099
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container with a structural improvement. The improvement comprises one transparent hollow vessel, at least one circular dividing board and at least one reservoir for containing either liquid and/or solid, wherein the transparent hollow vessel has a first end and a second end, the first end further comprising a threaded sleeve, the second end of the transparent hollow vessel at an appropriate location having a water intake opening. The second end of the transparent hollow vessel is matingly-fitted with the circular dividing board, wherein the center of the circular dividing board has an opening to receive a dispensing tube, the dispensing tube positioned between the opening of the circular dividing board and the threaded sleeve of the first end of the transparent hollow vessel. The reservoir is matingly-fitted and positioned below the transparent hollow vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Allure Home Creation Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley Ho, Mark Ho
  • Publication number: 20020000055
    Abstract: A decorative device containing fluid and particles of motion which are propelled in motion by a rotating magnet within the fluid container. The rotating magnet within the fluid is propelled in rotation by a magnet external to the fluid container. The rotating magnet external to the fluid container is connected to and rotated by a rotary mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: Samuel F. Augsburger
  • Patent number: 6332282
    Abstract: A lamp showing movable floating ornaments is provided. The lamp mainly includes a lighting means for emitting light, and a closed clear container for containing and showing liquid and floating ornaments therein. A liquid-guiding means and a propeller are provided in a lower part of the container, and a driving means is provided below the container for turning the propeller. When the propeller is driven to turn, liquid flowing into the lower part of the container via the liquid-guiding means is continuously forced back into an upper part of the container via the liquid-guiding means at increased speed, so that the floating ornaments in the liquid in the container are brought to move around and create dynamic scenes in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventor: Rich Lin
  • Publication number: 20010046572
    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 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: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Cary Bigman
  • Patent number: 6318010
    Abstract: An ornamental crystal ball having an integrally injection molded plastic spherical liquid container supported on a seat is provided. The spherical liquid container defines a cylindrical inner space for containing clear liquids and floating ornaments. A portion of the spherical liquid container surrounding an opening of the inner space extends outward by a short distance to form a diameter-reduced tubular neck portion. An innermost end of the inner space has a curved surface so that no sharp line or pointed angle would appear in the inner space. A bottom cap seals the neck portion and includes a bubble collector and a motor compartment. The bubble collector collects bubbles possibly appearing in the inner space and the motor compartment has a motor mounted therein to rotate blades in the liquid of the inner space to create dynamic views in the ornamental crystal ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Jui-An Tsai
  • Patent number: 6312308
    Abstract: A motion display toy, which includes a housing having a top cover and a top center opening at the top cover, two sliding door panels moved to close/open the center opening at the top cover, a telescopic device mounted inside the housing and driven to extend out of the top center opening, an annular rotary member decorated with ornaments and rotated around the top center opening, first drive means controlled by the control circuit to move the sliding door panels, second drive means controlled by the control circuit to move the telescopic device between extended position and retracted position, and third drive means controlled by the control circuit to rotate the annular rotary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Kun Yueh Chen
  • Patent number: 6282820
    Abstract: A fluid filled novelty amusement device with a magnetic impeller 9 driven by an electric motor 16, through a magnetic couple created between a magnetic rotor 15 and the magnetic impeller 9, that provides forced circulating fluid 3 flow that entrains and disperses ornamental particles 2 throughout a transparent enclosure 1 to provide viewing entertainment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventors: Michael L. White, Patricia E. White
  • Patent number: 6269566
    Abstract: Glass water ball with light emitting device includes a base seat, a spherical casing, a decoration and a light emitting device. The light emitting device includes a cap member, a fixing unit and a light emitting circuit system. The light of the light emitting element can pass through the cap member to diverge outward gently. The light also can be downward projected to the decoration and then pass through the water liquid and the spherical casing. Finally, the light is reflected and gently diverged in every direction. Therefore, even at night or in a dark place, the glass water ball can achieve an excellent visual beautiful effect. In addition, an illumination adjusting element is disposed for adjusting the illumination. Therefore, glass water ball can provide different illumination and serve as a night lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Single-Tree Art Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Szu Wei Lo
  • Patent number: 6263600
    Abstract: A device for moving elements in a fluid medium is disclosed. The device comprises a container filled with fluid and elements such as a plurality of small pellets which are dispersed in the fluid. The container is rotatably mounted within a chassis and a drive unit is used to rotate the container. One or more vanes are attached to an inner surface of the container to transport the elements within the containers. For example, if the elements simulate snowflakes which descend through the fluid towards the bottom portion of the container, the vanes trap or catch the snowflakes near the bottom of the container and move the snowflakes towards the top of the container. This creates a continuous, natural simulated snowfall with a natural appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Carl Ten Brink
  • Patent number: 6241255
    Abstract: A water sealing transmission mechanism fastened to the neck of a water container on a base to seal the water container in a watertight condition, and driven by a motor drive in the base to stir up a liquid in the water container, the water sealing transmission mechanism including a rubber packing member fastened to the neck of the water container, a holder mounted in the rubber packing member, the holder having a hollow center post, a transmission shaft mounted in the hollow center post and coupled to the motor drive in the base, a rotary barrel mounted in the receiving chamber in the holder for synchronous rotation with the transmission shaft by means of a magnetic coupling, the rotary barrel having radial blades for stirring up the liquid in the water container, and a carrier fixedly mounted on the holder and spaced above the rotary barrel to hold ornamental means in the liquid in the water container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Chien-Tai Fang
  • Patent number: 6205689
    Abstract: A device for producing a simulated snowfall is disclosed. The device comprises a display tank filled with water and a plurality of small pellets. A pump positioned on the upper side of the display tank creates water currents which flow around the perimeter of the display tank. The water is propelled out of the pump into an outflow tube extending down a first side of the display tank to a receiving trough positioned along the bottom side of the display tank. The pellets descend through the water to the receiving trough and are then carried horizontally across the receiving trough by a water current to a deflector plate which diverts the pellets and water current in an upward direction along the second side of the display tank. As the pellets reach the upper side of the display tank, they spread out uniformly and gradually descend through the water, creating a simulated snowfall with a natural appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Carl Evan TenBrink
  • Patent number: 6193106
    Abstract: Disclosed and claimed is a dispenser, such as a pump, pour or aerosol dispenser, for dispensing a liquid from a reservoir, and methods for making and using the dispenser. The dispenser includes a hollow decorative vessel having a decorative element. The decorative vessel is capable of containing a first liquid. The reservoir is connected to the hollow decorative vessel. The reservoir is capable of containing a second liquid and having an interior therefor. And, the dispenser includes apparatus for dispensing the second liquid from the interior of the reservoir. The dispenser can include the first liquid and particles in suspension for a period of time when the liquid is shaken, such that the hollow decorative vessel can be a “snow globe”. The hollow decorative vessel can be positioned atop the reservoir or, below the reservoir. Alternatively, the hollow decorative vessel can be surrounded by the reservoir. And as another alternative, the hollow decorative vessel can contain the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Allure Home Creation Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley Ho, Mark Ho
  • Patent number: 6174215
    Abstract: A double deck rotational music box includes a base, a musical kit, a seal cap and a rotational upper cap. A spring knob is located above the base and engages the upper cap. Through turning a spindle and the spring knob, the upper cap and the ornament of the music box may rotate in opposite directions concurrently to produce novel visual and audio amusement effects. The spring knob may be turned easily and safely without turning over the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: Barry Shih
  • Patent number: 6161317
    Abstract: A decorative amusement device includes a transparent sphere that is mounted on and that cooperates with a base to confine a water receiving space to be filled with water. A drive unit is mounted inside the base, and has a rotary drive shaft extending through the base into the water receiving space, and a water agitator mounted on the drive shaft inside the water receiving space. A decorative member is mounted on the base inside the water receiving space, and includes a prop, a rotary vane mounted rotatably on the prop, and a guide member disposed around the water agitator so as to guide the water that was agitated by the water agitator toward the rotary vane to result in rotation of the rotary vane inside the water receiving space when the drive shaft rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Chih Chuag X'Mas Decoration Factory
    Inventor: Shou-I Wang
  • Patent number: 6145228
    Abstract: A decorative hollow Christmas ornament supports a generally spherical body having a plurality of flat, small reflective surfaces for rotation about a horizontal axis. A light source disposed a distance from the reflective spherical transmits light to the small flat surfaces so that their images are then reflected to a wall, such as the exterior of a house, to simulate descending snowflakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: James L. LaChance
  • Patent number: 6138870
    Abstract: A two-chamber milky lotion bottle is integrally molded from clear plastic material. An inner chamber of the milky lotion bottle is upward opened for containing an amount of milky lotion therein. An inner cap closes the inner chamber and an outer cap is screwed to an externally threaded top opening of the inner cap. A nozzle is associated with the outer cap with a nozzle head projected from the outer cap and a nozzle tube downward extended through the top opening of the inner cap and into the inner chamber. By depressing the nozzle head, milky lotion in the inner chamber is sucked upward via the nozzle tube for use. The outer chamber surrounds the inner chamber and has a downward opening. A bottom plate is connected to the downward opening of the outer chamber by heating seal, so that a dual-liquid ornament may be contained in the outer chamber, making the whole milky lotion bottle a good ornament at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Rich Lin
  • Patent number: 6135843
    Abstract: A novelty device comprised of a transparent body defined by a chamber. First and second horizonal partitions having a plurality of openings depicting text or design traversing said chamber. The first and second partitions in a generally spaced parallel relationship dividing the chamber into a top area, a central area between the partitions and a bottom area. A particulate film material disposed within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Thoughtworks
    Inventors: Michael Merk, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Jr., Dennis Futo, Paul Brokaw
  • Patent number: 6105819
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container with a structural improvement. The improvement comprises one transparent hollow vessel, at least one circular dividing board and at least one reservoir for containing either liquid and/or solid, wherein the transparent hollow vessel has a first end and a second end, the first end further comprising a threaded sleeve, the second end of the transparent hollow vessel at an appropriate location having a water intake opening. The second end of the transparent hollow vessel is matingly-fitted with the circular dividing board, wherein the center of the circular dividing board has an opening to receive a dispensing tube, the dispensing tube positioned between the opening of the circular dividing board and the threaded sleeve of the first end of the transparent hollow vessel. The reservoir is matingly-fitted and positioned below the transparent hollow vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Allure Home Creation Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley Ho, Mark Ho
  • Patent number: 6082594
    Abstract: A snowfall simulator which houses and dispenses artificial snow from a box-like housing 20 using agitation. The housing or dispenser has openings 32 uniformly placed on the bottom horizontal plane. Thin shredded white plastic flakes, used for snow, are placed inside and the machine which is mounted directly over the desired area. A small motor 14 is attached to the housing. A light-weight reticulated agitation plate 24, fastened to a support rod 25, resting on the inside bottom horizontal plane of housing, is pivotally connected by gear 16 and shaft 18 to motor. A series of rods 29 and paddles 31 are pivotally attached to rod 25. A series of slats are fastened to the sides of housing, just above, and perpendicular to, the agitation plate 24 and rod 25. The linear motion of the grid 24, rod 25, and push rods 29 and paddles 31, works to slowly agitate the snow flake material out of the housing through the exit holes and onto the window display, theatrical stage, display case, or event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Snowmaker Productions, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy James Pickens
  • Patent number: 6065640
    Abstract: Disclosed and claimed is a dispenser, such as a pump, pour or aerosol dispenser, for dispensing a liquid from a reservoir, and methods for making and using the dispenser. The dispenser includes a hollow decorative vessel having a decorative element. The decorative vessel is capable of containing a first liquid. The reservoir is connected to the hollow decorative vessel. The reservoir is capable of containing a second liquid and having an interior therefor. And, the dispenser includes apparatus for dispensing the second liquid from the interior of the reservoir. The dispenser can include the first liquid and particles in suspension for a period of time when the liquid is shaken, such that the hollow decorative vessel can be a "snow globe". The hollow decorative vessel can be positioned atop the reservoir or, below the reservoir. Alternatively, the hollow decorative vessel can be surrounded by the reservoir. And as another alternative, the hollow decorative vessel can contain the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventors: Stanley Ho, Mark Ho
  • Patent number: 6061937
    Abstract: A crystal ball water sealing structure includes a hollow, transparent, spherical water container having a neck and an inside annular groove within the neck, a rubber stopper plugged into the neck of the spherical water container to seal the spherical water container in a water tight condition, the rubber stopper having an outward flange forced into engagement with the inside annular groove in the neck of the spherical water container and an inside annular groove, and a spring element mounted in the inside annular groove in the rubber stopper, the spring element imparting an outward pressure to the rubber stopper, causing the rubber stopper to expand radially and to engage with the periphery of the neck of the spherical water container so as to prevent a water leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Sally Meng
  • Patent number: 6052930
    Abstract: An ornamental display globe includes a transparent hollow sphere filled with a transparent liquid and a figurine disposed inside the sphere. The figurine is maintained in a preferred orientation in the transparent liquid when the transparent hollow sphere is subjected to movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Mr. Christmas, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Hermanson, Huang Meng-Suen
  • Patent number: 6042022
    Abstract: A spherical bottle has a pump spray atomizer connected at a neck opening and a thin plastic sheet with printing or a graphic inside the bottle. The bottle contains a liquid fragrance or body splash which can be atomized. Flakes or chips resembling falling snow are dispersed within the bottle. The chips are large enough so that they do not fit into the spray pump mechanism. A ceramic base receives the spray atomizer so that the bottle can stand on the base with the spray atomizer down when it is stored. When stored on the base, the bottle has the appearance of a snow globe and can be used decoratively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Gryphon Development
    Inventors: Nancy F. Rogozinski, Larry Couey
  • Patent number: 6036571
    Abstract: An ornamental display toy includes a base, a spherical shell supported on the base, the spherical shell having a neck press-fitted into a circular recess at the base, a sealing cap sealed to the neck of the spherical shell to close the mouth of the neck, a mount mounted on a recessed circular top wall of the sealing cap and spaced from the top wall of the sealing cap by a gap to hold an ornament in a liquid inside the spherical shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Chao Chang Chang
  • Patent number: 6027774
    Abstract: A liquid-filled display globe is provided. The globe has a central dry chamber allowing objects to be displayed without immersion, while giving the appearance of being immersed. Particulate matter is suspended in the liquid, giving the appearance of swirling snowflakes when the liquid is agitated. A removable base provides access to the display chamber so that the object displayed therein can be easily replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Neil Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Fine, Cliff Lam
  • Patent number: 5985379
    Abstract: A decorative display article is provided having a plate and a transparent vessel mounted thereon. The vessel defines a reservoir for retaining a liquid and a particulate material which will fall gently through the liquid upon agitation. The reservoir is mounted within the central portion of the plate and a peripheral rim on the plate extends radially outwardly therefrom. A sculpture is positioned within the reservoir and fixed proximal to the plate. Decorative artwork may be provided on the plate and/or as part of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Franklin Mint Company
    Inventors: Ronald Warren Longsdorf, Richard Dale Bankert
  • Patent number: 5983541
    Abstract: An ornamental water ball includes a semi-spherical ball horizontally mounted on a frame through a rubber seal. In the rubber seal, there is a transparent viewing window which has an article holder located herein. The ball is filled with water or a mixture of water and oil. The article holder may contain a variety of practical or decorative goods such as a clock or picture. The viewing window may also hold decorative figures. All the components are detachable and may be assembled or disassembled as desired. All decorative goods are changeable to add practicality and amusement effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Barry Shih
  • Patent number: 5979091
    Abstract: A device for producing a simulated snowfall is disclosed. The device comprises a display tank filled with water and a plurality of small pellets. A pump positioned on the upper side of the display tank creates water currents which flow around the perimeter of the display tank. The water is propelled out of the pump into an outflow tube extending down a first side of the display tank to a receiving trough positioned along the bottom side of the display tank. The pellets descend through the water to the receiving trough and are then carried horizontally across the receiving trough by a water current to a deflector plate which diverts the pellets and water current in an upward direction along the second side of the display tank. As the pellets reach the upper side of the display tank, they spread out uniformly and gradually descend through the water, creating a simulated snowfall with a natural appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Carl Evan TenBrink
  • Patent number: 5888117
    Abstract: A decorative display apparatus comprises a transparent, liquid water filled display positionable in an inanimate object. The liquid display includes a one-piece, molded plastic base having inner and outer concentric rings extending from its front surface. A semi-spherical transparent enclosure made of hard or deformable plastic overlies a portion of the front surface, with lower edges of the enclosure being sealingly connected to the front surface between the rings. Decorative objects and water having miniature objects suspended therein fill the cavity defined by the front surface of the base and the inner walls of the enclosure. Holes for receiving connector, such as thread, are provided along the outer flange portion of the base. The liquid display is positioned in an opening provided in the inanimate object, which is preferably a stuffed animal, a beanbag, a pillow, a backpack or a key chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Isny, Inc.
    Inventor: Renee Sutton
  • Patent number: 5884423
    Abstract: A vibration snowing mechanism is disclosed. It includes a base board, an upper fixing ring, a lower fixing board, a glass tube, a bottom sealing pad, multiple supporting columns, an upper fitting member, a lower fitting member, a screen assembly, a vibration linkage and multiple plastic granules. When a driving gear is rotated, the vibration linkage is vibrated up and down and a screen member of the screen assembly is also vibrated up and down. At this time, the multiple plastic granules pass through the orifices to drop down as snow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Szu-Wei Lo
  • Patent number: 5878515
    Abstract: A driving mechanism for a musical water ball provides a waterproof effect and enables the decoration of the water ball to rotate more smoothly and accurately. The driving mechanism includes a seat member, a silicone gasket, a central shaft rod, a fastening plate, a spring and a driven perforated disc. The silicone gasket is disposed in an inner hole seat of the seat member. The silicone gasket is formed with inner and outer rings that define an annular groove. When water flows into the annular groove, a fastening pressure is formed to bind the gasket to the central shaft rod. Water is thus prevented from infiltrating back so as to avoid rusting of the driving mechanism. Each of upper and lower ends of the shaft rod is formed with engaging teeth for engaging with a corresponding structure of the rotary tray and a corresponding structure of the central hole of the driven perforated disc. A spring is fitted around the shaft rod to abut against the fastening plate to provide a buffering effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Ya Yung Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shin-Ya Yang
  • Patent number: 5875577
    Abstract: A ball ornament with a rotary structure including a rubber fitting ring, a coupling seat, a positioning seat, a revolving disk, a transparent ball shell, and a base. The fitting ring is centrally provided with a receiving hole, and the coupling seat is received in the receiving hole of the fitting ring in tight fit and is provided with positioning posts and a central stepped coupling hole for receiving a silicon packing ring. The positioning seat is located below the rubber fitting ring and insertably connected to the positioning posts of the coupling seat. It positions a motor. The revolving disk is mounted on the coupling seat and linked-up with an output shaft of the motor by a connecting sleeve. The ball shell is provided with a curved positioning flange at a bottom end for engaging the positioning flange of the fitting ring and placed on the base. It is filled with a liquid in advance. Assembly of the ball ornament is simple and quick, and rotation thereof is smooth without problem of leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Chin-Shu Lu
  • Patent number: 5864976
    Abstract: A driving mechanism of music snow drop ball, which provides waterproof effect for avoiding rusting of the mechanism. The driving mechanism includes a water ball and a base disposed under the water ball for containing a seat member, an upper and a lower silicone gaskets, a central shaft rod, a fastening plate and a propeller. Each of the gaskets is formed with an inner and an outer rings defining an annular groove, whereby when assembled with the shaft rod, in the case that the water infiltrates back, the water will accumulate in the annular groove to create a fastening pressure which makes the gasket to bind the shaft rod. Therefore, the water is prevented from infiltrating back into the driving mechanism so as to avoid rusting of the driving mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Ya Yung Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shin-Ya Yang
  • Patent number: 5857277
    Abstract: A plaything (10) comprises a display means (12) for displaying a desired scene (14). A particulate material (16) is provided on the display means (12). The plaything (10) further includes pick-up means (18) to pick-up at least some of said particulate material (16) at the bottom regions of the display means (12) and to deposit the picked up particulate material at the top region of the display means (12) to simulate falling snow. The plaything can be filled with a suitable fluid, for example, water. The plaything also includes drive means (28) for driving the pick-up means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Maylodge Limited
    Inventor: Hedley John Mayze
  • Patent number: 5816884
    Abstract: A music box having a water pump structure, especially to a music box in combination with a water pump, includes a music box, a water pump, and a regulating valve wherein the music box is provided with a linking member by which the water pump is connected with the music box. The linking member is associated with a water pressure plate of the water pump and the movement of the linking member triggered off by the music box will activate the water pressure plate to move back and forth. The to-and-fro movement of the water pressure plate will in turn generate a pressure, forcing water to circulate in and out of two main bodies of the water pump. In addition, the regulating valve having one-dimensional water influx and discharging valves is adapted to regulate the water circulation in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Victradco Ltd.
    Inventor: Po-Shin Chang
  • Patent number: 5732492
    Abstract: A crystal water ball device comprising a combination of a globe and a housing supported, via a securely mounted support plate, over a base frame. A lower cup is rotatably supported on the base frame in a frictional manner and is prevented from an upward movement relative to the base frame. A transmission mechanism is provided for driving the lower cup to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Chung-Kuei Lin
  • Patent number: 5729923
    Abstract: A crystal water ball mechanism employed to simultaneously turn a lower, outer decoration and an upper, inner decoration and a crystal water ball device incorporating such a mechanism. The lower and upper decorations are respectively affixed to an outer ring which is driven to turn by a first driving element via a coupling ring and affixed to a rotating plate which is driven to turn by a second driving element via a connecting member of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: Chung-kuei Lin
  • Patent number: 5711099
    Abstract: A decorative visual display device for circulating a fluid and simulated snow particles around a diorama. A snow globe is provided with a fluid propeller to circulate the fluid and particles within an outer transparent shell to provide the visual effect of snow falling on the diorama. A motor is placed within the base of the snow globe and may be actuated or deactuated to start and stop the snowfall effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: International Product Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Nesbit, Duane H. Swensen
  • Patent number: 5705759
    Abstract: A decorative display device comprising figurines arranged in tiered first and second scenes, one scene being placed above the other. Each of the upper and lower tier scenes is coupled to a wind-up drive and music box mechanism and when rotated appears to be in synchronization with the music. The rotatable and music synchronized scenes are more noticeable and aesthetically pleasing and, thus, provide a more interesting display. The upper and lower tier scenes may rotate simultaneously, at different speeds (but in the same direction), in opposite directions, in opposite directions at different speeds, or one scene may rotate while the other scene remains stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Mercuries & Associates (USA), Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas E. DeVivo
  • Patent number: 5666750
    Abstract: Ornamental display device for simulating snowfall over a display object or scene positioned within a housing comprises a liquid filled compartment rotatably arranged within the housing. The compartment includes first and second opposed sidewalls having aligned transparent portions defining a sealed interior cavity for receiving the liquid. The liquid within the cavity is substantially transparent and a plurality of snow-simulating flake particles are dispersed within the liquid. Blade members radially arranged within the compartment are oriented at a predetermined angle so as to transport flake particles from the lower zone of the cavity to the upper zone as the compartment is rotated. The transparent sidewall portions are aligned with the display object or scene so that the object or scene can be viewed during continuous recirculation of the flake particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: M.H. Segan Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Marc H. Segan, Gary Strauss
  • Patent number: 5632419
    Abstract: A snowfall simulator which houses and dispenses artificial snow from a box like housing (20) using agitation. The box or dispenser has small openings (32) uniformly placed on the bottom horizontal plane. Mounted directly over the desired area, shaved polystyrene, used for snow, is placed inside the housing. A small motor (14) attached on the outside of the housing is connected by gear (16) and shaft (18) to a light-weight reticulated agitation plate (24) resting on the inside bottom horizontal plane of housing. The motor creates a gentle horizontal agitation under the artificial snow causing it to slowly work itself out of the dispenser through the bottom openings. By this arrangement, a long-lasting, gentle, realistic snowfall effect is created uniformly over an imitation village, Christmas tree, or display. Once the dispenser is empty, the snow can be collected off the bottom and placed back into the dispenser for further enjoyment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Snowmaker Productions, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Pickens