GB2240283A - Movable decoration having luminous element - Google Patents

Abstract

A movable decoration of the type having a sinuous core 3 which, when an external stimulus (e.g. sound) is sensed at 1, is rotated to cause movement of a decorative element 16, has lights 107 incorporated in the head of element 16. Sensing of the external stimulus causes energisation of the lights. The lights may be energised successively in a certain order by control module 108. <IMAGE>

Description

MOVABLE DECORATION HAVING LUMINOUS ELEMENT This invention relates to a movable decoration having a luminous element, and more particularly to a movable decoration which is adapted to carry out flashing operation in a predetermined manner while exhibiting movements and changes in configuration and/or appearance.

Conventionally, artificial flowers or the like are generally used in a living space as static decorations. Such conventional static ornaments soon lose their novelty with a lapse of time.

The invention provides a movable decoration which is capable of not only maintaining a conventional ornamental effect when stationary but carrying out flashing operation while being moved to exhibit unexpected variation in configuration and/or appearance.

In accordance with the present invention, a movable decoration is provided. The movable decoration includes a power supply, a sensor switch connected to the power supply, a motor connected through the sensor switch to the power supply, a drive mechanism connected to the motor so as to be actuated thereby, a core element in the form of a non-straight wire operatively connected to the drive mechanism for rotation about an axis generally lengthwise of the core element on the actuation of the drive mechanism, and a decorative element including a relatively bulky head and a relatively slender hollow elongate flexible member upwardly extending to the head. The core element is arranged so as to extend within the hollow member of the decorative element, resulting in the hollow member providing a loosely fitting cover for the core.The cover is fixed against rotation with the core element such that the rotation of the core element within the hollow member causes the decorative element to exhibit movements and changes in configuration and/or appearance. The movable decoration also includes a luminous element arranged at the head of the decorative element and electrically connected to the sensor switch so as to carry out the turning-on and turning-off in a predetermined manner when the sensor switch detects predetermined external stimulus.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the luminous element is arranged in the head of the decorative element and the head of the decorative element is formed at at least a part thereof so as to permit the flashing of the luminous element to be observed through the part of the head. The part of the head of the decorative element may be formed of a transparent material. Alternatively, the part of the head of the decorative element may be formed of a semi-transparent material.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the luminous element comprises a control module arranged in the head of the decorative element and a plurality of illuminants arranged in the head and each electrically connected to the control module. The illuminants are preferably arranged in a manner to be annularly spaced from each other about the control module.

Alternatively, the luminous element may comprise a single light source arranged in the head of the decorative body. Preferably the power supply, motor and drive mechanism constitute a drive unit and the core is arranged to extend from the drive unit.

Applications of the inventions are wide spread but the decorative element is preferably imitative of a plant, a flower or a doll. The sensor switch may be a switch operating on detection of, for example, light, heat, smell or gas, but it is preferably a switch operating on detection of sound.

me e head may be hollow and the drive mechanism may be arranged in the head, for exaNple in a flower head or in the head of a doll. In this case the decorative element is preferably mounted on a base member.

Also, in accordance with the present invention, a movable decoration is provided. The movable decoration includes a power supply, a sensor switch connected to the power supply, a motor connected through the sensor switch to the power supply, a drive mechanism connected to the motor so as to be actuated thereby, a core element in the form of a non-straight wire operatively connected to the drive mechanism for rotation about an axis generally lengthwise of the core element on the actuation of the drive mechanism, and a decorative element formed in imitation of a flower and including a relatively bulky head in imitation of a flower head and a relatively slender hollow elongate flexible member formed in imitation of a stalk and upwardly extending to the flower head.The core element is arranged so as to extend within the stalk of the flower, resulting in the stalk providing a loosely fitting cover for the core element. The cover is fixed against rotation with the core element such that the rotation of the core element within the stalk causes the flower to exhibit movements and changes in configuration. The movable decoration also includes a luminous element arranged at the flower head of the flower and electrically connected to the sensor switch so as to carry out the turning-on and turning-off in a predetermined manner when the sensor switch detects predetermined external stimulus.

Embodiments according to the invention are now described with reference to the following drawings, wherein: Fig 1. is a front elevational view showing an example of a moveable decoration in the form of an artificial potted plant; Fig. 2 is a front elevational view showing the artificial potted plant of Fig. 1 during variation of its configuration; Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view taken along line I-I of Fig.

4 which shows a drive unit; Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view taken along line IV-IV of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view taken along line II-II of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view taken along line V-V of Fig 3; Fig 7 is plan view taken along line III-III of Fig. 4; Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI of Fig. 9 which shows central portion of the lid; Fig. 9 is a view taken along an arrow VII of Fig. 8; Fig. 10 is a vertical sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of Fig. 11 which shows a socket; Fig. 11 is a view taken along an arrow IX of Fig. 10; Fig. 12 is a front elevational view in section showing a joint; Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken along line X-X of Fig. 12; Fig. 14 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view showing a flower head; ; Fig. 15 is a front elevation view showing a luminous mechanism or luminous element incorporated in the flower head shown in Fig. 14; Fig. 16 is a circuit diagram showing an electric circuit for driving the luminous mechanism shown in Fig. 15; and Fig. 17 is a circuit diagram showing an electric circuit for driving a modification of the luminous mechanism shown in Fig. 15.

Fig. 1 shows the moveable decoration used for an artificial potted plant. For this purpose a drive unit 20 is received in a vessel 15 formed in the shape resembling a flower pot, and a core 3 is a somewhat meanderingly bent wire. A decorative element 6 in the form of an artificial flower 16 comprises a stalk 16b, a flower head 16a and leaves 16c carried on the stalk 16b. oray the stalk 16b need be hollow. The flower 16 may be integrally formed from a flexible synthetic material.

The e stalk 16b is fitted onto the core 3 and securely fixed at its lower end. When a mains switch 14 is turned on and the sensor of a sensor switch 1 detects sound of a predetermined level or more a rotor 2 (shown in Fig. 4) is actuated. This results in rotation of the core 3. The stalk is fixed against rotation with the core so that as the core rotates, the decorative element naves and changes its configuration, which movements and'changes are separate from but dependent on the rotation of the core, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

The core 3 may be made of a deformable or bendable material, and is preferably a metal wire. It may be made of a manually undefornable material, or a deformable and shape retaining material.

The drive unit 20 for rotating the driven element 3 includes a drive mechanism, the rotor 2 and a power supply 4 and may be constructed as shown in Figs. 3 to 13.

The e drive unit 20 is received in a vessel 22. A cushioning member 21 is positioned between the top portion of the drive unit and the vessel so as to give a snug fit, regardless of the size or configuration of the drive unit. The cushioning member generally exhibits a sound absorbing effect, absorbing sound generated by the drive unit 20 to prevent the sound sensor of the sensor switch from reacting to this sound and noise. Thus, malfunction of the device from these causes is effectively prevented.

Refering to Figs. 4 and 8 to 13, the drive unit 20 is housed in a casing 23 which is closed with a lid 24. The drive unit 20 further includes a drive shaft 31 operatively connected to the motor 2 through gears 25,26,27,28,29 and 30 in turn, whereby the driving force of the motor 2 is transmitted to the drive shaft 31. The upper end of the drive shaft has a hexagonal cross-section, which is fitted into a hexagonal hole 32 of a joint 33 as shown in Figs. 12 and 13, for transmission of its torque. Thus, the drive shaft 31 and the joint 33 constitute a coupling. Into the joint 33 is fixed the core 3.

The core is supported in a sleeve 34 of the casing 23. Thus the core 3 is rotated by the rotor 2.

A socket 35 is carried on the joint 33 but is fixed against rotation with the joint 33. The core 3 is inserted through the socket 35. Bollow element 6 is securely mounted on the upper end of the socket. The bottom portion 36 of the socket is formed with cut-outs 37. The lid 24 covering the casing 23, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, has a central through hole 38, through which the socket 35 is inserted. The lid 24 has a cylindrical wall 39 extending downwards from the undersurface thereof, which wall surrounds the central through hole while being spaced a suitable distance therefrom. The lower end surface of the wall 39 is equipped with projections 40 which are engageably fitted in the cut-outs 37 to prevent rotation of the socket 35.As illustrated the cut-outs 37, and the projections 40, are at 1800 from each other.

Thus, the hollow element 6, or, in the flower embodiment, stalk 16b, is fixed against rotation on actuation of the motor 2 while ensuring free rotation of the core 3.

Reference numeral 41 designates cells constituting the power supply 4.

The flower head 16a may be constructed in such a manner as shown in Fig. 14. More particularly, the flower head 16a may include a joint 101 and petal members 102 and 103. the joint 101 is mounted at the proximal end thereof on the upper end of the stalk 16b and the petal members 102 and 103 are supported at the distal end of joint 101 in order.

Between the stalk member 102 and the stalk member 103 is defined a substantially closed space 104, in which a luminous mechanism 105 is arranged so as to serve as a luminous element. The luminous mechanism or element 105, as shown in Figs. 14 and 15, includes a base plate or substrate 106, a plurality of illuminants 107 arranged on the substrate 106 and a control module 108 likewise arranged on the substrate 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the illuminants 107 are arranged in a manner to be annularly spaced from each other about the control module 108. The illuminants 107 and control module 108 are electrically connected to each other by wirings 109 such as printed wirings.

Also, the control module 108 is connected to a wiring 111 which is arranged in a manner to be in parallel with the motor 2 (Fig. 6), upwardly extend through the stalk 16b and then be guided through an opening 110 of the substrate 106 to the front surface side of the substrate 106.

The petal member 103 is constructed in such a manner that the central portion 112 thereof defining the space 104 in cooperation with the petal member 102 is formed of a transparent or semi-transparent material so as to permits the flashing of the illuminants 107 to be observed from the exterior of the flower head 16a.

Fig. 16 shows a circuit suitable for actuating the so constructed luminous mechanism or element 105.

XIn Fig. 16, reference numeral 113 designates a sensor switch circuit formed on a board such as a printed circuit board, to which a sensor switch 1, a motor 2, a power supply 4 and a main switch 14 are connected. The control module 108 is connected through the wirings 111 to the sensor switch circuit so as to be in parallel with the motor 2.

The control module 108 is constructed so as to permit the illuminants 107 to successively carry out flashing in a predetermined order when a voltage is applied thereto.

Now, the manner of operation of the flower head 16a constructed as described above will be described hereinafter.

When the sensor switch 1 detects sound of a predetermined level or more while keeping the main switch 14 turned on, the motor 2 and control module 108 are actuated unless the detected sound lowers below the predetermined level, during which the bent core 3 is rotated to cause the decorative element 6 to be moved in a meandering manner and concurrently the illuminants 107 successively carry out flashing in a revolving manner.

Fig. 17 shows an electric circuit for a modification of the luminous element described above. A luminous element of the modification, as shown in Fig. 17, is so constructed that a single light source or 114 is arranged in a flower head. A timing of turning-on and turning-off of the light source 114 may be controlled depending upon the selection of reset time of delay contacts T1, , T 2 and T3. The remaining part of the modification may be substantially the same manner as the luminous element shown in Figs. 14 to 16.

Alternatively, the circuit for the drive unit may be constructed in a manner to permit the motor to alternatively stop and start for predetermined periods of time when the sensor of the sensor switch detects intermittent or continuous sound.

Vessel 15 is not limited to the specific form of a flower pot, it may, for example, take the form of a basket, a vase or the like. Nor is the decorative element limited to a flower, it may be a doll or the like.

Claims (9)

CLAIMS:

1. A movable decoration comprising: a power supply; a sensor switch connected to said power supply; a motor connected through said sensor switch to said power supply; a drive mechanism connected to said motor so as to be actuated thereby; a core element in the form of a non-straight wire operatively connected to said drive mechanism for rotation about an axis generally lengthwise of said core element on actuation of said drive mechanism; a decorative element including a head and a hollow flexible member upwardly extending to said head; said core element being arranged so as to extend within said hollow member of said decorative element, resulting in said hollow member providing a loosely fitting cover for said core element;; said cover being fixed against rotation with said core element such that the rotation of said core element within said hollow member causes said decorative element to exhibit movements and changes in configuration; a luminous element arranged at said head of said decorative element and electrically connected to said sensor switch so as to carry out the turning-on and turning-off in a predetermined manner when said sensor switch detects predetermined external stimulus.

2. A movable decoration as defined in Claim 1, wherein said luminous element is arranged in said head of said decorative element; said head of said decorative element being formed at at least a part thereof so as to permit the flashing of said luminous element to be observed through said part of said head.

3. A movable decoration as defined in Claim 2, wherein said part of said head of said decorative element is formed of a transparent material.

4. A movable decoration as defined in Claim 2, wherein said part of said head of said decorative element is formed of a transparent material.

5. A movable decoration as defined in Claim 1, wherein said luminous element comprises a control module arranged in said head of said decorative element and a plurality of illuminants arranged in said head and each electrically connected to said control module.

6. A movable decoration as defined in Claim 5, wherein said illuminants are arranged in a manner to be annularly spaced from each other about said control module.

7. A movable decoration as defined in Claim 1, wherein said luminous element comprises a single light source arranged in said head of said decorative body.

8. A movable decoration comprising: a power supply; a sensor switch connected to said power supply; a motor connected through said sensor switch to said power supply; a drive mechanism connected to said motor so as to be actuated thereby; a core element in the form of a non-straight wire operatively connected to said drive mechanism for rotation about an axis generally lengthwise of said core element on actuation of said drive mechanism; a decorative element formed in imitation of a flower and including a relatively bulky head in imitation of a flower head and a relatively slender hollow elongate flexible member formed in imitation of a stalk and upwardly extending to said head; said core element being arranged so as to extend within said stalk of said flower, resulting in said stalk providing a loosely fitting cover for said core element;; said cover being fixed against rotation with said core element such that the rotation of said core element within said stalk causes said flower to exhibit movements and changes in configuration; a luminous element arranged at said flower head of said flower and electrically connected to said sensor switch so as to carry out the turning-on and turning-off in a predetermined manner when said sensor switch detects predetermined external stimulus.

9. A movable decoration substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs.l to 17 of the accompanying drawings.

9. A movable decoration as defined in Claim 8, wherein said luminous element comprises a control module arranged in said head of said decorative element and a plurality of illuminants arranged in said head and each electrically connected to said control module.

10. A movable decoration as defined in Claim 9, wherein said flower head of said flower is formed at least at a part thereof so as to permit the flashing of said luminous element to be observed through said part of said head.

11. A movable decoration substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs.14 to 17 of the accompanying drawings.

12. A movable decoration substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs.l to 17 cf the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

1. A movable decoration comprising: a power supply; a sensor switch connected to said power supply; a motor connected through said sensor switch to said power supply; a drive mechanism connected to said motor so as to be actuated thereby; a core element in the form of a non-straight wire operatively connected to said drive mechanism for rotation about an axis generally lengthwise of said core element on actuation of said drive mechanism, a decorative element including a head and a hollow flexible member upwardly extending to said head; said core element being arranged so as to extend within said hollow member of said decorative element, resulting in said hollow member providing a loosely fitting cover for said core element;; said cover being fixed against rotation with said core element such that the rotation of said core element within said hollow member causes said decorative element to exhibit movements and changes in configuration; a luminous element arranged at said head of said decorative element and electrically connected to said sensor switch so as to carry out the turning-on and turning-off in a predetermined manner when said sensor switch detects predetermined external stimulus, wherein said luminous element is arranged inside said head of said decorative element; said head of said decorative element being formed at at least a part thereof from a transparent or translucent material so as to permit the flashing of said luminous element to be observed through said part of said head.

2. A movable decoration as defined in Claim 1, wherein said luminous element comprises a control module arranged in said head of said decorative element and a plurality of illuminants inside said head and each electrically connected to said control module, said control module controlling the luminous condition of the plurality of illuminants.

3. A movable decoration as definedClaimlor2, wherein said part of said head of said decorative element is formed of a translucent material.

4. A movable decoration as defined in Claim 2 or 3, wherein said illuminants are arranged in a manner to be annularly spaced from each other about said control module.

5. A movable decoration as defined in claim 1, wherein said luminous element comprises a single light source arranged inside said head of said decorative body.

6. A movable decoration comprising: a power supply; a sensor switch connected to said power supply; a motor connected through said sensor switch to said power supply; a drive mechanism connected to said motor so as to be actuated thereby; a core element in the form of a non-straight wire operatively connected to said drive mechanism for rotation about an axis generally lengthwise of said core element on actuation of said drive mechanism; a decorative element formed in imitation of a flower and including a relatively bulky head in imitation of a flower head and a relatively slender hollow elongate flexible member formed in imitation of a stalk and upwardly extending to said head; said core element being arranged so as to extend within said stalk of said flower, resulting in said stalk providing a loosely fitting cover for said core element;; said cover being fixed against rotation with said core element such that the rotation of said core element within said stalk causes said flower to exhibit movements and changes in configuration; a luminous element arranged at said flower head of said flower and electrically connected to said sensor switch so as to carry out the turning-on and turning-off in a predetermined manner when said sensor switch detects predetermined external stimulus, wherein said luminous element comprises a control module arranged in said head of said decorative element and a plurality of illuminants inside said head and each electrically connected to said control module, said control module controlling the luminous condition of the plurality of illuminants.

7. A movable decoration as defined in Claim 6, wherein said flower head of said flower is formed at least at a part thereof from a transparent or translucent material so as to permit the flashing of said luminous element to be observed throurh said Part of said head.

8. A movable decoration substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs.14 to 17 of the accompanying drawings.