Abstract:
Modular illuminated trophies comprise a base and a pedestal mounting an upwardly extending tubular column with a figurine or statuette. The columns are secured together by interior rods, and the internal light bars are conformed to clear the rods. Multiple LED&#39;s on the light bars illuminate the column interiorly. A control circuit located within the base is operated by a user accessible button. Each decorative column is made from translucent, tinted plastic to distributes or diffuses light. The LED&#39;s may be the same color or multi-colored, and they create several different light patterns by flashing, alternating in different patterns, or by fading in and out.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is based upon and claims the benefit of the filing date of previously filed, co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled Modular Illuminated Trophy System, Ser. No. 60/933,463, filed Jun. 07, 2007 by Ky B. Harrod. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    I. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to commemorative trophies, plaques or awards. More particularly, the present invention relates to modular, multi-part trophies with one or more vertical columns that are internally illuminated. 
         [0004]    II. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    Many varieties of commemorative trophies are known in the art. Typical prior art trophies include a base adapted to be disposed upon a supporting surface, and a pedestal extending upwardly from and affixed to the base. A vertically upright column extends upwardly from the pedestal or base, and terminates in a decorative figurine or statuette, which may be of some bright metallic color. The figurine or statuette is typically a three-dimensional representation relating to the sport or discipline pertaining to the trophy. A typical figurine may be in the form of a cup, or a sports item such as a golf ball, football, tennis racquet or the like. A typical statuette may be of a player, perhaps in the act of swinging a golf club, baseball bat or the like. 
         [0006]    Trophies are often awarded for success in sports events, both amateur and professional. Typically, a trophy awarded for participation and success in a sporting event will include a decorative figurine of an item relevant to that sport. The trophy may comprise a statuette representative of a typical contestant in the event, or may be representative of the sport itself as, for example, a baseball bat, or a football. For example, a trophy award for auto racing will often include a small, decorative figurine of a race car sitting atop the column or pedestal. 
         [0007]    For many decades trophies have been built in a modular fashion by trophy shops from an array of similar parts. Thus, when a customer selects a trophy of a particular design or theme, a size, and a price range, the shop owner can assemble a customized trophy from an inventory of interfitting parts. For example, a given base for a trophy of a given size usually mates with a variety of differently shaped and sized pedestals and columns. The customer&#39;s choice for a figurine to be displayed atop the column will mechanically interfit with a variety of columns of different sizes and dimensions. 
         [0008]    Trophies usually are provided with some form of written indicia, commemorating the occasion or sport or date of presentation. A scroll, nameplate, a series of miniature letters, or other writings pertinent to the occasion giving rise to presentation of the trophy may be displayed on the trophy body. Usually trophies end up in an obscure place within the owners dwelling, within a trophy case, or placed aside atop a fireplace mantel, for example. Sometimes the trophy (and it&#39;s written materials, if any) are difficult to see because of the relatively poor visibility and lighting. 
         [0009]    Combining trophy construction with lighting thus seems desirable. However, because of the typical trophy design, it has been difficult to properly incorporate lights and a battery or power supply within the trophy structure in a manner that will not interfere with the shop-owners ability to readily assemble trophies according to customer wishes. As mentioned, trophies are often custom made from modular parts. The typical column extending between the base or pedestal to the elevated figurine or statuette is supported by an internal, threaded rod that extends from the base to the figurine above. The mechanical strength of the trophy is largely dependent upon the proper placement and tensioning of this rod. Typically the rod is coaxially centered within the column, and is threaded at both ends. Because of its placement it interferes with structures that might otherwise be disposed within the column. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,255 issued Aug. 31, 2004 shows a trophy structure With a base; a figure object and at least one luminous object on the base. The luminous object is coupled to a control circuit to produce different lighting effects. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,059,752 issued Nov. 22, 1977 discloses a trophy lamp with a base provided with a trophy structure and numerous receptacles for displaying mementos such as certificates, photographs or the like. A light source supported by the base illuminates the trophy and displayed items. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,906,215 issued Sep. 16, 1975 depicts a decorative device with a horizontal base from which a plurality of hollow, elongated, decorations project. These upwardly extending yieldable items resemble stalks of a plant. Very small incandescent lamps are disposed in the upper ends of the members. Wires in the members and base supply electricity to the lamps which can flash on and off. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    In one form of the invention a trophy comprising a base and/or a pedestal mounting an upwardly extending tubular column with a figurine or statuette includes means for illuminating the column interiorly. One or more upright columns that are usually made of glass or plastic may be provided with batteries, one or more LED&#39;s or miniature lights and a control circuit operated by a user accessible button. 
         [0014]    Preferably the decorative column is made from translucent, tinted plastic so that it distributes or diffuses light to provide a pleasing visual appeal. Alternatively the column may be colorless or tinted. The lights may be the same color or multi-colored, and they may create several different light patterns by flashing, alternating in different patterns, or by fading in and out, as determined by the controller setting. 
         [0015]    Preferably, one or more self-contained lighted columns are attached to the other components of the trophy by a metal rod that runs through the column center. The metal rod is threaded at both ends, with one end attaching to the figurine and the other end attaching to a nut in a recessed hole on the bottom of the base. 
         [0016]    In experimenting with trophies of the foregoing design, consisting of a single self-contained, lighted column, it is extremely advantageous that the column be completely compatible with other standard trophy components. Thus, for example, the above design will retrofit, to standard trophy bases and pedestals that are currently in stock. However, since cell batteries are used, battery life is quite limited. Further, the latter design is not practical for multi-tier, multi-column trophies. For example, a typical multi-level trophy includes one or more spaced-apart columns on its lowermost base, projecting upwardly to middle levels and pedestals that in turn support more columns. Some form of electrical linking of each individual column is necessary to avoid the necessity of multiple on/off buttons. In other words, a common control is necessary. 
         [0017]    A hollowed base supports the control circuit, wiring interfaces, and a supply of batteries. Special wires and wire connectors are used between columns and bases, including those intermediate columns disposed at higher levels. The wires pass through other components-like the pedestal, for example-and must be connected. This design results in much longer battery life and enables the assembly of multi-tier, multi-column configurations. 
         [0018]    The controller circuit senses user inputs from a single button-operated electric switch. The button&#39;s function is to turn the lights in the column on and off and to change them from one light pattern to another. A single button pulse turns on the array. However, if a series of pulses are inputted, i.e., by quickly pushing the button down several times in a row, several variable lighting patterns may result. Preferably the battery compartment is located within the trophy base. The added weight of the batteries helps stabilize the trophy. Further, batteries may be changed without completely disassembling the trophy. 
         [0019]    Thus a basic object is to provide a modular trophy with a lighting system. 
         [0020]    A related object is to provide a means for custom illuminating multi-part trophies. 
         [0021]    Another important object is to illuminate three-dimensional trophies. 
         [0022]    Another important object is to provide an illuminated trophy column consisting of only one piece, i.e. in the form of a self-contained, lighted column, which is completely compatible with standard, modular trophy components. 
         [0023]    A related object is to provide retail trophy stores with a number of options for customizing illuminated trophies. 
         [0024]    A similar object is to provide an illuminated trophy column constructions that interfits with standard modular components that a shop owner is likely to have in stock. 
         [0025]    An important object is to provide a lighting system for modular trophies that assures simple assembly. 
         [0026]    Yet another basic object is to provide an illumination scheme for multi-tier and/or multi-column trophies. 
         [0027]    It is also an important object is to provide a lighting design for modular trophies that will function with single level trophies or multiple level trophies while providing control from a single switch or control circuit. 
         [0028]    Another important object is to provide a modular trophy lighting control circuit for trophies that can handle a single column or tier, or multiple columns and/or tiers. 
         [0029]    A related object is to provide a modular trophy with a lighting control circuit that provides the user with multiple, optional lighting patterns. It is a feature of the invention that multiple lighting patterns can be chosen by the operator by pushing the controller button more than one time- in other words, different numbered sequences of pulses produce different subsequent lighting effects. 
         [0030]    It is also an object to provide a modular, illuminated trophy that responds to user inputs by the single push of a button. 
         [0031]    These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, along with features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear or become apparent in the course of the following descriptive sections. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0032]    In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views: 
           [0033]      FIG. 1  is a isometric view of a an illuminated, single column trophy constructed in accordance with my invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged, fragmentary, partially exploded view of the column of the trophy of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 3  is fragmentary isometric view similar to  FIG. 1 , with portions thereof broken away or shown in section for clarity; 
           [0036]      FIG. 4  is a fragmentary, partially exploded bottom isometric view of the trophy of  FIGS. 1-3 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 5  is a fragmentary, partially exploded isometric view of the trophy of  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 6  is an exploded assembly view of the trophy of  FIGS. 1-5 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 7  is a frontal elevational view of an alternative multi-tier trophy; 
           [0040]      FIG. 8  is a partially exploded view of the trophy of  FIG. 7 ; and, 
           [0041]      FIG. 9  is an electrical schematic diagram of a preferred circuit for the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0042]    With initial reference now directed to  FIGS. 1-6  of the appended drawings, a single tier, modular, illuminated trophy constructed in accordance with the invention has been generally designated by the reference numeral  10 . Trophy  10  preferably comprises a rigid, lower base  12  adapted to be disposed upon a supporting surface  13 . A pedestal  14  is secured to and rises upwardly from base  12  to support a decorative, tubular column  16 . A decorative washer  15  is disposed between pedestal  14  and column  16 . Column  16  supports a second decorative washer  17  at its top. A modular ornament  20 , which for illustration purposes only, comprises a golf ball, is affixed atop column  16 , seated upon decorative washer  17 . The ornament can comprise a number of different decorative or novelty items and statuettes and the like. Column  16  is internally illuminated in accordance with the invention, in response to the pushing of an actuation button  11  ( FIGS. 4 ,  5 ). 
         [0043]    An elongated assembly rod  18  ( FIGS. 2 ,  6 ) coaxially extends through the center of all the parts, being retained by nuts  19  at its ends. It extends downwardly through base orifice  31  ( FIG. 3 ) defined in the top  33  of base  12 . The upper end of the assembly rod  18  is anchored within washer  17  by the bolt  19  to compress the parts together in proper axial and coaxial alignment. 
         [0044]      FIG. 2  best shows the modular column  16  which is preferably is made from plastic or glass. The illustrated column includes a grid-like, ornamental outer surface  22  that helps diffuse and scatter light. The lighting circuit within the base  12  is energized by wires  28  entering the bottom of the column that are connected to the light control circuitry discussed hereinafter by a plug  30 . Wires  28  are quick-connected to the control circuit discussed hereinafter via the standard modular plug  30 , which is electrically routed through pedestal  14  into the interior of base  12  through female plug  32 , where it mates with the circuitry described later. Wires  29  extending from the top of the column  16  terminate in a similar modular plug  31  for connection to a lower plug (i.e., like plug  30 ) in an upper column disposed within a multi tier system of the type seen in  FIGS. 5 and 6  described later. The wiring and lighting systems do not contact or otherwise interfere with the central assembly rod  18  that coaxially runs within the column  16  to connect the base and the upper figurine or level. 
         [0045]    With primary reference directed now to  FIGS. 4-6 , an upright, light bar  40  is disposed within the column  16  to generate an distribute light. Bar  40  comprises a pair of spaced apart halves  42 ,  43  upon which there are multiple spaced apart light sources  44 ,  46 , which can comprise small flash-light bulbs, LED&#39;s or the like. Preferably the light sources are LED&#39;s in many different colors. Preferably different groups of differently colored LED&#39;s may be separately illuminated together. In construction, the light bar  40  is mechanically secured between a pair of circular, mechanical supports  50 ,  51  that are nested against the decorative washers  15 ,  17  previously described. The bottom of each light bar half forms a reduced width tab  54  ( FIG. 5 ) that fits within suitable slots  57  ( FIG. 6 ) in the supports  50 ,  51 . The tops of the light bar halves  42 ,  43  may similarly fit to circular support  51 . Importantly, there is an elongated clearance slot  60  formed between the light bar halves  42 ,  43  that provides clearance for the internal assembly rod  18 . The wiring bridge  62  that electrically connects halves  42 ,  43  is preferably curved (i.e., preferably semicircular) at its center  63  (i.e.  FIG. 5 ) to clear the assembly rod  18  as well. 
         [0046]    Referencing  FIGS. 4-6 , base  12  has an interior  65  ( FIG. 4 ) that locates the electric switch  68  driven by button  11 , and a pair of battery packs  70 ,  72  disposed upon a tray  73 . Each battery pack  70 ,  72  receives a pair of size “AAA” batteries  74  secured by removable covers  76 . Tray  73  forms the bottom of base  12 , being secured by conventional screws (not shown) that penetrate orifices  76 . Battery packs  70 ,  72  include projecting tabs  81 ,  82  for interconnecting the DC battery wiring as seen in  FIG. 4 . As best seen in  FIG. 4 , each tray  73  has a central boss  75  that receives and mounts the assembly rod  18 . 
         [0047]      FIGS. 7 and 8  show modular, multi-tier illuminated trophy  90  constructed in accordance with the invention. A lower, rigid and generally rectangular base  92  forms a lower support. An upper or intermediate tier  94  is seated upon a pair of upwardly rising, vertically oriented columns  96 , and  98  extending between base  92  and tier  64 . A third and highest column  100  is supported by a pedestal  99  centered upon tier  94 . It terminates in an elevated figurine  103 , in the form of a golf ball. Each of the columns  96 ,  98 , and  100  are constructed similarly to column  16  explained earlier. Each column is illuminated internally, and each is electrically interconnected as explained earlier. Each as a decorative washer  104  at one or more ends, which is similar to washers  15 ,  17 . It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the base  92  and/or tier  94  may be adorned with a variety of conventional ornaments. 
         [0048]    Referencing  FIG. 8 , each column  96 ,  98 , and  100  is mechanically secured by rods  108  that are similar to rod  18  explained earlier. It will be appreciated that wires leaving the columns have plugs  109  emanating from the light bar within them that can be connected to the next higher tier. In other words, the circuit within the base  92  communicates electrically with the light bar within column  100  through the wiring in columns  96  or  98 . 
         [0049]    A preferred illumination circuit  130  is built around a controller chip  131 , comprising a YIN 611. A battery power supply  132  comprising battery packs  70 ,  72  and batteries  74  discussed earlier has a negative lead connected to ground  134  on the YIN611 chip. The positive battery line  135  reaches the anodes on a plurality of LED&#39;s  140 - 145 . The LED cathode ends reach chip terminals  150 - 155  receptively. Switch contacts  161  and  162  ( FIG. 9 ) represent a DPST switch controlled by button  11 . Once side of the switch contacts are connected between positive battery voltage on line  135 , and the other side are connected to chip terminals as seen in  FIG. 9 . Contacts  162  can latch the circuit on for a predetermined time in response to a single push of button  11 . Contacts  161  operate counters, shift registers, and logic circuitry to energize pre-programmed flash patterns of light in response to the number of pulses inputted by the user pushing button  11 . Then different sequences and combinations of signals are outputted to chip contacts  150 - 155  to produce different lighting patterns, which last until the latching of the chip  131  ceases after predetermined time. 
         [0050]    Thus, the software controlled chip  131  allows for the implementation of different illumination features that are user selectable in response to contacts  161 ,  162 . For example, LED groups can be arranged to flash, alternating with other banks or progressively. 
         [0051]    From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure. 
         [0052]    It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. 
         [0053]    As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the  11  accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.