Abstract:
A lighting apparatus for a model lighthouse provides a lighting effect similar to that of a commercial lighthouse. In one embodiment a lamp is rotationally driven. In another embodiment a lighting means for extending a stationary lamp is taught so as to accommodate various size lighthouse models. In a still further embodiment, a combination of rotational and extension features are provided including a set of exterior wipers mounted in electrical contact with slip rings onto a rotating boom for delivery of power to a lamp.

Description:
This application is a C-I-P of Ser. No. 09/059,535 filed Apr. 13, 1998. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to an apparatus for lighting a toy or scale replica, and more particularly to such an apparatus for producing a lighting affect for a scale lighthouse model. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     The following art defines the present state of this field: 
     Martinez, U.S. Pat. No. 2,636,314 describes a toy lighthouse is a somewhat fanciful reproduction of an existing lighthouse found on an island in the South Pacific. The outward configuration of the device is therefore highly appealing. The toy may be readily constructed from suitable insulating plastic material for the major portions thereof, while suitable conductive metal is used for the operative electrical circuits. 
     Kaisner, U.S. Pat. No. 4,318,159 describes A lamp fixture comprising a first figurine mounted to a base and a second figurine connected relative to the base by means of a flexible member. A first lamp socket and a lamp shade are disposed at the top of a lamp pole. A second lamp socket is disposed within the interior of the first figurine. Movement of the second figurine to a first and a second position actuates an electrical circuit which supplies household current via a power cord to the first and the second lamp sockets, respectively, to light lamp bulbs contained therein. The electrical circuit comprises reed switches which are actuated by a magnet disposed within the second figurine. Each reed switch triggers a thyristor such as a triac or two silicon controlled rectifiers connected in parallel to provide a path for the household current to flow to the respective lamp socket. Movement of the second figurine to a neutral position precludes the household current from foregoing abstract is merely a resume of one general application, is not a complete discussion of all principles or operation or applications, and is not to be construed as a limitation on the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     Chandler et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,571 relates to an apparatus for simulating lighting effects such as an illumination effect necessary to simulate a real life effect for an ornamental display. More specifically, the present invention relates to a light effect which undergoes a number of readily discernable illumination intensities so as to create an illusion of a rotating light beacon which may be used in connection with a lighthouse, control tower, search light or the like. The present invention is quite durable and reliable and economically manufactured an may be positioned readily within a model display. 
     Boyle, U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,228 describes an aquarium landscape system provides a landscape partition enabling the creation of multiple different terrain levels within the aquarium. An internal illumination system is shown having a light assembly underneath the glass bottom of the aquarium and light carrying tubes within the aquarium for carrying the light from the bottom of the tank to the bottom of one or more of the decorative structures within the tank, thereby internally illuminating the decorative structure. In another embodiment of the invention, the exterior surface of the decorative structures within the aquarium is illuminated with a spot light effect. The color of the internal and exterior illumination of the decorative structures can be changed individually for each structure, or can be changed for all structures. 
     Hanson et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,263,743 describes a novelty toy in the shape of a skull includes a cranial shaped housing and a pivotal jaw portion. The jaw is biased to a closed position by a biasing element and includes a grip portion to be gripped by the user of the device to more the jaw to an open position. A depending handle is also defined on the skull to allow the skull to be supported by the user. A pair of lights are mounted in the eye apertures and reflectors are rotatably mounted within the apertures surrounding the light bulbs. A gear train connects the reflectors to a manually operated gear to allow rotation of the reflectors within the housing. Each reflector includes a colored lens that may be rotated in front of the light to provide a different appearance to the toy. The lights are connected through a switch mounted within the housing to a portable power source. The switch includes a plurality of positions for producing alternate lighting or flashing effects. 
     Roehrick, U.S. Pat. No. 4,081,666 describes an ornamental lighting device to be used on the terraneous shelf of an ecolarium, ecology tank, (two-tiered aquarium) simultaneously providing light for the aqueous area underneath the terraneous shelf and ornamental lighting effects of the garden area of the terraneous shelf. The device having an easily removable cap containing a light socket, a male connector, the base containing light and heat vents and a downward light vent also the female electrical connector. 
     O&#39;Brien, U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,764 describes an internally illuminated decorative object includes an electric light including a lamp socket and light bulb replacably mounted in the lamp socket. The electric light is supported on a support member that has at least one through opening for the passage of the light bulb therethrough from its first to its second side. A flat translucent image-bearing member is mounted on the support member so as to be at least coextensive with the second side of the support member for illumination by the light bulb when the latter is lit as electric current is supplied to it. The support member has a central portion and two wings flanking the central portion and connected to the image-bearing member by respective lugs that pass through associated slots of the image-bearing member. The central portion of the support member includes a wall that extends along an arcuate course and two end walls situated at vertically spaced end regions of the arcuate wall as considered in a condition of use of the object and rigidly connected with the wall to maintain it in substantial conformity with the arcuate course. The wings are connected to the central portion of the support member by respective vertically extending hinge regions as considered in the use condition for pivoting about the hinge regions at least as the decorative object is being assembled. 
     Daun U.S. Pat. No. 5,379,202 describes partially overlapping display elements have light string sets mounted thereon and sequentially illuminated to simulate animation of a decorative part of an outdoor light display. 
     Matthias et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,469 describes an aquarium lighting system for underwater illumination of an aquarium tank. The light sources each include an elongated insulated wire having a light emitting diode on one end. A water impervious encapsulating layer of material extends over the LED lens and preferably seals and electrically insulates the connection between the elongated wire and the light emitting diode. The wire insulation is both waterproof and watertight. The plug has an opening extending therethrough which cooperates with an attachment mechanism such as a tie wrap or a suction cup to facilitate attaching the light emitting diode to either an object within the tank or the tank walls. A decorative aquarium volcano and display stand also are shown. 
     Teng, U.S. Pat. No. 5,065,287 describes a display device includes a crystal ball fixed on a base formed with plural concave and convex portions on a spherical surface of the crystal ball to respectively form plural concave lens and convex lens on the ball surface when filled with water in the ball as viewed through the concave and convex portions for enhancing decorative interest. 
     Cibor, U.S. Pat. No. 4,999,544 describes a dimmer device adapted to enable conveniently accessed control over the intensity of illumination of Christmas tree lights, in which a housing for the dimmer device is enclosed in a housing in an ornamental cover piece, and which is provided with a hook to allow the device to hang on a branch in an exposed position. 
     Zulfilar, U.S. Pat. No. 4,504,892 describes improved visual effects which are quite pleasing are obtained by illuminating paintings with a lighting system comprising at least two light sources directed on the art work from in front and above, and in front and to the side, respectively, with at least one of the light sources varied in intensity from a maximum to a minimum amount of illumination when the one light source reaches its minimum. 
     Brown, U.S. Pat. No. 5,394,309 describes a submersible device for changing colors in an aquarium comprising of a base member of a rigid construction and heavy weighted material to allow placement in the bottom of an aquarium. A housing having a lower surface coupled to the base with upstanding side walls and a cover piece with a dome-like top formed with clear transparent windows therethrough to define a chamber therewithin, the chamber including an upwardly extending post at a central extent thereof coaxial with the axis of top. A driven gear having a circular extent in a horizontal place within the chamber and having teeth around the periphery thereof, gear being mounted on the post for rotation with respect thereto. A submersible motor mounted within the chamber having a drive-gear rotatable about a vertical axis with teeth in contact with the teeth of the driven gear for rotating and imparting rotation to the driven gear. A fixed light source mounted within the chamber above the post. A domed member mounted above and to the driven gear for rotation therewith at a location above the light source, the domed member being provided with a plurality of transparent plates of varying colors. 
     Neill, U.S. Pat. No. 1,825,085 relates to lamps and particularly to reading lamps. The principal object of the invention is to devise a reading lamp having the parts constructed and assembled in a novel manner so that the lamp may be made to resemble a miniature lighthouse with a low light shining through the lens, and a bright light for reading thrown downwardly which will not be visible to an observer viewing the lamp from the side. A further object of the invention is to devise a reading lamp which presents a particularly realistic representation of a miniature lighthouse, and which throws a bright light downwardly for reading, but has the parts arranged so that the reading light feature of the lamp will not interfere with the realistic appearance of the miniature lighthouse. 
     Finally, a lighthouse beacon product is being made commercially available by the G. Z. Lefton Co. under the trade name “Authentic Lighthouse Beacons with Transformer.” This product is not marked “patented” or “patent pending.” It consists of a base portion with snap-in mounting, a telescoping rod with a light bulb at its terminal end, and a rubber washer for light sealing a projection room of a model lighthouse. This product was introduced into the U.S. marketplace sometime after the date of the instant invention. 
     The prior art teaches lighting apparatus for various toys and other miniature items including a model lighthouse. However, the prior art does not teach such an apparatus having a lamp capable of being adjusted in length and of lamp rotation, thereby providing a lighting effect very similar to a commercial lighthouse. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages as described in the following summary. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below. 
     The present invention provides a lighting apparatus for a scale lighthouse, the apparatus being novel in various aspects as described below and capable of providing an effect similar to that of commercial lighthouses. In one embodiment of the present invention a lighting effect is provided for driving a lamp in a rotational manner similar to a true lighthouse function. In another embodiment a means for extending a stationary light is taught so as to accommodate various size lighthouse models. In a still further embodiment, a combination of rotational and extension features are provided. 
     A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a lighthouse model with real appearance and lighting effects, having advantages not taught by the prior art. 
     Another objective is to provide such an effect that may be adjusted for length so as to adapt to various models in the market. 
     A further objective is to provide such an effect that may be adjusted for length as well as provide rotation. 
     Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention. In such drawings: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective front elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective rear elevational view thereof; 
     FIG. 3 is a full sectional view thereof taken along line  3 — 3  in FIG.  1  and showing an embodiment for rotating a lamp; 
     FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view thereof taken along line  4 — 4  in FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view thereof taken along line  5 — 5  in FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing portions in alternate embodiment wherein a lamp is vertically adjustable; 
     FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing portions of a still further embodiment wherein a lamp is rotatable as well as vertically adjustable; 
     FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view taken along line  8 — 8  in FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of a further embodiment of the invention; and 
     FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line  10 — 10  in FIG.  9 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The above described drawing figures illustrate the invention, a model lighthouse apparatus comprising a box structure  10 , as best seen in FIGS. 1 &amp; 2, providing an interior space  20  (FIG. 3) enclosed within the box structure  10  and an upwardly facing top mounting plate  30 ; a scale model hollow lighthouse structure  40  (FIG. 2) fixed to the mounting plate  30  and extending upwardly therefrom, the lighthouse structure  40  providing a lighthouse tower  42  with a tower window means  44  therein, and atop the lighthouse tower  42 , a beacon room  46  with a beacon room window means  48  therein; a elongate and linear lighting boom  50  fixed at a proximal end  52  thereof to the top mounting plate  30  and extending upwardly therefrom within the lighthouse structure  40 , the lighting boom  50  comprising a first tube means  54  engaged with a second tube means  56  such that a length L 1  of the joint first and second tube means is extensible, as shown in FIG. 6; a tower lamp means  60  joined medially to the lighting boom  50  and positioned so as to illuminate the interior  43  of the lighthouse tower  42  and the tower window means  44 ; and a beacon room lamp means  70  joined to a distal end  58  of the lighting boom  50  and positioned so as to illuminate the interior of the beacon room  46  and the beacon room window means  48 . 
     The first  54  and second  56  tube means are preferably telescopically joined as shown in FIG. 6, and further provide a means for fixing  57  the length L 1  thereof, such as the screw shown, the lighting boom  50  coaxially incorporating an electrical power line  59  therewithin (FIG. 5) for conducting power from the box structure  10  to the beacon room lamp means  70 . 
     Preferably, an opaque shading washer  51  is frictionally joined near the distal end  58  of the lighting boom  50 , and adapted in size, shape and material, as shown, to functionally exclude light exchange between the lighthouse tower  42  and the lighthouse beacon room  46 . Washer  51  is preferably made of a disk shaped rubber material so that it may be forced to comply in shape to any surface against which it is pressed. In this manner, the light within the tower  42  can be adjusted as to brightness independently from that of the beacon room  46  as in a conventional lighthouse. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, as seen in FIG. 6, the electrical boom  50  is adjustable in length to match the corresponding dimension of the lighthouse structure  40 . The appropriate length of the electrical power line  59  being drawn from or into the interior space  20  of box structure  10  as necessary to satisfy the adjusted boom length L 1 . It is shown, here, that the tubes  54  and  56  are easily moved one within the other and fixed in total length by fixing means  57 . 
     In another embodiment of the invention, as seen in FIG. 3, the second tube means  56  is rotationally driven by a prime mover  80  mounted within the box structure  10 , i.e., second tube means  56  is functionally mounted to prime mover  80 , as shown in FIG.  4  and is free to rotate therewith. First tube means  54  is fixed in place and is supported by nuts  50 N which are threaded onto first tube means  54 , as shown. FIG. 5 also clearly shows such an arrangement, where, preferably, second tube means  56  and electrical power line  59  rotate together within stationary first tube means  54 . Washer  51  is preferably mounted on stationary first tube means  54  so as to remain stationary, while lamp means  70  is mounted at the end of second tube means  56  so as to rotate therewith. 
     In a still further embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, both the adjustment of length L 1  as well as rotation of beacon room lamp means  70  are combined. To accomplish this, a third tube means  54 A is slidably engaged with second tube means  54  such as by the engaging spline shown, or similar means, so that both tube means  54  &amp;  54 A are forced to rotate together, but tube means  54 A is telescopically positionable relative to tube means  54  so as to adjust length L 1 . The connection of electrical power to a rotating member is well known in the art, and is accomplished here, through the use of a rotational electrical power coupler  90  such as the type commonly used to prevent telephone handset wires from becoming wound up or snarled. Such a coupler  90  is preferably used at the proximal end  52  (FIG. 7) of the lighting boom  50  for conducting power to the electrical power line  59 . In this embodiment, washer  51  is mounted onto bearing race assembly  51 A so as to remain stationary although tube means  54 A is rotating. Clearly, lamp means  70  is secured to tube assembly  54 A so as to rotate therewith. 
     In use, the lighting boom  50  is adjusted to the necessary length L 1  for any particular lighthouse structure  40  and is fitted therein with nuts  50 N holding boom  50  tightly to mounting plate  30 . Length L 1  is set so that beacon room lamp means  70  is positioned opposite to beacon room window means  48 , and directed as shown in FIG. 3 for throwing light directly out of window means  48  as with a commercial lighthouse. Lamp means  60  may be adjusted and positioned to be opposite window means  44 , but may be place away from window means  44  for achieving indirect light effects in the tower. Both lamp means  60  and  70  are interconnected by wires to a power supply means (not shown) in interior space  20 , and may comprise a battery, or a DC rectification and transformer means, as is well known in the art. Prime mover  80  is preferably a timer type motor and is adapted for appropriate speed reduction through the use of gear means  82 , shown in FIGS. 4 and 9. Phase speed control or rheostat speed control may be used to adjust the rotational speed of lamp means  70 . Likewise, phase control or a resistor divider network may be used, for example to adjust lamp intensities as is well known in the art. When external power is used, a socket S 1  (FIG. 2) is supplied for accepting an incoming jack (not shown). Many configurations of control may be applied to the present invention such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In FIG. 1 socket S 1  is shown as well as an on-off switch S 2 . For the rotational embodiment, in FIG. 1, L 2  and L 3  adjust the brightness of lamp means  60  and  70  respectively, while R 1  adjusts the rotational rate of lamp means  70  through prime mover  80 . For the non-rotational embodiment, R 1  adjusts the rate of a strobe device so that lamp means  70  goes through an illumination cycle from full off to full bright and then back to full off in a repeating fashion in order to simulate a rotating beacon. Electrical circuits for the accomplishment of the above control are so well known in the art as to be unnecessary to describe here in further detail. Such circuits may be easily fitted into and mounted within interior space  20 . 
     In a further preferred embodiment the extensible, linear, rotational, lighting boom  50  provides a plurality of tube means  54 ,  54 A, i.e., individual tubes sized for fitting, one within the next, and mutually axially engaged for length extension. The proximal end  52  of the lighting boom  50  is engaged with driving means  80  for rotating the lighting boom  50 . A beacon room lamp means  70  is joined to the distal end  58  of the lighting boom  50  for being extensively positioned within a model lighthouse as is described in detail above. Engaging the lighting boom  50 , on an insulating external surface  50 A thereof is mounted a means for rotational electrical power pickup such as the pair of slip rings  62  shown in FIG.  9 . Power is delivered to slip rings  62  by a pair of wipers  64  mounted on a post  66  positioned adjacent to the lighting boom  50 , i.e., a means for electrical power wiping for delivery of electrical power to the beacon room lamp  70 . Such slip rings  62  with wipers  64  are well known in the art so that further detailed descriptions of such are not provided herein. Preferably, in this embodiment, there is further provided at least one tubular lighting means  68  arranged as a tube or tubes with telescoping arrangement and positioned in parallel orientation with, the lighting boom  50  for providing further lighting within the model lighthouse, i.e., illumination in the lighthouse tower. The lighting means  68  provides a lamp  60  and power cord, the cord positioned within the tube or tubes. A spring biased switch  75  is mounted in adjacency with the boom  50  as shown in FIG.  10 . An eccentric cam  76  rotates with the boom  50  and on each revolution of the boom  50  causes the switch  75  to engage an electrical contact point  77  to drive a fog horn (hidden). 
     In each of the embodiments described above a tapered stopper  90  of compressible resilient material such as rubber is mounted at the bottom of the apparatus as shown in FIG.  9  and represents one of several methods for securing the apparatus within a base hole normally found in commercial lighthouse replicas. 
     While the invention has been described with reference to at least one preferred embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims.