Method and apparatus for producing an illuminated animation effect

An apparatus and a method for producing an animation effect are disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least one light reflecting member, a first light source, a second light source, and means to intermittently activate the first and second light sources to produce an animation effect.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to illumination and animation. More specifically, it relates to an apparatus that uses light to produce an animation effect. Even more particularly, it relates to a method and apparatus for illuminating at least one member intermittently to produce an animation effect.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known that adding illumination to a sign makes the sign more visible and conspicuous. In a similar manner, the addition of illumination to a decoration or a toy makes the decoration or toy more likely to catch the eye and more interesting. There are many examples in the art of the addition of light to an object to make the object more attractive and appealing. One example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,828 (Nadel et al.). This patent discloses an illuminated assembly for attachment to an item of apparel. The assembly comprises a single transparent or translucent panel member with a design on it, and at least one light attached to the panel member. When a light is turned on, it illuminates the design on the panel member. The light or lights may be flashed if desired. Since there is only one panel member, the result is a single static design that can be illuminated.

An example of an illuminated sign is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,576,078 (Schatz). A Christmas ornament with a design or message is disclosed. The ornament comprises a single transparent member with an aperture. The aperture allows a single light bulb from a string of Christmas tree lights to be inserted into the member. This illuminates the design or message. Again, since there is only one panel member, the result is a single static design that can be illuminated.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,486,636 (Egle) discloses an ornament with a single member and a single light. The edges of the member are beveled to reflect the light in a direction normal to the surface of the member. There is no disclosure of means to intermittently operate the light.

Clearly, then, there is a longfelt need for a illumination apparatus that is more interesting than a single static design or message, illuminated either continuously or intermittently.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention broadly comprises a method and apparatus for producing an illuminated animation effect. The apparatus comprises a light reflecting member, a first light source, a second light source, and means to intermittently activate the first and second light sources to produce an animation effect.

A general object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for producing an illuminated animation effect.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus to make toys and games more attractive and entertaining.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that is very noticeable to the eye for use in warning signs.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of the invention in view of the drawings and claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

It should be appreciated that in the detailed description of the invention that follows that like reference numbers on different drawing views are intended to identify identical structural elements of the invention in the respective views.

The device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,486,636 (Egle) is shown inFIGS. 1 and 2and designated10. The device comprises member20and light source22. Light source22is inserted in aperture24of member20. Member20comprises front surface16, rear surface18, and edge28. Edge28is beveled; meaning that edge28is a surface that forms an angle that is not 90 degrees with each of the front and back surfaces around the perimeter of the member. InFIGS. 1 and 2, edge28is shown making an angle with front surface16of approximately 45 degrees. Edge28is shown making an angle with back surface18of approximately 135 degrees. When light source22is illuminated, light enters member20through surface26, travels through member20along arrows12reaching beveled edge28. A portion of the light reflects off edge28and exits through front surface16. It travels perpendicular to front surface16towards a viewer facing the decoration.

A first embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 3–6and designated110. It is a warning sign comprising triangular members120and130, light sources122and132, and leads126and136. Light sources122and132are inserted in apertures124and134, respectively. Leads126and136are connected to a power source as shown inFIG. 29, the electrical schematic of the preferred embodiment. When source122is illuminated, light enters member120through a first surface, surface127, travels through member120reaching beveled edge128. A portion of the light reflects off edge128and exits through a second surface, surface129. When source132is illuminated, light enters member130through surface137, travels through member130reaching beveled edge138. A portion of the light reflects off edge138and exits through surface139. InFIGS. 3–6, edge128makes approximately a 45 degree angle with exit surface129, and edge138makes approximately a 45 degree angle with exit surface139. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that any angle between 0 and 180 degrees can be used, and these modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Thus, the present invention may be practiced with both beveled and non-beveled edges. Further, the angles between the beveled edge and the exit surface may be substantially constant around the perimeter of the member, or the angles may vary around the perimeter of the member.

Members120and130are different sizes, stacked such that the members are approximately centered with respect to the larger triangle. In a preferred embodiment, the smaller member is further from the viewer, and the larger member is stacked on the smaller. This ensures that the leads from the smaller member are not routed over the larger member. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the members may be stacked in any order, and these modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.FIG. 3shows the warning sign worn by a pedestrian.FIG. 4is a side view of the sign.FIG. 5is a front view of the sign showing the members being alternately illuminated.FIG. 6is a perspective view of the members with the light sources and leads. Members120and130are alternately illuminated by sources122and132, respectively, to produce the effect of a triangle increasing or decreasing in size. InFIGS. 3–6, two members are shown, but it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that three or more members can be used to produce an animation effect, and these modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

A second embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 7 and 8and designated210. It is an ornamental heart comprising heart-shaped members220,230, and240, light sources222,232, and242, and leads226,236, and246. Light sources222,232, and242are inserted in apertures224,234, and244, respectively. Leads226,236, and246are connected to a power source as shown inFIG. 29, the electrical schematic of the preferred embodiment. When source222is illuminated, light enters member220through surface227, travels through member220reaching beveled edge228. A portion of the light reflects off edge228and exits through surface229. When source232is illuminated, light enters member230through surface237, travels through member230reaching beveled edge238. A portion of the light reflects off edge238and exits through surface239. When source242is illuminated, light enters member240through surface247, travels through member240reaching beveled edge248. A portion of the light reflects off edge248and exits through surface249. InFIGS. 7 and 8, edge228makes approximately a 45 degree angle with exit surface229, edge238makes approximately a 45 degree angle with exit surface239, and edge248makes approximately a 45 degree angle with exit surface249. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that any angle between 0 and 180 degrees can be used, and these modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Thus, the present invention may be practiced with both beveled and non-beveled edges. Further, the angles between the beveled edge and the exit surface may be substantially constant around the perimeter of the member, or the angles may vary around the perimeter of the member.

Members220,230, and240are different sizes, stacked such that the members are approximately centered with respect to the largest heart. In a preferred embodiment, the smallest heart is furthest from the viewer, and the next larger heart in turn is stacked on the smallest. This ensures that the leads from a smaller member are not routed over any of the larger members. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the members may be stacked in any order, and these modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.FIG. 7is a front view of the heart installed in a card, with the card closed.FIG. 8is a side view of the heart members, light sources, and leads. In a preferred embodiment, members220,230, and240are intermittently illuminated by sources222,232, and242, respectively, to produce the effect of an ornamental heart beating. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other animation effects can be created by intermittently lighting the members, and these modifications are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. InFIGS. 7 and 8, three members are shown, but it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that two, four, or more than four members can be used to produce an animation effect, and these modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

A third embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 9–11and designated310. It is a smoke detector battery indicator comprising members320,330, and340, light sources322,332, and342, and leads326,336, and346. Light sources322,332, and342are inserted in apertures324,334, and344, respectively. Leads326,336, and346are connected to a power source as shown inFIG. 29, the electrical schematic of the preferred embodiment. When source322is illuminated, light enters member320through surface327, travels through member320reaching beveled edge328. A portion of the light reflects off edge328and exits through surface329. When source332is illuminated, light enters member330through surface337, travels through member330reaching beveled edge338. A portion of the light reflects off edge338and exits through surface339. When source342is illuminated, light enters member340through surface347, travels through member340reaching beveled edge348. A portion of the light reflects off edge348and exits through surface349. InFIGS. 9–11, edge328makes approximately a 45 degree angle with exit surface329, edge338makes approximately a 45 degree angle with exit surface339, and edge348makes approximately a 45 degree angle with exit surface349. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that any angle between 0 and 180 degrees can be used, and these modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Thus, the present invention may be practiced with both beveled and non-beveled edges. Further, the angles between the beveled edge and the exit surface may be substantially constant around the perimeter of the member, or the angles may vary around the perimeter of the member.

Members320,330, and340are different sizes, stacked such that the members are approximately centered with respect to the smoke detector.FIG. 9shows a perspective view of the indicator members installed in a smoke detector.FIG. 10is a side view of the indicator members.FIG. 11is a side view of the indicator members, light sources, and leads. Members320,330, and340are intermittently illuminated by sources322,332, and342, respectively, to produce an animation effect. InFIGS. 9–11, three members are shown, but it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that two, four, or more than four members can be used to produce an animation effect, and these modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 12–15and designated410. It is a simulated candle flame apparatus comprising flame shaped members420and430, light sources422and432, and leads426and436. Light sources422and432are inserted in apertures424and434, respectively. Leads426and436are connected to a power source as shown inFIG. 29, the electrical schematic of the preferred embodiment. When source422is illuminated, light enters member420through surface427, travels through member420reaching beveled edge428. A portion of the light reflects off edge428and exits through surface429. When source432is illuminated, light enters member430through surface437, travels through member430reaching beveled edge438. A portion of the light reflects off edge438and exits through surface439. InFIGS. 12–15, edge428makes approximately a 45 degree angle with exit surface429, and edge438makes approximately a 45 degree angle with exit surface439. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that any angle between 0 and 180 degrees can be used, and these modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Thus, the present invention may be practiced with both beveled and non-beveled edges. Further, the angles between the beveled edge and the exit surface may be substantially constant around the perimeter of the member, or the angles may vary around the perimeter of the member.

Members420and430are offset, and are alternately illuminated by sources422and432, respectively, to produce the effect of the simulated flame flickering.FIG. 12is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the candle flame apparatus, installed in simulated candle460. Simulated candle460is mounted in base450, with switch470to activate the illumination. Switch470corresponds to switch90shown inFIG. 29.FIG. 13is a side view of the candle flame members.FIG. 14is a perspective view of the members with the light sources and leads.FIG. 15shows the simulated candle flame members being alternately illuminated to produce the animation effect of the simulated flame flickering. InFIGS. 12–15, two members are shown, but it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that three or more members can be used to produce an animation effect, and these modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

A fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 16–18and designated510. It is an ornamental set of wings comprising wing shaped members520and530, light sources522and532, and leads526and536. Light sources522and532are inserted in apertures524and534, respectively. Leads526and536are connected to a power source as shown inFIG. 29, the electrical schematic of the preferred embodiment. When source522is illuminated, light enters member520through surface527, travels through member520reaching beveled edge528. A portion of the light reflects off edge528and exits through surface529. When source532is illuminated, light enters member530through surface537, travels through member530reaching beveled edge538. A portion of the light reflects off edge538and exits through surface539. InFIGS. 16–18, edge528makes approximately a 45 degree angle with exit surface529, edge538makes approximately a 45 degree angle with exit surface539, and edge548makes approximately a 45 degree angle with exit surface549. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that any angle between 0 and 180 degrees can be used, and these modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Thus, the present invention may be practiced with both beveled and non-beveled edges. Further, the angles between the beveled edge and the exit surface may be substantially constant around the perimeter of the member, or the angles may vary around the perimeter of the member.

Members520and530are located in two positions within the range of motion of a set of wings. Thus, as shown inFIGS. 16–18, members520and530, although substantially planar, are not stacked on one another, nor are they parallel to one another. Further, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that ornamental wing members that are not substantially planar can be used, and these modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Members520and530are alternately illuminated by sources522and532, respectively, to produce the effect of the ornamental wings flapping.FIG. 16is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the ornamental wing apparatus, installed on an ornamental angel.FIG. 17is a top cross-sectional view of the members with the light sources and leads.FIG. 18is a front view of the angel ornament, with the wing members being alternately illuminated. InFIGS. 16–18, two members are shown, but it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that three or more members can be used to produce an animation effect, and these modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

A sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 19–22and designated610. It is an illuminated jaw for a doll comprising upper jaw member620, lower jaw member630, light sources622and632, and leads626and636. Light sources622and632are inserted in apertures624and634, respectively. Leads626and636are connected to a power source as shown inFIG. 29, the electrical schematic of the preferred embodiment. When source622is illuminated, light enters member620through surface627, travels through member620reaching beveled edge628. A portion of the light reflects off edge628and exits through surface629. When source632is illuminated, light enters member630through surface637, travels through member630reaching beveled edge638. A portion of the light reflects off edge638and exits through surface639. InFIGS. 19–22, edge628makes approximately a 45 degree angle with exit surface629, and edge638makes approximately a 45 degree angle with exit surface639. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that any angle between 0 and 180 degrees can be used, and these modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Thus, the present invention may be practiced with both beveled and non-beveled edges. Further, the angles between the beveled edge and the exit surface may be substantially constant around the perimeter of the member, or the angles may vary around the perimeter of the member.

FIG. 19shows the jaws installed in a doll.FIG. 20is a perspective view of the jaw members.FIG. 21is a side cross-sectional view of the jaw members, the light sources, and the leads.FIG. 22shows the jaw members being alternately illuminated. Upper jaw member620and lower jaw member630are intermittently illuminated by sources622and632, respectively, to produce the effect of the jaw moving.

A seventh embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 23–25and designated710. It is a drill bit comprising helical members720,730, and740, light sources722,732, and742, and leads726,736, and746. Light sources722,732, and742are inserted in apertures724,734, and744, respectively. When source722is illuminated, light enters member720through surface727, travels through member720, and a portion of the light exits through surface729. When source732is illuminated, light enters member730through surface737, travels through member730, and a portion of the light reflects exits through surface739. When source742is illuminated, light enters member740through surface747, travels through member740, and a portion of the light exits through surface749. Leads726,736, and746are connected to a power source as shown inFIG. 29, the electrical schematic of the preferred embodiment. Members720,730, and740spiral around a central axis. Members720,730, and740are illuminated sequentially by sources722,732, and742, respectively, to produce the effect of a drill bit turning.FIG. 23shows a perspective view of the drill bit apparatus installed in a toy drill.FIG. 24shows the helical members, the light sources, and the leads.FIG. 25shows the three members being alternately illuminated. InFIGS. 23–25, three members are shown, but it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that two, four, or more than four members can be used to produce an animation effect, and these modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

FIG. 26illustrates an eighth embodiment of the present invention, designated810. Apparatus810comprises a single light reflecting member820.FIG. 26shows an embodiment wherein apparatus810is located behind surface812. Surface812comprises a picture of a jack o' lantern. Surface812has an aperture814to allow light from light reflecting member820to pass through. It should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that photographs, designs, artwork, or any other decoration could be used on surface812. In addition, the present invention could be practiced without surface812, and this modification is within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. As shown inFIG. 27, light source822is located in aperture824of light reflecting member820. Light source832is located in aperture834of light reflecting member820. Leads826and836are connected to a power source as shown inFIG. 29, the electrical schematic of the preferred embodiment. When source822is illuminated, light enters member820through surface827, travels through member820reaching beveled edge828. A portion of the light reflects off edge828and exits through surface829. When source832is illuminated, light enters member820through surface837, travels through member820reaching beveled edge838. A portion of the light reflects off edge838and exits through surface839. InFIGS. 26–28, edge828makes approximately a 45 degree angle with exit surface829, and edge838makes approximately a 45 degree angle with exit surface839. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that any angle between 0 and 180 degrees can be used, and these modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Thus, the present invention may be practiced with both beveled and non-beveled edges. Further, the angles between the beveled edge and the exit surface may be substantially constant along edges828and838, or the angles may vary along the edges.

FIG. 29is a schematic of electronic control circuit50used in a preferred embodiment. Micro controller60is a preprogrammed integrated chip comprising a circuit operatively arranged to intermittently illuminate light sources70and80. An example of a circuit that operates in this manner is shown inFIG. 30. Light sources70and80are routed in series with resistors75and85, respectively, between the voltage source and micro controller60. When switch90is closed, micro controller60allows current to flow through the light sources in a preprogrammed manner. Light sources70and80correspond to the light sources shown inFIGS. 3–28.FIGS. 29 and 30show two light sources being illuminated to create an animation effect. However, additional light sources can be added in a similar manner, and are required for some of the embodiments shown above. As discussed above, at least one member, each with at least one light source, may be added to the embodiments disclosed, and these modifications are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

FIG. 30is a circuit diagram of a free-running multivibrator. Q1and Q2are general-purpose PNP resistors, such as 2N3906 or 2N2907. R1and R2limit the current level supplied to the light sources, LED1and LED2, respectively. The values of C1and C2control the flash rate of LED1and LED2, respectively, with a larger capacitance resulting in a slower flash rate. It should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that there are many other means to intermittently operate the light sources to produce an animation effect, and these modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

InFIGS. 3–28, the members are shown with beveled edges. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that textured edges can be used instead of beveled edges, and this modification is intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. For example, the edge may be formed in a beaded pattern around the perimeter of the member, as shown inFIGS. 31–33.FIG. 31is a fragmentary side cross sectional view of a beaded edge910on member900.FIGS. 32 and 33are fragmentary front views of alternate embodiments of a beaded edge on a member.FIG. 32shows substantially circular beads920on member900, andFIG. 33shows elongated beads930on member900.

InFIGS. 3–25, each member is shown with one light source. However, multiple light sources may be used, as shown inFIGS. 27 and 28. This modification is intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Multiple light sources may be of different colors, and by turning them on independently the animation effect can be done in more than one color.

In a preferred embodiment, the members are made of acrylic, but other transparent or translucent materials can be used. Also in a preferred embodiment, the light sources are either light emitting diodes (LEDs) or grain of wheat bulbs.

Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, and these modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.