Abstract:
A cuckoo clock having a scissored extension arm is disclosed. The clock, using the arm, provides an attractive visual display with minimum displacement and shift of center of gravity.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to cuckoo clocks, and more particularly to a scissoring extension arm which provides an attractive visual display. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Cuckoo clocks can have a variety of displays and movement mechanisms. Such displays and mechanisms can enhance the ornamental value of the clock. However, adapting a cuckoo clock to have a scissoring extension arm has proven difficult, as operating the arm incurs a substantial reduction in the stored energy of the clock, unwanted shifts in the center of gravity of the clock as a whole, and a mechanical complexity which has proven difficult to solve. Consequently, an improved scissoring extension and actuating mechanisms for cuckoo clocks is desired. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, attached to a cuckoo clock; 
       FIG. 2  shows a modified side view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  shows an additional view of the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  shows yet another view of the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1–3 ; 
       FIG. 5  shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 6  shows an additional alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown, since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. 
     FIG. 1  shows a scissoring extension  104  which is operated within a cuckoo clock  100  and is extended and withdrawn at specific intervals. The scissoring extension  104  can hold an ornamental object, such as but not limited to a cuckoo bird. The cuckoo bird can be adapted to move in various directions, including but not limited to vertical. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , the scissoring extension  104  securely attaches to the cuckoo clock  100  via a scissor armature  128 . This armature  128  can comprise a combination of screws, bolts, and rivets, for example, although other fastening brackets are contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
   The materials used within the scissoring extension  104  are chosen so as to minimize the weight added to the clock  100 . Additionally, the clock  100  can accommodate this additional weight by being fastened not merely to the plaster or drywall, but instead being more permanently fastened directly to a stud within a wall 
   Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the scissoring extension  104  contains a plurality of small members  116 , pins  120 , and rivets  124 . The members  116  can be composed of a lightweight material such as durable high-fiber content plastic, or other materials. The pins  120  must be able to withstand a significant amount of torsion. This is true both when the scissoring extension  104  is in its retracted as well as extended positions, as a significant amount of potential energy will bear thereupon in either case. Separately, when the scissoring extension is moving through its various extended positions, some torsion will be exerted on the pins  120 . Thus, the pins  120  should be of a material that can withstand significant torsion, yet not build up resistance to movement. Also, because some cuckoo clocks go uncleaned for as long as 5 and 10 years, the members  116 , pins  120 , and rivets  124  should be built from a material that will not build up or accumulate grit or other impediments to unrestricted motion. 
   The scissor armature  128  can be made of the same material as the small members  116 , but could also be made of a different material. The scissor armature  128  must operate in narrow, confined channels. This is because other portions of the cuckoo clock  100  take up a significant amount of space. 
     FIGS. 2–4  show various views of the interior mechanisms of the clock  100 . Not all portions of the clock  100  are shown in  FIGS. 2–4 , nor are all mechanical connections depicted. Instead, various elements of the clock  100  are shown suspended in space, so that an observer can have an unobstructed view of the physical relationships between the different elements. None of  FIGS. 2–4  are intended to be a depiction of all or even a majority of the elements within the clock  100 , so that the present should not be considered as limited exclusively thereto. 
   Turning to  FIG. 2 , a timing module  250  manages the non-ornamental, timekeeping aspects of the clock  100 . The timing module  250  can have a variety of constructions, comprising for example both mechanical and/or electronic components. For the purposes of the present invention, the timing module  250  has three important functions. The first function is to initiate a cuckoo display event at the correct time, the second function is to control how long the cuckoo stays outside of the clock  100 , and the third function is to trigger the correct amount of cuckoo sounds. 
   The scissoring extension  104  travels back and forth solely in a linear path, which is guided by twin sliding guides  224 R (shown in  FIG. 2) and 224L  (not visible in  FIG. 2 ). The sliding guides  224 R and  224 L sit on either side of the scissoring extension  104  and are fixedly secured within the interior of the clock  100 . A transverse roller bar  254  having roller mechanisms at each end is movably secured within the guides  224 R and  224 L. The transverse roller bar  254  is connected to both the scissoring extension  104  and the scissor armature  228 . 
   An actuator  216  is connected to the timing module  250 . The actuator  216  mechanically communicates with an activation member  208  that is joined with a cantilever  212 . The activation member  212  can be in temporary contact with the actuator  216 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the cantilever  208  makes temporary contact with a brake  404  extending from the long member  220 . This in turn alerts the flywheel housing  408  which is a series of gears that releases and allow the snail gear to rotate and extend the scissor armature  128 . 
   The cuckoo bird and scissoring extension  104  move through a door  232  which opens and closes on a hinge. Prior to a cuckoo display event, a door arm  236  serves to open and close the door  232 . 
   The clock face is positioned at the front of the clock  100 , and can be either above, below, or adjoining the door  232  and cuckoo bird. In  FIG. 2  the clock face is shown below the door  232 , but as stated  FIG. 2  is for exemplary purposes only, so that the present invention should not be considered as limited exclusively what is shown therein. 
   A pair of snail gears  240 , arranged in parallel, are affixed to the interior of the clock  100 . These snail gears  240  move with a rotary shaft  260  that is rotatably fixed within the clock  100  and thus does not move laterally, but instead only rotates. The snail gears  240  also occasionally contact the transverse roller bar  254 , doing so through a pair of roller bar pulleys (not shown) which are permanently affixed to and rotate at the same rate as the transverse roller bar  254 . These snail gears  240  are manufactured in an elliptical oval shape so as to impel the transverse roller bar  254  forward. 
   The twin snail mechanisms  240  are carefully fabricated so that they cannot shake loose or come out of alignment with each other, or with the rotary shaft  260 . This is because the snail gears  240  are held into place not only by a friction fit, but also an eccentric screw (not shown) that allows no movement independent of that achieved by the rotary shaft  260 , regardless of height/torque ratio. 
   A star gear  204  is connected to the timing module  250 . The star gear  204  can have varying numbers of teeth. A scissor armature  128  is connected to the scissoring extension  104 , and also to the transverse roller bar  254 . The scissor armature  128  provides lateral stability and mechanical guidance to the scissoring extension  104 . The scissor armature  128  is not directly connected to the snail gears  240 , although they are in close proximity. 
   A fork  228  is located above the star gear  204 . At times the lower end of the fork  228  is connected to the star gear  204 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the upper end of the fork  228  is rotatably affixed to an area directly above the star gear  204 . 
   The transverse roller bar  254  cannot spring rearward until it is released by the fork  228 . The duration of the cuckoo display is counted out by the timing module  250 , with the fork  228  as sentinel or gatekeeper or release agent. The timing module  250  informs the star gear  204  when it is acceptable to release the fork  228 . 
     FIG. 3  shows another view of the transverse roller bar  254 , snail gears  240 , pulleys, and sliding guides  224 R and  224 L, as they relate to the clock face and the star gear  204 . 
     FIG. 4  shows more detail of the flywheel housing  408 , and how it is physically located with respect to the long member  220  and brake  404 . Additionally, the physical proximity of the cantilever  208  and the brake  404  is shown. 
   The flywheel housing  408  is also shown in  FIG. 4 , and is connected to a series of gears (not shown) that allow the snail gears  240  to rotate, thereby pushing out the scissor armature  128 . The flywheel housing  408  contains a flywheel (not shown). A brake  404  attached to the long bar  200  sometimes abuts against the flywheel. 
   During a cuckoo display event, the transverse roller bar  254  occupies its forward position. At this time, various types of springs (not shown) continually urge the transverse roller bar  254  to return to its rearward position. However, the fork  228  serves to temporarily block the transverse roller bar  254  from returning, until a predetermined interval of time elapses. 
   The embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1–4  are for exemplary purposes only, and the present invention should not be considered as limited exclusively thereto. Other means of effectuating the cuckoo movement are also contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present invention, including but not limited to a programmable microcontroller, electronic solenoid activators, and electromagnetic mechanisms. Also, as stated, the clock face is positioned at the front of the clock  100 , and can be either above, below, or adjoining the door  232  and cuckoo bird. Thus, the present invention can be implemented in a variety of means not explicitly shown in the Figures herein. 
   Using the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 1–4  as an exemplary embodiment only, the clock  100  of the present invention works as follows. 
   First Stage (of Three Stages) of Clock Action: Extending 
   The timing module  250  puts out a signal that a cuckoo display event is impending, thereby causing the actuator  216  to pivot to a leftward direction (leftward as seen within  FIG. 2 ). This pivoting action pulls down the cantilever  212 , which, as stated, is physically joined to the activation mechanism  208 . The mechanism  208  then pushes down on the brake  404 . 
   The long bar  220  that extends down from the top and holds the brake  404 , then releases the flywheel housing  408 . This in turn allows the snail gears  240  to begin rotating. As the snail gears  240  complete their rotation, they push out the scissor armature  128 . This has the effect of locking the fork  228  into the star gear  204 . At this time, both scissoring extension  104  and scissor armature  128  are in their fully extended positions. Also at this time, the transverse roller bar  254  is in its forward position. 
   Second Stage (of Three Stages) of Clock Action: Holding Stationary 
   The twin snail gears  240  rotate until they come to the locking pins  150  located on the bottom portion of the scissor armature  128 . Meanwhile, the timing module  250  operates a cuckoo sound mechanism (not shown) for a predetermined amount of cycles. When the desired number of cuckoos is achieved, the timing module  250  releases the fork which allows the snail gears  240  to rotate around and lift the locking pins  150 , which moves the brake  404 , thereby stopping the snail gears  240 . 
   During operation of the present invention, the cuckoo comes out, stays out to tick off the required count of cuckoo noises, and then returns. Thus, during a single cuckoo display event, the cuckoo does not come out, return, come out again, return again, etc. 
   Third Stage (of Three Stages of Use): Retracting 
   Upon receipt of a “cuckoo display completed” signal from the timing module  250 , the star gear  204  releases and allows the fork  228  to fall back. This in turn allows the scissor armature  128  to unlock and be subject to the pull of the springs (not shown), thereby relocating the transverse roller bar  254  into its rearward position. This action also releases the snail gears  240 , thereby allowing the snail gears  240  to slowly rotate upward and eventually lock the long member  220 , which connects down to the brake  404 , thereby stopping the flywheel contained within the flywheel housing  408 . 
   While the clock  100  is making cuckoo sounds, the star gear  204  does not rotate. Only when the cuckoo sounds are completed doe the star gear  204  move. The snail gears  240  will continue to turn even after the roller bar  254  is pulled into its rearward position. The transverse roller bar  254  acts as a locking device for the scissor arm  128  and snail gear  240 . Thus, once the fork is released the fork falls back and releases the snail to rotate until it is stopped by the brake  404 . 
   The snail gears  240  each have cantilevered members  308  attached thereto, facing inward. After the scissor armature  128  returns to its closed position, the locking pins  150  of the scissor armature  128  abuts against these cantilevered members for a brief period. The snail gears  240  then rotate back into their stored, inactive position. 
   Other Factors of the Present Invention 
   During operation of the present invention, the center of gravity of the overall clock  100  can be shifted to some extent. The present invention can compensate for this shifting via, for example, a counterweight located in the rear area of the clock  100 . 
   Most cuckoo clocks are operated by a series of hanging weights, which can resemble pine cones. The weights are originally hung at a high position. As the clock operates, the weights drop down to a low position. Eventually, the weights need to be pulled back up to a high position, using a series of chains and pulleys, so as to re-establish their potential energy. The exact number of weights, chains, and pulleys can vary from one clock to another. However, as will be described in more detail herein, a cuckoo clock can also be operated by some other type of power source such as a battery or wall outlet. 
   To operate many cuckoo clocks, the weights drop slightly and in doing so provide a mechanical pulling force which the clock mechanisms translate into energy used to operate the clock, via a variety of translation mechanisms. The present invention is carefully calibrated to minimize the loss of potential energy stored within the hanging weights. Because only a limited amount of potential energy can be stored in this fashion, the present invention minimizes the amount of energy expended by the scissoring extension  104 , snail gears  240 , and the other movable parts. 
   This minimization can be achieved by, for example, use of lighter weight materials for the scissor members  116 , such as brass, nickel, aluminum, or high durability plastic. 
   Electrical/Electronic Embodiment of the Invention 
   The above embodiments discussed above were largely directed at a mechanical-only embodiment. However, several electrical/electronic solutions are contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The present invention can also be installed in a clock that does not have the hanging weights, but instead has a battery, a power cell, some other rechargeable device, or is connected directly to an electrical source. 
   As shown in  FIG. 5 , a motor  504  can be substituted for the spring/release means of  FIGS. 1–4 . This motor  504  will be responsive to the timing module  250 . Such a configuration has the advantage of reducing manufacturing cost, increasing reliability, and utilizing significantly less parts. For example, the star gear  204 , fork  228 , long bar  220 , actuator  216 , actuating member  208 , cantilever  212 , and potentially other parts are not needed, as the timing module  250  can deliver extend/collapse signals directly to the electric motor  504 . 
   For simplicity, the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  has several parts omitted. However, the main principles of the motorized embodiment of the present invention are visible from  FIG. 5 , wherein the motor  504  is mounted directly to the interior of the clock  100  in such a way that the motor  504  rotates but does not move laterally. Instead, the gears attached to the motor  504  translate their energy to the gears associated with the transverse roller bar  254 , which does move laterally. These gears provide the energy for the scissored extension  104  to extend and withdraw. 
     FIG. 6  shows another embodiment of the present invention. A POOH™ figure is substituted for the cuckoo bird of  FIG. 1 , and the extension  604  and scissor armature  628  are capable of carrying electrical signals. This can be accomplished, for example, by fabricating either or both of extension  604  and armature  628  from a PC board material. Such a feature can be useful, for example, to carry electrical signals to the device at the end of the extension  604 . One such device is a honey jar. Using a solenoid  608 , the POOH™ figure can be made to move up and down while the extension  604  is in its fully-expanded configuration. 
   The various aspects of the present invention has been described in detail with particular reference to preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein. It is anticipated that various changes may be made in the arrangement and operation of the system of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as depicted in the following claims.