Abstract:
A rotatable toy device having a plurality of resilient vanes. The vanes may include indicia and are conveniently arcuately shaped with a diametrically opposed pair generally having a sinusoidal shape. The vanes are orthogonally disposed and fit together in an inter digitated manner for enhanced strength. The article is made even more robust with a mounting base with an integrally connected clamping mechanism.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/097,284 filed Apr. 4, 2005, which claims priority from Canadian Patent Application No. 2,459,833 filed Apr. 5, 2004. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a spinning toy adapted for use on a structure having tubular components such as a bicycle, bicycle trailer, a wheelchair, moped, scooter wagon inter alia. The arrangement may also be used on railings, balusters or any other area desired. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Spin type toys have been known for many years with the most ubiquitous example being the pinwheel style having multiple coloured plastic vanes. Generally such arrangements were often mounted to bicycles by children to take advantage of the airflow as they rode. The only drawback with this was realized by the lack of durability of the spin toys. Typically, they would fall apart or become inoperative in relatively short periods of time. 
         [0004]    In the art, there have been a number of proposals and variations of spin arrangements, exemplary of which is U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,799, issued Mar. 25, 1997 to Guide. This provides for a further variation on a safety device where the Patentee teaches a rotating flash device and a method of using the same. The arrangement includes a variety of rotatably mounted reflective flags. 
         [0005]    Lorenzana et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 6,609,476, issued Aug. 26, 2003 provides for an antennae mounted flag for mounting the flag to the antennae of a vehicle. 
         [0006]    A sign holder support is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,776,116, issued Oct. 11, 1988 to Shuman, where the sign holder provides a specific lock device. 
         [0007]    Sawyer, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,953,841, issued Sep. 21, 1999, provides a wind-driven rotatable display where a plurality of flat panels including graphics are rotatably mounted to a support member so that the sign can rotate with fluctuating air currents. 
         [0008]    Kuester, in U.S. Pat. No. 1,630,852, issued May 31, 1927, discloses a device having a propeller and a vertical standard to which the propeller is mounted in a bushing. 
         [0009]    Further examples of the type having a plurality of vanes is demonstrated in U.S. Pat. No. 2,510,336, issued Jun. 6, 1950 to Donahue. The Donahue reference relies on wind activation of the radially disposed vanes, which vanes radiate from a central hub member attached to a standard. 
         [0010]    A further variation on the pinwheel or spinning type toy is provided in U.S. Design Pat. No. 183,356, issued Aug. 12, 1958 to Lewis. 
         [0011]    Valentino, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,276, issued Mar. 7, 1995 where a balloon and pinwheel toy are combined with a connecting adapter. 
         [0012]    Yet another variation of the pinwheel is such a device with a generator. This is provided for in U.S. Pat. No. 6,530,816, issued to Chiu, Mar. 11, 2003. The reference provides for a pinwheel and body having plurality of lighting devices and securing base and cap as well as a generator. A plurality of vanes extend outwardly from the body and each has a lighting device mounted on a vane. As the body rotates, the generator obviously generates electricity which is then supplied to the lights to provide a decorative effect. 
         [0013]    As is known, the devices in the prior art have been limited by the construction quality. The arrangements were never designed to be exposed to a high velocity air flow, which can be generated easily by a user on a bicycle. As is typical, the prior art arrangements are composed of vanes composed of a material that is too resilient, such as polyester film together with relatively poor quality axles upon which the devices spin. It is also well known with the radially disposed vane type of pinwheel, once one of the vanes becomes disengaged from the central hub, the effectiveness of the device is completely compromised and this often results in the article simply being discarded after fairly limited use. 
         [0014]    With the instant invention, structural integrity is an important factor to provide a long lasting decorative device not susceptible to premature failure or breakage of the components typically inherent with the prior art arrangements. In respect of the integrity of the device, the present invention can be exposed to high velocity airflow without component degradation and/or breakage to provide for a long lasting and aesthetically appealing device. 
         [0015]    The present invention satisfies the limitations previously encountered in the prior art. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    One object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an improved spinning toy having a high degree of structural integrity for long lasting usefulness. 
         [0017]    A further object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a rotatable toy device, comprising: 
         [0018]    a central hollow tubular support member having opposed ends; 
         [0019]    a plurality of arcuate vanes fixedly connected to the tubular support member, a diametrically opposed pair having a wave type profile and a single piece construction, individual pairs being inter digitally connected to form the central hollow tubular support member; 
         [0020]    a receiving rod having opposed ends for rotatably receiving the central hollow tubular support member; 
         [0021]    a mounting base connected to the receiving rod, the base having reinforcement means for reinforcing the base against flexure; 
         [0022]    lock means on one end of the opposed ends of the receiving rod for preventing disengagement of the plurality of arcuate vanes from the receiving rod; and 
         [0023]    clamp means integral with the mounting base for releasably clamping the mounting base to an object. 
         [0024]    Conveniently, the structure of the present invention can be composed of any number of suitable materials, such as fairly resilient plastic materials examples of which include, but is not limited to, a high impact polystyrene (HIPS) polystyrene, Tedlar, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate inter alia. 
         [0025]    It has been found that by providing a wavelike pair of vanes for rotation of the device, that the same can be activated relatively easily and even low airflow conditions carry it in this matter, small children can enjoy the effect of the toy during use of, for example, their tricycles or wagons, etc. 
         [0026]    Regarding the mounting base, the same is a moulded arrangement which provides a spacer which also acts as a guide for receiving the rod and adding further structural integrity to the overall device. 
         [0027]    A further object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a rotatable device, comprising: 
         [0028]    a plurality of sinusoidal vane members each having a portion of a tubular support member centrally thereof, a diametrically opposed pair having a wave type profile each vane member of the members being inter digitally connected to form a central hollow tubular support member from each portion; 
         [0029]    a receiving rod having opposed ends for rotatably receiving the central hollow tubular support member; 
         [0030]    a mounting base connected to said receiving rod, said base having reinforcement means for reinforcing the base against flexure; 
         [0031]    lock means on one end of the opposed ends of the receiving rod, the central hollow tubular support for preventing disengagement of the plurality of vane members from the receiving rod; and 
         [0032]    clamp means integral with the mounting base having a living hinge connecting two clamp members configured to provide a clamping configuration when the members are in facing relation. 
         [0033]    One of the attractive features of the present invention is that the vanes provide a fairly large area which is sufficiently resilient to accommodate indicia such as silk screening, or adhesive bearing decals. It is also envisioned that the surface could be textured or treated in order to allow a user to paint or draw on the surface of the vane. In this regard, the vanes may be treated with the material of which wet boards are composed so that a user could provide his or her own indicia on the vane surface which would be removable at a later period. 
         [0034]    Aesthetically, the arrangement according to the present invention is pleasing since the body is visible from 360° due to the rotation aspect. Further, no movement of the body is required for visibility. 
         [0035]    The body may be composed of any number of materials including polyurethane foam, polyester, high impact polystyrene, polyvinyl fluoride or other foamed or non-foamed suitable plastic materials. These may also include additives to prevent premature degradation of the plastic, such as UV stabilizers, pigment stabilizers, infra red stabilizers inter alia. 
         [0036]    In respect of the indicia, the indicia may comprise silk screening, or may include a combination of silk screening and embossed or projecting characters for the selected indicia. It is also envisioned that the body may include auxiliary lighting or provide on the body itself fluorescent paint or other suitable specialty materials for providing appealing visual effect. 
         [0037]    Having thus generally described the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, illustrating preferred embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0038]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 2A  is a side view of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 4  is a similar view to  FIG. 3  with the arrangement depicting the clamp in a closed position; 
           [0043]      FIG. 5  is a view of the arrangement as positioned on a handlebar set; 
           [0044]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a further embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 7  is a side view of another embodiment of the arrangement; 
           [0046]      FIG. 8  is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0047]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8  in a use position. 
       
    
    
       [0048]    Similar numerals denote similar elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0049]    Referring now to the drawings and particularly  FIG. 1 , shown is a perspective view of the device, globally denoted by numeral  10 . 
         [0050]    As shown in the example, the device  10  includes a plurality of arcuate vanes  12 . The vanes of a diametrically opposed pair together form a generally sinusoidal pattern or wave type pattern. The individual vanes  12  are generally orthogonally disposed relative to one another. 
         [0051]    As a particular advantage to the structure for purposes of durability, it has been found that the diametrically opposed pair of vanes can fit with a second pair as shown in  FIG. 1  by an inter digitated connection (shown best in  FIG. 2A ). In this matter, the integrity or strength of the vanes is increased and this is also useful to provide for a central hollow tubular support which is formed when the vanes  12  are assembled as shown in  FIG. 2 . The central hollow tubular support member is generally denoted by numeral  18 . As an alternative, the vanes and hollow tubular support may be one piece. 
         [0052]    The assembled vane unit is rotatably received on a receiving rod  20 , end  22  of which is received within the mounting base  24 , the other end of which includes a lock device  26 . As is illustrated, the lock device  26  is integral with rod  20  and may be fixedly secured by integral moulding therewith or may be threaded (not shown) which is received within a mating thread (not shown) within the rod  20 . The lock device  26  comprises a circular disc which has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the central hollow tubular support member  18 . This feature is shown in  FIG. 2A . 
         [0053]    Returning to the mounting base  24 , the same includes an upwardly projecting spacer  28  of a cylindrical shape. The spacer assists in providing additional strength and also guides for true rotation of the vanes, more particularly, the assembly of the vanes  12  as the latter are exposed to airflow. The spacer  28  is also useful to elevate the vanes  12  from the handlebars H shown in  FIG. 5 . The device must be positioned and elevated from the handlebar H a sufficient distance so that it does not impede a user&#39;s hand (not shown) but would otherwise be engaged around the grips G of the handlebars H. As is clearly illustrated in the Figures, the rod  20  is passed through the central hollow tubular support member  18  formed by the inter digital connection of the vanes  12 . End  22  of rod  20  may be fixedly secured within the body of the base  24  by any suitable method which prevents disengagement of the rod  20  therefrom. Suitable means for doing this include adhesives, threaded mechanical connection, bonding, etc. The mounting base  24  has a body configured to assist in the transmission of airflow to the vanes  12  and to this end, shown in the example is a body for the mounting base  24  which has a flat front face  30  with a plurality of spaced apart fins  32 . 
         [0054]    Extending from base  24  and integral therewith is a first arcuate clamp segment  34  which has a counterpart, shown in the example as a second arcuate member  36  joined by a living hinge  38 . 
         [0055]    Once the arcuate segments  34 ,  36  are in facing relation as shown in  FIG. 4 , the same foam a circular cross section. 
         [0056]    A secondary clamping member  38  is associated with arcuate member  36 . The secondary member  38  contacts the underside  40  of base  24 . Member  38  includes an aperture  42  and projection  44 . Projection  44  registers with a corresponding receiving aperture  46  within base  24 . In order to fixedly secure the arcuate sections  34  and  36  so that they are tightly wrapped around a handlebar H, the rod  20  is received through aperture  42  of member  38  in a friction fit configuration. This is illustrated in  FIG. 5 . This ensures a firm grasp of the device  10  about handlebar H. 
         [0057]      FIG. 6  illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention where the device may be connected to any one of the vehicles noted or a fixed structure such as a railing for example. 
         [0058]    With reference to  FIG. 7 , an auxiliary lock system cooperates with sections  34  and  36  and mounting base  24 . A fastener, shown in the example in  FIG. 6  as a screw  50  is provided and passes through aperture  42  of member  38  and the underside  40  of base  24 , the latter being threaded to receive screw  50  for tightly securing the arcuate segments  34 ,  36  about the handlebars H. This feature also ensures the safety of the device during operation. 
         [0059]    As a further safety provision, a second fastener,  52  demonstrated as a screw, is positioned in the mounting base  24 . This cooperates with an optional threaded aperture  56  in rod  20  (shown best in  FIG. 2 ). In the event that the aperture is not provided, the screw  52  will contact rod  20  in a compression relationship. 
         [0060]    Turning to  FIG. 8 , shown is a further embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the clamp arrangement is modified and represented by numeral  56 . The arrangement has two straps  58  and  60  suitably attached to the mounting base  24 . Each of the straps  58  and  60  may comprise known webbed material such as ballistic nylon, cotton, polyethylene or other suitable material. Each strap  58  and  60  terminates in a releasably engageable fastener  62 ,  64 , respectively. These may comprise any adjustable fasteners well known in the art. As an alternative only one strap  58  or  60  may include a double D type buckle to simply receive a free end of the strap. 
         [0061]      FIG. 9  illustrates the arrangement as positioned on a railing  66 . The railing is representative as an example only; the strap arrangement allows for connection to any article. 
         [0062]    Although embodiments of the invention have been described above, it is not limited thereto and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications form part of the present invention insofar as they do not depart from the spirit, nature and scope of the claimed and described invention.