Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a new and improved method and apparatus for a mobile aerodynamic illumination apparatus having a graphic and secured to an automobile the apparatus including a modular base joined to a stem extending from said modular base fastened to a windsock having an inner and outer adapted to receive the graphic presenting a visual display surface, said windsock further comprising an illuminator having a lens assembly surrounding a light source and in visual communication with a light tunnel, said lens assembly including a lens, a first and second reflector said light source fixed to one end of said light tunnel and operable to emit light, the first and second reflectors being spaced apart and each presenting a reflective curvilinear surface whereby said emitted light is dispersed to said visual display surface for illumination of said graphic.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is continuation in part non-provisional application claiming the benefit of the earlier filed U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 12/217,591 filed on Jul. 7, 2008 and the earlier filed U.S. Provisional Application 60/948,551 filed on Jul. 9, 2007, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to a graphic display device and more specifically to a vehicle mounted illumination device for displaying a graphic associated with a sporting event, team, business, or promotional uses. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Many sporting events are held at night or extend into the night time. During these sporting events, many fans show their support of their team with various team memorabilia including clothes, decals and signs. In addition, some fans show their support with flags and windsocks attached to their vehicle. There are different types of existing car-mounted flags and windsocks used to display graphics while a vehicle is in motion. However, some of these existing car-mounted flags and windsock units on the market are not illuminated and, therefore, not visible at night. In addition, some of these flags and windsocks utilize nondurable materials and utilize a design which lacks sufficient support to prevent undesired oscillations of the windsock or flag during vehicle movement, limiting the visibility of any graphics associated with windsock or flag or broken flag stem. In addition, damage may occur to a vehicle as a result of undesired oscillation of the flag, windsock or support during movement of the vehicle. 
         [0004]    One prior attempt to provide a flag connected to a vehicle included U.S. Pat. No. 3,305,961, which utilized a hood-mounted signal panel with an internal lamp. However, as disclosed, the invention utilized a cord and plug that ran along the car exterior, into the car, and plugged into the car lighter. Other attempts include U.S. Pat. No. 4,002,138 and U.S. Des. Pat. No. 368,866. The &#39;138 patent disclosed a non-illuminated, car-window mounted safety flag for warning approaching motorists that the vehicle was disabled. The &#39;866 patent discloses a lighted wind sock with a limited support. 
         [0005]    Heretofore, there exists a need for a car mountable illuminated windsock for displaying a graphic associated with a sporting event or sporting team, business; or common cause. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention provides an aerodynamic apparatus having a graphic and secured to an automobile and adapted for illumination, said apparatus comprising a modular base releasably joined to a distal end of a stem, said stem extending from said modular base to a proximal end fastened to a proximal end of a windsock having an inner surface and outer surface adapted to receive said graphic presenting a visual display surface, said windsock further comprising an illuminator comprising a lens assembly surrounding a light source and in visual communication with a light tunnel, said lens assembly including a lens, a first and second reflector, said light source operable to emit light and fixed to one end of said light tunnel and said first and second reflectors being spaced apart and each presenting a reflective curvilinear surface whereby said emitted light is dispersed to said visual display surface for illumination of said graphic. 
         [0007]    The invention provides an illuminated apparatus for mobile display of team logos and graphics. Another object of the invention is to provide a vehicle-mounted, aerodynamic, apparatus for mobile display of team logos and graphics. 
         [0008]    A further object of the invention is to provide a multi-purpose apparatus that can be re-mounted on different modes of transportation using similar mounting modules or bases. 
         [0009]    Yet another object of the invention is to provide a mobile display apparatus that can be remotely controlled, either individually or in groups. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a decorative and styled apparatus for displaying team logos and graphics. 
         [0010]    Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. 
         [0011]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a machine for displaying and illuminating team or group logos, mascot images, colors, or other team or group graphics comprising: a graphics attachment ring that can be opened for graphics removal or closed for graphics capture, an aerodynamically shaped illuminator, an illuminator with side-emitting light distribution optics, an integral control section, a locking stem-to-base stem capture module, a single-action push-to-release stem capture module, an integral battery compartment, an on-board printed circuit board with LED&#39;S and microprocessor, individualized or group remote control capabilities, made of plastic, and/or made of metal. The invention incorporates LED&#39;s as the light source behind the side-emitting illuminator, which illuminates the graphics. The invention also incorporates an aerodynamically “stylized” aspect not currently available with the car-mounted flag and windsock devices on the market. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is side view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a rear view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a sectional view of an exemplary stem in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a view of an exemplary stem in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a side view of an illuminator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is an exploded side perspective view of the illuminator of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is an exploded side view of a portion of the illuminator of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a front view of an exemplary modular base in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the modular base of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a side view of a portion of the modular base of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a top perspective exploded view of the modular base of  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a front view of an attachment ring in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a front view of an operational control in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of the vehicle mounted windsock. The embodiment is comprised of a windsock  13 , a stem  01 , and a modular base  15 . The windsock  13  is aerodynamically shaped to receive air flow through its inner periphery. The windsock  13  is preferably frustoconical, having a major radius at a proximal end and a minor radius at a distal end. The major and minor radii may be dimensioned according to the desired aerodynamics and visual display surface  45 , but preferably have radial distance of approximately 4.5″ and 2″ respectively. The outer surface  40  of the windsock  13  presents the visual display surface  45  which includes a graphic affixed to the outer surface  40  adapted for illumination. The windsock  13  is preferably formed from a durable air channeling material, such as nylon or polyester, which is suitable for use in varying wind and weather conditions. 
         [0028]    In order to illuminate the outer surface  40  or the windsock  13 , an illuminator  42  is disposed in the inner periphery of the windsock  13  at the proximal end thereof  13 . The illuminator  42  disperses light along the inner surface  44  of the windsock  13 , providing light to illuminate the visual display surface  40  from the inner surface  44 . The illuminator  42  illustrated in  FIG. 1  includes a light source  31 , a light tunnel  04 , a lens  05 , a first light reflector  06 , a second light reflector  07 , and a lens assembly  03 . 
         [0029]    The light source  31  is located at one end of the lens assembly  03  and may utilize plural light emitting diodes (LEDs)  31  or other light sources consistent with the description herein. The plurality of LEDs is arranged as a cluster which emits multiple colors of light. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, red, green, blue, and white LEDs  31  are included in the cluster. The light source  31  is optionally mounted on a circuit board  10 . Preferably, the light source  31  utilizes an operational control  09 , which is depicted in  FIG. 13  as a pair of selector buttons. In an exemplary embodiment, a first button  46  toggles power from a power supply to the circuit board  10 , energizing the light source  31 . Preferably, the circuit board  10  also includes a memory feature to restore the light source  31  to the last used operational mode. The operational modes may include on-off, gradual fading of one color to the next color, or a static color. A second selector button  48 , in communication with the circuit board  10 , may be momentarily depressed to selectively power individual LEDs or a combination of LEDs thereby presenting a different color with each momentary depression. Depressing and holding the second selector button  48  for a predetermined amount of time may force the operational cycle of the LEDs  31  to automatically change and gradually fade from one color to the next with no end to the cycle unless manually interrupted. 
         [0030]    As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the light tunnel  04  surrounds the light source  31  at one end of the light tunnel  04 , the emitted light being directed towards the opposite end of the light tunnel  04 . The illustrated light tunnel  04  is cylindrical and hollow, extending from the proximal end towards the distal end, including a reflective surface, presenting a path whereby the light travels from the proximal end towards the distal end of the light tunnel  04 . 
         [0031]    The lens  05  is composed of a semi-opaque, UV-stabilized material which diffuses light, and may be connected at the distal end of the light tunnel  04 . As illustrated, the lens  05  includes a plurality of snap connections for securing the lens  05  to the light tunnel  04 . In operation, the lens  05  scatters the light from the LEDs  32  reducing any hotspots and providing a more uniform, controlled light distribution. In one embodiment the lens  05  includes a rough or irregular surface (not pictured) to further scatter the emitted light from the light, source  31  prior to distribution to first and second reflectors  06 ,  07  and visual display surface  44 , the surface being fabricated from a durable plastic material with appropriate ultraviolet stabilized properties. 
         [0032]    The first light reflector  06  may be positioned near the distal end of the lens assembly  03 , substantially coaxially from the light tunnel  04  and lens  05 . The first light reflector  06  is adapted to receive a portion of the emitted light and may provide a visual barrier for the light source  31  from behind this embodiment. The first light reflector  06  may include a reflective curvilinear surface presenting varying angles of reflection for scattering received light. Various degrees of curvature along the curvilinear surface may be used to direct the received light to desired regions of the windsock  13 . The preferred degrees of curvature for the first light reflector  06  result in a substantial portion of the reflected light dispersed outward along the proximal end of the windsock  13 , with a portion of the emitted light being reflected over approximately one third of the windsock  13  and diffused towards the remaining portion of the windsock  13 . 
         [0033]    As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the second light reflector  07  may be located between the first reflector  06  and the proximal end of the light tunnel  04 . The emitted light is transmitted from the first reflector  06  towards the proximal end of the lens assembly  03 . The second light reflector  07  may be secured to the light tunnel  04  to prevent undesired movement. Generally, the second light reflector  07  is oriented perpendicular to the coaxial axis of both the light tunnel  04  and the first light reflector  06 . The second light reflector  07  is illustrated with a reflective curvilinear surface with differing portions of the surface preferably presenting various angles of reflection. Again, the degrees of curvature of the curvilinear surface may be used to desirably redirect the received light. In one embodiment, the configured curvature may result in a substantial portion of the reflected light passing the first reflector  06  while some light is passed around the second reflector  07  toward the distal end of the windsock  13 . The configured curvature may present parabolic surfaces, as desired, to configure the emitted light preferred for illumination of the visual display surface  45 . 
         [0034]    The lens assembly  03  defines a perimeter around the light source  31 , the light tunnel  04 , the lens  05 , the first light reflector  06 , and the second light reflector  07 . The lens assembly  03  may be composed of light conductive material, which facilitates dispersion of the emitted light, such as a clear, hard, weather and ultraviolet resistant material with an optional curvilinear surface that will allow substantially 100% light transmission with approximately 10% diffusion occurring at the outer lens face. Alternatively, light channels (not pictured) may be provided around the lens assembly  03  to diffuse the emitted light. The lens assembly  03  may optionally have a unitary configuration for releasable connection to protect the lens assembly  03  from the weather, the mechanical features being utilized to releasably secure the assembly, such as, but not limited to, alignment tabs  08 , mechanical fasteners, and notch structures  30  as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0035]    One skilled in the art would appreciate that the dispersement of light to the surface of the windsock  13  may be altered by modifying one or more of the following: the intensity of the light source  31 , the length or diameter of the light tunnel  04 , the composition or curvature of the lens  05 , the angles of curvature of the reflectors  06   07 , the composition of the lens assembly  03 , and the length or angle of curvature of the lens assembly  03 . 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the windsock  13  may be releasably secured to the stem  01 . The mechanical fastening system may include a plurality of openings  11  on the proximal end of the stem  01  and corresponding openings on the windsock  13  at its proximal end. Attachment rings  12  may be engaged through both an opening the windsock and a corresponding opening  11  of the stem  01  to releasably fasten the windsock  13  to the stem  01 . Alternatively, the opening of the windsock  13  may be presented by a seam formed proximate the major periphery of the windsock  13  adapted for receipt of a structure and facilitating the semi-rigid structure of the windsock  13  in operation. An attachment ring  12  may be engaged through the opening presented by the seam, thereby providing structure around the major periphery of the windsock  13 . The attachment ring  12  optionally includes ring attachment tabs  29  to restrict rotational motion of the windsock  13 . 
         [0037]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the stem  01  may be an aerodynamically shaped structure, fabricated by using a rigid material having an arcuate region which is joined to the windsock  13  on its proximal end and joined to a modular base  15  on its distal end. The stem  01  is optionally comprised of two opposing, generally symmetric members which are mechanically fastened  22  to form the unitary stem  01 . As depicted in  FIG. 3 , the stem  01  may use structural ribbing  21  in its interior in place of a fully rigid interior, in order to reduce the total mass and cost of the stem  01 . The stem  01  optionally includes a water-tight compartment  23  dimensioned to receive a power supply such as batteries. 
         [0038]    The stem  01  is secured to the modular base  15  for receipt by a vehicle structure. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 11 , the modular base  15  is releasably connected to the adapted stem  01  at insert  20 , via activation arm  24 , via channel  26 , for ready release by button  16 . The insert  20  extends from the distal end of the stem  01  and is complimentarily configured to the corresponding activation arm  24  associated with the modular base  15 . Generally, the insert  20  has a frusto-triangular cross-section adapted for the passage through a guide opening  28  into a lockable position with activation arm  24 . Upon engagement of the insert  20  by the activation arm  24 , optional audio feedback may be provided to notify the user of secure engagement. In order to disengage the stem  01  from the modular base  15 , the quick release button  16  may be depressed, causing an activation arm  24  to bias the insert inwardly relieving any mechanical pressure, and allowing disengagement of the insert  20 , thereby facilitating removal of the stem  01  from the modular base  15 . The modular base  15  may be housed  50 , with exterior of the housing  50  a recessed opening  17 , and a countersunk screw opening  18 . The interior of the housing  50  contains base ribbing  25  and structure  27  to receive attachment screws. 
         [0039]    Optionally, the corresponding channel  28  of the modular base  15  may be sized according to industry standards, allowing additional items to operate with the modular base  15 . 
         [0040]    As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the modular base  15  may further include a clip  19  which has of a length of rigid material fixed to an arcuate recess, which is angled from the modular base  15  and extends vertically along an appending leg  19   a  and then to a ridge  19   b  and then down to a depending leg  19   c , which is generally coplanar to the appending leg  19   a , to a termination  19   d . The radius of curvature of the arcuate recess may be adapted for a width of an automobile window to be sandwiched between the appending leg  19   a  and the depending leg  19   c.    
         [0041]    In operation, the stem  01  is secured to the windsock  13  via the circular attachment ring  12  and also secured to the modular base  15 . The clip  19  of the modular base  15  is then secured to the automobile window. The operational control  09  is then used to activate and control the light source  31  thereby illuminating the windsock  13  and the visual display surface  45 . 
         [0042]    While the foregoing detailed description has disclosed several embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the above description is illustrative only and not limiting of the disclosed invention. It will be appreciated that the discussed embodiments and other unmentioned embodiments may be within the scope of the invention.