Patent Publication Number: US-6903736-B1

Title: Visual display device and method of manufacture

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a visual display device. In particular, the present invention relates to a visual display device having an enclosure, a three-dimensional replica of a geographic region positioned within the enclosure, and a fluid within the enclosure. Typically, the geographic region is at least partially submerged in the fluid. Preferred embodiments may be in the form of so-called “snow domes” or “snow globes” that optionally contain dispersible media that simulate snowfall when the device is agitated, although optional dispersible media in the fluid need not imitate snow. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Typically, conventional ornamental displays, such as display globes, include a base onto which a figurine or other object to be displayed can be attached or otherwise positioned and a dome sealed to the base and surrounding the figurine or object. The seal between the base and the dome is usually fluid tight so that the interior of the display globe may be filled with water or other suitable liquid. Also, dispersible media, e.g., particles that imitate snow or the like, may be sealed within the dome. When the display globe is shaken or otherwise agitated, the dispersible media can become randomly and temporarily suspended in the liquid to simulate a snow scene or the like. Once the agitation has stopped, the dispersible media typically settle gradually to the base of the display globe. The settling effect simulates snowfall. One example of such a conventional display globe is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,258,209. In that patent, a decorative display globe in the shape of a bell has figurines of a house, trees, and the like fixed to a base of the display. By grasping the handle of the display and shaking it, the dispersible media may become randomly and temporarily suspended in the liquid sealed in the decorative display to simulate a snow scene. 
   Commonly, the above-described ornamental display globes are used as novelty items. Because consumers generally desire that the cost of such novelty items be relatively low, objects to be displayed within such display globes are usually made by inexpensive manufacturing techniques. Such manufacturing techniques can result in products that lack sophisticated aspects of realism and geometric complexity. Accordingly, it would be desirable to be able to economically manufacture sophisticated and highly realistic objects to be displayed within such ornamental display globes. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides a visual display device for displaying a realistic three-dimensional replica of a geographic region. In one form, the present invention provides an enclosure, which enclosure preferably includes an interior space. In an aspect of the present invention the enclosure includes a base for supporting and positioning the enclosure. Preferably, at least a portion of the enclosure is at least partially transmissive of light. A three-dimensional replica of a geographic region is preferably positioned at least partially within the interior space of the enclosure so that the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region is at least partially viewable through the portion of the enclosure that is at least partially transmissive of light. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region comprises surface features corresponding to topographical data indicative of the three-dimensional topography of the geographic region. Also in a preferred aspect of the present invention a fluid, at least partially fills the interior space of the enclosure. 
   In another aspect of the present invention, a method for forming a visual display device is provided. Preferably, an enclosure having an interior space is provided wherein at least a portion of the enclosure is at least partially transmissive of light. Information comprising data indicative of the three-dimensional topography of a geographic region is used to fabricate a realistically proportional, three-dimensional replica of the geographic region. Also, the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region is preferably positioned at least partially within the interior space of the enclosure so that the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region is at least partially viewable through the portion of the enclosure that is at least partially transmissive of light. Preferably, the interior space of the enclosure is at least partially filled with a fluid. Optionally, dispersible media is included in the enclosure as well. Also, the enclosure may be supported by a base. 
   These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to identify the same or similar parts in the several views. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate several aspects of the invention and together with description of the embodiments serve to explain the principles of the invention. A brief description of the drawings is as follows: 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic top view of a preferred visual display device of the present invention of the type including a base and an enclosure; 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic side view of the visual display device of FIG.  1  and showing in particular a three-dimensional replica of a geographic region positioned within the enclosure in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the visual display device of  FIGS. 1 and 2  taken on the line  3 — 3  showing in particular the enclosure positioned within a cutout region of the base in accordance with the present invention; and 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the visual display device of  FIG. 3  showing in particular a rim of the enclosure engaged with a channel of the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region in accordance with the present invention and showing the enclosure positioned within the cutout region of the base. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   The embodiments of the present invention described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the particular embodiments disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are described so that others skilled in the art can understand the principles and practices of the present invention. 
   In  FIGS. 1-4 , a preferred embodiment of a display device  10  made in accordance with the present invention is shown. A top view, side view, and a side cross-sectional view of the display device  10  are shown schematically in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3  respectively. In  FIG. 4 , a portion of the side cross-sectional view of  FIG. 3  is shown in more detail. The display device  10  preferably includes an enclosure  12  coupled to a base  14  and a three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16  positioned within the enclosure  12 . The display device  10  also preferably includes a fluid that at least partially fills the enclosure  12  and optionally also may include dispersible media  28  capable of simulating a snowstorm or the like. The enclosure  12 , base  14 , the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16 , and the fluid and dispersible media  28  are each described in detail below. 
   As can be seen best in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the base  14  of the exemplary display device  10  is generally elliptical as viewed from the top ( FIG. 1 ) and has angularly disposed sides as viewed from the side ( FIG. 2 ) thereby forming a three-dimensional body similar in shape to a truncated egg. It is contemplated that the base  14  may have a variety of different shapes and designs, e.g. oval, round, square, rectangular, irregular, as well as variations and combinations of such shapes and designs. For example, the base  14  may include straight sides or decorative sides or the like. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the base  14  may be about 0.5 inches to about 30 inches in length and more preferably about 10 inches to about 15 inches in length. Also, a preferred base  14  may be about 0.5 inches to about 30 inches in width and more preferably about 2 inches to about 10 inches in width. The height of a preferred base  14  may be about 0.2 inches to about 10 inches and more preferably about 1 inch to about 5 inches. In an aspect of the present invention the base  10  may be generally round or partially spherically shaped. An exemplary round base  10  may be about 0.5 inches to about 30 inches in diameter and more preferably, about 2 inches to about 15 inches in diameter. 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , the base  14  is shown in cross-section. Preferably, the base includes an optional cavity  18  for positioning a mixing device (not shown) for agitating or otherwise mixing a fluid  27  including dispersible media  28  so as to disperse media  28  throughout the volume of fluid  27 . Mixing may occur for a brief period, continuously, or intermittently as desired. The effect is visually appealing and, in some embodiments, simulates a snowstorm or the like. It is contemplated that the cavity  18  and the mixing device for simulating a snowstorm or the like may be omitted from the display device  10  for certain applications. If omitted, shaking the display device  10  to agitate the fluid and the dispersible media  28  may generate a simulated snowstorm or the like. 
   The base  14  preferably includes a cutout region  20 . The cutout region  20  may be used, for certain applications, for mounting and positioning the enclosure  12  with respect to the base  14 . Such mounting and positioning is described in more detail below. It is noted that the cutout region  20  may be any structure that allows the enclosure  12  to be registrably assembled with respect to the base  14  such that the functional aspects of the present invention are accomplished. For example, the cutout region  20  may be a recessed region as illustrated or may comprise any structure for assembling the enclosure  12  to the base  14  such as by a press or snap-fit, screws, optional gasket (not shown), or by gluing or welding etc. 
   The base  14  may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the base  14  may be formed from solid wood, which wood may be indigenous to the geographic region displayed by the display device  10 . Such wood may include pine, maple, birch, and cherry as well as many others. Also, the base  14  may be formed from laminated wood such as solid core Russian plywood, marine plywood, and the like. Additionally, other materials representative of the displayed geographic region may be used such as natural or synthetic rock or stone including granite, quartz, and marble. In another aspect of the present invention, the base  14  may be formed from one or more metals, intermetallic compositions, and/or alloys such as stainless steel or aluminum or may be formed from one or more polymers, water proofed paper mache, and the like. The base  14  may be formed by any appropriate fabrication technique including, but not limited to, hand carving, machining, injection molding or other molding technique(s), forging, and casting. It is contemplated that the base  14  may be formed as one part or may be formed as a plurality of parts, which may be assembled to form base  14  in accordance with the present invention. If desired, the base  14  may include additional features such as nameplates, receptacles for souvenirs such as souvenirs that are representative of the displayed geographic region, as well as decorative moldings, optional texture, etchings, or carvings. 
   Now referring mainly to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the exemplary enclosure  12  is preferably elliptically shaped as viewed from the top ( FIG. 1 ) and dome shaped as viewed from the side (FIG.  2 ). In an aspect of the present invention a preferred enclosure  12  is generally spherically shaped. Of course the enclosure  12  may comprise any shape such as square, rectangular, round, or complex combinations of shapes. Generally, a preferred appearance may be accomplished wherein the shape of the enclosure  12  correlates, at least generally, with the shape of the base  14  as in the exemplary display device  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . It is contemplated, however, that the shape of the base  14  and the shape of the enclosure  12  may be different from each other. And, alternatively the base  14  may be omitted from the display device  10  in certain aspects of the present invention. That is, a display device  10  in accordance with the present invention may include an enclosure  12  and a three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16  without a separate base structure attached thereto. In such embodiments, part of the enclosure  12  and/or the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16  function as the base  14 . 
   In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the enclosure  12  may be formed from a transparent material such as glass, quartz, acrylic, polycarbonate or other polymer and preferably includes an interior space  22 . Preferably, the interior space  22  is capable of having a fluid sealed within at least a portion of the interior space  22  as is described in more detail below. A preferred enclosure  12  is formed from a substantially transparent, glass containing material, which has a generally uniform wall thickness of about one-sixteenth of an inch thereby defining the interior space  22 . 
   The enclosure  12 , for certain applications, may be frosted, colored, etched, engraved, painted or otherwise ornamentally decorated or altered in any desired way over at least a portion of its surface. It is further contemplated that the enclosure  12  may include patterns, or markings with decorative elements, graphics, or alphanumeric information incorporated directly into the material of which the enclosure  12  is formed and/or formed separately and attached to the enclosure  12 . For certain aspects of the present invention, it is contemplated that the enclosure  12  may include portions thereof, which are non-transmissive of light or partially transmissive of light as long as at least a portion of the enclosure is at least partially transmissive of light. Also, it is contemplated that the enclosure may be formed from any material, either known or developed, and that the interior space  22  may comprise any shape and size in accordance with the present invention. That is, the enclosure  12  does not need to have a uniform wall thickness defining the sealable interior space  22 . Further, the enclosure  12  may be formed from multiple pieces, which are attached or sealed together in accordance with the functional aspects of the present invention. 
   As introduced above, the display device  10  preferably includes at least one three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16 , the preferred fabrication of which is described in detail below. As can be seen in FIG.  2  and in cross-section in FIG.  3 . the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16  is positioned within the interior space  22  of the enclosure  12  so that at least a portion of it is viewable from outside of the enclosure  12 . Alternatively, the enclosure  12  and the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16  may be formed as an integral unit (or the base  14  and the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16  may be formed as an integral unit). 
   Preferably, the exemplary enclosure  12  includes a rim  24  as can be seen best in FIG.  4 . It is contemplated that for certain applications the rim  24  may alternatively comprise an edge, surface, channel or groove, or lip, or any other structure in accordance with the present invention. The rim  24  preferably fits within and engages with an engagement portion  26  of the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16 . As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , the engagement portion  26  of the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16  generally comprises an annular channel or groove, which may receive the rim  24  of the enclosure  12 . However, the engagement portion  26  may comprise an edge, surface, or lip or any other similar structure. Accordingly, the rim  26  may be coupled to the engagement portion  26  and sealed thereto with a suitable fluid resistant sealant and/or glue such as silicone, or epoxy, polyurethane, or the like. It is contemplated that any structure may be used as the rim  24  and engagement portion  26  such that the enclosure  12  and the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16  may be coupled in accordance with the present invention. For example, an interference fit, snap-fit, or releasable type structure may be used. It is further contemplated that the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16  may be attached to at least a portion of the base  14  and positioned within the enclosure  12 . That is, the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16  does not need to be attached to the enclosure  12 . Also, the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16  may positioned within the enclosure  12  without being attached to the base  14  or the enclosure  12 . 
   Also, interior space  22  of the enclosure  12  is at least partially filled with a fluid. This can be accomplished in any desired way. For example, the enclosure  12  can be at least partially filled with fluid by inverting the enclosure  12  and filling the enclosure  12  with a desired amount of a fluid, such as distilled water, along with about one drop of glycerin and any other desired conventional additives or particulate matter such as a dispersible media  28 . Next, a bead of a suitable sealant, which is resistant to the particular fluid being used (e.g. waterproof if the fluid is aqueous), is preferably placed on the engagement portion  26  of the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16  or on the rim  24  of the enclosure  12 . The three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16  can then be installed into the enclosure  12  while allowing excess fluid, if any, to be displaced out of the enclosure  12 , thereby engaging the engagement portion  26  and the rim  24  and forming a fluid-tight seal. The engagement portion  26  and the rim  24  may be appropriately clamped if necessary until the seal is cured. It is contemplated, additionally, that any technique may be used to fill the interior space  22  of the enclosure  12  with a fluid. For example, a fill port may be provided in the device  10  or in the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16  for filling the interior space  22  of the enclosure  12  for certain applications. In this approach, the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16  forms part of the enclosure  12  and functions as a closure. It is understood that for certain applications the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16  may be at least partially attached to the base  14 . 
   Additionally, the enclosure  12  having the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16  attached thereto may be coupled with the base  14  by attaching the enclosure  12  to the base  14  by using an appropriate glue, epoxy, or mechanical fastening technique. Preferably, the size and shape of the rim  24  of the enclosure  12  substantially corresponds with the size and shape of the cutout region  20  of the base  14 . That is, for the exemplary display device  10  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the rim  24  is generally elliptically shaped and the cutout region  20  is also generally elliptically shaped such that the rim  24  may fit into the cutout region  20  and be secured thereto if desired. Alternatively, the enclosure  12  may simply rest on the base  14  without being attached to the base  14  or may be displayed alone without using the base  14 . 
   Additionally, the optional dispersible media  28  to simulate snow or the like may be included if desired. Such dispersible media  28  preferably have characteristics, e.g. density, shape, etc., that allow the dispersible media  28  to be suspended for prolonged periods when dispersed in the fluid. It is contemplated that the dispersible media  28  may comprise shapes or be in the form of objects representative of or otherwise corresponding to the realistically proportional replica of a geographic region  16 , such as golf balls in the case of a replicated golf course or portion thereof. Other examples may include baseballs, footballs, soccer balls, figurines, skis, ski boots, or the like. 
   In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16  can be formed by utilizing contour or elevation data from a natural or fictional (or proposed) geographic region or regions or portion(s) thereof. Such geographic region(s) may include but are not limited to all or a portion of existing or proposed parks, golf courses, ski slopes, mountain ranges and canyons, river valleys, real estate developments, as well as many others. In an aspect of the present invention, portions of certain geographic regions may be replicated to form related sets of a certain geographic site. 
   Once a geographic region to be replicated is identified, elevation data, which is representative of the topography of the geographic region, is preferably obtained from a suitable source such as from the U.S. Forest Service or from the U.S. Ground Service. Also, such elevation data may be obtained from aerial photography or from telemetry services. Typically, such contour or elevation data associated with a particular geographic region accurately represents the terrain or topography of the geographic region and may be used, in an aspect of the present invention, to form a realistically proportional replica of the geographic region as described below. It is contemplated however, that a three-dimensional replica of a geographic region may be formed having any desired proportionality. For example, a three-dimensional replica may be realistically proportional so that the three-dimensional replica is a scaled representation of the actual geographic region or the three dimensional replica may be altered, such as by stretching, compressing, or otherwise distorting the three dimensional replica in some aspect to form a modified version of an actual geographic region. 
   A three-dimensional replica of a geographic region may be formed wherein the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region comprises surface features that correspond to the topographical data indicative of the three-dimensional topography of the geographic region. This data may include data derived from contour, elevation, or survey maps or may be data obtained through GPS or other similar positioning/mapping systems. Generally, such data may be in alternative formats, for example, DEM or other three-dimensional vector imagery. It is contemplated that any data, which is indicative of the terrain, topography, or surface characteristics of the geographic region, may be used. Additionally, other information such as photographs, either aerial or otherwise, and descriptions and/or measurements of specific features and elements of the geographic region may be obtained as needed to assist in forming the three-dimensional replica of the geographic region. 
   The above-described data is preferably used to direct a machine to form a three-dimensional replica of the desired geographic region. Preferably, the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16  is formed by using information comprising topographical data for the desired geographic region(s). The three-dimensional replica of a geographic region may be formed by hand by using such information, such as by carving or the like. More preferably, the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16  is formed by an automated process using a suitable system that can fabricate three-dimensional structures using electronic data that defines the structure. Widely known and commercially available services are available and are generally referred to as Rapid Prototyping Systems, 3-D modeling systems, concept modeling systems, etc. Examples include Iron CAD and Gibs CAM software and systems. Such systems and techniques are also described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,136,515 to Helinski, U.S. Pat. No. 5,740,051 to Sanders, Jr. et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,143,852 to Harrison et al. 
   For certain application, the data may be used directly by the machine, however, the data may be converted from one format to another so as to be useable by a particular machine. That is, depending upon the form in which topographical data is obtained or gathered, it may need to be converted into a format understandable by the machine. 
   In one preferred aspect of the present invention an original or master three-dimensional replica of a geographic region may be formed by any of the above-described techniques and may then be used to form a mold for mass-producing the realistically proportional replica of a geographic region. For example, a mold may be formed from an original three-dimensional replica of a geographic region so that any suitable manufacturing process such as injection molding or the like can be used to form copies of the original realistically proportional replica of a geographic region. It is contemplated, however, that a suitable manufacturing process need not replicate a master and may manufacture an original as each mass produced unit. 
   In an additional aspect of the present invention, the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16  may include realistically colored, decorated, or otherwise enhanced portions thereof. Preferably, such colored portions generally substantially correspond to the actual (or proposed) geographic region to achieve a desired degree of realism. For example, for a geographic region such as a golf course, the colors of the grass and the sand traps may be added to the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16  by any suitable known or developed technique. In one aspect of the present invention, such colors may be painted on by using a hand technique such as brush painting or by using appropriately formed stamps or pads to imprint a desired color, including texture, to portions of the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16 . In another aspect of the present invention a machine may be used to add color to the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16  in accordance with the present invention. Such machines may include, but are not limited to, ink-jet or other similar printers, screen-printing machines, and the like. In one aspect of the present invention an overlay technique may be used to accurately print a photographic image onto a surface of the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16 . In one such technique, a photographic image may be directly printed, by ink-jet printing or the like, onto the surface of the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16 . One such photographic overlay printing service is available from Solid Terrain Modeling of Fillmore, Calif. It is contemplated that any technique to accurately overlay an image, such as an aerial photograph, other graphic image, or the like, onto the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16  may be used. 
   In yet another aspect of the present invention, the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16  may include three-dimensional objects, which are representative of the actual geographic region. For example, man-made structures or formations such as buildings and bridges and the like may be formed by any suitable technique and attached or glued to or otherwise incorporated with the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16 . Additionally, such three-dimensional objects may comprise living as well as non-living naturally occurring geographic forms such as trees and plants, waterfalls, rock formations, etc. Text such as topographical elevation information or numbered contours which are representative of the geographic region may also be included as part of the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region  16 . 
   Numerous characteristics and advantages of the invention meant to be described by this document have been set forth in the foregoing description. It is to be understood, however, that while particular forms or embodiments of the invention have been illustrated, various modifications, including modifications to shape, and arrangement of parts, and the like, can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.