Patent Publication Number: US-6210250-B1

Title: Musical ornament having concealable and movable figurine

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention pertains generally to ornaments, and more particularly to a musical ornament having a concealable figurine. 
     2. Description of the Background Art 
     There are a wide variety of ornamental displays in existence, and many of such ornamental displays are specifically designed for display during the Christmas season. Such known ornamental displays, however, do not provide a movable figurine that alternates between a position of complete concealment within the apparatus to a position of complete exposure, while the broadcast of Christmas music is automatically coordinated with the figurine&#39;s movement while in the exposed position. Additionally, the transport mechanism in such ornamental displays are fairly complex requiring a substantial number of moving components. As such, these transport mechanisms generally occupy a relatively large amount of space, thereby typically resulting in a fairly large and heavy ornament. Moreover, the cost of display ornaments having complex transport mechanisms can be high. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an ornamental display apparatus suited for the Christmas season, that utilizes a simple yet reliable transport mechanism, thereby reducing overall size, weight and cost for the ornamental display apparatus. The present invention satisfies those needs, as well as others, and generally overcomes the deficiencies known in the background art. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to an ornamental display apparatus having a concealable figurine that is movable from a concealed position to a display position, wherein music is broadcasted. By way of example and not of limitation, the ornamental display apparatus comprises a base, a botanical model, a housing, a figurine, a motorized drive assembly and a music broadcasting means. 
     The botanical model is disposed on the base, and the housing is enclosed within the botanical model. The botanical model is movable between an open and closed position. The figurine resides atop the base and is movable between a concealed position within the housing and an exposed position external to the botanical model. The motorized drive assembly moves the figurine between the concealed and exposed position, as well as the botanical model between the open and closed position. 
     The means for broadcasting music includes a circuit board and a speaker. The circuit coordinates the music with the position of the figurine, such that when the apparatus is activated, music is broadcasted and the figurine slowly emerges from the concealed position to the exposed position. When the music stops, the figurine retreats back to the concealed position. The music is recorded and stored on the circuit board. 
     Since the ornamental display apparatus is designed especially to be exhibited during the Christmas season, the preferred embodiment would include a Santa Claus replica for the figurine, a Christmas tree for the botanical model and the broadcast of Christmas music. 
     An object of the invention is to provide an ornamental display having a figurine movable between a concealed position and an exposed position. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an ornamental display suitable for festive seasons, such as Christmas. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide an ornamental display capable of broadcasting music. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide an ornamental display having the capability of synchronizing the broadcast of music with the movement of a figurine. 
     Further objects and advantages of the invention will be brought out in the following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodiments of the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes only: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a motorized ornamental apparatus in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the apparatus shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a sectional view, in perspective, of a motorized drive assembly of the apparatus shown in FIG.  1 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrative purposes the present invention is embodied in the apparatus generally shown in FIG.  1  through FIG.  3 . It will be appreciated that the apparatus may vary as to configuration and as to details of the parts without departing from the basic concepts as disclosed herein. 
     Referring first to FIG. 1, an ornamental apparatus  10  in accordance with the present invention is generally shown. As will be seen, apparatus  10  comprises a base  12 , a botanical model  14 , a housing  16 , figurine  18 , a motorized drive assembly and a means for broadcasting music. Housing  16  is enclosed within botanical model  14 , which is movable between an closed position and an open position, as shown. When botanical model  14  is in a closed position, housing  16  is completely concealed therein. Figurine  18  resides atop base  12  and is movable between a concealed position within housing  16  and an exposed position external to the botanical model  14 , as shown. The arrows indicate the direction of movement of botanical model  14 . 
     Referring also to FIG. 2, base  12  includes a first slot  20  disposed thereon. First slot  20  extends from the approximate center to the outer edge of base  12  and passes through base  12 , thereby providing communication between the upper surface  22  and lower surface of base  12 . Figurine  18  is adapted to moved along the path of slot  20  between the approximate center of base  12  to the edge of base  12 . 
     Housing  16  is generally cylindrically-shaped and includes an opening  23  and a pair of doors  24   a  and  24   b , which are pivotally attached to housing by hinges  26 . Housing is preferably concentrically positioned atop base  12  such that when figurine  18  is positioned on first slot  20  adjacent the center of base  12 , housing  16  envelops figurine  18 . When figurine  18  is in such position and doors  24   a  and  24   b  are closed, figurine  18  becomes effectively concealed within housing  16 . The arrows indicate the direction of movement of figurine  18  on base  12 . Doors  24   a  and  24   b  are normally biased in a closed position by a spring (not shown) or the like. The arrows indicate the direction of movement of door  24   a , and door  24   b  likewise shares the same direction of movement. Housing  16  is affixed onto base  12  by any known means, including but not limited to, screws, clips, press fit or the like. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that housing  16  may be formed integrally with base  12 . Although, base  12  and housing  16  are preferably fabricated from plastic, other materials such as wood or lightweight metals may also be used. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, figurine  18  is a replica of Santa Clause. Figurine  18  may also resemble other known icons, such as a snowman or an angel, as desired to suit the theme of the holiday or Christmas season. 
     Botanical model  14  is also affixed atop base  12  to cover housing  16 . To go along with the festive theme of figurine  18 , botanical model  14  is preferably a replica of a Christmas tree, to better emulate a Christmas atmosphere during the holiday season. The center of botanical model  14  has an opening which is configured to receive housing  16  therein. Botanical model  14  has movable portions  27   a  and  27   b , which are attached to move in conjunction with doors  24   a  and  24   b  of housing  16 . When movable portions  27   a  and  27   b  of botanical model  14  are in a closed position, figurine  18 , which is within housing  16 , is concealed by botanical model  14 . 
     Motorized drive assembly provides the capability for moving figurine  18  between the concealed position within housing  16  and an exposed position external to botanical model  14 , as shown in both FIG.  1  and FIG.  2 . Motorized drive assembly generally comprises a pair of guide rails  28   a  and  28   b , a plate  30 , a disc  32 , an electrical motor  34  and a drive train (shown in FIG.  3 ). 
     Guide rails  28   a  and  28   b  are positioned beneath base  12  in a generally parallel orientation relative to slot  20 . Plate  30  slidably engages guide rails  28   a  and  28   b  and is disposed therebetween, as shown in FIG.  2 . Figurine  18  is attached to plate  30  by a screw  36 , or the like, which passes through base  12 , so that movement of plate  30  along guide rails  28   a  and  28   b causes a corresponding movement of figurine  18  along slot  20 . Plate  30  includes a second slot  38  disposed therethrough, and second slot  38  of plate  30  is disposed in a generally perpendicular orientation relative to first slot  20  of base  12 . Disc  32  comprises a stud  40  disposed adjacent the periphery of disc  32 . Stud  40  is adapted to engage second slot  38  of plate  20  such that rotation of disc  32  causes translational movement of plate  30  along guide rails  28   a  and  28   b , and correspondingly, movement of figurine  18 . One revolution of disc  32  results in one reciprocating cycle of figurine  18  between the concealed position and the exposed position. The arrows indicate the direction of movement of disc  32 . 
     The width of second slot  38  determines the relative amount of time figurine  18  remains at both the concealed position and exposed position as stud  40  has to traverse the entire width of second slot  38  before significant translational movement of plate  30  occurs. The overall diameter of disc  32 , as well as the position of stud  40  on disc  32 , determine the total range of lateral movement of plate  30 . It can be seen that figurine  18  can move from its concealed position deep within housing  16  to the exposed position which extends well beyond the threshold of doors  24   a  and  24   b . Therefore, the combination sliding plate  30  and rotating disc  32  provides for a substantial range of motion for figurine  18 , in a very compact configuration that requires minimal space. 
     A pair of actuator arms  42   a  and  42   b  are positioned adjacent plate  30  and rotate upon contact with plate  30  during translational movement of plate  30  along guide rails  28   a  and  28   b . Actuator arms  42   a  and  42   b  are generally L-shaped and incorporate a hole  44   a  and  44   b  therein. Holes  44   a  and  44   b  of actuator arms  42   a  and  42   b  are each configured to accept a post  46   a  and  46   b , respectively, whereby rotation of actuator arms  42   a  and  42   b  around the axis of holes  44   a  and  44   b  causes rotation of posts  46   a  and  46   b . The cross section of holes  44   a  and  44   b  and posts  46   a  and  46   b  are preferably non-circular to prevent slippage during rotation of actuator arms  42   a  and  42   b , although others means for preventing slippage are contemplated, such as press fitting, glueing, welding or the like. Posts  46   a  and  46   b  are connected to hinges  26   a  and  26   b , so that rotation of actuator arms  42   a  and  42   b  cause hinges  26   a  and  26   b  to also rotate, thereby moving doors  24   a  and  24   b  between a closed position and an open position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. 
     Referring also to FIG. 3, the drive train of apparatus  10  in accordance with the present invention is generally shown. Drive train is powered by electrical motor  34 , which includes a rotor shaft  48  and a first pulley  50 . First pulley  50  is rotated by rotor shaft  48  and drives a belt  52  which in turn drives a second pulley  54 , which has a larger diameter than first pulley  50 . Second pulley  54  is attached to a worm screw  56 , which engages and drives a first speed reducing gear  58 . First speed reducing gear  58  in turn engages and drives a second speed reducing gear  60 . Second speed reducing gear  60  engages and drives a driven gear  62 . Driven gear  62  incorporates a concentrically-disposed recess  64  configured to receive a drive shaft  66  which extends downwardly from disc  32 . Therefore, it can be seen that through drive shaft  66 , rotation of driven gear  62  also rotates disc  32 . It can additionally be seen that the arrangement of the drive train of apparatus  10  provides for a substantial reduction in rotational speed as power is transmitted between rotor shaft  48  of electrical motor  34  to disc  32 . This rotational speed decrease, therefore, results in an increase of torque at disc  32 . In order to prevent slippage of drive shaft  66  during rotation of driven gear  62 , recess  64  and drive shaft  66  have matching cross sections. Preferably, recess  64  and drive shaft  66  have a square cross sections, while other matching cross sections are also contemplated. 
     The means for broadcasting music generally comprises a circuit board  68  and a speaker  70 . Circuit board  68  stores the musical information that is broadcasted through speaker  70 . The music stored is preferably of the Christmas variety in order for apparatus  10  to be ideally suited for exhibition during the holiday and Christmas season. Electrical power to electrical motor  34  and circuit board  68  is provided by either batteries  72  or from AC power delivered by a wire (not shown) through plug  74 . Activation of apparatus  10  is controlled by switch  76 . Electrical motor  34 , circuit board  68 , speaker  70  and the drive train of apparatus  10  is mounted onto a bottom cover  78 , which is attached to base  12  by a plurality of screws  80 , or the like. Circuit board  68  also controls operation of electrical motor  34  and thus, movement of figurine  18 . Therefore, the broadcast of music is coordinated with the movement and position of figurine  18 . Typically, music begins to broadcast when apparatus  10  is activated and figurine slowly begins to emerge from the concealed position within housing  16  toward the exposed position. When the music ceases, figurine  18  slowly returns from the exposed position to the concealed position. 
     Accordingly, it will be seen that this invention utilizes an efficient and reliable transport mechanism capable repeatedly cycling a figurine between a concealed position and an exposed position wherein music is broadcasted while the figurine is in the exposed position and wherein the figurine retreats to the concealed position after the music ceases. Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus the scope of this invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.