WO2008134364A1 - Apparatus and method for displaying a levitated item - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus and method of displaying a levitated item, comprising: providing a first structural element that is associated with an attribute of an item or a source indicia; providing a second structural element that is associated with an attribute of the item or the source indicia; providing a third structural element that is associated with an attribute of the item or the source indicia, wherein a first end of the third structural element is attached to the first structural element and a second end of said third structural element is attached to the second structural element; and positioning the item within the operational confines of the structural elements such that the item levitates.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING A LEVITATED ITEM

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/913,946, filed April 25, 2007, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains generally to an apparatus and methods for displaying levitated items within the operational confines of a structure. More specifically, the structure for displaying the items are associated with an attribute of at least one of an item or source indicia proximate to the item. The methods and apparatuses disclosed herein can be used for display purposes, such as advertising or commercial displays, and/or educational purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various levitation systems have been taught for display purposes, such as for advertising, commercial or educational. These systems have focused on various concepts relating to the force emanating from electromagnets and/or permanent magnets to suspend the item displayed. U.S. Patent No. 7,110,236 (the '236 patent) to Joachim discloses a magnetic suspension system for holding an object in mid-air under the influence of fixed and variable magnetic forces countering gravitational pull of the object displayed. The focus of the '236 patent is to provide a system having a dynamic balance point that is below the theoretical balance point. There are a number of simple levitation devices/systems that employ specially configured electromagnetic and/or permanent magnet arrangements to levitate an item. In U.S. Patent No. 2,323,837 to Neal, for example, there is disclosed an apparatus having a base magnet comprising a plurality of cylindrical magnets, and an upper magnet member comprising a second plurality of cylindrical magnets. The arrangement of the base and upper magnet is said to stabilize the levitation system. Similarly, U.S. Patent No. 4,382,245 to Harrigan discloses a simple magnetic levitation device which uses a dish-shaped lower magnet to magnetically support or levitate a magnetic top spinning above the lower magnet. U.S. Patent No. 4,178,707 to Littlefield discloses a magnetically suspended model airplane. In the Littlefield patent, the invention tethers the aircraft containing permanent magnets over a magnetic base to suspend the model aircraft.

Levitation devices are also known and used for purposes other than for display. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,761 ,610 to Fisher et a/, teaches the use of levitation devices for those with limited/impaired motor skills who are unable to pick up common objects like cigarette lighters, hair brushes, combs and other personal use items. Other levitation devices/systems are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 2,377,175, U.S. Patent No. 6,655,058, U.S. Patent No. 6,269,563, U.S. Patent No. 6,154,353, U.S. Patent No. 5,692,329, U.S. Patent No. 5,883,454, U.S. Patent No. 5,638,340, U.S. Patent No. 5,298,875, U.S. Patent No. 5,182,533, and U.S. Patent No. 5,168,183. In addition, a variety of levitation devices are offered on websites such as alibaba.com, netgadget.net, innovatoys.com and scientificsonline.com.

However, there is no levitation device or system wherein the structural elements of the apparatus or system is associated with an attribute of at least one of item being displayed or a source indicia associated with the item. Thus, there remains a need in the art to display a levitated item within the operational confines of one or more structural elements, wherein the structural elements are associated with an attribute of at least one of said item and a source indicia. Satisfying this need would allow dramatic and effective means for displaying and advertising products and/or events, which would generate interest in the viewer.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Consistent with the present invention, herein is taught methods of and an apparatus for displaying a levitated item that is associated with an attribute of at least one of the item or source indicia. In such a method and apparatus, the structural elements are associated with an attribute of the item or source indicia, compared with prior art levitation devices where the structural elements displaying the item are not associated with an attribute of the item or source indicia.

In one embodiment, a method of displaying a levitated item within a structure, the steps include: providing a first structural element that is associated with an attribute of an item or a source indicia proximate to the item; providing a second structural element that is associated with an attribute of the item or the source indicia; providing a third structural element that is associated with an attribute of at least one of the item and the source indicia, wherein a first end of the third structural element is attached to the first structural element and a second end of the third structural element is attached to the second structural element; and positioning the item within the operational confines of the structural elements such that the item levitates. In another embodiment, a method of displaying a levitated item within a structure, comprises the steps of: providing a first structural element that is associated with an attribute of an item or a source indicia proximate to said item; providing a second structural and a third structural element associated with an attribute of the item or the source indicia, wherein a first end of the second and third structural elements are attached to the first structural element; and positioning the item within the operational confines of the structural elements such that the item levitates.

In another embodiment, a method of displaying a levitated item within a structure, comprises the steps: providing a first structural element and a second structural element associated with an attribute of the item or a source indicia proximate to the item, providing a third structural element and a fourth structural element associated with an attribute of the item and the source indicia, wherein a first end of the third structural element is attached to the first structural element and a first end of the fourth structural element is attached to the second structural element, and a second end of the third structural element is attached to a second end of the fourth structural element; and positioning the item within the operational confines of the structural elements such that the item levitates.

In yet another embodiment, an apparatus for displaying an item comprises: a first structural element, a second structural element, and a third structural element, which are interconnected and at least one of the structural elements is associated with an attribute of an item or source indicia proximate to the item; at least one magnet proximate to one of the structural elements; a force emanating from the magnet for levitating the item within the operational confines of the structural elements; and means for adjusting the force to position the item or source indicia. In another embodiment, an apparatus for displaying an item, comprising: an interchangeable first structural element, an interchangeable second structural element, and an interchangeable third structural element, which are interconnected and associated with an attribute of the item or a source indicia proximate to the item; at least one magnet proximate to one of the structural elements, a force emanating from one of the structural elements for levitating the item within the operational confines of the structural elements; and means for adjusting the force to position the item or source indicia.

In yet another embodiment, an apparatus for displaying an item comprises: a first structural element, a second structural and a third structural element, which are interconnected and associated with at least one an item or a source indicia proximate to the item; at least one magnet proximate to one of the structural elements; a force emanating from the magnet for levitating the item within the operational confines of the structural elements; and means for adjusting the force to position the item.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a general representation of a typical prior art magnetic suspension system. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the structural elements of a levitation apparatus having a base, a head and an arm, according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the structural elements of a levitation apparatus having a base, and two arms, according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the structural elements of a levitation apparatus having two bases and two arms, according to the present invention. FIGs. 5-13 show alternative embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It must be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations thereof. As used herein, the word "exemplary" is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as an illustration, specimen, model or pattern. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. In other instances, well-known components, systems, materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , there is shown a prior art device showing a typical manifestation of a magnetic suspension device. The frame (1) is divided into a stand (2) an arm (3) and a head unit (4). These may be constructed integrally or from several joined components. The object (5) is suspended between the head unit and the stand.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in the form of a basketball court, hoop and levitated basketball with team logo. A levitated item 200 having a base 210 structural element, a head 220 structural element, and an arm 230 structural element that are associated with an attribute of at least one of the item 200 or source indicia 235. The structural elements are assembled such that the first end 232 of the arm 230 is attached to the base 210 and a second end 234 of the arm 230 is attached to the head 220. The item 200 is positioned within the operational confines 250 of the structural elements 210, 220 and 230 such that the item 200 levitates.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment according to the present invention. Here is shown the concept of displaying a levitated item 300 having a base 310 structural element, and a first arm 330 structural element and a second arm 340 structural element that are associated with an attribute of the item 300 or the source indicia 335. The illustrated structural elements 310, 330, and 340 are assembled such that the first end 332 of the second arm 330 and the first end 342 of the third arm 340 are attached to the base 310. The item 300 is positioned within the operational confines 350 of the structural elements 310, 330 and 332 such that the item 300 levitates.

Referring now to FIG. 4 there is shown an alternative embodiment, displaying a levitated item 400 having a first base 410 structural element and a second base 460 structural element, and a third arm 430 structural element and a fourth arm 440 structural element, which are associated with an attribute of at least one of the item or source indicia 435. The structural elements 410, 460, 430, 432, 434, 440, 442 and 444 are assembled such that the first end 432 is attached to the first structural element 410, and the first end 442 is attached to the second structural element 460, and a second end 434 of the third structural element 430 is attached to a second end 444 of the fourth structural element by attachment means 104. The item 400 is positioned within the operational confines of the structural elements 410, 460, 430, and 440 such that the item 400 levitates. The attachment of second ends 434 and 444 may be achieved by any suitable means known in the art. In some embodiments the source indicia 435 and the item 400 are the same. In other embodiments the source indicia 435 is applied to the item 400.

FIGs. 5-13 illustrate exemplary alternative embodiments, according to the present invention. In some embodiments the base 210 is associated with the arm 230 and a distinct head 220, such as shown in FIG. 5, while in other embodiments the arm 230 and head 220 are combined, such as shown in FIG. 13. In some embodiments the source indicia 235 is located on or proximate to one of the structural members, such as the base 210, arm 230 and head 220, as shown in FIGs. 10 and 12.

In some embodiments the structural elements are fixed, in that they are not removable or exchangeable with alternatively shaped structural elements. In other embodiments, the structural members are interchangeable with other alternatively shaped structural elements. In other embodiments the structural elements are covered with a removable exterior. For example, the base 210 of FIG. 8 is covered by a removable covering resembling a portion of a racetrack that can be exchanged for the removable covering resembling a portion of a soccer field, as shown in FIG. 9. Similarly, the finish flag head 220 or head covering of FIG. 8, can be exchanged with the soccer shoe head 220 or head covering of FIG. 9. In addition, the baseball bat head 220 and arm 230 combination shown in FIG. 12 can be exchanged for the fishing pole head 220 and arm 230 combination shown in FIG. 13. The interchangability of structural members allows for more versatile use and greater display options.

Herein, the terms "item" or "source indicia" are defined broadly to include a characteristic, property, description, theme, or source of origin of a thing or an event or a concept or a service and the like, and includes, but is not limited to a sports theme, a sports event, a sports team, a team mascot, an entertainment event, hobbies, a brand name, a trade name, a trademark, a service mark, a trade dress, an animated character and the like, a non-animated character and the like, motor vehicles, emblems, symbols, slogans, business logos, a business product or service, a motion picture theme or character, a television show theme or character, a sitcom theme or character, a recording artist theme or character, a performing artist theme or character, a visual artist theme or character, literary works, a holiday theme or character, a public figure, a color or blend of colors, designs, consumer products, durable goods, an occupational theme or character, beverage, a toy, a location, any person, any thing, and any subject matter. All of the above embodiments can incorporate at least one magnet that is proximate to one of the structural elements.

The term "operational confines" includes the area in which the item, when in operation, can be levitated.

The means for adjusting the force emanating from said magnet includes a suitable control system.

The law does not require and it is economically prohibitive to illustrate and teach every possible embodiment of the present claims. Hence, the above- described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Variations, modifications, and combinations may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. All such variations, modifications, and combinations are included herein by the scope of this disclosure and the following claims.

Claims

Claims

1. A method of displaying a levitated item, comprising: providing a first structural element that is associated with an attribute of at least one of an item and a source indicia; providing a second structural element that is associated with an attribute of at least one of said item and said source indicia; providing a third structural element that is associated with an attribute of at least one of said item and said source indicia, wherein a first end of said third structural element is attached to said first structural element and a second end of said third structural element is attached to said second structural element; and positioning one of said item and said source indicia within the operational confines of said structural elements such that one of said item and said source indicia levitates.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: attaching said elements to form a structure, wherein the first structural element is a base, the second structural element is an arm, and the third structural element is one of an arm and head.

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising providing at least one magnet proximate to one of said structural elements, and at least one magnet proximate to one of said displayed item and source indicia.

4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising providing interchangeable structural elements.

5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising providing at least one removable covering for at least one structural element.

6. A method of displaying a levitated item within a structure, comprising: providing a first structural element associated with an attribute of at least one of an item and a source indicia; providing a second structural and a third structural element associated with an attribute of at least one of said item and said source indicia, wherein a first end of the second and third structural elements are attached to said first structural element; and positioning said item within the operational confines of said structural elements such that said item levitates.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: attaching said elements to form a structure, wherein the first structural element is a base, and the second and third structural elements are arms.

8. The method of claim 6, further comprising providing interchangeable structural elements.

9. The method of claim 6, further comprising providing at least one removable covering for at least one structural element.

10. The method of claim 6, further comprising providing at least one magnet proximate to one of said structural elements, and at least one magnet proximate to one of said displayed item and source indicia.

11. A method of displaying a levitated item within a structure, comprising: providing a first structural element and a second structural element associated with an attribute of at least one of an item and a source indicia, providing a third structural element and a fourth structural element associated with an attribute of at least one of said item and said source indicia, wherein a first end of the third structural element is attached to said first structural element and a first end of the fourth structural element is attached to said second structural element, and a second end of the third structural element is attached to a second end of the fourth structural element; and positioning said item within the operational confines of said structural elements such that said item levitates.

12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising providing at least one magnet proximate to one of said structural elements, and at least one magnet proximate to one of said displayed item and source indicia.

13. The method of claim 11 , further comprising providing interchangeable structural elements.

14. The method of claim 11 , further comprising providing at least one removable covering for at least one structural element.

15. An apparatus for displaying an item, comprising: a first structural element, a second structural element, and a third structural element, which are interconnected and at least one of said structural elements is associated with an attribute of at least one of an item or source indicia; at least one magnet proximate to one of said structural elements; a force emanating from said magnet for levitating said item within the operational confines of said structural elements; and means for adjusting said force to position said item or source indicia.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first structural element is a base, the second structural element is an arm, and the third structural element is one of a head and an arm.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising at least one magnet proximate to one of said displayed item and source indicia.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said structural elements are interchangeable with other structural elements.

19. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising at least one removable covering for at least one structural element.

20. An apparatus for displaying an item, comprising: an interchangeable first structural element, an interchangeable second structural element, and an interchangeable third structural element, which are interconnected and associated with an attribute of at least one of an item and a source indicia; at least one magnet proximate to one of said structural elements, a force emanating from at least one of said structural elements for levitating said item within the operational confines of said structural elements; and means for adjusting said force to position said item or source indicia.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the first structural element is a base, the second structural element is an arm, and the third structural element is one of an arm and head.

22 .The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising at least one magnet proximate to one of said displayed item and source indicia.

23 The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said structural elements are interchangeable with other structural elements.

24. The method of claim 20, further comprising at least one removable covering for at least one structural element.

25. An apparatus for displaying an item, comprising: a first structural element, a second structural and a third structural element which are interconnected, and at least one of an item and a source indicia; at least one magnet proximate to one of said structural elements; a force emanating from said magnet for levitating said item within the operational confines of said structural elements; and means for adjusting said force to position said item.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the first structural element is a base, and the second and third structural elements are arms, wherein a first end of each arm is attached to the base, and at least one of the base and arms are associated with an attribute of at least one of said item and source indicia.

27. The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising at least one magnet proximate to at least one of said displayed item and source indicia.

28. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said structural elements are interchangeable with other structural elements..

29. The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising at least one removable covering for at least one structural element.