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Waving illuminated novelty device with spinning light sourcesRelated Patent Categories: Amusement Devices: Toys, Having Light-or Sound-responsive Switch Or ControlWaving illuminated novelty device with spinning light sources description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060094327, Waving illuminated novelty device with spinning light sources. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/944,646 to Chernick et al, entitled Spring Supported Illuminated Novelty Device With Spinning Light Sources, filed Sep. 20, 2004. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to illuminated novelty devices that are used to produce observable patterns of light during low light conditions. More particularly, the present invention relates to such novelty devices where the observed pattern of light is produced from an array of spinning light sources. [0004] 2. Prior Art Statement [0005] In the prior art, there are many different types of illuminated novelty devices that produce an observable pattern of light. Such devices are not used for the purposes of illumination, like a flashlight. Rather, such novelty devices are merely used to produce an interesting pattern of light that can be observed during low light conditions. Such novelty devices are commonly sold or distributed at events that are frequented by children and where there are low light conditions. Examples of such events include children's concerts, circuses, amusement parks at night, firework shows and the like. [0006] There is a great variety in the types of illuminated novelty devices that exist. Some illuminated novelty devices use chemical luminescent light sources, where the observed light is created from a chemical reaction. Such chemical luminescent devices, however, cannot be selectively turned on and off once the chemical reaction has started. Furthermore, after a few hours, the chemical reaction ends and the novelty device is incapable of producing light. Furthermore, most chemical compositions used to produce light are toxic. Accordingly, the use of chemical luminescent novelty devices is inappropriate for many young children who may bite or teethe on the device. [0007] Other types of illuminated novelty devices use batteries to provide power to either incandescent bulbs or light emitting diodes (LEDs). Often, to increase the interest of the pattern of light produced by the device, motors are used to move the electric light sources when they are illuminated. One popular type of illuminated novelty device is a device where multiple electric light sources are positioned on the tips of narrow flexible arms. The flexible arms are attached to a hub that is supported by a handle. In the handle is a motor that spins the hub when activated. As such, when a user activates the motor, the hub spins and the lights at the ends of the arms illuminate. The result is a circular pattern of light that is interesting to observe especially in low light conditions. [0008] A problem associated with spinning electric novelty devices is one of play value. Once a child observes the pattern of light emitted by some prior art spinning lights, the child quickly becomes bored with the pattern of light produced. As such, the child no longer is interested in playing with the toy. This is particularly annoying to the parent of the child who just paid a substantial sum of money to buy the spinning light toy. [0009] A need therefore exists for a spinning novelty light that produces a changing pattern of lights that is highly interesting to an observer, especially a child observer, thereby increasing the play value of the device. This need is met by the present invention as described and claimed below. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0010] The present invention is a novelty item that spins at least one array of lights to produce a predetermined changing pattern of lights. The device has at least one array of lights that is supported by at least one flexible arm. The arms radially extend from a spinning hub. Consequently, when the arms rotate, the various lights in the array of lights rotate about the hub in a variety of circular pathways. A control circuit is provided in the hub that spins with the arms. The lights in the array of lights are coupled to the control circuit. The control circuit selectively flashes the lights in the array of lights in a manner that is synchronous to the speed at which the various lights are traveling in their circular pathways. As a result, the control circuit can cause the spinning array of lights to produce any desired pattern, display or alphanumeric message. [0011] The hub that supports the array of lights is connected to an elongated support that connects the hub to a handle. The elongated support preferably has at least one flexible section along its length. As the handle is moved, the elongated support waives and the array of lights can be caused to move through a predetermined range of motion relative to the handle as said array of lights spins in its circular pattern. The result is a highly complex pattern of light that is constantly changing and interesting to view. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following description of exemplary embodiments thereof, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [0014] FIG. 2 is a fragmented view of an array of light sources on one arm of the exemplary embodiment; [0015] FIG. 3 is a selectively cross-sectioned view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1; [0016] FIG. 4 is a front view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 as it creates moving patterns of light; [0017] FIG. 5 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and [0018] FIG. 6 is a partially fragmented view of another alternate embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0019] Referring to FIG. 1, a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention device 10 is show. The device 10 contains a handle 12. An elongated support 13 extends from the handle 12. The elongated support 13 has a bottom end that is attached to the handle 12. However, the opposite end of the elongated support 13 is free. An illumination assembly 15 is attached to the free end of the elongated support 13 opposite the handle 12. Continue reading about Waving illuminated novelty device with spinning light sources... Full patent description for Waving illuminated novelty device with spinning light sources Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Waving illuminated novelty device with spinning light sources patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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