GB2208028A - Decorative novelty - Google Patents

Abstract

A decorative novelty such as a Christmas Tree bauble incorporates a micro-chip 14 and loudspeaker means 12 driven thereby for the generation of a musical tune such as that of a Christmas carol. The microchip may be battery powered or may be powered by a photo-voltaic cell. The novelty may incorporate a screw or plug to enable it to replace a lamp in a string of fairy lights. A switch may be provided to cut the power supply to the microchip. <IMAGE>

Description

DECORATIVE NOVELTY This invention concerns a decorative novelty particularly, though by no means exclusively, suitable for use as a decoration for a Christmas Tree.

According to the invention there is provided a decorative novelty comprising an ornamental enclosure, and a micro-chip driven loudspeaker means -for sounding a musical tune located within the enclosure.

The enclosure may take the form of a conventional Christmas Tree bauble.

The micro-chip may be powered by a battery housed within the enclosure or by an external power source or by a photo-voltaic cell forming part of the external wall of the enclosure.

The invention will be further apparent from the following description, with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawing which show by way of example only, two forms of decorative novelty embodying same.

Of the drawing:.- Figure 1 shows a side view of a first form of novelty; Figure 2 shows a cross-section through the novelty on the line II-II of Figure 1; and Figure 3 shows a side view of a second form of novelty.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, it will be seen that the first form of novelty comprises a hollow spherical envelope 10 forming a bauble having loop means 11 for suspending it from the branch of a Christmas Tree.

Within the envelope are mounted a miniature loudspeaker 12 and micro-chip 14 which when powered causes the loudspeaker 12 to sound a musical tune, typically of a seasonal character, such as "Jingle Bells" or "Silent Night".

Power is fed to the micro-chip 14 from external battery means (not shown) by wires 15 one of which incorporates an on/off switch 16.

Small perforations 17 are provided in the envelope 10 over the loudspeaker 12.

The novelty of Figure 3 is identical to that of Figures 1 and 2 save that a portion of the outer surface of the envelope 10 is comprised by a photo-voltaic cell 30 connected to micro-chip 14 whereby the bauble will play its tune whenever light falls upon it. If desired, a switch 31 may be provided on the outside of the envelope, or shutter means may be provided to cover the cell 30 to stop operation when required.

It will be appreciated that it is not intended to limit the invention to the above example only, many variations, such as might readily occur to one skilled in the art, being possible, without departing from the scope thereof.

Thus, for example, the loudspeaker may be arranged to play at intervals either through additional programming to the micro-chip or by arranging for the photo-voltaic cell to charge a miniature rechargeable battery or capacitor means which when charged would power the unit until discharge when recharging would commence.

Again, for example the bauble may be mounted on screw or plug connector enabling it to replace one lamp in a string of fairy lights. If then provided with a switch to silence the device such switch might conveniently substitute a resistance into the fairy light circuit whereby the remaining lamps are not subjected to excess voltage when the device is silenced.

Claims (7)

1. A decorative novelty comprising an ornamental enclosure and a micro-chip driven loudspeaker means for sounding a musical tune located within the enclosure.

2. A decorative novelty according to claim 1 wherein the enclosure takes the form of a Christmas Tree bauble.

3. A decorative novelty according to claim 2 wherein the musical tune comprises that of a carol.

4. A decorative novelty according to any one of claims 1-3 wherein the micro-chip is battery powered.

5. A decorative novelty according to any one of claims 1-3 wherein the micro-chip is powered by a photo-voltaic cell forming part of the outer wall of the enclosure.

6. A decorative novelty according to any one of claims 1-3 wherein the enclosure is mounted on screw or plug means enabling the novelty to replace a lamp in a string of fairy lights to provide power for the micro-chip from the mains.

7. A decorative novelty according to any preceding claim incorporating switch means to cut the power supply to the micro-chip.