GB2322308A - Display device - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a display device comprising a water tank 1 for containing water, one or more models 2, each of which models has a buoyancy of about equal to its weight, so that the models can be suspended in water in the tank, and water flow generating means 3 for generating water flows in the water, so as to cause or allow movement of the one or more models. Said one or more models may be constructed and decorated as model fish, planets, space craft or UFOs, and the water flow generating means may comprise bubble generating means 3a for generating one or more streams of bubbles within the water in the tank. Each model may have a specific gravity in the range 0.998 to 1.002, so that some models will have a natural inclination to rise or sink as the case may be, whilst others will remain stationary in still water. The models may be provided with fluorescent material and may be illuminated by U.V. lamp 4. The models may represent fish and may be constructed so as to include a number of pivotable portions (Figures 9 to 13).

Description

DISPLAY DEVICE The present invention relates to a display device and has particular reference to a display device for use as an indoor ornament. Specifically, the display device of the present invention may, in an eye-catching manner, simulate bodies moving in a weight-free environment such, for example, as fish in a fish tank, or planets, spacecraft or unidentified flying objects ("UFOs") in outer space.

Tropical fish, for example, are generally interesting to watch, and as a past-time, keeping of tropical fish has been found to be relaxing. Accordingly, tropical fish tanks are widely installed in homes and offices.

However, looking after living creatures such as fish is time-consuming. In particular, in order to care properly for tropical fish, one must maintain the quality of the water tank and the water in the tank, one must provide a constant supply of air into the water, feed the fish, and undertake numerous other chores.

Furthermore, tropical fish are generally expensive to buy and typically have short lives. Moreover, some tropical fish displays are not particularly eye-catching.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel display device for use as an ornament.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a display device which is eye-catching.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a display device which simulates bodies floating in a weight-free environment such, for example, as tropical fish in a tank, which display device does not suffer from one or more of the disadvantages outlined above associated with keeping real fish.

According to one aspect of the present invention therefore there is provided a display device comprising a water tank for containing water, one or more models, each of models has a buoyancy about equal to its weight, so that the model can be suspended in water in the tank, and water flow generating means for generating water flows in the water, so as to cause or allow movement of the one or more models.

Said one or more models may be constructed and decorated as model fish, planets, space-craft or UFOs.

Said water flow generating means may comprise bubble generating means for generating one or more streams of bubbles within the water in the tank. Said bubblegenerating means may be located at or towards the bottom of the tank, or alternatively at a position spaced vertically above the bottom of the tank. The effect of bubbles rising through the water towards the surface will be to create upwardly directed water flows and, in consequence, downwardly directed water flows. Models entrained in the water flows will be caused to more accordingly.

Each model may have a specific gravity in the range 0.998 to 1.002, so that some models will have a natural inclination to rise or sink as the case may be, whilst others will remain stationary in still water. Naturally, the water in the tank will contain discrete regions which do not include a water flow, and thus models having specific gravities other than 1.000 which are disposed for the time-being within such regions will rise or sink according to their respective relative gravities.

Preferably, the water flows generated within the water give rise to a rising or sinking speed of each model of up to 50mm per second.

Each model may comprise a float and a weight. Said weight may be positioned remote from the centre of mass of the float, so as to retain the model in a stable orientation in the tank water. It will be appreciated, that in use, the model will rotate in the water until the weight is disposed vertically below the centre of mass of the float.

In some embodiments of the invention, each model may be equipped with a piece of fluorescent material. Said display device may further comprise means for irradiating the tank water with ultraviolet light. The optical effects created by ultraviolet light on the fluorescent material will enhance the appearance of the display device, and will make it more eye-catching. Generally, the tank may be substantially rectilinear or curvilinear.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, where one of the models is designed to resemble a fish, said model may comprise a body portion which resembles the body of the fish, ventral fin portions which resemble the ventral fins of the fish, and a caudal fin portion which resembles the caudal fin of the fish. Said caudal fin portion and/or the ventral fin portions may be constructed from thin plastics film material, which material flexes within the water streams in the tank, so as to resemble the flapping of a fish's fins. Said caudal fin portion may be coupled to the fish body portion so as to be freely pivotable without a substantially vertical axis. Said fish model may further comprise a mandible portion which resembles the mandible of a fish. Said mandible portion may be coupled to the fish body so as be freely pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis. Preferably, the specific gravity of the mandible portion and/or caudal fin portion may be different from the specific gravity of the body portion so that as the fish model moves within the water, the mandible portion and/or caudal fin portion rocks about its axis, so as to increase the realism of the fish model.

Where one of the models is designed to resemble a UFO, the model may comprise a first disc having a hollow, domed central portion, and a second disc which is fastened to the first disc, so as to close the hollow space defined by the domed portion. Said hollow space may be occupied by air, and the specific gravity of the UFO model can be controlled by manufacturing the model with a predetermined volume within the hollow space. In a preferred embodiment, UFO model further comprises a third disc which is fastened to the second disc, such that the second disc is sandwiched between the first and third discs. Said first and third discs may be made from a transparent plastics material, whilst the second disc may be made from a fluorescent material. The interfaces between the first and third discs with the second disc give rise to interesting optical effects when the UFO model is illuminated with ultraviolet radiation.

In some embodiments, small air gaps, typically of about lmm in depth, may be formed between the first and second and second and third discs, so as to increase total internal reflection of the ultraviolet light within the second disc of fluorescent material, so that the light emitted by the UFO model principally emerges from the peripheral side of second disc, so as to resemble the popular image of a UFO.

Where one of the models is designed to resemble a planet (or star or moon) said model may comprise a hollow spherical body which is enclosed by two hemispherical members. Said hollow spherical body defines a hollow core, and the volume enclosed by the body is selected during manufacture of the model, so as to provide a predetermined specific gravity. The outer surface of the spherical body may be printed with decoration so as to resemble a planet, typically a known planet such for example as the Earth. The hemispherical members may each be made from a fluorescent material. Preferably, a blue fluorescent material may be used, so that when irradiated with ultraviolet light, the planet model is shrouded with a blue-glowing shell which resembles the appearance of the Earth from outer space.

Preferably, the configuration of the water tank and bubble-generating means will be designed so as to provide substantially uniform water flows or streams within the tank water.

Said bubble-generating means will typically comprise a gas-emitting member disposed within the water tank, which bubble-emitting member can be connected to a supply of gas outside the tank. Of course, said gas will usually be air. The gas-emitting member may comprise a hollow body having porous walls. The interior of the body will be connected to the gas supply, and the gas will debouch the body through the walls into the tank water, so as to create streams of bubbles. In some embodiments, the walls may be constructed from porous ceramic materials.

In some embodiments, the water tank may comprise upstanding side walls which, in section through a horizontal plane define a polygon. In this case, it is preferred that the gas-emitting member will be in the form of a ring or toroid.

In other embodiments, the water tank may be bowl-shaped, being substantially circular in cross-section, and having a swollen portion of increased diameter generally about half way between the top and bottom of the tank. In this case, it is preferred that a ring or torus-shaped bubble emitting member is positioned adjacent the expanded part of the tank.

In yet other embodiments, the water tank may be generally rectangular in cross-section, and an elongate gasemitting member may be positioned along one diagonal of the tank towards the bottom thereof.

In some cases, it may be desirable to produce a thin (or "flat") water tank of rectangular cross-section wherein two opposing upstanding walls are substantially shorter from corner to corner than the other opposing pair of walls. In this case, an elongate gas-emitting member may be positioned at or towards the bottom of the tank, such that it extends between the two short opposing side walls in parallel with the longer side walls.

Said display device may further comprise a hollow base adapted to support the water tank. In some embodiments, the gas-emitting member may be accommodated within the base, and may include a plurality of spaced, branched gas-dispensing tubes which extend through the bottom wall of the water tank.

The display device of the present invention may further comprise a cover which can be placed over the upper ends of the side wall or walls to cover the water in the tank.

Said ultraviolet lamp may be attached to the under side of the cover.

Following is a description by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings of methods of carrying the present invention into effect: Figure 1 is a perspective view, partly in cross-section, of a display device in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of another display device according to the invention.

Figure 3 is a side view of a fish model for use in a display device of the present invention, such as the one illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a sectional view through the fish model of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a UFO model for use in a display device according to the present invention such as the one shown in Figure 2.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view through a different UFO model.

Figure 7 is a side view, partly in section of a planet model for use in a display device according to the present invention.

Figure 8 is a side view in cross-section of the display device of Figure 1.

Figure 9 is a side view of another fish model for use in a display device of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view through a fish model of Figure 9 along the line X-X.

Figure 11 is a side view of yet another fish model for use in a display device of the present invention.

Figure 12 is a sectional view of part of the fish model of Figure 11 along the line Y-Y.

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view through a part of the fish model of Figure 11 along the line Z-Z.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of another UFO model for use in a device according to the present invention.

Figure 15 is a side view, in cross section of yet another display device according to the invention.

Figure 16 is a perspective view, partly in cross section, of yet another display device according to the present invention.

Figure 17 is a side view, in cross-section of part of the display device of Figure 16.

Figure 18 is a perspective view of yet another display device according to the present invention.

Figure 19 is a plan view of yet another display device according to the invention.

Figure 20 is a side view, in cross-section of yet another display device according to the invention.

The display device of Figure 1 comprises a water tank (1) having a bottom wall (lib) and a plurality of upstanding side walls (la). In plan view, the water tank has the shape of a polygon, in this case a hexagon. The water tank (1) is constructed to contain water (W), and pebbles and gravel (S) may be spread over the bottom wall (lb) inside the tank for aesthetic effect. The tank further comprises a cover (lc) which can be supported by the upper ends of the side walls (la) to cover the water in the tank. An ultraviolet lamp (4) is mounted on an under side of the cover (lc).

An aperture is provided in the cover (lc), which aperture, accommodates a flexible, air-tight tube (3b).

Said tube (3b) is connected outside the tank (1) to a gas supply (3c), typically an air pump. Inside the tank, the tube (3b) is connected to a air-dispensing member (3a), which air-dispensing member comprises a hollow body having porous walls. In the present example, the hollow body has the shape of a torus. The walls of the hollow body may be formed from perforated rubber or from a porous ceramic material, so that air delivered to the interior of the hollow body from the air pump (3c) via tube (3b) debouches into the water in the tank to form a plurality of streams of bubbles as shown in Figure 1.

The display device further comprises a plurality of models (2) which have a specific gravity which is close to that of water, so that they can be suspended under their own weight in the water. In the example shown in Figure 1, each model is constructed and decorated to resemble fish such as a tropical fish or goldfish as shown in more detail in Figure 3.

Each model (2) consists of a float (2a) made from a material having a specific gravity which is less than that of water and a weight (2b) which is made from a dense material. Typically, the float (2a) may be made from a foamed rubber resin having a specific gravity of about 0.6, which resin is water resistant. The weight (2b) may be made from lead. The model (2) as a whole has a specific gravity in the range 0.998 to 1.002. For models have specific gravity of greater than 1.000, such models will sink slowly in still water. For models having a specific gravity of less than 1.000, the models will rise. For models having a specific gravity that is 1 i 0.002, such models will sink or rise (as the case may be) at a terminal velocity of about 25mms'l.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the weight (2b) is spaced from the centre of mass (G) of the model, so that in water, the model will rotate until the weight (2b) is disposed vertically below the centre of mass (G), so as to retain the model in a stable orientation.

As mentioned before, the model (2) may be decorated.

Preferably, the outer surface of the float (2a) of each model is also treated to enhance its wettability, as to reduce the tendency for bubbles to become attached to the surface of the model (2).

As alternatives to fish, the models (2) may be shaped and decorated to resemble other bodies such, for example, as planets, space-ships or UFOs as shown in Figure 2. As with the fish models, such alternative models will preferably have a specific gravity in the range 0.998 to 1.002.

Two alterative forms of construction of UFO models are shown in Figures 5 and 6. In each case, the UFO model consists of three discs (2c,2d,2e). All three discs are substantially the same diameter, and are laminated together as shown in Figures 5 and 6, so that one disc (2e) is sandwiched between the other two (2c,2d).

Preferably, the outermost discs (2c,2d) are made from a transparent material, and the disc (2e) is made from a fluorescent, transparent material, so that when ultraviolet light is shone into the water tank (1) the middle disc (2e) fluoresces to recreate eye-catching optical effects. Preferably, the transparent, fluorescent material is selected so that light incident on the UFO model (2) is totally internally reflected by the middle plate (2e), so that light irradiated from the model is principally emitted from the peripheral side (2h) of the middle disc (2e). This effect can be enhanced as shown in Figure 6, by introducing a small clearance (2i) of about lmm depth between the middle disc (2e) and each of the outer discs (2c,2d).

One of the outer discs (2c) is formed with a hollow dome towards its centre. The space defined between the dome and the middle disc (2e) is filled with air, and the volume of the space can be selected to give the model (2) its required specific density. The UFO model (2) may also be provided with legs (2g) as shown in the Figures.

A model (2) designed to resemble a planet, in this case the Earth, is shown in Figure 7. This planet model comprises a hollow spherical body (2j) which is printed on its outer surface with decoration, for example a map of the Earth, and two hemispherical shells (2k) which enclose the spherical body (2j). Preferably, the hemispherical shells (2k) are manufactured from a fluorescent, transparent plastics material which can be manufactured as before from acrylic resin mixed with fluorescent material. The colour of the florescent material can be chosen to suit. For a plant model resembling the Earth, however, it is attractive to select a blue fluorescent material, whilst for the Moon, orange may be used, and for the Sun, red is preferred. Again, when ultraviolet light is shone on the planet model (2), total internal reflection of the light occurs within the hemispherical shell (2k), with the majority of the irradiated light being emitted from the annular end (21) of each hemisphere (2k). In some examples, a thin water layer of about 0.5mm in thickness may be formed between the hemispherical shells (2k) and the spherical body (2j), so that the spherical body (2j) appears to be more closely in contact of each hemispherical shell (2k), and so that the detail printed on the outer surface of the spherical body (2j) can be seen more clearly to an observer. The volume of the hollow space defined by the spherical body (2j) can be selected and manufactured to provide the planet model with the desired specific gravity.

As mentioned before, in still water, the models described above will either rise or sink slowly at terminal velocity or stay substantially stationary according to their individual specific gravities as shown in Figure 8. However, when gas is dispensed from the gasdispensing member (3a) in the water tank (1) as bubbles, water flows will be established which travel upwardly in the tank. As a consequence, downward streams will also be established to replace the water moving upwards with the bubbles. Said models (2) will be entrained in such upward and downward moving water streams causing the models to move within the water. Preferably, the bubbles are emitted from the air emitting member (3a) so as to provide arising or sinking speed the models (2) of up to 50mm per second.

In order to enhance the aesthetic appearance of fish models within the water tank, each fish model may comprise a body portion (2a), ventral fin portions (20b), a caudal fin portion (20c) and a dorsal fin portion (20d) which resemble the corresponding fins and body portion in real fish (see Figure 9). Each of the fin portions (20b,20c,20d) may be made from a thin plastics film material such as HPPE film in a thickness in the range 0.01 to 0.02mm. Said body portion (20a) is provided with a extrusion (20e) at its rear end to provide an attachment point for the caudal fin portion (20c) as shown in Figure 10. Said caudal fin portion may be shaped as a "V", as found in some fish in real life. As the fin portions (20b,20c,20d) are made from thin film, they tend to waggle about in the water tank in use, so as to give a more life-like effect.

For increased likeness to real fish, fish models of the present invention may be equipped with caudal fin portions (2Oc) which are pivoted to the body portion (20a) about a vertically oriented axis as shown in Figures 11 and 13. Furthermore, a fish model of the invention may include a mandible portion (20f) which is pivoted to the body portion (20a) about a substantially horizontally extending axis. For example, the mandible portion (20f) and body portion (20a) may be coupled together about a horizontally extending pin (20h) as shown in Figure 12. Where pivotable caudal fin portions (20c) and mandible portions (20f) are used, the fish body portion (2a) may be formed from a synthetic resin having a specific gravity of about 0.8 to 0.9. The dorsal fin portion (20d), pectoral fin portions (20g) and abdominal fin portions (20b) may be formed integrally with the body portion (2a). Said mandible portion (20f) and caudal fin portion (20c) may be formed from a synthetic resin having a specific gravity of about 1.0, so as to increase amount of movement between the body portion (20a) and the caudal fin portion (20c) and mandible portion (20f).

An alternative form of UFO model is shown in Figure 14 which comprises a substantially spherical body portion (20j) and a ring (20k) which is fastened to the spherical body (20j). As before, the UFO model includes a weight (2b) buried in the bottom of the model.

Naturally, the present invention comprehends other forms of water tank (1) and gas-emitting members (3a). For example, the water tank shown in Figure 15 is supported on a hollow base member (5) having an upper wall (5a).

The gas-emitting member (3a) is constituted by a hollow spherical body formed, e.g from a ceramics material. The interior of the spherical body (3a) is connected to a gas pump (3c) in the base member (5) via a tube (3b) which extends upwardly through the upper wall (5a) of the base member (5) and bottom wall (lb) of the tank (1). In the display device in Figure 2, an elongate pipe closed at one end is used as the gas-emitting member (3a).

The display device of Figure 16 comprises a "flat' tank (1) having two narrow (or short) opposing side walls and two wide (or long) opposing side walls. In this case, the gas-emitting member comprises an elongate pipe (3d) accommodated within the base (5) of the device below the bottom wall of the tank (1). The pipe (3d) is formed with a plurality of spaced, upstanding nozzles (3e) which extend upwardly through the bottom wall of the tank for dispensing air as bubbles into the tank water. As will be seen from Figure 16, the space (5) dlso accommodates an ultraviolet lamp (see also Figure 17). The device of Figure 18 is similar to the device shown in Figure 16, except the ultraviolet lamp (4) is accommodated within the cover (lc) of the tank (1), and the gas pump (3c) disposed outside the base (5).

The device of Figure 19 includes a water tank which is generally rectangular in plan view, and again an elongate pipe having porous walls is used as the gas-dispensing member (3a). As will be seen from Figure 19, the member, in this case, is arranged to extend along one diagonal of the tank (1).

The device of Figure 20 includes a bowl shaped tank (1) having a swollen portion of enlarged diameter about half way between the top and bottom of the tank. In this case, it has been found preferable to space the gasdispensing member (3a) from the bottom wall of the tank, and to position it adjacent the swollen part of the tank.

Claims (15)

1. A display device comprising a water tank for containing liquid, preferably water, one or more models, each of which models has a buoyancy in the liquid of about equal to its weight, so that the model can be suspended in liquid in the tank, and liquid flow generating means for generating liquid flows in the liquid, so as cause or allow movement of the one or more models.

2. A display device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said one or more models are constructed and decorated as model fish, planets, space craft or UFOs.

3. A display device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said liquid flow generating means comprises bubble generating means for generating one or more streams of bubbles in the liquid in the tank.

4. A display device as claimed in claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3 wherein each model has a relative gravity in the range 0.998 to 1.002.

5. A display device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each model comprises a float and a weight, which weight is positioned remote from the centre of mass of the float, so as to retain the model in a stable orientation in the tank.

6. A display device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each model is equipped with a piece of fluorescent material.

7. A display device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least one of the models is designed to resemble a fish, said model comprising a body portion, ventral fin portion, a caudal fin portion and a mandible portion; wherein said caudal fin portion is coupled to the fish body portion so as to be freely pivotable about a substantially vertical axis, and said mandible portion is coupled to the fish body so as to be freely pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis, the specific gravity of the mandible portion and/or caudal fin portions being different from the specific gravity of the body portion.

8. A display device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6 wherein at least one of the models is designed to resemble a UFO, which model comprises a first disc having a hollow, domed central portion, and a second disc which is fastened to the first disc, so as to close the hollow space defined by the domed portion.

9. A display device as claimed in claim 8 wherein said UFO model further comprises a third disc which is fastened to the second disc, such that the second disc is sandwiched between the first and third discs, said first and third discs being made from a transparent plastics material, and the second disc being made from a fluorescent material.

10. A display device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6 wherein at least one of the models is designed to resemble a planet (or star or moon), said model comprising a hollow spherical body which is enclosed by two hemispherical members.

11. A display device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said bubble generating means comprises a gas emitting member disposed within the tank, which gas emitting member comprises a hollow body having porous walls, the interior of the body being adapted for connection to a gas supply.

12. A display device as claimed in claim 11 wherein the walls of the hollow body are constructed from porous ceramic material.

13. A display device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a cover.

14. A display device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 8, Figure 15, Figures 16 and 17, Figure 19, Figure 20 or Figure 18 of the accompanying drawings.

15. A model substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, Figures 5 and 6, Figure 7, Figures 9 and 10, Figures 11 to 13, or Figure 14 of the accompanying drawings.