US20180339239A1

US20180339239A1 - Collapsible kinetic outdoor lawn ornament having vanes rotatable about a vertical axis

Info

Publication number: US20180339239A1
Application number: US15/988,946
Authority: US
Inventors: Paul D. Maguire; Richard Shannon
Original assignee: Evergreen Enterprises of Virginia LLC
Current assignee: Evergreen Enterprises of Virginia LLC
Priority date: 2017-05-24
Filing date: 2018-05-24
Publication date: 2018-11-29
Also published as: US20180339240A1

Abstract

A lawn ornament includes a support member configured to support one or more frame assemblies for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the support member. Each frame assembly includes a plurality of rotatable members, each rotatable member configured for selective, independent movement about the longitudinal axis between a first storage position that facilitates storage of the lawn ornament and a second operating position that facilitates rotation of the frame assembly about the longitudinal axis in response to contact of the rotatable members by fluid flow.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Publication No. 62/510,543 (filed on May 24, 2017), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments relate to a collapsible (or “knock-down”) kinetic outdoor lawn ornament for placement, for example, in an outdoor setting. Each collapsible kinetic outdoor lawn ornament permits shipping/delivery nearly fully assembled. Specifically, the design includes one or more frame assemblies having a plurality of vanes that are moveable between an operating position and a collapsible/storage position for compact shipping. In the operating position, each frame assembly is rotatable about a longitudinal axis.

BACKGROUND

Outdoor lawn ornaments may be designed to spin/rotate under force of wind. Due to the overall size of the parts (e.g., large), the ornaments must be shipped/delivered fully disassembled to consumers, who then are required to assemble the product. Assembly time by customers is very high, and also lends itself to an increased opportunity for incorrect assembly. This may result in poor product function. Further, after assembly, such outdoor lawn ornaments are very bulky, thereby making it difficult for storage.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a collapsible kinetic outdoor lawn ornament having a frame assembly which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis, in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial front view of the collapsible kinetic outdoor lawn ornament of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the collapsible kinetic outdoor lawn ornament of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the frame assembly of the collapsible kinetic outdoor lawn ornament of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates a partial perspective view of the frame assembly of the collapsible kinetic outdoor lawn ornament of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the frame assembly of the collapsible kinetic outdoor lawn ornament of FIG. 1, with the vanes in a collapsible/storage position.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the frame assembly of the collapsible kinetic outdoor lawn ornament of FIG. 1, with the vanes in a collapsible/storage position.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the frame assembly of the collapsible kinetic outdoor lawn ornament of FIG. 1, with the vanes in a collapsible/storage position.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the frame assembly of the collapsible kinetic outdoor lawn ornament of FIG. 1, with the vanes in a collapsible/storage position.

FIG. 10 illustrates a collapsible kinetic outdoor lawn ornament having an inner frame assembly and an outer frame assembly that are independently rotatable about a longitudinal axis, in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates a partial front view of the collapsible kinetic outdoor lawn ornament of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of the collapsible kinetic outdoor lawn ornament of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the inner frame assembly and the outer frame assembly of the collapsible kinetic outdoor lawn ornament of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 illustrates a partial perspective view of the inner frame assembly and the outer frame assembly of the collapsible kinetic outdoor lawn ornament of FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of the inner frame assembly and the outer frame assembly of the collapsible kinetic outdoor lawn ornament of FIG. 10, with the vanes in a collapsible/storage position.

FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of the inner frame assembly and the outer frame assembly of the collapsible kinetic outdoor lawn ornament of FIG. 10, with the vanes in a collapsible/storage position.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of the inner frame assembly and the outer frame assembly of the collapsible kinetic outdoor lawn ornament of FIG. 1, with the vanes in a collapsible/storage position.

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of the inner frame assembly and the outer frame assembly of the collapsible kinetic outdoor lawn ornament of FIG. 10, with the vanes in a collapsible/storage position.

DESCRIPTION

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, in accordance with an embodiment, a kinetic outdoor lawn ornament 1 for placement in an open area of a lawn, garden or the like. In accordance with embodiments, selective independent movement relates to a relative object, structure, or component that may be selected (either voluntarily or involuntarily) for movement independently with respect to other objects, structures, components.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the kinetic outdoor lawn ornament 1 includes a collapsible frame assembly 2 that is rotatable about a fixed, longitudinal axis defined by a support member 28. The support member 28, at a pair of spaced apart support regions 3, 4 along the longitudinal axis of the support member 28, is to support the collapsible frame assembly 2 and is connected thereto at central hub fastener 26. At a distal end thereof, the support member 28 has a base or anchor 30 that is configured for insertion into a support surface which is to support kinetic outdoor lawn ornament 1. The support surface may be a natural one that includes the ground of the lawn, garden or the like, or an artificial one that is to be placed on and/or over the lawn, garden or the like. Although the illustrated example provides for a ground spike as the anchor 30, embodiments are not limited thereto, and may encompass other anchoring devices. Examples of such alternative anchoring devices, include, but are not limited to, a weighted base, anchor, four-point spike, and any other device that permits practice of the embodiments.
The collapsible frame assembly 2 includes a plurality of members in the form of blades or vanes 10 that are configured for movement (e.g., wirelessly and/or manually) from an operating position (See, FIG. 2) to a collapsible/storage position (FIG. 6). A user may spread/rotate the vanes 10 from the collapsed/storage positon into the operating position, thereby facilitating rotation of the collapsible frame assembly 2 about a longitudinal axis in response to contact by fluid flow (e.g., wind, water, and the like) on a surface of the vane 10. Meaning, after assembly and upon manipulation into an operating position, the kinetic outdoor lawn ornament 1 is not a stationary/static product.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, each vane 10 has a substantially concave cross-section to facilitate enhanced air flow for rotation of the frame assembly. Embodiments are not limited thereto, however, and may encompass different structural configurations of the vanes 10 that permit practice of embodiments as described herein.
The vanes 10 of the collapsible kinetic outdoor lawn ornament 1 may be composed of a metal, polymer (e.g., fiberglass), fabric, composites thereof. Embodiments are not limited thereto, however, and may encompass materials that permit practice of embodiments as described herein. Moreover, although the members are illustrated as blades or vanes 10, embodiments are not limited thereto, and may encompass other configurations (decorative and/or non-decorative) that permit practice of the embodiment.
As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, the collapsible frame assembly 2 includes a hub assembly at an upper support region 3 and a lower support region 4. The hub assembly permits not only selective, independent rotation of the collapsible frame assembly 2, but also selective, independent movement of each vane 10. The hub assembly includes, at the upper support region 3 and the lower support region 4, a vane hub arm 14 connected to and extending from a central hub 16 via one or more fasteners 18, fastener junctions 20, and hub assembly fastener 26. The central hub 16, at the upper support region 3 and the lower support region 4, thereby facilitates rotation of the collapsible frame assembly 2. The central hub 16 may be connected to the support member 28 via retention nut 22. A bearing 24, arranged on the support member 28 at the central hub 16 of each support region 3, 4, is configured to facilitate rotation of the collapsible frame assembly 2 about the longitudinal axis defined by the support member 28 when the vanes 10 are in an operating position and contacted by a fluid (e.g., wind, water, and the like).
Each vane hub arm 14 may be substantially identical in structural design and shape. The illustrated embodiment includes six vane hub arms 14 at the upper support region 3, and six vane hub arms 14 at the lower support region 4, for a total of twelve vane hub arms 14. This advantageously facilitates ease in manufacturing, low capital expense, and ease of assembly. Embodiments, however, are not limited to six van hub arms 14 per upper support region 3 and lower support region 4, and thus, may encompass any overall number that permits practice of embodiments as described herein.
Vane connectors 12 are configured to connect a corresponding vane 10 to the upper support region 3 and the lower support region 4 of the frame assembly. Particularly, each vane connector 12 is configured to extend between a corresponding outer region of a corresponding vane hub arm 14 and a corresponding vane 10, thereby operatively connecting the vane 10 to the vane hub arm 14. The vane connector 12 may be removeably connected to the vane and the vane hub arm 14, but embodiments are limited thereto, and may permit a fixed connection.
In operation, the frame assembly is to be driven for rotation by fluid power (e.g., wind, water, and the like). Meaning, rotation of the frame assembly may be initiated when fluid flow strikes/contacts a surface of the vanes 10.
As illustrated in FIGS. 6-9, each vane 10 is configured for selective independent movement (e.g., wirelessly and/or manually) about the axis of rotation (defined by the bearings 24) from the operating position illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 to a collapsible/storage position. This may occur via clockwise (or alternatively counterclockwise) rotation of the vane hub arms 14 about the longitudinal axis. The collapsibility of the frame assembly by selective independent movement of the vanes 10 serves to reduces the overall area of the kinetic outdoor lawn ornament 1 for compact shipping and/or storage.
As illustrated in FIGS. 10-18, in accordance with an embodiment, the kinetic outdoor lawn ornament 101 may include a collapsible outer frame assembly 102 and a collapsible inner frame 103 assembly which are configured for selective independent rotation about a fixed, longitudinal axis defined by a support member 128. Meaning, the collapsible outer frame assembly 102 and the collapsible inner frame assembly 103 are selectively rotatable independently of each other.
The collapsible outer frame assembly 102 is configured to be supported on the support member 128, and is concentrically, or orbitally arranged with respect to the inner frame assembly, which is also configured for support on the support member 128. Alternatively, the outer frame assembly may be supported non-concentrically, or non-orbitally with respect to the collapsible inner frame assembly 103.
As illustrated in FIG. 11, the support member 128, at a pair of spaced apart support regions 104, 105, is configured to support the collapsible outer frame assembly 102 via a central hub fastener 126. The support member 128, at a pair of spaced apart support regions 106, 107, is also configured to support the collapsible inner frame assembly 103 via a central hub fastener 146. At a distal end thereof, the support member 128 has a base or anchor 130 that is configured for insertion into a support surface which is to support kinetic outdoor lawn ornament 101. The support surface may be a natural one that includes the ground of the lawn, garden or the like, or an artificial one that is to be placed on and/or over the lawn, garden or the like. Although the illustrated example provides for a ground spike as the anchor 130, embodiments are not limited thereto, and may encompass other anchoring devices. Examples of such alternative anchoring devices, include, but are not limited to, a weighted base, anchor, four-point spike, and any other device that permits practice of the embodiments.
The collapsible outer frame assembly 102 includes a plurality outer blades or vanes 110, and the collapsible inner frame assembly 103 includes a plurality inner blades or vanes 140. The outer vanes 110 and the inner vanes 140 are configured for movement (e.g., wirelessly and/or manually) from an operating position (See, FIG. 11) to a collapsible/storage position (FIG. 15). A user may selectively move or otherwise rotate the outer vanes 110 and the inner vanes 140 from the collapsed/storage position into the operating position. In that way, when in a complete operating position, the collapsible outer frame assembly 102 and the collapsible inner frame assembly 103 may rotate about the longitudinal axis in response to contact by fluid flow (e.g., wind, water, and the like) on a surface of the vanes 110, 140. Meaning, after assembly and upon manipulation into the operating position, the kinetic outdoor lawn ornament 101 is not a stationary/static product.
As illustrated in FIG. 11, each outer vane 110 and each inner vane 140 has a substantially concave cross-section to facilitate enhanced air flow for rotation of the frame assembly. Embodiments are not limited thereto, however, and may encompass different structural configurations of the outer vane 110 and the inner vane 140 that permit practice of embodiments as described herein.
The outer vane 110 and the inner vane 140 of the collapsible kinetic outdoor lawn ornament 101 may be composed of a metal, polymer (e.g., fiberglass), fabric, composites thereof. Embodiments are not limited thereto, however, and may encompass materials that permit practice of embodiments as described herein. Moreover, although the members are illustrated as blades or vanes, embodiments are not limited thereto, and may encompass other structural configurations (e.g., decorative and/or non-decorative) that permit practice of the embodiment.
As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, the collapsible outer frame assembly 102 includes a hub assembly at an upper support region 104 and a lower support region 105. The hub assembly permits not only selective, independent rotation of the collapsible outer frame assembly 102, but also selective, independent movement of each outer vane 110. The hub assembly includes, at the upper support region 104 and the lower support region 105, a vane hub arm 114 connected to and extending from a central hub 116 via one or more fasteners 118, fastener junctions 120, and hub assembly fastener 126. The central hub 116, at the upper support region 103 and the lower support region 104, thereby facilitates rotation of the collapsible outer frame assembly 102. The central hub 116 may be connected to the support member 128 via retention nut 122. A bearing 124, arranged on the support member 128 at the central hub 116 of each support region 104, 105, is configured to facilitate rotation of the collapsible outer frame assembly 102 about the longitudinal axis defined by the support member 128 when the outer vanes 110 are in an operating position and contacted by a fluid (e.g., wind, water, and the like).
The collapsible inner frame assembly 103 includes a hub assembly at an upper support region 106 and a lower support region 107. The hub assembly permits not only selective, independent rotation of the collapsible inner frame assembly 103, but also selective, independent movement of each outer vane 140. The hub assembly includes, at the upper support region 106 and the lower support region 107, a vane hub arm 144 connected to and extending from a central hub 146 via one or more fasteners 148, fastener junctions 150, and hub assembly fastener 148. The central hub 146, at the upper support region 106 and the lower support region 107, thereby facilitates rotation of the collapsible inner frame assembly 103. The central hub 146 may be connected to the support member 128 via retention nut 122. A bearing 124, arranged on the support member 128 at the central hub 146 of each support region 106, 107, is configured to facilitate rotation of the collapsible inner frame assembly 103 about the longitudinal axis defined by the support member 128 when the inner vanes 140 are in an operating position and contacted by a fluid (e.g., wind, water, and the like).
Each vane hub arm 114, 144 may be substantially identical in structural design and shape. The illustrated embodiment includes six vane hub arms 114, 144 per upper support region 104, 106, and six vane hub arms 114, 144 per lower support region 105, 107, for a total of twelve vane hub arms 114, 144. This advantageously facilitates ease in manufacturing, low capital expense, and ease of assembly. Embodiments, however, are not limited to six van hub arms 114, 144 per upper support region and lower support region, and thus, may encompass any overall number that permits practice of embodiments as described herein.
Vane connectors 112, 142 are configured to connect a corresponding vane 110, 140 to the upper support region and the upper support region of the collapsible outer frame assembly 102 and the collapsible inner frame assembly 103. Particularly, each vane connector 112, 142 is configured to extend between a corresponding outer region of a corresponding vane hub arm 114, 144 and a corresponding vane 110, 140, thereby operatively connecting the vane 110, 140 to the vane hub arm 114, 144. The vane connector 112, 114 may be removeably connected to the vane 110, 140 and the vane hub arm 114, 144, but embodiments are limited thereto, and may permit a fixed connection.
To operate the kinetic outdoor lawn ornament 101, in no particular operating sequence, the outer vanes 110 may be selectively moved into the operating position such that the collapsible outer frame assembly 102 defines an inner space. The inner vanes 140 of the collapsible inner frame assembly 103 may be selectively moved into the operating position such that the collapsible inner frame assembly 103 may rotate within the inner space defined by the collapsible outer frame assembly 102. Thus, the collapsible outer frame assembly 102 and the collapsible inner frame assembly 103 are independently driven for rotation by fluid power (e.g., wind, water, and the like). Meaning, rotation of the collapsible outer frame assembly 102 and rotation of the collapsible inner frame assembly 103 is independently initiated when a flow of fluid directly or indirectly strikes/contacts a surface of the vanes 110, 140. Particularly, the collapsible outer frame assembly 102 and the collapsible inner frame assembly 103 are independently rotatable about the same fixed, longitudinal axis.
As illustrated in FIGS. 15-18, each outer vane 110 and each inner vane 140 is configured for selective independent movement (e.g., wirelessly and/or manually) about the axis of rotation (defined by the bearings 124) from the operating position illustrated in FIGS. 10-14 to a collapsible/storage position. This may occur via clockwise (or alternatively counterclockwise) rotation of the vane hub arms 114, 144 about the longitudinal axis, which in turn, cause rotation of the corresponding outer vane 110 and each inner vane 140. The collapsibility of the collapsible outer frame assembly 102 and the collapsible inner frame assembly 103, i.e., the selective independent movement of the outer vanes 110 and the inner vanes 140, serves to reduce the overall area of the kinetic outdoor lawn ornament 101 for compact shipping and/or storage.

ADDITIONAL NOTES AND EXAMPLES

Example One may include a lawn ornament comprising: a support member; and a frame assembly supported by the support member and configured for rotation about a longitudinal axis defined by the support member, the frame assembly including: a plurality of rotatable members, each rotatable member in the plurality of rotatable members configured for selective, independent movement about the longitudinal axis between a first position that facilitates storage of the outdoor lawn ornament and a second position that facilitates rotation of the frame assembly about the longitudinal axis in response to contact of the rotatable members by fluid flow.
Example Two may include the lawn ornament of Example One, wherein the rotatable members comprise blades or vanes.
Example Three may include the lawn ornament of Example One, wherein the rotatable members comprise a substantially concave cross-section.
Example Four may include the lawn ornament of Example Three, wherein the frame assembly further comprises a first central hub at an upper support region and a second central hub at a lower support region that respectively define an axis of rotation of the frame assembly when in the second position.
Example Five may include the lawn ornament of Example Four, wherein the frame assembly further comprises a bearing member arranged on the support member at the first central hub and the second central hub, to thereby facilitate rotation of the frame assembly about the longitudinal axis.
Example Six may include the lawn ornament of Example Four, wherein the frame assembly further comprises: a first vane hub arm connected to and extending from the first central hub; a second vane hub arm connected to and extending from the second central hub; a first vane connector configured to extend between the first vane hub arm and a corresponding rotatable member to thereby operatively connect the rotatable member to the vane hub arm; and a second vane connector configured to extend between the second vane hub arm and the corresponding rotatable member to thereby operatively connect the rotatable member to the vane hub arm.
Example Seven may include a lawn ornament, comprising: a support member; a pair of frame assemblies, concentrically arranged with respect to each other for support by the support member, each frame configured for selective, independent rotation about a longitudinal axis defined by the support member, each frame assembly including: a plurality of rotatable members, each rotatable member in the plurality of rotatable members configured for selective, independent movement about the longitudinal axis between a first position that facilitates storage of the outdoor lawn ornament and a second position that facilitates rotation of the frame assembly about the longitudinal axis in response to contact of the rotatable members by fluid flow.
Example Eight may include the lawn ornament of Example Seven, wherein the rotatable members comprise blades or vanes.
Example Nine may include the lawn ornament of Example Seven, wherein the rotatable members comprise a substantially concave cross-section.
Example Ten may include the lawn ornament of Example Seven: wherein each frame assembly further comprises a first central hub at an upper support region and a second central hub at a lower support region that respectively define an axis of rotation of the frame assembly when in the second position.
Example Eleven may include the lawn ornament of Example Ten, wherein each frame assembly further comprises a bearing member arranged on the support member at the first central hub and the second central hub, to thereby facilitate rotation of the frame assembly about the longitudinal axis.
Example Twelve may include the lawn ornament of Example Ten, wherein each frame assembly further comprises: a first vane hub arm connected to and extending from the first central hub; a second vane hub arm connected to and extending from the second central hub; a first vane connector configured to extend between the first vane hub arm and a corresponding rotatable member to thereby operatively connect the rotatable member to the vane hub arm; and a second vane connector configured to extend between the second vane hub arm and the corresponding rotatable member to thereby operatively connect the rotatable member to the vane hub arm.
Example Thirteen may include the lawn ornament of Example Seven, wherein the frame assemblies comprise: an outer frame assembly; and an inner frame assembly arranged concentrically with respect to the outer frame assembly.
Example Fourteen may include a lawn ornament, comprising: a support member; a first frame assembly configured for rotation about a longitudinal axis defined by the support member, the first frame assembly including a plurality of first rotatable members, each first rotatable member in the plurality of first rotatable members configured for selective, independent movement about the longitudinal axis between a storage position that facilitates storage of the outdoor lawn ornament and an operating position that facilitates rotation of the first frame assembly about the longitudinal axis in response to contact of the rotatable members by fluid flow; and a second frame assembly concentrically arranged with respect to the second frame assembly, and configured for rotation about the longitudinal axis, the second frame assembly including a plurality of second rotatable members, each second rotatable member in the plurality of second rotatable members configured for selective, independent movement about the longitudinal axis between a storage position that facilitates storage of the outdoor lawn ornament and an operating position that facilitates rotation of the second frame assembly about the longitudinal axis in response to contact of the rotatable members by fluid flow.
Example Fifteen may include the lawn ornament of Example Fourteen, wherein the first rotatable members and the second rotatable members each comprise a substantially concave cross-section.
Example Sixteen may include the lawn ornament of Example Fourteen, wherein: the first frame assembly further comprises a first central hub at an upper support region and a second central hub at a lower support region that respectively define an axis of rotation of the first frame assembly when in the second position; and the second frame assembly further comprises a second central hub at an upper support region and a third central hub at a lower support region that respectively define an axis of rotation of the second frame assembly when in the second position.
Example Seventeen may include the lawn ornament of Example Sixteen, wherein: the first frame assembly further comprises a first bearing member arranged on the support member at the first central hub and the second central hub, respectively, to thereby facilitate rotation of the first frame assembly about the longitudinal axis; and the second frame assembly further comprises a second bearing member arranged on the support member at the third central hub and the fourth central hub, respectively, to thereby facilitate rotation of the second frame assembly about the longitudinal axis.
Example Eighteen may include the lawn ornament of Example Seventeen, wherein the first frame assembly further comprises a first hub assembly that includes: a first vane hub arm connected to and extending from the first central hub; a second vane hub arm connected to and extending from the second central hub; a first vane connector configured to extend between the first vane hub arm and a corresponding first rotatable member to thereby operatively connect the first rotatable member to the vane hub arm; and a second vane connector configured to extend between the second vane hub arm and the corresponding first rotatable member to thereby operatively connect the rotatable member to the vane hub arm.
Example Nineteen may include the lawn ornament of Example Seventeen, wherein the second frame assembly further comprises a second hub assembly that includes: a third vane hub arm connected to and extending from the third central hub; a fourth vane hub arm connected to and extending from the fourth central hub; a third vane connector configured to extend between the third vane hub arm and a corresponding second rotatable member to thereby operatively connect the second rotatable member to the third vane hub arm; and a fourth vane connector configured to extend between the fourth vane hub arm and the corresponding second rotatable member to thereby operatively connect the second rotatable member to the fourth vane hub arm.
Example Nineteen may include the lawn ornament of Example Fourteen, wherein: the first frame assembly comprises an outer frame assembly; and the second frame assembly comprises an inner frame assembly arranged concentrically with respect to the outer frame assembly.
The terms “coupled,” “attached,” or “connected” may be used herein to refer to any type of relationship, direct or indirect, between the components in question, and may apply to electrical, mechanical, fluid, optical, electromagnetic, electromechanical or other connections. In addition, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein only to facilitate discussion, and carry no particular temporal or chronological significance unless otherwise indicated.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad techniques of the embodiments can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while the embodiments have been described in connection with particular examples thereof, the true scope of the embodiments should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, specification, and following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A lawn ornament, comprising:

a support member; and

a frame assembly supported by the support member and configured for rotation about a longitudinal axis defined by the support member, the frame assembly including a plurality of rotatable members, each rotatable member in the plurality of rotatable members configured for selective, independent movement about the longitudinal axis between a first position that facilitates storage of the outdoor lawn ornament and a second position that facilitates rotation of the frame assembly about the longitudinal axis in response to contact of the rotatable members by fluid flow.

2. The lawn ornament of claim 1, wherein the rotatable members comprise blades or vanes.

3. The lawn ornament of claim 1, wherein the rotatable members comprise a substantially concave cross-section.

4. The lawn ornament of claim 1, wherein the frame assembly further comprises a first central hub at an upper support region and a second central hub at a lower support region that respectively define an axis of rotation of the frame assembly when in the second position.

5. The lawn ornament of claim 4, wherein the frame assembly further comprises a bearing member arranged on the support member at the first central hub and the second central hub, to thereby facilitate rotation of the frame assembly about the longitudinal axis.

6. The lawn ornament of claim 4, wherein the frame assembly further comprises:

a first vane hub arm connected to and extending from the first central hub;

a second vane hub arm connected to and extending from the second central hub;

a first vane connector configured to extend between the first vane hub arm and a corresponding rotatable member to thereby operatively connect the rotatable member to the vane hub arm; and

a second vane connector configured to extend between the second vane hub arm and the corresponding rotatable member to thereby operatively connect the rotatable member to the vane hub arm.

7. A lawn ornament, comprising:

a support member;

a pair of frame assemblies, concentrically arranged with respect to each other for support by the support member, each frame configured for selective, independent rotation about a longitudinal axis defined by the support member, each frame assembly including a plurality of rotatable members, each rotatable member in the plurality of rotatable members configured for selective, independent movement about the longitudinal axis between a first position that facilitates storage of the outdoor lawn ornament and a second position that facilitates rotation of the frame assembly about the longitudinal axis in response to contact of the rotatable members by fluid flow.

8. The lawn ornament of claim 7, wherein the rotatable members comprise blades or vanes.

9. The lawn ornament of claim 7, wherein the rotatable members comprise a substantially concave cross-section.

10. The lawn ornament of claim 7, wherein each frame assembly further comprises a first central hub at an upper support region and a second central hub at a lower support region that respectively define an axis of rotation of the frame assembly when in the second position.

11. The lawn ornament of claim 10, wherein each frame assembly further comprises a bearing member arranged on the support member at the first central hub and the second central hub, to thereby facilitate rotation of the frame assembly about the longitudinal axis.

12. The lawn ornament of claim 7, wherein each frame assembly further comprises:

a first vane hub arm connected to and extending from the first central hub;

a second vane hub arm connected to and extending from the second central hub;

13. The lawn ornament of claim 7, wherein the frame assemblies comprise:

an outer frame assembly; and

an inner frame assembly arranged concentrically with respect to the outer frame assembly.

14. A lawn ornament, comprising:

a support member;

a first frame assembly configured for rotation about a longitudinal axis defined by the support member, the first frame assembly including a plurality of first rotatable members, each first rotatable member in the plurality of first rotatable members configured for selective, independent movement about the longitudinal axis between a storage position that facilitates storage of the outdoor lawn ornament and an operating position that facilitates rotation of the first frame assembly about the longitudinal axis in response to contact of the rotatable members by fluid flow; and

a second frame assembly concentrically arranged with respect to the second frame assembly, and configured for rotation about the longitudinal axis, the second frame assembly including a plurality of second rotatable members, each second rotatable member in the plurality of second rotatable members configured for selective, independent movement about the longitudinal axis between a storage position that facilitates storage of the outdoor lawn ornament and an operating position that facilitates rotation of the second frame assembly about the longitudinal axis in response to contact of the rotatable members by fluid flow.

15. The lawn ornament of claim 14, wherein the first rotatable members and the second rotatable members each comprise a substantially concave cross-section.

16. The lawn ornament of claim 14, wherein:

the first frame assembly further comprises a first central hub at an upper support region and a second central hub at a lower support region that respectively define an axis of rotation of the first frame assembly when in the second position; and

the second frame assembly further comprises a second central hub at an upper support region and a third central hub at a lower support region that respectively define an axis of rotation of the second frame assembly when in the second position.

17. The lawn ornament of claim 16, wherein:

the first frame assembly further comprises a first bearing member arranged on the support member at the first central hub and the second central hub, respectively, to thereby facilitate rotation of the first frame assembly about the longitudinal axis; and

the second frame assembly further comprises a second bearing member arranged on the support member at the third central hub and the fourth central hub, respectively, to thereby facilitate rotation of the second frame assembly about the longitudinal axis.

18. The lawn ornament of claim 17, wherein the first frame assembly further comprises a first hub assembly that includes:

a first vane hub arm connected to and extending from the first central hub;

a second vane hub arm connected to and extending from the second central hub;

a first vane connector configured to extend between the first vane hub arm and a corresponding first rotatable member to thereby operatively connect the first rotatable member to the vane hub arm; and

a second vane connector configured to extend between the second vane hub arm and the corresponding first rotatable member to thereby operatively connect the rotatable member to the vane hub arm.

19. The lawn ornament of claim 18, wherein the second frame assembly further comprises a second hub assembly that includes:

a third vane hub arm connected to and extending from the third central hub;

a fourth vane hub arm connected to and extending from the fourth central hub;

a third vane connector configured to extend between the third vane hub arm and a corresponding second rotatable member to thereby operatively connect the second rotatable member to the third vane hub arm; and

a fourth vane connector configured to extend between the fourth vane hub arm and the corresponding second rotatable member to thereby operatively connect the second rotatable member to the fourth vane hub arm.

20. The lawn ornament of claim 14, wherein:

the first frame assembly comprises an outer frame assembly; and

the second frame assembly comprises an inner frame assembly arranged concentrically with respect to the outer frame assembly.