Wall mounted, three dimensional, visual display element

Abstract

A three dimensional visual element includes a decal or other device to simulate a crack or break within the wall on which the visual elements is mounted. The visual element also includes a functional feature, such as a light, shelf support electronic device, or the like, so that the visual element also provides some utility. In one example, a three dimensional representation of a soccer ball is provided wherein the soccer ball is surrounded by a clear plastic decal having a cracking so as to represent cracks within the wall on which the device is mounted. Within the shell of the soccer ball in this exemplary embodiment, are lighting elements which allow the device to be used as a nightlight.

Claims

1. A three dimensional lighting device, such lighting device comprising: a film affixable to a surface of a wall, the film having one or more images to simulate a background; a translucent shell forming a three dimensional image and configured to be mounted to the surface of the wall such that the translucent shell protrudes outward from the surface of the wall, and configured to be positioned so as to be surrounded by the film to represent that the translucent shell is emerging from the background; and a functional device or feature, including a light positioned within the translucent shell and configured to emit light visible from outside of the translucent shell.

2. The lighting device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said three dimensional image has the appearance of an action figure.

3. The lighting device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said three dimensional image has the appearance of superhero.

4. The lighting device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said three dimensional image has the appearance of at least a portion of a piece of sports equipment.

5. The lighting device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said three dimensional image has the appearance of at least a portion of a soccer ball, a basketball, a football, a baseball or a hockey puck.

6. The lighting device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said one or more images comprises a decal printed on the film.

7. The lighting device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said light is a night light.

8. The lighting device as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least part of the translucent shell is moveable from one position to another.

9. The lighting device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said three dimensional image simulates a device, and said translucent shell is sized so as to be essentially the same size as the simulated device.

10. The lighting device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising, in combination with said translucent shell, additional visual elements.

11. The lighting device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said background has the appearance of bricks or boards.

12. The lighting device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a battery for powering said light.

13. The lighting device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said film is a clear, flexible plastic film having an adhesive for temporary attachment to a wall.

14. The lighting device as claimed in claim 13 wherein said plastic film is shaped and sized so as to match the shape and size of the translucent shell.

15. The lighting device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said translucent shell includes a mounting device for mounting said translucent shell to the surface of the wall with screws, bolts, or nails.

16. The lighting device as claimed in claim 15 wherein said translucent shell is configured to be mounted to the surface of the wall such that said film is positioned between said translucent shell and said surface of the wall.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Embodiments of this invention will now be described by way of example only in association with the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a soccer ball light showing a representation of one embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the soccer ball light of FIG. 1, showing additional details; and

(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a fictional character representation, which includes a shelf and an electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(5) The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example only. In the drawings, like reference numerals depict like elements.

(6) It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

(7) Referring to FIG. 1 a soccer ball light 10 according to the present invention is shown. The soccer ball shell 12 is manufactured from a semi-circular, translucent plastic material. The soccer ball shell 12 is of regulation size for a soccer ball, and is coloured black and white so as to appear authentic. However, any suitable colour scheme or design might be used.

(8) Soccer ball shell 12 is mounted onto wall 14, and around the perimeter of shell 12 is a decal 16 printed onto a clear, flexible, plastic film 18 which represents a series of cracks within the wall. In practice, decal 16 would preferably be applied to the wall first, and then shell 12 would be mounted approximately in the centre of film 18.

(9) In FIG. 2, it can be seen that shell 12 protrudes from wall 14, and is held onto wall 14 by attachment of ring 30. Housed within shell 12 is a battery 20 which is connected to a series of LED light elements 22. A wireless sensor switch 24 is provided which is operated by a remote control (not shown), or a motion sensor (not shown) so as to turn LED light elements 22 on or off, as desired. Sensor switch 24 also includes a timer element which automatically turns LED lights elements 22 off after a set period of time (e.g. 60 minutes).

(10) A standard light switch might also be used in place of the wireless sensor switch.

(11) In FIG. 3, a representation of a fictional character 40 is shown which includes portions of character 40 protruding from the wall 14, surrounded by decal 16A, on a film 18A, which decal shows cracks and breaks within wall 14. The head and upper torso 44 and one hand 46 of character 40 extend from wall 14. Located with the palm of hand 46 is a shelf 48 adapted to hold an MP3 player, and wiring is provided within arm 46 to connect it to a multi-functional clock, radio, MP3 player 50 located on head 44.

(12) A finger 52 extends from hand 46, and can be used as a hook for hanging clothing or the like.

(13) Around the outside of decal film 18A, other secondary visual elements in the nature of plastic brick representations might also be add to suggest that bricks have, or are, in the process of falling out of the wall.

(14) Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, a three dimensional visual display element, which fully satisfies the goals, objects, and advantages set forth hereinbefore. Therefore, having described specific embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that alternatives, modifications and variations thereof may be suggested to those skilled in the art, and that it is intended that the present specification embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

(15) Additionally, for clarity and unless otherwise stated, the word comprise and variations of the word such as comprising and comprises, when used in the description and claims of the present specification, is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

(16) Also, unless otherwise specifically noted, all of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

(17) Moreover, the words substantially or essentially, when used, with an adjective or adverb is intended to enhance the scope of the particular characteristic; e.g., substantially planar is intended to mean planar, nearly planar and/or exhibiting characteristics associated with a planar element.

(18) Further, use of the terms he, him, or his, is not intended to be specifically directed to persons of the masculine gender, and could easily be read as she, her, or hers, respectively.

(19) Also, while this discussion has addressed prior art known to the inventor, it is not an admission that all art discussed is citable against the present application.