WO2023247959A1

WO2023247959A1 - A nativity display device

Info

Publication number: WO2023247959A1
Application number: PCT/GB2023/051634
Authority: WO
Inventors: Teresa ESAN
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-06-22
Filing date: 2023-06-22
Publication date: 2023-12-28
Anticipated expiration: 2024-12-22
Also published as: GB2619946A; GB202209151D0

Abstract

A nativity display device (99) comprising a planar base (10), an electrical energy source, a plurality of light sources and a planar framework extending orthogonal the base. The framework depicts accommodation (4) and a plurality of figures (1, 8). The figures are arranged in relation to the accommodation. The base comprises a plurality of holes, and the light sources are spaced about the framework.

Description

A NATIVITY DISPLAY DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a nativity display device, more particularly but not exclusively for outdoor use.

Background

Many societies celebrate Christmas across the world.

Having nativity displays is often a visible reminder of this, and a way for people to come together indoors or outdoors at a focal point. In particular larger nativity displays, for example outdoors, can be visually arresting and welcome additions to a festive period for many, Christians and non-believers.

It can be problematic to create an effective and easy way to provide a nativity display, particularly outdoors, and/or provide a display that is capable of reuse yearly without disruption and excessive storage costs for the vast majority of the year.

Prior Art

US 2012 0 162 969 (MALLARI) discloses a free standing lighted star ornament, comprising: a star having a light that transmits lights in a plurality of directions; at least one spot light that can be oriented to illuminate any specific scene on the ground; a tubular support pole, having a top section, a plurality of intermediate sections, and a bottom section connected together, wherein the top section of the tubular support pole is attached to the star and to the at least one spot light; and a waterproof electrical cable that extends through the pole from the top section to the bottom section is connected at one end to the star and the at least one spot light and adapted to be connected at its other end to a source of power.

US 201 1 0 300 312 (HICKEY) discloses a nativity stable structure particularly for use with larger nativity figures (24 inches in height, or greater) which is made of tubular and solid metal bars, rods and sheet members and fittings or connectors that can be economically made, shipped, packaged, assembled, such as in a kit or kits, and used to house the larger nativity figures.

US 6 180 193 (BOSTEDT) discloses a lawn ornament comprising: a main body frame having a plurality of elongated frame members; a plurality of main body lights coupled to said main body frame; said main body frame forming a shape of an angel; said main body frame having an outstretched hand portion; a secondary frame wherein the secondary frame forms a shape of a bird, said secondary frame being coupled to said outstretched hand portion; and a plurality of secondary frame lights coupled to said secondary frame.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a nativity display device comprising a planar base, an electrical energy source, a plurality of light sources, a planar framework extending orthogonal the base, the framework depicting accommodation and a plurality of figures, the figures arranged in relation to the accommodation, the base comprising a plurality of holes, and the light sources spaced about the framework.

In some embodiments the holes allow passage of grass, and in some embodiments the base is a grid. The holes also allow the base to be pinned to the ground in outdoor contexts.

In this way the device may be easily and effectively set up outside, on all surfaces. It can also be hung over a balcony or window.

In some embodiments at least one figure depicted inside the accommodation and/or at least one figures is depicted outside the accommodation. In this way a scene may be constructed with a plurality of parts to provide depth and context.

In some such embodiments the at least one figure is an infant figure, namely the infant Jesus Christ. In some such embodiments the at least one figure is an animal figure outside the accommodation is a donkey, camel, sheep or similar.

In some embodiments the light sources are arranged to define or illuminate shapes of the accommodation, for example so as to define the walls and/or roof of a stable.

In some embodiments the light sources are arranged to define or illuminate shapes of figures, for example being dotted about the figures and/or defining silhouettes

In some embodiments the framework, figures and base are each formed as a single part. This may enable easier transport and storage for yearly usage. Additionally or alternatively the single part may provide a more robust formation when the device is in use, so as to resist breakage or damage for example when used outside.

Additionally or alternatively formation in limited numbers of parts may allow for easier construction by unskilled persons.

In some embodiments the part comprises metal struts, for example cylindrical steel tubes. Such struts may provide a robust, lightweight and easy to assemble structure, which is also minimally visually intrusive.

In some embodiments the figures comprise a fabric covering means. This covering means may allow for provision of colourful and/or cumulative and/or replaceable covers on the struts, so as to allow for

In some embodiments the device comprises a framework support means. For example this support means may extend between the base and framework, or may extend to support on other structures or the ground. The base may be pinned into the ground additionally or alternatively.

In some such embodiments the support means comprises guy lines. These may be flexible and elastic or inelastic. Other embodiments may comprise rigid struts.

In some embodiments the light source comprises a timer, which may comprise a light sensor. A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 ; and

Figures 5 show sketches of a front and side view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 , respectively.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of a nativity display device 99 generally comprising a base 10, an electrical energy source (not shown), a plurality of light sources 15, a structural framework 13 depicting an accommodation 4, and a plurality of figures including at least one human 1 and at least one animal 8, the figures arranged in relation to the accommodation.

In particular reference to the pictured embodiment the embodiment comprises a plurality of figures inside and outside the accommodation.

The accommodation is provided by a framework that defines a stable entrance, providing a depiction of two outer walls 7 and roof 6 over a space between the walls, depicting the stable. The stable roof is peaked, with a star 5 at the top.

Within the stable are a male figure 2, depicting Joseph, a female figure 2, depicting Mary, and a manger with an infant 3, depicting Jesus.

Outside the stable in the pictured embodiment are a sheep figure and three figures depicting wise men.

The figures and the stable extend upwards from a base 10, which base is provided by a plurality of parallel steel wire struts, so as to accommodate uneven ground, and/or advantageously allow passage of grass and/or snow in use, hiding the base.

The base and elongated with the accommodation central, and the figures spaced longitudinally.

The struts are longitudinally parallel so as to define depth of the base and display, with the figures arranged along different struts, such that outer king figures 1 are at the front of the base, and the other figures are on struts progressively further back towards the centre of the device.

Four such struts make up a part of the base supporting the figures and stable, which stable is on the third strut from the front of the base, with the inside figures 2,3.

The longitudinal struts are joined by lateral bracing struts, five in all and two end struts.

Behind the part of the base supporting the figures and accommodation the lateral struts continue the same distance again to a rear longitudinal strut.

The lateral struts have perforated ends for receipt of pegs to peg down the device in use, when used outside for example.

The figures and accommodation are formed of silhouettes provided by bent steel wire 12. As shown in Figure 5a, the figures and accommodation include cloth covering 11 to provide flat forms between the wire silhouettes, so as to provide colour and form, where the cloth covering allows passage of air and prevents wind blowing down the device in use outside.

Each of the figures and the accommodation are provided with support wires or guy lines 9. These extend singly from the figures, with two secured on the accommodation, and the ends thereof are secured to the base so as to provide bracing for the flat figures and accommodation. Further embodiments may comprise rigid braces, which may clip at their ends to the framework and base.

In some embodiments the figures may be clip fitted to the base in addition or the alternative.

The figures and accommodation further include internal light emitting diodes (LEDs) dispersed thereabouts. As shown in Figure 6, these are located behind the cloth covering so as to shine therethrough, supported on the wire silhouettes.

Wiring may be envisaged to be passed through the wire silhouettes and the stuts, wherein these may be envisaged to be tubular and hollow.

In some embodiments the figures and framework and base may share male and female sockets or connectors, for passage of electricity and/or for construction purposes.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

Claims

1 . A display device comprising: a planar base having at least two parallel spaced struts; first and second frameworks extending orthogonally from respective struts of the base, a sheet material covering said wire frameworks; a light source; wherein silhouettes of the wire frameworks are provided on the sheet when the light source is directed over the frameworks.

2. A nativity display according to claim 1 , comprising a plurality of light sources and wherein said first framework depicts accommodation and the second framework depicts a plurality of figures, the figures arranged in relation to the accommodation, the base comprising a plurality of holes, and the light sources spaced about the framework.

3. A nativity display device according to claim 2 wherein the holes allow passage of grass.

4. A display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the base is a grid.

5. A nativity display device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein at least one figure is depicted inside the accommodation.

6. A nativity display device according to claim 5 wherein the at least one figure is an infant figure.

7. A nativity display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one figure is depicted outside the accommodation.

8. A nativity display device according to claim 7 wherein the at least one figure is an animal figure.

9. A nativity display device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the light sources are arranged to define or illuminate shapes of the accommodation.

10. A nativity display device according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the light sources are arranged to define or illuminate shapes of figures.

11 . A nativity display device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the accommodation is a stable.

12. A nativity display device according to any one of claims 2 to 1 1 , wherein the framework, figures and base are each formed as a single part.

13. A nativity display device according to claim 12 wherein the part comprises metal struts.

14. A nativity display device according to any one of claims to 2 to 13, wherein the figures comprise a fabric covering means.

15. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a framework support means.

16. A display device according to claim 15 wherein the support means comprises angled bracing struts between the base and framework.

17. A display device according to claim 16 wherein the support means comprises guy lines.

18. A display device according to any preceding claim wherein the light source comprises a timer.

19. A display device according to any preceding claim wherein the light source comprises a light sensor for control of the light source.