LU87564A1 - TRANSFORMABLE DECORATIVE KIT - Google Patents

Description

ÜJ / ö.DZ.OJj 'Patent application of July 28, 1989 Designation of the Inventor (1) The undersigned ..... Jacques ..'. De ..... Muyser. ,, ..... . Council ..... in. ^ industrial property ....., "* *. "· 4.

.35, boulevard Royal in LUXEMBOURG

............................................. * .... .................................................. .................................................. ......................... “- ·. ·: ·· * ................ .................................................. ................................

acting in quality ^ K2tâpôsaaxtx. agent of the depositor - (2) ..... the ..... company ..... said.: ...... Takara .... Co..f ..., ... ..Ltd ..., ...... a. „. ÆQglété ..... âe · ..... right ..... Japanese

No. · 19-16, - 4-chome, Aoto, Katsushika-ku> Tokyo (Japan) (3) of the intention concerning: ......... "Transformable decorative set." designates as inventor (s):

First name Last name: Yasuta SATOH

Address: No. .5-7.58, Matsugaoka, Nagareyama-shl, Chiba-ken, Japan First name Last name: Shinya SAITOH

Address: No. 2-17, Nozawa 2-chome, 5etagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan First name Last name: Isamu KATAOKA

Address: No. 27-16, Ichikawa 3-chome, Ichikawa-shi, Chiba-ken, Japan. First name Last name: Shuichi K AND A

Address ï No. 11-6, Kusunokidai 3-chome, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama-ken,

Jaoon_ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

He affirms the sincerity of the above indications and declares to assume full responsibility for them.

Luxembourg on July 28 lg89 _______VKuilM_____ (signature) (1) Last name, first names, company, address.

(*) Surname, first names and address of the depositor.

/ 3 \ Φΐ + Vû A a ΛΛννινΛή le Κΐ'ΛΤίβΨ Φ β ττ n .... 8 9 / B. 52.833

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

of 3 patent applications +. 2 SK utility models in Japan

From July 30, 1988 (No. · 63-190821), from February 10, 1989 (No. 1-31394), from February 10, 1989 '(No. 1-31395), from' June 30, 1989 and> from June 30, 1989 Submission Description filed in support of a request for

PATENT

at

Luxembourg on behalf of: Takara Co. ^ Ltd.

a company under Japanese law .TOKYO (Japan) for: "Convertible decorative set." > _ 1, 1 "Convertible decorative set” The invention relates to a transformable decorative set, more particularly a transformable decorative set in which variation means, accommodated inside a hollow envelope, are controlled using a drive unit 5 in order to vary the appearance and / or the configuration of the hollow envelope by pressure from the interior of the envelope.

In general, an article imitating a flower, cactus or other plant and which has been conventionally used as an ornament or interior decoration is motionlessly placed in an interior or the like.

Unfortunately, such a stationary conventional ornament quickly loses its value over time. In view of this, there has recently been an increasing demand for articles capable of transformation.

15 Consequently, it would be highly desirable to develop a transformable decorative assembly which is arranged to be transformed and to show unexpected variations as regards its configuration and / or its appearance while it maintains, in its stationary state, an effect of conventional ornament.

Generally speaking, and in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a transformable decorative assembly.

The transformable decorative assembly comprises a drive unit comprising a motor, a drive circuit for driving the motor and a transmission mechanism for transmitting power from said motor. The assembly also includes a hollow envelope made of a deformable material and arranged so as to be fixed relative to said drive unit and variation means connected so as to cooperate with said drive unit and I * - 2 - comprising an envelope command for controlling by pressing said envelope the change in configuration of said envelope. The variation means being arranged to control said envelope and to impose on it a geometry of movements causing its extension 5 outside the defined hollow envelope when the latter is in the cleared state, resulting in pressure from the inside towards the outside of said envelope to vary the configuration of said envelope.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the drive circuit comprises a sensor-switch 10 comprising a sensor for detecting a predetermined external pulse and controlling the operation of said motor. The external physical impulse is chosen from among the set consisting of sound, light, heat, smoke, gas and odor.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the drive circuit includes a power source.

In a preferred embodiment of the assembly, said envelope control comprises at least one control member rotatably mounted and arranged so that a center of rotation is moved from the center of said control member. The controller can be directly connected to an output of the drive unit. The variation means can also comprise at least one control axis mounted in rotation and connected to an output of said drive unit, said control member is mounted on said control axis and is arranged to rotate around said control axis. . The control shaft can be bent.

Alternatively, said envelope control may comprise an oscillating element connected to an output of the drive unit and a control element arranged so as to reciprocate the oscillation of the oscillating element.

The envelope control may include an oscillating element, a rotary element arranged in said oscillating element and a vertically displaceable element connected to said rotary element so as to cooperate with the latter.

i - 3 - A *, 1

In the transformable decorative assembly according to the present invention and described above, the appearance of the envelope is transformed using the variation means which are arranged inside the envelope so that it is not visible from the outside, resulting in causing an observer an unexpected interest and / or a surprise.

For example, the dimming means mounted inside the hollow envelope are controlled via the drive unit when the switch-sensor detects a predetermined external pulse such as a noise, light , heat, or some other signal. This has the effect that the envelope control is caused to apply pressure to said hollow envelope to vary the configuration of the envelope.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a transformable decorative assembly which is capable of allowing a configuration change of the assembly and this unexpectedly in order to cause in an observer an interest and / or a surprise.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a transformable decorative assembly which is capable of transforming upon detection of an external impulse and thus of varying the configuration of the assembly.

Another object of the invention is to provide a transformable decorative assembly which is capable of achieving the objects described above using simple means.

The invention will now be described in more detail using the figures in which the various elements of the construction are reproduced, the assembly of these elements, and the arrangement of the parts resuming the construction of the assembly.

A more complete explanation of the invention will now be made with the aid of the description given below and which relates to the drawings and in which similar or comparable elements bear the same reference. In the drawings:, / * · - 4 -

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a transformable decorative assembly according to the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a vertical section through the assembly illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of a transformable decorative assembly according to the present invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating another transformable decorative assembly according to the present invention; Figure 5 illustrates a vertical section through the assembly illustrated in Figure 4;

FIG. 6 is a side section in elevation illustrating a transmission mechanism and variation means each incorporated in the assemblies illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5; FIG. 7 illustrates the electrical circuit incorporated in each of the assemblies illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5;

Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating yet another embodiment of a transformable decorative assembly according to the present invention; Figure 9 is a vertical section through the assembly illustrated in Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a transformable decorative assembly according to the present invention; Figure 11 is a perspective view showing another transformable decorative assembly according to the invention;

Figure 12 illustrates a vertical section through the assembly of Figure 11;

Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a modification of the assembly illustrated in Figure 11;

Figure 14 is a perspective view showing yet another transformable decorative assembly according to the invention;

Figure 15 illustrates a partial and vertical section through the assembly shown in Figure 14; t - 5 - Ι * · "

Figure 16 is a partially exploded perspective view showing the drive unit and the variation means incorporated in the assembly illustrated in Figure 14;

FIG. 17 is a partial section illustrating the drive unit 5 and the variation means mounted together;

Figure 18 illustrates an electrical circuit inside the assembly of Figure 14;

Figure 19 is a perspective view showing a modification of the assembly illustrated in Figure 14; Figure 20 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a transformable decorative assembly according to the present invention;

Figure 21 illustrates a vertical section of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 20; Figures 22 and 23 each show a perspective view of a modification of an embodiment according to the present invention.

Figures 1 and 2 show an embodiment of a transformable decorative assembly according to the present invention, Figure 3 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, and Figures 4 and 5 show yet another embodiment of a transformable decorative unit according to the invention. A transformable decorative set included in each of the illustrated embodiments is generally indicated by the reference 30 and 25 comprises a flowerpot 32 and a hollow envelope imitating a cactus planted in the flowerpot 32. The envelope or cactus 34 is made of a deformable or flexible material such as a sponge or the like and includes an interior space 36. A housing 38 is arranged inside the flowerpot 32, which housing includes a drive unit 40. 30 L hollow casing or the cactus 34 comprises a lower part which is fixed to an upper part of the housing 38. An external surface of the cactus 34 is provided with at least one symbolic element 42 chosen from a set consisting of glass, a muffle or whatever used to represent a figure.

- 6 r The drive unit 40 comprises a motor 44, a gear 46 fixed to a rotary axis 48 of the motor 44, a gear 50 fixed to a support axis 52 and meshed with the gear 46, a gear 54 fixed on the support axis 52 in parallel with the gear 5 50, a gear 56 fixed on the support axis 58 and meshed with a gear 54, a gear 60 fixed on the support axis 58 in parallel with the gear 56, a gear 62 fixed on a support axis 64 and meshed with the gear 60, a gear 66 fixed on a support axis 68 and meshed with the gear 62, and a rotary disc 70 fixed on the axis 10 support 68 in parallel with the gear 66. The gear 62 is provided with a pin 72, deposited on a part of its surface adjacent to an external part of its periphery so as to extend from the gear 62 and the rotating disc 70 is similarly also provided with a pin 74 on a part of its surface adjacent to its periphery ex later.

A part of the drive unit 40, with the exception of the motor 44, constitutes a transmission mechanism as illustrated in FIG. 6 and makes it possible to transmit a power from the motor 44 to the hollow envelope or to the cactus 34 arranged so as to be fixed relative to the drive unit.

A drive circuit for the motor 44 can be constructed as illustrated in Figure 7. More specifically, the drive circuit includes a sensor switch 76 which includes a sensor for sensing a predetermined external pulse 25 such as a sound, light, heat or other and which is used to control the motor 44. The drive circuit may also include a main switch 78 and a power source 80. The sensor switch 76 and the main switch 78 are each arranged so as to have a part exposed to an upper surface 30 of the flowerpot 32 and the power source 80 is arranged inside the housing 38 so as to be replaced. Alternatively the power source can be eliminated. In the latter case, the transformable decorative assembly can be connected to an external power source.

ft - 7 - Within the hollow envelope or the cactus 34 of variation means 82 are provided to vary the configuration and / or appearance of the envelope or cactus 34. The variation means 34 comprise an oscillating element 84 installed inside a hollow volume and a control element 86, a lower position of which is inserted, inserted by sliding in the hollow oscillating element 84 so that its upper part is constantly projecting from at an upper end of the hollow member 84. A lower part of the hollow oscillating element 84 is provided with a guide groove or a groove 88 which extends in a longitudinal direction and in which the pin 72 is provided on the gear 62 of the drive unit 40 and is detachably fixed so as to act as an output from the drive unit 40. This results in an oscillating element 84 mounted so as to be able to rotate with the rotation of 15 in graining 62 around a pivot formed by the support axis 68.

The control element 86 is formed by a vertical member 90 and horizontal members 92 and 94 mounted at the two ends of the vertical member 90 so as to form substantially an I. The horizontal member 94 is provided with a guide groove 96 which extends in the longitudinal direction of the latter and in which the pin 74 arranged on the rotary disc of the drive unit 40 is engaged so as to serve as output end of the means of drive 40. This results in that the control element 86 can be moved radially around the support axis 68 with the rotation of a rotary disc 70 while being supported inside the element oscillating hollow 48 so that a geometry of vertical movement of the control element 68 extends outside the configuration of the envelope or of the cactus 34 when the latter is in the unassembled state.

30 In the transformable decorative assembly 30 of each of the embodiments described above, when the sensor switch detects the predetermined external pulse such as a sound or the like while the main switch 78 is connected, the motor 44 begins to rotate to control the drive unit 40 comprising several gears. This causes the hollow oscillating element 84 to pivot around the support axis 68 because the pin 72 of the gear 62 is engaged in the guide groove 88 formed on the oscillating element 84 such that described above. This also results in the fact that the control element 86 is moved vertically because the pin 74 of the rotary disc 70 is engaged in the guide groove 96 arranged in the horizontal member 94 and mounted so as to slide in the hollow oscillating element 84. This results in a geometry of movement by sliding of the control element 86 which extends outside the configuration of the envelope as obtained when the latter is in the stripped state, such so that an interior surface of cactus 34 can be pushed outward and extend vertically in order to lead to a variation in the configuration of cactus 34 and in a variation of the symbolic element such as a glass, a muffle or other, resulting in the demonstration of an unexpected change of configuration and / or an appearance of the cactus sufficient to give an observer an unexpected interest and make him the effect of a surprise. In addition, the variation means 82 cannot be observed from the outside so that the observer can take an additional interest.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is different as regards the relative phase ratio between the pins 72 and 73 compared to those illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The phase difference can be adjusted by changing the gear between the gears 62 and 66 so that the phase relationship between the oscillation of the oscillating element 84 and its tension can be determined as desired, resulting in the fact that the element 84 shows an interesting movement.

Figures 8, 9 and 10 each show another embodiment of a transformable decorative assembly according to the invention.

A transformable decorative assembly 30 of each of the embodiments optionally comprises a flowerpot 32 and a hollow envelope or cactus 34 placed in the flowerpot 32. The envelope or cactus 34 is made of a deformable material such as 'a sponge or the like and includes an interior space 36. The flowerpot 32 is provided with a housing 38 in which a drive unit 40 is provided. The envelope or cactus 34 is fixed to an upper part of the housing 38. An outer surface of the cactus 34 is provided with symbolic elements 42 such as a glass, a hat, a ribbon, a cord or the like.

The drive unit comprises a motor 44 having an axis of rotation 48 and an output axis 100 of which one end or a lower end is connected so as to cooperate by means of a reduction transmission mechanism with axis of 10 rotation 48 of the motor 44. The output axis 100 is arranged so that one end projects downward from the bottom of an enclave 102 formed in the center of an upper portion of the housing 38. L the output shaft 100 has a support 104 provided with a groove or a notch mounted on the other end or the upper end of the output shaft 15 100 and a gear 106 mounted at a lower end of the axis 100.

A gear 46 is fixed on the axis of rotation 48 of the motor 49.

The reduction transmission mechanism comprises a gear 108 fixed on a support pin 110 and meshed with the gear 46, to a gear 112 fixed to the support pin 110 in parallel with the gear 108, a gear 114 fixed to a support pin 116 is meshed with the gear 112, and a gear 118 fixed on the support pin 116 in parallel with the gear 114. The gear 118 is meshed with the gear 106 fixed at the end closest to the output axis 100.

23 A part of the gear transmission mechanism thus constructed extends from the gear 108 to the support 104 and constitutes a transmission mechanism for transmitting the driving force of the motor 44.

A drive circuit for the motor 44 can be constructed in substantially the same manner illustrated in Figure 7.

More particularly, the drive circuit includes a sensor switch 76 which includes a sensor for picking up a physical pulse such as sound, light, heat or the like and is used to control the motor 44. The drive circuit comprises also a general switch 78 and a power source 80.

The sensor switch 76 and the main switch 76 are each arranged so as to have a part exposed to the external surface of the flowerpot 32 and the power source 80 can be mounted so as to be replaced. in the housing 38. Alternatively the power source 5 can be eliminated. In the latter case, the transformable decorative assembly can be connected to an external power source.

Inside the hollow envelope or the cactus 34 of variation means 82 are provided to vary the configuration 10 and / or the appearance of the envelope or the cactus 3k. The variation means 82 comprise at least one control axis 120 which is curved and made of a flexible material or which can be curved and at least one rotary control member 112 mounted obliquely on the control axis 120 so that the two ends of the member 122 describe different places relative to each other. In other words, the control member 122 is arranged so that the center of rotation of the member 22 is derived from the center of the control member. In the illustrated embodiment, one of these control axes 122 and a plurality of control axes are arranged in such a way. The control axis 120 is provided at its lower end with a projecting connection 12k, which is engaged to be adjusted with the notch or the support 104 provided with a groove so as to be connected to the outlet of the drive unit and resulting in rotation. The control members 122 are each arranged so that part of their geometry during rotation extends outside from the configuration of the envelope or the cactus as defined when the latter is at the state cleared and not energized.

In the transformable decorative assembly of each of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 10, when the sensor switch 76 detects a predetermined external pulse such as a sound, while the main switch is connected, the motor starts to rotate, which results in the reduction transmission mechanism being engaged because the gear 46 is fixed on the axis of rotation 48 of the motor 44 is engaged with the gear ”I * - 11 - 108 and forms part of the reduction transmission mechanism. Also the gear 118 of the mechanism is engaged with the gear 106 provided at the proximal end of the output axis 100, resulting in the fact that the output axis is caused to rotate.

2 Thus the curved control rod 120 connected via the connection 124 to the support 104 of the outlet shaft 100 is caused to rotate so that the control members 122 can also be caused to rotate. At the same time the distal end of each of the control members is moved in such a way that its geometry extends outward outside the configuration of the envelope or of the cactus 34 as obtained when the latter is in the cleared state, so that the configuration and appearance of the cactus can be varied and the symbolic elements 42 can be transformed resulting in unexpected interest and surprise. 22 Also the variation means 82 are not visible from the outside in such a way that they can attract additional interest on the part of the observer.

Figures 11 and 12 illustrate yet another embodiment of a transformable decorative assembly according to the invention.

A transformable decorative assembly 30 of the illustrated embodiments comprises a flowerpot 32 and a hollow envelope 34 which constitutes an imitation of a cactus and which together define the appearance of the assembly. The cactus 34 is provided with an interior space 36. At least the cactus 34 of the transformable decorative assembly 30 is made of a deformable material such as a textile, PVC or the like.

A motor 44 is fitted inside the flowerpot 32, a transmission mechanism 126 for transmitting the driving force of the motor 44, a power source 80, a switch-sensor 76 comprising a sensor adapted to detect a pulse external predetermined such as noise or the like. The motor 44, the power source 80 and the sensor switch 76 are fixed using appropriate means (not shown) respectively in the center of the flowerpot 22 32, the central part of the bottom of the flowerpot 32 and the upper portion -12-.

of the side surface of the flowerpot 32. Part of the sensor switch 76 is exposed to the transformable decorative assembly 30. Therefore the sensor switch 76 detects a sound in order to control the motor 44 for a period of time predetermined. The reference 78 5 designates the main switch adapted to be operated from the outside.

A drive unit 40 includes the motor 44, a drive circuit 128 and a transmission mechanism 126. The drive circuit 128 can be constructed substantially as described above. The transmission mechanism 126 comprises a pair of reduction gears 130 and 132 and a pair of control rods 134 and 136 connected respectively to the gears 130 and 132. Alternatively the drive circuit 128 can be constructed so as to be alternately connected and disconnected when the sensor switch 76 detects a sound.

Reduction gears 130 and 132 of the transmission mechanism 126 are connected to the axis of rotation 48 of the motor 44 so as to cooperate with the latter. To this end the gears 130 and 132 are meshed with the gear 46, fixed on the axis of rotation 48 of the motor 44.

The assembly of the illustrated embodiment also comprises a pair of control elements 86 and 86 ′, mounted respectively at the proximal ends on control rods 134 and 136 constituting the output of the drive unit 40. Also the control elements 86, respectively 86 'have end ends 86a and 86a' which can be moved in such a way as to describe a geometry which extends outwards starting from the external configuration of the hollow cactus 34 such that it is in the cleared or closed state, when the elements 86 are rotated by means of the control rods 134 and 136.

This results in the fact that the control elements 86 and 86 ′ vary the configuration of the hollow cactus from the inside.

In the illustrated embodiment, two of these control elements 86 and 86 'are arranged, however this embodiment does not imply a limitation. The arrangement of three or more control elements 35 complicates the variations in configuration and seen the appearances of the hollow cactus 34 to form other interesting forms of presentation. Also the movement of the control elements 86 and 86 'are not limited to rotational movements. They can also be back and forth movements.

3 In the transformable decorative assembly 30 of the embodiment constructed as described above, when the sensor switch 76 detects a predetermined external pulse while the main switch is connected, the motor starts to run during a predetermined period of time, which results in the fact that the gears 130 and 132 of the transmission mechanism 126 engaged with the gears 46 fixed on the axis of rotation 48 of the motor 44 are also driven in rotation which causes the rotation of the control elements 86 and 86 'mounted on the control rods 134 and 136. This causes the distal ends 86 and 86a of the control elements 86 and ^ 86' to force the variation in configuration and appearance of the cactus 34, such so that he can execute a single movement sufficient to capture the interest of a spectator and excite his imaginative power. In addition, the variation means 82 are not visible from the outside, which also increases the interest.

Furthermore, the placement of the decorative assembly 30 in a parlor, at the entrance or the like, when a visitor opens the door, causes the sensor switch to detect a variation of an external impulse and so as to activate the engine, which results in giving the visitor unexpected interest and the effect of surprise. The assembly 30 of this embodiment is not limited to the appearance and the control mechanism described above. For example, a reciprocity mechanism can be arranged inside the cactus 34 to cause the reciprocity of the control elements 86 and 86 ′ in lateral and / or vertical directions 30 resulting in a variation in the appearance of the assembly. as shown in Figure 13. Alternatively, the control mechanism can be constructed to show a combination of reciprocity and rotation. In addition, the sensor can detect an external impulse other than sound such as light, odor, heat, smoke or the like.

- 14 - t

It should therefore be noted that the embodiments described above each show unexpected variations in the configuration and appearance of the assembly while they keep the conventional trim effect in its stationary state.

Figures 14 to 18 now show an embodiment of a transformable decorative assembly according to the present invention.

A set 30 generally comprises a base 32 formed by imitation of a flowerpot and a hollow envelope 34 formed by imitation of a cactus and provided with an interior space 36. A drive unit 40 as well as variation means 82 are arranged in the flowerpot 32 and the hollow cactus 34.

Hollow cactus 34 can be made by applying a layer of PVC to the base formed from flexible urethane foam.

15

Such a construction of the cactus 34 allows the coating to prevent the penetration of air and water through the cactus 34 and to increase the friction resistance and the tear resistance of the cactus 34 without deteriorating the flexibility. and the elasticity of urethane foam. 5 on the hollow cactus 34, symbolic elements 42 such as glass, maracas or the like have been applied.

The drive unit 40 comprises a motor 44 having an axis of rotation 48, a gear 46 fixed to the axis of rotation 48 of the motor 44, a gear 140 fixed to one end of a support axis 142 and meshed with the gear 46, a gear 144 fixed to the other end of the support axis 142, a gear 146 fixed to a support axis 148 and meshed with the gear 144, to a rotary disc 150 fixed to the axis support 148 in parallel with the gear 144, and a gear 152 meshed with the gear 146. A part of the rotating disc 150 is provided around its outer periphery with a pin 154 and the gear 152 is rotated in a receiving section of a support member 152 mounted on a housing 160 and provided in a central portion of the latter which itself comprises an opening 162.

35 i - 15 -

A drive circuit for the motor 44 can be constructed as illustrated in FIG. 18. More particularly, it comprises a main switch 78, a switch-sensor 76 arranged to operate by detecting a sound of a predetermined level. or higher, a battery 164 forming a power source and a variable resistor 166. The main switch 78, the sensor switch 76 and the variable resistor 166 each have a part exposed to an upper part of the flowerpot 32 and the battery 164 is arranged so that it can be replaced.

The variation means 82 arranged in the hollow cactus 34 cause the appearance of the cactus to vary. To this end, the variation means 82, as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 17, comprise an oscillating element 168, a rotary element 170 arranged in the oscillating element 168 and an element 172 which can move vertically and connected so as to cooperate with the rotary element 170. More particularly, a central part of the front surface of the oscillating element 168 is provided with a rod-shaped member 174 projecting, and which also carries the housing 160. A central portion of the rear surface of the oscillating element 168 is also provided with a hollow rod 176, which is housed in a notch 178 formed in the surface of the support member 158. This causes the oscillation member 168 will perform an oscillation around the members 174 and 176. One face of the lower portion of the oscillating element 168 is provided with an engagement member 180 having substantially the shape of a U 25 in section, so that s extend obliquely inside this latest. The engagement member 180 is engaged with the pin 154 of the rotary disc 150.

A part of the front face of the rotary element 170 is provided around the periphery of the latter with an engagement pin 182 and at the center of its rear surface with a rectangular support pin 184, The axis support 184 is arranged so that its distal end is projected relative to the hollow rod-shaped member 176 and arranged in a rectangular opening 162 of the gear 152 in the receiving portion 156 of the support member 35 158, which means that during operation of the drive unit 40 the rotary member 170 rotates.

The element 172 which can move vertically in the shape of a T and is arranged in such a way that its distal part projects from the upper opening 186 of the oscillating element and 2 fixed to the upper portion of the hollow shell or cactus 34 using a screw 190. The oscillating element 168 is also provided with a lower part of an elongated opening 192 which extends laterally, and in which the engagement pin. 182 of the rotating disc 170 is mounted so that it can move. This results in the fact that the element 172 which Iq can move vertically is operated in rotation with the rotary element 170.

In a transformable decorative assembly 30 of the embodiment illustrated and constructed as described above, when the sensor switch 76 detects a sound of a predetermined level or U higher than this, it sends a detection signal to the base of a TRI transistor, which causes this transistor to block. This causes the supply of a voltage at the base of a transistor T2 and connects this transistor T2. This results in a voltage 0 at a point A, and therefore in a blocking of the transistor T3. Therefore the electric current from the supply unit 2q 164 is supplied via the transistor T3 to the motor 44 in order to drive and control the motor 44.

When the supply of the detection signal from the sensor switch 76 to the TRI transistor is interrupted, the TRI transistor is again connected so as to disconnect the transistor TR2. This causes the voltage at point A to increase so as to disconnect the transistor TR3 and stop the supply of electric current from the power source 164 to the motor 44. At this instant and so as to prevent the operation by the introduction of a signal from 2Q the sensor switch 76 until the motor 44 has been completely stopped, a feedback circuit 194 is arranged so as to operate in the manner described below.

More particularly, when the transistor TR2 is disconnected in such a way that the voltage at point A increases, the ^ 2 transistor TR4 is connected and remains connected for a predetermined period of time. Consequently, when a detection signal is supplied from the sensor switch 76 to the TRI transistor in order to connect the TRI transistor under such conditions, the supply of a voltage to the base of the transistor TR2 is stopped, this which results in the fact that the transistor TR2 is kept disconnected. Such an operation of the feedback circuit 194 prevents the input of a signal from the sensor switch 76.

The sensitivity of the switch-sensor 76 can be adjusted using the variable resistor 166 arranged between the battery 10 164 and the bases of the transistors TRI and TR2.

The motor drive 44 allows the connection of the drive unit 40 which comprises a plurality of gears. The engagement pin 154 of the rotating disc 150 which is juxtaposed with the mesh 146 of the drive section 40 is engaged in the U-shaped engagement member 180 which is provided at a lower part of the oscillating element 168, so that the oscillating element can oscillate around the support members 174 and 176. The rotary element 170 is rotated similarly with the movement of the oscillating element 168 because the support axis 184 of the rotary element 170 is arranged in the oscillating element 168, and is engaged in the opening 162 of the gear 152 of the drive section 40.

The engagement pin 182 projecting from the surface of the rotary element 170 is arranged so as to be able to move in an opening 192 which extends laterally and the distal end of the element 172 which can move vertically. is fixed to the upper part of the hollow casing 34, for this, the rotation of the rotary element 172 allows the element 172 to move vertically. This results in the expansion and contraction of the hollow cactus 34. The hollow cactus 34 can also reciprocate 30 due to the oscillation of the oscillating element 168.

As described above, the transformable decorative assembly 30 of the examples illustrated, the hollow envelope forms an imitation of a cactus and is connected to the variation means 82 so as to be able to cooperate, said variation means 82 comprise the element 35 oscillating 168 which is arranged inside the hollow cactus 34 and the element -> «* - 18 - 172 which can move vertically is carried by the oscillating element 168, so that the operation of the variation means 82 driven by the drive unit 40 causes the hollow cactus 34 to move back and forth and to expand. The hollow shell 34 is formed by applying a layer of PVC coating on the body formed by urethane foam, which results in improved friction resistance and also improved tear resistance without deteriorating flexibility and elasticity. The motor drive circuit 44 also includes the sensor switch 76 which operates by sound detection, so that the assembly can be controlled in response to a clap in the hands. This results in the fact that an observer is impressed and wonders if there is a communication between him and the decorative assembly.

Figure 19 shows a modification of the embodiment described in Figure 14, which is constructed substantially in the same way as the embodiment 14 with the exception, however, of the appearance of the outer cover 34.

Figures 20 and 21 show another embodiment of a transformable decorative assembly according to the present invention.

A set 30 generally comprises a base 32, formed by the imitation of a flowerpot and a hollow envelope 34 formed by the imitation of a cactus, arranged in the flowerpot 32 and 25 provided with an interior space .

A drive unit 40 and variation means 42 which are connected so as to cooperate with the drive unit 40 are arranged inside the flowerpot 32 and the hollow cactus 34.

30 The hollow cactus 34 can be made by applying a layer of PVC on a flexible urethane base foam. Such a cactus construction 34 allows a coating which is impermeable to air and water and which increases the frictional and tear resistance of cactus 34 without deteriorating the flexibility and elasticity of the base in urethane foam. On the cactus> - 19 - hollow 34 symbolic elements such as a hat, a glass or a guitar are applied. The hollow envelope 34 is fixed by its lower part to the upper part of the base 32.

The drive unit 40 comprises a motor 44 5 having an axis of rotation 48, a gear 46 fixed on the axis of rotation 48 of the motor 44, a gear 196 fixed at one end or a lower end of an axis of support 198 and meshed with gear 46, and a gear 200 fixed to the other end or to the upper end of the support axis 198.

AO The motor drive 44 allows the gears of the drive unit 40 to start to rotate. The gear 200 of the drive unit 40 is meshed with the gear 202 provided at a lower end of a control cell 120 with the variation means 82, so that the operation of the unit 15 drive 40 causes the control shaft or cell 120 to rotate and the control members 122 and 122 'mounted on the control cell 122 also begin to rotate. The control members 122 and 122 'are arranged in such a way that they cause the hollow envelope 34 to deform by moving outwards, which results in the fact that the appearance of the envelope 34 is modified.

The motor drive circuit 44 includes a sensor switch 76 which operates by sound detection, so that the assembly can be activated in response to a clap in the hands carried out by an observer. This results in the observer being impressed as if there is communication between him and the decorative assembly. In addition, the hollow shell 34 is also formed by applying a layer of PVC to a body of urethane foam, which results in increased friction resistance and tear resistance without deteriorating the flexibility. and elasticity. The coating also forms a protective film on the urethane base which thus prevents the penetration of air and water.

Figures 22 and 23 each illustrate a modification of the assembly illustrated in Figures 20 and 21. Modification 35 in Figure 22 includes symbolic elements 42 such as a ribbon, a

V

4 * - 20 - glass and a drum, while the modification in figure 23 includes symbolic elements 42, such as a hat, a glass or a banjo. The remaining part of each of these modifications can be constructed substantially in the same way as those of the embodiment of FIGS. 5 20 and 21.

It may therefore appear that these objects as illustrated above among those illustrated in the description are obtained effectively since certain changes can be made in the construction described above without however departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is understood that any information contained in the description or illustrated in the drawings should not be interpreted restrictively.

It is also understood that the claims which follow serve to protect the most general form of the aspets of the invention described above.

Claims (9)

2. Decorative assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive circuit comprises a sensor-switch comprising a sensor for detecting a predetermined external pulse and controlling the operation of said motor. 3. Decorative assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that said external impulse is chosen from the assembly consisting of sound, light, heat, smoke and odor. k. Decorative assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that said drive circuit comprises a power source. 5. Decorative assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said envelope control comprises at least one control member rotatably mounted and arranged so that a center of rotation is moved from the center of said control member. 6. Decorative assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that said control member is directly connected to an outlet of said drive unit. ,, ν '4 \ * - 22 - 7. Decorative assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that said variation means also comprise at least one control pin mounted in rotation and connected to the output of said drive unit, said control member being mounted on said axis. and being arranged to rotate about said control axis. 8. Decorative assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the control axis is curved. 9. Decorative assembly according to claim 1, 10 characterized in that the envelope control comprises an oscillating element connected to an output of said drive unit and a control element arranged to reciprocate the oscillation of the oscillating element. 10. Decorative assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said envelope control comprises an oscillating element, a rotary element arranged in said oscillating element and a vertically movable element, connected so as to cooperate with said rotary element. 11. Decorative assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the drive circuit comprises a sensor-switch comprising a sensor arranged to detect a predetermined external physical impulse and to control the operation of said motor. 25