GB2219255A

GB2219255A - Novelty device for pencil

Info

Publication number: GB2219255A
Application number: GB8821721A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Carl Adler
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-06-06
Filing date: 1988-09-16
Publication date: 1989-12-06
Also published as: GB8821721D0

Abstract

A novelty device in the form of an attachment (10) for a pencil top comprises a fluid-filled globe 12 with means 16 for frictional attachment to the top of a pencil. A three dimensional object 20 is enclosed within the globe and a simulated snow fall is provided by the use of plastic chips 22 enclosed within the globe upon agitation of the globe. Alternative means of attachment are described, and the globe may contain a ring game. <IMAGE>

Description

PENCIL TOP ATTACHMENT Simulated snow filled bottles have long been popular.

Typically, the snow filled bottles comprise an enclosed glass or plastic globe having a bottom base. The globe is filled with a fluid and has a winter scene attached to the base inside the globe. A series of small plastic chips for the purpose of simulating snow flakes are present in the globe and float in the fluid. Upon agitation of the globe and the fluid contained in it, the plastic chips are likewise agitated and spread throughout the fluid. When the agitation is stopped, the plastic chips slowly descend to the base of the globe, under the influence of gravity, until the globe again appears clear.

Such devices are typically large in size and are typically used only as a paper weight.

The present invention comprises a hollow transparent globe number or shell, having a base and means for attaching the base to the top of a pencil, the globe or shell being filled with a fluid, such as water. Small plastic chips may be present inside the globe or shell to simulate snow fall. A variety of three dimensional scenes and characters may be presented within the globe or shell, mounted to the base.

Alternatively, water games may be employed within the globe, such as a ring game.

The attachment means for attaching the base to the top of a pencil may be a hollow tubular member having an inside diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of a typical pencil. The hollow tubular member is fitted over the pencil top and is held in place by friction thereby, providing an enjoyable novelty to the user.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:- Figure 1 is a perspecitive view of the present invention, attached to a pencil, shown in dotted lines; Figure 2 is a side sectional view of the present invention, taken along lines 2-2 of Figure 1; and Figure 3 is a bottom view of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, a novelty device 10 comprises a globe or shell 12 made of transparent plastic or glass. The bottom of the globe 12 has a base 14 which is substantially flat. Depending from the outside surface of the base 14 is an attachment means consisting of a hollow tubular projection 16 having an inside diameter 18 of a size slightly larger than the outside diameter of a standard pencil P.

Contained within the globe 12 is a three dimensional figure 20, such as a house or a character. Also, ring toss water game devices may be employed within the globe. Also within the hemispherical globe 12 are a series of plastic chips 22 that simulate snow flakes. A fluid filling hole 24 for permitting access to the interior of the globe 12 for filling the globe 12 with fluid F is provided in the base 14.

A plug 26 fills the filling hole 24 to prevent the fluid F from escaping the globe 12 once filled.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the cross sectional diameter of the globe 12 is approximately 1 inch (25mm) and the height of the globe 12 is approximately 1 1/4 inches (32mm). The inside diameter 18 of the attachment member 16 is approximately 5/16th inches (8mm) and the depth of the attachment member 16 is approximately 3/8th inches (9.5mm). The filling hole 24 is approximately 1/16th inches (1.6mm) in diameter.

During use, the device is filled with fluid F, such as water, and the plug 26 installed. The plastic chips 22 are such that they will float in the fluid F. Under the force of gravity the chips 22 will fall to the base 14 of the globe 12.

The novelty device 10 is then attached to the top of a pencil P by inserting the top of the pencil P in the hollow tubular attachment member 16, the novelty device being held in place by the frictional engagement of the inside of the attachment member 16 and the outside surface of the pencil top.

To play with the novelty device, the user would vigorously shake or agitate the pencil tip and the globe, causing the fluid F to vibrate, mixing the plastic chips 22 in the fluid. When the agitation is stopped, the flakes, simulating snow falling, will settle to the base thereby giving the appearance of snow.

If a water ring toss game is employed, then the plastic chips 22 would not be used, but the elements of the game, such as one or more rings would be included inside the globe 12.

While the present invention has been described in reference to the preferred embodiment, it is recognized that other variations of the present invention can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while in the preferred embodiment the attachment means comprises a friction fitting between the top of the pencil and the inside of the attachment means, it is possible to employ other attachment means, such as complementing threads, adhesive, pins or other means for attaching the base to a pencil top, either permanently or temporarily.

Also, while it is contemplated that the novelty device shall be a separate component, the pencil and base may be formed as one integral member.

Claims

1. A novelty device comprising a transparent globe member or shell, having a base, an attachment means for attaching the base to the top of a pencil, the globe or shell being filled with a fluid.

2. A device according to claim 1 in which the globe or shell includes in its interior a three-dimensional object.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 in which said base includes an opening for permitting the passage of fluid into the globe or shell and means for blocking the opening.

4. A device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 in which the globe or shell is attached to a pencil top.

5. A device according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 in which the globe or shell includes plastic chips for simulating snow.

6. A device according to claim 2 in which the three dimensional object comprises a game.

7. A device according to claim 6 in which the three dimensional object includes at least one ring.

8. A novelty device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.