Description:A TROPHY INSTALLATION PLINTH

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to trophy plinth and, more particularly, to a novel and improved press-fit trophy plinth made of recycled plastic materials that are environmentally friendly, durable, moisture resistant, cost-effective, and have better production efficiency.

Background/Motivation for the Disclosure
Trophy plinth are typically formed out of marble, onyx, wood, metal, glass, and other materials. Such trophy plinth are bulky, expensive, and labor intensive. Furthermore, competent crafts people are required to produce products out of these materials. The use of wood contributes to deforestation, while metal and stone (marble/onyx) plinth are heavy, expensive, and delicate. Also, the technique employed in cutting and preparing wood, metal, stone, and glass into a desired shape and size is time consuming, arduous, and damaging to the craftsman's health.

Varnishes and lacquers, which are primarily applied to the exterior surface of such plinth to achieve final finishing, emit toxic fumes. Similarly, press shaping and polishing as used in metal part processing increase manufacturing time and make the process more complex and costly for the manufacturer. Furthermore, the electroplating technique utilized to give the metal section of the traditional plinth design a golden sheen is a red category process, according to the Pollution Control Board.

Nowadays, plinth made of plastic are also available. These are usually made either of two assembled parts or of a single unitary piece. In order to keep the parts together, they are screwed together. The available plastic plinths have various disadvantages. Firstly, the human effort required to screw the parts together is time consuming and cumbersome, particularly when many plinths are to be constructed. Secondly, the use of screws is likely to damage the overall construction of the plinth, potentially leading to stability issues over time. Furthermore, screws usually become loose or are lost, necessitating maintenance or replacement. These flaws reduce the plinth’s overall durability and dependability.

Further, the unorganized or partially organized trophy manufacturing sectors in India have limited access to high quality hardware, machinery, and know-how to allow standardization in terms of quality, structural soundness, aesthetic look of the trophy, ease of decorative object installation, and use of valuable materials such as wood and metal. In order to reduce costs, producers use one or more different shaped base members/layers made of wood, metal, stone, or glass in the constructing the trophy base/plinth. The glass plinths, on the other hand, are brittle and readily break. Furthermore, various types of plinths, such as stone, wood, or metal, are prone to rust and decay when exposed to atmospheric moisture, especially in coastal areas.

In view of the above shortcomings, there is a need for a plinth or base for trophy installation, which would address a variety of issues such as, but not limited to, maintaining structural strength to support the load of the trophy while preventing deformation, collapsing, and bending of the base material used; whose quality is not dependent on the skills of the craftsmen, thus reducing human errors, manufacturing time, and cost. The existing plinths have a negative impact on environment, limited durability, and high cost. Therefore, a plinth device that can conceal all screws and nuts used in trophy fittings without endangering the structural integrity, longevity, or aesthetic appearance of the final product from customer perception is required. Still, there is a need for a trophy installation plinth device and method of manufacture thereof, which incorporates all of the advantages of conventional/existing techniques and methodologies while overcoming their drawbacks.

Objects of the Invention
The primary object of the present invention is to provide a trophy plinth that eliminates the need for screws and minimizes human effort during assembly.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cost-effective alternative to available plinths.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an environmentally friendly trophy plinth.

Another object of the present invention is a plinth that is durable, stable, and resistant to impact and moisture.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a plinth with a simple installation process and reduce the time required for assembly.

Summary of the Invention
Accordingly, the present invention aims to provide a trophy plinth (1) comprising:
a base body (4);
an intermediary body (3) configured to be received on the base body (4); and
a main body (2) configured to be received on the intermediary body (3),
wherein the configuration of the base body (4), main body (2) and the intermediary body (4) is such that the intermediary body (3) encloses the base body (4) and the main body (2) partially encloses the intermediary body (3).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the base body (4), the intermediary body (3) and the main body (2) are assembled by a push-fit mechanism.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the base body (4) has a central protrusion, and the intermediary body (3) has a central depression (16) configured in the bottom surface, the central depression is co-axially positioned to the central protrusion (18) and configured to receive the protrusion of the base body.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the central protrusion (18) as well as the central depression (16) has a central slot.

In another embodiment of the present invention, peripheral walls of main body (2) are configured and dimensioned to engage with corresponding hedges (17) on a top surface of the intermediary body (3).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the main body (2) is made of thermoplastic polymer such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer; the intermediary body (3), and the base body (4) is made of plastic such as polypropylene polymer.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the main body (2) has a hollow inner cavity and may be filled cementing materials.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the base body (4), main body (2) and the intermediary body (3) have a centrally located hole (15) for mounting decorative objects or similar objects.

Brief Description of Drawings

Figure 1: illustrates the exploded view of the exemplary plinth device.

Figure 2: illustrates the perspective view of the exemplary plinth device.

Figure 3: illustrates the exemplary top main body of the plinth device.

Figure 4: illustrates the exemplary middle intermediary body of the plinth device.

Figure 5: illustrates the exemplary bottom base body of the plinth device.

List of Reference Numerals

Plinth 1
Main body 2
Intermediary Body 3
Base body 4
Top View-Main Body 5
Bottom View-Main Body 6
Side View-Main Body 7
Inner cavity 8
Top View- Intermediary body 9
Bottom View-Intermediary body 10
Side View-Intermediary body 11
Top View-Base Body 12
Bottom View-Base Body 13
Side View-Base Body 14
Central slot 15
Central depression 16
Hedges 17
Central protrusion 18
Peripheral walls 19

Detailed Description of the Invention
The exemplary mode for carrying out the disclosure is presented in terms of its exemplary embodiments. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are described in detail for illustrative purposes and are subject to many variations. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render them expedient, but they are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.

The present invention aims to provide a trophy plinth, wherein the configuration of the base body (4), main body (2) and the intermediary body (3) is such that the intermediary body (3) encloses the base body (4) and the main body (2) partially encloses the intermediary body (3). Further, the trophy plinth is assembled using a push fit mechanism, eliminating the need for screws and minimizing human efforts.

An award/prize like trophies may include a plinth (lower part) and a decorative object/article (upper part). The plinth may be a foundation base on which the decorative object may be mounted or installed. The plinth may have any appealing shape and outer texture/finish with sufficient structural strength to support the load of the decorative object. The decorative objects may include, but are not limited to cup, sculpture, statue, vase, text embossed article, painted article, carved element or like items that mainly symbolize the victory or success of a person, team, and organization in a particular feat. Further, the shape, size, and aesthetic look of the plinth may be customized based on the manufacturing requirement or the user’s desire.

The plinth as discussed in the present disclosure may comprise a main body (2) at the top; a base body (4) at bottom; and an intermediary body (3) sandwiched in between. All the said components may be fitted/assembled together to act as a single device for holding and carrying the decorative objects/articles of the trophy. All the said components may be formed of plastics or recycled plastic materials and given into a desired shape, size and finishing using injection molding like techniques.

The main body (2) of the plinth device may be of any height, and shape, including but not limited to rectangular, circular, triangular, etc. The decorative object may be mounted, attached or installed on the main body. The main body may be configured to support the load of the decorative object without any physical deformation.

The intermediary body (3) of the plinth device (1) may have a shining/dazzling outer coating to enhance the beauty of the final product.

The base body (4) of the plinth device may be configured to conceal the inner fittings of other components.

In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in figures 1-2, the construction/configuration of various components of the plinth device are depicted. The main body (2) may be mounted at the top, the base body (4) may be at the bottom, and the intermediary body (3) may be fitted in between.

In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in figure 3, the main body (2) may be a hollow body having a roof, a peripheral wall (19), and an inner cavity. The hollow body may be formed of recycled plastic materials transformed into a desired shape, size, and surface finishing using an injection molding like technique. The recycled plastic material may be a thermoplastic polymer such as Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material which has low melting point, high tensile/compressive strength and is very resistant to physical impacts and chemical corrosion, which allows the final product to withstand heavy use and adverse environmental conditions. Therefore, it may become advantageous to give it the desired shape and finish through the injection molding process. Further, the inner cavity of the hollow body may be filled with cementing material (8) such as a mixture of Portland cement and sand, to increase the overall weight of the device so that it can withstand the load of the decorative object. Furthermore, the roof of the hollow body may have a co-axially positioned slot or hole or bore for ease of mounting/attaching the decorative objects thereon.

In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in figure 4, the intermediary body (3) may be formed of recycled plastic material transformed into a desired shape and size using an injection molding like technique. The recycled plastic material may be polypropylene. The intermediary body may have a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side surface, all coated with a shining metallic color to create an appealing outlook. For example, the intermediary body may be externally applied with a golden or silver finish by using a physical vapor deposition (PVD)-like technique. PVD is an environmentally friendly technique and has zero discharge during the metal deposition process. The intermediary body may have a hedges (17) on its top surface to receive the peripheral wall (19) of the main body (2) at the time of assembly. Further, the top surface of the intermediary body (3) may have at its center a tubular section protruding upward to be engaged into the central slot/hole/bore of the main body (2), which ensures that the plinth device (1) should not collapse during mounting of the decorative objects. Furthermore, the main body (2) may be press fit on the top surface of the intermediary body (3) at the time of assembly.

In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in figure 5, the base body (4) may be formed of recycled plastic material such as polypropylene transformed into a desired shape and size using an injection molding like technique. The base body may have an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface. The upper surface may have at its center a tubular part protruding (18) upward to be engaged into the central tubular section/depression (16) of the intermediary body. The upper surface may have a plurality of depressions to conceal any screw and nut used during the installation of the decorative objects. Further, the upper surface of the base body may be press fit on the bottom surface of the intermediary body (3), which ensures concealing/hiding all other components or parts when the plinth is turned upside down.

In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the formation of the main body (2) may include steps such as mirror polishing of the injection mold and applying chemical treatment followed by dull chrome plating therein, which ensures a non-glossy, silky smooth finish to the recycled plastic while it is shaped into the main body. Any color of choice, such as black, may be used. After injection molding, the cementing material may be filled into the inner cavity of the main body (2). A cylindrical tube may be provided through the central hole or bore of the main body to improve reinforcement of the cement filling so that it does not come out loose during an upside turn. The main body may take various shapes, such as cuboidal, cylindrical, pyramidal, etc., depending on the shape of the mold used therein.

In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the formation of the intermediary body (3) may include steps of mirror polishing of the injection mold using diamond cutting paste to give a luster finish and evaporation PVD of Aluminum treatment to give a golden or silver finish to the recycled plastic while it is shaped into the intermediary body (3). Any other metallic coating of choice may be used based on the manufacturing requirement or the user’s desire.

In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the formation of the base body (4) may include a step of mirror polishing of the injection mold using diamond cutting paste to give a luster finish to the recycled plastic while it is shaped into the base body (4). Any color of choice, such as black, may be used.

In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the main body (2), the intermediary body (3), and the base body(4) may be made up of 100% recycled plastic; thus, the plinth device may be able to minimize the usage of valuable natural resources like wood and metal.

In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the main body (2), the intermediary body (3), and the base body (4) may be configured to be assembled one above the other without using any glue or fixtures, but just by press-fit technique. Thus, the assembling and fitting cost and time of the plinth device may be significantly reduced.

Trophy Plinth
The trophy plinth may consist of main body (2), intermediary body (3), and base body (4). These sections are designed to interlock securely using a push fit mechanism, eliminating the need for screws or manual effort during assembly. The plinth design allows for easy transportation and storage.

Recycled Plastic Materials
The trophy plinth is made of 100% plastic and/or recycled plastic materials, contributing to environmental sustainability. The recycled plastic may be selected from such materials as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and PP (Polypropylene), which ensure durability and impact resistance.

Push-Fit Mechanism
The trophy plinth of the present invention may be assembled using a push fit mechanism that enables effortless and secure assembly of the plinth. The interlocking structures that firmly hold the trophy in place. This mechanism simplifies the installation process and eliminates the need for screws, reducing assembly time.

Durability and Moisture Resistance
The combination of ABS and PP plastic enhances the durability and resistance of the plinth to impact and moisture. This makes the plinth suitable for coastal areas or other environments where moisture may be present.

Cost effectiveness
The use of plastics and recycled plastic materials significantly reduces the production cost of the plinth compared to traditional wooden plinths. This cost-effectiveness makes the invention an attractive alternative for trophy display.

Example:
For preparing a plinth of wooden material, the cost of the same is provided:
Wooden Part = INR 97/- (approx.)
Metal Part = INR 45/- (approx.)
Total Cost = INR 142/ - (approx.)

whereas, the approx. selling of present invention plastic plinth is INR 57/- only, i.e., almost 40% cost effective in comparison to wooden plinths.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.
, Claims:We Claim:

1. A trophy plinth (1) comprising:
a base body (4);
an intermediary body (3) configured to be received on the base body (4); and
a main body (2) configured to be received on the intermediary body (3),
wherein the configuration of the base body (4), main body (2) and the intermediary body (3) is such that the intermediary body (3) encloses the base body (4) and the main body (2) partially encloses the intermediary body (3).

2. The trophy plinth as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base body (4), the intermediary body (3) and the main body (2) are assembled by a push-fit mechanism.

3. The trophy plinth as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base body (4) has a central protrusion, and the intermediary body (3) has a central depression (16) configured in the bottom surface, the central depression is co-axially positioned to the central protrusion (18) and configured to receive the protrusion of the base body.

4. The trophy plinth as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central protrusion (18) as well as the central depression (16) has a central slot.

5. The trophy plinth as claimed in claim 1, wherein peripheral walls of main body (2) are configured and dimensioned to engage with corresponding hedges (17) on a top surface of the intermediary body (3).

6. The trophy plinth as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body (2) is made of thermoplastic polymer such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer; the intermediary body (3), and the base body (4) is made of plastic such as polypropylene polymer.

7. The trophy plinth as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body (2) has a hollow inner cavity (8) and may be filled with cementing materials.

8. The trophy plinth as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base body (4), main body (2) and intermediary body (3) have a co-axially positioned hole (15) for mounting decorative objects.

9. The trophy plinth as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base body (4), main body (2) and the intermediary body (3) are resistant to moisture.