The bat signal prop (figure 1) is a miniature replica of a signaling
device. The bat signal prop
evolved from the bat signal, which Batman uses to maintain his privacy while
providing
Source: Amazon.com,
Inc. 1996-2003. Toys & Games: Bat
Signal Prop by Diamond Select.
The lens, made of glass, is
a 9 inch diameter yellow-tinted disk with the silhouette of a bat painted on
the exterior surface. The lens mounts to the open end of the body and creates
the bat signal image when lit from behind.
The body, made of sheet
metal, is a hollow, black dome with
copper trim that is 9 inches in diameter and 6 inches deep. The body attaches
to the swivel mount and houses the lens, light bulb, mirror, wiring, and
battery box. The body pivots in the swivel mount to project the bat signal at
varying angles.
The base, made of hard
plastic, is a disk approximately 1 inch thick and 8 inches in diameter with
feet protruding at regular intervals. The base connects to the swivel mount and
provides the bat signal prop with a stable foundation.
The swivel mount consists of
a hard plastic U-shape with three connection points. The swivel mount connects
to the base at the bottom center of the U-shape with a 360o swivel
coupler. The swivel mount connects to the body at the top of each arm of the
U-shape with couplers that allow a 90o range of motion. The swivel mount
gives the bat signal prop the ability to point in nearly any direction.
The handle, made of hard
plastic, is a slender arced tube attached to the top of the body. The handle
gives the user a method for transporting, swiveling, or tilting the bat signal
prop.
Jay Lienhard
ENG 200, Technical Communication
Summer 2003
