Illumination – Chemiluminescent lighting
Reexamination Certificate
2002-03-22
2003-09-16
O'Shea, Sandra (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Chemiluminescent lighting
C362S084000, C362S101000, C206S219000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06619808
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to chemiluminescent devices and methods therefor and, more specifically, to a chemiluminescent device in which a single color of light produced by a chemiluminescent reaction is transmitted through a multi-colored casing to produce a multi-color effect.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Chemiluminescent devices are well known. They generally comprise an outer casing, within which are positioned the reactants in a chemiluminescent reaction. These reactants are typically an activator, an oxalate, and a dye in solvent. So that the reaction will not take place before the device is ready to be used, it is necessary to place either the activator or oxalate in a breakable ampule, which when broken allows the reactants to mix, producing light.
Prior art chemiluminescent devices typically display only a single color. It is possible to vary a particular color produced by the reaction by changing the particular reactants used. The prior art includes reactants capable of producing blue, green, yellow, or red light.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,086, issued to Holland, however, discloses a device having at least two separate chambers, each containing its own set of chemiluminescent reactants—including different colored dyes. When each individual reaction is allowed to proceed, the devices is capable of producing more than one color of light. There are several drawbacks associated with the Holland device. It is relatively complicated and relatively expensive to manufacture, given the need to provide a structure having multiple chambers and the need to provide multiple dyes.
A need therefore existed for a chemiluminescent device and method capable of using a single dye and a single set of reactants to create a multi-color effect. A need still further existed for a chemiluminescent device and method capable of producing a multi-colored, illuminated design having discrete features. The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other, related, advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a chemiluminescent device and method capable of using a single dye and a single set of reactants to create a multi-color effect.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a chemiluminescent device and method capable of producing a multi-colored, illuminated design having discrete features.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a chemiluminescent device is disclosed capable of producing a multi-colored effect is disclosed. The device comprises, in combination: chemiluminescent reactants capable of producing light having a first colored appearance; and a casing containing the chemiluminescent reactants and capable of permitting the light to pass through at least a portion thereof; wherein the casing comprises at least a first and a second region, wherein the first region and the second region exhibit distinct color characteristics from one another; wherein the light, upon passing through at least one of the first region and the second region, takes on a second colored appearance.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of producing a multi-colored effect in a chemiluminescent device is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing chemiluminescent reactants capable of producing light having a first colored appearance; providing a casing containing the chemiluminescent reactants and capable of permitting the light to pass through at least a portion thereof; wherein the casing comprises at least a first and a second region, wherein the first region and the second region exhibit distinct color characteristics from one another; wherein the light, upon passing through at least one of the first region and the second region, takes on a second colored appearance; and allowing the chemiluminescent reactants to combine.
REFERENCES:
patent: RE30103 (1979-09-01), Spector
patent: 4954113 (1990-09-01), Kim
patent: 5043851 (1991-08-01), Kaplan
patent: 5383100 (1995-01-01), Kikos
patent: 5390086 (1995-02-01), Holland
patent: 5557869 (1996-09-01), Doulgas
patent: 6106129 (2000-08-01), Cranor
patent: 6196921 (2001-03-01), Larson
patent: 6257750 (2001-07-01), Strasser
O'Shea Sandra
Ward John Anthony
Weiss Harry M.
Weiss Jeffrey
Weiss, Moy & Harris P.C.
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