Beds – Sofa bed – Bed element
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-10
2001-07-10
Knight, Anthony (Department: 3628)
Beds
Sofa bed
Bed element
C005S905000, C040S547000, C362S130000, C362S565000, C362S801000, C362S806000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06256811
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to fiber optic illumination, specifically to end emitting optical fibers whose placement and size depict starlight in furniture.
2. Description of Prior Art
The use of fiber optic illumination has become widespread and taken many forms. End emitting optical fibers are used in decorative lamps and signs. These designs can be interesting and functional. The design possibilities are unlimited.
The U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,495 to Bell (1989) shows the use of optical fibers in a flat surface, such as tables or counters. Light is transmitted through the fibers to a transparent or translucent surface. The resulting light can then be used for illumination or for informational signage by use of templates as shown. Bell's patent incorporates features that are common to most fiber optic applications. A single illumination source for ease of maintenance is widely used. Heat and electricity are distanced from the point of display. Manipulation of light at the input end of the optical fibers by color or wavelength is one of the main attributes of these light systems.
The use of a perforated panel with a light source is shown by Polk U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,757 (1997). This is not a realistic depiction of starlight. The fact that stars are light emitting bodies dictates that a realistic rendition of such should be a light emitting device. Stars are of different brightness and for realism should be depicted as such. It does not appear that the canopy of Polk has a means to vary the brightness of the star perforations.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are:
(a) to provide a realistic depiction of starlight by using end emitting optical fibers;
(b) to produce a scene in which the starlight is in a proper scale;
(c) to create a visual environment conducive to sleeping;
(d) to provide orientation to a viewer in a darkened environment;
(e) to produce a scene generally viewed in a vertical position;
(f) to produce a scene in a horizontal position viewed from below;
(g) to produce a scene with a multitude of starlights;
(h) to produce an accurate rendition of star positions or a universe of the designer's creation.
Further objects and advantages are those features common to fiber optic lighting systems. The ability to remove the heat source from the viewing area, the option to manipulate the light as to color and brightness, and the use of a single illuminator for a plurality of optical fibers are some of the common benefits.
In the recorded history of human existence, star viewing has been a universal activity. The visual sense of that viewing is accurately rendered in this invention. Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and accompanying drawings.
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Knight Anthony
Ownbey Nancy
Peacock Deborah A.
Santos Robert G.
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