Illumination – Light modifier – Fluid medium type
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-21
2001-11-13
Quach, Y. (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Light modifier
Fluid medium type
C362S161000, C362S101000, C362S806000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06315433
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an ornamental lighting fixture. In particular, the present invention provides a system for creating and displaying a lighting fixture having a light diffuser formed by a frozen liquid that melts during utilization of the invention, a light source substantially surrounded by the light diffuser, and a base element to support the diffuser and light source. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, this base element also serves to collect the diffuser material as it melts, and further serves as the shape mold for creating and recreating the light diffuser.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is common in restaurants and other commercial establishments to use decorative lighting fixture such as lamps and candle holders to create an atmosphere and ambiance that is pleasant for customers. Many restaurants, for example, will commonly put a candle in a tubular container that is designed to collect the pool of melted liquid wax created as the candle burns. Another common lighting fixture employs a pool of oil contained in a cylindrical vase with a wick supported by a floating member. In recent times, the use of lighting fixtures has received new interest in the consumer markets, and demand for aesthetically pleasing and creatively designed lighting fixtures has steadily increased.
Likewise, many restaurants and other commercial establishments also use aesthetically attractive “ice sculptures” to similarly create or enhance an atmosphere of elegant ambiance that again in turn enhances the customers' experience. Indeed, the use of ice sculptures has become commonplace in many settings ranging from wedding banquets to cruise ship dining. And like lighting fixtures, the use of ice sculptures has attracted a consumer market in related products.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention combines a light source with a light diffuser where the latter is constructed of a diffuser material that, while initially solid or frozen, commences to melt at room temperature during utilization of the invention. The light source can be of many types, including but not limited to candles, incandescent or fluorescent lights, phosphorescent chemical combinations, light emitting diodes (LEDs), and so forth. The light diffuser can likewise be constructed from many types of diffuser materials, including but not limited to clear or colored frozen water, “dry ice,” other frozen substances that, at normal room temperatures ranging from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, are generally found in liquid, liquid-like, or gaseous forms. This further includes diffuser materials that, when exposed to the heat of a specific light source being used, melt and assume a liquid form at an increased rate. Naturally, this invention is suitable for both indoor and outdoor utilization.
A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a geometrically-shaped translucent base to support the light source and the light diffuser wherein the base includes a collection element to collect the melted light diffuser material. In such an embodiment, this collection element can be placed in a freezer and used as a mold to shape the diffuser material into solid form for repetitive use in the light fixture. The base in this embodiment also includes a core member with a horizontal surface upon which the light diffuser and light source can be placed during use. Furthermore, to prevent lateral or rotational shifting of the light diffuser as it melts, the surface of the core member in this embodiment is shaped to correspond to the molded shape of the light diffuser in a manner consistent with the melt pattern, and may or may not include a plurality of low-profile vertical wedges to keep the light diffuser in place. The core member in this embodiment will also has a plurality of drain holes which allow the melted diffuser material to collect and pass into the base member as the diffuser melts during utilization, and will also have a plurality of ribs to prevent the light diffuser from interfering with the flow of melted diffuser material through the drain holes. Finally, to prevent unwanted dripping sounds, the core member in this embodiment also has on its bottom side a series of flow guides extending from the lower openings of the drain holes downward and toward an interior vertical wall of the collection element.
This particular preferred embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of allowing the melted diffuser material to be captured without leaking onto the surface that supports the lighting fixture. Moreover, the core member positioned atop of the collection elements has the added benefit of suspending the light source and the light diffuser above the collection element and thereby provides an enhanced appearance for displaying the ornamental features of the light diffuser.
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International Search Report.
Bracewell & Patterson L.L.P.
Quach Y.
Russell Brian F.
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