Illumination – With furniture – Cabinet
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-06
2001-09-04
Tso, Laura K. (Department: 2875)
Illumination
With furniture
Cabinet
C362S127000, C312S223500
Reexamination Certificate
active
06283608
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates in general to light fixtures, and in particular, to light fixtures associated with shelving. More specifically, but without restriction to the particular embodiments hereinafter described in accordance with the best mode of practice, this invention relates to both a quick-release light fixture that casts multi-directional light from behind an opaque shelf and a fixed light fixture that casts multi-directional light from behind a shelf.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
In the modern world, humankind has increasingly populated his environment. As the population has grown, the space for each individual has decreased. As each individual office and home space has become smaller, so has the furniture that is used in those spaces. One particular kind of furnishing which has decreased in size includes display shelves, book shelves, and china cabinets. In the past, book shelves and china cabinets were very large pieces of furniture that were not illuminated by light. As workspace, office space, and home living space had a higher premium placed thereon, these china cabinets have become smaller and more decorative in nature. As they became more decorative in nature, the china cabinets, display shelves, entertainment centers, bookshelves, and other display units began to include lighting so that people could better see the things displayed on the shelves. In particular, china cabinets and display shelves are lit so that people may easily view the china, knick-knacks, and books thereon. Additionally, lights and lighting in display units, china cabinets, display shelves, and the like are used to create atmosphere or ambience.
In the past, there have been many ways of putting lighting on shelves. One of the ways was merely to place a lamp on the shelf. This had the disadvantages of being easily knocked off the shelf and of taking a large amount of shelf space. As time went on, lights were developed that were fastened fixedly to the shelves of the display units, china cabinets, entertainment centers, and display shelves. The light in prior display units, china cabinets, entertainment centers, and display shelves was usually uni-directional. Some shelving in some prior display units provide light which is bi-directional. This bi-directional lighting was accomplished primarily through the use of transparent surfaces such as glass.
Prior methods of shelf lighting include light bulbs that are exceedingly hard to change as the lights were fixed to the shelf or display unit. Usually the user would be required to empty out all the books, knick-knacks, or china being displayed to ensure that he would not knock over and damage such items while changing the light bulb. A further limitation in prior display units includes problems in illuminating opaque shelves. The lighting of opaque shelving is typically uni-directional. Even in units that have bi-directional lighting through transparent surfaces, a way to easily change light bulbs has not previously hereto been provided. In addition to the above limitations, prior illuminated display units had unattractive electric power cords that were frequently in view of the user. Thus, prior to this invention, there has not been disclosed any convenient way to provide bi-directional lighting with light bulbs being easily changed for opaque shelving while hiding from view unattractive electric power cords. In addition thereto, prior to this invention, bi-directional lighting for opaque shelves was not known.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to improve illuminated shelves.
Another object of this invention is to enable a user to easily change a light bulb attached to the shelf of a display unit.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a shelving unit with a light assembly which is easily removable for changing the light.
Another object of this invention is to provide a removable light source that provides bi-directional light for shelves while fastened to walls or display units.
A further object of the present invention is to provide bi-directional light to an opaque shelf.
It is the further object of the present invention to provide a readily detachable light fixture that also prevents items from falling off the shelf.
Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a bi-directional light source that also prevents objects from falling off the shelf.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a removable bi-directional light source with a hidden electric supply cord.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a removable bi-directional light assembly wherein the light is amplified by a reflective bracket.
It is still yet a further object of the present invention to provide a bi-directional light wherein the light is amplified by a reflective bracket.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide bi-directional light to an opaque shelf by way of an air-gap.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a removable light source by means of an air gap between a wall and the removable light source holder attached to the shelving.
Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a removable light source wherein the light source is held to a removable member engaged with the shelving unit by an easily attached bracket.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a removable light member or assembly by use of an air gap between a wall and a fixed light assembly holder attached to the shelving.
Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide bi-directional light by way of an air-gap by using an easily attached bracket. These and other objects according to the present invention may be attained by providing at least one shelf for mounting to a support surface which includes a top and bottom surface and a front and back edge, at least one support member for attaching the shelf to the support surface, a light support member affixed to the back edge of the shelf, the light support member extending above and below the shelf and being spaced away from the support surface to create an air gap there between, and a light attached to the light support member which provides backlighting.
The display assembly may further include a light holding bracket for mounting the light, the light holding bracket being secured to the light support member. In conjunction with this aspect of the present invention the light holding bracket is secured to the light support member by at least one strap. The at least one strap may be loosened to allow precise positioning of the light holding bracket along a longitudinal centerline of the light support member. The shelf in this embodiment of the invention may be fixed to the support surface or alternatively removable.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a display unit including a frame having a back and supporting sides, at least one shelf having a front edge and a back edge. The back edge of the shelf is spaced away from the back of the frame to provide an airgap therebetween. A light support member is affixed to the back edge of the shelf. The light support member extends above and below the shelf. The light is attached to the light support member.
In accordance with one aspect of this embodiment of the present invention, a light is positioned within the airgap to provide backlighting. Further according to this embodiment of the present invention, a light holding bracket is provided for mounting the light. The light holding bracket is secured to the light support member and may be secured to the light support member by at least one strap. This at least one strap may be preferably loosened to allow precision positioning of the light holding bracket along longitudinal centerline of the light support member.
In accordance with yet another aspect of this embodiment of the present invention, the light holding bracket preferably has a long side havi
Braun Robert T.
Tso Laura K.
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