Illumination – Plural light sources – Particular wavelength
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-19
2001-06-05
Quach, Y. (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Plural light sources
Particular wavelength
C362S101000, C362S392000, C362S806000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06241362
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to electrically illuminated displays, and more specifically to an electrically lighted display device using three light emitting diodes (LEDs) each having a different subtractive primary color, i.e., red, yellow, and blue. Electrical power to each of the LEDs is varied to vary the intensity in a predetermined manner, thereby changing the color emitted by the LED group. The lighting means may be used to project light of virtually any color desired, through a transparent or translucent display article.
2. Description of the Related Art
Tabletop artwork and displays are popular decorative articles in most home and office environments. While quality artwork is always appreciated, the staff or residents of an office or home where such artwork is displayed, become used to the display after some period of time, and may no longer appreciate the work. While interest may be retained by periodically changing such artwork and displays in order to provide variety, this is not economically feasible for most households or offices. While such artwork may be moved to various locations for the sake of variety, such relocation requires additional labor which is not desirable.
Accordingly, some means of easily and inexpensively altering the appearance of existing tabletop statuary, sculpture, and other artwork, would provide a refreshing change for persons who live and work daily with such artwork. The present invention responds to this need by providing lighting means for translucent and transparent articles, with the lighting comprising a series of three light emitting diodes (LEDs), each of a different one of the three subtractive or pigment primary colors (i.e., red, yellow, and blue). By varying the electrical power to each of the LEDs collectively and separately in a predetermined manner, the color output and intensity of the LEDs may be varied as desired to produce virtually any color desired. The cycle may be automated to vary the color over a predetermined period of time, or may be adjusted to project a specific color as desired. The present lighted display may be used to provide color for virtually any transparent or translucent object placed thereon, e.g., statuary, candles, transparent and translucent holders for such articles, etc., as desired. Different bases may be provided, with the bases comprising a solid fixture for the placement of display articles thereon, or having a basin or receptacle for holding a liquid therein, if so desired.
A discussion of the related art of which the present inventor is aware, and its differences and distinctions from the present invention, is provided below.
U. S. Pat. No. 2,353,063 issued on Jul. 4, 1944 to Carl W. Otis, titled “Ornamental Illuminating Device,” describes a “bubble-light” type of ornamental light, as used in Christmas tree lighting and the like. While Otis notes that the liquid within the tube may be colored to provide different effects, he does not provide for coloring the light output by changing the color of the light itself, as provided in the present invention. The light (and heat) source in the Otis light is a clear, uncolored incandescent bulb, which transmits its light (and heat) to the liquid filled tube thereabove. The liquid used by Otis may be colored, but the colors cannot be changed, as provided by the multiple colored LED light sources of the present invention. Moreover, Otis cannot provide for different display articles to be placed upon his lighting device, whereas the present lighted display provides for such.
U. S. Pat. No. 2,435,811 issued on Feb. 10, 1948 to Harry F. Waters, titled “Artificial Candle,” describes an electrical light bulb base for installation in a standard light socket, with the base in turn having a smaller diameter elongate incandescent bulb therein. The bulb is surrounded by a partially transparent or translucent cylindrical shell, simulating a candle. A simulated flame is provided, with a heat driven deflector disposed at the top of the bulb to simulate the flickering of the flame as it turns due to heat rising from the bulb. Waters does not provide any means of supporting a display article atop his simulated candle, nor for changing the color of the display, as provided by the present illuminated display invention.
U. S. Pat. No. 2,465,700 issued on Mar. 29, 1949 to Louis P. Tuttle, titled “Ornamental Lighting Fixture,” describes a small lighting device including a clip for removable attachment to a Christmas tree branch or the like. Various translucent display articles may be attached to the relatively small base, which in turn closely surrounds a single small incandescent bulb. The Tuttle lighting fixture cannot be placed upon a table, as provided by the present lighted display. Moreover, Tuttle does not provide any means for changing the perceived color of the article being displayed thereon, by changing the color of the light. In contrast, the present display device alters the color of the light transmitted by the three differently colored LED devices disposed in the base of the device.
U. S. Pat. No. 2,590,279 issued on Mar. 25, 1952 to Mark Soss, titled “Bubbling Liquid Toy,” describes a device similar to the “bubble light” device of Otis, described further above. Soss provides a solid figure within the liquid filled tube above the single incandescent bulb, with the figure being carried to the top of the tube as the liquid is brought to a boil by the heat of the bulb. As in the Otis device, the only means provided by Soss for altering the emitted color of his device is by changing the color of the liquid within the tube and lower bulb. Soss, and other patentees noted to this point, provide only one clear incandescent bulb to provide the light (and/or heat) required for their devices, and cannot provide any means for changing the color output by changing the color of the light emitted by the lighting means.
U. S. Pat. No. 2,714,652 issued on Aug. 2, 1955 to Harry G. P. Meyer, titled “Illuminated Garden Ornament Assemblies,” describes a relatively tall and narrow lighted ornament adapted to be secured to the ground by means of a spike extending therefrom, rather than being placed upon a table or other level surface, as in the case of the present invention. Translucent display articles are provided, having specially formed bases for fitting closely over the single incandescent bulb of the device. As in the other devices discussed to this point, Meyer makes no provision for altering the color of the light emitted by the device, other than altering the color of the translucent article being displayed.
U. S. Pat. No. 3,761,702 issued on Sep. 25, 1973 to Frits J. Andeweg, titled “Internally Illuminated Candle,” describes several embodiments of an otherwise conventional candle having a hollowed center, with one or more incandescent bulbs being placed therein for lighting the candle from within. Andeweg notes in at least one embodiment that multiple incandescent bulbs may be placed within the candle, with each bulb being a different color if so desired. However, Andeweg fails to provide any means of adjusting the combined color output of the lighting means while the device is in use. The present illuminated display provides such means of varying the color output, by adjusting the electrical power to each of the LEDs therein either separately or collectively, as desired. Moreover, the present display device provides for the placement of a translucent display article thereon, whereas the Andeweg hollow candle precludes placement of other articles thereon.
U. S. Pat. No. 3,762,857 issued on Oct. 2, 1973 to Frits J. Andeweg, titled “Candle Internal Illuminator And Mount Base,” describes various additional embodiments over those of his '702 U.S. Patent, discussed above. In some of the embodiments, Andeweg provides means for varying the color emitted by the device, either manually or automatically. Andeweg provides a disc having various colored lenses therein, which is rotatably installed above the sin
Litman Richard C.
Quach Y.
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