Illumination – Supported by vehicle structure – Visual identification light
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-05
2001-04-24
Quach, Y. (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Supported by vehicle structure
Visual identification light
C362S339000, C362S396000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06220737
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to illuminated displays, and relates in particular to a device for projecting an image onto a road, vehicle surface, or any other surface.
2. Description of Related Art
Vehicles have been equipped with illumination devices for quite some time. Safety considerations have been the primary reason for the utilization of vehicle illumination devices.
Illumination devices utilized in vehicles are known in the background art. One such device has been invented by Siegel as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 1,720,531. This display device is an article that attaches to an automobile headlight for purposes of displaying letters or names on the headlight.
The invention disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,276,104 to Shaunessey teaches a vehicle tail light utilized as a traffic signal. The tail light is attached to a vehicle such as an automobile and means are employed for projecting the word “Stop” upon a road surface in addition to including means for illuminating a license plate and performing a tail light function.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,017,500 to Pezzeopane discloses the use of motor vehicle lamps to provide lights for illuminating motor vehicle wheels in which the lights are permanently installed on the vehicles so that it is only necessary to press a button or close a switch to throw light on the wheels and to the sides of the vehicle when performing work on the vehicle at night.
A number of background devices which teach the use of vehicle illumination devices are found in the following U.S. Patents: Shaw U.S. Pat. No. 1,145,087; Chmurski U.S. Pat. No. 1,395,039; Stewart U.S. Pat. No. 1,521,998; Miller U.S. Pat. No. 1,736,616; Kurtz U.S. Pat. No. 1,810,216; Larose U.S. Pat. No. 2,023,845; Bridge U.S. Pat. No. 2,081,899; Geary U.S. Pat. No. 2,786,935.
Those who drive vehicles during daylight hours may choose to visually promote or advertise an item, cause, group, individual, business, or the like without the aid of projected light. Utilizing a vehicle for visual promotion or advertisement may be accomplished by means of paint on the surface of the vehicle, magnetic decals, or similar means that are visible during daylight hours. However, individuals that operate vehicles in the dark do not presently have the ability to effectively promote or advertise utilizing visual means.
As a result, individuals that operate vehicles in the dark do not promote or advertise by visual means.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a unique way to project an image from a vehicle, especially in the dark. The vehicle illumination device comprises a body with first and second ends. At the first end, the body houses an illumination source. At the second end, the body contains a lens that is aligned with the illumination source. Between the first and second ends of the body is a template. The body is mounted to a vehicle and the second end thereof is aimed at a surface (eg. road, side of vehicle, etc.) onto which an image is projected.
In one embodiment, the vehicle illumination device utilizes a means for attachment to a side portion of a vehicle (e.g. side-mounted rear-view mirror or door) for projecting an image onto a surface. In an alternative embodiment, the device is attached to the vehicle frame or the bumper for projecting an image onto a road surface, a vehicle, or anywhere else.
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide those who utilize vehicles in the dark a unique way to project an image from a vehicle to promote or advertise an item, cause, group, individual, business, or the like.
It is another object of this invention to project an image from a vehicle onto a surface.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide an apparatus for attaching the projection device to a vehicle body, vehicle bumper, vehicle undercarriage or anywhere else for projecting an image onto a surface.
In accordance with these and other objects which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1395039 (1921-10-01), Chmurski
patent: 1491937 (1924-04-01), Walker
patent: 2276104 (1942-03-01), Shaunessey
patent: 2675983 (1954-04-01), King
patent: 3401596 (1968-09-01), Hirsch
patent: 4821019 (1989-04-01), Taylor
patent: 5690420 (1997-11-01), Saldana, Sr.
Malin Haley & DiMaggio, P.A.
Quach Y.
LandOfFree
Vehicle illumination device does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Vehicle illumination device, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Vehicle illumination device will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2507501