Chair, Stool Or Sofa Patents (Class 362/131)
  • Patent number: 11906152
    Abstract: A pillow includes: a body having a filler, consisting of bundles of fibers, filled inside a covering having a space therein; a printed pattern formed on the upper surface of the covering; and a light-emitting means which is installed in the body and which emits light towards the covering, on which the printed pattern is formed, so as to allow the printed pattern to produce an aesthetic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventors: Sung Jong Woo, Kyung A Do
  • Patent number: 11553794
    Abstract: A furniture item includes a main body with an electrical device installed thereon. A power line electrically connects the electrical device to an external power source and is concealed in a power line channel formed in one or more of the walls of the main body. A switch may be connected to the main body and electrically connected to the electrical device, for controlling the electrical device. A main body door moveable from a first position to a second position may trigger the switch to enable and disable electrical connection between the external power source and the electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: eMoMo Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei Zhou, Yushu Zhao, Ming Kong, Jingzhi Chen
  • Patent number: 10004369
    Abstract: The toilet lid light is a position sensitive light that is adapted for use with a toilet. The toilet lid light is a device that illuminates the toilet during use in periods of darkness. Specifically, the toilet lid light is illuminated when the toilet seat is put in the up position for the purposes of: 1) providing visual feedback regarding the location of urinary tract discharge relative to the boundaries of the toilet bowl during use; and, 2) providing visual feedback regarding the position of the toilet seat for the purpose of assisting in the proper subsequent use of the toilet. The toilet lid light comprises a lamp, a housing, and a fastener. The lamp is contained within the housing. The fastener attaches the housing to the bottom side of the toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Inventor: Richard Guidry
  • Patent number: 9956898
    Abstract: A seating assembly is provided herein. The seating assembly includes a partition disposed between first and second seats. The partition includes a panel movable between a stowed position and a deployed position along a track assembly. A lamp is optically coupled with the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Kenneth Dellock, Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, Annette Lynn Huebner, Joshua Greiner
  • Patent number: 9445699
    Abstract: A toilet illumination device engageable with a toilet seat is provided which illuminates the toilet and proximal area in low ambient light or darkness. The device is battery powered and utilizes light emitters such as LED's to provide a low energy light source to assist users in locating and using the toilet upon awakening in the night. The device may emit light in a spectrum or lumen level known to not significantly interfere with user's falling back to sleep due to the low light and color characteristics of the light emitting diodes. The device once activated in low light conditions and may illuminate a plurality of light emitting diodes when the seat is lifted and or lowered without the need to turn on bathroom lights or other brighter and more energy consuming light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Charlie Mangrum, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9072456
    Abstract: A multi-light apparatus (10) for primary use in dental or medicinal operatory workspaces and for interconnection with a modular operating chair (12), so as to form the headrest thereof, preferably includes first and second radiation sources (36,72) and a selection mechanism (70) for selecting a desired radiation source, a rigidly flexible light pipe (16) that may be alternatively coupled to each light source (36,72) and is configured to transmit selected radiation to a patient (14), a reflective surface (78) configured to direct the selected radiation to the pipe (16), a power supply (50), a cooling fan (56), and at least one potentiometer (66,68) for varying the voltage delivered to the sources (36,72) and fan (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Inventor: Irwin N. Boe
  • Patent number: 8770778
    Abstract: A utility light kit has one or more lights that can mount on a top platform of a ladder without requiring the user to use one hand for holding a light. The utility light kit is a portable, cordless, safe, battery-operated device that includes a tool utility tray for keeping tools or other objects conveniently located when working on a job where the ladder needs to be moved frequently. The light can be an LED panel having a plurality of lights that can be rotated to provide light in a desired area. When the utility light kit is closed, the utility tray is covered, preventing the contents from spilling out while moving the ladder. An attachment mechanism, such as clips or an attachment strap, can secure the utility light kit to the top platform of the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventors: Herberth A. Pereira, Stephen John Gerli, Stephen Joseph Gerli, James A. McCrea
  • Patent number: 8668372
    Abstract: Windows, or other types of transparent materials, may be constructed to passively allow light from alternate sources to pass therethrough, while also being able to actively produce artificial light for providing illumination from one side of the window by means of an incorporated optical waveguide that accepts light from an edge of the window and disperses it from only one side of the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventors: Gary Lynn Duerksen, Seth Adrian Miller
  • Publication number: 20120127700
    Abstract: An electronic display and lighting arrangement for viewing by, and illumination for, a person in a resting position includes: an electronic display assembly including a first carriage movable along a translation axis, a first pivot arm coupled to the first carriage with the first pivot arm pivotable about a first pivot axis, and an electronic display coupled to the first pivot arm; and a lighting assembly including a second carriage movable in a direction parallel to the translation axis, and a light coupled to the second carriage and adjustably positionable by movement of the second carriage. The electronic display is adjustably positionable both along the translation axis by movement of the first carriage, and about the first pivot axis by movement of the first pivot arm about the first pivot axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: TGR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, LLC
    Inventor: Shannon G. Parsons
  • Publication number: 20120098306
    Abstract: An article of furniture including one or more decorative light members placed along the bottom or other portions of the article furniture is provided. In some embodiments, the article of furniture is a sofa. According to some embodiments, a light member is a light emitting diode (LED) tube. A light assembly including at least one light member that can be removably attached to the article of furniture is also provided. The operation of the light assembly can be controlled by at least one switch used to cut the light member(s) on and off and/or regulate the amount brightness of light emitted from the light member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Michael W. Jarnagin, Jonathan Richard Butts, Tommy Jack Harper, JR.
  • Patent number: 8113579
    Abstract: A child safety seat includes a seat body, a headrest mechanism, an illumination device, and a power supply device. The headrest mechanism is connected to the seat body. The headrest mechanism includes a main body and a side wing. The side wing is movably connected to the main body. The illumination device is disposed on the side wing. The power supply device is electrically connected to the illumination device and is disposed separating from the side wing. The power supply device is used for providing electrical power to drive the illumination device to emit light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventors: Joseph F. Fiore, Jr., Fang-Ming Li
  • Patent number: 7822274
    Abstract: A process for segmenting an object of interest from background, comprising: obtaining a master, high-resolution image of an object disposed within a background; applying a first band graph cut process to the master image generating a second image with the object being segmented from the background to a first approximation; and, comparing the second image with the master image to produce a comparison image with pixels identified by the comparison to be background images being removed from the comparison image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Kemal Sinop, Leo Grady
  • Publication number: 20100195337
    Abstract: An electroluminescent arrangement is described, which comprises at least one flexible electroluminescent element and at least one flexible textile carrier material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Bayer MaterialScience AG
    Inventors: Michael Heite, Thilo-J. Werners, Joerg Muenz
  • Patent number: 7758202
    Abstract: A step stool with positionable lights and a rechargeable battery is carried upon retractable casters for suitable positioning and utility. A motion and timer switch is interposed between the battery and the positionable lights to allow the positionable lights to be illuminated only for a fixed period of time following movement of the step stool. The lights may be positionable as by adjustable brackets or by a cord reel assembly. The step stool has contact bands thereabout that are adapted for engagement with contacts in a charging station that is specifically configured to receive the step stool. Receipt of the step stool by the charging station activates a battery charger that serves to charge the battery of the step stool thereafter. A solenoid switch disconnects the lights of the step stool upon commencement of the charging operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: John M. Krieger
  • Patent number: 7651242
    Abstract: A wheelchair lamp that is primarily for making a wheelchair more visible. The wheelchair lamp includes a housing that is mounted to the wheelchair. An extendable member having a light on top extends from the housing. The extendable member may be extended and retracted. A motor is contained within the housing to extend and retract the extendable member. An electrical conductor is longitudinally disposed with the extendable member. The electrical conductor electrically connects the light and the power source. A switch is used to selectively connect the motor to the power source causing the motor to operate so that the motor may extend or retract the extendable member. The light is extended and lit when a wheelchair user is near traffic or potentially at risk for a collision and is typically retracted when the user is indoors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: George H. Guerrant
  • Patent number: 7559667
    Abstract: A lighted cushion or cushion cover that can be used as a seating cushion on any of a variety of surfaces including chairs, stools, seats, sofas or the like providing the person sitting on surface a cushioned seat and having novelty lighting effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: Dean Alan Holderman
  • Publication number: 20090109661
    Abstract: A lighted cushion or cushion cover that can be used as a seating cushion on any of a variety of surfaces including chairs, stools, seats, sofas or the like providing the person sitting on surface a cushioned seat and having novelty lighting effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Dean Alan Holderman
  • Patent number: 7303304
    Abstract: Seating structures having (1) an internal image projector for projecting images on the exterior surface of such seating structures and (2) an internal source of illumination with color changing capability, the effect of which is visible on the exterior surface of the seating structures are disclosed. The image projection technology is powered by a standard AC outlet and operated by remote control. The illumination technology is powered by either an AC outlet or battery and is operated by remote control. An internal or external DVD or other data source may be incorporated for image projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Ethos Design
    Inventor: Armen Sevada Gharabegian
  • Patent number: 7267464
    Abstract: An apparatus for assessing visibility of an anchorage disposed proximate a vehicle seat. The apparatus includes a mounting assembly adapted to engage a first anchorage and a laser adapted to project a beam toward a second anchorage. The mounting assembly is pivotable about the first anchorage to adjust an angle at which the beam is projected toward the second anchorage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Schleif, Robert Michel
  • Patent number: 7258460
    Abstract: A safer and more decorative bench system comprising a plurality of ends, a seat supported by the ends, and a lighting system for providing illumination is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: World Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad H. Jones, Scott A. Plasek, Gustav P. Kuelbs
  • Patent number: 7201444
    Abstract: An infant car seat comprising: (a) a seat adapted to receive an occupant; and (b) an illumination system that includes a focused light emitting source in electrical communication with a switch adapted to be in electrical communication with a power source to illuminate the focused light emitting source and downwardly directing light in front of the occupant proximate a lap region. A method of illuminating a child car seat, the method comprising the step of illuminating a seat portion of a child car seat by at least one of focusing an illumination source and orienting an illumination source to direct light downward onto the seat portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Evenflo Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan A. Schimmoller, David M. Amirault, Eric L. Dahle
  • Patent number: 7080919
    Abstract: Seating structures having (1) an internal image projector for projecting images on the exterior surface of such seating structures and (2) an internal source of illumination with color changing capability, the effect of which is visible on the exterior surface of the seating structures are disclosed. The image projection technology is powered by a standard AC outlet and operated by remote control. The illumination technology is powered by either an AC outlet or battery and is operated by remote control. An internal or external DVD or other data source may be incorporated for image projection. The housing of the projection source provides maximum image throw and quality. The internal construction of the seating structure achieves high-quality projected images and maintains comfortable sitting conditions. The housing of the internal light source achieves a high-impact lighting effect. Mini-coolant fans mounted in the seating structure maintain a low temperature within the seating structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Ethos Design
    Inventor: Armen Sevada Gharabegian
  • Patent number: 6883928
    Abstract: A signal light for a chair positioned at a gaming table in a casino. The signal light includes a light housing and a switch housing. A power supply may also be included. The light housing is disposed or mounted on a support which is mounted to the chair such that the light housing is elevated above the chair. The switch housing is operatively connected to the light housing such that the switch housing is spatially separated the light housing. The light housing may include a plurality of differently colored lights that a casino may designate for respective services when lit, and the switch housing may include a corresponding number of switches for selectively operating the lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
  • Patent number: 6854869
    Abstract: A seat cover or seat covering for original equipment on a vehicle, or for retrofitting on a vehicle seat provides an ornamental elongate light. The light is provided by one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are optically coupled to a fiber optic bundle. The bundle is affixed to the surface of the cover may be disposed in a variety of configurations, such as trim, logo, insignia, or script, as desired. The LEDs may be energized directly from a battery or programmed to emit various colors simultaneously or sequentially in a selected time program for enhanced decorative effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Fernandez
  • Patent number: 6682209
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a worklight that is easily and safety transportable. The worklight of the present invention includes a stand which defines an interior cavity. An extendable support or telescopic pole may be attached to the stand. The invention further includes at least one light fixture. The light fixture is sized to be stored within the cavity of the stand. The light fixture also includes a clamp. The clamp is adapted to releasably secure the fixture to the extendable support or telescopic pole. The stand further creates two points of contact with the support surface with the first point of contact being larger in size than the second point of contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: George Michael Drake, Raymond Joseph Hiller, Kenneth Earl Ramsey, Ross Alfred Horton
  • Patent number: 6619749
    Abstract: A ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture system includes a collection of identically configured side panels, with sets of the side panels having different aesthetic and/or functional features, a collection of base panels and back panels spanning between pairs of side panels, the collection of base and back panels being provided in different sets of lengths and configurations to permit construction of different types of furniture. The panels are interconnected through a series of slots and notches. A locking member is provided that can be wedged into a slot to lock the entire RTA furniture item together. A second locking member can be provided to be wedged into a slot in the back panel to provide additional support for a base panel. A wide variety of furniture items are show that can be constructed using the two locking members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Scott Willy
  • Patent number: 6554446
    Abstract: A step lighting apparatus comprising a coextrusion of a light reflective gray strip with a dark plastic body. The apparatus is mountable to the nose of a stair step where the reflective strip is located at the edge of the step. The strip is made from a material that will reflect low level ambient light to indicate the step's edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Targetti-Tivoli Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence C. Walsh, Randy G. Valparaiso
  • Patent number: 6431734
    Abstract: A motor vehicle seat assembly comprises a seat, a tether, and a light unit. The seat has an opening, and the tether is movable between a stowed position and an extended position wherein the tether extends from the opening. The light unit is mounted on the distal end of the tether, and includes a finger hole, a lens, and a power switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Harold M. Curry
  • Patent number: 6199999
    Abstract: A lighting system for use in areas of low-level lighting, such as a planetarium, theater, museum, or auditorium, which improves visibility of objects without detracting from the overall desired low-level lighting. The lighting system provides a safe and low cost way to illuminate certain areas of a darkened room while maintaining an overall dimly lit environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: The Science Place
    Inventor: John Leonard Cotton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6164787
    Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the biological clock of, e.g., an intercontinental or transcontinental airline traveler includes a luminaire disposed adjacent a front edge of a seat pan of a seat. The luminaire is coupled to or includes a light source; preferably the light source is disposed remotely from the luminaire and is coupled to the luminaire by a light guide. The luminaire may have a flexible reflecting element to increase light intensity on the backs of the traveler's knees. Using the luminaire to shine bright light on the backs of the knees of the traveler permits adjustment of the biological clock of the traveler in flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventors: Hoken S. Seki, Jefferson Perkins
  • Patent number: 5911496
    Abstract: A neon tubing display device for creating a free standing table or for using it as an insert in a piece of furniture is characterized as a container member divided into upper and lower chambers by means of a separator plate. A neon tubing configuration is supported in the upper chamber on the top side of the plate and the bottom side of the plate defines the top of the lower chamber which contains a neon tube power supply whose high voltage output is connected to opposite ends of the neon tubing. Another plate serves as a cover for the upper neon tubing containing chamber. In one embodiment a masking plate bearing an artistic layer is interposed between said cover plate and the upper chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Everbrite, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey P Hojnacki
  • Patent number: 5791761
    Abstract: Many individuals in wheelchairs are struck by motor vehicles while crossing roadways. Usually motorists fail to see them. This invention provides for a warning lamp apparatus for a wheelchair comprising: a mounting base adapted to be slidingly received and removed from the upper rear portion of the wheelchair; an upright support member extending from the mounting base; a lamp mounted on the top portion of the upright member; an umbrella support arm connected to the mounting base and a power supply means to illuminate the lamp. A preferred aspect of this invention provides for an apparatus as above wherein the mounting base is a generally horizontal U shaped member having a box connected thereto and the U shaped member slidingly received in a rear upper portion of the wheelchair. The box is adapted to carry the umbrella support arm and provide accessory storage for the rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventors: Connie Bryant, Douglas H. Kirkpatrick
  • Patent number: 5466249
    Abstract: In an operating lamp device comprising a light source a guiding apparatus for the light source is provided which has a stationary position relative to the operating table or treatment chair for directing a light beam towards a certain treatment area and keeping it there. The guiding apparatus offers the light source a spherical cap-shaped area of movement of which the center of curvature coincides with the respective treatment area of a patient. The guiding apparatus might be attached to a movable back support or neck support, but might also be attached to a carrier not mechanically coupled to the operating table or treatment chair. In the latter case control signals generate a motion of the carrier in correspondence with a motion of the operating table or treatment chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventor: Cornelis de Putter
  • Patent number: 5418701
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) that combines within a unitary protective tubular structure (12) a retractable, extendable and omni-positionable light assembly (20) that houses a halogen lamp (20I that is controlled by a switch/circuit breaker (22A). The switch is attached to the housing and is connected in series between the lamp (20I) and a lamp power cord (22B,22E) that terminates at the output of a utility-power junction box (32) that includes a pair of auxiliary a-c power outlets (32L). The input to the junction box (32) is a primary power input cord that terminates with a male power input connector (32J). The connector (32J) connects with a female connector (36A) that is attached to one end of an electrical power cord (36) and that is fixedly attached to a power-cord reel (38). The other end of the cord (36) is wound around the power-cord reel (38) and terminates with a male connector (36B) that connects to an a-c power outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Don B. Hart
  • Patent number: 5329716
    Abstract: An outdoor advertising bench to be used as a medium upon which advertising indicia may be displayed and be clearly visible during the day and night, including a bench having a pair of spaced support members, a seating platform supportably disposed therebetween, and a seat back assembly supportably disposed between the support members, the seat back assembly having a pair of opposite side panels, and a back panel, mid panel, and front panel, disposed between the side panels. The front panel is transparent so as to make an exposed face of the mid panel visible therethrough, the exposed face of the mid panel having advertising indicia and high visibility lights thereon to draw attention to the advertising indicia and to provide an attractive appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: James H. Fite
  • Patent number: 5151850
    Abstract: To illuminate only a lower room space below the front and rear seat and the vehicle room floor, at least one first foot lamp is disposed on the lower surface of the instrument panel at a height roughly the same as that of the front seat cushion so as to illuminate a front floor before the front seat and a middle floor under the front seat. Further, at least one second foot lamp is preferably disposed on the rearmost and downmost position of the front seat cushion so as to further illuminate the middle floor under the front seat and a rear floor before the rear seat. Since the vehicle room floor is illuminated brighter than that of the upper room space, the passengers' eyes usually see the vehicle floor the farthest away from the passenger's eyes. Therefore, they feel that the vehicle room is broad and at ease at night, and can easily pickup an object on the floor, because it is possible to minimize the occurrence of shadows of objects on the room floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Matsuno, Shinichiro Choji, Kazuhiko Ito, Teruaki Shigeta
  • Patent number: 5149186
    Abstract: At least one first foot lamp is disposed on the lower surface of the instrument panel at a height roughly the same as that of the front seat cushion so as to illuminate a front floor before the front seat and a middle floor under the front seat. Further, at least one second foot lamp is disposed on the rearmost and downmost position of the front seat cushion, so as to further illuminate the middle floor under the front seat and a rear floor before the rear seat. Since the vehicle room floor is illuminated brighter than that of the upper room space, the passengers' eyes usually see the vehicle floor the farthest away from the passenger's eyes. Therefore, they feel that the vehicle is broad and roomy and can easily pick up an object on the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Matsuno, Shinichiro Choji, Kazuhiko Ito, Teruaki Shigeta
  • Patent number: 4744016
    Abstract: A solarium including a vertical guide-rail assembly having a casing-enclosed lower storage position and a selectively removable upper portion. A plurality of light-emitting units with cooperating reflectors mount perpendicularly across the guide-rail assembly and are displacable therealong and selectively received within the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: Extend Handelshus Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Jan Lindberg
  • Patent number: 4413364
    Abstract: The present toilet light unit has a miniature battery-powered lamp mounted on the top rear of a toilet bowl and controlled by a mercury switch on the toilet seat. The unit has a housing with a battery compartment at the back, a flat bottom wall covered by a self-adhesive layer for engagement with the top of a toilet bowl at the rear, and a depending front end segment which extends around the lamp at the front and sides and has rear edges for engagement with the rear inner edge of the toilet bowl. A socket for the lamp is carried by a holder which is removably attached to the bottom wall of the housing inside its depending front segment. The lamp socket has a terminal projecting up through an opening in the bottom wall of the housing and engaging a cantilevered leaf spring contact which is connected through electrical wiring to the mercury switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1983
    Assignee: Charlie I. Pearce
    Inventors: Gerald W. Bittaker, Evidio E. Martinez
  • Patent number: 4321717
    Abstract: A sofa bed is described herein which is converted from a seating mode to a bed through manual operation. The movable part of the bed forms the back of the sofa when disposed in a vertical mode and serves as the bed when disposed in a horizontal mode. The converting mechanism is simple and jam proof, resulting in a highly reliable sofa bed operation. Further, the sofa bed is capable of being manufactured almost entirely of wood, thereby limiting the metal requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1982
    Assignee: Luis F. Segarra Boerman
    Inventor: Felipe S. Serra
  • Patent number: 4233649
    Abstract: The innovation relates to a treatment chair with cool-light lamp for dental-medicinal purposes, wherein the light is conducted between the point where the light emerges and the remotely arranged light source through a glass fiber bundle which is arranged in a partially flexible tubular guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1980
    Inventors: Peter Scheer, Arnold Hamann
  • Patent number: 4217628
    Abstract: A lighting system for installation in a swivel chair of the type commonly found in van vehicles. The system is to display the van owner's CB "handle" or code designation and includes a bracket, attached insulated box, a nested metal container to which is mounted three bulbs and a cover with a light diffuser. The handle is painted or silked screened on the diffuser and is positioned to be seen from outside the vehicle. The system also includes an electrical connector which is used to complete an electrical circuit without interfering with the rotation of the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1980
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Windom
  • Patent number: 4214294
    Abstract: An adjustable reading lamp that is attachable to the back of a chair or the like for supporting the lamp in a generally vertical position regardless of the angular inclination of the mounting surface while at the same time affording an extremely wide range of adjustments whereby illumination from the lamp may be conveniently and easily directed into any desired viewing region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1980
    Inventor: Charles C. Bartlett
  • Patent number: 4178625
    Abstract: A lamp is made from a tubular element having the bottom end disposed at an angle and flattened for receiving a mounted element having a flat finger. The opposite end of the tube has a flexible tube in the nature of a BX wire section extending from the tube and bendable relative thereto. The lamp is shown in one form as being mounted on a tubular frame element of a wheelchair to provide illumination for the occupant. The flat finger is offset outwardly from the securing portion which is of arcuate construction to fit upon the chair tubing and be secured thereon by an adjustable clamping ring. Stability is provided to the tube by angle shaped elements, the horizontal portion being joined to a vertical portion which is of arcuate shape so that it may be clamped, one on the solid tubular element, the other on a tubular element of the upper portion of the chair to fix the lamp to the chair frame at remote points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1979
    Inventor: Marcus T. Schudel
  • Patent number: RE41798
    Abstract: A laser source is installed inside a housing for generating a laser beam. A first lens group is installed inside the housing for diverging the laser beam from the laser source. A reflecting object is installed inside the housing in a rotatable manner for reflecting the laser beam from the first lens group. A second lens group is installed inside the housing for diverging the laser beam from the reflecting object. A framing mask masks the laser beam and displays a laser-framing viewfinder. A third lens group is installed on the housing for focusing the laser beam. A camera lens is installed on the housing for capturing an image framed in the laser-framing viewfinder. When the reflecting object rotates to a first location a laser-framing viewfinder is generated. When the reflecting object rotates to a second location a laser pointer is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Shan-Wen Chang