With Border, Fence, Gate Or Awning Patents (Class 362/152)
  • Patent number: 7722207
    Abstract: A baluster lighting assembly and method using illuminated intermediate baluster members in which balusters or pickets can be adjustably spaced along a power cord. A plurality of light sources mounted in each of a plurality of balusters or pickets are electrically connected to a power cable through connector housings mounted in each of the balusters or pickets. Each connector housing includes pierce connectors for penetrating the insulation of the power cable and coming into electrical, non-shorting contact with the power cable's live and ground wires along any selected location of the power cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Creative Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Richard G Bennette
  • Publication number: 20100110668
    Abstract: Improvements in remote control hideaway holiday/party lights/messages lights with a casing that is permanently fixed to a home or business is disclosed. The lights are on a string and roll up or down below over eve, fascia or rain gutters. After the holiday or event simply pressing a remote control will retract the lighting into a concealed enclosure till the next party or holiday season comes around. The remote has a distinctive key code, which makes the lights operate for each owner. The concealed enclosure consist of door(s), depends on the number of lighting styles, power supply, drive motor, a string light(s) on a spool inside and controls. The lights come in many colors and types and may include shapes. Each enclosure can be self-contained with a solar charger, light sensor, or timer, and a battery that allows each unit to operate autonomously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Ivy Antrinette Marlonia
  • Patent number: 7686485
    Abstract: A lighting assembly designed to fit within a rail post. The lamp post assembly focuses light toward the ground to prevent sending light into the night sky or into the eyes of users. The lamp assembly fits within a post to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The lamp assembly can be installed in existing post configurations or installed with a new post. The lamp assembly also hides the wiring necessary for the lamp from view, thus providing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: The Crane Group Companies Limited
    Inventors: Steve E. Pever, Timothy C. Rothwell
  • Patent number: 7661837
    Abstract: A lighting system and method for illuminating a deck area. The wiring for the lighting system is hidden from view, providing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Furthermore, the lighting system can be installed simultaneously with the deck itself, or afterwards. The system has several embodiments of illumination including post lights, baluster lights, and stair lights. Embodiments of the lighting system may be optionally be installed by the end user and do not require professional design and installation, thus providing a more cost effective solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: The Crane Group Companies Limited
    Inventors: Steve E. Pever, Timothy C. Rothwell
  • Patent number: 7645051
    Abstract: A lighted chair rail comprises a frame secured to a wall and a horizontal facia mounted on the frame and positioned in a spaced apart relationship to the wall. Light bulbs supported on the frame direct light through a lens mounted on the horizontal facia onto the wall. The horizontal facia may also include decorative items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: James Trenton Schultz
  • Patent number: 7631982
    Abstract: A light attachment system for efficiently attaching outdoor lights to a building structure (e.g. house, shed, etc.). The light attachment system generally includes a support including a hanger portion and a projecting portion, wherein the projecting portion extends from the hanger portion and wherein the hanger portion includes a cavity defined by the hanger portion. A securing member is attached to the hanger portion and extends at least partially within the cavity to attach the support to various objects, such as a rain gutter or an outside wall of a building. A light source extends from the projecting portion to illuminate the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Mr. Go Green, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent G. D'Onofrio
  • Patent number: 7611258
    Abstract: An outdoor design panel that combines a number of plats and fluorescent pigments to create a displayed design, with an option to incorporate numerous lighting elements within the design itself. The design panel is pre-fabricated and can optionally be highlighted with a number of lighting elements incorporated into the panel. The lighting elements are powered by a battery linked to a solar cell, with a lighting sensor being utilized in between the battery and the lighting elements to control the flow of power to the lighting elements. The lighting sensor acts as a switch and will allow power to flow in between the battery and the lighting elements once the external light level falls below a certain level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: Ida J. Chase
  • Publication number: 20090244889
    Abstract: Boom-type barrier (1) comprising a boom (2) mounted on a bracket or stand (3) for movement between open and barring positions. The boom (2) is designed as a tubular member transmissive of light and has therein a band (7) on which are mounted light emitting diodes (6) extending substantially the full length of the boom (2). The light emitting diodes (6) are controlled by an electronics module (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Marco Rihl
  • Patent number: 7588343
    Abstract: An improved structural and decorative member which combines a structural member used to provide support to a superstructure such as a roof, a beam etc., includes the use of any type of glass such as clear glass or decorative art or stained glass as part of the support member and has the glass back lit from within the structural member. The concept integrates lighting into outdoor structures such as patio covers, colonnades, balconies and entryways. By making the structure itself the actual lighting source, there is no need to hide the lighting. By illuminating the beauty of stained or art glass which is in the structure, the structure performs the function of the physical support as well as the aesthetic beauty as well as providing a source of lighting to illuminate the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventors: Timothy Boake Carter, Kevin Jinbo
  • Publication number: 20090086471
    Abstract: An illuminated edging module is provided for attaching a light strand (e.g. a rope light) to an existing conventional edging. The edging module includes a housing comprising an elongated connector portion adapted to removably couple the edging module to the upper portion of the existing edging and a housing upper portion containing the light strand. The housing upper portion can be translucent or transparent. The housing portion and the connector portion are integrally formed of plastic and can be co-extruded so that they are made of different materials. A translucent or transparent coupler formed as a slotted cylinder and surrounding the housing upper portion can be used to join adjacent sections of the illuminated edging module. One or more sleeves can be provided with a coloring to color the light emitted from the light strand when it is attached over the housing upper portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: James E. Bollman
  • Publication number: 20090039791
    Abstract: A disclosed entryway lighting system generally includes (a) a door assembly comprising a frame; (b) one or more high-intensity light fixtures mounted within the frame; (c) a power supply electrically connected in a circuit to the light fixtures; (d) a temperature sensor; and, (e) an electrical switch coupled to the temperature sensor and electrically connected to the circuit, the electrical switch having a cut-off temperature above which the light fixtures are turned off. The lighting system improves the visibility, aesthetic appearance, and security of a door mounted in the door assembly. The combination of the temperature sensor and the electrical switch provides an element of safety against excess heat generation and build-up that can result from the use of high-intensity lights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Steve Jones
  • Patent number: 7473016
    Abstract: A lighted post includes a stanchion and a light assembly. The light assembly includes a body, with a light emitting surface, and a light source that is coupled to the body. The light assembly is adapted for coupling to a power source for powering the light source. When powered light from the light source is directed into the body and is directed from the body through the light emitting surface. The light assembly is mounted to the stanchion, with the body being located in a light transmitting opening provided in the stanchion, such that the light emitting surface faces outwardly from the stanchion to thereby direct light outwardly from the stanchion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Leader Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Flaherty, Matthew A. Gray, Michael P. Coffey
  • Patent number: 7473006
    Abstract: An illuminated edging system includes an edging section having an upper portion and a lower portion; a light strand (e.g. a rope light) disposed inside the upper portion; and an electrical connector at an end of the light strand and disposed inside the upper portion. The translucent upper portion and the lower portion are integrally formed of plastic. The upper portion and lower portion may be co-extruded so that they are of different materials. A translucent coupler joins adjacent edging sections. The coupler may be formed as a slotted cylinder surrounding the upper portion, the lower portion extending through the slot. A weather-resistant connector may be disposed inside the upper portion of the edging section, protecting the electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: James Bollman
  • Patent number: 7461942
    Abstract: A lighting system comprises an exterior shell and an interior plate. An electrical source comprises a pair of wires. A light emitting diode provides the light source. The system is coupled to a recipient surface, such as a fence post. A circuit controller activates and deactivates the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Mike Kocher
  • Patent number: 7445353
    Abstract: A low cost under-cabinet and display case lighting system that permits the highest degree of flexibility in the installation and location of luminaires for under-cabinet and display case lighting. The system consists of a high-frequency power source, an interconnection cord, and one or more high-frequency luminaires. The high-frequency power source is powered from a source of 50 or 60 Hertz power. The interconnection cord is connected to the high-frequency output of high-frequency power source. The high-frequency luminaires are mounted in the desired locations under the cabinets or display case shelves. Any number of high-frequency luminaires (within the capacity of the high-frequency power source) may be added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Dale E. Fiene
  • Patent number: 7441919
    Abstract: Embodiments of an improved lighted rail system are provided. In one embodiment, a lighted rail system includes plurality of interconnected light elements coupled to an extruded rail member that has a plurality of spindle-receiving holes formed in a first side. In another embodiment, a lighted rail system includes a rail member, a light support member and a plurality of light elements. The rail member has a plurality of spindle-receiving apertures formed in a first surface. The light support member has a length substantially equal to a length of the rail member and is configured to side within or be coupled to the rail member upon assembly of the light rail system. The light elements are coupled to the light support member and are spaced to align with light apertures formed through at least one of the rail member or light support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Richard G. Sheridan
  • Patent number: 7438434
    Abstract: An illuminated support structure comprised of: a first and second vertical post; a top rail and bottom rail positioned between the posts; a plurality of spindles positioned at intervals between the and bottom rails and capable of providing intervals of unlit areas between each spindle; at least one light source for each spindle; and a power source to provide power to each of said at least one light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventors: Richard Prince, Jr., Richard Prince, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7433796
    Abstract: A system and method provides data for a laser projection process used in manufacturing involving fasteners. For example, the laser projection process may include projecting a laser image associated with fasteners used to assemble objects. Fastener attribute data may be extracted from an engineer's design data and processed to generate a laser projection output file. This output file may include geometric data used to project a laser image associated with the fasteners. For example, this image may be an outline indicating the location, shape, and orientation of a fastener. The output file may also include non-geometric data associated with attributes of the objects to be assembled. Both the geometric and the non-geometric data can then be displayed in a user interface, such as a display screen of a laser projector control device, in addition to the display of the laser image in three-dimensional space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William M. Behan, Tracy L. Bagwill
  • Patent number: 7419276
    Abstract: An improved lighted rail system is provided in the present invention. In one embodiment, the lighted rail system includes a rail member having a plurality of spindle-receiving holes formed in a first side, at least one wire routed through the rail member; and a plurality of light elements coupled to the wire. In another embodiment, a rail member utilized in a lighted rail system includes an upper portion of a rail member having a conduit formed therein, a spindle-receiving portion configured to receive a spindle, a spindle stop formed in the rail member separating the conduit from the spindle-receiving portion, and a lighting system disposed in the rail member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Richard G. Sheridan
  • Publication number: 20080080174
    Abstract: The invention discloses a solar light for a fence post, comprising: a connecting element, which is designed to be mounted on the top end of the fence post, a LED lamp, fixed on the top of the connecting element, a solar panel, affixed to the outer wall of the connecting element, a rechargeable battery in electric communication with the LED lamp, and charged by the solar panel. The solar light fixes the solar panel from the outer wall of the connecting element, which is simple in structure, enables the light running upwards to get through the top of the light body, and dose not restrict the figuration of the lamp chimney, in this case, the lamp chimney could be in a more good-looking shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: Xueming Xu
  • Patent number: 7347606
    Abstract: A rope light track system houses a tubular flexible rope light string and can be mounted on or in various interior and exterior structures to protect the light string from damage and provide utilitarian and decorative lighting. The system includes a plurality of elongate rigid or semi-rigid tracks having a longitudinal generally rectangular U-shaped retention channel with an open end defined by laterally opposed side walls adjoined at one end by a transverse base wall and at least one retainer element near the open end. The tracks have side portions or a mounting flange portion extending outwardly from the retention channel to accommodate various mounting configurations. An elongate tubular flexible rope lighting string is removably mounted in the retention channel and retained therein to prevent accidental removal, and is disposed below the channel open end to protect it from being damaged and allow light emanating therefrom to be directed out of the channel open end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Gregg M. Patten
  • Publication number: 20080062679
    Abstract: A lamp and a hardscape structure illuminated by the lamp are disclosed. The lamp is formed from a plate to which a light fixture is attached. The plate may have a flange, a decorative face plate and side panels attached to direct light from the fixture along the hardscape on which the lamp is mounted. Mounting is effected by positioning the plate between discrete hardscape elements that are stacked one atop another. A portion of the plate projects out from the structure allowing the fixture to cast light on the structure surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: Michael S. Hartman
  • Patent number: 7339488
    Abstract: An emergency light system is located in the threshold subadjacent to the lower edge of an emergency egress door. The light system includes a plurality of lights mounted on a flexible backing strip in the threshold. The lights are connected to a switch that can be manually operated or operated by a sensor in a fire and/or smoke detection system associated with a room. The lights will be visible to a person crawling on the floor even if there is smoke in the room. The lights are easily installed in the threshold and will not be subject to abuse that might occur if the lights were mounted on the door itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventors: John W. Pennington, James Pennington
  • Patent number: 7322714
    Abstract: A decorative light and a landscape lighting system incorporating a plurality of decorative lights. The decorative lights are structured for attachment to the top of landscape edging. The lights include a body having a channel formed in its bottom surface for receiving the top edge of landscape edging. The channel may be formed by first and second downwardly projecting walls. The surface of the walls may provide an interior profile or key shape that corresponds to the shape of the top of the landscape edging. An illumination device, such as a light emitting diode, is housed within the decorative light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Snapedge Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: Douglas John Barnett, Attilio Renon
  • Patent number: 7318298
    Abstract: A gate assembly comprising a gate mount and a gate mounted for movement on the gate mount between an opened position and a closed position. The gate assembly further comprises an illumination system mounted on the gate mount for turning on a light mounted on the gate mount when someone approaches the gate when it is dark in the vicinity of the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Marsden, Richard M. Bastien, Robert D. Monahan, Trung Phung
  • Patent number: 7309150
    Abstract: A hanger or bracket for hanging light strings. The hanger or bracket holds a light bulb of the light string and the adjoining conductor. The light bulb and conductor can be quickly and easily placed within the hanger, and the hanger mounted to a building, or other structure, or to a plant, such as a tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Jack Vendrick
  • Patent number: 7306354
    Abstract: A housing for holding one or more light sources. The housing includes an elongate body defining a channel and one or more support elements for positioning the light source in the channel. The body includes an exposed portion having one or more light-transmitting parts through which light from light source is transmittable. The support element locates the light so that the light source is spaced apart from the light-transmitting part by a preselected distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: Ed Haas
  • Publication number: 20070279899
    Abstract: Embodiments of an improved lighted rail system are provided. In one embodiment, a lighted rail system includes plurality of interconnected light elements coupled to an extruded rail member that has a plurality of spindle-receiving holes formed in a first side. In another embodiment, a lighted rail system includes a rail member, a light support member and a plurality of light elements. The rail member has a plurality of spindle-receiving apertures formed in a first surface. The light support member has a length substantially equal to a length of the rail member and is configured to side within or be coupled to the rail member upon assembly of the light rail system. The light elements are coupled to the light support member and are spaced to align with light apertures formed through at least one of the rail member or light support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Richard G. Sheridan
  • Patent number: 7264370
    Abstract: A system for lighting roadways utilizes LED lighting systems recessed into roadside barriers. The LED lighting element includes a number of LEDs fixed in an elongated formation. The LED lighting element is inserted into the barrier's recessed area in a generally vertical orientation. This results in the LED lighting system generating a horizontal sheet of light along the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Clanton Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Nancy E. Clanton
  • Patent number: 7258461
    Abstract: A vehicle barrier arranged for moving from a first position that permits a vehicle to move past the vehicle barrier to a second position that prevents a vehicle from moving past the vehicle barrier, and a light mounted on the vehicle barrier that moves with the vehicle barrier, wherein when the vehicle is in the first position the light is illuminated in a first color (e.g., green) and in the second position the light is illuminated in a second color (e.g., red).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Gamasonic Ltd.
    Inventor: Lazar Izardel
  • Patent number: 7246929
    Abstract: A landscape lightpost that provides a substantially sealed wire compartment. The lightpost includes a main post, a cap, a housing base, and a housing separator. The housing separator locks onto the housing base to form a locked wire compartment isolated from the ground. The lightpost includes a receptacle aperture in the cap for mounting an electrical receptacle, switch, sensor or the like and a light aperture for mounting a light assembly. The receptacle aperture is covered by a sealable lid that matches the external configuration of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Engineered Products Co.
    Inventor: Jack Schuster
  • Patent number: 7244040
    Abstract: A railing with light emitting diodes includes a rod, a base unit secured to the bottom, a lid secured to the top, an illuminating device mounted in the rod, and a controller. The illuminating device is provided with a plurality of lighting units to illuminate as a warning light for passerby to avoid from collision and as a decorative light to beautify the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Chun-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 7244039
    Abstract: A track assembly is adapted to be coupled beneath eaves of a building. The track assembly has forward and return. A slot is provided in the lower surface of the forward track. Spaced balls are provided in each track. A primary cord is in a continuous loop extending through the forward and return tracks. A plurality of secondary members is adapted to depend from the primary cord through the slot to beneath the track assembly. A spool is provided in proximity to the track assembly and primary cord. A motor rotates the spool and moves the primary cord in a first direction to position the secondary members in the forward track in an operative orientation and in a secondary direction to position the secondary members in an inoperative orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventors: Todd O. Emmons, Teresa C. Emmons
  • Patent number: 7125136
    Abstract: A contiguous emergency exit path lighting system that includes the peripheral lighting of a hollow doorframe at an egress point using a set of electroluminescent illuminators integrally formed within or upon the doorframe, an electrical bypass doorframe to reroute wiring around doorways that are not points of egress, electroluminescent illuminator strips mountable on walls, floors, and other pathway surfaces, and flush mount exit signage on the egress door to enhance visibility in high smoke and high heat applications. An integrally formed U-shaped channel within the egress doorframe secures a transparent or translucent raceway tube that encloses the electroluminescent strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Assa Abloy Door Group, LLC
    Inventors: David J Dedic, Thomas L Rattay
  • Patent number: 7097330
    Abstract: A component carrying tray is removably mounted in a luminaire housing. The luminaire housing has a pair of thumb screws that fit in a pair of key holes shaped opening in the tray so the tray can be removed with one hand. To disengage the tray, a maintenance person simply loosens the thumb screws one quarter turn to align them with the holes, lifts the tray off the thumb screws with one hand, and then pulls the tray out of luminaire housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: U.S. Pole Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Straus, Angel Orellana, Henry Avila, Luis Romero, Tim Carraher
  • Patent number: 7066618
    Abstract: A drip edging or gutter mounting that includes a permanent member mounted to a structure and a dismountable member selectively connected to the permanent member. The dismountable member includes structure for connecting ornamental structures, such as light strings, to the dismountable member. Upon receipt of the ornamental structures by the connecting structure, the dismountable member is selectively connected to the permanent member to thereby decorate the structure. The dismountable member can be removed from the permanent member with the lights attached for storage thereby eliminating the need for mounting and dismounted light strings to a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Harold Little
  • Patent number: 6955458
    Abstract: A gutter system has decorative ropelights held in a longitudinal groove in the face of the gutter. The groove is adapted to hold a ropelight without using clips or other separate attachment devices. The gutter can also have two or more longitudinal grooves, each holding a ropelight. The system is easy to install on a building and eliminates the need for annual installation and removal of decorative lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Harjinder S. Cheema
  • Patent number: 6918680
    Abstract: A retractable light/sound system for mounting on the eave of a structure includes a housing and an output subassembly. A hinge pivotably interconnects the housing and the output subassembly whereby the latter is pivotable between a retracted/stored position and an extended/display position. The output subassembly includes multiple lights and/or loudspeakers and provides output in response to input power and/or control signals from any control subsystem, which can include a microprocessor adapted for preprogramming to activate the output components in response to certain, predetermined input source conditions. The system is adapted for mounting on or in soffits, or on building fascias integrally with gutters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: James T. Seeberger
  • Patent number: 6916103
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of illuminating bridge and road guard rails. The outside of the rails are coated with a reflective material and then co-extruded with an acrylic material surrounding the rail. Alternatively, two or more acrylic materials or tubes are extruded around a rail. The inner tube preferably has a colored shiny or reflective covering, or stripes of one or more colors, or with a picture or design on the outside or within the tube. In a further embodiment, the rails can be retrofitted with a two-section acrylic covering that fits together along and surrounds the length of the rail. The acrylic coverings can also be joined via a collar that is also made in two halves to fit around the rail at each rail post or at each end of the rail section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Plastic Inventions and Patents, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Currie, Jonas J. Robertson
  • Publication number: 20040257801
    Abstract: A gutter system has decorative ropelights held in a longitudinal groove in the face of the gutter. The groove is adapted to hold a ropelight without using clips or other separate attachment devices. The gutter can also have two or more longitudinal grooves, each holding a ropelight. The system is easy to install on a building and eliminates the need for annual installation and removal of decorative lights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Harjinder S. Cheema
  • Patent number: 6830366
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes at least two light-emitting elements, the light-emitting elements having at least two light-emitting zones which are disposed in a regular pattern throughout the entire length and allow light to be emitted in different light-emission intensities, each of the light-emitting elements allowing light to be emitted in continuous sequence from the light-emitting zones in one direction, wherein adjacent light-emitting elements are positioned with a predetermined distance deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Shinichi Irie
  • Patent number: 6814462
    Abstract: A low cost under-cabinet and display case lighting system that permits the highest degree of flexibility in the installation and location of luminaires for under-cabinet and display case lighting. The system consists of a high-frequency power source, an interconnection cord, and one or more high-frequency luminaires. The high-frequency power source is powered from a source of 50 or 60 Hertz power. The interconnection cord is connected to the high-frequency output of high-frequency power source. The high-frequency luminaires are mounted in the desired locations under the cabinets or display case shelves. The interconnecting cord is then routed to each of the high-frequency luminaires and placed over the input terminals. The protective cover is then forced over the interconnecting cord in the area of the input terminals forcing the input terminals to pierce and displace the insulation of the cord and make contact with the conductors within the interconnecting cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Dale E Fiene
  • Patent number: 6776504
    Abstract: An elongated perimeter light is disclosed, which comprises a linear array of light sources (LEDs) that are electrically illuminated. The array of light sources is disposed within an elongated transparent tube, with the tube transmitting and dispersing the light from the array giving the appearance that said array of light sources is a continuous light source. The array of light sources is capable of being cut at intervals down its length to shorten it. The light sources that remain in the array continue to emit light and the tube can be cut to match the length of said array. The present invention also discloses systems for lighting structural features, with one system according to the present invention comprising a plurality of elongated perimeter lights. The perimeter lights are electrically coupled in a daisy chain with the electrical power at each of the perimeter lights being transmitted to the successive light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas C. Sloan, James J. Sloan
  • Patent number: 6773140
    Abstract: A lighting unit of a tent includes lamps, wires provided for connecting the lamps to power, and holding trenches formed along lower sides of upper rod portions of a supporting frame of the tent. Each of the holding trenches is made to have a slot narrower than a middle room thereof, and the lamps have a diameter bigger than width of the slot so as not to fall down when held in the trenches. Thus, the lamps are hidden in the holding trenches to not badly affect appearance of the tent. And, light emitting diodes can be used as the lamps to help make the tent attractive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Chorng-Cheng Lee
  • Patent number: 6769795
    Abstract: There is provided a light for net type games, whether they be court type games, such as volleyball, or table games, such as ping pong. The light is positioned adjacent to the end of the net and may be mounted to the net supporting structure or pole or mounted directly to the table in the case of a ping pong table. The light is positioned laterally of the playing field at a level that is above the net so that light is directed onto the playing surface and onto the net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Roger G. Hale
  • Patent number: 6736522
    Abstract: An elongate light fixture, the light fixture having an adjustable overall length, and a method of installing same. The elongate light fixture includes a first piece that includes a first reflector shroud portion and a second piece that includes a second reflector shroud portion. The first and second pieces are coupled to a frame to permit relative movement of the first and second pieces for spacing the first and second pieces at a desired distance apart to provide the desired overall length of the housing arrangement and to provide a space between the first and second pieces. The adjustable-length, elongate light fixture further includes an insert that is trimmable to fit in the space between the first and second pieces. The method of installing an adjustable-length, elongate light fixture, the method including moving a first piece, which includes a first reflector shroud, of a housing arrangement relative to a second piece, which includes a second reflector shroud, of the housing arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Signage Systems
    Inventor: Samuel Cini
  • Publication number: 20040075999
    Abstract: A low-power illumination apparatus may be used in areas where conventional incandescent illumination would be unsafe, especially to children or small pets. The apparatus may be configured to appear as a window candle and can be safely installed in windows which are easily accessible to children. Safe application is accomplished by supplying a low-wattage bulb with a low voltage, providing a resettably-fused bulb supply within the apparatus to prohibit the use of high-wattage bulbs and an interlocking base attached to the window frame which prevents the apparatus from being inadvertently removed or tipped over.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: James G. Paquette, Mark MacLean-Blevins
  • Patent number: 6691467
    Abstract: An illuminated safety or security gate having an optional audible alarm device. The gate includes an electrically operated light adapted to illuminate the gate directly, to project a visible signal away from the gate, or both. The gate includes an electrical system having a power source to supply power, controls, and conductors connecting the light, power source, and controls. Optionally, the controls include a programmable timer, a light-sensitive (photo-electric) controller or a motion sensor to control operation of the light, and a manual switch which controls intensity of the light. Additionally, the motion sensor controls both the light and the audible alarm. The various controls may be combined if desired. A remote controller is optionally provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: William M. Hincher, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6685332
    Abstract: A light rope runs along the stringer of a stairway and is concealed by in-fill panels fitted into a groove on a frame rail running along the wall or stringer adjacent to the stairway. A light grille having a square frame and a patterned grille insert is seated along each tread adjacent to the next higher riser and is connected to the frame rail by a pair of adjustment arms. Translucent panels are mounted on the rear of the light grilles, allowing light to shine through them. Electrical circuitry turns the lights on when a user approaches the stairs and automatically turns the lights off after a predetermined time after the user has departed the area of the stairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Robert E. Clark
  • Publication number: 20040012951
    Abstract: A window unit that includes a window frame defining a frame perimeter and a glazing unit located within the frame perimeter. A window illumination element is on the glazing unit and produces an illuminated visual indicator in response to an activating signal. The activating signal may come from a smoke alarm or other alarm system. The window unit may also include additional illumination elements on the window frame or above the window and a speaker that responds to the activating signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Russell John Pylkki, Tyler Leighton Moersch, Darrel Kenneth Rhea, Alex W.K. Tan, Marko Macura