Ornamental Or Decorative Patents (Class 362/565)
  • Publication number: 20040095781
    Abstract: A decorative lamp with illuminated color changeable column generally includes a base for supporting the lamp on a surface, a translucent column having a first end extending upwardly from the base and a second end opposite the first end, an electrical light socket connected to the second end of the translucent column for removably connecting an electric light bulb thereto and electronic circuitry for operating the lamp. The base of the lamp contains at least one light emitting device therein and the first end of the translucent column is connected to the base adjacent the light emitting device. The translucent column includes at least one fiber optic strand extending from the first end to the second end of the column so that light emitted from the light emitting device is transmitted along a length of the optic strand and is visible through the translucent column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: The Holmes Group, Inc.
    Inventor: David Lo
  • Patent number: 6736534
    Abstract: Entry doors having transparent insert panels such as etched glass and/or stained glass with tube lights such as 12 mm neon tube lights imbedded in framing along the outer edges of the panels inside the doors. Photo cells can be used to turn on the lights in the dark. Relays can turn on power when the door is closed and spring loaded switches can provide contact between the neon tubes and a transformer before power is supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Robin L. Fite
  • Publication number: 20040070992
    Abstract: A decorative light assembly comprises a plurality of optical fibers formed into a bundle having a length greater than one inch, the bundle having a first end for receiving light, and a second end that is fused for providing the received light as decorative illumination. The decorative light assembly is for use on, e.g., Christmas trees, windows, doors, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: National Tree Company
    Inventors: Salvatore J. Puleo, Joseph A. Puleo
  • Patent number: 6712494
    Abstract: A lighted ornament. The lighted ornament comprises a first tower and a second tower attached to a base. Lights within light bores are disposed within the first tower, the second tower and the base. The first tower, second tower and base are made of light-transmissive material, which may be transparent or translucent, colored or not. A light-transmissive spire may be disposed atop one or both towers. The base may comprise a base upper surface and a base indicia flat disposed at a side of the base upper surface opposite the first tower and the second tower. Base indicia may be inscribed on the base indicia flat, and the lights within the first tower, second tower and/or base imbue the base indicia with a warm, aesthetic aura. An alternate embodiment is disclosed into which existing bulbs may be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: William M. Hodge
  • Patent number: 6712493
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for producing an animation effect are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first light reflecting member, a second light reflecting member, a first light source, a second light source, and means to intermittently activate the first and second light sources to produce an animation effect. The first light reflecting member comprises a first surface and a second surface, wherein the light from the first light source enters the first member through the first surface and exits the first member through the second surface. The second light reflecting member comprises a first surface and a second surface, wherein the light from the second source enters the second member through the first surface and exits the second member through the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignees: Tell Design, David Fisher Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Tell, David B. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20040057251
    Abstract: A decorative dome with controlled light enhancement consisting of a substantially concave structure having opposed front and rear faces and a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, for receipt of a plurality of optical fibers, extending between the interior surface of the concave structure, to a plurality of light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) mounted in a junction box mounted on the outer periphery of the rear face of the concave structure. The junction box also contains a control circuit for varying the duration and intensity of the plurality of LEDs, with the junction box constructed so as to dissipate heat generated by the LEDs. The LED's direct light into the receiving end of each said optical fibers such that light from the respective LEDs are directed through the optical fibers and from the emitting ends of the optical fibers at the front face of the concave structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Chris Isaacson, Lisa Isaacson
  • Patent number: 6709145
    Abstract: The exploding-like firework light has a stand for supporting a lamp post to allow flashing forth upwardly from below continuously till the top end thereof, the lamp post has a hollow ball provided on the top thereof; the hollow ball is provided near the center thereof with an internal central flashlight adapted to generating strong flashing in an exploding mode, and a plurality of radiating levers are connected to the hollow ball to provide an effect of radiation outwardly as a firework; the flashlight is controlled and driven by a voltage riser and a relay to make a power source having the voltage thereof dropped control all the other lamp pipes or lamp strings by using a low voltage transformer through a central processing unit. Thereby a safer exploding-like firework light more suitable for outdoor use for a long period and having its packing volume reduced is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Shining Blick Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter K. H. Huang
  • Publication number: 20040037067
    Abstract: An illumination ring providing illumination of a wearer to nearby motorists. The illumination ring includes an elastomeric band having a light-emitting diode (LED) light source powered by a lithium battery. Both the LED light source and the lithium battery are affixed to the elastomeric band. The wear preferably wears the illumination ring on the individual's finger, thus providing illumination of the wearer to others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Suzette H. Elwonger
  • Publication number: 20040022070
    Abstract: A recreational or competitive flying disc includes an illumination system employing an array of flexible optical fibers to distribute the light of a single light emitting diode (LED) from the rotational center of the disc to its outside periphery. A small water-resistant compartment centered on the underside of the disc houses the LED, battery, and the illumination control. The leads of the LED also serve as the contacts of the battery. One end of each of the optical fibers is embedded in the LED, and the other end extends radially from the central housing on the underside surface of the disc to the rim of the disc. The flying disc is illuminated without altering the aerodynamic properties of the disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Jerry Moore
  • Publication number: 20030179590
    Abstract: This invention is in the area of three-dimensional holiday decorations and their manufacture, and specifically in the area of an illuminated decoration to replace natural stems for the tops of pumpkins, squash and gourd-type fruits as used in Halloween, Thanksgiving, Harvest, Christmas and similar holiday-type decorations. An artificial replacement stem and various assorted appendages such as witches and apparitions are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: John Raymond Wyss
  • Publication number: 20030174519
    Abstract: A decorative carrier for Halloween candy and the like employs fiber optic members to carry and emit light to the exterior surface of the carrier. Additional light sources may be positioned about the carrier, and flashing or non-flashing lighting is provided. An audible emission may also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis Healy
  • Patent number: 6622053
    Abstract: A lighting system operating using a digital mirror as its operative device. The digital mirror is used to shape the light which is a passed through advanced optical devices in order to produce an output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Light and Sound Design Ltd.
    Inventors: William Hewlett, Ian Clarke, Nigel Evans, Richard Parker, Mark A. Hunt, Michael Hughes
  • Patent number: 6616292
    Abstract: A water globe includes a programmable, multi-color, fiber optic display that can be synchronized with an audio source. The fiber optic bundle sits in a well where the first end of the bundle receives illumination from a three-color LED and the second end of the optical fibers is held in place by an inner top in such a way that the surface of the inner top produces an attractive changeable, multi-color display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Silk Road Gifts
    Inventors: Chun-Kuei Lin, Vincent Lin
  • Publication number: 20030156429
    Abstract: A hair ornament includes multiple light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which are manufactured as a single component so that their combined output can be focused on the end of a bundle of optic fibers. The fibers may be woven in the hair or wig of a wearer of the ornament. For a preferred embodiment of the invention, three LEDs, each of which emits a primary color (generally red, green or blue), are provided. Each LED is coupled to a flasher circuit having both variable frequency and variable duty cycle. At low frequencies (i.e., less than about 18-20 flashes per second), the flashes are seen as discrete colors. However, as the frequencies are increased, only a single color is visible. The color of that single color can be varied over the visible spectrum by varying the duty cycles of the three LEDs. One use of the preferred embodiment is to adjust the projected color to coordinate with clothing of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Joel MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20030151926
    Abstract: The invention concerns a disposable small-size light-emitting device (1) comprising a light source (3); an integrated electronic control module (4), and a power source (5), said electronic control module including means (6) for reducing power consumption of said electronic module and or of said light-emiitting elements, when stored and not in use, and optionally means (7), reducing their inertia on being switched on, and means (8) for switching on/off said light sources. The invention is adaptable and capable of being integrated in all types of disposable light-emitting articles, for fun or not such as for instance glasses, lighters, decorative objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Christophe Mermaz, Dominique Pecquet
  • Publication number: 20030133311
    Abstract: A series of different embodiments of illuminated translucent devices, each include lighting at at least one end thereof and a channel or passage therethrough or therealong for installing connecting electrical wiring therein. An opaque sleeve or the like is provided about the passage to conceal the passage and any wiring or other element(s) installed therein. The lighting elements may be any suitable type, but LEDs are preferred. The external cross sectional shape of the device may be round, or any other shape as desired for use as a free standing column or support, or as a wall mounted sconce or the like. Some embodiments include a structural member therein or opaque structural sleeve therearound, with the outer sleeve having a series of light passages formed therethrough. The devices may be used as floor lamp or ceiling fan columns, guard or bannister rails, vehicle guards and racks, etc., as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Jonas J. Robertson, Robert M. Currie, Problems Y. Currie, Joseph E. Currie
  • Patent number: 6586882
    Abstract: The lighting system comprises a body (1) to emit visible light and an envelope (5) which is transparent to light. The invention is characterized in that the lighting system comprises at least one opto-electronic element (2, 2′) to emit light in a first wavelength range, in that the body (1) is provided with conversion means (3) for absorbing light emitted by the opto-electronic element (2, 2′) and re-emitting light in a second wavelength range, and in that the envelope (5) is provided with a coating (6) reflecting light of the first wavelength range. In a preferred embodiment, the opto-electronic elements (2, 2′) are light-emitting diodes, which preferably emit blue light. Preferably, the conversion means (3) consist of a luminescent material and can be excited, preferably, by light originating from the wavelength range of 400 to 500 nm. Preferably, the coating (6) comprises a multilayer optical filter and is, preferably, provided on an inside surface of the envelope (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Gerard Harbers
  • Publication number: 20030117800
    Abstract: A combinative lightening device for a pattern, wherein, the particular decorative pattern is composed of a first and a second component plane sheet connected with each other, and a lightening lamp support provided between the first and the second component plane sheets, at least a lamp bulb is mounted on the lightening lamp support and arranged at a desired position in corresponding to the shape of the pattern. In a preferred embodiment, one of the first and second component plane sheets has a given lateral thickness in corresponding to the shape of the pattern, while the other component plane sheet is a real plane sheet, hence the two component plane sheets form a relief state, alternatively, the first and second component plane sheets each has a given lateral thickness to form together a cubic pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Shining Blick Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter K. H. Huang
  • Patent number: 6582115
    Abstract: A structure of firework light, wherein, a base is provided therein with an electric conductor and an automatic reeling device to lower the gravity of the firework light, and a post is provided to connect a hollow ball thereon, a lot of transparent radial rods are conveniently connected with the ball. An IC controller is provided in the hollow ball to separately control a flashlight, so that the IC controller makes the lamp strings in the radial rods flash sequentially after the flashlight flashes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Shining Blick Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter K. H. Huang
  • Patent number: 6575613
    Abstract: An illumination device especially adapted for internally illuminating a decorative object wherein the decorative object is associated with a particular seasonal holiday, festive, or celebratory event. The device includes a dome shaped housing that is sized and configured to mount inside the decorative object. The housing has concavities with reflective surfaces and electric lights that are disposed in the concavities. Electric current is supplied to the light for illumination of the interior of the decorative object. The illuminative object has the optional capability to flash the electric lights to mimic the flickering of a burning candle and employ the use of fiber optics for special lighting effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Pumpkin Ltd.
    Inventors: Barry P. Brown, Michael D. Hennessey
  • Publication number: 20030079387
    Abstract: A sign or ornament comprising an etched or otherwise formed translucent light scattering design, lettering, or shape within a matrix contained in the body of a sign or ornament, said sign or ornament having included therewith at least one opening, said opening having contained therewith at least one light source and preferably a light-emitting diode, wherein light emerging from the light source and preferred light-emitting diode incident upon the light scattering translucent design lettering or shape of the sign or the ornament will be enhanced to a much greater extent than any light emanating from the transparent portions of the sign/ornament.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Anthony Derose
  • Publication number: 20030067790
    Abstract: An illumination device especially adapted for internally illuminating a decorative object wherein the decorative object is associated with a particular seasonal holiday, festive, or celebratory event. The device includes a dome shaped housing that is sized and configured to mount inside the decorative object. The housing has concavities with reflective surfaces and electric lights that are disposed in the concavities. Electric current is supplied to the light for illumination of the interior of the decorative object. The illuminative object has the optional capability to flash the electric lights to mimic the flickering of a burning candle and employ the use of fiber optics for special lighting effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Barry P. Brown, Michael D. Hennessey
  • Patent number: 6543925
    Abstract: This invention discloses a method and apparatus for creating a variable colored lighting effect at some desired remote location by means of multiple source lighting means, usually red, blue and green, illuminating the end of individual bundles of fiber optic cables which are then combined into one larger cable bundle which is then routed to the desired remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventors: Robert L. Kuykendal, Ronald S. Deichmann
  • Patent number: 6536934
    Abstract: A decorative light plug has a collar slidably retained on the decorative light and having a through hole defined through the collar and an inner thread formed on an inner face defining the through hole; a female connector integrally formed on the decorative light and having a flange formed on an outer periphery of the decorative light; and a cover having a blind hole defined to enclose a distal end of the decorative light and an outer thread formed to correspond to the inner thread in the collar. With such an arrangement, the engagement between the cover and the collar is able to protect the distal end of the decorative light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Tsui-Tuan Fan Wong
  • Publication number: 20030016544
    Abstract: A structure of firework light, wherein, a base is provided therein with an electric conductor and an automatic reeling device to lower the gravity of the firework light, and a post is provided to connect a hollow ball thereon, a lot of transparent radial rods are conveniently connected with the ball. An IC controller is provided in the hollow ball to separately control a flashlight, so that the IC controller makes the lamp strings in the radial rods flash sequentially after the flashlight flashes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: Shining Blick Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter K. H. Huang
  • Publication number: 20020176260
    Abstract: A versatile illuminating adornment consists of at least one outer tube housed a transparent inner tube inside and a pedestal to support the outer tube and center rod. The pedestal has a light source element located therein. The outside appearance of the outer tube may be formed in various shapes desired. The center rod has the periphery embossed with bulged and dented patterns and coated with different colors. The light source element may project light on the patterns of the center rod to generate illumination of different colors on the patterns, thus forming an adornment equipped with a light source. The adornment also may be made handheld.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Ching-Shin Liao
  • Publication number: 20020122313
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber optic arrangement for Christmas light having a socket mounted on the Christmas light bulb. A plurality of fiber optic elements are mounted on the socket, thereby increasing the decorating effect of the Christmas light. In addition, a socket is hollow-shaped inside thereof. One end thereof is provided with a mounting opening for receiving a Christmas light bulb while the other end thereof includes a plurality of connecting holes for receiving fiber optic bundles. The connecting holes communicate with the hollow part inside of the socket so that the fiber optic bundles receive the light source of the Christmas light bulb, thereby creating a radial lighting effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventor: Jack Chang
  • Publication number: 20020118919
    Abstract: An optical fiber line for lighting purposes, has one end for introduction of an electromagnetic wave from a light source into the fiber line. The fiber line has a length and is so constructed as to have at least one lateral light exit along the length of the fiber line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Maria Bruchmann
  • Publication number: 20020110001
    Abstract: A decorative light plug has a collar slidably retained on the decorative light and having a through hole defined through the collar and an inner thread formed on an inner face defining the through hole; a female connector integrally formed on the decorative light and having a flange formed on an outer periphery of the decorative light; and a cover having a blind hole defined to enclose a distal end of the decorative light and an outer thread formed to correspond to the inner thread in the collar. With such an arrangement, the engagement between the cover and the collar is able to protect the distal end of the decorative light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Tsui-Tuan Fan Wong
  • Publication number: 20020093834
    Abstract: A light-effect producing candle for illuminating and generating altering light-effect includes a light-generating means located inside a transparent candle. The light-generating means includes a plurality of light-generating devices of different colors. An optical fiber is provided to receive and transmit photo signal generated by a lighted wick, and to activate the light-generating devices to produce flickering light which may emanate through the candle for producing flickering and altering light effect around the candle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Chun-Chien Yu, Lap-Yan Ting, Jerry Chen, Chun-Lang Chen, Yu-Ching Hsiao, Wen-Shen Yang
  • Patent number: 6404973
    Abstract: An optical fiber decorative article comprises a plurality of optical fibers of same length. The optical fibers are aligned in a fiber array and provided with a gluey connection band along the portion of the optical fiber near one light input ends thereof. The fibers are bent with bent angle gradually increasing such that one straight side is formed on one side of the fiber array and a most-bent side is formed on another side of the fiber array. The fiber array is wound from the straight side to the most-bent side, thus forming a bouquet-shape optical fiber decorative article. The optical fiber decorative article is mounted on a movable carrier to generate light ring thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Jean-Hway Lee
  • Patent number: 6393192
    Abstract: A water feature provided with both water and an illuminating optical fiber through a single tube. The tube is sealingly connected to a housing having separate inlets for water and the fiber optic cable. A fitting connected between the tubing and the housing allows water to flow through the annulus between the fiber outside diameter and the tubing inside diameter. Water provided to the fitting from a water source passes through the tubing into a fixture where it then exits to form a waterfall or other water display. Light emitted from an end of the fiber optic cable illuminates the water display. By using a transparent or translucent tube, light emitted from along the length of the cable may be used to illuminate the translucent fixture itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Oasis Waterfalls LLC
    Inventor: Pinhas Paul Koren
  • Patent number: 6386728
    Abstract: A decorative light assembly for illuminating Christmas trees and the like having a ring shaped housing containing a DC light source and a motor drive for rotatably driving one of a series of interchangeable disks disposed in the path of the light source and providing variable light patterns through the disk which communicate with fiber optic strands to receive and distribute light received through the disks from the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: John P. Colonna
  • Patent number: 6379018
    Abstract: A portable, illuminated, drinking vessel assembly for receiving a variety of sizes of liquid containing drinking vessels, such as an infant's bottle. The assembly comprises a generally circular, vessel receiving housing formed of a light-weight material, such as may be molded of a semi-rigid foam. The housing includes a base having a central cavity mounting a light and power source. Further, the housing includes an upstanding circular side wall terminating in an annular surface to define a vessel receiving recess. Within the wall are plural radially and upwardly extending, light transmitting, fiber optic filament segments. The respective segments extend from positions in close proximity to the light to the annular surface. By the use of a movable wheel, having different color filters, between the light and the respective filament segments, movement of the wheel effects a changing color light pattern about the annular surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventors: Kendall Rycroft, Everett B. James, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6375342
    Abstract: A waterfall illuminated by a plurality of optical fibers having their ends disposed along an underside of the edge of the waterfall and directing light downward from the fiber ends onto the surfaces under the waterfall. A fiber optic cable bundle is directed within a fiber conduit along the edge of a generally rectangular water conduit, with the individual fiber ends projecting through respective holes formed in an underside of the fiber conduit. The water and fiber conduits may be located between a wall of a pool or spa and the surrounding coping, with both water and fiber connections being made from the rear portion of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Oasis Waterfalls LLC
    Inventors: Pinhas Paul Koren, Laurie Beth Bernota
  • Patent number: 6371638
    Abstract: An inflatable translucent balloon body has a predetermined net lifting force upon inflation with a lighter than air gas. A light source is attached to the balloon upon inflation by a light transmitting tether. To keep the buoyant balloon afloat while attached to the light transmitting tether, the light transmitting tether has a net weight of less than the net lifting force of the balloon in an inflated state with lighter than air gas therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventors: Robert Zingale, Eric Koenig
  • Publication number: 20010053083
    Abstract: The present invention is a device that functions as a letter display panel 1. The display panel 1 is a body 2 that is a relatively thin piece of material having front and rear surfaces 4 and 6 with an edge 5 that extends between the front and rear surfaces, 4 and 6. In a preferred embodiment, a kit having a plurality of identical display panels 1 is provided for use with ornamental light strings. Each separate display panel 1 is capable of forming an individual lighted letter when used with the ornamental light string, as will be described below. The separate display panels 1 may be then coupled together to form written messages and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Jamie A. Limber, Brian R. Freeland, Daniel J. Dick
  • Patent number: 6312141
    Abstract: The lamp assembly includes an emitting framework, a supporting ball, radiating levers and electronic-controller. The emitting framework is connected to the radiating levers via the supporting ball; the radiating levers to which explosion lamps and flashing lamps attach are bent into such a shape as to produce the effect of fireworks exploding; the electronic-controller is connected with firing lamps, explosive lamps and flashing lamp. The specially manufactured lamp assembly can effectively simulate the explosion process of fireworks controlled by electronic-control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Limin Liu
  • Patent number: 6299338
    Abstract: An exemplary lighting apparatus comprises a light source such as an LED, a transmissive body optically coupled to the light source, and at least one region of luminescent material formed on a portion of the transmissive body, the at least one region of luminescent material forming an ornamental design on the transmissive body, wherein the at least one region of luminescent material absorbs light having a first spectrum transmitted through the transmissive body and emits light having a second spectrum outside of the transmissive body. The lighting apparatus can be used in a decorative manner, such as for holiday lighting or as a display. The lighting apparatus can be used to display a variety of patterns and shapes and can operate safely at low power over a long lifetime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lionel Monty Levinson, Alok Mani Srivastava, Steven Jude Duclos, Anil Raj Duggal
  • Patent number: 6256811
    Abstract: A fiber optic illuminated starlight scene on a headboard. By using a plurality of optical fibers (22) lighted by an illuminator (20) and the optical fiber/visible end (16) are positioned flush with front panel (12) decorative scene (14) a realistic rendition of a starlight scene is created. The optical fibers/visible ends (16) placement and dispersion in the decorative scene (14) along with the distance and angle of the optical fibers (22) to the illuminator makes each individual optical fiber/visible end (16) appear as starlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Eric S. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6220742
    Abstract: A novel and decorative lighting system for selectively conditioning the atmosphere surrounding the light including a glass base having a number of lighting elements incorporated into said base, and a plurality of translucent pebbles on top of said base to diffuse and direct the light from the lighting elements. A glass base has a number of holes provided in the base to receive the light bulbs or lighting elements. Colored translucent pebbles or similar objects are placed on top of the disk shaped glass base to diffuse and direct the light to provide a soothing atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: TSL, Limited Company
    Inventors: Barbara Lloyd, Scott Sulivan
  • Patent number: 6132056
    Abstract: An apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall comprising a waterfall vessel, the vessel including a front wall, a pack wall, side ends with apertures, a top wall and a bottom wall; the vessel further including a plurality of baffles and/or combinations of baffles with apertures therein for converting turbulent flow to a waterfall stream at an exit to the vessel; and means for illuminating the waterfall. The means for illuminating the waterfall includes a clear rod or a side-light emitting fiber optic cable installed longitudinally within the vessel with a fiber optic light source juxtaposed to one end of the clear rod or cable. The clear rod or the cable may be installed within a clear tube as an alternative embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Douglas Ruthenberg
  • Patent number: 6126305
    Abstract: A light fitting, in particular a ceiling light fitting, has several reflective and/or refractive bodies, in particular facetted glass elements, which are lit by light guided via several optical fibers, wherein end areas of the optical fibers are held in at least one support. The reflective and/or refractive bodies are fastened individually or in groups to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: D. Swarovski & Co.
    Inventor: Daniel Swarovski
  • Patent number: 6116751
    Abstract: A lighted landscaping stone including a body member having an upper translucent panel, a lower reflective panel, and sidewalls connecting the upper and lower panels to form an internal cavity. Hourglass-shaped support columns extend between the upper and lower panels and are aligned in a criss-cross pattern to provide maximum support. An elongated light emitting member is arranged within the cavity in a serpentine pattern around the support columns to provide uniform lighting to the entire area of upper panel. The elongated light emitting member is preferably a fiber optic line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Troy Remp
  • Patent number: 6086235
    Abstract: A light spot generating ornament includes at least one light penetrable cord member, and light source means respectively disposed adjacent to the at least one light penetrable cord member at one end, each cord member having a plurality of refracting portions disposed at an angle relative to its longitudinal central axis, the refracting portions refracting light from the light source means, causing a plurality of light spots to be produced at each cord member at different locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Lily Chen
  • Patent number: 5944416
    Abstract: A decoration apparatus having two flexible sheets of material that are adhered either directly or indirectly to each other. A plurality of light pipes are positioned or sandwiched between a front face of a first flexible sheet and a rear face of a second flexible sheet. A light source supplies light to the light pipes to produce a decorative effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Lee F. Marsh
  • Patent number: 5882110
    Abstract: An elongated, decorative, flexible light-transmitting assembly particularly useful for adorning wearing apparel. The assembly includes a source of light having a light-transmitting area. A length of clear flexible polymer has a first end adjacent the light-transmitting area and an elongated body having an outer surface and a remote end. The length has many marks formed inwardly from the outer surface to cause the light entering the first end to be reflected in an attractive manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Carmen C. Rapisarda
  • Patent number: 5879071
    Abstract: A lighted planter includes a container having a bottom and side walls and an opening formed by the walls and spaced from the bottom wall. The side walls include a generally horizontally extending edge portion adjacent the opening and a light source integral with the edge portion providing upwardly projecting illumination to directly light a plant planted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Sammie J. Sanford, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5865533
    Abstract: An imitated fireworks bulb set for Christmas tree decoration includes a plurality of imitated fireworks bulbs, a plug head having a transformer therein for electrical power supply, and an elongated electrical wire for electrically connecting the imitated fireworks bulbs to the plug head so as to connect the imitated fireworks bulbs together and provide electrical power to each of the imitated fireworks bulbs. Each of the imitated fireworks bulbs includes a bowl-like transparent shell, a casing connected to the transparent shell to form a container body, a hanger affixed to a top end of the casing, and an imitated fireworks generating device installed within the casing for rendering a plurality of optic fiber sticks disposed inside the transparent shell to provide fireworks like flashing effect at their light emitting tips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: John Fuu Liu