Figure Patents (Class 362/808)

Cross-Reference Art Collections

Terrestrial globe (Class 362/809)
  • Patent number: 6543905
    Abstract: A decorative light holder has a decorative shape, is made of a translucent material and has at least three substantially parallel reflective surfaces. A portion of light striking each surface is reflected and another portion of that light passes through the light holder. This structure provides a pleasing appearance in which areas of one side of the light holder appear to be darker than other areas of the same side. The corresponding areas on the opposite side of the light holder also appear to be lighter and darker but the area that was lighter on one side is darker on the opposite side and the area that was darker on one side is lighter on the opposite side. When made of two injection molded pieces, each piece is made of a different color plastic, enhancing the pleasing appearance of the holder. Preferably the surfaces on at least one side are textured, such as with a prismatic structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Adams Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: William E. Adams, Matthew H. French
  • Patent number: 6540371
    Abstract: An artificial pumpkin stem apparatus that includes a stem portion with an attachment portion. There is also a mounting plate that includes a shaft-engaging portion. The shaft is connected to the attachment portion of the stem at a first end and is associated with the shaft-engaging portion of the mounting plate between the first and second ends of the shaft. A source of light may also be attached at the second end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Leonard Franks
  • Patent number: 6527544
    Abstract: A display stand for displaying at least one object such as a pumpkin thereon, comprising a support including an upper end and a lower end, wherein the lower end is adapted for maintaining the support in a generally upright position relative to a surface upon which the support is placed. A base is connected to the upper end of the support and includes an up per surface for receiving and supporting the object thereon, and the upper surface defines a threaded bore extending therethrough. The display stand also includes a complementary elongate threaded member adapted for being matingly threaded into the bore. The elongate threaded member extends in an upright direction above the upper surface for securing the object thereto, thereby stabilizing the object on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Leavon Salter, Brenda Charlene Salter
  • Publication number: 20030039115
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tender mood creating lampshade equipped with a fog generator which oscillates at a supersonic frequency thereby vaporizing particles of liquidal perfume or equivalents in a liquid container into foggy state and diffusing in the air through an ornamental idol to create a tender mood in the surroundings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Chun-Horng Lin
  • Patent number: 6520656
    Abstract: Disclosed is an ornament for body ornamentation or decoration using a chemical light, which is capable of emitting light even in the daytime, thereby providing an improved aesthetic effect and an enhanced attraction effect. The ornament includes a cylindrical chemical light serving as a light emitting source, a molded body made of a transparent material and provided with irregularities at an outer surface thereof, an insertion hole formed at a central portion of the molded body and opened at one end to receive the chemical light, the insertion hole having a desired shape, and a connecting ring formed at the molded body near the opened end of the insertion hole while being integral with the molded body, the connecting ring serving to allow the molded body to be connected to an object, whereby a shadow is expressed by virtue of the irregularities when the chemical light received in the insertion hole emits light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventors: Koon Ha Park, Kap Soo Oh
  • Patent number: 6520658
    Abstract: A glow in dark lighter includes a luminous casing having a receiving cavity for receiving a liquefied gas storage therein and at least a luminous area adapted to be visible in the dark, a gas emitting nozzle disposed in the luminous casing and communicating with the liquefied gas storage for control a flow of gas, and an ignition system comprising an ignition button for igniting the lighter. Therefore, the glow in dark lighter of the present invention is capable self-illuminating in the dark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Chen
  • Publication number: 20030012016
    Abstract: This invention relates to a protective tube having a light convergent flash lamp, wherein a protruded legs is integrally disposed at the end of the tube for embedding the covering ring in the grooves, such that the protruded legs locates just above the light source of the flash lamp, and the end side of the bulb shell is fused with the glass bulb collecting the light an the arc angle to reflect the light towards the protruded legs. The protruded legs guides the light energy to the entire tube and put the light effect into full play. Special interesting patterns at the upper section of the tube gives excellent viewing effect. This invention keeps a suitable distance between the diameter of the tube and the flash lamp to prevent them from being damaged due to transportation or collision. This invention is characterized that it guides the light with interesting patterns and also has the function of protecting the light bulb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Chun-Teng Lee
  • Publication number: 20020176244
    Abstract: Disclosed is an ornament for body ornamentation or decoration using a chemical light, which is capable of emitting light even in the daytime, thereby providing an improved aesthetic effect and an enhanced attraction effect. The ornament includes a cylindrical chemical light serving as a light emitting source, a molded body made of a transparent material and provided with irregularities at an outer surface thereof, an insertion hole formed at a central portion of the molded body and opened at one end to receive the chemical light, the insertion hole having a desired shape, and a connecting ring formed at the molded body near the opened end of the insertion hole while being integral with the molded body, the connecting ring serving to allow the molded body to be connected to an object, whereby a shadow is expressed by virtue of the irregularities when the chemical light received in the insertion hole emits light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Koon Ha Park, Kap Soo Oh
  • Publication number: 20020141189
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a decorative member disposed on a plate, one or more light devices may be used for lighting the decorative member, and a fan device may be used to blow the decorative member and to oscillate or fluctuate the decorative member for generating the other decorative effects. One or more sockets are secured to the plate with brackets for plugging the light devices. The plate includes a housing having one or more air passages formed between the fan device and the decorative member for allowing the air stream to flow toward the decorative member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Yu Chuan Lin
  • Patent number: 6431729
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates with filling air string unit in decorative lighting string. This filling air string which to make the lighting string to expandable or to shrinkable with lighting device and the firm device. This filling air string is made up from soften plastics which has a filling air room. The lighting string will made up into many different kind of shapes when volume expansion when expand and sufficient the air. The lighting string will minimize the volume when emit the air. This filling air volume has a gas room in the central that has some capacity for this lighting device. As this lighting device firm in the central of this gas room to be able to reveal any kind of shapes and clearly to showing the lighting string while rising this filling air string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Willis Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: W. T. Chen
  • Publication number: 20020089854
    Abstract: A bulb shade includes a light-transmissible hood portion having a bottom opening, a horizontal flange surrounding the bottom opening and a stepped shoulder close to the bottom opening, and a bulb-mounting seat provided with a connecting hole and a plurality of radiating holes and adapted to locate in the hood portion and abut on the stepped shoulder. A bulb base is detachably connected to the connecting hole on the bulb-mounting seat with a bulb connected thereto upward extended into the hood portion. The bulb shade may be directly connected to individual bulb base included in a light string to protect the bulbs thereof, or be attached to and extended into an inflatable toy of other type of decorative articles to isolate a decorative bulb in the bulb shade from the toy or the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Yu-Peng Liu
  • Publication number: 20020085369
    Abstract: A Halloween treat carrier includes a container having thereon a Halloween design, wherein the Halloween treat carrier includes a glow-in-the-dark material. A pumpkin decorating kit includes (A) a base material containing a glow-in-the-dark material and having a back surface and a front surface, (B) an adhesive layer on the back surface of the base material for adhering the base material to a pumpkin, and (C) a release material to which the base material is attached via the adhesive layer and from which the base material together with the adhesive layer can be released upon use, wherein the front surface of the base material containing glow-in-the-dark material can provide a jack-o'-lantern appearance on the pumpkin. A method for decorating a pumpkin includes providing a jack-o'-lantern appearance with a base material containing glow-in-the-dark material and having an adhesive thereon, and adhering the base material containing glow-in-the-dark material to a pumpkin via the adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Bruce Elliot Kramer, Joy Elizabeth Belin
  • Patent number: 6398387
    Abstract: A decorative ornament bearing the shape and structure of a typical candy cane is disclosed. The ornamental cane has a multiple of holes that pass completely through and are spaced somewhat uniformly along its length. The candy cane ornament consists of two separate colors in the form of two spiraling stripes. The overall concept is the illumination of the candy cane by a single downward strand of lights found on the typical icicle light set. Each of the light bulbs is inserted through the holes and projects out the other side, providing illumination. The order in which the light bulbs are attached allows the cane to be displayed in an upright position. The candy cane is permitted to suspend freely just as the adjacent downward strands of lights. Multiple quantities of candy cane ornaments may be attached to the icicle light set at various intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Wienhold
  • Patent number: 6361187
    Abstract: A Christmas tree outdoor ornament has an elongated hook member with one end having a spiral hook and the other end having a hook sized to receive at least one string of decorative lights. A star fits over the body of the hook member. The spiral hook attached to a gutter or a suction cup and decorative light strings are routed from the hook member to anchors creating a triangular tree shape. The anchors may be stakes in the ground or suction cups attached to any flat surface such as a window or window sill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Adams Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: William E. Adams
  • Publication number: 20010036073
    Abstract: An artificial hollow carvable gourd shaped as a pumpkin, squash, or other fruit or vegetable, having an outer carvable shell, which encases fake “innards and seeds” made of edible candy, and including a prize, contained therein to provide a more realistic gourd container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Christine K. Trease
  • Publication number: 20010036069
    Abstract: An artificial pumpkin stem apparatus that includes a stem portion with an attachment portion. There is also a mounting plate that includes a shaft-engaging portion. The shaft is connected to the attachment portion of the stem at a first end and is associated with the shaft-engaging portion of the mounting plate between the first and second ends of the shaft. A source of light may also be attached at the second end of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Leonard Franks
  • Patent number: 6309092
    Abstract: An illumination device is adapted to be placed in an interior of an object to illuminate a surrounding area, and comprises a housing, a light source and a decorative skirt. The housing has an interior sized and adapted to receive an electric power supply, and includes a base portion operative to support the housing in an upright orientation relative to a support surface of the object and an upper end portion opposite the base portion. The light source is disposed at the upper end portion and a decorative skirt surrounds the upper end portion and depends downwardly alongside an outer surface thereof. Preferably, the decorative skirt simulates the appearance of wax drippings and the electric power supply includes one or more batteries suspended within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Pumpkin Ltd.
    Inventors: Kea L. Bardeen, Barry P. Brown
  • Patent number: 6270233
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a bucket having an illumination means and decorated to be used primarily by trick-or-treaters for the accumulation of treats on All Hallow's Eve. This bucket, when the illumination means is activated, will illuminate the path of the child holding the bucket; and, by means of a flange encircling the source of illumination, absorb lateral light rays producing a radiant glow that will give the bucket, and the “goblin” carrying it, a “safety zone” glow and an aesthetic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Jack Holland
  • Patent number: 6203171
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for attachment to a permanent object to enable a unitary lighting display between apparatus and permanent object. The present invention includes a shaft member adapted to extend along at least a portion of the object, and a structural member attached to the shaft member. The structural member is configured to extend at least partially around the permanent object so as to enable the apparatus to be fitted around the permanent object. The apparatus is adapted to mount a lighting display integral in appearance with a lighting display on the permanent object to thereby enable the unitary lighting display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Robert T. Sherman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6180193
    Abstract: A decorative lawn ornament for providing inspirational three-dimensional ornamentation. The decorative lawn ornament includes a main body frame formed in the shape of an angel and having a plurality of elongate frame members, a plurality of main body lights, a secondary frame formed in the shape of a bird, a plurality of secondary lights coupled to the secondary frame, a wing motor interior to the secondary frame, a rod motor interior to the main body frame, a rod, and a linkage assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Dawn Marie Bostedt
  • Patent number: 6170961
    Abstract: A wedding cake layer is highlighted by a transparent plastic light assembly illuminated by a string of miniature electric lights. The light assembly supports a cake on a transparent plastic tray in an elevated position. The light assembly has one or more transparent plastic tubes forming pillars which are affixed between a top plate and a bottom plate. The plates have pillar entry holes such that a looped strand of lights may pass from the underside of the bottom plate to the top side of the top plate and be affixed thereto. The cake tray has downwardly extending feet which are received within cylindrical protrusions on the top plate. The cake tray has a peripheral rim through which the illuminated miniature lights are visible. An inverted cake tray is positioned beneath the bottom plate such that the feet of the inverted tray engage downwardly extending protrusions on the bottom plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Joanne J. Knoch
  • Patent number: 6126298
    Abstract: A support structure for a Christmas lighting string includes a lamp bulb, lamp base, lamp holder, multiple electrical conductors, receptacles, flasher control and non-electrical conductor. The electrical conductors, lamp base and lamp holder can be connected in series, parallel, or series and parallel to form a complete circuit of the lighting strings. Non-electrical connectors and electrical conductors are connected or wound. The non-electrical connectors are simultaneously or individually fixed with the electrical conductors by knots. Thus the lamp bulbs are limited in proper spaced intervals so as to form a certain appearance, design or words and to obtain a decorative effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Jeng-Shyong Wu
  • Patent number: 6109763
    Abstract: Light section 1 comprises a body case 8 accommodating batteries 5 and a lens cap 7 containing a light bulb 4 and detachably mounted at the bottom edge opening of the body case 8. Outer periphery of light section 1 is covered by an outer cylindrical section 2 provided with a switching operation projection 10a and a stopper spring 12 such as to allow free relative sliding movements. The light section 1 and the outer cylindrical section 2 are stored in the hollow space of a decorative section 3 which is fitted with the outer cylindrical section 2. When the decorative section 3 is lifted from the state of being mounted on an installation surface 11, the outer cylindrical section 2 rises. Concurrently, an illumination circuit for the light bulb 4 is closed by a lead spring 9 being inwardly pushed by the switching operation projection 10a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masuo Ohta, Kinya Kawanobe
  • Patent number: 6095664
    Abstract: An ornamental lamp having a lamp bulb, and an ornament directly molded from a polymer around the bulb of the lamp bulb and colored, permitting the lamp base of lamp bulb to be extended out of the ornament for connection to an electric socket, light from the lamp bulb passing through the ornament in different directions when the lamp bulb is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Yu-Ting Wang
  • Patent number: 6089734
    Abstract: A table lamp suitable for displaying a base-mounted finial has an adapter plate for supporting both a finial assembly and a pipe and wiring assembly using a single hole in the base. The adapter plate enables the pipe to be mounted outside the base perimeter while the hole is used for a finial assembly. The visual benefits of finials may thereby be extended to table lamp bases without defacing or modifying the visible surface of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Kamran Yousefzadeh
  • Patent number: 6074076
    Abstract: A tooth brushing timing device including a housing having a front face and a rear face. The housing has a hollow interior. The housing has an interior face disposed inwardly of the front face within the hollow interior. The interior face has a facial representation thereon. The front face has apertures therethrough aligning with the facial representation for viewing from an exterior of the housing. A timing mechanism is disposed within the hollow interior of the housing inwardly of the interior face. The timing mechanism has a rotating rod extending outwardly through the interior face and the front face. A blocking device is in communication with the timing mechanism for selectively covering the apertures in the front face to preclude visualization of the facial representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventor: Joyce Parrish-Bhagwat
  • Patent number: 6033089
    Abstract: Electric luminaria is made by a unique method from a one-piece blow molded container having a neck formed at one end of a base, an intermediate radially outward extending flange at an opposite end of the base and a hollow shell extending from the flange. The flange is peripherally cut to form two flanges, one attached to the shell and one attached to the base. The base has an aperture formed in the neck for receiving a light socket therein, with the electric conductors extending from the light socket passing through the neck and over the peripheral flange of the base. The shell is placed over the base with the peripheral flanges of the base and the shell disposed in an overlapping arrangement. Stakes are inserted through aligned apertures in the flanges of the shell and base to fix the luminaria on the ground. A decorative sleeve is replaceably mounted about the sidewall of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Samuel J. Tesauro
  • Patent number: 6000820
    Abstract: A low voltage light novelty decoration that includes a substantially hollow and decorative main portion, a generally circular-shaped base portion, and adjusting apparatus. The substantially hollow and decorative main portion has a shape that identifies a specific event and provides an optical recognition that associates the specific event in a mind of a viewer. The generally circular-shaped base portion is integrally formed and has an exposed outer surface, a substantially concealed inner surface, a center, and a centrally-disposed, inwardly-tapering, longitudinally-oriented, and generally circular-shaped throughbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Murray
  • Patent number: 5989655
    Abstract: A crystal ball ornament includes a holder base, a light source mounted in the holder base, a transparent ball mounted on the holder base, the transparent ball holding a liquid and ornamental means in the liquid, a porous ornamental plate mounted on the holder base and spaced between the light source and the transparent ball, the ornamental plate having tiny holes showing a pattern, and a reflector mounted in the holder base to reflect light from the light source onto the transparent ball through the tiny holes on the ornamental plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Sally Meng
  • Patent number: 5971563
    Abstract: A holiday helper lighting system (12) comprising a support frame (14). A plurality of illuminating units (16) are carried on the support frame (14) in spaced apart relationships. An assembly (18) integral with the support frame (14), is for carrying an electrical current to the illuminating units (16), so that the illuminating units (16) will provide light therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Damian Maggio
  • Patent number: 5967650
    Abstract: A collectible structure of delicate frangible hollow construction having a circular or other shaped opening in its rear wall is provided with a relatively axially short protective sleeve of tough composition fitting within the opening and retained therein, e. g. by frictional engagement with the opening edges. An illuminating unit having a light source for illuminating the collectible structure from its interior is placed within the sleeve with the light source disposed within the structure interior beyond the inner end of the sleeve. Attached to the unit are resilient spring supporting means therefor, preferably in the form of plural resilient outwardly-directed fingers, in engagement with an interior surface of the sleeve so that the sleeve surface bears the force of the supporting means. Preferably, the sleeve has a short arcuate segment removed from its perimeter to permit the sleeve to be compressed to fit different sized openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: William A. Laughlin
  • Patent number: 5934785
    Abstract: A decorative light includes a spherical housing having an upper end formed with a circular neck, a plastic socket arranged in the circular neck of the spherical bulb, a light bulb fixedly fitted in the plastic socket, an electric cord having an end extending through the plastic socket into the spherical housing to connect with the light bulb and another end connected with an electrical plug, and a doll having an open bottom mounted on an upper portion of the spherical housing, the doll having a top provided with a ring engaged with a string, whereby the decorative light is appealing and fascinating in appearance thus enabling it to be used for decorating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Ching-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 5931560
    Abstract: A portable illumination device includes a plurality of flexible, memory-retaining members for supporting and suspending itself. In one form, the portable illumination device of the present invention is a novelty flashlight in which the plurality of flexible, memory-retaining members are four in number and configured to simulate arms and legs. The novelty flashlight has a generally cylindrical main body portion. A bulb is mounted in the main body portion for producing a source of light. In one mode of use, the illumination device can be suspended from a bar, hook or other structure, by wrapping one or more of the flexible, memory-retaining members about the structure. In another mode of use, the flexible, memory-retaining members can be used to support the illumination device upon a support surface. The flexibility of the flexible, memory-retaining members permit the direction of the source of light to be easily and quickly adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Edward J. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 5918964
    Abstract: A new pumpkin illumination device for providing light for a Halloween pumpkin while reducing risk of fire. The inventive device includes a base member is provided having a generally cylindrical configuration. The base member has an externally threaded open upper end, a closed lower end and a cylindrical side wall therebetween. The base member has a battery chamber interiorly thereof. The battery chamber has a spring disposed therein. The open upper end has an end cap removably coupled thereto. The end cap has an aperture through a central portion thereof for receiving a lower end of a light bulb therethrough whereby the lower end of the light bulb is in operative communication with the battery chamber. A support bracket couples with the base member. The support bracket is positionable within a pumpkin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Anna Rosa Bou
  • Patent number: 5911501
    Abstract: A decorative lighting system uses a plurality of figurines, usually a family of characters appropriate for a specific holiday, such as: jack-o-lantern, ghosts, witches, black cats, skeletons, etc. for halloween or Santa Clause, candles, candy canes, reindeer, etc. for Christmas. The figurines are all plastic, preferably blow molded with a sloping top that provides a weather resistant roof. The figurines may be made to hang from above or to be supported on the ground, or both hanging and supported. Light bulbs of an indoor/outdoor string of Christmas tree lights may be attached to the figurines by an elastomeric coupler. An adapter mounting plate enables the figurines to be substituted for fixtures on posts in a permanent ground lighting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Empire Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey Katz
  • Patent number: 5882104
    Abstract: A two-in-one candle holder toy surprise having a candle holder portion with a bottom surface affixable to a toy surprise portion. The candle holder toy surprise has a candle holder mode when in its upright position and a toy mode in its inverted position. The candle holder portion functions as a base for the toy surprise when in the toy surprise mode. The toy surprise portion has a flat extending longitudinal surface and acts as an anchor for the candle holder portion when in the candle holding mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Carlos P. Oliver
  • Patent number: 5876111
    Abstract: An expandable and shrinkable decorative lighting string arrangement with a plurality of lamp bulbs, lamp bases, lamp holders, all connected by wires to form a lighting string. The lighting string is connected to a plurality of stands by a clamp. An axis connector forms a support for the ends of the stands, and the ends of the stands are movably connected to the axis connector to form an expandable volume and a shrunken volume. The expandable volume attains a decorative structure with the stands spaced from each other. The shrunken volume positions the stands adjacent to each other. A locking device locks the stands to the axis connector to cause the stands to form the decorative structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Jeng-Shyong Wu
  • Patent number: 5829862
    Abstract: An illuminated lighting fixture having a central housing for a powered light source with fiber optic cables in communication with the housing. The light source emits light within the housing for direction to the fiber optic cables in communication therewith. The fiber optic cables, upon extension from the housing, define selectable illuminated configurations, the now preferred overall configuration being a butterfly with the housing presenting the body of the butterfly and the fiber optic cables tracing the illuminated butterfly wings or portions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Tommy Dale Ferrell
  • Patent number: 5820251
    Abstract: A self-illuminated, decorative ornamental device intended for indoor or outdoor residential use is suitable for day and night viewing. The device includes a planer surface having a two-dimensional color graphic image, and a multiplicity of electric lamps which are arranged on the surface to define a pattern which corresponds to the color graphic image. The color graphic image may include reflective elements to reflect light from the electric lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventors: Michael J. Greenberg, Robert M. Greenberg
  • Patent number: 5816883
    Abstract: A fiber optic wand novelty device for children utilizing a caricature illuminated in a constant color with a plurality of optical fibers extending therefrom. A mount for the optical fibers is secured to an illumination device and includes a color pallet so as to cause colored tip illumination of the optical fibers. The holder of the fibers may be of a fixed color and serves to orient the proximal end of the optical fiber bundle directly over the light source. Accordingly, the colored light is conveyed through fibers, with the longitudinal lengths of the fibers producing solid, whitish light. The holder therefore allows the caricature head to be made of a predetermined color and allows for a realistic likeness under normal lighting conditions and a predetermined colorization or illumination when placed in a darkened environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Superlights, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley Holland
  • Patent number: 5749648
    Abstract: A lamp for decorative light strings includes a lamp holder, a lamp base mounted in the lamp holder and holding a lamp bulb, a lampshade fastened to the lamp holder around the lamp base and the lamp bulb by a screw joint, and two electric wires respectively extended out of the lamp holder and having a respective contact terminal disposed in contact with the positive and negative terminals of the lamp bulb respectively, wherein the lamp holder comprises a cup-like holder base, a plurality of air vents at a bottom side of the cup-like holder base, a center barrel vertically disposed at the center of the cup-like holder base and defining a top receptacle, which receives the lamp base, and a hinged cap closed on one end of the center barrel remote from the top receptacle and having two semicircular notches for the passing of the electric wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Wen-Chien Lin
  • Patent number: 5743782
    Abstract: The illuminable toy has replaceable, illuminable edibles, that can be soft or hard crystal candy or any other translucent or transparent food in a figure form which is attached to a holder which is in turn part of or attached to a base. Concealed inside the base are a light source and battery connected to an electrical switch. There are sets of holders having the same size and shape which match to corresponding sets of illuminable edibles having protrusions of the same size and shape. Connected to the base is a cover, which in combination with the inserted illuminable edibles simulates a scene, such as a horror house, a mine cave or a winter scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Ideal Ideas, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Glynn, James R. Blair, II
  • Patent number: 5730638
    Abstract: A housing includes a clip for attachment of the housing to the back surface of a doll or toy figure. Within the housing, an electronic circuit is operative under battery power to provide audible sounds when an on/off button is pushed. A plurality of light-emitting diodes are operatively coupled to the sound circuit and are energized in a flashing operation when the sound circuit is energized. A cape attachable to the doll upon which the housing is attached includes a reflective surface facing the light-emitting diodes of the housing to provide reflection of the light produced thereby. When the sound circuit is energized, audible sounds are produced and the interior surface of the cape is bombarded with flashing light energy to provide an amusing visual effect. The housing is removable from the host doll and may be worn on a convenient attachment such as a bracelet or the like by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Trevor F. Ward
  • Patent number: 5683172
    Abstract: A decorative light assembly including a plurality of unit lamp carrier frames connected together into a three-dimensional patter by fitting respective lugs and coupling rods into respective plug holes and coupling sockets, a plurality of electric sockets mounted in the unit carrier frames to hold a respective bulb, and an electric plug connected in series to the lamp sockets and adapted for connecting to an electric socket, the electric plug having cartridge fuses connected in series to the metal contact blades thereof, and a packing plate fixed to a front opening thereof to hold down the cartridge fuses and to seal out water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: Shun-Feng Huag
  • Patent number: 5642930
    Abstract: A three-dimensional scenery lamp includes a housing with a display chamber defined therein which is bounded on one side by an opening permitting user viewing of an interior region of the chamber from outside of the housing. A platform is mounted interiorly of the chamber and is capable of supporting a plurality of objects thereon for providing three-dimensional scenery within the interior region of the chamber. A light source is disposed interiorly of the chamber for selectively illuminating the platform, and a sound producer is mounted within the housing which is capable of producing music in association with the viewing of objects on the platform. Preferably, the platform is supported for rotation and at least one other scenery platform is provided, the platforms being interchangeable with one another for varying the scenery in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventor: Jackie C. Brown, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5624181
    Abstract: A lighted display features a decorative mounting board having an outer display surface and a rear surface. A string of lights has a plurality of bulb sockets which mount bulbs in their openings and are interconnected by electrical wiring. The bulb lighting portions each have a diameter smaller than the diameter of a socket. A plurality of apertures are arranged in a predetermined decorative pattern on the board. Each aperture is sized to enable insertion of a bulb lighting portion, but presents a barrier preventing reception of a socket. The perimeter of surrounding board material provides a resilient edge which grips the bulb lighting portions. The string of lights is mounted to the board by inserting the bulb lighting portions into said apertures from the rear surface until the sockets engage the aperture perimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Miller, Warren D. Hyland, David A. Greenlee
  • Patent number: 5619182
    Abstract: A multi-colored LED biasing circuit that allows users to selectively choose the colors for a given state or condition. A user will assign by use of switches which color of a multi-colored LED will light on the presence of an electronic signal representing a state or condition in need of a visual output. One embodiment for a tri-colored LED will allow a user to select a base color for when no signal is present, the base color selected between a first color, and a second color and a secondary color for when a signal is present, the secondary color selected between the opposite of the base color (first or second color) and a third color. The invention is also embodied as a secondary flasher/brake indicator for automobiles that can be embodied in a number of different forms such as a stick shift knob having indication areas, a figurine having suction cup mounting means or hanging means for placement within the vehicle, or an integrated rear view mirror having indication areas lit by multi-colored LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Inventor: Charles L. R. Robb
  • Patent number: 5613764
    Abstract: An internally illuminated decorative object includes an electric light including a lamp socket and light bulb replaceably mounted in the lamp socket. The electric light is supported on a support member that has at least one through opening for the passage of the light bulb therethrough from its first to its second side. A flat translucent image-bearing member is mounted on the support member so as to be at least coextensive with the second side of the support member for illumination by the light bulb when the latter is lit as electric current is supplied to it. The support member has a central portion and two wings flanking the central portion and connected to the image-bearing member by respective lugs that pass through associated slots of the image-bearing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Cristofell Group Ltd.
    Inventor: Patrick O'Brien
  • Patent number: 5597230
    Abstract: A hollow carrier in the shape of any object, such as a jack-o'-lantern, a skull or the like, is provided with a handle, a pair of eye openings in a face, and separate lights behind each of the eye openings, which lights, when activated by a switch connected between the separate lights and a power source, shine separate beams of light from each of the eye openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: Alfred T. Newman
  • Patent number: 5584571
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for simulating lighting effects such as an illumination effect necessary to simulate a real life effect for an ornamental display. More specifically, the present invention relates to a light effect which undergoes a number of readily discernable illumination intensities so as to create an illusion of a rotating light beacon which may be used in connection with a lighthouse, control tower, search light or the like. The present invention is quite durable and reliable and economically manufactured and may be positioned readily within a model display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventors: Vinal D. Chandler, Thomas L. Edmonds