Abstract: A publication and product delivery package is disclosed which permits a variety of products to be packaged and displayed along the binding (or “spine”) of a publication, such as a magazine, or an object of similar size, or in other places alongside such a publication, and delivered to a purchaser of that publication in an attractive, efficient, cost effective way, utilizing standard delivery services such as the United States Postal Service. The publication package allows delivery of products which are otherwise loose, liquid, or fragile to arrive intact, despite the stresses and impacts of such packaging, display, and delivery. The publication package also allows additional high-impact and memorable marketing text and images, which providing exposure of product names and graphics, and coordinated text and images.

Abstract: A mode of actuation for electrical switching is disclosed which uses bending of a longitudinal body, such as a cylindrical flashlight, to close and open an electrical circuit, whereby bending can be in any direction. This invention intends to increase the usefulness of flashlights by exploiting the ease of bending compared to the modes of switch actuation used hitherto since it can be performed under unfavorable circumstances such as darkness, when the fingers are numb from cold or when the user is wearing thick, protective gloves, also when only one hand or other body part is available for switching, since this action requires only rudimentary dexterity. One of various possible embodiments of the invention is described to illustrate the concept.

Abstract: A backlit storybook for the visually impaired comprises an audio and visual storybook including a book, a base, and an integral backlight. Each page of the book comprises images or words. The book is placed upon the base to enable each individual page to backlight the images and words to provide a high-contrast lighted character pattern easily readable by those with impaired vision. The system further includes a speaker for audio to play a corresponding narration and indicates when different pages should be turned.

Abstract: An electronic device case comprises a housing having a pivotable light arm and a receptacle. The light arm may be displaced between a stowed position and a use position. When in the use position, the light arm reduces the amount of glare light and increases the uniformity of light distribution to effectively illuminate the display of the electronic device. The receptacle comprises a lip over-molded to a base. The lip may be formed of a material that is more flexible than a material forming the base.

Abstract: An illuminated clipboard (100) includes a clipboard base (102), a license receiving/viewing device (106) located on the clipboard base, and an illumination source (150, 156) adapted to selectively illuminate the license receiving/viewing device. An illumination source (194) illuminates a ticket-holding area (104). Displays (180, 182) provide current date and time information and a future court date information. An auxiliary license holding slot (196) is provided having an auxiliary illumination source (210).

Abstract: A device for illuminating a surface of a member is provided that includes a light transmissive element having a substantially planar surface adapted to be situated over and separated from the member surface. The device also includes a light source adapted to emit light rays that directly illuminate the member surface and light rays directed between the element surface and the member surface at an angle causing a substantial portion of the light rays to be reflected by the element surface onto the member surface to illuminate the member surface. The light rays reflected from the member surface pass through the element such that the illuminated member surface can be observed. An apparatus for illuminating a surface is provided that includes an arrangement reflecting light toward the member that is positioned over the member and separated from the member by a gap, and an arrangement emitting light into the gap.

Abstract: A hand-held device for managing documents or cards and associated light sources both for illuminating the documents in use, and an adjacent object or person. The hand-held device described herein provides the capability to individuals working in unlit or dimly lit areas the ability to view a document or record information while being able to illuminate another subject, without the use of a separate flashlight.

Abstract: An electronic reader system includes an electronic book and a stylus. The electronic book includes a battery and a cover. The stylus includes a pen body for writing on the electronic book to input data or commands into the electronic book, and an illumination member detachably attached to the pen body. The illumination member can be detached from the pen body and attached onto the electronic book, receiving electrical power from the book as it does so, to illuminate the electronic book.

Abstract: The invention relates to an illumination device (10) for illuminating a surface, with a lighting element (20) and an illuminating body (30), wherein the lighting element (20) emits an artificial light (21,21?), a housing element (40) comprises the lighting element (20) and supports the illuminating body (30), the illuminating body (30) comprises a transparent light conductive material and is generally overlying the surface, being illuminated. The invention discloses, that the illuminating body (30) comprises a light extraction layer (50), configured to receive and to deflect the artificial light (21,21?) from the lighting element (20) onto the surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a booklight which is free-standing or attaches to a book cover, a bed frame or other supporting object to facilitate the reading of a book. Attached to each arm is at least one light-radiating source which may be housed within a shade. The light-radiating source may be an incandescent, fluorescent or LED bulb, or the like, as is known in the art. The angle and direction of each light-radiating source can be manually and separately adjusted by the user to focus light on different areas of the book simultaneously.

Abstract: A children's book light comprises a head, the head including a light source for illuminating at least one page of a book; a body, the body including a page holder for holding open a page of the book; and a flexible neck, the flexible neck connecting the head to the body. Preferably, the head represents the head of a fictional character or an animal. Preferably, the page holder includes a pair of arms capable of holding the book open to a selected page. Preferably, the flexible neck is constructed of metal, most preferably, gooseneck tubing. Preferably, the light source includes a light emitting diode (LED), and the body includes at least one battery, the at least one battery electrically connected to the LED situated in the head via wiring, the wiring passing through the flexible neck from the battery to the LED. Preferably, the flexible neck is structured and arranged to allow the head to move relative to the body.

Abstract: A booklight for a protective cover for an eReader, wherein the protective cover includes a pocket for supporting the booklight, the booklight including a base, a light housing assembly having a light source, a manipulatable neck coupled between the base and the light housing assembly, and a base tab rotatably coupled to the base, wherein the base tab includes a first end rotatably coupled to the base tab, and a second end extending from the first end, wherein the second end is a free end, and wherein at least a portion of the free end is configured to engage the pocket of the protective cover.

Abstract: A device for discreetly illuminating theater programs for reading in a darkened theater, including an elongated generally flat top surface portion having a proximal end and a distal end and a first width and defining a display surface, an elongated generally flat bottom surface portion spaced from the generally flat elongated top surface portion and extending generally parallel to the elongated generally flat top surface portion and having a second width less than the first width, a first side portion extending between the generally flat top and bottom surface portions and disposed substantially perpendicular to the generally flat top and bottom surface portions, a second side portion extending between the generally flat top and bottom surface portions, wherein the generally flat top and bottom surface portions and the first and second side portions define a housing, a generally cylindrical recess formed in the housing, a translucent elongated slit formed in the second side portion and directed away from the

Abstract: A book is disclosed with light sources embedded in the pages, thereby providing substantially uniform illumination that eliminates any need for external lighting. Visual interest is increased by providing switchability between a plurality of illumination modes, such as Flicker, Flash, On, and Off, each mode causing all of the light sources in at least one page to behave in a substantially identical manner. The light sources can be LED lights embedded in a regular array within translucent sheets that improve the illumination uniformity. An illumination control, on/off switch, and/or power source such as exchangeable or rechargeable batteries can be included in the spine of the book, or in a separate housing in wired communication with the book. Illumination modes can be switched by moving a magnetic and/or conductive portion of a wand near sensors in the pages. Indicia can be printed directly on the translucent sheets, and/or on overlay sheets.

Abstract: A device for use in a restaurant as a source of light for the table area comprising a housing, a power circuit and at least one light source. The housing has an integral base that is configured to support the housing on a table. The power circuit has a power source positioned therein the housing and a pressure switch. The at least one light source is positioned therein the housing proximate an aperture in the base and is electrically coupled to the power circuit. The pressure switch is configured to selectively open and close the power circuit such that the at least one light source can be selectively energized by either placing the housing on the table, such that the at least one light source is in a de-energized position, or lifting the housing upwardly away from the table, which energizes the at least one light source.

Abstract: An illuminated clipboard is provided including a base member having an outer surface with a first lamp retainer and a storage compartment with a second lamp retainer. A document holder is secured to the base member for holding a document. An illumination source is removably attachable to the first lamp retainer to selectively illuminate a document held by the document holder and attachable to the second lamp retainer for storage in the storage compartment. A second clipboard can be removable attached to the illuminated clipboard in a back-to-back relationship.

Abstract: An illuminated clipboard, including a clipboard base, a license receiving area located on the clipboard base, and a license camera having a display for selectively displaying to a clipboard user an operator license that may be present at the license receiving area and an actuatable recording device for, when actuated, recording information present on the license present at the license receiving area.

Abstract: A portable reading lamp includes a lower and an upper cover assembled together to enclose therein a printed circuit board (PCB), a plurality of light-emitting units, a laser-illuminating unit, a power supply unit, and switches for switching on and off the light-emitting units and the laser-illuminating unit. The assembled lower and upper covers define an inward curved front surface, from where the light-emitting units irradiate light onto a predetermined area to help in reading at a dark place without the need of a light-guiding plate, enabling a largely reduce size of the portable reading lamp. With the laser-illuminating unit, the portable reading lamp may serve as a laser pointer. And, magnets may be externally attached a bottom of the lower cover, enabling the portable reading lamp to serve as a magnetic memo holder.

Abstract: A low cost document holder automatically illuminates a document under low light conditions. An energy-saving system having a switch that turns on a lamp when a front cover is at an angle to a rear cover of between 45 and 135 degrees. The lamp is turned off when the angle is less than 45 degrees or greater than 135 degrees to prevent battery drain when the holder is left open or cannot completely close. Optimized lamp positioning places a centerline of a cone of illumination at a maximum of thirty degrees from the front cover to enable use of a low wattage lamp. The resultant low battery drain enables the components to be permanently enclosed in a document holder cover that has the appearance, dimensions and thickness of standard document holders. Advantages of components enclosed within a cover are reliability, ease of cleaning, market entry and low cost manufacture.

Abstract: A device for illuminating single or multiple page reading material in dimly lit locations, includes two hinged-together cover panels each having a holder for the reading material. The panels completely enclose the reading material in a closed condition and permit reading of the material in an open condition. An additional panel is hinged to one of the cover panels and a wireless or rechargeable lighting module with a programmable microprocessor is retained to the additional panel for moveably directing light onto the reading material. One panel may be used with a flexible strap connected to the panel and retaining the lighting module. A lanyard may be used to connect the panel to the lighting module. The panel may have a cavity and a reel on which the lanyard is wound and connected to the lighting module. The panel may have a channel for a flexible strap retaining the lighting module.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for providing a luminous writing surface, whose color, color temperature, and/or brightness are controlled to achieve a desired contrast between the writing surface and markings removably made thereon. For example, LED-based light sources and/or LED-based controllable lighting units can be employed to back-light or edge-light a transparent or translucent material thereby providing the luminous writing surface.

Abstract: A document illuminator includes first and second cover portions, first and second illumination sources, and a power source. The first and second cover portions are connected and foldable along a spine portion. The first and second illumination sources are secured to a corresponding one of the first and second cover portions. The power source is electrically connected to the first and second illumination sources to selectively power the first and second illumination sources when a power switch is activated. When first and second translucent documents are secured to corresponding ones of the first and second cover portions and power is supplied to the first and second illumination sources, each of the first and second illumination sources direct illumination through a corresponding one of the first and second translucent documents.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved book cover and removable reading light, the book cover having a central spine section having a longitudinal pocket therein and two outer covers each pivotally connected to opposite edges of the central spine section. An elongated reading light is removably mounted in the pocket of the central spine section, the reading light having a housing including a battery compartment for receiving batteries and a second compartment for receiving an extendable supporting arm for the reading light. The supporting arm and reading light are disposed for movement relative to the second compartment between an open position in which the supporting arm extends out of the second compartment and a closed position in which the supporting arm is disposed within the second compartment. In addition, the reading light is movably mounted relative to the supporting arm for directing light in different directions, as desired by the user.

Abstract: A clipboard has a light assembly built into a clip on the board. The light assembly includes a light head adapted to fit into a recess on the clip. The light head may have a curved top surface matching a curved top surface of the clip head. When in the stored position, the light assembly sits generally flush with the clip. Accordingly, when the light is not needed, it can fold compactly out of the way, and the clipboard can have the shape and size of a conventional clipboard. The light head may be attached to the clip by a link or arm having pivot joints at each end, to allow the light head to be aimed.

Abstract: An illuminated clipboard is provided including a base member having an outer surface with a first lamp retainer and a storage compartment with a second lamp retainer. A document holder is secured to the base member for holding a document. An illumination source is removably attachable to the first lamp retainer to selectively illuminate a document held by the document holder and attachable to the second lamp retainer for storage in the storage compartment. A second clipboard can be removable attached to the illuminated clipboard in a back-to-back relationship.

Abstract: A magnification apparatus that includes a foldable base, battery-powered lighting and an attached magnification sheet which can positioned over a book placed on top of the foldable base. The base has a left backing and a right backing which are connected to one another via a rubber hinge. The magnification sheet is connected to the top end of the base by a flexible bar and is capable of being placed over and above a book that is placed on top of the base for reading purposes. Both the left backing and right backing have separate light compartments that will provide lighting when the magnification apparatus is in use, with each of these lighting compartments being battery-powered through a separate battery compartment. Also, each of the backings has a set of teeth designed to prevent a book or other reading object from slipping off of the backings, with the teeth also interlocking to allow the left backing and right backing to be folded against one another.

Abstract: An illuminated clipboard, including a clipboard base, a license receiving area located on the clipboard base, and a license camera having a display for selectively displaying to a clipboard user an operator license that may be present at the license receiving area and an actuatable recording device for, when actuated, recording information present on the license present at the license receiving area.

Abstract: A decorative pillow desktop system comprises a soft cushion top, which reveals, when opened, a notepad, light and pen.

Abstract: Articles such as stationery and office supplies are illuminated with flashing lights in response to movement by a user.

Abstract: A portable, lighted clipboard includes an elongated, substantially rigid and flat writing tablet, which forms the top of a chamber having a front and a back wall and 2 side walls. The chamber is closed when the writing tablet, which is hingedly mounted at the top thereof on the front wall of the chamber, is allowed to swing to a position contacting the side and back walls of the chamber. An open chamber is presented when the writing tablet is allowed to swing free of contact with the side and back walls of the chamber. A housing, located on the exterior surface of the writing tablet near the top thereof, houses a device, such as a battery-operated fluorescent lamp, to provide illumination, which illumination is directed by the housing along the entire length of the exterior surface of the writing tablet. A hinged clip or the like is attached to the exterior surface of the writing tablet below the housing for holding documents in place on the writing tablet.

Abstract: A document caddy for facilitating the viewing and reading of a restaurant check in low light conditions that includes a generally rigid backing that includes a front cover and a back cover, the back cover pivotally connected to the front cover. The document caddy further including a pocket attached to the back cover for containing the restaurant check, a light source attached to the backing and disposed to illuminate the restaurant check held in the document caddy, a power source electrically connected to the light source, and a switch electrically connected to the light source and the power source. The light source may include a hood to limit the arc of light projecting from the light source and a lens to alter light emitted from the light source to facilitate the ambiance of an establishment. Additionally, the luminous intensity of the light source may be selectively adjustable.

Abstract: A guest check presenter has a top cover and bottom cover hinged together along a common binding to define a booklet. A holder is provided on the inside of the booklet for placement of a check for delivery to a patron, such as at the end of a meal in a restaurant. A magnifying sheet movable in overlying relation to the check and a light-emitting device are provided to enhance viewing information printed on the check, particularly in poor lighting conditions. A calculator for totaling items on the check includes tip calculating buttons of graduated values for selecting the tip amount according to the quality of service and/or the generosity of the patron paying the check. A mirror is provided on the inside of the guest check presenter booklet for the convenience of the guests at the table. Signaling lights on the light-emitting device alert the waiter to pick up the check when the patron is ready to pay.

Abstract: A magnifying apparatus includes a seat, an intermediate member, a first spring-loaded hinge connecting one end of the intermediate member to the seat, a cover, a second spring-loaded hinge connecting an opposite end of the intermediate member to the seat, a catch provided at the seat for grasping the cover at a closed configuration of the apparatus and releasing the cover and the intermediate member from the closed configuration of the apparatus for movement to an open configuration by the action of the spring-loaded hinges. There is a movable light emitter at the seat having a first configuration for illuminating an object in a space defined by the seat, intermediate member and cover at the open configuration, and a second configuration for illuminating a remote object.

Abstract: A Reading and Writing Assistant (RW) device has a foldable case for placing reading material in an open and readable position. A retractable light is housed within the case and connected to a battery with sliding contacts. The battery is connected to the sliding contacts with a switch that is OFF when the light is in a stored position and ON when said light is in position to illuminate the reading material. The RW device has a pocket for holding writing material, writing instrument and an electronic dictionary. An option allows the electronic dictionary to be coupled to a slider which attaches to a flexible guide extending from one side of the case to the other parallel to the top edge of the reading material. The electronic dictionary may be moved and placed on the page not being read allowing easy user access. A strap or zipper secures the RW device when closed.

Abstract: A back-lighted clipboard having a transparent writing surface, a light assembly, and power supplies held removably in place on a document storage container by a retaining clip. The writing surface is lighted from below from the light assembly which projects light into the storage container. The clipboard can be easily assembled for use and easily disassembled for storage or repair.

Abstract: An object holder/illumination system for holding and/or positioning a first object with respect to a second object and illuminating the first object by accessing power from the second object. The system is especially useful as a copyholder/illumination system used in conjunction with a computing system such as a laptop computer, desktop or other portable electronic device.

Abstract: A self-illuminating book having an integral light source and at least one page having a portion thereof “notched out”, or “cut out”, to receive at least a portion of the light source therethrough, thereby enabling light from the light source to illuminate the page and other portions of the book and to improve lighting conditions for reading or viewing of the book. Preferably, the light source is attached to the inner surface of the book's back cover and is transitioned between on and off positions by depressing and subsequently releasing a lens cover thereof, thereby allowing a person having minimal dexterity to easily turn the light source on or off as necessary.

Abstract: A greetings card comprising at least two panels movable between a closed position wherein the panels are adjacent to each other and an open position wherein the panels are a spaced distance apart. At least one light emitting polymer (LEP) display powered by an electrical supply is provided on the card, the electrical supply typically being controlled by a switch upon manipulation of the card between said open and closed positions and/or by sensing a particular condition with at least one sensor. The illumination of the LEP display typically fades in and/or out in use.

Abstract: An illumination device has a base portion, a neck portion attached to the base portion, a power source and an illumination panel has an electroluminescent light source or a light guide that produces a diffuse light. The illumination panel may have roughly the thickness of a credit card and may be positioned via the flexible neck portion. The illumination device is particularly suited for use as a book light or task light due to its uniform, diffuse light, and compact size.

Abstract: A combined magnifier/lighting apparatus for hand held video games utilizes a directional light source and an angularly adjustable reflective surface disposed opposite the directional source in a frame spaced from the display screen of the hand held device. The use of a directional light source and the adjustable reflective material provides an increased and more diffused lighting effect while eliminating the otherwise experienced hot spots or dark spots common in prior art light assemblies.

Abstract: An object holder/illumination system for holding and/or positioning a first object with respect to a second object and illuminating the first object by accessing power from the second object. The system is especially useful as a copyholder/illumination system used in conjunction with a computing system such as a laptop computer, desktop or other portable electronic device.

Abstract: An ultraviolet light emitting diode flashlight is contained within a housing having a pen tip extending from the housing and an ink or dye reservoir in fluid communication with the pen tip. The ultraviolet light emitting diode flashlight within the housing emits light capable of inducing fluorescence in the ink or dye. A switch assembly completes an electrical circuit between a light emitting diode and a battery to activate the flashlight. A writing system package includes at least two of: a neon or pastel colored writing surface, a security pen having an ink or dye that fluoresces in the visible portion of the light spectrum upon exposure to ultraviolet light, and an ultraviolet light emitting diode flashlight.

Abstract: A Reading and Writing Assistant (RW) device has a foldable case for placing reading material in an open and readable position. A retractable light is housed within the case and connected to a battery with sliding contacts. The battery is connected to the sliding contacts with a switch that is OFF when the light is in a stored position and ON when said light is in position to illuminate the reading material. The RW device has a pocket for holding writing material, writing instrument and an electronic dictionary. An option allows the electronic dictionary to be coupled to a slider which attaches to a flexible guide extending from one side of the case to the other parallel to the top edge of the reading material. The electronic dictionary may be moved and placed on the page not being read allowing easy user access. A strap or zipper secures the RW device when closed.

Abstract: A foldable case having a back light is disclosed that a specific printed or injection-molded mark and a logo are emitted on a foldable case with which a liquid crystal display unit is integrally formed. The ON/OFF state of a power source of a liquid crystal display unit can be easily recognized even in a state that a foldable case is closed, and a specific mark or logo printed or injection-molded on an outer surface of the foldable case integrally formed with the liquid crystal display has a back light, so that divers desires of users can be satisfied as well as providing an elegant appearance.

Abstract: A lighted clipboard device for allowing a user to use a clipboard in dark areas. The lighted clipboard device includes a board member having a top side and a bottom side; and also includes a clip member being attached to the top side of the board member; and further includes a light-emitting assembly being attached to the clip member and to the board member.

Abstract: The note board has a writing surface and a writing instrument accommodated in a holder. The writing surface is situated on a transparent recording substrate, under which a light source, serving as background illumination, is disposed. A solar panel and an accumulator supply the light source with electrical power. A reed switch is actuated by means of a permanent magnet disposed on the writing instrument in such a way that the light source is switched on as soon as the writing instrument is taken from the holder. The note board is completely watertight, so that it can be used underwater by divers.

Abstract: A page of printed information content between front and back covers is automatically illuminated when the covers are folded away from one another by a source of illumination affixed to at least one of the covers adjacent an edge surface thereof, while the other of the covers includes a notch in opposite position to overlie the source when the covers are folded closed, thereby retaining the page substantially flat—with electronic switch means serving to energize the illumination source only when the front and back covers are separated.

Abstract: An illumination device for a notebook computer comprises a base, a support arm, and a light body. The base is flat with the front end having a size corresponding to a PCMCIA interface slot in the notebook computer. An electricity fetching plug connector is provided at the front end with an electric wire extended in the base. The plug connector is corresponding to a power source terminal in the PCMCIA interface slot of the notebook computer. The support arm has an end thereof provides a pivot joint attached to the upper side of the base for being able to performing angular movement upward and downward. The other end of the support arm provides a support joint. The light body has a lamp shield connecting with the support joint and at least an illuminator is disposed under the lamp shield. The illuminator provides an electric wire to connect with the preceding electric wire in the base.

Abstract: A light board includes a clip assembly, an electro-luminescent panel, a power supply, a power switch, and an operating circuit. A worksheet of transparent material may be placed against the light board, and optionally secured to the board using the clip assembly. Once the worksheet is positioned against the light board, the EL panel may be turned on by supplying power from the power supply through the switch to the operating circuit, which in turn, causes the EL panel to emit light behind the adjacent worksheet. The light board provides even, efficient light which is useful in viewing any planar transparent sheet of material, such as photographic and radiographic transparencies, graphic art work, and maps and charts.

Abstract: A lighted check holder device for easily reading and completing the check or invoice transactions. The lighted check holder device includes a first cover member being hingedly attached to one of the side walls of the check support member and being closeable over the recessed portion in the top wall of the check support member; and further includes a light-emitting assembly for providing light to a check or invoice removably received in the recessed portion.