External Light Source Patents (Class 40/715)
  • Publication number: 20140000139
    Abstract: The present embodiments relate to displaying personalized photographs. In certain embodiments, a photograph display system is provided. The photograph display system may include a base that is coupled with a personalized light shade. The personalized light shade may include one or more personalized photographs. The photograph display system may also include a light source coupled with an electrical connector. The light source may be positioned inside of the personalized light shade such that the light source is capable of illuminating the personalized light shade when connected to the electrical connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Craig Donald Wieland
  • Patent number: 8436797
    Abstract: A digital photo frame (DPF) includes a power source, a power management unit, a display panel, a backlight unit, a touch sensing unit and a processing unit. The display panel includes a reflective structure. The power management unit is used to manage the power supply from the power source to the DPF. The touch sensing unit is used to produce a touch signal when detecting the DPF is touched by a user. The processing unit receives the touch signal, and controls the management unit to discontinue the power from the power source to the backlight unit, therefore display panel reflects images via the reflective structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Feng Tsai, Cheng-Hao Chou, Kuan-Hong Hsieh, Xiao-Guang Li
  • Publication number: 20110197485
    Abstract: The present invention provides a picture frame mounted onto a base with at least one candle holder, which illuminate the image contained within as well as provides a festive alternative to traditional frames. The present invention provides consumers a unique and striking means of showcasing favorite photos. Denise's Candle Photo Frames is produced from a variety of materials. One embodiment is composed of heavy duty plastic with other embodiments fabricated from ceramic, glass, resin and metal, each embodiment is made with a multitude of color options, designs and finishes. Denise's Candle Photo Frames are manufactured in an array of sizes for use with two inch by two inch wallet size photographs, three inch by three inch Polaroid's, three inch by five inch and five by seven inch snapshots; as well as eight inch by ten inch and eleven inch by fourteen inch prints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Denise Bryant
  • Publication number: 20080066360
    Abstract: The present invention encompasses a viewing system and media playing digital picture frame and method of integrating audiovisual recordings with the use of embedded links within the images to defined audiovisual content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Susan Mary Simon
  • Patent number: 7066619
    Abstract: A LED picture light. The housing is positionable adjacent to a picture in order to illuminate the picture. In some embodiments, the LED's can illuminate the picture without emitting substantial amounts of heat and without emitting substantial amounts of ultraviolet radiation. The picture light can include white and yellow LED's. The picture light can include a level sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Michael A. Waters
  • Patent number: 6920711
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a photo display system having a decorative frame, an imaged transparency disposed on the decorative frame and a diffuser film disposed on the imaged transparency. The photo display system also has a base having a means for mounting the decorative frame and a means for attaching a diffuse reflector. The diffuse reflector is disposed behind the decorative frame as viewed from the imaged transparency side of the photo display system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Alan G. Miller, Douglas P. Hills
  • Patent number: 6829854
    Abstract: A lighted flexible display device or sign, useful for advertising purposes, and having a battery supply mount. The display device herein is a lighted display and is constructed to be flexible in the presence of inadvertent bumping or deflection thereof. The mounting resilient such that, when the deflecting force is removed, the sign springs back to its normal lateral position. The mount for the display device includes a battery supply, with such supply being electrically connected to the electrical circuit of the sign. This is accomplished by means of electrical leads passing through a deflection restoration spring, by such leads passing through a resilient tongue, or with connectors used in a spring-biased pivotal construction for connecting the battery supply to the electrical lighting circuit of the sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Randy B. Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20040049962
    Abstract: A picture frame illuminated and decorated by several LEDs, distributed along the face of parallel sides, as well as top and bottom of the picture frame and controlled by software, which is programmed into a micro-controller. The lighted picture frame comprises of a printed circuit board, a motion detector element, a light sensor element, a push button, battery compartment, one or more one-color, bi-color or tri-color LED independently or collectively connected to printed circuit board by wires, or by printed wires. A current limiting resistor network is connected in series with LEDs. Electronic circuit is powered by a DC power source, which can be either battery or a DC adapter. LEDs flash and illuminate in different patterns and sequences controlled by software. LEDs are individually or collectively controlled by software, making it possible to create a variety of light and pattern combinations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Masoud Moshirnoroozi
  • Patent number: 6640476
    Abstract: A support for a glass etching includes a lamp and offset mounts whereby an image is projected onto the support creating a shadow effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Miller
  • Publication number: 20020144444
    Abstract: A multi-picture frame includes a picture panel having a front transparent surface, a casing having a receiving chamber mounted at a back of the picture panel, a picture film rotatably supported in the casing and adapted for being view from the front transparent surface of the picture panel, a light source disposed in the receiving chamber of the casing, a moving picture frame mounted between the picture panel and the light source, comprising a rolling device mounted in the casing and a shader slide arranged to be rotatably driven by the rolling device, and an electric input electrically connected the light source and the moving picture frame to a power source respectively. Therefore, the light source generates light which is adapted for passing through the shader slide to the picture film so as to reflect a moving image of the shader slide on the picture film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Sam W. Shih
  • Patent number: 6438882
    Abstract: A lighted flexible display device or sign, useful for advertising purposes, and having a battery supply mount. The display device herein is a lighted display and is constructed to be flexible in the presence of inadvertent bumping or deflection thereof. The mounting is resilient such that, when the deflecting force is removed, the sign springs back to its normal lateral position. The mount for the display device includes a battery supply, with such supply being electrically connected to the electrical circuit of the sign proper. This is accomplished by means of electrical leads passing through a deflection restoration spring, by such leads passing through a resilient tongue, or with connectors used in a spring-biased pivotal construction for connecting the battery supply to the electrical lighting circuit of the sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Randy B. Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20020104246
    Abstract: A lighted flexible display device or sign, useful for advertising purposes, and having a battery supply mount. The display device herein is a lighted display and is constructed to be flexible in the presence of inadvertent bumping or deflection thereof. The mounting is resilient such that, when the deflecting force is removed, the sign springs back to its normal lateral position. The mount for the display device includes a battery supply, with such supply being electrically connected to the electrical circuit of the sign proper. This is accomplished by means of electrical leads passing through a deflection restoration spring, by such leads passing through a resilient tongue, or with connectors used in a spring-biased pivotal construction for connecting the battery supply to the electrical lighting circuit of the sign.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Randy B. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 6351904
    Abstract: A light string display includes a plurality of lighted picture frames, where each picture frame includes a frame having a rear flange and a front border defining an interior viewing area. Each picture frame also includes a back plate, an electric lamp, a hanger, a stand, and a mount. The back plate is receivable in the flange for holding a display item between the frame and the back plate in the interior viewing area, and the mount is fixable to the back plate for supporting the electric lamp, and for providing electrical connection to the electric lamp. The mount selectively supports the hanger in an extended/exposed position for hanging the frame on an external support structure; the mount also selectively supports the stand in an extended position for supporting the frame in an upright orientation on a support surface. Wiring connects respective mounts of the picture frames in series and electrically connects respective electric lamps of the picture frames to a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Mr. Christmas, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry Hermanson
  • Patent number: 6296544
    Abstract: An amusement device for use in a traveling vehicle, includes a housing having a paper holding area defined by side walls and a bottom wall for receiving and holding a piece of paper therein, a transparent top wall in overlying relation to the paper holding area such that the piece of paper is viewable through the transparent wall, the transparent wall having an outer surface which can be written on and then erased, and a slot in one side wall for receiving the piece of paper into the paper holding area and for removing the piece of paper from the paper holding area; a mounting assembly for mounting the housing to a seat of the traveling vehicle so that the piece of paper is viewable by a person to the rear of the seat, the mounting assembly including two hook members connected with the housing for hanging the housing from the seat of the traveling vehicle; a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted in spaced relation to an inner surface of the transparent wall for providing an indication as to predefined po
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Alan Hochfeld
  • Patent number: 6113249
    Abstract: A lamp and picture assembly comprises a frame, a series of frames or surfaces in the lamp base to display pictures or photographs. The lamp illuminates both the room and the pictures or photographs. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a hollow metal leg mounted at one end to a lamp frame support at the upper end of a U-shaped member. Elongated channels are mounted within the interior of the legs to support a glass/photo/backing assembly. An electrical wire is run within the hollow leg to a light bulb mounted on the support. A lamp support is also mounted on the frame. Alternate embodiments include various bases which cooperate with a lamp to provide illumination for the frames and at the same time general lighting for the room. Multiple picture frames may be incorporated in a design and magnets may be employed to hold the frames or pictures in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Andrew Ziegler
  • Patent number: 6036334
    Abstract: An illuminating apparatus is formed with an ultraviolet lamp and at least one incandescent lamps that repeat a predetermined illumination pattern in which the lamps are turned on, gradually brightened within a predetermined period, gradually dimmed out within a predetermined period subsequent to a period for the maximum illumination thereof, and then turned off, to light a picture, which is supported on a frame to which the illuminating apparatus is attached, to be recognized as nighttime and daytime views with natural changes therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Timely Elegance Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuo Nakano
  • Patent number: 5971332
    Abstract: A wrist pad mounting arrangement which includes an elongated pad, two linkages respectively coupled between two opposite ends of the elongated pad and two opposite lateral sides of a mainframe of a notebook computer for permitting the elongated pad to be moved between a first position, in which the elongated pad is covered on a display unit, and a second position, in which the elongated pad is supported on a front side of the mainframe of the notebook computer in a sloping position for supporting the user's wrists and permitting the display unit to be opened from the mainframe of the notebook computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Der-Jang Sun, Lu-Long Tsao
  • Patent number: 5813155
    Abstract: A combined display frame and lamp system is provided. This system includes a display frame; a mount fastened to the display frame; and, a lamp holder secured relative to the display frame through a connecting mechanism coupled to the mount. The system also includes a back support pivotally coupled to the mount for supporting the mount and the display frame on a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Wei-Hong Shen