Abstract:
A luminescent composite laminate structure for utility accessories and service hardware having luminosity for emergency and non-lighted conditions in which to illuminate the outer surface of such hardware and accessories. The composite laminate structure includes a plurality of layers for the protection of the luminescent outer surface of the laminated hardware or accessories. The plurality of layers include an outer first layer, an inner second layer and an inner core third layer for covering the outer surface of such hardware or accessories. The outer first layer is a plastic protective covering for resistance to wear and impact; and the outer first layer is covering the inner second layer and has an inner surface wall in contact with the inner second layer. The inner second layer is a plastic micro-thin covering having a plurality of micro-hole openings for the transfer of oxygen (O 2 ) through the micro hole openings in order to increase visibility of the luminescent outer surface: and the inner second layer is covering the inner third layer and having an inner surface wall in contact with said inner core third layer. The inner core third layer is a luminescent material coating for providing luminosity to the outer surface of such hardware or accessories; and the inner core third layer is coating the outer surface of such hardware and accessories.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention relates to hardware, electrical fixtures and houseware accessories having luminosity for emergency and non-lighted conditions in which to illuminate the outer surface of such hardware and accessories, and give them visibility in the absence of any light source. More particularly, to luminescent hardware and electrical fixtures such as door knobs, door locks, switch plates, electrical receptacles and the like, in which the chemiluminescent coating on its outer surface gives the user a source of visible light in order for the user to have access to those items in the absence of any light source during emergency conditions.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Frequently, many types of emergency conditions and situations are experienced in homes, offices, stores, industrial plant facilities and commercial establishments involving power failures where an interior or exterior area has no visible light. These power failures may be caused by electrical short circuits, fire, accidents, brown-outs, black-outs natural disasters (such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, typhoons, tidal surges, etc. ) or a planned shutdown or shut-off of electricity to a residential dwelling or commercial facility. As a result of these emergencies, most facilities, and especially residential homes, do not have emergency generators, or only emergency light sources (such as lanterns, flash lights, etc.) to provide visible lighting for leaving or entering such buildings during these emergency conditions.  
           [0003]    There remains a need for luminescent hardware, utility accessories, electrical fixtures or houseware devices for providing a visible light source in the absence of the any light during an emergency non-lighted conditions in order to provide automatic and natural illumination to an area when a power failure occurs. Examples of such luminescent hardware and electrical fixtures can be in the form of door knobs, door locks, switch plates, electrical receptacles and the like.  
         DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART  
         [0004]    Utility accessories and service hardware having an illumination source during emergency and non-emergency conditions of various designs, styles, structures, configurations and materials of construction have been disclosed in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,514,789 discloses a housing on a switch plate having an LED to locate a light switch in the dark. U.S. Pat. No. 4,611,264 discloses a housing adhesively attached to a switch plate having a light to locate the light switch in the dark. The housing can be removed and used as a flashlight. These prior art patents do not disclose the structure and design of a luminescent coating on the outer surface wall of a switch plate as shown in the present invention.  
           [0005]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,308,844; 3,719,812; and 4,777,570 all disclose a light source such as a light bulb being mounted within the knob section of a door knob having a clear plastic cover. These prior art patents do not disclose the structure and design of a luminescent coating on the knob section of a door knob as shown in the present invention.  
           [0006]    None of the prior art patents teach or disclose utility accessories or service hardware having a luminescent outer surface for providing a luminescent (visible) light source in which to locate such devices or hardware in the absence of any type of light source.  
           [0007]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide for utility accessories, service hardware, electrical fixtures, and houseware devices having luminosity in order to give such items visibility in the absence of any light source for non-lighted and emergency conditions.  
           [0008]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a chemiluminescent coating to the outer surface of service hardware and utility accessories in order to illuminate and give them visibility when no visible light is present.  
           [0009]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a chemiluminescent coating to such service hardware and utility accessories that include door knobs, door locks, switch plates, electrical receptacle sand the like.  
           [0010]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a luminescent outer surface to such aforementioned devices in order to give visible light source to such devices in an interior or exterior area having a minimum or complete absence of light.  
           [0011]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a luminescent outer surface having a coating made from luminescent chemical materials selected from the group consisting of white phosphorous, red phosphorous, phosphors, organic guanine (fish scales), metallic and non-metallic micas, bismuth oxychloride, phosphorous oxychloride, or other chemiluminescent materials.  
           [0012]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a luminescent outer surface that produces a light source from a chemiluminescent material which glows white, red, yellow green in the absence of light.  
           [0013]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a micro-thin screen cover having a color tint, in which to enhance the luminescent outer surface of such devices in order for the chemiluminescent material coating to be better observed by the user in the absence of any other light source.  
           [0014]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a shell protective cover for protecting the luminescent material coating on the outer surfaces of the aforementioned devices from wearing off or deteriorate through normal use and handling.  
           [0015]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a luminescent outer surface having a chemiluminescent coating that is long-lasting, durable in use, and reliable for producing a light source in the absence of light.  
           [0016]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a chemiluminescent coating on the outer surface of such aforementioned devices where such luminescent material coating may be mass produced in an automated and economical manner on such devices and is readily affordable by the consumer.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0017]    In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a luminescent composite laminate structure for utility accessories and service hardware having luminosity for emergency and non-lighted conditions in which to illuminate the outer surface of such hardware are and accessories. The composite laminate structure includes a plurality of layers for the protection of the luminescent outer surface of the laminated hardware or accessories. The plurality of layers include an outer first layer, an inner second layer and an inner core third layer for covering the outer surface of such hardware or accessories. The outer first layer is a plastic protective covering for resistance to wear and impact; and the outer first layer is covering the inner second layer and has an inner surface wall in contact with the inner second layer. The inner second layer is a plastic micro-thin covering having a plurality of micro-hole openings for the transfer of oxygen (O 2 ) through the micro hole openings in order to increase visibility of the luminescent outer surface: and the inner second layer is covering the inner third layer and having an inner surface wall in contact with said inner core third layer. The inner core third layer is a luminescent material coating for providing luminosity to the outer surface of such hardware or accessories; and the inner core third layer is coating the outer surface of such hardware and accessories. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]    Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon the consideration of the following detailed description of the present-preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the door knob with a chemiluminescent coating of the first alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a partial breakaway of each layer being the chemiluminescent material coating, the micro-thin screen cover having micro hole openings therein, and the shell protective cover thereon;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the door knob with a chemiluminescent coating of the first alternate embodiment of the present invention taken along lines  2 - 2  of FIG. 1 showing each of the layers being the metal wall of the door knob, the chemiluminescent material coating on the metal wall, the micro-thin screen cover having micro hole openings, and the shell protective cover thereon;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the door lock with a chemiluminescent coating of the second alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a partial breakaway of each layer being the chemiluminescent material coating, the micro-thin screen cover having micro hole openings therein, and the shell protective cover thereon;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the door lock with a chemiluminescent coating of the second alternate embodiment of the present invention taken along lines  4 - 4  of FIG. 3 showing each of the layers being the metal wall of the door lock, the chemiluminescent material coating on the metal wall, the micro-thin screen cover having micro hole openings, and the shell protective cover thereon;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the switch plate with a chemiluminescent coting of the third alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a partial breakaway of each layer being the chemiluminescent material coating, the micro-thin screen cover having micro hole openings therein, and the shell protective cover thereon;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the switch plate with a chemiluminescent coating of the third alternate embodiment of the present invention taken along lines  6 - 6  of FIG. 5 showing each of the layers being the metal wall of the switch plate, the chemiluminescent material coating on the metal wall, the micro-thin screen cover having micro hole openings, and the shell protective cover thereon;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the electrical wall receptacle with a chemiluminescent coating of the fourth alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a partial breakaway of each layer being the chemiluminescent material coating, the micro-thin screen cover having micro hole openings therein, and the shell protective cover thereon; and  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the electrical wall receptacle with a chemiluminescent coating of the fourth alternate embodiment of the present invention taken along lines  8 - 8  of FIG. 7 showing each of the layers being the metal wall of the electrical wall receptacle, the chemiluminescent material coating on the metal wall, the micro-thin screen cover having micro hole openings, and the shell protective cover thereon.  
                                                                                                         LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS UTILIZED IN DRAWINGS            Part No.   DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPONENT PARTS                    FIRST ALTERNATE EMBODIMENT             10   Door knob        12   Visible light source        14   Oxygen (O 2 )        20   Knob housing having an        22   Outer wall surface        24   A chemiluminescent material coating        26   Knob section        28   Neck extension section        30   A micro-thin screen cover having        32   Micro hole openings therein; and also        34   Having an outer wall surface and        36   An interior wall surface        40   A protective shell covering having        42   An outer wall surface and        44   An interior wall surface            SECOND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENT            100   Door lock        12   Visible light source       120   Lock housing having an       122   Outer wall surface        24   A chemiluminescent material coating       130   A micro-thin screen cover having       132   Micro hole openings therein, and also       134   Having an outer wall surface, and       136   An interior wall surface       140   A protective shell covering having       142   An outer wall surface, and       144   An interior wall surface            THIRD ALTERNATE EMBODIMENT            200   Switch plate       212   Switch opening       214   Switch       220   Plate housing having an       222   Outer wall surface       224   A beveled perimeter edge        24   A chemiluminescent material coating       230   A micro-thin screen cover having       232   Micro hole openings therein, and also       234   Having an outer wall surface and       236   An interior wall surface       240   A protective shell covering having       242   An outer wall surface and       244   An interior wall surface            FOURTH ALTERNATE EMBODIMENT            300   Electrical wall receptacle/socket       312   Socket openings       314   Socket openings       316   Socket receptacle       318   Socket receptacle        12   Visible light source       320   Receptacle housing having an       322   Outer wall surface       324   A beveled perimeter edge        24   A chemiluminescent material coating       330   A micro-thin screen cover having       332   Micro hole openings therein, and also       334   Having an outerwall surface and       336   An interior wall surface       340   A protective shell covering having       342   An outer wall surface and       344   An interior wall surface                  
 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS  
     Overview  
       [0027]    The door knob  10  having luminosity for non-lighted and emergency conditions of the first alternate embodiment of the present invention are represented in detail by FIGS. 1 and 2 of the patent drawings. The door knob  10  includes a chemiluminescent material coating  24  on the outer wall surface  22  of the door knob housing  20 , such that the chemiluminescent material coating  24  provides a visible light source  12  in which to locate the door knob  10  in the absence of any light.  
         [0028]    The door lock  100  having luminosity for non-lighted and emergency conditions of the second alternate embodiment of the present invention are represented in detail by FIGS. 3 and 4 of the patent drawings. The door lock  100  includes a chemiluminescent material coating  24  on the outer wall surface  122  of the door lock housing  120 , such that the chemiluminescent material coating  24  provides a visible light source  12  in which to locate the door lock  100  in the absence of any light. All aspects of this second alternate embodiment  100  are the same as the first alternate embodiment of the door knob  10 , except for the configuration and structure of the door lock  100  (but having the same chemiluminescent material coating  24  thereon).  
         [0029]    The switch plate  200  having luminosity for non-lighted and emergency conditions of the third alternate embodiment of the present invention are represented in detail by FIGS. 5 and 6 of the patent drawings. The switch plate  200  includes a chemiluminescent material coating  24  on the outer wall surface  222  of the switch plate housing  220 , such that the chemiluminescent material coating  24  provides a visible light source  12  in which to locate the switch plate  200  in the absence of any light. All aspects of this third alternate embodiment of the switch plate  200  are the same as the first alternate embodiment of the door knob  10 , except for the configuration and structure of the switch plate  200  (but having the same chemiluminescent material coating  24  thereon).  
         [0030]    The electrical wall receptacle/socket  300  having luminosity for non-lighted and emergency conditions of the fourth alternate embodiment of the present invention are represented in detail by FIGS. 7 and 8 of the patent drawings. The wall receptacle  300  includes a chemiluminescent material coating  24  on the outer wall surface  322  of the receptacle housing  320 , such that the chemiluminescent material coating  24  provides a visible light source  12  in which to locate the wall receptacle  300  in the absence of any light. All aspects of this fourth alternate embodiment of wall receptacle  300  are the same as the first alternate embodiment of the door knob  10 , except for the configuration and structure of the wall receptacle  300  (but having the same chemiluminescent material coating thereon).  
         [0031]    The outer wall surfaces  22 ,  122 ,  222  and  322  of service hardware devices  10 ,  100 ,  200  and  300  have thereon a layer of chemiluminescent coating  24  for providing a light source  12  in which to locate each of the service hardware devices  10 ,  100 ,  200  and  300  in the absence of light. The chemiluminescent coating  24  has a layer thickness in the range of 5 mils to 20 mils on the outer wall surfaces  22 ,  122 ,  222  and  322  of service hardware devices  10 ,  100 ,  200  and  300  thereof. The luminescent coating  24  for providing the light source  12  are made from chemiluminescent chemical materials selected from the group consisting of white phosphorous, red phosphorous, phosphors, organic guanines, metallic and non-metallic micas, bismuth oxychloride, phosphorous oxychloride or other chemiluminescent materials. Light source  12  provided by the aforementioned luminescent chemical materials produces a light source which glows white, red, yellow or green in the absence of light.  
       First Alternate Embodiment 10  
       [0032]    The door knob  10  having luminosity for non-lighted areas and emergency conditions of the first alternate embodiment are depicted in detail by FIGS. 1 and 2 of the patent drawings. The door knob  10  includes a door knob housing  20  having an outer wall surface  22  with a chemiluminescent material coating  24  thereon. The chemiluminescent coating  24  coats the knob section  26  and the neck extension section  28  of the knob housing with a layered thickness in the range of 5 mils to 20 mils of coating.  
         [0033]    Door knob  10  also includes a conformed micro-screen cover  30  having a plurality, of micro hole openings  32  therein. Micro-screen cover  30  includes an outer wall surface  34  and an interior wall surface  36 . The interior wall surface  36  of the conformed micro-screen cover  30  surrounds the luminescent material coating  24  on the outer wall surfaces  22  of door knob  10 . The plurality of micro hole openings  32  allows the chemiluminescent material coating  24  to be better observed by the transfer of oxygen (O 2 )  14  through the micro hole openings  32  of micro screen cover  30 . The micro-screen cover  30  can be made from a very thin plastic or mylar sheet having a wall thickness in the range of 2 mils to 5 mils depending upon the application of the service hardware being coated. The plastic or mylar sheet can be clear or color tinted with such colors being red, yellow, orange, green, pink or white, for example in order to change luminescent material coating  24  that is already a white luminescent color to a green luminescent color.  
         [0034]    The shell protective covering  40  includes an outer wall surface  42  and an interior wall surface  44 . Outer wall surface  42  is the contact surface by the user. Interior wall surface  44  of the shell protective covering  40  is adjacent and in contact with the outer wall surface  34  of the micro-screen cover  30 . The shell protective covering  40  can be made from a very thin and transparent plastic or mylar sheet having a wall thickness in the range of 2 mils to 5 mils depending upon the service hardware in use.  
       Second Alternate Embodiment 100  
       [0035]    The door lock  100  having luminosity for non-lighted areas and emergency conditions of the second alternate embodiment are depicted in detail by FIGS. 3 and 4 of the patent drawings. The door lock  100  includes a door lock housing  120  having an outer wall surface  122  with a chemiluminescent material coating  24  thereon. The chemiluminescent coating  24  also coats the lock section member  124  and the key insertion opening  126  of the door lock housing  120  with a layered thickness in the range of 5 mils to 20 mils of coating.  
         [0036]    Door lock  100  also includes a conformed micro-screen cover  130  having a plurality of micro hole openings  132  therein. Micro-screen cover  130  includes an outer wall surface  134  and an interior wall surface  136 . The interior wall surface  136  of the conformed micro-screen cover  130  surrounds the luminescent material coating  24  on the outer wall surfaces  122  of door lock  100 . The plurality of micro hole openings  132  allows the chemiluminescent material coating  24  to be better observed by the transfer of oxygen (O 2 )  14  through the micro hole openings  132  of micro screen cover  130 . The micro-screen cover  130  can be made from a very thin plastic or mylar sheet having a wall thickness in the range of 2 mils to 5 mils depending upon the application of the service hardware being coated. The plastic or mylar sheet can be clear or color tinted with such colors being red, yellow, orange, green, pink or white, for example in order to change luminescent material coating  24  that is already a white luminescent color to a green luminescent color.  
         [0037]    The shell protective covering  140  includes an outer wall surface  142  and an interior wall surface  144 . Outer wall surface  142  is the contact surface by the user. Interior wall surface  144  of the shell protective covering  140  is adjacent and in contact with the outer wall surface  134  of the micro-screen cover  130 . The shell protective covering  140  can be made from a very thin and transparent plastic or mylar sheet having a wall thickness in the range of 2 mils to 5 mils depending upon the service hardware in use.  
       Third Alternate Embodiment 200  
       [0038]    The switch plate  200  having luminosity for non-lighted areas and emergency conditions of the third alternate embodiment are depicted in detail by FIGS. 5 and 6 of the patent drawings. Switch plate  200  includes a switch opening  212  for receiving switch  214  as shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings. The switch plate  200  includes a switch plate housing  220  having an outer wall surface  22  with a chemiluminescent material coating  24  thereon. The chemiluminescent coating  24  coats the knob section  26  and the neck extension section  28  of the knob housing with a layered thickness in the range of 5 mils to 20 mils of coating.  
         [0039]    Switch plate  200  also includes a conformed micro-screen cover  230  having a plurality of micro hole openings  232  therein. Micro-screen cover  230  includes an outer wall surface  234  and an interior wall surface  236 . The interior wall surface  236  of the conformed micro-screen cover  230  surrounds the luminescent material coating  24  on the outer wall surfaces  222  of switch plate  200 . The plurality of micro hole openings  232  allows the chemiluminescent material coating  24  to be better observed by the transfer of oxygen (O 2 )  14  through the micro hole openings  232  of micro screen cover  230 . The micro-screen cover  30  can be made from a very thin plastic or mylar sheet having a wall thickness in the range of 2 mils to 5 mils depending upon the application of the service hardware being coated. The plastic or mylar sheet can be clear or color tinted with such colors being red, yellow, orange, green, pink or white, for example in order to change luminescent material coating  24  that is already a white luminescent color to a green luminescent color.  
         [0040]    The shell protective covering  240  includes an outer wall surface  242  and an interior wall surface  244 . Outer wall surface  242  is the contact surface by the user. Interior wall surface  244  of the shell protective covering  240  is adjacent and in contact with the outer wall surface  234  of the micro-screen cover  230 . The shell protective covering  240  can be made from a very thin and transparent plastic or mylar sheet having a wall thickness in the range of 2 mils to 5 mils depending upon the service hardware in use.  
       Fourth Alternate Embodiment 300  
       [0041]    The electrical wall receptacle/socket  300  having luminosity for non-lighted areas and emergency conditions of the fourth alternate embodiment are depicted in detail by FIGS. 7 and 8 of the patent drawings. The electrical wall receptacle/socket  300  includes socket openings  312  and  314  for receiving socket receptacles  316  and  318  respectively, as shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings. The electrical wall receptacle/socket  300  includes a receptacle housing  320  having an outer wall surface  322  and a beveled perimeter edge  324  with a chemiluminescent material coating  24  thereon. The receptacle housing  320  has a layered thickness in the range of 5 mils to 20 mils of coating  24 .  
         [0042]    Electrical wall receptacle/socket  300  also includes a conformed micro-screen cover  330  having a plurality of micro hole openings  332  therein. Micro-screen cover  330  includes an outer wall surface  334  and an interior wall surface  336 . The interior wall surface  336  of the conformed micro-screen cover  330  surrounds the luminescent material coating  24  on the outer wall surfaces  322  of electrical wall receptacle/socket  300 . The plurality of micro hole openings  332  allows the chemiluminescent material coating  24  to be better observed by the transfer of oxygen (O 2 )  14  through the micro hole openings  332  of micro screen cover  300 . The micro-screen cover  330  can be made from a very thin plastic or mylar sheet having a wall thickness in the range of 2 mils to 5 mils depending upon the application of the service hardware being coated. The plastic or mylar sheet can be clear or color tinted with such colors being red, yellow, orange, green, pink or white, for example in order to change luminescent material coating  24  that is already a white luminescent color to a green luminescent color.  
         [0043]    The shell protective covering  340  includes an outer wall surface  342  and an interior wall surface  344 . Outer wall surface  342  is the contact surface by the user. Interior wall surface  344  of the shell protective covering  340  is adjacent and in contact with the outer wall-surface  334  of the micro-screen cover  330 . The shell protective covering  340  can be made from a very thin and transparent plastic or mylar sheet having a wall thickness in the range of 2 mils to 5 mils depending upon the service hardware in use.  
       Advantages of the Present Invention  
       [0044]    Accordingly, an advantage of the present invention is that it provides for utility accessories, service hardware, electrical fixtures, and houseware devices having luminosity in order to give such items visibility in the absence of any light source for non-lighted and emergency conditions.  
         [0045]    Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a chemiluminescent coating to the outer surface of service hardware and utility accessories in order to illuminate and give them visibility when no visible light is present.  
         [0046]    Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a chemiluminescent coating to such service hardware and utility accessories that include door knobs, door locks, switch plates, electrical receptacle sand the like.  
         [0047]    Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a luminescent outer surface to such aforementioned devices in order to give visible light source to such devices in an interior or exterior area having a minimum or complete absence of light.  
         [0048]    Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a luminescent outer surface having a coating made from luminescent chemical materials selected from the group consisting of white phosphorous, red phosphorous, phosphors, organic guanine (fish scales), metallic and non-metallic micas, bismuth oxychloride, phosphorous oxychloride, or other chemiluminescent materials.  
         [0049]    Another advantage present invention is that it provides for a luminescent outer surface that produces a light source from a chemiluminescent material which glows white, red, yellow green in the absence of light.  
         [0050]    Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a micro-thin screen cover having a color tint, in which to enhance the luminescent outer surface of such devices in order for the chemiluminescent material coating to be better observed by the user in the absence of any other light source.  
         [0051]    Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a shell protective cover for protecting the luminescent material coating on the outer surfaces of the aforementioned devices from wearing off or deteriorate through normal use and handling.  
         [0052]    Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a luminescent outer surface having a chemiluminescent coating that is long-lasting, durable in use, and reliable for producing a light source in the absence of light.  
         [0053]    A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a chemiluminescent coating on the outer surface of such aforementioned devices where such luminescent material coating may be mass produced in an automated and economical manner on such devices and is readily affordable by the consumer.  
         [0054]    A latitude of modification, change, and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in some instances, some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a matter consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention herein.