Abstract:
A laser diode module attachment and mounting apparatus for adjustably mounting a laser diode module onto a fixed object, such as a pole, table edge, or refrigerator or the like, or an item of apparel, such as a cap, belt, pants, shirt or the like, thereby enhancing not only the practical applications for the Laser Diode, but also furthering its entertainment appeal. The laser diode module attachment and mounting apparatus allows for aiming, and hence projecting, a laser image on a desired target while the laser diode module is either attached to an item of apparel worn by the user or mounted onto an object. The apparatus generally comprises a first means for attaching a laser diode module onto an object, a second means for adjusting a laser diode module, and an attachment mechanism for securing the laser diode module onto the second adjusting means. The second adjusting means allows for rotation, and hence, aiming of the laser diode module around one rotational axis or around a plurality of rotational axes.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/398,895 filed on Sep. 20, 1999, which is now abandoned. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPED 
     Not applicable 
     REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
     Not applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention pertains generally to mounting devices, and more particularly, to a laser diode module mounting apparatus. 
     2. Description of the Background Art 
     Use of portable electronic devices, such as pagers, cellular telephones, and walkie-talkies have become widely prevalent. Since portability is inherent with such electronic devices, many various attachment or mounting apparatuses have been developed and used to allow for the attachment of these electronic devices onto a person&#39;s apparel. There have also been many attachment or mounting apparatuses that also allow for the convenient storage of these electronic devices by placement onto a holder, rack, or the like. All the attachment or mounting apparatuses, however, do not allow for the use of the electronic device when the device is either attached to the person&#39;s apparel or otherwise mounted onto an object. 
     A need for using or operating a portable electronic device arises from a portable electronic device used for projecting a laser-based image. An example of such an electronic device is known as Laser Diode manufactured by Transverse Industries Company, Ltd. The Laser Diode is a battery powered laser emitter that is capable of projecting a variety of images onto a variety of surfaces. The Laser Diode is enclosed within a generally modular housing. Unlike a laser pointing device, which only projects a dot on the targeted surface, the Laser Diode is capable of projecting images, such as a sun, moon, star, happy face, or flying saucer. It is conceivable that in addition to the aforementioned images, letters, initials, acronyms, words, phrases, slogans or sentences may also be projected by such laser emitting devices. 
     Although the Laser Diode may be held by the user and pointed at a desired location while projecting the image, it is often desireable to project the image at a desired location while the Laser Diode is attached onto some apparel worn by the user or while the Laser Diode is mounted onto a fixed object, such as a pole, table edge, or refrigerator or the like. This enhances not only the practical applications for the Laser Diode, but also furthers its entertainment appeal at, for example, a party, during a concert, when camping or during night events and activities. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode. module that enables the laser diode module to be aimed or pointed at a specified location while the laser diode module is either attached to some item of apparel worn by the user or otherwise mounted on an object. The present invention satisfies these needs, as well as others, and generally solves the deficiencies found in the background art. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention pertains to a laser diode module attachment and mounting apparatus that allows for aiming, and hence projecting, a laser image on a desired target while the laser diode module is either attached to an item of apparel worn by the user or mounted onto an object. By way of example and not of limitation, the laser diode module attachment and mounting apparatus generally comprises a first means for attaching a laser diode module onto an object, a second means for adjusting a laser diode module connected to the first means for attaching the laser diode module, and an attachment mechanism for securing second adjustment means to the laser diode module. 
     The first means for attaching a laser diode module is adapted for the attachment or mounting onto an item of apparel or otherwise a generally fixed object. The second means for adjusting a laser diode module is connected to the first attaching means and allows for the directional positioning and adjustment of a laser diode module around one axis of rotation and/or two axis of rotation. The attachment mechanism affixes the laser diode module to the second adjustment means, and therefore renders the laser diode module adjustable when the first attachment means is attached or mounted to an object. 
     The present invention has been outlined in a rather broad fashion in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
     An object of the invention is to provide a means for attaching a laser diode module to an item of apparel. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a means for mounting a laser diode module onto a fixed object. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide a means for attaching or mounting a laser diode module that allows for directional adjustability of the laser diode module when attached on an item of apparel or mounted on a fixed object. 
     Further objects and advantages of the invention will be brought out in the following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodiments of the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes only: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode module in accordance with the present invention, shown with a first embodiment of a first means for attaching or mounting the laser diode module and a first embodiment of a second means for adjusting the laser diode module. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode module shown with a second embodiment of a first means for attaching or mounting the laser diode module, along with a second embodiment of a second means for adjusting the laser diode module. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2, shown attached to a belt. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode shown with a third embodiment of a first means for attaching or mounting the laser diode module, along with a first embodiment of a second means for adjusting the laser diode module. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4, shown attached to a pole. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode module shown with a fourth embodiment of a first means for attaching or mounting the laser diode module, along with a first embodiment of a second means for adjusting the laser diode module. 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode module shown with a fifth embodiment of a first means for attaching or mounting the laser diode module, along with a first embodiment of a second means for adjusting the laser diode module. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 7, shown attached to a table. 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode module shown with a sixth embodiment of a first means for attaching or mounting the laser diode module, along with a first embodiment of a second means for adjusting the laser diode module. 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode module shown with a seventh embodiment of a first means for attaching or mounting the laser diode module, along with a first embodiment of a second means for adjusting the laser diode module. 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode module shown with a seventh embodiment of a first means for attaching or mounting the laser diode module, along with a second embodiment of a second means for adjusting the laser diode module. 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 11, shown attached to a cap. 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode module shown with a sixth embodiment of a first means for attaching or mounting the laser diode module, along with a third embodiment of a second means for adjusting the laser diode module. 
     FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the sixth embodiment of a first means for attaching or mounting the laser diode module, shown in FIG.  13 . 
     FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode module shown with the second embodiment of a first means for attaching or mounting the laser diode module, along with a fourth embodiment of a second means for adjusting the laser diode. 
     FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 15, shown attached to a cap. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrative purposes the present invention is embodied in the apparatus generally shown in FIG.  1  through FIG.  16 . It will be appreciated that the apparatus may vary as to configuration and as to details of the parts without departing from the basic concepts as disclosed herein. 
     Referring first to FIG. 1, an apparatus  10  for attaching or mounting a laser diode module, in accordance with the present invention, is generally shown. Apparatus  10  comprises a first means  12  for attaching a laser diode module  14 , a second means  16  for adjusting laser diode module  14 , and an attachment mechanism  18  for securing second means  16  for adjusting laser diode module  14  to laser diode module  14 . 
     First means  12  for attaching a laser diode module  14  generally comprises a plate  20 , a gripping member  22 , a pivot assembly  24 , and a spring (not shown). Plate  20  includes an upper end  26 , a lower end  28 , a front face  30 , and a rear face  32 . Gripping member  22  is disposed on rear face  32  of plate  20  and includes an upwardly disposed handle  34  and a lower extent  36 . Pivot assembly  24  couples gripping member  22  to plate  20  while providing for pivotal motion of gripping member  22  relative to plate  20 . The spring located within pivot assembly  24  biases gripping member  22  by compressing lower extent  36  of gripping member  22  against rear face  32  of plate  20  while in a rest position. 
     Second means  16  for adjusting laser diode module  14  comprises a ball and socket joint  38  and a support member  40 . Support member  40  is integrally coupled to upper end  26  of plate  20  and extends generally perpendicularly from front face  30  of plate  20 . Ball and socket joint  38  is connected to support member  40  by a screw  42 . Other forms of connecting ball and socket joint  38  to support member  40  are contemplated, such as but not limited to, glueing or press fitting. 
     Laser diode module  14  is secured to ball and socket joint  38  by attachment mechanism  18 , which are threads (not shown) within laser diode module  14  adapted to receive a stud  44  extending from ball and socket joint  38 . This allows for the removal and replacement of laser diode module  14  from apparatus  10  as desired or necessary. 
     It can therefore be seen that first means  12  is attachable onto an object or item such as, for example, a belt, a cap visor, or an article of clothing, while allowing for the directional adjustability of laser diode module  14  in any direction as shown in FIG.  1 . 
     Referring also to FIG.  2  and FIG. 3, a second embodiment  46  of first means  12  for attaching or mounting a laser diode module  14 , in accordance with the present invention, is generally shown. Second embodiment  46  of first means  12  for attaching or mounting laser diode module  14  comprises a planar strip  48  having a first edge  50 , a second edge  52 , and a center section  54 . Center section  54  is curved over such that first edge  50  is disposed generally adjacent second edge  52 . First edge  50 , second edge  52 , and center section  54  define a gap  56  that tapers from center section  54  towards both first edge  50  and second edge  52 . Second edge  52  is curved slightly away from first edge  50  to facilitate the insertion of an object therebetween. 
     In second embodiment  46  of first means  12  for attaching or mounting a laser diode module  14 , second means  16  for adjusting laser diode module  14  may also include a first hinge assembly  38 . First hinge assembly  38  is capable of pivoting around a first axis “x” and may be glued of otherwise integrally molded to second embodiment  46  of first means  12  for attaching or mounting a laser diode module  14 . First hinge assembly  38  is secured onto laser diode module  14  by a tab (not shown) inserted into laser diode module  14  or otherwise integrally molded thereto. 
     It can be seen that second embodiment  46  of first means  12  for attaching or mounting a laser diode module  14  is attachable onto an object or item of apparel, such as, for example, a belt  58 . It is also contemplated that second embodiment  46  of first means  12  for attaching or mounting a laser diode module  14  is also attachable onto, a cap (not shown), or an article of clothing, while allowing for the directional adjustability of laser diode module  14  in any direction around a single axis. 
     Referring also to FIG.  4  and FIG. 5, a third embodiment  60  of first means  12  for attaching or mounting a laser diode module  14 , in accordance with the present invention, is generally shown. Third embodiment  60  of first means  12  comprises a strip  62  having a first end  64  and a second end  66 . Strip  62  is curved such that a generally circular opening  68  is formed therein. Strip further comprises a first tang  70  and a second tang  72 . First tang  70  extends outwardly from first end  64  of strip  62 , while second tang  72  extends outwardly from second end  66  of strip. First tang  70  and second tang  72  are generally parallel to each other and incorporate a bolt means  74  for holding tangs  70  and  72  is a fixed position relative to each other. In third embodiment  60  of first means  12 , adjustment mechanism  16  may also include ball and socket joint  38 . Ball and socket joint  38  is connected to third embodiment  60  of first means  12  by a bolt or screw  76 . 
     It can be seen that third embodiment  60  of first means  12  is ideally adapted for attachment around a generally linear object, such as a pole  77  or the like, and tightening bolt means  74  reduces the area of opening  68  to secure strip  62  onto such object. 
     Referring also to FIG. 6, a fourth embodiment  78  of first means  12  for attaching or mounting a laser diode module  14 , in accordance with the present invention, is generally shown. Fourth embodiment  78  comprises a first strip  80  and a second strip  82 . First strip  80  includes a first end  84  and a second end  86 , and second strip  82  includes a third end  90  and a fourth end  92 . First strip  80  is curved such that a generally semi-circular opening  94  is formed between first end  84  and second end  86 . Similarly, second strip  88  is curved such that a generally semi-circular opening  96  is formed between third end  90  and fourth end  92 . A first tang  94  and a second tang  96  extends outwardly from first end  84  and second end  86 , respectively, of first strip  80 . Third tang  98  and fourth tang  100  extends outwardly from third end  90  and fourth end  92 , respectively, of second strip  82 . First strip  80  is oriented relative to second strip  82  such that first tang  94  and third tang  98  are adjacent and generally parallel to each other and second tang  96  and fourth tang  100  are adjacent and generally parallel to each other. In order to maintain first strip  80  and second strip  82  in a fixed position relative to each other, fourth embodiment  78  of first means  12  for attaching or mounting a laser diode module  14  further includes a first bolt means  102  and a second bolt means  104 . First bolt means  102  threadably engages first tang  94  and third tang  98 , while second bolt means  104  threadably engages second tang  96  and fourth tang  100 , such that tightening first and second bolt means  102  and  104  draws and compresses first strip  80  and second strip  82  together. 
     In fourth embodiment  78  of first means  12 , second means  16  for adjusting laser diode module  14  may also include ball and socket joint  38 . Ball and socket joint  38  is connected to fourth embodiment  78  of first means  12  by a bolt or screw  106 . It can be seen that fourth embodiment  78  of first means  12  is also ideally adapted for attachment around a generally linear It object, such as a pole or the like. 
     Referring also to FIG.  7  and FIG. 8, a fifth embodiment  107  of first means  12  for attaching or mounting laser diode module  14 , in accordance with the present invention, is generally shown. Fifth embodiment  107  of first means  12  comprises an upper plate  108 , a lower plate  110 , and a center plate  112 . Center plate  112  is integral to and attached to both upper plate  108  and lower plate  110  wherein a generally rectangular opening  114  is defined between upper plate  108  and lower plate  110 . Upper plate  108 , lower plate  110 , and center plate  112 , each includes a hole  116   a ,  116   b ,  116   c , respectively, disposed therethrough. It can be seen that fifth embodiment  107  of first means  12  for attaching or mounting a laser diode module  14  is ideally adapted for attachment onto an edge of a planar surface, such as a table  117  or the like. A bolt  118  in conjunction with a clamping member  120  allows fifth embodiment  106  of first means  12  to be securely fastened onto the edge of an object. 
     In fifth embodiment  106  of first means  12  for attaching or mounting a laser diode module  14 , second means  16  for adjusting laser diode module  14  may also include ball and socket joint  38 . Ball and socket joint  38  is connected to fifth embodiment  106  of first means  12  by a bolt or screw  122  threaded through either hole  116   a  or hole  116   b , depending on whether ball and socket joint  38  is positioned on upper plate  108  or center plate  112 , respectively. 
     Referring also to FIG. 9, a sixth embodiment  124  of first means  12  for attaching or mounting a laser diode module  14 , in accordance with the present invention, is generally shown. Sixth embodiment  124  of first means  12  comprises a housing  126  and a magnet  128 . Magnet  128  is located within housing  126  such that a significant surface area of magnet  128  is exposed for attracting onto a ferrous surface, such as a refrigerator (not shown) or an automobile body (not shown). 
     In sixth embodiment  124  of first means  12  for attaching or mounting a laser diode module  14 , second means  16  for adjusting laser diode module  14  may also include ball and socket joint  38 . Ball and socket joint  38  is connected to sixth embodiment  124  of first means  12  by threading into or gluing ball and socket joint  38  to housing  126 . Other means of connecting ball and socket joint  38  to housing  126  are contemplated, such as but not limited to, integrally molding or casting. 
     Referring also to FIG. 10, a seventh embodiment  130  of first means  12  for attaching or mounting a laser diode module  14 , in accordance with the present invention, is generally shown. Seventh embodiment  130  of first means  12  comprises a plate  132 , a support member  134 , and a screw means  136 . Plate  132  includes an upper surface  138  and an outer end  140 . Support member  134  is integrally coupled to upper surface  138  of plate  132  and extends perpendicularly from outer end  140  thereof. Screw means  136  is disposed through plate  132  and is adapted for threading into an object for attaching seventh embodiment  130  thereto. Another means for attaching screw means  136  to an object is shown and described later. In seventh embodiment  130  of first means  12  for attaching or mounting a laser diode module  14 , second means  16  for adjusting laser diode module  14  may also include ball and socket joint  38 . 
     Referring also to FIG.  11  and FIG. 12, first hinge assembly  58  is generally shown in combination with seventh embodiment  130  of first means  12  for attaching or mounting a laser diode module  14 . First hinge assembly  58  may be connected to plate  132  of seventh embodiment  130  for attaching a laser diode module  14 , by welding, gluing, integrally molding, or the like. First hinge assembly  58  may also be connected to second embodiment  46  for attaching a laser diode module  14 . 
     It can be seen that seventh embodiment  130  of first means  12  for attaching or mounting a laser diode module  14  may be attached to a cap  141  wherein plate  132  is slidably engaged within Is a clip  142  affixed onto cap  141 . Clip  142  includes a narrow channel  143  that receives screw means  136  and imposes compressive force thereon to hold plate  132  within clip  142 . Attachment mechanism  18  for securing first hinge assembly  58  to laser diode module  14  comprises a pair of plates  144   a  and  144   b  disposed in a generally parallel fashion so as to accommodate laser diode module  14  placed therebetween. A bolt or screw  145  is threaded through plate  144 B and into laser diode module  14 . First hinge assembly  58  allows for the directional adjustability of laser diode module  14  by providing pivotability of laser diode module  14  around axis “x”. 
     Referring also to FIG.  13  and FIG. 14, a third embodiment  146  of second means  16  for adjusting laser diode module  14 , in accordance with the present invention, is generally shown. Third embodiment  146  of second means  16  for adjusting laser diode module  14  comprises first hinge assembly  58  and a second hinge assembly  147  attached to first hinge assembly  58  by a post  148 . Second hinge assembly  147  resides within housing  126  and is capable of pivoting around a second axis “y” that is perpendicular to axis “x” that first hinge assembly  58  pivots around. It can be seen that third embodiment  146  of second means  16  for adjusting laser diode module  14  provides for adjustment of laser diode module  14  around two perpendicular axes of rotation, “x” and “y”. 
     Referring also to FIG.  15  and FIG. 16, a fourth embodiment  150  of means  16  for adjusting a laser diode module  14 , in accordance with the present invention, is generally shown. Fourth embodiment  150  of means  16  for adjusting a laser diode module  14  is shown connected to second embodiment  46  of means  12  for attaching or mounting laser diode module  14 . Fourth embodiment  150  of means  16  for adjusting a laser diode module  14  comprises ball and socket joint  38  attached to first hinge assembly  58  by a post  152 . 
     It may be seen that second embodiment  46  of means  12  for attaching or mounting laser diode module  14  may be attached to a cap  141  by inserting the visor  154  between first edge  50  and second edge  52  and sliding visor  154  through gap  56 . It may be further seen that fourth embodiment  150  of means  16  for adjusting a laser diode module  14  allows for an increased range of adjustabilty of laser diode module  14  since laser diode module  14  may swivel with ball and socket joint  38  while ball and socket joint  38  may pivot around axis “x” of first hinge assembly  58 . 
     Accordingly, it will be seen that this invention provides for attaching or mounting a laser diode module that enables the laser diode module to be aimed or pointed at a specified location while the laser diode module is either attached to some item of apparel worn by the user or mounted on an object. Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus the scope of this invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.