Abstract:
A reconstructed wooden log has segments from the same log, each having opposing concentric arcuate ends and being fastened to adjacent segments with a spacer contacting effecting separation from each adjacent segment. A light source within a hollow interior defined by the arcuate interior ends emits light between the separations of the adjacent wood segments and around the spacers. Reconstruction of the original log includes separating the original log radially about its longitudinal axis into the segments, and removing a portion of each segment that was proximal the original log&#39;s longitudinal axis. The reconstructed log, having about the same length and width as that of the original log, can have electro-mechanics within and/or near its hollow interior to receive control signals and detect motion to initiate rotation of the log to reveal signage and other decorative embellishments illuminated by the light source, and/or render an audible report.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/756,608, titled “A reconstructed log that allows the interior lights to illuminate through spaces,” filed on Jan. 25, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Implementations generally relate to lighting, more particularly relate to a wooden lighting device, and most particularly relate to an interiorially illuminated reconstructed wooden log. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Devices providing ambient lighting for indoor and outdoor space, as well as for advertising and other signage, would attract more significant consumer interest if fashioned with a biomimetic aesthetic, such by mimicking a wooden log. As such, it would be an advance in the illumination arts to provide an interiorially illuminated reconstructed wooden log. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1   a  is a top planar view of an exemplary tree orchard having a plurality of different types and kinds of trees; 
         FIG. 1   b  is a front elevational view of the tree orchard seen in  FIG. 1   a;    
         FIG. 2  depicts progressive stages in an exemplary implementation for the processing of a wooden log cut from tree in the tree orchard seen in  FIGS. 1   a - 1   b , resulting in a deconstructed wooden log; 
         FIGS. 3   a - 3   b  respective show cross sectional and longitudinal views of an exemplary reconstruction implementation for a deconstructed wooden log prepared by a processing implementation such as is shown in  FIGS. 1   a - 1   b;    
         FIGS. 4   a  and  4   c  respective show longitudinal and cross sectional views of an interiorially illuminated reconstructed wooden log prepared by an exemplary processing implementation such as is shown in  FIGS. 1   a  though  3 , the log having a plurality of electro-mechanical mechanisms to accomplish a plurality of functions to enhance and complement the log&#39;s lighting functionally including motion detected activated dynamic audio visual signage; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a log cabin built from a plurality of wooden logs and having a door, the cabin incorporating over the door an interiorially illuminated reconstructed wooden log prepared by an exemplary processing implementation such as is shown in  FIGS. 1   a  though  3 , the reconstructed wooden log having a plurality of electro-mechanical mechanisms to provide motion detected activated dynamic camouflage audio visual signage. 
     
    
    
     Implementations will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like elements bear like reference numerals. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Implementations relates to a method of reconstructing a wooden log that allows interior lights to illuminate through spaces in the reconstructed wood log. In one implementation, a plurality of spacers each has a fastener there through to secure adjacent segments of the reconstructed wooden log, where opposing ends of each segment are each secured to an end cap. The segments hewn from the original wooden log are secured with the fasteners and spacers to form the reconstructed wood log. The spacers, which are preferably at least partially transparent, provide openings between the segments through which light is emitted from one or more light sources inside the reconstructed wood log. 
     In some implementations, the interiorially illuminated reconstructed wooden log provides interior decorating accents. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, exemplary implementations include providing a shell or façade to cover or conceal: (i) a structural post or beam; (ii) a chase for electrical wiring; (ii) an image capture device such as a still or video camera; (iii) an audio rendering device such as a speaker; (iv) duct work such are used for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; and (v) combinations of the foregoing. 
     In other implementations, the interiorially illuminated reconstructed wooden log is provisioned with a variety of electro-mechanical functionality. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, exemplary implementations include providing the interiorially illuminated reconstructed wooden log with a motion detection sensor, a motor to rotate the log so that one side of the log lacking signage is out of a viewing position to reveal an opposing side of the log having signage that is illuminated by a light source inside the reconstructed wooden log, where motion detected by the sensor activates the motor to rotate the log and to render an audio file from a speaker inside the log. Note that the wooden appearance of the side of the log that lacks signage acts as camouflage to the casual viewer whose motion is detected by the sensor. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1   a , an exemplary tree orchard  100   a  grows a variety of trees in rows  102   a - 110   a , including deciduous, evergreen, palm, and cactus. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1   b  at reference numeral  100   b , each tree in each row  102   b - 110   b  is harvested and cut into separate logs as illustrated by the horizontal segment lines shown between reference numerals  112  and  112   b.    
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , logs  202   c  have been cut from one or more of the harvested tree of the orchard seen in  FIG. 1   a . The bark from one such log  202   a - 202   b  is removed to result in debarked log  204   a - 204   b . The debarked log  204   a - 204   b  is subjected to a plurality of horizontal cuts as shown at reference numeral  208 , and to a plurality of vertical cuts as shown at reference numeral  210   a . The result of horizontal and vertical cuts is a plurality of segments shown at reference numeral  208 . Implementations of the cutting process result in the segments, each being substantially pie shaped, shown at reference numeral  208  in a radially disposed arrangement. 
     Each substantially pie shaped segment, such as are depicted at reference numeral  208 , is further hewn to remove the narrowed, inward portion thereof by way of a cutting process illustrated at reference numeral  210 . Implementations of this further cutting process result in the segments shown at reference numeral  212  in a radially disposed arrangement. A result of this further cutting process, in some implementations, is seen at reference numeral  214  where a side view of a plurality of segments of varying shapes and sizes are shown. Note that the debarked surface area of some of segments can be larger than that of others, although the length of each segment is preferably about the same. Optionally, each segment shown at reference numeral  214  can subjected to further finishing processes, including but not limited to sanding, staining, varnishing, painting, embossing, inlaying, hot branding, etc. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3   a , a plurality of segments, each being prepared from one (1) log from one (1) tree by implementations generally described above with respect to  FIGS. 1   a  through  2 , are radially disposed as shown at reference numeral  302   a . Adjacent segments preferably will be arranged so as to closing depict the original appearance of the log from which the segments were cut. Each adjacent segment is separated by a spacer, such as are seen at reference numerals  304   b ,  306   b ,  308   b ,  310   b , and  312   b . One or more such spacers will preferably be fully or partially transparent. 
     By way of example, and not by way of limitation, a pilot hole is drilled through each segment in an adjacent pair thereof. A spacer is aligned between entrances to the pilot holes in each of the adjacent segments. A fastener, such as a wood screw, is driven into one segment, through the spacer there between, and into the other adjacent spacer. As such, the fastener secures each segment to the other segment in a spaced apart and parallel orientation. By so securing a plurality of adjacent segments, the original wooden log cut from the tree, as described above, is reconstructed. An exemplary embodiment of a reconstructed wood log is shown in  FIG. 3   b  at reference numeral  302   b . According, adjacent segments are fastened by a fastener and a spacer as shown by seen at reference numerals  304   a - 304   b ,  306   a - 306   b ,  308   a - 308   b ,  310   a - 310   b , and  312   a - 312   b . Other implementations, the spacers can have both transparency and adhesive properties in order to avoid the need for fasteners in securing adjacent segments. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4C , a light source  410   b  is shown, the purpose of which is to provide illumination from the interior of reconstructed wooden log  402   a . Optionally, reconstructed wooden log  402   a  can be formed as a shell, façade, or cladding that covers or conceals a structural element  408   c , which can be in any of a variety of shapes and sizes such as a tubular structure  408   a  or an elongate channel  408   b . Other implementations of structural element  408   a  include: (i) a structural post or beam; (ii) a chase for electrical wiring; (ii) an image capture device such as a still or video camera; (iii) an audio rendering device such as a speaker; (iv) duct work such are used for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; and (v) combinations of the foregoing. In still other implementations, a elongate tubular light source  410   a  can be wound around the structural element  408   a ,  408   b ,  408   c  to provide illumination from the inside of the reconstructed wooden log  402   a.    
     In other implementations, various types of lighting, as are used for commercial and residential applications, can include fluorescent light, strobes light, black light, laser light, rope lights, holiday themed lights, flood lights, LED lights, etc. In still further implementations, the reconstructed wooden log  402   a  can be configured with lights that interact with music and other sounds as an alternative variety of a dynamic colorful musical yule log for a Yule, Christmas or winter solstice celebration. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4   a - 4   c , one or more of a variety of electro-mechanical devices can be installed in and on a reconstructed wood log  402   a  as shown are reference numeral  402   b . A transreceiving device, seen at reference numeral  412   a  receives and sends information bearing signals from and to a user operated handheld device  412   b . In various implementations, information is input by the user to control one or more of the electro-mechanical devices installed in and/or on a reconstructed wood log  402   a . In addition, information such as sights and sounds captured by cameras and microphones shown at reference numeral  418 , or otherwise as are proximate to reconstructed wood log  402   a  and sent to transreceiving device  412   a , are transmitted to handheld device  412   b . Also shown are a power source  414  to power any of a variety of electro-mechanical devices, including a rotation motor  406   a , one or more light sources  410   b , transreceiving device  412   a , motion detector  416 , and the audio-visual capture and rendering devices seen at reference numeral  418 . Optionally, at least of the power from power source  414  can be via solar power functionality. The rotation motor  406   a  is attached so that, upon actuation, the reconstructed wood log  402   a  is axially rotated as shown at reference numeral  406   b.    
     End caps  404   a ,  404   b  are secured to opposing end of a reconstructed wood log  402   a . The closing of the opposing ends of the reconstructed wood log  402   a  with end caps  404   a ,  404   b  enhances the illumination emanating through and around the spacers securing to each adjacent segment, thereby providing an interiorially illuminated reconstructed wooden log. 
     In a still further implementation, holes can be drilled through the debarked surface of one of more segments. Each such hole can then receive therein an embedded fully or partially transparent object through which light is emitted from one or more light sources inside the reconstructed wood log. The embedded objects can be of a variety of different shapes and sizes, including letters, numbers, and other symbols. As such, the embedded objects can allow the interiorially illuminated reconstructed wooden log to function as illuminated signage. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, embedded objects can include types of designs and embellishments: (i) different styles of lines (wavy, flame-like, etc.)1 (ii) glass beads; (iii) glass tiles; (iv) glass blocks; (v) stained glass; (vi) geodes; (vii) crystals; (vii) masks; (viii) different colors of cellophane, Plexiglas™ and other transparent or translucent materials, and personal items. 
     In one implementation where an interiorially illuminated reconstructed wooden log functions as illuminated signage,  FIG. 5  shows a log cabin  502  being approached by a person  504 . The interiorially illuminated reconstructed wooden log  508   a ,  508   c , as shown in cut-way views at reference numerals  506   a ,  506   b , and  506   c , is embedded above a door in the log cabin  502 . The log  508   a  has an outwardly facing side that does not allow light to be emitted from its interior. The natural wood log appearance of the outwardly facing side of the reconstructed log  508   a  serves as camouflage to the approaching person  504  until a determined proximity. A motion detection sensor inside the reconstructed log  508   a  detects the movement of the approaching person  504  at the determined proximity. Upon such detection, a rotation motor (not shown) is activated by a signal from the motion detection sensor. The activation of the motor causes the reconstructed log  508   a  to rotate in a motion shown are reference numeral  508   b  to reveal a signage bearing surface as shown at reference numeral  508   c . The signage-bearing surface, which illuminated by one or more light surfaces inside the reconstructed log  508   c , is clearly visible to the person  504  approaching the log cabin  502 . Optionally, an audible file rendered by an transreceiving device can also be emitted from a speaker inside the reconstructed log  508   c  so as to be heard by the person  504  approaching the log cabin  502  (e.g., “NO TRESSPASSING!”). 
     In various implementations given by way of example, and not by way of limitation, the signal from the motion detection sensor can cause an Audio-Visual (AV) capture device inside or proximate to the reconstructed log  508   c  to capture and send AV information about the approaching person  504  via a trans receiver device also inside or proximate to the reconstructed log  508   c . The transmission is sent to a predetermined logical address of a user for receipt by a web enabled portable computing device (e.g., a smart phone). The user, in response, speaks into the web enabled portable computing device for transmission of the spoken phrase to, and for audible rendering by, the transceiver device inside the reconstructed log  508   c . As such, the user can remotely speak and listen to the approaching person  504  to whom is displayed the illuminated signage of the reconstructed log  508   c . Optionally, the appearance of the signage bearing surface of the reconstructed log  508   c  can be configured by mechanisms inside the reconstructed log  508   a  are known in the dynamic signage arts. These appearance changes can include, but are not limited to sight and sound. Both present and future mechanisms pertaining to the dynamic signage arts are contemplated by the present disclosure. 
     The various steps or acts in a method or process may be performed in the order shown, or may be performed in another order. Additionally, one or more process or method steps may be omitted or one or more process or method steps may be added to the methods and processes. An additional step, block, or action may be added in the beginning, end, or intervening existing elements of the methods and processes. Based on the disclosure and teachings provided herein, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate other ways and/or methods for various implements. 
     It is understood that the examples and implementations described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application and scope of the appended claims.