Abstract:
A system and a method are disclosed here for illumination of illumination of objects to produce visual displays. The object has internal transmissive surfaces and a proximal end and a tapering distal end, the proximal end has an aperture for receiving light, and the distal end terminates with at least one transmissive ornamental portion. The method comprises the step of providing at least one light source with a large surface area, reflecting the light rays, collecting the light rays at the distal end, and producing a visual ornamental display. The system comprises at least one light source, the light source is spaced apart from the proximal end, and at least one transmissive ornamental portion disposed at the distal end for collecting and focusing light to produce visual displays.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. 119 
       [0001]    The present Application for patent claims priority, based upon the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property and the World Trade Organization, to UK Patent and Registration Office Application No. GB0802632 entitled Display Lamp Device filed on Feb. 14, 2008, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field 
         [0003]    This invention is generally related to an illumination system and method to produce visual displays. 
         [0004]    2. Background of the Invention 
         [0005]    The invention relates to a a system and a method for illumination of relatively small confined space using multiple sources to produce visual displays. Common systems use multiple external light sources to illuminate a confined space, or few light sources to provide internal illumination from below. One problem with this approach is that these external sources produce glare that reduces a viewer&#39;s ability to see objects in the field of view. Another problem is they provide a limited space for light sources due to the limited display area, and diode lamps are often exposed and visible. Another problem is that a large number of light sources are needed to illuminate the confined internal space. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, a system and method for illumination of relatively small confined space to produce visual displays are needed to address these problems with the prior art systems. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The objects mentioned above, as well as other objects, are solved by the present invention, which overcomes disadvantages while providing new advantages not previously obtainable in the prior art. 
         [0008]    In a preferred embodiment, a method is disclosed for illumination of an object that has internal transmissive surfaces and a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end has an aperture for receiving light from light sources, and the distal end terminates with at least one transmissive ornamental portion. The method may include the steps of providing at least one light source, reflecting the light rays, collecting the light rays at the distal end, providing an ornamental transmissive portion at the end of the distal end to produce a visual ornamental display. The method guides light from relatively large surface area to a small surface area. All types of light rays, UV, florescent and others, may be used here to produce interesting visual displays. 
         [0009]    The ornamental transmissive portion may include one or plurality of optical devices with perfect or approximate axial symmetry that transmits and refracts light converging, one or plurality of transmissive and generally pyramidal objects, a longitudinal frame, or a generally conical object, a plurality of connected lenses, a plurality of generally pyramidal objects. 
         [0010]    Another embodiment may include a system for illumination of a hollow object that has internal transmissive surfaces, a proximal end, a distal end that terminates with one or plurality of ornamental transmissive portions. 
         [0011]    The hollow object may be a pyramidal shape, an A frame shape or any desired shape. 
         [0012]    The hollow object may have a cross sectional diameter that diminishes in size in a direction away from the light source. 
         [0013]    The system may include one or plurality of hollow objects moving in a fluid or gaseous medium in response to changes in the system, such as temperature or pressure and so forth. 
         [0014]    Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be, or will become, apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The novel features which are characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself however, together with further objects and attendant advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  shows a display device according to the invention housing multiple light sources; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic perspective view of a display lamp in the shape of a pyramid, where the cap stone tip has been replaced by a smaller ornamental piece having light conducting and emitting properties; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  depicts a schematic view of an ornamental display unit having elongated reflective surfaces facing one another resembling an A-frame. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  shows a cone shaped display unit made to resemble an ornamental erupting volcano with spouting lava/magma made from light transmitting and emitting material. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  shows a side view of a display device illuminating rhinoceros horns. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  shows how to illuminate parts of a statue using the light guide system, for example spiked rays of a Nimbus/halo, torch flames and stone tablet. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  shows the use of the display device to illuminate a head. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  shows the combined use of two or more light guides acting together to illuminate a structure. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  shows a side view of a light emitting ornament composed of a reflector reflecting light onto a prismatic lens. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  shows a side view of a bulbous structure having a spherical or tuberous base placed in a light guide aperture with a sprouting portion extending into a reflector ornament resembling  FIG. 10 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  illustrates a light guide system in the form of an obelisk or monument. 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  shows a side view of an animal casting having areas illuminated using a light guide system. 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  shows a side view of a funnel shaped light guide fitted with a light emitting wick resembling a candle light. 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  shows a frontal view of an illuminated clock face. 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  shows a side view of several light guides arranged in star formation. 
           [0031]      FIG. 16  shows a side view of light guides immersed in a liquid and capable of locomotion due to pressure changes, heat fluctuations or currents. 
           [0032]      FIG. 17   a  shows a cross-section of parabolic/concave reflective surfaces distributing light throughout its structure. 
           [0033]      FIG. 17   b  shows  FIG. 17   a  as seen from above. 
           [0034]      FIGS. 18   a  and  18   b  show cross sections of display lamps fitted with prisms and spherical lenses respectively. 
           [0035]      FIG. 19   a  is a side view and  FIG. 19   b  a front view of a lamp displaying an oval lens along one of its walls. 
           [0036]      FIG. 20   a  is a side view and  FIG. 20   b  a front view of a device displaying a spherical lens. 
           [0037]      FIG. 21   a  is a side view and  FIG. 21   b  a front view showing a spherical lens lodged in a corner region. 
           [0038]      FIG. 22   a  illustrates a display lamp having conical/ellipsoidal/paraboloid/hyperboloid features or parts there of with lenses mounted in the window display area. 
           [0039]      FIG. 22   b  depicts  FIG. 22   a  in cross section. 
           [0040]      FIG. 23   a , 23   b  and  23   c  show the display device in the shape of vehicles. 
           [0041]      FIG. 23   d  shows a cross section of  FIGS. 23   a ,  23   b  and  23   c.    
           [0042]      FIGS. 24   a  and  24   b  illustrate ornamental reflectors. 
           [0043]      FIG. 25   a  shows a cross sectional view and  FIG. 25   b  a schematic view of a display device having walls made of two way mirror material housing a reflective structure of predominantly similar shape. 
           [0044]      FIG. 26  shows an example of irregular reflective surfaces. 
           [0045]      FIG. 27  shows a roof structure made of crushed reflecting material having one or more sides of silver material extending from the interior of the light guide wall acting as additional reflectors onto the light emitting roof coating. 
       
    
    
       [0046]    The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout several views. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0047]    Set forth below is a description of what are believed to be the preferred embodiments and/or best examples of the invention claimed. Future and present alternatives and modifications to this preferred embodiment are contemplated. Any alternatives or modifications which make insubstantial changes in function, in purpose, in structure, or in result are intended to be covered by the claims of this patent. 
         [0048]      FIG. 1  shows a display lamp  10  according to the invention. Several light sources  11  are positioned in or near aperture  18 . Light rays  17  are collected and reflected onto adjacent and/or opposing interior walls  12  traveling toward aperture  14  to transcend into exhibited transmissive ornamental portion  15  enabling light rays  19  to be emitted from engraving  16 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 2  show a schematic view of a display lamp  20  having several light sources  21  in or near base aperture  28 . Light rays  27  are internally reflected by means of the mirror like internal walls  22  and are concentrated toward aperture  24 , where a transmissive ornamental portion cap stone pyramid  25  is lodged. Light rays  29  are further emitted from the ornamental portion  25  including its engraving  26 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 3  shows an elongated/oblong cone/ellipsoid/paraboloid or A-frame shaped display lamp  30 , which may be oblong, elongated, cone, ellipsoid or paraboloid, with sloping wall surfaces  332  extending from a large base aperture  38  converging toward a smaller elongated apical aperture  34 , which may be housed within an attractive box  36 . Light derived from light sources  31  are internally reflected between sides  32  to reach aperture  34  to illuminate transmissive ornamental portion  5  and engraving  36  directly, or via a suitable lens  33 , which may be positioned in aperture  34  to produce visual displays. 
         [0051]      FIG. 4  shows a conical display lamp  40  arranged to resemble an erupting volcano. Ejections in the form of light conducting and emitting material  45 , have been fitted into apertures  44  made along the course of the structure as well as extending from the vortex aperture area  43 . Walls  42  internally reflect light from diodes  41  to reach aperture  43  pierced by lava like material  45 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 5  shows an animal head display  50 . Rays of light  57  emitted by light sources  51  are internally reflected to reach light transmissive ornamental portion  55  making them appear to glow as rays  51  radiate from them. 
         [0053]      FIG. 6  shows a statue  60  having internal walls  62  coated with a mirror like amalgam materials to ensure efficient reflection of rays  67  from light diodes  61  to reach aperture  64  fitted with transmissive ornamental portion  65  to enable secondary light  69  to radiate out of its structure. 
         [0054]      FIG. 7  shows a conical or pyramidal display  70 A concealed inside a statue  70 . Light rays  77  appear from diodes  71  and are guided towards a head structure  75  to create visible light rays  79 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 8  illustrates the combined use of two pyramidal displays  80 A and  80 B. Spheroidal lenses  85  are positioned in a corner area  84  and concentrated light is reflected through interconnecting rod  86 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 9  shows how light rays  97  are collected and internally reflected between opposite and/or adjacent internal surfaces  92  and reach external and partially internally mounted reflecting surfaces  91  to project light through opposing prismatic lens  95  dispersing light rays  99 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 10  shows a spheroidal lens  105  having a protruding end  106  extending into a prismatic like lens  100 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 11  shows a display  110  having a tapering monumental transmissive ornamental portion  115  indirectly illuminated by diodes  111  positioned in or near aperture  118 . Light rays  117  are internally reflected to reach ornamental portion  115 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 12  shows display  120  having light rays  127  reflected from aperture  128  along irregular reflective surfaces  1222  to reach apertures  124  along its course such as those housing transmissive ornamental portion  125  which in turn appears luminous. 
         [0060]      FIG. 13  shows a funnel shaped light guide  130  connected to a light pipe  130 A having transmissive ornamental portion  135  resembling a flame affixed to its end able to exhibit light. 
         [0061]      FIG. 14  shows a light guide lamp display  140  in the shape of an inverted test tube. An aperture  148  having light emitting properties has been carved into the structure to resemble a time piece. 
         [0062]      FIG. 15  shows the combined use of several pyramidal or cone shaped light guide units in the form of spines  150 A configured to resemble a two or three dimensional star Christmas lamp  150 . One or more light sources  151  may be positioned near or in their larger apertures  158 . Reflective surfaces  152  have been removed distally and cut obliquely near their tips  153 , raising a portion of the internally reflecting walls to act as additional reflectors  157 , brightening up the ornamental transmissive portion  159 . Light is internally reflected at the ends and finally scattered resembling shining star rays. 
         [0063]      FIG. 16  shows several small display lamps immersed in a liquid or gas  164 , contained in a receptacle  160 , displaying motion due to pressure changes, temperature differences or variations caused by electrical/fluid currents. For example, transmissive ornamental portions  165  may be made of buoyant material as well as having light emitting properties and simultaneously operate as swim bladders, reacting to environmental differences, such as rising toward the surface when the pressure drops and falling toward the bottom when the pressure increases. If there is a rise in temperature they may ascend and vice versa when reaching cooler areas they start to descend. Ornamental transmissive portions  165  shine constantly as they receive light rays  157  from surrounding diodes  161 , which are internally reflected between mirror like surfaces  162 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 17   a  shows a display  170 A having a cross sectional side view of parabolic or concave mirror like surfaces  172 A facing one another, distributing rays from light source  171 A to transmissive portion  175 A positioned along their edges and body. 
         [0065]      FIG. 17   b  shows a cross sectional view of  FIG. 17   a  as seen from above. 
         [0066]      FIGS. 18   a  and  18   b  illustrates a prismatic lens and a spherical lens transmissive ornamental portions  185 A and  185 B respectively set atop a conical or pyramidal light  180 A and  180 B. Each ornament  185 A and  185 B are illuminated directly and indirectly by rays  187  from lights  181 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 19   a  shows a side view of a cone  190 A and pyramid  190 B with an ovoid lens transmissive ornament portion  195 A and  195 B placed between reflecting walls  192 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 20   b  shows a front view of  FIG. 20   a.    
         [0069]      FIGS. 21   a  and  21   b  is similar to  FIGS. 20   a  and  20   b , except that transmissive ornamental portion ovoid body  205 A and  205 B have been replaced by spheroidal magnifying lenses  215 A and  215 B. 
         [0070]      FIG. 22   a  shows a spherical magnifying lens  225  in a corner position  224  in the tapering end of a pyramid or cone  220 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 22B  shows a transmissive portion  225 A in the shape of a pyramid that terminates with a transmissive optical body  223 B, which is attached to an upper open cone like transmissive body  225 B. 
         [0072]      FIGS. 23   a ,  23   b  and  23   c  show examples of hollow structures  230 A,  230 B,  230 C and  230 D having internally reflecting walls collecting and distributing light rays to aperture windows having light emitting and spreading properties. 
         [0073]      FIG. 23   d  shows a generalized cross sectional view of  FIGS. 23   a - 23   c , summarizing the internal conduction and distribution of light rays  237 D as well as the external spread of light  237 D from display windows  235 D. 
         [0074]      FIG. 24   a  shows a reflecting surface  240 A placed on a section of a adjustable spheroidal lens  245 A capable of altering the angle of reflection when tilted in various directions. 
         [0075]      FIG. 24   b  shows a spheroidal reflecting surface  240 B placed inside an ornamental transmissive portion  245 B able to transmit light rays  249 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 25   a  shows a cross sectional view of a display lamp  250 A having internal and external surfaces  252  constructed of two way semi transparent and reflecting  251  mirrors, housing a reflecting structure of similar but smaller size, to permit internal reflection between their spaces of light rays  257  issuing from diodes  251 , as well as allowing partial escape of light rays  259  along its course creating a multi-dimensional optic effect. 
         [0077]      FIG. 25   b  shows a generalized overview of  FIG. 25   a.    
         [0078]      FIG. 26  illustrates the use of regular and irregular internal reflective surfaces to illuminate a gem stone or other ornament. Luminaries  261  are housed within cylindrical reflective surfaces  262  which in turn interconnect with uneven reflective surfaces  263  enabling rays  267  to transcend toward ornamental transmissive portion  265  transmitting light rays  269 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 27  shows an example of light sources  271  surrounded by parallel internally reflecting walls  272 , bearing a roof like ornamental transmissive portion  275  composed of reflecting or transmitting and light emitting material for example crushed glass or plastic, with part of the ceiling covered with a reflector  171  directing rays  279  toward the rest of the roof  274 . 
         [0080]    The ornamental transmissive surfaces are not limited to globular, conical, cylindrical, and other shapes, as will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art. These may be formed with a variety of internal and external reflective surfaces, and suitable light conductors, and may be made of a variety of materials. 
         [0081]    The term transmissive includes transparent surfaces, semi-transparent surfaces, mirrors, two way mirrors, reflective surfaces, refractive surfaces, diffusive surfaces and absorptive surfaces. 
         [0082]    The above description is not intended to limit the meaning of the words used in the following claim that define the invention. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a variety of other designs still falling within the scope of the following claims may be envisioned and used. It is contemplated that future modifications in structure, function, or result will exist that are not substantial changes and that all such insubstantial changes in what is claimed are intended to be covered by the claims.