Patent Publication Number: US-2006007680-A1

Title: Illumination device for an office product, method of illuminating an office product, and display device for an office product

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to an office product, an illumination device for an office product, and a method of illuminating an office product in order for the office product to be more useful as a promotional device, novelty item, and/or as a gift. The present invention further relates to an office product, a display device for an office product, and a method of displaying text or an image on an office product in order for the office product to be more useful as a promotional device, novelty item, and/or as a gift.  
      2. Discussion of Background Information  
      It is known to have an office product that operates with the normal functionality of an office product. For example, it is known to have a stapler that includes a stapler handle, a staple cartridge, and a stapler base. One end of each of these three components are generally attached together through a pin to form a pivot point. The other end of these three parts are more or less separated from one another. When a user presses at least the stapler handle, the stapler handle will move with respect to the staple cartridge and stapler base and the staple cartridge will extend a staple that will extend through sheets of paper. The staple will then contact a striking plate that is generally mounted to the stapler base. The striking plate will bend the legs of the staple in order to fix the staple in the sheets and thus hold the sheets together. When the user releases the stapler handle, a spring that is mounted within the stapler will urge the stapler handle, staple cartridge, and staple base into a standby mode.  
      The majority of office products, such as a stapler, have only the basic office product functionality such as stapling. In this regard, most improvements to office products are limited to improvements in the office product function. The present invention overcomes the single functional nature of office products to include aspects directed to making the office product more suitable as a promotional product, novelty item, and/or as a gift.  
      One example of an office product with additional functionality is U.S. Pat. No. 6,471,108 to SHI which discloses An Audio and Video Effect Stapler. This stapler includes a light that is mounted on the stapler that will illuminate when the stapler is used. This type of stapler has very limited ability to promote a commercial product or promote a commercial company, for example, by illuminating a portion with an image or text or displaying text on a display such as set forth in the present invention described herein.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention is directed to an office product that includes a sensor that can determine when a user is interacting with the office product. In response to the interaction with the office product, the office product will illuminate at least a portion of the office product or will display an image or text on a display on the office product.  
      One aspect of the present invention includes a device that illuminates an office product. The office product can include a sensor that senses user interaction with the office product, a portion of the office product that is structured and arranged to include at least one of text or an image, and a light that illuminates the portion in response to the sensor sensing the user interaction with the office product. Moreover, the device can include a recess and one of a transparent and translucent cover arranged to cover the recess. The cover can be structured and arranged to hold the at least one text and image. Additionally, the office product can be a stapler and the portion is located in a handle of the stapler. Furthermore, the sensor can include a switch that is actuated by movement of the handle, and a circuit that detects actuation of the switch and that outputs power to the light. Also, the light can include a light emitting diode and the portion can include two fluids having a first and second density with an article floating in the two fluids, where the article holds the at least one text or an image. The device may also include a light emitting diode and a fiber optic element. Moreover, the fiber optic element can include slots or holes that emit light from the light emitting diode. The light may also include a light emitting diode and the portion may include two fluids having a first and second density with an article floating in the two fluids, where the article holds the at least one text or image. Furthermore, the circuit can include an integrated circuit. Moreover, the device can be used in a stapler having a stapler handle, a staple cartridge, and a stapler base. Additionally, the sensor can sense user interaction by movement of the staple cartridge.  
      Another aspect of the present invention includes a method of illuminating an office product including sensing user interaction with the office product, arranging a portion on the office product to include at least one of text or image, and illuminating the portion in response to sensing user interaction with the office product. Furthermore, the office product can be a stapler and the portion can be located in a handle of the stapler. Moreover, the portion can include two fluids having a first and second density with an article floating in the two fluids, where the article holds the at least one text or an image. Additionally, the illuminating can include repeatedly illuminating a light for a limited time. The method can further include covering a recess of the portion with one of a transparent and translucent cover, where the cover is structured and arranged to hold the at least one text and image. Moreover, the user interaction can be movement a component of the stapler.  
      Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a stapler, having a stapler handle, a staple cartridge, and a stapler base. The stapler further includes a switch that is actuatable by user interaction with the stapler, a light located in the stapler handle that illuminates a portion of the stapler, a circuit that outputs power to the light in response to actuation of the switch, one of a transparent and translucent cover that covers the light, and a recess that holds the light beneath the cover. The cover being structured and arranged to hold the at least one of text and an image. The circuit can include an integrated circuit. Moreover, the device can include a sensor that senses user interaction with the office product and a LCD display on the office product that displays at least one of text or an image in response to the sensor sensing interaction with the office product. Furthermore, the office product can be a stapler and the display can be located in a handle of the stapler. Additionally, the sensor can include a switch that is actuated by movement of the office product and a circuit that detects actuation of the switch and that actuates the display. Moreover, the circuit can include an integrated circuit.  
      Another aspect of the invention includes a stapler, having a stapler handle, a staple cartridge, and a stapler base. The stapler includes a switch that is actuatable by movement of the stapler cartridge, a light located in the stapler handle that illuminates a portion of the stapler, a circuit that outputs power to the light in response to actuation of the switch, one of a transparent and translucent cover that covers the light, and a recess that holds the light beneath the cover. Where the cover is structured and arranged to hold the at least one of text and an image.  
      Other exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present invention may be ascertained by reviewing the present disclosure and the accompanying drawing. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The present invention is further described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, and wherein:  
       FIG. 1  is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention implemented in a stapler device;  
       FIG. 2  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention implemented in a stapler device;  
       FIG. 3  is a circuit diagram according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;  
       FIG. 4  is a top view of another embodiment of the invention implemented in a stapler device; and  
       FIG. 5  is a side view of a portion of another embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION  
      The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the present invention may be embodied in practice.  
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show an exemplary embodiment of the present invention implemented in a stapler. When a user interacts with the stapler, e.g. stapling sheets of paper together, at least a portion of the stapler will illuminate. The stapler includes a stapler handle  1 , a staple cartridge  2 , and a stapler base  3 . Actuation of the stapler handle  1  by the user will cause the stapler handle  1 , staple cartridge  2 , and stapler base  3  to rotate around a pivot (not shown) in order to extend a staple from the staple cartridge  2  to staple sheets of paper together. The stapler of the present invention further includes a light  102  and a sensor  103  that detects interaction by a user and actuates the light  102  in response.  
      In the present invention the light  102  can be, for example only, a light emitting diode (LED), a neon light, an incandescent light bulb, or any other suitable light-emitting device. Furthermore, the light  102  can include plural lights and additionally the light  102  can be one or more colors.  
      The light  102  can be positioned on or in any portion of the stapler. The stapler is structured so that the light from the light  102  can be seen by the user. For example, the light  102  can be mounted to the surface of the stapler. Alternatively, the light  102  is mounted inside the stapler and the stapler includes structure enabling the user to see the light  102 . Such structure can be a hole in which the light  102  is mounted. Alternatively, the light  102  can be mounted behind a transparent or translucent portion of the stapler structure. In yet another alternative, a large portion or the entire stapler can be transparent or translucent such that the light from the light  102  can be seen by the user.  
      In one aspect of the present invention, shown in  FIG. 2 , the light  102  is mounted within the stapler handle  1 . The light  102  is an LED positioned in the stapler handle  1  to illuminate a portion of the stapler handle  1 .  
      The illuminated portion can be used to illuminate a mounted promotional or novelty message, image, and/or text. In one aspect of the invention, the light  102  can be mounted in a recess  107  of the stapler beneath a cover  106 . The cover  106  can be formed at least in part by a transparent or translucent material such as glass or plastic. The cover  106  can be engraved with one or more of the message, image, and/or text. Alternatively, the cover can be used to mount or hold one or more of the message, image, or text. The one or more of the message, image, or text can be a promotional message (e.g. a company name), can be personalized, or can be a novelty message (e.g. World&#39;s Best Dad). Furthermore, in order to spread the light more evenly throughout the cover  106 , the light  102  can be positioned proximate to an optical device the will operate to spread the light.  
      The optical device can be, for example, a fiber optic tube  104 . The fiber optic tube  104  can have a cross-section that is round, square, or some other polygonal shape. Furthermore, the fiber optic tube  104  can include a plurality of holes or slots that allow the light therein to be emitted. In operation, the light  102  will be positioned adjacent to the fiber optic tube  104  to illuminate the fiber optic tube  104 . The fiber optic tube  104  will then in turn illuminate the portion of the stapler handle  1  where the cover  106  is mounted.  
      As alternatively shown in  FIG. 5 , the optical device can be a tube  104  holding one or more liquids. In one aspect of the invention, there are two liquids that have two distinct densities and the liquids have different colors. The distinct colors and densities of the liquids create an entertaining and novel effect. The liquid with the greater density  601  will tend to settle in the lower portion of the tube  104  whereas the liquid with a lower density  602  will float to an upper portion of the tube  104 . When the tube  104  moves the two liquids will form waves with respect to one another. Additionally, the tube  104  can contain an article  603  that can be used to mount or hold one or more of the message, image, or text. This article  603  will have a density such that it floats between the greater and lower density fluids. Furthermore, the article can take any known shape to increase appeal and interest. In this aspect of the invention, the light  102  is positioned proximate to the tube  104  holding the liquids and this will operate to spread the light through the liquids.  
      Next, the operation of the sensor  103  will be discussed. The sensor  103  that senses interaction by the user with the office product can be a switch that detects movement of the office product components. For example, a switch that is biased open or closed such that movement of the stapler handle  1 , staple cartridge  2 , and/or stapler base  3  of the stapler will close or open the switch respectively. Alternatively, the sensor  103  can be a sensor that detects movement of the entire office product. For example, the sensor  103  can include a mercury switch that senses movement of the office product by movement of a ball of mercury that contacts two or more electrical contacts to complete a switch circuit. It should be apparent that it is within the spirit and scope of the present invention to use any type of sensor that can sense when there is interaction by a user with the office product.  
      In one aspect of the invention shown in  FIG. 2 , switch  103  can be mounted inside the stapler handle  1  adjacent to the staple cartridge  2 . During the stapling operation, the stapler handle  1  and staple cartridge  2  will rotate with respect to one another about their common pivot. During the rotation, a portion of the staple cartridge will contact and close/open the switch  103 . Staple cartridge  2  can also include additional structure such as an extension  203  that will contact switch  103 . However, it should be noted that extension  203  is only needed in staplers where the staple cartridge  2  does not sufficiently rotate to contact switch  103 . Alternatively or additionally, switch  103  can include an extension connected to switch  103  to enable the staple cartridge  2  to actuate switch  103 .  
      Next, the associated circuitry of the sensor  103  will be discussed. The sensor  103  will include mechanical and electrical components that enable the light  102  to illuminate in response to the sensor  103  sensing interaction with the user. It should be apparent that it is within the spirit and scope of the present invention to use any electrical circuit that can detect actuation of a switch or sensor  103  and in response thereto output a signal to operate the light  102  such as an analog circuit, smart card, digital circuit, integrated circuit, or microprocessor. The electrical circuit in response to receiving the sensor  103  input, will drive or provide electrical power to the light  102 . Additionally, the electrical circuit can drive or power the light  102  in such a manner that can be entertaining to the user and will drive or power the light  102  for a limited time in order to conserve power. For example, the light  102  can flash in an entertaining manner, flash different colors, or multiple lights can flash at different times and colors.  
      According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an integrated circuit (IC)  300 , e.g. Model No. PCB-STP-01 from Golden Right Ltd. of Taiwan, is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The IC  300  includes a voltage drain drain (VDD)  310  that is connected through line  340  to one or more batteries  101 . VDD  310  is the positive power connection for providing power to the IC  300 . The IC  300  also includes an output  320  for completing the circuit with the light  102 . For example as shown in  FIG. 3 , the output  320  completes the circuit with the light  102 , e.g. an LED. The IC  300  also includes a voltage for substrate and sources (VSS)  330  for providing power to the IC  300  by connection to a negative terminal of the one or more batteries  101 . The IC  300  includes an input  340  that is a voltage offset (OS). The input  340  is connected to the switch  103  and in turn, the switch  103  is connected to either a positive or negative terminal of the one or more batteries  101 . For example, the batteries providing 4.5 volts of direct current as shown in  FIG. 3 .  
      Next, the operation of the IC  300  will be discussed. When an appropriate power supply is connected to the VDD  310  and the VSS  330 , the IC  300  will be operationally powered. When the switch  103  is either closed or opened for a predetermined time, the input  340  will be recognized as an offset in the voltage. The IC  300  will then send power through the output  320  to light the light  102 . In an aspect of the present invention the IC  300  will power the light  102  after receiving input from the sensor  103  at the input  340 . In a particular embodiment, the IC  300  will repeatedly provide power to the light  102  in order to make the light  102  blink. For example, the power can be applied to the light  102  for ½ second and removed for ½ second for seven seconds. However, it should be apparent that any number of blinks, having any blink length and/or variable blink length would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
       FIG. 4  shows another embodiment of the present invention that includes a liquid crystal display (LCD)  408 . The LCD  408  can be used instead of the light  102  and optic tube  104 . Alternatively, the LCD  408  can include the light  102  and optic tube  104  mounted below LCD  408  in order to illuminate the LCD  408 . The LCD  408  includes two pieces of polarized glass. The LCD  408  further includes a polymer that forms microscopic grooves in a surface along with a coating of nematic liquid crystals. In this aspect of the invention, the IC  300  will include additional conventional features that are within spirit and scope of the present invention such as additional input, timing, and controller features. In particular, IC  300  will include a plurality of outputs  320  and each output of the IC  300  applies an electric charge to a portion of the LCD  408  to align the liquid crystals to form part of each character. Repeating and changing this application of electricity by IC  300  then creates, for example, a scrolling text message  409  across the LCD  408 . The IC  300  can be programmed to provide a scrolling message that is one or more of the message, image, or text that can be a promotional message, can be personalized, or can be a novelty message.  
      The present invention, as described above, includes an office product with a sensor  103  that can determine when a user is interacting with the office product. In response to the interaction with the office product, the office product will illuminate at least a portion of the office product with a light  102  in an entertaining manner. Finally, the portion of the office product that is illuminated can include a transparent or translucent cover and can also include a promotional or personalized message, image, or text in order for the stapler to be more useful as a promotional device, novelty item, and/or as a gift.  
      Although the present description has been directed to a office product that includes the sensor  103  and light  102 , it should be apparent that the present invention would work equally well in modifying an office product to operate according to the present invention and further would work on any type of office equipment (e.g. hole punch, penholder, business card holder, mouse pad, etc.).  
      It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its aspects. Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.