Patent Publication Number: US-7708423-B2

Title: Lighted image rendering lamp

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   This invention, in general, relates to the field of illuminating apparatuses. More specifically, this invention relates to an illuminating apparatus for providing lighted images of different shapes in different directions. 
   Illuminating apparatuses are used for lighting indoor and outdoor spaces. Most illuminating apparatuses provide light without shapes or images. It is desirable to have an illuminating device that renders images and shapes, for example the shape of a cross. The cross is a religious symbol of Christianity. The cross is generally seen as a representation of the crucifixion of Jesus. Along with having religious significance, the cross also holds aesthetic value. Hence it is desirable to have an apparatus that renders light in the shape of the cross. Moreover, illuminating apparatuses typically provide illuminated images of fixed unalterable shapes. Other apparatuses that provide light in patterns may only be viewed from a specific side or from particular range of angles. 
   Hence, there is a need for an illuminating apparatus that renders multiple lighted images of different shapes which are visible in different directions. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
   The apparatus and method disclosed herein address the above stated need for an illuminating apparatus that provides multiple lighted images of different shapes which are visible in different directions. 
   The illuminating apparatus, referred to hereafter as the “lighted image rendering lamp”, comprises a lamp fixture of variable height, a perforated dish, a lamp shade, and a dome cover. The lamp fixture comprises a light bulb socket, a lamp pipe, and a lamp base. The perforated dish is affixed to the lamp pipe. The lamp shade is affixed over the perforated dish and the dome cover is affixed on top of the lamp shade. A light bulb is affixed to the light bulb socket, and enclosed within the lamp shade. The perforated dish is affixed to the lamp pipe by passing the lamp pipe through an opening in the perforated dish. The perforated dish comprises multiple perforations for producing a first set of lighted images on a bottom surface on lighting the light bulb. The dome cover comprises multiple inscriptions for producing a second set of lighted images on a top surface on lighting the light bulb. 
   The lamp shade comprises a layered mesh, an outer support casing, and an inner support casing. The layered mesh may comprise wires crossing at right angles, causing majority of the light produced by the light bulb to be rendered as lighted cross shaped images. The lamp shade may further comprise a fiberglass screen for enabling production of the lighted cross shaped images in different directions on lighting the light bulb. 
   On lighting the light bulb, the light passes through the perforations of the perforated dish, producing the first set of lighted images. The light passes through the inscriptions of the dome cover and produces the second set of lighted images. The light passes between wires of the layered mesh to produce the lighted cross shaped images. The wires of the layered mesh cross at right angles, thereby producing the lighted cross shaped images when light passes between the wires. Shape, intensity, and thickness of the lighted cross shaped images may be changed based on type of the light bulb. Sharpness of the lighted cross shaped images may be varied with distance between the light bulb and the lamp shade. 
   The perforated dish, the dome cover, and layered mesh therefore render the lighted images of different shapes on lighting the light bulb. The lighted images are produced in different directions. 
   The lighted image rendering lamp may be used as a night light at home. The lighted image rendering lamp is useful for indoor and outdoor display of lighted cross shaped images, for example, as cemetery markers, in church buildings, or prayer rooms for religious purposes. The lighted image rendering lamp may also be used in the steeple and cupola industry, and in the lamp manufacturing industry. The lighted image rendering lamp may further be used in the screen and plastic manufacturing industry. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates the lamp fixture. 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates a top view of the perforated dish. 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates a side view of the perforated dish. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a top view the dome cover. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates a side view of the dome cover. 
       FIG. 4  exemplarily illustrates an indoor lighted image rendering lamp. 
       FIG. 5A  exemplarily illustrates an outdoor lighted image rendering lamp. 
       FIG. 5B  exemplarily illustrates a ring holder of the outdoor lighted image rendering lamp. 
       FIG. 5C  exemplarily illustrates a plain black dome cover for use with the outdoor lighted image rendering lamp. 
       FIGS. 6A-6B  exemplarily illustrate different types of the lighted cross shaped images. 
       FIG. 7  exemplarily illustrates the first set of lighted images produced on a bottom surface on light passing through the perforated dish. 
       FIG. 8  exemplarily illustrates the second set of lighted images produced on a top surface on light passing through the dome cover. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a method of rendering lighted images of different shapes in different directions using a lighted image rendering lamp. 
       FIG. 10  exemplarily illustrates a method of manufacturing a lighted image rendering lamp for rendering lighted images of different shapes in different directions. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The illuminating apparatus disclosed herein renders lighted images of different shapes in different directions. The illuminating apparatus herein referred to as a “lighted image rendering lamp” comprises a lamp fixture  101 , a perforated dish  105 , a lamp shade  402 , and a dome cover  301 .  FIG. 1  illustrates the lamp fixture  101 . The lamp fixture  101  is of variable height. The lamp fixture  101  comprises a lamp pipe  103  with a light bulb socket  102  and a lamp base  104 . The perforated dish  105  is affixed to the lamp pipe  103  by passing the lamp pipe  103  through an opening  201  in the perforated dish  105 . The lamp shade  402  is affixed over the perforated dish  105 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The dome cover  301  is affixed on top of the lamp shade  402 . A light bulb  401  is affixed to the light bulb socket  102 , such that the light bulb  401  is enclosed within the lamp shade  402 . 
     FIG. 2A  illustrates a top view of the perforated dish  105 . The perforated dish  105  comprises an opening  201  for affixing the perforated dish  105  to the lamp pipe  103 . The perforated dish  105  further comprises multiple dish grooves  202  for supporting the lamp shade  402 . A side view of the perforated dish  105  is illustrated in  FIG. 2B . The perforated dish  105  comprises multiple perforations  204  for enabling the production of the first set of lighted images on a bottom surface on lighting the light bulb  401 . The first set of lighted images may, for example, be concentric circles with radial rays, as exemplarily illustrated in  FIG. 7 . On lighting the light bulb  401 , light passes through the perforations  204 , thereby producing the first set of lighted images. The perforated dish  105  further comprises multiple screw holes  203  for fastening the lamp shade  402  to the perforated dish  105 . The design of the perforated dish  105  may be altered to change the shape of the first set of lighted images. The perforated dish  105  may be made of clear plastic. The perforated dish  105  produces lighted images in the shape of annular rings with radial rays as exemplarily illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The perforated dish  105  may be excluded when the lighted image rendering lamp is used outdoors, as exemplarily illustrated in  FIG. 5A . 
     FIG. 3A  illustrates a top view of the dome cover  301 . The dome cover  301  comprises multiple inscriptions  302  for enabling production of the second set of lighted images on a top surface on lighting the light bulb  401 . For example, the inscriptions  302  may be in the shape of a heart and a cross, as illustrated in  FIG. 3A . On lighting the light bulb  401 , light passes through the dome cover  301 , hence producing the second set of lighted images. The second set of lighted images may, for example, be a cross shaped image inscribed inside a heart shaped image, surrounded by concentric circles of varying thickness, as exemplarily illustrated in  FIG. 8 . A side view of the dome cover  301  is illustrated in  FIG. 3B . The dome cover  301  also prevents infiltration by foreign objects, for example insects or dust, into the lighted image rendering lamp. The dome cover  301  may be made of clear plastic. The dome cover  301  made of clear plastic produces lighted images in the form of concentric circles, as exemplarily illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Starting from the outer edge of the lamp shade  402 , every successive ring, space between the successive rings, and space between radial rays become progressively larger outwards. When the lighted image rendering lamp is used outdoors, the dome cover  301  may be plain black, as exemplarily illustrated in  FIG. 5C . The plain black dome cover  502  blocks direct sunlight that may reduce the intensity of the lighted cross shaped images when the lighted image rendering lamp is used outdoors. 
   The lamp shade  402  comprises a layered mesh  402   c  affixed over the perforated dish  105 . The layered mesh  402   c  may comprise wires crossing at right angles, such that the light passing between the wires produces the lighted cross shaped images. The layered mesh  402   c  enables production of lighted cross shaped images in different directions on lighting the light bulb  401 . The lamp shade  402  further comprises an inner support casing  402   a  and an outer support casing  402   b  for providing support to the layered mesh  402   c . The layered mesh  402   c  may be sandwiched between the inner support casing  402   a  and the outer support casing  402   b . The lighted cross shaped images produced by the light passing through the layered mesh  402   c  may be viewed from different directions. Dimensions of the lighted cross shaped image may be varied by varying the height of the lamp pipe  103 . 
   The lamp shade  402  may also be made of a fiberglass screen. The lamp shade  402  made of a fiberglass screen will produce lighted cross shaped images of lesser intensity. For example, the lamp shade  402  may comprise two glass cylinders or two acrylic glass cylinders having different diameters. The lamp shade  402  comprising two glass or acrylic glass cylinders may have up to four layers. The lamp shade  402  may be made in different shapes. For example, the lamp shade  402  may be made in a rectangular, square, cubic, hexagonal, or spherical shape. For a lighted image rendering lamp having the lamp shade  402  in any shape other than cylindrical, the shape of the lighted cross shaped images may be distorted when viewed from any direction other than straight. 
   As an example, lighted cross shaped images may be produced on a wall by using the lamp shade  402  as a wall sconce. The lamp shade  402  used as a wall sconce may be a cylindrical or a curved panel type of lamp shade  402 . The curved panel type of lamp shade  402  may also be mounted in a wall recess. The curved panel type of lamp shade  402  may comprise a layered mesh  402   c . The perforated dish  105  and the dome cover  301  may not be used with the curved panel type of lamp shade  402 . 
   The lamp shade  402  may also be made using a type of black mesh having different mesh numbers. If a mesh having rectangular openings, for example an 18×13 mesh, is used for two or more layers of the lamp shade  402 , the longer sides of the rectangular mesh openings may be positioned along the axis of lamp fixture  101  for the first layer and across the axis of lamp fixture  101  for the second layer alternately. If the longer sides of the rectangular mesh openings are positioned along the axis of the lamp fixture  101 , greater intensity of light will be produced in a vertical direction. If the longer sides of the rectangular mesh openings are lined across the axis of cylinder, greater intensity of light will be produced in a horizontal direction. 
     FIG. 4  exemplarily illustrates an indoor lighted image rendering lamp. In  FIG. 4 , the lamp shade  402  comprises two layers supported by one of the inner support casing  402   a  and the outer support casing  402   b . The lamp shade  402  comprises an inner cylindrical layer made using black or charcoal coated aluminum, and an outer cylindrical layer made using black polyester coated stainless steel. The inner cylindrical layer may have, for example, a diameter of 6.1 inches and a height of 18 inches and may be made of an 18×16 mesh. The inner cylindrical layer may comprise wires of 0.011 inch diameter. The outer cylindrical layer may have, for example, a diameter of 7.3 inches and a height of 18 inches and may be made of a 20×20 mesh. The outer cylindrical layer mesh may comprise wires of 0.007 inch diameter. The inner cylindrical layer and the outer cylindrical layer are inserted into the dish grooves  202  of the perforated dish  105 . The outer cylindrical layer is fastened onto the perforated dish  105  through the screw holes  203 . The perforations  204  allow free air flow. The distance between the inner cylindrical layer and outer cylindrical layer may be 0.69 inch. 
     FIG. 5A  exemplarily illustrates an outdoor lighted image rendering lamp. The perforated dish  105  may be excluded when the lighted image rendering lamp is used outdoors. The outdoor lighted image rendering lamp may comprise a ring holder, as exemplarily illustrated in  FIG. 5B . In  FIG. 5A , the lamp base  104  is shown to be round. The lamp shade  402  in  FIG. 5A , comprises four cylindrical layers of mesh. The three inner cylindrical layers may be made of black aluminum, and the outer layer may be made of black polyester coated stainless steel. The three inner cylindrical layers may have, for example, a height of 36 inches and have diameters of 9.25 inches, 10.17 inches, and 11.09 inches respectively. The three inner cylindrical layers may be made of an 18×16 mesh. The mesh for the inner cylindrical layers may comprise wires of 0.011 inch diameter. The outer cylindrical layer may have, for example, a diameter of 12.01 inches and a height of 36 inches and may be made of a 20×20 mesh. The mesh for the outer cylindrical layer may comprise wires of 0.007 inch diameter. Two cylindrical layers of the layered mesh  402   c  are inserted into ring holder grooves  501 . The innermost cylindrical layer is attached to the inside of the ring holder. The outermost cylindrical layer is attached to the outside of the ring holder. The distance between two adjacent cylindrical layers may be 0.92 inches. 
   For the outdoor lighted image rendering lamp, a plain black dome cover  502  may be used. A side view of the plain black dome cover  502  for the outdoor lighted image rendering lamp is illustrated in  FIG. 5C . The plain black dome cover  502  blocks direct sunlight that may reduce the intensity of the lighted cross shaped images. The outdoor lighted image rendering lamp may further comprise a solar skin panel, for example a solar skin panel manufactured by HelioVolt Corporation, mounted onto the plain black dome cover  502 . The solar skin panel may be electrically connected to a rechargeable battery to enable production of the lighted images at night. 
   The type of the light bulb  401  may be varied to produce lighted images of varying thickness and intensity. If a clear halogen bi-pin bulb is used, lighted images produced from the light bulb  401  are clearly visible even under bright fluorescent indoor lighting. A clear halogen bi-pin bulb of specifications, for example, Gy 6.35 or Gy 8.0 base; 35 watt; 120 volt may be used as the light bulb  401  for indoor use of the lighted image rendering lamp. A clear halogen bulb used along with the plain black dome cover  502  produces lighted images clearly visible even under direct sunlight. A clear halogen bulb of specifications, for example, E-11 base JCP 100 volt/650 watts may be used as the light bulb  401  for outdoor use of the lighted image rendering lamp. Both the shape and the type of glass of the light bulb  401  also influence the configuration of the lighted images. The color of the lighted images may also be varied by using a colored light bulb. 
     FIG. 6A  exemplarily illustrates a wedge type of lighted cross shaped image. The wedge type of lighted cross shaped image is produced by using a clear halogen type of light bulb  401 . The wedge type of lighted cross shaped image has slant rays  601 . A square type of lighted cross image is exemplarily illustrated in  FIG. 6B . The square type of lighted cross shaped image is produced by using a white finished globe type of light bulb  401 . The square type of lighted cross shaped image has straight rays  602 . 
     FIG. 7  exemplarily illustrates the first set of lighted images produced on a bottom surface on light passing through the perforated dish  105 . The second set of lighted images may be produced on a floor. The lighted images are produced when light from the light bulb  401  passes through the perforations  204  of the perforated dish  105 . The second set of lighted images produced on a top surface on light passing through the dome cover  301  is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . The second set of lighted images may be produced on a ceiling. In  FIG. 7 , the dome cover  301  has inscriptions  302  of a cross and a heart. 
     FIG. 9  illustrates a method of rendering lighted images of different shapes in different directions using a lighted image rendering lamp. The lighted image rendering lamp is provided  901 . The lighted image rendering lamp comprises a lamp fixture  101 , a perforated dish  105 , a dome cover  301 , and a lamp shade  402 , comprising a layered mesh  402   c . The lamp fixture  101  comprises a lamp pipe  103  with a light bulb socket  102  and a lamp base  104 . A light bulb  401  is affixed  902  to the lamp pipe  103 , such that the light bulb  401  is enclosed within the lamp shade  402 . A first set of lighted images is produced  903  on a bottom surface on lighting the light bulb  401 . The first set of lighted images is produced when light from the light bulb  401  passes through the perforated dish  105 . The light passes through multiple perforations  204  in the perforated dish  105  to produce the first set of lighted images. A second set of lighted images is produced  904  on a bottom surface on the lighting of the light bulb  401 . The second set of lighted images is produced when the light from the light bulb  401  passes through the dome cover  301 . The light passes through multiple inscriptions  302  in the dome cover  301  to produce the second set of lighted images. 
   Multiple lighted cross shaped images are produced  905  in different directions on the lighting of the light bulb  401 . The lighted cross shaped images are produced when the light from the light bulb  401  passes through the layered mesh  402   c  of the lamp shade  402 . The light passes between wires of the layered mesh  402   c  of the lamp shade  402  to produce the lighted cross shaped images. The wires of the layered mesh  402   c  cross at right angles, thereby rendering lighted cross shaped images when the light passes between the wires. Shape, intensity, and thickness of the lighted cross shaped images may be varied by changing type of the light bulb  401 . 
     FIG. 10  illustrates a method of manufacturing a lighted image rendering lamp for rendering lighted images of different shapes in different directions. A lamp fixture  101  of variable height is provided  1001 . The lamp fixture  101  comprises a light bulb socket  102 , a lamp pipe  103 , and a lamp base  104 . A light bulb  401  is affixed  1002  to the light bulb socket  102 . A perforated dish  105  is affixed  1003  to the lamp pipe  103  by passing the lamp pipe  103  through an opening  201  in the perforated dish  105 . A lamp shade  402  is prepared  1004 , comprising the steps of: cutting and shaping  1004   a  a layered mesh  402   c , affixing  1004   b  the cut and shaped layered mesh  402   c  to an inner support casing  402   a , and affixing  1004   c  assembly of the layered mesh  402   c  and the inner support casing  402   a  to an outer support casing  402   b . The assembly of the layered mesh  402   c  and the inner support casing  402   a  may be affixed to the outer support casing  402   b  such that the layered mesh  402   c  is sandwiched between the inner support casing  402   a  and the outer support casing  402   b . The lamp shade  402  is affixed  1005  over the perforated dish  105 , such that the lamp shade  402  encloses the light bulb  401 . A dome cover  301  is affixed  1006  on top of the lamp shade  402 . The dome cover  301  comprises multiple inscriptions  302  for enabling production of a first set of lighted images on a top surface. 
   The lighted image rendering lamp renders lighted images of different shapes in different directions. The shapes, intensity, and sharpness of the images may be varied. The images are visible from different directions. 
   The lighted image rendering lamp may be used as an indoor or outdoor pendant lamp, a ceiling light, a post light, a wall light, or a lantern. Furthermore, the lighted image rendering lamp and a fluorescent lamp may be combined together on a single lamp fixture  101  with a lamp pipe  103  branching downwards. The lighted image rendering lamp may be mounted on top and light bulb sockets provided on the branched lamp pipe ends, along with a two way light switch or a sensor light switch. 
   The lighted image rendering lamp may also be produced in a miniature size. The miniature lighted image rendering lamp may comprise an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder, and a battery-powered light emitting diode (LED) light bulb. The inner cylinder may have, for example, a diameter of 1 inch and a height of 3.5 inches and may be made of a black aluminum 18×13 mesh. The outer cylinder may have, for example, a diameter of 1.25 inches and a height of 3.5 inches, made of a black stainless steel 20×20 mesh. The lamp shade  402  for the miniature lighted image rendering lamp may also have only a single cylindrical layer. The position of the LED light bulb with respect to the light bulb socket  102  is important. If the LED light bulb is too close to the light bulb socket  102 , then the lighted cross shaped images may not be produced. 
   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 method and system disclosed herein. While the invention has been described with reference to various embodiments, it is understood that the words, which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Further, although the invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, may effect numerous modifications thereto and changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention in its aspects.