Patent Publication Number: US-11034493-B1

Title: System and method for illuminating decorative and graphic elements on a container

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to illuminated articles, and more specifically to a container with illuminated decorative or graphic elements. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Boxes for carrying objects are well known in the art. For example,  FIG. 1  is an oblique view of a conventional box  101  having a body  103  with integral sides and a lid  105 . The body forms a cavity and further includes a front surface  115  and top surface  117  that can be utilized to display an indicia such as a logo, image, trademark or decor. 
     Accordingly, although effective in carrying items within the cavity formed by the body and the lid, the box  101  has limited marketing means. In addition, it should be understood that box  101  is not generally intended for marketing and/or display means. Accordingly, the box sides are not typically composed of materials to enable light to pass therethrough for an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Accordingly, the said box  101  is typically folded and stored away until used 
     Although great strides have been made in the area of containers for carrying objects, many shortcomings remain. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an oblique view of a conventional box; 
         FIG. 2  is an oblique view of a bag with lighting system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 3  is a simplified schematic of the lighting system of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIGS. 4-6  are top cross-sectional views of the bag with lighting system of  FIG. 2  taken at VII-VII; 
         FIG. 7  is an oblique view of a box with lighting system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of the box of  FIG. 7  with a logo; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the box of  FIG. 7 ; and 
         FIG. 10  is an oblique view of a lid of the box with lighting system of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIGS. 11-15  are various cross-sectionals side views of a bag with lighting system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present application; 
         FIGS. 16A and 16B  are respective assembled and exploded side views of light transmitting substrates and layering elements and a lighting system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present application; 
         FIGS. 17, 18A, and 18B  are top views of a bag with lighting system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present application; 
         FIGS. 19 and 20  are side views of the light transmitting substrates and layering elements and a lighting system in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present application; 
         FIG. 21  is a side view of a bag with a lighting system in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present application; 
         FIG. 22  is a side view of a bag with a lighting system in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present application; and 
         FIG. 23  is a side view of a lighting system and light transmitting substrates in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present application. 
     
    
    
     While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise. 
     The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to follow its teachings. 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views,  FIG. 2  is an oblique view of a bag  201  with a light system  219  for illuminating an illuminated decorative or graphic element  217  in accordance with a first embodiment of the present application. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the light system  219  is operably associated with a handbag  201  for display and/or carrying items therein. It will be appreciated that the features of the light system  219  discussed herein could be utilized with various types of container, for example, box  1001  and/or other containers having different shapes and sizes. 
     Bag  201  includes a body  203  with sides  205 ,  207  integral with a back side  209  and a front side  211 . The body  203  forms a cavity  213  for carrying items and/or to carry the light system  219  therein. The front side  211  has a front surface  215  configured to have an illuminated decorative or graphic element  217  thereon. In the exemplary embodiment, the element  217  is a logo; however, it will be appreciated that other types of indicia could be used. 
     One of the points of novelty believed characteristic of the present application is the use of lighting system  219  to illuminate element  217  and/or the surrounding surfaces therearound. The lighting system  219  could also be utilized to illuminate the sides  205 ,  207 ,  209 ,  211  too. It is believed that illuminating the element  217  and/or the sides of the bag provides significant marketing appearance. Accordingly, the lighting system and associated bag is an improvement over existing conventional bags devoid of a lighting system. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a simplified schematic of the light system  219  is shown. In the contemplated embodiment, the light system  219  includes a Light source/rechargeable battery unit/power supply/programmed controller  301  conductively coupled to a light source  303 , a rechargeable battery  305 , and a power supply  309 . 
     In one embodiment, the power supply  309  includes a cord configured to conductively couple the system  219  to a wall outlet (not shown). However, it is also contemplated having a battery supply  901  configured to provide electrical energy to the system  219  in an alternative embodiment. 
     In  FIGS. 4-6  a top cross-sectional view of the bag  201  is shown. It will be appreciated that system  219  could be positioned on a bottom surface  701  or completely disposed within one of the sides of the body  203 , as depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7-10 , various views of a box  1001  with light system  1201  are shown in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that box  1001  includes one or more of the features discussed above with respect to bag  201  and vice-versa. 
     Box  1001  includes a body  1005  forming a cavity  1201  with a light system  1203  disposed therein. The box  1001  includes a container section  1003  and a lid  1007  configured to engage with the sides of body  1005 . The lid  1007  includes a top surface  1009  with element  1101  thereon and an opening  1011  extending therethrough. 
     In  FIG. 10 , an oblique cross-sectional view of the lid  1007  is shown. In one contemplated embodiment, the lid  1007  includes two sides  1301 ,  1303  configured to engage with the body  1005  of box  1001 . First side  1301  includes two ledges  1305 ,  1307  that form slots for respective top lid  1323  and bottom lid  1325  to slidingly engage therewith. Disposed between ledges  1305 ,  1307  is a side wall  1311  configured to engage with light source  1331 . Accordingly, during use the light source  1331  illuminates the area  1327  disposed between lids  1323 ,  1325  and travels through one or more openings  1011  associated with the element  1101 . It will be appreciated that the positioning of the opening along with the element could be substantially similar in form and function to the above described bag  201  with light system. 
     The side  1301  forms a channel  1309  which could be utilized to engage with the sides of the container  1003 . Likewise, side  1303  includes a channel  1319 , two ledges  1313 ,  1315 , and a side  1321  substantially similar in form and function to side  1311 . 
     In one contemplated embodiment, the light system could be positioned within the area  1327 . Accordingly, the exemplary embodiment would allow the user to remove the light system upon removal of the lid. In another embodiment, the light system could be disposed within the walls of the container. In yet another embodiment, the lids  1323 ,  1325  could be composed of a transparent material that allows the light to travel therethrough. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11-15  in the drawings, various side cross-sectional views of a bag  1401  are shown in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that bag  1401  is similar in form and function to the bags discussed above and incorporates one or more of the features discussed herein. 
     Bag  1401  includes a body that forms a cavity  1403  and has two sides  1405 ,  1407  and a bottom  1409 . The bottom  1409  includes two sections  1411 ,  1413  that separated from each other and secured via a hinge  1415  Two additional hinges  1417 ,  1417  are configured to pivotally attach the bottom sections to the sides, as illustrated in the drawings. In  FIG. 11 , the lighting system  1421  rests on the bottom  1409  As shown in  FIG. 12 , the lighting system  1421  is removably attached to the bottom  1409  and the bottom and sides are folded via the hinges  1415 ,  1417 ,  1419 . These features provide significant advantages; namely, the bag  1401  is folded in a position readily adaptable for transport and/or storage. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the lighting system  1421  is configured to illuminate the enclosed area  1403  and sides  1405 ,  1407 . Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the sides  1405 ,  1407  could be composed of a light transmitting substrates material that allows light to pass therethrough. This includes translucent, transparent, semi-opaque, and fluorescent substrates 
     In  FIG. 14 , it is contemplated having a fastener  1701  adapted to engage with side  1405  and lighting system  1421 . This feature allows the user to angle the lighting system  1421  relative to the bottom surface of the bag such that the light is concentrated in a direction through side  1407 . In one embodiment, the fastener  1701  could be a magnet, clip, snap, hook-loop, and/or other quick-release fastener. 
     In  FIG. 15 , it is also contemplated having a fastener  1801  secured to an inner surface of side  1405  and configured to direct the light from system  1421  through side  1407 . It will be appreciated that side  1407  could also include a graphic element  1901 , as will be discussed in detail below with reference to  FIGS. 16A and 16B . It will be appreciated that one or more of the bags discussed herein could include the features of graphic element  1901 . 
     In  FIGS. 16A and 16B , respective assembled and exploded side views of the graphic element  1901  are shown. Graphic element  1901  includes a diffuser layer  1903 , a rear opaque layer  1907  that forms an opening  1905  for light to pass therethrough, a clear substrate  1909 , a reflective layer  1911 , and a front layer  1913 . In the contemplated embodiment, the front layer  1913  is formed into a desired shape resembling an emblem, logo, and/or other configuration. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16B , the light travels from light source  303  through opening  1905  and directly through the front layer  1913 , as indicated by arrow A. Likewise, the light bounces off surfaces  1915  and  1917 , as indicated by arrow C and travels through a gap between the reflective layer and the clear substrate, as indicated by arrow B. A surface treatment  1919  could cause additional refraction of the light as it reflects off surface  1917 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the light beam B creates a three dimensional appearance around the front layer  1913 , while the light beam C creates a halo effect. It is also preferred to have a white colored reflective layer that reflects against a non-while rear opaque layer for additional aesthetic appearance. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 17  in the drawings, a top view of a combination of a bag and lighting system  2001  in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that bag and lighting system  2001  includes one or more of the features discussed above with the various embodiments of a bag and lighting system. In the contemplated embodiment, the bag and lighting system  2001  includes a front light transmitting substrate  2003 , a back light transmitting substrate  2005  and two opposing sides  2017 ,  2019 . The opposing sides  2017 , 2019  can be made of soft foldable material and rigid formed material which are removable The front substrate  2003  is joined to the bottom surface via hinges  2007 ,  2009  while back substrate  2005  is jointed to the bottom surface via hinges  2011 ,  2013 . A light system  2015  secured to the bottom surface in the exemplary embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 18A and 18B , one of the unique features of bag and lighting system  2001  is the removable side walls  2017 ,  2019  relative to the front and back substrates. This feature is achieved via locking devices  2021 ,  2023 ,  2025 , and  2027  fixedly attached to inner surfaces of the front and back walls and removably attached to the side walls. In one contemplated embodiment, the locking devices are magnets; however, it is contemplated using hook-loop, snap, clips and the like in alternative embodiments. 
     In  FIGS. 19 and 20 , two different embodiments of front and back substrates using layers forming graphic elements on front and back surfaces and lighting system are shown. It is contemplated using substrates  2101 ,  2201  in one or more of the different embodiments discussed herein. It should be appreciated that the features of systems  2101 ,  2201  could be utilized on any side of the different embodiments of the bags discussed herein. 
     System  2101  illustrates a light transmitting substrate  2103  with a front layer  2105  secured to a front surface  2100  of substrate  2103 . In the contemplated embodiment, the front layer can be composed of any color or image for illumination. The front layer  2105  has a plurality of openings  2107 ,  2109  adapted to allow illumination from light sources  303  to pass therethrough. On the rear surface  2102  of substrate  2103  is a rear light transmitting diffuser layer, which is preferably composed of a reflective white and or translucent colored material. 
     System  2201  is substantially similar to system  2101 ; however, layer  2105  is not present on the front of substrate  2103 . In the contemplated embodiment, rear layer  2203  is composed of a translucent or opaque material and includes any desired color and/or image. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 21-23  in the drawings, various alternative embodiments of the present bag and lighting system are shown. It will be appreciated that the bag and lighting systems discussed above could utilize the features shown in systems  2401 ,  2501 , and  2601 . 
     In  FIG. 21 , it is contemplated utilizing one or more sides  2403  secured to a housing  2405  secured to hinge  2409  and having a lighting system  2407  disposed therein. The light from the lighting system  2407  travels through side  2403  as depicted with a plurality of arrows. In the contemplated embodiment, the substrate is composed of a transparent material and the light does not travel therethrough in a backlit fashion. 
     In  FIG. 22 , bag and lighting system  2501  includes two walls  2503 ,  2505  that fold onto each other and secure to each other via a locking device  2507 . This feature provides means to enclose the open area created by the body of the bag, which in turn enable locking mechanism of the open cavity. 
     In  FIG. 23 , a side view of system  2601  is shown having an elongated lighting system  2603  positioned on one side of light transmitting substrate  2605  and extending substantially the length and width of the light transmitting substrate  2605 . In the contemplated embodiment, the lighting system  2603  includes a member  2607  having a plurality of individual lights  2609  carried thereon. In the contemplated embodiment, a plurality of LED lights are utilized and the light transmitting substrate  2605  is configured to let light through and to be illuminated whether or not with additional layers added. 
     It should be understood that a light transmitting substrates include translucent, transparent and semi-opaque substrates which allow light to transmit through them from a light source placed on either side of the substrates In addition, a diffuser is utilized to distribute the light evenly. 
     The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified, and interchanged, and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.