Patent Publication Number: US-2006007672-A1

Title: User wearable LED display

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This applications claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/584,511, filed Jul. 1, 2004, entitled, “USER WEARABLE LED DISPLAY.” 
    
    
     THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      This invention relates to apparatuses worn by users that display designs, slogans, advertisements, pictures, or any other type of information as desired.  
     THE RELEVANT TECHNOLOGY  
      Display apparatuses are widely created and used to display information or promotional materials to the public. A number of different types of displays can be utilized including billboards, signs, banners, decals, pins, bumper stickers, and the like. The information included on such display apparatuses can include designs, slogans, advertisements, messages, and pictures. Such apparatuses are commonly used by commercial entities, political organizations, charitable organizations, educational institutions, and other large entities to promote their various endeavors. Individual persons or smaller entities also commonly create, use, and distribute display apparatuses for such reasons.  
      User wearable display apparatuses are one type of display apparatus that are commonly used. There are many advantages for using user wearable display apparatuses. One advantage is that most apparatuses are usually small and therefore easy and convenient to use. Once the display apparatus is affixed to a user, it can potentially attract viewers wherever the user carries it. The public can view the apparatus while the wearer participates in normal daily activities, such as such as talking to neighbors or friends, going shopping, walking down a street or through a public area, etc.  
      Display apparatuses are usually affixed to a user in a manner intended to display information to the public. A major problem occurring with user wearable display apparatuses and the accompanying designs, however, is that some designs may not be sufficiently noticeable to achieve the desired degree of attention from the public. This can be caused by many things, for example, lack of creative design, unattractive design detail, large complex and bulky configurations, etc. Such unnoticeable designs may prevent the display apparatuses from achieving their purpose of attracting the public&#39;s attention. Designs that fail to attract the public&#39;s attention can defeat the desirability of providing user wearable display apparatuses particularly where a significant amount of time and resources are employed in creating and distributing the apparatus. In view of the foregoing, there is an ongoing need for display apparatuses that help attract viewers, that are capable of attaching to a user, and are easily portable.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention is directed towards a display apparatus that displays information and is a worn by a user. More specifically, the present invention is a user wearable display apparatus containing a light source that emits light and is positioned so as to illuminate a design on the surface of the display apparatus and attract viewers. The display apparatus also contains a power supply that provides power to the light source. In some embodiments, the invention can also include a promotional display member that displays advertising or sponsoring information. This promotional display member is preferably configured to be attached to the display apparatus and surround the design on the front surface of the display apparatus.  
      These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:  
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary display apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 2  is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary display apparatus illustrating an exemplary light source for illuminating a display surface according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 3  is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary display apparatus illustrating an exemplary light source for illuminating a display surface according to another embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 4  illustrates a back surface of a base member of an exemplary display apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 5  illustrates a back surface of a base member of an exemplary display apparatus having an enclosed power supply.  
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary display apparatus having a promotional display member surrounding the display surface and an external power supply according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 7  illustrates various shapes and configurations that can be utilized with the display apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 8  illustrates a number of different attachment apparatuses that can be utilized with the display apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      The present invention is directed towards a display apparatus that is easily portable and worn by a user to attract the public&#39;s attention and display a message. More specifically, the user wearable display apparatus contains a light source that emits light and is positioned so as to illuminate the design on the surface of the display apparatus and attract viewers.  
       FIG. 1  illustrates a display apparatus  10  that is configured to be worn by a user according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment display apparatus  10  includes a display surface  11  having a design  20 . Display surface  11  comprises the face of display apparatus  10 . Display surface  11  also allows light to shine from a light source and illuminate design  20 . In the illustrated embodiment, the light source comprises an internal light source positioned behind display surface  11 . Display surface  11  is therefore non-opaque (i.e. transparent or translucent) so as to allow for the illumination of light from internal light source  40 . (see  FIG. 2 ).  
      As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, any configuration or type of display surface  11  can be utilized that allows light to illuminate a design. Display surface  11  may also be variously shaped or sized, such as being round, square, rectangular, curved, non-curved, or any other geometric shape or size as appreciated by one skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the shape of display apparatus  10  can influence the shape of display surface  11 .  
      Design  20  is configured to portray information or designs on design surface  11 . Design  20  is illuminated by light emitted from a light source. Illumination of design  20  can accentuate the design to users. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations of designs can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The design can be independently connected to or be an integral part of display surface and can extend on all surfaces of display surface including front, sides, and top and bottom. A number of types and configurations of designs can be included on the display surface, such as, but not limited to, characters, words, letters, number, shapes, pictures, slogans, advertisements, and any other design that will capture the attention of the public. Additionally, the display apparatus can be circular, non-circular, any geometric shape, multi-dimensional, thin, thick, have protruding or concave surfaces, or be any other configuration as needed. The display apparatus can also include variations in style or design in displaying their respective information. The display apparatus can be of an assortment of colors, words, letters, numbers, shapes, sizes or any other design known to those common in the art to display their information to be viewed by other persons.  
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary display apparatus  10  illustrating the components of display apparatus  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, display apparatus  10  comprises a display surface  11 , a reflective member  30 , a light source  40 , a power supply  50 , an actuation mechanism  60 , an attachment apparatus  70 , and a promotional display member  80  (see  FIG. 6 ).  
      As previously discussed, display surface  11  is configured to be seen by a user such as by comprising the face of display apparatus  10 . In one embodiment, display apparatus  10  is non-opaque in whole, or in part, to allow illumination of display surface  11 . For example, in one embodiment, a design of the display surface is translucent while the non-design portion of the display surface is opaque to accentuate the shape of the design over the background display surface. In another example, the design of the display surface is transparent, while the rest of the display surface is translucent to accentuate the design of the display surface while allowing illumination of the entire display surface. In another embodiment, a light source is positioned to illuminate display surface from other than a backlighting configuration. For example, a light source could be positioned adjacent to, or slightly in front of, the display surface to illuminate the display surface.  
      Base member  85  provides a support structure on which other components of display apparatus  10  are positioned. Base member  85  includes a front surface  86 , sides  87   a, b , and a back surface  88 . Display surface  11  is configured to be secured to base member  85 . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations of a connection between display surface  11  and base member  85  can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment notches are included on a display surface that fit into corresponding grooves on a base member or vice versa. In an alternative embodiment, the display surface is threadably coupled to the base member. In yet another embodiment, a display surface is adhesively attached or affixed to the base member.  
      Reflective member  30  provides a surface that reflects light toward display surface  11  so as to illuminate design  20 . Reflective member  30  is preferably connected to front surface  86  and possibly sides  87   a, b  of base member  85 . In the illustrated embodiment, reflective member  30  is positioned behind light source  40  to accentuate and deflect light emitted from light source  40 . By accentuating light emitted from light source  40 , less candle power need be provided by light source  40  to achieve a desired degree of illumination. In one embodiment, reflective surface  30  is adhesively attached to base member  85 . By deflecting light emitted from light source  40 , a more generalized illumination is provided rather than a point specific type of illumination. In one embodiment of the present invention, a diffusion apparatus is provided such that most, or all of the light, illuminating display surface  11  is diffused by a reflective or other surface.  
      As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations of connections between a base member and a reflective surface can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment the reflective surface is an integral part of the front surface of a base member. Other methods for providing a reflective surface can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
      Reflective member  30  can be composed of any surface known in the art that is capable of reflecting or mirroring light in another direction, such as glass, metal, plastic, or other reflective materials, including materials coated with shiny or reflective paint, coatings, or substances. Light may also be diffused by refraction either through interposition of another member with light refraction qualities such as translucence or by the shape of reflective member  30  so that different angles direct the light through the display surface as desired. The shape and size of reflective member  30  can be selected to accommodate the shape and design of base member  85  or display apparatus  10 . In another embodiment, the shape/size of a reflective member is different from the shape/size of a base member or display apparatus. The cross-sectional diameter of reflective member  30  can also vary according to the type of reflective material used. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations of reflective members can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In one embodiment, the display apparatus includes a gobo or other image projections apparatus for conveying an image on a surface.  
      Light source  40  provides a mechanism for illuminating display surface  11 . Light source  40  provides a desired degree of illumination to achieve a desired effect on display surface and or a design positioned on display surface  1 l. The light source  40  can provide a light source for illumination of or on the display surface that is constant or intermittent, as by flashing. A variety of types and configuration of light sources can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In one embodiment, the light source comprises a light emitting diode (“LED”). In another embodiment, the light source is selected from the group including incandescent bulbs, neon bulbs, florescent bulbs, light emitting chemicals, or other sources of light.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, light source  40  is configured to connect to a portion of base member  85 . In the illustrated embodiment, light source  40  is connected to a front surface  86  and/or sides  87   a, b  of base member  85 . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations of attaching a light source to the display apparatus  10  can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment the light source is attached to a component of the display apparatus other than the base member. In one embodiment, the light source is integrally coupled to the base member. In another embodiment, the light source is suspended between the base and display surfaces to take advantage of reflective and refractive qualities of the base surface and any member interposed between the base surface and the display surface. In another embodiment, the light source is attached to the display surface itself in one or more places or design configurations so as to concentrate or diffuse light in one or more places or as to outline a design or particular elements of a design on part of the display surface. Different light configurations may be adopted to concentrate or diffuse light in different ways either to illuminate all or part of the display surface or to concentrate light on one or more parts of the display surface. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art a variety of types and configurations of light sources can be utilized with the display apparatus in a variety of manners without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, power supply  50  provides power to display apparatus  10  and specifically to light source  40 . Power supply  50  can comprise a battery pack or other source of power for light source  40 . Power supply will be discussed in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 4 .  
      Actuation mechanism  60  provides a mechanism allowing the user to activate or deactivate power supply  50 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Actuation mechanism  60  typically includes a moveable switch or device than enables a user to move actuation mechanism  60  from one position to another. Back surface  88  of base member  85  is configured to attach to actuation mechanism  60 . Actuation mechanism  60  is connected to base member  85  such that actuation mechanism  60  partially extends outward from back surface  88  so as to allow a user to adjust actuation mechanism  60 . Actuation mechanism will be discussed in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 4 .  
      Attachment apparatus  70  provides a mechanism for allowing display apparatus  10  to be worn by a user. In the illustrated embodiment, attachment apparatus  70  is connected to back surface  88  or sides  87  of base member  85  and is capable of being attached to a user. Attachment apparatus  70  is connected to base member  85  and partially extends outward from back surface  88  or from sides  87  so as to allow a user to employ attachment apparatus  70 .  
       FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a display apparatus  10   a  having a plurality of light sources. In the illustrated embodiment, display surface  11   a  is integrally coupled to base member  85   a . A plurality of light sources  40   a - e  are coupled to base member  85   a . By providing a plurality of light sources  40   a - e , a more diffused and consistent amount of lighting is provided from the top of display surface  11   a  to the bottom of display surface  11   a.    
      As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of configurations and numbers of light sources can be provided without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, a plurality of lights are positioned on the entire surface area of the base member to equally cover the base member. In another embodiment, the number and configuration of the light sources are selected to provide a desired effect on the display surface and/or a design positioned on the display surface.  
       FIG. 4  illustrates the back surface of base member  85  showing a partially covered power supply  50  and an actuation mechanism  60 . In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of power supply  50  extends outward from base member  85  and is visible. The amount which power supply  50  extends outward from base member  85  can be selected to result in minimal contact with the user. A variety of types and configurations of power supplies can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention, including but not limited to, battery-operated, rechargeable battery-operated, solar powered, AC powered, DC powered, and other power supplies typically used by those skilled in the art.  
      A variety of types and configurations of a connection between a base member and a power supply can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, in the illustrated embodiment a power supply that is only partially covered by a base member and therefore a portion of the power supply may extend outward from the back surface of a base member. In yet another embodiment, a power supply may be completely covered by or located within a base member. In an alternative embodiment, an external power supply is utilized wherein the power supply is located outside of a display apparatus and is connected to the base member and light source by a connection device such as an electrical cord, electrical wire, power cord, etc.  
      Actuation mechanism  60  is positioned adjacent power supply  50 . Actuation mechanism allows a user to actuate or deactuate light source  40  (see  FIG. 2 ). In the illustrated embodiment actuation mechanism  60  is remotely connected to power supply  50 . As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations of attachment between actuation mechanism  60  and power supply  50  can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In one embodiment, actuation mechanism  60  and power supply  50  are connected utilizing electrical wiring  90  (see  FIG. 6 ). The electrical wiring allows the current of power supply  50  to be activated or deactivated by moving actuation mechanism  60  from a first position to a second or third position or “on and off” or flashing position.  
      As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations of a connection between a base member and an actuation mechanism can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In one embodiment, actuation mechanism is integrally formed with a power supply. For example, in the illustrated preferred embodiment, an actuation mechanism is remotely connected to a partially covered power supply by a connection device such as an electrical wire. In alternative embodiments, an actuation mechanism may be integrally connected to an internal power supply but is configured to extend outward from the back surface of a base member to be actuated by a user. The present invention includes all types of switches/devices commonly used in the art for such purposes. In a preferred embodiment, the actuation mechanism is a switch that extends from the back surface or side of a base member that is moveable from a first position to a second position, thereby activating or deactivating a power supply.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, display apparatus includes an attachment apparatus  70  in the form of a pin. As already disclosed, this invention includes a variety of types and configurations of attachment apparatuses that are capable of affixing a display apparatus to a user. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations of a connection between a base member and an attachment apparatus can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, an attachment apparatus can be adhesively attached or affixed to a base member utilizing known methods. The type of attachment apparatus  70  can be used to determine the correct placement and connection of attachment apparatus  70  to base member  85 .  
      As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations of connections between the base member and the attachment apparatus can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, the attachment apparatus be adhesively attached or affixed to a base member utilizing known methods. The type of attachment apparatus  70  can be used to determine the correct placement and connection of attachment apparatus  70  to base member  85 .  
      As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations of an attachment apparatus can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment the attachment apparatus comprises a pin that is connected to the back surface of a base member and is capable of being pinned onto a user&#39;s clothing. In another embodiment a clamp is utilized that is connected to the back surface of a base member and can slide onto a user&#39;s shirt pocket or other article of clothing. In yet another embodiment, the top side surface of a base member can be connected to a neck tie that is worn around a user&#39;s neck and allows a display apparatus to hang close to the user&#39;s chest. These examples are non-limiting and the present invention includes all types of attachment apparatus that are commonly known and used in the art.  
       FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary display apparatus  10 b showing a back surface  88  of base member  85 . In the illustrated embodiment, a power supply is positioned internal to base member  85 . In the illustrated embodiment, the power supply is completely enclosed by back surface  88  of base member  85 . This allows the power supply to be effectively isolated from a user wearing user wearable display  10   b . In one embodiment, an actuation mechanism can be integrally connected to an internal power supply and is configured to be the only component that extends outward from the back surface of a base member. In another embodiment, the actuation mechanism is remotely connected to an internal power supply by an electrical wire, RF signal, remote infrared device, or other connection device known to those skilled in the art  
       FIG. 6  illustrates a display surface  11   c  of a display apparatus  10   c  having a promotional border  80  and an external power supply  50   c . Design  20   c  is positioned on display surface  11   c  and is illuminated by an internal light source  40  positioned internal to display surface  11   c . In the illustrated embodiment, a promotional display member  80  is positioned adjacent display surface  11   c . Promotional display member  80  displays advertising, sponsoring, or other types of information.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, promotional display member  80  surrounds display surface  11   c . Promotional display member  80  can be an integrally coupled to other components of display apparatus  10   c  or selectively couplable to display apparatus  10   c . In one embodiment, a different display member  80  can be exchanged for a display member currently being utilized. The display member  80  can be utilized for sponsorship, promotional, informational material. For example, manufacturing and distribution of a pin can be paid for by selling the advertising space of the promotional display member.  
      A variety of different types and configurations of display members can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, the display member is positioned across a portion or underneath the pin rather than circumscribing the display surface. In another embodiment, the display member is configured to be attached to the top, bottom, side, or other surface of the apparatus. In another embodiment, the shape of the display member corresponds to the shape of the display surface. For example, in one embodiment, a rectangular display member is attached to the top and/or bottom of a rectangular display surface. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations of connections between promotional display member and other components of the display apparatus can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, one or more sides of a base member include grooves in which protrusions from a promotional display member attach. In an alternative embodiment, the inner edge of promotional display member slides into a continuous groove that is provided surrounding the sides of a base member. In yet other embodiments, a promotional display member can be adhesively attached or affixed to a base member.  
       FIG. 7  illustrates various shapes of display apparatuses that can be utilized. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of shapes, types, and configurations of a display apparatus may be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
       FIG. 8  illustrates various forms of attachments that may be utilized in the present invention. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of types, and configurations of forms of attachment may be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
      The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.