Abstract:
The present invention incorporates a key fob with rows of lights, and an intelligent controller. The lights are set up to simulate a popular lighting display. In one embodiment, the lights mimic the “Christmas tree” lighting system used to start racing cars. Space is available on the fob for an optional decal or logo. Optionally, sound effects may be included, for example to mimic the sound of race car engines.

Description:
[0001]     The present invention incorporates a key fob with rows of lights, and an intelligent controller. The lights are set up to simulate a popular lighting display. In one embodiment, the lights mimic the “Christmas tree” lighting system used to start racing cars. Space is available on the fob for an optional decal or logo. Optional sound effects are included.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     The present invention is a key fob with rows of lights, and an intelligent controller. It is related to small novelty devices that have colored glass or lights, sometimes flashing. It includes, optionally, sound effects.  
         [0003]     In the prior art, key fobs are often used in conjunction with automobile entry systems. Thus, these fobs act as controller units, not just visual display devices. In fact, many of the prior art key fobs comprise no lights whatsoever. Those that do include lights, such as LEDs, use these for indicators of functionality. Thus, a prior art key fob may use one color of light to indicate an unlocking function, and another color to indicate a trunk opening function.  
         [0004]     Key fobs rarely have sound effects included. Such sounds as they can emit are actually produced by the automobile, in response to commands issued by the key fob controller.  
         [0005]     With the advent of miniature electronic systems, it is now possible to mimic known lighting systems in miniature, and incorporate the lighting design in a key fob. One such lighting system is the popular “Christmas tree” lighting system used to start national and international drag races. This system has been patented in U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,460, issued on Feb. 24, 2004 to inventor Warner. Other lighting systems include the lighting perimeter around an airport runway system, the San Francisco skyline at night, and so forth.  
         [0006]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a source of entertainment for the user, with flashing lights and optional sound.  
         [0007]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a small source of light for illuminated limited areas.  
         [0008]     It is yet another object of the present invention to mimic well known lighted systems in miniature, such as the lights and sounds of a drag race.  
         [0009]     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a sense of direction from one person to another at night or in darkened areas.  
         [0010]     Further uses of the present invention will become obvious upon the reading of the attached specification and claims, in conjunction with the drawings supplied. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]     The many objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.  
         [0012]      FIG. 1  displays a preferred embodiment of the present invention from a front perspective view.  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  reveals a slightly altered second embodiment of the present invention from a frontal view.  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  shows the back side of the second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIGS. 4A through 4E  depict the separated top half of the present invention from various angles of view.  
         [0016]      FIGS. 5A through 5E  depict the disassembled bottom half of the present invention from various angles of view.  
         [0017]      FIG. 6  is the circuit diagram for an embodiment of the current invention. 
     
    
       [0018]     The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0019]     Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.  
         [0020]     The present invention comprises a key fob with rows of lights, and an intelligent controller. The lights are set up to simulate a popular lighting display. The user can select from among a series of orders of lighting, to simulate different light systems.  
         [0021]     In one preferred embodiment, the lights mimic the “Christmas tree” lighting system used to start racing cars. This embodiment is depicted in the accompanying figures.  
         [0022]     The portrayed embodiment  100  of the current invention is seen in  FIG. 1  from a perspective overhead view. On top can be seen the two rows of LED lights  10  and  20 . These end with two perpendicular rows of smaller lights,  30  and  40 . Surrounding the upper of these two rows of tiny lights are two small patches  60  and  65 . These could house buttons for further controls, but in this embodiment are used for labeling the light functions.  
         [0023]     Additionally in  FIG. 1  is shown a large area  50  for decal or similar display. In this rendition, the decal of the NHRA, a national car racing association, is displayed. This is an appropriate decal for the lighting display of the current embodiment, as will be described below. Finally, in this view is seen the attachment loop  80  for attachment of a key ring.  
         [0024]      FIG. 2  presents a slightly altered embodiment of the current invention. This is a slightly smaller version, which has the dual rows of lights  10 ,  20  and decal area  50  and loop  80  for key ring. However, it omits the smaller lights and the patch areas shown in the first figure. The controls for the lights in this embodiment are on the back side of the unit (shown not in this figure, but in later figures). Key  90  and key ring  95  are shown for utility purposes, but are not part of the current invention.  
         [0025]     The bottom side of the present invention is on view in  FIG. 3 . Large button  70  is the controller for the lights in the present embodiment. Screws  85  fasten the top half to the bottom half of the invention.  
         [0026]      FIGS. 4A-4E  display various views of the top half shell  110  of the present invention.  FIG. 4A  is the outline of the shell  110  without detail.  FIG. 4B  shows the side view of top shell  110  with the light tubes  112  shown in side section.  FIG. 4 C  displays the same shell  110  with the light tubes from a top view.  
         [0027]      FIG. 4D  portrays top shell  110  with the light tubes  112  delineated clearly from this top perspective view. Also shown is half loop  81 , which mates to half loop  82  in the bottom shell to form a complete loop  80  for connecting a key ring to the current invention.  
         [0028]     Finally,  FIG. 4E  shows top shell  110  from an end view. This view is looking straight down the half shell from the loop end.  
         [0029]      FIGS. 5A-5E  display various views of the bottom half shell  120  of the present invention.  FIG. 5A  is the outline of the shell  120  without detail.  FIG. 5B  shows the side view of bottom shell  120  with the light tubes  112  shown in side section.  FIG. 5C  displays the same shell  120  with the controller button  70  and half loop  82  visible.  
         [0030]      FIG. 5D  portrays bottom half shell  120  with the threaded apertures  85  for connecting screws clearly from this top perspective view. Also shown is half loop  82 , which mates to half loop  81  in the bottom shell to form a complete loop  80  for connecting a key ring to the current invention.  
         [0031]     Finally,  FIG. 5E  shows top shell  110  from an end view. This view is looking straight down the half shell from the loop end.  
         [0032]      FIG. 6  shows the circuit diagram for the preferred embodiment. This is preferably mounted on a printed circuit board (not shown). The circuit board also can contain small speakers, for producing preprogrammed sounds.  
         [0033]     The entire invention  100  is produced by sandwiching (ie, surrounding) the printed circuit board with LEDs with top shell  110  and bottom shell  120 . The two halves are connected by screws at  85 .  
         [0034]     The invention is optionally comprised of removable computer chips attached to the circuit. These chips may provide the controlling action for programming the sequence in which the lights turn on. They may also store and direct the speakers to play back sounds, such as the sounds of a drag race.  
         [0035]     In one embodiment of the current invention, the chips are removable and replaceable. This allows the lights to have a different sequence of lighting, or different sounds, simply by replacing the corresponding chip.  
         [0036]     While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment or embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.