Abstract:
An image projection apparatus is provided which includes a projector, image source and reflective element. The reflective element is capable of being rotated by a mechanism housed within the reflective element. Light projected from the projector and through the image source is directed to the relective element and reflective onto a surface for viewing. The rotation of the reflective element creates reflected images which move in a desired direction across the viewing surface.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation in part of utility patent application 10/008,112 filed on Oct. 22, 2001. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application number  60 / 410 , 855  filed on Sept. 13, 2002 and U.S provisional patent application number 60/425,455 filed on Nov. 12, 2002. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates to devices used to project images embodied on transparent polymeric film onto one or more viewing surfaces by shining a light through the image embodied on the film. More particularly, the invention relates to projectors used to project thematic images singly, in either a static or serial display, onto a viewing surface or to project multiple views of an image simultaneously onto a plurality of viewing surfaces.  
           [0003]    The projection of images using light is a well known and popular way to decorate or entertain, especially during the holidays, seasonal events or special occasions. One can display images associated with the occasion (e.g. a ghost for Halloween), and a projected image displayed under low light conditions can make a lasting impression on an observer. A relatively small image can be enlarged to many times its original size and displayed upon a surface such as a wall, garage door, sheet, screen or the like.  
           [0004]    Drawbacks to the practice of projecting images using light include the high cost of conventional projectors, many of which cannot be used outdoors in inclement weather, and the fact that such projectors typically require some intervention by the user in order to change the image being projected. Projectors are therefore needed that are economical to manufacture and use, that can be used outdoors without risk of injury or damage, and that can display images singly, serially, or simultaneously on multiple surfaces without user intervention.  
         SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
         [0005]    This invention overcomes existing drawbacks in the art by providing a projector system including a reflector element with a substantially enclosed drive mechanism. As a result, the drive mechanism is protected from the elements when the projector system is used outdoors.  
           [0006]    In one embodiment the invention provides a projector comprising a polymeric housing containing a directional electric light source, a lens disposed opposite the light source, a light path extending from the light source through the lens and out of the housing, an image medium support assembly disposed between the light source and the lens, the image medium support assembly further comprising an image window aligned in the light path, and an opening in which an image medium can be supported in the image medium support assembly. The invention also includes a support member attachable to the projector comprising a mounting frame with a proximal end holding the projector and a distal end holding, in spaced apart relation to the projector, a multi-faceted reflective element, the reflective element being supported on two opposed sides and the reflective element including a housing having a plurality of reflective surfaces and means for rotating the housing which is located substantially inside of the housing.  
           [0007]    In another embodiment the invention provides a rotatable multi-faceted reflective element for use in the projection of reflected light comprising a housing including a plurality of reflective surfaces and means for rotating the housing which is located substantially inside of the housing.  
           [0008]    These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be fully described by the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0009]    The apparatus of the invention is further described and explained in relation to the following figures of the drawings wherein:  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred projector of the invention;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2 is a right side elevation view of the projector of FIG. 1;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the projector of FIG. 1;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 4 is a left side elevation view of the projector of FIG. 1;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the projector of FIG. 1;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of another preferred projector of the invention that is modified to rotate an image wheel through the light path;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 7 is a partial exploded view of the projector of FIG,  6 ;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view, partially broken away, of another preferred projector assembly of the invention wherein a mirror ball is rotatably mounted in the light path emanating from the projector;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of the projector assembly including the mirror ball;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the projector support assembly member of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 9;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 11 a  is a front view of one section of a shield of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 9;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 11 b  is a side view of one section of a shield of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 9;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 12 is a side view of an assembled version of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 9;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a mirror ball and shield assembly;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a mirror ball;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 15 a  is a front view of components of the mirror ball;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 15 b  is a side view of components of the mirror ball;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the mirror ball with gear rotation indicators;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 17 a  is a front view of a barrel shaped configuration of the mirror ball;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 17 b  is a side view of a barrel shaped configuration of the mirror ball;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 18 is a side view of a projector using an alternate embodiment of a support member;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 19 is a side view of a projector and mirror ball assembly using an alternate embodiment of a support member;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the alternate embodiment of a support member;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the projector having two image sources;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 22 is an exploded view of the projector of FIG. 21;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 23 is a rear view of the projector of FIG. 21;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 24 is an alternate perspective view of the projector of FIG. 21; and  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a screen upon which images may be displayed. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0038]    Referring to FIGS.  1 - 6 , projector  10  preferably comprises a polymeric housing  12  supporting a light source  14  at one end and a lens tube  16 , most preferably containing a biconvex lens  18 , at the other. Housing  12  is preferably injection molded from an impact resistant polymer and is most preferably molded in two halves  20  and  22  that are joined during assembly with screws  24  or other similarly effective fasteners The imaginary line between light source  14  and lens  18  establishes a light path that, when extended beyond projector  10 , continues to a viewing surface upon which an image is to be projected Housing  12  preferably further comprises an image medium support assembly  26  that is disposed between light source  14  and lens  18 . Image medium support assembly  26  supports an image medium  28  such as, for example, a circular disk comprising a slide film or transparency in an image window through which light emanating from light source  14  is directed toward lens  18 . Lens tube  16  is most preferably threaded into engagement with housing  12  in such manner that the focal length between image medium  28  and lens  18  can be adjusted within predetermined limits. Light source  14  preferably contains an electric lamp  30  and is threaded into engagement with the end of housing opposite lens tube  16 , When removed, light source  14  also provides access to image medium support assembly  26  so that image medium  28  can be changed as desired. Vents or louvers  32  are desirably provided in housing  12  and in light source  14  to facilitate convective cooling of lamp  30  during use.  
         [0039]    Projector  10  preferably further comprises a projector support member  34  to which housing  12  is connected in such manner that the angle of the light path relative to an underlying support surface can be adjusted easily by the user. According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting mechanism comprises opposed engagement members  38 ,  40  having interlocking teeth and coaxially aligned apertures through which a threaded bolt  42  can be inserted and tightened using wing nut  44  when projector housing  12  is in the preferred angular position. Projector support member  34  preferably further comprises a tubular member  46  containing a transformer  48  that desirably converts standard household electrical current to a lower voltage for use with lamp  30  of projector  10 , One electrical conductor  50  supplies electrical current to transformer  48  and another electrical conductor  52  supplies the converted current to plug  54  on the back of light source  14  of housing  12 . Projector support member  34  preferably further comprises mounting stake  56  having footrest  58  to facilitate insertion of mounting stake  56  into the ground for outdoor use on earthen surface  36 , Although projector support member  34  is described above in relation to a preferred embodiment intended for use with an earthen support surface  36 , it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure that projector support members having other physical configurations can likewise be provided for use with other underlying support surfaces for projector  10 .  
         [0040]    According to another embodiment of the invention, described herein in relation to FIGS. 6 and 7, a projector is disclosed that is substantially as described above but modified to serially advance different images into the light path without user intervention. A preferred modification for achieving this function this the provision of a small electric motor inside the housing with a rotating shaft that causes a wheel comprising multiple fixed images to rotate the same or different images sequentially through the light path of the projector. This rotation can be accomplished continuously or intermittently by the provision of appropriate conventional linkage and control mechanisms well known to those of skill in the art. Referring to FIG. 6, projector  60  preferably comprises an enlarged molded plastic housing  62 , again having a light source  64  disposed at one end and a lens tube  66  containing lens  68  at the other, thereby defining a light path through the projector. Projector  60  is preferably attached by mounting stud  70  to support member  72 , which is shown as having a stake  74  for insertion into an earthen surface for outdoor use. Electrical power cords and a transformer as previously described for projector  10  are also desirably utilized with this embodiment of the invention but are not depicted in the simplified drawing of FIG. 6.  
         [0041]    The internal structure and operation of projector  60  are better described and explained in relation to FIG. 7, in which the parts are intended to be substantially identical to those depicted in FIG. 6, except that a differently shaped lens tube  66 ″ is disclosed, and the mounting stud and support member are not shown to simplify the illustration. Also, because FIGS. 6 and 7 are simplified diagrammatic views, screws used to assemble the halves of body  62  and other structural details are not shown in these figures Referring to FIG,  7 , housing  62  of projector  60  preferably comprises an electric motor  78  that rotates shaft  76 , which is offset from the light path established by light source  64  and lens  68 . Image medium support assembly  86  comprising image window  88  cooperates with rotatable shaft  76  to rotate image wheel  80 . Image wheel  80  further comprises a centrally disposed aperture  82  that engages shaft  76  so that image wheel  80  is rotated through image window  88  whenever motor  78  is energized. Electrical cords, transformers and plugs are also not shown to simplify the illustration but can be provided as for projector  1   0  as previously described. Image wheel  80  preferably comprises a plurality of images  84  that are arcuately spaced apart near its periphery to facilitate the serial advancement of such images into image window  88  as wheel  80  rotates. Images  84  can be the same or different. Cartridge  90  is also desirably provided so that a single image or color filter can be installed inside image medium support assembly  86  in place of, or in addition to, using image wheel  80  if desired.  
         [0042]    According to another embodiment of the invention, a projector assembly is disclosed that comprises a low cost projector substantially as described above but modified to simultaneously project a single image in a plurality of directions after the projected light beam exits the projector housing. This embodiment of the invention utilizes a frame assembly that aligns the projector with a rotating mirror ball that simultaneously redirects the projected image in many different directions and continuously changes the image being projected onto a particular spot on surrounding viewing surfaces. This embodiment of the invention is particularly preferred for indoor use where the image can be directed against both walls and ceiling at the same time Referring to FIG. 8, an exploded view is shown of a projector assembly  92  comprising projector  94 , which can be mounted in fixed relation to support frame  96 . Support frame  96  can in turn be adjustably mounted to support member  118  using bolt  120  to vary the inclination of frame  96  as desired, Frame member  96  preferably further comprises, in spaced apart relation to projector  94 , a mounting bracket  102  secured to frame  96  by bolt  103  inserted through aperture  106 , or by any other similarly effective means or mechanism. A multi-faceted reflective element such as mirror ball  108  is preferably supported on an axle  110  that is rotatably mounted in clevis members  104 ,  106  through apertures  112 ,  113  in such manner that axle  110  can be rotated by electric motor to slowly turn mirror ball  108 . Mirror ball  108  preferably comprises a plurality of small mirrored surfaces  116  oriented in many different directions. The lighting effect achieved through the use of projector  94  in this manner under conditions of low ambient light is to simultaneously direct the projected image against many viewing surfaces, seemingly multiplying the projected image many times over. When mirror ball  108  is rotated, the effect is further enhanced by imparting motion to the multiple projected images.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIGS. 9 and 12 show an alternate embodiment of the projector  200  which includes a reflective element  208  which is shielded and rotated from its interior. The projector  260  may be supported upon frame member  296 . Additionally, the reflective element  208  may be indirectly supported by the frame member  296 . The reflective element  208  may be supported by a shield  209  which is in turn supported by the frame member  296 . An easy-to-loosen nut  2   10  is used to attach the shield  209  to the frame member  296  such that the shield  209  and reflective element  208  may be easily rotated to new positions. A key  211  may be included which restricts the shield  209  and reflective element  208  from being rotated in multiple three-hundred and sixty degree circuits in a single direction. As a result the entanglement of an electrical cord between the transformer and reflective element is avoided.  
         [0044]    Referring to Figures  11   a,    11   b  and  13  the shield  209  may be fabricated in two portions capable of being joined together. The shield  209  may include a support aperture or indentation  211  which may support the reflective element  208 . The shield  209  functions as a support device, and also blocks some of the light reflected off of the reflective element  208  which was reflected off in an undesired direction.  
         [0045]    Referring to FIG. 10, one embodiment of a stand  230  is shown which includes two similarly shaped tubular members  231  and  232 . The tubular members  231  and  232  may be bent into a V-shape with a flat bottom. To form the stand  230 , the tubular members  231  and  232  may be abutted and screwed together. This forms a stand  230  with a double-wide central portion and four flared ends having the width of a single tube. The stand  230  may also include a bracket  233 , vertical chamber  234  and adapter  235 . The bracket  233  is attachable to both the tubular members  231  and  232  as well as the vertical chamber  234 . The vertical chamber  234  is preferably hollow and may hold a transformer. The adapter  235  is attachable to the vertical chamber  234  on one end and either the support member  296  or a projector  260  if used alone, on its opposite end. For outdoor use, one or more J-shaped stakes may be used to hold the stand in place. The longer portion of the J-shaped stake enters the ground while the shorter portion hooks one of the tubular members  231 .  
         [0046]    FIGS.  18 - 20  show an alternative embodiment  240  of a stand. The stand  240  may be used to support either a projector  260  by itself or a projector and reflective element assembly. The stand includes a central hub  241 , a number of legs  242  and a vertical chamber  243 . A transformer may be held within the central hub  241 , vertical chamber  243  or extend through both. The legs  242  extend outward from the hub  241  and may be detachable. In a preferred embodiment, the legs  242  have about equal lengths and are spaced about equally around the hub  241 . The frame  240  may also include a stop ring  244  as an additional support, the ring making contact with the floor or ground under the stand. The stand  240  is preferably made from plastic.  
         [0047]    FIGS.  14 - 17  show a reflective element  208  embodiment which may be driven from its inside. The reflective element includes a housing  270  which is preferably made in two separate portions which may be joined together. The housing  270  may be any shape, but preferably is spherical or barrel shaped. The housing  270  may include or support a plurality of reflective surfaces. These surfaces may be small mirror pieces or members which are attached to the housing  270 . Alternatively, the housing  270  itself, may be formed from a reflective material and contoured to provide reflective surfaces. Alternatively, a reflective coating may be applied to the exterior surface of the housing  270  to form reflective surfaces. The interior surface of one or both portions of the housing  270  may include teeth  279  which are used to drive the housing  270 . The teeth  279  may be affixed to or molded into the housing  270 .  
         [0048]    The reflective element  208  also includes one or more holder and spindle assemblies  271  and  272 . These assemblies may hold one or more components in a stationary position while the housing  270  is moving. The spindle portion of the assembly  271  and  272  can project through the housing  270 . A bearing  273  may be placed between the stationary spindle and the moving housing  270 . The holder and spindle assemblies  271  and  272  may support an electric motor  274  and a plurality of gears  275 . As shown schematically in FIG. 16, the rotation of the motor  274  turns a gear which turns a second gear, which can turn any number of additional gears, which in turn rotate the housing  270 . The gears may be sized to provide a desired speed and torque.  
         [0049]    In another embodiment of the projector including the reflective element, the projector may only project light. The image source is omitted. As a result specs of light are reflected from the reflective element to the viewing surface.  
         [0050]    FIGS.  21 - 24  show another embodiment of the projector which includes multiple image sources. The projector  300  includes a first image support assembly  302  and a second image support assembly  304 . The first image support assembly  302  is stationary and the second image support assembly  304  may be rotated by a drive mechanism  306  located below the lens tube  308  of the projector  300 . The drive mechanism  306  may include one or more gears which translate the motion of an electric drive motor into motion to rotate the image support assembly  304 . In a preferred embodiment, the image supported in the first image support assembly  302  is an easily defined shape or character while the image in the second image support assembly is an enhancing effect image such a series of slits, alternating clear and foggy patches, or alternating color sections. The rotation of the second image support assembly causes the effect on the stationary image to change in an interesting way. The projector  300  of the embodiment of FIGS.  21 - 24  may be made from two interlocking portions  310  and  312  having similar lengths. The portions  310  and  312  may be easily attached and detached using a bayonet type attachment mechanism. Upon separation the image support assemblies  302  and  304  are oriented adjacent the opening, thus allowing easy removal and change of the image source.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 25 shows a display mechanism  400  which may be placed in a yard or other location when any of the projector embodiments are used outdoor. The display mechanism includes a screen  402  upon which an image may be directly displayed or upon which reflected images may be displayed. The screen is supported by two poles  404  held in place by a number of tethers  406 . The screen my be made of cloth or plastic and may be generally solid or perforated in order to provide less wind resistance.  
         [0052]    Other alterations and modifications of the invention will likewise become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the present disclosure, and it is intended that the scope of the invention disclosed herein be limited only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims to which the inventors are legally entitled