Apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode module

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6467929
  • Patent Number
    6,467,929
  • Date Filed
    Wednesday, July 18, 2001
    23 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, October 22, 2002
    22 years ago
  • Inventors
  • Examiners
    • Sember; Thomas M.
    Agents
    • Chan Law Group LC
Abstract
A laser diode module attachment and mounting apparatus for adjustably mounting a laser diode module onto a fixed object, such as a pole, table edge, or refrigerator or the like, or an item of apparel, such as a cap, belt, pants, shirt or the like, thereby enhancing not only the practical applications for the Laser Diode, but also furthering its entertainment appeal. The laser diode module attachment and mounting apparatus allows for aiming, and hence projecting, a laser image on a desired target while the laser diode module is either attached to an item of apparel worn by the user or mounted onto an object. The apparatus generally comprises a first means for attaching a laser diode module onto an object, a second means for adjusting a laser diode module, and an attachment mechanism for securing the laser diode module onto the second adjusting means. The second adjusting means allows for rotation, and hence, aiming of the laser diode module around one rotational axis or around a plurality of rotational axes.
Description




STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPED




Not applicable




REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX




Not applicable




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




1. Field of the Invention




This invention pertains generally to mounting devices, and more particularly, to a laser diode module mounting apparatus.




2. Description of the Background Art




Use of portable electronic devices, such as pagers, cellular telephones, and walkie-talkies have become widely prevalent. Since portability is inherent with such electronic devices, many various attachment or mounting apparatuses have been developed and used to allow for the attachment of these electronic devices onto a person's apparel. There have also been many attachment or mounting apparatuses that also allow for the convenient storage of these electronic devices by placement onto a holder, rack, or the like. All the attachment or mounting apparatuses, however, do not allow for the use of the electronic device when the device is either attached to the person's apparel or otherwise mounted onto an object.




A need for using or operating a portable electronic device arises from a portable electronic device used for projecting a laser-based image. An example of such an electronic device is known as Laser Diode manufactured by Transverse Industries Company, Ltd. The Laser Diode is a battery powered laser emitter that is capable of projecting a variety of images onto a variety of surfaces. The Laser Diode is enclosed within a generally modular housing. Unlike a laser pointing device, which only projects a dot on the targeted surface, the Laser Diode is capable of projecting images, such as a sun, moon, star, happy face, or flying saucer. It is conceivable that in addition to the aforementioned images, letters, initials, acronyms, words, phrases, slogans or sentences may also be projected by such laser emitting devices.




Although the Laser Diode may be held by the user and pointed at a desired location while projecting the image, it is often desireable to project the image at a desired location while the Laser Diode is attached onto some apparel worn by the user or while the Laser Diode is mounted onto a fixed object, such as a pole, table edge, or refrigerator or the like. This enhances not only the practical applications for the Laser Diode, but also furthers its entertainment appeal at, for example, a party, during a concert, when camping or during night events and activities.




Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode. module that enables the laser diode module to be aimed or pointed at a specified location while the laser diode module is either attached to some item of apparel worn by the user or otherwise mounted on an object. The present invention satisfies these needs, as well as others, and generally solves the deficiencies found in the background art.




BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




The present invention pertains to a laser diode module attachment and mounting apparatus that allows for aiming, and hence projecting, a laser image on a desired target while the laser diode module is either attached to an item of apparel worn by the user or mounted onto an object. By way of example and not of limitation, the laser diode module attachment and mounting apparatus generally comprises a first means for attaching a laser diode module onto an object, a second means for adjusting a laser diode module connected to the first means for attaching the laser diode module, and an attachment mechanism for securing second adjustment means to the laser diode module.




The first means for attaching a laser diode module is adapted for the attachment or mounting onto an item of apparel or otherwise a generally fixed object. The second means for adjusting a laser diode module is connected to the first attaching means and allows for the directional positioning and adjustment of a laser diode module around one axis of rotation and/or two axis of rotation. The attachment mechanism affixes the laser diode module to the second adjustment means, and therefore renders the laser diode module adjustable when the first attachment means is attached or mounted to an object.




The present invention has been outlined in a rather broad fashion in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.




An object of the invention is to provide a means for attaching a laser diode module to an item of apparel.




Another object of the invention is to provide a means for mounting a laser diode module onto a fixed object.




Still another object of the invention is to provide a means for attaching or mounting a laser diode module that allows for directional adjustability of the laser diode module when attached on an item of apparel or mounted on a fixed object.




Further objects and advantages of the invention will be brought out in the following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodiments of the invention without placing limitations thereon.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS




The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes only:





FIG. 1

is a perspective view of an apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode module in accordance with the present invention, shown with a first embodiment of a first means for attaching or mounting the laser diode module and a first embodiment of a second means for adjusting the laser diode module.





FIG. 2

is a perspective view of an apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode module shown with a second embodiment of a first means for attaching or mounting the laser diode module, along with a second embodiment of a second means for adjusting the laser diode module.





FIG. 3

is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in

FIG. 2

, shown attached to a belt.





FIG. 4

is a perspective view of an apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode shown with a third embodiment of a first means for attaching or mounting the laser diode module, along with a first embodiment of a second means for adjusting the laser diode module.





FIG. 5

is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in

FIG. 4

, shown attached to a pole.





FIG. 6

is a perspective view of an apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode module shown with a fourth embodiment of a first means for attaching or mounting the laser diode module, along with a first embodiment of a second means for adjusting the laser diode module.





FIG. 7

is a perspective view of an apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode module shown with a fifth embodiment of a first means for attaching or mounting the laser diode module, along with a first embodiment of a second means for adjusting the laser diode module.





FIG. 8

is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in

FIG. 7

, shown attached to a table.





FIG. 9

is a perspective view of an apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode module shown with a sixth embodiment of a first means for attaching or mounting the laser diode module, along with a first embodiment of a second means for adjusting the laser diode module.





FIG. 10

is a perspective view of an apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode module shown with a seventh embodiment of a first means for attaching or mounting the laser diode module, along with a first embodiment of a second means for adjusting the laser diode module.





FIG. 11

is a perspective view of an apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode module shown with a seventh embodiment of a first means for attaching or mounting the laser diode module, along with a second embodiment of a second means for adjusting the laser diode module.





FIG. 12

is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in

FIG. 11

, shown attached to a cap.





FIG. 13

is a perspective view of an apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode module shown with a sixth embodiment of a first means for attaching or mounting the laser diode module, along with a third embodiment of a second means for adjusting the laser diode module.





FIG. 14

is a cross-sectional view of the sixth embodiment of a first means for attaching or mounting the laser diode module, shown in FIG.


13


.





FIG. 15

is a perspective view of an apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode module shown with the second embodiment of a first means for attaching or mounting the laser diode module, along with a fourth embodiment of a second means for adjusting the laser diode.





FIG. 16

is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in

FIG. 15

, shown attached to a cap.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION




Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrative purposes the present invention is embodied in the apparatus generally shown in FIG.


1


through FIG.


16


. It will be appreciated that the apparatus may vary as to configuration and as to details of the parts without departing from the basic concepts as disclosed herein.




Referring first to

FIG. 1

, an apparatus


10


for attaching or mounting a laser diode module, in accordance with the present invention, is generally shown. Apparatus


10


comprises a first means


12


for attaching a laser diode module


14


, a second means


16


for adjusting laser diode module


14


, and an attachment mechanism


18


for securing second means


16


for adjusting laser diode module


14


to laser diode module


14


.




First means


12


for attaching a laser diode module


14


generally comprises a plate


20


, a gripping member


22


, a pivot assembly


24


, and a spring (not shown). Plate


20


includes an upper end


26


, a lower end


28


, a front face


30


, and a rear face


32


. Gripping member


22


is disposed on rear face


32


of plate


20


and includes an upwardly disposed handle


34


and a lower extent


36


. Pivot assembly


24


couples gripping member


22


to plate


20


while providing for pivotal motion of gripping member


22


relative to plate


20


. The spring located within pivot assembly


24


biases gripping member


22


by compressing lower extent


36


of gripping member


22


against rear face


32


of plate


20


while in a rest position.




Second means


16


for adjusting laser diode module


14


comprises a ball and socket joint


38


and a support member


40


. Support member


40


is integrally coupled to upper end


26


of plate


20


and extends generally perpendicularly from front face


30


of plate


20


. Ball and socket joint


38


is connected to support member


40


by a screw


42


. Other forms of connecting ball and socket joint


38


to support member


40


are contemplated, such as but not limited to, glueing or press fitting.




Laser diode module


14


is secured to ball and socket joint


38


by attachment mechanism


18


, which are threads (not shown) within laser diode module


14


adapted to receive a stud


44


extending from ball and socket joint


38


. This allows for the removal and replacement of laser diode module


14


from apparatus


10


as desired or necessary.




It can therefore be seen that first means


12


is attachable onto an object or item such as, for example, a belt, a cap visor, or an article of clothing, while allowing for the directional adjustability of laser diode module


14


in any direction as shown in FIG.


1


.




Referring also to FIG.


2


and

FIG. 3

, a second embodiment


46


of first means


12


for attaching or mounting a laser diode module


14


, in accordance with the present invention, is generally shown. Second embodiment


46


of first means


12


for attaching or mounting laser diode module


14


comprises a planar strip


48


having a first edge


50


, a second edge


52


, and a center section


54


. Center section


54


is curved over such that first edge


50


is disposed generally adjacent second edge


52


. First edge


50


, second edge


52


, and center section


54


define a gap


56


that tapers from center section


54


towards both first edge


50


and second edge


52


. Second edge


52


is curved slightly away from first edge


50


to facilitate the insertion of an object therebetween.




In second embodiment


46


of first means


12


for attaching or mounting a laser diode module


14


, second means


16


for adjusting laser diode module


14


may also include a first hinge assembly


38


. First hinge assembly


38


is capable of pivoting around a first axis “x” and may be glued of otherwise integrally molded to second embodiment


46


of first means


12


for attaching or mounting a laser diode module


14


. First hinge assembly


38


is secured onto laser diode module


14


by a tab (not shown) inserted into laser diode module


14


or otherwise integrally molded thereto.




It can be seen that second embodiment


46


of first means


12


for attaching or mounting a laser diode module


14


is attachable onto an object or item of apparel, such as, for example, a belt


58


. It is also contemplated that second embodiment


46


of first means


12


for attaching or mounting a laser diode module


14


is also attachable onto, a cap (not shown), or an article of clothing, while allowing for the directional adjustability of laser diode module


14


in any direction around a single axis.




Referring also to FIG.


4


and

FIG. 5

, a third embodiment


60


of first means


12


for attaching or mounting a laser diode module


14


, in accordance with the present invention, is generally shown. Third embodiment


60


of first means


12


comprises a strip


62


having a first end


64


and a second end


66


. Strip


62


is curved such that a generally circular opening


68


is formed therein. Strip further comprises a first tang


70


and a second tang


72


. First tang


70


extends outwardly from first end


64


of strip


62


, while second tang


72


extends outwardly from second end


66


of strip. First tang


70


and second tang


72


are generally parallel to each other and incorporate a bolt means


74


for holding tangs


70


and


72


is a fixed position relative to each other. In third embodiment


60


of first means


12


, adjustment mechanism


16


may also include ball and socket joint


38


. Ball and socket joint


38


is connected to third embodiment


60


of first means


12


by a bolt or screw


76


.




It can be seen that third embodiment


60


of first means


12


is ideally adapted for attachment around a generally linear object, such as a pole


77


or the like, and tightening bolt means


74


reduces the area of opening


68


to secure strip


62


onto such object.




Referring also to

FIG. 6

, a fourth embodiment


78


of first means


12


for attaching or mounting a laser diode module


14


, in accordance with the present invention, is generally shown. Fourth embodiment


78


comprises a first strip


80


and a second strip


82


. First strip


80


includes a first end


84


and a second end


86


, and second strip


82


includes a third end


90


and a fourth end


92


. First strip


80


is curved such that a generally semi-circular opening


94


is formed between first end


84


and second end


86


. Similarly, second strip


88


is curved such that a generally semi-circular opening


96


is formed between third end


90


and fourth end


92


. A first tang


94


and a second tang


96


extends outwardly from first end


84


and second end


86


, respectively, of first strip


80


. Third tang


98


and fourth tang


100


extends outwardly from third end


90


and fourth end


92


, respectively, of second strip


82


. First strip


80


is oriented relative to second strip


82


such that first tang


94


and third tang


98


are adjacent and generally parallel to each other and second tang


96


and fourth tang


100


are adjacent and generally parallel to each other. In order to maintain first strip


80


and second strip


82


in a fixed position relative to each other, fourth embodiment


78


of first means


12


for attaching or mounting a laser diode module


14


further includes a first bolt means


102


and a second bolt means


104


. First bolt means


102


threadably engages first tang


94


and third tang


98


, while second bolt means


104


threadably engages second tang


96


and fourth tang


100


, such that tightening first and second bolt means


102


and


104


draws and compresses first strip


80


and second strip


82


together.




In fourth embodiment


78


of first means


12


, second means


16


for adjusting laser diode module


14


may also include ball and socket joint


38


. Ball and socket joint


38


is connected to fourth embodiment


78


of first means


12


by a bolt or screw


106


. It can be seen that fourth embodiment


78


of first means


12


is also ideally adapted for attachment around a generally linear It object, such as a pole or the like.




Referring also to FIG.


7


and

FIG. 8

, a fifth embodiment


107


of first means


12


for attaching or mounting laser diode module


14


, in accordance with the present invention, is generally shown. Fifth embodiment


107


of first means


12


comprises an upper plate


108


, a lower plate


110


, and a center plate


112


. Center plate


112


is integral to and attached to both upper plate


108


and lower plate


110


wherein a generally rectangular opening


114


is defined between upper plate


108


and lower plate


110


. Upper plate


108


, lower plate


110


, and center plate


112


, each includes a hole


116




a


,


116




b


,


116




c


, respectively, disposed therethrough. It can be seen that fifth embodiment


107


of first means


12


for attaching or mounting a laser diode module


14


is ideally adapted for attachment onto an edge of a planar surface, such as a table


117


or the like. A bolt


118


in conjunction with a clamping member


120


allows fifth embodiment


106


of first means


12


to be securely fastened onto the edge of an object.




In fifth embodiment


106


of first means


12


for attaching or mounting a laser diode module


14


, second means


16


for adjusting laser diode module


14


may also include ball and socket joint


38


. Ball and socket joint


38


is connected to fifth embodiment


106


of first means


12


by a bolt or screw


122


threaded through either hole


116




a


or hole


116




b


, depending on whether ball and socket joint


38


is positioned on upper plate


108


or center plate


112


, respectively.




Referring also to

FIG. 9

, a sixth embodiment


124


of first means


12


for attaching or mounting a laser diode module


14


, in accordance with the present invention, is generally shown. Sixth embodiment


124


of first means


12


comprises a housing


126


and a magnet


128


. Magnet


128


is located within housing


126


such that a significant surface area of magnet


128


is exposed for attracting onto a ferrous surface, such as a refrigerator (not shown) or an automobile body (not shown).




In sixth embodiment


124


of first means


12


for attaching or mounting a laser diode module


14


, second means


16


for adjusting laser diode module


14


may also include ball and socket joint


38


. Ball and socket joint


38


is connected to sixth embodiment


124


of first means


12


by threading into or gluing ball and socket joint


38


to housing


126


. Other means of connecting ball and socket joint


38


to housing


126


are contemplated, such as but not limited to, integrally molding or casting.




Referring also to

FIG. 10

, a seventh embodiment


130


of first means


12


for attaching or mounting a laser diode module


14


, in accordance with the present invention, is generally shown. Seventh embodiment


130


of first means


12


comprises a plate


132


, a support member


134


, and a screw means


136


. Plate


132


includes an upper surface


138


and an outer end


140


. Support member


134


is integrally coupled to upper surface


138


of plate


132


and extends perpendicularly from outer end


140


thereof. Screw means


136


is disposed through plate


132


and is adapted for threading into an object for attaching seventh embodiment


130


thereto. Another means for attaching screw means


136


to an object is shown and described later. In seventh embodiment


130


of first means


12


for attaching or mounting a laser diode module


14


, second means


16


for adjusting laser diode module


14


may also include ball and socket joint


38


.




Referring also to FIG.


11


and

FIG. 12

, first hinge assembly


58


is generally shown in combination with seventh embodiment


130


of first means


12


for attaching or mounting a laser diode module


14


. First hinge assembly


58


may be connected to plate


132


of seventh embodiment


130


for attaching a laser diode module


14


, by welding, gluing, integrally molding, or the like. First hinge assembly


58


may also be connected to second embodiment


46


for attaching a laser diode module


14


.




It can be seen that seventh embodiment


130


of first means


12


for attaching or mounting a laser diode module


14


may be attached to a cap


141


wherein plate


132


is slidably engaged within Is a clip


142


affixed onto cap


141


. Clip


142


includes a narrow channel


143


that receives screw means


136


and imposes compressive force thereon to hold plate


132


within clip


142


. Attachment mechanism


18


for securing first hinge assembly


58


to laser diode module


14


comprises a pair of plates


144




a


and


144




b


disposed in a generally parallel fashion so as to accommodate laser diode module


14


placed therebetween. A bolt or screw


145


is threaded through plate


144


B and into laser diode module


14


. First hinge assembly


58


allows for the directional adjustability of laser diode module


14


by providing pivotability of laser diode module


14


around axis “x”.




Referring also to FIG.


13


and

FIG. 14

, a third embodiment


146


of second means


16


for adjusting laser diode module


14


, in accordance with the present invention, is generally shown. Third embodiment


146


of second means


16


for adjusting laser diode module


14


comprises first hinge assembly


58


and a second hinge assembly


147


attached to first hinge assembly


58


by a post


148


. Second hinge assembly


147


resides within housing


126


and is capable of pivoting around a second axis “y” that is perpendicular to axis “x” that first hinge assembly


58


pivots around. It can be seen that third embodiment


146


of second means


16


for adjusting laser diode module


14


provides for adjustment of laser diode module


14


around two perpendicular axes of rotation, “x” and “y”.




Referring also to FIG.


15


and

FIG. 16

, a fourth embodiment


150


of means


16


for adjusting a laser diode module


14


, in accordance with the present invention, is generally shown. Fourth embodiment


150


of means


16


for adjusting a laser diode module


14


is shown connected to second embodiment


46


of means


12


for attaching or mounting laser diode module


14


. Fourth embodiment


150


of means


16


for adjusting a laser diode module


14


comprises ball and socket joint


38


attached to first hinge assembly


58


by a post


152


.




It may be seen that second embodiment


46


of means


12


for attaching or mounting laser diode module


14


may be attached to a cap


141


by inserting the visor


154


between first edge


50


and second edge


52


and sliding visor


154


through gap


56


. It may be further seen that fourth embodiment


150


of means


16


for adjusting a laser diode module


14


allows for an increased range of adjustabilty of laser diode module


14


since laser diode module


14


may swivel with ball and socket joint


38


while ball and socket joint


38


may pivot around axis “x” of first hinge assembly


58


.




Accordingly, it will be seen that this invention provides for attaching or mounting a laser diode module that enables the laser diode module to be aimed or pointed at a specified location while the laser diode module is either attached to some item of apparel worn by the user or mounted on an object. Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus the scope of this invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.



Claims
  • 1. An apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode module onto an object, comprising:(a) a laser diode module, said laser diode module having a laser emitter means and a laser dispersion means, the combination of said laser emitter means and said laser dispersion means produces a display picture image; (b) a means for attaching said laser diode module onto an object being provided; (c) a means for adjusting said laser diode module, said means for adjusting said laser diode module connected to said means for attaching a laser diode module; and (d) an attachment mechanism for securing said means for adjusting said laser diode module to said laser diode module; (e) said laser diode module secured to said means for adjusting said laser diode module.
  • 2. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said display picture image being selected from the group consisting of a representation, a depiction, a sign, an interpretation, a description, a model, a diagram, a doodle, an outline, a symbol, a design, a figure, a graphic, a visual aid, a rendering, an impression, a semblance, a plan, a piece, a drawing, an illustration, a portrait, a photograph, a likeness, a semblance, a similitude, a portrayal, a caricature, a cartoon, a sketch, a comic strip, or a delineation.
  • 3. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said first means for attaching a laser diode module comprises:(a) a plate, said plate including an upper end, a lower end, a front face, and a rear face; (b) a gripping member disposed on said rear face of said plate, said gripping member including an upwardly disposed handle and a lower extent; (c) a pivot assembly for coupling said gripping member to said plate; and (d) a spring for biasing said gripping member, whereby said lower extent of said gripping member is compressed against said rear face of said plate in a rest orientation.
  • 4. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said first means for attaching a laser diode module comprises a planar strip, said planar strip including a first edge, a second edge, and a center section, said center section being generally curved such that said first edge is disposed adjacent said second edge and a gap formed therebetween, said gap tapering from said center section towards said first and second edges.
  • 5. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said first means for attaching a laser diode module comprises:(a) a strip, said strip including a first end and a second end, said strip being curved such that a generally circular opening is formed therein; (b) a first tang and a second tang, said first tang extending outwardly from said first end and said second tang extending outwardly from said second end, wherein said first and said second tangs are generally parallel; and (c) bolt means for holding said first and said second tangs, in a fixed position relative to each other.
  • 6. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said first means for attaching a laser diode module comprises:(a) a first strip and a second strip, said first strip including a first end and a second end, said second strip including a third end and a fourth end, said first strip being curved such that a generally semi-circular opening is formed between said first end and a second end, said second strip being curved such that a generally semi-circular opening is formed between said third end and said fourth end; (b) a first tang, a second tang, a third tang, and a fourth tang, said first tang extending outwardly from said first end and said second tang extending outwardly from said second end, said third tang extending outwardly from said third end and said fourth tang extending outwardly from said fourth end, wherein said first tang and said third tang are disposed adjacent and generally parallel to each other and wherein said second tangs and said fourth tang are adjacent and generally parallel to each other; and (c) a first bolt means and a second bolt means, said first bolt means adapted for holding said first and third second tangs in a fixed position relative to each other, said second bolt means adapted for holding said second and said fourth tangs in a fixed position relative to each other.
  • 7. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said first means for attaching a laser diode module comprises:(a) an upper plate and a lower plate; (b) a center plate integral to and attached to both said upper plate and said lower plate, wherein a generally rectangular gap is defined between said upper plate and said lower plate; and (c) bolt means incorporated in said lower plate, said bolt means adapted to move towards said upper plate upon rotation of said bolt means, thereby exerting a compressive force on an object inserted therebetween.
  • 8. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said first means for attaching a laser diode module comprises a housing, said housing including a magnet disposed therein.
  • 9. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said first means for attaching a laser diode module comprises:(a) a plate, said plate including an upper surface and an outer end; (b) a support member integrally coupled to said upper surface of said plate, said support member extending perpendicularly from said outer end of said plate; and (c) a screw means passing through said plate.
  • 10. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said adjustment mechanism comprises a ball and socket joint.
  • 11. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said adjustment mechanism comprises a first hinge assembly capable of pivoting around a first axis.
  • 12. An apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein said adjustment mechanism further comprises a ball and socket joint coupled to said first hinge assembly.
  • 13. An apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein said adjustment mechanism further comprises a second hinge assembly coupled to said first hinge assembly, said second hinge assembly capable of pivoting around a second axis, wherein said second axis is generally perpendicular to said first axis.
  • 14. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said second means for securing said adjustment mechanism comprises at least one screw.
  • 15. An apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode module onto an object, comprising:(a) a laser diode module, said laser diode module having a laser emitter means and a laser dispersion means, the combination of said laser emitter means in said laser dispersion means produces a display letter image; (b) a means for attaching said laser diode module onto an object; (c) a means for adjusting said laser diode module, said means for adjusting said laser diode module connected to said means for attaching a laser diode module; and (d) an attachment mechanism for securing said means for adjusting said laser diode module to said laser diode module; (e) said laser diode module secured to said means for adjusting said laser diode module.
  • 16. An apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein said display letter image being selected from the group consisting of script, a note, a memo, at least one alpha-numeric symbol, a communication, initials, an epistle, a notification, a missive, at least one contraction, a statement, at least one acronym, at least one word, at least one phrase, at least one slogan, at least one expression, at least one remark, at least one declaration, at least one saying, at least one idiom, at least one axiom, at least one slogan, at least one turn of phrase, at least one motto, at least one jingle, at least one catch phrase, at least one watch word, or at least one sentence.
  • 17. An apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein said first means for attaching a laser diode module comprises:(a) a plate, said plate including an upper end, a lower end, a front face, and a rear face; (b) a gripping member disposed on said rear face of said plate, said gripping member including an upwardly disposed handle and a lower extent; (c) a pivot assembly for coupling said gripping member to said plate; and (d) a spring for biasing said gripping member, whereby said lower extent of said gripping member is compressed against said rear face of said plate in a rest orientation.
  • 18. An apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein said first means for attaching a laser diode module comprises a planar strip, said planar strip including a first edge, a second edge, and a center section, said center section being generally curved such that said first edge is disposed adjacent said second edge and a gap formed therebetween, said gap tapering from said center section towards said first and second edges.
  • 19. An apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein said adjustment mechanism comprises a ball and socket joint.
  • 20. An apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein said adjustment mechanism comprises a first hinge assembly capable of pivoting around a first axis.
  • 21. An apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein said adjustment mechanism further comprises a ball and socket joint coupled to said first hinge assembly.
  • 22. An apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein said adjustment mechanism further comprises a second hinge assembly coupled to said first hinge assembly, said second hinge assembly capable of pivoting around a second axis, wherein said second axis is generally perpendicular to said first axis.
  • 23. An apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode module onto an object, comprising:(a) a laser diode module, said laser diode module having a laser emitter means and a laser dispersion means, the combination of said laser emitter means and said laser dispersion means produces a display picture image and display letter image combination; (b) a means for attaching said laser diode module onto an object; (c) a means for adjusting said laser diode module, said means for adjusting said laser diode module connected to said means for attaching a laser diode module; and (d) an attachment mechanism for securing said means for adjusting said laser diode module to said laser diode module; (e) said laser diode module secured to said means for adjusting said laser diode module.
  • 24. An apparatus as recited in claim 23, wherein said display picture image being selected from the group consisting of a representation, a depiction, a sign, an interpretation, a description, a model, a diagram, a doodle, an outline, a symbol, a design, a figure, a graphic, a visual aid, a rendering, an impression, a semblance, a plan, a piece, a drawing, an illustration, a portrait, a photograph, a likeness, a semblance, a similitude, a portrayal, a caricature, a cartoon, a sketch, a comic strip, or a delineation.
  • 25. An apparatus as recited in claim 23, wherein said display letter image being selected from the group consisting of script, a note, a memo, at least one alpha-numeric symbol, a communication, initials, an epistle, a notification, a missive, at least one contraction, a statement, at least one acronym, at least one word, at least one phrase, at least one slogan, at least one expression, at least one remark, at least one declaration, at least one saying, at least one idiom, at least one axiom, at least one slogan, at least one turn of phrase, at least one motto, at least one jingle, at least one catch phrase, at least one watch word, or at least one sentence.
  • 26. An apparatus as recited in claim 23, wherein said first means for attaching a laser diode module comprises:(a) a plate, said plate including an upper end, a lower end, a front face, and a rear face; (b) a gripping member disposed on said rear face of said plate, said gripping member including an upwardly disposed handle and a lower extent; (c) a pivot assembly for coupling said gripping member to said plate; and (d) a spring for biasing said gripping member, whereby said lower extent of said gripping member is compressed against said rear face of said plate in a rest orientation.
  • 27. An apparatus as recited in claim 23, wherein said first means for attaching a laser diode module comprises a planar strip, said planar strip including a first edge, a second edge, and a center section, said center section being generally curved such that said first edge is disposed adjacent said second edge and a gap formed therebetween, said gap tapering from said center section towards said first and second edges.
  • 28. An apparatus as recited in claim 23, wherein said adjustment mechanism comprises a ball and socket joint.
  • 29. An apparatus as recited in claim 23, wherein said adjustment mechanism comprises a first hinge assembly capable of pivoting around a first axis.
  • 30. An apparatus as recited in claim 27, wherein said adjustment mechanism further comprises a ball and socket joint coupled to said first hinge assembly.
  • 31. An apparatus as recited in claim 27, wherein said adjustment mechanism further comprises a second hinge assembly coupled to said first hinge assembly, said second hinge assembly capable of pivoting around a second axis, wherein said second axis is generally perpendicular to said first axis.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/398,895 filed on Sep. 20, 1999, which is now abandoned.

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Continuations (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 09/398895 Sep 1999 US
Child 09/908274 US