Generally, an illuminated assembly and methods for making and using illuminated assemblies. Specifically, an illuminated assembly including a plurality of pages, whereby each of the plurality of pages can be coupled to a light source which provides light to one or more page surfaces such that the light can be viewed by a viewer of the one or more page surfaces.
A need exists for a book having pages which can be viewed without an external light source, particularly in a low-light or dark environment.
A broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can be to provide an illuminated assembly including a plurality of pages coupled to one another, whereby each page includes a panel having a panel first surface opposite a panel second surface; a first sheet having a first sheet front surface opposite a first sheet back surface, the first sheet back surface coupled to the panel first surface; and at least one first sheet light transmission portion disposed within the first sheet, the first sheet light transmission portion communicating between the first sheet front and back surfaces. The illuminated assembly further includes a light source operatively coupled to each panel, the light source in an activated condition provides light to each corresponding panel first surface; whereby the light is transmitted from each panel first surface through each corresponding first sheet light transmission portion such that the light is viewable by a viewer of the first sheet front surface.
Another broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can be to provide an illuminated assembly whereby each page further includes a second sheet having a second sheet front surface opposite a second sheet back surface, the second sheet back surface coupled to the panel second surface; and at least one second sheet light transmission portion disposed within the second sheet, the second sheet light transmission portion communicating between the second sheet front and back surfaces. The light source in the activated condition provides light to each corresponding panel second surface, whereby the light is transmitted from each panel second surface through each corresponding second sheet light transmission portion such that the light is viewable by a viewer of the second sheet front surface.
Another broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can be to provide a method of producing an illuminated assembly, the method including coupling a plurality of pages to one another, each page produced by providing a panel having a panel first surface opposite a panel second surface; providing a first sheet having a first sheet front surface opposite a first sheet back surface; disposing at least one first sheet light transmission portion within the first sheet, the first sheet light transmission portion communicating between the first sheet front and back surfaces; and coupling the first sheet back surface to the panel first surface. The method further includes operatively coupling a light source to each panel, the light source in an activated condition provides light to each corresponding panel first surface; whereby the light is transmitted from each panel first surface through each corresponding first sheet light transmission portion such that the light is viewable by a viewer of the first sheet front surface.
Another broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can be to provide a method of producing an illuminated assembly, the method further including producing each page by providing a second sheet having a second sheet front surface opposite a second sheet back surface; disposing at least one second sheet light transmission portion within the second sheet, the second sheet light transmission portion communicating between the second sheet front and back surfaces; and coupling the second sheet back surface to the panel second surface. The light source in the activated condition provides light to each corresponding panel second surface, whereby the light is transmitted from each panel second surface through each corresponding second sheet light transmission portion such that the light is viewable by a viewer of the second sheet front surface.
Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughout other areas of the specification, drawings, and claims.
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The light-diffusing panel (14) can diffuse the light (11) provided by the light source (3) such that the light (11) generally uniformly illuminates the panel first surface (6) (and, as to particular embodiments, the panel second surface (7)). As to particular embodiments, the light-diffusing panel (14) can diffuse the light (11) provided by the light source (3) when the light (11) is provided proximate a panel first edge (15).
As to particular embodiments, the light-diffusing panel (14) can further include one or more light-diffusing elements (16) configured to diffuse the light (11) provided by the light source (3) such that the light (11) generally uniformly illuminates the panel first surface (6) (and, as to particular embodiments, the panel second surface (7)). As to particular embodiments, the one or more light-diffusing elements (16) can diffuse the light (11) provided by the light source (3) when the light (11) is provided proximate the panel first edge (15).
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As to particular embodiments having light-diffusing particles (17) which diffuse the light (11) provided by the light source (3) such that the light (11) generally uniformly illuminates the panel first surface (6) (and, as to particular embodiments, the panel second surface (7)), the light-diffusing particles (17) can diffuse the light (11) provided by the light source (3) when the light (11) is provided proximate the panel first edge (15). For example, when the light (11) is provided proximate the panel first edge (15), the light-diffusing particles (17) can function to deflect the light (11) and suppress total internal reflection in the panel (5), allowing the light (11) to exit the panel (5) via the panel first surface (6) (and, as to particular embodiments, the panel second surface (7)), thereby generally uniformly illuminating the panel first surface (6) (and, as to particular embodiments, the panel second surface (7)). As illustrative examples, light-diffusing panels (14) having light-diffusing particles (17) which may be useful for particular embodiments of the illuminated assembly (1) can include ACRYLITE® LED (EndLighten), which may be obtained from Evonik Cryo LLC, 299 Jefferson Road, Parsippany, N.J. 07054, USA; Plexiglas® ELiT II, which may be obtained from Arkema Inc., 100 PA Rt. 413, Bristol, Pa. 19007, USA; or LuciteLux® Light Guide Panel, which may be obtained from Lucite International Inc, 7275 Goodlett Farms Parkway, Cordova, Tenn. 38016, USA.
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The first sheet (8) can be formed from any of a numerous and wide variety of materials, depending upon the application. As illustrative examples, the first sheet (8) can be formed from paper, paper-like materials, plastic, fabric, or the like, or combinations thereof; however, the invention need not be so limited, as the first sheet (8) can be formed from any material which can couple to the panel (5) to provide a page (2) of the illuminated assembly (1).
The first sheet (8) can be coupled to the panel (5) using any of a numerous and wide variety of conventional coupling elements, such as adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or any coupling element or method of coupling which can couple the first sheet back surface (10) to the panel first surface (6).
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The first sheet light transmission portion (21) can be formed from a generally transparent material (23), which can allow substantially the entirety of the light (11) from the portion of the panel first surface (6) underlaying the transparent material (23) to be transmitted through the transparent material (23) and, correspondingly, through the first sheet (8), whereby the light (11) can be viewable by a viewer (22) of the first sheet front surface (9).
The first sheet light transmission portion (21) can be formed from a generally translucent material (24), which can allow a portion of the light (11) from the portion of the panel first surface (6) underlaying the translucent material (24) to be transmitted through the translucent material (24) and, correspondingly, through the first sheet (8), whereby the light (11) can be viewable by a viewer (22) of the first sheet front surface (9).
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The first sheet (8), within which the one or more first sheet light transmission portions (21) are disposed, can be formed from a numerous and wide variety of materials, as described above, depending upon the application. As an illustrative example, the first sheet (8) can be formed from a generally opaque paper or paper-like material which precludes light transmission. Accordingly, the light (11) provided by the light source (3) can only be transmitted through portions of the first sheet (8) having one or more first sheet light transmission portions (21).
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The second sheet (32) can be formed from any of a numerous and wide variety of materials, depending upon the application. As illustrative examples, the second sheet (32) can be formed from paper, paper-like materials, plastic, fabric, or the like, or combinations thereof; however, the invention need not be so limited, as the second sheet (32) can be formed from any material which can couple to the panel (5) to provide a page (2) of the illuminated assembly (1).
The second sheet (32) can be coupled to the panel (5) using any of a numerous and wide variety of conventional coupling elements, such as adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or any coupling element or method of coupling which can couple the second sheet back surface (31) to the panel second surface (7).
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The second sheet light transmission portion (37) can be formed from a generally transparent material (23), which can allow substantially the entirety of the light (11) from the portion of the panel second surface (7) underlaying the transparent material (23) to be transmitted through the transparent material (23) and, correspondingly, through the second sheet (32), whereby the light (11) can be viewable by a viewer (22) of the second sheet front surface (36).
The second sheet light transmission portion (37) can be formed from a generally translucent material (24), which can allow a portion of the light (11) from the portion of the panel second surface (7) underlaying the translucent material (24) to be transmitted through the translucent material (24) and, correspondingly, through the second sheet (32), whereby the light (11) can be viewable by a viewer (22) of the second sheet front surface (36).
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The second sheet (32), within which the one or more second sheet light transmission portions (37) are disposed, can be formed from a numerous and wide variety of materials, as described above, depending upon the application. As an illustrative example, the second sheet (32) can be formed from a generally opaque paper or paper-like material which precludes light transmission. Accordingly, the light (11) provided by the light source (3) can only be transmitted through portions of the second sheet (32) having one or more second sheet light transmission portions (37).
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As to particular embodiments, the light source (3) can be configured as a single light source (3), which operatively couples to the plurality of panels (5) to provide light (11) to each panel first surface (6) (and, as to particular embodiments, each panel second surface (7)), thereby illuminating each panel first surface (6) (and, as to particular embodiments, each panel second surface (7)). As to other particular embodiments, the light source (3) can be configured as a plurality of light sources (3) coupled one each to each panel (5) within each page (2) of the plurality of pages (2) included in the illuminated assembly (1), whereby each light source (3) provides light (11) to each corresponding panel first surface (6) (and, as to particular embodiments, each corresponding panel second surface (7)), thereby illuminating each corresponding panel first surface (6) (and, as to particular embodiments, each corresponding panel second surface (7)).
The light source (3) can be configured as any conventional light source (3) capable of providing light (11) to each panel (3), for example by providing light (11) to each panel (5) proximate the panel first edge (15). As illustrative examples, the light source (3) can include a light-emitting diode (LED) light source (56), an incandescent light source, a fluorescent light source, an electroluminescent light source, a bioluminescent light source, a chemiluminescent light source, a phosphorescent light source, an ultraviolet light source, or the like, or combinations thereof.
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As to other particular embodiments, the LED light source (56) can be configured as a pair of LEDs (57) coupled one each proximate panel first edge opposing ends (60), whereby the pair of LEDs (57) can provide light (11) to each panel (5) proximate each panel first edge (15) along generally the entirety of each panel first edge (15).
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As to particular embodiments, the light source housing (61) can removably couple to the plurality of panels (5). As to particular embodiments, the light source housing (61) can slidably engage with the plurality of panels (5) whereby, in an engaged condition (66), the light source (3) can provide light (11) to each panel (5) proximate each panel first edge (15).
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Each panel (5) can be disposed within a corresponding elongate slot (76) and, as to particular embodiments, a corresponding elongate sleeve (80), such that the panel first edge (15) disposes proximate the coupler tubular member interior space (79) defined by the coupler tubular member internal surface (78). The light source (3) can be received within the coupler tubular member interior space (79) such that the light (11) provided by the light source (3) can illuminate generally the entirety of the coupler tubular member interior space (79). Accordingly, the light (11) provided by the light source (3) can illuminate generally the entirety of each panel first edge (15) of each panel (5) disposed within a corresponding elongate slot (76) whereby each panel first edge (15) disposes proximate the coupler tubular member interior space (79).
As to particular embodiments of the illuminated assembly (1) having the light source (3) housed in the light source housing (61) configured as a light source housing tubular member (62), the light source housing tubular member (62) can removably telescopingly engage within the coupler tubular member interior space (79) such that the light (11) provided by the light source (3) can illuminate generally the entirety of the coupler tubular member interior space (79). Accordingly, the light (11) provided by the light source (3) can illuminate generally the entirety of each panel first edge (15) of each panel (5) disposed within a corresponding elongate slot (76) whereby each panel first edge (15) disposes proximate the coupler tubular member interior space (79). As to particular embodiments, the light source housing tubular member (62) can include one or more securement elements (82), such as an elastomeric annular element (83), which can function to releasably secure the light source housing tubular member (62) within the coupler tubular member interior space (79) by frictional engagement with the coupler tubular member internal surface (78).
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The coupler tubular member (72) can be formed from any of a numerous and wide variety of materials, depending upon the application. As to particular embodiments, the coupler tubular member (72), including each elongate sleeve (80), can be formed from a resiliently flexible material to allow each panel (5) received within a corresponding elongate slot (76) to rotate about a rotational axis (94), which can be in generally parallel relation to the coupler tubular member length (73). As an illustrative example, the coupler tubular member (72) can be formed from an elastomer (95), such as rubber or rubber-like material, for example neoprene rubber, nitrile rubber, latex rubber, silicone rubber, polyurethane, or the like, which can allow each panel (5) received within a corresponding elongate slot (76) to rotate about the rotational axis (94) in a similar fashion to the rotation of pages within a conventional book about a book spine.
As to particular embodiments, the elastomer (95) can be a generally opaque elastomer, such as a black elastomer, which can preclude the light (11) from the light source (3) received within the coupler tubular member interior space (79) from being transmitted through the coupler tubular member (72), thus the light (11) is provided only to the panel first edges (15) of the panels (5) received within the elongate slots (76) of the coupler tubular member (72).
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The seating element tubular member (97) can be formed from any of a numerous and wide variety of materials, depending upon the application. As to particular embodiments having the light source housing tubular member (62) removably telescopingly engaged within the seating element tubular member interior space (100), the seating element tubular member (97) and associated plurality of elongate seats (101) can be formed from a generally transparent material, which can allow the light (11) provided by the light source (3) to be transmitted from the light source (3) within the light source housing tubular member interior space (64) removably telescopingly engaged within the seating element tubular member interior space (100) through the seating element tubular member (97) and associated plurality of elongate seats (101) to each panel first edge (15) of each panel (5) disposed within a corresponding elongate slot (76) of the coupler tubular member (72). As an illustrative example, the seating element tubular member (97) and associated plurality of elongate seats (101) can be formed from a generally transparent plastic or plastic-like material, such as acrylic, which can allow the light (11) to pass through the seating element tubular member (97) and associated plurality of elongate seats (101).
As to particular embodiments, the light source housing tubular member (62), the coupler tubular member (72), or the seating element tubular member (97) can include end caps configured to cap the opposing ends of the corresponding light source housing tubular member (62), coupler tubular member (72), or seating element tubular member (97) and preclude the light (11) provided by the light source (3) from egressing from the corresponding light source housing tubular member interior space (64), coupler tubular member interior space (79), or seating element tubular member interior space (100) through the corresponding opposing ends of the light source housing tubular member (62), coupler tubular member (72), or seating element tubular member (97) toward the ambient environment (45). Accordingly, the light (11) provided by the light source (3) can only be transmitted to each panel (5) and through corresponding portions of the first and second sheets (8)(32) having corresponding one or more first and second sheet light transmission portions (21)(37) to be viewable by a viewer (22) of the corresponding first and second sheet front surfaces (9)(36).
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As to particular embodiments, the illuminated assembly (1) can further include one or more position sensors, which can sense a position of one or more of a panel (5), a first sheet (8), a second sheet (32), a front cover (110), a back cover (111), or any movable component of the illuminated assembly (1) to activate the light source (3) to the activated condition (4) in response to the movement of one or more movable components of the illuminated assembly (1). As an illustrative example, when the front cover (110) of an illuminated assembly (1) in a closed condition is moved to provide an open condition of the illuminated assembly, the position sensor can sense the movement of the front cover (110) and accordingly provide an activation signal to the light source (3), the power source (67), the actuator (68), or the like, to generate the activated condition (4), whereby the light source (3) provides light (11) to each panel (5).
A method of producing an illuminated assembly (1) can include coupling a plurality of pages (2) to one another, whereby each page (2) can be produced by providing a panel (5) having a panel first surface (6) opposite a panel second surface (7); providing a first sheet (8) having a first sheet front surface (9) opposite a first sheet back surface (10); disposing at least one first sheet light transmission portion (21) within the first sheet (8), the first sheet light transmission portion (21) communicating between the first sheet front and back surfaces (9)(10); and coupling the first sheet back surface (10) to the panel first surface (6). The method can further include operatively coupling a light source (3) to each panel (5), whereby the light source (3) in an activated condition (4) can provide light (11) to each corresponding panel first surface (6). Accordingly, the light (11) can be transmitted from each panel first surface (6) through each corresponding first sheet light transmission portion (21) such that the light (11) can be viewable by a viewer (22) of the first sheet front surface (9).
As to particular embodiments, the method can further include providing the panel (5) as a light-diffusing panel (14) configured to diffuse the light (11) provided by the light source (3). As to particular embodiments, the method can further include providing the light-diffusing panel (14) configured to diffuse the light (11) provided by the light source (3) to generally uniformly illuminate the panel first surface (6). As to particular embodiments, the method can further include providing the light-diffusing panel (14) configured to diffuse the light (11) provided by the light source (3) when the light (11) is provided proximate a panel first edge (15).
As to particular embodiments, the method can further include providing the light-diffusing panel (14) having one or more light-diffusing elements (16) selected from the group including or consisting of: light-diffusing particles (17) embedded within the light-diffusing panel (14) and a pattern (19) coupled to the light-diffusing panel (14), whereby the light-diffusing elements (16) can be configured to diffuse the light (11) provided by the light source (3).
As to particular embodiments, the method can further include providing the first sheet light transmission portion (21) having one or more configurations selected from the group including or consisting of: a generally transparent material (23), a generally translucent material (24), and an aperture element (25) defining an aperture element opening (26) communicating between the first sheet front and back surfaces (9)(10).
As to particular embodiments, the method can further include disposing indicia (30) on one or more surfaces selected from the group including or consisting of: the panel first surface (6), whereby the indicia (30) can be viewable through the first sheet light transmission portion (21) overlaying the indicia (30); the second sheet back surface (31), whereby the indicia (30) can be viewable through both the first sheet light transmission portion (21) and a portion of the panel (5) overlaying the indicia (30); and the first sheet front surface (9).
As to particular embodiments, the method can further include producing each page (2) by providing a second sheet (32) having a second sheet front surface (36) opposite a second sheet back surface (31); disposing at least one second sheet light transmission portion (37) within the second sheet (32), the second sheet light transmission portion (37) communicating between the second sheet front and back surfaces (36)(31); and coupling the second sheet back surface (31) to the panel second surface (7), whereby the light source (3) in the activated condition (4) can provide light (11) to each corresponding panel second surface (7). Accordingly, the light (11) can be transmitted from each panel second surface (7) through each corresponding second sheet light transmission portion (37) such that the light (11) can be viewable by a viewer (22) of the second sheet front surface (36).
As to particular embodiments, the method can further include providing the light-diffusing panel (14) configured to diffuse the light (11) provided by the light source (3) to generally uniformly illuminate the panel second surface (7).
As to particular embodiments, the method can further include providing the second sheet light transmission portion (37) having one or more configurations selected from the group including or consisting of: a generally transparent material (23), a generally translucent material (24), and an aperture element (25) defining an aperture element opening (26) communicating between the second sheet front and back surfaces (36)(31).
As to particular embodiments, the method can further include disposing indicia (30) on one or more surfaces selected from the group including or consisting of: the panel second surface (7), whereby the indicia (30) can be viewable through the second sheet light transmission portion (37) overlaying the indicia (30); the first sheet back surface (31), whereby the indicia (30) can be viewable through both the aperture element opening (26) and a portion of the panel (5) overlaying the indicia (30); and the second sheet front surface (36).
As to particular embodiments, the method can further include configuring the light source (3) to provide the light (11) to each the panel (5) proximate each corresponding panel first edge (15). As to particular embodiments, the light source (3) can be selected from the group including or consisting of: a light-emitting diode (LED) light source (56), an incandescent light source, a fluorescent light source, an electroluminescent light source, a bioluminescent light source, a chemiluminescent light source, a phosphorescent light source, and an ultraviolet light source.
As to particular embodiments, the method can further include housing the light source (3) within a light source housing (61). As to particular embodiments, the method can further include coupling the light source housing (61) to each panel (5) to provide the light (11) proximate each corresponding panel first edge (15). As to particular embodiments, the method can further include removably coupling the light source housing (61) to each panel (5). As to particular embodiments, the method can further include slidably engaging the light source housing (61) with each panel (5), whereby in an engaged condition (66), the light source (3) can provide the light (11) to each panel (5) proximate each corresponding panel first edge (15).
As to particular embodiments, the method can further include operatively coupling a power source (67) to the light source (3) to generate the activated condition (4) whereby the light source (3) can provide the light (11) to each panel (5) proximate each corresponding panel first edge (15).
As to particular embodiments, the method can further include providing a coupler (71); coupling each panel (5) to the coupler (71); and coupling the light source (3) to the coupler (71); whereby the coupler (71) can be configured to couple each panel (5) to the light source (3) to provide the light (11) proximate each corresponding panel first edge (15).
As to particular embodiments, the method can further include providing the coupler (71) configured as a coupler tubular member (72) having a plurality of elongate slots (76) communicating between a coupler tubular member external surface (77) and a coupler tubular member internal surface (78) which defines a coupler tubular member interior space (79); and engaging each panel (5) within a corresponding elongate slot (76); whereby each elongate slot (76) can be configured to receive the panel (5) to dispose the corresponding panel first edge (15) proximate the coupler tubular member interior space (79). As to particular embodiments, the method can further include removably telescopingly engaging the light source housing (61) within the coupler tubular member interior space (79).
As to particular embodiments, the method can further include providing a seating element tubular member (97) having a seating element tubular member external surface (98) and a seating element tubular member internal surface (99) which defines a seating element tubular member interior space (100); coupling a plurality of elongate seats (101) to the seating element tubular member external surface (98); and rotatably engaging each panel first edge (15) within each corresponding elongate seat (101). As to particular embodiments, the method can further include telescopingly engaging the seating element tubular member (97) within the coupler tubular member interior space (79) to align the plurality of elongate seats (101) with the plurality of elongate slots (76) disposed within the coupler tubular member (72). As to particular embodiments, the method can further include removably telescopingly engaging the light source housing (61) within the seating element tubular member interior space (100).
As to particular embodiments, the method can further include providing a binding assembly (107) including a spine element (109) coupled between front and back covers (110)(111); and coupling the light source (3) between the spine element (109) and the plurality of pages (2).
As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. The invention involves numerous and varied embodiments of an illuminated assembly and methods for making and using such illuminated assemblies, including the best mode.
As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the invention disclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tables accompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, but rather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments generically encompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect to any particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description of a single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitly describe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives are implicitly disclosed by the description and figures.
It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each step of a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed as an action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed as the physical element or the action which that physical element facilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a “coupler” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “coupling”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of “coupling”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a “coupler” and even a “means for coupling.” Such alternative terms for each element or step are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.
In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to included in the description for each term as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definition hereby incorporated by reference.
All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term “about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of the present invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” one particular value to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value to the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. A numerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited numeric value or having the same function or result. Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means largely, but not wholly, the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have a range of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art would consider as having the same function or result. When a particular element is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent “substantially,” it will be understood that the particular element forms another embodiment.
Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwise limited. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein.
Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) each of the illuminated assemblies herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown, disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the various combinations and permutations of each of the previous elements disclosed.
The background section of this patent application, if any, provides a statement of the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. This section may also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain United States patents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter of the claimed invention useful in relating information, problems, or concerns about the state of technology to which the invention is drawn toward. It is not intended that any United States patent, patent application, publication, statement or other information cited or incorporated herein be interpreted, construed or deemed to be admitted as prior art with respect to the invention.
The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent application or continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon.
Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, are further intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number of the preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing of embodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does not waive any right to develop further claims based upon the description set forth above as a part of any continuation, division, or continuation-in-part, or similar application.
This application is the United States National Stage entry of International Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application No. PCT/US14/55323, filed Sep. 12, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/876,762, filed Sep. 12, 2013, each hereby incorporated by reference herein.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/US2014/055323 | 9/12/2014 | WO | 00 |
Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
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WO2015/038857 | 3/19/2015 | WO | A |
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3622771 | Franc | Nov 1971 | A |
4209824 | Kaufman | Jun 1980 | A |
4363081 | Wilbur | Dec 1982 | A |
5118138 | Brotz | Jun 1992 | A |
5167508 | McTaggart | Dec 1992 | A |
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