Illuminated translucent devices

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6802635
  • Patent Number
    6,802,635
  • Date Filed
    Friday, September 6, 2002
    22 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, October 12, 2004
    20 years ago
Abstract
A series of different embodiments of illuminated translucent devices, each include lighting at at least one end thereof and a channel or passage therethrough or therealong for installing connecting electrical wiring therein. An opaque sleeve or the like is provided about the passage to conceal the passage and any wiring or other element(s) installed therein. The lighting elements may be any suitable type, but LEDs are preferred. The external cross sectional shape of the device may be round, or any other shape as desired for use as a free standing column or support, or as a wall mounted sconce or the like. Some embodiments include a structural member therein or opaque structural sleeve therearound, with the outer sleeve having a series of light passages formed therethrough. The devices may be used as floor lamp or ceiling fan columns, guard or bannister rails, vehicle guards and racks, etc., as desired.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




1. Field of the Invention




The present invention relates generally to translucent or transparent devices having illumination sources therewith. More particularly, the present invention comprises a series of different embodiments of an elongate, translucent element having an electrical conductor passage or channel therethrough or therein, with electrically powered lighting means illuminating the translucent element from one or both ends thereof. Various means are provided for concealing the wiring within the elongate element, as well as other variations upon the present invention.




2. Description of the Related Art




Innumerable elongate tubular and cylindrical rod supports, columns, stands, rails, bannisters, etc., are conventionally used in a multitude of widely varying devices and structures. Examples of such are poles or columns for floor lamps; columns for suspending ceiling fans and ceiling mounted lights therefrom; tubular bumper and grille guard structures in motor vehicles, particularly for pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles; roof racks, laterally mounted steps, and the like for such vehicles; and bridge, highway, and other guardrails, bannisters, and balusters. While the above list is relatively comprehensive, it should be understood that it is not all-inclusive, and that many other elongate structural elements are known.




A universal characteristic of such elongate elements, is their lack of internal or integral lighting therewith. This is an important consideration, widely recognized by traffic engineers. It is common for such structures to be illuminated by reflective or phosphorescent tape, paint, or other means when used in the highway or roadway environment, and/or to provide external flood or spot lighting of such structures to alert motorists as to their location and proximity. Also, motor vehicles themselves are universally fitted with various lighting elements, particularly larger trucks with their side mounted clearance lighting. However, where other structural assemblies are provided, e.g., bumper and grill guards, rollover structures and roof racks, etc., they are universally lighted with only reflective elements, if at all.




In addition, there are innumerable elongate rails, guards, bannisters, columns, etc. which are normally a part of the interior architecture and/or structure of many, if not most, building structures, both in the home and in commercial establishments. Typically, these structures are not directly illuminated from within, but where any illumination is provided at all, it is from some secondary, supplementary light source, and/or reflective or phosphorescent coatings (paint, tape, etc). The need for high visibility for such structures is well known, as evidenced by the widespread use of reflective tape and the like upon such structures, as well as along the edges of stairway treads and the like in relatively poorly lighted areas. Still other structures, e.g., lamp poles, ceiling fan supports, etc., could benefit from the attractive appearance which may be provided by means of an illuminated translucent structure, but little, if anything, has been done in this field.




A universal characteristic of such structures and devices is their lack of integral illumination to provide internal lighting from the device or structure itself, as noted above. Heretofore, when the need for illuminating such structures was perceived, all lighting has been accomplished by means of additional external, supplementary lighting directed at the structure or device, and/or the application of reflective or phosphorescent coatings of some sort to the structure or device.




Accordingly, a need will be seen for illuminated translucent structures and devices, comprising an elongate translucent or transparent member having a passage or channel formed therein or therealong for placement of an electrical conductor therein. The electrical conductor channel is preferably concealed by some means, such as reflective material surrounding the channel, or an opaque structural member installed within the channel or within the body of the translucent member, in order to conceal the electrical wiring therein. The exterior of the translucent member may be covered by a generally solid structural tubular member for greater structural strength, with the tubular member having one or more light passages formed therethrough to produce a patterned light emission from the translucent element carried therein. Such translucent elements having surrounding solid tubular structures with light passages formed therein, serve well as structural guard rails, bannisters, bumper and grill guards, etc.




All of the above described devices are easily illuminated by means of light emitting diodes (hereinafter known as “LEDs” throughout the remainder of the disclosure), or other lighting means, as desired. The provision of electrical conductors extending through or along the translucent member, enables LEDs or other lighting means to be installed at various points along the assembly, to maintain illumination along the entire assembly.




A discussion of the related art of which the present inventors are aware, and its differences and distinctions from the present invention, is provided below.




U.S. Pat. No. 3,532,874 issued on Oct. 6, 1970 to Robert S. Rosenast, titled “Decorative Structure,” describes a device having a series of concentric, telescoping tubes formed of clear or opaque plastic material, with a series of flexible fiberoptic strands disposed between each concentric pair of tubes. The outer tubes are shorter than the inner tubes, with the flexible fiberoptic strands extending from the space between the end of each outer tube and the upstanding wall of the next innermost tube, in a spreading array. Rosenast provides active lighting for his decorative assembly from only one end thereof, and does not disclose any form of a passage through or along the structural members of the device for the installation of electrical wiring therein, nor does he provide any lighting means at the opposite end of the assembly from the single active lighting source disclosed.




U.S. Pat. No. 4,513,692 issued on Apr. 30, 1985 to Alexandra Kuhnsman et al., titled “Illuminatable Pet Leash,” describes a flexible leash device having an external transparent plastic tube formed of Tygon® plastic material, with a series of fiberoptic strands contained therein. Kuhnsman et al. provide a light source at the handle end of the leash, which shines axially along the fiberoptic strands. However, no rigid structure, electrical wiring and passage therefor, nor illumination at opposite ends of the elongate device (or portion thereof), is provided by Kuhnsman et al., as is provided by the present invention in its various embodiments.




U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,973 issued on May 21, 1991 to Thomas P. Hager et al., titled “Cable Reinforcement For An Optical Fiber Cable,” describes a glass fiberoptic strand surrounded by a yarn having a glass fiber weave therein. The assembly is then covered with a polyethylene sleeve and heated to fuse the synthetic yarn fibers with the outer polyethylene sleeve. The result is a relatively stiff fiberoptic cable structure which protects the inner glass fiberoptic strand due to the glass fibers fused with the outer sleeve during the heating process. Hager et al. do not disclose any form of lighting for their cable, and particularly do not provide any means for transmitting electrical power through their cable to provide active illumination at both cable ends, or section thereof. The present invention includes such electrical conductor channel means therein, and comprises a rigid structure which provides side lighting, unlike the Hager et al. cable.




U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,119 issued on Oct. 22, 1991 to Mellapalayam R. Parthasarathy, titled “Light Pipe For Decorative Illumination,” describes a series of embodiments, each incorporating internal and external components having different indices of refraction. The two components are tapered to have a conical shape, resulting in light scattering along the length of the light pipes as the light progresses toward the narrower end of the internal component. While Parthasarathy discloses a central structural member in one embodiment, he does not disclose any conduit passage through his solid core light pipes, and his tapered structure teaches away from lighting the device from both ends.




U.S. Pat. No. 5,495,400 issued on Feb. 27, 1996 to Joseph E. Currie, titled “Optical Fiber Illumination Device,” describes a series of embodiments of an optical fiber lighting system for use with motor vehicles. The device may be used as supplemental illumination for such vehicles, in the manner of side marker lights on the sides of pickup truck boxes and the like. Means are disclosed for activating and deactivating the lighting in concert with operation of parking lights, brake lights, turn signals, and other vehicle lighting, as desired. While Currie discloses a slotted opaque structure enclosing the fiberoptic lighting device therein, he does not provide any means of conducting electrical power through the fiberoptic device for energizing light sources at opposite ends of the device, as provided by the present invention.




Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,517 issued on Jan. 16, 2001 to Wolfgang Eibner et al., titled “Luminous Display Element With A Light Coupled Into A Light Conducting Housing,” describes a series of embodiments of a translucent light assembly having a light emitting element (surface mounted LED array) therein. Eibner et al. teach away from the present invention due to the lighting element(s) being installed within the translucent member of the device. The present invention does not include any lighting elements therein, but rather provides a channel or guide for an electrical conductor(s) running through the translucent member, in order to provide electrical power for lighting units at opposite ends of the device, and/or at joints therealong.




None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus illuminated translucent devices solving the aforementioned problems are desired.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




The present invention comprises a number of different embodiments of an illuminated translucent device, having an elongate translucent body which is illuminated at each end (and/or at some intermediate location) thereof. A first end may include a first lighting element therewith, oriented to direct light into the end of the translucent body, and at least one distal second lighting element at the opposite end of the translucent member. The translucent member includes a passage or channel formed therethrough or therealong, for an electrical conductor(s) for providing power to the distal second lighting element at the opposite end or location removed from the first lighting element.




Preferably, the passage for the electrical conductor(s) is concealed by providing some form of reflective coating surrounding the internal passage or external channel, rendering the area immediately around the passage or channel, opaque. A tubular structural member (e.g., steel tube, etc.) may be installed within a central channel, providing additional structural strength as well as concealing any wiring elements extending through the channel. Alternatively, the translucent material itself may be treated to produce an effect which conceals the inner structure thereof.




The present invention may also be combined with a solid, opaque tubular member installed thereover, to provide the desired structural strength for use in guard rails, vehicle bumper and grille guards and other similar structures, etc. The opaque external member includes at least one light passage formed through the wall thereof, allowing light to escape from the translucent member therein to illuminate the structure. Different colored lighting, including control by timer or other means, may be applied to any of the embodiments of the present invention as desired.




Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide various embodiments of illuminated translucent devices, each including an elongate translucent member having first lighting means at a first end thereof, at least secondary lighting means at a distal location therein or at a distal second end thereof, a channel formed therein for an electrical conductor(s) for energizing the distal secondary lighting means, and means for concealing the channel.




It is another object of the invention to provide such illuminated translucent devices incorporating various lighting principles, but most preferably incorporating LED lighting means therewith, with the LED lights directed into opposite ends of the translucent member.




It is a further object of the invention to provide an opaque structural member surrounding the central translucent element, with the opaque structural member having at least one light passage formed through the wall thereof.




Still another object of the invention is to provide additional options for the present invention, including installation of a hollow structural tube within or surrounding the passage through the illuminated member, concentric illuminated members having lighting passages formed therethrough, and colored lighting.




It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.




These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the following specification and drawings.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS





FIG. 1

is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention, comprising an elongate translucent member having a concentric passage therethrough and a series of opaque bands disposed concentrically about the passage to conceal the passage.





FIG. 2

is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention, similar to the embodiment of

FIG. 1

but having a continuous opaque cylinder disposed about the central passage.





FIG. 3

is a side elevation view in section, showing a means for crazing the internal structure of the translucent element for concealing the internal passage therethrough.





FIG. 4

is an exploded perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing the insertion of an opaque structural tube into the central passage of the translucent member.





FIG. 5

is an exploded perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention, showing the insertion of a solid support rod and electrical conductor through the central passage of the translucent member.





FIG. 6

is an exploded perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention, showing the installation of an opaque structural member having light passages therethrough, over the translucent member.





FIG. 7

is an exploded perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the present invention, showing provision for end connectors and caps for joining multiple lengths of the assemblies of FIG.


6


.





FIG. 8

is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of the present invention, comprising a series of concentric translucent members which may rotate relative to one another.





FIG. 9

is an elevation view in section showing details of a floor lamp incorporating the translucent illuminated member of the present invention.





FIG. 10

is a perspective view of a ceiling fan incorporating the translucent illuminated member of the present invention.





FIG. 11

is a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of the present invention, showing a translucent member having a conduit channel formed in an opaque portion thereof, concealing the channel.





FIG. 12

is a perspective view of a tenth embodiment of the present invention, showing an assembly similar to that of

FIG. 11

but including a semicylindrical retainer over the channel.





FIG. 13

is a perspective view of an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, showing an opaque, reflective coating applied between the channel and the translucent member.





FIG. 14

is a perspective view of a twelfth embodiment of the present invention, showing a semicylindrical translucent member with an opaque reflective coating between the channel and translucent member.





FIG. 15

is a perspective view showing the twelfth embodiment and thirteenth and fourteenth embodiments installed as wall sconces, with the embodiments of

FIG. 15

each having a different shape.





FIG. 16

is a schematic diagram illustrating the lighting system which may be used with any of the embodiments of the present invention, as well as means for altering the color of the lighting.











Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.




DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS




The present invention comprises a series of embodiments of an illuminated translucent device, wherein an elongate, translucent or transparent length of material is illuminated from opposite ends thereof, and/or at one or more intermediate points therealong. A channel or passage is provided through or along the translucent member, for the installation of wiring therein for the lighting means. The channel or passage is preferably concealed with a decorative finish or the like.





FIG. 1

of the drawings illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention, comprising a single rigid, elongate, translucent length of material


10


having opposite first and second ends


12




a


and


12




b


(the second end


12




b


is shown truncated in

FIG. 1

, to indicate the indefinite length of the translucent body


10


). A channel or passage


14


is formed concentrically through the device


10


, for installing at least one electrical conductor(s)


16


therethrough. The wiring


16


extends from end to end through the translucent body


10


, and supplies electrical energy for various lighting elements, disclosed in other drawings and discussed in detail further below.




In the embodiment of

FIG. 1

, a series of opaque, externally reflective stripes of material


18


are disposed about the central passage


14


, thereby serving to conceal the passage


14


and any wiring


16


or other elements installed therein. The magnification provided by the external curvature of the substantially cylindrical translucent body


10


, serves to magnify the reflective stripes


18


to enhance their coverage of the wiring passage


14


, and any wiring


16


or other elements, installed within the passage


14


. Preferably, the opaque elements


18


are disposed in a substantially cylindrical array about the central passage


14


, and are spaced somewhat outwardly from the passage


14


by an inner portion


10




a


of the translucent body


10


, with the translucent body


10


having an outer portion


10




b


extending generally radially outwardly beyond the opaque reflective portion


18


. Lighting the device from either or both ends


12




a


and/or


12




b


, results in an attractive reflection from the elements


18


, concealing the passage


14


and wiring


16


therein.





FIG. 2

illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention, closely resembling the embodiment of FIG.


1


. The only difference between the embodiments of FIG.


1


and

FIG. 2

, is in the configuration of the element or elements which serve to conceal the wiring passage and wiring therein, in each of the devices. The embodiment of

FIG. 2

comprises a single rigid, elongate, translucent length of material


20


(translucent or transparent acrylic plastic, etc.) with opposite first and second ends


22




a


and


22




b


(with the second end


22




b


shown truncated in FIG.


2


). An electrical wiring or conductor channel or passage


24


is formed concentrically through the device


20


, with wiring


26


extending from end to end through the translucent body


20


.




In the embodiment of

FIG. 2

, a single, substantially cylindrical, opaque element or sleeve


28


is disposed about the central passage


24


, thereby completely concealing the central passage


24


and any wiring


26


installed therein. The cylindrically configured opaque sleeve


28


is preferably reflective at least upon its outwardly facing surface, and is spaced somewhat outwardly from the passage


24


by an inner portion


20




a


of the translucent body


20


, with the translucent body


20


having an outer portion


20




b


extending generally radially outwardly beyond the opaque reflective portion


28


. As in the case of the opaque elements


18


of the translucent device


10


of

FIG. 1

, the opaque sleeve


28


of the device


20


of

FIG. 2

may be formed of an opaque, reflective plastic material which is extruded into the body of the device at the time of manufacture, or otherwise installed integrally with the body of the device.





FIG. 3

provides a side elevation in section, showing a means for treating the plastic material of the body of the present translucent device in order to render it substantially opaque. The embodiment of

FIG. 3

includes a single rigid, elongate, translucent length of material


30


formed of acrylic plastic or other chemically related material, with opposite first and second ends


32




a


and


32




b


(shown truncated in FIG.


3


). An electrical wiring or conductor channel or passage


34


is formed concentrically through the device


30


, for the installation of wiring (not shown in

FIG. 3

, but essentially the same as that illustrated in other drawing Figs.) extending from end to end through the translucent body


30


.




Rather than including a separate opaque structure within the body of the device


30


, the internal passage


34


of the acrylic plastic material is chemically treated with a solvent


36


(e.g., acetone, etc.) or other suitable substance which penetrates the material and causes it to take on a milky white translucent or opaque appearance, and/or produces a myriad of minute cracks and crazing in the material (depending upon the specific chemical relationship), as indicated by the pattern


30




a


illustrated in

FIG. 3

in the body


30


of the device. This chemical treatment serves to conceal the internal passage


34


, and thus conceals any wiring or other structure installed within the passage


34


. As this chemical treatment may weaken the structure of the device


30


, an outer translucent or transparent sleeve of material


38


is preferably installed about the body


30


, for structural strength and for transmitting light therealong as well.





FIG. 4

illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention, differing in the means used to provide the opaque structure for concealing the concentric internal passage therein. In

FIG. 4

, the single rigid, elongate, translucent length of material


40


(translucent or transparent acrylic plastic, etc.) has opposite first and second ends


42




a


and


42




b


(with the second end


42




b


shown truncated in FIG.


4


). An electrical wiring or conductor channel or passage


44


is formed concentrically through the device


40


, with wiring (not shown in

FIG. 4

, but essentially the same as that illustrated in other drawing Figs.) extending from end to end through the translucent body


40


.




In the embodiment of

FIG. 4

, a single, substantially cylindrical tubular, opaque structural element or sleeve


48


is installed within the central passage


44


, thereby completely concealing the central passage


44


and any wiring installed therein. The cylindrically configured opaque tube


48


is preferably reflective at least upon its outwardly facing surface, in order to reflect light outwardly which is transmitted through the translucent body of the device


40


. The structural tube or sleeve


48


not only serves to conceal the passage


44


and any structure installed therein, but also serves as a structural member for supporting the translucent column


40


, as well as any other structure which might be supported thereby (e.g., where the column


40


is used to support a ceiling fan, floor lamp, or other device suspended from or supported by a column).





FIG. 5

of the drawings illustrates still another embodiment of the present invention, comprising a single rigid, elongate, translucent length of material


50


(translucent or transparent acrylic plastic, etc.) with opposite first and second ends


52




a


and


52




b


(with the second end


52




b


shown truncated in FIG.


5


). An electrical wiring or conductor channel or passage


54


is formed concentrically through the device


50


, as in the devices of

FIGS. 1 through 4

. However, rather than installing a hollow tubular support member through the wiring passage, as in the case of the embodiment of

FIG. 4

, a solid structural support rod


58


is inserted through the passage


54


, with the wiring


56


extending along the support rod


58


(e.g., spiraled around the rod


58


, etc.).




Depending upon the pattern used for installing the wiring


56


about the rod


58


, a decorative pattern may be achieved by this means alone. However, the inner wall of the passage


54


may be coated or otherwise rendered opaque (this is not illustrated in

FIG. 5

) in the manner described further above for the devices illustrated in

FIGS. 1 through 4

in order to conceal the support rod


58


and wiring


56


contained therein, if so desired. The solid structural support rod


58


serves essentially the same purpose as that provided by the hollow tube


48


of the assembly of

FIG. 4

, i.e., strengthening and supporting the translucent body


50


and any other structure supported thereby or therefrom, as in the examples cited above in the discussion of the assembly


40


of FIG.


4


and illustrated in

FIGS. 9 and 10

, which devices are discussed further below.





FIG. 6

illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention, in which the elongate translucent body is surrounded by an opaque structural sleeve, with the sleeve including one or more (preferably a plurality of) light passages therethrough. The device of

FIG. 6

comprises a single rigid, elongate, translucent length of material


60


(translucent or transparent acrylic plastic, etc.) with opposite first and second ends


62




a


and


62




b


(with the second end


62




b


shown truncated in FIG.


6


). An electrical wiring or conductor channel or passage


64


is formed concentrically through the device


60


, as in the devices of

FIGS. 1 through 5

.




However, rather than installing an opaque structure within or surrounding the passage


64


to conceal components installed therein, an external structural tube


68


is secured about the translucent length of material


60


. The tube


68


is preferably formed of a durable metal, to provide the desired structural strength for the assembly. As such materials are of course completely opaque, the present invention includes at least one (and preferably a plurality of) light passage(s)


68




a


formed (punched, etc.) through the wall


68




b


of the tube


68


. This assembly does not require any internal opaque structure surrounding or coating the internal passage


64


to conceal the passage


64


and any wiring or other component(s) installed therein. Rather, the external structural tube or pipe


68


serves this function, as well as providing the desired structural strength for use in guard rails and bannisters, vehicle structural members and guards, etc., while still allowing illumination to pass from the device by means of the light passage(s)


68




a.






As the assembly of

FIG. 6

provides sufficient structural strength for the device to be used for relatively long runs or spans, some form of intermediate connector may be required to link a series of such components together, as well as to provide additional lighting energy at periodic points along the length of the rail or other structure.

FIG. 7

illustrates one such means developed for linking a series of the assemblies of

FIG. 6

, together in and end-to-end array. In

FIG. 7

, a first assembly


60




a


and a second assembly


60




b


are illustrated in a separated relationship from one another. The first end


62




a


of the first assembly


60




a


faces toward the second end


62




b


of the second assembly


60




b


. Electrical wiring, respectively


66




a


for the first assembly


60




a


and


66




b


for the second assembly


60




b


, is installed through the respective central passages


64




a


and


64




b


of the two assemblies.




Each assembly


60




a


and


60




b


has a surrounding structural tube or pipe, respectively


69


for the first assembly


60




a


and


68


(identical to the structural tube or pipe


68


of

FIG. 6

) for the second assembly


60




b


. Each structural tube


68


and


69


includes a series of light passages formed therethrough, respectively


69




a


for the first structural tube


69


and


68




a


for the second tube


68


.




A central coupling or connector sleeve


70


has an internal diameter dimensioned to fit closely about the exteriors of the two metal structural tubes


68


and


69


, to join them together. Conventional techniques may be used to secure the two structural tubes


68


and


69


and their associated assemblies


60




b


and


60




a


, to the coupling sleeve


70


, e.g. bolts, rivets, welding, etc., as desired.




The coupling


70


includes appropriate electrical wiring and connection means therein, to mate with the electrical wiring


66




a


and


66




b


of the two lengths


60




a


and


60




b


. For example, the first end


62




a


of the first length


60




a


may have a male connector plug


67




a


extending from the wiring


66




a


, with the mating end of the coupling


70


having a mating female connector plug


77




a


therein. In a similar manner, the second end


62




b


of the second length


60




b


, may be provided with a female connector


67




b


, with the corresponding end of the coupling


70


having a mating male connector plug


77




b


therein. This configuration enables the two lengths


60




a


and


60




b


to be joined directly end-to-end, if so desired, or to be connected together using the coupling


70


.




The coupling


70


provides another advantage, in that it also contains lighting to illuminate the corresponding ends of the two lengths


60




a


and


60




b


. The coupling


70


contains a series of LED lights therein, respectively LEDs


76




a


and


76




b


in the opposite ends of the coupling


70


. These LEDs


76




a


and


76




b


are oriented or directed oppositely, toward the respective ends


62




a


and


62




b


of the lengths of translucent material


60




a


and


60




b


, and illuminate those translucent components from within. Electrical power for the LEDs


76




a


and


76




b


is provided by the respective electrical conductors


66




a


and


66




b


which connect to the respective plugs


77




a


and


77




b


, to provide illumination at each end of each translucent length


60




a


and


60




b


. While no electrical connection is shown between the two LED sets


76




a


and


76




b


in the coupling


70


, continuous electrical connection may be provided across the coupling


70


, if so desired.





FIG. 7

also illustrates an illuminated end cap


71


, which may be installed upon a terminating end of one of the translucent lengths


60




a


or


60




b


, at the end of a run of such assemblies. The end cap


71


includes an appropriately configured electrical connector or plug, e.g., the female plug


67




c


illustrated for connecting with a mating male plug in the end of one of the translucent lengths


60




a


,


60




b


, etc. An end cap with a male connector plug may be provided for the opposite end or configuration of the assembly. The end cap


71


preferably includes one or more LED lights


76




c


therein, which receive electrical power from the connector plug


67




c


of the end cap


71


and are oriented toward the mating end of the translucent length to which the end cap


71


is secured. In this manner, an end of an elongate translucent member having an end cap


71


installed thereon, may be illuminated just as other lengths are illuminated at each end by their couplings


70


.





FIG. 8

provides an illustration of yet another embodiment of the present invention, comprising an assembly


80


of mutually concentric translucent tubular lengths of material. An innermost tube


80




a


contains a concentric wiring passage


84


therethrough, with electrical wiring conductors


86


extending through the passage


84


from the first end


82




a


to the second end


82




b


of the assembly


80


. An intermediate tube


80




b


surrounds the innermost tube


80




a


, with an outermost tube


80




c


surrounding the intermediate tube


80




b


. It will be seen that more concentric translucent tubes may be assembled together, or as few as two tubes may be used, as desired.




The series of tubular lengths


80




a


through


80




c


are free to rotate relative to one another, and are preferably electrically powered by a conventional electric motor and gearing to rotate the adjacent tubes in opposite directions and/or at different speeds from one another. The outer surfaces of the various tubes include various light emitting or diffusing patterns thereon, respectively


88




a


through


88




c


for the three tubes


80




a


through


80




c


. These illumination patterns


88




a


through


88




c


may comprise decals, printed forms, etched or embossed patterns, etc., as desired. As the three tubes


80




a


through


80




c


rotate, the patterns


88




a


through


88




c


also rotate relative to one another, to provide an attractive display. Alternatively, one or more of the tubes


80




a


through


80




c


may be coated with an opaque covering, with the patterns


88




a


through


88




c


formed as light passages through the opaque coverings, if desired.





FIG. 9

illustrates an elevation view in section of an exemplary application for the present invention, particularly any of the embodiments of

FIGS. 1 through 5

, although other embodiments of the present invention may be utilized in the structure of

FIG. 9

as well.

FIG. 9

illustrates a floor lamp


90


, having a rigid, elongate, translucent length of material


90




a


for the column thereof, with an upper or first end


92




a


and an opposite lower or second end


92




b


. The column


90




a


includes a concentric passage


94


formed therein, which serves as a conduit for the electrical wiring


96


which extends upwardly to the lighting means contained in the upper end


92




a


of the device. The column is preferably lined with an opaque coating (not shown), to conceal the passage


94


therein.




Each end


92




a


and


92




b


of the column


90




a


may be provided with one or more LED lights adjacent thereto and oriented or directed to transmit their illumination axially into the translucent body of the column


90




a


. In the example of

FIG. 9

, a series of first or upper LEDs


98




a


is provided at the upper or first end


92




a


of the column


90




a


, with a series of second or lower LEDs


98




b


installed at the lower or second end


92




b


of the column


90




a


. A separate switch


99


may be provided to control power to the LEDs


98




a


and


98




b


, through dedicated wiring


96




a


between the switch


99


and the LEDs


98




a


and


98




b


. The LED switch


99


in turn receives its power from the conventional lamp switch, and may be wired in series or parallel with that switch to control the LEDs from the lamp switch or independently of the lamp switch, as desired.





FIG. 10

illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a ceiling fan


100


is secured by means of a support shaft, rod, or column


100




a


formed of a length of translucent material in accordance with the present invention. The fan support shaft


100




a


has a first or ceiling attachment end


102




a


, and an opposite second or fan attachment end


102




b


. The basic structure of the device closely resembles that of the floor lamp support column


90




a


illustrated in cross section in

FIG. 9

of the drawings, with the support shaft


100




a


having a concentric passage therethrough for electrical conductors and at least one LED disposed at at least one of the two ends


102




a


and/or


102




b


, to illuminate the translucent column


100




a


, similarly to the manner described for the floor lamp support column


90




a


of FIG.


9


.





FIG. 11

of the drawings illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the channel containing the electrical conductor(s) is radially offset from the center of the elongate length of material. In

FIG. 11

, the elongate translucent body of material


110


has opposite first and second ends, respectively


112




a


and


112




b


(with the second end


112




b


shown truncated in FIG.


11


). An electrical conductor or wiring passage or channel


114


is formed along the outer surface of the body


110


and extends between each of the two ends


112




a


and


112




b


, with the electrical conductor(s) or wiring


116


placed within the channel or passage


114


. The wiring channel or passage


114


is actually formed in a length of opaque reflective material


118


, which is in turn applied along the outer surface of the translucent body


110


. This placement of the wiring channel or passage


114


within the opaque portion


118


of the assembly


110


, serves to conceal the wiring channel or passage


114


from any observers who may view the assembly


110


.




The assembly


110


is illuminated in the manner described further above and illustrated in detail for the floor lamp support column


90




a


of

FIG. 9

, i.e., using one or more lights (LEDs, etc.) disposed at one or both end(s)


102




a


,


102




b


of the column


110


, and oriented or directed to transmit their light into the translucent material of the column or body


110


. The opaque material


118


disposed along one side of the device, serves to reflect the light outwardly through the translucent material, and also conceals the wiring within the channel or passage


114


from view.





FIG. 12

illustrates a variation upon the illuminated translucent device of

FIG. 11

, wherein an additional component is provided to secure the wiring within the channel and also to provide additional reflectivity for the assembly. The embodiment of

FIG. 12

includes an elongate, translucent body of material


120


with opposite first and second ends, respectively


122




a


and


122




b


(with the second end


122




b


shown truncated in FIG.


12


). An electrical conductor or wiring passage or channel


124


is formed along the outer surface of the body


120


and extends between each of the two ends


122




a


and


122




b


, with the electrical conductor(s) or wiring


126


placed within the channel or passage


124


. The wiring channel or passage


124


is actually formed in a length of opaque reflective material


128


, which is in turn applied along the outer surface of the translucent body


120


.




To this point, the structure of the device


120


of

FIG. 12

is essentially identical to the structure of the device


110


of

FIG. 11

, described further above. However, the assembly


120


of

FIG. 12

includes an additional reflective element


129


, comprising a semirigid, semicylindrical reflective sleeve of material (plastic, etc.) which is shaped to fit closely about the translucent assembly


110


with its opaque element


128


, thereby securing the wiring


126


within the channel


124


. Alternatively, the reflective element


129


may comprise a reflective (or phosphorescent, etc.) coating applied partially about the exterior of the assembly


120


, with a gap or window


129




a


remaining open to allow light to escape from the assembly


120


when it is illuminated as described further above.





FIG. 13

illustrates still another embodiment of the present invention, resembling the embodiments of

FIGS. 11 and 12

discussed further above. The embodiment of

FIG. 13

includes an elongate, translucent body of material


130


with opposite first and second ends, respectively


132




a


and


132




b


(with the second end


132




b


shown truncated in FIG.


13


). An electrical conductor or wiring passage or channel


134


is formed as a groove along the exterior of the body


130


and extends between each of the two ends


132




a


and


132




b


, with the electrical conductor(s) or wiring


136


placed within the channel or passage


134


.




It will be noted that the embodiment


130


of

FIG. 13

differs from the embodiments of

FIGS. 11 and 12

, in that the device


130


does not include an opaque portion having the wiring channel formed therein. Rather, the wiring channel or passage


134


is formed directly into the outer surface of the translucent body of material


130


. However, an additional opaque reflective coating


138


(e.g., reflective or phosphorescent plastic shell, or painted or otherwise applied coating, etc.) is applied partially about the outer surface or circumference of the translucent body


130


, and along and within the channel


134


. This coating or shell


138


serves to conceal any wiring


136


from view through the translucent body portion


130


of the device. The opaque wiring concealing coating


138


is applied only partially about the circumference of the device


130


, in order to leave a relatively wide translucent area


139


through which light is transmitted and radiated to provide the desired illumination effect.




To this point, each of the embodiments of the present translucent illuminated device as illustrated in

FIGS. 1 through 13

, have been illustrated as having at least substantially cylindrical configurations, including their opaque reflective elements. However, it will be seen that the present illuminated translucent devices need not be formed to have solely a cylindrical shape, but may be formed to have any of a number of other shapes as desired.

FIG. 14

of the drawings illustrates one such alternative embodiment, comprising an elongate, translucent body of material


140


with opposite first and second ends, respectively


142




a


and


142




b


(with the second end


142




b


shown truncated in FIG.


14


). An electrical conductor or wiring passage or channel


144


is formed as a groove along the exterior of the body


140


and extends between each of the two ends


142




a


and


142




b


, with the electrical conductor(s) or wiring


146


placed within the channel or groove


144


.




However, rather than forming the translucent body portion in a cylindrical configuration, the translucent body


140


of the embodiment of

FIG. 14

has a semicylindrical configuration. The wiring channel, passage or groove


144


is formed along the flat rearward surface


140




a


of the body


140


, with the opaque reflective coating material


148


being applied to the flat rearward surface area


140




a


, and along and within the wiring channel


144


formed therein. The cylindrical front portion


140




b


of the device


140


, provides a relatively wide translucent area


149


through which light is transmitted and radiated after being reflected outwardly from the coating


148


, to provide the desired illumination effect.





FIG. 15

illustrates a series of variations upon the device


140


illustrated in

FIG. 14

, showing their installation upon a wall W or other similar structure. The illuminated elongate element to the far right side of

FIG. 15

comprises a wall installation of the embodiment


140


of

FIG. 14

, with the left and center embodiments, respectively


150




a


and


150




b


, having essentially the same structure as that described for the embodiment


140


of FIG.


14


and to the right side of FIG.


15


. The embodiments


150




a


and


150




b


differ from the embodiment


140


only in the external shape of their translucent elements, with the left side embodiment


150




a


of

FIG. 15

having a generally rectangular configuration, while the center embodiment


150




b


has a generally trapezoidal configuration. It will be seen that such wall mounted configurations may have a cross section comprising any practicable geometric shape, so long as each embodiment has at least one flat side (e.g., the flat surface


140




a


of the semicylindrical embodiment


140


, shown in

FIG. 14

) to which the opaque reflective coating may be applied and which may be secured against the wall structure.




While no particular colors of lighting or specific means for changing the lighting color have been described to this point, it will be seen that means may be provided for applying different lighting colors to any of the embodiments of the present invention, and/or means for changing those colors periodically as desired.

FIG. 16

provides a block diagram showing the various components which may be used for such light color changing apparatus, and their general relationship.




The same electrical power used to illuminate the LEDs (e.g., the single LED


160


illustrated in

FIG. 16

) or other light source(s) used to illuminate the present devices, may also be used to power a conventional drive motor


162


(e.g., stepper motor, etc., as desired), which in turn rotates a color wheel


164


having a series of differently colored lenses


164




a


,


164




b


, etc. A conventional timer may be incorporated with the motor


162


, and/or manually activated switch means may be provided to activate the motor


162


and rotate the color wheel


164


as desired. Alternatively, the color wheel


164


may be rotated manually, if so desired.




Any of the embodiments of the present invention may receive their electrical power from a conventional 110-115 volt AC power source, e.g., conventional wall outlet, etc., as indicated generally by the


110


AC power source


166


of FIG.


16


. However, the present system may also be used as a source of backup or emergency lighting, if properly configured. Accordingly,

FIG. 16

also provides for a battery powered electrical supply


166




a


, which has an electrical charge maintained by a conventional rectifier and charger system


166




b


. A conventional power interrupt detector


168


senses any loss of electrical power from the


110


volt power supply


166


, and automatically switches electrical power for at least the LED(s)


160


(and also for the color wheel drive motor apparatus


162


, depending upon how the system is wired) to operate the system in the event of a power failure. Under such circumstances, the color wheel drive motor


162


may be set to rotate the color wheel


164


to some predetermined color (e.g., red, etc.), if so desired.




In conclusion, the present illuminated translucent devices in their various embodiments, provide for an extremely wide range of different devices and/or applications of the present invention, for illuminating innumerable different types of devices. Certain embodiments, e.g., the generally cylindrical variations having a central concealed wiring passage, are well suited for use as omnidirectionally radiating rods, shafts, columns, etc., for use in supporting floor lamps, ceiling fans, and other such devices having a single, elongate support column or shaft. Smaller versions may be used as radially emitting flashlights, illumination for toolboxes, and other utility lights as desired. The concealed internal wiring channel also provides for the installation of a structural element therein, for additional strength where needed.




Another variation upon the present invention comprises the enclosure of the translucent element with a generally opaque structural member, with the external structural member having one or more (preferably a plurality of) light passages formed therethrough. The external structural member enables the present invention to be used where additional structural strength is required, e.g., for bridge railings, guard rails, etc. The provision of couplings or connectors containing additional lighting means therein, enables a series of such elongate elements to be linked together end-to-end, with the connectors providing the required light amplification to provide a continuously illuminated structure, by means of the light passages formed through the walls of the external tubular structural members.




Other variations include a flat mounting surface, permitting the illumination device to be mounted or affixed to a wall or other flat structure, with the light radiating only from the translucent area(s) opposite the opaque mounting surface of the device. Such units are well suited for use as wall sconces, etc., and may be used as surface mounted devices for use in the lids of toolboxes, upon vehicle body structures, etc., as desired.




Any of the above described embodiments may incorporate additional circuitry enabling the colors of the lighting to be varied or changed, as desired. Such additional circuitry may incorporate an emergency electrical power supply, with the device being well suited for use as an emergency lighting system when so equipped. In addition, further circuitry may be incorporated with any of the embodiments of the present invention to cause the lights to flash or vary in intensity in accordance with audio input, if so desired. Such variable lighting intensity according to audio input may be applied to wall sconces and other decorative illuminating devices for use in night clubs and the like, or wherever such a display might be desired. Such a system is also applicable to lighting applied to a motor vehicle, as well. Thus, the present invention in any of its embodiments provides a novel and attractive means for illuminating a wide variety of different devices and areas for decorative or other purposes, as desired.




It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.



Claims
  • 1. An illuminated translucent device, comprising:at least one rigid, elongate, translucent length of material having a first end, a second end opposite said first end, and having a channel extending from said first end to said second end; at least one length of electrical conductor disposed within said channel, and extending from said first end to said second end of said at least one translucent length of material; at least one substantially opaque element surrounding and enclosing said channel, and concealing said channel from view through said at least one translucent length of material; and at least one light disposed at each said end of said at least one translucent length of material, directionally oriented toward each respective said end of said at least one translucent length of material for illuminating said at least one translucent length of material from within.
  • 2. The illuminated translucent device according to claim 1, wherein said channel comprises a single concentric passage formed within said at least one translucent length of material.
  • 3. The illuminated translucent device according to claim 2, further including a solid structural support rod installed within aid concentric passage.
  • 4. The illuminated translucent device according to claim 2, wherein:said at least one substantially opaque element comprises a plurality of opaque, externally reflective stripes disposed concentrically about said concentric passage in a cylindrical array; and at least a portion of said at least one translucent length of material extends radially outwardly beyond and surrounds said at least one substantially opaque element.
  • 5. The illuminated translucent device according to claim 2, wherein:at least the portion of said at least one translucent length of material surrounding said concentric passage is chemically treated to form a substantially opaque area therein; and a translucent structural sleeve is disposed about said at least one translucent length of material.
  • 6. The illuminated translucent device according to claim 2, wherein:said at least one substantially opaque element comprises an opaque, unbroken cylindrical sleeve disposed concentrically about said concentric passage; and at least a portion of said at least one translucent length of material is disposed radially outwardly beyond and surrounds said cylindrical sleeve.
  • 7. The illuminated translucent device according to claim 6, wherein said cylindrical sleeve comprises a tubular structural member.
  • 8. The illuminated translucent device according to claim 2, wherein:said at least one substantially opaque element comprises at least one structural tube disposed externally about said at least one translucent length of material; and said at least one structural tube further includes a wall having at least one light passage formed therethrough.
  • 9. The illuminated translucent device according to claim 8, further including:at least one connector sleeve fitting over and joining said at least one structural tube of said at least a first and a second said translucent length of material together in an end-to-end array; and at least a first light and a second light disposed within said connector sleeve, with said first light and said second light being directionally oriented oppositely to one another and directing light produced therefrom respectively into said first and said second translucent length of material.
  • 10. The illuminated translucent device according to claim 8, further including:at least one end cap fitting over said structural tube of said at least one translucent length of material, and covering at least one said end of said at least one translucent length of material; and at least one light disposed within said end cap, with said at least one light being directionally oriented toward and directing light produced therefrom respectively into said at least one translucent length of material.
  • 11. The illuminated translucent device according to claim 2, wherein said at least one translucent length of material comprises a plurality of concentric cylindrical lengths of material in a rotational relationship with one another.
  • 12. The illuminated translucent device according to claim 11, further including at least one illumination pattern disposed upon each of said concentric cylindrical lengths of material and providing a moving light display when said concentric cylindrical lengths of material are rotated relative to one another.
  • 13. The illuminated translucent device according to claim 1, wherein:said at least one substantially opaque element surrounding and enclosing said channel, and concealing said channel from view through said at least one translucent length of material, comprises an elongate segment of opaque material disposed upon said at least one translucent length of material, and extending from said first end to said second end thereof; and said channel comprises a groove formed externally along said elongate segment of opaque material.
  • 14. The illuminated translucent device according to claim 13, further including a semicylindrical reflective sleeve disposed about said opaque portion and securing said at least one length of electrical conductor within said groove.
  • 15. The illuminated translucent device according to claim 1, wherein:said channel comprises an external groove formed along said at least one translucent length of material, and extending from said first end to said second end thereof; and said at least one substantially opaque element surrounding and enclosing said channel, and concealing said channel from view through said at least one translucent length of material, comprises an opaque, reflective coating disposed over said translucent length of material and along and within said channel.
  • 16. The illuminated translucent device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one translucent length of material has at least a generally cylindrical configuration.
  • 17. The illuminated translucent device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one translucent length of material has a cross section comprising a geometric shape having at least one flat side.
  • 18. The illuminated translucent device according to claim 1, further including light color changing apparatus.
  • 19. The illuminated translucent device according to claim 1, further including an electrical storage power supply.
  • 20. The illuminated translucent device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one rigid, elongate, translucent length of material is selected from the lengths of material consisting of floor lamp columns, ceiling fan support shafts, guard rails, bannisters, and vehicle structural guards.
REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Ser. No. 60/348,994, filed on Jan. 17, 2002; Ser. No. 60/349,328, filed on Jan. 18, 2002; and Ser. No. 60/361,852, filed on Mar. 6, 2002.

US Referenced Citations (9)
Number Name Date Kind
3532874 Rosenast Oct 1970 A
4408260 Miedel Oct 1983 A
4513692 Kuhnsman et al. Apr 1985 A
5016973 Hager et al. May 1991 A
5060119 Parthasarathy Oct 1991 A
5067060 Sieracki Nov 1991 A
5495400 Currie Feb 1996 A
5701236 Viviano Dec 1997 A
6173517 Eibner et al. Jan 2001 B1
Provisional Applications (3)
Number Date Country
60/348994 Jan 2002 US
60/349328 Jan 2002 US
60/361852 Mar 2002 US