Patent Application
20050270779
1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to a rotary control indicator, such as a knob for an electronic music apparatus, such as a disk jockey mixer. A light source is emitted through the shaft of the knob so that the light is reflected from the interior of the knob toward the control panel. As there is clearance between the knob and the control panel, the illumination of the control panel is visible to the user of the apparatus. Further, there is a notch in the knob so that some light is reflected radially outward from the knob toward the control panel, to serve as an indicator of knob position.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the prior art, it has been problematic to illuminate the controls on disk jockey mixers and other similar equipment in a dark night club, dance club, or similar establishment, for use by a disk jockey. Moreover, as disk jockeys are considered to be performers, it is desirable for the equipment to have visual excitement and appeal.
One typical solution is to provide a small gooseneck lamp to project light over the DJ mixer. However, this light is often a distraction and makes it difficult for the disk jockey to see into the darkened room, which is essential for him to coordinate his performance with the mood and activities of the crowd. Another typical solution is to light the edge of the knobs with an internal LED. While this solves the problem of seeing into the darkened room, it does not adequately address the problem of allowing the disk jockey to see the markings or indicators on the mixer.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a knob, or rotary control indicator, which allows a user to determine the knob position of a disk jockey mixer or similar piece of equipment in the dark.
It is therefore a further object of the present invention to provide a knob, or rotary control indicator, which allows a user to read the immediately surrounding areas of the control panel of a disk jockey mixer or similar piece of equipment in the dark.
It is therefore a still further object of the present invention to provide a knob, or rotary control indicator, which provides an aesthetically pleasing and exciting appearance for the control panel of a disk jockey mixer or similar piece of equipment.
These and other objects are attained by providing a rotary control indicator, which includes a knob which is rotatable upon a clear shaft potentiometer. An LED is mounted underneath the clear shaft potentiometer so that light is projected from the LED, through the clear shaft and into the interior of the knob. The knob has a reflective interior so that the light is projected toward the bottom of the knob. The bottom of the knob is open, and some clearance is provided between the knob and the control panel. Therefore, a beam of light is projected toward the control panel around the entire periphery of the knob and is visible to the user. Additionally, a notch is provided within the knob so that a beam of light is projected radially from the knob to illuminate and indicate the knob position
Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and claims, and from the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, one sees that
Thus the several aforementioned objects and advantages are most effectively attained Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed and described in detail herein, it should be understood that this invention is in no sense limited thereby and its scope is to be determined by that of the appended claims.
