Embodiments relate to an interactive light apparatus. More specifically, embodiments relate to a lit apparatus containing removable containers, each container including a plurality of pipettes filled with edible liquid configured to form an artistic design.
Whether for weddings, birthdays, holidays, grand openings, or get-togethers, celebrations are pivotal to the human experience. Celebrations, artistic events, marketing promotions, open houses, and other events are also important for the community and the economy. Often, rented or purchased articles are used to enhance the celebrations, provide an opportunity for fundraising, act as a marketing face, provide entertainment, or simply spark conversation between guests. Companies and individuals often use these rented or purchased articles, in addition to decorations, food, drink, and activities, to enhance the celebration or event.
Entertainment, decoration, and food are all important elements of an event. An ideal article used at an event or celebration would fulfill the needs of multiple requirements—it would serve as a source of entertainment and discussion, function as a piece of decoration, add marketing value if needed, and even serve as food or beverage. Additionally, it would be interactive, inspiring discussion and activity between the article and the guests around it. The article would ideally be portable, versatile, and sturdy to be taken to events time and again. Additionally, the article would change from event to event, ensuring that no two events had the exact same environment. If the event is being hosted by a company, the marketing value should also be considered.
Events can feature elaborate cakes, interactive games, custom cocktail creations, fine art displays, and even inflatable bouncy castles, all to impress guests and encourage interaction. However, all of the options are missing an important element. For example, cakes are generally not interactive, and food or drink do not mix with inflatable bouncy castles. Many different options are available, but few options can combine all of these aspects together in an appealing fashion.
The various embodiments disclosed herein provide an interactive, decorative, artistic, functional, portable, versatile, and unique apparatus for a liquid light wall. The embodiments disclosed herein provide for a light source disposed inside of a box-like structure, whereby a number of circular openings have been created in the front wall of the structure. The box-like structure can be comprised of an opaque material. A pipette can be inserted into each circular opening, each pipette having a pipette bulb and a pipette stem. The pipette bulb has a diameter greater than the diameter of the circular opening; therefore, when the pipette stem is inserted into the circular opening in the front wall of the structure, the pipette bulb is disposed outside the front wall and the pipette stem is disposed inside the structure. The pipette can be filled with liquids. The liquids can be edible. The pipette can be comprised of a transparent material. The liquid can be transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque. The light from the light source illuminates the pipette and the liquid inside the pipette, and can be seen through the pipette bulb.
An object of the various embodiments is to provide a decorative, illuminated piece of interactive art for an event. The illuminated light wall can even provide marketing value to a company. According to at least one embodiment, an object is to provide liquid for edible consumption in a pleasurable and interactive way. Another object of the various embodiments is to be portable and versatile. According to various embodiments, the object of portability and versatility can be achieved through a modular design.
According to at least one embodiment, there is provided an apparatus for generating illuminated designs in a liquid light wall, the apparatus including a front wall, the front wall including a plurality of circular openings. The circular openings traverse through from an outside face of the front wall to an inside face of the front wall, and the circular openings have a circular opening diameter. The apparatus further includes a back wall, opposed to the front wall; side walls, perpendicularly abutting the front wall and back wall, such that the front wall, the back wall, and the side walls form a box-like structure; and a light source, placed inside of the box-like structure. The apparatus further includes a plurality of pipettes, each pipette including a pipette bulb and a pipette stem, where the pipette bulb has a diameter wider than a diameter of the pipette stem, and the pipette is made of a pipette material which allows light to pass through the pipette material. According to an embodiment, the pipette is inserted into one of the plurality of circular openings such that the pipette stem of each of the plurality of pipettes extends inside the box-like structure and the pipette bulb extends outside the box-like structure. According to an embodiment, the diameter of the pipette bulb is wider than the circular opening diameter such that when each pipette is inserted into one of the plurality of circular openings, the pipette cannot be inserted fully into the box-like structure. According to an embodiment, the light source generates light which is transferred through each of the plurality of pipettes.
According to at least one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of pipettes is filled with a liquid. According to at least one embodiment, the liquid is edible.
According to at least one embodiment, the pipette stem includes a pipette opening. According to at least one embodiment, the pipette steam is hermetically sealed.
According to at least one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a power source, arranged inside the box-like structure, and the power source provides power to the light source.
According to at least one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a top wall, arranged to abut the front wall, the back wall, and the side walls; and a bottom wall, arranged to abut the front wall, the back wall, and the side walls, such that the top wall and the bottom wall together with the front wall, the back wall, and the side walls form the box-like structure which is enclosed.
According to at least one embodiment, the plurality of circular openings are evenly dispersed across the front wall in a grid-like pattern.
According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus is provided for a liquid light wall module, and the apparatus includes an illuminated module, where the illuminated module includes a front wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a back wall; the front wall includes a plurality of circular openings dispersed across the front wall, where the circular openings perforate the front wall; a plurality of pipettes, each pipette having a pipette bulb and a pipette stem, where the pipettes are made of a transparent material; and a light source, the light source positioned such that light can escape through the plurality of circular openings in the front wall. According to at least one embodiment, the illuminated module is assembled such that the front wall is affixed perpendicular to the first side wall, the second side wall, the bottom wall, and the top wall, and further where the illuminated module is assembled such that the first side wall and the second side wall are parallel to one another, and the top wall and the bottom wall are parallel to one another, such that the illuminated module forms a box-like structure, so that the back wall is positioned parallel to the front wall, and further so that the back wall is affixed perpendicular to the top wall, the bottom wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall. According to at least one embodiment, the pipette bulb has a diameter larger than a diameter of the circular opening, such that when the pipette stem is inserted into one of the plurality of circular openings, the pipette bulb blocks the circular opening, such that light passes through the pipettes.
According to at least one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of pipettes is filled with a liquid. According to at least one embodiment, the liquid is edible.
According to at least one embodiment, the apparatus includes a non-illuminated module, and the non-illuminated module includes a solid wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a back wall; and the non-illuminated module is assembled such that the solid wall is affixed perpendicular to the first side wall, the second side wall, the bottom wall, and the top wall, and further where the non-illuminated module is assembled such that the first side wall and the second side wall are parallel to one another, and the top wall and the bottom wall are parallel to one another, such that the non-illuminated module forms a box-like structure; and the back wall is positioned parallel to the solid wall, the back wall affixed perpendicular to the top wall, the bottom wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall, such that the non-illuminated module is enclosed.
According to at least one embodiment, the apparatus for the liquid light wall module includes the first side wall, the second side wall, the top wall, and the bottom wall, which includes a plurality of access openings, such that an interlocking mechanism installed between the access openings can affix a first illuminated module to a second illuminated module when the access openings of the first side wall of the first illuminated module aligns to the access openings of the second side wall of the second illuminated module.
According to at least one embodiment, the apparatus includes a back wall, which further includes a fixed backing, where the fixed backing is affixed perpendicular to the top wall, the bottom wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall, such that the illuminated module is enclosed; a detachable cover, where the detachable cover abuts the fixed backing such that the fixed backing and the detachable cover are contiguous; a backing support, where the backing support is affixed perpendicular to the side walls and abuts the fixed backing; and a cover attachment mechanism, where the cover attachment mechanism is affixed to the backing support, and temporarily affixes the detachable cover to the backing support, such that the detachable cover is removable, and further such that the detachable cover is approximately flush with the fixed backing.
According to an embodiment, the back wall further includes a mounting hole, such that the illuminated module can be affixed to a stable surface. According to an embodiment, the apparatus further includes a power source, the power source configured to provide power to the light source.
According to an embodiment, the apparatus further includes a base assembly, and the base assembly further includes a base attachment mechanism, where the base assembly is configured to stabilize the non-illuminated module in a vertical position, and further where the base attachment mechanism is configured to affix the base assembly to the non-illuminated module.
According to an embodiment, the apparatus further includes a base assembly, and the base assembly further includes a base attachment mechanism, where the base assembly is configured to stabilize the illuminated module in a vertical position, and further where the base attachment mechanism is configured to affix the base assembly to the illuminated module.
An apparatus including the liquid light wall according to various embodiments.
Modes for carrying out the various embodiments will now be described, but the invention is not intended to be limited to the following embodiments. It should be understood that those in which changes, improvements, or the like are appropriately added to the following embodiments based on ordinary knowledge of a person skilled in the art are also included in the scope of the various embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Here, the term “opaque” is used as a term indicating that light does not readily penetrate the material. The term “translucent” is used as a term indicating that some to all light is able to penetrate and pass through the material. The term “translucent” is intended to encompass the term “transparent.” The term “outside face” is not intended to be bound by this definition, but generally means a face of an article to which a user faces and can generally see. The term “inside face” is not intended to be bound by this definition, but generally means a face of an article to which the user may not see when the user faces the article.
Here, the term “height” is used as a term indicating a measurement in the vertical direction. The term “width” refers to a measurement in the horizontal direction.
The liquid light wall according to at least one embodiment includes a box-like structure in which a light source is provided. In an embodiment, the plurality of circular openings have been created in the front wall of the structure. Preferably, a pipette is inserted into each circular opening, each pipette having a pipette bulb and a pipette stem. In an embodiment, the pipette bulb has a diameter greater than the diameter of the circular opening; therefore, when the pipette stem is inserted into the circular opening in the front wall of the structure, the pipette bulb is disposed outside the front wall and the pipette stem is disposed inside the structure. Preferably, the pipette can be filled with liquids, including, for example, edible liquids. Preferably, the pipette is made from a transparent material. In an embodiment, the liquid can be transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque. Preferably, the light from the light source illuminates the pipette and the liquid inside the pipette, and the light can be seen through the pipette bulb.
The light wall according to at least one embodiment is a liquid light wall comprised of (A) the front wall, (B) the plurality of the pipettes, (C) the light source, (D) the side walls, and (E) the back wall. In at least one embodiment, the liquid light wall is further comprised of (F) the top wall and (G) the bottom wall. In at least one embodiment, the liquid light wall is in a module form, further comprised of (H) the illuminated module, (I) the non-illuminated module, and (J) the base assembly.
(A) Front Wall
An embodiment of the light wall 100 is shown in
The front wall 110 can be made of any type of solid material, including metal, acrylics, glass, polymers, wood, or a combination of the same. In an embodiment, the front wall 110 is manufactured from wood, preferably a thin wood. In another embodiment, the front wall 110 is made from #2025 black Plexiglas™. In another embodiment, the front wall 110 is made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic. In an embodiment, the front wall 110 is made from polycarbonate. In another embodiment, the front wall 110 is made of aluminum. Preferably, the material selected for the front wall 110 can be selected based on the intended use of the liquid light wall 100. For example, a wood material may be appropriate for indoor use, but may not be acceptable for use outside. In an embodiment, the material is selected based on the portability of the finished article.
According to an embodiment, the front wall 110 can be any size. In an embodiment, the front wall 110 is approximately 7 feet, 6 inches in height. In an embodiment, the plurality of circular openings 116 are spaced 1 inch apart, and 0.5 inches from an edge of the front wall 110. In an embodiment, the plurality of circular openings 116 have a diameter in the range of 0.125 inches to 0.25 inches. Preferably, the plurality of circular openings 116 have a diameter of 0.1875 inches. In an embodiment, the front wall 110 is approximately 23.5 inches wide by 23.5 inches high. Preferably, the dimensions of the front wall 110 are such that the front wall 110 is rectangular or square.
(B) The Plurality of Pipettes
According to at least one embodiment, the liquid light wall 100 includes a plurality of pipettes 180. The pipette 180 is shown in
According to at least one embodiment, the pipette stem 184 of the pipette 180 can be inserted inside one of the plurality of circular openings 116 of the front wall 110. Preferably, the pipette bulb 182 has a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the plurality of circular openings 116, preventing the pipette 180 from fully passing through the circular opening 116, which secures the pipette 180 in the circular opening 116, but allows the pipette 180 to still be removable. According to an embodiment, the pipette bulb 182 can have a diameter substantially greater than the diameter of the circular openings 116. Preferably, when the pipette 180 is inserted into the circular opening 116, the pipette bulb 182 remains extended outward from the outside face of the front wall 110, while the pipette stem 184 extends through the circular opening 116 past the inside face of the front wall 110.
The pipettes 180 can be made of plastic, glass, rubber, wax, biodegradable materials, or a combination of the same. Preferably, the pipette 180 is made of plastic. In an embodiment, the pipette 180 is made of glass. Preferably, the pipette 180 is translucent. In an embodiment, the pipette 180 is made of polyethylene. In an embodiment, the pipette 180 has a volume that measures approximately 1.7 mL. Preferably, the pipette bulb 184 is flexible, allowing an individual to squeeze the pipette bulb 184 to release any contents contained therein.
According to an embodiment, the pipette 180 has a length of 3.5 inches, the pipette bulb 182 has a length of 1.0 inches, and the pipette stem 184 has a length of 2.5 inches. Preferably, the length of the pipette stem 184 is such that the pipette 180 is well balanced between the pipette bulb 182 positioned outside of the outside face of the front wall 110, and the pipette stem 184 positioned past the inside face of the front wall 110.
According to an embodiment, each of the pipettes 180 are filled with a liquid 190. In an embodiment, the pipettes 180 include air in addition to the liquid 190 inside the pipettes 180. In an embodiment, the pipettes 180 are only partially filled with the liquid 190. Preferably, the pipettes 180 are fully filled with the liquid 190, and little to no air remains in the pipettes 180. The liquid 190 can be any color, or be in the absence of color. The liquid 190 can be translucent, completely transparent, or opaque. Preferably, the liquid 190 is edible. The liquid 190 can be an alcoholic beverage, a non-alcoholic beverage, or another edible liquid. The pipettes 180 can be filled with the same variety of the liquid 190, or different varieties of the liquid 190. According to an embodiment, the liquid 190 is water, juice, liquor, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, or a combination of the same. Preferably, multiple assortments of the liquid 190 are provided for different groups of the pipettes 180, in various shades of color, pre-selected to form a specific design when the pipettes 180 are inserted into the plurality of circular openings 116. According to an embodiment, multiple assortments of the liquid 190 are provided in a variety of random colors.
Referring to
According to an embodiment, the pipettes 180 filled with the liquid 190 of various colors are arranged according to a design. In an embodiment, an individual creates an image on the front wall 110 by positioning the pipettes 180 containing certain colors of the liquid 190 in the plurality of circular openings 116. The size of the front wall 110, the pipettes 180, and the detail required in the image can dictate whether the image appears pixilated or smooth and contiguous. The ability to generate an image in this fashion through an embodiment herein is of great advantage for marketing value.
According to an embodiment, the pipettes 180 filled with the liquid 190 are supplied outside of the liquid light wall, and individuals generate their own designs by inserting the pipette stem 184 into the plurality of circular openings 116.
According to an embodiment, individuals can remove the pipettes 180 from the circular openings 116 by grasping the pipette bulb 182 to consume the liquid 190. In an embodiment, the individual squeezes the pipette bulb 182 to release the liquid 190 for consumption.
(C) The Light Source
According to an embodiment, the light wall 100 includes a light source 170 as shown in
According to an embodiment, since various colors of the liquid 190 are used in the pipettes 180 to generate a design on the front wall 110, the light from the light source 170 shines through the various colors of the pipette bulbs 182 generating a glowing design.
The light source 170 can be any type of source of light, including light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, incandescent bulb lighting, fluorescent bulb lighting, halogen bulb lighting, compact fluorescent lamp lighting, or a combination of the same. Preferably, the light source 170 includes LED lights. The light source 170 can be colored or non-colored. The light source 170 can be any range of Lumen output, wattage output, and Kelvin (K) output. Lumen output is the amount of light that a source of light produces. The higher the lumen number, the more light the source of light will produce. Wattage is the amount of electricity a source of light uses. The higher the wattage number, the more electricity a source of light will use. The Kelvin rating is a measure of the “color temperature,” where a lower K value, such as 2,700, correlates to a warmer, yellowish light; a moderate K value, such as 4,500, produces a white light similar to daylight; and a higher K value, such as those above 5,000, produces a cooler, “blueish” light. According to an embodiment, the light source 170 is a warm light LED with a 3,000 K rating. According to an embodiment, the light source 170 is a white light with a 5,000 K rating. According to an embodiment, a plurality of the light source 170 is provided in a variety of colored LEDs, with a sequenced pattern display, where each of the LEDs are sequenced to turn on or off, change colors, or change luminosity, which creates a pattern, an image, or a message when programmed in sequence.
The light source 170 can be powered by a power source 175.
The light source 170 can be mounted or otherwise affixed to the back wall 120, the side walls 140, or other portions of the liquid light wall 100. The power source 175 can be mounted or otherwise affixed to the liquid light wall 100. In an embodiment, the light source 170 is not affixed but is separate from the liquid light wall 100. In an embodiment, the power source 175 is not affixed but is separate from the liquid light wall 100, and is only connected to the light source 170.
(D) The Side Walls
According to an embodiment, the liquid light wall 100 includes side walls 140. In an embodiment, there is a first side wall 140A and a second side wall 140B, which are interchangeable, as shown in
The front wall 110 and the side walls 140 can be permanently or temporarily affixed to each other by any method known in the art. Preferably, the selection of the method of affixing the side walls 140 and the front wall 110 is selected based on the material selected for the front wall 110 and the side walls 140, such that the method of affixing is appropriate for those materials. In an embodiment, adhesive bond glue, including Channel Bond Adhesive™ and SciGrip Weld™, are used to combine the Plexiglas™ material used on the front wall 110 and the side walls 140. According to an embodiment, a clear, water-thin solvent cement often used for welding acrylics is used to affix the front wall 110 and the side walls 140 together. In an embodiment, the front wall 110 and the side walls 140 are contiguous pieces made from one solid piece of material. In an embodiment, the front wall 110 and the side walls 140 are affixed by screws, nails, or other similar means.
The side walls 140 can be equipped with the side wall hatch 146 as shown in
The side walls 140 can be made of any type of solid material, including metal, acrylics, glass, polymers, wood, or a combination of the same. Preferably, the side walls 140 are opaque. Preferably, the side walls 140 are made of the same material as the front wall 110. In an embodiment, the side walls 140 are made of a different material than the front wall 110. In an embodiment, the side walls 140 are manufactured from wood, preferably a thin wood. In an embodiment, the side walls 140 are made from #2025 black Plexiglas™. In an embodiment, the side walls 140 are made from ABS plastic. In an embodiment, the side walls 140 are made from polycarbonate. In an embodiment, the side walls 140 are made of aluminum. Preferably, the material selected for the side walls 140 can be selected based on the intended use of the liquid light wall 100. For example, a wood material may be appropriate for indoor use, but may not be acceptable for use outside. In an embodiment, the material is selected based on the portability of the finished article.
In an embodiment, the side walls are approximately the same height as the front wall 110. In an embodiment, the side walls 140 are approximately 18 inches in width and approximately 7 feet, 6 inches in height. In an embodiment, the side wall hatch 146 is approximately 12 inches in width and approximately 24 inches in height. In an embodiment, the side walls 140 are approximately 23.5 inches in height and approximately 3.8 inches in width.
(E) The Back Wall
According to an embodiment, the light wall 100 includes a back wall 120. Preferably, the back wall 120 is the same size as the front wall 110. In an embodiment, the back wall 120 is any size, and is a different size than the front wall 110. Preferably, the back wall 120 is opaque. Preferably, the back wall 120 is parallel and opposite to the front wall 110, and is perpendicular to the side walls 140, such that the inside face of the back wall 120 faces the inside face of the front wall 110. In an embodiment, the assembly of the side walls 140, the front wall 110, and the back wall 120 generates a box-like structure, with the outside faces of the side walls 140, the front wall 110, and the back wall 120 facing towards the outside of the box-like structure. The edge of the side wall 140 can lie flat against and be abutted against the inside face of the back wall 120, such that when an individual is facing the outside face of the back wall 120, the individual does not see the edge of the side wall 140. Alternatively, the edge of the side wall 140 can be abutted against the outside edge of the back wall 120, such that when an individual is facing the outside face of the back wall 120, the individual can see the edge of the side wall 140. Alternatively, the edges of the back wall 120 and the side walls 140 can be beveled at a 45° angle, such that when the edges of the back wall 120 and the side walls 140 are placed together, a 90° angle is generated, and the outside faces of both the back wall 120 and the side wall 140 meet at the corner.
According to an embodiment, the back wall 120 and the side walls 140 are not permanently affixed or one another. Preferably, the back wall 120 and the side walls 140 are affixed to one another. In an embodiment, the back wall 120 and the side walls 140 can be affixed to each other by any method known in the art. Preferably, the selection of the method of affixing the side walls 140 and the back wall 120 is selected based on the material selected for the back wall 120 and the side wall 140, such that the method of affixing is appropriate for those materials. In an embodiment, adhesive bond glue, including Channel Bond Adhesive™ and SciGrip Weld™, are used to combine the Plexiglas™ material used on the back wall 120 and the side walls 140. According to an embodiment, a clear, water-thin solvent cement often used for welding acrylics is used to affix the back wall 120 and the side walls 140 together. In an embodiment, the back wall 120 and the side walls 140 are contiguous pieces made from one solid piece of material. In an embodiment, the back wall 120 and the side walls 140 are affixed by screws, nails, or other similar means.
The back wall 120 can be made of any type of solid material, including metal, acrylics, glass, polymers, wood, or a combination of the same. Preferably, the back wall 120 is opaque. Preferably, the back wall 120 is made of the same material as the front wall 110 or the side walls 140. In an embodiment, the back wall 120 is made of a different material than the front wall 110 or the side walls 140. In an embodiment, the back wall 120 is manufactured from wood, preferably a thin wood. In an embodiment, the back wall 120 is made from #2025 black Plexiglas™. In an embodiment, the back wall 120 is made from ABS plastic. In an embodiment, the back wall 120 is made from polycarbonate. In an embodiment, the back wall 120 is made of aluminum. Preferably, the material selected for the back wall 120 can be selected based on the intended use of the liquid light wall 100. For example, a wood material may be appropriate for indoor use, but may not be acceptable for use outside. In an embodiment, the material is selected based on the portability of the finished article.
According to an embodiment, a support structure can be used inside of the box-like structure of the liquid light wall 100 generated by the front wall 110, the side walls 140, and the back wall 120. In an embodiment, the support structure is used to provide additional support inside the liquid light wall 100, such that the liquid light wall 110 can be sturdy, portable, durable, and stable. In an embodiment, the support structure helps the liquid light wall 100 stand upright. In an embodiment, the support structures are galvanized metal studs affixed to the inside face of the front wall 110 or the back wall 120. According to an embodiment, the support structures are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) affixed to the inside face of the front wall 110 or the back wall 120.
Referring to
(F) The Top Wall
In an embodiment, the liquid light wall 100 also includes a top wall 150 as shown in
According to an embodiment, the top wall 150 can be any size. Preferably, the top wall 150 is the same width as the side walls 140, and the same length as the front wall 110, such that the top wall 150 encloses the box-like structure without overhang. In an embodiment, the edge of the top wall 150 lies flat against and is abutted to the inside face of the front wall 110, such that when an individual is facing the outside face of the front wall 110, the individual does not see the edge of the top wall 150. In an embodiment, the inside face of the top wall 150 is abutted to the outside edge of the front wall 110, such that when an individual is facing the outside face of the front wall 110, the individual can see the edge of the top wall 150. In an embodiment, the edges of the top wall 150 and the front wall 110 are beveled at a 45° angle, such that when the edges of the top wall 150 and the front wall 110 are placed together, a 90° angle is generated, and the outside faces of both the front wall 110 and the top wall 150 meet at the corner. The top wall 150 can be similarly positioned along the edges of the side walls 140 and the back wall 120. The top wall 150 can be similarly positioned along the edges of the side walls 140 and the back wall 120 in the same or different manner.
According to an embodiment, the top wall 150, the front wall 110, the side walls 140, or the back wall 12 are not permanently affixed or one another. According to an embodiment, the top wall 150 and the side walls 140, the back wall 120, or the front wall 110 are affixed. The top wall 150 and the side walls 140, the back wall 120, or the front wall 110 can be affixed to each other by any method known in the art. According to an embodiment, the selection of the method of affixing the top wall 150 to the side walls 140, the back wall 120, or the front wall 110 is selected based on the material selected for the top wall 150, such that the method of affixing is appropriate for those materials. In an embodiment, adhesive bond glue, including Channel Bond Adhesive™ and SciGrip Weld™ are used to combine the Plexiglas™ material used on the top wall 150 and the side walls 140, the front wall 110, and the back wall 120. According to an embodiment, a clear, water-thin solvent cement often used for welding acrylics is used to affix the top wall 150 to the side walls 140, the front wall 110, and the back wall 120. In an embodiment, the top wall 150 and the side walls 140, the front wall 110, or the back wall 120 are contiguous pieces made from one solid piece of material. In an embodiment, the top wall 150 and the side walls 140, the front wall 110, or the back wall 120 are affixed by screws, nails, or other similar means.
The top wall 150 can be made of any type of solid material, including metal, acrylics, glass, polymers, wood, or a combination of the same. Preferably, the top wall 150 is opaque. Preferably, the top wall 150 is made of the same material as the front wall 110, the side walls 140, or the back wall 120. In an embodiment, the top wall 150 is made of a different material than the front wall 110, the side walls 140, and the back wall 120. In an embodiment, the top wall 150 is manufactured from wood, preferably a thin wood. In an embodiment, the top wall 150 is made from #2025 black Plexiglas™. In an embodiment, the top wall 150 is made from ABS plastic. In an embodiment, the top wall 150 is made from polycarbonate. In an embodiment, the top wall 150 is made of aluminum. Preferably, the material selected for the top wall 150 can be selected based on the intended use of the finished article. For example, a wood material may be appropriate for indoor use, but may not be acceptable for use outside. In an embodiment, the material is selected based on the portability of the finished article.
(G) The Bottom Wall
The liquid light wall 100 can also have a bottom wall 152 as shown in
The bottom wall 152 can be any size. Preferably, the bottom wall 152 is the same width as the side walls 140, and the same length as the front wall 110, such that the bottom wall 152 encloses the box-like structure without overhang. In an embodiment, the edge of the bottom wall 152 lies flat against and is abutted to the inside face of the front wall 110, such that when an individual is facing the outside face of the front wall 110, the individual does not see the edge of the bottom wall 152. In an embodiment, the inside face of the bottom wall 152 is abutted to the outside edge of the front wall 110, such that when an individual is facing the outside face of the front wall 110, the individual can see the edge of the bottom wall 152. According to an embodiment, the edges of the bottom wall 152 and the front wall 110 are beveled at a 45° angle, such that when the edges of the bottom wall 152 and the front wall 110 are placed together, a 90° angle is generated, and the outside faces of both the front wall 110 and the bottom wall 152 meet at the corner. The bottom wall 152 can be similarly positioned along the edges of the side walls 140 and the back wall 120 in the same or different manner.
According to an embodiment, the bottom wall 152, the front wall 110, the side walls 140, or the back wall 120 are not permanently affixed or one another. According to an embodiment, the bottom wall 152 and the side walls 140, or the back wall 120, or the front wall 110 are affixed. The bottom wall 152 and the side walls 140, or the back wall 120, or the front wall 110 can be affixed to each other by any method known in the art. According to an embodiment, the selection of the method of affixing the bottom wall 152 to the side walls 140, the back wall 120, or the front wall 110 is selected based on the material selected for the bottom wall 152, such that the method of affixing is appropriate for those materials. In an embodiment, adhesive bond glue, including Channel Bond Adhesive™ and SciGrip Weld™, are used to combine the Plexiglas™ material used on the bottom wall 152 and the side walls 140, the front wall 110, and the back wall 120. According to an embodiment, a clear, water-thin solvent cement often used for welding acrylics is used to affix the bottom wall 152 to the side walls 140, the front wall 110, and the back wall 120. In an embodiment, the bottom wall 152 and the side walls 140, the front wall 110, or the back wall 150 are contiguous pieces made from one solid piece of material. In an embodiment, the bottom wall 152 and the side walls 140, the front wall 110, or the back wall 150 are affixed by screws, nails, or other similar means.
The bottom wall 152 can be made of any type of solid material, including metal, acrylics, glass, polymers, wood, or a combination of the same. In an embodiment, the bottom wall 152 is opaque. In an embodiment, the bottom wall 152 is made of the same material as the front wall 110, the side walls 140, the top wall 150, or the back wall 120. In an embodiment, the bottom wall 152 is made of a different material than the front wall 110, the side walls 140, the back wall 120, or the top wall 150. In an embodiment, the bottom wall 152 is manufactured from wood, preferably a thin wood. In an embodiment, the bottom wall 152 is made from #2025 black Plexiglas™. In an embodiment, the bottom wall 152 is made from ABS plastic. In an embodiment, the bottom wall 152 is made from polycarbonate. In an embodiment, the bottom wall 152 is made of aluminum. Preferably, the material selected for the bottom wall 152 is selected based on the intended use of the liquid light wall module 200. For example, a wood material may be appropriate for indoor use, but may not be acceptable for use outside. In an embodiment, the material is selected based on the portability of the finished article.
(H) The Illuminated Module
According to an embodiment, the light wall can be in a modular form. An embodiment of the liquid light wall module 200 is shown in
In an embodiment, the modular form of the liquid light wall module provides many advantages, including versatility, portability, and storability. In an embodiment, a plurality of the illuminated modules can be placed side by side, horizontally or vertically, generating a large area or structure. In an embodiment, a plurality of the illuminated modules and one or more of the non-illuminated modules can be placed side by side, horizontally or vertically, generating a large area or structure.
According to an embodiment, and as shown in
According to an embodiment, the illuminated module 202 includes 576 of the circular openings 116 evenly spaced as shown in
According to an embodiment, the illuminated module 202 can be a fully enclosed structure, with the top wall 150 and the bottom wall 152. The top wall 150 in the illuminated module 202 can have the same characteristics as the top wall 150 for the liquid light wall 100. The bottom wall 152 in the illuminated module 202 can have the same characteristics as the bottom wall 152 for the liquid light wall 100.
According to an embodiment, the back wall 120 of the liquid light wall module 200 includes a backing support 220, a fixed backing 222, and a detachable cover 226, as shown in
In an embodiment, the fixed backing 222 includes one or more mounting holes 224. The one or more mounting holes 224 can be used to affix the liquid light wall module 200 to a surface, such as a wall.
According to an embodiment, the backing support 220 is affixed perpendicular to the side walls 140, the top wall 150, and the bottom wall 152. In an embodiment, the backing support 220 provides structural support for the fixed backing 222 and the detachable cover 226 and allows for a flush, even surface of the back wall 120. According to an embodiment, the detachable backing 226 is affixed to the backing support 220 by a cover attachment mechanism 228. The cover attachment mechanism 228 can be any method known in the art which can allow the detachable cover 226 to be secured but removable. In an embodiment, the cover attachment mechanism 228 is 4 hook and loop Velcro™ strip pairs approximately 1 inch wide by 3 inches long placed on each side of the outside face of the backing support 220 and on the corresponding locations on the inside face of the detachable cover 226.
According to an embodiment, the illuminated module 202 includes the light source 170. According to an embodiment, the light source 170 is mounted on the inside face of the detachable cover 226. In an embodiment, the light source 170 mounted on the inside face of the detachable cover 226 includes 1 LED section per 6×6 inch square of the back wall 120, as shown in
According to an embodiment, the side walls 140, the top wall 150, and the bottom wall 152 of the illuminated module 202 include one or more access openings 160, as shown in
According to an embodiment, each of the side walls 140, the top wall 150, and the bottom wall 152 have 3 access openings 160. The access openings 160 can be different sizes or diameters. According to an embodiment, the access opening 160 positioned in the center of the side walls 140, the top wall 150, and the bottom wall 152 has a larger diameter than the other of the access openings 160, allowing for wires from the inside of the illuminated module 202 to pass outside of the illuminate module 202. According to an embodiment, the outermost of the access openings 160 in each of the side walls 140, the top wall 150, and the bottom wall 152 are used with the interlocking mechanism 162 to attach one of the illuminated modules 202 to another of the illuminated modules 202, or to another of the non-illuminated modules 204.
(G) The Non-Illuminated Module
According to an embodiment, the liquid light wall module 200 can include the non-illuminated module 204, as shown in
In an embodiment, the non-illuminated module 204 is configured in the same manner as the illuminated module 202. In an embodiment, the back wall 120 and the side walls 140 of the non-illuminated module 204 can have the same characteristics as those for the illuminated module 202. In an embodiment, the non-illuminated module 204 can include the top wall 150 and the bottom wall 152. In an embodiment, the non-illuminated module 204 includes the back wall 120. The top wall 150, the bottom wall 152, and the back wall 120 of the non-illuminated module 204 can have the same characteristics as those in the illuminated module 202.
According to an embodiment, the non-illuminated module 204 can have the power source 175 affixed or placed inside of the non-illuminated module 204.
According to an embodiment, the side walls 140, the top wall 150, and the bottom wall 152 of the non-illuminated module 204 include one or more access openings 160. The one or more access openings 160 can allow for wires from the inside of the non-illuminated module 204 to pass outside of the non-illuminated module 204. According to an embodiment, some of the access openings 160 are used along with an interlocking mechanism 162 to connect one of the non-illuminated modules 204 to another of the illuminated modules 202 or the non-illuminated modules 204. The interlocking mechanism 162 can be any type of mechanism that can connect the illuminated modules 202 or the non-illuminated modules 204 to one another. In an embodiment, the interlocking mechanism 162 is a nut and bolt. In an embodiment, the interlocking mechanism 162 is a ¼-20×1 inch wing bolt and nut.
(H) The Base Assembly
According to an embodiment, the liquid light wall 100 or the liquid light module 200 has a base assembly 256. An embodiment of the base assembly 256 is shown in
According to an embodiment, the base assembly 256 can be a fully enclosed structure. In an embodiment, the base assembly 256 cradles a portion of the front wall 110 and a portion of the back wall 120, such that a portion of the front wall 110 and a portion of the back wall 120 are covered by the base assembly. In an embodiment, the outside face of the bottom wall 152 abuts a flat portion of the base assembly 256.
The base assembly 256 can be made of any type of solid material, including metal, acrylics, glass, polymers, wood, or a combination of the same. Preferably, the base assembly 256 is opaque. Preferably, the base assembly 256 is made of the same material as the front wall 110, the side walls 140, the back wall 120, the bottom wall 152, or the top wall 150. In an embodiment, the base assembly 256 can be made of a different material than the front wall 110, the side walls 140, the back wall 120, the bottom wall 152, or the top wall 150. In an embodiment, the base assembly 256 is manufactured from wood, preferably a thin wood. In an embodiment, the base assembly 256 is made from #2025 black Plexiglas™. In an embodiment, the base assembly 256 is made from ABS plastic. In an embodiment, the base assembly 256 is made from polycarbonate. In an embodiment, the base assembly 256 is made of aluminum. The material selected for the base assembly 256 can be selected based on the intended use of the base assembly. For example, a wood material may be appropriate for indoor use, but may not be acceptable for use outside. In an embodiment, the material is selected based on the portability of the finished article.
According to an embodiment, the base assembly 256 includes one or more access openings 160. In an embodiment, the one or more access openings 160 allow for wires and cords from the inside of the illuminated module 202 or the non-illuminated module 204 or the power source 175 to pass through the base assembly 256.
According to an embodiment, some of the one or more access openings 160 of the base assembly 256 are used along with a base attachment mechanism 258 to connect the bottom wall 152 of the illuminated modules 202, the non-illuminated module 204, or the liquid light wall 100 to the base assembly 256, as shown in
The base assembly 256 can be attached to the front wall 110, the back wall 120, the side walls 140, or the bottom wall 152 by any method known in the art. In an embodiment, the base assembly 256 is permanently affixed to the front wall 110, the back wall 120, the side walls 140, or the bottom wall 152. In an embodiment, the base assembly 256 is temporarily affixed to the front wall 110, the back wall 120, the side walls 140, or the bottom wall 152. In an embodiment, the method of attaching the base assembly 256 to the front wall 110, the back wall 120, the side walls 140, or the bottom wall 152 is selected based on the material selected for the base assembly 256, the front wall 110, the back wall 120, the side walls 140, and the bottom wall 152. In an embodiment, the base assembly 256 and the side walls 140, the front wall 110, the bottom wall 152, or the back wall 150 are affixed by screws, nails, or other similar means.
In an embodiment, adhesive bond glue, including Channel Bond Adhesive™ and SciGrip Weld™, are used to affix the Plexiglas™ material used on the base assembly 256, the side walls 140, the front wall 110, the back wall 120, or the bottom wall 152. According to an embodiment, a clear, water-thin solvent cement often used for welding acrylics is used to affix the base assembly 256 to the side walls 140, the front wall 110, the back wall 120, or the bottom wall 152.
The base assembly 256 can be any size. In an embodiment, the width of the base assembly 256 is the same width as the front wall 110, such that the front wall 110 does not overhang the edges of the base assembly 256, nor does the base assembly edges extend past the front wall 110.
Embodiments of the liquid light wall modules and the liquid light wall provide advantages over other articles in the art. The embodiments are portable, and can be transported easily, assembled in a timely fashion, and removed quickly. The embodiments are versatile, and can be modified easily for the venue space and mounting abilities, as well as the light source or power sources available. The embodiments are multipurpose, providing entertainment, marketing value, interaction, artistic expression, decoration, and beverage service. The embodiments are versatile options for events, as they have multiple options for entertainment, color, beverage, and activity.
This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/808,062, filed on Feb. 20, 2019, entitled, “LIQUID LIGHT WALL,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62808062 | Feb 2019 | US |