Not Applicable
The present invention relates to portable illumination devices that attach to comestible fluid taps or dispensers.
This invention relates to comestible fluid taps and more particularly to comestible fluid taps with integrated illumination means.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,491,617 issued to Joseph E. Currie on Aug. 4, 1996 discloses an illumination device designed primarily for attachment to a tap dispensing comestible fluids. The illumination device utilizes a separate illuminator that is comprised of a power supply and an illumination source or sources. A first and second light conduit of fiber optic cable is used to transmit light from the illuminator to the tap handle and to the tap spout. The light source in the illuminator is switched on and off by means of a provided electromechanical tilt switch, and the device incorporates a delay circuit that eliminates false switching of the halogen lamp light source or sources in the illuminator.
The above-cited patent does not describe the arrangement of features as disclosed in this new invention.
The present instant invention uses new technology and new ideas to create a new illumination device and system for use on a comestible fluid tap, or fluid dispenser, that creates a visual pleasing experience for a viewer of a dispensed liquid.
The present invention describes an improved four element portable fluid dispensing illumination apparatus accessory to a comestible fluid dispenser or tap. The object of the present invention is to provide an attractive display of light to the dispensing of comestible fluids. The embodiment of the invention is comprised of a combination of four elements. The four elements of the combination are first a solid state illumination source such as a super bright solid-state colored light and UVa emitting diode or (LED), mounted in a portable unit with a one piece collimation lens, affixed to, and in close proximity to, a comestible fluid dispensing spout. Second of the four elements is a colored plastic background or splashboard, preferably the color of the LED illumination, and preferably made of plastic that glows when exposed to ultraviolet or black light. The third element of the combination is a liquid container, and or container holder, made of any material or plastic, preferably the color of the LED light used with the particular dispenser, and that fluoresces under ultraviolet light, and the fourth item is a ultra-violet sensitive drip tray. These four elements in combination will illuminate the dispensing of a comestible fluid with a very bright and pleasing effect.
In the embodiment of the present invention the first element is comprised of a super bright solid-state light emitting diode emitting visible colored light and UVa light through a collimation lens affixed behind the spout of a comestible fluid dispenser or tap, with a top cap designed to secure the illumination device to the underside of and behind the fluid spout. Certain comestible fluid dispensers are equipped with pressure switches against which the receptacle or drink cup is pushed to activate liquid flow. This switch connects direct current from an internal electrical power supply to activate a flow control valve causing pressurized liquid to fill a receptacle. The dc voltage connected to the flow control valve is connected through a voltage-dropping resistor to power the LED in the present invention so that the LED illuminates only when liquid is flowing. Other comestible fluid taps require a handle to manually operate the fluid control valve to dispense liquids. The LED in the portable illumination device attached to this type of tap will be connected directly to a dedicated low voltage dc voltage source and illuminate continuously.
A second element of the present invention is a colored background, splashboard, or backdrop, behind the area where the comestible fluid is being dispensed, made of a colored plastic that fluoresces or glows when subjected to ultraviolet or black light. The UVa sensitive plastic background will illuminate when the LED of the portable device illuminates, as super bright LEDs are a source of UVa light.
There are other ultraviolet fight sources present in most establishments where comestible fluids are sold that will partially illuminate the UVa sensitive plastic. Two such UVa light sources are direct and reflected sunlight and fluorescent lighting.
A third element of the present invention is a drink container or cup that will enhance the illuminating scheme. The cup may be made of colored material that matches the colored light from the present invention, or may be made of UVa sensitive colored plastic, or may be held by a cup holder made of colored material or colored UVa sensitive plastic.
A fourth element of the present invention is a UVa sensitive drip tray located under the liquid dispenser or tap spout.
Referring now to the drawings, the present invention relates to a portable apparatus providing for illumination proximate a fluid tap outlet that illuminates an ultra-violet light sensitive backsplash area, an ultraviolet sensitive fluid receptacle or receptacle holder, and a UVa sensitive drip tray.
Please refer to Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/514,976, filing date Oct. 29, 2003.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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5491617 | Currie | Feb 1996 | A |
6953256 | Turner | Oct 2005 | B2 |
20050276035 | Currie | Dec 2005 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
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2388586 | Nov 2003 | GB |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20050094398 A1 | May 2005 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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60514976 | Oct 2003 | US |