Self-illuminating glass block construction unit

• US 5,006,967 A
• Filed: 05/22/1989
• Issued: 04/09/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 05/22/1989
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Gary Diamond
• Original Assignee: Gary Diamond
• Inventors: Diamond, Gary
• Primary Examiner(s): Epstein, Henry F.
• Application Number:
  US07/355,411
• Time in Patent Office: 687 Days
• Field of Search: 40/544, 40/902, 40/592, 362/311, 362/147, 362/153, 362/363, 362/801, 428/7, 428/34.4, 52/28, 52/306
• US Class Current: 362/147
• CPC Class Codes: E04C 1/42 of glass or other transparent material panels made of glass bricks E04C2/546
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 2/005 of modular construction
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/00 Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising G09F9/00, G09F11/00 take precedence; control of displays in general using static means to present variable information G09G
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/131 Glass, ceramic, or sintered, fused, fired, or calcined metal oxide or metal carbide containing [e.g., porcelain, brick, cement, etc.]

Abstract

An improved glass block construction unit having an electrical assembly (13) integrally attached through a glass wall (2) of the unit, thereby allowing the unit to be self illuminating.

Claims

1. A modular device formed of a hollow glass block construction unit used for forming walls and panels, the device comprising,

a glass block construction unit assembly having all faces made of glass forming a chamber,

an electric light means assembly integral with said glass block unit,

said electric light means assembly penetrating through a wall of said glass block unit,

said electric light means assembly being removable from said glass block unit,

electrical conductors connected to said electric light means being located at the exterior of said glass block unit,

said construction unit assembly thereby forming a self-illuminating glass block construction unit.

2. The device according to claim 1 in which a computer microcircuit means is used to turn the electrical light means on and off.

3. The device according to claim 1 in which a plurality of separate cells are contained within said glass block unit formed by glass partitions within said block allowing for the inclusion of a plurality of separate independent electrical light means assemblies within said block.

4. The device according to claim 1 in which a valve is located through a wall of said glass block.

5. The device according to claim 1 in which said glass block unit forms the only vacuum chamber in said device.