Apparatus for relieving eyestrain and fatigue

• US 5,515,069 A
• Filed: 11/01/1993
• Issued: 05/07/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 11/01/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: John A. Dillon III
• Original Assignee: John A. Dillon III
• Inventors: Dillon, John A. III
• Primary Examiner(s): Kuntz, Curtis
• Assistant Examiner(s): CHIN, VIVIAN C
• Application Number:
  US08/146,524
• Time in Patent Office: 918 Days
• Field of Search: 128/24.1, 128/745, 362/86, 362/249, 362/234, 362/243, 362/253, 348/578, 345/4, 345/5, 345/6, 345/139, 340/815.4
• US Class Current: 345/6
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1601 Constructional details related to the housing of computer displays, e.g. of CRT monitors, of flat displays constructional details related to flat displays integrated in a portable computer, e.g. laptop, handheld computer G06F1/1637; constructional details related to television receivers H04N5/64
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1611 CRT monitor

Abstract

Apparatus for relieving eyestrain and fatigue. A plurality of light sources, arranged in a selected three-dimensional pattern around a video display terminal, automatically cycling through a selected sequenced pattern at chosen time intervals for specific time periods, provides stimulation for the eyes away from the two-dimensional surface of the terminal screen. Colors and shapes of the light sources may be varied in order to maintain user interest.

Claims

1. An apparatus for relieving eyestrain and fatigue resulting from extended use of video display terminals, said apparatus comprising in combination:

a. a plurality of light sources removably attached to the video display terminal forming a three-dimensional array having a selected configuration; and

b. means for establishing a chosen sequenced light pattern in said plurality of light sources;

whereby the user'"'"'s eyes are distracted from the video display terminal at chosen intervals for specific time periods, and may follow the light pattern established in said light sources, thereby providing exercise therefor.

2. The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein each light source in said plurality of light sources is selected to have a particular color.

3. The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein each comprising means for automatically activating said plurality of light sources at chosen time intervals during the operation of the video display terminal.

4. The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein at least one light source in said plurality of light sources is covered by at least one removable light-transmitting mask, thereby permitting said at least one light source to have different shapes.

5. The apparatus as described in claim 4, wherein said at least one light transmitting mask has a multiplicity of shapes and colors, one shape and color being selectable at a time.

6. The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein said plurality of light sources is supported by a generally U-shaped frame adapted to be fit around the video display terminal.

7. A system for relieving eyestrain and fatigue resulting from extended use of video display terminals, said system comprising in combination:

a. a plurality of light sources disposed in the vicinity of the video display terminal forming a selected three-dimensional array; and

b. means for establishing a chosen sequenced light pattern in said plurality of light sources;

whereby the user'"'"'s eyes are distracted from the video display terminal at chosen intervals for specific time periods, and may follow the light pattern established in said light sources, thereby providing exercise therefor.

8. The system as described in claim 7, wherein said plurality of light supported is supported by a freestanding, generally U-shaped frame adapted to be fit around the video display terminal.

9. The system as described in claim 7, wherein each light source in said plurality of light sources is selected to have a particular color.

10. The system as described in claim 7, further comprising means for automatically activating said plurality of light sources at chosen time intervals during the operation of the video display terminal.

11. The system as described in claim 7, wherein at least one light source in said plurality of light sources is covered by at least one removable light-transmitting mask, thereby permitting said at least one light source to have different shapes.

12. The system as described in claim 11, wherein said at least one light transmitting mask has a multiplicity of shapes and colors, one of which shapes and colors may be selected at a time.

13. The system as described in claim 7, wherein said plurality of light sources is supported by a substantially flat, generally rectangularly-shaped frame adapted to be fit on the screen of the video display terminal.

14. A system for relieving eyestrain and fatigue resulting from extend ed focusing in two-dimensions, said system comprising in combination:

a. a plurality of light sources disposed in a selected three-dimensional array; and

b. means for establishing a chosen sequenced light pattern in said plurality of light sources;

whereby the user'"'"'s eyes are distracted at chosen intervals for specific time periods, and may follow the light pattern established in said light sources, thereby providing exercise therefor.

15. The system as described in claim 14, further comprising means for automatically activating said plurality of light sources at chosen time intervals.

16. An apparatus for relieving eyestrain and fatigue resulting from extended use of video display terminals, said apparatus comprising in combination:

a. a plurality of light sources, wherein at least one light source in said plurality of light sources is removably attached to the video display terminal, and at least one light source in said plurality of light sources is disposed in the vicinity of the video display terminal, forming thereby a three-dimensional array having a selected configuration; and

b. means for establishing a chosen sequenced light pattern in said plurality of light sources;

whereby the user'"'"'s eyes are distracted from the video display terminal at chosen intervals for specific time periods, and may follow the light pattern established in said light sources, thereby providing exercise therefor.

17. The apparatus as described in claim 16, wherein each light source in said plurality of light sources is selected to have a particular color.

18. The apparatus as described in claim 16, further comprising means for automatically activating said plurality of light sources at chosen time intervals during the operation of the video display terminal.

19. The apparatus as described in claim 16, wherein at least one light source in said plurality of light sources is covered by at least one removable light-transmitting mask, thereby permitting said at least one light source to have different shapes.

20. The apparatus as described in claim 19, wherein said at least one light transmitting mask has a multiplicity of shapes and colors, one shape and color being selectable at a time.

21. The apparatus as described in claim 16, wherein said plurality of light sources is supported by a generally U-shaped frame adapted to be fit around the video display terminal.