Backlit frame for cigarette lighter

• US 5,832,645 A
• Filed: 03/12/1997
• Issued: 11/10/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 03/12/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Brett W. Wells
• Original Assignee: Brett W. Wells
• Inventors: Wells, Brett W.
• Primary Examiner(s): DAVIS, CASSANDRA HOPE
• Application Number:
  US08/815,598
• Time in Patent Office: 608 Days
• Field of Search: 40/593, 40/716, 362/812, 362/183, 362/61, 362/83.3, 362/198, 362/191
• US Class Current: 40/716
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 21/04 by land vehicles

Abstract

An automobile accessory comprising an illuminated picture frame which is insertable into a receptacle of a cigarette lighter of a motor vehicle for power and for mounting. The picture frame has a plug assembly which is compatible with the receptacle of the cigarette lighter with respect to interfit within the receptacle. The plug assembly also has electrodes located to connect to power from the receptacle. The plug assembly therefore both supports the picture frame and provides electrical power for lighting. A suitable lamp is provided behind the picture or slide for back lighting the same. The picture frame has electrical circuitry connecting the light to the electrodes. A switch is provided for extinguishing the lamp. The switch may be located on the visible exterior of the picture frame or alternatively, on the plug assembly.

Claims

1. An illuminated picture frame for mounting in a conventional power receptacle of a cigarette lighter of a motor vehicle, comprising:

a peripheral frame for surrounding and supporting a planar display at the periphery of said display, said peripheral frame including a viewing side and a mounting side;

an electrically powered light source located between said viewing side and said mounting side of said peripheral frame, said electrically powered light adapted to direct light towards said viewing side and through said planar display within said peripheral frame;

a plug assembly adapted to cooperate with the conventional motor vehicle cigarette lighter power receptacle, said plug assembly including electrodes to conduct power from the power receptacle to said electrically powered light source, said plug assembly being located proximate said mounting side of said peripheral frame; and

peripheral frame adjustment member located between said plug assembly and said peripheral frame, said peripheral frame adjustment member having an elongated semi-ridge bendable member adapted to retain it'"'"'s configuration after bending to allow a user to tilt said peripheral frame, and thus direct the light directed towards said viewing side of said peripheral frame to a desired angle, in respect to said plug assembly, when said plug assembly is inserted in the conventional cigarette lighter receptacle.

2. The illuminated picture frame according to claim 1, including a transparent panel located proximate said viewing side of said peripheral frame, for covering and protecting said planar display.

3. The illuminated panel according to claim 1, further including a switch for disconnecting said electronically powered light source from the power provided by the receptacle and conducted through said electrodes.

4. The illuminated picture frame according to claim 3, where said switch is located on said peripheral frame.

5. The illuminated picture frame according to claim 3, said switch being located on said plug assembly.