System and method for backlighting a display

• US 5,943,801 A
• Filed: 07/29/1998
• Issued: 08/31/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 07/29/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: KW A/D, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Kirk Wilkinson
• Inventors: Wilkinson, Kirk
• Primary Examiner(s): Silbermann, Joanne
• Application Number:
  US09/124,450
• Time in Patent Office: 398 Days
• Field of Search: 40/361, 40/366, 40/367, 40/564, 40/577, 40/714, 40/716
• US Class Current: 40/564
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/04 Signs, boards or panels, illuminated from behind the insignia
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/0413 Frames or casing structures therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/0422 Reflectors
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/0454 Slidable panels or parts
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/0463 Portable signs, boards or panels
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/0472 Traffic signs
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/0481 Signs, boards or panels having a curved shape
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/14 Arrangements of reflectors therein
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 2013/145 curved reflectors

Abstract

A system and method of backlighting a display is disclosed in which one or more light sources may be used to provide substantially appropriate uniform backlighting of a display medium and simultaneously provide a visually pleasing light source for a decorative display frame. The disclosed system and method provide for one or more light sources, a lightbox for the light sources, a light mask to provide uniform distribution of the illumination provided by the light sources, a display media container to secure and protect the visual media to be backlit, an optional decorative frame, and an offsetting structure to separate the decorative frame and/or lightbox from the display media container.

The disclosed invention increases the visual appeal of photographs and other visual media while providing a compact and safe means for media display that eliminates the nonuniform illumination and heat buildup problems present in the prior art. Additionally, the present invention teaches a variety of methods in which the decorative frame and/or display media may be illuminated using a single light source, thus permitting backlit displays to be utilized in situations heretofore not possible.

Claims

1. A system for backlighting a display comprising:

(a) a display media container; and

(b) a lightbox, said lightbox further comprising;

a light source at the periphery of said lightbox;

a light source mask;

a light source channel between said light source mask and said lightbox;

a light source backscattering device;

(c) a decorative frame surrounding said lightbox;

wherein

said media container is positioned in front of said lightbox and in front of said decorative frame; and

said light source illuminates both the backside of said display media container and said decorative frame.

2. A system for backlighting a display comprising:

(a) a display media container means; and

(b) a lightbox means, said lightbox means further comprising;

a light source means at the periphery of said lightbox means;

a light source mask means;

a light source channel means between said light source mask means and said lightbox means;

a light source backscattering means;

(c) a decorative frame means surrounding said lightbox means;

wherein

said media container means is positioned in front of said lightbox means and in front of said decorative frame means; and

said light source means illuminates both the backside of said display media container means and said decorative frame means.