Lighted display emitting variable colors

• US 6,241,362 B1
• Filed: 07/19/1999
• Issued: 06/05/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 07/19/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: David J. Morrison
• Original Assignee: David J. Morrison
• Inventors: Morrison, David J.
• Primary Examiner(s): LEE, Y MY QUACH
• Application Number:
  US09/356,879
• Time in Patent Office: 687 Days
• Field of Search: 362/101, 362/230, 362/231, 362/234, 362/236, 362/244, 362/246, 362/249, 362/251, 362/392, 362/441, 362/447, 362/455, 362/800, 362/806, 362/808, 362/810, 362/811, 362/381, 362/96
• US Class Current: 362/231
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 10/02 changing colors F21S10/002 - F21S10/007, F21S10/04 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/0028 Decorative household equipment, e.g. plant holders or food dummies
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/20 Controlling the colour of the light
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/806 Ornamental or decorative

Abstract

A lighted display device includes three light emitting diodes therein, with each of the diodes transmitting a different one of the three subtractive primary colors of red, yellow, and blue when electrical power is applied thereto. The three LEDs are capable of collectively emitting any of the colors of the visual spectrum, depending upon the relative electrical power which is applied separately and collectively to them. The LEDs are contained in the center of a base, and are installed upon a circuit board which is in turn installed within the base. A light passage is provided in the center of the upper surface of the base, with various articles being installable thereon for supporting translucent statuary, candles, etc. as desired for lighted display thereof. The present lighted device includes circuitry for automatically varying the relative intensity of each of the LEDs over a predetermined period of time, resulting in the LEDs collectively emitting a broad spectrum of gradually changing colors over the time period. The circuitry may be adjusted to provide for the transmission of a single color by any one or two of the LEDs if so desired, as well. The present lighted display device provides for the display of various translucent art objects and the like, with the varying colors emitted therethrough providing a wide variety of interest as the color and appearance of the displayed object varies.

Claims

1. A lighted display device for illuminating a translucent display article placed thereon, comprising:

a base for removable placement upon a level surface;

said base including an upper surface with a light passage formed therethrough, with said light passage having an upper end and an opposite lower end;

three light emitting diodes disposed beneath said upper surface of said base, and within said lower end of said light passage;

said diodes being positioned closely adjacent one another, and with each of said diodes emitting a primary color when appropriate electrical power is applied thereto; and

a translucent article support removably installable atop said base, said article support being a flat sheet of material or a candle holder; and

electrical circuitry for controlling said diodes;

whereby said diodes produce various colors of the visual spectrum and selectively illuminate a translucent display article.

2. The lighted display device according to claim 1, wherein said diodes each produce one of a subtractive primary color when illuminated.

3. The lighted display device according to claim 1, wherein said circuitry includes means for automatically incrementally varying the light intensity of each of said diodes sequentially as desired.

4. The lighted display device according to claim 1, wherein said circuitry includes means for automatically incrementally varying the light intensity of each of said diodes simultaneously as desired.

5. The lighted display device according to claim 1, wherein said base is formed of opaque materials.

6. The lighted display device according to claim 1, wherein said article support includes a light passage therethrough, generally concentric with said light passage of said base when said article support is removably installed on said base.

7. The lighted display device according to claim 1, including a generally toroidal receptacle disposed about said light passage of said base, for holding a liquid therein.

8. A lighted display device for illuminating a translucent display article placed thereon, comprising:

a base for removable placement upon a level surface;

said base including an upper surface with a light passage formed therethrough;

lighting means disposed beneath said upper surface of said base, and communicating with said light passage;

said lighting means emitting various colors of the visual spectrum when appropriate electrical power is applied thereto;

a translucent article support removably installable atop said base, said article support being a flat sheet of material or a candle holder; and

electrical circuitry for controlling said lighting means;

whereby said lighting means produce the various colors of the visual spectrum and selectively illuminate a translucent display article.

9. The lighted display device according to claim 8, wherein said lighting means comprises three light emitting diodes each producing one of a subtractive primary color when illuminated.

10. The lighted display device according to claim 9, wherein said circuitry includes means for automatically incrementally varying the light intensity of each of said diodes sequentially as desired.

11. The lighted display device according to claim 9, wherein said circuitry includes means for automatically incrementally varying the light intensity of each of said diodes simultaneously as desired.

12. The lighted display device according to claim 8, wherein said base is formed of opaque materials.

13. The lighted display device according to claim 8, wherein said article support includes a light passage therethrough, generally concentric with said light passage of said base when said article support is removably installed on said base.

14. A lighted display device for illuminating a translucent display article placed thereon, comprising:

a base for removable placement upon a level surface;

said base including an upper surface with a light passage formed therethrough;

lighting means disposed beneath said upper surface of said base, and communicating with said light passage;

said lighting means emitting various colors of the visual spectrum when appropriate electrical power is applied thereto;

electrical circuitry for controlling said lighting means; and

a generally toroidal receptacle disposed about said light passage of said base, for holding a liquid therein.