Apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode module

• US 6,467,929 B2
• Filed: 07/18/2001
• Issued: 10/22/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 09/20/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Otto International Inc.
• Original Assignee: Otto International Inc.
• Inventors: Lee, Razgo
• Primary Examiner(s): Sember, Thomas M.
• Application Number:
  US09/908,274
• Publication Number:
  US 20020021566A1
• Time in Patent Office: 461 Days
• Field of Search: 362/259, 362/199, 362/197, 362/105, 362/190, 362/191, 362/201, 362/396, 362/427, 362/430, 362/419, 362/421, 362/806, 362/287
• US Class Current: 362/191
• CPC Class Codes: A42B 1/242 Means for mounting detecting, signalling or lighting devices
• CPC Class Codes: F21L 4/00 Electric lighting devices with self-contained electric batteries or cells
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/0885 for portable lighting devices
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/29 employing universal joints
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/30 Semiconductor lasers
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/806 Ornamental or decorative

Abstract

A laser diode module attachment and mounting apparatus for adjustably mounting a laser diode module onto a fixed object, such as a pole, table edge, or refrigerator or the like, or an item of apparel, such as a cap, belt, pants, shirt or the like, thereby enhancing not only the practical applications for the Laser Diode, but also furthering its entertainment appeal. The laser diode module attachment and mounting apparatus allows for aiming, and hence projecting, a laser image on a desired target while the laser diode module is either attached to an item of apparel worn by the user or mounted onto an object. The apparatus generally comprises a first means for attaching a laser diode module onto an object, a second means for adjusting a laser diode module, and an attachment mechanism for securing the laser diode module onto the second adjusting means. The second adjusting means allows for rotation, and hence, aiming of the laser diode module around one rotational axis or around a plurality of rotational axes.

Claims

1. An apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode module onto an object, comprising:

(a) a laser diode module, said laser diode module having a laser emitter means and a laser dispersion means, the combination of said laser emitter means and said laser dispersion means produces a display picture image;

(b) a means for attaching said laser diode module onto an object being provided;

(c) a means for adjusting said laser diode module, said means for adjusting said laser diode module connected to said means for attaching a laser diode module; and

(d) an attachment mechanism for securing said means for adjusting said laser diode module to said laser diode module;

(e) said laser diode module secured to said means for adjusting said laser diode module.

2. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said display picture image being selected from the group consisting of a representation, a depiction, a sign, an interpretation, a description, a model, a diagram, a doodle, an outline, a symbol, a design, a figure, a graphic, a visual aid, a rendering, an impression, a semblance, a plan, a piece, a drawing, an illustration, a portrait, a photograph, a likeness, a semblance, a similitude, a portrayal, a caricature, a cartoon, a sketch, a comic strip, or a delineation.

3. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said first means for attaching a laser diode module comprises:

(a) a plate, said plate including an upper end, a lower end, a front face, and a rear face;

(b) a gripping member disposed on said rear face of said plate, said gripping member including an upwardly disposed handle and a lower extent;

(c) a pivot assembly for coupling said gripping member to said plate; and

(d) a spring for biasing said gripping member, whereby said lower extent of said gripping member is compressed against said rear face of said plate in a rest orientation.

4. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said first means for attaching a laser diode module comprises a planar strip, said planar strip including a first edge, a second edge, and a center section, said center section being generally curved such that said first edge is disposed adjacent said second edge and a gap formed therebetween, said gap tapering from said center section towards said first and second edges.

5. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said first means for attaching a laser diode module comprises:

(a) a strip, said strip including a first end and a second end, said strip being curved such that a generally circular opening is formed therein;

(b) a first tang and a second tang, said first tang extending outwardly from said first end and said second tang extending outwardly from said second end, wherein said first and said second tangs are generally parallel; and

(c) bolt means for holding said first and said second tangs, in a fixed position relative to each other.

6. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said first means for attaching a laser diode module comprises:

(a) a first strip and a second strip, said first strip including a first end and a second end, said second strip including a third end and a fourth end, said first strip being curved such that a generally semi-circular opening is formed between said first end and a second end, said second strip being curved such that a generally semi-circular opening is formed between said third end and said fourth end;

(b) a first tang, a second tang, a third tang, and a fourth tang, said first tang extending outwardly from said first end and said second tang extending outwardly from said second end, said third tang extending outwardly from said third end and said fourth tang extending outwardly from said fourth end, wherein said first tang and said third tang are disposed adjacent and generally parallel to each other and wherein said second tangs and said fourth tang are adjacent and generally parallel to each other; and

(c) a first bolt means and a second bolt means, said first bolt means adapted for holding said first and third second tangs in a fixed position relative to each other, said second bolt means adapted for holding said second and said fourth tangs in a fixed position relative to each other.

7. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said first means for attaching a laser diode module comprises:

(a) an upper plate and a lower plate;

(b) a center plate integral to and attached to both said upper plate and said lower plate, wherein a generally rectangular gap is defined between said upper plate and said lower plate; and

(c) bolt means incorporated in said lower plate, said bolt means adapted to move towards said upper plate upon rotation of said bolt means, thereby exerting a compressive force on an object inserted therebetween.

8. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said first means for attaching a laser diode module comprises a housing, said housing including a magnet disposed therein.

9. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said first means for attaching a laser diode module comprises:

(a) a plate, said plate including an upper surface and an outer end;

(b) a support member integrally coupled to said upper surface of said plate, said support member extending perpendicularly from said outer end of said plate; and

(c) a screw means passing through said plate.

10. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said adjustment mechanism comprises a ball and socket joint.

11. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said adjustment mechanism comprises a first hinge assembly capable of pivoting around a first axis.

12. An apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein said adjustment mechanism further comprises a ball and socket joint coupled to said first hinge assembly.

13. An apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein said adjustment mechanism further comprises a second hinge assembly coupled to said first hinge assembly, said second hinge assembly capable of pivoting around a second axis, wherein said second axis is generally perpendicular to said first axis.

14. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said second means for securing said adjustment mechanism comprises at least one screw.

15. An apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode module onto an object, comprising:

(a) a laser diode module, said laser diode module having a laser emitter means and a laser dispersion means, the combination of said laser emitter means in said laser dispersion means produces a display letter image;

(b) a means for attaching said laser diode module onto an object;

(c) a means for adjusting said laser diode module, said means for adjusting said laser diode module connected to said means for attaching a laser diode module; and

(d) an attachment mechanism for securing said means for adjusting said laser diode module to said laser diode module;

(e) said laser diode module secured to said means for adjusting said laser diode module.

16. An apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein said display letter image being selected from the group consisting of script, a note, a memo, at least one alpha-numeric symbol, a communication, initials, an epistle, a notification, a missive, at least one contraction, a statement, at least one acronym, at least one word, at least one phrase, at least one slogan, at least one expression, at least one remark, at least one declaration, at least one saying, at least one idiom, at least one axiom, at least one slogan, at least one turn of phrase, at least one motto, at least one jingle, at least one catch phrase, at least one watch word, or at least one sentence.

17. An apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein said first means for attaching a laser diode module comprises:

(a) a plate, said plate including an upper end, a lower end, a front face, and a rear face;

(b) a gripping member disposed on said rear face of said plate, said gripping member including an upwardly disposed handle and a lower extent;

(c) a pivot assembly for coupling said gripping member to said plate; and

(d) a spring for biasing said gripping member, whereby said lower extent of said gripping member is compressed against said rear face of said plate in a rest orientation.

18. An apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein said first means for attaching a laser diode module comprises a planar strip, said planar strip including a first edge, a second edge, and a center section, said center section being generally curved such that said first edge is disposed adjacent said second edge and a gap formed therebetween, said gap tapering from said center section towards said first and second edges.

19. An apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein said adjustment mechanism comprises a ball and socket joint.

20. An apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein said adjustment mechanism comprises a first hinge assembly capable of pivoting around a first axis.

21. An apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein said adjustment mechanism further comprises a ball and socket joint coupled to said first hinge assembly.

22. An apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein said adjustment mechanism further comprises a second hinge assembly coupled to said first hinge assembly, said second hinge assembly capable of pivoting around a second axis, wherein said second axis is generally perpendicular to said first axis.

23. An apparatus for attaching or mounting a laser diode module onto an object, comprising:

(a) a laser diode module, said laser diode module having a laser emitter means and a laser dispersion means, the combination of said laser emitter means and said laser dispersion means produces a display picture image and display letter image combination;

(b) a means for attaching said laser diode module onto an object;

(c) a means for adjusting said laser diode module, said means for adjusting said laser diode module connected to said means for attaching a laser diode module; and

(d) an attachment mechanism for securing said means for adjusting said laser diode module to said laser diode module;

(e) said laser diode module secured to said means for adjusting said laser diode module.

24. An apparatus as recited in claim 23, wherein said display picture image being selected from the group consisting of a representation, a depiction, a sign, an interpretation, a description, a model, a diagram, a doodle, an outline, a symbol, a design, a figure, a graphic, a visual aid, a rendering, an impression, a semblance, a plan, a piece, a drawing, an illustration, a portrait, a photograph, a likeness, a semblance, a similitude, a portrayal, a caricature, a cartoon, a sketch, a comic strip, or a delineation.

25. An apparatus as recited in claim 23, wherein said display letter image being selected from the group consisting of script, a note, a memo, at least one alpha-numeric symbol, a communication, initials, an epistle, a notification, a missive, at least one contraction, a statement, at least one acronym, at least one word, at least one phrase, at least one slogan, at least one expression, at least one remark, at least one declaration, at least one saying, at least one idiom, at least one axiom, at least one slogan, at least one turn of phrase, at least one motto, at least one jingle, at least one catch phrase, at least one watch word, or at least one sentence.

26. An apparatus as recited in claim 23, wherein said first means for attaching a laser diode module comprises:

(a) a plate, said plate including an upper end, a lower end, a front face, and a rear face;

(b) a gripping member disposed on said rear face of said plate, said gripping member including an upwardly disposed handle and a lower extent;

(c) a pivot assembly for coupling said gripping member to said plate; and

(d) a spring for biasing said gripping member, whereby said lower extent of said gripping member is compressed against said rear face of said plate in a rest orientation.

27. An apparatus as recited in claim 23, wherein said first means for attaching a laser diode module comprises a planar strip, said planar strip including a first edge, a second edge, and a center section, said center section being generally curved such that said first edge is disposed adjacent said second edge and a gap formed therebetween, said gap tapering from said center section towards said first and second edges.

28. An apparatus as recited in claim 23, wherein said adjustment mechanism comprises a ball and socket joint.

29. An apparatus as recited in claim 23, wherein said adjustment mechanism comprises a first hinge assembly capable of pivoting around a first axis.

30. An apparatus as recited in claim 27, wherein said adjustment mechanism further comprises a ball and socket joint coupled to said first hinge assembly.

31. An apparatus as recited in claim 27, wherein said adjustment mechanism further comprises a second hinge assembly coupled to said first hinge assembly, said second hinge assembly capable of pivoting around a second axis, wherein said second axis is generally perpendicular to said first axis.