Moire light assembly

• US 5,258,895 A
• Filed: 03/09/1992
• Issued: 11/02/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 03/09/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Thomas W. Bosse
• Original Assignee: Thomas W. Bosse
• Inventors: Bosse, Thomas W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Husar, Stephen F.
• Application Number:
  US07/846,696
• Time in Patent Office: 603 Days
• Field of Search: 362/61, 362/80, 362/277, 362/279, 362/283, 362/284, 362/290, 362/322, 362/324, 362/325, 362/806, 362/811, 362/354, 362/281, 40/436
• US Class Current: 362/281
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 10/00 Lighting devices or systems producing a varying lighting effect
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 43/255 Filters
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 14/08 by movement of the screens or filters
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 5/002 using microoptical elements for redirecting or diffusing light
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 19/18 involving the use of optical projection means, e.g. projection of images on clouds projection apparatus per se G03B

Abstract

A moire effect light assembly for the enhancement of energizable lamps. The assembly includes a pair of moire effect grid patterns which are movable with respect to lamp as it is energized.

Claims

1. A moire effect light assembly for the visual enhancement of a light signal coming from an electrically energizable lamp, comprising:

a first grid pattern arranged adjacent said energizable lamp;

a second grid pattern arranged adjacent said first grid pattern, said first and second grid patterns being movable relative to one another and in light communication with said energizable lamp; and

means for effectuating relative motion between said first and second grid patterns as said lamp is energized to generate said moire effect and make said light signal more noticable.

2. A moire effect light assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said first grid pattern is held stationary with respect to said energizable lamp;

and said second grid pattern is movable with respect to both said lamp and said first grid pattern.

3. A moire effect light assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said second grid pattern is arranged in support tracks which permits controlled movement of said grid pattern.

4. A moire effect light assembly as recited in claim 3, wherein said means for effectuating relative motion comprises an energizable motor having rotatable cam means for engaging said grid pattern and instigating said motion therein.

5. A moire effect light assembly as recited in claim 3, wherein said means for effectuating relative motion comprises an actuatable arm energized when said lamp is energized, to instigate said motion therein.

6. A moire effect light assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein said means for effectuating relative motion comprises an inertial mass movable in a direction transverse to the direction of motion of said grid pattern, by a loose pivoting interengagable relation therebetween.

7. A moire effect light assembly as recited in claim 6, wherein said inertial mass is arranged at one end of a swingable finger, the finger having another end which is in pivotable relationship to said grid pattern.

8. A moire effect light assembly as recited in claim 7 where the grid pattern itself is pivotably disposed adjacent said lamp.

9. A moire effect light assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein said actuatable arm is attached to an energizable solenoid, said solenoid being energized simultaneously with said lamp to facilitate proper timing between the lighting of said lamp and the relative movement of said grid patterns for the creation of the moire effect.

10. A method of enhancing the attractiveness of a brake light assembly, comprising the steps of:

providing a lamp in the brake light assembly;

providing a moire effect grid pattern arrangement adjacent said lamp and in light communication therewith;

energizing said lamp; and

moving at least part of said grid pattern arrangement with respect to said lamp at the same time said lamp is energized, so as to generate a moire effect in the light shining from said lamp and through said grid patterns.

11. The method of claim 10, including the steps of:

supporting a grid pattern of said grid pattern arrangement in a support track adjacent said lamp;

moving said supported grid pattern by an energizable means as said lamp is energized.

12. The method of claim 10, including the steps of:

supporting in a pivot at least one of said grid patterns adjacent said lamp;

pivoting said supported grid pattern by an inertially actuated means as said lamp is energized.

13. The method of claim 10, including the steps of;

energizing a motor driven cam in conjunction with energization of said lamp wherein said cam is in contact with said grid pattern to effectuate relative motion between the grid patterns, so as to create the moire effect when said lamp is energized.

14. The method of claim 12, including the step of:

arranging a weighted finger in loose rocking engagement with one of said grid patterns, so as to effectuate pivoting of said grid pattern when inertia pivots the weighted end of said finger.

15. The method of claim 10, including the step of:

arranging a lens in light communication with said grid patterns and said lamp to further enhance the light signal passing therefrom.

16. The method of claim 12, including the step of:

supporting said pivotable grid pattern on an arrangement of flexures so as to keep said grid patterns in alignment with light from said lamp.