Fluid filled light apparatus

• US 6,241,359 B1
• Filed: 04/13/1999
• Issued: 06/05/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 04/14/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Yung Chang Lin
• Original Assignee: Yung Chang Lin
• Inventors: Lin, Yung Chang
• Primary Examiner(s): CARIASO, ALAN B
• Application Number:
  US09/291,410
• Time in Patent Office: 784 Days
• Field of Search: 362/96, 362/101, 362/186, 362/318, 362/253, 362/806, 362/811, 404/06, 404/07, 404/09, 404/26, 404/39--41, 446/136, 446/267, 446/485
• US Class Current: 362/96
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 10/002 using liquids, e.g. water
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/24 using tubes or the like filled with liquid, e.g. bubbling liquid
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/806 Ornamental or decorative

Abstract

A fluid-filled light apparatus comprises a two-tube transparent container which provides light and produces distinct visual effects. The two-tube transparent container comprises an inner transparent tube suspended within an outer transparent tube. First terminal ends of each of the transparent tubes is sealed by a transparent tube cap which suspends the inner transparent tube within the outer transparent tube. A second terminal end of the outer transparent tube attaches the transparent tubes as one assembly to a base member. Each transparent tube holds liquid and decorative objects. The base member includes a motor, a power supply and an illuminating unit. Through magnetic coupling, the motor drives a magnet attached to a shaft of the motor which rotates and causes magnetic rotors positioned at the second terminal end of each of the transparent tubes to simultaneously rotate, causing liquids to spin and suspend decorative objects to produce a first visual effect in the outer inner transparent tube and a second visual effect in the inner transparent tube. The illuminating unit provides light through the transparent second terminal ends of each of the transparent tubes which enhances the visual effects produced.

Claims

1. A fluid-filled light apparatus to provide light and to produce a plurality of visual effects, comprising:

a first outer transparent tube with first and second terminal ends of a first diameter to hold liquid and first decorative objects therein;

a second inner transparent tube with first and second terminal ends of a diameter smaller than the first diameter positioned within the outer transparent tube to hold liquid and second decorative objects therein, the second terminal end of the first outer transparent tube extending beyond the second terminal end of the second inner transparent tube;

a transparent tube cap of the same diameter as the outer transparent tube which seals the first terminal end of each of the outer and inner transparent tubes;

the second terminal end of each of the outer and inner transparent tubes being transparent;

a first magnetic rotor positioned at the second terminal end of the first outer transparent tube, the first magnetic rotor having a first rotor with a plurality of stirrer arms disposed therein and a first magnet mounted within the first rotor;

a second magnetic rotor positioned at the second terminal end of the second inner transparent tube above the first magnetic rotor, the second magnetic rotor having a second rotor with a plurality of stirrer arms disposed therein and a second magnet mounted within the second rotor; and

a base member connected to the second terminal end of the outer transparent tube, the base member including a mechanism to cause movement of the first and second magnetic rotors and an illuminating unit to provide light.

2. The fluid-filled light apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mechanism for causing movement of the first and second magnetic rotors comprises an electrical motor with a shaft on which a third magnet is attached.

3. The fluid-filled light apparatus of claim 2, wherein the third magnet is below and parallel the first magnet of the first magnetic rotor and the second magnet of the second magnetic rotor.

4. The fluid-filled light apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first magnet of the first magnetic rotor is below and parallel the second magnet of the second magnetic rotor.

5. The fluid-filled light apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of stirrer arms of the first magnetic rotor is disposed on a side periphery of the first rotor.

6. The fluid-filled light apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of stirrer arms of the second magnetic rotor is disposed on a side periphery of the second rotor.

7. The fluid-filled light apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transparent tube cap comprises a ring attached thereto which seals the first terminal end of each of the outer and inner transparent tubes and suspends the inner transparent tube within the outer transparent tube.

8. The fluid-filled light apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second terminal end of each of the outer and inner transparent tubes is transparent.

9. The fluid-filled light apparatus of claim 2, wherein the electrical motor further comprises a power supply to provide electricity to the electrical motor.

10. The fluid-filled light apparatus of claim 9, wherein the power supply is an electrical transformer.

11. The fluid-filled light apparatus of claim 9, wherein the power supply is a battery bay equipped with batteries.

12. The fluid-filled light apparatus of claim 2, wherein the electrical motor further comprises a power supply located external to the base member and a means to connect the power supply to the electrical motor to provide electricity to the electrical motor.

13. The fluid-filled light apparatus of claim 1, wherein the illuminating unit comprises a reflector surface and a light bulb connected to a power supply.

14. The fluid-filled light apparatus of claim 13, wherein the reflector surface is a hemispherical reflector.

15. The fluid apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first decorative objects held in the outer transparent tube are of at least one color.

16. The fluid-filled light apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first decorative objects comprise at least one shape.

17. The fluid-filled light apparatus of claim 1, wherein the liquid held in the outer transparent tube is colorless.

18. The fluid-filled light apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second decorative objects held in the inner transparent tube are of at least one color.

19. The fluid-filled light apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second decorative objects held in the inner transparent tube are of at least one shape.

20. The fluid-filled light apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second decorative objects held in the inner transparent tube are constructed of pearlescent material.

21. The fluid-filled light apparatus of claim 1, wherein the liquid held in the inner transparent tube is at least one color.