US3791058A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Visual effect producer
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-04-27
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Granted: 1974-02-12
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Expires: 1992-04-27
Abstract
Abstract A device for providing attractive visual effects consisting of a source of black light, a rotatable, hollow cylindrical translucent element carrying a pattern subject to fluorescence surrounding the source of black light, a stationary, hollow, cylindrical lens system having surface undulations and suitably composed of a continuous series of contiguous clear plastic rods, or rod-like portions, surrounding the rotatable patterned element and an outer housing having translucent lateral walls composed of a smoked or tinted plastic, glass or the like, the housing enclosing the elements previously referred to. Upon energization of the device, the black light causes the pattern on the rotating cylindrical element to fluoresce and the light rays thereby produced impinge upon the stationary lens system which, due to refraction of the light rays caused thereby, transmits a distorted pattern image through the translucent walls of the outer casing as the pattern rotates.
Inventors
- 👤 M Mollica
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 21:18
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09F; G09F19/00; G09F19/12; G09F19/125; G09F11/00; G09F11/02; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S362/00; Y10S362/806; Y10S362/811
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
265 words
In a visual effect producer comprising a light source, a patterning means laterally surrounding said light source and a transparent lens system, said patterning means and said lens system being positioned in the path of light rays from said light source with said patterning means interposed between said lens system and said light source, and means for moving said patterning means relatively to said light source and said lens system to expose successive portions of said patterning means to light rays of said light source at any given location on said lens system, the improvement wherein said light source is an electric light tube and there is an electric circuit therefor including a plurality of elements, there is a laterally translucent housing enclosing said light tube, patterning means and lens system, said housing including a cover member overlying said patterning means and means supporting said cover member for ready removal and replacement thereof, there is means supporting said light tube and certain said elements of said electrical circuit from said cover member, there is disconnectable cooperating means on said cover member and said cover member supporting means respectively connecting said certain elements of said electric circuit to other elements thereof when said cover member is supported by said cover member supporting means, whereby upon removal of said cover member from said cover member supporting means, said disconnectable means are disconnected and said light tube and the elements of said electrical circuit supported by said cover member may be moved with said cover member to a remote location to permit ready access to said patterning means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
265 words
In a visual effect producer comprising a light source, a patterning means laterally surrounding said light source and a transparent lens system, said patterning means and said lens system being positioned in the path of light rays from said light source with said patterning means interposed between said lens system and said light source, and means for moving said patterning means relatively to said light source and said lens system to expose successive portions of said patterning means to light rays of said light source at any given location on said lens system, the improvement wherein said light source is an electric light tube and there is an electric circuit therefor including a plurality of elements, there is a laterally translucent housing enclosing said light tube, patterning means and lens system, said housing including a cover member overlying said patterning means and means supporting said cover member for ready removal and replacement thereof, there is means supporting said light tube and certain said elements of said electrical circuit from said cover member, there is disconnectable cooperating means on said cover member and said cover member supporting means respectively connecting said certain elements of said electric circuit to other elements thereof when said cover member is supported by said cover member supporting means, whereby upon removal of said cover member from said cover member supporting means, said disconnectable means are disconnected and said light tube and the elements of said electrical circuit supported by said cover member may be moved with said cover member to a remote location to permit ready access to said patterning means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
70 words
A visual effect producer as defined in claim 1 wherein said patterning means and said lens system are each of tubular configuration and the means for moving said patterning means comprises means for rotating the same relatively to the lens system, said last-named means comprising a turntable on which said patterning means is positioned, an electric motor for rotating said turntable and means connecting said motor into said electric circuit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A visual effect producer as defined in claim 2 wherein said lens system comprises a transparent tube having a convoluted surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
A visual effect producer as defined in claim 1 wherein said lens system is comprised of a series of transparent rod-like portions extending at an angle to the direction of movement of said patterning means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A visual effect producer as defined in claim 4 wherein said rod-like portions of said lens system are substantially square in croSs section.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A visual effect producer as defined in claim 4 wherein said rod-like portions of said lens system are substantially triangular in cross section.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
A visual effect producer as defined in claim 1 wherein said light tube is a black light tube and there is a pattern carried by said patterning means which is of a character to be subject to fluorescence by said black light tube.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-02-11 | 1977-08-13 | 1978-02-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-11 | 1981-08-13 | 1982-02-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-11 | 1985-08-13 | 1986-02-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |