US5226725A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Illuminated map device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1991-12-23
•
Granted: 1993-07-13
•
Expires: 2011-12-23
Abstract
Abstract A hollow housing which may be flat or in the shape of a sphere has a map extending over at least part of its outer surface representing at least some of the topographical features of the Earth's surface. The map is formed at least partially by openings in the surface, and a light source inside the housing illuminates the openings so that they will stand out in a darkened room. The openings may be holes at the locations of major cities, cuts extending along the continents and rivers separated by bridges, and cut-outs representing major lakes and inland seas.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul J. Trusiani
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 04:38
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09F; G09F13/00; G09F13/04; G09F13/0418; G09F13/045; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S362/00; Y10S362/806; Y10S362/808; Y10S362/809; Y10S362/812
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
81 words
An illuminated display device, comprising: a hollow housing having an outer surface surrounding an inner cavity; at least part of the outer surface of the housing having a series of linear cuts at spaced intervals extending along predetermined lines to form a selected graphical display, the graphical display comprising a map having selected topographical features and the linear cuts extending along the outlines of the selected topographical features; and a light source positioned in the inner cavity for illuminating said cuts.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
81 words
An illuminated display device, comprising: a hollow housing having an outer surface surrounding an inner cavity; at least part of the outer surface of the housing having a series of linear cuts at spaced intervals extending along predetermined lines to form a selected graphical display, the graphical display comprising a map having selected topographical features and the linear cuts extending along the outlines of the selected topographical features; and a light source positioned in the inner cavity for illuminating said cuts.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said housing has holes at predetermined locations corresponding to the locations of at least the major cities on the Earth's surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein some of said linear cuts extend along predetermined lines corresponding to the contours of at least some of the rivers and lakes on the Earth's surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a hollow sphere and the outer surface of the sphere has cuts across at least substantially the entire surface area for representing selected topographical features of the Earth's surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
122 words
An illuminated map device comprising: a hollow housing having an outer surface surrounding an inner cavity; at least part of the outer surface of the housing comprising a map, representing at least some of the topographical features of the Earth's surface, the map having a plurality of openings at predetermined positions corresponding to selected topographical features; a light source positioned in the inner cavity for illuminating said openings; the housing comprising a picture frame and a flat front panel mounted in the picture frame, the front panel comprising said map and being of at least substantially opaque material apart from said openings; and said openings including linear cuts along predetermined lines at spaced intervals corresponding to the boundaries of the Earth's continents.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
122 words
An illuminated map device comprising: a hollow housing having an outer surface surrounding an inner cavity; at least part of the outer surface of the housing comprising a map, representing at least some of the topographical features of the Earth's surface, the map having a plurality of openings at predetermined positions corresponding to selected topographical features; a light source positioned in the inner cavity for illuminating said openings; the housing comprising a picture frame and a flat front panel mounted in the picture frame, the front panel comprising said map and being of at least substantially opaque material apart from said openings; and said openings including linear cuts along predetermined lines at spaced intervals corresponding to the boundaries of the Earth's continents.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said openings include at predetermined locations corresponding to the locations of at least the major cities on the Earth's surface.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the holes are of at least two different sizes, the larger size holes representing capitol cities.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device as claimed in claim 7, wherein each hole is of a predetermined size proportional to the population size of the city represented by the respective hole.
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) | 1996-07-12 | 1997-01-11 | 1997-07-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-07-12 | 2001-01-11 | 2001-07-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-07-12 | 2005-01-11 | 2005-07-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |