US5317488A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Insulated integral electroluminescent lighting system
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1992-11-17
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Granted: 1994-05-31
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Expires: 2012-11-17
Abstract
Abstract An integral, light weight, recyclable, self-contained battery operated and insulated lighting system using an electroluminescent light source is described. This is achieved by re-locating the terminals of an electroluminescent light source away from the outer edges, securing the power supply unit onto the body of the light source, and encapsulating both the electroluminating light source and the converter into one unit. On-off control, if desired, is incorporated in the same unit using a commercial membrane switch. Only the low voltage D.C. end of the converter is therefore exposed for attachment to a regular battery which may also be encapsulated with the converter and light source into one single unit, increasing further the water and electrical resistivity and hence the safety of the system. The system is recyclable. A damaged or spent unit can be removed, replaced, followed by the re-encapsulation of the entire system.
Inventors
- 👤 Darlene Penrod
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 15:37
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B33/00; H05B33/02; H05B44/00; H05B33/04; H05B33/06; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B20/00; Y02B20/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
An improved electroluminescent lighting system using a conventional electroluminescent light source having a luminescent face, a non-luminescent face, and external edges, the improvement comprising: (a) at least two electric termination points positioned on the non-luminescent face of said light source and at a distance from the external edges; (b) an energizing module attached to said termination points by a connecting means and positioned by an adhering means on the non-luminescent face of said light source at a distance from the external edges; and (c) a resilient and water resistant cover encapsulating the luminescent face, the non-luminescent face, and the external edges of said light source, said termination points, said energizing module, and said connecting means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
An improved electroluminescent lighting system using a conventional electroluminescent light source having a luminescent face, a non-luminescent face, and external edges, the improvement comprising: (a) at least two electric termination points positioned on the non-luminescent face of said light source and at a distance from the external edges; (b) an energizing module attached to said termination points by a connecting means and positioned by an adhering means on the non-luminescent face of said light source at a distance from the external edges; and (c) a resilient and water resistant cover encapsulating the luminescent face, the non-luminescent face, and the external edges of said light source, said termination points, said energizing module, and said connecting means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
An illuminating assembly, as recited in claim 1, wherein the energizing module consists of a D.C. to A.C. inverter having D.C. input terminals and A.C. output terminals.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
An illuminating assembly, as recited in claim 1, wherein the energizing module comprises a D.C. to A.C. inverter having D.C. input terminals and A.C. output terminals and a D.C. battery wherein said D.C. battery is securely attached to the D.C. input terminals of said D.C. to A.C. inverter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
An illuminating assembly, as recited in claim 1, wherein the connecting means comprises an electrical conducting material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
An illuminating assembly, as recited in claim 1, wherein the connecting means consists of a membrane switch and an electrical connecting material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
An illuminating assembly, as recited in claim 1, wherein the adhering means consists essentially of an organic based polymer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
An illuminating assembly, as recited in claim 1, wherein the adhering means consists essentially of a silicone based polymer,
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
An illuminating assembly, as recited in claim 1, wherein the resilient and water resistant insulating cover consists essentially of an organic polymer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
An illuminating assembly, as recited in claim 1, wherein the resilient and water resistant insulating cover consists essentially of a silicone based polymer.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-05-30 | 1997-11-29 | 1998-05-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-05-30 | 2001-11-29 | 2002-05-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-05-30 | 2005-11-29 | 2006-05-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |