US5381324A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Illuminated canopy system
Assignee: Marketing Displays Inc
•
Filing: 1992-12-23
•
Granted: 1995-01-10
•
Expires: 2012-12-23
Abstract
Abstract A rear illuminated fascia apparatus for mounting on a surface is disclosed. The apparatus has a support structure comprising support brackets, top and bottom edge frame members, and corner members which tension and hold in place a flexible, translucent sheet material. Metal halide lights are used to illuminate the sheet material. A light dispersion member is positioned between the lights and the sheet material to uniformly distribute and disperse the light through the sheet material. Access members in the apparatus and access openings in the light dispersion member allow convenient changes of the lights.
Inventors
- 👤 David U. Hillstrom
- 👤 Brian J. Hillstrom
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 05:46
CPC Classifications
F; F21; F21S; F21S2/00; F21S4/00; F21S4/20; F21V; F21V19/00; F21V19/04; G; G09; G09F; G09F13/00; G09F13/04; G09F13/0418; G09F13/045; G09F13/0472; G09F15/00; G09F15/0006; G09F15/0025; F21V7/00; F21V7/0091; F21W; F21W2131/00; F21W2131/10; G09F13/0481; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S362/00; Y10S362/812
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 83
Claim 1
Independent Claim
161 words
An illuminated fascia light box apparatus for mounting on a surface comprising: a plurality of support brackets for attachment to said surface; a pair of elongated frame members attached to said support brackets and forming two external face edges of said apparatus; a pair of corner members, a first corner member attached to one end of said pair of frame members and a second corner member attached to the other end of said pair of frame members; a translucent sheet member stretchably extending and secured at its edges by said pair of frame members and said pair of corner members; at least one metal halide light positioned in said apparatus and providing illumination through said translucent sheet member; a light dispersion member positioned between said light and said sheet member for distributing illumination from the light uniformly on said sheet member; wherein said light dispersion member includes a means for manually accessing said light from below said light box for replacement.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
161 words
An illuminated fascia light box apparatus for mounting on a surface comprising: a plurality of support brackets for attachment to said surface; a pair of elongated frame members attached to said support brackets and forming two external face edges of said apparatus; a pair of corner members, a first corner member attached to one end of said pair of frame members and a second corner member attached to the other end of said pair of frame members; a translucent sheet member stretchably extending and secured at its edges by said pair of frame members and said pair of corner members; at least one metal halide light positioned in said apparatus and providing illumination through said translucent sheet member; a light dispersion member positioned between said light and said sheet member for distributing illumination from the light uniformly on said sheet member; wherein said light dispersion member includes a means for manually accessing said light from below said light box for replacement.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The illuminated fascia light box apparatus of claim 1 wherein said frame members have channel means for containing ends of said support brackets therein.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The illuminated fascia light box apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a support member for supporting said light dispersion member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The illuminated fascia light box apparatus of claim 1 wherein said light dispersion member is curved.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The illuminated fascia light box apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for manually accessing said light comprises an opening in said light dispersion member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The illuminated fascia light box apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an access door in said apparatus adjacent said light so that said light can be removed and replaced.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The illuminated fascia light box apparatus of claim 6 wherein said access door is hinged and spring biased to the closed position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The illuminated fascia light box apparatus of claim 3 wherein said support member is curved and made from a polycarbonate material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The illuminated fascia light box apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sheet member has a design thereon which is highlighted when the light is illuminated.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The illuminated fascia light box apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least two light box apparatus are provided on the fascia of a service station canopy.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
The illuminated fascia light box apparatus of claim 2 further comprising self-drilling fastener means for securing said frame members to said support brackets.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
The illuminated fascia light box assembly of claim 1 wherein said corner members comprise a bent piece of spring material and at least one tensioning means for tensioning said sheet material.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
118 words
An illuminated system comprising: a housing; an elongated flexible translucent sheet means positioned on and stretched across at least one elongated side of said housing; a point light source in said housing for projecting light; light dispersion means for distributing light from said point light source uniformly on said elongated translucent sheet means; and access means on said housing for accessing said point light source in said housing; said light dispersion means being a patterned film member having a plurality of light openings arranged in a prespecified pattern to allow differing amounts of light to pass through the film at different areas and thereby create a uniform distribution of light on all portions of the translucent sheet means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
118 words
An illuminated system comprising: a housing; an elongated flexible translucent sheet means positioned on and stretched across at least one elongated side of said housing; a point light source in said housing for projecting light; light dispersion means for distributing light from said point light source uniformly on said elongated translucent sheet means; and access means on said housing for accessing said point light source in said housing; said light dispersion means being a patterned film member having a plurality of light openings arranged in a prespecified pattern to allow differing amounts of light to pass through the film at different areas and thereby create a uniform distribution of light on all portions of the translucent sheet means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The illuminated system of claim 13 further comprising support means for supporting said light dispersion means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
The illuminated system of claim 13 wherein said point light source comprises metal halide light means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
112 words
An illumination system comprising: a housing and light dispersion means; said housing having an upper surface, a lower surface and at least one side surface; a flexible translucent sheet member secured to one of said side surfaces of said housing and stretched across said surface; means for holding said light dispersion means within said housing; said light dispersion means comprising at least one point light source illumination means, and light dispersion sheet means for uniformly distributing light from each said at least one point light source illumination means on said translucent sheet means; and access means in said lower surface of said housing for replacing each said point light source illumination means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
112 words
An illumination system comprising: a housing and light dispersion means; said housing having an upper surface, a lower surface and at least one side surface; a flexible translucent sheet member secured to one of said side surfaces of said housing and stretched across said surface; means for holding said light dispersion means within said housing; said light dispersion means comprising at least one point light source illumination means, and light dispersion sheet means for uniformly distributing light from each said at least one point light source illumination means on said translucent sheet means; and access means in said lower surface of said housing for replacing each said point light source illumination means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention as defined in claim 16 wherein said translucent sheet member is held on said housing by elongated frame members.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
18 words
The invention as defined in claim 17 wherein said translucent sheet member is stretched across said frame members.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention as defined in claim 16 wherein said point light source illumination means comprises a bulb and a socket.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
13 words
The invention as defined in claim 19 wherein said socket opens vertically downward.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention as defined in claim 16 wherein said light dispersion sheet means comprises an apertured sheet.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention as defined in claim 21 wherein said light dispersion sheet means includes a reflective surface facing said point source light.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention as defined in claim 16 wherein said light dispersion sheet means comprises a curved sheet.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention as defined in claim 22 wherein said reflective surface faces a second reflective surface behind said point source light.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
34 words
The invention as defined in claim 19 wherein a reflective surface faces toward said dispersion means behind said socket and said reflective surface includes at least one cut out in registration with said socket.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention as defined in claim 16 wherein said housing includes at least one reflective interior surface to reduce shadowing from each said point source light.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention as defined in claim 16 wherein said light dispersion sheet means includes access means for manually accessing said point source illumination means.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
18 words
The invention as defined in claim 27 wherein said access means comprises a displaceable light dispersion sheet means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention as defined in claim 27 wherein said access means comprises an opening in said light dispersion sheet means.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention as defined in claim 29 and further comprising a sleeve around the opening to protect the light dispersion sheet means and reduce shadowing.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
42 words
The invention as defined in claim 27 wherein said at least one point light source comprises a bulb and a socket opening downwardly from said housing, and wherein said housing includes an opening and a pivoting door in registration with said socket.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
16 words
The invention as defined in claim 21 wherein said light dispersion sheet means comprises a film.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
12 words
The invention as defined in claim 32 wherein said film is contoured.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
16 words
The invention as defined in claim 33 wherein said film overlays a rigid configured support member.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
150 words
An internally illuminated sign comprising: an elongated housing bounded by upper and lower elongated sides, said housing having a rear panel and an open front portion, an elongated flexible planar translucent panel covering said open front portion, at least one point light source positioned adjacent said rear panel and located in said housing substantially centrally between said upper and lower elongated sides, and a light dispersion sheet positioned between said point light source and said translucent panel for distributing light from said point light source uniformly over at least an elongated portion of said translucent panel and between said upper and lower elongated sides, said housing further comprising a plurality of support brackets attached to said rear panel, a pair of elongated frame members attached to said support brackets and forming elongated edges on said elongated sides, and said translucent panel being mounted on said frame members and stretched therebetween.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
150 words
An internally illuminated sign comprising: an elongated housing bounded by upper and lower elongated sides, said housing having a rear panel and an open front portion, an elongated flexible planar translucent panel covering said open front portion, at least one point light source positioned adjacent said rear panel and located in said housing substantially centrally between said upper and lower elongated sides, and a light dispersion sheet positioned between said point light source and said translucent panel for distributing light from said point light source uniformly over at least an elongated portion of said translucent panel and between said upper and lower elongated sides, said housing further comprising a plurality of support brackets attached to said rear panel, a pair of elongated frame members attached to said support brackets and forming elongated edges on said elongated sides, and said translucent panel being mounted on said frame members and stretched therebetween.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
57 words
The internally illuminated sign of claim 35 further comprising a pair of end frame members positioned at the ends of said elongated housing and attached to said elongated frame members, said translucent panel having two elongated side edges and two end edges, and said end frame members mounting and stretching the end edges of said translucent panel.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
16 words
The internally illuminated sign of claim 35 wherein said light dispersion sheet has a curved configuration.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
55 words
The internally illuminated sign of claim 35 wherein said light dispersion sheet has a plurality of openings, said openings being sized and arranged in a pre-specified pattern in order to allow differing amounts of light from said point light source to pass through said sheet at different areas and achieve said uniform distribution of light.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
63 words
The internally illuminated sign of claim 35 wherein at least two point light sources are provided, said light sources being spaced uniformly along said rear panel, each said light source having a light dispersion sheet positioned between said light source and said translucent panel, whereby light from said at least two point light sources is distributed uniformly over the entire elongated translucent panel.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
28 words
The internally illuminated sign of claim 35 further comprising access means in one of said elongated sides of said housing for replacing each of said point light sources.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
31 words
The internally illuminated sign of claim 40 wherein said access means is positioned in said lower elongated side in order to provide access to said point light source from the ground.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
14 words
The internally illuminated sign of claim 41 wherein said access means comprises a door.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
45 words
The internally illuminated sign of claim 42 wherein said door is movable between an open position allowing access to said light sources and a closed position preventing access to said light sources, and further comprising biasing means for biasing said door to its closed position.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
22 words
The internally illuminated sign of claim 37 further including means for manually accessing said point light source through said light dispersion sheet.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
25 words
The internally illuminated sign of claim 44 wherein said means for manually accessing said point light source comprises an opening in said light dispersion sheet.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
42 words
The internally illuminated sign of claim 44 wherein said light dispersion sheet is attached to said rear panel and said means for manually accessing said point light source comprises detachable means for selectively detaching said light dispersion sheet from said rear panel.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
17 words
The internally illuminated sign of claim 41 wherein said access means comprises a removable translucent panel member.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
16 words
The internally illuminated sign of claim 35 further comprising a reflective surface on said rear panel.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
24 words
The internally illuminated sign of claim 35 wherein said light dispersion sheet has a reflective surface on the side facing said point light source.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
143 words
An internally illuminated lightbox comprising: an elongated housing, said housing having an upper elongated panel member, a lower elongated panel member, a rear panel member, and an open front portion, an elongated flexible planar translucent sheet member stretched over and covering said open front portion, said translucent sheet member having a length in its elongated direction and a width laterally to said elongated direction, a plurality of point light sources in said housing, said light sources positioned uniformly in a spaced apart relationship on said rear panel member and substantially centrally between said upper elongated panel member and said lower elongated panel member, and light dispersion sheet means positioned between each of said point light sources and said translucent sheet member, whereby light from said point light sources is distributed uniformly over the entire width and length of said elongated translucent sheet member.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
143 words
An internally illuminated lightbox comprising: an elongated housing, said housing having an upper elongated panel member, a lower elongated panel member, a rear panel member, and an open front portion, an elongated flexible planar translucent sheet member stretched over and covering said open front portion, said translucent sheet member having a length in its elongated direction and a width laterally to said elongated direction, a plurality of point light sources in said housing, said light sources positioned uniformly in a spaced apart relationship on said rear panel member and substantially centrally between said upper elongated panel member and said lower elongated panel member, and light dispersion sheet means positioned between each of said point light sources and said translucent sheet member, whereby light from said point light sources is distributed uniformly over the entire width and length of said elongated translucent sheet member.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
21 words
The internally illuminated sign of claim 50 wherein said light dispersion sheet means comprises a plurality of individual dispersion panel members.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
17 words
The internally illuminated sign of claim 50 wherein said light dispersion sheet means has a curved configuration.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
22 words
The internally illuminated sign of claim 52 further comprising access means in said dispersion sheet means for replacing said point light sources.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
23 words
The internally illuminated sign of claim 50 further comprising access means in said lower elongated panel member for replacing said point light sources.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
19 words
The internally illuminated sign of claim 54 wherein said access means comprises a plurality of spring biased access doors.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
16 words
The internally illuminated sign of claim 50 further comprising a reflective surface on said rear panel.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
25 words
The internally illuminated sign of claim 50 wherein said light dispersion sheet means has a reflective surface on the side facing said point light sources.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
73 words
The internally illuminated sign of claim 50 wherein said light dispersion sheet means has a plurality of openings therein across the surface of said sheet means, said openings being sized and arranged in a pre-specified pattern to allow differing amounts of light from said point light source to pass through said sheet means at different areas along the length and width of said sheet means and thereby achieve said uniform distribution of light.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
165 words
An internally illuminated sign comprising: an elongated housing means substantially rectangular in shape and bounded by upper and lower elongated sides and a pair of shorter end members, said housing having a rear member and an open front portion and being greater than ten feet in length, an elongated flexible planar translucent panel member stretched over and covering said open front portion, at least two point light sources positioned in said housing and providing illumination for said translucent panel member, said point light sources being spaced between five to nine feet apart, light dispersion sheet means positioned in said housing between said point light sources and said translucent panel member, said light dispersion sheet means having a plurality of light openings arranged in prespecified patterns adjacent each of said point light sources to allow differing amounts of light to pass through the sheet means at different areas, whereby a light pattern of substantially uniform intensity is created along and across the entire translucent panel member.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
165 words
An internally illuminated sign comprising: an elongated housing means substantially rectangular in shape and bounded by upper and lower elongated sides and a pair of shorter end members, said housing having a rear member and an open front portion and being greater than ten feet in length, an elongated flexible planar translucent panel member stretched over and covering said open front portion, at least two point light sources positioned in said housing and providing illumination for said translucent panel member, said point light sources being spaced between five to nine feet apart, light dispersion sheet means positioned in said housing between said point light sources and said translucent panel member, said light dispersion sheet means having a plurality of light openings arranged in prespecified patterns adjacent each of said point light sources to allow differing amounts of light to pass through the sheet means at different areas, whereby a light pattern of substantially uniform intensity is created along and across the entire translucent panel member.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
35 words
The illuminated sign as set forth in claim 59 further comprising frame members positioned substantially around the perimeter of said open front portion and wherein said translucent panel member is stretched over said frame members.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
30 words
The illuminated sign as set forth in claim 59 further comprising access means in said lower elongated side of said housing for providing access to replace said point light sources.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
19 words
The illuminated sign as set forth in claim 59 wherein said point light sources each comprise metal halide lights.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
32 words
The illuminated sign as set forth in claim 59 further comprising a specular reflective means on said rear member of said housing, said specular reflective means being at least 90% light reflective.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
19 words
The illuminated sign as set forth in claim 59 wherein said internally illuminated sign comprises a canopy fascia device.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
20 words
The illuminated sign as set forth in claim 59 wherein said internally illuminated sign comprises a wall mounted lightbox device.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
118 words
An internally illuminated sign comprising: an elongated housing bounded by upper and lower elongated sides, said housing having a rear panel and an open front portion, an elongated flexible translucent panel covering said open front portion, at least one point light source positioned adjacent said rear panel and located in said housing a light dispersion sheet positioned between said point light source and said translucent panel for distributing light from said point light source uniformly over at least an elongated portion of said translucent panel and between said upper and lower elongated sides, and a frame means positioned around the edges of said open front portion, said translucent panel being mounted on said frame means and stretched thereon.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
118 words
An internally illuminated sign comprising: an elongated housing bounded by upper and lower elongated sides, said housing having a rear panel and an open front portion, an elongated flexible translucent panel covering said open front portion, at least one point light source positioned adjacent said rear panel and located in said housing a light dispersion sheet positioned between said point light source and said translucent panel for distributing light from said point light source uniformly over at least an elongated portion of said translucent panel and between said upper and lower elongated sides, and a frame means positioned around the edges of said open front portion, said translucent panel being mounted on said frame means and stretched thereon.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
144 words
An illuminated system for mounting on a surface comprising: a housing, said housing having an upper surface, a lower surface and at least one side surface; mounting means attaching said housing to said surface; a flexible translucent sheet member secured on one of said side surfaces of said housing; light dispersion means in said housing; means for supporting said light dispersion means within said housing; said light dispersion means comprising at least one point source illumination means, and light dispersion sheet means for uniformly distributing light from each said at least one point source illumination means on said translucent sheet means; access means in said lower surface of said housing for replacing each said point source illumination means; wherein said translucent sheet member is held on said housing by elongated frame members; and wherein said translucent sheet member is stretched across said frame members.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
144 words
An illuminated system for mounting on a surface comprising: a housing, said housing having an upper surface, a lower surface and at least one side surface; mounting means attaching said housing to said surface; a flexible translucent sheet member secured on one of said side surfaces of said housing; light dispersion means in said housing; means for supporting said light dispersion means within said housing; said light dispersion means comprising at least one point source illumination means, and light dispersion sheet means for uniformly distributing light from each said at least one point source illumination means on said translucent sheet means; access means in said lower surface of said housing for replacing each said point source illumination means; wherein said translucent sheet member is held on said housing by elongated frame members; and wherein said translucent sheet member is stretched across said frame members.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
139 words
An illuminated system for mounting on a surface comprising: a housing and light dispersion means; said housing having an upper surface, a lower surface and an least one side surface; a mount attaching said housing to said surface; a translucent sheet member secured on one of said side surfaces of said housing; means for supporting said light dispersion means within said housing; said light dispersion means comprising at least one point light source illumination means, and light dispersion sheet means for uniformly distributing light from each said at least one point light source illumination means on said translucent sheet means; and access means in said lower surface of said housing for replacing each said point light source illumination means; wherein said light dispersion sheet means comprises an apertured sheet and has a reflective surface facing said point light source.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
139 words
An illuminated system for mounting on a surface comprising: a housing and light dispersion means; said housing having an upper surface, a lower surface and an least one side surface; a mount attaching said housing to said surface; a translucent sheet member secured on one of said side surfaces of said housing; means for supporting said light dispersion means within said housing; said light dispersion means comprising at least one point light source illumination means, and light dispersion sheet means for uniformly distributing light from each said at least one point light source illumination means on said translucent sheet means; and access means in said lower surface of said housing for replacing each said point light source illumination means; wherein said light dispersion sheet means comprises an apertured sheet and has a reflective surface facing said point light source.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
163 words
An internally illuminated sign comprising: an elongated housing bounded by upper and lower elongated sides, said housing having a rear panel and an open front portion, an elongated planar translucent panel covering said open front portion, at least one point light source positioned adjacent said rear panel and located in said housing substantially centrally between said upper and lower elongated sides, a light dispersion sheet positioned between said point light source and said translucent panel for distributing light from said point light source uniformly over at least an elongated portion of said translucent panel and between said upper and lower elongated sides, access door means in said lower elongated side of said housing for replacing each of said point light sources from the ground, said access door means being movable between an open position allowing access to said light sources and a closed position preventing access to said light sources, and biasing means for biasing said access door means to the closed position.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
163 words
An internally illuminated sign comprising: an elongated housing bounded by upper and lower elongated sides, said housing having a rear panel and an open front portion, an elongated planar translucent panel covering said open front portion, at least one point light source positioned adjacent said rear panel and located in said housing substantially centrally between said upper and lower elongated sides, a light dispersion sheet positioned between said point light source and said translucent panel for distributing light from said point light source uniformly over at least an elongated portion of said translucent panel and between said upper and lower elongated sides, access door means in said lower elongated side of said housing for replacing each of said point light sources from the ground, said access door means being movable between an open position allowing access to said light sources and a closed position preventing access to said light sources, and biasing means for biasing said access door means to the closed position.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
164 words
An internally illuminated lightbox comprising: an elongated housing, said housing having an upper elongated panel member, a lower elongated panel member, a rear panel member, and an open front portion, an elongated planar translucent sheet member covering said open front portion, said translucent sheet member having a length in its elongated direction and a width laterally to said elongated direction, a plurality of point light sources in said housing, said light sources positioned uniformly in a spaced apart relationship on said rear panel member and substantially centrally between said upper elongated panel member and said lower elongated panel member, light dispersion sheet means positioned between each of said point light sources and said translucent sheet member, whereby light from said point light sources is distributed uniformly over the entire width and length of said elongated translucent sheet member, and access means in said lower elongated panel member for replacing said point light sources, said access means comprising a plurality of spring biased access doors.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
164 words
An internally illuminated lightbox comprising: an elongated housing, said housing having an upper elongated panel member, a lower elongated panel member, a rear panel member, and an open front portion, an elongated planar translucent sheet member covering said open front portion, said translucent sheet member having a length in its elongated direction and a width laterally to said elongated direction, a plurality of point light sources in said housing, said light sources positioned uniformly in a spaced apart relationship on said rear panel member and substantially centrally between said upper elongated panel member and said lower elongated panel member, light dispersion sheet means positioned between each of said point light sources and said translucent sheet member, whereby light from said point light sources is distributed uniformly over the entire width and length of said elongated translucent sheet member, and access means in said lower elongated panel member for replacing said point light sources, said access means comprising a plurality of spring biased access doors.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
150 words
An illuminated system for mounting on a surface comprising: a housing and light dispersion means; said housing having an upper surface, a lower surface and at least one side surface; a mount attaching said housing to said surface; a translucent sheet member secured on one of said side surfaces of said housing; means for supporting said light dispersion means within said housing, said light dispersion means comprising at least one point light source illumination means, and light dispersion sheet means for uniformly distributing light from each said at least one point light source illumination means on said translucent sheet member; access means in said lower surface of said housing for replacing each said point source illumination means; an opening in said light dispersion sheet means for manually accessing said point light source illumination means; and a sleeve around said opening to protect said light dispersion sheet means and reduce shadowing.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
150 words
An illuminated system for mounting on a surface comprising: a housing and light dispersion means; said housing having an upper surface, a lower surface and at least one side surface; a mount attaching said housing to said surface; a translucent sheet member secured on one of said side surfaces of said housing; means for supporting said light dispersion means within said housing, said light dispersion means comprising at least one point light source illumination means, and light dispersion sheet means for uniformly distributing light from each said at least one point light source illumination means on said translucent sheet member; access means in said lower surface of said housing for replacing each said point source illumination means; an opening in said light dispersion sheet means for manually accessing said point light source illumination means; and a sleeve around said opening to protect said light dispersion sheet means and reduce shadowing.
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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) | 1998-01-09 | 1998-07-11 | 1999-01-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-01-09 | 2002-07-11 | 2003-01-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-01-09 | 2006-07-11 | 2007-01-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |