US5515069A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for relieving eyestrain and fatigue
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1993-11-01
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Granted: 1996-05-07
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Expires: 2013-11-01
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for relieving eyestrain and fatigue. A plurality of light sources, arranged in a selected three-dimensional pattern around a video display terminal, automatically cycling through a selected sequenced pattern at chosen time intervals for specific time periods, provides stimulation for the eyes away from the two-dimensional surface of the terminal screen. Colors and shapes of the light sources may be varied in order to maintain user interest.
Inventors
- 👤 John A. Dillon, III
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 13:41
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F1/00; G06F1/16; G06F1/1601; G06F2200/00; G06F2200/16; G06F2200/161; G06F2200/1611
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 25
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
An apparatus for relieving eyestrain and fatigue resulting from extended use of video display terminals, said apparatus comprising in combination: a. a plurality of light sources removably attached to the video display terminal forming a three-dimensional array having a selected configuration; and b. means for establishing a chosen sequenced light pattern in said plurality of light sources; whereby the user's eyes are distracted from the video display terminal at chosen intervals for specific time periods, and may follow the light pattern established in said light sources, thereby providing exercise therefor.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
90 words
An apparatus for relieving eyestrain and fatigue resulting from extended use of video display terminals, said apparatus comprising in combination: a. a plurality of light sources removably attached to the video display terminal forming a three-dimensional array having a selected configuration; and b. means for establishing a chosen sequenced light pattern in said plurality of light sources; whereby the user's eyes are distracted from the video display terminal at chosen intervals for specific time periods, and may follow the light pattern established in said light sources, thereby providing exercise therefor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein each light source in said plurality of light sources is selected to have a particular color.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein each comprising means for automatically activating said plurality of light sources at chosen time intervals during the operation of the video display terminal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein at least one light source in said plurality of light sources is covered by at least one removable light-transmitting mask, thereby permitting said at least one light source to have different shapes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as described in claim 4, wherein said at least one light transmitting mask has a multiplicity of shapes and colors, one shape and color being selectable at a time.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein said plurality of light sources is supported by a generally U-shaped frame adapted to be fit around the video display terminal.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
89 words
A system for relieving eyestrain and fatigue resulting from extended use of video display terminals, said system comprising in combination: a. a plurality of light sources disposed in the vicinity of the video display terminal forming a selected three-dimensional array; and b. means for establishing a chosen sequenced light pattern in said plurality of light sources; whereby the user's eyes are distracted from the video display terminal at chosen intervals for specific time periods, and may follow the light pattern established in said light sources, thereby providing exercise therefor.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
89 words
A system for relieving eyestrain and fatigue resulting from extended use of video display terminals, said system comprising in combination: a. a plurality of light sources disposed in the vicinity of the video display terminal forming a selected three-dimensional array; and b. means for establishing a chosen sequenced light pattern in said plurality of light sources; whereby the user's eyes are distracted from the video display terminal at chosen intervals for specific time periods, and may follow the light pattern established in said light sources, thereby providing exercise therefor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system as described in claim 7, wherein said plurality of light supported is supported by a freestanding, generally U-shaped frame adapted to be fit around the video display terminal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system as described in claim 7, wherein each light source in said plurality of light sources is selected to have a particular color.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system as described in claim 7, further comprising means for automatically activating said plurality of light sources at chosen time intervals during the operation of the video display terminal.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system as described in claim 7, wherein at least one light source in said plurality of light sources is covered by at least one removable light-transmitting mask, thereby permitting said at least one light source to have different shapes.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system as described in claim 11, wherein said at least one light transmitting mask has a multiplicity of shapes and colors, one of which shapes and colors may be selected at a time.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system as described in claim 7, wherein said plurality of light sources is supported by a substantially flat, generally rectangularly-shaped frame adapted to be fit on the screen of the video display terminal.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
75 words
A system for relieving eyestrain and fatigue resulting from extend ed focusing in two-dimensions, said system comprising in combination: a. a plurality of light sources disposed in a selected three-dimensional array; and b. means for establishing a chosen sequenced light pattern in said plurality of light sources; whereby the user's eyes are distracted at chosen intervals for specific time periods, and may follow the light pattern established in said light sources, thereby providing exercise therefor.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
75 words
A system for relieving eyestrain and fatigue resulting from extend ed focusing in two-dimensions, said system comprising in combination: a. a plurality of light sources disposed in a selected three-dimensional array; and b. means for establishing a chosen sequenced light pattern in said plurality of light sources; whereby the user's eyes are distracted at chosen intervals for specific time periods, and may follow the light pattern established in said light sources, thereby providing exercise therefor.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system as described in claim 14, further comprising means for automatically activating said plurality of light sources at chosen time intervals.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
126 words
An apparatus for relieving eyestrain and fatigue resulting from extended use of video display terminals, said apparatus comprising in combination: a. a plurality of light sources, wherein at least one light source in said plurality of light sources is removably attached to the video display terminal, and at least one light source in said plurality of light sources is disposed in the vicinity of the video display terminal, forming thereby a three-dimensional array having a selected configuration; and b. means for establishing a chosen sequenced light pattern in said plurality of light sources; whereby the user's eyes are distracted from the video display terminal at chosen intervals for specific time periods, and may follow the light pattern established in said light sources, thereby providing exercise therefor.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
126 words
An apparatus for relieving eyestrain and fatigue resulting from extended use of video display terminals, said apparatus comprising in combination: a. a plurality of light sources, wherein at least one light source in said plurality of light sources is removably attached to the video display terminal, and at least one light source in said plurality of light sources is disposed in the vicinity of the video display terminal, forming thereby a three-dimensional array having a selected configuration; and b. means for establishing a chosen sequenced light pattern in said plurality of light sources; whereby the user's eyes are distracted from the video display terminal at chosen intervals for specific time periods, and may follow the light pattern established in said light sources, thereby providing exercise therefor.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as described in claim 16, wherein each light source in said plurality of light sources is selected to have a particular color.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus as described in claim 16, further comprising means for automatically activating said plurality of light sources at chosen time intervals during the operation of the video display terminal.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus as described in claim 16, wherein at least one light source in said plurality of light sources is covered by at least one removable light-transmitting mask, thereby permitting said at least one light source to have different shapes.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as described in claim 19, wherein said at least one light transmitting mask has a multiplicity of shapes and colors, one shape and color being selectable at a time.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus as described in claim 16, wherein said plurality of light sources is supported by a generally U-shaped frame adapted to be fit around the video display terminal.
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) | 1999-05-07 | 1999-11-06 | 2000-05-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-05-07 | 2003-11-06 | 2004-05-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-05-07 | 2007-11-06 | 2008-05-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |