CA2042407C - Light apparatus for illuminating a compact computer video screen - Google Patents
Light apparatus for illuminating a compact computer video screenInfo
- Publication number
- CA2042407C CA2042407C CA 2042407 CA2042407A CA2042407C CA 2042407 C CA2042407 C CA 2042407C CA 2042407 CA2042407 CA 2042407 CA 2042407 A CA2042407 A CA 2042407A CA 2042407 C CA2042407 C CA 2042407C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- light
- video screen
- compact
- viewing
- video
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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- Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)
- Devices For Indicating Variable Information By Combining Individual Elements (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A portable, compact, battery-operated light apparatus for use with a compact computer game having a LCD video screen for enhancing the visibility of the LCD screen in use, which light apparatus comprises a body witha battery compartment and having side panels which define an open viewing space and lights provided in the body element to provide for indirect lighting of the viewing space, the light apparatus comprising a portable, compact, battery-powered light apparatus and which includes ridges on the light apparatus which snap in a releasable manner onto the grooves in a compact computer game video system to releasably secure the light apparatus in position over the LCD video screen of the compact game system.
A portable, compact, battery-operated light apparatus for use with a compact computer game having a LCD video screen for enhancing the visibility of the LCD screen in use, which light apparatus comprises a body witha battery compartment and having side panels which define an open viewing space and lights provided in the body element to provide for indirect lighting of the viewing space, the light apparatus comprising a portable, compact, battery-powered light apparatus and which includes ridges on the light apparatus which snap in a releasable manner onto the grooves in a compact computer game video system to releasably secure the light apparatus in position over the LCD video screen of the compact game system.
Description
; s ^ -1- 2042407 -~ D~SCRIPTION
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L~ght Apparatus for Vse Nith A Co~pact Computer V~deo Screen Background ~f the Invention Compact computer apparatuses having video vlewing screens are quite popular and typically comprise hand-held, portable, battery-operated devices which typically display information or play games employing a video screenl particularly a generally flat, liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. Such compact video computer apparatuses may include, but not be limited to:
calculators, computer video games, lap top computers and other - computers where a variety of software is employed. In particular, compact video games, such as the compact video game system known - as GAME BOYTM (a trademark of Nintendo of America, Inc.), is a completely self-sustained video game system which may be operated by employing a collection from a library of software game packs. The Nintendo GAME BOYTM compact video game system provides a compact, self-contained, battery-operated, portable, ~: hand-held computer with a cross key joy stick to operate the game and start and select buttons with an LCD-type screen, together with volume controls 80 as to display and enable the user to display images and play games.
~`` While video display screens are employed and typically `; include a flat LCD-type screen, such LCD-type display screens are often difficult to observe by the user in partial light, particularly, for example, in semi-darkened rooms, automobiles, `, planes, trains, buses and the like due to the lack of illumination on the LCD screen to permit suitable contrast during use.
~i, Therefore, it is desirable to provide a light apparatus `~ to enhance the view of the video screens of compact video systems, ` 30 particularly video systems employing a flat, LCD-type screen, such as for example, as illustrated by the Nintendo GAME BOYTM
video game system.
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-` 2~24~7 2 26720~100 Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to a light ; apparatus used with a compact computer vldeo screen.
More particularly, the invention concerns a portable, battery-operated, hand-held light apparatus for use with a portable, battery-operated, hand-held computer video screen system employing an LCD screen to enhance the user's viewer of the LCD screen.
The present invention provides a portable, compact light apparatus for use in enhancing the view of a compact hand-held computer video screen, said light apparatus being battery operated and having a body ~ provided with an open viewing area adapted to be placed - over the video screen, the apparatus comprising means or i 15 releasably securing the apparatus over the compact computer apparatus with the open viewing space of the light apparatus positioned over the video viewing screen, and being battery powered for indirectly lighting the video viewing screen by light from the light appara~us.
` 20 In particular, the present invention provides a portable, battery-operated, compact light apparatus for use in enhancing the view of a compact computer video screen, which light apparatus comprises: al a body having a plurality of light-colored, short, extended panels which define an open video viewing space within the body, the video viewing space adapted to conform generally to the size of the compact computer video screen to be enhanced for viewing by the user; b) a battery compartment in the body adapted to receive one or more batteries as a power source for the light apparatus; c) ~- lighting means to liyht up indirectly one or more surfaces of the side panels to have reflected llght from ~ said lighting means enhance the viewing of the compact -- computer video screen; d) electrical switch means to control the power from the power source; e) electrical connection means to connect the light means through the switch means to the battery compartment and to the ;J
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~ 2~2~7 2a 26720-100 batteries as a power source to he employed therein; and ~) attachment means to secure releasably the body of the light apparatus directly on to the compact computer apparatus so that the open viewing area of the light ; 5 apparatus may be positioned over the video screen of the compact computer apparatus and whereby the indirect light means may enhance the view of th~ video screen in use by the user.
:! The invention compri~es a light apparatus lo parti~ularly a portable, hand-held, battery-operated "J light apparatus for use in ~ombination with a computer apparatus having a video screen, such as compact video game system, in order ~o enhance the display of the video screen. The light apparatus generally comprl~es a body section, such as a molded plastic top and bottom section, having a plurality of, for example generally four, spaced ' apart, generally perpendicular to the screen liqht-colored panels which define an open viewing area in the `~ body, the open viewing area adapted to match, i.e.
generally rectangular, the viewing area of the video screen of the compact video apparatus with which the ., .
light apparatus is to be employed. The side panels extend outwardly about the sides of the open viewing space and generally are perpendicular outwardly from the j 25 compact video game screen to be enhanced, and generally - are white or a light color to reflect indirect lighting.
The light apparatus includes a battery section for the ` placement of batteries as a power source and includes - electrical wires extending from the battery and ~;: 30 electrically connected to an off/on switch and hence to a ....
- pair of small light bulbs placed on either side of the side panels, the lights adapted to be powered by the batteries and operated by the off/on switch. The lights are placed on opposing sides of the panel section and while in operation provide indirect enhancement light ::~
2~2~7 2b 26720-100 which is reflected from the side panels onto the viewing screen of the video screen of the compact computer apparatus in use thereby enhancing viewing of the LCD
screen.
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~ ~i) 2~2~07 , , In addition, the light apparatlls inclu~es means by which the body section, including the battery section, may be clipped directly on in a snap-on fashion or otherwise retained in and on the compact computer so that the open viewing space of the body section of the light apparatus may fit directly over the video screen whose image is to be enhanced by the light of the light apparatus. In connection ~with a particular compact computer video game system, the body section would include a battery section at the top of the body section and which extends backwardly from the body section. The body section includes , a pair of generally parallel, straight, spaced apart, molded-type ridges, which ridges are designed to fit in a snap-on fashion - onto the molding or design grooves found on the face and at the top face of the Nintendo game system. One ridge extending from the bottom surface of the extended battery section snaps into a groove on the top of the Nintendo GAME BOYTM system so -; as to provide a snap-on light apparatus. Another ridge on the ., top back surface of the body section snaps into a groove on - the top face surface of the Nintendo game system. In combination with the Nintendo GA~E BOYTM system, the light apparatus when - snapped on may be snapped directly in place or laterally slid to position the open viewing space of the light apparatus so ; as to provide for alignment of the open viewing space with the LCD video screen or the GAME BOYTM video game system, and optionally, to provide the user with a visual view of the battery and viewing light of the face surface of the compact computer apparatus.
Broadly, the present inveneion is directed to a portable, - battery-operated, compact light apparatus for providing indirect light and enhancing the user 1 8 view of a video ~creen in a compact, portable, battery-operated computer, such as a compact computer game video screen system, particularly where the video screen is, composed of a LCD screen which is difPicult to see in partial light or poor visLbility conditions. The light apparatus of the invention comprises a box-like body with a .., .. ~
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; plurality of surrounding 8ide panels, typically light colored, such as white, and of short, deEined depth, for example, about one-quarter inch, which defined in the body element and open video viewing space within the body wlth the element viewing space typically being generally rectangular in nature and adapted to conform to the size of the video screen in the compact apparatus in which the light apparatus i9 to be employed, 80 that the open video viewing space may be placed di~ectly over ~. the video screen, such as a 4x4~ cm open viewing space to fit `, 10 over a 8imilar size video screen.
-~ The light apparatus includes a battery compartment adapted to receive batteries as a source of power therein, typically for example four "AA" type batteries, with the battery compartment generally integrally formed into the plastic molded body and positioned in one preferred embodiment so ehat the battery compartment is at the top section of the body above the open video viewing space and which battery compartment extends slightly ~; backwardly from the back surface of the body section so as to ! overhang the top surface at least in part of the compact computer - 20 apparatus in which the light apparatus is to be employed.
The light apparatus includes light means to light up one or preferably two or more directly opposing sides of the open viewing space with the open viewing space typically being defined by a plurality of light-colored side panels, generally four side panels, comprising a top and bottom panel generally vertical to the video viewing screen and two opposingly spaced apart generally sloping side panels on either side of the video viewing screen with typically a pair of light bulbs dispo~ed one on each of the side panels. Preferably, a short extension adjacent the open viewing space on each of the opposing side panels is provided to provide for shielding of light from the light bulbs so that the light from the light bulbs will not impinge directly onto the LCD video screen, but rather be reflected from the sloping side panels to provide indirect light on to the LCD
~ideo screen. Of course, if desired, the lights may be employed . .
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.:, , 2 ~ ~ 7 without the need for direct lighting and so positioned to provide indirect lighting or employing different light bulbs, such as soft llghts, or employing lights on all or one surfaces to provide the lighting necessary to enhance the video screen. The light apparatus includes electrical ~witch means, typically a sliding switch mean~, to pro~ide off/on power with electrical wiring from the batteries in the battery compartment through the electrical switch means and to the light, with the electrical switch means typlcally comprising a sliding off/on switch which makes contact with a tengion-bissed metal bar which in the "on"
position forces the metal bar to make contact ~nd to light the light bulbs and in the "off" position to break the circuit.
- In the light apparatus, the optical light system employed in combination is of considerable importance in providing view enhancement of the display screen. The light bulbs are a source of white light (filaments), the light bulb shields or tabs prevent concentrated light from illuminating directly the surface of - the LCD screen, the white or light-colored wall~ about the screen diffuse the white light from the bulbs and the white finish ~`~ 20 is preferably a flat white rather than a glossy white finish ; to reflect a homogenous light onto the surface of the LCD display ` screen to eliminate uneven illumination of the display screen.~he light apparatus includes an attachment means to - releasably secure the body of the light apparatus in a releasable manner to the compact computer apparatus and optionally so as to permit adjustment of the open viewing ~area of the light apparatus to be slid or positioned over the video screen of j the compact computer apparatus and thereafter to be easily removed :
if desired where lighting conditions might rhange. Any releasable means to attach the body of the light apparatus onto the computer apparatus may be employed to include, but not limited to, for example, the employment of Velcro~ fasteners secured to the surface of the light apparatus and to the surface of the somputer game apparatus.
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~ 6 ~) 2a~24~7 More preferably in one defined embodiment herein, attachment means provides for a pair of space apart ridges on the light apparatus, such straight line ridges adapted to snap into a groove on the front surface of the video game apparatus and 1 5 another ridge to snap from the bottom surface of the battery compartment into a groove onto the top surface of the computer game apparatus so as to provicle a snap-on means of attaching the light apparatus onto the compact computer apparatus. The attachment means employing the raised ridges on the light apparatus are particularly adapted for use with the compact computer apparatus wherein there are corresponding grooves formed in the computer apparatus. In particular, the light apparatus as illustrated ls designed to be employed with a compact computer apparatus and video game system known as the Nintendo GAME BOYTM
video game system whereby the compact computer apparatus with the LCD video screen contains a line groove extending across and close to the top surface of the video game system and another -- groove extending across the top surface of the video game system, ~` thus enabling the light apparatus ridges to be snapped into place into said grooves and also enables the light apparatus to move slidably laterally for correct positioning of the open viewing area of the light apparatus over the LCD video screen.
The invention will be described for the purposes of illustration only in connection with certain preferred embodiments; however, it is recognized that various changes, modifications, additions and improvements may be made to the illustrated embodiments by those persons skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Brief Description of the Drawings . . _ ~ig. 1 is a perspective view from above showing the light apparatus of the invention in an attached position onto a compact computer apparatus;
Fig. 2 is front elevational view of the light apparatus of the invention;
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f ~ ~ 2~2~07 Fig. 3 i9 a back elevational view of the light apparatu.q ~-. of the invention;
Figs. 4 snd 5 are opposite ~ide plan views of the light apparatus of the invention;
I' 5 Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the light apparatus of the ;~~ invention;
Fig. 7 i8 a bottom plan view of the light apparatus of the inventlon;
Fig. 8 is a front plan v:Lew in the open position of the 10 bottom cover of the light apparatus of the invention;
~: Fig. 9 is a back plan view in the open position of-the top cover of the light apparatus of the invention; and Fig. 10 is a side plan view of the light apparatus of the - invention ~ecured to a compact computer apparatus as shown in15 Fig. 1, with the computer apparatus shown in dotted lines.
- Description oE the Embodi~e~ts . ~ig. 1 illustrates the light apparatus of the invention :-. 12 in combination with a Nintendo GAME BOYTM compact computerapparatus 14 having a LCD video screen 16. The computer apparatus 20 14 has a battery warning light section 18 on the front face to advise the user concerning the status of the battery and contains a recessed groove 20 around the side of the apparatus, apparently a design or molding line, and a top groove 22 on top front surface of the computer apparatus 14.
With reference to all of the drawings, the light apparatus 12 comprises a body section 24 having an integrally formed battery . compartment 26 formed at the upper portion thereof and adapted:` to receive four "AA" batterie~ 30 as the source of power, the i. battery compartment having a slidable door 28 for retaining :. 30 the batteries 30 in the battery compartment 26 in a electricalcontact position, the battery compartment 26 extending outwardly from the back of the body 24 so that in the attachment position with the computer apparatus 14, the battery compartme~t can extend over at least a portion of the top surface of the computer 35 apparatus 14. The light apparatus includes an off/on electrical ., .
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swltch 56 on the face thereof comprising ~ molded plastic, slidable off/on switch 56 having a raised, knurled, operating section 76 which extends outwardly from the front opening 32 in the body 24. The slidable plastic switch i9 located between two raised, molded plastic ridges 60 on the top molded cover 36. Such top molded cover i3 designed to fit matingly with the bottom molded cover 38. The light apparatus 12 includes a slde recessed area 34 so designed as to fit over and expose to the viewer the battery warning light 18 on the face of the compact computer apparatus 14 so that the user may view the : battery light as required.
The body 24 includes an open video space 40 which is designed - to be of the same size as the LCD video screen 16 of the compact computer apparatus 14. The body 24 includes a pair of sloped or angled white colored side panels 42 and 44 and a top and : bottom Ride panel 50 and the white or light colored extending directly generally perpendicular to the video screen 16 rather than sloped as illustrated for the side panels 42 and 44. The top si~e panel 50 is integral with and extends from the bottom molded section of the body 38 when the body sections 36 and 38 are matingly engaged to form the body 24, the t~p panel 50 ~. with the panels 42, 44 and 46 on the top section 36 then form :~ a rectangular, open video viewing space 4~ of the apparatus.
The light apparatus includes a pair of light bulbs 52 placed on either 3ide of sloping sides panels 42 and 44 and which side panels also include a short, solid, upward extending light shield 48 so as to prevent the direct glare of the light bulbs 52 onto the LCD screen and to provide for indirect lighting through reflection on the light-colored side panels 42, 44, 46 and 50 3~ onto the LCD viewing screen 16. The light bulbs 52 are connected in parallel through wires 54 first to a spaced apart metal shorting bar 66 (shown in dotted lines) with the other connection going to an electrical bar 62 which is held in place by two raised, molded plastic pins 64 and which includes a spring-type metal, tensioned contact 72 whereby on movement of the off/on . .
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(.~ 2~2~7 g switch 56 electrical contact is made between the electrical wires 54 to ~he light bulbs 52 through the electrical metal bar 62 through wires 54 extending into the batterie~ 30. The electrical shorting bar 66 i~ connected in parallel to the llght bulbs 52 and is spaced apart by an extending ridge 7~ spaced just above the ~ide panel 50.
The light apparatus 12 is secured to a compact computer game system 14, in particular the Nintendo GAME BOYTM system as illustrated by the use of a straight, raised, molded ridge 70 on the top back surface of the body section and a correspondlng straight, raised~ molded ridge 68 extending from bottom surface of the extending battery compartment 26 (see Fig. 10 in particular). ~he raised ridges 68 and 70 are designed to snap in to a matingly and slidable fashion into grooves 20 ~nd 22 of the computer game apparatus 14 80 that the light apparatus is then releasably attached to the front surface of the computer game apparatus 14 and may be ea~ily slid through the ridges laterally to adjust the open space 40 of the light apparatus 12 into the LCD screen 16 of the computer game apparatus 14.
In operation, the light apparatus is then snapped on through the ridges 68 and 70 into grooves 20 and 22 of the apparatus 14, then slightly laterally adjusted if required so as to place the indent 34 directly over the battery warning light of apparatus 14 and to position the open viewing space 40 directly over and aligned with the LCD screen 16 and then moving the off/on switch ` to the "onl' position to provide indirect lighting from bulbs 52 to the LCD screen when viewing the LCD screen of computer game system 14 in poor light conditions.
What is claimed is:
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L~ght Apparatus for Vse Nith A Co~pact Computer V~deo Screen Background ~f the Invention Compact computer apparatuses having video vlewing screens are quite popular and typically comprise hand-held, portable, battery-operated devices which typically display information or play games employing a video screenl particularly a generally flat, liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. Such compact video computer apparatuses may include, but not be limited to:
calculators, computer video games, lap top computers and other - computers where a variety of software is employed. In particular, compact video games, such as the compact video game system known - as GAME BOYTM (a trademark of Nintendo of America, Inc.), is a completely self-sustained video game system which may be operated by employing a collection from a library of software game packs. The Nintendo GAME BOYTM compact video game system provides a compact, self-contained, battery-operated, portable, ~: hand-held computer with a cross key joy stick to operate the game and start and select buttons with an LCD-type screen, together with volume controls 80 as to display and enable the user to display images and play games.
~`` While video display screens are employed and typically `; include a flat LCD-type screen, such LCD-type display screens are often difficult to observe by the user in partial light, particularly, for example, in semi-darkened rooms, automobiles, `, planes, trains, buses and the like due to the lack of illumination on the LCD screen to permit suitable contrast during use.
~i, Therefore, it is desirable to provide a light apparatus `~ to enhance the view of the video screens of compact video systems, ` 30 particularly video systems employing a flat, LCD-type screen, such as for example, as illustrated by the Nintendo GAME BOYTM
video game system.
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-` 2~24~7 2 26720~100 Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to a light ; apparatus used with a compact computer vldeo screen.
More particularly, the invention concerns a portable, battery-operated, hand-held light apparatus for use with a portable, battery-operated, hand-held computer video screen system employing an LCD screen to enhance the user's viewer of the LCD screen.
The present invention provides a portable, compact light apparatus for use in enhancing the view of a compact hand-held computer video screen, said light apparatus being battery operated and having a body ~ provided with an open viewing area adapted to be placed - over the video screen, the apparatus comprising means or i 15 releasably securing the apparatus over the compact computer apparatus with the open viewing space of the light apparatus positioned over the video viewing screen, and being battery powered for indirectly lighting the video viewing screen by light from the light appara~us.
` 20 In particular, the present invention provides a portable, battery-operated, compact light apparatus for use in enhancing the view of a compact computer video screen, which light apparatus comprises: al a body having a plurality of light-colored, short, extended panels which define an open video viewing space within the body, the video viewing space adapted to conform generally to the size of the compact computer video screen to be enhanced for viewing by the user; b) a battery compartment in the body adapted to receive one or more batteries as a power source for the light apparatus; c) ~- lighting means to liyht up indirectly one or more surfaces of the side panels to have reflected llght from ~ said lighting means enhance the viewing of the compact -- computer video screen; d) electrical switch means to control the power from the power source; e) electrical connection means to connect the light means through the switch means to the battery compartment and to the ;J
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~ 2~2~7 2a 26720-100 batteries as a power source to he employed therein; and ~) attachment means to secure releasably the body of the light apparatus directly on to the compact computer apparatus so that the open viewing area of the light ; 5 apparatus may be positioned over the video screen of the compact computer apparatus and whereby the indirect light means may enhance the view of th~ video screen in use by the user.
:! The invention compri~es a light apparatus lo parti~ularly a portable, hand-held, battery-operated "J light apparatus for use in ~ombination with a computer apparatus having a video screen, such as compact video game system, in order ~o enhance the display of the video screen. The light apparatus generally comprl~es a body section, such as a molded plastic top and bottom section, having a plurality of, for example generally four, spaced ' apart, generally perpendicular to the screen liqht-colored panels which define an open viewing area in the `~ body, the open viewing area adapted to match, i.e.
generally rectangular, the viewing area of the video screen of the compact video apparatus with which the ., .
light apparatus is to be employed. The side panels extend outwardly about the sides of the open viewing space and generally are perpendicular outwardly from the j 25 compact video game screen to be enhanced, and generally - are white or a light color to reflect indirect lighting.
The light apparatus includes a battery section for the ` placement of batteries as a power source and includes - electrical wires extending from the battery and ~;: 30 electrically connected to an off/on switch and hence to a ....
- pair of small light bulbs placed on either side of the side panels, the lights adapted to be powered by the batteries and operated by the off/on switch. The lights are placed on opposing sides of the panel section and while in operation provide indirect enhancement light ::~
2~2~7 2b 26720-100 which is reflected from the side panels onto the viewing screen of the video screen of the compact computer apparatus in use thereby enhancing viewing of the LCD
screen.
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~ ~i) 2~2~07 , , In addition, the light apparatlls inclu~es means by which the body section, including the battery section, may be clipped directly on in a snap-on fashion or otherwise retained in and on the compact computer so that the open viewing space of the body section of the light apparatus may fit directly over the video screen whose image is to be enhanced by the light of the light apparatus. In connection ~with a particular compact computer video game system, the body section would include a battery section at the top of the body section and which extends backwardly from the body section. The body section includes , a pair of generally parallel, straight, spaced apart, molded-type ridges, which ridges are designed to fit in a snap-on fashion - onto the molding or design grooves found on the face and at the top face of the Nintendo game system. One ridge extending from the bottom surface of the extended battery section snaps into a groove on the top of the Nintendo GAME BOYTM system so -; as to provide a snap-on light apparatus. Another ridge on the ., top back surface of the body section snaps into a groove on - the top face surface of the Nintendo game system. In combination with the Nintendo GA~E BOYTM system, the light apparatus when - snapped on may be snapped directly in place or laterally slid to position the open viewing space of the light apparatus so ; as to provide for alignment of the open viewing space with the LCD video screen or the GAME BOYTM video game system, and optionally, to provide the user with a visual view of the battery and viewing light of the face surface of the compact computer apparatus.
Broadly, the present inveneion is directed to a portable, - battery-operated, compact light apparatus for providing indirect light and enhancing the user 1 8 view of a video ~creen in a compact, portable, battery-operated computer, such as a compact computer game video screen system, particularly where the video screen is, composed of a LCD screen which is difPicult to see in partial light or poor visLbility conditions. The light apparatus of the invention comprises a box-like body with a .., .. ~
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; plurality of surrounding 8ide panels, typically light colored, such as white, and of short, deEined depth, for example, about one-quarter inch, which defined in the body element and open video viewing space within the body wlth the element viewing space typically being generally rectangular in nature and adapted to conform to the size of the video screen in the compact apparatus in which the light apparatus i9 to be employed, 80 that the open video viewing space may be placed di~ectly over ~. the video screen, such as a 4x4~ cm open viewing space to fit `, 10 over a 8imilar size video screen.
-~ The light apparatus includes a battery compartment adapted to receive batteries as a source of power therein, typically for example four "AA" type batteries, with the battery compartment generally integrally formed into the plastic molded body and positioned in one preferred embodiment so ehat the battery compartment is at the top section of the body above the open video viewing space and which battery compartment extends slightly ~; backwardly from the back surface of the body section so as to ! overhang the top surface at least in part of the compact computer - 20 apparatus in which the light apparatus is to be employed.
The light apparatus includes light means to light up one or preferably two or more directly opposing sides of the open viewing space with the open viewing space typically being defined by a plurality of light-colored side panels, generally four side panels, comprising a top and bottom panel generally vertical to the video viewing screen and two opposingly spaced apart generally sloping side panels on either side of the video viewing screen with typically a pair of light bulbs dispo~ed one on each of the side panels. Preferably, a short extension adjacent the open viewing space on each of the opposing side panels is provided to provide for shielding of light from the light bulbs so that the light from the light bulbs will not impinge directly onto the LCD video screen, but rather be reflected from the sloping side panels to provide indirect light on to the LCD
~ideo screen. Of course, if desired, the lights may be employed . .
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.:, , 2 ~ ~ 7 without the need for direct lighting and so positioned to provide indirect lighting or employing different light bulbs, such as soft llghts, or employing lights on all or one surfaces to provide the lighting necessary to enhance the video screen. The light apparatus includes electrical ~witch means, typically a sliding switch mean~, to pro~ide off/on power with electrical wiring from the batteries in the battery compartment through the electrical switch means and to the light, with the electrical switch means typlcally comprising a sliding off/on switch which makes contact with a tengion-bissed metal bar which in the "on"
position forces the metal bar to make contact ~nd to light the light bulbs and in the "off" position to break the circuit.
- In the light apparatus, the optical light system employed in combination is of considerable importance in providing view enhancement of the display screen. The light bulbs are a source of white light (filaments), the light bulb shields or tabs prevent concentrated light from illuminating directly the surface of - the LCD screen, the white or light-colored wall~ about the screen diffuse the white light from the bulbs and the white finish ~`~ 20 is preferably a flat white rather than a glossy white finish ; to reflect a homogenous light onto the surface of the LCD display ` screen to eliminate uneven illumination of the display screen.~he light apparatus includes an attachment means to - releasably secure the body of the light apparatus in a releasable manner to the compact computer apparatus and optionally so as to permit adjustment of the open viewing ~area of the light apparatus to be slid or positioned over the video screen of j the compact computer apparatus and thereafter to be easily removed :
if desired where lighting conditions might rhange. Any releasable means to attach the body of the light apparatus onto the computer apparatus may be employed to include, but not limited to, for example, the employment of Velcro~ fasteners secured to the surface of the light apparatus and to the surface of the somputer game apparatus.
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~ 6 ~) 2a~24~7 More preferably in one defined embodiment herein, attachment means provides for a pair of space apart ridges on the light apparatus, such straight line ridges adapted to snap into a groove on the front surface of the video game apparatus and 1 5 another ridge to snap from the bottom surface of the battery compartment into a groove onto the top surface of the computer game apparatus so as to provicle a snap-on means of attaching the light apparatus onto the compact computer apparatus. The attachment means employing the raised ridges on the light apparatus are particularly adapted for use with the compact computer apparatus wherein there are corresponding grooves formed in the computer apparatus. In particular, the light apparatus as illustrated ls designed to be employed with a compact computer apparatus and video game system known as the Nintendo GAME BOYTM
video game system whereby the compact computer apparatus with the LCD video screen contains a line groove extending across and close to the top surface of the video game system and another -- groove extending across the top surface of the video game system, ~` thus enabling the light apparatus ridges to be snapped into place into said grooves and also enables the light apparatus to move slidably laterally for correct positioning of the open viewing area of the light apparatus over the LCD video screen.
The invention will be described for the purposes of illustration only in connection with certain preferred embodiments; however, it is recognized that various changes, modifications, additions and improvements may be made to the illustrated embodiments by those persons skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Brief Description of the Drawings . . _ ~ig. 1 is a perspective view from above showing the light apparatus of the invention in an attached position onto a compact computer apparatus;
Fig. 2 is front elevational view of the light apparatus of the invention;
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f ~ ~ 2~2~07 Fig. 3 i9 a back elevational view of the light apparatu.q ~-. of the invention;
Figs. 4 snd 5 are opposite ~ide plan views of the light apparatus of the invention;
I' 5 Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the light apparatus of the ;~~ invention;
Fig. 7 i8 a bottom plan view of the light apparatus of the inventlon;
Fig. 8 is a front plan v:Lew in the open position of the 10 bottom cover of the light apparatus of the invention;
~: Fig. 9 is a back plan view in the open position of-the top cover of the light apparatus of the invention; and Fig. 10 is a side plan view of the light apparatus of the - invention ~ecured to a compact computer apparatus as shown in15 Fig. 1, with the computer apparatus shown in dotted lines.
- Description oE the Embodi~e~ts . ~ig. 1 illustrates the light apparatus of the invention :-. 12 in combination with a Nintendo GAME BOYTM compact computerapparatus 14 having a LCD video screen 16. The computer apparatus 20 14 has a battery warning light section 18 on the front face to advise the user concerning the status of the battery and contains a recessed groove 20 around the side of the apparatus, apparently a design or molding line, and a top groove 22 on top front surface of the computer apparatus 14.
With reference to all of the drawings, the light apparatus 12 comprises a body section 24 having an integrally formed battery . compartment 26 formed at the upper portion thereof and adapted:` to receive four "AA" batterie~ 30 as the source of power, the i. battery compartment having a slidable door 28 for retaining :. 30 the batteries 30 in the battery compartment 26 in a electricalcontact position, the battery compartment 26 extending outwardly from the back of the body 24 so that in the attachment position with the computer apparatus 14, the battery compartme~t can extend over at least a portion of the top surface of the computer 35 apparatus 14. The light apparatus includes an off/on electrical ., .
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swltch 56 on the face thereof comprising ~ molded plastic, slidable off/on switch 56 having a raised, knurled, operating section 76 which extends outwardly from the front opening 32 in the body 24. The slidable plastic switch i9 located between two raised, molded plastic ridges 60 on the top molded cover 36. Such top molded cover i3 designed to fit matingly with the bottom molded cover 38. The light apparatus 12 includes a slde recessed area 34 so designed as to fit over and expose to the viewer the battery warning light 18 on the face of the compact computer apparatus 14 so that the user may view the : battery light as required.
The body 24 includes an open video space 40 which is designed - to be of the same size as the LCD video screen 16 of the compact computer apparatus 14. The body 24 includes a pair of sloped or angled white colored side panels 42 and 44 and a top and : bottom Ride panel 50 and the white or light colored extending directly generally perpendicular to the video screen 16 rather than sloped as illustrated for the side panels 42 and 44. The top si~e panel 50 is integral with and extends from the bottom molded section of the body 38 when the body sections 36 and 38 are matingly engaged to form the body 24, the t~p panel 50 ~. with the panels 42, 44 and 46 on the top section 36 then form :~ a rectangular, open video viewing space 4~ of the apparatus.
The light apparatus includes a pair of light bulbs 52 placed on either 3ide of sloping sides panels 42 and 44 and which side panels also include a short, solid, upward extending light shield 48 so as to prevent the direct glare of the light bulbs 52 onto the LCD screen and to provide for indirect lighting through reflection on the light-colored side panels 42, 44, 46 and 50 3~ onto the LCD viewing screen 16. The light bulbs 52 are connected in parallel through wires 54 first to a spaced apart metal shorting bar 66 (shown in dotted lines) with the other connection going to an electrical bar 62 which is held in place by two raised, molded plastic pins 64 and which includes a spring-type metal, tensioned contact 72 whereby on movement of the off/on . .
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(.~ 2~2~7 g switch 56 electrical contact is made between the electrical wires 54 to ~he light bulbs 52 through the electrical metal bar 62 through wires 54 extending into the batterie~ 30. The electrical shorting bar 66 i~ connected in parallel to the llght bulbs 52 and is spaced apart by an extending ridge 7~ spaced just above the ~ide panel 50.
The light apparatus 12 is secured to a compact computer game system 14, in particular the Nintendo GAME BOYTM system as illustrated by the use of a straight, raised, molded ridge 70 on the top back surface of the body section and a correspondlng straight, raised~ molded ridge 68 extending from bottom surface of the extending battery compartment 26 (see Fig. 10 in particular). ~he raised ridges 68 and 70 are designed to snap in to a matingly and slidable fashion into grooves 20 ~nd 22 of the computer game apparatus 14 80 that the light apparatus is then releasably attached to the front surface of the computer game apparatus 14 and may be ea~ily slid through the ridges laterally to adjust the open space 40 of the light apparatus 12 into the LCD screen 16 of the computer game apparatus 14.
In operation, the light apparatus is then snapped on through the ridges 68 and 70 into grooves 20 and 22 of the apparatus 14, then slightly laterally adjusted if required so as to place the indent 34 directly over the battery warning light of apparatus 14 and to position the open viewing space 40 directly over and aligned with the LCD screen 16 and then moving the off/on switch ` to the "onl' position to provide indirect lighting from bulbs 52 to the LCD screen when viewing the LCD screen of computer game system 14 in poor light conditions.
What is claimed is:
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Claims
Claims 1. A portable, battery-operated, compact light apparatus for use in enhancing the view of a compact computer video screen, which light apparatus comprises:
a) a body having a plurality of light-colored, short, extended panels which define an open video viewing space within the body, the video viewing space adapted to conform generally to the size of the compact computer video screen to be enhanced for viewing by the user;
b) a battery compartment in the body adapted to receive one or more batteries as a power source for the light apparatus;
c) lighting means to light up indirectly one or more surfaces of the side panels to have reflected light from said lighting means enhance the viewing of the compact computer video screen;
d) electrical switch means to control the power from the power source;
e) electrical connection means to connect the light means through the switch means to the battery compartment and to the batteries as a power source to be employed therein; and f) attachment means to secure releasably the body of the light apparatus directly on to the compact computer apparatus so that the open viewing area of the light apparatus may be positioned over the video screen of the compact computer apparatus and whereby the indirect light means may enhance the view of the video screen in use by the user.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the battery compartment is integral with the body and is positioned within the top section of the body, and the bottom surface of the battery compartment extends outwardly beyond the back surface of the body.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lighting means comprises first and second light bulbs positioned generally adjacent opposite side panels of the body and which side panels include a short, raised shield section means to shield the light bulbs from direct viewing and to reflect the light of the first and second light bulbs toward the light-colored side panels for reflection onto the video screen.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the attachment means comprises one or more raised ridge means on the body, the raised ridge means adapted to fit into a close, snap-in relationship with groove means on the compact computer apparatus whereby the light apparatus may be retained with the compact computer apparatus and the open viewing space of the light apparatus positioned over the video screen of the compact computer apparatus.
5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the attachment means includes a first raised, straight ridge on the top back surface of the body and a second raised, straight ridge on the extended bottom surface of the battery compartment, the first and second raised ridges adapted to snap respectively into corresponding grooves on the top front and top surface of a compact computer apparatus so as to attach the light apparatus to the compact computer apparatus.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 which includes batteries positioned in the battery compartment as a power source for the light means of the apparatus.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 which includes four panels to define the open viewing area which include first and second side panels at an angle to the video screen and top and bottom panels generally perpendicular to the video screen to define a rectangular viewing area.
8. A compact computer apparatus having a video screen for viewing by a user and which includes releasably attached thereto the light apparatus of claim 1 with the open viewing area of the light apparatus positioned generally over the video screen of the compact computer apparatus.
9. The compact computer apparatus of claim 8 wherein the video screen comprises an LCD video screen.
10. A compact computer apparatus having an LCD
video screen which includes releasably attached thereto in a snap-on relationship the light apparatus of claim 5.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the body has an opening therein to permit the user to view a battery warning light on the compact computer apparatus when the light apparatus is attached to the compact computer apparatus.
12. A portable, battery-operated, compact light apparatus for use in enhancing the user's view of a compact computer video game screen, which light apparatus comprises:
a) a box-like body having four, short, extending side panels of a light-colored material which define a generally rectangular, open video viewing space within the body, the video viewing space adapted to conform to the size of the compact computer video screen to he enhanced;
b) a battery compartment integral with the body and positioned on the top section of the body and which battery compartment extends backwardly beyond the back surface of the body, a short, defined distance;
c) batteries in the battery compartment as a source of power;
d) light means to light up indirectly a pair of opposing side panel surfaces and comprising first and second light bulbs wherein the side panels have short, raised shield extensions spaced apart from the light-colored surface of the side panels and to shield the direct illumination of the bulbs onto the video screen and to provide reflected light from said bulbs from said side panels;
e) an electrical switch means to include an off/on switch to operate the light means; and f) electrical connection wiring means to connect the light means through the switch means to the batteries as the power source of the light apparatus; and g) attachment means to secure releasably the body of the light apparatus in a releasable manner onto the compact computer apparatus and which attachment means comprises a raised ridge on the top back surface of the body and a second raised ridge on the bottom surface of the extended battery compartment, the first and second raised ridges adapted to snap in a releasable fashion into corresponding grooves on the top face and top surface of the compact computer apparatus so as to permit the open viewing space of the body to be positioned generally over the computer video screen whereby the computer video screen may be enhanced by the indirect lighting afforded by the light bulbs.
13. A portable, battery-operated, compact computer video apparatus containing a generally rectangular LCD
video screen for viewing and which compact apparatus includes and has releasably secured thereto the portable, battery-operated, compact light apparatus of claim 12.
14. A method of enhancing the viewing of an LCD
video screen of a compact computer apparatus, which method comprises:
a) providing a compact, battery-operated, portable light apparatus having an open viewing area adapted to be placed over the LCD video screen and indirectly lighting the open viewing area;
b) providing a compact computer apparatus having a LCD video screen which requires enhanced lighting for viewing in partial light conditions;
c) securing in a releasable manner the light apparatus onto the compact computer apparatus with the open viewing space of the light apparatus positioned over the video viewing screen; and d) indirectly lighting the video viewing screen by lights in the light apparatus.
15. The method of claim 14 which includes providing a pair of spaced apart, raised ridges in the light apparatus and providing a compact computer apparatus having a pair of correspondingly spaced apart grooves and securing the light apparatus onto the computer apparatus by snapping the raised ridges into the grooves.
16. A portable, compact light apparatus for use in enhancing the view of a compact hand-held computer video screen, said light apparatus being battery-operated and having a body provided with an open viewing area adapted to be placed over the video screen, the apparatus comprising means for releasably securing the apparatus over the compact computer apparatus with the open viewing space of the light apparatus positioned over the video viewing screen, and being battery powered for indirectly lighting the video viewing screen by light from the light apparatus.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, which includes a battery compartment integral with the body and positioned within the top section of the body, the bottom surface of the battery compartment extending outwardly beyond the back surface of the body.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the attachment means includes a first raised, straight ridge on the top back surface of the body and a second raised, straight ridge on the extended bottom surface of the battery compartment, the first and second raised ridges being adapted to snap respectively into corresponding grooves on the top front and top surface of a compact computer apparatus so as to attach the light apparatus to the compact computer apparatus.
19. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the attachment means comprises one or more raised ridge means adapted to fit into a snap-in relationship with groove means on the compact computer apparatus whereby the light apparatus may be retained with the compact computer apparatus and the open viewing space of the light apparatus positioned over the video screen of the compact computer apparatus.
20. The apparatus of any one of claims 16 to 19 wherein the light means comprises light bulbs positioned generally adjacent opposite sides of the open viewing square for indirect illumination of the video viewing screen.
21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein two light bulbs are provided, one on either side of the open viewing space.
22. The apparatus of claim 21 which includes a shield section means to shield the light bulbs and to reflect the light of the light bulbs onto the video screen.
23. The apparatus of any one of claims 16 to 19, 20 and 21 which includes a plurality of panels to define a generally rectangular viewing area.
24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the side panels are inclined in relation to the video screen.
25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the panels are arran-ged for reflecting light from a light source in the apparatus onto the video viewing screen.
26. The apparatus of claim 22, 23 or 24 wherein the body has a plurality of extended panels which define the open video viewing space within the body adapted to conform generally to the size of the compact computer video screen to be enhanced for viewing by the user and wherein electrical connection means connect the bat-tery through electrical switch means to light means in the light apparatus.
27. A compact computer apparatus having a video screen for viewing by a user and which includes releasably attached thereto the light apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 to 26, with the open viewing area of the light apparatus positioned generally over the video screen of the compact computer apparatus.
28. The compact computer apparatus of claim 27 wherein the video screen has a liquid crystal display.
29. A method of enhancing the viewing of a video screen of a compact computer apparatus, which method comprises:
a) providing a compact, battery-operated, portable light apparatus having an open viewing area adapted to be placed over the video screen and lighting the open viewing area;
b) providing a compact computer apparatus having a video screen which requires enhanced lighting for viewing in partial light conditions;
c) securing in a releasable manner the light apparatus onto the compact computer apparatus with the open viewing space of the light apparatus positioned over the video viewing screen; and d) lighting the video viewing screen by battery power-ed lights in the light apparatus.
30. The method of claim 29 which includes providing a pair of spaced apart, raised ridges in the light apparatus and pro-viding a compact computer apparatus having a pair of correspond-ingly spaced apart grooves and securing the light apparatus onto the computer apparatus by snapping the raised ridges into the grooves.
31. The method of claim 29 which includes indirectly light-ing the video screen by reflected light about the video screen.
32. The method of claim 29, 30 or 31 wherein the video screen is indirectly illuminated by light from light bulbs on opposite sides of the light apparatus viewing area.
33. A portable, compact, light apparatus for use in enhancing the view of a compact computer video screen, which light apparatus comprises:
a) a body which defines a video viewing space, the video viewing space adapted to conform generally to the size of the compact computer video screen to be enhanced for viewing by the user;
b) light means within the body and adapted to be connected to an electrical power source to provide light to enhance the viewing of the compact computer video screen;
c) electrical switch means to control the power from the power source;
d) electrical connection means to connect the light means through the switch means to the power source to be employed therein; and e) attachment means to secure releasably the light apparatus onto the computer apparatus, so that the viewing space of the light apparatus may be positioned over the video screen of the computer apparatus, and whereby the light enhances the view of the video screen in use by the user.
34. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the power source is a battery power source.
35. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the attachment means comprises ridge means on the light apparatus, the ridge means adapted to fit into a groove means on the compact computer apparatus, whereby the light apparatus may be retained with the compact computer apparatus and the viewing space of the light apparatus positioned over the video screen of the compact computer apparatus.
35. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the light means is positioned to light up the surfaces of the body to provide reflected homogeneous light onto the computer video screen.
37. The apparatus of claim 33 which includes means to prevent direct illumination of the video screen by the light means.
38. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the attachment means is secured releasably to the computer apparatus in a snap-fitting manner.
39. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the attachment means is secured releasably to the computer apparatus in a slidable manner.
40. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the light means comprises a pair of white light bulbs positioned on opposite sides of the body.
41. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the body comprises four side panels to form a generally rectangular-shaped body and the light means are dispersed on opposite sides of the body and adjacent the apparatus side panels.
42. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the body is releasably secured directly adjacent to the surface of the compact computer.
43. In combination, a compact computer apparatus having a LCD video screen for viewing by a user, and which includes releasably attached thereto the light apparatus of claim 33, with the viewing space of the light apparatus positioned generally over the video screen of the compact computer apparatus.
a) a body having a plurality of light-colored, short, extended panels which define an open video viewing space within the body, the video viewing space adapted to conform generally to the size of the compact computer video screen to be enhanced for viewing by the user;
b) a battery compartment in the body adapted to receive one or more batteries as a power source for the light apparatus;
c) lighting means to light up indirectly one or more surfaces of the side panels to have reflected light from said lighting means enhance the viewing of the compact computer video screen;
d) electrical switch means to control the power from the power source;
e) electrical connection means to connect the light means through the switch means to the battery compartment and to the batteries as a power source to be employed therein; and f) attachment means to secure releasably the body of the light apparatus directly on to the compact computer apparatus so that the open viewing area of the light apparatus may be positioned over the video screen of the compact computer apparatus and whereby the indirect light means may enhance the view of the video screen in use by the user.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the battery compartment is integral with the body and is positioned within the top section of the body, and the bottom surface of the battery compartment extends outwardly beyond the back surface of the body.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lighting means comprises first and second light bulbs positioned generally adjacent opposite side panels of the body and which side panels include a short, raised shield section means to shield the light bulbs from direct viewing and to reflect the light of the first and second light bulbs toward the light-colored side panels for reflection onto the video screen.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the attachment means comprises one or more raised ridge means on the body, the raised ridge means adapted to fit into a close, snap-in relationship with groove means on the compact computer apparatus whereby the light apparatus may be retained with the compact computer apparatus and the open viewing space of the light apparatus positioned over the video screen of the compact computer apparatus.
5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the attachment means includes a first raised, straight ridge on the top back surface of the body and a second raised, straight ridge on the extended bottom surface of the battery compartment, the first and second raised ridges adapted to snap respectively into corresponding grooves on the top front and top surface of a compact computer apparatus so as to attach the light apparatus to the compact computer apparatus.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 which includes batteries positioned in the battery compartment as a power source for the light means of the apparatus.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 which includes four panels to define the open viewing area which include first and second side panels at an angle to the video screen and top and bottom panels generally perpendicular to the video screen to define a rectangular viewing area.
8. A compact computer apparatus having a video screen for viewing by a user and which includes releasably attached thereto the light apparatus of claim 1 with the open viewing area of the light apparatus positioned generally over the video screen of the compact computer apparatus.
9. The compact computer apparatus of claim 8 wherein the video screen comprises an LCD video screen.
10. A compact computer apparatus having an LCD
video screen which includes releasably attached thereto in a snap-on relationship the light apparatus of claim 5.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the body has an opening therein to permit the user to view a battery warning light on the compact computer apparatus when the light apparatus is attached to the compact computer apparatus.
12. A portable, battery-operated, compact light apparatus for use in enhancing the user's view of a compact computer video game screen, which light apparatus comprises:
a) a box-like body having four, short, extending side panels of a light-colored material which define a generally rectangular, open video viewing space within the body, the video viewing space adapted to conform to the size of the compact computer video screen to he enhanced;
b) a battery compartment integral with the body and positioned on the top section of the body and which battery compartment extends backwardly beyond the back surface of the body, a short, defined distance;
c) batteries in the battery compartment as a source of power;
d) light means to light up indirectly a pair of opposing side panel surfaces and comprising first and second light bulbs wherein the side panels have short, raised shield extensions spaced apart from the light-colored surface of the side panels and to shield the direct illumination of the bulbs onto the video screen and to provide reflected light from said bulbs from said side panels;
e) an electrical switch means to include an off/on switch to operate the light means; and f) electrical connection wiring means to connect the light means through the switch means to the batteries as the power source of the light apparatus; and g) attachment means to secure releasably the body of the light apparatus in a releasable manner onto the compact computer apparatus and which attachment means comprises a raised ridge on the top back surface of the body and a second raised ridge on the bottom surface of the extended battery compartment, the first and second raised ridges adapted to snap in a releasable fashion into corresponding grooves on the top face and top surface of the compact computer apparatus so as to permit the open viewing space of the body to be positioned generally over the computer video screen whereby the computer video screen may be enhanced by the indirect lighting afforded by the light bulbs.
13. A portable, battery-operated, compact computer video apparatus containing a generally rectangular LCD
video screen for viewing and which compact apparatus includes and has releasably secured thereto the portable, battery-operated, compact light apparatus of claim 12.
14. A method of enhancing the viewing of an LCD
video screen of a compact computer apparatus, which method comprises:
a) providing a compact, battery-operated, portable light apparatus having an open viewing area adapted to be placed over the LCD video screen and indirectly lighting the open viewing area;
b) providing a compact computer apparatus having a LCD video screen which requires enhanced lighting for viewing in partial light conditions;
c) securing in a releasable manner the light apparatus onto the compact computer apparatus with the open viewing space of the light apparatus positioned over the video viewing screen; and d) indirectly lighting the video viewing screen by lights in the light apparatus.
15. The method of claim 14 which includes providing a pair of spaced apart, raised ridges in the light apparatus and providing a compact computer apparatus having a pair of correspondingly spaced apart grooves and securing the light apparatus onto the computer apparatus by snapping the raised ridges into the grooves.
16. A portable, compact light apparatus for use in enhancing the view of a compact hand-held computer video screen, said light apparatus being battery-operated and having a body provided with an open viewing area adapted to be placed over the video screen, the apparatus comprising means for releasably securing the apparatus over the compact computer apparatus with the open viewing space of the light apparatus positioned over the video viewing screen, and being battery powered for indirectly lighting the video viewing screen by light from the light apparatus.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, which includes a battery compartment integral with the body and positioned within the top section of the body, the bottom surface of the battery compartment extending outwardly beyond the back surface of the body.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the attachment means includes a first raised, straight ridge on the top back surface of the body and a second raised, straight ridge on the extended bottom surface of the battery compartment, the first and second raised ridges being adapted to snap respectively into corresponding grooves on the top front and top surface of a compact computer apparatus so as to attach the light apparatus to the compact computer apparatus.
19. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the attachment means comprises one or more raised ridge means adapted to fit into a snap-in relationship with groove means on the compact computer apparatus whereby the light apparatus may be retained with the compact computer apparatus and the open viewing space of the light apparatus positioned over the video screen of the compact computer apparatus.
20. The apparatus of any one of claims 16 to 19 wherein the light means comprises light bulbs positioned generally adjacent opposite sides of the open viewing square for indirect illumination of the video viewing screen.
21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein two light bulbs are provided, one on either side of the open viewing space.
22. The apparatus of claim 21 which includes a shield section means to shield the light bulbs and to reflect the light of the light bulbs onto the video screen.
23. The apparatus of any one of claims 16 to 19, 20 and 21 which includes a plurality of panels to define a generally rectangular viewing area.
24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the side panels are inclined in relation to the video screen.
25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the panels are arran-ged for reflecting light from a light source in the apparatus onto the video viewing screen.
26. The apparatus of claim 22, 23 or 24 wherein the body has a plurality of extended panels which define the open video viewing space within the body adapted to conform generally to the size of the compact computer video screen to be enhanced for viewing by the user and wherein electrical connection means connect the bat-tery through electrical switch means to light means in the light apparatus.
27. A compact computer apparatus having a video screen for viewing by a user and which includes releasably attached thereto the light apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 to 26, with the open viewing area of the light apparatus positioned generally over the video screen of the compact computer apparatus.
28. The compact computer apparatus of claim 27 wherein the video screen has a liquid crystal display.
29. A method of enhancing the viewing of a video screen of a compact computer apparatus, which method comprises:
a) providing a compact, battery-operated, portable light apparatus having an open viewing area adapted to be placed over the video screen and lighting the open viewing area;
b) providing a compact computer apparatus having a video screen which requires enhanced lighting for viewing in partial light conditions;
c) securing in a releasable manner the light apparatus onto the compact computer apparatus with the open viewing space of the light apparatus positioned over the video viewing screen; and d) lighting the video viewing screen by battery power-ed lights in the light apparatus.
30. The method of claim 29 which includes providing a pair of spaced apart, raised ridges in the light apparatus and pro-viding a compact computer apparatus having a pair of correspond-ingly spaced apart grooves and securing the light apparatus onto the computer apparatus by snapping the raised ridges into the grooves.
31. The method of claim 29 which includes indirectly light-ing the video screen by reflected light about the video screen.
32. The method of claim 29, 30 or 31 wherein the video screen is indirectly illuminated by light from light bulbs on opposite sides of the light apparatus viewing area.
33. A portable, compact, light apparatus for use in enhancing the view of a compact computer video screen, which light apparatus comprises:
a) a body which defines a video viewing space, the video viewing space adapted to conform generally to the size of the compact computer video screen to be enhanced for viewing by the user;
b) light means within the body and adapted to be connected to an electrical power source to provide light to enhance the viewing of the compact computer video screen;
c) electrical switch means to control the power from the power source;
d) electrical connection means to connect the light means through the switch means to the power source to be employed therein; and e) attachment means to secure releasably the light apparatus onto the computer apparatus, so that the viewing space of the light apparatus may be positioned over the video screen of the computer apparatus, and whereby the light enhances the view of the video screen in use by the user.
34. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the power source is a battery power source.
35. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the attachment means comprises ridge means on the light apparatus, the ridge means adapted to fit into a groove means on the compact computer apparatus, whereby the light apparatus may be retained with the compact computer apparatus and the viewing space of the light apparatus positioned over the video screen of the compact computer apparatus.
35. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the light means is positioned to light up the surfaces of the body to provide reflected homogeneous light onto the computer video screen.
37. The apparatus of claim 33 which includes means to prevent direct illumination of the video screen by the light means.
38. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the attachment means is secured releasably to the computer apparatus in a snap-fitting manner.
39. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the attachment means is secured releasably to the computer apparatus in a slidable manner.
40. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the light means comprises a pair of white light bulbs positioned on opposite sides of the body.
41. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the body comprises four side panels to form a generally rectangular-shaped body and the light means are dispersed on opposite sides of the body and adjacent the apparatus side panels.
42. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the body is releasably secured directly adjacent to the surface of the compact computer.
43. In combination, a compact computer apparatus having a LCD video screen for viewing by a user, and which includes releasably attached thereto the light apparatus of claim 33, with the viewing space of the light apparatus positioned generally over the video screen of the compact computer apparatus.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2042407 CA2042407C (en) | 1990-07-11 | 1990-07-11 | Light apparatus for illuminating a compact computer video screen |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2042407 CA2042407C (en) | 1990-07-11 | 1990-07-11 | Light apparatus for illuminating a compact computer video screen |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2042407A1 CA2042407A1 (en) | 1992-01-12 |
| CA2042407C true CA2042407C (en) | 1994-05-31 |
Family
ID=4147582
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2042407 Expired - Fee Related CA2042407C (en) | 1990-07-11 | 1990-07-11 | Light apparatus for illuminating a compact computer video screen |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2042407C (en) |
-
1990
- 1990-07-11 CA CA 2042407 patent/CA2042407C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2042407A1 (en) | 1992-01-12 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |