US20060256291A1 - Image projection apparatus - Google Patents
Image projection apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- US20060256291A1 US20060256291A1 US11/360,705 US36070506A US2006256291A1 US 20060256291 A1 US20060256291 A1 US 20060256291A1 US 36070506 A US36070506 A US 36070506A US 2006256291 A1 US2006256291 A1 US 2006256291A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- projector
- image
- light source
- image medium
- support member
- 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.)
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B21/00—Projectors or projection-type viewers; Accessories therefor
- G03B21/14—Details
- G03B21/20—Lamp housings
- G03B21/2066—Reflectors in illumination beam
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/02—Heads
- F16M11/04—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
- F16M11/06—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting
- F16M11/10—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting around a horizontal axis
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/02—Heads
- F16M11/18—Heads with mechanism for moving the apparatus relatively to the stand
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V21/00—Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips
- F21V21/08—Devices for easy attachment to any desired place, e.g. clip, clamp, magnet
- F21V21/0824—Ground spikes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B21/00—Projectors or projection-type viewers; Accessories therefor
- G03B21/14—Details
- G03B21/145—Housing details, e.g. position adjustments thereof
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B21/00—Projectors or projection-type viewers; Accessories therefor
- G03B21/14—Details
- G03B21/28—Reflectors in projection beam
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B23/00—Devices for changing pictures in viewing apparatus or projectors
- G03B23/08—Devices for changing pictures in viewing apparatus or projectors in which pictures are attached to a movable carrier
- G03B23/10—Devices for changing pictures in viewing apparatus or projectors in which pictures are attached to a movable carrier drum or disc carrier
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M2200/00—Details of stands or supports
- F16M2200/02—Locking means
- F16M2200/021—Locking means for rotational movement
- F16M2200/022—Locking means for rotational movement by friction
Definitions
- This invention relates to devices used to project images embodied on transparent polymeric film onto one or more viewing surfaces by shining a light through the image embodied on the film. More particularly, the invention relates to projectors used to project thematic images singly, in either a static or serial display, onto a viewing surface or to project multiple views of an image simultaneously onto a plurality of viewing surfaces.
- the projection of images using light is a well known and popular way to decorate or entertain, especially during the holidays, seasonal events or special occasions.
- a relatively small image can be enlarged to many times its original size and displayed upon a surface such as a wall, garage door, sheet, screen or the like.
- a low cost projector comprises a polymeric housing containing a directional electric light source, an image medium support assembly aligned in the light path of the light source, and a lens through which light emanating from the light source exits the housing after passing through an image medium disposed in the image medium support assembly.
- the projector is preferably attachable to a support member such as a mounting stake by a mechanism permitting the angle between the projector and the support member to be selectively adjusted, thereby simultaneously adjusting the angle at which the image is projected relative to an underlying support surface.
- the support member preferably further comprises a tubular section containing a transformer that converts standard house current to a lower voltage power source for the projector.
- a projector is disclosed that is substantially as described above but modified to serially advance different images into the light path without user intervention.
- a preferred modification for achieving this function this the provision of a small electric motor inside the housing with a rotating shaft that causes a wheel comprising multiple fixed images to rotate the same or different images sequentially through the light path of the projector. This rotation can be accomplished continuously or intermittently by the provision of appropriate conventional linkage and control mechanisms well known to those of skill in the art.
- a projector assembly comprising a low cost projector substantially as described above but modified to simultaneously project a single image in a plurality of directions after the projected light beam exits the projector housing.
- This embodiment of the invention utilizes a frame assembly that aligns the projector with a rotating mirror bail that simultaneously redirects the projected image in many different directions and continuously changes the image being projected onto a particular spot on surrounding viewing surfaces.
- This embodiment of the invention is particularly preferred for indoor use where the image can be directed against both walls and ceiling at the same time.
- One aesthetic effect that can, for example, be produced using the apparatus of the invention is the illusion of falling snow where the projected image is that of snowflakes.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred projector of the invention
- FIG. 2 is a right side elevation view of the projector of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the projector of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a left side elevation view of the projector of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the projector of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of another preferred projector of the invention that is modified to rotate an image wheel through the light path;
- FIG. 7 is a partial exploded view of the projector of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view, partially broken away, of another preferred projector assembly of the invention wherein a mirror ball is rotatably mounted in the light path emanating from the projector,
- projector 10 preferably comprises a polymeric housing 12 supporting a light source 14 at one end and a lens tube 16 , most preferably containing a biconvex lens 18 , at the other.
- Housing 12 is preferably injection molded from an impact resistant polymer and is most preferably molded in two halves 20 and 22 that are joined during assembly with screws 24 or other similarly effective fasteners
- the imaginary line between light source 14 and lens 18 establishes a light path that, when extended beyond projector 10 , continues to a viewing surface upon which an image is to be projected
- Housing 12 preferably further comprises an image medium support assembly 26 that is disposed between light source 14 and lens 18 .
- Image medium support assembly 26 supports an image medium 28 such as, for example, a circular disk comprising a slide film or transparency in an image window through which light emanating from light source 14 is directed toward lens 18 .
- Lens tube 16 is most preferably threaded into engagement with housing 12 in such manner that the focal length between image medium 28 and lens 18 can be adjusted within predetermined limits.
- Light source 14 preferably contains an electric lamp 30 and is threaded into engagement with the end of housing opposite lens tube 16 , When removed, light source 14 also provides access to image medium support assembly 26 so that image medium 28 can be changed as desired. Vents or louvers 32 are desirably provided in housing 12 and in light source 14 to facilitate convective cooling of lamp 30 during use.
- Projector 10 preferably further comprises a projector support member 34 to which housing 12 is connected in such manner that the angle of the light path relative to an underlying support surface can be adjusted easily by the user.
- the connecting mechanism comprises opposed engagement members 38 , 40 having interlocking teeth and coaxially aligned apertures through which a threaded bolt 42 can be inserted and tightened using wing nut 44 when projector housing 12 is in the preferred angular position.
- Projector support member 34 preferably further comprises a tubular member 46 containing a transformer 48 that desirably converts standard household electrical current to a lower voltage for use with lamp 30 of projector 10 ,
- One electrical conductor 50 supplies electrical current to transformer 48 and another electrical conductor 52 supplies the converted current to plug 54 on the back of light source 14 of housing 12 .
- Projector support member 34 preferably further comprises mounting stake 56 having footrest 58 to facilitate insertion of mounting stake 56 into the ground for outdoor use on earthen surface 36 ,
- projector support member 34 is described above in relation to a preferred embodiment intended for use with an earthen support surface 36 , it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure that projector support members having other physical configurations can likewise be provided for use with other underlying support surfaces for projector 10 .
- a projector is disclosed that is substantially as described above but modified to serially advance different images into the light path without user intervention.
- a preferred modification for achieving this function this the provision of a small electric motor inside the housing with a rotating shaft that causes a wheel comprising multiple fixed images to rotate the same or different images sequentially through the light path of the projector. This rotation can be accomplished continuously or intermittently by the provision of appropriate conventional linkage and control mechanisms well known to those of skill in the art.
- projector 60 preferably comprises an enlarged molded plastic housing 62 , again having a light source 64 disposed at one end and a lens tube 66 containing lens 68 at the other, thereby defining a light path through the projector.
- Projector 60 is preferably attached by mounting stud 70 to support member 72 , which is shown as having a stake 74 for insertion into an earthen surface for outdoor use. Electrical power cords and a transformer as previously described for projector 10 are also desirably utilized with this embodiment of the invention but are not depicted in the simplified drawing of FIG. 6 .
- housing 62 of projector 60 preferably comprises an electric motor 78 that rotates shaft 76 , which is offset from the light path established by light source 64 and lens 68 .
- Image medium support assembly 86 comprising image window 88 cooperates with rotatable shaft 76 to rotate image wheel 80 .
- Image wheel 80 further comprises a centrally disposed aperture 82 that engages shaft 76 so that image wheel 80 is rotated through image window 88 whenever motor 78 is energized. Electrical cords, transformers and plugs are also not shown to simplify the illustration but can be provided as for projector 10 as previously described.
- Image wheel 80 preferably comprises a plurality of images 84 that are arcuately spaced apart near its periphery to facilitate the serial advancement of such images into image window 88 as wheel 80 rotates. Images 84 can be the same or different.
- Cartridge 90 is also desirably provided so that a single image or color filter can be installed inside image medium support assembly 86 in place of, or in addition to, using image wheel 80 if desired.
- a projector assembly comprising a low cost projector substantially as described above but modified to simultaneously project a single image in a plurality of directions after the projected light beam exits the projector housing.
- This embodiment of the invention utilizes a frame assembly that aligns the projector with a rotating mirror ball that simultaneously redirects the projected image in many different directions and continuously changes the image being projected onto a particular spot on surrounding viewing surfaces.
- This embodiment of the invention is particularly preferred for indoor use where the image can be directed against both walls and ceiling at the same time
- FIG. 8 an exploded view is shown of a projector assembly 92 comprising projector 94 , which can be mounted in fixed relation to support frame 96 .
- Support frame 96 can in turn be adjustably mounted to support member 118 using bolt 120 to vary the inclination of frame 96 as desired,
- Frame member 96 preferably further comprises, in spaced apart relation to projector 94 , a mounting bracket 102 secured to frame 96 by bolt 103 inserted through aperture 106 , or by any other similarly effective means or mechanism.
- a multi-faceted reflective element such as mirror ball 108 is preferably supported on an axle 110 that is rotatably mounted in clevis members 104 , 106 through apertures 112 , 113 in such manner that axle 110 can be rotated by electric motor to slowly turn mirror ball 108 .
- Mirror ball 108 preferably comprises a plurality of small mirrored surfaces 116 oriented in many different directions.
- the lighting effect achieved through the use of projector 94 in this manner under conditions of low ambient light is to simultaneously direct the projected image against many viewing surfaces, seemingly multiplying the projected image many times over.
- mirror ball 108 is rotated, the effect is further enhanced by imparting motion to the multiple projected images.
Abstract
A projector having a polymeric housing containing an electrical light source, an image medium support assembly aligned in the light path of the light source, and a lens through which light emanating from the light source exits the housing after passing through an image medium disposed in the image support assembly. The projector is preferably adjustably mounted on a support member comprising a tubular section containing a transformer, The projector can be made with an electric motor inside the housing that causes a wheel comprising multiple fixed images to continuously or intermittently rotate the same or different images sequentially through the light path of the projector, A projector assembly is also disclosed in which a projector is mounted in a frame assembly in combination with a rotating mirror ball that simultaneously redirects the projected image in many different directions and continuously changes the image being projected onto a particular spot on surrounding viewing surfaces.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application NO. 60/1243,309 filed on Oct. 20, 2000
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates to devices used to project images embodied on transparent polymeric film onto one or more viewing surfaces by shining a light through the image embodied on the film. More particularly, the invention relates to projectors used to project thematic images singly, in either a static or serial display, onto a viewing surface or to project multiple views of an image simultaneously onto a plurality of viewing surfaces.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- The projection of images using light is a well known and popular way to decorate or entertain, especially during the holidays, seasonal events or special occasions. One can display images associated with the occasion (e.g. a ghost for Halloween), and a projected image displayed under low light conditions can make a lasting impression on an observer. A relatively small image can be enlarged to many times its original size and displayed upon a surface such as a wall, garage door, sheet, screen or the like.
- Drawbacks to the practice of projecting images using light include the high cost of conventional projectors, many of which cannot be used outdoors in inclement weather, and the fact that such projectors typically require some intervention by the user in order to change the image being projected. Projectors are therefore needed that are economical to manufacture and use, that can be used outdoors without risk of injury or damage, and that can display images singly, serially, or simultaneously on multiple surfaces without user intervention.
- According to one embodiment of the invention, a low cost projector is provided that comprises a polymeric housing containing a directional electric light source, an image medium support assembly aligned in the light path of the light source, and a lens through which light emanating from the light source exits the housing after passing through an image medium disposed in the image medium support assembly. For outdoor use, the projector is preferably attachable to a support member such as a mounting stake by a mechanism permitting the angle between the projector and the support member to be selectively adjusted, thereby simultaneously adjusting the angle at which the image is projected relative to an underlying support surface. According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the support member preferably further comprises a tubular section containing a transformer that converts standard house current to a lower voltage power source for the projector.
- According to another embodiment of the invention, a projector is disclosed that is substantially as described above but modified to serially advance different images into the light path without user intervention. A preferred modification for achieving this function this the provision of a small electric motor inside the housing with a rotating shaft that causes a wheel comprising multiple fixed images to rotate the same or different images sequentially through the light path of the projector. This rotation can be accomplished continuously or intermittently by the provision of appropriate conventional linkage and control mechanisms well known to those of skill in the art.
- According to another embodiment of the invention, a projector assembly is disclosed that comprises a low cost projector substantially as described above but modified to simultaneously project a single image in a plurality of directions after the projected light beam exits the projector housing. This embodiment of the invention utilizes a frame assembly that aligns the projector with a rotating mirror bail that simultaneously redirects the projected image in many different directions and continuously changes the image being projected onto a particular spot on surrounding viewing surfaces. This embodiment of the invention is particularly preferred for indoor use where the image can be directed against both walls and ceiling at the same time. One aesthetic effect that can, for example, be produced using the apparatus of the invention is the illusion of falling snow where the projected image is that of snowflakes.
- The apparatus of the invention is further described and explained in relation to the following figures of the drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred projector of the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a right side elevation view of the projector ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the projector ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a left side elevation view of the projector ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the projector ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of another preferred projector of the invention that is modified to rotate an image wheel through the light path; -
FIG. 7 is a partial exploded view of the projector ofFIG. 6 ; and -
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view, partially broken away, of another preferred projector assembly of the invention wherein a mirror ball is rotatably mounted in the light path emanating from the projector, - Referring to
FIGS. 1-6 ,projector 10 preferably comprises apolymeric housing 12 supporting alight source 14 at one end and alens tube 16, most preferably containing abiconvex lens 18, at the other.Housing 12 is preferably injection molded from an impact resistant polymer and is most preferably molded in twohalves screws 24 or other similarly effective fasteners The imaginary line betweenlight source 14 andlens 18 establishes a light path that, when extended beyondprojector 10, continues to a viewing surface upon which an image is to be projectedHousing 12 preferably further comprises an imagemedium support assembly 26 that is disposed betweenlight source 14 andlens 18. Imagemedium support assembly 26 supports animage medium 28 such as, for example, a circular disk comprising a slide film or transparency in an image window through which light emanating fromlight source 14 is directed towardlens 18.Lens tube 16 is most preferably threaded into engagement withhousing 12 in such manner that the focal length betweenimage medium 28 andlens 18 can be adjusted within predetermined limits.Light source 14 preferably contains anelectric lamp 30 and is threaded into engagement with the end of housing oppositelens tube 16, When removed,light source 14 also provides access to imagemedium support assembly 26 so thatimage medium 28 can be changed as desired. Vents orlouvers 32 are desirably provided inhousing 12 and inlight source 14 to facilitate convective cooling oflamp 30 during use. -
Projector 10 preferably further comprises aprojector support member 34 to whichhousing 12 is connected in such manner that the angle of the light path relative to an underlying support surface can be adjusted easily by the user. According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting mechanism comprisesopposed engagement members bolt 42 can be inserted and tightened usingwing nut 44 whenprojector housing 12 is in the preferred angular position.Projector support member 34 preferably further comprises atubular member 46 containing atransformer 48 that desirably converts standard household electrical current to a lower voltage for use withlamp 30 ofprojector 10, Oneelectrical conductor 50 supplies electrical current to transformer 48 and anotherelectrical conductor 52 supplies the converted current to plug 54 on the back oflight source 14 ofhousing 12.Projector support member 34 preferably further comprises mountingstake 56 havingfootrest 58 to facilitate insertion ofmounting stake 56 into the ground for outdoor use onearthen surface 36, Althoughprojector support member 34 is described above in relation to a preferred embodiment intended for use with anearthen support surface 36, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure that projector support members having other physical configurations can likewise be provided for use with other underlying support surfaces forprojector 10. - According to another embodiment of the invention, described herein in relation to
FIGS. 6 and 7 , a projector is disclosed that is substantially as described above but modified to serially advance different images into the light path without user intervention. A preferred modification for achieving this function this the provision of a small electric motor inside the housing with a rotating shaft that causes a wheel comprising multiple fixed images to rotate the same or different images sequentially through the light path of the projector. This rotation can be accomplished continuously or intermittently by the provision of appropriate conventional linkage and control mechanisms well known to those of skill in the art. Referring toFIG. 6 ,projector 60 preferably comprises an enlarged moldedplastic housing 62, again having alight source 64 disposed at one end and alens tube 66 containinglens 68 at the other, thereby defining a light path through the projector.Projector 60 is preferably attached by mountingstud 70 to supportmember 72, which is shown as having astake 74 for insertion into an earthen surface for outdoor use. Electrical power cords and a transformer as previously described forprojector 10 are also desirably utilized with this embodiment of the invention but are not depicted in the simplified drawing ofFIG. 6 . - The internal structure and operation of
projector 60 are better described and explained in relation toFIG. 7 , in which the parts are intended to be substantially identical to those depicted inFIG. 6 , except that a differentlyshaped lens tube 66′ is disclosed, and the mounting stud and support member are not shown to simplify the illustration. Also, becauseFIGS. 6 and 7 are simplified diagrammatic views, screws used to assemble the halves ofbody 62 and other structural details are not shown in these figures Referring toFIG. 7 ,housing 62 ofprojector 60 preferably comprises anelectric motor 78 that rotatesshaft 76, which is offset from the light path established bylight source 64 andlens 68. Imagemedium support assembly 86 comprisingimage window 88 cooperates withrotatable shaft 76 to rotateimage wheel 80.Image wheel 80 further comprises a centrally disposedaperture 82 that engagesshaft 76 so thatimage wheel 80 is rotated throughimage window 88 whenevermotor 78 is energized. Electrical cords, transformers and plugs are also not shown to simplify the illustration but can be provided as forprojector 10 as previously described.Image wheel 80 preferably comprises a plurality ofimages 84 that are arcuately spaced apart near its periphery to facilitate the serial advancement of such images intoimage window 88 aswheel 80 rotates.Images 84 can be the same or different. Cartridge 90 is also desirably provided so that a single image or color filter can be installed inside imagemedium support assembly 86 in place of, or in addition to, usingimage wheel 80 if desired. - According to another embodiment of the invention, a projector assembly is disclosed that comprises a low cost projector substantially as described above but modified to simultaneously project a single image in a plurality of directions after the projected light beam exits the projector housing. This embodiment of the invention utilizes a frame assembly that aligns the projector with a rotating mirror ball that simultaneously redirects the projected image in many different directions and continuously changes the image being projected onto a particular spot on surrounding viewing surfaces. This embodiment of the invention is particularly preferred for indoor use where the image can be directed against both walls and ceiling at the same time Referring to
FIG. 8 , an exploded view is shown of aprojector assembly 92 comprisingprojector 94, which can be mounted in fixed relation to supportframe 96.Support frame 96 can in turn be adjustably mounted to supportmember 118 using bolt 120 to vary the inclination offrame 96 as desired,Frame member 96 preferably further comprises, in spaced apart relation toprojector 94, amounting bracket 102 secured toframe 96 bybolt 103 inserted throughaperture 106, or by any other similarly effective means or mechanism. A multi-faceted reflective element such asmirror ball 108 is preferably supported on anaxle 110 that is rotatably mounted in clevismembers apertures axle 110 can be rotated by electric motor to slowly turnmirror ball 108.Mirror ball 108 preferably comprises a plurality of small mirroredsurfaces 116 oriented in many different directions. The lighting effect achieved through the use ofprojector 94 in this manner under conditions of low ambient light is to simultaneously direct the projected image against many viewing surfaces, seemingly multiplying the projected image many times over. Whenmirror ball 108 is rotated, the effect is further enhanced by imparting motion to the multiple projected images. - Other alterations and modifications of the invention will likewise become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the present disclosure, and it is intended that the scope of the invention disclosed herein be limited only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims to which the inventors are legally entitled
Claims (10)
1. A projector comprising a polymeric housing containing a directional electric light source, a lens disposed opposite the light source, a light path extending from the light source through the lens and out of the housing to a viewing surface, an image medium support assembly disposed between the light source and the lens, the image medium support assembly further comprising an image window aligned in the light path, and an opening through which an image medium can be inserted into the image medium support assembly, and
a support member attachable to the projector.
2. The projector of claim 1 wherein the support member further comprises a transformer and a first electrical conductor attachable to the projector and a second electrical conductor attachable to an electrical power source.
3. The projector of claim 2 wherein the support member comprises a tubular section and the transformer is disposed inside the tubular section.
4. The projector of claim 1 wherein the lens is biconvex.
5. The projector of claim 1 wherein the image medium is a light transmitting film.
6. 6, The projector of claim 1 wherein the image medium is a light transmitting plastic disk.
7. The projector of claim 1 wherein the support member comprises a mounting stake.
8. The projector of claim 1 wherein the image medium support assembly further comprises an electric motor having a rotatable shaft and an image disk having arcuately spaced images, the disk being rotatable by a drive assembly connected to the rotatable shaft to serially advance the arcuately spaced images into the viewing window.
9. The projector of claim 1 wherein the support member comprises a mounting frame with a proximal end holding the projector and a distal end holding a multi.-faceted reflector element in spaced apart relation to the projector, the reflector element being rotatably mounted on a shaft and disposed in the light path of the projector, the shaft being rotatable by an electric motor to rotate the reflector element in the light path of the projector.
10. The projector of claim 9 wherein the multi-faceted reflector element is a mirror ball.
Priority Applications (1)
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US11/360,705 US20060256291A1 (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2006-02-23 | Image projection apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
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US10/008,112 US6695452B2 (en) | 2000-10-27 | 2001-10-22 | Image projection apparatus |
US41085502P | 2002-09-13 | 2002-09-13 | |
US42545502P | 2002-11-12 | 2002-11-12 | |
US10/605,210 US7182472B2 (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2003-09-15 | Image projection apparatus |
US11/360,705 US20060256291A1 (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2006-02-23 | Image projection apparatus |
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US10/008,112 Continuation-In-Part US6695452B2 (en) | 2000-10-27 | 2001-10-22 | Image projection apparatus |
US10/605,210 Continuation US7182472B2 (en) | 2000-10-27 | 2003-09-15 | Image projection apparatus |
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US20060256291A1 true US20060256291A1 (en) | 2006-11-16 |
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US11/360,705 Abandoned US20060256291A1 (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2006-02-23 | Image projection apparatus |
US11/561,268 Expired - Fee Related US7357520B2 (en) | 2000-10-27 | 2006-11-17 | Image projection apparatus |
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US11/561,268 Expired - Fee Related US7357520B2 (en) | 2000-10-27 | 2006-11-17 | Image projection apparatus |
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Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070076177A1 (en) * | 2000-10-27 | 2007-04-05 | Vitantonio Marc L | Image projection apparatus |
USRE41050E1 (en) | 2000-10-27 | 2009-12-22 | Emerald Innovations, Llc | Image projection apparatus |
US20160011495A1 (en) * | 2013-04-18 | 2016-01-14 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. | Projection type image display device |
US20160026073A1 (en) * | 2014-07-25 | 2016-01-28 | Gemmy Industries Corporation | Indoor-outdoor projector |
USD910227S1 (en) * | 2018-10-30 | 2021-02-09 | J.W. Speaker Corporation | Projector |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20040119951A1 (en) | 2004-06-24 |
US7182472B2 (en) | 2007-02-27 |
US7357520B2 (en) | 2008-04-15 |
US20070076177A1 (en) | 2007-04-05 |
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