US007380956B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Richmond et a].
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,380,956 B2
`Jun. 3, 2008
`
`(54) ORNAMENT WITH IMAGE PROJECTOR
`
`(75) Inventors: Rebecca M. Richmond, Overland Park,
`KS (Us); Ronald L_ Carlson,
`Riverside, MO (US); Carol Kobza,
`Prairie Village KS (US): Stephen E
`_
`’
`’
`'
`Fluke“, Overland Park’ KS (Us);
`Therese F- Steiger, Llbe?y, MO (Us);
`Brenda S. Klenke, Kansas City, MO
`(US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Incorporated,
`Kansas City, MO (Us)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(1)) by 206 days.
`
`(21) App1.No.: 11/152,s17
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Jun. 14, 2005
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2006/0291237 A1
`
`Dec. 28, 2006
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`F21 V 33/00
`(52) US. Cl. ..................... .. 362/123; 362/121; 362/807
`(58) Field of Classi?cation Search .............. .. 362/564,
`362/565, 561, 121, 123, 806, 654, 811; 428/11,
`428/19
`See application ?le for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`1,288,145 A 12/1918 Noville
`1,930,359 A 10/1933 Hilgenberg
`2,059,653 A 11/1936 Pretzfelder
`2,199,434 A
`5/1940 KoonZ
`2,199,435 A
`5/1940 KoonZ
`2,207,117 A
`7/1940 Collins
`
`WON
`
`3/1944 Weiss
`2,345,517 A
`9/1953 ProtZ
`2,653,216 A
`3/1954 Hansen
`2,671,286 A
`6/1958 Gladstone
`2,839,670 A
`2918934 A 12/1959 Neugass
`3’400’263 A
`9/1968 Yaklm
`3,594,934 A *
`7/1971 Burnbaum ................. .. 40/430
`3,694,648 A
`9/1972 Yates
`3,873,880 A
`3/1975 Riddell
`4,339,787 A
`7/19g2 Bumbaum
`4,475,298 A 10/1984 MunoZ
`4,601,924 A
`7/1986 Birkes et al.
`4,782,434 A 110988 Cole
`4,833,580 A
`5/1989 Allen
`4,866,580 A
`9/1989 Blackerby
`i
`Zfmght
`In
`’
`’
`4975309 A 12/1990 K“
`(Continued)
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`OrnaGloW product packaging, 1 page, believed to have been
`publicly available before Jun. 1, 2005.
`(Continued)
`Primary ExamineriStephen F. Husar
`Assistant ExamineriPeggy A. Neils
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or F irmiFish & Richardson PC.
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Some embodiments of a decoration apparatus may have an
`attractive appearance and multi-functional capabilities. The
`decoration apparatus may include one or more internal light
`sources that provide lighting effects in combination With
`decorative elements formed in the structure. In addition to
`providing internal lighting eiTects, the decoration apparatus
`may include a projector device, Which is capable of display
`ing a light pattern on a remote surface, such as a Wall or a
`ceiling.
`
`22 Claims, 13 Drawing Sheets
`
`r100
`
`Wisely Exhibit 1018
`Page 1 of 22
`
`

`

`US 7,380,956 B2
`Page 2
`
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`6/1992 Choi et a1.
`5,124,890 A
`6/1993 Ming-ho ................... .. 362/612
`5,217,286 A *
`5,250,331 A 10/1993 Grefalda
`5,266,771 A 11/1993 Van Wyk
`1115341717 E
`9/1994 Sanders er 91-
`5378512 A
`1/1995 Van Wyk
`5,576,078 A 11/1996 $911M?
`5,613,764 A
`3/1997 O’BHen
`5,743,616 A
`4/1998 Giuliano et 211.
`5,772,312 A
`6/1998 Pihl-Niederman et 31.
`5,813,747 A
`9/1998 Kale
`5,820,251 A 10/1998 Greenberg et a1.
`5,823,661 A * 10/1998 Mahanay et a1. ......... .. 362/293
`5,828,183 A 10/1998 “(1198 eta1~
`5,865,533 A
`2/1999 Llu
`5,876,112 A
`3/1999 Wu
`6,000,820 A 12/1999 Murray
`6,048,591 A
`4/2000 Zwiebel
`6,135,599 A 10/2000 Fang
`6,143,381 A 110000 Hawkins
`6,145,228 A 11/2000 LaChance
`
`5/2001 Roegiers
`6,224,230 B1
`9/2001 Odhner et a1.
`6,285,472 B1
`3/2002 Reed
`6,361,198 B1
`6/2002 Lorenzana et 31‘
`6,398,388 B1
`6/2002 Lewis, Jr.
`6,399,167 B1
`8/2002 Tano
`6,439,723 B1
`4/2003 Odhner et al.
`6,552,831 B2
`11/2003 Wichter
`6,652,349 B1
`1/2004 Lewis et a1.
`6,672,738 B1
`3/2004 51761161111.
`6,712,493 B2
`7/2004 peloquin
`6,764,205 B2
`6,832,842 B2 12/2004 Sullivan
`6,933,680 B2* 8/2005 Oskorep et a1. .......... .. 315/178
`7,086,770 B2
`8/2006 Tell et a1‘
`2003/0210541 A1
`11/2003 Long
`2004/0207341 A1 10/2004 Callahan
`2004/0223326 A1 11/2004 Wainwright
`2004/0257007 A1 12/2004 Lys et a1.
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`.
`.
`.
`.
`Hollday L1v1ng product packagmg, 5 pages, 2004.
`* cited by examiner
`
`Wisely Exhibit 1018
`Page 2 of 22
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 3, 2008
`
`Sheet 1 0f 13
`
`US 7,380,956 B2
`
`FIG. 1A
`
`Wisely Exhibit 1018
`Page 3 of 22
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 3, 2008
`
`Sheet 2 0f 13
`
`US 7,380,956 B2
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`7//////////%<<14%4///////////Z1
`
`FIG. 1B
`
`Wisely Exhibit 1018
`Page 4 of 22
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 3, 2008
`
`Sheet 3 0f 13
`
`US 7,380,956 B2
`
`100\‘
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`FIG. 2
`
`FIG. 3
`
`Wisely Exhibit 1018
`Page 5 of 22
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 3 2008
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`Sheet 4 0f 13
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`Wisely Exhibit 1018
`Page 6 of 22
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 3, 2008
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`Sheet 5 0f 13
`
`US 7,380,956 B2
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`122
`
`142
`
`122
`
`142
`
`FK3.5
`
`Wisely Exhibit 1018
`Page 7 of 22
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 3, 2008
`
`Sheet 6 0f 13
`
`US 7,380,956 B2
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`WON
`
`134
`
`132
`
`124 122
`
`146
`
`Wisely Exhibit 1018
`Page 8 of 22
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 3, 2008
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`Sheet 7 0f 13
`
`US 7,380,956 B2
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`120\
`124
`
`146
`
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`Page 9 of 22
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 3, 2008
`
`Sheet 8 0f 13
`
`US 7,380,956 B2
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`FIG. 9
`
`FIG. 10
`
`Wisely Exhibit 1018
`Page 10 of 22
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 3, 2008
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`Sheet 9 0f 13
`
`US 7,380,956 B2
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`FIG. 12
`
`Wisely Exhibit 1018
`Page 11 of 22
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 3, 2008
`
`Sheet 10 0f 13
`
`US 7,380,956 B2
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`Wisely Exhibit 1018
`Page 12 of 22
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 3, 2008
`
`Sheet 11 0f 13
`
`US 7,380,956 B2
`
`63
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`Wisely Exhibit 1018
`Page 13 of 22
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`Wisely Exhibit 1018
`Page 13 of 22
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`
`
`
`
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 3, 2008
`
`Sheet 12 0f 13
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`US 7,380,956 B2
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`/////////////////////////////////
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`
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`
`FIG. 16
`
`Wisely Exhibit 1018
`Page 14 of 22
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 3, 2008
`
`Sheet 13 0f 13
`
`US 7,380,956 B2
`
`FIG. 17
`
`Wisely Exhibit 1018
`Page 15 of 22
`
`

`

`US 7,380,956 B2
`
`1
`ORNAMENT WITH IMAGE PROJECTOR
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`This document relates to decorating With a lighted device,
`such as a holiday ornament.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Decorations are often used as part of a celebration of an
`event or a season. For example, a living area or a shopping
`mall may be decorated With a Christmas tree having strings
`of lights and colored bulbs as part of the Christmas holiday
`season. A larger decoration placed on the top of a Christmas
`tree could be perceived as the main attraction of the Christ
`mas tree. In another example, a Menorah or other lighted
`decoration may be employed as part of a Chanukah celebra
`tion.
`In some circumstances, lighting effects may be used to
`provide a desired appearance to the decorations. For
`example, a jack-o-lantern pumpkin ornament may include
`an internal light bulb to produce a gloWing effect during the
`nighttime celebration of HalloWeen. In an alternative
`example, if a decorative device is intended to appear as a
`Menorah, the device may be a formed part having colora
`tions and the shape of a nine-branched candelabrum. Such a
`Menorah decoration may incorporate light bulbs at the tips
`of the candles to provide the appearance of burning candles.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`A decorative device may include both an ornament struc
`ture and an integral projector device to display on a Wall,
`ceiling, etc. an image optionally associated With the a
`decorative theme of the ornament structure. In various
`embodiments, the decoration apparatus may include one or
`more internal lights that provide lighting effects in combi
`nation With decorative elements formed in the ornament
`structure. In one embodiment, the decorative apparatus may
`be disposed proximal to the top of a Christmas tree so that
`the internal lighting effects of the apparatus may adorn the
`tree While the external projection may be displayed on a
`ceiling or Wall near the apparatus. The decorative apparatus
`may include an ornament portion having a plurality of
`decorative elements formed in the ornament portion. The
`decorative apparatus may also include a base portion oper
`able to releasably mount to a top portion of a tree. The
`apparatus may further include a projector device having a
`projection light source. When the projection light source is
`activated, light is emitted to project a pattern onto a remote
`surface, such as a ceiling or a Wall.
`These and other embodiments may be con?gured to
`provide one or more of the folloWing advantages. First, the
`decoration apparatus may have the structure of a tree topper
`decoration that utiliZes its location near a ceiling or a Wall to
`provide both internal lighting effects and an external pro
`jection of a decorative pattern. Second, the decoration
`apparatus may include synchronized light effects that simu
`late a recogniZable light pattern, such as the brightening and
`fading effects of a star. Third, the decoration apparatus may
`employ light piping and back lighting effects to enhance the
`surface and edge elements formed in the ornament structure.
`Fourth, the decoration apparatus may include both substan
`tially upWard and forWard light projection. The forWard light
`projection may be provided When light from internally
`disposed light sources is emitted through a pattern of open
`ings in the front face of the ornament structure. The sub
`
`2
`stantially upWard light projection may be provided When a
`projection device has a suf?ciently bright LIGHT SOURCE
`to display a pattern onto a nearby surface. The projected
`pattern may be substantially de?ned by an image-bearing
`mask (e.g., a ?lm negative or a stencil), Which is magni?ed
`and focused When the light passes through a set of lenses.
`Alternatively, the projected pattern may be de?ned by an
`LCD (liquid crystal display) projection panel so as to
`provide a moving image or a changing sequence of images.
`The details of one or more embodiments of the invention
`are set forth in the accompanying draWings and the descrip
`tion beloW. Other features, objects, and advantages of the
`invention Will be apparent from the description and draW
`ings, and from the claims.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
`
`20
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`FIG. 1A is a perspective vieW of a decoration apparatus in
`accordance With some embodiments of the invention.
`FIG. 1B is a front vieW of a tree and the decoration
`apparatus of FIG. 1A.
`FIG. 2 is a side vieW of the decoration apparatus of FIG.
`1A.
`FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional vieW of the decoration appa
`ratus of FIG. 2.
`FIG. 4 is a front vieW of the decoration apparatus of FIG.
`1A.
`FIG. 5 is a rear vieW of the decoration apparatus of FIG.
`1A.
`FIG. 6 is a top vieW of the decoration apparatus of FIG.
`1A.
`FIG. 7 is a bottom vieW of the decoration apparatus of
`FIG. 1A.
`FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional vieW of a decoration apparatus
`in accordance With some embodiments of the invention.
`FIG. 9 is a section vieW of a portion of the decoration
`apparatus of FIG. 8.
`FIG. 10 is a section vieW of a projector device in
`accordance With some embodiments of the invention.
`FIG. 11 is a top vieW of the projector device of FIG. 10.
`FIG. 12 is a section vieW of a portion of the projector
`device and a portion of the decoration apparatus of FIG. 8.
`FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for a decoration apparatus
`in accordance With some embodiments of the invention.
`FIG. 14 is a perspective vieW of a decoration apparatus in
`accordance With some embodiments of the invention.
`FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional vieW of the decoration appa
`ratus of FIG. 14.
`FIG. 16 is a front vieW of a tree and the decoration
`apparatus of FIG. 14, in accordance With an embodiment of
`the invention.
`FIG. 17 is a front vieW of a tree and the decoration
`apparatus of FIG. 14, in accordance With yet another
`embodiment of the invention.
`Like reference symbols in the various draWings indicate
`like elements.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`Referring to FIGS. 1A-B, a decoration 100 may include
`an ornament structure 120 and a projector device 160. In
`some embodiments, the decoration 100 may be con?gured
`to function as tree topper device and may include a base 110
`that releasably attaches to a top portion of a Christmas tree
`101 (FIG. 1B). In this embodiment, the ornament structure
`120 is shoWn as a star-shaped structure, but it should be
`
`Wisely Exhibit 1018
`Page 16 of 22
`
`

`

`US 7,380,956 B2
`
`3
`recognized other embodiments of the decoration 100 may
`have a shape familiar to an applicable season or event, such
`as the shape of an angel or a Santa Claus character that is
`sometimes associated With the Christmas season. It should
`also be understood that other embodiments of the decoration
`100 may be con?gured to be placed on a mantle, a tabletop,
`a Wall, or other decorative locations. In those embodiments,
`the base 110 may have a different shape so as to facilitate
`placement of the decoration 100 in those various locations.
`Referring to FIG. 1A, the ornament structure 120 may
`include one or more holloW portions 122. The holloW
`portions 122 may include decorative elements, such as
`die-cut openings 124 formed in the front surface thereof,
`each of Which may be enhanced by one or more internal light
`sources. The light emitted from the internal light sources
`may project forWardly through the openings 124 from inside
`the holloW portion 124 (refer also to FIG. 3). In this
`embodiment, the holloW portions 122 are con?gured to be
`the points of the star-shaped ornament structure 120, and the
`die-cut openings 124 formed in the surface of the holloW
`portions 122 have a decorative pattern that is similar on each
`of the points. In addition, the holloW portions 122 may
`comprise a light transmissive material that permits at least
`some light to transmit through the material, thereby provid
`ing a gloWing appearance. For example, the ornament struc
`25
`ture 120 may comprise a substantially translucent SAN
`(Styrene Acrylonitrile) material, Which permits some light
`from the internal light sources to transmit through the
`material. In such circumstances, each holloW portion 122
`may have provide a loW-level gloW While substantially
`brighter light emits through the openings 124. In certain
`embodiments, the internal surfaces of the holloW portions
`122 may have a substantially re?ective coating (e.g., a White
`colored surface coating) applied there to enhance the light
`that is emitted through the die-cut openings 124. In those
`embodiments, the light projected from the openings 124
`may be much brighter than any light that is transmitted
`through the outer shell material of the holloW portions 122.
`In the embodiment shoWn in FIG. 11A, the ornament
`structure 120 may include a central portion 132 that includes
`another decorative element, such as an surface pattern 134
`formed in the front surface thereof. In this embodiment, the
`surface pattern 134 comprises a snow?ake pattern, but it
`should be understood that other surface patterns may be
`formed in the central portion 132. The central portion 132
`may include a holloW chamber in Which an central light
`source is disposed (as shoWn, for example, in FIG. 3). The
`surface pattern 134 may be embossed in a substantially
`transparent or translucent material such that the central light
`source causes the surface pattern 134 to gloW. If, for
`example, the ornament structure 120 comprises a substan
`tially translucent SAN (Styrene Acrylonitrile) material,
`some light from the internal central light source may trans
`mit through the central portion 132 to provide a loW-level
`gloWing appearance, but the surface pattern 134 may appear
`substantially brighter or more de?ned by the light. This
`backlighting effect may be caused by the light passing
`through the embossed material and bending at different
`angles in the curves, grooves, corners, and edges of the
`surface pattern 134.
`Still referring to FIG. 1A, the ornament structure 120 may
`include one or more substantially solid members 142 that are
`capable of transmitting light from an internal light source.
`For example, the substantially solid members 142 may
`employ light from a central light source 138 to provide
`lighting effects such as light piping and edge lighting (as
`shoWn, for example, in FIG. 3). In this embodiment, the
`
`55
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`35
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`40
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`4
`substantially solid members 142 are con?gured to be the
`points of the star-shaped ornament structure 120 such that
`the holloW portions 122 comprise a front star points and the
`substantially solid members 142 comprise a back star points.
`Together, the holloW portions 122 and the substantially solid
`members 142 may operate to provide lighting effects that
`simulate a gloWing star (described in more detail beloW).
`The substantially solid members 142 may comprise a light
`transmissive material that permits at least some light to
`transmit through the material. For example, the ornament
`structure 120 may comprise a substantially translucent SAN
`(Styrene Acrylonitrile) material, Which permits some light
`from an internal light source to transmit through the mate
`rial. In this embodiment, the light from the central internal
`light source (as shoWn, for example, in FIG. 3) may be
`transmitted through a ?rst, inWardly facing edge of each
`substantially solid member 142. The light passes through
`each member 142, causing a light piping effect and thereby
`providing a gloWing appearance. Some light traveling
`through the members 142 may pass through the surface
`patterns 144 formed in the front surface of each member
`142. The surface patterns 144 in the substantially solid
`members 142 may appear brighter or more de?ned by the
`light due to the light bending at different angles in the
`curves, grooves, corners, and edges of the surface patterns
`144. Also in this embodiment, some light transmitting
`through the members 142 may pass through the outWardly
`facing edges 146 of each member 142, causing an edge
`lighting effect. The edges 146 of each member 142 may
`appear brighter or more de?ned by the light (compared to the
`front and rear surfaces) due to the light bending at different
`angles along the beveled edge surfaces 146.
`Accordingly, the embodiment shoWn in FIG. 1 may
`include one or more internal light sources that enhance
`decorative elements in the ornament structure 120. Such
`internal lighting effects may be accomplished by projecting
`light forWard through openings 124 in the surface of the
`holloW portions 122, by backlighting through a surface
`pattern 134 formed the central portion 132, by light piping
`through the substantially solid members 142 to provide a
`gloWing effect, by edge lighting through the outWardly
`facing ends 146 of the substantially solid members 142, or
`by a combination thereof.
`Referring to FIG. 1B, some embodiments of the decora
`tion 100 may be con?gured as a tree topper device, Which
`may be releasably attached to an upper portion (e.g., proxi
`mal to the top stem) of a Christmas tree 101. In the depicted
`embodiment, the base 110 has a tubular shape that is adapted
`to receive the top stem or another portion of the Christmas
`tree 101. Other con?gurations of the base 110 may include
`a supplemental shaft that extends doWnWard from the base
`110 and is secured to a substantially rigid portion of the
`Christmas tree 101 using VelcroTM straps or the like. As
`previously described, the decoration 100 may include a
`projector device 160 (FIG. 1A) that is capable of providing
`a light pattern on a nearby surface 102, such as a ceiling or
`a Wall. In the embodiments in Which the decoration 100 is
`con?gured as a tree topper device, the intended site (proxi
`mal to the pinnacle of a tree 101 and positioned near a
`surface 102) may be fully utiliZed both to adorn the tree 101
`With an internally lit device and to decorate a nearby surface
`102. As such, the decoration 100 may provide multi-func
`tionality While consuming a relatively small amount of
`space. Moreover, the decorative design that is used to adorn
`the tree 101 may be associated to the projected pattern
`display on the nearby surface 102. For example, the projec
`tor device 160 may be equipped With an image-bearing mask
`
`Wisely Exhibit 1018
`Page 17 of 22
`
`

`

`US 7,380,956 B2
`
`5
`(described in more detail below) having a stars and snow
`?ake pattern that is projected onto the surface 102, which is
`associated with the stars and snow?ake design of the orna
`ment structure 120. In such embodiments, the decorative
`theme used to adorn the tree 101 may be part of a greater
`theme to decorate other parts of the room.
`Referring now to FIGS. 2-3, some embodiments the
`ornament structure 120 may be coupled to the base 110 by
`one or more support shafts 115, 116, and 117. In such
`embodiments, the ornament structure 120 may be positioned
`forwardly of the base 110 and the projector device 160 so
`that the project device is substantially concealed from the
`front side of the decoration 100. Some of the shafts, such as
`shafts 116 and 117, may be hollow so as to accommodate
`wires that are connected to the internal light sources 128 and
`the internal central light source 138 (shown in FIG. 3). The
`base 110 and the shafts 116 and 117 may comprise a
`substantially rigid and ?ame-resistant material, such a poly
`mer or metal material. For example, the base 110 and shafts
`116 and 117 may be thermoformed from Acrylonitrile Buta
`diene Styrene (ABS) material.
`The base 110 may comprise a tubular body that includes
`one or more cavities 112 and 114 and that houses the
`projector device 160. In this embodiment, a ?rst cavity 112
`is disposed near the bottom of the base 110 and is con?gured
`to receive an upper portion of a tree 101 (FIG. 1B). Also, the
`base 110 may include a second cavity 114 that is adapted to
`receive a supplemental support shaft (not shown in FIGS.
`2-3) that can extend downwardly and be releasably attached
`to a substantially rigid portion of the tree 101. In other
`embodiments in which the decoration 100 is con?gured to
`be mounted on a mantle, a tabletop, a wall, or other
`decorative locations, the base 110 may include cavities or
`mounting brackets in various arrangements so as to facilitate
`placement of the decoration 100 in those locations. For
`example, some embodiments of the decoration 100 may
`include a base having a mounting bracket with a substan
`tially horiZontal bottom surface. In such embodiments, the
`?at bottom surface of the base may be used to retain the
`decoration in an upright position as the decoration 100 is
`placed on a mantle or a tabletop.
`Referring to FIG. 3, the projector device 160 may be
`housed in an upper portion of the base 110 so that a light
`pattern can be projected from the decoration 100. In this
`embodiment, the projector device 160 may comprise a
`projection light source 168, an image pattern 162, and one
`or more lenses 166 and 167 to magnify and/or focus the
`image. The projection light source 168 may be a megabright
`light-emitting diode (single or multicolor) so as to provide
`greater clarity and brightness to the image pattern projected
`to the nearby surface. For example, the projection light
`source 168 may be a water-clear white UB light-emitting
`diode having a brightness of 13,000 mcd (Millicandelas) or
`greater. In this example, the projected image may be about
`20-inches wide when projected on a targeted surface at a
`distance of about 24-inches from the projector device 160.
`In this embodiment, the projector device 160 is arranged to
`provide the light pattern in a generally upward direction
`(see, e. g., FIG. 1B), yet other embodiments of the decoration
`100 may include a projector device 160 that is capable of
`projecting a light pattern in a non-vertical direction, such as
`sideways toward a wall surface or angled downwardly
`toward a nearby ?oor surface.
`Still referring to FIG. 3, the decoration 100 may include
`an central light source 138 that is disposed proximal to the
`central portion 132. The central light source 138 may emit
`light that is transmitted through the surface pattern 134 to
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`provide the previously described backlighting effects. In
`addition, the central light source 138 may emit that is
`transmitted through the substantially solid members 142 to
`provide the previously described light piping effects and the
`edge lighting effects. For example, a portion of the light
`emitted from the central light source 138 may pass through
`the inwardly facing edge of each substantially solid member
`142, through the body of the member 142, and out the front
`and rear faces 148 and 149. Such an operation may cause a
`light piping effect so that the substantially solid member 142
`has a glowing appearance. In addition, some light passing
`through the body of each member 142 may exit from the
`outwardly facing edges 146, which can provide the previ
`ously described edge lighting effects. Accordingly, the cen
`tral light source 138 can be the source for backlighting
`effects through the surface pattern 134 and for the light
`piping and edge lighting effect through the members 142. In
`some embodiments, the central light source 138 may be an
`incandescent light bulb having a brightness of about 0.4
`MSCP (Mean Spherical Candlepower). Such a light source
`may provide a sufficient amount of brightness depending
`upon the transmissivity of the ornament structure material,
`the thickness of the ornament structure walls, and other
`factors.
`In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, each hollow portion
`122 is equipped with an associated light source 128 that is
`capable of emitting light to forwardly project out of the
`openings 124 formed in the front side of each hollow portion
`122. For example, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1A
`and FIG. 3, the decoration 100 includes ?ve hollow portions
`122, each having the shape of a point of a star. Each of the
`?ve hollow portions 122 includes a light source 128 dis
`posed at least partially therein, as shown in FIG. 3. In such
`circumstances, each of the hollow portions 122 may be
`independently illuminated such that the star points can be
`synchronized to display various brightening and fading
`effects that substantially simulate starlight. As described in
`more detail below, one or more programmable controllers
`may be employed to independently illuminate/ dim the inter
`nal light sources 28. Each of the light sources 128 may be
`a light-emitting diode (multicolored or single color). Each
`light source 128 may emit a light color similar to or different
`from the central light source 138 and/or the other light
`sources 128. In one example, the central light source 138
`emits a substantially white light through the surface pattern
`134 and through the substantially solid members 142 while
`each of the light sources 128 emits a substantially yellow
`light through the openings 124 in the hollow portions 122.
`When such a multicolored arrangement of this example is
`used in combination with the synchroniZed brightening/
`fading effects in the star-point portions, the decoration 100
`may provide a pleasing simulation of sparkling starlight that
`includes a bright, white light near the center and includes a
`time-varying, yellow light near star points.
`Still referring to FIG. 3, each of the light sources 128 may
`be electrically connected to a circuit 170 using wires 129. In
`this embodiment, the wires 129 pass through the hollow
`shaft 115 to connect to the circuit 170 disposed in the tubular
`body of the base 110. Also in this embodiment, the central
`light source 138 is electrically connected to the circuit 170
`via wires 139 that pass through the hollow shaft 117. The
`projection light source 168 may be electrically connected to
`the circuit 170 using wires or using a surface mount con
`nection. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the projection
`light source 168 is positioned near the circuit 170 so that the
`projection light source 168 may be surface mounted directly
`to the circuit 170. The circuit 170 may be electrically
`
`Wisely Exhibit 1018
`Page 18 of 22
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`

`

`US 7,380,956 B2
`
`7
`connected to a power source (not shown in FIG. 3) using a
`Wire 172 that passes through the base 110. The Wire 172 may
`include a knot 174 or a strain relief member so as to prevent
`the Wire 172 from being pulled out of connection With the
`circuit 170. As described in more detail beloW in connection
`With FIG. 13, the circuit 170 may include a programmable
`controller that is capable of independently illuminating and
`fading the light sources that are electrically connected
`thereto.
`Referring noW to FIGS. 4-5, the ornament structure 120
`may be disposed in front of the body of the base 110 so as
`to conceal a substantial portion of the base 110. In such
`circumstances, the projector device 160 that is housed in the
`base 110 may be substantially concealed from vieW from the
`front side of the decoration 100. By substantially concealing
`the projector device 160 from direct vieW from the front
`side, the projector device 160 may provide a light pattern on
`an nearby surface 102 (see, e.g., FIG. 1B) Without detracting
`from the adornment features provided by the ornament
`structure 120 and the internally disposed light sources 128
`and 138. In some embodiments in Which the decoration 100
`is con?gured to be a tree topper device, the decorative
`elements (e.g., the openings 124 and the surface patterns 134
`and 144) may be formed primarily on the front side of the
`decoration, Which can be the portion of the decoration 100
`that is generally exposed to vieWers. By forming the deco
`rative elements on the primarily vieWed portion, the manu
`facturing costs may be reduced Without substantially detract
`ing from the adornment provided by the decoration 100.
`Although the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4-5 shoW the
`decorative elements (e.g., the openings 124 and the surface
`patterns 134 and 144) formed primarily on the front side of
`the decoration 100, it should be understood that other
`embodiments may include similarly formed decorative ele
`ments on the rear side of the decoration. For example,
`surface patterns 144 may be formed on the rear side of the
`substantially solid members 142, and some die-cut openings
`124 may be formed on the rear side of the holloW portions
`122.
`Referring noW to FIG. 6, some embodiments of the
`decoration may include the projector device 160 proximal an
`upper portion of the base 110 so that the projector device is
`directed in a substantially upWard direction. As previously
`described, the projector device 160 may include an image
`bearing mask 162. One or more lenses 166 and 167 (FIG. 3)
`may be positioned over the image-bearing mask 162 so as to
`magnify and/or focus the light image that is projected from
`the projection light source 168 through the image-bearing
`mask 162. The mask 162 may be disposed on a substrate so
`that light does not pass through generally opaque portions of
`the mask 162, but may pass through openings or substan
`tially transparent portion in the mask 162. For example, the
`image-bearing mask 162 may be formed as a stencil in a
`generally opaque substrate. In this example, the substrate
`may be a polymer or plastic disc having apertures formed
`therein to produce the desired image pattern 162. In another
`example, the image-bearing mask 162 may be formed as a
`?lm negative of the desired image. In such circumstances,
`the ?lm negative may have substantially opaque, dark areas
`through Which light does not generally pass and may also
`have substantially transparent portions that produce the
`desired image. The ?lm may have a colored tint, such as a
`red or green tint, so that the projected image appears in that
`color. Alternatively, a colored gel layer may be positioned
`betWeen the projection light source 168 (FIG. 3) and the
`projection surface 102 (FIG. 1B) so that the projected image
`appears in that color. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6,
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`the image-bearing mask 162 comprises a snoW?ake and star
`pattern, but it sho