| |
| United States Patent
|
7,175,321 |
| Lopez |
February 13, 2007 |
Projector systems
Abstract
A vehicle projection system relating to use of a light projecting
system comprising at least one light projector adapted to project at
least one decorative light design onto at least one exterior portion
of a vehicle. The system preferably uses a laser projector and
user-selectable controller to select and control decorative designs
projected onto the vehicle exterior. The controller may be manually
operated, computer programmed, remote controlled or utilize
pre-selected programming.
| Inventors: |
Lopez; Gustavo M.
(Buckeye, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
11/088,163 |
| Filed: |
March 22, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
60556103 |
Mar., 2004 |
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| Current U.S.
Class: |
362/496 ;
296/21; 353/13; 362/494; 362/504; 40/560 |
| Current
International Class: |
B60Q
1/00 (20060101) |
| Field of
Search: |
362/493-494,503-504,496-497,538,540 353/13,122 296/21 428/31
40/560 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Primary Examiner: Luebke; Renee
Assistant Examiner: Shallenberger; Julie A.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman Law Offices, Ltd. Stoneman; Martin L.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application is related to and claims priority from prior
provisional application Ser. No. 60/556,103, filed Mar. 24, 2004,
entitled "PROJECTOR SYSTEMS", the contents of which are incorporated
herein by this reference and are not admitted to be prior art with
respect to the present invention by the mention in this
cross-reference section.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A light projection system, relating to use on at least one
vehicle, comprising: a) light projector means for projecting at
least one decorative light design onto at least one exterior portion
of such at least one vehicle; b) attacher means for attaching said
light projector means with such at least one vehicle; c) power
coupler means for coupling power with said light projector means;
and d) geometric positioner means for assisting geometric
positioning of said light projector means so that such at least one
decorative light design is projectable onto such at least one
exterior portion of such at least one vehicle.
2. The light projection system, according to claim 1, further
comprising user-selector means for assisting at least one
user-selection of such at least one projectable decorative light
design.
3. The light projection system, according to claim 2, wherein said
light projector means is operable to project such at least one
user-selected decorative light design.
4. The light projection system, according to claim 1, wherein said
light projector means comprises laser light means for projecting
such at least one decorative light design.
5. The light projection, system according to claim 1, further
comprising controller means for controlling said light projector
means.
6. The light projection system, according to claim 5, wherein: a)
said controller means is electronically coupled to said light
projector means; and b) said controller means comprises said
user-selector means.
7. A light projection system, relating to use on at least one
vehicle, comprising: a) at least one light projector adapted to
project at least one decorative light design onto at least one
exterior portion of such at least one vehicle; b) at least one
attacher adapted to attach said at least one light projector with
such at least one vehicle; c) at least one power coupler adapted to
couple power with said at least one light projector; and d) at least
one geometric positioner adapted to assist geometric positioning of
said at least one light projector so that such at least one
decorative light design is projectable onto such at least one
exterior portion of such at least one vehicle.
8. The light projection system, according to claim 7, wherein said
at least one light projector comprises at least one laser light to
project such at least one decorative light design.
9. The light projection system, according to claim 7, further
comprising such at least one vehicle.
10. The light projection system, according to claim 9, wherein said
at least one vehicle comprises at least one usual vehicle component
modified to house said at least one light projector.
11. The light projection system, according to claim 7, further
comprising at least one user-selector structured and arranged to
assist at least one user-selection of such at least one decorative
light design to be projected.
12. The light projection system, according to claim 11, wherein said
at least one light projector is operable to project such at least
one user-selected decorative light design.
13. The light projection system, according to claim 11, wherein said
at least one user-selector comprises at least one decorative light
design storage adapted to store such at least one decorative light
design.
14. The light projection system, according to claim 13, wherein said
at least one decorative light design storage comprises: a) at least
one program-assister adapted to assist programming of such at least
one decorative light design into said at least one storage; and b)
at least one retriever adapted to retrieve such at least one
decorative light design from said at least one storage; c) wherein
said light projection system is operable to program, store, retrieve
and project such at least one decorative light design.
15. The light projection system, according to claim 11, further
comprising at least one controller structured and arranged to
control said at least one light projector.
16. The light projection system, according to claim 15, wherein: a)
said at least one controller is electronically coupled to said at
least one light projector; and b) said at least one controller
comprises said at least one user-selector.
17. A light projection system, relating to use on at least one
vehicle, comprising, in combination: a) at least one such vehicle;
b) at least one light projector adapted to project at least one
decorative light design onto at least one exterior portion of such
at least one vehicle; c) at least one attacher adapted to attach
said at least one light projector with such at least one vehicle; d)
at least one power coupler adapted to couple power with said at
least one light projector; e) at least one geometric positioner
adapted to assist geometric positioning of said at least one light
projector so that such at least one decorative light design is
projectable onto such at least one exterior portion of such at least
one vehicle; and f) at least one controller structured and arranged
to control said at least one light projector; g) wherein said at
least one controller comprises at least one user-selector structured
and arranged to assist at least one user-selection of such at least
one decorative light design to be projected; h) wherein said at
least one user-selector comprises at least one decorative light
design storage adapted to store such at least one decorative light
design; i) wherein said at least one decorative light design storage
comprises (1) at least one program-assister adapted to assist
programming such at least one decorative light design into said at
least one storage; and (2) at least one retriever adapted to
retrieve such at least one decorative light design from said at
least one storage; and j) wherein said light projection system is
operable to program, store, retrieve and project such at least one
decorative light design.
18. A method of installing at least one vehicle projection system
relating to use of a light projecting system comprising at least one
light projector adapted to project at least one decorative light
design onto at least one exterior portion of such at least one
vehicle, at least one attacher adapted to attach such at least one
light projector with such at least one vehicle, at least one power
coupler adapted to couple power with such at least one light
projector, and at least one geometric positioner adapted to assist
geometric positioning of such at least one light projector so that
such at least one decorative light design is projectable onto such
at least one exterior portion of such at least one vehicle, such
method of installing at least one vehicle projection system
comprising the steps of: a) selecting such at least one light
projector; b) attaching and geometrically positioning such at least
one light projector to such at least one vehicle; c) electronically
coupling such at least one light projector to at least one power
source; and d) projecting such at least one decorative light design
onto such at least one exterior portion of such at least one
vehicle.
19. The method of installing at least one vehicle projection system,
according to claim 18, further comprising the step of modifying at
least one existing vehicle component to house such at least one
light projector.
Description
BACKGROUND
This invention relates to projector systems. More specifically, this
invention relates to providing a system and method for projecting at
least one decorative design (referring to any single line or
combination of lines, points of light, images, patterns, indicia,
logos, photographs, etc.) onto the exterior surface of a vehicle.
Presently, car enthusiasts and other vehicle owners spend a great
deal of time and money trying to make their vehicles unique and
stand out from others. It is very desirable for such vehicle owners
to have new and unique ideas to customize their vehicles. The
methods to do so include special bodywork, custom painting, custom
rims, engine customizing and interior customizing. It would be
highly useful and desirable to provide a unique method of
customizing a vehicle exterior. Furthermore, it would be very useful
to provide such a customizing feature that can be regularly and
easily changed.
OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION
A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide
a projector system for projecting at least one decorative design
onto the exterior surface of a vehicle.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a projector system that comprises user-selectable
designs. It is another object and feature of the present invention
to provide such a projector system that comprises easily changed
designs.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a projector system that comprises upgrades to
user-selectable decorative design options.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a projector system method for use.
A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to
provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive, and handy.
Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent
with reference to the following descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention
provides a light projection system, relating to use on a vehicle,
comprising, in combination: light projector means for projecting at
least one decorative light design onto at least one exterior portion
of the vehicle; attacher means for attaching such light projector
means with the vehicle; power coupler means for coupling power with
such light projector means; and geometric positioner means for
assisting geometric positioning of such light projector means so
that the at least one decorative light design is projectable onto
the at least one exterior portion of the vehicle.
Moreover, it provides such a light projection system further
comprising user-selector means for assisting at least one
user-selection of the at least one projectable decorative light
design. Additionally, it provides such a light projection system
wherein such light projector means is operable to project the at
least one user-selected decorative light design. Also, it provides
such a light projection system wherein such light projector means
comprises laser light means for projecting at least one laser
decorative light design. In addition, it provides such a light
projection system further comprising controller means for
controlling such light projector means. And, it provides such a
light projection system wherein: such controller means is
electronically coupled to such light projector means; and such
controller means comprises such user-selector means.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a light projection system, relating to use on a
vehicle, comprising, in combination: at least one light projector
adapted to project at least one decorative light design onto at
least one exterior portion of the vehicle; at least one attacher
adapted to attach such at least one light projector with the
vehicle; at least one power coupler adapted to couple power with
such at least one light projector; and at least one geometric
positioner adapted to assist geometric positioning of such at least
one light projector so that the at least one decorative light design
is projectable onto the at least one exterior portion of the
vehicle.
Further, it provides such a light projection system further
comprising at least one user-selector structured and arranged to
assist at least one user-selection of the at least one decorative
light design to be projected.
Even further, it provides such a light projection system wherein
such at least one light projector is operable to project the at
least one user-selected decorative light design. Moreover, it
provides such a light projection system wherein such at least one
light projector comprises at least one laser light to project at
least one laser decorative light design. Additionally, it provides
such a light projection system further comprising at least one
controller structured and arranged to control such at least one
light projector.
Also, it provides such a light projection system wherein: such at
least one controller is electronically coupled to such at least one
light projector; and such at least one controller comprises such at
least one user-selector. In addition, it provides such a light
projection system wherein such at least one user-selector comprises
at least one decorative light design storage adapted to store the at
least one decorative light design.
And, it provides such a light projection system wherein such at
least one decorative light design storage comprises: at least one
programmer adapted to program the at least one decorative light
design into such at least one storage; and at least one retriever
adapted to retrieve the at least one decorative light design from
such at least one storage; wherein the at least one decorative light
design can be programmed, stored, retrieved and projected by such
light projection system.
Further, it provides such a light projection system further
comprising such vehicle. Even further, it provides such a light
projection system wherein such vehicle comprises at least one usual
vehicle component modified to house such at least one light
projector.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a light projection system, relating to use on a
vehicle, comprising, in combination: at least one such vehicle; at
least one light projector adapted to project at least one decorative
light design onto at least one exterior portion of the vehicle; at
least one attacher adapted to attach such at least one light
projector with the vehicle; at least one power coupler adapted to
couple power with such at least one light projector; at least one
geometric positioner adapted to assist geometric positioning of such
at least one light projector so that the at least one decorative
light design is projectable onto the at least one exterior portion
of the vehicle; and at least one controller structured and arranged
to control such at least one light projector; wherein such at least
one controller comprises at least one user-selector structured and
arranged to assist at least one user-selection of the at least one
decorative light design to be projected; wherein such at least one
user-selector comprises at least one decorative light design storage
adapted to store the at least one decorative light design; wherein
such at least one decorative light design storage comprises at least
one programmer adapted to program the at least one decorative light
design into such at least one storage; and at least one retriever
adapted to retrieve the at least one decorative light design from
such at least one storage; and wherein the at least one decorative
light design can be programmed, stored, retrieved and projected by
such light projection system.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a vehicle projection system relating to use of a
light projecting system comprising at least one light projector
adapted to project at least one decorative light design onto at
least one exterior portion of the vehicle, at least one attacher
adapted to attach such at least one light projector with the
vehicle, at least one power coupler adapted to couple power with
such at least one light projector, and at least one geometric
positioner adapted to assist geometric positioning of such at least
one light projector so that the at least one decorative light design
is projectable onto the at least one exterior portion of the
vehicle, such vehicle projection system comprising the steps of:
selecting such at least one light projector; attaching and
geometrically positioning such at least one light projector to such
vehicle; electronically coupling such at least one light projector
to a power source; and projecting such at least one decorative light
design onto such at least one exterior portion of such vehicle. Even
further, it provides such a vehicle projection system further
comprising the step of modifying at least one existing vehicle
component to house such at least one light projector.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of the projector system on a
vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the projector system on the
vehicle of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a laser projector according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a controller of the projector
system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 shows a side view of a laser projector installed adjacent a
gas access panel of a vehicle according to another preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 shows a side view of additional laser projectors installed on
a vehicle according to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a laser projector installed in a
rear brake light assembly according to another preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
FIG. 8 shows a section view through section 8--8 of FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF
THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of the projector system 100 on
a vehicle 104 according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the projector
system 100 on the vehicle 104 of FIG. 1. Preferably, the projection
system 100 comprises one or more projectors 102 that are preferably
mounted onto a vehicle 104, as shown. Preferably, the projectors 102
are small and compact and will project a decorative design 106 onto
the exterior portion 108 of the vehicle 104, as shown (at least
embodying herein light projector means for projecting at least one
decorative light design onto at least one exterior portion of the
vehicle; and at least embodying herein at least one light projector
adapted to project at least one decorative light design onto at
least one exterior portion of the vehicle). Preferably, decorative
design 106 refers herein to any single, combined, or arranged
display of light utilizing lines, points of light, images, patterns,
indicia, logos, photographs, etc., that create a distinctive
arrangement of light (and not to general, diffuse illumination such
as exterior light bulbs). Most preferably, decorative design 106
comprises any decorative design that can be light-projected from
projector 102. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as economics,
user preference, available designs, advances in technology, etc.,
other light patterns, designs, logos, etc., such as circles,
holograms, animated images, etc., may suffice. Further, upon reading
the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in
the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering such issues as projector preferences, economics, user
preference, advances in technology, etc., other projectors, such as
those using film to create a decorative projection, etc., may
suffice.
Preferably, the projectors 102 are aimed and mounted to the proper
geometric position to project the decorative design 106 onto a
user-selected location of the vehicle 104 exterior such as, for
example, the hood 110, trunk 112, vehicle side 114 (to include
doors), top 116, front 118, etc., as shown (this arrangement at
least embodies herein geometric positioner means for assisting
geometric positioning of such light projector means so that the at
least one decorative light design is projectable onto the at least
one exterior portion of the vehicle; and at least embodies herein at
least one geometric positioner adapted to assist geometric
positioning of such at least one light projector so that the at
least one decorative light design is projectable onto the at least
one exterior portion of the vehicle). Most preferably, the projector
102 is attached to the vehicle 104, preferably by permanent
mounting, preferably by mechanical and/or adhesive attachment, and
is preferably mounted adjacent a usual vehicle component (such as,
for example, a vehicle body part, panel and/or accessory, including
interior components) such as are described below and shown (see FIG.
8).
Preferably, a projector 102 is placed as part of the rear brake
light assembly 122 of FIG. 2 (also see FIG. 7) to project onto the
rear portion 120 of a vehicle 104 such as, for example, the trunk
112, as shown. Alternatively, the projector 102 is preferably placed
under or as part of a wing assembly 178 (also see FIG. 8) to project
a decorative design 106 along the rear portion 120 of a vehicle 104,
as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those
with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as economics,
user preference, vehicle contours, advances in technology, etc.,
other projector placements, such as in headlights, wheel wells,
license plates, windows, hubcaps, undercarriage, spoiler, etc., may
suffice. Furthermore, upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as economics, user preference, vehicle contours, desired
projected design, advances in technology, etc., other mounting
arrangements, such as extendable/retractable projector mountings,
articulated mounts, pop-out panels, etc., may suffice.
Still further, upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as economics,
user preference, method of travel, advances in technology, etc., the
projection system may comprise other vehicles and methods of
transportation, such as boats, trucks, airplanes, trains, bicycles,
equine (for parades, for example), baby-buggies, motorcycles,
pedestrians, etc.
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a laser projector 124 according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the
projector 102 comprises a laser projector 124, preferably a
programmable laser projector, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,655,597 incorporated herein as a reference. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering such issues as economics, user preference, technological
advances, etc., other styles of laser projector and other
projectors, such as LED, fiber optic, liquid crystal display
projectors, laser-show projectors, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, the laser projector 124 utilizes a twelve-volt power
system and is connected to the vehicle's power supply by a power
coupler such as, for example, wiring 128 (at least embodying herein
power coupler means for coupling power with such light projector
means; and at least embodying herein at least one power coupler
adapted to couple power with such at least one light projector) that
preferably couples a vehicle power source (such as the vehicle
battery) to the projector 102. The techniques of powering vehicle
accessories are within the abilities of those of skill in the art of
installing vehicle upgrades.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as economics,
user preference, advances in technology, etc., other power
connecting means, such as connection to independent power means,
connection through a separate power supply, transformed power,
batteries, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, the laser projector 124 comprises a projecting lens 130
that assists in the projection of at least one design 106, (image,
picture, indicia, etc.) onto another portion of the vehicle body
126, as shown (at least embodying herein wherein such light
projector means comprises laser light means for projecting at least
one laser decorative light design; and at least embodying herein
wherein such at least one light projector comprises at least one
laser light to project at least one laser decorative light design).
Preferably, the laser projector 124 comprises a connection means
132, preferably a wire 128, to assist power and/or data transmission
to the laser projector 124, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of
this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as economics, user preference, material availability,
advances in technology, etc., other connection means, such as
wireless transmission, contact plates, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, the laser projector 124 is sized appropriately to be
fitted into portions of a vehicle body 126, such as those mentioned
above, however, in some preferred installations, the laser projector
124 is externally mounted using an adjustable surface mounting
bracket (at least embodying herein geometric positioning means), as
shown.
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a controller 140 of the projector
system 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. Preferably, the laser projector 124 is connected to
controller 140 that controls the projector 124 (at least embodying
herein controller means for controlling such light projector means;
and at least embodying herein at least one controller structured and
arranged to control such at least one light projector). Preferably,
controller 140 assists a user in selecting and projecting a
projected design 106 with laser projector 124 (at least embodying
herein user-selector means for assisting at least one user-selection
of the at least one projectable decorative light design; and at
least embodying herein at least one user-selector structured and
arranged to assist at least one user-selection of the at least one
decorative light design to be projected). Most preferably, the
controller 140 provides control of such decorative design 106
characteristics as, for example, color, frequency, placement,
indicia, pattern, image, rate of change, etc. Further, the
controller 140 preferably comprises multiple controls 142 for
controlling more than one laser projector 124 and more than one
decorative design 106 characteristic. Upon reading the teachings of
this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as economics, user preference, advances in technology, etc.,
other combinations of controls, such as more or fewer than one laser
projector control, more or fewer image characteristic controls,
flashers, on/off controls, etc., may suffice.
Even further, the controller 140 preferably provides a power coupler
136, which preferably couples controller 140 to the main power
supply of the vehicle 104 (or other chosen power source), which is
most preferably a twelve-volt power supply of the sort presently
used in vehicle electrical systems. Preferably, the power coupler
136 comprises a fuse 138, as shown. Those knowledgeable in such fuse
art will easily determine the proper fuse 138 requirements.
Preferably, the controller 140 is mounted near the operator of the
vehicle 104, so that the operator may easily manipulate the
controller 140 from the driver's seat. Preferably, controller 140
comprises a mount such as, for example, mounting brackets 148 to
assist such mounting under the vehicle dash, or mounting brackets
149 to assist such mounting within the vehicle dash. Upon reading
the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in
the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering such issues as economics, user preference, theft
control, advances in technology, etc., other mounting locations for
the controller, such as beneath a vehicle seat, a trunk mount, a
removable controller, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, the controller 140 comprises a wiring coupler/harness
144 adapted to connect the laser projectors 124 to the controller
140, as shown, permitting data and/or power communication between
the controller 140 and the laser projectors 102. The above
arrangement at least embodies herein wherein such controller means
is electronically coupled to such light projector means and wherein
such controller means comprises such user-selector means; and
further at least embodies herein wherein such at least one
controller is electronically coupled to such at least one light
projector and wherein such at least one controller comprises such at
least one user-selector. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as economics, user preference, laser projector locations,
advances in technology, etc., other coupler arrangements, such as
wireless coupling, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, the controller 140 comprises a remote control 146, as
shown, which preferably allows the user to access one or more of the
functions of controller 140 from a remote location. Preferably, the
controller 140 comprises electronic storage 145, as shown, which is
preferably an electronic data storage device adapted to
electronically store one or more decorative light designs 106.
Preferably, the electronic storage 145 is programmed from a portable
computer 150, most preferably about the size of a PDA (personal
digital assistant), as shown. This arrangement at least embodies
herein wherein such at least one user-selector comprises at least
one decorative light design storage adapted to store the at least
one decorative light design. Preferably, the portable computer 150
and the controller 140 comprise a communication coupling 152,
preferably a USB-style port 154 and USB-style plug 156, to transfer
laser projector programming information, as shown. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering such issues as economics, user preference, technology
advances in data transfer, etc., other communication transfer
couplings, such as "Wi-Fi", wireless, phone, RS232 serial, etc., may
suffice.
Preferably, the controller 140 comprises a data media reader 160 to
read and download data from a data-storage device 162, as shown.
Preferably, the data-storage device 162 is another data source to
transfer laser projector programming information to the controller
140, as shown. Preferably, a multitude of laser projector
programming information can now be processed by retriever 147 from
the storage 145 and can be sent to the projector 102 to be projected
onto the vehicle body 126. Preferably, laser projector programming
information comprises electronic data adapted to instruct laser
projectors 102 to project decorative light designs 106. This
arrangement embodies herein wherein such at least one decorative
light design storage comprises: at least one programmer adapted to
program the at least one decorative light design into such at least
one storage; and at least one retriever adapted to retrieve the at
least one decorative light design from such at least one storage;
wherein the at least one decorative light design can be programmed,
stored, retrieved and projected by such light projection system.
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate that the projectors 102 may be placed
in one or multiple locations as shown above including: above the
interior rear-view mirror 170, in the fender 172, grill 174,
exterior rear-view mirror 176, rear brake light assembly 122, rear
wing assembly 178, bumper 192, etc., as shown (at least embodying
herein wherein such vehicle comprises at least one usual vehicle
component modified to house such at least one light projector).
It is also noted that most preferably the controller 140 may be
manually operated, computer programmed, remote controlled or utilize
pre-selected programming to control the projection of the decorative
designs 106 onto the vehicle exterior. Upon reading the teachings of
this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as economics, user preference, electronic components,
advances in technology, etc., other controller functions may
suffice.
FIG. 5 shows a side view of the projection system 100 illustrating a
laser projector 124 installed adjacent a gas access panel 180 of a
vehicle 104 according to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 6 shows a side view of the projection system 100
illustrating additional laser projectors 124 installed on a vehicle
104 according to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention. Preferably, the laser projectors 124 may be installed in
exterior accessories of the vehicle 104, such as: an exterior
rear-view mirror 176, adjacent a door handle 182, and/or adjacent a
gas access panel 180 of vehicle 104. In the preferred embodiment of
FIG. 6, the laser projector 124 installed in the exterior rear-view
mirror 176 projects a design along the side 114 of the vehicle 104,
as shown (at least embodying herein wherein such light projector
means is operable to project the at least one user-selected
decorative light design; and at least embodying herein wherein such
at least one light projector is operable to project the at least one
user-selected decorative light design). Preferably, the laser
projector 124 installed adjacent the door handle 182 projects
circumferentially along the side 114 of the vehicle 104, as shown.
Preferably, the laser projector 124 installed adjacent the gas
access panel 180 of vehicle 104 projects along the side 114 of the
vehicle, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as economics,
user preference, design choice, vehicle style, advances in
technology, etc., other decorative design arrangements may suffice.
FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a laser projector 124 installed
in a rear brake light assembly 122 according to another preferred
embodiment of the present invention. In another preferred embodiment
of the laser projection system 100, a laser projector 124 is
installed as part of the rear brake light assembly 122, as shown.
Preferably, the laser projector 124 projects a design 106, as shown.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as economics,
user preference, vehicle style, design projection preference,
advances in technology, etc., other arrangements for mounting a
laser projector in the rear brake light assembly, such as a swivel
projector, multiple projectors, etc., may suffice.
FIG. 8 shows a section view through section 8--8 of FIG. 2. In
another preferred embodiment of the laser projection system 100, a
laser projector 190 is installed adjacent the rear wing assembly
178, as shown. Preferably, the laser projector 190 is attached to
the rear wing assembly 178 and projects a design onto the trunk 112
or other rear portion 120 of the vehicle 104, as shown. Preferably,
a laser projector 190 may also be installed adjacent the bumper 192
of vehicle 104 to project a design 106 along another rear portion
120 of the vehicle 104, as shown. Preferably, the attachment 180 is
a permanent adhesive that will adhere to the vehicle 104, as shown.
The above arrangement embodies herein attacher means for attaching
such light projector means with the vehicle; and embodies herein at
least one attacher adapted to attach such at least one light
projector with the vehicle. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as economics, user preference, advances in technology, etc.,
other attachments to attach the projector to the vehicle, such as
brackets, screws, articulated mounts, etc., may suffice.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as economics,
user preference, design preference, advances in technology, etc.,
other locations for projecting the decorative design, such as
projecting a design along the ground, other vehicle locations, in
the air (as a beacon, etc.), into a vehicle-generated smokescreen,
etc., may suffice.
Preferably, in operation, one or more projectors 102 are placed
within the vehicle body 126. Preferably, the projectors 102 are
attached and geometrically positioned on or adjacent a vehicle
component to be projectable onto a selected exterior portion of the
vehicle, as shown. Preferably, the projectors 102 are and coupled to
a power source, most preferably connected to the controller 140. It
is noted that the projectors 102 may be battery powered and have as
little as one design that can be projected until the battery power
is exhausted or the projector is turned off. Most preferably, the
controller 140 is mounted under the dash of the vehicle or as
otherwise preferred as described above. Preferably, the user enters
projector 102 programming information into the controller 140 either
by data media 162, portable computer 150 or as otherwise described
herein. Preferably, the user then turns on the projectors 102 and
the chosen designs are displayed on the vehicle 104 or otherwise
chosen locations. Preferably, the user can adjust or change the
designs as desired using controller 140. This arrangement embodies
herein a vehicle projection system relating to use of a light
projecting system comprising at least one light projector adapted to
project at least one decorative light design onto at least one
exterior portion of the vehicle, at least one attacher adapted to
attach such at least one light projector with the vehicle, at least
one power coupler adapted to couple power with such at least one
light projector, and at least one geometric positioner adapted to
assist geometric positioning of such at least one light projector so
that the at least one decorative light design is projectable onto
the at least one exterior portion of the vehicle, such vehicle
projection system comprising the steps of: selecting such at least
one light projector; attaching and geometrically positioning such at
least one light projector to such vehicle; electronically coupling
such at least one light projector to a power source; and projecting
such at least one decorative light design onto such at least one
exterior portion of such vehicle.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as economics,
user preference, durability, weather conditions, advances in
technology, etc., other operative methods and uses of the projector
system, such as advertising, location beacons, emergency locators,
emergency flashers, entertainment purposes, music/light show
combinations, corporate vehicle identity, Government vehicle
identifiers, police car lighting, emergency vehicle lighting, etc.,
may suffice.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments
of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of
this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and
sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims
as read in connection with the above specification.
Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and
the below claims.
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