Lighting apparatus and method for application of window tint to automobiles

#This invention pertains generally to the field of window tinting by application of window film. More particularly, this invention describes an improved lighting source and method for use in application of film for window tinting in automobiles and/or other vehicles.

#Window film for tinting purposes in automobiles and for similar uses is generally comprised of a thin laminate film that can be installed to the exterior of glass surfaces in automobiles and the like. It is typically formed from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), a thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family. (PET is particularly desirable due to its clarity, tensile strength, dimensional stability, and ability to accept a variety of surface-applied or embedded treatments). Such films can be categorized in several ways. In terms of their construction components, they can be dyed, pigmented, metallized, ceramic or nano. In terms of their intended use, they can be categorized as automotive, marine, or architectural. Alternately, they can also be classed by substrate type, such as glass or polycarbonate, and/or by their technical performance, such as privacy, solar control, safety and security.

#However, in the categories of interest to the instant invention, for automotive windows and the like, they can all uniformly be categorized as difficult to apply. In general, the craftsmen who apply window tint are required to precisely position and delicately cut out the window shape/pattern against the outside of the prospective automotive window glass. For this purpose, an adequate light source of some type is imperative and is generally positioned adjacent the location where work is being done on the inside of the window glass to properly illuminate and facilitate the work being performed. Unfortunately, inadequate and/or improper lighting behind the window glass makes the tint and window edges difficult to see during this cutting and fitting process, rendering the process very difficult and sometimes impossible to perform properly. In addition, typical lighting devices are difficult to maneuver for focusing light to specific areas, meaning the light source is constantly being adjusted on the interior of the vehicle while the film is cut on the exterior of the vehicle. Furthermore, typical lighting sources are hard to the touch and inflexible, making them unfavorable when working with glass; a highly fragile material.

#FIGS. 1 through 2B provide introductory schematic views of a basic embodiment of my invention. FIG. 1 provides a basic schematic view of the invention's exterior. FIG. 2A schematically shows certain internal as well as external features of the invention. FIG. 2B provides further detail with regard to the use of “zip ties” as an advantageously used mechanism for spacing and retention of the LED strip of the invention in position.

#FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 provide a generally sequential schematic view of the manner in which the LED strip of the invention is connected to the cord/plug combination of the invention and placed in the tube of the invention.

#FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 provide illustrative examples of the manner in which the invention can be bent and placed for illumination purposes on the interior of vehicle windows.

#FIGS. 1 through 7 illustrate the primary components of the apparatus 1 of my invention, including partially exploded views in which internal parts (normally hidden by cylindrical foam tube 2) are also shown. These include (as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2) a 12-volt plug 3 which supplies power to long wire 4. As shown in FIGS. 3 through 5, Wire 4 includes positive and negative leads 4A by which it is connected to a diode/LED strip 4B running the length of tube 2 that lights up when plug 3 is plugged into a 12-volt socket/cigarette lighter of a vehicle. A foam plug/cap 5 at each end seals the ends of the tube 2 off from dirt and dust particles, as well as serving to hold the LED strip 4 in place. In order to anchor the LED strip 4 in place connected to the plug/cap 5, a push pin can be inserted through the plug/cap 5 and the LED strip 4 secured thereto via marine heat shrink material and glue.

#As best illustrated in FIGS. 8 through 10, the LED light tube 2 of the invention 1 is made of soft, flexible foam material designed to conform to the interior frame of automobile windows 10 by utilization of a constant force of memory foam pressure making this product a favorable light source when working with highly fragile materials. The LED light strip 4B glows from the interior of the foam 2, which diffuses and scatters it to provide a strong glare-free source of illumination. In addition, foam tube 2 not only pads and protects LED light strip 4B from damage, it provides a soft, safe and flexible light source that can be easily positioned on the inside of an automobile's window glass 10, to better illuminate the exterior edges of the window 10. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 10, secure placement and retention of the invention in a desired position can easily facilitated by the use of retainers 2A. These can be suction cups and/or magnets, with the former being directly attachable to the window, and the magnets used for attachment to the metal window frame. Retainers 2A are attached to (and held in place on) tube 2 by, e.g., velcro retainer straps 2B. This greatly improving upon existing lighting options so that window tinters are better able to see the curves and edges of the window glass 10 through the darker window films being cut/trimmed during the window pattern film cutting process, safely, and with minimal adjustment to the lighting source (tube 2).

#The alternate embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 11, 12, 15 and 16 provide different means for powering and/or connecting the light tubes 2 of the invention. First, FIG. 11 illustrates an internal 12 volt battery pack 6 for use with the invention, and includes both a recharge plug 7 to recharge pack 6 and a switch 8 to turn activate the LED 4B/pack 6 connection to activate the light. FIG. 12 illustrates the end features of this embodiment of the invention containing said battery pack 6. Second, FIGS. 13 through 15 provide, respectively, partially assembled and fully assembled views of the end features f an embodiment of the invention adapted for both connection to an external battery pack and plugging into a standard source of power. As will be noted, his version features a pull-out jack 9 for connection to an interfacing battery pack connector (not shown) in addition to the usual cord/wire 4. Third, FIGS. 5 and 16 provide, respectively, partially assembled and fully assembled views f the end features of an embodiment of the invention having a female receptacle 11 for connection of the illuminated tubes 2 of the invention in series. (Receptacle 11 can advantageously be formed using a marine receptacle with cap 11A). Thus, a series of such embodiments, having male plug 3 at one end and a female receptacle 11 for such a plug 3 at the other end can be connected in series when and as needed.