Ornament with image projector
AssigneeHallmark Cards, Incorporated
InventorsRebecca M. Richmond, Ronald L. Carlson, Carol A. Kobza, Stephen E. Finken, Therese F. Steiger, Brenda S. Klenke
Life of this patent
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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 effects, the decoration apparatus may include a projector device, which is capable of displaying a light pattern on a remote surface, such as a wall or a ceiling.
Claims20
A method of operating a tree topper decoration apparatus, comprising:
- activating one or more light sources arranged in an ornament structure of a tree topper decoration apparatus so as to illuminate decorative elements formed in the ornament structure, the tree topper decoration apparatus including a base portion to releasably couple the ornament portion to a top portion of a tree;
- and
- activating a projection light source of a projector device that is coupled to the ornament structure, the projector device including an image-bearing element and at least one lens disposed proximate to the projection light source,
- wherein when the projection light source is activated, light is projected through the lens and through the image-bearing element to project an image onto a surface remote from the projector device.
A method of operating a tree topper decoration apparatus, comprising:
- activating one or more light sources arranged in an ornament structure of a tree topper decoration apparatus so as to illuminate decorative elements formed in the ornament structure, the tree topper decoration apparatus including a base portion to releasably couple the ornament portion to a top portion of a tree;
- and
- activating a projection light source of a projector device that is coupled to the ornament structure, the projector device including an image-bearing element and at least one lens disposed proximate to the projection light source,
- wherein when the projection light source is activated, light is projected through the lens and through the image-bearing element to project an image onto a surface remote from the projector device, and wherein the projector device is oriented parallel to a vertical axis so as to project the image in a substantially vertical direction onto a ceiling surface remote from the projector device.
A method of operating a tree topper decoration apparatus, comprising:
- activating one or more light sources arranged in an ornament structure of a tree topper decoration apparatus so as to illuminate decorative elements formed in the ornament structure, the tree topper decoration apparatus including a base portion to releasably couple the ornament portion to a top portion of a tree, wherein the decorative elements comprise openings defined in a surface of the ornament structure such that activating the one or more light sources projects light forward through the openings;
- and
- activating a projection light source of a projector device that is coupled to the ornament structure, the projector device including an image-bearing element and at least one lens disposed proximate to the projection light source,
- wherein when the projection light source is activated, light is projected through the lens and through the image-bearing element to project an image onto a surface remote from the projector device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.