Abstract
A solid state light shadow clock including construction of multiple light sources about the perimeter illuminated inward to cast shadows displaying apparent rotation about the center at the speed of clock hands; at a speed of one revolution per hour, at the speed of one revolution per twelve hours, and at the speed of one revolution per minute; a circumferential inward facing arrangement of light emitting devices to cast shadows at various lengths and color combinations. The clock comprises radial shadows cast in representation of the arms of a clock. The shadow clock display may be incorporated in devices ranging in size from portable devices to large public displays.
Claims
1. A clock display instrument for determining time by projecting shadows as clock hands, the instrument comprises: A shell with a hollowed out interior holding a pillar in the center forming the face of the clock; The interior perimeter of the face contains light emitting sources facing toward the center that shift in position such that clock hands are simulated.
2. A clock display according to claim 1, wherein the unit is adapted with light emitting sources at various heights relative to the central pillar to simulate variable length clock hands.
3. A clock display according to claim 1, wherein the unit is adapted to control various light illumination levels and color combinations.
4. A clock display according to claim 1, wherein the unit is adapted with a convex conical feature on the face of the clock to better display shadows.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the clock according to the preferred embodiment of the invention with light emission means about the interior and a centrally mounted pillar.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the front face of the clock frame in a time-displaying state according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the clock display according to the preferred embodiment of the invention with light emission means about the interior perimeter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] In accordance with one form of this invention, a clock is provided having a face with indicia for the hours, minutes and seconds of time, as shown in FIG. 1. a pillar (1c) protrudes about the center of the face. The interior perimeter of the clock face comprises light emitting devices (1a) to cast radial shadows for the respective clock hands. The construction of the clock frame (1b) in its preferred embodiment would be of plastic, but it may be of any suitable medium.
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the analog clock display invention in a perspective view in a non-time displaying state. The clock display comprises light sources for each hand of time which may have the desired function such as changing color, fade-in and fade-out, steady on single color, time delay with sensor means, touch means for short time illumination, or any other light function available from conventional market skills. The preferred embodiment also comprises electronic circuitry (not shown) to give the clock high accuracy and illuminating entertainment.
[0015] FIG. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the analog clock display in a time-displaying state seen as a perspective view toward the front face of the clock frame (2b) in which light emitting devices (2a) are mounted about the interior perimeter directed toward the centrally mounted pillar (2c) such that shadows (2d, 2e) are cast radially providing a means to determine the time.
[0016] FIG. 3. shows a preferred embodiment of the analog clock display in traverse perspective to show the depth of its frame (3b) to supply a perimeter of light sources at variable heights (3a) relative to the centrally placed pillar (3c) in a convex cone shape so as to display shadows without being as washed out by competing lights (3d). The current invention uses the space in the base of the clock frame (3b) to install the electronic circuitry (not shown), and some necessary power means (not shown). This will allow the whole embodiment to have built-in light functions.
