MAGNETIC LIGHT PANEL SYSTEM

Abstract

A magnetic light panel system having a light panel with a light source that can be connected to a power source and thus illuminated, and further having a handle. The light panel and the handle may each be provided with magnets such that the light panel and the handle can be magnetically associated with each other from opposite sides of a window or windshield. The panel may be manipulated or adjusted by a user on a vehicle exterior while the light panel remains on the vehicle interior, and the light panel may provide light to the user such that the borders and edges along a window or windshield can be more easily seen. Additionally, the panel may be provided with a guideline having a zigzag or jagged shape along the border to provide the user with a reference point or measurement point.

Claims

1. A magnetic light panel system comprising: a light panel having a first magnet, wherein the light panel is adapted to illuminate when connected to a power source; a handle having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a second magnet embodied within the handle such that the most outer edge of the magnet is flush with the bottom surface or above the bottom surface; wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are adapted to be attracted to each other; and wherein the light panel and the handle are adapted to be magnetically associated with each other from opposite sides of a vehicle windshield, while the light panel and the bottom surface of the handle are simultaneously sliding along the windshield.

2. The magnetic light panel system of claim 1, wherein the light panel is an electroluminescent panel.

3. The magnetic light panel system of claim 1, wherein the guideline is a zigzag line around an exterior edge of the light panel.

4. The magnetic light panel system of claim 1, wherein the light panel is adapted to be connected to the power source by a power cord.

5. The magnetic light panel system of claim 1, wherein the light panel can be cut and adjusted to different sizes.

6. The magnetic light panel system of claim 1, wherein the power cord is adapted to plug into a car cigarette lighter outlet.

7. The magnetic light panel system of claim 1, wherein the handle has a soft material layer on the bottom surface.

8. A method of applying a tint to a vehicle's window comprising the steps of: receiving a magnetic light panel system having a light panel with a first magnet, a corresponding handle with a second magnet, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are adapted to be attracted to each other; applying a tinting film over the vehicle's window; placing the light panel on an interior side of the vehicle's window; placing the corresponding handle on an exterior side of the vehicle's window; illuminating a car windshield with the magnetic light panel system; adjusting the light panel of magnetic light panel system around an exterior edge of the vehicle's window; and trimming the tinting film along the vehicle's window outer edge.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the light panel is powered by plugging the power cord into a vehicle.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the light panel is formed by cutting the panel into a selected shape.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the handle and light panel are adjusted by the user moving the handle and the attached panel around an exterior edge of the vehicle's window.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the light panel is gliding across the interior side of the vehicle's window.

13. A magnetic light panel system comprising: a light panel having a first magnet, wherein the light panel is adapted to illuminate when connected to a power source; a handle, the handle having a second magnet; wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are adapted to be attracted to each other; and wherein the light panel and the handle are adapted to be magnetically associated with each other from opposite sides of a vehicle windshield, while the light panel and the handle are simultaneously sliding along the windshield.

14. The magnetic light panel system of claim 13, wherein the light panel is adapted to have a battery pack as the power source.

15. The magnetic light panel system of claim 13, wherein the handle has a soft fabric cover.

16. The magnetic light panel system of claim 13, wherein the light panel has a top surface, the top surface having a guideline.

17. The magnetic light panel system of claim 16, wherein the guideline is a jagged shape along an exterior edge of the light panel.

18. The magnetic light panel system of claim 13, wherein the handle is on an exterior side of the vehicle's windshield and the light panel is on an interior side of the vehicle's windshield.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] For exemplification purposes, and not for limitation purposes, aspects, embodiments or examples of the invention are illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of a magnetic light panel system having an illuminating panel and a handle, according to an aspect.

[0011] FIGS. 2A-2C show a perspective view, an example of a top view, and another example of a top view, respectively, of an illuminating panel, which may be used in a magnetic light panel system, according to an aspect.

[0012] FIGS. 3A-3C show a bottom perspective view, a top perspective view, and a bottom perspective view, respectively, of a handle, which may be used in a magnetic light panel system, according to an aspect.

[0013] FIGS. 4A-4B show examples of a bottom view of the light panel, according to an aspect.

[0014] FIG. 4C shows a bottom view of a handle having one magnet, according to an aspect.

[0015] FIG. 5 show a top view of the light panel having a pointed corner and having a rounded, oblong shape, according to an aspect.

[0016] FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of the light panel, according to an aspect.

[0017] FIGS. 7A-7B show a front view and a front perspective view, respectively, of a vehicle windshield having a light panel mounted to an interior side of the windshield, according to an aspect.

[0018] FIGS. 8A-8B show a top view of the light panel on the interior side of a car windshield in an unlit state, and in a lit state, respectively, according to an aspect.

[0019] FIGS. 9A-9B show a top view of a user holding a handle to manipulate a panel under a windshield, and a top view of a handle placed on a windshield to magnetically attract a panel, respectively, according to an aspect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] What follows is a description of various aspects, embodiments and/or examples in which the invention may be practiced. Reference will be made to the attached drawings, and the information included in the drawings is part of this detailed description. The aspects, embodiments and/or examples described herein are presented for exemplification purposes, and not for limitation purposes. It should be understood that structural and/or logical modifications could be made by someone of ordinary skills in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined by the accompanying claims and their equivalents.

[0021] It should be understood that, for clarity of the drawings and of the specification, some or all details about some structural components or steps that are known in the art are not shown or described if they are not necessary for the invention to be understood by one of ordinary skills in the art.

[0022] For the following description, it can be assumed that most correspondingly labeled elements across the figures (e.g., 101 and 201, etc.) possess the same characteristics and are subject to the same structure and function. If there is a difference between correspondingly labeled elements that is not pointed out, and this difference results in a non-corresponding structure or function of an element for a particular embodiment, example or aspect, then the conflicting description given for that particular embodiment, example or aspect shall govern.

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of a magnetic light panel system 100 having an illuminating panel (illuminating panel, flat panel, light panel, or panel) 101 and a handle (magnetic handle, or handle) 102, according to an aspect. The panel 101 may be provided with a power cord (power cord, or cord) 103 to power the light source of the panel, and a guideline 104, which may have a jagged or zigzag pattern. As shown by FIG. 1, the magnetic properties of the panel 101 and the handle 102 may allow for the panel 101 to be magnetically attracted to and held up by the handle 102. As an example, the light source provided by the panel 101 may, for example, be LED lights, or any other suitable lights.

[0024] FIGS. 2A-2C show a perspective view, an example of a top view, and another example of a top view, respectively, of an illuminating panel 201, which may be used in a magnetic light panel system (magnetic light panel system, magnetic light system, or system) 200, according to an aspect. As an example, the power cord 203a-d may be provided with a power inverter 205. As shown as an example in FIGS. 2A and 2C, the cord 203 may be provided with a car cigarette lighter plug 203a. As shown as another example in FIG. 2B, the cord 203a-d may be provided with any suitable standard electrical outlet plug 203b. The power cord 203a-d may connect to or be associated with the panel 201 via any suitable electrical port or connection 203c, such as, for example, micro USB, or any other similar suitable connection. Again, the panel 201 may be provided with a zigzag guideline 204. The illuminating panel 201 may also have a clear protective film applied to the top side to shield the guideline 204 from additional wear. The clear protective film may also protect the light panel 201 from scratches and other damage from use. The clear film may also be used to attach the magnets to the back side of the light panel 201.

[0025] In another example, the illuminating panel 201 may be powered by a battery pack. For example, the battery pack may use batteries that may be rechargeable or may be disposable. This may allow the system to be used wirelessly, which may allow for easier mobility while moving the illuminating panel 201 with the handle during tint cutting.

[0026] The magnetic light panel system 200 may have a flat panel 201 that can be connected to a power source and thus illuminated, to provide a light source 211. For example, the illuminating panel 201 may be an electroluminescent panel, meaning the entire panel illuminates and is the light source 211. In another example, the light source 211 may be LED lights within the illuminating panel 201, which may illuminate the panel by lighting the material with a central light.

[0027] FIGS. 3A-3C show a bottom perspective view, a top perspective view, and a bottom perspective view, respectively, of a handle 302, which may be used in a magnetic light panel system, according to an aspect. FIG. 3A shows the handle 302 in an uncovered state, such that magnets 306 may be visible. For example, the handle 302 may be made of materials such as wood, plastic, or rubber. The bottom side of the handle 302 may be provided with holes or grooves as shown by 307, into which the magnets 306 may be inserted. The magnets 306 may be attached into the grooves 307 by any suitable means, or as another example, the magnets 306 may be held in place by the installation of a covering 308. Additionally, the handle 302 would have a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface and the bottom surface may have the magnets 306 and cover 308 attached. FIGS. 3B-3C shown the handle 302 in a covered state, wherein a cover 308 is applied to the bottom side of the handle 302. An advantage of the cover 308 is that it may help protect the glass of the car because the cover 308 may be made from a soft material. Furthermore, the cover 308 may prevent scratches or any other damage when the handle 302 is being skimmed across the surface of the windshield or other windows of a vehicle. The cover 308 may additionally provide scratch protection for the tinting film while the handle 302 is gliding over the film. For example, the cover 308 may be felt or fabric to provide the scratch preventing benefits as described herein.

[0028] In an example, the handle 302 may be a solid piece of material. The material may be cut to the desired size and then dipped in a rubberized coating for a better grip and better aesthetics. Then, the grooves 307 may be formed on the bottom surface deep enough to fit the magnets 306 into. The magnets 306 may be, for example, glued into place. The cover 308, for example, may be glued to the bottom surface after the magnets 306 have been attached.

[0029] FIGS. 4A-4B show examples of a bottom view of the light panel 401, according to an aspect. Magnets 406 may be visible on the bottom side of the light panel 401. As shown as an example in FIG. 4A, the light panel 401 may be provided with two magnets 406. As shown as another example in FIG. 4B, the light panel 401 may be provided with three magnets 406. A handle having corresponding magnets and magnet placement may be used with the panel 401, such that the magnets of the handle are aligned with the magnets of the panel.

[0030] In an example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the magnets may be placed in a linear configuration. The placement of magnets 406 in the handle 402 would correspond to the placement of magnets 406 in the light panel 401, which may allow for the handle 402 and light panel 401 to magnetically attract through the car windshield. For example, the outward facing sides of the magnets 406 on both the handle 402 and the light panel 401 would have opposing poles to ensure the handle and the panel are attracted to each other. Each pair of magnets, one from the handle and one from the panel, may have their opposing poles face each other to allow for them to attract through the windshield and ensure the strong magnetic connection.

[0031] FIG. 4C shows a bottom view of a handle (single magnet support handle, one magnet handle) 402a having one magnet 406, according to an aspect. The handle 402a having one magnet 406 may be used in conjunction with the handle 402 with two magnets 406. Using the two separate pieces as a handle may allow for the light panel 401 to stay attached if the user misaligns the handle 402 and the panel 401 because the one magnet handle 402a is still connected to the panel 401. The single magnet support handle 402a may be used on the light panel 401 shown in FIG. 4B. Thus, the light panel 401 shown in FIG. 4B may have a handle 402 attached to the pair of magnets and the single magnet support handle 402a may be attached to the third magnet 406.

[0032] In another example, a handle 402 having three magnets 406 may be used with a panel 401 having three magnets, such as the example shown in FIG. 4B. The magnets 406 may, for example, be visible on the bottom side of the handle 402 as shown, prior to the handle being covered in a fabric or felt covering, such as the cover shown by 308 in FIGS. 3B-3C. The panel in FIG. 4B, for example, may have exemplary measurements of 4 inches in width and 6 inches in length. The handle 402, as shown as an example in FIG. 4C, may also have a length of 6 inches such that the magnets of the handle 402 correspond to and align with the magnets of a panel having a similar length. The panel 401 may have a thickness similar to that of a standard credit card, for example. An advantage may be that the magnets attached to the handle 402 may more easily be magnetically attracted to and attached to the magnets on the bottom side of the panel 401, when the handle is associated with the top side of the panel 401. It should be understood that the panel 401 may be provided with any other suitable dimensions as well.

[0033] FIG. 5 shows the light panel 501 with a dotted line 509. The light panel 501 may be cut along the dotted line 509 to form a rounded edge of the light panel 501. The smaller and circular edge 509 of the light panel 501 may allow for the light panel to navigate tight corners more easily. In another example, the light panel 501 may be cut into oblong shape and a pointed tip. The panel 501 may be provided with a variety of shapes and sizes, such that a suitable light panel 501 can be used for different types of automobile windows. For example, the user may have more than one panel available to use the different panels for the variety of shaped and sized windshields. The vehicle's windshields may have a different radius for the front windshield and back windshield and the upper and lower corners of the windshield. Because many automobiles may have windows and windshields with rounded edges, the panel 501 may be provided with rounded corners 509 and also a smaller, pointed corner for fitting into smaller spaces or crevices. Thus, the panel 501 may be able to provide light to such areas. In another example, the shape of the panel 501 may be rounded, elongated, or oblong in order to more easily fit into smaller areas, corners, or edges of a window or other glass.

[0034] It should also be understood that the panel 501 may be cut into or provided in any suitable shape or size. An advantage may be that the panel 501 may be customized to fit a user's needs by conforming to the edge of any particular vehicle window, such as a rounded corner of a windshield or window, or a curved edge of a windshield or window. Another advantage may be that a round panel or a panel having rounded corners may be less susceptible to snagging on any obstructions that may be present.

[0035] For example, a variety of different handle shapes may be used such as an L-shaped handle may be used. In another example, a half-dome handle may be used. The L-shaped handle may be provided with magnets on the bottom side, and may, as an example, be provided with five magnets. The L-shaped handle may allow for a better hold on elongated or rounded panels, for example. As another example, the handle may be provided in a half-dome shape, such that a user may grip the handle more easily at the top dome portion, while the end of the handle is magnetically attracted to the panel. Furthermore, the magnets may thus be located within the ends of the half-dome handle. Handles may be provided in a variety of shapes and sizes such as the examples shown in FIGS. 3A-3C.

[0036] An advantage may be that a user may select any suitable handle appropriately sized and shaped for their needs, which may contain magnets aligning with a particular panel that is sized to conform to a particular car window or windshield. Another advantage may be that these shaped handles prevent obstruction of light by the handling of a user. An advantage may also be that various kinds of handles may be mixed and matched with various shapes and sizes of panels, such that a user may select a combination of panels and handles according to their needs, which may change according to the type of car or other vehicle for which a light source is desired, such as during the cutting of tinted window film, or any other maintenance or detailing process. Additionally, it should be understood that the shape and size of the handle is as such to not cover the guideline and for the guideline not to be blocked by the user's hand while they are using the system.

[0037] FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of the light panel 601, according to an aspect. In an example, the magnets 606 may be attached to the side of the light panel 601. The magnets 606 may be attached to the light panel 601 by a clear polyurethane film, for example. The positioning of the magnets 606 may depend on the rigidness of the light panel 601. For example, having a more rigid light panel 601 may mean the magnets 606 may be placed closer to an edge because the rigid light panel 601 may not need as much support. In another example, having a more flexible light panel 601 may mean the magnets 606 may need to be positioned centrally to allow the light panel 601 to stay rigid enough to be flush against the windshield during use.

[0038] In an example, the light panel 601 may have holes, which may provide a space for the insertion of a magnet holder, for example. A magnet holder may be associated with the panel 601 by being inserted or fitted into the holes or grooves on the light panel. An advantage may be that the magnets 606 may be removable from the system. As an example, the magnet holder may be constructed or manufactured by injection molding, or any other suitable process. In an example, a magnet holder that may be used with the magnetic light panel system. The magnet holder may be used to house magnets and next, be associated with a panel, such that the panel of a magnetic light panel system can be magnetized. As a possibility, the magnet holder may be attached to the light panel system using a clear polyurethane film.

[0039] FIGS. 7A-7B show a front view and a front perspective view, respectively, of a vehicle windshield 710 having a light panel 701 mounted to an interior side of the windshield 710, according to an aspect. It should be understood that the panel 701 may be snugly fitted into the sides or edges of the windshield 710 in order to hold the panel against the windshield, or the panel may be mounted against the windshield using any other suitable method. When the panel 701 is placed on the interior side of the windshield 710, the handle 702 may be placed on the exterior side of the windshield 710 in order to manipulate and move the panel via the magnetic attraction between the panel 701 and the handle 702.

[0040] FIGS. 8A-8B show a top view of the light panel 801 on the interior side of a car windshield 810 in an unlit state, and in a lit state (lit state, or illuminated state), respectively, according to an aspect. The panel 801 may be plugged directly to the vehicle, or any other suitable power source, in order to be powered and illuminated. As shown in FIG. 8B, the illumination may provide a light source to the user such that the edges of the vehicle windshield are easier to see while cutting window film, or performing any other similar maintenance or detailing task, for example. Because the windows and windshield of a vehicle may be provided with a black matrix 812 along their borders, it may be difficult for a user to visualize where a window tinting film should be cut without a proper light source. The light panel 801 may provide a light source along the black matrix 812, which may allow for more precise cutting. The illumination of the panel 801 may also more clearly show the guideline 804, which may assist the user in seeing the depth of the window edge and help the user to determine where cuts on a window film need to be made. The guideline 804 may also help the user to cut in straight lines where necessary. The points 804a of the guideline 804 may allow the user to see the depth of a window edge, or where a straight line should be cut, for example.

[0041] Furthermore, the points 804a of the guideline 804 may, for example, form a dotted line guide for cutting the tint film. The guideline 804 also is a different shade than the panel to provide more contrast between the panel and the guideline 804, which may allow the user to have better visibility when cutting. Additionally, the illumination of the panel 801 may help to expose any obstructions along the border of the window that a user may need to accommodate for, repair, or remove while applying the window tint film.

[0042] FIGS. 9A-9B show a top view of a user holding a handle 902 to manipulate a panel 901 under a windshield 910, and a top view of a handle 902 placed on a windshield 910 to magnetically attract a panel 901, respectively, according to an aspect. With a panel 901 placed on the vehicle interior side of a windshield 910, the light provided by the panel 901 may be used to assist a user performing a task such as cutting window tinting film. Because the window film may be placed on the vehicle exterior side of the windshield during cutting, and the panel 901 may be placed on the opposite side of the glass, the panel 901 may freely move around without disrupting the window film, for example. When the user needs to manipulate or move the panel 901 to provide light to other areas, the handle 902 may be used to magnetically attract the panel 901 and move the light source to any desired location. As shown in FIG. 9B, the handle 902 may also be used to hold the panel 901 in place such that a user's hands may be free to work on a task such as cutting film. Another advantage is that a second person's assistance may no longer be needed for providing a light source during such work. Another advantage of the system may be that the cover (as shown by 308 in FIGS. 3B-3C), again, may protect the glass of the car and help to prevent scratches or any other damage from the handle 902 being skimmed across the surface of the windshield 910 or other windows.

[0043] It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used in this patent document. The term couple and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The term or is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases associated with and associated therewith, as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like.

[0044] Further, as used in this application, plurality means two or more. A set of items may include one or more of such items. Whether in the written description or the claims, the terms comprising, including, carrying, having, containing, involving, and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases consisting of and consisting essentially of, respectively, are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases with respect to claims.

[0045] If present, use of ordinal terms such as first, second, third, etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed. These terms are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements. As used in this application, and/or means that the listed items are alternatives, but the alternatives also include any combination of the listed items.

[0046] Throughout this description, the aspects, embodiments or examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on the apparatus or procedures disclosed or claimed. Although some of the examples may involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, it should be understood that those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives.

[0047] Acts, elements and features discussed only in connection with one aspect, embodiment or example are not intended to be excluded from a similar role(s) in other aspects, embodiments or examples.

[0048] Aspects, embodiments or examples of the invention may be described as processes, which are usually depicted using a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may depict the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. With regard to flowcharts, it should be understood that additional and fewer steps may be taken, and the steps as shown may be combined or further refined to achieve the described methods.

[0049] If means-plus-function limitations are recited in the claims, the means are not intended to be limited to the means disclosed in this application for performing the recited function, but are intended to cover in scope any equivalent means, known now or later developed, for performing the recited function.

[0050] Claim limitations should be construed as means-plus-function limitations only if the claim recites the term means in association with a recited function.

[0051] If any presented, the claims directed to a method and/or process should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0052] Although aspects, embodiments and/or examples have been illustrated and described herein, someone of ordinary skills in the art will easily detect alternate of the same and/or equivalent variations, which may be capable of achieving the same results, and which may be substituted for the aspects, embodiments and/or examples illustrated and described herein, without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of this application is intended to cover such alternate aspects, embodiments and/or examples. Hence, the scope of the invention is defined by the accompanying claims and their equivalents. Further, each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification.