My Brite Lite Reader
Summary:The Reader was designed to provide a magnified full-page view (9 ½" X 11") of material to be viewed; Books, Magazines, Letters, Colored Pictures. The design criteria required a product that was reasonably small, (storage package size: 3" X 14" X 14") thus easy to store, light weight, mobile, easy to handle, simple to assemble, reasonably priced.
Full Description:
Can you imagine that YOU have developed an incurable disease that will progressively take your eyesight? A recent poll indicates that Americans dread blindness more than any other disability. The leading cause of "blindness" among white Americans is AMD (Age Related Macular Degeneration). AMD is strongly associated with increasing age. As YOU get older, YOUR risk of acquiring AMD increases. It is important to mention that no one 'GOES BLIND' from AMD, since some peripheral vision remains. But the important central vision is lost. People over the age of 65 are at a 23% risk and the risk increases to nearly 40% over age 74. The 2010 American census indicates a population of 308,000,000 residents and it is increasing by about 10% annually. Studies indicate that by the year 2025, the population of people in the United States will number six times higher than in 1990. As a higher percentage of people reach age 60, AMD will become a more serious medical issue. Dr Carl Kupfer stated publically that 15 million Americans have signs of AMD. The prevalence is expected to rise to 21 million as the 'Baby Boomers' age. It will soon take on the aspects of an epidemic.
The "My Brite Lite ReaderTM" was developed to assist people who have visual problems that interfere with their ability to read or to perform other personal activities. The causes may be due to eye ailments that can affect the visual system, such as Macular Degeneration, or muscle/ nerve ailments that can discourage holding articles, such as books or magazines, for an extended period.
- 1 -
DESIGN FEATURES
The simplified design of "The Brite Lite ReaderTM" culminates in a compact, affordable and elegant device. It offers comfort and convenience not usually afforded the visually impaired. It provides the user with a number of comfortable reading positions. Users find it to be uncomplicated. It is versatile, allowing most functions to be performed without the use of complicated electronic attachments. The device incorporates adjustments for selectable reading angles and several hands-free methods for holding reading material.
The careful design of this device provides a durable product that resists damage for most accidental mistreatment. The objective of the design was to minimize production costs and provide a very functional product for users with limited means. The "My Brite Lite ReaderTM" consists of few parts, allowing simple assembly procedures. Component parts have been designed to be light weight, relatively small, easy to handle and simple to store. The Reader is self contained and can easily be relocated in the assembled or unassembled condition. When completely assembled the Reader retains its compact configuration without requiring additional paraphenalia, such as elevating or support struts. The reader conveniently disassembles into a compact size that is easily portable. The Reader weighs less than 3 pounds and can be transported to temporary or remote locations. The storage package measures 2 ¾" X 13 ½" X 13 ½" and requires limited storage space when not in use.
A time-proven 2X Freznel magnifying lens is used to provide a clear, crisp, enlarged image. The 'Full Page Magnifier' provides a full page 2X view. The design incorporates an overhanging configuration for the frame that holds the magnifying lens. This allows open space for the reading material to be largely uninhibited for positioning or rearranging. The Top Cover will have a non-glare texture molded into the top surface to reduce any glare from the LED lighting (Light Emitting Diodes). An optional variation to the 'Lens Support Arms' could be to furnish them in various lengths to accommodate changes in the power of the Fresnel lens, for example a 3X lens. The design eliminates fastener hardware to retain the Freznel lens by allowing the lens to be temporarily deformed at assembly to 'latch' into molded-in receptacle features. The finished product does not require assembly hardware, joining the support arms to the base unit, or to the magnifier frame, is accomplished with molded-in snap-fit joints.
The "My Brite Lite Readertm" is unique because it incorporates a 'state-of-the-art' illumination system. It uses an arrangement of space-age Super Bright LED's that brings bright, uniform, shadow-free, illumination to the reading task. The new Super Bright LED's have an extensive useable life which probably will never require replacement. They offer the option of using household electricity or battery power. The 12 volt DC system is safe and requires 50% less energy than standard fluorescent bulbs. The design incorporates a patented feature that defined the dimensional relationship of the two LED strips (24 LED's per strip) to the surrounding light baffles. This is crucial to maximizing light output and minimizing undesirable reflections.
- 2 -
The Reader has soft rubber foot pads that keep it firm and stable on any horizontal flat surface. It can also be placed on an appropriate lap pillow to provide a variety of comfortable reading positions. A dedicated stand, or table, will be useful and convenient for seated positions. When using the Reader/Magnifier while lying in bed, a serving tray, or the over- hanging 'hospital type' bed trays, will serve well.
The "My Brite Lite Readertm" allows hands-free full-page viewing. It will allow the user the option to independently perform the reading of books or magazines, letter reading, handwriting letters, viewing colored pictures, sketching or similar activities. Using the Reader for hand writing will equally accommodate right or left hand users. The Reader is designed with slots molded into the top cover for attaching auxiliary latex-free Elastomeric Bands, which function as page-holders and assist in keeping the pages flat. The Elastomeric Bands furnished with the Reader are produced from Latex-free Ergonomically Correct rubber. Thus, are safe for those people that have allergic reactions to Latex. The Platen can be adjusted to provide a favorable reading angle (30, 37, 45, 53 and 60 digress). This allows the user to select a suitable physical position for comfortable viewing. Working tools for the Reader, such as Page Clamps, Elastic Page Holders, Power Transformer and Lens Support Arms can be neatly stored in the Base Unit. Additional covered storage spaces provided for small personal items such as reading glasses, pens or pencil.
The reader is relatively small with smooth edges and easy-to-clean surfaces. The design has eliminated pointed or sharp edges that might prove undesirable. Hygienic care is easily achieved, as opposed to similar products that are heavy, cumbersome and awkward, to use. All parts, except the Lighted Magnifier Frame, can be washed in warm soapy water, rinsed with hot water and or flushed with rubbing alcohol. The Magnifying Frame can be wiped down with a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol. The Reader can also serve as a helpful assistant in the kitchen. Many cooks will appreciate being able to see the small print in many recipes. The Reader can have its place on a kitchen counter.
OPTIONS
The "My Brite Lite Readertm" can be furnished with an optional 7" X 11" Make-up Mirror. This can be attached or positioned on the top surface of the cover and assist in performing make-up activities. The user can personally observe a (magnified or not) face or hair images while attending, hands-free, to personal hygiene. The mirror is made from a non-breakable plastic with sharp edges removed.
The reader can be furnished with an optional component identified as the "Tilt Stand". This device will be used to change the angle of the Reader from horizontal to a 20 degree incline. The Reader should now be oriented in a position that is reversed from the normal using position. This will provide the user with a convenient surface for hand-writing notes or letters under magnification. This orientation could also be useful to a user when preparing finger nails.
- 3 -
MANUFACTURING AND ASSEMBLY
All major structural components of the "My Brite Lite ReaderTM" are designed to be produced by Plastic Injection Molding. The specific plastic grade will be specified, in cooperation with the plastic supplier, at a later date when time permits to research the appropriate material that will meet functional and cost objectives. An important factor in the design of this product was to devise assembly features that would minimize labor costs. Assembly methods using snap-fits and other methods not requiring fasteners have been an important part of the design. Fast setting adhesives have been specified in two small areas. Phillips Head screws (#6 X 3/8") are specified in four places. Small double-back adhesive pads are used in four places to secure the LED strips. Assembly tooling and assembly labor will be minimal but will be dependant on the production plan.
IN CONCLUSION
At this time a cure for Macular Degeneration does not exist. Fifteen million Americans are currently afflicted and this number is growing. The affliction exists world-wide. In addition to the market for individuals in private homes, some prime potential markets are;
Senior Homes
Public Libraries
Civilian Hospitals
Veteran Hospitals
The product was designed by a qualified Industrial Designer who himself was stricken with Macular Degeneration. He retired in 1995 when he lost the vision in his right eye to AMD. His left eye did not show early dysfunction until 2005. Although new medicines have helped to retard his sight failure in the remaining eye, it is beginning to fail. While his vision still allowed him to work, he started a new reader design in March 2011. The design & development process for "My Brite Lite ReaderTM" spread over a nine month period. Four prototype models were sequentially constructed to test and evaluate the design features. The final design is ready for the Production and Marketing Phase. The designer is not capable to pursue these last phases. Yes, he was able to use and appreciate the "My Brite Lite Reader". He hopes that the Reader will help those with visual dysfunction.
The Designer/ Patent-holder is interested in offers for the outright sale of all aspects of the project; 29 sheets of engineering drawings, a functional prototype, pictures during construction, component sources, research data, competitive products, patent and copyright documents
The "My Brite Lite ReaderTM" design is currently covered by Provisional Patent Application number 61/594,518 and the Trademark application has been accepted with the Application number 85536542.
1,825 WORDS - 4 -
Problem this idea/invention addresses:
The "My Brite Lite ReaderTM" was developed to assist people with certain visual problems. Persons with eye ailments, such as Macular Degeneration or muscle/nerve ailments, can utilize the magnifier/reader to improve their visual capability.
Auxiliary products or services for sale:
Full production ready engineering drawings for the My Brite Lite Reader
Attached files:
Patent: US 61,594,518
Asking price: [CONTACT SELLER]
Available for consultation? Yes
Invention #11748
Date posted: 2012-04-12
« More Consumer Products Inventions