Patent Application
20100014275
This invention relates to the field of chemiluminescent illumination devices and, more particularly, to the use of independent end cap attachment.
Chemiluminescent illumination devices are non-incandescent products which produce light from a chemical mixture. The basic chemiluminescent process produces light when two chemical solutions are combined. The solutions may be combined and frozen to prevent activation or can be kept physically separated prior to activation. Physical separation typically consists of a sealed frangible glass vial containing a first solution that is placed within a second solution, both of which are housed in a sealed flexible vessel. When the vessel is flexed, the glass vial is ruptured thereby releasing the vial solution which admixes wherein the reaction produces light.
The chemical solutions are generally referred to as the “oxalate” component and the “activator” component. A typical oxalate component consists of Dibutyl Phthalate, CPPO and CBPEA. A typical activator solution contains Dimethyl Phthalate, T-butyl alcohol, 90% aq. Hydrogen Peroxide and Sodium Salicylate. While the materials are non-toxic, the use of dye for coloring may cause staining. Further, the use of light sticks that rely upon the rupturing of a glass vial for activation can pose a hazard if the glass is exposed.
Numerous patents exist that disclose improvements in the oxalate and activators, such patents extending the illumination properties of chemiluminescent devices. The unique lighting effects generated from chemiluminescent lighting devices are enhanced by the inherent optical properties of the containing vessel and the coloring. Some dyes or coloring agents can be used not only as color filters but as fluorescers. A fluorescent dye functions by converting light of one wavelength to another wavelength.
The use of a dye and/or fluoresecer in the vessel casing is also well known, being first disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,584,211 which sets forth a vessel casing for use with chemiluminescent light wherein the visible color of the light emission can be varied by using colored plastic. If the housing breaks open, there is always a danger that material from the inner container will itself be dispensed along with the liquid.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,190,366 discloses a multi-colored chemiluminescent fishing lure formed from a connector body having a plurality of color tubes in a predetermined angular relationship. Attachment to the light sticks is by a receptacle device.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,800,670 discloses a Fishing lure having a chemiluminescnet capsule therein. Various embodiments disclose the use of light stick holders that allow attachment to a fishing line by use of an aperture. U.S. Pat. No. 6,226,917 discloses a fishing lure having end caps that secure to chemiluminescent light sticks. The end caps frictionally engage the outer surface of the light stick and require tie lines to prevent end caps from being pulled off the light stick.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,418 a chemiluminescent light stick having a body element formed with one end capable of securing to a fishing line. The light stick is formed for a particular purpose and requires a unique tying arrangement that works well in the fishing environment.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,840,648 discloses a connector to secure to ends of a light stick together. The closed loop allows the light stick to function as a novelty necklace or bracelet.
Another example of a connector used for shaping a light stick is found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,317,337 which teaches the use of clap for holding the opposing ends of a light stick in close proximity.
While the chemiluminescent lighting devices have many advantages, the separation of the chemical components before use and the need to utilize a type of material that is chemically resistant to the components, limit the type of vessel materials to polyethylene, polypropylene and the like plastic, all of which limit the configurations of the light stick typically to a tubular shape.
In view of the prior art, it is noticed that conventional light sticks are made for a particular purpose. For instance a light stick extruded for use in attachment to fishing line may not work in an emergency situation where the light stick make need to be hooked over a line substantially larger than a fishing line. This is an added expense to the manufacturer who needs to carry various product lines to meet the needs of different consumers.
What is needed in the art is way of attaching end caps either during or after the manufacturing process that allows the use of a light stick in a variety of applications.
An end cap coupling for use with light sticks to allow a commonality of light stick bodies with a multitude of end caps shapes and materials. The end cap of the instant invention is preferably formed from barbs but may also employ a screw thread for purposes of obtaining a sealed end cap. The requirement being that the barb or thread has ease of assembly but capable of resisting a pull out of 20 lbs or greater.
An objective of the instant invention is to teach the use of separate end caps that can be attached to the light stick at a manufacturing stage or by the consumer, the separate end caps allowing for a commonality of light stick design with the variety of coupling styles demanded by the consumer.
Still another objective of the instant invention is to disclose a use of an end cap that can be changed to meet a particular application.
Still another objective of the instant invention is to reduce the cost of manufacturing by providing a commonality of light sticks with various end cap attachments.
Still another objective of the instant invention is to disclose various end cap attachments capable of preventing premature separation.
Still another objective of the instant invention is to disclose a light stick housing that can be reused by replacement of the chemicals when needed.
Yet another objective of the instant invention is to teach the use of kit allowing the consumer to adapt a light stick to a particular application.
Still another objective of the instant invention is to provide a convenient means for recycling of chemiluminescent devices by removal of the chemical materials before recycling and/or the reuse of the end cap and vessel container.
Yet still another objective of the instant invention is to provide a kit wherein the consumer may modify a light stick for a particular purpose as the situation arises.
Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.
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It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings/figures.
One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims.
Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims. Variations include different upper portions as well as lower portions. For instance, the upper portion may be a peg, socket, t-shape, and so forth. The lower portion may be of any type attachment including custom made shapes.
