Not Applicable.
Not Applicable.
The present invention relates to a light stand, and more particularly to a portable light stand for construction zones.
Construction lights have long been used to temporarily illuminate spaces that are in various stages of completion. For longer term projects, temporary lighting may be installed within the construction zone and remain in place through completion. However, often times portable lighting is used for smaller projects and may also be used in combination with more permanent construction lights. Thus, there is a desire to those in the art to provide quickly deployable, portable and durable light stands which can be used in an area for a period of time, moved around a space and subsequently stowed when no longer needed. Because these light stands are not permanent and are routinely moved from place to place, it is a particular desire to provide an easy means for storing and transporting the light stands between jobs while taking up as little space as possible.
Examples of various light stands in the prior art include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,690,304 by Adams et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,387,412 by Tsaia and US Design Patent No. D441,491 by Leen which each describe portable light stands that are usable within a construction setting. For example, the '412 Patent describes a tripod light stand design that has a small footprint and therefore takes up less room in the construction zone and during storage. However, this light stand requires multiple adjustments to the base and center post and therefore requires additional setup and takedown time.
Alternatively, the '412 Patent and the '491 Patent are directed to relatively simple light stands that do not require substantial adjustments for step and takedown but which do not readily store in a nested fashion for easy transport. Similarly, the WOBBLELIGHT® by SOUTHWIRE® is a more complex but durable light stand that self-rights when bumped or knocked but cannot be readily stored in a compact fashion. Accordingly, there remains a desire to those in the art to provide to provide an improved light stand that is not only free of adjustments that lengthen setup and take down times but which is also easily stow in a nested fashion for easy transport.
Limited functionality is also a common issue in prior art lights. Although many devices may effectively provide light in remote areas with limited access to power as discussed above, these devices are single function and do no otherwise assist workers in construction zones who may be in need of additional power or storage. For example, another problem in construction zones is the generally limited access to grid power. Individuals traditionally use battery operated lights and tools, run lengthy extension cords across great distances for the nearest accessible outlet or carry heavy portable generators to particular locations within a construction zone where power is necessary. Further still, workers in remote areas of construction zones are removed from their workbench and tool storage, requiring them to carry necessary tools and work items on tool belts or move separate workbenches or storage racks to the remote area in which they are working. Accordingly, in addition to providing temporary light in particular areas of a construction zone as needed, there is also a desire to provide more accessible power supply within a multifunctional device not only capable of illuminating a space but also providing additional access to power as well as providing remote storage.
The light stand according to the invention described herein is made from a light weight frame having an innovative offset base. The base includes mirrored upper and lower sections that are vertically offset from one another to allow for nesting of adjacent light stands for more compact transport and storage. The light stand also includes a dual-mast design with a top beam that allows a light fixture to be connected thereto while also providing a handle for easy carrying. One or both of the masts may also include a hook for cable storage or for hanging various other items as well as an outlet for allowing the stand to be a multifunctional tool that not only illuminates a given area but provides additional power for plugging in other tools or lights.
The base of the stand includes legs positioned on opposite sides of the masts with one leg substantially within an upper plane and the other leg substantially within a lower plane. A foot extends from the leg within the upper plane so that the stand can remain level when positioned on the ground. When the stand is not in use, the offset base design allows multiple stands to be nested together with the top leg of one stand overlapping the bottom leg of an adjacent stand.
So the light stand can be readily used in inclement weather and to further protect the light socket assembly and bulb from damage, the light socket includes a flange with an elongated sidewall that protects the light socket and at least a portion of the bulb. The fastening portion of the bulb extends into the socket that is surrounded by the flange and sidewall such that the socket protected from the elements and external forces. In the preferred embodiment, the light fixture assembly is suspended from the top beam and is therefore further protected from the elements by the roof of the fixture and the external flange and sidewalls which prevent water from entering the socket. For example, rain dropping onto the roof of the suspended fixture may run down along the sidewall of the flange without seeping into the socket.
In addition to providing light to a given area, the stand includes an outlet within at least one of the masts so that an individual using stand can power items proximate thereto or plug other light stands in to daisy chain them together to provide additional light. The outlet includes a receptable box that is connected or integrated into one of the masts and is in electrical communication with the power supply and fixture via internal wiring that extends through cable passageways within the frame.
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
The light stand described herein includes a base which supports a frame holding a light fixture and is intended to be used in a construction zone setting to provide temporary lighting to a given area. However, it will be appreciated that the stand could be used in any number of situations. The stand in the preferred embodiment described herein is also multifunctional, serving as a temporary light in addition to an extended power supply and storage rack. Furthermore, when not in use, the stand is designed to nest with adjacent stands in a compact configuration so as to take up as little space as possible during storage or transport.
The light stand 10 includes base 12 of the stand includes a pair of legs 18 and 20 which horizontally protrude on opposite sides of the frame to support the light fixture held thereon. In the preferred embodiment of the stand shown in
The legs have an offset construction with at least a portion 26 of one leg within a first upper plane 28 and at least a portion 30 of the other leg positioned in a second lower plane 32. The planes are vertically spaced an offset height (Hoff) as shown in
As particularly shown in the detail view of
Regardless of the particular shape of the legs, in the preferred embodiment with the ends of each leg connecting to the opposing masts, each leg remains proximal to one of the upper and lower planes and does not angle towards the plane such that one leg is substantially within the upper plane and the other leg is substantially within the lower plane, vertically offset from one another by the offset height of the planes. As shown in
Given one of the leg is higher than the other leg and the upper leg would not contact the ground when the stand is placed on a flat surface, such as the floor, stability is provided to the stand by a foot 68 protruding from the leg that is substantially within the upper plane. As particularly shown in
In addition to the foot protruding from the leg within the upper plane, embodiments of the invention may also have other feet 72 protruding from the bottom end of each mast as well as from the bottoms side of the leg situated in the lower plane. When additional feet are provided, both legs are raised from the ground with the stand sitting on the respective bottom end of each foot that are within a third plane 76 that is coplanar with the floor. The height of these additional feet are not intended to be limiting but it will be understood that height of the feet extending from the leg within the lower plane and the bottom ends of the masts (HF2) are less than the feet extending from the leg substantially within the upper plane (HF1>HF2) so that the bottom end of each foot are aligned within the third plane and the stand can be level.
The frame 14 is supported by the base and includes a pair of opposing masts 34 and 36 that are spaced by a beam 38. Each mast includes a top end 40a and 42a and a bottom end 40b and 42b that are vertically spaced by the height of the mast (HM). As discussed above, the ends of the legs of the base are connected proximate to the bottom end of the respective masts at their corresponding mounting locations. Opposite from the base, opposing ends 44a and 44b of the beam connect to the opposing masts at locations 50a and 50b proximate to their respective top ends. Accordingly, the masts are spaced by the beam width (WB) which corresponds with the distance between the ends of the legs according to the preferred embodiment. The masts and beam are thereby situated within a vertical plane 92 that is orthogonal to the first and second plane and the light fixture is fastened to the beam, at least partially positioned within the vertical plane.
The light fixture 16 is connected to the beam and thereby supported by the base and masts. The fixture includes a housing 58 fixedly connected to the beam, a socket 60 within the housing and a bulb 62 that is releasable received within the socket. As particularly shown in
The bulb is received within the socket and as shown in
In the alternative embodiment of the fixture shown in
Regardless of the light fixture orientation, the electrical connections for operating and powering the light fixture are situated within the housing and electrically connect to the socket assembly to power the bulb when it is inserted therein and the fixture is turned on. The preferred fixture includes electrical cables that connect to a home power grid or local generator which allow for quick plugin and operation. As explained below, the preferred tubular frame provides cable passageways with internal wires can routed from the light fixture connected to the top beam through the tubular sections and to an external port within one of the masts. Alternatively, a power cable can be routed directly to the light fixture on the outside of the stand.
In addition to illuminating the surrounding area, the light stand described herein is also intended to be multifunctional and therefore includes a power outlet 98 within one of the masts that allow users to plug in and power other devices as well as link multiple light stands together in a daisy chain without necessarily running multiple extension cords to power each individual light. The outlet is housed within a receptable box 52 positioned within one of the masts. The box includes a body 102 with an outer perimeter 106 surrounding an opening 108 to an interior volume 104 in which the outlet sits. The body is connected to or integrated with the mast at a location 110 and as with the light fixture described above, internal wiring runs to the receptable through cable passageways within the mast to power the outlet.
To power the light fixture and outlet, as well as additional items that may be plugged into the outlet, a power supply 112 is positioned within one of the masts and includes an inlet 114 and a power cord 118 with an external plug 120 protruding from an inlet aperture 116 and an internal wire 122 that extends through the cable passageway 124 within the mast and beam to the outlet and fixture as discussed above. In operation, the user can plug the power cord into a proximate power source, such as grid power, a generator, solar power unit or any other power supply to power the light fixture and outlet within the stand. As discussed above, additional items can also be plugged into the outlet within the mast and the light stand thereby provides light to a given area but also acts as an extension cord to power other items.
To provide further functionality to the light stand beyond illuminating and powering the surrounding space, hooks 78 may be provided on the ends of the mast. As shown in
As shown in
A handle 94 is also provided for easily gripping and moving the light stand from location to location. The handle is location on the beam between one of the beam ends and the ends of the housing supported on the beam. The handle thereby includes a handle width (WH) between the end of the beam and the corresponding end of the housing and is at least as great as the width of the fixture. (WH≥WF). In the embodiments shown in the drawings it will be understood that the fixture is centered on the beam and the stand has two handle portions on opposite sides of the fixture. However, alternative embodiments may offset the fixture such that there is only one handle on the beam with the fixture being too close to the end of the beam to provide a second handle.
Alternative embodiments more suited for remote work environments may include a battery system that allows the light fixture to illuminate a surrounding area without a direct power supply for a period of time. Furthermore, it will be appreciated the particular bulb is not intending to be limiting and any number of bulb types may be used in the invention described herein without departing from the inventive structure of the base, frame and fixture.
Although outward and downward light may be all that is desired by a user, a reflective panel 54 can be used to direct light upward for embodiments with a suspended light fixture. As shown in
Another alternative light stand can include a base with legs that are only attached to the masts at one end, such as shown in
The base and frame are preferably constructed from light weight tubular materials, such as PVC, but may also be made from wood, metal or other similar materials without departing from the invention as described herein. Tubular subparts are preferred because they allow the fixture to be modular with connectors used to attach various subparts to one another without the need for external fasteners. Furthermore, quick connects allow users to interchange individual subparts without disassembling the entire stand, such as changing the light fixture from the preferred suspended fixture to an upward facing fixture described below. However, more traditional fasteners, such as bolts and screws, may be used to more securely attach the skeletal structure of the frame together in place of or in combination with quick release tubular fasteners.
The stand is designed to be light weight for easy lifting while also being deployable without any setup or adjustment procedure after initial assembly. Once assembled, the user need only move the light stand into the desired area, plug the power cord into a power supply and turn on the light fixture. When the light stand is no longer needed, the user can quickly pickup and move the light stand into another area or back into storage.
The embodiments were chosen and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to persons who are skilled in the art. As various modifications could be made to the exemplary embodiments, as described above with reference to the corresponding illustrations, without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/431,358 filed Dec. 9, 2022, which is incorporated by reference herein.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
1492427 | Cioll | Apr 1923 | A |
D345026 | Pottebaum | Mar 1994 | S |
5428520 | Skief | Jun 1995 | A |
5688195 | Caso | Nov 1997 | A |
D436204 | Leen | Jan 2001 | S |
6213626 | Qian | Apr 2001 | B1 |
D441491 | Leen | May 2001 | S |
6554459 | Yu et al. | Apr 2003 | B2 |
6824297 | Lee | Nov 2004 | B1 |
7387412 | Tsai | Jun 2008 | B2 |
10690304 | Adams et al. | Jun 2020 | B2 |
D894475 | Keevy et al. | Aug 2020 | S |
20010036077 | Buss | Nov 2001 | A1 |
20020126492 | Ching | Sep 2002 | A1 |
Entry |
---|
Wobblelight [online]. Southwire, Nov. 13, 2023. Retrieved from the Internet <URL: https://www.southwire.com/lighting/area-lights/15-000-lumen-32-led-wobblelight-1/p/111303LED>. |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
63431358 | Dec 2022 | US |