The present disclosure relates to a safety light.
Individuals are frequently in situations in which a light may facilitate the individual's safety. For example, safety workers (e.g., law enforcement officers, firefighters, medical personnel, military personnel, and security personnel) walking on the side of a road may carry a light to warn oncoming traffic of their presence. Workers in other industries, such as construction, transportation, power, airports, crossing guards, and towing are also known to carry and wear lights and/or reflective gear to make themselves more visible in the dark. Additionally, individuals engaged in outdoor activities, such as hunting, fishing, boating, camping, rock climbing, and hiking are known to carry and wear lights and/or reflective gear to make themselves more visible.
However, the need to carry a light, such as a flashlight or a lantern, is a hindrance because it requires use of an individual's hand. Conventional wearable lights, such as head lamps, free up the individual's hand, but are limited in the direction it can project light. Namely, head lamps only project light in front of the user. However, a need exists for a light that can project light in multiple directions at one time.
Conventional wearable lights are also bulky due to replaceable batteries and a light source directed out towards the front lens of the wearable light. Bulky lights tend to cause discomfort for a user because of their weight and high likelihood of becoming displaced on a user.
The art recognizes a need for a multi-directional safety light that is portable and small in size, and has a low weight.
The art further recognizes the need for a multi-directional safety light that is wearable and small in size, and has a low weight.
The present disclosure provides a light system (e.g., a safety light) that is configured to couple to a support structure. The safety light can include one or more attachments provided on a housing (e.g., a bottom housing), which can be configured to provide one or both of a physical (e.g., threaded, press, magnetic, snap-fit, etc.) connection and an electrical connection. Where an attachment provides an electrical connection, the attachment can be coupled to a printed circuit board assembly of the light system.
In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a light system is provided. The light system can include a top housing, a bottom housing opposite the top housing, a lens arranged between the top housing and the bottom housing, and a plurality of lighting elements arranged between the top housing and the lens. The lens can include a plurality of side surfaces that extend between the top housing and the bottom housing to form a perimeter of the lens, and an angled reflective surface. The plurality of lighting elements can be configured to direct light toward the bottom housing to reflect off of the angled reflective surface and out of at least one of the plurality of side surfaces.
In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a light system that is configured to couple to a support structure is provided. The light system can include a top housing, a bottom housing opposite the top housing, a lens arranged between the top housing and the bottom housing, and a plurality of lighting elements arranged between the top housing and the lens. The bottom housing can include one or more attachments to couple the light system to the support structure. The lens can include a plurality of side surfaces that extend between the top housing and the bottom housing to form a perimeter of the lens, and an angled reflective surface. The plurality of lighting elements can be configured to direct light toward the bottom housing to reflect off of the angled reflective surface and out of at least one of the plurality of side surfaces.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a light system that is configured to couple to a support structure is provided. The light system can include a top housing and a bottom housing opposite the top housing. The bottom housing can include one or more attachments configured to couple the lighting device to the support structure. A lens can be arranged between the top housing and the bottom housing. The lens can include a plurality of side surfaces that extend between the top housing and the bottom housing to form a perimeter of the lens, and an angled reflective surface. The light system can further include a printed circuit board assembly arranged between the top housing and the lens, and a plurality of lighting elements can be secured to the printed circuit board assembly. The plurality of lighting elements can be configured to direct light toward the bottom housing to reflect off of the angled reflective surface and out of at least one of the plurality of side surfaces.
The numerical ranges disclosed herein include all values from, and including, the lower and upper value. For ranges containing explicit values (e.g., 1 or 2; or 3 to 5; or 6; or 7), any subrange between any two explicit values is included (e.g., 1 to 2; 2 to 6; 5 to 7; 3 to 7; 5 to 6; etc.).
The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and their derivatives, are not intended to exclude the presence of any additional component, step or procedure, whether or not the same is specifically disclosed. In order to avoid any doubt, all compositions claimed through use of the term “comprising” may include any additional additive, adjuvant, or compound, whether polymeric or otherwise, unless stated to the contrary. In contrast, the term, “consisting essentially of” excludes from the scope of any succeeding recitation any other component, step, or procedure, excepting those that are not essential to operability. The term “consisting of” excludes any component, step, or procedure not specifically delineated or listed. The term “or,” unless stated otherwise, refers to the listed members individually, as well as in any combination. Use of the singular includes use of the plural and vice versa.
Any reference to the Periodic Table of Elements is that as published by CRC Press, Inc., 1990-1991. Reference to a group of elements in this table is by the new notation for numbering groups.
Unless stated to the contrary, implicit from the context, or customary in the art, all parts and percentages are based on weight and all test methods are current as of the filing date of this disclosure.
For purposes of United States patent practice, the contents of any referenced patent, patent application or publication are incorporated by reference in their entirety (or its equivalent US version is so incorporated by reference) especially with respect to the disclosure of definitions (to the extent not inconsistent with any definitions specifically provided in this disclosure) and general knowledge in the art.
A “polymer” is a macromolecular compound prepared by polymerizing monomers of the same or different type. “Polymer” includes homopolymers, copolymers, terpolymers, interpolymers, and so on. An “interpolymer” is a polymer prepared by the polymerization of at least two types of monomers or comonomers. It includes, but is not limited to, copolymers (which usually refers to polymers prepared from two different types of monomers or comonomers, terpolymers (which usually refers to polymers prepared from three different types of monomers or comonomers), tetrapolymers (which usually refers to polymers prepared from four different types of monomers or comonomers), and the like.
A “multi-directional safety light” is a light that is capable of projecting light in at least two, or at least three, or at least four directions. In an embodiment, the multi-directional safety light is capable of projecting light in from 2 to 3, or 4, or 6, or 7, or 8, or 9, or 10, or 14, or 16, or 18, or 20, or 22, or 24, or 26 directions. In an embodiment, the multi-directional safety light is capable of projecting light in at least four directions.
The present disclosure provides a safety light 10, as shown in
A. Top Housing
The safety light 10 includes a top housing 12, as shown in
The top housing 12 includes a wall 14, as shown in
The top housing 12 is formed from one or more rigid materials. Nonlimiting examples of suitable rigid materials include high impact polymers, thermoplastic polymers, thermoset polymers, composites, metals, glass, ceramics, cellulose, combinations thereof, and/or the like. A “thermoplastic” polymer can be repeatedly softened and made flowable when heated and returned to a hard state when cooled to room temperature. In addition, thermoplastics can be molded or extruded into articles of any predetermined shape when heated to the softened state. A “thermoset” polymer, once in a hard state, is irreversibly in the hard state.
In an embodiment, the top housing 12 has two opposing surfaces, including a top surface 16 and a bottom surface 18, as shown in
In an embodiment, the top housing 12 includes a plurality of side surfaces 20. In an embodiment, the side surfaces 20 include a front surface 20a, a rear surface 20b, a left surface 20c, and a right surface 20d, as shown in
The top housing 12 has a cross-sectional shape. Nonlimiting examples of suitable cross-sectional shapes include polygon, circle, and oval. In an embodiment, the top housing has a polygon cross-sectional shape. A “polygon” is a closed-plane figure bounded by at least three sides. The polygon can be a regular polygon, or an irregular polygon having three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more sides. Nonlimiting examples of suitable polygonal shapes include triangle, square, rectangle, diamond, trapezoid, parallelogram, hexagon and octagon.
In an embodiment, a plurality of threaded connectors 22 are coupled to the bottom surface 18 of the top housing 12, as shown in
The top housing 12 may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.
B. Printed Circuit Board Assembly
The safety light 10 includes a printed circuit board assembly 24 coupled to the top housing 12, as shown in
A “printed circuit board assembly” or “PCBA” is a component that mechanically supports and electrically connects the electronic components of the safety light. The PCBA 24 has two opposing surfaces, including a top surface 26 and a bottom surface 28, as shown in
In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 includes a plurality of side surfaces 30. In an embodiment, the side surfaces 30 include a front surface 30a, a rear surface 30b, a left surface 30c, and a right surface 30d, as shown in
In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 includes a plurality of threaded openings 38, as shown in
In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 includes a rechargeable power source 32, as shown in
The rechargeable power source 32 may be recharged via an inductive coupling or a port, such as a recharging port 34, as shown in
In an embodiment, a rechargeable power source connector 33, as shown in
In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 is configured to provide Global Positioning System (GPS) capability to the safety light 10.
In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 is configured to generate, collect, store, and/or transfer data. Nonlimiting examples of data that the PCBA 24 may be configured to generate, collect, store, and/or transfer include safety light 10 usage data (e.g., duration of battery life; duration of time that a light, such as the plurality of light elements 36 and/or the beacon light element 40, is emitting light; location information, such as locations derived from GPS; and combinations thereof); testing analytics of the safety light 10 (e.g., detection of faulty components, detection of light outages, detection of software errors, and combinations thereof); biometric data (e.g., heartrate, temperature, facial recognition, and/or facial expression information on a user wearing the safety light 10 and/or an individual in proximity to the safety light 10); camera images; video; sound recordings; and combinations thereof.
In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 is configured to wirelessly connect, including sending and receiving wireless communications, with a wireless device, such as a cell phone, a remote (e.g. a central control system or main server), signal repeaters, or another safety light, or other external devices. In that regard, the PCBA 24 can include at least one communication module 25 (see
In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 is configured to energize the plurality of light elements 36 and/or the beacon light element 40 via (e.g., in accordance with) a wireless communication from a wireless device. As one particular non-limiting example, the PCBA 24 can pair with an external device, such as a cell phone. tablet, or other mobile device, to allow a user to control the safety light 10 (e.g., to energize or deenergize one or more lighting elements 36, 40) from the external device. That is, an external device can run an application that can allow a user to interact with the device, for example, by displaying a virtual device to the user, which may mimic a control button layout, of the connected safety light 10, as described in greater detail below. Additionally, a PCBA 24 can be configure to pair with an external device to allow automatic control of the safety light 10 using one or more sensors of the external device. For example, a PCBA 24 may be configured to energize one or more lighting elements in response to a signal from an accelerometer or GPS module of the external device (e.g., a signal indicative of a braking or slowing event, or upon entering or exiting a geofenced area). Similarly, a PCBA 24 may be configured to communicate with an external device (e.g., a vehicle) to determine a proximity to the external device, and to control one or more lighting elements 36, 40 accordingly, for example, to energize a lighting element upon exiting a vehicle and to deenergize a lighting element when entering a vehicle.
In an embodiment, software, firmware, usage data, testing analytics of the safety light, biometric data, camera images, video, sound recordings, and combinations thereof may be wirelessly transferred as a wireless communication. As one particular non-limiting example, a PCBA 24 of a safety light 10 can be configured to communicate geolocation data of the safety light 10 to a central server or another external device, which can allow a user to see location data of the safety light 10, as well as any other safety lights that are in communication with the central server (e.g., each safety light in a network of safety lights). Relatedly, where a safety light 10 is in communication with a central server, a user can upload, for example, (custom) firmware or software) to the safety light 10, as a well as any other safety lights that are connected to the server, either individually or simultaneously.
The PCBA 24 may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.
C. Plurality of Light Elements
The safety light 10 includes a plurality of light elements 36 coupled to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24, as shown in
A “light element” is a component capable of emitting a light, such as a visible light, ultraviolet (UV) light, infrared (IR) light, black light, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, each light element is capable of emitting a visible light. Nonlimiting examples of suitable visible light include white light, red light, orange light, yellow light, green light, indigo light, blue light, violet light, and combinations thereof. Each light element may be capable of emitting the same type of light or a different type of light. For example, the safety light 10 may include a plurality of light elements 36, wherein each light element 36 is capable of emitting white, blue, and red visible light.
Nonlimiting examples of suitable light elements 36 include light emitting diodes (LEDs), fluorescent lamps, xenon lamps, incandescent lamps, halogen lamps, fiber optics, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, each light element 36 is a LED.
Each light element 36 coupled to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24 emits a light directed away from, or in opposite direction from, the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24. In an embodiment, each light element 36 coupled to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24 emits a light directed away from, or in opposite direction from, the top housing 12. In an embodiment, each light element 36 coupled to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24 emits a light at an angle of from 70°, or 75°, or 80°, or 85° to 90°, or 95°, or 100°, or 105°, or 110° relative to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24. In another embodiment, each light element 36 coupled to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24 emits a light at an angle of 90° relative to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24.
The light elements 36 are electrically connected to the PCBA 24.
In an embodiment, the light elements 36 are coupled to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24 and are positioned adjacent to the side surfaces 30 of the PCBA 24, as shown in
The plurality of light elements 36 may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.
D. Beacon Light Element
In an embodiment, the safety light 10 includes a beacon light element 40 coupled to the top surface 26 of the PCBA 24, as shown in
The beacon light element 40 can be any light element disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the beacon light element 40 is a LED.
The beacon light element 40 coupled to the top surface 26 of the PCBA 24 emits a light directed away from, or in opposite direction from, the top surface 26 of the PCBA 24. In an embodiment, the beacon light element 40 coupled to the top surface 26 of the PCBA 24 emits a light directed away from, or in opposite direction from, the bottom housing 94. In an embodiment, the beacon light element 40 coupled to the top surface 26 of the PCBA 24 emits a light at an angle of from 75°, or 80°, or 85° to 90°, or 95°, or 100°, or 105° relative to the top surface 26 of the PCBA 24. In another embodiment, the beacon light element 40 coupled to the top surface 26 of the PCBA 24 emits a light at an angle of 90° relative to the top surface 26 of the PCBA 24.
In an embodiment, the beacon light element 40 emits a light in the opposite direction from the light emitted from the plurality of light elements 36.
The beacon light element 40 is electrically connected to the PCBA 24.
In an embodiment, the safety light 10 includes from 1 to 2, or 3, or 4 beacon light elements 40. In an embodiment, the safety light 10 includes one and only one beacon light element 40.
The beacon light element 40 may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.
E. Control Button
The safety light 10 includes at least one control button 42, as shown in
In an embodiment, the safety light 10 includes a plurality of control buttons 42. In an embodiment, the safety light 10 includes from 1, or 2 to 3, or 4, or 5, or 6 control buttons 42.
Each control button 42 is connected to the PCBA 24 via a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a combination thereof.
Nonlimiting examples of suitable control buttons 42 include depression buttons, depression switches, toggle switches, touch switches, wireless switches, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, each control button 42 is a depression button.
In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 is programmed to energize the plurality of light elements 36 and/or the beacon light element 40 following depression of a control button 42. In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 is programmed to stop energy to the plurality of light elements 36 and/or the beacon light element 40 following another depression of the control button 42, such that a first depression energizes the light element (36 and/or 40) and a second depression stops energy to the light element (36 and/or 40). When energy is stopped, the light element (36 and/or 40) does not emit light, i.e., the light element is “off.” When a light element (36 and/or 40) is energized, it emits a light, i.e., the element is “on.”
In an embodiment, the control button 42 is a touch switch. A “touch switch” enables a user to tap the safety light 10, such as on the top housing's top surface 16, to activate or de-activate a sensor, thereby energizing or stopping energy to (respectively) the plurality of light elements 36 and/or the beacon light element 40. For example, a touch switch can be configured as a capacitive switch, a resistive switch, a piezo switch, etc.
In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 is programmed to energize the plurality of light elements 36 following depression of a first control button 42a. In another embodiment, the PCBA 24 is programmed to energize the beacon light element 40 following depression of a second control button 42b.
In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 is programmed to energize a first group of the plurality of light elements 36a following depression of a first control button 42a and a second group of the plurality of light elements 36b following depression of a second control button 42b. In an embodiment, the first group of the plurality of light elements 36a are those light elements 36 near the front surface 30a of the PCBA 24 and the second group of the plurality of light elements 36b are those light elements 36 near the rear surface 30b of the PCBA 24, as shown in
In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 is programmed to energize the plurality of light elements 36 and/or the beacon light element 40 following depression of a control button 42 to cause the light element (36 and/or 40) to emit a certain type of light, a certain color of light, or combinations thereof.
In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 is programmed to energize the plurality of light elements 36 and/or the beacon light element 40 following depression of a control button 42 to cause the light element (36 and/or 40) to emit light in a pattern, such as in a strobe pattern, a timed flash pattern, a running pattern, an alternating color pattern, or combinations thereof.
In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 is programmed to energize the plurality of light elements 36 and the beacon light element 40 following depression of a single control button 42.
In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 includes a control button 42 that is an emergency button 44, as shown in
In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 includes a control button 42 that is a power-saver button 46, as shown in
In an embodiment, a control button 42, in conjunction with a PCBA 24, can be configured to provide a different function or control a safety light in a specific way depending on how the button 42 is pressed (e.g., depending on sequence of button presses or a duration of a button press). For example, when at least one lighting element 36, 40 is powered, a “short” press (e.g., a press duration of less than one second) of the power saver button 46 can (sequentially) energize the at least one lighting element 36, 40 from 10%, or 20%, or 30%, or 40% to 50%, or 60%, or 70%, or 80%, or 90%, or 100%. Alternatively, if no lighting elements are energized a “short” press of the power saver button 46 may do nothing, while a “long” press (e.g., a press duration of greater than or equal to one second) may cause one or more lighting elements 36, 40 to become energized, for example to flash in an “S.O.S.” pattern.
In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 may also include one or more buttons 42 that are configured to control one or more functions that may or may not be related to energizing one of the lighting elements 36, 40. For example, as shown in
Relatedly, in an embodiment, buttons 42 can be symmetrically arranged (e.g., mirrored about plane M, see
The control buttons (e.g., buttons 42, 44, 46) are formed from one or more flexible materials. A nonlimiting example of a suitable flexible material is rubber.
In an embodiment, the control buttons (42, 44, 46) are formed from a button pad 48, as shown in
The button pad 48 has a cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape may be any cross-sectional shape disclosed herein. The cross-sectional shape of the button pad 48 is the same cross-sectional shape as the top housing 12.
In an embodiment, the button pad 48 includes a plurality of threaded openings 56, as shown in
In an embodiment, the button pad 48 has a top portion 48a and a bottom portion 48b, as shown in
In an embodiment, the top housing 12 includes a plurality of button openings 54, as shown in
In an embodiment, the button pad 48 includes a beacon opening 58, as shown in
In an embodiment, the bottom portion 48b of the button pad 48 serves as a rubberized gasket that forms a watertight or semi-watertight seal between the lens 64 and the top housing 12.
The control button 42 may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.
The button pad 48 may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.
F. Beacon Light Lens
In an embodiment, the safety light 10 includes a beacon light lens 60, as shown in
The beacon light lens 60 is formed from one or more rigid materials through which light may pass through. Nonlimiting examples of suitable rigid materials include high impact polymers, thermoplastic polymers, thermoset polymers, composites, glass, ceramics, cellulose, acrylics, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In an embodiment, the beacon light lens 60 is formed from glass, polymethyl methacylate, a polycarbonate resin, a polystyrene resin, a styrene-acrylonitrile resin, cellulose acetate, polypropylene, nylon, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, polyvinylidene chloride, fluorinated ethylene/propylene copolymer, polyethylene telephthaleate, silica class, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the beacon light lens 60 is formed from a transparent material or a translucent material. A “transparent” material allows all light, or 100% of light, to pass through the material. A “translucent” material allows from greater than 0% to less than 100% of light to pass through the material.
The beacon light lens 60 has a cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape may be any cross-sectional shape disclosed herein.
In an embodiment, the beacon light lens 60 is coupled to the beacon light element 40 and the button pad 48. In a further embodiment, the beacon light lens 60 is coupled to the beacon light element 40 and the top surface 50 of the button pad 48.
The beacon light lens 60 is aligned with the beacon light element 40 such that light emitted from the beacon light element 40 passes through the beacon light lens 60.
In an embodiment, the top housing 12 has a beacon light lens opening 62, as shown in
In an embodiment, the beacon light lens 60 has a top portion 60a and a bottom portion 60b, as shown in
In an embodiment, the beacon light lens 60 has a reflective surface 61 in the bottom portion 60b, as shown in
In an embodiment, the top housing 12 has a beacon light lens opening 62 sized to receive the top portion 60a of the beacon light lens 60, but not the bottom portion 60b of the beacon light lens 60. Consequently, the bottom portion 60b of the beacon light lens 60 is contained within the safety light 10 below the bottom surface 18 of the top housing 12. In an embodiment, the bottom portion 60b of the beacon light lens 60 is contained within the safety light 10 below the bottom surface 18 of the top housing 12 and above the top surface 50 of the button pad 48. In other words, the bottom portion 60b of the beacon light lens 60 is positioned between the button pad 48 and the top housing 12, and the top portion 60a of the beacon light lens 60 extends through the wall 14 of the top housing 12.
The beacon light lens 60 may or may not protrude past the top surface 16 of the top housing 12. In an embodiment, the beacon light lens 60 protrudes past the top surface 16 of the top housing 12, as shown in
The safety light 10 includes the same number of beacon light elements 40 and beacon light lenses 60. In an embodiment, the safety light 10 includes from 1 to 2, or 3, or 4 beacon light lenses 60. In an embodiment, the safety light 10 includes one and only one beacon light lens 60.
The beacon light lens 60 may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.
G. Lens
The safety light 10 includes a lens 64 coupled to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24 and the plurality of light elements 36, the lens 64 having an angled reflective surface 66 and a plurality of side surfaces 68, as shown in
The lens 64 may be formed from any lens material disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the lens 64 is formed from a transparent material or a translucent material. In an embodiment, the lens 64 is a monolithic lens, but can also be configured differently, for example, as a hollow lens.
In an embodiment, the lens 64 has two opposing surfaces, including a top surface 70 and a bottom surface 72, as shown in
In an embodiment, the lens 64 has a bottom surface 72 that is a reflective surface. A “reflective surface” is a plane capable of reflecting light. In an embodiment, the plane is coated with a reflective material, such as a metal (e.g., nickel, chromium, aluminum, gold, silver, and combinations thereof) or a polymeric material to form a reflective surface. In an embodiment, the reflective material is vacuum-deposited on the plane to form a reflective surface.
The lens 64 includes an angled reflective surface 66. An “angled reflective surface” is a plane extending at an angle other than 90° from the top surface 70 of the lens 64, the bottom surface 72 of the lens, or combinations thereof, the plane capable of reflecting light emitted from the plurality of light elements 36. The angled reflective surface 66 may be flat or curved. In an embodiment, the angled reflective surface 66 is flat, or is not curved.
In an embodiment, the angle, X, between the bottom surface 72 and the angled reflective surface 66 is from 110°, or 115°, or 120°, or 125° to 130°, or 135°, or 140°, or 145°, or 150°, as shown in
In an embodiment, the lens 64 includes from 1 to 2, or 3, or 4, or 5, or 6, or 7, or 8, or 9, or 10, or 12, or 14, or 16, or 18, or 20, or 22, or 24, or 26, or 28, or 30, or 40 angled reflective surfaces 66. For purposes of this disclosure, each angled reflective surface 66 having the same angle, X, of from 110°, or 115°, or 120°, or 125° to 130°, or 135°, or 140°, or 145°, or 150°, between the bottom surface 72 of the lens 64 and the angled reflective surface 66 shall constitute a “first angled reflective surface” 66a, as shown in
In an embodiment, the angle, Y, between the top surface 70 and the angled reflective surface 66 is from 110°, or 115°, or 120°, or 125° to 130°, or 135°, or 140°, or 145°, or 150°, as shown in
In an embodiment, the lens 64 includes the first angled reflective surface 66a and a second angled reflective surface 66b, as shown in
In an embodiment, the lens 64 includes the first angled reflective surface 66a and the second angled reflective surface 66b, and the angle, Z, between the first angled reflective surface 66a and the second angled reflective surface 66b is from 80°, or 85° to 90°, or 95°, or 100°, as shown in
The first angled reflective surface 66a and the second angled reflective surface 66b may or may not be continuous around the perimeter 74 of the lens 64.
In an embodiment, the lens 64 includes a first angled reflective surface 66a and the angle, X, between the bottom surface 72 and the first angled reflective surface 66a is 135°. In another embodiment, the lens 64 includes a second angled reflective surface 66b and the angle, Y, between the top surface 70 and the second angled reflective surface 66b is 135°. In a further embodiment, the angle, Z, between the first angled reflective surface 66a and the second angled reflective surface 66b is 90°.
The lens 64 has a plurality of side surfaces 68. In an embodiment, the lens 64 includes from 4 to 5, or 6, or 7, or 8 side surfaces 68. In an embodiment, the lens 64 includes four side surfaces 68 that extends generally between the top housing 12 and the bottom housing 94. In an embodiment, the lens 64 includes a front side surface 68a, a rear side surface 68b, a left side surface 68c, and a right side surface 68d, as shown in
The side surfaces 68 extend in a continuous manner around the perimeter 74 of the lens 64.
The side surfaces 68 are not reflective. In other words, light is not reflected by the side surfaces 68 of the lens 64, but rather transmits, or projects, through the side surfaces 68.
In an embodiment, the plurality of light elements 36 emit a light directed away from the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24 (e.g., from the top housing 12 and toward the bottom housing 94) and the light reflects off of the first angled reflective surface 66a of the lens 64 and projects through the plurality of side surfaces 68 of the lens 64. It is understood that the angle of incidence (i.e., the angle a light hits a reflective surface) is equal to the angle of reflection (i.e., the angle at which the light reflects off of the reflective surface). Thus, the present safety light 10 may advantageously direct its light elements 36 downward, such as at a 90° angle with the top surface 70 of the lens 64, and still project the light outward through the plurality of side surfaces 68 of the lens 64 in a direction that is parallel, or substantially parallel, to the top surface 70 of the lens 64. This configuration allows for light elements 36 to be located above the lens 64, rather than behind (i.e., parallel to) the lens, allowing for a safety light 10 with a smaller length and width compared to conventional safety lights.
In an embodiment, the lens 64 includes a plurality of light posts 76 coupled to the top surface 70 of the lens 64, as shown in
Each light post 76 has a shape. Nonlimiting examples of suitable shapes include square prism, rectangular prism, cylinder, frustum, pentagonal prism, trapezium prism, and combinations thereof.
The lens 64 may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.
In an embodiment, the lens 364 includes a plurality of spacing posts 377 coupled to the top surface 370 of the lens 364, as shown in
In an embodiment, each light post 376 has a height, HP, that is from 1 mm, or 1.5 mm, or 1.9 mm to 2.0 mm, or 2.5 mm.
In an embodiment, each spacing post 377 has a height, HS, that is from 2.6 mm, or 2.7 mm, or 2.8 mm to 2.9 mm, or 3.0 mm, or 3.2 mm, or 3.5 mm.
In an embodiment, each light post 376 has a height, HP, that is from 1 mm, or 1.5 mm, or 1.9 mm to 2.0 mm, or 2.5 mm; and each spacing post 377 has a height, HS, that is from 2.6 mm, or 2.7 mm, or 2.8 mm to 2.9 mm, or 3.0 mm, or 3.2 mm, or 3.5 mm. In a further embodiment, each light post 376 has a height, HP, that is from 1.9 mm to 2.0 mm; and each spacing post 377 has a height, HS, that is from 2.8 mm to 2.9 mm.
In an embodiment, the lens 364 includes from 2, or 3, or 4 to 5, or 6, or 7, or 8, or 10 spacing posts 377. In a further embodiment, the lens 364 includes 8 spacing posts 377, wherein each spacing post is positioned between a light post 376.
The lens 364 may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.
H. Rubber Seal
In an embodiment, the safety light 10 includes a rubber seal 78, as shown in
The rubber seal 78 serves as a rubberized gasket that forms a watertight or semi-watertight seal between the lens 64 and the bottom housing 94.
The rubber seal 78 has a cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape may be any cross-sectional shape disclosed herein. The rubber seal 78 has the same cross-sectional shape as the cross-sectional shape of the top housing 12.
The rubber seal 78 has two opposing surfaces, including a top surface 80 and a bottom surface 82, as shown in
In an embodiment, the rubber seal 78 has a top portion 78a and a bottom portion 78b, as shown in
In an embodiment, the rubber seal 78 includes a plurality of threaded openings 84, as shown in
In an embodiment, the rubber seal 78 includes a rechargeable power source opening 86, as shown in
In an embodiment, the rubber seal 78 includes a recharging port opening 88, as shown in
In an embodiment, the rubber seal 78 includes a recharging port cover 90, as shown in
The rubber seal 78 may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.
I. Bottom Housing
The safety light 10 includes a bottom housing 94, as shown in
The bottom housing 94 is coupled to the lens 64. In an embodiment, the bottom housing 94 is coupled to the lens 64 via the rubber seal 78 such that the rubber seal 78 is positioned between the bottom housing 94 and the lens 64.
The bottom housing 94 is formed from a rigid material. The rigid material may be any rigid material disclosed herein.
The bottom housing 94 has a wall 104, as shown in
The bottom housing 94 has two opposing surfaces, including a top surface 96 and a bottom surface 98, as shown in
In an embodiment, the bottom housing 94 includes a plurality of side surfaces 100. In an embodiment, the side surfaces 100 include a front surface 100a, a rear surface 100b, a left surface 100c, and a right surface 100d, as shown in
The bottom housing 94 has a cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape may be any cross-sectional shape disclosed herein. The cross-sectional shape of the bottom housing 94 is the same cross-sectional shape of the top housing 12.
In an embodiment, the bottom housing 94 includes a plurality of threaded openings 102, as shown in
In an embodiment, the bottom housing 94 includes a recharging port opening 106, as shown in
In an embodiment, the bottom housing 94 includes a magnet 108. A nonlimiting example of a suitable magnet is shown in
A safety light 10 that includes a magnet 108 may advantageously be magnetically coupled to a magnetic material or a magnetic article. Nonlimiting examples of magnetic articles include automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, stands containing a magnet, helmets, helmet mounts, boats (e.g., kayaks, motorboats, and canoes), and mounting plates. A nonlimiting example of a mounting plate is the mounting plate disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,478,108, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. An article may be disposed between the magnet 108 and the magnetic material or magnetic article. For example, a user's clothing item (e.g., a jacket or a shirt) may be disposed between the mounting plate and the magnet 108, wherein the magnet 108 is coupled to the mounting plate through the user's clothing item—thereby releasably attaching the safety light 10 to the user's clothing. Nonlimiting examples of suitable articles include clothing, helmets, backpacks, belts, tents, windows, boats (e.g., boat siding), containers, road signs, and combinations thereof. However, in other embodiments, a safety light may not include a magnet.
A nonlimiting example of a suitable magnet 108 is neodymium iron boron. In an embodiment, the magnet 108 is substantially encapsulated, or fully encapsulated, in a waterproof coating, such as a silicone coating.
In an embodiment, the bottom housing 94 includes a magnet bracket 110, as shown in
The magnet bracket 110 and the magnet 108 have reciprocal shapes. For example, when the magnet 108 has a cylinder shape, the magnet bracket 110 has a cylinder shape sized to receive and retain the magnet 108, as shown in
In an embodiment, the magnet 108 is coupled to the magnet bracket 110. In another embodiment, the magnet 108 is coupled to the bottom surface 82 of the rubber seal 78. In an embodiment, the magnet 108 is coupled to the bottom surface 82 of the rubber seal 78 via an adhesive 112, as shown in
The bottom housing 94 may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.
J. Safety Light
The present disclosure provides a safety light 10, as shown in
In an embodiment, safety light 10 includes a top housing 12 with a wall 14 and a PCBA 24 coupled to the top housing 12. The PCBA 24 includes a top surface 26, a bottom surface 28, and a rechargeable power source 32. The safety light 10 also includes a plurality of light elements 36 coupled to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24 and the PCBA 24 is programmed to energize a first group 36a of the plurality of light elements 36 following depression of a first control button 42a and a second group 36b of the plurality of light elements 36 following depression of a second control button 42b. The safety light 10 has a beacon light element 40 coupled to the top surface 26 of the PCBA 24 and the PCBA 24 is programmed to energize the beacon light element 40 following depression of a third control button 42c. A beacon light lens 60 is coupled to the beacon light element 40, the beacon light lens 60 extending through the wall 14 of the top housing 12. A lens 64 is coupled to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24 and the plurality of light elements 36, the lens 64 having a first angled reflective surface 66a, a bottom reflective surface 72, and a plurality of side surfaces 68, and the angle, X, between the bottom reflective surface 72 and the first angled reflective surface 66a is from 110° to 150°. The safety light 10 also includes a bottom housing 94 coupled to the lens 64, the bottom housing 94 containing a magnet 108.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a safety light 210, as shown in
In an embodiment, the safety light 210 can be provided with one or more attachments 293 that can be configured to allow the safety light 210 to couple to a support structure, such as a mounting accessory (e.g., a bracket, clip, or strap) or an external device (e.g., an electrical device such as a computer or charger). In that regard, the attachments can be configured to provide one or both of a physical connection and an electrical connection. Accordingly, the attachments 293 can be configured to orient the safety light 210 relative to an attached mounting accessory or external device, to provide a secure connection between an attached mounting accessory or external device (e.g., electronic devices including, general purpose computers, phones, vehicles, docking terminals, etc.), and to allow for the communication of a data (e.g., communication signals, software, and firmware) and electrical power (e.g., electrical current). Relatedly, an attachment 293 can be provided as an insert that is embedded (e.g., inserted into or integrally formed in) the safety light 210, or it can be formed as a protrusion or other structure that extends from the safety light 210. The one or more attachments 293 can be provided anywhere along an outer surface of the safety light 210 and the specific arrangement may vary depending on the particular application. In some cases, attachments can be arranged to provide a universal mounting area as part of lighting system that allows the safety light 210 to couple to a wide array of mounting structures and external devices.
As shown in
A threaded attachment 295 can be integrally formed with the bottom housing 294 or a threaded attachment 295 can be a separate component that is coupled to the bottom housing 294 (e.g., by a press fit connection, a threaded connection, adhesives, co-molding, ultrasonic welding, or other types of connections as known in the art). As illustrated, the threaded attachments 295 are formed from one or more rigid materials, such as metals (e.g., brass, stainless steel, etc.) and polymers, which are embedded within the bottom housing 294 so that the respective exposed ends 297 are open along the bottom surface 298 or another exterior surface (e.g., a side or top surface) of the bottom housing 294. Specifically, the threaded attachments 295 can be optionally disposed within ears 213 formed as part of a bracket 211 for a magnet 108. In accordance with the positioning of the ears 213, the threaded attachments 295 are shown being (symmetrically) spaced around a perimeter of the magnet 108 (e.g., equally and/or and circumferentially spaced). In other embodiments, the threaded attachments 295 may be arranged differently and their arrangement may not depend on a position of a magnet. For example, the threaded attachments 295 may be provided in separate projections extending from the bottom housing 294 (e.g., along the bottom surface 298), or they may not be disposed within any projection at all, and may instead be provided in one or more recesses. Additionally, the threaded attachments 295 can be spaced symmetrically or non-symmetrically along the bottom surface 298 of the bottom housing 294. In some cases, the arrangement of the threaded attachments 295 can provide for specific mounting orientations or configurations (e.g., a first orientation and a second orientation rotated approximately 90 degrees from the first orientation, or at another angle from the first orientation). Accordingly, in an embodiment, the bottom housing 294 includes from 1, or 2 to 3, or 4, or 5, or more than 5 threaded attachments 295.
As mentioned above, in an embodiment, attachments 293 can also be configured as electrodes (e.g., electrical attachments) that are configured to provide an electrical connection between the safety light 210 and a mounting accessory or another electrical device. As one particular example, the threaded attachment 295 can be brass threaded attachments that can provide both a physical connection and an electrical connection. As another example, in an embodiment shown in
In an embodiment, a safety light may be provided with both attachments that are configured to provide a physical connection (e.g. a physical attachment, for example, a snap-fit, threaded, or magnetic connection) that secures the safety light to a mounting accessory, external device, other support structure (e.g., to a vehicle, a hard hat, a building, etc.), and attachments that are configured to provide an electrical connection (e.g., to send communication signals, to transfer electrical power, or to send data, including software and firmware). In that regard, attachments can be arranged into different groups to facilitate different types of connections when coupled to different type of mounting structures or external devices. As used herein, a “group” is defined to include one or more structures or elements. For example, in an embodiment, shown in
In an embodiment, the plurality of light elements 36 emit a light directed away from the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24 and the light reflects off of the first angled reflective surface 66a of the lens 64, 264 and projects through the plurality of side surfaces 68, 268 of the lens 64, 264.
In an embodiment, the safety light 10, 210 is capable of projecting light through each of the lens side surfaces 68 (68a, 68b, 68c, 68d) (268). In another embodiment, the safety light 10, 210 is capable of projecting light through each of the lens side surfaces 68 (68a, 68b, 68c, 68d) (268) and the beacon light lens 60 (260 in
In an embodiment, the safety light 10, 210 is configured to emit audio signals.
In an embodiment, the safety light 10, 210 is configured with GPS capability.
In an embodiment, the safety light 10, 210 further includes a securing mechanism (not shown) coupled to the top housing 12, 212 and/or the bottom housing 94, 294. Nonlimiting examples of securing mechanisms include pins, clips, clamps, clasps, belts, snaps, ties, lanyards, Velcro, and combinations thereof.
In an embodiment, the safety light 10, 210 is wearable. A “wearable” safety light is capable of being attached to a user, such as to a user's clothing, helmet, or accessory (e.g., a backpack).
In an embodiment, the safety light 10, 210 is coupleable to a magnetic article (e.g., a magnetic mounting accessory).
In an embodiment, the safety light 10, 210 has a weight of from 50 grams (g), or 60 g, or 70 g, or 75 g to 80 g, or 85 g, or 90 g, or 100 g, or 120 g, or 150 g.
The safety light 10, 210 has a length, L, as shown in
The safety light 10, 210 has a width, W, as shown in
The safety light 10, 210 has a height, H, as shown in
In an embodiment, the safety light 10, 210 has a length, L, from 2.54 cm (1 inch (in)) to 91.44 cm (36 in); a width, W, from 0.635 cm (0.25 in) to 30.48 cm (12 in); and a height, H, from 0.635 cm (0.25 in) to 30.48 cm (12 in). In another embodiment, the safety light 10, 210 has a length, L, from 2.54 cm (1 inch (in)) to 10.16 cm (4 in); a width, W, from 0.635 cm (0.25 in) to 8.89 cm (3.5 in); and a height, H, from 0.635 cm (0.25 in) to 4.445 cm (1.75 in).
In an embodiment, the safety light 10, 210 has:
(i) a length, L, from 2.54 cm (1 in), or 3.81 cm (1.5 in) to 5.08 cm (2 in), or 6.35 cm (2.5 in), or 7.62 cm (3 in), or 8.89 cm (3.5 in), or 10.16 cm (4 in), or 11.43 cm (4.5 in), or 12.7 cm (5 in), or 13.97 cm (5.5 in), or 15.24 cm (6 in);
(ii) a width, W, from 0.635 cm (0.25 in), or 1.27 cm (0.5 in), or 1.905 cm (0.75 in) to 2.54 cm (1 in), or 3.81 cm (1.5 in), or 5.08 cm (2 in), or 7.62 cm (3 in), or 8.89 cm (3.5 in), or 10.16 cm (4 in); and
(iii) a height, H, from 0.635 cm (0.25 in), or 1.27 cm (0.5 in) to 1.905 cm (0.75 in), or 2.54 cm (1 in), or 3.175 cm (1.25 in), or 3.81 cm (1.5 in), or 4.445 cm (1.75 in), or 5.08 cm (2 in).
The present disclosure is directed to a safety light 10, 210 containing a top housing 12, 212 with a wall 14, 214; a PCBA 24 coupled to the top housing 12, 212, the PCBA 24 having a top surface 26 and a bottom surface 28; a plurality of light elements 36 coupled to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24; a lens 64, 264 coupled to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24 and the plurality of light elements 36, the lens 64, 264 having a first angled reflective surface 66a and a plurality of side surfaces 68, 268; and a bottom housing 94, 294 coupled to the lens 64, 264. However, the skilled artisan understands an alternative embodiment includes a safety light with a bottom housing having a top surface and a bottom surface; a PCBA coupled to the bottom housing, the PCBA having a top surface and a bottom surface; a plurality of light elements coupled to the top surface of the PCBA; a lens coupled to the top surface of the PCBA and the plurality of light elements, the lens having a first angled reflective surface and a plurality of side surfaces 68; and a top housing coupled to the lens. In this alternative embodiment, each light element coupled to the top surface of the PCBA emits a light directed away from, or in opposite direction from, the bottom housing and the light reflects off of the first angled reflective surface of the lens and projects through the plurality of side surfaces of the lens.
The safety light 10, 210 may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.
It is specifically intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein, but include modified forms of those embodiments, including portions of the embodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments as come within the scope of the following claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/192,131, filed on Mar. 4, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/637,901, filed on Feb. 10, 2020 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,976,046, which is a national stage entry of PCT/US2018/046185, filed on Aug. 10, 2018, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional App. No. 62/543,533, filed on Aug. 10, 2017. All of these applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62543533 | Aug 2017 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 16637901 | Feb 2020 | US |
Child | 17192131 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 17192131 | Mar 2021 | US |
Child | 17839150 | US |