CN111278681A - Portable lantern with multiple operating modes - Google Patents

Portable lantern with multiple operating modes Download PDF

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Publication number
CN111278681A
CN111278681A CN201880054950.9A CN201880054950A CN111278681A CN 111278681 A CN111278681 A CN 111278681A CN 201880054950 A CN201880054950 A CN 201880054950A CN 111278681 A CN111278681 A CN 111278681A
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CN
China
Prior art keywords
assembly
lantern
lighting element
central body
portable
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Pending
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CN201880054950.9A
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Chinese (zh)
Inventor
C.格朗达当
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Promier Products Inc
Original Assignee
Promier Products Inc
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Priority claimed from US29/614,796 external-priority patent/USD923836S1/en
Application filed by Promier Products Inc filed Critical Promier Products Inc
Priority claimed from PCT/US2018/047730 external-priority patent/WO2019040734A1/en
Publication of CN111278681A publication Critical patent/CN111278681A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

Portable lantern lamps are configured to operate in a series of selectable operating modes to provide flexible lighting solutions in both stationary and portable situations. A lantern includes an elongated central body having a plurality of outer longitudinal ribs, a longitudinal channel between a pair of the outer ribs, a lighting element positioned within the channel, and a lens overlying the lighting element that serves as the primary optic. A power source including a battery compartment is removably insertable into the receptacle of the central body. The lantern includes an operating mode selector assembly for controlling which lighting elements are illuminated during operation of the portable lantern, and a luminosity selector assembly that selectively controls the lumen output (brightness) of the lighting elements. The lantern also includes a retractable stabilizing assembly that can be deployed to stabilize the lantern on a support surface.

Description

Portable lantern with multiple operating modes
Cross Reference to Related Applications
This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application No. 62/549,247 filed on 2017, 8/23 and provisional patent application No. 29/614,796 filed on 2017, 8/23, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and made a part hereof.
Federally sponsored research or development
N/A
Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to portable lantern lamps with a central battery having multiple modes of operation and multiple mounting configurations. In particular, portable lantern lamps include one or more lighting elements that are selectively operable in a plurality of modes.
Background
Existing lighting products are capable of a wide range of indoor, outdoor and nighttime activities. Electronic lighting is typically provided from a fixture (e.g., a roof, wall, or ceiling) in which a light source receives power from a fixed and wired power source. Such lighting is useful in illuminating a particular area, but lacks the flexibility of a portable light source. Internally powered portable light sources have been developed to provide illumination in different locations and situations. However, such internally powered portable light sources are not optimized for size, durability, form factor, lighting flexibility, and installation flexibility parameters. In addition, portable light sources are also not optimized to provide illumination at fixed and varying locations.
Accordingly, there is an unmet need for a portable lamp optimized for durability and providing multiple lighting modes and mounting configurations. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is provided with reference to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.
Disclosure of Invention
In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a portable lantern featuring a plurality of lighting elements, an internal power source, a mode selector for selecting between various operating modes, a luminosity selector for selecting between various lighting element brightness levels, a magnet, a securing member that can be selectively positioned in a variety of configurations, and a retractable stabilizing assembly.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the following drawings.
Drawings
The drawings depict one or more embodiments in accordance with the present teachings, by way of example only, not by way of limitation. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or similar elements.
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of a portable light, showing a stabilizing assembly in a retracted position and a securing member in an extended position.
FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the portable light source of FIG. 1 with the portable light resting on a support surface and the stabilizing assembly and securing member in the deployed position.
FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the portable light of FIG. 1 with the stabilizing assembly and the securing member in a retracted position.
FIG. 4 is a front view of the portable light of FIG. 1 with the stabilizing assembly and the securing member in retracted positions.
FIG. 5 is a rear view of the portable light of FIG. 1 with the stabilizing assembly and the securing member in retracted positions.
FIG. 6 is a top view of the portable light of FIG. 1 with the stabilizing assembly and the securing member both in a retracted position.
Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the portable light of fig. 1 with the stabilizing assembly and the securing member in retracted positions.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the portable light of FIG. 1, with the portable light in a partially disassembled state.
Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the portable light of fig. 1 taken along line 9-9 shown in fig. 4.
Fig. 9A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first end assembly of the portable light of fig. 1 taken along line 9-9 shown in fig. 4.
Fig. 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the portable light shown in fig. 1 taken along line 10-10 of fig. 4.
Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of fig. 4, in perspective, of the portable light shown in fig. 1.
Fig. 12 is a block diagram of circuitry in the portable lamp of fig. 1.
Fig. 13 is an exploded view of the portable light shown in fig. 1.
FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the second embodiment of the portable light, showing the securing assembly in a retracted position.
FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of the portable light of FIG. 14 with the securing assembly in a retracted position.
Fig. 16 is a front view of the portable light of fig. 14 with the securing assembly in a retracted position.
Fig. 17 is a rear view of the portable light of fig. 14 with the securing assembly in a retracted position.
FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the portable light of FIG. 14 with the securing assembly in a retracted position.
Fig. 19 is a top view of the portable light of fig. 14 with the securing assembly in a retracted position.
FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of the portable light of FIG. 14, showing the securing assembly in a deployed position.
FIG. 21 is a top view of the portable light of FIG. 14 with the fixed assembly in a retracted position, the mode selector in a first position, and a single illumination element in an illuminated state.
FIG. 22 is a top view of the portable light source of FIG. 14 with the securing assembly in a retracted position, the mode selector in a fourth position, and all four illumination elements in an illuminated state.
FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of a third embodiment of a portable light, showing the stabilizing assembly in a retracted position and the securing member in a retracted position.
FIG. 24 is a bottom perspective view of the portable light shown in FIG. 23, showing the stabilizing assembly in a retracted position and the securing member in an extended position.
Fig. 25 is a front view of the portable light source shown in fig. 23 with the fixation member in a deployed position.
Fig. 26 is a perspective view of a power supply for use with the portable lamp shown in embodiments 1-3.
Fig. 27 is a block diagram of the power supply and the circuitry in the portable lamp of embodiments 1-3 in a first orientation.
Fig. 28 is a block diagram of the power supply and the circuit in the portable lamp of embodiments 1-3 in a second orientation.
While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments illustrated herein, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Detailed Description
While this disclosure includes many details and embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the disclosed methods and systems and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the disclosed concepts to the embodiments illustrated.
As shown and explained below, the portable light or lantern 10 has a variety of brightness or luminosity settings and different modes of operation, both of which are independently selectable by the user. The portable light 10 may be carried or mounted using a variety of mounting configurations (e.g., on a flat support surface 44) to provide a flexible lighting solution to a user. The multiple modes of operation and multiple mounting configurations provide greater flexibility and greater utility for the portable light 10 as compared to conventional lanterns or flashlights.
Referring to the drawings, a portable light 10 includes: (i) luminosity selector assembly 28, (ii) operating mode selector assembly 32, (iii) a plurality of lighting elements 100, (iv) a power source 134 disposed between lighting elements 100, and (v) a retractable stabilizing assembly 192. As discussed in more detail below, the luminosity selector assembly 28 and the mode selector assembly 32 allow a user to independently change the operating mode of the portable lamp 10 as well as the brightness or lumen output level. These assemblies 28, 32 operate independently of each other, wherein the user: (i) selecting at least one lighting element 100 for illumination using mode selector assembly 32, and (ii) moving luminosity selector assembly 28 from an "off" position to an "on" position. In particular, the luminosity selector assembly 28 allows a user to set the brightness or lumen output level of the lighting element 100 such that the luminosity selector assembly 28 functions as a dimmer for the portable lamp 10. This dimming function allows the user to select a brightness level or lumens output from the portable lamp 10 that is between a first predetermined minimum level and a second predetermined maximum level. The mode selector assembly 32 allows a user to select the mode of operation of the portable lamp 10. In particular, mode selector assembly 32 allows a user to select the number of lighting elements 100 to be illuminated. For example, a user may select one or more of the lighting elements 100 to illuminate.
As shown generally in fig. 8-11, portable light 10 also has a power source 134, with power source 134 being disposed within intermediate portion 22 and thus located radially inward of lighting element 100. The power source 134 may be a combination of battery removable non-rechargeable batteries 278 disposed within the battery compartment 250. As discussed in more detail below, the configuration of the power supply 134 allows it to supply power to the portable light 10 regardless of the direction in which the power supply 134 is inserted into the portable light 10.
The portable light 10 also has a variety of mounting configurations for use in different environments and different conditions. For example, the user may move the securing member 30 to the deployed position 214, as best shown in fig. 1 and 2, wherein the user may then hang the portable light 10 via the deployed securing member 30 on an object or securing device (e.g., a hook) disposed above the portable light 10. Second, the user may releasably attach the magnet 190 located within the lower end 18 to a magnetic surface or object. Thus, the portable light 10 will be magnetically mounted to a selected magnetic surface or object in any orientation (e.g., to a metal surface of a tool box or vehicle). Third, the user may place the bottom surface 199 of the portable light 10 on the surface support surface 44 and deploy the retractable stabilizing assembly 192 (see fig. 2). Fourth, a user may manually carry the portable light 10 between locations for portable lighting, serving as a flashlight or lantern.
In the embodiment of fig. 1-12, the portable light 10 has an elongated configuration with a first end assembly 24 operatively connected to the first end 14 of the portable light 10. The first end assembly 24 allows a user to change the operating mode of the portable light 10 and the brightness of the light by changing the position of the luminosity selector assembly 28 and the mode selector assembly 32. Referring to fig. 1-5, the first end assembly 24 includes: (i) a top or upper housing 26, (ii) a luminosity selector assembly 28, (iii) a securing member 30, (iv) a mode selector assembly 32, and (v) a connector ring 34, 36. Upper housing 26 has an end wall 38, with end wall 38 recessed inwardly from an outer rim 40 to form a recess 42. Portions of luminosity selector assembly 28 are located within recess 42. Referring to fig. 9, the luminosity selector assembly 28 preferably does not extend beyond the outer edge 40, which helps to protect the luminosity selector assembly 28 from contact with the support surface 44 when the user drops or knocks down the portable lamp 10. Additionally, if the rim 40 is placed in contact with the support surface 44, this configuration allows the rim 40 to contact the support surface 44 without being interrupted by the luminosity selector assembly 28, which in turn stabilizes the portable lamp 10.
As described above, the luminosity selector assembly 28 serves as a dimmer for the portable lamp 10. This dimming function allows the user to select a brightness level or lumens output from lighting element 100 between a first predetermined minimum level (e.g., 20 lumens) and a second predetermined maximum level (3,000 lumens). In the embodiment of the drawings, the luminosity selector assembly 28 is a rotary dial 46, which includes: (i) a cover 48, (ii) a selector 50, (iii) an O-ring 52, and (iv) a luminosity printed circuit board ("PCB") 54. Referring to fig. 9 and 13, the cap 48 includes a flange 56 and a tab 58 extending radially from the flange 56. The cover 48 is configured such that the tabs 58 extend through apertures 60 formed in the end wall 38, while the flange 56 resides beneath the end wall 38 or within the end wall 38. This configuration helps to ensure that the cover 48 will not be removed from the portable light 10 when an upward force is applied to the cover 48. O-ring 52 is located between flange 56 and end wall 38, which helps to ensure smooth operation of rotary dial 46 and protects internal electronics from external moisture.
The cover 48 is operatively coupled to a selector 50, which selector 50 is in turn operatively coupled to a luminosity PCB 54. Thus, when the user rotates the cap 48, the selector 50 also rotates. This angular movement of the cover 48 and the selector 50 changes the state of the luminosity PCB54, which in turn changes the current that may be applied to the lighting element 100 during operation of the lamp 10. This change in current changes the lumen output of the lighting element 100. For example, the rotary dial 46 may be rotated counterclockwise until stopped. In this "off" position, luminosity PCB54 applies zero current to lighting element 100. As rotary dial 46 is rotated in a clockwise direction from the "off" position, luminosity PCB54 allows a greater amount of current to be applied to lighting element 100. This in turn increases the possible lumen output of the lighting element 100 (assuming the mode selector assembly 32 is not in the "off" position).
In some embodiments (see fig. 14 and 19), rotating dial 46 may include dial grooves 61 or another textured surface to enhance a user's grip when rotating dial 46. In alternative embodiments, luminosity selector assembly 28 may have a plurality of predetermined lumen output levels. For example, the luminosity selector assembly 28 may be disposed in a first or "off" position, a second or "low" position, a third or "medium" position, and a fourth or "high" position. It should be appreciated that the luminosity selector assembly 28 may have other mechanical or electrical configurations, which may further improve its ability to function as a dimmer for the portable lamp 10.
It should be appreciated that luminosity selector assembly 28 may be configured to be replaced with an assembly of one or more buttons, switches, sliders, local sensors (e.g., motion, light, sound, heat, motion), or other types of electrical selection devices. In one embodiment, the rotary dial 46 and its associated circuitry may be replaced by a button and necessary circuitry to allow the user to light up or "turn on" the portable light 10 when the button is pressed, and not light up or turn off the portable light 10 when the button is pressed again after the portable light 10 is in a lit state. In another alternative embodiment, the rotary dial 46 and its associated circuitry may be replaced by buttons and necessary circuitry to allow the user to: (i) a first press of the button to illuminate or "turn on" the portable light 10; (ii) (ii) hold the button to illuminate and adjust the brightness of the portable light 10, or (iii) press the button again after the portable light 10 is illuminated to not illuminate or "turn off" the light 10. Additionally, the luminosity selector assembly 28 may be located remotely from the portable light 10. For example, the luminosity selector component 28 may be located on a remote wireless device, such as the remote device described in U.S. patent application 15/812,852 filed 5/17/2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Another example of a remote wireless device includes a cell phone, laptop, RF remote control, or other device (e.g., wireless camera, motion sensor, light sensor, timer, etc.) that connects to the portable lamp 10 via the internet.
As best shown in fig. 1 and 6, a luminosity indicator 62 may be provided on the end wall 38 or luminosity selector assembly 28. The luminosity indicator 62 contains visual information, including shapes, letters, or numbers, for informing the user about the operation of the luminosity selector assembly 28. In some embodiments, as exemplarily shown in fig. 6, the luminosity indicator 62 includes the word "off" 64 indicating zero luminosity and a visual image indicating gradually increasing luminosity 66. In other embodiments, luminosity indicator 62 may have multiple words (e.g., "off," "low," "medium," and "high"), may be made of a reflective material, may be a light emitting diode or TFT display.
The upper housing 26 also contains components that help position and secure the electrical components of the portable lamp 10 within the first end assembly 24. As best shown in fig. 1, 9 and 13, the upper housing 26 further includes: (i) the notch 68, (ii) the mode selector bore 70, (iii) the first set of internal threads 72, (iv) the second set of internal threads 74, (v) the first set of external threads 76, and (vi) the upper flange 78. The notch 68 accommodates a range of O-rings 80, the O-rings 80 being located between the upper housing 26 and a mode selector ring 82 of the mode selector. This configuration helps maintain the spacing between the mode selector ring 82 and the outer surface of the upper housing 26 to ensure smooth operation of the mode selector ring 82. The first set of internal threads 72 have an inner diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the second set of threads 74, wherein the first set of internal threads 72 are configured to receive a degree of luminosity PCB54 and a mode selector PCB 84. This configuration allows for quick assembly of the portable lamp 10 and replacement of either the luminosity PCB54 or the mode selector PCB84 (if one of these PCBs is damaged). The first set of external threads 76 are configured to receive the internal threads 75 of the connector rings 34, 36. As will be described in more detail below, the mode selector PCB84 helps control which lighting elements 100 are illuminated.
The first end assembly 24 also includes a first spacer 86 and a second spacer 88 that are positioned adjacent to the luminosity PCB54 or the mode selector PCB 84. These spacers 86, 88 allow: (i) including the gap between the moving parts within the first end assembly 24 and (ii) the circuit components (e.g., capacitors, resistors, microprocessors, etc.) operatively coupled to the PCBs 54, 84. Specifically, the first and second shims 86, 88 extend only partially around the perimeter of the mode selector PCB84 to ensure that they do not interfere with the moving components of the first end assembly 24. The first and second shims 86, 88 also have a protrusion 90 that aligns with a recess formed in the interior of the first end assembly 24. These tabs 90 help ensure proper positioning of the PCBs 54, 84 and other components within the first end assembly 24.
The mode selector assembly 32 allows a user to select the mode of operation of the portable lamp 10. In particular, the mode selector assembly 32 allows a user to select one of the lighting elements 100 for illumination or a plurality of the lighting elements 100 for illumination. The selection is performed by angularly displacing the mode selector 32 about the central axis a-a. Referring to fig. 9 and 13, the mode selector assembly 32 includes: (i) mode selector ring 82, (ii) mode selector PCB84, (iii) mode selector hole 70, (iv) mode selector arm 92, (v) screw 94, (vi) spring 96 and (vii) ball 98. The mode selector ring 82 is slidably coupled to the upper housing and circumscribes a portion 102 of the upper housing 26. In particular, the mode selector ring 82 is positioned between the upper flange 78 of the upper housing 26 and the first connector ring 34. The mode selector ring 82 is configured to be angularly displaced relative to the upper housing 26. As shown in fig. 1-5, the mode selector ring 82 may have a textured or knurled (e.g., slits, angled or intersecting lines) engagement surface 106 and a substantially flat secondary exterior surface 104. A textured or knurled surface 106 may be included to enhance the grip of the user when rotating the mode selector ring 82. It should be understood that the textured or knurled surface 106 (see fig. 23-25) may be omitted or may be reduced in size. The secondary exterior surface 104 may include a selection indicator 108 to indicate which illumination mode has been selected.
During operation, a user aligns the selection indicator 108 with an illumination pattern indicia 110 disposed on the side of the upper flange 78. Specifically, mode flags 110 may include "off" 110a, "I" 110b, "II" 110c, "III" 110d, and "IV" 110 e. The upper flange 78 does not move relative to the mode selector ring 82. Thus, application of an angular force on the mode selector ring 82 relative to the upper flange 78 causes the selection indicator 108 to move relative to the mode indicia 110. It should be noted that the mode selector ring 82 may only need to be angularly displaced approximately 100 degrees to move the mode selector ring 82 from the first or "off" position to the final or fully open position. However, it should be understood that other degrees of angular displacement between modes of operation may be selected (e.g., 5 to 360 degrees).
The mode selector ring 82 also has a substantially smooth inner surface 111, with a recess 112 formed in the inner surface 111. The mode selector arm 92 is coupled to the center of the mode selector PCB84 by a screw 94 and is configured to extend through the mode selector aperture 70 and into the confines of a recess 112 formed in an inner surface 111 of the mode selector ring 82. The spring 96 and ball 98 are configured to be positioned between the mode selector arm 92 and the mode selector PCB 84. The ball 98 is configured to be positioned within a pocket 114 formed in the mode selector PCB 84. During operation, a user may exert an angular force on the mode selector ring 82 to move the selection indicator 108 away from the mode indicia 110 a. This clockwise angular force exerts pressure on the ball 98 causing the ball 98 to exert downward pressure on the spring 96, which allows the ball 98 to move out of the pocket 114a formed in the mode selector PCB 84. The ball 98 then slides radially along the mode selector PCB84 while remaining in contact therewith. Once the user has moved the mode selector ring 82 to the point where the selection indicator 108 is aligned with the mode indicia 110b, the ball 98 is pushed by the spring 96 into a different pocket 114b formed in the mode selector PCB 84. Once the ball 98 contacts the different dimples 114, the mode of operation of the portable light 10 is changed. Additional details regarding the operation of the mode selector assembly 32 will be discussed in greater detail below.
It should be appreciated that the mode selector assembly 32 may be configured to be replaced with one or more buttons, switches, sliders, local sensors (e.g., motion, light, sound, heat, motion), or other types of electrical selection device components. In one embodiment, the mode selector ring 82 and its associated circuitry may be replaced by buttons and necessary circuitry to allow the user to select the desired mode of operation by pressing the buttons a predetermined number of times. For example, the user: (i) the button may be pressed once to "turn on" lighting element 100, (ii) the button may be pressed twice to turn on two of lighting elements 100, or (iii) the button may be pressed five times to "turn off" lighting element 100. In addition, the luminosity selector assembly 28 may be located remotely from the portable lamp 10. For example, the luminosity selector assembly 28 may be located on a remote wireless device, such as the remote device described in U.S. patent application 15/812,852 filed 5/17/2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Another example of a remote wireless device includes a cell phone, laptop, RF remote control, or other device (e.g., wireless camera, motion sensor, light sensor, timer, etc.) that connects to the portable lamp 10 via the internet.
As best shown in fig. 9, the lighting element holder 118 electrically couples the lighting element 100 to the first power PCB 124. The lighting element holder 118 comprises substantially straight portions 120, which are connected to each other by angled projections 122. Angled tabs 122 extend above and below the substantially straight portion 120. The top extension of the angled protrusion 122 defines a receptacle that receives a range of retaining rings 116. This configuration centers the lighting element holder 118 in the middle of the portable lamp 10. The angled protrusion 122 operatively couples the first power PCB124 to the lighting element 100 by applying pressure to an extent of the outer surface of the lighting element 100. The coupling of the first power PCB124 to the lighting elements will be described in more detail below.
The first power PCB124 is configured to electrically couple the lighting element 100 with: (i) a power supply 134, (ii) a first power supply PCB124, (iii) a mode selector PCB84, (iv) a light emitting PCB54, and (v) other circuit components. Referring to fig. 9, the first power PCB124 includes a top surface 126 and a bottom surface 128. The top surface 126 includes surface mounted circuitry such as resistors, capacitors, and the like. The bottom surface 128 of the first power PCB124 includes power contacts made of a conductive material and configured to contact the power source 134. In particular, the power contact comprises two separate contacts coplanar with each other, wherein the first contact 123 is a small disc, located in the center of the portable lamp 10, and the second contact 125 is a ring surrounding the first contact 123. As will be discussed in more detail below, the first contact 123 is configured to receive a positive charge from the power source 134 when the second contact 125 is configured to receive a negative charge from the power source 134. It should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the first contact 123 may receive a negative charge from the power source 134, while the second contact 125 may receive a positive charge from the power source 134. Furthermore, the configuration of the contacts forming the power contacts may include other configurations, such as contacts placed side-by-side or contacts located at different heights compared to each other.
The first power PCB124 also includes a tab 132 and PCB lighting contacts 130 disposed on the sides of the first power PCB 124. The tab 132 extends radially outward from the first power PCB124 and includes a hole 138 formed therethrough. The aperture 138 is configured to receive a portion of the intermediate portion 22 of the portable light 10. The PCB lighting contacts 130 are formed between the protrusions 132. This arrangement of the projections 132 and apertures 138 helps to ensure that the PCB lighting contacts 130 are properly aligned with the intermediate portion 22. Specifically, lighting element 100 has lighting element contacts 129 disposed on a rear surface 136 of lighting element 100. When the portable light 10 is assembled, the lighting element contacts 129 are located adjacent to the PCB lighting contacts 130. The positional relationship between the lighting element contacts 129 and the PCB lighting contacts 130 is maintained by an inwardly directed force applied to the outer surface of the lighting element 100 by the lighting element holder 118. It should be understood that other methods, such as soldering a wire to each contact, may be used to operatively couple lighting element 100 with first power PCB 124.
Referring to fig. 1, 9-11, and 13, the middle portion 22 of the portable light 10 includes a middle or middle housing 140 and one or more lighting elements 100. The intermediate housing 140 extends between the first end assembly 24 and the second end assembly 142. The middle case 140 includes: (i) a central body 144 having a first end 146 and a second end 148, (ii) a plurality of outer ribs 150 radially from the central body 144 and along a length L of the central body 144CBLongitudinally extending, (iii) a plurality of channels 158 extending transversely between the pair of ribs 150 and along the length L of the central body 144CBLongitudinally extending, (iv) a set of projections 151 extending from the first end 146 of the central body 144, and (v) a set of recesses 152 located near the second end 148 of the central body 144. Preferably, the projections 151 are angularly aligned with the ribs 150 (see fig. 13) such that the projections 151 extend longitudinally from the ribs 150. The central body 144 has an elongated, substantially cylindrical configuration, wherein the length L of the central body 144CB(see fig. 9) substantially exceeds the width of the central body 144. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the central body 144 may have alternative configurations, such as triangular prisms, rectangular prisms, cubes, pentagonal prisms, hexagonal prisms, octagonal prisms, spheres, cones, tetrahedrons, cuboids, dodecahedrons, icosahedrons, toroids, octahedrons, ellipsoids, or any other similar shape.
The central body 144 is configured to be operably coupled to the first end assembly 24 and the second end assembly 142. Specifically, the external threads 154 formed in the protrusion 151 of the central body 144 are configured to be received by the second set of internal threads 74 formed in the upper housing 26; thereby operatively coupling the first end assembly 24 to the intermediate housing 140. The external threads 196 formed in the recess 152 of the center body 144 are configured to be received by a set of internal threads 194 formed in the base connector 184; thereby operatively coupling the second end assembly 142 to the intermediate housing 140.
A receptacle 153 is formed within the central body 144 and is configured to receive at least a majority of the power source 134, and preferably the entire power source 134. In the embodiment of the figures, including fig. 9 and 10, the power source 134 is fully contained within the receptacle 153, with the power source 134 radially inward from: (i) a central body 144, (ii) a plurality of outer ribs 150, (iii) a plurality of channels formed between the ribs 150, and (iv) a lighting element 100. In other words, the receptacle 153 is configured to surround the power supply 134, which in turn positions the power supply 134 substantially in the center of the portable light 10.
A plurality of outer ribs 150 extend radially outward from the central body 144 and along the length L of the central body 144CBExtending longitudinally. As shown in FIG. 10, the central body 144 has an inner diameter and an outer diameter that is less than the outer diameter defined by the outer surfaces 176 of the plurality of ribs 150. Each rib 150 includes two lateral projections 160 extending in transverse directions opposite one another, which provide the rib 150 with a "T-shaped" cross-section. Like the ribs 150, the lateral projections 160 also follow the length L of the central body 144CBExtending longitudinally. The lateral projections 160 form recesses 161 on each side of the rib 150 that are configured to receive portions of the lens 168, as described below. In one embodiment (see fig. 10-11), the ribs 150 may be evenly spaced circumferentially a distance around the central body 144. Thus, this configuration alternates between the ribs 150 and the lens 168 to provide a portable light 10 that can radiate light in all directions or 360 degrees. In alternative embodiments, the ribs 150 may not be evenly spaced around the central body 144.
The area between each pair of ribs 150 forms a channel 158. Thus, each channel 158 extends longitudinally along the central body 144. These channels 158 may have an arcuate or curvilinear configuration, as shown in fig. 10 and 11. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13, the channel 158 may be substantially flat. Each channel 158 is configured to receive one of the lighting elements 100. This configuration allows the lighting element 100 to be positioned radially outward of the central axis a-a while extending longitudinally along the housing 140 in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the central axis a-a. This in turn allows light emitted from the one or more lighting elements 100 to radiate primarily in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing 140 and the longitudinal axis of the power supply 134. In other words, the "light" emitted from one or more lighting elements 100 is not configured to emit light that is predominantly parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing 140 or the longitudinal axis of the power source 134.
As described above, each channel 158 is configured to receive one of the lighting elements 100. Accordingly, lighting element 100 is configured to extend longitudinally along central body 144. As shown in fig. 9 and 13, lighting element 100 extends almost the entire length of power supply 134. In other words, the length of lighting element 100 is nearly as long as the length of power supply 134 (e.g., 90% of the length). In addition, as shown in fig. 9 and 13, the length of the lighting element 100 is greater than the length of the central body 144. This configuration facilitates retaining the lighting element 100 within the portable light 10.
Each lighting element 100 has a lighting element PCB 162 and an emitter assembly 164. The lighting element PCB 162 is disposed radially inward of the emitter assembly 164 and the lens 168 and is configured to be positioned within the channel 158. As shown in fig. 9 and 13, the lighting element PCB 162 has a longer configuration than the emitter assembly 164 and the lens 168, which allows the lighting element PCB 162 to extend into the range of the first and second assemblies 24, 142 and the emitter assembly 164 to position the lighting element PCB 162 outside of the first and second assemblies 24, 142. This configuration facilitates operative coupling of the power source 134 and the transmitter assembly 164. Thus, the lighting element PCB 162 extends longitudinally along the central body 144.
As described above, the lighting element 100 has the lighting element contacts 129 and the rear surface 136. A particular structure of the lighting element 100 that includes these structures is a lighting element PCB 162. Thus, the lighting element PCB 162 is configured to be operatively coupled to the first power supply PCB 124. The transmitter assembly 164 is also configured to be operably coupled to the transmitter assembly 164. Thus, when the portable light 10 is in the "on" position, the lighting element PCB 162 allows current to flow from the power source 134 to the emitter assembly 164.
The emitter assembly 164 is disposed on the outer surface of the lighting element PCB 162, while being radially inward of the lens 168. Each emitter assembly 164 may consist of between 10 and 200 individual emitters 165, preferably between 15 and 150 individual emitters 165, and most preferably between 50 and 100 individual emitters 165. Each individual emitter 165 that is part of the emitter assembly 164 is configured to emit light when the lighting element PCB 162 supplies power to the emitter assembly 164. Each emitter assembly 164 may produce 0 to 1000 lumens, preferably between 0 and 750 lumens, most preferably 0 to 500 lumens. Thus, a portable lamp 10 having four light emitter assemblies 164 can produce 0 to 4000 lumens, preferably between 0 and 3000 lumens, most preferably between 0 and 2000 lumens. It should be understood that in other embodiments, each individual emitter 165 included in the emitter assembly 164 may not be configured to emit light when power is applied to the emitter assembly 164. For example, the user may select a desired individual emitter 165 that the user wants to illuminate while maintaining the other individual emitters 165 in an unlit state.
As shown in fig. 9-11, the portable lamp 10 does not include a secondary optic nor a reflector. Thus, substantially all of the light emitted from the emitter assembly 164 passes directly from the emitter assembly 164 through the lens 168 and to the ambient environment. Such a configuration may be desirable because there is substantially no light loss due to absorption by materials outside of the lens 168. Furthermore, this configuration allows for a uniform and broad distribution of light. This configuration may be achieved by using chip-on-board ("COB") LEDs or surface mount device LEDs. In such a configuration, there is no secondary optic, and the lens 168, which serves as the primary optic, may be configured to cover the plurality of individual light emitters 165 as part of the emitter assembly 164. In particular, if COB LEDs are used as the emitter assembly 164, the lens 168 may cover at least 20 individual light emitters 165, and preferably all individual light emitters 165 (e.g., 60 individual light emitters).
In other embodiments, secondary optics or reflectors may be used. For example, if a standard LED is selected as the emitter, the portable lamp 10 may have secondary optics. In this configuration, the primary optic of the standard LED is the optic surrounding the LED, and the secondary optic is the lens 168. The secondary optic may be configured to protect the standard LED from the ambient environment and to protect the user from the hot outer surface of the primary optic behind the LED. Alternatively, the portable light 10 may include a reflector positioned between an edge of the emitter assembly 164 and the rib 150. The reflector may help focus the light emitted from the emitter assembly 164 in a particular direction to achieve a desired light distribution. In another alternative, the emitter assembly 164 may be positioned such that it faces inward, toward the center of the portable lamp 10, and the reflector may direct light from the emitter assembly 164 out through the lens 168. This configuration may provide a softer lighting effect because direct light emitted from the emitter assembly 164 does not exit the portable light 10 unreflected. It should be understood that any combination of these alternative embodiments may be incorporated into the portable light 10. For example, the elongated light source may have: i) a lighting element 100 having a recessed emitter assembly 164, the emitter assembly 164 comprising a reflector extending from an outer edge of the recessed emitter assembly 164 to an outer edge of the rib 150, and ii) lighting elements 100 without reflectors or secondary optical elements positioned on both sides of the first lighting element 100.
The lens 168 is positioned radially outward from the lighting element PCB 162 and emitter assembly 164 and serves as the primary optic of the lighting element 100. Lens 168 has an inner surface 172 and an outer surface 174, wherein outer surface 174 is configured to be radially aligned with an outer surface 176 of rib 150. This configuration provides a substantially smooth outer surface of the portable light 10. The lens 168 includes one or more lens tabs or protrusions 170 sized to be received by the recess 161 to secure the peripheral edge of the lens 168 under the lateral projections 160 of the ribs 150. The lens 168 serves to physically protect the lighting element PCB 162 and the emitter assembly 164 while allowing at least a substantial portion or all of the light generated by the emitter assembly 164 to pass through the lens 168. As shown in fig. 10, the central body 144 has an inner diameter and an outer diameter that are both smaller than an outer diameter defined by the outer surfaces 174 of the plurality of lenses 168. The outer surface 174 of each lens 168 has a curvilinear configuration and the outer surface 176 of each rib 150 has a curvilinear configuration, wherein the outer surfaces 174, 176 are substantially flush with each other. Moreover, the outer surfaces 174, 176 combine to provide the central body 144 with a substantially smooth outer curvilinear surface that is free of significant gaps or ridges that facilitate a user's easy grasping of the central body 144 to secure the lamp 10 and improve the aesthetic appearance of the lamp 10.
Depending on the type of emitter assembly 164 selected and the configuration of the channel 158, the inner surface 172 of the lens 168 may be in contact with the outer surface of the emitter assembly 164 (see fig. 10-11), or there may be an air gap 166 between the outer surface of the emitter assembly 164 and the inner surface 172 of the lens 168. The air gap 166 may be filled with standard air, inert gas, or a material that changes the reflective properties of the emitter assembly 164 (e.g., fused silica or fluorite). In alternative embodiments, the lens 168 may be omitted, its configuration may be changed, or there may be multiple lenses. For example, if the selected emitter assembly 164 already has a protective cover, the lens 168 may be omitted.
In some embodiments, middle portion 22 includes four lighting elements 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d positioned radially around housing 140 and power source 134. The four lighting elements 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d may be evenly spaced radially around the exterior of the intermediate portion 22. This configuration allows each lighting element 100 to project light in a 90 degree radial pattern around portable lamp 10. Thus, when both lighting elements 100 are illuminated, the portable lamp projects light in a 180 degree pattern around the portable lamp 10. Similarly, when all four lighting elements 100 are illuminated, the lamp projects light in a 360 degree pattern around the portable lamp 10. This configuration positions power supply 134 between lighting elements 100a and 100 c. Likewise, power source 134 is also located between lighting elements 100b and 100 d. Specifically, power source 134 is centered between lighting elements 100a and 100 c. Likewise, power source 134 is centered between lighting elements 100b and 100 d. Thus, the lighting element 100 is configured to project light in a 360 degree pattern around the power source 134.
It should be understood that lighting elements 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d may not be evenly spaced around the exterior of intermediate portion 22. For example, it may be beneficial to place two lighting elements adjacent to each other to provide more focused light in one area. Additionally, it should be understood that more or less than four lighting elements 100 may be included in intermediate portion 22. For example, middle portion 22 may include one lighting element 100 or ten lighting elements 100 that extend the entire length of middle portion 22. In particular, one lighting element 100 may be utilized that surrounds the entire central body 144. Moreover, other configurations of lighting element 100 are contemplated herein. For example, middle portion 22 may include eight lighting elements 100, wherein each lighting element 100 does not extend the entire length of middle portion 22. Rather, each lighting element 100 extends only from an edge of intermediate portion 22 to the middle of intermediate portion 22. It is to be understood that any combination of the above embodiments is contemplated by the present disclosure.
The power source 134 is configured to be positioned within a receptacle 153 formed within the central body 144. The power supply 134 provides power to the portable light 10. Referring to fig. 8-10 and 26-28, the power source 134 may be a combination of removable, non-rechargeable batteries 278 disposed within the battery compartment 250. The battery case 250 includes: (i) first end cap 252, (ii) second end cap 254, (iii) a plurality of first end cap contacts 256, (iv) a plurality of second end cap contacts 258, (v) a first battery cartridge PCB 260, (vi) a second battery cartridge PCB 262, connecting wires 264, (vii) a plurality of ribs 265. The first plurality of end cap contacts 256 has three separate end cap contacts 266, 268, and 270, while the second plurality of end cap contacts 258 also has three separate end cap contacts 272, 274, and 276. A plurality of first end cap contacts 256 extend through the first end cap 252 and are configured to operatively couple the non-rechargeable batteries 278 disposed within the battery compartment 250 to the first power PCB124 when the power source 34 is disposed within the portable lamp 10. A plurality of second end cap contacts 258 extend through the second end cap 254 and are configured to operatively couple the non-rechargeable batteries 278 disposed within the battery compartment 250 to the second power PCB178 when the power supply 134 is disposed within the portable light 10.
The plurality of ribs 265 formed in the battery compartment 250 may include three elongated ribs connecting the first end cap 252 to the second end cap 254. These elongated ribs 265 hold a removable non-rechargeable battery 278 within the battery compartment 250 (e.g., a 9AA battery). To facilitate retaining the battery 278 within the battery compartment 250 when the battery 278 is placed within the battery compartment 250, the ribs 265 may have protrusions configured to extend around portions of the battery 278. It should be understood that different configurations of the battery cartridge 250 may be implemented such that additional (e.g., 12 or 15 total batteries) or fewer (e.g., 1-9 total batteries) batteries 278 or larger (e.g., C or D) or smaller (e.g., AAAA or AAA) battery sizes are used.
First and second battery cartridge PCBs 260 and 262 are positioned between elongated rib 265 and end caps 252 and 254, respectively. The first battery cartridge PCB 260 includes a plurality of contacts 280 disposed on an inner surface and a plurality of contacts 282 disposed on an outer surface. The inner surface contacts 280 are configured to contact the positively charged ends of the cells 278, while the outer surface contacts 282 are configured to contact the plurality of first end cap contacts 256. The first battery compartment PCB 260 electrically couples all of the inner surface contacts 280 together with the end cap contacts 262. This allows positive charge from all removable non-rechargeable batteries 278 to be connected to the first contact 123 on the first power PCB124 when the power supply 134 is positioned within the portable light 10. The first battery cartridge PCB 260 electrically couples the outer surface contacts 282 together, the outer surface contacts 282 being electrically connected to the end cap contacts 260 and 264.
The second battery compartment PCB 262 includes a plurality of contacts 284 disposed on an inner surface and a plurality of contacts 286 disposed on an outer surface. The inner surface contacts 284 are configured to contact the negatively charged end of the battery 278, while the outer surface contacts 286 are configured to contact the plurality of second end cap contacts 258. Second battery compartment PCB 262 electrically couples all of inner surface contacts 284 together with end cap contacts 266 and 270. This allows negative charge from all removable non-rechargeable batteries 278 to be connected to the second power supply PCB178 when the power supply 134 is disposed in the portable light 10. Connecting wires 264 extend from the first battery cartridge PCB 260 to the second battery cartridge PCB 262 and electrically couple the end cap contacts 260 and 264 with the contacts 268.
Referring to fig. 26 and 27, the configuration of the power supply 134 allows it to supply power to the portable light 10 regardless of the direction in which the power supply 134 is inserted into the portable light 10. In other words, the portable light 10 will operate when the first end cap 252 is placed near the first power PCB124 or when the first end cap 252 is placed near the second power PCB 178. The following describes how current flows through the portable light 10 when the first end cap 252 is placed adjacent the first power PCB124 (see fig. 27). Positive current flows from the removable non-rechargeable battery 278 to all of the inner surface contacts 280 on the first battery cartridge PCB 260. Next, the current flows from the inner surface contacts 280 to the outer surface contacts 282 corresponding to the end cap contacts 268. Next, current flows from the outer surface contacts 282 corresponding to the end cap contacts 268. The current then flows from the end cap contact 268 to the first contact 123 associated with the first power PCB 124. The current then flows from the first contacts 123 associated with the first power PCB124 to the circuitry 499 contained within the portable light 10 that includes the lighting element 100. Next, current flows from the circuitry 499 contained within the portable light 10 to the second contacts 125 associated with the first power PCB 124. Next, current flows from the second contact 125 associated with the first power PCB124 to the end cap contacts 266 and 270. Next, the current flows from the end cap contacts 266 and 270 to the outer surface contacts 282 associated with the end cap contacts 266 and 270. Next, current flows from the outer surface contacts associated with end cap contacts 266 and 270 to connection line 264. Next, a current flows from the first end of the connection line 264 to the second end of the connection line 264. Next, the current flows from the second end of the connection line 264 to the outer surface contact 286 associated with the end cap contact 274. Next, current flows from the outer surface 286 contact associated with the end cap contact 274 to the end cap contact 274. The current then flows from the end cap contact 274 to the second power PCB 178. Next, current flows from the second power PCB178 to the end cap contacts 272 and 276. The current then flows from the end cap contacts 272 and 276 to the outer surface contacts 286 of the second battery cartridge PCB 262 to all of the inner surface contacts 284. Finally, current flows from the inner surface contacts 284 to the negative terminal of the battery 278.
Optionally, the following describes how current flows through the portable light 10 when the second end cap 254 is placed adjacent the first power PCB124 (see fig. 28). Negative current flows from the removable non-rechargeable battery 278 to all of the inner surface contacts 284 on the second battery compartment PCB 262. Next, the current flows from the inner surface contacts 284 to the outer surface contacts 286 corresponding to the end cap contacts 272 and 276. Next, current flows from outer surface contact 286, which corresponds to end cap contacts 272 and 276, to end cap contacts 272 and 276. Next, current flows from the end cap contacts 272 and 276 to the second contact 125 associated with the first power PCB 124. Then, current flows from the second contacts 125 associated with the first power PCB124 through the circuitry 499 contained in the portable light 10, including the lighting element 100. Next, current flows from the circuitry 499 contained within the portable light 10 to the first contact 123 associated with the first power PCB 124. Next, current flows from the first contact 123 associated with the first power PCB124 to the end cap contact 274. Next, the current flows from the end cap contact 274 to the outer surface contact 286 associated with the end cap contact 274. The current then flows from the outer surface contact 286 associated with the end cap contact 274 to the connection line 264. Then, the current flows from the first end of the connection line 264 to the second end of the connection line 264. The current then flows from the second end of the connection line 264 to the outer surface contacts 282 associated with the end cap contacts 266 and 270. Next, current flows from the end cap contacts 266 and 270 to the second power PCB 178. Next, current flows from the second power PCB178 to the end cap contacts 268. The current flows from the end cap contact 268 to the outer surface contacts 282 associated with the end cap contact 268. The current then flows from the outer surface contacts 282 associated with the end cap contact 268 to all of the inner surface contacts 280. Finally, the positive current flows from the inner surface contact 280 to the positive terminal of the battery 278. Thus, the power supply 134 may be operatively connected to the portable light 10 in any orientation.
It should be understood that the power source 134 may be a removable non-rechargeable battery, a removable rechargeable battery, a combination of removable rechargeable batteries disposed in the battery compartment 250, a non-removable rechargeable battery, a combination of non-removable rechargeable batteries disposed within the battery compartment 250, a direct current power source configured to connect to a 12 volt automotive battery, a DC power source configured to connect to a 110 volt ac power outlet, or any other type of power source known to those skilled in the art, rather than a combination of removable non-rechargeable batteries 278 disposed within the battery compartment 250.
The second end assembly 142 is operatively connected to the second end 18 of the portable light 10. The second end assembly 142 allows the portable light to be mounted in a number of different positions (e.g., one is the magnetic support surface 44 with the retractable stabilizing assembly 192 in the retracted state 210 or the retractable stabilizing assembly 192 in the extended state 212). The second end assembly 142 includes: (i) connector ring 182, (ii) base connector 184, (iii) bottom housing 186, and (vi) retractable stabilizing assembly 192. The base connector 184 has a first set of internal threads 194 and two sets of external threads 196, 198. The first set of internal threads 194 are configured to engage a set of threads 196 located within a set of recesses 152 located proximate the second end 148 of the central body 144. This configuration secures the lighting element 100 within the channel 158 formed within the intermediate housing 140. While the first set of external threads 196 is configured to engage the threads on the connector ring 182, the second set of external threads 198 is configured to operatively engage a set of internal threads 202 disposed within the bottom housing 186. The threads 198, 202 enable a user to remove the bottom housing 186 from the middle housing 140. Thereby allowing the user to replace the power source 134 or couple other accessories to the portable light 10. It should be understood that the bottom housing 186 may be coupled to the intermediate housing 140 using other methods, such as a quarter-turn adapter, bayonet connector, press-fit connector, or other connectors known to those skilled in the art.
The bottom case 186 includes: (i) a second power supply PCB178, (ii) a magnet receptacle 188, and (iii) a magnet 190. The bottom housing 186 may have a textured or knurled (e.g., slits, bevels, or intersecting lines) outer surface 187. A textured or knurled surface 187 may be included to enhance the grip of the user when rotating the bottom housing 186. It should be understood that the textured or knurled surface 187 (see fig. 23-25) may be omitted or may be reduced in size. As described above, the second power PCB178 is configured to contact the power supply 134 to complete the circuit. The magnet receptacle 188 extends from a bottom surface 199 of the bottom housing 186. This configuration places the magnet 190 a safe distance from the second power PCB178 to ensure that the magnet does not interfere with the circuitry of the portable light 10. The magnet 190 is disposed within the magnet receptacle 188 and is substantially flush or in the same plane as the bottom surface 199 of the bottom housing 186. This configuration ensures that the maximum surface area of the magnet 190 is in contact with the support surface 44. The strength of the magnet is sufficient to maintain the portable light 10 in a horizontal position from the vertical support surface 44. In particular, the strength of the magnets is between 300 and 30 millitera, preferably between 200 and 75 millitera, and most preferably between 150 and 100 millitera. Alternatively, the magnet 190 may be weaker, substantially stronger, or may be electromagnetically controlled by a battery.
Retractable stabilizing assemblies 192 are shown in fig. 1-5, 7-9, 11, 13, and 23-25. In some embodiments, as best shown in fig. 2, 3, 7-9, the retractable stabilizing assembly 192 includes one or more legs 204. The legs 204 are individually retractable and may be selectively positioned in an extended position 212, as shown in fig. 2 and 8, and may also be selectively positioned in a retracted position 210, as exemplarily shown in fig. 1, 3-5, and 7. When the legs 204 are in the retracted position 210, the outer surfaces of the legs 204 do not extend beyond the radius of the outer surface of the rib 150. When the legs are in the extended position 212, the outer surface of the legs 204 extend beyond the radius of the rib 150. This configuration enables the portable light 10 to more stably stand on the support surface 44, as shown in fig. 2.
The bottom housing 186 includes a recess 206 formed at least in part by the magnet receptacle 188. The feet 204 or at least portions of the feet 204 form a substantially flat and flush surface, or common plane, with the bottom surface 199 of the bottom housing 186. The legs 204 may also form a common plane with the magnet 190. Additionally, the legs 204 or at least portions of the legs may be disposed within the recesses 206 when the legs 204 are disposed in the retracted position 210. This configuration is facilitated by the substantially arcuate shape of the legs 204. In particular, when the legs 204 are disposed in the retracted position 210, the legs 204 may form a substantially circular shape and, thus, conform to the substantially cylindrical shape of the portable light 10.
Each of the one or more legs 204 may be hingedly attached to the bottom housing 186 of the portable light 10 at a pivot point 208, which pivot point 208 may form a fastener 209. The legs 204 may be biased toward one or more extended positions 212 and retracted positions 210. The legs 204 may also be locked in one or more of the extended position 212 and the retracted position 210 by a releasable locking system (not shown) by any mechanical fastening system generally known to those skilled in the art.
Referring to fig. 1-12, the stationary member 30 may support, suspend and/or support the portable light 10 during handling, storage and/or transportation. The first end 14 includes a securing member 30, the securing member 30 being pivotably attached to the first end 14. Specifically, the securing member 30 is coupled to the upper housing 26 at a pivot point 31, the pivot point 31 being disposed on an outer surface of the upper flange 78. This configuration allows the fixation member 30 to be pivotally attached to the first end 14 and selectively rotatable relative to the first end 14 between a plurality of orientations.
The fixation member 30 may have a substantially arcuate shape, but it should be understood that other shapes are also within the scope of the present disclosure. The securing member 30 may be selectively disposed in a first or stowed position 214, as exemplarily shown in fig. 3-6, 8-9, and 11. In the first position 214, the securing member 30 is located between the upper edge of the mode selector ring 82 and the outer rim 40. Thus, the fixation member 30 is positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the upper flange 78. In this first position 214, the fixation member 30 lies in a plane that is substantially parallel to the first end wall 38 and the outer edge 40.
The fixation member 30 may also be selectively disposed in a second or deployed position 216, as shown in fig. 1-2. In the second position 216, the securing member 30 is positioned above the outer rim 40. In this second position 216, the fixation member 30 may be positioned at any angle that places it above the outer rim 40, and fully deployed when the fixation member 30 is positioned substantially perpendicular to the outer rim 40. It should be understood that the fixation member 30 may also have a releasable locking system (not shown) that may secure the fixation member 30 in one or more positions (e.g., the first position 214 or the second position 216).
Fig. 12 is a circuit diagram of components included in the portable lamp 10. Specifically, the circuit part shown in fig. 12 includes: i) switches 218 and 226 corresponding to the mode flags 110a-110e, ii) switches 228 corresponding to the luminosity selector assembly 28, iii) the power supply 134, iv) the lighting elements 100a-100d, v) resistors and capacitors disposed on the luminosity PCB54, the mode selector PCB84, or the first power supply PCB124, including R5-R8, R12, R13, R15, C1-C3, and vi) the microcontroller 230. In this configuration, the microcontroller 230 accepts input from the switch 218 and 228 and power from the power supply 134 and outputs control signals to the lighting elements 100a-110 d. Circuit elements disposed on one of the PCBs 54, 84 or 124 may protect the microcontroller from current spikes or electrical noise, act as electrical filters, or act as dimming potentiometers for the luminosity selector assembly 28. Further, as shown in fig. 12, each of the lighting elements 100a-100d includes: i) emitter assembly 164, ii) two resistors (e.g., R10 and R14), iii) and a transistor (e.g., Q4). Each of these circuit elements included in the lighting elements 100a-100d is disposed on the lighting element PCB 162. It should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates other circuit configurations or arrangements of circuit elements on other PCBs. Further, it is contemplated by the present disclosure that other circuit elements may be included within portable lamp 10, such as a wireless communication module, additional microcontrollers, additional switches for controlling lumen output or selection of transmitter 164, or any other circuitry necessary to perform the functions described herein.
The following disclosure of the operation of the portable light 10 applies with equal force to all embodiments of the portable elongated light described herein (e.g., the first embodiment shown in fig. 1-13, the second embodiment shown in fig. 14-22, and the third embodiment shown in fig. 23-25). Specifically, in operation, a user may: (i) selectively mounting the portable light 10 in various ways, (ii) selecting a luminosity rating of the lighting elements 100, and (iii) selecting which lighting elements are illuminated 100. The user may move the securing member 30 to the deployed position 214, as best shown in fig. 1 and 2, wherein the user may then hang the portable light 10 via the deployed securing member 30 on an object or securing device (e.g., a hook) disposed above the portable light 10. Second, the user may releasably attach the magnet 190 located within the lower end 18 to a magnetic surface or object. Thus, the portable light 10 will be magnetically mounted to a selected magnetic surface or object in any orientation (e.g., to a metal surface of a tool box or vehicle). Third, the user may place the bottom surface 199 of the portable light 10 on the surface support surface 44 and deploy the retractable stabilizing assembly 192 (see fig. 2). Fourth, a user may manually carry the portable light 10 between locations for portable lighting, serving as a flashlight or lantern.
The user also has a number of options regarding the luminosity grade of the portable light 10. The luminosity selector assembly 28 can be manipulated to cause the illumination element 100 of the portable lamp 10 to produce zero luminosity. Alternatively, luminosity selector assembly 28 may be manipulated to cause one or more lighting elements 100 to generate various degrees of light. While fig. 1-11, 14-20, and 23-25 illustrate lighting elements 100 that produce zero light, fig. 21-22 illustrate each lighting element 100 emitting light as indicated by light line 232.
The user also has a number of options regarding the mode of operation of the portable light 10. The mode of operation may be selected or changed by manipulating the mode selector ring 82 relative to the mode indicia 110. In some embodiments, as shown, the selection indicators 108 on the mode selector ring 82 rotate relative to the mode indicia 110. The mode indicia 110 may include images or numbers, illustratively shown as I, II, III, and IV. When the selection indicator 108 is arranged corresponding to the mode indicia 110 (one of I, II, III and IV), the portable light 10 will operate in the operating mode corresponding to the selected mode indicia 110(I, II, III and IV). It should be understood that more, fewer, or alternative mode markers 110 are within the scope of the present disclosure.
Some modes of operation are discussed below. In the "off" mode of operation, no lighting element 100 is illuminated. The portable light 10 can be set to this "off" mode of operation in two different ways. The first way in which this "off" mode of operation may be achieved is for the user to place the mode selector ring 82 in the "off" position by aligning the selection indicator 108 with the mode indicia 110 a. In this configuration, the setting of the luminosity selector assembly 28 is not of concern because there are no lighting elements 100 selected for illumination. A second way in which this "off" mode of operation may be achieved is for the user to place the rotary dial 46 in the "off" position 64. In this configuration, the setting of the mode selector assembly 32 is irrelevant, as no current is applied to any lighting element 100.
In a first mode of operation, one of the lighting elements 100 is illuminated. For example, lighting element 100a may be illuminated. This second mode of operation is achieved by two means: i) rotating the luminosity selector ring 82 to align the selection indicator 108 with the mode mark 110 b; and ii) rotating the rotary dial 46 to issue a command for a luminosity greater than zero. If either of these components 28, 32 is located in a different position, the portable light 10 will not be in the second mode of operation. It should be understood that the user may then change the lumen output of the illuminated lighting element (e.g., 100a) by changing the position of the rotary dial 46. For example, a user may rotate dial 46 in a clockwise direction to increase lumen output or may rotate dial 46 in a counterclockwise direction to decrease lumen output.
In the second mode of operation, two lighting elements 100 are illuminated. For example, lighting elements 100a and 100b may be illuminated. This third mode of operation is achieved by two means: i) rotating the luminosity selector ring 82 to align the selection indicator 108 with the mode mark 110 c; and ii) rotate the rotary dial 46 to issue a command for a luminosity greater than zero. If either of these components 28, 32 is placed in a different position, the portable light 10 will not be in the third mode of operation. It should be understood that the user may then change the lumen output of the illuminated lighting elements (e.g., 100a and 100b) by changing the position of the rotary dial 46.
In a third mode of operation, three of the lighting elements 100 are illuminated. For example, lighting elements 100a, 100b, and 100c may be illuminated. This fourth mode of operation is achieved by two means: i) rotating the luminosity selector ring 82 to align the selection indicator 108 with the mode mark 110 d; and ii) rotating the rotary dial 46 to issue a command for a luminosity greater than zero. If either of these components 28, 32 is located in a different position, the portable light 10 will not be in the fourth mode of operation. It should be understood that the user may then change the lumen output of the illuminated lighting elements (e.g., 100a, 100b, and 100c) by changing the position of the rotary dial 46.
In a fourth mode of operation, all four lighting elements 100 are illuminated. For example, lighting elements 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d may be illuminated. This fourth mode of operation is achieved by two means: i) rotating the luminosity selector ring 82 to align the selection indicator 108 with the mode mark 110 e; and ii) rotating the rotary dial 46 to issue a command for a luminosity greater than zero. If either of these components 28, 32 is placed in a different position, the portable light 10 will not be in the fifth mode of operation. It should be understood that the user may then change the lumen output of the illuminated lighting elements (e.g., 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d) by changing the position of the rotary dial 46.
In some embodiments, adjacent lighting elements 100, such as 100a and 100b or 100a-100c, may illuminate when a user manipulates both assemblies 28, 32 to command such light output. In other embodiments, non-adjacent lighting elements 100, such as 100a and 100c or 100b and 100d, may illuminate when a user manipulates both assemblies 28, 32 to command such light output. Other modes of operation may be configured within the portable light 10. For example, such operating modes may include: i) operating one or more lighting elements 100 in a flashing light pattern (e.g., strobe, SOS, etc.), ii) one or more lighting elements 100 illuminated in a different color than other lighting elements 100; iii) the lumen output of the one or more lighting elements 100 is different compared to the other lighting elements 100 (e.g., 100a outputs 2000 lumens and 100b outputs 500 lumens), iv) the one or more lighting elements 100 only illuminate a portion of the lighting elements 100 (e.g., the lower half of one lighting element 100 is illuminated), v) or a combination of any of these operating modes.
Similar to the portable light 10 described above, fig. 14-22 illustrate another embodiment of a portable light 1001. The portable light 1001 may be selectively installed in various ways, may select which lighting element 1100 is illuminated, and select a luminosity level of the lighting element 1100. For the sake of brevity, the above disclosure in connection with the portable light 10 will not be repeated below, but it should be understood that like numerals represent like structures in the various embodiments. For example, the disclosure regarding lighting element 100 applies equally to lighting element 1100. Further, it should be understood that the mode of operation of the portable light 1001 is similar or identical to the mode of operation disclosed with respect to the portable light 10. It should be understood that any one or more features of the portable light 10 may be used in combination with those disclosed with respect to the portable light 1001, and that any one or more features of the portable light 1001 may be used in combination with those disclosed with respect to the portable light 10.
The main differences between the portable lamp 10 and the portable lamp 1001 are: i) top assembly 1024 omits retaining member 30, ii) replaces retractable stabilizing assembly 192 with retaining assembly 1600, and iii) rotating dial 1046 with dial groove 61. The portable light 1001 is mechanically and electrically identical to the portable light 10, except for other differences.
The mounting assembly 1600 may support, suspend and/or support the portable light 10 during handling, storage and/or transportation. Second end 1018 includes a securing assembly 1600, the securing assembly 1600 being pivotably attached to second end 1018. In other words, this configuration allows the fixation assembly 1600 to be pivotably attached to the second end 1018, and may be selectively rotated between a plurality of orientations relative to the second end 1018.
The fixation assembly 1600 has a first arcuate member 1602. The first arcuate member 1602 may be selectively disposed in a first or stowed position 1610 as exemplarily shown in fig. 16-18 and 21-22. In the first position 1610, the first arcuate member 1602 is positioned adjacent the magnet 1190 and above the bottom surface 199 of the bottom housing 186. Thus, the first arcuate member 1602 is located within the recess or circular groove 1206. In the first position 1610, the first arcuate member 1602 lies in a plane that is substantially parallel to the bottom surface 199 of the bottom housing 186. In this second position 1612, first arcuate member 1602 may be positioned at any angle that places it below bottom surface 199, when first arcuate member 1602 is positioned substantially perpendicular to bottom surface 199, and first arcuate member 1602 is fully deployed. It should be appreciated that the first arcuate member 1602 may also have a releasable locking system (not shown) that may secure the first arcuate member 1602 in one or more positions (e.g., first position 1610 or second position 1612).
The mounting assembly 1600 may also have a second arcuate member 1604. Second arcuate member 1604 may be selectively disposed in a first or stowed position 1610, as exemplarily shown in fig. 16-18 and 21-22. In the first position 1610, the second arcuate member 1604 is positioned adjacent the magnet 1190 and above the bottom surface 199 of the bottom housing 186. Thus, second arcuate member 1604 is positioned within recess or circular groove 1206. In this first position 1610, the second arcuate member 1604 lies in a plane that is substantially parallel to the bottom surface 199 of the bottom housing 186. In this second position 1612, second arcuate member 1604 may be positioned at any angle that places it below bottom surface 199, with second arcuate member 1604 being fully deployed when second arcuate member 1604 is positioned substantially perpendicular to bottom surface 199. It should be appreciated that second arcuate member 1604 may also have a releasable locking system (not shown) that may secure second arcuate member 1604 in one or more positions (e.g., first position 1610 or second position 1612).
When the first and second arcuate members 1602, 1604 are both in the second position (see fig. 20), the arcuate members 1602, 1604 form an arc that extends from one side of the portable light 1001 to the other side of the portable light 1001. Additionally, it should be understood that first and second arcuate members 1602, 1604 may move independently of one another. Further, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for arcuate members 1602, 1604 to have other shapes or thicknesses.
Similar to the portable light 10 described above, fig. 23-25 illustrate another embodiment of a portable elongated light 2001. The portable elongated light 2001 may be selectively mounted in various ways, may select which lighting element 2100 to illuminate, and select a luminosity level of the lighting element 2100. For the sake of brevity, the above disclosure in connection with the portable lamp 10 will not be repeated below, but it should be understood that like numerals represent like structures in the embodiments. For example, the disclosure regarding lighting element 100 applies equally to lighting element 2100. Further, it should be understood that the mode of operation of the portable elongated light 2001 is similar or identical to the mode of operation disclosed with respect to the portable light 10. Moreover, it should be understood that any one or more features of the portable light 10 may be used in combination with those disclosed with respect to the portable elongated light 2001, and that any one or more features of the portable elongated light 2001 may be used in combination with those disclosed with respect to the portable light 10.
The main differences between the portable light 10 and the portable elongated light 2001 are: i) omitting the textured or knurled surface 106 from the mode selector ring 1082, ii) omitting the textured or knurled surface 187 from the bottom housing 1186, and iii) the securing member 1030 being positioned moved from an outer surface adjacent the rear surface 1078 for placement in the recess 1038. Placing the fixation member 1030 in the recess 1038 may be beneficial because variations in the fixation member 1030 will be accidentally caught on the protrusion, which may damage the fixation member 1030, may be reduced.
Accessories that may be used in conjunction with the portable light 10 are discussed below. For the sake of brevity, the following accessories are discussed only in connection with the portable light 10. However, it should be understood that the following accessories may be used in combination with any of the embodiments of the portable light 10, including the second and third embodiments 1001, 2001. The first accessory may include a flashlight head to which the second end 18 of the portable light 10 may be attached. Specifically, the user may remove the second end assembly 142 from the portable light 10 and replace the assembly 142 with a flashlight head. The first accessory will be directly connected to the power source 134 and will draw power therefrom. The first attachment may include a cone-shaped body, a reflector located within the cone-shaped body, an emitter located at a bottom of the reflector, and a switch. This first attachment allows the user to focus light in a direction perpendicular to the lighting element 100. During operation, the first accessory may disable the lighting elements or may function above with them. This accessory may be desirable because it may allow the portable elongated lamp to switch to lantern operation (e.g., illuminate the lighting element) in the first mode and to operate like a portable flashlight (e.g., illuminate the flashlight head) in the second mode.
The second accessory may include a speaker that may be connected to the second end 18 of the portable light 10. Specifically, the user may remove the second end assembly 142 from the portable light 10 and replace the assembly 142 with a speaker. This second accessory would be directly connected to power source 134 and would draw power therefrom. The second accessory may include a wireless module, an on/off button, and a pairing button. The wireless module contained in the speaker allows the user to connect to a portable device, such as a cellular phone or laptop computer, so that the speaker receives and plays audio signals. An on/off button turns the speaker on and off and a pairing button sends a signal to the wireless module to facilitate pairing of the wireless module with the portable device. The second accessory may have the same diameter as the portable light 10 or a larger diameter than the portable light 10. This second accessory enables the user to listen to music while using the light emitted from the portable lamp 10.
The third accessory may include a sensor, a wireless module or both that may be connected to the second end 18 of the portable light 10. Specifically, the user may remove the second end assembly 142 from the portable light 10 and replace the assembly 142 with a sensor or wireless module. This third accessory would be directly connected to power source 134 and would draw power therefrom. The sensor may be a motion sensor, a light sensor, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, an acceleration sensor, a sound sensor or any combination of these sensors. The wireless module may be compatible with bluetooth, NFC, Felica, WiFi, Zigbee, RFID, cellular, WiMAX, ISM, or any combination of these technologies. For example, if a local light sensor is included in the third accessory, the portable light 10 may cause the lighting element 100 not to illuminate in response to detecting light local to the portable light 10. In another embodiment, if a local acoustic sensor (e.g., a microphone) is included in the third accessory, the user may use voice commands to turn on the portable light 10. Alternatively, if a wireless module is attached to the portable lamp 10, the elongated lamp may be controlled by a remote device (e.g., a cell phone, laptop computer, RF remote control, wireless camera, remote motion sensor, remote light sensor, timer, or remote device, as described in U.S. patent application 15/812,852, filed 5, 17, 2018, which is fully incorporated herein by reference). This third accessory enables the portable light 10 to be remotely controlled by a user or sensor, which may be desirable in many situations.
The fourth accessory may comprise a tripod. Specifically, a user may remove the second end assembly 142 from the portable light 10 and replace the assembly 142 with a connector that may be attached to a tripod. The accessory may be useful for working at a construction site or taking photographs.
The fifth accessory may include a charging base. Specifically, a user may remove the second end assembly 142 from the portable light 10 and replace the assembly 142 with a second end assembly that includes a usb receptacle or a plurality of usb receptacles. In particular, the receptors may be positioned at the current location of the magnet 190, or they may be positioned on a surface of the bottom housing 186 that is perpendicular to the bottom surface 199. The location on this side may be beneficial as it will allow a user to place the second end 18 on a support surface while accessing the usb receptacle. This fifth accessory will be directly connected to power source 134 and will draw power therefrom.
The sixth accessory may include a different type of power source or backup power source 134. Thus, the sixth accessory may be a removable non-rechargeable battery, a combination of removable non-rechargeable batteries, a removable rechargeable battery, a combination of removable rechargeable batteries disposed within the battery compartment 250, a non-removable rechargeable battery, a combination of non-removable rechargeable batteries disposed within the battery compartment 250, a DC power source configured to connect to a 12 volt automotive battery, a DC power source configured to connect to a 110 volt AC outlet, or any other type of power source known to those skilled in the art.
The seventh appendage may comprise any combination of appendages one through six. For example, it may be desirable to have a portable light 10 with a rechargeable battery that includes a usb receptacle thereon, and the bottom housing may also have a usb receptacle. This would allow the user to charge the rechargeable battery using the usb cable. After the battery is charged and placed in the portable light 10, the user can then charge their cellular telephone from the portable light 10 without removing the battery from the light. Alternatively, it may be desirable to use a tripod in conjunction with a power supply that includes an AC-DC converter. The present disclosure contemplates other embodiments or combinations.
The portable light 10 has a number of advantages over existing lighting systems. Unlike lighting systems that provide only a single mounting configuration, luminosity pattern, and/or operating mode, the present disclosure provides a system that synergistically and advantageously combines at least all of these features to create a unified system that provides flexibility, portability, and varying operating mode functionality.
While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and/or other embodiments, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and embodiments, and that these teachings may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all applications, modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings. Other embodiments are also contemplated.
While some embodiments have been illustrated and described, many modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of this disclosure; and the scope of protection is limited only by the scope of the appended claims. For example, the overall shape of the portable light 10 may be a triangular prism, a rectangular prism, a cube, a pentagonal prism, a hexagonal prism, an octagonal prism, a sphere, a cone, a tetrahedron, a cuboid, a dodecahedron, an icosahedron, a torus, an octahedron, an ellipsoid, or any other similar shape. In particular, the portable light 10 may have a triangular or spherical shape and include a plurality of ribs 150, the illumination element 100, and an arrangement of the mode selector assembly 32 and the luminosity selector assembly 28. In this embodiment, the mode selector assembly 32 and the luminosity selector assembly 28 may be depressible buttons. Similarly, the portable lamp 10 may be configured in a hexagonal prism shape having six lighting elements 100. In particular, lighting element 100 may be located on the sides of a prism and rib 150 may be located on the apex. In addition, the mode selector assembly 32 and luminosity selector assembly 28 may be located on top of a hexagonal prism.
The length of the portable light 10 may be between 14 inches and 4 inches, preferably between 12 inches and 6 inches, and most preferably between 10 inches and 8 inches. The width of the portable light 10 may be between 5 inches and 0.5 inches, preferably between 3 inches and 1 inch, and most preferably between 2 inches and 1.5 inches. For example, the length of the portable light 10 is about 8 times the width, preferably 6 times the width, and most preferably at least 5 times the width. In a commercial embodiment, the portable light 10 may have a length of about 9.5 ± 1 inches and a diameter of about 1.7 ± 0.5 inches. This configuration allows the portable light 10 to have an elongated configuration because the length is significantly greater than the width.
In an embodiment where the portable light 10 is 1.8 inches in diameter and has four evenly spaced lighting elements 100, the arc length of each lighting element 100 may be between 0.4 inches and 0.2 inches, preferably between 0.35 and 0.25, and most preferably between 0.32 and 0.28. In an embodiment where the portable light 10 is 1.8 inches in diameter and the retractable stabilizing assembly 192 is in the retracted position 210, the outer diameter of the retractable stabilizing assembly 192 is 1.8 inches. In other words, when the retractable stabilizing assembly 192 is in the retracted position 210, the outer diameter of the retractable stabilizing assembly 192 is the same as the diameter of the portable light 10. In embodiments where the portable light 10 is 1.8 inches in diameter and the retractable stabilizing assembly 192 is in the deployed or extended position 212, the outer diameter of the retractable stabilizing assembly 192 is between 2.5 inches and 5 inches. In other words, when the retractable stabilizing assembly 192 is in the deployed position 212, the outer diameter of the retractable stabilizing assembly 192 is greater than the outer diameter of the portable light 10. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the retractable stabilizing assembly 192 is 4 times greater than the outer diameter of the portable light 10, preferably 3 times greater than the outer diameter of the portable light 10, and most preferably at least 1.5 times greater than the outer diameter of the portable light 10 when the retractable stabilizing assembly 192 is in the deployed position 212.
In an alternative embodiment, the mode selector assembly 32 and the luminosity selector assembly 28 may be combined into a single assembly that controls the luminosity and the operating mode of the portable lamp 10. For example, the combination component may be one or more buttons, switches, sliders, local sensors (e.g., motion, light, sound, heat, motion), or other types of electrical selection devices. In one embodiment, the combination assembly may be a single button that allows a user to select the illumination mode and the operational mode of the portable light 10 by utilizing a combination of pressing and/or holding the button in a pressed state. For example, the user: (i) a button may be pressed once to "turn on" a single lighting element 100, (ii) a button may be pressed three times to "turn on" three lighting elements 100, and (iii) held down for a predetermined time to alter the brightness or luminosity level. In addition, the single component may be located remotely from the portable light 10. Thus, in this configuration, the portable light 10 will not have any features on the portable light 10 itself that allow a user to control the operation of the lighting element 100. This configuration may allow the portable light 10 to be waterproof for up to 30 meters. For example, the luminosity selector assembly 28 may be located on a remote wireless device, such as the remote device described in U.S. patent application 15/812,852 filed 5/17/2018, which is fully incorporated herein by reference. Another example of a remote wireless device includes a cell phone, laptop, RF remote control, or other device (e.g., wireless camera, motion sensor, light sensor, timer, etc.) that connects to the portable lamp 10 via the internet.
In one embodiment, emitter assemblies 164 may be COB LEDs that do not require secondary optics, have good heat dissipation, and may have a higher density to form a more uniform/higher sheen. It should be understood that different types of emitter assemblies 164 may be utilized, such as: (i) a standard LED, (ii) an organic LED, (iii) an induced light plate, (iv) a silicon quantum dot phosphor (SiQD-phosphor), or (v) a surface mount device LED. Further, it should be understood that combinations of different types of emitter assemblies 164 may be utilized. For example, one light emitter component 164 may be a surface mounted LED, while the other light emitters 164 may be COB LEDs. It should also be understood that the lens 168 may also be omitted. In this configuration, there is no primary optic, no secondary optic and no reflector.
The shape of the lens 168 may vary depending on the type of emitter assembly 164 and the light distribution pattern selected. For example, as shown in fig. 10-11, the lens 168 may have a substantially uniform thickness over the emitter assembly 164. It should be appreciated that while the lens 168 may continue to have a substantially uniform thickness, the lens 168 may have a greater curvature or a lesser curvature, which in turn will provide a more concentrated or less concentrated light distribution pattern, respectively. It should be understood that the outer surface 174 of the lens 168 may have a different configuration, wherein the lens 168 does not have a substantially uniform thickness. For example, the outer surface 174 of the lens 168 may have a greater curvature than the inner surface 172. Other thickness variations and/or curvature combinations are contemplated by the present disclosure. For example, some lighting elements 100 may have lenses 168 with greater curvature, while other lighting elements 100 may have lenses 168 with greater curvature. This configuration allows the user to further select a desired light distribution pattern.
The upper housing 26, the middle housing 140, and the bottom housing 185 may be combined into a single housing, and the power source may be a rechargeable battery that is not intended to be removed from the housing. The upper housing 26, the middle housing 140, and the bottom housing body 186 may be formed of a metal such as aluminum or steel, a polymer material such as plastic, or a combination of metal and polymer material. The lens 168 may be made of a polymeric material, such as plastic, and may be transparent, partially transparent, or colored. Some or all of the ribs 150 may be made of a magnet material. The outer rim 40 may also be made of a magnet material.
All elements of the portable light 10 may be painted black except for: i) a selection indicator 108, ii) a mode indicia 110, iii) a cover 48, iv) a luminosity indicator 62, v) a lighting element 100, vi) a connector ring 36, and a connector ring 182. In particular, the connector rings 36, 182 may be painted green. The outer surface 176 of the rib 150 may include indicia, such as the manufacturer of the lamp 10, or may be personalized to include a person's name or information.
Headings and sub-headings, if any, are for convenience only and are not limiting. The word "exemplary" is used to mean serving as an example or illustration. To the extent that the terms "includes," "has," and the like are used, they are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Relational terms such as first and second, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.
Phrases such as an aspect, the aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, an implementation, the implementation, another implementation, some implementations, one or more implementations, an embodiment, the embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, a configuration, the configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, the subject technology, disclosure, other variations thereof, and the like are for convenience and do not imply that comments of the disclosure relating to such phrases are essential to the subject technology or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure relating to such phrases may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. Disclosure related to such phrases may provide one or more embodiments. A phrase such as one aspect or certain aspects may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa and this applies analogously to other preceding phrases.
Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Preferred embodiments of this disclosure are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the disclosure. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

Claims (24)

1. A portable lantern having a plurality of independent selector assemblies, the portable lantern comprising:
a central body defining a receptacle, the central body having:
a plurality of outer ribs disposed about a periphery of the central body, wherein the ribs extend longitudinally along a length of the central body;
a channel disposed between a pair of outer ribs, wherein the channel extends longitudinally along the central body;
a lighting element located within the channel, wherein the lighting element extends longitudinally along the central body, and wherein the lighting element does not include a reflector or secondary optics;
a lens overlying the lighting element and within the channel, wherein the lens acts as a primary optic and extends longitudinally along the central body;
a power source comprising a battery compartment and a plurality of batteries removably positioned within the compartment, wherein the power source is removably inserted into the receptacle of the central body;
a first end assembly operably connected to the central body, lighting element, and power source, the first end assembly comprising:
an operating mode selector assembly for selectively controlling which of the lighting elements are illuminated during operation of the portable lantern;
a luminosity selector assembly for selectively controlling a lumen output of a lighting element selected for illumination during operation of the portable lantern; and the number of the first and second groups,
a second end assembly operably coupled to the central body and including a retractable stabilizing assembly configured to be positioned in at least a deployed position and a retracted position.
2. The lantern of claim 1, wherein a range of the retractable stabilizing assembly extends radially beyond an outer diameter of the second end assembly when the retractable stabilizing assembly is in the deployed position, and
wherein, when the retractable stabilizing assembly is in the retracted position, the retractable stabilizing assembly remains within and does not extend radially beyond the outer diameter of the second end assembly.
3. The lantern of claim 2, wherein a magnet is positioned within the retractable stabilizing assembly of the second end assembly.
4. The lantern of claim 1, wherein the first end assembly comprises a fixed member movable between a deployed position or a retracted position by a user,
wherein, in the deployed position, the member extends beyond an upper surface of the first end assembly, and
wherein, in the retracted position, the fixation member is located below an upper surface of the first end assembly.
5. The lantern of claim 1, the battery compartment having a first end and a second end, wherein either end of the battery compartment may be positioned to operably contact the first end assembly without reconfiguring a battery compartment or circuitry contained within the portable lantern.
6. The lantern of claim 1, wherein the lighting element comprises an emitter assembly operably connected to a lighting element Printed Circuit Board (PCB), the emitter assembly comprising a plurality of individual emitters oriented toward the lens.
7. The lantern of claim 6, wherein the emitter assembly is a chip-on-board (COB) LED, and wherein the lens covers the entire COB LED.
8. The lantern of claim 6, wherein the emitter assembly overlies a middle portion of the lighting element PCB while exposing an upper end portion of the lighting element PCB electrically connected to a power supply PCB.
9. The lantern of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the lens is substantially flush with an outer surface of the elongated rib.
10. The lantern of claim 1, the first end assembly comprising an upper housing operatively coupled to an upper end of the central body, the operating mode selector assembly comprising a mode selector slidably coupled to the upper housing, wherein a user moves a mode selector ring angularly relative to the upper housing to select which lighting element to illuminate during operation of the lantern.
11. The lantern of claim 10, wherein the mode selector is configured as a ring that overlaps a majority of the upper housing while an upper flange of the upper housing remains exposed, the upper flange including a lighting element indicia that indicates which lighting element is illuminated during operation of the lantern.
12. The lantern of claim 11, wherein the mode selector ring comprises a selection indicator configured to be aligned by an operator with the lighting element indicia to designate which lighting element is to be illuminated during operation of the lantern.
13. The lantern of claim 1, wherein the outer rib comprises a protrusion extending longitudinally beyond an upper end of the central body; and the number of the first and second electrodes,
wherein the first end assembly includes a power supply Printed Circuit Board (PCB) having at least one aperture, wherein the aperture is configured to receive the protrusion to mechanically couple the power supply PCB to the central body.
14. A portable lantern, comprising:
a central body defining an elongated receptacle, the central body comprising:
(i) a plurality of outer longitudinal ribs disposed along a length of the central body;
(ii) a plurality of longitudinal channels, wherein a single channel is located between a pair of outer ribs;
(iii) a plurality of lighting elements, wherein the lighting elements are located within the channel, and wherein the lighting elements do not include a reflector or secondary optics;
(iv) a plurality of lenses, wherein a lens overlies the lighting element and is located within the channel, wherein the lenses serve as primary optics and extend longitudinally along the central body; and the number of the first and second groups,
(v) a power source comprising a battery compartment and a plurality of batteries movably positioned within the battery compartment, wherein the power source is movably inserted into the receptacle of the central body;
a first end assembly operatively coupled to the central body, the lighting elements and the power source, the first end assembly including an operating mode selector assembly for selectively controlling which of the lighting elements are illuminated during operation of the portable lantern; and the number of the first and second groups,
a second end assembly operably coupled to the central body to enclose the power source within the receptacle of the central body.
15. The lantern of claim 14, wherein the second end assembly comprises a retractable stabilizing assembly movable between an extended position and a retracted position;
wherein, in the deployed position, an extent of the retractable stabilizing assembly extends radially beyond an outer diameter of the second end assembly, and
wherein, in the retracted position, the retractable stabilizing assembly remains within the outer diameter of the second end assembly and does not extend radially beyond the outer diameter of the second end assembly.
16. The lantern of claim 15, wherein a magnet is positioned within the retractable stabilizing assembly of the second end assembly.
17. The lantern of claim 14, wherein the first end assembly comprises a securing member movable by a user between a deployed position or a retracted position,
wherein, in the deployed position, the member extends beyond an upper surface of the first end assembly, and
wherein, in the retracted position, the fixation member is located below an upper surface of the first end assembly.
18. The lantern of claim 14, the battery compartment having a first end and a second end, wherein either end of the battery compartment is positionable to operably contact the first end assembly without reconfiguring a battery compartment or circuitry contained in the portable lantern.
19. The lantern of claim 14, wherein the lighting element comprises an emitter assembly operatively connected to a lighting element Printed Circuit Board (PCB), the emitter assembly being a chip-on-board (COB) LED.
20. The lantern of claim 19, wherein the emitter assembly overlies a middle portion of the lighting element PCB while exposing an upper end portion of the lighting element PCB that is electrically connected to a power supply PCB.
21. The lantern of claim 14, the first end assembly comprising an upper housing operatively coupled to an upper end of the central body, the operating mode selector assembly comprising a mode selector slidably coupled to the upper housing, wherein a user moves a mode selector ring angularly relative to the upper housing to select which lighting element is illuminated during operation of the lantern.
22. The lantern of claim 21, wherein the mode selector is configured as a ring that overlaps a majority of the upper housing while an upper flange of the upper housing remains exposed, the upper flange including a lighting element indicia that indicates which lighting element is illuminated during operation of the lantern.
23. The lantern of claim 14, wherein the outer rib comprises a protrusion extending longitudinally beyond an upper end of the central body; and the number of the first and second electrodes,
wherein the first end assembly includes a power supply Printed Circuit Board (PCB) having at least one aperture, and wherein the aperture is configured to receive a protrusion to mechanically couple the power supply PCB to the central body.
24. The lantern of claim 14, wherein the first end assembly further comprises a luminosity selector assembly for selectively controlling a lumen output of a lighting element selected for illumination during operation of the portable lantern.
CN201880054950.9A 2017-08-23 2018-08-23 Portable lantern with multiple operating modes Pending CN111278681A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201762549247P 2017-08-23 2017-08-23
US29/614,796 2017-08-23
US29/614,796 USD923836S1 (en) 2017-08-23 2017-08-23 Portable, elongated lantern
US62/549,247 2017-08-23
PCT/US2018/047730 WO2019040734A1 (en) 2017-08-23 2018-08-23 Portable lantern light with multiple operating modes

Publications (1)

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CN111278681A true CN111278681A (en) 2020-06-12

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Application publication date: 20200612