GB2499400A

GB2499400A - A light device

Info

Publication number: GB2499400A
Application number: GB1202525.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Acris
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-02-14
Filing date: 2012-02-14
Publication date: 2013-08-21
Also published as: GB201202525D0

Abstract

A light device 1 comprises a plurality of lighting elements 3, wherein when one element fails a second one will be substituted, and a separate indication of the failure will be transmitted to a user. The indication may be visual, consisting of an indicating light such as a light emitting diode, or audible, consisting of an alarm. Alternatively, a remote indication may be provided. A motorised rotating mechanism may be provided to facilitate replacement of a failed lighting element

Description

A LIGHT DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a light device, more particularly but not exclusively a light device for aiding those with reduced mobility and their carers.

Background and Prior Art

Increasingly elderly populations provide new problems for society.

In particular care of the elderly, infirm, disabled or other vulnerable users can be costly and time intensive.

For this reason in the minimum it is highly desirable for such users to be enabled to accomplish tasks themselves without carers. However even basic tasks and basic necessities of living are typically badly designed for those with limitations to their mental or physical ability.

This includes those who may not have the capability to change a light bulb independently, who may be reliant on others to help with the process.

Typically light failure will coincide with dangerously low light levels when vulnerable users may be active. Often therefore when a light breaks or fails, a user will be left in a precarious position, for example having no light until a carer is available.

In contrast the present invention provides a means for a light failure to minimally inconvenience such users, and provides a means for carers to be alerted to a need for help before it may be too late.

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Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a light device, comprised in use of a plurality of lighting elements, wherein when one element fails a second one will be activated, and a separate indication will be transmitted to a user.

In this way a plurality of lighting elements may be included, wherein when one light element fails, a second is lit, and an indicator light is lit so that a user is made aware of a need to act or call a carer.

For preferred embodiments according to a second aspect of the present invention the first and second elements are located in a single location or light fitting, wherein they are covered by a lens, cover, diffuser or shade and said cover acts to diffuse light provided by the element or elements.

Said diffusion subsequently ensures that the fitting provides light in a similar or identical way whichever element is in operation.

Many such light elements are incandescent bulbs, although light emitting diodes (LEDs) are also encompassed. The elements may be identical or similar or in some embodiments may feature secondary lighting element, or a different colour.

In all embodiments it is preferable that the elements each provide equivalently sufficient lighting for their purpose.

In further embodiments the elements may include further electrical elements such as batteries, fuses, smoke detectors, fire alarms, or combinations of such.

According to a third aspect of the present invention the indication that is transmitted will be visual, or more particularly will consist of a third, indication, element or light. This indication light is envisaged to be of a smaller size.

In some preferred embodiments the indication is provided by an element that is located in use within or on the same fitting as the first two elements, wherein a single fitting may be in use, combining all elements.

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In other embodiments the indication may be audible, for example consisting of an alert, or repetitive alarm.

In yet further embodiments the indication may be situate remotely, for example wherein the indication may be at a switch, which indication may consist of a flashing light emitting diode to alert a user with reduced mobility and avoid such a user looking up at the fitting.

In some embodiments furthermore, the first and second elements may also be separated, or remote, for example wherein they are contained within two separate fittings, one being situate in use at a convenient height for those of reduced mobility.

In some embodiments the first, second and further elements may be interchanged by a mechanical or motorised process, wherein for example the elements rotate on a mounting plate within a fitting.

In other embodiments there may be included wireless or wired connectivity means between the elements and/or indication. Such means may comprise inter-apparatus operability such as BLUETOOTH (Trade Mark) allowing an indication to be provided on a separate piece of apparatus or electronic, for example a television or computer monitor or mobile telephone. In yet further embodiments there may be provided cellular telephony network compatibility or similar.

In some embodiments a rotating bulb mechanism may be envisaged, with at least two and preferably three bulbs; wherein for locking the user pushes the elements into a gear boss, and twists to lock pins into the gear, which subsequently is enabled to rotate via a small low torque motor when a bulb dies.

Once the next bulb meets sprung contacts fixed in the casing a circuit will detect a draw and cut the motor until the last bulb is in place.

At this point a pilot LED will come on to notify the user that two bulbs need changing.

LED bulbs are preferably used as they do not heat up like incandescent bulbs and they have are far more reliable with a life expectancy of up to 4 and a half years, meaning that the device is a fit and forget product, and may for example be used in

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difficult to access locations, such as outdoors, or remote scenarios where constant lighting is necessary, such as rural night lighting.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric exploded view of a preferred embodiment;

Figure 2 shows a second isometric exploded view of the embodiment;

Figure 3 shows a third isometric exploded view of the embodiment;

And

Figure 4 shows a side view of the preferred embodiment.

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Detailed Description of Figures

The pictured and preferred embodiment provides a light fitting for homes with multiple light bulbs which can be switched between if a bulb blows to ensure a room is never left in the dark.

As soon as the bulb no longer completes the circuit the energy passes through motor.

Associated circuitry and a printed circuit board (PCB) are hidden between casing and the ceiling in use.

A window allows for ventilation and the working bulb light to be displayed.

The pictured embodiment is suitable for low cost manufacture to bring end costs down, as parts count is low and complicated mechanisms are not present. This embodiment works with two fixed lightbulbs and a ladder circuit which would sense when the first bulb dies, and switch to the second back up bulb.

At this point a pilot light emitting diode (LED) would light up to notify a user that the second bulb requires changing.

To change the bulb the user would simply unscrew a cover and plug in a new bulb.

A large frosted window enables the bulb to appear as one with the product even though it is off centre and additionally or in the alternative allows the light to appear bigger whilst hiding the back up.

Space between the top casing and ceiling allows for the hidden PCB.

A bottom case is in part or whole unscrewable for access to replace the dud bulb. Vents will allow air flow and prevent any minor risks of over heating.

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Further embodiments may include motorised bulb changing, such as when a bulb expires and the electricity no longer flows through it, it flows through a motor to move or rotate parts to bring a second bulb into use.

The pictured and preferred embodiment however includes the following:

(Figure 1)

Bottom casing; Injection moulded polymer (1)

Frosted window; Injection moulded polymer (2)

LED Bulbs; (based on GU10 series) (3)

Bulb holders (4)

Top casing; Injection moulded polymer (5)

(Figure 2)

Wire terminals (6)

PCB (7) arranged in ladder configuration to trigger bulb switch over when primary bulb fails, switching on pilot LED;

(Figure 3)

Pilot LED (8)

Once the primary bulb fails, circuitry switches to a back up bulb to ensure that the user is never without light. A pilot light will be triggered to notify the user that a bulb requires changing.

A domed frosted window covering the bulbs will disperse the light, hiding the internal system and improving the overall aesthetics of the system.

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Claims

1. A light device, comprised in use of a plurality of lighting elements, wherein when one element fails a second one will be activated, and a separate indication will be transmitted to a user.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the first and second elements are located in a single location or light fitting.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the indication that is transmitted will be visual, consisting of a third indication element.

4. A device according to claim 3 where the indication element is a light emitting diode.

5. A device according to any preceding claim including a motor.

6. A device according to any preceding claim including a ladder circuit.

7. A device according to any preceding claim including more than one battery.

8. A device according to any preceding claim including remote connectivity.

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