EP2261549A1 - Diffusor attachment for portable lamp - Google Patents

Abstract

The fixture has a transparent or translucent housing (2) comprising a closed end, where a head region is formed together with the end and has a reflector element (7) formed as a diffuser mirror. An open end of the housing forms a base region that is adapted to outer shape and geometry of a portable lamp (9) so that reversible imposing or reversible fixing of the fixture on the lamp is enabled. The reflector element lies centrally opposite to a light source (13) with LEDs at the operative fixture, where distance between the reflector element and light source amounts to 5 to 10 cm.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a stray light attachment for a portable lamp, in particular a flashlight or headlamp, which allows a glare-free, spatial illumination of the environment, for example in a tent, camper, caravan or in a cave.

STATE OF THE ART

In the prior art camping lights are known, which have a pedestal with a receptacle for batteries, and a light source and mounted on the light source, fixedly connected to the base, transparent diffuser attachment having at least one integrated reflector element. These lamps produce a glare-free, diffused light, which ensures an even illumination of the environment.

But such camping lights are relatively large and therefore relatively heavy. Especially in the field of outdoor activities such as trekking or mountaineering, however, it is advantageous to keep the weight and size of the entrained objects as small as possible. It is therefore the goal of the subject invention to provide hikers, climbers, speleologists, other indoor and outdoor athletes and camping enthusiasts a simple and effective way that allows them to dispense with the additional carry a camping light.

Known in the art include special caps for commercial, translucent or transparent water bottles, in which several solar-powered LEDs are integrated. In this way, a liquid-filled water bottle can be converted into a camping light, the emits a diffused light, which is suitable for spatial illumination in the vicinity, for example in the interior of a tent.

Nowadays, the standard equipment of a hiker or camper usually includes a flashlight or headlamp, which is often used for indoor lighting in a tent and thus also provides an alternative to a camping light.

The disadvantage of a conventional pocket or headlamp when used as a campground light, however, is that it generates a directional light beam of one or more LEDs and therefore achieves only a small spatial illumination. In addition, the light beam is very dazzling and therefore unfavorable for use in the interior of a tent.

In the prior art, however, modified headlamps are known in which for the generation of stray light in the vicinity of a substantially planar scattering lens such as a closure lid from a lateral parking position can be pushed out immediately before the light source, rotated or folded. This reduces the direct glare of the light beam and achieves a slightly better room illumination.

Nevertheless remains as a disadvantage that the LEDs produce a more or less wide beam of light due to their lowered position in the lamp housing despite the upstream scattering lens. In addition, the light output is not optimal due to the lying in front with the front of the lamp housing in a plane scattering lens.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a system that makes it possible, a commercially available portable lamp, in particular Flashlight or headlamp, in a simple and cost effective way to transform an effective camping light, which offers a strong light scattering with maximum light output and therefore for uniform spatial illumination mainly in the vicinity, such as the interior of a tent or caravan can be used.

This object is achieved by the stray light attachment as described in claim 1. Further useful embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1:

shows an exploded view of the scattered light attachment in an oblique front view

Fig. 2:

shows an exploded view of the scattered light attachment in an oblique side view

3:

shows an exploded view of the scattered light attachment with frontal lamp in an oblique side view

4:

shows the scattered light attachment in mounted condition on a headlamp in oblique front view

Fig. 5:

shows the scattered light attachment in an attached state on a headlamp in an oblique side view

Fig. 6:

shows a further embodiment of the stray light attachment in an attached state on a headlamp

Fig. 7:

shows a further embodiment of the stray light attachment in an attached state on a headlamp

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

How out Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 can be seen, the stray light attachment 1 according to the invention comprises a transparent, sleeve-shaped in a first embodiment Housing 2, with a first end 3 and a second end 4, wherein the first end 3 is closed by a closing element, in particular a cap 8, and together with this forms a head portion 5, and the second end 4 is open and a foot portion. 6 forms. The housing may optionally be conically widened or tapered in the direction of the first end 3 and has in the region of its open end 4 a typically rectangular, rectangular (= rectangular with rounded corners), oval, ellipsoidal, circular or optionally also polygonal cross section. The end member at the first end 3 may be formed with the housing 2 as an integral whole or as a separate part to be connected to the housing. Likewise, the housing itself can also be designed in the form of a one-piece sleeve or as a two-part or multi-part set of individual parts, which can typically be connected to one another by snap fasteners. In the head region, the scattered light attachment has a reflector element 7 designed as a diffuser mirror.

With "sleeve" or "sleeve-shaped" is here indicated the generally elongated outer shape of the housing open on one side. But even deviating forms, such as a spherical or diced shape of the possibly multi-part, in the ready-to-use state, however, always unilaterally open housing, according to the invention should be mitumfasst of these terms.

The use of the scattered light attachment is in the simplest case in that it is slipped over a standard lamp, typically a pocket or headlamp, loosely over it, for use in the outdoor area, however, is an attachment to the corresponding lamp advantage. As a lamp should be understood herein also a conventional light bulb with associated socket or associated lamp base, the expression light bulb here representative of all in a version or a Socket screwed bulbs with external thread is, for example, energy-saving bulbs with spiral fluorescent tube.

The first end 3 of the housing is the one which, in the state ready for operation on a lamp, is situated at a predetermined distance of the light source, which is dependent on the housing length. According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is provided with a cap which is inseparable from the housing, for example in one piece, connected or optionally removable again, which on the one hand carries the reflector element 7 and on the other hand completely closes the housing at this point.

The reflector element 7 is connected to the inside of the cap 8 with this fixed or detachable, which allows the possibility of replacement in case of damage in the latter case. In the case of the scattered-light attachment attached to the lamp, the reflector element 7 of the light source 14 is in any case opposite such that the light beam or light cone exiting the light source 14 hits the reflector element 7 centrally on the convex surface and is reflected by it as evenly as possible in all directions.

In a specific embodiment, the cap 8 may be constructed in two parts and comprise a first, approximately annular part 8a, which carries the reflector element 7, and a second part 8b, which is designed as a lid and via at least one connecting element, preferably a connector, releasably connected to the first part 8a. This structure makes it possible, inter alia, to remove the reflector element in case of contamination or possible damage in a simple manner, clean or cost-effective replacement.

The detachable connection between the one- or two-part cap and the housing can be done in different ways, for example by a quick release such as a snap, clamp, screw or plug connection.

The stray light attachment according to the invention is tuned for the purpose of use with commercially available pocket or headlamps with its open end 4 on the geometry and dimensions. As flashlights herein are essentially to understand rod-shaped flashlights.

In the simplest case of application of the present invention, the portable lamp, in particular pocket or headlamp, is such a model that can be placed on a flat surface, at least in a stable, at least self-standing manner, and can radiate its light vertically upwards. In order to achieve with such lamps a diffuse, spatial and glare-free illumination of the surrounding area, a scattered light attachment according to the invention can be used, which has an inner diameter at the end 4, which exceeds the largest outer diameter of the lamp and therefore can simply be slipped over it loosely.

However, it is preferred for most applications that the inventive stray light attachment on the lamp be reversible, i. again removable, can be attached to allow its use in any position of the lamp, so for example, in a hanging position.

For this purpose, it is provided that the scattered light attachment in the foot region 6 of its open end 4 has fastening means which cooperate with corresponding fastening means of the lamp and which allow it to be reversibly connected to the lamp, for example according to Art a quick release, in particular a snap, clamp, screw or bayonet-type rotary closure.

In one embodiment for a headlamp with an oval or rectangular cross-section of the lamp cap, the scattered light attachment according to the invention is adapted to the lamp geometry in such a way that it can be slipped over the light exit-side upper side of the headlamp and connected to it by light pressure until overcoming a snap lock mechanism. In this case, the interaction of the scattered light attachment with the lamp base via corresponding edges and projections or abutment and barbs, as shown in the figures ( Fig. 3 to 6 ). However, such attachment can also be provided via another type of quick release, as mentioned above. In particular, can be provided for lamps with a round cross-section of the lamp housing or lamp base a screw cap in the manner of a screw with internal and external thread. Alternatively, the rotary closure can also be designed in the form of a bayonet-type rotary closure, for example such that the scattered light attachment in the foot region 6 of the end 4 has at least one point of its circumference, advantageously at least two points, an outwardly directed collar. This collar cooperates with at least one arranged on the lamp housing or lamp base, corresponding, circularly curved retaining rail by being screwed under this and clamped therein or snaps into place after overcoming an obstacle in the sense of a snap closure and is fixed.

If the sleeve of the housing 2 is made in two parts, depending on the embodiment, for example with or without a hinge at the end 3, it can also be applied to a flange region of the lamp base and stably clamped and fixed, for example, by means of at least one clip fastener on the lamp base. At the other end 3, the housing halves held together either by the hinge or eg by plug or snap closures.

In order to achieve the highest possible light output and good light scattering, the distance between the light source 13 integrated in the lamp 9 and the reflector element 7 should be at least 1 cm when the stray light attachment is positioned in the ready position. As a rule, this distance is about 1 to a maximum of about 20 cm, but for most applications, a scattered light attachment whose length gives a distance of the reflector element from the light source in the range of about 5 to 10 cm is sufficient. When the light source 13 is switched on, which usually consists of one or more LEDs but may of course also comprise a conventional light bulb, the directed light beam is deflected by the reflector element 7 in lateral directions, penetrates the transparent or translucent, for example frosted, walls of the housing 2 and thus generates a diffuse, even and glare-free illumination of the environment.

Although in the following the scattered light attachment according to the invention is shown and described in detail for use with a headlamp, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this knowledge, in conjunction with the following description, without inventive step, that and how the basic Principles of the invention are also applicable to use with other portable lamps, in particular flashlights, as well as possibly also permanently mounted, such as free-hanging, bulbs such as light bulbs and fluorescent lamps.

The open end 4 of the housing, which typically has a rectangular, rectangular, oval, ellipsoidal or similar, in particular polygonal, possibly also round, cross-section, for the purpose of releasably securing the stray light attachment on a Headlamp be formed approximately complementary to the shape of a saddle, with broad-side recesses in the form of an inverted "U" and longitudinal, deeper-drawn side parts of the housing (see Fig.1 to 3 ), which cooperate with ready mounted stray light attachment with the base region of the headlamp, for example by clamping action, and typically rest on this.

In order to ensure a stable resting of the scattered light attachment on the headlamp, the housing 2 according to a preferred embodiment in the foot region 6, at a predetermined distance to the lower edge of the open end 4 of the two longer side parts, at least one disposed on the housing inner side 11 and inwards pointing, first projection 12 (see Fig. 6 ), which rests on an abutment, typically a corresponding edge, on the light-outlet-side upper side of the headlamp when the headlamp is mounted ready for operation on a headlamp. This at least one, first projection thus acts on the one hand as a spacer for the correct positioning of the housing and on the other hand serves to stabilize the position of the scattered light attachment on the headlamp in order to prevent a possible tilting of the same. The first projection 12 may, for example, in the form of two eckständiger noses or nipples or in the form of an elongated, running in a cross-sectional plane of the scattered light attachment on the inside of the housing bead, fold or such a bead, bar or protruding inner edge.

If the term "upper side" or "light exit side" is used herein in connection with the headlamp, this refers to the side which has the exit opening for the light beam.

On the opposite side of the first projection of the housing wall, the housing, typically not at the same height with this first projection, a further, inwardly facing, second projection 14 which cooperates in the manner of a quick release, such as a snap closure, with another edge on the top or a side portion of the headlamp and the housing fixed in this manner to the headlamp ,

Of course, the quick release can also be embodied in another suitable form, for example in the form of a circumferential groove on the lamp, in which the end 4 of the housing 2 can be positively inserted and held either by clamping effect or in turn via a snap lock mechanism. In particular for lamps with a round cross-section - as already mentioned above - inventive stray light attachments are provided which have at their open end 4 a round cross section with an internal or external thread in the foot area 6 and can be screwed onto the lamp with a corresponding mating thread. Also bayonet-type fasteners are suitable, wherein the open end 4 of the housing, for example, has a at least a portion, preferably at least two sections of its circumference, outwardly directed collar and screwed with this in a corresponding retaining rail on the lamp and clamped or optionally over a snap mechanism can be fixed.

In a simple but universally applicable embodiment, the scattered light attachment in the region of its open end 4 is adapted to the lamp to be equipped with it, as it follows in this area at least approximately the outer contours of the lamp base, the lamp socket or the lamp cap and in this area a widest diameter which is either slightly smaller, equal to or greater than the corresponding largest diameter of the lamp base, socket or the lamp cap. For a smaller diameter of the Stray light attachment simply be put under pressure by applying pressure to the lamp and is then held there by clamping action. It consists for this purpose of an at least slightly stretchable material, for example a suitable plastic material. With the same size or larger diameter of the open end 4 relative to the lamp base, socket or the lamp base, the housing 2 of the scattered light tower completely over the lamp 9 and then, for example, by means of one, two or more laterally attached to the housing adjusting or adjusting screws the lamp base, socket or the lamp base are fixed by clamping. For this purpose, it requires no mating thread on the lamp, since the adjusting or adjusting screws have external threads and are guided in corresponding, provided with internal thread openings in the region of the open end 4 of the scattered light attachment. These adjusting or adjusting screws can be made of a suitable plastic material and have for easy handling on ribbed or equipped with small wings screw heads. In principle, however, spring-loaded clamping pins or bolts with a latching mechanism can be used instead of the screws.

In addition, the stray light attachment according to the invention, as in Fig. 6 to be seen equipped with a suspension device 10, which allows hanging a headlamp so equipped, for example, in a tent or RV. This suspension device is typically in the form of a hook, a bow, an eyelet or a loop and secured in the region of the first end 3 of the housing.

The housing itself is typically made of a transparent or translucent, preferably impact and scratch resistant, colorless or colored plastic, but may also consist of such a glass, especially tempered glass.

In a particular embodiment, the diffuser mirror of the reflector element 7 may also have one or more, possibly slot-shaped, openings 15 through which a portion of the light of the light source penetrate and visible, for example, a colorless or colored, transparent or translucent area in the cap 8 to the outside can illuminate. Such an area can be designed, for example, in the form of a logo and / or logo of the manufacturer.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 Stray light attachment for a headlamp 2 transparent or translucent, sleeve-shaped housing 3 first end of the housing (head end) 4 second end of the housing (foot end) 5 head area 6 footer 7 reflector element 8th end cap 8a, 8b first and second part of a two-piece end cap 9 headlamp 10 suspension 11 Housing inside 12 first advantage for stabilizing the attachment 13 Light source of the headlamp 14 second projection for releasably locking the essay 15 Opening in the reflector element

Claims (14)

A stray light attachment (1) for a lamp (9) comprising a transparent or translucent sleeve-shaped housing (2) having a first, closed end (3) and a second, open end (4) lying opposite the first, the first end (4) 3) is closed with a closure element (8) and forms a head region (5) together with the latter, the head region (5) having on its inside a convexly curved reflector element (7), which is convexly curved towards the open end (4). has, and the second end (4) forms a foot region (6), characterized in that the foot region (6) of the outer shape and geometry of the lamp (9) is adapted at least to the extent that a reversible slipping over of the scattered light attachment (1) via the lamp (9) or a reversible placing of the scattered light attachment (1) on the lamp (9) and a releasable fixing of the same to the lamp (9) is possible, wherein when operationally attached to the lamp (9) Stre The reflector element (7) of the light source (14) is centrally opposite and the distance between the reflector element (7) and light source (14) of the lamp is at least 1 cm, in particular 1 to 20 cm, and typically 5 to 10 cm. Scattering light attachment according to claim 1, characterized in that the lamp is a headlamp, flashlight or a light bulb with socket. Scattered light attachment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the foot region (6) of its open end (4) has fastening means which cooperate with corresponding fastening means of the lamp and allow it with the lamp in the manner of a quick release, in particular a snap , Clamp, screw or bayonet-type screw cap to reversibly connect. Scattering light attachment according to claim 3, characterized in that the housing (2) in the foot region (6) has a square, rectangular, rectangular, polygonal, oval, elliptical, or circular cross-section. Scattering light attachment according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that it is designed in the manner of a plug-in attachment with snap closure and at least a first, on the inside of the housing (2) arranged inwardly directed projection (12), which serves as a spacer and the mechanical Stabilization of the scattered light attachment is used on a headlamp, wherein the at least one first projection (12) with ready mounted on the headlamp stray light attachment rests on an abutment, such as an edge on the top of the headlamp, while the corresponding end of the housing, this first projection carries, cooperates with a base portion of the headlamp and typically rests on this. Scattering light attachment according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises at least one second, located on the housing side opposite the first projection and inwardly directed projection (14) which serves for releasably securing the scattered light attachment on the headlamp, wherein the at least one second projection ( 14) with an edge located on the top of the headlamp in the form of a quick release, such as a snap closure, cooperates, while the housing wall in the region of its open end (4) cooperates with the headlamp on clamping action and rests on a base portion of the headlamp. Scattering light attachment according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second, open end (4) of the housing is designed in its shape approximately complementary to a saddle, with broadside raised, U-shaped recesses and longitudinally extended in the opposite direction sidewall parts. Scattered light attachment according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the end cap (8) is constructed in two parts, a first, approximately annular part (8a) which carries the reflector element (7), and a second part (8b), the is formed as a lid and at least one connecting element, preferably a connector, releasably connected to the first part (8a) is connected. Stray light attachment according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the closing element (8) is designed as a separate end cap, which via a quick release, in particular a snap, clamp, screw or plug connection, with the first end (3) of Housing (2) is connected. Scattered light attachment according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it is equipped at the first end (3) with a suspension device (10), in particular in the form of a hook, a bow, an eyelet or a loop. Scattering light attachment according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the housing (2) is in the form of a one-piece or composite of two or more parts sleeve and at least in the region between the open end (4) and head portion (5) of a transparent or translucent, preferably impact and scratch resistant, colorless or colored plastic or consists of such a glass. Scattering light attachment according to one of claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in that the reflector element (7) one or more, optionally slit-shaped, openings (15) through which a part of the light of the light source of the headlamp penetrate and, for example, a colorless or colored, transparent or translucent area in the end cap (8) can illuminate outwardly visibly. Use of a scattered light attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 12, for loose slipping over or releasably fixing on a commercially available, portable lamp, in particular pocket or headlamp, for the purpose of producing diffuse, glare-free light and / or improved spatial illumination of the surrounding area, especially in a tent, camper, caravan or in a cave. Lamp, in particular front or flashlight, equipped with a scattered light attachment according to one of claims 1 to 12.

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