GB2296082A

GB2296082A - Illuminated stick

Info

Publication number: GB2296082A
Application number: GB9423439A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hyun Lim
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-11-19
Filing date: 1994-11-19
Publication date: 1996-06-19
Also published as: GB9423439D0

Abstract

An illuminated stick comprises a stick body; a light-generating device on the stick and a switch (9, figure 1) for operating said light-generating device. The stick body is formed from the assembly of two or more sticks so that it is collapsable in size. Preferably at least a portion of the stick body is hollow. Preferably the light-generating device is a light bulb. A flasher unit (8, figure 1) is incorporated into the light-generating device to make the light-generating device flash. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to a stick having a light thereon for use by blind people.

For blind people, walking on the street can be a dangerous experience, particularly at night. Many blind people carry a white stick which reflects light and thus increases their visibility, but such a stick does not necessarily show up in poor light or darkness unless light is shining on it. The invention seeks to provide a more visible stick for blind persons.

According to the present invention there is provided a stick for blind persons comrising: a) a stick body, b) a light-generating device on the stick, and c) a switch for operating said light generating device.

Preferably the stick body is white in colour and preferably is collapsible in size, e.g formed from the assembly of two or more sticks. Preferably at least a portion of the stick body is hollow.

Preferably the light-generating device includes an electrical light-generating device such as a light bulb. Preferably a battery is provided as a power source for the electrical light generating device. In one embodiment of the invention, a flasher unit is incorporated into the light-generating device to make the light generating device flash. In one embodiment of the invention the light-generating device emits a two coloured light, such as yellow and red.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

Referring to the drawing there is shown a stick 1 formed from two tubular members 2 and 3. Member 3 fits over a narrow neck portion 2a of member 2. Members 2 and 3 make the stick 1 collapsible for ease of storage and transport when not in use.

Members 2 and 3 are formed from hollow tubing made from material such as plastics and may be white in colour. If desired, the stick could be formed of three of more members instead of two.

Inserted at one end of member 2 is a light-generating device having a housing 4 which contains an electrical bulb 5 in a bulb socket 6, a battery 7, a flasher unit 8 and a switch 9. A translucent red and yellow bulb cover 10 covers the bulb 5.

In use of the stick of the invention, a blind person can hold the stick as a conventional white stick to feel his or her way around, but at night the person can operate the switch 9 whereby the bulb 5 flashes emitting a flashing yellow and red light which is visible to motorists and other persons. Also if a blind person falls over, e.g into a ditch, the stick can be raised in the air to attract attention.

Instead of a flashing light, the light-generating device could be a steady light, and also the light emitted could be of another colour to yellow and red, e.g white.

Further modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A novel stick comprising a stick body, a light-generating device on the stick, and a switch for operating said light generating device.

2. A novel stick as claimed in Claim 1 where the stick body is collapsible in size.

3. A novel stick as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 where the stick body is formed the assembly of two or more sticks.

4. A novel stick as claimed in Claim 1, Claim 2 or Claim 3 where the stick body is hollow.

5. A novel stick as claimed in Claim 1, Claim 2, Claim 3 or Claim 4 where the stick body is made from material such as plastics.

6. A novel stick as claimed in Claim I where the light-generating device includes an electrical light-generating device such as a light bulb.

7. A novel stick as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 5 where the light-generating device is incorporated with a flasher to make the light-generating device flash.

8. A novel stick as claimed in Claim 1, Claim 6 or Claim 7 where the light-generating device emits a two coloured light, such as yellow and red.