GB2501501A

GB2501501A - Portable lamp

Info

Publication number: GB2501501A
Application number: GB1207220.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ivan Cau
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-04-25
Filing date: 2012-04-25
Publication date: 2013-10-30
Also published as: GB201207220D0

Abstract

A portable lamp comprises a LED light, a body, a battery connectable to the light, and a controller for the light and a plurality of light settings. The body is bipartite and an activating electrical connection for the light is made by attachment of the body parts. The light may include a pressure switch and may be attached to a bicycle cable.

Description

A PORTABLE LAMP

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a portable lamp, more particularly but not especially a portable light for cyclists, being also well suited to other low-light or night-time activities.

Background

It is important for a person or user to be visible when travelling on foot or by bicycle in the dark or low light or visibility, particularly if on or near a road. Various illumination devices and reflective items have been designed to help improve the visibility of those travelling, working or adventuring at night or underground.

A standard torch can be used to alert people of the user's presence and to light the user's way, however, this typically requires holding by hand and is therefore not

always suitable.

A number of adaptations have been made to create housings and mounting systems for torches to assist with carrying. For example, mounting brackets have been developed for bicycles or bikes so that the lamp is fixed in position; however, there is a requirement to purchase additional fittings and to adjust them to fit to a bike which can be timely and expensive.

Some lights also require intricate fitting to ensure operation, for example fitting to a brake cable to ensure light activation on engagement of a brake. In correct fitting or displacement when in use may lead a light to fail which could be detrimental.

Many lights are directional and therefore often only visible when viewed from certain directions for example lights that are adapted to fit to the user's head such as on a head band or helmet. There are useful for directional light, however as they move with the movement of a user they may only be visible to a passerby at certain angles.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: International patent application WO 2011 006 209 (MCKECHNIE et al) discloses a portable light for detachably mounting on a bicycle including: a. a casing having an opening and an attachment means adapted for securing to an object such as a bicycle handle bar; b. a powering means installed in the casing; c. a light omitting diode (LED) installed in the casing and electrically connected to the powering means and arranged in use to emit light through the opening of the casing; and d. a lens arranged for closing the opening and protecting the LED and enhancing the emitting of light through the opening of the casing; and e. wherein the powering means controls current supplied to the LED such that the LED is operable in a constant mode and a non-continuous flashing mode.

Chinese utility model CN 201 224 446 (YILI) provides a snap ring structure for a bicycle lamp, which mainly comprises a bearing seat which arranged on a tube bundle with circle holes and gaps used for connecting the bicycle lamp. The upper end of the gap is pivoted with a spanner via a shaft bar, and the bottom of the lower end of the gap of the tube bundle is provided with a plurality of semi-circle grooves.

One end of the spanner is provided with a shaft hole by which the shaft bar can pass through, and both sides of the front and rear ends of the shaft hole are provided with symmetrical embedding holes to clamp the loop. After the loop is clamped in the semi-circle grooves at different positions, then the loop can be adjusted up and down via the spanner to rapidly shorten and enlarge the tube bundle, so bicycle lamp can be arranged on various bicycle frames, and can be rapidly disassembled from the bicycle frame.

Granted French patent FR 2 852 572 (JEULIN) discloses a device that has two half shells made of non-conducting material and held in between two sheath stumps.

Each shell has a current conducting contact. The shefis move one against the other by skewing a spring. The contacts are established when the shells are attached one over the other by compression of the spring, which is compressed by a brake cable passing through the device, during activation of a brake.

Granted Australian patent AU 719 611 (DALTON et al) discloses a lighting device including a body portion having a holding means to hold a portable electricity supply and control circuitry to power at least two light emitting diodes, said lighting device including a lens ponion having at least one lens sections, or at least as many lens sections as there are light emitting diodes, which receive light from said diodes or respective ones of said diodes. said at least two diodes being arranged so that there Is an angle between the direction of light emitted from one diode relative to the direction of light emitted from at least one other diode, said lens sections being arranged so that light emitted from said diodes passing through said lens section(s), travels in at least two directions away from said lighting device.

German patent application DE 4224061 (MUELLER et al) discloses a LED that has an integral convex lens and is surrounded by an internal scatterer which directs its light into a horizontal plane through a semicircular section of the pref. Red transparent cover of the lamp housing below the main filament lamp. Partic. bright central emission is ensured by a small middle lens in the cental portion of the cover.

In motion the vehicle is clearly visible by light from the filament lamp via a lens and reflector. ADVANTAGE -Prescribed radiation intensity and directionality achieved esp. for less bright source provided for use when vehicle is at standstill.

In contrast the present invention provides multi-directional diffuse light source, which can be easily, securely and quickly attached to a plurality of elongate members common in outdoor activities such bicycling, such as cables or cords.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a portable lamp comprising at least one light, a body, at least one battery connectable to said light, at least one controller for said light and a plurality of light settings,; characterised in that said body is bipartite and an activating electrical connection for the light is made by attachment of the body parts.

In the preferred embodiment at least one light emitting diode (LED) is used for the portable lamp to illuminate a user, equipment or surrounding environment.

In the preferred embodiment and according to a second aspect of the present invention the lamp is comprised of two corresponding semi-spheres or hemispheres with a centrally situated means of connection, wherein said connection occurs when the hemispheres are brought together for attachment.

For example there is provided at least one and preferably at least two pins which project from one part and engage into the other part..

In the preferred embodiments therefore when these pins are engaged into the opposing part an electrical circuit is made and the lamp is active.

In the preferred embodiment and according to a third aspect of the present invention the attachment is facilitated or accomplished by an attachment means.

Typically this means is comprised by a secondary action that engages the pins, for example wherein the parts are twisted in relation to each other and/or the member and the pins engage into asymmetric lacunae.

In other embodiments screw threads means may be provided or other temporary robust and reversible friction, tolerance or resiliently deformable means may be used for attachment.

For example each base may include semicircular, gradiented line apertures that facilitate the pin or pins to pass through to engage said twist locking mechanism. To engage the twist locking mechanism and join two parts, the pin is therefore inserted through both semicircular, gradiented line apertures on both bases, and is twisted.

Typically the pin's entry point is larger so as to enable easy engagement of the twist locking mechanism.

In such and further embodiments the lamp may include at least one coiled spring so that pins are flush when not in use.

In the preferred embodiment and according to a fourth aspect of the present invention at least one part includes a channel through which a cable or other elongate member may pass when the parts are attached.

Once a channel is lined up with a cable therefore and both parts are brought together in said embodiments the spring is compressed which in turn pushes connecting pins to enable completion of the twist locking attachment and connection.

Ideally the parts attach at respective bases, wherein each is typically a circular disc, typically comprised of a strong, durable, corrosion resistant material such as rubber, plastic ceramic, carbon or other nonconductive material.

Typically only one of the two parts has a channel in its base wherein the other has a flush base, enabling a cable to be easily positioned before the attachment means is engaged.

In another embodiment each part's cross-sectional attachment surface has a channel, wherein the member may be located into the channel when the parts are brought together for attachment.

In the preferred embodiment the channel is lined with a layer of resilient, textured material such as rubber, silicone, neoprene or elastomer that prevents movement of the lamp in use. It is therefore envisaged that the channel liner may be textured, shaped or ridged to assist with grip to a cable.

In another embodiment a filler may be used so as to facilitate use of the lamp on different sized cables, tubes, spokes, cords or alike, and wherein the filler is a loop of resilient material similar or the same as the channel lining that is equal length to the channel. Thickness of the filler may vary to accommodate fitting of a portable lamp to different equipment, either at manufacture or by the user.

In the preferred embodiment and according to a fifth aspect of the present invention the base has a surface distal from attachment with a reflective coating that acts to reflect illumination from an LED away from the base and outwards.

In some embodiments a battery may be situate in the one part of the lamp, wherein at least one LED is situate in the other.

At least one part also includes the controller that enables the at least one light to be switched on and off and toggled between different settings such as flashing or varied brightness. In some embodiments each part has a separate controller to enable lights to be controlled independently.

In the preferred embodiments and according to a sixth aspect the controller is a pressure switch.

In some embodiments and according to this aspect the controller is activated to an initial setting by activation of the attachment, wherein the attachment is made by squeezing the parts together, whereupon a first setting is activated, such as turning on the lamp ora light In the preferred embodiment and according to a seventh aspect at least one part therefore includes a resiliently deformable cover to create a watertight unit that may contain light or controller.

Typically the cover is screwed onto the base in order to allow replacements or maintenance and includes a rubber 0-ring to create a waterproof seal between the cover and the base.

In other disposable embodiments the cover is attached by a water resistant adhesive to a base.

In some embodiments the cover may be coloured so that a plain coloured light may be used and is preferably formed of flexible, resilient, waterproof, material such as rubber or silicone. In other embodiments displacement of the cover into the base may be sufficient to facilitate control, wherein the cover is mounted on a spring.

In some embodiments the lights in each parts may have different colours for example white for forward facing and red for rear facing in use to provide orientation guidance to observers. The lamp may include a plurality of coloured interchangeable LEDs and further embodiments may include strobe lighting in addition or the alternative.

In some embodiments a majority of components may be transparent to increase amount of illumination emitted and waterproof resin may be used.

In some embodiments a hood may be included to direct or deflect light, for example in a downwards direction in use or away from the eyes of the user. Said hood is preferably removably attached at a central means of attachment, typically to at least one base and may be an elasticated loop or may be a modified dome or base disc.

In further embodiments ferromagnetic portions are included on the parts.

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 view of a preferred embodiment of the lamp; Figure 2 shows a side exploded view of the embodiment; Figure 3 shows an isometric exploded view of the embodiment; and Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional isometric view of the embodiment.

Detailed Description of Figures

The pictured and preferred embodiment utilises ultra-bright LEDs and a 3 volt lithium coin cell and is a convenient lamp for bicycles and other items that provide an elongate member that may be used to fit the channel over.

Ideally a plurality of the lamps in use at a time, attached to brake and gear change cables so no additional fixtures are required, wherein activating the lights requires a simple press of the domed cover, and provides a constant or flashing light mode.

The section of cord creates an addition means of usage.

A fabric cord (not shown) may be provided with the lamp, that allows it to be used to wear on the person, on a bag, or on dog collar.

The channel includes a gradient, so as the parts are twisted together, the two parts are squeezed together to enable the parts to fits comfortably around cables/cords of varying diameter.

In the preferred embodiment the cover is pressed once for continuous light, twice for strobe effect.

The diameter of the lamp in the pictured embodiment is approximately one inch.

Claims

Claims 1. A portable lamp comprising at least one light, a body, at least one battery connectable to said light, at least one controller for said light and a plurality of light settings,: characterised in that said body is bipartite and an activating electrical connection for the light is made by attachment of the body parts.
2. A lamp according to claim 1 wherein the lamp is comprised of two corresponding semi-spheres or hemispheres with a centrally situated means of connection, wherein said connection occurs when the hemispheres are brought together for attachment.
3. A lamp according to claim 2 wherein the attachment is facilitated or accomplished by an attachment means comprised by a secondary action that engages pins.
4. A lamp according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein at least one part includes a channel through which a cable or other elongate member may pass when the parts are attached.
5. A lamp according to a preceding claim including a surface distal from attachment with a reflective coating that acts to reflect illumination.
6. A lamp according to a preceding claim wherein the controller is a pressure switch.
7. A lamp according to claim 6 wherein one part includes a resiliently deformable cover.
8. A method of forming a lamp according to a preceding claim or with reference to the figures.