GB2528294A

GB2528294A - A light assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2528294A
Application number: GB1412650.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nick Bailey
Original assignee: SLEEKLIGHT Ltd
Current assignee: SLEEKLIGHT Ltd
Priority date: 2014-07-16
Filing date: 2014-07-16
Publication date: 2016-01-20
Anticipated expiration: 2034-07-16
Also published as: GB201412650D0; GB2528294B

Abstract

A light assembly 54 comprises a light source, a power supply for supplying power to the light source, and a switch assembly. The switch assembly has a sensor for detecting movement of and/or a shock applied to the light assembly. The light assembly 54 is connected to a pull cord 52. The light assembly illuminates when the pull cord 52 is tapped, knocked or moved making it easy to find in the dark.

Description

A LIGHT ASSEMBLY

The present invention relates to a light assembly, in particular to a light assembly for use with a light or a light switch, especially a pull cord light switch. The present invention also relates to a pull chord assembly comprising the light assembly.

When a room is dark, it is often difficult to find the nearest light or light switch.

This is a particular problem for children, who often get nervous, for example when walking to and from the bathroom at night. Similarly, for people who suffer from poor vision, finding the nearest light or light switch at night is a problem.

One solution is to leave the light on overnight. However, this is costly. An alternative solution may be to illuminate a portion of the light or light switch to direct the child or adult to the light switch. One such solution is proposed in GB 2464515, in which a ceiling mounted pull cord light switch comprises a pull knob, illuminated by a Light Emitting Diode (LED). The LED can be configured to radiate light permanently or only when the light switch is off or when it is dark. The LED can be situated inside the switch unit mounted onto the coiling, in which case, light is transmitted from the LED light source to the pull knob by way of an optical cable. Alternatively, the LED is situated inside the pull knob. In either case, the LED is powered by mains electricity.

Similarly US 5,454,056 discloses a luminous pull-cord for facilitating the operation of an electrical switch. A length of fibre optic cord is coupled to and illuminated by a light source (LED), powered by mains electricity. The pull-cord is illuminated permanently and can be easily seen regardless of the level of any ambient lighting.

The systems proposed by GB 2464515 and US 5,454,056 are mains powered and are therefore complicated to install. In particular, as with the installation of any mains powered electrical device, installation is required to be carried out by a qualified and authorised electrician. In addition, being mains powered, the devices are potentially very dangerous, particularly if exposed to water, which in a bathroom or kitchen is highly possible.

Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved light assembly for illuminating a pull cord light switch.

The present invention provides a light assembly for use in conjunction with a pull cord, to enable a person to more easily find the pull cord in circumstances where there is no or reduced visibility. The light assembly is configured to illuminate when the pull cord is tapped, knocked or moved by a subject. Advantageously, the light assembly may be easily fitted onto existing pull cords.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a light assembly, the light assembly comprising: a light source; a power supply for supplying power to the light source; and a switch assembly comprising a sensor for detecting movement of and/or a shock applied to the switch assembly.

In use, the light assembly of the present invention is activated by the switch assembly being moved and/or subjected to a shock, which in turn causes the light source to illuminate. In this way, the light assembly is only activated when required by a person and remains off at other times, such as when there is sufficient other light, such as daylight.

The light assembly comprises a light source. The light source is activated by the switch assembly, to provide illumination. Any light source suitable for radiating electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum can be employed. In a preferred embodiment, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) is employed as this consumes very little electrical energy. In a particularly preferred embodiment, an LED is configured to radiate white light. However, the light emitted may be any other colour, as desired.

As noted above, the light assembly further comprises a power supply for supplying power to the light source. Any suitable power supply can be employed. For example, the light source may be connected to and powered by mains electricity. In a preferred embodiment, however, the power supply comprises one or more batteries.

This allows the light assembly to be entirely self contained, such that it does not require any connection to a supply of electricity, such as a mains supply. This avoids the problems set out above with installation of a device powered by an electrical mains supply. This arrangement also has improved safety, for example when used in wet or damp environments, such as a bathroom.

In embodiments comprising a battery, any type of battery can be employed.

For example, disposable batteries such as zinc-carbon batteries and alkaline batteries can be employed. Alternatively, rechargeable batteries, including nickel-cadmium, nickel-zinc, nickel metal hydride, and lithium-ion cells can be employed.

Lithium batteries are particularly preferred.

The battery may be of any suitable shape and size. More preferably, the battery is provided in a form which is relatively compact. One preferred form of battery is in the form of a disc, often referred to as button cell' batteries. Button cell batteries, including but not limited to CR1225 and CR1220, are commercially available and are particularly preferred for this purpose. In a preferred embodiment, a button cell battery is employed having a diameter of from 5 to 20mm, more preferably from 7to 16mm, more preferably still from 9 to 14mm, yet still more preferably at or about 12mm. In addition, the height or thickness of the button cell battery is preferably from 1 to 5mm, more preferably from 1.5 to 4mm, more preferably still from 2 to 3mm, yet still more preferably at or about 2.5mm.

The battery preferably has a long shelf life. To achieve this the capacity of the battery at a particular voltage is preferably from 30 to 80 mAh, more preferably. 40 to mAh, more preferably still from 45 to 65 mAh, yet still more preferably at or around 50 mAh. The preferred voltage is from 1 to 10 volts, more preferably from 1 to 7 volts, more preferably still from 2 to 5 volts, yet still more preferably at or around 3 volts. In a particularly preferred embodiment a battery having a capacity of 5OmAh at 3 volts is employed. This has been proven to give a shelf life of around 6 to 12 months.

The light assembly comprises a switch assembly, changeable between a first condition and a second condition. In the first condition, the switch assembly obstructs the flow of electrical current between the power supply and the light source. In this condition, the light source is turned off and no light is emitted by the light source. In the second condition, the switch assembly permits the flow of electrical current between the power supply and the light source. In this condition, the light source is turned on and emits light in the visible spectrum.

As discussed above, the switch assembly comprises a sensor for detecting movement of and/or a shock applied to the switch assembly. In use, movement of and/or a shock applied to the sensor causes the switch assembly to change from the first condition to the second condition as described above. In the absence of any movement of and/or a shock applied to the sensor, the switch assembly is preferably biased towards the first condition, and the light source is turned off.

Any sensor suitable for detecting movement of and/or a shock applied to the switch assembly can be employed. A particularly preferred sensor for detecting movement of and/or a shock applied to the switch assembly relies upon sensing and measuring micro vibrations. Suitable sensors are known in the art and include microvibration sensors, preferably microvibration sensor assemblies comprising a ball. In use, the ball moves under the action of movement of or a shock applied to the sensor. Movement of the ball opens or closes contact between two electrical contacts, thereby activating the sensor to open or close a switch. Examples of suitable sensors of this type are the Sensolute ® sensors, which are commercially available. Other sensor arrangements suitable for detecting movement of and/or a shock applied to the device may also be employed.

In a preferred embodiment, the switch assembly further comprises a processor for controlling the light emitted by the light source, in particular when the switch assembly is activated to the second condition. For example, the processor may control the length of time that the light emits light, once the switch assembly has been activated from the first condition. Alternatively, or in addition, the processor may control the intensity of light emitted by the light source. The processor may effect this control by varying the electrical current provided to the light source. In this way, the duration and/or intensity of light emitted by the light source when the switch assembly is in the second condition can be controlled to suit a variety of situations.

In particular, it is advantageous that the light source is not immediately turned off once the sensor stops detecting movement or a shock type event. Rather, it is preferred that the light source remains omitting light for a period of time after the sensor has stopped detecting movement or a shock. In addition, it may be advantageous if the intensity of light emitted by the light source is gradually increased, acclimatising the person to the increased light intensity. This is particularly advantageous when the assembly is used in dark or poorly lit environments.

Similarly, when the light source is to be switched off, the processor may operate to gradually reduce the light intensity, avoiding the sudden onset of a very low light level or darkness. A reduction in the light intensity may also operate to alert the person, allowing them to move or shock the assembly again, without leaving the person in darkness.

Suitable processors are known in the art and are commercially available. For example, the aforementioned functionality may be programmed into a commercially available microcontroller, such as the Attiny 10.

In use, the processor preferably controls the following sequence of events.

When the switch assembly is switched from the first condition to the second condition, the processor preferably gradually increases the current supplied to the light source up to a predetermined level, corresponding to the required intensity of light to be emitted by the light source. The current may be increased over any suitable time period. Preferably, the time period is in the range of from ito 20 seconds, more preferably from 1 to 10 seconds, more preferably still from 1 to 5 seconds.

The light source may be held at the required maximum intensity for any suitable period of time. This will be determined, for example, by the activities taking place in the room or at the location of the assembly. For example, the period of time may be from 1 second to 10 minutes, more preferably from 5 seconds to 5 minutes, more preferably still from 20 seconds to 3 minutes.

Thereafter, once the switch assembly is returned to the first condition, the electrical current may be reduced, preferably to gradually decrease the intensity of light being emitted by the light source. The current may be decreased over any suitable time period. Preferably, the time period is in the range of from ito 20 seconds, more preferably from 1 to 10 seconds, more preferably still from 1 to 5 seconds.

In one embodiment, when the switch assembly is in the first condition, the light source may emit no light, that is be off. Alternatively, in the first condition, the light source may emit light at a first, low intensity. In this way, a person may more easily locate the assembly, in particular in poorly lit or dark conditions. When the switch assembly is activated to the second condition, the light source may emit light at a second intensity, higher than the first.

In the event that a first shock type event and/or movement is applied to the switch assembly and is followed by a second shock type event and/or movement whilst the switch assembly is in the second condition, the processor may restart the sequence of events mentioned above. Alternatively, the processor may ignore the second or subsequent shock type event and/or movement applied to the switch assembly and complete the sequence of events mentioned above.

Alternatively, the processor may operate to ignore a second or subsequent shock event for a first period of time, during which the light source is emitting light.

Thereafter, during a second period of time, the processor may react to a second or subsequent movement or shock type event and restart some or all of the sequence of events mentioned above. In particular, the processor may restart the time period for keeping the light source switched on and emitting light at the maximum intensity.

Conversely, the processor may operate to ignore a second or subsequent shock event for the second period of time, during which the light source is emitting light.

During the first period of time, the processor may react to a second or subsequent movement or shock type event and restart some or all of the sequence of events mentioned above. In particular, the processor may restart the time period for keeping the light source switched on and emitting light at the maximum intensity.

The components of the light assembly may be arranged in any suitable way.

In a preferred embodiment, the switch assembly is disposed between the light source and the power supply. More preferably, the switch assembly may comprise the sensor and the processor arranged in a single assembly, for example disposed on a single printed circuit board (PCB).

As discussed above, the light assembly of the present invention is particularly suitable for use in conjunction with a pull cord.

Accordingly, in a further aspect, the present invention provides a pull cord assembly, the assembly comprising: a pull cord; and a light assembly as hereinbefore described, connected to the pull cord.

In use, the light assembly as hereinbefore described, is connected to a pull cord. Movement of and/or a shock applied to the switch assembly causes the light source to turn on, directing a person to the pull cord in circumstances where there is reduced or no visibility.

The light assembly can be connected to the pull cord directly or indirectly. The light assembly can be connected to any part of the pull cord. Preferably, the light assembly is connected to an end portion of the pull cord, more preferably the end portion of the pull cord which is free for a person to grasp and pull. In this way, the light assembly is capable of illuminating and directing a person to the end portion of the pull cord which is typically grasped and pulled by a person to turn a light on or off.

In a preferred embodiment, the light assembly as hereinbefore described is mounted within a housing. Any suitable housing may be employed. In this way, the components of the light assembly are protected. The housing also provides a support for the light assembly and/or allows the light assembly to be attached to an item, such as a pull chord.

In a preferred embodiment in which the light assembly is comprised in a pull chord assembly, the housing is provided in the form of a pull cord knob. Pull cord knobs are well known and are commercially available.

The housing or at least a portion thereof is preferably formed from a material transparent to wavelengths in the visible light spectrum. In this way, the light assembly, including the light source, may be located within the housing and light emitted by the light assembly within the housing may be seen by a person. Such materials include glass and transparent plastic.

Alternatively, the housing can comprise one or more openings to allow light emitted by the light assembly within the housing to leave the housing and to be seen by a person.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least a part of the housing is shaped to form a lens. The light source is arranged to emit light, when switched on, that passes through the lens of the housing.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the housing is formed from two separate components; a first enclosure and a second enclosure. The first enclosure houses the light assembly and connects the light assembly to an end portion of the pull cord. The first enclosure extends into and is wholly or substantially contained within the second enclosure.

The first enclosure can be of any suitable shape for housing the light assembly. Preferably, the first enclosure is generally cylindrical in shape. The first enclosure comprises a retaining portion, for holding the light assembly. The retaining portion can be formed from any type of material or combination of materials.

Preferably, at least a part of the retaining portion is made from a material or materials transparent to wavelengths in the visible light spectrum. Such materials include glass and transparent plastic.

In embodiments in which the housing comprises a lens, the lens may be provided in the first enclosure. Alternatively, as discussed above, the first enclosure can comprise one or more openings to allow the passage of light through the first enclosure.

The first enclosure may further comprise a connecting portion, for connecting the first enclosure to an end portion of the pull cord. The connecting portion preferably extends from the retaining portion, such that the connecting portion holds the light assembly within the retaining portion, whereby movement of the light assembly during use is restricted. The connecting portion of the first enclosure preferably comprises two connecting arms for connecting the first enclosure to a connecting member, fixed to an end portion of the pull cord. The connecting member can be of any suitable shape and size. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting member is generally elongate, in particular in the form of a pin. Any means for fixing the connecting member to the pull cord may be employed. Preferably, the pull cord is tied to the connecting member, such that the connecting member extends perpendicularly to the pull cord, when in use. The connecting arms preferably each comprise an opening for receiving opposing ends of the connecting member.

As discussed above, the second enclosure receives at least a portion of the first enclosure, more preferably a major portion. Preferably, the connecting portion and the retaining portion of the first enclosure extend within the second enclosure.

The second enclosure can be made from any suitable material or combination of materials. Preferred materials include plastic.

The second enclosure can be of any suitable shape. Preferably, the second enclosure is generally cylindrical in shape. The second enclosure comprises a first opening for receiving the first enclosure and a second opening for receiving the pull cord. Preferably, the second enclosure comprises means for securing the first enclosure substantially or wholly within the second enclosure. Any securing means can be employed for this purpose. For example, the first enclosure may be secured within the second enclosure by way of a threaded connection. Alternatively, and more preferably, the first enclosure is secured within the second enclosure by way of an interference fit or friction fit.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a light assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 is a circuit diagram of the switch assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a graph representing one embodiment of operation of the light assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is an exploded view of a pull cord assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a light assembly, generally indicated as 2, comprising a light source provided by a Light Emitting Diode (LED) 4 and a source of electrical energy provided by two button cell batteries 6, for providing power to the LED 4. The button cell batteries Bare CR1225 batteries and are employed in series, each battery having a voltage of 3 volts, to provide a total voltage of 6 volts.

The light assembly 2 further comprises a switch assembly, generally indicated as 8, for controlling the light emitted by the LED 4. The switch assembly 8 comprises a Sensolute ® sensor and a processor disposed on a first printed circuit board (PCB) 10. The LED 4 is electrically mounted to and extends from a second printed circuit board (PCB) 12. The first PCB 10 and the second PCB 12 are electrically connected by two supporting arms 14.

The button cell batteries 6 are secured to the switch assembly 8 by way of a clip 16.

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a circuit diagram for the arrangement of the LED 4, the batteries 6 and the switch assembly 8. The switch assembly 8 is indicated using dotted lines. As indicated above, the components of the circuit are arranged on two PCBs 10, 12, electrically connected by supporting arms 14. The switch assembly 8 comprises a sensor 20 and a processor 22, disposed on the first printed circuit board (PCB) 10. The sensor 20 is a Sensolute ® sensor and the processor 22 is an Attiny 10 microcontroller. The LED 4 is disposed on and is electrically connected to the second printed circuit board (PCB) 12.

In operation, when the sensor 20 is subjected to sufficient movement or shock, the processor 22 is activated to operate the LED 4 to emit light. In one embodiment, whilst the processor 22 is activated to operate the LED 4 to emit light, further movements or shocks detected by the sensor 20 are ignored by the processor 22. The intensity of light emitted by the LED 4 is gradually increased by the processor 22. Once the intensity of light emitted by the LED 4 has reached a predetermined level the intensity of light emitted by the LED 4 is held by the processor at this level for a period of time. The intensity of light emitted by the LED 4 is then gradually decreased until no light is emitted by the LED 4.

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a graph, representing one embodiment of operation of the assembly, in particular showing the change in intensity of light emitted by the light source overtime. At time A, the switch assembly is in the first condition, in which the flow of electrical current between the light source and the power supply is obstructed. Accordingly, at time A, no light is emitted by the LED.

Movement of and/or a shock type event applied to the switch assembly causes the switch assembly to change to the second condition. In this condition, the processor operates to permit the flow of electrical current between the power supply and the light source. The intensity of light emitted by the light source is gradually increased by the processor until a maximum intensity is achieved at time B. The maximum intensity is maintained until time C, at which point the intensity is gradually decreased until no light is emitted by the light source at time D. After time D, if no movement of and/or shock is applied to the switch assembly, the switch assembly returns to the first condition.

The time elapsing between points A, B, C and D may be selected according to the use being made of the assembly and may be programmed into the processor.

For example, the time elapsing between points A and B may be 5 seconds. The light source may be operated at maximum intensity between B and C for the required period of time, for example 10 minutes. Finally, the intensity of the light being emitted may be reduced from C to D over a period of 10 seconds, for example.

Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a pull cord assembly, generally indicated as 50. The pull cord assembly 50 comprises a pull cord 52 and a light assembly, generally indicated as 54 and as hereinbefore described. The pull cord assembly 50 further comprises a first enclosure, generally indicated as 56 which houses the light assembly 54 and connects the light assembly 54 to an end portion 58 of the pull cord 52. The pull cord assembly 50 further comprises a second enclosure 60. In use, the first enclosure 56 extends into and is substantially contained within the second enclosure 60.

The first enclosure 56 comprises a generally cylindrical retaining portion 62 and a connecting portion 64. The retaining portion 62 comprises a lens 66 disposed at the distal end of the retaining portion. The connecting portion 64 comprises two connecting arms 68, 70 extending proximally from the retaining portion. A connecting member in the form of a pin 72 extends between the connecting arms 68, 70 at their proximal end portions. The connecting arms 68, 70 each comprise an opening 74 for receiving opposing ends of the pin 72. The end portion 58 of the pull cord 52 is connected to the pin 72, for example by being provided with a loop passing around the pin.

The second enclosure 60 is generally cylindrical and comprises a first opening 76 at its distal end for receiving the first enclosure 56 and a second opening 78 at its proximal end for receiving the pull cord 52.

In use, the assembly is secured to the free end of the pull cord and hangs vertically, with the lens 66 facing downwards. Activation of the switch assembly, by moving or shocking the assembly, causes the light source to be switched on and to emit light through the lens. It will be appreciated that other parts of the first and/or second enclosures may also be transparent, so as to emit light in other directions.

The pull cord assembly may be used in any situation where a pull cord is required, such as to activate a light or other electrical item, for example to sound an alarm. Alternatively, the pull cord may simply be used as a means to suspend and hold the light assembly of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Alight assembly comprising: a light source; a power supply for supplying power to the light source; and a switch assembly, the switch assembly comprising a sensor for detecting movement of and/or a shock applied to the switch assembly.
2. The light assembly according to claim 1, wherein the light source is a Light Emitting Diode (LED).
3. The light assembly according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the light source is a battery.
4. The light assembly according to claim 3, wherein the battery is a button cell battery.
5. The light assembly according to claim 4, wherein the battery has a diameter of from 5 to 20mm.
6. The light assembly according to either of claims 4 or 5, wherein the battery has a thickness of 2.5mm.
7. The light assembly according to any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the battery has a capacity of from 30 to SO mAh.
8. The light assembly according to claim 7, wherein the battery has a capacity of 50 mAh.
9. The light assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the light source has an operating voltage of 3 volts.
10. The light assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the sensor is a microvibration sensor comprising a moveable ball.
11. The light assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein movement of and/or a shock applied to the sensor causes the switch assembly to change from a first condition, in which the switch assembly obstructs the flow of electrical current between the power supply and the light source, to a second condition, in which the switch assembly permits the flow of electrical current between the power supply and the light source.
12. The light assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the switch assembly further comprises a processor for controlling the light emitted by the light source.
13. The light assembly according to claim 12, wherein the processor controls the length of time that the light source emits light, once the switch assembly has been activated.
14. The light assembly according to either of claims 12 or 13, wherein the processor controls the intensity of light emitted by the light source, once the switch assembly has been activated.
15. The light assembly according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the processor gradually increases the intensity of light emitted by the light source up to a predetermined level, maintains the intensity light emitted by the light source at the predetermined level and gradually decreases the intensity of light emitted by the light source.
16. The light assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the light assembly is connected to an end portion of a pull cord.
17. The light assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the light assembly is mounted within a housing.
18. The light assembly according to claim 17, wherein the housing is a pull cord knob.
19. The light assembly according to either of claims 17 or 18, wherein at least a portion of the housing is formed from a material transparent to wavelengths in the visible light spectrum.
20. The light assembly according to claim 19, wherein at least a portion of the housing is formed from glass and/or transparent plastic.
21. The light assembly according to any of claims 17 to 20, wherein at least a part of the housing is shaped to form a lens.
22. The light assembly according to any of claims 17 to 21, wherein the housing is formed from a first enclosure and a second enclosure, the first enclosure extending into and wholly or substantially contained within the second enclosure.
23. The light assembly according to claim 22, wherein the first enclosure houses the light assembly and connects the light assembly to an end portion of the pull cord.
24. The light assembly according to either of claims 22 or 23, wherein the first enclosure is generally cylindrical.
25. The light assembly according to any of claims 22 to 24, wherein the first enclosure comprises a retaining portion for holding the light assembly.
26. The light assembly according to claim 25, wherein the retaining portion is formed from a material or materials transparent to wavelengths in the visible light spectrum.
27. The light assembly according to any of claims 22 to 26, wherein the first enclosure comprises a lens.
28. The light assembly according to any of claims 22 to 27, wherein the first enclosure comprises a connecting portion, for connecting the first enclosure to an end portion of a pull cord.
29. The light assembly according to claim 28, wherein the connecting portion extends from the retaining portion.
30. The light assembly according to either of claims 28 or 29, wherein the connecting portion comprises two connecting arms for connecting the first enclosure to a connecting member, the connecting member being fixed to an end portion of the pull cord.
31. The light assembly according to claim 30, wherein the connecting arms each comprise an opening for receiving opposing ends of the connecting member.
32. The light assembly according to either of claims 30 or 31, wherein the pull cord is tied to the connecting member, such that the connecting member extends perpendicularly to the pull cord, when in use.
33. The light assembly according to any of claims 25 to 32, wherein the connecting portion and the retaining portion of the first enclosure extend within the second enclosure.
34. The light assembly according to either of claims 22 or 33, wherein the second enclosure is generally cylindrical in shape.
35. The light assembly according to claim 34, wherein the second enclosure comprises a first opening for receiving the first enclosure and a second opening for receiving a pull cord.
36. A pull cord assembly, the assembly comprising: a pull cord; and a light assembly according to any preceding claim, connected to the pull cord.
37. A light assembly substantially as hereinbefore described having reference to any of Figures 1, 2 or 3.
38. A pull cord assembly substantially as hereinbefore described having reference to any of Figures 1 to 4.