GB2574083A

GB2574083A - A lighting device

Info

Publication number: GB2574083A
Application number: GB201901620A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Amanda Radcliffe Shaunagh
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-03-23
Filing date: 2019-02-06
Publication date: 2019-11-27
Anticipated expiration: 2039-02-06
Also published as: GB2574083B; GB201901620D0; GB201804680D0

Abstract

A transportable lighting device comprises a housing 4 and a base 2 extending therefrom. The base 2 is a planar surface for receiving items thereon. The base 2 includes at least one integrated LED illumination source 1 that illuminates at least a perimeter of the base 2. The housing 4 includes at least one rechargeable battery to power the illumination source 1 and a remote controller to control the illumination source 1. A sensor such as a pressure, motion or infrared sensor may be used to adjust the brightness of the illumination.

Description

ALIGHTING DEVICE

Field of Invention

The pictured embodiment of the invention provides a device for provision of a useful surface for low-light conditions, for example but not exclusively a bedside night-time surface.

Summary of Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a lighting device comprising: a housing and a base extending therefrom; wherein the base is a planar surface for receiving items thereon, the base includes at least one integrated illumination source that illuminates at least a perimeter of the base, and the housing includes at least one battery to power the at least one illumination source; and a controller to control illumination of the at least one illumination source.

In this way the lighting device can be arranged on a surface and activated to illuminate a perimeter edge that defines a region for placing an item or a number of items.

Advantageously the illumination source provide a guide for a user in low light or darkness to indicate where items, such as a glass of water at night, can be repositioned after taking a sip.

It is appreciated that only a low level of illumination may be required to indicate the base in darkness, for example in a bedroom where a user may use the device if they wake during the night. Advantageously by having low levels of illumination a user’s eyes do not become overly stimulated so that night vision is not compromised and also so that a user does not become unduly alert and can readily fall back to sleep.

Preferably the illumination source includes at least one light emitting diode (LED).

In some embodiments the device has at least one switch. The at least one switch may be used to activate and/or deactivate the illumination source, or to control other parts of the device such as how the illumination source is activated, or how long the illumination source is activated.

In a preferred embodiment the lighting device has at least one sensor. The sensor may be a motion sensor, a light sensor or a presence sensor such as an infrared sensor. In this way the lighting device may be capable of detecting presence of items on the base or detecting a user within a predetermined range of the base.

In an embodiment including a light sensor the lighting device is capable of sensing an ambient light level and adjusting an amount of illuminating current.

In some embodiments the lighting device may include a timer to control time periods during which the illumination sources or sensors are active so that the illumination sources or sensors may only be active at certain times. For example the timer may be set such that the illumination sources can only be activated during the hours of darkness.

In some embodiments the lighting device has a remote control means to permit a user to activate, deactivate, reset or program the device from a remote location. For example the lighting device may be synced to a smartphone so that a user can control the device by means of an app.

In this way the device has a means of wireless connectivity and may be capable of sending and receiving signals or data. For example to activate the device or alter settings.

In preferred embodiments the housing is a greater thickness than the base. In this way, when the device is arranged on a surface, the base acts as a place mat on a surface such as a table, and the housing projects from the surface and is easily distinguishable from the base. This arrangement also enables the base to be readily rolled around the housing when not in use.

It is appreciated that the base is a thin sheet, typically less than 10mm thick and ideally less than 5mm thick.

Preferably the at least one battery is rechargeable.

In some embodiments the device has a charging socket to permit charging of the at least one battery. Typically the charging socket is arranged on the housing.

In another embodiment the housing has an inductive charging means.

Preferably the base is flexible so that it can be rolled or folded when not in use, in order to compact the lighting device and to enable easy transportation and storage.

In some embodiments the base has a tab for securing the base in a rolled configuration when not in use. Preferably such a tab has attachment means to enable engagement of the tab to part of the base or housing so that the base is secured in a rolled or folded configuration.

The attachment means may comprise hook and loop means such as Velcro (RTM), magnetic means, a press stud, interlocking parts, a buckle, a hook and eye arrangement, a loop for receiving an item such as a cord or button or a tie, or pair of ties, such as ribbon which could be tied together, or tied about the device.

In another embodiment the base includes a pressure sensor for activation or deactivation of the illumination source. In this way the presence of items, or a user touching the base, can activate or deactivate the illumination sources.

In some embodiments the housing has displaceable parts. For example the housing may have a lid or cover that can be removed to access the battery/batteries and or the controller.

In some embodiments the lighting device may include a storage compartment in the housing. In this way the device could be used to store items, for example jewellery overnight.

In yet a further embodiment the lighting device may include an audio player with one or more loudspeaker.

In yet a further embodiment the lighting device may include a clock. In some embodiments the clock may include an alarm which can be triggered at a preset time.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention, in use with two items;

Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, with the housing opened;

Figure 3 shows an isometric detail view of the housing from the embodiment as shown in Figure 2, with a charger lead connected; and

Figure 4 shows a top detail view of the housing from the embodiment as shown in Figure 2.

Detailed Description of the Embodiment

With reference to the figures there is generally shown an embodiment of the device 99 comprising an illuminated or illuminable surface 2 for storage of items 1000 for example in dimly lit environments, such as bedsides.

In particular reference to the embodiment shown the embodiment comprises a substantially planar base defining a rectangular surface, the base comprising an integrated illumination source 1, and the base extending from a housing 4, wherein the housing comprises the battery 9 for the illumination source and a controller including control circuitry 11 and wiring 8 to connect the circuitry and battery, and the illumination source is arranged to delineate the perimeter of the surface area.

In this way for a user the area may be delineated by lighting, such that the user is able to see where to place items in the dead of night.

The housing is elongate along the edge of the surface and an activation switch in the form of a button 6, located endmost on the housing end 7. The button may comprise means to turn on further activation prompts, for example sensors, and/or to activate or deactivate the illumination itself.

In some embodiments the control circuitry and illumination source may be activated or controlled by movements of the user in the vicinity of the base. For example the housing, base or device may comprise a motion sensor. In the pictured embodiment the housing comprises a topmost infrared sensor 5.

In this way the user may wave their hand in the general vicinity of the base and the illumination source may be activated to enable the user to find a delineated area for placement of their items, or to allow the user to pick up or find their item(s), or deactivated when illumination is finished with.

In some embodiments deactivation of the illumination source may be automatic, and/or subject to a timed event. In some embodiments timing of deactivation may be controllable by the user. In some embodiments the illumination may be pre-arranged or arrangeable by the user to dim before deactivation.

The illumination source may comprise a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), which are pictured arranged perimetrically around the surface, and/or in other embodiments may be directed onto the base from the housing.

The LEDs are pictured as discrete and positioned spaced apart following or adjacent the perimeter of the surface, wired in series 10. Alternatively the LEDs may comprise an elongate strip.

The LEDs may be arranged to change colour, for example wherein the device may comprise a control means for changing the colour, which may be periodic, automatic and/or according to user preference.

In some embodiments the control means may be remote, for example wherein the device may be controlled via an existing or independently provided item of hardware such as a mobile telephone.

The housing is arranged to be taller or higher than the base that provides the surface 2, so as to enable it to house a larger battery, as well as provide a naturally elevated boundary to one edge of the base.

In some embodiments the housing or device may comprise a displaceable battery. In some embodiments such as that pictured the housing or device may comprise a rechargeable battery, for example being displaceable or having a socket 13 for connection of a charging cable 12, for example a universal serial bus (USB) cable and/or socket. The socket is shown covered by a tethered silicone plug 14.

The base is comprised by a flexible material, so as to accommodate uneven surfaces, and/or so as to enable the device to be easily transported or stored, for example wherein the user may simply roll the base about the housing.

The pictured embodiment of the base further comprises an extending tab 3 at the edge furthest from the housing, which tab is tucked in to secure the rolled base around the housing for transport and storage. The tab may comprise ferromagnetic or popper or press stud closure.

In some embodiments the surface comprises a soft-touch or resiliently deformable material or covering.

In some embodiments part or all of the surface comprises a ferromagnetic material, so as to enable some level of ferromagnetic attraction for appropriate items.

In some embodiments the surface provides a control means for the illumination source. For example the surface, in part or whole may comprise one or more pressure sensors.

In this way a user may be enabled to simply press upon the surface, or remove an item from the surface, so as to cause it to illuminate or turn off.

In some embodiments the surface or illumination source may comprise remote activation. For example the illumination source may comprise a remote control, which may be wired or wireless.

In some further embodiments the housing and base are capable of disconnection. In this way the parts may be changed and new combinations provided of different materials, dimensions or colourways.

In some embodiments the housing comprises a different formation, for example wherein more than one base may be connected to the housing at a time, such as in orthogonal directions. The housing may be square, cuboid or other multiangle shape.

In some embodiments the housing may comprise displaceable parts, for example comprising a lid that can be opened. In this way the battery may be accessible, and/or the housing may be used for storage, for example jewellery storage.

In some embodiments the device may comprise further electronic parts, for example a radio or audio player. In some embodiments the device may comprise an alarm clock. In some embodiments the device may comprise one or more loudspeakers. In some embodiments the device may be wirelessly enabled, for example comprising Bluetooth (RTM) connectivity.

In some embodiments the base may comprise a conductive charging coil, so as to enable charging of a mobile electronic device or similar.

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 as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A lighting device comprising: a housing and a base extending therefrom; wherein the base is a planar surface for receiving items thereon, the base includes at least one integrated illumination source that illuminates at least a perimeter of the base, and the housing includes at least one battery to power the at least one integrated illumination source; and a controller to control illumination of the at least one integrated illumination source.

2. A lighting device according to claim 1 wherein the at least one integrated illumination source includes at least one LED.

3. A lighting device according to claim 1 including at least one switch.

4. A lighting device according to claim 1 or claim 2 including at least one sensor for sensing an ambient light level and adjusting an amount of illuminating current.

5. A lighting device according to claim 3 wherein the sensor is a motion sensor, or an infrared sensor.

6. A lighting device according to any preceding claim includes a timer which controls time periods during which the lighting device can be illuminated.

7. A lighting device according to any preceding claim including a remote control means which enables remote control or programming of the lighting device.

8. A lighting device according to any preceding claim wherein the housing is a greater thickness than the base.

9. A lighting device according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one battery is a rechargeable battery.

10. A lighting device according to claim 9 wherein the housing has a charging socket to permit charging of the at least one rechargeable battery.

11. A lighting device according to claim 9 or 10 wherein the housing has an inductive charging means.

12. A lighting device according to any preceding claim wherein the base is flexible.

13. A lighting device according to according to claim 12 wherein the base includes a tab for securing the base in a rolled configuration when not in use.

14. A lighting device according to claim 13 wherein the tab has attachment means.

15. A lighting device according to any preceding claim wherein the base includes a pressure sensor for activation or deactivation of the at least one integrated illumination source.

16. A lighting device according to any preceding claim wherein the housing has displaceable parts.

17. A lighting device according to any preceding claim including a storage compartment which is defined in the housing.

18. A lighting device according to any preceding claim including an audio player with one or more loudspeaker.

19. A lighting device according to any preceding claim including a clock.