GB2582791A

GB2582791A - An illumination device

Info

Publication number: GB2582791A
Application number: GB1904681.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Deacon Geoffrey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-04-03
Filing date: 2019-04-03
Publication date: 2020-10-07
Anticipated expiration: 2039-04-03
Also published as: GB2582791B; GB201904681D0

Abstract

An illumination device 10 includes a first light source 20 with a surface 30 configured for attachment to a side portion an item of headwear, such as a safety helmet 90. The light 20 is arranged to produce a three-dimensional light pattern having a first extent in a plane parallel to the attachment surface 30 including an obtuse angle and an extent in a plane perpendicular to the surface 30 extending away from the surface 30 at an acute angle. Second and third light sources 130, 200 may be provided for attachment to the opposing side and rear of the headwear to generate similar light patterns to the first light 20. Each light source 20, 130, 200 may include respective lamps 40, 150, 220 generating the first extent of the light pattern and second lamps (50, fig 2), (160, fig 3), 230 generating the second extent of the light patterns.

Description

An illumination device

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to illumination devices, and particularly to illumination devices worn about the person, including those used in conjunction with safety equipment.

BACKGROUND ART

Illumination devices are often used to enhance the visibility of the wearer to others. These are used in particular by personnel in the construction industry, emergency services and others operating in hazardous working environments, such as roads and railways undergoing maintenance. Such devices may be worn to illuminate a work area and enable tasks to be completed in poor light conditions which would otherwise prove impossible. Illumination devices worn about the person may have a dual function. Such devices alert the presence of the wearer to others by the presence of a light source and can allow the wearer to be distinguished from moving and/or stationary objects having discrete illumination systems. Often, illumination devices are worn at the same time as safety clothing that is required in such industries.

There are several drawbacks to currently available illumination devices. An illumination device worn by a first operative may adversely affect the vision of a second operative by being overly bright or oriented toward the eyes of the second operative, resulting in bleaching.

Furthermore, the light source in such illumination devices may be arranged to produce a directional light pattern that casts a beam relative the wearer that is either too broad or too narrow such that the working area to be illuminated is insufficiently lit or an unnecessarily broad area is lit by a non-directional light source.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention therefore provides an illumination device assembly, comprising a safety helmet, a first light source attachable to an attachment surface on a first side of the safety helmet, and wherein the first light source is arranged to produce a three-dimensional light pattern that extends in a plane parallel to the attachment surface at an obtuse angle, and an extent in a plane perpendicular to the attachment surface that extends away from the attachment surface at an acute angle.

In this way, the light source provides illumination both of and for the wearer. The obtuse-angled scope of the light source parallel to the attachment surface allows the light beam to extend both downward and forwards, into the region where the wearer is working. It therefore provides light for the wearer to work in, and also purposefully lights the reflective surfaces of their personal protective equipment, such as high visibility and/or reflective clothing, so that the wearer is visible and easily identified as a person, even when in a dark area. However, the acute-angled scope of the light source in the plane perpendicular to the attachment surface means that the light source is not directed towards the eyes of co-workers, thus preserving their night vision and their safety. Thus, according to the present invention we are able to provide a light source which provides safety illumination for the wearer, in a useful manner, without adversely affecting the vision of nearby co-workers.

Additional light sources can be provided. Thus, a second light source can be provided, attachable to a second attachment surface on a second side of the safety helmet opposite the first, and arranged to produce a three-dimensional light pattern that extends in a plane parallel to the second attachment surface at an obtuse angle, and an extent in a plane perpendicular to the second attachment surface that extends away from the second attachment surface at an acute angle. In this way, a symmetric light pattern can be provided for the wearer. Further, a third light source can be provided, attachable to a third attachment surface on a rear surface of the safety helmet, and arranged to produce a three-dimensional light pattern that extends in a plane parallel to the third attachment surface at an obtuse angle, and an extent in a plane perpendicular to the third attachment surface that extends away from the third attachment surface at an acute angle. This can provide illumination of the reflective surfaces on the rear of the wearer's personal protective equipment.

The attachment surfaces of the safety helmet are preferably oriented so that, in use, they are upright -i.e. generally vertical.

The present invention also provides an illumination device, comprising a first light source having a first attachment surface for attaching the first light source to a side portion of an item of headwear, wherein the first light source is arranged to produce a first three-dimensional light pattern having an extent in a plane parallel to the first attachment surface that includes an obtuse angle, and an extent in a plane perpendicular to the first attachment surface that extends away from the first attachment surface at an acute angle. Such a device can be retrofitted to a range of protective headwear. It can be provided in combination with an adhesive pad, for example, to assist with attaching it to the item of headwear.

This first light source can comprise a first lamp for providing a first portion of the first light pattern having the extent in a plane parallel to the first attachment surface at an acute angle. It can also comprise a second lamp for providing a second portion of the first light pattern having the extent in a plane parallel to the first attachment surface at an acute angle adjacent the first portion.

The illumination device can further comprise a second light source, having a second attachment surface for attaching the second light source to a side portion of an item of headwear opposite that of the first light source in a contralateral arrangement, wherein the second light source is arranged to produce a second three-dimensional light pattern having an extent in a plane parallel to the second attachment surface at an obtuse angle, and an extent in a plane perpendicular to the second attachment surface that extends away from the second attachment surface at an acute angle. As with the first light source, the second light source can comprise a third lamp for providing a first portion of the second light pattern having the extent in a plane parallel to the second attachment surface at an acute angle. A fourth lamp can provide a second portion of the second light pattern having the extent in a plane parallel to the second attachment surface at an acute angle adjacent the first portion.

The illumination device can also comprise a rear unit having a third attachment surface for attaching the rear unit to a rear portion of an item of headwear, and including a third light source arranged to produce a third three-dimensional light pattern having an extent in a plane parallel to the third attachment surface at an obtuse angle, and an extent in a plane perpendicular to the third attachment surface at an obtuse angle. The third light source can comprise a fifth lamp and a sixth lamp spaced apart from the fifth lamp in the plane parallel to the third attachment surface, the fifth lamp providing a first portion of the third light pattern, and the sixth lamp providing a second portion of the third light pattern.

The various light sources can be attached to the item of headwear in a removable, permanent, or semi-permanent manner. Generally, some degree of removability is desirable to allow for repair or replacement of the illumination unit without having to write off the item of headwear. Thus, the elements of the illumination device can clip into place, or be clamped in place, or be attached via adhesive pads, or hook and loop pads, or the like.

It is convenient for there to be a first communication link between the rear unit and the first light source, a second communication link between the rear unit and the second light source, and for the rear unit to include a control means for controlling the first light source and the second light source.

The rear unit can include an alert device for signalling a change in orientation of the illumination device. This can comprise an audible warning means and/or a vibration warning means. Such a change in orientation is correlated with an accident or incident involving the wearer, at which point it would be desirable to alert nearby co-workers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying figures in which; Figure 1 is a rear view of an illumination device mounted on a helmet; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the illumination device mounted on a helmet of figure 1; Figure 3 is a rear view of a helmet with mounts for the illumination device; Figure 4 is a side view of the helmet of figure 3; and Figure 5 is a perspective view of the illumination device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of an illumination device 10 attached to an item of headwear, depicted in the present embodiment as a safety helmet 90 shown in rear view. The illumination device 10 may be mounted to any headwear, but is particularly suited for use with safety helmets as worn by construction workers, emergency services personnel and the like.

The illumination device 10 is comprised of a rear unit 200, a first side unit 20 providing a first light source, and a second side unit 130 providing a second light source. The rear unit 200 provides a third light source.

The first side unit 20 is removably attached to a first side of helmet 90 in an arrangement in which a first attachment surface 30 of the first side unit 20 abuts the first side of helmet 90. An attachment means 60 is provided to secure the first side unit to helmet 90. In the same manner, the second side unit 130 is removably attached to a second side of helmet 90 such that a second attachment surface 140 of the second side unit 130 abuts the second side of helmet 90 opposite the first side. An attachment means 170 is provided for securing the second side unit to helmet 90. Both the first side unit 20 and second side unit 130 are located in the region substantially above an ear of the wearer when the illumination device 10 is attached to a helmet 90 in use. The first side unit 20 and second side unit 130 are therefore located toward the lowermost portion or brim of the external shell of helmet 90.

The rear unit 200 is removably attached to the rear of helmet 90 such that a third attachment surface 210 of rear unit 200 abuts a rear surface of helmet 90. In the present embodiment, the rear unit 200 is arranged across the centre of the lowermost portion of the brim of the external shell of helmet 90.

Rear unit 200 is comprised of a first downward facing light 220 and a second downward facing light 230. The first downward facing light 220 is located toward a first end of rear unit 200, and the second downward facing light 230 is located toward a second end of the rear unit 200 opposite the first. The second downward facing light 230 is spaced apart from the first downward facing light 220 to provide a light pattern having a wider extent in a plane parallel to the third attachment surface 210. When the rear unit 200 is attached to a helmet 90 worn by a user, the light pattern formed by the first and second downward facing lights 220, 230 illuminates the top of the wearer's shoulders. The visibility of the wearer is increased, thus allowing the wearer to be identified as a person from behind, particularly in instances in which reflective clothing is also worn. In this example, the rear unit emits red light, to show the orientation of the wearer and (potentially) alert others that s/he is facing away from them.

In the present embodiment, the rear unit 200 houses a power means to power the illumination device 10 in the form of a rechargeable battery 250. Consequently, first side unit 30 is connected to rear unit 200 by communication link 70 to provide power to the first light source, and second side unit 130 is connected to rear unit 200 by communication link 180 to provide power to the second light source 130. In a preferred embodiment, rear unit 200 further comprises an actuation switch 270 for actuating the first, second and third light sources.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 1 in which the first side unit 20 is shown in further detail. The first side unit 20 comprises a first downward facing light 40 and a forward angled light 50 forming a three-dimensional light pattern. The light pattern extends in a plane parallel to the first attachment surface 30 at an obtuse angle. The light pattern also extends in a plane perpendicular to the first attachment surface 30 at an acute angle. The first side unit 20 is attached to the first side of helmet 90 such that the downward facing light 40 illuminates the area generally from wearer's shoulder (in use) and forwards thereof, and the forward angled light 50 illuminates a space that is both below and forward of the wearer in use. The forward angled light 50 is preferably angled at 45°. This improves the visibility of the wearer when viewed by others, and provides illumination of a work space immediately in front of the wearer.

In the present embodiment, the light pattern formed is a single unitary pattern. However, in further embodiments, the light pattern may be formed of two discrete areas of light, or two areas of light that abut or overlap one another.

In the present embodiment, the illumination device 10 has a fixed light pattern. In further embodiments, the light pattern may be adjusted. To this end, each light 40, 50, 150, 160, 220, 230 may have an adjustable aperture. Each adjustable aperture may be manually or electronically actuated.

The angle of the light pattern of the first side unit 20 is selected to both illuminate the wearer and to illuminate a work area of the wearer. The light pattern is angled downward in respect of the wearer to prevent other people in the vicinity, or indeed viewing the wearer from afar, from being dazzled by the illumination device 10. This is particularly important at night as loss of night vision in a hazardous environment may have significant ramifications.

Several illumination devices 10 may be worn in close proximity to one another without adverse effect on neighbouring wearers or personnel working nearby.

In alternative embodiments, each of the first side unit 20 and second side unit 130 may be used alone or together as self-contained units comprising an internal battery, control means and actuation switch 80, 190. In such embodiments, each of the first and second side units 20, 130 comprises a switch 80, 190 for actuating the lights thereof. The switch 80, 190 may also be used to change lighting mode from constant beam to flashing, for example, if required.

Figure 3 shows the safety helmet 90 of figure 1 in rear view, absent the illumination device 10. Third helmet attachment means 100, for cooperation with attachment means 240 of rear unit 200, are visible. In the present embodiment, each third helmet attachment means 100 comprise a magnet for ease of mounting/demounting rear unit 200 in a similar manner to that of first and second units 20, 130. Third helmet attachment means 100 are arranged across the lowermost portion of the rear of helmet 90 and are set apart from one another to distribute the weight of rear unit 200 across the rear of the helmet 90. Distributing the weight of rear unit 200 across the third helmet attachment means 100 provides a more secure attachment and increases the comfort of the wearer. In alternative embodiments, a single third helmet attachment means 100 is provided centred across the lowermost portion of the rear of helmet 90, or three or more third helmet attachment means 100 are provided across the lowermost portion of the rear of helmet 90.

As can be seen from figure 4, attachment means 240 of rear unit 200 is provided as a part of unitary third attachment surface 210. In the present embodiment, the attachment means 240 comprise a magnet housed within rear unit 200 and located for cooperation with third helmet attachment means 100 as indicated in figure 4. By housing the attachment means 240 within rear unit 200, the outer surface of third helmet attachment means 100 may be a single unitary surface. In alternative embodiments, attachment means 240 may be provided on third attachment surface 210. In such embodiments, third helmet attachment means 100 may be shaped to accommodate the profile and/or shape of attachment means 240.

Figure 4 shows the safety helmet 90 of figure 1 in side profile with the first helmet attachment means 110 visible. Third helmet attachment means 100 is visible in profile to the rear of helmet 90. The first side unit 20 is retained in position by attachment means 60 cooperating with first helmet attachment means 110. On the opposing side of helmet 90 (not shown) is second helmet attachment means 120 for cooperating with second side unit 130 attachment means 170 in the same manner.

First helmet attachment means 110 is provided in the form of a magnet having a first polarity for cooperation with a magnet having a second polarity in attachment means 60, and is shaped to cooperate with first side unit attachment surface 30. The profile of first side unit 20, shown in figure 4, includes a v-shape. First helmet attachment means 110 comprises an upper lip and a lower lip framing a channel into which v-shaped first attachment surface 30 may be inserted. First side unit 20 is retained in position by upper and lower lips of the first helmet attachment means 110 exerting a force on the surface of first side unit 20.

Consequently, the lower lip is arranged in a v to engage with lowermost edges of first side unit attachment surface 30. The upper lip of first helmet attachment means 110 is curved and arranged convex relative the lower lip of first helmet attachment means 110. However, where the helmet has an edge that is straight or any other shape, the lower lip of the first helmet attachment means 110 can be shaped to follow the profile of the helmet. The first side unit will be shaped accordingly if required.

In further embodiments, a self-adhesive pad may also be provided in conjunction with some or all magnets for additional bond strength.

Figure 5 shows the illumination device 10 independently of any headwear to which it may be mounted. The first and second side units 20, 130 are arranged as a pair such that the features of the second side unit 130 mirror those of the first side unit 30. The second side unit 130 comprises a first downward facing light 150 and a second forward angled light 160 forming a three-dimensional light pattern. The light pattern extends in a plane parallel to the second attachment surface 140 at an obtuse angle. The light pattern also extends in a plane perpendicular to the second attachment surface 140 at an acute angle. The second side unit is attached to the second side of helmet 90 such that the downward facing light 150 illuminates the wearer's shoulder in use, and the forward angled light 160 illuminates a space that is both below and forward of the wearer in use. The forward angled light 160 is preferably angled at 45°. This improves the visibility of the wearer when viewed by others, and provides illumination of a space immediately in front of the wearer.

The second attachment surface 140 is visible as a single unitary surface for cooperation with the surface of the second side of helmet 90. Attachment means 170 is provided for the removable attachment of second side unit 130 to helmet 90. In the present embodiment, attachment means 170 is in the form of a magnet having a first polarity. A magnet of opposing polarity is provided in second helmet attachment means 120, as shown in figure 4.

The first attachment surface 30 is a single unitary surface and arranged for cooperation with the surface of the first side of helmet 90. Attachment means 60 is provided as a magnet having a first polarity for cooperation with a magnet having a second polarity in first helmet attachment means 110, also shown in figure 4. The rear unit 200 is attachable to helmet 90 by rear unit attachment means 240 provided as a magnet having a first polarity for cooperation with a magnet having a second polarity in third helmet attachment means 100, as shown in figure 3. Magnetic coupling of illumination device 10 to helmet 90 allows quick attachment and removal of the illumination device 10 without the need for tools or other equipment. Furthermore, placement of the relevant parts of illumination device 10 relative helmet 90 is not required to be as accurate when using a magnetic coupling, with a wearer being able to attach the illumination device 10 to a helmet 90 being worn with little difficulty.

The third attachment surface 210 is, in some embodiments, shaped to fit the curved profile of a user's head, and in others, shaped for cooperation with an outer surface of an item of headwear. In some embodiments, third attachment surface 210 is a single curved surface, and in others is faceted as shown. The surface of the third attachment surface 210 can be selected according to whether the illumination device 10 is intended for use in conjunction with an item of headwear or without.

In the present embodiment, the second side unit 130 is shaped substantially the same as the first side unit 20 and, consequently, the second helmet attachment means 120 is shaped substantially the same as the first helmet attachment means 110.

Communication link 70 connecting first side unit 20 to rear unit 200, and communication link 180 attaching second side unit 130 to rear unit 200 enables transmission of signals to change mode, as described above. In alternative embodiments, transmission between rear unit 200 and the first and second side units 20, 130 may be via a wireless link such as BluetoothTM.

The rear unit 200 of the present embodiment is larger in size than the first and second side units 20, 130 to accommodate the power means and the PCB as well as additional safety features. In a preferred embodiment, rear unit 200 has an alert device 320 comprising a motion sensor 280 and tilt switch 290. The alert device 320 may be used in several different modes, examples of which will now be described.

When the status of the wearer is detected as having deviated from an expected set or movements or orientation, if the wearer of the device becomes horizontal due to a fall or other such event, an audible warning 300 may be sounded to alert third parties to the altered status of the wearer.

If the wearer of the illumination device 10 is working on an elevated platform or gantry and falls, an accelerometer may be provided in the rear unit 200 as a part of the alert device 320 to trigger an audible signal 300 to alert other operatives nearby.

The alert device 320 may also be programmed to alert the wearer to move to a different task or to take a rest break where the operatives is required to take a rest break after a set period of working time.

The rear unit 200 may further comprise a GSM link 330, which in some embodiments can be used as a part of alert system 320. In the event that the alert device 320 is triggered, a message may be sent via GSM link to a remote third party to indicate a trigger event. The GSM link 330 may be provided to send information relating to the location, duration etc of the wearer of illumination device 10, in embodiments in which an alert device 320 is and is not present.

The rear unit may further comprise a satellite tracking system 340. The satellite tracking system 340 may be used to monitor the location of the wearer. In applications in which operatives are required to take rest breaks after a set period of working time, the satellite tracking system may be used to record working time to indicate compliance with such requirements.

In the present embodiment, the illumination device 10 comprises six separate lamps. First side unit 20 comprises downward facing light 40, or first lamp, and forward angled light 50, or second lamp. Second side unit 130 comprises downward facing light 150, or third lamp, and forward angled light 160, or fourth lamp. Rear unit 200 comprises first downward facing light 220, or fifth lamp, and second downward facing light 230, or sixth lamp. In further embodiments, the illumination device 10 may comprise three lamps corresponding to first light source, second light source, and third light source corresponding to a single light source located on first side unit 20, second side unit 130 and rear unit 200 respectively, each single light source producing a light pattern equivalent to those of the alternative arrangements described herein.

The arrangement of the three light sources placed strategically around the user allows the user to be visible when viewed from several angles. In the present embodiment, the light produced by the three light sources is visible white light. Preferably, the light of downward facing lights 40, 150, 220, 230 and forward angled lights 50, 160 is produced by LEDs. However, in further embodiments the light produced by the light sources of the illumination device 10 may be monochromatic. In this manner, the light produced by rear downward lights 220, 230 may be red to indicate the rear of a wearer in use. Alternatively, the light of all downward facing lights 40, 150, 220, 230 and forward angled lights 50, 160 may be red or green to aid night vision of both the wearer and any person viewing the wearer.

The light source(s) in such illumination devices may be selected to have a high number of lumens to ensure the wearer can be seen from some distance.

The components of the illumination device 10, and links therebetween, are waterproof and capable of withstanding a range of temperatures. The illumination device 10 is therefore suitable for outdoor use in a range of weather conditions. Furthermore, the components of the illumination device 10 may have an appropriate level of chemical resistance.

It will of course be understood that many variations may be made to the above-described embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The illumination device may be used in conjunction with headgear worn by emergency services personal to draw attention to their presence in a hazardous environment. Furthermore, the illumination device may aid emergency personnel in locating and/or treating people or animals, or performing necessary duties in low light or low visibility conditions.

The illumination device may also be used in conjunction with cycle or motorcycle helmets so that the wearer has increased visibility to other road users. The wearer is afforded greater visibility of the ground surface in the surrounding area.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An illumination device assembly, comprising: a safety helmet, a first light source attachable to an attachment surface on a first side of the safety helmet, and wherein the first light source is arranged to produce a three-dimensional light pattern that extends in a plane parallel to the attachment surface at an obtuse angle, and an extent in a plane perpendicular to the attachment surface that extends away from the attachment surface at an acute angle.
2. An illumination device assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a second light source attachable to a second attachment surface on a second side of the safety helmet opposite the first, arranged to produce a three-dimensional light pattern that extends in a plane parallel to the second attachment surface at an obtuse angle, and an extent in a plane perpendicular to the second attachment surface that extends away from the second attachment surface at an acute angle.
3. An illumination device assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a third light source attachable to a third attachment surface on a rear surface of the safety helmet arranged to produce a three-dimensional light pattern that extends in a plane parallel to the third attachment surface at an obtuse angle, and an extent in a plane perpendicular to the third attachment surface that extends away from the third attachment surface at an acute angle.
4. An illumination device assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the attachment surfaces of the safety helmet are oriented so that, in use, they are upright.
5. An illumination device, comprising a first light source having a first attachment surface for attaching the first light source to a side portion of an item of headwear, wherein the first light source is arranged to produce a first three-dimensional light pattern having an extent in a plane parallel to the first attachment surface that includes an obtuse angle, and an extent in a plane perpendicular to the first attachment surface that extends away from the first attachment surface at an acute angle.
6. An illumination device according to claim 5, wherein the first light source comprises a first lamp for providing a first portion of the first light pattern having the extent in a plane parallel to the first attachment surface at an acute angle.
7. An illumination device according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the first light source further comprises a second lamp for providing a second portion of the first light pattern having the extent in a plane parallel to the first attachment surface at an acute angle adjacent the first portion.
8. An illumination device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a second light source having a second attachment surface for attaching the second light source to a side portion of an item of headwear opposite that of the first light source in a contralateral arrangement, wherein the second light source is arranged to produce a second three-dimensional light pattern having an extent in a plane parallel to the second attachment surface at an obtuse angle, and an extent in a plane perpendicular to the second attachment surface that extends away from the second attachment surface at an acute angle.
9. An illumination device according to claim 8, wherein the second light source is comprised of a third lamp for providing a first portion of the second light pattern having the extent in a plane parallel to the second attachment surface at an acute angle.
10. An illumination device according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the second light source further comprises a fourth lamp for providing a second portion of the second light pattern having the extent in a plane parallel to the second attachment surface at an acute angle adjacent the first portion.
11. An illumination device according to any one of claims 5 to 10, further comprising a rear unit having a third attachment surface for attaching the rear unit to a rear portion of an item of headwear, the rear unit comprising a third light source arranged to produce a third three-dimensional light pattern having an extent in a plane parallel to the third attachment surface at an obtuse angle, and an extent in a plane perpendicular to the third attachment surface at an obtuse angle.
12. An illumination device according to claim 11, wherein the third light source comprises a fifth lamp and a sixth lamp spaced apart from the fifth lamp in the plane parallel to the third attachment surface, the fifth lamp providing a first portion of the third light pattern, and the sixth lamp providing a second portion of the third light pattern.
13. An illumination device according to claim 11 or claim 12, further comprising a first communication between the rear unit and the first light source and a second communication link between the rear unit and the second light source, and the rear unit further comprises a control means for controlling the first light source and the second light source.
14. An illumination device according to any one of claims 11 to claim 13, wherein the rear unit further comprises an alert device for signalling a change in orientation of the illumination device.
15. An illumination device according to claim 14, wherein the alert device comprises an audible warning means and/or a vibration warning means.