NO147278B - NOEDBELYSNINGSANORDNING. - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an emergency lighting device, which comprises a chemically luminous, or chemiluminescent, light stick,

an attached actuation device for releasing the light stick and a container for storing and displaying the light stick. The characteristic features of the emergency lighting device appear in claim 1.

Chemically luminescent glow sticks are known to be useful in emergency situations. Several glow sticks have been described which are suitable for such use. In principle, a chemiluminescent light stick includes a flexible, translucent outer tube, which encloses a plurality of chemical components of a chemiluminescent mixture, whereby breakable parts separate these components from one another in the outer tube. When the breakable, separating elements are crushed, the components in the outer tube connect and react to produce chemical light. As a rule, a light stick consists of a flexible polyethylene outer tube closed at both ends and one or two inner glass ampoules that each contain a separate component of a chemical luminescent mixture. So

as long as the components are separated by the intact ampoules in the outer tube, they are practically inert and do not produce any light. When the inner ampoules are broken by the influence of the flexible outer tube, the components in the outer tube mix, and by mixing the reaction partners together, chemically luminous light is produced. This reaction produces light without the emission of heat, flames, sparks or gases, so that the light stick can be used without risk for lighting purposes in explosive environments and can even be used without the risk of fire or

ko for burns on the part of the user. The reaction mixture is completely enclosed in the outer tube, so that the light is not extinguished by the light stick coming into contact with water. The light stick can even be used underwater. Certain light sticks can emit light with significant intensity for several hours after activation, so that they can be used as markings during night rescue operations.

In the emergency lighting device according to the invention

then the light stick is available in a package which forms an easily accessible storage space for the light stick and which is particularly suitable for easy and convenient use of the light in various kinds of emergency situations.

A particularly preferred light stick in the emergency lighting device according to the invention has two reactive components of a chemically illuminating mixture stored in separate glass ampoules in the outer container. These two components comprise a reactive oxalate ester in one ampoule and a reactive peroxy compound in the other ampoule. Both of these components would be subject to gradual deterioration by contact with air which could penetrate through the outer polyolefin tube but which cannot penetrate the glass ampoules. Thus, a light stick of this type has a long storage time without it being necessary to use a hermetically sealed casing around the light stick during storage. In these preferred embodiments, where two internal glass ampoules are used, a third separate liquid component, which consists exclusively of non-air-sensitive ingredients, for example solvent, fluorescent substances and the like, can occupy a part of the volume in the outer tube that is not occupied by the glass ampoules.

The glow stick comprises an elongate, flexible, translucent outer tube, a plurality of liquid, rigid, breakable inner tubes containing a solution of a relatively concentrated solution of a suitable bis(carbalkoxy-trichlorophenyl)-oxalate,

in which the alkoxy group has 1-8 carbon atoms, and a 9,10-bis-(phenylethynyl)anthracene compound in a solvent as a first component, while another inner tube contains another component, hereinafter referred to as peroxy component, and the outer tube is partially filled with a diluent or a solution of 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene compound in a solvent as a third component. The outer tube is tightly closed by a lid.

It has surprisingly been shown that by reducing the concentration of bis(carbaloxy-trichlorophenyl)oxalate to around 25-40% lower than the concentration used in conventional devices, an improved emission of light is achieved. This reduction is provided by means of the third component.

Preferably, the system and device contain a relatively concentrated solution of a bis(6-carbalkoxy-2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)oxalate, in which the alkoxy group has 5-8 carbon atoms, and 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene or a halogen- substituted 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene in a diluent as the first component, a solution of hydrogen peroxide and an accelerator in a solvent as the peroxide component and a solution of 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene or a halogen-substituted 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene in a solvent as the third component.

In a further preferred embodiment, the system and device contain a solution of bis(6-carbopentoxy-2,4,4-trichlorophenyl)-oxalate and 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene or monochloro-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene in dibutyl phthalate as the first component, a solution of hydrogen peroxide and sodium salicylate in a mixture of dimethyl phthalate and tert.-butanol as the second component and a solution of 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene or a monochloro-9,10-bis( phenylethynyl)anthracene in dibutyl phthalate as the third component.

The improved device according to the invention achieves the following advantages: 1. In the device according to the invention, the volume of the chemiluminescent product can be increased by 40-70% in relation to the volume of the chemiluminescent product in a conventional device. 2. The oxalate ester's sealing enclosure in an inner tube protects the material against hydrolysis. 3. The use of a diluent or a solution of the fluorescent compound in a diluent as the third component protects against accidental activation of the device due to impact.

Typical examples of applicable bis(carbaloxy-tri-chlorophenyl) oxalates are the following: bis(6-carbopentoxyphenyl-2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)oxalate, bis(6-carboxyphenyl-2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)oxalate, bis( 6-carbomethoxyphenyl-2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)oxalate, bis(6-carbopentoxyphenyl-2,3,5-trichlorophenyl)oxalate,

bis(6-carboxyloxyphenyl-2,3,5-trichlorophenyl)oxalate,

and such.

The concentration of the oxalate in the first component can lie in a range from 0.025m to 3.65m. Preferably, the concentration range extends from 0.07 m to 0.7 m.

Fluorescent compounds that can be used in connection with the invention can be defined as 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene or chloro-, bromo-, fluorine- or lower-alkyl-substituted bis-(phenylethynyl)anthracenes. The preferred fluorescent compound is selected from among the 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracenes

or the chlorine-substituted 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracenes. IN

a further preferred embodiment is the fluorescent compound of 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene or 1-chloro-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene or 2-chloro-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)-anthracene.

Typical examples of the 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracenes applicable within the framework of the invention are the following: 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene,

1-chloro-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene,

2-chloro-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene,

1,5-dichloro-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene, 1,8-dichloro-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene, l-bromo-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene,

1-fluoro-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene,

1-methyl-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene,

and such.

The concentration of the 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene compound in the first and third components according to the invention can lie in the range from 0.0002m to 0.03m. Preferably, the concentration range extends from 0.001m to 0.010m.

If the 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene compound is sufficiently soluble in the first component, the entire fluorescent compound can be incorporated together with the first component and a pure diluent used as the third component.

In such a situation, the concentration of the 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)-anthracene compound in the first component may occupy a range from 0.0004m to 0.06m. Preferably, the concentration range extends from 0.002m to 0.02m. The fluorescent compounds 1- and 2-chloro-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene can be used on

this way.

Although different fluorescent compounds can be used in the first and third components, if desired, the same compound is preferably used.

The diluents used for the components of the emergency lighting device must be present in sufficient quantities so that at least a partial dissolution of the substances participating in the chemical luminescent reaction is achieved. Any liquid diluent may be used for the first and third components provided that the diluent solubilizes bis(carbalkoxy-trichloro-phenyl)oxalate and 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene compound to achieve the desired concentrations and that the diluent is not reactive towards these materials. Typical diluents or solvents for use in connection with the invention include esters, ethers, aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, for example those described in US patent 3,749,679. It pre-

drawn diluent is dibutyl phthalate. For example, solvent combinations can be used, but these should not be

grasp strongly electron-donating solvents.

As previously stated, as another component, it can an-

reversed peroxide component can be any peroxide, hydroperoxide or hydrogen peroxide compound. Typical hydroperoxides include t-butyl hydroperoxide, peroxybenzo-

acid and hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is the preferred hydroperoxide and can be used as a solution of hydrogen peroxide in a solvent or as an anhydrous hydrogen peroxide compound, for example urea perhydrate (urea peroxide), sodium perborate, sodium peroxide and the like. When hydrogen

peroxide is to be used, one can start from any suitable compound which produces hydrogen peroxide.

The diluents which can be used for the peroxide component include any liquid which is relatively non-reactive towards the hydroperoxide, the chemiluminescent compound and the fluorescent compound and which provides a solubility for up-

reaching at least 0.Olm hydroperoxide. Typical solvents for the hydroperoxide component include water, alcohols, e.g.

ethanol, tert.-butanol or octanol, ethers, for example diethyl

ether, diamyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, dibutyl diethylene glycol perfluoropropyl ether and 1,2-dimethoxyethane, as well as esters, for example ethyl acetate, ethyl benzoate, dimethyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, propyl formate. One can, for example, even use solvent combinations, for example combinations of the above-mentioned solvents with anisole, tetralin, polychlorobiphenyl compounds, on the condition that this solvent combination provides

brings hydroperoxide solubility. Most commonly, however, one can refrain from using solvents that are strong electron-

donors, for example dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide and hexamethylphosphoramide.

The preferred diluent for the peroxide component

is a mixture of approx. 80% by volume dimethyl phthalate and approx. 20% by volume

tert.-butanol.

The hydrogen peroxide concentration in the peroxide component can range from 0.05m to 15m. Preferably, the concentration is in the range from lm to 2m.

The lifetime and intensity of the chemiluminescent light obtained with the preferred bis(6-carbalkoxy-2,4,5-trichloro-phenyl)oxalates and hydrogen peroxide can be controlled by the use of certain regulators, for example: (1) By adding a catalyst that changes the reaction rate of the hydroperoxide with the oxalate ester. Catalysts which satisfy this purpose include those described in M.L. Bender, "Chem. Revs.", vol. 60, p. 53

(1960). Accelerators according to US patent 3,775,366 also belong to the catalysts that change the reaction rate or the degree of the chemical photoluminescence. (2) By varying the hydroperoxide. Both the type and concentration of the hydroperoxide are critical for regulatory purposes.

(3) When adding water.

Preferably, a weakly basic accelerator, for example sodium salicylate, is included in the peroxide component to regulate the lifetime of the chemical light system. The concentration of the weakly basic accelerator used in the peroxide component may lie in a range from 10 m to 10 m, preferably from 10 m to 10 µm. Optionally, the weak base can also be added as a separate component if desired.

The ratio between the total volume of the first and third components and the peroxide component lies in a range from 2.5 to 5.5 and preferably amounts to a value of from 4.0 to 5.0. The total volume for the three components is such that upon activation of the device, the initial concentration of the bis(carb-alkoxy-trichlorophenyl) oxalate in the obtained chemically luminous mixture is in a range from 0.05m to 0.09m.

In connection with the invention, one or more decelerators are used, either individually or in cooperation with one or more of the accelerators mentioned in the above section. By using one of the accelerators mentioned above, it should be possible to use a greater total concentration for the oxalate, while at the same time it should be possible to use a decelerator, which would extend the time period in which light of high intensity is obtained by the chemical luminescence reaction . The decelerators according to US patents 3,691,085 and 3,704,231 comprise, for example, such a compound as oxalic acid.

A preferred embodiment of the invention be-

is written in more detail with reference to the drawings, where:

fig. 1 shows a light stick according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, whereby the various parts are shown in an unbroken state, before the light stick is activated to produce light;

fig. 2 shows the same light stick with a maneuvering device attached thereto;

fig. 3 is a plan section seen from above of an open container with a light stick clamped therein and a maneuvering device in a storage position in the interior of the container;

fig. 4 is another plan section of an open container, whereby the light stick is clamped in the position of use;

fig. 5 is a side view of the container with a lid attached and shows the hinge that connects the lid to the box as well as the opening in the rear walls that holds the light stick in the position of use;

fig. 6 is a view of the front of the closed container with

a lock that retains the lid in closed rent;

fig. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment consisting of a single, one-piece unit comprising a tube, a lever and a pivot point, whereby this unit constitutes an improved part of a chemiluminescent device;

fig. 8 is a side view of the unit according to FIG. 7

with part of the lever arm cut away to clarify the lever arm cross-section; and

fig. 9 is a side view of a complete chemiluminescent device according to Figures 7 and 8 with certain parts removed.

The one in fig. 1, the light stick 1 comprises a translucent, flexible outer tube 2, which is closed at one end and has an opening at the other end, through which the inner parts of the light stick are introduced and in which a plug 3 is inserted and tightly fitted so that they internal parts are held in place in the outer tube. Inside the tube are two glass ampoules 4 and 5, each containing a separate liquid component of the chemically luminescent mixture.

In the embodiment shown in the drawing, one of the glass ampoules is located inside the other ampoule. The inner glass ampoule 4 is approx. 85 mm long and has an outer diameter of 7.5 mm, a wall thickness of 0.2 mm and is partially filled with 2.5 ml of a solution made of hydrogen peroxide and 0.1 g of sodium salicylate in 773 ml of dimethyl phthalate and 212 ml of tert .-butanol. The outer glass ampoule 5 has an outer diameter of 12.48 mm, a wall thickness of 0.4 mm and such a length that it can be accommodated in the outer tube and contains the tightly enclosed inner tube as well as 6 ml of a solution made of 135, 1 g of bis-6(carbopentoxy-2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)oxalate, 1.113 g of 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene and a sufficient amount of dibutyl phthalate for the total amount to be one litre. The outer tube 2 is a pressed cylindrical tube of polyethylene which is closed at one end and open at the other end. Its diameter is approx. 18 mm, its wall thickness approx. 1.4 mm and its length approx. 130 mm. In addition to the glass ampoules with their contents, the outer tube also contains 5 ml of a solution made from 1.13 g of 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)-anthracene and a sufficient amount of dibutyl phthalate to obtain a liter of solution. A polyethylene plug 3 is tightly inserted into the open end of the outer ear to hold all inner parts in the tube.

To activate the device and achieve chemical luminescence, the tube 1 is slightly bent, so that the ampoules are broken into pieces and their contents can be mixed with the third component

in and for the emission of chemical luminescence.

The color of the emitted light depends on the particular fluorescent compound used and its spectral response. However, the visible color can also be varied by using colored plastic in the pipe 1.

Additional pipes can also be arranged in the interior of pipe 1, if desired, to introduce reaction rate regulators and to achieve optimal storage conditions by keeping these materials separate from other reaction components.

If desired, a parabolic reflector element can be arranged together with the activated device for amplifying the light in a specific direction.

According to the invention, an improved device for the production of visible light is achieved when and where this is desired, independent of conventional electrical lighting methods and

without the risks and limitations that come with electric lighting. The chemically luminescent lighting systems can be particularly valuable in emergency situations where all other forms of lighting have fallen away. The system does not include fire from flammable lighting devices, such as candles, gas or

oil lamps.

It should be obvious that the chemiluminescent device is not limited to emergency lighting. It can be used in all cases where a cold, safe lighting device is required. It is even valuable for obtaining illumination where electric light is not available. The device is maximally portable and can be carried in the hand for signaling purposes.

Example 1 - Production of the first component

A. The first component is made by dissolving 135.1 g (0.199 mol) of bis(6-carbopentoxy-2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)oxalate (cf. example XXVI in US patent 3,749,679) in 800 ml of high value dibutyl phthalate, and the solution is heated to 150°C under nitrogen for one hour. The solution is cooled under nitrogen to 80-90°C, and 1.113 g (0.003 mol) of 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene (cf. example XXXVIII in US patent 3,557,233) is added. The mixture is cooled to room temperature and diluted to a total volume of 1 liter by adding dibutyl phthalate.

B. The procedure according to example 1A is followed, with the difference that 180 g (0.266 mol) of bis(6-carbopentoxy-2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)oxalate is used.

Example 2

The procedure of Example IA is repeated using 115.1 g (0.170 mol) of bis(6-carbopentoxy-2,3,5-trichlorophenyl)-oxalate and replacing the 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene with 2.065 g (0.005 mol) 2-chloro-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene.

Example 3

The procedure from Example IA is repeated using 135.4 g (0.20 mol) of bis(6-carbopentoxy-2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)-oxalate and exchange of 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene for 1-chloro -9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene).

Example 4 - Production of the peroxide component

A mixture of 773 ml of dimethyl phthalate, 212 ml of tert-butanol and 0.10 g (0.000625 mol) of sodium salicylate is stirred at room temperature to obtain a clear solution. 53 g (1.52 mol) of hydrogen peroxide (98%) is weighed into an open beaker and added slowly to the constantly stirred mixture. The solution is then stirred at room temperature for 1 hour and transferred to a polyethylene container.

Example 5 - Production of the third component

1.113 g (0.003 mol) 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene

dissolve in 800 ml of dry dibutyl phthalate at 80-90°C. The solution is then cooled to room temperature and completed to a total volume of 1 liter by adding dry dibutyl phthalate.

Example 6

The procedure from example 5 is used with yield

of 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene against 2.065 g (0.005 mol) of 2-chloro-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene).

Example; - 1

The procedure from example 5 is applied with the substitution of 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene for 3.83 g (0.009 mol) of 1-chloro-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene.

Example 8 - Assembly of the devices

A. A closed-end cylindrical glass tube (0.2 mm + 0.02 mm wall thickness and 7.55 mm + 0.01 mm outer diameter) is filled with 2.5 ml of the peroxide component according to Example 4, after which the open end is closed in a flame so that the total length of the closed tube is approx. 85 mm.

A larger cylindrical glass tube (0.4 mm _+ 0.04 mm wall thickness and 12.48 mm + 0.01 mm outer diameter) with a closed

end is filled with 6.0 ml of the oxalate component from example IA.

The closed tube containing the peroxide component is inserted into the larger tube, the open end of which is sealed in a flame to form a concentric pair of tubes with one tube tightly enclosed in the other. The total length of the closed outer glass tube is approx. 115 mm.

5.0 ml of the solution according to example 5 is introduced

in a pressed cylindrical tube of polyethylene which is closed at one end. The polyethylene pipe has an outer diameter of approx. 18.0 mm, a wall thickness of approx. 1.40 mm and a total length of approx. 140 mm. The concentrically connected pairs of glass tubes are inserted into the polyethylene tube, and a polyethylene plug is inserted into the open end of the tube and heat-sealed to the polyethylene tube. The total length of the closed polyethylene pipe is approx. 130 mm.

B. The procedure of Example 8A is followed using 6.0 ml of the oxalate product according to Example 1B as the

.first component.

The devices according to examples 8A and 8B will, after bending and strong shaking, emit a yellowish-green light. The emitted light has intensities that appear in table I below as luminosity values (lumens per litre) measured using

a broadband photometer against time at 27.5°C.

The concentration of bis(6-carbopentoxy-2,4,5-trichloro-phenyl)oxalate which is obtained immediately after the activation of the devices according to examples 8A and 8B amounts respectively to approx. 0.088m and 0.118m. These results show the lower former intensities obtained with device B, in which the oxalate concentration in the activated device is higher.

In order to make activation of the light stick easier when light is needed, the light stick is provided with an impact device attached to it which has a lever and pivot point means by means of which the outer tube can be conveniently bent so that the inner, internal ampoules are broken into pieces. You can easily bend the outer tube towards the pivot point by squeezing the tube and the lever arm together with the palm and fingers of one hand in order to light the candle stick. A suitable device for this purpose is described in more detail in US patent 3,900,728.

The emergency lighting device according to the invention and an attached influencing device of the specified type in a container that is specially adapted for the storage of the light stick with an attached influencing device pending the light stick's use, which is easily accessible to the user when needed. The container is also provided with organs which enable the use of the container in combination with the light stick in and for radiating the light in an advantageous manner in various kinds of emergency situations.

The container is a box with a hinged lid and can be used with the lid closed for safe and tight storage of the light stick. The closed container encloses the light stick and consists of material that is sufficiently strong to prevent accidental activation of the light stick during storage, for example by accidental bending or impact or the like. container-

the lid is equipped with releasable locking devices which maintain the hinged lid in a closed position during storage, but the locking device can be released by hand without difficulty when the container is to be opened. Detachable storage-clamping means are arranged on the inside of the container, which hold the light rod in a fixed storage position in the container, and winding pins are arranged

by means of which one end of a string can be secured to the container and the string can be wound up for storage in the container. Other releasable clamping means are arranged in the interior of the container for holding the light stick in a working situation, in which the light stick cooperates with the container to keep the container's lid open while light is emitted. In certain preferred embodiments, the inner surfaces of the container are entirely or to a suitable extent

ning reflective to improve the light emission when the light stick is mounted in a emitting situation in the container. In certain preferred embodiments, the container is provided on the outside with means for attaching the container to a person's clothing or the like, which makes it easier to carry or use the light package.

Each glowstick that can be stored in an inactive state and

w .;ner without difficulty is influenced for the production of chemical luminescence, can be used according to the invention. Light sticks of the special type described here are preferably used, as they are specially made with excellent storage stability in mind without the need for an external hermetic closure and as they can produce relatively greater light intensity in the first few hours of use.

The emergency lighting device according to the invention can be provided with an attached influence device. This device offers a turning point towards which the light stick can be bent manually by clamping the light stick against the device's lever arm. This maneuvering is done conveniently by compressing the device in the hand. As shown in fig. 2, the impact device comprises a steel handle

6 which is attached to the outer tube by means of a steel band 7 which grips tightly around the light stick's outer tube 2. The band 7 is attached to the handle with a bolt by means of an extension of the band which extends on the inside of the handle. A straight length 8 of the handle rests lengthwise against the outer wall of the light stick. The handle's turning point 9 is at the end of the straight length closer to the center of the light stick than the band. The lever arm 10 extends from the band at an angle that deviates from the straight length and extends beyond the pivot point 9.

According to the invention, a cord 11 is used

with the help of which the light stick is attached to the container so that it does not get lost. The cord can be of any length.

A suitable length is 60-90 cm. A small hole 12 is placed

in the operating handle, and through this hole the string is tied to the light stick and the impact unit. The other end of the string is attached to the inside of the container.

According to fig. 3, the container 13 comprises a box 14 with a lid 15 which is connected to the box by means of a hinge connection 16 which provides opening and closing of the lid over a 180° angle between closed and wide open position. In the fully open position according to fig. 3, the flat outside of the lid and the flat bottom of the box are preferably in roughly the same plane. In the embodiment shown, both the lid and the box have front walls, side walls and back walls 17 which are connected at the corners to enclose the interior of the container. The walls of the lid and the box have roughly the same depth, and the hinge connection connects the edges of both the lid and the back walls of the box. Centre: opposite the hinge connection at the front of the container, the lid and the box at the center of the front walls are provided with a locking device 18 consisting of a latch and a recess, as certain parts will work together to maintain the lid in a closed position when the box is closed. The locking device is preferably maneuverable with the fingers for joining, resp. release of the parts.

In the interior of the box there are a number of fixtures for clamping the light stick in the storage and use position and for attaching the cord and winding it up in and for storage.

In the one in fig. In the embodiment shown in 3, the entire container with the fittings is made in one piece as a single injection molded unit of polypropylene. From the flat bottom of the box spring out in one piece of protrusions and tabs that are shaped together with this, which have different functions in connection with the storage. At the back wall of the box, two protrusions 19 are located at a distance from each other which interact with an opposite third protrusion 20, which is located as far from the rear wall as the diameter of the light rod corresponds. The third protrusion is offset in relation to the two protrusions 19 on the rear wall in order to cooperate with regard to retaining the light rod against the other two protrusions when the light rod is pressed down between the three protrusions. By

the upper end of each of the three projections extends

there is an edge flange inwards towards the light stick, which is thereby held against the bottom of the box. The three protrusions are sufficiently elastic that the upper ends can be removed somewhat from each other, so that the light stick's largest diameter can pass through the edge flanges, but the protrusions are sufficiently strong to retain the light stick in its clamped position. This is the storage position for the light stick, and the box and lid are sufficiently wide from front to back so that the light stick with the attached handle will be able to lie in the storage position in the closed box. At one short wall of the box, two sets of protrusions 22 situated in the middle of each other are arranged for clamping the light stick in position for use. These protrusions are only used when the box is completely opened and the light stick is clamped with its longitudinal direction running across the box and onto the lid. In order to pick up the light stick in this position of use, parts of both the lid and the back walls of the box are cut out to form an opening. 23 which makes it possible for the light stick to lie inside the box and the opened lid and stretched across the opening parallel to the plane of the box bottom. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, there are two sets of mutually opposite clamping protrusions 22 which protrude upwards from the bottom of the box. Both outlets in each set are at a distance from each other that corresponds to the diameter of the light stick. One set of opposite protrusions lies in a plane that is parallel to the back wall of the box. The outlet in this set is located on each side around the opening 23 in the back wall of the box, which enables placement of the light stick across the walls when the lid is opened. The second set of mutually opposed protrusions is arranged inside the box near the longitudinal center line of the box and maintains the light rod in a position at right angles to this center line. The two set off

opposite protrusions 22 are at such a distance from each other that they hold the light stick firmly by the fact that it is clamped at two places located at a distance from each other along the length of the light stick. Both protrusions in each set are at a distance from each other that corresponds to the diameter of the light stick's outer tube, and the protrusions are provided with flange edges that extend inward, as these hold the light rod between the protrusions until the light rod is pulled out past the flange edges while the protrusions move away elastically.

A clamp or safety pin 25 is arranged on an outer surface of the container in the primarily preferred embodiments, by means of which the container can be attached to a piece of clothing, for example a waist belt or coat pocket or the like. Thereby, it becomes possible to carry the container either closed or in an open position for radiating the light with the container open and the light stick in the use position. In this position of use, the light stick is held by the protrusions in a position across the rear walls from the box into the open lid and cooperates with these parts to hold the lid in its open position. In a preferred embodiment, the inner surface of the box and lid is at least partially covered with reflective material, for example bright metal foil, which has served as a reflector behind the light stick in its position of use in and for amplifying the radiation directed outwards from the container.

The container can be stored with the light stick in its storage position and with the handle attached to the light stick and the cord attached to the handle as well as to one of the winding tabs for the cord. The locking device holds the lid firmly in the closed position. The box can be stored in any convenient place. When closed, the container shown in the drawings has a width of 70 mm, a length of 146 mm, and a thickness of 25 mm. A box of this size can easily be stored in the pocket of a life jacket, but it is also possible to store several containers in a compartment of a life raft, etc. The polyolefin latch can be released from the engagement slot by bending it outwards. Polyolefin is sufficiently elastic to hold the engaging edge of the rivet in the groove, but yields to finger pressure when the rivet is pulled away from the groove. The lid is opened around the hinges, and the light stick is pulled away from the storage protrusions. To avoid losing the container if it falls, the box can be attached to a piece of clothing. The cord can be unwound and the light lit by pressing the light stick against the handle, whereby the tube is bent and the inner ampoules are crushed. Preferably, the tube is shaken to a sufficient extent for the chemicals in it to be mixed. The light produced by the chemiluminescence reaction begins practically immediately. For signaling purposes, the light can be swung around on the cord, thereby evoking the impression of a circle of light. The light stick can be clamped in the position of use and used as a signal or for producing work light, etc. The opened container with the light stick which is clamped in the position of use in it, can be attached to a person, a railing or the like, to serve as a light source.

According to another embodiment of the invention, as part of a lighting device based on chemiluminescence, a molded outer tube, a lifting arm and a pivot point are formed as parts which are made in one piece from a single injection molded element, which serves on in the same way as the previously described individual parts. In connection with this embodiment, reference is made to fig. 7-9.

According to fig. 7, an outer tube 101 comprises a hollow cylinder which, at the end shown at the bottom of the drawing, is closed by rounding the cylinder walls to a center point. The tube 101

is open at the opposite end. In a typical embodiment, a pipe with a length of approx. 127 mm, an outer diameter of

about. 18.2 mm and a wall thickness of approx. 3.0 mm. This outer tube 101 is made by injection molding of a suitable material mixture to obtain a semi-rigid translucent tube which is sufficiently flexible so that the tube can be deflected elastically to such an extent that an internal glass ampoule will be crushed in the tube.

A lifting arm 111 of the same material as the outer tube joins and protrudes from the walls of the tube as part of the unit made in one piece, which includes the tube, the lifting arm and the pivot point. Preferably, the lever arm joins the pipe wall closer to one end of the pipe, preferably the open end, as shown in fig. 7. From this point, the lever arm extends in the direction towards the other end of the pipe along a line that lies in the same plane as the axis of the pipe. However, the lever arm deviates at an angle away from the axis of the pipe from its point of connection with the pipe wall. By. somewhere on the lever arm between its end connected to the pipe and its free end, the lever arm is provided with a pivot point 121, which likewise forms an integral part of the same injection molded unit. The swing point extends from the lever arm towards a place on the pipe wall at or near the middle of the pipe's longitudinal extent. It is not necessary that the abutment edge of the swing point is in a fixed connection with the pipe wall, but it can be fixed with this if desired. In the most preferred embodiment, the pivot point 121 is not directly connected to the wall of the tube.

It is necessary that the lever arm and the pivot point are sufficiently rigid so that the pipe is deflected above the pivot point by compression of the free ends of the pipe and the lever arm. In the most preferred embodiment of the invention, the lever arm is designed with a cross-section corresponding to an I-beam, cf. fig. 8 with a flat stem 131 of the injection molding material in the same plane as the tube's axis and with flanges 141 at the end flat to the stem 131. The flanges extend outwards at right angles from the edge of the stem, where the stem is connected in one piece to the flange in the middle of the flange. In a similar way, a triangular storage point 121 is made in the same, stem and flange composite construction to achieve rigidity. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the flanges along the edges of the storage point are extended over the lever arm 111 and form a closed triangle together with the outer flange 141 of the lever arm. This by means of flanges limited triangle interrupts the inner flange of the lever arm. The stem and flanges of the lever arm extend directly from the pipe wall and form the longitudinal dimension of the lever arm. At the outer free end of the lever arm, the inner and outer flanges of the lever arm merge into each other around the end part of the stem.

In the preferred embodiment, the thickness of the stem 131 and the flanges 141 is up to 3.2 mm and the width of the flange up to 18.2 mm, which is the same value as the diameter of the pipe. The width of the trunk between the flanges decreases towards the free end. The trunk's width is up to approx. 12.7 mm at the connection point between the tube and the lever arm. The stem tapers to a narrow, rounded end section at the outer end of the lever arm. In the embodiment shown in the drawing, the parts that form the lever arm, namely the stem and the flanges, extend from the pipe walls and extend at right angles to the pipe's axis over a short distance and then change direction in accordance with the chosen divergence angle between the pipe's axis. and the lever arm that sticks out. In the described construction, the injection molded polyethylene unit includes a translucent tube, a lifting arm and a storage point. The tube can be deflected towards the storage point for activation of the chemical light. The construction shown and described is intended to be used by one person, whose hand squeezes the free end of the tube against the lever arm.

According to fig. 9, the complete device includes partly the above-described unit which is injection molded in one piece, partly a majority of necessary components to form a chemical luminéscent mixture, which is enclosed in the tube by breakable separators which can be broken into pieces by bending the tube.

Claims (6)

1. Emergency lighting device, characterized in that it comprises: a chemiluminescent light rod (1) which comprises a flexible, translucent outer tube compartment (2), and in the said outer several chemical components in a chemiluminescent mixture in glass ampoules (4,5) which break easily as they can be broken by bending the outer tube flexibly so that the said components combine to produce chemical light, a maneuvering device comprising a storage point (9) and a lever (10) attached to the outside of the outer tube for manual bending of the flexible outer tube towards the storage point of said device by manually cooperating the tube and the lever arm, a container (13) which has a delimited storage space in said container for storage in the storage position of the light rod with said associated maneuvering device, the container comprising a lid ( 15) which can be moved on a hinge (16) between an open position, where the light stick can be taken out of the storage space with a maneuvering device none, and a closed position for enclosing the light stick in the storage space, the lid being pivotable on the hinge over 180° from the closed position to an open use position, in which the lid is pivoted 180° on the hinge from the closed position, and clamping means (22) inside the box for temporarily clamping the light stick in a use position, which is different from the storage position, in which the light stick cooperates with the clamping means for holding the lid in the open position for use of the light stick. 2. Emergency lighting device as stated in claim 1, characterized in that the container (13) consists of a single molded polyolefin part with a polyolefin hinge (16) which is made in one piece together with the container and which connects the lid (17) to the box, polyolefin locking devices (18) which is made in one piece, for temporarily retaining the lid in the closed position, polyolefin retaining protrusions (19,20) which are made in one piece, in the interior of the container for temporarily retaining the light stick in the storage position in the storage compartment, as well as clamping means (22) which is made in one piece for temporarily clamping the light stick in its position of use. 3. Emergency lighting device as stated in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a fastening cord (11) which is attached at one of its ends to the maneuvering device, a first fastening cord plug (24) which is molded in one piece, on an inner surface in the container and attached to the other end of the lanyard and another lanyard plug (24) molded in one piece, on an inner surface of the container for winding the lanyard around the first and second lanyard plugs for storing the lanyard inside the storage compartment. 4. Emergency lighting device as stated in claim 1, characterized in that the chemiluminescent light stick has all its air-sensitive chemical components inside the breakable glass ampoules (4,5) in the defined outer tube. 5. Emergency lighting device as specified in claim 2, characterized in that the molded polyolefin container is made of molded polypropylene. 6. Emergency lighting device as specified in claim 1, characterized in that the defined maneuvering device comprises a handle which includes the lever arm and the storage point, and which is attached by means of a steel band (7) which encircles the pipe and is bolted to the handle.