OA16833A - Illuminated pole - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an illumination device comprising an elongated support element (10) with an illumination source (20) integrated therein. Preferably the elongated element is collapsible, telescopic or resiliently flexible. It may comprise a plurality of sections (11, 12) which are adapted to reciprocate between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The device is particularly suitable for temporary or collapsible structures such as tents, umbrellas, awnings, shades or the like.

Description

The présent invention relates to Systems and devices for providing illumination and partîcularly but not only for providing illumination to temporary or collapsible structures such as tents, awnings, etc.

Background Art

Any discussion of the prior art throughout the spécification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

There are various forms of illumination for both interior and exterior use. Generally such forms of illumination are specifically designed for interior or exterior use and cannot be used in various locations. Further, generally illumination Systems are specifically for a particular installation.

One of the difficulties associated with outdoors and outdoor activities, partîcularly in remote locations, is the need for illumination. While the thought “getting up” and “going down with the sun is laudable,illumination is generally required during the evening for various reasons.ln many cases people need to erect a shelter or tent, make food, etc in the evening and if one needs to leave the tent or simply carry out any activity which requires sight, some form of illumination is necessary. ln many instances, the illumination is used as a location indicator so that occupants can make their way back to the camp site.

Generally this illumination is provided by a lamp or torch separate from the tent or support structure itself. ln some cases the lamp is powered by fuel or gas which can negate the opportunity for using the illumination inside the structure. If batteries are used these are generally quite heavy. If light weight batteries/torches are used they generally provide insufficient illumination or their lifespan may be quite short.Additionally even with electric lamps, strip lights etcthese generally require separate mounting and wiring as well as a power source. With the inconvenience and safety issues associated with conventional illumination Systems,there has not been wide spread acceptance and use. ot

- 2 There is a need to provide an illumination source which is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, easily installed and preferably transportable, does not requîre compiicated or expensive power source and wiring and still provide illumination for various activities both within and around the tent or similar temporary or collapsible structure.

It is an object of the présent invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

Disclosure of the Invention

In the first aspect the présent invention provides an illumination device comprising an elongated support element with an illumination source integrated therein.

In a preferred embodiment the elongated support element is a support pôle for a collapsible or temporary structure such as a tent, umbrella, awning, shade or the like. The elongated support element can be collapsible, telescopic, or resiliently flexible such as required in domed tents. In another embodiment the support element is a strut or span of a collapsible structure such as provided in an expandable scissor” frame of an awning or covering.

The term integrated refers to the light source being part of or held by the support element in a permanent or at least semi-permanent manner. It is not intended to include separate light sources connected to or installed inside a conventional support element such as a tent pôle.

In a second aspect the présent invention provides a support frame or support structure for a tent, umbrella, awning or the like comprising at least one elongated support element within the illumination source integrated therein.

The présent invention provides an illumination source integrated into the elongated supported element. The elongated support element can be entireiy or partly made from an extruded material of square, round, rectangular, triangular or oval cross section. The illumination source is preferably restricted to be within a predetermined relevant dimension of the elongated support element such that it remains within the perimeter of the support element. The relevant dimension may be the perimeter or circumference of the elongated support element. The relevant dimension may be the

- 3 width of the support element. Such intégration of the illumination source with the elongated support element preferably provides that it is permanently attached and does not in any way foui or interfère with the normal fonction of the elongated support element. The intégration can be by any appropriate means but one particularly preferred technique is to provide a longitudinally extending channel or groove within which the illumination source can be retained.

The power source can be external to the illumination device or integrated therein. In one embodiment the power source may be releasably connected to the elongated support element to power the illumination source. In another embodiment, the power source can be integrated within the elongated support element, for example by batteries located within the elongated support element. This battery pack can be replaceable or in some instances rechargeable either after removal or in situ, by means of an external power socket. Such an external socket may also serve to directly power the illumination source.

In other embodiments, the illumination source may be solar powered or the batteries may be recharged by solar, or by mechanical recharging e.g, hand cranked or wind up generators.

The illumination source is preferably an LED strip. Preferably the LED strîp is of low or medium intensity LED. This provides advantages in that it spreads the illumination to provide a more suitable illuminated area. High intensity LED’s are generally not suitable for the présent invention as they are designed to provide a narrow beam of directional light and use a lot of power.

Several strips of LED's may be integrated with the elongated support element. Preferably the LED strips do not extend substantially past the exterior surface of the elongated support element. In one embodiment the elongated support element may be collapsible/extendable. As will be discussed below, the LED strips can be integrated into the elongated support element such that there is no interférence moving between the extended and collapsed configurations.

It will also be envisaged that the LED strip can include an intégral lens system or a separate lens or cover may be placed exterior to the LED strip to focus or spread the illumination, and serve to protect the LED strip from damage.

-4 ln yet another embodiment, a heating strip may replace the illumination source. It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that the device can be provided with an energy source to provide either light, heat or both.

The control mechanisms for the energy source may be separate to the illumination device or integrated therein. In a particular embodiment, membrane touch controls can be integrated into the elongated support element for control of the energy source. Other techniques such as wireless remote control are also envisaged.

The illumination level provided by the LED strip is at least 0.25 LUX. The inventive device may be used alone or in combination with additional illuminations sources. In some instances the support éléments of the tent or collapsible structure may be replaced entirely with the aforementioned support element with a user choosing to illuminate the interior or exterior of the structure by selectively powering a plurality of illumination sources, ln certain embodiments a power supply is required for each illumination source. Altematively several illumination sources may be powered by a single controllable power source.

There are a number of significant advantages arising from the présent invention by intégration of the illumination source i.e. LED strip with the elongated support element. The elongated support element can be telescopic and collapsible with no interférence of the illumination source between extended and retractedconfigurations. This is quite different from the prior art. There are many prior art devices whichincorporate LED’s but they are generally in rigid beams or supports. Altematively, in many cases light sources are attached or adhered to a support element by suitable means such as clips, adhesives etc. This requires complicated and time consuming installation, looks unsightly and in many cases fails to be used because of these issues or loss of various components. ln particular, extensive wiring is generally used to position the lighting source on a support element.

The présent invention removes ail need for separate wiring or complicated installation techniques. The power source is provided direct to one end of the LED strip for example, with ail wiring etc integrated into the LED strip. The telescopic, expandable, collapsible nature of the support element is in no way compromised by the intégration of the illumination source and there is no need for complicated mounting ρζ

-5equipment for providing an illumination or heat source into the support element, unlike conventional Systems.

By appropriate configuration of the intégration of the illumination source with the support element.the device can be used both internally and externally ina tent or similar structure, it can be configured to stand vertically, horizontally or over a curvature etc. In this regard the spécification will refer to use of the elongated support element with reference to a tent or similar collapsible-structure. However, it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that the device may be used as a separate stand alone illumination source or used in other configurations.

it will also be understood that the inventive device has application in other external and internai uses such as for example walking sticks and hiking/ski pôles, portable emergency lighting equipment and internai domestic usage.

Brîef Description of the Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the présent invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figures 1A -1H show various details of a first embodiment of the présent invention;

Figures 2A - 21 show details of a second embodiment of the présent invention;

Figures 3A - 3D show details of a third embodiment of the présent invention;

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view of placement and use of the device in an outdoor environment with a suitable temporary structure;

Figures 5A - 5C show details of a fourth embodiment of the présent invention,

Figures 6A/B, 7A/B and 8A/B are perspective and cross sectional views respectively of three additional embodiments of the présent invention,

Figures 9A -9C shows details of a fifth embodiment of the présent invention and Figures 10-14 are further and additional embodiments incorporating the device of the présent invention, displaying is application its alternative environments.

-6Best Method For Carrying Out The Invention

The présent applicants hâve devised an élégant, robust and cost effective system for illuminating the interior or exterior of a tent, umbrella, awning or shade or similar collapsible structure. The device can be used in conjunction or independently from such structures as it comprises an elongated support element with an illumination source integrated therein. The intégration of the illumination source alfows the support element' to be used in its normal function without interférence from the illumination source. In some of the embodiments shown, the elongated support element is a tent pôle used to support a tent or similar collapsible structure such as an awning etc. It will be understood by persons skilled in the art, however that the elongated support element maybe provided in other forms.

Refer firstly to the embodiments shown in Figures 1A-1H. Figure 1A shows the inventive device it its extended in-use configuration. Figures 1B and 1C are detailed views of the upper most portion and power source respectively. Figures 1D-1H are detailed views of various components of the inventive device shown in Figure 1 A.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1A-1H, the elongated support element 10 has a top portion 11 and a bottom portion 12 adapted to telescopetogether. Integrated in at least the top portion 11 is an illumination source in the form of an LED strip 20. As shown more clearly in Figures 1C, 1G and 1H a power source/control unit 50 in the form of a battery packcan be connected to the elongated support element 10 by mount 51. The power source/control unit 50 not only provides power to the illumination source i.e. LED strip, it also controls the level of brightness and initiation i.e. on/off of the LED strip. With reference to Figures 1F and 1H the power control unit50 is mounted by sliding over and engaging with slots 53 in the mount 51.

A shown in Figure 1H the power control unit 50 has electrical contacts 55 protruding from the rear and adapted to connect with and provide electric power, viainternal wiring 25,to the LED strip 20. In the embodiments shown, once the bottom and top portionsll and 12 are extended and the support element 10 is in its normal vertical orientation, the LED strip 20 isprovided at an elevated position on the pôle 10. In some embodiments this position may be altered by relative movement between portions 11 and 12, and in other embodiments the LED strip 20 itself may be moveable along the length of the support element 10. p/

-7As shown more clearly in Figures 1E and 1F the illumination source or LED strïp is integrated into the support element 10. Since upper portïonll may be telescope on bottom portion 12 the positioning and direction of the LED illumination source 20 can 5 be altered as desired by relative movement and rotation of portions 11 and 12. Both the height and direction of the illumination source 20 is a simple matter of adjusting the relative position of upper portion 11 on lower portion 12.As shown in Figures 2A-2I a simple screw knob 70 or clamping mechanism may be used to alter relative heights or the top and bottom portions 11, 12 or direction of the illumination source 20.

In the embodiments shown,collars or mounting covers 30, 31 are provided at either end of the LED strip 20 as shown more clearly in Figures 1D, 1E and 1G. These covers assist in maintaining the integrated position of the illumination source 20 within the support element 10, prevent ingress of foreign matter and water and generally 15 protect the ends of the illumination source 20. At least one of the collars 31 can simultaneously act as a mount 51 for the power source/control unit 50. The upper collar 30 shown in the embodiment of Figure 1D further includes an aperture for receipt of a pin or spike 35 as per a conventional tent pôle.

The intégration of the illumination source/LED strip 20 into the upper portion 11 is shown more clearly in Figures 1D-1 F. The upper portion 11 is an extrusion which comprises a channel section 15 (see Figure 1F). This channel section 15 is adapted to receive and hold the illumination source 20. Theintegration of the illumination source in the elongated support element 10 has a number of significant advantages over the prior art. The device is simple and safe to erect and use with no exposed live wiring etc.

Power is provided by simple attachment of the battery pack/power source 50 to the support element 10.lt will be noted that there are no additional components apart from the power source. The device 10 essentially acts in a manner similar to a conventional tent pôle. The illumination source provided by LED strip 20 does not extend past the 30 perimeter of the tent pôle and the tent pôle can move between its extended and retracted configurations with no interférence from the illumination source. The device may be used as a support element with simultaneous illumination if desired or used without illumination. The device can be used internally, externally or indeed independently of any tent or similar collapsible structure. The other advantagesarising 35 from the présent invention such as stability in wind or confined spaces will be clear from the following description.

-8It is preferred thaï the LED strip 20 is a low or medium intensity strip. Tests were conducted using a standard brightness LED 3528 and super bright LED 5050. These are preferred LED strips sînce both hâve relatively low power consumption and are available in a water proof outdoor version. In one particular embodiment the LED strips are coated in a clear flexible silicon that gives a water proof ratîng of at least IP66.

The technical spécifications of both LED strips are shown below in table one.

	LED3528	LED5050
Number of LEDs/meter	60	60
Operating voltage	12v	12v
Power consumption (watt/meter)	0.96	2.9
Current/meter (mA)	80	241
Luminous intensity (Lumens/5m)	390	750
Luminous intensity per LED (mcd)	350	900
Dimensions	8x3mm	10x3mm

As will be clear to the persons skilled in the art, tent pôles or support structures are generally placed several métrés apart when erecting a tent, awning or similar temporary, collapsible structure. Tests hâve been conducted using the aforementioned concept with a simple structure using 4 illumination devices based 3 métrés apart. 4 different scénarios were tested using the aforementioned LED 3528 and LED 5050 strips. In addition, the strip length was tested using a 1 métré length of LED and 50cm lengths of LED.

The individual LED 3528 and LED 5050 strips émit approximately 200 Lm and 324 Lm respectively. 4 different scénarios were tested namely

a) 2x1 métré LED 3528 strips in neighbouring corners;

b) 2x1 métré LED 5050 strips in neighbouring corners or;

(ail 4 strips illuminated but with half strip length back at 50cm strip length.)

These tests confirmed that even when only one of the aforementioned illumination strips was activated, acceptable illumination was provîded to a table in the « *

-9centre of the 3x3 métré structure. Of course, the intensity of this illumination increased as more illumination was provided.

Figure 4 shows a diagrammatic représentation of the aforementioned tests. H shows the location of the LED 5050 illumination source. L shows the positioning of the LED 3528 sources. Various combinations of these sources were tried. As a reference, a book was placed on a table in the middle of the 3x3 area and light intensity measured using DSE Q-1400 digital Lux métré. In addition, photographs were taken with a caméra setting small f5.6 for 1000ms at ISO 100. Tests were conducted outdoors on a moonless night to ensure minimum ambient interférence or reflective light. The illumination sources were powered with a 12v DC transformer. Results were as follows:

1) 14 Lux -illumination very easy to read

2) 11 Lux -easy to read

3) 9 Lux -readable with little effort

4) 4 Lux -visible but difficult to read

5) 6 Lux -readable with effort

6) 9 Lux -readable with little effort

7) 5 Lux -readable with little effort

8) 2 Lux -very difficult to see detail

9) 5 Lux -readable with little effort

10) 3 Lux -very difficult to see detail.

These results show a number of significant advantages arising from use of the présent invention. Firstly, the variabilityand acceptability of illumination is completely within the control of the user. Power consumption and efficiency is a priority at remote locations. By providing an infinitely variable illumination system a user can simply choose the minimum illumination required for the desired task. Reading a book for instance would be more difficult than laying out a sleeping bag. Accordingly, while further tests are to be conducted it is possible that illumination via the standard brightness LED3528 may be more acceptable in some circumstances than the LED 5050.

It can be seen that the infinité variation and flexibility of the présent inventive illumination system can simply not be provided by conventional Systems. With the inventive device no wiring is provided in the area illuminated and ali illumination is

- ΙΟcontrolled either by individual battery packs or, if desired, a single power source. The safety éléments alone provide excellent advantages over conventional Systems.

Figure 2A is a second embodiment of the présent invention, and like Figure 1A, is a view of the device in its extended “in use configuration. Figures 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E are detailed views of various components of the device shown in Figure 2A. Figures 2F, 2G, 2H and 2I are exploded and cross-sectional views of the components of the embodiments shown in Figure 2A.

Turning now to the embodiments shown in Figures 2A-2I, in this embodiment the bottom portion12 is larger than the upper portion 11 and is adapted to receive and contain the upper portion 11 as shown in Figure 2C. This provides an additional advantage of concealing and protecting the illumination source 20 when not in use. In this embodiment the collars shown in Figures 1A-1H are not required. Instead the pin or spike 35 for engaging a tent is attached directly into the upper portion 11 of the support element or pôle 10. Power control unit 50 can be provided with clips 57 for attachment, with power reaching the illumination source 20 by means of electrical contacts 55 engaging with apertures 19 in the elongated support element 10. (See Figures 2H and 2I)

As discussed earlier, a releasable screw lock 70 can be provided on the elongated support element 10 to allow relative movement between the upper and lower portions 11/12 of the elongated support element 10.The power control unit 50 is much the same as the embodiment or Figures 1A-1H and can control strip initiation i.e. on/off 25 and brightness levels.

In this embodiment it can be seen that the channel 15 (see Figure 2G) is recessed into upper portion 11 for intégration of the LED strip 20 therein, This ensures the LED does not extend past the perimeter or circumference of the upper portion 11. In 30 turn this allows the upper portion 11 to be wholly contained in the lower portion 12, as discussed above. In addition, with the illumination source 20 not protruding past the circumference or perimeter of the upper portion 11, any passage, sleeve or the like through which the upper portion 11 must pass will not be affected by intégration of the illumination source 20. As will be clear to person skilled in the art, some structures 35 require a tent pôle or similar elongated support element to pass though a sleeve or similar. By maintaining consistent circumference ail the way around the top portion 11 of cf

- Il the elongated support element 10, this portion can be passed through such a passage or sleeve. In this regard, domed tents in particular hâve such sleeves and it is envisaged that the présent invention could similarly be applied to resiliently flexible elongated support éléments such as fibreglass or hollow aluminium segmented tent 5 pôles.

It is also possible that the energy source 20 can be heat source. As will be clear to a person skilled in the art in much of the same way that the LED strip 20 is integrated into the elongated support element 10, similarly a heat energy source could be 10 integrated to provide a heating device.

In the embodiment of Figure 2A-21, as discussed earlier, the upper portion 11 of the elongated support element can hâve limited rotational movement to direct the illumination emanating from the iilumination/energy source 20. Again, this is a I5 significant advantage as compared with the prior art. In the prior art most of the supports are rigid and accordingly the position of the lighting cannot be changed. In the présent invention the ability to produce relative movement between different segments of the support element allows positional and directional changes in the illumination or heat emanating from the illumination/heat source integrated into the support element.

Figures 3A-3D provides yet a further embodiment. The control unit 50 is similar to that of Figures 2A-2I in that is held to the elongated support element 10 by means of clips of clips 57.

In this embodiment two LED strips are integrated into the elongate support element as the illumination source. In this regard the LED strips are held in a wider channel or altematively two smaller abutting channeis 15A and 15B. Once again the illumination source do not extend past the perimeter or circumference of the upper portion 11. In the embodiments shown a lens 16 is also provided over the LED strips 30 20. It will be noted in Figure 3B that the lens 16 similarly does not extend past the perimeter or circumference of the top pôle extrusion 11.

In this embodiment the length of LED strips is reduced as compared with Figures 1A-1H and 2A-2I. It is shown as two half métré length of LED strips rather than 35 the one métré length shown in Figures 1A-1H and 2A-2I. This can hâve a significant advantage in terms of illumination power.

- 12 To explain, one advantage of this configuration is that the light emitting section of the unit is located in a small area so there is less effective area to create glare but at the same time, the same amount of light is generated. In addition it is possible to switch between no iliumination, one LED strip illumination and illumination with both LED strips, if bright lighting is required. This clearly allows additional flexibility in terms of illumination and conservation of battery power. Further, il is also possible to include one energy strip for lighting and one energy strip for heating. This may require some shielding to ensure no heat damage to the illumination source or spacing of the heat source from the light source but both maybe integrated into an elongated support element in accordance with the présent invention.

The embodiments shown in Figures 3A-3D also further increase the possibility of greater height adjustment since, as shown in Figure 3, the control unit may be positioned further up the top portion 11 of the elongate support element 10.

In the embodiments shown, the elongated support element 10 and illumination source 20 are provided in a vertical position. It will, however, be clear to persons skilled in the art that such an arrangement of intégration of the illumination source 20 into the support element 10 can also be other angles. For instance in a scissor action collapsible awning, similar intégration of the illumination source may be provided.

As shown in Figure 3B, lens 16 covering the LED strips, provides additional protection but also flexibility in terms of the illuminated area. The lens 16 can provide a wider angle of illumination or a narrower range if decided.

In some embodiments, the device may include both types of lens or multiple devices used to provide both broad general illumination and spécifie narrow higher intensity illumination for particular purposes e.g. talking, reading etc. In yet a further embodiment the lens may be provided by way of rotatable sleeve such that it can be rotate relative to the illumination source 25.

It may also be possible to place the power unit 50 at the top of the elongated support element 10 thereby permitting greater movement of the top portion 11 relative to the bottom portion 12. In another embodiment, the power source may provide power to plurality of illumination sources 20 on separate support éléments. This would beX

- 13 particularly the case in a collapsible “scissor action awing type arrangement or umbrella. Several LED units may be integrated into the arms or awning or umbrella which, once erected, may simply be connected to a power source which can selectively initiate illumination from one or more of the illumination sources and/or alter individual brightness levels of such LED sources.

In addition, the LED can be provided to strobe, flash or provide different colour as an aesthetic effect.

In some embodiments it may be possible to provide wireless power transmission to the illumination sources although it would need to be determined whether this could be done efficiently.

It will be clear to person skilled in the art that there are a wide range of expandable or collapsible structures which use elongated support éléments. These structures can be additions to fixed structures e.g. an awning extending from a structural wall or vehicle, or in turn can be a structure in themselves similar to a tent. The présent invention provides a device which simultaneously supports at least part of the structureor another element e.g. sign, umbrella, person,and provides illumination.

A further embodiment of the présent invention shown in Figures 5A-5C. The exploded version is shown in Figure 5A. The elongated support element 10, again comprises a top portion 11 and bottom portion 12 adapted to telescope together. In this embodiment, however, the top portion 11 has a power source 50 in the form of a battery pack held within the top portion. A cover 55 holds the battery pack in place and protects it from damage. The battery pack 50 can be removed for recharging or alternatively can be recharged in situ via power socket 100 or other mechanism e.g. solar, mechanical wind up etc. These power sockets may also serve to provide external power source for the LED strip 20. In another embodiment, the battery pack may incorporate replaceable batteries. As shown in Figure 5B, a quick release 120 holds the battery pack securely in place.

Figure 5C shows more clearly the positioning of the illumination source 20 in the form of LED strips and control mechanism 200. In this instance the control mechanism is a membrane touch sensor. It comprises a simple on/off switch 210, a switch 220 which serves to provide single or dual LED strip illumination and a high/low power tX

I

- 14button 230. It will be noted that such a membrane touch sensor does not protrude past the width or diameter of the top portion 11 such that it can be telescoped into an entirely sheathed by the lower portion 12. Similar comments apply to the LED strips 20 as discussed above.

Turning now to the embodiments shown in Figures 6A/B, 7A/B, and 8A/B, these embodiments show the various configurations of the illumination source or LED strips25 and how it can be positioned on the elongated support element. In Figures 6A and 6B, a single LED strip is provided. This is generally for a small diameter pôle 11 with low power and an external battery pack as the interior of the elongated support element may be too small to house a power source.

The embodiment shown in Figures 7A and 7B can use a single or dual LED strips 25. It will be noted that the portion 11 of the elongated support element is slightly larger than Figures 6A/B and can hold power source 50 in the form of an intégral battery pack. As mentioned above, external power may also be provided.

The last version show in Figures 8A and 8B include multiple LED strips. In this embodiment there are five LED strips 25 however a skilled addressee will recognise more or less can be provided. It will be noted that the larger the number of LED strips 25 the greater the réduction in interior volume of the elongated support element 11. In this embodiment an external battery pack or external power supply is generally provided depending upon the diameter of the elongated support element.

It will also be noticed that in embodiments shown that the LED strip or illumination source preferably extends across almost the entirety of the one of the segments or portion of the elongated support éléments. To explain most telescopic or collapsible elongated support éléments are made up of a number of segments. These segments are generally directly adjacent to each other in a collapsed or retractedconfiguration by nesting of one segment within another (telescopic) or held directly adjacent to each other (collapsîble/scissor action). In the extended configuration the segments are generally placed end on end or in extended telescopic fashion. It will be noted in the embodiments shown that the illumination source/LED strip 20 extends for substantially the entire length of one of the segments. In other words, the illumination and power source of the device can bewholly contained in one segment if necessary. Again, this is entirely unlike the conventional Systems in which an

- 15 illumination source may be provided but is generally located in only one position on the support element or the entire length or the element. In one particular embodiment which may be extremely favourable, LED strips can be provided in more than one segment such that, with the available relative movement between the segment, 5 illumination or heat may be provided in different directions. For instance, in tent pôle form, the device may be provided at a corner position with an upper portion and a lower portion providing illumination and/or heat at90 degrees relative to each other. A person skilled in the art will of course be able to détermine other configurations in this regard.

I0 Figures 9A-9C show yet a further embodiment of the présent invention as a compact portable lighting unit. The device is shown in its collapsed or retracted configuration in Figure 9A. Figure 9B shows the device in one extended configuration. The elongated support element 10 is preferably held in place by optional legs 250. An external power source 60 is provided at the base of the elongated support element 10.

This external power source can also stabilise the device.

In the embodiments shown, the upper portion 11 of the device is similar to the embodiments shown in Figures 8A-8B namely that it includes a number LED strips as the illumination source 20.

Figure 9C shows an alternative extended configuration. In this form a reflector 300 can be attached to the upper portion device as adjacent the illumination source 20 to thereby reflect and direct illumination emanating from some of the LED strips. A hinge 350 or similar device can be incorporated in the elongated support element to 25 position the upper portion 11 and thereby direct the illumination as desired.

Figure 10 displays is a typical example of use of the présent inventive device with a tent. As shown several devices 10 may be placed around, the tent to support the structure while simultaneously illuminating the area.

Figure 11 is an example of use of the présent invention in a café or outdoor entertainment area. In this embodiment the device 10 is provided as the support element for an umbrella 300. Again, it is preferably that the device 10 comprises segments which are relatively moveable with respect to each other. In this embodiment 35 the illumination source 20 is preferably moveable and more preferably rotatable relative to the table 350 and/or umbrella 300. This permits the illumination to be directed as af

- 16required for the occupants or the table 35O.The umbrella 300 itself may be collapsîble however it is envisaged that the device can be used with rigid non-collapsible umbrellas.

Another embodiment is shown in Figure 12. In this embodiment the inventive devices 10 provides support and illumination in an emergency rescue environment The elongated support element 10 once again provides an illumination source 20 with an emergency indicator or sign 70 supported atop the elongated support element 10. ln this embodiment a base 80 is provided to hold the elongated support element in its vertical configuration.

Yet still a further embodiment is shown in Figure 13. In this embodiment a telescopic hiking or skiing pôle is provided. The pôle has a handle portion 101 with a foot portion 105. A sériés of pôle segments 102, 103, 104 is provided there between. At least one of these segments is provided with an illumination strip 20 similar in nature to the embodiments shown above. Clearly such a device is extremely flexible in its use. It can of course be used as a hiking or skiing pôle for instance providing excellent illumination of the ground or snow. Again, this device provides the dual support and illumination functions.

ln a further embodiment, shown in Figure 14 a similar emergency lighting configuration is provided. The device has a lower portion 12 formed as a peg for entry into the ground. ln such a configuration the device may then be extended to reveal upper portion 11 and provide lighting as designed. It will be envisaged that normally this device will be placed vertically in the ground, however it could also be placed horizontally to extend from a wall or similar arrangement.

Many other embodiments will be envisaged by person skilled in the art. ln some embodiments the illumination device may be provided in a central portion with telescoping arms extending from the central portion to reveal a central the illumination source.

It will be clear to the persons skilled in the art that there are significant advantages associated with the présent invention over conventional Systems. The élégant, safe and easy illumination provided by the présent invention is clear. The flexibilïty in terms of illumination quantity and power conservation is also not available οζ

- 17using conventional Systems. The illumination source can be used as a standalone unit as well as part of a temporary/collapsible structure. It will be envisaged in some instances that the elongated support éléments can be used simply for their illumination capability rather than illumination with simultaneous structural support. For instance, the 5 présent invention allows camping or structures to be set up at night be simply initially setting up and initiating illumination with one or more elongated support éléments which, once the structure is sufficiently erect can then be transferred to the dual illumination/support configuration.

io In other embodiments as discussed above the device can be used in internai as well as external settings for heating or emergency illumination. It can be used as a portable device such a walking stick or hiking pôle.

It will be envisaged that other modification and variations may be made to the 15 device of the présent invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive idea.

Claims (19)

1. An illumination device comprising a telescopic elongated support element with an illumination source integrated therein.

2. An illumination device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the elongated support element is also resiliently flexible.

3. An illumination device as claimed in any one of the preceding daims wherein the 10 elongated support element comprises a plurality of sections adapted to reciprocate between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration.

4. An illumination device as claimed in claim 3 wherein in said extended configuration, relative movement between said sections is permitted.

5. An illumination device as claimed in claim 3 or 4 wherein said illumination source is integrated in one of said sections.

6. An illumination device as claimed in claim 5 wherein said illumination source 20 extends for substantially the entire length of said section.

7. An illumination device as claimed in claim 3 or 4 wherein an illumination source is provided on more than one of said sections such that the relative positioning and direction of said illumination sources may be altered when said device is in an extended

25 configuration.

8. An illumination device as claimed in any one of the preceding daims wherein the illumination source is held in a longitudinal extending channel or groove in the elongated support element.

9. An illumination device as claimed in any one of the preceding daims wherein the illumination source is a plurality of light emitting diodes.

10. An illumination device as claimed in any one of the preceding daims wherein 35 said illumination source is provided as an elongated strip.

11. An illumination device as claimed in any one of the preceding daims wherein said illumination source is provided with power via by a power source adapted to be releasably connected to the elongated support element.

- I9-

12. An illumination device as claimed in claim 11 wherein said power source is a rechargeable battery pack.

5

13. An illumination device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the illumination source is powered by solar power.

14. An illumination device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a power source for the illumination device is housed within the elongated support io element.

15. An illumination device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the illumination device comprises a connection to receive an external power supply.

15

16. An illumination device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the illumination source is integrated in the elongated support element such that no part of the illumination source extends beyond a predetermined dimension of the elongated support element.

20

17. An illumination device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the illumination source is integrated into the elongated support element such that no part of the illumination source extends beyond the perimeter of the elongated support element.

18. An illumination device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the 25 illumination source is an LED 3528 strip.

19. An illumination device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the illumination source is an LED 5050 strip.

30 20. A tent pôle comprising a telescopic elongated support element with an illumination source integrated therein. X