WO2016079707A2

WO2016079707A2 - A standby light and related lighting system

Info

Publication number: WO2016079707A2
Application number: PCT/IB2015/058973
Authority: WO
Inventors: George Alan Limpkin
Original assignee: Inductronics Technology Limited
Priority date: 2014-11-19
Filing date: 2015-11-19
Publication date: 2016-05-26
Also published as: GB201420595D0; GB2532468A; WO2016079707A3; GB2532468B

Abstract

The present invention relates to a standby light and related system. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an emergency lighting device and system for use in hotels and large buildings, such as houses, hostels, hospitals, offices and schools. The emergency light comprises a lamp having a base. The lamp is connected to a remote controller and has a removable flashlight or torch which receives a battery. The flashlight or torch is activated upon receipt of a command signal from the remote controller.

Description

A Standby Light and Related Lighting System

Field

The present invention relates to a standby light and related lighting system. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an emergency lighting device and system for use in hotels and other buildings, such as houses, hostels, hospitals, offices and schools, as well as ships.

Background

In the event of a power failure or power outage what often happened in the past was that an emergency, standby or back-up lighting system has been switched on automatically. Such standby or back-up lighting system have often included one or more low voltage lighting system which were independent of a mains power supply.

Such low voltage lighting systems are typically found in hotels or large buildings, such as cinemas, where in many jurisdictions it is obligatory to provide some sort of emergency lighting in the event of an emergency, so that personnel, customers or occupants of a building can escape and make their way to emergency exits with some degree of surety and safety.

Usually the aforementioned low lighting systems are installed as part of an escape route which is indicated by way of lamps or signs placed above doorways of an emergency escape exit or indicate an escape route.

A problem with the aforementioned types of emergency lighting systems was that they required a dedicated power supply. They have therefore tended to be relatively inflexible and often, particularly in very large rooms, buildings or offices, are hardwired and connected to an existing power supply system and do not have any independent wiring. Therefore, in the event of a complete disruption to the power supply, such emergency power systems were rendered useless because they shared the same wiring and supply lines as the regular power supply lines.

Consequently, there has been complete darkness when a mains fuse or circuit breaker has tripped, or wiring has been damaged or deliberately cut, then a back-up lighting system has not always operated as required.

Where power outages occurred and people were thrown into darkness, they became disoriented and took longer to find a door or exit from a building, than would have been ideal in the circumstances. Where there is an emergency there was usually a need to escape quickly or to make a rapid exit from the building, for example in the event of a fire or other emergency. Generally therefore the better an exit route was lit the greater was the chance for a successful evacuation of a building.

Prior Art

UK patent application GB-A-2494151 (Warner) discloses an emergency lighting system for a building. The system comprises a plurality of light fittings which are controlled wirelessly by a central control circuit. The light fittings may be removable and are portable.

US patent application US2012/0098655A1 (Preta) discloses a device associated with a lighting fixture comprising a backup power source that provides typical lighting function when the fixture is providing power and providing emergency lighting when it is not. The device may be removed from the fixture and used as a flashlight.

US patent application US2010/032776A1 (Recker) discloses a system for providing power outage lighting management comprising a power outage detection device adapted to wirelessly transmit to a plurality of lighting systems. The lighting systems are powered by an internal power source and in some embodiments may be removed from their sockets such that they may be carried as portable light sources.

US patent application US2009/0122571 A1 (Simmons) discloses a smart light apparatus and system for providing trailers and vehicles with signal functions with or without a direct wired connection. The system may comprise a smart light comprising a backup power source and adapted to communicate with a home alarm system or with a sensor such as a CO₂ sensor, a motion sensor or a power failure sensor. The smart light may be removed from a light fixture to be used as flashlight.

US patent application US2008/0232082A1 (Martinez) discloses an emergency lighting system comprising a housing containing a removable light source that automatically turns on during emergency conditions. The housing may automatically open during an emergency allowing the light source to be removed such that it may be used as a torch.

Japanese patent application J P-A-2012/48632 (Asano) discloses an emergency illumination system comprising one or more alarm units and one or more illumination devices which turn on when they receive a signal. The illumination devices comprise battery power supplies and are activated upon receiving event signal. The illumination devices may be used as electric torches or flashlights.

The present invention arose in an attempt to provide an emergency light system which is both versatile and reliable.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a standby light comprises: a lamp with a base, the lamp in normal use is connected to a power supply and has a removable portion which is in the form of a flashlight or torch that includes at least one battery, the flashlight or torch has a beacon which is activated when it is removed from the base, the beacon transmits its location to identify the position of the flashlight or torch within a geo-fenced location, such as a building.

Preferably the lamp receives its power supply as an induced current, from a primary inductive coupler and via a secondary inductive coupler. The primary inductive coupler may be located in the lamp or in an item of furniture on which the lamp is fitted or connected. Where the primary inductive coupler is located in the lamp a secondary inductive coupler may be located in the flashlight or torch. Alternatively where the primary inductive coupler is located in the item of furniture the secondary inductive coupler is located in the base of the lamp and a separate power supply optionally charges one or more rechargeable batteries in the flashlight or torch. Alternatively the flashlight or torch has regular long-life batteries which are sealed in the flashlight or torch.

The geo-fenced region may be defined within a room or on a floor or within a building or block. The geo-fenced system informs a remote operator as to the whereabouts of the flashlight or torch as well as alerting an authorised user or a control system as to when a flashlight or torch has been removed without permission. Such a system helps prevent theft or unauthorised use of a flashlight or torch when their status has not been changed from a passive mode to emergency mode. Alternatively a means may transmit an alert when the flashlight or torch is removed, in case of its unauthorised removal by a thief, vandal or someone with malicious intent.

An advantage of the invention is that in the event of a power outage, which may not become immediately apparent to occupants of rooms in hotel, hostel, or hospital, is that lamps are switched on automatically so as to indicate their location. Optionally these lamps may flash or an alarm may sound so as to indicate an emergency. Flashlights may also flash indicating that they are enabled and removable and so ready for use. Flashlights are then released from the lamp base so that they can be removed from the lamp base, are portable and as they are light weight may be easily carried and is self- powering.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a light system comprising: a network of distributed lamps which are interconnected to a remote controller, the lamps have removable flashlights each fitted with a battery and the remote controller system is adapted to switch on one or more lamps in the event of a power outage.

Ideally batteries are rechargeable and are connected to a charger so that they are constantly charged and so are maintained in a constantly charged condition. The charger may receive an induced current from a primary coupler located in the lamp or in an item of furniture.

Preferably a remote controller switches on the lamp in the event of a power outage and renders the flashlight or torch capable of removal in order to assist in escape or evacuation. Ideally the remote controller is connected to a fire alarm or other central controller which may be manually or automatically activated.

The torch or flashlight is preferably fitted with a release mechanism which is configured to enable removal of the flashlight or torch from the base of the lamp upon receipt of an authorisation signal from the remote controller.

Preferably the flashlights or torches, are configured to operate as lamps, and are mounted in or integrally with support bases and in normal use are fixed to and located close to a bed or on shelves or tables within a room. Ideally in normal use the lamps are able to be operated in a conventional manner and are able to be switched on and off manually by user using one or more switches, as is common practice in many hotel rooms. Optionally a diffuser may be used to diffuse light from the lamp. Flashlights or torches are configured to be removed when permitted by an authorisation signal, enabling them to be used as flashlights or torches by occupants of a room. The authorisation signal provides an electronic enabling code which activates a mechanical release mechanism.

An advantage of this system is that not only does an occupant of a room know the location of the emergency lamp, and so is able to orient themselves in the room in order to make for a hasty escape, but also the occupant of the room is able to remove the flashlight or torch from the lamp and use it as a portable emergency light, so as to facilitate an exit through what may be unlit corridors, passages and/or stairwells.

Ideally an anti-tamper device or anti-theft mechanism is provided which connects the flashlight or torch to the lamp base and is automatically deactivated if the flashlight or torch is removed from the lamp before an authorisation code is received. The anti-tamper mechanism may include an electronic lock, which when opened by a key or code, permits the torch or flashlight to be used after it has been removed from the lamp base. If no activation code is received by the flashlight or torch, then it is rendered useless until it is reset by replacing it on the lamp base.

The authorisation code may be transmitted at the same time as when the lamp is energised, so that the flashlight or torch can be removed from the lamp and used as a torch or flashlight immediately thereafter.

Alternatively the anti-tamper device or anti-theft mechanism may include a mechanical device, such as a solenoid arrangement, which is connected to a catch and latch mechanism formed either integrally within the base or as part of a piece of furniture or as part of a feature of a room, thereby permitting removal of the flashlight or torch only when an authorisation signal is received. The flashlight or torch has a plurality of batteries which are ideally continually charged on a top-up or trickle charge basis, so that they are always maintained in a charged and 'ready for use' state. The life expectancy of the batteries is typically from 3 to 5 hours preferably more than 5 hours and ideally more than 12 hours.

During normal operation and when operated as a lamp, a switch diverts electric current from a supply to operate the lamp so that the battery is never used and therefore never risks becoming depleted. This is important in the event of the flashlight or torch being required subsequently at short notice in an emergency event.

Communication between the control centre and each lamp is preferably by way of a pulsed signal which is communicated at a low data rate via the circuit which powers the lamp. Optionally however, communication to the lamp may be made via a wireless system which communicates data, for example to flash the lamp light on and off, or instructions to the lamp so that it is switched on remotely.

A charging hub is provided which is ideally fitted integrally in the lamp base, with furniture or may be attached to a piece of furniture so that it is relatively permanently fixed in a hotel or office. The lamp may be releasable from the charging hub but is ideally connected thereto by way of a mechanical connector.

The flash light or torch may have additional intelligence built into it so as to enable, for example, an authorised remote controller to monitor the whereabouts of a lamp. This may be particularly beneficial in an emergency where flashlights or torches are identified as moving within a building thereby enabling a person who is potentially at risk to be associated with the flashlight or torch. By providing a tracking device in a flashlight or torch rescue teams are guided to where the flashlight or torch are and to where they should direct attention and effort. According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a standby light comprising: a piece of furniture and a lamp with a base, the piece of furniture comprises a primary inductive coupling which in use is connected to a power supply, the lamp comprises a secondary inductive coupling and a removable portion which is in the form of a flashlight or torch that includes a battery, the flashlight or torch has a beacon which is activated when it is removed from the piece of furniture, the beacon being adapted to transmit its location to identify the position of the flashlight or torch within a geo-fenced location, such as a building.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a standby light comprising: a piece of furniture and a lamp with a base, the piece of furniture comprises a primary inductive coupling and in use is connected to a power supply, the lamp comprises a secondary inductive coupling and a removable portion which is in the form of a flashlight or torch that includes a battery, the flashlight or torch has a beacon which is activated when it is removed from the base, the beacon transmits its location to identify the position of the flashlight or torch within a geo-fenced location such as a building.

Preferably the charging hub unit is fitted with primary and secondary inductive coupling so as to enable safe charging of lamps without any risk to users or personnel or guests or in particular young children.

The lamp base and/or a charging hub may be integrated into a piece of furniture which in normal use is connected to a power supply.

Other features of the invention will become apparent with reference to the detailed description below which illustrate embodiments of a lamp with a removable flashlight or torch as part of a system.

Brief description of the Figures Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic overview of a system which is illustrated with respect to an hotel;

Figure 2a shows an example of a lamp base;

Figure 2b is a side view of a table lamp base with a flashlight or torch mounted on the lamp base;

Figure 2c is an under plan view of a lamp shade;

Figure 2d is an overall view of the table lamp shade of Figure 2c;

Figure 2e is an overall view of the assembled table lamp with the flashlight or torch mounted on the lamp base and supporting a lamp shade;

Figure 2f is an overall view of one embodiment of a flashlight or torch;

Figure 2g is an overall view of a second embodiment of a lamp with a flashlight or torch mounted on the lamp base and shows a part view of a different lamp shade to that shown in Figures 2c and 2d;

Figure 2h is an overall view of the second embodiment of the lamp shown in Figure 2g with the lamp shade removed;

Figure 2i is an overall detailed view of the flashlight or torch shown in Figure 2f;

Figure 2j is an overall view of diffusing dome for diffusing intense light from a flashlight or torch so as to provide a softer tone ambient light which is conventionally obtained from a table lamp; Figure 3 shows an example of a circuit diagram of an inductive charging unit with an inductively charged LED torch;

Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of an inductively charged LED torch with microcontrollers and wireless capability, such as Bluetooth (RTM); and

Figure 5 is an overall block diagram of one embodiment of a control system for use with the flashlight or torch and shows and an inductive charging unit.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

Referring to the Figures, there is shown in Figure 1 an example of a part of a floor of an hotel 100. Rooms 101 , 102, 103 and 104 are depicted on one side of a corridor 106. A ring main 1 10 extends around all the rooms and connected to this are individual charging units 1 12, 1 14, 1 16 and 1 18.

An example of a charging unit 1 12 is seen in Figure 3. Connected to the charging unit are lamps 130A, 130B, 130C and 130D. Examples of lamps 130 are also seen in greater detail in Figures 2e and 2g. Figure 2i shows an overall detailed view of the flashlight or torch and depicts USB ports 960.

Figure 2a shows an example of a lamp base 210 comprising a charging unit or hub 1 12 with a primary coupling 160, in this example the lamp base 210 is a table lamp base 210. Figure 2b is a side view of a table lamp base 210 with a flashlight or torch 200 mounted in the charging unit or hub 1 12 on the table lamp base 210. Figure 2c is an under plan view of a lamp shade 230 with a diffusing dome 220 positioned on the lamp shade frame 235. Figure 2d is an overall view of the table lamp shade 230 of Figure 2c. Figure 2e is an overall view of the assembled table lamp 130 with the flashlight or torch 200 mounted on the table lamp base 210 and supporting a lamp shade 230.

Figure 2f is an overall view of one embodiment of a flashlight or torch 200, at one end of the torch 200 is an LED output array 610 and at the opposite end is a secondary coupling 150. The torch contains rechargeable batteries 140 and two Universal Serial Bus (USB) charging ports are provided allowing devices to be charged from the batteries 140.

Figure 2g is an overall view of a second embodiment of a lamp 130 with a flashlight or torch 200 mounted on a floor lamp column 215 and shows a part view of a different lamp shade 230 to that shown in Figures 2c and 2d. The charging unit or hub 1 12 is located at the top of the floor lamp column 215. Figure 2h is an overall view of the second embodiment of the lamp shown in Figure 2g with the lamp shade removed.

Figure 2i is a detailed view of the end of a flashlight or torch 200 showing the USB charging ports 960 and the LED output array 610.

Figure 2j is an overall view of diffusing dome 220 for diffusing intense light from a flashlight or torch so as to provide a softer tone ambient light which is conventionally obtained from a table lamp. The dome 220 is removable or optionally may be detached with the flashlight or torch 200 in order to protect it from heat.

Flashlights or torches 200 act as lamps 130 when fitted to a charging unit or hub 1 12 within a table lamp base 210 or a floor lamp column 215, as shown in Figure 3. A flashlight or torch has rechargeable batteries 140 and an LED output array 610 and a secondary coupling 150 which connects to a primary coupling 160 in the charging unit or hub 1 12. Optionally included within the flashlight or torch (Figures 2b, 2f and 2i) and/or the lamp 130 are LED indicators 170 which indicate the status of the flashlight or torch and/or the lamp and the amount of charge in the batteries 140.

Other sensors, such as temperature sensors may also be included, so that the flashlight or torch can act as an early warning on local temperature conditions. Such local temperature data may be sued to control air- conditioning or other intelligent climate controllers (not shown) as well as serving as an early precursor to a potential fire hazard.

In another embodiment the flashlight or torch (Figures 2b, 2f and 2i) includes a camera 400, which optionally has an infra-red (IR) capability which enables images to be obtained and relayed to a remote location or central controller 600 which may be a display (not shown) that is viewable by a fireman or other rescue personnel.

Alternatively, or in addition to the aforementioned arrangement, the flashlight or torch 200 has a GSM or GPS 800 beacon in order to locate the flashlight or torch 200 to within a few metres in a building or on board a ship, such as a cruise liner or other vessel.

A Bluetooth (RTM) or a similar wireless broadcast beacon 700 is fitted centrally or throughout a building as discrete devices 701 , 702, 703 and communicates to similar devices 71 1 , 712, and 713 in the flashlights or torches 200. Other systems, such as Zigbee (RTM), may be used.

Bluetooth (RTM) or a similar wireless devices 71 1 , 712, 713 is fitted to the flashlight or torch 200 to enable its location to be tracked, so that the motion of the torch through a building can be monitored. An advantage of this is that personnel or guests leaving the building, carrying the flashlight or torch 200, can be tracked thereby assisting search and rescue efforts.

Another benefit with a wireless communication network is that it permits communication between a user of the flashlight or torch 200 and a remote location. Thus, in one particularly preferred embodiment a microphone and loudspeaker (not shown) may be provided and built in to the flashlight or torch 200 so as to permit two-way voice communication between users of the flashlight or torch 200 and rescue personnel in an emergency scenario. It is also understood that instructions may be provided through the loudspeaker - either as a recorded message or as bespoke instructions - about how to disassemble the lamp 130, what to do in an emergency and how to use the flashlight or torch 200 to assist a person as to an escape procedure or route.

An system optionally includes a geo-fenced region 1000 which is defined to alert an authorised user or a control system as to when a flashlight or torch 200 has been moved from an authorised zone, in this case room 102, to an unauthorised zone without permission.

A security alarm 950 is also connected to the charging hub 1 12 and may be activated by the remote or a central controller 600 or triggered when there is unauthorised removal of the flashlight or torch from the lamp 130, when the system is in its quiescent (normal operational) or safe state.

The security alarm 950 may be an audible alarm and may be local to the lamp 130 or alternatively it may be audible remote from the lamp at a central control 600 room. This may be triggered when a flashlight or torch is removed from the authorised location or room.

Universal Serial Bus (USB) charging ports 960 are provided on the removable flashlight or torch so that in the event of an emergency a guest may be able to operate a mobile telephone or cellphone with residual charge in the rechargeable batteries 140, for example after having escaped a building or at a muster station, so as to be able to contact third parties.

Figure 3 shows an example of a circuit diagram of an inductive charging unit with an inductively charged LED flashlight or torch 200 and depicts a high frequency AC power to AC inductive coupler in a charging unit or hub 1 12. Other features of the LED rechargeable flashlight or torch are shown having the same reference numerals as in Figure 4. Typically the number of turns in the primary inductive coupler are 6 and the number of turns in the secondary coupler are 12. One or more rechargeable batteries 140 of around 21 to 22 volts deliver(s) a 2 Amp hour current.

Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of an inductively charged LED torch with microcontrollers and Bluetooth (RTM) capability. The status of the lamp in typical normal use is, for example, indicated with a green light emitting diode (LED) 150 and this shows that all current is properly running and the lamp may be used as a reading or a display lamp. However, when a control signal is broadcast, either via a hardwire connection such as the ring main 1 10 or via a wireless connection, such as wireless beacons 701 , 702 and 703, the status of the LED 150 changes from green to red. This indicates a power failure or an emergency.

Simultaneously with the broadcast of a power failure or emergency status broadcast signal a mechanical or electro-mechanical coupling (not shown) is released between the primary and secondary inductive couplers of the charging hub or in a lamp column. This acts to release the flashlight or torch and so permits removal of the flashlight or torch from the lamp or charging unit 1 12.

Figure 5 is an overall block diagram of one embodiment of control system for use with the flashlight or torch and shows and an inductive charging unit, in which like parts bear the same reference numerals as Figures 3 and 4. Figure 5 shows wireless beacons 701 , 702 and 703 as well as an example of a charging hub or unit 1 12.

The inductive charging unit with an inductively charged LED flashlight or torch and with a high frequency AC power to AC inductive coupler in a charging unit or hub is ideally suited for using in emergency light system installed in a ship or vessel. Ships and vessel operate on water, especially seawater which is electrically conductive. In the event of an emergency on a ship, water may enter the ship or vessel. The present invention has inductive coupling so the inductively charged LED flashlight could be picked up bare handed without risk of electric shock if cabins or hallways were flooding by persons who need to find their way out of the vessel quickly. The flashlight or torch 200 assists escape to persons who might otherwise be unable to see in the dark interior of the vessel in the event of an electrical power failure.

A ship or vessel including the emergency light system as described herein and a ship cabin or ship hallway or ship galley or ship engine room including the emergency light system as described herein are practical applications.

The invention has been described by way of example only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. For example a wrist strap may be provided to enable the user to wear or carry the flashlight or torch leaving both hands free

Claims

1 . A standby light comprises: a lamp with a base, the lamp in normal use is connected to a power supply and has a removable portion which is in the form of a flashlight or torch that includes at least one battery, the flashlight or torch has a beacon which is activated when it is removed from the base, the beacon transmits its location to identify the position of the flashlight or torch within a geo-fenced location, such as a building.

2. A standby light according to claim 1 wherein the power supply is an induced current that is inductively coupled from a primary inductive coupler which is in the lamp base.

3. A standby light according to claim 1 wherein the power supply is an induced current that is inductively coupled from a primary inductive coupler, for example that is located in an item of furniture, which primary inductive coupler couples to a secondary inductive coupler in the lamp base.

4. A standby light according to any preceding claim wherein the lamp is adapted to be switched on by a remote controller so as to indicate its whereabouts in the event of a power outage.

5. A standby light according to any preceding claim wherein the flashlight or torch is enabled for use upon receipt of a command signal from a remote controller.

6. A standby light according to any preceding claim in which the flashlight or torch, in normal use, operates as a lamp when connected to the lamp base.

7. A standby light according to any preceding claim wherein the base is fitted with a manual on/off switch.

8. A standby light according to any preceding claim wherein the torch or flashlight is released from the lamp base upon receipt of a release signal from the remote controller which activates a release mechanism.

9. A standby light according to claim 8 wherein the release mechanism includes a solenoid catch and latch mechanism which is actuated upon receipt of the release signal.

10. A standby light according to claim 8 or 9 which receives a release signal from a control centre via a hardwire connection.

1 1 . A standby light according to any of claims 8, 9 or 10 which receives the release signal via a wireless connection.

12. A standby light according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one battery is rechargeable.

13. A standby light according to claim 1 2 includes a charger which receives current via an inductive coupler.

14. A standby light according to any preceding claim includes a means for indicating the status of the flashlight or torch.

15. A standby light according to claim 14, when dependent on claim 1 1 or 13, wherein the means for indicating the status of the flashlight or torch indicates the level of battery charge.

16. A standby light according to any preceding claim includes a transceiver, a microphone and a loudspeaker so as to permit bi- directional voice communication between a user of the flashlight or torch and a remotely located person.

17. A standby light according to any preceding claim includes a camera and a means for transmitting the image.

18. A standby light includes an item of furniture in the form of a lamp with a base, the piece of furniture comprises a primary inductive coupling and in use is connected to a power supply, the lamp comprises a secondary inductive coupling and a removable portion which is in the form of a flashlight or torch that includes at least one battery, the flashlight or torch has a beacon which is activated when it is removed from the piece of furniture, the beacon transmits its location to identify the position of the flashlight or torch within a geo-fenced location such as a building.

19. A standby light system comprising: a plurality of emergency light devices according to any of claims 1 to 18 arranged in a network and connected to a remote controller, the lamps have removable flashlight or torches each fitted with at least one battery and the remote controller is adapted to activate one or more lamps in the event of a power outage.

20. A standby light system according to claim 19 wherein the remote controller transmits a signal that enables a flashlight or torch to be removed from its base.

21 . A standby light system according to either claim 19 or 20 includes at least one geo-fenced region which is defined to alert an authorised user or a control system as to when a flashlight or torch has been moved from an authorised zone to an unauthorised zone without permission.

22. A ship or vessel including a standby light system according to any of claims 19 to 21 .

23. A standby light substantially as herein defined and with reference to the Figures.

24. A standby light system substantially as hereindefined and with reference to the Figures.