Abstract:
A system for illuminating and signaling in a hands free manner includes an illumination module comprising at least one independent light source and strobe emitter, and a material holder for supporting the illumination module for hands free use.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present invention claims priority to a U.S. provisional patent application entitled HANDS-FREE MULTI-FUNCTIONAL UTILITY ILLUMINATING DEVICE Ser. No. 60/682,656 filed on May 20, 2005 and said application is incorporated herein at least by rerefence. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention pertains to illuminating devices, and more particularly to a hands-free multi-functional utility illuminating apparatus adapted to be worn in different locations, such as about the wrist of a user, and having a variety of light-emitting devices, such as a diode and strobe light emitter.  
         [0004]     2. Discussion of the State of the Art  
         [0005]     Whether for use in law enforcement or military, or by ordinary citizens, lighting devices, such as flashlights, are used to illuminate dark areas. However, the flashlight, while an adequate light source, occupies the hands and limits a person&#39;s ability to use both hands. Furthermore, the flashlight does not emit a strobe or other visual indicator that would be eye-catching for locating a person in distress in a variety of ambient lighting conditions.  
         [0006]     In view of the above, there is a continuing need for a hands-free multi-functional utility illuminating module adapted to be worn about the wrist of a user or on a belt or vest worn by a user and having at least one light emitting diode and a separate strobe emitter.  
         [0007]     As will be seen more fully below, the present invention is substantially different in structure, methodology and approach from that of other light sources.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     According to an aspect of the invention, a system is provided for illuminating in a hands free manner. The system includes an illumination module including at least one independent light source and strobe emitter, and a material holder for supporting the illumination module for hands free use. In a preferred embodiment, the illumination module is secured to the holder using hook and loop connectors. In one embodiment, the at least one independent light source is a light emitting diode (LED). In a preferred embodiment, there is more than one LED each emitting a different color of light.  
         [0009]     In one embodiment, the material holder is one of a wristband, a legband, or an armband. In one embodiment, the material holder is a material pocket having at least one flap to secure the module inside the pocket. In a variation of this embodiment, the material holder has an extension for looping around a belt. In another variation of the embodiment, the material holder has a belt loop or a belt clip attached thereto for securing to a belt.  
         [0010]     According to another aspect of the invention, an illumination module is provided. The illumination module includes two or more LEDs each LED emitting a different color of light, a strobe emitter for producing a sequence of strobe flashes, and an input panel of buttons for activating and controlling the LEDs and the strobe emitter. In a preferred embodiment, there is one white LED and one red LED, the LEDs independently operable from the input panel. In a variation of this embodiment, the strobe emitter is a bulb.  
         [0011]     In one embodiment, the illumination module further includes a magnetic strip for magnetic attachment to a metallic surface. In one embodiment, the illumination module further includes modular covers over the LEDs and the strobe emitter, the covers exchangeable for like covers of varying transparencies and light directing features. In a variation of this embodiment, the light direction features are transparent windows on otherwise non-transparent covers. In one embodiment, the LEDs are independently adjustable for direction of light emission.  
         [0012]     According to a variation of the first embodiment of the invention, the material holder of the system includes a vest band. In a further variation of this embodiment, the material holder includes an animal collar. In one aspect of this embodiment, the animal collar is a dog collar. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES  
       [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a hands free light and strobe emitting system according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 2A  is a front view of the light and strobe emitting module of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0015]      FIG. 2B  is a top view of the light and strobe emitting module of  FIG. 2A .  
         [0016]      FIG. 3A  is a top view of the light and strobe emitting module supported by a material holder according to another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 3B  is a side view of the module and holder of  FIG. 3A .  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating the basic components of the light and strobe-emitting module of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a light and strobe emitting module and a holder according to another embodiment of the invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is an elevation view of a version of the module of  FIG. 1  supported on a dog collar according to an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is an elevation view of the module of  FIG. 1  supported on a vest band and a belt. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0022]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a hands free light and strobe emitting system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. System  100  includes a light source and strobe-emitting module  101 . Module  101  is an electronics module and houses electronic circuitry and a power source. Module  101  has a base portion  105  generally rectangular in shape in this example. Base  105  may have one or more compartments (not illustrated) for housing batteries, power cells, or the like for powering the module. In one embodiment, the power source may be one or more AAA batteries. However, other power sources and batteries types, including re-chargeable batteries or cells may be used.  
         [0023]     Module  101  has an upper body portion  106  provided to house electronic circuitry required to enable function of the module according to embodiments of the invention. Body  106  is rectangular in shape in this embodiment and is situated above and centered over base  105 . Base  105  and body  106  may be contiguously formed of molded plastic like ABS plastic, for example. Base  105  may have an access door provided on its underside (not visible) for enabling access to batteries or power cells.  
         [0024]     Upper body portion  106  has a user interface panel of buttons or switches  109  for activating and controlling the functions of module  101 . The functions of module  101  include acting as an illumination module capable of producing a bright white light and an illumination module capable of producing a bright red light, such as in the infra-red spectrum. The illumination devices are light emitting diodes (LEDs) in a preferred embodiment. The diodes are housed within an LED compartment having a removable cover  107  situated strategically on top of upper body  106 . In this example, light is emitted in the general forward direction indicated by arrows. Module  101  comprises in this embodiment a strobe light that is capable of emitting a sequence of timed flashes of high intensity bright light. The strobe light is housed in this embodiment within a strobe compartment having a removable cover  108 . Strobe cover  108  may, in one embodiment, be transparent so that emitted flashes of bright light emanate through the cover. In another embodiment, strobe cover  108  may have a transparent opening in one end for focusing strobe flashes in one general direction.  
         [0025]     A user interacting with one or more buttons or switches  109  controls module  101 . xxxxx For example, one button may control a bright white LED while another controls a red LED and the third button controls the strobe. In one example, depressing one button powers the associated LED or strobe on and pressing it a second time turn it off. In a preferred embodiment, the strobe flashes once every 0.75 seconds. However, other timing considerations may be implemented. Additionally, more than one timing sequence may be provided and implemented such as by repeatedly depressing the button  109  associated to the strobe function.  
         [0026]     The functions of module  101  or more specifically, the LEDs and the strobe bulb communicate with the appropriate printed circuits housed in upper body  106  and with the battery compartment via appropriate power and signal trace. The amount of intelligence built into module  101  depends on the circuitry provided to drive the utilities.  
         [0027]     System  100  includes a material arm or wrist support  102  for holding module  101  in a position that is stable for hands free operation. Wrist support  102  may be fabricated from a stiff or pliable material that may be wrapped around the arm or wrist of a user. Cordura, leather, canvas, or other materials may be used in fabricating wrist support  102 . Support  102  includes a portion  103  that fits over module  101  and secures it between the overlapping layers of wrist support  102  by way of a cutout  110  provided through the overlap portion  103 . Cutout  110  is rectangular in shape and is just large enough dimensionally to fit snuggly over upper body portion  106  of module  101 .  
         [0028]     Wrist support  102  may be secured around the wrist of a user by hook and loop connection typical of wrap around belts and bands. With module  101  in position, portion  103  of wrist support  102  is urged down over the module against the upper surface of base  105  exposing the interface and body potion  106  through cutout  110 . The hook and loop connection is then secured to firmly hold module  101  in position on the wrist or arm of a user. Wrist support  102  has a material extension  104  having a loop formed at the free end for wrapping around a finger of a user to prevent wrist support  102  from slipping around the wrist of a user while being worn. The loop formed at the end of material extension  104  may be a solid loop or ring sized generally to fit a ring finger or little finger of the user. In one embodiment the finger loop is physically wrapped around a finger and secured using a hook and loop connection similar to the one used on support  102 .  
         [0029]     The configuration of system  100  in this example enables a user to handle a weapon like a firearm, for example, with both hands remaining free to hold and brace the weapon for firing in traditional stance used by law enforcement and to have a high intensity light shining in the same direction as the weapon is being pointed. Persons engaging tools in dark areas such as underneath an automobile when performing repairs may use system  100  as a hands free light source. The direction of the light emitted from the LEDs of module  101  when powered on coincides generally with the angle at which the light is desired to illuminate the work area without having to hold and point a flashlight or other handheld light source.  
         [0030]     Wrist support  102  may vary in design somewhat without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, there may be a three sided rectangular pocket formed on the upper surface of overlap portion  103  wherein the pocket accepts module  101  by sliding the module into the pocket. In this case, the upper body portion may still be exposed through a cutout in the top of the pocket and a separate flap may be provided to secure module  101  within the pocket by hook and loop connection. There are many possibilities. In this example, system  100  is intended to be worn on a user&#39;s wrist and to be stabilized on the wrist via material extension  104 . However, similar designs without finger stabilizers may be provided for the upper arm of a user in some cases. For example, an emergency worker stacking sand bags at night to prevent flooding might wear an armband with module  101  instead of a wristband with module  101  in order to have a more general illumination area. Likewise, it is conceivable that a support like  102  may be provided for wrapping around the leg of a user. There are many possibilities.  
         [0031]     In addition to the LED function, the strobe emitter may be activated on module  101  to produce a sequence of high intensity flashes that are visible from a relatively great distance. This is practical for search and rescue missions where the target of the search has system  100  and activates it to facilitate spotting during the search. The activated strobe can be spotted from a distance at night, underwater, under rubble, under snow, and in a variety of other rescue situations. In one embodiment, all of the utilities may be activated to run separately from one another or at the same time. Each utility has it&#39;s own circuitry in a preferred embodiment.  
         [0032]     The red LED may be used in situations where some light is required but not enough that might attract attention. Undercover work, soldering, and the like are good situations where one may require some light but not intense brightness. Reading maps at night is a good example of such a use. Another is preparing demolitions under cover of darkness in a battle situation. There are many possibilities.  
         [0033]     In one embodiment, the LEDs of module  101  may be set at differing levels of brightness of emission by toggling the associated buttons  109 . Likewise, the strobe emitter may be set to flash at a slower frequency or a faster frequency depending on need. In one embodiment wrist support  102  has a sewn pocket  111  for inserting therein a key or other small item.  
         [0034]      FIG. 2A  is a front view of the light and strobe emitting module  101  of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 2B  is a top view of the light and strobe emitting module  101  of  FIG. 2A .  
         [0036]     Referring now to  FIG. 2A , module  101  includes base  105  for housing batteries and serving as a flange for installing the module in a band as was previously described. Upper body  106  houses the driver circuitry enabling function of the module. Strobe bulb cover  108  and LED compartment cover  107  are removed in this example for clarity. In this view, an LED  201  and an LED  202  are mounted and directed to emit light in a uniform direction. Cover  107  may have a transparent window  207  through which light is emitted. The bottom of the LED compartment has openings provided to enable electrical communication traces  205  to connect the LEDs to a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted within upper body  106 . The circuit board, not visible in this example contains all of the required circuitry to enable the functions and features of the invention. In one embodiment, more than one circuit board may be provided.  
         [0037]     Button panel  109  is located behind the LED compartment in this view and also has connection to appropriate gates on the PCB enabling activation and control of the utilities individually and in unison if desired. A strobe bulb  203  is provided in this example and has electrical communication to the PCB and associated circuitry via electrical communication paths  204 . Cover  108  may have a window  209  for directing strobe flashes. Cover  108  may also be transparent to expand visibility of the strobe. More than one cover may be provided for setting up different scenarios depending on circumstance. For example, if using the strobe as a rescue beacon then the transparent cover would be used. If using the strobe as a signaling device, then a non-transparent cover with a transparent window would be used.  
         [0038]     Referring now to  FIG. 2B , the geometric arrangement of LED  201 , LED  202 , strobe bulb  203 , and input panel  109  may vary significantly without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In this example, LEDs  201  and  202  have back shielding and are constructed to focus light in one direction. LEDs  201  and  202  are fixed adjacently in this example. In one embodiment, LEDs  201  and  202  may be adjusted at the mounted positions to align or to change direction of light emission.  
         [0039]     One with skill in the art of plastic molding will appreciate the use of the present invention does not depend on geometric shape of module  101 . Instead of rectangular shapes for base  105  and upper body portion  106 , elliptical or annular shapes may be incorporated into the design. Similarly for a rectangular configuration, corners and edges may be rounded or chamfered.  
         [0040]      FIG. 3A  is a top view of the light and strobe emitting module  101  of  FIG. 1  supported by a material holder  300  according to another embodiment of the present invention. Material holder  300  may be provided of a durable cloth like cordura, or nylon  302 . Some other material like leather or canvas may also be used instead. In this example, holder  300  is sewn forming a rectangular pocket having three sewn walls, a cutout window to accommodate upper body portion  106  and a closeable flap  303  to form the fourth side. A hook and loop connection on the inner side of flap  303  and on the upper right surface of holder  300  in this view enable a user to secure module  101  within the holder.  
         [0041]     Module  101  may be placed into pocket  300  by sliding the module in through the open end with flap  300  in an open position. When module  101  is secured in holder  300  with the window properly formed around the upper body portion of the module, flap  300  may be closed and secured using the hook and loop connection provided.  
         [0042]      FIG. 3B  is a side view of module  101  and holder  300  of  FIG. 3A . In this view, material holder  300  has module  101  secured with flap  303  closed. Module  101  is entirely covered accept for the exposes utilities (LEDs, strobe bulb, and input panel). A belt loop  301  may be provided and sewn on to the underside of material holder  300  so that a user may install module  101  on a belt. In one embodiment, a hook or loop pad may be provided on the underside of holder  300  so that a user may secure holder  300  with module  101  inside to a hook or loop pad provided on a wristband or other band, or on some article of clothing such as a hunting jacket or the like. Industrial strength hook and loop materials may provide a secure one-stick installation without requiring an overlay flap or any other attachment mechanisms.  
         [0043]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating the basic components  400  of the light and strobe-emitting module of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram illustrating components  400  is a logical diagram only and does not strictly follow any geometric arrangements of components. Components  400  include a utility  405  that includes the LEDs and the strobe bulb or emitter described further above. A control (Ctrl,) block  406  includes the user input panel of buttons for activating and controlling functions and features of the module.  
         [0044]     A block  402  illustrated PCB circuitry containing all of the necessary circuitry to operate and control the module. PCB circuitry  402  contains at least LED circuits  403  and a strobe circuit  404 . A power source block  401  includes the battery or power cell compartment and terminals connected to the PCB board to provide power to the module. In a preferred embodiment, module  101  uses a stacked form factor to lower the footprint of the module. The batteries are provided in the first level, the PCB circuitry at the second level, and the utilities and control buttons at the top level as illustrated in the previous embodiments.  
         [0045]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of light and strobe emitting module  101  and a material holder  503  according to another embodiment of the invention. In this example, a material holder  503  is provided to contain and secure module  101 . Material holder  503  has 3 sewn sidewalls and an open side for accepting the module. Holder  503  has a locking flap  501  with a window cutout dimensioned to fit over the upper body portion of module  101 . Locking flap  501  has a hook or loop provided on the undersurface. The material sidewall opposite the free end of flap  501  has a hook or loop connector  505   a  provided on the outer surface. In this example, locking flap  501  is placed over module  101  in the pocket and is secured by connection of the hook and loop connectors  505   a  and  505   b.    
         [0046]     Material holder  503  has an outer extension  502  that can be used to secure the module from a belt or waistband, or some other support band using hook and loop connectors  504   a  and  504   b . In this embodiment, while module  101  is being worn on a belt or being supported on a wrist band or the like, the user may easily remove dive  101  and replace it by un-securing flap  501  and sliding the module out from the pocket of holder  503 . In this way, the module may be moved from belt to wrist to vest, for example, when desired.  
         [0047]      FIG. 6  is an elevation view of a version of the module of  FIG. 1  supported on a dog collar according to an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment of the present invention module  101  or a version of module  101  may be provided to a dog collar using the same material holder design described above. A dog  600  with a dog collar  601  has material holder  602  and a version of module  101  containing at least the strobe function. In this example, LEDs may not be desired. Rather, the dog may need to be found if lost during some operation or as a result of general circumstance. The strobe bulb of system  602  may be activated by remote, perhaps by a remote control device provided for the purpose. In one embodiment a telephone communications device like a cell phone may activate the bulb. In any case, activation of the strobe emitter on the dog collar causes intense strobe flashing to occur that is visible from a great distance (up to  4  miles) even in low visibility conditions like fog. Hunting dogs might use the collars so that their owner may quickly sight the dogs from a distance as they are working. Cattle herding dogs may also use the collar to provide an additional incentive (intense strobe flashing) for cattle or other herded animals to submit to the dog. There are many possibilities.  
         [0048]      FIG. 7  is an elevation view of module  101  of  FIG. 1  supported on a vest band and a belt. A vest  700  is illustrated having a vest cross-band  701  and a belt  702 . Vest  700  may be any type of clothing, but a vest is illustrated because of the existence of many types of uniform safety vests worn by various road crew, emergency personnel, rescue workers, miners, law enforcement, firemen and the like. Module  101  using a material holder like those already described may be attached securely to a vest band  701  or a belt  702  as is illustrated. Using the high intensity strobe feature on a vest provides an added safety factor for road crews and the like to increase their visibility to passing motorists. Likewise, firemen or miners may use them so that they may quickly locate one another in low visibility condition such as in a smoke-filled house or underground in a dust filled mine. Children at play or joggers and bike riders may also wear the module of the present invention for safety purposes to increase their visibility to others.  
         [0049]     In one embodiment of the present invention module  101  of  FIG. 1  may include a magnet glued to the rear battery cover so that the module may stuck on to a metal surface such as a refrigerator. Likewise, the material holder may also have a magnetic strip on the bottom side for magnetically attaching the module to a metal surface. The possible applications are virtually endless. The module of the present invention when supported by a wristband as shown in  FIG. 1  may be positioned on the upper or lower side of the wrist of a user, or on either side of the wrist of a user without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The module of the present invention may be provided using all of or some of the components described without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, there may be more than two LEDs and/or more than one strobe emitter provided on a single module.  
         [0050]     There may be fewer or more than three input buttons for activating and controlling the module. Specific versions of the module may also be provided wherein the features are dedicated to specific uses. For example, if used on a dog collar, the LED features of the module may not be applicable. Therefore the module may be provided with only the strobe feature without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Likewise, for a mechanic, a module may be provided without the strobe feature because it may not be required for hands free illumination of a work area.  
         [0051]     The spirit and scope of the present invention should only be limited by the following claims.