Abstract:
A flexible light transmitting device, comprising a printable layer, a backing layer, and a light-emitting diode strip disposed between the printable layer and the backing layer. The printable layer is translucent to permit transmission of light from the light-emitting diodes through the printable layer when the light-emitting diodes are activated; however, the LED strip remains hidden between the layers. The printable layer is adapted to receive printed indicia by way of thermal printing process. The backing layer is substantially opaque comprises a durable nylon webbing or polypropylene material. The embedded LED strip comprises an elongated flexible casing containing spaced apart light-emitting diodes, one or more light interrupting spacers, and at least one ribbon wire extending through the casing and electrically coupling said light-emitting diodes. A fastener is disposed through the printable layer, the strip, and the backing layer to secure the strip to prevent breakage or dislodgment.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/299,973 filed on Nov. 18, 2011. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     N/A 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to wearable LED devices and more particularly to flexible LED devices having a printable layer. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     A light-emitting diode (hereafter “LED”) is a semi-conductor light source that provides discrete light when powered by an electric source. Traditional LEDs emitted low-intensity red light, however more modern versions are capable of emitting light across the entire visible light spectrum at varying levels of intensity. LEDs are useful for a variety applications but are particularly useful for safety and decorative wearable products, including belts, bracelets, pet collars, and pet leashes. Much of the prior art in this field has been limited to providing LEDs within clear plastic tubing that, while providing the desired safety lighting, leaves much to be desired aesthetically. Further, the prior art does not provide for activating buttons that are less prone to inadvertent activation, or that provide a master on/off switch, which is particularly useful when the device is being worn by a child or pet. 
     For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,879,076 and 6,146,006 to Cross describe an apparatus for the transmission of light adapted in a belt or vest article having a light source that transmits light along a self-support elongated light transmitting member. The light source and light transmitting members are embedding in a casement having a light-colored backing and a translucent front material. The device is activated by a simple on/off switch located proximal to the light source. The required light transmitting members greatly increase the overall weight of the device and increase the number of parts required, tooling costs, and manufacturing costs while limiting the flexibility and usability of the wearable device. Additionally, the on/off switch is prone to inadvertent activation. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,970,090 to Sciarra describes a pet tracking collar comprising clear flexible tubing containing a plurality of LEDs and an antenna and a radio transmitter. The collar provides only safety lighting and radio transmission features and does not provide for as particularly elegant and aesthetically pleasure configuration. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,140,327 to Morehead provides a pet collar having an illumination source and one or more fiber optic cables coupled to the illumination source in order to provide for transmission of the light. The device is activated by an on/off button near the illumination source, which must be exposed from the casement in order to be activated. While providing safety lighting, the fiber optic cables are expensive, difficult to install, and have a high failure rate. Additionally, the invention does not provide for a useful and aesthetically pleasing casement. 
     Accordingly, while there are certain wearable LED devices present available, none provide an enhanced casement that can include a variety of printable patterns and designs while still maintaining a high level of light transmission. Further, the prior art fails to disclose a suitable on/off button or switch design that prevents inadvertent activation of the LEDs while being compact, discrete, and visually appealing. 
     It is, therefore, to the effective resolution of the aforementioned problems and shortcomings of the prior art that the present invention is directed. However, in view of the LED and similar light-emitting devices in existence at the time of the present invention, it was not obvious to those persons of ordinary skill in the pertinent art as to how the identified needs could be fulfilled in an advantageous manner. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides various embodiments of a flexible light transmitting device, generally comprising a printable layer, a backing layer, and a light-emitting diode strip disposed between the printable layer and the backing layer. The printable layer is translucent to permit transmission of light from the light-emitting diodes through the printable layer when the light-emitting diodes are activated; however, the printable layer is such that the circuitry and components of the LED strip are not visible therethrough. In some embodiments, the printable layer is a polyester material adapted to receive printed indicia by way of thermal printing process. The backing layer is substantially opaque and may comprise a durable nylon webbing or polypropylene material. A fastener is disposed through the printable layer, the strip, and the backing layer to secure the strip to prevent breakage or dislodgment of the LED strip or the circuitry and components. 
     The embedded LED strip comprises an elongated flexible casing containing the spaced apart light-emitting diodes, one or more light interrupting spacers disposed between the light-emitting diodes, and at least one ribbon wire extending through the casing and electrically coupling said light-emitting diodes. Further, the light-emitting diodes are electrically coupled to a switch assembly which comprises a battery, a master switch, and a toggle button. The switch assembly provides the LED switch with a plurality of operative modes including an on mode, and off mode, and a flashing mode. In some embodiments, the toggle button is used to toggle between the various operating modes, but the toggle button is only active when the master switch is in the “on” position. This prevents inadvertent activation of the light-emitting diodes. The device of the present invention may be configured as a variety of wearable and useful items such as a bracelet, necklace, pet collar, pet leash, vest, belt, and the like. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an enhanced LED device that includes a hidden or stealth LED strip underneath a printable layer that can include a variety of printed patterns, colors, and indicia. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an enhanced LED device that is operable between a plurality of operating modes, including off, on, flashing, and breathing. 
     It is yet another objection of the present invention to provide an LED device that includes a switch assembly that prevents inadvertent activation of the light-emitting diodes. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an LED device that includes a battery tray to allow the user to easily change the battery. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an LED device that is integrated, attractive, and aesthetically pleasing while providing relatively high intensity light transmission for decorative and safety purposes. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an LED device is durable and resistant to tearing, breakage, or other damage. 
     In accordance with these and other objects which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of one embodiment of the present invention, configured as a pet leash. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of one embodiment of the present invention, configured as a pet collar. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a portion of the body of one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of one embodiment of the LED strip of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the button assembly of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6A  is a side view of one embodiment of the switch assembly of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6B  is a top view of one embodiment of the switch assembly of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6C  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the switch assembly of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7A  is a top view of one embodiment of the battery tray of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the battery tray of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention, showing the battery tray being inserted into the switch assembly thereof. 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of one embodiment of the present invention, configured as a pet leash, having an additional snap retention feature. 
         FIG. 10  is a cut-away top view of one embodiment of the LED strip of the present invention configured as a leash, having an additional snap retention feature. 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of one embodiment of the present invention, configured as a pet collar, having an additional snap retention feature. 
         FIG. 12  is a cut-away top view of one embodiment of the LED strip of the present invention configured as a collar, having an additional snap retention feature. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , shown is one embodiment of the LED device  10  of the present invention, configured as a pet leash. Device  10  includes a proximal end  11  having a snap-release hook  12  and a distal end  13  having a loop  14 . Hook  12  is received on an element such as a ring, loop, or other member, which secures the proximal end  11  thereto. In some embodiments, hook  12  is received on the ring of a pet collar. Loop  14  at the distal end  13  can receive a user&#39;s hand or can be placed over or around rigid body to secure device  10 . Disposed between the proximal  11  and distal end  13  is an elongated leash body  15 , which may be of any desired length. Disposed substantially toward the distal end  13 , but preferably proximal from the loop  14  is switch assembly  16  which includes a toggle button  17 . The location of the switch assembly  16  along the length of device  10  should not be considered limiting as there are other locations that may be equally suitable. However, having the button assembly  16  located toward the distal end  13  generally provides easier access thereto for the user. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , shown is another embodiment of the present invention, designated as device  20 , which is configured as a pet collar. Disposed at proximal end  21  is a male clip-end  22  which is received by the female clip-end  23  located at distal end  24 . Also disposed substantially toward the distal end  24  is an attachment ring  25 , which is adapted to receive an attachment hook, clip, or snap, such as the snap-release hook  12  shown in  FIG. 1 . Extending between the proximal end  21  and distal end  24  of device  20  is elongated collar body  26 , which may be of any desired length. Disposed substantially toward the distal end  24 , but preferably proximal from the female clip-end  23  is switch assembly  27  which includes a toggle button  28 . The location of the switch assembly  27  along the length of device  20  should not be considered limiting as there are other locations that may be equally suitable. Accordingly, it is apparent that device  20  defines a pet collar which is secured around the neck or torso of a pet, such as a dog, and provides a point of attachment to restrain the pet with, for example, a leash like that of device  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , shown is one embodiment of the elongated body  30  of the LED device of the present invention, which corresponds to the leash body  15  and collar body  26  discussed above and shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Body  30  comprises at least three elements, including a translucent printable layer  31 , an LED strip  32 , and a backing layer  33 . The LED strip  32  is disposed between the translucent printable layer  31  and the backing layer  33 . In some embodiments, the backing layer  33  comprises a substantially opaque nylon or polypropylene plain weave webbing material having suitable strength and deformity resistance as is typical of belts, collars, and leashes. In some embodiments, the printable layer  31  comprises a weatherproof plain weave polyester material that is adapted to receive printable indicia by way of a thermal printing process. More specifically, a polyvinyl chlorate (PVC), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or other like thermoplastic polymer film containing a pattern, logos, pictures, words, or other indicia in various colors is provided over the printable layer  31  and heat is applied thereto, which transfers the indicia from the film onto the printable layer  31 . Further, the polyester material of the printable layer  31  is such that the layer  31  is at least partially translucent, as discussed in further detail below. The edges of the printable layer  31  and the backing layer  33  may be sewn or hot-melted together in order to secure LED strip  32  therebetween. Other means of securing the layers  31  and  33  to one another may be equally suitable. While polyester is particularly suitable, other like materials may be used for printable layer  31  provided they are capable of retaining a colorlast ink or other printed medium. Furthermore, it is appreciated that the printable layer  31  is weatherproof in order to prevent water from seeping into and damaging the LED strip  32 . The backing layer  33  should also be suitably weatherproof for the same reasons. 
       FIG. 4  depicts LED strip  32  in more detail. As shown, strip  32  comprises a plurality of LEDs  33  spaced apart and disposed within an elongated flexible casing  34 . Disposed between each of the LEDs and also contained within casing  34  are elongated light-interrupting spacers  37 . In some embodiments, the spacers  37  comprise two layers. A plurality of ribbon wires  35  are disposed along the length of the strip  32  and electrically couple the LEDs  33 . In some embodiments, the ribbon wires  35  are disposed between the two layers of the spacers, except that at least a portion of the wires  35  are exposed proximal to the LEDs  33 . Accordingly, spacers  37  provide a conduit through which wires  35  pass, while also serving to limit light transmission therethrough so that light emitted by LEDs  33  does not “bleed” along the length of the LED strip  32 , which would otherwise reduce the intensity of the LEDs  33  proximal to their location. 
     The ribbon wires  35  also connect the series of LEDs  33  to a connector  36 . Connector  36  is in turn electrically coupled to switch assembly  40  (which is the same structure as switch assembly  16  and  27  discussed above), which is proximal to connector  36 . In  FIG. 4 , switch assembly  40  is shown in cutaway, in order to better visualize the internal components thereof. Accordingly, in some embodiments, switch assembly  40  comprises a printed circuit board  41 , a toggle button  42 , and a master switch  43 .  FIGS. 5-8  show the various structural components of switch assembly  40 .  FIG. 5  shows switch assembly  40  in its assembled state, having a housing  44  with master switch  43  disposed on a side thereof, and toggle button  42  disposed on a top surface thereof. A covering label  45  may be placed over toggle button  42 , whereby the label  45  is flexible to maintain the toggling action of toggle button  42  and provides a surface for indicia such as logos or patterns. 
       FIGS. 6A-6C  depict one embodiment of housing  44  of the switch assembly  40 . As shown in  FIG. 6A , a side of switch assembly  40  includes a slot  46  which is adapted to receive a battery holder tray  47  shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . In some embodiments, battery holder tray  47  is configured to receive a coin-style battery  48 . Tray  47  is removably received within slot  46  as shown more particularly in  FIG. 8 . Accordingly, in some embodiments, disposed within slot  46  may be as spring or other resilient member which applies force against tray  47  in order to aid in insertion and removal of tray  47  when desired. Tray  47  may further include flexible protrusions  49  and  49 ′ on either side thereof, which are depressed by the user during insertion in slot  46  and which later expand in order to secure tray  47  within slot  46 . The tray-slot engagement provides for much easier replacement of battery  48  as compared to known designs, which typically require the user to remove one of the panels of the switch assembly, which is typically held down by a screw. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 3 , the printable layer  31  and backing layer  33  are configured to provide optimum lighting response from the LEDs  33  of strip  32 . The printable layer  31  is configured to be relatively opaque such that the structural components of the LED strip  32  are not visible therethrough. However, printable layer  31  is translucent enough to allow a substantial portion of the light emitted from LEDs  33  to pass through and be visible to the human eye. In some embodiments, printable layer  31  comprises a white polyester which receives printed indicia in any desired color or combinations of colors, patterns, and the like. The white polyester material is stranded or weaved such that it allows light from LEDs  33  to pass through, but is sufficiently opaque as to render the actual LED strip  32  un-visible. This gives body  30  the appearance that the LEDs  33  are completely hidden or “stealth” until activated by the user. In some embodiments, the backing layer  33  is less translucent than printable layer  33  so that the majority of the light emitted from LEDs  33  will transmit through printable layer  31 , which is preferably the side of the device that is facing outward to the user. However, in some embodiments, light emitted from LEDs  33  will be visible through both layers  31  and  33 . Further, the light-interrupting spaces  37  of LED strip  32  are configured such that light emitted from LEDs  33  is radiated substantially proximal to the LEDs  33 , and will not tend to bleed down the length of the LED strip  32 . This configuration results in a device that appears to have a plurality of discrete lights spaced apart in series. 
     By way of example, in some embodiments, printable layer  31  comprises a 100% plain weave polyester material specified as 1′ webbing, 150 D, 10 g/yard and approximately 1.0 mm thick. A ¾″ polyester webbing may also be provided as printable layer  31 , specified as 150 D, 7.5 g/yard, and approximately 1.0 mm thick. Backing layer  31  may comprise a 100% plain weave polypropylene material at 1″ specified as 900 D, 16 g/yard, 1.5 mm thick or at ¾″ specified as 900 D, 12 g/yard, 1.5 mm thick. These specifications are not limiting as other sizes and specifications may be selected depending on the desired light transmission properties of the constituent layers  31  and  33 . Further, other suitable materials may be utilized provided they are suitably weatherproof and, in the case of the printable layer  31 , are capable of retaining a colorlast ink or other printable medium. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 4 , switch assembly  40  is manipulated by the user to activate the LEDs  33  on-demand. Circuit board  41  contains a chipset and the necessary electrical contacts for the various components of the present invention. Both master switch  43  and toggle button  42  are electrically coupled to printed circuit board  41 , which is electrically coupled to connector  36 . Circuit board  41  is configured to receive power from battery  48 , and can open and close the electrical contacts in order to send power to the various components. In some embodiments, switch assembly  40  is configured such that master switch  43  has at least two positions, a master-on position and a master-off position. In the master-off position, the switch assembly is completely off, the LEDs  33  are deactivated, and toggle button  42  is “killed” such that it cannot activate LEDs  33 . In some case, in the master-off position, the connection between battery  48  and circuit board  41  is temporarily severed, in order to avoid inadvertent activation of LEDs  33 . In the master-on position, power can now be transferred from battery  48  to the various components and toggle button  42  is now active and can be depressed to activate LEDs  33 . 
     The logic contained within the chipset of circuit board  41  is such that toggle button  42  can be depressed by a user in sequence to operatively select a plurality of operating modes, including “off,” “on,” and “flashing.” For example, beginning in the “off” mode, depressing toggle button  42  once will enter the “on” mode and power will be sent from battery  48 , through circuit board  41  to connector  36 , along wires  35  and to LEDs  33 . Depressing toggle button  42  again will enter the “flashing” mode, whereby the logic within circuit board  41  intermittently sends power from battery  48  along to connector  36 , along wires  35  and to LEDs  33  such that LEDs  33  “flash” in intermittent fashion. Depressing toggle button  42  once again will return the device to the “off” position. Additional modes may be contemplated, such as a pulsating or “breathing” mode and/or faster or slower “flashing” intervals. These modes and their specific timing and functionality are dictated by the logic embedded in circuit board  41 . Of course, the sequence of the various modes is also dictated by the logic embedded in circuit board  41  and can vary without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 9-12 , shown are additional embodiments of the present invention configured with a snap retention feature in order to improve the durability of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  depicts an embodiment of LED device  10  configured as a leash substantially as shown in  FIG. 1  and described above. In order to prevent the switch assembly  16  from becoming dislodged from the internal LED strip and further to prevent the internal LED strip from stretching or breaking, a fastener  50  is inserted through the entire leash body  15 , i.e. both printable layer and backing layer, in order to secure the internal LED strip to the leash body  15 . In some embodiments, the fastener  50  is located adjacent to and proximal from the switch assembly  16 . Having the fastener  50  located adjacent and proximal to the switch assembly  16  will assure that the internal LED strip doesn&#39;t stretch or break or become dislodged from the switch assembly  16  when tension is applied to the leash device  10  during use.  FIG. 10  is a cutaway top view of one embodiment of the present invention in the leash configuration. This cutaway view is similar to that shown in  FIG. 4  and described above. As shown, casing  34  is extended such that fastener  50  can be disposed through the body  15  and through the LED strip  32  in order to secure the strip  32  to the body  15 . In some embodiments, the fastener is disposed between the switch assembly  40  and connector  36  in order to prevent the connection therebetween from breaking or coming loose when tension is applied to the device. The fastener  50  also alleviates tension of the strip  32  generally in order to prevent stretching, tearing, or breakage thereof. 
       FIG. 11  depicts an embodiment of LED device  20  configured as a collar substantially as shown in  FIG. 2  and described above. In order to prevent the switch assembly  27  from becoming dislodged from the internal LED strip and further to prevent the internal LED strip from stretching or breaking, a fastener  51  is inserted through the entire collar body  26 , i.e. both printable layer and backing layer, in order to secure the internal LED strip to the collar body  26 . In some embodiments, the fastener  51  is located adjacent to and distal from the clip-end  22 . Having the fastener  51  located adjacent and distal from the clip end  22  will assure that the internal LED strip doesn&#39;t stretch or break or become dislodged from the switch assembly  27  when tension is applied to the collar device  20  during use.  FIG. 12  is a cutaway top view of one embodiment of the present invention in the leash configuration. This cutaway view is similar to that shown in  FIG. 4  and described above. As shown, casing  34  is extended such that fastener  51  can be disposed through the body  26  and through the LED strip  32  in order to secure the strip  32  to the body  26 . In some embodiments, the fastener is disposed toward the proximal end  21  of the body  26 , nearest the clip-end  22  (See again  FIG. 11 ). The fastener  51  alleviates tension of the strip  32  generally in order to prevent stretching, tearing, or breakage thereof. 
     The fasteners  50  and  51  are effective in reducing the stress and strain on the internal LED strip and related components, including the switch assembly when the device  10  or  20  is in use and under a pulling load. By securing the LED strip to the collar/leash body, the pieces function together and the body is better about to absorb the strain without unduly stretching, tearing, or breaking the LED strip or switch assembly, connectors, and the like. It is appreciated that the fastener may comprise a variety of known structures such as rivets, two-piece snaps, clips, tacks, nails, screws, and the like provided the fastener is capable of penetrating the device body 
     It is appreciated that the LED device of the present invention can be configured in a variety of manners, including as wearable apparel items and other useful products. The present disclosed presents the LED device configured as a wearable pet collar and complimentary pet leash. However, the device could be configured as or integrated into belts, vests, bracelets, necklaces, lanyard keychains, or other items wherein an elongated, flexible body is desired and/or useful. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments discussed herein and shown the figures and other embodiments are well within the scope of the present invention. 
     Accordingly, the instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.