Clamping light with rotatable light head

A portable lighting device capable of being clamped on a multitude of structures is disclosed. In some embodiments, the portable lighting device includes a rotatably adjustable light head.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to the field of portable lighting devices, and more particularly to a portable lighting device that can be clamped on various structures.

BACKGROUND

Portable lights having variable light output intensity and positional adjustability are known in the art. Some of these portable lights have an adjustable light head to vary the direction of light emitted by the device. Many of these devices are limited in the way that they can be positioned or mounted to interact with the environment in which the light is being used, thus limiting their usability. Many of these devices are also not collapsible into a low-profile configuration for storability when not in use.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved portable lighting devices that overcome these and other drawbacks of the prior art devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIVE CONCEPTS

In one respect, the inventive concept is a lighting device comprising a light head comprising at least one light; a clamping assembly, the light head being rotatably attached to the clamping assembly about a first axis of rotation, the clamping assembly comprising at least one arm assembly, the at least one arm assembly comprising a pivot arm and a clamping arm that are rotatably attached together about a second axis of rotation at respective first ends thereof, each of the pivot arm and the clamping arm having a respective second end located distal from its respective first end, wherein the second ends of each of the pivot arm and the clamping arm are biased towards each other.

In another respect, the inventive concept is a lighting device comprising: a light head comprising at least one light; an arm assembly coupled to the light head, the arm assembly comprising a pivot arm rotatably coupled to a clamping arm about respective first ends thereof, a second end of the pivot arm being spaced apart from the first end thereof and a second end of the clamping arm being spaced apart from the first end thereof, and at least one biasing member connected between the pivot arm and the clamping arm, wherein the arm assembly is configured to allow for the second ends of the pivot arm and the clamping arm to be temporarily separated, thereby defining a gap between the second ends thereof, the at least one biasing member acting to bias the second ends of the pivot arm and the clamping arm together to thereby close the gap.

In yet another respect, the inventive concept is a lighting device comprising: a light head comprising at least one light; and a clamping assembly, the clamping assembly comprising a first arm assembly and a second arm assembly, each of the first and second arm assemblies comprising a first arm member having a first end and a second end, a second arm member having a first end and a second end, and a spring connected between the first arm member and the second arm member, wherein in each of the first and second arm assemblies the respective first arm member and the respective second arm member are rotatably attached together at the respective first ends thereof and the spring acts to bias the respective second ends of the first arm member and the second arm member towards each other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The ensuing detailed description provides exemplary embodiment(s) only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the herein disclosed embodiment(s). Rather, the ensuing detailed description of the exemplary embodiment(s) will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing the exemplary embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims.

To aid in describing the disclosure and/or invention as claimed, directional terms may be used in the specification and claims to describe portions of the present disclosure and/or invention (e.g., upper, lower, left, right, etc.). These directional definitions are merely intended to assist in describing the embodiment(s) and claiming the invention, and are not intended to limit the disclosure or claimed invention in any way. In addition, reference numerals that are introduced in the specification in association with a drawing figure may be repeated in one or more subsequent figures without additional description in the specification, in order to provide context for other features.

It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be integral with the other element, directly connected or coupled to the other element, or that intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, it should be understood that no intervening elements are present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.).

For purposes of the attached specification and claims, the term “approximately parallel” means within a range of plus or minus 5 degrees from parallel, inclusive of an exact parallel arrangement.

For purposes of the attached specification and claims, the term “approximately perpendicular” means within a range of plus or minus 5 degrees from perpendicular, inclusive of an exact perpendicular arrangement.

In applications in which it is desirable or necessary to have a portable light that can be secured to a wide variety of structures, for example a table, a door, a car hood, etc., a portable light with an adjustable light head that is capable of being clamped, hooked, and/or magnetically attached to the foregoing exemplary structures may be an effective tool. It may also be desirable to have a tool that is extremely low-profile when not in use, thus maximizing its storability—for example in a drawer, a tool box, or carry-bag—when not in use. It is the desire of Applicant to disclose a portable lighting device that incorporates several improvements over the prior art.

Referring now generally toFIGS. 1 and 2, a portable lighting solution in the form of a lighting device10according to the present disclosure will be described in detail. In this embodiment, the lighting device10includes a light head12that is rotatably attached to a clamping assembly13about a first axis of rotation16. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the light head12is rotatably coupled to a pair of arm assemblies14a,14barranged adjacent to lateral sides of the light head12(e.g., left and right sides from the perspective ofFIG. 1). In the present embodiment, as will be described below in further detail, the arm assemblies14a,14b—along with a crossbar80that attaches between the arm assemblies14a,14b—form the general structure of the clamping assembly13.

In this embodiment, the light head12includes a front cover20and a back cover22that are attached together via multiple fasteners24(for ease of illustration, only a single fastener24is labeled in the Figures). In the illustrated non-limiting example, an on/off switch26extends through the front cover20and is configured to control operation of a first light34and a second light36, which are located within a light opening28and behind a lens cover27in the front cover20, and the second light36is a multi-LED array in the form of a rectangular grid that can act as a flood light. In this embodiment, the on/off switch26can be used to turn either of the first light34or second light36on or off, switch between operation of the first light34or second light36, or change the light output intensity of the first light34or second light36. In alternative embodiments according to the present disclosure, multiple separate switches may be provided to accomplish these functions, the on/off switch(es) may be located elsewhere on the lighting device10, and/or a different type, quantity, and/or configuration of lights may be located on the light head12. The internal parts, assembly, and functionality of the light head12are otherwise outside the scope of the present specification, and will not be described further.

In this embodiment, the front cover20includes a shroud30protruding outward from the surface of the front cover20(seeFIG. 3) and surrounding the periphery of the light opening28. The shroud30can shield a user's eyes from the bright light emitted by the first and/or second light34,36as the user is looking at the light head12from the peripheral edges thereof (e.g., the sides, top, or bottom of the light head12, from the perspective ofFIG. 1). In alternative embodiments, the shroud30may be omitted.

In the illustrated non-limiting example, the back cover22includes multiple vents38(for ease of illustration, only one vent38is labeled) that allow airflow to and from the internal parts of the light head12thereof. A charging port40located on the back cover22is connected in electrical communication with various circuitry and one or more batteries enclosed within the front cover20and the back cover22. The back cover22also includes a wire clip42adjacent to the charging port40that can be used to secure a wire to the back cover22when the wire (and plug attached thereto, e.g., for an A/C adapter) are inserted into the charging port40. As will be described in greater detail in the paragraphs to follow, the light head12also includes mounts119a,119bfor securing a pivot hinge assembly130to either side thereof (seeFIG. 7), which is used to rotatably attach the light head12to the arm assemblies14a,14bsuch that the light head12can be selectively rotated and held in a plurality of rotated positions.

With continued reference toFIGS. 1-2, the arm assemblies14a,14baccording to the present disclosure that are secured to either side of the light head12will be described in detail. Generally, the arm assemblies14a,14bare symmetric (i.e., mirror images) about a longitudinal axis29defined by the light head12(i.e., an axis generally passing through the centers of the on/off switch26and crossbar80). As such, the symmetric components herein are designated by an “a” or “b” following their respective reference numeral. However, unless necessary to articulate the functionality of the components and for ease of drafting the specification, only the left side components, denoted by “a”, will be discussed in the paragraphs to follow. It is therefore to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the components sharing the same reference number but marked by “b” provide the same functionality, or are of the same form (albeit, symmetric), as their “a”-marked counterparts. Further, the components described herein may be referred to or described using the terms “longitudinally” or “laterally.” It is to be understood that these terms are used with reference to the aforementioned longitudinal axis29. For example, the use of the phrase “extending longitudinally” can refer a member that extends approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis29. Similarly, the use of the phrase “extending laterally outward/inward” refer to a member that extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis29.

In this embodiment, the arm assembly14aincludes a pivot arm50a(i.e., a first arm member) that is pivotably attached to a clamping arm52a(i.e., a second arm member) about a second axis of rotation18, and the arm assembly14bincludes a pivot arm50b(i.e., a first arm member) that is pivotably attached to a clamping arm52b(i.e., a second arm member) about the second axis of rotation18. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the first and second axes of rotation16,18are parallel to each other, but spaced apart in a non-linear (i.e., spatially offset or non-aligned) configuration, although alternative embodiments of the lighting device are envisioned in which these two axes of rotation are aligned along a single axis. In the example illustrated inFIGS. 1-2, the first axis of rotation16and the second axis of rotation18are separated by a distance approximately defined by a length of the pivot arm50a. In this embodiment, the pivot arm50ais a generally elongate member arranged adjacent to a lateral side of the light head12and includes a first end54athat is located adjacent to the top side of the light head12(when the light head12is in its folded or non-rotated configuration as shown inFIGS. 1-3) and a second end56alocated opposite the first end54a. The pivot arm50ahas a longitudinal axis51a. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the light head12is rotatably coupled to the second ends56a,56bof the pivot arms50a,50babout the axis of rotation16, and the clamping arms52a,52bare pivotably coupled to the first ends54a,54bof the pivot arms50a,50b. The coupling between the light head12and the pivot arms50a,50b, as well as the coupling between the pivot arm50aand the clamping arm52a, will be described below in detail with reference toFIGS. 6-8.

In this embodiment, the pivot arm50aincludes a bumper57aand a peg58a. The bumper57aprotrudes radially outwardly from the second end56aof the pivot arm50a(with respect to the first axis of rotation16). In the illustrated non-limiting example, the bumper57ais a disc-shaped member that at least partially surrounds the second end56aof the pivot arm50a. The peg58ais positioned between the first end54aand the second end56aof the pivot arm50aand protrudes laterally outwardly from the pivot arm50ato align and be engageable with an indented portion58aof the clamping arm52a. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the peg58ahas a generally cylindrical shape (i.e., a circular shape of generally uniform radius in cross-section). In alternative embodiments, the peg58acan have a shape that is non-circular in cross-section and/or could have a contoured, knurled, or textured surface.

In this embodiment, the clamping arm52ais a generally elongate member arranged adjacent to the pivot arm50aand includes a first end60aadjacent to the first end54aof the pivot arm50aand a second end62aopposite the first end60a. The clamping arm52ahas a longitudinal axis53a. As will be described in greater detail below, the clamping arm52ais biased towards the pivot arm50awith a spring63athat is coupled between the first ends54a,60aof the pivot arm50aand the clamping arm52a, respectively. The clamping arm52aalso includes an intermediate portion64aand a portion66a. The intermediate portion64ais positioned between the first end60aand the second end62aand defines an indent68alocated along an upper surface70aof the clamping arm52a(from the perspective ofFIG. 1). The indent68aextends into the body of the clamping arm52ain a concave manner and is complementarily shaped to receive the peg58awhen the arm assembly14ais in a clamped position, as inFIG. 1. In this embodiment, the indent68adefines a “corner-like” interior surface that is comprised of two straight portions separated by an approximately 90 degree bend (see side view ofFIG. 3), though different shapes, sizes, and angles for the indent68aare possible in alternative embodiments according to the present disclosure. In the present embodiment, the portion66ais positioned at the second end62aof the clamping arm52aand attached to the intermediate portion64aby a bend67a. In this embodiment, the portion66ais relatively short, comprises a longitudinal axis65a, and is angled approximately perpendicularly to the main body of the clamping arm52a, as illustrated by angle69(seeFIG. 3), to define an interior bend surface73a. In alternative embodiments of the lighting device10according to the present disclosure, the portion66amay be of different lengths and/or be angled at different angles from the intermediate portion64a. In further alternative embodiments, the locations of the peg58aand the indent68acould be reversed, with the peg58aextending from the clamping arm52aand the indent located in the pivot arm50a.

Still referring toFIGS. 1-2, the lighting device10includes the crossbar80coupled between the second ends62a,62bof the clamping arms52a,52b. This enables each of the arm assemblies14a,14bto pivot together about the axis of rotation18such that an angle between pivot arm50aand clamping arm52ais similar or identical to an angle between pivot arm50band clamping arm52bat all times during adjustability of the arm assemblies14a,14b. In this embodiment the crossbar80has a varying thickness and non-identical profile along the length of the crossbar80, but in alternative embodiments may have a standard thickness and profile across its length. In the present embodiment, the crossbar80includes a gripping portion82(i.e., grip) that defines a thick and ergonomic shape that can, for example, enable the crossbar80to also be used as a carrying handle. In this embodiment, the thickness of the crossbar80reduces (e.g., tapers) at lateral ends thereof to meet the second ends62a,62bof the clamping arms52a,52b. The crossbar80also includes an outwardly-facing surface84(from the perspective ofFIG. 1) that, in this embodiment, houses one or more magnets88. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the crossbar80includes one or more magnet apertures86extending into the surface84. A magnet, e.g., magnet88, is received within each of the magnet apertures86and secured therein using a fastener90(for ease of illustration, only a single magnet aperture86, magnet88, and fastener90are labeled in the Figures). The one or more magnets88provided in the crossbar80enable the lighting device10to be magnetically attached to metal surfaces or structures (e.g., a car hood or metal frame), which enhances the usability and functionality of the lighting device10for use in a myriad of environments to provide lighting for a user. Further, as shown in its unclamped configuration inFIGS. 1 and 2, the lighting device10has a very low profile (i.e., a compact height dimension when viewed from the front, back, or sides), allowing it to be easily stored—for example in a drawer or portable toolbox—when not in use. In some embodiments, the lighting device10may have a maximum height dimension (not labeled) of no more than 4.00 inches (10.16 cm), no more than 3.50 inches (8.89 cm), or no more than 3.00 inches (7.62 cm), when in its unclamped configuration as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. It should be understood that even more low-profile versions of the lighting device10are also possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring now toFIGS. 1-3, the lighting device10also includes a handle100that is pivotably coupled at respective ends thereof between the second ends56a,56bof the pivot arms50a,50balong the first axis of rotation16. Since the arm assemblies14a,14bare biased into their unclamped position by default, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, it may be difficult for the user to move the pivot arms50a,50baway from the clamping arms52a,52bwhile making an attempt to clamp the lighting device10to a surface or object without means to simultaneously separate the pivot arms50a,50bfrom the clamping arms52a,52bwith one hand. The handle100is thus used to provide leverage for a user when attempting to open the arm assemblies14a,14bof the lighting device10. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the handle100is formed from a length of metal wire of circular cross-sectional shape that has been bent into a shape that permits for a user's hand to be placed behind the handle100even when it is fully rotated against the light head12or pivot arms50a,50b. The handle100spans laterally across the front of the light head12and has a first arm102and a second arm104extending therefrom that meet and attach to the second ends56a,56bof the pivot arms50a,50bvia, for example, a fastener on each end (see fastener132inFIG. 7). In the illustrated non-limiting example, the handle100can rest on the surface of the front cover20when not in use (seeFIG. 3). Alternatively or additionally, the first and second arms102,104can rest on the pegs58a,58bwhen the handle100is not in use. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the handle100can include a “U-shaped” or looped portion106that provides a raised section of the handle100such that a gap is made between the surface of the front cover20and the looped portion106(seeFIG. 3). The gap made by the looped portion106can, for example, allow one or more finger(s) of a user to be placed underneath the handle100such that the handle100can be pivoted about the first axis of rotation16and away from the light head12, as shown by arrow116and handle100′ (illustrated in broken lines inFIG. 3to show an alternate position of the handle100). As further discussed below, the looped portion106can also be used to hook the lighting device10from various structures.

With the structural details of the lighting device10having been described, the function of the light head12and the arm assemblies14a,14bof the clamping assembly13will now be described with reference toFIGS. 3-5. The lighting device10is movable between an unclamped position (FIGS. 1, 2, and 5) and a plurality of various clamped positions (see, e.g.,FIGS. 3-4) by rotation of the clamping assembly13about the second axis of rotation18, as shown by arrows110,110′ and clamping arm52a′ (illustrated in broken lines inFIG. 3to show an alternate position of the clamping arm52a). In this embodiment, in the unclamped position, the clamping arms52a,52bare approximately parallel with the pivot arms50a,50b. In addition, the pegs58a,58bact as a rotational stop for the clamping arms52a,52b. For example, in the unclamped position, the peg58ais received within the indent68aalong the upper surface70aof the clamping arm52a. Due to the springs63a,63bbiasing the clamping arms52a,52btowards the pivot arms50a,50b, the pegs58a,58bprevent the clamping arms52a,52bfrom rotating past the unclamped position (i.e., rotating past the unclamped position in the counter-clockwise direction illustrated by arrow110). While in some embodiments and configurations of the lighting device10the rotational axes of the joints of the two arm assemblies14a,14b—i.e., where the first end54aof the pivot arm50arotatably connects with the first end60aof the clamping arm52aand where the first end54bof the pivot arm50brotatably connects with the first end60bof the clamping arm52b—will tend to align along a single linear axis (i.e., the second axis of rotation18), on occasion this may not occur, such that the rotational axes of these two joints are not perfectly aligned. When this occurs, the rotational axis of the joint of the arm assembly14acan be said to align along the second axis of rotation, and the rotational axis of the joint of the arm assembly14bcan be said to align along a third axis of rotation.

In the clamped position, the clamping arms52a,52bcan be rotated to a range of positions between approximately parallel with the pivot arms50a,50band approximately perpendicular with the pivot arms50a,50b(e.g., the rotational position of clamping arm52a′ inFIG. 3), depending on the size and shape of the structure2,2′ the lighting device10is to be clamped on. For example, with specific reference toFIG. 3, the lighting device10can be clamped on a structure2, which in the illustrated non-limiting example is rectangular in shape (e.g., representative of being clamped on a door, wall, desk, table, frame, etc.) However, one of ordinary skill in the art would readily recognize that the lighting device10could be clamped on any regular or irregular shape (e.g., a pipe, a car hood, a structure having a non-uniform cross section, a tree branch, etc.). In the example illustrated inFIG. 3, the clamping arm52acan be pivoted away from the pivot arm50a(e.g., in the clockwise direction illustrated by arrow110′). The pivoting of the clamping arm52aaway from the pivot arm50adefines a gap114measured between the bottom portion of the bumper57aand the top portion of the crossbar80(i.e., from the perspective ofFIG. 3). Once the gap114is of sufficient size to accommodate placement of the structure2within the gap114, the lighting device10may be placed around the structure2. Due to the clamping arms52a,52bbeing biased towards the pivot arms50a,50bby the springs63a,63bcoupled therebetween, the restorative force provided by the springs63a,63bprovides a clamping force onto the structure2that securely clamps the lighting device10to the structure2.

In the illustrated non-limiting example, the structure2may extend far enough into the gap114such that an end portion4of the structure2extends into the concave indent68a. In the configuration illustrated inFIG. 3, the concave shape of the indent68acan allow the structure2to extend therein such that there may be multiple points of contact between the lighting device10and the structure2. For example, one point of contact could be between at least one of the bumpers57a,57band the structure2, another point of contact could be between at least a portion of the crossbar80or grip82and the structure2, and yet another point of contact could be between at least a portion of the upper surfaces70a,70bof the clamping arms52a,52b(e.g., within one of the indents68a,68balong the intermediate portions64a,64bof the clamping arms52a,52b) and the structure2. Further, if an end portion4of the structure2has a rectangular shape, like the example illustrated inFIG. 3, the shape of the structure2may mate neatly with the complementary shape of the indent68a, creating a tight fit that minimizes or prevents shifting or wobble.

In the illustrated non-limiting example, the clamping arms52a,52beach have a strip71a,71battached to the upper surface70a,70bthereof. This may, for example, enhance the grip of the arm assemblies14a,14bonto the object. In some non-limiting examples, the strips71a,71bcomprise a “rubberized” or “rubber-like” material, and may be made from a thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic rubber, rubber, or any other “rubber-like” or other material than enhances the grip (i.e., friction) between the lighting device10and a structure2. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the grip82and bumpers57a,57bmay also comprise, or be coated with, these “rubberized” materials such that all surfaces that form a potential point of contact between the structure and the lighting device10can more effectively grip the structure2,2′.

Referring now toFIG. 4, the lighting device10is now shown clamped onto a structure2′ having a greater thickness than the structure2illustrated inFIG. 3. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the pivoting of the clamping arm52adefines a gap114′ between the bottom portion of the bumper57aand the top portion of the crossbar80(i.e., from the perspective ofFIG. 4) such that the lighting device10may be clamped onto the structure2′. In this embodiment, the points of contact between the structure2′ and the upper surfaces70a,70bof the clamping arms52a,52bwill be different, but the structure2′ will engage the bumpers57a,57band crossbar80in a similar fashion to how the structure2ofFIG. 3engages with these parts.

Referring now toFIG. 9, the lighting device10is shown in an alternative clamped configuration, i.e., around a cylindrical structure6(e.g., a pipe). In this clamped configuration, significant portions of the structure6can sit within the indents68b,68ain the clamping arms52b,52a, with the structure6making contact with each of the indents68b,68ain more than one location. In addition, a portion of each of the bumpers52b,52apresses against opposing respective portions of the structure6such that the lighting device10is firmly supported from the structure6. It should be understood that other external structures having rounded portions or edges may sit all or partially within the indents68b,68a, thus allowing for the lighting device10to be stably mounted thereto.

Referring now toFIG. 10, the lighting device10is shown in an alternative mounted position in which the handle100has been rotated to the opposite side of the light head12(i.e., to the side of the back cover22) and used—via the looped portion106—as a hook so that the lighting device10is mountable from a structure8(e.g., a pipe, a tree branch, or a rope). In this configuration the lighting device10could be said to be “unclamped,” and yet the lighting device10is supportable from an exterior structure via the handle100.

As illustrated inFIGS. 4, 5, 9, and 10, the light head12can be rotated about the first axis of rotation16while the lighting device10is in either the clamped or unclamped position. For example, with specific reference toFIG. 4, the light head12can be rotated about the first axis of rotation16in either the clockwise direction (as shown by arrow118) or the counter-clockwise direction (as shown by arrow118′). As will be described herein, the coupling between the light head12and the pivot arms50a,50benables the light head12to rotate unhindered, unless an object in the path of rotation (i.e., in the path of either of the arrows118,118′) blocks the light head12. For example, the light head12can be rotated clockwise until the light head12contacts either a portion of the structure2′ that the lighting device10is clamped to (seeFIG. 4) or else makes contact with a portion of the cross-bar80(seeFIG. 5). Alternatively, the lighting device can be rotated counter-clockwise, through the gap between the pivot arms50a,50b, until the light head12contacts either an end portion4′ of the structure2′ or else makes contact with a portion of the cross-bar80(see the position of the light head12′ illustrated by broken lines inFIG. 5). As illustrated inFIGS. 4, 5, 9, and 10, unless there is an object or structure in the rotational path of the light head12, the light head12can be rotated 360° about the first axis of rotation16. As would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art, the lighting device10may also be used in the configuration shown inFIG. 5, in which the clamping assembly13freely rests on a surface, with the light head being amiable at the target that the user would like to illuminate.

Referring now toFIG. 6, a cross-sectional view of a pivot hinge assembly130that is located within the second end56aof the pivot arm50a, as taken along line6-6(seeFIG. 1), is illustrated. The pivot hinge assembly130enables the light head12to be selectively rotated between a plurality of positions about the first axis of rotation16. The pivot hinge assembly130includes a gear bracket122received within an internal gear120that is recessed in the second end56aof the pivot arm50a. The gear bracket122is coupled to and rotationally locked with the light head12at the mounts119a,119blocated on either side thereof. The mount119aincludes a protrusion124extending laterally outward from the side of the light head12. In this embodiment, the protrusion124has an approximately triangular shape in cross section, but in alternative embodiments may have any non-circular cross-sectional shape to prevent its rotation with respect to the gear bracket122. The gear bracket122includes a complementarily-shaped aperture125at the center thereof to receive and engage with the protrusion124. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the protrusion124and aperture125are in the form of a triangle with rounded points. The non-circularity of the protrusion124and the aperture125result in a rotational locking between the light head12and the gear bracket122.

In this embodiment, the gear bracket122includes a plurality of circumferentially extending arms126with gear teeth128located along exterior sides thereof (for ease of illustration, only a single arm126and gear tooth128are labeled in the Figures). During rotation of the light head12, and thereby the gear bracket122, the arms126deflect radially inwards as the gear teeth128transition from one tooth121towards an adjacent tooth on the internal gear120, and then snap back radially outwards as the gear teeth128engage the adjacent tooth on the internal gear120. The pivot hinge assembly130thus attaches the light head12to the pivot arms50a,50bin a “ratcheting” fashion, so that the light head12is moveable between a plurality of discrete positions but is also held in place in the selected position via the pivot hinge assembly130unless the light head12is pressed or pulled with a sufficient force to move it out of the selected rotational position.

Referring now toFIGS. 7-8, the coupling between the light head12and the pivot arms50a,50bwill be described in detail. When the pivot hinge assembly130is assembled, the gear bracket122is placed in the recess formed by the internal gear120on the pivot arm50a. Next, the pivot arm50ais attached to the light head12by placing the gear bracket122and pivot arm50aassembly onto the mount119asuch that the protrusion124is received in an aperture125on the gear bracket122. Then, a looped end138located at an end of the arm102of the handle100is positioned in a recess136formed on an outside surface of the second end56aof the pivot arm50a. In the illustrated non-limiting example, a fastener132is inserted through a compressible washer134, looped end138, a rigid washer135, and pivot arm50ato secure the pivot hinge assembly130—including the pivot arm50aand the handle100—to the light head12(i.e., via the fastener132being threaded into an internally threaded aperture140on the light head12). The fastener132includes a shoulder portion133that presses and clamps the rigid washer135against the outer surface of the threaded aperture140. Further, the shoulder portion133of the fastener132is dimensioned to fit within the looped end138of the handle100while slightly compressing the compressible washer134against the outer surface of the looped end138of the handle100, thus preventing the handle100from rotating freely. In some non-limiting examples the compressible washer134is comprised of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or rubber material, and the rigid washer is comprises of stainless steel, though other suitable materials are possible for one or both types of washer. In some non-limiting examples, compressible washers134are positioned on either side of the looped end138of the handle100. It should be noted that the arm102of the handle100is shown separated from the remainder of the handle100via the illustrated wavy break lines such that the exploded arrangement of the handle100in the pivot hinge assembly130can be illustrated.

Referring still toFIGS. 7-8, a clamp hinge assembly150of the arm assembly14awill be described in detail. As best illustrated inFIG. 7, in this embodiment the first end54aof the pivot arm50aincludes a “C”-shaped protrusion158extending laterally outward therefrom, the C-shaped protrusion158defining an opening160facing towards the second end56aof the pivot arm50a. The pivot arm50aalso includes a spring retainer clip162in the form of an “L”-shaped protrusion extending from the outside-facing surface of the pivot arm50aadjacent to the opening160in the “C”-shaped protrusion158. As best illustrated inFIG. 8, the first end60aof the clamping arm52aincludes a generally cylindrically-shaped first end piece163with a cylindrical bore164formed therein. The first end piece163of the clamping arm52aalso includes a “J”-shaped recess166formed into the bottom side of the first end piece163(from the perspective ofFIG. 7), thereby forming an opening165between an interior of the cylindrical bore164and the “J”-shaped recess166.

In the illustrated non-limiting example, the spring63ais received within the “C”-shaped protrusion158of the pivot arm50aand the first end piece163of the clamping arm52a. The spring63acan be any form of a biasing element or extension and retraction device that is configured to bias the clamping arm52atowards the pivot arm50a, however, in the illustrated non-limiting example the spring63ais a torsion spring. One of ordinary skill in the art would readily recognize that other forms of biasing elements can be used herein, and it should be understood that the torsion spring shown herein is but one example of such a configuration. In alternative embodiments, the biasing member could be any type of extension and retraction device, including but not limited to different types of coiled springs, leaf or laminated springs, plate springs, or gas cylinders.

In this embodiment, the spring63aincludes a coiled portion152with a first end154and a second end156extending therefrom. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the first end154is in the form of an elongated, relatively straight arm extending away from the coiled portion152such that, when installed into the pivot arm50a, the first end154extends through the opening160in the “C”-shaped protrusion158and secured by the spring retainer clip162. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the second end156is in the form of a loop such that, when installed into the clamping arm52a, the second end156extends through the opening165and the looped end is received within the “J”-shaped recess166and secured therein with a fastener168. For example, the fastener168is inserted through the second end156(i.e., the looped end) and threaded into a threaded aperture170located at the base of the “J”-shaped recess166.

Referring still toFIGS. 7-8, the coupling between the pivot arms50a,50band the clamping arms52a,52bwill be described in further detail. When assembled, a hinge pin172having a hexagonally shaped head174is inserted through an aperture178in the first end54aof the pivot arm50ato be received and secured in a complementarily shaped hexagonal recess176formed in an interior surface of the pivot arm50a, thereby rotationally locking the hinge pin172with the pivot arm50a. Next, the coiled portion152of the spring63ais inserted onto the shaft of the hinge pin172and the first end154of the spring63ais clipped into the spring retainer clip162to secure the spring63ato the pivot arm50a. Then, the first end piece163of the clamping arm52acan be placed over the “C”-shaped protrusion158on the pivot arm50asuch that the “C”-shaped protrusion158is received within the cylindrical bore164and the hinge pin172is received within an aperture178formed in the base of the cylindrical bore164. Next, the fastener168is inserted into the second end156of the spring63ato secure the spring63ato the clamping arm52a. Then, a fastener180is inserted through the first end piece163from an exterior surface of the clamping arm and threaded into an internally threaded aperture184formed in the hinge pin172to secure the clamp hinge assembly150, including the clamping arm52aand pivot arm50a, together. In the illustrated non-limiting example, one or more washers182are positioned between the fastener180and the first end piece163of the clamping arm52a. Lastly, an end cap186is inserted into the first end piece163to cover the fastener180received therein.

With continued reference toFIGS. 7-8, the coupling between the crossbar80and the second ends62a,62bof the clamping arms52a,52bwill be explained in detail. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the second end62aof the clamping arm52aincludes a generally oval-shaped cylindrical second end piece187. The second end piece187includes a bore189formed therein, which in this embodiment is of generally oval cross-sectional shape. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the crossbar80includes a complementarily-shaped protrusion194located at an end thereof. The protrusion194is sized and shaped such that the protrusion194is received into the cylindrical bore189of the second end piece187. When assembled, a fastener190is inserted through the second end piece187and threaded into an aperture196located in the end of the crossbar80, thereby securing the crossbar80to the clamping arm52a.

Referring again generally toFIGS. 1-10, many components of the lighting device10may include an internal ribbing or ribbed structure to enhance the strength characteristics of the components of the lighting device10while reducing material weight and cost, as is known in the art. For example, as best illustrated inFIGS. 7-8, the clamping arms52a,52band the pivot arms50a,50binclude several ribs located on interior and/or exterior surface thereof. In addition, several other components of the lighting device10can include a “rubberized” or “rubber-like” material or coating, for example but not limited to a TPE or TPU material. For example, in addition to the strips71a,71b, the grip82, and bumpers57a,57b, outwardly facing surfaces of the clamping arms52a,52band caps32,44attached to a top end of the front and back covers20,22of the light head12(from the perspective ofFIGS. 1-2) may also comprise, or be coated with, these “rubberized” materials. These surfaces with the rubberized coating can enhance the users grip on the lighting device10, as well as protect the lighting device10from damage or wear during use. These rubberized materials may also improve the ability of the lighting device10to stay clamped onto exterior objects, owing to the enhanced coefficient of friction of rubberized materials as compared to smoother materials (e.g., non-textured plastics).

Although exemplary implementations of the herein described systems and methods have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many additional modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the herein described systems and methods. Accordingly, these and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the herein described systems and methods. The herein described systems and methods may be better defined by the following exemplary claims.