Abstract:
A system provides illumination in conjunction with a carrying container. The system includes an interior illumination source; a power source; and an actuation device, operatively connected between the interior illumination source and the power source. An actuator operatively engages the actuation device such that the interior illumination source is activated to provide illumination in response to the actuator being operatively engage with the actuation device and independent of an access state of the carrying container.

Description:
PRIORITY INFORMATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/354,357, filed on Jun. 14, 2010. The entire content of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/354,357, filed on Jun. 14, 2010, is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Carrying containers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and descriptions for serving a wide variety of purposes. Examples of carrying containers would include luggage, suitcases, briefcases, attaché cases, backpacks, handbags, pocketbooks, shoulder bags, and/or purses. 
         [0003]    A typical carrying container, such as a purse, includes a shell having an exterior, and an interior into which items such as makeup, wallets, pens, documents, money, credit cards, keys and the like can be placed for removal when needed. 
         [0004]    In general, a limited opening is provided to enable the user to obtain access to the interior of the purse and a closure device, such as a clamp, clasp, or zipper is used to selectively restrict access through the opening to the interior. A handle or strap may also be provided to enable the user to better manage the carrying of the purse or baggage. 
         [0005]    The term “carrying container,” as used herein, refers generally to; but not limited to luggage, suitcases, briefcases, attaché cases, backpacks, handbags, pocketbooks, shoulder bags, and/or purses; containers that fulfill the need of gathering together, carrying, and protecting a variety of useful items. 
         [0006]    Notably, a significant difficulty faced by the users of carrying containers is attempting to locate items within the interior of the carrying container. Frequently, the access opening of a carrying container is not sufficiently large to enable an adequate amount of ambient light to illuminate the objects randomly dispersed within the carrying container. 
         [0007]    Thus, even when the carrying container is in the wide open position, the light directed into the interior of the carrying container is usually insufficient to illuminate the items piled upon each other inside the carrying container. This is of particular concern when the surrounding available light is substantially diminished due to the absence of sun or artificial light. 
         [0008]    It is noted that finding a desired article may require the user to open the carrying container and blindly shuffle through the contents until the form of the desired item is felt. Given this lack of visual acuity, a significant time delay may be encountered when attempting to identify and retrieve an object, which in some circumstances may present a significant concern relative to safety. 
         [0009]    Conventionally, the lack of illumination has been addressed by adding a light source inside the bag wherein the light source is activated (turned ON) by the open state of the carrying container or the act of opening the carrying container. 
         [0010]    Examples of these conventional devices are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 7,178,936; U.S. Pat. No. 7,111,959; U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,808; U.S. Pat. No. 6,824,291; U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,142; U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,162; U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,057; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,239,658. The entire contents of U.S. Pat. No. 7,178,936; U.S. Pat. No. 7,111,959; U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,808; U.S. Pat. No. 6,824,291; U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,142; U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,162; U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,057; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,239,658 are hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0011]    Although the conventional devices have provided interior illumination, the actuation of the illumination is dependent upon the open state of the carrying container or the act of opening the carrying container. The tying of the activation of the illumination with the open state of the carrying container or the act of opening the carrying container causes other nuisances and safety issues. 
         [0012]    More specifically, a user of a carrying container may want to open the carrying container without disturbing those around, as in a movie theater. With the conventional devices, upon opening the carrying container, the illumination is activated and those around the user may be disturbed by the intrusion of the illumination. 
         [0013]    Moreover, a user of a carrying container may want to open the carrying container discreetly, as in the case of the user being stalked by someone and the user does not desire to reveal their location when trying to retrieve a defense device or mobile phone from the carrying container. With the conventional devices, upon opening the carrying container, the illumination is activated and the location of the user may be revealed to the stalker. 
         [0014]    Therefore, it is desirable to provide an illumination device having a light emitter, an energy source, and a power interrupter connected therebetween, whereby the light source is activated independently of the open state of the carrying container or the act of opening the carrying container. 
         [0015]    Furthermore, it may be desirable to provide an externally actuated switch to selectively operate the light source so that the light source is activated independently of the open state of the carrying container or the act of opening the carrying container. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating various embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting, wherein: 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a view of an embodiment of a carrying container in an open state showing a non-activated interior illumination source and an exterior actuator; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  wherein the carrying container is in an open state showing an activated interior illumination source and an exterior actuator; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  wherein the carrying container is in a closed open state showing an activated interior illumination source and an exterior actuator; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  wherein the carrying container is in a closed state showing an activated exterior illumination source and an exterior actuator; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a view of another embodiment of a carrying container in an open state showing non-activated interior illumination source and an interior actuator; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a view of the embodiment of  FIG. 5  wherein the carrying container is in an open state showing an activated interior illumination source and an interior actuator; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  illustrates an example of a magnetically activated actuator; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  illustrates an example of an electrical characteristic activated actuator; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  illustrates an example of a physically activated actuator; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  illustrates another example of an actuator in a non-activated state; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  illustrates another example of an actuator in an activated state; and 
           [0028]      FIGS. 12-14  illustrate various states of the actuator of  FIGS. 10 and 11  with respect to a carrying container. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    For a general understanding, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like references have been used throughout to designate identical or equivalent elements. It is also noted that the drawings may not have been drawn to scale and that certain regions may have been purposely drawn disproportionately so that the features and concepts could be properly illustrated. 
         [0030]    In the description below, a carrying container may have two access states, open or close, wherein the open access state allows a user to access the contents within the carrying container, and the closed access state precludes the user from accessing the contents within the carrying container. 
         [0031]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , an opened carrying container  10  includes a power source  12 , an interior illumination source  14 , an exterior actuation switch  16 , and an actuator  18 . 
         [0032]    The combination of the power source  12 , the interior illumination source  14 , and the exterior actuation switch  16  forms an electrical circuit which is normally open when the actuator  18  is not operatively engaged with the exterior actuation switch  16 . The actual wiring between the elements of the circuit is not shown. 
         [0033]    It is noted that the interior illumination source  14  is not providing any illumination although the carrying container  10  is in an open state because, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the actuator  18  is not operatively engaged with the exterior actuation switch  16 . 
         [0034]    To provide illumination, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the actuator  18  is operatively engaged with the exterior actuation switch  16 . The operative engagement of the actuator  18  with the exterior actuation switch  16  causes the circuit, formed by the power source  12 , the interior illumination source  14 , and the exterior actuation switch  16 , to become a closed circuit, thereby allowing power to flow from the power source  12  to the interior illumination source  14 . 
         [0035]    It is noted that the activation of the illumination is independent of the open state of the carrying container  10  or the act of opening the carrying container  10 . 
         [0036]    More specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , even though the carrying container  10  is in a closed state, the interior illumination source  14  is activated (turned ON) because the actuator  18  is operatively engaged with the exterior actuation switch  16 . 
         [0037]    It is noted, illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the carrying container  10  may include an exterior illumination source  24 , an interior illumination source  14 , and two exterior actuation switches  16  and  26 . If the actuator  18  is operatively engaged with the exterior actuation switch  26 , the exterior illumination source  24  is activated (turned ON), as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0038]    On the other hand, if the actuator  18  is operatively engaged with the exterior actuation switch  16 , the exterior illumination source  14  is activated (turned ON) (not illustrated). 
         [0039]    As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , an opened carrying container  10  includes a power source  12 , an interior illumination source  14 , an interior actuation switch  16 , and an actuator  18 . 
         [0040]    The combination of the power source  12 , the interior illumination source  14 , and the interior actuation switch  16  forms an electrical circuit which is normally open when the actuator  18  is not operatively engaged with the interior actuation switch  16 . The actual wiring between the elements of the circuit is not shown. 
         [0041]    It is noted that the interior illumination source  14  is not providing any illumination although the carrying container  10  is in an open state because, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the actuator  18  is not operatively engaged with the interior actuation switch  16 . 
         [0042]    To provide illumination, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the actuator  18  is operatively engaged with the interior actuation switch  16 . The operative engagement of the actuator  18  with the interior actuation switch  16  causes the circuit, formed by the power source  12 , the interior illumination source  14 , and the interior actuation switch  16 , to become a closed circuit, thereby allowing power to flow from the power source  12  to the interior illumination source  14 . 
         [0043]    It is noted that the activation of the illumination is independent of the open state of the carrying container  10  or the act of opening the carrying container  10 . 
         [0044]    In the various embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 , the power source  12  may be any conventional portable power source, such a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. The power source may include an interface to enable proper recharging, such as a universal serial bus port or electrical receptacle. 
         [0045]    It is noted that the carrying container  10 , in the various embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 , may provide a mechanism for storing the power source  12  in a discreet manner as well as allowing easy replacement thereof. 
         [0046]    Furthermore, it is noted that the illumination source  14 , in the various embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 , may be a light emitting diode light source, an electroluminescent panel, or other low power illumination source. 
         [0047]    In addition, it is noted the actuator  18 , in the various embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 , may be a variety of items depending upon the actuation characteristics of the actuation switch. Examples of various actuation switches will be discussed below with respect to  FIGS. 7-9 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 7  illustrates an actuation switch which is responsive to magnetic energy. More specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the actuation switch  162  includes a magnetic switch  1621 , such as a reed switch, which is normally open. Upon operative engagement with a magnetic actuator  182 , the magnetic switch  1621  is closed and the illumination source is activated (turned ON). 
         [0049]    It is noted that the actuation switch  162  may be constructed such that a mechanism is provided to keep the magnetic actuator  182  in operative engagement with the magnetic switch  1621  until the user removes the magnetic actuator  182 . Upon removal of the magnetic actuator  182  from operative engagement with the magnetic switch  1621 , the illumination source is de-activated (turned OFF). 
         [0050]      FIG. 8  illustrates an actuation switch which is responsive to a change in electrical characteristics. More specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the actuation switch  164  includes plates ( 1641  and  1643 ) which cause the circuit; formed by the power source, the illumination source, and the actuation switch; to be normally open. 
         [0051]    Upon operative engagement with an electrically conductive actuator  184 , the circuit becomes closed and the illumination source is activated (turned ON). 
         [0052]    It is noted that the actuation switch  164  may be constructed such that a mechanism is provided to keep the electrically conductive actuator  184  in operative engagement with the plates ( 1641  and  1643 ) until the user removes the electrically conductive actuator  184 . Upon removal of the electrically conductive actuator  184  from operative engagement with the plates ( 1641  and  1643 ), the illumination source is de-activated (turned OFF). 
         [0053]      FIG. 9  illustrates an actuation switch which is responsive to a physical force. More specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the actuation switch  166  includes a switching device  1661  and a trigger  1663 . 
         [0054]    The trigger  1663  is biased such that the switching device  1661  is normally open. Upon operative engagement with an actuator  186 , the switching device  1661  is closed and the illumination source is activated (turned ON). 
         [0055]    It is noted that the actuation switch  166  may be constructed such that a mechanism is provided to keep the actuator  186  in operative engagement with the trigger  1663  until the user removes the actuator  186 . Upon removal of the actuator  186  from operative engagement with the trigger  1663 , the illumination source is de-activated (turned OFF). 
         [0056]      FIG. 10  illustrates an actuation switch which is responsive to a change in position of an actuator. More specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the actuation switch includes an actuation sensor  200 , a frame  300 , a hinge  400 , and a trigger/actuator  500 . 
         [0057]    As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the actuation switch is in an open state because the location of the trigger/actuator  500  prevents the trigger/actuator  500  from triggering the sensor  200 . In addition, the hinge  400  provides movement for the trigger/actuator  500  so that the trigger/actuator  500  can be placed in the open state, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , or a closed state, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . The frame  300  provides a substantially stationary base for hinge  400 . 
         [0058]    The frame  300  may be located on an external surface of a carrying container, on an interior surface of the carrying container, or within the carrying container shell or housing. 
         [0059]    It is noted that the hinge  400  can be replaced with a sliding mechanism which enables the trigger/actuator  500  to be slid into the open state, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , or slid into the closed state, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0060]    For example, if the trigger/actuator  500  is a magnet and the sensor  200  is a reed switch or other magnetic sensor, the positioning of the trigger/actuator  500 , as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , fails to provide a strong enough magnetic field for the sensor  200  to detect the presence of magnetic energy. 
         [0061]    On the other hand, for example, if the trigger/actuator  500  is a solid object and the sensor  200  is a pressure sensor or switch, the positioning of the trigger/actuator  500 , as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , fails to provide any pressure or physical presence for the sensor  200  to detect. 
         [0062]    More specifically, if the sensor is touch sensitive, with respect to the trigger/actuator  500 , the positioning of the trigger/actuator  500 , as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , prevents the sensing of the touch. 
         [0063]    Furthermore, for example, if the trigger/actuator  500  is electrically conductive and the sensor  200  is an electrical switch wherein the trigger/actuator  500  provides the means for closing the switch (closing the electrical circuit associated therewith), the positioning of the trigger/actuator  500 , as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , fails to provide any electrical path to close the sensor  200 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 11  illustrates an actuation switch which is responsive to a change in position of an actuator. More specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the actuation switch includes an actuation sensor  200 , a frame  300 , a hinge  400 , and a trigger/actuator  500 . 
         [0065]    As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the actuation switch is in a closed state because the location of the trigger/actuator  500  allows the trigger/actuator  500  to trigger the sensor  200 . In addition, the hinge  400  provides movement for the trigger/actuator  500  so that the trigger/actuator  500  can be placed in the open state, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , or a closed state, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . The frame  300  provides a substantially stationary base for hinge  400 . 
         [0066]    The frame  300  may be located on an external surface of a carrying container, on an interior surface of the carrying container, or within the carrying container shell or housing. 
         [0067]    It is noted that the hinge  400  can be replaced with a sliding mechanism which enables the trigger/actuator  500  to be slid into the open state, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , or slid into the closed state, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0068]    For example, if the trigger/actuator  500  is a magnet and the sensor  200  is a reed switch or other magnetic sensor, the positioning of the trigger/actuator  500 , as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , provides a strong enough magnetic field for the sensor  200  to detect the presence of magnetic energy. 
         [0069]    On the other hand, for example, if the trigger/actuator  500  is a solid object and the sensor  200  is a pressure sensor or switch, the positioning of the trigger/actuator  500 , as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , provides enough pressure or physical presence for the sensor  200  to detect. 
         [0070]    More specifically, if the sensor is touch sensitive, with respect to the trigger/actuator  500 , the positioning of the trigger/actuator  500 , as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , enables the sensing of the touch. 
         [0071]    Furthermore, for example, if the trigger/actuator  500  is electrically conductive and the sensor  200  is an electrical switch wherein the trigger/actuator  500  provides the means for closing the switch (closing the electrical circuit associated therewith), the positioning of the trigger/actuator  500 , as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , provides an electrical path to close the sensor  200 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 12  illustrates a carrying container  10  that includes an actuation switch which is responsive to a change in position of an actuator. More specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the actuation switch of the carrying container  10  includes an actuation sensor  200 , a frame  300 , a trigger/actuator  500 , a power source  12 , and an interior illumination source  14 . 
         [0073]    As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the actuation switch is in an open state because the location of the trigger/actuator  500  prevents the trigger/actuator  500  from triggering the sensor  200 . The frame  300  provides a substantially stationary base for hinge  400 . 
         [0074]    The frame  300  may be located on an external surface of a carrying container, on an interior surface of the carrying container (as illustrated in  FIG. 12 ), or within the carrying container shell or housing. 
         [0075]    It is noted that the hinge  400  can be replaced with a sliding mechanism which enables the trigger/actuator  500  to be slid into the open state, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , or slid into the closed state, as illustrated in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0076]    For example, if the trigger/actuator  500  is a magnet and the sensor  200  is a reed switch or other magnetic sensor, the positioning of the trigger/actuator  500 , as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , fails to provide a strong enough magnetic field for the sensor  200  to detect the presence of magnetic energy. 
         [0077]    On the other hand, for example, if the trigger/actuator  500  is a solid object and the sensor  200  is a pressure sensor or switch, the positioning of the trigger/actuator  500 , as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , fails to provide any pressure or physical presence for the sensor  200  to detect. 
         [0078]    More specifically, if the sensor is touch sensitive, with respect to the trigger/actuator  500 , the positioning of the trigger/actuator  500 , as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , prevents the sensing of the touch. 
         [0079]    Furthermore, for example, if the trigger/actuator  500  is electrically conductive and the sensor  200  is an electrical switch wherein the trigger/actuator  500  provides the means for closing the switch (closing the electrical circuit associated therewith), the positioning of the trigger/actuator  500 , as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , fails to provide any electrical path to close the sensor  200 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 13  illustrates a carrying container  10  that includes an actuation switch which is responsive to a change in position of an actuator. More specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the actuation switch of the carrying container  10  includes an actuation sensor  200 , a frame  300 , a trigger/actuator  500 , a power source  12 , and an interior illumination source  14 . 
         [0081]    As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the actuation switch is in a transition state between the open state, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , or the closed state, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 14  illustrates a carrying container  10  that includes an actuation switch which is responsive to a change in position of an actuator. More specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the actuation switch of the carrying container  10  includes an actuation sensor  200 , a frame  300 , a trigger/actuator  500 , a power source  12 , and an interior illumination source  14 . 
         [0083]    As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the actuation switch is in a closed state because the location of the trigger/actuator  500  allows the trigger/actuator  500  to trigger the sensor  200 . In addition, the hinge  400  provides movement for the trigger/actuator  500  so that the trigger/actuator  500  can be placed in the open state, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , or the closed state, as illustrated in  FIG. 14 . The frame  300  provides a substantially stationary base for hinge  400 . 
         [0084]    The frame  300  may be located on an external surface of a carrying container, on an interior surface of the carrying container (as illustrated in  FIG. 14 ), or within the carrying container shell or housing. 
         [0085]    It is noted that the hinge  400  can be replaced with a sliding mechanism which enables the trigger/actuator  500  to be slid into the open state, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , or slid into the closed state, as illustrated in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0086]    For example, if the trigger/actuator  500  is a magnet and the sensor  200  is a reed switch or other magnetic sensor, the positioning of the trigger/actuator  500 , as illustrated in  FIG. 14 , provides a strong enough magnetic field for the sensor  200  to detect the presence of magnetic energy. 
         [0087]    On the other hand, for example, if the trigger/actuator  500  is a solid object and the sensor  200  is a pressure sensor or switch, the positioning of the trigger/actuator  500 , as illustrated in  FIG. 14 , provides enough pressure or physical presence for the sensor  200  to detect. 
         [0088]    More specifically, if the sensor is touch sensitive, with respect to the trigger/actuator  500 , the positioning of the trigger/actuator  500 , as illustrated in  FIG. 14 , enables the sensing of the touch. 
         [0089]    Furthermore, for example, if the trigger/actuator  500  is electrically conductive and the sensor  200  is an electrical switch wherein the trigger/actuator  500  provides the means for closing the switch (closing the electrical circuit associated therewith), the positioning of the trigger/actuator  500 , as illustrated in  FIG. 14 , provides an electrical path to close the sensor  200 . 
         [0090]    In the various embodiments described above, the circuit, which activates the illumination source, may also include a delay circuit, not illustrated, which will open the circuit (de-activate the illumination source) after a predetermined period of time notwithstanding the operative engagement of the actuator with the actuation switch. 
         [0091]    It is further noted that the location of the interior illumination source may be on the side(s) of the carrying container, the bottom of the carrying container, the top of carrying container, or any combination thereof. 
         [0092]    In addition, it is noted that the illumination system may not be attached to the carrying container so as to be removable, or the illumination system may be attached to the carrying container so as to be more integrated therewith. 
         [0093]    Furthermore, it is noted that a portable version of the above described illumination system may be utilized by a user to provide safety illumination when the user is walking, jogging, rollerblading, riding a bicycle, etc. The above described illumination system may provided safety illumination during these activities so that an approaching vehicle can readily identify the user and take the appropriate actions to avoid a dangerous situation or harm to the user. 
         [0094]    Moreover, it is noted that the actuator may be a fob or other small device. The actuator may be tethered or attached to the carrying container or may be untethered or unattached. The actuator may be ornamentally designed to coordinate with the appearance of the carrying container. 
         [0095]    It is also noted that the power source may be a rechargeable power source. 
         [0096]    It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.