Abstract:
A carrying case such as a backpack includes at least one visible exterior surface and an opposite interior surface. A child-appealing graphic image is disposed on a portion of the visible surface, and a plurality of light emitting diodes are attached to the visible surface at predetermined locations on the graphic image. A printed circuit board having driver circuitry thereon is disposed intermediate the exterior graphic image and the opposite interior surface. A battery module is fixedly coupled to the interior surface and electrically coupled to the driver circuitry to cause the light emitting diodes to blink. A switch (e.g. a tilt switch) is coupled between the battery module and the printed circuit board for controlling the application of power to the driver circuitry.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
         [0001]    This invention relates generally to a bag or case of the type having at least one strap and configured to be worn over at least one shoulder (e.g. a backpack) or around the waist (e.g. a waistpack) of a user. More particularly, this invention relates to a backpack, waistpack, and the like that includes a graphic image thereon and a plurality of light-emitting-diodes (LEDs) that coordinate with the graphic image and can be seen from a significant distance.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    With the increasing popularity of backpacks, waistpacks, etc., and the use thereof by school-age children for carrying schoolbooks, papers, and other items, the visibility of modern backpacks, especially from behind, has become a concern for parents. For example, most backpacks are made of non-reflective or dark colors, and may even cover the child from neck to legs, decreasing visibility of the child especially during evening hours. The ability to see children has become increasingly important during the loading and unloading of buses, walking home along busy streets, and during after-hours school activities.  
           [0003]    This problem has led to the use of illumination devices integrally coupled to a backpack or waistpack so as to increase their visibility, and therefore that of its user. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,817 issued Nov. 12, 1996 entitled “Multi-color Electro-Luminescent Light Strip and Method of Making Same” and U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,671 issued Nov. 17, 1998 entitled “Backpack or Waistpack E.L. Lighting Arrangement” disclose a backpack that is equipped with an electro-luminescent lighting strip on an exposed or visible surface thereof. The device, however, is undesirable for several reasons. For example, the device is not cost effective because the lighting arrangement operates through an AC/DC power converter. Furthermore, the light produced may not be readily seen during daylight hours. In addition, the device utilizes a circuit board that may contain lead, and the user may be exposed to undesirable lead solder or a mercury motion switch, both of which may be harmful to children.  
           [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,341,874 issued Jan. 29, 2002 entitled “Combination Safety Strobe Device” discloses a combination safety strobe device that is visible from 360 degrees and attaches to a backpack, pet collar, key chain, or article of clothing. This is undesirable for child-safety applications because the device must be attached to the backpack or other article and can become unattached either accidentally or intentionally by the child. A switch is required to turn the light on, and a child may forget to do so. The device is easily broken if dropped. Finally, the design is not appealing to young children, and therefore, they will resist its use.  
           [0005]    Many currently used safety lighting arrangements employ only red lights, and it has been shown that blue, yellow, and/or white lights may be more effective. For example,. police and fire departments utilize highly visible blue, red, and yellow lighting for emergency lighting applications. Thus, known lighting arrangements fail to provide adequate, convenient, and attention-getting safety lighting for children in both daylight and evening hours when children are most vulnerable. In addition, the current state of the art fails to provide such lighting in a manner that is appealing and suited specifically to young children.  
           [0006]    Thus, there exists a need for a safety-lighting backpack that is highly visible (over 150 feet) during both daylight and evening hours, is sturdy, durable, and has a permanently attached multicolored safety-lighting system on the backpack that is appealing to children and does not require them to remember to turn it “on” when safety lighting is needed. The device should be light-weight, water resistant during inclement weather, free of mercury and lead, safe to operate, and difficult to detach or loose. It should be fun and appealing to children so that they are more apt to wear it at all times; i.e. it should not look like a safety device.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a carrying case that comprises a first panel having a first normally visible surface and a second normally hidden surface opposite the first normally visible surface. A graphic image is disposed on the first normally visible surface, and a plurality of light emitting diodes are attached to the first normally visibly surface at predetermined locations on the graphic image.  
           [0008]    According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a carrying case of the type that includes at least one enclosure. At least a section of the one enclosure includes a visible exterior surface and an opposite interior surface. A graphic image is disposed on the exterior surface, and a plurality of light emitting diodes are attached to the exterior surface at predetermined locations on the graphic image.  
           [0009]    According to a still further aspect of the invention there is provided a safety backpack of a type which includes at least one enclosure that comprises a visible exterior surface and an opposite interior surface. A child-appealing graphic image is disposed on a first portion of the visible exterior surface. A plurality of light emitting diodes are attached to this portion at predetermined locations on the graphic image. A printed circuit board is disposed between the first portion of the visible exterior surface and the opposite interior surface. Driver circuitry is provided on the printed circuit board and is configured to cause the light emitting diodes to blink. A battery module is fixedly coupled to the interior surface, and a switch is electrically coupled between the battery module and the printed circuit board for controlling the application of power to the driver circuitry. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]    The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention, but are presented to assist in providing a proper understanding. The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and:  
         [0011]    [0011]FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective and back views of a backpack in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 3 illustrates the backpack of FIGS. 1 and 2 having a battery and switch module attached thereto;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a portion of the inventive backpack;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 5 is a cutaway view of a battery and switch module for use with the inventive backpack;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the LED circuitry for use with the inventive backpack;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an LED driver circuit; and  
         [0017]    [0017]FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate two alternative graphic designs.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0018]    The following description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described herein without departing from the scope of the invention.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIGS. 1 and 2 are front perspective and back views of a backpack in accordance with the present invention. While the invention will be described in connection with a backpack, it should be clear that it is equally applicable to other forms of utility packs or carrying cases such as waistpacks, purses, bookbags, etc.  
         [0020]    Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a backpack  100  having a back portion  102  and a front portion  104 , the front portion being visible from the rear when the backpack is being worn in the traditional manner. The backpack may be made of any suitable material from which backpacks are traditionally made such as canvas, nylon, leather, and the like. As can be seen, the backpack comprises a main body that includes a number of pockets  106 , access to which may be achieved by means of, for example, zippers  108  in the well known manner. Backpack  100  may be worn by a child or other user by placing straps  110  over the shoulders and adjusting the straps by means of strap adjustment mechanisms  112 . Alternatively, backpack  100  may be carried by means of a handle  114 . The backpack may, if desired, be provided with a pocket and/or label  116  for displaying a child&#39;s photo and/or other identifying material.  
         [0021]    One of the pockets  106  includes a panel  107  having a graphic image or design  118  (preferably reflective) disposed on an exterior or outer visible surface  109  thereof. In the exemplary embodiment, the graphic image includes, among other things, a law enforcement automobile and motorcycle. It should be clear, however, that a large variety of other images may be utilized, two of which are illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. Light emitting devices such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) are positioned (as will be discussed below) at predetermined visually complementary locations on the graphic image; e.g. where the vehicles&#39; lights would normally be located, etc. as is shown at  120  in FIG. 1. The process for fixing the LEDs at desired predetermined locations will be described in detail in connection with FIG. 4.  
         [0022]    It should be understood that the number, locations, and colors of the LEDs may be chosen to achieve a desired effect. Preferably, the LEDs are extra-brilliant Sunburst Series® blue, green, yellow, red and/or white which are commercially available from Linrose Electronics, Inc., Plainview, N.Y. and which can be seen clearly from a distance of over 150 feet in full daylight. The LEDs are powered by a switch and power module  122  which is mounted or fixed on a normally hidden or interior surface  124  of pocket  126  which displays graphic image  118  on its outer surface (FIG. 3) and as will be described more fully below.  
         [0023]    Referring to FIG. 4, graphic image  118  is applied to a first surface of fabric or other material  128  by any suitable method; e.g. heat transferring, silk screening, etc. Holes  131  are then made in the composite graphic/fabric layer  130  at locations where LEDs are desired, and LED clips  132  are attached to composite graphic/fabric  130 . The underside of fabric  126  is covered with a waterproof sheet  134  (preferably eight gauge plastic) having holes  136  therein which are smaller than the holes in composite  13  so that the plastic will constrict around the LEDs. A stiffening and shock-absorbing material  138  having holes  140  therein through which LEDs  142  may be press-fit. A printed circuit board  144  having LEDs  142  mounted thereon and containing the appropriate power distribution and driver circuitry (to be discussed below) is then provided and aligned such that LEDs  142  fit through holes  136  and  140  and the holes in graphic/fabric composite  130  so as to engage clips  132 . A second piece of waterproof material  146  having a hole  148  therein is then provided. Hole  148  serves to allow wires from switch and battery module  122  to be connected to printed circuit board  144 . A second layer of fabric  150  having a hole  152  therein through which wires can pass completes the assembly to which switch and battery module  122  may be attached. Layers  128 ,  134 , and  138  and clips  132  form a composite that is placed over circuit board  142 . Clips  132  snap into place over LEDs  142  forming a semi-rigid structure that keeps the LEDs in place and visible regardless of any folds in the backpack.  
         [0024]    Referring to FIG. 5, power module  122  (FIG. 3) may be made of any material which offers the required stiffness and protection for the components housed therein; e.g. a lightweight durable plastic. Module  122  contains a source of DC power  154 ; e.g. a nine-volt battery secured by a battery clip (not shown). Also housed within module  122  is a switch  156  (e.g. a mercury-free tilt, motion, or vibration switch) electrically coupled to power source  154 . Hole  158  is provided in a rear wall ( i.e. the wall that is secured to layer  150  shown in FIG. 4  to permit wires from the interior of module  122  to electrically communicate with printed circuit board  144  (FIG.4). The resulting circuit is shown in FIG.  6  where it can be seen that switch  156 , battery  154 , and LED circuit  160  (comprised of printed circuit board  144  and LEDs  142 ) form a series circuit configured to apply power and energize LED circuit  160  when switch  156  is closed.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a blinking LED circuit suitable for implementation on printed circuit board  144 . It comprises three identical LED driver circuits  162 ,  164 , and  166 . For the sake of simplicity, only the structure and operation of driver circuit  162  will be discussed. When switch  154  is closed, Vcc is applied to the anodes of LEDs  168  and  170  and to first terminals of resistors  174  and  176 . The cathode of LED  168  is coupled to the collector of transistor  184  and to a first terminal of capacitor  182  via resistor  172 . The cathode of LED  170  is coupled to the collector of transistor  186  and to a first terminal of capacitor  180 . A second terminal of capacitor  180  is coupled to the base of transistor  184 , and a second terminal of capacitor  182  is coupled to the base of transistor  186 . The emitter of transistors  184  and  186  are coupled together and to a second source of supply; e.g. ground.  
         [0026]    The circuit operates as follows. Assume first that transistor  184  is saturated and that transistor  186  is off. All current flows through transistor  184  since transistor  184  offers substantially no resistance to current flow. Thus, LED  168  is on. Capacitor  182  charges at a rate which depends only on the time constant of resistor  176  and capacitor  182 . The right hand terminal of capacitor  182  is coupled to the base of transistor  186  which is currently off. As the right hand terminal of capacitor  182  becomes increasingly negative, the base of transistor  186  also becomes negative. When the base of transistor  186  becomes sufficiently negative, transistor  186  will be begin to conduct. After a certain period of time, the base of transistor  186  becomes sufficiently negative to cause transistor  186  to turn on, turning LED  170  on. The time necessary for transistor  186  to become saturated is determined by the time constant of resistor  176  and capacitor  182 . Thus, the negative voltage accumulated on the right side terminal of capacitor  182  has caused transistor  186  to conduct. Transistor  186  quickly saturates causing the voltage at its collector to fall. Since the collector voltage of transistor  186  is coupled through capacitor  180  to the base of transistor  184 , transistor  184  turns off. Now, transistor  184  is off, and transistor  186  is in saturation. The left terminal of capacitor  180  becomes more negative at a rate determined by the time constant of resistor  174  and capacitor  180 . As the left side of capacitor  180  becomes more negative, the base of transistor  184  also becomes more negative. When the base of transistor  184  becomes sufficiently negative, transistor  184  will begin to conduct and will go into saturation. The result of the change in voltage at the collector of transistor  184  will cause transistor  186  to turn off. Thus, LEDs will alternately be turned on and off resulting in a blinking effect.  
         [0027]    Thus, there has been provided a safety-lighting backpack that is highly visible (over 150 feet) during both daylight and evening hours. It is sturdy, durable, and is equipped with a permanently attached, multicolored, safety-lighting system that is appealing to children and does not require them to remember to turn it “on” when safety lighting is needed. The device is light-weight, water resistant during inclement weather, free of mercury and lead, safe to operate, and difficult to detach or loose.  
         [0028]    Although the invention has been described with reference to an illustrative embodiment, it is not intended that the invention be limited to this embodiment. Those of skill in the art will recognize that many variations and modifications exist that do not depart from the true spirit of the invention. For example, while the invention has been described with reference to a backpack, the invention is not to be limited thereto. Rather the invention is applicable to a broad range of carrying cases such as waistpacks, bookbags, etc. Accordingly, it is intended to include within the invention all such variations and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.