Abstract:
This invention relates generally to an illumination system that is configured for attachment to a hard hat or the temple arm portion of a pair of eyeglasses. The illumination system includes a light source and a multi-axis pivot assembly to permit directional adjustment and focus of a beam of light. An adapter clip is provided to facilitate attachment to the temple arm portion of the eyeglasses. The adapter clip includes a plurality of grooves positioned between two flexible side portions to allow the clip to be slid along the temple arm to a desired position and snapped into a locked position. The illumination system is fully adjustable in terms of light intensity and direction of the light beams.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     In accordance with 37 C.F.R 1.76, a claim of priority is included in an Application Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith. Accordingly, the present invention claims the benefit of the filing date and/or priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e), 120, 121, and/or 365(c) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/555,332, filed Nov. 3, 2011, entitled, “Ratchet Clip”. This application is also related to following applications: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/166,401, filed Jun. 22, 2011, entitled “Attachable Illumination System”; which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/357,791, filed Jun. 23, 2010; entitled, “Attachable Illumination System”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/878,713, filed Sep. 9, 2010, entitled “Light System”; which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/242,839, filed Sep. 16, 2009, entitled, “Light System”, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/357,791, filed Jun. 23, 2010, entitled, “Attachable Illumination System”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/338,460, filed Jun. 11, 2009, entitled “Ear Hook with Adjustable Boom Mounted Light”; now issued U.S. Pat. No. D649,668, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/329,542, filed Dec. 17, 2008, entitled, “Ear Hook with Adjustable Boom Mounted Light”, which is now issued U.S. Pat. No. D599,046; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/338,461, filed Jun. 11, 2009, entitled, “Eye Glass Clip With Adjustable Boom Mounted Light”, now issued U.S. Pat. No. D619,285, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/329,544, filed Dec. 17, 2008, entitled “Eye Glass Clip with Adjustable Boom Mounted Light”; now U.S. Pat. No. D602,620; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/323,470, filed Aug. 26, 2008, entitled “Ear Hook With Removable Light”, now issued U.S. Pat. No. D591,439; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/321,822, filed Jul. 24, 2008, entitled “Clip-On Light”, now issued U.S. Pat. No. D609,376. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an illumination system, and more particularly to an illumination system adapted for attachment to various thin or small diameter structures. The illumination system includes a light source, a power source, a power switch configured to connect the light source to the power source, and a multi-axis pivot assembly which permits the directional adjustment and focus of a beam of light. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The need for proper illumination of an item for viewing in a poorly lit area is known, as is the use of lights and other illuminating devices attached to eyewear to create an illuminated surface. In general, assumptions are made regarding focal distances and light intensities when designing these devices. With reading glasses for example, these assumptions are often based on accepted norms such as average distance between the reading material and the eye glasses, and commonly used print or font sizes. The result is a single light source, or multiple light sources that are either formed integral to or otherwise permanently mounted to existing reading glasses that uni-directionally focus the light to a predetermined focal range at a given intensity. Therefore, the current devices are not readily adjustable to either user preferences or reading conditions. In addition, the integral and/or fixed nature of the prior art devices make repairs, such as battery replacement of the lighting device, difficult or impossible. 
     There are many variables that non-adjustable reading lights do not account for, yet are necessary for creating a comfortable reading environment for the eyes. For example, a person&#39;s age or optical health determines how well one&#39;s optic nerve receives light, and thus one&#39;s comfortable focal distance under variable lighting conditions. The type, color, and quality of the paper the reading material is printed on also affects the amount of light required. Newspapers and most books use a soft, off-white paper that absorbs light and minimizes glare. Magazines, on the other hand, are often printed on high gloss white paper that requires a lower intensity, diffused light source for maximum eye comfort. The amount and directional location of any ambient light also needs to be considered and adjusted for. The inability to adjust to these and other variables may result in increasing the potential for eye strain or eye fatigue rather than minimizing it. 
     This application uses LED&#39;s as the light source. LED&#39;s are low power light sources that offer a high lumen light emission. Prior art LED lighting devices are typically built into eyeglass frames. One disadvantage to this type of construction is that the power source(s), wiring, switches, etc., must also be built into the frames. This construction requires the glasses to be significantly redesigned to incorporate the light assemblies. Many of the changes required to incorporate the hardware make the designs unpopular for fashion and add significant weight to the assembly. The changes in style and weight are required whether or not the owner of the glasses utilizes the light source. 
     Additionally, these same constraints and variables may be applied in areas other than recreational reading as well. For example, many jobs require workers to perform their duties in poorly lit work environments in an area where it is impractical to bring in an external light source. Various examples of this would be an electrician that may be working during an electrical outage, a coal miner, a construction worker, an auto mechanic, etc. Many of these workers are required to wear hard hats for safety reasons. Therefore, many hard hats are provided with a rectangular opening into which a mount is rigidly attached for a portable light. The mount includes a circular aperture having a thumb screw through which a flashlight is slid through the aperture and the thumb screw tightened against its side. This device includes several drawbacks. For example, the light extends away from the helmet making it susceptible to being caught in wiring, tree limbs, structures and the like. Because the light bracket is rigidly attached to the hard hat, this may create a dangerous situation. In addition, the rigid attachment and thumbscrews prevent quick removal of the light for hand held usage. Still yet, the rigidly fixed mount does not provide the angular adjustment necessary for some lighting requirements. 
     Light systems are used in areas where low light can inhibit human activities including such things as repairs, observations, reading and the like. When properly directed, little light is actually needed for such activities. Large lights, such as ceiling lights, often result in shadows being cast on areas of interest since the person is often positioned between the area of interest and the light source. Also, some such lights are designed to light large areas and cannot be directed without affecting illumination in some areas meant to be illuminated. 
     Some solutions to directed lighting include such things as so-called work lights on articulated arms that may be positioned adjacent an area of interest. These lights tend to be large and require adjustment if the user moves and needs to redirect the light; requiring use of one or more hands to effect the light redirection, hands that may be busy doing other jobs. Such lights may also be found in combination with magnifiers and are referred to as magnifier lights. Headlamps are also provided, and through the use of straps and/or a helmet, can be mounted on a user&#39;s head and can be redirected by moving the head although with limits. Such lights can be provided with a pivot to assist in the redirection. 
     Such lights, while being somewhat effective, have limits, particularly in the ability to redirect over a large range of adjustment, and sometimes being fixed in place or requiring hands to redirect. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an attachable illumination system that is constructed and arranged for attachment to eyewear, hard hats and the like to provide illumination in poorly lit areas. More particularly, there is a need for an attachable illumination system where the light source is fully adjustable in terms of light intensity and direction of the light beams produced by the illumination system. Furthermore, it would be desirable if the attachable illumination system incorporated a light source and power source for efficiency packaged in a non-intrusive, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing manner. The light source should be removable and replaceable with respect to the mount, and should be adapted to be secured to various structures with a single adapter clip without modification. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to an illumination system and, more particularly, to an attachable illumination system that is configured for attachment to relatively thin structures such as the frame portion of a pair of eyeglasses/eyewear or the edge of a hard hat. The attachable illumination system includes a light source, a power source, a power switch configured to connect the light source to the power source, and a multi-axis pivot assembly to permit directional adjustment and focus of a beam of light. An adapter clip is provided to facilitate attachment to the thin structure. One such adapter clip includes a tapered lead-in and at least one barb positioned between two flexible side portions to allow the clip to be slid over a surface to a desired position so that the barb engages opposite side portion of the clip or the material within the clip to maintain a locked position. Another adapter clip includes a plurality of grooves positioned between two flexible side portions to allow the clip to be slid along the temple arm of a pair of glasses to a desired position and snapped into a locked position. The illumination system is fully adjustable in terms of light intensity and direction of the light beams. Furthermore, the invention may provide a means to fully adjust the focus of the light beams from a narrow point of light to a relatively broad beam of light. This addresses the problem of eye strain caused by poor lighting by allowing the user to adjust the light beams to cover the precise area desired of the item being viewed. Additionally, the invention may provide a means to adjust the intensity of the light projected onto the item being viewed. This addresses the problem of eye fatigue caused by improper lighting by allowing the user to adjust how brightly an item is illuminated, thus preventing the need to stare at an item that is too dark, or the glare off an item that is too brightly illuminated. Furthermore, the invention may provide a means to adjust the directional focus of the light to the item being viewed. This addresses the problems of using an assumed focus distance which is fixed by allowing the user to adjust the direction of the light output so as to focus on an item at a distance that provides maximum eye comfort to the user. The attachable illumination system can be scaled to a variety of sizes. 
     The present invention preferably utilizes LED&#39;s as the light source that emit white light, such as the LUXEON™ series LED&#39;s manufactured by LUMILEDS™. These LED&#39;s have a high flux output, 100,000 hour lifespan, operate on a low direct current (DC) voltage input signal, are fully dimmable, and operate at cool temperatures, making them ideal for attachment onto surfaces that are maintained in close proximity to the user&#39;s face. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that various types of high intensity LED&#39;s are available in the industry, and that the invention is not limited to any particular configuration or design of a particular LED. The light source is preferably a self-contained removable and replaceable light assembly, such as a portable flashlight, that is constructed and arranged to snap into a mounting assembly. The light assembly includes a power switch, preferably incorporated into the bezel and configured to connect the light source to a battery power source. The light output from the light source may be adjustable in various intensity levels and focus upon rotation of the bezel. Rotation of the bezel preferably moves a parabolic reflector with respect to the LED light source to change the focus of the emitted light. A lens may be positioned at or about the distal end of the light assembly which may include curvatures and/or coloration to provide additional light characteristics and modifications as is known in the art. The light source preferably includes a battery, capacitor, bat-cap or other electrical storage means for storing a supply of electrical power for consumption by the LED(s). The electrical storage device is generally positioned within a cylindrical or other shaped tubular portion that is sized to cooperate in a removable and replaceable manner with the mounting assembly. 
     The mounting assembly includes an adapter clip and an offset arm. The adapter clip is constructed and arranged for securing the mounting assembly to a relatively thin structure or small diameter structure and includes the first portion of the first rotation assembly. The offset arm is generally L-shaped and includes the second portion of the first rotation assembly at a first end and the first portion of a second rotation assembly at a second end thereof. The first and second portions of the first rotation assembly snap together and preferably allow up to 360 degrees of rotational freedom about a first axis of rotation. The first portion of the second rotation assembly is formed onto the friction tube, and like the first rotation assembly, snaps together with the second portion of the second rotation assembly to allow up to 360 degrees of rotational freedom about a second axis of rotation. Each first portion of a rotation assembly includes a snap ring portion and a bearing race portion, while each second portion of a rotation assembly preferably includes a plurality of spring clips and a bearing portion. This combination allows the snap together assembly yet provides thrust and rotational bearings to accept loads and provide controlled rotation, while the spring clips maintain the assembly and provide a predetermined resistance to rotation. This allows the light to be positioned by the user so that the desired position is maintained during movement of the user. 
     Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide an illumination system that can be secured to a relatively small or thin structure. 
     It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an illumination system for eyewear having multiple axes of movement for the light assembly permitting a wide range of adjustment and directing of the light source with respect to the eyewear. 
     It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a clip adapter for securing an illumination system to the temple arm portion of eyewear that can be secured to the temple arms of eyeglasses which have various sizes and shapes. 
     It is a still further objective of the present invention to provide a mounting assembly having two axes of rotation that each provide 360 degrees of rotational freedom. 
     Still yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an illumination system adapter clip having an open edge for attachment to the edge portion of a thin structure. 
     A further objective of the present invention is to provide an illumination system mounting assembly that is constructed and arranged for attachment to the edge of a hat. 
     An even further objective of the present invention is to provide an illumination system mounting assembly that is constructed and arranged to break away upon receiving a predetermined force. 
     Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is an end view of a first embodiment of the present invention including a clip to secure an illumination system to eyewear; 
         FIG. 2  is an end view of the first embodiment including a light source; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the first embodiment secured to eyewear; 
         FIG. 4  is an end view of the clip of the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention including a LED light source; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention including a LED light source; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a different view of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a further view of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a further view of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a further view of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a view of another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is another view of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an adaptor bracket of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an adaptor bracket of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an adaptor bracket of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an adaptor bracket of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of another embodiment of an adaptor bracket of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 18  on a hard hat; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 18  including a light source; 
         FIG. 21  is a view of the present invention similar to  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a view along A-A in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a view along G-G in  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a view along C-C in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a view along F-F in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a view along B-B in  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a detailed view of section D in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a detailed view of section E in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a view of section F in  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a top view of the adaptor bracket of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a front view of the adaptor bracket in  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a side view of the adaptor bracket in  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a front perspective view of the adaptor bracket in  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 34  is a cross-sectional view of the top portion of the adaptor bracket along A-A in  FIG. 31 ; and 
         FIG. 35  is a cross-sectional view of the latch along B-B in  FIG. 31 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
       FIGS. 1-35 , which are now referenced, illustrate illuminations systems  100 ,  200 ,  300  and  400 , which are different embodiments of the present invention. A first embodiment  100 , illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 , is constructed and arranged for securement to eyewear. A second embodiment  200 , illustrated in  FIGS. 7-11 , is constructed and arranged for securement to a hard hat. A third embodiment  300 , illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , is constructed and arranged for securement to a hard hat. A fourth embodiment  400 , illustrated in  FIGS. 7-11 , is constructed and arranged for securement to a hard hat. Each embodiment includes an illumination system which comprise, a light source, a power source, a power switch, and a multi-axis pivot assembly which permits directional adjustment of the light source. 
     The first embodiment of the present invention,  100 , includes an adaptor clip  102 , an offset arm  104 , a power switch  106 , a power source  108  (batteries within the light source), a light source  110 , and a light source holder  112 . The adaptor clip  102 , offset arm  104  and light source holder  112  comprise the multi-axis pivot assembly  114 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the first embodiment of the present invention is constructed and arranged to be secured to eyewear  116 , such as eyeglasses, safety glasses, sun glasses, etc. The adaptor clip  102  includes a substantially L-shaped portion  118 . Hingedly secured to one end of the L-shaped portion  118  is closure member  120 . A plurality of teeth or ridges  122  are formed on an inner portion of clip  120 . The closure member  120  includes a plurality of grooves  124  located between ridges  126  at one end of the closure member. The opposite end of the closure member includes a tapered end  128 . The tapered end  128  passes over ridges  122  of the clip and engages the grooves  123  between the ridges  122 . This interaction locks the clip in a closed position. A tab or finger support  125  is located at an end of the adaptor clip  102 . This tab  125  provides support for an individual&#39;s thumb or finger to grasp when attaching to or removing the clip from glasses. 
     A temple portion  130  of eyewear  116  is secured in the clip  102  within one of the grooves  124 . The different grooves  124  enable adjustment of the illumination system on eyewear. Normally, the clip is secured to the eyewear in one of the grooves  124  and the light assembly is placed on an individual. If adjustment of the offset arm  104  and light source holder  112  do not provide adequate light or light in the proper direction, then the clip is removed from the eyewear and the temple portion of the eyewear is inserted into another groove  123 . 
     The light source  110  preferably comprises a housing  132 , one or more batteries (not shown) within the housing, and a light  134  at one end of the light source. The light is preferably an LED, but any other light can be employed. The preferable LED emits a white light, such as the LUXEON™ series LED&#39;s manufactured by LUMILEDS™. These LED&#39;s have a high flux output, 100,000 hour lifespan, operate on low DC voltage, are fully dimmable, and operate at cool temperatures, which make them ideal for securement to eyewear. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that various types of high intensity LED&#39;s are available in the industry, and that the present invention is not limited to any particular type or configuration of light. The light source preferably also has a lens  136  to focus the light  134 . The power switch  106  in the light source is preferably activated by rotating one end of the light source or bezel. Normally, when the one end of the light source is rotated past a certain point, the power from the batteries is connected to the light  134 . 
     The offset arm  104  is pivotally secured to the adaptor clip  102  at bearing  138 . The offset arm can pivot through 360 degrees. The offset arm  104  is also preferably L-shaped. One end of the offset arm includes a bearing  140 . Bearing  140  enables the light source holder  112  to be pivotally secured to the offset arm  104 . The light source holder can pivot through 360 degrees. While the offset arm  104  is preferably L-shaped, it is recognized that other shapes are possible. The offset arm could also be a flexible member which is able to be adjusted in three dimensions. 
     A second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated as  200  in  FIGS. 7-11 . This second embodiment includes an adaptor bracket  202 , an offset arm  204 , a power switch  206 , a power source  208  (batteries within the light source), a light source  210 , and a light source holder  212 . The adaptor bracket  202 , offset arm  204  and light source holder  212  comprise the multi-axis pivot assembly  214 . The second embodiment of the present invention is constructed and arranged to be secured to a hard hat. 
     The light source  210  preferably comprises a housing  232 , one or more batteries (not shown) with in the housing, a light  234  at one end of the light source. The light is preferably a LED, but any other light can be employed. The preferable LED emits a white light, such as the LUXEON™ series LED&#39;s manufactured by LUMILEDS™. These LED&#39;s have a high flux output, 100,000 hour lifespan, operate on low DC voltage, are fully dimmable, and operate at cool temperatures, which make them ideal for securement to eyewear. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that various type of high intensity LED&#39;s are available in the industry and that the present invention is not limited to any particular type or configuration of light. The light source preferably also has a lens  236  to focus the light  234 . The power switch  206  in the light source is preferably activated by rotating one end of the light source or bezel. Normally, when the one end of the light source is rotated past a certain point, the power from the batteries is connected to the light  234 . 
     Referring now to a portion of the second embodiment, and in particular to  FIGS. 14-17  where the adaptor bracket  202  for attaching the present device to a hard hat is illustrated. The adaptor bracket  202  is preferably L-shaped, while those skilled in the art recognize that it could be any other shape, including a flexible member. One portion  250  of the adaptor bracket  202  is constructed and arranged to fit into a slot  261  ( FIG. 19 ) of a hard hat. The slot  261  is preferably on either side of a hard hat. The other portion  252  of the adaptor bracket includes at least two bearing members  254  and  256 . The offset arm  204  is pivotally secured to the adaptor bracket  202  at bearing  256 . In this configuration, the light source  210  is positioned above an individual&#39;s eyes and relatively close to their head. This configuration enables the light from the light source to be aligned with an individual&#39;s line of sight. The offset arm can pivot through 360 degrees. The offset arm  204  is also preferably S-shaped. One end of the offset arm includes a bearing  240 . Bearing  240  enables the light source holder  212  to be pivotally secured to the offset arm  204 . Bearing  240  functions in a manner similar to bearing  105  in  FIG. 2 . The light source holder can pivot through 360 degrees. While the offset arm  204  is preferably S-shaped, it is recognized that other shapes are possible. The offset arm could also be a flexible member which is able to be adjusted in three dimensions. 
     An alternative configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated as  300  in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . This alternative configuration includes an adaptor bracket  202 , which is the same bracket as the second embodiment of the invention, an offset arm  304 , a power switch  306 , a power source  308  (batteries within the light source), a light source  310 , and a light source holder  312 . The adaptor bracket  202 , the offset arm  304  and the light source holder  312  comprise the multi-axis pivot assembly  314 . The alternative configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention is also constructed and arranged to be secured to a hard hat so that the offset arm extends downward instead of upward with respect to the hard hat. 
     The adaptor bracket  202 , illustrated in  FIGS. 14-17  and  30 - 35 , is preferably L-shaped and those skilled in the art recognize that it could be formed to have an included angle of more or less than 90 degrees. A first leg portion  250  of the adaptor bracket  202  is constructed and arranged to fit into a slot  261  of a hard hat. A catch  293  is provided to engage the hard hat to secure the two pieces together. The catch includes a ramp side  294  and a catch side  295 . The slot  261  is preferably on either side of a hard hat and is generally rectangular in shape including an undercut or aperture for releasable engagement with the catch member. The second leg portion  252  of the adaptor bracket includes at least two bearing members  254  and  256 . The bearing members are positioned on opposite sides of the second leg portion of the adapter bracket  202  to allow the user to insert an offset arm  304  into either side thereof. Whereby the offset arm  304  may be positioned to extend upwardly or downwardly with respect to the hard hat. The offset arm  304  is pivotally secured to the adaptor bracket  202  at bearing  252  for 360 degree rotation. In this configuration, the light source  210  is positioned inline with an individual&#39;s eyes and relatively close to the user&#39;s head. This configuration enables the light from the light source to be aligned with an individual&#39;s line of sight. The offset arm  304  is also preferably S-shaped when viewed from the side thereof and L-shaped when viewed from an end. The S-shape allows the user to move the position of the light forward or backward with respect to the mounting point. A first leg of the offset arm includes a bearing  340 . Bearing  340  enables the light source holder  312  to be pivotally secured to the offset arm  304 . Bearing  240  functions in a manner similar to bearing  105  in  FIG. 2 . The first leg of the offset arm includes a length similar to that of the second leg of the adapter bracket to allow the offset arm to pivot through a 360 rotation without interference from the hard hat. The second leg of the offset arm includes sufficient length to allow the light source holder to pivot through 360 degrees of rotation with the light source in place. While the offset arm  304  is preferably S-shaped, it is recognized that other shapes are possible. The offset arm could also be a flexible member which is able to be adjusted in three dimensions. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 33-35 , the bearing assembly  26  is provided to connect the offset arm  304  to the adapter bracket  202  and the light mount  18  to the offset arm  202  for rotation about a pivot axes A and B. As shown, the bearing  26  utilizes a post  28  receivable in a socket  29 . The post  28  may be in either of the adapter bracket or the offset arm and the socket  29  in the other. In a preferred embodiment, the post  28  can have a flange  30  receivable in an undercut  31  in the socket  29  to provide for a snap lock assembly. Friction between the post  28  and the surface defining the socket  29  can be used to maintain the light mount  18  in a selected pivoted position. The post  28  can be split, having a pair of spaced legs  33 . The bearing assembly provides rotation about pivot axes A and B. The pivot axes A, B have different orientations and preferably are generally orthogonal to one another. The axes A, B may also intersect. In a preferred embodiment, the bearing members and subsequent assembly are constructed of resiliently deformable polymeric material to facilitate their assembly with snap lock assembly techniques. 
     A fourth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated as  400  in  FIGS. 7-11 . In this embodiment an adaptor clip  402  is secured to a front bill of a hard hat. The adaptor clip  402  includes a bearing  404  ( FIG. 7 ). An inner surface of the adapter clip includes teeth (not shown) to engage the surface of the hard hat. An entrance ramp  296  is provided to allow the clip to slide easily onto the bill of the hard hat. An offset arm  204 , a power switch, a power source (batteries within the light source), a light source, and a light source holder  274  can be secured to the bearing  404  of the adaptor clip  402  in a manner similar to that of the first embodiment of the present invention. The adaptor clip, offset arm, and light source holder comprise the multi-axis pivot assembly. 
     Another embodiment of the adaptor bracket is illustrated as  260  in  FIGS. 18-20 . While it is illustrated as preferably L-shaped, those skilled in the art recognize that it could be formed to be more or less than 90 degrees so long as the offset arm can rotate about 360 degrees. A first leg portion  262  of the adaptor bracket  260  is constructed and arranged to fit into a slot  261  of a hard hat. A catch  293  is provided to engage the hard hat to secure the two pieces together. The catch includes a ramp side  294  and a catch side  295 . The slot  261  is preferably on either side of a hard hat and is generally rectangular in shape including an undercut or aperture for releasable engagement with the catch member. The other portion  264  of the adaptor bracket includes a bearing member  266 . An offset arm  268 , similar to arms  204  and  304 , is pivotally secured to the adaptor bracket  260  at bearing  266 . The offset arm is preferably S-shaped. In this configuration, the light source  270  is positioned above an individual&#39;s eyes and relatively close to their head. The offset arm can pivot through 360 degrees. One end of the offset arm includes a bearing  272 . Bearing  272  enables the light source holder  274  to be pivotally secured to the offset arm  268 . The light source holder  274  can also pivot through 360 degrees. While the offset arm  268  is preferably S-shaped, it is recognized that other shapes are possible. The offset arm could also be a flexible member which is able to be adjusted in three dimensions. 
     All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
     It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein. 
     One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.