Abstract:
An illumination device includes a waveguide body, a source of illumination, a triggering mechanism, a battery, a connecting ring, and controlling circuitry. The device is attached to an article (such as a set of keys) using the connecting ring. The source of illumination includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) whose output is in optical communication with the waveguide body so that when lit, the LED&#39;s output illumination is transmitted throughout the waveguide body. Power to the LED(s) is supplied by the battery and is controlled by the controlling circuitry and the triggering mechanism. The triggering mechanism includes a motion or movement detector, preferably based on an electro-mechanical spring-switch. A method for using the device includes attaching the device to an article, such as a set of keys and shaking the keys (directly or indirectly) to cause the triggering mechanism to signal the controlling circuitry, which in turn, activates at least one LED. The light from the LED transmits throughout the waveguide body creating an even, soft glow-like illumination through the entire body thereby illuminating the relatively large waveguide body of the device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/848,526, filed May 3, 2001, which claims the priority of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/201,982, filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on May 3, 2000, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     
       TECHNICAL FIELD  
         [0002]    This invention generally relates to illuminated devices, and more particularly, to such devices that may be attached to articles and used to help reveal their location within an environment.  
         BACKGROUND  
         [0003]    In this complex world, it is not uncommon to misplace any of a variety of articles we tend to use each day, such as keys, eyeglasses, and wallets. We often misplace these articles because we put them down at a particular location, become distracted, and then leave the area probably thinking about something else. These items are rarely actually lost, just misplaced and their owner typically won&#39;t realize that an item is missing until, of course, they need to use it.  
           [0004]    To overcome this problem and to help people keep tract of their everyday belongings, a variety of devices have been developed, many of which are based on radio frequency transponder technology. These prior art locating devices usually include a transponder and a transmitter. The user would attach the transponder to an article that he or she wishes to keep track of (prior to it being lost). Should the item become misplaced, the owner simple activates the transmitter so that a radio frequency signal is transmitted within a prescribed area. If the transponder (and therefore, the attached item) is within that area, the RF signal will cause the transponder to “respond”, usually audibly, such as a beeping sound, but may also include an appropriate illumination source as well.  
           [0005]    These prior art item-locating devices are unnecessarily complex and require that the user carry the transmitter portion, which is yet another small item to keep track of and which will probably just get lost, anyway. Also, these RF item-locating devices of the prior art are only useful at finding items that have been misplaced in a relatively open and spacious environment, such as on a desk or in a car. These devices fail to help locate an item that is among many other items in a relatively closed and small environment, such as finding a set of keys in a purse filled with other items.  
           [0006]    Applicant has recognized the need to provide a simple illumination device that may be attached to an item so that upon the activation of the device, the item may be easily found.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0007]    An illumination device includes a waveguide body, a source of illumination, a triggering mechanism, a battery, a connecting ring, and controlling circuitry. The device is preferably attached to an article (such as a set of keys) using the connecting ring. The source of illumination includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) whose output is in optical communication with the waveguide body so that when lit, the LED&#39;s output illumination is transmitted throughout the waveguide body. Power to the LED(s) is supplied from the battery, as controlled by the controlling circuitry and the triggering mechanism. The triggering mechanism includes a motion or movement detector, preferably based on an electromechanical spring-switch. This type of switch sends a triggering signal to the controlling circuitry when movement of the device is sufficient to displace the spring portion of the triggering mechanism into contact with an electrical terminal.  
           [0008]    A method for using the device includes attaching the device to an article, such as a set of keys and shaking the keys (directly or indirectly) to cause the triggering mechanism to signal the controlling circuitry, which in turn, activates at least one LED. The light from the LED transmits throughout the waveguide body creating an even, soft glow-like illumination through the entire body thereby illuminating the relatively large waveguide body of the device. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]    [0009]FIG. 1 is an assembly view of an illumination device, according to the invention;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the illumination device, according to the invention;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the illumination device, taken along the lines  3 - 3  of FIG. 2, showing details of the illumination module, according to the invention;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the illumination device, taken along the lines  4 - 4  of FIG. 3, showing details of the illumination module, according to the invention;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 5 is an illustrative schematic of the operation of the illumination module and LED controlling circuitry, according to the invention;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an illumination device according to another embodiment illustrating the pivotable cap in the closed position;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an illumination device of FIG. 6 with the pivotable cap in an open position, thereby showing the illumination module thereof;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an illumination device according to another embodiment;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an illumination device of FIG. 8;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 10 is a perspective view, in partial cut-away of an illumination device according to another embodiment that includes a flash light feature incorporated into the cap thereof; and  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 11 is a perspective view, in partial cut-away of an illumination device of yet another embodiment that includes a flash light feature of another embodiment which is incorporated into the cap. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0020]    Referring to FIG. 1, an illumination device  10 , according to the invention is shown, including a waveguide body  12 , an illumination module  14 , a cap  16 , and a connecting ring  18 . Waveguide body  12  is preferably ellipsoidal in shape (similar to the shape of a slightly flattened egg with smooth rounded edges) and includes a module-receiving recess  20  defining a generally flat light receiving surface  22 , located at one end, and further includes a outer diffusing surface  24  (such as a frosted surface). Of course, waveguide body  12  can take on any suitable shape without departing from the invention. Waveguide body  12  is preferably made from an optical-grade plastic, such as Acrylic, or a plastic that can function, at least to some extent, as an optical waveguide, i.e., it is capable of transmitting light that is projected at light-receiving surface  22  throughout the body to the frosted surface  24 .  
         [0021]    Waveguide body  12  is preferably molded as a single unit, however, the body may alternatively be molded as two halves and secured together. Also, the waveguide body  12  may be molded around illumination module  14 , thereby encasing the operating circuitry and batteries used to illuminate device  10 . This also ensures that device  10  will endure a variety of environmental conditions that are typically hazardous to electronic components. These may include water (liquid or moisture), dust, insects, impact (such as if the device is dropped), and unintentional prying forces, such as from other objects.  
         [0022]    Connecting ring  18  is secured to waveguide body  12 , through an opening  24 , and may be used to secure device  10  to an article (not shown), such as a set of keys.  
         [0023]    Module-receiving recess  20  is sized and shaped to snugly receive illumination module  14 , which may be secured therein using any appropriate means including mechanical screw fasteners, snap-arrows, clips, or even an appropriate adhesive. As described below, cap  16  is secured to waveguide body  12 , covering the illumination module  14 . Cap  16  may include vents  26  to help cool the illumination module  14 , and an integrally formed pivotal switch-contacting tab  28 . Cap  16  is preferably shaped to compliment the shape of the waveguide body  12  so that the body  12  and the cap  16  together form a desired uniform and continuous shape, such as an ellipsoidal shape.  
         [0024]    Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, light illumination module  14  includes a processor  30 , (which preferably includes a timing circuit and an electronic memory for storing operating instructions), a power supply  34 , such as batteries, a power switch  36  (optional), a mode/cancel switch  38 , a motion/movement switch  40 , an LED-driver circuit  42 , and at least one light emitting diode (LED)  44 . Three LEDs are preferably used, the light output of each being a different color (a single LED with multiple colored outputs may also be used). All of the above-described components of the illumination module  14  are preferably all commonly secured to a circuit board  46 . Appropriate use of semiconductor components and/or surface mounted devices may be utilized to make the light-illumination module  14  power-efficient and as small as possible, as understood by those skilled in the art.  
         [0025]    Power supply  34  provides the electrical power requirements for processor  30 , LED driver circuit  42 , and LEDs  44 . If power switch  36  is used, it would selectively connect power supply  34  to processor  30  and LED driver  42  (which would, in turn, power each LED, as necessary). Since the illumination module  14  is sensitive to motion, as described below, power switch  36  is not necessary, since no LED will illuminate unless the device  10  is moved in a jarring manner, sufficient to trigger motion/movement switch  40 , and the device will therefore conserve power until it is used.  
         [0026]    As is understood by those skilled in the art of electronics, LED driver circuit  42  is used to power up each of several connected LEDs, as instructed by processor  30 . Processor  30  inputs signals from motion/movement switch  40 , and mode/cancel switch  38 . If the device is moved quickly enough, the motion/movement switch  40  (which is essentially a spring switch) will effectively send a “trigger” signal to processor  30 , which will in turn, instruct LED driver circuit  42  to illuminate at least one LED  44 , according to a preset sequence code (software). A timing circuit is preferably included within processor  30  to control the length of time that any LED illuminates, once triggered to do so (such as 10 seconds). Mode/cancel switch is connected to processor  30  and is used to turn off any illuminating LED prior to completion of its activation time (e.g., 10 seconds).  
         [0027]    Mode/cancel switch  38  may also be used to select illumination characteristics, such as how each LED illuminates, their respective duration and color, and sequence. For example, three LEDs may be used, each emitting a different color, e.g., red, yellow, and blue. Processor  30  may be used to allow the red LED to flash at a first rate, the yellow LED at a second rate, and the blue LED perhaps to illuminate continuously, for 10 seconds. In another “mode”, for example, processor  30  would alternate illumination of each LED  44 , from one color to the next, allowing a slow transition from one color to the next. Many other sequences and illumination effects can be programmed into the processor  30  and selected by the user (or may alternate automatically).  
         [0028]    Regardless, when lit, the light from the LED transmits throughout the waveguide body creating an even, soft glow-like illumination through the entire body thereby illuminating a major portion of device  10 . The intensity of the resulting glow-like illumination may be designed according to the particular application of the device. In most applications, the device is to be used in darker environments, such as within a container (pocket book, bag, briefcase, etc.), but of course, may be adjusted so that the illumination can be seen in brighter ambient conditions.  
         [0029]    In use, the device  10  is intended to be secured to any item or article that the user would like to quickly find in a dark enclosing environment. Device  10  is particularly useful when secured to an article that is typically stored within a carrying bag, large pocket-book, briefcase, pocket, or a backpack, such as a set of car keys, for example. Typically, there are many different items held in such carriers that it is often difficult to find any one item. By attaching the present device  10  to an item of high use and importance (e.g., car keys), the user merely has to shake their carrier (such as their briefcase or pocket book) to cause motion/movement sensor  38  to cause processor  30  to instruct at least one LED  44  to illuminate the entire waveguide body  12 , thereby quickly revealing its location (along with its attached item) within the carrier among the other items.  
         [0030]    Applicant also contemplates the use of illumination device  10  as something to wear, as a form of jewelry. In this application, waveguide body  12  would be shaped in decorative and lightweight forms so that they may be attached to decorative chains, earrings, rings, broaches, pins, (including pierced jewelry), and hair-supported clips and devices. The illumination device  10 , in this application, would illuminate in response to movement of the wearer of the jewelry.  
         [0031]    Applicant further contemplates incorporating light illuminating module  14  within a battery pack of a cellular telephone (not shown) so that if the user shakes the phone (directly or indirectly) at least one LED will illuminate so that the location of the phone is revealed. With this application, the LEDs and controlling circuitry can be powered by the battery of the cellular telephone. If the phone is in use, the LED circuitry can be deactivated.  
         [0032]    Now referring to FIGS. 6-10 which illustrate an illumination device  100  according to another embodiment. The illumination device  100  is similar to the device  10  and therefore like components are numbered alike. The device  100  includes a waveguide body  110  and the illumination module  160  as well as a cap  200  and the connecting ring  18 . One of the main differences between the illumination device  100  and the device  10  is the construction of the cap  200  and the waveguide body  110 . More specifically, the cap  200  is of a hinged or pivotable type as opposed to being secured to the waveguide body  110  by a fastener, e.g., a screw.  
         [0033]    The waveguide body  110  is preferably ellipsoidal in shape and has features formed at a first end  112  that permit the reception of the illumination module  14 . For example, the first end  112  includes a substantially planar platform  120  on which the illumination module  14  is mounted or the platform  120  that preferably has an opening formed therein for at least partially receiving the illumination module  14 . At one end of the platform  120 , a vertical ledge or shoulder  122  is formed and extends down to a landing  124  that is formed at the base of the shoulder  122 . The width of the platform  120  is less than the width of the surrounding of the body  110  and therefore, a lip or ridge  130  is formed around the platform  120  for receiving a perimeter edge of the cap  200  such that the cap  200  rests thereon in a closed position. The lip  130  extends substantially the entire width of the body  110  and therefore extends from an end  121  of the platform adjacent to where the cap  200  is pivotably coupled to the body  110 . The lip  130  is formed at an angle relative to the platform  120  in that the lip  130  is angled downward from the end  121  to an opposite end  123  where the lip  130  extends beyond shoulder  122  and surrounds the landing  124  and terminates in a curled lip portion  125  which is curled up to provide a resting surface for the cap  200 . As will be appreciated by viewing FIG. 7, the shape of the lip  130  is complementary to the shape of the bottom edge  202  of the cap  200 .  
         [0034]    The platform  120  has a pair of slots or grooves  150  formed therein at or proximate to an upper face  129  of the platform  120  for mating with complementary features that are formed as part of the cap  200  to effectuate a releasable locking between the cap  200  and the body  110 . Preferably, the slots  150  are formed in a central section of the platform  120 . In the illustrated embodiment, the slots  150  have a rectangular shape; however, it will be appreciated that the slots  150  can have any number of other shapes so long as the slots  150  serve to releasably interlock the cap  200  to the body  110 .  
         [0035]    As previously mentioned, the cap  200  is pivotally coupled to the body  110  such that the cap  200  can be easily and pivotally opened and closed. The cap  200  can be formed of any number of different metals, such as metals and plastics, and it will be appreciated that the cap  200  does not have to have transparent characteristics but rather can be completely opaque to light transmission. As best seen in FIG. 8, the cap  200  is a generally curved hollow member (e.g., dome shaped) that has an upper face  210  and an opposing lower underside face  212 . The cap  200  has a first end  204  at which a protruding hinge arm  211  is formed and an opposing arcuate second end  206  that mates with the curved lip portion  125 .  
         [0036]    In order to permit the cap  200  to pivot within and relative to the body  110 , the body  110  has a groove or channel  140  formed therein to receive the protruding hinge arm  210  of the cap  200 . The groove  140  is open at one end that is adjacent the upper face of the platform  120  and terminates at a curved end.  
         [0037]    A pair of openings  159  are formed in the sides of the body  110  halves and open into the groove  140  so as to permit reception of pivot posts  170  therein. The pivot posts  170  are integrally molded with hinge arm  211 , and are retained in openings  159  upon assembly of the body  110 , thereby allowing cap  200  to pivot about posts  170 . As seen in FIG. 9, the pivot pin  171  can actually be a single pin which passes through openings  159  of the body  110  and a bore  215  of hinge arm  211 , thereby capturing, hinge arm  211  in groove  140  upon assembly of the body halves.  
         [0038]    On the bottom underside surface  212  of the cap  200 , a pair of bosses or ridges  220  are formed and are complementary to the slots  150 . The bosses  220  are formed and are orientated so that when the cap  200  is closed, the bosses  220  travel along the side walls of the platform  120  and drop into the slots  150 , resulting in a frictional fit being formed therebetween. In other words, as the cap  200  is closed, the bosses  220  travel past the illumination module  160  and then travel along the side walls of the platform  120  until the bosses  220  interlock with the slots  150 . In addition, when the bosses  220  are disposed in the slots  150 , the bottom edge  202  of the cap  200  seats against the lip  130 .  
         [0039]    The illumination module  160  is similar to the illumination module  14  and is desired to be easily coupled to the body  110 . The illumination module  160  generally functions in the same manner as the illumination module  14  and includes the LED  44  as well as power source  34  that is disposed between two contacts  162 . These components are operatively coupled to a substrate that is typically in the form of a printed circuit board or other type of processor. An exemplary power source  34  is in the form of one or more batteries that are arranged side-by-side with respect to one another. The illumination module  160  is disposed on the upper face of the platform  120  such that at least a portion thereof is disposed within the opening  120   a  formed in the platform  120 . More specifically, the portion that sits within the opening  120   a  is the side of the module  160  that includes the LED  44  so that the light generated from the LED  44  is directed towards the body  110  for illumination thereof. The coupling between the illumination module  160  and the body  110  can be accomplished in a number of different ways including the existence of a frictional fit between these two components. In addition, an adhesive or the like can be disposed on an underside of the illumination module  160  to facilitate or effectuate a coupling between the module  160  and the body  110 .  
         [0040]    The portion of the illumination module  160  that is disposed above the upper face of the platform  120  is constructed so that when the cap  200  is pivoted into its closed position, a space is formed between the module  160  and the cap  200 . A resilient member bumper  231 can optionally be included as part of the underside of the cap  200  for contacting the power source  34  to further ensure that the power source  34  does not come dislodged from its position between the contacts  162 . For example, a rubber pad or the like can be used as member  231  and can be adhesively attached to the underside of the cap  200  with the opposite face of the member  231  being in contact with the power source  34 , e.g., batteries. The illumination module  160  is therefore of the type that can be easily installed in the body  110 .  
         [0041]    It will be appreciated that the cap  200  offers a number of advantages with one primary advantage being that the power source  34  is readily accessible by the consumer. The power source  34  is the only part of the illumination module  160  that it is expected will need future servicing/replacement since as is well known, batteries lose their power over time and require replacement. Thus, the use of a pivotal cap  200  permits the user to simply pivot the cap  200  and easily gain access to the batteries. This is an improvement over other designs including the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4 where the cap is securely attached to the body by means of a fastener. When a fastener is used, some type of a tool is required to remove the fastener in order for the cap to be detached and removed and therefore, this removal process is more complex and requires more time since a tool is required and undoing the fastener takes some time.  
         [0042]    Now turning to FIG. 10 in which an illumination device  300  according to another exemplary embodiment is illustrated. The illumination device  300  is similar to the illumination device  100  with the exception that the illumination device  300  includes an added light feature. Thus, like components between devices  100 ,  300  are numbered alike. In the illumination device  300 , the cap  200  is modified, as shown, to accommodate a safety and locating light  310 . The light  310  can be selectively operated by the user to illuminate an object or area away from the illumination device  300 . The light  310  is preferable configured so that the cap  200  is freely pivotable so as so provide access to the power source  34  as previously discussed. One exemplary light mechanism  310  is of a push button type that includes a push button  320  that has an innermost surface  322  that makes contact with a switch  330 . The switch  330  is operatively coupled to the power source  34  and preferably is located adjacent one face of the illumination module  160 . The switch  330  includes a depressible part or button  332  which is aligned with the innermost surface  322  of the push button  320  so that when a user presses the push button  320 , the innermost surface  322  makes contact and depresses the button  332 . The switch  330  includes a first conductive lead  334  and a second conductive lead  336 . The first conductive lead  334  is connected to a first terminal of the power source  34  and the second conductive lead  336  is connected to the other terminal of the power source  34  such that when the button  332  is depressed a completed circuit results. The light mechanism  310  also preferably includes a support  340  that is operatively connected to the switch  330  and more particularly to one of the conductive leads  334 ,  336 . In the illustrated embodiment the support  340  is in the form of an L-shaped bracket that includes a first planar portion  342  which can be connected to one end of the conductive lead  336 .  
         [0043]    The light mechanism  310  further includes a conventional small light bulb  350  that has a conductive contact  352 . The light bulb  350  is incorporated into the cap  200  in such a manner that the light bulb  350  travels with the cap  200  as it is opened and closed. In other words, the light bulb  350  can be at least partially embedded and secured in a recessed portion in the cap  200  are such that when the light mechanism  310  is activated the light bulb  350  illuminates and light is transmitted through a thin transparent lens or covering  360  that can also be part of the cap  200 . When the cap  200  is in the closed position, the contact  352  of the light bulb  350  seats flush against the planar portion  342  of the support  340  and therefore, the light bulb is operative yet selectively connected to the power source  34 . To illuminate the light bulb  350 , the user simply has to depress button  320  which itself depresses button  330  and results in a completed or closed circuit and power is delivered to the light bulb  350  from the power source  34 . The button  320  is preferably located in a side face of the cap  200  and is of the type that is resilient in manner such that once the user releases the pressure thereon the button  320  returns to its original state, thereby resulting in button  330  likewise returning to its original state causing the circuit to be opened and the light bulb  350  is no longer illuminated.  
         [0044]    Now turning to FIG. 11 in which an illumination device  400  is illustrated. The illumination device  400  is similar to the illumination device  300  with the exception being the construction of the light mechanism. In this embodiment, the lead  336  is directly connected to a light bulb tip cap module  410 . More specifically, the lead  336  is connected to a conductive contact of the module  410 . It will be appreciated that the length of the lead  336  is sufficient to permit the cap  200  to assume an open position since there is a direct connection at all times between the switch  330  and the light bulb module  410 . The device  400  operates in the same manner as the device  300  in that the user nearly presses on the button  320  to illuminate the module  410  and releases the button  320  to deactivate the module  410 .  
         [0045]    The devices  300  and  400  both offer an added safety or locating feature in that the user can quickly and easily activate a light source, in the form of a small light bulb, to locally illuminate an object or an area surrounding the user. For instance after the user has found his or her set of keys using the locating feature described here and before, the user may then need to find another object or may wish to illuminate a lock or the like to make is easier for the user to open this lock.