Abstract:
A hand-held device for managing documents or cards and associated light sources both for illuminating the documents in use, and an adjacent object or person. The hand-held device described herein provides the capability to individuals working in unlit or dimly lit areas the ability to view a document or record information while being able to illuminate another subject, without the use of a separate flashlight.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This Utility Patent Application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/558,602 entitled “Hand-Held Device With a Multi-Mode Light Source and a Secondary Illumination Source” filed Nov. 11, 2011. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a hand-held device with a surface for holding and/or securing in place any kind of paper, document(s), card or cards (i.e., identification cards), or any other flat material(s), while at the same time having a first illumination means for the surface of the hand-held device, and a second illumination means for illuminating an area adjacent to the hand-held device. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Historically, a law enforcement officer, security professional, emergency medical technician, cable repairman, or firefighter or other similar worker in the field (hereinafter, “user”) during the day or night may be required to record information by way of writing on a flat surface such as a clipboard. At times this process may require the user to interact with another individual, involving the use of multiple items during the interaction. During such an interaction, the user may need to multi-task, juggling various items such as a pen, flashlight, identification card (“ID”), or other documents such as vehicle registration, proof of insurance, field interview (“FI”) card, etc. This presents an awkward situation for the user who must then simultaneously hold the documents, write, and focus on other individuals. Further, the user may not have an adequately flat surface available for recording necessary information during this interaction. This situation might require the user to use the surface of a car, the sidewalk, or the back of another individual in the absence of a clipboard or another adequate surface. Juggling multiple items while attempting to write may further distract the user, potentially leaving them vulnerable to attack, as in the case of law enforcement. 
         [0004]    Moreover at night, even if the users are equipped with a clipboard, without the use of a car headlight, flashlight in their teeth, or some other independent light source, users are unable to simultaneously hold a clipboard, record required information, and a flashlight to illuminate the material and the face of another individual. 
         [0005]    Thus, based on the foregoing, there is a need for a device that allows a user to simultaneously manage and illuminate documents or paperwork while incorporating an additional layer of safety and security to the user by providing a high-powered light source the user can aim in a desired direction. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention combines the utility and convenience of a clipboard for the management of documents and ease of writing in the absence of another writing surface such as a table or desk, with multiple illumination devices, and manner of securing the device to the user&#39;s hand. 
         [0007]    The present invention includes a base providing a flat surface suitable for writing with a fastener for securing a document or card to the base. The fastener may be a single clip similar to that in a common clipboard, or a plurality of clips or other fasteners provided to enable the user to secure the top, bottom, or sides of a given document or card. Further, the base may be sized to accommodate multiple types of documents or multiple documents at once. A preferred embodiment may be sized particularly for a standard sheet of paper, while another preferred embodiment might be smaller for mobility and storage, sized for a specific use such as a traffic citation or ID card. Other preferred embodiments include a strap for securing the base to the hand of the user. 
         [0008]    Further provided in the present invention are multiple light sources. The multiple light sources enable the user to view or write on documents secured to the base, while providing an additional light source for the simultaneous illumination of an adjacent subject. 
         [0009]    A preferred embodiment of the present invention considers a situation such as a law enforcement officer taking a field interview (“FI”) or making a traffic stop at night. Ordinarily such an officer will have his issued flashlight in use when he approaches the witness or suspect vehicle and driver. If issuing a traffic citation, the officer will likely utilize a clipboard to fill out the citation illuminating it with the lights from his police cruiser as he will have to secure his flashlight or hold it in the same hand as the clipboard as he writes with his opposite hand. This prevents the officer from both writing and maintaining the light source on the suspect or driver all at once. 
         [0010]    The present invention solves the officers problem in this matter by providing a first light source to illuminate the documents secured to the clipboard, while a second light source is provided to illuminate the suspect vehicle or the driver&#39;s face, as required. In the case of a field interview, the officer may clip the witness&#39; ID card to the provided clip on the handheld device while having sufficient area on the flat surface of the base to fill out the index card or FI card. The provided lights are then capable of illuminating both the FI card and the witness&#39; face simultaneously. 
         [0011]    The utility of the present invention is not limited to a traffic stop or field interview as it provides a similar solution to a cable repairman working in a dark location, a city utilities inspector, or any other user that needs to see what they are writing while providing light in another direction. 
         [0012]    Various embodiments of the present invention incorporate a writing surface, a fastener for maintaining the position of a document, with one light focused on the document, another light source focused in a user-adjustable direction, a storage compartment, and removable or adjustable hand strap. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0013]    The objects, features, and advantages of the method according to the invention will be more clearly perceived from the following detailed description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  depicts an exemplary user conducting a traffic stop, approaching the driver of the suspect vehicle, with the present invention in use, a first document attached to the base by a first fastener and illuminated by a first light source, while a second fastener is provided to display a second document, such as proof of insurance or the driver&#39;s identification card, as a second light source illuminates the car and driver; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  depicts a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the first fastener at the top of the present invention securing a document, which is illuminated by the first light source formed to the first fastener, and the second light source shining out of the top of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  depicts an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 2 , showing a first fastener for securing documents on the top of the base of the invention, and associated first light source for illuminating the document, in addition to the second light source, shining away from the base in a user-adjustable direction for illuminating a subject adjacent to the device; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  depicts an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, showing the base section of the handheld device unlatched from the lower section and open at the hinge along the top of the hand-held device, further showing a document secured by the first fastener and illuminated by the associated first light source, a second fastener at the bottom of the base of the hand-held device securing an ID card or similar, and various writing implements stored in the interior of the base of the hand-held device, further showing the second light source shining in a user-adjustable direction for illuminating a subject adjacent to the device; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing a document secured to the base of the hand-held device with the first fastener and illuminated by the associated first light source formed into the first fastener, a sliding tray extended from the base of the hand-held device revealing a storage area for various writing implements, further showing the second light source shining in a user-adjustable direction for illuminating a subject adjacent to the device; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the rear of the base of an embodiment of the present invention showing access to the power supply, showing the access panel and power switches for the plurality of integral light sources; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is an exemplary circuit diagram for an embodiment of the present invention, showing a power supply, a ground, and integrated circuits for powering the integral light sources and their individual controllers, each with its own power switch; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view of an alternative preferred embodiment, showing a field investigation card secured in a two-sided fastener, two directable lights for illumination of the documents in the lower portion, power switches for the associated light, and light emanating from the second light source; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the  FIG. 8 , showing a field investigation card and a drivers&#39; license each secured in one side of the two-sided fastener, two directable light sources on the base of the invention for illumination of the two documents, power switches for the associated lights, and light emanating from the second light source; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a plan view of the base of the alternative preferred embodiment of  FIG. 8  showing a two-sided fastener at the top of the invention, two directable light sources on the base of the invention for illumination of documents, a second light source on the top of the invention shining in a user-adjustable direction for illuminating a subject adjacent to the device, and exemplary dimensions of the embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a top view of the alternative preferred embodiment of  FIG. 8 , showing the top of the invention, two directable light sources, two-sided fastener, the second light source, and adjustable hand strap; 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the alternative preferred embodiment of  FIG. 8 , showing the side of the invention, one of the two directable light sources, two-sided fastener, second light source, power switch, and hand strap; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is an isometric view of the reverse side of alternative preferred embodiment of  FIG. 8 , showing an adjustable hand strap, its interaction with the reverse side of the hand-held device, the second light source, and the user&#39;s hand as it would fit through the adjustable hand strap, 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , a law enforcement officer (“user”)  101  is conducting a routine traffic stop and is checking the vehicle driver&#39;s  102  documentation: The user  101  is utilizing a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Hand-Held Device With a Multi-Mode Light Source and a Secondary Illumination Source (“hand-held device”), generally labeled  100  to verify the driver&#39;s  102  ID  104 , while writing a citation  106 . The user  101  has the hand-held device  100  grasped in his left hand, enabling the user  101  to use a pen  108  while simultaneously remaining able to see the citation  106  under the light  110  provided by a first light source  112  from the hand-held device  100 . Likewise, user  101  is able to utilize the light  111  from the second light source  114  of hand-held device  100  to illuminate the driver&#39;s  102  face and the interior of the vehicle  103 . 
         [0028]    With the help of hand-held device  100 , user  101  is now able to maintain visual contact with the car and driver, while still being able to view and write upon the documents secured to hand-held device  100 . Further, user  101  is provided with an additional layer of safety because he is not distracted by other tasks such as holding a flashlight. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , hand-held device  100  is shown with a document  116  secured to the base  120  of hand-held device  100  by fastener  118 . In this preferred embodiment, a primary light source, alternatively described as a first light source  112 , is formed into the first fastener  118 , where first light source  112  illuminates document  116 . In a preferred embodiment, first light source  112  is constructed from light emitting diodes (“LED”), and may be a single LED or an array of a plurality of LEDs, proving increased illumination. First light source  112  as depicted in this Figure, is constructed of an exemplary array of four LEDs, providing complete illumination of document  116 , allowing the user  101  to see the entire page. In an embodiment, the first light source  112  is a detachable multi-LED light bar, allowing the user  101  to detach the first light source  112  in order to replace the unit or to change the type of LEDs utilized. For instance, in such an embodiment the user  101  can replace broken LEDs or change from a white LED to blue LEDs or even to ultra violet LEDs depending on requirements. 
         [0030]    It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while LEDs are contemplated a primary source of light for hand-held device  100 , other light sources may be implemented in order to conserve power while providing a lightweight lighting system that provides sufficient usable light at a low cost and efficient manner. 
         [0031]    Similarly, the second light source  114  is also contemplated as a single LED or array of LEDs arranged to provide the user  101  with an additional means of illuminating user&#39;s  101  desired subject. Second light source  114  may be a fixed lens, similar to a common flashlight that is directed with the movement of hand-held device  100 . 
         [0032]    In an embodiment, both the primary, or first light source  112  and second light source  114  employ various lighting modes, allowing the user  101  to select from various intensity levels high, medium, low, off) or modes (steady, strobe). 
         [0033]    Fastener  118  in the preferred embodiment is contemplated as a hinged and spring-loaded clip, as utilized in a clipboard. Alternatively, however, a sliding mechanism, binder clip, magnetic clasp, hinge and latch system, or other fastener known in the art used to secure documents may further be employed without departing from the spirit of the invention. The orientation of the secured document  116  may be oriented toward user  101  as in this Figure, or it may be oriented in the opposite direction, holding the bottom of a card, ID, or similar, as shown in  FIG. 1  with respect to ID  104 , and in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0034]    Exemplary document  116  pictured in this Figure is a standard 8.5″×11″ sheet of paper, however in alternative embodiments, the shape of base  120  is modified to suit other applications such as smaller documents, or for easy storage and mobility. In an embodiment, the construction of the present invention is alternatively intended to provide a waterproof or even bulletproof construction. 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  further shows the first light source  112  illuminating document  116 , allowing user  101  to see it in low-light or no-light conditions. Light source  114  is also shown shining away from the top  122  of base  120  shining in a user  101  selected direction. 
         [0036]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the top of the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 2 , showing document  116  secured to base  120  of hand-held device  100 . First light source  112  illuminates document  116  while second light source  114  is formed within base  120 , and shines away from user  101  out the top  122  of base  120 . 
         [0037]    In an alternative embodiment, instead of fixing the axis of second light source  114  in line with the longitudinal axis  123  of the hand-held device  100 , second light source  114  may be mounted in an adjustable manner. Second light source can be mounted within a ball-and-socket fixture, or extendable flexible mount (not shown). Such a feature allows user  101  to freely adjust the light off-axis in range  115 , either in up and down or eft and right directions. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention is generally labeled  200 . The primary difference between hand-held device  100  and hand-held device  200  is the implementation of a hinge  202  connecting upper section  204  to base section  206 . This arrangement of hand-held device  200  provides a storage area  210  for various writing implements  208 . 
         [0039]    This embodiment retains the primary elements of hand-held device  100  with first light source  212 , second light source  214 , and fastener  218 . Thus hand-held device  200  provides the same key functionality as hand-held device  100 , providing illumination of document  216 , as it is secured to base  220  of upper section  204 , with the light  213  from the first light source, and light  215  from the second light source  214 . 
         [0040]    Latch  222  secures upper section  204  to base section  206 , in use. In order to access storage area  210 , the latch  222  is actuated, allowing a user to rotate upper section  204  in direction  224 , Latch  222  may be a ball-and-groove system, a lever-style latch as shown, or any other system known in the art. 
         [0041]    In this alternative embodiment, a second fastener  226  is supplied at the bottom  228  of upper section  204 , supplying user  101  with an additional space for another item, such as ID card  230 . Depending on the size of the overall construction, in particular, the dimensions of base  220  of hand-held device  200 , second fastener  226  may be used to secure the bottom of document  216 , further securing document  216  in place when user  101  accesses storage area  210 . The fastener  226  may be configured to secure such object(s) against a portion of the writing area that is oriented towards, or closer, to a user  101  of the device  200 . 
         [0042]    In an embodiment, second light source  214 , as shown in this Figure, is further adjustable in range  232 , allowing user  101  to direct light  215  off hand-held device&#39;s  200  longitudinal axis  234 . This is accomplished by mounting second light source  214  within a ball-and-socket system, or similar system known in the art, allowing adjustment of the light  215  in the direction user  101  requires. 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , another alternative embodiment of the present invention is generally labeled  300 , depicting base  302  and drawer  304 . Hand-held device  300  features first light source  312 , illuminating document  316 , secured in place by fastener  318 , while second light source  314  is illuminating an adjacent object or person. Drawer  304  and stored items  308  are accessed by puffing tab  306  in direction  310 . 
         [0044]    In an embodiment, a calculator (not shown) may be formed into the base  302  of the hand-held device  300 . Such an embedded feature may draw its power from the same power source as the light sources  312  and  314  or it may have its own independent source such as a solar panel for use in the daylight. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , the reverse side of the present invention is depicted, showing access to the power supply, here shown as batteries  350  and the power switches  352  and  354  for activation of the individual light sources. It is to be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many different varieties of power supplies, such as USB and solar power are contemplated and the use of batteries here is not to be considered limiting. The batteries  350  may be rechargeable or disposable while taking advantage of their abundance in the market and ease of replacement. Likewise, the switches  352  and  354  may be any of those commonly known in the art, such that they provide the user  101  a means of applying power to the circuits (shown in  FIG. 7 ) and activating the light sources. Switches  352  and  354  may also be rotary or dial-type mode selectors for choosing the desired light mode. The characteristics of the embodiment described by this Figure may be applied to any of the included embodiments. 
         [0046]      FIG. 7  is an exemplary circuit diagram as applied to the present invention. Pictured, are the circuit symbologies of the batteries  350 , switches  352  and  354 , a first circuit  356 , and a second circuit  358 . When the switches  352  and  354  are individually actuated, the circuits  356  and  358  supply power to LEDs  360  and  362 , and to controllers  366  and  368  independently. LEDs  360  and  362  correspond to the first light sources  112 ,  212 , and  312 , and second light sources  114 ,  214 , and  314  from the above-described Figures. Further the controllers  366  and  368  provide flexibility for user-adjustable power settings (high, medium, low, off) and programs (steady, strobe) as discussed above. These different settings may be employed through the use multi-pole or multi-function rotary or dial-type mode selector switches  352  and  354 . 
         [0047]    It is to be appreciated by those skilled in the art that additional circuits and corresponding multiple light sources may be added without departing from the spirit of the invention. Such additions may be required for the addition of detachable light sources or light bars, as described above, or different light settings, such as high, medium, and low power. 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIG. 8  an alternative preferred embodiment of the hand-held device is generally labeled  400 . Hand-held device  400  is equipped similar to the above embodiments, albeit in a smaller package. Where previous embodiments were sized to accommodate a standard letter-sized piece of paper, hand-held device  400  is smaller, designed for documents like car registration, IDs, and FI cards. Further, the smaller size enables the user  101  to easily store it in the saddle bag of a police motorcycle or other small storage compartment. 
         [0049]    Hand-held device  400  is equipped with first light sources  412   a  and  412   b.  Light sources  412   a  and  412   b  are each placed on opposite sides of the top  402  of the base  404  of hand-held device  400 . Further, light sources  412   a  and  412   b  are shrouded, such that they illuminate the document  416  secured to the base  404  by lower clip  420  in two-sided fastener  418 . Two-sided fastener  418  provides the ability to secure two documents, one by the top of the document, as in lower clip  420 , and another, such as an ID, in the upper clip  422 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0050]    Shrouds  413  cover light sources  412   a  and  412   b  such that they direct light toward document  416 . The tops of shrouds  413  are formed so as to direct light coming out of the base  404  of the hand-held device  400  toward the document  416 , and not into the eyes of the user  101 . This aspect is especially important in dimly lit environments because it prevents the impairment of the user&#39;s  101  night vision. 
         [0051]    In an embodiment, the user  101  can rotate the shrouds  413  adjusting how much light is provided to document  416 , or further remove the shrouds  413  altogether. The left-and-right aspect of light sources  412   a  and  412   b  also provide left and right-handed users  101  options for maximizing the illumination of the particular document in use, as user&#39;s  101  writing hand block the light coming from that side. That is, a right-handed user  101  would make best use of light source  412   a  as light source  412   b  is blocked by his hand when writing. 
         [0052]    In an embodiment, the LEDs beneath shrouds  413  and within first light sources  412   a  and  412   b  are user-replaceable. Shrouds  413  may be removed, exposing the LEDs within light sources  412   a  and  412   b.  This allows for replacement of one or both of the LEDs within light source  412   a  and  412   b,  In an embodiment, the LEDs used may emit standard white light or alternatively, the LEDs utilized may emit ultraviolet light, for use with modern drivers&#39; licenses or other documentation equipped with UV-reflective holograms. Such an embodiment would be useful when checking the authenticity of a license. 
         [0053]    In an embodiment, the surface of base  404  is covered in a non-slip material, such as a rubberized coating preventing document  416  from inadvertently moving from its position. The base  404  is further contemplated as being of a waterproof or bulletproof construction. 
         [0054]    Second light source  414  is further provided similar to the embodiments above, providing a secondary light source, user  101  may direct as desired. In an embodiment, second light source  414  is removable from the base  404 , and may be used as a separate, yet smaller light source, such as a flashlight. 
         [0055]    In use, the user  101  slides his or her hand along the back of hand-held device  404  through the adjustable hand-strap  432  (shown in  FIG. 11  through  FIG. 13 ), keeping the hand-held device  400  securely in place. The strap may be used for either left-handed or right-handed users  101 . 
         [0056]    Sufficient power switches  430  are further provided to give user  101  the ability to control which lights are activated, what program they will follow (steady, strobe), and on which power setting (high, medium, low, off). 
         [0057]      FIG. 9  shows an alternative embodiment of hand-held device  400 , with a second document  417  in upper clip  422  of two-sided fastener  418 . Upper clip  422  operates the same as lower clip  420  by holding in place a second document  417 , such as an ID card, while user  101  is also able to record information on document  416  which might likewise be an FI card. Light sources  412   a  and  412   b  remain, providing an adjustable source of light so the user  101  may view both documents with the provided illumination. 
         [0058]      FIG. 10  shows the size of base  404  is dimension  450  by dimension  452 , where these exemplary dimensions correspond to a size that is slightly larger than an index card, shown as document  416 . For example, dimensions  450  and  452  could be sized to four inches and six inches, respectively, enabling easy use with a document  416  the size of a three by five inch or four by six inch index card. It is to be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many customizable dimensions are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
         [0059]    As described above, when securing a single document to lower clip  420 , the user  101  may rotate shrouds  413  in the range  419 , to maximize the light provided. The same may be done when two separate documents  417  and  417  are each secured in two-sided fastener  418 . The shrouds  413  are equally adjustable, and in an embodiment, they may formed such that they are interchangeable as parts. 
         [0060]      FIGS. 11 and 12  depict the adjustable hand strap  432 , in addition to exemplary dimension  454 . Dimension  454  in these figures is notionally approximately one inch, but can be narrower or wider as required. The purpose of dimension  454  is to provide sufficient internal space within the interior of hand-held device  400  for electronics and power supply, and sufficient space for a user&#39;s  101  hand, while keeping the intended compact nature of hand-held device  400  in mind, 
         [0061]    Referring now to  FIG. 13 , the rear of hand-held device  400  is shown, with user  101  sliding his or her hand in direction  440  through adjustable hand strap  432 . In an embodiment, adjustable hand strap  432  is formed from a strap with hook-and-loop fasteners, such as Velcro, formed into it. As shown, hook end  434  is adjusted and connected to loop end  436 , allowing user  101  to adjust the position of hand-held device  400  for comfort or for different sized hands. It is to be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the adjustable hand strap  432  may be formed from other materials such as an elastic material or other similar fasteners known in the art. 
         [0062]    The reverse side  403  of hand-held device  400  is formed with slots  442  through which adjustable strap  432  is moved, allowing adjustment, removal, or replacement of the entire strap. Access to the interior of the hand-held device  400  is provided through the removal of hardware  444 , shown as four screws in this Figure. In an embodiment, the power supply, such as a battery or batteries  350  in  FIG. 6 , is housed within on the interior of the device  400 . While this is not as convenient for battery  350  replacement, the security of the hardware  444  provides increased waterproofing and structural strength. An embodiment of the hand-held device  400  can however, have an externally accessible battery compartment (not shown) similar to  FIG. 6 .