Patent Publication Number: US-8523379-B2

Title: Smart light

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to lights and, specifically, to an extendible light with interchangeable tips which provide the light with enhanced functionality. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A-1B  illustrates embodiments of an extendible, multifunction light in extended and collapsed positions; 
         FIGS. 2A-2B  illustrates an embodiment of a first end of the extendible light of  FIGS. 1A-1B , illustrating reversibly deployable arms in deployed and retracted configurations; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of a control panel of the extendible light of  FIGS. 1A-1B  for use in activating a variety of electronic features of the extendible light; 
         FIGS. 4A-4E  illustrates embodiments of interchangeable tips of the extendible light of  FIGS. 1A-1B  which provide enhanced functionality; 
         FIGS. 5A-5B  illustrate embodiments of an air measurement device and warning system of the extendible light of  FIGS. 1A-1B ; and 
         FIGS. 6A-6B  illustrates functions of the extendible light of  FIGS. 1A-1B ; ( 6 A) emergency transmitter; ( 6 B) motion sensor. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an extendible light with enhanced functionality. In one embodiment, the extendible light is configured so as move between extended and collapsed positions, allowing easy deployment and storage of the extendible light. A plurality of devices, such as lights, may also be interchangeably added or removed from an end of the extendible light in order to expand the capabilities of the extendible light. 
     The extendible light may be additionally provided with a plurality of electronic devices, which enhance the functionality of the extendible light. Examples, discussed in greater detail below, may include, but are not limited to, transceivers, such as radios and emergency transmitters, sensors, such as air quality and motion sensors, analyzers, such as dna/breath-sensor analyzers, and audio/visual devices, such as electronic displays and speakers. These and other objects and advantages of the extendible light are discussed in greater detail below. 
       FIGS. 1A-1B  illustrates embodiments of the extendible light device  100 . In general, the extendible light  100  comprises a generally elongated, cylindrical body  104  having a first end  102 A and a second end  102 B. The extendible light  100  further comprises a handle  110  at about the first end  102 A and a tip  112  positioned at about the second end  102 B. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the handle  110  is generally elongate and cylindrical and dimensioned so as to be grasped by a user of the extendible light  110 . The surface of the handle  110  may be further configured with contours and/or high friction materials, such as rubber, in order to facilitate grasping of the handle  110  by the extendible light user. 
     In one embodiment, the handle  110  is hollowed in its center, allowing the extendible light  100  to reversibly extend. In an embodiment, the body  104  is divided into a plurality of segments  106  which are capable of reversibly moving between an extended configuration ( FIG. 1A ) and a retracted configuration ( FIG. 1B ). In one embodiment, a length  124  of the segments may be approximately 9 inches and a length  122  of the extendible light  100  when in the extended configuration may range between approximately 3 to 6 feet. In the retracted configuration, substantially the entire length of each segment  106  nests within the hollowed center of the handle  110 . In the extended configuration, substantially the entire length of each segment is exposed outside the handle  110 . Advantageously, the reversibly extendable design of the extendible light  100  allows the extendible light  100  to be retracted when the full length of the extendible light  100  is not required, providing easy storage. 
     A control panel  116 , discussed in greater detail below with respect to  FIG. 3 , is further provided in the handle  110 . The control panel  116  comprises audio and/or video interfaces in communication with a plurality of electronic devices housed within the extendible light  100 . Such electronic devices may include, but are not limited to, satellite navigation systems, audio recording and playback devices (e.g. mp3 audio recorders and players), cellular telephones and pagers, wireless communications devices configured for transmitting and receiving data from wireless local area networks and devices (e.g. networks and devices employing the Bluetooth, WiFi, and the IEEE 802.11 standards), time keeping devices (e.g. clocks and alarms), personal information managers (PIMs) which provide calendar and scheduling functions, radio transmitters and receivers, emergency transmitters, video playback devices, motion sensors, DNA and/or breath-sensor analyzers, voice identification devices, and retinal scanners. The control panel  116  and electronic devices may further be in communication with a source of electrical power, such as a battery housed in a battery compartment  120 . So configured, the control panel  116  may allow the extendible light user to employ one or more of these electronic devices. 
     The tip  112  comprises a plurality of devices which are configured to be reversibly interchanged and mounted to the second end  10213  of the extendible light  100  using an attachment mechanism  114 . These tips  112  provide the extendible light  100  with different functionalities. In one embodiment, the tip  112  may comprise a lighting device  400 . This and other non-limiting embodiments are discussed below with respect to  FIGS. 4A-4D . Advantageously, as illustrated in  FIG. 1B , when in the retracted position, the tip  112  still possesses a direct line of sight outside the handle. Thus, functions of the tip  112  which require such line of sight, for example, lighting devices  400 , may still be employed when the extendible light  100  is in the retracted configuration. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the handle  110  is further configured with a plurality of reversibly deployable arms  200 , as further illustrated in  FIG. 2A-2B . The arms  200  comprise generally elongate shafts having a proximal end  202 A and a distal end  202 B. The proximal end  202 A of the arms  200  are pivotably mounted to the handle  100  at about the first end of the extendible light  102 A at a pivot  204 . 
     In a retracted position ( FIG. 2A ), the length of the arms  200  extend adjacent and substantially parallel to the length of the handle  110 . In a deployed configuration, such as in  FIG. 28 , the distal end  202 B of the arms  200  pivot away from the handle  100  (arrows  206 ) extending downward from the handle  110 . 
     The surface of the handle  100  may be configured with a plurality of recesses  210  which are dimensioned to accommodate at least a portion of the arms  200  within the handle  100  when the arms  200  are in the retracted configuration. Advantageously, in this manner the surface of the handle  100  may remain substantially flat when the arms  200  are in the retracted configuration, allowing the extendible light user to comfortably grasp the handle  110 . 
     The arms  200  are further configured so as to allow the extendible light  100  to be stably stood upright, with the second end  102 B extending upwards. In an embodiment, when fully deployed, the distal ends  202 B of the arms  200  terminate in substantially the same plane  212 . In another aspect, the distal ends  202  of the arms  200  are configured so as to be parallel to the plane  212 . Thus, the first end  102 A of the extendible light  100  may be placed upon a horizontal surface without fear of the extendible light  100  tipping over, when the arms  200  are fully deployed, 
     The handle  110  further comprises arm release button  214 . The arm release button  214  is in communication with a plurality of locking mechanisms (not shown). The locking mechanisms are configured so as to inhibit motion of the arms  200  when the arms  200  are in either of the fully deployed or fully retracted positions. When the arm release button  214  is depressed by the extendible light user, the locking mechanisms are released and the arms  200  may be freely moved between the retracted and deployed positions. As a result, the arms  200  may be positioned, as necessary, in the deployed or retracted positions without additional further movement of the arms  200 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of a control panel  300  housed in the handle  110  of the extendible light  100 . In general, the control panel  300  functions as an interface by which the extendible light user may employ the plurality of electronic devices incorporated into the extendible light  100 . For example, the panel  300  may comprise a plurality of audio and visual devices, such as an electronic, multifunction display  302  (e.g. a liquid crystal display), a plurality of indicator lights  304 , and/or a plurality of speakers  306 . The panel  300  may further comprise a plurality of buttons or switches, such as power buttons  310  to activate electrical power to one or more of the electronic devices, power adapter input  320 , a selector  312  for selecting options when using one or more of the electronic devices, and/or emergency signal activation button  314  which may be employed to activate an emergency transmitter device housed within the extendible light  100 . 
     The control panel  300  may further comprise a plurality of other devices which facilitate the function of the electronic devices. In one example, the control panel  300  may comprise input/output ports  316  as are known in the art for transferring electronic data, such as flash memory card readers, universal serial bus (USB) ports, and IEEE 1394 (Firewire, iLink) ports. In another example, the control panel  300  may comprise a fingerprint scanner and/or retinal scanner  318  in communication with the multifunction display. The scanner  318  may compare an individual&#39;s newly scanned fingerprint and/or retinal scan with others stored within the scanner  318  or other databases in communication with the scanner  318  in order to identify the identity the individual. This identity information may further be used to allow or deny access to the features of extendible light  100 . In other embodiments, the control panel  300  comprises fewer or additional interfaces to electronic devices, such as one or more of the interfaces discussed above. 
     In another embodiment, the control panel  300  may comprise analyzers for DNA and/or breath. Such analyzers may be employed in order to evaluating blood alcohol level or the presence of drugs in the subject&#39;s system. The DNA analyzer may comprise a plurality of components which receive samples containing DNA, such as blood. The breath analyzer may comprise a plurality of component which receives a breath sample, such as a mouthful of air, Upon performing an analysis on the provided sample, the analyzers provide the results of the analysis. In one embodiment, the results may be displayed on the multifunction display  302 . In another embodiment, the results may be electronically output through the input/output ports  316 . The DNA and breath/sensor analyzer may further comprise a data structure, such as a database, which compares reference samples to a new sample to determine to whom or what a DNA or breath-sensor analysis consisting of alcohol or drug sample results may be. 
     It may be understood that, in other embodiments, the extendible light  100  comprises fewer or additional electronic devices, such as one or more of the electronic devices discussed above. 
       FIGS. 4A-4D  illustrate embodiments of tips  112  which may be reversibly mounted to the second end  102 B of the extendible light  100 . The tips  112  may be mounted in place by attachment mechanisms  114  configured to engage mating portions of the tips  112 . For example, the attachment mechanism  114  may comprise mechanical mechanisms, such as mating threads. In another example, the attachment mechanism  114  may comprise a magnet or any other suitable attachment mechanism. 
     The tips  112  may further be configured so as to be in electrical communication with other elements of the extendible light  100 . For example, the tips  112  may be in communication with the battery in order to receive electrical power. The tips  112  may further be in communication with the control panel  300 , allowing the extendible light user to activate the tips  112  via the control panel  300 , as appropriate. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 4A , the tip  112  may comprise a lighting device  400 . In one embodiment, the lighting device  400  comprises a light source  402  and an adjustable lens  404 . The light source  402  may comprise any mechanism for generating light known in the art, such as incandescent bulbs and light emitting diodes (LEDs). The adjustable lens  404  may be manipulated by the user to adjust the focus of light  408  generated by the light source  402 . So configured, the light  400  may provide light  408  in substantially all directions. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 4B , the tip  112  comprises an end cap  406  that is fabricated from a wear and skid resistant material which allows the user to repeatedly press the second end  102 B of the extendible light  100  into the ground to balance themselves when walking. The end cap  406  may further be hollow so as to fit around another tip  112 , such as the lighting device  400 , allowing each of the two tips  112  to be employed substantially concurrently. For example, the extendible light user may employ the extendible light  100  with the end cap  406  when walking and may remove the end cap  406 , as needed, to employ the lighting device  400 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 4C , the tip  112  may comprise a flare tip  410 . The flare tip  410  extends generally outward from the second end  102 B of the extendible light  100  in a conical configuration. In one embodiment, the flare tip  410  may be designed to direct light ahead of the extendible light, rather than in all directions, as in the embodiment of  FIG. 4A . For example, an interior surface  412  of the flare tip  410  may be provided with a highly reflective surface such that light  408  emitted from the lighting device  400  that impinges the interior surface  412  is reflected in front of the extendible light  100 . In alternative embodiments, the flare tip  410  may comprise a translucent material, such as a plastic or glass, configured to diffuse light impinging the flare tip  410 . Such diffusion may substantially reduce glare from the light  400 . The flare tip  410  may further comprise translucent material of a selected color, such as red or orange, so that light transmitted through the flare tip  410  appears as the selected color. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 4D , the tip  112  comprises a camera  414 . The camera  414  comprises a camera lens  416  and a camera flash  420 . As described above with respect to the light  400 , the camera  414  may be in communication with the battery for power and the control panel in order to allow the extendible light user to activate the camera. 
     In further embodiments, the camera  414  may comprise a still picture and/or video camera. In one embodiment, the multifunction display  302  of the control panel  300  may be used to preview images prior to taking a picture and also to review pictures taken by the camera  414 . In other embodiments, the video output of the video camera may be further viewed within the multifunction display  302 . A portable memory card or other memory device may also be inserted within the input/output port  316  of the control panel so as to transfer images to and from the extendible light  100 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 4E , the tip  112  comprises a pointed tip  422 . The pointed tip  422  is configured so as to allow the user of the extendible light  100  to press the pointed tip  422  into compliant surfaces, such as earth, allowing the user to stabilize themselves with the extendible light  100 . In certain embodiments, the pointed tip  422  may comprise a hard, wear resistant material such as a hard plastic, metal, or ceramic. 
     The embodiments of the extendible light  100  may also be configured to assist the user in a variety of dangerous circumstances. For example, as discussed below, the extendible light  100  may be provided with a plurality of sensing capabilities which identify dangers to the user and provide warnings. In alternative embodiments, the extendible light  100  may be configured so as to allow a user to signal for assistance, when needed. Thus, the embodiments of the extendible light  100  may enhance the safety of the user. 
       FIGS. 5A-5B  illustrates an embodiment of the extendible light  100  comprising an air quality monitor  500 . The air quality monitor  500  comprises an air intake  502  and an air measurement device  504 . Ambient air entering the air intake  502  is conveyed to the air measurement device  504 . The air measurement device  504  samples the received air for a variety of compounds which may be hazardous to the extendible light user. Examples of such compounds may include, but are not limited to, smoke, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and natural gas. In an alternative embodiment, the air quality monitor  500  may be employed as a breath analyzer to provide a measure of blood alcohol content. Upon detection of one or more compounds known to be hazardous, or alcohol, in greater than a selected concentration, the air measurement device  504  may communicate with the control panel  300 , indicating that a warning should be provided to the extendible light user. 
     The control panel  300  may provide a plurality of audio and/or visual indicators, alone or in combination, to convey a warning message to the extendible light user. In one example, the multifunction display  302  may display a warning message. In another example, one or more indicator lights  304  may flash. In a further example, the speaker  306  may provide an audio warning message. In an additional example, the handle  110  may produce a vibration  310  that may be felt by a user when touching the extendible light  100 . Advantageously, such warnings may serve to enhance the safety of the extendible light user, both in outdoor environments where the extendible light  100  may be employed, such as parks and forests, as well as urban or home environments. 
     In further embodiments, the extendible light  100  may be used as an emergency signaling device, as illustrated in  FIG. 6A . In the embodiment of  FIG. 6A , the arms  200  of the extendible light  100  are deployed and the body  104  is fully extended. The first end  102 A of the extendible light  100  is further placed on the ground such that the second end  102 B of the extendible light  100  extends upward. Additionally, the lighting device tip  400  of the extendible light  100  may be mounted and activated. So configured, the extendible light  100  shines a bright light in order to attract attention. 
     In a further embodiment, the extendible light  100  may be employed to broadcast a plurality of wireless distress signals  600  using an emergency transmitter device housed in the extendible light  100 . Such a distress signal  600  may be configured for receipt by a plurality of ground-based and/or satellite-based receivers  602 ,  604 . Upon receipt of the signal by one or more of the receivers  602 ,  604 , rescue personnel may be deployed to the site of the extendible light  100  so as to aid the user. 
     In an additional embodiment, the extendible light  100  may be employed as a motion detector. As illustrated in  FIG. 6B , the extendible light  100  is placed upright, with the body  104  extended and the arms  200  deployed such that the second end  102 B of the extendible light  100  extends upward. A motion detector, as known in the art, is then activated. The motion detector generates signals, such as infrared or laser beams  606  and/or acoustic waves  610  which extend outward from the extendible light  100  and allow detection of any moving objects, such as intruders, by the motion detector. When detecting a moving object, the motion detector communicates with the control panel  300  such that control panel  300  provides a plurality of audio and/or visual indicators, alone or in combination, to convey a warning message to the extendible light user, as discussed above. Thus, the motion detection capability of the extendible light may assist the extendible light user in securing a desired space, such as a room in a home or a campsite. 
     Although the foregoing description of certain embodiments of the present invention has shown, described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the details of the invention as illustrated as well the uses thereof, may be made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention.