Patent Publication Number: US-10782004-B2

Title: Systems and methods for a ladder with integrated lights

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims a benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/134,116 filed Mar. 17, 2015, which is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     Field of the Disclosure 
     Examples of the present disclosure are related to systems and methods for a ladder with integrated lights. More particularly, embodiments relate to a lighting device that is configured to couple with an end of the ladder, wherein the lighting device emits different types of lights in different directions. 
     Background 
     Conventionally a ladder is a vertical or inclined set of rungs or steps. Firemen typically use extension or telescopic ladders that are divided into two or more lengths for more convenient storage. The lengths can be slid together for storage or slid apart to expend the length of the ladder. 
     During a response event, to access an elevated floor in a multistory building, a first responder will position the ladder against one of the windows in the building or roof. Responsive to breaking the window, the first responder can access the elevated floor. Once inside the building, the first responder may assist in putting out the fire and/or saving victims in various rooms within the building. 
     However, during a fire, smoke is emitted within the building. This smoke limits the fire fighter&#39;s view of the ladder and the rooms within the building. Due to the smoke, when the first responder is assisting putting out the fire and/or saving victims in various rooms on the floor, the first responder may not be able to locate the location of the ladder. 
     Accordingly, needs exist for more effective and efficient systems and methods for a lighting device that is configured to couple with an end of the ladder, wherein the lighting device emits different types of lights in different directions. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a lighting device that is configured to couple with the end of a ladder. The lighting device may be configured to illuminate a room within a building, a roof top, or any other opening associated with a structure (referred to hereinafter collectively and individually as “building”). The lighting device may be configured to emit different types of light, wherein the different types of lights may be projected in different, predetermined directions. Therefore, a firefighter within the building may be able to determine the location of the ladder and objects within the room, even if heavy smoke is positioned within the building. Additionally, the firefighter may be able to enter the building quicker because the firefighter may not have to bring an extra light or tool to break a window. The light within the building may also allow the firefighter to quickly locate the ladder to exit the building quicker. 
     In embodiments, the lighting device may be configured to couple with an end of the ladder. The lighting device may include projections that are configured to slide into a hollowed out chamber or slots within the rails of the ladder. Responsive to sliding the projections into the ladder, a base surface of the lighting device may be positioned adjacent to the end of the ladder and the outer surface of the rails may be flush with the sides of the lighting device. In other embodiments, the lighting device may include a stump, coupling mechanism, etc. that spans the width of the projections. The coupling mechanism may be configured to be inserted within the chamber of the ladder to couple the lighting device to the ladder. 
     In embodiments, the lighting device may include an internal compartment, lighting channel, and an external blade. 
     The internal compartment may be configured to house a battery and processor for the lighting device. The internal compartment may be a separate chamber than the lighting channel, wherein the internal compartment may be centrally located within the lighting device. 
     The lighting channel may be positioned on an external, outer circumference of the lighting device, wherein different types of lights may be positioned within the lighting channel. For example, a first type of light may be positioned proximate to a first end of the lighting channel, and a second type of light may be positioned from the first type of light to a second end of the lighting channel. 
     In embodiments, the first type of light may be configured to illuminate the floor or a departure area. The second type of light may be configured to illuminate the building, the area above the ladder, and the area behind the ladder. Utilizing the different types of lights, firefighters within the building may be able to quickly determine the location of the ladder, while also illuminating the area within the building. Additionally, utilizing the lights, others positioned outside of the building may also be able to quickly determine the location of the ladder. 
     In embodiments, the external blade may be a metal blade or cutting surface that is configured to extend away from the circumference of the lighting device, and extend on a face of the lighting device from the first end of the lighting device to the second end of the lighting device. Responsive to positioning the lighting device against a window, the external blade may be configured to shatter, break, etc. the window. The external blade may be configured to extend across the circumference of the ladder such that the blade may shatter the window regardless of the orientation of the ladder. 
     These, and other, aspects of the invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. The following description, while indicating various embodiments of the invention and numerous specific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many substitutions, modifications, additions or rearrangements may be made within the scope of the invention, and the invention includes all such substitutions, modifications, additions or rearrangements. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. 
         FIG. 1  depicts a lighting device, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a top view of a lighting device, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a side view of lighting device, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a lighting device, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a lighting device, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  depicts a method for utilizing a lighting device, according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art that the specific detail need not be employed to practice the present embodiments. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present embodiments. 
     Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a lighting device that is configured to be integrated with a rail of a ladder. The lighting device may be configured to illuminate a room within a building with different types of lights, wherein the lights are positioned in different, predetermined locations. Therefore, a firefighter within the building may be able to determine the location of the ladder even if heavy smoke is positioned within the building. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 1  depicts one embodiment of a lighting device  100 , wherein lighting device  100  is configured to couple with an end of a rail of a ladder. Lighting device  100  may include projections  110 , overhang  112 , internal compartment  120 , external circumference  130 , and lighting channel  140 . 
     Projections  110  may be projections, outcrops, protrusions, etc. that extend away from a body of lighting device  100 . A first projection  110  may be configured to be positioned proximate to a first end  142  of lighting device  110 , and a second projection  110  may be configured to be positioned proximate to a second end  144  of lighting device  100 . The first projection  110  and the second projection  110  may be spaced at a distance that corresponds with the internal width of a ladder. In embodiments, a single projection  110  may be used, wherein the single projection includes a unifying plate, face, etc. between the first and second outcrops. Projections  110  may be configured to slide into a hollow rail of the ladder or slots within the ladder configured to receive projections  110 . Responsive to sliding projections  110  into the ladder, projections  110  may be positioned adjacent to the inner sidewalls of the ladder. 
     Overhangs  112  may be an outcrop, protrusion, etc. that is configured to extend perpendicularly away from the ends of projections  110 . Overhangs  112  may have substantially the same width as the thickness of the rail of the ladder. Responsive to sliding projections  110  into the rail of the ladder, overhangs  112  may be configured to be positioned adjacent to the end of the ladder. Furthermore, because overhangs  112  have substantially the same width as the thickness of the rail of the ladder, when overhangs  112  are positioned adjacent to the ends of the ladder, the outer sides of rail may be positioned flush with the ends of overhangs  112 . 
     Internal compartment  120  may be a housing configured to store the processor and battery associated with lighting device  100 . Internal compartment  120  may be a separate housing from lighting channel  140 , which stores the light emitters. In embodiments, internal compartment  120  may be accessed via an orifice on a first sidewall of lighting device  110 . Furthermore, internal compartment  120  may extend into the body of the rail of the ladder when lighting device  100  is coupled with the ladder. Therefore, when internal compartment  120  is positioned within a ladder, the lowest surface of internal compartment may be vertically below a top surface of the ladder and overhangs  112 . Internal compartment  120  may extend into the body of the rail to increase the storage space of internal compartment  120 , and to provide further protection from the components stored within internal compartment  120 . 
     More specifically, a first portion of internal compartment  120  may be configured to be positioned within the rail of a ladder when lighting device  100  is coupled with the ladder, and a second portion of internal compartment  120  may be positioned outside of the rail of the ladder when lighting device  100  is coupled with the ladder. In embodiments, components that are less susceptible to environmental hazards may be positioned within the second portion of internal compartment  120 , and components that are more susceptible to environmental hazards may be positioned within the first portion of internal compartment  120 . 
     External circumference  130  may be form a boundary, perimeter, or border for lighting device  100  when lighting device  100  is inserting into a rail of ladder. External circumference  130  may form a rounded, semi-circle that extends from first end  142  of lighting device  100  to second end  144  of lighting device  100 . In embodiments, external circumference  130  may have an apex at the middle of external circumference. 
     Lighting channel  140  may be a channel, groove, depression, etc. positioned on external circumference  130 , wherein lighting channel  140  may be centrally located across external circumference  130 . Additionally, lighting channel  140  may have a uniform width and depth that extends from a point proximate to first end  142  of lighting device  100  to a point proximate to second end  144  of lighting device  100 . Lighting channel  140  may be configured to house and store lights for lighting device  100 . Lighting channel  140  may also include a protective shield that is configured to slide over lighting channel  140  to protect the lights positioned within lighting channel  140 . Lighting channel  140  may not be extend to first end  142  or second end  144  of lighting device  100  to protect the lights positioned within lighting channel  144 , and also so lights positioned at first end  142  or second end  144  protect away from lighting device  100  at an angle that is tangential to a ladder. 
     In embodiments, different types of lights may be positioned within lighting channel  140 . For example, a first type of light may be positioned proximate to first end  142  of lighting channel  140 , and a second type of light may be positioned from the first type of light to second end  144  of lighting channel  140 . The first type of light may be configured to illuminate the floor or a departure area. The second type of light may be configured to illuminate the building, the area above the ladder, and the area behind the ladder. Utilizing the different types of lights, firefighters within the building may be able to quickly determine the location of the ladder via the first type of lights, while the second type of lights illuminates the area within the building. Additionally, utilizing the lights, others positioned outside of the building may also be able to quickly determine the location of the ladder. The first type of light may be configured to emit a type of light that is beneficial where a region of interest may be closer to lighting channel  140 , whereas the second type of light may be configured to emit a type of light that is beneficial where a region of interest is more distal to lighting channel  140 . For example, it may be desirable for a first type of light to be shown on a floor surface of a building, whereas it may also be desirable for a second type of light to be emitted into a room. 
     More specifically, lighting device  100  may include different types of lights, wherein the different types of lights may emit different types and/or colors of lights. 
     The first type of light  710  may be a light emitting diode (LED) positioned within lighting channel  140 , at a position that is proximate to first end  142 . The first type of light  710  may be positioned proximate to the first end  142  of lighting device  100  so that when light device  100  is positioned within a window, light  710  may emit light on a floor surface directly below lighting device  100 . In embodiments, the first type of light  710  may be configured to emit light in the visible light spectrum. The first type of light  710  may be configured to emit visible light. Accordingly, when a firefighter is within a building, the firefighter may be able to quickly determine the location of the ladder. In embodiments, the first type of light  710  may be a departure illuminator. When the departure illuminator is positioned within a window, the departure illuminator may be configured to illuminate the floor of a room accessed via the window. The departure illuminator may point directly below the end of the ladder to a distant wall. Therefore, the departure illuminator may assist firefighters in seeing around the room under thick smoke. Additionally, the departure illuminator may assist firefighters in finding the ladder once inside the room. 
     The second type of light may be LEDs configured to emit visible light and infrared light. The second type of lights may be positioned at even intervals within light channel  140  at a position proximate to first type of light  710  to a position proximate second end  144  of light channel  140 . The second type of lights may be configured to blink at a predetermined and/or repetitive pattern, wherein the second type of lights may emit light in front, above, and behind lighting device  100 . In embodiments, the second type of lights may be configured to emit infrared light having a longer wavelength than those of visible light, such that a drone flying above the second type of lights may be able to determine the location of the ladder. Additionally, the second type of lights may be configured to emit light with a longer wavelength than the first type of light  710  so that the second type of lights may illuminate an entire room within a building. Whereas, the first type of light  710  may be a spot light that is configured to clearly illuminate a single area. In embodiments, the second type of lights may be beacon lights. The beacon lights may be utilized by command to have a visual reference of the placement of all ladders on the fire ground for more accurate operational control. When the beacon lights are placed on a roof of a building, the beacon lights allow firefighters to know where the ladder is located in the event of a roof collapse. When the beacon lights are placed within a window, the beacon lights may illuminate smoke in the corresponding room, such that firefighters operating inside the building have a reference of what room the ladders is located in for quicker rescue and extraction. 
     In embodiments, a second sidewall of lighting device  100  may be comprised of a unitary piece. The second sidewall may utilize the unitary piece to protect the components housed within internal compartment. However, the second sidewall may have the same shape as the first sidewall. 
       FIG. 2  depicts one embodiment of a top view of lighting device  100 . As depicted in  FIG. 2 , lighting channel  140  may be a depression, groove, etc. positioned along the external circumference  130 , wherein lighting channel  140  may have the same arc as external circumference  130 . Additionally, lighting channel  140  may extend from the first end of lighting device  100  to the second end of lighting device  100  forming uniform channel. Lights may be disposed throughout lighting device  100  such that light emitted from lighting channel  140  may emit light in a plurality of directions, which may extend around a full semi-circle. 
       FIG. 3  depicts one embodiment of a side view of lighting device  100 . As depicted in  FIG. 3 , a first sidewall  310  of lighting device  100  may include a cover  320 . Cover  320  may be configured to cover internal compartment  120 . Cover  320  may be a removable compartment that is substantially the same shape of internal compartment  120 . In embodiments, if the components housed within internal compartment  120  need repairing or replacing, then cover  320  may be removed from internal compartment  120 . 
       FIG. 4  depicts schematics of lighting device  100 , according to an embodiment. Elements represented in  FIG. 4  may be substantially the same as other previously described embodiments. Therefore, for the sake of brevity an additional description of these elements is omitted. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 4 , lighting channel  140  may extend one hundred-seventy degrees around external circumference. Accordingly, when lighting device  100  is positioned within a window, first end  142  of lighting device may be angled at a downward angle, which may be utilized to illuminate a surface directly below and in-front of lighting device  100 . 
     Furthermore, channel  140  may be recessed from an outer circumference  410  of lighting device  100 . Lights positioned within the recession may have emitted light that is able to be emitted within the channel, and refracted or reflected off the sidewalls of the channel  140 , which may allow for greater light dispersion or focus over an area of interest. 
       FIG. 5  depicts one embodiment of a lighting device  500 . Elements represented in lighting device  500  may be substantially the same as other previously described embodiments. Therefore, for the sake of brevity an additional description of these elements is omitted. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 5 , lighting device  500  may include a cutting or breaking blade  510 , wherein cutting blade  510  may be positioned on a first side of lighting device  500 , wherein cutting blade is an extension of the sidewall of lighting device  500 . Cutting blade  510  may be positioned on a first side of lighting device  500  so that light from the light emitters is not obstructed by cutting blade  510 . However, in other embodiments, cutting blades  510  may be positioned on both sides of lighting device  500 . 
     Cutting blade  510  may be a metal blade or comprised of other rigid materials, which projects away from the external circumference of lighting device  500 . Cutting blade  510  may extend from first end  142  of lighting device  500  to second end  144  of lighting device  500 . Cutting blade  510  may extend across the entire circumference of lighting device  500  so it does not matter which end of lighting device is positioned forward when breaking a window. Accordingly, both sides of cutting blade  510  may be utilized to break a window. In embodiments, because cutting blade  510  may extend from first end  142  to second end  144  of lighting device  500 , cutting blade  510  may have a longer length than channel  140 . 
     In embodiments, responsive to positioning a top end of a ladder proximate to a window, cutting blade  510  may be positioned adjacent to the window. When cutting blade  510  contacts the window, cutting blade  510  may apply sufficient force against the window to break the window. Therefore, by utilizing a lighting device  500  within an integrated cutting blade  510  that extends across the circumference of lighting device  500 , firefighters may reduce the amount of time necessary to break and enter or exit out of a window. 
       FIG. 6  depicts a method  600  for utilizing a lighting device. The operations of method  600  presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some embodiments, method  600  may be accomplished with one or more additional operations not described, and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the operations of method  600  are illustrated in  FIG. 6  and described below is not intended to be limiting. 
     At operation  610 , a lighting device may be coupled to the end of a rail of a ladder. The lighting device may be coupled to the rail by aligning projections extending away from the body of the lighting device with slots within the rail. Responsive to inserting the projections into the slots, the lighting device may be coupled to the rail, wherein the sides of the lighting device may be flush with the sides of the rail. 
     At operation  620 , a ladder may be positioned proximate to a window, and a cutting blade on the lighting device may be positioned adjacent to the window. Responsive to the cutting blade being positioned adjacent to the window, the cutting blade may break or shatter the window. When the cutting blade shatters the window, the lighting device may be positioned within the building, window, wall, entry point, etc. on the opposite side of the building as the base of the ladder. 
     At operation  630 , a first light positioned on proximate to a first end of the lighting device may emit light on a floor surface directly below the lighting device. The first light may be configured to emit visible light, wherein when a firefighter is within a building, the firefighter may be able to quickly determine the location of the ladder or obstructions in a departure area proximate to the ladder. 
     At operation  640 , second lights positioned from the first light to the second end of the lighting device may emit light within the building, above the building, and behind the ladder. The second lights may be positioned at even intervals from the first light to the second end, wherein the second lights may be configured to blink and/or emit light at repetitive intervals. In embodiments, the second lights may emit a different type of light than the first type of light, which may be utilized to communicate a numbered unit. 
     At operation  650 , utilizing the first light and the second lights positioned within the building a firefighter may be able to quickly determine the location of the ladder within the room, while also having the room illuminated. Therefore, a firefighter may be able to quickly enter and/or exit the building. In other words, individuals within a structure may be able to see the lights emitted by the ladder, and exit the building. 
     Although the present technology has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be combined with one or more features of any other implementation. 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, it is appreciated that the figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.