Patent Publication Number: US-2004052091-A1

Title: Multi-purpose courtesy light device for seat belts

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] 1. Field of the Invention  
       [0002] The invention relates generally to light devices and, more particularly, to courtesy lights in automobiles.  
       [0003] 2. Description of Prior Art and Related Information  
       [0004] Trying to read material in an automobile can often times be a trying and treacherous endeavor. Many disadvantages are associated with conventional light fixtures within the cabin of a typical automobile. Such light fixtures are usually secured to the ceiling of the cabin, and are thus distant from the material or object of focus. The intensity of the light emitted from such devices are generally soft. Thus, the combination of distance and weak intensity leads to very poor lighting when a driver or passenger needs to focus on a particular object such as a map.  
       [0005] Furthermore, the usage of conventional reading lights within the automobile cabin is generally discouraged while the vehicle is moving because the light tends to distract other drivers, particularly at night. The distraction arises at least partially from the fact that the entire cabin is lit up as a result of the light shining from the cabin ceiling, even though the intensity of the lighting may be poor.  
       [0006] Some drivers keep flashlights stowed away in glove compartments or other areas within the cabin. An obvious disadvantage with this approach is that the driver or passenger must grapple around in search of the freely moving light. As with any object that is loosely stored in the cabin of a car, the object may be moved or simply lost. As a result, drivers may often divert their eyes from the road in search of a flashlight, thereby making themselves vulnerable to an accident.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007] In accordance with the present invention, structures and associated methods are disclosed which address these needs.  
       [0008] In one aspect, a multi-purpose light device is adapted for use by a user wearing an automobile seat belt. The device comprises a base configured to receive at least one battery. A main body is pivotally coupled to the base and movable between a closed position and an open position. The main body comprises a first side generally facing the base in the closed position and an opposite, second side generally facing away from the base in the closed position. A light source is included in the main body and configured to shine light from the first side. A clip is configured to be secured to a vehicular seat belt.  
       [0009] The light source comprises a light-emitting diode. The clip may be integral with the base or removably coupled to the base. The clip defines a substantially rectangular, prismatic space for receiving the seat belt. The may be configured to be permanently secured to the seat belt, or removably secured to the seat belt. The main body may comprise a picture frame disposed on the second side. Alternatively, a picture frame may be included in the base.  
       [0010] The device may further comprise a manual switch included in the main body and configured to turn the light source on and off. The light source may also be configured to automatically turn on when the main body is not in the closed position and to automatically shut off when the main body is in the closed position.  
       [0011] The base comprises a front side, a rear side, and an axis that extends between the front side and the rear side. The base is preferably pivotable about the axis.  
       [0012] The device further comprises a recharging mechanism electrically coupled to a car battery and the battery housed in the base.  
       [0013] In another aspect, an automotive seat belt assembly is provided. The assembly comprises an automobile seat belt including a waist strap and a light device coupled to the waist strap. The light device comprises a light source housed in a main body. The main body is pivotally movable between a closed position and a fully open position. The main body comprises a first side generally facing the waist strap in the closed position and an opposite, second side generally facing away from the waist strap in the closed position.  
       [0014] The light device further comprises a clip coupled to the waist strap. The main body is configured to pivot upwardly from the closed position. The light source is configured to shine light from the first side. The main body includes a picture frame disposed on the second side. The light device may further comprise a switch to turn the light source on and off. The switch may be manually operable or configured to automatically shut off when the main body is in the closed position, and configured to turn on the main body is not in the closed position.  
       [0015] The assembly may further comprise an electrical charging mechanism including least one wire carried by the waist strap and electrically coupled to a car battery for providing electrical power to the light device. The electrical charging mechanism may recharge a battery housed in the light device, or directly power the light device without a battery. The electrical charging mechanism may comprise a charging station adapted to charge the light device.  
       [0016] The charging station comprises at least one station contact. The light device further comprises a base to which the main body is pivotally coupled. The base comprises a charging contact adapted to mate with the station contact when the light device is coupled to the charging station.  
       [0017] A multi-purpose light device is provided for use in connection with an automobile having a seat belt with a waist strap. The base has a front side and a rear side. The base is configured to house at least one battery. A light source is included in the base and adapted to shine light from the front side. A manual switch is provided to turn the light source on and off. A securing mechanism couples the base to the waist strap of the seat belt. The securing mechanism may comprise a slotted clip, a wire clip, a spring loaded clip, or a permanent clip. The base may be removably coupled to or integral with the securing mechanism. The securing mechanism may also comprise a buckle having a first aperture and a second aperture.  
       [0018] A courtesy light device is also provided for use within an automobile having a seat belt receptacle. The device comprises a housing, and a goose-neck stand telescopically and incrementally extendable from the housing. The goose-neck comprises a first end substantially disposed within the housing and an opposite second end. A light source is coupled to the second end of the goose-neck stand. The housing may be integral with the seat belt receptacle. The housing is preferably disposed adjacent to the seat belt receptacle.  
       [0019] A method of shining light in a cabin of an automobile having a seat belt with a waist strap is also provided. The method comprises coupling to the waist strap a housing having a first portion and a second portion, disposing a light source in the second portion, rotating the second portion away from the first portion, and projecting light outwardly from the second portion. Rotating the second portion away from the first portion comprises automatically turning on the light source.  
       [0020] The method further comprises rotating the second portion toward the first portion, automatically shutting off the light source when the second portion is rotated to a fully closed position. Alternatively, the method may comprise manually turning the light source on, and manually turning the light source off.  
       [0021] The method further comprises the steps of detaching the housing from the waist strap, reattaching the housing to the waist strap, rotating the second portion about an axis extending generally perpendicular to a rear side of the second portion, and electrically charging the light source with a car battery.  
       [0022] A further method is provided for shining light in a cabin of an automobile having a seat belt with a waist strap. The method comprises securing a light source to the waist strap, turning the light source on, projecting light outwardly from the waist strap, and turning the light source off. The method further comprises detaching the light source from the waist strap, projecting light in any direction, and reattaching the light source to the waist strap.  
       [0023] In summary, a courtesy light device includes a housing removably coupled to a waist strap of a standard car seat belt. Various securing mechanisms are provided for coupling the housing to the waist strap. A light source is included in a flip portion of the housing. The flip portion may be moved from a closed position to an open position by rotating the flip portion upwardly away from a base of the housing. Light is projected from the light source out of the flip portion. The light source may also be included in the base itself, in which case the flip portion may be omitted from the housing. The device may be detached from the seat belt, used as a flashlight, or as an emergency flashing light, and reattached when completed.  
       [0024] The invention, now having been briefly summarized, may be better visualized by turning to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals.  
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0025]FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a first preferred embodiment of a seat belt assembly according to the invention;  
     [0026]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a first preferred multi-purpose light device according to the invention;  
     [0027]FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the first preferred light device;  
     [0028]FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a second preferred embodiment of a light device;  
     [0029]FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a third preferred embodiment of a light device;  
     [0030]FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a fourth preferred embodiment of a light device; and  
     [0031]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fifth preferred embodiment of a light device;  
     [0032]FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a sixth preferred embodiment of a light device;  
     [0033]FIG. 9 is a side view of a seventh preferred embodiment of a light device, illustrating the light device in a closed, retracted configuration;  
     [0034]FIG. 10 is a side view of the seventh preferred embodiment of the light device, illustrating the light device in an extended, operative configuration; and  
     [0035]FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a preferred light assembly including a charging station. 
    
    
     [0036] The invention and its various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description wherein illustrated embodiments are described. It is to be expressly understood that the illustrated embodiments are set forth as examples and not by way of limitations on the invention as ultimately defined in the claims.  
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND BEST MODE OF INVENTION  
     [0037]FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a first preferred embodiment of a seat belt assembly  10  comprising a preferred multi-purpose light device  20  according to the invention. The seat belt assembly  10  may comprise a conventional seat belt having a shoulder strap  22 , a waist strap  24  and a belt buckle  26  . The preferred multi-purpose light  20  is preferably coupled to the waist strap  24  and adapted to flip between a closed position A and a fully open position B. FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the light  20  in the closed position A.  
     [0038] In FIG. 3, the device  20  comprises a housing  27 . In the first preferred embodiment, the housing  27  comprises a first portion, or base,  28  configured to house one or more batteries, and a second portion, or main body,  31  that is pivotally coupled to the base  28 . In FIGS. 1 and 3, the pivotable, or “flippable”, main body  31  comprises a first, or inner, side  33  that faces the waist strap  24  when the device  20  is in the closed position A, shown in FIG. 1, and an second, or outer, side  35  that faces away from the waist strap  24  when the device  20  is in the closed position A, also shown in FIG. 1. The base  28  may comprise a battery box having a front side  29  and a rear side  30 . Thus, the base  28  and main body  31  collectively form the housing  27  that is adapted to be coupled to a waist strap as described further below.  
     [0039] A clip  37  serves to secure the device  20  to the waist strap  24 . The clip  37  may be integral with or removably coupled to the base  28 . In the illustrated embodiment, the clip  37  is coupled to the rear side  30  of the base  28 . The clip  37  defines a substantially rectangular, prismatic space  39  that is adapted for receiving the waist strap  24 . In particular, the clip  37  includes a pair of centrally extending arms  38  spaced apart from each other by a gap, or slot,  40  through which the waist strap may be inserted and removed. A plurality of protuberances, or bumps,  41  are provided on inner surfaces defining the space  39 . The bumps  41  serve to provide friction against an inserted waist strap, thereby coupling the device  20  more securely to the waist strap.  
     [0040] Since the waist straps of conventional seat belts are generally standardized, it will be appreciated that the clip  37  is particularly configured to be coupled, or retrofitted onto, any waist strap of a standard seat belt. With the standard seat belt having a width of approximately 1⅞ th  inches, the clip  37  may be configured to have an inner width W slightly less than the width of the waist strap such that the edges of the waist strap contact the inner surfaces defining the space  39 .  
     [0041] Though the base  28  is shown in a generally horizontal position in FIG. 3, it will be appreciated that the base  28  has a top portion  42  and a bottom portion  44  as defined by the position of the device  20  in operation, as shown in FIG. 1. The main body  31  is preferably hinged to the sides  45  such that the main body  31  flips, or rotates, upwardly from the closed position, as shown in FIG. 1. A light source  46  is included in the main body  31  and disposed on the inner side  33 . Thus, the source  46  shines light outwardly from the inner side  33 . By being pivotally coupled to the sides  45  of the base  28 , light is initially directed at the seat belt, then downwardly, and finally away from the user as the main body  31  is rotated. It will be appreciated that this pivoting action generally facilitates the light being shone downwardly. This is generally preferable for all users, especially the driver, as it allows the object of attention to be laid in the user&#39;s lap. As a result, the user need not raise the object of attention to eye level which might otherwise distract the user from watching the road.  
     [0042] The coupling of the light device  20  to the waist strap  24  is also preferable as it enables the object of attention to be placed closer to the light source  46 , yielding improved visibility. Furthermore, the light source  46  preferably comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which provide brighter and better focused light than that found in common reading lights.  
     [0043] In FIG. 3, the clip  37  is illustrated as removable. It will be appreciated, therefore, that a user may remove the multi-purpose light device  20  from the waist strap  24  and use the device  20  in any manner desired. For example, the device  20  may be removed from the waist strap  24  and used as a flashlight. The user may get out of the vehicle and use the device  20 , for example, to look at the engine or the trunk, or to change a tire. When the user is done with the device  20 , the clip  37  allows the user to simply couple the device  20  back onto the waist strap  24 , thereby minimizing any chance of the device  20  being lost. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the main body  31  further comprises a picture frame  48  adapted to display a picture  51  on the outer side  35 . In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS.  1 - 3 , a manual switch  53  is provided to enable the user to turn the light source  46  on and off.  
     [0044] In FIG. 3, the base  28  may be configured to pivot or rotate with respect to the securing mechanism  37 . In particular, the base  28  may be pivotable about an axis “C” that extends generally perpendicular to a plane defined by the base rear side  30 . For example, a fastener  54  may be inserted through the securing mechanism  37  to rotatably engage the base  28 . Thus, in the view shown in FIG. 2, the entire device  20  may be rotated in a clockwise direction “D” or a counterclockwise direction “E”.  
     [0045] A second preferred embodiment of the light device is shown in FIG. 4 and designated generally by the reference numeral  20   a . In this embodiment, elements of similar structure are designated by the same reference numerals followed by the lower case letter “a”. The main body  31   a  may be composed of a substantially transparent material. Instead of being disposed on the outer side  35   a  of the main body  31  a, it will be appreciated that a picture  51   a  may be disposed on the inner side  33   a  of the transparent main body  31   a  and thus be displayed through the transparent main body  31   a . The picture  51   a  may be secured by a backing  55  which may be composed of mylar with adhesive, for example.  
     [0046] In the second preferred embodiment, the light source  46   a  may be configured to automatically switch on and off depending upon the position of the main body  31   a . In particular, the light source  46   a  may be configured to shut off when the main body  31  a is in the closed position, and configured to turn on when the main body  31   a  is in any position other than the closed position. Thus, as soon as the main body  31   a  is rotated from the closed position, the light source  46   a  automatically turns on.  
     [0047] It is to be expressly understood that a variety of securing mechanisms may be employed to couple the lighting device to a waist strap of a seat belt. For example, in FIG. 4, the second preferred light device  20   b  comprises a wire clip  57  coupled to a rear side  30   a  of the base  28   a . Configured to receive a waist strap of a standard automobile seat belt, the wire clip  57  includes a plurality of arms  59  adapted to sufficiently receive the waist strap while latching onto mating openings on rear side  30   a.    
     [0048] A further securing mechanism is shown in a third preferred embodiment of a light device  20   b  illustrated in FIG. 5. Elements of similar structure are designated by the same reference numerals followed by the lower case letter “b”. In this embodiment, the a spring loaded securing mechanism  62  is provided. In particular, a spring mechanism  64 , such as a torsion spring, biases a flanged clip  68  toward a rear side  30   b  of a base  28   b . Protuberances  41   b  may be provided on an inner surface  71  of the flanged clip  68 .  
     [0049] Since a main body  31   b  may be composed of a substantially transparent material, it will be appreciated that a photograph  51   b  may be disposed on a front side  29   b  of the base  28   b  and secured by a transparent mylar backing  55   b . A transparent mylar cover with adhesive  55   b  retains the photograph  51   b  in place. The photograph  51   b  can thus be displayed through the transparent mylar cover  55   b  and the main body  31   b.    
     [0050] A fourth preferred embodiment of a light device  20   c  is illustrated in FIG. 6 wherein elements of similar structure are designated by the same reference numeral followed by the lower case letter “c”. In FIG. 6, the light device  20   c  comprises a securing mechanism  73  adapted to be secured to the waist strap of a standard seat belt at all times. In FIG. 6, the securing mechanism  73  comprises an inner portion  75  that is preferably fastened to an outer portion  77  by, for example, screws  79 . When fastened, the inner portion  75  and outer portion  77  collectively define a substantially, rectangular prismatic space  39   c  for receiving a waist strap. Thus, the securing mechanism  73  cannot be removed without intentionally loosening the fasteners  79 , thereby preventing any incidental dislodgment.  
     [0051] The securing mechanism  73  may be formed integrally with or separate from the remainder of the device  20 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outer portion  77  of the securing mechanism  73  includes a track  82  configured to receive a corresponding key  84  disposed on a rear side  30   c  of the base  28   c . In the fourth preferred embodiment  20   c , the pivotable main body of previous embodiments is omitted. Instead, a light source  46   c  is included in the base  28   c  and configured to shine light outwardly from a front side  29   c . A manual light switch  53   c  is provided to enable the user to turn the light on and off.  
     [0052] Since the base  28   c  is detachable from the securing mechanism  73 , it will be appreciated that the base  28   c , which includes the light source  46   b , may serve as a flashlight. A user can remove the base  28   c  from the securing mechanism  73  and direct light upon anything desired. The user may even step out of the car and take the removed base  28   c  to use, for example, in searching a car trunk. Though the base  28   c  is detachable from the securing mechanism  73 , chances of losing the base  28   c  are minimized as the securing mechanism  73  provides a home for retaining the base  28   c . Furthermore, since the securing mechanism  73  is adapted to constantly remain on the waist strap, it serves as a reminder to the user who straps on the seat belt to reattach the base  28   c.    
     [0053] A fifth preferred embodiment of a light device  20   d  is illustrated in FIG. 7 wherein elements of similar structure are designated by the same reference numeral followed by the lower case letter “d”. In the fifth preferred embodiment  20   d , a securing mechanism  86  is preferably formed integrally with a base  28   d . In particular, the securing mechanism  86  comprises a first pair of arms  88  and a second pair of arms  90 . Each pair defines a substantially rectangular aperture  92  with a gap  94  for insertion and removal of a waist strap  24 . Each pair of arms  88 ,  90  protrudes laterally from the sides  45  of the base  28   d  such that the apertures  92  are disposed laterally of the base sides  45 . The securing mechanism  86  thus preferably functions as a buckle wherein a waist strap is threaded through both apertures  92  to secure the light device  20   d . A notch  98  is formed in the aperture  92  to accommodate any central protrusions found in conventional waist straps.  
     [0054] A sixth preferred embodiment of a light device  20   e  is illustrated in FIG. 8 wherein elements of similar structure are designated by the same reference numeral followed by the lower case letter “e”. In FIG. 8, the light device  20   e  comprises a main body  31  e pivotable with respect to a base  28   e , similar to those of the above discussed embodiments. The base  28   e  is removably coupled to a securing mechanism  73   e  similar to the mechanism  73  shown in FIG. 6, except that the securing mechanism  73   e  comprises a clip that also facilitates in providing electrical power to the device  20   e.    
     [0055] In particular, the securing mechanism  73   e  comprises electrical contacts  101  disposed on an outer surface  103  of the clip  73   e . Corresponding contacts are disposed on a rear side  30   e  of the base  28   e  and configured to recharge a battery housed therein. The contacts  101  are electrically coupled to wires  105  which may be embedded or otherwise carried by the seat belt for connection to a car battery. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the embodiment  20   e  may be provided as either a rechargeable device or as a self-charging, battery-less device. Where a battery is housed within the base  28   e , the battery may be recharged by the electrical source. In such an embodiment, the base  28   e  may be detachable from the securing mechanism  73   e . Alternatively, the battery may be omitted altogether as electrical power for the device may simply be provided by the car battery which is electrically coupled to the device  20   e  by the wires  105  and contacts  101 . In such a case, the base  28   e  is preferably secured to the securing mechanism  73   e  at all times, though the base  28   e  may nonetheless be pivotable with respect to the securing mechanism  73   e.    
     [0056] The securing mechanism  73   e  also comprises a locking pin  107  to pin down or pierce the waist strap so that the device  20   e  may be fixed at a precise location on the waist strap and any incidental movement along the strap is prevented.  
     [0057]FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a seventh preferred embodiment of a light device  20   f . The device  20   f  comprises a housing  110  that may be coupled to a car floor  112  or other mechanical supports. The device  20   f  is preferably configured to extend vertically from the floor  112  or from other similar supports. The housing  110  is preferably disposed adjacent to or integrated with a seat belt receptacle  114  that is configured to receive a standard belt buckle  115 . A light source  116  is disposed within an enclosure, or body  118 . The body  118  is coupled to a stand  121  that is telescoped within the housing  110 . The stand  121  preferably comprises a “goose-neck” stand that is malleable, but sufficiently rigid to hold its shape after being manipulated by the user.  
     [0058] When inoperative, the stand  121  may be telescoped within the housing  110  as shown in FIG. 9. In use, the body  118  is pulled upwardly and away from the housing  110 . The stand  121  is thus incrementally and telescopically extendable from the housing  110 . With the aid of the stand  121 , the body  118  may be bent and angled to shine light in any desired direction. A plurality of mechanisms, such as a ratchet mechanism, for example, may be provided to releasably lock the stand  121  at particular points along the height of the housing  110 .  
     [0059]FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a seat belt light assembly  200 . The assembly  200  comprises a light device  20   g . In FIG. 11, elements of similar structure are designated by the same reference numeral followed by the lower case letter “g”. The light device  20   g  thus includes a pivotable main body  31   g  coupled to a base  28   g . A light source  46   g is included in the main body  31   g  and may be activated by a manual switch  53   g , or, in the alternative, automatically switched on and off by the pivoting action of the main body  31   g  as previously discussed. A securing mechanism  73   g  coupled to a back side  30   g  of the base  28   g  is adapted to secure the device  20   g  onto a waist strap  24  of a standard automobile seat belt. The securing mechanism  73   g  may comprises a flexible strap  222  that defines a channel  224  which receives the waist strap  24 . A first strap portion  226  may include a plurality of hooks  228  adapted to mate with a plurality of loops  231  formed on a second strap portion  233 , such as a Velcro® device.  
     [0060] The assembly  200  includes a docking, or charging, station  240  of particular interest. The charging station  240  comprises station contacts  242  electrically coupled to wires  244  that, for example, may be coupled to the car battery. The station  240  includes a receptacle  246  that conforms to the external shape of the base  28   g  for a secure fit. In particular, the base  28   g  includes charging contacts  248  that are positioned to mate with the station contacts  242  when the light device  20   g  is coupled to the station  240 . The station  240  may be rigidly fixed to the waist strap  24  at a particular position, or movable along the strap  24 . The station  240  is preferably located adjacent to the waist strap  24  such that it does not get in the way of the driver.  
     [0061] Even though particular embodiments of the clip and light source have been illustrated in connection with certain preferred embodiments of the light device, it is to be expressly understood that a light device according to the invention may comprise any of the clips disclosed above or any other clip adapted to be coupled to a waist strap of a standard seat belt in combination with any of the other features disclosed in the preferred embodiments. It is to be further understood that a light device according to the invention may comprise a light source included in a pivotable main body or in a base, which light source may be in combination with any of the other features disclosed in the preferred embodiments.  
     [0062] Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of examples and that they should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different ones of the disclosed elements.  
     [0063] The words used in this specification to describe the invention and its various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification the generic structure, material or acts of which they represent a single species.  
     [0064] The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to not only include the combination of elements which are literally set forth. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.  
     [0065] Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.  
     [0066] The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptionally equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what incorporates the essential idea of the invention.