Patent Publication Number: US-8967824-B2

Title: Portable light having a modular base

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     People often engage in activities wherein a portable light is useful, both for illuminating the object of one&#39;s attention, as well as for providing a warning to others that one is present. For example, many people are active during the nighttime for reasons such as their job, exercise, transportation, and maintenance of their property. A portable light may be critical to illuminate the individual&#39;s surroundings so as to effectively perform their objective and avoid potential hazards. The use of a handheld light as a signaling device has been common since its inception. For example, a person riding a bicycle or walking along a street at night may opt to employ a portable light to warn drivers to the person&#39;s presence, thereby increasing the safety of such activities. 
     However, various styles of portable lights may not be suitable for more than one role, often as a result of their means of attachment. For example, a portable light primarily configured to be carried in the hand may not be suitable for use during cycling when one needs one&#39;s hands to control the bicycle. Likewise, a light configured to be worn about an individual&#39;s head may not be suitable for illuminating certain types of dangers, such as those presented by stairs during a power outage. As such, what is needed is a portable light source having a modular design capable of affixing to various bases in various situations. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a lighting device is provided, the lighting device comprising: a housing having a first engagement element extending about the housing&#39;s outer periphery; a light source; a power source; and a base portion having a second engagement element extending about the base portion&#39;s interior, wherein the housing is configured to removably connect to the base portion through a mating between the first engagement element and the second engagement element. 
     In another embodiment, a light is provided, the light comprising: a housing; a light source; a power source; and a base portion having a mounting portion, wherein the mounting portion includes at least one of a clip, a spring clip, a magnet, a clamp, a suction cup, a hook and loop fastener, and a strap; and wherein the housing is configured to removably connect to the base portion. 
     In another embodiment, an illuminating device is provided, the illuminating device comprising: a housing having a first engagement element; a light source; and a power source; wherein the housing is configured to removably connect to a base portion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various example apparatuses, systems, and methods, and are used merely to illustrate various example embodiments. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an example arrangement of a portable light having a modular base. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an example arrangement of a portable light having a modular base. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an example arrangement of a portable light having a modular base. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an example arrangement of a portable light having a modular base. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an example arrangement of a portable light having a modular base. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded view of an example arrangement of a portable light having a modular base. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an example arrangement of a portable light having a modular base. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an example arrangement of a portable light having a modular base. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an example arrangement of a portable light having a modular base. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an example arrangement of a portable light having a modular base. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an example arrangement of a portable light having a modular base. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an exploded view of an example arrangement of a portable light having a modular base. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example arrangement of a portable light having a modular base  100 . Portable light  100  includes a housing  105 . In one embodiment, housing  105  includes a first engagement element  110  extending about housing  105 &#39;s outer periphery. Portable light  100  also includes a lens  115  and a light source  120 . Portable light  100  may include a base portion  125 . 
     Housing  105  may have a substantially round profile as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Housing  105  may have a profile of any of various shapes, including for example, square, quadrilateral, elliptical, or semi-circular. In another embodiment, housing  105  has any regular or irregular polygonal profile. In one embodiment, housing  105  includes a plurality of grip-enhancing elements about its outer periphery. Grip-enhancing elements may include a series of dimples, raised portions, textured portions, or other elements to enhance a user&#39;s grip of housing  105 . In one embodiment, housing  105  includes an angled profile, such that the plane of housing  105 &#39;s front opening and the plane of housing  105 &#39;s rear opening are not parallel to one another. Such an angled profile allows a user to rotate housing  105  within base portion  125  so as to adjust or alter the direction of light produced by portable light  100 . In another embodiment, housing  105  includes a front opening plane and rear opening plane that are parallel to one another. Housing  105  may be formed of a variety of materials, including for example, a metal, an alloy, a polymer, and a composite. 
     In one embodiment, housing  105  includes a first engagement element  110  extending about housing  105 &#39;s interior or periphery. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , first engagement element  110  may extend about the outer periphery of housing  105 . First engagement element  110  may be uninterrupted or interrupted about the periphery of housing  105 . First engagement element  110  may be concave or convex relative to housing  105 . First engagement element  110  may comprise a raised portion such as a ridge, a recessed portion such as a groove, or both. In one embodiment, first engagement element  110  is interrupted repeatedly about the periphery of housing  105  so as to form a series of notches. In another embodiment, first engagement element  110  is continuous about the periphery of housing  105  so as to form a circumferential groove. In another embodiment, first engagement element  110  is continuous about the periphery of housing  105  so as to form a circumferential groove, which allows housing  105  to rotate relative to base portion  125 . In another embodiment, first engagement element  110  includes threads configured to screw onto (e.g., female threads) or into (e.g., male threads) another element. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , portable light  100  may include a lens  115 . In one embodiment, lens  115  is a clear lens configured to allow light to pass through with minimal interference. In another embodiment, lens  115  is a colored lens configured to alter the color of light passing through lens  115 . Lens  115  may be of any color, including, without limitation, white and red. In one embodiment, lens  115  is configured to focus or alter the path of light passing through lens  115 . In another embodiment, lens  115  is adjustable and configured to selectively focus or alter the path of light passing through lens  115 . Lens  115  may be configured to provide a wide beam of light (e.g., flood light), a narrow beam of light (e.g., spot light), or a combination of a wide beam of light and narrow beam of light. In one embodiment, lens  115  includes a plurality of layers of material. Lens  115  may be formed of a variety of materials, including for example, a polymer, glass, or a combination of materials. In one embodiment, lens  115  is operatively connected to a switch (not shown), and can be used as a switch activator to turn portable light  100  on and off. 
     Portable light  100  includes a light source  120 . In one embodiment, light source  120  includes a printed circuit board and at least one light-emitting diode. The at least one light-emitting diode may be configured to emit light that is at least one of a substantially white light, a substantially colored light, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, portable light  100  includes a switch (not shown) configured to control the flow of electricity between a power source (not shown) and the at least one light-emitting diode, so as to allow a user to selectively control the emission of light from the at least one light-emitting diode. In one embodiment, light source  120  and the switch (not shown) are configured to allow the at least one light-emitting diode to emit light in a series of intensities and colors. In another embodiment, light source  120  is configured to cause the at least one light-emitting diode to emit light without interruption. In another embodiment, light source  120  is configured to cause the at least one light-emitting diode to blink intermittently. In another embodiment, a plurality of light-emitting diodes are included in light source  120 , and light source  120  and/or the switch (not shown) are configured to selectively control the number of light-emitting diodes emitting light. In one embodiment, light source  120  includes at least one incandescent bulb. In another embodiment, light source  120  is configured to cause the at least one incandescent bulb to emit light without interruption. In another embodiment, light source  120  is configured to cause the at least one incandescent bulb to blink intermittently. In another embodiment, light source  120  includes a plurality of incandescent bulbs, and light source  120  and the switch (not shown) are configured to selectively control the number of incandescent bulbs emitting light. 
     Portable light  100  may include a base portion  125 . Base portion  125  may have a substantially round profile as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Base portion  125  may have a profile of any of various shapes, including for example, square, quadrilateral, elliptical, or semi-circular. In another embodiment, base portion  125  has any regular or irregular polygonal profile. In one embodiment, base portion  125  has a profile substantially the same as housing  105 . Base portion  125  may be formed of a variety of materials, including for example, a metal, an alloy, a polymer, and a composite. 
     In one embodiment, base portion  125  includes a second engagement element  126  extending about its interior. In another embodiment, second engagement element  126  may extend about the outer periphery of base portion  125 . Second engagement element  126  may be uninterrupted or interrupted about the interior or periphery of base portion  125 . Second engagement element  126  may be concave or convex relative to base portion  125 . Second engagement element  126  may comprise a raised portion such as a ridge, a recessed portion such as a groove, or both. In one embodiment, second engagement element  126  is interrupted repeatedly about the interior or periphery of base portion  125  so as to form a series of notches. In another embodiment, second engagement element  126  is continuous about the interior or periphery of base portion  125  so as to form a circumferential groove. In another embodiment, second engagement element  126  includes threads configured to screw onto (e.g., female threads) or into (e.g., male threads) another element. 
     In one embodiment, second engagement element  126  is configured to mate to first engagement element  110 , and is configured to facilitate a removable connection between housing  105  and base portion  125 . First engagement element  110  and second engagement element  126  may be configured to mate by means of one or more of an interference fit, a twist fit, and a thread engagement. In one embodiment, first engagement element  110  comprises a groove about the periphery of housing  105 , and second engagement element  126  comprises a discontinuous ridge about the interior of base portion  125 . Second engagement element  126  is formed of a resilient material and configured to deflect enough to allow the ridge of second engagement element  126  to engage the groove of first engagement element  110 . In one embodiment, housing  105  and base portion  125  may be capable of being secured to any thin and/or deformable sheet material (e.g., an article of clothing, a thin polymer tarp, a curtain, a sheet, etc.). Such attachment may be accomplished by placing housing  105  on a first side of the thin sheet material, placing base portion  125  on the second side of the thin sheet material, and mating first engagement element  110  and second engagement element  126  to one another with the thin sheet material between. It may not be necessary in some embodiments to perforate the thin sheet material when attaching housing  105  and base portion  125  to a thin sheet material in such a manner. In one embodiment, second engagement element  126  includes a discontinuous ridge or groove, and base portion  125  includes at least one notch in its periphery. The at least one notch is configured to permit base portion  125  and second engagement element  126  to deflect as necessary to securely engage first engagement element  110 . In another embodiment, the at least one notch is configured to permit base portion  125  and second engagement element  126  to deflect enough to securely engage first engagement element  110  with a thin and/or deformable fabric or sheet between first engagement element  110  and second engagement element  126 . In another embodiment, first engagement element  110  and second engagement element  126  are configured such that a tolerance exists between them such that a thin and/or deformable sheet material may fit between first engagement element  110  and second engagement element  126  when engaged. 
     In one example embodiment, portable light  100  includes housing  105 . Housing  105  is substantially truncated conical and substantially cylindrical in shape. Housing  105  includes at its larger end first engagement element  110 , which comprises a groove extending about the periphery of housing  105 . Housing  105  includes at its smaller end lens  115 . Within housing  105  is contained light source  120 , comprising a plurality of light-emitting diodes. Portable light  100  also includes base portion  125 , wherein base portion  125  is substantially cylindrical in shape. Base portion  125  includes a plurality of notches about its periphery, as well as a discontinuous second engagement element  126 . Second engagement element  126  includes a ridge configured to mate with the groove portion of first engagement element  110 . Base portion  125  also includes a back portion (not shown) which is substantially planar and transverse to base portion  125 &#39;s substantially cylindrical portion. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an example arrangement of a portable light having a modular base  200 . Portable light  200  includes a housing  205 , a lens  215 , a light source  220 , and a base portion  225 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an example arrangement of a portable light having a modular base  300 . Portable light  300  includes a housing  305 , a first engagement element  310 , and a base portion  325 , and a second engagement element  326 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , housing  305  includes an angled profile, such that the plane of housing  305 &#39;s front opening and the plane of housing  305 &#39;s rear opening are not parallel to one another. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an example arrangement of a portable light having a modular base  400 . Portable light  400  includes a base portion  425  and a mounting portion  427 . 
     Mounting portion  427  can include any of a variety of systems configured to attach base portion  425 . For example, it may be desirable to attach base portion  425  to an article of clothing, a helmet, a user&#39;s body, a bicycle frame element, a wall, etc. Mounting portion  427  may include a clip as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Such a clip may be formed by providing a cut in base portion  425 , wherein a section of base portion  425  can be deflected to extend on one side of an object (e.g., a pocket in an article of clothing), while the remainder of base portion  425  remains on the other side of an object. 
     Mounting portion  427  may additionally include a spring clip comprising two members biased toward one another, which when separated can be placed about an object and released. An example of such a spring clip includes an alligator clip. 
     In another embodiment, mounting portion  427  includes a magnet configured to attach base portion  425  to a substantially ferrous metal or the like, or to an article containing a substantially ferrous metal or the like. 
     In another embodiment, mounting portion  427  includes a suction cup configured to attach base portion  425  to a smooth surface. 
     In another embodiment, mounting portion  427  includes a hook and loop fastener, such that mounting base portion  425  would be fitted with either a hook material or a loop material, while the surface to which a user desires to fix base portion  425  is fitted with the hook or loop mate. 
     Mounting portion  427  may also include a strap material, configured to tie, cinch, or hang base portion  425  on a user or object. For example, mounting portion  427  may include a strap configured to be secured to a user&#39;s wrist, or to any article capable of securing with a strap (e.g., a lamp post, a portion of a bicycle frame, a helmet, etc.). In another example, mounting portion  427  may include a lanyard configured to hang base portion  425  about a user&#39;s neck, or about any article capable of supporting base portion  425 . The strap may be formed out of any capable material, including a textile, rope, leather, a polymer, a rubber, and metal. 
     In another embodiment, mounting portion  427  may include an adjustment device configured to adjust base portion  425  relative to the object to which mounting portion  427  is mounted. In one embodiment, mounting portion  427  includes a universal joint allowing for adjustment of base portion  425  about at least two axes of motion. In another embodiment, mounting portion  427  includes a hinge allowing for adjustment of base portion  425  about at least one axis of motion. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an example arrangement of a portable light having a modular base  500 . Portable light  500  includes a housing  505 , a first engagement element  510 , a second engagement element  526 , a base portion  530 , mounting portion  535 , and hook  540 . Base portion  530  includes flexible mounting portion  535  configured to secure base portion  530  to an object. Mounting portion  535  may be a clamp comprising a first and second clamping member, wherein the first clamping member extends around a first side of an object, the second clamping member extends around the second side of an object, and hook  540  is engaged to connect and secure the first and second clamping members. In one embodiment, mounting portion  535  is formed out of a flexible material. In another embodiment, mounting portion  535  is formed out of a resilient material. Mounting portion  535  may be configured to attach base portion  530  to any object about which the first and second clamping members can extend, including, for example, a member of a bicycle frame. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded view of an example arrangement of a portable light having a modular base  600 . Portable light  600  includes a housing  605 , a first engagement element  610 , a lens  615 , a light source  620 , a base portion  625 , a second engagement element  626 , and a mounting portion  627 . Portable light  600  further includes a reflector  645 , a power source  650 , and a back plate  655 . 
     Reflector  645  may include any material having a reflective surface. Reflector  645  is positioned behind the point of creation of light, and is oriented to reflect light toward the lens. In one embodiment, reflector  645  includes a plurality of holes configured to allow light-emitting diodes or incandescent bulbs from light source  620  to extend through reflector  645 . Light is created within the light-emitting diode or incandescent bulb, which is situated between reflector  645  and lens  615 . Light created by the light-emitting diode or incandescent bulb that is directed toward reflector  645  will be at least partially reflected back toward lens  615  and out of portable light  600 . 
     Power source  650  may include any device capable configured to supply an electrical current to light source  620 . In one embodiment, power source  650  is a battery. In another embodiment, power source  650  is a generator. In another embodiment, power source  650  is electricity provided by the power grid. In another embodiment, power source  650  is a solar cell. In another embodiment, power source  650  is a combination of any of the items listed above. In one embodiment, power source  650  is configured to direct power to a switch (not shown), which controls the flow of current to light source  620 . 
     Back plate  655  may be configured to attach to the rear of housing  605  and contain at least one of lens  615 , reflector  645 , light source  620 , and power source  650  within housing  605 . In one embodiment, back place  655  is permanently attached to housing  605 . In another embodiment, back plate  655  is removably attached to housing  605 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an example arrangement of a portable light having a modular base  700 . Portable light  700  includes a housing  705 , a lens  715 , a light source  720 , a base portion  725 , and a second engagement element  726 . 
     In one example embodiment, portable light  700  includes housing  705 . Housing  705  includes at its proximal end first engagement element (not shown), which comprises a groove extending about the periphery of housing  705 . Housing  705  includes at its distal end lens  715 . Within housing  705  is contained light source  720 , comprising a plurality of light-emitting diodes. Portable light  700  also includes a base portion  725 , wherein base portion  725  is substantially cylindrical in shape. Base portion  725  includes a plurality of notches about its periphery, as well as a discontinuous second engagement element  726 . Second engagement element  726  includes a ridge configured to mate with the groove portion of first engagement element (not shown). Base portion  725  also includes a back portion (not shown) which is substantially planar and transverse to base portion  725 &#39;s substantially cylindrical portion. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an example arrangement of a portable light having a modular base  800 . Portable light  800  includes a housing  805 , a lens  815 , a light source  820 , and a base portion  825 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an example arrangement of a portable light having a modular base  900 . Portable light  900  includes a housing  905 , a first engagement element  910 , a lens  915 , a base portion  925 , and a second engagement element  926 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an example arrangement of a portable light having a modular base  1000 . Portable light  1000  includes a housing  1005 , a base portion  1025 , and a mounting portion  1027 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an example arrangement of a portable light having a modular base  1100 . Portable light  1100  includes a housing  1105 , a second engagement element  1126 , a base portion  1130 , mounting portion  1135 , and hook  1140 . Base portion  1130  includes flexible mounting portion  1135  configured to secure base portion  1130  to an object. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates an exploded view of an example arrangement of a portable light having a modular base  1200 . Portable light  1200  includes a housing  1205 , a first engagement element  1210 , a lens  1215 , a light source  1220 , a light source cover  1221 , a base portion  1225 , a second engagement element  1226 , and a mounting portion  1227 . Portable light  1200  further includes a reflector  1245  and a back plate  1255 . In one embodiment, portable light  1200  includes a power source (not shown), which is operatively connected to light source  1220 . 
     To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B but not both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into” are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean “on” or “onto.” To the extent that the term “selectively” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to refer to a condition of a component wherein a user of the apparatus may activate or deactivate the feature or function of the component as is necessary or desired in use of the apparatus. To the extent that the term “operatively connected” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to mean that the identified components are connected in a way to perform a designated function. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural. Finally, where the term “about” is used in conjunction with a number, it is intended to include ±10% of the number. In other words, “about 10” may mean from 9 to 11. 
     As stated above, while the present application has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the present application. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, illustrative examples shown, or any apparatus referred to. Departures may be made from such details, examples, and apparatuses without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept.