Patent Abstract:
A lighting assembly for use in connection with personal video conferencing includes a plurality of LEDs and can be mounted easily to a personal computing device. The lighting assembly can include a tiltable base that supports the personal computing device at various angles. The LEDs can be configured to emit converging, overlapping light that provides a continuous field of light on the user, and minimizes hot spots, bands of light, and user discomfort.

Full Description:
[0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/010,723, entitled Personal Video Conference Lighting Assembly, filed on Jun. 11, 2014, the disclosure of which hereby is incorporated by reference as if fully restated herein. 
         [0002]    This application incorporates by reference the disclosure of U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/493597, entitled Personal Video Conference Lighting Assembly, filed on Jun. 11, 2014, as if fully restated herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The invention relates in general to a lighting assembly and, more particularly, to a lighting assembly to be used for, among other things, personal video conferencing and video streaming applications—such as, but not limited to, Internet video streaming applications. 
         [0005]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0006]    As personal computing devices—such as desk top computers, lap top computers, notebook computers, tablet computers, smart phones, as well as others—become smaller, less costly, and more powerful, their use proliferates. Many of personal computing devices are usable with external video cameras, or themselves include integrated video cameras. 
         [0007]    Additionally, as global information networks—such as the Internet—proliferate, individuals, government organizations, and businesses increasingly are using personal computing devices for video conferencing. Video conferencing quickly is becoming a common mode of communication, as it allows participants in remote locations to meet and converse with one another as if they were present in the same room. Such video conferences may involve conversations between individuals, or conferences between groups, and may include, without limit, topics such as personal activities, commerce, academics, or telemedicine. 
         [0008]    In any setting, proper lighting makes a tremendous difference in how people appear, and thus how they communicate, during a video conference or distance education session. Typical indoor ambient lighting—such as in an office or home setting—can be inadequate for video conferencing. Improper lighting can create harsh shadows during video conferencing, or otherwise hide or obscure the nuances of facial expression, eye-contact, or other critical aspects of non-verbal communication. Thus, proper lighting, which helps to convey these features, is important for effective communication. This is especially important, as the Internet allows speakers of different languages to interact with each other via videoconferencing applications. 
         [0009]    Additionally, as personal computing devices become smaller and more portable, the need exists for a small, portable lighting assembly. Such an assembly allows users to engage in video conferencing easily, with effective lighting, anywhere an Internet connection is available. Moreover, given the typical proximity of the user&#39;s eyes to the video camera of a personal computing device during personal video conferencing, it is desirable that a lighting assembly would be configured to minimize eye strain or user discomfort. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    Generally provided herein is a personal video conference lighting assembly that is lightweight, portable, and provides sufficient illumination to portray nuances of facial expression, eye-contact, or other critical aspects of non-verbal communication. The personal video conference lighting assembly provides lighting sufficient for a variety of personal video conferencing applications, such as personal communications, business, distance learning, and telemedicine. In a non-limiting embodiment, the personal video conference lighting assembly engages easily with a personal computing device and is easily operated by a user. Desirably, the personal video conference lighting assembly also provides high-quality illumination that minimizes eye strain and user discomfort. 
         [0011]    Disclosed herein is a lighting assembly for use with personal computing devices. According to an embodiment, the lighting assembly includes a housing forming an interior cavity, in which a light emitting diode (LED) circuit board may be situated. At least one LED may be positioned to emit light through a front portion of the housing to illuminate the face of a user during video conferencing. Desirably, the LEDs may be configured to provide converging light that is continuous—minimizing hot spots and bands of illumination. In an embodiment, this may be accomplished through the use of optics, such as beam shaper optics. Thus, user eye strain and discomfort may be minimized. Additionally, the intensity of the light and a user&#39;s ability to control the orientation of the LED housing in certain embodiments may further contribute to user comfort during use of the lighting assembly. 
         [0012]    In an embodiment, the housing may be connected to a neck that enables an orientation of the housing to be adjusted by the user. The neck may connect to a base unit. The base unit may have at least one support mechanism that allows the base unit to be positioned at a variety of angles. In a non-limiting embodiment, the support mechanism may include at least one rotatably-retractable leg unit. The base unit also may have a mechanism on its front portion to aid in the support of a personal computing device thereon. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment, the neck connects the LED housing to a clipping mechanism that engages a personal computing device without a base unit. In accordance with another embodiment, the housing connects to the clipping mechanism without the use of a neck. These embodiments may allow the user to adjust the orientation of the housing without moving the personal computing device, or the housing may remain fixed with respect to the personal computing device. 
         [0014]    Various non-limiting embodiments of the present invention enable varying degrees of ease of mobility, allowing a user to move about freely and untethered during video conferencing, while maintaining adequate and consistent light levels for enhanced camera imaging. Thus, a user may use the lighting assembly to illuminate his or her facial features during video conferencing in a manner that provides high-quality imaging, while minimizing discomfort. 
         [0015]    These and other features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a personal video conference lighting assembly including a base unit; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2A  is a rear view of the personal video conference lighting assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2B  is a side view of the personal video conference lighting assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of an arm clip member that may be included in the personal video conference lighting assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a front view of an LED board of the personal video conference lighting assembly; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5A  is a side view of the personal video conference lighting assembly showing a leg member in a deployed position; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5B  is a side view of the personal video conference lighting assembly according to  FIG. 5A  showing a leg member and leg support member in a deployed position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5C  is a side view of the personal video conference lighting assembly according to  FIG. 5A  showing a leg member and leg support member in another deployed position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5D  is a front view of the personal video conference lighting assembly of  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6A  is a front view of an embodiment of a personal video conference lighting assembly including a clipping mechanism; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6B  is a side view of the personal video conference lighting assembly according to  FIG. 6A ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7A  is a front view of an embodiment of a personal video conferencing assembly including a clipping mechanism; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7B  is a side view of the personal video conferencing assembly according to  FIG. 7A ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a front view of an embodiment of an LED housing and flexible neck; 
           [0030]      FIG. 9A  is a front view of an embodiment of a personal video conferencing assembly including a clipping mechanism, neck, and power supply housing; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9B  is a rear view of the personal video conferencing assembly including a clipping mechanism, neck, and power supply housing; 
           [0032]      FIG. 10A  is a front view of an embodiment of an LED housing; 
           [0033]      FIG. 10B  cross-sectional side view of the LED housing taken along line A-A in  FIG. 10A ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 11A  is a top view of an embodiment of optics according to the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 11B  is a side view of optics according to  FIG. 11A ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 11C  is a bottom view of the of the optics according to  FIG. 11A   
           [0037]      FIG. 12A  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of personal video conferencing assembly; 
           [0038]      FIG. 12B  is a rear perspective view of the personal video conferencing assembly according to  FIG. 12A ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 13A  is a front view of an embodiment of an LED housing, depicting the emission of light, wherein optics are not included; 
           [0040]      FIG. 13B  is a front view of an embodiment of an LED housing, depicting the emission of light, wherein optics are included 
           [0041]      FIG. 14  is a bottom view of an embodiment of an LED housing. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0042]    For purposes of the description hereinafter, the spatial orientation terms and derivatives thereof shall relate to the embodiment as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting. 
         [0043]    With reference to FIGS.  1  and  2 A- 2 B, an embodiment of lighting assembly  10  is shown that includes a base unit  40  on which a personal computing device may be placed.  FIG. 2A  shows a rear view of an embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . This non-limiting embodiment of lighting assembly  10  includes an LED housing  20  having a generally horizontally-elongated shape. LED housing  20  includes a front portion  21  and a back portion  22 , which may be fastened together with mechanical fasteners  24 , or other methods of fastening, such as adhesive or complimentary interlocking parts. An embodiment of LED housing  20  is shown in FIGS.  8  and  10 A- 10 B as well. 
         [0044]    With reference to  FIGS. 9B and 14 , back portion  22  of LED housing  20  may include a port  25  disposed at a substantially central portion thereof, and may be affixed to a first end  31  of neck  30 . Embodiments of neck  30  may be rigid or flexible. Embodiments of neck  30  may allow a user to adjust the orientation of LED housing  20  in order to optimize illumination of a user&#39;s face and/or other object during video conferencing. Adjustment of the angle and/or orientation of LED housing  20  also may contribute to user comfort. 
         [0045]    With reference to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , an embodiment of neck  30  may be rigid, and may be comprised of plastic, aluminum, or some other equivalent material, whereupon angle and/or orientation of LED housing  20  may be effected by pivots  26  or swivels attached to LED housing  20  and/or neck  30 . In an embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , a second end  32  of neck  30  may be attached to a top portion  41  of the base unit  40 . Neck  30 , LED housing  20 , and base unit  40  desirably include suitable connectors to enable first end  31  of neck  30  to connect with LED housing  20  and to enable second end  32  of neck  30  to connect with base unit  40 . Alternatively, in an embodiment, LED housing  20  may be connected to base unit  40  without neck  30 . 
         [0046]      FIGS. 1 and 2A  depict an embodiment of a power supply housing  50 . In an embodiment, power supply housing  50  may be situated in base  40 . Power supply housing  50  may be accessible through power supply housing cover  51 . In an embodiment, power supply housing cover  51  may be accessible to the user through rear portion  42  of base  40 . In an embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , at least one battery  52  may serve as a power supply for the lighting assembly  10 , and may provide power to at least one LED  61 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0047]    In an embodiment depicted in FIGS.  2 B and  5 A- 5 D, at least one leg member  80  may be used to support assembly  10 . With reference to  FIG. 2B , at least one leg member  80  may be disposed on rear portion  42  of base unit  40  in a manner that allows leg member  80  to rotatably deploy from at least one pivot point  81 , wherein one end of leg member  80  remains rotatably connected to base unit  40  by means of pins or other pivoting mechanism, not shown. 
         [0048]    Further referencing FIGS.  1  and  2 A- 2 B, an embodiment of leg member  80  may include at least one substantially vertical member  83 . Vertical members  83  may be connected by a substantially horizontal cross member  84 . Each vertical member  83  connects to base unit  40  at a pivot point  81 . In an embodiment, leg member  80  may be U-shaped. Alternatively, base unit  40  may include at least one leg member  80  without cross member  84 . In another embodiment, multiple cross members  84  may be used. Yet another embodiment may include a configuration of vertical members  83  and at least one cross member  84  that is not U-shaped. The at least one leg member  80  may be rotatably connected to rear portion  42  of base unit  40  at pivot points  81 , and may rotate out from the base unit  40  to a set angle, or a plurality of angles. 
         [0049]    Base unit  40  may include a ledge member  45  which, when deployed, extends outwardly from a lower area  46  of front portion  47  of base unit  40 . Ledge member  45  may be retracted into a storage position by rotating it in the direction of arrow A in  FIG. 5C  into a recess  92  in front portion  47  of base unit  40 , and may be held in place in said recess by pins, rods, friction fit, or other manners known in the art. In an embodiment, ledge member  45  may slidably deploy from inside base unit  40 , and may be held in position by friction forces or a locking mechanism. Ledge member  45  may be used to provide support for a personal computing device  11 , such as a tablet computer, on base unit  40  when ledge member  45  is in a deployed position. 
         [0050]      FIGS. 1 and 5D  depict embodiments of lighting assembly  10  wherein a personal computing device  11  may be supported or secured on base unit  40  by means of at least one arm clip member  70 , which may be included on the side portions  48  of base unit  40 . As more thoroughly shown in  FIG. 3 , each arm clip member  70  may include a clip portion  71 , an upper arm portion  72  and a lower arm portion  73 , which constrain clip portion  71  and allow it to rotate in the direction shown by arrow B, so as to aid in securing a personal computing device to front portion  47  of the base unit  40 . In an embodiment, clip portion  71  may have rigid or semi-rigid engaged and retracted positions. 
         [0051]    Further referencing  FIG. 3 , upper arm portion  72  and lower arm portion  73  may engage each other closely, for example by means of a dovetail joint  75 . Mechanical fasteners, adhesives, or other means known in the art also may be used to engage upper arm portion  72  and lower arm portion  73 . Upper arm portion  72  and lower arm portion  73  also may be attached to each other with a bracket  76 . Bracket  76  may be comprised of galvanized steel, and may include notches  77  which engage springs, not shown, that assist in the engagement of the personal computing device by arm clip members  70 . Springs may connect notches  77  to base unit  40  or to another arm clip member  70 . Springs may aid in retraction of arm clip member  70  when they are not engaging a personal computing device  11 , and/or to aid arm clip members  70  in supporting or securing a personal computing device  11 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , in an embodiment, arm clip members  70  may horizontally slidably connect to base unit  40 , allowing arm clip members  70  to extend laterally, and for clip portion  71  to engage personal computing device  11  of various sizes. Line D in  FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of the path of lateral extension of arm clip member  70 . In another embodiment a friction member  103 , such as a foam or rubber pad, may be affixed to front portion  47  of the base unit  40 , as shown in phantom lines in  FIG. 12A . Friction member  103  may assist in supporting a personal computing device  11  on base unit  40  by means of friction forces, either alone or in combination with arm clip members  70  and/or ledge member  45 . 
         [0052]    As depicted in  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of LED housing  20  may comprise a front portion  21  and back portion  22 . When engaged, front portion  21  and back portion  22  may comprise interior cavity  23 , which encloses LED circuit board  60  therein. LED housing  20  may be affixed to neck  30  by means of male and female connectors. In an embodiment, male and female connectors may include a hex nut  34  disposed in port  25 , and threaded male connector  35  disposed on first end  31  of neck  30 . Neck  30  may include a hollow portion, not shown, through which a power wire, not shown, may be run. A power wire may run between the LED housing  20  and a power supply housing  50 , and operatively connect the LED board  60  to a power supply, providing LEDs  61  with electricity. In an embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , electrical current is provided from at least one battery  52  disposed in power supply housing  50 . Other embodiments may include another power supply known in the art. 
         [0053]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , power supply housing  50  may be disposed inside base unit  40  in an embodiment. One or more batteries  52  may be disposed within power supply housing  50 , but it should be understood that various numbers or sizes of batteries  52 , or a different power supply known in the art, may be used to power LEDs  61 . 
         [0054]    With reference to  FIGS. 5A-5C , an embodiment of lighting assembly  10  may be powered from an external power source. In an embodiment, electrical power may be provided through an external cable, such as an electrical cable, USB cable, micro-USB cable, or other cable known in the art, which may be removably inserted into first connector port  105 . First connector port  105  may be operatively connected to LED circuit board  60 . Multiple connector ports—such as second connector port  106 —also may be included in lighting assembly  10 , so that power may be supplied through various types or standards of cables or connectors. One or more connector ports may be included in assembly  10 , and may be disposed, in non-limiting embodiments, on base unit  40 , or LED housing  60 . In an embodiment, a USB or similar cable connected to first connector port  105  or second connector port  106  may be used to operatively connect to personal computing device  11 . Power for lighting assembly  10  may be drawn from personal computing device  11 , which may serve as a primary or secondary power supply for assembly  10 . In an embodiment, power drawn from an external source, such as a personal computing device  11 , may be used to recharge batteries  52  disposed in power supply housing  50 . It should be understood that connector ports  105  and  106  also may be included in embodiments without base unit  40 , such as those depicted in  FIGS. 9A and 9B . 
         [0055]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , base unit  40  additionally is shown to house two arm clip members  70 , as described above. Front portion  47  and rear  42  portion of base unit  40  may be attached using mechanical fasteners, adhesive, a combination of the two, or by another manner known in the art. 
         [0056]    Lighting assembly  10  may include at least one LED  61 .  FIG. 4  depicts an embodiment of an LED circuit board  60  on which is disposed a plurality of LEDs  61 . Five LEDs  61  are shown on LED circuit board  60  depicted in  FIG. 4 , but it should be understood that more or fewer could be included in other embodiments. In an embodiment, LEDs  61  may be configured to emit light within the warm range on the Kelvin scale, or between 2000K-3500K. In another embodiment, LEDs  61  may be emit light at approximately 3200K. In another embodiment, LEDs  61  may emit light in the cool range of the Kelvin scale, or between 5100K-10000K. In another embodiment, LEDs  61  may emit light at approximately 5600K on the Kelvin scale. Additionally, LEDs  61  may have a +82 color rendering index. 
         [0057]    Lighting assembly  10  also may include an input device  62 . With further reference to  FIG. 4 , input device  62  may be disposed on LED circuit board  60 , and may be accessible to a user through front portion  21  of LED housing  20 . Input device  62  may control the output of power to the LEDs  61 , and may comprise a switch. 
         [0058]    Input device  62  may be used to control a plurality of outputs of light from LEDs  61 . Multiple intensities of light output may help assembly  10  provide proper lighting to users with various skin tones, or in various levels of background light. In an embodiment, a plurality of outputs may be accomplished simply by turning on or off individual LEDs  61  on the LED circuit board  60 . A user may choose to turn on various LEDs  61  or groups of LEDs  61  by making multiple depressions of input device  62 . In a non-limiting embodiment, pressing input device  62  once may result in half of the LEDs  61  on board  60  being turned on. A second depression of input device  62  may result in the remaining LEDs  61  being turned on. Depressing input device  62  a third time may result in all LEDs  61  turning off. This may be accomplished by the use of switches, or other manners known in the art. LED circuit board  60  may include logic and a controller to control light output. In an embodiment, the output, brightness, or intensity of light emitted from LEDs  61  may be varied by using at least one resistor  102 , which may be included on an embodiment of the LED circuit board  60 , as shown in phantom lines on  FIG. 4 . In an embodiment, resistor  102  is a variable resistor. 
         [0059]    With further reference to  FIGS. 5A-5C , in an embodiment, software on personal computing device  11  may be used to control LEDs  61  through a USB or other cables operatively connected to personal computing device  11  and lighting assembly  10  at first connector port  105  or second connector port  106 . 
         [0060]    With further reference to  FIG. 4 , an embodiment of LED circuit board  60  and LEDs  61  do not include adjustable pulse width modulation circuitry. In another embodiment, input device  62  turns on and off LEDs  61  without varying light output. In other embodiments, input device  62  may be disposed on base unit  40 , neck  30 , or power supply housing  50 , as depicted phantom lines in  FIG. 9B . 
         [0061]    Direct light from LEDs may cause eye strain or discomfort to users. Discomfort may be exacerbated if a user is positioned only a few feet from the LEDs  61  when they are emitting light. In an embodiment, assembly  10  is configured to illuminate a user in a manner that minimizes bright spots and light bands, and may decrease user discomfort and eye strain as well.  FIG. 10B , depicts a cross section of an embodiment of LED housing  60  shown in  FIG. 10A . In the non-limiting embodiment depicted in  FIG. 10B , optics  63  may be positioned in front portion  21  of LED housing  20 , between a user and LEDs  61 , so that light emitted by LEDs  61  passes through optics  63  prior to reaching a user. An embodiment of optics  63  depicted in  FIG. 10B  includes a clearance space  69  in which LED  61  may be seated. Optics  63  may include support structure  67 , which may position optics  63  over LED  61  in a desired configuration, or such that LED-side optical surface  65  is a desired distance from LED  61 . Support structure  67  may be attached to LED board  60  by means of adhesives, or in another manner known in the art. In an embodiment at least one substantially transparent or translucent cover portion  68  may be placed holes  64  in front portion  21  of LED housing  20  between optics  63  and a user. Cover portion  68  may protect optics  63  from scratching or other damage. In an embodiment, cover portion  68  may help to shape the light emitted by LEDs  61 , as further described below. 
         [0062]    An embodiment of optics  63  is depicted in  FIGS. 11A-11C . Optics  63  may shape the light emitted by LEDs  61 . Light emitted by LED  61  enters optic  63  at an LED-side  65 , travels through optics  63 , and exits optics at observer-side surface  66 . In an embodiment, optics  63  shape or narrow the rays of light emitted by LEDs  61 , so that the beams converge on a user.  FIG. 13A  depicts an example of a LED housing  20 , in which light is emitted by LEDs  61  through holes  64  in front portion  21  of LED housing  20 , and wherein optics  63  are not included.  FIG. 13B  shows the shaping of light rays in an embodiment of the present invention wherein an embodiment of optics  63  is included between LEDs  61  and a user. Optics  63  may provide continuous light coverage over a user, while minimizing bright points or “hot spots” on the user. Optics  63  also may reduce bands of bright areas, which may occur in other configurations, such as when light emitted by LEDs  61  do not pass through optics  63 , as described above. Thus, embodiments of assembly  10  which include optics  63  may provide high-quality illumination, and may decrease eye strain and user discomfort, during video conferencing. The beam shape may be optimized by adjusting the distance of optics  63  from LEDs  61  during fabrication of assembly  10 . In an embodiment observer side surface  66  of optics  63  is positioned about six millimeters from LEDs  61 . In an embodiment seen in  FIG. 10B , optics  63  may possess a clearance space  69  configured to receive an LED  61 , so that the optical medium surrounds the surface of LED  61  from which light is emitted. Optics  63  may be substantially clear, and may include a frosted finish. In a further embodiment, optics  63  are not colored diffuser lenses. Optics  63  may be comprised of polycarbonate, or other material in the art known to possess the optical qualities necessary for shaping light emitted by LEDs  61 . Optical surfaces of optics  63  may possess an optical polish. Embodiments of optics  63  may include total internal reflection (“TIR”) lenses. An embodiment of optics  63  may comprise multiple media with different optical properties, such as different indices of refraction. 
         [0063]    With reference to  FIGS. 11B-11C , embodiments of optics  63  may include a support structure  67  to aid in proper placement over LEDs  61 . A non-limiting example of optics  63  is the Carclo® model 10413 10 mm square medium frosted optic, available from Carclo Optics in Latrobe, Pa. However, it should be understood that other optics known in the art to shape beams of light to provide continuous light coverage on a user, while minimizing bright points or “hot spots” on the user, may be used as well. 
         [0064]    In another embodiment, a user&#39;s ability to adjust the orientation of LED housing  20 , and to control the intensity of light emitted from LEDs  61 , further may contribute to user comfort and quality of illumination for video conferencing. 
         [0065]      FIGS. 5A-5C  are side views of an embodiment of assembly  10  including a leg support member  85  which may be rotatably connected to base unit  40  with pins, rods, or in some other manner, to allow it to rotate out from a pivot point  86  at one end of leg support member  85 . Leg support member  85  may connect to the base unit  40  at one or more pivot points  86 . Leg support member  85  further may rotate in the direction shown by arrow C in  FIG. 5C  so that, when deployed, leg support member  85  may engage leg member  80  to allow assembly  10  to support a personal computing device on base unit  40  at various, set angles. In an embodiment, leg support member  85  may include at least one notch  87  in which leg member  80  may be disposed when leg member  80  also is in a deployed position. An embodiment of the leg support member  85  depicted in  FIGS. 5A-5C  includes two sets of notches  87 , but it should be understood that more, or fewer notches, may be included in various embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0066]    In another embodiment, leg member  80  requires no leg support member  85 . As seen in an embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2A  leg member  80  may retract rotatably into a complementary-shaped recessed area  49  in rear portion  42  of base unit  40 .  FIGS. 12A-12B  disclose another embodiment wherein leg member  80  may deploy from rear portion  42  of base unit  40 . In an embodiment, angle of deployment of leg member  80  may be set by friction fit, ratcheting system, or another manner known in the art. 
         [0067]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  show another embodiment of assembly  10 . Power supply housing  50  is not shown in  FIG. 6B  for clarity. In this embodiment, back portion  22  of the LED housing  20  is connected via pivot  26  to the neck  30 . Other embodiments may allow LED housing  20  to be rotatably connected to neck  30  as well. An embodiment of neck  30  in  FIG. 6B  is depicted as being rigid and adjustable in height with a thumb screw  36 . However, it should be understood that neck  30  also could be flexible as earlier described, an embodiment of which is depicted in  FIG. 8 . Neck  30  attaches to a clipping mechanism  95  that engages a personal computing device. Clipping mechanism  95  may include a front portion,  37 , a back portion  38 , and a spring  39  which biases front portion  37  and back portion  38  about a pivot  91 . In an embodiment, front  37  and back  38  portions of clipping mechanism  95  may be separated about pivot  91  to engage the front and back of the personal computing device display, whereupon spring  39  biases front  37  and back  38  of clipping mechanism  95  into contact with front and back portions of a personal computing device  11 . Clipping mechanism  95  may be configured not to obscure a camera  104  integrated in the personal computing device  11 , such as a tablet computer. Power supply housing  50  may be incorporated in this embodiment substantially as described below. 
         [0068]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  depict an embodiment of lighting assembly  10  wherein LED housing  20  includes a clipping mechanism  95  without neck  30 .  FIGS. 7A and 7B  do not show power supply housing  50  for clarity. Front portion  37  of clipping mechanism  95  is configured not to obscure a camera  104  integrated into personal computing device  11 . Back portion  38  of clipping mechanism  95  may attach to back portion  22  of the LED housing  20  with a steel rivet, adhesive, pivot, or another manner known in the art. Power supply housing  50  may be incorporated in this embodiment substantially as described below. 
         [0069]    In an embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 9A-9B , power supply housing  50  is attached to back portion  38  of clipping mechanism  95 . Power supply housing  50  may be configured to receive at least one battery  52 , or other power supply known in the art, in order to provide electrical current to LED board  60  and LEDs  61 . Power supply housing  50  may be positioned on, or comprise, back portion  38  of clipping mechanism  95 , below LED housing  20  and neck  30 . When clipping mechanism  95  is engaged on the personal computing device, power supply housing  50  may be positioned behind the back portion of the display of the personal computing device  11 , so that power supply housing  50  does not obscure the camera or display thereof. 
         [0070]    Although assembly  10  has been described in detail by illustrative embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment. 
         [0071]    It is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope thereof. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5