Patent Abstract:
An apparatus and associated method for operating a portable light assembly. In accordance with some embodiments, a frame providing a bridge and defining a transport region and a deployment region is slidingly connected to a mast. An arm is further connected to the mast by a hinge while a light fixture is connected to the arm. In various embodiments, the light fixture is capable of transitioning from a deployed position where the mast engages the deployment region and a transport position where the mast and light fixture are disposed within the transport region.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/399,791 filed on Mar. 6, 2009, which makes a claim of domestic priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/034,770 filed Mar. 7, 2008. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of portable light used to illuminate various surfaces. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable lights are often used in a commercial and residential setting to illuminate surfaces. A variety of portable lights have been proposed in the art, such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,862 which discloses a system that allows a user to illuminate objects with an infinitely adjustable light fixture and a knock down base frame. 
     These and other prior art approaches generally increase the quality of light and the functionality of adjusting the light to an infinite amount of freedom. 
     Nevertheless, there are limitations associated with such approaches including the ability to reduce the size of the light to an easily transportable volume. The placement of the electrical cord providing power to the light fixture has also remained an unassailable hurdle for such approaches. Likewise, the protection of the light fixture while in transport greatly limit the effectiveness and operational performance of such systems. 
     There is therefore a continued need for improvements to address these and other limitations in the art, and it is to such improvements that preferred embodiments of the present invention are generally directed. 
     SUMMARY 
     Various embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to an apparatus and associated method for operating a portable light assembly. 
     In accordance with some embodiments, a frame providing a bridge and defining a transport region and a deployment region is slidingly connected to a mast. An arm is further connected to the mast by a hinge while a light fixture is connected to the arm. In various embodiments, the light fixture is capable of transitioning from a deployed position where the mast engages the deployment region and a transport position where the mast and light fixture are disposed within the transport region. 
     In accordance with other embodiments, a frame having a bridge defining a transport region and a deployment region is provided. A mast is slidingly connected to the frame and an arm is connected to the mast by a hinge while a light fixture is connected to the arm. The light fixture is subsequently transitioned from a deployed position where the mast engages the deployment region to a transport position where the mast and light fixture are disposed within the transport region. 
     Further in other embodiments, a hinge is capable of selectively securing a first protrusion in relation to a second protrusion. The hinge encloses a cord that connects an electrical device connected to the first protrusion with a power source positioned adjacent to the second protrusion. 
     These and various other features and advantages which characterize the various embodiments of the present invention can be understood in view of the following detailed discussion in view of the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  provides generalized isometric representations of a portable light constructed and operated in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of the portable light of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates the portable light assembly of  FIG. 1  in an exemplary transport position in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 4 and 5  display various exemplary embodiments of the portable light assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  generally features an exemplary hinge constructed and operated in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  provides an exploded view of the hinge of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary handle constructed and operation in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  displays an exploded view of the handle of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  shows an exemplary light fixture constructed and operated in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  provides a flow diagram of an exemplary deployment operation performed in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a portable light suitable for use in illuminating various surfaces, such as automobile bodies or aeronautical interiors. 
     As discussed in greater detail below, the portable light preferably includes a novel collapsible position in which the light fixture is protected from harm. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a portable light assembly  100  is displayed in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The light assembly  100  preferably provides a base  102  that includes a bridge  104 . In some embodiments, the base  102  has a plurality of legs  106  extending therefrom that can be locked in a desired position by a locking mechanism. However, the number and configuration of the legs  106  are not limiting as any number of legs can be connected to the base  102  in various orientations that provide support, as desired. Similarly, the legs  106  can be configured to include one, or many, casters  108  that allow selective movement of the base  102 . 
     Further in various embodiments, a mast  110  is connected to the bridge  104  and is capable of being manipulated into a deployed position to which the mast  110  engages a deployment region  112  defined by the base  102  as well as the bridge  104 . In contrast, the mast can also be manipulated into a transport position to which the mast  110  is disposed within a transport region  114  defined by the base  102  and bridge  104 . While the mast can comprise a single unitary component, the mast can alternatively be configured to provide a number of extensions  116  that allow enhanced vertical precision of an attached hinge  118  through selected securement of one, or many, clamps  120 . 
     In addition, the hinge  118  can be connected to an arm  122  and provide, in some embodiments, an infinite number of adjustment positions in a single plane. That is, the hinge  118  can adjust and secure the arm  122  in an infinite range of motion along a single plane. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the arm  122  can be connected to both the hinge  118  at a proximal end and a handle  124  at a distal end. The handle  124  is preferably selectable to adjust and secure a light fixture  126  in a desired orientation with respect to the arm  122 . Various embodiments of the handle  124  connect the light fixture  126  via a ball and socket joint that allows adjustment in multiple planes. 
     It should be noted that the handle  124  can be adjusted and secured along the length of the arm  122  alone, or in combination, with the adjustment of the orientation of the light fixture  126 . Likewise, the placement and configuration of the electrical cord  128  should be noted as providing advantageous practical adjustment of the arm  122 , handle  124 , and light fixture  126  due, at least in part, to the placement of the cord  128  within the mast  110 , hinge  118 , and handle  124 , but external to the arm  122 . 
     That is, the cord  128  is enclosed individually by the mast  110 , hinge  118  and handle  124  during operation and adjustment while being external and adjacent to the arm  122 . Such a combination of internal and external placement of the cord  128  allows for adjustment and operation of the various components of the light assembly  100  without risk of inadvertently snagging or abusing the cord. Hence, safety and efficiency of the light assembly  100  is vastly improved with the cord  128  configuration shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     It can be appreciated that the electrical cord  128  can be connected to either a stationary power source or a mobile power source. For example, the cord  128  could be configured to tap power from a wall mounted electrical receptacle or a unitary mobile battery. In the case of a mobile power source, the base  102  can be configured to provide straps to restrict movement and maintain position in the transport region  114  of the base  102 . However, the number, size, and orientation of any power source straps is not limited and can be constructed as needed to efficiently supply power to the light assembly  100 . 
     Furthermore, a preferred embodiment of the present invention connects the mast  110  to the bridge  104  with a coupling  130  that allows rotational movement about the bridge  104  while maintaining a sliding relationship with the mast  110 . That is, the coupling  130  operates in conjunction with either the deployment region  112  or the transition region  114  to secure the mast  110 . As a result, the mast  110  is preferably disengages a region (e.g.  112  or  114 ) by sliding through the coupling  130  before engaging the opposing region. 
     For clarification, an exploded view of the portable light assembly  100  of  FIG. 1  is shown in  FIG. 2 . It should be noted that the particular orientations, shapes, and sizes of the various components are not limiting and can be modified as necessary to accommodate for the various embodiments of the present invention. Likewise, the number of component is not limiting as members can be added, or subtracted from the assembly  100  without deterring from the spirit of the present invention. 
     While the light assembly  100  is depicted in a deployed position in  FIG. 1 , a transport position is shown in  FIG. 3 . The light fixture  126  is disposed within the transport region  114  that is preferably defined by the length of the legs  106  and the base  102  in combination with bridge  104 . It can be appreciated that the transport region  114  can be various sizes and configurations such without deterring from the spirit of the present invention. Likewise, the bridge  104  can be constructed to any number of configurations that provide protection for the light fixture  126  while in the transport region  114 . 
     As discussed above, the coupling  130  preferably provides a sliding engagement of either the deployment region  112  or the transport region  114 . As such, the mast  110  laterally slides into the transport region  114  so that the coupling  130  traverses a portion of the mast  110 , in a preferred embodiment. However, it should be noted that the light fixture  126  can be manipulated into the transport region  114  and transported without rotating the coupling  130 . For example, the mast  110  can be removed from the coupling  130  and slid into the transport region  126 . 
     Further in various embodiments of the present invention, the light fixture  126  is preferably positioned in the transport region  114  with the light source facing the base  102  and legs  106 . As a result, the light source, such as a light bulb, is protected from damage during transportation. Similarly, the arm  122 , handle  124 , and cord  128  are also protected from abuse during transportation by being disposed within the transport region. That is, the preferred configuration of the light fixture  126  within the transport region  114  positions the arm  122 , handle  124 , and cord  128  between the mast  110  and the light fixture  126 . 
     In  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the portable light assembly  100  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  is illustrated in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The light fixture  132  is shown disposed within the transport region  114  in an orientation that protects any light source from damage by facing the legs  106  and base  102 . It can be appreciated that the configuration of the light fixture  132  is not limited and can be any shape, such as an asymmetrical design, shown in  FIG. 3 . The ability of the handle  124  to rotate in relation to the arm  122  as well as the ball and socket joint connection of the handle  124  and light fixture  132  allows any shape or size light fixture to be positioned and protected within the transport region  114 . 
     Additionally in  FIG. 4 , a preferred orientation of the coupling  130 , mast  110 , and any extensions  116  is displayed. As such, the extensions  116  are positioned within the mast  110  while the mast  110  is enclosed by both the bridge  104  and the coupling  130 . However, it should be noted that the bridge  104  and coupling  130  are not required to completely enclose the mast  110  and can surround only a portion of the mast  110  while staying within the intended spirit of the present invention. 
     In a similar manner, a symmetrically designed light fixture  134  is illustrated in  FIG. 5 . In contrast to  FIG. 4 , the symmetrical light fixture  134  requires minimal manipulation of the handle  124  to position the light fixture  134  within the protection of the transport region  114  with the light source facing the legs  106  and base  102 . Regardless, the various adjustment capabilities of the components of the light assembly  100  allow virtually any number of light fixture configurations to be positioned within the transport region  114  and provide protection for any light source. 
     To position the light fixture in either the deployed region  112  or the transport region  114 , the hinge  118  is preferably utilized to adjust the arm  122  in relation to the mast  110 .  FIG. 6  displays an exemplary hinge  118  constructed and operated in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The hinge  118  provides a first flange  140  connected to the mast  110  in contacting engagement with a second flange  142  connected to the arm  122 . In some embodiments, a friction member  144  is disposed between the first and second flanges  140  and  142  to allow retention of a desired arm  122  position with respect to the mast  110 . 
     Further, the first and second flanges  140  and  142  are configured in contacting abutment with a plurality of caps  146 . The caps  146  can advantageously aid in the retention of lubrication in the hinge  118  while keeping unwanted particles out of the moving components. To facilitate securement of the arm  122  in relation to the mast  110 , a pressure lever  148  capable of applying pressure to the friction member  144  is connected through the hinge  118 . However, it should be noted that the use of a lever to apply pressure to the hinge  118  is not limiting as a variety of pressure applications can be utilized to secure the position of the arm  122  with respect to the mast  110 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, a manipulation lever  150  is connected to the second flange  142  to provide efficient precision of any adjustments in the position of the arm  122 . It can be appreciated that the manipulation lever  148  can be any number of configurations, sizes, and shapes as desired. While the hinge  118  is shown having an infinite number of adjustable positions in only one plane, the hinge  118  is not limited to a single plane of operation. For example, a rotating joint can be connected to the first flange  140  to allow lateral rotation of the hinge  118  in combination with the vertical rotation shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 7 , an exemplary exploded view of the hinge  118  of  FIG. 5  is illustrated. The friction member  140  preferably includes a recess  152  to which the electrical cord  128  occupies. That is, the cord  128  enters the hinge  118  from a position internal to the mast  110  and remains internal until reaching an external position adjacent the arm  122 . The ability to enclose the cord  128  during adjustment and operation of the light assembly  100  provides numerous advantages in safety, efficiency, and performance that cannot be achieved with conventional lights. 
     In some embodiments, the recess  152  is internal to the friction member  140 . As shown by the segmented recess  152 , the cord  128  can occupy the recess  152  while being completely enclosed within the friction member  140 . Further in various embodiments, the friction member  140  can comprise multiple pieces combine to form the recess  152 . In addition, the preferred operation of the friction member  140  provides various adjustment and range of motion while maintaining the cord  128  within the recess  152  of the friction member  140 . For example, the friction member  140  can have mirrored interior chambers that allow the cord  128  to enter the member  140  one side and exit the member  140  on the opposing side while remaining internal to the friction member  140  during various adjustments of the hinge  118 . 
     In  FIGS. 8 and 9 , an exemplary handle  124  is shown constructed and operated in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention. The handle  124  generally features a body  160  that defines an arm region  162  capable of receiving and securing the arm  122 . That is, the arm region  162  preferably extends through the body  160  to allow both lateral and rotational adjustment of the handle  124 . In some embodiments, the handle  124  provides compression force on the arm  122  to maintain a desired position until a trigger  164  is selected. 
     Upon selection, any compression force on the arm  122  is removed and adjustment of the handle  124  is available. Thus, the trigger  164  allows operative selection of adjustment of the handle  124 . 
     It should be noted that the electrical cord  128  transitions from an external position to an internal position throughout the handle  124 . However, the cord  128  returns to an external position as it connects to the light fixture. The internal configuration of the cord  128  provides improved performance and safety due to the ability to adjust the handle  124  and light fixture  126  without concern for the location of the cord  128 . Such lack of loose entanglements around points of adjustment such as the handle  124 , hinge  118 , and light fixture  126  ensure precision and safety. 
       FIG. 9  shows the handle  124  of  FIG. 8  in an exemplary exploded view. The trigger  164  is preferably connected to an handle lever  168  that facilitates the application of force on both the arm  122 . In various embodiments, a plurality of springs  170  enable the trigger  164  and handle lever  168  to apply sufficient pressure to secure the handle  124  to the arm  122 . As for the handle  124  securement to the arm  122 , the handle lever  170  preferably forces a friction puck  172  into contacting engagement with the arm  122 . 
     Furthermore, a calibration screw  176  can be adjusted to modify an amount of frictional force applied by the handle  124  to the arm  122 . It should be noted that the shape, size, and orientation of the handle  124  is not limited to the design displayed in  FIG. 8 . Likewise, the manner in which force is applied to the ball and socket joint  166  and the arm  122  is not limited and can be modified as necessary to restrict unwanted movement of the handle  124  and joint  166 . 
     It can be appreciated that the exploded views of  FIGS. 2 and 8  are merely clarifying in nature and do not limit the configuration or design of the individual components. As such, various members can be included, or excluded, as necessary to maintain the spirit of the present invention. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 10 , an exemplary light fixture  180  is displayed as constructed in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The light fixture  180  generally features a body  182  that can be configured in a number of configurations to provide light at various angles. Further, a lens region  184  is defined within the body  182  by a first open hem  186  and a second open hem  188 . In some embodiments, the first open hem  186  is connected to a baffle member  190  that can be configured to enclose any electrical components of the light fixture  180  such as, but not limited to, transformers and wires. 
     Further in various embodiments, a lens  192  can engage and be secured in the lens region  184  without a fastener in a variety of different configurations, shown by segmented lines  194  and  196 . That is, a lens  192  can be secured in the lens region  184  by contactingly engaging the first and second open hems  186  and  188  to form a number of different shapes, such as the convex and concave shapes of lenses  194  and the flat shape of lens  192 . However, it should be noted that the number and size of open hems is not limited as a single open hem could be facilitated to secure a lens  192 . 
     In addition, the light fixture  180  preferably includes a light source  198 , such as a light bulb, that is positioned in front of the lens region  184 . To clarify, the light source  198  is positioned so that a lens  192  can only modify indirect light  199 . For example, if a green tinted lens  192  is secured in the lens region  184 , the light will emit normal colored direct light  199 ′ in combination with green tinted indirect light  199  that reflects off the lens  192 . Hence, the placement of the light source  198  at the same elevation as the second open hem  188  advantageously allows a large amount of indirect light to be reflected towards a desired target. 
       FIG. 11  provides an exemplary deployment operation  200  performed in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. In step  202 , a portable light assembly is provided having at least a base, bridge, mast, hinge, arm, and light fixture. However the number of other components provided in step  202  is not limiting as numerous additional components can be provided. The mast and light fixture are removed from the transport region in step  204  by sliding the mast through the coupling. The mast and light fixture are then rotated around the bridge by the coupling in step  206  to bring the mast to a substantially upright position. However, it should be noted that steps  202  and  204  can be performed simultaneously. 
     Further in step  208 , the mast slides into a contacting engagement with the deployment region to provide support for the mast, arm, and light fixture. A plurality of legs can be rotated about the base in step  210  in order to provided additional support for the base and subsequent components. However, step  210  can be performed at any time during the deployment operation  200  without deterring from the spirit of the present invention. 
     In addition, the hinge is adjusted and secured in step  212  to provide the arm in a desired position relative to the mast. Step  214  preferably involves selecting, adjusting, and securing the radial and lateral position of the handle as well as the position of the light fixture simultaneously. Finally, in step  216  a mobile power source is attached to the transport region of the base and connected to the cord that supplies power to the light fixture. 
     It will now be appreciated that the various embodiments presented herein provide various advantages over the prior art. The use of these successive steps in the deployment of the novel portable light assembly can result in significant improvement in efficiency and precision of light production. 
     It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of various embodiments of the invention, this detailed description is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of structure and arrangements of parts within the principles of the present invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8