Patent Abstract:
A head lamp assembly wearable by a user or attachable to an object comprising a substrate, a first light source, a second light source, and a sensor. The sensor can turn the first and second light sources ON when light striking the sensor falls below a predetermined intensity level. The sensor can turn the first and second light sources OFF when light striking the sensor exceeds a predetermined intensity level. An override switch can allow user to keep the light sources either completely illuminated or obfuscated, irrespective of the sensor.

Full Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a light source and, more specifically, to a light source worn by a user or attached to an object. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. 
     Head lamps are typically worn by construction workers to illuminate dark or unlit environments without requiring the workers to hold flash lights or install light sources. Moreover, by wearing a head lamp and illuminating an area where a worker is present and/or working, a head lamp can also further the worker&#39;s safety by alerting others of the worker&#39;s presence in the environment. 
     Generally, a worker wearing a head lamp and desiring to illuminate a dark or unlit environment must turn the head lamp ON in order to generate the desired illumination. Typically, this requires the worker to activate a switch, usually located somewhere on the head lamp. To activate the switch, the worker can either remove the head lamp from her head, find and activate the switch, and then reposition the head lamp back on her head; or, the worker can leave the head lamp on her head and rely on her mental recollection of the location of the switch on the head lamp and on her sense of touch to find and activate the switch. Then, once the worker is no longer present in the dark or unlit environment, and no longer requires the head lamp to generate the previously desired illumination, the worker must remember to turn the head lamp OFF, or risk unnecessary battery drain. The process of turning the head lamp ON and subsequently remembering to turn the head lamp OFF can be tedious and burdensome for the worker, especially if the worker frequently travels between a dark or unlit environment and a light or lit environment. 
     SUMMARY 
     This section provides a general summary of the present disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features. 
     In one form, the present disclosure provides an assembly comprising a substrate wearable by a user or attachable to an object. A sensor power source, a first light power source, and a second light power source are attached to the substrate. A sensor is attached to the substrate and is electrically connected to the sensor power source. A first light source is attached to the substrate and is electrically connected to the sensor and to the first light power source. A second light source is attached to the substrate and is electrically connected to the sensor and to the second light power source. The sensor is operable to turn ON the first light source and the second light source when light striking the sensor falls below a first predetermined intensity level whether or not the assembly is in motion. The sensor is further operable to turn OFF the first light source and the second light source when light striking the sensor exceeds a second predetermined intensity level. The first predetermined intensity level and the second predetermined intensity level is the same or different, and the sensor power source, the first light power source, and the second light power source are the same or different. 
     In another form, a head lamp assembly contains an elastic band and at least one task light attached to the elastic band and electrically connected to a rechargeable battery. The head lamp assembly further has a plurality of hazard lights attached to the elastic band and electrically coupled to a rechargeable battery that is the same as or different from the rechargeable battery coupled to the task light. It also has a means for turning ON the at least one task light and the plurality of hazard lights without any user interaction in response to a low light level regardless of whether the headlight assembly is in motion, and for turning OFF the at least one task light and the plurality of hazard lights without any user interaction in response to a high light level. The head lamp assembly also has at least one switch accessible by a user to override the means. 
     Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only. They illustrate selected embodiments—not all possible implementations—and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a head lamp assembly of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a partial perspective view of the head lamp assembly of the  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of an electrical enclosure of the head lamp assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings to identify similar elements. 
     Examples are provided so that this description will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of examples of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that examples may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the description. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , a head lamp assembly  10  is illustrated. The head lamp assembly  10  comprises a substrate  12 , and disposed upon the substrate  12 , a plurality of hazard lights  14 , at least one task light  16 , and an electrical enclosure  18 . 
     The substrate  12  is generally linear and can be fabricated from a suitable material, such as elastic or nylon. The substrate  12  comprises an inner surface  20 , an outer surface  22 , an attachment feature  24  and a retention strap  15 . 
     As will be described further below, coupled to the outer surface  22  of the substrate  12  can be the plurality of hazard lights  14 , the at least one task light  16 , and the electrical enclosure  18 . The outer surface  22  of the substrate  12  and the retention strap  15 , described below, can further include a reflector  26 . In an embodiment, the reflector  26  can cover the entire outer surface  22  of the substrate  12  and the retention strap  15 . Regardless of the size and placement of the reflector  26 , when an auxiliary light is directed towards the reflector  26 , the reflector  26  can reflect the auxiliary light. Therefore, the reflector  26  can provide an additional safety benefit to the user of the head lamp assembly  10  or to the object upon which the head lamp assembly  10  is mounted, especially if the head lamp assembly  10  is turned OFF, if the hazard lights  14  are turned OFF, and/or if the at least one task light  16  is turned OFF, as will be described further below. 
     The attachment feature  24  is attached to the substrate  12  and can be, for example, an engagable buckle or clasp. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , when the attachment feature  24  is engaged, the substrate  12  can take the shape of a circular band  13 . The circular band  13  can be adapted to fit around, for example, a construction worker&#39;s protective safety hard hat or a bicycle safety helmet (not illustrated). The attachment feature  24  can also provide a means for adjusting the size of the circular band  13  to fit, for example, more snuggly around a protective safety hard hat or a bicycle safety helmet. The attachment feature  24 , whether engaged or not engaged, can also be used to mount the head lamp assembly  10  upon another object such as, for example, a bicycle frame, a child&#39;s wagon or a fence post (not illustrated). 
     The retention strap  15  can also be fabricated from a suitable material, such as elastic or nylon and can be attached to either the inner surface  20  or the outer surface  22  of the substrate  12 . The retention strap  15  can be used to, for example, assist a user in securing and retaining the head lamp assembly  10  around a protective safety hard hat or a bicycle safety helmet. The retention strap  15  can also provide for a more snug-fit when the head lamp assembly  10  is worn directly around a user&#39;s head. In an embodiment, the retention strap  15  can be removeably attached to the substrate  12 , to provide a user with the ability to customize the shape and fit of the head lamp assembly  10  during use. 
     As was briefly described above, the plurality of hazard lights  14  can be coupled to the outer surface  22  of the substrate  12 . The hazard lights  14  can be light emitting diodes (LEDs), however, halogen, fluorescent or any other suitable light source can be substituted for, or used in combination with, the LEDs. When turned ON, as will be described further below, the hazard lights  14  can emit an amber color light, however, other colors such as, for example, red and/or natural white light can also be emitted depending on the type of light source used. Moreover, when the attachment feature  24  is engaged and the substrate  12  is formed into the circular band  13 , the hazard lights  14 , when turned ON, can provide 360 degrees of illumination. 
     As was also briefly described above, the at least one task light  16  can also be coupled to the outer surface  22  of the substrate  12 . The task light  16  can comprise a single light source, or can comprise a plurality of light sources, as is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Like the hazard lights  14 , the task light(s)  16  can also be light emitting diodes (LEDs), however, halogen, fluorescent or other suitable light sources can be substituted for, or used in combination with, the LEDs. When turned ON, as will be described further below, the task light(s)  16  can emit a bright white color light, however, other colors, such as, for example, red and/or amber can be emitted depending on the type of light source used. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , the hazard lights  14  and the task light(s)  16  can be electrically connected to a circuit board  28  with electrical wires  27 . The circuit board  28  and the electrical wires  27  are of the type generally known and used in typical electrical systems and will therefore not be described in detail herein. The electrical wires  27  can be embedded within the substrate  12 , between the inner and outer surfaces  20 ,  22 . In addition to electrically connecting the lights  14 ,  16  to the circuit board  28 , the electrical wires  27  can also electrically connect other components of the head lamp assembly  10  to the circuit board  28 , as will be described below. The circuit board  28  can be contained within the electrical enclosure  18 , described below. 
     The electrical enclosure  18  can be a hollow structure coupled to the outer surface  22  of the substrate  12 . The electrical enclosure  18  can comprise a base  30  and a cover plate  32 . Both the base  30  and the cover plate  32  can be fabricated from a suitable plastic material that is preferably waterproof. The cover plate  32  can be removeably secured to the base  30  with at least one suitable fastener (not illustrated). Accordingly, the cover plate  32  can be separated from the base  30  to, for example, provide access to the circuit board  28  and to the other components contained within the electrical enclosure  18 . 
     In addition to the circuit board  28 , the electrical enclosure  18  can also contain a main ON/OFF user switch  34 , a power source  36 , a sensor  38 , a potentiometer  40 , and a light sync  42 . 
     The main ON/OFF user switch  34  can be mounted on the electrical enclosure  18  and is electrically connected to the circuit board  28 . The main ON/OFF user switch  34  can be, for example, a push-button type switch, a touch-sensitive switch, or any other suitable switch. The main ON/OFF user switch  34  can provide a user with the ability to control the head lamp assembly  10 . For example, during use, when the main ON/OFF user switch  34  is in the ON position, electrical power can be transferred from the power source  36 , described below, to any of the electrical components connected to it, also described below. In contrast, when the main ON/OFF user switch  34  is in the OFF position, electrical power is restricted from transferring from the power source  36  to any of the electrical components connected to it. 
     In an illustrative embodiment, the power source  36  is a single, 3.7 volt lithium ultra-thin rechargeable battery. The power source  36  is electrically connected to the circuit board  28  with the electrical wires  27 , and is contained within the electrical enclosure  18 . In an embodiment, the power source  36  is embedded within the substrate  12 , between the inner and outer surfaces  20 ,  22 . The power source  36  can also comprise a plurality of rechargeable batteries of varying sizes and voltages that can be recharged by electrically connecting the head lamp assembly  10  to a power source such as, for example, a wall outlet or an auxiliary power outlet in a vehicle (not illustrated). The power source(s)  36  can also be recharged by placing the head lamp assembly  10  upon a magnetic rechargeable pad or by using a wireless solar light charging means (not illustrated). 
     As illustrated, the sensor  38  is also electrically connected to the circuit board  28  with the electrical wires  27 , and mounted on the electrical enclosure  18 . The sensor  38  can be a typical light sensor, as is known in the field. During use, when the main ON/OFF user switch  34  is in the ON position, the sensor  38  can survey the environment surrounding the sensor  38  and the head lamp assembly  10  for the presence of visible light. Should the sensor  38  detect visible light in the surrounding environment that exceeds a first predetermined intensity level, the sensor  38  can generate and send a first electronic signal to the circuit board  28  and turn the lights  14 ,  16  OFF and keep the lights  14 ,  16  OFF. Conversely, should the sensor  38  not detect the presence of visible light in the surrounding environment, that is, if the presence of visible light in the surrounding is below a second predetermined intensity level, the sensor  38  can generate and send a second electronic signal to the circuit board  28  to turn the lights  14 ,  16  ON and keep the lights  14 ,  16  on. It should be understood that the first and the second signals sent by the sensor  38  can be the same or different. 
     It should also be understood that the sensor  38  can either turn the lights  14 ,  16  OFF or turn the lights  14 ,  16  ON, depending on the presence or absence of visible light, respectively, in the surrounding environment relative to a predetermined intensity level. More specifically, the sensor  38  does not operate to increase the illumination intensity of the lights  14 ,  16  or decrease the illumination intensity of the lights  14 ,  16  in proportion to the amount of visible light that is present or absent, respectively, in the environment surrounding the head lamp assembly  10 . 
     In an embodiment, however, the sensor  38  can dim the lights  14 ,  16  depending on the amount of visible light in the environment surrounding the sensor  38  relative to a predetermined intensity level. For example, should the amount of visible light in the environment surrounding the sensor  38  be slightly greater than or slightly less than a predetermined intensity level, the illumination intensity of the lights  14 ,  16  may be dimmed, as opposed to being either turned OFF or ON, respectively. 
     Moreover, the sensor  38  can operate to turn the lights  14 ,  16  OFF and/or turn the lights  14 ,  16  ON in the above described manner regardless if the head lamp assembly  10  is in motion. For example, should a user desire to place the head lamp assembly  10  upon a stationary or inanimate object, or should a user wearing the head lamp assembly  10  be inactive for a period of time, the lights  14 ,  16  can still turn ON and/or stay ON once the sensor  38  detects that the visible light in the environment surrounding the head lamp assembly  10  is below a predetermined intensity level. The ability of the head lamp assembly  10  to turn the lights  14 ,  16  ON and/or keep the lights  14 ,  16  ON regardless if the head lamp assembly  10  is in motion provides a user with numerous benefits. For example, as was briefly described above, the head lamp assembly  10  can be placed upon an inanimate object, such as, for example, a fence post or a mailbox and illuminate a dark or unlit area and/or provide notification of the object&#39;s presence to others. 
     The potentiometer  40  can be electronically connected to the circuit board  28  with the electrical wires  27 , and can be mounted on the electrical enclosure  18 . The potentiometer  40  can enable a user to adjust either or both of the first and second predetermined intensity levels used by the sensor  38  to turn the lights  14 ,  16  ON and OFF. For example, a user may desire for the sensor  38  to turn OFF either or both of the lights  14 ,  16  as soon as a scintilla of light is detected by the sensor  38  in the environment surrounding the head lamp assembly  10 , or, in contrast, keep the lights  14 ,  16  ON until the sensor  38  detects direct, bright light in the environment surrounding the head lamp assembly  10 . A user can also adjust the potentiometer  40  to enable the sensor  38  to turn the lights  14 ,  16  ON and OFF when the light level in the surrounding environment is somewhere in between. 
     A hazard light override switch  44  and a task light override switch  46  can also be connected to the circuit board  28  with the electrical wires  27 , and both switches  44 ,  46  can be mounted on the electrical enclosure  18 . Each override switch  44 ,  46  can be a push-button type switch, a touch-sensitive switch, or any other like suitable switch. The override switches  44 ,  46  can enable a user to override the sensor  38 . For example, during normal use of the head lamp assembly  10 , as described above, when the visible light in the environment surrounding the sensor  38  and the head lamp assembly  10  is below the predetermined intensity level, the sensor  38  can generate and send the second electric signal to the circuit board  28  to turn ON the hazard light(s)  14  and the task lights  16 . However, should a user desire to not have the hazard lights  14  illuminated when the visible light in the environment surrounding the sensor  38  is below the predetermined intensity level, the user can activate the hazard light override switch  44 , override the second electric signal, and turn the hazard lights  14  OFF and/or keep the hazard lights  14  OFF. Similarly, should a user desire to turn the task light(s)  16  OFF and/or keep the task light(s)  16  OFF once the sensor  38  turns the task light(s)  16  ON, the user can activate the task light override switch  46  and override the second signal. Each of the override switches  44 ,  46  can also be used to allow a user to turn the lights  14 ,  16  ON and/or keep the lights  14 ,  16  ON once the sensor  38  generates and sends the first signal to turn the lights  14 ,  16  OFF. 
     The hazard light override switch  44  can also enable a user to control and adjust the illumination intensity or brightness generated by the hazard lights  14  when the hazard lights  14  are turned ON by the sensor  38 . Further, a user can use the hazard light override switch  44  to enable the hazard lights  14 , when turned ON, to either remain continuously illuminated or blink intermittently. Further, should a user desire the hazard lights  14  to blink intermittently when turned ON, the hazard light override switch  44  can also allow a user to adjust the frequency or speed of the blink. The task light override switch  46  can also enable a user to adjust and control the intensity or brightness of the illumination generated by the task lights  16  when the task lights  16  are turned ON. 
     The hazard light override switch  44  and the task light override switch  46  can provide a user with numerous benefits. For example, there may be situations where a user wearing the head lamp assembly  10  wishes to keep the lights  14 ,  16  ON, however, the visible light in the environment surrounding the head lamp assembly  10  is above the predetermined intensity level, such as, for example, on a cloudy day or during the dawn and/or the dusk hours. Moreover, should a user wearing the head lamp assembly  10  in a dark and/or unlit environment be in the presence of others wearing head lamps or holding flashlights, the user can use the override switches  44 ,  46  to keep the lights  14 ,  16  ON as opposed to the sensor  38  turning the lights  14 ,  16  OFF. 
     The light sync  42  can also be electronically connected to the circuit board  28  with the electrical wires  27 , and can be contained within the electrical enclosure  18 . During use, should a user desire the hazard lights  14  to blink intermittently, the light sync  42  can adjust and synchronize the blinking of the hazard lights  14  to blink in unison with other nearby blinking light sources. By providing a synchronized and unison blink with other nearby blinking lights, the risk of photosensitive epilepsy to a user or to another nearby person can be reduced. 
     Also attached to the substrate  12  can be an audible warning system  48 . The audible warning system  48  can include a user switch  50  and at least one speaker  52 . During use, a user can activate the user switch  50  to generate and disseminate an audible tone through the speaker  52 . The audible warning system  48  can provide a means for a user to alert others of the worker&#39;s presence in an environment and/or provide a means for the user to signal for assistance. The audible warning system  48  can also comprise a microphone  54  and a transmitter  56 . The microphone  54  and transmitter  56  can provide a user with the ability to communicate with others. 
     A flash memory  58  can also be coupled to the substrate  12 . The flash memory  58  can provide the user with the ability to store data, such as, for example, media data that can be played through the speaker  52  of the audible warning system  48 , described above. An audible jack  60  can also be incorporated into the substrate  12 , to enable a user to connect headphones (not illustrated) to the flash memory  58  and listen to media files stored on the flash memory  58 , for example. 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7