Abstract:
This invention relates to a light system for use in indoor or outdoor environments. More specifically, it provides a foldable, portable, self-supporting shadow-reducing utility light system capable of illuminating multi-dimensional areas, a kit and a method of use therein.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 62/065212 filed Oct. 17, 2014. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    This invention relates to a light system for use in indoor or outdoor environments. More specifically, it provides a foldable, portable, shadow-reducing utility light system capable of illuminating multi-dimensional areas, a kit and a method of use therein. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The invention described herein comprises a portable, flexible, foldable sheet or mat that incorporates multiple individual light points for illumination in a variety of environments. In the preferred embodiment, it comprises Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) arranged specifically in a format to illuminate an area and reduce shadows; Ultraviolet (UV) lights or other light-emitting systems are also contemplated. The light sheet or mat is made of a durable, flexible and sturdy material and can be worn, hung vertically or horizontally, laid on a surface, or be used in a free-standing posture to provide lighting in any desired environment in any desired direction. The invention is powered using either a transformer or connection via a charged power source, including but not limited to stored solar power. The circuitry for the light system is contained between protective material that provides additional functionality for further protection and support through utilization of semi-rigid sections of foam or other sturdy and flexible material. Additional cross members may be added to further support the invention for use in a free-standing posture. 
         [0006]    Compact and/or portable lighting presently available includes hand held devices, those capable of suspension by various means, or free-standing mounted lights supported by poles or rigid upright members. They are generally either battery powered or plugged into common sources of alternating current. Limitations in the present art include an inability to be both flexible and self-supporting, requiring that they be held or attached to another object or surface, and a reliance on a single type of power supply. The present invention allows for a foldable, flexible and self-supporting light that can be powered by multiple power sources. 
         [0007]    Another advantage over prior art includes the reduction or elimination of shadows generally resulting from traditional lighting sources. In one embodiment, the device configuration utilizes positioning of the light points in a regular and defined array and may optionally include reflective backing, which serves to project light in multiple directions and dimensions, thereby removing undesirable optical effects such as, but not limited to, shadowing from the illuminated area. Therefore, as a functional work or utility light, the light sheet or mat can be used to illuminate a broader surface than traditional lighting while providing a substantial elimination of shadows which obscure the overall viewability of the illuminated area. 
         [0008]    A proposed use and specific advantage of this invention includes its application in automobile, boat, motorcycle or other vehicle mechanic or maintenance utilities. When working on engines or other internal vehicle components, for example working on an engine, the three-dimensional nature of the surfaces of the various components renders shadows that can be problematic in diagnostics, maintenance or repair. The present invention overcomes this problem by reducing the shadowing that occurs with currently available lighting systems. This feature is also particularly practical for use in operating rooms, medical practices or practitioners&#39; offices where depth of view is critical. 
         [0009]    All patents, patent applications, provisional patent applications and publications referred to or cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent they are not inconsistent with the teachings of the specification. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMBERS AND LETTERS 
       [0010]      10  Flexible body membrane 
         [0011]      20  Pocket containing the light source 
         [0012]      30  Transparent membrane 
         [0013]      40  Interstitial material 
         [0014]      50  Connective circuitry 
         [0015]      60  Retention clips 
         [0016]      80  Accessory pocket 
         [0017]      90  Fold seams 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES IN THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a line drawing showing a perspective front view of the claimed foldable utility lighting; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a line drawing showing a view of the front of the claimed foldable utility lighting; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a line drawing showing a view of the back of the foldable utility lighting and illustrating a utility pocket; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 4 through 7  are line drawings showing views of the foldable utility lighting from each of the four sides; 
           [0022]      FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate an embodiment with an optional serial connection cable. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a line drawing showing a view of a third side of the foldable utility lighting. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a line drawing showing a view of a fourth side of the foldable utility lighting. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a line drawing showing a view of the foldable utility lighting in its folded configuration. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a line drawing illustrating one embodiment of the foldability feature of the foldable utility lighting. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    The present article is represented by the perspective view of a preferred embodiment in  FIG. 1 . The embodiment of the article depicted in this figure utilizes a strips of LED or UV lights arranged in arrays or patterns within or upon a flexible body membrane  10 , which are enclosed within transparent areas, or pockets containing the light source  20 , in the flexible body membrane  10 . The light strips in a preferred embodiment include a plurality of individual lights placed in arrays in rows to optimize shadow reduction. In embodiments with one transparent side, the light wash can be up to 140 degrees, allowing for excellent visual resolution of articles in multi-dimensional settings. If both sides are transparent, light can extend in 360 degrees. In this depicted embodiment, rows of arrayed lights are shown alternating with, between or mounted on top of areas for interstitial material  40 , which serves to protect and cushion the lights from the user and other possible harm. Optional and removable supports which can have feet to support the light upright, can be positioned within pockets within or between sheets of the flexible body membrane  10 . The rows of lights, interstitial material  40  and support members are secured within a pocket of flexible water, weather and particle resistant material forming the flexible body membrane  10  to protect the lighting from weather and elements that could compromise the lights or their power source. In a preferred embodiment, LED lighting is connected through a positive terminal and negative terminal. One skilled in the art would recognize that illumination can be provided by various sources and is not limited to LED, but could include UV or other light sources. 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  shows an embodiment of the back of the light mat. Fold seams  90  are seen; this is where one or more surfaces of the flexible body membrane  10  are sewn, glued, heat-sealed or otherwise bonded to create pockets containing the light source, interstitial material  40  or optional supports. An accessory pocket  80  is also shown, for keeping power chords, battery clips, or attachment means. The light mat can be self-standing if using the optional supports, but can also be attached via a range of attachment means, to surfaces, upright components of objects, people or structures to direct light in any desired path or wash. Various attachment means are contemplated, including grommets, straps, stays, clips, magnets, flexible twisting components, or other physical or mechanical means. 
         [0029]    The claimed flexible utility lighting has a large length/width to height ratio as seen in  FIGS. 4-7 , rendering it relatively flat to enhance storage capability and portability. In one embodiment, clear, transparent or translucent vinyl or flexible plastic is used in the pocket containing the light source  20  and integrated with water- and weather-resistant nylon, canvas, polymeric or other flexible material. Fire retardant and non-slip materials can also be incorporated. Furthermore, the rows can be folded upon each other in a bi-fold, tri-fold, or accordion fashion as seen in  FIGS. 8 and 9  to allow convenient storage and portability while still allowing for a desired level of rigidity. In another embodiment, the flexible membrane on the pocket containing the light source  20  is opaque, with spacing and array layout that lends to specific illumination applications, whether the desired application is a uniform illumination of desired space or directionally specific illumination. 
         [0030]    Another distinguishing feature of the present invention is its inter-connectability. In one embodiment, pin connectors in the form of branches connected to the connector circuitry  50  and/or positive and negative terminals can join a plurality of individual light sheets or mats to extend and expand illumination capacity. This is seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The invention can also include a dimmable function, enabling the capability to modify light intensity. 
         [0031]    Power sources for the invention can include but are not limited to one or more of the following sources:
       a. Automotive—12 volt power outlet/lighter socket   b. Alligator clips direct to vehicle battery   c. 12 volt transformer to household current   d. Rechargeable battery pack   e. Solar power cells       
 
         [0037]      FIG. 9  is a line drawing illustrating one embodiment of the foldability feature of the foldable utility lighting, wherein the folding is accomplished by laying portions of the light mat upon itself by flexibly bending it at the fold seams  90  or other areas between light pockets, or support or interstitial areas  40 . It is then held together in the folded configuration with retention clips  60 . 
         [0038]    The foldable utility light disclosed herein is also contemplated as a kit, comprising the foldable utility light, its chords and cables for connecting it to a power supply, and other optional accessories such as an optional portable power supply battery contained within a carrying bag. 
         [0039]    Additionally, a method of lighting, is disclosed. The method includes the steps of:
       a. Removing the portable, flexible utility light from its carrying bag;   b. Unfolding the utility light;   c. Inserting desired number of removeable support members and positioning them in pockets or areas within a sheet or between multiple sheets of flexible, water- and weather-resistant body membrane;   d. Connecting the light to a power supply;   e. Positioning the light mat by connecting via attachment means comprising grommets, straps, stays, clips, magnets, flexible twisting components or other physical or mechanical means to attach said light mat to surfaces or upright components of objects, people, or structures;   f. Shining or directing light to area where illumination is desired;   g. Optionally interconnecting multiple said light pads to extend and expand lighting capacity;   h. Disconnecting from said power supply, folding and replacing said light mat into said carrying bag.       
 
         [0048]    While the description above discloses preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is contemplated that numerous variations and modifications of the invention are possible and are considered to be within the scope of the claims that follow.