Abstract:
Various lighting devices and related methods are provided. In one example, a lighting device includes a cradle comprising two support members. The lighting device also includes a main body comprising a light source, a housing, and two mounting members attached to substantially opposite sides of the housing. The main body is adapted to be selectively connected to the cradle in response to a user inserting the mounting members in the support members. The main body is adapted to be selectively disconnected from the cradle in response to the user removing the mounting members from the support members. The mounting members are adapted to rotate relative to the support members while the mounting members are in the support members to permit the main body to rotate relative to the cradle to adjust an angle of light emitted by the light source.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention generally relates to lighting devices and more particularly to portable lighting devices which may be selectively secured to convenient locations. 
         [0003]    2. Related Art 
         [0004]    Portable lighting devices such as flashlights, headlamps, and other types of lighting devices are often employed by hikers, climbers, search/rescue teams, and other users to conveniently illuminate areas of interest. In certain environments, it is often important that a user&#39;s hands remain relatively free and unencumbered so that the user can perform various tasks while an area of interest is illuminated, rather than the user being required to continuously hold the lighting device by hand. 
         [0005]    For example, conventional headlamps may be used to secure a light source to a user&#39;s head. Unfortunately, many existing headlamps suffer from limitations which compromise their usefulness and reliability. In this regard, certain conventional headlamps provide a light source that extends outward in a cantilevered fashion from a base member positioned on or near a user&#39;s forehead. In such implementations, the light source is supported by a single mounting point on the base member which is prone to failure. Gravity-induced torque on the cantilevered light source (e.g., in a downward direction) can stress the mounting point. Over time, this stress can cause the light source to sag under its own weight. As a result, the light source may not remain pointed in a direction desired by a user, or the mounting point may fail and cause the light source to become detached from the mounting point. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved lighting device that overcomes one or more of the deficiencies discussed above. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    Various lighting devices and methods of operation are provided which may be used to advantageously illuminate areas of interest in a reliable, convenient manner. In one embodiment, a lighting device includes a cradle comprising two support members. The lighting device also includes a main body comprising a light source, a housing, and two mounting members attached to substantially opposite sides of the housing. The main body is adapted to be selectively connected to the cradle in response to a user inserting the mounting members in the support members. The main body is adapted to be selectively disconnected from the cradle in response to the user removing the mounting members from the support members. The mounting members are adapted to rotate relative to the support members while the mounting members are in the support members to permit the main body to rotate relative to the cradle to adjust an angle of light emitted by the light source. 
         [0007]    In another embodiment, a method of operating a lighting device includes inserting a main body of the lighting device into a cradle of the lighting device to connect the main body to the cradle. The cradle comprises two support members. The main body comprises a light source, a housing, and two mounting members attached to substantially opposite sides of the housing. The two mounting members are adapted to be selectively inserted into or removed from the support members by a user. The method also includes rotating the main body relative to the cradle to adjust an angle of light emitted by the light source, wherein the mounting members are adapted to rotate relative to the support members while the mounting members are in the support members. 
         [0008]    The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, which are incorporated into this section by reference. A more complete understanding of embodiments of the present invention will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantages thereof, by a consideration of the following detailed description of one or more embodiments. Reference will be made to the appended sheets of drawings that will first be described briefly. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates a lighting device including a main body and a removable cradle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-section view taken at line  5 - 5  of the main body of the lighting device of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  illustrates the lighting device of  FIG. 1  including a strap in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  illustrates the lighting device of  FIG. 1  including another strap in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded view of the main body of the lighting device of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  illustrates changes in the relative brightness of a plurality of different light sources of the lighting device of  FIG. 1  in response to a single user control in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  illustrates a block diagram of control circuitry of the lighting device of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  illustrates a circuit diagram of the lighting device of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
       [0017]    Embodiments of the present invention and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals are used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]      FIG. 1  illustrates a lighting device  100  including a main body  101  and a cradle  120  configured to receive lighting device  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, and  FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-section view taken at line  5 - 5  of main body  101  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         [0019]    Main body  101  of lighting device  100  is configured to be inserted into cradle  120  and also maybe selectively removed from cradle  120 . In this regard, main body  101  maybe advantageously attached to cradle  120  and positioned in any convenient location where cradle  120  is positioned. For example, in one embodiment, cradle  120  may be positioned on a user&#39;s head to facilitate using lighting device  100  as a headlamp. However, lighting device  100  need not be limited to headlamp applications. For example, in other embodiments, cradle  120  may be positioned in other locations, such as on a belt, clothing, wrist strap, or other locations which may be convenient to a user. In other embodiments, main body  101  may be removed from cradle  120  to facilitate handheld use of main body  101  (e.g., as a flashlight) by a user or placement of main body  101  in other locations. 
         [0020]    Main body  101  includes a housing  151  having a substantially elongate shape extending in a substantially vertical direction. Main body  101  includes mounting members  165  exhibiting substantially cylindrical exterior surfaces on either side of housing  151 . Main body  101  may be selectively connected to cradle  120  through engagement of mounting members  165  with cradle  120 . In this regard, cradle  120  includes two support members  124  which have substantially arcuate interior surfaces  125  that may be engaged with the substantially cylindrical exterior surfaces of mounting members  165  when mounting members  165  are inserted into support members  124 . 
         [0021]    While main body  101  is engaged with cradle  120  (e.g., through engagement of mounting members  165  and support members  124 ), housing  151  may be rotated relative to cradle  120  along an axis  102  in the directions denoted by arrows  153  to adjust the angle of light emitted by one or more light sources  166 A-E further described herein. 
         [0022]    Advantageously, the weight of housing  151  is supported by both of support members  124 . Because housing  151  is engaged with cradle  120  through support members  124  and mounting members  165 , the center of gravity of main body  101  is situated in close proximity to support members  124  and the remaining portions of cradle  120 . 
         [0023]    Main body  101  includes end caps  152  connected to mounting members  165  on either side of housing  151 . A user may grasp housing  151  or end caps  152  to rotate main body  101  relative to cradle  120 . Advantageously, the shape of housing  151  permits the center of gravity of main body  101  to be horizontally positioned between support members  124  and vertically positioned substantially level with or lower than (e.g., below) axis  102 , support members  124 , and/or mounting members  165 . Such positioning of the center of gravity allows gravitational forces to substantially pull housing  151  into a stable position (e.g., without causing main body  101  to be top heavy or cantilevered which could result in unintentional rotation of main body  101 ). As a result, cradle  120  is configured to hold housing  151  in a stable, reliable manner while still permitting housing  151  to rotate. 
         [0024]    Cradle  120  includes connecting members  122  and  126  that include apertures  128  and  129  which may receive various straps or other mounting devices for positioning cradle  120  in desired locations. For example,  FIG. 3  illustrates main body  101  and cradle  120  connected to a strap  110  in a headlamp configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this regard, strap  110  passes through apertures  128  of connecting members  122  to secure cradle  120  to strap  110 . In this configuration, cradle  120  may be positioned in front of a user&#39;s forehead and strap  110  may be configured to wrap around the user&#39;s head to secure lighting device  100  to the user. 
         [0025]    As another example,  FIG. 4  illustrates main body  101  and cradle  120  connected to strap  110  and also connected to a strap  112  in another headlamp configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this regard, strap  112  passes through apertures  129  of connecting members  126  to secure cradle  120  to strap  112 . In this configuration, strap  112  may be configured to wrap over a top of the user&#39;s head to further secure lighting device  100  to the user. 
         [0026]    Main body  101  also includes a user control  154  mounted substantially on a top side of housing  151 . User control  154  may be rotated relative to housing  151  to adjust a potentiometer or other appropriate control of lighting device  100  to adjust, for example, the intensity of light emitted by one or more of light sources  166 A-E. For example, the user may grasp user control  154  to rotate user control  154  in the directions denoted by arrows  155  relative to body  150 . Advantageously, the location of user control  154  on the top side of housing  151  permits a user to adjust user control  154  without causing housing  151  to rotate along axis  102 . As a result, main body  101  can remain in a desired position (e.g., rotated to a desired angle relative to cradle  120 ) while the user operates user control  154 . 
         [0027]    In addition, the position of user control  154  on the top side of housing  151  permits the user to adjust user control  154  without unintentionally interfering with the light provided by light sources  166 A-E. In this regard, the user&#39;s hand may be placed on the top side of housing  151  rather than in front of light sources  166 A-E (e.g., within beam patterns emitted by light sources  166 A-E) which could otherwise interrupt beam patterns emitted by light sources  166 A-E. As a result, the user can avoid inadvertently interrupting beam patterns emitted by light sources  166 A-E (e.g., avoid casting a shadow) over an illuminated area of interest while adjusting user control  154 . 
         [0028]    Although user control  154  is illustrated as a user-rotatable dial (e.g., a knob), other embodiments are also contemplated. For example, in other embodiments, user control  154  may be implemented as a slider (e.g., connected to a potentiometer that slides along an axis), a spring loaded lever, a toggle switch, a switch having separate increment and decrement positions, two or more switches (e.g., an increment switch and a decrement switch), or other appropriate controls. 
         [0029]    Lighting device  100  includes five light sources labeled  166 A-E. Although five light sources are shown, any desired number of light sources, and any desired types of light sources may be used. For example, in various embodiments, light sources  166 A-E may be implemented as light emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent light sources, visible light sources, non-visible light sources (e.g., emitting infrared, ultraviolet, and/or other light wavelengths), spotlights, floodlights, and/or other appropriate types of light sources as may be desired in particular implementations. 
         [0030]    Light sources  166 A-E are mounted within a lens assembly  167  (e.g., which may be implemented to include a plurality of lenses, each of which may provide total internal reflection of light from a corresponding one or more of light sources  166 A-E) in housing  151 . Light sources  166 A-E and lens assembly  167  are mounted within housing  151  behind a window assembly  168 . 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , housing  151  includes a substantially cylindrical chamber  170 . Chamber  170  may receive a battery (e.g., a conventional AA or AAA battery) for powering lighting device  100 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded view of main body  101  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In addition to various components of main body  101  previously described herein,  FIG. 5  also shows several additional components. 
         [0033]    For example,  FIG. 5  further illustrates plates  180 , a printed circuit board (PCB)  181 , a contact plate  182 , o-rings  183 , threads  184 , a spring  185 , and a battery  186 . Plates  180  may be inserted into end caps  152  and affixed or otherwise secured to end caps  152  using any appropriate product such as, for example, adhesive, glue, or other products. Plates  180  may include letters, symbols, and/or other appropriate insignia which remain visible when plates  180  are secured to end caps  152 . Battery  186  may be inserted into chamber  170  (see  FIG. 4 ) within housing  151  for powering light sources  166 A-E, PCB  181 , and a PCB  191 . While inserted into chamber  170 , battery  186  engages with contact plate  182  and spring  185 . PCB  181  and/or PCB  191  may be used to provide appropriate circuitry for operating light sources  166 A-E in response to control signals generated in response to operation of user control  154 . End caps  152  may be engaged with threads  184  to secure end caps  152  to mounting members  165 . In this regard, o-rings  183  maybe used to seal end caps  152  against housing  151 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 5  also illustrates various components of window assembly  168 . In this regard, window assembly  168  includes a reflector cap  168 A, a reflector mirror  168 B, and a reflector ring  168 C, all of which may be secured to lens assembly  167  by screws  168 D. 
         [0035]    In addition,  FIG. 5  illustrates a switch  190 , PCB  191 , a switch cap  192 , an o-ring  193 , and a switch ring  194 . Switch  190  engages with user control  154  and PCB  191 . In this regard, switch  190  may rotate with user control  154 . PCB  181  and/or PCB  191  may detect the position of user control  154 , and adjustments thereof, using switch  190  and generate one or more control signals for operating light sources  166 A-E in various ways further described herein. User control  154 , switch  190 , and PCB  191  may be received by switch cap  192  which is inserted into body with switch ring  194  and sealed against housing  151  by o-ring  193 . 
         [0036]    The implementation of switch  190  and other relevant components of lighting device  100  may be changed in embodiments having different implementations of user control  154 . For example, switch  190  may be implemented in an appropriate manner (e.g., as a potentiometer that slides along an axis, a switch responsive to a spring loaded lever, a switch responsive to a toggle switch, a switch having separate increment and decrement positions, two or more switches, or other appropriate switch implementations) to engage with user control  154  in such embodiments. 
         [0037]      FIG. 6  illustrates changes in the relative brightness (e.g., intensity) of light sources  166 A-C of lighting device  100  in response to operation of user control  154  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, and  FIG. 7  illustrates a block diagram  700  of control circuitry of lighting device  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. For example, in one embodiment, various components of block diagram  700  may be used to control light sources  166 A-C to operate in the manner identified in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0038]    Although the following descriptions of  FIGS. 6-7  refer to light sources  166 A-C, the features described with regard to one or more of light sources  166 A-C may be similarly applied to light sources  166 D-E and/or other light sources of lighting device  100 . Moreover, although the various features of  FIG. 6-7  are described with regard to lighting device  100  implemented as a headlamp, such features may be used in any type of lighting device  100  where desired (e.g., a flashlight or other appropriate type of lighting device). 
         [0039]      FIG. 6  show beam patterns  602 ,  604 , and  606  which correspond to the relative brightness of light sources  166 A,  166 B, and  166 C, respectively, in response to adjustment of user control  154  from a minimum position to a maximum position. As shown in  FIG. 6 , light sources  166 A-C may transition from a minimum brightness level to a maximum brightness level in a staggered fashion such that light sources  166 A-C may exhibit minimum, intermediate, and maximum brightness levels corresponding to different positions of user control  154 . 
         [0040]    As previously described, light sources  166 A-C may be implemented as different types of light sources. As such, light sources  166 A-C may exhibit different beam patterns (e.g., different dispersion patterns) as denoted by the different widths of beam patterns  602 ,  604 , and  606 . For example, in one embodiment, light source  166 A may be implemented as a spotlight having a relatively narrow beam pattern as indicated by the narrow width of beam pattern  602 . In another embodiment, light source  166 B may be implemented as a floodlight having a relatively wide beam pattern as indicated by the wide width of beam pattern  604  in comparison to beam pattern  602 . In another embodiment, light source  166 C may be implemented as a light source having an intermediate beam pattern as indicated by the intermediate width of beam pattern  606  in comparison to beam patterns  602  and  604 . 
         [0041]    For purposes of illustration, beam patterns  602 ,  604 , and  606  are shown separately from each other. However, in various embodiments, beam patterns  602 ,  604 , and  606  may overlap with some or all of each other. 
         [0042]    In various embodiments, light sources  166 A-C may be implemented with similar or different minimum and maximum brightness levels. For example, in one embodiment, the minimum and maximum brightness levels of light sources  166 A-C may be substantially similar to each other. In another embodiment, the maximum brightness levels of light sources  166 A-C may differ from each other such that, for example, when light sources  166 A and  166 B are both set to their maximum brightness levels, light source  166 B may still be brighter than light source  166 A. In another embodiment, the minimum brightness levels of light sources  166 A-C may differ from each other such that, for example, when light sources  166 A and  166 B are both set to their minimum brightness levels, light source  166 B may still be brighter than light source  166 A. 
         [0043]    The operation of user control  154  will now be further described with regard to beam patterns  602 ,  604 , and  606 . When user control  154  is at a minimum position  610  (e.g., an off position), all of light sources  166 A-C remain turned off (e.g., exhibiting minimum brightness). 
         [0044]    As user control  154  is adjusted from position  610  to position  620 , light source  166 A turns on and gradually increases in brightness until reaching approximately 50 percent brightness when user control  154  reaches position  620 . Light sources  166 B-C remain turned off as user control  154  transitions from position  610  to position  620 . 
         [0045]    As user control  154  is adjusted from position  620  to position  630 , light source  166 A further increases in brightness until reaching approximately 80 percent brightness when user control  154  reaches position  630 . Light source  166 B turns on as user control passes position  620  and further increases in brightness until reaching approximately 30 percent brightness when user control  154  reaches position  630 . Light source  166 C remains turned off as user control  154  transitions from position  620  to position  630 . 
         [0046]    As user control  154  is adjusted from position  630  to position  640 , light source  166 A further increases in brightness until reaching its maximum brightness when user control  154  reaches position  640 . Light source  166 B further increases in brightness until reaching approximately 50 percent brightness when user control  154  reaches position  640 . Light source  166 C turns on as user control passes position  630  and further increases in brightness until reaching approximately 50 percent brightness when user control  154  reaches position  640 . 
         [0047]    As user control  154  is adjusted from position  640  to position  650 , light source  166 A remains at its maximum brightness level. Light source  166 B further increases in brightness until reaching approximately 80 percent brightness when user control  154  reaches position  650 . Light source  166 C further increases in brightness until reaching its maximum brightness when user control  154  reaches position  650 . 
         [0048]    As user control  154  is adjusted from position  650  to position  660 , light source  166 A remains at its maximum brightness level. Light source  166 B further increases in brightness until reaching its maximum brightness level when user control  154  reaches position  660 . Light source  166 C remains at its maximum brightness level as user control is adjusted from position  650  to position  660 . 
         [0049]    As user control  154  is adjusted in the reverse direction from position  660  through positions  650 ,  640 ,  630 , and  620  to position  610 , the brightness levels of light sources  166 A-C decrease in a similar staggered fashion. As a result, light sources  166 A-C may turn on, turn off, and vary in brightness in a staggered fashion as user control  154  is adjusted. 
         [0050]    The particular staggered implementation shown in  FIG. 6  is provided for purposes of illustration and not limitation. Lighting device  100  may be implemented to control light sources  166 A-C in accordance with any desired minimum and maximum brightness levels, staggered or not staggered, relative to user control  154 . For example, although all of light sources  166 A-C are illustrated as being turned on at the same time for at least a range of positions of user control  154  (e.g., all of light sources  166 A-C remain turned on as user control  154  is adjusted from position  630  to position  660 ), light source  166 A may alternatively turn off when user control  154  reaches position  640  and remain off as user control  154  is adjusted to position  660 . Continuing this example, light source  166 C may alternatively turn on when user control  154  reaches position  650  (e.g., light source  166 C may turn on after light source  166 A turns off) and remain on as user control  154  is adjusted from position  650  to position  660 . 
         [0051]    Advantageously, user control  154  permits a user to adjust the on/off states and brightness of all of light sources  166 A-C using only a single control. This feature is desirable for users whose hands must remain free as much as possible to perform other tasks. In particular, such users may adjust a plurality of light sources  166 A-C using only a single hand, without requiring manipulation of a plurality of different controls. 
         [0052]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a light source control circuit  702  provides control signals  706 A-C to light sources  166 A-C in response to one or more control signals  708  received from a user control circuit  704 . In one embodiment, light source control circuit  702  may be implemented by PCB  181  and/or PCB  191 , and user control circuit  704  may be implemented by switch  190 , PCB  181 , and/or PCB  191 . For example, as previously described, switch  190  may engage with user control  154  and may be adjusted as user control  154  is adjusted. This adjustment of switch  190  may cause PCB  181  and/or PCB  191  to generate one or more control signals (e.g., control signals  708 ) which may be provided to control circuit  702  (e.g., PCB  181  and/or PCB  191 ) for operating light sources  166 A-E (e.g., including light sources  166 A-C). 
         [0053]    Thus, the adjustment of user control  154  can cause control signals  708  to be provided from user control circuit  704  to light source control circuit  702  to identify the position of user control  154  (e.g., positioned at any of the positions  610  to  660  identified in  FIG. 6 , or intermediate positions thereof). 
         [0054]    In response to control signals  708 , light source control circuit  702  may generate control signals  706 A-C to adjust the brightness of light sources  166 A-C in a staggered fashion, such as the implementation identified in  FIG. 6 , or other implementations. For example, in one embodiment, light source control circuit  702  may be implemented by a controller, microprocessor, or other appropriate device which may be programmed to provide any desired control signals  706 A-C in response to control signals  708 . As a result, light sources  166 A-C may be controlled to achieve any desired staggered or non-staggered changes in brightness levels. 
         [0055]      FIG. 8  illustrates a circuit diagram  800  of the lighting device of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Circuit diagram  800  includes light sources  166 A-E (shown implemented by LEDs in this embodiment), battery  186 , a light source control circuit  802  (e.g., which may be used to implement light source control circuit  702  in one embodiment), a user control circuit  804  (e.g., which may be used to implement user control circuit  702  in one embodiment), and additional circuitry as shown. Light source control circuit  802  includes a programmable controller  810  and transistors  812 A/ 812 B, all of which may be implemented by PCB  181  and/or PCB  191 . User control circuit  804  includes a potentiometer  890  which may be implemented by switch  190 , PCB  181 , and/or PCB  191 . 
         [0056]    User control circuit  804  provides a control signal  808  to programmable controller  810 , for example, in response to adjustment of potentiometer  890  by a user operating user control  154 . In response to control signal  808 , programmable controller  810  of light source control circuit  802  may generate a control signal  806 A to adjust the brightness of light source  166 B, and may further generate a control signal  806 B to adjust the brightness of light sources  166 A and  166 C-E. In this regard, control signals  806 A-B control the operation of transistors  812 A-B which cause changes in the brightness of light sources  166 A-E. For example, in this embodiment, the brightness of light source  166 B may be controlled independently from the brightness of light sources  1   66 A and  1   66 C-E to achieve any desired staggered or non-staggered changes in brightness levels. 
         [0057]    Although two control signals  806 A and  806 B are shown in circuit diagram  800 , any desired number of control signals may be generated and used in other embodiments to independently control any desired number of light sources in any desired staggered or non-staggered pattern, such as in accordance with the various patterns previously described herein. 
         [0058]    Where applicable, the various components set forth herein can be combined into composite components and/or separated into sub-components without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Similarly, where applicable, the ordering of various steps described herein can be changed, combined into composite steps, and/or separated into sub-steps to provide features described herein. 
         [0059]    The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present invention to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. It is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present invention, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. 
         [0060]    Embodiments described above illustrate but do not limit the invention. It should also be understood that numerous modifications and variations are possible in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined only by the following claims.