Patent Description:
In the prior art it is known an illuminated pet leash where the light source comprises a strip of electroluminescent material. An electroluminescent wire is a thin copper wire coated in a phosphor. Light is produced through electroluminescence when an alternating current provided by a conventional DC battery and an inverter is applied to it.

One of the problems associated with the prior art is that the electroluminescent wire is not flexible enough to be moved smoothly in the spooling device during winding and unwinding. Further, the electroluminescent wire contains a copper wire inside. Each time the copper wire bends or flexes it is stressed. Copper has poor resistance to repeated stressing, even if the stress is kept low. Copper also has very low resistance to shear stress and it will deform.

In the prior art is also known a pet leash such which reflects light pointed to the leash. This kind of leash is not illuminated all the time.

<CIT> discloses an illuminated strap assembly comprising a rotatable strap spool and a light emitting strap structure.

Therefore, there is a need for an illuminated strap assembly which is all the time visible even in poor illumination conditions, is wear-resistant and is reliable to use.

An object of the present invention is to provide an illuminated strap assembly so as to overcome or at least alleviate the prior art disadvantages.

The objects of the invention are achieved by an illuminated retractable strap assembly according to independent claim.

The preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the idea of an illuminated retractable strap assembly, the assembly comprising a housing, a rotatable strap spool connected rotatably to the housing and arranged not to rotate when the rotatable strap pool rotates, a light emitting strap structure arranged to and fixed to the rotatable strap spool. The light emitting strap structure comprising a first end and a second end. The assembly further comprises a light source connected to the housing. The light source is arranged to radiate light towards the rotatable strap spool and to illuminate the first end of the light emitting strap structure arranged to the rotatable strap spool.

In an embodiment of the invention the assembly comprises a power source electrically connected to the light source, and the power source is connected to the housing.

According to the invention, the strap structure comprises one or more elongated optical fibers having a first end and a second end for transmitting light between the first end and the second end, and an outer covering. The elongated optical fiber comprises a side emitting optical fiber or a side glow optical fiber. In a side emitting fiber the light gradually escapes along the whole length of the fiber through a cladding surrounding the optical fiber core. The outer covering is arranged to pass at least part of the light originating from the one or more elongated optical fibers to be transmitted through.

This reduces longitudinal stresses the one or more elongated optical fibers are subjected.

According to the invention, the assembly comprises a light receiving face arranged to the rotatable strap spool, the light receiving face is arranged to face towards the light source, and the light source is arranged to radiate light onto the light receiving face.

In an embodiment of the invention, the assembly comprises an optic rotary connector for transmitting light from the housing to the rotatable strap spool.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first end of the one or more elongated optical fibers comprises the light receiving face.

This reduces number of components of the assembly.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the assembly comprises a light transmitting arrangement having a first end and a second end, the light transmitting arrangement is connected to the rotatable strap spool, the first end of the light transmitting arrangement comprises the light receiving face, and the second end of the light transmitting arrangement illuminates the first end of the one or more elongated optical fibers.

In an embodiment of the invention the assembly comprises a retraction mechanism for retracting the strap structure around the rotatable strap spool.

This eases winding the strap structure around the rotatable strap spool.

In an embodiment of the invention the assembly comprises a first lens. the first lens is arranged between the light source and the light receiving face to focus light from light source onto the light receiving face.

This increases illumination of the strap.

In an embodiment of the invention the rotatable strap spool having a centre of rotation. The light receiving face is arranged to the centre of rotation of the rotatable strap spool.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention the rotatable strap spool having a centre of rotation. The light receiving face is arranged to the rotatable strap spool at a distance from the centre of rotation of the rotatable strap spool.

This eases an installation of the assembly.

In an embodiment of the invention the assembly comprises two or more the light sources connected to the housing at the distance from the centre of rotation of the rotatable strap spool.

In an embodiment of the invention the light source comprises a light-emitting diode or a laser diode.

The power consumption of a light-emitting diode or a laser diode is low.

The light source may provide a blinking light or a steady light. Further, the light source may comprise a multicolor light-emitting diode.

In an embodiment of the invention the assembly the power source comprises a rechargeable power source, the rechargeable power source comprises a charging port, and electronics for charging. The charging port and electronics are connected to the housing.

This avoids need for changing batteries.

In an embodiment of the invention the assembly comprises a connector arranged to the second end of the light emitting strap structure.

The connector enables attaching a pet collar or a pet harness to the illuminated strap.

In an embodiment of the invention the housing comprises a grip portion and a support portion for the strap spool. The strap spool is positioned within the support portion and the strap spool is rotatably supported on the support portion.

This increases usability of the assembly.

In an alternative embodiment the rechargeable power source comprises a wireless charging component and electronics for charging. A wireless charging component may be an induction coil, for instance. The wireless charging component and electronics <NUM> are connected to the housing.

An advantage of the invention is that the illuminated strap structure is visible even in poor illumination conditions in the surroundings. The invention enables illuminating the strap structure fixed to the rotatable spool without conducting electricity to the rotatable spool. Furthermore, the illuminated strap structure is wear-resistant and the assembly is reliable in a use. Furthermore, the assembly is easy to manufacture.

The invention is described in detail by means of specific embodiments with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which.

<FIG> shows one embodiment of an illuminated strap assembly according to the invention. The assembly <NUM> comprises a rotatable strap spool <NUM>, a housing <NUM>, a light emitting strap structure <NUM> comprising a first end 5a and a second end 5b and a light source <NUM>. In the <FIG> the rotatable strap spool <NUM> is arranged inside a housing <NUM> and supported to the housing <NUM>. The strap spool <NUM> can also be supported by an axle. The rotatable strap spool <NUM> is connected rotatably to the housing <NUM>. In other words the strap spool <NUM> can be rotated around a centre of rotation X. The light emitting strap structure <NUM> arranged to and fixed to the rotatable strap spool <NUM>. The light source <NUM> is connected to the housing <NUM>. In other words the light source <NUM> does not rotate when the rotatable strap spool <NUM> rotates. the light source <NUM> is arranged to radiate light towards the rotatable strap spool <NUM> and to illuminate the first end 5a of the light emitting strap structure <NUM> arranged to the rotatable strap spool <NUM>.

In this embodiment the strap structure <NUM> comprises one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM> having a first end 11a and a second end 11b and an outer covering <NUM>. The one more elongated optical fibers <NUM> transmit light between the first end 11a and the second end 11b. The outer covering <NUM> allows at least part of the light originating from the one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM> to be transmitted through.

The assembly <NUM> comprises a light receiving face <NUM> arranged to the rotatable strap spool <NUM>, the light receiving face <NUM> faces towards the light source <NUM>, and the light source <NUM> is arranged to radiate light onto the light receiving face <NUM>. In other words the light source <NUM> may touch the light receiving face <NUM> but the light source <NUM> is not fixed to the light receiving face <NUM>. This means that the light receiving face <NUM> rotates when the rotatable strap spool <NUM> rotates but the light source <NUM> does not rotate.

In one embodiment, a distance between the light source <NUM> and the light receiving face <NUM> is stationary.

Anyhow, it should be noted, that due to mechanical tolerances and clearances between parts, the relative position and distance between the light source <NUM> and the light receiving face <NUM> may vary slightly.

In this embodiment the first end 11a of the one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM> comprises the light receiving face <NUM>. In other words the light source <NUM> radiates light onto a face of the first end 11a of the one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM>.

The rotatable strap spool <NUM> comprises a first spool part <NUM> and a second spool part <NUM>. The first spool part <NUM> further comprises a first strap guide wall <NUM>, a second strap guide wall <NUM>, a strap bottom wall <NUM> having a first surface 43a and a second surface 43b, a retraction mechanism wall <NUM> and a first supporting element <NUM>. The strap bottom wall <NUM> extends between the first strap guide wall <NUM> and the second strap guide wall <NUM>. The strap bottom wall <NUM>, the first strap guide wall <NUM> and a second strap guide wall <NUM> form a strap space <NUM> for receiving the strap structure <NUM>. The retraction mechanism wall <NUM> extends from the strap bottom wall <NUM> towards the centre of rotation X of the rotatable strap spool <NUM>.

The second spool part <NUM> further comprises a cover wall <NUM>, a cover axle <NUM> having a first cover axle end 47a and a second supporting element <NUM>.

The strap structure <NUM> is arranged on the strap bottom wall <NUM> between the first strap guide wall <NUM> and the second strap guide wall <NUM>.

The first supporting element <NUM> and the second supporting element <NUM> rotatably support the strap spool <NUM> on the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> comprises a support portion <NUM> for the first supporting element <NUM> and the second supporting element <NUM> of the strap spool <NUM>. The strap spool <NUM> is positioned within the support portion <NUM> and the strap spool <NUM> is rotatably supported on the support portion <NUM>.

The assembly <NUM> comprises a retraction mechanism <NUM> for retracting the strap structure <NUM> around the rotatable strap spool <NUM>. The retraction mechanism <NUM> can comprise a spring biased element where during unwinding the spring tension increases and any slack of the strap structure <NUM> is retracted to the strap spool <NUM>. Typically, the retraction mechanism <NUM> is fixed to the rotatable strap spool and <NUM> and to the housing <NUM>.

The retraction mechanism <NUM> is arranged between the retraction mechanism wall <NUM> and the cover wall <NUM>. The housing <NUM> comprises further a retraction mechanism fixing portion <NUM>. In this embodiment the housing <NUM> comprises a first housing outer wall 3a and a second housing outer wall 3b. The second housing outer wall 3b is arranged in the direction of X from the first housing outer wall 3a. X is a line which locates in a rotation axis of the rotatable strap spool <NUM>. In other words X means a centre of rotation of the rotatable strap spool <NUM>. The retraction mechanism fixing portion <NUM> is connected to the first housing outer wall 3a and the retraction mechanism fixing portion <NUM> extends between the first housing outer wall 3a and the second housing outer wall 3b. The retraction mechanism <NUM> is fixed to the housing <NUM> and to the rotatable strap spool <NUM>. The retraction mechanism <NUM> is fixed to the retraction mechanism fixing portion <NUM> and to the strap bottom wall <NUM>.

The second spool part <NUM> is arranged to fit with the first spool part <NUM>. Typically, the second spool part <NUM> is attached to the first spool part <NUM> with a snap fit connector.

In one embodiment the assembly <NUM> further comprises a first lens <NUM>. The first lens <NUM> is arranged between the light source <NUM> and the light receiving face <NUM> to focus light from light source <NUM> onto the light receiving face <NUM>.

In one embodiment the first lens <NUM> is arranged to the housing <NUM>. In other words, the first lens does not to rotate with the rotatable strap spool <NUM>.

In an alternative embodiment the first lens <NUM> is arranged to the rotatable strap spool <NUM>. In other words, the first lens <NUM> rotates with the rotatable strap spool <NUM>.

The assembly further comprises a power source <NUM> electrically connected to the light source <NUM>. The assembly comprises a light source connector <NUM> for connecting the power source <NUM> and the light source <NUM>. The power source <NUM> is connected to the housing <NUM>.

The power source <NUM> may comprise a rechargeable power source, electronics <NUM> for charging and a charging port <NUM>. The charging port <NUM> and electronics <NUM> are connected to the housing <NUM>.

In this embodiment the one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM> are arranged uniformly extend to the first cover axle end 47a. The one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM> are arranged on the cover wall <NUM> and one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM> extend from the first surface 43a of the strap bottom wall <NUM> to the cover axle <NUM> and inside the cover axle <NUM> to the first cover axle end 47a.

In this embodiment the cover wall <NUM>, the first housing outer wall 3a, the second housing outer wall 3b, the retraction mechanism wall <NUM>, the first strap guide wall <NUM> and the second strap guide wall <NUM> are arranged to transversal direction to the rotation axis of the rotatable strap spool X. The strap bottom wall <NUM> and the cover axle <NUM> are arranged to transversal direction to the first housing outer wall 3a.

In this embodiment the light receiving face <NUM> is arranged to the centre of rotation X of the rotatable strap spool <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM> are arranged uniformly extend to the first cover axle end 47a. The one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM> are arranged to between the retraction mechanism <NUM> and the cover wall <NUM> and one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM> extend from the first surface 43a of the strap bottom wall <NUM> to the cover axle <NUM> and inside the cover axle <NUM> to the first cover axle end 47a. The other elements of the embodiment of <FIG> corresponds the embodiment of <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the assembly <NUM> comprises a light transmitting arrangement <NUM> having a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The light transmitting arrangement <NUM> is arranged extend uniformly through the first strap guide wall <NUM> and in the strap bottom wall <NUM>. In this embodiment the light receiving face <NUM> is arranged to the rotatable strap spool <NUM> at a distance of A from the centre of rotation X of the rotatable strap spool <NUM>. In one embodiment the assembly <NUM> comprises two or more the light sources <NUM> connected to the housing <NUM> at the distance of A from the centre of rotation X of the rotatable strap spool <NUM>. In alternative embodiment the light source <NUM> is circular and it radiates light to the light receiving face <NUM> in all positions of the light receiving face <NUM>.

Alternatively, the one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM> are arranged to extend through the second strap guide wall <NUM> (not shown in the figure).

The other elements of the embodiment of <FIG> corresponds the embodiment of <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the assembly <NUM> comprises a light transmitting arrangement <NUM> having a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The light transmitting arrangement <NUM> is connected to the rotatable strap spool <NUM>. The first end <NUM> of the light transmitting arrangement <NUM> comprises the light receiving face <NUM>, and the second end <NUM> of the light transmitting arrangement <NUM> illuminates the first end 11a of the one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM>. In other words the light source <NUM> radiates light onto a face of the light transmitting arrangement <NUM> in the first end <NUM> of the light transmitting arrangement <NUM>. The light transmitting arrangement <NUM> is arranged uniformly extend between the light receiving face <NUM> and the first end 11a of the one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM>.

The first strap guide wall <NUM> having an inner first strap guide wall surface 45a and an outer first strap guide wall surface 45b. The light transmitting arrangement <NUM> is arranged to uniformly extend from the inner first strap guide wall surface 45a into the cover wall <NUM> and in the cover wall <NUM> into the cover axle <NUM> and in the cover axle <NUM> to the first cover axle end 47a.

In one embodiment the first strap guide wall <NUM> comprises a light transmitting arrangement opening 45c arranged to receive the second end <NUM> of the light transmitting arrangement <NUM>.

In one embodiment the light transmitting arrangement <NUM> is fixed to the second spool part <NUM> of the rotatable spool <NUM>.

In one embodiment the second end <NUM> of the light transmitting arrangement <NUM> is fixed to the first end 11a of the one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM>.

In an alternative embodiment the second end <NUM> of the light transmitting arrangement <NUM> radiates light onto the first end 11a of the one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the assembly <NUM> comprises a light transmitting arrangement <NUM>.

The light transmitting arrangement <NUM> is arranged to uniformly extend from the inner first strap guide wall surface 45a in a gap between the cover wall <NUM> and the second housing outer wall 3b into the cover axle <NUM> and in the cover axle <NUM> to the first cover axle end 47a.

In other words the light transmitting arrangement <NUM> is arranged between the cover wall <NUM> and the second housing outer wall 3b and in the cover axle <NUM>.

The light transmitting arrangement <NUM> is arranged to the cover axle <NUM>. The second end <NUM> of the light transmitting arrangement <NUM> radiates light onto the first end 11a of the one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM>. The assembly <NUM> may further comprise a second lens <NUM> to focus light from the light transmitting arrangement <NUM> to the first end 11a of the one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM>.

In one embodiment the light transmitting arrangement <NUM> comprises a mirror element <NUM>. The mirror element <NUM> is arranged to a corner of the light transmitting arrangement <NUM>.

The other elements of the embodiment of <FIG> corresponds the embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an illuminated retractable strap assembly <NUM> comprising a housing <NUM> with a grip portion <NUM> having an opening for fingers. The assembly <NUM> is a handheld device. The assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> is suitable for an animal tethering device, i.e. a retractable leash for animals.

The assembly <NUM> comprises a connector <NUM> arranged to the second end 5b of the light emitting strap structure <NUM>. The connector <NUM> in the second end 5b of the strap structure <NUM> is releasably attachable to a pet collar or to a pet harness.

The assembly <NUM> comprises a rotatable strap spool <NUM>. In the <FIG> the rotatable strap spool <NUM> is arranged inside a housing <NUM> comprising a grip portion <NUM>. The housing <NUM> comprises a strap opening <NUM>.

The strap structure <NUM> has a first end 5a which is fixed to the strap spool <NUM> and a second end 5b which has a connector <NUM> for connecting the strap structure <NUM>. A retraction mechanism <NUM> retracts the strap structure <NUM> around the strap spool <NUM>. The retraction mechanism <NUM> can comprise a spring biased element where during unwinding the spring tension increases and any slack of the strap structure <NUM> is retracted to the strap spool <NUM>.

The strap structure <NUM> comprises one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM> for transmitting light between a first and a second end of the fibers. The strap structure can be any strap structure <NUM> described in connection with <FIG>) and 9a)-9c).

The outer covering <NUM> allows at least part of the light originating from the one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM> to be transmitted through.

A light source <NUM> is arranged to radiate light directly or via the light transmitting arrangement <NUM> to the first end 11a of the elongated optical fiber <NUM> for generating light into the elongated optical fiber <NUM>.

A power source <NUM> is electrically connected to the light source <NUM> for powering the light source <NUM> and comprises a rechargeable power source <NUM> comprising a charging port <NUM>. The light source <NUM> can be a light-emitting diode or a laser diode, for instance. The assembly <NUM> comprises electronics <NUM> for charging the power source and for controlling the light source <NUM>.

The shown assembly <NUM> comprises the light source <NUM>, the power source <NUM>, and electronics <NUM> mounted to the housing <NUM>. In other words the light source <NUM>, the power source <NUM>, and electronics <NUM> do not rotate together with the strap spool <NUM>.

This means that the light source <NUM> is stationary relative to the housing <NUM>.

Further, this means that the light source <NUM> and the light emitting strap structure <NUM> arranged to and fixed to the rotatable strap spool <NUM> are separate parts.

The light source <NUM> may be fixedly mounted to the housing <NUM>.

The assembly <NUM> comprises a button operated stop mechanism for stopping a rotation of the strap spool, and the button is provided on the outer surface of the housing.

The assembly <NUM> comprises an automatic twilight switch <NUM> for turning on and turning off the light source <NUM>. The automatic twilight switch <NUM> is positioned to the upper part of the housing 3b. The automatic twilight switch <NUM> may also be operated manually to prevent undesired operation.

The assembly <NUM> comprises an automatic motion sensor <NUM> for detecting an unwinding and a retraction of the strap structure <NUM> where the unwinding is turning on and the retraction is turning off the light source <NUM>. The motion sensor <NUM> can comprise a mechanical switch which is operated by an extension arranged to the strap structure <NUM> in a vicinity of the second end 5b of the strap structure <NUM>. The motion sensor <NUM> can further comprise an optical sensor detecting a reflecting material arranged to the strap structure <NUM> in a vicinity of the second end 5b of the strap structure <NUM>. The motion sensor <NUM> can also comprise an inductive sensor detecting a metal material arranged to the strap structure <NUM> in a vicinity of the second end 5b of the strap structure <NUM>.

In one embodiment the assembly <NUM> comprises a dynamo arranged in connection to the rotatable strap spool <NUM> for charging the rechargeable power source <NUM>.

Additionally, the assembly may comprise a position detector for changing the colour of the light source <NUM>.

In the <FIG> is described a rechargeable power source <NUM>, a dynamo <NUM>, a stop mechanism <NUM>, an automatic twilight switch <NUM> and an automatic motion sensor <NUM>. It is to be understood that it is not necessary for an illuminated retractable strap assembly <NUM> to comprise any of them but the illuminated retractable strap assembly <NUM> can comprise any of them or any combination of them or all of them.

<FIG> shows an elongated optical fiber <NUM>. The elongated optical fiber <NUM> is side emitting, i.e. a side glow optical fiber. The elongated optical fiber <NUM> comprises a core <NUM> and a cladding <NUM>. A light source <NUM> is arranged to radiate light directly or via the light transmitting arrangement <NUM> to the first end 11a of the elongated optical fiber <NUM> for generating light into the elongated optical fiber <NUM>. A light beam <NUM> travels in the direction of the core <NUM> and part of the light is escaping from the side of the elongated optical fiber <NUM> through the cladding <NUM>. Part of the light is escaping from the second end 11b of the elongated optical fiber <NUM> which phenomina is called an end glow. The side emitting, i.e. the side glow elongated optical fiber can comprise a plastic optical fiber where the core material is PMMA and the cladding material comprises fluorinated polymers, for instance.

<FIG> shows an embodiment where the assembly <NUM> comprises an optic rotary connector <NUM> for transmitting light from the housing <NUM> to the rotatable strap spool <NUM>. The optic rotary connector <NUM> is arranged between the light source <NUM> and the light receiving face <NUM>. The optic rotary connector <NUM> may be connected directly to the light source <NUM> and to the light transmitting arrangement <NUM>.

In an alternative embodiment, the assembly <NUM> comprises an additional optic fiber between the light source <NUM> and the optic rotary connector <NUM> (not shown in the figure). The optic rotary connector <NUM> may be connected to the additional optic fiber and to the light transmitting arrangement <NUM>.

<FIG>), b), c) and d) show top views in cross-section showing some strap structure <NUM> examples. The strap structure <NUM> shown is substantially round in cross-section. The round shape of the strap structure <NUM> is indicated with a dotted line. The shown strap structures <NUM> comprise one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM>, elongated flexible strengthening fibers <NUM> and an outer covering <NUM>, which comprises elongated strands. The elongated strands run in the lengthwise direction of the strap structure <NUM>.

<FIG>) shows a strap structure <NUM> where the structure <NUM> comprises elongated flexible strengthening fibers <NUM> arranged to surround the one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM>. The one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM> are arranged in the middle of the strap structure <NUM>. The outer covering <NUM> is arranged to surround the elongated flexible strengthening fibers <NUM>, where the elongated strands run in the lengthwise direction of the strap structure <NUM>.

<FIG>) shows a strap structure <NUM> where the one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM> and the elongated flexible strengthening fibers <NUM> are arranged in a free order to the middle part of the strap structure <NUM>. The elongated flexible strengthening fibers <NUM> and the one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM> are arranged to form a bundle and the outer covering <NUM> is arranged to surround the bundle.

<FIG>) shows a strap structure <NUM> where the elongated flexible strengthening fibers <NUM> are arranged in the middle of the strap structure <NUM>. The one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM> and the elongated strands of the outer covering <NUM> are arranged in a free order to surround the elongated flexible strengthening fibers <NUM>. In the shown strap structure <NUM>, at least one of the one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM> is arranged to form a part of the outer surface of the strap structure <NUM>.

<FIG>) shows a strap structure <NUM> where the outer covering <NUM> is arranged to surround the one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM>. The outer covering <NUM> stretches less in the length direction than the elongated optical fiber <NUM>. The outer covering <NUM> is transparent or translucent.

<FIG>) show a top view in cross-section showing a strap structure <NUM>. The strap structure <NUM> shown has a substantially flat rectangular shape. The substantially flat rectangular shape is made by the outer covering <NUM>, which comprises elongated strands. In the width direction w of the strap structure <NUM> the one or more elongated optical fibers <NUM> are arranged to the central part of the strap structure <NUM>. The both sides of the outer covering <NUM> extending in the width direction w of the strap structure <NUM> are connected with a connection material <NUM>. The outer covering <NUM> may comprise a braided structure.

<FIG>) shows a strap structure <NUM> where a one elongated optical fiber <NUM> is arranged to the central part of the strap structure <NUM>.

<FIG>) shows a strap structure <NUM> where the more elongated optical fibers <NUM> and the elongated flexible strengthening fibers <NUM> are arranged in a free order to the central part of the strap structure <NUM>.

Figure 3c) shows a strap structure <NUM> where a bunch of elongated optical fibers <NUM> is arranged to the central part of the strap structure <NUM>.

The elongated covering strands of the outer covering <NUM> or part of them in <FIG>) and 9a)-9c) can comprise reflective material or comprise a reflective surface to further intensify the illumination.

The present invention provides a method for illuminating a strap structure in which an illumination is carried out with a strap assembly comprising a housing <NUM>, a rotatable strap spool <NUM> connected rotatably to the housing <NUM>, a light emitting strap structure <NUM> arranged to and fixed to the rotatable strap spool <NUM>. The assembly <NUM> further comprises a light source connected to the housing <NUM>.

The light source <NUM> is stationary relative to the housing <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An illuminated retractable strap assembly, the assembly (<NUM>) comprising
a housing (<NUM>),
a rotatable strap spool (<NUM>) connected rotatably to the housing (<NUM>),
a light emitting strap structure (<NUM>) arranged to and fixed to the rotatable strap spool (<NUM>), the light emitting strap structure (<NUM>) comprising a first end (5a) and a second end (5b), and one or more elongated optical fibers (<NUM>) having a first end (11a) and a second end (11b) for transmitting light between the first end (11a) and the second end (11b), and an outer covering (<NUM>) arranged to pass at least part of the light originating from the one or more elongated optical fibers (<NUM>) to be transmitted through,
wherein the assembly (<NUM>) further comprises a light source connected to the housing (<NUM>) and arranged not to rotate when the rotatable strap pool (<NUM>) rotates, the light source (<NUM>) being arranged to illuminate the first end (5a) of the light emitting structure (<NUM>), and
a power source (<NUM>) connected to the housing (<NUM>) and electrically connected to the light source (<NUM>), the power source (<NUM>) being connected to the housing (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the light source (<NUM>) is arranged to radiate light towards the rotatable strap spool (<NUM>);
the first end (5a) of the light emitting strap structure (<NUM>) is arranged to the rotatable strap spool (<NUM>);
the assembly comprises a light receiving face (<NUM>) arranged to the rotatable strap spool (<NUM>), the light receiving face (<NUM>) facing towards the light source (<NUM>); and
the light source (<NUM>) is arranged to radiate light onto the light receiving face (<NUM>).