U.S. patent application number 16/893269 was filed with the patent office on 2020-09-24 for light-emitting systems for headgear.
The applicant listed for this patent is Illumagear, Inc.. Invention is credited to John Maxwell Baker, Chad Austin Brinckerhoff, Alexander Michael Diener, Jonathan Brandt Hadley, Kyle S. Johnston, Keith W. Kirkwood, Evan William Mattingly, John R. Murkowski, Mark John Ramberg, Raymond Walter Riley, Andrew Royal, Clint Timothy Schneider, Trent Robert Wetherbee, Kristin Marie Will.
Application Number | 20200297058 16/893269 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005073966 |
Filed Date | 2020-09-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200297058 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baker; John Maxwell ; et
al. |
September 24, 2020 |
LIGHT-EMITTING SYSTEMS FOR HEADGEAR
Abstract
A light-emitting system is provided which is removably
attachable to headgear for personal illumination to enhance
visibility of the user to others. The light-emitting system
includes a housing that defines a receiving aperture and is
configured to surround a portion of the headgear when the
light-emitting system is removably attached to the headgear for
use. The light-emitting system further includes at least one lens
and a plurality of lighting elements coupled to the annular housing
which are configured to selectively generate a halo or at least a
partial halo of light that radiates outwardly away from the annular
housing through the at least one lens to provide enhanced personal
illumination.
Inventors: |
Baker; John Maxwell;
(Seattle, WA) ; Royal; Andrew; (Seattle, WA)
; Riley; Raymond Walter; (Bainbridge Island, WA) ;
Ramberg; Mark John; (Bellevue, WA) ; Brinckerhoff;
Chad Austin; (Issaquah, WA) ; Murkowski; John R.;
(Seattle, WA) ; Wetherbee; Trent Robert;
(Kennewick, WA) ; Diener; Alexander Michael;
(Federal Way, WA) ; Will; Kristin Marie; (Seattle,
WA) ; Johnston; Kyle S.; (Sammamish, WA) ;
Schneider; Clint Timothy; (Mercer Island, WA) ;
Mattingly; Evan William; (Seattle, WA) ; Kirkwood;
Keith W.; (Bainbridge Island, WA) ; Hadley; Jonathan
Brandt; (Renton, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Illumagear, Inc. |
Seattle |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005073966 |
Appl. No.: |
16/893269 |
Filed: |
June 4, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16731828 |
Dec 31, 2019 |
10709189 |
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16893269 |
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16254319 |
Jan 22, 2019 |
10561188 |
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16731828 |
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15970588 |
May 3, 2018 |
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16254319 |
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15653353 |
Jul 18, 2017 |
9986778 |
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15970588 |
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14794615 |
Jul 8, 2015 |
9737105 |
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15653353 |
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13972627 |
Aug 21, 2013 |
9103539 |
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14794615 |
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13779634 |
Feb 27, 2013 |
8529082 |
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13972627 |
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61604982 |
Feb 29, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V 21/084 20130101;
A42B 3/044 20130101; F21V 33/0076 20130101; F21V 33/0008
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/04 20060101
A42B003/04; F21V 21/084 20060101 F21V021/084; F21V 33/00 20060101
F21V033/00 |
Claims
1. A light emitting unit, comprising: an annular form factor sized
to circumferentially surround a user's head when the light emitting
unit is worn by the user, and including a rigid housing and an
attachment mechanism that is distinct from and coupled to the rigid
housing; a plurality of lighting elements supported within the
rigid housing at least in a rear portion of the light emitting unit
and arranged to generate a partial halo of light behind the user's
head when the light emitting unit is worn and the plurality of
lighting elements are illuminated; and an electrical power source
electrically coupled to the plurality of lighting elements to
provide energy to selectively illuminate the plurality of lighting
elements, and wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a flexible
band structure that is configured to be stretched or elongated to
receive a portion of a hardhat or other headgear of the user and to
thereafter apply a bias or inwardly directed pressure to the
hardhat or other headgear to retain the light emitting unit in
position on the hardhat or other headgear, and so as to enable the
user to selectively attach and detach the light emitting unit to
the hardhat or other headgear of the user without compromising the
integrity of the hardhat or other headgear.
2. The light emitting unit of claim 1 wherein the plurality of
lighting elements supported within the rigid housing at least in
the rear portion of the light emitting unit are configured to emit
the partial halo of light in a red hue.
3. A light emitting unit, comprising: an annular form factor sized
to circumferentially surround a user's head when the light emitting
unit is worn by the user, and including a rigid housing located at
least at a rear region of the light emitting unit and an attachment
mechanism that is distinct from and coupled to the rigid housing; a
plurality of lighting elements supported within the rigid housing
and arranged to generate a partial halo of light behind the user's
head when the light emitting unit is worn and the plurality of
lighting elements are illuminated; and an electrical power source
electrically coupled to the plurality of lighting elements to
provide energy to selectively illuminate the plurality of lighting
elements, and wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a flexible
band structure that is configured to be stretched or elongated to
receive a portion of a hardhat or other headgear of the user and to
thereafter apply a bias or inwardly directed pressure to the
hardhat or other headgear to retain the light emitting unit in
position on the hardhat or other headgear, and so as to enable the
user to selectively attach and detach the light emitting unit to
the hardhat or other headgear of the user without compromising the
integrity of the hardhat or other headgear.
4. The light emitting unit of claim 3 wherein the plurality of
lighting elements supported within the rigid housing located at
least at the rear region of the light emitting unit are configured
to emit the partial halo of light in a red hue.
5. A light emitting unit, comprising: an annular form factor sized
to circumferentially surround a user's head when the light emitting
unit is worn by the user, and including a rigid housing and an
attachment mechanism that is distinct from and coupled to the rigid
housing; a plurality of primary lighting elements supported within
the rigid housing, the plurality of primary lighting elements
located at least at a first side of the user's head and arranged to
generate at least a partial uninterrupted halo of light at the
first side of the user's head when the light emitting unit is worn
and the plurality of primary lighting elements are illuminated; a
plurality of auxiliary lighting elements located at least at a
second side of the user's head opposite to the first side of the
user's head when the light emitting unit is worn; and an electrical
power source electrically coupled to at least one of the plurality
of primary lighting elements and the plurality of auxiliary
lighting elements to provide energy to selectively illuminate the
at least one of the plurality of primary lighting elements and the
plurality of auxiliary lighting elements, and wherein the
attachment mechanism comprises a flexible band structure that is
configured to be stretched or elongated to receive a portion of a
hardhat or other headgear of the user and to thereafter apply a
bias or inwardly directed pressure to the hardhat or other headgear
to retain the light emitting unit in position on the hardhat or
other headgear, and so as to enable the user to selectively attach
and detach the light emitting unit to the hardhat or other headgear
of the user without compromising the integrity of the hardhat or
other headgear.
6. The light emitting unit of claim 5 wherein the plurality of
auxiliary lighting elements provide higher intensity light than the
plurality of primary lighting elements.
7. The light emitting unit of claim 6 wherein the plurality of
auxiliary lighting elements provide light within an immediate field
of view of the user when the light emitting unit is worn and the
plurality of auxiliary lighting elements are illuminated.
8. The light emitting unit of claim 7 wherein the plurality of
auxiliary lighting elements are located at a forehead or brow
region of the user when the light emitting unit is worn.
9. A light emitting unit, comprising: an annular form factor sized
to circumferentially surround a user's head when the light emitting
unit is worn by the user, and including a first rigid housing
portion at a first side of the user's head when the light emitting
unit is worn, a second rigid housing portion at a second side of
the user's head opposite to the first side of the user's head when
the light emitting unit is worn, and an attachment mechanism that
is distinct from and coupled to at least one of the first rigid
housing portion and the second rigid housing portion; a plurality
of primary lighting elements supported within the first rigid
housing portion and arranged to generate at least a partial
uninterrupted halo of light at the first side of the user's head
when the light emitting unit is worn and the plurality of primary
lighting elements are illuminated; an auxiliary lighting element
supported within the second rigid housing portion and arranged to
provide illumination at the second side of the user's head when the
light emitting unit is worn and the auxiliary lighting element is
illuminated; an electrical power source electrically coupled to at
least one of the plurality of primary lighting elements and the
auxiliary lighting element to provide energy to selectively
illuminate the at least one of the plurality of primary lighting
elements and the auxiliary lighting element, and wherein the
attachment mechanism comprises a flexible band structure that is
configured to be stretched or elongated to receive a portion of a
hardhat or other headgear of the user and to thereafter apply a
bias or inwardly directed pressure to the hardhat or other headgear
to retain the light emitting unit in position on the hardhat or
other headgear, and so as to enable the user to selectively attach
and detach the light emitting unit to the hardhat or other headgear
of the user without compromising the integrity of the hardhat or
other headgear.
10. The light emitting unit of claim 9 wherein the auxiliary
lighting element provides higher intensity light than the plurality
of primary lighting elements.
11. The light emitting unit of claim 10 wherein the auxiliary
lighting element provides light within an immediate field of view
of the user when the light emitting unit is worn and the auxiliary
lighting element is illuminated.
12. The light emitting unit of claim 11 wherein the auxiliary
lighting element is located at a forehead or brow region of the
user when the light emitting unit is worn.
Description
BACKGROUND
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure generally relates to light-emitting systems
and devices to illuminate people at risk to enhance their
visibility to others, such as, for example, systems and devices to
illuminate workers in construction, mining, and emergency response
fields such that they are particularly noticeable.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] Various light-emitting systems and devices are used in
construction, mining, and emergency response fields, among others,
to illuminate a work area or otherwise provide a source of light to
complete tasks under low or poor lighting conditions. For example,
industrial floodlight towers are often used in the construction
industry to illuminate a work environment. In addition, headlamps
of various configurations are often worn by construction workers to
provide a source of light to facilitate certain tasks. Such
devices, however, suffer from a variety of drawbacks. For example,
light emitted from floodlight towers is often blocked by various
objects causing regions of darkness where enhanced lighting may be
desired. As another example, conventional headlamps often provide a
focused beam of light that provides inadequate lighting in areas
beyond a user's immediate field of view.
[0003] In addition, various personal protective gear exists for
enhancing user safety, such as, for example, reflective vests that
are intended to increase visibility of the wearer. Such reflective
gear, however, also suffers from a variety of drawbacks. For
example, it provides a passive system relying on external sources
of light to illuminate reflective portions thereof and provides
only limited personal illumination in terms of intensity and
scope.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] Embodiments described herein provide light-emitting systems
for headgear that are particularly well adapted to illuminate
people at risk, such as, for example, workers in the construction
industry, mining industry and other hazardous or hostile
environments. The light-emitting systems provide enhanced
illumination around the user to enable the completion of tasks that
may otherwise be difficult to carry out under low or poor lighting
conditions. In some embodiments, the light-emitting systems provide
a continuous or substantially continuous ring or halo of light
around a user's head that can be seen from an extended distance
(e.g., up to and exceeding a one-quarter mile) and from a
particularly wide range of directions, such as, for example, from
an overhead direction. The light-emitting systems may also
simultaneously provide substantial illumination within and outside
the user's immediate field of view to illuminate areas within the
user's general workspace, including areas in the user's peripheral
view, as well as work areas of nearby co-workers.
[0005] In one embodiment, a light-emitting system removably
attachable to headgear for personal illumination to enhance
visibility of the user to others may be summarized as including: an
annular housing that defines a receiving aperture and that is
configured to surround a portion of the headgear when the
light-emitting system is removably attached to the headgear for
use; at least one lens coupled to the annular housing; and a
plurality of lighting elements coupled to the annular housing which
are configured to selectively generate a halo of light that
radiates outwardly away from the annular housing through the at
least one lens. The plurality of lighting elements may be
configured relative to each other and to the at least one lens such
that the halo of light continuously surrounds a vertical axis
defined by the annular housing and is substantially uniformly
diffused when the plurality of lighting elements are activated. The
plurality of lighting elements may also be configured relative to
each other and to the at least one lens such that the halo of light
radiates from the light-emitting system with a vertical spread
angle of at least thirty degrees, or in some instances, between
about forty-five degrees and about one-hundred and eighty degrees.
The plurality of lighting elements may be substantially uniformly
spaced along a continuous annular path within the housing or may be
spaced irregularly or grouped in distinct clusters.
[0006] The light-emitting system may further include an electrical
connector coupled to the annular housing and electrically coupled
to the plurality of lighting elements; a cable; and an electrical
power source selectively attachable to the electrical connector via
the cable to provide energy to illuminate the plurality of lighting
elements from a power source remote from the annular housing, such
as, for example, a power source worn at waist level. Alternatively,
the light-emitting system may include an electrical power source
coupled to the annular housing to move therewith and electrically
coupled to the plurality of lighting elements to provide energy to
illuminate the plurality of lighting elements from a location
within or adjacent to the annular housing, such as, for example, an
onboard rechargeable battery or battery cartridge.
[0007] The light-emitting system may further include an attachment
mechanism configured to removably secure the annular housing to the
headgear. The attachment mechanism may include, for example, an
adjustable band that is configured to selectively constrict around
the headgear. The attachment mechanism may further include a
plurality of engagement devices spaced around an inner periphery of
the annular housing to engage the headgear upon installation. At
least one of the plurality of engagement devices may be
repositionable along a portion of the inner periphery of the
annular housing. Additionally, at least one of the plurality of
engagement devices may be configured to flex inwardly into
engagement with the headgear when the adjustable band is
constricted around the headgear. As another example, the attachment
mechanism may include a plurality of spacers each having a
predetermined width to span a respective space between the annular
housing of the light-emitting system and the headgear when the
light-emitting system is removably attached to the headgear for
use. As yet another example, the attachment mechanism may include a
flexible band that extends across the receiving aperture and that
is configured to flex outwardly to receive the headgear when the
light-emitting system is removably attached to the headgear for
use. As still yet another example, the attachment mechanism may
include a plurality of cam devices, wherein each cam device is
positioned to contact a respective portion of the headgear and
rotate into secure engagement therewith as the light-emitting
system is removably attached to the headgear for use. Irrespective
of particular form, the attachment mechanism may be configured to
secure the annular housing to the headgear without compromising the
integrity of or penetrating an exterior surface thereof.
[0008] In some instances, the annular housing of the light-emitting
system is configured such that the annular housing is radially
offset from the headgear when the light-emitting system is
removably attached to the headgear for use. The annular housing may
be radially offset from the headgear by a gap having a generally
uniform or a variable width.
[0009] The light-emitting system may further include a least one
control element coupled to the annular housing to selectively
activate the plurality of lighting elements and/or to selectively
adjust an intensity of the plurality of lighting elements. The
plurality of lighting elements may form a primary set of lighting
elements, and the system may further include an auxiliary set of
lighting elements coupled to the annular housing distinct from the
primary set of lighting elements. The auxiliary set of lighting
elements may be configured to selectively illuminate independent of
the primary set of lighting elements. For example, an auxiliary set
of lighting elements may be provided to produce a higher intensity
light source within the immediate field of view of a user and to
supplement a continuous or generally continuous ring of light
emitted by the primary set of lighting elements. In some instances,
a subset of the plurality of lighting elements of the
light-emitting system may be configured to selectively illuminate
at a different frequency or with a different intensity relative to
the other lighting elements. This may provide a strobe effect or
other perceivable event to signal different conditions, such as,
for example, an emergency or particularly hazardous situation. A
visual warning or emergency signal may be selectively activated by
the user to alert others of potential danger or to summon
assistance.
[0010] According to another embodiment, a light-emitting system
attachable to headgear for personal illumination to enhance
visibility of the user to others may be summarized as including: a
rigid annular housing configured to at least partially surround and
be radially offset from a portion of the headgear when the
light-emitting system is attached to the headwear for use; at least
one lens coupled to the rigid annular housing; and a plurality of
lighting elements coupled to the annular housing and being
configured to selectively generate light through the at least one
lens that radiates outwardly away from the rigid annular housing
and that sweeps through an azimuth angle of at least 270 degrees.
The light-emitting system may further include an attachment
mechanism provided at an inner periphery of the rigid annular
housing that is configured to removably secure the annular housing
to the headgear.
[0011] According to yet another embodiment, a light-emitting system
attachable to headgear for personal illumination to enhance
visibility of the user to others may be summarized as including: a
rigid housing that is configured to at least substantially encircle
a portion of the headgear when the light-emitting system is
attached to the headgear for use; an attachment mechanism provided
at an inner periphery of the rigid housing that is configured to
removably secure the rigid housing to the headgear; at least one
lens coupled to the rigid housing; and a plurality of lighting
elements coupled to the rigid housing and being configured to
selectively generate light through the at least one lens that
radiates outwardly away from the rigid housing. The rigid housing
may include a closed annular profile and the plurality of lighting
elements may be configured relative to each other and to the at
least one lens to generate a halo of light that continuously
surrounds a vertical axis defined by the rigid housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional hard hat that
is typical of those worn by workers in the construction industry,
which is provided as a non-limiting example of the types of
headgear that may be used in connection with disclosed embodiments
of the light-emitting systems described herein.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a light-emitting system,
according to one embodiment, that is readily attachable to
headgear, such as, for example, the conventional hard hat shown in
FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the light-emitting system of
FIG. 2 attached to headgear in the form of a conventional hard
hat.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the
light-emitting system of FIG. 2 depicting a halo of light radiating
outwardly therefrom.
[0016] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the portion of the
light-emitting system of FIG. 4.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the portion of
the light-emitting system of FIG. 4 taken along line 6-6.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a light-emitting system,
according to another embodiment, that is readily attachable to
headgear, such as, for example, the conventional hard hat shown in
FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a light-emitting system,
according to another embodiment, that is readily attachable to
headgear, such as, for example, the conventional hard hat shown in
FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a light-emitting system,
according to yet another embodiment, that is readily attachable to
headgear, such as, for example, the conventional hard hat shown in
FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a light-emitting system,
according to still yet another embodiment, that is readily
attachable to headgear, such as, for example, the conventional hard
hat shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] In the following description, certain specific details are
set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various
disclosed embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the
relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced
without one or more of these specific details. In other instances,
well-known structures and devices associated with light-emitting
systems may not be shown or described in detail to avoid
unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments.
[0023] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the
specification and claims which follow, the word "comprise" and
variations thereof, such as, "comprises" and "comprising" are to be
construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is as "including, but
not limited to."
[0024] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment"
or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the
phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places
throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to
the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,
structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments.
[0025] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless
the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted
that the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including
"and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
[0026] Embodiments described herein provide light-emitting systems
for headgear that are particularly well adapted to illuminate
people at risk, such as, for example, workers in the construction
industry, mining industry or other hazardous or hostile
environments. The light-emitting systems provide enhanced
illumination around the user to enable the completion of tasks that
would otherwise be hindered by low or poor lighting conditions. In
some embodiments, the light-emitting systems provide a continuous
or generally continuous ring or halo of light around a user's head
that can be seen from an extended distance (e.g., up to and
exceeding one-quarter mile) and from a particularly wide range of
directions, such as, for example, from an overhead direction. The
light-emitting systems may also provide substantial illumination
within and outside the user's immediate field of view to illuminate
areas within the user's general workspace.
[0027] The light-emitting systems described herein may be
advantageously attachable to headgear, such as, for example, the
conventional hard hat 10 shown in FIG. 1, in a removable manner. A
hard hat 10 is a type of helmet that is often used in the
construction industry to protect the wearer's head from falling
objects or other impacts. Hard hats 10 are typically rigid
structures having a crown portion 12 that defines a head receiving
cavity and a brim 14 extending from a lower peripheral portion 16
thereof. Various projections, ridges and/or other structures 20 may
be formed in the hard hat 10 to provide additional rigidity or
other functionality. Often, for example, projections or other
structures 20 are provided in the lower peripheral portion 16 of
the hard hat 10 proximate the interface of the crown portion 12
with the brim 14 corresponding to regions where internal straps
attach to the hardhat 10. An example hard hat 10 having such
projections 20 is the V-Gard.RTM. brand helmet available from Mine
Safety Appliances Company of Pennsylvania. The exterior surface 22
of the crown portion 12 of a conventional hard hat 10 is generally
defined by a convex, dome-like, rigid shell structure. Hard hats 10
may be subject to various testing standards and certification
requirements for use on a jobsite, such as those established by
regulatory institutions, such as ANSI. Compromising the integrity
of such hard hats 10 may therefore jeopardize the ability to
utilize them on a jobsite or may require additional testing and
certification before such use is feasible.
[0028] Although the light-emitting systems described herein are
shown and described in the context of attaching to headgear in the
form of a conventional hard hat 10 (FIGS. 1 and 3), it will be
appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art that the
light-emitting systems and aspects thereof may applied to a wide
variety of headgear, including, for example, protective helmets for
sports such as bicycling, skiing and football, hats or other
headgear. Other examples include, without limitation, firefighter
helmets, miner helmets, logging helmets, welder and foundry worker
helmets, military helmets and other protective helmets or headgear.
In addition, it will also be appreciated that the light-emitting
systems and aspects thereof may be used apart from headgear
altogether, such as, for example to illuminate inanimate objects.
In other instances, the light-emitting systems or aspects thereof
may be incorporated or integrated into headgear, rather than being
removably attachable thereto. For example, an annular visor
incorporating aspects of the light-emitting systems described
herein may be provided for placement directly on a user's head for
applications in which impact protection may be less of a
concern.
[0029] FIGS. 2 through 6 show an example embodiment of a
particularly advantageous light-emitting system 30 that is readily
attachable to a conventional hard hat 10 in a removable manner.
FIG. 2 shows the light-emitting system 30 apart from a hard hat 10,
while FIG. 3 shows the light-emitting system 30 installed on the
hard hat 10 for use. More particularly, the light-emitting system
30 shown in FIG. 3 is attached to the lower peripheral portion 16
of the hard hat 10 with an attachment mechanism 31 thereof engaging
the hard hat 10 in a manner that facilitates attachment and removal
of the light-emitting system 30 without compromising the integrity
of the exterior surface 22 of the hard hat 10. Further details of
the attachment mechanism 31 and variations thereof are described in
further detail elsewhere.
[0030] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the light-emitting system
30 includes a light-emitting unit 32 having a generally annular
form and a power supply unit 34 that may be electrically coupled to
the light-emitting unit 32 by a cable 36 to provide power to the
light-emitting unit 32 from a remote location. The power supply
unit 34 may comprise, for example, a rechargeable battery pack 37
that may be carried by a user. A clip 38 or other attachment device
may be provided on the power supply unit 34 to facilitate
attachment to the user, such as, for example, attachment to a belt,
pocket or other structure of the user's attire. Advantageously, the
power supply unit 34 may have sufficient capacity to provide
adequate power to enable continuous illumination of the
light-emitting unit 32 at full intensity over an entire work shift,
such as, for example, a ten-hour or twelve-hour supply of power.
The power supply unit 34 may be connected to the light-emitting
unit 32 with a cable 36 that includes a quick disconnect feature
that is configured to detach in the event the cable 36 is snagged
or becomes caught on an object during use of the light-emitting
system 30.
[0031] Although the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 through 6
includes a remote power supply unit 34, it is appreciated that in
some embodiments the light-emitting unit 32 may be provided with an
onboard power supply, such as, for example, a rechargeable battery
unit or cartridge that is integrated into the light-emitting unit
32 or that is removably attachable thereto. Structures and features
of such onboard power supplies are not shown or described in
further detail, however, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring
descriptions of the embodiments.
[0032] With reference again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the light-emitting
unit 32 includes an annular housing 40 that defines a receiving
aperture 42 sized and shaped to receive the crown portion 12 of a
conventional hard hat 10. When attached for use, the annular
housing 40 of the light-emitting unit 32 surrounds the lower
peripheral portion 16 of the hard hat 10. The annular housing 40
may be configured to completely surround the lower peripheral
portion of the hard hat 10. In such cases, the housing 40 may be
described as sweeping along a closed path that encircles a central
vertical axis A. In some embodiments, the path may be generally
elliptical and may reflect a general outer profile of the exterior
22 of the hard hat 10 to which the light-emitting unit 10 is to be
attached.
[0033] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 6, the light-emitting unit 32
further includes a plurality of lighting elements 44 and at least
one lens 46 coupled to the annular housing 40. The lens 46 may be
transparent or semi-transparent and may take the form of a window
element having generally flat opposing surfaces. In other
instances, one or more of the opposing surfaces may be curved to
focus or disperse light passing therethrough. The lens 46 may be
sandwiched or otherwise positioned between upper and lower portions
40a, 40b of the housing 40. The lens may comprise a majority of a
sidewall area of the light-emitting unit 32 facing outwardly away
from the central vertical axis A. The lighting elements 44 are
retained within the housing 40 and are configured to selectively
generate a ring or halo of light H that radiates outwardly away
from the annular housing 40 through the at least one lens 46 when
activated, as illustrated in FIG. 4. In some instances, the
lighting elements 44 may be configured relative to each other and
to the at least one lens 46 such that the ring or halo of light H
continuously surrounds the vertical axis A defined by the annular
housing 40. In addition, the ring or halo of light H may be
substantially uniformly diffused by one or more diffusion lenses
when the plurality of lighting elements 44 are activated. The ring
or halo of light H being substantially uniformly diffused means
that there is little or no perceivable variation in intensity of
the light emanating from the light-emitting unit 32. This may
provide a ring of light or "halo" that is particularly conspicuous
or eye-catching, thereby enhancing personal illumination and user
safety.
[0034] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the light-emitting unit 32
may include a light-emitting assembly 60 (inclusive of the lighting
elements 44) that is electrically coupled to at least one control
element 62 and to an electrical connector 64 that may interface
with the power supply unit 34 to provide power to the
light-emitting assembly 60. The control element 62 may include an
on/off switch, button or other control device for activating the
lighting elements 44 of the light-emitting assembly 60. In some
embodiments, the control element 62 may also include functionality
for adjusting an intensity of the light emanating from the
light-emitting assembly 60. For example, control element 62 may
include a rotary element that adjusts the intensity of the lighting
elements 44 in response to rotation thereof.
[0035] Although the example embodiment of shown in FIGS. 2 through
6 includes a single control element 62, it is appreciated that a
plurality of control elements may be provided for enabling a wide
variety of functionalities, such as two or more separate control
elements. Functionalities may include producing alternating regions
of illumination; activating a visual warning sequence; manipulating
a color of the emitted light; and adjusting the intensity of select
portions of the lighting elements apart from others. In some
instances, some functionality may be adjusted automatically or
otherwise independent of user input. For example, an intensity of
the emitted light may be automatically adjusted in response to a
light sensor or other sensor coupled to the housing that senses a
level of brightness within the surrounding environment and adjusts
the intensity accordingly (i.e., intensity lowers or dims in
brighter environments, and vice versa).
[0036] With reference again to FIGS. 5 and 6, the light-emitting
unit 32 may further include a diffuser film 66. The diffuser film
66 may be positioned between the lighting elements 44 and the lens
46 to diffuse light emanating from the lighting elements 44 before
passing through the lens 46 and radiating outwardly from the
housing 40. The diffuser film 66 may be a thin, ribbon-like
structure that is held within an interior cavity of the housing 40
by retaining features 68, 70 formed in upper and lower portions
40a, 40b of the housing 40.
[0037] With reference again to FIGS. 5 and 6, the light-emitting
assembly 60 may include an interior lens 72 positioned next to the
lighting elements 44 to disperse light emanating from the lighting
elements 44 before it passes through the outer lens or window 46 to
radiate from the housing 40. In some embodiments, the combination
of the interior lens 72, the diffuser film 66 and the outer lens 46
may substantially diffuse light emanating from each of separate
lighting elements 44 arranged within the generally annular profile
of the housing 40. In some embodiments, the lighting elements may
comprise LEDs spaced uniformly around a continuous annular path
within the housing 40. In other instances, the lighting elements 44
may include irregularly spaced LEDs or LEDs that are grouped in
clusters to provide areas with different lighting capabilities,
such as, for example, areas that may illuminate with relatively
greater intensity than other areas. In other instances, the
lighting elements 44 may comprise sources of light other than
LEDs.
[0038] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 6, the plurality of lighting
elements 44 may be configured relative to each other and to the
outer lens 46 such that the ring or halo of light H radiates from
the light-emitting unit 32 with a vertical spread angle .alpha.. In
some embodiments, the plurality of lighting elements 44 may be
configured relative to each other and to the at least one lens 46
such that the ring or halo of light H radiates from the
light-emitting unit 32 with a vertical spread angle .alpha. of at
least 30 degrees, and in other embodiments with a vertical spread
angle .alpha. between about forty-five degrees and about
one-hundred and eighty degrees. In the example embodiment shown in
FIGS. 4 and 6, the spread angle .alpha. is about seventy
degrees.
[0039] As briefly introduced earlier, the light-emitting unit 32 of
the example embodiment of FIGS. 2 through 6 is provided with an
attachment mechanism 31 configured to engage a hard hat 10 in a
manner that facilitates attachment and removal of the
light-emitting unit 32 without compromising the integrity of the
exterior surface 22 thereof. More particularly, the attachment
mechanism 31 includes an adjustable band 80 that is configured to
selectively constrict around the hard hat 10. For this purpose, the
adjustable band 80 may include an adjustment mechanism 82 for
selectively constricting the band 80 around a portion of the hard
hat 10, such as, for example, the worm gear adjustment mechanism
shown in FIG. 5. The adjustment mechanism 82 may be located in a
distinct compartment or sub-housing 84 of the light-emitting unit
32. The compartment or sub-housing 84 may have opposing portions
84a, 84b that substantially enclose the adjustment mechanism 82
therebetween. A portion 86 of the adjustment mechanism 82, such as,
for example, a hex key socket or screw head, may be accessible from
an exterior of the light-emitting unit 32 via an access aperture 87
in the compartment or sub-housing 84. In this manner, a user may
readily access and adjust a tension of the band 80 to securely
constrict the ban 80 around the hard hat 10. A portion of the
compartment or sub-housing 84 of the light-emitting unit 32 may be
shaped to engage or abut a portion of the hard hat 10 upon
installation. In this manner, the compartment or sub-housing 84 of
the light-emitting unit 32 may act as a spacer to radially space
the annular housing 40 apart from the exterior surface 22 of the
hard hat 10. Providing a space or gap between the annular housing
40 and the hard hat 10 may enable the light-emitting unit 32 to
accept a wide variety of hard hats 10 and other headgear.
[0040] In some embodiments, such as the example embodiment shown in
FIGS. 2 through 6, the attachment mechanism 31 may further include
a plurality of engagement devices 88 spaced around an inner
periphery of the annular housing 40. Each of the plurality of
engagement devices 88 may be repositionable along a portion of the
inner periphery of the annular housing 40. For example, with
reference to FIG. 6, the housing 40 may define a track or groove 90
extending along portions of the inner periphery of the housing 40
and the engagement devices 88 may include a coupling feature 92 for
slidably engaging the track or groove 90. In this way, the
engagement devices 88 may be adjusted along the inner periphery of
the housing 40 to locations which align with projections 20 or
other features of the hard hat 10 to which the light-emitting unit
30 is to be attached, as shown best in FIG. 3. When properly
positioned, the engagement devices 88 can be urged into engagement
with the projections 20 of the hard hat 10 as the band 80 is
constricted. For example, the engagement devices 88 may be forced
to flex inwardly into engagement with the projections 20 of the
hard hat 10 by the band 80 as it is constricted. The engagement
devices 88 may include an engagement surface that is generally
complementary to structures or features of the hard hat 10 to which
the light-emitting unit 32 is to be attached. The engagement
devices 88 may also include one or more projections 94 for nesting
with the hard hat 10 or portions thereof. In this manner, the
light-emitting unit 32 can be quickly and securely attached to a
hard hat 10 for use. In addition, the light-emitting unit 32 can be
quickly detached for storage or for use with another hard hat
10.
[0041] Although the example embodiment of FIGS. 2 through 6 is
shown as including an attachment mechanism 31 having an adjustable
band 80, it is appreciated that a variety of different attachment
mechanisms may be used to secure the light-emitting unit 32 to a
target hard hat 10.
[0042] For example, FIG. 7 shows a light-emitting unit 132 having
an annular housing 140 that is attachable to headgear, such as a
hard hat, via an attachment mechanism comprising one or more
flexible bands 144. The one or more flexible bands 144 are attached
to the housing 140 to span across a receiving aperture 142 thereof
when the light-emitting unit 132 is detached from the headgear. The
one or more bands 144 may be secured to anchor locations 146 on
opposing ends of the housing 140. The band or bands 144 may be
stretched or elongated to receive a portion of the headgear and to
thereafter apply a bias or inwardly directed pressure to the
headgear to retain the light-emitting unit 132 in position. In some
embodiments, the one or more bands 144 and associated anchoring
structures may be provided as a separate, removable and replaceable
unit that attaches to the inner periphery of the annular housing
140 and provides for efficient replacement of the attachment
mechanism in the event the one or more bands 144 fail or are
excessively worn.
[0043] As another example, FIG. 8 shows a light-emitting unit 232
having an annular housing 240 that is attachable to headgear, such
as a hard hat, via an attachment mechanism comprising a plurality
of cam devices 244. Each cam device 244 may be positioned to
contact a respective portion of the headgear and rotate into secure
engagement therewith as the light-emitting unit 232 is removably
attached to the headgear for use. The cam devices 244 may be
positioned about an inner periphery of the annular housing 240 at
regular or irregular intervals. The cam devices 244 may extend
radially inwardly toward a receiving cavity 242 defined by the
housing 240. The cam devices 244 may collectively space the housing
240 away from the exterior surface of the headgear to which it is
attached during use such that a gap or space is maintained
therebetween.
[0044] As yet another example, FIG. 9 shows a light-emitting unit
332 having a generally annular housing 340 that is attachable to
headgear, such as a hard hat, via an attachment mechanism
comprising a plurality of spacers 344 each having a predetermined
width to span a respective space between the housing 340 and the
headgear when the light-emitting unit 332 is removably attached to
the headgear for use. The spacers 344 may be integrally formed in
the housing 340 and may include a semi-rigid material that is
configured to compress slightly as the light-emitting unit 332 is
secured to the headgear. In some instances, for example, the
spacers 344 may be sized to provide a snug or press-fit with
headgear having a select configuration. The spacers 344 may be
spaced about an inner periphery of the annular housing 340 at
regular or irregular intervals. The spacers 344 may extend radially
inwardly toward a receiving cavity 342 defined by the housing 340.
Spacers 344 of different widths may be removably attachable to
predetermined locations within the inner periphery of the housing
340 to accommodate headgear having different configurations.
[0045] Irrespective of the particular form of the attachment
mechanism that may be employed with various embodiments of the
light-emitting systems described herein, the attachment mechanism
(when provided) may be configured to secure the annular housing 40,
140, 240, 340 to headgear without compromising the integrity of or
penetrating an exterior surface of such headgear. In addition, in
at least some embodiments, the annular housing 40, 140, 240, 340
may be configured such that the annular housing 40, 140, 240, 340
is radially offset from the headgear when the light-emitting unit
32, 132, 232, 332 is removably attached to the headgear for use.
The annular housing 40, 140, 240, 340 may be radially offset from
the headgear by a space or gap having a generally uniform or a
variable width. Providing a space or gap between the annular
housing 40, 140, 240, 340 and the headgear may enable the
light-emitting unit 32, 132, 232, 332 to accept a wide variety of
hard hats 10 and other headgear. In other embodiments, the annular
housing 40, 140, 240, 340 may be sized to abut or otherwise
interface with a receiving surface or surfaces of the headgear.
[0046] In some embodiments, such as, for example, the embodiment
shown in FIG. 9, the light-emitting unit 332 may include a
generally annular housing 340 that has a broken or open profile
defining a gap 350. In this manner, the light-emitting unit 332 may
be configured to generate only a partial halo of light around a
vertical axis A.sub.2 defined by the housing 340. In some
embodiments, the light-emitting unit 332 may include a plurality of
lighting elements (not visible) and at least one lens 346 coupled
to the housing 340 which are configured to selectively generate
light that radiates outwardly away from the housing and sweeps
through an azimuth angle between 180 degrees and 360 degrees.
Preferably, however, the plurality of lighting elements (not
visible) and the at least one lens 346 are configured to
selectively generate light that sweeps through an azimuth angle of
at least 270 degrees to provide enhanced illumination in areas
beyond the user's direct field of view.
[0047] Some embodiments of the light-emitting units described
herein may be configured to generate only a single ring or halo of
light H, while others may include an auxiliary set of lighting
elements to supplement the same. For example, FIG. 10 shows an
example embodiment of a light-emitting unit 432 having a primary
set of lighting elements beneath an annular lens element 446 to
produce a ring or halo of light emanating therefrom and an
auxiliary set of lighting elements beneath a secondary lens 447 to
illuminate independent of the primary set of lighting elements. The
auxiliary set of lighting elements may be positioned in a forehead
or brow region of the light-emitting unit 432 to provide
supplemental light within the user's immediate field of view. In
this manner, a user may selectively activate the auxiliary set of
lighting elements when additional light may be needed or desired to
complete a particular task. In addition, the auxiliary set of
lighting elements may be positioned at a relatively higher position
to emit light more effectively over the brim 14 of the hard hat 10
to which the light-emitting unit 432 may be attached. A control
element 462 (e.g., a switch, button, dial, lever) may be provided
to selectively activate the primary set of lighting elements and/or
the auxiliary set of lighting elements to illuminate. Although a
single control element 462 is shown, it is appreciated that one or
more additional control elements 462 may be provided to operate the
distinct lighting arrangements simultaneously or independently.
[0048] Moreover, it is appreciated that a subset of the plurality
of lighting elements of the various described embodiments may be
configured to selectively illuminate at a different frequency or
with a different intensity relative to the other lighting elements.
In this regard, a predetermined pattern of fluctuating intensity
and/or frequency may be used to signal different events or
conditions, such as, for example, an emergency. In addition,
various regions may be illuminated to display different colors of
light. For example, a rear portion of the light-emitting unit may
be configured to display a red hue or tint to readily identify the
backside of a user. Still further, individual lighting elements may
be provided to illuminate with different frequencies and
intensities and to be controlled independently such that the
combined light source of a grouping of the lighting elements can be
controlled to produce light from a wide variety of selectable
colors. In this manner, a user may selectively control the color of
light that may emanate from the light-emitting system.
[0049] Moreover, aspects and features of the various embodiments
described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. In
addition, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/731,828, filed Dec.
31, 2019, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/254,319, filed Jan.
22, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,561,188, U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/970,588, filed May 3, 2018, U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/653,353, filed Jul. 18, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No.
9,986,778, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/794,615, filed Jul.
8, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,737,105, U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 13/972,627, filed Aug. 21, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,103,539,
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/779,634, filed Feb. 27, 2013,
now U.S. Pat. No. 8,529,082, and Provisional Application No.
61/604,982, filed Feb. 29, 2012, are incorporated herein by
reference for all purposes and aspects of the invention can be
modified, if necessary, to employ features, systems, and concepts
disclosed in these applications to provide yet further
embodiments.
[0050] These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in
light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the
following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit
the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the
specification and the claims, but should be construed to include
all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents
to which such claims are entitled.
* * * * *