U.S. patent number 9,271,343 [Application Number 14/065,746] was granted by the patent office on 2016-02-23 for head lamp.
The grantee listed for this patent is Michael Mackool, Luke Orlins. Invention is credited to Michael Mackool, Luke Orlins.
United States Patent |
9,271,343 |
Mackool , et al. |
February 23, 2016 |
Head lamp
Abstract
A head lamp assembly wearable by a user or attachable to an
object comprising a substrate, a first light source, a second light
source, and a sensor. The sensor can turn the first and second
light sources ON when light striking the sensor falls below a
predetermined intensity level. The sensor can turn the first and
second light sources OFF when light striking the sensor exceeds a
predetermined intensity level. An override switch can allow user to
keep the light sources either completely illuminated or obfuscated,
irrespective of the sensor.
Inventors: |
Mackool; Michael (Royal Oaks,
MI), Orlins; Luke (Berkley, MI) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mackool; Michael
Orlins; Luke |
Royal Oaks
Berkley |
MI
MI |
US
US |
|
|
Family
ID: |
52994613 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/065,746 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2013 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20150115803 A1 |
Apr 30, 2015 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V
23/0464 (20130101); H05B 47/11 (20200101); F21L
14/00 (20130101); H05B 45/00 (20200101); Y02B
20/40 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H05B
33/08 (20060101); F21V 21/084 (20060101); H05B
37/02 (20060101); F21V 23/04 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Cariaso; Alan
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Harness, Dickey & Pierce,
P.L.C.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An assembly comprising: a substrate wearable by a user or
attachable to an object; a sensor power source attached to the
substrate; a sensor attached to the substrate and electrically
connected to the sensor power source; a first light power source
attached to the substrate; a first light source attached to the
substrate and electrically connected to the sensor and to the first
light power source; a second light power source attached to the
substrate; and a second light source attached to the substrate and
electrically connected to the sensor and to the second light power
source; wherein the sensor being operable to turn ON the first
light source and the second light source when light striking the
sensor falls below a first predetermined intensity level whether or
not the assembly is in motion, the sensor being further operable to
turn OFF the first light source and the second light source when
light striking the sensor exceeds a second predetermined intensity
level; wherein, the first predetermined intensity level and the
second predetermined intensity level is the same or different, and
the sensor power source, the first light power source, and the
second light power source are the same or different.
2. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising: a main user switch
for turning the assembly ON and OFF; a first user switch being
accessible for manual use for turning ON the first light source
when the first light source is turned OFF by the sensor, the first
user switch being further operable to turn OFF the first light
source when the first light source is turned ON by the sensor; and
a second user switch being accessible for manual use for turning ON
the second light source when the second light source is turned OFF
by the sensor, the second user switch being further operable to
turn OFF the second light source when the second light source is
turned ON by the sensor, the second user switch being further
operable to control the second light source to operate in a
continuous light mode or in a blinking light mode when the second
light source is turned ON by the sensor.
3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first light source
comprises at least one white light LED coupled to the
substrate.
4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the second light source
comprises a plurality of amber light LEDs coupled to the
substrate.
5. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the second user switch is
further operable to control a blinking frequency of the second
light source when the second light source is operating in the
blinking light mode.
6. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the first user switch is
further operable to increase and decrease an intensity of light
generated by the first light source when the first light source is
turned ON.
7. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the second user switch is
further operable to increase and decrease an intensity of light
generated by the second light source when the second light source
is turned ON.
8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein both the first predetermined
intensity level and the second predetermined intensity level are
adjustable.
9. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising an audible warning
system coupled to the substrate and electrically connected to at
least one of the power sources.
10. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a light sync
attached to the substrate and electrically connected to at least
one of the power sources and the second light source.
11. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a flash memory, a
reflector, and a retention strap.
Description
FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a light source and, more
specifically, to a light source worn by a user or attached to an
object.
BACKGROUND
This section provides background information related to the present
disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
Head lamps are typically worn by construction workers to illuminate
dark or unlit environments without requiring the workers to hold
flash lights or install light sources. Moreover, by wearing a head
lamp and illuminating an area where a worker is present and/or
working, a head lamp can also further the worker's safety by
alerting others of the worker's presence in the environment.
Generally, a worker wearing a head lamp and desiring to illuminate
a dark or unlit environment must turn the head lamp ON in order to
generate the desired illumination. Typically, this requires the
worker to activate a switch, usually located somewhere on the head
lamp. To activate the switch, the worker can either remove the head
lamp from her head, find and activate the switch, and then
reposition the head lamp back on her head; or, the worker can leave
the head lamp on her head and rely on her mental recollection of
the location of the switch on the head lamp and on her sense of
touch to find and activate the switch. Then, once the worker is no
longer present in the dark or unlit environment, and no longer
requires the head lamp to generate the previously desired
illumination, the worker must remember to turn the head lamp OFF,
or risk unnecessary battery drain. The process of turning the head
lamp ON and subsequently remembering to turn the head lamp OFF can
be tedious and burdensome for the worker, especially if the worker
frequently travels between a dark or unlit environment and a light
or lit environment.
SUMMARY
This section provides a general summary of the present disclosure,
and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of
its features.
In one form, the present disclosure provides an assembly comprising
a substrate wearable by a user or attachable to an object. A sensor
power source, a first light power source, and a second light power
source are attached to the substrate. A sensor is attached to the
substrate and is electrically connected to the sensor power source.
A first light source is attached to the substrate and is
electrically connected to the sensor and to the first light power
source. A second light source is attached to the substrate and is
electrically connected to the sensor and to the second light power
source. The sensor is operable to turn ON the first light source
and the second light source when light striking the sensor falls
below a first predetermined intensity level whether or not the
assembly is in motion. The sensor is further operable to turn OFF
the first light source and the second light source when light
striking the sensor exceeds a second predetermined intensity level.
The first predetermined intensity level and the second
predetermined intensity level is the same or different, and the
sensor power source, the first light power source, and the second
light power source are the same or different.
In another form, a head lamp assembly contains an elastic band and
at least one task light attached to the elastic band and
electrically connected to a rechargeable battery. The head lamp
assembly further has a plurality of hazard lights attached to the
elastic band and electrically coupled to a rechargeable battery
that is the same as or different from the rechargeable battery
coupled to the task light. It also has a means for turning ON the
at least one task light and the plurality of hazard lights without
any user interaction in response to a low light level regardless of
whether the headlight assembly is in motion, and for turning OFF
the at least one task light and the plurality of hazard lights
without any user interaction in response to a high light level. The
head lamp assembly also has at least one switch accessible by a
user to override the means.
Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. The description and specific examples
in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and
are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
DRAWINGS
The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only.
They illustrate selected embodiments--not all possible
implementations--and are not intended to limit the scope of the
present disclosure.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a head lamp assembly of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the head lamp assembly of
the FIG. 1; and
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an electrical enclosure of the head
lamp assembly of FIG. 1.
Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts
throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference
to the accompanying drawings.
The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not
intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. For
purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers will be used in the
drawings to identify similar elements.
Examples are provided so that this description will be thorough,
and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the
art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of
specific components and methods, to provide a thorough
understanding of examples of the present disclosure. It will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not
be employed, that examples may be embodied in many different forms
and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the
description.
With reference to FIG. 1, a head lamp assembly 10 is illustrated.
The head lamp assembly 10 comprises a substrate 12, and disposed
upon the substrate 12, a plurality of hazard lights 14, at least
one task light 16, and an electrical enclosure 18.
The substrate 12 is generally linear and can be fabricated from a
suitable material, such as elastic or nylon. The substrate 12
comprises an inner surface 20, an outer surface 22, an attachment
feature 24 and a retention strap 15.
As will be described further below, coupled to the outer surface 22
of the substrate 12 can be the plurality of hazard lights 14, the
at least one task light 16, and the electrical enclosure 18. The
outer surface 22 of the substrate 12 and the retention strap 15,
described below, can further include a reflector 26. In an
embodiment, the reflector 26 can cover the entire outer surface 22
of the substrate 12 and the retention strap 15. Regardless of the
size and placement of the reflector 26, when an auxiliary light is
directed towards the reflector 26, the reflector 26 can reflect the
auxiliary light. Therefore, the reflector 26 can provide an
additional safety benefit to the user of the head lamp assembly 10
or to the object upon which the head lamp assembly 10 is mounted,
especially if the head lamp assembly 10 is turned OFF, if the
hazard lights 14 are turned OFF, and/or if the at least one task
light 16 is turned OFF, as will be described further below.
The attachment feature 24 is attached to the substrate 12 and can
be, for example, an engagable buckle or clasp. As illustrated in
FIG. 1, when the attachment feature 24 is engaged, the substrate 12
can take the shape of a circular band 13. The circular band 13 can
be adapted to fit around, for example, a construction worker's
protective safety hard hat or a bicycle safety helmet (not
illustrated). The attachment feature 24 can also provide a means
for adjusting the size of the circular band 13 to fit, for example,
more snuggly around a protective safety hard hat or a bicycle
safety helmet. The attachment feature 24, whether engaged or not
engaged, can also be used to mount the head lamp assembly 10 upon
another object such as, for example, a bicycle frame, a child's
wagon or a fence post (not illustrated).
The retention strap 15 can also be fabricated from a suitable
material, such as elastic or nylon and can be attached to either
the inner surface 20 or the outer surface 22 of the substrate 12.
The retention strap 15 can be used to, for example, assist a user
in securing and retaining the head lamp assembly 10 around a
protective safety hard hat or a bicycle safety helmet. The
retention strap 15 can also provide for a more snug-fit when the
head lamp assembly 10 is worn directly around a user's head. In an
embodiment, the retention strap 15 can be removeably attached to
the substrate 12, to provide a user with the ability to customize
the shape and fit of the head lamp assembly 10 during use.
As was briefly described above, the plurality of hazard lights 14
can be coupled to the outer surface 22 of the substrate 12. The
hazard lights 14 can be light emitting diodes (LEDs), however,
halogen, fluorescent or any other suitable light source can be
substituted for, or used in combination with, the LEDs. When turned
ON, as will be described further below, the hazard lights 14 can
emit an amber color light, however, other colors such as, for
example, red and/or natural white light can also be emitted
depending on the type of light source used. Moreover, when the
attachment feature 24 is engaged and the substrate 12 is formed
into the circular band 13, the hazard lights 14, when turned ON,
can provide 360 degrees of illumination.
As was also briefly described above, the at least one task light 16
can also be coupled to the outer surface 22 of the substrate 12.
The task light 16 can comprise a single light source, or can
comprise a plurality of light sources, as is illustrated in FIG. 1.
Like the hazard lights 14, the task light(s) 16 can also be light
emitting diodes (LEDs), however, halogen, fluorescent or other
suitable light sources can be substituted for, or used in
combination with, the LEDs. When turned ON, as will be described
further below, the task light(s) 16 can emit a bright white color
light, however, other colors, such as, for example, red and/or
amber can be emitted depending on the type of light source
used.
With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the hazard lights 14 and the task
light(s) 16 can be electrically connected to a circuit board 28
with electrical wires 27. The circuit board 28 and the electrical
wires 27 are of the type generally known and used in typical
electrical systems and will therefore not be described in detail
herein. The electrical wires 27 can be embedded within the
substrate 12, between the inner and outer surfaces 20, 22. In
addition to electrically connecting the lights 14, 16 to the
circuit board 28, the electrical wires 27 can also electrically
connect other components of the head lamp assembly 10 to the
circuit board 28, as will be described below. The circuit board 28
can be contained within the electrical enclosure 18, described
below.
The electrical enclosure 18 can be a hollow structure coupled to
the outer surface 22 of the substrate 12. The electrical enclosure
18 can comprise a base 30 and a cover plate 32. Both the base 30
and the cover plate 32 can be fabricated from a suitable plastic
material that is preferably waterproof. The cover plate 32 can be
removeably secured to the base 30 with at least one suitable
fastener (not illustrated). Accordingly, the cover plate 32 can be
separated from the base 30 to, for example, provide access to the
circuit board 28 and to the other components contained within the
electrical enclosure 18.
In addition to the circuit board 28, the electrical enclosure 18
can also contain a main ON/OFF user switch 34, a power source 36, a
sensor 38, a potentiometer 40, and a light sync 42.
The main ON/OFF user switch 34 can be mounted on the electrical
enclosure 18 and is electrically connected to the circuit board 28.
The main ON/OFF user switch 34 can be, for example, a push-button
type switch, a touch-sensitive switch, or any other suitable
switch. The main ON/OFF user switch 34 can provide a user with the
ability to control the head lamp assembly 10. For example, during
use, when the main ON/OFF user switch 34 is in the ON position,
electrical power can be transferred from the power source 36,
described below, to any of the electrical components connected to
it, also described below. In contrast, when the main ON/OFF user
switch 34 is in the OFF position, electrical power is restricted
from transferring from the power source 36 to any of the electrical
components connected to it.
In an illustrative embodiment, the power source 36 is a single, 3.7
volt lithium ultra-thin rechargeable battery. The power source 36
is electrically connected to the circuit board 28 with the
electrical wires 27, and is contained within the electrical
enclosure 18. In an embodiment, the power source 36 is embedded
within the substrate 12, between the inner and outer surfaces 20,
22. The power source 36 can also comprise a plurality of
rechargeable batteries of varying sizes and voltages that can be
recharged by electrically connecting the head lamp assembly 10 to a
power source such as, for example, a wall outlet or an auxiliary
power outlet in a vehicle (not illustrated). The power source(s) 36
can also be recharged by placing the head lamp assembly 10 upon a
magnetic rechargeable pad or by using a wireless solar light
charging means (not illustrated).
As illustrated, the sensor 38 is also electrically connected to the
circuit board 28 with the electrical wires 27, and mounted on the
electrical enclosure 18. The sensor 38 can be a typical light
sensor, as is known in the field. During use, when the main ON/OFF
user switch 34 is in the ON position, the sensor 38 can survey the
environment surrounding the sensor 38 and the head lamp assembly 10
for the presence of visible light. Should the sensor 38 detect
visible light in the surrounding environment that exceeds a first
predetermined intensity level, the sensor 38 can generate and send
a first electronic signal to the circuit board 28 and turn the
lights 14, 16 OFF and keep the lights 14, 16 OFF. Conversely,
should the sensor 38 not detect the presence of visible light in
the surrounding environment, that is, if the presence of visible
light in the surrounding is below a second predetermined intensity
level, the sensor 38 can generate and send a second electronic
signal to the circuit board 28 to turn the lights 14, 16 ON and
keep the lights 14, 16 on. It should be understood that the first
and the second signals sent by the sensor 38 can be the same or
different.
It should also be understood that the sensor 38 can either turn the
lights 14, 16 OFF or turn the lights 14, 16 ON, depending on the
presence or absence of visible light, respectively, in the
surrounding environment relative to a predetermined intensity
level. More specifically, the sensor 38 does not operate to
increase the illumination intensity of the lights 14, 16 or
decrease the illumination intensity of the lights 14, 16 in
proportion to the amount of visible light that is present or
absent, respectively, in the environment surrounding the head lamp
assembly 10.
In an embodiment, however, the sensor 38 can dim the lights 14, 16
depending on the amount of visible light in the environment
surrounding the sensor 38 relative to a predetermined intensity
level. For example, should the amount of visible light in the
environment surrounding the sensor 38 be slightly greater than or
slightly less than a predetermined intensity level, the
illumination intensity of the lights 14, 16 may be dimmed, as
opposed to being either turned OFF or ON, respectively.
Moreover, the sensor 38 can operate to turn the lights 14, 16 OFF
and/or turn the lights 14, 16 ON in the above described manner
regardless if the head lamp assembly 10 is in motion. For example,
should a user desire to place the head lamp assembly 10 upon a
stationary or inanimate object, or should a user wearing the head
lamp assembly 10 be inactive for a period of time, the lights 14,
16 can still turn ON and/or stay ON once the sensor 38 detects that
the visible light in the environment surrounding the head lamp
assembly 10 is below a predetermined intensity level. The ability
of the head lamp assembly 10 to turn the lights 14, 16 ON and/or
keep the lights 14, 16 ON regardless if the head lamp assembly 10
is in motion provides a user with numerous benefits. For example,
as was briefly described above, the head lamp assembly 10 can be
placed upon an inanimate object, such as, for example, a fence post
or a mailbox and illuminate a dark or unlit area and/or provide
notification of the object's presence to others.
The potentiometer 40 can be electronically connected to the circuit
board 28 with the electrical wires 27, and can be mounted on the
electrical enclosure 18. The potentiometer 40 can enable a user to
adjust either or both of the first and second predetermined
intensity levels used by the sensor 38 to turn the lights 14, 16 ON
and OFF. For example, a user may desire for the sensor 38 to turn
OFF either or both of the lights 14, 16 as soon as a scintilla of
light is detected by the sensor 38 in the environment surrounding
the head lamp assembly 10, or, in contrast, keep the lights 14, 16
ON until the sensor 38 detects direct, bright light in the
environment surrounding the head lamp assembly 10. A user can also
adjust the potentiometer 40 to enable the sensor 38 to turn the
lights 14, 16 ON and OFF when the light level in the surrounding
environment is somewhere in between.
A hazard light override switch 44 and a task light override switch
46 can also be connected to the circuit board 28 with the
electrical wires 27, and both switches 44, 46 can be mounted on the
electrical enclosure 18. Each override switch 44, 46 can be a
push-button type switch, a touch-sensitive switch, or any other
like suitable switch. The override switches 44, 46 can enable a
user to override the sensor 38. For example, during normal use of
the head lamp assembly 10, as described above, when the visible
light in the environment surrounding the sensor 38 and the head
lamp assembly 10 is below the predetermined intensity level, the
sensor 38 can generate and send the second electric signal to the
circuit board 28 to turn ON the hazard light(s) 14 and the task
lights 16. However, should a user desire to not have the hazard
lights 14 illuminated when the visible light in the environment
surrounding the sensor 38 is below the predetermined intensity
level, the user can activate the hazard light override switch 44,
override the second electric signal, and turn the hazard lights 14
OFF and/or keep the hazard lights 14 OFF. Similarly, should a user
desire to turn the task light(s) 16 OFF and/or keep the task
light(s) 16 OFF once the sensor 38 turns the task light(s) 16 ON,
the user can activate the task light override switch 46 and
override the second signal. Each of the override switches 44, 46
can also be used to allow a user to turn the lights 14, 16 ON
and/or keep the lights 14, 16 ON once the sensor 38 generates and
sends the first signal to turn the lights 14, 16 OFF.
The hazard light override switch 44 can also enable a user to
control and adjust the illumination intensity or brightness
generated by the hazard lights 14 when the hazard lights 14 are
turned ON by the sensor 38. Further, a user can use the hazard
light override switch 44 to enable the hazard lights 14, when
turned ON, to either remain continuously illuminated or blink
intermittently. Further, should a user desire the hazard lights 14
to blink intermittently when turned ON, the hazard light override
switch 44 can also allow a user to adjust the frequency or speed of
the blink. The task light override switch 46 can also enable a user
to adjust and control the intensity or brightness of the
illumination generated by the task lights 16 when the task lights
16 are turned ON.
The hazard light override switch 44 and the task light override
switch 46 can provide a user with numerous benefits. For example,
there may be situations where a user wearing the head lamp assembly
10 wishes to keep the lights 14, 16 ON, however, the visible light
in the environment surrounding the head lamp assembly 10 is above
the predetermined intensity level, such as, for example, on a
cloudy day or during the dawn and/or the dusk hours. Moreover,
should a user wearing the head lamp assembly 10 in a dark and/or
unlit environment be in the presence of others wearing head lamps
or holding flashlights, the user can use the override switches 44,
46 to keep the lights 14, 16 ON as opposed to the sensor 38 turning
the lights 14, 16 OFF.
The light sync 42 can also be electronically connected to the
circuit board 28 with the electrical wires 27, and can be contained
within the electrical enclosure 18. During use, should a user
desire the hazard lights 14 to blink intermittently, the light sync
42 can adjust and synchronize the blinking of the hazard lights 14
to blink in unison with other nearby blinking light sources. By
providing a synchronized and unison blink with other nearby
blinking lights, the risk of photosensitive epilepsy to a user or
to another nearby person can be reduced.
Also attached to the substrate 12 can be an audible warning system
48. The audible warning system 48 can include a user switch 50 and
at least one speaker 52. During use, a user can activate the user
switch 50 to generate and disseminate an audible tone through the
speaker 52. The audible warning system 48 can provide a means for a
user to alert others of the worker's presence in an environment
and/or provide a means for the user to signal for assistance. The
audible warning system 48 can also comprise a microphone 54 and a
transmitter 56. The microphone 54 and transmitter 56 can provide a
user with the ability to communicate with others.
A flash memory 58 can also be coupled to the substrate 12. The
flash memory 58 can provide the user with the ability to store
data, such as, for example, media data that can be played through
the speaker 52 of the audible warning system 48, described above.
An audible jack 60 can also be incorporated into the substrate 12,
to enable a user to connect headphones (not illustrated) to the
flash memory 58 and listen to media files stored on the flash
memory 58, for example.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for
purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or
features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to
that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are
interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if
not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in
many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure
from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *