U.S. patent number RE30,103 [Application Number 05/912,074] was granted by the patent office on 1979-09-25 for inflatable, chemi-luminescent assembly.
Invention is credited to Donald Spector.
United States Patent |
RE30,103 |
Spector |
September 25, 1979 |
Inflatable, chemi-luminescent assembly
Abstract
A globular chemical-lighting assembly suitable as an illuminated
playing ball or as an omnidirectional light-emitting source. The
assembly is constituted by a compact chemi-luminescent device which
is insertable within an inflatable globe formed of translucent
material to occupy a central position therein, the globe acting to
uniformly diffuse the light emitted by the device. The
chemi-luminescent device is formed by two separate chambers in
side-by-side relation, each containing one component of a
two-component chemi-luminescent system and a manually-operated
activator interconnecting these chambers to intermingle the
components and thereby cause a light-producing reaction, the device
normally being in a non-reactive state.
Inventors: |
Spector; Donald (Union City,
NJ) |
Family
ID: |
27085063 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/912,074 |
Filed: |
June 5, 1978 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
605809 |
Aug 19, 1975 |
04015111 |
Mar 29, 1977 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
362/34; 441/13;
473/593 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
43/06 (20130101); F21S 13/10 (20130101); F21K
2/06 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
43/00 (20060101); A63B 43/06 (20060101); F21K
2/00 (20060101); F21K 2/06 (20060101); F21S
13/00 (20060101); F21S 13/10 (20060101); A63B
043/06 (); F21V 009/16 (); F21V 003/02 (); F21V
017/04 (); F21L 007/00 (); F21L 015/00 (); F21L
025/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;362/34,84,189,363,450,809,351,352,362,806,184,186,311
;46/226,228,87,88,90 ;273/58R,58B,58G,DIG.24 ;9/8.3R,8.3E |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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461218 |
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Jun 1928 |
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DE2 |
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411175 |
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Jun 1910 |
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FR |
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Primary Examiner: Padgett; Benjamin R.
Assistant Examiner: Gron; T. S.
Claims
I claim:
1. A globular chemical lighting assembly comprising:
A. a chemi-luminescent device .Iadd.having predetermined dimensions
.Iaddend.constituted by two separate chambers each containing one
component of a two-component chemi-luminescent system and
activating means to interconnect said chambers to intermingle said
components and thereby cause a light-producing reaction, whereby
said device is normally in a non-reactive state; and
B. an inflatable globe .Iadd.whose diameter is substantially
greater than the longest dimensions of said device .Iaddend.formed
of translucent material and including conduit means communicating
with the exterior of the globe adapted to receive said device and
to hold it at a central position within the globe when the globe is
inflated, whereby by first activating the device and then inserting
it in the conduit means, the globe then functions as a globular
light emitter, said conduit means being constituted by an
open-ended tubular duct extending diametrically through said globe
and formed of collapsible flexible material which when the globe is
inflated to a level above atmospheric pressure is caused to
collapse except the region therein enveloping said device which is
now trapped within the duct, the collapsed portion of the duct on
either side of the trapped device acting as flattened straps to
hold the device in place.Iadd., the device internally trapped in
said globe being in non-projecting relationship thereto whereby the
assembly is operable as a ball. .Iaddend.
2. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said globe is formed
of flexible plastic film.
3. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the inner surface of
said globe has light dispersing properties.
4. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the unit surface of
said globe has a fluorescent layer thereon.
5. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the chambers of said
device have a hemispheric form to define a spherical device.
6. An assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said chambers have a
common membrane which is ruptured by said activating means.
7. An assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein said activating
means is formed by a stem pushably mounted on said membrane at
right angles thereto and provided with a knife edge to rupture said
membrane.
8. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said globe includes
a valve having a mouthpiece to facilitate inflation therein.
9. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said globe is
spherical in form.
10. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said globe has a
circular cross-section and the diameter of said globe renders said
assembly suitable as a playing ball. .Iadd. 11. A globular assembly
comprising:
A. a battery operated illuminating device having predetermined
dimensions; and
B. an inflatable globe whose diameter is substantially greater than
the longest dimensions of said device formed of translucent
material and including conduit means communicating with the
exterior of the globe and adapted to receive said device and to
hold it at a central position within the globe when the globe is
inflated, said conduit means being constituted by an open-ended
tubular duct extending diametrically through said globe and formed
of collapsible flexible material which, when the globe is inflated
to a level above atmospheric pressure, is caused to collapse,
except the region therein enveloping said device which is now
trapped within the duct, the collapsed portion of the duct on
either side of the trapped device acting as flattened straps to
hold the device in place, the device internally entrapped in said
globe being in non-projecting relationship thereto whereby the
assembly is operable as a ball. .Iaddend..Iadd. 12. A globe as set
forth in claim 11, wherein said device which is battery-operated
includes at least one light bulb energized by the battery.
.Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the field of chemical light
generators, and more particularly to an inflatable ball or globe of
translucent material adapted to incorporate a replaceable, compact
chemi-luminescent device.
In the modern world, artificial light sources are largely of the
electrically-activated type, use being made of incandescent light
bulbs, fluorescent tubes and other types of electrically-energized
light emitters. The necessary electrical power for such emitters is
derived from power lines, motor-generators and batteries. There
are, however, circumstances where it is desirable to provide a
source of visible light which is not electrically activated. Thus
in emergency situations where there is no electrical power
available or where there has been an electrical power failure,
alternative light sources are required.
The use of chemi-luminescent devices as an alternative to an
electrically-activated light source is well-known. Such devices
incorporate chemical components which react to provide excitation
for a fluorescent compound. With a chemi-luminescent device, once
the reaction is initiated, it runs its course and it is not
possible to turn the light on and off at will. It is therefore the
present practice to maintain the reactive components in a
non-reactive state until the need for light arises.
Thus in U.S. Pat. No. 3,576,987, a chemi-luminescent device is
disclosed which is constituted by an outer flexible tube of
translucent material having concentrically-disposed therein an
inner rigid tube, the rigid tube being breakable. The sealed inner
tube is filled with one component of a two-component chemical
lighting system, and the sealed outer tube is filled with the
second component thereof.
To activate this known device, the flexible outer tube is bent to
an extent causing fracture of the inner tube, as a result of which
the two components intermingle to initiate the generation of light.
Chemi-luminescent light is obtained by the reaction of
hydroperoxide with a chemi-luminescent composition. In this way,
the outer tube becomes a light wand or stick which may be held in
the hand or placed at a suitable site.
A chemi-luminescent light wand of the above-described type has many
practical advantages, for it can be made small and highly-portable.
And since it radiates a cold light, it is useful in situations
where the heat generated by electrically-activated light sources is
undesirable or hazardous. It is also useful under conditions where
an electrical system may represent a fire hazard such as in the
presence of flammable agents, or underwater where a danger of
electrical shorting exists.
The main drawback of a chemical light source in stick form is that
it constitutes a highly-directional light emitter, and unless
properly oriented, it functions inefficiently. To give a simple
analogy: The sun is a spherical generator which emits light rays
omnidirectionally and efficiently illuminates all planets within
the planetary system without regard to their position with respect
to the sun. But had the sun been in stick form, the planets in line
with the end of the stick would receive little light, while others
at different locations would be more or less illuminated, depending
on their angular positions relative to the stick. Thus while the
ideal light radiator is a globe, existing types of
chemi-luminescent devices fall far short of this ideal.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
In view of the foregoing, it is the main object of this invention
to provide a globular light-emitting assembly incorporating a
replaceable chemi-luminescent device, the assembly functioning to
radiate cold light omnidirectionally.
More particularly, it is an object of this invention to provide an
assembly of the above type in which the chemi-luminescent device is
insertable within an inflatable globe formed of translucent
material, the device occupying a central position therein.
Also an object of this invention is to provide an improved form of
multi-chamber chemi-luminescent device which lends itself to
insertion within an inflatable globe.
The globular assembly in accordance with the invention has many
practical uses not limited to emergency situations requiring
illumination. Thus by mounting the inflatable globe on a raised
standard, it may then serve as an attractive outdoor lantern for
garden parties and other festive occasions, particularly since the
chemi-luminescent device incorporated therein is effective for
several hours.
Or the inflated globe may be used as a bouncing ball for play at
night, for not only is the ball highly visible under poor ambient
light conditions, but the liquid-filled chemi-luminescent device
therein has a stabilizing influence on the air-filled globe and
lends body thereto, so that the playing characteristics of the
globular assembly are distinctly superior to those of ordinary
inflatable balls.
The light-emitting inflatable globe is, of course, usable in all
emergency situations calling for light. Its omnidirectional
radiating characteristics not only afford improved illumination,
but the globe also provides a more effective S-O-S signal than a
directional light stick. Thus in a life boat, the illuminated ball
may be tied to or mounted above a pole, the resultant
omnidirectional signal being visible in all directions. Moreover,
the inflated light-producing globe will float on water, which opens
up many other useful emergency as well as play possibilities.
Briefly stated, these objects are accomplished in a globular
chemical lighting assembly constituted by an inflatable globe and a
spherically-shaped chemi-luminescent device insertable therein. The
device is formed by two separate semi-circular chambers in
side-by-side relation, each containing one liquid component of a
two-component chemi-luminescent system, and a manually-operated
activator to interconnect the chambers to intermingle the
components and thereby cause a light-producing reaction, the device
being normally in the non-reactive state.
The inflatable globe is formed of translucent flexible material
which may have a light-diffusing surface or a fluorescent layer
thereon, the globe including a cylindrical duct of flexible
material extending diametrically therethrough, the diameter of the
duct substantially corresponding to that of the spherical device,
whereby the device may first be activated and then inserted into
the duct to occupy a central position therein, after which the
globe is inflated, the duct being collapsed by internal pressure to
lock the device within the globe.
OUTLINE OF DRAWING
For a better understanding of the invention as well as other
objects and further features thereof, reference is made to the
following detailed description to be read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawing, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chemical-lighting assembly in
accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 is a section taken through the central plane of the assembly
shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a separate view, in section, of the spherical
chemi-luminescent device inserted in the assembly, the device being
shown in its inactive state;
FIG. 4 shows the chemi-luminescent device in its active state;
and
FIG. 5 shows one manner of mounting the assembly.
DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
The Assembly
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown an inflatable
chemical lighting assembly in accordance with the invention. The
assembly consists of an inflatable globe, generally designated by
numeral 10, and a spherically-shaped chemi-luminescent device 11
held centrally therein.
Globe 10 is fabricated of transparent flexible plastic material of
high strength, such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or
polypropylene film. The globe is provided with a suitable valve 12
of the type used, for example, in conventional inflatable balls.
The valve is preferably the type provided with retractable
mouthpiece so that the globe can be inflated in balloon fashion by
mouth without the need for a pump which may not be available in
emergency situations. The globe may be in any desired diameter, and
in some cases, such as where the assembly is intended for
decorative lighting purposes, it may be very large, whereas when it
is intended as a playing ball, a standard ball diameter is
used.
In practice, to impart light-diffusing properties to the globe
while at the same time concealing the device held therein, the
inner surface may be sanded, roughened or otherwise treated to
disperse light. Alternatively the inner surface may be coated with
a translucent layer of fluorescent material which is excited by the
light rays emitted by the device. Or use may be made of a
transparent plastic material in various hues or color patterns so
that the light is radiated in colors other than that produced by
the chemi-luminescent device.
Extending diametrically through the globe is an open-ended
cylindrical duct 13 formed of the same flexible transparent
material as the globe itself or of similar material. The duct,
therefore, is open to the atmosphere, whereas the globe is
hermetically sealed. The diameter of duct 13 is about the same as
that of the chemi-luminescent device so that the device may easily
be inserted therein, when the globe is in the deflated state, to
occupy a central position in the globe.
When the globe is thereafter inflated to a level above atmospheric
pressure, the internal globe pressure acts to collapse duct 13
except that region thereof containing the chemi-luminescent device
which is now trapped within the duct. The collapsed sections of the
duct on either side of the device now act as flattened straps to
hold the trapped device in place.
Alternatively, instead of a duct, one may provide in the globe a
test-tube shaped receptacle of flexible material adapted to receive
the device, the tube being held in place by bands secured to the
inner wall of the globe.
The Chemi-Luminescent Device
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, device 11 is constituted by a spherical
ball formed of relatively rigid but deformable transparent plastic
material, the ball being divided by a penetrable membrane 14 into
two hemispherical chambers 11A and 11B. Associated with membrane 14
is an activator 15 in the form of a stem, pushably mounted on the
membrane at right angles thereto and provided with a knife edge.
The other end of the stem terminates in a button 16 which may be
pressed inwardly by squeezing the ball, thereby causing the knife
edge to rupture the membrane so that the chambers then communicate
with each other.
The ball may be protectively enclosed in a transparent sheath of
flexible material. Chamber 11A is filled with one component of a
two-component chemi-luminescent system, and chamber 11B is filled
with the other component thereof. These components may be of the
type disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,576,987 and 3,597,362. When,
therefore, the activator 15 is operated to rupture the membrane, as
shown in FIG. 4, the separated components then intermingle to
initiate the generation of light.
Thus the device is normally inactive, the device being activated
just before it is placed within the duct of the deflated globe.
After inflation, the light-emitting device, which is held centrally
within the globe, radiates light in all directions, these rays
being diffused by the globe.
While a spherically-shaped chemi-luminescent device is preferred,
it will be appreciated that existing types of chemi-luminescent
sticks may also be inserted in the duct and trapped therein. While
such sticks radiate directionally, the diffusing globe brings about
a light distribution, as a result of which the globe appears to be
more or less uniformly excited to provide illumination in all
directions.
Instead of an activator which ruptures a membrane as disclosed
above, the two hemispherical chambers may be interconnected by a
short tube having a barrier therein which is ruptured by twisting
one chamber relative to the other.
Applications
As noted previously, the illuminated globe may be used in a playing
ball at night or it may be used as an emergency or decorative light
source. Thus as shown in FIG. 5, the globe may be rested in the
cup-shaped headpiece of a pole 18 to provide outdoor illumination.
For higher levels of illumination, the globe may be designed to
receive more than one chemi-luminescent device.
While there has been shown and described a preferred embodiment of
an inflatable chemi-luminescent assembly in accordance with the
invention, it will be appreciated that many changes and
modifications may be made therein without, however, departing from
the essential spirit thereof. Thus it is not essential that the
globe have a perfectly spherical form as shown, for other geometric
forms may be used, such as the oblate form popular in Japanese
lanterns. It is also possible to provide multi-lobe inflatable
globes, each lobe being adapted to receive a chemi-luminescent
device. The term globe as used herein is intended to encompass the
full range of such shapes.
It is also possible to dispense with an actuator stem and merely
provide a fragile membrane which ruptures when the ball-shaped
device is squeezed to apply differential pressure to the
membrane.
One may also replace the chemi-luminescent device with a
battery-operated device, preferably in spherical form with light
bulbs at diametrically-opposed positions.
* * * * *