Light strip for an animal leg

Abstract

The present application relates to a light strip (1) comprising - at least one ligament body (2) for encircling the animal's leg, as well as, - at least one supply unit (3) for the provision of electrical energy, - at least one lighting device (4) for generating and emitting light, and - at least one locking device (5) with which the opposite ends (6) of the ligament body can be coupled together in a state encircling the animal leg, In order to provide a light strip (1) for an animal leg that eliminates the problems of the prior art, it is proposed according to the invention that in a coupled state of the ends (6) of the strip body (2) light can be emitted from an outer surface (7) of the strip body pointing away from the entwined animal leg essentially over its entire circumference.

Description

Introduction

[0001] The present invention relates to a luminous band for an animal's leg. The luminous band is designed to be wrapped around an animal's leg so that the animal can be seen more easily at dusk or at night. The animal's leg can be, in particular, the leg of a dog. However, the luminous band can also be used to wrap around the leg of a horse, a cat, or other animals.

[0002] The light strip comprises at least one band section designed to be wrapped around the animal's leg. Furthermore, the light strip includes at least one power supply unit for providing electrical energy and a lighting device for generating and emitting light. The power supply unit is generally designed and intended to operate the lighting device. The light strip also includes at least one locking mechanism. The locking mechanism allows opposite ends of the band section to be coupled together. When the ends are coupled, the band section is wrapped around the animal's leg, securely attaching the light strip to the leg.

[0003] Luminous strips of the aforementioned type are known in the prior art. For example, reference is made to DE 20 2006 001 561 U1 and DE 20 2007 013 752 U1.

[0004] German utility model DE 20 2006 001 561 U1 describes a flexible illuminated collar for dogs and other animals that requires no complex electronics. It consists of a tubular section containing LEDs and a separate section containing batteries. Both parts are connected by plug connectors that automatically establish and break the electrical connection when the collar is put on or taken off. The collar can also be easily bent and adjusted, with the LEDs integrated into the band. This illuminated collar is suitable not only for dogs, but also for humans and other animals.

[0005] German utility model DE 20 2007 013 752 U1 discloses a versatile lighting and signaling device with a waterproof, transparent casing. It contains a light source, a power supply unit, and a reed switch for control. A microcontroller enables various lighting functions such as warning signals or flashing lights. RGB LEDs create different lighting effects through color mixing. The LEDs are connected via insulation displacement connectors and ribbon cables. Optional IR and / or UV LEDs enable applications in the non-visible spectrum, with an adapter module handling the power supply.

[0006] With previously known fluorescent collars, depending on the position and orientation of the animal wearing them, and depending on the observer's position, it can happen that an animal's leg is not seen despite the collar being fitted with a fluorescent band and the band being illuminated, because no light is emitted from the visible section of the collar. This is also due to the fact that all the light sources are individual units distributed throughout the collar. This leads to poor visibility at certain angles, and if one of the units malfunctions, a larger angle is not covered. This impairs the device's effectiveness and creates the risk of overlooking the animal wearing the collar. Task

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a light strip for an animal leg that solves the problems of the prior art and that is unlikely to be overlooked. Solution

[0008] Starting from the device described at the beginning, the aforementioned problem is solved by ensuring that, in a coupled state of the ends of the band body, light can be emitted from an outer surface of the band body pointing away from the entwined animal leg essentially over its entire circumference.

[0009] The luminous strip according to the invention has many advantages. The emission of light essentially over the entire circumference of the luminous strip enables improved visibility, especially from different angles, particularly when viewed in a substantially horizontal plane, which increases safety in poor lighting conditions, for example at dusk or at night.

[0010] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the power supply unit is housed in a substantially cuboid-shaped casing and preferably contains a rechargeable battery, which is further preferably equipped with a charging socket arranged on a casing wall for connection to a charging cable plug. Such a cuboid-shaped casing is easy to manufacture and allows for extremely efficient use of the available interior space to accommodate the rechargeable battery and the corresponding charging socket. Additionally, the belt body, viewed from above, is preferably rectangular, which means that the casing cannot be seen from the outside when the ends of the belt body are coupled together, as it can be concealed by the belt body. Rechargeable batteries offer numerous advantages compared to disposable batteries.

[0011] A further embodiment of the invention provides that the lighting device comprises a light source that emits light during operation and a light guide element, wherein light emitted by the light source can preferably be coupled into an end face of the light guide element, wherein the light source is preferably arranged inside the housing of the power supply unit or on an outer surface of the housing, and wherein the length of the light guide element preferably corresponds substantially to the length of the strip body, and wherein the light guide element is preferably arranged on or in the strip body, the latter preferably being translucent or transparent. The light guide element enables efficient coupling of the emitted light from the end face of the light source.This results in simple and reliable light transmission within the light element, regardless of its specific shape, and especially regardless of the current radius of curvature of the strip. This allows for elegant, uninterrupted, all-around illumination. The targeted introduction of light into the light element optimizes light output. When the light source is located inside the housing, a compact and integrated system design is ensured, and the light source is better protected from external influences and potential damage. Alternatively, it can be mounted on the outside of the power supply unit housing to improve heat dissipation and ensure virtually lossless light emission. This arrangement increases the safety and longevity of the light strip and enables optimal light output for improved visibility of the animal's leg.The identical length of the strip body and the light element ensures an even distribution of light along the entire strip body. Furthermore, the transparent or translucent part of the strip body allows the light to be made visible to the outside.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the light-guiding element is tubular in shape, and a wall of the band body forming an outer surface of the light-emitting strip is translucent or transparent, while a wall of the band body forming an inner surface of the light-emitting strip is formed, at least partially, from a loop material or a hook material, respectively, of a hook-and-loop fastener. Preferably, the light-guiding element is arranged between the outer surface wall and the inner surface wall of the band body. The tubular shape of the light-guiding element enables a uniform distribution of light along the entire band body, which significantly improves the visibility of the animal's leg.The use of hook-and-loop or loop fastener material on the inside of the band ensures a comfortable and secure attachment to the animal's leg without disturbing the animal. This design also allows for flexible adjustment to different animal sizes and shapes. The protected positioning of the light guide element between the band walls ensures a robust construction, protected from external influences and damage, thus guaranteeing the longevity and functionality of the light band.

[0013] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the closing device is a magnetic closure comprising at least two locking elements, one of which is arranged at each end of the strap body. This arrangement allows for easy handling with quick opening and closing of the strap. The magnetic closure of the locking elements ensures a secure and reliable fastening, and the robust construction of the closure ensures durability. Furthermore, this reduces the risk of injury to the animals.

[0014] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the fastening device is a hook-and-loop fastener, wherein a hook or loop portion of the fastener is attached to an outer surface of the supply unit, preferably located at one end of the band body, and preferably to its housing, and a loop or hook portion of the fastener is attached to the opposite end of the band body on an inner surface thereof, wherein light can be emitted from an outer surface of the band body in an overlap area of ​​the hook-and-loop fastener, preferably over the entire length of the overlap area. The hook-and-loop fastener has the advantage of being easy to handle both in daily use and in production. Furthermore, when coupled, the band body covers the supply unit, which ultimately results in 360-degree light emission.

[0015] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the end of the band body forming the overlap area is secured against detachment from the supply unit, preferably by means of a securing bracket which is connected to the supply unit at at least one end and spans the band body from one of its longitudinal sides to the other longitudinal side, wherein the securing bracket preferably consists of an elastic material and is expandable in the direction away from the supply unit such that the band body can be displaced in a tangential direction relative to the supply unit without engagement of the hook and loop part of the hook and loop fastener and, after reversing the expansion, is so close to the outside of the band body that detachment of the band body from the supply unit is prevented.or that the locking clip is pivotally mounted at one end about a pivot axis arranged next to a longitudinal side of the strap body and can be moved from an open position, in which the strap body can be displaced in a tangential direction relative to the supply unit without engagement of the hook and loop parts of the Velcro fastener, to a closed position, in which the opposite end is arranged close to the strap body and can preferably be coupled to a coupling element located on the supply unit via a coupling element of the locking clip, wherein the locking clip is further preferably rigidly designed and can be coupled to the supply unit at its end opposite the pivotally mounted end by means of a snap connection. A key aspect here is the secure retention of the strap body end by the locking clip.which prevents unintentional detachment from the supply unit. The flexibility of the elastic securing clip, as one possible option, allows for easy attachment and removal of the light strip without the need for Velcro, making it particularly user-friendly. Furthermore, the securing clip ensures the light strip closes securely, guaranteeing reliable illumination even during intense activity and movement of the animal. Alternatively, the stability and durability of the securing clip, achieved through a robust snap connection to the supply unit, ensure particularly convenient closure of the light strip without requiring two hands.

[0016] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the supply unit is arranged at one end of the band body and the opposite end of the band body can be widened in a mouth-like manner by making a first layer of the band body separable from a second layer of the band body, wherein preferably the first layer can be guided with its inner side along a first outer side of the supply unit and aligned parallel to it, and the second layer can be coupled to a second outer side of the supply unit in a force-transmitting manner, preferably by means of a hook and loop fastener, wherein light can be emitted from an outer side of the first layer of the band body in an overlap area with the supply unit.By dividing the end of the strip body into two separate layers, each of which can be coupled to the first or second outer surface, two strong closures and couplings are created between the two ends of the light strip and the power supply unit. This design also creates a separation between an overlap of the strip body with its outer radiating surface and the power supply unit on the one hand, and an overlap for the purpose of creating a connection via a hook-and-loop fastener on the inner side of the strip on the other. In the radiating area, a sliding relative movement can be performed without the obstruction of the hook-and-loop fastener, whereas in the area of ​​the hook-and-loop fastener, a radial approach movement between the hook-and-loop partners is possible, but a sliding movement is unnecessary.

[0017] A further embodiment of the invention provides that the length of a section in which the tape body can be expanded like a mouth is only slightly longer than the length of the supply unit extending in the longitudinal direction of the tape body, wherein preferably the tape body is composed of the first layer and the second layer along its entire length. The slightly longer length ensures that the connection point of these two layers, located directly in front of the supply unit, is long enough to pass through the supply unit and enable light emission over 360 degrees.

[0018] It can also be provided that the band body is tubular in shape, preferably composed of two layers that are connected to each other at least at their longitudinal edges, wherein preferably at least one light-guiding element in the form of a flexible light-guiding strip is arranged in an interior space of the band body, preferably between the two layers of the band body, and preferably extends over the entire length of the band body. The tubular shape of the band body provides the necessary space for the light-guiding element to be placed within it. By using a flexible light-guiding element, the flexibility of the light strip around the animal's leg can be easily achieved. Examples of implementation

[0019] The luminous strip according to the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. These show: Fig. 1: A top view of the upper side of a light strip according to the invention. Fig. 2: A side view of the light strip made of Fig. 1. Fig. 3: A top view of a bottom side of a light strip according to the invention. Fig. 4: A light strip made of Fig. 2, wherein the light strip is in a coupled state by means of an elastic material as a safety bar and Velcro as a coupling mechanism. Fig. 5: A side view of a supply unit of a light strip according to the invention, wherein a snap connection is shown as a coupling element. Fig. 6: A side view of a power supply unit of a light strip, showing the pivot axis of the snap connection. Fig. 5 is shown in the open position on the supply unit in a coupled state. Fig. 7: A top view of the upper side of a magnetic closure of a light strip in an uncoupled state. Fig. 8: A top view of the upper side of a magnetic clasp of a light strip in the coupled state. Fig. 9: A side view of a light strip with a mouth-like closure. Fig. 10: A light strip made of Fig. 9 shown with a mouth-like end of the band body preferably coupled by means of a Velcro fastener.

[0020] Several alternatives of the inventive light strips or its parts are described in the Fig. Shown 1 to 10. One light strip 1 for an animal leg in Fig. 1 comprises a band body 2 for encircling the animal's leg and a supply unit 3 with a substantial cuboid housing 8. The supply unit 3 serves to house a rechargeable battery and at least one lighting device 4 for generating and emitting light. The two horizontal dashed lines at the edges of the band body 2, as shown in Fig. 1, represent seams to join an upper wall 14 and a lower wall 15 of the strip body 2. Thus, the strip body 2 is tubular in shape. A light element, in this case a flexible light-guiding strip in the form of a fiber tubularly, is located between these two sewn longitudinal edges 30. Although not shown here, the upper wall 14 of the light strip 1 is made of a translucent or transparent material, making the light generated inside visible from the outside.

[0021] The thicker part of a light strip 1 according to the invention, as shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows the power supply unit 3. Its thickness results from the battery located inside the power supply unit 3, as well as a charging system necessary for controlled battery charging. Furthermore, although not shown here, a charging socket is located on one side of the power supply unit 3 to supply the circuit with electrical energy and charge the battery via a plug. A gap is also visible between the thicker and thinner sections. The light sources 9, for example, LEDs, are positioned at this point, and the light is coupled into the light guide element 10, such as a tubular light guide strip, from the open end face 11 at one end, with a length 12 of the light element essentially corresponding to a length 13 of the strip body 2.This light is then visible to the pet owner and other people near the animal, making it easier to locate an animal at dusk or at night.

[0022] Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view of the underside of a light strip according to the invention, wherein the two horizontal dashed lines are at the edges of the strip body 2, as shown in Figure 3. Fig. 1. The sewn longitudinal edges 30 are used to join the upper wall 14 and the lower wall 15 of the band body 2. The light element then finds its place between these two sewn longitudinal edges 30. One in Fig. 3 shown, forming an inner wall 15 of the band body 2 and one in Fig. The outer wall 14 of the strap body 2, shown in Figure 1, is formed at least partially from a loop material or a hook material. These structures and materials of a hook-and-loop fastener are used to join both ends 6 of the strap together and create a complete loop that is placed around the leg of an animal.

[0023] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the inner wall 15 of one end of the tape body 2 is in contact with the first outer surface 27 of the supply unit 3 when the light strip 1 is in a closed state, with the safety clip 19 reliably preventing the hook-and-loop fastener from coming loose. To couple the two end sections of the tape body 2, one of them is provided with either hook or loop material, while the other is provided with the opposite material. This means that if the first outer surface 27 of the supply unit 3 is provided with loop material, the inner wall 15 of the tape body 2 is provided with hook material, and vice versa.

[0024] Because the light strip 1 forms a loop and assumes a round shape, the outer surface of the strip body 2 emits light that is visible from all conceivable positions around the animal's leg (360-degree emission). As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a very small overlap at the end of the band body 2 over the connection point between the supply unit 3 and the band body 2 may be necessary or useful to achieve this function.

[0025] To ensure that the overlapping part of the strap body 2 does not come loose or open during use, for example if it is pulled by a tree branch, a hook-shaped obstacle, or a barrier in the animal's path, an additional safety bar is provided. As described in the Fig. 2, Fig. 4, Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the safety bar is made of an elastic material and is connected to the supply unit 3. The safety bar 19 can be expanded outwards to facilitate the insertion of a free end of the band body 2. After the band body 2 is coupled to the first outer surface 27 of the supply unit 3 using coupling elements in the form of a hook-and-loop fastener, the band body 2 is pushed or pulled into the space created by expanding the safety bar 19 and then remains in an overlapping position. Thus, the end of the band body 2 is protected by an elastic safety bar 19.

[0026] The safety bar 19 can also have other shapes, as shown in the Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows a pivot axis 21 fixed at one point on the supply unit 3, and the other end is rotatable about this pivot axis 21. Once this connection is coupled, it remains closed unless an external force, such as the owner's hand, is required to open it. Fig. 6 shows the same arrangement as in Fig. 5, but in the coupled state.

[0027] As in the Fig. 7 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 8, the coupling element can consist of magnets positioned at both ends 6 of the band body 2. As shown, the ends 6 of the band body 2 attract each other due to their different magnetic poles. This type of connection results, on the one hand, in a very fast, effective, strong, and robust coupling, and on the other hand, in a very simple and quick way to decouple it.

[0028] Furthermore, another variation of the coupling, derived from the Fig. 1 to 4, in the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 can be seen. As mentioned previously, the thicker part of this light strip represents the supply unit 3. The thinner part is the tube-like light guide strip that extends to the end of a first layer 25 of the strip body 2, since this upper part, as in Fig.Figure 10 shows that it should also emit light. The inner wall 15 of the first layer 25 of this mouth-like end 24 is covered with either loop material or hook material. If the material chosen for the inner wall 15 of the light source is loop material, the first outer surface 27 of the power supply unit 3 should be covered with hook material, and vice versa. This exact same configuration also applies to the second layer 28 of the mouth-like end 24, except that it does not contain a light source 9 and that the second layer 28 comes into contact with the second outer surface 29 of the power supply unit 3. This arrangement and shape creates a double contact point with the power supply unit 3, which ultimately leads to a more stable and robust closure.

[0029] Furthermore, the power supply unit 3 preferably has a button on its side, which is used to switch the device on or off or to change between the flashing modes. The button can be a simple push button or another type of device capable of performing this task. Various modes can be programmed into the device, but the most common are continuous illumination or flashing at different intervals. Reference symbol list 1 light strip 2 ligament bodies 3 supply units 4 Lighting equipment 5 Locking device 6 ends 7 Outside 8 cases 9 light bulbs 10 light guiding elements 11 Front 12 Length 13 Length 14 wall 15 wall 16 magnetic closures 17 locking elements 18 Overlap area 19 safety clips 20 tangential direction of the ligament body 21 Swivel axis 22 Open position 23 Snap connection 24 mouth 25 first layer 26 Inside of the first layer 27 first outside 28 second layer 29 second outside 30 longitudinal edges QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2006 001 561 U1 [0003, 0004] DE 20 2007 013 752 U1 [0003, 0005]

Claims

[1] Light strip (1) for an animal leg, comprising - at least one strap body (2) for wrapping around the animal leg - at least one supply unit (3) for providing electrical energy, - at least one lighting device (4) for generating and emitting light and, - at least one locking device (5) with which opposite ends (6) of the band body (2) can be coupled together in a state in which the band body wraps around the animal leg, characterized by that in a coupled state of the ends (6) of the band body (2), light can be emitted from an outer side (7) of the band body (2) pointing away from the wrapped animal leg substantially over its entire circumference. [2] Light strip (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the supply unit (3) is accommodated in a substantially cuboid-shaped housing (8) and preferably contains a rechargeable battery, which is further preferably connected to a charging socket arranged on a housing wall for connection to a plug of a charging cable. [3] Light strip (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized byin that the lighting device (4) has a lighting means (9) from which light can be emitted during operation, and a light-guiding element (10), wherein light emitted by the lighting means (9) can preferably be coupled into an end face (11) of the light-guiding element (10), wherein further preferably the lighting means (9) is arranged inside the housing (8) of the supply unit (3) or on an outer side of the housing (8) and wherein preferably a length (12) of the light-guiding element (10) substantially corresponds to a length (13) of the strip body (2) and further preferably the light-guiding element (10) is arranged on or in the strip body (2), wherein the latter is preferably translucent or transparent. [4] Light strip (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized byin that the light-guiding element (10) is tubular and a wall (14) of the strip body (2) forming an outer side of the luminous strip (1) is translucent or transparent and a wall (15) of the strip body (2) forming an inner side of the luminous strip (1) is formed at least in sections from a fleece material or a hook material of a hook-and-loop fastener, wherein further preferably the light-guiding element (10) is arranged between the wall (14) forming the outer side and the wall (15) of the strip body (2) forming the inner side. [5] Light strip (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the locking device (5) is a magnetic closure (16) which has at least two locking elements (17), one of which is arranged at each end of the band body (2). [6] Light strip (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized byin that the closing device (5) is a hook and loop fastener, wherein a hook part or fleece part of the hook and loop fastener is attached to an outer side of the supply unit (3) preferably arranged at one end of the band body (2), preferably to its housing (8), and a fleece part or hook part of the hook and loop fastener is attached to the opposite end of the band body (2) on an inner side thereof (15), wherein light can be emitted from an outer side (14) of the band body (2) in an overlapping region (18) of the hook and loop fastener, preferably over an entire length of the overlapping region (18). [7] Light strip (1) according to claim 6, characterized bythat the end of the belt body (2) forming the overlapping region (18) is secured against detachment from the supply unit (3), preferably by means of a securing bracket (19) which is connected at least at one end to the supply unit (3) and spans the belt body (2) from one of its longitudinal sides to the other longitudinal side, wherein preferably the securing bracket (19) - consists of an elastic material and is expandable in the direction away from the supply unit (3) such that the band body (2) can be displaced in a tangential direction (20) of the band body (2) relative to the supply unit (3) without engagement of the hook part and the fleece part of the hook and loop fastener, and after reversing the expansion is brought closer to the outer side (7) of the band body (2) such that detachment of the band body (2) from the supply unit (3) is prevented or - is mounted at one end in an articulated manner about a pivot axis (21) arranged next to a longitudinal side of the band body (2) and can be transferred from an open position (22), in which the band body (2) can be displaced in a tangential direction (20) relative to the supply unit (3) without engagement of the hook part and fleece part of the hook and loop fastener, into a closed position in which the opposite end is arranged close to the band body (2), preferably with a coupling element of the securing bracket (19) can be coupled to a coupling element located on the supply unit (3), wherein further preferably the securing bracket (19) is rigid and can be coupled with its end opposite the articulated end to the supply unit (3) by means of a snap connection (23). [8] Light strip (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized byin that the supply unit (3) is arranged at one end of the band body (2) and the opposite end of the band body (2) can be expanded in a mouth-like manner (24) in that a first layer (25) of the band body (2) can be separated from a second layer (28) of the band body (2), wherein the first layer (25) can preferably be guided with its inner side along a first outer side (27) of the supply unit (3) and can be aligned parallel to this and the second layer (28) can be coupled in a force-transmitting manner to a second outer side (29) of the supply unit (3), preferably by means of a hook-and-loop fastener, wherein light can be emitted from an outer side (7) of the first layer of the band body (2) in an overlap region (18) with the supply unit (3). [9] Light strip (1) according to claim 8, characterized bythat the length of a section in which the band body (2) can be expanded in a mouth-like manner (24) is only slightly longer than a length of the supply unit (3) extending in the longitudinal direction of the band body (2), wherein the band body (2) is preferably composed of the first layer (25) and the second layer (28) over its entire length (13). [10] Light strip (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the band body (2) is designed like a tube, preferably composed of two layers which are connected to one another at least at their longitudinal edges (30), wherein preferably at least one light-guiding element (10) in the form of a flexible light-guiding band is arranged in an interior of the band body (2), preferably between the two layers of the band body (2), and preferably extends over the entire length (13) of the band body (2).

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