PORTABLE LIGHT HOLDER AND RELATED METHODS

Abstract

An apparatus for connecting to a pack, the apparatus including a holder having an internal recess and at least one connector configured to connect an accessory to the pack, an insert having at least one light located within the internal recess of the holder, and a fastener for fastening the holder to the pack.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 299,718, filed January 14, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Technical field]

[0002] FIELD OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates to the lighting field, and more particularly to a portable light holder and related methods. [Background technology]

[0003] In many outdoor activities, it is desirable to wear lights to assist observers (e.g., drivers) in locating the wearer, especially in low lighting conditions. Lights can take a variety of forms, but one common example is a beacon that can flash to alert observers as to the wearer's location or relative position.

[0004] Apart from clothing, participants in outdoor activities also often wear packs for carrying equipment, such as backpacks. Generally speaking, backpacks do not have an easy solution for connecting such beacons to desired locations to ensure visibility to observers. Clothing also does not easily allow for such lights to be attached along the wearer's chest, upper back, or arms, etc., so that they can be easily observed by observers.

[0005] It is also desirable for such packs to have features that allow easy storage of accessories or equipment in a manner that allows easy access to the exterior of the pack. One example is the load rail on the back of the pack described in WO2020154369A1, which is incorporated herein by reference. This allows easy connection to accessories, but not to beacons or the like. Similarly, beacons do not provide for easy connection of accessories or equipment to the pack.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a light that can address the above problems, and possibly other problems yet to be discovered. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] International application WO2020 / 154369A1 Summary of the Invention

[0008] In one embodiment, a connection device for a pack includes a holder having an internal recess and having at least one connector configured to connect an accessory to the pack, an insert located within the internal recess of the holder and having at least one light, and a fastener for fastening the holder to the pack.

[0009] An accessory connection device according to a second aspect includes a pack, and a holder having at least one light, the holder being configured to be fastened to the pack and to receive a connector for connecting the accessory to the pack.

[0010] A connection device for a pack in accordance with a third aspect includes a holder having an internal recess, at least one connector configured to connect an accessory to the pack via the holder, and an insert positioned in the internal recess of the holder and having at least one light.

[0011] The insert holder according to a fourth embodiment has a body having an internal recess for receiving the insert and having at least one opening for ejecting the insert from the internal recess.

[0012] A fifth aspect of the method of securing an accessory to a pack using a light holder includes tightening the light holder to the pack and tightening a connector to secure the accessory to the light holder.

[0013] A sixth aspect of the invention provides an article illumination device comprising a holder having an internal recess, an insert removably positionable in the internal recess of the holder and having at least one light, and a fastener configured to fasten the holder to the article.

[0014] An apparatus according to a seventh aspect includes a garment or article of clothing having a first connector, and a light holder having a second connector having a removable light and adapted to releasably attach to the first connector.

[0015] These and other attendant features of the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] The illustrated embodiments are exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be clearly understood in reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like structures and in which:

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an insert holder according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the holder of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic bottom view of the holder of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of an insert within the holder of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the insert of FIG. 4 removed from the holder in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a partially exploded schematic perspective view showing the holder of FIG. 1 for fastening the holder to an article according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the insert of FIG. 4 inserted into a holder in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates the holder and insert of FIG. 4 attached to a backpack in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating another holder for holding an insert in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a holder for holding the insert of FIG. 9 in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the holder and insert of FIG. 9 showing a receiver and clip that attaches the insert to the holder in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 illustrates the holder and insert of FIG. 9 attached to a garment in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification. For illustrative purposes, the accompanying drawings show specific embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the present invention. The same reference numerals refer to the details in each drawing. Other embodiments are possible, and changes in process and other modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is not intended to be limiting, and the scope of the invention encompasses at least what is set forth in the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0019] A portable light holder according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1-3, which show various shapes. The light holder 10 has a body 11 defining an internal recess 14 for receiving a modular light, such as a beacon, and an opening 14a at one end of the recess 14 for inserting the modular light into the recess 14, as described in more detail below. The body 11 is rectangular with generally parallel straight sides and circular ends, but other shapes and configurations are possible without limitation. The body 11 may be formed of a polymeric material, such as an elastomer (rubber), having a given degree of elasticity and resiliency. That is, it is contemplated that a boot may be formed. The body 11 may have a degree of elasticity and resiliency that allows the body 11 to be deformed and an insert that is pressed into the body 11 and held by the body 11 to be removed, as described in more detail below.

[0020] The body 11 may have a circumferential wall 12, which may have a pair of side walls 12a, 12b extending parallel to each other, and an end wall 12c extending between the pair of side walls 12a, 12b at one end of the side walls 12a, 12b. The rear wall 12d extends between the pair of side walls 12a, 12b at the other end of the side walls 12a, 12b opposite the end wall 12c. The side walls 12a, 12b, the end wall 12c and the rear wall 12d surround or entirely surround the recess 14, so that an insert can be inserted into the recess 14.

[0021] Additionally, the body 11 may include a bottom 15 connected to the bottom of the circumferential wall 12, and a lip 17 connected to an upper portion of the circumferential wall 12 opposite the bottom 15 on the opposite side of the recess 14 with the recess 14 therebetween. The bottom 15 may define a passageway P through which a fastener may pass to connect the body 11 to an exterior surface. While the body 11 shown includes a pair of passageways P, the bottom 15 may have any number of passageways P connecting the body 11 to an exterior surface. The passageway P may include an internal receiver 12f in the recess 14 sized and shaped to receive a nut. The lip 17 extends partially from the circumferential wall 12 into the opening 14a, thereby reducing the size of the opening 14a.

[0022] Additionally, the body 11 may include one or more connectors to effect the connections. Other than the connection points, the body may take the form of rails 16 disposed along and spaced from corresponding side walls 12a, 12b of the body 11 to define a path G. Each rail 16 may include a central extension 16a extending parallel to the corresponding side wall 12a, 12b, and a pair of coupling portions 16b extending between the central extension 16a and the side walls 12a, 12b to couple the rail 16 to the side walls 12a, 12b.

[0023] End wall 12c of body 11 may include a pull 18 having an opening 18a through which a lanyard, rope, other elongated member, carabiner, or the like may be passed to connect body 11 to an external object. End wall 12c may be partially open to interior recess 14, such as opening 12e, to allow a user to insert a finger or object to access an insert within recess 14 and facilitate removal of the insert from within recess 14.

[0024] 4 and 5, an insert 20 may then be inserted into the interior recess 14 of the holder 10. The insert 20 may be, for example, a light source. The insert 20 may include a body 22 sized and shaped to fit within the recess 14 and form a frictional fit. The body 22 may include an outer surface 24 and an outer circumferential surface 22b that generally surrounds (circumscribes the periphery of) the outer surface 24.

[0025] Bumper 22a may extend from circumferential surface 22b in a direction away from outer surface 24 to define a periphery. Bumper 22a may be sized relative to opening 14a of recess 14 to hold the insert in place and may be larger than opening 14a through which lip 17 passes such that when insert 20 is placed within recess 14, bumper 22a contacts lip 17 to hold insert 20 within recess 14.

[0026] The exterior surface 24 of the insert 20 may include one or more light sources. By way of example, a pair of spaced apart LEDs 26a, 26b may be provided. One or both of the LEDs 26a, 26b may be programmed to flash one or more colors, thus forming a beacon. It is contemplated that the insert 20 may include any operable number and type of light source, such as a light strip that may provide a continuous light, flashing light, or strobe light.

[0027] The insert 20 may comprise a self-contained unit with a power source, for example, the power source may comprise a battery 28a or solar cell that powers the light source, and may also comprise an on / off switch 28b, which may be further used to alternate between light actions and effects, such as a continuous light or a strobe action.

[0028] As can be seen from FIG. 5, the insert 20 can be completely removed from the recess 14 of the body 11. To do this, in one embodiment, the pull 18 is pulled as shown by the action arrow A on the left side of FIG. 5. If the body 11 is resilient, the insert 20 can be removed from the recess 14 by changing the size and shape of the open end. The auxiliary opening 12e in the body 11 can then be used to push the insert 20 out of the recess 14 by exerting an upward force using a tool, fingers, etc. as shown by the action arrow B. This removal feature allows the insert 20 to be easily inserted and removed from the body 11 for replacement or other procedures (such as battery replacement).

[0029] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 6-8, the holder 10 can be attached to other structures such as a pack (e.g., a pack such as a backpack B having a hard or rigid outer shell facing a side having one or more straps). In the illustrated embodiment, and referring to FIG. 3, a passage P in the base 15 receives one or more fasteners such as a bolt 30 and a nut 32 that secure the body 11 to the pack. A mounting plate M that forms part of the pack allows the fasteners to connect to the pack and pass through a wall thereof (which in the case of a backpack may be the "hard" wall facing the side having the straps). The interior receiving portion 21f of the passage P can be sized and shaped to engage, for example, a hexagonal nut 32, providing an engagement that allows tightening of the bolt 30, potentially without the need for tools. Once secured in place, an insert 20 can be provided in the interior recess and mechanically held in place by the holder 10 as well as by releasable fasteners (e.g., Velcro) as appropriate.

[0030] 8, which shows holder 10 attached to a pack such as backpack B in this manner, can be used as a tether point for a connector such as an elastic (or bungee) cord C in the form of an endless loop. Specifically, bungee cord C can be passed through path G defined by one of the connectors (rails 16) of body 11 and then looped around the body. This can be done prior to fastening holder 14 to the pack and prior to inserting insert 20 into holder 14 (it goes without saying that the connection can be made by simply tying cord C to holder 10 in any manner).

[0031] By providing multiple holders 10 on the pack, particularly on the back thereof, the cord C can be secured in place in a manner that allows additional items to be secured to the pack (e.g., accessories such as tools or knives, clothing, etc.) while at the same time the insert 20 may have one or more lights so that the holder 10 acts as a beacon to alert an observer to the location of the pack user. The dual functionality provided by this configuration eliminates the need for separate components to provide both lighting and pack retention, while simplifying use and reducing both cost and complexity.

[0032] Continuing with the description, reference is made to Figures 9 and 10, which show another embodiment of the portable light holder 1. In this embodiment, the light holder 100 has an internal recess 114 for receiving an insert or modular light 120. It should be noted that this insert has a similar configuration to the insert 20 described above, and therefore will not be further described for the sake of brevity. As shown, the body 112 is rectangular with generally parallel extending straight sides and rounded ends, but other shapes and configurations are possible without limitation. The body 112 can be formed of a polymeric material, such as an elastomer (rubber), having a certain degree of elasticity and resiliency. That is, it is contemplated that a boot can be formed.

[0033] The body 112 may include a retainer such as a clip in the form of a clip 116 located in the internal recess 114. The clip 116 may include a number of deflectable arms 116a extending from the body 112 with tabs 116b that engage the insert 120. A corresponding receiver 118 may be provided on the underside of the light 120, which when pressed and engaged, engages the clip to provide a strong, but releasable connection. The receiver 118 may include a cavity 118a formed in the insert 120 and an arm 118b that extends into the cavity 118a and engages the tab 116b of the clip 116. The body 112 may also include U-shaped side walls 112a at each end with an intermediate gap G between the U-shaped side walls 112a that tactilely engages the light 120 and may then be separated from the body 112 (see FIG. 9).

[0034] As perhaps best seen in Figure 8, the body 112 may also include a number of hooks 122, such as part of hook-and-loop fasteners. The hooks 122 may be integral to the body, for example along its bottom surface, by molding the body from a plastic material. The hooks 122 may cover the entire body surface or only a portion of it.

[0035] That is, as can be seen in Figure 12, the light holder 100 can be releasably attached to a suitable connector, such as a loop patch 124, on an article of clothing or the like carried or worn by a user. As shown, the patch 124 is located along a sleeve of the clothing, but in the case of a shirt, the patch 124 can be located anywhere on the clothing, including the front, chest, etc., for that matter, on headwear, footwear, any other portion of the clothing, or even a pack.

[0036] In any event, the light holder 100 with the light 120 can be releasably attached to a desired patch 124 and can be positioned in different orientations. This portability allows for use in dark or low lighting conditions, and allows the light 120 to be removed and stored when not required.

[0037] As discussed above, the light 120 may also be provided with a trigger or on / off switch. The illustrated embodiment uses a button 130 that toggles between an on and off state. Any suitable indicator may also be used to indicate which position on the button 130 turns the light on or off.

[0038] The disclosure is further defined by the following clauses:

[0039] Item 1: 1. A device for connecting to a pack, comprising: a holder having an internal recess and having at least one connector configured to connect an accessory to the pack; an insert located within the interior recess of the holder and having at least one light; and A fastener for fastening the holder to the pack 23. A device for connecting to a pack, comprising:

[0040] Item 2: 2. The apparatus according to item 1, wherein the holder has an opening configured to push the insert out of the internal recess of the holder.

[0041] Item 3: 3. The apparatus according to item 1 or 2, wherein the fastener comprises a bolt and a nut.

[0042] Item 4: 4. The apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the holder has a passageway for receiving the fastener.

[0043] Item 5: 5. The device according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the connector has a rail spaced apart from the body of the holder.

[0044] Item 6: 6. The apparatus according to any of items 1 to 5, further comprising a pull located on an end wall of the holder.

[0045] Item 7: 7. The device according to any of items 1 to 6, wherein the insert has at least one flashlight forming a beacon.

[0046] Item 8: A pack having a device according to any one of items 1 to 7.

[0047] Item 9: A device for connecting an accessory, comprising: Pack, and a holder having at least one light, the holder being configured to be fastened to the pack and to receive a connector for connecting the accessory to the pack; An apparatus having the above configuration.

[0048] Item 10: 10. The apparatus according to item 9, further comprising a fastener for fastening the holder to the pack.

[0049] Item 11: 11. The apparatus according to item 9 or item 10, wherein the fastener has a bolt and holder passage through the pack.

[0050] Item 12: 12. The apparatus according to any of items 9 to 11, further comprising a mounting plate on the pack for receiving the fastener.

[0051] Item 13: 13. The device according to any one of items 9 to 12, wherein the connector has an elastic cord and the holder has a passage for receiving the elastic cord.

[0052] Item 14: 13. The apparatus according to any one of items 9 to 12, wherein the holder comprises a plurality of holders, each holder having at least one light.

[0053] Item 15: 1. A device for connecting to a pack, comprising: A holder having an internal recess; at least one connector configured to connect an accessory to the pack by the holder; and an insert located in the interior recess of the holder and having at least one light; An apparatus having the above configuration.

[0054] Item 16: A pack comprising a device according to item 15.

[0055] Item 17: A holder for an insert having a light, comprising: a body having an internal recess for receiving said insert and having at least one opening for ejecting said insert from said internal recess; A holder having

[0056] Item 18: 18. The holder according to item 17, wherein the body has one or more rails spaced from the body and forming a passageway.

[0057] Item 19: A method for securing an accessory to a pack using a light holder, comprising: Clamping the light holder to the pack; and and tightening a connector to secure the attachment to the light holder.

[0058] Item 20: 20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the fastener is passed through the pack during the step of fastening the light holder to the pack.

[0059] Item 21: 21. The method according to item 19 or item 20, wherein a cord is connected to a rail of the light holder during the step of fastening the connector to the light holder.

[0060] Item 22: 1. An apparatus for providing a lighting fixture to an article, comprising: A holder having an internal recess; an insert removably positioned in the interior recess of the holder and having at least one light; and a fastener configured to fasten the holder to the article; An apparatus having the above configuration.

[0061] Item 23: 23. The device according to item 22, wherein the internal recess has a connector that connects to the insert.

[0062] Item 24: 24. The device according to item 22 or item 23, wherein the fastener has a plurality of hooks integrally formed on a surface of the holder.

[0063] Item 25: A garment configured to connect to the plurality of hooks.

[0064] Item 26: a garment having a first connector; and a light holder having a removable light, the light holder having a second connector releasably attached to the first connector; An apparatus having the above configuration.

[0065] Item 27: 27. The apparatus according to item 26, wherein the garment comprises a shirt, the first connector comprises a patch on the shirt, and the second connector comprises a plurality of hooks integrally formed with the light holder.

[0066] Item 28: 28. The apparatus according to item 26 or item 27, wherein the light holder has a connector that releasably connects to the removable light.

[0067] As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings.

[0068] Singular terms (a, an, and the) refer to the plural as well as the singular unless otherwise specified. For example, "a compartment" refers to one or more compartments.

[0069] As used herein, the terms "about," "substantially," or "approximately" preceding a measurable value, such as a parameter, amount, or temporal period, may refer to a variation from the stated value of ±20% or less, e.g., ±10% or less, ±5% or less, ±1% or less, ±0.1% or less, provided that such variation allows the invention to be properly practiced. Also, the value preceded by the modifier "about" is itself a specific value herein.

[0070] As used herein, the terms "having" and "comprising" are synonymous with "having," "including," and the like, and are inclusive or open-ended terms indicating the presence of the components, etc. listed thereafter, but do not exclude the presence of additional components, features, elements, materials, or steps, etc. that are known in the art and are not listed herein.

[0071] Although the present invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments, many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such alternatives, modifications, and variations are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. All publications, patent publications, and application specifications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference as if each individual publication, patent publication, or application specification was specifically and individually incorporated herein. In addition, the reference to any document in this specification should not be construed as being prior art to the present disclosure and invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10 Light holder, holder 11 Main unit 12 Circumferential Wall 14 Internal recess, recess 15 Bottom 16 Rail 17 Lip 18 Pull 20 Insert 21 Internal receiving section 24 Exterior 30 Volts 32 Nut 100 Portable light holder, light holder 112 Main unit 114 Internal recess 116 clips 118 Receiver 122 Hook 124 Loop Patches, Patches 130 Button 112a U-shaped side wall 116a Arm 116b Tab 118a Cavity 118b Arm 12a, 12b side wall 12c end wall 12d back wall 12e Auxiliary opening 14a aperture 16a Center extension 16b Joining part 18a opening 22a Bumper 22b Circumferential surface 26a, 26b Separate LED, LED 28a battery 28b On / Off Switch B Action Arrow B. Backpack C Elastic (i.e. bungee) cord, cord G pathway G Mid Gap M Mounting Plate P pathway 30 Volts 32 Nut

Claims

1. 1. A device for connecting to a pack, comprising: a holder having an internal recess and having at least one connector configured to connect an accessory to the pack; an insert located within the interior recess of the holder and having at least one light; and A fastener fastening the holder to the pack 13. A device for connecting to a pack, comprising:

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the holder has an opening configured to push the insert out of the internal recess of the holder.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the fastener comprises a bolt and a nut.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the holder has a passageway for receiving the fastener.

5. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one connector has a rail spaced from the body of the holder.

6. 10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a pull located on an end wall of the holder.

7. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one light flashes to form a beacon.

8. A pack comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A device for connecting an accessory, comprising: Pack, and a holder having at least one light, the holder being configured to be fastened to the pack and to receive a connector for connecting the accessory to the pack; An apparatus comprising:

10. 10. The device of claim 9, further comprising a fastener for fastening said holder to said puck.

11. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the fastener has a bolt and holder passage through the pack.

12. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a mounting plate for receiving the fasteners on the pack.

13. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the connector includes an elastic cord, and the holder includes a passageway for receiving the elastic cord.

14. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the pack comprises a plurality of holders each having at least one light.

15. 1. A device for connecting to a pack, comprising: A holder having an internal recess; at least one connector configured to connect an accessory to the pack by the holder; and an insert located in the interior recess of the holder and having at least one light; An apparatus comprising:

16. A pack comprising the device of claim 15.

17. A holder for an insert having a light, comprising: a body having an internal recess for receiving said insert and having at least one opening for ejecting said insert from said internal recess; A holder comprising:

18. 20. The holder of claim 17, wherein the body has one or more rails spaced from the body and defining a passageway.

19. A method for securing an accessory to a pack using a light holder, comprising: Clamping the light holder to the pack; and Tightening a connector to secure the attachment to the light holder. A method comprising:

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of fastening the light holder to the pack includes passing the fastener through the pack.

21. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising connecting a cord to a rail of the light holder during the step of fastening the connector to the light holder.

22. 1. An apparatus for providing a lighting fixture to an article, comprising: A holder having an internal recess; an insert removably positioned in the interior recess of the holder and having at least one light; and a fastener configured to fasten the holder to the article; An apparatus comprising:

23. 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the internal recess includes a connector that connects to the insert.

24. 23. The device of claim 22, wherein the fastener comprises a plurality of hooks integrally formed on a surface of the holder.

25. 25. A garment configured to connect the plurality of hooks in accordance with the apparatus of claim 24.

26. a garment having a first connector; and a light holder having a removable light, the light holder having a second connector releasably attached to the first connector; An apparatus comprising:

27. 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the garment comprises a shirt, the first connector comprises a patch on the shirt, and the second connector comprises a plurality of hooks integrally formed with the light holder.

28. 27. The device of claim 26, wherein the light holder has a connector that releasably connects to the removable light.

Images