Systems and methods for a portable safety lighting device

Abstract

A light emitter system is provided. The light emitter system includes an upper housing, a bottom housing opposite the upper housing, a lens disposed between the upper housing and the bottom housing, and a plurality of lighting elements disposed between the upper housing and the lens. The lens includes a plurality of side surfaces extending between the upper housing and the bottom housing and forming a periphery of the lens, and an inclined reflecting surface. The plurality of lighting elements are configured to direct light toward the bottom housing, reflect the light from the inclined reflecting surface, and emit the light from at least one of the plurality of side surfaces.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application is a national stage registration of PCT / US2018 / 046185, filed on August 10, 2018, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 543,533, filed on August 10, 2017, and is a continuation - in - part of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 192,131, filed on March 4, 2021, published as U.S. Patent No. 11,397,002, and is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 637,901, filed on February 10, 2020, published as U.S. Patent No. 10,976,046, and is an international patent application of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 839,150, filed on June 13, 2022. All of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The disclosure of the present invention relates to a safety phosphor.

Background Art

[0003] Individuals are frequently placed in situations where phosphors can facilitate their safety. For example, security workers (e.g., police officers, firefighters, medical workers, military personnel, and security guards) walking along roads may carry a phosphor to warn approaching vehicles of their presence. Workers in other industries such as construction, transportation, power, airports, traffic controllers, and towing are also known to carry and wear phosphors and / or reflective devices to make themselves more visible in the dark. In addition, individuals involved in outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, boating, camping, rock climbing, and hiking are known to carry and wear phosphors and / or reflective devices to make themselves more visible.

[0004] However, the need to carry a light-emitting body such as a flashlight or a lantern is obstructive because it requires the use of an individual's hand. Conventional wearable light-emitting bodies such as headlights free the user's hand, but they have limitations in the direction in which they can project light. That is, a headlight can only project light in front of the user. However, there is a need for a light-emitting body that can project light in multiple directions at once.

[0005] Conventional wearable light-emitting bodies are also bulky due to the replaceable battery and the light source directed towards the front lens of the wearable light-emitting body. Bulky light-emitting bodies tend to cause discomfort to the user due to their weight and the high possibility of getting displaced on the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Documents

[0007]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] The art recognizes the need for a portable, small-sized, and lightweight multi-directional safety light-emitting body.

[0009] The art further recognizes the need for a wearable, small-sized, and lightweight multi-directional safety light-emitting body.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The disclosure of the present invention provides a light emitter system (e.g., a safety light emitter) configured to couple to a support structure. The safety light emitter can include one or more attachments provided on a housing (e.g., a bottom housing) configured to provide one or both of physical (e.g., screwed, crimped, magnetic, snap - fit, etc.) connection and electrical connection. When the attachment provides an electrical connection, the attachment can couple to a printed circuit board assembly of the light emitter system.

[0011] According to one aspect of the disclosure of the present invention, a light emitter system is provided. The light emitter system can include an upper housing, a bottom housing opposite the upper housing, a lens disposed between the upper housing and the bottom housing, and a plurality of lighting elements disposed between the upper housing and the lens. The lens can include a plurality of side surfaces extending between the upper housing and the bottom housing and forming a perimeter of the lens, and an inclined reflective surface. The plurality of lighting elements can be configured to direct light toward the bottom housing, reflect it from the inclined reflective surface, and emit it from at least one of the plurality of side surfaces.

[0012] According to another aspect of the disclosure of the present invention, a light emitter system is provided that is configured to couple to a support structure. The light emitter system can include an upper housing, a bottom housing opposite the upper housing, a lens disposed between the upper housing and the bottom housing, and a plurality of lighting elements disposed between the upper housing and the lens. The bottom housing can include one or more attachments for coupling the light emitter system to the support structure. The lens can include a plurality of side surfaces extending between the upper housing and the bottom housing and forming a perimeter of the lens, and an inclined reflective surface. The plurality of lighting elements can be configured to direct light toward the bottom housing, reflect it from the inclined reflective surface, and emit it from at least one of the plurality of side surfaces.

[0013] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure of the present invention, a light emitter system configured to be coupled to a support structure is provided. The light emitter system can include an upper housing and a bottom housing opposite the upper housing. The bottom housing can include one or more attachments configured to couple the lighting device to the support structure. A lens can be disposed between the upper housing and the bottom housing. The lens can include a plurality of side surfaces extending between the upper housing and the bottom housing and forming around the lens, and an inclined reflecting surface. The light emitter system can further include a printed circuit board assembly disposed between the upper housing and the lens, and a plurality of lighting elements can be fixed to the printed circuit board assembly. The plurality of lighting elements can be configured to direct light toward the bottom housing, reflect it from the inclined reflecting surface, and emit it from at least one of the plurality of side surfaces.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

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[0015] Definition The numerical ranges disclosed in this specification include all values from the lower limit value to the upper limit value and including them. For ranges containing explicit values (e.g., 1, or 2, or from 3 to 5, or 6, or 7), any partial range between any two explicit values (e.g., from 1 to 2, from 2 to 6, from 5 to 7, from 3 to 7, from 5 to 6, etc.) is included.

[0016] The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and their derivatives are not intended to exclude the presence of any additional components, steps, or procedures, whether or not specifically disclosed. To avoid any ambiguity, all compositions claimed using the term "comprising" can include any additional additives, auxiliary substances, or compounds, whether polymeric or not, unless the contrary is stated. In contrast, the term "consisting of" excludes any other components, steps, or procedures from the scope of any matter being described and eliminates those that are not essential to the operability. The term "consisting of" excludes any components, steps, or procedures not specifically described or enumerated. The term "or" refers to each of the components listed individually and in any combination, unless otherwise specified. The use of the singular form includes plural referents and vice versa.

[0017] When referring to the Periodic Table of the Elements, in each case reference is made to that published by CRC Press, Inc. in 1990 - 1991. References to groups of elements in this table are made using the new notation for numbering the groups.

[0018] Unless the contrary is stated, or is apparent from the context, or is not conventional in the art, all fractions and percentages are by weight, and all test methods are as of the filing date of the disclosure of the present invention.

[0019] In accordance with the practice of U.S. patents, the content of any cited patent, application, or publication is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety (or the equivalent U.S. version is so incorporated), provided that it is relevant to the disclosure of the definition (unless it conflicts with any definition specifically provided in the disclosure of the present invention) and to the general knowledge in the art.

[0020] "Polymer" is a macromolecular compound prepared by polymerizing a plurality of monomers of the same or different types. "Polymer" includes homopolymers, copolymers, terpolymers, interpolymers, and the like. "Interpolymer" is a polymer prepared by polymerizing at least two types of monomers or comonomers. Interpolymers include, but are not limited to, copolymers (usually referring to polymers prepared from two different types of monomers or comonomers), terpolymers (usually referring to polymers prepared from three different types of monomers or comonomers), and tetrapolymers (usually referring to polymers prepared from four different types of monomers or comonomers).

[0021] "Multi-directional safety light emitter" is a light emitter having a function of projecting light in at least two, at least three, or at least four directions. In an embodiment, the multi-directional safety light emitter has a function of projecting light in 2 to 3, or 4, or 6, or 7, or 8, or 9, or 10, or 14, or 16, or 18, or 20, or 22, or 24, or 26 directions. In an embodiment, the multi-directional safety light emitter has a function of projecting light in at least four directions.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] The disclosure of the present invention provides a safety illuminator 10 as shown in FIG. 1. The safety illuminator 10 includes an upper housing 12 having a wall, and a printed circuit board assembly having a top surface and a bottom surface is coupled to the upper housing 12. Further, the safety illuminator 10 includes a plurality of illuminator elements coupled to the bottom surface of the printed circuit board assembly, and the printed circuit board assembly is programmed to energize the plurality of illuminator elements upon depression of a first control button 42. The safety illuminator 10 includes a lens 64 coupled to the bottom surface of the printed circuit board assembly and the plurality of illuminator elements, and the lens 64 has a first inclined reflecting surface 66 and a plurality of side surfaces 68. The safety illuminator 10 further includes a bottom housing 94 coupled to the lens 64. Accordingly, the lens 64 is positioned between the upper housing 12 and the bottom housing 94 such that the side surfaces 68 extend between the upper housing 12 and the bottom housing 94. The upper housing 12, the bottom housing 94, and the lens 64 together form the main housing of the safety illuminator 10. The plurality of illumination elements emit light toward the bottom housing 94, and the light is transmitted by the lens 64 from the side surfaces 68.

[0023] A. Upper housing

[0024] The safety illuminator 10 includes an upper housing 12 as shown in FIGS. 1-9.

[0025] The upper housing 12 includes a wall 14 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0026] The upper housing 12 is formed from one or more rigid materials. Non-limiting examples of suitable rigid materials include high-impact polymers, thermoplastic polymers, thermosetting polymers, composites, metals, glass, ceramics, cellulose, combinations thereof, and / or the like. A “thermoplastic” polymer can be repeatedly softened by heating to provide fluidity and returned to a rigid state by cooling to room temperature. Further, a thermoplastic can be molded or extruded into an article of any predetermined shape when heated to a softened state. A “thermosetting” polymer remains irreversibly in a rigid state once it has become rigid.

[0027] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, the upper housing 12 has two opposing surfaces including a top surface 16 and a bottom surface 18.

[0028] In an embodiment, the upper housing 12 includes a plurality of side surfaces 20. In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7, the side surface 20 includes a front surface 20a, a rear surface 20b, a left surface 20c, and a right surface 20d.

[0029] The upper housing 12 has a cross-sectional shape. Non-limiting examples of suitable cross-sectional shapes include polygons, circles, and ellipses. In an embodiment, the upper housing has a polygonal cross-sectional shape. A "polygon" is a closed planar shape bounded by at least three sides. The polygon can be a regular or irregular polygon having 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 or more sides. Non-limiting examples of suitable polygonal shapes include triangles, squares, rectangles, rhombuses, trapezoids, parallelograms, hexagons, and octagons. FIG. 3 depicts an upper housing 12 having a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0030] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a plurality of threaded connectors 22 are coupled to the bottom surface 18 of the upper housing 12. A "threaded connector" is a protrusion sized to receive a threaded fastener 114 such as a screw. The upper housing 12 and the threaded connector 22 can have a one-piece design or a composite design. The upper housing 12 and the threaded connector 22 having a "one-piece design" are formed from a single piece of rigid material such as a molded piece. The upper housing 12 and the threaded connector 22 having a "composite design" are formed from more than one individual piece (or component) that are combined during assembly. In an embodiment, the safety illuminator 10 includes from 2 or 3 to 4 or 5 or 6 threaded connectors 22 coupled to the bottom surface 18 of the upper housing 12. In another embodiment, the safety illuminator 10 includes 4 threaded connectors 22 coupled to the bottom surface 18 of the upper housing 12.

[0031] The upper housing 12 can include two or more of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0032] B. Printed circuit board assembly

[0033] The safety illuminator 10 includes a printed circuit board assembly 24 as shown in FIGS. 10 to 15B.

[0034] A "printed circuit board assembly" or "PCBA" is a component that mechanically supports and electrically connects the electronic components of the safety illuminator. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the PCBA 24 has two opposing surfaces including an upper surface 26 and a bottom surface 28.

[0035] In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 includes a plurality of side surfaces 30. In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10, 11, 15A, and 15B, the side surfaces 30 include a front surface 30a, a rear surface 30b, a left surface 30c, and a right surface 30d.

[0036] In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 includes a plurality of threaded openings 38 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. A "threaded opening" is a cavity within the PCBA sized to receive a threaded fastener 114 such as a screw. The threaded opening 38 allows the threaded fastener 114 to extend through the PCBA 24. In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 includes from two or three to four or five or six threaded openings 38. In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 includes four threaded openings 38.

[0037] In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 includes a rechargeable power source 32 as shown in FIGS. 12, 13, 15A, and 15B. In an embodiment, the rechargeable power source 32 is a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable power source 32 is electrically connected to the PCBA 24. The rechargeable power source 32 is advantageously smaller than a conventional replaceable battery and further eliminates the need to disassemble the safety illuminator 10 when the power source is depleted.

[0038] The rechargeable power source 32 can be recharged through inductive coupling or through a port such as the recharge port 34 shown in FIGS. 41 and 65. In an embodiment, the safety illuminator 10 includes a recharge port 34 so that a user can recharge the rechargeable power source 32 through a power cord connected to a power source such as a standard AC power outlet through an adapter. In another embodiment, the rechargeable power source 32 can be recharged by a power coupling 35 (see FIG. 82) configured to transfer power, communication, and / or data between the safety illuminator 10 and an external device. As one specific non-limiting example, the power source 35 can be configured as an inductive coupling to a wireless power source connected to an AC outlet that sandwiches the wall 14 of the upper housing 12 and / or the wall 104 of the bottom housing 94 (i.e., for wireless power transfer, which will be used for wireless charging, for example). The power coupling can be included both when the safety illuminator includes a magnet and when the safety illuminator does not include a magnet, as described below.

[0039] In an embodiment, a rechargeable power connector 33 shown in FIG. 40 is disposed within or as a part of the rechargeable power source 32. The rechargeable power connector 33 can be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) or a Micro USB. The rechargeable power connector 33 is configured to charge the rechargeable power source 32, provide software updates to the safety illuminator 10, transfer data from the safety illuminator 10 to another device (e.g., a computer), transfer test analysis results of the safety illuminator 10 to another device (e.g., a computer), and combinations thereof. Accordingly, the port 34 can be configured as a communication port. The communication port 34 enables an external device (e.g., a computer, a portable electronic device, a data storage device, etc. not shown) to communicate with the PCBA 24, for example, to control another function of the lighting elements 36, 40 or the safety illuminator 10 or to transfer data between the PCBA 24 and the external device. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the power coupling 35 is configured to communicate with the PCBA 24 to enable wireless communication (e.g., to wirelessly transmit data or other types of signals between the safety illuminator 10 and an external device) or to control one or more functions of the safety illuminator 10 (e.g., to control the lighting elements 36, 40 or another function).

[0040] In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 is configured to provide a Global Positioning System (GPS) function to the safety illuminator 10.

[0041] In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 is configured to generate, collect, store, and / or transmit data. Non-limiting examples of data that can be configured to be generated, collected, stored, and / or transmitted by the PCBA 24 include usage data of the safety illuminator 10 (e.g., length of battery life, length of time the illuminator emits light, such as a plurality of illuminator elements 36 and / or beacon illuminator elements 40, location information such as the location derived from GPS, and combinations thereof), test analysis results of the safety illuminator 10 (e.g., detection of defective components, detection of lamp out, detection of software errors, and combinations thereof), biometric measurement data (e.g., heart rate, body temperature, face recognition, and / or facial expression information regarding the user wearing the safety illuminator 10 and / or a person around the safety illuminator 10), camera images, videos, recordings, and any combination of these.

[0042] In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 is configured to perform a wireless connection including the step of wirelessly communicating with a wireless device such as a cellular phone, a remote terminal (e.g., a central control system or a main server), a signal repeater, or another safety illuminator, or other external device. In this regard, the PCBA 24 can include at least one communication module 25 (see FIG. 83) that can be configured to wirelessly communicate through one or more wireless connections. Non-limiting examples of suitable wireless connections include GPS, Bluetooth, radio frequency (RF), and wireless fidelity (WiFi).

[0043] In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 is configured to energize a plurality of light emitter elements 36 and / or beacon light emitter elements 40 by wireless communication from a wireless device (e.g., in accordance with it). In one particular non-limiting example, the PCBA 24 can pair with an external device such as a cell phone, tablet, or other mobile device to enable a user to control the safety light emitter 10 from the external device (e.g., energize or cut off the power supply to one or more lighting elements 36, 40). That is, the external device can execute an application that enables the user to interact with the external device by displaying to the user a virtual device that can simulate, for example, the control button layout of the connected safety light emitter 10 as described in more detail below. In addition to this, the PCBA 24 can be configured to pair with an external device to enable automatic control of the safety light emitter 10 using one or more sensors of the external device. For example, the PCBA 24 can be configured to energize one or more lighting elements in response to a signal from an accelerometer or GPS module of the external device (e.g., a signal indicating a braking event or a deceleration event or entry into or exit from a virtual geographical boundary area). Similarly, the PCBA 24 can be configured to communicate with an external device (e.g., a vehicle) to determine the proximity thereto and accordingly control one or more lighting elements 36, 40, for example, energize the lighting elements when getting out of the vehicle and cut off the power supply to the lighting elements when getting into the vehicle.

[0044] In an embodiment, software, firmware, usage data, test analysis results, biometric measurement data, camera images, videos, recordings, and combinations thereof of the safety illuminator can be wirelessly transmitted as wireless communication. As one specific non-limiting example, the PCBA 24 of the safety illuminator 10 can be configured to communicate the positioning data of the safety illuminator 10 to a central server or another external device, thereby enabling a user to confirm the location data of the safety illuminator 10 and any other safety illuminator (each safety illuminator within the safety illuminator network) that is communicating with the central server. In this regard, when the safety illuminator 10 is communicating with the central server, the user can upload, for example, (individual specifications) firmware or software to the safety illuminator 10 and any other safety illuminator connected to the user, either individually or simultaneously.

[0045] The PCBA 24 can include two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0046] C. Multiple light-emitting elements

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 15B, the safety illuminator 10 includes a plurality of illuminator elements 36 coupled to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24.

[0048] An "illuminator element" is a component having a function of emitting light such as visible light, ultraviolet (UV) light, infrared (IR) light, invisible light, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, each illuminator element has a function of emitting visible light. Non-limiting examples of suitable visible light include white light, red light, orange light, yellow light, green light, blue light, cyan light, purple light, and combinations thereof. Each illuminator element can have a function of emitting the same type of light or different types of light. For example, the safety illuminator 10 can include a plurality of illuminator elements 36, and each illuminator element 36 has a function of emitting white visible light, blue visible light, and red visible light.

[0049] Non-limiting examples of suitable light emitter elements 36 include light emitting diodes (LEDs), fluorescent lamps, xenon lamps, incandescent lamps, halogen lamps, optical fibers, and any combination thereof. In an embodiment, each light emitter element 36 is an LED.

[0050] Each light emitter element 36 coupled to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24 emits light away from or in the opposite direction from the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24. In an embodiment, each light emitter element 36 coupled to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24 emits light away from or in the opposite direction from the upper housing 12. In an embodiment, each light emitter element 36 coupled to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24 emits light at an angle of 70°, 75°, 80°, or 85° to 90°, 95°, 100°, 105°, or 110° with respect to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24. In another embodiment, each light emitter element 36 coupled to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24 emits light at an angle of 90° with respect to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24.

[0051] The light emitter element 36 is electrically connected to the PCBA 24.

[0052] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 13, the light emitter element 36 is coupled to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24 and positioned adjacent to the side surface 30 of the PCBA 24. In an embodiment, 1 or 2 to 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 light emitter elements 36 are positioned adjacent to the front side surface 30a of the PCBA 24, 1 or 2 to 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 light emitter elements 36 are positioned adjacent to the rear side surface 30b of the PCBA 24, 1 or 2 to 3, 4, 5, or 6 light emitter elements 36 are positioned adjacent to the left side surface 30c of the PCBA 24, and 1 or 2 to 3, 4, 5, or 6 light emitter elements 36 are positioned adjacent to the right side surface 30d of the PCBA 24. In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, 7 light emitter elements 36 are positioned adjacent to the front side surface 30a of the PCBA 24, 6 light emitter elements 36 are positioned adjacent to the rear side surface 30b of the PCBA 24, 2 light emitter elements 36 are positioned adjacent to the left side surface 30c of the PCBA 24, and 2 light emitter elements 36 are positioned adjacent to the right side surface 30d of the PCBA 24.

[0053] The plurality of light emitter elements 36 can include two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0054] D. Beacon light-emitting element

[0055] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10, 15A, and 15B, the safety light emitter 10 includes a beacon light emitter element 40 coupled to the top surface 26 of the PCBA 24.

[0056] The beacon light emitter element 40 can be any of the light emitter elements disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the beacon light emitter element 40 is an LED.

[0057] The beacon illuminator element 40 coupled to the upper surface 26 of the PCBA 24 emits light directed away from or in the opposite direction from the upper surface 26 of the PCBA 24. In embodiments, the beacon illuminator element 40 coupled to the upper surface 26 of the PCBA 24 emits light directed away from or in the opposite direction from the bottom housing 94. In embodiments, the beacon illuminator element 40 coupled to the upper surface 26 of the PCBA 24 emits light at an angle of 75°, 80°, or 85° to 90°, 95°, 100°, or 105° with respect to the upper surface 26 of the PCBA 24. In another embodiment, the beacon illuminator element 40 coupled to the upper surface 26 of the PCBA 24 emits light at an angle of 90° with respect to the upper surface 26 of the PCBA 24.

[0058] In embodiments, the beacon illuminator element 40 emits light in a direction opposite to the light emitted from the plurality of illuminator elements 36.

[0059] The beacon illuminator element 40 is electrically connected to the PCBA 24.

[0060] In embodiments, the safety illuminator 10 includes from 1 to 2, 3, or 4 beacon illuminator elements 40. In embodiments, the safety illuminator 10 includes only one beacon illuminator element 40.

[0061] The beacon illuminator element 40 can include two or more of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0062] E. Control button

[0063] The safety illuminator 10 includes at least one control button 42 as shown in FIGS. 1, 16, and 17.

[0064] In embodiments, the safety illuminator 10 includes a plurality of control buttons 42. In embodiments, the safety illuminator 10 includes from 1 or 2 to 3, 4, 5, or 6 control buttons 42.

[0065] Each control button 42 is connected to the PCBA 24 by mechanical connection, electrical connection, or a combination thereof.

[0066] Non-limiting examples of suitable control buttons 42 include push buttons, push switches, toggle switches, touch switches, wireless switches, and any combination thereof. In an embodiment, each control button 42 is a push button.

[0067] In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 is programmed to energize the plurality of light emitter elements 36 and / or the beacon light emitter element 40 upon receiving a depression of the control button 42. In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 is programmed to stop energizing the plurality of light emitter elements 36 and / or the beacon light emitter element 40 in response to another depression of the control button 42, such that the first depression energizes the light emitter elements (36 and / or 40), and the second depression stops the energization of the light emitter elements (36 and / or 40). When the energization is stopped, the light emitter elements (36 and / or 40) do not emit light, i.e., are "turned off". When energization is applied to the light emitter elements (36 and / or 40), the light emitter elements emit light, i.e., are "turned on".

[0068] In an embodiment, the control button 42 is a touch switch. A "touch switch" enables a user to activate or deactivate the sensor by lightly tapping the safety light emitter 10, such as on the upper surface 16 of the upper housing, thereby (respectively) enabling energization of the plurality of light emitter elements 36 and / or the beacon light emitter element 40 and / or stopping the energization thereof. For example, the touch switch can be configured as a capacitive switch, a resistive switch, a piezoelectric switch, etc.

[0069] In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 is programmed to energize the plurality of light emitter elements 36 in response to a depression of the first control button 42a. In another embodiment, the PCBA 24 is programmed to energize the beacon light emitter element 40 in response to a depression of the second control button 42b.

[0070] In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 is programmed to energize a plurality of light emitter elements 36a constituting a first group in response to depression of a first control button 42a, and to energize a plurality of light emitter elements 36b constituting a second group in response to depression of a second control button 42b. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the plurality of light emitter elements 36a constituting the first group are light emitter elements 36 near the front surface 30a of the PCBA 24, and the plurality of light emitter elements 36b constituting the second group are light emitter elements 36 near the rear surface 30b of the PCBA 24. In another embodiment, the PCBA 24 is programmed to energize a beacon light emitter element 40 in response to depression of a third control button 42c. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the PCBA 24 is programmed to energize a flashing light emitter element 41 (see FIG. 83) in response to depression of a third control button 32c. The flashing light emitter element 41 can be configured to emit light from a lens 64 or an individual flashing lens (not shown). In that regard, the lens 64 can be shaped differently around the flashing element 41 to provide a specific light output or beam pattern. For example, the lens 64 can be configured to supply a light beam from the flashing light emitter element 41 and at the same time supply diffused light from a plurality of light emitter elements 36a constituting the first group.

[0071] In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 is programmed to energize a plurality of light emitter elements 36 and / or a beacon light emitter element 40 to emit a certain type of light, a certain color of light, or a combination thereof at the light emitter elements (36 and / or 40) in response to depression of a control button 42.

[0072] In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 is programmed to energize a plurality of light emitter elements 36 and / or a beacon light emitter element 40 to emit light in a pattern such as a strobing pattern, a timed on-off pattern, a continuous pattern, a color alternating pattern, or a combination thereof at the light emitter elements (36 and / or 40) in response to depression of a control button 42.

[0073] In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 is programmed to energize a plurality of light emitter elements 36 and the beacon light emitter element 40 in response to pressing of a single control button 42.

[0074] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the PCBA 24 includes the control button 42 as an emergency button 44. The "emergency button" has a function of energizing all light emitter elements (36 and / or 40) in response to a single press and stopping all energization to all light emitter elements (36 and / or 40) in response to a second press. In an embodiment, the emergency button 44 is centrally disposed within the upper housing 12 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0075] In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 includes the control button 42 which is a power saving button 46 as shown in FIG. 16. The "power saving button" energizes only a portion of the light emitter elements (36 and / or 40) that are energized. In an embodiment, the power saving button energizes from 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40% to 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80% of the light emitter elements (36 and 40) of the safety light emitter 10.

[0076] In an embodiment, the control button 42 can be configured to cooperate with the PCBA 24 to provide different functions or control the safety light emitter in a particular manner depending on how the button 42 is pressed (e.g., depending on the order of pressing the button or the length of time the button is pressed). For example, when at least one of the light emitter elements 36, 40 is powered, a "short" press (e.g., a press duration of less than 1 second) of the power saving button 46 can energize such at least one of the light emitter elements 36, 40 from 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40% to 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% (in sequence). Alternatively, when no power is applied to the lighting element, a "short" press of the power saving button 46 can be made to cause nothing to happen, whereas a "long" press (e.g., a press duration longer than or equal to 1 second) can energize one or more of the light emitter elements 36, 40, for example, blink an "S.O.S." pattern.

[0077] In an embodiment, the PCBA 24 can also include one or more buttons 42 configured to control one or more functions that may or may not energize one of the light emitter elements 36, 40. For example, as shown in FIG. 84, an embodiment includes a control button 42 configured as a multi-function control button 47 that can be configured to perform one or more functions of the safety light emitter 10. As one particular non-limiting example, a "short" press of the button 47 can energize or cut off the power supply to the beacon light emitter element 40, while a "long" press can control the PCBA 24 to control one or more communication modules 25 (e.g., enter Bluetooth pairing mode, or send another type of wireless communication, or wirelessly transmit data).

[0078] In this regard, in an embodiment, the button 42 can be arranged symmetrically (e.g., mirror-symmetric with respect to the plane M, see FIG. 84) or asymmetrically (see FIG. 16) so as to have one or more types of symmetry.

[0079] The control buttons (e.g., buttons 42, 44, 46) are formed from one or more flexible materials. A non-limiting example of a suitable flexible material is rubber.

[0080] In an embodiment, the control buttons (42, 44, 46) are formed from a button pad 48 as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. The button pad 48 has two opposite faces including a top face 50 and a bottom face 52. As shown in FIG. 16, the control buttons (42, 44, 46) protrude from the top face 50 of the button pad 48.

[0081] The button pad 48 has a cross-sectional shape. This cross-sectional shape can be any of the cross-sectional shapes disclosed in this specification. The cross-sectional shape of the button pad 48 is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the upper housing 12. FIGS. 16 and 17 depict a button pad 48 having a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0082] In an embodiment, the button pad 48 includes a plurality of threaded openings 56 as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. A "threaded opening" is a cavity within the button pad 48 sized to receive a threaded fastener 114 such as a screw. The threaded openings 56 enable the threaded fastener 114 to extend through the button pad 48. In an embodiment, the threaded openings 56 of the button pad 48 are aligned with the threaded openings 38 of the PCBA 24 so that the threaded fastener 114 can extend through the PCBA 24 and the button pad 48 and connect to the upper housing 12, and the threaded openings 38 are aligned with the threaded connectors 22 of the upper housing 12. In an embodiment, the button pad 48 includes from 2 or 3 to 4, 5, or 6 threaded openings 56. In an embodiment, the button pad 48 includes four threaded openings 56.

[0083] In an embodiment, the button pad 48 has an upper portion 48a and a bottom portion 48b as shown in FIG. 16. In an embodiment, the upper housing 12 is sized to receive the upper portion 48a of the button pad 48.

[0084] In an embodiment, the upper housing 12 includes a plurality of button openings 54 as shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 59, a "button opening" is a cavity within the wall 14 of the upper housing 12 sized to enable the control buttons (42, 44, 46) to extend through the wall 14. In an embodiment, the upper housing 12 includes a plurality of button openings 54, and each button opening 54 is aligned with the control buttons (42, 44, 46) of the button pad 48. The number of control buttons (42, 44, 46) on the button pad 48 is the same as the number of button openings 54 within the upper housing 12.

[0085] In an embodiment, the button pad 48 includes a beacon opening 58 as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. A "beacon opening" is a cavity within the button pad 48 sized to receive the beacon emitter element 40 so that the beacon emitter element 40 can extend through the button pad 48.

[0086] In an embodiment, the bottom portion 48b of the button pad 48 serves as a rubber draw gasket that forms a watertight or quasi-watertight seal between the lens 64 and the upper housing 12.

[0087] The control button 42 can include two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0088] The button pad 48 can include two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0089] F. Beacon light-emitting lens

[0090] In an embodiment, the safety illuminator 10 includes a beacon illuminator lens 60, as shown in FIGS. 1, 18-20, and 70. The beacon illuminator lens 60 is coupled to the beacon illuminator element 40.

[0091] The beacon illuminator lens 60 is formed from one or more rigid materials through which light can pass. Non-limiting examples of suitable rigid materials include high-impact polymers, thermoplastic polymers, thermosetting polymers, composites, glass, ceramics, cellulose, acrylic resins, combinations thereof, and / or the like. In an embodiment, the beacon illuminator lens 60 is formed from glass, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate resin, polystyrene resin, styrene-acrylonitrile resin, cellulose acetate, polypropylene, nylon, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, polyvinylidene chloride, fluorinated ethylene / propylene copolymer, polyethylene terephthalate, silica-based materials, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the beacon illuminator lens 60 is formed from a transparent material or a translucent material. A "transparent" material allows all light or 100% of the light to pass through this material. A "translucent" material allows light in excess of 0% to less than 100% to pass through this material.

[0092] The beacon emitter lens 60 has a cross-sectional shape. This cross-sectional shape can be any of the cross-sectional shapes disclosed in this specification. FIG. 19 depicts a beacon emitter lens 60 having a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0093] In an embodiment, the beacon emitter lens 60 is coupled to the beacon emitter element 40 and the button pad 48. In yet another embodiment, the beacon emitter lens 60 is coupled to the beacon emitter element 40 and the upper surface 50 of the button pad 48.

[0094] The beacon emitter lens 60 is aligned with the beacon emitter element 40 such that light emitted from the beacon emitter element 40 passes through the beacon emitter lens 60.

[0095] In an embodiment, the upper housing 12 has a beacon emitter lens opening 62 as shown in FIG. 2. The "beacon emitter lens opening" is a cavity within the wall 14 of the upper housing 12 sized to receive the beacon emitter lens 60 such that at least a portion of the beacon emitter lens 60 can extend through the upper housing 12.

[0096] In an embodiment, the beacon emitter lens 60 has an upper portion 60a and a bottom portion 60b as shown in FIG. 18. The upper portion 60a has a diameter that is smaller (<) than the diameter of the bottom portion 60b.

[0097] In an embodiment, the beacon emitter lens 60 has a reflective surface 61 within the bottom portion 60b as shown in FIG. 18. The "reflective surface" is a plane having a function of reflecting light. In an embodiment, this plane is coated with a reflective material such as a metal (e.g., nickel, chromium, aluminum, gold, silver, and combinations thereof) or a polymer material to form the reflective surface. In an embodiment, the reflective material is vacuum-deposited onto this plane to form the reflective surface. In an embodiment, the reflective surface 61 has a conical shape as shown in FIG. 18. Light emitted from the beacon emitter element 40 is reflected from the reflective surface 61 and projected through the upper portion 60a of the beacon emitter lens 60.

[0098] In an embodiment, the upper housing 12 has a beacon emitter lens opening 62 sized to receive the upper portion 60a of the beacon emitter lens 60 but not the bottom portion 60b of the beacon emitter lens 60. As a result, the bottom portion 60b of the beacon emitter lens 60 is confined below the bottom surface 18 of the upper housing 12 within the safety emitter 10. In an embodiment, the bottom portion 60b of the beacon emitter lens 60 is confined below the bottom surface 18 of the upper housing 12 and above the upper surface 50 of the button pad 48 within the safety emitter 10. In other words, the bottom portion 60b of the beacon emitter lens 60 is positioned between the button pad 48 and the upper housing 12, and the upper portion 60a of the beacon emitter lens 60 extends through the wall 14 of the upper housing 12.

[0099] The beacon emitter lens 60 may or may not protrude beyond the upper surface 16 of the upper housing 12. In an embodiment, the beacon emitter lens 60 protrudes beyond the upper surface 16 of the upper housing 12 as shown in FIGS. 1, 60, and 68.

[0100] The safety emitter 10 includes the same number of beacon emitter elements 40 and beacon emitter lenses 60. In an embodiment, the safety emitter 10 includes 1 to 2, 3, or 4 beacon emitter lenses 60. In an embodiment, the safety emitter 10 includes only one beacon emitter lens 60.

[0101] The beacon emitter lens 60 can include two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0102] G. Lens

[0103] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 21 - 29, the safety emitter 10 includes a lens 64 coupled to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24 and a plurality of emitter elements 36 and having an inclined reflective surface 66 and a plurality of side surfaces 68.

[0104] The lens 64 can be formed from any of the lens materials disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the lens 64 is formed from a transparent material or a translucent material. In an embodiment, the lens 64 is a monolithic lens, but can be configured otherwise, such as a hollow lens, for example.

[0105] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the lens 64 has two opposing surfaces including a top surface 70 and a bottom surface 72. The top surface 70 of the lens 64 is oriented parallel to the bottom surface 72 of the lens 64. As used herein, the term "parallel" indicates that the top surface 70 of the lens 64 extends in the same direction or substantially the same direction as the bottom surface 72. FIG. 29 depicts the top surface 70 and the bottom surface 72 that are parallel to each other.

[0106] In an embodiment, the lens 64 has a bottom surface 72 that is a reflective surface. A "reflective surface" is a plane having a function of reflecting light. In an embodiment, this plane is coated with a reflective material such as a metal (for example, nickel, chromium, aluminum, gold, silver, and combinations thereof) or a polymer material to form the reflective surface. In an embodiment, the reflective material is vacuum-deposited on this plane to form the reflective surface.

[0107] The lens 64 includes an inclined reflective surface 66. An "inclined reflective surface" is a plane having a function of reflecting light emitted from a plurality of light-emitting elements 36 extending at an angle other than 90° from the top surface 70 of the lens 64 or from the bottom surface 72 of the lens or a combination thereof. The inclined reflective surface 66 can be flat or curved. In an embodiment, the inclined reflective surface 66 is flat or not curved. FIGS. 21-29 depict the lens 64 having a flat inclined reflective surface 66.

[0108] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29, the angle X between the bottom surface 72 and the inclined reflective surface 66 is from 110°, 115°, 120°, or 125° to 130°, 135°, 140°, 145°, or 150°. In an embodiment, the angle X between the bottom surface 72 and the inclined reflective surface 66 is 135°.

[0109] In an embodiment, the lens 64 includes 1 to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, or 40 inclined reflecting surfaces 66. For the purpose of the disclosure of the present invention, each inclined reflecting surface 66 having the same angle X of 110°, 115°, 120°, or 125° to 130°, 135°, 140°, 145°, or 150° between the bottom surface 72 of the lens 64 and the inclined reflecting surface 66 constitutes the "first inclined reflecting surface" 66a as shown in FIGS. 21 to 29. However, it is understood that the first inclined reflecting surface 66a shown in FIGS. 21 to 29 includes 18 individual flat inclined reflecting surfaces 66 as shown in FIG. 26.

[0110] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29, the angle Y between the upper surface 70 and the inclined reflecting surface 66 is 110°, 115°, 120°, or 125° to 130°, 135°, 140°, 145°, or 150°. In an embodiment, the angle Y between the upper surface 70 and the inclined reflecting surface 66 is 135°.

[0111] In an embodiment, the lens 64 includes a first inclined reflecting surface 66a and a second inclined reflecting surface 66b as shown in FIGS. 21 to 29. For the purpose of the disclosure of the present invention, each inclined reflecting surface 66 having the same angle Y of 110°, 115°, 120°, or 125° to 130°, 135°, 140°, 145°, or 150° between the upper surface 70 of the lens 64 and the inclined reflecting surface 66 constitutes the "second inclined reflecting surface" 66b as shown in FIGS. 21 to 29. However, it is understood that the second inclined reflecting surface 66b shown in FIGS. 21 to 29 includes 14 individual flat inclined reflecting surfaces as shown in FIGS. 21 and 25.

[0112] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29, the lens 64 includes a first inclined reflecting surface 66a and a second inclined reflecting surface 66b, and the angle Z between the first inclined reflecting surface 66a and the second inclined reflecting surface 66b is 80° or 85° to 90°, 95°, or 100°. In an embodiment, the lens 64 includes a first inclined reflecting surface 66a and a second inclined reflecting surface 66b, and the angle Z between the first inclined reflecting surface 66a and the second inclined reflecting surface 66b is 90°.

[0113] The first inclined reflecting surface 66a and the second inclined reflecting surface 66b may or may not be continuous around the periphery 74 of the lens 64. FIGS. 21-29 depict a discontinuous first inclined reflecting surface 66a and a discontinuous second inclined reflecting surface 66b that are not continuous around the periphery 74 of the lens 64.

[0114] In an embodiment, the lens 64 includes a first inclined reflecting surface 66a, and the angle X between the bottom surface 72 and the first inclined reflecting surface 66a is 135°. In another embodiment, the lens 64 includes a second inclined reflecting surface 66b, and the angle Y between the upper surface 70 and the second inclined reflecting surface 66b is 135°. In still another embodiment, the angle Z between the first inclined reflecting surface 66a and the second inclined reflecting surface 66b is 90°.

[0115] The lens 64 has a plurality of side surfaces 68. In an embodiment, the lens 64 includes 4 to 5, 6, 7, or 8 side surfaces 68. In an embodiment, the lens 64 includes four side surfaces 68 that extend substantially between the upper housing 12 and the bottom housing 94. In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 21-24, 27, and 28, the lens 64 includes a front side surface 68a, a rear side surface 68b, a left side surface 68c, and a right side surface 68d. As shown in FIG. 29, each side surface 68 extends perpendicular to the upper surface 70 and the bottom surface 72 of the lens 64. The side surfaces 68 that extend "perpendicularly" with respect to the upper surface 70 and the bottom surface 72 of the lens 64 are at an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the upper surface 70 and the bottom surface 72 of the lens 64. Each side surface 68 can be flat or curved. FIG. 29 depicts a lens 64 having flat side surfaces 68.

[0116] The side surfaces 68 extend continuously around the periphery 74 of the lens 64.

[0117] The side surfaces 68 are not reflective. In other words, light is not reflected by the side surfaces 68 of the lens 64, but rather is transmitted or projected through the side surfaces 68.

[0118] In an embodiment, the plurality of light emitter elements 36 emit light directed away from the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24 (e.g., from the upper housing 12 toward the bottom housing 94), and this light is reflected from the first inclined reflecting surface 66a of the lens 64 and projected through the plurality of side surfaces 68 of the lens 64. It is understood that the angle of incidence (i.e., the angle at which the light strikes the reflecting surface) is equal to the angle of reflection (i.e., the angle at which the light is reflected from the reflecting surface). That is, the safety light emitter 10 guides its light emitter element 36 downward, for example, at an angle of 90° with respect to the upper surface 70 of the lens 64, and can still advantageously project the light outward through the plurality of side surfaces 68 of the lens 64 in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the upper surface 70 of the lens 64. This configuration enables the light emitter element 36 to be positioned above the lens rather than behind the lens 64 (i.e., parallel to the lens), enabling a safety light emitter 10 with a shorter length and width compared to conventional safety light emitters.

[0119] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 21, 27, and 28, the lens 64 includes a plurality of light emitter posts 76 coupled to its upper surface 70. The lens 64 and the light emitter posts 76 can have a unitary design or a composite design. The lens 64 and the light emitter posts 76 having a "unitary design" are formed from a single piece of rigid material such as a molded piece. The lens 64 and the light emitter posts 76 having a "composite design" are formed from more than one individual piece (or component) that are combined during assembly. Each light emitter post 76 is coupled to a light emitter element 36. Accordingly, the safety light emitter 10 includes the same number of light emitter elements 36 and light emitter posts 76. The light emitter posts 76 advantageously reduce the separation width between the lens 64 and the plurality of light emitter elements 36, and thus reduce the amount of air present between the lens 64 and the plurality of light emitter elements 36. The reduction of air between the lens 64 and the plurality of light emitter elements 36 reduces the dissipation and attenuation of light occurring in the air, and as a result, more light is incident on the lens 64.

[0120] Each light emitter post 76 has a shape. Non-limiting examples of suitable shapes include a square prism, a rectangular prism, a cylinder, a frustum of a cone, a pentagonal prism, a trapezoidal prism, and combinations thereof. FIG. 21 depicts a light emitter post 76 having a rectangular prism shape.

[0121] The lens 64 can include two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0122] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 80, the lens 364 includes a plurality of spacer posts 377 coupled to its upper surface 370. The lens 364 and the spacer posts 377 can have a unitary design or a composite design. The lens 364 and the spacer posts 377 having a “unitary design” are formed from a single piece of rigid material such as a molded piece. The lens 364 and the spacer posts 377 having a “composite design” are formed from more than one individual piece (or component) that are combined during assembly. As shown in FIG. 80, the spacer posts 377 are positioned between the emitter posts 376. Each spacer post 377 has a height HS which is the distance between the upper surface 370 of the lens and the upper surface 379 of the spacer post. Each emitter post 376 has a height HP which is the distance between the upper surface 370 of the lens and the upper surface 379 of the emitter post. As shown in FIG. 80, each spacer post 377 has a height HS that is greater than the height HP of each emitter post 376. The bottom surface of the PCBA is in contact with the upper surface 379 of each spacer post 377. When the bottom surface of the PCBA is in contact with the upper surface 379 of each spacer post 377, there is a gap (i.e., a void) between the upper surface 375 of each emitter post 376 and each emitter element. In other words, the emitter element is not in direct contact with the lens 374 and is also not in direct contact with the emitter post 376. This gap protects the emitter element from potential damage that could be caused by direct contact between the emitter element and the lens 364. As used herein, “direct contact” refers to a configuration in which the emitter element is positioned in the immediate vicinity of the lens 364, the emitter element touches the lens 364, and there is no intervening structure, substantial void, or void between the emitter element and the lens 364.

[0123] In an embodiment, each emitter post 376 has a height HP from 1 mm, 1.5 mm, or 1.9 mm to 2.0 mm or 2.5 mm.

[0124] In an embodiment, each spacer post 377 has a height HS ranging from 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, or 2.8 mm to 2.9 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.2 mm, or 3.5 mm.

[0125] In an embodiment, each emitter post 376 has a height HP ranging from 1 mm, 1.5 mm, or 1.9 mm to 2.0 mm or 2.5 mm, and each spacer post 377 has a height HS ranging from 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, or 2.8 mm to 2.9 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.2 mm, or 3.5 mm. In yet another embodiment, each emitter post 376 has a height HP ranging from 1.9 mm to 2.0 mm, and each spacer post 377 has a height HS ranging from 2.8 mm to 2.9 mm.

[0126] In an embodiment, lens 364 includes 2, 3, or 4 to 5, 6, 7, 8, or 10 spacer posts 377. In yet another embodiment, lens 364 includes 8 spacer posts 377, and each spacer post is positioned between emitter posts 376.

[0127] Lens 364 can include two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0128] H. Rubber seal

[0129] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 30 - 39, safety emitter 10 includes rubber seal 78.

[0130] Rubber seal 78 functions as a rubber draw gasket that forms a watertight or quasi - watertight seal between lens 64 and bottom housing 94.

[0131] Rubber seal 78 has a cross - sectional shape. This cross - sectional shape can be any of the cross - sectional shapes disclosed herein. Rubber seal 78 has the same cross - sectional shape as the cross - sectional shape of upper housing 12. FIGS. 38 and 39 depict rubber seal 78 having a rectangular cross - sectional shape.

[0132] As shown in FIGS. 30 and 32, the rubber seal 78 has two opposing faces including a top face 80 and a bottom face 82.

[0133] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 34 to 35, the rubber seal 78 has an upper portion 78a and a bottom portion 78b. In an embodiment, the lens 64 is sized to receive the upper portion 78a of the rubber seal 78. In an embodiment, the upper portion 78a of the rubber seal 78 is coupled to the lens 64 and the PCBA 24.

[0134] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 30 and 33, the rubber seal 78 includes a plurality of threaded openings 84. A "threaded opening" is a cavity within the rubber seal 78 sized to receive a threaded fastener 114 such as a screw. The threaded opening 84 allows the threaded fastener 114 to extend through the rubber seal 78. In an embodiment, the threaded opening 84 of the rubber seal 78 is aligned with the threaded opening 38 of the PCBA 24, the threaded opening 38 is aligned with the threaded opening 56 of the button pad 48, and the threaded opening 56 is aligned with the threaded connector 22 of the upper housing 12 so that the threaded fastener 114 can extend through the rubber seal 78, the PCBA 24, and the button pad 48 and connect to the upper housing 12. In an embodiment, the rubber seal 78 includes from 2 or 3 to 4, 5, or 6 threaded openings 84. In an embodiment, the rubber seal 78 includes four threaded openings 84.

[0135] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, the rubber seal 78 includes a rechargeable power opening 86. A "rechargeable power opening" is a cavity within the rubber seal 78 sized to receive a rechargeable power source 32. In an embodiment, the rechargeable power source 32 is coupled to the rubber seal 78.

[0136] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, the rubber seal 78 includes a recharge port opening 88. The "recharge port opening" is a cavity within the rubber seal 78 sized to receive the recharge port 34. As shown in FIG. 41, a non-limiting example of a suitable recharge port 34 is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port. The recharge port 34 is electrically connected to the PCBA 24 and the rechargeable power source 32.

[0137] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the rubber seal 78 includes a recharge port cover 90. In an embodiment, the recharge port cover 90 is attached to the bottom portion 78b of the rubber seal 78 by a flexible hinge 92. FIGS. 32 and 33 depict the recharge port cover 90 attached to the bottom portion 78b of the rubber seal 78 by a flexible hinge 92. As shown in FIGS. 30 and 65, the flexible hinge 92 allows access to the recharge port 34 when the recharge port cover 90 is in the open position. The recharge port cover 90, when in the closed position, creates a protective seal that covers the recharge port 34 and prevents foreign objects and moisture from entering the recharge port 34.

[0138] The rubber seal 78 can include two or more of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0139] I. Bottom housing

[0140] As shown in FIGS. 42-46, the safety illuminator 10 includes a bottom housing 94.

[0141] The bottom housing 94 is coupled to the lens 64. In an embodiment, the bottom housing 94 is coupled to the lens 64 through the rubber seal 78, and thus the rubber seal 78 is positioned between the bottom housing 94 and the lens 64.

[0142] The bottom housing 94 is formed from a rigid material. The rigid material can be any of the rigid materials disclosed herein.

[0143] As shown in FIGS. 45 and 59, the bottom housing 94 has a wall 104.

[0144] As shown in FIGS. 42 and 44, the bottom housing 94 has two opposing surfaces including an upper surface 96 and a bottom surface 98. In an embodiment, the upper surface 96 of the bottom housing 94 is coupled to the bottom surface 82 of the rubber seal 78.

[0145] In an embodiment, the bottom housing 94 includes a plurality of side surfaces 100. In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 42 and 43, the side surfaces 100 include a front surface 100a, a rear surface 100b, a left surface 100c, and a right surface 100d.

[0146] The bottom housing 94 has a cross-sectional shape. This cross-sectional shape can be any of the cross-sectional shapes disclosed in this specification. The cross-sectional shape of the bottom housing 94 is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the upper housing 12. FIGS. 45 and 46 depict a bottom housing 94 having a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0147] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 45 and 46, the bottom housing 94 includes a plurality of threaded openings 102. A "threaded opening" is a cavity within the bottom housing 94 sized to receive a threaded fastener 114 such as a screw. The threaded opening 102 enables the threaded fastener 114 or a portion thereof to extend through the wall 104 of the bottom housing 94. In an embodiment, the threaded opening 102 of the bottom housing 94 is aligned with the threaded opening 84 of the rubber seal 78, the threaded opening 84 is aligned with the threaded opening 38 of the PCBA 24, the threaded opening 38 is aligned with the threaded opening 56 of the button pad 48, and the threaded opening 56 is aligned with the threaded connector 22 of the upper housing 12 so that the threaded fastener 114 can extend through the bottom housing 94, the rubber seal 78, the PCBA 24, and the button pad 48 to connect to the upper housing 12. In an embodiment, the threaded opening 102 has a narrow diameter portion and a wide diameter portion so that a portion of the threaded fastener 114 (e.g., the head of the screw) cannot extend through the wall 104 of the bottom housing 94. In an embodiment, the bottom housing 94 includes from 2 or 3 to 4, 5, or 6 threaded openings 102. In an embodiment, the bottom housing 94 includes four threaded openings 102.

[0148] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 45 and 46, the bottom housing 94 includes a recharge port opening 106. A "recharge port opening" is a cavity within the wall 104 of the bottom housing 94 sized to receive a recharge port cover 90. The recharge port opening 106 within the bottom housing 94 is aligned with the recharge port opening 88 within the rubber seal 78.

[0149] In an embodiment, the bottom housing 94 confines a magnet 108. Non-limiting examples of suitable magnets are shown in FIG. 47. The magnet has a shape. Non-limiting examples of suitable shapes include a square prism, a rectangular prism, a cylinder, a frustum of a cone, a pentagonal prism, a trapezoidal prism, a pyramid, and combinations thereof. FIG. 47 depicts a cylindrical magnet 108.

[0150] The safety illuminator 10 including the magnet 108 can be magnetically advantageously coupled to a magnetic material or a magnetic article. Non-limiting examples of magnetic articles include automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, stands including magnets, helmets, helmet mounts, boats (e.g., kayaks, motorboats, and canoes), and mounting plates. Non-limiting examples of mounting plates are the mounting plates disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,478,108, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. An article can be disposed between the magnet 108 and the magnetic material or magnetic article. For example, a user's clothing item (e.g., a jacket or a shirt) can be disposed between the mounting plate and the magnet 108, in which case the magnet 108 is coupled to the mounting plate from above the user's clothing item, whereby the safety illuminator 10 is removably attached to the user's clothing. Non-limiting examples of suitable articles include clothing, helmets, backpacks, belts, tents, windows, boats (e.g., the side plates of a boat), containers, road signs, and combinations thereof. However, in other embodiments, the safety illuminator may not include a magnet.

[0151] Non-limiting examples of suitable magnets 108 are neodymium iron boron. In embodiments, the magnet 108 is substantially or completely encapsulated with a waterproof coating such as a silicone coating.

[0152] In embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 42 and 44, the bottom housing 94 includes a magnet bracket 110. A "magnet bracket" is a protrusion sized to receive and hold the magnet 108. As shown in FIGS. 43 and 44, the magnet bracket 110 includes a cavity within the wall 104 of the bottom housing 94 having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the magnet 108. The magnet bracket 110 and the bottom housing 94 can have an integral design or a composite design. In other embodiments, the safety illuminator may not include a magnet bracket, and instead, the magnet can be disposed within the safety illuminator, e.g., between the upper housing and the bottom housing, such that it is flush with or brought behind the outer surface of the safety illuminator (e.g., the bottom surface of the bottom housing).

[0153] The magnet bracket 110 and the magnet 108 have opposite shapes. For example, as shown in FIG. 61, when the magnet 108 has a cylindrical shape, the magnet bracket 110 has a cylindrical shape sized to receive and hold the magnet 108.

[0154] In an embodiment, the magnet 108 is coupled to the magnet bracket 110. In another embodiment, the magnet 108 is coupled to the bottom surface 82 of the rubber seal 78. In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 48, 49, 59, and 61, the magnet 108 is coupled to the bottom surface 82 of the rubber seal 78 through an adhesive 112.

[0155] The button housing 94 can include two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0156] J. Safety light-emitter

[0157] The disclosure of the present invention provides a safety illuminator 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 50 to 69. The safety illuminator 10 includes an upper housing 12 having a wall 14 and a PCBA 24 coupled to the upper housing 12 and having a top surface 26 and a bottom surface 28. The safety illuminator 10 further includes a plurality of illuminator elements 36 coupled to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24, and the PCBA 24 is programmed to energize the plurality of illuminator elements 36 in response to pressing of a first control button 42. The safety illuminator 10 includes a lens 64 coupled to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24 and the plurality of illuminator elements 36 and having a first inclined reflecting surface 66a and a plurality of side surfaces 68. Further, the safety illuminator 10 includes a bottom housing 94 coupled to the lens 64. Accordingly, the lens 64 is positioned between the upper housing 12 and the bottom housing 94, and the side surfaces 68 extend between the upper housing 12 and the bottom housing 94. In an embodiment, the safety illuminator further includes a beacon illuminator element 40 coupled to the top surface 26 of the PCBA 24 and a beacon illuminator lens 60 coupled to the beacon illuminator element 40 and extending through the wall 14 of the upper housing 12, and the PCBA 24 is programmed to energize the beacon illuminator element 40 in response to pressing of a second control button 42b.

[0158] Figures 48 and 49 depict an exploded assembly view of an embodiment of the safety illuminator 10.

[0159] In an embodiment, the safety illuminator 10 includes an upper housing 12 having a wall 14 and a PCBA 24 coupled to the upper housing 12. The PCBA 24 includes a top surface 26, a bottom surface 28, and a rechargeable power source 32. The safety illuminator 10 further includes a plurality of illuminator elements 36 coupled to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24, and the PCBA 24 is programmed to energize a first group 36a of the plurality of illuminator elements 36 in response to depression of a first control button 42a and to energize a second group 36b of the plurality of illuminator elements 36 in response to depression of a second control button 42b. The safety illuminator 10 has a beacon illuminator element 40 coupled to the top surface 26 of the PCBA 24, and the PCBA 24 is programmed to energize the beacon illuminator element 40 in response to depression of a third control button 42c. A beacon illuminator lens 60 is coupled to the beacon illuminator element 40 and extends through the wall 14 of the upper housing 12. A lens 64 having a first inclined reflective surface 66a, a bottom reflective surface 72, and a plurality of side surfaces 68 is coupled to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24 and the plurality of illuminator elements 36, and an angle X between the bottom reflective surface 72 and the first inclined reflective surface 66a is from 110° to 150°. The safety illuminator 10 also further includes a bottom housing 94 coupled to the lens 64 to confine a magnet 108.

[0160] In an embodiment, the disclosure of the present invention provides a safety illuminator 210, as shown in FIGS. 71-79. The safety illuminator 210 includes an upper housing 212 having a wall 214, a PCBA coupled to the upper housing 212 and having a top surface and a bottom surface, a plurality of illuminator elements coupled to the bottom surface of the PCBA, a lens 264 coupled to the bottom surface of the PCBA and the plurality of illuminator elements and having a first inclined reflecting surface and a plurality of side surfaces 268, and a bottom housing 294 coupled to the lens 264. As shown in FIGS. 71 and 79, the bottom housing 294 includes a hinge 292. The hinge 292 is a protrusion extending from a side surface 300 of the bottom housing. The hinge 292 is sized to receive a recharge port cover 290. FIGS. 77 and 78 depict the recharge port cover 290 attached to the hinge 292 extending from the side surface 300 of the bottom housing 294. The recharge port cover 290 can rotate about the axis of the hinge 292. In FIGS. 77 and 78, the recharge port cover 290 is in a closed position, whereby the recharge port cover 290 creates a protective seal covering the recharge port 234 to prevent foreign objects and moisture from entering the recharge port 234. As shown in FIGS. 72 and 78, the recharge port cover 290 can have one or more curved ends 291. The curved ends 291 enable the user to more easily grip the recharge port cover 290 to move the recharge port cover 290 from the closed position to the open position. In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 77 and 78, the recharge port cover includes two curved ends 291. FIG. 79 depicts the safety illuminator 210 with the recharge port cover 290 removed. As shown in FIG. 79, when the recharge port cover 290 is absent or in the open position, the recharge port 234 is open to the environment. In other embodiments, particularly when the safety illuminator 210 is configured for inductive charging, the recharge port 234 and the corresponding charging portion cover 290 may not be included, or may be provided on another portion of the safety illuminator (e.g., on the upper housing 212 or on a sidewall extending between the upper housing 212 and the bottom housing 294).

[0161] In an embodiment, the safety light emitter 210 can be provided with one or more attachments 293 configured to enable it to couple to a support structure such as a mounting accessory (e.g., a bracket, clip, or strap) or an external device (e.g., an electrical device such as a computer or charger). In this regard, the attachment can be configured to provide one or both of a physical connection and an electrical connection. Accordingly, the attachment 293 can provide a secure connection between the attached mounting accessory or external device (e.g., an electronic device including a general-purpose computer, telephone, vehicle, docking terminal, etc.) and enable communication of data (e.g., communication signals, software, and firmware) and power (e.g., current), and can be configured to orient the safety light emitter 210 with respect to the attached mounting accessory or external device. In this connection, the attachment 293 can be provided as an insert embedded (e.g., inserted therein or integrally formed therewith) in the safety light emitter 210, or it can be formed as a protrusion or other structure extending from the safety light emitter 210. The one or more attachments 293 can be provided at any location along the outer surface of the safety light emitter 210, and the specific arrangement may vary depending on its particular application. In some cases, the attachment can be arranged to provide a general-purpose mounting area as part of the lighting system that enables the safety light emitter 210 to couple to a wide range of mounting structures and external devices.

[0162] As shown in FIG. 81, in the embodiment, the bottom housing 294 includes a plurality of attachments 293 that can be configured to be arranged along its bottom surface 298 (e.g., outer surface) to provide one or more physical attachment points. In particular, as shown in FIG. 81, each of the attachments 293 is a threaded attachment 295 having an exposed end 297. The exposed end 297 is open to the environment and is configured to receive a threaded article (not shown). A "threaded attachment" is a component sized to receive a threaded article such as a screw or a post. The threaded article can be any threaded fastener disclosed herein, including threaded articles that are part of a mounting accessory or an external device. The threaded attachment 295 enables the safety emitter 210 to be removably attached to the threaded article. As one particular non-limiting example, in the embodiment, the threaded article is a post attached to a bicycle or a boat.

[0163] The threading attachment 295 can be integrally formed with the bottom housing 294 or the threading attachment 295 can be a separate component coupled to the bottom housing 294 (e.g., by press fit connection, threaded connection, adhesive, co - molding, ultrasonic welding, or other types of connections known in the art). As shown, the threading attachment 295 is formed from one or more rigid materials such as metals (e.g., brass, stainless steel, etc.) and polymers, and each exposed end 297 is embedded within the bottom housing 294 such that it is open along the bottom surface 298 or another outer surface (e.g., side or top surface) of the bottom housing 294. In particular, the threading attachment 295 can optionally be disposed within an ear - like portion 213 formed as part of a bracket 211 for the magnet 108. Depending on the positioning of the ear - like portion 213, the threading attachments 295 are shown to be (symmetrically) spaced around the perimeter of the magnet 108 (e.g., evenly and / or circumferentially spaced). In other embodiments, the threading attachment 295 can be otherwise arranged, and its arrangement may not depend on the position of the magnet. For example, the threading attachment 295 can be provided within an individual protrusion extending from the bottom housing 294 (e.g., along the bottom surface 298), or there may be no need to be disposed within any protrusion and instead can be provided within one or more recesses. In addition to this, the threading attachment 295 can be spaced symmetrically or asymmetrically along the bottom surface 298 of the bottom housing 294. In some cases, the arrangement of the threading attachment 295 can enable a particular orientation or configuration of attachment (e.g., a first orientation, and a second orientation rotated about 90 degrees from the first orientation, or another angle from the first orientation). Thus, in embodiments, the bottom housing 294 includes from 1 or 2 to 3, 4, or 5, or more than 5 threading attachments 295. FIG. 81 illustrates a bottom housing 294 having two threading attachments 295.

[0164] As described above, in the embodiment, the attachment 293 can also be configured as an electrode (e.g., an electrical attachment) configured to provide an electrical connection between the safety emitter 210 and a mounting accessory or another electrical device. As one specific example, the threaded attachment 295 can be a brass threaded attachment that can provide both a physical connection and an electrical connection. As another example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 85, the attachment 295 can be configured as an electrode 302 embedded in the bottom surface 298 of the bottom housing 294 such that the exposed end 304 of the electrode 302 is exposed to the environment. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 85, there are four electrodes symmetrically spaced along the bottom surface 298 of the bottom housing 294, but the electrodes 302 can be arranged otherwise according to the requirements of a particular application. The electrodes 302 can extend through the bottom housing 294 and connect to a PCBA (not shown) and / or a rechargeable power source (not shown) of the safety emitter 210 (e.g., disposed within the safety emitter 210). In this way, these electrodes can communicate electrically with one or both of the PCBA and the rechargeable power source, enabling an external device (e.g., a computer or a charging and transmitting device) to communicate with the safety emitter 210 and charge the rechargeable power source. In that regard, as shown in FIG. 86, in some cases, particularly when the electrodes can charge the rechargeable power source and enable an external device to communicate with the safety emitter, an individual recharge port or communication port (e.g., recharge port 234, see FIG. 71) may not be included.

[0165] In an embodiment, a safety illuminant can be provided that has both an attachment configured to provide a physical connection (e.g., a physical attachment, e.g., a snap fit, a threaded connection, or a magnetic connection) for securing the safety illuminant to a wearable accessory, an external device, or another support structure (e.g., a vehicle, a safety helmet, a building, etc.), and an attachment configured to provide an electrical connection (e.g., for sending a communication signal, for transmitting power, or for sending data including software and firmware). In this regard, the attachments can be grouped into different groups to facilitate different types of connections when coupled to different types of mounting structures or external devices. As used herein, a "group" is defined as including one or more structures or elements. For example, in an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 86, the bottom housing 294 includes two groups of attachments 293. In particular, the bottom housing 294 includes an attachment 293a that constitutes a first group of attachments 293 that includes a threaded attachment 295, and an attachment 293b that constitutes a second group of attachments 293 that includes an electrode 302. In other embodiments, the attachments can be grouped differently, e.g., can include both an electrode and a threaded attachment.

[0166] In an embodiment, the plurality of illuminant elements 36 emit light directed away from the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24, and this light is reflected from the first inclined reflecting surface 66a of the lenses 64, 264 and projected through the plurality of side surfaces 68, 268 of the lenses 64, 264.

[0167] In an embodiment, the safety illuminants 10, 210 are configured to project light through each of the lens side surfaces 68 (68a, 68b, 68c, 68d) (268). In another embodiment, the safety illuminants 10, 210 are configured to project light through each of the lens side surfaces 68 (68a, 68b, 68c, 68d) (268) and through the beacon illuminant lens 60 (260 in FIG. 71).

[0168] In an embodiment, the safety illuminants 10, 210 are configured to emit an audio signal.

[0169] In an embodiment, the safety emitters 10, 210 are configured to have a GPS function.

[0170] In an embodiment, the safety emitters 10, 210 further include a fixing mechanism (not shown) coupled to the upper housings 12, 212 and / or the bottom housings 94, 294. Non-limiting examples of the fixing mechanism include pins, clips, clamps, fasteners, belts, snaps, strings, necklaces, Velcro®, and combinations thereof.

[0171] In an embodiment, the safety emitters 10, 210 are wearable. A "wearable" safety emitter can be attached to a user, for example, to the user's clothing, helmet, or equipment (e.g., backpack).

[0172] In an embodiment, the safety emitters 10, 210 are attachable to a magnetic article (e.g., a magnetic attachment accessory).

[0173] In an embodiment, the safety emitters 10, 210 have a weight ranging from 50 grams (g), 60 g, 70 g, or 75 g to 80 g, 85 g, 90 g, 100 g, 120 g, or 150 g.

[0174] As shown in FIG. 50, the safety light emitters 10, 210 have a length L. In an embodiment, the safety light emitters 10, 210 have a length L ranging from 2.54 cm (1 inch (in)) to 91.44 cm (36 in). In an embodiment, the safety light emitters 10, 210 have a length L from 2.54 cm (1 in) or 3.81 cm (1.5 in) to 5.08 cm (2 in), 6.35 cm (2.5 in), 7.62 cm (3 in), 8.89 cm (3.5 in), 10.16 cm (4 in), 11.43 cm (4.5 in), 12.7 cm (5 in), 13.97 cm (5.5 in), or 15.24 cm (6 in). In another embodiment, the safety light emitters 10, 210 have a length L from 10.16 cm (4 in), 11.43 cm (4.5 in), 12.7 cm (5 in), 13.97 cm (5.5 in), 15.24 cm (6 in), or 25.4 cm (10 in) to 30.48 cm (12 in), 35.56 cm (14 in), 38.1 cm (15 in), 40.64 cm (16 in), 45.72 cm (18 in), 50.8 cm (20 in), 60.96 cm (24 in), 76.2 cm (30 in), 81.28 cm (32 in), or 91.44 cm (36 in).

[0175] As shown in FIG. 50, the safety light emitters 10, 210 have a width W. In an embodiment, the safety light emitters 10, 210 have a width W from 0.635 cm (0.25 in) to 30.48 cm (12 in). In an embodiment, the safety light emitters 10, 210 have a width W from 0.635 cm (0.25 in), 1.27 cm (0.5 in), or 1.905 cm (0.75 in) to 2.54 cm (1 in), 3.81 cm (1.5 in), 5.08 cm (2 in), 7.62 cm (3 in), 8.89 cm (3.5 in), or 10.16 cm (4 in). In another embodiment, the safety light emitters 10, 210 have a width W from 7.62 cm (3 in), 8.89 cm (3.5 in), 10.16 cm (4 in), or 12.7 cm (5 in) to 13.97 cm (5.5 in), 15.24 cm (6 in), 16.51 cm (6.5 in), 17.78 cm (7 in), 19.05 cm (7.5 in), 20.32 cm (8 in), 21.59 cm (8.5 in), 22.86 cm (9 in), 24.13 cm (9.5 in), 25.4 cm (10 in), 27.94 cm (11 in), or 30.48 cm (12 in).

[0176] As shown in FIG. 52, the safety light emitters 10, 210 have a height H. The height H of the safety light emitters 10, 21 is exclusive of the height of the recharge port cover 90. In an embodiment, the safety light emitters 10, 210 have a height H ranging from 0.635 cm (0.25 in) to 30.48 cm (12 in). In an embodiment, the safety light emitters 10, 210 have a height H from 0.635 cm (0.25 in) or 1.27 cm (0.5 in) to 1.905 cm (0.75 in), 2.54 cm (1 in), 3.175 cm (1.25 in), 3.81 cm (1.5 in), 4.445 cm (1.75 in), or 5.08 cm (2 in). In another embodiment, the safety light emitters 10, 210 have a height H from 2.54 cm (1 in), 3.175 cm (1.25 in), 3.81 cm (1.5 in), 4.445 cm (1.75 in), or 5.08 cm (2 in) to 6.35 cm (2.5 in), 7.62 cm (3 in), 8.89 cm (3.5 in), 10.16 cm (4 in), 12.7 cm (5 in) to 13.97 cm (5.5 in), 15.24 cm (6 in), 16.51 cm (6.5 in), 17.78 cm (7 in), 19.05 cm (7.5 in), 20.32 cm (8 in), 21.59 cm (8.5 in), 22.86 cm (9 in), 24.13 cm (9.5 in), 25.4 cm (10 in), 27.94 cm (11 in), or 30.48 cm (12 in).

[0177] In an embodiment, the safety light emitters 10, 210 have a length L from 2.54 cm (1 inch (in)) to 91.44 cm (36 in), a width W from 0.635 cm (0.25 in) to 30.48 cm (12 in), and a height H from 0.635 cm (0.25 in) to 30.48 cm (12 in). In another embodiment, the safety light emitters 10, 210 have a length L from 2.54 cm (1 inch (in)) to 10.16 cm (4 in), a width W from 0.635 cm (0.25 in) to 8.89 cm (3.5 in), and a height H from 0.635 cm (0.25 in) to 4.445 cm (1.75 in).

[0178] In an embodiment, the safety light emitters 10, 210 have the following: (i) a length L, (ii) a width W, and (iii) a height H.

[0179] (i) The length L ranges from 2.54 cm (1 in) or 3.81 cm (1.5 in) to 5.08 cm (2 in), 6.35 cm (2.5 in), 7.62 cm (3 in), 8.89 cm (3.5 in), 10.16 cm (4 in), 11.43 cm (4.5 in), 12.7 cm (5 in), 13.97 cm (5.5 in), or 15.24 cm (6 in).

[0180] (ii) The width W ranges from 0.635 cm (0.25 in), 1.27 cm (0.5 in), or 1.905 cm (0.75 in) to 2.54 cm (1 in), 3.81 cm (1.5 in), 5.08 cm (2 in), 7.62 cm (3 in), 8.89 cm (3.5 in), or 10.16 cm (4 in).

[0181] (iii) The height H ranges from 0.635 cm (0.25 in) or 1.27 cm (0.5 in) to 1.905 cm (0.75 in), 2.54 cm (1 in), 3.175 cm (1.25 in), 3.81 cm (1.5 in), 4.445 cm (1.75 in), or 5.08 cm (2 in).

[0182] The disclosure of the present invention relates to a safety illuminator 10, 210 that encloses an upper housing 12, 212 having walls 14, 214, a PCBA 24 coupled to the upper housing 12, 212 and having a top surface 26 and a bottom surface 28, a plurality of illuminator elements 36 coupled to the bottom surface 298 of the PCBA 24, a lens 64, 264 coupled to the bottom surface 28 of the PCBA 24 and the plurality of illuminator elements 36 and having a first inclined reflecting surface 66a and a plurality of side surfaces 68, 268, and a bottom housing 94, 294 coupled to the lens 64, 264. However, those skilled in the art will understand that alternative embodiments include a bottom housing having a top surface and a bottom surface, a PCBA coupled to the bottom housing and having a top surface and a bottom surface, a plurality of illuminator elements coupled to the top surface of the PCBA, a lens coupled to the top surface of the PCBA and the plurality of illuminator elements and having a first inclined reflecting surface and a plurality of side surfaces 68, and an upper housing coupled to the lens. In this alternative embodiment, each illuminator element coupled to the top surface of the PCBA emits light directed away from or in the opposite direction from the bottom housing, and this light is reflected from the first inclined reflecting surface of the lens and projected through the plurality of side surfaces of the lens.

[0183] The safety illuminators 10, 210 can include two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0184] In particular, the disclosure of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments contained herein and the figures contained herein, and is intended to include modifications of the embodiments that include each part of the embodiments falling within the scope of the following claims and combinations of elements of different embodiments.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0185] 10 Safety illuminator 12 Upper housing 40 Beacon illuminator element 64 Lens 66 Inclined reflecting surface

Claims

1. an upper housing, a bottom housing opposite to the upper housing, a lens disposed between the upper housing and the bottom housing, the lens including a plurality of side surfaces extending between the upper housing and the bottom housing and forming around the lens, and an inclined reflecting surface, a plurality of lighting elements disposed between the upper housing and the lens, the plurality of lighting elements configured to direct light toward the bottom housing to be reflected from the inclined reflecting surface and emitted from at least one of the plurality of side surfaces, a light-emitting system including the same.

2. The light-emitting system according to claim 1, wherein the bottom housing includes one or more attachments configured to couple to a support structure.

3. The light-emitting system according to claim 2, wherein the one or more attachments are symmetrically disposed along a bottom surface of the bottom housing.

4. The light-emitting system according to claim 2, further including a magnet supported by the bottom housing.

5. The light-emitting system according to claim 4, wherein the one or more attachments include a first group of attachments disposed around the magnet.

6. The lighting system according to claim 4, wherein the one or more attachments include a second group of attachments not disposed around the magnet.

7. The light-emitting system according to claim 4, wherein the magnet is disposed within a bracket extending from a bottom surface of the bottom housing.

8. The light-emitting system according to claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the one or more attachments is provided on respective ear-shaped portions extending outwardly from around the bracket.

9. A light-emitting system configured to couple to a support structure, an upper housing, a bottom housing opposite to the upper housing, the bottom housing including one or more attachments for coupling the light-emitting system to the support structure, a lens disposed between the upper housing and the bottom housing, the lens including a plurality of side surfaces extending between the upper housing and the bottom housing and forming around the lens, and an inclined reflecting surface, A plurality of lighting elements disposed between the upper housing and the lens, the plurality of lighting elements configured to direct light emission toward the bottom housing to be reflected from the inclined reflecting surface and to be emitted from at least one of the plurality of side surfaces. A light emitting system including the same.

10. The light emitting system according to claim 9, wherein each of the one or more attachments defines an exposed end that is exposed along an outer surface of the bottom housing, the exposed end including at least one of screwing, snap fitting, and press fitting connections.

11. The light emitting system according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the one or more attachments is embedded in the bottom housing.

12. The light emitting system according to claim 9, further including a magnet configured to magnetically couple the light emitting system to the support structure.

13. The light emitting system according to claim 12, wherein the magnet is fixed in a bracket extending from a bottom surface of the bottom housing.

14. A light emitting system configured to couple to a support structure, an upper housing, a bottom housing opposite the upper housing, the bottom housing including one or more attachments configured to couple the light emitting system to the support structure, a lens disposed between the upper housing and the bottom housing, the lens including a plurality of side surfaces extending between the upper housing and the bottom housing and forming a periphery of the lens, and an inclined reflecting surface, a printed circuit board assembly disposed between the upper housing and the lens, a plurality of lighting elements fixed to the printed circuit board assembly, the plurality of lighting elements configured to direct light toward the bottom housing to be reflected from the inclined reflecting surface and to be emitted from at least one of the plurality of side surfaces. A light emitting system including the same.

15. The light emitting system according to claim 14, wherein the one or more attachments extend through the bottom housing and define an exposed end that is exposed along an outside of the bottom housing.

16. The light emitter system according to claim 15, wherein the one or more attachments are coupled to the printed circuit board assembly and enable the printed circuit board assembly to communicate with the support structure. **Claim 17** The light emitter system according to claim 14, further comprising a battery disposed between the upper housing and the bottom housing. **Claim 18** The light emitter system according to claim 17, wherein the one or more attachments are configured to transmit power from the support structure to charge the battery. **Claim 19** The light emitter system according to claim 17, further comprising an inductive coupling configured to transmit power from the support structure to charge the battery. **Claim 20** The light emitter system according to claim 19, wherein the inductive coupling is disposed between the bottom housing and the lens.

Images