Light with adjustable tail for articles

Abstract

A light assembly comprises a light module portion and a mounted tail portion. The tail is flexible, elongated, and self-supporting, so that it can be configured to be repeatedly bent into various shapes, such as spirals (but not limited to these). By bending the tail, it can be detachably attached to various articles, such as various handheld tools and / or implements (but not limited to these). Thus, such articles that do not already have a light can simply be modified to include a light source. The tail is covered, at least largely, with a soft, comfortable protective sheath material. The entire light assembly can be easily configurable (portable) because the light module is battery-powered and the overall length of the light assembly is often 24 inches to 8 inches. The light assembly can be small, compact, and lightweight.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Priority With respect to this PCT international patent application, applicant Giyora Dahan has the right to claim the priority of two prior U.S. patent applications: Application No. 18 / 383,336 filed on October 24, 2023 and Application No. 18 / 779,859 filed on July 22, 2024, which is due to the applicant being the inventor of the invention for which protection was sought in the prior patent applications.

[0002] Technical Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to portable (mobile) light sources, and more particularly to portable (mobile) light sources having an adjustable and self-supporting (self-standing) tail configured to be removably attached to various physical objects.

[0003] Copyright and Trademarks Part of the disclosure of this patent application may include subject matter that is subject to copyright protection. The rights holder does not object to copying by anyone of the patent documents or patent disclosures as set forth in the patent files or patent records of the Patent and Trademark Office, but reserves all copyrights.

[0004] Certain trademarks referred to in this specification may be common law trademarks or registered trademarks of third parties, whether in an affiliated relationship with the applicant or assignee or not. The use of these trademarks is exemplary and should be construed as descriptive and not as limiting the scope of the present invention to materials related only to these trademarks.

Background Art

[0005] Many items do not have a light source. Many items do not include a light source or do not have an integrated light source. For example, in many cases, many items, such as at least some hand tools, marking tools, pencils, pens, markers, brushes, cosmetic brushes, nail clippers, nail polish containers (including their lids), eyelash curlers, spray bottles, cutting tools, scissors, large scissors, pliers, screwdrivers, chisels, wrenches, saws, power tools, drills, eyeglasses, sunglasses, hats, some of these, combinations of these, etc. (but not limited to these), may not have a light source. In many cases, the use of such items without a light source may be beneficial and / or desirable if a light source were attached to such items, provided they are used under suboptimal lighting conditions. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, many existing (prior art) lighting devices, lighting fixtures, lighting assemblies, flashlights (torches), headlamps, lamps and / or similar items are not configured to be detachably attached to such articles. Often, such existing (prior art) lighting devices, lighting fixtures, lighting assemblies, flashlights (torches), headlamps, lamps and / or similar items: lack mounting means for detachable attachment to a given article; are too heavy to be detachably attached to a given article; are too bulky to be detachably attached to a given article; are not portable (for mobile use) to be detachably attached to a given article; require wired power supplied from a building structure receiver; are not battery-operated; have undesirable mounting means (e.g., mounting means for movable parts are too weak, too strong, permanent and not detachable); some of these; and combinations thereof.

[0007] It would be desirable to develop new types of lighting assemblies that overcome one or more of the weaknesses and / or problems of existing (prior art) lighting devices, lighting fixtures, lighting assemblies, flashlights (torches), headlamps, lamps, and / or similar devices.

[0008] In the art, there is a need for a novel light assembly (a light with an adjustable tail for an article) that may be portable; small; compact; lightweight; comfortable to use; comfortable to wear; battery-operated; and having means for attaching to facilitate detachable attachment to a wide variety of handheld articles, (apparatus and / or tools) and / or at least some types of clothing, garments, headwear and / or footwear, and these characteristics of such a novel light assembly may be comparable to the prior art and / or articles; parts thereof; combinations thereof, and so on.

[0009] This invention was developed for this purpose. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] Brief Overview of the Invention To minimize the limitations of the prior art and other limitations that would be evident from reading and understanding this specification, embodiments of the present invention describe a “light having an adjustable tail for an article,” which is also referred to herein as a “light assembly.”

[0011] In some embodiments, a given light assembly (a light with an adjustable tail for an article) may comprise a light module portion, an attached tail portion, and a sheath material (covering material). In some embodiments, the tail may be referred to herein as a “self-supporting elongate member.” In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongate member may be flexible, elongated, and self-supporting such that the self-supporting elongate member (tail) may be configured to be repeatedly bent into various shapes, such as helical (spiral) (but not limited to). In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongate member (tail) may be detachably attached to various articles such as various handheld tools and / or implements (but not limited to) by a person bending the self-supporting elongate member (tail) with their hands. Thus, any such article that does not have an existing light may simply be modified to include a light source, i.e., a light assembly as shown and described herein, by attaching the self-supporting elongate member of the light assembly to the given article. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member (tail) may be covered, at least largely, with a soft, comfortable protective sheath (covering). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the light module may also be covered with this sheath. In some embodiments, the entire light assembly may be easily portable (for travel) because the light module is battery-powered and the light assembly has an overall length (non-variable), often ranging from 24 inches to 8 inches. In some embodiments, the light assembly may be small, compact, and / or lightweight.

[0012] In some embodiments, articles capable of detachably receiving the attachment of a given light assembly may be selected from: hand tools, marking tools, pencils, pens, markers, nail clippers, nail polish container lids, eyelash curlers, spray bottles, cutting tools, scissors, large scissors, pliers, screwdrivers, chisels, wrenches, saws, power tools, drills, eyeglasses, sunglasses, hats, animal tools, animal collars, animal harnesses, motorcycles, scooters, door handles, door knobs, door levers, hand mirrors, cosmetic compact cases, wallets, parts thereof, combinations thereof, etc. Such articles have some structure, shape, elongation, handle, hole, and / or similar features that are shaped, sized, and / or dimensions to receive a detachable attachment of a self-supporting elongated member (tail) (which is bendable to facilitate a detachable attachment to a given article). For example, without limiting the scope of the present invention, the fact that at least a portion of the self-supporting elongated member (tail) is bent helically (spiral-shaped) around some structure, shape, elongation, handle, hole, and / or similar of a given article often facilitates such a removable attachment to the given article. In this way, the light assembly can be used to illuminate a target area that previously lacked sufficient illumination. In some embodiments, this target area to be illuminated can vary from about 12 × 12 inches to 1 × 1 millimeter (mm), and this range can receive light from the light assembly.

[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide a portable, small, compact, and / or lightweight light assembly that can be detachably attached to a wide variety of different handheld articles, tools, and / or devices.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable, small, compact, and / or lightweight light assembly that can be detachably attached to certain types of clothing, garments, headwear, and / or footwear.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a light assembly that may have a flexible, elongated, and self-supporting tail portion (self-supporting elongated member).

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a light assembly that may have a flexible, elongated, and self-supporting tail portion (self-supporting elongated member) configured to be detachably attached to a wide variety of different handheld articles, tools, and / or devices.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a light assembly that may include a flexible, elongated, and self-supporting tail portion (self-supporting elongated member) configured to be detachably attached to certain types of clothing, garments, headwear, and / or footwear.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a light assembly that may include a sheath material (covering material) that can be configured to cover at least a large portion of the flexible, elongated, and self-supporting tail portion (self-supporting elongated member) of the light assembly.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a light assembly that may include a sheath material (covering material) that can be configured to cover at least a large portion of the flexible, elongated, self-supporting tail portion (self-supporting elongated member) of the light assembly, and also configured to cover at least a portion of the light module portion of the light assembly.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sheathing material (covering material) for at least a portion of a light assembly that is soft, flexible, and / or comfortable to the touch.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a light assembly that can include a (single) light module portion in addition to the tail portion (and sheath portion).

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a light assembly having a battery-powered (single) light module portion.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a light assembly having a (single) light module portion, where the light module portion may include at least one light source.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a light assembly having a (single) light module portion, where the light module portion may include at least one light source which may be at least one light emitting diode (LED).

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a light assembly that provides safety to a user by irradiating light necessary for a desired target position, area, and / or region.

[0026] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a light assembly that provides safety to its users, such as children, small children, infants, toddlers, juveniles, the elderly, those who benefit from corrective glasses, and / or the like (but not limited thereto).

[0027] These and other advantages and features of the present invention are specifically described herein so that those skilled in the art can understand the present invention with respect to both the method of implementing the present invention and the method of manufacturing the present invention.

[0028] Brief Description of Some of the Drawings The elements in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve the understanding of these various elements and the embodiments of the present invention. Further, elements that are common and well understood by those skilled in the art are not drawn to clearly illustrate the various embodiments of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a perspective view of a given “light with an adjustable tail for an article” (“light assembly”) in a typical assembly configuration. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is an exploded view of the light assembly shown in Figure 1. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is a partially exploded perspective view of the light assembly in Figure 1, showing how the light module and the subassembly of the self-supporting elongated members are inserted at least largely into the sheathing material and / or are at least largely covered by the sheathing material. [Figure 2C] Figure 2C is a cross-sectional view of the light assembly in Figure 1, passing through a portion of the tail section. [Figure 2D] Figure 2D is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the light module of the light assembly in Figure 1. [Figure 2E] Figure 2E is a cross-sectional view of the light assembly, showing a portion of the light module. [Figure 2F] Figure 2F is an exploded view of the light assembly shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the light assembly shown in Figure 1, but only a single light module (equipped with electronic components for light illumination) is shown. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A shows the light assembly of Figure 1 in different bending geometry configurations for various examples. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B shows the light assembly from Figure 1 in a configuration that is bent in a loose spiral (vortex) shape. [Figure 4C] Figure 4C shows the light assembly from Figure 1 in a curved configuration. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A shows the light assembly from Figure 1, detachably attached to a given article, namely a marking tool. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B shows the light assembly from Figure 1, detachably attached to a given item, namely a nail clipper. [Figure 5C]Figure 5C shows the light assembly from Figure 1, detachably attached to a given item, namely a nail polish lid. [Figure 5D] Figure 5D shows the light assembly from Figure 1, detachably attached to a given item, namely an eyelash curling tool. [Figure 5E] Figure 5E shows the light assembly from Figure 1, detachably attached to a given item, namely a spray bottle. [Figure 5F] Figure 5F shows the light assembly from Figure 1 detachably attached to a given item, namely scissors. [Figure 5G] Figure 5G shows the light assembly from Figure 1 detachably attached to a given item, namely a pair of large scissors (metal shears). [Figure 5H] Figure 5H shows the light assembly from Figure 1, detachably attached to a given item, namely (cutting) pliers. [Figure 5I] Figure 5I shows the light assembly from Figure 1, detachably attached to a given article, namely (gripping) pliers. [Figure 5J] Figure 5J shows the light assembly of Figure 1 detachably attached to a given item, namely a slender hand tool (such as, but not limited to, a screwdriver or chisel). [Figure 5K] Figure 5K shows the light assembly from Figure 1, detachably attached to a given item, namely a wrench. [Figure 5L] Figure 5L shows the light assembly from Figure 1, detachably attached to a given item, namely a saw. [Figure 5M] Figure 5M shows the light assembly from Figure 1, detachably attached to a given item, namely a drill. [Figure 5N] Figure 5N shows the light assembly from Figure 1 detachably attached to a given item, namely eyeglasses. [Figure 5O]Figure 5O shows the light assembly from Figure 1 detachably attached to a given item, namely a hat (cap). [Figure 5P] Figure 5P shows the light assembly from Figure 1 detachably attached to a given item, namely the hat (cap) in Figure 5O. [Figure 5Q] Figure 5Q shows the light assembly from Figure 1, detachably attached to a given item, namely a door handle. [Figure 5R] Figure 5R shows the light assembly from Figure 1, detachably attached to a given item, namely a doorknob. [Figure 5S] Figure 5S shows the light assembly of Figure 1 detachably mounted on a given item, namely a vehicle such as (but not limited to) a motorcycle. [Figure 5T] Figure 5T shows the light assembly of Figure 1 detachably mounted on a given item, namely a vehicle such as (but not limited to) a scooter. [Figure 5U] Figure 5U shows the light assembly of Figure 1 detachably attached to a given article, namely, an animal tack such as a chain, lead, gentle lead, collar, harness, reins, end rope, saddle, saddle bag, stirrup, strap, belt, yoke, muzzle, or similar item. [Figure 5V] Figure 5V shows the light assembly from Figure 1 detachably attached to a given item, namely a hand mirror. [Figure 5W] Figure 5W shows two adjacent cosmetic compact cases (or wallets) (one rectangular and one circular), each having its own light assembly that can be detachably attached to the given cosmetic compact case (or wallet). [Figure 5X] Figure 5X shows the light assembly from Figure 1 detachably attached to a given item, namely a smartphone (or tablet). [Figure 5Y]Figure 5Y shows the light assembly from Figure 1, detachably attached to a given item, namely a (scissors-type) nail clipper. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a schematic block diagram showing multiple light assemblies of different sizes (dimensions) with respect to overall length and / or overall width (diameter [gauge]). [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is a schematic block diagram showing the end portions of multiple different light modules in multiple different light assemblies. [Figure 6C] Figure 6C is a schematic block diagram of one end region (a predetermined portion) of a light assembly (a light with an adjustable tail for articles) showing only a portion of the sheathing material to which the end and tail of the light module are attached, according to an embodiment of the present invention (i.e., the entire light assembly is not shown in Figure 6C). [Figure 7A] Figure 7A shows a prior art light device having a light source isolated from the power supply in the base member via a flexible neck. [Figure 7B] Figure 7B shows a prior art light device having a light source isolated from the power supply in the base member via a flexible neck. [Figure 7C] Figure 7C shows a prior art lighting device having a light source isolated from the power supply in the base member via both a flexible neck region and a retractable neck region. [Figure 7D] Figure 7D shows a prior art light device having a light source isolated from the power supply in the base member via a flexible neck. [Figure 7E] Figure 7E shows a prior art lighting device having a light source separated from the clamp via a flexible neck. [Figure 7F] Figure 7F shows a prior art light device having two different opposing light sources, namely a first light source and a second light source, separated from each other by two different flexible neck sections and one rigid (fixedly curved) intermediate section. [Figure 7G]Figure 7G shows a prior art lighting device, which is an LED (light-emitting diode) light strip. [Figure 7H] Figure 7H shows a prior art light device, namely an endoscope. [Figure 7I] Figure 7I shows a prior art light device, namely an endoscope. [Figure 8A] Figure 8A shows the end portion of a prior art fishing rod (rod) having a light source attached to the end portion. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B shows the intermediate sections (regions) of three different prior art fishing rods, each of which has a different outer diameter, and the bending radius of each of the illustrated intermediate sections of the fishing rods is also shown. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram of a light assembly (a light with an adjustable tail for an article), the tail being located on the opposite side of the tail region of the light module and may terminate within a tool and / or attachment, or may be equipped with a tool and / or attachment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a “light with an adjustable tail for an article” (“light assembly”) in a typical assembly configuration. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an exploded view of the light assembly shown in Figure 10. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Reference number table With regard to the reference figures used in this specification, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawings. 100 Lights with adjustable tails for articles (light assembly) 100 101 Light Module 101 105 Covering material (sheath material) 105 106 Inside (or interior of the covering material) 106 107 Interface 107 109 Emitted light 109 203 Self-supporting elongated member 203 203a Self-supporting slender member (first wire) 203a 203b Self-supporting slender member (second wire) 203b 204 (Outer part of the self-supporting elongated member) 204 301 Light source (multiple possible) 301 303 Circuits (multiple circuits possible) 303 305 Power supply 305 307 Interface 307 309 Housing 309 Port 311 501 Marking Tools 501 503 Nail clippers 503 505 Nail Polish 505 507 Eyelash curling tool 507 509 Spray Bottle 509 511 Scissors 511 513 Large scissors (metal cutting scissors) 513 515 Pliers 515 517 Pliers 517 519 Screwdriver or Chisel 519 521 Wrench 521 523 saw 523 525 Drill 525 527 Glasses 527 529 Hat (Cap) 529 531 Door handle or knob 531 532 Door lock 532 Vehicle 533 535 Elongated member 535 537 Animal Tools 537 539 Elongated member 539 541 Hand mirror (or brush) 541 543 Makeup compact case (or wallet) 543 545 Smartphone (or tablet computer) 545 547 (Scissors-type) Nail Clippers 547 601 First configuration 601 603 Second configuration 603 605 Third composition 605 607 Fourth composition 607 609 Fifth composition 609 611 Light Module Diameter 611 613 Diameter of the covering material 613 701 Lighting device 701 703 Light source 703 705 Extendable Neck 705 707 Base Member 707 709 Flexible Neck 709 711 Lighting device 711 721 Lighting device 721 731 Lighting device 731 733 Clamp 733 741 Lighting device 741 743 First light source 743 745 Second light source 745 747 middle part 747 749 Flexible Neck 749 751 Prior art lighting device 751 753 Flexible elongated member 753 755 Multiple LEDs 755 761 Prior art lighting device 761 763 Slender and flexible member 763 765 Video and Lighting Equipment 765 767 screens (displays) 767 800 Advanced Technology Fishing Rod (with Light) 800 801 Light source 801 803 Rod 803 803a (thickest) rod 803a 803b Rod 803b 803c (thinnest) rod 803c 901 Tools (attachments or coverings) 901 903 Lid 903 905 Nail polish container 905 907 Twisting motion 907 1000 Light with adjustable tail for articles (light assembly) 1000

[0031] Detailed description of the invention The following discussion, which addresses numerous embodiments and applications of the present invention, refers to some of the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments that may carry out the invention. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a light 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as "light assembly 100") having an adjustable tail for a given article in a typical assembly configuration. In some embodiments, the light assembly 100 may comprise three main components: a (single) light module 101, a (single) self-supporting elongated member 203, and a sheath material 105. In Figure 1, the light module 101 may be at least largely covered by the sheath material 105. In Figure 1, the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be at least largely to entirely covered by the sheath material 105. Therefore, in Figure 1, the sheath material 105 is visible in most respects.

[0033] Continuing with the description of Figure 1, in some embodiments, the sheath material 105 may be configured to cover the light module 101 at least partially. In some embodiments, the sheath material 105 may be configured to cover the self-supporting elongated member 203 at least partially to entirely. In some embodiments, the sheath material 105 may be a flexible and / or pliable hollow elongated member. In some embodiments, the sheath material 105 may have one end closed and the other end on the opposite side open. In some embodiments, the sheath material 105 may or may not be self-supporting. In some embodiments, the sheath material 105 may be made at least substantially (mostly) from at least one of the following: elastomers, silicones, rubbers, natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, soft plastics, flexible plastics, supple plastics, foams, dry foams (e.g., unwet foams and / or foams that have already hardened and dried), foams made from plastics, foams made from elastomers, parts thereof, combinations thereof, and / or similar materials. In some embodiments, the sheath material 105 may be manufactured from one or more processes (methods) of injection molding, extrusion molding, 3D printing, and / or dip processes. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the sheath material 105 may be configured to be soft and / or comfortable so as to be held by an uncovered human hand, fingers, and / or thumb. However, in some embodiments, the sheath material 105 may not be cloth, woven fabric, or fabric.

[0034] Figure 1 may also show a bulge 107 on the outer portion of the sheath material 105 in the area of ​​the light module 101 of the light assembly 100. In some embodiments, the bulge 107 may be part of the sheath material 105 covering an interface 307 for operating the light module 101. The interface 307 is shown in Figure 3. In some embodiments, the interface 307 and / or the bulge 107 may be selected from at least one of switches, membrane switches, buttons, toggles, slides, dials, touch interfaces, twist buttons (twist switches), combinations thereof, and / or similar.

[0035] Figure 1 also shows the synchrotron radiation 109 emitted from one end of the light module 101. Synchrotron radiation 109 is also shown in many other figures of this patent application for a given light module 101 of a given light assembly 100. In some embodiments, the light emitted from the light module 101 is not emitted from the side walls of the light module 101; that is, synchrotron radiation 109 is emitted only from one end of the light module 101, i.e., the end located opposite the self-supporting elongated member 203.

[0036] Figure 2A is an exploded view of the light assembly 100. Figure 2A shows the light module 101 separated from the self-supporting elongated member 203 and separated from the sheath material 105. In some embodiments, a given light assembly 100 (light 100 with an adjustable tail for articles) may comprise a (single) light module 101, a (single) self-supporting elongated member 203, and at least one sheath material 105. In some embodiments, the light module 101 may be configured to emit light from one end of the light module 101. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 may form the tail of the light 100 (light assembly 100) with an adjustable tail for articles. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be flexible and configured to be repeatedly bent into shapes, where the specific shape of the self-supporting elongated member 203 resulting from the bending of the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be self-supporting without an external support source. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 and / or the sheathing 105 may be configured to be repeatedly bent into a helical shape. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be configured to be removablely attached to a given article. In some embodiments, the sheathing 105 may cover at least a portion of the light module 101 and at least a large portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203. In some embodiments, with respect to the lengths of the light module 101 and the self-supporting elongated member 203, the light module 101 and the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be arranged end-to-end in a light 100 (light assembly 100) having an adjustable tail for an article, so that if the self-supporting elongated member 203 is in a linear configuration, these two individual lengths are combined to form the overall length of the light 100 (light assembly 100) having an adjustable tail for an article. In some embodiments, the light module 101 may be an electrically powered device configured to emit light.In some embodiments, the light module 101 may be an electrically powered device configured to emit light from only one end of the particular light assembly 100 and / or only one end of the particular light module 101. In some embodiments, the light module 101 may not emit light from its side walls or from any portion of the light module 101 that may be covered by a sheathing material 105.

[0037] Continuing with the description of Figure 2A, in some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be flexible, bendable, movable (articulated), a combination thereof, and / or similar. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 may have a bending radius of less than 2.5 inches (i.e., this may define the flexibility of the self-supporting elongated member 203 for some embodiments). In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be repeatable flexible, bendable, movable, a combination thereof, and / or similar. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be repeatable flexible, bendable, movable, a combination thereof, and / or similar for at least a predetermined number of cycles of such bending, curving, movement, a combination thereof, and / or similar. In some embodiments, this predetermined number of cycles can be selected from at least the following range: 500 to 10,000 cycles, with at least one minute of rest between continuous bending, curving, and / or movement. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 can be bent, articulated, folded, and / or similar into a variety of different shapes. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 can be bent, articulated, folded, and / or similar in a substantially spiral or helical shape. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 can be bent, articulated, folded, and / or similar into one shape and another.

[0038] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be configured to be repeatedly bent in a helical shape. In some embodiments, with respect to the length of the helical shape (of the self-supporting elongated member 203), a length of 6 centimeters (cm) of that helical shape may have at least 6 turns relative to that particular helical shape.

[0039] In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 can be self-supporting. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 can be (repeatedly) bent into various different shapes, configured to be movable, folded, and / or similar, and once formed, it can be self-supporting (self-maintaining), that is, once a given shape of the self-supporting elongated member 203 is formed (e.g., by bending, curving, configuring to be movable, folding, and / or similar), that particular formed shape can maintain itself without external force being applied to the light assembly 100 and / or the self-supporting elongated member 203; and thereby "self-supporting" can be defined as used herein. For example, if a particular bent shape of the self-supporting elongated member 203 (and / or light assembly 100) were to fall in free fall through the Earth's atmosphere (or in a vacuum), that particular bent shape would be maintained. And / or, in some embodiments, “self-supporting” in this context (and as used herein) may mean that a person (or tool) holds one end of the self-supporting elongated member 203, and regardless of the particular bending shape of the self-supporting elongated member 203, if the other part of the self-supporting elongated member 203 is not physically supported, then whatever shape the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be, its shape may be maintained.

[0040] In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 may comprise at least one elongated member that is fixed, finite, invariant, non-extendable, non-stretchable, and / or predetermined with respect to the overall length, outer diameter (gauge), and / or similar of that particular self-supporting elongated member 203. However, such parameters, characteristics, and / or dimensions may differ between different self-supporting elongated members 203 of different light assemblies 100. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be a solid cylindrical and elongated member. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 may consist of at least one wire. In some embodiments, the at least one wire may be made from at least one metal and / or alloy. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 may consist of at least one wire from at least one metal and / or at least one alloy. In some embodiments, the metal and / or alloy of the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be selected from aluminum, copper, steel, iron, tin, bronze, parts thereof, combinations thereof, and / or similar materials. In some embodiments, at least one wire (of the self-supporting elongated member 203) may not be operably connected to any electronic equipment. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 does not have any electronic equipment. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 does not have any parts that move relative to one another.

[0041] In some embodiments, a given light assembly 100 may comprise only a single self-supporting elongated member 203 and may not comprise multiple separate self-supporting elongated members 203. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 is not formed from multiple connected movable joints. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 may bend, curve, make movable configurations, fold, and / or similar actions anywhere along its length and not at the locations of separate joints, because it does not have separate joints. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 may lack (or have not had) separately distinct movable joints (segments), which may be used in prior art tripods having flexible (movable) tripods. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 may have a uniform, consistent, fixed, and non-variable outer diameter for at least a large portion of its length.

[0042] In some embodiments, the end portion of the light assembly 100 on the opposite side of the light module 101 does not have at least one of the following shapes: spherical, semi-spherical, hemispherical, a combination thereof, and / or similar shapes.

[0043] In some embodiments, the end portion of the light assembly 100 opposite the light module 101 does not have at least one of the following shapes: spherical, hemispherical, a combination thereof, and / or similar shapes, where the diameter of this spherical and / or hemispherical shape is greater than the diameter of most of the length of the self-supporting elongated member 203 having its sheath material 105. In other words, if the diameter of the spherical and / or hemispherical shape is the same as or smaller than the diameter of most of the length of the self-supporting elongated member 203 having its sheath material 105, then such a spherical and / or hemispherical shape with the same or smaller diameter may be located at the end portion of the light assembly 100 opposite the light module 101.

[0044] In embodiments, if the self-supporting elongated member 203 can be formed from two or more wires, those two or more wires may be substantially parallel to each other and all may be at least substantially (mostly) located within the same sheath material 105; that is, when those two or more wires are bent, curved, configured to be movable, folded, and / or similarly, those two or more wires move together as a single unit of the flexible elongated member. In the embodiment, if the self-supporting elongated member 203 can be formed from two or more wires, these two or more wires are not connected end-to-end.

[0045] In some embodiments, in the overall typical assembly configuration of the light assembly 100, the light module 101 may be held adjacent to the end portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 by a covering material (sheath material) 105 that partially covers the light module 101 and can cover the entire self-supporting elongated member 203.

[0046] In some embodiments, in the overall normal assembly configuration of the light assembly 100, the light module 101 may be initially and / or temporarily held adjacent to the end of the self-supporting elongated member 203 by adhesive, glue, epoxy, mechanical attachment, or a combination thereof; and subsequently permanently held adjacent to its end of the self-supporting elongated member 203 by a covering material (sheath material) 105 being installed so as to partially cover the light module 101 and to cover the self-supporting elongated member 203 as a whole.

[0047] In some embodiments, the light module 101 and the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be connected (at least temporarily) end-to-end via mounting means, and a sheath material 105 extruded to a certain length may be placed over the combination of the light module 101 and the self-supporting elongated member 203, and then the extruded portion of the sheath material 105 covering the light module 101 and the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be thermally shrunk using a heat source (e.g., a heat gun, oven, and / or heat tunnel) to form the final assembled configuration of the light assembly 100. In some embodiments, the mounting means between the light module 101 and the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be selected from at least one of adhesive, glue, epoxy, mechanical attachment, or a combination thereof, if they are connected (at least temporarily) end-to-end.

[0048] In some embodiments, the light module 101 and the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be placed together in a desired final assembly configuration relative to each other within an injection molding die cavity, and thereafter a covering material (sheath material) 105 may be formed around the light module 101 and the self-supporting elongated member 203 within the die cavity via an injection molding process that generates the final assembly configuration of the light assembly 100.

[0049] In some embodiments, the light module 101 and the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be connected (at least temporarily) end-to-end via mounting means, and thereafter, the (at least temporary) combination of the light module 101 and the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be immersed together as a unit in a bath of liquid covering material (sheath material) 105, which may harden upon removal from the bath to form the final assembled configuration of the light assembly 100. In some embodiments, hardening may be accelerated and / or promoted by exposure to UV light and / or heat from a heat source. In some embodiments, the mounting means between the light module 101 and the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be selected from at least one of adhesive, glue, epoxy, mechanical attachment, or a combination thereof, if they are connected (at least temporarily) end-to-end.

[0050] In some embodiments, all the electronic components of the light assembly 100 can be completely housed within the light module 101. In some embodiments, at least the majority of all the electronic components of the light assembly 100 can be completely housed within the light module 101. In some embodiments, all the electronic components of the light assembly 100 may be completely housed within the light module 101, or at least the majority of the electronic components may be housed within the light module 101, with only the user interface 107 of the light module 101 partially protruding from the light module 101. See, for example, Figure 2A.

[0051] In some embodiments, in the light assembly 100, at least a large portion of the inner surface 106 of the sheath material 105 may cover at least a large portion of the outer surface 204 of the self-supporting elongated member 203. In some embodiments, in the light assembly 100, at least a large portion of the inner surface 106 of the sheath material 105 may directly cover at least a large portion of the outer surface 204 of the self-supporting elongated member 203 so that no intermediary members, parts, components, fillers and / or similar are placed between the sheath material 105 and the self-supporting elongated member 203. In some embodiments, in the light assembly 100, the sheath material 105 and the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be in direct physical communication (contact) with each other without any intermediary members, parts, components, fillers and / or similar being placed between them. For example, see Figures 2A and 1.

[0052] Figure 2B is a partially exploded perspective view of the light assembly 100, showing how the subassemblies of the light module 101 and the self-supporting elongated member 203 can be inserted into and / or covered by the sheath material 105. Figures 2B and 2A show that in some embodiments, the sheath material 105 may enclose a hollow, empty, and / or void volume (space) before it covers at least a large portion of the subassemblies of the light module 101 and the self-supporting elongated member 203. Figures 2B and 2A show that in some embodiments, the interior 106 of the sheath material 105 may be a hollow, empty, and / or void volume (space) before it covers at least a large portion of the subassemblies of the light module 101 and the self-supporting elongated member 203. Figures 2B and 2A also show the outer surface 204 of the self-supporting elongated member 203. In the full assembly of the light assembly 100 (e.g., as shown in Figure 1), at least a large portion of the outer surface 204 may not be visible to an external observer (because the sheathing material 105 may cover at least a large portion of the outer surface 204 of the self-supporting elongated member 203 in the full assembly). In some embodiments, in the light assembly 100, the inner surface 106 of the sheathing material and at least a large portion of the outer surface 204 of the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be in direct physical communication (contact) with each other. See also the above discussion relating to Figure 2A, which is at least largely applicable to Figure 2B.

[0053] In some embodiments, the sheath material 105 can cover at least a large portion of the outer surface 204 of the self-supporting elongated member 203. In some embodiments, the sheath material 105 can cover at least a large portion of the length of the self-supporting elongated member 203. In some embodiments, the sheath material 105 can cover the entire length of the self-supporting elongated member 203. In some embodiments, the sheath material 105 can cover at least a large portion of the end portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 that is located opposite the end of the light module 101 of the light assembly 100. In some embodiments, the sheath material 105 can cover the end portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 that is located opposite the end of the light module 101 of the light assembly 100. See, for example, Figures 1, 2A, and 2B.

[0054] In some embodiments, in the light assembly 100, the inner surface 106 of the sheath material 105 and at least the outer surface 204 of the self-supporting elongated member 203 can be in direct physical communication (contact) with each other. See, for example, Figures 1, 2A, and 2B.

[0055] Figure 2C is a cross-sectional view through a portion of the tail end of the light assembly 100, i.e., a cross-sectional view through the sheath material 105 and the self-supporting elongated member 203. Figure 2C shows that in some embodiments, the outer portion 204 of the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be in direct physical communication (contact) with the inner portion 106 of the sheath material 105. Refer to Figures 2A and 2B for the use of reference numerals 106 and 204, as these reference numerals are not shown in Figure 2C, although at least some of the surfaces of the inner 106 and outer 204 are shown in Figure 2C.

[0056] In some embodiments, the sheathing material 105 may be the outermost surface of at least a large portion of the light assembly 100 (e.g., at least the outside and / or length of the self-supporting elongated member 203). In some embodiments, the inside 106 of the sheathing material 105 and the outside 204 of at least a large portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be in direct physical communication (contact) with each other (e.g., along the length of the self-supporting elongated member 203). See, for example, Figures 1, 2A, 2B, and 2C.

[0057] Figure 2D is a cross-sectional view of the light assembly 100 through a portion of the light module 101. Figure 2D shows that in some embodiments, the outer portion of the light module 101 may be in direct physical communication (contact) with the inner portion 106 of the sheath material 105. See also Figure 6B.

[0058] Figure 2E is a cross-sectional view of the light assembly 100 through a portion of the light module 101. Figure 2E shows that in some embodiments, at least a portion to all of the outer portion of the light module 101 may not be covered by the sheathing material 105. See also Figure 6C.

[0059] Figure 2F is an exploded view of the light assembly 100. Figure 2F shows the light module 101 separated from the self-supporting elongated member 203 and separated from the sheath material 105. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 may consist of at least one self-supporting elongated member 203. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 may consist of at least two self-supporting elongated members 203a and 203b, respectively. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 may consist of at least one wire 203. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 may consist of at least two wires 203a and 203b, respectively. In some embodiments, if a given light assembly 100 can be manufactured, its self-supporting elongated members (at least one wire) 203, self-supporting elongated members (first wire) 203a, and / or self-supporting elongated members (second wire) 203b may be configured to be substantially (mostly) parallel to each other. In some embodiments, if a given light assembly 100 can be manufactured, its self-supporting elongated members (at least one wire) 203, self-supporting elongated members (first wire) 203a, and / or self-supporting elongated members (second wire) 203b may be configured to be at least substantially (mostly) straight, linear, and / or not bent. In some embodiments, if a given light assembly 100 can be manufactured, its self-supporting elongated members (at least one wire) 203, self-supporting elongated members (first wire) 203a, and / or self-supporting elongated members (second wire) 203b may not be wound, bent, and / or wavy in configuration.

[0060] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a single light module 101. In some embodiments, the light module 101 may contain all the electronics of the light assembly 100. In some embodiments, the light module 101 may house all the electronics of the light assembly 100. In some embodiments, the light module 101 may be a subassembly. In some embodiments, the light module 101 may be a commercially available component. In some embodiments, the light module 101 may include at least one of the following: a light source 301, a circuit 303, a power supply 305, an interface 307, a housing 309, a port 311, electrical wires, electrical cables, some of them, combinations thereof, and / or similar. In some embodiments, the light module 101, light source(s) 301, circuit(s) 303, power supply(s) 305, interface(s) 307, housing(s) 309, and / or port(s) 311 may be listed, certified, registered, and / or compliant with applicable UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and / or NEC (National Electric Code) requirements, standards, codes, and / or similar. In some embodiments, the light module 101 may comprise at least one of the light source(s) 301, circuit(s) 303, and power supply(s) 305. In some embodiments, circuit(s) 303 may be operably connected to both the light source(s) 301 and the power supply(s) 305. In some embodiments, the power supply(s) 305 may be configured to electrically power the light source(s) 301. In some embodiments, the light emitted from the light module 101 may be emitted only from one end of the light module 101 and not from the side wall or the other end of the light module 101.In some embodiments, all electronic components of a light 100 (light assembly 100) having an adjustable tail for articles may be at least partially housed within the light module 101, and the only electronic component optionally partially protruding from the light module 101 may be the user interface 307 of the light module 101. In some embodiments, the electronic components of the light assembly 100 may be located in only one position of the light assembly 100, or only in the position of the light module 101. In some embodiments, the light module 101 may have a consistent and non-variable outer diameter along its length.

[0061] Continuing with the description of Figure 3, in some embodiments, the light source(s) 301 may be at least one light-emitting diode (LED). In some embodiments, the light source(s) 301 may be one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs[or more]). In some embodiments, the light source(s) 301 may be configured to emit light in only one direction. In some embodiments, the light source(s) 301 may not be configured to emit light simultaneously in orthogonal and / or perpendicular directions. In some embodiments, the light source(s) 301 may be operationally connected to at least one of the following: a circuit(s) 303, a power supply(s) 305, an interface(s) 307, a housing(s) 309, a port(s) 311, electrical wires(s), electrical cables(s), some of them, combinations thereof, and / or similar.

[0062] Continuing with the description of Figure 3, in some embodiments, circuit(s) 303 may be at least one electronic circuit. In some embodiments, circuit(s) 303 may be at least one printed circuit board (PCB) or part thereof. In some embodiments, circuit(s) 303 may comprise at least one electronic circuit, at least one PCB, at least one electrical wire, at least one electrical cable, at least one resistor, at least one transistor, at least one capacitor, at least one inducer, parts thereof, combinations thereof, and / or similar. In some embodiments, circuit(s) 303 may be operationally connected to at least one of light sources(s) 301, power sources(s) 305, interfaces(s) 307, housing(s) 309, ports(s) 311, electrical wires(s), electrical cables(s), parts thereof, combinations thereof, and / or similar.

[0063] Continuing with the description of Figure 3, in some embodiments, the power supply(s) 305 may be configured to electrically power at least some of the electronic components of the light module 101. In some embodiments, the power supply(s) 305 may be configured to electrically power the electronic components of the light module 101. In some embodiments, the power supply(s) 305 may be configured to electrically power the light module 101. In some embodiments, the power supply(s) 305 may be configured to electrically power at least one of the light sources(s) 301, circuits(s) 303, interfaces(s) 307, ports(s) 311, electrical wires(s), electrical cables(s), some of them, combinations thereof, and / or similar components of the light module 101. In some embodiments, the power supply(s) 305 may be selected from at least one of the following: a battery, a rechargeable battery, a non-rechargeable battery, an N-size battery, an A11-size battery, an A23-size battery, an A27-size battery, an AAAA-size battery, an AAA-size battery, a 1 / 2AA-size battery, an AA-size (size AA) battery, a 4SR44-size battery, a CR2-size battery, a CR123A-size battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a lithium-ion-based battery, one or more LR632 batteries, one or more LR932 batteries, a graphene battery, a structural battery, a solid-state battery, a semi-solid-state battery, a commercially available battery, a capacitor, a part thereof, a combination thereof, and / or similar. In some embodiments, the power supply(s) 305 may be operationally connected to at least one of the following: the light source(s) 301, the circuit(s) 303, the interface(s) 307, the housing(s) 309, the port(s) 311, the electrical wire(s), the electrical cable(s), parts thereof, combinations thereof, and / or similar. In some embodiments, with respect to the shape factor of the battery(s) 305, the battery(s) 305 may be cylindrical, coin-shaped (button-shaped), combinations thereof, and / or similar shapes.

[0064] Continuing with the description of Figure 3, in some embodiments, the interface 307 shows how a user (person) may interface with, engage with, operate, turn on, turn off, adjust light intensity, adjust light focus, combine these actions, and / or similar actions with a given light module 101 and / or light source(s) 301. In some embodiments, the interface 307 (and / or bulge 107) may be configured to operate as at least one of a switch, membrane switch, button, slide, dial, toggle, touch interface, twist button (and / or switch), combination thereof, and / or similar. In some embodiments, the interface 307 (and / or bulge 107) may be selected from at least one of a switch, membrane switch, button, slide, dial, toggle, touch interface, twist button (and / or switch), combination thereof, and / or similar. In some embodiments, the bulge 107 may be part of a sheath material 105 that can at least partially cover the interface 307. In some embodiments, the interface 307 may be accessible from the outer surface of the housing 309 and / or the outer surface of the light module 101. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the interface 307 may protrude outward from the outer surface of the housing 309 and / or the outer surface of the light module 101. In some embodiments, the interface(s) 307 may be operationally connected to at least one of the following: a light source(s) 301, a circuit(s) 303, a power supply(s) 305, a housing(s) 309, a port(s) 311, an electrical wire(s), an electrical cable(s), a portion thereof, a combination thereof, and / or similar. In some embodiments, interface 307 may be interfaced by twisting one end of light module 101 in the opposite direction to the other end of light module 101 (for example, clockwise or counterclockwise) (such a twisting operation of interface 307 is also shown in Figure 9).

[0065] Continuing with the description of Figure 3, in some embodiments, the housing 309 may be an electronic device housing and / or electronic device enclosure. In some embodiments, the housing 309 may be configured to operate as an electronic device housing and / or electronic device enclosure. In some embodiments, the housing 309 may (entirely) enclose and / or house at least a portion of the electronic device of the light module 101. In some embodiments, the housing 309 may (entirely) enclose and / or house at least a large portion (majority) of the electronic device of the light module 101. In some embodiments, the housing 309 may be water-resistant and / or waterproof to a certain depth. In some embodiments, at least a large portion of the housing 309 may be rigid. In some embodiments, the housing 309 may be a hollow cylindrical elongated member. In some embodiments, the housing 309 may consist at least partially to largely of at least one of the following: metal, alloy, plastic, wood, ceramic, laminate, parts thereof, combinations thereof, and / or similar. In some embodiments, the housing 309 may consist of at least one of the following: CNC machining, turning and / or milling, injection molding, die casting, extrusion, 3D printing, combinations thereof, and / or similar. In some embodiments, the exterior of the housing 309 may be powder coated, anodized, painted, combinations thereof, and / or similar. In some embodiments, the housing 309 may include one or more gaskets, O-rings, sealants, combinations thereof, and / or similar.

[0066] Continuing with the description of Figure 3, in some embodiments, port(s) 311 may be at least one port configured to transfer (receive) power from an external power source for the purpose of charging at least one rechargeable battery 305 of the light module 101. In some embodiments, port(s) 311 may be configured as an industry-accepted form factor, such as but not limited to USB ports, USB micro ports, barrel connector ports, Apple connector ports, and / or similar. In some embodiments, port(s) 311 may be accessible from the outer surface of the housing 309 and / or the outer surface of the light module 101. In some embodiments, port(s) 311 may be optional and / or excluded from the light module 101. In some embodiments, the port(s) 311 may be operationally connected to at least one of the following: light sources(s) 301, circuits(s) 303, power supplies(s) 305, interfaces(s) 307, housings 309, electrical wires(s), electrical cables(s), parts thereof, combinations thereof, and / or similar.

[0067] Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C all show various exemplary different shape configurations of a light assembly 100. Figure 4A shows three different light assemblies 100 side by side, in three different shape configurations, such as a linear configuration, a helical (or spiral) configuration, and a zigzag configuration (but not limited to these). Figure 4B shows another (different) helical (or spiral) configuration of a given light assembly 100. Figure 4C shows a given light assembly 100, which has a shape configuration that is at least mostly linear in some parts (regions) and curved in other parts (regions). In some embodiments, any given light assembly 100 may be bent, configured to be movable, manipulated, and / or similarly made to any of the different shape configurations shown in Figures 4A, 4B, and / or 4C. In some embodiments, any given light assembly 100 can be bent, movably configured, manipulated, and / or similarly to any of the different shape configurations shown in Figures 4A, 4B, and / or 4C, and then bent again, movably configured again, manipulated again, and / or similarly to any other different shape configurations shown in Figures 4A, 4B, and / or 4C. In some embodiments, if the light assembly 100 can be bent, movably configured, manipulated, and / or similarly to any of the different shape configurations shown in Figures 4A, 4B, and / or 4C, the particular shape configuration may be self-supporting. Several embodiments in which the light assembly 100 can be bent, movably configured, manipulated, and / or similarly to various different shape configurations may be made possible by a self-supporting elongated member 203. Note that the different shape configurations of the light assembly 100 shown in Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C are merely non-exclusive examples. It should be understood that the light assembly 100 (for the self-supporting elongated member 203) can be bent, movably configured, manipulated, and / or similarly made into a variety of other different geometric configurations, although not shown herein, still within the scope of the present invention.

[0068] In some embodiments, if the light assembly 100 can be bent into a helical (spiral) shape, the resulting helical (spiral) shape may be self-supporting, that is, once the light assembly 100 is bent into such a helical (spiral) shape, that particular helical (spiral) shape may be maintained freely without being affected by external forces on the light assembly 100. In some embodiments, with respect to a length of 6 centimeters (cm) of the overall helical (spiral) shape of a given light assembly 100, there may be at least six distinct turns of that particular helical (spiral) shape. In some embodiments, repeatedly different bendable shape configurations of a given light assembly 100 may be due to and / or derived from its self-supporting elongated member 203. See, for example, Figures 4A-4C and Figures 5A-5Y.

[0069] In some embodiments, Figures 4A to 4C (and Figures 5A to 5Y) can show that the self-supporting elongated member 203 (of the light assembly 100) is self-supporting in a variety of different bending shapes, and at least one such bending shape (of the self-supporting elongated member 203) of the light assembly 100 may have one or more angles in that particular bending shape. (Note that depending on the bending shape of the self-supporting elongated member 203, there may be no angles.) In some embodiments, a given bending shape of the self-supporting elongated member 203 can be self-supporting in the sense that the given bending shape can be freely maintained by the self-supporting elongated member 203 (without external intervention).

[0070] Figures 5A to 5Y show a given light assembly 100 attached to various exemplary different (handheld or mountable) articles (tools, devices, and / or similar). Note that the different uses of the light assembly 100 with the various exemplary different (handheld or mountable) articles (tools, devices, and / or similar) shown in Figures 5A to 5Y are merely non-exclusive examples. It should be understood that the light assembly 100 (due to the self-supporting elongated member 203) can be detachably attached to other different articles not shown herein but still within the scope of the invention. In general, as long as a given article has handles, elongated member portions, holes (openings), and / or similar, a particular light assembly 100 may be configured to be sized to be detachably attached to that particular given article.

[0071] Figure 5A shows a predetermined light assembly 100 that is detachably attached to a predetermined article, namely a marking tool 501 such as a pencil, pen, marker, paintbrush, cosmetic pencil, eyeliner pencil, and / or similar (but not limited to these). In some embodiments, a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may be wrapped around the elongated member portion of the marking tool 501 to carry out the detachable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the marking tool 501; and further, the ends of the light module 101 of the light assembly 100 may be configured to detach light in a desired direction.

[0072] Figure 5B shows a given light assembly 100 detachably attached to a given article, namely a nail clipper 503. In some embodiments, a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may be wrapped around the elongated member portion of the nail clipper 503 to carry out the detachable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the nail clipper 503; and further, the ends of the light module 101 of the light assembly 100 may be configured to move to project light in a desired direction. In some embodiments, the detachable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the nail clipper 503 may assist in the operation (application) of trimming (cutting) fingernails (and / or toenails) without cutting the skin and / or injuring the person having their nails trimmed (cut). This is because light can be projected from the light assembly 100 onto a designated target work area, especially for children, young children, infants, toddlers, the elderly, people who benefit from corrective glasses, and / or similar persons (but not limited to these), and people with small and / or brittle fingernails (and / or toenails).

[0073] Figure 5C shows a predetermined light assembly 100 that is detachably attached to a given article, namely the lid of a nail polish bottle 505 (which is essentially a paintbrush). In some embodiments, a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may be wrapped around the elongated portion of the nail polish bottle 505 lid to carry out the detachable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the nail polish bottle 505 lid; and further, the ends of the light module 101 of the light assembly 100 may be configured to move to project light in a desired direction.

[0074] Figure 5D shows a predetermined light assembly 100 that is detachably attached to a predetermined article, namely an eyelash curling tool 507. In some embodiments, a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may be wrapped around a portion of the elongated member of the eyelash curling tool 507 to carry out the detachable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the eyelash curling tool 507; and further, the ends of the light module 101 of the light assembly 100 may be configured to detach light in a desired direction.

[0075] Figure 5E shows a predetermined light assembly 100 detachably attached to a predetermined article, namely a spray bottle 509. In some embodiments, a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may be wrapped around the neck portion of the spray bottle 509 to carry out the detachable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the spray bottle 509; and further, the ends of the light module 101 of the light assembly 100 may be configured to detach light in a desired direction.

[0076] In some embodiments, a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may be wrapped around the head portion of the spray bottle 509 to enable a removable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the spray bottle 509.

[0077] Figure 5F shows a predetermined light assembly 100 detachably attached to a predetermined article, namely scissors 511. In some embodiments, a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may be wrapped around the handle portion of the scissors 511 to carry out the detachable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the scissors 511; and further, the ends of the light module 101 of the light assembly 100 may be configured to detachably direct light in a desired direction.

[0078] In some embodiments, a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may also be wrapped around a portion of the elongated member of the scissors 511 to enable a removable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the scissors 511.

[0079] Figure 5G shows a predetermined light assembly 100 detachably attached to a predetermined article, namely a pair of large scissors (metal shears) 513. In some embodiments, a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may be wrapped around a portion of the elongated member of the large scissors (metal shears) 513 to carry out the detachable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the large scissors (metal shears) 513; and further, the ends of the light module 101 of the light assembly 100 may be configured to detach light in a desired direction.

[0080] In some embodiments, the portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may also be wrapped around the handle portion of the large scissors (metal shears) 513 to enable a removable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the large scissors (metal shears) 513.

[0081] Figure 5H shows a given light assembly 100 detachably attached to a given article, namely (cutting) pliers 515. In some embodiments, a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may be wrapped around a portion of the elongated member (and / or handle portion) of the (cutting) pliers 515 to carry out the detachable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the (cutting) pliers 515; and further, the ends of the light module 101 of the light assembly 100 may be configured to move to project light in a desired direction.

[0082] Figure 5I shows a predetermined light assembly 100 detachably attached to a predetermined article, namely (gripping) pliers 517. In some embodiments, a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may be wrapped around a portion of the elongated member (and / or handle portion) of the (gripping) pliers 517 to carry out the detachable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the (gripping) pliers 517; and further, the end of the light module 101 of the light assembly 100 may be configured to move to project light in a desired direction.

[0083] Figure 5J shows a predetermined light assembly 100 detachably attached to a predetermined article, namely, an elongated hand tool 519 such as a (manual) screwdriver, chisel, awl, letter opener, knife, and / or similar (but not limited to these). In some embodiments, a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may be wrapped around a portion of the elongated member (and / or handle) of the elongated hand tool 519 to carry out the detachable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the elongated hand tool 519; and further, the end of the light module 101 of the light assembly 100 may be configured to detachably direct light in a desired direction.

[0084] Figure 5K shows a predetermined light assembly 100 detachably attached to a predetermined article, namely a wrench 521. In some embodiments, a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may be wrapped around a portion of the elongated member (and / or handle) of the wrench 521 to carry out the detachable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the wrench 521, and further, the end of the light module 101 of the light assembly 100 may be configured to move to project light in a desired direction.

[0085] Figure 5L shows a given light assembly 100 detachably attached to a given article, namely a saw 523. In some embodiments, the saw 523 may be a manual (or powered) saw. In some embodiments, a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may be passed through a hole (opening) in the saw 523 to carry out the detachable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the saw 523, and further, the end of the light module 101 of the light assembly 100 may be configured to detach light in a desired direction.

[0086] In some embodiments, the portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may also be wrapped around the handle (and / or elongated member) portion of the saw 523 to enable a removable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the saw 523.

[0087] Figure 5M shows a predetermined light assembly 100 detachably attached to a predetermined article, namely a drill 525. In some embodiments, the drill 525 may be a powered (or manual) drill. In some embodiments, a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may be wrapped around the elongated member portion (handle portion, neck portion, and / or head portion) of the drill 525 to carry out the detachable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the drill 525; and further, the end of the light module 101 of the light assembly 100 may be configured to move to project light in a desired direction.

[0088] Figure 5N shows a predetermined light assembly 100 that is detachably attached to a predetermined article, namely eyeglasses 527 (including, but not limited to, corrective eyeglasses, reading glasses, sunglasses, safety glasses, eye loops, and / or similar items). In some embodiments, a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may be wrapped around the elongated member portion (and / or frame) of the eyeglasses 527 to carry out the detachable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the eyeglasses 527; and further, the end of the light module 101 of the light assembly 100 may be configured to detachably direct light in a desired direction. In this way, the light assembly 100 can be made into a reading lamp.

[0089] Figures 5O and 5P show a predetermined light assembly 100 that is detachably attached to a given article, namely a hat (cap) 529 (such as, but not limited to, a baseball cap). In some embodiments, a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may be wrapped around (and / or through holes) the elongated member portion of the hat (cap) 529 to carry out the detachable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the hat (cap) 529; and further, the ends of the light modules 101 of the light assembly 100 may be configured to move to project light in a desired direction. In this way, the light assembly 100 can be made into a headlamp. Figures 5O and 5P show the hat (cap) 529 with this detachably attached light assembly 100 from two different perspective angles.

[0090] Figure 5Q shows a given light assembly 100 that is detachably attached to a given article, namely a door handle or knob 531. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may be wrapped around the elongated member portion (or the portion to which the door handle or knob 531 is attached) of the door handle or knob 531 to enable the detachable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the door handle or knob 531; further, the end of the light module 101 of the light assembly 100 may be configured to detach light in a desired direction, such as the lock 532 of the door (this may facilitate the use of the lock 532 in the dark). In some embodiments, the door handle or knob 531 may be a door handle, door knob, door lever, etc., for interacting with a given door.

[0091] Figure 5R shows a given light assembly 100 that is detachably attached to a given article, namely a door handle or knob 531. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may be wrapped around a portion of the elongated member (or the portion to which the door handle or knob 531 is attached) of the door handle or knob 531 to enable the detachable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the door handle or knob 531; furthermore, the ends of the light module 101 of the light assembly 100 may be configured to detach light in a desired direction, such as the lock 532 of the door. In some embodiments, the door handle or knob 531 may be a door handle, door knob, door lever, etc., for interacting with a given door.

[0092] Figure 5S shows a given light assembly 100 that is detachably attached to a given article, namely a vehicle 533. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may be wrapped around a portion of the elongated member 535 of the vehicle 533 to carry out the detachable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the vehicle 533. In some embodiments, the ends of the light module 101 of the light assembly 100 may be configured to flexibly direct light in a desired direction for use as a flashlight, vehicle headlight, taillight, and / or to make the user (rider) of the vehicle 533 more visible (such as at night or in darkness, but not limited to this). In some embodiments, the vehicle 533 may be a vehicle on which a user (e.g., a person and / or a rider) rides. In some embodiments, the vehicle 533 may be a unicycle, two-wheeler, three-wheeler, four-wheeler, scooter, and / or similar. In some embodiments, any wheels of the vehicle 533 may be replaced with sleds, skis, skids, and / or rails. In some embodiments, the vehicle 533 may be powered by a person (rider), battery and electric motor, solar cell and electric motor, wind power, combustion fuel and engine, a combination thereof, and / or similar. In some embodiments, the elongated member 535 may be a part of the elongated member of the vehicle 533, such as (but not limited to) a frame, tubes, wires, handlebars, stem, fork, down tube, top tube, seat tube, seat stay, chain stay, spokes, fenders, parts thereof, combinations thereof, and / or similar. See, for example, Figure 5S.

[0093] Figure 5T shows a given light assembly 100 that is detachably mounted to a given article, namely a vehicle 533. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may be wrapped around a portion of the elongated member 535 of the vehicle 533 to carry out the detachable mounting of the light assembly 100 to the vehicle 533. In some embodiments, the ends of the light module 101 of the light assembly 100 may be configured to radiate light in a desired direction for use as a flashlight, a vehicle headlight, a taillight, and / or to make the user (rider) of the vehicle 533 more visible (such as at night or in darkness, but not limited to this). In some embodiments, the vehicle 533 may be a vehicle on which a user (e.g., a person and / or a rider) rides. In some embodiments, the vehicle 533 may be a scooter, a unicycle, a two-wheeler, a three-wheeler, a four-wheeler, and / or similar. In some embodiments, any wheels of the vehicle 533 may be replaced with sleds, skis, skids, and / or rails. In some embodiments, the vehicle 533 may be powered by a person (rider), battery and electric motor, solar cell and electric motor, wind power, combustion fuel and engine, a combination thereof, and / or similar. In some embodiments, the elongated member 535 may be a part of the elongated member of the vehicle 533, such as (but not limited to) a handle, handle grips, upper steering column, lower steering column, head tube, deck, clamp, frame, tube, wire, handlebars, stem, fork, down tube, top tube, seat tube, seat stay, chain stay, spokes, fenders, parts thereof, combinations thereof, and / or similar. See, for example, Figure 5T.

[0094] Figure 5U shows a predetermined light assembly 100 detachably attached to a predetermined article, namely an animal tool 537 (or a tool 537 for use on an animal(s)). Note that only a portion of the animal tool 537 may be shown in Figure 5U. In some embodiments, the animal tool 537 may be selected from at least one of the following: chains, leads, gentle leads, collars, harnesses, reins, end ropes, saddles, saddle bags, stirrups, straps, belts, yokes, muzzles, parts thereof, and / or similar items. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may be wrapped around a portion of the elongated member 539 of the animal tool 537 to enable the detachable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the animal tool 537. In some embodiments, the end of the light module 101 of the light assembly 100 may be movably configured to direct light in a desired direction for use as a flashlight and / or to make a given animal more visible (such as at night or in darkness, but not limited to this). In some embodiments, the light assembly 100 may be detachably attached to the elongated member 539 of the animal tool 537 to make nighttime walks of a given animal (pet) safer. In some embodiments, the given animal (pet) that can use the animal tool 537 may be selected from vertebrates, mammals, dogs, cats, horses, farm animals, reptiles, birds, primates, humans, and / or similar animals. In some embodiments, the given animal may be a pet. In some embodiments, the elongated member 539 may be an elongated member portion of the animal tool 537. In some embodiments, the elongated member 539 may be a flexible, bendable, and / or similarly propertyed elongated member portion of the animal tool 537.

[0095] Figure 5V shows a predetermined light assembly 100 that is detachably attached to a predetermined item, namely a hand mirror 541 (or hairbrush). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may be wrapped around a portion of the elongated member of the hand mirror 541 (or hairbrush) to carry out the detachable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the hand mirror 541 (or hairbrush); furthermore, the ends of the light module 101 of the light assembly 100 may be configured to move to project light in a desired direction.

[0096] Figure 5W shows two adjacent cosmetic compact cases 543 (or wallets 543) (one rectangular and one circular), each having its own light assembly 100 that is detachably attached to a given cosmetic compact case 543 (or wallet 543). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may be wrapped around a portion of the cosmetic compact case 543 (or wallet 543) to enable the detachable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the cosmetic compact case 543 (or wallet 543); and further, the ends of the light module 101 of the light assembly 100 may be configured to detachably direct light in a desired direction.

[0097] Figure 5X shows two adjacent smartphones 545 (or tablet computers 545), each having its own light assembly 100 that is detachably attached to a given smartphone 545 (or tablet 545). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may be wrapped around a portion of the smartphone 545 (or tablet 545) to enable the detachable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the smartphone 545 (or tablet 545); and further, the ends of the light module 101 of the light assembly 100 may be configured to flexibly direct light in a desired direction, such as (but not limited to) the user's face (for example, when taking a picture of oneself using a given smartphone 545 [or tablet 545] and one wants their face to be well illuminated).

[0098] Figure 5Y shows a predetermined light assembly 100 that is detachably attached to a predetermined article, namely a nail clipper 547 (which functions like scissors). In some embodiments, a portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 may be wrapped around a portion of the elongated member (e.g., the handle) of the nail clipper 547 to carry out the detachable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the nail clipper 547; and further, the ends of the light module 101 of the light assembly 100 may be configured to move to project light in a desired direction. In some embodiments, the removable attachment of the light assembly 100 to the nail clippers 503 can assist in the operation of trimming (cutting) fingernails (and / or toenails) without cutting the skin and / or injuring the person having their nails trimmed (cut), because light can be shone from the light assembly 100 onto a predetermined target work area, especially for people with small and / or brittle fingernails (and / or toenails), such as children, young children, infants, toddlers, the elderly, people who benefit from corrective glasses, and / or similar persons (but not limited to these).

[0099] In some embodiments, the articles shown in Figures 5A to 5Y, etc., are examples of, but are not limited to, the articles to which the light assembly 100 can be detachably attached. The articles may be selected from the following: hand tools, marking tools, pencils, pens, markers, highlighters, brushes, makeup brushes, nail clippers, nail polish container lids, eyelash curlers, spray bottles, cutting tools, scissors, large scissors, pliers, screwdrivers, chisels, wrenches, saws, power tools, drills, eyeglasses, sunglasses, hats, caps, door handles, door knobs, door levers, vehicles, motorcycles, scooters, animal tools, chains, leads, gentle leads, collars, harnesses, reins, end ropes, saddles, saddle bags, stirrups, straps, girths, yokes, muzzles, hand mirrors, cosmetic compact cases, wallets, smartphones, tablet computers, elongated members, frame members, tubes (tubular members), wires, parts thereof, combinations thereof, and / or similar items.

[0100] Figure 6A is a schematic block diagram showing multiple light assemblies 100 of different sizes (dimensions) with respect to overall length and / or overall width (diameter [gauge]). In some embodiments, once a given light assembly 100 is manufactured, its overall length and / or overall width (diameter [gauge]) may be at least one of fixed, finite, given, non-variable, a combination thereof, and / or similar. However, two or more different light assemblies 100 may be manufactured so that their overall length and / or overall width (diameter [gauge]) differ from each other, but otherwise still be fixed, finite, given, non-variable, a combination thereof, and / or similar.

[0101] In some embodiments, a given light assembly 100 may be manufactured to have an overall length selected from a range of 24 inches to 8 inches, if the intended application is for a detachable attachment to a handheld and / or wearable article (for example, as shown in Figures 5A to 5Y), and any length longer or shorter than this range may be undesirable for such an application.

[0102] In some embodiments, a given light assembly 100 may be manufactured to have an overall length selected from a range of 18 inches to 12 inches, if the intended application is for a detachable attachment to a handheld and / or wearable article (for example, as shown in Figures 5A to 5Y), and any length longer or shorter than this range may be undesirable for such application use.

[0103] In some embodiments, a given light assembly 100 may be manufactured to have an overall outer diameter (width) selected from 1 / 8 [0.125] inch to 3 / 8 [0.375] inch, if the intended application is for a removable attachment to a handheld and / or wearable article (e.g., as shown in Figures 5A to 5Y), and anything wider or thinner than this range may be undesirable for such applications.

[0104] Figure 6B is a schematic block diagram showing the end portions of several different light modules 101 of several different light assemblies 100. In Figure 6B, only the end portions of the different light modules 101 of several different light assemblies 100 can be shown; that is, Figure 6B is not focused on showing portions of the sheathing material 105 that can cover each of the different self-supporting elongated members 203 of several different light assemblies 100. At least one purpose of Figure 6B may be to show how, in various embodiments of the light assembly 100, the sheathing material 105 can cover at least a portion of a given light module 101.

[0105] Continuing with the description of Figure 6B, in some embodiments, in the first embodiment 601, the sheath material 105 may cover the entire side wall of the light module 101, that is, the sheath material 105 may cover the entire light module 101 except for the area of ​​the light module 101 that emits light (from the light source(s) 301). In some embodiments, in the first embodiment 601, a portion of the sheath material 105 may extend beyond the end of the light module 101 that emits light (from the light source(s) 301) from its particular end. In some embodiments, in the first embodiment 601, the sheath material 105 may cover at least a portion of the interface 307 of the light module 101, forming a bulge 107 at an external position of the sheath material 105.

[0106] Continuing with the description of Figure 6B, in some embodiments, in the second embodiment 603, the sheath material 105 may cover the entire side wall of the light module 101, that is, the sheath material 105 may cover all of the light module 101 except for the area of ​​the light module 101 that emits light (from the light source(s) 301). In some embodiments, in the second embodiment 603, a portion of the sheath material 105 may extend to (but not beyond) the end of the light module 101 that emits light from a particular end (from the light source(s) 301). In some embodiments, in the second embodiment 603, the sheath material 105 may cover at least a portion of the interface 307 of the light module 101, forming a bulge 107 at an external position of the sheath material 105.

[0107] Continuing with the description of Figure 6B, in some embodiments, in the third embodiment 605, the sheathing material 105 may cover most of the side wall of the light module 101, or it may cover all of it, that is, the sheathing material 105 may cover most of the light module 101 but not all of it, and the area of ​​the light module 101 that emits light (from its light source(s) 301) may be left without the sheathing material 105. In some embodiments, in the third embodiment 605, a portion of the sheathing material 105 may cover at least most of the outer side wall of the light module 101. In some embodiments, in the third embodiment 605, the sheathing material 105 may cover at least a portion of the interface 307 of the light module 101, forming a bulge 107 at an external position of the sheathing material 105. In some embodiments, the first embodiment 601, the second embodiment 603, and / or the third embodiment 605 may demonstrate that the covering material (sheath material) 105 can cover at least a large portion of the outside (side wall) of a given light module 101.

[0108] Continuing with the description of Figure 6B, in some embodiments, in the fourth embodiment 607, the sheathing material 105 may cover at least a portion of the side wall of the light module 101, that is, the sheathing material 105 may cover at least a portion of the light module 101, and the area of ​​the light module 101 that emits light (from its light source(s) 301) may be left without the sheathing material 105. In some embodiments, in the fourth embodiment 607, a portion of the sheathing material 105 may cover a portion of the outer wall of the light module 101. In some embodiments, in the fourth embodiment 607, a portion of the sheathing material 105 may cover a portion of the outer wall of the light module 101, for example, less than half. In some embodiments, in the fourth embodiment 607, the covering material (sheath material) 105 does not need to cover at least a portion of the interface 307 of the light module 101, so that the bulge 107 does not need to be located on the outside of the covering material (sheath material) 105.

[0109] Continuing with the description of Figure 6B, in some embodiments, in the fifth embodiment 609, the sheath material 105 may reach and touch the end of the light module 101, which is spaced apart from the end of the light module 101 that emits light. In some embodiments, in the fifth embodiment 609, the sheath material 105 may not cover the light module 101. In some embodiments, in the fifth embodiment 609, the sheath material 105 may not cover any outer portion of the light module 101. In some embodiments, in the fifth embodiment 609, the sheath material 105 may not cover at least a portion of the interface 307 of the light module 101, so that in the fourth embodiment 607, there may not be a bulge 107 outside the sheath material 105.

[0110] Figure 6C is a schematic block diagram of one end region (a predetermined portion) of a light assembly 100 (light 100 with an adjustable tail for articles), showing only a portion of its tail having the end of the light module 101 and its attached sheath material 105, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The opposite end of the light assembly 100 (i.e., the other end of the sheath material 105 without the light module 101) is not shown in Figure 6C. In some embodiments, the diameter 611 of the light module 101 may be the same as or greater than the diameter 613 of the sheath material 105. In some embodiments of the light assembly 100, the diameter 613 of the sheath material 105 may be smaller than (or the same as) the diameter 611 of the light module 101. In some embodiments, the sheath material 105 may cover the outside 204 of the self-supporting elongated member 203, but may cover only a portion of the light module 101, or not cover anything at all. In some embodiments, the sheath material 105 may cover at least the entirety of the self-supporting elongated member 203 that would be visible to an external observer if the sheath material 105 were not used, but may cover only a portion of the light module 101, or not cover anything at all. In some embodiments, the sheath material 105 may be in physical contact (communication) with the light module 101. In some embodiments, the interface 307 and / or port 311 may be located on the outer sidewall portion (area) of the light module 101 and / or accessible from there. In some embodiments, interface 307 may be interfaced by twisting one end of light module 101 in the opposite direction to the other end of light module 101 (for example, clockwise or counterclockwise) (such a twisting operation of interface 307 is also shown in Figure 9).

[0111] Figures 7A to 7I show various prior art lighting devices that differ from the light assembly 100.

[0112] Figures 7A and 7B show essentially the same prior art lighting device 701, in which the light source 703 is isolated from the power supply in the base member 707 via a flexible neck 709. In the lighting device 701, the light source 703 is located in one end region, its base member 707 has the power supply located in the other end region on the opposite side, and its flexible neck 709 connects the light source 703 to the base member 707. The flexible neck 709 is elongated and flexible and accommodates the electronics of the lighting device 701, such as wires and / or cables.

[0113] The prior art light device 701 differs from the light assembly 100 in several respects. First, in the light device 701, electronics such as wires and / or cables are located within the flexible neck 709. In the light device 701, the electronics extend along the entire length of the light device 701. On the other hand, the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 is completely devoid of electronics and / or the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 does not conduct current and is not operably connected to the power supply 305. In the light assembly 100, the electronics are arranged asymmetrically, occupying only one end region of the entire light assembly 100, and the majority of the entire length of the light assembly 100 is devoid of electronics. In some embodiments, the length of the light module 101 may be selected from 3 inches to 0.5 inches, and the remaining length of the light assembly 100 is the length of the self-supporting elongated member 203, which may have a length selected from 5 inches to 23.5 inches.

[0114] Secondly, in the light device 701, the diameter of the electronic housing is variable; that is, the flexible neck 709 (containing the electronic equipment) is thinner than both the light source 703 and the base member 707, and the light source 703 is thinner than the base member 707. On the other hand, in the light assembly 100, its light module 101 (the only component containing the electronic equipment) has a uniform, constant, consistent, non-variable diameter and / or such a diameter (possibly apart from the interface 307, the bulge 107, and / or the port 311). In the light assembly 100, the housing 309 of its light module 101 has at least substantially (mostly) a uniform, constant, consistent, non-variable diameter and / or such a diameter.

[0115] Thirdly, in the light device 701, with respect to its entire length, its outer diameter changes significantly along its entire length, the diameter of its light source 703 is larger than the diameter of its flexible neck 709, and the diameter of its base member 707 is larger than the diameter of its light source 703 and also larger than the diameter of its flexible neck 709. On the other hand, in the light assembly 100, with respect to its entire length, its outer diameter is fixed, constant, consistent, and / or non-variable along at least the majority of its entire length.

[0116] Fourth, in the light device 701, the entire light device 701 can be vertically self-supported by its base member 707, that is, the bottom of the base member 707 can rest on a flat substrate (such as a tabletop), and the remaining part of the light device 701 can be self-supported and held upright by the base member 707. On the other hand, the light assembly 100 does not have such an equivalent substrate (base) structure. In other words, the end portion of the light assembly 100 cannot be placed on a flat surface while the rest of it remains vertically upright; if this were attempted, the light assembly 100 would simply fall over.

[0117] Fifth, in the light device 701, the base member 707 occupying one end region located opposite the light source 703 cannot be configured to be curved, bent, and / or movable; rather, the base member 707 is completely rigid and elongated. On the other hand, the end portion of the light assembly 100 located opposite the light module 101 is configured to be curved, bent, and / or movable.

[0118] Sixth, in the light device 701, the covering material (sheath material) only covers the flexible neck 709 and does not cover the light source 703 or the base member 707 (it does not cover the power supply either). On the other hand, in the light assembly 100, the covering material (sheath material) 105 covers at least a large portion to all of the self-supporting elongated member 203 and can cover at least a small portion to a large portion of the light module 101.

[0119] Figure 7C shows a prior art light device 711 in which the light source 703 is separated from the power source in the base member 707 via the region of the flexible neck 709 and via the region of the telescopic neck 705. In the light device 711, the light source 703 is located in one end region, the base member 707 has a power source located in the other end region on the opposite side, and its flexible neck 709 and its telescopic neck 705 connect the light source 703 to the base member 707. The flexible neck 709 is attached to the light source 703 at one end and to the telescopic neck 705 at the other end of the flexible neck 709. The telescopic neck 705 is attached to the flexible neck 709 at one end and to the base member 707 at the other end of the telescopic neck 705. The telescopic neck 705 is a linear member configured to expand or contract. Thus, the overall length of the light device 711 is variable.

[0120] The prior art light device 711 differs from the light assembly 100 in several respects. First, the light device 711 contains electronic equipment such as wires and / or cables within the flexible neck 709 and the retractable neck 705. In the light device 711, the electronic equipment extends along the entire length of the light device 711. On the other hand, the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 is completely devoid of electronic equipment, and / or the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 does not conduct current and is not operably connected to the power supply 305. In the light assembly 100, the electronic equipment is asymmetrically arranged, occupying only one end region of the entire light assembly 100, and is completely devoid of electronic equipment for most of the entire length of the light assembly 100.

[0121] Secondly, in the light device 711, the diameter of the electronic housing is variable. That is, the flexible neck 709 (containing the electronic equipment) is narrower than both the light source 703 and the base member 707, and the light source 703 is wider than the base member 707. In the light device 711, the diameter of the retractable neck 705 is narrower than both the diameter of the light source 703 and the diameter of the base member 707. On the other hand, in the light assembly 100, its light module 101 (the only component containing the electronic equipment) has a uniform, constant, consistent, non-variable diameter and / or such a diameter (possibly apart from the interface 307, the bulge 107, and / or the port 311). In the light assembly 100, the housing 309 of its light module 101 has at least substantially (mostly) a uniform, constant, consistent, non-variable diameter and / or such a diameter.

[0122] Thirdly, in the light device 711, with respect to its entire length, its outer diameter changes significantly along its entire length, the diameter of its base member 707 is wider than the diameter of its flexible neck 709, the diameter of the light source 703 is wider than the diameter of its base member 707 and also wider than the diameter of its flexible neck 709, and the diameter of the telescopic neck 705 has yet another different diameter. On the other hand, in the light assembly 100, with respect to its entire length, its outer diameter is constant, consistent and / or non-variable along at least the majority of its entire length.

[0123] Fourth, in the light device 711, the entire light device 711 can be vertically self-supported by its base member 707, that is, the bottom of the base member 707 rests on a flat substrate (such as a tabletop), and the remaining part of the light device 711 can be self-supported by the base member 707 in an upright, vertical manner. On the other hand, the light assembly 100 does not have such an equivalent base structure. In other words, the end portion of the light assembly 100 cannot be placed on a flat surface while the rest of it remains vertically upright; if this were attempted, the light assembly 100 would simply fall over.

[0124] Fifth, in the light device 711, the base member 707 occupying one end region located opposite the light source 703 cannot be configured to be curved, bent, and / or movable; rather, the base member 707 is completely rigid and elongated. On the other hand, the end portion of the light assembly 100 located opposite the light module 101 is configured to be curved, bent, and / or movable.

[0125] Sixth, in the light device 711, the covering material (sheath material) only covers the flexible neck 709 and does not cover the light source 703 or the base member 707 (it does not cover the power supply either). On the other hand, in the light assembly 100, the covering material (sheath material) 105 covers at least a large portion to all of the self-supporting elongated member 203 and can cover at least a small portion to a large portion of the light module 101.

[0126] Seventh, in the light device 711, the area of ​​its flexible neck 709 occupies only a small portion of the total length of the light device 711. On the other hand, in the light assembly 100, its self-supporting elongated member 203 occupies most of the total length of the light assembly 100.

[0127] Eighth, the light device 711 is of variable length due to its retractable neck 705. On the other hand, the overall length of the light assembly 100 is fixed, finite, predetermined, and / or non-variable.

[0128] Figure 7D shows a prior art light device 721 having a light source 703 separated from a power source in a base member 707 via a flexible neck 709. In the light device 721, the light source 703 is located in one end region, its base member 707 is located in the other end region on the opposite side and contains a power source, and its flexible neck 709 connects the light source 703 to the base member 707. The flexible neck 709 is elongated and flexible and accommodates the electronics of the light device 721, such as wires and / or cables.

[0129] The prior art light device 721 differs from the light assembly 100 in several respects. Firstly, the light device 721 contains electronic equipment such as wires and / or cables within the flexible neck 709. In the light device 721, the electronic equipment extends along the entire length of the light device 721. On the other hand, the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 completely lacks electronic equipment, and / or the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 does not conduct current and is not operably connected to the power supply 305. In the light assembly 100, the electronic equipment is asymmetrically arranged, occupying only one end region of the entire light assembly 100, and completely lacking electronic equipment for most of the entire length of the light assembly 100.

[0130] Secondly, in the light device 721, the width of the electronic equipment housing is variable, that is, the flexible neck 709 (containing the electronic equipment) is narrower than both the light source 703 and the base member 707. On the other hand, in the light assembly 100, its light module 101 (the only component containing the electronic equipment) has a uniform, constant, consistent, non-variable diameter and / or such a diameter (apart possibly from the interface 307, the bulge 107, and / or the port 311). In the light assembly 100, the housing 309 of its light module 101 has at least substantially (mostly) a uniform, constant, consistent, non-variable diameter and / or such a diameter.

[0131] Thirdly, in the light device 721, with respect to its overall length, its outer width changes significantly along its entire length, and the width of its flexible neck 709 is narrower than the width of both the light source 703 and the base member 707. On the other hand, in the light assembly 100, with respect to its overall length, its outer diameter is constant, consistent, and / or non-variable along at least the majority of its entire length.

[0132] Fourth, in the light device 721, the base member 707 occupying one end region located opposite the light source 703 cannot be configured to be curved, bent, and / or movable; rather, the base member 707 is completely rigid and elongated. On the other hand, the end portion of the light assembly 100 located opposite the light module 101 is configured to be curved, bent, and / or movable.

[0133] Fifth, in the light device 721, the covering material (sheath material) only covers the flexible neck 709 and does not cover the light source 703 or the base member 707 (it does not cover the power supply either). On the other hand, in the light assembly 100, the covering material (sheath material) 105 covers at least a large portion to all of the self-supporting elongated member 203 and can cover at least a small portion to a large portion of the light module 101.

[0134] Figure 7E shows a prior art lighting device 731 having a light source 703 separated from a clamp 733 via a flexible neck 709. In the lighting device 731, the light source 703 is located in one end region, its clamp 733 is located in the other end region on the opposite side, and its flexible neck 709 connects the light source 703 to the clamp 733. The flexible neck 709 is elongated and flexible and accommodates the electronic components of the lighting device 731, such as wires and / or cables. The clamp 733 can be fixed to a tabletop, desktop, or shelf. A power cable with a plug for a power outlet (receptacle) passes through or is attached to the clamp 733.

[0135] The prior art light device 731 differs from the light assembly 100 in several respects. Firstly, the light device 731 contains electronic equipment such as wires and / or cables within the flexible neck 709. In the light device 731, the electronic equipment extends along the entire length of the light device 731. On the other hand, the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 completely lacks electronic equipment, and / or the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 does not conduct current and is not operably connected to the power supply 305. In the light assembly 100, the electronic equipment is arranged asymmetrically, occupying only one end region of the entire light assembly 100, and is completely absent for most of the entire length of the light assembly 100.

[0136] Secondly, in the light device 731, the diameter and / or width of the electronic equipment housing varies, i.e., the flexible neck 709 (containing its electronic equipment) is thinner than both the light source 703 and the clamp 733, and the light source 703 is thinner than the clamp 733. On the other hand, in the light assembly 100, its light module 101 (the only component containing electronic equipment) has a uniform, constant, consistent, non-variable diameter and / or such a diameter (possibly apart from the interface 307, the bulge 107, and / or the port 311). In the light assembly 100, the housing 309 of its light module 101 has at least substantially (mostly) a uniform, constant, consistent, non-variable diameter and / or such a diameter.

[0137] Thirdly, in the light device 731, with respect to its entire length, its outer diameter changes significantly along its entire length, the diameter of its light source 703 is wider than the diameter of its flexible neck 709, and the width of the clamp 733 is wider than the diameter of its light source 703 and also wider than the diameter of its flexible neck 709. On the other hand, in the light assembly 100, with respect to its entire length, its outer diameter is constant, consistent, and / or non-variable along at least the majority of its entire length.

[0138] Fourth, in the light device 731, when attached to some structure (e.g., a desktop, tabletop, or shelf), the entire light device 731 can be vertically supported by its clamp 733. On the other hand, the light assembly 100 does not have such an equivalent clamp structure. That is, the end portion of the light assembly 100 cannot be placed on a flat surface while keeping the rest of it vertically upright; if this were attempted, the light assembly 100 would simply fall over.

[0139] Fifth, in the light device 731, the two main parts of the clamp 733 occupying one end region located opposite the light source 703 cannot be configured to be curved, bent, and / or movable; rather, the two main parts of the clamp 733 are completely rigid and elongated. On the other hand, the end portion of the light assembly 100 located opposite the light module 101 is configured to be curved, bent, and / or movable.

[0140] Sixth, in the light device 731, the covering material (sheath material) only covers the flexible neck 709 and does not cover the light source 703 or the base member 707 (it does not cover the power supply either). On the other hand, in the light assembly 100, the covering material (sheath material) 105 covers at least a large portion to all of the self-supporting elongated member 203 and can cover at least a small portion to a large portion of the light module 101.

[0141] Figure 7F shows a prior art light device 741 having two different opposing light sources, namely a first light source 743 and a second light source 745, separated from each other by two different flexible neck 747 sections and one rigid intermediate section 749. The single intermediate section 749 is elongated, rigid, curved, and has a predetermined fixed, finite, and non-variable length. One of the two flexible neck 747 sections is attached to each of the two opposing ends of the intermediate section 749. Each of the two flexible neck 747 sections terminates at one of two lights: the first light source 743 and the second light source 745, respectively. A power supply is housed in the single intermediate section 749, so that a wire (cable) runs from the power supply in the intermediate section 749 through each of the two different flexible neck 747 sections to reach and connect to each of the two lights, the first light source 743 and the second light source 745, in a communicative manner. Each of the two lights, the first light source 743 and the second light source 745, has its own on / off button that is not covered by either of the two different parts of the flexible neck 747.

[0142] The prior art light device 741 differs from the light assembly 100 in several respects. First, in the prior art light device 741, electronic equipment such as wires and / or cables are located within each of the two different (and separate) parts of the flexible neck 747. In the prior art light device 741, the electronic equipment extends along the entire length of the prior art light device 741. On the other hand, the self-supporting elongated member 203 in the light assembly 100 is completely devoid of electronic equipment; and / or the self-supporting elongated member 203 in the light assembly 100 does not conduct current and is not operably connected to the power supply 305 (or any other power supply). In the light assembly 100, the electronic equipment is arranged asymmetrically, occupying only one end region of the entire light assembly 100, and is completely devoid of electronic equipment for most of the entire length of the light assembly 100. On the other hand, in the prior art light device 741, the electronic equipment is arranged symmetrically with respect to the entire length of the prior art light device 741.

[0143] Secondly, in the prior art light device 741, the width of the electronic housing is variable, that is, the (two) flexible necks 747 (parts) (containing the electronic equipment) are narrower than both the first light source 743 and the second light source 745, which are the two lights, and also narrower than the intermediate part 749. Also, the width of the intermediate part 749 is greater than the width of the first light source 743 and the second light source 745, which are the two lights. On the other hand, in the light assembly 100, its light module 101 (the only component containing the electronic equipment) has a uniform, constant, consistent, non-variable diameter and / or such a diameter (possibly apart from the interface 307, the bulge 107, and / or the port 311). In the light assembly 100, the housing 309 of its light module 101 has at least substantially (mostly) a uniform, constant, consistent, non-variable diameter and / or such a diameter.

[0144] Thirdly, in the prior art light device 741, with respect to its overall length, the outer width of the prior art light device 741 varies significantly along its entire length, and the width of its (two) flexible necks 747 (parts) is narrower than the width of both the first light source 743 and the second light source 745, and narrower than the intermediate part 749. In each part (region) of the prior art light device 741, the width (diameter) varies along the length of a given part (region). For example, the width (diameter) varies along the length of the first light source 743, the second light source 745, the two flexible necks 747, the intermediate part 749, and / or a combination thereof. On the other hand, in the light assembly 100, with respect to its overall length, its outer diameter is constant, consistent, and / or non-variable along at least the majority of its overall length. In some embodiments, the diameters (widths) of the light assembly 100, its self-supporting elongated member 203 and / or its sheath material 105 may be (at least substantially [mostly]) uniform, constant, consistent, non-variable, and / or such diameters (widths).

[0145] Fourth, in the prior art light device 741, the intermediate portion 749 occupies the middle portion of the overall length of the prior art light device 741 and cannot be configured to be curved, bent, and / or movable; rather, the intermediate portion 749 is completely rigid, elongated, and fixedly curved. On the other hand, the intermediate portion (region) of the light assembly 100 may be part of a self-supporting elongated member 203 and may be configured to be curved, bent, and / or movable.

[0146] Fifth, in the prior art light device 741, the flexible sheath only covers each of the two separate and distinct flexible necks 747, and does not cover the two lights, the first light source 743 and the second light source 745, nor does it cover the intermediate portion 749 (and its power supply). On the other hand, in the light assembly 100, the sheath 105 covers at least a large portion to all of the self-supporting elongated member 203, and can cover at least a small portion to a large portion of the light module 101.

[0147] Sixth, the prior art lighting device 741 has two distinct, separate, and opposing lights, a first light source 743 and a second light source 745, respectively. On the other hand, in some embodiments, the lighting assembly 100 may have only one single light module 101. In some embodiments, a single light module 101 may comprise one or more light sources 301, but such one or more light sources 301 are not opposing lights.

[0148] Seventh, the prior art light device 741 has two different, separate, opposing flexible neck 747 parts, each separated from one another by an intermediate part 749.

[0149] On the other hand, the light assembly 100 may have only one single self-supporting elongated member 203; and even in embodiments in which the single (one) self-supporting elongated member 203 may comprise two or more (parallel) wires, these two or more wires are not separated from one another by any structure similar to the intermediate portion 749 of the prior art light device 741.

[0150] Figure 7G shows a prior art light device 751, which is an LED (light-emitting diode) light strip, which is a strip of elongated flexible members 753 having a plurality of LEDs 755 arranged at a predetermined constant interval (space) along the length of the elongated flexible member 753.

[0151] The prior art light device 751 differs from the light assembly 100 in several respects. Firstly, in the prior art light device 751, electronic components such as wires, cables, and / or LEDs are present throughout and / or along the entire length of the prior art light device 751 (flexible elongated member 753). In the prior art light device 751, the electronic components extend along the entire length of the prior art light device 751. On the other hand, the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 is completely devoid of electronic components, and / or the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 does not conduct current and is not operably connected to the power supply 305. In the light assembly 100, the electronic components are arranged asymmetrically, occupying only one end region of the entire light assembly 100, and are completely devoid of electronic components for most of the entire length of the light assembly 100.

[0152] Secondly, the entire length of the prior art light device 751 (flexible elongated member 753) does not self-support in the same manner (situation) as the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100. Any portion, region, and / or section of the prior art light device 751 (flexible elongated member 753) does not self-support in the same manner (situation) as the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100.

[0153] Thirdly, the prior art light device 751 has a plurality of LEDs 755 uniformly and consistently arranged along the length of the prior art light device 751 (flexible elongated member 753). On the other hand, the light assembly 100 does not have a plurality of lights (light sources) uniformly and consistently arranged along the length of the light assembly 100. Furthermore, the light emitted from the prior art light device 751 is emitted in a different direction from the light emitted from the light assembly 100. The prior art light device 751 emits light in a direction perpendicular to the direction of its longitudinal length and emits light in this manner for almost the entire length of its longitudinal direction; on the other hand, the light assembly 100 emits light only from one end and not from its length or the other end.

[0154] Figures 7H and 7I essentially illustrate a prior art light device 761, i.e., an endoscope, having a main (longest) member which is an elongated flexible member 763, and a video-and-light device 765 attached to one end of the elongated flexible member 763, with the opposite end of the elongated flexible member 763 generally attached to some kind of screen 767 and / or display 767. The video-and-light device 765 emits light and also captures video images. Wires(s), cables(s), and / or optical fibers(s) are laid along the entire length of the elongated flexible member 763 to supply power to the video-and-light device 765 and to transmit video images from the video-and-light device 765 to the screen 767 and / or display 767. The 761 endoscope is used to illuminate and video record hard-to-reach places such as inside the body of an animal, during surgery, inside machinery, inside pipes, inside wall assemblies, and / or similar locations.

[0155] The prior art light device 761 differs from the light assembly 100 in several respects. Firstly, in the prior art light device 761, electronic equipment such as wires, cables, and / or optical fibers are present throughout and / or along the entire length of the prior art light device 761 (the elongated flexible member 763). In the prior art light device 761, the electronic equipment extends along the entire length of the prior art light device 761. On the other hand, the self-supporting elongated member 203 in the light assembly 100 is completely devoid of electronic equipment; and / or the self-supporting elongated member 203 in the light assembly 100 does not conduct current and is not operably connected to the power supply 305 (or any other power supply). In the light assembly 100, the electronic equipment is asymmetrically arranged, occupying only one end region of the entire light assembly 100, and is completely devoid of electronic equipment for most of the entire length of the light assembly 100.

[0156] Secondly, the entire length of the prior art light device 761 (elongated flexible member 763) does not self-support in the same manner (situation) as the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100. Any portion, region, and / or section of the prior art light device 761 (elongated flexible member 763) does not self-support in the same manner (situation) as the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100.

[0157] Thirdly, the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 is more flexible than the elongated flexible member 763 of the prior art light device 761. For example, the bending radius of the elongated flexible member 763 is often selected from a bending radius of 2.5 inches to 4.5 inches for a given prior art light device 761. On the other hand, the bending radius of the self-supporting elongated member 203 (of the light assembly 100) can be less than 2.5 inches, meaning that the self-supporting elongated member 203 is more flexible than the elongated flexible member 763.

[0158] Fourth, in some prior art lighting devices 761, the image and lighting device 765 emit light simultaneously in at least two orthogonal (and / or perpendicular) directions. In contrast, in the light assembly 100, the light emitted is in only one direction (unidirectional) at any given moment. In some embodiments, the light assembly 100 does not emit light simultaneously in multiple directions at once. In some embodiments, the light assembly 100 does not emit light simultaneously in multiple orthogonal (perpendicular) directions at once.

[0159] Fifth, while the prior art lighting device 761 has a camera (e.g., a video and lighting device 765), the lighting assembly 100 does not have any camera. In some embodiments, the lighting assembly 100 does not include a camera and / or anything similar.

[0160] Sixth, the prior art light device 761 has a screen (display) 767 and / or is configured to display its images and video images from the light device 765 on such screen (display) 767. On the other hand, the light assembly 100 does not have any screen (display)(or more). In some embodiments, the light assembly 100 does not include a screen (display)(or more) and / or anything similar. In some embodiments, the light assembly 100 does not generate any video images for display on a screen (display)(or more) and / or anything similar.

[0161] Figure 8A shows the end portion of a prior art fishing rod 800 with a light source 801 attached to its end. The prior art fishing rod 800 is used to pull wires and / or cables through walls, conduits, pipes, etc. The wires and / or cables pulled by the prior art electric fishing rod 800 can place a significant load on the prior art electric fishing rod 800. The tensile load capacity of the prior art electric fishing rod 800 may range from 300 pounds (lbs.) to 750 pounds (lbs.). If the rod portion 803 of a given prior art electric fishing gear rod 800 is often made of a glass fiber reinforced polyester core (etc.) with a protective polypropylene coating (etc.), then the prior art electric fishing gear rod 800 will have some limited flexibility but will not be self-supporting in the same manner as the self-supporting elongated member 203 (of the light assembly 100); that is, the prior art electric fishing gear rod 800 will not be able to bend into a given shape (for example, with one or more angles in its bend shape), and will not be able to self-support such a resulting shape and maintain the resulting shape. Please recall Figures 4A-4C and 5A-5Y which show the self-supporting elongated member 203 (of the light assembly 100) being self-supporting in various different bend shapes.

[0162] Figure 8B shows the intermediate portions (regions) of three different prior art electric fishing gear rods 800, each having a different (outer) diameter, namely, a 1 / 4 (0.25) inch outer diameter rod 803a, a 3 / 16 (0.1875) inch outer diameter rod 803b, and a 5 / 32 (0.15625) inch outer diameter rod 803c. The suffixes "a," "b," and "c" in the reference figures of the rod portions 803 are simply to distinguish between portions of rod 803 with different diameters. The 1 / 4 (0.25) inch outer diameter rod 803a has a minimum bending radius of 4.5 inches (maximum flexibility). The 1 / 4 (0.25) inch outer diameter rod 803a can pull a load of up to 750 pounds (lbs.). The 803b rod with an outer diameter of 3 / 16 (0.1875) inches has a minimum bending radius of 3 inches (maximum flexibility). It can pull loads up to 500 pounds (lbs.). The 803c rod with an outer diameter of 5 / 32 (0.15625) inches has a minimum bending radius of 2.5 inches (maximum flexibility). It can pull loads up to 300 pounds (lbs.).

[0163] The prior art electric fishing rod 800 differs from the light assembly 100 in several respects. Firstly, the rod 803 portion of a given prior art electric fishing rod 800 is considerably longer than the length of the light assembly 100. In some embodiments, the light assembly 100 may have an overall length of 2 feet (24 inches) or less. The rod 803 portion of a given prior art electric fishing rod 800 often has a total length of 10 feet, 15 feet, 20 feet, 25 feet, or more. Such relatively long lengths of the prior art electric fishing rod 800 would make it impossible to use the prior art electric fishing rod 800 in the same manner as the light assembly 100 as shown in Figures 5A to 5Y. In some embodiments, the light assembly 100 is too short to function as an electric fishing rod.

[0164] Secondly, the entire length of the prior art electric fishing rod 800 does not self-support in the same manner (situation) as the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100. No portion, region, and / or section of any length of the prior art electric fishing rod 800 self-supports in the same manner (situation) as the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100. The prior art electric fishing rod 800 cannot be bent into a predetermined shape (for example, having one or more angles in its bend), and cannot self-support or maintain the resulting shape. After bending (curving) the prior art electric fishing rod 800, the prior art electric fishing rod 800 will attempt to return to its original, unbent (uncurved) shape; that is, the prior art electric fishing rod 800 will only maintain a predetermined bent configuration if an external force acts on it to maintain its shape. In complete contrast, recall Figures 4A-4C and 5A-5Y, which show the self-supporting elongated member 203 (of the light assembly 100) self-supporting in a variety of different bending shapes.

[0165] Thirdly, the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 100 is more flexible than the rod 803 portion of a given prior art electric fishing rod 800. For example, the bending radius of the rod 803 portion of a given prior art electric fishing rod 800 is often selected from a bending radius of 2.5 inches to 4.5 inches. On the other hand, the bending radius of the self-supporting elongated member 203 (of the light assembly 100) may be less than 2.5 inches, meaning that the self-supporting elongated member 203 is more flexible than the rod 803 portion of a given prior art electric fishing rod 800.

[0166] Fourth, in some prior art electric fishing rods 800, the light source 801 emits light simultaneously in at least two orthogonal (and / or perpendicular) directions. In some prior art electric fishing rods 800, the light source 801 emits light simultaneously in an omnidirectional manner both in front of the light source 801 and on the sides surrounding the light source 801. On the other hand, in the light assembly 100, the light emitted is in only one direction (unidirectional) at any given moment. In some embodiments, the light assembly 100 does not emit light simultaneously in multiple directions at once. In some embodiments, the light assembly 100 does not emit light simultaneously in orthogonal (perpendicular) directions at once. In some embodiments, the light emitted from a given light module 101 (light source 301) is not omnidirectional light emission in the same manner as the light source 801 of a given prior art electric fishing rod 800. In some embodiments, the light emitted from a given light module 101 (light source 301) is only emitted from its edge (front), and no light is directly emitted from the sides of the light module 101 (light source 301).

[0167] Fifth, the prior art electric fishing rod 800 is for pulling wires and / or cables through walls, conduits, pipes, etc. The wires and / or cables pulled by the prior art electric fishing rod 800 may place a significant load on the prior art electric fishing rod 800. The tensile load capacity of the prior art electric fishing rod 800 may range from 300 pounds (lbs.) to 750 pounds (lbs.).

[0168] On the other hand, the light assembly 100 is not configured to pull loads such as (but not limited to) wires and / or cables. In some embodiments, the light 100 (light assembly 100) with an adjustable tail for articles may not be configured to pull loads of 100 pounds or more. In some embodiments, the light 100 (light assembly 100) with an adjustable tail for articles may not be configured to pull loads of 50 pounds or more.

[0169] Furthermore, the Light Assembly 100 is too short to be used as a rod for electric fishing gear.

[0170] Sixth, the light source 801 of a predetermined prior art electric fishing rod 800 has mounting means at its distal end for attaching to various electric fishing gear attachment tools such as hook tools, bullet tips, or threaded tips. On the other hand, the distal end of the light module 101 does not have such mounting means. In some embodiments, the distal end of the light module 101 may be solely for emitting light from its light source(s) 301.

[0171] Seventh, the polypropylene protective covering on the rod 803 portion of a given prior art electric fishing rod 800 does not cover any portion of its light source 801. On the other hand, the covering (sheath material) 105 of a given light assembly 100 can cover at least a portion to most of the light module 101.

[0172] Furthermore, the various embodiments of the light assembly 100 are distinguishable from the teachings of the prior art U.S. Utility Patent No. 5,385,500 (inventor Schmidt). For example, without limiting the scope of the present invention, various embodiments of the light assembly 100 do not have or include at least one of the following: intended as a toy; configured as a toy; overall shape or configuration that is a toy; overall shape or configuration that is a toy animal; overall shape or configuration that is a toy snake; overall shape or configuration that is a toy serpent; overall shape or configuration that is a toy eel; overall shape or configuration that is a toy worm; overall shape or configuration that is a snake; overall shape or configuration that is a snake; overall shape or configuration that is a snake; overall shape or configuration that is an eel; overall shape or configuration that is a worm; snake (snak Overall shapes or structures intended to resemble snakes (serpents), worms, eels, etc.; overall shapes or structures intended to resemble toys of snakes (serpents), worms, eels, etc.; decorations, structures, geometric shapes, parts, sections, areas, and / or similar things intended to resemble parts of an animal's body; decorations, structures, geometric shapes, parts, components, sections, areas, and / or similar things intended to resemble an animal's eye; decorations, structures, geometric shapes, parts, components, sections, areas, and / or similar things intended to resemble an animal's mouth; corrugated tubes or pipes; soft polyester padding; outer fabric shells; parts thereof; combinations thereof; and / or similar things.

[0173] In some embodiments, the outer diameter of a portion of the light assembly 100 may be smaller than the outer diameter of a standard AA battery. In some embodiments, the light assembly 100 may not utilize an AA battery.

[0174] Furthermore, the various embodiments of the light assembly 100 are distinct from and different from the teachings of the prior art U.S. Utility Patent No. 9,295,314 (inventor McClees). For example, without limiting the scope of the present invention, various embodiments of the light assembly 100 do not have or include an item (article) holding container (e.g., configured to support a smartphone). At least some embodiments of the light assembly 100 are not configured as an item holding container attached to a flexible tail member. At least some embodiments of the light assembly 100 are not configured to detachably hold or support various items (articles) (e.g., a smartphone) (e.g., in an item holding container). At least some embodiments of the light assembly 100 include electronic equipment as part of an assembly such as (but not limited to) the light module 101, whereas the item holding device of U.S. Utility Patent No. 9,295,314 does not have any electronic equipment as part of its assembly (but can detachably hold some small electronic equipment).

[0175] Furthermore, the various embodiments of the light assembly 100 are distinct from and distinguishable from the teachings in the U.S. utility patent application (Patent Application No. 09 / 794,708), which is the prior art publication to inventor Nostrant, Patent Application Publication No. 2002 / 0118535. For example, without limiting the scope of the present invention, various embodiments of the light assembly 100 do not have, or include, at least one of the following: a plush body; a plush cover; a toy head; a stuffed toy head; a toy bear head; a toy rabbit head; a toy snake head; an overall shape configurable to resemble an animal; an overall shape configurable to resemble a toy; an overall shape configurable to resemble a toy animal; an overall shape configurable to resemble a monkey; an overall shape configured to resemble an octopus; a configuration for emitting light from the mouth of a toy animal; a configuration for emitting light from an opening intended to resemble the mouth of an animal; a coil spring; a part thereof; a combination thereof; and / or something similar thereto.

[0176] Furthermore, the various embodiments of the light assembly 100 are distinguishable from the teachings in the prior art publication U.S. utility patent application (Patent Application No. 09 / 930,210) to inventor Huang, Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 0035285. For example, without limiting the scope of the present invention, various embodiments of the light assembly 100 do not have, or do not include, a mechanical clamp structure located at the opposite end of the light module 101, away from the end. At least some embodiments of the light assembly 100 do not have, or do not utilize, a mechanical clamp structure comprising a mechanical clamp assembly consisting of at least two distinct parts, located at the opposite end of the light module 101, away from the end. In at least some embodiments of the light assembly 100, the outer diameter of the light module 101 is substantially (mostly) the same as (or less than) the outer diameter of the sheath material 105 and / or the self-supporting elongated member 203. In at least some embodiments of the light assembly 100, the outer diameter of the light module 101 is substantially (significantly) not larger than the outer diameter of the sheath material 105 and / or the self-supporting elongated member 203. In at least some embodiments of the light assembly 100, the outer diameter of the light module 101 is not larger than the outer diameter of the sheath material 105 and / or the self-supporting elongated member 203.

[0177] Figure 9 may show a schematic block diagram of a light assembly 100 in which the end portion located opposite the end portion region of the light module 101 may terminate within a tool 901 and / or attachment 901; or may comprise the tool 901 and / or attachment 901. In some embodiments, this tool and / or attachment may be a cover 901. In some embodiments, the cover 901 may be a gripping cover 901. In some embodiments, the gripping cover 901 may be configured to extend detachably to the outside of the lid 903, fit over it, and / or grip over it. In some embodiments, the gripping cover 901 may be made of at least substantially (mostly) one elastomer such as silicone, nitrile, rubber, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, stretchable plastic, a combination thereof, a part thereof, and / or similar materials (but not limited thereto). In some embodiments, the physical connection between the gripping cover 901 and the lid 903 may be detachable. In some embodiments, the light assembly 100 may be detachably attached to the lid 903 using a gripping cover 901. In some embodiments, the lid 903 may be a lid for a container such as (but not limited to) a nail polish container 905. In some embodiments, the detachable attachment of the gripping cover 901 to the lid 903 may allow the user to shine the light on particularly the nails that may be intended to receive nail polish and / or similar products in order to assist in this process.

[0178] Continuing with the description of Figure 9, in some embodiments, the cover 901 may be sized, shaped, and / or dimensional so as to removably fit, cover, and / or seal over a container, bottle, flask, jug, cup, beaker, glass, and / or similar. In some embodiments, the cover 901 may be a lid. In some embodiments, the cover 901 may be sized, shaped, and / or dimensional so as to replace the lid of a given container, bottle, flask, jug, cup, beaker, glass, and / or similar. In some embodiments, the cover 901 may be sized, shaped, and / or dimensional so as to removably fit over and / or cover the lid 903 of a nail polish container 905 (or similar). In some embodiments, the cover 901 may have only one largest (main) opening. In some embodiments, the cover 901 may have secondary smaller openings (e.g., to meet safety regulations) to prevent the largest (primary) opening of the cover 901 from forming a vacuum and / or to minimize airway obstruction if the cover 901 is inhaled and / or ingested. In some embodiments, if the light assembly 100 has at least a substantially straight (straight) bend configuration, the end of the light-emitting light assembly 100 may face away from the opening of the cover 901. In some embodiments, the tool 901 and / or attachment 901 may be at least one magnet. In some embodiments, the tool 901, attachment 901, and / or cover 901 may be detachably attached (via mounting means) to the end of the light assembly 100 that is positioned away from the end of the light-emitting light assembly 100. In some embodiments, this mounting means may be a screw connection.

[0179] Continuing with the explanation of Figure 9, in some embodiments, the interface 307 of the light module 101 may be a twist button (or twist switch) that, by a twisting motion 907 (e.g., either clockwise or counterclockwise), can be engaged by the user to turn the light module 101 on or off and / or change the light intensity of the light module 101.

[0180] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a light 1000 (hereinafter simply referred to as "light assembly 1000") having an adjustable tail for a given article in a typical assembly configuration. In some embodiments, the light assembly 1000 may comprise four main components: two different light modules 101, at least one self-supporting elongated member 203, and a sheath material 105. In some embodiments, the light assembly 1000 may comprise three main components: two of the light modules 101, at least one self-supporting elongated member 203, and a sheath material 105. In Figure 10, the light module 101 may be at least largely covered by the sheath material 105. In Figure 10, the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be at least largely to entirely covered by the sheath material 105. Therefore, in Figure 10, the sheath material 105 is visible in most respects. In some embodiments, the light assembly 1000 may differ from the light assembly 100 by having two different light modules 101; on the other hand, the light assembly 100 may have only one light module 101. In some embodiments, all inconsistent arguments relating to the light assembly 100 and / or the figure of the light assembly 100 may be applicable to the light assembly 1000. In some embodiments, the two different light modules 101 of the light assembly 1000 may be positioned opposite each other and located at the opposing (opposite) ends of the light assembly 1000. In some embodiments, the two different light modules 101 of the light assembly 1000 may be positioned opposite each other and located at the opposing (opposite) ends of the self-supporting elongated member 203. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 of the light assembly 1000 may have a bending radius of less than 2.5 inches. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated members 203 of the light assembly 1000 and / or light assembly 100 may have a bending radius of less than 10 millimeters (mm).In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated members 203 of the light assembly 1000 and / or light assembly 100 may have a bending radius of less than 5 millimeters (mm).

[0181] Figure 11 is an exploded view of the light assembly 1000. Figure 11 shows two different, opposingly positioned optical modules 101 separated from the self-supporting elongated member 203 and separated from the sheath material 105. In some embodiments, the light assembly 1000 may comprise at least one self-supporting elongated member 203, two distinct light modules 101, and the sheath material 105. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 may form and / or become the tail of the light assembly 1000. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be flexible and configured to be repeatedly bent into shape, and a particular shape of the self-supporting elongated member 203 resulting from the bending of the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be self-supporting without an external support source. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be configured to be detachably attached to a given article (see, for example, the various articles shown in Figures 5A to 5Y). In some embodiments, two separate and distinct light modules 101 of the light assembly 1000 may be configured to emit light. In some embodiments, the two light modules 101 may be positioned opposite each other at opposing ends of a self-supporting elongated member 203. In some embodiments, the sheath material 105 may cover at least a large portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203. In some embodiments, the sheath material 105 may be the outermost surface of at least a large portion of the light assembly 1000. In some embodiments, the sheath material 105 and at least a large portion of the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be in direct physical communication (contact) with each other (in a typical assembly configuration of the light assembly 1000). In some embodiments, with respect to the lengths of the two light modules 101 and the self-supporting elongated member 203, the two light modules 101 and the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be arranged end-to-end, or the self-supporting elongated member 203 may be placed between the two light modules 101, so that when the self-supporting elongated member 203 has a straight configuration, these three individual lengths combine to form the overall length of the light assembly 1000. See, for example, Figures 11 and 10.

[0182] The overall length of the light assembly 100 / 1000 can be best determined (measured) when the light assembly 100 / 1000 can be in a straight configuration. In some embodiments, with respect to the overall length of the light 100 / 1000 (light assembly 100 / 1000) with an adjustable tail for articles, the outer diameter of the light 100 / 1000 (light assembly 100 / 1000) with an adjustable tail for articles can be consistent, constant, fixed, finite, and / or non-variable along at least the majority of its overall length. In some embodiments, with respect to the overall length of the light 100 (light assembly 100) with an adjustable tail for articles, the majority of its overall length may be due to the length of the self-supporting elongated member 203 rather than the length of the light module 101. In some embodiments, with respect to the overall length of the light 100 (light assembly 100) having an adjustable tail for an article, the overall length may be fixed, finite, predetermined, and / or non-variable; and / or the overall length may not be variable, expandable, retractable, foldable, and / or similar. In some embodiments, with respect to the overall length of the light 100 (light assembly 100) having an adjustable tail for an article, the overall length may be selected from the following range: 24 inches to 8 inches (including selection from any endpoint of that range). In some embodiments, with respect to the overall length of the light 100 (light assembly 100) having an adjustable tail for an article, the self-supporting elongated member 203 may occupy at least the middle portion of its overall length. In some embodiments, the self-supporting elongated member 203 may extend to either side of such middle portion of the overall length of the light assembly 100.

[0183] A light (light assembly) having an adjustable tail for articles is described. The foregoing description relating to various exemplary embodiments of the invention is presented for illustrative and disclosure purposes only. It is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is it intended to limit the invention to the exact forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0184] While the present invention has been described in relation to the currently most practical and preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent configurations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A light having an adjustable tail for articles: A light module, configured to emit light from one end of the light module; A self-supporting elongated member forming the tail of a light having an adjustable tail for an article, wherein the self-supporting elongated member is flexible and configured to be repeatedly bent into shape, the specific shape of the self-supporting elongated member resulting from the bending of the self-supporting elongated member is self-supporting without an external support source, and the self-supporting elongated member is configured to be detachably attached to a given article; and A sheath material covering at least a large portion of a self-supporting elongated member, wherein the sheath material is the outermost surface of at least a large portion of a light having an adjustable tail for an article, and the inside of the sheath material and the outside of at least a large portion of the self-supporting elongated member are in direct physical communication with each other; Equipped with, With respect to the lengths of the light module and the self-supporting elongated member, the light module and the self-supporting elongated member are arranged end to end so that when the self-supporting elongated member is in a linear configuration, the two individual lengths are combined to form the overall length of the light having an adjustable tail for an article.

2. A light having an adjustable tail for an article according to claim 1, comprising at least one of a light source, a circuit, and a power supply, wherein the circuit is operably connected to both the light source and the power supply, the power supply is configured to electrically supply power to the light source, and the light source is configured to emit light from one end of the light module.

3. A light for an article having an adjustable tail, as described in claim 1, wherein the light emitted from the light module is emitted only from one end of the light module and not from the side wall or from the other end of the light module closest to the self-supporting elongated member.

4. A light having an adjustable tail for an article according to claim 1, wherein all the electronics of the light having an adjustable tail for an article are housed entirely within the light module, or at least most of the electronics are housed within the light module, with only the user interface of the light module partially protruding from the light module.

5. A light module having a consistent and non-variable outer diameter along the length of the light module, and having an adjustable tail for an article according to claim 4.

6. A light having an adjustable tail for an article according to claim 1, wherein the self-supporting elongated member is composed of at least one wire.

7. A light for an article according to claim 6, having an adjustable tail, wherein at least one wire is made from at least one of metals or alloys.

8. The light with an adjustable tail for an article according to claim 6, wherein at least one wire is not operably connected to any of the electronic devices of the light with an adjustable tail for an article.

9. A light for an article according to claim 1, having an adjustable tail, wherein the self-supporting elongated member does not have electronic equipment.

10. A light for an article according to claim 1, having an adjustable tail, wherein at least a portion of the sheath material and the self-supporting elongated member is configured to be repeatedly bent into a helical shape.

11. With respect to the length of the helical shape, a helical shape with a length of 6 centimeters is a helical shape having at least 6 turns, a light having an adjustable tail for an article according to claim 10.

12. A light for an article according to claim 1, wherein the self-supporting elongated member lacks a joint with separately different mobility (articular mobility).

13. A light for an article according to claim 1, wherein the self-supporting elongated members have no portions that move relative to each other.

14. A self-supporting elongated member having a bending radius of less than 10 millimeters, and a light having an adjustable tail for the article according to claim 1.

15. A light having an adjustable tail for an article according to claim 1, wherein the sheath material is selected from at least one of elastomer, silicone, rubber, flexible plastic, or dry foam.

16. With respect to the overall length of the light having an adjustable tail for an article, the outer diameter of the light having an adjustable tail for an article is consistent, constant, fixed, finite, and non-variable along at least a large portion of its overall length, according to claim 1.

17. The light for an article having an adjustable tail, according to claim 1, wherein the total length of the light for an article is largely due to the length of a self-supporting elongated member and not the length of the light module.

18. The light for an article having an adjustable tail, according to claim 1, wherein the overall length of the light for an article is fixed, finite, predetermined, and non-variable.

19. The light for an article having an adjustable tail, according to claim 1, wherein the overall length of the light for an article is selected from a range of 24 inches to 8 inches.

20. With respect to the overall length of the light having an adjustable tail for an article, the self-supporting elongated member occupies at least the middle portion of the overall length, as described in claim 1.

21. The light having an adjustable tail for articles is not configured to pull any load of 100 pounds or more, according to claim 1.

22. A light having an adjustable tail for the article described in claim 1, selected from: hand tools, marking tools, pencils, pens, markers, nail clippers, nail polish container lids, eyelash curlers, spray bottles, cutting tools, scissors, large scissors, pliers, screwdrivers, chisels, wrenches, saws, power tools, drills, eyeglasses, sunglasses, hats, vehicles, motorcycles, scooters, doorknobs, door handles, animal tools, animal collars, animal harnesses, hand mirrors, cosmetic compact cases, wallets, smartphones, or tablet computers.

23. A light having an adjustable tail for articles: A self-supporting elongated member forming the tail of a light having an adjustable tail for an article, wherein the self-supporting elongated member is flexible and configured to be repeatedly bent into shape, the specific shape of the self-supporting elongated member resulting from the bending of the self-supporting elongated member is self-supporting without an external support source, and the self-supporting elongated member is configured to be detachably attached to a given article; Two distinct light modules configured to emit light, wherein these light modules are positioned opposite each other at opposing ends of a self-supporting elongated member; and A sheath material covering at least a large portion of a self-supporting elongated member, wherein the sheath material is the outermost surface of at least a large portion of a light having an adjustable tail for an article, and the sheath material and at least a large portion of the self-supporting elongated member are in direct physical communication with each other; Equipped with, With respect to the lengths of these light modules and self-supporting elongated members, these light modules and self-supporting elongated members are arranged end-to-end so that when the self-supporting elongated members are in a linear configuration, the three individual lengths combine to form the overall length of a light having an adjustable tail for an article, wherein the self-supporting elongated members are positioned between these light modules.

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