SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZED LIGHTING MODULES AND LIGHTING DEVICES THEREFOR - Patent application

Abstract

The carabiner device includes a carabiner body having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being defined by a G-arm, the first portion including a carabiner opening, the G-arm adjacent the carabiner opening, the carabiner further includes a first gate, the first gate oriented to open and close the carabiner opening, the carabiner further includes a second gate, the second gate extending from the G-arm to a portion of the carabiner body, the second gate separating the first portion of the carabiner body from the second portion of the carabiner body when closed.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [Background technology]

[0002]

[0001] In various scenarios, it is desirable to illuminate devices for visibility, safety, and entertainment purposes. It is desirable for the lighting device to be small in size, modular, and adaptable to a wide range of configurations. In various embodiments, it may be desirable to have a single button control function so that the device is simple to manufacture and easy to control. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] In one embodiment, the lighting device includes a body including a cavity, the cavity having an opening. The lighting device further includes a lighting module, the lighting module being in the cavity and having a push button switch. The lighting device further includes a cap, the cap covering the opening and having an opening side and an exterior, the opening side having a protrusion, the protrusion and the push button switch being positioned adjacent to each other, when the cap is pressed inward near the protrusion, the protrusion presses the push button to activate the lighting module, the cap further includes a first ridge on the exterior surrounding the protrusion, the first ridge preventing the protrusion from being pressed into the push button unless the cap is pressed approximately at the location of the protrusion. Alternatively, the ridge surrounds the location of the protrusion. In another alternative, the cap includes a second ridge on the opening side of the cap, the second ridge surrounding the protrusion on the opening side, the second ridge preventing the protrusion from being pushed into the push button unless the cap is pushed approximately at the protrusion. In one alternative, the first and second ridges and a surface of the cap cooperate to allow advancement of the protrusion only when the cap is pushed approximately at the protrusion. In another alternative, the lighting device further includes a carabiner attached to the body. In another alternative, the lighting device further includes a flying disk attached to the body.

[0004]

[0003] In one embodiment, the lighting device includes a body including a cavity, the cavity having an opening, and an interior of the cavity having a plurality of cutouts. The lighting device further includes a lighting module, the lighting module being in the cavity and including a plurality of teeth alignable with the plurality of cutouts, the combination of the plurality of notches and the plurality of teeth providing a friction fit of the lighting module within the body. Alternatively, the lighting device further includes a cap, the cap covering the opening and having an opening side and an exterior, the opening side having a protrusion, the protrusion and the push button switch positioned adjacent to one another, when the cap is pressed inward near the protrusion, the protrusion presses the push button to activate the lighting module, and the cap further includes a first ridge on the exterior surrounding the protrusion, the first ridge preventing the protrusion from being pressed into the push button unless the cap is pressed approximately at the location of the protrusion. Alternatively, the ridge surrounds the location of the protrusion.

[0005] In one embodiment, the lighting module includes a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board. The lighting module further includes a battery sandwiched between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board, the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board holding the battery in place to form the lighting module. Alternatively, the lighting module includes a sidewall located between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board and enclosing the battery within the lighting module. In one alternative, one of the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board includes a charging port for the battery. In another alternative, one of the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board includes a push button switch. Alternatively, one of the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board includes an LED. In another alternative, the LED and the push button switch are not on the same one of the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board. Alternatively, the lighting module further includes a post, the post interconnecting the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board. Alternatively, the sidewall includes a plurality of teeth alignable with a plurality of notches in the body of the lighting device, the combination of the plurality of notches and the plurality of teeth providing a friction fit of the lighting module within the body.

[0006]

[0005] In one embodiment, the lighting device includes a body including a cavity, the cavity having an opening. The lighting device further includes a lighting module having a push button switch, a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board, and a battery sandwiched between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board, the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board holding the battery in place to form the lighting module. The lighting device further includes a cap, the cap covering the opening and having an opening side and an exterior, the opening side having a protrusion, the protrusion and the push button switch positioned adjacent to each other, when the cap is pressed inward near the protrusion, the protrusion presses the push button to activate the lighting module, the cap further includes a first ridge on the exterior surrounding the protrusion, the first ridge preventing the protrusion from being pressed into the push button unless the cap is pressed approximately at the protrusion. Alternatively, the body includes a carabiner portion. In one alternative, the body portion is attached to a flying disc. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1]

[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a lighting module. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the lighting module of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3]

[0008] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the lighting module of FIG. [Figure 4]

[0009] FIG. 2 is a side view of the lighting module of FIG. [Diagram 5]

[0010] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the lighting module of FIG. [Figure 6]

[0011] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the lighting module of FIG. 1. [Figure 7]

[0012] FIG. 2 is an exploded X-ray view of the lighting module of FIG. 1. [Figure 8]

[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a flying disc including a lighting module. [Figure 9]

[0014] FIG. 1 shows a cap for a lighting device. [Figure 10]

[0015] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. [Figure 11]

[0016] FIG. 2 shows a body for a lighting device. [Figure 12]

[0017] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the main body of FIG. [Figure 13]

[0018] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the main body of FIG. 11. [Figure 14]

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a lighting device. [Figure 15]

[0020] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the lighting device of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008]

[0021] Certain terminology is used herein merely for convenience and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of the lighting device and lighting module systems and methods. The lighting modules in many embodiments are designed to fit into a variety of receiving mechanisms located within the lighting device. The lighting device embodiments can take a variety of forms, including those shown in this application. In many configurations, the designs herein provide a modular system in which the lighting modules can fit into a wide range of devices (lighting devices).

[0009]

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a lighting module 100. The lighting module 100 generally includes two printed circuit boards (PCBs) used for circuitry and to support and encapsulate the lighting module 100. The lighting module 100 includes a PCB 110 and a PCB 120. A plastic ring 130 is placed between the PCBs 110 and 120 to complete the housing of the lighting module 100. The plastic ring 130 includes a protrusion 140 that provides a friction or snap fit that holds the lighting module 100 in a lighting device, as will be described in more detail below. Unlike many lighting modules, the PCB forms part of the module, which saves manufacturing costs. Additionally, an LED 150 is visible in FIG. 1. This LED in many configurations allows for a vertical projection of light, i.e. perpendicular to the maximum outward facing surface. Alternatively, a 90° LED can be used to direct light parallel to the PCB or along the surface of the PCB. In many embodiments, PCB 110 may also include exposed microprocessors, capacitors, and / or other circuitry, which are not shown in the device embodiment in FIG.

[0010]

[0023] 2 shows another view of the lighting module 100. In this view, a push button switch 210 (momentary switch) is shown. Additionally, a charging port 220 is shown. In many embodiments, the charging port 220 may be a micro USB port. In alternatives, other charging ports, such as a USB port, are possible depending on the overall size of the device. As with the view of FIG. 1, the PCB 220 may include exposed circuitry or interconnects.

[0011]

[0024] Figure 3 shows a top view of the lighting module 100. Figure 4 shows a side view of the lighting module 100. Figure 5 shows a bottom view of the lighting module 100. Additionally, in Figure 5, the exposed ends of posts 510, 520 are visible. These posts are designed to hold the PCBs 110, 120 together. They may be made of plastic, metal, solder, or other materials.

[0012]

[0025] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the lighting module 100. In this view, the battery 610 is visible. A useful feature of the lighting module is the protection of the battery 610 by the PCBs 110, 120 and the plastic ring 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the plastic ring 130 is made of plastic, but in alternative forms, various materials can be employed. In many configurations, if the battery is in a location that is not adequately protected, the leads to the battery may become dislodged or other damage may occur to the device. FIG. 7 shows another exploded view in which the posts 510, 520 are made visible and how they potentially interconnect the devices.

[0013]

[0026] In many embodiments, the configuration of the lighting module 100 can be varied. The modular principle involves providing an independent package that contains all the aspects needed to provide illumination. In many embodiments, it is a pair of circuit boards that form the top and bottom of the module. This is advantageous since in many configurations, circuit boards are needed to wire the LED system. In many configurations, the LEDs are mounted on one PCB and the button is mounted on the other PCB. In an alternative, the button and LEDs may be on the same PCB. In many embodiments, the module further includes an enclosing frame located between the two PCBs. This creates a housing. Additionally, in many embodiments, the PCBs have at least one structural component that spans between the PCBs and provides support for the housing. In many embodiments, the structural component is a metal pin post that provides electrical contact between the lower and upper circuit boards and also provides support to hold the PCBs together. In an alternative, a connector or other electrical contact means may be used to hold the PCBs. In an alternative, the structural component may be a set of two plastic posts. In alternative forms, the PCBs may be held together using one or more posts, connectors, or other features. In many configurations, the battery is housed between the PCBs in the housing. This provides a protective arrangement for the battery and provides structural reinforcement. In many embodiments, the device includes a charging port. In many configurations, the lighting module has a protrusion or other feature designed to hold the lighting module to the body of the lighting device. The lighting device may be an extensive element. Typically, the body of the lighting device is transparent or translucent. Because when the lighting module is inserted into the body of the lighting device, the LED typically provides light in a direction perpendicular to the PCB to which it is attached, and the device is designed to project this light. Alternatively, a fiber or light pipe may be located in the lighting device to transmit the light. In many embodiments, a push button or momentary switch is located opposite the LED and responds when pressed.The structure of the lighting module provides a rigid mounting location for the push button so that the module can withstand pressure without being damaged. In many embodiments, the lighting device includes a flexible cap that can be pressed by a user to activate the push button. In many configurations, the flexible cap includes a feature or protrusion oriented to align with the push button. In many configurations, the flexible cap may also include a ridge that prevents the cap from depressing the push button unless the cap is pressed at an activation point. A wide range of lighting devices can be designed to include lighting modules and structural systems. Examples given here relate to flying disks and personal lighting devices. However, lighting modules can also be integrated into balls, beacons, lamps, or other lighting devices. There is no limit to the type of lighting device.

[0014]

[0027] FIG. 8 shows one embodiment of a lighting device, in this case a flying disk 840. As shown in FIG. 8, the lighting device includes a cap 810, a lighting module 100 (which may be a lighting module described herein or, in the alternative, another lighting module), a base 820, a number of optical fibers 830, and a disk 840 having a receiving area 850 and a number of mounting posts 855. When assembled, the base 820 may be press-fitted into the mounting posts 855. The base 820 has a number of tapered openings, and when the mounting posts 855 are inserted, the mounting posts 855 expand after being compressed on both sides, making it difficult to remove the base 820. Various other techniques may be used to attach the base 820 to the disk 840. In addition, disk 840 includes a number of fiber guiding structures 860 that position optical fibers 830 adjacent the ends of refraction devices (hereafter referred to as refractors 1130) in base 820. In this case, the fiber guiding structures are raised U-shaped bodies between which the fibers can be friction or interference-fit. Distal to the fiber guiding structures are ridges 870 that further position the optical fibers.

[0015]

[0028] FIG. 9 shows a close-up view of one embodiment of the cap 810. The cap 810 is specially designed to prevent accidental activation. As shown in FIG. 9, a ridge 920 surrounds the power activation area 930. When a user presses the power activation area 930, the cap pushes down and activates the push button switch 210 of the lighting module. The ridge 920 helps to recess the power activation area 930 so that it cannot be accidentally pressed. FIG. 10 shows additional details of how the cap 810 is configured to prevent activation. In this cross-sectional view, two additional features are visible. First, the underside of the cap 810 includes a central protrusion 1010 and a ridge 1020 that surrounds the central protrusion. In operation, this configuration allows the cap 810 to flex such that the central protrusion 1010 only pushes down the push button switch 210 of the lighting module when the cap 810 is pressed down approximately at the power activation area 930. When pressed elsewhere, the ridges 1020 press against the lighting module, and the central protrusion 1010 does not press with enough force to cause activation. The orientation of the ridges 1020 also creates stiffness in the cap, so that it is more likely to flex around the center point when pressed there, but less likely to flex when pressed elsewhere. In this way, the device is less likely to be accidentally activated. Although this cap is shown as deployed in the context of the disk discussed, it can be used in a wide range of contexts.

[0016]

[0029] FIG. 11 shows a body portion 820 for receiving a lighting module. As previously shown, the body portion 820 includes a number of cutouts 1120. These cutouts are configured to mate with the protrusions 140. This is accomplished with a friction or interference fit type configuration. This securely holds the lighting module to the body. In alternative forms, other types of snap-fit ​​or other connection systems may be used. Additionally, the body 820 includes a number of openings 1140 for receiving a number of mounting posts 855. Finally, a lens area 1130 on the base of the body portion 820 is configured to receive light from the LEDs 150.

[0017]

[0030] FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the body 820. In this view, the configuration of the cutout 1120 can further be seen. In the configuration shown, the cutout includes a central portion that protrudes toward the center of the body, such that when the two pieces come into contact, they deform or deform the cutout. Additionally, the lens area 1130 is shown as having an angled lens 1210 inscribed into it, providing refraction / reflection of light that is projected downward toward the angled lens. This lens 1210 essentially allows for a 90 degree redirection of light. In some embodiments, the lens 1210 is simply a 45 degree angle. In other embodiments, the lens 1210 may be a parabolic curve. This results in an essentially flat radial projection of light. In either case, the point of this configuration is to redirect the light into a horizontal / radial pattern.

[0018]

[0031] 13 shows a bottom view of the body 820, where the spokes 1310 are small arms configured to reflect light internally and direct the light to the ends of the spokes 1310. The ends of the spokes 1310 are polished and configured to contact the optical fibers 830, where the light is projected.

[0019]

[0032] FIG. 14 shows another possible embodiment of a lighting device 1400. In this embodiment, the lighting device 1400 includes a carabiner portion 1410. FIG. 15 shows an exploded view of the lighting device 1400. In this view, the lighting module 100 can be seen, as well as a body piece 1520 and a cap 1530. The carabiner portion 1410 includes a gate 1510 and a circular loop designed to fit around a lip 1550 of the body piece 1520. The module 100 fits into the body piece 1520 as previously described, with a cutout in the body piece 1520 receiving the protrusion of the lighting module. The body piece 1520 and the cap 1530 are translucent, allowing light from the lighting module 100 to pass through and refract. In many configurations, the sidewall of the body piece includes a plurality of teeth that bite into a softer plastic material body, such as TPR, TPE, TPU, silicone, etc., with an interference-locking friction fit of the body to the light module. The teeth may also bite into the soft plastic material. Note that the body piece 1520 can take virtually any form, including spoke-mounted devices or other light-emitting devices. For example, the body piece may be modified to have grooves, tabs, or other features for connecting with another object or surface. These connections may include magnets, snaps, Velcro, latches, or other features. Generally, the body piece includes features that are translucent, transparent, or light-transmitting.

[0020]

[0033] Although certain embodiments have been described in detail in the above detailed description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and alternatives to those details may be developed in light of the overall teachings of the present disclosure and the broad inventive concepts of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the specific examples and implementations disclosed herein, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. a body including a cavity, the cavity having an opening; a lighting module within the cavity, the lighting module having a push button switch; a cap, the cap covering the opening and having an opening side and an exterior, the opening side having a protrusion, the protrusion and the push button switch being positioned adjacent to one another, the protrusion pressing the push button switch to activate the lighting module when the cap is pressed inward near the protrusion, the cap further including a first ridge on the exterior surrounding the protrusion, the first ridge preventing the protrusion from being pressed into the push button switch unless the cap is pressed approximately at the protrusion; the first ridge surrounds the location of the protrusion; A lighting device, wherein the cap includes a second ridge on the opening side of the cap, the second ridge surrounding the protrusion on the opening side, the second ridge preventing the protrusion from being pushed into the push button switch unless the cap is pushed approximately at the position of the protrusion.

2. A lighting device as described in claim 1, wherein the first and second protrusions and the surface of the cap cooperate to allow the protrusion to advance only when the cap is pushed approximately at the position of the protrusion.

3. The lighting device as described in claim 2, further comprising a carabiner attached to the main body.

4. A lighting device as described in claim 3, further comprising a flying disc attached to the main body.

5. A body including a cavity, the cavity having an opening, and an interior of the cavity having a plurality of cutouts; a lighting module, the lighting module including a plurality of teeth within the cavity and alignable with the plurality of notches, a combination of the plurality of notches and the plurality of teeth providing a friction fit of the lighting module within the body; a cap covering the opening, having an opening side and an exterior, the opening side having a protrusion, the protrusion and a push button switch positioned adjacent to one another, when the cap is pressed inward near the protrusion, the protrusion presses the push button switch to activate the lighting module, the cap further including a first ridge on the exterior surrounding the protrusion, the first ridge preventing the protrusion from being pressed into the push button switch unless the cap is pressed approximately at the position of the protrusion.

6. A lighting device as described in claim 5, wherein the first ridge surrounds the position of the protrusion.

7. A first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board; a battery sandwiched between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board wherein the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board hold the battery in place and form the lighting module; a sidewall positioned between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board to encapsulate the battery within the lighting module; A lighting module, wherein the sidewall includes a plurality of teeth alignable with a plurality of notches in a body of a lighting device, the combination of the plurality of notches and the plurality of teeth providing a friction fit of the lighting module within the body.

8. The lighting module described in claim 7, wherein one of the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board includes a charging port for the battery.

9. The lighting module of claim 8, wherein one of the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board includes a push button switch.

10. The lighting module of claim 9, wherein one of the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board includes an LED.

11. The lighting module described in claim 10, wherein the LED and the push button switch are not on the same one of the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board.

12. The lighting module of claim 11, further comprising a post interconnecting the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board.

13. A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising: a body including a cavity, the cavity having an opening; a lighting module in the cavity, the lighting module having a push button switch, a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board, and a battery sandwiched between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board, the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board holding the battery in place and forming the lighting module; a cap, the cap covering the opening and having an opening side and an exterior, the opening side having a protrusion, the protrusion and the push button switch being positioned adjacent to one another, the protrusion pressing the push button switch to activate the lighting module when the cap is pressed inward near the protrusion, the cap further including a first ridge on the exterior surrounding the protrusion, the first ridge preventing the protrusion from being pressed into the push button switch unless the cap is pressed approximately at the protrusion; the first ridge surrounds the location of the protrusion; A lighting device, wherein the cap includes a second ridge on the opening side of the cap, the second ridge surrounding the protrusion on the opening side, the second ridge preventing the protrusion from being pushed into the push button switch unless the cap is pushed approximately at the position of the protrusion.

14. The lighting device described in claim 13, wherein the main body includes a carabiner portion.

15. The lighting device of claim 13, wherein the body is attached to a flying disc.

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