Safety accessory with a personal light

Abstract

The invention discloses a safety accessory with a personal light that is a portable device designed to improve visibility and increase user safety in different situations. These accessories normally include bright LED lights that can be used to both illuminate a path and alert others to the presence of the user.

Description

[0001] PPI

[0002] PERSONAL LIGHT SAFETY ACCESSORY

[0003] Field of Invention

[0004] Personal lighting safety accessories have become increasingly important in the areas of personal safety and accident prevention. These devices, which range from portable flashlights to wearables with integrated lighting, are primarily designed to improve the user's visibility and, consequently, increase their safety in dark or dimly lit environments.

[0005] Background

[0006] There are several types of accessories, such as portable flashlights, which are among the most traditional personal lighting accessories. These can be rechargeable or run on disposable batteries. It is crucial to select a flashlight with good power, generally measured in lumens, to ensure adequate visibility in various conditions.

[0007] Reflective vests equipped with LED lights are commonly used by those who participate in outdoor activities or work in low-visibility conditions. These vests not only reflect light but can also include flashing lights that indicate the wearer's position and direction, thus increasing their visibility to vehicles and other pedestrians.

[0008] Luminous wristbands and belts are ergonomic devices that allow users to remain visible while performing physical activities such as running or cycling. These accessories typically include steady and flashing light modes, allowing them to adapt to different lighting conditions.

[0009] Helmets with integrated lights have become essential in work environments, especially in construction or mining. These devices not only protect the head but also allow the user to illuminate their work area, which is vital for preventing accidents.

[0010] On the other hand, in patent documents there is the North American Document: US 9,736,564 B2; title of the invention: “flexible earphone cover with sensors”, which describes a flexible earphone cover having a flexible main body and a flexible ear cone extending from the main body. The flexible main body is configured to substantially enclose a portion of an earphone. The flexible main body defines an internal cavity to receive the earphone. It also defines a first opening on one side of the cavity to receive the earphone through it. The flexible main body defines a second opening on one side of the cavity. The flexible main body defines a third opening on one side of the cavity. The flexible main body further defines a fourth opening adjacent to the first opening and a fifth opening adjacent to the third opening.The flexible auditory cone defines a converging passage from the second opening to an outlet configured to direct sound into an auditory canal of a user's ear.

[0011] This invention, as described, does not mention a personal running light safety accessory specifically designed to protect the person by means of powerful illumination upon detecting movement, which has motion sensors such as accelerometers, functions that are not available as an independent accessory that can be adapted to existing models and additionally to be able to carry wireless headphones, therefore the present invention is new and with industrial application.

[0012] Within the prior art, there is also the North American Patent: US 2018 / 0310089 A1; title of the invention: “headphone cover”; which describes a headphone cover comprising a headphone sleeve and an extension. The headphone includes an earpiece with a stem, and the earpiece is inserted into the user's ear canal. The stem extends from the earpiece, forming a main speaker outlet. The headphone sleeve substantially covers the earpiece and increases friction between the earpiece and the user's ear (providing an interface that increases friction between the earpiece and the user's ear), and the extension extends from the headphone sleeve for a more secure fit of the earpiece to the user's ear. The headphone sleeve is sufficiently flexible and elastic to accommodate the inserted earpiece and is made of a material that also provides a comfortable fit.

[0013] This invention, as described, does not mention an accessory comprising LED running lights specifically designed for AirPods® type headphones, which has motion sensors such as accelerometers, functions that are not available as a standalone accessory that can be adapted to existing models, so the present invention is new and has industrial application.

[0014] Another document within the prior art is US Patent 9,363,596 B2, titled "System and Method for Mixing Accelerometer and Microphone Signals to Improve Voice Quality in a Mobile Device." This document describes a method for improving voice quality in a mobile device. It begins by receiving acoustic signals from microphones included in headphones and a microphone array included in a headphone cable. The headphones may include the earphone pair and the headphone cable. An output is then received from an accelerometer included in the earphone pair. The accelerometer can detect the vibration of the user's vocal cords, filtered by the vocal tract, based on vibrations in the bones and tissue of the user's head.A spectral mixer included in the mobile device can then perform a spectral mix of the scaled accelerometer output with the acoustic signals from the microphone array to generate a mixed signal. Performing the spectral mix involves scaling the inertial sensor output using a scaling factor based on the power ratio between the acoustic signals from the microphone array and the inertial sensor output.

[0015] This invention relates to a method for improving voice quality in a mobile device comprising: receiving acoustic signals from one or more microphones included with a pair of headphones, wherein a headphone includes the pair of headphones and a headphone cable; receiving an output from a kinetic sensor included in the pair of headphones; performing a spectral mix of the output of the kinetic sensor with the acoustic signals from one or more microphones to generate a mixed signal, wherein performing the spectral mix includes scaling the output of the kinetic sensor by a scaling factor based on a power ratio between the acoustic signals from one or more microphones and the output of the kinetic sensor.

[0016] This invention does mention sensors and an accelerometer, all integrated within the structure of the hearing aid, though not as an accessory. This invention is relevant to the accessory it is intended to protect, but without specifying the interaction and functionality of the accelerometer in the proposed invention, its purpose is to increase the brightness of the installed LEDs and provide protection to the user.

[0017] Description of the Figures

[0018] Figure 1 is a left front view of the safety accessory (1) showing a support hole (2) where the wireless headset is placed and showing the housing (3) housing the base circuit (10) of the safety accessory (1).

[0019] Figure 2 is a right front view of the safety accessory (1) showing the support hole (2) where the wireless headset is placed and showing the housing (3) housing the base circuit (10) of the safety accessory (1), the battery housing (4), the power on / off switch (5), and the battery charging pins (6).

[0020] Figure 3 is a front view showing the safety accessory (1), with the following dimensions:

[0021] (a) 35.06 millimeters wide safety fitting (1),

[0022] (b) 7.8 millimeters wide of the support hole (2),

[0023] (c) 6 millimeters inner diameter of the support hole (2),

[0024] (d) 8 millimeters wide battery housing (4).

[0025] Figure 4 is a side view showing the safety accessory (1), with the following dimensions: (e) 70.69 millimeters height of the safety accessory (1),

[0026] (f) 7.87 millimeters wide of the support hole (2), from the body of the safety accessory (1).

[0027] (g) 7.5 millimeters wide safety accessory (1).

[0028] Figure 5 is a front view of the base circuit (10) with LEDs (11).

[0029] Figure 6 is a rear view of the base circuit (10).

[0030] Figure 7 is a rear view of the base circuit (10) showing the location of the circuits that make it up. The base circuit (10) has the following dimensions:

[0031] (h) 32.01 millimeters wide of the base circuit (10),

[0032] (i) 24.66 millimeters high of the base circuit (10).

[0033] Figure 8 is a side view of the base circuit (10). The base circuit (10) has the following dimensions:

[0034] (j) 24.66 millimeters height of the base circuit (10),

[0035] (k) 1 millimeter wide base circuit (10).

[0036] Detailed description of the invention

[0037] When choosing safety accessories with lights, it is essential to consider:

[0038] Durability: the materials used must be resistant to impacts and adverse weather conditions.

[0039] Autonomy: Battery life is a key factor in ensuring that the accessory works for the required time.

[0040] Lumen intensity: Higher lumen intensity provides better visibility at long distances and in complex environments.

[0041] Ergonomics: the design should allow for comfortable and effective use, preventing the safety element from becoming an additional burden for the user.

[0042] This smart accessory has an accelerometer sensor, which transmits light through LED lights when the user makes a movement.

[0043] The main objective of the invention is to increase user visibility and safety in low light conditions by means of motion-activated LED lights.

[0044] Integrate sensors such as an accelerometer to offer an interactive and useful experience that stands out among traditional wireless headphone accessories.

[0045] And also provide a practical and aesthetic solution to protect wireless headphones, ensuring their safety during physical activities such as walking, running or performing dynamic exercises.

[0046] The advantages of this invention are enhanced security. This accessory not only physically secures the AirPods®, preventing them from being lost, but also increases the user's visibility in dark environments. The integrated accelerometer and LED lights offer advanced functionality not found in similar products on the market, providing added user safety.

[0047] LED lights have low energy consumption, maximizing the life of the battery integrated into the accessory.

[0048] Additionally, this accessory provides a complementary solution for wireless headphones, unlike other smart products that focus on monitoring people and connectivity. This accessory improves the security of wireless headphones and enhances the user's nighttime visibility.

[0049] The present invention is mainly focused on people who exercise and with the accessory, when movement is detected, the LED lights it has are turned on for their protection by making them visible to the people around them.

[0050] Personal safety is a fundamental aspect of daily life for seniors and children. With the rise in crime and the risks associated with moving around in public areas, the use of safety accessories that include personal lighting systems becomes essential. These devices not only offer greater visibility but also provide peace of mind for families.

[0051] Safety accessories should be lightweight and easy to carry. There are models that can be carried in a pocket, hung on a keychain, or attached to backpacks.

[0052] Simplicity is key. Devices that activate with a single button or that turn on automatically at dusk are ideal. This allows both children and the elderly to use them without any hassle.

[0053] LED technology is highly recommended due to its low energy consumption, high brightness, and long lifespan. Furthermore, certain models can emit flashing lights, further enhancing visibility in emergency situations.

[0054] The materials used must be durable and resistant to adverse weather conditions. This ensures that the device functions correctly, whether in the rain or in extreme climates.

[0055] Some security accessories include audible alarms that activate in case of emergency. This not only deters potential attackers but can also alert other people nearby who might be able to help.

[0056] Another application is among athletes, primarily runners, where it's common for wireless earbuds to come loose and get lost during exercise due to movement. The device is designed to improve the fit of wireless earbuds and incorporates a motion sensor and LED light. PPG

[0057] One of its features is to prevent the user's portable headphones from coming loose, but it also adds visibility to the user in dark environments through its integrated LEDs.

[0058] Technical description

[0059] The safety accessory (1) is made from a silicone body, which contains a circuit with a microcontroller, accelerometer, LEDs and rechargeable battery.

[0060] The accelerometer allows the microcontroller to detect the user's movements, enabling the LEDs to activate only when the user is in motion. In use, this causes the LEDs to flash only when the user is running or walking briskly, helping to extend battery life and improve visibility along their route.

[0061] Calibration

[0062] The safety accessory (1) uses an ADXL345 accelerometer. This device measures acceleration on three axes in selectable ranges of ±2 g, ±4 g, ±8 g, or ±16 g. The ±2 g range was used for the device because the highest sensitivity was required to distinguish between when the user is stationary and when they are in motion. The microcontroller used in the safety accessory (1) is the ATtiny85. It communicates with the accelerometer via 12C to obtain the acceleration value on two axes, X and Y. If the absolute value of either of these two values ​​is greater than 0.4 g, the microcontroller infers that the user is in motion and activates the flashing of the LEDs.

[0063] Technical specifications

[0064] • 3.7V 35mAh LiPo battery

[0065] • 10 to 18 SMD LEDs (SMD stands for “Surface Mounted Diode”, and in this option the diode is encapsulated in a semi-rigid resin that is soldered to the circuit surface. They are much smaller and more efficient than the original DIP circuits), 1x1 mm

[0066] • On / Off switch

[0067] • Charger with USB-C port input.

[0068] • Weight of 50 g per accessory.

[0069] • Integrated accelerometer.

[0070] Finally, it should be noted that the prior embodiments are intended only to illustrate, not to limit, the technical solutions of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to prior embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that it is still possible to modify the technical solutions registered in prior embodiments or to make equivalent replacements for some of their technical features. These modifications or substitutions do not detract from the essence of the technical solutions in the spirit and scope of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A safety accessory (1) with light for personal protection for a moving person, comprising: a safety accessory (1) which has a support hole (2) for a wireless earphone: a housing (3) housing the base circuit (10) of the safety accessories (1), some LEDs (11), a USB charging port, battery charging pins (6) a rechargeable battery, a microcontroller, an accelerometer, The safety accessory (1) has the following dimensions: (a) 35.06 millimeters wide safety fitting (1), (b) 7.8 millimeters wide of the support hole (2), (c) 6 millimeters inner diameter of the support hole (2), (d) 8 millimeters wide battery housing (4), (e) 70.69 millimeters height of the safety accessory (1), (f) 7.87 millimeters wide of the support hole (2), from the body of the safety accessory (1). (g) 7.5 millimeters wide safety accessory (1), (h) 32.01 millimeters wide of the base circuit (10), (i) 24.66 millimeters high of the base circuit (10), (j) 24.66 millimeters height of the base circuit (10), (k) 1 millimeter wide base circuit (10). where the accelerometer measures the acceleration on three axes, the movement or vibration of the person and the intensity of the LED lights increases for visibility of the person wearing the safety accessory (1).

2. The safety accessory (1) according to claim 1, wherein the safety accessory (1) in which the ADXL345 accelerometer allows measuring acceleration on three axes in selectable ranges of ±2 g, ±4 g, ±8 g, or ±16 g.

3. The safety accessory (1) according to claim 1, wherein the preferred range for the safety accessory (1) is ±2 g for greater sensitivity to distinguish when the user is stationary and when he is in motion.

4. The safety accessory (1) according to claim 1, wherein the safety accessory (1) has at least 10 SMD LEDs, 1x1 mm, incorporated into the base circuit (10).

5. The safety accessory (1) according to claim 1, wherein the safety accessory (1) has up to 18 SMD LEDs, 1x1 mm, incorporated in the base circuit (10).

6. The safety accessory (1) according to claim 1, wherein the safety accessory (1) has a long-life 5-volt direct current power supply.

7. The safety accessory (1) according to claim 1, wherein the safety accessory (1) is made of silicone material.

8. The safety accessory (1) according to claim 1, wherein the safety accessory (1) has a charger with a USB-C port input.

9. The safety accessory (1) according to claim 1, wherein the battery is a 3.7V 35mAh LiPo type.

10. The safety accessory (1) according to claim 1, wherein the safety accessory (1) is manufactured with a right-side configuration.

11. The safety accessory (1) according to claim 1, wherein the safety accessory (1) is manufactured with a left-side arrangement.

12. The safety accessory (1) according to claim 1, wherein the safety accessory (1) has a support hole (2) where the wireless earphone is placed to prevent it from falling out with movement.

13. The safety accessory (1) according to claim 1, wherein the accelerometer is of the ADXL345 type, which allows measuring acceleration on three axes in selectable ranges of ±2 g, ±4 g, ±8 g, or ±16 g.

14. The safety accessory (1) according to claim 13, wherein the range of the accelerometer used for the device was ±2 g for greater sensitivity to distinguish when the user is stationary and when he is in motion.

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