CN104048168A - Personal lighting device - Google Patents

Abstract

A lighting device includes a first and second housing; the first housing has an inner threading and a first protrusion. The lighting device includes a second housing having an outer threading and a second protrusion. A user advances one protrusion over the other in order to activate the lighting device. The lighting device also includes an arm that is part of the first housing and a post that is part of the second housing. The arm and post prevent the first housing from rotating to a point where the threading of the housings release. The arm may be flexed inwards to prevent allow for the release of the first housing.

Description

personal lighting

Cross References to Related Applications

This application is related to US Patent No. 7,695,154 and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/342,602, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/429,406, filed January 3, 2011, both of which are incorporated in their entirety Incorporated herein by reference.

Background technique

Personal lighting is important to users for safety, decorative, and style purposes. Users desire the ability to attach lighting devices to a number of different pieces of clothing, including but not limited to zippers, footwear. The ability to attach the lighting device in such a way that it is secure and at the same time removable without cutting or extensive modification of the garment is also desired. The ability to quickly and easily activate the lighting device is also desired. For many years, articles of footwear, as well as various types of articles of clothing, have been sold with decorative attachments. These attachments are either illuminated but non-removable, or removable but non-illuminated, neither of which is both illuminated and removable, or further customized and arbitrarily made by the wearer. Ability to activate or deactivate.

In addition to personal lighting attached to clothing, users desire to attach lighting to vehicles such as bicycles and auxiliary equipment.

Contents of the invention

In one embodiment, a personal lighting device includes a first housing that includes a light projection portion and an attachment portion that includes internal threads and a first protrusion. The personal lighting device also includes a second housing including a lighting mechanism chamber, an external thread, a second protrusion, and a third protrusion; the second protrusion and the third protrusion are positioned adjacent to each other such that at the second There is a first space and a second space between the second protrusion and the third protrusion, the first space is smaller than the second space, the second shell is connected to the first shell through internal threads and external threads, and the first protrusion has A first position and a second position, the first position between the second protrusion and the third protrusion is located in the first space, the second position is located in the second space, and the second protrusion is larger than the first The three protrusions extend a lesser distance from the second housing. The personal lighting device also includes a battery, a printed circuit board (PCB), and a light emitting diode (LED) mounted on the PCB, the battery is located between the PCB and the second housing, the PCB is located between the battery and the first housing, such that When the first protrusion is in the first position, the LED is not activated, and when the first protrusion is in the second position, the LED is activated. In an alternative embodiment, the personal lighting device includes a spring contact oriented between the battery and the second housing, and the side of the PCB oriented toward the battery has a first contact point and a second contact point, the first contact point for the battery, and the second contact is for the spring contact; and when the first protrusion is in the second position, the spring contact is aligned with the second contact of the PCB. Alternatively, the second protrusion extends a sufficient distance from the second housing to provide sufficient pressure against the first protrusion when the first and second housings are rotated to prevent accidental activation of the lighting device. Optionally, the third protrusion extends from the second housing a sufficient distance to provide pressure against the first protrusion when the first housing and the second housing are rotated, so that the first housing and the second housing do not overcome the pressure. The case will not be unattached. This pressure preventing separation of the first and second housings can also be used to lock the battery; thereby making it difficult to control for anyone other than an adult. In an alternative embodiment, the second shell includes attachment means for attaching to the spokes. Optionally, the attachment mechanism includes upper and lower clamping portions forming a first spoke retention area.

In another alternative embodiment, the upper and lower clamping portions provide a press-fit configuration for the spokes, alternatively, the first spoke retaining region is configured and dimensioned to retain a cylindrical spoke; and the upper and lower The clip also forms a second spoke retaining area configured and dimensioned to retain small diameter oval spokes and/or circular spokes. In another alternative embodiment, the upper and lower clamping portions also form a third spoke retaining region configured and dimensioned to retain a flat spoke. Optionally, the third spoke holding area overlaps with the first and second spoke holding areas. In an alternative embodiment, the personal lighting device further includes a cord clip oriented to interlock with a protrusion on a side of the lower clip portion remote from the first spoke retaining area. Optionally, the pressure exerted by the wire clamp increases as the distance from the opening for the first spoke retaining area of the one of the protrusions with which the wire clamp interlocks increases. Alternatively, the wire clip prevents the spoke from separating from the first spoke retention area by providing pressure and a physical barrier. In an alternative embodiment, the second contact point has an approximately half-moon shape. Optionally, the personal lighting device further includes a living hinge lock incorporated into the second housing, the first housing having a stop, the living hinge lock having a function associated with preventing rotation of the first housing and the second housing beyond a specified point. The hasps that the detents lock into each other, and that particular point is configured to keep the male threads engaged with the female threads. In another option, the living hinge has a flexible hinge point configured to enable the hinge to bend away from the second housing to release the hasp from the detent.

In another embodiment, a personal lighting device includes a first housing that includes a light projection portion and an attachment portion that includes internal threads and a first protrusion. The personal lighting device also includes a second housing including a lighting mechanism chamber, an external thread, a second protrusion, and a third protrusion; the second protrusion and the third protrusion are positioned adjacent to each other such that at the second There is a first space and a second space between the second protrusion and the third protrusion, the first space is smaller than the second space, the second shell is connected to the first shell through internal threads and external threads, and the first protrusion has The first position and the second position, the first position between the second protrusion and the third protrusion is located in the first space, the second position is located in the second space, wherein the second protrusion is larger than the third protrusion Extends a lesser distance from the second housing, and the second and third protrusions are incorporated into the external thread; and the first and second housings are rotated relative to each other to change the first, second and third protrusions s position. The personal lighting device also includes a battery and a printed circuit board (PCB). The personal lighting device also includes a light emitting diode (LED) mounted on a PCB, a battery positioned between the PCB and the second housing, the PCB positioned between the battery and the first housing such that when the first protrusion is in the first position , the LED is not activated, and when the first protrusion is in the second position, the LED is activated. The personal lighting device also includes a spring contact oriented between the battery and the second housing, wherein the face of the PCB oriented towards the battery has a first contact point for the battery and a second contact point, the first contact point being for the battery, And the second contact point is for the spring contact; wherein, when the first protrusion is in the second position, the spring contact is aligned with the second contact point of the PCB. Optionally, the personal lighting device further includes a living hinge lock incorporated into the second housing, the first housing having a stop, the living hinge lock having a function to prevent rotation of the first housing and the second housing beyond a specified point The stoppers interlock the hasp, the specific point is configured to maintain the engagement of the external thread with the internal thread, wherein the living hinge has a flexibility configured to allow the hinge to bend away from the second housing to release the hasp from the stopper Articulation point. Optionally, the second space is threadedly narrowed away from the first space such that the narrow portion of the second space engages the first protrusion and prevents over-rotation. In another option, the personal lighting device includes a pivot lock configured to engage a detent in the first housing such that the pivot lock prevents release of the first housing from the second housing, the pivot lock Mounted on the pivot such that the pivot lock is configured to rotate away from the detent and release the first housing from the second housing. In another option, the personal lighting device includes a slot on the pivot lock and a ridge on the second housing. The ridge and slot together prevent rotation of the pivot lock to release the first housing from the second housing.

In one embodiment, a method of operating a lighting device is provided that includes providing a lighting device having a first housing, a second housing, a first protrusion, and a second protrusion. The method also includes rotating the first housing relative to the second housing with sufficient force to pass the first protrusion over the second protrusion. The method also includes activating the light in response to the rotation. Optionally, the illuminating device includes a first housing, the first housing includes a light projection part and an attachment part, the attachment part includes internal threads and a first protruding part; a second housing, the second housing includes a lighting mechanism chamber, an external thread, a second protrusion, and a third protrusion positioned adjacent to each other to have a first space and a second protrusion therebetween. Space, the first space is smaller than the second space, the second shell is connected to the first shell through internal threads and external threads, the first protrusion has a first position and a second position, and is located at the second protrusion and the third protrusion The first position between the parts is in the first space, the second position is in the second space, wherein the second protrusion extends a less distance from the second housing than the third protrusion, and the second protrusion and the third protrusion are combined into the external thread, and the first and second housings are rotated relative to each other to change the positions of the first, second and third protrusions; the light emitting diode (LED) is a lamp mounted on the PCB , the battery is located between the PCB and the second housing, the PCB is located between the battery and the first housing, such that when the first protrusion is in the first position, the LED is not activated, and when the first protrusion is in the second In position, the LED is activated; the spring contact is oriented between the battery and the second housing, wherein the face of the PCB oriented towards the battery has a first contact point and a second contact point, the first contact point being for the battery , and the second contact point is for the spring contact; wherein, when the first protrusion is in the second position, the spring contact is aligned with the second contact point of the PCB. In an alternative embodiment, the method further includes rotating the first housing relative to the second housing with sufficient force to cause the first protrusion to pass over the second protrusion such that the first protrusion is in the first position and responds This rotation deactivates the light. Optionally, the method further includes rotating the first housing relative to the second housing with sufficient force to allow the first protrusion to pass over the third protrusion, thereby allowing the first housing to be in contact with the second housing. In another alternative embodiment, the personal lighting device includes a living hinge lock integrated into the second housing, the first housing has a stopper, the living hinge lock has a function to prevent the first housing and The stopper interlocks the hasp where the second housing is rotated beyond a point configured to maintain engagement of the external threads with the internal threads. Wherein the living hinge has a flexible hinge point configured to enable the hinge to bend away from the second housing to release the hasp from the detent. And the method also includes flexing the living hinge lock to disengage the hasp from the detent.

In another embodiment, a personal lighting device includes a first housing that includes a light projection portion and an attachment portion that includes internal threads and a first protrusion. The first housing has an arm, the device also includes a second housing including a lighting mechanism chamber, external threads, and a second protrusion having a first side and a second side, the second housing Interconnected with the first housing through internal threads and external threads, the first protrusion has a first position and a second position, the first position is located on the first side, the second position is located on the second side; The housing also has a lever that interacts with the arm such that the lever and arm prevent the first housing from unscrewing from the second housing unless the arm is flexed closer to the center of the first housing. The device also includes a battery and a printed circuit board (PCB), the battery is located between the PCB and a second housing, and a printed circuit board (PCB), and a light emitting diode (LED) mounted on the PCB, the PCB is located between the battery and the first housing , such that when the first protrusion is on the first side, the LED is not activated, and when the first protrusion is on the second side, the LED is activated. Optionally, the device further comprises a spring contact oriented between the battery and the second housing, wherein the face of the PCB oriented towards the battery has a first contact point and a second contact point, the first contact point being for the battery , and the second contact point is for the spring contact portion; wherein, when the first protrusion is located on the second side portion, the spring contact portion is aligned with the second contact point of the PCB. In an alternative embodiment, the first housing has a stopper and the stopper interacts with the lever to prevent the first housing from turning relative to the second housing through a certain rotation by stopping the stopper with the lever. In another alternative embodiment, one of the first housing and the second housing includes a first aperture and a second aperture; and the device further includes a wire arm pivotally mounted in the first hole In the mouth and the second aperture, the wire arm is configured to be locked and released in the first and second support sleeve portions on the first and second sides of one of the first and second housings. Optionally, the first and second apertures are offset such that the wire arm is spring loaded such that the wire arm remains in the open position unless the wire arm is locked in the first and second support sleeve portions.

In one embodiment, a method of operating a lighting device is provided that includes providing a lighting device having a first housing, a second housing, a first protrusion, and a second protrusion. The method also includes rotating the first housing relative to the second housing with sufficient force to clear the first protrusion over the second housing. The method also includes activating the light in response to the rotation. Optionally, the lighting device includes a light projection part and an attachment part located in a first housing, the attachment part includes an internal thread and a first protruding part, the first housing also has an arm, a lighting mechanism chamber and an attachment part located in the second housing. The external thread in the second housing, the second protrusion has a first side and a second side, the second housing is interconnected with the first housing through the internal thread and the external thread; the first protrusion has a first position and a second position, the first position is on the first side, the second position is on the second side, the second housing also has a lever that interacts with the arm so that the lever and arm prevent the first housing from the second the housing unscrews unless the arm flexes closer to the center of the first housing; the battery; a printed circuit board (PCB); and wherein the light is a light emitting diode (LED) mounted on the PCB, the battery being located between the PCB and the second housing Between, the PCB is located between the battery and the first housing, so that when the first protrusion is on the first side, the LED is not activated, and when the first protrusion is on the second side, the LED is activated . In an alternative embodiment, the method includes rotating the first housing relative to the second housing with sufficient force to move the first protrusion past the second protrusion such that the first protrusion is in the first position and responds to This rotation deactivates the light. Optionally, the method includes flexing the arm closer to the center of the second body and separating the first housing from the second housing.

Description of drawings

Figure 1a shows a lower portion of one embodiment of a personal lighting device;

Figure 1b shows a lower partial section of Figure 1a;

Figure 2a shows a front view of a lower portion of one embodiment of a personal lighting device including spokes;

Figure 2b shows a side view of the lower portion of Figure 2a, wherein the wire clip is not engaged;

Figure 2c shows a side view of the lower portion of Figure 2a with the wire clip engaged;

Figure 2d shows a bottom perspective view of the lower part of Figure 2a;

Figure 2a;

Figure 2e shows a top perspective view of the lower portion of Figure 2a;

Figure 2f shows a side view of the lower portion of Figure 2a engaged with the spokes of oval shape;

Figure 2g shows a side view of the lower portion of Figure 2a engaged with flat spokes;

Figure 3 shows a top perspective view of the lower part of Figure 1a;

Figure 4a shows a front view of an embodiment of a personal lighting device including spokes;

Figure 4b shows a cross-sectional view of the personal lighting device of Figure 4a;

Figure 4c shows a perspective view of the personal lighting device of Figure 4a;

Figure 5a shows a front view of one embodiment of a personal lighting device;

Figure 5b shows a cross-sectional view of the personal lighting device of Figure 5a;

Figure 5c shows an enlarged view of the cross-section of Figure 5b;

6a shows a cord clip of one embodiment of a personal lighting device;

Figure 6b shows a perspective view of the wire clip of Figure 6a;

Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a printed circuit board (PCB or mounting sheet);

Figure 8 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of a personal lighting device;

Figures 9a and 9b show a combined view of the embodiment of Figure 8;

Figure 10 shows another embodiment of a personal lighting device;

Figure 11 shows an exploded view of a module with a locking mechanism;

Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment of a personal lighting device;

Figure 13 shows the top piece of the personal lighting device of Figure 12; and

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the bottom part of the personal lighting device of FIG. 12 .

Detailed ways

In one embodiment, a personal lighting device includes three main components: a body, an attachment mechanism, and a lighting mechanism. These three components are combined and in many cases share parts of the entire mechanism. In the embodiment depicted in the figures, the personal lighting device generally has a bottom housing and a top housing, although additional pieces may be used. The lighting device is generally made of molded plastic; however, a variety of materials may be used in construction.

ontology

The body of the personal lighting device can take many different shapes and sizes. In general, small size is important to users. In various embodiments depicted herein, the body of the personal lighting device has a circular shape with a diameter between one-half inch and one inch at a face of the personal lighting device. The illustrated shape of the face of the device is generally shown as circular; however, in various alternative embodiments, the shape may be square, rectangular, oval, octagonal, or any other desired shape. Paintings, images, engravings or other designs may appear on the face of the personal lighting device.

In an alternative embodiment, the body is translucent. In another alternative embodiment, the body is transparent. In an alternative embodiment, the face of the body for the lighting device comprises light channels to deliver light to the edge of the face.

attachment mechanism

As noted above, various attachment mechanisms may be used for personal lighting fixtures. The attachment mechanisms included depend to some extent on the intended use of the personal lighting device. While various novel attachment mechanisms are disclosed herein, alternative implementations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure. The attachment mechanism disclosed in US Patent No. 7,695,154 can be used in conjunction with the bodies and lighting mechanisms disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, Figures 1a and 1b illustrate the attachment mechanism. Figure 1a shows the lower portion 110 of the personal lighting device. The lower portion 110 includes a lighting mechanism section 115 and an attachment mechanism section 120 . The attachment mechanism section 120 includes a clip 125 that includes a lower clip portion 130 and an upper clip portion 135 . Fig. 1 b shows a cross-sectional view along cut B of the lower portion 110 of the personal lighting device. The slots 151 are configured to receive spokes of a bicycle. The shape of the slot 151 includes an engagement area 150 specifically designed for a typical round bicycle spoke. Slot 151 is also sufficiently large to accommodate various other spoke sizes. In operation, the user places the personal lighting device on the spokes of the bicycle by engaging the spokes with the slots 151 . Slots 150 are designed to engage generally cylindrical spokes. To fit alternative spokes, an elliptical slot 155 is provided to fit an elliptical spoke, and the entire slot from end 152 to the opening of slot 155 can be used to fit a flat spoke. The lower grip portion 130 is bent away from the upper grip portion 135 to allow the spokes to advance to the engagement area 150 . Slots 151 to 152 are dimensioned to be a press fit. The material of the lower portion 110 is sufficiently flexible for the force of the user to push the personal lighting device on the spokes to bend the lower grip 130 at the pivot 157 .

The lower portion 110 of the personal lighting device also includes annular holes 140 for cord clamps and clips. The lower portion also includes a locking ridge 156 for locking the wire clamp after the spoke has been engaged in the engagement area 150 . Engagement of the wire clamp prevents bending of the lower clamp portion 130 at the pivot 157 and release of the spokes. The farther the locking ridge or protrusion is from the mouth of the clip, the greater the pressure applied. This provides additional locking to the press fit provided by the clip portion and also prevents the plastic from which the clip is typically made from deforming under pressure at the point where the clip is made of spring steel Will not yield or move under continuous force or pressure like plastic if not supported by steel. The spring steel clip maintains a grip on the spoke over a period of time.

In Figures 2a to 2g, various perspective views of the lower portion 110 of the personal lighting device are shown. The wire clamp 210 is shown engaged and disengaged from the locking ridge 156 . In FIG. 2 b , the wire clamp 210 is detached from the locking ridge 156 . In this arrangement, the lower portion 110 of the personal lighting device can be engaged or disengaged from the spokes 215 . FIG. 2c shows the wire clamp 210 engaged with the locking ridge 156 . The locking ridge 156 near the mouth of the slot 155 provides less clamping force than the locking ridge 156 farther from the mouth of the slot 155 . As shown, the wire clamp 210 also includes a clamp handle 220 that enables a user to more easily engage and release the wire clamp 210 . Figure 2f shows a side view of the lower portion of Figure 2a engaged with the oval shaped spokes 216. FIG. 2g shows a side view of the lower portion of FIG. 2a engaged with flat spokes 217 .

Alternatively, the wire clamp 210 may be replaced by a cord that allows the device to be placed on the zipper by threading the cord through the zipper hole and then threading the device through the loop. In this case, the lower portion 110 may be modified to provide a handle or spoke for the user to activate the device. Alternatively, the snap hook may provide attachment as a button. In another embodiment, a carabineer may be provided as the attachment mechanism. Alternatively, the attachment mechanism may comprise an adhesive area.

lighting mechanism

In one embodiment, the lighting mechanism includes a lower portion 110 that includes a mechanism section 115 . The lighting mechanism also includes an upper portion 415 . Lower portion 110 and upper portion 415 (which are two pieces) may also be referred to as a housing or body. The upper portion 415 includes a light projection surface 417 and a grommet (base or ring) 418 that fits over the mechanism section 115 . Figure 4b shows a cross-section 4B. The upper part 415 (which is two pieces) fits over the mechanism section 115 in a screw fit. Referring back to FIG. 1 a , the threads 160 of the mechanism section 115 are visible. Mechanism section 115 also includes first and second channels 175 , 180 and first and second detents (also sometimes referred to as protrusions) 165 and second detents (also sometimes referred to as protrusions) 170 . These channels and detents are used to activate the lighting device when rotational force is applied, as well as to prevent separation of the upper part 415 from the lower part 110 . More details are provided below.

Referring to FIG. 4 b , the upper portion 415 includes internal threads 420 for engaging the engagement threads 160 of the mechanism section 115 . Additional parts of the mechanism include a spring contact 425 and a mounting tab 430 that includes an outer foil contact 435 and an inner foil contact 440 . The LED 445 is mounted on the mounting sheet 430 below the lens section 450 of the light projection surface 417 . Mounting sheet 430 may be a printed circuit board (PCB) or other sheet; in any case, mounting sheet 430 includes the circuitry required to operate light emitting diodes (LEDs) 445 . The upper portion 415 is made up of two sub-parts: a decorative outer portion 498 and an inner portion 499 . The inner portion 499 includes the functional parts of the lighting device, and the outer portion 498 is decorative and interchangeable with other decorative outer parts. When assembled, the space occupied by the battery 455 causes the battery 455 to push against the spring contact 425 . This causes the bend 460 of the spring contact 425 to be compressed towards the flat position, which extends the contact end 456 of the spring contact 425 to the PCB, possibly completing the circuit and activating the LED 445 . As shown in FIG. 7 , the mounting tab 430 includes two areas for electrical contact: a contact portion 440 in the middle for the battery 455 to contact the mounting tab 430 , and an outer contact area 435 for contacting the spring contacts 425 . When the spring contact is in contact with the outer contact area, the electrical circuit is activated and the mechanism section 115 has a cutout 185 for retaining the spring contact 425 and for attaching the spring contact 42 to the protrusion 190 or other means by heat riveting The attachment tab 190. The spring contact 425 may include an aperture that engages the protrusion 190 to hold the spring contact 425 in place by heat riveting, a second process.

Referring to Figures 1a, 3 and 5a-5c, the positioning and arrangement of the upper portion 415 and the mechanism section 115 are shown for the inoperative state and the operative state. Section 5B shows the positions of the pawls of the upper part 415 for the active and inactive positions. Note that although there is only one pawl, two positions 510, 515 for the pawl are shown. In the illustrated pawl position 510, the mechanism is in operation. This means that the outer contact area 435 in the form of a half-moon is contacted by the spring contact 465 . In the detent position 515 shown, the mechanism is inactive. This means that the top has been turned such that the spring contact does not touch the half-moon shaped contact area 435 because it has been rotated beyond the half-moon shaped contact. The second detent 170 prevents accidental activation of the lighting mechanism. The second pawl 170 protrudes less from the mechanism section 115 than the first pawl 165 . The first pawl 165 is used to prevent rotation of the upper part 415 to release the upper part 415 from the mechanism section. Thus, when the pawl 515 is in the first channel 175, the mechanism is inactive and the user must apply sufficient rotational force on the upper portion 415 for the pawl 515 to overcome the pressure provided by the second pawl 170 . When the pawl 510 is located in the second channel 180, the mechanism is in working condition. The second channel 180 narrows at the distal end of the first channel 175 such that the narrowing of the second channel 180 prevents over-rotation of the upper portion 415 . This provides an advantage over other mechanisms since this narrowing prevents damage to the PCB or the upper and lower parts.

Figure 8 shows another embodiment of a personal lighting device. This embodiment includes a top 801 that includes a zip attachment cord 802 . Top 801 may include paintings or other designs. Printed circuit board (PCB) 805 may be similar or identical to the printed circuit board described above. Top housing 810 is configured to receive top 801 in an interchangeable manner. The battery 820 and spring 821 may be configured similarly to the batteries and springs described above. The bottom housing 830 includes the same detent system as described above. The bottom housing 830 also includes a handle 833 and a living hinge lock 831 (not visible in this view, see FIG. 9 ) for turning the device.

The living hinge lock 831 can be seen more clearly in Figure 9a (which shows the opposite side to Figure 8) and Figure 9b. The living hinge lock 831 is connected with a stopper 832 . Figure 9a shows the living hinge lock 831 in the open position. To lock the stopper, the living hinge lock 831 is fixed below so that the stopper 832 can fit in the slot of the living hinge lock 831 . In this configuration, the living hinge lock 831 prevents the bottom housing 830 from rotating beyond a certain point, thereby preventing the top housing from being released from the bottom housing. The living hinge has flex points 899 of flexible but thin plastic to provide flex. In effect, this locks the device. Such a lock can be incorporated into any desired embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a personal lighting device, showing only the base portion 910 including the attachment mechanism, in this case the gun portion 920 . It works in a similar fashion as above.

Figure 11 illustrates another embodiment of a personal lighting device that includes a locking mechanism. This mechanism can be incorporated into any other embodiment. Any element from one embodiment may be combined into any other embodiment. This embodiment is similar to the previous embodiment. In this embodiment no spring connectors are used. It includes PCB1030 and LED1040. PCB 1030 includes interconnecting slots 1046 for battery retention gaskets 1090 including slot attachment lips 1091 . The cells 1035 may have side connection points, and the gasket 1090 contacts these connection points providing interconnection. The top housing 1015 includes a threaded interior 1020 and interconnects with the base 1010 . When the top housing 1015 is screwed towards the base 1010, the space occupied by the battery 1035 and battery retaining gasket 1090 is reduced such that the positive portion of the battery 1035 touches the PCB 1030, completing the circuit. Pivot lock 1011 fits into slot 1012 and is held in the pivoted arrangement by end 1007 of wire interconnect 1008 . Pivot locks fit into recesses 1021 and can pivot in and out of these slots when activated by the user, enabling the user to unlock the housing. Also shown is a slot 1094 bisecting the two holes and interacting with a ridge 1098 . When assembled, the slot 1094 and ridge 1098 interact to prevent inadvertent rotation out of the locked position.

Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment of a personal lighting device. This configuration includes a lock that prevents the cap from being unscrewed accidentally. The device of FIG. 12 is configured to lock onto a shoelace or other relatively thin, flat, strap-like mount. The device includes a lower body member 1210 and a recess 1230 for receiving a spring contact 1240 and includes a threaded connection area for an upper body member 1250 . The spring contact 1240 fits into the lower body member 1210 and the battery 1240 sits on top of the spring contact 1240 . The device includes an upper housing 1250 including protrusions for receiving detents 1261 of a printed circuit board 1260 . The arrangement and operation of these items is similar to the previous embodiments described above.

The device of FIG. 12 also includes a detent 1290 similar to that described above on the lower body 1210 for the active and inactive states. Lever 1280 for cooperating with arm 1330 assists in preventing accidental release of upper housing 1250 . The lower body also includes two receiving apertures 1273 (only one shown in Figure 12). The receiving aperture 1273 receives the bent ends 1271 , 1272 of the wire arm 1270 . The receiving aperture 1273 is offset such that it is not directly in the vertical line. This places the wire arm 1270 under a spring load when the bent ends 1271 , 1272 are inserted, since it has to bend slightly to insert the two bent ends 1271 , 1272 . This allows the arms 1270 to sit in either the closed position or the open position when not locked in the support sleeves 1274 on either side of the lower body 1210 . When parallel to the bottom piece but not engaged with the groove 1274, the locking wire remains in the closed position. The locking wire is approximately perpendicular to the bottom of the lower body 1210 when in the open position. This open position aids in mounting the device on shoelaces or other similar strap-like components since the user does not need to keep the cord arm 1270 open during installation. The user can then snap the wire arm into one of the two sets of support sleeves 1274 that allow the use of thicker or thinner shoelaces while between the wire arm 1270 and the bottom of the lower body 1210 Keep the strap tight fit.

FIG. 13 shows the upper housing 1250 . Similar to the above, the upper housing includes internal threads 1310 and protrusions or recesses 1320 that interact with recesses or protrusions 1290 of the lower body 1210 . Since over-rotation or removal of the cap is controlled by a different mechanism, this system includes only one recess on each of the threads of the lower body and upper housing. Essentially, the same PCB as in Figure 7 can be used, and the non-rotational and rotational operating functions can be operated similarly. Arm 1330 , slot 1340 and stop 1350 prevent release or over-twisting of upper housing 1250 on lower body 1210 . This is achieved through interaction with rod 1280 . Arm 1330 and slot 1340 interact with rod 1280 as upper housing 1250 rotates relative to lower body 1210 . When the upper housing 1250 is locked, the arm 1330 has a greater radial distance from the center of the device than the rod 1280, so that the arm 1330 engages the end point of the upper housing 1250 by making the inner thread 1310 and the lower body 1210 Interaction of threads 1220 disengages to prevent further rotation of upper housing and release upper housing 1250 . Arm 1330 may be bent on the inside of stem 1280 to allow further rotation, thereby allowing upper housing 1250 to be removed and battery 1245 to be replaced. The rear lever 1280 also interacts with the sides of the housing 1210 and may not bend through the sides of the body, stopping rotation. This prevents over-rotation of the upper housing 1250, which could over-compress the inner parts, potentially damaging the inner parts.

FIG. 14 shows a cross-section of the threaded portion of the lower body 1210 . Here the recess 1290 is more clearly visible and is shown with two sides 1410 , 1420 . The steepness of the two sides can be adjusted and can be configured to be steeper or more gradual, which will control how easy it is to turn the light on and off. A steeper grade on the recess 1290 will provide a greater amount of force to turn the light off and on. The lower body 1210 also includes three small rods 1431 , 1432 to align and hold the spring contact 1240 .

As noted above, alternative bodies, attachment mechanisms, and lighting mechanisms can all be incorporated into the described personal lighting systems including those described in US Patent No. 7,695,154. The embodiments described herein are generally configured for attachment to clothing or a vehicle with spokes; however, alternative attachment mechanisms will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure.

The embodiments described above and shown herein are illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the personal lighting device is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description and drawings. The personal lighting device may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the described personal lighting device. Accordingly, any other changes that come within the scope of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims (9)

1. an individual lighting device, comprising:

(a) the first shell, described the first shell comprises light Projection Division and attachment, and described attachment comprises internal thread and the first protuberance, and described the first shell also has arm;

(b) second housing, described second housing comprises lighting mechanism chamber, external screw thread, the second protuberance, described the second protuberance has the first sidepiece and the second sidepiece, and described second housing interconnects by described internal thread and described external screw thread and described the first shell; Described the first protuberance has primary importance and the second place, described primary importance is positioned on described the first sidepiece, the described second place is positioned on described the second sidepiece, described second housing also has bar, described bar and described arm interact, make described bar and described arm prevent that described the first shell from being turned on from described second housing, unless described arm deflects into the central authorities of more close described the first shell;

(c) battery;

(d) printed circuit board (PCB) (PCB); And

(e) be arranged on the light emitting diode (LED) on described PCB, described battery is between described PCB and described second housing, described PCB, between described battery and described the first shell, makes in the time that described the first protuberance is positioned on described the first sidepiece, and described LED is not activated; And

In the time that described the first protuberance is positioned on described the second sidepiece, described LED is activated.

2. individual lighting device according to claim 1, also comprises:

(f) spring contact portion, described spring contact portion orientation between described battery and described second housing, wherein, the mask towards described battery orientation of described PCB has first make contact and the second contact point, described first make contact is for described battery, and described the second contact point is for described spring contact portion, wherein, in the time that described the first protuberance is positioned on described the second sidepiece, described the second contact alignment of described spring contact portion and described PCB.

3. individual lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, described the first shell comprises retainer, and described retainer and the interaction of described bar, to prevent that by make described retainer stop with described bar described the first shell from rotating through certain rotation with respect to described second housing.

4. individual lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, the one in described the first shell and described second housing comprises the first aperture and the second aperture, and comprises:

Electric wire arm, described electric wire arm is pivotally mounted in described the first aperture and described the second aperture, and described electric wire arm is configured in the first support set portion on the first sidepiece and second sidepiece of the one in described the first shell and described second housing and the second support set portion locking and discharges.

5. individual lighting device according to claim 4, wherein, described the first aperture and described the second aperture biasing, making described electric wire arm is through spring-loading, thereby described electric wire arm is remained in open position, unless described electric wire arm is locked in described the first support set portion and described the second support set portion.

6. a method for operating lighting means, described method comprises:

(a) provide there is the first shell, the lighting device of second housing, the first protuberance and the second protuberance;

(b) utilize enough power that the first shell is rotated with respect to second housing, so that the first protuberance is crossed the second protuberance; And

(c) in response to described rotation, lamp is started.

7. method according to claim 6, wherein, described lighting device comprises the light Projection Division and the attachment that are arranged in described the first shell, and described attachment comprises internal thread and described the first protuberance, and described the first shell also has arm; Lighting mechanism chamber; With the external screw thread that is arranged in described second housing, described the second protuberance has the first sidepiece and the second sidepiece, and described second housing interconnects by described internal thread and described external screw thread and described the first shell; Described the first protuberance has primary importance and the second place, described primary importance is positioned on described the first sidepiece, the described second place is positioned on described the second sidepiece, described second housing also has bar, described bar and described arm interact, make described bar and described arm prevent that described the first shell from being turned on from described second housing, unless described arm deflects into the central authorities of more close described the first shell; Battery; Printed circuit board (PCB) (PCB); And wherein, described lamp is the light emitting diode (LED) being arranged on described PCB, described battery is between described PCB and described second housing, described PCB is between described battery and described the first shell, make in the time that described the first protuberance is positioned on described the first sidepiece, described LED is not activated, and in the time that described the first protuberance is positioned on described the second sidepiece, described LED is activated.

8. method according to claim 7, also comprises:

(d) utilize enough power that described the first shell is rotated with respect to described second housing, so that described the first protuberance is crossed described the second protuberance, make described the first protuberance be arranged in described primary importance; And

(e) the inactive described lamp in response to the rotation in (d).

9. method according to claim 8, also comprises:

(f) make described arm deflect into the central authorities of more close described the second body; And

(g) described the first shell and described second housing are disengaged.