Illumination – With container
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-15
2001-01-30
Tso, Laura K. (Department: 2875)
Illumination
With container
C362S101000, C362S190000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06179436
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to lighting implements; more particularly, it relates to a method and apparatus for a type of lantern, particularly adapted to backpacking and other pursuits requiring portable and/or modular lighting equipment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Lanterns for use in backpacking are generally single purpose relatively bulky items, that in addition are of little use in projecting a flashlight-like beam. Since a backpacker will usually use some kind of flashlight, conversions have been proposed. Flashlight attachments which are tubular are known in the art. One such device employs a light tunnel having a reflective surface at its end while another has an open ended tube. Some devices are intended to be used as light wands while others simply redirect the light beam. Many other lantern devices exist for use in the absence of wall power for camping and other purposes. Most are of relatively high cost and are harsh when viewed directly because one is looking directly at the light source such as a filament in a bulb. What is needed is a conversion accessory for attachment to an existing light source, where the accessory preferably has an independent use, and is largely independent of the light source shape. Such a device would be practical for those in need of a compact and lightweight lantern for backpacking, or for those who wish to easily convert an existing light source into a lantern.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly it is the object of the invention to provide a device for converting a standard flashlight or head lamp or light emitting diode (LED) light source into a lantern for general area illumination using a standard backpacker's container.
It is a further object of the invention that the lantern be large in illumination area, for use in beaconing, without taking extra packing space.
It is a further object of the invention that commercially available light sources can be accommodated without any modification whatsoever.
It is a further object of the invention that the device function fully as a lantern when the container is partially full or completely full of water, or any other clear liquid.
It is a further object of the invention to use a container that doubles as a fluid or solid container.
It is further an object of the invention to provide a new use for a container already possessed by the user.
It is a further object of the invention that the container provide a measurement capability for use in cooking.
It is a further object of the invention to provide lightweight and compact means for attachment of the light source to the container.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a soft-light lantern.
These and such other objects of the invention as will become evident from the disclosure below are met by the invention disclosed herein.
The invention addresses and provides such a system. The invention represents a multi-use, lightweight, soft-light, light source attachment and/or kit for making a backpacking lantern.
Application of the invention to a backpacker's need for a large area lantern which takes up negligible additional space is especially beneficial in that the invention is the only system that effectively provides solutions to these needs.
It is a further object to utilize a container which is already in general use, and therefore of known and existing utility to backpackers. The preferred embodiment utilizes such a container but is not limited to the use of such containers.
In one aspect the invention is lantern that is composed of a closeable translucent container, a light source and a coupler for releasably connecting the container to the light source. The lantern preferably also has at least one first releasable connector and a second releasable connector attachable to the container for releasable connection to the first connector. The lantern also preferably has a container lid closed upon the container, and the second connector is optionally attachable to the lid. Some embodiments of the lantern alternately have an elastomeric coupler having a central portion and an outer portion, the center portion having a hole, and the outer portion further comprising at least one first releasable connector, and a second releasable connector attachable to the container for releasable connection to the first connector. The second connector advantageously has a plurality of attachment rings on the perimeter of the connector, and may also have a dish-shaped part engageable with a bottom of the container. In some embodiments the first connector has a hole in its center, and the outer portion of the first connector has a plurality of legs. A lid for use in the invention is preferably translucent. The lantern of the invention may also employ a reflector on a bottom of the container, and a reflector which at least partially covers a wall of the container.
The lantern of the invention employs a light source selected from the group consisting of a standard flashlight, a standard headlamp, a stand alone LED flashlight and an LED integrated into the lid of the container, or like lightsources whether now known or later developed. The lantern may also have a light redirecting film interposed between the light source and the container interior. The light redirecting film optimally has a thickness greater than zero and less than 5 millimeters and is preferably made of a transparent material having a variable thickness. In some cases the container lid itself may be the light redirecting film.
Another aspect of the invention is a lantern kit having a coupler adapted to releasably connect a translucent container to a light source. In some embodiments, the coupler is a container lid closeable on the container, the lid having a plurality of gripping projections, the projections adapted to releasably attach to a light source having an output reflector smaller than the diameter of the lid. Alternatively, the coupler has a preferably elastic member having at least one first releasable connector and a second releasable connector attachable to a container for releasable connection to the first connector. Alternatively, the coupler has a band of resilient material having attached on at least a portion of its outer circumference some hook and loop material, the band lockable onto the lid. Alternatively, the coupler is a lid containing a light source and a power source. The light source may advantageously be an integral plurality of light emitting diodes, the light emitting diodes disposed to direct their light into the interior of the container, and a driving circuit to provide electrical stimulus to the LED devices, along with battery mounts for the power source.
Another aspect of the invention is a bag for enclosing a container and at least a portion of a lightsource, where the container has a lid and the bag has a releasable cinching closure at an open end, whereby the closure engages the enclosed portion of the lightsource to at least in part urge the lightsource against the lid. The bag may optionally have a plurality of compression straps, at least one of which is attached to the bag at a point below the cinching closure when it is closed and above the lid of the container.
Some embodiments of the invention employ a permanent container modification and/or a permanent lid modification as part of the light source attachment accessory. Other embodiments employ unmodified or conventional containers and/or lids that are then reversibly modified in accordance with the invention in order to effect the attachment accessory. In either case parts may be provided to the user as part of the practice of the invention in a kit to enable the user to make the permanent or reversible modification of the container and/or lid. Preferred embodiments require the use of a container and a lid which are at least translucent.
The light source accessory of the present invention employs a hollow, sealable container; it also preferably has means for attachment of light sources having various shape and size to the container. A preferred attachment means is a
Dwyer Patrick M.
Tso Laura K.
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