Illumination – Supported by vehicle structure – Condition responsive
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-30
2001-01-09
O'Shea, Sandra (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Supported by vehicle structure
Condition responsive
C362S464000, C362S473000, C362S276000, C362S802000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06170968
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Reflectors or lights are conventional means to increase night time visibility of any type of vehicles that have wheels. Additionally, it is known in the prior art to mount lights or reflectors on rotating objects to achieve an aesthetic result.
Reflectors alone lack the safety feature of providing an active source of illumination, making the user more vulnerable. For reflector type devices, it is necessary to have an external light source, which must shine directly on the reflector in order for the device to be visible. To alleviate this problem, active lighting methods have been developed. The active lighting methods use a light internal to the device which does not require external light to provide the safety or aesthetic light desired.
In order to operate these active lighting devices, it is necessary to turn on the light source using some type of switching mechanism. Switching mechanisms for active lighting devices consist of manual switching methods and automatic switching methods. Automatic switching methods which have been developed, however, have not resulted in a predictable and reliable method to turn on the lighting source when light is desired. This lack of reliability is due to the fact that different types of movement may be used to activate the light, requiring different kinds of sensing means. Additionally, automatic switches have not allowed lighting devices to automatically remain lit, even when the sensing means is not being actuated (such as when a bike rider is at a stop sign). The ability to keep the illumination device lit is juxtaposed against the ability of the device to maintain the longevity of the device's power supply. Existing active lighting devices have not addressed either of these concerns adequately. There exists a continuing need for a reliable active illumination reflective apparatus to provide visible light for both safety and aesthetic reasons which conserves its power while it operates automatically.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is an illumination device which can be mounted on a rotating object, typically a bike wheel. The invention utilizes two switching mechanisms and a timer to operate a light source. The switching mechanisms are activated by centrifugal motion and intermittent motion. These switches are used to turn on light emitting diodes, or electro-luminescent strips.
The light source is contained in a housing which emits a constant glow when activated. The invention eliminates problems associated with prior illumination or reflective devices by providing an internal source of light which is reliably activated upon the motion of the rotating object. The invention acts as a safety device as well as providing an aesthetically pleasing effect.
In one preferred embodiment, the illumination device is adapted for use on a rotatable object, and includes a housing mounted on that object. A light source is disposed within the housing, along with an electrical power source. A first switch is disposed within the housing and activated by intermittent motion of the housing. A second switch is also disposed within the housing and is activated by centrifugal forces caused by rotation of the rotatable object. The illumination device has a timer disposed within the housing. The timer has a timing cycle, and the timer is operably connected relative to the first switch and the second switch such that activation of either the first switch or the second switch initiates the timing cycle of the timer and enables the flow of electricity from the power source to the light source during the timing cycle. Preferably, the light source emits uninterrupted light for the duration of the timing cycle.
The invention relates not only to an illumination device apparatus, but also to a method of illumination which comprises mounting a housing on a rotatable object, activating a timer within the housing through intermittent motion of the housing, activating the timer through centrifuigal motion of the housing and energizing a light source within the housing upon activation of the timer.
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Kinney & Lange , P.A.
Negron Ismael
O'Shea Sandra
Outdoor Creations, Inc.
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