Conspicuity devices and methods

• US 10,149,508 B2
• Filed: 09/22/2017
• Issued: 12/11/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 01/10/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: CSC Group, LLC
• Original Assignee: CSC Group, LLC
• Inventors: Gonzalez, Joseph A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sember, Thomas M
• Application Number:
  US15/712,426
• Publication Number:
  US 20180132555A1
• Time in Patent Office: 445 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 13/01 with reflective or luminous safety means visible signalling arrangements G08B5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A42B 3/044 Lighting devices, e.g. helmets with lamps
• CPC Class Codes: A42B 3/0453 Signalling devices, e.g. auxiliary brake or indicator lights
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 13/30 Straps; Bands
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 15/06 with illuminating devices
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 2003/142 Carrying-straps
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 2005/002 combined with other objects
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 2005/008 Hand articles fastened to the wrist or to the arm or to the leg
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 2200/0566 Tubular, rod-shaped articles, e.g. batons
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 2200/0575 Portable tools
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 3/02 Sacks or packs carried on the body by means of one strap passing over the shoulder
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 3/04 Sacks or packs carried on the body by means of two straps passing over the two shoulders
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 3/14 Carrying-straps; Pack-carrying harnesses
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 5/02 Fastening articles to the garment
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 5/021 to the belt
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2400/10 Electro- or photo- luminescent surfaces, e.g. signalling by way of electroluminescent strips or panels
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/0008 Clothing or clothing accessories, e.g. scarfs, gloves or belts
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/0064 Health, life-saving or fire-fighting equipment
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/008 Leisure, hobby or sport articles, e.g. toys, games or first-aid kits; Hand tools; Toolboxes
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2103/10 comprising a linear array of point-like light-generating elements
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2103/20 : of polygonal shape, e.g. square or rectangular
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 : Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Abstract

The disclosure provides conspicuity devices and methods. A first embodiment includes a glove with at least one elongate lighting device adapted and configured to admit light having an advantageous spectral energy distribution. Additional articles of clothing are provided herein for enhanced conspicuity, such as for emergency workers and athletes.

Claims

1. An air tank including a breathable gas mixture for enhancing conspicuity of a user, including a tank body defining an interior volume for containing the breathable gas mixture, and at least one lighting device having at least one portion configured to be selectively illuminated that is attached to an exterior region of the air tank along an outside facing surface of the air tank, wherein the lighting device is encased in a clear overwrap that surrounds the air tank.

2. The air tank of claim 1, wherein the air tank is a component of a SCBA or SCUBA system configured for underwater diving.

3. The air tank of claim 1, wherein the lighting device is formed into indicia that conveys information to an observer of the air tank.

4. The air tank of claim 3, wherein the indicia includes at least one arrow shape configured to indicate directional orientation of the air tank and a wearer of the air tank to the observer.

5. The air tank of claim 4, wherein the shape includes letters in an arrangement.

6. The air tank of claim 5, wherein the letters form a name of a wearer of the air tank.

7. The air tank of claim 6, wherein the tank is cylindrical.

8. The air tank of claim 1, wherein the clear overwrap includes epoxy material.

9. The air tank of claim 1, wherein the air tank is a component of a respirator system for an emergency worker.

10. An air tank including a breathable gas mixture for enhancing conspicuity of a user, including a tank body defining an interior volume for containing the breathable gas mixture, and at least one lighting device having at least one portion configured to be selectively illuminated that is attached to an exterior region of the tank along an outside facing surface of the tank, wherein the tank includes composite material surrounding an aluminum liner, the composite material including fibrous material disposed in a resin matrix, wherein the at least one lighting device includes LED lighting elements incorporated into the resin matrix.

11. The air tank of claim 10, wherein the fibrous material includes at least one of aramid fibers, carbon fiber, fiberglass, or combinations thereof.

12. The air tank of claim 10, wherein the resin includes epoxy resin.

13. The air tank of claim 10, wherein the air tank is a component of a respirator system for an emergency worker.

14. The air tank of claim 10, wherein the air tank is a component of a SCBA or SCUBA system configured for underwater diving.

15. The air tank of claim 10, wherein the lighting device is formed into indicia that conveys information to an observer of the air tank.

16. The air tank of claim 15, wherein the indicia includes at least one arrow shape configured to indicate directional orientation of the air tank and a wearer of the air tank to the observer.

17. The air tank of claim 16, wherein the shape includes letters in an arrangement.

18. The air tank of claim 17, wherein the letters form a name of a wearer of the air tank.

19. The air tank of claim 18, wherein the tank is cylindrical.