AUTOILLUMINATING RECHARGEABLE LAMP SYSTEM

• US 20050264261A1
• Filed: 08/12/2005
• Published: 12/01/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/20/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
• Original Assignee: Vessel, Inc.
• Inventors: Barbeau, Stefane, Smith, Duane, Reilly, Daniel
• Application Number:
  US11/161,689
• Publication Number:
  US 20050264261A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 320/114
• CPC Class Codes: F21L 2/00 Systems of electric lighting devices systems employing both electric and non-electric light sources or exchangeable light sources F21L27/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21L 4/08 characterised by means for in situ recharging of the batteries or cells
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/035 by means of plugging into a wall outlet, e.g. night light
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 9/02 the power supply being a battery or accumulator
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 9/022 Emergency lighting devices
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/02 the elements being transformers, impedances or power supply units, e.g. a transformer with a rectifier
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/04 the elements being switches safety devices F21V25/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0442 activated by means of a sensor, e.g. motion or photodetectors
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0485 the sensor sensing the physical interaction between a user and certain areas located on the lighting device, e.g. a touch sensor
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 3/02 characterised by the shape
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 3/0625 the material diffusing light, e.g. translucent plastics
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/0052 Audio or video equipment, e.g. televisions, telephones, cameras or computers; Remote control devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/0076 Safety or security signalisation, e.g. smoke or burglar alarms, earthquake detectors; Self-defence devices
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0044 specially adapted for holding portable devices containing batteries H02J7/0045 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/02 in which an auxiliary distribution system and its associated lamps are brought into service
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 39/00 Circuit arrangements or apparatus for operating incandescent light sources structurally associated with the incandescent lamps H01K1/62

Abstract

An autoilluminating rechargeable lamp system includes a set of one or more self-standing rechargeable lighting fixtures (luminaries) removably supported on a recharging and support member. The luminaries each include a light diffusor that may resemble a candle to the from that turn on when removed from the recharging and support member. The luminaries may also turn on when power to the recharging and support member is turned off, turning the luminaries on automatically as-during a power failure. The luminaries may each be inductively coupled to the recharging and support member, which enables to provide an aesthetically pleasing interface free of electrical contacts.

Claims

1. An autoilluminating rechargeable lamp system that is adapted for use while reading, using a laptop, camping, walking outdoors, and as a nightlight and alarm clock while at home or traveling, comprising:

a charger member adapted to be supported by a surface and further adapted to receive an end of a lantern such that the other end of the lantern is supported on said support including a first circuit coupled to said received end of said lantern operative in response to supplied AC power to provide a charge signal to the lantern received thereby; and

a lantern having a face proximate said received end extending transversely of the lantern'"'"'s extension displaying an alarm clock when said end is received on said charger and at least one light emitting element connected to a rechargeable battery pack via a second circuit operative in one mode to charge said rechargeable battery pack and to de-light said at least one light emitting element in response to receipt of the lantern on the charger and operative in another mode to activate said at least one light emitting element in response to removal of the lantern from said charger.

2. The invention of claim 1, wherein the lantern has control actuators, and wherein the control actuators are hidden to provide a clean aesthetic.

3. The invention of claim 2, wherein said control actuators include at least one charge contact, and wherein said charge contact is flush with said lantern.

4. The invention of claim 3, wherein the lantern has a modular housing that is releasable to enable battery and light replacement and wherein said charge contact flush with said lantern is adapted to serve as a button releasing the modular housing to enable component replacement.

5. The invention of claim 2, wherein said control actuators include alarm and time setting actuators, and wherein said alarm and time setting actuators are proximity responsive.

6. The invention of claim 1, further including a lanyard having a sling, and wherein said lantern includes a flared end adapted to be supported in said sling of said lanyard.

7. The invention of claim 1, wherein said charger is a charger log adapted to receive said lantern in either orientation.

8. An autoilluminating rechargeable lamp system that is adapted for use while reading, using a laptop, camping, walking outdoors, and as a nightlight and alarm clock while at home or traveling, comprising:

a charger member adapted to be supported by a surface and further adapted to receive an end of a lantern such that the other end of the lantern is supported on said support including a first circuit coupled to said received end of said lantern operative in response to supplied AC power to provide a charge signal to the lantern received thereby; and

a lantern having a face proximate said received end extending transversely of the lantern'"'"'s extension displaying an alarm clock when said end is received on said charger and at least one light emitting element connected to a rechargeable battery pack via a second circuit operative in one mode to charge said rechargeable battery pack and to de-light said at least one light emitting element in response to down-ending of the lantern and operative in another mode to activate said at least one light emitting element in response to up-ending of the lantern.

9. The invention of claim 8, wherein the lantern has control actuators, and wherein the control actuators are hidden to provide a clean aesthetic.

10. The invention of claim 8, wherein said control actuators include at least one charge contact, and wherein said charge contact is flush with said lantern.

11. The invention of claim 10, wherein the lantern has a modular housing that is releasable to enable battery and light replacement and wherein said charge contact flush with said lantern is adapted to serve as a button releasing the modular housing to enable component replacement.

12. The invention of claim 9, wherein said control actuators include alarm and time setting actuators, and wherein said alarm and time setting actuators are proximity responsive.

13. The invention of claim 8, further including a lanyard having a sling, and wherein said lantern includes a flared end adapted to be supported in said sling of said lanyard.

14. The invention of claim 8, wherein said charger is a charger log adapted to receive said lantern in either orientation.