Light distribution system including an area light emitting portion contained in a flexible holder

• US 6,030,089 A
• Filed: 11/10/1998
• Issued: 02/29/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 11/04/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Rambus Delaware LLC (Rambus Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Lumitex Incorporated
• Inventors: Hopkins, Terrence P., Parker, Jeffery R.
• Primary Examiner(s): O'Shea, Sandra
• Assistant Examiner(s): DELGIZZI, RONALD ERNEST
• Application Number:
  US09/189,823
• Time in Patent Office: 476 Days
• Field of Search: 362/190, 362/191, 362/158, 362/103, 362/806, 362/812, 362/198, 36/136, 36/137
• US Class Current: 362/103
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 1/0036 with fluorescent or phosphorescent parts
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 1/0072 made at least partially of transparent or translucent materials
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 23/00 Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 3/34 with electrical or electronic arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 3/36 with light sources
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 3/44 with sensors, e.g. for detecting contact or position
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 3/50 with sound or music sources
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/001 the light being emitted along at least a portion of the lateral surface of the fibre
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/806 Ornamental or decorative
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/812 Signs

Abstract

A light distribution system includes an area light emitting portion, a light source for supplying light to an input edge of the light emitting portion for conduction within the light emitting portion and emission therefrom, and a power source for the light source. A holder may be provided for the light emitting portion. The holder may be made of a flexible material to permit the holder to conform to a contoured surface such as the arm or other body part of a person. Also, a flexible band or belt may be provided for personal wear. The light distribution system may include an additional light source which is directional so it can be seen at a greater distance than the area light emitting portion. An information display system controlled by an interactive switch may also be provided for displaying selected information.

Claims

1. A light distribution system for providing area lighting comprising an area light emitting portion, a light source for supplying light to an input edge of said light emitting portion for conduction within said light emitting portion and emission therefrom, a power source for said light source, and a holder for said light emitting portion, said holder having a window through which light is emitted from said light emitting portion, said holder being made of a flexible material to permit said holder to conform to a contoured surface.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising another light source contained within said holder, said another light source being directional to provide directional lighting for longer range viewing than said area light emitting portion.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein said holder is attached to a band or belt for wearing by a person.

4. The system of claim 2 further comprising interactive switch means for controlling the operation of said light sources.

5. The system of claim 1 further comprising an information display, and an interactive switch for controlling the operation of said information display.

6. A light distribution system comprising an area light emitting portion, a light source for supplying light to an input edge of said area light emitting portion for conduction within said light emitting portion and emission therefrom, a power source for said light source, a holder for said light emitting portion and said light source, said holder including a window through which light is emitted from said area light emitting portion, and a flexible band or belt for securing said holder around an arm or other body part of a person.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein said holder is made of a flexible material to permit said holder to conform to the arm or other body part of a person.

8. The system of claim 6 wherein said band or belt includes a fastening device for removably securing said band or belt around a person'"'"'s arm or other body part.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein said band or belt has a slot in one end for looping of an other end of said band or belt through said slot before securing said fastening device.

10. The system of claim 6 further comprising circuit means for controlled switching of said light source.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein said circuit means is located within said holder.

12. The system of claim 6 wherein said power source comprises a battery located in said holder, said holder having a closeable access opening which when opened permits removal and replacement of said battery.

13. The system of claim 6 further comprising interactive switch means for controlling the operation of said light source.

14. A light distribution system comprising an area light emitting portion, a light source for supplying light to an input edge of said area light emitting portion for conduction within said area light emitting portion and emission therefrom, a power source for said light source, a holder for said area light emitting portion and said light source, said holder including a window through which light is emitted from said area light emitting portion, and means for securing said holder to a contoured surface, said holder being made of a flexible material to permit said holder to conform to said contoured surface.

15. The system of claim 14 wherein said contoured surface comprises an arm or other body part of a person, and said means for securing comprises a flexible band or belt for securing said holder around such arm or other body part.

16. The system of claim 14 wherein said holder also contains circuit means for controlled switching of said light source.

17. The system of claim 14 wherein said holder contains an interactive switch for controlled switching of said light source.

18. The system of claim 14 wherein said power source comprises a battery located in said holder, said holder having a closeable access opening which when opened permits removal and replacement of said battery.