Container illuminated by handle/strap

• US 7,147,342 B2
• Filed: 07/01/2004
• Issued: 12/12/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/10/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lane E. Burnidge
• Original Assignee: Lane E. Burnidge
• Inventors: Burnidge, Lane E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Alavi, Ali
• Assistant Examiner(s): CARTER, WILLIAM JOSEPH
• Application Number:
  US10/883,135
• Publication Number:
  US 20040240199A1
• Time in Patent Office: 894 Days
• Field of Search: 362/156
• US Class Current: 362/156
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 13/28 Combinations of handles with other devices
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 13/30 Straps; Bands
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 15/06 with illuminating devices
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 19/2227 with means for amusing or giving information to the user A47G23/16 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 2019/2238 with illumination means
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/00 Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Abstract

An illuminating handle/strap for lifting, pulling, carrying, opening, holding a container and the like is presented. The light source is the handle/strap. Illumination can occur in different ways by aiming the light emitting means. Directions can be: generally, as in all directions; partially, such as down into a container, at what it is attached to, or towards the person using it; specifically, such as at signage on or adjacent to what it is attached to; or in a combination of several directions at once. Different or combinations of light emitting means can be used. The handle can be rigid or flexible. This is a simple cost effective way to increase visibility and safety.

Claims

1. A container illuminated by a handle wherein the handle comprises:

one or more light sources placed laterally along said handle wherein at least one of the one or more light source is always directed toward the container such that at least one light source is illuminating the container when the at least one light source is emitting light, the at least one light source illuminates the container so that light is visible through container walls and illuminates surroundings to provide safety to a person carrying the container;

an electrical connection for receiving an electricity source; and

means for connecting the one or more light sources to the electrical connection.

2. The container of claim 1 wherein the at least one or more light source is a chemical light.

3. The container of claim 2 wherein the chemical light comprises a chemical luminescent light emitting source.

4. The container of claim 1 further including means for attaching the handle to the container.

5. The container of claim 1 wherein the means for connecting the one or more light sources to the electrical connection comprises wire.

6. The container of claim 1 wherein the means for connecting the one or more light sources to the electrical connection comprises a circuit board.

7. The container of claim 6 wherein the circuit board comprises a flexible circuit board.

8. The container of claim 1 wherein the means for connecting the one or more light sources to the electrical connection comprises at least one conductive strip.

9. The container of claim 1 wherein the means for connecting the one or more light sources to the electrical connection comprises a high frequency carrier signal.

10. The container of claim 1 wherein the one or more light sources is selected from the group consisting of a light emitting diode, an incandescent lamp, and a halogen lamp.

11. The container of claim 10 wherein the group further comprises an electroluminescent light.

12. The container of claim 1 wherein the one or more light sources comprises one or more chemical lights.

13. The container of claim 1 wherein at least one of the one or more light sources is flashing.

14. The container of claim 1 wherein the container comprises one of a cup, a bag, a tub, a holiday container, and a gift bag.

15. The container of claim 1 wherein the container comprises one of a plate, a tray, a planter, a bucket, a pail, a drawer, and a box.

16. The container of claim 1 wherein the container comprises one of plastic, ceramic, paper, woven wire, steel, wood, and cloth.

17. A handle for illuminating a container comprising:

one or more light sources placed laterality along the handle wherein at least one of the one or more light source is always directed toward the container such that at least one light source is illuminating the container when the at least one light source is emitting light, the at least one light source illuminates the container so that light is visible through container walls and illuminates surroundings to provide safety to a person carrying the container;

an electrical connection for receiving an electricity source; and

means for connecting the one or more light sources to the electrical connection.

18. The handle of claim 17 further comprising means for attaching the handle to the container.

19. The handle of claim 18 wherein the means for attaching the handle to the container comprises wire.

20. The handle of claim 18 wherein the means for attaching the handle to the container comprises molding the handle to the container.

21. The handle of claim 18 wherein the means for attaching the handle to the container includes attaching the handle to the container at least at one point.

22. The handle of claim 17 wherein the means for connecting the one or more light sources to the electrical connection comprises wire.

23. The handle of claim 17 wherein the means for connecting the one or more light sources to the electrical connection comprises a circuit board.

24. The handle of claim 23 wherein the circuit board comprises a flexible circuit board.

25. The handle of claim 17 wherein the means for connecting the one or more light sources to the electrical connection comprises at least one conductive strip.

26. The handle of claim 17 wherein the means for connecting the one or more light sources to the electrical connection comprises a high frequency carrier signal.

27. The handle of claim 17 further comprising one of a sleeve and a cover.

28. The handle of claim 27 wherein the one of the sleeve and the cover comprises a tube.

29. The handle of claim 27 wherein the one of the sleeve and the cover comprises a coating.

30. The handle of claim 17 wherein the one or more light sources is consists of one or more of a light emitting diode, an incandescent lamp, and a halogen lamp.

31. The handle of claim 17 wherein the one or more light sources comprises one or more electroluminescent lights.

32. The handle of claim 17 wherein at least one of the one or more light sources is flashing.