Portable light apparatus and method of attachment

• US 8,277,074 B2
• Filed: 11/13/2009
• Issued: 10/02/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 01/21/2009
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: William K. Wells
• Original Assignee: William K. Wells
• Inventors: Wells, William K.
• Primary Examiner(s): HAN, JASON
• Application Number:
  US12/618,652
• Publication Number:
  US 20100182797A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,054 Days
• Field of Search: 362/84, 362/157, 362/183, 362/191, 362/800, 313/504, 313/511
• US Class Current: 362/191
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 15/06 with illuminating devices
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 2005/006 comprising a suspension strap or lanyard
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 5/02 Fastening articles to the garment
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 9/02 the power supply being a battery or accumulator
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 9/032 the solar unit being separate from the lighting unit
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 17/108 using hook and loop-type fasteners
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/08 Devices for easy attachment to any desired place, e.g. clip, clamp, magnet
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/0832 Hook and loop-type fasteners
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/04 the elements being switches safety devices F21V25/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2105/00 Planar light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/15 Organic light-emitting diodes [OLED]
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/60 Circuit arrangements for operating LEDs comprising organic material, e.g. for operating organic light-emitting diodes [OLED] or polymer light-emitting diodes [PLED]
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/10 Controlling the light source
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 13/00 Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing or adjusting assemblages of electric components
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/30 Semiconductor lamps, e.g. solid state lamps [SSL] light emitting diodes [LED] or organic LED [OLED]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49117 Conductor or circuit manufacturing

Abstract

An organic light emitting diode system is sufficiently thin and poser efficient to permit its attachment to different configurations such as pocketbooks, brief bags, suitcases and the like. At least one side of the OLED material can have an attachment mechanism to facilitate attachment to a surface in the area to be lighted. The system may include a portable power source that provides electrical power to actuate the OLED material, causing it to generate light. A switch connected to the battery can control power to the OLED material to switch the light on and off. The switch can be manually operated or automatic. The low power consumption of embodiments of the OLED apparatus also provides for unique applications and uses.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a planar organic light emitting diode material having a length of least 5 cm and a width dimension being equal to or less than the length dimension, said organic light emitting diode material configured to have a low profile of less than 10 mm in thickness;

a battery connected to the organic light emitting diode material for providing a voltage source of about 10 volts or less, said battery having a length and width dimension equal to or less than the organic light emitting diode material,

a switch electrically connected between the battery and the organic light emitting diode material, the switch operable between an on and off position;

a substrate to which said light emitting diode material, said battery and said switch are fixed;

said substrate, said light emitting diode material, said switch and battery having a combined thickness of about 10 mm or less; and

a mechanism for removably securing said substrate with the organic light emitting diode material thereon to a surface in an area to be subjected to light, wherein the battery is independently removable from the apparatus for at least one of replacement and recharging.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a holder for the battery.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the battery provides a voltage between 2 and 10 volts to the organic light emitting diode material.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the organic light emitting diode material is flexible.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the organic light emitting diode material, the switch, the battery, the holder and the substrate form a low profile unitary device with the organic light emitting diode material has a length dimension of least 25 mm.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the length dimension of the organic light emitting diode material has a length of between 25 mm and 150 mm.

7. A kit for installing a light fixture comprising:

a. a low profile strip of a planar organic light emitting diode material having a thickness of 10 mm or less;

b. a battery providing a voltage of 10 volts or less;

c. a switch;

d. a securing mechanism;

e. a substrate on which at least said organic light emitting diode material is fixed and to which said battery and said switch is connected;

f. said securing mechanism cooperating with said substrate for removably securing said substrate to a surface to be illuminated;

g. a battery holder for electrical connection between the organic light emitting diode material and the switch; and

f. wherein the combined thickness of the battery, the battery holder, the organic light emitting diode material, and the switch when electrically connected is equal to or less than about 10 mm.

8. The kit according to claim 7, wherein said battery is a rechargeable battery.

9. The kit according to claim 8, further comprising a portable solar battery recharger.

10. The kit according to claim 7, wherein the securing mechanism includes a hook and loop fastener.

11. The kit according to claim 7 wherein a securing mechanism is at least in part connected to at least one of the battery, the switch and the organic light emitting diode material.

12. The kit according to claim 11, wherein the securing mechanism includes an adhesive.