LED device having printable layer and retention feature

• US 8,926,154 B1
• Filed: 04/24/2013
• Issued: 01/06/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 11/18/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Dog-E-Glow, LLC
• Original Assignee: Dog-E-Glow, Inc.
• Inventors: Brauser, Gregory, Bal, Brandon
• Primary Examiner(s): Mai, Anh
• Assistant Examiner(s): DUNWIDDIE, MEGHAN K
• Application Number:
  US13/869,333
• Time in Patent Office: 622 Days
• Field of Search: 362/108, 362/190, 362/223, 362/234, 362/249.03, 362/249.04, 362/249.08, 362/253, 362/555, 362/565, 362/570, 362/577, 362/800, 119/859
• US Class Current: 362/570
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 27/006 with light-emitting or ornamental devices
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 4/24 of ribbon or tape form, e.g. LED tapes
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/04 the elements being switches safety devices F21V25/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/0008 Clothing or clothing accessories, e.g. scarfs, gloves or belts
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Abstract

A flexible light transmitting device, comprising a printable layer, a backing layer, and a light-emitting diode strip disposed between the printable layer and the backing layer. The printable layer is translucent to permit transmission of light from the light-emitting diodes through the printable layer when the light-emitting diodes are activated; however, the LED strip remains hidden between the layers. The printable layer is adapted to receive printed indicia by way of thermal printing process. The backing layer is substantially opaque comprises a durable nylon webbing or polypropylene material. The embedded LED strip comprises an elongated flexible casing containing spaced apart light-emitting diodes, one or more light interrupting spacers, and at least one ribbon wire extending through the casing and electrically coupling said light-emitting diodes. A fastener is disposed through the printable layer, the strip, and the backing layer to secure the strip to prevent breakage or dislodgment.

Claims

1. A flexible light transmitting device, comprising

a printable layer, a backing layer, and a light-emitting diode strip;

said strip disposed between said printable layer and said backing layer;

a fastener disposed through said printable layer, said strip, and said backing layer to secure said strip to said printable layer and said backing layer;

said strip comprising a plurality of spaced apart light-emitting diodes, an elongated flexible casing containing said light-emitting diodes, one or more light interrupting spacers disposed between said light-emitting diodes, and at least one ribbon wire extending through said casing and electrically coupling said light-emitting diodes;

wherein said light-emitting diodes are electrically coupled to a switch assembly, said switch assembly comprising a battery, a master switch, and a toggle button, said toggle button adapted to activate said light-emitting diodes by way of said battery;

wherein said toggle button activates said light-emitting diodes only when said master switch is in an on position; and

wherein said printable layer is translucent to permit transmission of light from said light-emitting diodes through said printable layer.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said printable layer receives printed indicia by thermal printing.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said printable layer comprises a polyester material.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said backing layer is substantially opaque.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said backing layer comprises nylon.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said backing comprises polypropylene.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said light-emitting diodes are configured to provide a plurality of operating modes, including an off mode, an on mode, and a flashing mode.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein said device is configured as a belt.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein said device is configured as a pet leash.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein said device is configured as a pet collar.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein said printable layer is weatherproof.