Dodecahedronally-shaped illumination device with orientation detector

• US 9,476,578 B2
• Filed: 03/14/2014
• Issued: 10/25/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 03/15/2013
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Sky Rich Star Limited
• Original Assignee: International Development LLC
• Inventors: Harris, Brian, Mumma, Richard, Spitzer, Yale
• Primary Examiner(s): Negron, Ismael
• Application Number:
  US14/212,249
• Publication Number:
  US 20140268700A1
• Time in Patent Office: 956 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: F21L 4/02 characterised by the provision of two or more light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21L 4/08 characterised by means for in situ recharging of the batteries or cells
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0414 specially adapted to be used with portable lighting devices
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0492 the sensor detecting a change in orientation, a movement or an acceleration of the lighting device, e.g. a tilt switch
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 25/12 Flameproof or explosion-proof arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 3/06 characterised by the material
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2105/10 comprising a two-dimensional array of point-like light-generating elements
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2107/40 on the sides of polyhedrons, e.g. cubes or pyramids
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/105 in response to determined parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/16 by timing means
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/40 Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection

Abstract

An illumination device includes a plurality of light panels facing in different directions and having light emitting elements, a user-operable power switch, an orientation detector for detecting the current orientation of the illumination device, and a controller for receiving information from the orientation detector and the user-operable power switch, and controlling electrical power to the light emitting elements based on such information. A timer, used for automatic shutoff and/or delayed-on functionality, might also be included. The controller is configured to operate in one or more different operational modes, which can be preset and/or user-selectable.

Claims

1. A lighting apparatus, comprising:

a plurality of light panels each facing a respective different direction, each light panel including at least one respective light emitting element;

an orientation detector for detecting an orientation of the lighting apparatus;

a controller for receiving orientation information from the orientation detector and for controlling electrical power to the light emitting elements based at least in part on the orientation information.

2. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the light apparatus comprises twelve light panels assembled in the shape of a dodecahedron.

3. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured for controlling electrical power to the light emitting elements based at least in part on a preselected one of a plurality of operational modes.

4. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a rechargeable battery for providing electrical power for the at least one light emitting element.

5. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the light emitting elements is a light emitting diode.

6. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the light panels comprises a diffuser.

7. The lighting apparatus of claim 6, wherein the diffuser is formed of at least fire resistant material.

8. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a user-operable mode selection switch for allowing a user to select from among a plurality of operational modes.

9. The lighting apparatus of claim 8, wherein the controller is further configured for controlling electrical power to the light emitting elements based at least in part on a selected one the plurality of operational modes.

10. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a power switch for allowing a user to turn on the lighting apparatus.

11. The lighting apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a timer for detecting an amount of time since a user operated a power switch.