GB2546157A

GB2546157A - Wearable illumination device

Info

Publication number: GB2546157A
Application number: GB1620174.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Paul Andrew
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-12-01
Filing date: 2016-11-29
Publication date: 2017-07-12
Also published as: GB201521131D0; GB201620174D0

Abstract

A wearable illumination device comprises a loop or belt 83 with a circumferentially extending surface, the loop being wearable around the torso of a person 81. A plurality of light sources 85 are mounted on the loop and extend at least part of the way around the loop to light the area 87 beside the loop to allow the wearer to see the area. The device improves the level and quality of illumination for a person engaged in exercise or other activity where the levels of natural light cause a reduction in visibility. The light sources may be battery powered LEDs and may be angled downwards towards the area and may also be provided with lenses or reflective mirrors to enhance their performance.

Description

Wearable Illumination Device

Introduction

The present invention relates to an illumination device and in particular a wearable illumination device for use by a person engaged in an activity when ambient light levels are low. Activities include, but are not limited to running or other outdoor exercise and those working in low light/night conditions.

Background to the Invention

Outdoor exercise activities are undertaken by many people including professional athletes and sports persons when in training for their sports and by others across a wide range of sports and ability levels. One of the main benefits of an outdoor exercise activity such as, walking jogging or running is that it can be done with little preparation or equipment and in all weathers.

One issue that confronts a person who is taking exercise is whether there is a suitable level of light for them to safely engage in their activity. In the case of sports such as football, rugby or the like, these activities are mainly done when there is sufficient daylight or under floodlights.

In many cases runners and walkers will exercise in public places such as streets, country roads and parks during daylight hours. Running and walking in the evening or at night when natural light levels diminish can be problematic. A primary concern is that if the person cannot properly see where they are going, they risk injury and cannot proceed safely with their exercise. A number of illumination devices have been proposed in order to assist with this problem.

Firstly, a person may simply carry a torch during exercising in conditions of insufficient daylight. However, holding a torch to light the way in front requires the person to alter their running style so as to maintain their arm in a fixed position to provide steady illumination of the path ahead.

Clip-on torches are available which a user can attach to an item of clothing. However, these devices only illuminate a small localised area in front and are difficult to attach to clothing and may fall off easily during exercise.

Head torches have been created specifically for the running and outdoor exercise market. These torches comprise a band which fits around and over the user’s head with the torch attached to the front of the band. However, it has been found that the torch only illuminates a small localized area in front of the wearer and that they are uncomfortable and prone to slip off and/or move. In addition, the illuminated area changes when the user moves their head.

The Gomotion litebelt ™ provides a belt with low power lights which allow the wearer to be seen and a clip on torch that illuminates a portion of the area in front of the wearer. It has the function of a clip on belt torch and a visibility belt combined.

Summary of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that improves the level and quality of illumination for a person engaged in exercise or other activity where the levels of natural light cause a significant reduction in visibility.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a wearable illumination device comprising: a loop with a circumferentially extending surface, the loop being wearable around the torso of a person; an illumination source mounted on the circumferentially extending surface of the loop, wherein the illumination source extends at least part of the way around the loop and when in use, lights the area beside the loop to allow the wearer to see said area.

Advantageously, the device of the present invention provides a source of light for the wearer which lights up the area around them and allows the wearer to see where they are placing their feet. It is comfortable, hands free and secure so as not to fall off during vigorous exercise.

The illumination source produces a wide arc of light which extends up to 360° around the device, depending upon the extent to which the illumination source is distributed fully around the loop. Where the illumination source extends fully around the loop, the lit area is substantially frusto conical in shape.

Preferably, because the loop is sized to be worn on the torso away from the head, there is a reduction in the level of glare experienced by the wearer when compared with a head torch.

In addition, having the source of light away from the eyes and directed away from the loop improves contrast making the lit area easier to see. It also substantially lights up the area around the person which will provides illumination for companions either side or behind the wearer. This is a handy feature and is automatic due to the nature of the device.

Preferably the loop is an open loop.

Preferably, opposing ends of the open loop are connectable to form a closed loop.

Preferable the ends are connectable by means of a connector on one or both of the ends.

Preferably, the loop is sized to fit around a person’s waist.

Preferably, the loop is adjustable to fit different size waists.

Optionally the connector is a buckle.

Optionally, the connector is a clasp.

Optionally, the loop has a flat cross section.

Optionally, the loop is shaped such that the light source is mounted directly thereon to point at an acute angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the radius of the loop.

Optionally, the loop has a semi-circular cross section.

Optionally, the loop has a circular cross section.

Optionally, the loop is a sleeve which may be fitted over a belt.

Optionally, the loop is a cover with connectors which attach to a front surface of a belt.

Optionally, the connectors are straps integrally formed with the cover, such that the straps fit around the rear surface of the belt.

Preferably the sleeve is removably secured to the belt.

Preferably, the wearable illumination device is a belt.

Optionally, the wearable illumination device is incorporated in an outer layer of clothing.

Optionally, the wearable illumination device is removeably attached to an outer layer of clothing.

Optionally, the wearable illumination device is removeably attached to an outer layer of clothing by means of a zip.

Optionally, the wearable illumination device is removeably attached to an outer layer of clothing by means of a hook and loop fastener.

Preferably, the illumination source comprises a plurality of light sources arranged around part of the circumference of the loop.

Preferably, the illumination source comprises a plurality of light sources arranged substantially all around the circumference of the loop.

Preferably, the illumination source is connected to the loop by a fixing such that the illumination means is positioned at an acute angle with respect to the surface of the loop.

Preferably, the illumination source is enclosed in a waterproof material.

Preferably, the illumination source further comprises an optical device for focusing or dispersing light from the illumination source.

Optionally, the optical device is a lens.

Optionally, the optical device is a strip lens.

Optionally, the optical device is a mirror.

Optionally, the optical device comprises optical elements which focus the light from the illumination source at different focal lengths depending on their location on the loop.

Accordingly, the field of view may be different depending upon the position on the loop.

Optionally, the optical device has a variable focal length.

Preferably, the illumination source has a luminous flux of at least 120 lumens.

Advantageously, when worn as a belt, the present invention casts light downwards towards the feet of the wearer.

Preferably, the acute angle is fixed.

More preferably, the acute angle is 45°.

Optionally, the fixing is adapted to selectively change the angle at which the illumination means makes with the surface of the loop.

Optionally, the device has a dimmer function to adjust the intensity of the light.

Optionally the angle may be adjusted continuously from 0° to 90° with respect to the surface of the loop.

Optionally the angle may be adjusted in n discrete steps from 0° to 90° with respect to the surface of the loop.

Preferably, the light sources are equally spaced around the circumference of the loop.

Preferably, the light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.

Optionally, the light source is a continuous fibre optic loop.

Alternatively, the illumination source may comprise separate groups of illumination sources, each group having one or more light. A group may be fitted upon a single fixing so that the angle at which the light is projected may be adjusted for that group of lights. A single loop may have more than one group of lights which may be separately adjustable. In addition, individual lights and/or groups may be at a fixed angle.

Preferably, the brightness of the illumination source is adjustable.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an illumination device in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of a second embodiment of an illumination device in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a side view of a section of an illumination device in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 4 is a side view of a part of an illumination device with a fixing which allows the angle of the light source to be adjusted;

Figure 5 is a side view of a part of an illumination device with a fixing which holds the light source at a fixed angle with respect to the loop.

Figure 6 is a side view of part of an illumination device in accordance with the present invention wherein the light sources are mounted on a strip;

Figure 7 A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention and figure 7B is a side view in which the loop comprises a sleeve which is attachable to a belt;

Figure 8 is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention in which the loop comprises a cover which is attachable to a belt;

Figure 9 is a side view illustration of an embodiment of the present invention in use;

Figure 10 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of an illumination source in accordance with the present invention

Figure 11 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of an illumination source in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 12 is a schematic front view of a section of belt in accordance with the present invention having a strip lens.

Figure 13 is a schematic diagram which shows a shape of an area of illumination created by focusing the illumination source; and

Figure 14 is a schematic diagram which shows another shape of an area of illumination created by focusing the illumination source.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

The present invention provides an illumination device which allows a person to more safely exercise outdoors. Embodiments of the invention described herein show a loop suitable for wearing around a person’s waist upon which is mounted a source of illumination which lights the area in their immediate vicinity near their feet and in the area immediately in front of the wearer. Embodiments of the present invention also provide illumination to the rear and side of the wearer. It is advantageous to provide light across a wider area and to the periphery of where the person is moving. In addition, light at the side and rear may assist in lighting the path of others who may be running with the wearer.

Advantageously, by creating a device that is wearable around a person’s waist that provides light around the wearer, the wearer does not have to hold or direct the beam of light. In addition, positioning the light source at waist level reduces the glare that is often experienced by a user of a head torch.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an illumination device in accordance with the present invention. It shows an illumination device which comprises a closed loop 1 with a flat front surface 5 upon which an illumination source is arranged. The loop 1 is designed to fit around the waist of the wearer and may be made from fabric, leather or other suitable material. In this example, illumination is provided by a series of point sources of light which are substantially evenly spaced around the circumference of the loop 1 so as to create a substantially continuous lit area around the wearer which allows them to see the area around them. The lit zone is frusto- conical in its general geometry. In this embodiment of the invention, the loop is closed and the material from which it has been made is elasticated to securely fit the loop around the wearer’s waist.

Figure 2 is a side view of a second embodiment of an illumination device in accordance with the present invention which the loop 11 comprises a number of point sources of illumination mounted on the front surface 15 of the loop 11. In addition, this embodiment of the invention further comprises a fastener 17 which may be a clasp or clip buckle. In this example, the loop may be made from a non-elasticated material and the fastener may include means for altering the length of the loop so as to fit around the waist of the wearer.

Figure 3 shows a side view of a section of an illumination device in accordance with the present invention. A section of a belt 21 is shown with light emitting diodes 23 on a mounting 25 which attached the LED to the belt 21. In this example each of the LEDs is mounted separately.

Figure 4 is a side view 31 of a part of an illumination device with a fixing which allows the angle of the light source to be adjusted. As shown the belt 33 has a fixing 35 mounted upon its front surface. The fixing 35 comprises a hinge 39 having a rear section 37 which is attached to the belt 33 and a front section 41 connected to the belt via a hinge 39. An LED 43 is mounted on the front section of the hinge 41. The angle of the LED with respect to the front surface of the belt may be adjusted manually in a continuous manner from 0° where the LED 43 points directly to the front of the belt to 90° where the LED 43 points directly downwards. The wearer may wish to alter the direction in which the LED 43 is pointing to illuminate further in the distance or closer to the wearer.

Alternatively, a group of LEDs may be fitted upon a single fixing so that the angle at which the light is set may be adjusted for that group of lights. A single loop may have more than one group of lights which may be separately adjustable. In addition, individual lights and/or groups may be at a fixed angle.

Figure 5 is a side view 44 of a part of an illumination device with a fixing 47 which retains the angle of the light source 49 in a fixed position with respect to the belt 45. As shown the belt 45 has a fixing 47 mounted upon its front surface. The fixing 47 comprises a raised section which angles the LED 49 downwards at an acute angle with respect to the front surface of the belt 45. The acute angle has been chosen to allow the led to provide illumination around the area if the ground where the person is running and to a predetermined distance beyond.

Figure 6 is a side view of part of an illumination device 51 in accordance with the present invention wherein the light sources are mounted on a strip 53. In this example of the present invention, the belt 52 has a mounting strip 53 mounted centrally and circumferentially around the belt. LED lights 55 are evenly spaced along the length of the mounting strip and the mounting strip is positioned and shaped such that the LED 55 is at an acute angle with respect to the belt 52 to allow the led to provide illumination around the area of the ground where the person is running and to a predetermined distance beyond.

The above embodiments of the present invention are designed to fit through or attach to belt loops on trousers. However, it also works well when not fitted through belt loops as the size will be adjusted to ensure a good fit for different waist sizes).

Figure 7a is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention in which the loop comprises a sleeve 61 which is attachable to a belt, with two open ends 63. The front surface of the sleeve 65 has a plurality of LEDs 67 mounted on it at an acute angle with respect to the front surface. In this embodiment, a belt (not shown) may be threaded into and through the sleeve 61 with the LEDs facing outwards. The belt may then be fitted around a wearer’s waist and secured as normal. Figure 7b is a side view of the embodiment of figure 7a which shows the front surface of the sleeve which is of greater rigidity than the rear 64. The front surface 65 is designed to accommodate the LEDs and to provide a fixing which allows for either a fixed angle of mounting or an adjustable angle of mounting. Accordingly, it is preferred that this surface is more rigid. The rear 64 may be elasticated and deformable so as to allow the sleeve to easily pass over the belt to which it is attached.

Figure 8 is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention in which the loop comprises a cover which is attachable to a belt. The front surface 75 of the cover 71 has a plurality of LEDs 77 mounted on it at an acute angle with respect to the front surface 75. The rear comprises a series of straps 73 which extend between the top and bottom of the front surface. In this embodiment, a belt (not shown) may be threaded between the straps 73 and the front 75 with the LEDs facing outwards. The belt may then be fitted around a wearer’s waist and secured as normal.

In other embodiments of the invention, the light source may be a strip light which provides a continuous beam of light around the wearer.

Figure 9 is a side view illustration of an embodiment of the present invention in use. It shows a wearer 81 with a belt 83 in accordance with the present invention which has a plurality of light sources arranged around the circumference of the belt. The area illuminated by the light source 87 is shown as extending around the wearer.

In use, the wearer fits the device around their waist and switches it on. Once illuminated, the lights provide illumination all around the wearer. Advantageously, this means that the wearer has constant and substantially even illumination in every direction so that even if they turn their head one way or the other, the area immediately in front of them is illuminated. Runners in particular may need to alter their direction to move sideways on or off a pavement or the like. The present invention provides illumination to the front and side of the wearer which makes changes in direction safer because the wearer can see where they are going. Embodiments of the invention which illuminate all around the wearer, provide increased safety if traveling with a companion and will increase field of vision for the user.

Figure 10 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of an illumination source 91 which comprises a base 93 which is attached to a belt (not shown) and housing 95 which contains an LED 97 and a lens 99. The lens is used to focus light from the LED in a predetermined direction. In other embodiments of the invention, the illumination area provided by light from the LED may be varied by changing focal length or altering the position of the lens.

Figure 11 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of an illumination source 101 in accordance with the present invention. In this example the illumination source 101 comprises a base 103 which is attached to a belt (not shown) and a housing 105 which contains an LED 107 and a concave mirror 109 positioned behind the LED in order to direct light from the mirror in a predetermined direction.

Figure 12 shows a belt 111, a plurality of illumination sources 113 mounted on the belt. A strip lens 115 is attached to the front of the illumination sources 113 and extends along the front.

In embodiments of the present invention, the light emitted from the illumination source may be directed in a specific direction by, for example, changing the position and/or angle of the illumination source with respect to the belt, providing a lens in front of one or more of the illumination sources and/or using a mirror to reflect light in a predetermined direction.

Figures 13 and 14 are schematic diagrams which show two examples of areas of illumination in accordance with the present invention. Figure 13 shows a wearable illumination device 121 in which a substantially equal area of illumination 123 is created around the device 121.

Figure 14 shows a wearable illumination device 131 in which the area of illumination 133 has been shaped by selecting a lens, mirror and/or illumination position in order to provide illumination to a larger distance from the device 131 at the front and rear of the device than at the sides of the device 131.

Embodiments of the present invention may also have one or more of the following features. • be battery powered with a battery pack which may clip on and off to allow easy replacement with a fully charged battery (which could be charged in a stand alone charger) • it may be provided with a rechargeable battery which may operate with a Micro USB connector and/or a power cable. • The light source may contain some coloured lights for increased visibility, particularly towards the rear of the user. • It may also have the facility to change the brightness of illumination and have an SOS mode in case of injury, accident (LEDs could be switched to flash Morse code for SOS). • Belt material made of reflective material for added visibility to cars approaching. • The materials from which the device is made may be selected depending upon the application, for example, o A more robust version may be created using higher grade materials for industrial applications, o A reflective and lightweight version for runners, o A concealed version which may be incorporated into a standard belt o A version with 2 strips of LEDs where one was angled 45 degrees upwards for workers who need to see about waist height o A version with pockets to hold phone/keys etc.

Embodiments of the present invention have a wide range of applications in diverse markets for joggers, walkers, hillwalkers, campers, farmers, motorists (for breakdown emergency kit), householders (useful in powercut), site workers working at low light/night conditions, cyclists (used in conjunction with standard lights, it would provide a useful light around the bike which would improve safety and increase visibility) and anyone who would have cause to use a torch and would want hands free and great all round visibility. The light generated by the present invention properly illuminates the area around the wearer to the extent that, in poor light conditions to see the unseen potholes or kerbs that a torch beam may miss causing the wearer to avoid injuries such as twisted ankles. It also provides illumination for companions walking with the wearer. It increases the wearer’s visibility to others around them, e.g. motorists and cyclists.

Improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A wearable illumination device comprising: a loop with a circumferentially extending surface, the loop being wearable around the torso of a person; an illumination source mounted on the circumferentially extending surface of the loop, wherein the illumination source extends at least part of the way around the loop and when in use, provides an illuminated area beside the loop to allow the wearer to see said area.

2. A wearable illumination device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the illumination source produces an illuminated area which extends up to 360° around the device.

3. A wearable illumination device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the illumination source is distributed fully around the loop.

4. A wearable illumination device as claimed in claim 3 wherein the illumination source provides an illuminated area that is substantially frusto conical in shape.

5. A wearable illumination device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the loop is sized to be worn on the torso away from the head, such that there is a reduction in the level of glare experienced by the wearer when compared with a head torch.

6. A wearable illumination device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the loop is sized to be worn on the torso away from the head, such that to improve contrast making the lit area easier to see.

7. A wearable illumination device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the loop is an open loop.

8. A wearable illumination device as claimed in claim 7 wherein, opposing ends of the open loop are connectable to form a closed loop.

9. A wearable illumination device as claimed in claim 8 wherein the opposing ends ends are connectable by means of a connector on one or both of the ends.

10. A wearable illumination device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the loop is sized to fit around a person’s waist.

11. A wearable illumination device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the loop is adjustable to fit different size waists.

12. A wearable illumination device as claimed in claim 9 wherein, the connector is a buckle.

13. A wearable illumination device as claimed in claim 9 wherein, the connector is a clasp.

14. A wearable illumination device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the loop has a flat cross section.

15. A wearable illumination device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the loop is shaped such that the light source is mounted directly thereon to point at an acute angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the radius of the loop.

16. A wearable illumination device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the loop has a semi-circular cross section.

17. A wearable illumination device as claimed in claims 1 to 15 wherein, the loop has a circular cross section.

18. A wearable illumination device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the loop is a sleeve which may be fitted over a belt.

19. A wearable illumination device as claimed in claims 1 to 17 wherein, the loop is a cover with connectors which attach to a front surface of a belt.

20. A wearable illumination device as claimed in claim 19 wherein, the connectors are straps integrally formed with the cover, such that the straps fit around the rear surface of a belt.

21. A wearable illumination device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sleeve is removably secured to a belt.

22. A wearable illumination device as claimed in claims 1 to 17 wherein, the wearable illumination device is a belt.

23. A wearable illumination device as claimed in claims 1 to 17 wherein, the wearable illumination device is incorporated in an outer layer of clothing.

24. A wearable illumination device as claimed in claims 1 to 17 wherein, the wearable illumination device is removeably attached to an outer layer of clothing.

25. A wearable illumination device as claimed in claim 24 wherein, the wearable illumination device is removeably attached to an outer layer of clothing by means of a zip.

26. A wearable illumination device as claimed in claims 1 to 17 wherein, the wearable illumination device is removeably attached to an outer layer of clothing by means of a hook and loop fastener.

27. A wearable illumination device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the illumination source comprises a plurality of light sources arranged around part of the circumference of the loop.

28. A wearable illumination device as claimed in claims 1 to 26 wherein, the illumination source comprises a plurality of light sources arranged substantially all around the circumference of the loop.

29. A wearable illumination device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the illumination source is connected to the loop by a fixing such that the illumination means is positioned at an acute angle with respect to the surface of the loop.

30. A wearable illumination device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the illumination source is enclosed in a waterproof material.

31. A wearable illumination device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the illumination source further comprises an optical device for focusing or dispersing light from the illumination source.

32. A wearable illumination device as claimed in claim 31 wherein, the optical device is a lens.

33. A wearable illumination device as claimed in claim 32 wherein, the optical device is a strip lens.

34. A wearable illumination device as claimed in claim 31 wherein, the optical device is a mirror.

35. A wearable illumination device as claimed in claim 31 wherein, the optical device comprises optical elements which focus the light from the illumination source at different focal lengths depending on their location on the loop such that the illuminated area may be different depending upon the position on the loop.

36. A wearable illumination device as claimed in claim 35 wherein, the optical device has a variable focal length.

37. A wearable illumination device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the illumination source has a luminous flux of at least 120 lumens.

38. A wearable illumination device as claimed in claim 29 wherein the angle may be adjusted continuously from 0° to 90° with respect to the surface of the loop.

39. A wearable illumination device as claimed in claim 29 wherein the angle may be adjusted in n discrete steps from 0° to 90° with respect to the surface of the loop.

40. A wearable illumination device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the light sources are equally spaced around the circumference of the loop.

41. A wearable illumination device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.

42. A wearable illumination device as claimed in claims 1 to 40 wherein, the light source is a continuous fibre optic loop.

43. A wearable illumination device as claimed in claims 1 to 40 wherein, the illumination source may comprise separate groups of illumination sources, each group having one or more light.

44. A wearable illumination device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the brightness of the illumination source is adjustable.