Shoulder Suspension Or Torso Encircling (e.g., Vest, Neck-sling) Patents (Class 362/108)
  • Patent number: 6964493
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for light transmission comprising a garment, covering, or clothing, combined with a light distribution system adapted for distributing a pattern of light over the garment covering, or clothing. The light distribution system may include a light source combined with a separate fluorescent or phosphorescent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Whitlock Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Mark L. Whitlock
  • Patent number: 6959998
    Abstract: The illuminator unit has a case body constituting the illuminator body. At the side peripheral portion of the case body, a side peripheral groove formed of an inward concave groove is provided through the full circumference. A rubber band is arranged along the side peripheral groove. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a portable illuminator unit whose body can be attached to a receiving member without the need of a bracket or the like, and whose attaching place can readily be changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Cateye Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 6945663
    Abstract: A tubular electro-luminescent light includes an inner member around which an electro-luminescent panel having electrodes is coiled, and at least one additional wire connected between ends of the light for carrying electric signals related to the function of an external device. The external device may be an audio, video, or communications device, or a power supply for a household appliance or the like, and the electric signals carried by the additional wire, or sensors, may be used to trigger the light. For example, the external device may connect an ear-phone set of a cellular telephone, the device being arranged in a loop to be worn around a body part of the user, a handbag, or the like, and the light being triggered by electric signals indicative of an incoming telephone call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
  • Patent number: 6925654
    Abstract: A safety signal jacket includes the garment shaped strap jacket, which can be worn over the existing cloths of a rider of non-enclosed vehicles, means bicycles, roller blades, skate boards, skies, jet skies, water skies, snowmobiles etc., comprises of signal apparatus (27, 34) and horn apparatus (40) which alert and forewarn the other vehicles, other non-enclosed vehicles and pedestrian on the road and its' vicinity. Further, said signal light apparatus (27, 34) electrically communicates with switch panel assemblies (37) and power source in battery assembly, and other among devices through plurality of wires, to activate said signal lights (27, 34) and illuminate and flash in an intermittent manner and activate, illuminate and remain on, creating a visible signal to indicate the turning signal, moving signal slowing signal and stopping signal, as well as the horn assembly (40) for sound modulation for warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Shelton Gamini De Silva
  • Patent number: 6908208
    Abstract: A light that can be worn on the head of a user. Although designed originally to be a surgical headlight for use in equine dentistry, it may be used for any purpose in which a light mounted on the user's head is desirable, e.g., lighting a tunnel in a mine. In the preferred embodiment, a headband retains a halogen lamp on the user's head. The lamp is cooled by a combination of a fan similar to that used to cool personal computers, and fins that act as a heat sink to conduct heat away from the light to the surrounding air, where it is carried away by convection. The lamp and the fan can be turned on and off by a switch on the headband. They can be powered by a battery pack. The switch has a cylindrical button that slides back and forth between the on and off position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventors: Raymond Quentin Hyde, Timothy Robert Cherry
  • Patent number: 6892678
    Abstract: A pet collar comprises a strip body, a protective piece, an integrated circuit control board, a printed circuit piece, and a housing. The protective piece is either pervious the light or capable of reflecting light emitted by a motor vehicle of the like. The protective piece is attached to the outer side of the strip body by sewing so as to form a pocket in which the printed circuit piece is contained. The printed circuit piece is provided with a plurality of LED bulbs and is connected to the integrated circuit control board which is fastened with the strip body in conjunction with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Pronix Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent Cheng
  • Patent number: 6877889
    Abstract: The invention related to a structure of luminous pet lead, comprising luminous collar and luminous lead, separately with multiple plastic optical fiber on outer layer and hollow tubule on inner layer, twisted into a long cable; one lamp box respectively connected to the both ends of the cable, and LED luminous source set in the box, LED light can shine through the cross section of plastic optical fiber; additionally, a battery holder set on the lamp box at one end, and battery holder power connected onto the lamp box at the other end through hollow tubule of twisting cable using electrical conductor so that single battery holder can enable LED at both ends of the cable luminous at the same time in order to enhance luminous brightness of plastic optical fiber, and enable pet collar or lead has lighting indication and decoration functions during night use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Baycom Opto-Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Tsung Peng, Wen-Chung Yen
  • Publication number: 20040246706
    Abstract: A dog flashlight illuminates the area in front of a dog in dark conditions, thereby eliminating the need for a dog owner to carry and direct a light source. The dog flashlight includes a housing containing at least one light source, a battery power supply for the light source, and a switch connected between the light source and the power supply for energizing and de-energizing the light source. When energized, the light source has sufficient brightness to illuminate the area in front of the dog so that the dog owner can observe the illuminated area for control purposes. One preferred embodiment includes an attachment device having a band carrying the housing and adapted to fit around the neck of the dog so that the housing is located in front of the chest of the dog.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Jacquelyn R. Simoni
  • Publication number: 20040240198
    Abstract: A intelligent sports and safety helmet designed for bicyclists, skateboarders, snowboarders, skiers, other sports enthusiast as well as industrial, military and security services that utilizes a helmets or head protection while performing an activity or duty. The helmet consists of a sports or safety helmet with a Microprocessor, a set of sensors and a software program residing within the microprocessor. In operation electronic sensors automatically detect if the user is wearing helmet and if environmental conditions warrant self-illumination. The microprocessor manages the state of the illuminating elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Ronald Joseph Van Laar, Kurt Daniel Van Laar
  • Patent number: 6817727
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device to be worn by individuals engaged in any kind of maritime, coastal, inland-water or aquatic activity, so that in the event of a mishap, the body of the wearer can be more easily detected, even if submerged in dark or turbid water. The device contains an illumination means contained in a water-tight case that will disassociate from the body at a predetermined water pressure and float toward the surface while remaining tethered to the submerged body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventor: Gary W. McFadden
  • Publication number: 20040223321
    Abstract: Light is delivered and focused at the fingertips of a user. A light source is positioned relative to the user by contacting an arm or a portion of a finger of the user with bendable arm or finger clip, respectively. The light source is supported substantially only from the point of contact with the user to project a beam of light at the fingertips of the user. In this manner the natural movement of the fingers is not confined or limited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Matthew Wagner Crowley
  • Publication number: 20040184262
    Abstract: A safety signal jacket includes the garment shaped strap jacket, which can be worn over the existing cloths of a rider of non-enclosed vehicles, means bicycles, roller blades, skate boards, skies, jet skies, water skies, snowmobiles etc., comprises of signal apparatus (27, 34) and horn apparatus (40) which alert and forewarn the other vehicles, other non-enclosed vehicles and pedestrian on the road and its' vicinity. Further, said signal light apparatus (27, 34) electrically communicates with switch panel assemblies (37) and power source in battery assembly, and other among devices through plurality of wires, to activate said signal lights (27, 34) and illuminate and flash in an intermittent manner and activate, illuminate and remain on, creating a visible signal to indicate the turning signal, moving signal slowing signal and stopping signal, as well as the horn assembly (40) for sound modulation for warning signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Shelton Gamini De Silva
  • Patent number: 6776501
    Abstract: An electrically powered illuminating handle/strap for lifting, pulling, carrying, opening, holding or whatever. 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 drown into a container, at what it is attached to, or towards the person using it; specifically, such as at signage or a keyhole 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Lane E. Burnidge
  • Publication number: 20040150987
    Abstract: An aquatic garment carries a safety light and circuit attached to the garment so that it may not be detached without damage. The circuit times an interval in response to change of state of an acceleration switch. The circuit causes the light to light at least once during said interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Terena Shaw
  • Publication number: 20040136205
    Abstract: The invention related to a structure of luminous pet lead, comprising luminous collar and luminous lead, separately with multiple plastic optical fiber on outer layer and hollow tubule on inner layer, twisted into a long cable; one lamp box respectively connected to the both ends of the cable, and LED luminous source set in the box, LED light can shine through the cross section of plastic optical fiber; additionally, a battery holder set on the lamp box at one end, and battery holder power connected onto the lamp box at the other end through hollow tubule of twisting cable using electrical conductor so that single battery holder can enable LED at both ends of the cable luminous at the same time in order to enhance luminous brightness of plastic optical fiber, and enable pet collar or lead has lighting indication and decoration functions during night use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Chi-Tsung Peng, Wen-Chung Yen
  • Publication number: 20040120142
    Abstract: A novel attachment and mounting system for a portable handheld flashlight is provided. A universal mounting bracket including a central raised channel portion and mounting tabs connected thereto is configured to slideably receive a flashlight. The bracket includes several configurations that are tailored to the mounting conditions required. For example, the bracket includes fastener, magnetic and strap mounting configurations. Further, the channel section may be mounted in a pivotable fashion to the mounting tab to allow rotation of the flashlight mounted thereto. The flashlight includes a clip on the back thereof that is slideably received in the channel section to facilitate easy mounting and dismounting of the flashlight in the bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Galli
  • Publication number: 20040114350
    Abstract: A safety vest is sized to be worn by a human, wherein the vest has a front and back and left and right sides each having a shoulder portion. An EL strip is provided on each side of the vest extending from the bottom of the vest upwards toward the shoulder portion. A power source is supported by the vest and connected to the EL lamp strips to supply electrical energy to the strips so that they emit EL light, wherein the EL light emitted by the EL strip is a safety yellow color, and wherein other portions of the vest are a safety orange color. Further safety articles of clothing and devices are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Aaron Golle, John Golle
  • Patent number: 6742909
    Abstract: A lighted line having an elongate flexible wire-formed bulbless light source is encased in a supportive covering which may include a surrounding rope and tubular sheathing. An electrical power source operatively connected to the wire-formed light source is adapted to energize it to produce light which radiates laterally of the line and emanates through the rope and tubular sheathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Ronald S. Conti, Linda L. Chasko
  • Publication number: 20040062032
    Abstract: Safety vests, highway traffic signs and other articles having reflective or fluorescent surfaces for the purpose of enhanced visibility at night when oncoming vehicle are given a substantially higher level of night visibility by the incorporation of candescent light-emitting diodes integrally into the reflective surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Charles A. Mass
  • Patent number: 6698903
    Abstract: A safety garment including a vest configuration having a front panel and a rear panel is disclosed. Centrally located on said rear panel is a reflective patch. Surrounding the patch is a mesh material having elastic properties. Extending outwardly from the sides of the vest are protrusions fabricated from a rigid material. Located on these protrusions are reflective patches. A hood can be removably secured to the vest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Eugene C. Hall
  • Publication number: 20040037067
    Abstract: An illumination ring providing illumination of a wearer to nearby motorists. The illumination ring includes an elastomeric band having a light-emitting diode (LED) light source powered by a lithium battery. Both the LED light source and the lithium battery are affixed to the elastomeric band. The wear preferably wears the illumination ring on the individual's finger, thus providing illumination of the wearer to others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Suzette H. Elwonger
  • Patent number: 6679615
    Abstract: A lighted signaling system connected to the electrical indicating system of a vehicle or devices on the vehicle which cause the vehicle to change direction or speed. The signaling system allows the user of the vehicle to clearly signal directional and vehicular intentions, including right turns, left turns, running and braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Raliegh A. Spearing
  • Publication number: 20040004831
    Abstract: A safety device includes a base section having arms extended from a first end. Securing straps are connected to the arms for holding the device in place. The base has a recess in one section of the base wherein a illuminating is placed. The illuminating includes Light Emitting Diodes that may be powered by a cable conducting electricity from an associated power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: Tow-Co. Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Huffman, Darryl Witwer
  • Patent number: 6663256
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for enhancing the appearance of a subject. The apparatus used for illuminating and drawing attention to the surface of an individual comprises a blocking element, a light source, an energy source, and a mounting element, wherein the blocking element directs light emitted from the light source towards the surface of the subject wearing the apparatus. The method of illuminating and enhancing the appearance of a subject has a surface illuminator, illuminating the light source, reflecting light, attaching the surface illuminator to a surface of the subject, and illuminating the surface of the subject with light reflected from the blocking element. The method also includes the steps of turning the light source off and varying the intensity of the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald V. Gobbell
  • Patent number: 6619831
    Abstract: A strip light emitter comprises an LED (light-emitting diode) light-emitting strip composed of a plurality of LEDs connected continuously in parallel between two conductors that make up negative and positive electrodes and are disposed roughly parallel to each other, and strip-shaped synthetic resin that is wider than the LED light-emitting strip and covers the LED light-emitting strip. The LED light-emitting strip can be configured to emit light from both sides, be covered by a synthetic resin made from strip-shaped transparent vinyl with half-turn twists, be configured to be flexible by bringing the conductors close together, be provided with reflective sheets, be configured as a triangular marker, and/or be configured a buoyant marker for sea rescue having air pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Koichi Kanesaka
  • Publication number: 20030161139
    Abstract: Shoulder Mount for Flashlight with a shoulder mount assembly, a ball joint, a flashlight retaining member. The shoulder mount assembly with a rigid plate that rests on the top of the user's shoulder, the plate having an integral extension that curves downward towards the front of the user, the plate having a spring biased member that attaches to a second rigid plate that impinges on the rear shoulder portion of the user, the plate having a plurality of threaded apertures capable of retaining a threaded screw and attached thumb wheel, said plate having an integral spacer and a rigid epaulet retaining plate attached to said integral spacer, said shoulder plate having said ball joint member centrally attached to its upper surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: David C. Putallaz
  • Patent number: 6578982
    Abstract: A strap-like item of wearing apparel which has studs that light up. A light-emitting diode (LED) is disposed within each stud. The LED's are activated by means of a circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas Paul Lynch
  • Patent number: 6558016
    Abstract: A motorcyclist garment with illuminated traffic signals for providing better and more visible rear lighting for motorcyclists. The motorcyclist garment with illuminated traffic signals includes a garment having a back side, a neck opening, and arm openings; and further includes a light-emitting assembly including light-emitting members being disposed in the back side of said garment, and also including wires and a power cord being connected to the light-emitting members, and further including a connector plug being attached to an end of the power cord and being adapted to plug into a power jack of a motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Edward C. Restauro
  • Patent number: 6554445
    Abstract: A cloth pouch with a frontal adjustable sized aperture is strappable on the torso of a person adapted to hold and expose through the aperture a dome shaped battery powered lamp that is turned on and off by tapping the dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph Jacoby
  • Publication number: 20030067766
    Abstract: An electrically powered illuminating handle/strap for lifting, pulling, carrying, opening, holding or whatever. 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 drown into a container, at what it is attached to, or towards the person using it; specifically, such as at signage or a keyhole 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Lane E. Burnidge
  • Patent number: 6517214
    Abstract: The method of enhancing the safety of individuals who perform activities which are made more hazardous when poorly illuminated, such as hunters who risk being shot by other hunters in the dark, and those who perform activities on or near vehicle roadways, such as joggers, construction workers, motorists is disabled vehicles, and bicyclists. These individuals are provided with an outer garment, preferably taking the form of a vest, which is fitted with a plurality of electrically operated lamps on both its front and rear panels. The lights are energized continuously or in an automatic flashing mode from a battery attached to and carried by the safety vest. Reflective strips or panels are preferably affixed to the exterior of the vest in adjacent to the lamps, thereby increasing the visibility of the individual when illuminated and enhancing the luminosity of the lamps. The vest may be advantageously constructed of a mesh material to permit cooling air to freely circulate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Mitchell, Jr., David Urbanus
  • Patent number: 6513255
    Abstract: A tool for use by a machinist in testing the accuracy of a workpiece has an edge to be abutted against the workpiece to be tested and an encased light source connected by a plurality of passages extending within the member to conduct light emitted from the source to an array of apertures spaced at intervals in a bevel of the edge. The array of apertures directs the light at the workpiece on one side of the edge so that defects in accuracy are illuminated to the machinist viewing the workpiece from the other side of the edge. Preferably, a plurality of fiber optic cords extend in the passages from the light source to the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Michael L. Creekmore
  • Patent number: 6474830
    Abstract: This self-contained multipurpose illumination device offers an individual a unique device that cannot only be used to adorn dress apparel, but may be easily removed and adapted for use in other applications, such as a safety device in adverse environments. The apparatus contains a series of illumination elements shaped similar to a shirt button stud which may be inserted through any common buttonhole or similar orifice in a garment. The illumination elements are connected to a control circuit and power source by way of a wiring harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Enlighted Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Janet Cooke Hansen
  • Patent number: 6461015
    Abstract: A flashing light source mounted to rotate or fixed to the top of a hat or helmet. The light provided shines out throughout a full 360 degree circle around the wearer to signal and warn people of the presence of the wearer or of danger. In a preferred embodiment the lamp may be a single lamp formed as a circular xenon flash lamp or a bulb or flash tube with a reflector that rotates to traverse the entire 360 degree circle around the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Charles D. Welch
  • Patent number: 6457838
    Abstract: An adaptor for a hand-held flashlight is disclosed, the flashlight being of the type having an elongate handle defying a battery compartment. The adaptor comprises a fitting in the form of a cylindrical handle-receiving aperture for mounting the flashlight handle detachably in a friction fit A multi-directional connector joins the flashlight fitting to one of a number of interchangeable bases, which may be coupled detachably to a mounting plate. The mounting plate may be formed with strap mounting formations for carrying a headstrap or the like. Both the base-plate and the interchangeable bases may be formed with suction caps, plugs, keyed apertures or magnets for mounting them detachably to various fixtures. As a result, the hand-held flashlight may be readily adapted for hands-free use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Designodev Limited
    Inventors: Peter Balfour Dugmore, Gwendy Helen Hayward, Paul Bunn
  • Publication number: 20020122316
    Abstract: A full circle illumination band comprises an illumination device and a power-supply unit inside a housing, wherein two ends of a light-guiding core meet each other at the housing. In operation, light is emanated from one end of the housing to reach the other end of the same through the light-guiding cord and brighten the entire illumination band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventor: Oliver Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6443590
    Abstract: A lateral animation display sequentially illuminates individual images of an animated sequence. The display may be carried on a useful article, such as an item of wearing apparel or the like. An array of light sources illuminates a corresponding array of image frames depicting a stop-action sequence, such as stop-action images of a person running. An optional array of baffles confines light from each of the light sources to a corresponding one of the image frames. The individual light sources are sequentially activated so as to sequentially illuminate the corresponding image frames and thereby present an animated display of the stop-action sequence. A semi-transparent layer over the image frames obscures the images except when illuminated by the corresponding light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Lovitt Films, Inc.
    Inventor: Bert Lovitt
  • Patent number: 6416199
    Abstract: A modified underwater diving mask assembly comprising a diving mask having a front piece with a pair of eye apertures, a lens and a strap. The front piece has a single recess formed on its exterior surface between the eye apertures and with a spotlight therein with at least a portion of the recess located between the apertures. A parabolic mirror is located within the recess with a light bulb and a lens thereover. A battery housing is included with a switch with a button and with at least one opening and a clip for securement to an item of apparel of the user. An electrical battery wire couples the light bulb and batteries and switch for turning the light on and off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Simon Heine
  • Patent number: 6336730
    Abstract: This invention relates to a luminous necktie wherein a large number of light-emitting-diodes are installed to be exposed to the front part of the necktie, whereby they are in harmony with designs formed in the necktie surface to give a sense of beauty to who sees the necktie, simultaneously with raising night discrimination. The present invention comprises a large number of light-emitting-diodes(LED1, LED2, ˜, LEDn) exposed to the front part of a necktie 30; a oscillation circuit portion 40 for flashing said light-emitting-diodes(LED1, LED2, ˜LEDn); and a switch(SW) giving trigger signals to the trigger signal end(T) of said oscillation circuit portion 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: Kyung-Soo Hong
  • Patent number: 6315426
    Abstract: A shoulder mounted flashlight holder provides for the hands free holding of a flashlight by the wearer thereof, enabling the wearer or user of the device to perform a task using both hands while keeping the area of interest illuminated. The present holder comprises a rigid, curved shoulder plate which extends over one shoulder and downwardly in front of and in back of the shoulder. The plate includes a spherical swivel base, providing for the adjustment of the aim of a flashlight secured thereto as desired. The plate is well padded for the comfort of the user, and includes forward and rearward extensions for the attachment of a torso encircling belt or strap, for securing the shoulder harness portion. The encircling belt extends from the rear portion of the shoulder harness, around the torso of the wearer to attach to another strap depending from the front of the shoulder harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Dennis P. Buller, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20010036074
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-function super-thin indicator comprising a thin electroluminescent plate having a lightening portion being provided in a lightening area representing substantially the same displaying area of a light emitting diode. The lightening portion is divided into several sub-lightening portions, which contain plural lightening segments lined circularly in sequence. Every sub-lightening portion constitutes a brighten figure of figure portion stacked on the lightening portion to form indicators showing various expressions in substantially the same area to show various colorful effects within the same expression. Furthermore, the indicator can be applied to various kinds of objects or marks to make them vivid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Shaw-Jong Wang
  • Patent number: 6296370
    Abstract: A multi-function modular storage light unit including a primary housing unit and detachable modules such as a radio and an auxiliary flashlight. The primary housing unit contains a spotlight, a power switch, and a handle to carry the unit. There is also a storage compartment built into the primary housing unit. The modules preferably include belt clips for hands-free transport. The modules are removably attached to the primary unit by way of an attachment mechanism which may include alignment features and a latching mechanism. The modules may alternatively be removably attached by their belt clips to sleeves arranged on the primary housing. Each of the detachable modules and the spotlight is independently powered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David Bamber, Vincent Leung
  • Patent number: 6267482
    Abstract: A safety garment having reflective properties and a multiple light assembly for lighting the safety garment. The reflective characteristics of the garment are carried out by the reflective material securely positioned on the garment. An electrical assembly is attached to the garment and comprises a battery, the multiple light assembly and a switch. The multiple light assembly is supported by the garment and sandwiched between the garment and the reflective material, making the multiple light assembly invisible when the multiple light assembly is not receiving power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: General Security Services Corporation
    Inventors: Whitney W. Miller, Wlodek Machaj
  • Patent number: 6260978
    Abstract: A belt having rechargeable batteries thereon and connected to a light to be worn on the cap of the hunter as well as a flood light to be carried by the hunter and also a third light which may be used to illuminate the walking area. The first two lights provide different levels of illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Kenneth E. St. John
  • Patent number: 6193385
    Abstract: A removable, reusable safety light comprises a light strip and a protective jacket. The light strip comprises a plurality of microlights, such as LEDs, connected together in parallel by electrical lead wires and encased in a weather and shock resistant microlight protective housing. Control circuitry is provided for controlling operation of the light strip, and comprises control electronics and a printed circuit board. A power source, such as a battery, is included for powering the light strip. The battery is connected to the plurality of microlights via the control circuitry. The control electronics, printed circuit board and battery are housed in a control circuitry housing affixed to the microlight housing tube. The protective jacket is configured to hold the light strip, and can be configured for removably mounting the safety light on an object or the clothing of an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Maklite, L.L.C.
    Inventors: William M. Maki, Scott A. Kwit
  • Patent number: 6170959
    Abstract: A light emitting safety wrap or sleeve worn by people and/or pets engaged in activities, or attached to objects during periods of limited visibility with flashing or blinking lights so as to be visible in darkness; powered by direct current; having three optional capabilities: (1) remote on-off switch and/or (2) digital voice/sound message and/or (3) Infared (IR) signaling lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Charles W. Richardson, III
  • Patent number: 6150950
    Abstract: A band-type warning device includes a buckle body, and a light-transmissive strap member with a connecting end connected to one lateral wall of the buckle body. A detachable engaging member includes jaws disposed on the other lateral wall of the buckle body, and an enlarged head portion formed on a detachable end of the strap member. A guiding cleft and a retaining groove are defined by the jaws and the lateral wall such that the head portion can be forced and retained into the retaining groove from the guiding cleft, thereby engaging the detachable end and the buckle body. A lighting element is disposed on at least one of the lateral walls to illuminate the strap member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Chin-Lien Shen Liu
  • Patent number: 6146006
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for light transmission adapted for use in a reflective belt, safety vest, or similiar devices requiring visibility of a bright and/or reflective material where a light source of one or more lighting elements is positioned to transmit light along a self-supporting elongated light transmitting member of a hot-melt adhesive thermoplastic material and a flashing circuit for the light source which includes a battery pack or any other power source convertable to D.C. voltage. The hot-melt adhesive is of a high clarity, highly flexible material which transmits light in a highly visible manner within an elongated casement of material formed of a light-colored backing material and a front strip of a translucent material adapted to transmit the light driven along the member by the light-emitting source. Any light-emitting source, either visible or invisible would be suitable for the transmitting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Flexalite Technology Corporation
    Inventor: David M. Cross
  • Patent number: 6109761
    Abstract: A new and improved flashlight including a cylindrical interior container having a cylindrical side wall of a first diameter terminating in a circular interior face and an open exterior face forming a chamber therein and a battery positioned within the chamber. The flashlight also includes a closure for the interior container with a central aperture for receiving a light bulb and with a parabolic reflector surrounding the light bulb and a transparent covering thereover. Also included as a component of the flashlight is an exterior container surrounding the primary container and a portion of the closure. The exterior container is flexible and of a size greater than that of the interior container. Lastly included is a quantity of particles located in the space between the interior container and the exterior container adapted to allow the exterior container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventors: Carol Smith, Paul Berman
  • Patent number: 6106130
    Abstract: A pair of straps configured to resembled suspenders are fitted with lights and electrical circuits which when combined with a power pack radiate flashes of visible light. The power pack may be carried on a belt to which the straps are attached. The circuits allow all or just some of the lights to flash at one time. Reflective material occupies the areas not used by lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Montgomery G. B. Harding