With Wearing Apparel Or Body Support Patents (Class 362/103)
  • Patent number: 9958601
    Abstract: A display backlight can include a light source and a parabolic waveguide. The parabolic waveguide can have a light inlet to receive the light from the light source, a parabolic reflective surface adapted to change a direction of the light emitted from the light source by a predetermined angle, and a light outlet configured to emit the light at the predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Rajesh Menon, Arkady Rudnitsky, Zeev Zalevsky
  • Patent number: 9927107
    Abstract: An illuminated animal restraint includes an elongated leash having a housing having a selectively enabled light source. The light source has a try-me timer assembly which enables selectively sampling operation of the light source and enables continuous and intermittent operation of the light source. A try-me package is provided with an opening to allows the user to press a button to activate intermittent or “try-me” illumination of the leash without draining the power source and without removing the leash from the package. The continuous operation is activated by removing the leash from the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Nitey Leash, LLC
    Inventors: John D. Osher, Joseph Hassan
  • Patent number: 9861156
    Abstract: A luminous shoe of the disclosure includes a sole and a light-emitting device located at the sole. The light-emitting device includes a control box, a controller located in the control box, and a light belt exposed out of the control box and electrically connected with the control box. The light belt includes a housing, a FFC received in the housing, N first circuit boards located on the FFC and electrically connected to the controller, N luminous elements located on the first circuit boards and electrically connected to the controller. The controller drives the N luminous elements lighting based on a first pre-defined lighting mode, a second pre-defined lighting mode, and a third pre-defined lighting mode randomly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: TERRY ELECTRONCS (S.Z) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: John Gou
  • Patent number: 9839244
    Abstract: An illuminated glove assembly includes a glove and an illumination data controller. The glove has a body portion, a longitudinal glove axis, a pointer extension, a pinky extension, a wrist strap and a pocket portion. The wrist strap is positioned at a proximal end of the body portion. A securing mechanism is connected to the wrist strap and the pointer extension and pinky extension extend from a distal end of the body portion. The pointer extension is positioned on a first side of the longitudinal axis and the pinky extension is positioned on a second side of the longitudinal axis. The pocket portion is secured to and defines a pocket with the body portion. An opening of the pocket is defined proximate the distal end of the body. The illumination data controller is configured for selective mounting in the pocket and includes a housing with a front face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Mangata, LLC
    Inventor: Mary Tiffin
  • Patent number: 9823698
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to wearable technology. An example embodiment includes a garment that includes a panel, a sensor, a flexible display device, and a communication module. The panel includes an outer surface. The sensor is integrated into the garment and configured to collect data. The flexible display device is integrated into the outer surface of the panel. The flexible display device is configured to receive and display data. The communication module is communicatively coupled to the flexible display device, the sensor, and a programmable device and is configured to receive data from the programmable device and sensed data from the sensor and to communicate the received data and the sensed data to the flexible display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Inventors: Larry R. Laycock, David R. Wright, Kenneth James Anderson, Kenneth McKay Anderson
  • Patent number: 9815378
    Abstract: A polarized battery clamp includes a contact handle with an internal electrical path connecting a handle electrical connector at one end of the contact handle to a terminal contact pad at a second handle end, the contact handle also having an internal electrical contact bus connected to the electrical connector; and a contact arm having a terminal contact pad at a first arm end and a stepped pivot pin at a second arm end, the contact arm also having an electrical conductor electrically connected to the arm terminal contact pad; wherein the electrical conductor is placed into electrical contact with the electrical contact bus by inserting the stepped pivot pin into a handle positional slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventor: Joseph Stecewycz
  • Patent number: 9797573
    Abstract: A luminous system comprising one or more illumination sources, a multilayer structure, and one or more diffuse reflection layers being optically decoupled from the multilayer structure, wherein the emission and the reflection of the luminous system produce a first observed visible color when the one or more illumination sources are powered and a second observed visible color when the one or more illumination sources are non-powered is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of creating the inventive luminous system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Performance Indicator, LLC
    Inventors: M. Glenn Horner, Edward D. Kingsley, Satish Agrawal, Louis Cincotta
  • Patent number: 9772102
    Abstract: A lighting device, for attachment to an object structured to be worn on at least one facial feature of a human user, having a releasable fastener adapted for attachment to the above-noted object and a pole, having a first end pivotably connected to the clip, and a second end, opposed to the first end. An electric lamp is pivotably connected to the second end. Further, the pole defines an internal cavity and has battery contacts positioned to contact a battery set placed in the internal cavity. A conductive assembly is electrically connected between the battery contacts and the electric lamp, so as to power the electric lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: RIVERPOINT MEDICAL, LLC
    Inventor: John Thomas Ferguson
  • Patent number: 9743696
    Abstract: An illuminating undergarment carries a series of illuminating devices for emitting light and presenting a glow from underneath an outer garment. The undergarment can be tailored in any suitable form factor, such as a slip for placement under a skirt or skirt portion of a dress or other form factors for use under dresses, blouses, pants, etc. The undergarment comprises a series of illuminating device retention members affixed to a surface of the undergarment body. The undergarment body can be sectioned into segments, enabling changes in length and/or shape. The illuminating devices are removably attached to the undergarment by the retention members. The illuminating devices can be arranged in a random pattern, a pattern representing an object, a pattern representing text, etc. and any combination thereof. The illuminating devices can be powered by a portable power supply and controlled by a circuit and/or a switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: Jami Rose Ramsey
  • Patent number: 9737186
    Abstract: A nozzle comprising a first light and a second light, wherein one of the lights is used to detect certain materials, such as bodily fluids, pet messes and stains and the like, while the other light is used for illuminating an area to be cleaned. The lights may be integrally incorporate into a nozzle or removably detachable therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Michael DeGeorge
  • Patent number: 9737105
    Abstract: A light-emitting system is provided which is removably attachable to headgear for personal illumination to enhance visibility of the user to others. The light-emitting system includes a housing that defines a receiving aperture and is configured to surround a portion of the headgear when the light-emitting system is removably attached to the headgear for use. The light-emitting system further includes at least one lens and a plurality of lighting elements coupled to the annular housing which are configured to selectively generate a halo or at least a partial halo of light that radiates outwardly away from the annular housing through the at least one lens to provide enhanced personal illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Illumagear, Inc.
    Inventors: John Maxwell Baker, Andrew Royal, Raymond Walter Riley, Mark John Ramberg, Chad Austin Brinckerhoff, John R. Murkowski, Trent Robert Wetherbee, Alexander Michael Diener, Kristin Marie Will, Kyle S. Johnston, Clint Timothy Schneider, Evan William Mattingly, Keith W. Kirkwood, Jonathan Brandt Hadley
  • Patent number: 9707491
    Abstract: A glow-in-the-dark toy kit includes a hand-held light emitting device having a power source, a control circuit, a narrow beam light emitting diode and a wide beam light emitting diode. The power source provides an electrical energy to the control circuit. The control circuit provides the electrical energy to either the narrow or wide beam light emitting diodes. The narrow and wide beam light emitting diodes emit a wavelength of light around 405 nanometers a distance of at least 10 feet. The range of the wavelength of light used could also be plus or minus 50 nanometers. A receiving device includes a phosphorescence layer that reemits light once illuminated with the wavelength of light from the emitting device. The hand-held light emitting device can then be used in a dark environment to react with the phosphorescence layer of the receiving device from the distance of at least 10 feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Randy Wayne Clark
  • Patent number: 9707707
    Abstract: A battery headlamp assembly that includes a light engine bezel, an adjustable linkage supporting the bezel and including an electrically conductive system terminating at the bezel. Also, a headband assembly supports the adjustable linkage and includes a longitudinal rigid-flex circuit assembly. This assembly has a strip of rigid-flex circuit having two longitudinally opposed ends and including battery contacts on the ends. Also, two networks of electrical components are each supported by and electrically connected together, and to one of the battery contacts, by the strip of rigid-flex circuit, which includes conductive traces connecting both the networks to the electrically conductive system and to each other, to power the bezel from the battery contacts and to permit communications between the networks. In addition, a further electrically conductive element, electrically connects at least one conductive trace of the rigid-flex circuit to the electrically conductive system of the adjustable linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: RIVERPOINT MEDICAL, LLC
    Inventor: John Thomas Ferguson
  • Patent number: 9700087
    Abstract: An illuminated glove assembly includes a glove and an illumination data controller. The glove has a body portion, a longitudinal glove axis, a pointer extension, a pinky extension, a wrist strap and a pocket portion. The wrist strap is positioned at a proximal end of the body portion. A securing mechanism is connected to the wrist strap and the pointer extension and pinky extension extend from a distal end of the body portion. The pointer extension is positioned on a first side of the longitudinal axis and the pinky extension is positioned on a second side of the longitudinal axis. The pocket portion is secured to and defines a pocket with the body portion. An opening of the pocket is defined proximate the distal end of the body. The illumination data controller is configured for selective mounting in the pocket and includes a housing with a front face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Mangata, LLC
    Inventor: Mary Tiffin
  • Patent number: 9693615
    Abstract: A variable-color accessory is provided comprising: a plurality of accessory surfaces, a light-emitting plate, a light-scattering plate, and a control unit. The light-emitting plate is mounted inside one of the accessory surfaces, where the light-emitting plate is flexible, is bent consistently with one of the accessory surfaces, and has a plurality of light-emitting diodes for emitting different light colors. The light-scattering plate is disposed between the light-emitting plate and one of the accessory surfaces, where the light-scattering plate is flexible and transmits light. The control unit is electrically connected to the light-emitting plate, to control turn-on/off of the light-emitting diodes of the light-emitting plate. A variable-color device applied to the accessory is further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: BLACKDIAMOND INNOVATION GROUP
    Inventors: Jia-Hung Wu, Chun-Yung Sung
  • Patent number: 9661882
    Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, a system, method and apparatus for increasing the visibility of a garment or article of clothing may be described. This can include an element of a garment which may be functionally or structurally integrated into the garment, such as a heat transfer. The heat transfer can utilize any number of visibility-enhancing elements to increase the visibility of a wearer of a garment having the heat transfer, for example through any combination of reflective elements, retro-reflective elements, and elements formed in various colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: AVERY DENNISON RETAIL INFORMATION SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy W. White, John Ellison
  • Patent number: 9626884
    Abstract: A durable LED light engine includes a printed circuit board including LEDs mounted thereon positioned between a substantially U-shaped top enclosure and a bottom enclosure. Once assembled together using alignment holes and projections, the combination of the substantially U-shaped top enclosure, the printed circuit board and the bottom enclosure are held together with a molding material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: General LED, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Freeman, Gray Lankford
  • Patent number: 9584705
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for wearable camera systems. In one aspect, a hat and a camera system for the hat can be used for an interactive session with a remote user. In another aspect, the hat and camera system for the hat can be used to interact with an emergency situation routing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Paul G. Nordstrom, Udi Manber, Matthew Amacker
  • Patent number: 9568183
    Abstract: A lighted backpack having interior light for illuminating the contents of the backpack. The lighted backpack includes a housing having an opening that provides access to an interior volume therein, wherein a fastener is configured to removably fasten the opening and the interior volume. The interior volume includes a lighting assembly having a power supply, a sensor, a control switch, a microprocessor, and at least one light emitting diode (LED). The LED includes at least three different colored diodes that are varied in relative intensity to one another to achieve a multitude of colors. The control switch allows a user to select a desired resultant color, which is relayed to the microprocessor to modulate the relative intensity of the different colored diodes to achieve the desired resultant color. The sensor is configured to activate the lighting assembly when a user reaches within the interior volume of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventor: Richard Voskanian
  • Patent number: 9521887
    Abstract: A spectator celebration system includes a plurality of celebration devices, each having a belt selectively attached to a user's waist and an emblem mounted to the belt. An electronics compartment coupled to the emblem defines an interior area for holding a battery and a controller electrically connected to the battery is programmed with light and sound data. A plurality of lights in data communication with the controller is spaced apart on the belt. A speaker is operatively coupled to one of the emblem or belt and electrically connected to the controller such that the speaker emits sound data when actuated by the controller. A toggle switch is in data communication with the controller and electrically connected to the plurality of lights for manual control over light actuation. A receiver is in data communication with the controller for selectively receiving an activation signal from a remote transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Acton
  • Patent number: 9505633
    Abstract: The invention described herein, is a design that allows the amount of any liquid which is to be filtered, to be monitored while submerged yet remain contactless to the liquid in its measurement to indicate how much liquid has passed through the filter inside the jug/container or cartridge. It can indicate when a filter used in the container/jug holding the liquid has expired or can indicate how much liquid has been through the filter so the user can decide when it requires replacing. The status indication is displayed by using a motion sensor to give a user interaction display based on movement rather than direct contact of user. Currently all water utilize external indicators located on the jugs to monitor the usage of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: Naseem Bari
  • Patent number: 9482406
    Abstract: A light device and a method of making the same. The light device having a casing, or body, in the form of a multilayered stack that includes a supporting base layer, a scattering layer above the base layer, and an outermost protective layer above the scattering layer. The light device further includes a lighting unit contained within the casing, for emitting light outside the light device. The multilayered stack of the casing may further include a spacer arrangement, either as a separate layer between the base layer and the scattering layer, or as an integrated arrangement of one or both of the base layer and the scattering layer. The outermost protective layer may also be a prism layer having a one-way light transmitting character, and a one-way light reflecting character. The bottom layer may include a fastening element for releasably fastening the light device to a separate mounting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: MERROW SEWING MACHINE CO.
    Inventors: Owen W. Merrow, Charles G. Merrow
  • Patent number: 9470411
    Abstract: An illuminating undergarment carries a series of illuminating devices for emitting light and presenting a glow from underneath an outer garment. The undergarment can be tailored in any suitable form factor, such as a slip for placement under a skirt or skirt portion of a dress or other form factors for use under dresses, blouses, pants, etc. The undergarment comprises a series of illuminating device retention members affixed to a surface of the undergarment body. Examples of retention members include a pocket and a retention strap. The illuminating devices are removably attached to the undergarment by the retention members. The illuminating devices can be arranged in a random pattern, in a pattern representing an object, in a pattern representing text, etc. and any combination thereof. The illuminating devices are powered by a portable power supply and can be controlled by a circuit and/or a switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Jami Rose Ramsey
  • Patent number: 9464780
    Abstract: A durable LED light engine includes an printed circuit board including LEDs mounted thereon positioned between a substantially U-shaped top enclosure and a bottom enclosure. Once assembled together using alignment holes and projections, the open spaces in the combination of the substantially U-shaped top enclosure, the printed circuit board and the bottom enclosure are filled with a plastic sealant. Once cooled, the plastic sealant holds the combination of the substantially U-shaped top enclosure, the printed circuit board and bottom enclosure together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: General LED, Inc.
    Inventors: Michele Kun Huang, Glenn Freeman
  • Patent number: 9443918
    Abstract: A light-emitting device having a curved light-emitting surface is provided. Further, a highly-reliable light-emitting device is provided. A substrate with plasticity is used. A light-emitting element is formed over the substrate in a flat state. The substrate provided with the light-emitting element is curved and put on a surface of a support having a curved surface. Then, a protective layer for protecting the light-emitting element is formed in the same state. Thus, a light-emitting device having a curved light-emitting surface, such as a lighting device or a display device can be manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yohei Momma, Tomohiko Suganoya, Saki Obana
  • Patent number: 9410694
    Abstract: An illuminated vest comprises an enclosure including a light-emitting diode and control electronics that control the light emitting diode. Coupled to the enclosure is a belt made of passive material. A limb loop is created by an optical fiber structure that includes a first end and a second end. The light-emitting diode is optically coupled to the first end of the fiber optic structure. The optical fiber structure is also independent of passive material, such that the optical fiber structure forms a structure for the vest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: NOXGEAR, LLC
    Inventors: Simon Curran, Thomas Walters
  • Patent number: 9371986
    Abstract: Flexible LED light arrays particularly suitable for use in clothing and other articles are disclosed. The light arrays are disposed on flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs). The flexible PCBs include substantially sinusoidal metal contact traces, along which the LEDs are attached at an angle preselected to minimize stresses in the expected directions of bending. The flexible PCBs may have control electronics provided on separate, attachable control boards, which may be either flexible or rigid. The flexible LED light arrays may also be arranged in master-slave configurations with a number of arrays, in which one master control array or board is attached to a number of slave arrays and handles external communication for the slave arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Erogear, Inc.
    Inventor: Anders Kristofer Nelson
  • Patent number: 9351799
    Abstract: A battery headlamp assembly that includes a light engine bezel, an adjustable linkage supporting the bezel and including an electrically conductive system terminating at the bezel. Also, a headband assembly supports the adjustable linkage and includes a longitudinal rigid-flex circuit assembly. This assembly has a strip of rigid-flex circuit having two longitudinally opposed ends and including battery contacts on the ends. Also, two networks of electrical components are each supported by and electrically connected together, and to one of the battery contacts, by the strip of rigid-flex circuit, which includes conductive traces connecting both the networks to the electrically conductive system and to each other, to power the bezel from the battery contacts and to permit communications between the networks. In addition, a further electrically conductive element, electrically connects at least one conductive trace of the rigid-flex circuit to the electrically conductive system of the adjustable linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Riverpoint Medical, LLC
    Inventor: John Thomas Ferguson
  • Patent number: 9338915
    Abstract: A wearable electronics assembly includes one or more electronic modules coupled to a wearable electronics fabric. Each of the one or more electronic modules includes one or more plated through holes, through each of which is coupled an electrically conductive wire. The electrically conductive wire is stitched through the plated through hole and to a fabric onto which the electronic module is attached. The electronic module can include one or more electronic components coupled to a printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventors: Weifeng Liu, Anwar Mohammed, Zhen Feng
  • Patent number: 9322545
    Abstract: The disclosed invention is a system that provides high visibility for a motorcyclist (and possible passenger) in the form a jacket (or other garment). The jacket (or other garment) has lights, for example light-emitting diodes (LEDs), incorporated into the jacket at desired locations. The lights provide increased visibility of the person wearing the jacket, for example, a motorcyclist, particularly at night. In addition, the location, arrangement, and color of the lights (or sets of lights) can convey information (in addition to increasing the general visibility of the motorcyclist).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Scott Wansor
  • Patent number: 9316385
    Abstract: A backlight device (lighting device) (12) according to the present invention includes a chassis (14) having an opened section (14b), optical members (15) disposed to cover the opened section (14b) in the chassis (14), LEDs (light source) (17) disposed outside of the chassis (14), and lens members (light guide members) (20) disposed in such a structure as to penetrate the chassis (14), the lens members guiding the light from the LEDs (17) into the chassis (14). An LED housing chassis (light source housing member) (19) that stores therein the LEDs (17) is attached to the chassis (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasutoshi Maeda
  • Patent number: 9310068
    Abstract: An illumination assembly for making a driver of a vehicle visible to an observer includes a front panel and a back panel that may be positioned on the driver. A shoulder strap is coupled to the front and back panels. A primary processor is coupled to the front panel. A primary transceiver is coupled to the front panel. A light emitter is coupled to the back panel. The light emitter selectively emits light. The light emitter may make the driver visible to the observer. A remote control may be selectively coupled to the vehicle. A remote processor is coupled to the remote control. A remote transceiver is coupled to the remote control. The remote transceiver is operationally coupled to the primary transceiver. An actuator is coupled to the remote control. The actuator is operationally coupled to the remote processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Inventor: Ronald Mason
  • Patent number: 9262917
    Abstract: Provided is a safety directional indicator to improve highway safety. Embodiments of the invention include devices for guiding a driver of a vehicle in a desired direction, typically away from highway workers, pedestrians, curbs, and opposing lanes of traffic. Specifically included is a safety directional indicator system comprising a flexible belt with a plurality of light transmitting bars disposed along the belt and having a plurality of LEDs disposed at one elongated end of each light transmitting bar and in operable communication with a control system for illuminating the LEDs in a manner to indicate a direction for traffic. Safety devices according to the invention can be stand-alone devices, devices capable of being attached to objects or structures at a highway scene, or configured to be worn on a person's body. An object of the safety devices according to embodiments of the invention is to increase driver awareness of highway situations especially during conditions of restricted visibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventors: Paul Haynes, David Eric Collins
  • Patent number: 9265129
    Abstract: An adapter cable includes a first adapter, a second adapter, and a wire. The first adapter includes a sensor, a light source, and a processor. The sensor generates a detecting signal when sensing that the first adapter is picked up. The processor is connected between the sensor and the light source. The processor turns on the light source when receiving the detecting signal output from the sensor. The wire is connected between the first adapter and the second adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chih-Chen Lai
  • Patent number: 9243796
    Abstract: An LED lamp uses a flexible metal fabric as a heat sink. At least one light emitting diode is attached to a circuit board that is mounted on a heat conducting member. The flexible heat sink is attached to the heat conducting member, such that heat generated by the light emitting diode and circuit board is conducted to the flexible heat sink. The flexible heat sink can be deformed to fit in a variety of spaces. The flexible heat sink dissipates the heat generated by the LED lamp without the need for a fan. The flexible heat sink may be made from braided copper fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Putco, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Elwell, Trent Quick
  • Patent number: 9234654
    Abstract: A twinkling hair band mainly includes a band main body and a light guiding decoration coupled to the band main body, where the light guiding decoration has a base and at least two light diffuser plates. Two light-emitting elements corresponding to each light diffuser plate and a control circuit controlling each light-emitting element to wink in sequence are configured inside said base, and a power source switch for turning on and off electricity is configured on the base. Whereby, the corresponding light diffuser plate twinkles immediately when each light-emitting element winks in sequence through the coupling of the band main body and light guiding decoration so as to profit decoration to the band main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Inventor: Hua-Cheng Pan
  • Patent number: 9226703
    Abstract: Provided is a holder which comprises at least two probe mount portions into which a light-transmitting probe for emitting light from the tip thereof or a light-receiving probe for receiving light through the tip thereof is inserted from above and is to be put on the head of a subject, the holder being characterized by further comprising: a linear backbone portion that extends in a first direction that is perpendicular to the above-described direction from above; and at least two linear branch portions that extend in a second direction that is perpendicular to the above-described direction from above and is different from the first direction, wherein the lower end portions of the probe mount portions protrude from the lower surface of the backbone portion or a branch portion and are tapered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Inoue, Takashi Amita, Satoru Kohno, Akihiro Ishikawa, Yoshinori Masuda, Haruhide Udagawa
  • Patent number: 9226369
    Abstract: A coordinated lighting system capable of affixation to a wearable garment is provided. According to more particular aspects of the invention, the system includes: a controller and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged as a chain, at least one of the plurality of LEDs operatively connected to the controller. The controller is configured to: determine at least one of (a) a quantity of the plurality of LEDs and (b) an arrangement of the plurality of LEDs; and generate one or more lighting instructions based on the at least one of (a) the quantity of the plurality of LEDs and (b) the arrangement of the plurality of LEDs. A method for providing a coordinated lighting system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: ADAFRUIT INDUSTRIES
    Inventor: Limor Fried
  • Patent number: 9155168
    Abstract: A user wearable device may be implemented with a light source to provide illumination to an area of interest. In one example, the light source may be selectively operated by switches, physical displacement (e.g., movement) of the device, or other approaches. In another example, the device may be implemented as a wristwatch to display time, date, or related information to a user. In another example, the device may be implemented with appropriate processing or communication components to perform other tasks. In other embodiments, various methods of using, operating, or manufacturing such devices are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: Luis Araujo, Kevin Skehan, Douglas J. Port, Ammar Burayez
  • Patent number: 9148949
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electronic textile (1) comprising the steps of: providing a textile carrier (2) comprising a plurality of conductor lines (6a-b); releasably attaching (101) the textile carrier (2) to a rigid support plate (20); providing (102) a conductive substance on the textile carrier (2) in a pattern forming a plurality of sets of connection pads (5a-b) on the textile carrier (2), each set of connection pads defining a component placement position for placement of an electronic component (3), and each set of connection pads (5a-b) comprising a connection pad overlapping one of the conductor lines, the connection pad having a connection pad length (Lcp) in a direction parallel to the conductor line and a connection pad width (Wcp) in a direction perpendicular to the conductor line, wherein the connection pad width (Wcp) is at least one percent of an extension (Wtc) of the textile carrier (2) in the direction perpendicular to the conductor line; automatically placing (103) electronic component
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Guofu Zhou, Johannes Adrianus Maria Rademakers, Petrus Antonius Henricus Snoeijen, Josephus Henricus Gerardus Bax, Frank Anton Van Abeelen, Liesbeth Van Pieterson
  • Patent number: 9033534
    Abstract: Described herein are hands-free vision aids that may be used for low-vision reading. These vision aids may be beneficial for individuals with low-vision disorders such as age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and other visual disorders. The vision aids described here comprise an optical system with one or more light sources configured to provide a rectangular field of illumination with high illuminance levels bounded by high contrast perimeter. Such an illumination field greatly illuminates a targeted viewing region while reducing glare that arises from illuminating peripheral regions. Some vision aids use green light with high illuminance values for improving visual acuity and comfort for long-duration reading. The optical system of a vision aid may be configured to fit onto and/or integrate with eyeglass frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Jasper Ridge Inc.
    Inventors: Peter G. Borden, Peter H. Muller
  • Patent number: 9015965
    Abstract: The sole section of a shoe includes a midsole and an outsole, with the midsole being made from a translucent material. An illumination system is located inside the translucent midsole, causing the translucent midsole to be internally illuminated when the illumination system is active. Due to the translucent nature of the midsole light from the illumination system reflects internally throughout the midsole, increasing illumination. The light will also illuminate adjacent translucent components, such as the outsole if it is also made from a translucent material. Light from the illumination system can be blocked, such as by an opaque outsole or colored mold injection, and used to form an illuminated design or logo. By blacking out or covering sections of the translucent midsole, shapes and letters of visible light can be created in the negative space of the obstruction sections. This allows illuminated designs to easily be incorporated into footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Roy Robert Smith, III
  • Patent number: 9013281
    Abstract: This invention relates to electronic wearable articles such as clothing. The invention is an integrated wearable article (e.g. an electronic glove) that allows a user to signal to others the user intent for direction. The electronic glove includes a glove, a chevron-shaped light integrated with the glove that points away from the user when glove is on the hand of the user to indicate intended direction, and an electronic circuit including a switch mechanism with a first contact assembly on the thumb and a second contact assembly on the index finger of the glove, wherein the electronic circuit detects when the first contact assembly touches the second contact assembly to actuate the light, and a battery to power the electronic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Zackees, Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary James Vorhies, Murat Ozkan, Roger Fred Challender
  • Patent number: 9010954
    Abstract: A plurality of pairs of skates, where each skate has a blade or inline wheels and has a light bar for illuminating a skating surface, are wireless and remotely controlled. A remote controller, which includes an input device, determines the desired illumination characteristics of the pairs of skates and transmits wireless signals indicative of the desired illumination characteristics. Light controllers responsive to the wireless signals cause the desired illumination from the light bars of the skates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Glo-Blades International Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph Haney, Zhihong Zhang
  • Patent number: 9004711
    Abstract: An eyeglass light assembly is disclosed. The eyeglass light assembly includes an ultra lightweight and configurable eyeglass light adapted to removably and interchangeably attach to an eyeglass frame or to be integrally formed with the eyeglass frame. The eyeglass light is adapted to provide a multiplicity of angle, pivot, and rotation configurations for varied use and adaptation at directing emitted light from an eyeglass frame. The eyeglass light is adapted to pivot and bend in various locations. The eyeglass light provides for hands-free use when mounted. In one embodiment, the eyeglass light includes and a flexible stem upon which the light is coupled. The stem is further coupled to clip members adapted to couple to one another to secure the assembly to eyeglass frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Helen Kallou Gerolemou
  • Patent number: 9004712
    Abstract: The invention disclosed provides a convertible safety body cover with interchangeable light patterns. The safety body cover has an outer front panel permanently connected to an outer rear panel. A first light pattern is mounted to an inner front panel that is removeably mounted to the outer front panel. A second light pattern is mounted to an inner rear panel that is removeably mounted to the outer rear panel. The light pattern panels are removed and replaced with different light pattern panels to create different visual effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas R. Bass
  • Patent number: 8992038
    Abstract: An illumination system is housed in a footwear, the footwear including a sole and an upper. A structure and a liner form inner layers connected to the upper. A plurality of illumination sources are electrically connected to a power source and positioned adjacent to the liner. The illumination sources are positioned between the liner and upper. A batting is designed to be light diffusing, while the upper has a light diffusing section. The light emitted from the plurality of illumination sources is diffused as it passes through the batting and light diffusing section. Aesthetic designs can be creating, either through the arrangement of the plurality of illumination sources or the provision of a light impermeable section on the upper. The light impermeable section, in combination with the light diffusion section, can be used to form or outline an aesthetic design. The result is an internally illuminated footwear with diffused light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Roy Robert Smith, III
  • Publication number: 20150077978
    Abstract: A shoe includes a sole, an upper and a light-emitting unit. The upper includes a main body that is connected to the sole and that cooperates with the sole to define a foot-receiving space, and an outer layer that is mounted on the main body and that cooperates with the main body to define an accommodating space having a opening. The outer layer has a light-transmissive portion. The light-emitting unit is accommodated in the accommodating space and is capable of emitting light to pass through the light-transmissive portion. The light-emitting unit is removable from the accommodating space through the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Denise Chen
  • Patent number: 8979295
    Abstract: Rechargeable lighted glasses are provided having one or more light sources mounted thereto and powered by a rechargeable power source. The rechargeable power source can be recharged through a recharging interface mounted to at least one of the temple arm portions of the rechargeable lighted glasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Waters
  • Patent number: 8975606
    Abstract: A finger-mounted illuminating device is disclosed. This device specifically addresses the problem of maintaining hands-free capability in a low or no light environment. This embodiment is a compact structure made of sturdy plastic or other material, which is mounted to the finger(s) and contains various types of illumination output, power source, thumb activated button(s), and circuits to manipulate the illumination needs as required by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Paul Bowers