FIELD

[0001] Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to an illumination device, and in particular, to a portable illumination device for outdoor use.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Traffic cones, also known as pylons or safety cones, are commonly used on roadways and walkways to alert drivers and/or pedestrians of hazards. They are typically brightly coloured (e.g. in orange or yellow) so that they are easily visible. A conventional traffic cone has a conic top portion that sits on a flat base. They are typically constructed from rubber or thermoplastic.

[0003] As traffic cones are intended to be highly visible, it would be advantageous if the visibility of traffic cones is further improved. This is especially the case at night, where even the use of bright colours for the traffic cones may not be sufficient to make them visible.

[0004] Although it is known to mount lights onto traffic cones to improve their visibility, such lights are often difficult to secure and may be prone to be dislodged or otherwise displaced.

[0005] There is therefore a need for a lighting apparatus for a traffic cone that is easily to install and that can be securely attached to the traffic cone.

[0006] These and other objects will be better understood by reference to this application as a whole. Not all of the objects are necessarily met by all embodiments of the invention described below.

SUMMARY

[0007] Without limiting the scope of the appended claims, some prominent features are described herein.

[0008] Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. Note that the relative dimensions of the following figures may not be drawn to scale.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a portable illumination device to provide improved ease of mounting in outdoor applications over existing devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 depicts the lighting apparatus with a traffic cone in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the lighting member of the lighting apparatus;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the lighting member of Fig. 2;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a front view of the lighting member of Fig. 2;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a side view of the lighting member of Fig. 2;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a top view of the lighting member of Fig. 2;

[0016] FIG 7. is another side view of the lighting member of Fig. 2;

[0017] FIG 8. is a bottom view of the lighting member of Fig. 2;

[0018] FIG 9. is a top perspective view of the central housing of the lighting member;

[0019] FIG 10. is a bottom perspective view of the central housing of Fig. 9;

[0020] FIG 11. shows one embodiment of the locking member of the lighting apparatus;

[0021] FIG 12. shows another embodiment of the locking member of the lighting apparatus;

[0022] FIG 13. is a cross-sectional view of the lighting apparatus installed on a traffic cone; and

[0023] FIG 14. is a cross-sectional view of the lighting apparatus for use as a temporary hanging lamp using the locking member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Various aspects of the novel systems, apparatuses, and methods are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The teachings disclosure can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings herein one skilled

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) in the art should appreciate that the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the novel systems, apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of or combined with any other aspect of the invention. For example, an apparatus can be implemented, or a method can be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, the scope of the invention is intended to cover such an apparatus or method which is practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than the various aspects of the invention set forth herein. Any aspect disclosed herein can be embodied by one or more elements of a claim.

[0025] Although aspects are described herein, many variations and permutations of these aspects fall within the scope of the disclosure. Although some benefits and advantages of the preferred aspects are mentioned, the scope of the disclosure is not intended to be limited to benefits, uses, or objectives. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the disclosure rather than limiting.

[0026] Referring to Fig. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a lighting apparatus 10 comprises a lighting member 12 and a locking member 14. In one preferred embodiment, the lighting member 12 is generally toroidal (or donut-like) in shape, with a substantially circular central opening 16 that is configured to fit over a traffic cone 2, such as a standard 18”, 28” and/or 36” traffic cones as specified in the 2009 Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices with Revision Numbers 1, 2, and 3, dated July 2022 or Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada, Sixth Edition for example. In other embodiments, the lighting member 12 may be related shapes, such as a polyhedral torus or any generally a flattened object having a length 21 and a width 23 greater than a height 25 (as shown in Figs. 4 and 6), with an internal portion defining a cavity extending height wise through the object, for example.

[0027] Referring to Figs. 2 to 10, the lighting member 12 comprises an upper housing 18 and a lower housing 20 that is separated by a central housing 22. Portions of the upper housing 18 and lower housing 20 are at least partially translucent to allow for light to pass through. Preferably, the upper housing 18 and the lower housing 20 may be attached to the central housing 22 using fasteners 24, which may include screws or the like.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) [0028] In other embodiments, the lighting member 12 may comprise an upper housing 18 and a lower housing 20, the upper and lower housings having a portion which is at least partially translucent. In yet other embodiments, the lighting member may comprise a housing which is unitary, the housing having a portion which is at least partially translucent. The upper housing 18 and lower housing 20 of the lighting member 12 may be formed from a hard, durable, transparent or translucent plastic, such as Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) or polycarbonate, for example. In a preferred embodiment, material selected for the lighting member 12 may have a Shore Hardness of between 80 and 90.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the lighting member 12 may have a diameter of between 6 inches to 9 inches, and the central opening 16 may have a diameter of between 5 inches and 6 inches. The combined upper housing 18, central housing 22 and lower housing 20 may have a height wise thickness of between 1 inch and 3 inches, and a radial thickness of between 1 inch and 3 inches.

[0030] In one embodiment, the upper housing 18 and the lower housing 20 are substantially domeshaped (when viewed in cross-section, as shown, for example, in Fig. 13). The central housing 22 comprises an upper surface 26 and a lower surface 28. A plurality of light sources 30 are mounted on the upper surface 26 and on the lower surface 28. Preferably, the light sources 30 are light-emitting diodes, although other types of lighting may be used. In one embodiment, there are sixteen light sources 30 mounted on each of the upper surface 26 and one the lower surface 28. Preferably, the light sources 30 are arranged spaced apart and approximately radially symmetrical.

[0031] In one embodiment, the light sources are directional, and direct light generally in a direction along a height wise or vertical (up and down) axis 31. In some embodiments, the light sources 30 are directional emitters, such as each light source having lenses or reflectors, for example, for directing light emitted by each light source in a conical region between 15 degrees and 60 degrees from the height wise direction (between 30 degrees and 120 degrees about the height wise axis), preferably between 20 degrees and 45 degrees from the height wise direction (between 40 and 90 degrees about the height wise axis), and optimally about 30 degrees from the height wise direction (60 degrees about the height wise axis). Directional light emitted by

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) the light sources 30 may reduce glare resulting from light directly emitted towards nearby people by reducing contrast, and may provide improved illumination to the traffic cone and surrounding ground, as well as to any signage which may be mounted above the traffic cone, for example. In other applications, directional light may improve efficiency by reducing waste ambient light production where only certain areas need to be illuminated.

[0032] A variety of light colours may be selected for the light sources 30. In one exemplary embodiment, the light sources 30 may be configured to emit white light, such as light with a 4100K colour temperature, which is preferable for general illumination and for use as work lamps, for example. In other embodiments, the light sources 30 may be configured to emit amber light with a wavelength of approximately 590nm, which is preferable for construction and warning marker lights, for example. In yet other embodiments, the light sources 30 may be configured to emit red light with a wavelength of about 620nm, which is preferable for marine applications such as use on safety buoys.

[0033] The light sources 30 are preferably electrically connected to a controller 32 located in the central housing 22. The controller 32 may be programmed to control the operation of the light sources 30, such as providing for a pattern of illumination or for setting up timers for turning on and off the light sources 30. In some embodiments, the controller 32 may further be programmed to control the colour of light sources. The light sources 30 are also electrically connected to a power source 34, also located in the central housing 22. The power source 34 may be a battery, or more preferably, a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion battery.

[0034] Referring to Figs. 9 and 10 (which shows the central housing 22 with the upper housing 18 and the lower housing 20 omitted), the central housing 22 preferably comprises an inner band 36 and an outer band 38 that extends between the upper surface 26 and the lower surface 28. In one embodiment, the inner band 36 and the outer band 38 may extend beyond the upper surface 26 and the lower surface 28. The inner band 36 and/or the lower housing 20 is configured to engage with the traffic cone 2. The outer band 38 comprises a power switch 40 that is configured to turn on and turn off the lighting member 12. The power switch 40 is electrically connected to the power source 34 and/or the controller 32. Preferably, the power

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) switch 40 is a pushbutton switch, although other types of switches are also possible. In a preferred embodiment, the power switch 40 is a pushbutton switch protruding between 0.5mm and 1.5mm from the outer band 38, and preferably about 1.0mm, allowing a user to identify the power switch 40 through tactile sensation through a glove, for example. In an exemplary embodiment, the compression force necessary to activate of the power switch 40 may be between about 40gf and 80gf to reduce the likelihood of unintentional activation of the light sources 30, for example. In some embodiments, the outer band 38 may comprise a reflective portion, such as reflective tape, for increasing the visibility of the lighting member 12.

[0035] Preferably, the outer band 38 comprises a port 42 that is configured to allow for charging of the power source 34. The port 42 is electrically connected to the power source 34. The port 42 may be in the form of an industry standard direct current (DC) charging port. In some embodiments, the port 42 may be a magnetic charging port.

[0036] Referring to Figs. 11 and 12, the locking member 14 is adapted to engage with the traffic cone 2. The traffic cone 2 comprises an upper cone opening 4 at an upper end 6. An inward lip 8 is formed on the circumference of the upper cone opening 4.

[0037] The locking member 14 comprises first and second ends 44, 46. The locking member 14 comprises an enlarged head portion 48 at the first end 44 and a tail portion 50 at the second end 46. A body portion 52 extends between the head portion 48 and the tail portion 50. Preferably, the head portion 48 is wider than the body portion 52, as shown in Figs. 11 and 12. The head portion 48 may be configured to be easily gripped or grasped by the user, such as by having a cavity 47, for example, which may be ergonomically shaped for receiving a hand of the user. In a preferred embodiment, the cavity 47 is sufficiently sized to receive fingers of the hand of the user even when wearing gloves. Preferably, the tail portion 50 has angled sides 54, such that the tail portion 50 is wider at the point where it is attached to the body portion 52, forming an abrupt transition between the tail portion 50 and the body portion 52. More preferably, the tail portion 50 is wider than the body portion 52 at the point where the tail portion 50 is attached to the body portion 52.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) [0038] Figs. 11 and 12 show two embodiments of the locking member 14, with a difference between the two embodiments being the length of the body portion 52. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 12, the body portion 52 is of greater length, compared to that shown in Fig. 11.

[0039] The body portion 52 has a width that is less than a diameter of the upper cone opening 4. However, a width of the tail portion 50 at the point where it is attached to the body portion 52 is greater than the diameter of the upper cone opening 4. Preferably, the width of the tail portion 50 at the second end 46 is less than the diameter of the upper cone opening 4. Preferably, the width of the head portion 48 is greater than a diameter of the central opening 16. In some embodiments, the body portion 52 may have a section which is approximately equal in width to the diameter of the central opening 16, the section of the body portion 52 engaging with the central opening 16 forming a releasable friction fit when placed into contact.

[0040] The locking member 14 may be used as follows. In order to install the locking member 14 into the traffic cone 2, the tail portion 50 may be pushed against the lip 8. As the traffic cone 2 is typically made from a flexible material (e.g. rubber), this force applied to the lip 8 causes the lip 8 to deform slightly and stretch outwards, where the tail portion 50 contacts the lip 8. Further pushing of the tail portion 50 against the lip 8 will cause increased deformation as the angled sides 54 move along the lip 8. Eventually, the lip 8 will move past the angled sides 54, at which point the lip 8 will revert back to its original orientation. At this time, the lip 8 will be around the body portion 52, and may abut the edges of the body portion 52 of locking member 14. Due to the abrupt transition between the body portion 52 and the tail portion 50 of the locking member 14, the lip 8 will prevent the tail portion 50 from normally (ie. without an intentional application of force by a user) exiting the upper cone opening. The locking member 14 is now secured in place within the traffic cone 2.

[0041] In order to remove the locking member 14 from the traffic cone 2, the lip 8 may be deformed by the user, thereby increasing the diameter of the upper cone opening 4, at least in one axis. Once the lip 8 is sufficient deformed such that the diameter is greater than the width of the tail portion 50 where it is attached to the body portion 52, the locking member 14 can then be removed.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) [0042] Referring to Fig. 13, the lighting apparatus 10 can be used as follows. The lighting member 12 can be installed on the traffic cone 2 by sliding the central opening 16 of the lighting member 12 over the upper end 6. Once the lighting member 12 has been placed on the traffic cone 2, the locking member 14 may be inserted into the upper end of the traffic cone 2, as described above. Once the locking member 14 has been inserted, the locking member 14 will prevent the lighting member 12 from being removed from traffic cone 2. This is because the head portion 48 of the locking member 14 prevents the lighting member 12 from moving past the upper end 6 (since the width of the head portion 48 is greater than the diameter of the central opening 16). The lighting member 12 can then be operated by using the power switch 40.

[0043] In order to remove the lighting member 12 from the traffic cone 2, the locking member 14 must first be removed from the traffic cone 2, as described above. Once the locking member 14 has been removed, the lighting member 12 can then be removed from the traffic cone 2 by sliding it past the upper end 6.

[0044] As shown in Fig 14., the tail portion 50 of the locking member 14 may further comprise a perforation 56. The locking member 14 may be used in this configuration to deploy the lighting apparatus 10 as a hanging lamp for illumination of surfaces in a temporary structure, such as a tent, for example. A connecting device 58, such as a cable, rope, or hook, for example, may engage with the perforation to suspend the locking member 14 and lighting member 12. An engaging portion 49 of the head portion 48 the locking member 14 engages with a complementary region 17 the cavity 16 of the lighting member 12 through a friction fit, or through gravity, and the head portion 48 of the locking member 14 prevents the lightning member 12 from disengaging from the locking member 14. In other embodiments, the body portion 52 may instead engage the cavity 16 of the lightning member 12. In such embodiments, controller 32 may be configured to allow only the light sources 30 in either the upper housing 18 or lower housing 20 to be selective illuminated, thereby providing a directional light.

[0045] In other embodiments, the housing of the lighting member 12 is waterproof (IP67). The lighting apparatus 10 may further be adapted to fit onto beacons or buoy for marine usage.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) such as for marking docks, shorelines, and other hazards, for example, and the locking member 14 may lock the lighting member 12 to buoys. In yet other embodiments, the lighting member 12 of the lighting apparatus 10 may be used for underwater applications, such as an underwater buoy or marker light, or as an underwater work light, for example.

[0046] In yet further embodiments, the lighting apparatus 10 may be used for emergency lighting by first responders. The lighting apparatus 10 may be installed on a traffic cone 2, or the lighting member 12 may be separately deployed as emergency lighting. In an exemplary embodiment, the central opening 16 of the lighting member 12 may engage with a door handle or a newel post, for example.

[0047] In accordance with another embodiment of the disclosed invention, a portable illumination device kit may comprise the lighting apparatus 10 and a plurality of accessories. The accessories may comprise a travel and charging case, a solar charging attachment, or other accessories. The solar charging attachment may comprise a plurality of photovoltaic panels and may be attached to the locking member 14, having a cable to connect to the port 42 of the lighting member 12. In operation, the solar charging attachment allows for the power source 34 of the lighting member 12 to be charged during daylight, while the lighting apparatus 12 provides illumination during nighttime.

[0048] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the preferred embodiment has been described in some detail but that certain modifications may be practiced without departing from the principles of the invention.

[0049] While the foregoing is directed to aspects of the present disclosure, other and further aspects of the disclosure can be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)