Neck supported chest and back mobile lighting system

Abstract

A wearable, torso-worn, hands free multi-illumination system having a fabric harness worn over the shoulders and adjacent the chest and back of a user. The fabric harness has an adjustable aperture to receive the head of the user, and a fastener along the rim of the aperture, where the fastener adjusts the size of the aperture. The fabric harness includes a front panel and a rear panel, with an ambient light and a light sensor mounted on the front panel. An electronic control system is mounted on the fabric harness, including a control board, LEDs, and light sensor. The ambient light and the light sensor are electrically connected to the control board. Switches are mounted to the front panel, and are electrically connected to the control board. An electric power source is removably mounted on the rear panel, and the power source is electrically connected to the control board.

Claims

1. A wearable, torso-worn, hands-free multi-illumination system, comprising: a. a fabric harness configured to be worn over the shoulders and adjacent the chest and back of a user, the fabric harness having an adjustable aperture to receive the head of the user, a fastener adjacent a rim of the aperture, the fastener adjusting the size of the aperture; b. the fabric harness having a front panel and a rear panel; c. at least one ambient light mounted on the front panel; d. at least one light sensor mounted on the front panel; e. an electronic control system housing mounted on the fabric harness, the electronic control system including a control board, LEDs, and the at least one light sensor, the at least one ambient light and the at least one light sensor electrically connected to the control board; and f. at least one switch mounted to the front panel of the fabric harness, the at least one switch electrically connected to the control board, to the at least one light sensor, and to the at least one ambient light; at least one rear facing light module, at least one beacon light, and at least one ground-facing light are mounted on the rear panel; and each of the at least one rear facing light module, the at least one beacon light, and the at least one ground-facing light are electrically connected to the control board.

2. The wearable torso-worn, hands-free multi-illumination system of claim 1, wherein: an electric power source is removably mounted to one of the front panel and the rear panel of the fabric harness; the electric power source electrically connected to the control board.

3. The wearable torso-worn, hands-free multi-illumination system of claim 1, wherein: a flexible memory frame extends through a portion of the flexible harness.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 Front Side view of ZipRay showing primary components

(2) FIG. 2 Back Side view of ZipRay showing primary components

(3) FIG. 3 Side, Front, and Back view of human wearing ZipRAY

(4) FIG. 4 Flexible Memory Frame and front light modules holder view

(5) FIG. 5 Flexible Memory Frame, light module and battery holder view

(6) FIG. 6 Wire Cable Channel running from front side, over the shoulder, to back side of Zipray

(7) FIG. 7 Control and switches location within the ZipRay fabric

(8) FIG. 8 Switch functions for back and front light modules

(9) FIG. 9 Front Upper Light Module, sensor, microcontroller, and Bluetooth functional descriptions

(10) FIG. 10 Front Lower Light Module function

(11) FIG. 11 Back Light Module and Sensor functional description

(12) FIG. 12 Bluetooth Application for Light Control by a mobile phone

(13) FIG. 13 Audio Speaker and Microphone placement and functional description

(14) FIG. 14 Complete front view of ZipRay placed on a human user

(15) FIG. 15 Complete back view of ZipRay placed on a human user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

(16) Zipray is a wearable lighting system with a multitude of user applications. Zipray can be used for walking a dog at night, to providing light for camping and hiking, as a bike light, and as a utility light for use around the house, or grilling. Zipray is a human body, torso-worn mobile light projection system, that is intended to provide improved lighting and user comfort in comparison to handheld flashlight devices and head-worn lamps. The invention describes a microprocessor-controlled lighting system that is capable of generating variable light intensity levels, light colors and light patterns and sequences. Lighting is controlled by a series of user accessible switches. The unit is powered by batteries and is intended to provide many hours of use without having to recharge or change batteries.

(17) The primary function of the ZipRay is a hands-free mobile lighting used in a variety of applications. The primary function of the light is to illuminate project, terrain, walking trail, as well as the general ambient area surrounding a user. The Zipray can also be used as a safety/warning device and can be used for reading.

(18) Zipray is an improved inventive concept that easily and versatilely hangs comfortably on the user's shoulders, around the user's neck extending to the chest and back area where the lights are located. Zipray allows users the ability to use both hands to work in a lighted space directly in front of them, while have the flexibility and versatility to move their hands or head in any direction or location that they desire without interrupting the targeted illuminated area.

(19) Zipray is designed to be lightweight and is extremely durable and is made of ripstop nylon that's water resistant and breathable. Zipray is perfect for use in inclement weather and great for boating. Zipray is also designed to operate in high and low temperatures of any climate and is sealed from the elements.

(20) Switches are intuitive and easy to use and do not require memorizing multiple push steps or require programming.

(21) Zipray is available in many fabric and housing color combinations.

(22) FIG. 1 Front Side view of ZipRay showing primary components. Illustrative point 100 is the front view of the ZipRay fabric assembly that holds all circuits and LED's and connects to the back-side fabric of ZipRay. 102 show the location of the zipper providing for user adjustment for fit and comfort. 104 is a depiction of four fabric mounted switches that control all lights. Additional switches may be added to provide additional functionality such as additional lights, or audio.

(23) Illustrative point 106 is a light module housing that contains the microprocessor control board, led's and sensors. Illustration 110 shows the location of light sensors. 112 shows the position of a multicolor led called the Ambient light. The Ambient light 112, can be dimmed and color changed by the switches 104, so as to provide a red map light color or yellow ambient color. Illustrative point 114 show a folding point for adjustment of the length of the fabric and can be folded up for smaller or shorter users. 116 depicts a magnet and clothing clip with can be used to attach the bottom of the fabric to the users clothing or for shortening the fabric length for smaller and shorter users.

(24) FIG. 2 Back Side view of ZipRay showing primary components. Illustrative point 128 depicts the fabric that holds all electronic and light modules and connects to the front fabric panel of ZipRay. 118 shows the location of the battery module that provides power to all circuits and lights. Illustration 130 shows the location of the back/Rear facing light module. Included in the back rear facing light module 130, are the back light sensor 120, a red beacon or strobe led facing and downward and outward 122, a second red beacon or strobe led facing outward 124, and a yellow ambient/courtesy light 126 that faces downward to provide light to illuminate the ground for individuals who may be following or walking behind the ZipRAY wearer or user.

(25) FIG. 3 Side, Front, and Back view of human wearing ZipRAY. Illustrative point 132 shows a side view of a user wearing the Zipray. 132 shows the placement of the ZipRay on both the front and back side of a user. 134 is an illustration showing the placement of ZipRAY on a user with the fabric extending from the front side of a user, over the shoulder to connect with the ZipRay fabric on the users back. 136 is an illustration of the back side of the user with the fabric going over the user's shoulder to connect with the fabric of ZipRay.

(26) FIG. 4 Flexible Memory Frame and front light modules holder view. Illustrative point 146 shows the entire assembly consisting of a flexible metal core (such as iron or steel) covered by a soft rubber elastomer. Illustration 140, shows an internal flexible moldable wire that runs throughout the frame structure. The frame structure is covered with a rubber elastomer type material that provides users with the ability to bend the frame to adjust the led lights of Zipray modules. 138 shows an area of the frame that holds the control switches ZipRay. 142 shows the pocket for mounting ZipRay's front top high beam light, sensor and controller module. 148 shows the location of an area of the frame for mounting the Front bottom Ambient light module. Areas 144 show the location of the absence of material providing a means for easy bending and adjusting the memory wire frame of ZipRay. Illustration point 150 shows how the memory wire core covered with a rubber elastomer can be bent so as to provide the user with a fast and easy means for adjusting the led lights.

(27) FIG. 5. Flexible Memory Frame, light module and battery holder view. Illustrative point 152 shows the entire assembly consisting of a flexible metal core 154 (such as iron or steel) covered by a soft rubber elastomer. Illustration 154, shows an internal flexible moldable steel or iron wire that runs throughout the frame structure. The frame structure 152 is covered with a rubber elastomer type material that provides users with the ability to bend the frame to adjust the led lights of Zipray modules. 156 shows a pocket for mounting ZipRay's back/rear strobe and courtesy light, sensor. Area 158 shows the location of the absence of material providing a means for easy bending and adjusting the memory wire frame of ZipRay. Illustration point 160 shows how the memory wire core covered with a rubber elastomer can be bent so as to provide the user with a fast and easy means for adjusting the led lights.

(28) FIG. 6 Wire Cable Channel running from front side, over the shoulder, to back side of Zipray. Illustrative point 162 shows the path of an internal cable containing wires that provide control of the microcontroller light module 164 on the front of ZipRay. The cable is embedded within the ZipRay fabric routed over the shoulder to the back of Zipray 168, and connecting to the back-light module and battery module 170. The cable 162 and 168 is easily removed from the ZipRay providing a means for the user to clean the fabric as well as change fabrics to a different color and style fabric.

(29) FIG. 7 Control and switches location within the ZipRay fabric. Illustrative points 172, 174, 178 and 180 show locations of switches located within the fabric of ZipRay. All switches are connected the microcontroller light module 176, located on the front side of ZipRay. Additional switches may be located in the same area s 172, 174, 178 and 180, as well as being located within or around and nearby the microprocessor light module 176 located on the front of ZipRay.

(30) FIG. 8 Switch functions for back and front light modules. Illustrative point 182 defines the functionality of switch 1 which controls the lights on the front side of ZipRay. Illustrative point 184 defines the functionality of switch 2 which controls the lights on the front side of ZipRay. Illustrative point 186 defines the functionality of switch 3 which controls the sensors on the front and back side of ZipRay. Illustrative point 188 defines the functionality of switch 4 which controls the lights on the front and back side of Zip Ray.

(31) Pressing and holding any switch for a period of one second or more will turn off all functions including lights and sensors on ZipRay.

(32) FIG. 9 Front Upper Light Module, sensor, microcontroller, and Bluetooth functional descriptions. Illustration 200 is the upper front light module on Zipray. Illustration 190 is a light sensor which when enabled will monitor light levels in the proximity of the user. When enabled the sensor looks for the presence of bright lights, such as lights from an approaching vehicle. When bright lights are sensed the high beam of the front of the ZipRay is cycled on and off to generate a strobe effect to caution the drivers of a vehicle that a pedestrian or cyclist is nearby. The strobe effect will extinguish within 10 seconds, at which time the sensor 190 is reactivated and continues monitoring for bright lights.

(33) Illustration 192 is a low battery indicator LED. Illustration 196 is a user indicator light that provides confirmation to the user that that led lights on the back of ZipRay are on and active.

(34) Illustration 194 are led indicator lights that provide confirmation of other ZipRay functionality such as Bluetooth being enabled, or the audio speakers and microphones within certain zipray models are enabled.

(35) Illustration 199, depicts the placement of a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, buttons or snaps, allowing for the user adjustment for sizing, comfort and fit of ZipRay.

(36) FIG. 10. Front Lower Light Module function. Illustrative point 202 shows the lower front Ambient/Map light module. 204 shows the location of one or more multicolor leds capable of generating over 4000 different colors for use by the user for an ambient, reading, or general-purpose light. Led light 204 can be made brighter or dimer by the user as well as changing colors outputted by the led.

(37) FIG. 11. Back Light Module and Sensor functional description. Illustrative point 206 shows the ZipRay rear light module. Illustration 207 depicts the placement of a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, buttons or snaps, allowing for the user adjustment for sizing, comfort and fit of ZipRay.

(38) Illustrative point 208 shows the location of a battery module within the fabric, providing power to the microcontroller circuit and led's.

(39) Illustration 210 shows the back/rear light module containing combinations of color and multifunction LED's light and sensor. Illustration 212 shows the location of a sensor that functions the same as the sensor located on the front of ZipRay. 212 is a light sensor which when enabled will monitor light levels in the proximity of the user. When enabled the sensor looks for the presence of bright lights, such as lights from an approaching vehicle. When bright lights are sensed the high beam of the front of the ZipRay is cycled on and off to generate a strobe effect to caution the drivers of a vehicle that a pedestrian or cyclist is nearby. The strobe effect will extinguish within 10 seconds, at which time the sensor 190 is reactivated and continues monitoring for bright lights.

(40) Illustration 214 is a downward facing led which can project a strobe or pulse beacon effect at a 45-degree angle. The downward angle of projection compensates for users riding a bicycle or motorcycle while leaning forward, or a user walking or running in the a forward leaning prone position. The 45-degree projection angle provides for a direct horizontally projected light making it easy for drivers of vehicles to see the led caution or warning light of the ZipRay. 216 is a back horizontally mounted LED providing a different angle of light projection (from LED 214). 218 is a downward facing 45-degree light projecting LED that can be used as a caution light or provide a means of illuminating the ground for a person walking behind the ZipRay user.

(41) FIG. 12 Bluetooth Application for Light and Audio Control by a mobile phone. Using a mobile phone 228 configured with Bluetooth will provide the user a means of controlling the Bluetooth circuit located withing the front microcontroller, sensor, light module on ZipRay. The mobile phone user can download an app into the mobile phone 228, that can communicate via a radio frequency 226 to the ZipRay. Bluetooth functionality provides a means for the ZipRay user to control the light 224 being output by all light modules as well as the volume of sound being generated by speakers 220 and microphones 222, located within the fabric of ZipRay.

(42) FIG. 13 Audio Speaker and Microphone placement and functional description. Zipray will have several configurations that provide for placement of speakers and microphones at the shoulder level 230, on the front of zipray 232 and on the back of the zipray fabric 236. Speakers and microphones will be positioned and located above the light modules 234 and 238 on the front and back side of the Zipray.

(43) FIG. 14 Complete front view of ZipRay placed on a human user. Illustration 240, shows the front view of a ZipRay worn by a user.

(44) FIG. 15 Complete back view of ZipRay placed on a human user. Illustration 242, shows the back view of a ZipRay worn by a user