Resilient and Portable Lightbulb

Abstract

Various embodiments of a method and apparatus for providing light that is resilient to power outages are disclosed. The apparatus is a device that includes a primary light source, which includes an AC-to-DC converter that converts the AC power from a light socket to DC power. The device includes a secondary power source, as a backup, having a battery and a light source electrically connected in parallel. In some embodiments, the light source resides on a flexible, printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the device includes a sensor that senses the loss of AC power. In some embodiments, in response to the sensor sensing the loss of AC power, the light shuts off or fades out after a predetermined time period. In some embodiments, the user can stop the light from turning off or fading out by pressing a button.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a) a lightbulb socket connector for connecting to an AC primary power source, where the AC primary power source is an external power source, b) an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) converter having an AC end connected to the AC primary power source; c) a light source having a high-voltage end connected to a DC end of the AC-to-DC converter; d) a DC secondary power source, which is an internal power source having a battery charger connected to the DC end of the AC-to-DC converter; and e) a battery chamber for holding batteries, being electrically connected to the battery charger and being connected electrically in parallel with the light source; the light source being powered primarily by the AC primary power source and secondarily by the DC secondary power source, wherein, (I) the light source is powered primarily by the AC primary power source when the AC primary power source is powered; and (II) the light source is powered by the DC secondary power source when the AC primary power source is not powered.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the battery chamber accommodates the batteries, which supply a lower voltage than the DC end of the AC-to-DC converter, causing the light source to be primarily powered by the AC primary power source when the AC primary power source has power.

3. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a) a sensor for sensing when the AC primary power source is not powered, by sensing that the lightbulb socket connector is not powered; and b) a controlled switch in communication with the sensor that turns the light source off after a predetermined time after the sensor senses that the lightbulb socket connector is not powered.

4. The system of claim 1, the system further comprising: a manual switch connected to a sensor; wherein, when the manual switch is not activated, the sensor causes the light source to automatically turn off after a set time from when the AC primary power source loses power, and when the manual switch is activated, the sensor causes the light source to remain on.

5. The system of claim 4, further comprising: a light that provides a visual indication whether the AC primary power source is powered.

6. The system of claim 4, the sensor including a controller that, (a) determines whether the AC primary power source is powered, and (b) determines whether the manual switch is activated.

7. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a universal serial bus (USB) in-processing for powering the system.

8. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a universal serial bus USB out-processing connected to the battery chamber, the USB out-processing provides power to an external device.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the light source includes a flexible material on which lights reside.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the flexible material is wrapped into a cylindrical shape.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the flexible material wraps around the battery chamber.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the flexible material is a printed circuit board.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the light source includes an array of light-emitting diodes.

14. The system of claim 1, the battery chamber being shaped to hold the batteries, which are cylindrical, the system further comprising a PCB, a hole being located in a center of the PCB, the light source having a cylindrical shape, the light source being positioned surrounding the battery chamber, with the PCB being positioned with the cylindrical shape protruding through the hole in the PCB.

15. A system comprising: a) a connector that connects to an external power source that is an AC primary power source, b) an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) converter having an AC end connected to the connector; c) a light source having a high-voltage end connected to a DC end of the AC-to-DC converter; d) an internal power source that is a DC secondary power source, the DC secondary power source having a battery charger connected to the DC end of the AC-to-DC converter; and e) a battery chamber for holding batteries, the battery chamber being electrically in parallel with the light source; the light source including at least an array of light-emitting devices on a flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB), the flexible PCB being wrapped around the battery chamber.

16. The system of claim 15, the battery chamber having a cylindrical shape.

17. The system of claim 15, further comprising: a main PCB, which supports circuitry, the circuitry including the AC-to-DC converter, the main PCB having a hole, and the main PCB being mounted in the system with the battery chamber protruding through the hole of the main PCB.

18. The system of claim 15, the light-emitting devices comprising a plurality of light-emitting diodes.

19. The system of claim 18, further comprising: a dome that scatters light, the light-emitting diodes being oriented to face walls of the dome.

20. A method comprising: a) primarily powering a lightbulb socket connector by an AC primary power source, where the AC primary power source is an external power source, b) converting alternating current (AC) from the AC primary power source to direct current (DC), by an AC-to-DC converter having an AC end connected to the lightbulb socket connector; c) generating light by a light source having a high-voltage end connected to a DC end of the AC-to-DC converter; d) secondarily powering the light source by a DC secondary power source, which is an internal power source having a battery charger connected to the DC end of the AC-to-DC converter; and e) charging batteries in a battery chamber by battery chargers, which are powered by the AC primary power source, the battery chamber being electrically in parallel with the light source; wherein, (I) when the AC primary power source is powered the light source is powered primarily by the AC primary power source and the batteries are charged; and (II) when the AC primary power source is not powered the light source is powered by the DC secondary power source.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The disclosed method and apparatus, in accordance with one or more various embodiments, is described with reference to the following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict examples of some embodiments of the disclosed method and apparatus. These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding of the disclosed method and apparatus. They should not be considered to limit the breadth, scope, or applicability of the claimed invention. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale.

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates various embodiments of the lightbulb.

[0025] FIG. 2-illustrates an exploded view of various embodiments of the lightbulb.

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of various embodiments of the lightbulb.

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates various embodiments of the placement of a PCB on the lightbulb.

[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates various embodiments of the placement of a PCB on the lightbulb.

[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates various embodiments of a lightbulb and a chamber in the lightbulb for holding batteries.

[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates various embodiments of a circuit for powering the LED array.

[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates various embodiments of a circuit for powering the LED array that includes a switch for keeping the LED array lit by the batteries.

[0032] FIG. 9 illustrates various embodiments of a circuit for powering the LED array that includes a USB port for charging external devices.

[0033] FIG. 10 illustrates various embodiments of a circuit for powering the LED array having a USB port for powering the LED array.

[0034] FIG. 11 illustrates various embodiments of the sensor of FIGS. 8-10.

[0035] FIG. 12 illustrates a series of decisions determining whether the lightbulb is turned off or allowed to remain on.

[0036] FIG. 13 illustrates various embodiments of a method of using the lightbulb.

[0037] FIG. 14 illustrates various embodiments of a method of constructing the lightbulb.

[0038] The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that the disclosed method and apparatus can be practiced with modification and alteration, and that the invention should be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] A lightbulb is disclosed that is powered by a lightbulb socket (a first power source or an AC primary power source) and that also includes a second power source or DC secondary power source. When the AC primary power source is powered, the AC primary source primarily powers the lightbulb. When the AC primary power source is not powered, the DC secondary source powers the lightbulb.

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates various embodiments of a lightbulb 100 (or a system). In some embodiments, the lightbulb 100 includes a first electrical connector 102 at an end of the neck of the lightbulb 100, and a second electrical connector 104 that wraps around the neck of the lightbulb 100. The second electrical connector 104 is threaded, which allows the lightbulb to screw into a lightbulb socket. A cone 106 is attached to the second connector 104. A switch 108 can be activated, by being depressed, to release the cone 106 from the rest of the lightbulb 100, allowing the lightbulb 100 to open for removing or inserting batteries. The cone 106 is attached to the body 110 of the lightbulb 100. In other embodiments, a different set of connectors and differently shaped connectors are used for connecting to different types of lightbulb sockets.

[0041] The body 110 includes a grip 112 for grabbing and turning the body 110 of the lightbulb 100 when screwing or unscrewing the lightbulb 100 into a lightbulb socket. The body 110 is attached to a dome 114, which lights up when the lightbulb 100 is turned on. The dome 114 includes cylindrical walls 116 and a top 118. Also, see FIG. 3, which has a grip 312.

[0042] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an exploded view of various embodiments of the lightbulb 100. An inner collar 202 includes crevices and holes that mate with protrusions on the body 110 or 310 that keep the inner collar 202 from rotating or sliding. In some embodiments, the inner collar 202 includes protrusions that mate with crevices and holes on the body 110 and 310. The inner collar 202 is discussed further in conjunction with FIG. 3. A main PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 204 interacts with buttons 206. The buttons 206 include protrusions (that serve as buttons), which protrude through a shoulder of the body 110 or 310. Pressing on a different protrusion of the buttons 206 activates a switch by causing a different portion of the buttons 206 to place pressure upon the main PCB 204, closing a different electrical connection, depending on which protrusion is pushed. In some embodiments, pressing on one or more of the protrusion of the buttons 206 activates a switch by opening an electrical connection instead of closing the electrical connection.

[0043] The main PCB 204 can have any shape that fits within the body 110 or 310. In some embodiments, the main PCB 204 has a circular hole in the center of the main PCB 204, through which a battery chamber protrudes when the main PCB 204 is mounted on the lightbulb 100. In some embodiments, an outer shape of the main PCB 204 is hexagonal, and mates with a hexagonal depression in the body 110 or 310. In other embodiments, a different non-circular shape is used for the shape of the main PCB 204 instead of a hexagon. Using a noncircular shape for the main PCB 204 facilitates keeping the main PCB 204 from rotating after being installed/mounted.

[0044] The outer collar 208 holds the dome 114 on the body 110 or 310. The dome 114 is inserted through a wider opening 210 of the outer collar 208. In some embodiments, the dome 114 includes a ring 212 protruding from the sides of the dome 114. The ring 212 has a larger outer diameter than an inner diameter of a narrower opening 214 of the outer collar 208, which keeps the dome 114 from sliding completely through the outer collar 208. The outer collar 208 includes a rim 216 that mates with an opening in the body 110 or 310. An outer diameter of the rim 216 is smaller than the outer diameter of the outer collar 208. In some embodiments, the rim 216 is threaded with threads that match threads on the body 110 and 310, so that the outer collar 208 screws onto the body 110 or 310.

[0045] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate various embodiments of a flexible (or soft) PCB 402 carrying (and supporting) an LED array 404 (the LED array 404 resides, or is supported, on the flexible PCB 402). The flexible PCB 402 is made from a flexible/soft material. The flexible PCB 402 wraps onto an electrical connector 406 and around (and therefore surrounding) a battery chamber 606 (or battery holder, see FIG. 6), when mounted/positioned on the lightbulb 100, for powering the LED array 404. In the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 4, having the battery chamber 606 extend into the dome 114, allows more batteries to be stored in the lightbulb 100, extending how long the lightbulb 100 can stay lit when powered by the DC secondary power source. Also, in the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 5, having the battery chamber 606 extend into the dome 114, allows usage of the body 310 (instead of body 110) allowing the lightbulb 100 to be more compact. The dome 114 scatters light from (and is illuminated by) the LED array 404 (and in that way the lightbulb 100 produces, generates or emits light). In some embodiments, an array of other light-emitting devices is used instead of the LED array 404. In various embodiments, the lightbulb 100 includes a flat surface 408 or 508, which is oriented parallel to the top 118. In some embodiments, the flexible PCB 402 can be configured and positioned to fit a contour of a shape of the outer shape of the battery chamber (see FIGS. 5 and 6 and their discussion below regarding the battery chamber 606 and its shape). Since the flexible PCB 402 can be rolled into different shapes, the LED array 404 can be oriented and positioned so that with the LEDs in different orienations, as needed. However, by placing the LEDs of the LED array 404 on the flexible PCB 402, with the flexible PCB cylindrically configured, the LEDs can be better placed/positioned to a more compact manner and to provide better illumination than on the flat surface 508. In some embodiments, LEDs are arranged on the flat surface 408 in addition to, or instead of, having the LED array 404 oriented parallel to (and facing) the cylindrical walls 116. In some embodiments, the cylindrical shape of flexible PCB 402 has more room for LEDs than the flat surface 508. In some embodiments, the dome 114 has a different shape, and the flexible PCB 402 can be bent into other shapes to provide better illumination and keep the lightbulb 100 compact, depending on the shape of the dome 114.

[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates various embodiments of the lightbulb 100. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the switch 108 includes a tab 602, which engages the cone 106 keeping the lightbulb 100 closed. In some embodiments, the switch 108 and the tab 602 are integral parts of the inner collar 202. In some embodiments, when the switch 108 is activated by being depressed, the inner collar 202 flexes, which causes the tab 602 to move inward releasing the cone 106. In some embodiments, even after being released, the cone 106 is held to the body 110 or 310 by a hinge, so that cone 106 swings open when switch 108 is depressed. In some embodiments, the hinge is a flexible piece of material. In some embodiments, the hinge is a flexible strip of plastic. In some embodiments, the hinge includes a bearing establishing an axis about which two pieces of material of the hinge rotate, one of the two pieces of the hinge is attached to the body 110 or 310 and another of the pieces of material of the hinge is attached to the cone 106. When the cone 106 swings open, the battery chamber 606 opens allowing batteries to be inserted into, or removed from, the battery chamber 606. In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, the battery chamber 606 (a battery chamber) includes three cylindrical columns for holding (or accommodating) batteries. In some embodiments, the battery chamber 606 holds three 18650 batteries. In some embodiments, the outer shape of the battery chamber 606 is cylindrical. In other embodiments, the battery chamber 606 has a different inner shape and accepts a different number of batteries and batteries of a different shape and type. In some embodiments, the battery chamber 606 has a different outer shape.

[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates various embodiments of a circuit 700 (or circuitry) for powering the LED array 404. In some embodiments, part of the circuit 700 rests on (or is supported by) a main PCB 702, and the main PCB 702 is an embodiment of the main PCB 204. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, an AC-to-DC voltage converter 704 connects electrically to a lightbulb socket and converts AC electricity from the socket (and from the AC primary power source) to DC electricity for recharging batteries 708 and powering the LEDs (the LEDs being primarily powered by the AC primary power sourcethe lightbulb socket). The DC end of the AC-to-DC voltage converter 704 is electrically connected to at least one end of a battery charger 706 to power the charging of the batteries 708 (the batteries 708 are rechargeable and are a DC secondary power source) and is also connected to an LED array 712 (which is an embodiment of the LED array 404) for powering the LEDs of the LED array 712. Another part of the battery charger 706 is electrically connected to the batteries 708. The batteries 708 are charged in parallel with one another so that the batteries 708 charge faster than were the batteries 708 charged in series. In some embodiments, the battery charger 708 includes a separate battery charger for each battery. The high-voltage end of the batteries 708 is connected to a diode 710, which in turn is connected to the LED array 712 so that the batteries 708 power the LED array 712. The diode 710 protects the batteries 708 from a current flowing into the high-voltage end of the batteries 708 from the DC end of the AC-to-DC voltage converter 704.

[0048] The batteries 708 supply a voltage that is less than (or lower than) that supplied by the AC-to-DC voltage converter 704 (so that when the AC primary power source is powered, the LED array 712 is powered primarily by the AC primary power source). In some embodiments, the batteries 708 supply 3.7 volts, and the DC end of the AC-to-DC converter supplies 5 volts (however in other embodiments, the voltage supplied by the batteries 708 and the AC-to-DC voltage converter 704 have different values). Although there are advantages to having the batteries 708 supply a lower voltage than the DC end of the AC-to-DC voltage converter 704, in some embodiments, the batteries 708 and DC end of the AC-to-DC voltage converter 704 supply the same voltage. The LED array 712 is located on (or resides on) a flexible PCT 714. The flexible PCB 714 is an embodiment of the flexible PCB 402. The low-voltage end of the LED array 712 is connected to the low-voltage end of the batteries 708, which, in some embodiments, is connected to ground when the lightbulb is screwed into a lightbulb socket. Since (1) the high-voltage end of the batteries 708, (2) the high-voltage end of the DC end of the AC-to-DC voltage converter 704 and (3) the high-voltage end of the LED array 712 is connected, the LED array 712 and the batteries 708 are connected in parallel, causing the batteries 708 to charge while the LED array 712 is lit when the AC socket connector is powered. Since the high-voltage end of the batteries 708 is connected to the high-voltage end of the LED array 712 when the AC-to-DC voltage converter 704 is disconnected from the socket, the batteries 708 automatically power the LED array 712, keeping the LED array 712 lit.

[0049] In some embodiments,, when the socket connector is not powered, the light dims informing the user that the power is out and the user should find an alternative source of light or power ready for when the batteries 708 run out.

[0050] FIG. 8 illustrates various embodiments of a circuit 800 for powering the LED array 712 for keeping the LED array 712 lit by the batteries 708, which includes a sensor 802 and a switch 804. The sensor 802 senses whether power is being supplied to the AC-to-DC voltage converter 704 and, in some embodiments, communicates with the switch 804. For example, in some embodiments, when there is no AC power, there is also no current flowing to two pins of the sensor 802 from the AC-to-DC voltage converter 704. In some embodiments, the sensor 802 senses whether there is a current from the DC end of the AC-to-DC voltage converter 704 to the high-voltage end of the LED array 712. In some embodiments, upon sensing that the socket is not powered (or that the power to the socket has died or senses a power loss), the sensor 802 causes a timer to start. In some embodiments, after a predetermined time period (as determined by the timer), a signal is sent to open (or activate) the switch 804, causing the LED array 712 to shut off. In some embodiments, when the external power source is not available, the LED array 712 fades out slowly or pulsates before shutting off. For example, the sensor 802 generates pulses that power the LED array 712. By modulating the duty cycle, the brightness of the LED array 712 can be controlled. The ratio of the time that the LED array 712 is on is decreased, to decrease the brightness of the LED array 712 until the LED array 712 fades out completely. Various embodiments of the sensor 802 are discussed in conjunction with FIG. 11.

[0051] FIG. 9 illustrates various embodiments of a circuit 900 for powering the LED array 712. The circuit 900 also includes a USB out-processing 902. The USB out-processing 902 is a USB port that can be used for charging, or powering, other devices. For example, the user can use the USB out-processing 902 for charging cell phones.

[0052] FIG. 10 illustrates various embodiments of a circuit 1000 for powering the LED array 712. The circuit 1000 includes a USB in-processing 1002 and a diode 1004, via which the lightbulb 100 can be connected to an external DC power source to light the LED array 712 and charge the battery 708. In some embodiments, the circuit 1000 does not have an external AC power source or the AC-to-DC voltage converter 704. The diode 1004 protects USB in-processing 1002 from reverse currents.

[0053] FIG. 11 illustrates various embodiments of the sensor 802. In FIG. 11, a microcontroller 1102 determines whether an external power source is connected. The microcontroller 1102 can be powered by the batteries 708 (an internal power source), USB in-processing 1002 or an AC primary power source (or other external power source). Whether the microcontroller 1102 is powered by an external or internal power source depends on whether the external power source is connected. A timer 1104 determines how long after the external power source was disconnected (or no longer powered or died) to turn off the LED array 712. A duty ratio modulator 1106 modulates the duty ratio of the power sent to the LED array 712 to control the brightness of the LED array 712, such as to cause the LED array 712 to fade out. In some embodiments, the duty ratio modulator 1106 modulates a pulse width of the voltage powering the LED array 712. In some embodiments, the duty ratio modulator 1106 is a frequency modulator, which modulates the time period between pulses. In some embodiments, an external power indicator 1108 includes machine instructions that cause a signal to be sent to a visual indicator 1110 to create a visual indication of whether the external power source is connected. In some embodiments, the visual indicator 1110 is a colored LED. In some embodiments, the visual indicator 1110 includes multiple visual indicators/LEDs, each indicating a different status of the lightbulb 100. For example, in some embodiments, one visual indicator indicates that the external power source is disconnected, and another visual indicator indicates that the lightbulb 100 is about to fade out. In some embodiments, a different color is used to indicate a different state. An external power detector 1112 detects whether the external power is connected. In some embodiments, the external power detector 1112 is a voltage sensor, which detects whether there is a voltage drop across a DC output of the AC-to-DC voltage converter 704. In some embodiments, the external power detector 1112 is a current sensor, whether there is a current from the high end to the low end of the DC output of the AC-to-DC voltage converter 704. A manual override switch 1114 (or a manual switch), when activated, overrides the instructions that cause the microcontroller 1102 to turn off the LED array 712. In some embodiments, the logic implemented by the microcontroller 1102 is stored in the firmware of the microcontroller 1102, which includes the duty ratio modulator 1106, and the external power indicator 1108. The microcontroller 1102 uses IO (input-output) pins to detect the states of signals (e.g., to control the duty ratio modulator 1106 and the external power indicator 1108) and provide output signals to switch and control the power sources. A resistor 1116 protects the microcontroller 1102 from damage when the manual override switch 1114 is closed (or activated).

[0054] FIG. 12 illustrates a series of decisions 1200 made by the sensor 802 that determines whether the lightbulb 100 is turned off or allowed to remain on. The first decision is whether the lightbulb 100 is connected to an external power source (step 1202). If the external power source is connected, the lightbulb 100 is turned on. If the external power source is disconnected, a determination is made whether a time period has ended (step 1204). If the time duration has not ended, yet, the lightbulb 100 remains on. If the time duration has ended, then a determination is made whether user input was received indicating that the lightbulb 100 should remain on. If user input was received (e.g., if the user pressed an on button), the lightbulb 100 is turned on or on. If the user input is not received, the lightbulb 100 turns off or fades out. Although in FIG. 12, the steps 1202, 1204 and 126 are (for simplicity) depicted as being made in series, the decisions of the steps 1202, 1204 and 126 can be made simultaneously or in a different order.

[0055] FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 1300. The lightbulb 100 is connected to a power source (step 1302). Depending on the embodiment, the step 1302 may involve different substeps (e.g., steps 1304-1308). In embodiments in which the lightbulb 100 includes a USB port or a port for another DC power source (in addition to the AC power source), then the user needs to decide whether to plug the lightbulb 100 into an AC power source (e.g., a lightbulb socket) or DC power source (e.g., a USB port) (step 1304). If the user chooses, the user can plug the lightbulb 100 into the USB port (step 1306). If the user plugs the lightbulb 100 into the AC socket (step 1308), then, if the AC socket has power, the AC to DC converter 104 converts the AC power from the lightbulb socket to the DC power (step 1310). After either of the steps 1304 or 1310, one of two different sets of steps are followed depending on whether power is supplied externally (step 1312). Part of the current is sent towards the battery charger 706, which the battery charger 706 uses for charging the batteries 708 (step 1314). Another part of the current is sent initially to the sensor 802 to determine whether there was a power outage or power loss (step 1316). If there is no power outage, the current sent to the sensor 802 continues to power the LED array 712 (step 1318). The power from the LED array 712 returns to the negative reference voltage (LED-or BAT-), and depending upon whether the external power source is connected (step 1320), the method returns to either converting AC-to-DC voltage (step 1310) or to dividing the current (step 1312. See FIGS. 7-10).

[0056] If a power outage occurs (or if there is a loss of power for other reasons), the sensor 802 senses a loss of power (step 1322). Next, in response to sensing the power loss, a delay is set for turning off the lightbulb 100 (step 1324). The batteries power the LED array 712 (step 1324). A visual indication of power loss is created (step 1326). The user determines whether to provide input to keep the light from turning off (step 1328). If the user provides input, (1) the LED array 712 stays on, (2) input is received to not turn off the LED array 712 and (3) the batteries power the LEDs (return to the step 1326). If the user does not provide input, the LEDs shut off (step 1330). Many of the steps of the method 1300 occur continually, in an ongoing manner. For example, steps 1310-1318 occur continually and simultaneously until there is a power outage (or the lightbulb 100 is shut off). Similarly, after a power outage, and before the lightbulb 100 turns off, steps 1328 and 1330 occur simultaneously and continually.

[0057] FIG. 14 illustrates various embodiments of a method 1400 of constructing the lightbulb 100. The various parts of the lightbulb 100 are formed (step 1402). Conductors are attached to the body 110 or 310 (step 1404). The inner collar 202 is attached to the body 110 or 310 (step 1406). The cone 106 and the rest of the lightbulb socket connector are attached to the body 110 or 310 (step 1408). The main PCB 204 connects the buttons 206, which mate with the body 110 or 310 (step 1406). The flexible PCB 402 is attached and wrapped around the battery chamber (step 1408). The lightbulb socket connector is connected to the body 110 or 310 (step 1410). The dome 114 is inserted through the outer collar 208 (step 1412). The outer collar 208 is connected to the body 110 or 310 to connect the dome 114 to the body 110 or 3104 (step 1414) (see FIG. 2).

[0058] Although the specification references PCBs another media containing a circuit can be used instead, For example, the flexible PCB 714 can replaced with a flexible integrated circuit. Although the above description uses an LED array as a light source, another light source can be used instead.

[0059] Although the disclosed method and apparatus is described above in terms of various examples of embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the particular features, embodiments and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described. Thus, the breadth and scope of the claimed invention should not be limited by any of the examples provided in describing the above disclosed embodiments.

[0060] Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term including should be read as meaning including, without limitation or the like; the term example is used to provide examples of instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms a or an should be read as meaning at least one, one or more or the like; and adjectives such as conventional, traditional, normal, standard, known and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.

[0061] A group of items linked with the conjunction and should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as and/or unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction or should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as and/or unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the disclosed method and apparatus may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated.

[0062] The presence of broadening words and phrases such as one or more, at least, but not limited to or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of the term module does not imply that the components or functionality described or claimed as part of the module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of a module, whether control logic or other components, can be combined in a single package or separately maintained and can further be distributed in multiple groupings or packages or across multiple locations.

[0063] Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described with the aid of block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.