DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to an emergency light apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Most of the light units are designed to operate on power supplied from a mains power source. When the power supply from the mains power source is interrupted, such light units cease to function. These light units do not have any alternate source of power as such. Therefore, the operation of such light units is entirely dependent on the mains power supply. On the other hand, there are some light units, which are adapted to operate by drawing power from an on-board battery. Such battery-equipped light units can operate even when the power supply from the mains power source is interrupted, for example, due to power outage. However, such battery-equipped light units must be operated manually. A user may have to manually activate and deactivate such light units, for example, by operating a physical switch. This would of course cause inconvenience to a user, particularly, in absence of power supply.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an emergency light apparatus is disclosed. The emergency light apparatus includes, but is not limited to, a housing, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) block disposed in the housing, a current sensor disposed in the housing, and an on-board rechargeable battery. The PCB block includes at least one light source. The current sensor is adapted to detect electrical current from mains supply. The on-board rechargeable battery is adapted to operate the at least one light source based on the detection of the electrical current by the current sensor. The at least one light source is adapted to receive operating power from the mains supply in a regular operational mode of the emergency light apparatus, and to receive the operating power from the on-board rechargeable battery in an emergency operational mode of the emergency light apparatus.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of an emergency light apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a lens and a cover plate of the emergency light apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the emergency light apparatus after removing a lens, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates components disposed in a housing of the emergency light apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates a back view of the emergency light apparatus having an internal switch, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6 illustrates a perspective back view of a portion of the emergency light apparatus depicting the internal switch, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 7 illustrates a schematic view of the emergency light apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

For promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

For example, the term “some” as used herein may be understood as “none” or “one” or “more than one” or “all.” Therefore, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would fall under the definition of “some.” It should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and therefore, should not be construed to limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the present disclosure in any way.

For example, any terms used herein such as, “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and similar grammatical variants do not specify an exact limitation or restriction, and certainly do not exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Further, such terms must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated, for example, by using the limiting language including, but not limited to, “must comprise” or “needs to include.”

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more...” or “one or more element is required.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art.

Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

For the sake of clarity, the first digit of a reference numeral of each component of an emergency light apparatus is indicative of the Figure number, in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with digit “1” are shown at least in Figure 1. Similarly, reference numerals starting with digit “2” are shown at least in Figure 2.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of the emergency light apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the emergency light apparatus 100 may be deployed as a foot light. The emergency light apparatus 100 may include, but is not limited to, a lens 102, a cover plate 104, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) block 106, an on-board rechargeable battery 108, and a housing 110.

As illustrated, the lens 102 may be adapted to be disposed on the cover plate 104. Further, the PCB block 106 and the rechargeable battery 108 may be disposed in the housing 110. In an embodiment, the lens 102 and the cover plate 104 may form a front face of the emergency light apparatus 100, and may therefore, cover other components of the emergency light apparatus 100, which may include, but are not limited to, the PCB block 106 and the rechargeable battery 108 disposed in the housing 110. Figure 2 illustrates the lens 102 and the cover plate 104 of the emergency light apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the emergency light apparatus 100 may be adapted to operate in a plurality of operational modes. The plurality of operational modes may include, but is not limited to, a regular (direct) operational mode and an emergency operational mode. In the regular operational mode, the emergency light apparatus 100 may be adapted to receive operating power from a mains power source. On the other hand, in the emergency operational mode, the emergency light apparatus 100 may be adapted to receive power from the rechargeable battery 108. The features of the operational modes are explained in detail in the subsequent description of Figures.

In an embodiment, the rechargeable battery 108 may be a Lithium Polymer battery equipped with a protection circuit. In an example, capacity, a nominal voltage, a charge voltage, and a cycle life of the rechargeable battery 108 may be 300 mAh, 3.7V, 4.2V, and about 500 times, respectively. In one example, thickness, width, and length of the rechargeable battery 108 may be 6.2 mm, 20.5 mm, and 32.5 mm, respectively. Further, an operating temperature of the rechargeable battery 108 may vary between 0 ?~ +45? for charging and -20?~ +60? for discharging. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, such constructional and operational parameters, for example, capacity and type of the rechargeable battery 108 may vary based on constructional and operational requirements of the emergency light apparatus 100, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the emergency light apparatus 100 after removing the lens 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Further, Figure 4 illustrates components disposed in the housing 110, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, the details of Figure 3 and Figure 4 are explained together, and in conjunction with the description of Figure 1 and Figure 2.

Referring to Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, and Figure 4, the PCB block 106 may include at least one light source 302 disposed behind the cover plate 104. In an embodiment, the light source 302 may include, but is not limited to, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) and a bulb. Further, the cover plate 104 may include at least one slot adapted to accommodate the at least one light source 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the emergency light apparatus 100 includes a pair of light sources 302, namely, a light source 302-1 and a light source 302-2.

In an embodiment, the cover plate 104 may include at least one reflector portion 304 having the at least one slot for accommodating the at least one light source 302. In the illustrated embodiment, considering that the emergency light apparatus 100 includes two light sources, namely, the light source 302-1 and the light source 302-2, the cover plate 104 includes two reflector portions 304, namely, the reflector portion 304-1 having the slot for accommodating the light source 302-1 and the reflector portion 304-2 having the slot for accommodating the light source 302-2. The lens 102 may be positioned on the cover plate 104 to cover the at least one reflector portion 304 and the at least one light source 302.

In an embodiment, the emergency light apparatus 100 may also include a current sensor (not shown). In an embodiment, the current sensor may be disposed in the housing 110 and may be adapted to detect electrical current from the mains supply or availability of power supply. Based on the detection of the electrical current by the current sensor, the rechargeable battery 108 may operate the at least one light source 302.

In an embodiment, the at least one light source 302 may be adapted to receive operating power from the mains supply in the regular operational mode of the emergency light apparatus 100. In another embodiment, the at least one light source 304 may be adapted to receive the operating power from the rechargeable battery 108 in the emergency operational mode of the emergency light apparatus 100. In an embodiment, the emergency operational mode may be activated, when the operating power is not supplied from the mains supply, for example, due to power outage.

In an embodiment, in the emergency operational mode, a rate of discharge of the rechargeable battery 108 may be controlled to have a prolonged duration of operation of the emergency light apparatus 100. For example, in an embodiment, the at least one light source 302 may be adapted to operate to illuminate at different level of intensities in the emergency operational mode. The different level of intensities may be activated for controlling the discharging of the rechargeable battery 108 so that the rechargeable battery 108 is functional for longer duration.

In an embodiment, the emergency light apparatus 100 may also include an indicator 306 disposed in the PCB block 106. The indicator 306 may be adapted to illuminate when the emergency light apparatus 100 is in the emergency operational mode. In an embodiment, the cover plate 104 may include a slot for accommodating the indicator 306 such that the illumination of the indicator 306 is visible to the user. Therefore, while the indicator 306 may not be visible to the user, the illumination of the indicator 306 may be visible to the user from outside.

In an embodiment, the emergency light apparatus 100 may include an internal or on-board switch for switching between the regular operational mode and the emergency operational mode. Figure 5 illustrates a back view of the emergency light apparatus 100 having the internal switch 502, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the back view of the emergency light apparatus 100 depicting the internal switch 502, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7, in an embodiment, the housing 110 may include a slot 602 to accommodate the internal switch 502. The internal switch 502 may be a 2-way switch adapted to switch between the regular/direct operational mode and the emergency operational mode. In an embodiment, an indicator is provided to depict an operational mode (emergency or direct), whenever the main switch is ON.

Referring to Figure 4, in an embodiment, the emergency light apparatus 100 may have an over-riding feature as well. For example, the emergency light apparatus 100 may include an external switch 402 adapted to be operated by the user for activating the emergency operational mode. In an example, the user may be a qualified electrician. In an embodiment, the external switch 402 may be a two-way switch. In an embodiment, the external switch 402 may be positioned to ensure an easy access to the user. In an embodiment, the emergency light apparatus 100 may include at least one connecting element 404 adapted to electrically connect the PCB block 106 with the external switch 402. In an embodiment, the at least one connecting element 404 may include, but is not limited to, electrical wires.

Figure 7 illustrates a schematic view of the emergency light apparatus 100 having the external switch 402, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the external switch 402 is embodied as the 2-way switch 402 to manually activate or deactivate the emergency operational mode, for example, at the time of installation of the emergency light apparatus. The 2-way switch 402 may be understood as a switch to over-ride the automatic switching between the regular operational mode and the emergency operational mode of the emergency light apparatus 100. Therefore, the emergency operational mode may be activated by at least one of the external switch 402 and the internal switch 502.

Table 1 illustrates various operational modes of the emergency light apparatus 100, based on a position of the external switch 402 or the internal switch 502 and a mains switch (not shown).
Table 1

Supply/ Mains switch External switch/ Internal switch Function Indicator
ON ON Emergency Mode -LEDs OFF ON
ON OFF Direct Mode – LEDs ON ON
OFF ON Power backup – LEDs ON OFF
OFF OFF Direct mode – LEDs OFF OFF

As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, Table 1 is included for providing a better understanding of the present subject and therefore, should not be construed as limiting in any way.

Referring to Table 1, in an embodiment, the mains switch may enable or disable supply of direct power to the emergency light apparatus 100. Further, the external switch 402 or the internal switch 502 may be adapted to be manually operated by the user to switch between the emergency operational mode and the regular operational mode. The external switch 402 and the internal switch 502 may hereinafter be referred to as the 2-way switch 402, 502. An ON position of the 2-way switch 402, 502 is indicative of activation of the emergency operational mode. Similarly, an OFF position of the 2-way switch 402, 502 is indicative of deactivation of the emergency operational mode.

In an embodiment, the mains switch and the 2-way switch 402, 502 may be ON. In such an embodiment, the emergency operational mode may be activated but the light source 302 may be OFF, since the emergency light apparatus 100 is receiving the direct power supply. Further, the indicator 306 may be activated in the present embodiment.

In an embodiment, the mains switch may be ON and the 2-way switch 402, 502 may be OFF. In such an embodiment, the emergency light apparatus 100 may draw the power from the direct source and the light source 302 may be ON. The indicator 306 may be activated in the present embodiment. Therefore, whenever the main switch is ON, the indicator 306 may be in an activated state.

In another embodiment, the mains switch may be OFF and the 2-way switch 402, 502 may be ON. In such an embodiment, the emergency light apparatus 100 may draw the power from the rechargeable battery 108 and the light source 302 may be ON. The indicator 306 may be deactivated in the present embodiment.

In yet another embodiment, the mains switch and the 2-way switch 402, 502 may be OFF. In such an embodiment, the emergency light apparatus 100 may draw the power from the direct source and the light source 302 may be OFF, when the power supply from the direct source is resumed. The indicator 306 may be deactivated in the present embodiment.

In an embodiment, instead of being used as a foot light, the emergency light apparatus 100 may be used as a wall light. In such an embodiment, the housing 110 and the external switch 402 may be adapted to be mounted on a wall.

In an embodiment, the emergency light apparatus 100 may include an over-voltage protection circuit. The over-voltage protection circuit may be adapted to protect the rechargeable battery 108 from over-charging. In an example, the over charge protection may be provided within a range of 4.280±0.025V. Further, an over discharge protection may be provided within a range of 3.00±0.050V. Furthermore, an over current protection may be provided within a range of 1.0~3.0A. Further, the emergency light apparatus 100 may include a short-circuit protection as well.

In an example, the emergency light apparatus 100 may be operated at a rated voltage of 240V AC, 50 Hz. Further, the power consumption of the emergency light apparatus 100 may be less than 250 mW. The charging time of the rechargeable battery 108 may vary between a range of 6 hours to 8 hours, and the battery backup may be about 2 hours. Further, the operating temperature charge and operating voltage may vary between 0º C to +45º C and 180V to 270V AC, respectively.

As would be gathered, the emergency light apparatus 100 of the present disclosure allows for convenient use of the regular operational mode and the emergency operational mode, based on the current detected by the current sensor. Also, the user has the option of over-riding the operational mode by using the external switch 402 or the internal switch 502. Further, the emergency light apparatus 100 is compact and lightweight. Moreover, considering that the emergency light apparatus 100 can be mounted on the wall, the present disclosure offers flexibility in terms of usage. Therefore, the emergency light apparatus 100 of the present disclosure is cost-effective, flexible in implementation, convenient, and has a wide range of applications.

While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.
,CLAIMS:1. An emergency light apparatus (100) comprising:
a housing (110);
a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) block (106) disposed in the housing (110), wherein the PCB block (106) comprises at least one light source (302);
a current sensor disposed in the housing (110) and adapted to detect electrical current from mains supply; and
an on-board rechargeable battery (108) adapted to supply operating power to the at least one light source (302), based on the detection of the electrical current by the current sensor,
wherein the at least one light source (302) is adapted to receive operating power from the mains supply in a regular operational mode, and to receive the operating power from the on-board rechargeable battery (108) in an emergency operational mode of the emergency light apparatus (100).

2. The emergency light apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the emergency operational mode is activated when the operating power is not supplied from the mains supply.

3. The emergency light apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a cover plate (104) adapted to be disposed on the housing (110).

4. The emergency light apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cover plate (104) comprises at least one reflector portion (304) having at least one slot for accommodating the at least one light source (302).

5. The emergency light apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cover plate (104) comprises a lens (102) adapted to cover the at least one reflector portion (304) and the at least one light source (302).

6. The emergency light apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a rate of discharge of the on-board rechargeable battery (108) is adapted to be controlled.

7. The emergency light apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one light source (302) is adapted to operate to illuminate at different level of intensities in the emergency operational mode, for controlling discharging of the on-board rechargeable battery (108).

8. The emergency light apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising at least one indicator (306) disposed in the PCB block (106) and is adapted to illuminate when the emergency operational mode is activated.

9. The emergency light apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an over-voltage protection circuit adapted to protect the on-board rechargeable battery (108) from over-charging.

10. The emergency light apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein activation of the emergency operational mode is controlled by an internal switch (502).