Tape Measure Atmosphere Lamp
Patent No. US12146644 (titled "Tape Measure Atmosphere Lamp") was filed by Binovo Manufacturing Co Ltd on Jun 21, 2023.
What is this patent about?
’644 is related to the field of lamps, specifically to a tape measure atmosphere lamp. Traditional light strips, while useful for decoration and creating ambiance, are often inconvenient to store and manage. Existing tape measure-style lamps offer improved winding convenience but lack functional versatility, primarily serving only when the light strip is unwound. This patent addresses the need for a multi-functional device that can serve both as an atmospheric light and a camping lamp, even when the light strip is in a wound state.
The underlying idea behind ’644 is to integrate a retractable light strip, similar to a tape measure, into a lamp housing, combined with a pivoting rocker mechanism . This allows the light strip to be extended for decorative purposes or retracted for compact storage and use as an ambient light. The rocker arm, acting as a handle, rotates a spool to wind/unwind the light strip and also serves as a stand when pivoted to a perpendicular position.
The claims of ’644 focus on a tape measure atmosphere lamp comprising a housing assembly, a rocker assembly, a base, a roller, a light strip, and a circuit module. The rocker assembly, base, roller, light strip, and circuit module are mounted within the housing. The rocker is hinged to the base, which is fixed to the roller. The roller is rotationally connected to the housing, and the light strip is wound around the roller and connected to the circuit module. Rotating the rocker extends or retracts the light strip. The rocker includes a handle and is hinged to the base via a rotational shaft. Two limiting portions in a mounting recess ensure the rocker's stability in different positions.
In practice, the user rotates the handle on the rocker assembly. This rotation drives the base, which in turn rotates the roller, extending or retracting the light strip. When the light strip is fully retracted, the lamp can be used as an ambient light source, with the light shining through a translucent section of the housing. The rocker can be pivoted to act as a stand, allowing the lamp to be suspended or placed on a surface.
The key differentiation from prior art lies in the multi-functional design . Unlike simple tape measure light strips, this invention provides both extended light strip functionality and a compact ambient light mode. The pivoting rocker arm serves a dual purpose: winding/unwinding the light strip and acting as a stand. This integrated design offers improved convenience and versatility compared to existing solutions, addressing the limitations of single-function tape measure lamps and the storage issues of traditional light strips.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the early 2020s when ’644 was filed, light strips were commonly used for decorative and ambient lighting. At a time when such lighting was typically implemented using simple on/off controls, engineering constraints made it non-trivial to integrate multiple functionalities into a single lighting device, such as combining ambient lighting with a camping lamp feature and convenient storage.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The examiner approved the application because the applicant sufficiently defined the tape measure atmosphere lamp in independent claim 1. The prior art does not teach or suggest the specific combination of structural and functional limitations claimed, particularly the details and arrangement of the claimed elements relative to each other. This includes the rocker assembly comprising a rocker and a handle, the handle being on the rocker, a mounting recess in the base, the rocker being mounted and hinged in the mounting recess, the rocker having an arc-shaped rod structure, a second limiting portion on the rocker corresponding to the first limiting portions, and the handle being located at the second limiting portion. Dependent claims 5-20 were allowed because they depend from allowed claim 1.
Claims
This patent contains 17 claims, with claim 1 being independent. The independent claim focuses on a tape measure atmosphere lamp with a specific mechanical structure for extending and retracting a light strip. The dependent claims generally elaborate on specific features and configurations of the components described in the independent claim, such as the base, housing assembly, and limiting portions.
Key Claim Terms New
Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.
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Date
Description
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US12146644
- Application Number
- US18212193
- Filing Date
- Jun 21, 2023
- Status
- Granted
- Expiry Date
- Jun 21, 2043
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents