WO2002077523A1

WO2002077523A1 - Light emitting apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2002077523A1
Application number: PCT/DK2002/000204
Authority: WO
Inventors: Morten Riis; Karsten Eriksen
Original assignee: Slimlite Aps
Priority date: 2001-03-23
Filing date: 2002-03-25
Publication date: 2002-10-03
Also published as: EP1386110A1

Abstract

Marking light apparatuses of the kind used for bicycles and persons, usually comprise compartments for dry cell batteries etc., which makes these apparatuses relatively voluminous and therefore not suited for keeping in a pocket, purse or the like. A marking light apparatus (2) is thus disclosed of the disclosed kind, which is special in that it comprises a by fastening means (10, 10') fastenable console part (4, 4') with a carrying surface (30) oriented in relevant directions for light source (12, 12') releasably mounted thereon, comprised of a flat flexible energy source (33) for mounting on relevant parts of the carrying surface (30) and where the first side (35) oriented away form the carrying surface (30) comprises a light emitting device (39) connected to the energy source and where the back side (36) comprises contacts (42) for short-circuiting the light circuit by electrically conducting contact connected points (26) whereby the light emitting device (39) emits light.

Description

Light emitting apparatus

The present invention relates to a marking light apparatus, preferably for use as marking light in traffic, particularly on bicycles or on persons or objects in general and comprising a light emitting device and an energy source for mounting on relevant po- sitions on a bicycle, person or objects in general.

^"When the invention is used as lights on a bicycle, such bicycle lamps are known in numerous embodiments. For example, a lamp with parabolic reflector and with a dynamo as energy source is known, typically intended for driving lights and marking lights in relation to fellow road-users.

More modern bicycle lamps comprise dry cell batteries, either in connection with filament lamps with parabolic reflectors as light source for driving and marking lights or with the less energy intensive diodes for marking lights for trafficking in areas which are already lit, for example by street lights.

However, despite the use of the less energy intensive light sources, they have in common that in particular the energy source in the form of batteries combined with the lamp housing with light source and on/off switch, causes this type of lamp to become relatively voluminous and, also, if not impossible to keep in for instance the pocket of a pair of trousers or a jacket, then at least inconvenient to keep in a such.

Since the probability of theft of releasably mounted lamps on for example a parked bicycle is relative high, as is vandalism, provided these lamps are fixed, it will, despite of the disadvantages mentioned above of the aforementioned lamps, be necessary to endure these, since an alternative to these has not existed thus far.

In addition to bicycle lights the invention can be used in a wide range of applications. Among these are personal marking, light emitting logos, for example for removable attachment to clothing, bags, toys or what ever item, traffic light markings or anywhere else where this type of markings is needed or desirable. It is therefore an aim of the invention to provide a light emitting apparatus which alleviates the problems mentioned above by making it possible to store the light emitting apparatus in a pocket, handbag or the like and, furthermore, provide means whereby the light emitting apparatus has an improved light emitting capacity, improved flexibility and freedom of shaping the light emitting apparatus in any two or three dimensional shape.

Accordingly, the invention addresses this by providing a lighting apparatus, which is particular in that the apparatus comprises light emitting means and a source of energy, wherein said light emitting means is a flat, elongated flexible member, which on the non-emitting flat side comprises contact means and that the energy source is an elongated flexible member comprising contact means corresponding to the contacts arranged on the light emitting means and that the device further comprises means for fastening said device to an object

When using technology allowing both the light emitting means as well as the energy source means to be flexible and flat, it gives designers of light emitting apparatuses a great freedom in designing the light source exactly according to their needs. Further- more, in case of detachable lights as often used for bicycles lights or marking lights for personal marking, i.e. by attaching light or reflective devices to boots, helmets, clothing and so fourth, or on animals, for example horses when they are present in normal traffic, dogs, etc., it is now possible to design these lights for the special need and, furthermore, due to the slim, flat construction possibilities inherent to the appara- tus according to the invention, it is possible to design these light apparatuses such that they can be easily stored, for example in a pocket or a handbag.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the energy source is a rechargeable unit in the shape of a film or laminate, said source being 1-10 mm, preferably 1-6 mm and most preferred 1 -3 mm thick. Test as well as calculations with different energy sources have shown that it is possible to manufacture extremely slim energy sources as mentioned above. For example the light requirement of a white marking light used on a bicycle corresponds to 0,5 h, where an energy source of the lithium type requires a volume of 1,6 cm³. For the same technology a light apparatus used for illurnination as is the case for a white front light on a bicycle used to illuminate the road in front of the user, the requirement is 1,25 Wh, which is equivalent to an energy source volume of about 4 cm³.

When using the plasma gel technology, see further below, in combination with some advanced light emitting devices, which are also described further below, it is possible to decrease the energy needs still further. Instead of the 0,5 Wh for the marking lights, the requirement with this technology is halved, i.e. 0,25 Wh. The equivalent energy source volume is 0,8 cm³. The above mentioned requirements are the energy used for 25 h continuous use. It should be noted that switching the devices on and off as well as fluctuations in temperatures can effect the useable time.

With the dimensions as mentioned above it is possible to create rather small, flexible light emitting apparatuses with an ultra slim profile.

In a further embodiment the energy source is a plasma cell containing an electrolyte gel. As described above, using this type of energy source makes it possible to design light emitting apparatuses, which are very slim and flexible.

In a further advantageous embodiment the energy source is based either on a graphite anode made from for example lithium cobalt oxide and a proprietary gelled polymer electrolyte or on a proprietary electrode binder system and a high surface area conductive carbon. This constellation of materials facilitates that each area unit of the energy source is able to create a comparably high potential, whereby a small size energy source can provide the power necessary in order to create the desired light emitting effect. Furthermore, these materials can consistently be made in layers thin enough to respond to the requirements mentioned above and at the same time be reliably conductive and power producing with a long and maintenance free service life. Furthermore, by using gelled electrolytes the risk of leaking from the energy source has been alleviated in that the gel is of a viscosity, whereby it is not possible for it to stain clothing or the objects which the light apparatus is marking, should the energy source packaging rapture. This is an especially important aspect in that the light apparatuses according to the invention are made flexible, whereby when the apparatuses are attached to for example clothing, it will be continuously moving and altering shape in at least one dimension.

One example of a light emitting device which can be used within the scope of this invention is a so-called laminate electro chromic display, where the working electrode and the counter electrode are provided in a single layer between a substrate and an electro chromic layer. Upon applying an electrical potential across the working and counter electrodes an induced current will flow up from the working electrode through the interface of the electro chromic and electrolyte layers to generate an electro chromic effect and then through the electrolyte and down to the counter electrode. Because the electro chromic and electrolyte layers are not sandwiched between working and counter electrode layers, the electrodes do not obscure observation of the generated electro chronic effect. These laminate electro chromic displays can also be constructed having multiple and preferably a large number of working electrodes provided in a single layer with a counter electrode, which extends adjacent to and preferably surrounds each working electrode. This allows for arranging a large number of electrodes in a predefined pattern and selectively activating a number of these electrodes in order to display a desired image. This type of laminate can be compared to the pixel con- struction of well known computer screens. As the materials making up the electro chromic display mainly consist of polymers of composite polymers, it is thereby possible to create light emitting devices, which are extremely flexible. Furthermore, each pixel or group/single electrode can be dyed, whereby it is possible to create colour displays/markings .

Another useful lighting device is the so-called Oled, which is an organic light emitting diode. Traditional light emitting diodes are based upon semi-conductors and material such as gallium arsenide, gallium phosphate and gallium nitrite. However, it has recently been discovered that using some organic compounds called conjugated organics or conjugated polymers comparable light emitting diodes could be constructed. These conjugated organic or conjugated polymers exhibit some of the same characteristics as the semi-conductors in relation to emitting light. Within the oled family of diodes there exists a number of different devices based on different materials. One family of diodes is called PPN, as the emitting polymer is a poly-paraphenylene vinylene. This family of materials is also known as light emitting polymers LEP. The oled family of diodes possesses a number of advantages, among other it is possible to produce high resolution displays, bright colours, bright light emitting and at the same time keep the prices very reasonable due to the use of polymers in place of the rather more expensive semi-conductor materials used previously in traditional diodes.

One practical application of a light emitting apparatus as mentioned above is for use as a bicycle light or other similar lighting devices. According to the invention a marking light is provided comprising means for fastening a console to a relevant part of a bicycle, moped, wheel chair, horse, dog, item of clothing or other object, said console comprises a carrying surface oriented towards relevant directions, said surface having sideways limiting means whereby a flat and flexible energy source can be arranged on the carrying surface and in between the sideways limiting means and, further, that on the away from the carrying surface of the energy source facing side and connected to said energy source is arranged a light emitting device on which back side contacts are provided, whereby the light circuit can be short circuited and that means are provided for detachably fastening the light emitting device to the carrying surface so that the contacts are positioned such in relation to electrically conductive contact connected points on the carrying surface that when the light source is mounted on the carrying surface, the contacts are short circuited, whereby the light source emits light.

By integrating the energy source and light emitting device in this manner in the shape of mutually connected flat flexible parts and combining these with simple means for short circuiting the light circuit, is a marking light achieved, which emits sufficient lighting for use for example on bicycles, wheel chairs and the like, for trafficking in area with street lighting.

Furthermore, by utilising the technology as described above, it is possible to store the marking light when not in use in a wallet, as the technology makes it possible that the entire marking light, i.e. both the energy source and the light emitting device can be made in a size comparable to a thick credit card. Consequently, it is extremely convenient for the user to carry such a marking light around. The invention, however, is not limited to use in city areas with street lighting where marking lights may be sufficient, but as explained above when the principle is used as an active light these lights do not emit sufficient light to be considered as driving light. However, by integrating the technology of plasma gel energy cells in combination with ultra low profile diodes or organic light emitting devices, it is possible to provide sufficient energy for a substantial time, whereby it becomes possible to use the principles for active lighting, i.e. as driving lights. Normally, 150-300 milli candela is required for this type of application.

The energy source technology is so advanced that the energy source in a preferred embodiment is a rechargeable unit in the shape of a film or laminate, where said source is 1-10 mm, preferably 1-6 mm, and most preferred 1-3 mm thick. As ex- plained above, these thicknesses compared to the area of the energy source does provide a suitable capacity for maintaining light for a substantial period of time.

By utilising rechargeable energy sources an environmental gain is achieved in that the number of used traditional dry matter batteries can be reduced in that the rechargeable energy source can be used over and over again. According to the energy source technology as described above the life span of this type of batteries is ever increasing and a long life expectancy as well as a high power output can be expected for this type of energy sources. For the present applications it is a compromise between usable light emitting time and size, whereby for most applications energy sources providing from 20-40 h, preferably 25-35 h of usable time prior to recharging is desirable. It is foreseen that the user can recharge the batteries and due to the size of the batteries, i.e. the size of a thick credit card, it is possible for a user to carry around spare batteries without any inconvenience in that the space, which the battery takes up, is minimal.

With the present invention it has been realized that this is possible with a marking light apparatus of the kind mentioned, which is special in that it comprises a mount- able console part on relevant parts of for example a bicycle through mounting means mountable with a carrying surface with side limitations oriented in relevant directions for a light source mounted thereon consisting of a flat, flexible energy source for mounting on relevant parts of the carrying surface and in contact with this in-between its side limitations, and which first side oriented away from the carrying surface comprises a light emitting device connected with the energy source and where the backside comprises contacts for short-circuiting the light circuit and with means cooperating with the carrying surface for loose mounting of the light source onto the carrying surface, which contacts are positioned in relation to mutually electrically conducting contact connected points on the carrying surface that the contacts are short-circuited when mounting the light source on the carrying surface, thus causing the light emitting device to emit light.

By thus integrating energy source and light emitting device in the form of mutually connected, flat, flexible parts and combining these with simple means for short- circuiting the light circuit, a marking light emitting device is achieved, which emits sufficient light, for example for use with bicycles when trafficking in areas lit by street lights and which easily can be kept in for example a wallet or in a pocket without any discomfort for the user.

For the sake of the environment and, thereby, a wish for a reusable light source, the energy source can, advantageously, consist of a rechargeable, flexible film/foil battery with suitable capacity. Thus, the advantage of a reusable light source is achieved, which reduces the strain on the environment, as the consumption and, thereby, the number of discarded dry cell batteries for marking lights is reduced to a minimum, however, one also has to consider the limited durability of rechargeable energy sources and the fact that these also entail an environmental strain. When choosing the light emitting device, a light source burning time of about 25 hours, before recharging is necessary, is desirable.

In order to achieve a suitable operation time for the marking light apparatus compared with the amount of energy, voltage etc. is available with the applied energy source, and in order to achieve a certain flexibility in the light emitting device, the light emitting device can, advantageously, consist of a flexible, light emitting polymer (electro- chromics), preferably in the form of a flexible foil.

The advantage of this is that this type of light emitter demands very little energy in order to emit light, which is sufficient for use as a marking light.

Another preferred light emitting device can, advantageously, consist of light diodes moulded in a flexible polymer, where the diodes are connected to the energy source so that the diodes are supplied with power by short-circuiting the contacts.

Other more sophisticated diodes can also be used. Light emitting diodes based upon semi-conductors have the advantage of a very long service life and high brightness and low power consumption.

The light emitting device can, further, comprise a status indicator, which indicates how much burning time or energy level compared to 100% charge there is left in the energy source, indication of the remaining power in the power source can for example be in the shape of a visual indication on the light emitting device, i.e. "75 %" or "3 hours" or the like. This indication can be in the form of multi colour diodes respond- ing to the current input or by other means. It is thus achieved that the user at all times before, during or after use of the light emitting device is able to keep himself ajour of how much "light time" there is left in the light emitting device and also when it is time for the energy source to be recharged. This is especially important with the energy sources used within the scope of the pre- sent invention in that the effect of the energy source is fairly constant and then suddenly and abruptly drops to zero. In older traditional battery types the effect is steadily declining during the life of the battery (the light fades slowly, but continuously).

The invention is, furthermore, anticipated as a standardized system, where the light source is a return system, where the light source, when its energy source is used, can be exchangedreplaced with a corresponding charged energy source, in return of payment, naturally. In the embodiments of the invention where the energy source as well as the light emitting source is in the shape of ultra thin flat structured flexible and fairly light structures as mentioned above, it will be possible to carry out the exchange of spent energy sources by normal mail. In this case the user will typically have two energy sources and when one is spent he or she will mail it off for exchange with a new fully charged energy source. This new energy source will arrive in the mail. Due to the flexible and strong integrity of the energy source structure, there is a very minimal change of damage to the energy source due to handling in the mail systems. Fur- thermore, it will be possible to buy extra light sources for the marking light emitting device.

As an accessory for the marking light emitting device can also be mentioned a recharging unit, so that the user can perform the necessary recharging of the light source.

As mentioned it is anticipated that the light source is placed on a carrying surface on a console part comprising contacts, which are connected in a mutually electrically conducting manner. A such console part could, however, advantageously be designed as an integrated part of a bicycle, for example on the front and/or back fork as a surface comprising said mutually electrically connected contacts, so that the contacts of the light source are short-circuited when mounting the light source on the carrying surface.

Without renouncing other means cooperating with the carrying surface for releasably fixing the light source to the carrying surface, it can be mentioned that these means can be constituted by a combination of a magnetic film on the side of the light source facing the carrying surface and a corresponding magnetically susceptible carrying surface or a magnetically susceptible surface on the side of the light source facing the carrying surface and sufficient magnetic surfaces on the carrying surface.

The latter combination is preferred in the event that the light source is to be kept in a wallet where there are credit cards with magnetic strips for identification, where said magnetic stripe easily can be damaged by magnetic influence.

Thus, the console with the carrying surface comes in many embodiments, and without renouncing other embodiments this can be indicated as an approximately half-moon shaped sliced body, where the front side along the outer periphery comprises a carrying surface with side limitations and where the periphery further comprises contact surfaces mutually connected through electrically conducting materials, and where the back side comprises a half-conic outlet at the middle, where the largest diameter is less than the outer diameter of the half-moon shaped body and where the back side in the area between the outlet and the periphery of the body splits for cooperating reception and arrest of flaps of a mainly half-circle shaped, conic fastening element.

By further shaping the conic outlet in the half-moon shaped body and the conic fastening element with a suitable angle N within the interval 10-20°, typically within the interval 13-17° and preferred witiiin the interval 14-16° in relation to a vertical position, it is, furthermore, achieved that the carrying surface is oriented mainly horizontally when the console is mounted on the control frame and saddle post of a bicycle, respectively.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26) In another embodiment for use of the marking light apparatus for mounting on person, the console part can be constituted by a flexible, plate shaped body provided with means for fastening on clothes, helmets, footwear, pocket rims, shoes and boots, with a carrying surface for a mountable light source consisting of a flat, flexible energy source for mounting on relevant parts of the carrying surface and in contact with this in-between its side limitations and where the first side oriented away from the carrying side comprises a light emitting device connected with the energy source and whose back side comprises contacts for short-circuiting the tight circuit and means cooperating with the carrying surface for releasable fastening of the light source on the carry- ing surface, where the contacts are positioned such in relation to mutually electrically conducting contact connected points on the carrying surface that the contacts are short-circuited by mounting of the light source on the carrying surface whereby the light emitting device emits light.

Thus, excellent possibilities for the marking of persons travelling in areas with scarce lighting are achieved, it may be pedestrians walking in the evening and at night, or in workplaces where there at times are areas not lit with the compulsory working light. The light marking of persons will have a preventive effect on accidents both in traffic and at work.

The plate shaped, flexible member can be made of metal, plastic, synthetic material, polymer and the like, as long as there is a certain flexibility and the carrying surface comprises the electrically conducting contact connected points on the carrying surface for short-circuiting the light circuit in the light source.

The console part can,- for example, in an embodiment for mounting on clothes be a magnetic strip console with an electrically conducting contact connected points on the carrying surface for short-circuiting the light circuit in the light source, which is fastened to clothing by sewing, gluing, alternatively by sticky tape, where the halves are sewn/glued to the clothing and magnetic strip console, respectively. In another embodiment of the console part for fastening on clothing the plate shaped body can comprise slits, which in the transition area between the slit and the carrying surface are pushed backwards in relation to the carrying surface, so that these function as clips, which for example can be mounted on a rim of a pocket or boot.

The console part can, in a further embodiment, consist of an ID card console with a carrying surface comprising electrically conducting contact connected points on the carrying surface for short-circuiting the light circuit in the light source, and where the ID card console comprises a clamp, clip or the like for fastening on clothing.

A non-exhaustive list of possible applications for marking lights according to the in- vention could be

- use as emergency lighting and illuminated indicating devices on ships, oil rigs, air- crafts, trains, hotels and the like;

- in cars as illumination of emergency triangular markings, which are required by law in some countries. If a car breaks down an emergency triangle carrying red re- fleeting markings shall be placed on the surface of the road, typically 100 m before the car, which has broken down. The reflective markings could be replaced by marking lights according to the invention;

- as marking lights as mentioned above on persons (joggers, pedestrians) on clothing, boots, helmets, hats, pets (dogs, cats), horses; - traffic signs;

- name plates, logos, commercial signs;

- at festivals or conferences.

The invention will be explained in more detail in the following with reference to the drawing, in which

fig. 1 shows the main components of a marking light apparatus according to the invention for mounting on relevant parts of a bicycle, fig. 2 shows how the console part for the marking light apparatus according to the in- vention is mounted on a saddle port for a bicycle, fig. 3 shows how the console part for a marking light apparatus according to the invention is mounted on the steering stem of a bicycle, fig. 4 shows how the light source is placed on the carrying surface of the console part, fig. 5 is a more detailed view of a marking light apparatus according to the invention seen in perspective at an angle from behind, fig. 6 is a more detailed view in perspective seen at an angle from the front of the marking light device according to the invention, fig. 7 is a cross section of the light source, fig. 8 shows an embodiment of the marking light apparatus when fastened on headgear for the marking of persons, fig. 9 shows an embodiment of the marking light apparatus when fastened to clothing for the marking of persons, fig. 10 shows a further embodiment of the marking light apparatus where the console is made as a plate with a clipping device for fastening on pocket rims, boots etc., fig. 11 the same as fig. 10, but where the light emitting device is active, fig. 12 shows the embodiment illustrated in fig. 10 and 11 for use on a boot, fig. 13 shows the embodiment illustrated in fig. 10 and 11 for use on a pocket rim, and fig. 14 shows an embodiment of the marking light apparatus, where this is provided as an ID card console.

In the following description the invention will be described with reference to some practical applications. The invention is, however, not limited to these detailed examples, but should be interpreted within the scope as defined by the claims.

In fig. 1 the main components of the marking light apparatus 2 for a bicycle are shown. These comprise two console parts 4, 4' for mounting on the saddle post 6 and the steering stem 8 on a bicycle respectively (confer fig. 2 and 3), fastening means 10,

10' for fastening of the console parts 4, 4' and flexible ribbon shaped light sources 12, 12' provided with light emitting devices 14, 14' for emitting red and yellow/white light respectively.

As seen more clearly in fig. 5 and fig. 6, the console parts 4, 4' comprise on the back side 16 a conically shaped outlet 18 and outside this gaps 20 with means for arresting receipt of the ribbed flaps 22 on the fastening means 10, 10', so that the console part 4, 4' is fastened once and for all on the saddle post 6 and steering stem 8 by introducing the flaps 22 into the gaps 20. Because the fastening means 10,10' exhibit the same conic shape as the outlet 18 and, furthermore, in that the side facing the saddle post 6 or steering stem 8 comprises a flexible, compressible layer 24, typically of rubber or neoprene, it is achieved that the console parts 4,4' are maintained in the mounted position on the somewhat smooth sides of the saddle post 6 and steering stem 8.

The console parts 4,4' in the shown embodiment also comprise an electrically conducting stripe 26 along the periphery 28 of the front surface 30 (carrying surface) and the front surface also comprises side limitations 32 in the form of protrusions 34.

The conically shaped outlet in the console parts 4,4' and the conic course of the fastening means 10,10' create an angel N vertically compared to a vertical position which, when the consoles 4,4' are mounted by the fastening means to a saddle post 6 or a steering stem 8, causes the front plate 30 (carrying surface) to be oriented mainly vertically, see fig. 4.

In fig. 7 is shown a much simplified cross sectional view of the light sources 12,12' along the line A-A in fig. 6. The light sources 12,12' are in the shown embodiment provided as a flat, flexible energy source, for example a film battery 33 with a front side 35 and a back side 36 for mounting on the carrying surface 30 in contact with this, in-between its side limitations 32.

On the front side 35 of the battery is a coating 39 consisting of a flexible, light emit- ting polymer or a plurality of diodes cast in a flexible, transparent material, so that marking light is emitted at the desired frequency and wave length, which is a not further indicated, but known manner, is fixed to the poles of the battery (not shown).

On the back side 36 of the battery 33 is a magnetic susceptible coating 38 so that the light source 12, 12' in combination with a magnetic field 40 on the carrying surface 30 thus is releasably fastened onto the carrying surface 30 of the console. In the indicated embodiment, the back side 36 furthermore comprises linearly shaped contacts 42 ori- entated across the longitudinal axis of the electrically conducting stripe 26, connected with the light circuit between the battery and the light emitting coating 39 which is short-circuited at the electrically conducting stripe 26 when mounting the light source 12,12' on the carrying surface 30. The linearly shaped contacts 42 are the reason why there are no high demands for a very precise placing of the light sources 12,12' on the carrying surface 30 in order for the light source to emit light. Thus, a certain vertical displacement of the light sources 12,12' on the carrying surface 30 of the console parts 4,4' within the limits of the linear contacts 42 is allowed, without breaking the power circuit between these, the battery 33, the light emitting coating 39 and the electrically conducting stripe 26 on the carrying surface 30.

The use of the marking light apparatus is, thus, very simple, as light sources 12,12' with relevant properties for emitting front and back marking light on for example a bicycle are placed on the carrying surfaces 30 on the console parts 4,4' and are main- tained in the mounted position by cooperation between the magnetic field 40 and the coating 38, whereby light emission from the light emitting coating of the light sources is initiated immediately, as the contacts 42 are short-circuited by contact with the electrically conducting connection 26 in the front side surface 30. When arriving at the destination, the light sources 12,12' are removed from the front side surfaces 30 of the consoles and are, for example, placed in a wallet compartment for later use.

In fig. 8 is shown another embodiment of the marking light apparatus according to the invention intended for use as a marking of persons travelling in areas that are scarcely lit. As can be seen in fig. 8 which shows a person 50 carrying a head-gear 52 in the form of a helmet, the console part, here provided as a plate shaped body 54,54' on the front side surface 56 of the helmet and the back side surface 58, respectively, is fastened by gluing in a known manner. The plate shaped body 54,54' is for example provided as a magnetic strip comprising an electrically conducting connection 26 in the front side surface 60 for short-circuiting the contacts 42 on the facing side 38 of the light source 12, see fig. 7, which comprises magnetically susceptible material for re- leasable fastening of the light source on the front side surface 60. Fig. 9 also shows how the carrying surface 60 can be established on the sleeve of a clothing item 62. The plate shape body 54 is, for example, provided as a magnetic strip comprising an electrically conducting connection 26 in the front side surface 60 for short-circuiting the contacts 42 of the facing side 38 of the light source 12, which comprises a magnetically susceptible material for releasable fastening of the light source 12 on the front side surface 60. The plate shaped body 54 can advantageously be fastened to the clothing item 62 by sticky tape 64, where one half 66 is sewn with a seam 68 along the edge 70 and where the other half 72 on the front side 74 is provided with a gluing device 76 for gluing of the magnetic strip 54, which constitutes the plate shaped body, where the front side 60 constitutes the carrying surface for the light source 12. When placing the light source 12, which is flexible, on the front surface, the light circuit is short-circuited as the contacts 42 are short-circuited by an electrically conducting line 26 in the magnetic strip 54 and light is emitted from the front side 39 of the light source 12.

When fastening the magnetic strip 54 with sticky tape on the clothing item 62, a dismounting for washing and cleaning the clothing item is achieved, or the marking light apparatus can be mounted on another clothing item comprising a strip of sticky tape 66, which has been sewn on.

Fig. 10 shows a further embodiment of the marking light apparatus, where the carrying surface 60 again is comprised of a magnetic strip 54, where a plate 78 of a flexible material has been glued using a gluing device, where the sides 80,82 comprise slit parts 84,86 that in the transition areas 88,90 are pushed backwards in relation to the front plane of the plate 78, so that two legs are formed from the slit parts 84,86 where the free ends 90,92 are bent forward, so that these constitute fastening clips for the plate 78, for example for fastening of the plate 78 to a boot 94, see fig. 12, or the rim of a pocket 96 as can be seen in fig. 13.

In fig. 11 is shown how the tight source 12 is mounted on the carrying surface 60 by a magnetic strip 54, whereby the contacts 42 are short-circuited at the electrically con- ducting line 26 in the magnetic strip 54 and light is emitted form the front side 39 of the light source 12.

Fig. 14 shows a further embodiment of the marking light apparatus according to the invention, where the light source 12 is mounted on an ID card console 98, where a magnetic strip 54 is glued to the front side 100 of an ID card console. The ID card console also comprises a mechanism 102 for fastening on relevant clothing items on a person. The contacts 42 are short-circuited when mounting the light source 12 on the front side 60 of the magnetic strip 54 by the electrically conducting line 26 in the mag- netic strip 54 and light is emitted from the front side 39 of the light source 12.

Thus, the invention describes a marking light apparatus useable on both bicycles and persons and where the corresponding light source 12 can be used in both cases, which for example means that a person cycling to work can use the light source, first as a marking light emitting device on the bicycle and, upon arrival at the work, the light sources 12,12' are merely moved from the consoles 4,4' to a head-gear such as a helmet and/or a clothing item, alternatively a boot, whereby the marking light apparatus makes the person visually detectable when he or she travels in areas with dim lighting.

Claims

1. Light emitting apparatus comprising light enntting means and a source of energy, characterised in that the light emitting means is a flat, elongated flexible mem- ber, which on the non-entitting flat side comprises contact means and that the energy source is an elongated flexible member comprising contact means corresponding to the contacts arranged on the light emitting means and that the device further comprises means for releasably fastening said device to an object.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 , characterisedin that the energy source is a rechargeable unit in the shape of a film or laminate, said source being 1-10 mm, preferably 1-6 mm and most preferably 1-3 mm thick.

3. Apparatus according to claim lor2, characterised in that the energy source is a plasma energy cell containing an electrolyte gel.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterised in that the energy source is based either on a graphite anode made from for example lithium, cobalt oxide and a proprietary gel polymer electrolyte or on a proprietary electrode binder system and a high surface area conductive carbon.

5. Apparatus according to any of the proceeding claims, characterised in that the light emitting means is one of the following types:

- OLED type diode; - LED;

- LEP;

- electro chromatic display.

6. Marking light apparatus (2), preferably for use as traffic marking light on objects or on persons and comprising a housing, a light emitting device and an energy source, for mounting in relevant positions on an object or a person, characterisedin that it comprises a through fastening means (10,10'), fastenable console part (4,4') with an in relative directions oriented carrying surface (30) with side limitations (32) for a light source (12,12') mounted hereon, which consists of a flat flexible energy source (33) for mounting on relevant parts of the carrying surface (30) and in contact with this in- between its side limitations (32) and where the first side (35) oriented away from the carrying surface (30) comprises a light emitting device (39) connected to the energy source and where the back side (36) comprises contacts (42) for short-circuiting the light circuit and means cooperation with the carrying surface (30) for releasable fastening of the light source (12,12') on the carrying surface (30), which contacts (42) are positioned such in relation to mutually electrically conducting contact connected points (26) on the carrying surface that the contacts (42) are short-circuited when mounting the light source (12,12') on the carrying surface (30), whereby the light emitting device (39) emits light.

7. Marking light apparatus (2) according to claim 1, characterised in that the energy source (33) is a rechargeable flexible film/foil battery with suitable capacity.

8. Marking light apparatus (2) according to claim lor2, characterised in that the light emitting device (39) is a flexible light emitting polymer (elecfrochromics), preferably in the shape of a flexible foil.

9. Marking light apparatus (2) according to any of the claims 1-3, characterise d in that the light emitting device (39) is comprised of light diodes cast in a flexible polymer, where the diodes are connected to the energy source, so that the diodes are supplied with power by short-circuiting the contacts (26).

10. Marking light apparatus (82) according to any of the claims 1-4, characteris e d in that the light emitting device (39) comprises a status indicator which indicates how much burning time or energy level, in relation to a 100 % charge, there is left in the energy source (33).

11. Marking light apparatus (2) according to any of the claims 1-5, characteris e d in that the means cooperating with the carrying surface (30) for releasable fasten- ing of the light source (12,12') on the carrying surface (30) is a magnetic film on the side (38) of the light source (12,12') facing the carrying surface and a corresponding magnetically susceptible carrying surface (30) or a magnetically susceptible surface on the side of the light source facing to the carrying surface and sufficient magnetic sur- faces on the carrying surface.

12. Marking light apparatus (2) according to any of the claims 1-6, c h ar a c t e r i s e d in that the console (4, 4') with the carrying surface (30) is disclosed as an approximately half-moon shaped sliced body, wherein the front side along the outer periphery comprises a carrying surface (30) with side limitations (32) and wherein the periphery (28) furthermore comprises mutually through electrically conducting materials connected contacts (26) and wherein the back side at the middle comprises a half conic outlet (18), where the largest diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the half- moon shaped body and where the back side in the area between the outlet and the body periphery comprises gaps (20) for co-operating reception and arrest of the flaps (22) of a mainly half circle formed conic fastening element (10,10').

13. Marking light apparatus (2) according to claim 7, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the conic outlet (18) in the half-moon shaped body and the conic fastening element (10,10') are shaped with an angle N within the interval 10-20°, typically within the interval 13-17° and most preferred within 14-16° i relation to a vertical position, with the intention that the carrying surface (30) is oriented mainly horizontally when the console (4,4') is mounted on the steering stem (8) and the saddle post (6) of a bicycle, respectively.

14. Marking light apparatus (2) according to any of the claims 1-6, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the console part is a flexible plate shaped body (54,54'), provided with means for fastening on clothing items, such as helmets, foot wear, pocket rims, boots, with a carrying surface (56) for a light source (12,12') mountable hereon made up by a flat flexible energy source (33) for mounting on relevant parts of the carrying surface and where the first side oriented away form the carrying surface comprises a light en-dtting device connected with the energy source and where the back side comprises contacts (42) for short-circuiting the light circuit and means cooperating with the carrying surface for releasable fastening of the light source on the carrying surface, which contacts are positioned such in relation to mutually electrically conducting contact connected points (26) on the carrying surface (56) so that the contacts (42) are short- circuited when mounting the light source (12,12') on the carrying surface, whereby the light erm^'tting device emits light.

15. Marking light apparatus according to claim 9, characterised in that the plate shaped flexible body is made of metal, plastic, synthetic material, polymer or the like.

16. Marking light apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, characterisedin that the carrying surface comprises the electrically conducting contact connected points (26) on the carrying surface for short-circuiting the light circuit in the light source (12,12').

17. Marking light apparatus (2) according to claim 9-11, characterisedin that the console part (54) when arranged for fastening to a clothing item (62), is a magnetic strip console with electrically conducting contact connected points (26) on the carry- ing surface (60) for short circuiting the light circuit in the light source, where the console part (54) is fastened to a clothing item (62) by sewing, gluing, alternatively by using sticky tape (64) where the halves (66,72) are sewn/glued on the clothing item (62) and magnetic strip console (54), respectively.

18. Marking light apparatus (2) according to claim 9-11, characterisedin that the console part is comprised of a plate shaped body (78), where this is intended for fastening on clothing items, contains slits (84,86) which in the transition area (88,90) between the slits and the carrying surface are pushed backwards in relation to the carrying surface (60) so that these act as clips, which, for example, can be mounted on the rim of a pocket (96) or the edge of a boot (94).

19. Marking light apparatus (2) according to claim 9-11, characterisedin that the console part is an ID card console (98) with a carrying surface (60) comprising electrically conducting contact connected points (26) on the carrying surface for short- circuiting the light circuit in the light source (12,12') and where the ID card console comprises a clamp, clip or the like (102) for fastening on clothing items.