WO2009065246A1

WO2009065246A1 - Hook devices

Info

Publication number: WO2009065246A1
Application number: PCT/CN2007/003278
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wen-Yung Yeh; Jui-Ying Lin; Yu-Chen Yu; Ming-Te Lin; Yu-Chun Lin; Ta-Wei Chien
Original assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute ITRI
Current assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute ITRI
Priority date: 2007-11-20
Filing date: 2007-11-20
Publication date: 2009-05-28
Anticipated expiration: 2010-05-20
Also published as: CN201445228U

Abstract

The invention is a hook device including a light source. The interior of the hook device has a switch device. The exterior of the hook device includes a plug. When not carrying an object, the hook device is maintained in a first operational mode. When carrying the object, the hook device switches to a second operational mode through the internal switch device. The light source may be an AC LED. As the hook device does not need a rectifier and a transformer, the overall size of the hook device is small and all can be placed in the hook device. The invention is particularly suitable for a European-type plug.

Description

HOOK DEVICES

Background of the Invention Field of the Invention [0001] The invention relates to hook devices, and more particularly to hook devices providing location reminding functions. Description of the Related Art

[0002] Given the fast paced lifestyle for most people, items are often misplaced at home or at the workplace. For example, after returning home, a person might randomly place down their keys. The keys are not placed in a specific location. When leaving home, the person has trouble remembering where they may have placed their keys and cannot easily find the keys.

[0003] Hence, there is a need for hook devices providing functions of highlighting the location of an object and decorating the object.

Brief Summary of the Invention

[0004] A detailed description is given in the following embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. [0005] An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a hook device comprising a base, a circuit board, a light-emitting member, a power input member, and a hook arm. The circuit board is disposed in the base and comprises an actuation switch. The light-emitting member is connected to the circuit board. The power input member is electrically connected to the circuit board. The hook arm pivots the base and switches between a first position and a second position. When the hook arm switches to the first position, the hook arm separates from the actuation switch and the actuation switch enables the light-emitting member to operate in a first operational mode. When the hook arm switches to the second position, the hook arm abuts the actuation switch and the actuation switch enables the light-emitting member to operate in a second operational mode. [0006[ The base is substantially transparent or semi-transparent. [0007] The light-emitting member comprises a light bulb. [0008] The light-emitting member comprises a light-emitting diode or a laser diode.

[0009] The light-emitting member comprises an alternating current light-emitting diode, and the power input member comprises a European-type plug. [0010] The light-emitting member comprises a direct current light-emitting diode, and the power input member comprises a battery.

[0011] The light-emitting member is disposed in the base.

[0012] The light-emitting member is disposed in the hook arm.

[0013] The hook arm protrudes from the base. [0014] The hook arm is substantially transparent or semi-transparent.

[0015] The hook arm comprises a reflective surface opposing the light-emitting member, reflecting light output therefrom.

[0016] The hook arm further comprises an abutting portion disposed in the base and detachably abutting the actuation switch. [0017] Another exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a hook device comprising a base, a circuit board, a light-emitting member, a power input member, and a hook arm. The circuit board is disposed in the base. The light-emitting member is connected to the circuit board. The power input member is electrically connected to the circuit board. The hook arm is connected to the base and comprises a touch sensor electrically connected to the circuit board. When contacting an object, the touch sensor enables the light-emitting member to operate in a first operational mode. When separating from the object, the touch sensor enables the light-emitting member to operate in a second operational mode.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention can be more fully understood by reading the subsequent detailed description and examples with references made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0018] FIG. IA is a schematic plane view of a hook device of a first embodiment of the invention in an operational mode;

[0019] FIG. IB is a schematic plane view of the hook device of the first embodiment of the invention in another operational mode;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the hook device of the first embodiment of the invention;

[0021] FIG. 3A is a schematic plane view of a hook device of a second embodiment of the invention in an operational mode;

[0022] FIG. 3B is a schematic plane view of the hook device of the second embodiment of the invention in another operational mode;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a schematic plane view of a hook device of a third embodiment of the invention; and [0024] FIG. 5 is a schematic plane view of a hook device of a fourth embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0025] The following description is of the best-contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. This description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention and should not be taken in a limiting sense.

The scope of the invention is best determined by reference to the appended claims.

[0026] First embodiment

[0027] Referring to FIGs. IA, IB, and 2, a hook device 101 comprises a base 1 10, a circuit board 120, a light-emitting member 130, a power input member 140, and a hook arm 150.

[0028] In this embodiment, the light-emitting member 130 is disposed in the base 110. The base 110 is designed to be substantially transparent or semi-transparent. Therefore, the light emitted from the light-emitting member 130 could be transmitted to the exterior of the base 110. In other embodiment, the light-emitting member 130 may protrude from the surface of the base 110 and not be disposed in the base 110. Therefore, the base 110 may not need to be substantially transparent or semi-transparent to let the light pass through.

[0029] As shown in FIG. IA and FIG. IB, the circuit board 120 is disposed in the base 110 and comprises an actuation switch 121.

[0030] The light-emitting member 130 is connected to the circuit board 120 and may comprise a light bulb, a light-emitting diode, or a laser diode. In this embodiment, the light-emitting member 130 comprises an alternating current light-emitting diode.

[0031] The power input member 140 is disposed on another surface, opposite to the hook arm 150, of the base 110 and is electrically connected to the circuit board 120. In this embodiment, the power input member 140 comprises a plug, which can be put in a socket (not shown) to acquire AC electric power. Because the alternating current light-emitting diode doesn't need a rectifier, the overall size of the hook device 101 can be reduced. In a preferred embodiment, the power input member 140 could be a European-type plug, the size of the hook device 101 can be reduced to fix into the space of the recess of a plug-in on a wall. The outer surface of the base 110 of the hook device 101 is coplanar with the wall surface to achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance. [0032] The hook arm 150 pivots the base 110 and switches between a first position I (as shown by FIG. IA) and a second position II (as shown by FIG. IB). In this embodiment, the hook arm 150 protrudes from the base 110 and could be substantially transparent or semi-transparent. The light emitted from the light-emitting member 130 can be transmitted to the exterior of the hook arm 150. Specifically, the hook arm 150 comprises a recess 151 and an abutting portion 153. An object S is received in the recess 151 when carried by the hook arm 150. In this embodiment, the hook arm 150 may further comprises a reflective surface 152. The reflective surface 152 is formed in the hook arm 150 and opposes the light-emitting member 130. The abutting portion 153 is disposed in the base 110 and detachably abuts the actuation switch 121 of the circuit board 120. [0033] Moreover, the light-emitting member 130 may be selectively disposed in the base 110 or hook arm 150. In this embodiment, the light-emitting member 130 is disposed in the base 110.

[0034] Accordingly, the hook device 101 can be fixed to a wall surface by putting the power input member (i.e. plug) 140 in the socket. Moreover, when the power input member 140 of the hook device 101 is put in the socket, the upper surface of the hook device 101 is coplanar with the wall surface, thereby presenting an aesthetically pleasing appearance. As shown in FIG. IA, when the hook arm 150 carries no object (i.e. when the hook arm 150 switches to the first position I), the abutting portion 153 thereof separates from the actuation switch 121 of the circuit board 120. At this point, the actuation switch 121 outputs a signal to enable the light-emitting member 130 to operate in a first operational mode. In this embodiment, the first operational mode selectively refers to no radiation of the light-emitting member 130. In another aspect, as shown in FIG. IB, when carrying an object S, the hook arm 150 switches (downward) to the second position II by the weight of the object S. At this point, the abutting portion 153 of the hook arm 150 abuts the actuation switch 121 of the circuit board 120, and the actuation switch 121 outputs another signal to enable the light-emitting member 130 to operate in a second operational mode. In this embodiment, the second operational mode selectively refers to radiation of the light-emitting member 130. In other embodiments, the first operational mode may selectively refer to radiation of the light-emitting member 130, and the second operational mode may selectively refer to no radiation of the light-emitting member 130. [0035] Accordingly, when the hook device 101 (or hook arm 150) carries the object S, such as a key, the light-emitting member 130 outputs light passing through the base 110 and hook arm 150, thereby highlighting the position of the key.

[0036] Moreover, when the hook device 101 (or hook arm 150) carries the object S, such as a painting, in addition to passing through the base 110 and hook arm 150, the light output from the light-emitting member 130 is reflected (downward) by the reflective surface 152 formed in the hook arm 150, irradiating the object S, and further decorating the painting.

[0037] Furthermore, the hook arm may be a resilient member, when the object S is removed from the hook device 101 (or hook arm 150), the hook arm 150 returns to the first position I and the light-emitting member 130 operates in the first operational mode, the light-emitting member 130 automatically stops radiation, reducing electric power consumption. [0038] Second embodiment [0039] Elements corresponding to those in the first embodiment share the same reference numerals.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 3 A and FIG. 3B, in a hook device 102, the light-emitting member 130 comprises a direct current light-emitting diode, and a power input member 140' comprises a battery directly supplying DC electric power to the light-emitting member 130.

[0041] Structure, disposition, and function of other elements in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and explanation thereof is omitted for simplicity. [0042] The hook device 102 can be fixed to a wall surface by glue, tape, etc. As shown in FIG. 3 A, when the hook arm 150 carries no object (i.e. when the hook arm 150 switches to the first position I), the abutting portion 153 thereof separates from the actuation switch 121 of the circuit board 120. At this point, the actuation switch 121 outputs a signal to enable the light-emitting member 130 to operate in a first operational mode. Similarly, the first operational mode selectively refers to no radiation of the light-emitting member 130. In another aspect, as shown in FIG. 3B, when carrying an object S, the hook arm 150 switches (downward) to the second position II by the weight of the object S. At this point, the abutting portion 153 of the hook arm 150 abuts the actuation switch 121 of the circuit board 120, and the actuation switch 121 outputs another signal to enable the light-emitting member 130 to operate in a second operational mode. Similarly, the second operational mode selectively refers to radiation of the light-emitting member 130. In other embodiments, the first operational mode may selectively refer to radiation of the light-emitting member 130, and the second operational mode may selectively refer to no radiation of the light-emitting member 130. [0043] Third embodiment

[0044] Elements corresponding to those in the first embodiment share the same reference numerals. [0045] Referring to FIG. 4, a hook device 103 comprises a base 110, a circuit board 120', a light-emitting member 130, a power input member 140, and a hook arm 150'. [0046] In this embodiment, the light-emitting member 130 is disposed in the base 110. The base 110 is designed to be substantially transparent or semi-transparent. Therefore, the light emitted from the light-emitting member 130 could be transmitted to the exterior of the base 110. In other embodiment, the light-emitting member 130 may protrude from the surface of the base 110 and not be disposed in the base 110. Therefore, the base 110 may not need to be substantially transparent or semi-transparent to let the light pass through. [0047] The circuit board 120' is disposed in the base 110. [0048] The light-emitting member 130 is connected to the circuit board 120' and may comprise a light bulb, a light-emitting diode, or a laser diode. In this embodiment, the light-emitting member 130 comprises an alternating current light-emitting diode.

[0049] The power input member 140 is disposed on another surface, opposite to the hook arm 150', of the base 110 and is electrically connected to the circuit board 120'. In this embodiment, the power input member 140 comprises a plug, which can be put in a socket (not shown) to acquire AC electric power. Because the alternating current light-emitting diode doesn't need a rectifier, the overall size of the hook device 103 can be reduced. In a preferred embodiment, the power input member 140 could be a European-type plug, the size of the hook device 103 can be reduced to fix into the space of the recess of a plug-in on a wall. The outer surface of the base 110 of the hook device 103 is coplanar with the wall surface to achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0050] The hook arm 150' is connected to the base 110 and protrudes therefrom. In this embodiment, the hook arm 150' could be substantially transparent or semi-transparent. The light emitted from the light-emitting member 130 can be transmitted to the exterior of the hook arm 150'. Specifically, the hook arm 150' comprises a recess 151 and a touch sensor 154. An object S is received in the recess 151 when carried by the hook arm 150'. In this embodiment, the hook arm 150 may further comprises a reflective surface 152. The reflective surface 152 is formed in the hook arm 150' and opposes the light-emitting member 130. The touch sensor 154 is electrically connected to the circuit board 120'. [0051] Moreover, the light-emitting member 130 may be selectively disposed in the base 110 or hook arm 150'. In this embodiment, the light-emitting member 130 is disposed in the base 110.

[0052] Accordingly, the hook device 103 can be fixed to a wall surface by putting the power input member (plug) 140 in the socket. Moreover, when the power input member 140 of the hook device 103 is put in the socket, the upper surface of the hook device 103 is coplanar with the wall surface, thereby presenting an aesthetically pleasing appearance. When the hook arm 150' carries an object (not shown), i.e. when the touch sensor 154 contacts an object, the touch sensor 154 outputs a signal to enable the light-emitting member 130 to operate in a first operational mode. In this embodiment, the first operational mode selectively refers to radiation of the light-emitting member 130. In another aspect, when the hook arm 150' carries no object, i.e. when the touch sensor 154 separates from the object, the touch sensor 154 outputs another signal to enable the light-emitting member 130 to operate in a second operational mode. In this embodiment, the second operational mode selectively refers to no radiation of the light-emitting member 130. In other embodiments, the first operational mode may selectively refer to no radiation of the light-emitting member 130, and the second operational mode may selectively refer to radiation of the light-emitting member 130. [0053] Accordingly, when the hook device 103 (or hook arm 150') carries the object, such as a key, the light-emitting member 130 outputs light passing through the base 110 and hook arm 150', thereby highlighting the position of the key. [0054] Moreover, when the hook device 103 (or hook arm 150') carries the object, such as a paint, in addition to passing through the base 110 and hook arm 150', the light output from the light-emitting member 130 is reflected (downward) by the reflective surface 152 formed in the hook arm 150', irradiating the object, and further decorating the painting.

[0055] Furthermore, when the object is removed from the hook device 103 (or hook arm 150'), the light-emitting member 130 automatically stops radiation, thus reducing electric power consumption. [0056] Fourth embodiment [0057] Elements corresponding to those in the first or third embodiment share the same reference numerals.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 5, in a hook device 104, the light-emitting member 130 comprises a direct current light-emitting diode, and a power input member 140' comprises a battery directly supplying DC electric power to the light-emitting member 130.

[0059] Structure, disposition, and function of other elements in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and explanation thereof is omitted for simplicity. [0060] The hook device 104 can be fixed to a wall surface by glue, tape, etc. When the hook arm 150' carries an object (not shown), i.e. when the touch sensor 154 contacts an object, the touch sensor 154 outputs a signal to enable the light-emitting member 130 to operate in a first operational mode. Similarly, the first operational mode selectively refers to radiation of the light-emitting member 130. In another aspect, when the hook arm 150' carries no object, i.e. when the touch sensor 154 separates from the object, the touch sensor 154 outputs another signal to enable the light-emitting member 130 to operate in a second operational mode. Similarly, the second operational mode selectively refers to no radiation of the light-emitting member 130. In other embodiments, the first operational mode may selectively refer to no radiation of the light-emitting member 130, and the second operational mode may selectively refer to radiation of the light-emitting member 130.

[0061] While the invention has been described by way of example and in terms of preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements (as would be apparent to those skilled in the art). Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements.

Claims

1. A hook device, comprising: a base; a circuit board disposed in the base and comprising an actuation switch; a light-emitting member connected to the circuit board; a power input member electrically connected to the circuit board; and a hook arm pivoting the base and rotating between a first position and a second position, wherein when the hook arm switches to the first position, the hook arm separates from the actuation switch and the actuation switch enables the light-emitting member to operate in a first operational mode, and when the hook arm switches to the second position, the hook arm abuts the actuation switch and the actuation switch enables the light-emitting member to operate in a second operational mode.

2. The hook device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base is substantially transparent or semi-transparent.

3. The hook device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light-emitting member comprises a light bulb.

4. The hook device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light-emitting member comprises a light-emitting diode or a laser diode.

5. The hook device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light-emitting member comprises an alternating current light-emitting diode, and the power input member comprises a plug.

6. The hook device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light-emitting member comprises a direct current light-emitting diode, and the power input member comprises a battery.

7. The hook device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light-emitting member is disposed in the base.

8. The hook device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light-emitting member is disposed in the hook arm.

9. The hook device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hook arm protrudes from the base.

10. The hook device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hook arm is substantially transparent or semi-transparent.

11. The hook device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the hook arm comprises a reflective surface opposing the light-emitting member, reflecting light output therefrom.

12. The hook device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hook arm further comprises an abutting portion disposed in the base and detachably abutting the actuation switch.

13. The hook device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hook arm is a resilient member, and when an object is removed from the hook arm, the hook arm automatically returns to the first position, enabling the light-emitting member to operate in the first operational mode.

14. The hook device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the plug comprises a European-type plug.

15. A hook device, comprising: a base; a circuit board disposed in the base; a light-emitting member connected to the circuit board; a power input member electrically connected to the circuit board; and a hook arm connected to the base and comprising a touch sensor electrically connected to the circuit board, wherein when contacting an object, the touch sensor enables the light-emitting member to operate in a first operational mode, and when separating from the object, the touch sensor enables the light-emitting member to operate in a second operational mode.

16. The hook device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the base is substantially transparent or semi-transparent.

17. The hook device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the light-emitting member comprises a light bulb.

18. The hook device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the light-emitting member comprises a light-emitting diode or a laser diode.

19. The hook device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the light-emitting member comprises an alternating current light-emitting diode, and the power input member comprises a plug.

20. The hook device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the light-emitting member comprises a direct current light-emitting diode, and the power input member comprises a battery.

21. The hook device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the light-emitting member is disposed in the base.

22. The hook device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the light-emitting member is disposed in the hook arm.

23. The hook device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the hook arm protrudes from the base.

24. The hook device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the hook arm is substantially transparent or semi-transparent.

25. The hook device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the hook arm further comprises a reflective surface opposing the light-emitting member, reflecting light output therefrom.

26. The hook device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the plug comprises a European-type plug.