US 9198261

Analysis of U.S. Patent 9,198,261

Date of Analysis: May 9, 2026

This report provides a concise summary of United States Patent 9,198,261, including its key bibliographic information and a plain-language overview of its independent claims.

Title: Illuminating device

Assignee: The current assignee of record is Brainstream GmbH. The original assignee was Schrims GmbH. This information is based on the assignment data available as of February 22, 2024.

Inventors: Christian Schech and Bastian Wetzel.

Filing Date: August 30, 2011.

Issue Date: November 24, 2015.

Abstract: The patent describes an illuminating device designed to be placed within an object that can be opened and closed, such as a purse or a compact. The device includes a first light source that activates upon touch or motion detection. A second sensor detects whether the object is open or closed, triggering the first light source and/or a second light source to illuminate.

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Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims

An independent claim represents the broadest definition of the invention. Infringement of any single independent claim is grounds for a patent infringement lawsuit. US Patent 9,198,261 contains three independent claims:

Independent Claim 1: This claim protects an illuminating device that can be carried around and placed inside an object that opens and closes. The core of this invention is a dual-sensor lighting system. A first sensor activates a first light source when it is touched or detects motion (for example, a hand reaching into a bag). A second sensor detects when the object itself is opened. When the object is opened, the device is designed so that a second light source turns on, and to conserve power, the first light source automatically turns off. This is useful for finding the object in the dark and then illuminating its contents once opened.

Independent Claim 9: This claim focuses on the combination of the illuminating device and the object it is placed within. The object is specifically described as being formed by two "dome-shaped parts" that can be opened and closed. The key feature of the illuminating device in this claim is that its motion or touch sensor is a capacitive sensor, a common type of touch-sensing technology.

Independent Claim 19: This claim covers an illuminating device that is portable and designed to be placed in an openable/closable object. The main components are a light source, a power source (like a battery), and a switch. The switch is activated by a capacitive sensor that detects touch or motion. A unique feature of this claim is the inclusion of a dimmer, which allows the light to be gradually or suddenly turned down to off, controlled by the device's internal control unit.