CA2048874A1 - Flashlight with swivel head - Google Patents
Flashlight with swivel headInfo
- Publication number
- CA2048874A1 CA2048874A1 CA002048874A CA2048874A CA2048874A1 CA 2048874 A1 CA2048874 A1 CA 2048874A1 CA 002048874 A CA002048874 A CA 002048874A CA 2048874 A CA2048874 A CA 2048874A CA 2048874 A1 CA2048874 A1 CA 2048874A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- flashlight
- bulb
- casing
- swivel head
- swivel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V19/00—Fastening of light sources or lamp holders
- F21V19/04—Fastening of light sources or lamp holders with provision for changing light source, e.g. turret
- F21V19/047—Fastening of light sources or lamp holders with provision for changing light source, e.g. turret by using spare light sources comprised in or attached to the lighting device and being intended to replace a defect light source by manual mounting
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21L—LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF, BEING PORTABLE OR SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR TRANSPORTATION
- F21L2/00—Systems of electric lighting devices
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21L—LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF, BEING PORTABLE OR SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR TRANSPORTATION
- F21L4/00—Electric lighting devices with self-contained electric batteries or cells
- F21L4/04—Electric lighting devices with self-contained electric batteries or cells characterised by the provision of a light source housing portion adjustably fixed to the remainder of the device
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
- F21V23/04—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches
- F21V23/0414—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches specially adapted to be used with portable lighting devices
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A flashlight has a casing containing batteries and a head assembly mounted on the casing. The head assembly includes a swivel head arranged for rotational movement about a swivel axis which is disposed at an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the casing. The swivel head carries a bulb and is asymmetrical so that rotational movement of the swivel head causes the beam of light emitted by the bulb to be directed in different directions. In one embodiment of the flashlight, the bulb is moved to various angular positions relative to the casing as the swivel head is rotated. In another embodiment of the flashlight, the bulb remains in a fixed relationship with the casing but a reflector is moved to various angular positions when the swivel head is rotated. The flashlight also includes a push button type of switch mechanism for illuminating and extinguishing the bulb.
A flashlight has a casing containing batteries and a head assembly mounted on the casing. The head assembly includes a swivel head arranged for rotational movement about a swivel axis which is disposed at an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the casing. The swivel head carries a bulb and is asymmetrical so that rotational movement of the swivel head causes the beam of light emitted by the bulb to be directed in different directions. In one embodiment of the flashlight, the bulb is moved to various angular positions relative to the casing as the swivel head is rotated. In another embodiment of the flashlight, the bulb remains in a fixed relationship with the casing but a reflector is moved to various angular positions when the swivel head is rotated. The flashlight also includes a push button type of switch mechanism for illuminating and extinguishing the bulb.
Description
7J~87~1 FI,AS}ILIGN~ WlT~ SWIVEI, ~EAD
BACKGRl~ F T~; INV~I~P3 ~ hls in~ ntic,~ rela~es gener~lly to fl~shli~hts ~nd, in ~sr~icular, to a flAshli~ht having ~ sw.i~ch mechanlsm that may be op~rated with one h~nd and a swlvel he~d that may be mo~ed to various angllla~ ~nd r~tat~onal p~sitiorls..
U.S. Pa~ent ~o~ 4,7~5,932. granted Fe~ruary 16, 198~
to ~;, J, Gammache discl~ses a ~la~hllght h~ving a cylindrioal casing wi~h a h~ad ~ssein~ly rotatably m~unte~ on c~ne end c~f ~h~ ~asin~ ~o~tion of the hea~a ~ssemhly oper~tes z, swit~h m~chanism for ill~n)inating and ex~inguishing a ~3ulb that ~s dispo~ed in ~he casing . The ro~atable head assern}: 1y is also used to ~o~us the beam of ligh~ e~nitted by th~ bulb.
In the flashli~ht shown in the abov~.-mentioned ~ammache patent, the ope~atio~ o~ the switch mechantsm reqllires 1 h~
use c~ two hands. ~hat is~, a person mu~t use one hand t~
hold the casing ~llile the o~her hand i~ u~d to ro~ate th~
h~ad ~ssemhly and thus oper~te the ~itch mech~ni~m. ~lsc~, ~ n this fl~shligh~, the head a~;s~r~ly ~nnot b~ mo~e~ to differer~t an~ula~ p~si~ic~ns with respe~t to the c~sin~.
~la ` 3~)~d Z~: 91 16 . 8 9n~
BACKGRl~ F T~; INV~I~P3 ~ hls in~ ntic,~ rela~es gener~lly to fl~shli~hts ~nd, in ~sr~icular, to a flAshli~ht having ~ sw.i~ch mechanlsm that may be op~rated with one h~nd and a swlvel he~d that may be mo~ed to various angllla~ ~nd r~tat~onal p~sitiorls..
U.S. Pa~ent ~o~ 4,7~5,932. granted Fe~ruary 16, 198~
to ~;, J, Gammache discl~ses a ~la~hllght h~ving a cylindrioal casing wi~h a h~ad ~ssein~ly rotatably m~unte~ on c~ne end c~f ~h~ ~asin~ ~o~tion of the hea~a ~ssemhly oper~tes z, swit~h m~chanism for ill~n)inating and ex~inguishing a ~3ulb that ~s dispo~ed in ~he casing . The ro~atable head assern}: 1y is also used to ~o~us the beam of ligh~ e~nitted by th~ bulb.
In the flashli~ht shown in the abov~.-mentioned ~ammache patent, the ope~atio~ o~ the switch mechantsm reqllires 1 h~
use c~ two hands. ~hat is~, a person mu~t use one hand t~
hold the casing ~llile the o~her hand i~ u~d to ro~ate th~
h~ad ~ssemhly and thus oper~te the ~itch mech~ni~m. ~lsc~, ~ n this fl~shligh~, the head a~;s~r~ly ~nnot b~ mo~e~ to differer~t an~ula~ p~si~ic~ns with respe~t to the c~sin~.
~la ` 3~)~d Z~: 91 16 . 8 9n~
2 ~ 7 4 SUM.~SARY OF ~ ION
An o~j ect ~f the preserlt lnveen~on i~ ~o p~o~ide a flashlight h~vinq a switch ~n~¢hanism ~hat may be oper~ed usin~ c~ne hand.
Another obiect of the pre~ent inv~n~ioIl i~ t~ p~ovide a ~lashl ight havir~g a ~i~ivel he~d ~a~ m~y be r~ov~d to Ya~iou~;
an~ula~r and xota~ional positions~
The presen~ invention provi~les a fl~shlight c~pri~ing a c~sing containin~ a~ least one: bat~ery ~nd a head assembly mounted on the casing. The head assembly ~nc~ludes ~ ~wival head carrying a bulb ~or ~?mittin~ a ~n o~ light. ~hiæ
swivel head is arranged for rot~atiol-al n~ovement abou~ a swive:l axis which is dispos~:d at an acute angle with respect to ~ longitudi~al axis o~ th~ ~asing thereby direct:in~ th~ ~eam of light emitt~d by ~he bul.b in dif~er~nt ~lirec~iorls4 The rlashll~ht also compri~es 2 swltoh mechanislll for &lectr~ cally oo:m~3cting ~he battery and ~he bsll~ O The head a#sembly include~ a bas~ mo~nte.d on one. end o~ the c~ing, and the swi~el hea~ is rotatably mourlted on the base. Th~ ~ulb h~s a bottom por~ n thereo~ dispo~ed in ~ bore in tbe ~wivel head .
In c:ne èmbodiment ~ ~he fla~hli~ht, th~ swltt:h me~har compri~es a s~itch but~on sl id~ mo~ te~ in th~ ba~e OIC
~0- 39t~d zP :gl 1~ ~ 8 ~n~
the head assembly fo~ movemen~ betweerl a ~irst po~ition where tha bul~ i5 illum:nated anc~ a s~cond po~ition wher~ t~e bul~
is ~xtinguishe~.~ T~ s~Yit~h mf~c:hanism also ~omprises a rotor contact attached to the swivel head, ar~d a swinqabl~ me~er mounte~ i n the casin~. Th~3 swin~a~le member h~s a s~em which e~ends ehrQu~h an c~penir~ in the swi~h b~l~to~ his ~tem is enga~d with the olox contaot when ~he s~7itch ~ut.ton ls .in the ~irst p~sition but i~ disengz~ged ~rom ~he rotor contact when the switch button is in the ~eoQnd positlon~
Tl~e rotor contAct has a ~lan~e ~ha~ is annula~ in shap~ and which iq e~gaged With the s~e~n of thF~ ~wingable member when ~he s~ltch ~utton is in the first positior3. ~he rotor ~ontact also has a ~ca~ which is ~n~Qa ~ith ~n el ectr~ oal t~r~inal o~ the }:~ull~
OE SCRIPTlON OF ~ DRAWIItG~:
~ ig. 1 is a longit~dinal c~oss~ ~;ectiorl~l view of a fla~hlight aocordin~ tcr c~ne em~diment o~ the pre~ent invention, ~he ~lashligh~ havin~ a swive1 head carryi~g bulb;
Fi~. 2 is a lon~ituditlal cr~ss~ tivnal ~i~w of the ~la3hl~ght shown in Fi~ 1 with ~h~ swiYel head rotate:d 180 degrees so ~l~at th~ bulb is nloved th~ou-3h an aI-~ o$` 90 deg~e~s t~3E~ 33tld 8 b: 91 l li, 8 ~n~
~ f~
f~om a ~en/arally horizont~l position to a ~enerally v~artical Po~
Fig. 3 is a pian vies~ or one o~ th~ parts of the E}ashl ight ~ho~n in Fi~s~ 1 and 2; and Figs. 4 and 5 ~re lc~nsitudinal cross-sectional viewa o~ a flashlight acc:c)rdir~ to anoth~r ~m~cdiment of the present i nventlon .
~SCR~ ION ~P ~ PR3~FE~E:D ~B~D~ tT
Refer~in~ tc~ Fi~s. 1 and 2, a flashlight 1~ inclu~e~
a ~ylindricaq metal e~sing 1:2, a metal ~ail cap 7~ t~read~d on'co the lower e~d o~ e c~sing 12 , and ~ head a~ mbly 16 mounted ~n the upper end of the casing 1~. ~h~ head ass~mbly 16 consis~s ~ a ~ase 1~ prese~ed ontc~ ca~3in~ 1 a and a swivel head 20 r~tat~bly mounted on th~3 base 1~ y en~ging an annul~r groove 22 in the swivel he~d 24 wi th an annula~ :~iAn~e 24 on the base 18 . Swîvel h~sad 29 i~
arr~ngad fo:~ rotati~nal ~ovement abou~ a swivel ~cis ~ which }s d~ sposed at an a~ te angl~ Q:E app~oa~imately 45 de~r~:es with respect ~c) lon~ tu~inal ~xi~ C c~:f ca~n~ 12 . Th~ base 1~ arld th~ ~wivel head 20 ~ orm~ o ~:onduc~lve m~terial such as a suit~bl~ m~tal, and a rub~er o~ 26 is dispos~d i n ~h~ groove ~ 4 .
.
5~!~'3~d EP:91 ~6~ ~ ~nb - ~ 18~ 1 A l~ns ~ap 28 is t:hreaded into the swivel he~d ~Cr and a r~f le~tor 30 is m~un-t~d in the lens e~p 28 ~ An 0-riny 3~ is ~rovid~eà between the ler~s çap 28 and ~he swiv~l head 20. ~ len~ ~4 is dispo~;~d in a groove ~ ln the len~ cap 28. The s~iv~l he~d ~0 carries ~ bu~b 3B an~i has ~ br~re 4~ for receivirlg a ~ottom port~on 40 o~ the bulb 38. S~hen le~ cap 2~ is ins~al le~ rl swi~el head ~0, a sprin~ was~er 44 r~tz~ined in le~s c~p ~8 i~ compressed a~ain~ ~n ~nular metaL flangl3 4~ on the bulb 38 ~hereby urgin~ this flan~e 4~ into contact wlth surfaca 20a o:~ swivel he~ 0~ sulb ~ m~y ~e remoYed ~r~ lashlight 10 by unthreadlng ~he le~s cap 28 ~.rom the swivel l~ad ;~0.
It wlll be unders1:ood t hat ~he :Elange 46 ~orm~ ~ne e.lectrical terminal fo:r bul}~ 38 ~hich is connected vi~ sw~vel he~d ~, ba~e 18, c~sing 1~!J 12~ p 1~ and a spri.ng 48 to the negative terminal of one c~f ~ plurRlit~y O:e hag^~eries 50 contained in the casing 1 2. Spring ~8 is compre~
~twe~3n tail cap 14 an~ a~teries S0 when ~ hli~ht 10 i5 asseMbled~ Bulb 38 has another electric~al termin~l 5~ whi~h cont~t~ tabs 54a on a rotor contact S4, pr~ferably form~d of he~yl1ium c~ppar. T~bs ~4a ~nay be de~l~ct~ t~ acc~olnmodate bulb~ o~ varying lengths~ This :rot:oF ~ltaCt S4 iS attach~d to t}~ s~l heàd ~0 by a ~ai~ of plas~lo rive,ts 56 which ~0 ~3~d ~: 9 1 1 ~ ~ 8 ~n~
2~8~74 extend through holes 5~ in the rotos -~nta~t 54 . A p~d 5 ~orm~d ~f no~cond~lctive m~erial ir~sulates the ~o~or conta~
54 from ~h4 ~wiv~l head 20. The swivf~l head 2~ a~ten~d to base 1 B ~y a ~olt ~0 whi~h extends thro~s~h a }Ic~le 61 in rotor oont2lct 54. Since swivel ax~ s S ~oincides wi~h ~he longitudinal a~is oE bolt ~0 r ~wi~el head 20 ~c~ually xotate~
abou~ bolt ~0~ ~ bore ~3 i~ swiYel he~ad 2~ permits ~coess to bol~ ~ O ~
A swltah butkon 6~, prefera~ly o~m~d of nylon, is slidably mount~d in bas~ 18 of head ~ssem~ly 1~ ~ox ~noYing swi~ me~nber ~ to and ~ut :~ engagem~nt wi.th rotor ? D ~ 3 ~ p~ ~40C~
conta~t ~ A,When t]l~ ~wit~h b~ttc~n 62 is in an ~ n ' position shown in Fi~. 2, swingable IPember 6~ is e~gag~d with xot:or contact 54 and an elec~trical Ci~C~ connec~in~ the ba~te.ri.es 50 and the b~ilb ~8 is ~losed th~rel3y ;illuminati~g ~ bulb 38 . With th~ b~llb 3 8 i~lumi.nat~d, ~o~;atior~al inoVemeAt o~
the lens cap 28 ~elativ~ ~o the 5wiv~ head 2~ c~uses xQfla~tor 30 to focus the be~m o~ light e~i~e~l ~r ~he bulb 38 ~rom a wide angle beam tc- ~ n~rrow beam. T~i~ rotation~1 ~v~oment of lens c~ap 2R increases or decr~qases the ~lmpression i~ sprinq washer ~4 ~u~ the bull~ flange 4~ tain~d irl contact with the $wivel he~d sux~açe 20a. Conversely~ wh~3n tha swit~h bù~tt~n 62 is in ~n ~off " po~ tior shown ln Flg.
600 33Y~ sb:~i 16~ ~ ~n~
~ 3, ~ 3 ~ L C 1 `k ~
/' 2~g87~
1, swing~bl~ me3n~er 64 is d.isenga<~ed ~rc~m ro'cor contac~ 54 and th~ electrical circui r connecting the b~tteries 50 and the bulb ~8 is opened there~y f~xtinguishing the bulb :~fl~
The ~winga~le member 64 has a ball 66 at o~e e~d whi~h is pivotally retaine~ in a pla~e ~8 f~rmed of p7ast,ic. Plat~
6~ is dispose~ in an ~nml].a~ g~oo~e 70 formed .in th~ upper erld of the casi~ 12~ Swingable me~ber 64 al~o incLudes a stem 72 which i~ ~swung ~ack al~d for~h ~or ~ngagem~}~t and di~enga~emerlt with a f lange 5~b on ro~r contact 54 ~ Stem 7~ ext~nd~ ~.hro~h an c~pening 7~ in the switch button 62.
A shoulder 75 on the plate ~8 is ~e~ei~ed in a recess 78 in switch ~utton 6~ to lim.it th~ slidin~ ~ovem~nt of the swi~ button ~2. l~o~or ~on~a~ 5~, switch button 62, ~nd s~ingabl~ mem~er ~;4 con~ti~ute ~ "~it~h mech~nism" c:r electrically connecting ~he b~t~ ~ie~ 50 ~nd the. bulb 3~.
When swi~ l hea~ ~0 is rotate~ relativ~ tc~ base 1~ a~ou~
axi~i S, re~le~tor ~n and bulb 3~ ar~ mov~d to dif~ere~t positions with respect ~c~ the casing 12 in orde~ t~ dire~t the beam of light from b-llb 3~ in diffexent directions~
For e~ample, ~n ~ig. 1, ~wl~el he~cl 20 i~ rota~ed s~ that ref lector 30 and l~llb 3B are in a ~enerally horizontal po~tion. However, when s~7ivel he~d 20 i3 r~t~3d 180 de~re~s about axis S a~ shown in Fi~, 2, ra1ector 30 and bulb 38 T ~ 3~ SP ~ . 8 ~nt 2~8~
.7ill be m{~vec~ through an arc of ~ d4grees to a yer~erally vertical po~;it~ n Thi~ ~ovem~3nt o~ reflector 30 an~ bulb 38 is due ~ he unlque shap~ oP th~ ~wii vel h~ad ~0 which i~; asymm~rlc~l wi th ~a~p~c~ 'co a horis:c~n~elï tr~n~6as~e ~lane ex~eFldin~ throu~h the swivel head ~0 in F~
Slnce ~lan~e 54b on rotor contac~ 54 is ~nula~ shape as shown in ~ 3, it xemain5 ln ~ng~gem~nt with t~he stem 72 of ~winqab I a mem~er 6~ durlng ~ota~ional movement of ~wit~el head ~Q i~ ~h~ switCh buttQn 62 is i~ i~s "on"
p~sit~ion.~ On the other hand, the r~tor COllt~Ct flange 54b ns dis~nga~ad ~om the stem 72 o~ swill~able member b4 during rota~lon~ QVement of swivel head 20 i:E the sw~ tch button 62 is in its "off" positivn~
In an alterr~ativ~ embodin~er~t o~ ~lashli~7ht 10 ~ not shown), swivel llead 24 is ~orm~a o~ nQnconduc-~iv~ terlal and has a cQ~ducti~e wire extendi~g ther~h~ous~h c~ntacting bulb flange 4~ and ba~
Re~err~ n~ to ~isS . 4 an~ 5, a f la~h~igbt ~0 includ~
~asing 1~ con~aining bat~erie~3 SO, ~ail cap 14~ ~nd a h~a~
~s~em~ly 82 whic:h consi3ts o~ a swiv~l head ~4 threaà~d ont~
a ba3e 86 fo~ xotational ~ovement akout a swivel axis S~
The swivel he~d ~4 ha3 a reflec~or ~ and a lens 90~ ~ switch m~chan~ ~m ~ and lea~ ~4, ~6 electrically conn~c:t the ._0~ ` 3~ t b: 9 T 16, 8 ~n~
~0~8~7~
batteries S~ to one te~minal o~ a bulb ~8 tha~ i~ c~rried in a J~ore 1~0 in the ~wivel head 84. :3ulb ~8 ex~s~nds throllgh an an~led hole 8C3 in ~h~ re1ector 88~ A spràn~ wash~r 10 is compressed between ~as~ 8~ a~d a flange 104 on ~ulb 98 th~reby ur~ the bull:~ flang~ 1 Q4 a~ai~t th~ swi~el head 84. Flange 104 forms anol:.her ~.extninal. for ~u~h ~ which is electric~lîy connected Y:La spring waæher 1~ a~e 8C, caslng 12, t~it C~L~ 14 ~n~l ~pr~ n~ 48 to ~h~ batt~ri es sn.
Bulb 98 may b~ r~mvved from ~l~shligh~ ~0 by un~hr~adi~
th~ swivel heacl a4 from the base i~6. ~ sp~re bulb 106 is carried in a poc:ke~ 10~ 'ch~ ~iv21 head ~4.
As the swivel haad a4 is ~otate~ rel~tiv~3 ~o bas~ ~6 . ~D-4C~ about a~cis ~;, the bu~b ~8 ~emains ill a f;Lxed,~ t~enship with the ~asinS~ ut the reflector 88 is mo~d to di~e~ent positions and ~hus direc~s the ~eam o~ light emitr~ed ~y bulb 98 in di~e~ent dire~tions. Fo~ example~ in Fig. 4, -~h~
swivel he~d ~ is ro~ated so ~ha~ th~ r~f l~Gt~r 88 is ir a ~enerally hori~on~al p~sition ~hile, in ~ 51 the swiv~l head ~4 iæ rotated 180 d~rees ~rom Fig. 4 ~o ~h~t the re~lector 8~ is in a aene.rallv vertical ~sition~
S1~9 ` '3~ 1: 9 I I Ei . 8 9nt;
An o~j ect ~f the preserlt lnveen~on i~ ~o p~o~ide a flashlight h~vinq a switch ~n~¢hanism ~hat may be oper~ed usin~ c~ne hand.
Another obiect of the pre~ent inv~n~ioIl i~ t~ p~ovide a ~lashl ight havir~g a ~i~ivel he~d ~a~ m~y be r~ov~d to Ya~iou~;
an~ula~r and xota~ional positions~
The presen~ invention provi~les a fl~shlight c~pri~ing a c~sing containin~ a~ least one: bat~ery ~nd a head assembly mounted on the casing. The head assembly ~nc~ludes ~ ~wival head carrying a bulb ~or ~?mittin~ a ~n o~ light. ~hiæ
swivel head is arranged for rot~atiol-al n~ovement abou~ a swive:l axis which is dispos~:d at an acute angle with respect to ~ longitudi~al axis o~ th~ ~asing thereby direct:in~ th~ ~eam of light emitt~d by ~he bul.b in dif~er~nt ~lirec~iorls4 The rlashll~ht also compri~es 2 swltoh mechanislll for &lectr~ cally oo:m~3cting ~he battery and ~he bsll~ O The head a#sembly include~ a bas~ mo~nte.d on one. end o~ the c~ing, and the swi~el hea~ is rotatably mourlted on the base. Th~ ~ulb h~s a bottom por~ n thereo~ dispo~ed in ~ bore in tbe ~wivel head .
In c:ne èmbodiment ~ ~he fla~hli~ht, th~ swltt:h me~har compri~es a s~itch but~on sl id~ mo~ te~ in th~ ba~e OIC
~0- 39t~d zP :gl 1~ ~ 8 ~n~
the head assembly fo~ movemen~ betweerl a ~irst po~ition where tha bul~ i5 illum:nated anc~ a s~cond po~ition wher~ t~e bul~
is ~xtinguishe~.~ T~ s~Yit~h mf~c:hanism also ~omprises a rotor contact attached to the swivel head, ar~d a swinqabl~ me~er mounte~ i n the casin~. Th~3 swin~a~le member h~s a s~em which e~ends ehrQu~h an c~penir~ in the swi~h b~l~to~ his ~tem is enga~d with the olox contaot when ~he s~7itch ~ut.ton ls .in the ~irst p~sition but i~ disengz~ged ~rom ~he rotor contact when the switch button is in the ~eoQnd positlon~
Tl~e rotor contAct has a ~lan~e ~ha~ is annula~ in shap~ and which iq e~gaged With the s~e~n of thF~ ~wingable member when ~he s~ltch ~utton is in the first positior3. ~he rotor ~ontact also has a ~ca~ which is ~n~Qa ~ith ~n el ectr~ oal t~r~inal o~ the }:~ull~
OE SCRIPTlON OF ~ DRAWIItG~:
~ ig. 1 is a longit~dinal c~oss~ ~;ectiorl~l view of a fla~hlight aocordin~ tcr c~ne em~diment o~ the pre~ent invention, ~he ~lashligh~ havin~ a swive1 head carryi~g bulb;
Fi~. 2 is a lon~ituditlal cr~ss~ tivnal ~i~w of the ~la3hl~ght shown in Fi~ 1 with ~h~ swiYel head rotate:d 180 degrees so ~l~at th~ bulb is nloved th~ou-3h an aI-~ o$` 90 deg~e~s t~3E~ 33tld 8 b: 91 l li, 8 ~n~
~ f~
f~om a ~en/arally horizont~l position to a ~enerally v~artical Po~
Fig. 3 is a pian vies~ or one o~ th~ parts of the E}ashl ight ~ho~n in Fi~s~ 1 and 2; and Figs. 4 and 5 ~re lc~nsitudinal cross-sectional viewa o~ a flashlight acc:c)rdir~ to anoth~r ~m~cdiment of the present i nventlon .
~SCR~ ION ~P ~ PR3~FE~E:D ~B~D~ tT
Refer~in~ tc~ Fi~s. 1 and 2, a flashlight 1~ inclu~e~
a ~ylindricaq metal e~sing 1:2, a metal ~ail cap 7~ t~read~d on'co the lower e~d o~ e c~sing 12 , and ~ head a~ mbly 16 mounted ~n the upper end of the casing 1~. ~h~ head ass~mbly 16 consis~s ~ a ~ase 1~ prese~ed ontc~ ca~3in~ 1 a and a swivel head 20 r~tat~bly mounted on th~3 base 1~ y en~ging an annul~r groove 22 in the swivel he~d 24 wi th an annula~ :~iAn~e 24 on the base 18 . Swîvel h~sad 29 i~
arr~ngad fo:~ rotati~nal ~ovement abou~ a swivel ~cis ~ which }s d~ sposed at an a~ te angl~ Q:E app~oa~imately 45 de~r~:es with respect ~c) lon~ tu~inal ~xi~ C c~:f ca~n~ 12 . Th~ base 1~ arld th~ ~wivel head 20 ~ orm~ o ~:onduc~lve m~terial such as a suit~bl~ m~tal, and a rub~er o~ 26 is dispos~d i n ~h~ groove ~ 4 .
.
5~!~'3~d EP:91 ~6~ ~ ~nb - ~ 18~ 1 A l~ns ~ap 28 is t:hreaded into the swivel he~d ~Cr and a r~f le~tor 30 is m~un-t~d in the lens e~p 28 ~ An 0-riny 3~ is ~rovid~eà between the ler~s çap 28 and ~he swiv~l head 20. ~ len~ ~4 is dispo~;~d in a groove ~ ln the len~ cap 28. The s~iv~l he~d ~0 carries ~ bu~b 3B an~i has ~ br~re 4~ for receivirlg a ~ottom port~on 40 o~ the bulb 38. S~hen le~ cap 2~ is ins~al le~ rl swi~el head ~0, a sprin~ was~er 44 r~tz~ined in le~s c~p ~8 i~ compressed a~ain~ ~n ~nular metaL flangl3 4~ on the bulb 38 ~hereby urgin~ this flan~e 4~ into contact wlth surfaca 20a o:~ swivel he~ 0~ sulb ~ m~y ~e remoYed ~r~ lashlight 10 by unthreadlng ~he le~s cap 28 ~.rom the swivel l~ad ;~0.
It wlll be unders1:ood t hat ~he :Elange 46 ~orm~ ~ne e.lectrical terminal fo:r bul}~ 38 ~hich is connected vi~ sw~vel he~d ~, ba~e 18, c~sing 1~!J 12~ p 1~ and a spri.ng 48 to the negative terminal of one c~f ~ plurRlit~y O:e hag^~eries 50 contained in the casing 1 2. Spring ~8 is compre~
~twe~3n tail cap 14 an~ a~teries S0 when ~ hli~ht 10 i5 asseMbled~ Bulb 38 has another electric~al termin~l 5~ whi~h cont~t~ tabs 54a on a rotor contact S4, pr~ferably form~d of he~yl1ium c~ppar. T~bs ~4a ~nay be de~l~ct~ t~ acc~olnmodate bulb~ o~ varying lengths~ This :rot:oF ~ltaCt S4 iS attach~d to t}~ s~l heàd ~0 by a ~ai~ of plas~lo rive,ts 56 which ~0 ~3~d ~: 9 1 1 ~ ~ 8 ~n~
2~8~74 extend through holes 5~ in the rotos -~nta~t 54 . A p~d 5 ~orm~d ~f no~cond~lctive m~erial ir~sulates the ~o~or conta~
54 from ~h4 ~wiv~l head 20. The swivf~l head 2~ a~ten~d to base 1 B ~y a ~olt ~0 whi~h extends thro~s~h a }Ic~le 61 in rotor oont2lct 54. Since swivel ax~ s S ~oincides wi~h ~he longitudinal a~is oE bolt ~0 r ~wi~el head 20 ~c~ually xotate~
abou~ bolt ~0~ ~ bore ~3 i~ swiYel he~ad 2~ permits ~coess to bol~ ~ O ~
A swltah butkon 6~, prefera~ly o~m~d of nylon, is slidably mount~d in bas~ 18 of head ~ssem~ly 1~ ~ox ~noYing swi~ me~nber ~ to and ~ut :~ engagem~nt wi.th rotor ? D ~ 3 ~ p~ ~40C~
conta~t ~ A,When t]l~ ~wit~h b~ttc~n 62 is in an ~ n ' position shown in Fi~. 2, swingable IPember 6~ is e~gag~d with xot:or contact 54 and an elec~trical Ci~C~ connec~in~ the ba~te.ri.es 50 and the b~ilb ~8 is ~losed th~rel3y ;illuminati~g ~ bulb 38 . With th~ b~llb 3 8 i~lumi.nat~d, ~o~;atior~al inoVemeAt o~
the lens cap 28 ~elativ~ ~o the 5wiv~ head 2~ c~uses xQfla~tor 30 to focus the be~m o~ light e~i~e~l ~r ~he bulb 38 ~rom a wide angle beam tc- ~ n~rrow beam. T~i~ rotation~1 ~v~oment of lens c~ap 2R increases or decr~qases the ~lmpression i~ sprinq washer ~4 ~u~ the bull~ flange 4~ tain~d irl contact with the $wivel he~d sux~açe 20a. Conversely~ wh~3n tha swit~h bù~tt~n 62 is in ~n ~off " po~ tior shown ln Flg.
600 33Y~ sb:~i 16~ ~ ~n~
~ 3, ~ 3 ~ L C 1 `k ~
/' 2~g87~
1, swing~bl~ me3n~er 64 is d.isenga<~ed ~rc~m ro'cor contac~ 54 and th~ electrical circui r connecting the b~tteries 50 and the bulb ~8 is opened there~y f~xtinguishing the bulb :~fl~
The ~winga~le member 64 has a ball 66 at o~e e~d whi~h is pivotally retaine~ in a pla~e ~8 f~rmed of p7ast,ic. Plat~
6~ is dispose~ in an ~nml].a~ g~oo~e 70 formed .in th~ upper erld of the casi~ 12~ Swingable me~ber 64 al~o incLudes a stem 72 which i~ ~swung ~ack al~d for~h ~or ~ngagem~}~t and di~enga~emerlt with a f lange 5~b on ro~r contact 54 ~ Stem 7~ ext~nd~ ~.hro~h an c~pening 7~ in the switch button 62.
A shoulder 75 on the plate ~8 is ~e~ei~ed in a recess 78 in switch ~utton 6~ to lim.it th~ slidin~ ~ovem~nt of the swi~ button ~2. l~o~or ~on~a~ 5~, switch button 62, ~nd s~ingabl~ mem~er ~;4 con~ti~ute ~ "~it~h mech~nism" c:r electrically connecting ~he b~t~ ~ie~ 50 ~nd the. bulb 3~.
When swi~ l hea~ ~0 is rotate~ relativ~ tc~ base 1~ a~ou~
axi~i S, re~le~tor ~n and bulb 3~ ar~ mov~d to dif~ere~t positions with respect ~c~ the casing 12 in orde~ t~ dire~t the beam of light from b-llb 3~ in diffexent directions~
For e~ample, ~n ~ig. 1, ~wl~el he~cl 20 i~ rota~ed s~ that ref lector 30 and l~llb 3B are in a ~enerally horizontal po~tion. However, when s~7ivel he~d 20 i3 r~t~3d 180 de~re~s about axis S a~ shown in Fi~, 2, ra1ector 30 and bulb 38 T ~ 3~ SP ~ . 8 ~nt 2~8~
.7ill be m{~vec~ through an arc of ~ d4grees to a yer~erally vertical po~;it~ n Thi~ ~ovem~3nt o~ reflector 30 an~ bulb 38 is due ~ he unlque shap~ oP th~ ~wii vel h~ad ~0 which i~; asymm~rlc~l wi th ~a~p~c~ 'co a horis:c~n~elï tr~n~6as~e ~lane ex~eFldin~ throu~h the swivel head ~0 in F~
Slnce ~lan~e 54b on rotor contac~ 54 is ~nula~ shape as shown in ~ 3, it xemain5 ln ~ng~gem~nt with t~he stem 72 of ~winqab I a mem~er 6~ durlng ~ota~ional movement of ~wit~el head ~Q i~ ~h~ switCh buttQn 62 is i~ i~s "on"
p~sit~ion.~ On the other hand, the r~tor COllt~Ct flange 54b ns dis~nga~ad ~om the stem 72 o~ swill~able member b4 during rota~lon~ QVement of swivel head 20 i:E the sw~ tch button 62 is in its "off" positivn~
In an alterr~ativ~ embodin~er~t o~ ~lashli~7ht 10 ~ not shown), swivel llead 24 is ~orm~a o~ nQnconduc-~iv~ terlal and has a cQ~ducti~e wire extendi~g ther~h~ous~h c~ntacting bulb flange 4~ and ba~
Re~err~ n~ to ~isS . 4 an~ 5, a f la~h~igbt ~0 includ~
~asing 1~ con~aining bat~erie~3 SO, ~ail cap 14~ ~nd a h~a~
~s~em~ly 82 whic:h consi3ts o~ a swiv~l head ~4 threaà~d ont~
a ba3e 86 fo~ xotational ~ovement akout a swivel axis S~
The swivel he~d ~4 ha3 a reflec~or ~ and a lens 90~ ~ switch m~chan~ ~m ~ and lea~ ~4, ~6 electrically conn~c:t the ._0~ ` 3~ t b: 9 T 16, 8 ~n~
~0~8~7~
batteries S~ to one te~minal o~ a bulb ~8 tha~ i~ c~rried in a J~ore 1~0 in the ~wivel head 84. :3ulb ~8 ex~s~nds throllgh an an~led hole 8C3 in ~h~ re1ector 88~ A spràn~ wash~r 10 is compressed between ~as~ 8~ a~d a flange 104 on ~ulb 98 th~reby ur~ the bull:~ flang~ 1 Q4 a~ai~t th~ swi~el head 84. Flange 104 forms anol:.her ~.extninal. for ~u~h ~ which is electric~lîy connected Y:La spring waæher 1~ a~e 8C, caslng 12, t~it C~L~ 14 ~n~l ~pr~ n~ 48 to ~h~ batt~ri es sn.
Bulb 98 may b~ r~mvved from ~l~shligh~ ~0 by un~hr~adi~
th~ swivel heacl a4 from the base i~6. ~ sp~re bulb 106 is carried in a poc:ke~ 10~ 'ch~ ~iv21 head ~4.
As the swivel haad a4 is ~otate~ rel~tiv~3 ~o bas~ ~6 . ~D-4C~ about a~cis ~;, the bu~b ~8 ~emains ill a f;Lxed,~ t~enship with the ~asinS~ ut the reflector 88 is mo~d to di~e~ent positions and ~hus direc~s the ~eam o~ light emitr~ed ~y bulb 98 in di~e~ent dire~tions. Fo~ example~ in Fig. 4, -~h~
swivel he~d ~ is ro~ated so ~ha~ th~ r~f l~Gt~r 88 is ir a ~enerally hori~on~al p~sition ~hile, in ~ 51 the swiv~l head ~4 iæ rotated 180 d~rees ~rom Fig. 4 ~o ~h~t the re~lector 8~ is in a aene.rallv vertical ~sition~
S1~9 ` '3~ 1: 9 I I Ei . 8 9nt;
Claims (20)
1. A flashlight comprising:
a casing containing at least one battery, said casing having a longitudinal axis; and a head assembly mounted on said casing and including a swivel head carrying a bulb for emitting a beam of light, said swivel head being arranged for rotational movement about a swivel axis which is disposed at an acute angle with respect to said longitudinal axis thereby directing the beam of light emitted by said bulb in different directions.
a casing containing at least one battery, said casing having a longitudinal axis; and a head assembly mounted on said casing and including a swivel head carrying a bulb for emitting a beam of light, said swivel head being arranged for rotational movement about a swivel axis which is disposed at an acute angle with respect to said longitudinal axis thereby directing the beam of light emitted by said bulb in different directions.
2. The flashlight of claim 1, further comprising a switch mechanism for electrically connecting said battery and said bulb.
3. The flashlight of claim 2, wherein said head assembly comprises a base mounted on one end of said casing, and wherein said swivel head is rotatably mounted on said base.
4. The flashlight of claim 3, wherein said bulb has a portion thereof disposed in a bore in said swivel head.
5. The flashlight of claim 4, wherein said switch mechanism comprises a switch button slidably mounted in said base for movement between a first position where said bulb is illuminated and a second position where said bulb is extinguished.
6. The flashlight of claim 5, wherein said switch mechanism further comprises a rotor contact attached to said swivel head, and a swingable member mounted in said one end of said casing.
7. The flashlight of claim 6, wherein said swingable member has a stem which extends through an opening in said switch button, said stem being engaged with said rotor contact when said switch button is in said first position, and said stem being disengaged from said rotor contact when said switch button is in said second position.
8. The flashlight of claim 7, further comprising a plate mounted in said one end of said casing for pivotally retaining a ball on said swingable member.
9. The flashlight of claim 8, wherein said plate has a shoulder for limiting the sliding movement of said switch button.
10. The flashlight of claim 9, wherein said switch button includes a recess for receiving said shoulder on said plate.
11. The flashlight of claim 7, wherein said rotor contact has a flange which is engaged with said stem when said switch button is in said first position.
12. The flashlight of claim 11, wherein said rotor contact also has a tab which is engaged with an electrical terminal of said bulb.
13. The flashlight of claim 12, wherein said bulb has an annular flange which forms another electrical terminal.
14. The flashlight of claim 4, further comprising a lens cap attached to said swivel head, and a reflector mounted in said lens cap.
15. The flashlight of claim 14, further comprising a spring disposed between said reflector and said swivel head for urging said bulb into said bore.
16. The flashlight of claim 3, further comprising a tail cap attached to the other end of said casing, and a spring disposed between said tail cap and said battery for urging said battery toward said head assembly.
17. The flashlight of claim 1, wherein said bulb moves to different angular positions relative to said casing as said swivel head is rotated about said swivel axis.
18. The flashlight of claim 17, wherein said swivel head comprises a reflector which moves with said bulb to said different angular positions during rotational movement of said swivel head.
19. The flashlight of claim 1, wherein said bulb remains in a fixed relationship with said casing as said swivel head is rotated about said swivel axis.
20. The flashlight of claim 19, wherein said swivel head further comprises a reflector which is moved to different angular positions relative to said casing during rotational movement of said swivel head.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US565,506 | 1990-08-10 | ||
| US07/565,506 US5043854A (en) | 1990-08-10 | 1990-08-10 | Flashlight with swivel head |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2048874A1 true CA2048874A1 (en) | 1992-02-11 |
Family
ID=24258925
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002048874A Abandoned CA2048874A1 (en) | 1990-08-10 | 1991-08-09 | Flashlight with swivel head |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5043854A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2048874A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (29)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5386351A (en) * | 1994-02-15 | 1995-01-31 | Blue Tiger Corporation | Convenience flashlight |
| US5796088A (en) * | 1995-08-15 | 1998-08-18 | Teletransactions, Inc. | Hand held portable bar code dataform reader having a rotatable reader module portion |
| US5750975A (en) * | 1995-08-25 | 1998-05-12 | Teletransactions, Inc. | Hand held bar code dataform reader having a rotatable reading assembly |
| US6354715B1 (en) | 1998-01-26 | 2002-03-12 | Bison Sportslights, Inc. | Flashlight |
| CA2318454C (en) | 1998-01-26 | 2008-04-22 | Bison Sportslights Inc. | Improved flashlight |
| US6786616B1 (en) | 1999-01-06 | 2004-09-07 | Armament Systems And Procedures, Inc. | LED flashlight with switch separate from panel |
| US6357890B1 (en) | 2000-09-01 | 2002-03-19 | Armament Systems And Procedures, Inc. | Miniature LED flashlight |
| US6749317B1 (en) | 1999-01-06 | 2004-06-15 | Armament Systems And Procedures, Inc. | Miniature led flashlight |
| US6860615B2 (en) * | 1999-01-06 | 2005-03-01 | Armament Systems And Procedures, Inc. | LED flashlight with integral keyring clip |
| USD428175S (en) * | 1999-07-01 | 2000-07-11 | Eveready Battery Company, Inc. | Flashlight |
| US6796675B2 (en) * | 1999-08-16 | 2004-09-28 | Robert D. Galli | Miniature flashlight |
| AU6911100A (en) * | 1999-08-16 | 2001-03-13 | Emissive Energy Corporation | Miniature flashlight |
| AU767594B2 (en) | 1999-10-12 | 2003-11-20 | Eveready Battery Company Inc. | Flashlight having a pivoting head |
| TW594589B (en) * | 2000-05-29 | 2004-06-21 | Sysmex Corp | Automatic barcode reader and automatic analysis device having such automatic barcode reader |
| US6905223B2 (en) * | 2000-08-10 | 2005-06-14 | Mag Instrument, Inc. | Flashlight |
| DE10139377A1 (en) * | 2001-08-20 | 2003-03-13 | Creative Technology Hong Kong | Snap arrangement for a flashlight |
| US6802620B2 (en) * | 2001-10-12 | 2004-10-12 | Robert Galli | Flashlight housing with a key ring extension |
| US6971762B2 (en) * | 2002-02-01 | 2005-12-06 | Robert Galli | Dual mode switch mechanism for flashlights |
| US6976766B2 (en) * | 2002-04-18 | 2005-12-20 | Robert Galli | Dual mode switch mechanism for flashlights |
| US6709129B2 (en) * | 2002-04-18 | 2004-03-23 | Robert Galli | Dual mode switch mechanism for flashlights |
| US6877875B2 (en) * | 2002-11-06 | 2005-04-12 | Zen Design Group, Ltd | Canted head-mounted light |
| US7188969B2 (en) * | 2003-09-30 | 2007-03-13 | Uke Alan K | Emergency flashlight |
| WO2006052910A2 (en) * | 2004-11-07 | 2006-05-18 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Light |
| US7618155B2 (en) * | 2005-11-15 | 2009-11-17 | Jeff Jianhua Chen | Flashlights utilizing unique LED light sources |
| US9644830B2 (en) | 2013-02-04 | 2017-05-09 | Sunlite Science & Technology, Inc. | Application-specific LED module and associated LED point source luminaires |
| US10209005B2 (en) | 2015-10-05 | 2019-02-19 | Sunlite Science & Technology, Inc. | UV LED systems and methods |
| USD923838S1 (en) * | 2018-11-08 | 2021-06-29 | Ningbo Futai Electric Limited | Swivel light |
| DE102020109967A1 (en) * | 2020-04-09 | 2021-10-14 | Ledlenser GmbH & Co. KG | flashlight |
| CN111981333B (en) * | 2020-07-27 | 2023-07-04 | 浙江工商大学 | Hand-held lighting lamp |
Family Cites Families (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1699927A (en) * | 1927-06-27 | 1929-01-22 | Merle M Stearns | Flash light |
| US1832563A (en) * | 1927-12-02 | 1931-11-17 | Kuhn White Lab Inc | Electric flash light |
| US1832564A (en) * | 1928-03-31 | 1931-11-17 | Kuhn White Lab Inc | Electric flash light |
| US1820960A (en) * | 1930-07-22 | 1931-09-01 | Joseph D Champagne | Flash light |
| US2259673A (en) * | 1940-08-28 | 1941-10-21 | Ralph M White | Combination hunting light and flashlight |
| FR2524119B1 (en) * | 1982-03-26 | 1987-06-26 | Rousseau Jean Pierre | MINIATURE FLASHLIGHT |
| US4447863A (en) * | 1983-01-24 | 1984-05-08 | Pittway Corp | Hand-held light with swivel head |
| US4533982A (en) * | 1984-10-22 | 1985-08-06 | Kozar John J | Flashlight with swivelling head |
| US4777572A (en) * | 1986-11-25 | 1988-10-11 | Emilio Ambasz | Flashlight with adjustable lamp housing |
| US4937713A (en) * | 1989-08-21 | 1990-06-26 | Holt Timothy R | Flashlight with a pivotal hood |
-
1990
- 1990-08-10 US US07/565,506 patent/US5043854A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1991
- 1991-08-09 CA CA002048874A patent/CA2048874A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US5043854A (en) | 1991-08-27 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |