With Cane, Baton, Umbrella Or Club Patents (Class 362/102)
  • Patent number: 6299324
    Abstract: A lantern having a flashing lantern cap includes a flashing lantern cap, a head, and a handle. The flashing lantern cap is formed to be capable of being detachable from the lantern to make light emitted from a lamp of the lantern to flash. The flashing lantern cap is attached at the fore end of the head. The head has the lamp inside and into which the flashing lantern cap is inserted. The handle is coupled to the rear end of the head and stores a battery inside. The handle can further include at the rear end thereof a multi-function portion having at least one of a cutter for cutting provided at an angled inlet, a hammer for breaking a car window, and a compressed gas injector used for self-defense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Tae Hyung Kim
  • Patent number: 6293684
    Abstract: A wand light has a base tube (1) with a light-tube end in which a base end of a light tube (9) is pivotal concentrically with pivotal-light-switch attachment of the light tube to the base tube. The base tube contains a stored-energy unit (2) in addition to being a handle and a daytime signaler. The light tube contains a light emitter which can include a flashlight bulb (35) or a plurality of light-emitting diode units (18) on a circuit board (14). The light tube is twisted in the base tube for selective switching of current for the light emitter. Moisture-proof pivotal attachment of the light tube to the base tube, moisture-proof construction of the light tube and moisture-proof construction of the base tube render the entire wand light moisture-proof. Predetermined ruggedness, diameter, length, diameter per length and length of the light tube per length of the base tube render it adaptable to a wide variety of uses. Accidental and unintentional switching are prevented with twist switching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Edward L. Riblett
  • Patent number: 6286973
    Abstract: A combination handheld flashlight and audio recorder assembly. The assembly includes a housing having a hollow interior, and defining a handle for being gripped by a user. A light is contained within the assembly housing, and is adapted for being activated by the user to project light outwardly from the assembly housing to a selected area. An audio recorder is also contained within the assembly housing. The audio recorder includes a microphone for receiving sound messages delivered by the user and a memory medium to store the sound messages for subsequent playback by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Wallace Jackson Thrower
  • Patent number: 6283610
    Abstract: A flashlight design with a rotatable head which operates about an inclined pivot axis such that the light beam may be pointed either in alignment with, or over a range up to a right angle with respect to the base of the flashlight. The flashlight uses one or more battery cells. It includes an electrical sliding commutator mechanism for electrically connecting the bulb to the battery independent of the rotated position of the rotatable head relative to the base. The flashlight also contains a threaded fitting at the end of the base to allow physical interconnection and integration with other products that would benefit by being connected with a maneuverable light source. Such products include, but are not limited to, umbrellas golf bags, and carpentry tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Philip M. Alajajian
  • Patent number: 6270230
    Abstract: An umbrella with alert device includes a circular umbrella cover made of waterproof fabric or plastic material, an umbrella frame for supporting the umbrella cover to form an umbrella body, and an alert device for providing visual warning signal to others on the road. The alert device includes a battery receiver mounted below the umbrella cover, a battery stored within the battery receiver for providing power supply, a plurality of LEDs which are electrically connected with each other and the battery by electrical wires and spacedly disposed around an outer edges of the gores, a transparent strip water-sealedly welded on the outer edges of the panels by ultrasonic welding or sewed on the outer edges of the gores to cover the LEDs and the electrical wires, and a power switch electrically connected to the battery for controlling on and off of the alert device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Kuei Ying Mai
  • Patent number: 6267481
    Abstract: An illumination assembly for an umbrella has a transparent tubular member, a sleeve detachably mounted on the tubular member, an LED with two legs securely received in the sleeve and a control unit mounted in the sleeve to provide electricity to the LED. The tubular member has a longitudinal central hole and a conical division wall integrally formed in the central hole. The LED faces the conical division wall of the tubular member. By such an arrangement, the illumination from the LED can be reflected repeatedly by the conical division wall of the tubular, and the transparent tubular member can become into a lighting member with the light of the LED. This can improve the illumination effect to other people to increase the safety of using the umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Jeng Tai Umbrella Mfg., Corp.
    Inventor: Chiu-Hsiung Yang
  • Patent number: 6257733
    Abstract: A walking staff with a battery powered illuminator unit at one end including a glass sphere and multiple visible light sources positioned so as to create beams of light at selected angles outside the sphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Albert Cruz
  • Patent number: 6217187
    Abstract: A hand-carriable baton for displaying at least one chemiluminescent light stick which provides a determinate period of ambient light includes an elongated tubular body having first and second ends, and an inner bore coequal in length with the body. The bore is closed at the first end by a removably securable cap to which a lanyard is attached, and secured to the second end is a socket member. One illumination producer in the form of a chemiluminescent light stick is mounted to the socket member for projecting outwardly therefrom for providing ambient light of fixed duration while a second illumination producer, also a chemiluminescent light stick, is stored within the bore for replacing the first light stick. The tubular body also includes an anti-rotation element adjacent the second end to prevent the device from rolling away from the user if dropped on any ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: J. Vincent Demsko
  • Patent number: 6206537
    Abstract: An electrically illuminated attention-attracting device and a method of using it, relate to using a device emitting alternatingly at least two different colored lights. The device is turned on and off alternatingly to emit alternatingly the different colored lights. The device is moved to produce a visually perceptible light pattern comprising a sequence of alternating multicolored light images where the length of each one of the colored light images varies with the speed of movement of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Lane T. Hauck
  • Patent number: 6186640
    Abstract: A hand bag includes an axle structure; several arched support ribs each having a first rib end and a second rib end and being rotatably mounted at the first and second rib ends to the axle structure and bowing outwardly between the first and second rib ends; and flexible sheet material laterally interconnecting the support ribs, so that the sheet material folds and unfolds in accordion fashion as the ribs rotate about the axle structure, the flexible sheet material having an opening defining a hand bag access opening. The several of support ribs preferably include two immediately adjacent opening ribs which are not interconnected by the sheet material, so that rotating the opening ribs about the axle structure away from each other defines between the opening ribs the hand bag access opening. The hand bag preferably additionally includes a hand bag internal lighting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Melina Typaldos
  • Patent number: 6152491
    Abstract: A ski pole incorporating a intermittent flashing and high intensity lighting assemblies. The ski pole includes an elongate and substantially cylindrical shaft which terminates at a first end in a hand grip and at a second end in a spike engaging portion. First through sixth individual lighting elements are located at longitudinally spaced apart and circumferentially arrayed locations of the ski pole shaft. The lighting elements each include light emitting diodes which are connected in parallel to a microprocessor, the microprocessor being capable of instructing each of the lighting elements to illuminate successively for a selected period of time. A battery source is incorporated into the ski pole and is capable of powering the microprocessor and individual lighting elements. An on/off switch is located in proximity to the hand grip and is capable of activating/deactivating the microprocessor and lighting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Dominic Queentry
  • Patent number: 6145993
    Abstract: An illuminated cane tip, which communicates the sight handicapped user's needs to others. It's illumination may be of varying colors, and can be used both day and night. It is made of a hard transparent or translucent acrylic material for maximum strength. Flakes of reflective material or air bubbles may be added to enhance its light emitting effect. A battery, light bulb, switch and conducting wires, are housed within the invention. The invention may be formed from a solid mold, or may be hollow. The invention is attached to a cane by either knot or slide means. When attached by knot means, the cane's cord is threaded through a needle eye opening in the invention; pulled through the cane's shaft, looped through the handle of the cane, again pulled through the cane's shaft, and knotted in order to secure the invention to the cane. When attached by slide means, the hollow neck portion of the invention, slides over the cane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Frank Filippino
  • Patent number: 6139165
    Abstract: A flashlight or nightstick/baton assembly in which the end cap of the assembly has been removed and replaced with a punch assembly having a threaded base replacing the end cap and a head cap secured to the base and slidably moveable with respect to the base, the head cap enclosing a biasing means and a punch means, the punch means being receptive and reactive to the slidable movement of the head cap in relationship to the base for engagement with tempered glass and automatically resetting after such engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Robert E. Crowe
  • Patent number: 6135605
    Abstract: A waterproof flashlight device for umbrellas comprises a shell made of transparent soft material, a circuit board, at least a battery, and a self-control switch. The shell has a seat installed inside. The seat is joined with a stage having a hollow chamber inside through a waterproof grommet. The circuit board is installed inside the stage. The flashlight circuit on the circuit board connects to at least a battery. The self-control switch connects the battery with the flashlight circuit. The self-control switch has two soft circuit boards. A metal ball is lapped on one of the two soft circuit boards. When the user unfolds the umbrella at night, the metal ball will contact the two soft circuit boards, and the battery will provide electricity to the flashlight circuit. The flashlight circuit will thus flash when there is no sufficient light outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventors: Chia Ming Hsu, Wen Shan Yeh
  • Patent number: 6126291
    Abstract: An umbrella includes: an illuminative grip detachably coupled to an inner grip portion formed on a bottom end of a central shaft of the umbrella. The illuminative grip has at least a battery detachably mounted in a cartridge of the grip, a lamp mounted in a cover detachably securable to the cartridge, and plural packing rings provided for sealing the connecting parts of the illuminative grip for water proof purpose. Upon detachment of the grip from the shaft of the umbrella, the grip having a lamp fixed thereon will serve as a portable independent flashlight for convenient illumination uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Fu Tai Umbrella Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Lin Chung-Kuang, Jung-Jen Chang
  • Patent number: 6126293
    Abstract: An illuminating umbrella includes a top illuminator fixed on a top end of an umbrella central shaft, a plurality of tip illuminators respectively fixed on a plurality of tips of the umbrella ribs of two or multiple folds; each illuminator having a positive wire electrically connected to a positive conducting ring secured on an upper notch of the central shaft, and having a negative wire electrically connected to a negative conducting ring formed on the upper notch of the central shaft, with the positive conducting ring electrically connected to a positive pole of a power source, and the negative conducting ring electrically connected to the negative pole of the power source through an on-off switch, having a safely protected and reliably connected electrical circuit provided among the illuminators and the power source; and a flasher connected between the power source and the illuminators for flashing the illuminators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Tsun-Zong Wu
  • Patent number: 6126292
    Abstract: A rice flail assembly includes a pair of transparent rods each having one end portion having an end face, a pair of sleeves each mounted on one of the corresponding rods, a pair of connecting posts each received in one of the corresponding sleeves and connected with a connecting chain, and a pair of light emitting devices each mounted in one of the corresponding sleeves and each pressed between the connecting post and the end face of the rod for emitting light, thereby creating an aesthetic quality and enhancing the amusing effect thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Kuo-Hsin Liu
  • Patent number: 6122853
    Abstract: A lightweight, portable fish strike indicator for use with a fishing rod to provide a visible indication of the movement of the rod tip especially during low ambient light conditions. The fish strike indicator includes a high intensity light source, which transmits light through an optical fiber to the tip portion of a fishing rod. The motion of the tip during and after a fish strike are translated in to a visible light trace whose arc length and oscillation frequency are proportional to the force of the strike and provides an indication whether the fish has been hooked. The high intensity light source along with the optical fiber extending to the tip of the rod can be easily attached to or removed from the outer surface of the shaft of a fishing rod, or may be imbedded inside the shaft as a more permanent accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Christine Genous-Moore
  • Patent number: 6116746
    Abstract: A tool includes a handle having a driving stem for driving a fastener and having a chamber for receiving one or more batteries. A light bulb is received in the handle. A cover is secured to the handle for blocking the chamber. The cover includes an orifice for allowing a light generated by the light bulb to emit outward of the handle. A cap is pivotally coupled to the cover for selectively enclosing the orifice. The cap includes a conductor selectively actuated to engage with the light bulb when the cap is opened. The conductor may be disengaged from the light bulb when the cap is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Chang-Hsing Yeh
    Inventor: Gin Tzou Hsu
  • Patent number: 6089727
    Abstract: An illuminating umbrella includes a top illuminator fixed on a top end of an umbrella central shaft, and a plurality of tip illuminators respectively fixed on a plurality of tips of the top ribs of the umbrella. Each illuminator has a positive wire electrically connected to a positive conducting ring secured on an outer peripheral portion of an umbrella notch or ferrule formed on an upper end of the central shaft, and a negative wire electrically connected to a negative conducting ring embedded on the central shaft which serves as a negative conductor. The positive conducting ring is electrically connected to a positive pole of a power source, of which the negative pole is electrically connected to the central shaft through an on-off switch slidably held on a grip of the shaft thereby forming a reliable stable power connection circuit among the illuminators and the power source. A flasher is connected between the power source and the illuminators for flashing the illuminators when turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Tzun-Zong Wu
  • Patent number: 6070987
    Abstract: A hand-held illuminated presentation pointer is described. In a lighted room, the pointer has all of the advantages of a conventional pointing rod. In a darkened room, the pointer can be illuminated so that it emits light from just one side of the shaft. When used in conjunction with a projected image such as from a 35 mm slide, the pointer is held so that illuminated side of the shaft faces the audience, with the result that the pointer is clearly visible as a glowing line in front of the projected image, and yet the appearance of the image is unaffected. Smaller illuminated pointers for use at close range are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Jonathan Wallace Jarvik
  • Patent number: 6068006
    Abstract: The luminous umbrella of the present invention uses a high proportion of the light generated by mounting the light bulb high on the shaft such that most of the light from the light bulb is projected at the highly reflective undersurface. The curvature of the undersurface focusses the light from the light bulb down to illuminate a space immediately around the user. This illuminated space widens towards the bottom, thereby providing the widest illumination at the ground where it is most needed. As a result of the light being efficiently focussed, the required luminosity of the light bulb is reduced, enabling the umbrella to be used using an incandescent light bulb and a few 1.5 volt batteries. Alternatively, if it is desired to provide increased illumination, the conventional incandescent bulb may be replaced with a halogen bulb. The batteries will still suffice to provide bright illumination by the halogen bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: Sean Murphy
  • Patent number: 6052051
    Abstract: A multilocation defense device which simultaneously protects self and property. The hand-held device includes a remote-control mechanism for remotely activating an alarm system in a home, building, and/or motor vehicle, and a source of high-intensity sound emanating from the defense device, which can be electronically programmed to send an "S.O.S." signal in Morse code. Further defense of self is provided by bright lights and a spray of a chemical repellent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Patrick J. Whalen
  • Patent number: 6024464
    Abstract: An umbrella assembly comprising a tubular structure having a telescoping umbrella slidably positionable down into a compartment formed within the tubular structure and sealable with a cap member. The tubular structure is attached to a plate that is provided with a harness system for attaching the plate to the back area of a wearer. The umbrella telescopes out of the tubular structure to extend over the head area of the wearer. A battery pack is provided for powering a safety light above the canopy of the umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: Armando De Vera
  • Patent number: 6012820
    Abstract: Hand-holdable novelty article comprising a handle, a light source and a plurality of sections of color shifting film. The light source is preferably disposed within an end of the handle. The plurality of sections of color shifting film extend from the end of the handle. During use, light from the light source interacts with the plurality of strands of color shifting film, producing a brilliant colored effect. Movement of the plurality of sections of color shifting film produces multiple colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Compnay
    Inventors: Michael F. Weber, Leland R. Whitney, Olester Benson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6009649
    Abstract: A promotional amusement device including a handle element which includes a grip portion at its lower end, and a spherical globe portion at the upper end. A series of three telescopically arranged tubular members are arranged to be nestled within the handle member, and including a spring member associated with the tubular members in order to extend the tubular members into a fully extended position. A transparent stretchable boot is provided and arranged to be nested within the upper spherical globe portion of the handle, and includes a top cap mounted on the inner most tubular member and which also provides a rest point for the transparent stretchable boot. Upon release of the spring member, the tubular members are fully extended to the open position and carry with it the transparent stretchable boot to its fully extended position. The boot, spherical globe portion and handle member are all adapted to carry promotional indicia thereon which are displayed when the boot is fully extended by the tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Michael Bianchi
  • Patent number: 5973618
    Abstract: A portable safety mechanism housed in a cane, a walking stick or a belt-carried housing. In each of such embodiments, the portable safety mechanism includes a processor, a transmitter, a receiver, and an outside image sensor or scanner, a warning device such as an audible warning device or warning light. The scanner may, for example, sense the shape of a traffic signal or the color of a traffic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Christ G. Ellis
  • Patent number: 5960805
    Abstract: The luminous umbrella of the present invention uses a high proportion of the light generated by mounting the light bulb high on the shaft such that most of the light from the light bulb is projected at the highly reflective undersurface. The curvature of the undersurface focuses the light from the light bulb down to illuminate a space immediately around the user. This illuminated space widens towards the bottom, thereby providing the widest illumination as the ground where it is most needed. As a result of the light being efficiently focused, the required luminosity of the light bulb is reduced, enabling the umbrella to be used using an incandescent light bulb and a few 1.5 volt batteries. Alternatively, if it is desired to provide increased illumination, the conventional incandescent bulb may be replaced with a halogen bulb. The batteries will still suffice to provide bright illumination by the halogen bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Sean Murphy
  • Patent number: 5954417
    Abstract: An umbrella with alert device includes a circular umbrella cover made of waterproof fabric or plastic material, an umbrella frame for supporting the umbrella cover to form an umbrella body, and an alert device for providing visual warning signal to others on the road. The alert device includes a battery receiver mounted below the umbrella cover, a battery stored within the battery receiver for providing power supply, a plurality of LEDs which are electrically connected with each other and the battery by electrical wires and spacedly disposed around an outer edges of the gores, a transparent strip water-sealedly welded on the outer edges of the panels by ultrasonic welding or sewed on the outer edges of the gores to cover the LEDs and the electrical wires, and a power switch electrically connected to the battery for controlling on and off of the alert device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Kuei Ying Mai
  • Patent number: 5911493
    Abstract: The invention provides for an umbrella, part of which is indicated by reference numeral 10. The umbrella 10 includes a post 12, a plurality of ribs 16 and a canopy, not shown, supported on the ribs 16. The umbrella 10 further includes a light source in the form of a length of rope lighting 32 carried by and extending along each of the ribs 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventors: Robert Lawrence Walker, Leslie Ronald Wittenberg
  • Patent number: 5901721
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically unfolding and for displaying a road map for use by a driver or a passenger is provided. The road map is preferably made from a resilient fabric or similar material which is stretched over an umbrella-like mechanism that is attached to a shaft, such that when the mechanism is activated, the road map is automatically unfolded by the mechanism to a position perpendicular to the shaft. When the mechanism is inactive the road map is substantially conically folded about the shaft forming a generally cylindrical assembly. The mechanism may be returned to its inactive state automatically, by use of a return mechanism, or manually by the user. A device for attaching the apparatus to an area within a vehicle cabin is also provided. Preferably, the device enables the apparatus to be positioned by the user so as to provide the best viewing position for the user while driving the vehicle. The device is preferably freely detachable from the area to which it may be attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Sahba Sadeghvaziri
  • Patent number: 5901723
    Abstract: Pepper spray canister is mounted in the tubular bore of a cane or walker leg or handle, and is actuable by a trigger mounted adjacent, or in, the handle after release of a safety interlock. Several embodiments are shown, both with the canister in the handle or remote therefrom, and wherein the spray can exit the base (tip) of the cane leg or adjacent the handle. One embodiment comprises a trigger interlock button sleeve mountable at the top of the leg with the canister, actuable by a rod passing down the leg, located adjacent the lower end of the leg. Other embodiments include a straight, T-shaped or L-shaped handle which houses the canister. Several trigger mechanisms are shown: first at the rear juncture of the handle and leg; at the forward juncture thereof; or on the forward top surface of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Russell R. Ames
  • Patent number: 5893483
    Abstract: The personal protection device described herein has a deterrent spray feature, a flashlight, a siren, and a key holder. The personal hand-held protection device comprises a roughly L-shaped main body portion including a hand grip with individually recessed finger rests. A knuckle guard portion attached at two points to the main body portion protects a user's knuckles as the user's fingers grasp the hand grip. A light and spray nozzle are disposed at a first end of said main body portion and aim generally in the same direction so the user can illuminate the area where he is directing deterrent spray or colored dye. Mounted in the main body potion is a siren for emitting a loud noise. Also contained in the main body portion are a battery compartment for storing batteries to energize the light and siren, and a reservoir for storing the deterrent spray or colored dye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Inventor: Julian Keith Duran
  • Patent number: 5865524
    Abstract: A resilient watertight light baton is disclosed having multicolored light source and power source mounted therein. The light sources are in electrical communication with the power source via magnetic switches and resistor elements. The exterior walls of the light baton are machined to effectively transmit light from the light source. The body of the light baton further includes a ring switch about a portion of the body proximate to the light source. The ring switch includes a magnetic portion. As the ring switch is rotated and the magnetic portion is brought proximate to the magnetic switches, the electrical communication is completed thereby activating the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: James P. Campman
  • Patent number: 5865202
    Abstract: The luminous umbrella of the present invention uses a high proportion of the light generated by mounting the light bulb high on the shaft such that most of the light from the light bulb is projected on the undersurface of the umbrella canopy The undersurface has a high luminous reflectance and is curved, consequently focusing the light from the light bulb down to illuminate a space immediately around the user. This luminous space widens towards the bottom, thereby providing the widest illumination at the ground where it is most needed. As a result of the light being efficiently focussed, the required luminosity of the light bulb is reduced, enabling the umbrella to be powered using an incandescent light bulb and a few 1.5 volt batteries. Alternatively, if it is desired to provide extremely bright illumination, the conventional incandescent bulb may be replaced with a halogen bulb. The batteries still suffice to provide bright illumination by the halogen bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Sean Murphy
  • Patent number: 5850807
    Abstract: An illuminated pet leash for allowing a pet owner to easily and remotely locate the pet leash. The device includes an elongated non-opaque tube having a bundle of optical fibers longitudinally disposed therein, a housing attached to a first end of the tube, a snap swively connected to a second end of the tube, an encoding/transmitting device for encoding and transmitting a plurality of output signals, a receiving/decoding device disposed within the housing for receiving and decoding the output signals and a light source coupled to the receiving/decoding device, the light source being disposed within the housing and further being disposed in lighting relationship to the bundle of optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Inventor: Russell R. Keeler
  • Patent number: 5848831
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an illuminated umbrella intended to assure safety of the user of the umbrella in rainy weather, comprising a light source in a handle or a shaft, thereby illuminating at least part of the shaft coupled to the handle, and therefore the inside of the umbrella, and the face of the user or the vicinity are illuminated by illuminating the shaft itself which is near the face when using to notice the presence of man emphatically to others and drivers, so that the safety of the user in traffic may be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Inventor: Akira Tatsumi
  • Patent number: 5839461
    Abstract: A protective apparatus for walkers, hikers, and others incorporating a section containing a switchable combination alarm and incapacitating defensive fluid and incorporating a socket for attachment of a camera or lanyard, a storage section, a battery and electrical alarm section incorporating a socket for attachment of an optional walking stick and in a second variation a handle for use as part of a walking cane and in a third variation, an electrical prodding device in place of the storage section and contact points for the electrical prodding device extending from the battery and alarm section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Harvey F. Lambeth, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5816685
    Abstract: A flashlight that forms a handhold of an umbrella is provided that includes a thimble threadedly connected to a sleeve barrel coupled to the shaft of an umbrella. A transparent disc, a lamp assembly and two batteries are disposed in the thimble. A conducting seat is positioned adjacent the lamp assembly and has a hollow sleeve through which a push rod passes to turn the flashlight on and off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Hsien-Te Hou
  • Patent number: 5810466
    Abstract: A walking cane includes an elongated leg with a foot at a lower end and a transversely extending handle at an upper end for manipulating the cane and directionally controlling a flashlight in the handle to illuminate a travel path forwardly of the cane. An elongated, gas filled tube light is provided in the leg of the cane between the foot and handle for general illumination around the area. Each light source is selectively controlled and powered by batteries self-contained in the handle body of the walking cane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: Michael D. Young
  • Patent number: 5791761
    Abstract: Many individuals in wheelchairs are struck by motor vehicles while crossing roadways. Usually motorists fail to see them. This invention provides for a warning lamp apparatus for a wheelchair comprising: a mounting base adapted to be slidingly received and removed from the upper rear portion of the wheelchair; an upright support member extending from the mounting base; a lamp mounted on the top portion of the upright member; an umbrella support arm connected to the mounting base and a power supply means to illuminate the lamp. A preferred aspect of this invention provides for an apparatus as above wherein the mounting base is a generally horizontal U shaped member having a box connected thereto and the U shaped member slidingly received in a rear upper portion of the wheelchair. The box is adapted to carry the umbrella support arm and provide accessory storage for the rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventors: Connie Bryant, Douglas H. Kirkpatrick
  • Patent number: 5728003
    Abstract: A pressure point device is formed by an end piece attached to a baton or flashlight. The end piece defines two pressure point surfaces. A first pressure point surface is defined by a bulbous tip of the end piece. The tip extends longitudinally along the axis of the baton or flashlight. A second pressure point surface is defined by a shoulder of the end piece. The shoulder has a larger diameter than the baton or flashlight in the region where attached. Thus, the shoulder protrudes radially defining an effective pressure point surface. The presence of shoulder with the bulbous tip increases the range of positions for holding the baton or flashlight while applying force to a pressure point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Gregory B. Hustad
  • Patent number: 5722445
    Abstract: An improved multi-purposed cane including a handle and a stick attached to the root portion of the handle. The handle is integrally configured defining a receiving chamber extending horizontally and longitudinally. In the left half portion of the receiving chamber, an electrical components set is attached and retained thereof. The electrical components set includes a battery cell, a printed circuit board, a lamp, a push button switch, and a warning light disposed at the rear portion of the receiving chamber. The improved features is the bottom portion of the battery cell which is provided with a recess corresponding to the root portion of the handle. The root portion of the handle defines vertically an inner chamber having a clipping element thereof. The clipping element includes a biasing post, a compression spring and a cap button. The cap button is received in the recess and its top is projected into the receiving chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventors: Shyu Shing Hae, William Du
  • Patent number: 5707135
    Abstract: An umbrella in which a flashlight has a body adapted to have one end attached to the shaft of the umbrella to be used as a handle for the umbrella. The light bulb and reflector are mounted in the opposite end of the flashlight body, which is angled to make it easier to direct the beam. The flashlight body is sealed against the entrance of moisture. Each end cap has an O-ring seal and the switch is a deflectable rubber or plastic button. The batteries and switch are mounted to a removable cartridge or carrier piece which mates with the inside of the flashlight body so as to be able to be inserted in only one way insuring correct assembly. The end cap at the end of the flashlight body attached to the umbrella shaft has a tapered bore press fitted to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Moses Miller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5697695
    Abstract: A signal stick including a handle holding a battery set, a connector connected to the handle by a screw joint to hold a circuit board, a transparent sleeve coupled to the connector, an inner tube mounted within the transparent sleeve and having a bottom end plugged into an annular top open chamber of the connector and a top end made with locating grooves, a negative metal wire rod and three positive metal wire rods respectively hung on the locating grooves of the inner tube within the transparent sleeve and connected to the circuit board, a plurality of LEDs of different colors respectively connected between the negative metal wire rod and the positive metal wire rods, a selector switch mounted on the connector and adapted for turning on a particular color of LEDs, and a manual/auto control switch shifted between an automatic mode to automatically turn on the LEDs in a predetermined order, and a manual mode to let the LEDs be controlled by the selector switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventors: Adam Lin, Kuo-Tsen Lin
  • Patent number: 5692965
    Abstract: A golf swing training device includes a golf club including a head coupled to a shaft. At least one laser device detachably coupled to the shaft of the golf club and produces at least one laser beam. A power source is coupled to the laser device. An attachment mechanism detachably secures the laser device to the golf club shaft in a manner such that the laser beam provides a feedback signal to the golfer that is indicative of a position and a motion of the head during the top of a backswing of the golf club by the golfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventors: William L. Nighan, Jr., Steven Arkley
  • Patent number: 5685636
    Abstract: This invention provides a fixed or portable non-lethal laser security device and method for use of such device as a non-damaging weapon and security system to provides warning and visual impairment upon an intruder. At a predetermined laser wavelength and intensity, this invention utilizes laser light in the visible portion of the wavelength spectrum to create temporary visual impairment, hesitation, delay, distraction, and reductions in combat and functional effectiveness through the effects of glare, flashblind, and psychological impact. The preferred embodiment of the laser security device in the present invention involves the use of laser technology with a remotely operated security system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Science and Engineering Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. German
  • Patent number: 5665006
    Abstract: A golf swing training device configured to be removably attached to the handle of a standard golf club. The training device includes a light source that generates a parallel light beam, such as a laser beam, which enables a golfer using this device to visually monitor the position of the club with accuracy throughout the golf swing. The light source is enclosed within a pair of housings that are threadably coupled, such that the light source is activated by rotating one of the housings relative to the other. The training devices is secured to the golf club handle solely with a threaded member that is screwed into an opening in the end of the handle and draws the base of the device against the end of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Plane Sight, Inc.
    Inventor: John Thomas Pellegrini
  • Patent number: 5647591
    Abstract: A quick-connect, universal connecting system for rapidly mounting accessories on law enforcement batons for providing ready access to full capacity equipment while not increasing the amount of equipment to be carried by law enforcement personnel. The connecting system includes an accessory connector having two components adapted to be attached separately to the baton or accessory and secured together by a pin and socket connection. The pin and socket connection defines a bayonet-type locking mechanism for rapid connection and disconnection with less than one turn thereby allowing an officer to quickly assemble the accessory and baton as an approach is made. The locking mechanism includes a spiral shaped channel which continues to tighten the connection between the pin and the socket as it wears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Parsons
  • Patent number: 5642931
    Abstract: A hand held beacon uniquely suited for hailing taxicabs is an excellent signalling device that is easy to operate and adaptable for carrying. By pushing a button on the handle portion that releases a protruding member from a groove in a light element, the tubular plastic light element that has a lower annular metal lip and that is telescoped between an outer tube and an inner copper tube springs up and closes a circuit to cause a bulb at the top of the handle portion to beam light through the light element. The transparent light element tube has a reflective, blocking layer adhesively attached to the inside of the tube other than at transparent or translucent portions defining the letters of the word "TAXI" and defining adjacent translucent annular bands. The reflective layer, which reflects light coming from outside in some embodiments is reflective also on the inside for enhanced distribution of light through the light element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: TaxiWand Inc.
    Inventor: Evan E. Gappelberg