Flat Flashlight Casing Patents (Class 362/200)
  • Patent number: 6523973
    Abstract: A miniature flashlight consists of a housing, a light emitting diode (LED), a pair of batteries, and a flexible cover and a contact clip that acts as a switch. The LED has a head portion and two contact arms. One of the contact arms is shorter than the other and is displaced at a slight angle relative to the longer contact arm. The LED is received in a seat formed in the housing with the head portion of the diode received in an aperture in the side wall of the housing. The longer contact arm is captured in a channel formed in the bottom wall. The shorter contact arm rests on a shoulder that forms part of the LED seat. A pair of coin cell batteries are received within another seat formed in housing. The lower battery sits on top of the longer contact arm captured in the channel of the bottom wall. A resilient plastic cover is assembled with the housing to maintain the diode and the batteries within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Robert D. Galli
  • Patent number: 6511214
    Abstract: A flashlight having a power source and an LED positioned in a housing. A switch is provided on the housing to activate the light source, and a magnet is affixed to the flashlight to allow the flashlight to be mounted to metal surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Parsons, W. Clay Reeves
  • Patent number: 6508569
    Abstract: A flat illuminator, which may have a replaceable battery power supply and with a sliding inner body forming an “on” and “off” switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventors: Mark Howard Krietzman, Yu-Hsin Chen
  • Patent number: 6508568
    Abstract: A light assembly designed to be mounted within and illuminate an interior portion of a purse, pocketbook or like structure including a casing having a substantially hollow interior, the boundaries of which are defined by a surrounding, exterior wall at least partially formed from a transparent or light transmitting portion. A circuit assembly including an illumination source, a power source and a switch assembly is mounted, at least partially, within the interior of the casing such that the illumination source is aligned with the light transmitting portion so as to generate light from the casing into interior portions of the purse for illumination thereof. A mounting structure is secured, at least in part, to the exterior wall and, dependent upon the specific structural embodiment thereof the casing may be permanently or removably connected to any one of a variety of different positions within the interior of the purse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Brenda Robinson Blue-Recio
  • Patent number: 6478443
    Abstract: A bookcase lamp comprises a seat, a lamp, and a switch. The seat is a casing with a flat and long shape and is assembled by a box, a lamp, and a base. The lamp is installed on the seat. The switch is installed on the seat for controlling opening and closing of the lamp. Therefore, the bookcase lamp can be placed in a bookcase like a book. As the user searches a book, the bookcase lamp will provide illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Jack Lin
  • Publication number: 20020145868
    Abstract: A removable mailbox light which can be quickly, easily and removably attached to a mailbox for illuminating the mailbox interior when the mailbox door is opened. In a preferred embodiment, the removable mailbox light is characterized by a housing fitted with an attachment clip for removably attaching the housing to the mailbox, with the housing disposed in the mailbox interior. The housing contains a pair of batteries, and a light bulb disposed in electrical contact with the batteries extends from the front end of the housing adjacent to a beveled, concave or dish-shaped reflection surface. When the mailbox door is closed, a spring-loaded activation clip pivotally mounted in the rear end of the housing is pressed against the housing and breaks electrical contact between the batteries to extinguish the light bulb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: James C. Barton
  • Publication number: 20020136006
    Abstract: A card-shaped flashlight device includes a holder, a lamp module mounted on the holder, one or both of a flasher light module and a buzzer module mounted on the holder, and a planar battery attached to the holder for powering the lamp module, buzzer module and flasher module. Lamp, flasher and buzzer circuits which respectively include the lamp module, buzzer module and flasher module are connected to the battery in parallel with one another such that the lamp module, buzzer module and flasher module are actuatable by corresponding lamp switch, buzzer switch and flasher switch independently of one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Peter Altman
  • Patent number: 6454435
    Abstract: A card-shaped flashlight device includes a holder, a lamp module mounted on the holder, one or both of a flasher light module and a buzzer module mounted on the holder, and a planar battery attached to the holder for powering the lamp module, buzzer module and flasher module. Lamp, flasher and buzzer circuits which respectively include the lamp module, buzzer module and flasher module are connected to the battery in parallel with one another such that the lamp module, buzzer module and flasher module are actuatable by corresponding lamp switch, buzzer switch and flasher switch independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Lumatec Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Altman
  • Publication number: 20020131264
    Abstract: A theft-proof removable door handle illumination device having a base, a door handle illumination assembly, and a case supporting the assembly. The base is operable to be mounted on a mounting surface. The door handle illumination assembly is operable to provide illumination. The case and base are removably interconnected such that disconnection of the case from the base requires movement of the case in a disconnect direction that is at least substantially parallel to the mounting surface. The case and base cooperate when interconnected to prevent movement of the case in a direction generally perpendicular to the disconnect direction. With this arrangement, the device is easily associated with a door assembly so that movement of the case in the disconnect direction is permitted only when the door is open. The case, once removed, can be used for illumination purposes apart from the door (e.g., a flashlight).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Mark A. Weisbach, Dee Weisbach
  • Patent number: 6447143
    Abstract: A flat card shaped illuminator with an on/off switch integrally formed therein. The flat card shaped light is adapted to a variety of uses and the on/off switch may be momentary or latching. One or more LEDs may be incorporated therein and the batteries may be removable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventors: Mark Howard Krietzman, Yu-Hsin Chen
  • Patent number: 6435695
    Abstract: A flashlight device includes a body structure, light generating module, holder, card and outer cover. The body structure has a cavity between upper and lower sides thereof, open at least at the upper side, and closer to a front end than to a rear end thereof. The body structure also has a channel between the upper and lower sides, extending between the cavity and front end, and open to the cavity, upper side and front end. The holder has an annular portion and spaced apart leg portions connected thereto and extending therefrom such that the annular and leg portions insert and fit within the cavity and channel of the body structure and seat therein the light actuating and generating components of the module. The card covers the upper side of the body structure and the module and holder. The cover encases the body structure, module, holder and card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Lumatec Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Altman
  • Publication number: 20020089845
    Abstract: A miniature flashlight device includes a housing having a base and a cover adapted to interfit with the base so as to form therewith an outer enclosure for receiving an electric bulb and an inner enclosure within the outer enclosure for receiving a button-cell battery. The cover has a flexible portion overlying the inner enclosure and capable of being depressed by a user from an outer relaxed configuration to an inner flexed configuration in which the flexible portion of the cover is deflected toward the inner enclosure and capable of returning to the outer relaxed configuration upon release by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Peter Altman
  • Patent number: 6409360
    Abstract: A card holder comprising a first side and a second side joined together to form a substantially rectangular sleeve containing an open edge for receiving a planar flashlight. The first side of the sleeve contains a first pocket for receiving a card. This first pocket has an indent at the open edge to access the card using one's finger. The first side also contains an activation switch for the planar flashlight light. The second side of the sleeve contains a second pocket that holds a map of a transportation system. In addition, the metro card holder contains a digital clock on the second side. A light pipe or fiber optic strand runs from lighting elements contained in the planar flashlight to the digital clock thereby illuminating the clock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventors: Patricia Anne Contant, Dahved Levy Devonish
  • Publication number: 20020067611
    Abstract: A portable illumination device for illuminating a target zone includes an outer frame having illumination means disposed at least partially therein, and attachment means for removably attaching the illumination device through desired objects, with the attachment means being formed integral with the outer frame. In a particular embodiment, the portable illumination device includes multiple light emitting diodes which are specifically positioned and directed to illuminate distinct target zones. The portable illumination device may be removably attached to a variety of regularly and irregularly shaped objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Rob Yaeger
  • Patent number: 6398394
    Abstract: A vehicle dome light and flashlight for providing a readily available and charged flashlight for use in and out of a vehicle. The vehicle dome light and flashlight includes a dome light assembly being adapted to be securely mounted to a top of a vehicle inside a passenger compartment thereof and having a first housing including a flashlight charging compartment disposed therein and an opening into the flashlight charging compartment; and also includes a second housing having side walls, a front wall, and a window disposed in the front wall with the housing being securely and removably attached to the first housing; and further includes at least one light-emitting member disposed in the second housing; and also includes an energizing assembly for energizing the at least one light-emitting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Jack K. Winnik
  • Publication number: 20020064042
    Abstract: A small light which is made to resemble a flame source and which is meant to be carried into concerts and the like for the purpose of display at appropriate times so that the concertgoer can express his or her approval. Since the light is not a flame source, the safety of all the concertgoers is greatly improved and yet the aesthetics of the concert experience are preserved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: Gina Lynn Leslie
  • Patent number: 6394621
    Abstract: A latching power switch for a light emitting diode (“LED”) flashlight is disclosed which includes a vessel comprising upper and lower components for receiving and containing a lithium cell battery, a means of using the anodic and cathodic leads from the LED, an aperture provided through the said vessel, and a switching mechanism comprising a rotating cam movable through the vessel aperture. The switching device comprises an on-off switch. The switch operates by rotating a biwire LED in which its leads are formed to surround a lithium coin cell power source. The LED wire leads pass through holes in an electrically nonconductive cam which has both a protuberance for operating the cam and a lobe for latching against a surface of the aperture through which it passes. The cam latches the wire leads against their proper corresponding coin cell surfaces thus activating the circuit and causing the illumination of the LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: William Henry Hanewinkel, III
  • Patent number: 6386727
    Abstract: A tool includes a handle having a driving stem for driving fasteners. A light device includes a housing having a channel for receiving the handle, a socket received in the housing, a light bulb received in the socket, one or more batteries received in the housing and electrically coupled to the light bulb, and a switch for controlling the energizing of the light bulb. The housing may be attached to the handles of various kinds of tools. The socket is rotatably secured to the housing at a pivot pin for rotating to any suitable angular position relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Chang Hsing Yeh
  • Publication number: 20020041494
    Abstract: A flashlight having a head assembly, a switch assembly and a removable tail cap with a spare bulb holder provided by the tail cap. The spare bulb holder includes a resilient body having an internal, U-shaped wall defining a slot configured to receive a flashlight bulb, a cylindrical wall about the slot and ribs extending between the U-shaped wall and the cylindrical peripheral wall. The slot extends through the cylindrical peripheral wall and includes a first section for receiving the plug of a flashlight bulb, a second section for receiving the flange of a flashlight bulb and a third section for receiving a lens of the flashlight bulb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Applicant: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Maglica
  • Patent number: 6357890
    Abstract: A flashlight having a power source and a light source having a high intensity positioned in a power source frame. The flashlight further includes a power source frame housing that encloses the power source frame. The frame and the housing cooperate to secure and protect the internal components of the flashlight. The flashlight is further provided with side covers that have flat surfaces to receive markings or engravings. A switch is provided to activate the light source, the switch preferably providing tactile feedback to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Parsons, Donald A. Keller, W. Clay Reeves
  • Patent number: 6354712
    Abstract: An inertially responsive switch for use in footwear for electrically connecting a battery with a light includes an electrically conductive ball mounted in a housing for rolling movement about an upright axis along which a pair of electrical terminals are spaced apart. When the ball contacts the terminals, an electrical current from the battery passes along the terminals and the ball in order to illuminate the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: E. S. Originals, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward J. Anteby
  • Patent number: 6334698
    Abstract: The device prevents the undesired movement of a flashlight. It is fabricated from elastic material. It may be installed on many different models of flashlight. It does not interfere with the normal use or maintenance of the flashlight. It may be installed or removed without complex manipulation or the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph D. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6331062
    Abstract: Disclosed is a portable electric light comprising a housing, a source of electrical power, and having as a light source an LED with a high internal resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Inventor: Iain Sinclair
  • Publication number: 20010040801
    Abstract: A flat illuminator, which may utilize a plurality of batteries and may support multiple LED illumination sources, adapted for high volume assembly with a momentary on/off switch formed therein. Encoded data and/or a key blank may also be combined with the flat illuminator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: Mark Howard Krietzman, Yu-Hsin Chen
  • Publication number: 20010036075
    Abstract: A fiber optic lamp includes a lamp housing having a stem section with a passageway therein and a reflector section having a reflective surface. The lamp housing also has first and second circular ledges for receiving and holding in place at least one lens within the lamp housing. A fiber optic cable is provided having a first end for insertion into the passageway of the lamp housing for transmitting light. The second end of the fiber optic cable is connected to a light pump having a light source therein for generating and transmitting light through the fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cable is connected to a socket member of a fixture housing for mounting the stem section of the lamp housing in the fixture housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Bruce D. Belfer
  • Publication number: 20010030858
    Abstract: A flat card shaped illuminator with an on/off switch integrally formed therein. The flat card shaped light is adapted to a variety of uses and the on/off switch may be momentary or latching. One or more LEDs may be incorporated therein and the batteries may be removable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Mark Howard Krietzman, Yu-Hsin Chen
  • Patent number: 6299323
    Abstract: A miniature LED flashlight is provided having a battery with opposing surfaces of opposite polarity and an LED having two leads extending therefrom, the battery and the LED received within a molded lower panel. A adapted to press fit with the lower panel in simultaneous contact with the frame creates a flashlight that is readily opened to interchange and replace component parts. The upper panel also has an upper surface, a side and an aperture extending through the upper surface. The side of the upper surface has a notch receive a lever for detaching the upper panel. Transverse finger pressure on the aperture urges the LED leads into contact with the opposing surfaces of the battery thereby illuminating the LED. A dual mode switch is also provided to slide within the aperture. The resulting flashlight may exist as a self-contained variety of outer housing structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventors: Sun Yu, Anmena Yau
  • Patent number: 6270234
    Abstract: A portable light having a substantially planar upper surface. The upper surface has a width and length substantially greater than the thickness of the portable light and the battery used in the portable light has similar dimensions. The portable light may be a disposable light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Lomak Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tin Shun-Victer Au-Yeung
  • Patent number: 6260985
    Abstract: Portable lighting apparatus includes heavy-duty light formed with a pouch and a small light that can be inserted into or withdrawn from the pouch. The two lights can be used together or separately. Each of the lights can assume multiple configurations, and the two lights can be used together or separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Noel E. Zeller
  • Patent number: 6227677
    Abstract: A small, hand-held, battery-operated portable light which provides substantial lighting by the use of a fluorescent cold cathode lamp. The light has a flat surface so that it may be placed on a flat work surface and does not have to be held by the user. It also comprises means to hang the light, such as on a nail or around the user's neck. The light is adapted to be attached to the inside of a purse, briefcase or other container. It is powered by standard or rechargable batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Mary M. Willis
  • Patent number: 6190018
    Abstract: A flashlight having a power source and a light source having a high intensity positioned in a power source frame. The flashlight further includes a power source frame housing that encloses the power source frame. The frame and the housing cooperate to secure and protect the internal components of the flashlight. The flashlight is further provided with side covers that have flat surfaces to receive markings or engravings. A switch is provided to activate the light source, the switch preferably providing tactile feedback to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Parsons, Donald A. Keller, W. Clay Reeves
  • Patent number: 6190025
    Abstract: An illumination device includes a housing and a multi-position switch for selecting various modes of operation. A security block is mounted to the housing adjacent the switch. The security block may be attached to the housing in at least two different orientations. In a first orientation, the security block prevents the switch from being in a position corresponding to certain modes (e.g., those which create a high intensity light beam). When positioned in a second orientation, the security block is attached to the housing but permits the switch to be in other or all positions, thereby permitting various modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Insight Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth S. Solinsky
  • Patent number: 6174072
    Abstract: An illuminated ornamental apparatus for decorating gift packages or other objects consisting of a bow that has an LED integrated within it. The LED is powered by a small battery encased in a housing, forming an LED assembly. A switch to turn the LED on and off is located on the outside of the housing in a manner to allow the LED to be switched on just prior to presentation of the gift package. The best results are achieved when the bow is made using either translucent (semi-opaque) or reflective (metallic) polypropylene ribbon materials of various colors, sizes, or configurations to create a multitude of unique and distinctive bows. The LED assembly may be integrated into the bow in several different ways. In one embodiment the housing is located below the bow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: Donald D. Root, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6145994
    Abstract: A flat tool holder having a single pocket at one of its edges and a single tool body for insertion in said single pocket with a handle on the tool body for not only inserting and removing the tool from the single pocket but having at least one pocket therein for receiving at least one other tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Kelvin C. Ng
  • Patent number: 6132058
    Abstract: An illuminating casing for receiving a handle of a key includes a lower shell and an upper shell wherein a top extends laterally from the peripheral wall of the lower shell so as to define a chamber for receiving the handle. A light is disposed beside the top and a battery is disposed between the top and the upper shell which has a button disposed thereto. The top has a tongue extending therefrom and has an inclined surface forward of the bottom of the lower shell. The handle of the key has an aperture defined therethrough so that when the handle is inserted into the chamber, the tongue is pushed slightly by the handle, and when the handle slides over the tongue, the distal end of the tongue is securely engaged with the aperture of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Lambert Kuo
  • Patent number: 6132064
    Abstract: A laser pointer, which includes a box-like bottom cover shell holding a laser module and a battery cell. A top cover shell is covered on the bottom cover shell. The top cover shell has a spring strip, a first metal contact plate connected between the negative terminal of the laser module and the battery cell, a second metal contact plate connected to the positive terminal of the laser module, and a third metal contact plate fastened to the spring strip of the top cover shell at a bottom side and connected to the positive terminal of the battery cell. Wherein when the spring strip is pressed downwards, the third metal contact plate is forced into contact with the second metal contact plate, thereby causing the laser module to be turned on to emit a laser beam out of a laser firing hole at the top cover shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Limate Corporation
    Inventor: Hsiung Bear
  • Patent number: 6109762
    Abstract: A card-like flashlight device includes an inner light generating module having a housing, battery, lamp and switch member, and an outer protective cover. The housing has upper and lower surfaces and defines a central opening through the upper surface and a cavity below and in communication with the central opening. The battery is mounted in the cavity. The lamp has a bulb element and upper and lower conductive lead elements extending therefrom receiving the battery therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Lumatec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bjarki Hallgrimsson, Bryce Ashdown
  • Patent number: 6089728
    Abstract: A pocket-sized battery-operated flashlight adapted for use as an advertising premium which is typically used in close range to illuminate a keyhole of a lock to open the lock with a key, for which close range use only a portion of straight-away light is needed, so that available excess light is diverted radially to illuminate a display to thereby contribute to the value of the flashlight as a premium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Marc Chase Weinstein
  • Patent number: 6079845
    Abstract: A new key light for attaching to a key ring. The inventive device includes a housing with opposite first and second faces, and first and second portions. The first portion is generally rectangular and is positioned towards the proximal end of the housing. The second portion of the housing is generally triangular and is positioned towards the distal end of the housing. The second portion has a distal vertex positioned adjacent the distal end of the housing. The second portion of the housing has a bore is extended therethrough. The bore is positioned adjacent the distal vertex. A light source is provided in the interior of the housing and is located in the second portion of the housing. One of the sides of the second portion of the housing has an opening therethrough for permitting passage of light emitted from the light source through it. An actuator is provided in the interior of the housing and is located in first portion of the housing. The actuator is electrically coupled to the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Joyce A. Kreider
  • Patent number: 6070990
    Abstract: A card light assembly comprising a generally flat polymeric tray having inner and outer surfaces and a pair of ends, a peripheral rim on the inner surface, an electrochemical cell-receiving recess in the inner surface, and a LED-receiving recess at one of the ends, an annular electrical separator and a disc-type electrochemical cell in the cell receiving recess, a LED in said LED-receiving recess, the LED having two leads, one of which is in abutment with the cell and the other of which is spaced from the cell by the separator. A pressure sensitive adhesive label extends over the inner surface, and over the cell, and is adhered to the housing inner surface to thereby retain the separator and cell within the assembly. At least one of the tray and label is flexibly depressible at the separator and cell for pressing the other lead against the cell to temporarily energize the LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Dalton, Peter F. Lynch, David A. Furth
  • Patent number: 6056412
    Abstract: Disclosed is a waist mounted illuminating device comprised of a belt having a length sufficient to fit around a person's waist. A compartment comprised of flexible material is located on the belt. The compartment has an opening. A battery operated light having an illuminable face is disposed in the compartment and directs light through the opening in the compartment. The compartment and belt may be formed of a flexible material such as neoprene. When the belt is firmly adjusted around a user's waist, the compartment and belt firmly and steadily maintain the battery operated light on the user's waist, even while the user is running or jogging. This stable mount of the light to the waist provides steady illumination of the user's path for general illumination and for exercise activities such as running or jogging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventors: Elizabeth Eckhardt Atlee, Steven David Atlee
  • Patent number: 6045235
    Abstract: A DC power supply unit (30) comprising a flashlight (32). A rechargeable cellular telephone battery (34) is provided, having a positive terminal (36) and a negative terminal (38). The rechargeable cellular telephone battery (34) is supported in the flashlight (32). An adjustable structure (40) is in the flashlight (32) for electrically connecting the flashlight (32) to the positive terminal (36) and the negative terminal (38) of the rechargeable cellular telephone battery (34), so that the rechargeable cellular telephone battery (34) can operate the flashlight (32). A facility (42) in the flashlight (32) is for electrically connecting the rechargeable cellular telephone battery (34) to a remote electrical device, so that the rechargeable cellular telephone battery (34) can operate the remote electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Robert K. Hee
  • Patent number: 6039456
    Abstract: A squeeze-activated flashlight including a housing adapted to receive a first battery and a second battery. A lamp holder is attached to one end of the housing and is adapted to receive an illuminating lamp. An electrical switch including a resiliently flexible arm is electrically connected to the batteries and the lamp. A flexible jacket covers and encloses the electrical switch, housing and batteries and is adapted to be squeezed and pressed inwardly to resiliently bend the arm into electrical contact with the batteries and thereby illuminate the lamp. The housing and switch are adapted to be machine assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Press-A-Lite Corporation
    Inventor: Paul R. Chabria
  • Patent number: 6039454
    Abstract: A flat flashlight device includes an inner casing, a light generating bulb having a pair of spaced apart leads and a battery disposed between the leads, a middle folded card insert, an outer protective cover and an end cap. The inner casing includes upper and lower plates attachable to one another and together defining a cavity. The middle folded card insert extends over and substantially overlies the upper and lower plates of the inner casing and the outer protective cover has an open end and defines a pocket receiving the middle folded card insert, bulb, battery and inner casing. The end cap includes top and bottom cap members attachable to one another and together defining a cavity and a hole. The cavity receives portions of the outer protective cover, middle folded card insert and inner casing and in combination with the outer protective cover encloses the middle folded card insert, bulb and battery and inner casing. The hole in the end cap may receive a key ring therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Lumatec Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Bjarki Hallgrimsson
  • Patent number: 6033084
    Abstract: A retrofittable mailbox light system is provided including mailbox and a housing having a releasable coupling mechanism mounted on the housing for allowing the housing to be mounted to an inner surface of the mailbox such that a front face of the housing remains flush with the open front of the mailbox. A lamp is mounted to the housing for illuminating the interior space of the mailbox only upon the receipt of power. A battery is positioned within an interior space of the housing. Also included is a momentary switch mounted to the housing and further connected between the lamp and the battery. The switch is adapted for supplying the lamp with power only upon the release thereof when the lid of the mailbox is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: June G. Burke
  • Patent number: 5934790
    Abstract: A purse light system that is detachably mountable within a purse and that includes a lamp control circuit including an illumination lamp that is activated for a predetermined period of time by closing a momentary contact switch and which is not reactivateable until the momentary contact switch is released and the predetermined period of time has elapsed to prevent accidental draining of the light system battery power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventors: Libby Quintana, Sherry L. Landry
  • Patent number: 5934789
    Abstract: An improved planar disposable flashlight is presented having a one-piece housing for mounting the elements of the flashlight in a fixed structural relationship while providing support and protection to the flashlight. The one piece housing includes a pair of resilient C-shaped clamps which releasably grasp a pair of light bulb shafts and position the light bulbs in a predetermined position, and a protective bumper is provided which separates the light bulbs and protects them from impact. The housing also comprises channels which communicate the electrical leads from the light bulbs to the switch and the connections to the battery's terminals, securing the leads from crimping or snagging. A recessed area is provided for securing a pressure sensitive switch therein, bordered by columns which protect the switch from inadvertent activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventors: Iain Sinclair, Allen Pearson
  • Patent number: 5927846
    Abstract: A thin, disposable, extremely bright flashlight is constructed around a thin, planar dry cell battery. The battery, a switch, and miniature incandescent lamps are sealed within a flexible cover of approximately the size of a playing card. The sealed construction removes any danger from electrical sparks in a flammable atmosphere. A window of translucent or transparent material is provided at one end of the package. Two miniature lamps, which may be overdriven to increase their brightness, are located behind this window. The lamps are sufficiently bright that a beam collimation system is unnecessary. Squeezing the package at a designated location closes a dome switch, causing the lamps to light. Releasing pressure on the dome switch opens the circuit so that the light cannot be inadvertently left on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Iain Sinclair
  • Patent number: 5836670
    Abstract: A generally flat flashlight is concealed in an article of clothing or other accessory used by a person to illuminate an area adjacent an opening in the article of clothing or other accessory. In the case of a necktie that is to be worn around the neck of a person, the necktie is made of fabric or textile material and is formed into an elongated flattened tubular configuration with front and rear plies so that an inner area is formed between the plies. Adjacent a distal end portion of the necktie, a pocket or holding area is formed within the inner area of the necktie with an opening formed at the distal end thereof. The relatively flat, flashlight that is battery operated is adapted to be disposed within the pocket with the light emitting portion of the flashlight directed to the opening so that when the flashlight is actuated, light emitted from the flashlight will illuminate the area beyond the end of the necktie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Warren E. Gilson
  • Patent number: RE37220
    Abstract: An improved module of the type having a light emitting diode and a wafer battery held in the case. The module has a case having a floor, a lighted end and an LED supporting cavity at the lighted end. An LED is supported in the case so that its lower conductor is adjacent the floor and its upper conductor is supported in a cantilevered manner from the transparent lens portion of the LED. A wafer battery having a positive and a negative terminal on each side thereof, is positioned so that one of its terminals continuously contacts the lower conductor of the LED and the upper conductor is positioned so that it is spaced from the other terminal of the wafer battery. A weight member is held above the upper terminal of the LED and the weight member has sufficient weight so that it will move the upper conductor downwardly when the weight is moving downwardly by inertia but will not have sufficient weight to move the upper conductor into contact with the wafer battery when the module is at rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventors: Carmen Rapisarda, Mark R. Goldston, Jon L. Bemis