With Switch Patents (Class 362/205)
  • Patent number: 5939691
    Abstract: A waterproof switch device includes a tubular housing with a through hole and front and rear barriers, which are disposed at two sides of the through hole and which have insert recesses. A switch body is inserted into the tubular housing, and is provided with a spring-loaded push button protruding out of the through hole. A tubular elastomeric member is sleeved and engages tightly the tubular housing between the barriers. A protrusion is vaunted from the elastomeric member to mate and receive the push button. A resilient retaining sheath member has two opposing lateral ends and an inner abutment wall between the lateral ends. The inner abutment wall mates and clamps the elastomeric member. Two inserted portions extend from and are outboard to the lateral ends respectively, and are fitted retainingly in the insert recesses so as to retain tightly the elastomeric member on the tubular housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Shoei-Shuh Shiau
  • 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: 5931562
    Abstract: A multi-functional tactical flashlight that includes a case, a flashlight bulb, a high intensity flash lamp, at least one infrared sensor, and an indicator. The case has a bulbous head. The flashlight bulb is disposed in the bulbous head of the case and is selectively illuminated therefrom. The high intensity flash lamp is disposed in the bulbous head of the case and is selectively illuminated therefrom. The at least one infrared sensor is disposed adjacent to the bulbous head of the case and is selectively activated. The indicator is responsive to the at least one sensor and indicates when the at least one infrared sensor senses an infrared signal. The at least one infrared sensor can be only one infrared sensor or a matrix array of infrared sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: George L. Arato
  • Patent number: 5909952
    Abstract: A flashing identification light adaptor system includes a flashing light adaptor with an adaptor housing which is intended to replace the end cap of a conventional flashlight and includes a colored lens removably attached to the adaptor housing in a covering relationship with a light source, which may be a flasher circuit and lamp connected to an independent switch. The flashing light adaptor can include a housing with a dedicated switch, a strobe light and a flasher circuit housed therein and a battery cell holding sleeve such that a battery cell or cells within the sleeve are used to selectively power the flashing light and/or the conventional flashlight bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: TBI Concepts, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Phillip K. Guthrie, Charles A. Stundzia
  • Patent number: 5904414
    Abstract: A flashlight that includes a substantially watertight battery housing, a bulb mounted in a socket assembly, a reflector, and a lens covering a forward end of the reflector. A plurality of batteries are supported in the housing so that only if the batteries are correctly polarized will a circuit be completed to allow current from the batteries to energize the bulb. This reduces the emission of flammable gas or corrosive liquid from the batteries. A membrane seals a vent port in the battery housing and is made of a material that permits a flammable gas generated by the batteries within the housing to continuously escape from the housing through the membrane without permitting water to enter the housing through the membrane. Pellets are mounted inside the battery housing for neutralizing the effects of any flammable gas emitted within the battery housing that may have nevertheless been produced and not adequately vented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Underwater Kinetics
    Inventors: William J. Monteleone, Alan K. Uke, Elmer F. Fischer
  • Patent number: 5895112
    Abstract: Disclosed is the development of a miniaturized flashlight which includes a top, and bottom, each of which is snap-fittingly secured to the other and joined by a further element, a flexible tubular housing member. The tubular member is desirably of an elliptical cross-section, but can be rectangular and multi-sided. The top and bottom are proportionally adapted to accept the cross-section of the tubular housing. A battery bridge is provided at the bottom of the bottom portion along with upstanding battery separators to thereby physically separate two batteries while electrically puting them in partial series contact. The top is adapted to fit over and ride upon the tubular member. The top has a separate electronic bridge at its upper portion for permanently engaging one battery, and leaf spring for selectively electrically engaging the adjacent bulb base above the other battery to thereby activate the circuit to illuminate the light bulb located in the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Adva-Lite, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith H. Olivit, Michael Gingrich, Miro S. Cater
  • Patent number: 5876110
    Abstract: A flashlight has a water tight cylindrical battery casing and a sealed cylindrical closure which screws over the forward open end thereof. The closure includes a lens and a parabolic reflector. A first PC board fixed in the closure serves as a support member for a second PC board that serves as a mounting member for a pair of bulbs. The second PC board is pivotally connected to the first PC board in front thereof in overlapping fashion. The pins of the bulbs are plugged into forward opening pin receptacles in the second PC board. The second PC board can swing back and forth to move the bulbs through an arcuate slot in the reflector into and out of the focal point of the reflector. A manual actuator located on the outside of the casing can be toggled by a diver's hand and its motion is carried by a sealed linkage through the casing to pivot the second PC board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Alan K. Uke
  • Patent number: 5865525
    Abstract: A slide focus flashlight has a container with an aperture therein, a lamp disposed within the container, a reflector disposed within the container, and an actuator disposed in the opening of the container for sliding therein and having a first angled surface. A conductive shaft is disposed within the container, and a slide interface is coupled to the conductive shaft. The slide interface has a second angled surface for sliding against the first angled surface of the actuator. A power switch is provided for selectively energizing the lamp. The slide interface, actuator and power switch allow for single-handed focusing and energizing of the flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Nordic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary W. Kibler, Dick E. Davis
  • Patent number: 5865526
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: MAG Instrument, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Maglica
  • 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: 5842779
    Abstract: A portable general illumination lamp unit having very low power consumption (under 100 mA) and producing a high intensity light. A dual conductor wire protrudes from the lamp housing body to connect to a power source. The lamp housing has a housing body, a flush fitting lid and a downward facing lens. The housing body has an exterior surface suitable for light diffusion. A low power, high intensity light bulb is attached to conductors on the wire using insulated wire straps, and a strain relief member is molded onto the dual conductor wire. The strain relief member is fixed to the lid of the lamp housing and sealed in place with a waterproof epoxy, oriented so that the bulb will be positioned in the center of the housing body. The housing body receives the lid. The opposite end of the wire lead can connect for permanent mounting of the device, or attach to a plug appropriate for the power source desired. Alternatively, the dual conductor wire can connect to a switch and one or more batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Benjamine J. Siebert
  • Patent number: 5842777
    Abstract: The present invention describes a flashlight powered with an oblong power supply. The flashlight is designed to be compact and watertight. It is protected against the entrance of moisture with a single O-ring seal. The case of the flashlight can be injection molded and can be used without secondary fabrication such as gluing. The flashlight includes a light module which is held to prevent its rotation relative to the case to thereby maintain a desired polarity with the power supply permitting a variety of polarity responsive lamps or circuits to be incorporated into the design. Some configurations create light output color or intensity changes by reversing the batteries. On-Off switching is accomplished using a mechanism independent of the location of the power supply so that power supply movement will not cause inadvertent energizing of the lamp or hazardous sparks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Kevin McDermott
  • Patent number: 5833354
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Maglica
  • Patent number: 5826972
    Abstract: An electric torch comprising an aluminum barrel for accommodating a battery cell and having an open front end to provide a seat of a reduced cross-sectional size, a head piece releasably connected onto the body front end, a hollow reflector disposed within the head piece, and a light bulb. The light bulb has an electrically-conducting body sitting within the seat for direct electrical contact therewith and a glass envelope entering into the reflector for light reflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Si Fu Chiu
  • Patent number: 5816695
    Abstract: A candlestick type lamp has a base seat, a pipe, a plastic upper seat, a bulb, an extended conductive plate disposed in the pipe, and the conductive plate having a hook-shaped conductive plate and a lower disk end receiving a metal spring. The bulb has a screw base and a tip end. The plastic upper seat has an inner thread, a through hole, and an outer thread. The pipe has an inner threaded upper end engaging with the outer thread and a slide groove receiving the extended conductive plate. A cell is disposed between the metal spring and the tip end. The screw base engages with the inner thread. The hook-shaped conductive plate contacts the bottom of the screw base. The upper end of the conductive plate contacts a periphery of the screw base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Mei-Lu Lin
  • 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: 5816688
    Abstract: A multi-functional lighting apparatus is provided, the apparatus is generally comprised of a tubular body, a head portion and a rear portion. The tubular body has a first cylinder chamber at forward end containing a slidable receptacle therein and engaged with an elongate ring contact and incorporated with a bent L-shaped first tip contact and a slant second tip contact which is engageable with the first tip contact and the bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Chen Shui-Shang
  • Patent number: 5806964
    Abstract: A miniature flashlight comprising a barrel, tailcap, head, bulb holder, bulb and an electrical circuit. The bulb holder is positioned at one end of the barrel such that the bulb extends into the head. The head includes a parabolic reflector surrounding the bulb such that the rotation of the head relative to the barrel changes the focus of the flashlight beam. A rotary switch associates the bulb holder with the barrel to control opening and closing of the electrical circuit. Rotation of the head away from the barrel closes the electrical circuit. The head is not a part of the electrical circuit and its removal exposes the bulb for substantially spherical illumination. The head assembly is removable from the barrel for use as a base into which the tailcap and barrel is inserted to stand the miniature flashlight in its "on" condition, as a lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Maglica
  • Patent number: 5800044
    Abstract: A waterproof man overboard personal rescue light unit for use in detecting, locating, raging to, engaging, and rescuing personnel needing rescue is disclosed as having a body having a closed lower end and an upper end; a steady state light located proximate to the upper end of the body so as to emit a generally hemispherical light pattern when energized; a non-incandescent strobe light located proximate to the upper end of the body so as to emit a generally hemispherical light pattern when energized; at least one switch for electrically coupling the steady state light and the non-incandescent strobe light to a source of electrical power; a lens matable to the upper end of the body to create a waterproof enclosure defined by the body and the lens, and to permit a generally hemispherical emission pattern of light generated by the steady state light and the non-incandescent strobe light. The unit is preferably buoyant and attachable to a user by way of a tether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Richard S. Marshall
  • Patent number: 5800045
    Abstract: A portable hand carried lantern comprising components which may be quickly snapped together without the use of tools. A battery contact platform separates the battery chamber and bulb chamber and includes a plurality of contact strips by which the electrical circuit is automatically established without the use of wires upon assembly of the components. A safety disconnect system incorporated in the bulb chamber and battery contact platform that prevents explosion in a flammable atmosphere should the bulb break.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Bright Star Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Kish, Randy S. Cramer
  • Patent number: 5791763
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a kind of device of lamp with fan, in particular, an electronic control multi-function lamp with fan for camping purposes, comprising a head lamp, a fan head, a flexible arm set, a handle and a base, said head lamp and said fan head being detachable so that when one of them is fitted said device can be used as a lamp or a fan, respectively; also comprising a three-way connector with which both the head lamp and the fan head can be used simultaneously. The device contains a multi-function electronic control circuit board, and a multi-position seletor switch capable of making said head lamp flash to be used as a signal lamp besides usual lighting; said handle containing a number of LED's, used as tail lights; and said fan being provided with a speed-change switch, capable of increasing the fan's speed under multiplied voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Go-Gro Industries Limited
    Inventor: Chan Kam-Hoi
  • Patent number: 5765937
    Abstract: A multi-function lighting device includes a barrel, a lamp mounted on one end of the barrel, a tubular coupling member secured around one end of the barrel, a tubular sleeve member made of a light transmittable material and sleeved slidably on the coupling member, and a head cap secured to one end of the sleeve member and provided with a reflector therein. The sleeve member is shiftable with respect to the coupling member between a first position, wherein the lamp extends into the reflector so that light may be directed axially, and a second position, wherein the lamp is located in the sleeve member so that light can pass transversely through the sleeve member. The barrel houses a battery therein, and a switch assembly is mounted in the barrel and is connected electrically to the battery and the lamp. The switch assembly is operable so as to interconnect electrically and selectively the battery and the lamp and so as to cause the lamp to generate one of a constant light output and a blinking light output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Shoei-Shuh Shiau
  • Patent number: 5763845
    Abstract: A luminous device comprises a base mount, a circuit housing, a guide disk, a light bulb, a battery set, and a rotary switch. The base mount is provided therein with a receiving compartment in which the circuit housing is located. The circuit housing is provided with a cavity having a female threaded portion, a battery compartment, a light bulb compartment, a upper contact surface located between the threaded portion and the battery compartment, and a lower contact surface located between the battery compartment and the light bulb compartment. The guide disk has a first guide hole and a second guide hole. The light bulb has a short leg extending through the first guide hole, and a long leg passing through the second guide hole to emerge on the upper contact surface. The battery set is located over the guide disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Frank Hsieh
  • Patent number: 5752762
    Abstract: A flashlight usable as an extensible signal bar includes a casing, a switch housing containing a push button connected with a T-shaped conductor elastically urged by a double conical spring housed in a short tube, a lamp holder located in front of the switch housing in the casing, a lamp housing protecting a lamp and a reflector in a rear portion and having a front hollow portion for combining an extensible signal bar. The extensible signal bar consists of a plurality of sleeves, which can be collapsed within the lamp housing or extended out thereof to form a fully extended signal bar to function as a warning means if needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventor: Chin-Hsiang Chen
  • Patent number: 5749645
    Abstract: A flashlight has a switch housing in between the battery compartment and reflector. The neck of the switch housing holds a lamp support at a central position within a reflector. A o-ring on the rear of the switch housing seals the battery compartment. The switch housing partially floats within the flashlight tube to allow for a slight adjustment of the lamp relative to the reflector to insure centering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: MAG Instrument, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Maglica
  • Patent number: 5746495
    Abstract: A portable work light has a handle to which a head is pivotally attached. The head houses a light source and a reflector that projects a beam of light. The head has an air inlet and outlet with a fan that forces air from the inlet to outlet thereby cooling components inside the head. The work light may be powered by either a battery which is releaseably connected to the handle or from an external source via an electrical cord that connects to a socket in the handle. An optical fiber assembly may be releaseably attached to the head over the opening to direct light from source through a fiber optic cable to illuminate small recessed working areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas L. Klamm
  • Patent number: 5738434
    Abstract: A flash light is provided in which the rotary positioning mechanism that retains the lamp head holder to the hollow cylindrical handle at any of a variety of angular positions includes a curved stub tube extending from the sloping bottom wall of the lamp head holder. The stub tube has an internally threaded, straight top end and a straight bottom end. The bottom end extends from the top end at an angle and perpendicularly intersects the sloping bottom wall of the lamp head holder. A plurality of circular recesses are formed in the sloping top wall of the hollow cylindrical handle and radially spaced around the center of the sloping top wall. A spring is mounted within the top end of the curved stub tube. A first steel ball is mounted in the bottom end of the curved stub tube, and a second steel ball is mounted within the top end of the curved stub tube and disposed between the first steel ball and the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Regitar Power Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Pel Chang Sun
  • Patent number: 5735594
    Abstract: A flashlight which includes a telescopic assembly for shade and a positioning assembling for a switch socket is provided. The telescopic assembly is facilitated by the slidable engagement between spiral grooves disposed at an outer wall of the headlight housing and projected bosses of the shade. When the shade is rotated, the shade is moved along the spiral grooves to extend or retract. The positioning assembly of the switch socket comprises a switch socket, a biasing plate and a water proof push button. The switch socket assembly is positioned by application of biasing plate. Consequently, excellent positioning and water proof effect are attained. The shade of the flashlight can be readily adjusted to move in for application of spotting an object or move out for application of a traffic signal baton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: James Own
  • Patent number: 5725301
    Abstract: An earthquake detection device with an innovative mechanism capable of sensing vibrations. The device is an open electrical circuit that, when triggered by sufficient vibration, becomes a closed circuit, thus enabling a variety of electrical appliances. The inner mechanism of the present invention works much like a conventional pulley. A weighted object, when agitated by sufficient vibration, causes a balance beam to fall out of a delicate equilibrium, thereby causing a hammer to fall on two receptacles which carry the electrical circuit, thus closing the circuit and enabling the electrical appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Inventor: Michael Jung
  • Patent number: 5685632
    Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to light sources such as battery-powered flashlights and lanterns. Tailcap, battery housing, or head assemblies for light sources are formed from electrically conductive plastic. Those assemblies, or the components of such assemblies, form electrically conductive elements in the electrical circuit of, and may impart shape and structural integrity to, the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Rayovac Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Schaller, Martin W. Wirt
  • Patent number: 5678921
    Abstract: A flashlight having a reinforced tubular plastic casing including a battery compartment and a bulb compartment separated by a transverse wall integrally molded with the casing. A bulb is retained in a socket integrally molded with the wall by a bushing which may be quickly connected and disconnected from the socket, the bulb and the bushing being resiliently axially moveable with respect to the socket and the transverse wall to prevent breakage of the bulb due to shock or impact. A novel reflector is axially moveable with respect to the bulb to afford adjustable focussing of the light emitted from the bulb. The reflective surface of the reflector combines a facetted parabolic surface on the outer portion of the reflector with a smooth spherical surface at the base of the reflector to optimize the amount of light collected from the light bulb and focused in the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Bright Star Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Kish, Graham E. Leavy, Randy S. Cramer
  • Patent number: 5671999
    Abstract: A flashing identification light adaptor system includes a flashing light adaptor with an adaptor housing which is intended to replace the end cap of a conventional flashlight and includes a colored lens removably attached to the adaptor housing in a covering relationship with a light source, which may be a flasher circuit and lamp connected to an independent switch. An insulated conductor is extended within the flashlight barrel to make contact with the positive battery terminal of the flashlight and includes a remote positive terminal positioned proximate the end cap within the flashlight barrel. The adaptor housing includes a positive connector positioned to be aligned with the remote positive terminal when the adaptor is threadably engaged with the flashlight barrel. A pair of indicia arrows can be provided, one on the adaptor and one on the flashlight barrel, to give a positive indication of alignment of the positive connector and remote positive terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: TBI Concepts, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Phillip K. Guthrie, Charles A. Stundzia
  • Patent number: 5669706
    Abstract: A turn-on-and-off device for a flashlight includes an actuating disc located in front of a casing. The actuating disc has a center hole for a lamp to pass through and three posts extending laterally rearward to pass through three position holes in a front end wall of the casing. The actuating disc can be moved by a lamp housing being screwed to move forward and rearward. When the actuating disc is in a forward position, the three posts permit the foremost battery to contact with the lamp bottom to let the lamp lit up. When the actuating disc is in a rearward position, the three posts push rearward the foremost battery, which is then separated from the lamp, which is then turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventor: Chin-Hsiang Chen
  • Patent number: 5667293
    Abstract: A flashlight with illumination and alerting effect comprises mainly a control circuit and an illumination and alerting device, wherein the control circuit is located within a handle body of the flashlight and elastic push buttons are exposed on button holes formed on the handle body, with the illumination and alerting device being located within a transparent lamp hood for the flashlight so that through selection with a push button the flashlight can be used for both illumination and a alerting purpose, and designated color light can be selected from among a plurality of alerting lamp sets to emit lights of different colors for alerting purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: James Own
  • Patent number: 5660458
    Abstract: A flashlight is provided comprising a housing including a first cradle having a chamber adapted to removably receive a first battery, a second cradle having a chamber adapted to removably receive a second battery, wherein the open tops of the first and second cradles face in generally the same direction relative to one another, and a lamp chamber located within the housing. A lamp is located within the lamp chamber. An electrical switch is adapted to selectively provide electrical communication between the first and second batteries and the lamp. A flexible jacket covers the electrical switch and the first and second batteries and is adapted be pressed inwardly to selectively close the electrical switch and thereby illuminate the lamp. A rotatable stem is attached to the end of the housing and is adapted to selectively retain the flexible jacket in position, but to allow the selective removal of the jacket to permit the replacement of the batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Press-A-Lite Corporation
    Inventor: Meena G. Chabria
  • Patent number: 5655308
    Abstract: An electronic audio/visual direction indicator for underwater or other types of navigation which gives unobtrusive and continuous directional feedback without the need for manual manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Kevin McDermott
  • 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
  • Patent number: 5629105
    Abstract: A battery-powered apparatus for holding and energizing an electric transducer, includes a hand-held battery housing carrying the transducer mount, and first and second internal battery contacts. A first external battery charge terminal is on the transducer mount, and a second external battery charge terminal is on a part of the battery housing, such as its end cap. A double-throw switch has a common element electrically connected to an internal battery terminal contact, has a first switched contact leading to a first terminal of the electric transducer, and has opposite second switched contact electrically connected to an external battery charge terminal. If there are two electric transducers, they may be a part of a light source comprising a reflector, a first electric lamp having a filament at its focal point, and a second electric lamp extending into that reflector beside the first electric lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Laser Products Corporation
    Inventor: John W. Matthews
  • Patent number: 5624177
    Abstract: An illuminated circular ring which provides lumination to various style drinking glasses. This ring being attachable or interdesigned into various style drinking glasses providing a housing for a integrated circuit board with state of the art surface mount solid state components. The components being attached to an interchangeable cover. This ring being considerably narrower than prior art; and works particularly well with a long completely hollow stem high foot champagne style glass. A glass in which the colored light gives to the bubbles of champagne or sparkling beverages a specially pleasing effect. All in a appropriate lightweight state of the art design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Joseph Carrabino
    Inventor: Kirk S. Rosaia
  • Patent number: 5621999
    Abstract: A light emitting module is attached to one of a pair of separable U-shaped metal clamps that can fit around a weapon trigger guard. The clamps have recesses for retaining elastomeric inserts which contact the trigger guard. The inserts are of inexpensive glass-filled molded plastic rather than machined steel so that a greater variety can be provided at low cost and little value is lost by discarding those not needed for a particular weapon. The greater variety provides a better fit with little or no custom shaping and the elastomeric inserts are much easier to shape if an unusually contoured trigger guard is encountered. A slide switch passes through the clamp and is actuated by either a right or left handed user. The motion of the switch is transverse to the trigger guard and firing direction of the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Tac Star Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry Moore
  • Patent number: 5590951
    Abstract: Switch-less flashlights have a tube for housing the battery and a lamp assembly threaded or mounted on an end portion of that tube and having spaced first and second lamp terminals adapted to contact corresponding battery terminals upon rotation or movement of that lamp assembly relative to the tube in a first sense of rotation or direction. One of such first and second lamp terminals is also adapted to disengage from a corresponding one of the first and second battery terminals upon rotation or movement of the lamp assembly relative to the tube in a second sense of rotation or direction. The flashlight preferably includes a spring, such as in the form of the first lamp terminal contacting the first battery terminal, for permanently pressing the battery against an opposite end portion of the battery housing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Laser Products Ltd.
    Inventor: John W. Matthews
  • Patent number: 5588739
    Abstract: A flashlight with signaling lamp suitable for miniaturization and having good operability is provided. A cylindrical slide body (20) is fitted over the outside of the upper portion of the main body (10) within which a battery is accommodated. When the slide body (20) is slid in upper and lower directions of the figure, the entirety thereof is expanded or contracted. A colorless transparent plate (24) and a reflection plate (25) are provided within an illuminating tubular portion (21). When the entirety is contracted, lamp bulb (40) is positioned within the illuminating tubular portion (21). Thus, this flashlight can be utilized as an illuminating lamp to irradiate the upper direction of the figure. In contrast, when the entirety is expanded, a scattered light by a signaling tubular portion (22) comprised of transparent plastic of red is obtained. Thus, this flashlight can be utilized as a signaling lamp. Inside the signaling tubular portion (22), a groove (22C) is dug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Kyoyu Corporation
    Inventor: Masashi Nakao
  • Patent number: 5570949
    Abstract: A torch includes a head member with a bulb unit, a tail member with a cell unit, and a bellowed intermediate flexible hose member threadedly connected to the head and tail members. The head member includes an on-off switch for energizing the bulb unit upon actuation. The hose member includes a hose body, two connectors respectively attached to two ends of the hose body, and front and rear conductive contact sets respectively provided in the connectors in such a manner that the front conductive set is in electrical contact with the bulb unit while the rear conductive set is in electrical contact with terminals of the cell unit. Each of the front and rear conductive sets includes an insulated tubular holding seat fixed within the corresponding connector and provided with a reduced-diameter outer end portion, an annular conductive ring sleeved around the outer end portion, a conductive mushroom-like contact element press-fitted within the end portion of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: Hanh Chiang
  • Patent number: 5571279
    Abstract: A torch includes a head member, a tail member, and a bellowed intermediate flexible hose member connected threadedly to the head and tail members. The head member includes a bulb unit disposed therein, and an on-off switch which is mounted on the head member and which is capable of energizing the bulb unit upon actuation. The tail member includes a cell unit for supplying power to the bulb unit. One of the head member and the tail member has an internally threaded end section, while the other of the head member and the tail member has an externally threaded end section. The hose member has an externally threaded end section, an internally threaded end section, and two conductive contact sets respectively located in the end sections of the hose member in such a manner that one of the conductive contact sets is in electrical contact with the bulb unit while the other one of the conductive contact sets is in electrical contact with terminals of the cell unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: Hanh Chiang
  • Patent number: 5571278
    Abstract: A torch includes a head member with a bulb unit, a tail member with a cell unit, and an intermediate flexible hose member interconnecting the tail and head members. The bulb unit includes an elongated bulb-holding seat made from an insulated material which has a front end wall, a rear end wall, a C-shaped-cross-sectioned intermediate section which interconnects the front and rear end walls securely, a bulb mounted on the front end wall, a conductive long stick which has a front end connected electrically to the bulb and a rear end fixed on the rear end wall, a conductive front short stick which has a front end connected electrically to the bulb and a rear end, and a conductive rear short stick which has a front end spaced apart from and adjacent to the rear end of the front short stick and a rear end fixed on the rear end wall. The tail member includes a cell unit for supplying power to the bulb unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: Hanh Chiang
  • Patent number: 5568971
    Abstract: A wrist mounted light source including a central housing having a generally cylindrical housing. An upper surface has an opening centrally located therein. A lower surface has an opening therein. A surrounding side wall has a first opening and a second opening therein. A battery is secured within the central housing inwardly of the opening in the lower surface thereof. An upper light is secured within the central housing inwardly of the opening in the upper surface thereof. The upper light is electrically coupled with the battery. A side light is secured within the central housing inwardly of the first opening in the surrounding side wall thereof. The side light is electrically coupled with the battery. A power switch is secured within the second opening of the surrounding side wall of the central housing. The power is electrically coupled with the battery and the top light and the side light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventor: Killairne Jewell
  • Patent number: 5558430
    Abstract: A dual beam flashlight has a primary fixed headlamp and a recessed rotatable secondary lamp energized only in the rotated position. Each lamp has its own energizing system to enable a user to utilize either lamp separately or to have both lamps illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Phorm Concept and Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald J. Booty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5550721
    Abstract: A light emitting diode having a helical spring around one of its leads. The spring extends so that it has a free end which is cantilevered. As the free end of the spring moves it completes an electrical circuit intermittently lighting the light emitting diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Carmen & Thomas Rapisarda Enterprises
    Inventor: Thomas C. Rapisarda
  • Patent number: 5548495
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Maglica
  • Patent number: 5498934
    Abstract: Connected in circuit between the battery and the light bulb in a flashlight is a slide switch and an electronic forward converter. The slide switch has an OFF-position, an ON-position, and a spring-loaded variable BOOST-position. In full BOOST, the electronic forward converter operates such as to increase the magnitude of the voltage applied to the light bulb by a factor of about 1.5; thereby increasing the light output from the flashlight by a factor of about 4.0. However, at that degree of BOOST, if indeed maintained on a continuous basis, the life of the light bulb will be shortened to about 15 minutes versus about 50 hours when used in the normal ON-position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventor: Ole K. Nilssen