With Switch Patents (Class 362/205)
  • Patent number: 5485357
    Abstract: A flashlight with mouth support and associated controls comprising: a flashlight having a forward end with a bulb, a rearward end with a separable cap with a spherical recess and an intermediate cylindrical extent therebetween; a mouthpiece fabricated of an elastomeric material with an arcuate inner surface adapted to be supported by the teeth of a user and an enlarged external surface positionable between the teeth and lips of the user and a central post extending forwardly thereof; and electrical coupling components between the mouthpiece and the flashlight including a central axial aperture extending from the flashlight to the cap and to an intermediate section of the mouthpiece with electrical wires extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventor: Gregory C. Zolninger
  • Patent number: 5483759
    Abstract: A shoe or other product adapted to emit light, sound, or other energy or radiation is disclosed. Embodiments of the shoes may contain switches depressed only when subjected to the momentum of or pressure from a moveable object such as a rotating ball. The ball and switches may additionally be encapsulated in a housing with a window visible outside the shoe, permitting wearers and others to view the switching being performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Genesco Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey N. Silverman
  • Patent number: 5482455
    Abstract: The assembly which produces the flame is made up of a strip of conductive material, narrowed over an intermediate portion lengthwise, laminated onto a strip of combustible material such as cardboard, folded lengthwise over the strip such that the narrowed portion of the conductive strip is in a notch at one end of the combustible strip. The notched end of the combustible strip is saturated with a highly combustible material such as candle wax. Applying electrical power to the ends of the conductive strip causes the narrowed section to glow and ignite the highly combustible material and thereby the end of the combustible strip. This flame producing assembly is termed a flamestrip. The flamestrips are disposable. The flame producer includes a cassette which holds a plurality of flame strips and enables dispensing them one by one. The cassette may be adapted for attachment to a flashlight so that the power to produce the flame is drawn from the flashlight batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Robert F. Salter
  • Patent number: 5473521
    Abstract: A flashlight with detachable battery terminals comprising a hollow housing having an open end; a light source disposed within the housing for providing illumination; a battery removably disposed within the housing for providing electrical energy with the battery having a first pole and a second pole; an elongated slidable electrically conductive arm coupled to the housing and light source and having a first battery terminal formed on one end and a pivotable second battery terminal formed on the other end with the first battery terminal positioned against the first pole and the second battery terminal positioned against the second pole and light source when the arm is slid in one direction to thereby define an engaged mode of operation and with the first battery terminal positioned away from the first pole and the second battery terminal positioned away from the second pole and light source when the arm in slid in another direction to thereby define a disengaged mode of operation; and a power switch coupled to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: Robert J. Minshall
  • Patent number: 5469346
    Abstract: A device which can be set to start a light flashing unattended at a predetermined time. The device includes a light and a battery, together with a small electronic clock. The clock has a display for displaying a time, a memory for holding a settable alarm time, and alarm output terminals for outputting a signal at a pre-established time stored in the memory. An electronic control circuit receives the signal from the clock at the pre-established time, and causes the light to begin flashing at that time. In the embodiment shown here, the control circuit flashes the light for a predetermined time, and then turns the light off. In this embodiment the device includes a casing, and a switch mounted in the casing and electrically connected between the battery and the light. By this switch, the light can be turned on and off in a manner generally conventional for a flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Paul R. Haut
    Inventors: Paul R. Haut, William Schuster
  • Patent number: 5467258
    Abstract: The flashlight apparatus of the present invention includes a rechargeable flashlight and a bracket which mounts the flashlight to a support during recharging. The flashlight includes two light sources, a first switch for activating its power source and a second switch for selecting which of the two light sources the power source energizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David Bamber, Robert Deines
  • Patent number: 5461552
    Abstract: A miniature, adjustable beam flashlight having a switch control nut that is rotatable in first and opposite directions around the body of the flashlight for controlling a switch assembly in order to energize a lightbulb and adjust the light beam produced thereby. The switch assembly is interconnected with the switch control nut so as to move in first and opposite longitudinally extending directions through the body of the flashlight to complete or open an electrical conduction path between a battery supply and the lightbulb when the nut is rotated in the first or opposite directions around the body. The lightbulb is coupled to the switch assembly and adapted to move therewith in the first and opposite longitudinally extending directions so that the lightbulb is axially advanced relative to the body when the electrical circuit path is opened or retracted when the circuit path is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Ricky W. Tillery
  • Patent number: 5457613
    Abstract: A peripherally sealed card-like flashlight device includes an inner light generating module, a middle folded card insert, and an outer peripherally sealed protective cover. The inner module includes a flat battery pack, a lamp having a light emitting element and a pair of conductive lead elements extending therefrom, and an electrical switch assembly attached on the flat battery pack. Strips of metallic tape are used to electrically connect one of the lead elements to one electrically conductive portion of the flat battery pack and to position the other of the lead elements over an aperture through the switch assembly and overlying and spaced from another electrically conductive portion of the flat battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Lumatec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudy Vandenbelt, Peter Altman
  • Patent number: 5436814
    Abstract: A portable, durable and rugged hand-held lighting device particularly useful as a safety flare or illumination device is described. This device utilizes a rare gas containing illumination source (e.g. a glass tube containing the rare gas) and is particularly useful in projecting light during darkness or in fog. The light source may be any of the conventional rare gas materials but neon is preferred. A fluorescent material coating the inside of the glass tube may be used enhance the output of the light from other rare gasses. The power supply for this unit may be replaceable or rechargeable batteries or the device may be connected to a permanent DC or AC power supply to enhance the life thereof. A transformer is used to increase the electrical power supply from the power supply to the glass tube and is required in order to get the high intensity light output afforded by the use of rare gas illuminating devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Brite-Glow Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Earl Hanley
  • Patent number: 5432689
    Abstract: A guide plate on the head of the flashlight provides an alignment feature which aligns a pair of flashlight charging contacts with a pair of terminals in charging unit for releasably holding the flashlight in its charging receptacle. The flashlight is held within the charging receptacle in a consistent orientation, so that the flashlight switch may be easily found when the flashlight is grasped. The charging receptacle grips the head portion of the flashlight with a pair of spring-loaded jaws. A battery assembly is provided which presents both positive and negative terminals at the forward end of the battery unit. Connections are made from the forward end of the battery to an interconnection module within the flashlight head assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Streamlight, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond L. Sharrah, Charles W. Craft
  • Patent number: 5426273
    Abstract: A switching apparatus has a cylindrically shaped hollow insulated body with first and second parts that sealingly engage each other at longitudinal abutting surfaces. The first part has a longitudinal recess. The body is formed with a radial button retaining passage. A conducting unit is disposed in the recess and includes elongated first and second conducting elements with a respective first end portion contacting a corresponding one of two input terminals of a driven element, and a respective second end portion. The second end portion of the first conducting element contacts one of two output terminals of a power source. A third conducting element has a first end portion extending out of the body and contacting the other output terminal of the power source, and a second end portion spaced apart from the second end portion of the second conducting element. A button unit is movably disposed in the button retaining passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventor: Shoei-Shuh Shiau
  • Patent number: 5424929
    Abstract: A lighting assembly for use in a cigaret lighter shell. The lighting assembly comprises an insulative case for housing a power supply, such as batteries, and conductors for establishing an electrical circuit that includes the batteries, the conductors, and a light bulb and that does not rely on conductivity of the shell. An adjustable reflector and lens may be provided to focus and direct the beam generated by the bulb. One conductor is moved into contact with another of the conductors in response to opening of the lid of the shell to close the electrical circuit to turn the flashlight on. One of the conductors is moved out of contact with another in response to closing of the lid to turn the flashlight off. One of the conductors is positioned for preventing its contact with another conductor when the lighting assembly is removed from the shell so that it is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Zippo Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Donald W. Murray, Ronald J. Meister
  • Patent number: 5420766
    Abstract: A personal protective device comprising a combination flashlight, alarm and incapacitating spray mounted in a two section housing. A safety switch built into the unit prevents activation of the spray unless the flashlight is turned on. The unit has a strap to fasten to the user's wrist, such strap being designed to break away should an assailant grab the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventor: Bob J. Hollis
  • Patent number: 5410457
    Abstract: A small-sized versatile-use flashlight which has a hand holdable battery housing with a cap being pivotally mounted on said housing. Within the cap is included appropriate electrical connections to supply battery power to a light bulb mounted within a light bulb housing. The light bulb housing is pivotally mounted onto the cap with the plane of the pivotal movement of the light bulb housing being perpendicular to the plane of the pivotal movement of the cap relative to the battery housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Inventor: David H. Parker
  • Patent number: 5392203
    Abstract: A signal light comprising an elongate translucent tubular member formed of a light plastic material having a light source disposed therein for emitting illumination therefrom and providing guidance and orientation to aircraft and the like. A battery and a light bulb comprising a light source are housed entirely within the tubular member. A flush mounted switch is recessed entirely within a predetermined end of the tubular member to control an electrical connection between the battery and the light source. The signal light has a smooth continuous outer surface to provide structural rigidity and enable its use for visual signalling during both daytime and nighttime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: American Airlines, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore Harris, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5390091
    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: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Maglica
  • Patent number: 5386352
    Abstract: This invention relates to a flashlight and in particular to one including, a tubular barrel with internal threads at one end and external threads at another end, a packing ring fitted with the end of the tubular barrel with external threads, a head threadedly engaged with the end of the tubular barrel with external threads, a socket fitted in the head, a light bulb fitted in the socket, a reflector mounted on the socket, a piece of glass disposed on the reflector, and a switch assembly including a switch having a center threaded hole, two packing rings, a tail seat threadedly engaged with the end of the tubular barrel with internal threads and having a hexagonal recess, a hexagonal nut fitted in the hexagonal recess, and a screw having a first threaded portion engaged with the hexagonal nut and a second threaded portion engaged with a center threaded hole of the switch, whereby the flashlight may be switched on or off simply by turning the switch at its tail end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventor: An G. Chu
  • Patent number: 5383104
    Abstract: A renovated flashlight includes a head means and a cylindrical battery compartment. The head means is composed of a lid, a reflecting means, a spring means, and a conducting means. The reflecting means has a hollow body at bottom portion adopted to receive the spring means, and the conducting means therein. A longitudinal slot is formed at one side of the hollow body for a negative conducting plate to extend therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Inventor: Hsien-Te Hou
  • Patent number: 5373427
    Abstract: A hand-held protective dispenser with a source of illumination includes a head portion formed on one end of a handle segment generally perpendicular thereto. The other end of the handle is openable and formed to receive a canister of self-defense spray and a battery pack to supply power to the source of illumination. The source of illumination is positioned on one side of the head portion while an articulating switch is provided on the other. The switch activates the source of illumination while either preventing or allowing access to a spray canister contained within the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Inventor: Roderick G. McLean
  • Patent number: 5359505
    Abstract: A lighting assembly for use in a cigaret lighter shell is disclosed. The lighting assembly comprises an insulative case for housing a power supply, such as batteries, and conductors for establishing an electrical circuit that includes the batteries, the conductors, a light bulb, and the cigaret lighter shell. A reflector and lens may be provided to focus and direct the beam generated by the bulb. A resilient portion of one of the conductors is biased against a wall of the cigaret lighter shell to close the electrical circuit. An insulative tip is provided on an end of the conductor and may be manually manipulated to remove the conductor from contact with the shell wall to open the electrical circuit and place the flashlight in an unlocked off position. A groove may be provided in the case to receive the tip and maintain an open circuit to place the flashlight in a locked off position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Zippo Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Michael C. Story, Donald W. Murray
  • Patent number: 5345370
    Abstract: A lamp or flashlight having a multi-feature switching assembly is disclosed. The flashlight comprises a barrel, a head assembly, and a rotating switching assembly. The head assembly and switching assembly are rotated relative to the barrel and a tongue extending from the barrel to bring a conductor of the switching assembly into contact with, or remove the conductor from contact with, the tongue to close or open an electrical circuit for turning the light bulb on or off, respectively. The conductor may be adapted to nestingly engage the tongue in a locked on position, and a resilient member may be added to nestingly engage the tongue in a locked off position. Unlocked on and off positions of the switching assembly permit the light to be quickly flashed on and off. The head assembly includes a head and a head portion, and the head portion may be rotated relative to the head to adjust the focus of the light independently of the on/off function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Satelight Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald W. Murray, Michael C. Story
  • Patent number: 5331528
    Abstract: A flashlight comprising a metal lamp base and a plastic lamp base threably combined with a front end of a tubular elongate body for mounting a lamp of different style, a switch base havint a push button to protrude up through a hole in the body to be deposited in the body and two conductors on both sides of the push button to turn on or off electricity coming from batteries deposited in the body behind the switch base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: Chin-Hsiang Chen
  • Patent number: 5321591
    Abstract: A toy flashlight formed in a configuration including a strobe module. The flashlight includes a handle housing and a releasably mounted transparent enclosure with the strobe module enclosed therebetween. The strobe module is provided to switch a light source between ON state and an OFF state to create a rapidly blinking light. Further, a strobing circuit is provided to control the switching mechanism of the strobe module. In this manner, the strobe module with strobing circuit can be inserted into a conventional flashlight to enhance its play value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: I & K Trading Co.
    Inventors: Benjamin Cimock, Eric Gatley, Patrick Chau, John Lam
  • Patent number: 5315494
    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: July 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Mag Instrument Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Maglica
  • Patent number: 5285050
    Abstract: A flameless portable cigarette lighter includes a hollow housing containing a pair of batteries and having a front wall with an opening sized to allow only the insertion of a cigarette therethrough for contact with a vertically oriented electric resistance heating filament in the housing for igniting the cigarette. A flexible closure is formed integrally with a switch actuator slidabaly mounted on the housing front wall and movable therewith from a first position closing the opening to a second position allowing access therethrough of a cigarette. A switch is provided in the housing for selectively connecting the batteries to the filament for energization thereof and includes a flexible resilient conductor having a free end movable into electrical contact with a pole of one of the batteries by engagement with a protuberance at the upper end of the closure when the closure is in its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Electra-Lite, Inc.
    Inventor: William G. Blackburn
  • Patent number: 5283724
    Abstract: A flashlight having a base portion and a face portion. A source of current in the base portion is connected to a light bulb in the face portion by a circuit containing a main switch and an auxiliary switch in series. The auxiliary switch includes a spring loaded plunger extending through the face portion and operative in response to the plunger being depressed when the face portion is placed on a solid surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Thomas S. Mulholland
  • Patent number: 5282116
    Abstract: A flashlight includes a barrel, a lamp socket assembly disposed inside the barrel, and a conductive coupling unit disposed inside the barrel around a lamp holder of the lamp socket assembly to connect electrically the barrel and the lamp holder. The coupling unit includes first and second coupling pieces. The first coupling piece is annular in shape and is interposed between and is in tight contact with the lamp holder and the barrel. The first coupling piece has a resilient end portion which is formed from a plurality of frontwardly extending and angularly spaced first peripheral flanges. The second coupling piece has an annular base with a diameter which expands gradually from a rear end to a front end of the annular base. The rear end of the annular base is formed with a plurality of angularly spaced and frontwardly extending second peripheral flanges that contact tightly the lamp holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventor: Shoei-Shuh Shiau
  • Patent number: 5278739
    Abstract: A flashlight having a casing containing a pair batteries, a head assembly mounted on an upper end of the casing, and a tail assembly mounted on a lower end of the casing disclosed wherein the head assembly includes a swivel head carrying a bulb and a reflector and is rotatable about an inclined swivel axis aligned with a bulb extending through a side of a reflector. The flashlight includes a terminal mechanism for electrically connecting the bulb to the battery irrespective of the rotated position of the swivel head relative to the casing. A rotary switch mechanism is provided in the tail assembly to control the illumination of the bulb through a cam mechanism actuated by a rotation of the tail cap switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Richard J. Gammache
  • Patent number: 5272606
    Abstract: This invention relates to a portable, hand holdable lantern (flashlight or lamp) which has a reserve power supply. The reserve power supply is in the form of a second identical circuit which after expending the life of the first set of batteries, the second set of batteries can be activated continuing the illumination of the lantern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Inventor: Mark A. Blaney
  • Patent number: 5260858
    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: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Maglica
  • Patent number: 5237491
    Abstract: An improved personal rescue light attachable to a life vest or raft for use by an individual floating in a large body of water (salt or fresh) having increased visible range especially with fresh water usage. The device includes a water-activated battery and improved battery housing that increases the battery efficiency to produce more power for an incandescent lamp that provides a single source of light through a lens providing for a very narrow, intense beam of light, greatly increasing the overall candle power of the projected light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Inventor: Walter K. McCarter
  • Patent number: 5226722
    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: April 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: MAG Instrument, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Maglica
  • Patent number: 5213408
    Abstract: A variable focusing flashlight includes a barrel which has a battery source of power contained therein and a tail cap mounted on one end of the barrel and having a compression spring provided thereon for urging the battery source towards the other end of the barrel. A lamp base retains a lamp bulb adjacent the other end of the barrel and includes a stationary receptacle mounted in the other end of the barrel and having an axially extending through bore formed therein. A pair of conductors are mounted in the stationary receptacle such that one of the conductors serves to couple the battery source and a first lamp electrode and the other one of the conductors serves to couple a second lamp electrode and the barrel. A movable receptacle has a plate portion disposed between the stationary receptacle and the battery source and formed with an opening and an upward extension that extends slidably into the through bore of the stationary receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventor: Shoei-Shuh Shiau
  • Patent number: 5211471
    Abstract: A flashlight includes a tailcap switch and a flexible boot made of an elastomeric material covering the tailcap switch and providing a water-resistant and contaminant-resistant shield around the switch. The flexible boot preferably includes a substantially cylindrical bellows section and a flat exterior end surface with at least one substantially straight edge on the circumference of the end surface that reduces any tendency of the flashlight to roll when laid on its side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: The Brinkmann Corporation
    Inventor: Donald L. Rohrs
  • Patent number: 5205640
    Abstract: A miniature flashlight comprising a bulb, a casing holding batteries therein, a head rotatably mounted on said casing, a rotary member for connecting electrodes of the battery to terminals of the bulb, and a conductive member. The rotary member is made of non-conductor and provided with connectors made of conductor and also is disposed between the head and the casing in order to rotate in accompanying with rotation of the head with respect to the casing. The conductive member selectively contact with one of the connectors of the rotary member. The conductive member engages with the casing so that the conductive member is rotated in accompanying with the casing with respect to the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Nuri Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Mik Shin
  • Patent number: 5199418
    Abstract: A mouth speculum includes a first elongated hollow tubular member connected generally perpendicularly to a second elongated hollow tubular member to form a general T-shaped member. The second hollow tubular member has an opening formed in a rearward end to receive a person's thumb to support the mouth speculum thereon. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the first elongated member has a window formed therein with a light bulb mounted behind the window to provide illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Inventors: Robert G. Jamison, Jr., Louis D. Jeffrey
  • Patent number: 5193898
    Abstract: A miniature two or three cell flashlight as disclosed to comprise a barrel, a tailcap, a head assembly, and means for holding a miniature lamp bulb and for providing interruptible electrical coupling to dry cell batteries retained within the barrel and having a recharger for charging the chargeable batteries via conductors in the tailcap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Mag Instruments
    Inventors: Anthony Maglica, Ralph E. Johnson, Armis L. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5193896
    Abstract: A lighting device adapted for personal use, and having a frame structure, an electric lamp, a battery associated with the frame structure, a switch mechanism with which the lamp is associated and carried by the frame structure and having a movable switch arm supporting contacts connected with the lamp and operable for selectively making and breaking a lamp energizing circuit between the battery and the lamp by movable operation of the arm, and there being structure for attaching the device in place for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Inventor: Seymour Oberlander
  • Patent number: 5171086
    Abstract: In a first embodiment, a combination "ON", "OFF" and "DIRECTIONAL SWITCH" operates to turn the light the light on and off and operate a electric motor to drive the lamp longitudinally to facilitate a change of light beam focal length. In a second embodiment, a combination "ON", "OFF" and "DIRECTIONAL SWITCH" operates to turn the light on and off and to manually translate the light bulb longitudinally to facilitate a change of light beam focal length. In both of the embodiments the beam focal length is adjustable through an infinite number of positions between maximum and minimum translation limits and the flashlight maintains the selected light beam focal length until a different light beam focal length is selected. In each embodiment a replacement bulb is contained within the body of the flashlight and is external removable therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Inventor: Mohsen K. Baloochi
  • Patent number: 5158357
    Abstract: A battery powered pocket flashlight has a noncorrosive and electrically nonconductive case containing a restrictive aperture for the projection of light from the lamp source and a resilient color filter attached externally upon the end of the case by integral stub axles extending inward into the case for an axis of rotation intersecting perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the flashlight for operation by the user in the selection of unfiltered light of the lamp source or a light at a color of the visible spectrum of colors. The filter is secured to the case by resilience of the filter material and by its shape in the form of an acute sector of a sphere. The electrical subsystem is completely removable from the case for servicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventor: Kevin McDermott
  • Patent number: 5143441
    Abstract: A miniature flashlight comprising a barrel, tail cap, 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 tail cap and barrel is inserted to stand the miniature flashlight in its "on" condition, as a lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc
    Inventor: Anthony Maglica
  • Patent number: 5143442
    Abstract: A portable projection device has a case-like body made of synthetic resin and formed hollow in which a lens, a circuit connected to a light emitting means, a power source and resistances, a display film and a film setting section are arranged and housed. The circuit is opened and closed by a switch arranged on the case-like body to thereby render the portable projection device operative and inoperative. The portable projection device can be used as a time-displaying timepiece, a flashlight, an alarm lamp, a guide lamp or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Tamapack Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Ishikawa, Masao Yamada
  • Patent number: 5138538
    Abstract: A flashlight having a self-extingushing feature that prevents unintentional run-down of its batteries, particularly when used by children, which is achieved by means of a circuit breaking device controlled by a timer, and further having a bypass switch, preferably of a child-proof nature, to override the self-extinguishing feature and thereby improve the utility of such flashlight as an ordinary household flashlight. Optionally, the flalshlight may also have additional "child-proofing" mechanisms such as an interlock to prevent unintended activation of the bypass switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Inventor: Michael Z. Sperling
  • Patent number: 5126927
    Abstract: A flashlight includes a barrel portion for enclosing and retaining batteries and comprising an end for accepting a movable bulb enclosure. The moveable bulb enclosure engages the end of the barrel so that the bulb enclosure is axially movable along the barrel portion. A bulb holder is provided at the second end for removably holding a bulb such that the bulb is relatively stationary during axial movement of the bulb enclosure. A stop is provided on the end of the barrel portion for preventing complete removal of the movable bulb enclosure from the barrel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: The Brinkmann Corporation
    Inventors: W. Clay Reeves, Donald L. Rohrs
  • Patent number: 5124894
    Abstract: A variable focusing flashlight includes a metal barrel and an insulating support fixed in the barrel by a metal pin. A first clamping member includes a first tubular portion fixed in an inner peripheral flange of the insulating support, and a first radial flange resting on the inner peripheral flange. A bulb has a radial conductive flange resting on the first radial flange and a bottom conductive bead connected to a cell in the barrel. A second clamping member includes a second tubular portion detachably sleeved over the first clamping member and a second radial flange clamping the radial conductive flange against the first radial flange. A compression spring is sleeved around the inner peripheral flange and electrically contacts the pin and the second clamping member. A second insulating tubular member is slidably sleeved around the second clamping member and rests on the compression spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Inventor: Shoei-Shuh Shiau
  • Patent number: 5124892
    Abstract: Apparatus for illuminating a portion of the cockpit of an aircraft utilizing a night vision imaging system. The apparatus comprising and illumination unit rising an LED for selectively producing a beam of light which will not adversely affect the operation of the night vision imaging system. The illumination unit is arranged to be releasably mounted on the pilot's index finger. The illumination unit includes a pair of depressible switches each of which is arranged to be operated by the pilot's thumb or another finger to cause the unit to produce the light beam. The unit is mounted on the pilot's index finger by a ring formed of a hook and loop fastening system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Nite Optics, Inc.
    Inventor: Jesse A. Lambert
  • Patent number: 5124898
    Abstract: A manually blowable whistle is structurally and functionally combined with a pocket flashlight. The whistle may be sounded independently of activation of the flashlight and the flashlight may be used without sounding the whistle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Press-A-Lite Corporation
    Inventor: Paul R. Chabria
  • Patent number: 5122938
    Abstract: A twist switch is shown for a flashlight of the type having a conductive tubular body having an interior, opposing ends and an internal shelf formed at one of the opposing ends. The internal shelf has a bulb receiving opening and a reflector is mounted on the internal shelf. A bulb is inserted into the tubular body having a shoulder contact which rests on the internal shelf and a base contact which passes through a bulb receiving opening in the internal shelf. A dry cell battery is stationarily positioned within the interior of the tubular body and has a center terminal in electrical contact with the bulb base contact. An end cap is rotatably engaged on the end of the tubular body opposite the reflector. A conductor element located within the interior of the end cap is initially separated from the tubular body by an insulating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Inventor: Michael J. Pastusek
  • Patent number: 5121308
    Abstract: A miniature two or three cell flashlight as disclosed to comprise a barrel, a tailcap, a head assembly, and means for holding a miniature lamp bulb and for providing interruptible electrical coupling to dry cell batteries retained within the barrel and having a recharger for charging the chargeable batteries via conductors in the tailcap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Maglica, Ralph E. Johnson, Armis L. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5117341
    Abstract: A flashlight has an elongated barrel and two light bulbs respectively disposed on two ends of the barrel. A tubular cap is mounted on one end of the barrel and has a clamping member provided therein. A translucent acrylic indicator rod has one end portion extending into an open end of the tubular cap and is retained therein by the clamping member. A switch unit is operated so as to electrically connect a selected one of the light bulbs to a power source provided inside the barrel. The flashlight can be effectively used as a lighting aid or as a signaling tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Inventor: Tien-Tsai Huang