Spare Bulb Carrier Patents (Class 362/207)
  • Patent number: 8348454
    Abstract: A flashlight having a handle with a clamp integrated therein, so that the flashlight can be used in either hands-free or in a portable mode. The handle of the flashlight can comprise clamp arms that are biased in a closed position, and can form a clamp, which can be affixed to an object. A battery housing can be disposed between the clamp arms, or one or both of the clamp arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Blackbeam LLC
    Inventors: Louis F. Henry, Justin Cohen
  • Patent number: 8128255
    Abstract: A structure for securing a conductive strip of a flashlight includes a flashlight main body formed therein with a receiving space for receiving batteries. The receiving space has a lateral surface formed with a groove whose cross-section tapers toward the center of the receiving space and is configured for receiving the conductive strip coupled to a switch assembly, along with an insulating element corresponding in width to the conductive strip and having a predetermined length. Once installed in the flashlight main body, the conductive strip is separated from the batteries in the receiving space, thereby preventing the batteries from overheating, which might otherwise result from direct contact with the conductive strip. The main body further has a rear end coupled with a pressing portion formed of a pliable material such that a switch of the switch assembly is switched on or off by pressing the pressing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Day Sun Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Hsueh-Chu Yeh
  • Patent number: 7967467
    Abstract: A portable lighting device that is lightweight and features a space-efficient design includes a body containing a Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery. The body includes a pair of pivot arms that are spaced from one another. A lamp assembly includes a lamp assembly housing containing a light source that is powered by the Li-ion battery. The lamp assembly housing is pivotally connected to each of the pair of pivot arms and positioned there between. A handle includes a gripping portion that is spaced from the body so that a gripping space is defined between the gripping portion of the handle and the body. A removable bumper pad is positioned on the bottom of the body. The portable lighting device features recesses on opposite sides that are engaged by corresponding tabs on a charging rack. This prevents non-compatible lighting devices from being positioned on the charging rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Koehler-Bright Star, Inc.
    Inventors: John Devaney, Mark Dirsa
  • Patent number: 7766501
    Abstract: A lighting system for clothing, footwear, backpacks, and other accessories incorporates a battery, a switch, a counter circuit, a flasher and lamps or LEDs driven by the flasher. The switch has a tubular housing of electrical insulating material which may be round or square in cross section. A pair of electrical contact pins extend into the interior of the housing and are aligned longitudinally. The external ends of the contact pins are wired to the counter circuit and the battery. A free-floating contact bar of electrical conducting material normally resides on the bottom of the pins thus closing the switch and causing an input signal to the counter circuit and causing the lamps or LEDs to be illuminated momentarily. The contact pins can alternatively extend through the bottom of the housing and the contact bar may rest against the contact pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Carmen Rapisarda
  • Publication number: 20090021928
    Abstract: A flashlight in accordance with the present invention includes a chamber, end cap, head assembly and lamp holder assembly. The end cap includes a bowed tripod portion to facilitate standing the flashlight on a flat surface. The head assembly includes a reflector and a lens. In one embodiment of the invention, the head assembly includes an elliptical reflector. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the flashlight having a elliptical reflector is matched with a negative or planar lens. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the head assembly includes an hyperbolic reflector. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the flashlight having a hyperbolic reflector is matched with a positive or planar lens. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the flashlight includes electrode connections which prevent the conduction of electrical energy from batteries which are improperly aligned within the flashlight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Stephen Joseph Halasz, Christopher Lee Halasz, Stephen Sandor Halasz
  • Patent number: 7384175
    Abstract: A worklight with spare bulb storage that is integrated storage into the existing worklight framework. Many worklights have one or more worklight heads supported on a base, which includes one or more generally hollow elongate cross bar structural support members. The spare bulb holder is integrated into the one or more of the cross bar structural support members and includes one or more spare-bulb retainers and a retainer support piece. The retainer itself has an elongate extent with an end cap at one end and is formed to hold an individual elongate double-ended halogen bulb. The retainer support piece is retained in an end of a cross bar structural support member and has at least one opening sized so that the retainer can be inserted through it into the cross bar structural support member. The end cap on the retainer is formed to close the opening through the retainer support piece and to be held securely within the opening when the retainer is inserted into the cross bar structural support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: EML Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Donald R. Sandell
  • Patent number: 7229190
    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: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Maglica
  • Patent number: 7070297
    Abstract: A flashlight having one or more storage areas while providing a means to attach useful accessories such as a can of pepper spray, compass or thermometer. The features of the invention allow the compass to be conveniently removed while still allowing the flashlight to operate. A portion of the storage area has a greater diameter than the tubular body of the flashlight to assist holding of the flashlight while separate storage spaces allow storing of spare batteries, light bulbs, other loose items or combinations of the like. In a separate feature of the invention, the intermediate cap has a cavity sized to receive and frictionally hold the flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Donald L. Muhlnickel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7001043
    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: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Maglica
  • Patent number: 6921185
    Abstract: A work light frame for holding a lens to an electric halogen work lamp is disclosed. The work light frame has a front and a back, and preferably has a channel-shape cross-section. A storage compartment for holding a spare bulb is incorporated into the back of the frame and is recessed within the channel-shape cross-section. The storage compartment is covered by a door and has bulb retention structures therein. Preferably, the storage compartment is located at the top of the frame and the frame is hingeably attached to the lamp at the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Cordelia Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Monroe, John H. Wandrey
  • Patent number: 6802625
    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: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: MAG Instrument, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Maglica
  • Publication number: 20040196655
    Abstract: The invention concerns a flashlights with a battery housing, with a housing opening for accommodation of flashlight batteries, a closure cap for the housing opening, with an opening side and an opposing cap side and holders located in the closure cap for a spare illuminant, which are shaped in such a way that a first end of the spare illuminant projects on the opening side from the holders, at least one contact spring projecting on the opening side from the holders which can be flexibly deformed in the direction of the cap side for compression retention of the flashlight batteries and a fixed protective element which is located on the first end of the spare illuminant and which projects on the opening side at least up to the first end of the spare illuminant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Man Ho Yang
  • Patent number: 6682203
    Abstract: A flashlight includes a conductive barrel, a lamp unit, a connecting device and a tail cap unit. The connecting device includes a conductive ring, an insulator seat, a conductive biasing member and a positioning cap. The biasing member is disposed in a retaining hole in the insulator seat, and is prevented from removal from the retaining hole by the positioning cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Wen-Chin Shiau
  • Publication number: 20030231492
    Abstract: A flashlight includes a conductive barrel, a lamp unit, a connecting device and a tail cap unit. The connecting device includes a conductive ring, an insulator seat, a conductive biasing member and a positioning cap. The biasing member is disposed in a retaining hole in the insulator seat, and is prevented from removal from the retaining hole by the positioning cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Wen-Chin Shiau
  • Patent number: 6652116
    Abstract: A portable flashlight or lantern has a main body for housing a primary source of electrical power, such as batteries and a light bulb operationally connected to the batteries. A secondary housing is detachably secured on the main body for holding a spare set of batteries without electrically connecting the spare batteries to the light bulb. When the primary batteries are exhausted, the user disengages a coupler that holds the secondary housing and the main body together, removes the spare batteries and substitutes them for the old batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Benjamin Signorino Dickinson
  • Patent number: 6616297
    Abstract: A pushbutton and rear cap mounting arrangement for flashlight is so arranged that the pushbutton is alternatively set between a first position where the pushbutton is locked in “on”position to close the circuit of the flashlight, and a second position where the pushbutton is unlocked and supported in “off” position to open the circuit and the user can push the pushbutton with the thumb to “on” position to turn on the flashlight when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Chin Hsiang Chen
  • Patent number: 6616296
    Abstract: The invention concerns a flash-light comprising a control membrane, one or several reserve batteries (20), an emergency lighting (22), display means, and a managing electronic circuit comprising: means for controlling the level of the batteries to display their charge level and switch the battery or batteries (20) on the emergency bulb (22) if the main bulb is connected but the level of the cells (12) is insufficient; means for controlling the bulb, the circuit displaying the bulb condition (in order/out of order) or a charge level of the batteries (12) when the flash-light is on; means for controlling the charge level of the battery or batteries (20) to connect the battery or batteries (20) on the cells (12) and for recharging it or them if the level of the battery or batteries (20) is insufficient, said supply being interrupted as soon as the level of the battery of batteries (20) is above a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventors: François Roux, Thierry Cassan
  • Publication number: 20030133290
    Abstract: A portable flashlight or lantern has a main body for housing a primary source of electrical power, such as batteries and a light bulb operationally connected to the batteries. A secondary housing is detachably secured on the main body for holding a spare set of batteries without electrically connecting the spare batteries to the light bulb. When the primary batteries are exhausted, the user disengages a coupler that holds the secondary housing and the main body together, removes the spare batteries and substitutes them for the old batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Benjamin Signorino Dickinson
  • Patent number: 6575592
    Abstract: A flashlight as disclosed to comprise a barrel, a tail cap, a head assembly, and a miniature lamp bulb holder and for providing interruptible electrical coupling to dry cell batteries retained within the barrel. One-way valves may be positioned at seal locations in association with passageways to allow venting of overpressure within the interior volume of the flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Maglica
  • Publication number: 20030067767
    Abstract: A portable lighting device with an energy-saving control circuit is disclosed. The energy-saving control circuit includes an illumination control switch electrically connected in series with a lamp unit; an illumination-setting unit having a plurality of illumination-setting keys for setting a plurality of illumination levels for the lamp unit and generating an illumination control signal corresponding to one of the illumination levels; and a control unit for receiving said illumination control signal from the illumination-setting unit, and outputting an adjustable pulse-width modulation signal to control the illumination control switch, thereby adjusting the illumination of the lamp unit in accordance with the illumination level set by the illumination-setting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Daniel Liu
  • Publication number: 20030035284
    Abstract: A combination for use in aligning a lamp bulb with the principle axis of a reflector is provided. The combination includes a lamp bulb and a lamp base. The lamp bulb has a pair of electrodes and a filament extending between the electrodes. The lamp base is adapted to receive the electrodes of the lamp bulb. The lamp bulb is secured to the base so that the electrodes extend through the base, the lamp bulb is disposed adjacent the base, and the filament of the lamp bulb is aligned with a predetermined axis extending through the base. The base is configured to be seated in a bore provided in a base receiver mounted adjacent the reflector so as to align the predetermined axis of the base with the principal axis of the reflector. Flashlights employing the combination are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Applicant: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Maglica
  • Patent number: 6454427
    Abstract: An illuminating utility knife has an easy-access to spare blades contained therein. The knife has a housing made up of a first cover and a second cover coupled together and fastened by at least one screw. A blade is slidably contained in the housing. The utility knife of the invention can be used in dim light because an illuminating device is provided in the knife. The illuminating device includes a bulb installed near the blade, a battery chamber defined in the housing for containing at least one battery, and a switch used for actuating the bulb. Additionally, a spare blade drawer is provided and slidably contained in a passage defined in the housing. At least one spare blade is stored in the spare blade drawer and therefore is easy to be taken out for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Kun-Chen Chen
  • Patent number: 6450660
    Abstract: A spare bulb holder arrangement for a quartz-halogen-type bulb used in a worklight that holds the bulb securely and safely against the rigors of use to which worklights can be subjected. The bulb holder is used with an elongate double-ended bulb of the sort that has an elongate envelope with end portions at each end of the envelope that are adapted for mounting the bulb in a worklight. The spare bulb holder includes an elongate bulb housing sized to receive a spare bulb, a spare bulb support structure sized to be received within the bulb housing, and a housing end cap for closing the bulb housing and for removing and inserting the spare bulb support structure. The support structure includes first and second bulb engaging members that are spaced apart from one another and that are disposed on the support structure to lie in registration with the end portions of the bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: EML Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Wade Lee
  • Patent number: 6422724
    Abstract: A portable light device for vehicles for providing useful and needed light when working with or about a vehicle. The portable light device for vehicles includes includes a magnetic base member; and also includes an elongate contortable member having a first end and a second end with the first end being securely fastened to the magnetic base member; and further includes a support member being securely and pivotally attached to the second end of the elongate contortable member and having a first portion and a second portion which is rotatably mounted upon the first portion with the second portion also including a top wall and a recessed portion in the top wall; and also includes light-emitting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Robert A. Monteiro
  • 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: 6354715
    Abstract: A flashlight in accordance with the present invention includes a chamber, end cap, head assembly and lamp holder assembly. The end cap includes a bowed tripod portion to facilitate standing the flashlight on a flat surface. The head assembly includes a reflector and a lens. In one embodiment of the invention, the head assembly includes an elliptical reflector. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the flashlight having a elliptical reflector is matched with a negative or planar lens. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the head assembly includes an hyperbolic reflector. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the flashlight having a hyperbolic reflector is matched with a positive or planar lens. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the flashlight includes electrode connections which prevent the conduction of electrical energy from batteries which are improperly aligned within the flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Bison Sportslights, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Joseph Halasz, Christopher Lee Halasz, Stephen Sandor Halasz
  • Patent number: 6345900
    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: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Maglica
  • Patent number: 6299324
    Abstract: A lantern having a flashing lantern cap includes a flashing lantern cap, a head, and a handle. The flashing lantern cap is formed to be capable of being detachable from the lantern to make light emitted from a lamp of the lantern to flash. The flashing lantern cap is attached at the fore end of the head. The head has the lamp inside and into which the flashing lantern cap is inserted. The handle is coupled to the rear end of the head and stores a battery inside. The handle can further include at the rear end thereof a multi-function portion having at least one of a cutter for cutting provided at an angled inlet, a hammer for breaking a car window, and a compressed gas injector used for self-defense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Tae Hyung Kim
  • Publication number: 20010000685
    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 22, 2000
    Publication date: May 3, 2001
    Applicant: MAG INSTRUMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Anthony Maglica
  • Patent number: 6193389
    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 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Maglica
  • Patent number: 6161938
    Abstract: A flashlight particularly useful by safety personnel such as a firefighter and capable of operation with rechargeable battery means or non-rechargeable battery means. The flashlight includes a one-piece plastic casing having a tubular body portion defining a battery compartment and a right angled head portion in which a light bulb is mounted. The battery compartment is closed by an end cap on which electrical conductive means is mounted to form a part of the battery circuit when non-rechargeable batteries are placed in the compartment. A plurality of charging contacts are mounted on the rear wall of the body portion of the flashlight for enabling rechargeable batteries to be recharged while in the compartment. The charging contacts are recessed within the rear wall of the battery compartment so that they can not be engaged by non-rechargeable batteries within the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Koehler-Bright Star, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Kish, Randy S. Cramer
  • Patent number: 6092910
    Abstract: A flashlight includes a tubular barrel having an upper end formed with external threads and a lower end firmed with internal threads, a head having a lower end formed with internal threads adapted to engage with the external threads of the tubular barrel, an electrical socket fitted within the upper end of the tubular barrel, a light bulb having two depending electrodes received in the first and second holes of the electrical socket, a reflector arranged on the electrical socket and having a central opening for passage of the light bulb, a piece of glass arranged on the reflector, a tail having an upper end threadedly engage able a lower end of the tubular barrel, a water-proof cap mounted on a lower end of the tail, and a switch arranged within the tail and having a push button fitted in the water-proof cap, whereby the flashlight can be easily operated by depressing the switch at the tail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Rick Sung
  • Patent number: 6086219
    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 charger for charging the rechargeable batteries via conductors in the tailcap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Maglica, Ralph Emsley Johnson, Armis L. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5980076
    Abstract: An illuminator assembly that has a lid that can be easily removed, a spare bulb holder, a color wheel that easily accepts additional filters without disassembly and a snap on filter for a window on the illuminator assembly. The illuminator assembly illuminates one end of a bundle of fiber optic fibers for a lighting system for a swimming pool or a spa or other area to be illuminated. The illuminator assembly includes a hollow housing containing a light socket assembly for illuminating the end of the bundle of fiber optic fibers. The housing has a first tab mounted adjacent to its open upper end. A light bulb is mounted in the light socket assembly and a lid is provided that is sized to cover the open upper end of the housing. The lid has a second tab configured to selectively engage the first tab on the housing upon the rotation of the lid with respect to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: American Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis C. Dunn, Kevin L. Potucek, Richard L. Swain, Laurence E. Thrasher
  • Patent number: 5911497
    Abstract: A flashlight includes a housing having an outer wall, a closed end and an open end. The outer wall is in the form of three semi-cylindrical portions forming within the housing three parallel pockets each of which is adapted to receive a stack of at least two batteries. A cap is threaded on the open end of the housing. The cap has therein a light bulb, a conical reflector and a lens across its end through which light from the light bulb can flow. Contact strips in the cap and contact springs in the bottom of the housing are adapted to connect the batteries and the light bulb in series. A switch is in the handle and is adapted to turn the light bulb off and on. A handle is removably mounted on the outer surface of the housing and extends radially from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventor: Scott A. Mele
  • 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: 5836672
    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 charger for charging the rechargeable batteries via conductors in the tailcap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Maglica, Ralph Emsley Johnson, Armis L. Lewis
  • 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: 5819917
    Abstract: An accessory (10) for attachment to a flashlight (F). The accessory carries replacement batteries (B) and a replacement bulb (L) for the flashlight. A housing (12) may be either circular or rectangular in cross-section. The length of the housing corresponds to the total length of the batteries required to replace the flashlight batteries. One end (14) of the housing is closed, its other end (16) is open, and the interior of the housing is sized for the replacement batteries to fit within the housing. An end cap (20) fits over the open end of the housing. The cap includes an interior bracket (26) in which the replacement bulb is stored, and the cap is removable for removal of the replacement batteries or the bulb. A ring (36) on the housing attaches to a ring (R) or a washer (40) on the flashlight for attaching the accessory to the flashlight; or, alternately, to an article of clothing worn by the user. This allows the accessory to be conveniently carried with the flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Jerome Nicholson
  • Patent number: 5722765
    Abstract: A miniature flashlight as disclosed to comprise a barrel, a tail cap, a head assembly, and a miniature lamp bulb holder and for providing interruptible electrical coupling to dry cell batteries retained within the barrel. One-way valves may be positioned at seal locations in association with passageways to allow venting of overpressure within the interior volume of the flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Maglica
  • Patent number: 5601359
    Abstract: A flashlight is provided with a conductive casing and a resilient sleeve positioned on the conductive casing. The sleeve is mounted on the casing by conducting a flow of pressurized gas through the casing, aligning the sleeve with the rear end of the casing to inflate the sleeve, and then urging the sleeve onto the casing. The sleeve is configured to expose the forward end of the casing, which is threaded to rotatably engage a head assembly. The head assembly includes a spring positioned therein for mounting a conductive rim of a lamp socket in abutment with the forward end of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Streamlight, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond L. Sharrah, John DiNenna, David A. Rufe
  • 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: 5483429
    Abstract: A pen/hand torch combination device having a metal cylinder mounted on the pen holder to hold a battery, a holder mounted one end of the metal cylinder to hold a lamp socket with a lamp bulb, an insulator mounted between the cylinder and the holder to hold a pen clip, and a top socket mounted on the holder to hold a reflector above the lamp bulb, wherein when the pen clip is depressed to contact the cylinder, the battery is electrically connected to the lamp socket, causing the lamp bulb turned on; when the pen clip is released from the metal cylinder, the lamp bulb is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: An G. Chu
  • Patent number: 5455752
    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 charger for charging the rechargeable batteries via conductors in the tailcap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Maglica, Ralph E. Johnson, Armis L. Lewis
  • 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: 5413223
    Abstract: A holder for an emergency flashlight having a construction capable of holding reserve batteries and a reserve miniature bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Inventor: Woo J. Kang
  • 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: 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: 5349506
    Abstract: A miniature flashlight as disclosed to comprise a barrel, a tail cap, 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. A spring is disposed between the tail cap and the batteries within the barrel to urge the batteries into contact with the center conductor on the second insulated receptacle, thereby urging the second and the first insulated receptacles in the same direction until the second insulated receptacle contacts the lip on the end of the barrel whereat the second conductor member is in contact with the lip. One-way valves may be positioned at seal locations in association with passageways to allow venting of overpressure within the interior volume of the flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: MAG Instrument, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Maglica
  • Patent number: RE38014
    Abstract: A waterproof flashlight wherein the flashlight is activated by means of a switch located in the flashlight's end cap. Another aspect of the invention being the orientation of the positive terminals of the flashlight's batteries away from the head assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee K. Bieberstein