CA1041974A - Flashlight having a push button switch means - Google Patents
Flashlight having a push button switch meansInfo
- Publication number
- CA1041974A CA1041974A CA233,687A CA233687A CA1041974A CA 1041974 A CA1041974 A CA 1041974A CA 233687 A CA233687 A CA 233687A CA 1041974 A CA1041974 A CA 1041974A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- flashlight
- battery
- lens
- battery casing
- casing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21L—LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF, BEING PORTABLE OR SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR TRANSPORTATION
- F21L4/00—Electric lighting devices with self-contained electric batteries or cells
- F21L4/005—Electric lighting devices with self-contained electric batteries or cells the device being a pocket lamp
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
- F21V23/04—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches
- F21V23/0414—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches specially adapted to be used with portable lighting devices
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
- H01H9/02—Bases, casings, or covers
- H01H9/04—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof casings
- H01H2009/048—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof casings using a sealing boot, e.g. the casing having separate elastic body surrounding the operating member and hermetically closing the opening for it
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)
- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
- Rotary Switch, Piano Key Switch, And Lever Switch (AREA)
Abstract
A FLASHLIGHT HAVING A PUSH BUTTON
SWITCH MEANS
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A flashlight employing a push button switch fixedly secured on a mounting bracket disposed within the battery casing with the button member of the switch disposed in an opening in the wall of the battery casing and having a flexible boot member disposed and secured over said opening and said button member,
SWITCH MEANS
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A flashlight employing a push button switch fixedly secured on a mounting bracket disposed within the battery casing with the button member of the switch disposed in an opening in the wall of the battery casing and having a flexible boot member disposed and secured over said opening and said button member,
Description
~ 7~ 9625 Field of the Invention This invention relates to a flashlight, such as a waterproof flashlight, and more specifically to a flashlight employing a novel pu~h button switch.
BackRround of the Invention Flashlights presently available are generally fabricated with various sliding ~witches which are actuated from the outside of the flashlight casing.
These types of flashlights generally require a switch arrangement whereby sliding means disposed on the outside of the casing have to be moved parallel to the axis of the casing to complete the electrical circuit within the flsshlight which, in the presence of conventional cells, causes the bulb to light. This type switch arrangement usually can be unintentionally actuated while being stored in a rathor confined compartment or when the switch member of the flashlight is accidentally bumped against an ob~ect.
Another type of flashlight is of the waterproof type which utilizes a water-tight flexible rubber member over a slideable switch disposed in a water-tight casing.
Repeated use of the slideablé switch sub~ect~ the rubber member to friction wear and possible damage to its waser-tight characteristics.
Waterproof type flashlights have also been fabricated with part of a conductive metal switch embedded in the wall of an enclosed casing made of synthetic . .
, ~. . .
,: . . ; - . -~0~9 74 9625 resin or the like, A second part of the metal switch i8 exposed on the outside wall of the casing and i6 coupled to an operating member which controls said exposed switch for actuating the flashlight to the "on"
and "off" position, The disadvantage with this type flashlight is that the water-tightness of the casing is sub~ect to damage owing to the corrosion of ~he conductive metal on the ~witch segment posi~ioned on the outside of the casing, In addition, the operating parts of the switch are rather difficult and expensive to fabricate.
Another type of waterproof flashlight presently available i8 fabricated with magnetically-operated switches which are actuated from the outside of the flashlight casing, This type of waterproof flashlight generally requires a dual type switch arrangement whereby a first switch operating member is disposed outside the water-tight casing which upon being moved will actuate a second switch operating member disposed inside said casing.
Damage to the outside mounted switch will render the inside switch ineffective to control the operation of the lamp, In my U. S. Patent 3,798,440, a switching module is disclosed which utilizes a push button switch and which is adapted for coupling between various size and shape battery casings and lens and reflector units.
One of the principal ob~ects of this in~ention is to provide a fla~hlight with a novel push button 3, 1~4 1~'7~ 9625 switching component.
Another ob~ect is to provide a push button switch for wsterproof flashlights that can be repeatedly operated without losing itS water-tight features.
It is another ob~ect to provide various type and size battery casings and lens housings utilizing a push button switch.
It is another ob~ect to provide floatable water-proof flashlights which utilize a push button switch.
It i~ another ob~ect to provide a fla~hlight with a push button switch that is easy to operate and has an attractive appearance.
Another ob~ect is to provide a push button switch for fla~hlights wherein the push button ~witch i8 fixedly disposed within the casing of the fls~hlight.
These and other ob~ects are accomplished by a push button switch adapted for mounting within a battery casing and operable in con~unction with other normal com-ponent~ of a flashlight for intermittently completing and interrupting the electrical circuit between the battery casing and the lens housings.
One embodiment of this invention i9 a flashlight comprising a lens and reflector unit having a front open end adap~ed to be detachably mounted to a battery casing and having a lens, a lens ring, a lamp holder adapted for accommodating a lamp and containing a first contact means therein;
a battery casing provided with a first open end adapted 10419~7~ 9625 to receive battery means and adapted to be detachably mounted to an end cap for securing said battery means therein, a second open end at the opposite end thereof adapted to be detachably mounted to the front open end of the lens and reflector unit, and wherein second contact means are provided for electrically connecting the interior vicinity of the end cap to said first contact means; a push button switch fixedly secured on a mounting bracket disposed within the second open end of the battery casing with the button member of the switch disposed within an opening in the wall of the battery casing at the vicinity of the second open end and having a flexible boot member disposed and secured over said opening so that upon being depressed, the boot will in turn depress the button member of the switch; and third contact means adapted through actuation of the push button switch in the presence of a lamp bulb and battery means assembled in the flashlight to complete o~ interrupt the continuity of an electrical circuit between the lamp bulb snd the battery means.
The button member of the switch is preferably recessed slightly below the wall defining the opening in the battery casing or substantially flash mounted with said wall of the battery casing.
As used herein, the second contact means used to connect the interior vicinity of the end cap; i.e., the vicinity within the end cap occupied by a conductive r, ' ' ~ . ~ ' , ' ' ~' ,, ' , ' ~
~ 0~9~74 9625 member, such as a coil spring, that contacts one pole of the battery disposed at the lower end of the battery casing, can comprise one or more conductive strips or the battery casing, when such is conductive, with or without additional contact strips. The primary function of the second contact means is to provide a conductive path from one pole of a battery to the first contact means contained in the lens and reflector unit. It is also within the scope of this invention to have the switch function as a contact element in connecting the pole of the battery disposed at the lower end of the battery casing to the first contact means in the lens and reflector unit. This arrangement is disclosed in my U.S. Patent 3,798,440.
As used herein, battery means shall mean one or mo~e cells with the specific number and size being governed by the size and shape of the battery casing. The more conventional size battery casing usually accommodates two D-size or C-size cells.
In one specific embodiment of this invention, the battery casing can be of the usual metallic tubular type in which the casing itself provides the electrical path from the vicinity of the end cap to the vicinity of the open end adapted to be detachably mounted to the lens and reflector unit. In another specific embodiment .. , , ~
~ 041~74 9625 where the battery casing is made of a nonconductive material, then a conductive strip has to be employed to electricfllly connect the interior of the end cap to the vicinity of the open end of the battery casing adapted to be detachably mounted to the lens and reflector unit. In both embodi-ments, it is preferable to have a coil spring secured to the interior of the end cap so as to provide sufficient pressure on the battery means within the casing to insure good electrical contact between the battery means and the switch contact means therein. The coil spring also electrically connects one pole of the battery to either a conductive battery casing or to a conductive strip depending upon the material used for the battery casing.
When the battery casing is made of conductive material, then this embodiment of the flashlight could comprise a metallic tubular battery casing closed at its lower or first open end by means of an end cap of simiLar material which could be threadably engaged to said first open end while the upper or second open end at the opposite end thereof could be threadably mounted to a lens and reflector unit. The end cap would preferably contain a coil spring to constantly supply pressure on the battery or batteries within the casing to maintain or urge said battery or :.. ~ ...... .
~a4ls~74 batteries toward the upper or second open end of the casing where a push button switch fixedly secured on a mounting bracket would be disposed. A suitably shaped contact strip would be employed tO connect the battery casing to the contact shell of the lens and reflector unit which in turn would be electrically connected to, or adapted to be connected to, 8 lamp bulb mounted in said lens and reflector unit. The battery casing of the flash-light would be electrically connected to one pole of the battery ad~acent the end cap via the coil spring. The push button switch, which is secured on a mounting bracket within the battery ca8ing with its button member disposed in an opening in the wall of the battery casing, would provide the contact means adaptable for electrically connecting the opposite pole of the battery (center terminal), or the center terminal of the battery closest the push button switch when more than one battery is employed, to the centcr terminal of the lamp bulb thereby completing the electrical circuit for the flashlight when the switch is activated to the "on" position. Thus by depressing the butto~ member of the switch, the ele~trical contact between the center terminal of the battery and the lamp bulb would be completed or interrupted depending upon the state of the electrical connection prior to the button being depressed.
In another embodiment of this invention, the battery casing could be made of a nonconductive material 10419~4 9625 whereupon a conductive strip would have to be employed to electrically connect the coil spring disposed at the end cap to the contact shell member in the lens and reflector unit. In both of the above embodiments, a flexible boot would be secured over the opening in the battery casing where the button member of the switch is disposed. In the flashlight embodiment utilizing the nonconductive battery casing, the flashlight could be made waterproof by water-tightly ~ecuring the flexible boot to the opening in the battery casing and by employing suitable 0-ring seals at each threaded area, i.e., between the lens and reflector unit and the upper end of battery casing and between the lower end of the battery casing and end cap. By selecting a suitable floatable material for the casing of the flashlight, nn excellent waterproof, floatable flashlight can be produced which will have the capability of being repeatedly operated without lo~ing its water-tight features. The novel push button switch arrangement of this invention can be used with various size and shape battery casings which could be coupled to various size and shape lens and reflector units to produce flashlights for all purposes.
In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a side view of a flashlight embodying this invention;
Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of the flashlight of Figure l; -:- . . - - ., , : : -.. - ~ . .
: - .
- - - .
. .
~ 04 19 q 4 9625 Figure 3 is a partial top sectional view of the flashlight of Figure l;
Figure 4 is an enlarged isometric view of a push button switch fixedly secured on a mounting bracket;
Figure 5 i9 a top view of a mounting bracket in the open position;
Figure 6 is a partial side sectional view of Figure 5 taken along lines 6-6;
Figure 7 is a sectional view of a mounting bracket in the closed position taken along the longitudinal axis;
Figure 8 is a side view of a flexible boot for use over the button member of the switch shown in Figure 2;
Figure 9 is a side view of a lock ring used to secure the boot of Figure 8 and the mounting bracket of Figures 4 to 7 to the battery casing of the flashlight shown in Figure 2;
Figure 10 is a side view of an accent ring used to form a tight fit between the boot of Figure 8 and the lock ring of Figure 9;
Figure 11 is an isometric view of a flashlight embodying the invention;
Figure 12 is a vertical sectional view of the flashlight of Figure 11; ~:
Figure 13 is a partial top sectional view of the flashlight of Figure 11;
Figure 14 is an isometric view of a mounting . .
"
,' 10.
, . - - ., .- .. .. ; .
, . . .
- - : -: . .
1041Y~4 9625 bracket for use in the flashlight of Figure 11.
Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3, there is shown a flsshlight 1 h~ving a battery ca~ing 2, an end cap 3, and a lens and reflector unit 4. The battery casing 2 is of the usual metallic tubular type of thin gage metal such as chrome plated steel, aluminum, brass or copper coated ~teel or other similarly conductive material, preferably a metal capable of being finished to a high po~ished state. Battery cas;ng 2 is closed at its lower end by means of end cap 3 which is threadably engaged to the lo~er end of casing 2. End cap 3 contains a coil spring 84 which electrically connects casing 2 with one pole of battery 5 while simultaneously exerting pressure on batteries 5 and 6 to maintain good electrical contact to conductive strip72 of push button switch 8. The upper open end portion of casing 2 terminates with a threaded segment 9 designed to engage threaded segment 10 of the lens and reflector unit 4. Disposed in the side wall of casing 2 at the vicinity of the upper open end is a circular opening 50.
Lens and reflector unit 4 comprises lens 11, lens ring 12, reflector 13, contact shell 14, bulb holder 15 and lamp 16. Reflector 13 is of the conventional type comprlsing a molded reflector body composed of a non-conductive material, such as plastic, for in~tance, polystyrene, and having substantially corresponding cOncave-¦ convex sides, the concave side of which is provided with . 11.
1~4~9'74 9~25 a metsllic reflectory coating 17 such as aluminumapplied by con~entional vacuum-metallizing techniques or the like, and a central apertured cylindricsl neck not shown. The contact shell 14, composed of an elec-trically conductive material, is preferably of frusto-conical shape with a tubular socket axially formed therein.
The tubular socket, as generally disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,798,440, is generally secured within the apertured neck of re-flector 13 and has a flanged end which interlocks with an annular flange which is integrally molded to the opening of the apertured neck of the reflector. The frusto-conical portion of contact shell 14 forms an annular shaped s~irt 18 which pro~ects radially outwardly from and out of contact with reflector 13. The flanged end of the tubular socket within reflector 13 al80 provides a seat against which i8 mounted the flanged neck of lamp bulb 16 which is of the conventional type having a cylindr~cal base 19 including a button type terminal 20.
Len~ ring 12 is preferably made of t~e same material as casing 2 so as to give an overall streamline appearance. It is also within the scope of this invention to have ~he lens ring 12 made of a different material than that of casing 2. End cap 3 is preferably made of the same material as casing 2 but if a different material is desired, then said material has to be conductive 80 as to provide a complete electrical path for the flashlight.
Bulb holder 15 is tubular shaped and is composed 12.
... . . .
.~ . . . .-. . . . . .
~ (~4~19~74 9625 of a resilient material, preferably a molded plastic, such as polyethylene. Bulb holder 15 is securely mounted within the tubular socket of reflector 13 by conventional means as also disclosed in U. S. Patent 3,798,440. To remove holder lS to replace lamp 16, the holder lS i9 simply pulled outwardly from the tubular socket to detach its forward end. Once the lamp i8 replaced, it i8 ~imply pushed back into the socket.
The assembled unit containing reflector 13, contact shell 14, bulb holder 15 and lamp 16 is held ~ecurely within the lens and lens ring assembly by friction fit between the reflector rib periphery and a bead within the lens ring 12. After assembly, the forward opening of the battery casing entraps the reflector between its forward thread and the lens.
As shown in Figures 4 to 7, a push button switch bracket 22 comprises an overall flat sided (24,26) sub-stantially tubular configuration which is pivotable about the midpoint 28 of one of the side walls 26. In the open 20 position, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, a flat base 30 is disposed in one half of the tubular bracket with an inwardly pro~ecting annular wall 32 disposed in the other half of the tubular bracket. Inwardly pro~ecting annular member 32 defines an opening 34 through which the bottom member 36 of ~witch 8 is inserted while the base 38 of switch 8 seats on base 30 of the mounting bracket 22 as shown in Figure 2. Disposed on opposite sldes of opening 34 13.
. .
.. . .
. .. . .
lC~ 9 q 4 9625 sre semi-circular pro~ection members 40 which help maintain the base 38 of switch 8 in proper alignment when switch 8 is placed in the mountlng bracket 22.
The flat ~urfaces 42 are alignet such that they are parallel with the longitudinal ~ide walls of base 38 when switch 8 is positioned on mounting bracket 22.
Disposed at each end of the longitudinal outer extremities of mounting bracket 22 at the upper vicinity of the annular member 32 are grooves or openings 44 t7hose function will be tescribed below. A longitudinal groove 46 i8 disposed at the center of the outer lower half of the bracket to accommodate a contract strip as will be described below.
Mounting bracket 22 can be molded in one piece as shown in Figures 5 to 7 using a suitable plastic material ~uch as polyolefin, polyethylene, polypropylene, copolymers of acrylonitrile, butadiene, or styrene or any other suitable material capable of securing switch 8 within battery casing 2.
A conventional type push button switch 8 can be positioned in bracket 22 by inserting the button member 36 through opening 34 whereupon the top surface of the base 38 will rest on the flange 48 of annular wall 32 and be aligned between members 40 as shown in Figure 2.
Thereupon both halves of bracket 22 can be pivoted together so that the bottom surface of base 38 of switch 8 will rest on base 30 of the bracket. The switch and 14.
.~ . .. , : ................................... ,~
- . .- ,-. ~ ~ -;
1~419~t4 9625 bracket assembly along with a conductive ~trip 68 placed in recess 46 can then be in~erted into the upper end of battery casing 2 and positioned such that the button 36 of switch 8 i8 centered withln opening 50 of the ~ide wall of casing 2. A flexible boot 52, as shown in Figure 8 and made of rubber, a low density polyolefin or the like, is assembled above ~witch 8 in opening 50 of casing 2 whereupon the lower flange 60 seats upon surface 62 of bracket 22. A rigid circular type lock ring 54,having a flange 66 extending from the top end thereof and two narrow flexible pro~ecting tabs 64 extending from the lower end thereof, is assembled over boot 52 and pressed onto mounting bracket 22 such that the pro~ecting tabs 64 will first be flexed inwardly until they are aligned with openings 44 in bracket 22 whereupon they will then spring out and into said openings 44. This will secure both the bracket 22 and boot 52 to casing 2. To further secure the boot 52 to lock ring 54, an accent ring 56, as shown in Figure 10, can be forced fit between ~a~d boot 52 and lock ring 54 as ~hown in Figure 2.
~ ock ring 54 and accent ring 56 can be made of a material similar to the material used to make bracket 22 or some other rigid metallic-like material. However, the proJecting tabs 64 on lock ring 54 have to be flexible for the reason advanced above.
As shown in Figure~ 2 to 4, with the batteries 5 15.
~ - .
,. : ~ .
. ~ , -~ 419q4 and 6 in place and both the end cap 3 and lens and reflector unit 4 threadably ~ecured to casing 2, the flashlight i~ fully assembled and ready for operation.
As shown in the drawings, one pole of battery 5 i~
electrically connected to coil spring84 which in turn iæ
electrically connected to ~hell 14 via conductive casing 2 and conductive strip 68. Pu~h button switch 8 has two contact strips 70 and 72 as shown in Figures 2 to 4 with contact strip 70 aligned and in contact with the lamp terminal 20 while contact strip 72 is aligned and in contact with the center terminal 74 of battery 6. Thus the actuation of switch 8 will internally couple or uncouple contact strips 72 and 70, thereby electrically connecting or disconnecting, respectively, the battery terminal to the lsmp terminal which will effectively complete or interrupt, respectively, the electrical circuit of the flashlight.
Figures 11 to 14 show another embodiment of this invention in a flashlight 99 having a nonconductive casing and commonly referred to as an industrial flashlight.
Lens and reflector unit 100 comprises a lens ring 101, lens 102, reflector 103, contact shell 104, lamp 105 and lamp holder 106. The components are similar to those shown in Figures 2 and 3 except that the lens ring 101 has a different shape and is made of a nonconductive msterial such as polyolefin, polyethylene, polypropylene, copolymers of acrylonitrile, butadiene or styrene, or 16.
104~9q4 any other suitable nonconductive material. Lens ring 101 has a threaded segment 107 for engaging with threaded segment 108 of battery casing 109. Lens 102 can be made of a clear plastic material similar to that of lens ring 101 although lens ring 101 will preferably have various color pigments added to give it an attractive appearance. Lens 102 can be secured water-tight to lens ring 101 by embedding the peripheral edge of lens 102 into a groove (not shown) in the lens ring as described in U. S. Patent 3,798,440. It is also possible to provide a one piece lens and lens ring by molding the lens and lens ring in one operation. Preferably, the lens could be molded first of a transparent synthetic resin or the like, followed by a second molding operation whereby the lens ring could be molded onto said lens using a translucent or opaque synthetic resin material as described above. This dual molding operation could be easily accomplished by fir8t molding the transparent lens and then placing the lens within the mold of the lens ring followed thereafter by in~ecting the material for the lens ring among the lens.
Battery casing lO9, having circular ridges or groove6 144, is made of a nonconductive material, as described above, and has a closed lower end by means of end cap 110 which is threadably engaged to the lower end of the casing at lll. The end cap 110 contains an electrically conductive coil spring 112 secured to its 17.
10~974 9625 inner wall. An electrically conductive L-shaped strip 113 is secured to spring 112 at one end and the other end extends longitudinally such that when end cap 110 is screwed onto the battery ca~ing 109, said strip 113 will electrically contact a conductive annular ring 114 disposed at the internal lower end of battery casing 109.
The upper end of battery casing 109 has an opening 137 disposed in its side wall to expo~e button 115 of push button switch 116 which is mounted on bracket 117.
As shown in Figure 14, bracket 117 comprises a substan-tially circular flat wall 118 having an openlng 130 therein and a support member 119 extending perpendicular therefrom in one direction while in the opposite direction the w811 118 circumferentially terminates with an e~tending substantislly snnular wall 120. Support 119 has an opening 121 disposed therein and annular wall 120 has a flat segment 122 80 as to provide an opening or space between wall 120 and the internal wall 123 of casing 109.
The outside diameter wall 120 is slightly smaller at a segment of its leading edge 124 80 as to provide an arc surface 125 thereat which can seat against molded flange or pro~ecting rim 126 on the internal surface of casing 109.
A second molded flange or pro~ecting rim 127 i8 disposed downward of flange 126 on the internal surface of casing 109 and is provided to butt the opposite edge 128 of wall 120.
Thus, bracket 117 can be first properly aligned within casing 109, i.e., proper alignment of surface 125 with . 18.
, ~ 0~ 74 flange 127, and then bracket 117 can be forced into casing 109 until it i8 fixedly secured between flanges 126 and 127.
Push button switch 116 is fixedly mounted to support 117 by placing its button member 115 through opening 121 and then securing it in place by screwing nut 143 onto the threaded portion 129 of switch 116, The switch is shown in Figure 12 with a first contact strip 131 pro~ecting through opening 130 in bracket 117 and positioned 80 as to be aligned and in contact with the center terminal 142 of battery 132. A second contact strip 133 is shown pro~ecting in the opposite direction and positioned so as to be aligned and in contact with the lamp terminal 134. Thus the actuation of ~witch 116 will internally couple or uncouple contact strips 131 and 133 thereby electrically connecting or di~connecting, respectively, battery terminal 142 to lamp terminal 134, respectively. A longitudinal contact strip 155 extends from annular ring 114 through the opening formed between wall 122 of bracket 117 and wall 123 of casing 109 to electrically contact shell 104 of the lens and reflector unit 100. This completes the electrical circuit between batteries 132 and 135 to lamp 105. Thus when the switch 116 is activated to the "on" position and batteries 132 and 135 are assembled in the battery casing 109 with lens and reflector unit 100 coupled to the upper end thereof, a flashlight will be produced having a complete electric 19 .
. . .- .
1C)~19'74 circuit for operating the lamp.
A flex~ble switch boot 136, made of rubber, a low den~ity polyolefin, or the like, i~ assembled above switch 116 in opening 137 ofbattery cssing 109. A rigid gasket 138 of ABS copolymers or some other rigid metallic-like material provides a seal between boot 136 and opening 137 while simultaneously securing boot 136 in a molded recess or groove 139 in casing 109. This boot and gasket arrangement provides a water-tight a~sembly for switch 116 while also providing the flexibility necessary for activating said ~witch 116. Thus by depressing flexible boot 136, button 115 of switch 116 can be lowered thereby effectively operating said switch 116.
To insure a water-tight seal at the threaded engagement areas between one end of casing 109 and the lens and reflector unit 100, and between the opposite end of casing 109 and the end cap 110, gaskets or 0-rings 140 and 141, respectively, are added. The gaskets or 0-rings could be made of rubber, a low density polyolefin, or the like, as long as such gaskets are water resistant eo as to provide a water-tight seal for the threaded areas. The overall assembled flashlight shown in Figures 11 to 13, if made of a floatable material, will be water-tight, floatable, and capable of being repeatedly operated without losing its wster-tightness.
Preferably, longitudinal ribs could be disposed on the interior of the battery cas~ng to more accurately 20.
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: .- . . :
... . .
1 0~ i g~4 9625 center the bat~eries within said casing.
In some applications, the gaskets at the threaded areas of the flashlight may not be necessary, and the gasket for the switch boot may be dispensed with if the boot is fabricated with a peripheral rim having sufficient thickness 80 that it can be fi~edly secured into the ~olded recess at the circumference of the opening in the wall of the module casing.
A flashlight constructed in the manner described above would be admirably suited for use in all applications requiring a sturdy, durable lightweight flashlight.
Although this invention has been described with reference to many specific details thereof, lt is apparent that the invention is not limited to such details.
BackRround of the Invention Flashlights presently available are generally fabricated with various sliding ~witches which are actuated from the outside of the flashlight casing.
These types of flashlights generally require a switch arrangement whereby sliding means disposed on the outside of the casing have to be moved parallel to the axis of the casing to complete the electrical circuit within the flsshlight which, in the presence of conventional cells, causes the bulb to light. This type switch arrangement usually can be unintentionally actuated while being stored in a rathor confined compartment or when the switch member of the flashlight is accidentally bumped against an ob~ect.
Another type of flashlight is of the waterproof type which utilizes a water-tight flexible rubber member over a slideable switch disposed in a water-tight casing.
Repeated use of the slideablé switch sub~ect~ the rubber member to friction wear and possible damage to its waser-tight characteristics.
Waterproof type flashlights have also been fabricated with part of a conductive metal switch embedded in the wall of an enclosed casing made of synthetic . .
, ~. . .
,: . . ; - . -~0~9 74 9625 resin or the like, A second part of the metal switch i8 exposed on the outside wall of the casing and i6 coupled to an operating member which controls said exposed switch for actuating the flashlight to the "on"
and "off" position, The disadvantage with this type flashlight is that the water-tightness of the casing is sub~ect to damage owing to the corrosion of ~he conductive metal on the ~witch segment posi~ioned on the outside of the casing, In addition, the operating parts of the switch are rather difficult and expensive to fabricate.
Another type of waterproof flashlight presently available i8 fabricated with magnetically-operated switches which are actuated from the outside of the flashlight casing, This type of waterproof flashlight generally requires a dual type switch arrangement whereby a first switch operating member is disposed outside the water-tight casing which upon being moved will actuate a second switch operating member disposed inside said casing.
Damage to the outside mounted switch will render the inside switch ineffective to control the operation of the lamp, In my U. S. Patent 3,798,440, a switching module is disclosed which utilizes a push button switch and which is adapted for coupling between various size and shape battery casings and lens and reflector units.
One of the principal ob~ects of this in~ention is to provide a fla~hlight with a novel push button 3, 1~4 1~'7~ 9625 switching component.
Another ob~ect is to provide a push button switch for wsterproof flashlights that can be repeatedly operated without losing itS water-tight features.
It is another ob~ect to provide various type and size battery casings and lens housings utilizing a push button switch.
It is another ob~ect to provide floatable water-proof flashlights which utilize a push button switch.
It i~ another ob~ect to provide a fla~hlight with a push button switch that is easy to operate and has an attractive appearance.
Another ob~ect is to provide a push button switch for fla~hlights wherein the push button ~witch i8 fixedly disposed within the casing of the fls~hlight.
These and other ob~ects are accomplished by a push button switch adapted for mounting within a battery casing and operable in con~unction with other normal com-ponent~ of a flashlight for intermittently completing and interrupting the electrical circuit between the battery casing and the lens housings.
One embodiment of this invention i9 a flashlight comprising a lens and reflector unit having a front open end adap~ed to be detachably mounted to a battery casing and having a lens, a lens ring, a lamp holder adapted for accommodating a lamp and containing a first contact means therein;
a battery casing provided with a first open end adapted 10419~7~ 9625 to receive battery means and adapted to be detachably mounted to an end cap for securing said battery means therein, a second open end at the opposite end thereof adapted to be detachably mounted to the front open end of the lens and reflector unit, and wherein second contact means are provided for electrically connecting the interior vicinity of the end cap to said first contact means; a push button switch fixedly secured on a mounting bracket disposed within the second open end of the battery casing with the button member of the switch disposed within an opening in the wall of the battery casing at the vicinity of the second open end and having a flexible boot member disposed and secured over said opening so that upon being depressed, the boot will in turn depress the button member of the switch; and third contact means adapted through actuation of the push button switch in the presence of a lamp bulb and battery means assembled in the flashlight to complete o~ interrupt the continuity of an electrical circuit between the lamp bulb snd the battery means.
The button member of the switch is preferably recessed slightly below the wall defining the opening in the battery casing or substantially flash mounted with said wall of the battery casing.
As used herein, the second contact means used to connect the interior vicinity of the end cap; i.e., the vicinity within the end cap occupied by a conductive r, ' ' ~ . ~ ' , ' ' ~' ,, ' , ' ~
~ 0~9~74 9625 member, such as a coil spring, that contacts one pole of the battery disposed at the lower end of the battery casing, can comprise one or more conductive strips or the battery casing, when such is conductive, with or without additional contact strips. The primary function of the second contact means is to provide a conductive path from one pole of a battery to the first contact means contained in the lens and reflector unit. It is also within the scope of this invention to have the switch function as a contact element in connecting the pole of the battery disposed at the lower end of the battery casing to the first contact means in the lens and reflector unit. This arrangement is disclosed in my U.S. Patent 3,798,440.
As used herein, battery means shall mean one or mo~e cells with the specific number and size being governed by the size and shape of the battery casing. The more conventional size battery casing usually accommodates two D-size or C-size cells.
In one specific embodiment of this invention, the battery casing can be of the usual metallic tubular type in which the casing itself provides the electrical path from the vicinity of the end cap to the vicinity of the open end adapted to be detachably mounted to the lens and reflector unit. In another specific embodiment .. , , ~
~ 041~74 9625 where the battery casing is made of a nonconductive material, then a conductive strip has to be employed to electricfllly connect the interior of the end cap to the vicinity of the open end of the battery casing adapted to be detachably mounted to the lens and reflector unit. In both embodi-ments, it is preferable to have a coil spring secured to the interior of the end cap so as to provide sufficient pressure on the battery means within the casing to insure good electrical contact between the battery means and the switch contact means therein. The coil spring also electrically connects one pole of the battery to either a conductive battery casing or to a conductive strip depending upon the material used for the battery casing.
When the battery casing is made of conductive material, then this embodiment of the flashlight could comprise a metallic tubular battery casing closed at its lower or first open end by means of an end cap of simiLar material which could be threadably engaged to said first open end while the upper or second open end at the opposite end thereof could be threadably mounted to a lens and reflector unit. The end cap would preferably contain a coil spring to constantly supply pressure on the battery or batteries within the casing to maintain or urge said battery or :.. ~ ...... .
~a4ls~74 batteries toward the upper or second open end of the casing where a push button switch fixedly secured on a mounting bracket would be disposed. A suitably shaped contact strip would be employed tO connect the battery casing to the contact shell of the lens and reflector unit which in turn would be electrically connected to, or adapted to be connected to, 8 lamp bulb mounted in said lens and reflector unit. The battery casing of the flash-light would be electrically connected to one pole of the battery ad~acent the end cap via the coil spring. The push button switch, which is secured on a mounting bracket within the battery ca8ing with its button member disposed in an opening in the wall of the battery casing, would provide the contact means adaptable for electrically connecting the opposite pole of the battery (center terminal), or the center terminal of the battery closest the push button switch when more than one battery is employed, to the centcr terminal of the lamp bulb thereby completing the electrical circuit for the flashlight when the switch is activated to the "on" position. Thus by depressing the butto~ member of the switch, the ele~trical contact between the center terminal of the battery and the lamp bulb would be completed or interrupted depending upon the state of the electrical connection prior to the button being depressed.
In another embodiment of this invention, the battery casing could be made of a nonconductive material 10419~4 9625 whereupon a conductive strip would have to be employed to electrically connect the coil spring disposed at the end cap to the contact shell member in the lens and reflector unit. In both of the above embodiments, a flexible boot would be secured over the opening in the battery casing where the button member of the switch is disposed. In the flashlight embodiment utilizing the nonconductive battery casing, the flashlight could be made waterproof by water-tightly ~ecuring the flexible boot to the opening in the battery casing and by employing suitable 0-ring seals at each threaded area, i.e., between the lens and reflector unit and the upper end of battery casing and between the lower end of the battery casing and end cap. By selecting a suitable floatable material for the casing of the flashlight, nn excellent waterproof, floatable flashlight can be produced which will have the capability of being repeatedly operated without lo~ing its water-tight features. The novel push button switch arrangement of this invention can be used with various size and shape battery casings which could be coupled to various size and shape lens and reflector units to produce flashlights for all purposes.
In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a side view of a flashlight embodying this invention;
Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of the flashlight of Figure l; -:- . . - - ., , : : -.. - ~ . .
: - .
- - - .
. .
~ 04 19 q 4 9625 Figure 3 is a partial top sectional view of the flashlight of Figure l;
Figure 4 is an enlarged isometric view of a push button switch fixedly secured on a mounting bracket;
Figure 5 i9 a top view of a mounting bracket in the open position;
Figure 6 is a partial side sectional view of Figure 5 taken along lines 6-6;
Figure 7 is a sectional view of a mounting bracket in the closed position taken along the longitudinal axis;
Figure 8 is a side view of a flexible boot for use over the button member of the switch shown in Figure 2;
Figure 9 is a side view of a lock ring used to secure the boot of Figure 8 and the mounting bracket of Figures 4 to 7 to the battery casing of the flashlight shown in Figure 2;
Figure 10 is a side view of an accent ring used to form a tight fit between the boot of Figure 8 and the lock ring of Figure 9;
Figure 11 is an isometric view of a flashlight embodying the invention;
Figure 12 is a vertical sectional view of the flashlight of Figure 11; ~:
Figure 13 is a partial top sectional view of the flashlight of Figure 11;
Figure 14 is an isometric view of a mounting . .
"
,' 10.
, . - - ., .- .. .. ; .
, . . .
- - : -: . .
1041Y~4 9625 bracket for use in the flashlight of Figure 11.
Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3, there is shown a flsshlight 1 h~ving a battery ca~ing 2, an end cap 3, and a lens and reflector unit 4. The battery casing 2 is of the usual metallic tubular type of thin gage metal such as chrome plated steel, aluminum, brass or copper coated ~teel or other similarly conductive material, preferably a metal capable of being finished to a high po~ished state. Battery cas;ng 2 is closed at its lower end by means of end cap 3 which is threadably engaged to the lo~er end of casing 2. End cap 3 contains a coil spring 84 which electrically connects casing 2 with one pole of battery 5 while simultaneously exerting pressure on batteries 5 and 6 to maintain good electrical contact to conductive strip72 of push button switch 8. The upper open end portion of casing 2 terminates with a threaded segment 9 designed to engage threaded segment 10 of the lens and reflector unit 4. Disposed in the side wall of casing 2 at the vicinity of the upper open end is a circular opening 50.
Lens and reflector unit 4 comprises lens 11, lens ring 12, reflector 13, contact shell 14, bulb holder 15 and lamp 16. Reflector 13 is of the conventional type comprlsing a molded reflector body composed of a non-conductive material, such as plastic, for in~tance, polystyrene, and having substantially corresponding cOncave-¦ convex sides, the concave side of which is provided with . 11.
1~4~9'74 9~25 a metsllic reflectory coating 17 such as aluminumapplied by con~entional vacuum-metallizing techniques or the like, and a central apertured cylindricsl neck not shown. The contact shell 14, composed of an elec-trically conductive material, is preferably of frusto-conical shape with a tubular socket axially formed therein.
The tubular socket, as generally disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,798,440, is generally secured within the apertured neck of re-flector 13 and has a flanged end which interlocks with an annular flange which is integrally molded to the opening of the apertured neck of the reflector. The frusto-conical portion of contact shell 14 forms an annular shaped s~irt 18 which pro~ects radially outwardly from and out of contact with reflector 13. The flanged end of the tubular socket within reflector 13 al80 provides a seat against which i8 mounted the flanged neck of lamp bulb 16 which is of the conventional type having a cylindr~cal base 19 including a button type terminal 20.
Len~ ring 12 is preferably made of t~e same material as casing 2 so as to give an overall streamline appearance. It is also within the scope of this invention to have ~he lens ring 12 made of a different material than that of casing 2. End cap 3 is preferably made of the same material as casing 2 but if a different material is desired, then said material has to be conductive 80 as to provide a complete electrical path for the flashlight.
Bulb holder 15 is tubular shaped and is composed 12.
... . . .
.~ . . . .-. . . . . .
~ (~4~19~74 9625 of a resilient material, preferably a molded plastic, such as polyethylene. Bulb holder 15 is securely mounted within the tubular socket of reflector 13 by conventional means as also disclosed in U. S. Patent 3,798,440. To remove holder lS to replace lamp 16, the holder lS i9 simply pulled outwardly from the tubular socket to detach its forward end. Once the lamp i8 replaced, it i8 ~imply pushed back into the socket.
The assembled unit containing reflector 13, contact shell 14, bulb holder 15 and lamp 16 is held ~ecurely within the lens and lens ring assembly by friction fit between the reflector rib periphery and a bead within the lens ring 12. After assembly, the forward opening of the battery casing entraps the reflector between its forward thread and the lens.
As shown in Figures 4 to 7, a push button switch bracket 22 comprises an overall flat sided (24,26) sub-stantially tubular configuration which is pivotable about the midpoint 28 of one of the side walls 26. In the open 20 position, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, a flat base 30 is disposed in one half of the tubular bracket with an inwardly pro~ecting annular wall 32 disposed in the other half of the tubular bracket. Inwardly pro~ecting annular member 32 defines an opening 34 through which the bottom member 36 of ~witch 8 is inserted while the base 38 of switch 8 seats on base 30 of the mounting bracket 22 as shown in Figure 2. Disposed on opposite sldes of opening 34 13.
. .
.. . .
. .. . .
lC~ 9 q 4 9625 sre semi-circular pro~ection members 40 which help maintain the base 38 of switch 8 in proper alignment when switch 8 is placed in the mountlng bracket 22.
The flat ~urfaces 42 are alignet such that they are parallel with the longitudinal ~ide walls of base 38 when switch 8 is positioned on mounting bracket 22.
Disposed at each end of the longitudinal outer extremities of mounting bracket 22 at the upper vicinity of the annular member 32 are grooves or openings 44 t7hose function will be tescribed below. A longitudinal groove 46 i8 disposed at the center of the outer lower half of the bracket to accommodate a contract strip as will be described below.
Mounting bracket 22 can be molded in one piece as shown in Figures 5 to 7 using a suitable plastic material ~uch as polyolefin, polyethylene, polypropylene, copolymers of acrylonitrile, butadiene, or styrene or any other suitable material capable of securing switch 8 within battery casing 2.
A conventional type push button switch 8 can be positioned in bracket 22 by inserting the button member 36 through opening 34 whereupon the top surface of the base 38 will rest on the flange 48 of annular wall 32 and be aligned between members 40 as shown in Figure 2.
Thereupon both halves of bracket 22 can be pivoted together so that the bottom surface of base 38 of switch 8 will rest on base 30 of the bracket. The switch and 14.
.~ . .. , : ................................... ,~
- . .- ,-. ~ ~ -;
1~419~t4 9625 bracket assembly along with a conductive ~trip 68 placed in recess 46 can then be in~erted into the upper end of battery casing 2 and positioned such that the button 36 of switch 8 i8 centered withln opening 50 of the ~ide wall of casing 2. A flexible boot 52, as shown in Figure 8 and made of rubber, a low density polyolefin or the like, is assembled above ~witch 8 in opening 50 of casing 2 whereupon the lower flange 60 seats upon surface 62 of bracket 22. A rigid circular type lock ring 54,having a flange 66 extending from the top end thereof and two narrow flexible pro~ecting tabs 64 extending from the lower end thereof, is assembled over boot 52 and pressed onto mounting bracket 22 such that the pro~ecting tabs 64 will first be flexed inwardly until they are aligned with openings 44 in bracket 22 whereupon they will then spring out and into said openings 44. This will secure both the bracket 22 and boot 52 to casing 2. To further secure the boot 52 to lock ring 54, an accent ring 56, as shown in Figure 10, can be forced fit between ~a~d boot 52 and lock ring 54 as ~hown in Figure 2.
~ ock ring 54 and accent ring 56 can be made of a material similar to the material used to make bracket 22 or some other rigid metallic-like material. However, the proJecting tabs 64 on lock ring 54 have to be flexible for the reason advanced above.
As shown in Figure~ 2 to 4, with the batteries 5 15.
~ - .
,. : ~ .
. ~ , -~ 419q4 and 6 in place and both the end cap 3 and lens and reflector unit 4 threadably ~ecured to casing 2, the flashlight i~ fully assembled and ready for operation.
As shown in the drawings, one pole of battery 5 i~
electrically connected to coil spring84 which in turn iæ
electrically connected to ~hell 14 via conductive casing 2 and conductive strip 68. Pu~h button switch 8 has two contact strips 70 and 72 as shown in Figures 2 to 4 with contact strip 70 aligned and in contact with the lamp terminal 20 while contact strip 72 is aligned and in contact with the center terminal 74 of battery 6. Thus the actuation of switch 8 will internally couple or uncouple contact strips 72 and 70, thereby electrically connecting or disconnecting, respectively, the battery terminal to the lsmp terminal which will effectively complete or interrupt, respectively, the electrical circuit of the flashlight.
Figures 11 to 14 show another embodiment of this invention in a flashlight 99 having a nonconductive casing and commonly referred to as an industrial flashlight.
Lens and reflector unit 100 comprises a lens ring 101, lens 102, reflector 103, contact shell 104, lamp 105 and lamp holder 106. The components are similar to those shown in Figures 2 and 3 except that the lens ring 101 has a different shape and is made of a nonconductive msterial such as polyolefin, polyethylene, polypropylene, copolymers of acrylonitrile, butadiene or styrene, or 16.
104~9q4 any other suitable nonconductive material. Lens ring 101 has a threaded segment 107 for engaging with threaded segment 108 of battery casing 109. Lens 102 can be made of a clear plastic material similar to that of lens ring 101 although lens ring 101 will preferably have various color pigments added to give it an attractive appearance. Lens 102 can be secured water-tight to lens ring 101 by embedding the peripheral edge of lens 102 into a groove (not shown) in the lens ring as described in U. S. Patent 3,798,440. It is also possible to provide a one piece lens and lens ring by molding the lens and lens ring in one operation. Preferably, the lens could be molded first of a transparent synthetic resin or the like, followed by a second molding operation whereby the lens ring could be molded onto said lens using a translucent or opaque synthetic resin material as described above. This dual molding operation could be easily accomplished by fir8t molding the transparent lens and then placing the lens within the mold of the lens ring followed thereafter by in~ecting the material for the lens ring among the lens.
Battery casing lO9, having circular ridges or groove6 144, is made of a nonconductive material, as described above, and has a closed lower end by means of end cap 110 which is threadably engaged to the lower end of the casing at lll. The end cap 110 contains an electrically conductive coil spring 112 secured to its 17.
10~974 9625 inner wall. An electrically conductive L-shaped strip 113 is secured to spring 112 at one end and the other end extends longitudinally such that when end cap 110 is screwed onto the battery ca~ing 109, said strip 113 will electrically contact a conductive annular ring 114 disposed at the internal lower end of battery casing 109.
The upper end of battery casing 109 has an opening 137 disposed in its side wall to expo~e button 115 of push button switch 116 which is mounted on bracket 117.
As shown in Figure 14, bracket 117 comprises a substan-tially circular flat wall 118 having an openlng 130 therein and a support member 119 extending perpendicular therefrom in one direction while in the opposite direction the w811 118 circumferentially terminates with an e~tending substantislly snnular wall 120. Support 119 has an opening 121 disposed therein and annular wall 120 has a flat segment 122 80 as to provide an opening or space between wall 120 and the internal wall 123 of casing 109.
The outside diameter wall 120 is slightly smaller at a segment of its leading edge 124 80 as to provide an arc surface 125 thereat which can seat against molded flange or pro~ecting rim 126 on the internal surface of casing 109.
A second molded flange or pro~ecting rim 127 i8 disposed downward of flange 126 on the internal surface of casing 109 and is provided to butt the opposite edge 128 of wall 120.
Thus, bracket 117 can be first properly aligned within casing 109, i.e., proper alignment of surface 125 with . 18.
, ~ 0~ 74 flange 127, and then bracket 117 can be forced into casing 109 until it i8 fixedly secured between flanges 126 and 127.
Push button switch 116 is fixedly mounted to support 117 by placing its button member 115 through opening 121 and then securing it in place by screwing nut 143 onto the threaded portion 129 of switch 116, The switch is shown in Figure 12 with a first contact strip 131 pro~ecting through opening 130 in bracket 117 and positioned 80 as to be aligned and in contact with the center terminal 142 of battery 132. A second contact strip 133 is shown pro~ecting in the opposite direction and positioned so as to be aligned and in contact with the lamp terminal 134. Thus the actuation of ~witch 116 will internally couple or uncouple contact strips 131 and 133 thereby electrically connecting or di~connecting, respectively, battery terminal 142 to lamp terminal 134, respectively. A longitudinal contact strip 155 extends from annular ring 114 through the opening formed between wall 122 of bracket 117 and wall 123 of casing 109 to electrically contact shell 104 of the lens and reflector unit 100. This completes the electrical circuit between batteries 132 and 135 to lamp 105. Thus when the switch 116 is activated to the "on" position and batteries 132 and 135 are assembled in the battery casing 109 with lens and reflector unit 100 coupled to the upper end thereof, a flashlight will be produced having a complete electric 19 .
. . .- .
1C)~19'74 circuit for operating the lamp.
A flex~ble switch boot 136, made of rubber, a low den~ity polyolefin, or the like, i~ assembled above switch 116 in opening 137 ofbattery cssing 109. A rigid gasket 138 of ABS copolymers or some other rigid metallic-like material provides a seal between boot 136 and opening 137 while simultaneously securing boot 136 in a molded recess or groove 139 in casing 109. This boot and gasket arrangement provides a water-tight a~sembly for switch 116 while also providing the flexibility necessary for activating said ~witch 116. Thus by depressing flexible boot 136, button 115 of switch 116 can be lowered thereby effectively operating said switch 116.
To insure a water-tight seal at the threaded engagement areas between one end of casing 109 and the lens and reflector unit 100, and between the opposite end of casing 109 and the end cap 110, gaskets or 0-rings 140 and 141, respectively, are added. The gaskets or 0-rings could be made of rubber, a low density polyolefin, or the like, as long as such gaskets are water resistant eo as to provide a water-tight seal for the threaded areas. The overall assembled flashlight shown in Figures 11 to 13, if made of a floatable material, will be water-tight, floatable, and capable of being repeatedly operated without losing its wster-tightness.
Preferably, longitudinal ribs could be disposed on the interior of the battery cas~ng to more accurately 20.
. .
: .- . . :
... . .
1 0~ i g~4 9625 center the bat~eries within said casing.
In some applications, the gaskets at the threaded areas of the flashlight may not be necessary, and the gasket for the switch boot may be dispensed with if the boot is fabricated with a peripheral rim having sufficient thickness 80 that it can be fi~edly secured into the ~olded recess at the circumference of the opening in the wall of the module casing.
A flashlight constructed in the manner described above would be admirably suited for use in all applications requiring a sturdy, durable lightweight flashlight.
Although this invention has been described with reference to many specific details thereof, lt is apparent that the invention is not limited to such details.
Claims (10)
1. A flashlight comprising a lens and reflector unit having a front open end adapted to be detachably mounted to a battery casing and having a lens, a lens ring, a lamp holder adapted for accommodating a lamp and containing a first contact means therein; a battery casing provided with a first open end adapted to receive battery means and adapted to be detachably mounted to an end cap for securing said battery means therein, a second open end at the opposite end thereof adapted to be detachably mounted to the front open end of the lens and reflector unit, and wherein second contact means are provided for electrically connecting the interior vicinity of the end cap to said first contact means; a push button switch fixedly secured on a mounting bracket disposed within the second open end of the battery casing with the button member of the switch disposed within an opening in the wall of the battery casing at the vicinity of the second open end thereof and having a flexible boot member disposed and secured over said opening so that upon being depressed, the boot will in turn depress the button member of the switch; and third contact means adapted through actuation of the push button switch in the presence of a lamp bulb and battery means assembled in the flashlight to complete or interrupt the continuity of an electrical circuit between the lamp bulb and the battery means.
22.
22.
2. The flashlight of claim 1 wherein the battery casing is made of a conductive material.
3. The flashlight of claim 1 wherein the battery casing is made of a nonconductive material and wherein said battery casing has an electrical contact strip extending from its first open end to its second open end.
4. The flashlight of claim 2 wherein the battery casing, end cap and lens ring are made of the same material.
5. The flashlight of claim 3 wherein the battery casing, end cap and lens ring are made of the same material.
6. The flashlight of claim 1 wherein the first open end of the battery casing is threadably secured to the end cap and wherein the second open end is threadably secured to the lens and reflector unit.
7. The flashlight of claim 2 wherein a lock ring secures the mounting bracket within the battery casing and secures the flexible boot to the opening in the side wall of said battery casing.
8. The flashlight of claim 7 wherein an accent ring is disposed between the flexible boot and the lock ring.
23.
23.
9. The flashlight of claim 3 wherein a gasket is added between the flexible boot and the opening in the wall of the battery casing so as to provide a water-right seal thereat.
10. The flashlight of claim 9 wherein a gasket is added between the first open end of the battery casing and the end cap and between the second open end and the lens and reflector unit so as to provide a water-tight seal at these detachable joints.
24.
24.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US503094A US3924116A (en) | 1974-09-04 | 1974-09-04 | Flashlight having a push button switch means |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1041974A true CA1041974A (en) | 1978-11-07 |
Family
ID=24000724
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA233,687A Expired CA1041974A (en) | 1974-09-04 | 1975-08-18 | Flashlight having a push button switch means |
Country Status (12)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US3924116A (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS566081B2 (en) |
| AR (1) | AR211102A1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU500532B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR7505634A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1041974A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2538894C2 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2284087A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1520016A (en) |
| HK (1) | HK13179A (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1044475B (en) |
| MX (1) | MX3285E (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4151583A (en) * | 1976-02-05 | 1979-04-24 | Miller Jack V | Flashlight |
| US5260858A (en) * | 1984-09-06 | 1993-11-09 | Mag Instrument, Inc. | Flashlight |
| GB2179434B (en) * | 1985-08-21 | 1989-11-29 | Duracell Int | Torch |
| FR2598200B1 (en) * | 1986-04-30 | 1989-04-21 | Petzl Ets | COMPACT AND WATERPROOF LIGHTING LAMP WITH ADJUSTABLE LIGHT BEAM. |
| USRE38014E1 (en) * | 1986-08-15 | 2003-03-04 | Mag Instrument, Inc. | Miniature flashlight |
| US4733337A (en) * | 1986-08-15 | 1988-03-22 | Lite Tek International Corp. | Miniature flashlight |
| US4905129A (en) * | 1988-10-13 | 1990-02-27 | Sharrah Raymond L | Flashlight with tail cap switch |
| US4940860A (en) * | 1989-07-07 | 1990-07-10 | Shiau Shoei Shuh | Waterproof switching device |
| GB2239937B (en) * | 1990-01-16 | 1993-02-17 | Howard Wang | Flashlight |
| US5749645A (en) * | 1990-07-16 | 1998-05-12 | Mag Instrument, Inc. | Flashlight |
| US5211471A (en) * | 1990-12-28 | 1993-05-18 | The Brinkmann Corporation | Flashlight with tailcap switch boot |
| USRE40027E1 (en) * | 1992-11-24 | 2008-01-22 | Surefire, Llc | Flashlights and other battery-powered apparatus for holding and energizing transducers |
| US5629105A (en) * | 1992-11-24 | 1997-05-13 | Laser Products Corporation | Flashlights and other battery-powered apparatus for holding and energizing transducers |
| GB2289793B (en) * | 1994-05-09 | 1997-10-22 | Shiau Shoei Shuh | Switching apparatus for an electrical appliance |
| US5590951A (en) * | 1994-12-21 | 1997-01-07 | Laser Products Ltd. | Switch-less flashlights |
| US5642932A (en) * | 1994-12-22 | 1997-07-01 | Laser Products Corporation | Combat-oriented flashlight |
| US5967837A (en) * | 1996-10-01 | 1999-10-19 | Alps Automotive, Inc. | Assembly for connecting an electric/electronic device to a printed circuit board |
| US6018131A (en) * | 1999-01-26 | 2000-01-25 | Delco Electronics Corporation | Switch pad with integrated squeak and rattle eliminator and method of manufacture and use |
| TW416512U (en) * | 1999-12-23 | 2000-12-21 | Shiau Shuei Shu | Detent, alignment structure for flashlight switch seat |
| US20040069090A1 (en) * | 2001-02-15 | 2004-04-15 | Yoshihide Iteya | Bicycle control device |
| DE10139377A1 (en) * | 2001-08-20 | 2003-03-13 | Creative Technology Hong Kong | Snap arrangement for a flashlight |
| AU2003901553A0 (en) * | 2003-04-03 | 2003-05-01 | Eveready Battery Company, Inc | Waterproof rechargeable flashlight |
| AU2004225899B2 (en) * | 2003-04-03 | 2008-12-04 | Energizer Brands, Llc | A flashlight or lighting device |
| TW200718895A (en) * | 2005-11-08 | 2007-05-16 | Wen-Chin Shiau | Switch device for lamp base of flashlight |
| US7997756B2 (en) | 2008-12-30 | 2011-08-16 | Steven Michael Rorick | Emergency switch for a tail cap flashlight |
| US9006593B2 (en) | 2008-12-30 | 2015-04-14 | Steven Michael Rorick | Emergency switch for a flashlight |
| US8376571B2 (en) * | 2008-12-30 | 2013-02-19 | Steven Michael Rorick | Emergency switch for a flashlight |
| DE102009054119A1 (en) * | 2009-11-20 | 2011-05-26 | Zweibrüder Optoelectronics GmbH | circuitry |
| US8657459B2 (en) * | 2011-01-17 | 2014-02-25 | Princeton Tectonics, Inc. | Lighting apparatus |
| US9239161B2 (en) * | 2013-05-07 | 2016-01-19 | Surefire Llc. | Coupling for a sealed, lockable battery pack and power adapter and a high intensity search light |
| CA2937155A1 (en) | 2015-08-18 | 2017-02-18 | Sage Products, Llc | Pump apparatus and associated system and method |
| USD894456S1 (en) * | 2018-10-25 | 2020-08-25 | Xiaojun Luo | LED flashlight |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2984726A (en) * | 1959-01-26 | 1961-05-16 | Illinois Tool Works | Sealed push button control switch |
| US3226538A (en) * | 1963-11-19 | 1965-12-28 | Roberto L Bustamante | Illuminating means |
| US3798440A (en) * | 1973-03-22 | 1974-03-19 | Union Carbide Corp | Push button switching module for flashlights |
-
1974
- 1974-09-04 US US503094A patent/US3924116A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1975
- 1975-08-18 CA CA233,687A patent/CA1041974A/en not_active Expired
- 1975-09-02 DE DE2538894A patent/DE2538894C2/en not_active Expired
- 1975-09-03 BR BR7505634*A patent/BR7505634A/en unknown
- 1975-09-03 IT IT51190/75A patent/IT1044475B/en active
- 1975-09-03 AU AU84489/75A patent/AU500532B2/en not_active Expired
- 1975-09-03 FR FR7527065A patent/FR2284087A1/en active Granted
- 1975-09-03 GB GB36231/75A patent/GB1520016A/en not_active Expired
- 1975-09-03 AR AR260235A patent/AR211102A1/en active
- 1975-09-03 MX MX100144U patent/MX3285E/en unknown
- 1975-09-03 JP JP10687775A patent/JPS566081B2/ja not_active Expired
-
1979
- 1979-03-15 HK HK131/79A patent/HK13179A/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AR211102A1 (en) | 1977-10-31 |
| AU8448975A (en) | 1977-03-10 |
| IT1044475B (en) | 1980-03-20 |
| HK13179A (en) | 1979-03-23 |
| DE2538894C2 (en) | 1983-04-28 |
| FR2284087B1 (en) | 1983-02-11 |
| GB1520016A (en) | 1978-08-02 |
| AU500532B2 (en) | 1979-05-24 |
| DE2538894A1 (en) | 1976-03-25 |
| FR2284087A1 (en) | 1976-04-02 |
| US3924116A (en) | 1975-12-02 |
| JPS566081B2 (en) | 1981-02-09 |
| BR7505634A (en) | 1976-08-03 |
| MX3285E (en) | 1980-08-18 |
| JPS5152684A (en) | 1976-05-10 |
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