CA1219033A - Key slot illuminating device - Google Patents
Key slot illuminating deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA1219033A CA1219033A CA000507675A CA507675A CA1219033A CA 1219033 A CA1219033 A CA 1219033A CA 000507675 A CA000507675 A CA 000507675A CA 507675 A CA507675 A CA 507675A CA 1219033 A CA1219033 A CA 1219033A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- base plate
- housing
- conductive contact
- compartment
- projection
- 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
- 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
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B17/00—Accessories in connection with locks
- E05B17/10—Illuminating devices on or for locks or keys; Transparent or translucent lock parts; Indicator lights
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S9/00—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply
- F21S9/02—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
There is provided a new and useful key slot illuminating device comprising a base plate having at least one electrically conductive contact mounted thereon; a non electrically conductive outer casing mounted on the base plate and having a socket for receiving an illumination device in one side thereof and an opening in the side thereof opposite to the base plate; a battery compartment within the casing, extending partly through the opening, and including a non-electrically conductive housing, mounting contacts within the housing for at least one battery and at least one electrically conducting projection extending from the housing toward the base plate, the compartment mounted in the casing for movement between a first position in which at least one projection is spaced from at least one conductive contact to a second position in which at least one projection abuts against at least one conductive contact; means biasing the compartment toward the first position; and electrical circuitry connecting one side of the mounting contacts to at least one projection, at least one conductive contact to the illumination device, and the illumination device to the other side of the mounting contacts.
There is provided a new and useful key slot illuminating device comprising a base plate having at least one electrically conductive contact mounted thereon; a non electrically conductive outer casing mounted on the base plate and having a socket for receiving an illumination device in one side thereof and an opening in the side thereof opposite to the base plate; a battery compartment within the casing, extending partly through the opening, and including a non-electrically conductive housing, mounting contacts within the housing for at least one battery and at least one electrically conducting projection extending from the housing toward the base plate, the compartment mounted in the casing for movement between a first position in which at least one projection is spaced from at least one conductive contact to a second position in which at least one projection abuts against at least one conductive contact; means biasing the compartment toward the first position; and electrical circuitry connecting one side of the mounting contacts to at least one projection, at least one conductive contact to the illumination device, and the illumination device to the other side of the mounting contacts.
Description
12~ 33 This application relates to a lighting device for illuminating a key slot or key hole.
BACRGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The difficulty of inserting a key into a key slot or key hole in conditions of darkness is an ongoing problem for which solutions are proposed from time to time. As is common knowledge, none of the solutions have been widely adopted.
One series of solutions involves the use of an electric light connected to the electrical circuit of the building of which the door is a part. ~uch lights are normally intended to illuminate the entire door area and only incidentally illuminate the key slot. Furthermore, such lights normally cannot be activated from outside the door, so it will generally be necessary that they be left activated for extended periods of time whenever it is expected that any one will require to unlock the door from the outside.
Another group of devices for the illumination of door slots comprises miniature flashlights of various configurations.
These are often bulky and relatively heavy or else inconvenient to use, frequently requiring that the door unlocking operation involve both hands. In cases where flashlights are designed to be carried, for example, on key chains, the manipulation required to unlock the door is substantial and, again, normally requires both hands.
1219~33 The present invention is directed toward a solution to a number of these difficulties. A key slot illuminating device is provided which is permanently installed adjacent a key slot and which may require either that only one hand be required to activate the device and unlock the door or that the device may be activated by a hand, elbow or the like in the case where the arm may be supporting a load.
PRIOR ART
While applicant is unaware of any similar devices, currently available, several patents serve to illustrate aspects of the prior art.
Thus, U.S. Patent 3,916,250, issued October 28, 1975, to Brock, et al. teaches a door lock lighting system for use in automobiles. The light is activated by manipulation of the door handle.
Canadian Patent 229,683, issued May 17, 1919, to Boltshauser, describes a pocket electric lamp activated by a switch member mounted on the casing.
Canadian Patent 1,041,974, issued August 18, 1975, to Brindley, illustrates a conventional waterproof flashlight including a push button switch to activate the light.
None of these patents provide similar structural components nor the functional advantages of the present invention.
_ ~21~Q33 SVMMARY OF THE PRES13NT INVEN~ION
An illuminating device has been developed for permanent installation adjacent the key slot in a door which is readily manipulable to activate a bulb providing illumination for the key slot. Various structural features of the device provide particular advantages.
Accordingly, the invention provides a key slot illuminating device comprising a base plate having at least one electrically conductive contact mounted thereon; a non electrically conductive outer casing mounted on the base plate and having a socket for receiving an illumination device in one side thereof and an opening in the side thereof opposite to the base plate, a battery compartment within the casing, extending partly through the opening, and including a non-electrically conductive housing, mounting contacts within the housing for at least one battery and at least one electrically conducting projection extending from the housing toward the base plate, the compartment mounted in the casing for movement between a first position in which at least one projection is spaced fxom at least one conductive contact to a second position in which at least one projection abuts against at least one conductive contact; means biasing the compartment toward the first position; and electrical circuitry connecting one side of the mounting contacts to at least one projection, at least one conductive contact to the illumination device, and the illumination device to the other ~2~ 3 side of the mounting contacts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE D~AWIN S
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention:
FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of a device according to the invention;
FIGURE 2 is a longitudinal section through the device of FIGURE l;
FIGURE 3 is a transverse section through the device of FIGURE l;
FIGURE 4 illustrates circuitry for the invention including an electronically delayed shut-off circuit.
FIGURE 5 is a perspective v~ew of a device according to the invention;
FIGURE 6 illustrates a typical mounting location for a device according to the invention;
FIGURE 7 illustrates an alternative mounting location for a device according to the invention;
FIGURE 8 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention;
FIGURE 9 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention; and FIGURE 10 illustrates a wiring diagram for the em~odiment of FIGURE 9.
lZ:19033 While the invention will be described in conjunction with illustrated embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to such embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TH~ INVENTIO~
In the following description, similar features in the drawings have been given similar reference numerals.
The key slot illuminating device 10 comprises a base plate 12 to which a casing 14 is secured by means of screws 16.
The casing includes a first opening 18 which is conventionally adapted to receive an illuminating device which is preferably a bulb or lamp 20.
The opening 18 may be fitted with an insert comprising a socket 22 into which lamp 20 is fitted in conventional manner.
The casing 14 includes a second opening 24 in one of the sides thereof. As illustrated in the drawings, the opening 24 is located in the front face 26 of casing 14. Front face 26 is opposite to base plate 12. This is the preferred configuration.
The battery compartment 28 includes the housing 30 and the cover plate 32. The housing 30 includes a circumferential flange 34, which is preferably integral with the housing.
1219(~33 The exterior dimensions of the top section 36 of the battery compartment 28 are just less than the dimensions of the opening 24, and a part of the housing 30 including the cover plate 32 extends through the opening 24 and is slidable in that opening. The outer limit of movement of the housing 30 through the opening 24 is established by the flange 34 which at the outer limit of movement abuts against the underside 35 of the front face 26 of casing 14.
The housing 30 is biased toward the outer limit of its movement through opening 24 by springs 37 and 39. While various numbers and configurations of springs might be utilized for this purpose, it is preferable that a pair of leaf-type springs be utilized. The springs 37 and 39 are secured to the bottom 46 of the housing 30. Alternatively, the springs could be secured to the base plate 12.
In the configuration illustrated in the drawings, the relationship between the flange 34 and top section 36 of the housing 30, and the edges 38 of opening 24 maintains the lateral positioning of the housing 30.
As illustrated in the drawings, a series of three electrically conducting projections 40, 42 and 44 extend from a position inside the compartment 28 through the bottom 46 of the housing 30. In the rest position of the device, as illustrated in the drawings, the ends 48 of projections 40, 42 and 44 are spaced from the base plate 12. When pressure is applied to the cover plate 32 against the bias of springs 37 and 39, the limit ~, .
.
~2~9Q33 of travel of the housing 30 in the direction of the base plate 12 is established by contact between the ends 48 of projections 40, 42 and 44 and base plate 12. The sides 50 and 52 of housing 30 carry mounting contacts 54, 55 and 56 respectively. These mounting contacts are adapted to receive a battery or batteries to supply power to the device. The particular battery configuration chosen is a matter of choice which will depend on factors known to a person skilled in the art.
The components discussed above are electrically connected in such manner that depression of the compartment 28 by application of finger or similar pressure to the cover plate 32 will result in completion of a circuit to activate lamp 20.
Thus, the base plate 12 is comprised of an electrically conductive material and is electrically connected by a conductor 58 to the negative terminal 60 of socket 22. The positive terminal 62 of socket 22 is connected to battery mounting contact 54 by means of conductor 63. Battery mounting terminal 55 is a common terminal adapted for contact with the negative end of battery 64 and the positive terminal of second battery 66 (i.e., the batteries are series connected). The negative end of battery 66 is in contact with the third mounting contact 56. As illustrated, the device of FIGURES 1 to 3 is arranged to be powered by a pair of cells or batteries, preferably of the AA or AAA type. While shown in the drawings for convenience of explanation, the batteries clearly are not part of the invention.
The mounting contact 56 is connected by a conductor 68 lZ19~33 to the upper ends 70, 72 and 74 of projections 40, 42 and 44, respectively, within battery compartment 28. The battery mounting contacts may be of a conventional spring biased type.
The conductors may be wires, metalic strips, or the like as desired.
Thus, when bulb 20 and battery 64 and 66 are in position in the circuit, the circuit is complete but for the spacing between the ends 48 of the projections 40, 42 and 44 and the base plate 12. When pressure is applied to the cover plate 32 to move the battery compartment 28 against the bias of springs 37 and 39, the ends 48 of projections 40, 42 and 44 will contact the conductive base plate 12, the circuit will be complete and the lamp will light.
Clearly, the conductive base plate may be replaced by a non-conductive base plate having contact areas to receive the ends of projections 40, 42 and 44 and conductors joining the contact areas to the terminal of the lamp.
In a further embodiment of the invention, additional circuit components are interposed into the circuit to affect a delayed shut-off of the device once it has been activated. An appropriate circuit is illustrated in FIGURE 4. In this case the batteries 64 and 66 would preferably be replaced by a single 9 volt battery. Space is provided for the additional components between socket 22 and battery compartment 28 or preferably in the space indicated by 29 in FIGURE 1. With reference to FIGURE 4, the closing of the circuit by contact between projections 40, 42 ~ ' A
12190~3 and 44 and base plate 12 applies a voltage to the base of transistor 76. Transistor 76 turns on and allows current to pass energizing the relay contact 78 to light lamp ~0. At the same time the capacitor 80 becomes fully charged. When pressure is removed from cover plate 32 to allow contact between projections 40, 42 and 44 and base plate 12 to be broken, the capacitor slowly discharges through resistors 82 and 84. At this point the lamp 20 remains energized. As the capacitor discharges and the voltage drops, the transistor 76 will turn off, relay contact 78 opens and the lamp 20 goes out.
The components can be chosen to provide the desired delay which would normally ideally be in the area of ten to fifteen seconds.
FIGURES 6 and 7 illustrate mounting techniques for attaching the device to a door or door frame. With reference to FIGURE 6, the presence of the projecting door stop 86 necessitates the use of block 88, such as a wooden block, to support the device 10. For the lock type illustrated in FIGURE
6, with the key slot 90 in the end of door knob 92, a placement of the bulb 20 is of importance, since it must be located outwardly beyond the end of door knob 92. For that reason it is preferable in that situation to locate the bulb in the position shown offset in the casing 14.
The positioning of the bulb 20 shown in FIGURE 6 is of particular relevance to the situation where a screen or storm door is located to the outside of the main door 96. In that situation there is generally very little space between the two _ g _ ,. ,~ .. . .
- ~2~9033 doors. The device 10 must therefore be mounted close to the main door 96, and the placement of the bulb 20 toward the outer edge of device 10 is necessary.
FIGURE 7 illustrates the use of the device where the lock is of the mortise or deadbolt type. In this case the key slot 90 is more nearly flush with the surface 94 of door 96, and the placing of the bulb 20 is less important.
FIGURE 8 illustrates an embodiment in which a light diffuser or lens cover 98 has been added over lamp 20.
FIGURES 9 and 10 illustrate an embodiment in which the casing 14 has been extended by an area 100, to form a second battery compartment 102. The compartment 102 has been wired to receive the two AA or AAA batteries 164 and 166. In this embodiment the batteries 164 and 166 are wired as illustrated at 104 in FIGURE 10 to power the lamp 20.
The FIGURE 9 and 10 embodiment utilizes the original battery compartment 28 to house a 9 volt battery 106 to drive a delay circuit illustrated at 108 in FIGURE 10.
The combination of circuits 104 and 108 allows the batteries 164 and 166 to power only the lamp 20 and the battery 106 to power only the delay circuit. This arrangement prolongs battery life and, as well, permits the use of a readily available
BACRGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The difficulty of inserting a key into a key slot or key hole in conditions of darkness is an ongoing problem for which solutions are proposed from time to time. As is common knowledge, none of the solutions have been widely adopted.
One series of solutions involves the use of an electric light connected to the electrical circuit of the building of which the door is a part. ~uch lights are normally intended to illuminate the entire door area and only incidentally illuminate the key slot. Furthermore, such lights normally cannot be activated from outside the door, so it will generally be necessary that they be left activated for extended periods of time whenever it is expected that any one will require to unlock the door from the outside.
Another group of devices for the illumination of door slots comprises miniature flashlights of various configurations.
These are often bulky and relatively heavy or else inconvenient to use, frequently requiring that the door unlocking operation involve both hands. In cases where flashlights are designed to be carried, for example, on key chains, the manipulation required to unlock the door is substantial and, again, normally requires both hands.
1219~33 The present invention is directed toward a solution to a number of these difficulties. A key slot illuminating device is provided which is permanently installed adjacent a key slot and which may require either that only one hand be required to activate the device and unlock the door or that the device may be activated by a hand, elbow or the like in the case where the arm may be supporting a load.
PRIOR ART
While applicant is unaware of any similar devices, currently available, several patents serve to illustrate aspects of the prior art.
Thus, U.S. Patent 3,916,250, issued October 28, 1975, to Brock, et al. teaches a door lock lighting system for use in automobiles. The light is activated by manipulation of the door handle.
Canadian Patent 229,683, issued May 17, 1919, to Boltshauser, describes a pocket electric lamp activated by a switch member mounted on the casing.
Canadian Patent 1,041,974, issued August 18, 1975, to Brindley, illustrates a conventional waterproof flashlight including a push button switch to activate the light.
None of these patents provide similar structural components nor the functional advantages of the present invention.
_ ~21~Q33 SVMMARY OF THE PRES13NT INVEN~ION
An illuminating device has been developed for permanent installation adjacent the key slot in a door which is readily manipulable to activate a bulb providing illumination for the key slot. Various structural features of the device provide particular advantages.
Accordingly, the invention provides a key slot illuminating device comprising a base plate having at least one electrically conductive contact mounted thereon; a non electrically conductive outer casing mounted on the base plate and having a socket for receiving an illumination device in one side thereof and an opening in the side thereof opposite to the base plate, a battery compartment within the casing, extending partly through the opening, and including a non-electrically conductive housing, mounting contacts within the housing for at least one battery and at least one electrically conducting projection extending from the housing toward the base plate, the compartment mounted in the casing for movement between a first position in which at least one projection is spaced fxom at least one conductive contact to a second position in which at least one projection abuts against at least one conductive contact; means biasing the compartment toward the first position; and electrical circuitry connecting one side of the mounting contacts to at least one projection, at least one conductive contact to the illumination device, and the illumination device to the other ~2~ 3 side of the mounting contacts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE D~AWIN S
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention:
FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of a device according to the invention;
FIGURE 2 is a longitudinal section through the device of FIGURE l;
FIGURE 3 is a transverse section through the device of FIGURE l;
FIGURE 4 illustrates circuitry for the invention including an electronically delayed shut-off circuit.
FIGURE 5 is a perspective v~ew of a device according to the invention;
FIGURE 6 illustrates a typical mounting location for a device according to the invention;
FIGURE 7 illustrates an alternative mounting location for a device according to the invention;
FIGURE 8 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention;
FIGURE 9 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention; and FIGURE 10 illustrates a wiring diagram for the em~odiment of FIGURE 9.
lZ:19033 While the invention will be described in conjunction with illustrated embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to such embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TH~ INVENTIO~
In the following description, similar features in the drawings have been given similar reference numerals.
The key slot illuminating device 10 comprises a base plate 12 to which a casing 14 is secured by means of screws 16.
The casing includes a first opening 18 which is conventionally adapted to receive an illuminating device which is preferably a bulb or lamp 20.
The opening 18 may be fitted with an insert comprising a socket 22 into which lamp 20 is fitted in conventional manner.
The casing 14 includes a second opening 24 in one of the sides thereof. As illustrated in the drawings, the opening 24 is located in the front face 26 of casing 14. Front face 26 is opposite to base plate 12. This is the preferred configuration.
The battery compartment 28 includes the housing 30 and the cover plate 32. The housing 30 includes a circumferential flange 34, which is preferably integral with the housing.
1219(~33 The exterior dimensions of the top section 36 of the battery compartment 28 are just less than the dimensions of the opening 24, and a part of the housing 30 including the cover plate 32 extends through the opening 24 and is slidable in that opening. The outer limit of movement of the housing 30 through the opening 24 is established by the flange 34 which at the outer limit of movement abuts against the underside 35 of the front face 26 of casing 14.
The housing 30 is biased toward the outer limit of its movement through opening 24 by springs 37 and 39. While various numbers and configurations of springs might be utilized for this purpose, it is preferable that a pair of leaf-type springs be utilized. The springs 37 and 39 are secured to the bottom 46 of the housing 30. Alternatively, the springs could be secured to the base plate 12.
In the configuration illustrated in the drawings, the relationship between the flange 34 and top section 36 of the housing 30, and the edges 38 of opening 24 maintains the lateral positioning of the housing 30.
As illustrated in the drawings, a series of three electrically conducting projections 40, 42 and 44 extend from a position inside the compartment 28 through the bottom 46 of the housing 30. In the rest position of the device, as illustrated in the drawings, the ends 48 of projections 40, 42 and 44 are spaced from the base plate 12. When pressure is applied to the cover plate 32 against the bias of springs 37 and 39, the limit ~, .
.
~2~9Q33 of travel of the housing 30 in the direction of the base plate 12 is established by contact between the ends 48 of projections 40, 42 and 44 and base plate 12. The sides 50 and 52 of housing 30 carry mounting contacts 54, 55 and 56 respectively. These mounting contacts are adapted to receive a battery or batteries to supply power to the device. The particular battery configuration chosen is a matter of choice which will depend on factors known to a person skilled in the art.
The components discussed above are electrically connected in such manner that depression of the compartment 28 by application of finger or similar pressure to the cover plate 32 will result in completion of a circuit to activate lamp 20.
Thus, the base plate 12 is comprised of an electrically conductive material and is electrically connected by a conductor 58 to the negative terminal 60 of socket 22. The positive terminal 62 of socket 22 is connected to battery mounting contact 54 by means of conductor 63. Battery mounting terminal 55 is a common terminal adapted for contact with the negative end of battery 64 and the positive terminal of second battery 66 (i.e., the batteries are series connected). The negative end of battery 66 is in contact with the third mounting contact 56. As illustrated, the device of FIGURES 1 to 3 is arranged to be powered by a pair of cells or batteries, preferably of the AA or AAA type. While shown in the drawings for convenience of explanation, the batteries clearly are not part of the invention.
The mounting contact 56 is connected by a conductor 68 lZ19~33 to the upper ends 70, 72 and 74 of projections 40, 42 and 44, respectively, within battery compartment 28. The battery mounting contacts may be of a conventional spring biased type.
The conductors may be wires, metalic strips, or the like as desired.
Thus, when bulb 20 and battery 64 and 66 are in position in the circuit, the circuit is complete but for the spacing between the ends 48 of the projections 40, 42 and 44 and the base plate 12. When pressure is applied to the cover plate 32 to move the battery compartment 28 against the bias of springs 37 and 39, the ends 48 of projections 40, 42 and 44 will contact the conductive base plate 12, the circuit will be complete and the lamp will light.
Clearly, the conductive base plate may be replaced by a non-conductive base plate having contact areas to receive the ends of projections 40, 42 and 44 and conductors joining the contact areas to the terminal of the lamp.
In a further embodiment of the invention, additional circuit components are interposed into the circuit to affect a delayed shut-off of the device once it has been activated. An appropriate circuit is illustrated in FIGURE 4. In this case the batteries 64 and 66 would preferably be replaced by a single 9 volt battery. Space is provided for the additional components between socket 22 and battery compartment 28 or preferably in the space indicated by 29 in FIGURE 1. With reference to FIGURE 4, the closing of the circuit by contact between projections 40, 42 ~ ' A
12190~3 and 44 and base plate 12 applies a voltage to the base of transistor 76. Transistor 76 turns on and allows current to pass energizing the relay contact 78 to light lamp ~0. At the same time the capacitor 80 becomes fully charged. When pressure is removed from cover plate 32 to allow contact between projections 40, 42 and 44 and base plate 12 to be broken, the capacitor slowly discharges through resistors 82 and 84. At this point the lamp 20 remains energized. As the capacitor discharges and the voltage drops, the transistor 76 will turn off, relay contact 78 opens and the lamp 20 goes out.
The components can be chosen to provide the desired delay which would normally ideally be in the area of ten to fifteen seconds.
FIGURES 6 and 7 illustrate mounting techniques for attaching the device to a door or door frame. With reference to FIGURE 6, the presence of the projecting door stop 86 necessitates the use of block 88, such as a wooden block, to support the device 10. For the lock type illustrated in FIGURE
6, with the key slot 90 in the end of door knob 92, a placement of the bulb 20 is of importance, since it must be located outwardly beyond the end of door knob 92. For that reason it is preferable in that situation to locate the bulb in the position shown offset in the casing 14.
The positioning of the bulb 20 shown in FIGURE 6 is of particular relevance to the situation where a screen or storm door is located to the outside of the main door 96. In that situation there is generally very little space between the two _ g _ ,. ,~ .. . .
- ~2~9033 doors. The device 10 must therefore be mounted close to the main door 96, and the placement of the bulb 20 toward the outer edge of device 10 is necessary.
FIGURE 7 illustrates the use of the device where the lock is of the mortise or deadbolt type. In this case the key slot 90 is more nearly flush with the surface 94 of door 96, and the placing of the bulb 20 is less important.
FIGURE 8 illustrates an embodiment in which a light diffuser or lens cover 98 has been added over lamp 20.
FIGURES 9 and 10 illustrate an embodiment in which the casing 14 has been extended by an area 100, to form a second battery compartment 102. The compartment 102 has been wired to receive the two AA or AAA batteries 164 and 166. In this embodiment the batteries 164 and 166 are wired as illustrated at 104 in FIGURE 10 to power the lamp 20.
The FIGURE 9 and 10 embodiment utilizes the original battery compartment 28 to house a 9 volt battery 106 to drive a delay circuit illustrated at 108 in FIGURE 10.
The combination of circuits 104 and 108 allows the batteries 164 and 166 to power only the lamp 20 and the battery 106 to power only the delay circuit. This arrangement prolongs battery life and, as well, permits the use of a readily available
2.3 volt lamp 20.
Except as specifically noted, reference numerals in FIGURES 9 and 10 are the same as those of the earlier drawings.
In all of these situations, various types of ~`
::
.~
~21~(~33 weatherproof coverings can be added if desired.
Thus it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention a key slot illuminating device that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description.
Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the invention.
Except as specifically noted, reference numerals in FIGURES 9 and 10 are the same as those of the earlier drawings.
In all of these situations, various types of ~`
::
.~
~21~(~33 weatherproof coverings can be added if desired.
Thus it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention a key slot illuminating device that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description.
Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the invention.
Claims (7)
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A key slot illuminating device comprising:
a base plate having at least one electrically conductive contact mounted thereon;
a non-electrically conductive outer casing mounted on said base plate and having a socket for receiving an illumination device in one side thereof and an opening in the side thereof opposite to said base plate;
a battery compartment within said casing, extending partly through said opening, and including a non-electrically conductive housing, mounting contacts within said housing for at least one battery, and at least one electrically conducting projection, extending from said housing toward said base plate, said compartment mounted in said casing for movement between a first position in which said at least one projection is spaced from said at least one conductive contact to a second position in which said at least one projection abuts against said at least one conductive contact;
means biasing said compartment toward said first position; and electrical circuitry connecting one side of said mounting contacts to said at least one projection, said at least one conductive contact to said illumination device, and said illumination device to the other side of said mounting contacts.
a base plate having at least one electrically conductive contact mounted thereon;
a non-electrically conductive outer casing mounted on said base plate and having a socket for receiving an illumination device in one side thereof and an opening in the side thereof opposite to said base plate;
a battery compartment within said casing, extending partly through said opening, and including a non-electrically conductive housing, mounting contacts within said housing for at least one battery, and at least one electrically conducting projection, extending from said housing toward said base plate, said compartment mounted in said casing for movement between a first position in which said at least one projection is spaced from said at least one conductive contact to a second position in which said at least one projection abuts against said at least one conductive contact;
means biasing said compartment toward said first position; and electrical circuitry connecting one side of said mounting contacts to said at least one projection, said at least one conductive contact to said illumination device, and said illumination device to the other side of said mounting contacts.
2. The device of claim 1 in which said base plate is electrically conductive and itself comprises said at least one conductive contact.
3. The device of claim 2 in which said compartment includes three said electrically conductive projections.
4. The device of claim 1 in which said means biasing comprises at least one spring.
5. The device of claim 4 in which said means biasing comprises a pair of springs mounted on said base plate and bearing against said housing.
6. The device of claim 1 in which said circuitry includes an electronically delayed shut-off circuit.
7. The device of claim 6 in which said shut-off circuit includes mounting contacts for a battery to provide power to said shut-off circuit but not to said illumination device.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000507675A CA1219033A (en) | 1986-04-25 | 1986-04-25 | Key slot illuminating device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000507675A CA1219033A (en) | 1986-04-25 | 1986-04-25 | Key slot illuminating device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1219033A true CA1219033A (en) | 1987-03-10 |
Family
ID=4132978
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000507675A Expired CA1219033A (en) | 1986-04-25 | 1986-04-25 | Key slot illuminating device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1219033A (en) |
-
1986
- 1986-04-25 CA CA000507675A patent/CA1219033A/en not_active Expired
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