GB1232363A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1,232,363. Torch. H. H. WEICK. 15 Jan., 1970 [18 Jan., 1969; 7 Jan., 1970], No. 2054/70. Heading F4R. An electric on-off switch 4 for use with a torch employing a flat-shaped battery having strip terminals at one end comprises a longitudinally displaceable switch member 4 having flat ends 4a, 4b, which rest on shoulders of a push-on cap covering the terminal end of the battery, an opening 4c having two curved portions 4e, 4f separated by a detent 4g, the base of the bulb of the torch fitting into portion 4e or 4f according to the position of the switch, and a hairpin shaped electric contact 5. In the " on " position the bulb base is in portion 4f of the central opening and contacts the longer end 5a of the hairpin contact, the other end of this contact contacting a strip terminal of the battery. In the " off " position the bulb base is in portion 4e of the central opening and is not electrically contacted. In alternative embodiments the contact may be a metallized layer, or, Fig. 4, not shown, may have only one end resting on the shoulder portion of the push-on cap the other end being notched and pushed into contact with or pulled out of contact with the bulb base. In a further embodiment, Fig. 6, not shown, the switch comprises wire looped around the bulb base for movement in an arc such that at one end of the arc it contacts the battery terminal and at the other end of the arc no electrical contact is made. In a yet further embodiment of the invention, Fig. 9, not shown, the bulb socket is inclined and positioned so that when the bulb is in position its base contacts contact the battery terminals, the torch being switched off by sliding an insulating strip member inwards to push one battery terminal out of contact with the bulb. A plastics lens 3 is provided over the bulb or may be absent where the bulb has a built in lens, Fig. 3, not shown. The torch cap is made of thermoplastics material and has internal shoulders to limit its insertion over the battery. Stiffening ribs may also be provided. Displacement of the switch members may be limited by detents.