JP2002501294A - Improved flashlight - Google Patents

Abstract

SUMMARY A flashlight (10) according to the present invention has a chamber end cap (30), a head assembly (40), and a bulb holder assembly. The end cap includes a curved tripod portion that facilitates resting the flashlight on a flat surface. The head assembly has a reflector and a lens. In one embodiment of the present invention, the head assembly has an elliptical reflector. In another embodiment, a flashlight having an elliptical reflector is adapted to a concave or flat lens. In another embodiment, a head assembly having a hyperbolic reflector is adapted to a convex or planar lens. Flashlights have electrode connections that prevent the transfer of electrical energy from the battery when the battery is incorrectly aligned within the flashlight. The light bulb holder assembly has a light bulb socket having a light bulb guide, the light bulb guide serving as a guide for mounting the light bulb in the light bulb socket and providing a fixed position for the light bulb. The bulb holder assembly further comprises a fluorescent coating or additive that illuminates light under dark conditions, thereby facilitating replacement of the bulb under unfavorable light conditions. A head assembly mounted to the chamber is rotatable with respect to the chamber to provide an electrical connection between the bulb and one or more batteries held in the chamber. The flashlight further has a spare bulb that is fixedly held by the bulb holder assembly until the user of the flashlight turns the bulb holder assembly to align the spare bulb opening with the spare bulb.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of flashlights, and more particularly to a battery-operated, hand-held, portable flashlight.

BACKGROUND flashlight invention generally specific and cell chamber with an end cap for retaining one or more batteries, and the bulb which is electrically connected to one or more batteries, a light from the bulb And a reflection plate for reflecting light in the direction of. The electrical connection between the battery and the bulb typically includes a switch mechanism for selectively providing electrical energy from the battery to the bulb, and thus enabling the flashlight to be turned on and off. The primary function of a flashlight is to provide a convenient, storable, portable light source that can project light in a particular direction.

[0003] Some flashlights can focus or defocus light projected by the flashlight by moving a light bulb within the reflector along the optical axis of the reflector. The reflector is typically a parabolic reflector. This is because such shaped reflectors provide a theoretical focus of light when the bulb is located at the focal point of the parabolic reflector. In this connection, light rays emitted from the bulb located at the focal point of the parabolic reflector reflect off parallel to the optical axis of the parabolic reflector. Referring to FIG. 1A, there is shown the dispersion of a light beam from a parabolic reflector, with the bulb located at the focal point of the parabolic reflector. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 1B, when the bulb is moved away from the focus of the parabolic reflector, the light rays reflected by the parabolic reflector are dispersed (ie, defocused), A light voluminous space around the center of the reflected ray
id) remains, and less light is collected from the bulb.

The electrical energy that can operate a flashlight is typically provided by a single battery held in the battery chamber of the flashlight, or by two or more batteries arranged in series. When the battery charge is depleted, the user typically removes the end cap, removes the old battery from the battery chamber, inserts a new battery into the battery chamber, replaces the end cap, and replaces the battery. However, when replacing multiple batteries in a flashlight, there is a possibility that a user may mistakenly place batteries in a non-series arrangement.
For example, a user may misalign a new battery such that the positive poles of the batteries face each other, or mix the old and new batteries and misalign the new and old batteries. Misalignment of the batteries can lead to undesirable consequences, such as, for example, causing an explosion and causing physical damage to the flashlight user.

[0005] Furthermore, batteries often generate hydrogen gas naturally. Therefore, when the battery is housed in the battery chamber of the flashlight, the hydrogen gas released from the battery may be trapped in the flashlight. In some cases, a defective battery emits a large amount of hydrogen gas. As a result, the accumulation of hydrogen gas in the flashlight can cause undesirable effects to the user of the flashlight, such as, for example, bodily injury due to the explosion.

Finally, flashlight components need to be replaced from time to time. For example, a flashlight bulb needs to be replaced when the filament of the bulb burns out, but this can be a problem when a flashlight is needed (for example, during nighttime power outages or camping outdoors). (When there is no other light source included). Flashlights typically have a spare bulb located inside the end cap. Replacing a burnt bulb with a bulb located in an end cap is difficult, especially under dim or dark conditions. For example, to replace a typical flashlight bulb during a power outage, the user can remove the end cap, find a small spare bulb on the end cap, and keep the battery from dropping from the flashlight. While grabbing the bulb, replacing the end cap, removing the head assembly, replacing the burned bulb, and replacing the head assembly, all must be done in the dark.

An object of the subject matter invention the invention is to provide an improved flashlight switch capacity and focusing ability is improved. It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved flash that maximizes the light collected from the bulb, optimally focuses the collected light into a projected light beam, and minimizes light gaps in the light beam over the entire focal range. Is to provide electric lights.

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention provides an improved flashlight having an end cap, a chamber, a head assembly, and a bulb holder assembly. In one embodiment of the present invention, the head assembly has an elliptical reflector, which increases the amount of light reflected by the flashlight when the light source is located therein. The elliptical reflector preferably has an eccentricity of about 0.80 to about 0.99. The elliptical reflector preferably has a vertex curvature of about 2.0 to about 5.2. In one aspect, the elliptical reflector has an eccentricity of about 0.96 and a vertex curvature of about 3.1.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a flashlight having an elliptical reflector is adapted for a negative or concave lens or a flat or flat lens. In this context, the focusing and focusing properties of the flashlight are optimized when adapted to the flashlight's elliptical reflector and negative or flat lens. The elliptical reflector of the flashlight is preferably matched to a lens having an effective focal length of about -2.5 inches or less. In one embodiment, the eccentricity is about 0.9
6. An elliptical reflector with a vertex curvature of about 3.1 is matched to a lens with an effective focal length of about 0 inches.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a head assembly has a hyperbolic reflector,
The hyperbolic reflector increases the amount of light reflected by the flashlight when the light source is located inside. The hyperbolic reflector has an eccentricity of about 1.01 to about 1.2.
5 is preferred. The hyperbolic reflector preferably has a vertex curvature of about 2.0 to about 7.0. In one aspect, the hyperbolic reflector has an eccentricity of about 1.04 and a vertex curvature of about 3.3.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a flashlight having a hyperbolic reflector is adapted to a positive or convex lens, or a flat or planar lens. In this context, the focusing and focusing properties of the flashlight are enhanced when the hyperbolic reflector of the flashlight is fitted with a positive or flat lens.
Preferably, the hyperbolic reflector is compatible with lenses having an effective focal length of about 2.5 inches or more. In one embodiment, a hyperbolic reflector having an eccentricity of about 1.04 and a vertex curvature of about 3.3 is matched with a lens having an effective focal length of about 0 cm (about 0 inches).

Another object of the present invention is to provide a flashlight with improved electrical connection between the battery and the light source. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a flashlight comprises an electrode connection that substantially reduces the likelihood that electrical energy will be conducted from batteries that are misaligned within the flashlight. In this context, the electrode connection intended to contact the negative electrode of the battery comprises a non-conductive part at the center of the electrode connection and a conductive part around the electrode connection. Thus, when the battery is inserted into the flashlight with the positive electrode facing the electrode connection, the positive electrode contacts only the non-conductive portion and not the conductive portion. Furthermore, the electrode connection intended to contact the positive electrode of the battery comprises a conductive spring with a non-conductive coating. Thus, when the battery is inserted into the flashlight with the negative electrode facing the electrode connection, only the negative electrode contacts the non-conductive coating.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a flashlight having a bulb holder assembly that facilitates bulb replacement. In one embodiment of the present invention, the bulb holder assembly includes a bulb socket having a bulb guide, the bulb guide portion providing a guide for mounting the bulb in the bulb socket and providing a fixed location for the bulb. I do. According to one embodiment of the invention, the bulb guide not only facilitates replacement of the bulb under unfavorable lighting conditions, but also protects the bulb from shock when the flashlight is subjected to severe shaking. Protect.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a flashlight that allows for efficient and easy replacement of the light bulb when needed by maintaining a spare light bulb in close proximity to the flashlight bulb. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a flashlight includes a bulb holder assembly having a notch for receiving and holding a spare bulb. Therefore, the spare bulb can be easily accessed by simply removing the head assembly from the chamber, and to replace the bulb, simply remove the bulb from the bulb socket, remove the spare bulb, and insert the spare bulb into the bulb socket Just do it. The bulb holder assembly preferably further comprises a fluorescent coating or additive that illuminates the light under dark conditions, thereby facilitating replacement of the bulb under unfavorable light conditions.

[0015] In another embodiment, a flashlight includes a chamber for holding one or more batteries, a bulb, and a bulb for holding the bulb and selectively electrically connecting the bulb and one or more batteries. And a head assembly mounted to the chamber and rotatable with respect to the chamber for selectively making electrical connection between the bulb and one or more batteries held in the chamber. And In this connection,
The bulb holder assembly moves within the chamber when turning the flashlight "off" or "on". The bulb holder assembly has a bulb holder, a conductive spring, a switch plate, a detent lever, a detent ball, a switch contact, a spring contact, a conductive strip, and a strip support. When assembled, the bulb holder assembly is axially and rotatably secured to the chamber. The assembled head assembly is mounted on the chamber such that the bulb is located within the first central opening of the reflector, and the head portion of the flashlight is mounted on the chamber. as a result,
The head assembly is detachably mounted on the chamber. Once fully in place, the head assembly engages the switch plate and rotating the head assembly also rotates the bulb holder assembly. Bulb holder assembly is 3
Rotatable between the two detents. The first detent occurs when the head assembly is attached to or removed from the chamber. The second occurs when the head assembly is in the "off" position. The third occurs when the head assembly is in the "on" position. The detent is created by a detent ball located in one of three slots formed in the outer edge of the chamber.
As a result, the flashlight is "on" and "on" due to the radial movement of the head assembly.
Movable between "off" detent positions. The switch contacts do not make contact with the conductive strip in the "off" position. The switch contacts make contact with the conductive strip in the "on" position. An "on" detent occurs when the detent ball rotates to a second slot at the outer edge of the chamber. Note that the detent mechanism is physically separate from the switch mechanism.

In another embodiment of the flashlight, the spare bulb is held by the bulb holder assembly until the user of the flashlight rotates the bulb holder assembly to align the spare bulb opening with the spare bulb.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIGS. 2-5, a flashlight 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown, comprising a chamber 20, an end cap 30, a head assembly 40, , A bulb holder assembly 50. The chamber 20 includes an internal portion for holding the two batteries 60, 62 in a series arrangement, openings at the first end 210 and the second end 220, and a first O-shaped ring 230 disposed at the first end 210.
And a second O-shaped ring 240 disposed at the second end 220. With reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, end cap 30 includes a curved tripod section 310 that facilitates standing of flashlight 10 on a flat surface, internal threads 320, and conductive disc 330.
And 7A and 7B, the head assembly 40
Includes a head cover 410, a first O-shaped ring 420, a bezel 430, a reflector 440, a second O-shaped ring 450, and a lens 460. The head cover 410 includes a first end 411, an annular tab 412 installed in the head cover 410 at the first end 411, a guide portion 413, a second end 414, and one of the second ends 414 inside the head cover 410. And a projection 415 provided. Reflector 44
0 denotes a reflection surface inside the reflection plate 440, the first center opening 442, and the first center opening 4
42, a wing 446, and an external thread 448.
And The reflection plate 440 is manufactured by General Electric Company.
Preferably, it is made of a durable synthetic material, such as that sold under the trade name ULTEM by Electric Company. The bezel 430 has a first end 431, an inner thread 432 at a first end 431 screwed into an outer thread 448 of the reflector 440, a concave annular tab 433 at the first end 431, and a second It has an end 434 and an annular tab 435 located at the second end 434. The lens 460 is disposed around the first end 431 of the bezel 430. The outside of the flashlight 10 is made of metal or durable synthetic material. For example, the exterior of flashlight 10 may be formed from polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, or polycarbonate sold under the trade name CYCOLOY by General Electric.

The chamber 20 shown in FIG. 5 holding two batteries 60, 62 comprises:
The first end 210 is sealed by the end cap 30, and the second end 220 is sealed by the head assembly 40. Referring to FIGS. 4-8, the end cap 30 is removably attached to the chamber 20 at the first end 210 to selectively expose an interior portion of the chamber 20 for inserting or removing batteries 60,62. It is supposed to. In this regard, the chamber 20 is provided with a thread 2 on the outer surface at the location of the first end 210 of the chamber 20 for engaging the internal threads 320 of the end cap 30.
50 is provided. First O-ring 230 provides a sliding fit when screwing end cap 30 into chamber 20.

The bulb holder assembly 50 includes two embodiments. In either embodiment, bulb holder assembly 50 is located at second end 220 of chamber 20. In the first embodiment, bulb holder assembly 50 does not move into second end 220 of chamber 20 when flashlight 10 is "off" or "on." 8A and 8B, the bulb holder assembly 50 includes a bulb holder 510, a conductive spring 520, a switch lever 530,
It includes a second lever 540, a switch spring 550, a switch contact 560, a second spring 570, a spring holder 580, a conductive strip 590, and a strip support 592. Spring holder 580 includes a spring tab 582, a first tab 584, a second tab 586, and a first conductive contact 588. The spring holder 580 is
Preferably, there is a notch 589 in which a hydrogen catalyst can be placed to absorb the hydrogen gas released by the batteries 60,62. As shown in FIG. 10, when mounted in the chamber 20, the bulb holder assembly 50
It does not extend beyond end 220. FIGS. 3, 4, 8A, 8B and 1
Referring to FIG. 0, the bulb holder assembly 50 is assembled to the chamber 20 by first mounting the conductive spring 520 to the spring holder 580. Spring holder 580 includes a spring tab 582 that engages and retains a portion of conductive spring 520. Next, the spring holder 580 and the conductive spring 520 are connected to the second end 220 of the chamber 20.
Attach to. In this regard, the spring holder 580 is provided with the second end 22 of the chamber 20.
It has a first tab 584 and a second tab 586 for engaging with zero. The chamber 20 has an end guide 260, which includes a first recess tab 262 for engaging a first tab 584 and a second recess tab 26 for engaging a second tab 586.
3 is provided. Referring to FIG. 10, the spring holder 580 and the attached spring 5
20 is inserted into the first end 220 of the chamber 20, and the first concave tab 262 is inserted into the first tab 5.
84, and by moving the spring holder 580 toward the second end of the chamber 20 until the second recessed tab 263 engages the second tab 586. 20 is attached to the second end 220.

Next, the light bulb holder 510 having the switch lever 530 and the second lever 540 mounted thereon is inserted into the second end 220 of the chamber 20. Bulb holder 510
Includes a tab 511, a switch slot 512, and a second slot 513. The switch lever 530 has a tab 532 and a slot 534, and the second lever 54
0 comprises a tab 542 and a slot 544. Slot 5 of switch lever 530
When 34 engages switch slot 512, switch lever 530 may slide along switch slot 512. The slot 544 of the second lever 540 is
When engaged with the slot 513, the second lever 540 can slide along the second slot 513. Referring to FIGS. 3, 5, 8A, 8B and 10, the switch slot 512 is aligned with the first slotted opening 264 of the end guide 260,
By aligning the second slot 513 with the second slotted opening 266 of the end guide 260, the bulb holder 510 is partially inserted into the second end 220 of the chamber 20. When partially inserted, the switch spring 550 and the second spring 570 are inserted, and the slot 534 of the switch lever 530 is aligned with the switch slot 512, and
By aligning the slot 544 of the second lever 540 with the second slot 513, the switch lever 530 and the second lever 540 are spring-biased on the bulb holder 510. When the switch lever 540 and the second lever 550 are depressed, the bulb holder 510 is completely installed in the second end 220 of the chamber 20. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the tab 532 of the switch lever 530 and the second lever 5
Forty tabs 542 engage chamber 20 at location 514. As shown in FIG. 5, the tab 511 of the bulb holder 510 is engaged with the inside of the chamber 20. FIG.
8A and 10, the switch slot 512 is provided with the end guide portion 2.
The second slot 513 is engaged with the concave tab 267 of the end guide 260. Preferably, the bulb holder assembly 510 snaps into the chamber 20. Referring to FIG. 11, a bulb holder 510 surrounds a spring tab 582 and further secures a conductive spring 520 to the spring holder 580. Referring to FIG. 11, the spring holder 580 does not contact the inside of the chamber 20. Referring to FIG. 10, when the light bulb 70 is installed in the light bulb holder assembly 50, the light bulb 70 extends from the second end 220 of the chamber 20.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, first, the reflecting plate 440 is connected to the first bezel 430.
Inserted into the end 431, the threads 448 of the reflector 440 are inserted into the inner threads 43 of the bezel 430.
2, the head assembly 40 is assembled. Then the second
The O-shaped ring 450 is inserted into the concave annular tab 433, and the lens 460 is pushed into the concave annular tab 433 to fix the lens 460 to the bezel 430. The O-shaped ring 450 allows the lens 460 and the bezel 430 to be fixedly mounted. Preferably, lens 460 snaps onto bezel 430. The first O-shaped ring 420 is then placed on the annular tab 435 at the second end 434 of the bezel 430 and the wings 446 of the reflector 440 are aligned with the guides 413 of the head cover 410, and the second The end 434 is inserted into the first end 411 of the head cover 410. When the second end 434 of the bezel 430 is fully inserted into the first end 411 of the head cover 410, the annular tab 434 of the bezel 430 engages the annular tab 412 of the head cover 410, and the wing 446 of the reflector 440 is moved to the head cover. 410 Guide 4
13 is engaged. As a result, the bezel 430 can rotate only with respect to the head cover 410 (ie, in the radial direction) and cannot move away from the head cover 410 (ie, in the axial direction). The bezel 430 preferably snaps onto the head cover 410. As a result of the wings 446 of the reflector 440 engaging the guides 413 of the head cover 410, the reflector 440 moves into the bezel 430 as the bezel 430 moves radially.

The head portion of the flashlight 10 is configured such that the light bulb 70 is connected to the first central opening 442 of the reflector 440.
By assembling the head assembly 40 to the chamber 20 in which the bulb holder assembly 50 is mounted.
In this regard, the head assembly 40 moves the chamber 20 at the second end 220.
Removably attached to. FIGS. 10 and 15A show the head assembly 40.
1 shows the bulb holder assembly 50 mounted within the chamber 20 when the bulb holder has been removed from the chamber 20. The chamber 20 has a second end 22 of the chamber 20.
0 has an end guide portion 260 formed on the outer surface thereof. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 10, the end guide 260 includes a passage 261 that engages with the protrusion 415 on the head cover 410. The protrusion 415 is aligned with the passage 261 and the head assembly 4
0 is guided in the direction 287 until it is fully seated on the second end 220 of the chamber 20. The head assembly 40 then moves in direction 2 until the first detent.
Rotated to 88. This is caused by disposing the switch lever 530 between the two guides 413. Flashlight 10 is in the "off" position in this position. In this position, the head assembly 40 is rotatable only with respect to the chamber 20 (ie, in a radial direction) and cannot move away from the chamber 20 (ie, in an axial direction). The second O-shaped ring 240 allows the head assembly 40
And the chamber 20 are fixedly mounted.

When fully assembled and the batteries 60, 62 are held in the correct orientation, the flashlight 10 is capable of selectively electrically connecting the light bulb 70 to the batteries 60, 62. The chamber 20 includes a conductive strip 590 between the first end 210 and the second end 220 along its length. The conductive strip 590 is supported at a first end 210 of the chamber 20 by a strip support 592. Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, end cap 30 includes a non-conductive region 340. Referring to FIG. 8, when end cap 30 is attached to chamber 20, conductive disk 330 is electrically connected to conductive strip 590 at location 593. Conductive disk 330
Electrically connects the negative contact of the battery 60 to the conductive strip 590 when the battery 60 is properly aligned in the chamber 20, as shown in FIG. 9A. Non-conductive region 340 prevents electrical connection when battery 60 is misaligned within chamber 20 as shown in FIG. 9B. In this regard, the positive contact of the misaligned battery 60 only contacts the non-conductive region 340 and, as shown in FIG. Disk 3
Do not touch 30.

The bulb holder assembly 50 selectively provides electrical connection between the bulb 70 and properly arranged batteries 60, 62 in response to radial movement of the head assembly 40. Referring to FIG. 11, the flashlight 10 is shown in an "off" position. Referring to FIGS. 3, 10, and 12, flashlight 10 is moved to the "on" position by rotating head assembly 40 in direction 288. The head portion of flashlight 10 can be disassembled by rotating head assembly 40 from the “off” position in a direction opposite to direction 288 and disengaging head assembly 40 from chamber 20 along passage 261.

Referring to FIGS. 8-12, 14A, 14B, 14C and 15, a bulb holder 510 includes a bulb socket 515 for holding a bulb 70 having a first pin 72 and a second pin 74. And a light bulb guide 516. When the head portion of the flashlight 10 is attached, the bulb guide 516 does not contact the reflector 440. In this regard, the reflector 440 is prevented from contacting the bulb guide 516 by the pawl 436 as shown in FIG. Light bulb guide 51
Reference numeral 6 denotes a guide that facilitates alignment of the first and second pins 72 and 74 of the light bulb 70 with the light bulb socket 515 when the light bulb 70 is mounted. The bulb guide 516 also provides a fixed position for the bulb 70 by supporting a portion of the outer portion of the bulb 70 when mounting the bulb 70. Therefore, the bulb guide 516
Not only facilitates replacement of the bulb 70 under unfavorable lighting conditions, but also protects the bulb 70 from being impacted by the reflector 440 when the flashlight 10 is subjected to severe vibration. Further, the bulb holder 510 can receive and hold the spare bulb 71. In this regard, bulb holder 510 includes a notch 517 that can receive spare bulb 71.

As shown in FIG. 15B, the spare bulb 71 in the notch 517 is covered by the tab 532 of the switch lever 530 when the head of the flashlight 10 is mounted. As shown in FIG. 15A, the spare bulb 71 in the notch 517 is no longer covered by the tab 532 of the switch lever 530 when the head assembly 40 is removed from the chamber 20. Therefore, FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, 15A and 15B, the spare bulb 71 removes the head assembly 40 from the chamber 20 and thereby the spare bulb held by the bulb holder 510. By making it possible to access 71, it is easily accessible. In this connection, bulb 7
To replace 0, simply remove bulb 70 from bulb socket 515 and replace spare bulb 7
One simply needs to remove 1 from notch 517 and mount spare bulb 71 in bulb socket 52. The insulated bulb holder 510 preferably includes a luminescent coating or additive that illuminates light under dark conditions, thereby facilitating replacement of the bulb under unfavorable light conditions.

Referring to FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B, when the bulb 70 is positioned within the bulb holder assembly 50, the first pin 72 is connected to the switch spring 550 via the conductive contact 551. The second pin 74 is electrically connected to the first conductive contact 58.
8 is electrically connected to a spring 520. The conductive spring 520 includes a portion 521 having a non-conductive coating and a tail 522. As shown in FIG. 9A, tail 522 is in contact with the positive electrode of battery 62 when battery 62 is properly aligned within chamber 20. As shown in FIG. 9B, the portion 521 with the non-conductive coating prevents electrical contact with the misaligned battery 62. In this regard, the negative electrode of the misaligned battery 62 contacts only the non-conductive portion of the conductive spring 520 and not the conductive portion, thereby preventing electrical connection. At the same time, the possibility of a sudden event resulting from reverse polarization is eliminated.

Referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, FIG. 11 and FIG.
30 is movable between "on" and "off" positions when the head portion of flashlight 10 is mounted. The switch lever 530 is connected to the edge 561.
And a switch contact 560 having The switch contact 560 is a switch spring 55
0 is electrically connected. Referring to FIG. 11, the flashlight 10 is shown in an "off" position. In this position, the switch lever 530 is fully extended because it is located between the two guides 413 in the head cover 410. As a result, switch lever 530 does not electrically connect edge 561 and conductive strip 590 at location 594. In addition, the switch lever 520 in the fully extended position provides a detent that keeps the flashlight 10 in the "off" position until the flashlight 10 moves to the "on" position. Referring to FIG. 12, flashlight 10 is in the "on" position.
In this position, the switch lever 530 is set on the guide 413 in the head cover 410.
Compressed because it is in contact with one of the As a result, the switch lever 530
Electrically connects edge 561 and conductive strip 590 at point 594. In the “on” position, the second lever 540 is located between the two guides 413 in the head cover 410. In this regard, when the head assembly rotates in the direction 288 from the “off” position, the second lever 540 no longer
13, the second lever 540 is located between the two guides 413 in the head cover 410, and is in a fully extended state. When the second lever 540 is fully extended, the second lever 540 is a detent that keeps the flashlight 10 in the "on" position until the flashlight 10 moves to the "off" position. The head assembly 40 is preferably rotatable about 30 degrees between an "off" position and an "on" position.

The operation of moving the light bulb 70 within the reflector 440 to focus or defocus the light emitted by the light bulb 70 can be accomplished by moving the head assembly radially to turn the flashlight 10 “on” or “on”. It has nothing to do with the operation of turning off. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when mounted, the light bulb 70 is located inside the reflector 440 via the first central opening 442 of the reflector 440. Therefore, when the bezel 430 is rotated with respect to the head cover 410, the reflection plate 440 moves in the bezel 430 in the axial direction with respect to the head cover 410. As a result, the reflection plate 4
40 moves with respect to the light bulb 70 and, by so moving,
Can be focused by placing the bulb 70 at the focal point of the reflector 440, or by placing the bulb 70 away from the focal point of the reflector 440.

With reference to the above description and FIGS. 16 to 27, the bulb holder assembly 50 comprises:
The second embodiment has a bulb holder assembly 500 that moves into the second end 220 of the chamber 20 when the flashlight 10 is turned “off” or “on”. Referring to FIG. 20, the bulb holder assembly 500 includes a bulb holder 610, a conductive spring 620, a switch plate 630, a detent lever 640,
It includes detent balls 650, switch contacts 660, spring contacts 670, conductive strips 690, and strip supports 692. First, the conductive spring 62
0 is attached to the bulb holder 610 to attach the bulb holder assembly 500 to the chamber 20. As shown in FIG. 21, the electric bulb holder 610 is
A spring tab (not shown) engages and retains a portion of the spring 90 and contacts and retains the conductive spring 690 with the spring contact 670. The bulb holder 610 and the conductive spring 620 attached to the bulb holder 610 are then moved to the second end 220 of the chamber 20.
To place. Referring to FIG. 18, the bulb holder 610 includes a tab 612 for contacting a portion of the interior of the chamber 20 with the region 614 near the second end 220. The position of the light bulb holder 610 and the conductive spring 620 attached to the light bulb holder 610 is determined by moving the light bulb holder 610 and the attached spring 620 to the first position of the chamber 20.
Inserted into the end 210, as determined by moving the bulb holder 610 toward the second end 220 of the chamber 20 until the tab 612 engages the interior of the chamber 20 at the region 614. The bulb holder 610 further aligns with a corresponding slot (not shown) inside the chamber 20 to ensure that the bulb holder 610 and the spring 620 attached to the bulb holder 610 are correctly positioned at the second end 220 of the chamber 20. It has tabs (not shown) to ensure it. FIGS. 22A and 27 show the bulb holder 610 positioned at the second end 220 of the chamber 20.

Referring to FIGS. 22A, 22B, 22C and 27, the bulb holder 610
Is exposed from the second end 220 of the chamber 20, the bulb holder assembly 50
0 is assembled. In this connection, the detent ball 650 is attached to the bulb holder 61.
0, and then the ball opening 642 of the detent plate 640 is positioned on the detent ball 650, and the slot 644 is inserted into the bulb holder 61.
The detent plate 640 is placed on the bulb holder 610 by aligning it with the threaded opening 612 on top. The switch plate 630 is then placed with the openings 631 aligned with the threaded openings 612. The screw (
(Not shown), screwing the screw into the threaded opening 612 and fixing the switch plate 630 to the bulb holder 610 completes the bulb holder assembly 500. As a result, the bulb holder assembly 500 is axially fixed and rotatable at the second end 220 of the chamber 20.

Referring to the above description and FIG. 18, the assembled head assembly 40 is placed in the chamber 20 in which the bulb holder assembly 500 is mounted so that the bulb 70 is disposed in the first central opening 442 of the reflector 440. By attaching to
The head part of the flashlight 10 is assembled. In this regard, the head assembly 40 is removably attached to the chamber 20 at the second end 220 of the chamber 20. FIG. 22B shows the bulb holder assembly 500 mounted within the chamber 20 when the head assembly 40 has been removed from the chamber 20. The chamber 20 has an end guide portion 26 formed on the outer surface of the second end 220 thereof.
0 is provided. The end guide portion 260 is provided for receiving and guiding the protrusion 415 on the head cover 410 when the head assembly 40 is attached to or detached from the chamber 20.
61 is provided. The protrusion 415 is aligned with the passage 261 and the head assembly 40
Is guided in direction 287 until it is fully seated on the second end 220 of the chamber 20. Detachment of head assembly 40 occurs by moving head assembly 40 in a direction opposite to direction 287 until head assembly 40 is removed. FIG. 23 shows a state where the head assembly 40 can be detached from the chamber 20.
Shows the location of the bulb holder assembly 500 (excluding the switch plate).
Referring to FIGS. 23 and 27, the bulb holder assembly 500 is located at the first detent, which causes the detent ball 650 to move to the second end 2 of the chamber 20.
It occurs by placing it in a first slot 652 on the outer edge of 20.

When fully assembled, the guide 413 of the head assembly 40 engages the slot 634 on the switch plate 630, and rotating the head assembly 40 causes the bulb holder assembly 500 to rotate. The head assembly 40 will then rotate in the direction 288 to the second detent, which is caused by placing the detent ball 650 in the second slot 652 on the outer edge of the second end 220 of the chamber 20. Flashlight 10 is in the "off" position in this position. FIG. 24 shows the position of the bulb holder assembly 500 (excluding the switch plate) when the head assembly 40 is in the “off” position. In this position, the head assembly 40 can only rotate with respect to the chamber 20 (ie, radially),
It cannot move in the direction away from the chamber 20 (that is, in the axial direction). The head portion of the flashlight 10 is disassembled by rotating the head assembly 40 from the “off” position in a direction opposite to the direction 288 to a first detent and disengaging the head assembly 40 from the chamber 20 along the passage 261. Can be.

When fully assembled and the batteries 60, 62 are held in the correct alignment, the flashlight 10 can selectively electrically connect the bulb 70 to the batteries 60, 62. FIG.
Referring to FIG. 0, the chamber 20 has a first end 210 and a second end 2 along its length.
20 with conductive strips 690 between them. The conductive strip 690 is supported at a first end 210 of the chamber 20 by a strip support 692. The bulb holder assembly 500 selectively connects the bulb 70 to properly positioned batteries 60, 62 in response to radial movement of the head assembly 40. Referring to FIG. 21, when the light bulb 70 is positioned within the light bulb holder assembly 500,
The first pin 72 is electrically connected to the switch spring 620 via the spring contact 670, and the second pin 74 is electrically connected to the switch contact 660. Referring to FIGS. 16-22, flashlight 10 is movable between an “on” position and an “off” position by radially moving the head assembly in direction 288. As shown in FIG. 24, switch contact 660 is not in contact with conductive strip 690 in the “off” position. As shown in FIG. 25, the switch contact 660 is
90. In this regard, as the head assembly 40 is rotated in the direction 288, the bulb holder assembly 500 is also rotated. An “on” detent occurs when the detent ball rotates to a third slot 652 at the outer edge of the second end 220 of the chamber 20. Note that the detent mechanism is physically separate from the switch mechanism. The head assembly 40 is preferably rotatable about 30 degrees between an "off" position and an "on" position. As described above, the reflector 440
The operation of moving the light bulb 70 within the camera and focusing or defocusing the light emitted from the light bulb 70 is performed by moving the head assembly 40 in the radial direction to cause the flashlight 10 to “
It has nothing to do with turning on or off.

The spare bulb 71 is held fixed by the switch plate 630 until the user of the flashlight 10 rotates the bulb holder assembly 500 to align the spare bulb opening 632 with the spare bulb 71. Referring to FIG. 23, the bulb holder assembly 500 (excluding the switch plate) includes the head assembly 40 in the chamber 2.
It is shown in the position when it was removed from 0. From this position, the spare bulb opening 6
32 aligns with spare bulb 71 by rotating the bulb holder assembly in a direction opposite to 288. FIG. 26 shows that the spare bulb opening 632 is
FIG. 5 shows the position of the bulb holder assembly (excluding the switch lever) when aligned with FIG. Once aligned, the spare bulb 71 can be removed from the bulb holder assembly 500.

The combination of the reflector 440 and the lens 460 increases one of the objects of the present invention, namely, to increase the light collection from the bulb 70, obtain an optimal focus, and to move the bulb 70 within the reflector 440. Minimizing light gaps in the light projected by the reflector 440 throughout is achieved. In this regard, one embodiment of the present invention uses a conical reflector 440 that is different from a parabolic reflector.

The vertex curvature (ie, the actual shape) of the reflector 440 is determined using the following equation for obtaining a vertex Cartesian coordinate system.

[0038]

(Equation 1) (Where C is the vertex curvature, r is the radial distance from the center of the lens cylinder, and S is equal to 1−the eccentricity squared) In this regard, it has been found that using a non-parabolic reflector minimizes the light gap that is evident when using a parabolic reflector as shown in FIG. 1B. Was. In addition, it has been found that matching a non-parabolic reflector with an appropriate lens curvature optimizes the direction of light rays emanating from the non-parabolic reflector. In the case of an elliptical reflector (ie, 0 <eccentricity <1), it has been found that a more uniform and intense ray pattern can be obtained with a negative or flat lens when the light source is at the optimal optical focus. Was. In the case of a hyperbolic reflector (ie, eccentricity> 1), it was also confirmed that a more uniform and intense light pattern was obtained with a positive or flat lens when the light source was at the optimal optical focus.

Referring to the tables shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B. A series of simulations were performed using equation 1.1 (eccentricity ranged from 0.8 to 1.25).
. The criteria for the results shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B were as follows: (i) 1.4375 inch reflector aperture (ie,
(Size of the second central opening 49 of the reflection plate 44); (ii) 0.4826 cm (0.1
9 inch) reflector aperture (ie, size of first central aperture 48 of reflector 44)
(Iii) the maximum illumination spot size illuminated by flashlight 10 from a distance of 120 inches (304.8 cm) is 29 inches (73.66 cm); (iv) the entire focal range (ie, around the focal point of reflector 440); In the case of an elliptical reflector,
A central aperture 442, in the case of a hyperbolic reflector, a second optical aperture 444, the minimum light gap extending from around the focal point of the reflector 440 to the point where the bulb 70 exits the reflector 440 (movement of the bulb 70 along the optical axis from the focal point of the reflector 440); (V) the maximum travel of the bulb 70 over the entire focus range of about 0.25 inches or less; (vi) the minimum angle of light collected by the reflector = about 100 °; and (vii) the effective Focal length about -6.54
cm (about -2.5 inches) or larger lens.

For each given eccentricity and lens combination, apex curvature is adjusted to obtain a minimum focused spot size and air gap over the entire focus range and a maximum angle of light collected by reflector 440. did. This means that for each eccentricity,
A lens having an absolute value of about 6.35 cm (about 2.5 inches) or more in effective focal length was used as a sample, and the bulb 70 was completely defocused (that is, the first bulb when the bulb 70 was an elliptical reflector). A simulation was performed to increase the apex curvature until no air gap appeared when exiting the reflector 440 at the center opening 442 and, in the case of a hyperbolic reflector, at the second center opening 444). The value of the apex curvature was not increased beyond what would naturally be required to remove the voids. This is because further increasing the apex curvature further reduces the potential magnification of the light beam of the bulb 70 as the bulb 70 is moved away from the focal point of the reflector 440.

In view of the specifically described simulations and criteria, the elliptical reflector is
Preferably, the eccentricity is between about 0.80 and about 0.99. The elliptical reflector preferably has a vertex curvature of about 2.0 to about 5.2. In one aspect, the elliptical reflector has an eccentricity of about 0.96 and a vertex curvature of about 3.1. In one embodiment of the present invention, a flashlight 10 having an elliptical reflector is matched with a negative or flat lens. The elliptical reflector has an effective focal length of about −6.35 cm (about −2.35 cm).
Preferably, it is matched with a lens from 5 inches to about 0 cm (about 0 inches).
In one embodiment, the elliptical reflector 44 having an eccentricity of about 0.96 and a vertex curvature of about 3.1 is fitted with a lens 45 having an effective focal length of about 0 cm (about 0 inches).

According to another embodiment of the present invention, head assembly 40 has a hyperbolic reflector. The hyperbolic reflector preferably has an eccentricity of about 1.01 to about 1.25. The hyperbolic reflector preferably has a vertex curvature of about 2.0 to about 7.2. In one aspect, the hyperbolic reflector has an eccentricity of about 1.04 and a vertex curvature of about 3.3. In another embodiment, the flashlight 10 having a hyperbolic reflector is matched with a positive or flat lens. The hyperbolic reflector has an effective focal length of about 6.
Preferably, it is fitted with a lens that is 35 cm (about 2.5 inches) or larger. In one embodiment, the hyperbolic reflector 4 has an eccentricity of about 1.04 and a vertex curvature of about 3.3.
40 is fitted with a lens 460 having an effective focal length of about 0 cm (about 0 inches).

The foregoing description of the present invention has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. The above explanation is
It is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Accordingly, modifications corresponding to the invention and knowledge of the above teachings and techniques and related techniques are within the scope of the invention. The appended claims are intended to cover all alternative embodiments as permitted by the prior art.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1A illustrates the dispersion of a light beam from a parabolic reflector where the light source is located at the focal point of the reflector.

FIG. 1B illustrates the dispersion of a light beam from a parabolic reflector where the light source is one-third of the distance from the focal point to the reflector vertex.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a flashlight according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the assembly of the flashlight of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of the end cap, chamber, bulb holder assembly and head assembly.

5 is a cross-sectional view of the flashlight along the center of the flashlight of FIG. 2, taken along the plane indicated by line 2-2.

FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view of the inside of the end cap.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the end cap taken along the plane indicated by line 2-2.

FIG. 7A is an exploded perspective view of a head assembly.

FIG. 7B is a partial cross-sectional view of the head assembly of FIG. 7A, taken along the plane indicated by line 7-7.

FIG. 8A is an exploded view of a bulb holder assembly.

FIG. 8B is a partial cross-sectional view of the bulb holder assembly of FIG. 8A, taken in the plane indicated by line 8-8.

FIG. 9A is cut away in a plane indicated by line 2-2 showing the aligned batteries,
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the flashlight of FIG. 2.

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the flashlight of FIG. 2 taken along the plane indicated by line 2-2 showing the misaligned batteries.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a bulb holder assembly located in the chamber.

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the head portion of the flashlight of FIG. 2, taken along the plane indicated by line 2-2, showing the flashlight in the “off” position;

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the head portion of the flashlight of FIG. 2, cut along the plane indicated by line 2-2, showing the flashlight in the “on” position;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view showing simulation results for various eccentricities.

FIG. 13B is a perspective view illustrating simulation results for various eccentricities.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view showing a light bulb before being inserted into a light bulb socket.

FIG. 14B is a perspective view showing a light bulb inserted into the light bulb socket.

FIG. 14C is a perspective view showing a spare light bulb taken out from a notch for fixing the spare light bulb.

FIG. 15A is a front view of the bulb holder assembly when the head assembly is removed from the chamber.

FIG. 15B is a front view of the bulb holder assembly when the head assembly is attached to the chamber.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing the assembly of the flashlight of FIG. 2 with an alternative bulb holder assembly.

FIG. 17 is an exploded side view of the end cap, chamber, alternative bulb holder assembly and head assembly.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the flashlight having an alternative bulb holder assembly along the center of the flashlight of FIG. 2, taken in the plane indicated by line 2-2.

FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of the head assembly of FIG. 7A, taken along a plane indicated by line 7-7, showing a differently shaped guide for housing the alternative bulb holder assembly.

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of an alternative bulb holder assembly.

FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the light bulb holder assembly of FIG. 20, taken along the plane indicated by line 20-20.

FIG. 22A is a perspective view of an alternative bulb holder assembly positioned within a chamber, showing the detent lever and switch plate away from the bulb holder assembly.

FIG. 22B is a perspective view of an alternative bulb holder assembly fully installed within the chamber.

FIG. 22C is a side view of the perspective view shown in FIG. 22A.

FIG. 23 is a front view of the alternative bulb holder assembly (excluding the switch plate) at the second end of the chamber showing the location of the alternative bulb holder assembly when the head assembly is removable from the second end of the chamber.

FIG. 24 is a front view of the alternative bulb holder assembly (excluding the switch lever) at the second end of the chamber showing the position of the alternative bulb holder assembly when the flashlight is in the “off” position.

FIG. 25 is a front view of the alternative bulb holder assembly (excluding the switch lever) at the second end of the chamber, showing the location of the alternative bulb holder assembly when the flashlight is in the “on” position.

FIG. 26 is a front view of the alternative bulb holder assembly (excluding the switch lever) at the second end of the chamber showing the location of the alternative bulb holder assembly with the spare bulb exposed.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an alternative bulb holder assembly located within the chamber, showing the detent lever and switch plate away from the bulb holder assembly.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE ), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE , KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG, UZ, VN, YU, ZW (72) Inventor Harrahs, Christopherry United States 80138 Parker Pine Grove Lane, Colorado 11530 ( 72) Inventor Harrahs, Steven Joseph United States 92440 California Desert Hot Springs San Carlos Road 66887 [Continued Summary] The attached head assembly electrically connects the bulb and one or more batteries held in the chamber. It can rotate with respect to the chamber to make a connection. The flashlight further includes a spare bulb that is held securely by the bulb holder assembly until the user of the flashlight turns the bulb holder assembly to align the spare bulb aperture with the spare bulb.

Claims (56)

[Claims] 1. A flashlight, comprising: (a) battery holding means for holding at least one battery; (b) light bulb holder means for holding a light bulb; and (c) receiving a light bulb. Having a first central opening adapted to: a second central opening substantially opposing the first central opening; and an interior region formed by a space between the first central opening and the second central opening. (D) a lens; (e) switch means for selectively electrically connecting the bulb holder means and the battery holding means; and (f) fixing the lens and holding the conical reflector. Head means for holding the conical reflector so that the second central opening of the conical reflector is substantially parallel to the lens; and The reflector is the lens The lens is held in a fixed position with respect to the bulb holder means, and at least a portion of the head means moves to move the reflector with respect to the bulb holder means and the lens. Flashlight is possible. 2. The flashlight according to claim 1, wherein said conical reflector is an elliptical reflector. 3. The flashlight of claim 1, wherein said conical reflector has an eccentricity of about 0.80 to about 0.99. 4. The flashlight of claim 1, wherein said conical reflector has an eccentricity of about 0.96. 5. The flashlight of claim 1, wherein said conical reflector has a vertex curvature of about 2.0 to about 8.2. 6. The flashlight of claim 2, wherein said elliptical reflector has a vertex curvature value of about 3.1. 7. The flashlight of claim 2, wherein said lens has an effective focal length of about -2.5 inches or less. 8. The flashlight according to claim 1, wherein said lens is a flat lens. 9. The flashlight of claim 1, wherein said bulb holder means further comprises means for holding a spare bulb. 10. The flashlight according to claim 1, wherein said bulb holder means is held by said battery holding means. 11. The flashlight according to claim 1, wherein said head means is detachably connected to said battery holding means. 12. At least a part of said head means is rotatable with respect to said battery holding means so as to selectively electrically connect said bulb holder means and said battery holding means by said switch means. The flashlight according to 1. 13. The flashlight of claim 1, wherein said battery holding means further comprises a first opening for receiving one or more dry cells, and means for selectively surrounding said first opening. 14. The flashlight of claim 13, wherein the means for selectively surrounding the first opening is an end cap. 15. A means for selectively surrounding the first opening, wherein a battery is held by the battery holding means, and means for selectively surrounding the first opening surrounds the first opening. 14. The flashlight according to claim 13, further comprising means for preventing electrical connection of the positive electrode of the battery when in operation. 16. The head cover having a first end and a second end, wherein the means for holding the lens in a fixed position relative to the bulb holder means is rotatably connected to the first end of the head cover. 14. A flashlight according to claim 13, wherein the conical reflector is movable within the head means when the bezel is rotated. 17. The bulb conical reflector is movable with respect to the bulb holder means by rotating the bezel relative to the head cover.
The flashlight described in. 18. The battery holding means having a chamber having a first opening for receiving one or more dry batteries and a second opening for holding the bulb holder means, the second of the head cover. An end of the chamber surrounding the second end;
17. The flashlight of claim 16, wherein the flashlight is rotatably connected. 19. The flashlight according to claim 18, wherein said bulb holder means is selectively electrically connected to said battery holding means in response to rotation of said head cover. 20. A flashlight, comprising: (a) chamber means for holding at least one dry battery; (b) a first light bulb; (c) for electrically connecting the light bulb and the battery. (D) a head assembly, wherein the head assembly has an elliptical conical reflector and a lens selected from the group consisting of a positive lens, a flat lens, or a negative lens; At least a portion of the flashlight is movable to move the reflector relative to the first bulb. 21. The flashlight according to claim 20, wherein said switch means includes means for holding a second bulb. 22. The flashlight of claim 20, wherein said switch means further comprises first and second contact electrodes, and wherein an electrical connection occurs only when said battery is correctly positioned within said chamber means. Electric lights. 23. The flashlight of claim 20, wherein said head assembly is radially movable with respect to said chamber means to make an electrical connection. 24. The first light bulb comprises a light bulb with two pins.
The flashlight according to 0. 25. A portable, hand-held, flashlight operable with one or more batteries, comprising: (a) a first opening for receiving one or more batteries and substantially the first opening; A chamber for holding one or more batteries, having a second opening opposing itself; and (b) an end removably connected to the chamber for selectively surrounding or exposing the first opening. A cap; (c) a light bulb; (d) light bulb holder means for holding the light bulb, which is held by the chamber at the position of the second opening; and (e) a light bulb holder means and A switch means for electrically connecting one or more batteries; (f) a first central opening, a second central opening substantially opposite to the first central opening, and the first central opening and the second central opening. The space between the central openings (G) a lens, and (h) head means for fixedly disposing the lens with respect to the bulb, wherein the head means is the first of the chamber. A head means removably connected to the two apertures, wherein at least a portion of the head means is rotatable with respect to the chamber to move the conical reflector within the head means. 26. The flashlight according to claim 25, wherein said bulb holder means further comprises means for holding a spare bulb. 27. The flashlight of claim 25, wherein said conical reflector has an eccentricity of about 0.99 to about 1.01. 28. The flashlight of claim 25, wherein said lens is selected from the group consisting of a convex lens, a concave lens, or a planar lens. 29. The flashlight of claim 25, wherein said switch means further comprises means for preventing electrical connection unless said batteries are properly aligned within said chamber. 30. A flashlight, comprising: a battery housing for holding one or more batteries; a bulb holder capable of holding a bulb; and the battery for electrically connecting the one or more batteries to the bulb. An electrical circuit extending from the housing to the bulb holder, wherein the bulb holder has means for holding a spare bulb. 31. The flashlight of claim 30, wherein said bulb holder further comprises a luminescent coating for emitting light. 32. A flashlight, comprising: a battery housing for holding one or more batteries; a bulb holder capable of holding a bulb; and the battery for electrically connecting the one or more batteries to the bulb. An electrical circuit extending from the housing to the bulb holder, the electrical circuit having means for preventing electrical connection unless the batteries are properly aligned within the chamber. 33. A flashlight, comprising: (a) means for holding at least one dry cell; (b) a light bulb; (c) means for electrically connecting the light bulb and the battery. (D) a head assembly, wherein the head assembly includes a first center opening, a second center opening substantially opposed to the first center opening, and a first center opening and the second center opening. A non-parabolic reflector having an interior area defined by a space therebetween, wherein the head assembly further comprises a lens selected from the group consisting of a positive lens, a planar lens, or a negative lens; At least a portion is movable such that the position of the light bulb can be changed within the interior region of the reflector to focus and defocus light emitted by the light bulb. Flashlight. 34. A flashlight capable of projecting light emitted by a bulb electrically connected to one or more batteries, comprising: (a) means for holding one or more batteries; and (b) Means for holding a light bulb; (c) formed by a first central opening, a second central opening substantially opposing the first central opening, and a space between the first central opening and the second central opening. (D) a lens; and (e) one or more held by the means for holding the bulb and the means for holding the one or more batteries. Means for making electrical connection with the battery of (f), and (f) means for retaining the light bulb, wherein the light bulb is movable through the first central opening into the interior area of the reflector. Means for holding said lens in a fixed position. And wherein the reflector reflects light emitted by a bulb disposed within the interior region of the reflector, wherein when the bulb is located away from the focal point of the reflector, the reflection occurs. A flashlight in which the light emitted by a bulb located in the interior area of the plate does not include a light gap around the center of the reflected light. 35. The flashlight of claim 1, wherein said conical reflector is a hyperbolic reflector. 36. The flashlight of claim 1, wherein said conical reflector has an eccentricity of about 1.01 to about 1.25. 37. The flashlight of claim 1, wherein said conical reflector has an eccentricity of about 1.03. 38. The flashlight of claim 35, wherein the hyperbolic reflector has a vertex curvature value of about 3.6. 39. The flashlight of claim 35, wherein said lens has an effective focal length of about +2.5 inches or more. 40. A flashlight, comprising: (a) chamber means for holding at least one dry cell; (b) a first light bulb; (c) for electrically connecting the light bulb and the battery. And (d) a head assembly, wherein the head assembly has a reflector and a lens selected from the group consisting of a positive lens, a flat lens or a negative lens, and the reflector is non-conductive. A flashlight having at least one conic curve that is parabolic. 41. The flashlight of claim 40, wherein the reflector has at least one conic curve that is hyperbolic. 42. The flashlight of claim 40, wherein said reflector has at least one conic curve that is elliptical. 43. A flashlight, comprising: (a) chamber means for holding at least one dry cell; (b) a light bulb; and (c) selectively electrically connecting the light bulb and the battery. And (d) a head assembly, wherein the head assembly has a first center opening, a second center opening substantially opposed to the first center opening, and the first center opening and A non-parabolic reflector having an interior region defined by a space between the second central openings, wherein the head assembly further comprises a lens selected from the group consisting of a positive lens, a planar lens, or a negative lens. The head assembly further includes a bezel and a head cover, wherein the bezel can only rotate with respect to the head cover, and by rotating the bezel, Flashlight changing the position of the bulb in order to or to defocus or collected focus the irradiated light within the interior region of the reflecting plate by serial bulb. 44. The flashlight of claim 43, wherein rotating the bezel moves the reflector relative to the bulb. 45. The flashlight of claim 43, wherein rotating the bezel moves the bulb relative to the reflector. 46. A flashlight, comprising: (a) chamber means for holding one or more batteries; (b) a light bulb; (c) holding said light bulb; and said light bulb and said chamber means. Electrical connection means for selectively electrically connecting the one or more batteries held by the light source; and (d) attached to the chamber means and held by the bulb and the chamber means by the electrical connection means. A head assembly rotatable radially with respect to the chamber means for selectively making electrical connection with the one or more batteries. 47. A head assembly comprising: a reflector for reflecting light from the light bulb; a head cover; a bezel rotatably mounted on the head cover; and a lens mounted on the bezel. The bezel is rotatable in a first direction relative to the chamber means for moving the reflector away from the chamber means, and the bezel is adapted to move the reflector toward the chamber means. The head cover is rotatable in a second direction with respect to the chamber means, and wherein the head cover selectively connects the light bulb and the one or more batteries held by the chamber means by the electrical connection means. A flashlight that is rotatable with respect to the chamber means. 48. The connecting means has a bulb holder assembly for holding the bulb, and by rotating the head assembly relative to the chamber means.
The bulb holder assembly is rotated to selectively connect the bulb with the bulb and chamber means for holding the one or more batteries.
47. The flashlight of claim 46, wherein the means for retaining one or more batteries is electrically connected. 49. The head assembly further comprising detent means for providing a first detent position where the head assembly can be rotated and removably secured, wherein the head assembly is connected to the bulb by the electrical connection means. The device is rotatable to the first detent position to selectively electrically connect the one or more batteries held by the chamber means, wherein the detent means is independent of the electrical connection means. Item 47. The flashlight according to Item 46. 50. The head assembly further comprises detent means for providing a first detent position where the head assembly can be rotated and removably secured, wherein the head assembly is connected to the bulb by the electrical connection means. The device is rotatable to the first detent position to selectively electrically connect the one or more batteries held by the chamber means, wherein the detent means comprises a portion of the electrical connection means. Item 47. The flashlight according to Item 46. 51. A portable, hand-held, flashlight operable with one or more batteries, comprising: (a) a first opening for receiving one or more batteries and substantially the first opening; A chamber for holding one or more batteries having a second opposing second opening; and (b) an end removably connected to the chamber for selectively surrounding or exposing the first opening. A cap, (c) a bulb, (d) means for retaining the bulb, retained by the chamber at the second opening, and (e) means for retaining the bulb, and retained in the chamber. (F) a first center opening, a second center opening substantially opposed to the first center opening, and the first center. In the space between the opening and the second central opening (G) a lens; and (h) positioning the lens and the reflector with respect to the bulb when connected to the second opening of the chamber. Head assembly means, wherein the head assembly means selectively connects the means for holding the bulb by the connection means and one or more batteries held in the chamber. A flashlight rotatable radially with respect to the chamber. 52. The flashlight of claim 51, wherein said head assembly means is rotatable with respect to said chamber to move said conical reflector with respect to said bulb. 53. The head assembly has a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is one or more held in the chamber by means for holding the bulb by the connection means. Wherein said head assembly means is rotatable with respect to said first portion to move said conical reflector with respect to said bulb for selectively making electrical connection with said battery. 52. The flashlight of claim 51. 54. The flashlight of claim 53, wherein said first portion is a head cover and said second portion is a bezel. 55. The flashlight of claim 51, wherein said head assembly means fixedly positions said lens with respect to said bulb and positions said reflector movably with respect to said bulb. 56. A flashlight, comprising: (a) a chamber for holding two batteries, (b) a bulb, and (c) a connection for selectively electrically connecting the bulb and the battery. And (d) a head assembly, wherein the head assembly has a first center opening, a second center opening substantially opposite the first center opening, and the first center opening and the second center. A reflector having an interior area formed by a space between the openings, wherein the head assembly further comprises a lens, wherein the head assembly selectively electrically connects the bulb and the battery by the connection means. A head cover rotatable with respect to the chamber, wherein the head assembly focuses and defocuses light emitted by the bulb. The way in interior region may change the position of the bulb, flashlight having a rotatable bezel with respect to the head cover.