US1478282A - Flash light - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 118 i923. 31,47,282

R. L. HUNTER FLASH LIGHT Filed June 28. 1922 Raeri Lol fwmfien Fatented Dec. 18, I923.

unite stars ROBERT L. HUNTER, OF NORFOLK, VIRGINIA.

FLASH LIGHT.

Application filed June 28, 1922. Serial No. 571,435.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ROBERT L. HUNTER, a citizen of the United States of America, residing at Norfolk, in the county of Norfolk and State of Virginia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Flash Lights, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in flashlights, searchlights, spotlights and similar devices, in which the cap is adapted to change the distance of the lens from a source of light constructed to throw the rays in a certain direction in order to focus the light effectively at different distances from the light; and the objects of my improvement are: first, to construct a spring bracket "and socket for holding the'light bulb; second, to eliminate the use of the ordinary reflector such as is commonly used in flashlights; third, to use a reflector bulb silvered or otherwise coated to throw practically all the rays forward through an angular space; fourth, to use a short focal length lens; fifth, to provide brackets for holding spare bulbs; and sixth, to construct a device by means of which the light therefrom may be effectively focused at diflerent distances from the end of the device by changing the relative location of the lens and the source of light.

These and other objects are attained by the mechanism illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

t Figure 1 is a side elevation of my flashli ht- Figure 2 is a transverse section on lines 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a section on lines 3 -3 of Figure 2;

Figure f is a diagrammatic illustration of my improved flashlight using a concentrating reflector bulb and a short focal length lens with the lens in the advanced position; and

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of my improved flashlight with the lens in the conventional dispersing position.

My invention is embodied in a device consisting of the ordinary cylindrical case 1, having a rear end closure 2, conventional spring 3, switch 4, and batteries 5. A cap 6 is mounted to slidingl rotate on the case. Instead of the usual re ector with socket, I use a spring bracket 7 for holding the bulb, the bracket being attached to the case by means of rivets, screws or similar attaching means 8. The ends of the brackets are bent at right angles and form points 9 which serve as means to guide the cap forward and backward by running in the threads 10 punched in the cap. The bulb 11 is silvered or otherwise coated in the required proportion to throw all the rays through the lens. My expedient of silvering or coating the bulb renders unnecessary the usual reflector. In carrying out my invention I use a short focal length lens 12. The form of lens illustrated is a double convex lens although I may use other forms of a'short focal length lens such as a plano convex lens.

As areceptacle for securely holding extra bulbs, I provide two spring clamps '14 located in the cap end.

The principle of my invention and the means of operating it will be apparent from the foregoing description. When the user of a flashlight made according to my invention desires to focus the rays of light or desires an intense light at a distance from the end of a flashlight, he places the lens at a suitable distance away from the bulb to secure the right focus simply by turning the cap. The lens is restored to its normal position, of course, by turning it in the direction opposite to the direction it turned to increase the distance of the lens from the light.

In Figure 4, due to the coating or silvering applied to the bulb, practically all the rays pass through the short focal length lens. The direction of the rays when the lens is in normal position is shown diagrammatically in Figure 5. I

I do not wish to be understood as limit ing myself to the precise structure and arrangement of the parts, but claim the right to all changes within the scope of my invention.

Having now fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters-Patent is:

1. In a flashlight, means for holding an electric light bulb, said means consisting of a bracket, the ends of said bracket acting as a guide for a cap on said flashlight.

2. In a flashlight, means for focusing the light thereof, comprising a flashlight case, a cap mounted to travel thereon, a bulb bracket attached to said case, parts of said bracket acting as guiding means to control the travel of said cap, a lens in said cap,

and an electric light bulb inserted in said bulb bracket, a part of said bulb being coated whereby the rays of light are thrown forward through an angular space.

3. In a flashlight, means of focusing the E5 light thereof, comprising a flashlight case,

a cap rotatably mounted on said case and adapted to move forward and backward thereon, a resilient bulb bracket attached 'to said case, said cap having grooves thereon, w the ends of said bracket extending through said case and acting as guiding means for the grooves in said cap, a lens in said cap, said lens having a short focal length, and an electric light bulb adapted to be attached to said bracket, said bulb being coated on enough of its surface to cause the rays of light from the bulb to pass through said lens.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

ROBERT L. HUNTER.

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