US2447403A - Utility light - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 17, 1948. J FORBES 2,447,403

UTILITY LIGHT Filed May s, 1946 J5 /Z Z559 Patented Aug. 17, 1948 T- orries UTILITY LIGHT James E. Forbes, Dallas, Tex. Application May 3, 1946, Serial No. 666,948

1 Claim. 1

This invention relates to utility lights and more particularly to such devices of a portable nature operable by an electric circuit connected with a source of direct current such as the storage battery of an automobile.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a portable means for illumination operable by a current emanatin from a source of direct current electric power. The embodiment of this invention includes the use of a lamp having a sealed lighting element with insulated terminals. A handle attached to the top of the lamp container provides a convenient means for carrying or holding the unit.

Another object of the invention is to provide a comparatively waterproof lighting unit adapted for eificient use in rainstorms or in localities subject to great humidity. This invention is of great convenience and utility to hunters and fishermen, and may be submerged in water for a reasonable length of time if necessary or desirable without impairing the efliciency or period of usefulness of the device.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a handy and compact trouble lamp for motorists operable by plug-in connection to the existing direct current electric circuit of an automobile. A suitable length of electrical conductor permits the light unit to be moved to or placed in a position of reatest utility.

With the foregoing-objects as paramount, the invention has further reference to certain features of accomplishment which will become apparent as the description proceeds, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherem:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a utility light constructed according to the invention.

Figure 2 is an end elevational view of the inven tion as seen from the side not shown in Figure 1, and

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the invention showing the housing unit open to illustrate the manner of construction and arrangement of parts within.

Continuing with a more detailed description of the drawings it will be noted that the invention is embodied into a compact unit having a two-piece container comprised of a bottom receptacle ID for storing an electric conductor II when not in use, and a cover l2 connected with the recptacle ID by a hinge it, as illustrated in Figure 1. A conventional luggage lock I4 is used for securing the container in a closed position, as shown in Figure 2. A circular opening in the side of the container is formed by the removal of a portion of a wall of the bottom receptacle l0 and the cover I 2 to permit the placement therein from the interior of said container of a lamp l5 of the sealed unit type. The lamp [5 is retained in position by a coiled spring l5 fastened to opposite walls of the cover l2 and directly engaging the rear surface of said lamp IS.

A properly insulated terminal mounting l1 provides means for connecting the electric conductors II to the lamp l5, thus permitting the efficient use of the lamp when immersed in a fluid capable of electrical conductivity, or when subjected to extended use in atmospheres of high humidity. An insulated combination clamp and bracket i8 is fastened to the inner surface of the rear wall of the cover l2 serving to maintain sulfioient slack in the electric conductor H from its position to the terminal mounting I! for unimpaired contact should undue strain be placed upon the conductor ll while movin the light from one position to another. An opening I9 is provided in the cover l2 to afford an outlet for the conductor ll when the light is in use. While the lamp is in transit or not in use the conductor II is stored within the receptacle H], as shown in Figure 3. A handle 28, afiixed to the top of the cover I2, serves as means for holding or carrying the unit.

Sheet metal is preferably employed in the construction of the receptacle I 6 and the cover [2, although other materials of a strong and durable nature may be used satisfactorily. The use of the sealed lamp unit l5 obviates the necessity for a separate lens, lamp and reflector or any subsequent insulating problem likely to arise from the use thereof.

In use as a trouble lamp or spotlight for motorists the conductor is connected to the battery circuit of an automobile by a plug inserted in an outlet provided in the instrument panel or at other convenient places for maximum efiiciency and versatility. In the case of large trucks suitable outlets may be provided on the sides and rear for satisfactory use with a comparatively short conductor. Hunters, fishermen, and picnickers will find this lamp of great convenience and usefulness.

Manifestly, the construction as shown and described is capable of some modification and such modification as may be construed to fall within the scope and meaning of the appended claim is also considered to be Within the spirit and intent of the invention.

What is claimed is:

A utility lamp comprising a box composed of related hinged sections, one wall of each section being recessed to define a, circular opening when said sections are closed, a sealed lamp unit in said box whose lens protrudes through said opening, a coiled spring anchored at each end to a wall of one of said sections and adapted to bear against and impose tension on said lamp unit to hold the same in fixed relationship with said opening, means within one of said sections for retainin an electric conductor for illuminating said lamp, means for latching said sections in closed position and means for transporting said box.

JAMES E. FORBES.

REFERENCES crr n The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

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