US3814927A

US3814927A - Drop light

Info

Publication number: US3814927A
Application number: US00104956A
Authority: US
Inventors: T Buzza
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1970-02-11
Filing date: 1971-01-08
Publication date: 1974-06-04
Anticipated expiration: 1991-06-04

Abstract

A drop light with an extension cord having a protective shield or cage about the lamp and a hanging support or clamp. Said protective shield and cage may be provided with heat dissipating means to prevent accidental burns. Said protective shield may be a half-round or half-sphere shaped reflector that is rotatably adjustable to direct the reflected light in a desired direction, and maintain the direction of reflected light.

Description

United States Patent Buzza 1 June 4, 1974 [5 DROP LIGHT 2,460,173 1/1949 Holhing 240/54 A I 2,707,229 4/1955 Brcithaupt 240/54 A [76] Inventor- Thomas Bull, 1935 Wdyne, 2.747.079 5/1956 Kubiliunus 1. 240/54 A x 07470 3,154,253 10/1964 Guth 240/54 A [22] Filed: Jan. 8, 1971 Appl. No.: 104,956

Related US. Application Data Primary Examiner-loseph F. Peters, Jr. Attorney, Agent, or FirmHoward T. Jeandron ABSTRACT 2 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures 9ATENTEDJUM 4 m4 SHEET 1 OF 3 INVENTOR. mam/1s 51/2 2/1 AGENT PATENTEUM 4 m4 SHEET 3 OF 3 INVENTOR.

THU/1A 5 31/2 ZA AGENT 1 DROP LIGHT This application is a continuation in part of my application Ser. No. 10,562 filed Feb. I I, I970 now abandoned.

This invention relates to a drop light with a reflector and extension cord of the type used by mechanics for illumination upon a particular area and more particularly a drop light that may be not only easily hung or attached in close proximity to the desired area but may be balanced and focused or directed directly upon a particular point in the desired area.

Drop lights as provided for general use are constructed with a protective cage or shield around the illaminating lamp and the shield becomes a reflector to increase the intensity of the light and direct the light output in one direction. The cage and shield are also provided with ahook or clamp to permit easy hanging of the drop light in close proximity to the desired work area. Unfortunately the rigid attachment of the cage, shield and attaching hook of all known models does not permit the mechanic to direct the reflected illumination exactly upon the area most desired. It is also to be noted that the flat metal shield and round iron wire cage common to most all drop lights are heat collectors. The heat generated by the illuminating lamp is not dissipated at a sufficient rate and consequently the cage and shield becomes dangerously hot and are a constant danger to the user.

It is an object of this invention to provide a drop light having an adjustable cage, shield and hook so that the user may re-direct the illumination from said drop light to the desired area.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a drop light with a protective cage, hook and an adjustable shield reflector, so that when the drop light is hung adjacent the work area, the reflector may be adjustably positioned to direct the illumination to the exact area desired, and thus maintain said direction and illumination where desired.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a shield and cage for a drop light in which the cage and shield are designed with reflective surfaces toward the illuminating lamps and-heat dissipating surfaces away from the lamp to reflect the illumination and to dissipate the heat absorbed by these elements.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a cage about a drop light and a reflecting shield mounted pivotally within said cage but shaped to surround a portion of the illuminating lamp, said shield formed with a reflecting surface toward said lamp and a heat dissipating surface on the outer surface of said shield, said cage elements covered with a protective nonconducting material to provide an external surface about the lamp that will not burn on contact with the user.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a spherically shaped drop light with a handle and a supporting hook for hanging said light and in which the light is surrounded by a protective spherical cage with a spherical shield reflector moveably mounted within said cage with means to position said reflector in any position to cast the reflected light anywhere in 360 of rotation and from directly downward to 60 upward in any direction.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a drop light that may be hung and balanced in a horizontal attitude and in which said drop light is provided with a horizontally extending reflector that is movable about a horizontal axis to redirect the light reflection toward either side of its horizontally balanced position.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a drop light that may be hung and balancedin a variety of positions with the reflector adjustable to a wide scope of area to be illuminated.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a drop light and extension cord that is provided with additional accessories to expand the uses of the drop light.

Further objects of this invention shall be apparent by reference to the accompanying detailed description and the drawings in which:

FIG. I is a front elevational view of a drop light,

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, partially in cross section taken on line 22 of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a top plan view taken on line 3-3 of FIG.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view, partially in cross section, of the pivotal adjustable hook and shield elements,

FIG. 5 is a further embodiment illustrating an attached accessory,

FIG. 6 is an additional accessory for the embodiment of FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 is a further embodiment of the lamp shield,

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of a further embodiment of a drop light,

FIG. 9 is a front view taken on line 99 of FIG. 8,

FIG. I0 is aside elevational view ofa further embodiment of FIG. 8,

FIG. I I is a side elevational view of a further embodiment,

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view taken on line I2 12 of FIG. 11,

FIG. 13 is an exploded view ofa further embodiment of this invention,

FIG. 14 is an elevational view of a further embodiment,

FIG. 15 is an elevational view of the spherical cage support of FIG. I4, and

FIG. 16 is a view partially in cross section taken on line ll6-I6 of FIG. 15.

Referring to the drawings and particularly view 1-4, there is an illustration ofa drop light 10 with extension cord 12. The drop light 10 is comprised of a rubber handle 11 through which extends the electric wired extension cord 12. A male socket 12A is affixed at the end of the cord 12. The cord 12 extends to a socket 14 in which a lamp I5 is mounted. The socket I4 is retained in a split portion 16 and the socket 14 includes an on-off switch 17. The switch I7 is provided with a pushbutton 18 that extends to the exterior of portion 16. Portion I6 is also provided with a plug-in female socket 19, which is connected to the feed cord 12. A metal shield 20 is mounted to surround lamp 15. The shield 20 at its base is provided with a clamp 21 to be clamped about the extended portion 22 of the rubber handle. The shield 20 encloses approximately 50 percent of the circumference about the lamp I5, and is provided with an open front. A cage 24, semi-circular in form, is pivotally mounted on one side in a hinged portion 25 of shield 20. The cage 24 is made up of a plurality of bars 26 positioned in spaced relationship across a frame 27. Frame 27, at its free side, is formed as a snap closure with the edge 28 of the shield 20.

remove lamp l5 and may be snapped closed when in normal use. At the top of the shield there is provided an aperture and the surface around aperture 30 is scored. A hook element 31 is provided so that its stem 32 extends through aperture 30. The lower end of stem 32 is affixed or welded to a curved button shaped portion 33. The upper surface of 33 is also scored so that when pulled upward through aperture 30, the surface of 33 will bind with the scored surface of the shield 20,

' to maintain this binding relation. A spring 34 is inserted between the top surface of shield 20 and a pin that passes through the hook element 31. The spring thus maintains the hook lifted and in a binding relation with the shield 20. However, if it is desired to turn the relationship between shield 20 and book 31, the hook may be pushed downward to release its binding relationship with shield 20 and turned to a desired degree and released to again retain a binding relationship with shield 20. Thus, in use, the drop light may be hooked in a hanging position and if the illumination plus reflection from the shield 20 is not where it is desired, the shield 20 may be turned with relation to the hook 31 until the reflected light is cast in the desired position. It is to be noted that the shield 20 is provided on its exterior surface with a pair of friction clamps 83 and 84. A pen shaped flashlight 85 is mounted in these clamps or clips. The penlight 85 is provided with a bulb for 110 volt A.C. and the penlight is connected by an extension cord 86 to a springwound automatic recoil spool 87. The spool in turn is pivotally supported by an extension of clamp 21. The cord 86 is electrically connected to a male plug 19A so that it may be plugged into the female socket 19. Thus power is supplied to illuminate the penlight.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a still further embodiment of this invention in which the extension cord 12 extends and is connected to a male plug 12A. The male plug may have a clamp 21D and a pen battery operated flashlight 29 mounted therein. The pen flashlight only being used when the plug 12A is to be plugged in an invisible or inadequately visible outlet.

Referring to FIG. 5 there is illustrated a further embodiment in the form of an accessory used with a pen-v light, namely, a flexible goose neck extension 88 that may be connected to the penlight by removing the lamp and reflector and thus the lamp and reflector 89 at the end of element 88 is electrically connected so that the light is at the end of the flexible goose neck extension. This accessory permits pinpointing a beam of light in many inaccessible spots. It is to be noted that the extension 88 is bendable into various shapes and will retain that shape until it is reset.

Referring to FIG. 6 there is illustrated a further embodiment in the form of a small permanent magnet 90 with a very small holder 91. The holder is provided with a bore 92 that will fit over the end of the extension 88 and be threadably secured thereto. Thus this accessory permits extending the flexible neck into many inaccessible spots and by means of the light, seeing within the area. In addition if a metal object is dropped within such an area, the magnet 90 may be used to retrieve same.

Referring to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a further embodiment of the invention in which the shield 20A is crimped or formed into a plurality of channels to increase the external area of shield 20A. The interior surface of shield 20A may be formed as a perfectly smooth surface similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 except that the shield may have slits or perforations to release the heat and the shield may be coated with an asbestos or asbestos paint to provide a protection from the heat that does build up in the reflector and does prevent hot surfaces being in a dangerous position for burning the user.

' Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, there is illustrated a further embodiment of this invention in which the elements of the previous embodiment are similar, that is, the handle 11 with a split end 16 and a socket 14 is mounted therein and an on-off switch 17 with pushbutton 18, also a plug-in socket 19. The metal shield 20A is similar but elongated (for balance) and is provided with a mounting clamp 21A to be mounted about a groove 218 in the rubber handle. The shield 20A is half-round in form and provided with an open front. An additional clamp 21C is affixed to the shield at 208 and secured to the rubber handle 11 at the end adjacent the pushbutton 18. Thus the shield 20A is securely retained. The shield 20A may have a cage 24A similar to the cage 24 of the previous embodiment, however it will be longer to match the shield 20A. The shield 20A similarly has a' supporting book 3] at its unattached end. In addition, a second hook 318 is attached to the shield adjacent the attached end and extends at 90 to the central axis A-A. This provides a hanging support to hold the drop light in a horizontal attitude. The hook 31B is attached to shield 20A through an elongated slot 37 so that the shield 20A may be rotated about the axis BB of the hook support. Thus the shield may also be tipped to the right or left as desired and the hook may be set in the slot at any of the cutout portions 38 to retain the shield at a desired angle. Hook 31 may be swivelly retained by a swivel S so that the hook may be moved back or forward to an out of the way position. The drop light may also be hung from the handle end by means of the extension cord. A permanent magnet 54 may be imbedded in the reflector 20A but it is to be understood that if a metal shield is used, the permanent magnet will be separated by an insulating border or washer. The permanent magnet is used primarily by the mechanic or user to retain a nut, bolt, or light wrench v without having to stop his work and is quickly and easily available throughout the use of the drop light.

Referring to FIG. 10 there is illustrated a still further embodiment of the drop light shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In this embodiment the shield 20Ais provided with a rod 50 that parallels the outer surface of shield 20A and is spaced slightly from shield 20A. Rod 50 is attached to the shield 20A at opposite ends 50A and 50B and hook 31C is provided with a base block 3115 that is slidably mounted on rod 50 so that the hook 31C may be moved along rod 50 to a desired balance position or unbalanced hanging position.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12 there is illustrated a still further embodiment of the drop light. In this embodiment the cage 24B and reflector 20B surrounds the lamp 15 and a fan and motor 81. The cage and reflectorare attached to the handle by means of the

clamps

21A and 51. Thus although the lamp 15 may radiate heat, the fan 80 driven by motor 81, will induce an air flow to keep the reflector 20B cool, expelling all heat that is radiated by the lamp.

Referring to FIG. 13, there is illustrated a further embodiment of this invention in which the handle 11 and particularly the socket end of the handle 11', is provided with a recessed collar 11A where the retaining

band

21 or 21A is afflxed to support the cage and reflector. In mounting the reflector A or 208 as the case may be, the reflector is provided with a

band clamp

21 or 21A as the case may be that is wrapped around the recessed collar 11A. And, of course, with the bolt, the

collar

21 or 21A may be tightly wrapped and affixed to hold the collar at a particular attitude of rotation. However to change the attitude of the reflector, it is necessary to release the nut and bolt to relax the tension on the recessed collar. To provide a means of retaining the shield in any position without having to release the holding bolt and nut, the recessed collar may be provided with permanent magnets 54 imbedded therein. Thus by simply clamping the collar 21A loosely but sufficiently to retain the shield, the attitude of the shield may be chanbed by physically turning but when the shield is released at any particular position of rotation, the permanent magnets will hold the collar 21 in that position.

Referring to FIGS. 14, 15 and 16, there is illustrated a still further embodiment of this invention. In this embodiment the surrounding protective cage is spherical in form and it may be comprised of two or more intersecting rings that intersect at a central axis. FIG. 14 illustrates two

rings

60 and 61 while FIG. 15 illustrates a plurality of rings such as 60, 61 and 62 all intersecting at the top and bottom of a central vertical axis. This cagelike structure is supported in a fixed position generally by a hook 31D. The cage is further constructed with horizontal rings 63 at the equator of the sphere, 64

above the equator and 65 below the equator. These rings are welded or soldered or affixed permanently to

rings

60, 61, 62 as the case may be. The central axis at the bottom of the sphere is provided with a bearing 66 having a central aperture 67 therethrough. The bearing 66 must have an extended aperture 67 and the bearing must have sufficient strength to support mounting of a light supported structure within the cage. Mounted within the cage is a ring 68 ofa smaller diameter. Ring 68 is provided with a supporting pin 69 to be mounted in the central aperture 67 thus rotatably supporting ring 68 within the cagelike structure. Ring 68 supports a bulb or lamp 15 by means of the socket 14, the socket 14 being mounted in a slidable light support 70, the light support being slidably' mounted on ring 68. Thus the light support is provided with a bore 71 of a diameter to match ring 68 upon which it is slidable but it. is a tight fit so that there is constantly a frictional grip between the element 70 and the ring 68 to permit moving the element 70 to the left or right of the vertical axis of the cage. Element 70 is also joined or attached to a light shade or reflector 72. Element 70 is also provided with a plug 73 so that an extension wire may be plugged into plug 73 to supply the necessary power for illumination of the lamp 15. Thus in use with an extension line connected to plug 73, the lamp 15 will be illuminated and the shade or reflector 72 as illustrated in FIG. 14 will cast the light downward as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 16. However it is apparent that, referring to FIG. 16, element 70 may be moved to the left or right changing the attitude of reflector 72 to cast the light to the left or right as desired. And, referring to FIG. 14, it is apparent that ring 68 may be rotated 360 thus permitting the rotation of reflector 72 and lamp 15 to cast the light to any portion of a complete circle of 360. It is to be noted that the

rings

63 and 65 are affixed within the

rings

60, 61 and 62 whereas ring 64 is affixed to these rings to have a greater diameter or may be afflxed outside rings 60, 61 and 62. This is to permit ring 68 in its rotation to bear against the internal periphery of

rings

65 and 63 and to stand clear of ring 64 and permit the movement of element past ring 64 to a point close to the equator line 63 of the sphere. Thus the shade and light will be movable in an are slightly less than 180. Of course ring 63 may be affixed slightly lower than the equator if desired to increase the movement of element 70 to a full 180. Although we have shown a hook support 31D, the hook may be substituted with a clamp or may be clamped to retain the sphere in a fixed attitude wherever desired so that the adjustment of the light will be exact and will not vary due to a loose hanging.

Although we have shown a lamp 15, socket 14 and reflector 72 it is to be understood that a sealed beam lamp may be similarly plugged into the socket 14 and connected to a 12 volt auto battery. Although we have shown a particular form of drop light, the exterior form or style ofthe light may vary as long as the elements described are utilized and although we have shown a spring means to retain the relationship between the hook and the supported drop light or between the hook and the position of the reflector, other means of frictionally binding and releasing this relationship may be used, and although we have shown a means of heat dissipation to prevent the surface from becoming too hot and from burning the user, other heat dissipating styles of surface may be used. And although we have shown both a short and elongated form of reflector and cage.

'the shape of these elements may vary becoming a round or sphere shaped cage or any other form of protective cage and shield to similarly group and be rotatable as described without departing from the spirit of this invention.

The invention described in detail in the foregoing specification is subject to changes and modifications without departing from the principle and spirit thereof. The terminology used is for purposes of description and not of limitation; the scope of the invention being defined in the claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A portable drop light with a handle for manual positioning, an extension cord for connection to a power supply, a hook attached to said drop light for supporting same, a lamp support and a lamp to provide illumination, a reflector connected to said lamp support to direct the light from said lamp, and a pair of cages to surround and protect the lamp, one cage mounted within the other and movable in 360, said lamp support movable to position said lamp in varying attitudes while said drop light is balanced in a hanging relationship, said lamp adjustably supported on the inner cage to provide a direct light in any direction.

2. In a device according to claim 1 in which said pair of cages comprise two circular cages, one mounted within the other, in which said drop light 'is movably supported on the first circular cage that is mounted at its base for rotation in 360 and said cage is supported within a second spherical cage comprised of a'plurality of rings, said first cage being pivotally supported by a pin that extends through the mating base of the second spherical cage and said base connected to an extended handle.

Claims

1. A portable drop light with a handle for manual positioning, an extension cord for connection to a power supply, a hook attached to said drop light for supporting same, a lamp support and a lamp to provide illumination, a reflector connected to said lamp support to direct the light from said lamp, and a pair of cages to surround and protect the lamp, one cage mounted within the other and movable in 360*, said lamp support movable to position said lamp in varying attitudes while said drop light is balanced in a hanging relationship, said lamp adjustably supported on the inner cage to provide a direct light in any direction.

2. In a device according to claim 1 in which said pair of cages comprise two circular cages, one mounted within the other, in which said drop light is movably supported on the first circular cage that is mounted at its base for rotation in 360* and said cage is supported within a second spherical cage comprised of a plurality of rings, said first cage being pivotally supported by a pin that extends through the mating base of the second spherical cage and said base connected to an extended handle.