WO1999036728A1 - Torche plate - Google Patents

Torche plate Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1999036728A1
WO1999036728A1 PCT/GB1999/000124 GB9900124W WO9936728A1 WO 1999036728 A1 WO1999036728 A1 WO 1999036728A1 GB 9900124 W GB9900124 W GB 9900124W WO 9936728 A1 WO9936728 A1 WO 9936728A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
flat
torch
chassis
switch
torch according
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1999/000124
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Iain Sinclair
Original Assignee
Iain Sinclair
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Iain Sinclair filed Critical Iain Sinclair
Priority to AU21733/99A priority Critical patent/AU2173399A/en
Publication of WO1999036728A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999036728A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/04—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the shape
    • G06K19/041—Constructional details
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21L—LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF, BEING PORTABLE OR SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR TRANSPORTATION
    • F21L2/00—Systems of electric lighting devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
    • F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a flat torch and to a method of manufacture thereof.
  • a flat torch which comprises a substrate carrying a flat battery and flat on/off switch, a pair of miniature incandescent lamps wired to the battery and switch and positioned outside the substrate, and a thick paper cover folded over the substrate and the lamps on both sides thereof, the cover incorporating at the fold a cut-out closed by a light transparent or translucent insert through which light from the lamps is transmitted in use.
  • a primary aim of the present invention is to provide an improved construction of flat torch and a method of making the same.
  • a flat torch comprising a rigid chassis in the form of a flat frame, one or more outer panels of sheet material secured to opposite sides of the frame, at least one light emitter recessed into the body of the chassis for directing light outwardly thereof, and a flat battery and flat on/off switch accommodated within the free space inside the chassis between the panels.
  • a method of making a flat torch according to which one or more light emitters are secured within a recess or recesses in the body of a rigid chassis in the form of a flat frame, a flat battery and a flat on/off switch are wired to the one or more light emitters whereby in use the light emitter or emitters when switched on dir ⁇ ct(s) light outwardly of the chassis, the flat battery and flat switch are positioned within the free space inside the chassis, and one or more outer panels of sheet material are secured to the chassis.
  • the or each light emitter is preferably constituted by a white LED.
  • Suitable LEDs include those obtainable from Nichia (type NSPW 300AS) or from Siemens (Germany). LEDs are fairly delicate and easily damaged compared to incandescent bulbs. The presence of the rigid chassis, within which the LEDs may be recessed, serves to protect the light emitters against physical damage.
  • the chassis is preferably made of lightweight metal (such as aluminium) or a rigid plastics material (preferred examples are moulded thermoplastic materials such as ABS [acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrenel or HIPS [high impact-resistant polystyrene]) and may conveniently be substantially rectangular in shape, with the LED(s) or other light emitter(s) in a recess preferably at or near the centre of one end of the chassis.
  • the chassis may be smoothly tapered in thickness to a thicker end, at least over the central region, at which the lamps are located.
  • the minimum thickness of the chassis is preferably such that the flat battery and flat switch do not disturb the smooth flow of the outer panels which enclose them so that, assuming the panels are opaque, the battery and switch are concealed from view.
  • the position of the switch may be indicated by a suitable marking on the panel on one or both sides of the torch.
  • no lens is visible from front or rear elevations, so that the torch may be constructed so as to represent a conventional credit card or other promotional card item (e.g. loyalty card, debit card, playing card and the like) and is preferably of corresponding dimensions.
  • the outer panel(s) of the torch may be formed from a single, continuous sheet of material formed or moulded around the chassis. Such an arrangement is particularly suitable where the panels comprise a particularly flexible material. Alternatively a plurality of separate sheets may be secured to the chassis. This arrangement is particularly suitable where the panels are too rigid to be bent around the edges of the chassis without imposing undesirable stresses.
  • the outer panels are preferably sufficiently rigid to provide a degree of strength, whilst preferably being sufficiently flexible to allow operation of an on/off switch positioned between the panels, and to follow any curves in the shape of the chassis.
  • Suitable materials for the panels include plastics (e.g. semi-rigid thermoplastic sheet), thick paper, cardboard or metallic sheet material.
  • plastics e.g. semi-rigid thermoplastic sheet
  • thick paper e.g. semi-rigid thermoplastic sheet
  • cardboard or metallic sheet material e.g. waterproof materials are selected.
  • batteries including button cells, PolaroidTM and Gould (US type 3B500 or 6B500 flat lithium) or PanasonicTM (Lithium, CR2430) flat cells.
  • the switch is preferably a pressure operated on/off button switch, with operation enabled by the flexibility of the outer panels.
  • the outer panels In manufacture of the flat torch, which is primarily intended to be a throw-away item after battery consumption, the outer panels, depending on the material of which they are made, may be secured by adhesive or bonded, as by plastics welding, to the chassis.
  • the flat torch may conveniently be made of credit card size (i.e. substantially planar rectangle, with sides of about 85mm by about 54mm), and preferably be made waterproof and crashproof (i.e. resistant to crushing when subjected to forces which may be created by an average human hand).
  • the torch is about 5mm thick at one end region (at which the light emitters, battery and switch are located), tapering to a thickness of about l-5mm at the opposed end region. It possible to add a magnetic stripe or Smartcard chip to the construction.
  • a flat torch of substantially the same dimensions as a credit card and incorporating an element comprising machine-readable encoded data (typically in the form of a magnetic stripe or, more preferably, a smartcard chip).
  • the flat torch incorporating the magnetic stripe or Smartcard chip may preferably be constructed and made as hitherto described, giving the torch the appropriate rigidity to be machine readable in the manner of a credit card.
  • a magnetic stripe is provided on the torch, it may be preferred to offset the region of maximum thickness of the torch away from the mid-point, so that the magnetic stripe can be read by passing the torch through a conventional "swipe" card reader.
  • Figure 1 is a pictorial view of a flat torch in accordance with the invention.
  • Figures 2a, 2b and 2c show the torch in top view, side view and edge view, respectively;
  • Figures 3a, 3b and 3c show the body of the torch in top view, interior side view and interior edge view
  • FIGS. 4a and 4b are views showing the interior parts of the torch
  • FIG 5a diagrammatically shows the parts of the torch to be assembled during manufacture and Figure 5b shows the torch after assembly;
  • Figures 6a to 6d show four possible constructions of finished torch, each in top view and side views.
  • Figures 7a, 7b and 7c show an alternative embodiment of a torch in accordance with the invention in top view, side view and edge view respectively.
  • the flat torch 10. when in operation, is pictorially shown in Figure 1.
  • Two LEDs are referenced 12 and an on/off switch, operated by pressure applied between opposite side faces of the torch, is referenced 14.
  • the exterior form of the torch 10 is shown in Figures 2a, 2b and 2c, which are drawn to scale (life-size).
  • the torch smoothly tapers or grades in thickness to a thicker central region 10A at one end where the LEDs 12 are located.
  • FIGS 3a, 3b and 3c show the interior body or chassis of the flat torch.
  • This comprises a rigid rectangular frame 16, for example moulded of rigid plastics material such as polyethylene or PVC.
  • the thicker region 16A of the chassis 16 has recesses for accommodating the LEDs 12, within which the LEDs 12 are protected from physical damage.
  • FIGS 4a and 4b show the interior of the torch 10, and in particular the operative parts thereof.
  • the LEDs 12 are secured in the recesses by seals 18, and are wired to a simple PCB/switch assembly 20.
  • Power is provided by a battery 22. which is conveniently a flat lithium battery.
  • FIG 5a illustrates the method of manufacture of the torch.
  • the flat frame or chassis 16 has the LEDs 12 sealed into the recesses 16B in the region 16A and then wired to the PCB 'switch assembly 20 and battery 22, which are then loosely positioned in the free space inside the chassis.
  • the two outer panels 24 are then adhesively secured around the periphery of the chassis 16. on opposite sides thereof respectively, in order to complete assembly of the torch.
  • Figure 5b shows the assembled torch.
  • Figures 6a to 6d show some possible constructions of finished torch.
  • the torch has a Smartcard chip 26 incorporated, while in the construction of Figure 6b, the torch carries a magnetic stripe 28.
  • Figure 6c shows a construction having outer panels 30 of burnished or polished metal
  • Figure 6d shows a construction having outer panels 32 of printed or textured plastics material. Plastics outer panels may be welded to the chassis instead of being adhesively secured thereto.
  • FIGS 7a-7c show an alternative embodiment of a torch in accordance with the invention.
  • the thicker region 10A of the torch is offset from the centre, so facilitating passage of the card (with a magnetic stripe 28) through a "swipe" card reading device.
  • the above-described flat torch primarily but not essentially intended as an item to be thrown away after exhaustion of the battery, has a number of advantages over the known flat torch.
  • the torch in accordance with the invention can be made waterproof and crushproof, of simplified manufacture resulting in a strong and elegant construction.
  • the switch position is not visible through the outer panels, as the relatively flexible outer panels flow smoothly in conformity with the shape of the chassis.
  • the use of white LEDs instead of incandescent lamps gives improved energy efficiency, and the LEDs are protected from damage by incorporation into the chassis body.
  • the flat torch can be made of a convenient, lightweight credit card size and may, as above described, incorporate a Smartcard chip or bear a machine readable magnetic stripe.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une torche plate comprenant un châssis rigide (16) se présentant sous la forme d'un bâti plat, un ou plusieurs panneaux extérieurs (24) en matériau plat fixés aux côtés opposés du bâti, au moins un émetteur de lumière (12) enfoncé dans le corps du châssis (16) afin de diriger la lumière vers l'extérieur de ce dernier, ainsi qu'une pile plate (22) et un commutateur plat (14) de marche/arrêt logeant à l'intérieur de l'espace libre dans le châssis (16) entre les panneaux (24).
PCT/GB1999/000124 1998-01-14 1999-01-14 Torche plate WO1999036728A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU21733/99A AU2173399A (en) 1998-01-14 1999-01-14 Flat torch

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9800610.9 1998-01-14
GBGB9800610.9A GB9800610D0 (en) 1998-01-14 1998-01-14 Flat torch

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999036728A1 true WO1999036728A1 (fr) 1999-07-22

Family

ID=10825174

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1999/000124 WO1999036728A1 (fr) 1998-01-14 1999-01-14 Torche plate

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2173399A (fr)
GB (1) GB9800610D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO1999036728A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001013034A1 (fr) * 1999-08-13 2001-02-22 Thomas Strobl Lampe torche
EP1354166A1 (fr) * 2000-12-30 2003-10-22 Steven H. Goldstein Dispositif presentant des caracteristiques de reflexion, d'illumination et d'effet loupe
EP1514220A1 (fr) * 2002-06-11 2005-03-16 Innovative Card Technologies, Inc. Carte pour portefeuille a eclairage integre
WO2007020047A3 (fr) * 2005-08-19 2007-08-16 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Support de donnees en forme de carte

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2638219A1 (fr) * 1988-10-26 1990-04-27 Bascoul Olivier Lampe de poche miniaturisee du type comportant un boitier d'epaisseur faible par rapport a ses autres dimensions
GB2276713A (en) * 1993-03-09 1994-10-05 Iain Sinclair Improvements to torches
US5457613A (en) * 1994-06-08 1995-10-10 Lumatec Industries, Inc. Peripherally sealed card-like flashlight device
GB2314150A (en) * 1995-11-27 1997-12-17 Iain Sinclair Planar disposable flashlight
WO1998050730A1 (fr) * 1997-05-02 1998-11-12 Eveready Battery Company, Inc. Carte emettrice de lumiere

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2638219A1 (fr) * 1988-10-26 1990-04-27 Bascoul Olivier Lampe de poche miniaturisee du type comportant un boitier d'epaisseur faible par rapport a ses autres dimensions
GB2276713A (en) * 1993-03-09 1994-10-05 Iain Sinclair Improvements to torches
US5457613A (en) * 1994-06-08 1995-10-10 Lumatec Industries, Inc. Peripherally sealed card-like flashlight device
GB2314150A (en) * 1995-11-27 1997-12-17 Iain Sinclair Planar disposable flashlight
WO1998050730A1 (fr) * 1997-05-02 1998-11-12 Eveready Battery Company, Inc. Carte emettrice de lumiere

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001013034A1 (fr) * 1999-08-13 2001-02-22 Thomas Strobl Lampe torche
EP1354166A1 (fr) * 2000-12-30 2003-10-22 Steven H. Goldstein Dispositif presentant des caracteristiques de reflexion, d'illumination et d'effet loupe
EP1354166A4 (fr) * 2000-12-30 2007-01-31 Steven H Goldstein Dispositif presentant des caracteristiques de reflexion, d'illumination et d'effet loupe
EP1514220A1 (fr) * 2002-06-11 2005-03-16 Innovative Card Technologies, Inc. Carte pour portefeuille a eclairage integre
EP1514220A4 (fr) * 2002-06-11 2005-08-31 Innovative Card Technologies I Carte pour portefeuille a eclairage integre
WO2007020047A3 (fr) * 2005-08-19 2007-08-16 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Support de donnees en forme de carte
CN101291818B (zh) * 2005-08-19 2010-06-23 德国捷德有限公司 芯片卡
US9579921B2 (en) 2005-08-19 2017-02-28 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Card-shaped data carrier

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9800610D0 (en) 1998-03-11
AU2173399A (en) 1999-08-02

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