WO2008116057A1 - Rotatable plug and lens mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

A lighting device (100) includes a housing (104, 112) with a rear portion separated from a front portion, which separation defines a volume therebetween. The device (100) further includes a polarized plug (102) rotatably attached to the rear portion, and a light source (110), at least partially located in the volume, that is illuminated with power received through the polarized plug (102). An orientation of the polarized plug (102), with respect to the housing (104), is rotabably adjustable so as to correspond to an orientation of a polarized outlet for insertion of the polarized plug (102) into the polarized outlet.

Description

ROTATABLE PLUG AND LENS MECHANISM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is related generally to electronic devices and, more specifically, to devices and methods that accommodate varied wall outlet types and/or orientations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many electronic devices exist that plug and mount into wall outlets or sockets. Some examples of such devices include nightlights, air fresheners, power adapters, and the like. These devices thus receive electrical power and mounting support from wall outlets.

Wall outlets now typically used in the US include two pronged polarized or three prong grounded receptacles, each intended to be installed following a preferred orientation standard. For example, grounded wall outlets in the US are generally oriented with grounding pin receivers toward the ground. However, some outlets may be oriented otherwise and as a result, undesired mounting orientations for electrical devices attached to them may occur

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention facilitate electronic devices by varying device orientation with respect to wall sockets/receptacles.

In one aspect, a lighting device includes a housing with a rear portion separated from a front portion, which separation defines a volume therebetween. The device further includes a polarized plug rotatably attached to the rear portion, and a light source, at least partially located in the volume, that is illuminated with power received through the polarized plug. An orientation of the polarized plug, with respect to the housing, is rotabably adjustable so as to correspond to an orientation of a polarized outlet for insertion of the polarized plug into the polarized outlet.

In another aspect, a lighting device includes a first and a second housing. The first housing includes a light source, a plug that receives power that powers the light source, and a circuit board that electrically connects the light source and the plug. The second housing is operatively connected to the first housing and includes a lens, a transparency located between the lens and the light source, wherein the transparency includes at least one of a color or a graphic, and a background located behind the light source, wherein the background includes a graphic. In another aspect, a method includes rotating a pair of electrical contacts of a device, with respect to the device, from a first angular position to a second angular position to orient the electrical contacts of the device in accordance with an orientation of a polarized electrical output, wherein the pair of electrical contacts includes different sized electrical contacts. In another aspect, a method includes releasing a latch that holds a pair of different sized electrical contacts at a first angular position with respect to a housing of a lighting device, rotating the electrical contacts to a second angular position with respect to the light source in accordance with an orientation of different sized sockets of a polarized electrical output, and activating the latch to hold the pair of different sized electrical contacts at the second angular position.

In another aspect, an electrical device includes a rear housing and a polarized plug rotatably attached to the rear portion. The polarized plug includes a first prong of a first size and a second prong of a second different size. The device also includes a keeper plate attached to the plug through an aperture in the rear housing, wherein the keeper plate secures the plug in the device, and the polarized plug rotates, with respect to the rear housing, to align the first and second prongs with complementary sockets of a polarized outlet. In another aspect, a lighting device includes a rear housing enclosure, including capture slots, a light source located in the rear housing enclosure, and an intermediate housing. The intermediate housing includes connection tabs that removably attach to the capture slots of the rear housing, wherein the intermediate housing is selectively oriented in one of a plurality of angular positions with respect to the rear housing.

Other systems, methods, and devices are disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a wall mountable lighting device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a rotatable plug mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 is a diagram of another lighting device in accordance with the invention.

Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate an example flashlight in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A variety of outlets and plugs are employed in homes and businesses. The outlets typically include a neutral connection, hot connection, and optionally a ground connection. The neutral connection is typically at about zero volts and the hot connection is typically at about 120 or 220 volts. Some examples of outlets include non-polarized outlets, polarized outlets, and polarized grounded outlets. Non- polarized outlets have two vertical slots side by side that are the same size. Nonpolarized outlets provide no indication of which slot provides the neutral connection and which provides the hot connection. Non-polarized plugs, which include two similarly sized prongs, can be employed/inserted into non-polarized outlets. It can be unclear as to which connection each prong is connecting to, yet the combination of non-polarized plugs and non-polarized outlets permit altering orientation of mounted devices by 180 degrees. The use of non-polarized outlets is decreasing.

Safety considerations recommend that exposed or likely to be contacted portions of devices be connected to neutral instead of hot. Thus, for example, threaded portions of a light socket into which a light bulb screws may be connected to neutral whereas a bottom portion, less likely to be contacted by a user, is connected to hot.

Polarized outlets are different in that the slot for the neutral wire or connection is wider than the slot for the hot wire or connection. Polarized outlets permit connection to polarized plugs that correspondingly include a wider prong for the neutral connection and a narrower prong for the hot connection. The wider prong of the plug fits into the wider slot of the polarized outlet. Similarly, the narrower prong fits into the thinner slot of the polarized outlet. The wider prong of the polarized plug does not generally fit into the narrower slot of the polarized outlet and thus, can ensure proper electrical connection. However, such an arrangement doesn't permit the 180 degree orientation variation obtainable with the non-polarized plug. It is noted that non-polarized plugs may fit into polarized outlets.

As an example, it may be desirable for a nightlight to be oriented with a light source pointing upwards. However, orientation of a wall outlet can result can result in the nightlight with the light source undesirably pointing downwards.

Grounded/polarized outlets additionally include a round hole for the grounding conductor in addition to the two vertical slots. In general, electronic devices such as computers require these to provide a solid ground for the case so the electronics will work properly. It is also used as a safety feature in certain higher- power appliances such as vacuum cleaners, ensuring that whatever happens to the wiring, the case will never be energized to wall voltage. Grounded outlets are also polarized.

Embodiments of the present invention can be employed with polarized and/or grounded outlets and still permit selected orientations by permitting movement of electronic devices relative to the outlets.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an electronic device includes a polarized plug assembly that is rotatable. Thus, the device can rotate about a polarized outlet after insertion. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, an electronic device includes a removable housing and a non-rotatable polarized plug. The removable housing can be removed and reoriented after insertion of the plug. Other embodiments are also contemplated.

Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a wall mountable lighting device 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. An orientation of the device 100 can be adjusted relative to a polarized outlet (not shown).

The device 100 includes a polarized plug assembly 102 rotatably attached to a rear housing 104. For example, the plug assembly 102 could be rotatably attached by providing a joint configuration including a concentric groove on one of the parts and a rib on the other, such that the other part could freely ride within it. In this example, the plug assembly 102 could be rotated, but the interference provided by the joint configuration mitigates or prevents movement in or out of the device 100 into or away from the rear housing 104. Other suitable rotation mechanisms can be employed in accordance with the invention.

The plug assembly 102 includes a wider prong and a thin or narrow prong that can be inserted into the polarized outlet. The plug assembly 102 is also attached to a keeper plate 106 via an aperture within the rear housing 104. The plug assembly 102 can include material on exterior surfaces to facilitate gripping. Additionally, the plug assembly 102 can include gripping features, such as shown in Fig. 1.

The keeper plate 106 is attached to the plug assembly 102, as stated above, and is also rotatably attached to the rear housing 104 as a result. Additionally, the keeper plate 106 includes mechanisms including detents, grooves, and/or other mechanisms corresponding to various orientations/positions, such as 0 degree, 90 degree, 180 degree, and 270 degree orientations. The keeper plate 106 also includes a stop or locking mechanism (not shown) that mitigates or prevents rotation beyond 360 degrees. The locking mechanism, in one example, includes a pair of standing ribs. Further, the keeper plate 106 includes an aperture. It is noted that the plug assembly 102 rotates with the keeper plate 106. Fig. 1 illustrates the mechanisms as facing towards the plug assembly 102 as an example, however the mechanisms can also face away from the plug assembly 102. Additionally, it is also appreciated that the mechanisms can alternatively be formed on the plug assembly itself and omit the presence of a keeper plate in alternate embodiments.

A circuit board 108 is electrically connected the plug assembly 102 by a pair of wires. The wires have a length selected to accommodate rotation of the plug assembly 102 relative to the circuit board 108. A light emitting diode (LED) 110 is mounted to the circuit board 108. In one example, the LED 110 is a 5 millimeter white LED, however other sizes and emission wavelengths are contemplated. A lens, such as a diffusing lens can be positioned about the LED 110 to evenly disperse emitted light. The circuit board 108 includes an LED driver circuit that modifies a received input voltage into a suitable DC power for illuminating the light emitting diode 110. The circuit board 108 can also include other circuitry, such as light sensing, emergency backup, and the like. Light sensing circuitry can detect light intensity and adjust illumination of the LED 110 according to the detected intensity, such as turning off the LED 110 for relatively high light intensity, such as sunlight. A front housing 112 encloses the circuit board 108, the light emitting diode 110, and the keeper plate 106. The rear housing 104 attaches to a rear portion of the front housing 112, defining a hollow interior when mated.

A latch assembly 116 is operatively connected to the front housing 112 and interacts with the keeper plate 106. The latch assembly 116 includes a latch bar portion, a movable pushbutton and a spring. The pushbutton extends outward via an opening of the front housing 112. The latch bar is generally perpendicular to an innermost surface of the pushbutton and extends a distance away from the surface and is configured so as to normally engage the keeper plate 106 within one of the detents. In one example, pressing the latch assembly 116 permits movement of the keeper plate 106 and the plug assembly 102 relative to the front housing 112. A connector of the latch assembly 116 can fit into detents of the keeper plate 106 to permit fixed positioning.

In one example and as shown in Fig. 1, the latch bar of the latch assembly appears as a vertical column rising from the inside surface of the pushbutton, and at its end (topside in the sketch) there is a protrusion or hook. It is that hook that engages the keeper plate 106 within one of the four grooves residing on the keeper plate so long as the pushbutton remains in its normal at rest position. When the button is depressed the hook will be moved inwardly toward the center of the keeper plate 106 until it no longer lies within a groove. At that point the keeper plate 106 and consequently the plug assembly 104 to which it is attached may be manually rotated because the hook is positioned within the recessed area at the center of the keeper plate 106 with no side walls such as those defined by the grooves to interfere with it. When the button is then released, spring pressure will urge it outwardly and the hook will find its way into one of the grooves, thus locking the keeper plate 106 and the plug assembly 102 mated to it in position. A sensor lens 114 is located in a front portion of the front housing 112. The sensor lens 114 permits light to enter the front housing 112 and be received by light sensing circuitry. An LED aperture 115 is positioned on a top portion of the front housing 112 and permits light and or the LED 110 to depart from the front housing 112. Additionally, a background slot 118 and a transparency slot 119 are also located on the top portion.

A top housing 120 removably mounts to the top portion of the front housing 112. A lens retainer 122 removably fits into an aperture of the top housing 120. A lens 124 is secured to the top housing 120 by the lens retainer 122. The lens 124 is comprised of a transparent or semi transparent material. Additionally, the lens 124 is shaped to provide a selected light dispersion and focusing pattern. A transparency 126 is positioned behind the lens 124 and fits partially into the transparency slot 115. The transparency 126 is comprised of a transparent or semi transparent material and can include various colors and/or graphics. A background card 128 is positioned behind the transparency 126 and typically includes an image or graphic. The background card 128 fits into the background card slot 118 of the front housing 112.

It is noted that the device 100 is provided as an example and that embodiments of the invention are not limited to lighting devices.

Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a rotatable plug mechanism 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The mechanism 200 can be incorporated into electronic devices to allow for varied and/or selected orientations.

The mechanism 200 includes a polarized plug assembly 202 rotatable about a rear housing 204. The plug assembly 202 includes a wider prong 230 and a thin or narrow prong 232 that can be inserted into the polarized outlet. The wider prong 230 typically corresponds to a neutral or zero volts connection and the narrow prong 232 typically corresponds to a hot or about 120 to about 220 volts connection. A first conductive wire 234 is attached to the wider prong 230 and a second conductive wire 236 is attached to the narrow prong 232. The first and second wires 234, 236 exit via a back portion of the plug assembly 202.

In one example, the plug assembly 202 is rotatably attached to the rear housing 204 by providing a joint configuration including a concentric groove on one of the parts and a rib on the other, such that the other part could freely ride within it. In this example, the plug assembly 104 could be rotated, but the interference provided by the joint configuration mitigates or prevents movement into or away from the rear housing 204. The rear housing also includes an aperture 238. Other suitable rotation mechanisms can be employed in accordance with the invention. The keeper plate 206 is affixed to the plug assembly. Additionally, the keeper plate 206 includes detents or other mechanisms 242, 244 corresponding to various orientations, such as 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 280 degrees, and 270 degrees orientations. The keeper plate 206 also includes a stop mechanism (not shown) that mitigates or prevents rotation beyond 360 degrees. Further, the keeper plate 206 includes an aperture 240. It is noted that the plug assembly 202 rotates with the keeper plate 206.

Fig. 2 illustrates the mechanisms as facing towards the plug assembly 202 as an example, however the mechanisms can also face away from the plug assembly 202. Additionally, it is also appreciated that the mechanisms can alternatively be formed on the plug assembly itself and omit the presence of a keeper plate in alternate embodiments.

The first and second wires 234, 236 pass through the aperture of the rear housing 236 and the aperture 240 of the keeper plate 206.

In one example, the first and second wires 234, 236 connect to a circuit board 208. The circuit board 208 can provide lighting power, recharging operations, and the like. The mechanism 200 can be employed in a variety of electronic devices including, but not limited to, lighting devices, night lights, safety lights, battery chargers, power adapters, and the like. For example, a light source (not shown) can be coupled to the circuit board via contacts 246, and receive power therefrom.

Fig. 3 is a diagram of another lighting device 300 in accordance with the invention. Portions of the device 300 can be removed and reoriented by 90 degrees, 180 degrees, 270 degrees, 360 degrees and the like.

The device 300 includes a rear housing 302 and an electrical circuit board 304. The rear housing 302 is an enclosure with an open front portion and defines an interior volume. The rear housing 302 is typically comprised of a non-conductive material. The rear housing 302 has receptor mechanisms or capture slots 330 on side portions as shown. In one example, the rear housing is symmetrically configured about its front to rear central axis. The circuit board 304 includes prongs 306, which may be polarized. The circuit board 304 fits within the rear housing 302 such that the prongs extend through a rear portion of the rear housing 302. Circuitry 308 is located on the circuit board 304 and in electrical communication with the prongs 306. The circuitry 308 converts input power received via the prongs 306 into power suitable for illumination and operation of a light emitting diode (LED) 312. A cover plate 310 fits over the circuit board 304 within the rear housing 302 and includes an aperture. The LED 312 connects to the circuitry 308 via the aperture of the cover plate 310. The LED 312 can be mounted to the cover plate 310, in one example. A lens 314 is attached about the LED 312 to the cover plate 310. The lens 314 can be configured to selectively focus or defocus light from the LED 312. In one example, the lens 314 is a diverging lens.

An intermediate housing 316 includes an aperture 319 and connection tabs 318. The aperture 319 permits light to pass there through. The connection tabs 318 removably attach to a pair of the receptor mechanisms 330 of the rear housing 302. As a result, the intermediate housing 316 can be oriented in one of a plurality of positions (0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees). A diffuser 320 is attached to and positioned in front of the intermediate housing 316. A front housing 322 is positioned in front of the diffuser 320 and is attached to the intermediate housing 316 and/or the diffuser 320.

A transparency 324 is positioned in front of the diffuser 320 and is comprised of a transparent or semi transparent material and can include various colors and/or graphics. A transparent windowpane 326 is positioned in front of the transparency 326 to protect the transparency 324 from damage. A retainer 328 is positioned in front of the transparent windowpane 326 and attaches to the front housing to secure 326 and 324. With respect to Figs. 4 and 5, a flashlight 400 includes a housing 402 that houses one or more batteries and a head portion 404 that houses a light source 405, which is illuminated with power supplied by the one or more batteries. The light source 405 comprises one or more individual light elements, for example, light emitting diodes, incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs, and the like. The head portion 404 includes a stationary portion 406, which is coupled to the housing 402. The stationary portion 406 is stationary in that it does not move independently from the housing 402. The head portion 404 also includes a telescoping portion 408 that is slidably coupled to the stationary portion 408. The telescoping portion 408 slides between a first position in which the telescoping portion 408 generally surrounds the stationary portion (FIG. 4) and a second position in which the telescoping portion 408 telescopes to extend the head portion 404 in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the flashlight 400 (FIG. 5). The telescoping portion 408 can also be positioned at one of more position between the first and second positions.

When the telescoping portion 408 is in the first position, the light source 405 extends into the telescoping portion 408, and light emitted be the light source 405 is directed forward, in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flashlight 400. The flashlight 400 may include a reflector or the like that facilitates directing the light as such. When the telescoping portion 408 is in the second position, the light source 405 emits light that is directed in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the flashlight 400 such that the light traverses the stationary portion 406 of the head portion 404. An element (not shown), such as a shutter or door, may be used to block light from escaping through the telescoping portion 408 when the telescoping portion 408 is in the second position. In this example, the stationary portion 406 includes a lens 412 that diffuses and/or focuses the light emitted by the light source 405. Between the lens 412 and the light source 405 is a transparency 414. The transparency 414 includes a transparent or semi-transparent material. The transparency 414 may also include a color and/or graphic. In one embodiment, the transparency 414 extends over the entire length and/or width of the lens 412. In another embodiment, the transparency 414 extends over less than the entire length and/or width of the lens 412.

A background card 416 is positioned between the light source 405 and the transparency 414. The background card 416 typically includes an image or graphic. The background card 416 generally includes gaps or apertures that permit light from the light source 405 to pass through to the transparency 414. In one example, the background card 416 has a shape such that light passes through to the transparency 414 and the lens 412. The flashlight 400 may be used as an ordinary flashlight. For example, the telescoping portion 408 can be positioned in the first position, and the flashlight 400 can be held in hand and directed at a target area. The flashlight 400 may also be used as a spot light, a night light, or the like. For example, the telescoping portion 408 can be positioned in the second position, and the flashlight 400 can be placed on a surface wherein the light traverses and illuminates the transparency.

In another embodiment, the head portion does not include the telescoping portion. In such an embodiment, the lens and transparency are located on at least a portion of the housing or tube. The flashlight may include a first light source located in the head portion to provide a light beam directed out of the head portion in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flashlight, and a second light source located in the housing to provide a light beam directed through the transparency and out of the lens. The flashlight may additionally include a switch that operates the first light source and the second light source. The switch may also concurrently turn both lights on and off. In another embodiment, the flashlight includes a single light source and the switch acts to direct the light out of the head portion, out of the lens of the housing, or out of both, the head portion and the lens of the housing. In yet another embodiment, the flashlight additionally includes light sensing circuitry that detects light intensity and controls operation of the light source(s).

It is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1 A lighting device (100), comprising: a housing (104, 112), including a reai poition separated from a fiont portion, which separation defines a volume therebetween; a polarized plug (102) rotatably attached to the rear portion, and a light source (110), at least partially located in the volume, that is illuminated with power received through the polarized plug (102); wherein an orientation of the polarized plug (102), with respect to the housing

(104, 112), is iotabably adjustable so as to coπespond to an oiientation of a polarized outlet for¹ insertion of the polarized plug (102) into the polarized outlet

2. The device of claim 1 , further including: a second housing ( 120) that removably mounts to a top poition of the housing

(112), the second housing (120) including an aperture; a lens retainer (122) that removably inserts into the aperture; a lens (124), which is secured to the second housing (120) by the lens ietainei (122), wherein the lens (124) is shaped to provide a selected light dispersion and/or focusing pattern for light emitted by the light source (U 0)

3 The device of claim 2, wherein the light source (110) protrudes out of the first housing (104, 112) and extends into the second housing (120)

4 , The device of one of claims 2 to 3, further including: a transparency slot positioned between the lens (124) and the light source (110); and a transparency (126) that removably inserts into the transparency slot (119) 5 The device of claim 4, wheiein the transparency (126) includes at least one of a coloi or a graphic

6 The device of one of claims 4 or 5 (claim 4), fuithei including: a background slot (118) positioned behind the transparency (126), wherein the light souice (110) resides between the transparency (126) and the background slot (118); and a background card (128) that removably inserts into the background slot

7 The device of claim 6, wheiein the background card (128) includes a graphic

8 The device of one of claims 1 to 7, further including: a concentric groove located on one of the iear portion or the plug (102); and a rib located on the other one of the rear portion or the pug (102); wheiein the rib is configured to move freely within the groove

9 The device of claim 8, wherein the plug (102) rotates with respect to the rear portion when the rib moves in the groove

10 The device of one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plug (102) includes at least one of a material on an exterior surface or a gripping feature that facilitate gripping the plug (102)

11 The device of one of claims 1 to 10, further including a keeper plate (106) attached to the plug (102) through an aperture in the iear portion, wherein the keeper plate (106) rotates with the plug (102) and secures the plug (102) in the device (100) 12, The device of claim 11, wherein the keeper plate (106) includes: a detent ; and a pluiality of grooves, each one corresponding to a diffeient rotational position, wherein the detent is configured to selectively engage the grooves, thereby holding the plug (102) a rotational position corresponding to the engaged groove

13 The device of claim 11 , wherein the keeper plate ( 106) includes : a plurality of detents, each one corresponding to a different rotational position; and a groove, wheiein each detent is configured to engage the groove, and the plug (102) is held at a rotational position corresponding to the detent engaging the groove

14. The device of one of claims 12 to 13, wheiein the rotational position corresponds to 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, or 270 degrees

15 The device of one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the keeper plate (106) includes a stop that prevents rotation beyond 360 degrees

16 The device of one of claims 1 to 15 , further including a latch (116) operatively connected to the housing (104) that interacts with the keeper plate (106)

17 The device of claim 16, wheiein the latch (116) includes: a latch bar; a movable pushbutton; and a spring, wherein the pushbutton extends outward via an opening of the housing (104), and the latch bar is generally perpendicular to an innermost surface of the pushbutton, extends a distance away from the surface, and is configured to normally engage the keeper plate (106) within a detent of the keeper plate (106)

18 The device of claim 1 7, wherein pressing the latch (116) permits movement of the keeper plate (106) and the plug (102) relative to the housing (104)

19 The device of one of claims 17 to 18, wherein the latch bar includes: a vertical column rising ήom an inside surface of the pushbutton; and a hook, wherein the hook engages a groove of the keeper plate (106) when the pushbutton is in a first rest position

20 The device of claim 19, wherein the hook moves inwardly toward a center¹ of the keeper plate (106) and out of the groove when the pushbutton is depressed

21 The device of one of claims 17 to 20, wheiein the plug (102) rotates only when the pushbutton is depressed

22 The device of one of claims 17 to 21 , wherein the plug ( 102) is prevented from rotating when the pushbutton is released

23 The device of one of claims 19 to 22, further including a spring that uiges the hook into a groove when the pushbutton is released, thereby locking the plug (102) in a position

24 The device of one of claims 1 to 23, fuithei including: a ciicuit boaid (108); and a pail of wiies that electrically connect to the circuit board (108) and the plug ( 102), wheiein the light source (110) is a light emitting diode and is mounted to the circuit boaid (108)

25 The device of claim 24, wheiein the circuit board (108) includes a driver circuit that modifies a received input voltage into direct cuπent power for illuminating the light source (110)

26 The device of one of claims 24 to 25, wherein the ciicuit boaid (108) includes light sensing circuitry that detects light intensity and adjust illumination of the light source (110) according to the detected intensity

27 The device of one of claims 24 to 26, wheiein the circuit boaid (108) includes light sensing ciicuitry that detects light intensity and turns off the light source (110) accoi ding to the detected intensity

28 The device of claim 24, wherein the circuit board (108) and the light source (110) are located in the volume

29 A lighting device (100), comprising: a first housing (104) including: a light source (110); a plug (102) that receives power that powers the light source (110); and a circuit board (108) that electrically connects the light source (110) and the plug; a second housing (120) operatively connected to the first housing (104), the second housing (120) including: a lens (124); a transparency (126) located between the lens (124) and the light source (110), wherein the transparency (126) includes at least one of a color oi a graphic; and a background ( 128) located behind the light source (110), wherein the background (128) includes a graphic.

30 The lighting device of claim 29, wheiein the plug (102) is polarized

31 The lighting device of one of claims 29 to 30, wherein the plug (102) is iotatably attached to the fust housing (104)

32. The lighting device of one of claims 29 to 31, wherein an oiientation of the plug (102), with respect to the first housing (104), rotabably adjusts to coriespond to an orientation of a polarized outlet for proper insertion of the plug (102) into the polarized outlet

33 The lighting device of one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the plug (102) rotates through an angle of 360 degrees oi less

34 The lighting device of one of claims 29 to 33, wheiein the plug (102) rotates through an angle of about 180

35 The lighting device of one of claims 29 to 34, wherein the light source (110) includes a light emitting diode

36 The lighting device of one of claims 29 to 34, further including a latch (116) that holds plug (102) at an angular position 37 A method, compiising: rotating a paii of electrical contacts (230, 232, 306) of a device (100, 200, 300), with respect to the device (100, 200, 300), fiom a fust angular position to a second angular position to orient the electrical contacts (230, 232) of the device (100, 200, 300) in accordance with an orientation of a polarized electrical output, wheiein the paii of electrical contacts (230, 232) includes different sized electrical contacts

38 The method of claim 37, wheiein the angle between the fust and second angular positions is one of about 90, 180, or 270 degrees

39 The method of claim 37, wherein the electiical contacts (230, 232) are rotated with iespect to a lens (124, 320) of the device (100, 300)

40 A method, comprising: releasing a latch that holds a pair of different sized electiical contacts (230, 232) at a first angular position with respect to a housing (104) of a lighting device (100, 200); rotating the electiical contacts (230, 232) to a second angular position with iespect to the light source (110) in accordance with an orientation of different sized sockets of a polaiized electrical output; and activating the latch, to hold the paii of different sized electiical contacts (230, 232) at the second angular position

41 The method of claim 40, further including diffusing light emitted from a light source (110) of the lighting device (100, 200) via a lens (124, 320) 42 The method of one of claims 40 to 41 , wherein the light ti avei ses a tiansparency (126) positioned between the light source (110) and the lens (124)

4.3 , The method of claim 42, wheiein the transparency (126) includes at least one of a color or a graphic

44. The method of one of claims 41 to 43, further including reflecting the light emitted from the light source (110), from a background card (128) located behind the light soiuce (110), towards the lens (124, 320)

45 The method of one of claims 40 to 41 , wherein the light source ( 110) is a five millimeter white light emitting diode,

46. The method of one of claims 40 to 41 , further including regulating received power to supply suitable power to the light source (110).,

47 An electrical device (200), composing: a rear housing (204); a polarized plug (202) rotatably attached to the rear portion, wherein the polarized plug (202) includes: a first prong (232) of a first size; and a second prong (230) of a second different size; and a keeper plate (206) attached to the plug (202) through an aperture (238) in the rear housing (204), wherein the keeper plate (206) secures the plug (102) in the device (200), and the polarized plug (202) rotates, with respect to the rear housing (204), to align the first and second prongs (230, 232) with complementary sockets of a polarized outlet. 48 The device oi claim 47, wheiein the keeper plate (206) includes: at least one detent (242, 244); and at least one groove, wheiein the detent (242, 244) engages the groove, thereby holding the plug (102) a rotational position corresponding to the engaged gioove

49 The device of claim 48, wheiein the rotational position coπesponds to 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, or 270 degrees

50 The device of one of claims 47 to 49, further including: a circuit boaid (208); and a pair of wires (236, 234) that electrically connect to the circuit board (208) and the plug (202), wherein circuit board (208) provides power to illuminate a light source

51 The device of one of claims 47 to 49, further including: a circuit board (208); and a pah of wires (236, 234) that electrically connect to the circuit board (208) and the plug (202), wherein circuit board (208) provides power to illuminate a charge a battery

52 A lighting device (300), comprising: a real housing enclosure (302), including capture slots (330); a light source (312) located in the real housing enclosure (302); and an intermediate housing (316), including: connection tabs (318) that removably attach to the capture slots (330) of the rear housing (302), wherein the intermediate housing (316) is selectively oriented in one of a plurality of angular positions with respect to the rear housing (302) 53 The lighting device of claim 52, further comprising: an electrical circuit board (304) located in the enclosuie (302), wherein the board (304) includes: at least one piong (306) on a fust side that extends out of a fust side of the tear housing (302); and circuitry (308) located on an opposite side of board (304) and in electrical communication with the at least one prong (306), wherein the light source (312) is electrically coupled to the opposite side of the board (304).

54. The lighting device of claim 53 , wherein the circuitry (308) converts input power received via the at least one prong (306) into power suitable for illumination and operation of the light source (312)

55 The lighting device of one of claims 52 to 54, wherein the intermediate housing (316) furthei includes an aperture (319) that peimits light emitted by the light source (312) to pass in a direction away from the circuit board (304)

56. The lighting device of one of claims 52 to 55, further including a diffiiser (320) attached to and positioned in front of the intermediate housing (316)

57. The lighting device of claim 56, further including a front housing (322) positioned in front of the diffuser (320) and attached to the intermediate housing (316) and/or the diffuser (320)

58 The lighting device of one of claims 56 to 57, further including a transparency (324) positioned in front of the diffuser (320) 59 The lighting device of claim 58, wherein the transparency (324) includes at least one of a coloi or a graphic

60 The lighting device of one of claims 58 to 59, further including a tianspaient windowpane (326) positioned in front of the transparency (326)

61 The lighting device of claim 60, wherein the tianspaient windowpane (326) protects the transparency (324) from environmental particulate

62 The lighting device of one of claims 60 to 61, further including a ietainer (328) positioned in front of the transparent windowpane (326) and attached to the front housing to secure the transparency (324) and the transparent windowpane (326) to the device (300)

63 A lighting device (400), comprising: a housing (402) that houses one or more batteries; a head portion (404), including: a light source (405) powered by power supplied by the one or more batteries; a fir st portion (406) with a lens (412) and a tr anspar ency (414) and coupled to the housing (420); and a second portion (408) slidably mounted to the first portion, wherein the second portion (408) slides between a first position in which light emitted by the light source (405) is directed out of the first portion (408) and a second position in which the light emitted by the light source (405) is directed out of the second portion (406) such that the light traverses the transparency (414) and the lens (412) 64 The lighting device of claim 63, wherein the transparency (414) includes at least one of a coloi or a giaphic

65 The lighting device of one of claims 63 to 64 , wherein the lighting device is a flashlight

66 The lighting device one of claims 63 to 65, wherein the lens (412) diffuses the light.