U.S. patent application number 13/029580 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-23 for lighting device having pivoting end cap.
This patent application is currently assigned to EVEREADY BATTERY COMPANY, INC.. Invention is credited to Mark A. Ferguson, Waikwong Lam, Thomas I. Meyers, David A. Spartano.
Application Number | 20110149562 13/029580 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41696211 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110149562 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Spartano; David A. ; et
al. |
June 23, 2011 |
Lighting Device Having Pivoting End Cap
Abstract
A lighting device is provided that includes a light source,
housing, end cap and a pivoting connection between the housing and
the end cap. A locking mechanism engages the housing and the end
cap to hold the end cap against the housing. The locking mechanism
includes a cam surface. The housing includes a battery
compartment.
Inventors: |
Spartano; David A.;
(Brunswick, OH) ; Lam; Waikwong; (Tseung Kwan O,
HK) ; Ferguson; Mark A.; (Memphis, NY) ;
Meyers; Thomas I.; (Cayuga, NY) |
Assignee: |
EVEREADY BATTERY COMPANY,
INC.
St. Louis
MO
|
Family ID: |
41696211 |
Appl. No.: |
13/029580 |
Filed: |
February 17, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/US2009/002485 |
Apr 22, 2009 |
|
|
|
13029580 |
|
|
|
|
61090429 |
Aug 20, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
362/197 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21L 4/045 20130101;
H05B 45/34 20200101; F21L 4/027 20130101; H05B 45/00 20200101; H05B
45/335 20200101; H05B 45/38 20200101; F21V 23/0421 20130101; H05B
45/325 20200101; H05B 45/345 20200101; F21Y 2115/10 20160801; F21V
15/01 20130101; F21V 23/0414 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/197 |
International
Class: |
F21L 4/00 20060101
F21L004/00 |
Claims
1. A lighting device comprising: a light source; a housing
comprising side walls that define a compartment, wherein the
compartment is adapted to contain one or more batteries as a power
source; an end cap adapted to engage the housing to close the
compartment; a pivoting connection connecting the housing to the
end cap such that the end cap pivots relative to the housing
between open and closed positions; and a locking mechanism
comprising a cam surface in one of the housing and the end cap for
engaging a member on the other of the housing and the end cap,
wherein the cam surface provides a locking mechanism to hold the
end cap closed against the housing.
2. The lighting device as defined in claim 1, wherein the locking
mechanism comprises a cam wheel comprising a slot providing the cam
surface and the member comprises a tooth, wherein the cam wheel is
rotatable to engage and move relative to the tooth in the slot.
3. The lighting device as defined in claim 2, wherein the cam wheel
is located on the end cap and the tooth is located on the
housing.
4. The lighting device as defined in claim 2, wherein the cam wheel
has an outward extending lever.
5. The lighting device as defined in claim 1, wherein said cam
surface has a spiral shape.
6. The lighting device as defined in claim 1, wherein the locking
mechanism comprises a barrel cam lock.
7. The lighting device as defined in claim 1, wherein the cam
surface is provided on the end cap and the member is provided on
the housing.
8. The lighting device as defined in claim 1 further comprising an
actuatable switch disposed on the end cap.
9. The lighting device as defined in claim 8, wherein the switch is
a push button switch.
10. The lighting device as defined in claim 1, wherein the end cap
comprises at least one spring contact adapted to contact one or
more batteries.
11. The lighting device as defined in claim 1, wherein the
compartment is adapted to contain at least two batteries, and
wherein the end cap further comprises first and second contact
springs adapted to engage first and second batteries in the
compartment when the end cap is in the closed position.
12. The lighting device as defined in claim 11 further comprising a
ribbon connector electrically coupled to the spring contact, said
ribbon connector slidingly moving in and out of the housing via an
opening as the end cap pivots.
13. The lighting device as defined in claim 1 further comprising a
seal disposed between the end cap and the housing, wherein the seal
is compressed when the end cap is locked closed by the locking
mechanism.
14. The lighting device as defined in claim 1, wherein the locking
mechanism holds the end cap sealed closed against the housing.
15. The lighting device as defined in claim 1, wherein the end cap
comprises a rigid polymeric material at least partially overcoated
with an elastomeric material.
16. The lighting device as defined in claim 1, further comprising
an electrical connector coupled to the end cap and the main
housing.
17. The lighting device as defined in claim 16, wherein the
electrical connector include multiple conductors.
18. The lighting device as defined in claim 16, wherein the
electrical connector provides power connections to the end cap.
19. The lighting device as defined in claim 18, wherein the
electrical connector further provides operation signals from a
switch disposed on the end cap.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of International
Application No. PCT/US2009/002485, which claimed the benefit under
35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/090,429 filed on Aug. 20, 2008, the entire disclosures of which
are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to lighting devices
and, more particularly, to multifunctional lighting devices, such
as flashlights that offer multiple lighting options, control of
such lighting options and multiple modes of operation.
[0003] Portable lighting devices, such as flashlights, generally
employ a light source, such as an incandescent lamp or one or more
light emitting diodes (LEDs), a reflector or other optics, and a
power source typically employing one or more electrochemical cell
batteries. Many handheld lighting devices, commonly referred to as
flashlights, generally offer limited functionality and performance.
Typically, the conventional flashlight includes a switch located on
the outer circumference of the housing that can be activated to
alternatively close and open a circuit connection to turn the
flashlight on and off. If more than one light source is included in
the flashlight, multiple switches typically are provided to control
each light source.
[0004] It would be desirable to provide for a lighting device that
offers enhanced functionality and performance. In particular, it
would be desirable to provide for a portable lighting device, such
as a flashlight, that may offer enhanced use in the field, such as
for military and industrial applications, and for other outdoor
use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The following presents a simplified summary in order to
provide a basic understanding of one or more aspects of the
invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the
invention, and is neither intended to identify key or critical
elements of the invention, nor delineate the scope thereof. Rather,
the primary purpose of the summary is to present some concepts of
the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more
detailed description that is presented later.
[0006] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
lighting device is provided that includes a light source, a main
housing comprising side walls that define a compartment, the
compartment adapted to contain one or more batteries as a power
source, and an end cap adapted to engage the housing to close the
compartment. The lighting device also includes a pivoting
connection connecting the main body or housing to the end cap such
that the end cap pivots relative to the main body between open and
closed positions. The lighting device further includes a locking
mechanism comprising a cam surface in one of the main body and the
end cap for engaging a member on the other of the main body and the
end cap, wherein the cam surface provides a locking mechanism to
hold the end cap closed against the main body.
[0007] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the
present invention will be further understood and appreciated by
those skilled in the art by reference to the following
specification, claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] In the drawings:
[0009] FIG. 1 is an upper front perspective view of a lighting
device, according to one embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a lower front perspective view of the lighting
device shown in FIG. 1 with the swivel head rotated to a second
locked position and the end cap in the open position;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a front view of the lighting device shown in FIG.
1;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a left side view of the lighting device shown in
FIG. 1 with the swivel head in a first locked position;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device
taken through line V-V of FIG. 3;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the
lighting device taken through line VI-VI of FIG. 3;
[0015] FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of section VIA of FIG. 6
illustrating electrical connection of the positive terminal of a
battery to electrical circuitry;
[0016] FIG. 7 is an exploded assembly view of the lighting device
shown in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 7A is an exploded assembly view of the swivel heading
shown in FIG. 7;
[0018] FIG. 7B is an exploded assembly view of the swivel connector
shown in FIG. 7;
[0019] FIG. 7C is an exploded assembly view of the main body shown
in FIG. 7;
[0020] FIG. 7D is an exploded assembly view of the end cap shown in
FIG. 7;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device
taken through line VIII-VIII of FIG. 4;
[0022] FIG. 8A is an enlarged view of section VIII-VIII of FIG. 8
further illustrating electrical connection of the batteries to
electrical circuitry in the lighting device;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device
taken through line VIII-VIII of FIG. 4 showing one battery in a
reverse oriented storage position;
[0024] FIG. 9A is an enlarged view of section IX-IX taken through
line FIG. 9 showing the electrical connection of the batteries to
electrical circuitry in the lighting device;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the swivel head with the
right pivot connector of the head attachment mechanism
exploded;
[0026] FIG. 11A is a side view of the swivel head shown in the
first locked position;
[0027] FIG. 11B is a side view of the swivel head shown in an
intermediate position;
[0028] FIG. 11 C is a side view of the swivel head shown in a
second locked position;
[0029] FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view taken through line
XII-XII of FIG. 3 showing the right pivot connector of the head
attachment assembly in a locked position;
[0030] FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view taken through line
XII-XII of FIG. 3 showing the right pivot connector of the head
attachment assembly in an unlocked position;
[0031] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the tail cap showing the
cam lock wheel mechanism exploded;
[0032] FIG. 14 is a perspective view on the inside of the cam lock
wheel mechanism shown in FIG. 13;
[0033] FIG. 15 is a front view of the tail cap assembly shown in
the closed position;
[0034] FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view taken through the
cam lock wheel of FIG. 15 showing the locking engagement of the
tail cap;
[0035] FIG. 17 is a side view of the tail cap shown in the closed
position;
[0036] FIG. 18 is a front view of the tail cap assembly shown in an
intermediate partial open position;
[0037] FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view through the cam
lock wheel mechanism of FIG. 18 in the partial open position;
[0038] FIG. 20 is a side perspective view of the tail cap assembly
in a partial open position;
[0039] FIG. 21 is a front view of the tail cap illustrated in an
open position;
[0040] FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cam lock
wheel mechanism shown in the open position;
[0041] FIG. 23 is a side view of the tail cap assembly shown in an
open position; and
[0042] FIG. 24 is a circuit diagram illustrating control circuitry
for controlling the various lighting sources of the lighting
device, according to one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0043] Before describing in detail embodiments that are in
accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that
the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps
and apparatus components related to a lighting device and method of
operating thereof. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method
steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional
symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that
are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present
invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that
will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like
reference characters in the description and drawings represent like
elements.
[0044] In this document, relational terms, such as first and
second, top and bottom, and the like, may be used to distinguish
one entity or action from another entity or action, without
necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or
order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises,"
"comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover
a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or
apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only
those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed
or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An
element preceded by "comprises" does not, without more constraints,
preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the
process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the
element.
[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 1-12, a lighting device 10 is
generally illustrated embodied as a handheld lighting device, also
referred to herein as a flashlight that is portable and adapted to
be handled by a user to provide light illumination, according to
one embodiment. While the lighting device 10 is shown and described
herein as a handheld flashlight, it should be appreciated that the
lighting device 10 may be employed with one or more mounting
structures that enable the lighting device 10 to be mounted onto a
supporting structure, including an article of clothing, such as a
shirt, a vest, a helmet, a ball cap, or may be mounted onto other
structures, such as firearms to assist with military or hunting
applications. The lighting device 10 is configured to operate in
multiple modes of operation and can be used as a flashlight (spot
or flood), an exterior light, an automotive light, a table light, a
desk light, and the like.
[0046] As shown in FIGS. 1-7D, the lighting device 10 generally
includes a main housing body or housing 12 that is generally
elongated and adapted to be received within and gripped by the hand
of a user. The body 12 generally has walls that define a
compartment within the interior that is adapted to receive one or
more batteries as the power source, generally within a battery
cartridge 100. The compartment with body 12 further contains
electrical circuitry and controls. The body 12 also includes a yoke
portion 14 having a pair of upward extending arms 14A and 14B
extending from one end that engages a swivel head 20 by way of a
head attachment mechanism 32. Each of arms 14A and 14B has an
opening for receiving left and right swivel connectors 34 and 36
that connect the swivel head 20 thereto.
[0047] The swivel head 20 includes one or more light sources. In
the embodiment shown and described herein, the swivel head 20
includes five light sources embodied as light emitting diodes
(LEDs) 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30. The swivel head 20 may be rotated to
swivel amongst a plurality of positions to selectively provide
light illumination oriented in a desired one of a plurality of
directions. In the disclosed embodiment, the swivel head locks into
fixed positions at two locations.
[0048] The main body 12, also referred to as a housing has a
pivoting bottom end or tail cap 16 at the end opposite from the
yoke portion 14. The end cap 16 pivots relative to the body 12 and
has a locking mechanism that is user actuatable to open or close
the end cap 16. The end cap 16 may be opened as shown in FIG. 2 to
expose the battery compartment to allow a user to remove batteries
64 from and insert batteries 64 into the battery compartment.
[0049] The end cap 16 is pivotally connected to the main body 12 by
way of a pivot connection. The pivot connection may be in the form
of a hinge having hinge members 66A and 66B formed on the end cap
16 and body 12, respectively, that align and a pin 68 extending
through aligned openings in the hinge members 66A and 66B,
according to one embodiment. Attached to the end cap 12 is a lock
mechanism having rotating cam lock wheel 18 which includes a cam
surface formed on the inside for engaging a protruding member, such
as a tooth 132, on the outer wall of the main body 12. To close the
end cap 12, the end cap 16 is rotated to a partial closed position
and the cam lock wheel 18 is then rotated clockwise such that the
cam surface engages the protruding member 132 to forcibly translate
rotational movement of the wheel 18 to pivoting movement of the end
cap 16 to move the end cap 16 towards the main body 12 with
sufficient force to engage and compress a seal 160 disposed between
the end cap 16 and the main body 12. Thus, a sealed closure is
provided. To open the end cap 16, the cam lock wheel 18 is rotated
counterclockwise such that the protruding member 132 comes out of
engagement with the cam surface so that the end cap 16 is free to
be rotated to the fully open position.
[0050] The lighting device 10 includes five light sources in the
form of LEDs 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30, all assembled in the swivel
head 20 and facing in the same general forward direction, according
to one embodiment. LED 22 is generally located in the middle region
of the front face of the swivel head 20 and is implemented as a
white LED, also referred to as a non-colored LED for projecting
visible non-colored white light illumination. The remaining four
LEDs are generally located near the four corners of the front face
of the swivel head 20. LED 24 may be implemented as a blue colored
LED for emitting a beam of visible blue colored light in a blue
colored illumination beam. LED 26 may be implemented as a red
colored LED for emitting a beam of visible red colored light in a
red colored illumination beam. LED 28 may be implemented as a green
colored LED for emitting a beam of visible green colored light. LED
30 may be implemented as an infrared (IR) LED for emitting a
forward projecting beam of infrared (IR) illumination, according to
one embodiment. It should be appreciated that the various colored
and non-colored light sources may be implemented in different
patterns and arranged in different locations, and may further have
different output illuminations, according to other embodiments.
[0051] In the disclosed embodiment, the white main LED 22 generally
provides a higher light intensity than the other light sources 22,
26, 28 and 30. According to one embodiment, the white LED 22 may
typically be driven by one AA-size alkaline battery at a current of
approximately 150 milliamps to achieve about 75-80 lumens of light
illumination, or may be driven by two series connected alkaline
batteries at a current of about 275 milliamps to generate about
75-80 lumens of light illumination. The colored LEDs 24, 26 and 28
and the IR LED 30 may typically be driven with one alkaline battery
at approximately 30 milliamps to achieve in the range of about 1-10
lumens of light illumination or driven with two alkaline batteries
at approximately 50 milliamps to achieve in the range of about 1-10
lumens of light illumination for each light source. It should be
appreciated that other batteries such as lithium batteries may be
employed to achieve greater power capacity.
[0052] The lighting device 10 may operate on power supplied by one
battery cell or two batteries, according to one embodiment. In
doing so, the lighting device 10 employs control circuitry to
maintain sufficient electrical power output to drive the one or
more light sources under conditions when either one or two
batteries are employed. Further, the light intensity of the light
sources may be adjusted to low, medium and high intensity settings.
In a medium intensity setting, the light source may be powered at
about fifty percent of the high power setting, and in the low power
setting, the light source may be powered at twenty-five percent of
the high power setting. It should be appreciated that the main
white LED 22 thereby serves as the main light source for providing
the greatest amount of illumination. However, it should be
appreciated that the amount of illumination achieved with each of
the lighting sources 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30 may be varied, according
to other embodiments.
[0053] The lighting device 10 is further configured with a
plurality of user actuatable control switches for controlling
activation and illumination of the light sources 22, 24, 26, 28 and
30. A first switch 40, shown implemented as a three-position toggle
switch, is located on the front side of the main body 12 below the
swivel head 20 and generally in a convenient location to be
actuated by the thumb of a user gripping the main body 12. The
three-position toggle switch 40 has three switch positions, namely
a first switch position 40A on the right side that enables the
visible LEDs to be actuated in a visible LED enabled mode, a second
switch position 40B on the left side that enables the infrared LED
to be actuated in either the IR or IFF enabled mode, and a third
switch position 40C in the center that serves as a lockout mode
such that none of the LEDs can be turned on. In the central lockout
mode position 40C, the control arm of the toggle switch 40 is
substantially aligned with an outward protruding switch guard
member 98 that serves to prevent accidental or inadvertent
actuation of the toggle switch 40. The outward protruding switch
guard member 98 generally has a shape and size that extends outward
from the main body 12 by a distance the same as or greater than the
control arm of the toggle switch 40 and can be formed as an
integrally molded member from the main body 12. Thus, the outward
protruding member 98 serves as a protective guard.
[0054] The lighting device 10 also includes three user-depressible
push button switches 42, 44 and 46 located generally below the
toggle switch 40 and actuatable conveniently by the thumb of a user
holding the main body 12. With the three position toggle switch 40
in the visible LED enabled position 40A, push button switch 42 may
be actuated (depressed) to control the green LED to turn the green
LED on and off, and may further be actuatable (depressed) to
control illumination intensity (brightness) of the green LED. With
switch 40 in the visible LED enabled position 40A, switch 44 may be
actuated to control the red LED so as to turn the red LED on and
off, and to further control the illumination intensity of the red
LED. With switch 40 in the visible LED enabled position 40A, switch
46 may likewise be actuated to control the blue LED so as to turn
on the blue LED and to further control the illumination intensity
of the blue LED.
[0055] It should be appreciated that each of the push button
switches 42, 44 and 46 are operable to control the corresponding
LEDs 24, 26 and 28 when the three-position toggle switch 40A is in
the visible LED enabled position 40A so as to turn on the
corresponding colored light sources 24, 26 and 28. Each of the push
button switches 42, 44 and 46 is further actuatable, generally
within a two second window, to adjust the intensity or brightness
of the corresponding colored light sources 24, 26 and 28. A two
second window is provided to allow a user to control the intensity
of the light source once the corresponding light source is turned
on. If the user depresses one of push button switches 42, 44 or 46
within two seconds of turning on the corresponding light source,
then the brightness of the corresponding light source may be
adjusted. If a user waits for longer than the two second time
period to subsequently depress one of push button switches 42, 44
and 46, the subsequent depression of the switch will turn off the
corresponding light source. According to one embodiment, any of
switches 40, 42 and 44 may be actuated repeatedly to turn the
corresponding light source on and off and to sequentially change
intensity of the colored light emitted by the corresponding light
sources among a plurality of brightness settings, including high,
medium and low intensity settings. The intensity or brightness of
the light sources may be adjusted according to a predetermined
sequence. According to one embodiment, the light sources may be
turned at a low intensity setting and may be subsequently adjusted
in intensity to sequence from the low brightness setting to a
medium brightness setting to a high brightness setting and repeat
the sequence or reverse the order of the sequence. According to
another embodiment, the light sources may be turned on at a high
brightness setting and subsequently adjusted sequentially to a
medium brightness setting, then a low brightness setting, and
repeat the sequence or reverse the order of the sequence.
Additionally, it should be appreciated that some of the light
sources, such as the white light LED 20 may be turned on at the
highest intensity setting, whereas a colored light LED such as LEDs
22, 24 and 26 may be turned at a low intensity setting so as to
provide for a less noticeable light illumination which may be
desirable for hunting or military applications. According to
another embodiment, the switches 40, 42 and 44 may be further
actuated, within the two second window, by continuous depression so
as to adjust the colored light intensity of the corresponding light
source at more incremental settings by ramping the visible light
intensity up and down.
[0056] The lighting device 10 further includes a user depressible
push button switch 48 located in the bottom end of the end cap 16.
Switch 48 is actuatable by a user to control the main white LED 22
when the three-position toggle switch 40 is in the visible LED
enabled position 40A such that depression of switch 48 turns on the
main white light source 22, and may further change intensity of the
main white light source 22 by continued depression of the switch 48
within a two second window. Accordingly, if a user depresses switch
48 to turn on the white LED 22, any subsequent depression within
the two second window will adjust the intensity of the white light
in a sequence, such as to switch from a high to a medium and then
to low brightness setting sequence or in a ramped fashion to ramp
the brightness of the light source incrementally up and down. If
the three-position toggle switch 40 is in the IR/IFF enabled
position 40B, then the infrared light source 30 will turn on in the
infrared (IR) mode to provide continuous IR with no blinking and,
if switch 48 is depressed, then the lighting device 10 will enter
the IFF or SOS mode in which the infrared LED 30 blinks at a
specified rate for purposes of IFF or SOS. Accordingly, it should
be appreciated that the three-position toggle switch 40 may be
utilized to select between the visible LED mode and the IR/IFF
mode, and the push button switch 48 may be employed to control the
white LED 20 or IR LED 30 depending upon the selected mode.
[0057] According to one embodiment, the infrared light source 30 is
employed as an identification friend or foe (IFF) light source,
which is particularly useful for military applications. The IFF
light source 30 may be implemented with the infrared LED generating
an infrared identifier beam that is generally invisible to the
naked human eye, which in a military use serves as a friendly party
member indicator. According to one embodiment, the IFF light source
30 may operate intermittently to provide a blinking signal at a
predetermined rate or pattern that may be viewable by other persons
with the use of night vision equipment (e.g., night vision
goggles).
[0058] According to another embodiment, the infrared light source
30 may be employed as an SOS light source. The light source 30, in
the SOS embodiment, may be implemented as a visible light source
that is generally visible to the human eye and may operate
intermittently to provide a blinking visual light signal at a
predetermined rate or pattern that may be visible by other
persons.
[0059] The lighting device 10 is further equipped with a test mode
that enables a test to check whether all of the LEDs are properly
operating. To initiate the test mode, switches 42 and 46 are
simultaneously depressed. Upon initiation of the test mode, the
various light sources 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 automatically cycle
through a predetermined sequence. This enables an assembler in a
manufacturing facility or a user in the field to verify that the
various light sources are operating properly.
[0060] The white LED 22 is shown in FIG. 7A generally mounted to a
thermally conductive LED heat sink 92, which generally includes
openings for terminals to provide electrical power to the LED 22.
The heat sink 92 conducts thermal energy away from the LED 20. A
lens, in the form of a total internal reflectance (TIR) lens 90, is
disposed in front of the main white LED 22 for focusing the white
light beam illumination in a desired beam pattern. The TIR lens 90
may be made of a thermoplastic and transparent plastic, also
referred to as acrylic glass. One example of a suitable acrylic
glass is polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). In one embodiment, the TIR
lens 90 may include a TIR rebel lens with an O-ring frame 91 that
may be injection molded. The TIR lens 90 has a flange 93 that is
provided to allow a hard polymeric material of front housing member
86 to be molded therewith. By molding the hard polymeric material
86 around the flange 93 of TIR lens 90, a watertight seal is formed
during the molding operation. A soft elastomeric material 88 is
then overmolded over the hard plastic material 86.
[0061] Also disposed within the swivel head 20 is an LED board 94
with each of the other four
[0062] LEDs 24, 26, 28 and 30 mounted thereto. The LED board 94
includes contact terminals for providing electrical connection to
each of the LEDs 24, 26, 28 and 30. With the internal components
including the LEDs 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30, TIR lens 90, heat sink 92
and circuit board 94 disposed within the rear housing 58 and its
overmolded elastomeric material 60 of the swivel head 20, the front
housing 86 and its overmolded elastomeric material 88 is assembled
so as to engage a seal 87 and fasteners (e.g., screws) are
installed to form a sealed closure to the swivel head 20.
[0063] According to one embodiment, the main white LED 22 may
include a Cree XRE, commercially available from Cree, Inc. The
colored blue LED may include Part No. GB-333B473C-032, commercially
available from Globe Technology Component. The red LED may include
Part No. GB-IR224B31C-015, commercially available from Globe
Technology Component. The green LED may include Part No.
LL-F50SRGBC2E-F1, commercially available from Globe Technology
Component. The IR LED 30 may include an invisible IR LED, such as
Part No. GB-IR224B31C-015, commercially available from Globe
Technology Component. While the main LED 22 is shown having an
optical lens in the form of a TIR lens 90 in front thereof, it
should be appreciated that the other LEDs 24, 26, 28 and 30 may
likewise include a TIR lens or other optical lens.
[0064] With particular reference to FIG. 7C, the main body 12 of
the lighting device 10 is shown having various components assembled
within the compartment, including the battery cartridge 100 which
includes first and second battery compartments or receptacles 102A
and 102B configured to receive first and second batteries 64. The
batteries 64 are installed side-by-side in parallel, but the
electrical connection of the batteries 64 is generally connected in
series to provide a summed voltage output from both batteries. The
batteries 64 that are used to power the lighting device 10 are
installed with the positive terminal 65A inserted first such that
the negative terminal end 65B is at the bottom or rear end and in
contact with the negative contact springs 72A and 72B.
[0065] Also disposed within the main housing body 12 of the
lighting device 10 are a number of circuit components including a
circuit board 120 having components assembled thereto including
control circuitry 200 and a switch board 121 having switches 42, 44
and 46 assembled thereto. Circuit board 120 and switch board 121
sandwich member 112 and are electrically connected to allow switch
signals to pass to the control circuitry 200. The control circuitry
200 includes a microprocessor, according to one embodiment.
However, it should be appreciated that other forms of circuitry
including an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or
other analog and/or digital circuitry may be employed. The control
circuitry 200 controls various aspects of activating the light
sources, adjusting intensity or brightness, and controlling the
modes of operation as explained herein.
[0066] Also disposed within the body 12 of lighting device 10 are
electrically conductive circuit elements that provide electrical
power from one or more batteries 64 to the control circuitry 200
and to power the light sources 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28. The
electrically conductive elements include a flat ribbon or strip 114
having a plurality of circuit elements formed as circuit traces
packaged within a non-conductive strip. According to one
embodiment, four circuit traces are provided within the ribbon
strip 114. Two of the circuit traces in the ribbon strip 114 are
connected to the bottom switch 48 assembled in the tail cap 16. A
first conductive strip is in contact with a first contact of switch
48 and a second conductive strip is in contact with a second
contact of the switch 48. The third conductive strip is in contact
with the first negative battery contact spring 72A and the fourth
conductive strip is in electrical contact with the second negative
battery terminal contact spring 72B. Accordingly, the signals
across the switch 48 and at the negative terminal of each of the
two batteries 64 is supplied to the control circuitry 200 by way of
the ribbon strip 114. The control circuitry 200 thereby can
determine the state of switch 48 and can provide an electrical
connection to each battery 64.
[0067] The control circuitry 200 processes the battery power output
and provides a sufficient power supply to power each of the light
sources 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28, when they are turned on. To supply
power from the main body 12 to the swivel head 20, a plurality of
wires 82 extend from the control circuitry 200 through one side of
the swivel connection in slot 35 of the left pivot connector 34
which extends through opening 15 in arm 14A as shown in FIG. 7B.
The bundle of wires 82 extend into the interior of the swivel head
20. The plurality of wires 82 are packaged together in a bundle and
extend through the swivel head 20 in a seal tight manner so as to
prevent moisture from entering the compartment within the swivel
head 20. According to one embodiment, the plurality of wires 82
employ eight or ten wires sufficient to allow electric current to
flow individually to each of the LEDs 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30.
However, it should be appreciated that a different number of wires
may be employed, according to other embodiments.
[0068] According to an alternate embodiment, a pair of wires may be
employed to transmit power and data between the control circuitry
200 and the swivel head 20. In this embodiment, separate control
circuitry may be included in the swivel head 20 so as to allow for
the receipt and transmission of data and power supplied by way of
the pair of wires. By reducing the number of wires to a pair of
wires, the lighting device 10 may be more easily manufactured and
fewer wires allows for improved ability to ensure that the main
body 12 and swivel head 20 have a waterproof closure.
[0069] Referring to FIGS. 8-9A, a pair of batteries 64 is shown
installed within the battery cartridge 100 of the lighting device
10 in a dual battery operation mode in FIGS. 8 and 8A and a single
battery operation mode in FIGS. 9 and 9A. The battery cartridge 100
is adapted to receive first and second batteries 64 within
corresponding first and second battery compartments 102A and 102B,
according to the disclosed embodiment. Each of the batteries 64 is
intended to be installed in the same orientation, such that the
positive terminal 65A of each battery 64 is installed into the
battery cartridge 100 first so that the negative terminal 65B of
batteries 64 contact the negative terminal springs 72A and 72B. The
positive terminal 65A of each battery 64 has a protruding nubbin in
the central region that is distinguished from the negative terminal
65B having a more flat bottom. The battery cartridge 100 is
configured to allow the lighting device 10 to be powered by both
the first and second batteries 64 when the positive terminal 65A of
both batteries 64 is installed properly such that the protruding
nubbins 65A of batteries 64 contact respective electrically
conductive cups 108A and 108B, which are spring biased by the
springs 110A and 110B, respectively. The protruding nubbin 65A of
each battery 64 extends within a region between an inward
protruding rib or ring member 105 to contact the conductive cup
108A or 108B as shown in FIG. 8A, which provides for an electric
circuit connection to supply power from both of the batteries 64 to
power the lighting device 10. The inward protruding members 180
have a ring shape with an inside diameter sufficiently large to
allow the protruding nubbin 65A of each battery 64 to extend into
contact with the corresponding conductive cup 108A or 108B, but
prevent the negative terminals 65B of batteries 64 from contacting
the corresponding conductive cups 108A or 108B.
[0070] When one of the batteries 64 is installed in a reverse
orientation direction such that the negative terminal 65B is
inserted first into the battery compartment 100, the negative
terminal end 65B of the battery 64 directly engages the inward
protruding ring member 105 which prevents electrical contact
between the battery negative terminal 65B and the electrically
conductive cup 108B as shown in FIGS. 9 and 9A for the battery 64
on the right side. When this occurs, the battery 64 installed in
the reverse orientation direction does not contact electrical
circuit elements and therefore does not provide a power output for
powering or operating the lighting device 100, but instead is
merely stored in a non-use position within the battery cartridge
100. Provided that the one other battery 64 is properly installed
in the battery cartridge 100, the lighting device 10 may be
operated from the single properly installed battery 64. It should
be appreciated that a user may intentionally install one battery 64
in a reverse orientation so that the reverse oriented battery 64 is
considered a storage battery that is not used as the power source.
In doing so, the lighting device 10 may be powered with a single
battery until the one battery is drained, and then a user will know
that about half of the available power has been used and may switch
the orientation of the improperly installed battery so as to use
the storage battery to power the light device 10 thereafter.
[0071] It should be appreciated that by configuring the battery
compartment 100 to receive multiple batteries 64 arranged in
parallel, but electrically connected in series, and installed in
the same orientation within the battery cartridge 100, a user may
easily install batteries into the lighting device 10 in the dark
knowing that the battery orientation is proper. This allows for
ease in changing batteries 64 and enhanced overall use of the
lighting device 10.
[0072] Referring to FIGS. 10-12B, the swivel head 20 and its
rotational positioning with respect to the main body 12 are further
illustrated. As seen in FIG. 10, the right pivot connection 36 is
shown having a plurality of detents 154 formed in an inner surface.
In the embodiment shown, the detents 154 align with teeth 152 in
the push button release mechanism 38 to provide locking positions
ninety degrees (90.degree.) apart from one another such that the
swivel head 20 may be locked in the first position shown in FIGS.
10 and 11A, which is ninety degrees (90.degree.) relative to the
longitudinal axis of the body 12, and may further be rotated ninety
degrees (90.degree.) and locked into the second position shown in
FIG. 11C which is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the body
12. The push button release mechanism 38 that is actuated by a user
is shown including a plurality of teeth 152 which engage detents
154 in connection 36 in either of the locked positions. It should
be appreciated that the detents and the teeth may be switched such
that the detents 154 are provided in the push button release
mechanism 38 and the teeth 152 are provided in the pivot connection
36. Further, it should be appreciated that both detents and teeth
may be provided on both of the push button release mechanism 38 and
pivot connection 36, such that the detents and teeth
correspondingly mate in the locked swivel head positions.
[0073] Push button release mechanism 38 is assembled onto the
square pin 150 of the head attachment mechanism 32. It should be
appreciated that pin 150 may be otherwise configured to have a plus
(+) shape or other shape. Push button release mechanism 38 rotates
with swiveling movement of the head 20. A spring 80 biases the push
button release mechanism 38 outward and is compressible upon
sufficient actuation from a user so as to disengage teeth 152 from
detents 154 to allow rotational movement of head 20. The swivel
head 20 may be oriented at ninety degrees (90.degree.) relative to
the longitudinal axis of the body 12 as shown in FIG. 11B. Upon
depression of switch 38 as shown in FIG. 12B, the teeth 152 become
disengaged from detents 154 and the swivel head 20 is rotated and
may be moved through intermediate positions, such as the position
shown in FIG. 11B. In an intermediate position, the teeth 152 are
not engaged within detents 154 such that the pivot head 20 is not
in a locked position. Upon sufficient rotation of the swivel head
20 by ninety degrees (90.degree.) to the second locked position
relative to the first locked position aligned with the longitudinal
axis of the main body 12, the teeth 152 may be biased back into
engagement with detents 154 to lock the swivel head 20 into the
second position as shown in FIG. 11C. As seen in FIG. 12A, the
spring 80 biases the push button 38 back to the outward position.
The left side of the head attachment mechanism 32 has a left pivot
connection 34 in the form of a pin that allows the swivel head 20
to swivel.
[0074] The swivel head 20 fits into place into the first or second
locked positions. In the first locked position, the swivel head 20
projects light illumination in a direction substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body 12. By
locking the swivel head 20 into the first locked position, the
lighting device 10 may be installed onto a mounting structure, such
as an article of clothing, and may withstand forces that impact the
lighting device 10, such as forces experienced while the lighting
device 10 is in motion. Similarly, with the swivel head 20 in the
second position such that light illumination projects substantially
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main body 12, the second
locked position maintains the swivel head 20 in position sufficient
to withstand forces acting upon the swivel head. For example, the
lighting device 10 may be mounted to a firearm or other weapon and
the locking mechanism sufficiently maintains the swivel head 20 in
position and is sufficient to withstand the recoil forces
experienced during firing of the weapon.
[0075] To accommodate the attachment or mounting of the lighting
device 10 to another structure, the light body 12 is shown equipped
with a clip 76 installed on the back wall of the body 12 as shown
in FIGS. 4 and 5. The clip 76 may be in the form of a bent wire as
shown in FIG. 7C and is connected to the body 12 by way of a clip
bracket 78. It should be appreciated that the clip 76 may bend
outward from the end opposite the clip bracket 78 to allow for
engagement with a member, such as a shirt pocket such that the clip
76 holds the lighting device 10 in position relative to the other
structure. It should be appreciated that other clip attachments and
mounting structures may be employed to support the lighting device
10 attached onto a structure.
[0076] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the cam lock wheel mechanism
18 is shown assembled to the end cap 16. The cam lock wheel
mechanism 18 includes a lever 136 extending from the periphery that
allows the user to easily engage and rotate the cam lock wheel 18.
The cam lock wheel 18 is assembled to the end cap 16 by a fastener
such as a screw. As seen in FIG. 14, the cam lock wheel 18 has an
internal barrel cam 134 in the form of a groove or slot that is
spiraled inward from the periphery. The internal barrel cam 134 is
positioned to engage an outward protruding member, such as tooth
132, provided on the main body 12 to close the end cap 16 and
provide a sealed and locked closure.
[0077] The opening and closing operation of the tail cap 16 is
further illustrated in FIGS. 15-23. As seen in FIG. 15, the end cap
16 is in a fully closed position with the cam lock wheel 18 rotated
fully clockwise so that lever 136 is in the vertical position. In
this position, the internal barrel cam 134 substantially fully
engages the protruding tooth 132 on housing 12 such that the end
cap 16 is pulled toward main body 12 due to the internal cammed
surface of cam lock wheel 18. In this position, the end cap 16
forms a sealed closure to the battery compartment as shown in FIG.
17. To open the end cap 16, a user rotates the cam lock wheel 18
counterclockwise. As seen in FIG. 18, the cam lock wheel 18 is
turned one quarter of a turn (90.degree.) counterclockwise to a
partial open position. In this position, the cam surface of cam
lock wheel 18 allows the end cap 16 to move away from the tooth 132
engaged within the cam surface 134. As such, the end cap 16 may be
partially opened as shown in FIG. 20. To fully open the end cap 16,
the cam lock wheel 18 is rotated further counterclockwise as shown
in FIG. 21 to complete a half rotation (180.degree.) relative to
the fully locked position. In this position, the tooth 132 is clear
of the cam surface 134, such that the cam lock wheel 18 and end cap
16 are no longer engaged on one side to the main body 12 such that
the end cap 16 may be pivoted about hinge members 66A and 66B as
shown in FIG. 23.
[0078] With the end cap 16 in the open position, the batteries may
be replaced. It should further be appreciated that the ribbon
connector 114 extends from within an internal wall of the main body
12 and into the end cap 16 where connections are made. The ribbon
connector 114 may slidingly move in and out of the main body 12 via
an opening as the end cap 16 is pivoted between the open and closed
positions.
[0079] The lighting device 10 is made of a substantially rigid
polymeric material capable of withstanding large forces such as
those encountered when dropped or loads under abusive conditions.
The body 12 is formed of a rigid polymeric material 50 which may
include a blend of ABS and polycarbonate, according to one
embodiment. The soft elastomeric material 52 may include soft
durometer material, such as TPE. Portions of the main body 12,
particularly the front portion and push button switches 42, 44 and
46 have an overmolded soft elastomeric material 52 overmolded onto
the rigid polymeric material 50 as shown in FIG. 6. Similarly, the
tail cap 16 has a rigid polymeric layer 54 and a bottom portion is
overmolded with a soft elastomeric layer 56. The head cap 20
likewise includes a hard polymeric layer 58 overmolded with a soft
elastomeric layer 60. The soft elastomeric overmolded material of
layers 52, 56 and 60 advantageously absorb forces during impact and
provide for an enhanced feel that is easy and comfortable to grip.
In the embodiment shown, the yoke portion 14 is shown as a separate
piece which connects to the main body 12. It should be appreciated
that the yoke portion 14 and main body 12 are adapted and connect
together and may include a seal disposed therebetween to provide a
sealed closure. The yoke portion 14 may be made of a rigid
polymeric material, according to one embodiment. It should be
appreciated that the yoke portion 14 may otherwise be integrally
formed as part of the main body, according to an alternate
embodiment.
[0080] The lighting device 10 includes control circuitry 200 for
controlling operation of the light sources 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30.
The control circuitry 200 is generally illustrated in FIG. 24
having a pair of boost circuits, according to one embodiment. As
seen in FIG. 24, the control circuitry 200 includes a
microprocessor 202 coupled to memory 204. The microprocessor 202
may include any signal processing device capable of processing
switch inputs, executing routines, and generating control signals,
as described herein. Memory 204 may include volatile and
non-volatile memory devices, such as electronically erasable
programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, or other
known memory devices. Stored within memory 204 are a plurality of
routines including one or more light control routines 300 and
ramping light control routines 400. The light control routines 300
are executed by the microprocessor 202 to control activation of the
various light sources based on activation of the various switches.
The ramping light control routines 400 provide a ramped adjustment
of the intensity (for brightness) of the light sources, according
to one embodiment.
[0081] The control circuitry 200 includes boost control circuitry
for supplying a substantially constant current to power the main
white LED 22, and provides a substantially constant voltage of
approximately 3.6 volts to power the control circuitry, including
the microprocessor 202, and the remaining LEDs 24, 26, 28 and 30,
according to the disclosed embodiment.
[0082] The control circuitry 200 illustrates first and second
batteries 64 electrically connected in series to provide a summed
power source voltage BAT+. Given that each single cell battery 64
typically outputs a voltage of approximately 1.5 volts, the sum
total voltage BAT+ for two series connected batteries is
approximately 3.0 volts. Connected in parallel to the first and
second batteries 64 are a pair of series connected diodes D8 and
D9, which serve as protective devices to prevent shorting of the
batteries 64. It should be appreciated that if one of the batteries
64 is installed in the lighting device 10 in a reverse orientation
such that it is in a stored non-used orientation, then the other
battery 64 solely provides the battery voltage output BAT+, which
is typically about 1.5 volts. The battery output BAT+ is supplied
to first boost circuitry 206 and second boost circuitry 208.
Additionally, the microprocessor 202 senses the battery voltage
BAT+ at input pin RB2.
[0083] The various switches 40, 42, 44, 46 and 48 are shown
connected to the control circuitry 200. The three-position toggle
switch 40 is shown having a first switch position that grounds out
signal KEY3, a second position that is not connected to the control
circuitry, and a third position that grounds out signal KEY5. The
microprocessor 202 senses signals KEY3 and KEY5, and thereby
determines which position the toggle switch 40 is in based on the
sensed signals.
[0084] Switch 46 closes out the connection between ground and
voltage VDD passing through resistor R3 and provides a grounded
signal KEY1 when switch 46 is depressed. Signal KEY1 is sensed by
the microprocessor 202. Switch 42 closes the connection between
ground and voltage VDD through resistor R4 when switch 42 is
depressed and provides a grounded signal through signals KEY1 and
KEY4, both of which are detected by microprocessor 202. Switch 44,
when depressed, closes the connection between ground and voltage
VDD through resistor R5 and provides a grounded signal KEY2 which
is sensed by microprocessor 202. Switch 48, when depressed,
provides a connection between ground and voltage VDD such that
signal KEY4 is grounded, which is detected by microprocessor 202.
By sensing signals KEY1, KEY2 or KEY4, the microprocessor 202 is
able to determine whether any of the switches 40, 42, 44, 46 and 48
are depressed.
[0085] The first boost circuitry 206 receives the summed battery
voltage BAT+ at inductor L2 across capacitor 96 and generates a
substantially constant current through diode D7 which is supplied
to the main white LED 22. In doing so, the microprocessor 202
provides a pulse width modulated (PWM) output signal on pin RCO
which is supplied through diode D2 to the enable input (CE) of the
first boost circuitry 206. The first boost circuitry 206 in turn
generates a pulse frequency modulated (PFM) output on output pin
OUT which is supplied to power the main white LED 22. The first
boost circuitry 206 may receive a feedback signal from current
sensing resistors R24 and R25. The capacitors C7 and C8 are
connected across the LED 22 to provide a stable output.
[0086] The second boost circuitry 208 receives the summed battery
voltage BAT+ at inductor L1 across capacitor C1. The second boost
circuitry 208 generates a substantially constant voltage of
approximately 3.6 volts passing through diode D1. The substantially
constant 3.6 volts is then used to power the control circuitry,
including the microprocessor 202, and to power the remaining LEDs
24, 26, 28 and 30.
[0087] LED 24 is shown receiving a blue output signal (out blue)
from pin RC3 of the microprocessor 202 to turn the blue LED 24 on.
The red LED is turned on when the microprocessor 202 outputs an
output signal (out red) on pin RC1. The green LED 28 is turned on
when the microprocessor 202 outputs a green output signal (out
green) on pin RC2. The IR LED 30 is turned on when the
microprocessor 202 outputs a signal (out IR) on pin RC4. It should
be appreciated that the intensity of each of the blue LED 24, red
LED 26, green LED 28 and IR LED 30 may be adjusted by the
microprocessor 202 providing a pulse width modulated signal and
changing the pulse width modulated signal to adjust the intensity
of each LED.
[0088] It should be appreciated that the boost circuitry boosts a
voltage output of one or more batteries to power the light source.
The control circuitry may be employed to control the boost
circuitry to boost the voltage output to power the light source. In
doing so, the summed total voltage output of the power source may
be detected and the pulse width modulated signal adjusted based on
the detected voltage. While the first and second boost circuitry is
shown and described herein as including an inductor, it should be
appreciated that other energy conversion elements may be employed,
according to other embodiments. For example, the boost circuitry
may employ one or more capacitive charge pumps to convert energy
provided by one or more the batteries to a form suitable for
powering the light source(s). A capacitive charge pump may use one
or more charge pump capacitors to convert the energy.
[0089] The control circuitry 200 advantageously detects whether a
single battery or multiple batteries are connected in series in the
lighting device 10 to supply power to operate the light sources and
control circuitry. While one or two batteries 64 are shown and
described herein for operating the lighting device 10, it should be
appreciated that the lighting device 10 may be configured to
receive more than two batteries and may be powered by three or more
batteries. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the boost
circuitry advantageously adjusts the output voltage and current
supplied to power the light sources. In doing so, the lighting
device 10 is generally more efficient at boosting a higher voltage
such as three volts, as opposed to a single battery output voltage
of 1.5 volts. The control circuitry 200 may receive any of a number
of voltages and convert the voltage to a useful voltage and current
for powering the lighting sources and control circuitry.
[0090] According to one aspect of the present invention, a lighting
device is provided that comprises a light source, a main housing
comprising side walls that define a compartment, wherein the
compartment is adapted to contain one or more batteries as a power
source, and a pivoting connection connecting the main body to the
end cap such that the end cap pivots relative to the main body
between open and closed positions. The lighting device also
includes a locking mechanism comprising a cam surface in one of the
main body and the end cap for engaging a member on the other of the
main body and the end cap. The cam surface provides a locking
mechanism to hold the end cap closed against the main body.
[0091] According to further aspects of the invention, the locking
mechanism comprises a cam wheel comprising a slot providing the cam
surface and the member comprises a tooth, wherein the cam wheel is
rotatable to engage and move the tooth in the slot. In one
embodiment, the cam wheel is located on the end cap and the tooth
is located on the main body. The cam wheel has an outward extending
lever. The locking mechanism may be embodied as a barrel cam lock.
The cam surface is provided on the end cap and the member is
provided on the main body. The cam surface has a spiral shape. The
lighting device further comprises a switch disposed on the end cap,
and the switch may be a push button switch. The end cap comprises
at least one spring contact adapted to contact one or more
batteries. The compartment is adapted to contain at least two
batteries and the end cap further comprises first and second
contact springs adapted to engage first and second batteries in the
compartment when the end cap is in the closed position. The
lighting device further includes a ribbon connector electrically
coupled to the spring contact and slidably moving in and out of the
main body via an opening as the end cap pivots. The lighting device
further comprises a seal disposed between the end cap and the main
body, wherein the seal is compressed when the end cap is locked
closed by the locking mechanism. The end cap comprises a rigid
polymeric material at least partially overcoated with an
elastomeric material. The locking mechanism holds the end cap
sealed closed against the main body.
[0092] While the invention has been described in detail herein in
accordance with certain preferred embodiments thereof, many
modifications and changes therein may be affected by those skilled
in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Accordingly, it is our intent to be limited only by the scope of
the appending claims and not by way of the details and
instrumentalities describing the embodiments shown herein.
* * * * *