U.S. patent application number 15/467408 was filed with the patent office on 2018-06-14 for combined flashlight and lantern.
The applicant listed for this patent is Hydra Light International Pty. Ltd., Infomercials, Inc.. Invention is credited to Douglas Fowkes, Arianne Rose Nuevo Pasagui.
Application Number | 20180163935 15/467408 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61633133 |
Filed Date | 2018-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180163935 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fowkes; Douglas ; et
al. |
June 14, 2018 |
Combined Flashlight and Lantern
Abstract
A combined flashlight and lantern can have a light powered by a
metal-air fuel cell that runs, or is activated, by water or an
electrolyte such as salt water. The combined flashlight and lantern
has both flashlight and lantern configurations. In the flashlight
configuration, a head with a distal concave reflector is disposed
towards a handle with the light in an aperture of the distal
concave reflector to direct light axially. The distal concave
reflector is opaque to resist light from emitting laterally
therefrom. In the lantern configuration, the head with a distal
convex reflector is disposed away from the handle and opposing a
proximal convex reflector to direct light radially.
Inventors: |
Fowkes; Douglas;
(Springville, UT) ; Pasagui; Arianne Rose Nuevo;
(San Pablo City, PH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Infomercials, Inc.
Hydra Light International Pty. Ltd. |
Springville
Melbourne |
UT
VT |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61633133 |
Appl. No.: |
15/467408 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62432368 |
Dec 9, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V 7/041 20130101;
Y02E 60/10 20130101; F21V 23/0428 20130101; F21V 7/04 20130101;
F21V 31/005 20130101; F21V 13/045 20130101; F21V 3/00 20130101;
F21V 5/04 20130101; F21L 13/00 20130101; F21V 3/02 20130101; H01M
2220/30 20130101; H01M 12/06 20130101; F21L 4/045 20130101; F21Y
2115/10 20160801; F21V 14/045 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F21L 4/04 20060101
F21L004/04; F21V 5/04 20060101 F21V005/04; F21V 3/00 20060101
F21V003/00; F21V 7/04 20060101 F21V007/04; F21V 31/00 20060101
F21V031/00; F21V 23/04 20060101 F21V023/04; F21V 17/02 20060101
F21V017/02; H01M 12/06 20060101 H01M012/06; H01M 6/34 20060101
H01M006/34 |
Claims
1-21. (canceled)
22. A flashlight device, comprising: a) a handle having a lateral
side wall, a hollow and an open end; b) a cap removably closing the
open end of the handle; c) a light carried by the handle; d) a
metal-air fuel cell removably disposed in the hollow of the handle
and electrically coupled to the light; e) the metal-air fuel cell
having a housing with a perimeter wall with multiple holes therein;
and f) an aperture formed in a lateral side of the handle
configured to expose the metal-air fuel cell to ambient air and
vent reaction by-product gases of the metal-air fuel cell when
activated.
23. The flashlight device in accordance with claim 22, further
comprising: a cylindrical gap between an outer surface of the
housing of the metal-air fuel cell and an inner surface of the
handle configured to allow air to circulate around the housing and
the multiple holes thereof.
24. The flashlight device in accordance with claim 22, wherein the
aperture in the handle further comprises a first aperture at one
end of the handle and a second aperture at an opposite end of the
handle.
25. The flashlight device in accordance with claim 22, further
comprising: a compartment carried by the cap and carrying spare
salt for the metal-air fuel cell.
26. The flashlight device in accordance with claim 22, further
comprising: a) a head slidably with respect to the handle and
having a flashlight lens on an end opposite the handle and a
lateral portion that is translucent or transparent defining a
lantern lens; b) the light surrounded by the head; c) a pair of
opposing convex reflectors movable toward and away from one another
as the head slides with respect to the handle, and comprising a
proximal convex reflector carried by the handle and circumscribing
the light, and a distal convex reflector carried by the head and
movable towards and away from the light as the head slides with
respect to the handle; d) a dimple formed in the proximal convex
reflector and aligned with the light; e) a distal concave reflector
carried by the head adjacent the flashlight lens; f) the distal
concave reflector having a conical projection with an aperture
aligned with the light, and the conical projection receivable in
the dimple with the light adjacent the aperture when the head
slides towards the handle; and g) the proximal convex reflector or
the conical projection, or both, being opaque and configured to
resist light from the light passing laterally therethrough.
27. The flashlight device in accordance with claim 26, wherein the
proximal convex reflector and the conical projection are specular
reflectors.
28. The flashlight device in accordance with claim 26, further
comprising: the head being slidable with respect to the handle
between at least two positions, comprising: i) a retracted
position, defining a flashlight configuration, in which the conical
projection is received within the dimple and the aperture is
adjacent the light configured to direct light from the light
through the distal concave reflector and out the flashlight lens;
and ii) an extended position, defining a lantern configuration, in
which the pair of opposing convex reflectors is spaced-apart from
one another by a gap, and configured to reflect light mostly from
the pair of opposing convex reflectors and through the lantern
lens.
29. The flashlight device in accordance with claim 26, further
comprising: a) a column extending from the handle; b) the head
having a proximal opening receiving the column; c) an annular slide
disposed around and slidable along the column, and having an
annular channel receiving the proximal opening of the head; d) an
annular seal extending from an inner surface of the annular slide
and abutting to the column and sliding along the column as the head
slides on the column; e) a pair of annular grooves formed in the
column and spaced-apart from one another and removably receiving
the annular seal therein, the pair of annular grooves comprising a
proximal groove corresponding to a retracted position of the head
with respect to the handle, and a distal groove corresponding to an
extended position of the head with respect to the handle; and f)
the annular seal defining a detent biasing the head in the
retracted and extended positions.
30. The flashlight device in accordance with claim 26, further
comprising: a) the handle having a shank defining the handle and a
column extending from the shank; b) the head being slidably
disposed on the column; c) the shank being longer than the column;
and d) the shank being wider than the column.
31. The flashlight device in accordance with claim 26, further
comprising: a) the handle having a shank defining the handle and a
column extending from the shank; b) the head being slidably
disposed on the column; and c) an axial rib slidable in an axial
groove disposed between the column and the head to resist the head
and the shank from rotating with respect to one another.
32. The flashlight device in accordance with claim 26, wherein the
head further comprises a sleeve with a convex profile that is
transparent or translucent and forms the lateral lens.
33. A combined flashlight and lantern device, comprising: a) a
handle having a lateral side wall, a hollow and an open end; b) a
cap removably closing the open end of the handle; c) a head
slidably with respect to the handle and having a flashlight lens on
an end opposite the handle and a lateral portion that is
translucent or transparent defining a lantern lens; d) a distal
concave reflector carried by the head adjacent the flashlight lens;
e) a light carried by the handle and surrounded by the head; f) the
head being slidable with respect to the handle between at least two
positions, comprising: i) a retracted position, defining a
flashlight configuration configured to direct light from the light
through the distal concave reflector and out the flashlight lens;
and ii) an extended position, defining a lantern configuration
configured to reflect light mostly through the lantern lens; g) a
metal-air fuel cell removably disposed in the hollow of the handle
and electrically coupled to the light; h) the metal-air fuel cell
having a housing with a perimeter wall with multiple holes therein;
i) an aperture formed in a lateral side of the handle configured to
expose the metal-air fuel cell to ambient air and vent reaction
by-product gases of the metal-air fuel cell when activated; and j)
a cylindrical gap between an outer surface of the housing of the
metal-air fuel cell and an inner surface of the handle configured
to allow air to circulate around the housing and the multiple holes
thereof.
34. The flashlight and lantern device in accordance with claim 33,
wherein the aperture in the handle further comprises a first
aperture at one end of the handle and a second aperture at an
opposite end of the handle.
35. The flashlight and lantern device in accordance with claim 33,
further comprising: a) a pair of opposing convex reflectors movable
toward and away from one another as the head slides with respect to
the handle, and comprising a proximal convex reflector carried by
the handle and circumscribing the light, and a distal convex
reflector carried by the head and movable towards and away from the
light as the head slides with respect to the handle; b) a dimple
formed in the proximal convex reflector and aligned with the light;
c) the distal concave reflector having a conical projection with an
aperture aligned with the light, and the conical projection
receivable in the dimple with the light adjacent the aperture when
the head slides towards the handle; and d) the proximal convex
reflector or the conical projection, or both, being opaque and
configured to resist light from the light passing laterally
therethrough.
36. The flashlight and lantern device in accordance with claim 35,
further comprising: a) the conical projection is received within
the dimple and the aperture is adjacent the light configured to
direct light from the light through the distal concave reflector
and out the flashlight lens in the retracted position; and b) the
pair of opposing convex reflectors is spaced-apart from one another
by a gap, and configured to reflect light mostly from the pair of
opposing convex reflectors and through the lantern lens in the
extended position.
37. The flashlight and lantern device in accordance with claim 35,
further comprising: a) a column extending from the handle; b) the
head having a proximal opening receiving the column; c) an annular
slide disposed around and slidable along the column, and having an
annular channel receiving the proximal opening of the head; d) an
annular seal extending from an inner surface of the annular slide
and abutting to the column and sliding along the column as the head
slides on the column; e) a pair of annular grooves formed in the
column and spaced-apart from one another and removably receiving
the annular seal therein, the pair of annular grooves comprising a
proximal groove corresponding to a retracted position of the head
with respect to the handle, and a distal groove corresponding to an
extended position of the head with respect to the handle; and f)
the annular seal defining a detent biasing the head in the
retracted and extended positions.
38. The flashlight and lantern device in accordance with claim 35,
further comprising: a) the handle having a shank defining the
handle and a column extending from the shank; b) the head being
slidably disposed on the column; c) the shank being longer than the
column; and d) the shank being wider than the column.
39. The flashlight and lantern device in accordance with claim 35,
further comprising: a) the handle having a shank defining the
handle and a column extending from the shank; b) the head being
slidably disposed on the column; and c) an axial rib slidable in an
axial groove disposed between the column and the head to resist the
head and the shank from rotating with respect to one another.
40. The flashlight and lantern device in accordance with claim 35,
wherein the head further comprises a sleeve with a convex profile
that is transparent or translucent and forms the lateral lens.
41. A combined flashlight and lantern device, comprising: a) a body
with a head and a shank; b) a column extending from the shank; c)
the shank defining a handle and being longer than the column, and
the shank being wider than the column; d) a proximal convex
reflector disposed on a distal end of the column; e) a light
disposed on the distal end of the column adjacent the proximal
convex reflector; f) the head slidable on the column, the head
comprising: i) a sleeve having proximal and distal ends, and a
lateral wall with at least a portion that is transparent or
translucent defining a lateral lantern lens; ii) a proximal opening
at the proximal end of the sleeve slidable receiving the column
therein; iii) a flashlight lens disposed at a distal end of the
sleeve opposite the proximal opening; iv) a distal convex reflector
carried by the sleeve, and opposing the proximal convex reflector
of the column, and having an aperture therein aligned with the
light; and v) a distal concave reflector carried by the sleeve and
having an aperture therein aligned with the aperture of the distal
convex reflector of the sleeve; g) the head sliding between at
least two positions, comprising: i) a retracted position, defining
a flashlight configuration, in which the sleeve is displaced
towards the shank, the distal convex reflector of the sleeve is
adjacent the proximal convex reflector of the column, and the light
is received adjacent the aperture of the distal concave reflector
and configured to disperse light reflected off of the distal
concave reflector of the sleeve and out of the flashlight lens; and
ii) an extended position, defining a lantern configuration, in
which the sleeve is displaced away from the shank, the distal and
proximal convex reflectors are separated from one another by a gap,
and the light is configured to disperse light off of the distal and
proximal convex reflectors and out of the lateral lantern lens; h)
the handle having a lateral side wall, a hollow and an open end; i)
a cap removably closing the open end of the handle; j) a metal-air
fuel cell removably disposed in the hollow of the handle and
electrically coupled to the light; k) the metal-air fuel cell
having a housing with a perimeter wall with multiple holes therein;
and l) an aperture formed in a lateral side of the handle
configured to expose the metal-air fuel cell to ambient air and
vent reaction by-product gases of the metal-air fuel cell when
activated.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM(S)
[0001] Priority is claimed to U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 62/432,368, filed Dec. 9, 2016, which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a combined
flashlight and lantern that can be powered by a metal-air fuel cell
(MAFC) that is activated by water or an electrolyte solution, such
as salt water.
Related Art
[0003] Flashlights usually require batteries that can expire or
lose power during storage. In addition, flashlights can be
difficult to use in some situations, like hands-free or tabletop
configurations. Lanterns can been designed for hands-free or
tabletop use, but cannot project beams of light.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to
develop a flashlight with a long storage life and that can be used
in emergency situations. In addition, it has been recognized that
it would be advantageous to develop a flashlight that runs on
water, e.g. by adding water or an electrolyte solution, such as
salt water, to a metal-air fuel cell (MAFC) of the flashlight. In
addition, it has been recognized that it would be advantageous to
develop a flashlight that can also function as a lantern.
[0005] The invention provides a combined flashlight and lantern
device comprising a body with a head and a shank. A column extends
from the shank. A proximal convex reflector is disposed on a distal
end of the column. A light is disposed on the distal end of the
column adjacent the proximal convex reflector. A dimple is formed
in the proximal convex reflector and aligned with the light. The
head is slidable on the column. The head comprises a sleeve having
proximal and distal ends, and a lateral wall with at least a
portion that is transparent or translucent defining a lateral
lantern lens. A proximal opening is at the proximal end of the
sleeve and slidable receives the column therein. A flashlight lens
is disposed at a distal end of the sleeve opposite the proximal
opening. A distal convex reflector is carried by the sleeve, and
opposes the proximal convex reflector of the column, and has an
aperture therein aligned with the light. The proximal and distal
convex reflectors move towards and away from one another as the
head slides on the column. A distal concave reflector is carried by
the sleeve and has an aperture therein aligned with the aperture of
the distal convex reflector of the sleeve. A conical projection
extends from the distal convex reflector and has the aperture
aligned with the light. The conical projection is receivable in the
dimple with the light adjacent the aperture when the head is slid
towards the handle.
[0006] The head slides between at least two positions, comprising:
a retracted position, defining a flashlight configuration; and an
extended position, defining a lantern configuration. In the
retracted position, and the flashlight configuration, the sleeve is
displaced towards the shank, the distal convex reflector of the
sleeve is adjacent the proximal convex reflector of the column, and
the light is received adjacent the aperture of the distal concave
reflector to disperse light reflected off of the distal concave
reflector of the sleeve and out of the flashlight lens. In the
extended position, and the lantern configuration, the sleeve is
displaced away from the shank, the distal and proximal convex
reflectors are separated from one another by a gap, and the light
is disperse off of the distal and proximal convex reflectors and
out of the lateral lantern lens.
[0007] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the
proximal convex reflector or the conical projection, or both, can
be opaque and configured to resist light from the light passing
laterally therethrough.
[0008] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the
shank defines a handle and can be longer than the column, and can
be wider than the column. In accordance with another embodiment of
the invention, the proximal convex reflector and the conical
projection can be specular reflectors.
[0009] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the
handle can have a hollow and an open end. A metal-air fuel cell can
be electrically coupled to the light, and removably disposed in the
hollow of the handle. A first aperture can be formed at one end of
the handle and a second aperture can be formed at an opposite end
of the handle to expose the fuel cell to ambient air and vent
reaction by-product gases of the metal-air fuel cell when
activated.
[0010] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, an
annular slide can be carried by the sleeve of the head and disposed
around and slidable along the column. The annular slide can have an
annular channel receiving the proximal opening of the head. An
annular seal can extend from an inner surface of the annular slide,
and can abut to the column and can slide along the column as the
head slides on the column. A pair of annular grooves can be formed
in the column and spaced-apart from one another. The pair of
annular grooves can removably receive the annular seal therein. The
pair of annular grooves can comprise a proximal groove
corresponding to the retracted position of the head with respect to
the handle, and a distal groove corresponding to the extended
position of the head with respect to the handle. The annular seal
defines a detent biasing the head in the retracted and extended
positions.
[0011] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, an
axial rib can be slidable in an axial groove disposed between the
column and the head to resist the head and the shank rotating with
respect to one another.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together
illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention; and,
wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1a is a side view of a combined flashlight and lantern
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, shown in a
flashlight configuration and with a head in a retracted
position;
[0014] FIG. 1b is a side view of the combined flashlight and
lantern of FIG. 1, shown in a lantern configuration and with the
head in an extended position;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a side view of a shank of the combined flashlight
and lantern of FIG. 1, shown with the head removed;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a side view of the head of the combined flashlight
and lantern of FIG. 1, shown removed from the shank;
[0017] FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional side view of combined
flashlight and lantern of FIG. 1, shown in the flashlight
configuration and with the head in the retracted position;
[0018] FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional side view of the combined
flashlight and lantern of FIG. 1, shown in the lantern
configuration and with the head in the extended position;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a shank of the
combined flashlight and lantern of FIG. 1, shown with the head
removed;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the head of the
combined flashlight and lantern of FIG. 1, shown removed from the
shank;
[0021] FIG. 7a is a partial detailed cross-sectional side view of
the combined flashlight and lantern of FIG. 1, shown the flashlight
configuration and with the head in the retracted position;
[0022] FIG. 7b is a partial detailed cross-sectional side view of
the combined flashlight and lantern of FIG. 1, shown the lantern
configuration and with the head in the extended position;
[0023] FIG. 7c is a partial detailed cross-sectional side view of
the combined flashlight and lantern of FIG. 1, shown transitioning
between the flashlight and lantern configuration;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the combined
flashlight and lantern of FIG. 1, shown with a cap and a metal-air
fuel cell housing removed from the shank;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the cap of the
combined flashlight and lantern of FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the metal-air fuel
cell housing of the combined flashlight and lantern of FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the combined
flashlight and lantern of FIG. 1, shown with the metal-air fuel
cell removed;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a side view of the combined flashlight and
lantern of FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a top view of the combined flashlight and lantern
of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the combined flashlight and
lantern of FIG. 1; and
[0031] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of another cap for
another combined flashlight and lantern in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments
illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe
the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of
the scope of the invention is thereby intended.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT(S)
Definitions
[0033] The term "lens" is used herein broadly to refer to a window
through which light is passed. The lens may or may not have optical
power and may or may not have curved surfaces. The lens can be
transparent or translucent.
Description
[0034] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-14, a combined flashlight and
lantern, indicated generally at 10, in an example implementation in
accordance with the invention is shown. The combined flashlight and
lantern can be called a "flantern." In one aspect, the flantern can
be configured to "run" (not powered) on water, or an electrolyte
solution, such as salt water. The flantern can be configured to
utilize a metal-air fuel cell (MAFC) 14 (FIGS. 8 and 10) as a power
source. The MAFC 14 can be activated by adding water to the MAFC,
e.g. by substantially immersing the MAFC in water. The MAFC 14 is
configured to provide power to the flantern 10, and light thereof,
when water is introduced into the MAFC. In one aspect, the MAFC 14
can be reusable, and can be re-immersed in water and re-activated
multiple times. In one aspect, the MAFC 14 can be configured to
provide 100 continuous hours of power to the light (so that the
light provides 100 hours of continuous light), and can be
re-immersed and re-activated at least three times, each for an
addition 100 continuous hours of use. In one aspect, the MAFC 14
can be disposable and replaceable (or replaced by another MAFC). In
another aspect, the MAFC 14 can be self-contained, and only require
the addition of water, when the MAFC comprises salt impregnated
therein. In another aspect, the MAFC 14 can be configured to
require the addition of an electrolyte solution such as salt water
and/or the further addition of salt to the MAFC.
[0035] In another aspect, the flantern 10 can be configured as a
flashlight, as shown in FIGS. 1a, 4a and 7a, and a lantern, as
shown in FIGS. 1b, 4b and 7b. In the flashlight configuration, the
flantern 10 can direct a more concentrated and/or narrower beam of
light axially with respect to the flantern. In addition, the
flantern 10 can be held in a user's hand in the flashlight
configuration. In the lantern configuration, the flantern 10 can
direct light radially with respect to the flantern. In one aspect,
the flantern 10 can direct light in a 360 degree circle radially to
a longitudinal axis of the flantern, in the lantern configuration.
It is understood that the light emanating radially from the
flantern can also do so at an incline (acute and/or obtuse) with
respect to the longitudinal axis. In addition, the flantern 10 can
be disposed on a tabletop or the like, or suspended, in the lantern
configuration.
[0036] The flantern 10 comprises a body 18 with a head 22 and a
shank 26. The head 22 can be movable or slidable with respect to
the shank 26, as described below. The shank 26 can have a column 30
extending from the shank. The body 18 and the shank 26 can have a
longitudinal axis 34. The shank 26 can define a handle 38 that is
sized and shaped to be grasped in a user's hand. The shank 26 can
be longer than the column 30, and the shank can wider than the
column 30. Thus, the column 30 can be shorter and narrower than the
handle 38. The head 22 can slide on the column 30. A light 40 or
light element or light source, such as an LED, is disposed on a
distal end of the column 30, as best shown in FIG. 7b. The light 40
is electrically coupled to the MAFC 14. In addition, the body
and/or the handle or the shank can have a button electrically
connected between the light and the MAFC to selectively activate
the light.
[0037] The shank 26 can be a cylinder, and can be formed by plastic
with an over mold. In addition, the shank 26 can have a hollow 42
and an open end 46, as shown in FIG. 8. A cap 50 removably closes
the open end 46 of the shank 26. In addition, the cap 50 can have a
flat outer end forming a base upon which the flantern 10 can stand.
Furthermore, the cap 50 can have a hook cavity 54 with a hook 58
pivotally disposed therein, as shown in FIG. 14, and from which the
flantern 10 can be hung or suspended. In one aspect, the head 22
and the cap 50 or base can be enlarged with a greater diameter than
the shank 26 or the handle 38. The MAFC 14 is removably disposed in
the hollow 42 of the shank 26. The cap 50 is removably coupled to
the shank 26 to expose the hollow 42 therein and allow removal and
insertion of the MAFC 14. The shank 26 and/or the hollow 42 can
have a sealed or closed end 62, opposite the open end 46. The
sealed or closed end 62 of the hollow 42 or the shank 26 can
comprise a wall and can separate the hollow 42, and the MAFC 14 and
water therein, from the light 40 and other electronics or
electrical connections, such as the button. Thus, the light,
electronics and button are protected from the water, salt and/or
electrolyte solution of the MAFC.
[0038] As stated above, the head 22 is slidable on the column 30.
The head 22 can comprise a sleeve 66 or shroud with proximal and
distal ends. The head 22 and/or sleeve 66 has a lateral wall 70
between the proximal and distal ends. In one aspect, the lateral
wall 70 has at least a portion that is transparent or translucent,
defining a lateral lantern lens 74. In another aspect, the entire
lateral wall 70 can be transparent or translucent. In one aspect,
the sleeve 66 and/or wall 70 can have a convex profile. The convex
profile can be enlarged or can have a greater diameter than the
handle 38, and can help a user maintain a grip on the handle or
flantern. In addition, the head 22 and the sleeve 66 can have a
proximal opening 78 (FIG. 6) at the proximal end of the sleeve that
slidable receives the column 30 therein. A flashlight lens 82 is
disposed at the distal end of the sleeve 66 and the head 22,
opposite the proximal opening 78. In one aspect, the flashlight
lens 82 can face axially and can span or cover a distal opening in
the sleeve 66. A ring can retain the flashlight lens on the distal
opening of the sleeve 66.
[0039] An annular slide 86 can be disposed on the proximal end of
the sleeve 66, and can be disposed around and slidable along the
column 30. The annular slide 86 can have an annular channel 90
receiving the proximal opening 78, and/or end of the lateral wall
70, of the sleeve 66 and the head 22. An annular seal 94 extends
from an inner surface of the annular slide 86, and abuts to the
column 30, and slides along the column as the head 22 slides on the
column. A pair of annular grooves, namely a proximal groove 98 and
a distal groove 102, are formed in the column 30, and are
spaced-apart from one another. The annular grooves 98 and 102
removably receive the annular seal 94 therein. The proximal groove
98 corresponds to the retracted position of the head 22 with
respect to the shank 26 and the handle 38. The distal groove 102
corresponds to the extended position of the head 22 with respect to
the shank 26 and the handle 38. The annular seal 94 can define a
detent biasing the head 22 in the retracted and extended positions.
The annular seal 94 can be formed of a softer, pliable, and
resilient material. In addition, the inner surface of the annular
seal 94 can form a slide or bearing surface along which the column
can slide.
[0040] One or more axial ribs 106 and axial grooves 110 can be
disposed between the column 30 and the head 22 (or the sleeve 66 or
the annular slide 86) to resist the head 22 from rotating with
respect to the handle 38 or the shank 26 or the column 30. The
axial rib 106 can be slidable in the axial groove 110. In one
aspect, the axial rib 106 can extend from the column 30, and the
axial groove 110 can extend into the annular slide 86, as shown. In
another aspect, the axial rib can extend from the annular slide and
the annular groove can extend into the column.
[0041] The flantern 10 has multiple reflectors, some movable with
respect to one another, to direct, focus and/or disperse light from
the light 40. The reflectors can be specular reflectors, with
mirror or mirror-like surfaces, to substantially specularly reflect
all the light incident on the reflectors. A proximal convex
reflector 114 is disposed on the distal end of the column 30, and
adjacent the light 40. The proximal convex reflector 114 can be
thin/short and squat, with a flatter center and a fillet or curved
edge. A dimple 118 (FIG. 7b) is formed in the proximal convex
reflector 114, and aligned with the light 40. The light 40 can be
disposed in the dimple 118, and the dimple 118 and the proximal
convex reflector 114 can circumscribe the light 40. A distal convex
reflector 122 is carried by the sleeve 66 or the head 22, and
opposes the proximal convex reflector 114 of the column 30. The
distal convex reflector 122 has an aperture 126 (FIGS. 6 and 7b)
therein aligned with the light 40. The proximal and distal convex
reflectors 114 and 122 move towards and away from one another as
the head 22 and the sleeve 66 slides on the column 30. The proximal
and distal convex reflectors 114 and 122 can be adjacent, or even
abutting, to one another in the retracted position of the head, and
the flashlight configuration of the flantern. The proximal and
distal convex reflectors 114 and 122 can be spaced-apart from one
another and separated by a gap in the extended position of the
head, and the lantern configuration of the flantern.
[0042] A distal concave reflector 130 is carried by the sleeve 66
and the head 22. The distal concave reflector 130 can be disposed
adjacent to, and can face, the flashlight lens 82. In addition, the
distal concave reflector 130 can be disposed substantially between
the flashlight lens 82 and the distal convex reflector 122. The
distal concave reflector 130 has an aperture 134 (FIGS. 6 and 7b)
therein aligned with the aperture of the distal convex reflector
122 of the sleeve 66, and the light 40. In one aspect, the light 40
can be received at, adjacent and/or in, the aperture 134 of the
distal concave reflector 130 in the retracted position of the head
22, and the flashlight configuration of the flantern. A conical
projection 138 (FIGS. 6 and 76) can extend from the distal convex
reflector 130. The conical projection 138 can extend through the
aperture of distal convex reflector 122. Thus, the distal concave
reflector 130 can extend through the distal concave reflector 122.
In one aspect, the conical projection 138 can form a part of the
distal convex reflector 122. The conical projection 138 can be
received in the dimple 118, with the light 40 adjacent the aperture
when the head 22 is slid towards the handle 38 in the retracted
position.
[0043] In one of the aspect, one or all of the reflectors 114, 122
and 130 can be opaque such that light from the light 30 does not
pass through the reflectors. In another aspect, one or all of the
reflectors 114, 122 and 130 can be specular reflectors, such that
all light incident thereon is reflected therefrom. For example, at
least the proximal convex reflector 144 and/or the conical
projection 130 can be opaque, and configured to resist light from
the light 40 from passing laterally therethrough. The proximal
convex reflector 144 and/or the conical projection 130 can
circumscribe and/or radially surround the light 40 in the retracted
position. Thus, the proximal convex reflector 144 and/or the
conical projection 130 can resist light from the light 40 from
passing laterally through the lantern lens 74 in the retracted
position of the head 22 and the flashlight configuration of the
flantern. Thus, the user can direct light with the flashlight
without interference from lateral or radial light being scattered
back towards the user's eyes. Each of the distal reflectors 122 and
130 can have outer flanges that can be retained between the sleeve
66, or distal end of the wall 70, and the ring.
[0044] As described above, the head 22 slides between at least two
position, namely the retracted and extended positions, which
correspond to and define at least two configurations of the
flantern 10, namely flashlight and lantern configurations,
respectively. In the retracted position, and the flashlight
configuration, shown in FIGS. 1a, 4a and 7a, the sleeve 66 and the
head 22 are displaced towards the shank 26 and the handle 38; the
distal convex reflector 122 of the sleeve 66 is adjacent the
proximal convex reflector 144 of the column 30, and the light 40 is
received adjacent the aperture 134 of the distal concave reflector
130, to disperse light reflected off of the distal concave
reflector 130 of the sleeve 66 and out of the flashlight lens 82.
As described above, the proximal convex reflector 144 and/or the
conical projection 130 can resist light from the light 40 from
passing laterally therethrough, or laterally out of the lateral
lantern lens 74.
[0045] In the extended position, and the lantern configuration,
shown in FIGS. 1b, 4b and 7b, the sleeve 66 and the head 22 are
displaced away from the shank 26 and the handle 38; the distal and
proximal convex reflectors 114 and 122 are separated from one
another by a gap, to disperse light from the light 40 off of the
distal and proximal convex reflectors 114 and 122, and out of the
lateral lantern lens 74. A small amount of light may pass through
the aperture 134, and out of the flashlight lens 82, in the lantern
configuration. But a majority of the light will emit from the light
40, with some reflecting off of the distal convex reflector 122 and
out of the lateral lantern lens 73, and some reflecting off of the
distal convex reflector 122, back to the proximal convex reflector
144, and out of the lateral lantern lens 74.
[0046] In addition, the column 30 is separate from the handle 38 or
the shank 26, and the head 22 slides on the column 30, while a
length of the handle 38 remains exposed with respect to the head 22
in both the extended and retracted positions. Thus, a user is able
to grasp the handle 38 with one hand, and the head 22 with the
other hand, and manipulate or slide the head 22 between the
extended and retracted positions, and the lantern and flashlight
configurations.
[0047] As described above, the light 40 can be powered by a MAFC
14, which can be electrically coupled to the light, and which can
be removably disposed in the hollow 42 of the handle 38 and the
shank 26. Referring to FIG. 10, the MAFC 14 can be or can comprise
a metal-air cell type battery, with a metal anode, an air or oxygen
cathode, and/or an electrolyte. The metal anode can be magnesium.
Suitable cathodes will be known to those in the art, and can
include a cathode comprising a porous sheet, such as a porous
carbon sheet allowing air or oxygen from or through the cathode.
The MAFC 14 can have a housing 142 with multiple holes 146 to allow
water or an electrolyte solution to enter the housing 142, and thus
the MAFC. The housing 142 can be a plastic cylinder with a top and
a bottom, and a perimeter cylindrical wall that has multiple holes
146 therein. The active components of the MAFC can be disposed in
the housing 142. Referring again to FIGS. 1-12, the shank 26 and
the handle 38 can have one or more apertures therethrough to expose
the MAFC to ambient air/oxygen and/or vent reaction by-product
gases of the MAFC when activated. In one aspect, one or more first
apertures 150 can be disposed at one end of the handle 38 or shank
26, and one or more second apertures 154 at an opposite end of the
handle 38 or shank 26. In addition, the apertures 150 and 154 can
be formed in a lateral side of the handle 38 or the shank 26. Thus,
MAFC 14 can remain exposed to ambient air despite an orientation of
the flantern and/or how it is being held. A cylindrical gap can be
formed between an outer surface of a wall of the housing 142 and an
inner surface of a wall of the shank 26 and the handle 38 to allow
air/oxygen to circulate around the housing and the multiple holes
146 thereof.
[0048] In one aspect, the MAFC can comprise salt impregnated
therein. The salt can be disposed in the housing 142, and can form
an electrolyte solution when water is added into the housing or
MAFC. Thus, salt can be disposed in the housing 42 to form an
electrolyte when the MAFC is exposed to water. For example, water
can be added or poured into the MAFC, or the MAFC can be dipped or
immersed into water. In one aspect, the salt can be disposed on
surfaces of the inside of the housing, the anode, and/or the
cathode. In addition, the salt can impregnate a fibrous material in
the housing. Thus, the MAFC 14 can be self-contained, and can only
require the addition of water.
[0049] In one aspect, a method for activating and using the
flantern 10 as described above comprises withdrawing the MAFC 14
from the shank 26 or the handle 38; activating the MAFC by exposing
the MAFC to water or an electrolyte; and reinserting the MAFC 14
into the shank 26 or the handle 38. In one aspect, the MAFC 14 can
have slat impregnated therein, and can be exposed to water by
substantially immersing the MAFC in water. In another aspect, the
MAFC 14 can be exposed to an electrolyte, such as salt water. For
example, salt can be added to water to form the electrolyte, and
the MAFC can be substantially immersed in the electrolyte. The
method can also comprise removing the base 50 from the shank 26 or
the handle 38 before withdrawing the MAFC; and replacing the base
50 on the shank 26 or the handle 38 after reinserting the MAFC.
[0050] In another aspect, the method for activating and using the
flantern 10 as described above comprises activating the MAFC 14 by
exposing the flantern 10 itself to water or an electrolyte. For
example, the handle 38 or the shank 26 can be substantially
immersed in water or an electrolyte with the water or electrolyte
entering the hollow 42 and the MAFC 14 through the first and/or
second apertures 150 and/or 154 in the shank 26 or the handle
38.
[0051] In another aspect, the MAFC can be configured to receive the
addition of an electrolyte, such as salt water or salt. As
described above, salt can be added to water to form the
electrolyte, and the MAFC can be substantially immersed in the
electrolyte. Referring to FIG. 15, another cap 50b is shown that is
similar in most respects to that described above. The cap 50b
includes a compartment 158 carried by the cap, and carrying spare
salt 162 for the MAFC 14. The spare salt can be added to the MAFC
along with water. In one aspect, the container can be opened and
the salt added to a container of water into which the MAFC is
immersed.
[0052] In one aspect, the MAFC 14 can be carried by and removably
coupled to the cap 50 to facilitate handling. The cap 50 can be
removed from the shank 26 and the handle 38, carrying with it the
MAFC, which can then be dipped or immersed in water while the user
holds the cap.
[0053] While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the
principles of the present invention in one or more particular
applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of
implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive
faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of
the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention
be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.
* * * * *