U.S. patent number 3,601,595 [Application Number 04/696,760] was granted by the patent office on 1971-08-24 for flashlights.
Invention is credited to Stanley Edward Kivela.
United States Patent |
3,601,595 |
Kivela |
August 24, 1971 |
FLASHLIGHTS
Abstract
A portable flashlight-lantern with an adjustable and detachable
mount means for a light emitting head allowing use of light in
several ways. When attached to, and used with the better case it
can be used as a regular hand held flashlight or it can be clipped
to user's trouser belt or in shirt pocket. The adjustable mount
allows directing the beam of light where needed. Also, a neck
and/or head strap is provided so the unit can be suspended by this
strap, like a camera, leaving the user's hands free. The light
emitting head, with its adjustable mounting, can be detached from
the battery case and used as a head lamp, strapped to the user's
head, cap, or hat. An extension cord allows the battery case to be
clipped to user's trouser belt, shirt or coat pocket. In other user
situations the light emitting head can be placed remotely from
battery case into cramped locations and the like. Magnets are a
part of the detachable mount and light emitting head so with its
adjustable mount the light head can be placed on a magnetically
attracting surface and adjusted to direct light beam where
needed.
Inventors: |
Kivela; Stanley Edward (N/A,
WI) |
Family
ID: |
24798437 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/696,760 |
Filed: |
January 10, 1968 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
362/190;
362/199 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V
21/0885 (20130101); F21V 21/096 (20130101); F21V
21/145 (20130101); F21L 4/04 (20130101); F21L
4/06 (20130101); F21V 15/04 (20130101); F21L
14/02 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F21V
21/088 (20060101); F21L 4/04 (20060101); F21V
21/08 (20060101); F21L 4/00 (20060101); F21V
21/096 (20060101); F21L 14/02 (20060101); F21V
15/00 (20060101); F21L 14/00 (20060101); F21V
15/04 (20060101); F21L 023/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;240/10.6,52.15,59,60,10.63,10.65,52.5,8.18 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Matthews; Samuel S.
Assistant Examiner: Clement; D. J.
Claims
WHAT is claimed as new is:
1. A portable, self-contained electric lamp comprising in
combination:
A. a casing;
B. a source of electric energy contained in said casing A;
C. a light emitting head including a bulb, reflector means, and an
outer housing with a transparent front wall;
D. adjustable mounting means for detachably securing said light
emitting head to said casing for rotational movement about a
horizontal and vertical axis including:
1. a "U"-shaped bracket having a horizontal bottom portion and two
prongs extending upwardly a vertical distance; said upwardly
extending prongs being provided with means for mounting said light
emitting head C between said prongs for rotational movement about a
horizontal axis;
2. a support member having an essentially flat and essentially
rectangular plate and two essentially parallel flanges, each flange
situated at one end of said plate, and extending downwardly
therefrom; and
3. pin means securing the bottom portion of said "U"-SHAPED bracket
D(1) to the central portion of said rectangular plate D(2) for
rotational movement of said bracket D(1) about a vertical axis; E.
said casing A being provided with a means for detachably securing
said adjustable mounting means to said casing comprising two arms,
extending upwardly, adjacent and coextensive with the exterior
sides of flanges D(2), said arms having a retaining means for
preventing vertical movement of said adjustable mounting means D
relative to said casing comprising a lip which extends inwardly
from the upper free end of each arm so as to form with the casing a
space into which the support member D(2) (a) can slide horizontally
while held against vertical movement, said arms and said flanges
being provided with a means for preventing relative horizontal
sliding movement therebetween while said adjustable mounting means
D is secured to said casing A.
F. means for electrically connecting said light emitting head C to
said energy source and for maintaining said electrical connection
while said light emitting head C is detached from said casing and
positioned for use away from said casing.
G. switch means included in said electrical connection for opening
and closing the electrical circuit created by said connection.
2. A portable self-contained electric lamp as defined in claim 1,
characterized in that means for preventing relative sliding
movement between said arms and said case comprises a magnet mounted
to at least one of said flanges D(2), said arms on said casing A
being constructed of a ferromagnetic material capable of attracting
said magnet means.
3. A portable self-contained electric lamp as defined in claim 1,
characterized in that said means for preventing the relative
sliding movement comprises a flat strap, having loops at its ends,
each of said adjacent arms and flanges D(2) having an elongated
aperture into which each loop may be inserted said apertures in
each arm and flange positioned so as to be in alignment when said
support means is inserted into said space; said means further
including two pins, each having a length greater than the width of
said strap and the length of said apertures; whereby said pins may
be inserted into said loops in a cotter key fashion in order to
prevent said relative sliding movement by retaining said strap.
4. A portable self-contained electric lamp as defined in claim 1
characterized in that a resilient pad is attached to said support
means, D(2in order to cushion said mounting means D when it is
detached from said casing and worn on the hat or head of user.
5. A portable self-contained electric lamp as defined in claim 1
characterized in that said electrical connecting means E includes a
flexible electrically conductive wire which is covered with an
electrically nonconductive insulation material and extends from the
casing A to the light emitting head C.
6. A portable self-contained lamp as defined in claim 1
characterized in that the casing A is provided with a clip means
for attaching said casing A to the belt of the user.
7. The invention of claim 1 wherein the energy component consisting
of said casing A and said energy source B comprises a battery
capable of receiving and securing said adjustable mounting means D,
E, and circuit means F and G.
8. The invention of claim 1 wherein the mount means described in E
for member D(2), comprises an essentially rectangular strip of
metal secured to the top of casing A with ends of strip formed to
project outwardly and further, with the ends of these upwardly
projecting ends turned inwardly for a distance and with the
resulting structure thus formed being capable of receiving and
retaining in a friction-interference fit, said support member
D(2).
9. The portable self-contained electric lamp of claim 1 wherein
said support member, D(2), has, as part of said flanges, magnet
means, one to each flange, that permits the placing of light
emitting head C and mount means D remotely from casing A onto any
attracting surface.
10. A portable self-contained electric lamp comprising in
combination; a casing containing a source of electric energy
within, a light emitting head comprising a housing with bulb,
reflector means, and a transparent front wall, and an adjustable
mount means for detachably securing said light emitting head to
said casing, said mount means permitting rotational movement of
said head about a horizontal and vertical axis wherein said
mounting means comprises a "U"-SHAPED bracket having a closed
bottom portion and two prongs extending upwardly a vertical
distance with said prongs having rotatively secured betwixt them,
said light emitting head permitting rotational movement about a
horizontal axis, and secured to said bottom, closed portion of said
"U"-SHAPED bracket, a second member, comprising an essentially
rectangular plate rotatively secure to said "U"-SHAPED bracket at
the central part of said "U"-SHAPED bracket and to said second
member permitting rotation of light emitting head about a vertical
axis, and further, said second member, having at its ends, flanges
extending downwardly for a distance, with magnet means as part of
said flange ends, and further, secured to said casing with sad
electrical energy source within, a third member, comprising two
semirigid forms projecting outwardly from said casing, forming a
space, between them capable of receiving and retaining said light
mounting means, and further, electrical circuit means connecting
said electrical energy source to said light emitting head, with
switch means a part of said circuit means capable of turning said
light on and off.
11. The portable, self-contained lamp as defined in claim 1
wherein, at the extreme ends of said "U"-SHAPED bracket D(1) said
prongs have pivotably secured to them, extension links, comprising
elongated members pivotably secured at one of their ends to the
ends of the said prongs of said "U"-SHAPED bracket D(1) and in turn
having means at their free ends, for the mounting of said light
emitting head C between them, for rotational movement of said light
emitting head about a horizontal axis and further, allowing maximum
pivoting traverse about a horizontal axis and also permitting the
said light emitting head to swing closer to said casing A and
allowing a shorter overall length thereby for storage or for
carrying.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention comprises an electric flashlight or electric hand
lantern that can be used under a wide variety of conditions with a
maximum of convenience. Prior art shows numerous flashlights,
electric hand lanterns and the like that are excellent for their
specific uses and applications. As commercially available there is
a weight size, storage, use, and carrying factor involved for
each.
My invention offers, in one invention, a light that is convenient
to carry, store, and use under a wide variety of situations. Used
in several ways it allows the user use of his hands for work, such
as changing a tire doing mechanical service work, or for carrying
other items such as tools, brief case, etc. and in all applications
allows the beam of light to be directed where needed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION
It can be used as a regular, hand held, flashlight and lantern.
With the elastic strap it can be fastened to the wrist, hat, head,
or cap, or with a strap, looped around user's neck, allowed to hang
in front, like a camera or binoculars. It can also be clipped into
the shirt pocket or clipped to the trouser's belt with the
adjustable light emitting head permitting direction of light beam
as needed.
The magnet means that are part of the light emitting head mount
allows the entire light to be attached to any attracting surface.
The light emitting head with its magnetic means can be detached
from the battery case or electrical energy source component and
mounted on any attracting metal surface. It should be understood
that the adjustable light means could be used with a battery of
such weight that the magnetic means as shown would not be of
sufficient strength to attach the entire light and energy source
component together to an attracting surface.
Electrical current from the battery case, cell case, or energy
source component is then conducted to the light head through a plug
in extension cord when light head is detached from energy source.
This allows placing the light head into cramped quarters and the
swivel design of the light head mount allows the light to be
focused exactly where needed.
The light head mount also has cushion means as part of the
adjustable mount for the light head, so it can be secured to head,
hat, or cap, with the aforementioned extension cord allowing
battery, cell case, or energy source component, to be carried in
pocket, clipped to trouser belt, or in coat pocket.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1. This is a perspective of the complete light with the
adjustable mount for the light emitting head of the form that
allows the light head to be swung out 180.degree. leaving a
U-shaped clip that allows light emitting head to be clipped to a
joist or similar wood structure member. (see FIG. 9) FIG. 1 shows
the light assembly inserted into clip on top of battery case with
neck head strap secured through the slots in the mounting base.
FIG. 2. This shows the entire light being used as a hand held
flashlight.
FIG. 3. This shows in elevation, front view, of the numerous ways
that this light can be secured to the user allowing hands to be
free as when changing a tire, repair work, opening doors, etc.
FIG. 4. This is a partial, exploded view, showing details of the
magnetic base, adjustable mount for the light emitting head,
rotatable head pad, and the U-shaped bracket for the light assembly
with swing out feature for clipping light to a joist or similar
wood member.
FIG. 5. This is a side elevation of the complete light showing the
cord and plug and the extension cord used when light assembly and
base are removed from the energy source or battery or cell
case.
FIG. 6. This shows a tube for a spare bulb that can be kept inside
the case.
FIG. 7. This shows the base when light assembly is ready for use as
a head lamp. The head pad is rotated 90.degree. at a right angle to
base and the elastic head strap is placed through the slot and
curved back under the magnet means of the base, acting as a pad or
cushion for the user.
FIG. 8. This is a front elevation view of the complete light, minus
the strap.
FIG. 9. This is a perspective showing how the light can be clipped
to a joist. The light assembly is shown in partial perspective,
removed from its mount in partial exploded view for clarity. This
shows that in this form, when the light emitting head is swung out
180.degree. there remains a resilient U-shaped clip that allows the
light to be clipped to a joist or similar member.
FIG. 10. This is a top view, showing the light mounted on a cap,
showing how the parts are positioned and used.
FIG. 11. This is a perspective view showing the cell case, a
U-shaped cell clip that keeps the cells in place and provides
circuit means to the socket that registers with an opening in the
side of case when the clip with cells is inserted into the
case.
FIG. 12. This is a partial perspective in exploded view showing how
magnet means might be assembled to another form of an adjustable
light mounting bracket.
FIG. 13. This is an elevation view of a different form or
embodiment of this invention. On the bracket are extra links that
allow the light assembly to be pivoted closer to the case and to
provide clearance when it is needed to pivot the light head
90.degree. or more, at an angle to the case.
FIG. 14. This is a side elevation showing the lamp assembly pivoted
90.degree. and pivoted outwardly on the extension links.
FIG. 15. This is a partial perspective showing the top of cell case
with the light assembly removed. This shows the retaining clip
means that retains the light assembly to cell case when used as a
hand held light or flashlight.
FIG. 16. This is a partial perspective of the light mount bracket
showing the ends of head strap and cushion pad in exploded
perspective.
FIG. 17. This is a elevation view showing how the light mounting
means with pivotable extension links can be used with the base
essentially the same as FIG. 1 through 11 except that head strap
ends are connected to studs inside the ends of magnet means instead
of through slots.
FIG. 18. A partial perspective showing a retaining clip for the
mounting of the light emitting head with its adjustable mount on a
battery, not a battery or cell case.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
There follows a description of the entire light, the various parts,
their interrelationship, functions, and how the light can be used
in various configurations. Like numerals refer to like parts in the
various views.
Referring to the drawings in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and
11 that illustrate one form of this invention. Refer to FIG. 3 to
see the various applications of the light to the user. It consists
of an energy source component, battery, or cell holding case 1,
with a belt clip or pocket clip 2 secured to the side of the case 1
that also serves the purpose of holding the cover 3 closed.
Detachably mounted and secured to top of case 1 is a directionally
adjustable light mounting means for a light assembly 4 that has a
reflector 5 with on-off switch 6 and a flexible electrical
conducting insulated cord 7 emerging from light assembly 4. This
cord 7 is operatively connected to on-off switch 6 and light bulb
16.
Male plug 17 at the end of cord 7 is plugged into female receptacle
8 that is part of the cell clip 44 as shown in FIG. 11.
Referring to FIG. 4 it can be seen that the light emitting head 4
is secured in an adjustable mount consisting first, of a resilient
retaining clip 34 secured to top of case cover 3 that is hingeably
secured to case 1 by hinge 26, by a rivet 27.
This clip 34 has two bent up sides 9 and 9' with tops that are
turned inwardly toward each other at their ends with strap
retaining means consisting of slots 10. Straps 11 can be inserted
through slots 10 and secured by pin 23. It is intended that this
clip be of a springlike resilient material. A part of light
mounting means 34A is slidingly and frictionally engageable into
retaining clip 34 with the interference fit and the springlike
resiliency retaining them in coacting relationship.
This part 34A has magnetic means consisting of the outer legs of
34A-24. A magnet wafer 21 with a strap slot 9 goes against leg 24
in conductive relationship thereto and another metal wafer 32 with
a strap slot 9 abuts and registers against the magnet wafer 21 and
this comprises the magnet means of the widely used type as in
magnetic cabinet catches. The entire bracket can also be adjusted
by pivoting at rivet 22. Magnet pole pieces 32 can be secured to
34A as by spot welding.
This part, 34A of light mount means with magnet means secured to it
has secured to it by rivet 22, an essentially U-shaped light
mounting bracket 33. This has one bent up side 15 with projection
14. The other side 20 has a right angle portion 40 to which is
secured a right angle 18 with a pivot hole 19 and pivotably secured
to 40 by rivet 28. Thus it can be seen that the rivet point 19 and
the projection 14 on free, resilient end 15 provide the pivot means
for adjusting the light in a vertical sweep when the light is
standing on a horizontal surface. The light head is secured to this
angle by pivot pin 38.
Referring to FIG. 9 is seen that if a user wants to clip the light
to a joist this can be accomplished by pivoting light assembly 4
180.degree. by urging outward, resilient side 15. This removes
projection 14 out a corresponding depression (not shown) in light
head 4 and the light can be swung on right angle 18 by pivoting on
rivet 28. This leaves an essentially U-Shaped resilient clip that
is spaced around 15/8 inches, the usual width of wood structural
members such as joists, wall studs, rafters etc.
FIG. 2 shows how the light would appear when used as a hand held
flashlight.
When it is desired to use the light emitting head 4 with its
adjustable mount separately from cell or battery case 1, the light
head is slidably disengaged from clip 34. Refer to FIG. 5 that
shows extension cord 29 with female end 30 and male end 31.
Cord 7 with male plug 17 is disengaged from outlet 8 at the side of
case 1. Female end 30 of cord 29 is then connected to plug 17 and
male end 31 of cord 29 is then plugged into receptacle 8.
This then shows that light emitting head 4 is then capable of being
used as a head lamp as in FIG. 3 or as a trouble light in cramped
spaces or placed on any attracting surface as need by magnet means
21, 32, 24 as described previously and shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 as
well as other views.
When used as a head lamp the resilient pad 12 is turned at right
angles to the base 34. This pad 12 consists of a metal turn button
25 with sides 13. This is pivotably secured to base 34 by the rivet
22.
Referring to FIG. 7 it can be seen how the resilient pad 12 is
turned and the ends of head strap 11 are threaded through slot 10
with pin 23 securing strap 11. Strap 11 is then curved under the
magnetic means and looped around the head or cap as is shown in top
view FIG. 10. Battery cell case, or electrical energy component 1
can then be clipped to belt or in shirt or coat pocket.
One method of retaining in case 1, a number of dry cells, is shown
in FIG. 11.
This consists of an essentially U-shaped dielectric member 44 with
an insulating liner 48. The cells 47 are placed between the ends of
member 44. Dielectric rivets secure insulating liner 48 and also a
bridging, conducting strip 50 that bridges the ends of cells
47.
Terminal buttons, (not shown) register with the opposite ends of
cells 47.
Conducting wires 46, secured to these terminals, conducts current
from these terminals to receptacle 8.
With this, it is intended to provide storage space for the
head/neck strap 11, pins 23, and a spare bulb container 35 (see
FIG. 6) with a bulb 36 and a closure cap 37 in case 1 along with
the dry cells 47.
Another form of the invention is shown in FIGS. 12, 13, 14, 15, and
16. This consists of a cell case 1 with belt clip 74 and hinged top
3 secured to case 1 by hinge 60.
Referring to FIG. 15 it shows the retaining clip 61 that has bent
over ends 62. In top of cover is female electrical receptacle 75
that is secured to terminal ends in case one by rivets 92. This
female receptacle is electrically connected to the electrical
energy source within or part of case 1.
The cover 3 is secured in a closed position by a first clip 63.
This first clip is pivotally secured to case 1 by loop 91 as shown
in FIG. 14. First clip 63 has a flat nail head type of stud 89
which secures to second clip 64 to it through a key hole slot
located at 90 (not shown). The purpose of second clip 64 is to
assist in securing light emitting head 4 with this form of
adjustable mounting.
This form of adjustable mount is shown in FIGS. 12, 13, 14, 15, and
16.
It consists of a curved base, U-shaped bracket 54 with two sides
with pivots 55 and extension links 57.
The light head is secured to these extension links 57 by rivets 56.
As shown in FIG. 13, the light head 4 can be pivoted on these links
close to cell case 1. As shown in FIG. 14, light head 4 can be
swung out on these same links at an angle to the cell case 1.
When this type of adjustable mount is secured to battery, cell, or
electrical energy source component 1, the bracket 54 slips under
bent ends 62 or clip 61. Second clip 64 clips over the opposite
edge and engages slot 65 that is shown in FIG. 16.
The plug 17 or cord 7 is plugged into receptacle 75 completing the
circuit from the light bulb in light head 4 through switch 6, cord
7, plug 17, receptacle 75 and to electrical energy source in case
or component 1.
This type of adjustable light emitting head can also have magnet
means as part of the base as is shown in FIG. 12, and described as
follows;
Bracket 54 has nibs 76 in the upright portion. The ceramic magnet
wafer has corresponding nibs as does the outer wafer 58. When
placed together these nibs correspond to fit into aperture 51 of
retainer band 51 that can be of a resilient material such as
neoprene or a dielectric band secured by use of suitable adhesives,
such as epoxies.
There are two such assemblies, one at each side of bracket 54.
When it is desired to use this type of adjustable light head mount
as a head lamp, or remotely from case 1, it is detached from case 1
by pressing down on curved part of bracket 54, urging out second
clip 64 out of stud 89 and off of slot 65. The mount can then be
removed from under ends 62 of clip 61.
The same extension cord as described previously is plugged into
receptacle 75 and to plug 17 of cord 7.
If it is desired to use as a head lamp, a head strap 71 with ends
68 secured through clips 69 and 72.
The bracket 54 has outer ends on which are affixed studs 70 and 73.
Adjusted to head or cap size, strap 71 with clips 69 and 72 is
secured to studs 70 and 73.
A resilient cushion pad 66 is secured to bracket 54 by clips 67.
The natural resiliency of pad 66 retains these clips 67 in registry
over the edge of bracket 54.
Yet another form of adjustable light emitting head mount is shown
in FIG. 17. This form is a combining of some features of the
previously described adjustable mount means for the light emitting
head 4.
Referring to FIG. 17 this embodiment has a cell/battery case, or
electrical energy component 1 to which is affixed belt clip 74. It
has a top 3 as before, which is secured by hinge 60.
To this top is secured a U-shaped clip similar to 34 in FIGS. 1, 2,
4, 7 and 8. In a slidably friction fit into this clip is the
adjustable light mount means consisting of another inverted
U-shaped piece with ends 78 and 87. On the inside of these ends 78
and 87 is secured ceramic magnet wafers 85. Forming the inner part
of these magnet means is another inverted U-shaped bracket 88 with
ends 79 and 80.
These ends have flat head studs projecting, 83 an 84 for the
purpose of securing the ends of strap 71.
These parts are secured to the light emitting head bracket 77 by a
rivet 86. This bracket 77 has pivot points at 55 to which extension
links are secured as previously described and shown in FIGS. 13,
14, and 16.
In this form, the electrical current is supplied the same as in
FIG. 15, by receptacle 75.
For a pad, when used as a head lamp, the form is similar to the one
shown in FIG. 4. This has a metal turn button pivotally secured by
rivet 86. To this turn button 82 a resilient cushion 81 pad is
secured by adhesive.
Referring to FIG. 18. It would also be possible to manufacture a
special battery utilizing these adjustable light emitting head
mount means. Also a standard battery could be used and to
manufacture the mounting clip 99 to correspond to it.
It can be seen that retaining clip 99 is essentially the same as
34. It has holes 94 that slip over posts 95.
Now, battery 96 can be manufactured to have an outlet block or
plate the same as 75 (FIG. 15) or 8 (FIG. 5). Posts 95 would then
be used only for securing clip 99 to battery 96. If the battery is
such that posts 95 are also the terminals of the battery, then
dielectric bushings 98 can be placed over terminal posts 95 and
holes 94 placed over them. With this configuration, a cord such as
101 serving the same as cord 7 and 29 as previously described and
shown in FIG. 5 can be used with ends placed on terminal posts 95
before bushings 98 are placed.
Thus, it is shown that this invention can be used in several ways
to suit the convenience and situation of the user. The various
embodiments show some of the forms possible. It is not desired to
limit the construction of this invention to the exact forms as
illustrated. Those skilled in the art will be able to adapt and
modify and all suitable forms may be resorted to under and within
the invention as claimed.
* * * * *