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.

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.

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.