Illumination – Self powered lamp – Having plural lamp bulbs or lamp sockets
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-14
2001-03-27
Tso, Laura K. (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Self powered lamp
Having plural lamp bulbs or lamp sockets
C362S188000, C362S190000, C362S197000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206541
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to flashlights for emergency roadside use, and more particularly to emergency flashlights having multiple light sources and a physical support means for supporting the flashlight in a free-standing semi-upright or upright position.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a flashlight suited for emergency roadside use. More particularly, this invention relates to a flashlight with a flashing beacon and a tripod stand for use in emergency situations. Still more particularly, this invention relates to a flashlight adapted for use during emergency roadside situations, wherein the light includes a front light source having a variable focus from a flexible and adjustable head piece, a translucent body that can serve as a flashing beacon, a tripod for self-supporting the flashlight, a rear light source and a controller for selecting whether a particular light in the flashlight shines in a steady state or a flashing state.
BACKGROUND ART
Flashlights and lanterns having various features are known in the art for providing compact, easily accessible lighting, especially in emergency situations. Perhaps the best known conventional lighting device is a flashlight with a rotatable member for adjusting the focus of a light beam from a reflected bulb. The flashlight is usually powered by one or a plurality of batteries, such as D-size batteries. The bulb in this type of flashlight is usually contained in a housing with a removable head for replacing the bulb and the batteries. A switch located on the flashlight body turns the light on or off. These conventional flashlights are convenient and portable, but they do not have any structure that can support the flashlight in a freestanding upright or semi-upright position so that a user can direct the light in a particular direction without having to hold the flashlight.
Various modifications of the basic flashlight are also known in the art, such as using high intensity bulbs with compatible battery sources, a battery connection for an automobile lighter, and flexible yet semi-rigid tubing to secure the light in a desired location. The latter is known in the art under the trademark “SNAKELIGHT”.
A conventional lantern, best known for railroad use, is constructed as a freestanding light structure. Lantern batteries are more substantial in size and the lanterns are larger than conventional flashlights. Some lanterns are able to stand on their lighted end while resting on a cylindrical frame. In addition, sometimes the handle is sufficiently large and stable to act as a base for positioning the lantern in an upright orientation. Many lanterns, however, tend to be too bulky and cumbersome for motorists to carry in their cars as an emergency lighting device.
Thus, flashlights and lanterns have shortcomings for potential use in emergency roadside situations. Ideally, a device should operate as a conventional flashlight when needed, and should be convertible to an emergency roadside flashing light with a stand for maintaining the flashlight in a selected freestanding position to direct the light at, for example, an area of a car needing repair. In addition, it would be desirable for the flashlight handle to be translucent and have its own associated light source to act as an emergency light beacon. Still further, it would be advantageous to construct a multi-featured flashlight so that the same flashlight can be used in both regular and emergency lighting situations.
These and other features addressed by the invention will become apparent from a review of the following discussion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a flashlight that can easily convert from a conventional flashlight to an emergency roadside flashlight. The flashlight according to the invention includes a generally cylindrical body and a bulb, similar to a conventional flashlight. The body houses one or more batteries for supplying energy to the bulb. Preferably, the flashlight body is made from a translucent plastic material that is colored with a universally recognized emergency-indicating color, such as red, so that the flashlight body glows red when a light source in the body is illuminated. Alternatively, the translucent plastic material can be illuminated by installing red light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LED's), in the flashlight body beneath the plastic.
A retractable tripod or flashlight stand pivotably connected to the flashlight body can support the flashlight in a freestanding, semi-upright or upright position to direct the light beam onto a desired area while leaving the user's hands free to, for example, conduct emergency car repairs. When the stand is not in use, the legs of the stand fit axially along the outer circumference of the flashlight housing, creating a compact overall structure. When positioned to support the flashlight, the stand's legs can act, if desired, as a switch for initiating flashing of the flashlight body as a light beacon. In other words, the stand, pivot mechanism, and the light in the flashlight body can be coupled together so that the light beacon automatically begins lighting and/or flashing as soon as the legs are pivoted into their extended position.
The flashlight is also preferably alternatively powered by an automotive cigarette lighter adapter with a voltage regulator to use the car battery as an auxiliary or main power source. Other features in the preferred embodiment include a battery level indicator, and a spare bulb located in a compartment at the rear end of the flashlight body. Further, the rear end of the flashlight could also include a rear light source to generate an additional light beam.
These and other features of the invention will become apparent from a review of the written description of the invention which follows, taken with the accompanying drawings.
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patent: 4739457 (1988-04-01), Orr
patent: 4782432 (1988-11-01), Coffman
patent: 5073823 (1991-12-01), Yamada et al.
patent: 5189520 (1993-02-01), Okayasu et al.
patent: 5217297 (1993-06-01), Yuen
patent: 5697695 (1997-12-01), Lin et al.
patent: 5806961 (1998-09-01), Dalton et al.
patent: 5871272 (1999-02-01), Sharrah et al.
patent: 5909952 (1999-06-01), Guthrie et al.
patent: 6056414 (2000-05-01), Krieger
Kananen Ronald P.
Rader Fishman & Grauer
Sony Corporation
Tso Laura K.
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