Miniature led flashlight

Details Miniature led flashlight Miniature led flashlight

2000-10-13

2001-10-09

Husar, Stephen (Department: 2875)

Illumination

With implement or hand held holder therefor

Key holder

C362S196000, C362S200000, C362S201000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06299323

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to miniature flashlights and, more particularly, to a reusable flashlight having multiple operational modes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
With the advent of light emitting diodes (LEDs), compact, high flux illuminating devices became available. These illuminating devices have traditionally been constructed with two complementary shell components encasing an LED and a battery with an aperture in one component for a finger-activated button. Owing to the simple nature of these “clamshell” devices, sonic welding or adhesives are used to permanently seal the illuminating device. Upon expending the battery or damage to a device component, such illuminating devices are discarded thereby adding to the consumer waste stream.
There exists growing appreciation for the need to minimize waste streams and, in particular, waste streams such as batteries that over time may leak acids or toxic metals. Further, a device with interchangeable and replaceable components justifies further engineering to provide a more reliable and adaptable illuminating device.
Owing to the disposable mind-set invoked to design prior art illuminating devices, little attention has been paid to creating an illuminating device with multiple operating modes. Thus, there exists a need for a miniature LED flashlight having replaceable component parts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A flashlight according to the present invention includes a battery having opposite polarity surfaces, an LED having two leads extending therefrom and a lower panel adapted to receive the battery and LED such that the LED leads can engage the opposing surfaces of the battery. A frame is attached to the lower panel, and an upper panel having an upper surface, a side and an aperture extending through the upper surface snap fits with the lower panel in simultaneous contact with the frame.
In another embodiment, the flashlight according to the present invention includes a button battery, an LED having two leads extending therefrom with the first LED lead in constant contact with a battery pole and a lower panel adapted to receive both the battery and the LED. A metal frame is attached to the lower panel, with a portion of the frame being configured as a hook. A spring affixed to the frame is urged into contact with the hook portion of the frame. An upper panel having an upper surface, an aperture extending through the upper surface and a side having a notch such that a wall of the notch is defined by the frame includes snap fittings adapted to press fit with the lower panel in simultaneous contact with the frame. Transverse finger pressure applied through the upper panel aperture is sufficient to urge the second lead into contact with the opposing polarity battery pole thereby activating the LED.


REFERENCES:
patent: D. 422731 (2000-04-01), Parsons et al.
patent: 4692846 (1987-09-01), Johnson
patent: 4745527 (1988-05-01), Belverio, Jr. et al.
patent: 4774643 (1988-09-01), McGinnis et al.
patent: 4800469 (1989-01-01), Leon
patent: 5158356 (1992-10-01), Guthrie
patent: 5303131 (1994-04-01), Wu
patent: 5386351 (1995-01-01), Tabor
patent: 5463539 (1995-10-01), Vandenbelt et al.
patent: 5515248 (1996-05-01), Canfield et al.
patent: 5893631 (1999-04-01), Padden
patent: 6006562 (1999-12-01), Wolter
patent: 6190018 (2001-02-01), Parsons et al.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Miniature led flashlight does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Miniature led flashlight, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Miniature led flashlight will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2597213