Portable light

Details Portable light Portable light

1998-05-28

2001-08-07

Spyrou, Cassandra (Department: 2872)

Illumination

Self powered lamp

Disposable lamp or flexible material casing

C362S200000, C362S201000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06270234

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable light that is substantially two-dimensional, with a battery therein that is also substantially two-dimensional, and which is connected to a lamp on the portable light by depression of a switch on the portable light. In embodiments, the light is a disposable light i.e. the light is used until the battery is drained and then it is intended to be discarded. Nonetheless, the battery and the bulb are capable of being replaced.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
There are a variety of portable lights, also known as flashlights or torches, with a range of shapes and sizes. Such flashlights typically have a switch that is capable of being moved between an ON and an OFF position, either using a sliding mechanism or by depression of a switch. The flashlights are constructed so as to be used with a variety of the common type of cylindrical batteries e.g. AA, AAA, C and D type batteries. Such batteries are widely available in the trade from a variety of manufacturers. Other flashlights use button cell batteries. The portable light of the present invention does not utilize any such cylindrical batteries or button cells.
The typical flashlights using cylindrical batteries tend to be relatively heavy, primarily as a result of the weight of the batteries. Moreover, the flashlights are generally not conveniently carried in a pocket or other part of apparel, due both to the size and weight of the light, and must be carried by hand or located in an accessible place, e.g. on a shelf, in a cupboard or in the trunk of a car. However, there are portable lights available in the form of a pen, which also use cylindrical batteries.
A peripherally sealed card-like flashlight device with a flat battery pack is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,613. This flashlight device is stated to handle and feel similar to a credit card.
A portable light is that capable of being unobtrusively and conveniently placed in a pocket, or which could be conveniently located in other locations, and which is lightweight, ergonomic, substantially planar in shape, and easily held would be useful. Such a portable light has now been found.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides a portable light having a substantially planar upper surface, said upper surface having a width and length that are substantially greater than the thickness of the portable light, said upper surface having a depressible switch therein and a lamp with reflector at one end, said light having a substantially planar battery adapted to be connected to said lamp when the switch is depressed.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the depressible switch is centrally located in an ergonomic location when the portable light is held in a hand.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a portable light having a rigid housing, said housing having an upper surface with a width and length that are substantially greater than thickness of said housing, said upper surface having a depressible switch therein and a raised lamp housing at one end, said raised lamp housing having a light bulb with reflector attached thereto, said housing having a substantially planar battery therein that is adapted to be connected electrically to said lamp when the switch is depressed.
In a preferred embodiment of the portable light, the reflector is a directional reflector.
In another embodiment, the housing has two sections that are separable and are sealed together mechanically in a weather-resistant seal.
In a further embodiment, the battery is flat and thin.


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