Illumination – Self powered lamp – Rechargeable electrical source of with external connections
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-15
2001-10-02
Cariaso, Alan (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Self powered lamp
Rechargeable electrical source of with external connections
C362S202000, C362S206000, C320S115000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06296367
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to flashlights and, more particularly, to rechargeable flashlights, i.e., flashlights powered by rechargeable batteries, wherein the rechargeable batteries can be recharged while they are inside of the flashlight. This invention also relates to a recharger for recharging rechargeable flashlights.
2. Description of Related Art
Application Ser. No. 08/738,858, filed on Oct. 28, 1996, and titled “Tactical Flashlight,” discloses a flashlight especially adapted for use by law enforcement personnel. This patent application is co-pending with and has the same assignee as the present application. The flashlight disclosed in that application has a number of advantageous features, including a lamp and switch mounted on circuit boards for better electrical contact, an adjustable focus that would not be altered inadvertently, and a switch positioned to enhance ease of use in law enforcement situations. The flashlight is preferably powered by a pair of 3 volt lithium batteries. However, because these batteries are not rechargeable, they must be continuously replaced, thereby creating the burden on law enforcement personnel of having to maintain a supply of replacement batteries and having to determine when the batteries need to be replaced.
It is also known in the art to provide rechargeable flashlights, i.e., flashlights powered by an assembly of rechargeable batteries that can be recharged while they are inside the flashlight. For this purpose, the rechargeable flashlights are typically provided with a pair of recharging contacts that are electrically connected to the positive and negative terminals of the rechargeable battery assembly. Examples include the flashlights disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,092,580; 4,282,562; 4,357,648; 4,605,993; 5,008,785; 5,629,105; and 5,772,309. A disadvantage of such rechargeable flashlights, however, is that the most commonly used rechargeable cells, nickel-cadmium cells, have a voltage that is much lower than that of lithium cells. As a result, the lamp does not normally illuminate as efficiently when using the same number of cells.
Sharma et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,646,484 disclose a portable illumination system for use in applications that require a high output light source, such as heliport markers, runway lights, warning lights, road hazard and obstruction lights. The portable illumination system disclosed therein includes a DC/DC converter to step up the battery voltage to a level required to drive a high output light source, such as a 120V incandescent bulb. Sharma et al., however, do not disclose the DC/DC converter incorporated into a compact flashlight, nor do Sharma et al., disclose means for recharging the batteries while they are inside of the portable illumination system.
Accordingly, a need exists to provide a flashlight that is powered by rechargeable batteries that can be recharged while inside of the flashlight that can also provide the illumination efficiency provided by similarly-sized non-rechargeable batteries, such as lithium cells.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a first principal aspect, the present invention provides a rechargeable flashlight assembly for use with a rechargeable electrical power source of the type having a first source terminal and a second source terminal and providing a first voltage between the first and second source terminals. The rechargeable flashlight assembly comprises a housing, first and second source contacts, a step-up voltage converter, a lamp, first and second recharging contacts, and a switch. The housing defines a chamber for receiving the rechargeable electrical power source. The first and second source contacts are disposed in the chamber for abutting the first and second power terminals of the rechargeable electrical power source, respectively, when it is in the chamber. The step-up voltage converter has an input terminal, an output terminal, and a ground terminal, and provides a second voltage at the output terminal when the first voltage is applied to the input terminal, the second voltage being higher than the first voltage. The lamp is electrically connected to the output terminal and to the ground terminal. The lamp operably produces illumination when the second voltage is to it. The switch has a first position, wherein the first source contact is electrically connected to the input terminal and the second source contact is electrically connected to the ground terminal, and a second position, wherein the first source contact is electrically connected to the first recharging contact and the second source contact is electrically connected to the second recharging contact.
In a second principal aspect, the present invention provides a rechargeable flashlight. The rechargeable flashlight comprises a housing, a rechargeable electrical power source, a step-up voltage converter, a lamp, first and second recharging contacts, and a switch. The housing defines a chamber, and the rechargeable electrical power source is disposed within the chamber. The rechargeable electrical power source has a first source terminal and a second source terminal and provides a first voltage between the first and second source terminals. The step-up voltage converter has an input terminal, an output terminal, and a ground terminal, and provides a second voltage at the output terminal when the first voltage is applied to the input terminal, the second voltage being higher than the first voltage. The lamp is electrically connected to the output terminal and to the ground terminal. The lamp operably produces illumination when the second voltage is applied to it. The switch has a first position, wherein the first source terminal is electrically connected to the input switch terminal and the second source terminal is electrically connected to the ground terminal, and a second position, wherein the first source terminal is electrically connected to the first recharging contact and the second source terminal is electrically connected to the second recharging contact.
In a third principal aspect, the present invention provides a recharger for recharging an electrical apparatus powered by a rechargeable electrical power source. The electrical apparatus has a tubular body with first and second recharging contacts disposed thereon. The first and second recharging contacts enable the rechargeable electrical power source to be recharged while it is in the electrical apparatus. The recharger comprises a housing, first and second recharger contacts and a recharger circuit. The housing has a first end, a second end, and a wall, with an axis substantially perpendicular to the wall and extending between the first and second ends. The first recharger contact for contacting the first recharging contact is disposed on the wall at a first distance from the axis, and the second recharger contact for contacting the second recharging contact is disposed in the wall at a second distance from the axis. The recharger circuit provides current through the first and second recharge contacts for recharging the rechargeable electrical power source in the electrical apparatus.
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Parsons Kevin L.
Reeves W. Clay
Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc.
Cariaso Alan
Conte Robert F. I.
Lee Mann Smith McWilliams Sweeney & Ohlson
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