USB receptacle for use with a powered receptacle or a rechargable flashlight having a powered receptacle

• US 20100002421A1
• Filed: 06/30/2009
• Published: 01/07/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/27/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Vaughn R. Arnold III
• Original Assignee: Vaughn R. Arnold III
• Inventors: Arnold, Vaughn R. III
• Application Number:
  US12/495,153
• Publication Number:
  US 20100002421A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/183
• CPC Class Codes: F21L 4/085 Pocket lamps

Abstract

A USB mini plug for use independently or in combination with a plug-in rechargeable flashlight. The USB mini plug may be inserted into a conventional cigarette lighter or battery power source receptacle found in an automobile, truck, airplane, boat or other vehicle. The flashlight has light emitting diodes as the primary light source located on the end of the flashlight which is insertable into the power receptacle concealing the light source. When the flashlight is plugged into the receptacle the primary light source is extinguished. The flashlight is further provided with an electrical output connection at the opposite end of the primary light source allowing the flashlight to serve as a replacement socket for the power receptacle consumed by the flashlight. The replacement socket provides an electrical connection for receipt of additional powered accessories, or limited in use to pre-selected items such as the USB mini port.

Claims

1. A USB mini port comprising a housing defined by a generally cylindrical shape having a first end and a second end, said first end constructed and arranged for insertion into a cigarette lighter receptacle;

said first end having an outer surface for making electrical contact to a first polarity input of a power source and a plug member positioned along an inner surface for making electrical contact to a second polarity input of the power source;

a USB receptacle positioned in said second end, said USB receptacle constructed and arranged to receive power from the power source through said first and second polarity input.

2. The USB mini port according to claim 1 wherein said housing fits substantially within a cigarette lighter receptacle.

3. The USB mini port according to claim 1 wherein said housing includes a ring member juxtapositioned to said second end, wherein said ring member allows ease of removal of said mini plug from a cigarette lighter receptacle.

5. The USB mini port according to claim 3 wherein said housing fits substantially within a cigarette lighter receptacle.

4. A rechargeable flashlight in combination with a USB mini plug comprising:

a housing having a first end and a second end, said first end constructed and arranged for insertion into a cigarette lighter receptacle;

said first end having an outer surface for making electrical contact to a first polarity input of a power source and a plug member positioned along an inner surface for making electrical contact to a second polarity input of the power source;

a rechargeable power supply having positioned within said housing and electrically coupled to said first and second polarity inputs;

at least one LED illuminating device positioned along said first end;

switch for coupling said power supply to said LED illuminating device upon removal of said housing from said cigarette lighter receptacle;

a USB mini port constructed and arranged for insertion into said second end, said mini port having a first end having an outer surface for making electrical contact to a first polarity input of the power source and a plug member positioned along an inner surface for making electrical contact to the second polarity input of the power source;

a USB receptacle constructed and arranged to receive power from the power source through said first and second polarity input;

a ring member juxtapositioned to said second end;

wherein said first end of said housing is inserted into the cigarette lighter receptacle, said power supply providing power to said USB receptacle, whereby said ring member allows ease of removal of said mini plug from a cigarette lighter receptacle.