EMERGENCY SWITCH FOR A FLASHLIGHT

• US 20110176296A1
• Filed: 03/28/2011
• Published: 07/21/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/30/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Steven Michael Rorick
• Original Assignee: Steven Michael Rorick
• Inventors: RORICK, STEVEN MICHAEL
• Granted Patent: US 8,376,571 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/206
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0414 specially adapted to be used with portable lighting devices
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/0064 Health, life-saving or fire-fighting equipment

Abstract

Improvements in an emergency switch for an end cap flashlight that allows conducting power to the light source by applying side or rotational force on the end caps of the flashlight. The cap is designed to give faster and more convenient access to light in an emergency, or when needed. The end cap connects to the inner conductor with a castled shape that allows the conductors to be moved in or out alignment to allow or prevent contact. The gasket or washer provides insulation and spacing of the conductors. Side forces on the end cap overcome the spacing of the washer to make electrical contact. The end cap may also support a glass breaking device. The glass breaker is a hardened tip on the end of the cap.

Claims

1. An switch for a flashlight comprising:

a flashlight body;

a first inner switch body having a first conductor;

a second inner switch body having a second conductor;

an outer switch body being a third conduit;

said first and said second conductors being adapted to be insulated from each other;

said second inner switch body being electrically connected to said outer switch body;

a deformable insulator that at least temporally insulates said first inner switch body from said outer switch body such that when sufficient force or pressure is applied to said outer switch body said sufficient force or pressure will deform said deformable insulator whereby allowing said outer switch body to make electrical contact with said first inner switch body.

2. The switch for a flashlight according to claim 1 that further includes a connection from said first inner switch body and said second inner switch body to a control circuit.

3. The switch for a flashlight according to claim 2 wherein said control circuit can electrically connect said first inner switch body to said second inner switch body.

4. The switch for a flashlight according to claim 3 wherein when said electrical connection from said control circuit is continuous.

5. The switch for a flashlight according to claim 3 wherein when said electrical connection from said control circuit is intermittent.

6. The switch for a flashlight according to claim 3 wherein when said electrical connection from said control circuit is intermittent.

7. The switch for a flashlight according to claim 1 wherein said outer switch body exists cylindrically around said flashlight body.

8. The switch for a flashlight according to claim 7 wherein said sufficient force is normal to said outer switch body.

9. The switch for a flashlight according to claim 7 wherein said sufficient force allows said electrical contact from sufficient normal force on said outer switch body placed on said inner switch body around said outer switch body.

10. The switch for a flashlight according to claim 2 wherein a duration of making electrical contact effects operation of said control circuit.

11. The switch for a flashlight according to claim 2 wherein a number of making electrical contacts effects operation of said control circuit.

12. The switch for a flashlight according to claim 1 that further includes a compliant conductor located between said second inner switch body and said outer switch body.

13. The switch for a flashlight according to claim 1 wherein said compliant conductor is a spring loaded ball or pin.

14. The switch for a flashlight according to claim 1 wherein said outer switch body further includes an embedded glass breaker.

15. The switch for a flashlight according to claim 14 wherein said outer switch body has a dual angle step to said glass breaker.

16. The switch for a flashlight according to claim 1 wherein said flashlight has a scalloped illumination end.

17. The switch for a flashlight according to claim 1 wherein said second conductor and said outer switch body is a single component or assembly.

18. The switch for a flashlight according to claim 1 wherein said force can be applied from any side direction onto said outer switch body.

19. The switch for a flashlight according to claim 1 wherein said emergency switch is incorporated into the non-illuminating end of the flashlight.

20. The switch for a flashlight according to claim 1 wherein said emergency switch is incorporated into the illuminating end of the flashlight.