Radiant-energy tool with flexible extension

• US 5,369,556 A
• Filed: 07/26/1993
• Issued: 11/29/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 08/09/1991
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Zelco Industries, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Noel E. Zeller
• Inventors: Zeller, Noel E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dority, Carroll B.
• Application Number:
  US08/097,852
• Time in Patent Office: 491 Days
• Field of Search: 362/198, 431/255, 126/25 B
• US Class Current: 431/344
• CPC Class Codes: F21L 4/04 characterised by the provision of a light source housing portion adjustably fixed to the remainder of the device
• CPC Class Codes: F21L 4/06 with the light source coupled to the remainder of the device solely by cable
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/32 Flexible tubes
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 27/005 for portable lighting devices
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 11/02 using take-up reel or drum

Abstract

A radiant-energy tool (e.g., a flashlight or fire starter) comprises a housing adapted to accommodate an energy source (e.g., a battery pack or a fuel tank) and an elongate extension having a proximal end connected to the housing and a distal end opposite the proximal end adapted to release radiant energy. The extension connects the energy source to the distal end and is formed of a material that can be easily flexed by hand to assume a plurality of different shapes and that can retain a given shape indefinitely. The housing and the distal end of the extension can each be conveniently positioned and oriented independently of the other. The housing is formed with a peripheral groove for accommodating the extension so that the extension can be wrapped around the housing for storage and to provide a compact configuration for use.

Claims

1. A radiant-energy tool comprising:

a housing adapted to accommodate a source of energy; and

an elongate extension having a proximal portion connected to the housing and a distal portion opposite the proximal protion and adapted to radiate energy;

the elongate extension conducting energy from the energy source to the distal portion to facilitate the radiation of energy from the distal portion;

the extension being formed in such a manner that it can be easily flexed by hand to assume a plurality of different shapes and can retain a given shape indefinitely;

whereby the housing and the distal portion can each be conveniently positioned and oriented independently of the other; and

wherein the housing is formed with a peripheral groove for accommodating the extension so that the extension can be wrapped around the housing for storage.

2. A radiant-energy tool according to claim 1 that functions as a flashlight and comprises a light bulb mounted in the distal portion, a battery pack mounted in the housing, and electrical leads mounted in the extension and connecting the light bulb to the battery pack.

3. A radiant-energy tool according to claim 1 that functions as a fire starter and stores a flammable fluid in the housing and wherein the extension is hollow and conducts the fluid to the distal end to support a flame.