Inertia switch and flashing light system
First Claim
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1. A flashing light system and an inertia switch, comprising:
- a flashing light system mounted in footwear, an article of clothing, or a personal accessory worn by a user;
an inertia switch connected to the flashing light system, the inertia switch comprising an insulating housing;
a first and a second contact mounted side by side in the housing; and
a first magnet mounted to the housing and a second magnet disposed within the housing, the first magnet and the second magnet opposed by a repulsive force between the magnets, wherein the switch is normally open and motion of the user causes the second magnet to move, contacting both contacts and closing the switch.
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Abstract
Inertia switches in insulating housings are used to make or break electrical contact. The switches may be small in size, and may be used with flashing light systems in footwear or other articles. One embodiment is a directional switch sensitive to the orientation of the switch and the motion of the switch due to outside forces. Footwear with flashing light systems that use these inertia switches may make the wearer or user more visible at night, adding a measure of safety as well as fun. Flashing light systems using these inertia switches may also be used to illuminate personal accessories and articles of clothing.
148 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A flashing light system and an inertia switch, comprising:
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a flashing light system mounted in footwear, an article of clothing, or a personal accessory worn by a user; an inertia switch connected to the flashing light system, the inertia switch comprising an insulating housing; a first and a second contact mounted side by side in the housing; and a first magnet mounted to the housing and a second magnet disposed within the housing, the first magnet and the second magnet opposed by a repulsive force between the magnets, wherein the switch is normally open and motion of the user causes the second magnet to move, contacting both contacts and closing the switch. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of controlling a flashing light system, the method comprising:
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mounting two conductors side by side in an insulating housing; placing a first magnet and a second magnet in the housing, the first magnet and the second magnet opposed by a repulsive force between the magnets to form an inertia switch for a flashing light system; and closing the inertia switch through motion of the switch, causing the first magnet to contact both contacts simultaneously and activate the flashing light system.
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Specification