Electric lantern with oscillating feature
First Claim
1. An electric lantern comprising an optical system for projecting a beam of light, an energy source, a switch operated by the operator of said lantern for selectively connecting said energy source to said optical system, means for oscillating said optical system, and means for selectively activating said oscillating means whereby said means for oscillating, when activated, causes said beam to scan back and forth at oscillation frequencies such that illumination of a relatively wide swath appears to the operator of said electric lantern to be continuous, whereby said beam can be made to illuminate said relatively wide swath.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention concerns an electric lantern preferably of the flashlight type. The lantern uses batteries for a power source, and a switch for selectively activating the lantern. The lantern also has an optical system which includes a bulb and reflector for directing the light in a relatively narrow beam of light. A motor contained in the lantern is used to bring about oscillating movement of the bulb and reflector. This oscillating movement is activated by the switch which can be selectively operated to cause the beam of light to scan a wide, horizontal area. Alternatively, the switch can be activated to power the lamp bulb only-as in a conventional flashlight.
19 Citations
21 Claims
- 1. An electric lantern comprising an optical system for projecting a beam of light, an energy source, a switch operated by the operator of said lantern for selectively connecting said energy source to said optical system, means for oscillating said optical system, and means for selectively activating said oscillating means whereby said means for oscillating, when activated, causes said beam to scan back and forth at oscillation frequencies such that illumination of a relatively wide swath appears to the operator of said electric lantern to be continuous, whereby said beam can be made to illuminate said relatively wide swath.
- 7. An electric lantern comprising an optical system for projecting a beam of light, an energy source, a switch for selectively connecting said energy source to said optical system, means for oscillating said optical system, and means for selectively activating said oscillating means whereby said means for oscillating, when activated, causes said beam to scan back and forth, whereby said beam can be made to illuminate a relatively wide swath wherein said oscillating means includes a first magnet attached to said optical system and means for applying a varying magnetic force to said first magnet whereby said optical system, together with said first magnet, is caused to oscillate in response to said varying magnetic force.
- 9. An electric lantern comprising an optical system for projecting a beam of light, an energy source, a switch for selectively connecting said energy source to said optical system, means for oscillating said optical system, and means for selectively activating said oscillating means whereby said means for oscillating, when activated, causes said beam to scan back and forth, whereby said beam can be made to illuminate a relatively wide swath and wherein said means for selectively activating said oscillating system includes said switch, said switch has at least three positions including a first position, a second position wherein said optical system is energized to provide a beam of light, and a third position wherein said optical system is energized to provide a beam of light and said means for oscillating is also energized.
- 12. An electric lantern comprising an optical system for projecting a beam of light, an energy source, a switch for selectively connecting said energy source to said optical system, means for oscillating said optical system, and means for selectively activating said oscillating means whereby said means for oscillating, when activated, causes said beam to scan back and forth, whereby said beam can be made to illuminate a relatively wide swath and wherein said oscillating means oscillates said optical system at a frequency at which the stroboscopic effect caused by said oscillating is minimized.
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15. An electric lantern comprising an optical system for projecting a beam of light, an energy source, a switch for selectively connecting said energy source to said optical system, means for oscillating said optical system, and means for selectively activating said oscillating means whereby said means for oscillating, when activated, causes said beam to scan back and forth, whereby said beam can be made to illuminate a relatively wide swath and wherein said means for selectively activating said oscillating system includes said switch, including means for preventing movement of said optical system relative to the rest of said lantern when said means for oscillating is not energized comprising a first portion mounted for movement with said switch, and a mating portion carried by said optical system.
- 16. A hand held lantern comprising a housing having a rear housing portion containing at least one battery, a front housing portion containing an optical system for projecting a narrow beam of light therefrom when electrically energized by said batteries, means for mounting said optical system for pivotal movement relative to said housing, a switch mounted to said housing for operation by a person carrying said lantern, means for oscillating said optical system when energized by said switch whereby said optical system is pivoted back and forth on said means for mounting, means for maintaining said optical system in a centered position relative to said housing when said means for oscillating is not energized by said switch.
Specification