US3890498A

US3890498A - Flashlight device

Info

Publication number: US3890498A
Application number: US402135A
Authority: US
Inventors: Sr Paul D Toth
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1971-12-16
Filing date: 1973-10-01
Publication date: 1975-06-17
Anticipated expiration: 1992-06-17

Abstract

A flashlight device of the type for use with one or more battery cells including a main body member having a switch actuatable light assembly. Two or more barrel members having threaded connections are interchangeably connectable with the main body member for increasing the battery cell capacity and length of the device, and an end cap assembly including a detachable fastener element for mounting a hand carrying member is threadable interchangeable for use with the main body or barrel members during normal use thereof. The end cap assembly has a compartment-like recess therein in which the fastener element may be selectively disposed.

Description

United States Patent [191 Toth, Sr.

[ 1 FLASHLIGHT DEVICE [76] Inventor: Paul D. Toth, Sr., 12712 W. 13th St., Cleveland, Ohio [22] Filed: Oct. 1, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 402,135

Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 208,866, Dec. 16, 1971,

abandoned.

[52] U.S. C1 240/10.66; 240/1068 [51] Int. Cl. F21v 1/00 [58] Field of Search 240/1066, 10.68, 106, 240/64 R, 6.4 CL

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,287,186 12/1918 Beard 240/1066 1.287.250 12/1918 Daileym. 240/106 R 2.385.278 10/1945 Hook 240/1066 X 2.530.913 11/1950 Shockel 240/1066 X 3,332,805 7/1967 Thompson 240/1066 X 1 1 June 17, 1975 10/1970 Keller ..240/10.66 5/1971 Ostensen..........................240/1068 57] ABSTRACT A flashlight device of the type for use with one or more battery cells including a main body member having a switch actuatable light assembly. Two or more barrel members having threaded connections are interchangeably connectable with the main body member for increasing the battery cell capacity and length of the device, and an end cap assembly including a detachable fastener element for mounting a hand carrying member is threadable interchangeable for use with the main body or barrel members during normal use thereof. The end cap assembly has a compartment-like recess therein in which the fastener element may be selectively disposed.

13 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENIEDJuu 1 7 ms SHEET FIG.2

FIG.4

PATENTEDJUN 17 I975 SHEET 2 FIG.6 FIG? FLASHLIGHT DEVICE This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 208,866 filed Dec. 16, 1971, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to flashlight devices, and more particularly relates to an improved construction for a flashlight device of the type for use with one or more battery cells which includes a single body construction or a multiple body construction in cluding a plurality of interchangeable barrel members for increasing the battery cell capacity and length of the device. The flashlight device of the present invention has particular application for police, fire use or the like.

Heretofore, various types of flashlight devices have been provided which are generally of a conventional unitary or one-piece construction which are made in various sizes, generally, such prior flashlights have been of a rather flimsy and inexpensive construction with limited flexibility in use by reason of their being of a given size. Accordingly, such prior flashlights in many cases were either too bulky and space consuming for compact carrying and/or storage, such as on the person of the user, or are of such small sizes so as to be ineffective as a working tool or protective weapon as in the case of police and fire applications. Further, since such prior flashlights were of a unitary construction limitations were placed on the battery cell carrying capacity of the light and hence, such devices had limited application or it was necessary to have two or more flashlights for various uses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A flashlight device of the type for use with one or more battery cells comprising, an elongated, generally cylindrical main body member adapted to receive at least one battery cell therein, a light assembly detachably connected adjacent one end of said body member, a cap assembly detachably connected adjacent the opposite end of said body member, switch means slidably mounted on said body member between its ends adapted for selectively energizing said light assembly, and an end portion of said body member remote from said light assembly including an internally threaded portion adapted for interchangeable threaded connection with said cap assembly or, alternatively, to one or more other body or barrel members for increasing the battery cell capacity and length of the device.

From the foregoing, the following description and accompanying drawings, it will be seen that the present invention provides a new and improved construction for a flashlight device which has wide application, such as in police and fire use, for example. The flashlight of the invention is of a rugged high strength construction which can be effectively used as a working tool or as a portable hand weapon for defensive and protective application. The flashlight of the invention includes a main body portion with a switch-actuatable light assembly which is of a compact construction which can be used with one battery cell, for example, and which is constructed and arranged for interchangeable connection with one or more other body or barrel members for increasing the battery cell capacity and overall length of the flashlight dependent upon the desired application thereof. The flashlight of the invention in cludes a replaceable switch assembly, interchangeable barrel, knurled hand-grip portion, and ahead construction constructed for increased light refraction. The flashlight ofthe invention is anodized in and out, is rust and corrosion proof and is anti-magnetic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a generally perspective view of the flashlight device made in accordance with the present invention for carrying in combination four battery cells, for example;

FIG. 2 is a vertical section view taken through the flashlight device of the invention;

FIG. 3 is an end view looking from the left hand side of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an end view looking from the right hand side of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged elevation view, partly in section, of the main body member of the flashlight of the invention;

FIG. 6 is an end view looking from the left hand side of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an elevation view, partly in section, of the end cap removed from the flashlight device; and

FIG. 8 is an enlarged elevation view of the fastener element removed from the flashlight device for mount ing a hand carrying member of the like.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring again to the drawings and in particular It FIG. I thereof, there is illustrated the flashlight of the present invention, designated generally at 2, which, in the form shown, includes a main body member 4, and intermediate barrel member 6, and an end or outer barrel member 8 detachably connected together to provide the device shown. For example, in the form shown in FIG. I, the flashlight is provided to carry a plurality, such as four, battery cells. Moreover, the device is adapted for carrying one or more battery cells for a particular application as will hereafter be more fully described.

As best seen in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6. the main body member 4 includes an elongated knurled member 10 of a cylindrical construction which is made integral with an enlarged head member 12. The barrel member 10 is of a hollow construction adapted to receive a single battery cell and includes an elongated cylindrical passageway 14 extending therethrough and through the head member 12. As shown, the member I0 is internally threaded, as at 16, adjacent its end adapted for threadable connection to an end cap assembly or to another one of the barrel members 6 or 8, for example. The member 10 is provided with an opening 18 adapted to receive a switch assembly 20 (FIG. 2) which coacts with a conductive member 22, such as a copper slide, for actuating a light assembly 24, as known in the art.

The head member I2 includes a forwardly facing annular portion 26 which has a greater diameter as compared to that of the barrel 10. The annular portion 26 is joined to the barrel 10 by an inclined ramp-like portion 28 which tapers downwardly and inwardly toward the barrel 10. As shown, the length of the head member 12 including the

surfaces

26 and 28 is approximately one-third the length of the body member 4 or approximately one-half the length of the barrel I0 to provide the compact construction shown. Accordingly, the

axial length ofthe barrel I is less than twice the length of its diameter. For example, the barrel l0 may have a length of 2% inches while the outside diameter may be I 4 inches. Preferably, the surface 28 may have an in clination of approximately [5 and with the diameter of the surface portion 26 being approximately 2% inches.

As best seen in FIG. 5, a forwardly extending shank- Iike member 30 is made integral with and projects axially outwardly from the head member 12. The member 30 is externally threaded. as at 32, for threaded attachment to a face cap member 34 (FIG. 2). The member 30 is provided with an internal chamfer. as at 36 to facilitate installation of the light assembly 24. The member 30 preferably has an OD. approximately equal to that of the barrel member 10. As seen in FIG. 6, the lengthwise extending slot 38 is provided to receive the slide bar 22, as shown in FIG. 2.

In the form shown, the light assembly 24 includes a lens 40. a reflector 42, a bulb retainer 44, a bulb 46, and a shock ring 48 for bearing engagement with a battery cell (not shown] as known in the art. The light assembly 24 is held in place by a face cap member 34 which is internally threaded, at 50, for threading eoaction with the threads 32 on the shank 30. The face cap member 34 includes a central opening defined by an internal chamfer surface. as at 52, (FIG. 2) of ap proximately 45. Moreover. the inclination of the chamfer surface 52 is generally coincident with the in clination of the reflector 42 so as to maximize the light reflection characteristics of the device. Preferably, a rubber gasket 54 is disposed in encompassing relation around the outer peripheral end of the reflector 42 and is disposed in the space between the confronting inte rior surfaces of the face cap member 34 and that of the shank member 30 to provide a seal against contaminants, moisture and the like from entering the device.

In the form shown, the barrel member 6 is ofan elongated cylindrical construction which is externally threaded. as at 60 at one end adapted for threaded connection to the interior threads 16 of the barrel member 10. The opposite end of the barrel 6 is internally threaded as at 62. for threaded connection to the end or rear barrel member 8. Accordingly. the rear barrel member 8 is externally threaded. as at 64 for threaded attachment to the internal threads 63 of the barrel member 6 and is internally threaded, as at 66, for threaded attachment to an end cap assembly 70, as best seen in FIG. 2.

As best seen in FIG. 2 and 7, the cap end assembly 70 includes a base member 72 of generally flat construction having an integral outwardly extending shank-like member 74 which is externally threaded, as at 76, for threaded engagement with the internal threads 16 of the main body member 4, or with the threads 62 of the barrel member 6 or with the threads 66 of the barrel member 8 in interchangeable relation, as desired. The base member 72 has a generally centrally disposed aperture which is internally threaded, as at 78, for threaded attachment to a fastener element 80 (FIG. 8) in the installed position thereof. The base 72 and shank 76 members together provide a centrally disposed recess 82 which concentrically communicates with another recess 84 so as to define an annular shoulder 86 which provides a seat for mounting a resilient retainer spring 88 (FIG. 2) for holding the battery cells (not shown) in the installed position within the device. Accordingly. the cap assembly provides a compartmentlike structure which provides a storage area while at the same time providing an end closure for the device.

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 8. the fastener element includes an annular base or collar portion 90 from which extends a pilot-like end 92 which is threaded, as at 94, for coacting threading engagement with the internal threads 78 provided on the cap assembly 70. Moreover. as the threads 94 are turned into place with the threads 78, the base 90 is drawn down into tight abutting engagement with the confronting surface of the base 72 for holding the fastener in the installed position. An elongated stub shank 96 extends outwardly from the base 90 and has a transverse aperture 98 extending therethrough adapted to receive a hand carrying or gripping element 100 (FIG. 2) such as a thong or the like for carrying or mounting the device.

In a typical example, the main body member 4 and the interchangeable barrel members 6 and 8 may be employed so as to carry one, two, three or four dry cell batteries, as desired. By way ofexample. the number of cell combinations together with the weight and overall length of the respective combinations are set forth in the following table.

TOTAL OVERALL From the foregoing, it will be seen that the flashlight device of the present invention provides an improved construction wherein a single, compact, flashlight device. such as the body member 4 with the end cap assembly 7, is provided for carrying a single battery cell or wherein the other barrel sections 6 or 8 may be interchangeably threadably connected to the body member 4 so to selectively increase the dry cell capacity and length of the device for a given application, as desired. Moreover, in the 4 cell combination, for example, the device has an optimum length and weight ratio so as to provide an effective working tool or protective weapon for fire or police applications. It will be seen that the device provides a modern and streamlined appearance having appropriate knurled peripheral surfaces, as at 102, 104, 106 and 108, to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the respective parts and to provide an effective hand-grip arrangement for handling the light under different environmental conditions.

I claim:

1. A flashlight device having a rugged, high strength construction for use as both a flashlight device and a working tool or hand weapon comprising:

a body member having an elongated, generally cylindrical configuration and opposed front and rear ends, said body member including an elongated cylindrical passageway for receiving an electrical battery cell therein and said rear end including first thread means;

a light assembly connected to the front end of said body member;

switch means slidably mounted on said body member between its opposed front and rear ends for selectively electrically connecting a battery cell within said passageway to said light assembly and selectively energizing said light assembly;

a rear cap assembly having complementary thread means detachably connected to the rear end of said body member, said rear cap assembly including, a rear cap member including a base, a forwardly extending, shank-like flange and a generally centrally disposed aperture extending therethrough, said flange including said complementary thread means and defining an interior compartment-like recess therewithin, said aperture including an internal thread means, a fastener element including an externally threaded end threadably engaged within said aperture and a transversely apertured end, a carrying element extending through said transversely apertured end, whereby said fastener element may be alternatively disposed in a first orientation with the threaded end threaded into said aperture with the carrying element disposed outside the cap assembly and in a second ori entation with the carrying element disposed in said recess inside said cap assembly to permit convenient storage of said carrying element.

2. A flashlight device in accordance with claim 1,

wherein said body member further comprises an integral head section disposed adjacent the front end thereof, said head section comprising, an integral forward portion having an annular configuration of generally uniform diameter, and an integral rear portion having an annular configuration which tapers inwardly and rearwardly in a direction away from said forward portion; and

an integral flange section having an annular configuration and extending integrally forwardly from said forward portion, said flange section being provided with head thread means, and

said device further including a face cap member having cap thread means and being disposed adjacent said flange section and threadably connected to said cap thread means on said flange section for maintaining the disposition ofsaid light assembly at the front end of said body member.

3. A flashlight device in accordance with claim 2,

wherein said light assembly includes a tapered reflector member disposed within said body member and projecting forwardly of said flange section,

said face cap member disposed in encompassing relation around said reflector member and restraining the same against axial movement with respect to the longitudinal central axis of said device, and

said face cap including an annular outwardly flared surface extending generally coincidently with respect to said tapered reflector member.

4. A flashlight device in accordance with claim 2,

wherein said cap face member includes a peripheral knurled surface portion, said cap face member having generally the same diameter as the forward portion of said head section.

5. A flashlight device in accordance with claim I,

wherein said carrying element comprises a thong.

6. A flashlight device in accordance with claim I. wherein said fastener element includes an annular collar portion between its ends, and said transversely apertured end comprising an elongated stub shank extending outwardly from said collar portion having a transverse aperture extending therethrough. 7. A flashlight device in accordance with claim I, wherein said body member includes a first barrel member made integral therewith, a second barrel member for detachable connection to the first barrel member, said first barrel member including an elongated cylindrical passageway for receiving an electrical battery cell therein, said first barrel member including said first thread means made integral therewith for detachably connecting said first barrel member with said second barrel member, said second barrel member having an elongated, gen erally cylindrical configuration with an elongated cylindrical passageway for receiving at least one additional electrical battery cell therein and also including integral second complementary thread means at one end for thread connection with said first connection thread means on said first barrel member, said second barrel member including integral second thread means for detachably connecting said second barrel member with said rear cap assembly, and said complementary thread means being threadably connectable to said first thread means of said first barrel member to provide a first, predetermined electrical battery cell capacity and threadably connectable to said second thread means of said second barrel member when said second barrel member is connected to said first barrel member to provide a second, predetermined electrical battery cell capacity which is greater than said first matching capacity. 8. A flashlight device in accordance with claim 7, wherein all of said thread means are disposed interiorly of the outer periphery of said barrel members and said cap assembly so as to provide a substantially smooth exterior surface to enable said device to be used as a hand weapon for striking a blow. 9. A flashlight device in accordance with claim 7 including,

at least a third separate barrel member having an elongated, generally cylindrical configuration with an elongated cylindrical passageway for receiving at least one additional electrical battery cell therein, said third barrel member including integral third complementary thread means at one end for threadably connecting said third barrel member to said second barrel member and integral third thread means at its other end for threadably connecting said third barrel member to said rear cap assembly such that said device may be further alternatively assembled by connecting said third barrel member into said device between said second member and said rear cap assembly or between said first barrel member and said second barrel member to further increase and vary the cell capacity of said device, and

said third complementary thread means and said third thread means are disposed interiorly of the outer periphery of said third barrel member to provide a substantially smooth exterior surface for said device to enable such to be used as a hand weapon.

10. A flashlight device in accordance with claim 9, wherein said first, second and third barrel members have es sentially uniform outside diameters ll. A flashlight device in accordance with claim 7, wherein said second barrel member includes an external knurled peripheral surface.

12. A flashlight device in accordance with claim 10, wherein said second and third barrel members include external knurled peripheral surfaces.

13. A flashlight device having a rugged, high strength construction for use as both a flashlight device and a working tool or hand weapon comprising:

a light assembly connected to the front end of said body member;

switch means slidably mounted on said body member between its opposed front and rear ends for selectively electrically connecting a battery cell within said passageway to said light assembly and selec tively energizing said light assembly;

a rear cap assembly having complementary thread means detachably connected to the rear end of said body member said rear cap assembly including,

a rear cap member including a base having a generally, centrally disposed aperture extending therethrough,

said aperture including an internal thread means,

a fastener element including an externally threaded end for threadable engagement within said aperture and a transversely apertured end,

a carrying element extending through said transversely apertured end,

whereby said fastener element may be alternatively disposed in a first orientation with the threaded end threaded into said aperture with the carrying element disposed outside the cap assembly in a second orientation with the carrying element disposed internally of said floodlight device to permit convenient storage of said carrying element.

Claims

1. A flashlight device having a rugged, high strength construction for use as both a flashlight device and a working tool or hand weapon comprising: a body member having an elongated, generally cylindrical configuration and opposed front and rear ends, said body member including an elongated cylindrical passageway for receiving an electrical battery cell therein and said rear end including first thread means; a light assembly connected to the front end of said body member; switch means slidably mounted on said body member between its opposed front and rear ends for selectively electrically connecting a battery cell within said passageway to said light assembly and selectively energizing said light assembly; a rear cap assembly having complementary thread means detachably connected to the rear end of said body member, said rear cap assembly including, a rear cap member including a base, a forwardly extending, shank-like flange and a generally centrally disposed aperture extending therethrough, said flange including said complementary thread means and defining an interior compartment-like recess therewithin, said aperture including an internal thread means, a fastener element including an externally threaded end threadably engaged within said aperture and a transversely apertured end, a carrying element extending through said transversely apertured end, whereby said fastener element may be alternatively disposed in a first orientation with the threaded end threaded into said aperture with the carrying element disposed outside the cap assembly and in a second orientation with the carrying element disposed in said recess inside said cap assembly to permit convenient storage of said carrying element.

2. A flashlight device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said body member further comprises an integral head section disposed adjacent the front end thereof, said head section comprising, an integral forward portion having an annular configuration of generally uniform diameter, and an integral rear portion having an annular configuration which tapers inwardly and rearwardly in a direction away from said forward portion; and an integral flange section having an annular configuration and extending integrally forwardly from said forward portion, said flange section being provided with head thread means, and said device further including a face cap member having cap thread means and being disposed adjacent said flange section and threadably connected to said cap thread means on said flange section for maintaining the disposition of said light assembly at the front end of said body member.

3. A flashlight device in accordance with claim 2, wherein said light assembly includes a tapered reflector member disposed within said body member and projecting forwardly of said flange section, said face cap member disposed in encompassing relation around said reflector member and restraining the same against axial movement with respect to the longitudinal central axis of said device, and said face cap including an annular outwardly flared surface extending generally coincidently with respect to said tapered reflector member.

4. A flashlight device in accordance with claim 2, wherein said cap face member includes a peripheral knurled surface portion, said cap face member having generally the same diameter as the forward portion of said head section.

5. A flashlight device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said carrying element comprises a thong.

6. A flashlight device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said fastener element includes an annular collar portion between its ends, and said transversely apertured end comprising an elongated stub shank extending outwardly from said collar portion having a transverse aperture extending therethrough.

7. A flashlight device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said body member includes a first barrel member made integral therewith, a second barrel member for detachable connection to the first barrel member, said first barrel member including an elongated cylindrical passageway for receiving an electrical battery cell therein, said first barrel member including said first thread means made integral therewith for detachably connecting said first barrel member with said second barrel member, said second barrel member having an elongated, generally cylindrical configuration with an elongated cylindrical passageway for receiving at least one additional electrical battery cell therein and also including integral second complementary thread means at one end for thread connection with said first connection thread means on said first barrel member, said second barrel member including integral second thread means for detachably connecting said second barrel member with said rear cap assembly, and said complementary thread means being threadably connectable to said first thread means of said first barrel member to provide a first, predetermined electrical battery cell capacity and threadably connectable to said second thread means of said second barrel member when said second barrel member is connected to said first barrel member to provide a second, predetermined electrical battery cell capacity which is greater than said first matching capacity.

8. A flashlight device in accordance with claim 7, wherein all of said thread means are disposed interiorly of the outer periphery of said barrel members and said cap assembly so as to provide a substantially smooth exterior surface to enable said device to be used as a hand weapon for striking a blow.

9. A flashlight device in accordance with claim 7 including, at least a third separate barrel member having an elongated, generally cylindrical configuration with an elongated cylindrical passageway for receiving at least one additional electrical battery cell therein, said third barrel member including integral third complementary thread means at one end for threadably connecting said third barrel member to said second Barrel member and integral third thread means at its other end for threadably connecting said third barrel member to said rear cap assembly such that said device may be further alternatively assembled by connecting said third barrel member into said device between said second member and said rear cap assembly or between said first barrel member and said second barrel member to further increase and vary the cell capacity of said device, and said third complementary thread means and said third thread means are disposed interiorly of the outer periphery of said third barrel member to provide a substantially smooth exterior surface for said device to enable such to be used as a hand weapon.

10. A flashlight device in accordance with claim 9, wherein said first, second and third barrel members have essentially uniform outside diameters.

11. A flashlight device in accordance with claim 7, wherein said second barrel member includes an external knurled peripheral surface.

13. A flashlight device having a rugged, high strength construction for use as both a flashlight device and a working tool or hand weapon comprising: a body member having an elongated, generally cylindrical configuration and opposed front and rear ends, said body member including an elongated cylindrical passageway for receiving an electrical battery cell therein and said rear end including first thread means; a light assembly connected to the front end of said body member; switch means slidably mounted on said body member between its opposed front and rear ends for selectively electrically connecting a battery cell within said passageway to said light assembly and selectively energizing said light assembly; a rear cap assembly having complementary thread means detachably connected to the rear end of said body member, said rear cap assembly including, a rear cap member including a base having a generally, centrally disposed aperture extending therethrough, said aperture including an internal thread means, a fastener element including an externally threaded end for threadable engagement within said aperture and a transversely apertured end, a carrying element extending through said transversely apertured end, whereby said fastener element may be alternatively disposed in a first orientation with the threaded end threaded into said aperture with the carrying element disposed outside the cap assembly in a second orientation with the carrying element disposed internally of said floodlight device to permit convenient storage of said carrying element.