Portable lighting device
US5558429A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 13, 1994 |
| Grant date | Sep 24, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 13, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S362/802
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A portable light is provided which is operated and turned on automatically when the light is moved to a vertical or near vertical position and turns off automatically when in a non-vertical position. A highly reliable, sealed a reed switch is operated when an associated magnet moves into proximity. A locking mechanism retains the magnet to prevent operation of the light when not in use. A manually operated, mechanical switch is also provided and uses a metal strip to over ride the magnet/reed switch to allow for selective operation of the light in any position. The light can be used as a flashlight or attached to a cooler lid, car hood, visor attache case and the like to turn on automatically as the attached, hinged device is moved to a vertical or near vertical position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.