Rechargeable flashlight with multi-position AC plug unit that controls load circuit and charging circuit connections and visual indicator
US5847540A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 8, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF21L4/085
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A rechargeable flashlight has a plug unit supported in the flashlight housing for rotation between a non-charging position, in which blades of the plug unit are retracted into the housing, and a charging position, in which the blades are projected from the housing for insertion in an AC outlet. The plug unit cooperates with a switch unit in the housing for connecting a rechargeable battery to a bulb circuit and disconnecting the battery from a charging and indicating circuit when the plug unit is in the non-charging position, and for disconnecting the battery from the bulb circuit and connecting the battery to the charging and indicating circuit when the plug unit is in the charging position. The charging and indicating circuit has a visual indicator that is energized repetitively when the plug unit is turned from the non-charging position but with the blades not inserted in a live AC outlet, and which is energized continuously when the blades are inserted in a live AC outlet. The visual indicator is de-energized when the plug unit is in the non-charging position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.