Mode of actuation for flashlight switches
US9651233B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 2015 |
| Grant date | May 16, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF21V23/0407
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A mode of actuation for electrical switching is disclosed which uses bending of a longitudinal body, such as a cylindrical flashlight, to close and open an electrical circuit, whereby bending can be in any direction. This invention intends to increase the usefulness of flashlights by exploiting the ease of bending compared to the modes of switch actuation used hitherto since it can be performed under unfavorable circumstances such as darkness, when the fingers are numb from cold or when the user is wearing thick, protective gloves, also when only one hand or other body part is available for switching, since this action requires only rudimentary dexterity. One of various possible embodiments of the invention is described to illustrate the concept.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.