GB2215448A - Electric torch - Google Patents

Abstract

A torch comprises a body (1) having end regions to which are attached respective end cap assemblies (2F, 2R,) for forward and rearward beams respectively. The body (1) houses two individually operable power supplies. Each end cap (2F, 2R) comprises a bulb (8), a reflector (19) and a lense (3 (2F), 6 (2R)). The lense (3) is clear to give a clear or white forward-beam, while the lense (6) is red to give a red rearward-beam. Each end cap assembly (2F, 2R) can be secured onto either end of the body (1) so that they are completely interchangeable. On failure of one of the power supplies (generally that associated with the rearward beam), it is a simple matter to unscrew the end assemblies and reattach them to opposite ends of the body (1) so that the forward beam can be maintained in an emergency until it is possible to change the batteries. <IMAGE>

Description

ELECTRIC TORCH This invention relates to an electric torch and provides an electric torch adapted so as to provide in normal use two beams of light, namely a forward-beam to illuminate the way ahead and a rearward-beam which is rearwardly directed to warn vehicles approaching from the rear of the torch user and/or to aid pedestrians following the torch user, the forward-beam being of a different colour to the rearward-beam, which torch comprises a body; first and second cap assemblies removably secured to respective ends of the body for defining the respective colours of the forward and rearward beams; and, housed by the body, respective individually operable power supplies for the end cap assemblies, wherein the cap assemblies are interchangeable one with the other so that on failure of the power supply associated with the forward-beam, the forward-beam cap assembly can be interchanged with the rearward-beam cap assembly so as to be connected to the power supply normally associated with the latter to permit further functioning of the forward-beam.

While there have been proposed torches with forward and rearward beams, these generally utilise a common power supply, switchable as desired.

According to a further feature of the invention, the body comprises two portions detachably secured one to the other and having respective ones of the power supplies whereby the torch can be separated into a forward-beam portion and a rearward beam portion for separate use.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a longitudinal section through a torch; Figures 3 and 4 are front and rear views respectively; Figure 2 is a perspective view with one end cap assembly removed; and Figure 5 is a partial longitudinal section taken transverse the section of Figure 1.

The torch comprises a body 1 of generally cylindrical form and having end regions of larger diameter than the central region to accommodate respective end cap assemblies 2F' 2R for forward and rearward beams respectively. The body 1 houses two individually operable power supplies, for example two 9V batteries 5,5, arranged end to end but electrically insulated via an internally protruding strip 15 of the body wall. A rib 13 in the body 1 holds the batteries in place. For each battery 5, the negative terminal leads via a wire 11 and conductive strip 12 to the movable contact 16 of a switch 7. The positive terminal is connected via a wire 10 to a resilient contact strip 9 secured at its ends to the body 1. The contact strip 9 can be secured by welding or by the insertion of its ends in grooves formed for that purpose in the body 1.

Each end cap 2F, 2R comprises a bulb 8, a reflector 19 and a lense 3 (2F), 6 (2R). The lense 3 is clear to give a clear or white forward-beam, while the lense 6 is red to give a red rearward-beam. Any suitable colour could be chosen for the rearward-beam, red being an accepted standard for a warning light. Instead of differently coloured lenses, differently coloured bulbs or filters could be used. When in position, the stem 8a of the bulb 8 presses the contact strip 9 (Figure 5) to ensure electrical contact.

Each end cap assembly 2F, 2R can be secured onto either end of the body 1 so that they are completely interchangeable. This is achieved by ensuring that attachment means, e.g. screwthreading, at respective ends of the body are the same so that corresponding attachment means of the cap assemblies can mate with either end.

Each switch 7 has a portion 17 which can be manually operated externally of the body 1 to move the movable contact 16 in a slot 18 between a first position in which the current path from the battery 5 to the bulb 8 is interrupted and a second position in which it is completed.

In normal use, both end cap assemblies are secured into position, and the switches 7 are both turned 'ON'.

A user can then carry the torch with a forwardly directed white beam and a rearwardly directed red beam. In some cases, eg. for use in the home, the rear beam will not be required and so can be turned off. It is likely therefore that the battery normally associated with the forward beam will fail before that normally associated with the rear beam. If this occurs unexpectedly, it is a simple matter to unscrew the end assemblies and reattach them to opposite ends of the body 1 so that the forward beam can be maintained in an emergency until it is possible to change the batteries.

The torch can be constructed of two self-contained portions detachably secured together. Each portion comprises an end cap assembly 2, a battery 5 and its connections 10, 11, 12, a switch 7 and a contact strip 9.

Each portion has at its end opposite the end carrying the end cap assembly a "dummy" wall for housing the power supply components. The ends carrying the "dummy" walls are provided with co-operating mating elements, e.g. screwthread or clips, by means of which the portion can be secured together for use as described above.

With this construction, the portion can be separated and used individually, for example at the front and rear of a file of people walking along a dark road.

Claims (5)

CLAIMS:

1. An electric torch adapted so as to provide in normal use two beams of light, namely a forward-beam to illuminate the way ahead and a rearward-beam which is rearwardly directed to warn vehicles approaching from the rear of the torch user and/or to aid pedestrians following the torch user, the forward-beam being of a different colour from the rearward-beam, which torch comprises a body; first and second cap assemblies removably secured to respective ends of the body for defining the respective colours of the forward and rearward beams; and, housed by the body, respective individually operable power supply means for the end cap assemblies, wherein the cap assemblies are interchangeable one with the other so that on failure of the power supply means associated with the forward-beam, the forward-beam cap assembly can be interchanged with the rearward-beam cap assembly so as to be connected to the power supply means normally associated with the latter to permit further functioning of the forward-beam.

2. A torch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body comprises two portions detachably secured one to the other and having respective ones of the power supply means whereby the torch can be separated into a forward-beam portion and a rearward beam portion for separate use.

3. A torch as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the rearward-beam is red and the forward-beam is white.

4. A torch as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the cap assemblies are screwed to respective ends of the body.

5. A torch substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to or as shown in the accompanying drawings.