GB2227825A - Electric torch - Google Patents

Abstract

An electric torch, which torch includes a body possessing a longitudinal axis of symmetry and including two portions 11, 15 rotatable relative to each other about said axis, rotation of said two portions relative to each other serving respectively to switch the torch ON or OFF. Preferably the torch possesses both continuous and intermittent ON modes. Preferably the torch includes a digital clock, a magnetic compass and a storage space for storage of articles. <IMAGE>

Description

TORCH This invention relates to a torch.

According to the present invention there is provided an electric torch, which torch includes a body possessing a longitudinal axis of symmetry and including two portions rotatable relative to each other about said axis, rotation of said two portions relative to each other serving respectively to switch the torch ON or OFF.

Preferably, the two portions rotatable relative t each other have three significant positions: an ON position, a central OFF position and a further position in which the torch is caused to flash ON and OFF at intervals.

The torch may include a digital clock; this clock may be provided with its own power supply or may be supplied with electric power from the dry cells used to power the torch itself.

The torch may include a compass, e.g. a magnetic compass needle mounted for free rotation on a pivot in an air-filled, oil-filled or alcohol-filled housing.

The torch may include a compartment for storage of articles, such as personal effects, money, or first aid equipment.

The torch may include a removable transparent cap, e.g. of plastics material, to cover a lamp end of the torch thereby to change the colour of the emitted light. For example, a transparent red cap can be used in conjunction with a flashing light to indicate danger. Other colours of such end caps may be employed such as green or amber.

An embodiment of a torch according to the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a torch according to the present invention; Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view (not to the same scale) of the torch of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a partly cut-away perspective view of a portion of the torch of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a diagrammatic cross-section of the torch of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a detail of the ringed area of Figure 4; and Figures 6a to Ec illustrate different switching positions of the torch of Figure 1.

Referring to the drawings, a torch l includes a plastics lamp housing 2 and a three-part plastics barrel 3. The lamp housing 2 includes a bulb holder 4, a lightbulb 5, a spring (not shown) and a flanged reflector 6, the bulb holder 4 being a bayonet fit into the flange 7 of reflector*6 against the action of the spring. A transparent reflector cap or window 8 is screw-threaded onto lamp housing 2 and holds in the reflector in position in housing 2 and also secures a grooved head ring 9.

A.removable red transparent end cap 10 is adapted to be a friction fit over grooved head ring 9.

The lamp housing 2 is integrally formed with a forward part 11 of three-part barrel 3. A conductive metal strip 12 forming part of an electric circuit for supplying electric current to lightbulb 5 extends along the interior of barrel part 11 and is provided at its distal end with an angled contact surface 13.

Barrel part 11 includes at its distal end a radially inwardly extending annular clip 14. A middle barrel part 15 is provided at its proximal end with clipping means 14A for co-operating with annular clip 14 to secure barrel part 15 to barrel part 11 in relatively rotatable fashion. Conductive metal strips 16 and 17 extend along the interior of barrel part 15 and are circumferentially spaced from each other. Barrel parts 11 and 15 define between them a battery compartment 18. Barrel part 15 includes a conductive spring 19, at its distal end, which spring 19 is in electric contact with conductive strip 16. Barrel part 15 also supports a monolithic electric flasher unit 20 which is connected in series between spring 19 and conductive strip 17.

By suitable relative rotation of barrel parts 11 and 15 it is possible to select between three different positions; a first position (Fig 6b) in which contact surface 13 is not in contact with either of conductive strips 16 and 17 i.e. OFF; a second position (Fig 6a) in which contact surface 13 is in contact with conductive strip 16, so as to complete an electrical circuit through dry cells (not shown), through bulb 5 via conductive metal strips 12 and 16 through spring 19 back to the dry cells; i.e. a continuous ON position; and a third position (Fig 6c) in which contact surface 13 is in contact with conductive strip 17, so as to complete an electric circuit from dry cells (not shown) through bulb via conductive metal strips 12 and 17 through flasher unit 20 to spring 19 and back to the dry cells; i.e. an intermittently flashing ON position.

Distal end 21 of barrel part 15 also supports a digital LCD clock 22 and is provided with clipping apertures 23.

A rearward part 24 of three-part barrel 3 includes clips 25 for clipping into apertures 23 to secure barrel part 24 to barrel part 15.

Barrel part 24 includes a magnetic compass 26 and, at its distal end 27 a screw-threaded cap 28 for a storage space 29.

The present invention provides an attractive, useful and convenient torch which possesses advantages over known torches.

It is to be understood that the invention may be performed otherwise than as has been particularly described; the invention includes within its scope all modifications or improvements to the torch which would be apparent to one skilled in the art.

Claims (9)

1. An electric torch, which torch includes a body possessing a longitudinal axis of symmetry and including two portions rotatable relative to each other about said axis, rotation of said two portions relative to each other serving respectively to switch the torch ON or OFF.

2. A torch according to Claim 1, which is provided with a generally cylindrical body.

3. A torch according to Claim 1 or 2, which torch includes flasher means for producing intermittent light, and wherein the portions of the body are relatively moveable between an OFF position, a continuous ON position, and an intermittent ON position.

4. A torch according to any one of the preceding Claims, provided with auxiliary means for changing the colour of light emitted from the torch.

5. A torch according to any one of the preceding claims, which includes a digital clock.

6. A torch a-ccording to any one of the preceding claims, which includes a magnetic compass.

7. A torch according to any one of the preceding claims, which ' includes a storage space for storage therein of articles.

8. A torch substantially as hereinbefore described or with reference to the accompanying drawings.

9. The features hereinbefore disclosed, or their equivalents, in any novel selection.