Patent US3829676A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3829676A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rechargeable flashlight
Assignee: KEL LITE IND INC US
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Filing: 1973-08-07
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Granted: 1974-08-13
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Expires: 1993-08-07
Abstract
Abstract A flashlight is provided with batteries that are capable of being recharged, and the flashlight is constructed in such a way that the recharging of the batteries may be accomplished without removing them. Bulb and reflector means are provided at one end of the battery train, and a normally compressed spring engages the other end of the battery train in order to support the batteries and also carry discharge current flowing from the batteries into the bulb. Means are also provided for further compressing the spring so as to open up the discharge circuit, providing a pair of inputs for charging the batteries. The mechanism for further compressing the spring, and for connecting the charging circuit to the pair of inputs thus created, is contained within the rearward portion of the flashlight housing.
Inventors
- 👤 N Nelson
- 👤 D Harley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 16:58
CPC Classifications
F; F21; F21V; F21V19/00; F21V19/04; F21V19/047; F21L; F21L4/00; F21L4/08; F21L4/085
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
63 words
A rechargeable flashlight comprising: a rechargeable battery; a normally compressed spring conductively coupled to one end of said battery, and forming part of a current discharge circuit; and selectively operable means adapted to further compress said spring so as to open up the discharge circuit, the point at which the discharge circuit is opened then providing two inputs for a battery charging circuit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
63 words
A rechargeable flashlight comprising: a rechargeable battery; a normally compressed spring conductively coupled to one end of said battery, and forming part of a current discharge circuit; and selectively operable means adapted to further compress said spring so as to open up the discharge circuit, the point at which the discharge circuit is opened then providing two inputs for a battery charging circuit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The flashlight of claim 1 wherein said selectively operable means is a spring retainer plate which engages one end of said spring.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The flashlight of claim 2 wherein said spring retainer is a circular plate which is radially curved and is resiliently deformable so as to reverse the longitudinal position of its center relative to its periphery.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
The flashlight of claim 2 which includes a metal casing within which said battery is disposed, and a metal tail cap removably attached to one end of said casing and within which said spring retainer is received; said tail cap having an opening therein for insertion of a charger jack.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
The flashlight of claim 4 which further includes a metal contact plate disposed within said tail cap, and a reverse bulb disposed between said spring retainer and said contact plate and providing conductive coupling therebetween; said contact plate being engageable by the charger jack.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
141 words
In combination, a rechargeable flashlight and a recharger for same, characterized in that: said flashlight includes a metal housing, a movable contact plate disposed within the rearward end of said housing, and spring means normally holding said contact plate in conductive engagement with said housing end; said housing end has an opening adapted for insertion of an electrical plug; said recharger includes an associated holder having two ends between which the ends of said flashlight are grasped; and one of said holder ends having an electrical plug protruding therefrom, and the other of said holder ends having cam means for forcing said housing rearward end against said plug to thereby force said contact plate out of engagement with said housing enD; whereby said housing end and contact plate form the inputs of a charging circuit that is powered through said plug.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
141 words
In combination, a rechargeable flashlight and a recharger for same, characterized in that: said flashlight includes a metal housing, a movable contact plate disposed within the rearward end of said housing, and spring means normally holding said contact plate in conductive engagement with said housing end; said housing end has an opening adapted for insertion of an electrical plug; said recharger includes an associated holder having two ends between which the ends of said flashlight are grasped; and one of said holder ends having an electrical plug protruding therefrom, and the other of said holder ends having cam means for forcing said housing rearward end against said plug to thereby force said contact plate out of engagement with said housing enD; whereby said housing end and contact plate form the inputs of a charging circuit that is powered through said plug.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-08-12 | 1978-02-11 | 1978-08-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-08-12 | 1982-02-11 | 1982-08-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-08-12 | 1986-02-11 | 1986-08-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |