Patent Application
20140268714
There are many circumstances in which providing the option of a reversible attachment mechanism to link a flashlight to a holding device would be attractive, especially for a compact flashlight whose low weight could be supported by a standard key-ring. Simple approaches, such as providing a hole, near one end of the flashlight housing, through which a split ring could be threaded, are undesirable, as the threading and unthreading actions required of the user are relatively awkward and time-consuming processes, given the typical sizes and shapes of currently available flashlight housings.
Embodiments generally relate to providing a flashlight attachment apparatus. In one embodiment, a flashlight attachment apparatus includes a first cavity and a reversible attachment mechanism. The reversible attachment mechanism comprises a first portion, configured to mate reversibly with the first cavity, and a second portion configured to mate with a holding device.
In another embodiment, a method includes modifying a standard compact flashlight housing by creating a cavity, configured to allow reversible mating with a first portion of a reversible attachment mechanism, in one end of the housing. A second portion of the reversible attachment mechanism is configured to mate with a holding device.
Embodiments described herein enable a user to easily attach and detach a flashlight from a holding device. The option of an easily reversible attachment mechanism is likely to be particularly useful for compact flashlights, allowing them to be carried on or about the person, attached to a holder, that is already in the user's possession serving other purposes, such as a key-ring holding keys.
Some embodiments provide a flashlight attachment apparatus including a mechanism that depends on the user-controlled compression and release of a coil spring within the mechanism to quickly release or attach the mechanism from the flashlight housing. In some embodiments the mechanism depends on the user-controlled displacement of one or more balls within the mechanism to quickly release or attach the mechanism from the flashlight housing.
Various embodiments described below with particular reference to
Omitted from
In some embodiments, coil spring 202 may be replaced by another type of spring. The word “spring” is defined herein to include any “spring-like” element or device that tends to return to its original shape and configuration after being distorted by an applied force. Gas compression, hydraulic forces, the use of rubber or elastomeric materials, or even magnetic forces may be involved.
In some embodiments, only one ball 204 may be present, but load-balancing considerations would generally favor the use of two or more.
The particular arrangements shown in
In some embodiments, the housing of a standard flashlight may be modified by creating a cavity, such as that shown as first cavity 104 in
In some embodiments, a reversibly attachable flashlight system may be provided by modifying the housing of a standard flashlight system as discussed above, and providing the reversible attachment mechanism and the modified flashlight system, to the user.
In some embodiments, a flashlight housing may be manufactured from “scratch”, creating a cavity as described above, without first obtaining a standard flashlight housing.
In some embodiments, an “opposite” arrangement of the one shown in
Embodiments described herein provide various benefits. In particular, embodiments enable a user to quickly and easily attach and detach a flashlight from a holder that may, for example, be a key-ring kept at some fixed location, or placed in a vehicle, or carried by the user in a pocket, wallet, or case. These benefits may be especially convenient for a user who routinely carries a key-ring, and may occasionally find a compact hand-held flashlight helpful.
Although the description has been described with respect to particular embodiments thereof, these particular embodiments are merely illustrative, and not restrictive.
As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, “a”, “an”, and “the” includes plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in”, “on”, and “in close proximity to” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Thus, while particular embodiments have been described herein, latitudes of modification, various changes, and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instances some features of particular embodiments will be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope and spirit as set forth. Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the essential scope and spirit.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61,786,496, entitled “Flashlight Attachment Apparatus”, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in full in this application for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61786496 | Mar 2013 | US |
