BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings, wherein the same element number indicates the same element in each of the views:
FIG. 1 is a top and front perspective view of a novel flashlight/pedometer according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the flashlight/pedometer shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a left side view of the flashlight/pedometer shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
FIG. 4 is a top view.
FIG. 5 is a back end view.
FIG. 6 is a right side view.
FIG. 7 is a right side view, similar to FIG. 6, and showing the head of the pedometer pivoted at an angle to the body of the pedometer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In general terms, the present flashlight/pedometer has a first section or piece which may typically include a pedometer assembly, a display, and/or batteries. A second section or piece is advantageously pivotably attached to the first section. The second section includes one or more lighting elements, controlled by a switch. The switch may be on either the first or second section. A clip is advantageously provided on the first section, to allow the first section to be attached to the users belt, waistband, etc. The second section, including the lighting element(s) can then be pivoted to direct a light beam as desired.
Turning now in detail to the drawings, as shown in FIG. 1, a flashlight/pedometer 10 has a first section or body 12 attached to a second section or head 14 by a hinge or pivot connection 20. A display, such as an LCD display 16, is provided on the body 12 or head 14. In the design shown, the display 16 is on the body 12. A reset button 18 is used for resetting the count of steps or paces taken. The reset button 18 is typically provided adjacent to the display 16, although it may optionally be located at other positions on the body 12 or head 14.
As best shown in FIG. 1, one or more lighting elements 26, such as LEDs, are provided on the head 14. In the design shown, three LEDs 26 are used. A reflector 22 may optionally be provided around or behind the LEDs 26. A transparent lens or cover 24 may also optionally be attached over the LEDs 26 on the head 14. The cover 24 may act as a physical barrier to better prevent damage or degradation of the LEDs 26. Alternatively, the cover 24 may also act as a lens, to focus light emitted by the LEDs 26.
Referring now also to FIGS. 2, 4, and 6, a pedometer assembly 31 is provided within the body 12. The pedometer assembly 31 typically includes a circuit 32 and a pendulum, accelerometer, or other device 33 to detect the users steps. The circuit 32 counts steps detected by the device 33, and displays the number of steps on the display 16. The circuit 32 is electrically connected to the display 16, the reset button 18, the device 33, and to batteries 38. The circuit 32, device 33, and batteries 38 are typically contained within the body 12 of the flashlight/pedometer 10. However, one or more of these elements may optionally be located on or in the head 14.
A lighting switch 30 is also electrically connected to the batteries 38 and to the LEDs 26, for switching the LEDs on and off. Although the switch 30 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 as located on the side of the body 12, the switch 30 may be located elsewhere as well, including on the head 14. One or more batteries may be used. In the design shown, four 1.5 volt DC (AG12) batteries are contained within the body 12.
As shown in FIG. 5, a clip 42 is attached to the body 12. The opening 44 of the clip 42 is on the left side in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 1, the head 14 may have a narrower rearwardly projecting neck section 15, with the head 14 generally having a T shape. The neck section 15 extends between a pair of arms 13 on the body. The pivotable connection or hinge 20 may be made between the arms 13 and the neck section 15 of the head 14.
In use, the flashlight/pedometer 10 is clipped onto a users belt, waistband, etc. via the clip 42. The opening 44 of the clip 42 is oriented with the pendulum, accelerometer, or other device 33, so that as the user walks, the device 33 detects walking movement. The circuit 32 counts paces which are displayed on the display 16. The LEDs 26 may be turned on via the switch 30. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, the head 14 can pivot through ± angle A. Angle A may advantageously range 5-120, 15-90 or 30-50 degrees. In the design shown, angle A is about 30-45 degrees. This allows the light from the LEDs 26 to be aimed within a wide angle, without the need for moving the body 12 which is attached to the user. In addition to making the user more visible, light from the LEDs 26 may be aimed as needed on the pathway ahead of the user. The light may also be aimed onto a lock (such as a car door, entry door, etc.) as may be needed or desired. The circuit 32 may optionally be provided with a beacon/blink function, to optionally cause the LEDs 26 to flash or blink, to enhance the visibility of the user, and also conserving battery power.
Thus a novel flashlight/pedometer has been shown and described. Various changes and substitutions may of course be made, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The invention, therefore, should not be limited, except to the following claims, and the equivalents.
Patent Application
20080027674
