Patent Publication Number: US-4321657-A

Title: Torch

Description:
This invention relates to torches. Previous portable torches have a main body containing both the power supply and the light. This results in a large heavy torch in which the light may not be detached from the body without being disconnected from the power supply. Thus, if it is desired to inspect a fairly awkward location, or the light is required to be suspended from a fragile support, for example, both the body and the power supply have to go with the light, which creates obvious difficulties. 
     According to the present invention, a torch comprises a body defining a battery case, and a light fitting detachably mounted on the body and connected to it through a flexible lead so that the light may be used when on the body or when detached from the body. With this arrangement the light may remain connected to the battery but still be manoeuvrable separately from the body of the torch. 
     The body of the torch is preferably moulded from plastics as this is both light and strong, but it may be made out of other suitable material. 
     The light is mounted on the body by any suitable means such as a friction fit or a snapfit connection. 
     It may be desirable to have two lights, both connected to the same power supply so that while one light is operating separately from the body, the other remains attached to the torch. 
     In some circumstances, it may be required to use the light from an alternative power source in which case the light can be detached from the torch and a lead connected between the power supply and light may be disconnected leaving the light completely free from the torch. 
    
    
     The invention may be carried into practice in various ways, but one embodiment will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings; in which 
     FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a torch; 
     FIG. 2 is a plan view of the torch of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a view from underneath the torch of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a side elevation to a reduced scale of the torch with a fluorescent light assembly detached and a flashing light exposed; and 
     FIG. 5 shows the fluorescent light assembly disconnected from the main body. 
    
    
     The torch comprises a body 1 defining a case for a replaceable battery 15 and on which is slidably mounted a spot light and flashing light assembly 2, and to which a fluorescent light assembly 3 is detachably secured. A handle 4 is formed with the body 1 so that the torch may be readily carried. 
     The fluorescent light assembly 3 comprises a fluorescent tube 5 mounted between connections 6 and 7, which are secured to a base 8. The tube is protected by a transparent cover 9 secured to the base 8. The base 8 has an ON/OFF switch 10 for the light and is detachably secured to the body 1 by means (not shown). 
     The fluorescent light assembly 3 may be detached from the body 1 but still remain connected to the battery in the body by a lead 11, as shown in FIG. 4. The lead 11 can also be unplugged from a socket on the body, as shown in FIG. 5, so that the light can be connected to an alternative power source such as a car battery 16. 
     The flashing light assembly 2 comprises a spotlight 12 and a flashing light 13, as shown in FIG. 4. The assembly is slidably mounted in the body 1 to be capable of being moved between the position shown in FIG. 4, with the flashing light 13 exposed, and the position shown in FIG. 1 with the flashing light within the body 1. 
     The operation of the spotlight 12 is controlled by a switch 14 which may also control the flashing light 13. Alternatively the flashing light 13 may be arranged such that it is automatically &#34;ON&#34; when in the exposed position and &#34;OFF&#34; when covered by the body. 
     The fluorescent tube 5 requires an inverter circuit 17, if it is to be supplied with the necessary A.C. from a battery. The inverter circuit 17 may be included within the body 1, as shown in FIG. 4, or more conveniently the inverter circuit 17 is included within the base 8 as shown in FIG. 5, so that it will still be available when the fluorescent light fitting 3 is connected to the car battery 16. 
     It will be appreciated that the torch is particularly suitable for use by the owner of a motor car. The fixed or spotlight in the fitting 2 can be used, for example, for map reading, or generally as a conventional torch, while the flashing light can be used to give a warning, for example, if the car has broken down. The fluorescent light would be convenient, for example, for examining under the bonnet in the case of an engine failure, and for that purpose it can be detached from the main body and perhaps held, or suspended within the engine compartment. It will of course be lighter and smaller than the complete torch. In that position, it can be supplied from the car battery. Alternatively, it could be used as a reading lamp by a motorist who has stopped driving for the day, and is camping.