Bi-metallic test switch
OwnerDavid M. Alleninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A convoluted, bi-metallic test strip is inserted between a battery and an electrical circuit within a flashlight having a nonzero, quiescent, current drain. Squeezing the test strip permits consumers to temporarily test the flashlight. The strip is then removed by consumers after the flashlight has been purchased.
Claims20
A low cost convoluted test strip for testing a battery powered device, the strip being positionable between terminals of a power supply circuit incorporating the battery, comprising:
- an elongated, flexible insulating layer defining upper and lower sides and first and second ends;
- an upper conductive layer on the upper side;
- a lower conductive layer on the lower side, the conductive layers being substantially electrically insulated from one another by the insulating layer;
- and,
- a convoluted portion adjacent to the first end of the strip, such that a portion of the lower conductive layer is cantilevered above and resiliently suspended with respect to an adjacent non-cantilevered portion of the upper conductive layer whereby the cantilevered portion of the strip can be depressed with respect to the non-cantilevered portion of the strip to establish electrical continuity between the conductive layers.
A low cost convoluted test strip for testing a battery powered device, the strip being positionable between terminals of a power supply circuit incorporating the battery, comprising:
- an elongated, insulating layer defining upper and lower sides;
- an upper conductive layer on the upper side;
- a lower conductive layer on the lower side;
- and,
- a convoluted portion adjacent to an end of the strip, such that a portion of the lower conductive layer is cantilevered above and suspended with respect to an adjacent non-cantilevered portion of the upper conductive layer whereby the cantilevered portion of the strip can be depressed with respect to the non-cantilevered portion of the strip to establish electrical continuity between the conductive layers.
A process for manufacturing a convoluted test strip for testing a battery powered device, the strip being positionable between terminals of a power supply circuit incorporating the battery, comprising the steps of:
- providing an elongated, flexible strip manufactured from an electrically insulating material, coating opposite sides of the strip with an electrically conductive material;
- convoluting an end portion of the strip in a first fold at approximately a first angle with respect to a main body portion of the strip so as to form a tab portion;
- and,
- convoluting the tab portion at the first fold at a second angle with respect to the first fold such that the tab portion is suspended over the main body portion in a cantilever fashion whereby depressing the tab portion with respect to the main body portion can establish electrical continuity between the opposite sides of the strip.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.