US 4,428,033 AGranted

Flashlight having test leads and a second, remote, magnetically attachable rotatable lamp

OwnerScott T. McBrideinventor

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Abstract

This invention provides a flashlight of conventional use that has a socket at its rear end. A plug and flexible conductor assembly is inserted into this socket and carries the battery power from the conventional flashlight to an auxiliary light. This auxiliary light consists of a bulb carried in a housing having a lens, reflector, bulb socket and connecting means for the flexible conductor assembly. This auxiliary housing is pivotally mounted on a bracket attached to a permanent magnet. When magnetic attachment of this auxiliary light is not possible an auxiliary member containing a metal plate and a suction cup is provided. A hook is also disclosed when and where rungs, such as on a ladder, are available. A test probe assembly is shown in two embodiments. In the first embodiment a plug is inserted in the flashlight socket and continuity is indicated by the lighting of the bulb in the flashlight. In the second embodiment a flexible lead system employing male and female connectors is shown that is interposed between the flashlight case and auxiliary housing and the auxiliary bulb is lighted to indicate continuity. Each test probe provides sharpened probe ends that are used to test for continuity in sheathed conductors. This invention enables a mechanic to position each light to obtain the maximum illumination possible. The conventional flashlight may be placed where convenient and the auxiliary light may be magnetically or otherwise attached and rotated three hundred sixty degrees so as to shine in any direction for the best possible illumination. This placement enables the mechanic to use both hands for manipulating his tools or doing whatever task necessary. Each light can be used simultaneously or only one at a time. This invention is easy to construct, use and convenient to carry.

A flashlight characterized as having a socket means for selectively and removably supplying electrical energy to a remotely disposed and connected lamp and/or continuity tester, said flashlight including;

(a) a flashlight case of conventional configuration and having a switch on the exterior of said case for supplying and connecting battery power from an enclosed battery source to one side of a first bulb carried within said case, the other side of this first bulb connected to said battery source and actuated only by said switch;
(b) a socket disposed and carried by said case and electrically and independently connected to both poles of the battery source, said socket disposed in that end of the flashlight case opposite the end in which the first bulb is carried, this socket providing contact means within the socket and in mounted condition providing electrical contacting means within the flashlight case to provide electrical energy from both sides of the battery source and independent of other connecting means to the same battery source and so that said electrical contacting means is insulated from random exterior contact;
(c) a plug insertable in and removable from said socket and when inserted in said socket said inserted plug engaging the contacting means in the socket and supplying conducting means from both poles of said battery source and carrying this electrical battery power to a second bulb disposed remotely from said flashlight case and/or to a continuity tester;
(d) a pair of flexible conductors extending from said plug to either a remote housing and said second bulb therein or to a continuity tester or to an interposed conductor, the insertion of said plug in said socket effecting a conducting path to said battery source so as to light this second bulb, or through an interposed continuity tester and conductors, or to a continuity tester disposed to only illuminate the first bulb and absent actuation of switch when continuity is established, and
(e) a magnetic device providing a base secured to a bracket which pivotally supports and retains said remote housing and the second bulb therein and maintains said housing in a selected adjusted position so that the lighted second bulb directs the light therefrom to a selected area.

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Abstract

Claims11