Gravity controlled lighting device

#1. Field of Invention

#This invention relates to a lighting device used primarily as a warning device or road flare. The device is normally stored in the trunk of an emergency vehicle until it is needed to alert oncoming drivers of a hazard in the road. It is commonly used by first responders such as policeman or fireman however it can be used by private citizens as well. In an emergency the user removes the light from his vehicle and places it in the road to signal to approaching vehicles the fact that a hazard exists. It is common practice for several of these devices to be placed in the roadway forming a wedge to guide approaching vehicles around the hazard.

#2. Prior Art

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the lighting device

#FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the lighting device

#FIG. 3 is a top view of a typical road hazard scene

#DRAWINGS - Reference Letters AT Tilt Angle C1 Obstructing Car C2 Approaching Car CG Center of Gravity D1 Distance One D2 Base Dimension D3 Height DE Extended Distance H1 Horizontal HB Horizontal Light Beam HR Horizontal Road HS Horizontal Shelf L1 Lighting Device 1 L2 Lighting Device 2 L3 Lighting Device 3 L4 Lighting Device 4 MA Movement Arrow OI Orientation Indicator P1 Position One Angle P2 Position Two Angle P3 Position Three Angle P4 Position Four Angle P5 Position Five Angle P6 Position Six Angle P7 Position Seven Angle P8 Position Eight Angle R Stability Ratio R1 Light Ray 1 R2 Light Ray 2 R3 Light Ray 3 R4 Light Ray 4 R5 Light Ray 5 R6 Light Ray 6 R7 Light Ray 7 R8 Light Ray 8 S1 Slot One S2 Slot Two S3 Slot Three S4 Slot Four T Trunk TC Trunk Closed Position TO Trunk Open Position V Vertical V1 Vertical One V2 Vertical Two Reference Numerals 1 2 housing 3 cover 4 base 5 window 6 main switch 7 adapter 8 magnet 9 circuit 10 thread 11 circuit board 12 gravity power controller 13 longitudinal axis 14 power supply 15 positive contact 16 negative contact 17 disable switch 18 light source 19 optic 20 loop 21 22 lanyard 23 holding location 24 bracket 25 carrier 26 carrier top 27 carrier bottom 28 handle 29 wings 30 tracks 31 recess 32 catch 33 flex location 34 top cut-out 35 bottom cut-out 36 storage bracket 37 flasher module 38 storage bracket bottom 39 surface 40 self threading screws 50 lighting device Operational Description of the Preferred Embodiment FIGS. 1-20

#Lighting device 50 of FIGS. 1 through 20 is the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Looking at FIGS. 1 through 20 lighting device 50 is cylindrical shaped low profile portable lighting device comprising housing 2. Housing 2 includes cover 3 and base 4 which permits lighting device 50 to remain stable and upright when placed on a flat surface such as a horizontal road. Base 4 is usually constructed of a tough plastic and optionally includes powerful magnet 8 glued into a molded cavity. Magnet 8 is employed so that lighting device 50 can be attached to metallic surfaces. Housing 2 further includes adapter 7 usually molded as part of base 4 which serves to secure a lanyard other device for holding and transporting lighting device 50. Cover 3 usually constructed of a transparent plastic includes window 5 to be later described for transmitting light. Cover 3 also permits access to main switch 6.

#FIG. 3 is a top view of a typical use for lighting device 50 on a horizontal road HR where obstructing car C1 is inoperable and lighting devices L1, L2, L3 and L4 similar to lighting device 50 are placed in a wedge formation to direct approaching car C2 safely around. Lighting device 50 is constructed with a wide base, low profile and low center of gravity so that it can withstand accidental run over by approaching vehicles without damage and without being knocked down from its standing position.