Programmable lighting device

#This invention relates to lighting devices which are programmable to produce variable light output. In particular, it relates to devices where light output is selectable by a user. For example, it is applicable to hand held torches with user-adjustable light output levels.

#The development and increased commercial use of LEDs in all kinds of lighting device has led to a desire to be able to control the power level and hence the brightness at which the devices operate. One reason for this is that modern LEDs can be exceptionally bright when run at full power. Such brightness may not be suitable for the task or mood for which the lighting device is needed, so it is useful to be able to select a more suitable brightness when required. Furthermore, when running at full power, LEDs can use substantial amounts of energy. Reducing the operating brightness also reduces the power consumption. This is especially useful when the lighting device battery-powered, as using reduced power can extend the life of the battery.

#Hand held torches are a particular example of a lighting device where brightness control is used. One reason for this is the wide variety of situations or conditions in which one may use a torch. A known torch of this type is the EDC Ultimate Flashlight manufactured by HDS Systems, Inc. This flashlight permits the user to select the brightness of four levels which can be accessed quickly during use. The brightness of each level is selected from one of 19 or 20 preset (non-adjustable) levels. The user can also select from a number of preset flashing modes if they are desired instead of a steady beam. In this example, selection and setting is achieved by manipulating the flashlight's operating button. The flashlight is arranged to distinguish between short ‘clicks’ and longer ‘presses’ of the button, and the user is able to access and change the optional features described above by entering different sequences of clicks and/or presses. However, the limited vocabulary of sequences and their complexity makes the options on the flashlight difficult and time-consuming to set.

#An example of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

#FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a lighting device (flashlight) which is an embodiment of the invention;

#FIG. 2 shows a transverse cross sectional view of the flashlight shown in FIG. 1;

#FIG. 1 illustrates the flashlight 1 that is a lighting device according to an embodiment of the invention. The flashlight 1 has a battery body made of e.g. aluminium for holding a battery which is the power force of the flashlight 1. At one end of the battery body 2, a control unit 4 is attached, e.g. by screw fittings, between the battery body 2 and a reflector 6. An LED 10 is mounted on a light source module which attaches to the end of the control unit 4 facing the reflector 6. A transparent lens cover is attached to the front face of the reflector 6 by a lens ring 8.

#To operate the control unit 4, a push button 12 is provided in its outer surface, secured by a button collar 14. A tripod bush 16 is built into the control unit 4 to enable the flashlight 1 to be stably mounted, e.g. remotely from a user or an another device, e.g. tripod, firearm etc.

#An additional means of operating the flashlight 1 is provided at the far end of the battery housing 2. A tail switch is provided in the form of a push button 18 which is mounted on the battery body 2 via a locking ring 22. The push button 18 acts through a tail bush 20 onto a spring disk 24. The tail bush 20 is arranged to detect when the push button is pressed in a conventional way.