Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02498388 2005-02-04
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to a flashlight positioning systems, and more
particularly,
to a method and apparatus for controlling the flashlight and/or rotation of a
flashlight in a
desired location and, more particularly a base, which does not interfere with
adjustment.
Rotation systems, which have been used in various specialized objects, have
been
employed as rotary position in varying applications. However, rotation systems
have not
been used in instances where flashlights providing free hand positioning and
obtaining
unlimited magnetic focus area for a desired spot to be illuminated. Moreover,
obtaining a
flashlight magnetically fixed providing rotation having free hand options, and
providing
the option to detached the flashlight in a desired hand holding situation.
A person with one of her/his hands holds the flashlight; the hand most often
will not also
be usable to help in conducting an operation at the point illuminated.
Furthermore, the
flashlight is limited to its position of being suspended, hooked, or simply
placed on a flat
surface. The capacities when positioning a magnetic flashlight in a household,
or other
locations in a blackout situation and /or missing electricity are the key
requirements.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a flashlight positioning
system, which
is inexpensive, accurate, and capable of high repeatability for absolute
unlimited
positioning. Other objects of the invention are a flashlight positioning
system, which is
relatively without rotation function and without having a magnetic function,
and which
has long life, high reliability, and good free hand quality offering unlimited
areas for
many examples as given in images of this invention.
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CA 02498388 2005-02-04
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a base positioning system for rotating a flashlight.
The invention
features a base to which the flashlight is magnetically attached for rotation.
The rotation;
a combination of parts which being directly secured to the adjustment
mechanism itself to
a base for driving the base unit to effect rotation of the flashlight about
the unit and
relative to the base; the unit containing a magnetic receiving housing for
coupling with
the flashlight containing a magnetic end.
In particular embodiments of the invention, the system uses a base containing
a
permanent fixed magnetic unit under the base, the base surface containing a
centered
flexible neck rotation mechanism attached to the base. The flexible neck
member surface
is a centrally located having a magnet which is mounted into the housing and
on the
surface of the housing being centered for receiving a magnetic object such as;
a flashlight
having a magnetic end.
The flexible neck centrally located having a first end and a second end; first
end
containing a magnet, which is mounted on the surface of the housing; a second
end being
attached to the base. The flexible neck is mounted with the base; the base
containing a
fixed centered flexible neck for engaging a flashlight having a magnetic
element at the
end.
The rotational position of the centrally located neck relative to the base is
measured by
the amount of length used between the second end attached to the base and the
opposite
extended end to its open housing itself.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from
the
following description taken together of preferred embodiments of the
invention.
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CA 02498388 2005-02-04
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
T'he invention, its configuration, construction, and operation will be best
further described
in the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying
drawing in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the magnetic base having a flexible member of
the present
invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a flashlight containing a magnetic element at
the end;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the magnetic base and a flashlight as in FIG.
1; and FIG.
2, which demonstrates when not assembled;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the magnetic base and a flashlight as in FIG.
1; and FIG.
2, which demonstrates when are assembled;
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the magnetic base illustrating the manner in
which the
embodiment of the invention is assembled of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the top and bottom of the magnetic base;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the base when positioned on a right side;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the base when position on a left side;
FIG. 9 is a side view of the magnetic base when positioned on an upstanding
right side;
FIG. 10 is a side view of the magnetic base when positioned on an upstanding
left side;
FIG. 11 is a top view of the base demonstrating a flashlight assembled to the
base;
FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the back of the base demonstrating the magnet
elements;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the magnetic base with a flashlight when
positioned on a
corner of a wall where a wall has a drywall corner bead installed;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the base with a flashlight when positioned on
a wall;
FIG. 15 is a view of the magnetic base with a flashlight when positioned on a
refrigerator;
FIG. 16 is a view of the magnetic base with a flashlight when positioned on a
kitchen
stove;
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CA 02498388 2005-02-04
FIG. 17 is a view of the magnetic base with a flashlight when positioned in an
upstanding
position of a kitchen hood;
FIG. 18 is a view of the magnetic base with a flashlight when positioned on a
bathtub;
FIG. 19 is a view of the magnetic base with a flashlight when positioned on
heater;
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CA 02498388 2005-02-04
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A preferred embodiment reference to FIG. l, a magnetic base 30 of the present
invention
comprises a centered flexible member 36 having an opposite end as a housing 34
which
the opening of the upper housing 34 contain a magnetic element 32, which the
flexible
member 36 second end is attached to the magnetic base 30.
FIG. 2 illustrates a flashlight 29 containing an exterior magnet 28 positioned
at the
bottom of a flashlight. The flashlight 29 may contain a closing end cap in a
twistable
rotation function having an exterior magnet piece sealed to the closing cap.
The
flashlight may contain from two to four AA batteries in the battery
compartment.
Another benefit of the configuration of the present flashlight magnet assembly
is that the
flashlight may be removed easily from its base for handgrip purpose.
FIG. 3 illustrates the base 30 and the flashlight 29 not assembles. The
flexible neck 36
having the magnetic element 32 demonstrates the flashlight 29 having a
magnetic
element 28 in a close view for assembling position.
As seen in FIG. 4 illustrate the base 30 when a flashlight 29 is placed
therein to aim a
beam of light at an area to be illuminated and with this connection; the
flashlight 29 is
adjustable for focusing because of its rotation relationship to the housing
34. The base 30
is preferably formed of a rigid, durable; yet relatively light weight
materials such as, PVC
or other plastic, metal for the base and a flashlight maintaining resiliency
and durability.
Reference to FIG. 5, the magnetic base 30 comprises a member having a first
end and an
opposite second end. The first member is a housing 34 and the opposed end is a
connector 38. The housing 34 containing a central magnet 32, which is mounted
on the
surface of the opening of the housing 34. A flexible neck 36 containing a
second end
connector 38 for a rotational attachment in a downwardly centered position to
engage the
center opening connector 40 of the top of the base 30. The connector 40 is
centrally
molded inside in the interior of the base for engaging the connector 38. The
base 30
supports the flexible neck 36. The base 30 is a snake contour shape assembled
to the
flexible neck 36 having a snake contour shape obtaining a sealed base.
So assembled, the base and the flexible neck of the base, allowing the neck
3fr to
articulate about a joint, providing a wide range of motion for the housing 34
and the
attached magnetic flashlight as seen in FIG. 4, providing for desired
positioning for the
illuminated area. The orientation, the degree angles, and the positioning
outcomes a wide
range of options.
With references to FIG. 6, the opening 42 of the connector 40 is shown in a
ce~ally
position on top of the base. The magnet 56 is positioned under the base in a
permanent
fixed position. The magnet may be covered with an appropriate material, such a
soft
resilient plastic as known in the art, providing a protection to the magnet
and from the
magnet when positioned to a specific area.
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CA 02498388 2005-02-04
The magnet 56 preferably is strong for adequate strength for the entire weight
of the base
30 when a flashlight is united; including the magnet 32 (FIG. 5), preferably
adequate
strength to withhold the weight of a magnetic flashlight when united.
FIG. 7 demonstrates the base 30 when positioned on a right side view
demonstrating a
flashlight not assemble. FIG. 8 demonstrates the base 30 when positioned on a
left side
view demonstrating a flashlight not assemble. FIG. 9 demonstrates the base 30
from a
right side view having in an upstanding rotation elevation view of a
flashlight not
assemble. FIG. 10 demonstrates the base 30 from a left side view having in an
upstanding rotation elevation view of a flashlight not assemble. FIG. 11
demonstrates the
base 30 from a top view showing a surface of a flashlight assemble.
FIG. 12 demonstrates the base 30 from a view of the back of base showing the
positions
of the magnetic members 56.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the magnetic base with a flashlight when
positioned on a
corner of a wall where a wall has a drywall corner bead installed.
FIG. 14 demonstrates a wall containing a drywall corner bead installed,
projecting a clear
view where the base can be hold simply from a corner wall as known in the art.
The
possibilities in a household or other become unlimited of options and areas
such as, a
bedroom closets, wall divisions etc. for the magnetic base.
As shown in FIG. 15 a magnetic base holding a flashlight holds on a wall
containing a
drywall corner bead installed on a corner of a stairway becoming extremely
practical
when not limited to what level of height the base may be positioned.
Demonstrating
other areas for the base in a household as shown in FIG. 16 on a refrigerator
for
illuminating the kitchen, in FIG. 17 on a kitchen stove for illuminating a
floor, in FIG. 18
on a kitchen hood in an upstanding position for illuminating a stove are
examples of
unlimited areas to position the magnetic base.
Representative of areas of a household for the base as shown in FIG. 19 on a
bathtub side
illuminating where desired, in FIG. 20 on a electrical heater for illuminating
the floor of a
room when out of electricity and power becoming very particle mostly when out
of
electricity for use in need of light in a child room without disturbing the
eyesight of
illumination. This invention of a magnetic base for a flashlight holder
provides for
different areas and utilities, unrestricted levels of use of the positioning
of the base.
It is thought that the present invention and its advantages will be understood
from the
foregoing description and it will be apparent that various changes may be made
thereto
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing
all of its
material advantages, the form hereinbefore described being merely preferred or
exemplary embodiment thereof.
*****
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