US2340530A - Combination traffic control and flashlight device - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 1; 1944. HEFNER 2,340,530

COMBINATION TRAFFIC CONTROL AND FLASHLIGHT DEVICE I Filed July 14, 1941,

INVENTOR.

' H 5607199 [Zflefner Patented FebJl, 1944 commandos name comm. AND

rmsmrcn'rnavrca "George D. Hefner, Oak Park, 111. Application July 14, 1941, serial No. 402,314-

' 2 Claims. (Cl. 240-642) The present invention relates generally to a night use, but more .particulariy to a novel and improved construction in which a simple or conventional form 01 flashlight is converted into a trafllc control light which may be used at the same time as a flash light.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel, improved and substantially indestructible traffic control light which is economical to manuiacture and can be used to perform the functions of a flashlight, trafllc control light or a policemans club. l

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved construction or traflic control light in which a diaphanous member. is detachably secured to a conventional form of flash light so that when the same is detached, it may be more conveniently carried about. 7

A still further object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved traflic control light in which a cylindrical formed solid member fabricated from a transparent plastic material such as Lucite" has its cylindrical surface coated or painted with a red coloring so as to impart a danger signal and at the same time permit the transmission of the light rays longitudinally through the member so that the same may be used as a flashlight.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved construction of trafllc control light in which is combined a conventional flashlight having a light bulb, a light reflector and a solid cylindrical diaphanous member made from transparent plastic material and so constructed and arranged that the member and reflector may be adjusted with respect to the light bulb to permit the light rays passing through the member to be properly focussed when using the device as a flashlight.

These and other objects are. accomplished by providing a construction and an' arrangement of the various parts scribed and particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

Referring to the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational trafilc control light; 7

- Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view partly in cross section of the same; I

Fig. 3 is an end elevational view of the device shown in Figs. 1 and 2; and

Fig. 4 is a perspectiveview of the detachable diaphanous cylindrical signalling member with its associated collar.

view of my improved traflic controlor signalling device adapted for In illustrating one form of my invention I have shown the same in connection with a conven tional form of flashlight generally indicated by the reference character ll. The flashlight in this instance is provided. with the usual cylindrical dry batteries (not shown) and mounted within the cylindrical casing l l. Mounted on one side of the casing I l is the usual or conventional slide switch generally indicated by the reference character 12.

Mounted on one end of the tubular member I I and secured thereto by means of rivets l0 is an externally threaded cap l3. Secured to the axial center of the cap I! is a threaded bulb socket H in which a light bulb i5 is mounted. Mounted in threaded engagement with the cap I3 is an outthreaded as shown at IT. Mounted in threaded engagement with the threaded portion II of the bulb casing I6 is a collar 18 having an inwardly extending annular flange 20. Seated on the outer edge of the light bulb casing 18 through the medium of a peripheral flange I8 is a light reflector l9. Mounted between the inwardly extending flange 20 of the threaded collar I8 is a sleeve 2| whichas a peripheral flange 23. The sleeve 23 is f providedwith a.centrally threaded bore as shown at 26. The reflector l9 has a central aperture 22 through which the light bulb l5 projects. By examination of Fig. '2 of the drawing, it will be obvious that when the threaded collar I! is screwed on to the light bulb casing IS, the outer periphery or flange l8 0! the reflector l8 and the outer peripheral flange 23 oi'the sleeve 2| are 1 clamped therebetween for securing these parts in place. Embracing the bulb casing l6 and the collar 18 and extending over the flange 23 of the sleeve 2| is a cylindrical rubber casing 24'. Em-

bracing the outer end 01' the flashlight casing ll is a similar rubber casing 25. These rubber cas- 4 ings protect the metal parts and virtually make in the manner hereinafter dethe traific control indestructible.

Mounted inthreaded engagement with the threaded sleeve M as shown at 26 is a detachable transparent member 21. This member 21 is preferably made of transparent plastic material such as Lucite and is diaphanous, permitting the lightraysto pass longitudinally therethrough so that the trafllc control light may be used for flashlight purposes. Thecylindrical surface or the member 21 is provided with a red coating or covering so that a trafllc ofllcer may signal the traffic in the operation of the traflic control device.

Summarizingthe functions and methods or operation of my improved signal control tramc light, it will be obvious that the cylindrical member 21 may be detached by unscrewing the same from the threaded sleeve member 2| so that the two parts may be more compactly arranged for carrying the same about when not in use. However, when the same is connected up for operation in the manner indicated in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawing, the switch l2 may be actuated to ener- .member 21. The focusing of the light permits the distribution or concentration of the light when the device is used as a flashlight.

From the above description it will be readily seen that I have provided a simple, compact as well as novel trafllc control light which is virtually indestructible and may be used as a policemans club, a flashlight or a trafiic control light.

While in the above specification I have described one embodiment which my invention may assume in practice, it will of course'be understood that the sam is capable of modification and that modification may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the following claims.

What I claim is my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent:

l. A trafllc control light comprising a cylindrical casing, a threaded cap secured to one end of said casing, a light bulb secured a bulb housing adjustable with respect to and mounted in threaded engagement with said cap. a light reflector carried by said housing, a sleeve carried by said housing and having a centrally located threaded bore therein) a collar mounted in threaded engagement with said housing for securing said sleeve and said reflector to said housing, and a detachable diaphanous member mounted in threaded engagement with the threaded bore of said sleeve, whereby said housing may be adjusted with respect to said light bulb for focusing the light passing longitudinally through said diaphanous member.

2. A trafllc control light comprising a cylindrical casing, a threaded cap secured to one end of said casing, a light bulb secured to said cap, a bulb housing adjustable with respect to and mounted in threaded engagement with said cap, a light reflector carried by said housing, a sleeve carried by said housing and having a centrally located threaded bore therein, a collar mounted in threaded engagement with said housing for securing said sleeve and said reflector to said housing, a cylindrical/diaphanous member detachably secured to said sleeve, said diaphanous 'member having its cylindrical surface coated in a.

substantially red color for signalling purposes,

and means for adjusting said diaphanous member and reflector with respect to said light bulb.

GEORGE D. HEFNER.

to said cap;

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