US3593016A - Car battery operated camp and trouble light - Google Patents

Abstract

A car battery operated camp and trouble light including a stand, a foldable base, an open frame surrounding and protecting the light bulb, suspension means at both ends of the stand (top and bottom) and a removable shade. The basic idea is to provide a camping and trouble light of multiple uses which will work from the power of a 12-volt car battery by plugging into the cigarette lighter socket on the car dashboard.

Description

United States Patent inventor John P. Gcrdel 9408 8. 84th Terrace. Renown. Mo. 64131 Appi. No. 863.220

Ffled Oct. 2. I969 Patented Jul [3. I97! CAI BATTERY OPERATED CAMP AND TROUBLE LIGHT 5 Chine. 5 Drawing Flu.

US. CL Mil/8.18, 1 16/63. 240/53. 240/54. 240/81. 340/90. 340/366 Field olSurch.......... 116/28.63.

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References Chad UNITED STATES PATENTS 1.262.964 4/1918 McFaddin 240/53 1.535.658 4/1925 Ermold 2 10/52.! X 1.606.219 11/1926 Havens 240/5211 X 2.165.562 7/1939 Mack cl a1. 240/8118 2,241,319 5/1941 Roseberry 240/521 X 2.489.037 1l/l949 Kailer 1 1 240/818 2,745,000 5/1956 llowalcykv H 240/54 2.975.412 3/1961 Fuller e1 a1 1 340/366 3.034.098 5/1962 Clasen 340/81 Primary Examiner- Louis J. Capozi Attorney-Scofield. Knkjcr. Scofield & Lowe ABSTRACT: A car battery operated camp and trouble light including a stand. a foldable base. an open frame surrounding and protecting the light bulb. suspension means at both ends of the stand (top and bottom) and a removable shade.

The basic idea is to provide a camping and trouble light of multiple uses which will work from the power ofa l2-volt car battery by plugging into the cigarette lighter socket on the car dashboard.

PATENTED JUL 1 3 l9?! 3.593.016

SHEET 2 BF 2 INVENTOR CAR BATTERY OPERATED CAMP AND TROUBLE LIGHT SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The structure involves a hollow tube body carrying the electrical power cord internally thereof and on which is mounted a conventional socket operable to receive a light bulb. There is further provided an open frame surrounding the light bulb with a removable hook at the top adaptable to hang the lamp from any convenient support such as a tree branch. A clip is fixed to the bottom of the tube body for base mounting or attachment. The foldable base or stand has a first lower attachment at the lower end of the tube body for base mounting or attachment. The foldable base has a second attachment to the tube body to form a sliding collar. The latter is moved upwardly on the tube body from an open position. which provides a base or stand for the lamp to a closed position with the elements of the stand lying alongside the tube body for stowabil-ity. A plurality of rods extend from the top of the tube body upwardly around the light socket in an open frame, the rodsjoining thereabove. A removable shade is provided which itself comprises a set or group of centrally hinged panels connected to a central ring. The latter ring may be slipped over a top bolt carried on a nut fixed to the top of the bulb surrounding frame. An internally threaded nut (carrying the top hook) is threadable o and off said top bolt. The removal of said internally threaded nut with the hook from the top bolt permits the mounting and removal of the shade construction from said bolt. Once the shade is applied to the bolt, the threaded nut is replaced thereafter to retain the shade, the shade overlying the frame around the bulb.

The US. Fat to Stewart No. l,722,773, issued July 20, I929 for Portable Support for Electric Lamps shows a light bulb socket on a ball and socket joint with a clip attached to the ball and socket.

Kollath US Pat. No. l,777,003 Portable Lamp" issued Sept. 30, 1930 shows a pincer-type clip attached to the reflector on a screened light socket.

Sand US. Pat. No. 2,452,327 Multipurpose Light" issued Oct. 26, I948, shows a light socket in a wire grid or cage with hook means for support, reflectors of various types, etc.

Dunkelberger U.S. Pat. No. 2,570,329 Trouble Light With Tripod-Forming Support, issued Oct. 9, 1951 shows (see sheet 2 of the drawings), a light having a clothes-hanger-type means for suspension and a bell-type reflector.

Suttie US. Pat. No. 3,177,358 Light Fixture issued Apr. 6, 1965 shows a screened trouble light with a platform and a magnet for attachment thereof.

The prior art further includes kerosene lanterns of various types, battery-operated flashlights, carriable portable search lights and the like, as well as a l2-volt fluorescent bulb light powered out of the cigarette lighter.

The device is useful as a work light if the car breaks down by a blowout, engine failure, or the like. That is, the light may be set on the ground by the fender of the car to replace the tire. Additionally, it may be used as a warning light on the highway. Further, it can be hung from the hood to look at the engine while same is being repaired. It also may serve to illuminate the gas tank opening when adding extra gas or the radiator when extra water is being added.

It is useable as a camping aid in outdoor applications with a pulled trailer, a tent, a knockdown pulled trailer, or the like. A 35-foot cord is preferred. It could be hung from a tree branch or clipped to the edge of a tarp fly. Likewise, it may be mounted on a drain guard An object ofthe invention is to provide a trouble light which may be mounted by any one of a plurality of means all permanently provided associated with the lamp structure.

Another object of the invention is to provide a trouble light having at least three independent mounting means associated therewith, namely. a collapsible base, a clip and a hook.

Another object of the invention is to provide a trouble or camping light which may be universally used, in that it may be supported on the ground or a flat surface, an automobile hood or the like or clipped to any convenient extending object.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electric light and lamp construction of a very simple, yet rugged construction which may be conveniently arranged in such manner as to serve a great many different purposes.

Another object of the invention is to provide a trouble or camping light which has a removable shade which is easily and conveniently both attached and removed and may be carried in a folded-up configuration.

Another object of the invention is to provide a multipurpose camping and trouble light which is readily adapted for us as a suspension lamp, either upright or depending, either with or without reflector means or yet which may be used as a table or ground light.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mounting frame for a low voltage light bulb powerable from a l2-volt car battery which includes a supporting frame, a protecting frame, a hanging book, a mounting clip, a pedestal base, and a removable shade.

Another object of the invention is to provide a trouble and camping light which has features which render it particularly advantageous for use in connection with automobile repair work, as a warning light and as a camping light without excessive adjustment or manipulation of the device itself.

An object of the invention is to provide a portable trouble light fixture or frame which not only effectively guards the light bulb, but also may be easily manipulated and mounted, whereby to provide light in any position, at an advantageous angle or with respect to any desired work.

Another object of the invention is to provide a camping and trouble light fixture which permits the light bulb to be quickly and easily changed without tearing down of the fixture or frame thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a means of lighting a boat for night fishing, either for general lighting in the boat or, with the addition of a simple reflector, formed from aluminum foil, as a light to attract fish, or for frogging.

Another object of the invention is for general interior illumination. In use as a camping, fishing or car trouble light a l2- volt bulb is inserted in the lamp socket. For use where l l5- I20 volt AC electrical power is available, a standard incandescent bulb up to I00 watts may be inserted in the lamp socket and an adapter may be used in any conventional duplex outlet supplying I 15-120 volts AC.

The lamp may be further adapted to be connected to any electrical power source provided a properly rated bulb is installed in the lamp socket.

Other and further objects of the invention will appear in the course of the following description thereof.

In the drawings, which form a part of the instant specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith, embodiments of the invention are shown and, in the various views, like numerals are employed to indicate like parts.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a preferred form of the subject trouble and camping light with parts cut away and in section to better show the detailed construction. In this view the table stand is shown in extended operating position.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view like that of FIG. 1 of the lower part of the trouble and camping light of FIG. 1, but with the table stand shown in collapsed and stowed position.

H6. 3 is a view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. I in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 4 is a detail of a plug adapter to enable the light to be used in a conventional l lO-volt AC connection, provided the l2-volt bulb is changed to an AC bulb.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a second modification of the subject trouble and camping light showing a different form of table stand in extended operating position.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. l and 2, at 10 is seen an elongate hollow tube body which is exernally threaded at its lower end a and also at its upper end [0b, Threadably mounted at the upper end I00 of hollow tube I0 is a conventional electric light socket I] having a pull chain 2. A l2-volt bulb 13 of conventional type is removably breaded into the socket. A circular disc 14 is internally breaded to screw onto the upper portion of tube body 10. In ernally threaded socket mounting nut 15 threads on the pper portion 10b oftube body 10.

A plurality of shaped or configured elongate rods 16 are atiched by their lower ends in openings punched or formed trough disc 14. The upper center portions of rods 16 are out ardly bowed to enclose the greater diameter portion of light ulb l3 and then bend inwardly to engage in similar fashion ;0 their lower engagement) a second circular disc 17. Disc [7 as a central opening therethrough to pass the shank ofelonate bolt 18. A first nut 19, tightened down above disc or plate 7, fixes bolt 18 so that it extends rigidly and vertically above lld disc 17. An internally threaded second nut 20 is *rnovably threaded on the upper end of bolt l8 and has a )ok 2! fixed to the upper surface thereof.

Turning to the lower end of the tube body 10, there is a colpsible base mounted thereon adapted for form a mounting and whereby the lamp may be supported on any flat surface ch as a card table, automobile hood, road surface or the :e. This stand includes a lower encircling collar 22 comvsed of three sections and having outwardly flared wings 23. iis collar is held in place by nut 27 threaded onto tube 10. 1e wings receive pins 24 therebetween, these mounting outirdly extending legs 25. Upper collar 26 is identical to collar 1, receiving adjacent the outer ends thereof pins or shafts 28 rich pivotably mount legs 29 thereon. Legs are pivotably Lached to legs 29 intermediate the lengths thereof by pins Removably threaded on externally threaded portion 100 of at: body 10 is the upper member 3] ofa clamp having an op sing lower member 32. Members 31 and 32 are centrally nnected to form a spring (not seen) loaded clamp thus to rmit resilient engagement of an object such as a tree branch. lange, the edge ofa table or the like. The central connection arms 31 and 32 is by means of flanges 33 and 34 centrally nnected by pin 35 as seen in FIG. 2. One member of upper llar 26 bears a latching arm 36 which extends down and sses through an opening in clamp member 31 and latches ough a like opening in member 32. When clamp member is displaced by movement about pivot 35, latch member 36 cleased to allow upper collar 22 to slide up tube body 10 to ve the stand to the slowing position (FIG. 2). power cord 37 runs up the inside of tube 10 into socket in conventional electrical connection and has plug 38 on end thereof adapted to plug into or engage in power con- :ting fashion the cars cigarette lighter socket to draw ver from the car battery. t shade is provided, whose mounting structure with respect the lamp comprises a circular ring 39 engaging through es in the side edges thereof each of four elongate flange mbers 40, the latter C-shaped in transverse section. The lC-construction is such that members 40 fit over or overlie s or bars 16 in semiengaging fashion whereby to essentially iinate lateral movement of the shade-mounting structure I respect to the wires 16. A circular screen M of nylon or like (with the center cut out) may be glued or otherwise ched to the upper outer surfaces of the C members 40. By oval of nut 20, unthreading it on bolt 18, the screen or 1e may be mounted on the shaft of bolt [8 via ring 39 ng down thereover, with the C-section members mounted r rods [6 whereby to fix the position of the structural sup- .s for the screen. Screwing down of nut 20 carrying hook hen determines the relative lateral extension ofthe screen. cferring to FIG. 5, therein is shown a construction identi- .0 that of FIGS. l and 2 save for the standmounting base. refore, all of the parts which are identical in the views 5. land 3 are numbered the same in FIG. 5, but primed.

he distinctive feature of FIG. 5 lies in the provision of a :rent type of mounting stand. This will now be described.

Referring to the lower part of FIG. 5, a first nut 40 is threaded on the lower threaded portion 100' of hollow shaft 10'. The arm 3| of the clip is enlarged to provide a circular disc platform 41. Slidably mounted on hollow shaft 10 by central opening therethrough is a circular disc 42. A plurality (three) of formed wire legs 43 are connected at their upper ends through openings in disc 42 to said disc. A plurality (three) of secondary shorter legs 44, comprising wire rods having closures bent at right angles to one another on opposite ends thereof, are engaged at their inner ends through openings in platform 4] and at their outer ends in loops 43a formed in the longer legs 43. A second lower nut 45 is threaded onto externally threaded portion 10a below the plat form 4| to lock same in place against nut 40. Rods 43 preferably have closed loops 43b formed in the outer ends thereof. It may be seen that this leg construction will open and close in the same fashion as the leg or stand construction of FIGS. 1 and 2.

Referring to the operation of the units of FIGS. l5, inclu sive, it is assumed that the subject lamp or camp and trouble light will be carried in the baggage compartment of a car or a trailer or the like (also possibly the cab ofa truck). In case ofa blowout, for example, the driver may then remove the lamp construction from its storage. In its stored condition, the legs of the lamp will be collapsed as in FIG. 2 and the shade itself will be collapsed around its ring and separate from the lamp proper, that is, it will not be mounted on bolt 18 or 18'. The driver may then plug the plug 38 or 38' into the cigarette and cigar lighter socket. (There is no problem in the device running down a conventional auto or truck battery. Thus, the instant device typically consumes 4.2 amperes per hour. The average car battery has I50 ampere-hours and thus could run this light 35 hours.) The light is then turned on by pulling on chain 12. It may be set on the side of the road to illuminate the blowout zone. In such case, the shade would probably not be used.

Should the engine give trouble, the radiator, for example, the hood may be raised and the lamp either hung by the hook 21 or 21' from the raised hood or clipped thereto in inverted position by clip 31-32.

In camp use, the device maybe set on a card table or on the hood ofa car. Alternatively, it may be hung from a tree branch by book 2] or clipped to a tent fly, hung from a rope by the hook, etc. In the event the zone of the light bulb, around the frame [6 or 16', is clear, the shade 40-4l may be employed. In such case, nut 20-20 is unscrewed from bolt l8 and shade ring 39-39 dropped over bolt shaft 18-18 and nut 20-20. As cord 37-37 is preferably some 30-feet long, it is useful in communicating from car to car, in case one car has a battery run down and the other car brings a battery to be inserted thereto.

FIG. 4 shows a plug adapter 46 on a cord 47 with lIO-volt AC connection plug 48. Member 38 makes electrical connection with adapter 46 and plug 48 may be connected to a wall outlet or the like, provided l2-volt bulb 13 is replaced.

A trailer with a cigarette lighter adapter may use this lamp within the trailer There is usually provided a separate trailer battery circuit which is l2 volts, with its own battery. The latter is conventionally recharged at a l lO-volt AC outlet with a stepdown means.

Low voltage operation precludes any chance of shock or electrocution in any type of weather. Low voltage electrical operation reduces any possibility of explosion or fire resulting from combustible fuels especially compared to fuel lamps.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all of the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

lclaim: l. A camping and trouble light comprising, in combination: a hollow shaft externally threaded on each end thereof, an electric light bulb socket removnbly threaded on the one and of said shaft, A wire cage surrounding said socket end the space thereabove for protection of an electric light bulb therein, said cage removably mounted on said shaft at its lower cage end and having a center member joining the upper ends of the wires making up said cage, a threaded shaft mounted on said center member and etc tending away from said socket, a hook-carrying member removably threaded on said threaded shaft, a pincer-type mounting clip removably threaded on the opposite end of said hollow shaft from said socket, a power cord extending down the inside length of said hollow shaft, a base of tripod construction slidably telescoping along the hollow shaft when the lamp is not in use,

and a plug on the end of said cord adapted to connect into an electrical power source.

2. A device as in claim I wherein said plug is adapted to connect into the cigarette lighter socket ofln automobile.

3. A light at in claim 1 including it shade comprising a plurnlity oi C-sectlon angle members centrally connected to one another by a ring and having a cover fixed to the upper Ildeti thereof, the legs of the C normally facing downwardly, whereby Illd Ihnde may be mounted on aid threaded lhlfl extending away from said socket with the angle memberr overlying the wires of said cage in engagement therewith.

4. A device as in claim 1 including means cooperating between the tripod construction base and the pincer-type mounting clip whereby, when said base is open and in use, said means engage, resiliently, said clip and disengages said clip when said base is slidably telescoped along said hollow shaftv 5. A light as in claim I including shade means removably mountable on said threaded shaft extending away from said socket removably engageable between said hook-carrying member removably threaded on said threaded shaft and said center member joining the upper ends of the wires making up the wire cage,

Claims (5)

1. A camping and trouble light comprising, in combination: a hollow shaft externally threaded on each end thereof, an electric light bulb socket removably threaded on the one end of said shaft, A wire cage surrounding said socket and the space thereabove for protection of an electric light bulb therein, said cage removably mounted on said shaft at its lower cage end and having a center member joining the upper ends of the wires making up said cage, a threaded shaft mounted on said center member and extending away from said socket, a hook-carrying member removably threaded on said threaded shaft, a pincer-type mounting clip removably threaded on the opposite end of said hollow shaft from said socket, a power cord extending down the inside length of said hollow shaft, a base of tripod construction slidably telescoping along the hollow shaft when the lamp is not in use, and a plug on the end of said cord adapted to connect into an electrical power source.

2. A device as in claim 1 wherein said plug is adapted to connect into the cigarette lighter socket of an automobile.

3. A light as in claim 1 including a shade comprising a plurality of C-section angle members centrally connected to one another by a ring and having a cover fixed to the upper sides thereof, the legs of the C normally facing downwardly, whereby said shade may be mounted on said threaded shaFt extending away from said socket with the angle members overlying the wires of said cage in engagement therewith.

4. A device as in claim 1 including means cooperating between the tripod construction base and the pincer-type mounting clip whereby, when said base is open and in use, said means engage, resiliently, said clip and disengages said clip when said base is slidably telescoped along said hollow shaft.

5. A light as in claim 1 including shade means removably mountable on said threaded shaft extending away from said socket removably engageable between said hook-carrying member removably threaded on said threaded shaft and said center member joining the upper ends of the wires making up the wire cage.

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