BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present device relates to illuminated safety devices, particularly hand-held presence or position indicators, manually-operated traffic control devices, and the like.

2. Discussion of the Prior Art

Providing a means of effectively directing vehicular traffic has long been a problem for modern living. Devices have long been available that are commonly referred to as light or traffic wands. These are usually specific-purpose, dedicated units that contain their own self-powered light source, or are separate devices that attach to a flashlight, such that the flashlight serves as the light source. Except for the "rear end storage" of a "Collapsible Light Wand", described in U.S. Patent 4,697,228, the prior art light/traffic wands are devices having a single function, and both before and after use of that specific function, the device must be retrievably stored someplace, for later re-use. This, in many instances, turns out to be quite a nuisance, since these items can so easily become lost or misplaced. Consider U.S. patent 3,418,651 to Jacobson. His device is a colored plastic package for holding a flashlight, wherein the package can be positioned over the light projecting end of the flashlight to form a signalling device. But, Jacobson' s device does not provide a reliable and secure positioning arrangement for the flashlight, either while the flashlight is in the package or while the package is positioned for signalling usage. Moreover, the shape of Jacobson' s package, by being flat and elongated, is not well suited for use as a lightwand, which is most easy to use when the lightwand has a conical shape. U.S. patent 2,581,784 to Burdick discloses a signal attachment for a conventional flashlight, where the signal attachment is a sheath-like, flexible member made of transparent or translucent material. The signal member is folded around a longitudinal axis so as to form a tubular configuration when

attached to the flashlight. When not in use, the signal attachment may remain attached but folded over the forward end of the flashlight. However, Burdic ^/ s signal attachment cannot serve as a holster or casing for the flashlight when not being used for signalling purposes. Thus, the problem of what to do with the signal attachment and flashlight when not in use remains.

Consider also U.S. patent 3,622,776 to Wyrick which discloses an auction light made up of a flashlight, a cone and a hollow, open-ended circular cylinder. When not in use, the cylinder can be slid forwardly into the cylinder to form a compact structure. When in use though, the user aims the open end of the cylinder at an auctioneer so that a light beam from the flashlight is projected through the open end of the cylinder. It can be plainly seen that Wyjrick's device is rather awkward to use and is not the most compact of devices. In addition, Wyrjck's device can not serve to store the flashlight.

U.S. Patent 3,970,228 discloses a flashlight holder including a ring. The internal diameter of the ring is greater than the diameter of the body of the flashlight, but less than the diameter of the flashlight's head. The flashlight is carried by the holder from the belt of the user. The ring holds the flashlight by interfering with the head thereof.

U.S. Patent 3,737,649 discloses a combination baton- flashlight incorporating a support ring which is made of a malleable material. The ring serves to suspend the baton- flashlight from the belt of the wearer via a holding strap in conjunction with a holding ring. The ring holds the baton- flashlight from the underside of the support ring. U.S. Patent 4,214,688 discloses a tool holder assembly, such as a flashlight holder, including a base member, a tool clip member, a spring and a fastener. The fastener attaches to the base member. The base member serves as a mounting clip to removably mount the tool holder either on the flashlight user or on an object that can support both the tool holder and a flashlight.

U.S. Patent 4,020,985 discloses' an equipment holder, including a strap portion, an outer ring and an inner ring. The strap portion comprises a loop, which is positioned over the user's belt. U.S. Patent 5,056,696 discloses a beverage container holder, which may be worn on the belt of the user. The holder comprises a single piece body, having a lower container support and an upper container retainer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention alleviates the aforementioned negative aspects of existing devices of this type and further provides numerous additional advantages.

Therefore, it is an object of the invention to combine the heretofore separate functions of a flashlight holster and a light wand into a combinational device that can be produced with a reduced number of parts, in a shorter period of time and at a beneficially lower cost.

It is a further object of the invention to eliminate the previously required necessity of having to consider just what storage facilities to utilize for the light wand, while simulta¬ neously providing the oft-times difficult to obtain immediate access to and implementation of the light wand function.

It is another object of the invention to reduce the combinational bulk and weight as compared to any previously disclosed device, thereby totally unencumbering the basic flashlight and allowing it to be more easily carried, handled and manipulated.

It is yet another object of the invention to offer a combined light wand and holster device where the flashlight can be removed from the holster quickly.

It is another object of the invention to provide a combined lightwand and holster device wherein the lightwand portion has a conical shape. These and other objects and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described

and claimed, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 shows an overall view of a first embodiment of the subject invention, and its associated parts;

Fig. 2 • shows the first embodiment of the subject invention in its operable configuration;

Fig. 3 shows the first embodiment of the subject invention and its rotatable belt clip;

Fig. 4 shows another view of the first embodiment of the subject invention; Figs. 5-7 show alternate end caps for the first embodiment of the subject invention;

Fig. 8 shows an alternate use of the first embodiment of the subject invention;

Fig. 9 shows yet another alternate use of the first embodiment of the subject invention;

Figs. 10-11 show alternate clips for the first embodiment;

Figs. 12-15 show examples of users of the subject invention; Fig. 16 shows alternate clips;

Fig. 17 shows an overall view of a second embodiment of Applicant's device in its operable configuration;

Fig. 18 shows the second embodiment of Applicant's device in its holstered configuration; Figs. 19 and 20 show other holstered configurations of second embodiment of Applicant's device.

Fig. 21 shows other clip means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The instant application is a Continuation-in-Part of

U.S. patent Application 08/195,476, filed February 14, 1994, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The subject invention 12, hereinafter also referred to in the alternative as a holster-wand, is lightweight, easy to use, simple to manufacture, and generally economical.

As can plainly be seen in Fig. 1, the holster-wand 12 has several main components. The light-wand component is designated as 1. It is essentially a flexible, shaped recepta¬ cle, made of a resilient, light diffusing material such as a molded transparent or semi-transparent plastic, having optimal optical and light diffusing properties. The color of the light- wand 1 may be chosen from the field of well-known safety colors, such as blaze orange, green or yellow. In fact, the color chosen may be selected so as to identify the user or an organization to which he or she belongs. For instance, the ground crew workers of a particular airline may choose a light-wand 1 color such as green, while the ground crew workers of a competing airline may choose yellow as their light-wand color.

The light-wand function is provided by the light-wand 1 by constructing it from a .light-transmitting, translucent material of appropriate color and optical character, with a necked down region near its top end, inclined to provide a wedging or physical fit function to facilitate removable securement of the head of a flashlight 11 to the near top side end of the light-wand 1, as illustrated in Fig. 1. The far end or tip of the light-wand 1 may be either open or closed. If the far end is closed, a drip or pressure release hole 9 is provided to allow for the release of accumulated moisture or air pressure. A protective cap 7 is also provided, which may be beneficially translucent or transparent, to permit the flashlight 11 to be operated, with either diffused or undiminished optical character- istics, while the flashlight 11 is totally within the environment of the light-wand 1.

The protective cap 7 is reliably secured to the body of the holster-wand 1 to prevent the cap 7 from being lost . A suitable means of securing the cap 7 is an integrally molded tether or strap 8, as shown in Fig. 1.

An integral belt clip, or referred to in the alterna¬ tive as a spring clip, 2 is provided at a convenient location on

the exterior of the holster-wa d, so that ' the user can readily attach the device ^" to his or her belt. As an alternative to the belt clip 2, depending upon the specific usage intended, a sleeve-clip 3 may be used. The longitudinal body portion of the wand 1, would in one embodiment simply slip into the annular opening of the sleeve-clip 3. In a second embodiment, the body portion of wand 1 would be removably insertable from the sleeve- clip 3 by a side ways forcing action that would momentarily open axially split spring-like jaws which are integrally formed in the sleeve clip 3. As can be readily appreciated, the spring clip 2 can be clipped onto a convenient securement location by the user, such as, but not limited to, a belt, trouser waistband, etc.

For the spring clip 2, and also for the sleeve-clip 3, Applicant intends for the clip 2, 3, to be attached to the user's garment at a convenient location, which would serve the greatest purpose for the user. Now, by garment, Applicant means a belt, belt loop, waist band, a pocket edge, or the like. Although it can readily be envisioned that the spring clip 2 or sleeve clip 3 attaches to the belt of the user. Applicant also envisions that, in the event that the user is wearing shorts or perhaps a jogging suit such as shown in Fig. 12, he or she would probably not be wearing a belt. Thus, the inventive holster wand 12 could readily be attached to the waist band of the user's pants or shorts.

In another embodiment, a bracket-sleeve 4 may be used, in which case the longitudinal body portion of the light-wand 1 is inserted through the bracket-sleeve 4, while in a second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 16, the body portion of the wand 1 would be removably insertable from bracket-sleeve 4A by a sideways forcing action that would momentarily open axially split spring-1ike jaws.

Bracket-sleeve 4 is attached to an appropriate retaining or attaching means generally incorporated into the belt of the user. For both the embodiment involving the sleeve-clip 3 and the embodiment involving the bracket sleeve 4, the lightwand 1 is inserted into either the clip 3 or the sleeve 4 up to a

position that abuts the necked down region of the lightwand 1 near its top end of the wand 1, so as to prevent the wand 1 from falling out of the clip 3 or sleeve 4, or inadvertently becoming dislodged. Alternate embodiments of the sleeve-clip 3 and the bracket sleeve 4, respectively, are shown in Fig. 16, wherein numeral 3A shows an alternate sleeve-clip, and numeral 4B shows an alternate bracket-sleeve 4. The sleeve-clip 3A and the bracket-sleeve 4A-, as shown in Fig. 16, differ from the sleeve- clip 3 and the bracket-sleeve 4 shown in Fig. 1, in that the sleeve-clip 3A is completely closed, and does not have the opening space of the sleeve-clip 3. The light-wand 1 is inserted into the sleeve-clip 3A up to a position that abuts the necked down region of the light-wand 1. Conversely, the bracket-sleeve 4A is provided with a gap or opening as shown in Fig. 16, which assists in the insertion, removal and retention of the light-wand 1 from the bracket-sleeve 4A. Thus, the light-wand 1 is inserted into the bracket-sleeve 4A up to a position that abuts the necked down region of the light-wand 1 near its top end, so as to prevent the light-wand 1 from falling out of the sleeve 4, or inadvertently becoming dislodged.

Additionally, the sleeve-clip 3 or the bracket-sleeve 4A, or the pivot-sleeve 13, each of which are provided with a gap or opening, as shown in Figs. 1, 16, and 3 respectively, may be configured such that the gap or opening is large enough to allow insertion and removal of the light-wand 1 through the enlarged gap or opening. Thus, the light-wand 1 is not inserted through the top of the sleeve-clip, or bracket-sleeve, or the pivot- sleeve as previously discussed. By inserting the light-wand 1 through the enlarged opening provides a rapid and expedient method of stowing and deploying the invention 12. The light-wand 1 is still supported up to its necked down region as previously mentioned, but the inherent resilience and springiness of the sides of the clip 3A or sleeve 4A provide additional retention of the light-wand 1. Likewise, when the light-wand 1 is inserted through the enlarged opening of the clip 3, sleeve 4A, or sleeve

13, the inherent resilience and springiness of the sides of the clip 3 or sleeve 4A or sleeve 13 offer a reassuring snapping action which indicates that the light-wand 1 is the proper position and will not become unintentionally or inadvertently dislodged.

The securement location on the user's person, or any other attachment location of sleeve-clip 3 and bracket-sleeve 4 may alternatively be an integral part of ferrous member 6, which is utilized in conjunction with the incorporation of a magnetic member 5 onto and as part of the body of light-wand 1, a removable securement thereby being magnetically achieved.

A spring 10 of any well-known configuration, such as coil spring, helical spring, or the like, is positioned at the bottom of the wand 1, at an integral location. The spring 10 allows the light-wand 1 to accommodate internally any length of flashlight 11. The back end of the flashlight 11 abuts the spring 10 directly, and the spring 10 can serve to urge the top of the flashlight 11 out of the wand so that the flashlight 11 may be easily removed from the wand 1. Turning now to Fig. 2, the subject invention 12 is shown in its commonly used hand-held and operable configuration. The user would grasp the flashlight 11 in the well-known manner, with the light-wand 1 installed and attached as shown, and then proceed to direct aircraft or traffic or whatever efficiently. Light rays from the flashlight 11 would radiate liberally from the wand 1 due to the heretofore discussed optical diffusion properties of the translucent material chosen for the wand 1.

Another embodiment of the holster-wand 12 will now be discussed by referring to Fig. 3. The wand 1 can be carried on the belt of the user after being inserted into the pivot-sleeve 13 in much the same manner as previously discussed with reference to the sleeve-clip 3 or the bracket-sleeve 4 shown in Fig. 1.

That is to say, the light wand 1 is inserted into the pivot-sleeve 13 up to a position that abuts the necked-down region near the top end of the wand 1, so as to prevent the wand 1 from falling out of the pivot-sleeve 13 or inadvertently becoming dislodged. However, the pivot-sleeve 13 is provided

with a key-like projection 14, which is an essential feature of the particular embodiment of invention 12 depicted in Fig. 3.

The key-like projection 14, may also be fixedly attached directly to the body of the holster-wand 1, in a permanent manner.

Removal of the holster-wand 1 from the pivot sleeve 12 is easy and conveniently accomplished by merely sliding the wand

1 out of the sleeve in a direction reverse to which the wand 1 was inserted. The key-like projection 14 is inserted into the slot

16 on the belt-clip 15. The light-wand 1 is held by a sleeve 13, in the same manner as the sleeve 3 or bracket 4 which are shown in Fig. 1. A non-directional rotation feature within the key hole 16, "captures" the key 14 and rotatably secures it to the belt-clip 15. It should be noted that the pivot sleeve 13 may include an opening or gap, in the same manner as the respective sleeves or brackets discussed throughout, but mostly as discussed with respect to Figs. 1 and 16.

In another embodiment (not shown) of the invention 12, the key-like 14 and key-slot 16 positions may be advantageously transposed, in that the key 14 could be part of a belt-clip 15, and the slot 16 for the key 14 could be located on the sleeve 13. The holster-wand 12 may then be either "free swinging" or, through the use of easily incorporated friction surfaces (not shown) or detents (also not shown) , may be made to be practically lockable in any angular position that the user may desire.

In a still further embodiment, the magnetic surface of

17 which is fixedly attached to the body of the holster-wand 12 is removably mated with magnetic clip member 18, while providing for convenient, deliberate rotation and maintenance at any selected angular position.

An essential feature of the instant inventive holster- wand device 12 is that a flashlight 11 may be used in the conventional manner while still protectively installed within the lightwand 1. Thus, flashlight 11 can be conveniently rotated and locked at an angle so as to illuminate a working area as shown in Fig. 8 or the immediate path ahead of the user, as shown in

Fig. 9 and also Fig. 13, which will be discussed later. At a more horizontal angle, the far path ahead of the user may be illuminated. At a more vertical angle the device 1 can serve as a work or searchlight, or as a beacon which can be more readily seen from a distance, especially from an airborne vantage point, such as a helicopter or serial search plane.

On the other hand, if the flashlight 11 is installed so as to illuminate the wand 1, in the manner commonly associated with a lightwand as shown in Fig. 2, the device 12 may be rotated and locked at various angles to convey observable information based on its illuminated direction, according to a prearranged code. The code may for instance involve rotation at a 45° angle to indicate one type of signal or at a 90° angle to indicate another type of signal. Figs. 5-7 show other. contemplated embodiments of the protective cap 7. The various configurations of "bottle-cap like" items, which could serve the covering function of the protection cap 7 shown in Fig. 1, are designated as 21A-21C, and shown in Figs. 5-7, respectively. The cap 21A shown in Fig. 5, simply stretches over an integrally formed first and second ridges 19, 20, on the exterior of the wand 1 and has enough elasticity to lock between the ridges 19 and 20 as shown on Figure 4. Cap 21B shown in Fig. 6 simply opens at a split and, after installation between the ridges 19 and 20 of the wand 1, is secured by the ridges 19, 20 due to the line-up of the space between the ridges 19, 20. The same holds true for cap 21C which is forced over the first ridge 19 where it would be held in place by the elastic recovery of its inner resilient finger-like protrusions as shown in Fig. 7. Figs. 8 and 9 show the preferred configuration of the subject invention 12, with the cap 7 in its flashlight lens protection position. As stated earlier, the cap 7 may be transparent or translucent, according to the desires of the user. Fig. 8 provides an illustration of the translucent embodiment of the cap 7, such that light rays emanating from the flashlight 11 are widely dispersed according to the optical properties of which the cap 7 is made.

The embodiment of the invention 12 shown in Figure 9 uses a transparent cap 7. Where the cap 7 is simply clear and transparent, thus allowing light rays emanating from the flashlight 11 to pass completely therethrough and unattenuated, also in accordance with the optical properties of the material, such as glass or clear thermoplastic, of which the cap 7 is made. As Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate, the flashlight 11 is completely contained or housed within the wand 1, and the cap 7, having its strap 8 attached thereto and also to the wand 1. In the configuration of Figs. 8 arid 9, the flashlight 11 as well as the interior of the wand 1 are reliably protected from dirt, dust, rainwater, snow, and any other such undesirable contami¬ nants which may tend to interfere with the efficient and desirable operation of the invention 12. The strap 8 is useful to prevent loss of the cap 7, after the cap is removed from its closing position on the wand 1, because, as shown in Figs. 5-7 most clearly, the strap 8 is integrally formed with the cap 7.

It should be noted here that the cap 7 can be color coded in the same way as the wand 1 is color coded, which has already been discussed, thereby providing an identifying feature to the invention 12, while the ^' invention 12 is in its arrange¬ ments illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9.

Conceivable users of the subject invention 12 are shown in Figs. 12-15. For instance, Fig. 12 shows a jogger making very advantageous use of the invention 12 for safety purposes. Fig. 13 shows how a motorist is helped in making emergency roadside repairs by the invention 12. It can clearly be seen that the pivotability or rotatability of the invention 12 offers the motorist convenient hands-free mobility to make the necessary repairs. Fig. 14 shows an aircraft being safely and easily directed by the use of the invention 12, while the invention 12 is in the light-wand configuration shown in Fig. 2. Similarly, Fig. 15 shows a police officer diverting traffic using the invention 12, also in the light-wand configuration shown in Fig. 2.

Other possible uses of the invention are possible. Thus, the uses shown in Figs. 12-15 are meant to serve as examples, and are in no way meant to be limiting.

In the second embodiment shown in Fig. 17, the lightwand component 1 is provided with an integrally molded, necked down section, which provides a wedged function to facilitate removable securement of the head of the flashlight 11.

A conventional flashlight, which is to be used with

Applicant's invention is designated as 11. The flashlight 11 is a typical flashlight having a circular cross-section, and internally provided with dry cell batteries, a light bulb and an on/off switch of some type, all of which are not shown.

Thus, in the useful position as a lightwand, the component 1 mates with the light projecting end 29 of the flashlight 11 in a snug and secure manner, and the component 1 is held in place on the light projecting end 29 of the flashlight

11 by physical, also called interference, fit. However, with an adequate amount of force, the lightwand component 1 and the flashlight 11 can be separated, so that the flashlight 11 can then be stored within the component 1, as shown in Fig. 18.

A cap 7 is provided to cover the lightwand component

1 when the device 12 is not in use. The cap 7 may be transparent or translucent, as will be discussed later, in reference to Figs.

19 and 20. The cap 7 is attached to the lightwand component by a strap or tether 8, which will also be elaborated upon later.

A resilient spring clip 26 may be provided on the lightwand component 1, in order to give the user of the device

12 a means by which the device can be attached to the user's body, such as on a waistband or on a pocket. Applicant notes that the clip 26 may be omitted without effecting the operability or usefulness of the device 12, and other types of attachment means as shown in Figs. 21-23.

The lightwand component 1 is provided with one or more longitudinally extending slits 25, which run almost the entire length of the component 1, that is, from the distal end 24 of the lightwand component 1 to a point near the light projecting end 29 of the flashlight 11. The slit or slits 25 give the lightwand

component 1 the capability of partially curling around itself at its distal end 24. It is the curling feature that gives Appli¬ cant's lightwand component 1 its unique feature as herein described. the curling at distal end 1 causes the component to define a conical shape, when in the operable configuration and affixed to the light projecting end 29 of the flashlight 11. Applicant notes that this conical shape improves the visibility of the device 12 and improves the overall appeal of Applicant's device 12. The slit 25 also allows the lightwand component 1 to open-up or expand at the distal end 4 so as to permit entry and seating of the flashlight 11/ when the device 12 is in its holstered or stowed position, as shown in Fig. 18.

Fig. 18 shows Applicant's invention 12 in the holstered or stowed configuration, that is, where the flashlight 11 is positioned within the internal confines of the lightwand component 1. In order to accommodate the flashlight 11 properly, the slits 25 permit the distal end 24 of the component to uncurl and open to its full diameter from the conical shape shown in Fig. 1. The full diameter of the component 1 is the same or greater than the body of the flashlight 11.

The plastic material of which the component 1 is molded is chosen for its resiliency, among other things, so that the distal end 24 uncurls smoothly-, thereby accommodating the body of the flashlight 11, and then recurls reliably. Unlike the lightwand configuration shown in Fig. 17, the holstered configuration shown in Fig. 18, clearly illustrates that the body of the lightwand component, is retained in an open position by the body of the flashlight 11 which is enclosed therein. But when the flashlight 11 is removed from the component 1, the lightwand component 1 relaxedly contracts upon itself, thereby resulting in a conical shape having a markedly smaller diameter, especially at its distal end 24.

Fig. 19 shows Applicant's device 12 in the holstered configuration, with the cap 7 in place over the component 1. Cap 7, as shown here, is molded of- a translucent material so as to disperse rays of light emanating from the light projecting end 29 of the flashlight 11. When in place the cap 7 protects the

light projecting end 29 from the harmful effects of rain, dust, dirt and the like.

Fig. 20 shows Applicant's device 12 in the holstered position, with the cap 7 in place over the component 1. But unlike the cap 7 shown in Fig. 19, the cap 7 in Fig. 20 is completely transparent, that is molded of a clear plastic or perhaps made of glass, so as to allow light rays from the flashlight to pass through.

As shown on Fig. 19 and 20 the shaped receptacle of the holster-wand 12 when it is used as a flashlight holster, is shown containing therein a flashlight 11, and the one or more axial slits which have been incorporated. The distal end 24 is open, the light output end of the installed flashlight 11 extends past the first end of the component 1, to facilitate ease of flash- light removal and the protective end cap 7 has an elongated shape to provide for securement and sealing while accommodating the extended flashlight end 29.

Fig. 21 shows other means for attaching Applicant's device 12, other than by clip 26, to the person of a user, all of which are elaborated upon in Applicant's patent application 08/195,476 filed on February 14, 1995, which is herein incorpo¬ rated by reference. Fig. 21 shows a sleeve 13 and key 14 attachment arrangement, wherein the sleeve 13 slips over the outside of the component 1. Note that the key 14 is integral with the sleeve 13. The key 14, in turn, fits a key hole 16 on a bracket assembly 15, and the bracket 15 secured onto the user's belt or pocket .

While the holster-wand invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment. To the contrary, reasonable variations, alternatives, modifica¬ tions and equivalents are possible within the scope of the foregoing disclosure without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.