EP1604142A1

EP1604142A1 - Lighting device restraint

Info

Publication number: EP1604142A1
Application number: EP04714239A
Authority: EP
Inventors: David Richard Dalton; Robert Smith; Angelo Kotsis; John Robert Brown; Stewart Allan Fraser; Keith Joseph Borg
Original assignee: Eveready Battery Co Inc
Current assignee: Edgewell Personal Care Brands LLC
Priority date: 2003-03-19
Filing date: 2004-02-25
Publication date: 2005-12-14
Also published as: EP1604142A4; WO2004083715A1

Abstract

A lighting device (10) comprising two cylindrical components, the first component (11) defining a first shoulder (47) the second base component (13) being connected and linearly moveable towards each other and defining a second shoulder (46) spaced from the first shoulder, with an intermediate zone (62) between them. At least one of the components has a light source (15) connected to in built power source contacts by an electric circuit. A restraint member (60) encircling the joining of the components in the intermediate zone (62) causes the circuit to be open when in place due to the separating movement of the two components, and causes the circuit to close when removed allowing the two components to move together ie the light is turned on and off by the removal or insertion of the restraint. The light device can be free standing.

Description

Lighting Device Restraint

Field of the invention This invention relates to a lighting device which may be used, for example, as a portable emergency light in a motor vehicle, although it may be used for other purposes as well.

Background of the invention

It is known to keep a portable light, such as a flashlight, in a motor vehicle for possible use in emergency situations or during a vehicle breakdown. A flashlight is usually stowed in a glove compartment or boot (trunk) of the vehicle and can move about during motion of the vehicle. As a result, the flashlight can collide with other objects, and, if its switch is bumped, this can cause the flashlight to be inadvertently illuminated, with the resultant undesirable draining of the flashlight's battery.

To provide adequate lighting when needed, it is often desirable to have more than one light available. Where more than one flashlight is kept in a motor vehicle, the movement of the flashlights during motion of the vehicle can cause the flashlights to become separated from one another and thus difficult to find when needed.

It is an object of the present invention to provide for convenient lighting in such a way as to overcome or ameliorate the above problems. The applicant does not concede that the prior art discussed in the specification forms part of the common general knowledge in the art at the priority date of this application.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a lighting device including a first component defining a first shoulder; a second component connected to the first component and defining a second shoulder spaced from the first shoulder, with an intermediate zone of the device between the shoulders, at least one of the first and second components having a light source and the first and second components being configured for relative movement towards each other; an electrical circuit connected to the light source and including power source contacts, and being configured for said movement to effect closure of the circuit for illumination of the light source when the contacts are connected to a power source, and for said movement to effect opening of the circuit to turn off the light source when so illuminated; and a restraint element moveable into said zone for obstructing the shoulders and preventing said movement.

In a preferred embodiment, the first component includes a housing with a translucent wall, with the light source being disposed within the housing. The translucent wall is preferably a lens.

Preferably, the second component includes a housing configured for holding the power source therein such that it is connected to the contacts.

The circuit preferably includes a switch configured for actuation by said movement.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and second components are each elongate, having a common longitudinal axis, said movement being along the axis. Then, preferably, one of the first and second components includes a portion configured to move telescopically within the other of the first and second components, during said movement.

Preferably, the zone includes an annular groove between the shoulders.

The restraint can remain attached to said device when said movement is permitted The restraint can be slidably held in said device. The restraint can be moveable relative to said device, so as to move from a first position in said zone preventing said movement, to a second position, where said movement is permitted. The second position can include a recess to receive said restraint, thereby allowing said movement.

Preferably, the restraint element is elongate with two opposite ends, and curved such that the ends are disposed spaced from, and opposed to, each other to form a gap therebetween. In this case, the restraint element is preferably substantially C-shaped. Preferably also, the restraint element is resiliently deformable to be snap-engageable with the zone. Then, the restraint element preferably has a radially inner surface which flares at each of the ends, to facilitate the snap-engagement. The restraint element preferably also has an ear portion disposed opposite the gap, to facilitate gripping for detachment of the restraint element from the zone.

In one preferred embodiment, the restraint element has a radially inner flange portion extending substantially the length of the restraint element and a radially outwardly projecting web portion extending along a radially outer surface of the flange portion, for strengthening the flange portion.

Preferably, the lighting device includes a base member joined to at least one of the first and second components for. supporting the lighting device on a ground surface. The base. member is preferably joined to the second component, and is preferably configured to support the second component thereabove with the first component disposed above the second component and terminating at an end extremity, with the base member extending laterally beyond the second component. The restraint element can be detachable from said zone to allow movement between said first and second components. Further the restraint element can remain connected to said device when it is detached from said zone.

Alternatively, the restraint element can also be detachable from said device.

In a preferred embodiment, the base member includes a cylindrical holder configured for releasably holding the restraint element when the restraint element is removed from the zone. Preferably, then, the base member has a bottom side and the holder is accessible from the bottom side.

The base member preferably includes a weighting element, preferably of metal, for contributing to the weight of the base member to facilitate stable support thereof on a ground surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the restraint element has at least one additional restraint element connected thereto such that the restraint elements together form a composite element, each additional restraint element constituting the restraint element of a respective additional lighting device, wherein the composite element constitutes a means for interconnecting the lighting devices. The composite element preferably includes two restraint elements and a hinge portion interconnecting the restraint elements, the hinge portion being configured to permit movement of the restraint elements between an opened- out condition and a juxtaposed condition. In one preferred embodiment, when the composite element is in the juxtaposed condition, one of the restraint elements is superposed on the other restraint element. In another preferred embodiment, when the composite element is in the juxtaposed condition, one of the restraint elements is held as a press-fit by, and within, the other restraint element.

In the embodiment where the lighting device includes a base member joined to the second component for supporting the lighting device on a ground surface, preferably the base member is configured to support the second component thereabove with the first component disposed above the second component and terminating at an end extremity, with the base member extending laterally beyond the second component, and with the base member defining at least one recess for accommodating the end extremity of a said additional lighting device interconnected by the composite element and held in an inverted orientation.

The base member preferably includes a cylindrical holder configured for releasably holding the composite element when the restraint element is not connected to the zone of any lighting device. In this case, as above, preferably the base member has a bottom side and the holder is accessible from the bottom side.

In one embodiment, the composite element includes securement means, which preferably includes a strap, for anchoring the composite element and lighting devices of which the composite element forms a part. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a restraint element for use with a lighting device which includes a first component defining a first shoulder, a second component connected to the first component and defining a second shoulder spaced from the first shoulder, with an intermediate zone of the device between the shoulders, with at least one of the first and second components having a light source and the first and second components being configured for relative movement towards each other for illuminating and extinguishing the light source, wherein the restraint element is connectable adjacent the zone for obstructing the shoulders and preventing said movement, and being detachable when so connected, to allow said movement.

Different embodiments of the restraint element of the second aspect of the invention are as described above with reference to the first aspect of the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a lighting device according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a cross-section through part of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an underneath view of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a restraint element of the device of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of restraint element to that shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 1, shown from below, with the restraint element located on a holder;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a composite element including two restraint elements;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a lighting device similar to that of Figure 1, with a composite element;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of two lighting devices interconnected by a pair of composite elements;

Figure 10 is a side elevation of a composite element in an opened-out condition;

Figure 11 is an underneath view similar to that of Figure 3, showing a composite element, in a juxtaposed condition, held in place on a holder of the device;

Figure 12 is a diagrammatic representation of a composite element according to a further embodiment;

Figure 13 is a diagrammatic representation of a composite element according to yet another embodiment; Figure 14 is a perspective view of a composite element according to yet another embodiment; and

Figure 15 is a diagrammatic representation of a circuit forming part of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a lighting device similar to that of Figure 1 : Figure 17 is a partial right side elevation view of a modified lighting device;

Figure 18 is a partial left side elevation device of the device of Figure 17;

Figure 19 is a partial cross section through the device of Figure 17 in the direction of arrows XIX-XIX of Figure 17; and

Figure 20 is a perspective view of the lighting device of Figure 1 with a modified restraint.

Detailed description of the embodiment or embodiments

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a lighting device 10 which includes a first component 11, a second component 12 (see particularly Figure 2) connected to the first component, and a base member 13 joined to the lower end of the second component 12 for supporting the device 10 on a ground surface 80 as will be referred to below. The first and second components 11, 12 are elongate, being substantially cylindrical in shape, with a common longitudinal axis 14 (see figure 2).

The first component 11 includes a light housing, generally designated 15, which includes a lens assembly 16, a cap 17 at the top thereof, and an intermediate body portion 18 connected to the lower end of the light housing. The lens assembly 16 and the intermediate body portion 18 each have two halves which are sonically welded together. However, for structural integrity, the cap 17 is fixed to the light housing 15 by a compression fit and/or is sonically welded to the light housing 15, thus helping to keep the light housing 15 as an effectively integral unit. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the intermediate body portion 18 is illustrated as being a separate part to the light housing 15, but joined thereto. However, in another embodiment (not shown), the intermediate body portion 18 and the light housing 15 can be integrally formed.

The second component 12 includes a battery housing 20. As shown in Figure 2, the battery housing 20 has, at its lowest end, a male thread 21, and the base member 13 has a female thread 22 which receives the male thread to secure the base member to the battery housing 20.

Shown held in the battery housing 20 is a D-size dry cell or battery 23. The battery housing 20, at its upper end, has a spring contact 24 for engaging a negative terminal 25 of the dry cell or battery 23. A wire (not shown) connects the spring contact 24 to a printed circuit board 26. An LED light source 27, supported on an LED support 28, is electrically connected to the printed circuit board 26. The LED 27 extends from the printed circuit board 26 so that its diode projects into the light housing 15.

The battery housing 20 also includes, at its upper end, an elongated switch-contact column 30 which terminates in a flat contact surface 31, for engaging a switch 32 which is mounted on the underside of the printed circuit board 26, the switch 32 and printed circuit board 26 forming part of the first component 11. The switch 32 is a button switch of a type which closes by being pressed, and which then opens when pressed again.

Beneath the contact surface 31, around the column 30, is a flange 33 for providing a bearing surface against which a compression spring 34 can press.

The battery housing 20 has a cylindrical outer wall 35 which includes annular surfaces 36, 37, 38 and 39 which constitute bearing surfaces against, and along which, parts of the intermediate body portion 18 can bear, and slide, respectively. It will therefore be appreciated that the outer wall 35 is received telescopically within intermediate body portion 18. As can be seen in Figure 2, the bearing surfaces 37 and 39 are recessed relative to the surfaces 36 and 38, and the intermediate body portion 18 has radially inwardly directed flanges 40 and 41 which project into these recesses. The steps from the non-recessed surfaces 36 and 38 to the recessed surfaces 37 and 39 define an upper shoulder 42 and a lower shoulder 43, between which the flange 40 can move. The upper shoulder 42 limits movement of the intermediate body portion

18 in an upward direction, while the lower shoulder 43 limits the movement of the intermediate body portion in a downward direction, relative to the battery housing 20. The internal cylindrical surface of the intermediate body portion 18, and the flanges 40 and 41, engage, and slide along, the surfaces 36, 37, 38 and 39. This results in the connection between the battery housing 20 and intermediate body portion 18 (and hence between the first and second components 11, 12) being structurally sound in relation to the intended use of the lighting device 10, while permitting slidable movement between the two components. The base member 13 supports a further electrical contact 44 within the battery housing

20. The opposite end of this contact is connected by a wire (not shown) to the printed circuit board 26.

The threaded connection between the threads 22 of the base member 13 and those 21 of the battery housing 20 helps to prevent ingress of water into the battery housing. Immediately below the surface 36, the battery housing 20 is stepped radially outwards, to define a further shoulder 46. This shoulder 46 is disposed in an opposed relationship to the lowermost edge 47 of the intermediate body portion 18, which thus also constitutes a shoulder, and will be referred to as such, below. Between the shoulders 46 and 47 is a zone, generally designated 48, of the lighting device 10, in the form of a groove, which is referred to further, below.

The upper part of the intermediate body portion 18 includes radially inwardly projecting shoulders 49 which support the printed circuit board 26. The printed circuit board 26 is held against the shoulders 49 by means of the shaped LED support 28, which helps to prevent the LED from moving laterally relative to the printed circuit board. The light housing 15, towards its bottom end, has a radially outwardly projecting shoulder 50, which extends into a groove 51 in the intermediate body portion 18, for locating the light housing relative to the intermediate body portion. An internal wall 52 surrounds the LED support 28 and fixes this support and the printed circuit board 26 in position as illustrated in Figure 2. A locator or index means (not illustrated) is provided, either on the printed circuit board 26, or on the LED support 28, so that when the device 10 is assembled, the switch 32 is aligned with the contact column 30 of the battery housing 20.

The upper portion of the light housing 15, which serves as part of the outer wall of this housing, is constituted by the lens assembly 16. The lens assembly 16 is made from a transparent or translucent material The internal surface 54 can have a frosted finish to help diffuse light over the cylindrical external surface 55 of the lens assembly.

The external surface 55 may or may not include striations or lenticules 56, which are generally annular, and extend along the outer circumference of the lens assembly 16. The inner surfaces of the upper wall (not shown) and lower wall 52 of the light housing 15 are reflective.

Thus, any light emitted by the LED 27 will reflect off these surfaces, which facilitates the transmission of light through the lens assembly 16.

The base member 13 as illustrated in Figures 3 and 6 includes a heavy, metal weighting element 59 for contributing to the weight of the base member 13, to facilitate stable support of the base member 13 and hence the lighting device 10, on a ground surface, as will be referred to below.

Referring again to the zone 48 and the groove formed there, the lighting device 10 further includes a restraint element 60 (see Figures 1 and 4), which is configured to be connected, in the groove, to the zone 48 between the shoulders 46 and 47, for obstructing the shoulders and thus preventing the relative movement of the first component 11 towards the second component 12 (downwards as shown in Figures 1 and 2 when the second component is on the ground), for a purpose as will be described below.

The restraint element 60 is detachable from the zone 48, and from the lighting device

10. The element 60 is elongate, and curved substantially into a C-shape, such that its two opposite ends 61 are disposed opposed to each other, and spaced from each other to form a gap

62 between them. The element 60, which is resiliently deformable, has a radially inner surface

63 which is flared at positions 64 at each of the ends 61. An ear portion 65 opposite the gap 62 is also present. In one embodiment as shown in Figure 4, the element 60 has a substantially oblong cross-section. In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the element 60 has a radially inner flange portion 66 extending substantially the length of the element 60, and a radially outwardly projecting web portion 67 extending along the radially outer surface of the flange portion 66, for strengthening the flange portion 66. The base member 13 includes a cylindrical holder 68 which is accessible through an annular aperture 69 in the bottom of the base member 13 as shown in Figures 3 and 6, and which is sized and shaped such that the element 60, when it is not disposed in the groove of the zone 48, can be engaged therewith, and supported thereon as shown in this figure. Turning now to Figures 7 and 8, there is shown a restraint element 60 according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the element 60 has a similar, additional element 60.1 connected to it by a hinge portion 70 to form a composite element, designated 71. The additional element 60.1 is for engagement with an additional lighting device (see Figure 9), designated 10.1, which is identical to the lighting device 10, as will be described below. (The features of the additional lighting device 10.1 are identical to those of the lighting device 10, and are numbered similarly, but with the suffix ".1".) More particularly, as shown in Figure 9, the additional lighting device 10.1 is in a reversed orientation to that of the lighting device 10. While the element 60 is received in the groove of the zone 48 of the device 10, the other element 60.1 is not received in the groove of zone 48.1 of the other device 10.1, but merely engages the lower part of the inverted first component 11.1, near the cap 17.1. However, a further composite element, designated 171 is provided and this has one of its restraint elements 60.1 engaged in the groove of the zone 48.1 of the device 10.1 with its other restraint element 60 engaging the upper part of the first component 11 of the device 10, near the cap 17. It will be appreciated that each composite element 71, 171 constitutes a means for interconnecting the two lighting devices 10 and 10.1.

The hinge portion 70 is configured to permit rotational movement of the restraint elements 60 and 60.1 relative to each other, as indicated by the arrow 72 in Figure 10, between the opened-out condition shown in Figure 7 and a juxtaposed condition as shown in Figure 11.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the restraint elements 60 and 60.1 are superposed on each other. In another embodiment (not shown), the composite element 71 can be configured to allow its restraint element 60 to fit within its restraint element 60.1 when the composite element 71 is in the juxtaposed condition. To allow this to occur, the hinge portion 70 can be longer than that shown in Figure 10. Alternatively, the composite element 71 can be configured such that the uppermost surface of the restraint element 60, as shown in Figure 10, is aligned with the lowermost surface of the restraint element 60.1 as shown in this figure, with the hinge portion interconnecting these surfaces. In the embodiment presently being described, the restraint element 60 can be held as a press fit in the restraint element 60.1 when the composite element 71 is in the juxtaposed condition. Referring once again to Figure 9, portions 73 and 73.1 of the base members 13 and 13.1, respectively, which portions extend laterally beyond the outer walls of the respective intermediate body portions 18, 18.1, each have, defined therein, three recesses 74, 74.1 which are spaced around the respective base member 13 and 13.1. The recesses 74 of the lighting device 10 are for accommodating the end (upper) extremity 75.1 of the additional lighting device 10.1, while the recesses 74.1 of the additional device 10.1 are for accommodating the end (upper) extremity 75 of the lighting device 10.

As shown in Figure 11, the cylindrical holder 68 is configured for holding the composite element 71, in its juxtaposed condition, when it is not being used to connect the two lighting devices 10, 10.1 together.

In other embodiments, the composite element 71 includes more than two restraint elements. Configurations of such embodiments are shown diagrammatically in Figures 12 and 13, and also shown in Figure 14. In these Figures, the additional restraint elements are designated 60.2, while in Figures 12 and 13, the tabs interconnecting the restraint elements are designated 70.2. In certain embodiments, the composite element 71 can be provided with restraint elements 60 and 60.2 having different size relationships to one another, depending on the specific shape and orientation of the lighting device 10 and additional lighting devices to be interconnected. Accordingly, with reference to Figure 12, the diameter of the element 60 can be smaller than the diameters of the elements 60.2. In this case, the restraint element 60 can engage the zone 48 of the lighting device 10, while each element 60.2 engages the lens assembly 16 of a respective additional lighting device. Alternatively, the diameter of the element 60 can be the larger diameter for engaging the lens assembly of the lighting device 10, while the diameters of the elements 60.2 are smaller, for engaging the respective zones (corresponding to the zone 48) of the additional lighting devices. It will be appreciated that two such composite elements 71 and 171, one with the restraint element 60 being smaller than the restraint elements 60.2, and the other with the restraint element 60 being larger, can be used in conjunction with each other, as a set of composite elements 71, 171, for interconnecting three lighting devices corresponding to the lighting device 10.

Similar size relationships as described in respect of the configuration of Figure 12 can also be present in relation to the configuration illustrated in Figure 13.

In yet a further embodiment, the first component 11 of each lighting device in question may be provided with a circumferential groove corresponding in size to the groove of the zone 48, so that the restraint elements 60 and 60.2 can have the same diameters as each other. In the embodiment of Figure 14, the composite element includes the three restraint elements 60, 60.2 interconnected to one another by a central web 76, and securement means, in the form of a strap 77, for anchoring the composite element and lighting devices (not shown in Figure 14) which are interconnected by it. In Figure 15, there is shown, diagrammatically, an electrical circuit 78 forming part of the lighting device 10. The circuit 78 includes the spring contact 24 and the further contact 44, these being connected to the dry cell power source 23. The circuit 78 includes the switch 32, and the LED 27 which, in a preferred embodiment, is a white LED. The circuit 78 also includes a transformer 79 which is used to step up the voltage from the 1.5 volt output of the power source 23 to 3.6 volts, which is required to illuminate the white LED 27. Closure of the switch 32, when the power source 23 is connected to the contacts 24 and 44, closes the circuit 78 and illuminates the LED 27. Opening of the switch 32 opens the circuit 78, extinguishing the LED 27.

The lighting device 10 as shown in Figure 1 can be stowed, for example, in the boot (trunk) of a motor vehicle (not shown). The device 10 can be used, when necessary, such as in an emergency situation, or during a break-down of the vehicle, to provide a portable means of lighting an area, such as the area surrounding the vehicle.

When it is desired to use the lighting device 10, it can be removed from the vehicle and placed on a ground surface 80 so as to be supported on the base member 13. The base member 13 is configured to support the device 10 in an upright orientation on the ground surface 80 when it is level, with the second component 12 above the base member and the first component 11 above the second component and terminating at the upper extremity 75. The portions 73 of the base member 13 which extend laterally beyond the outer wall of the intermediate body portion 18 provide lateral stability. The weighting element 59 provides stability to the device 10 to assist it in remaining upright, even during windy conditions.

The restraint element 60 is then removed from the groove of the zone 48. The ear portion 65 facilitates the gripping of the element 60 by a user, and hence assists in the removal thereof, from the groove. Although the gap 62 is smaller than the diameter of the device 10 at the zone 48 (i.e. the floor of the groove), the resilience of the element allows it to be deformed during removal, and hence permits the gap to be widened, so as to move over the zone to clear it. Once the element 60 has been removed in this way, it can be conveniently located on the holder 68, to prevent it from becoming lost. It will be understood that the restraint element 60, prior to being removed from the zone

48, prevented relative movement of the first component 11 towards the second component 12 as described above. However, once the restraint element 60 is removed, the first component 11 can be moved towards the second component 12, by pressing downwards on the cap 17 in the direction of the arrow 81 in Figure 1. As the first component 11 moves towards the second component 12, the light housing 15 and intermediate body portion 18 move relative to the battery housing 20, against the bias of the spring 34. The contact-column 30 presses against the switch 32, thus closing it, and hence also closing the circuit 78, and illuminating the LED 27, the light of which is transmitted through the lens assembly 16. To extinguish the LED 27, the user repeats this procedure so that the contact-column 30 again presses against the switch 32, thus opening it, and hence also opening the circuit 78, thereby extinguishing the LED 27.

To re-engage the restraint element 60 with the zone 48, it is merely forced into place. As a result of the flaring of its ends 61 at the positions 64, the ends are angled to facilitate engagement of the element 60 with the zone 48. As the element 60 is pressed onto the zone 48, the flared ends 61 ride over the zone causing the gap 62 to widen, and allowing the element to snap-engage with the zone within the groove, so as to be held in place once again.

The restraint element 60, when so engaged, can be used to prevent relative movement of the first component 11 towards the second component 12 to prevent the inadvertent illumination of the LED 27 due to movement of the device 10 or due to other objects colliding with it, when it is being stowed in the vehicle, as this can result in the power source 23 being drained and the device thus not being of any use when needed. Similarly, the restraint element 60 can be used to minimise the chance of the LED 27 being inadvertently switched off when it is in use, for example as a result of the device 10 falling over. In this case, the element 60 can be re-engaged with the zone 48 after the LED 27 has been illuminated in use, rather than being placed on the holder 68.

Instead of having only one device 10 such as that shown in Figure 1, one or more additional devices, such as the device 10.1 as shown in Figure 9, can be stowed for use in a vehicle, and held together with the device 10 with a composite element such as the elements 71 and 171 as described above. In the configuration shown in Figure 9, the composite element 71 is used during stowing, to prevent inadvertent illumination of the LED 27 of the device 10, while the other composite element 171 is used to prevent inadvertent illumination of the LED of the other device 10.1. In this example, where the LEDs are illuminated in use, the composite element 71 can be held, in its juxtaposed condition, on the holder 68 of the device 10 while the other composite element 171 can be held, also in its juxtaposed condition, on the holder 68.1 of the other device 10.1. The composite 71, 171 elements thus not only prevent inadvertent illumination of the LEDs of the devices 10, 10.1, but also keeps the device together.

Referring to the composite element shown in Figure 14, the strap 77 can be used, for example in a vehicle, during stowage of a device 10 and additional devices which are interconnected by this element, to secure the devices to a fixed surface to prevent the devices from moving around.

Illustrated in Figure 16 is a lighting device 10.1 which is similar to the device 10 of previous figures. The device 10.1 differs from the device 10 in that the base 13 terminates in a generally circular member 59.1, which can include a weight formed therewith or attached thereto. It will be noted that the device 10.1 does not include a cylindrical holder 68 as is present on the device 10.

Illustrated in Figures 17 to 19 is a modified lighting device 110, which is similar to the device 10, with like parts being like numbered. The device 110 differs from the device 10 in that the base member 13 includes a circular wall 115 which provides a sealed end to the bottom of the battery housing 20. The base member 13 has an external thread 21 while the base of the battery housing has an internal thread 22.

Below the wall 115 is a horizontal passage 116 and a cavity 117 above it. The passage 116 has a circular aperture 118 on its left side and another circular aperture 119 on its right. A generally cylindrical slide member or bolt 112 is positioned for slidable movement within the passage 116, and as shown in Figure 19, protrudes through the left side aperture 118 so as to position its left end between the shoulders 46 & 47 on the left side, preventing the lighting device 110 being switched on or off. The slidable bolt 112 includes a left side shoulder 120 to prevent the bolt 112 sliding too far to the left. To switch the lighting 110 on or off, the bolt 112 is slid to and through the right side aperture 119, which will position the bolt 112 beneath a recess 111 as in Figure 17.

The recess 111, and the fact that the left end of the bolt 112 is no longer keeping the shoulders 46 and 47 apart, will allow the first component 11 to move towards the combined second component 12 and base 13. As the first component 11 moves towards the combined second component and base 13, the right side of the bolt 112 will relatively move into the recess 111, so as to activate the on/off switch 32. The bolt 112 has a right side shoulder 121 which will limit the travel in the right hand direction of the bolt 112.

In the cavity 117, there is a bias member 114, which is a spring with a downwardly extending N shaped portion 122. The bolt 112 has an inverted N portion 113 between the shoulders 120 and 121. The portions 113 and 122 interact to provide an over centre biasing mechanism whereby, once the bolt 112 is pushed just over halfway between its limits of travel, it will be biased to the other side. By this means, the bolt 112 will only protrude through either the left side aperture 118 or right side aperture 119.

The device 110 thus has a restraint in the form of the bolt 112, which is not detached from the lighting device 110, and does not detach from the zone 48.

Illustrated in Figure 20 is a modified lighting device 210, which is similar to the device 10. Accordingly like parts have been like numbered. The device 210 differs from the device 10 in that the restraint 60 is linked by a lanyard or member 211, which will facilitate the removal of the restraint 60 from the zone 48, but keep the restraint 60 on or connected to the device 210. In this way the restraint 60 is detachable from the zone 48, but not the device 210. If desired the lanyard 211 can be formed integrally with base 13 and restraint 60, or it can be made separately and joined to the restraint 60 and base 13.

It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

The foregoing describes embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art can be made thereto, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A lighting device including: a first component defining a first shoulder; a second component connected to the first component and defining a second shoulder spaced from the first shoulder, with an intermediate zone of the device between the shoulders, at least one of the first and second components having a light source and the first and second components being configured for relative movement towards each other; an electrical circuit connected to said light source and including power source contacts, and being configured for said movement to effect closure of the circuit for illumination of the light source when said contacts are connected to a power source, and for said movement to effect opening of the circuit to turn off the light source when so illuminated; and a restraint element moveable into said zone for obstructing said shoulders and preventing said movement.

2. A lighting device according to claim 1 wherein the first component includes a housing with a translucent wall, with the light source being disposed within the housing.

3. A lighting device according to claim 2 wherein the translucent wall is a lens.

4. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second component includes a housing configured for holding said power source therein such that it is connected to said contacts.

5. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the circuit includes a switch configured for actuation by said movement.

6. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first and second components are each elongate, having a common longitudinal axis, said movement being along said axis.

7. A lighting device according to claim 6 wherein one of said first and second components includes a portion configured to move telescopically within the other of the first and second components, during said movement.

8 A lighting device according to claim 7 wherein said zone includes an annular groove between said shoulders.

9. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, including a base member joined to at least one of the first and second components for supporting the lighting device on a ground surface.

10. A lighting device according to claim 9 wherein the base member is joined to the second component.

11. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the base member is configured to support the second component thereabove with the first component disposed above the second component and terminating at an end extremity, and wherein the base member extends laterally beyond the second component.

12. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the base member includes a weighting element for contributing to the weight of the base member to facilitate stable support thereof on a ground surface.

13. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said restraint remains attached to said device when said movement is permitted.

14. A lighting device as claimed in claim 13, wherein said restraint is slidably held in said device.

15. A lighting device as claimed in claim 14, wherein said restraint is moveable relative to said device, so as to move from a first position in said zone preventing said movement, to a second position, where said movement is permitted.

16. A lighting device as claimed in claim 15, wherein said second position includes a recess to receive said restraint, thereby allowing said movement.

17. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein said restraint element is detachable from said zone to allow movement between said first and second components.

18. A lighting device as claimed in claim 17 wherein said restraint element remains connected to said device when it is detached from said zone.

19. A lighting device as claimed in claim 18, wherein said restraint element is connected to said device by a lanyard.

20. A lighting device as claimed in claim 18 or 19 wherein said restraint element is also detachable from said device.

21. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or 17 to 20 wherein the restraint element is elongate with two opposite ends, and curved such that the ends are disposed spaced from, and opposed to, each other to form a gap therebetween.

22. A lighting device according to claim 21 wherein the restraint element is substantially C-shaped.

23. A lighting device according to claim 21 or claim 22 wherein the restraint element is resiliently deformable to be snap-engageable with said zone.

24. A lighting device according to claim 23 wherein the restraint element has a radially inner surface which flares at each of said ends, to facilitate said snap-engagement.

25. A lighting device according to any one of claims 21 to 24 wherein the restraint element has an ear portion disposed opposite said gap, to facilitate gripping for detachment of the restraint element from said zone.

26. A lighting device according to any one of claims 21 to 25 wherein the restraint element has a radially inner flange portion extending substantially the length of the restraint element and a radially outwardly projecting web portion extending along a radially outer surface of the flange portion, for strengthening the flange portion.

27. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the base member includes a cylindrical holder configured for releasably holding the restraint element when the restraint element is removed from said zone.

28. A lighting device according to claim 27 wherein the base member has a bottom side and the holder is accessible from said bottom side.

29. A lighting device according to any one of claims 21 to 26 wherein the restraint element has at least one additional restraint element connected thereto such that the restraint elements together form a composite element, each additional restraint element constituting the restraint element of a respective additional lighting device, and wherein the composite element constitutes a means for interconnecting said lighting devices.

30. A lighting device according to claim 29 wherein the composite element includes two restraint elements and a hinge portion interconnecting the restraint elements, the hinge portion being configured to permit movement of the restraint elements between an opened- out condition and a juxtaposed condition.

31. A lighting device according to claim 30 wherein, when the composite element is in the juxtaposed condition, one of the restraint elements is superposed on the other restraint element.

32. A lighting device according to claim 30 wherein, when the composite element is in the juxtaposed condition, one of the restraint elements is held as a press-fit by, and within, the other restraint element.

33. A lighting device according to any one of claims 29 to 32 wherein the composite element includes securement means for anchoring the composite element and lighting devices of which the composite element forms a part.

34. A lighting device according to claim 33 wherein the securement means includes a strap.

35. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the base member defines at least one recess for accommodating the end extremity of said additional lighting device interconnected by a restraint element and held in an inverted orientation.

36. A restraint element for use with a lighting device which includes a first component defining a first shoulder, a second component connected to the first component and defining a second shoulder spaced from the first shoulder, with an intermediate zone of the device between the shoulders, with at least one of the first and second components having a light source and the first and second components being configured for relative movement towards each other for illuminating and extinguishing the light source, wherein the restraint element is connectable adjacent said zone for obstructing said shoulders and preventing said movement, and being detachable when so connected, to allow said movement.

37. A restraint element according to claim 36, being elongate and having two opposite ends, and being curved such that the ends are disposed spaced from, and opposed to, each other to form a gap therebetween.

38. A restraint element according to claim 36, being substantially C-shaped.

39. A restraint element according to claim 37 or claim 38, being resiliently deformable to be snap-engageable with said zone.

40. A restraint element according to claim 39, having a radially inner surface which flares at each of said ends, to facilitate said snap-engagement.

41. A resfraint element according to any one of claims 37 to 40, having an ear portion disposed opposite said gap, to facilitate gripping for detachment of the element from said zone.

42. A restraint element according to any one of claims 37 to 41, having a radially inner flange portion extending substantially the length of the element and a radially outwardly projecting web portion extending along a radially outer surface of the flange portion, for strengthening the flange portion.

43. A restraint element according to any one of claims 36 to 42, having at least one additional restraint element connected thereto such that the restraint elements together form a composite element, each additional resfraint element constituting a restraint element for use with a respective additional said lighting device, wherein the composite element constitutes a means for interconnecting said lighting devices.

^• 44. A restraint element according to claim 43, connected to one additional restraint element with a hinge portion interconnecting the restraint elements, the hinge portion being configured to permit movement of the restraint elements between an opened-out condition and a juxtaposed condition.

45. A restraint element according to claim 44 wherein, when the two restraint elements are in the juxtaposed condition, one of the restraint elements is superposed on the other restraint element.

46. A restraint element according to claim 44 wherein, when the two resfraint elements are in the juxtaposed condition, one of the restraint elements is held as a press-fit by, and within, the other restraint element.

47. A restraint element according to any one of claims 43 to 46 including securement means for anchoring the composite element.

48. A restraint element according to claim 47 wherein the securement means includes a strap.