초록 ▼

A three position slidable switch for use in a portable, rechargeable electrical device includes ON, OFF, and CHARGE positions. In the ON position a rechargeable battery is coupled in circuit with the device for the operation thereof. In the OFF position the battery is electrically decoupled from the

A three position slidable switch for use in a portable, rechargeable electrical device includes ON, OFF, and CHARGE positions. In the ON position a rechargeable battery is coupled in circuit with the device for the operation thereof. In the OFF position the battery is electrically decoupled from the device which is in an OFF state. In the CHARGE position the battery is coupled to a pair of prongs adapted to be plugged into an electrical outlet. Displacement of the switch to the CHARGE position rotates the prongs to an extended position to permit the battery to be recharged by means of a conventional AC outlet. In the ON and OFF positions of the switch, the prongs are retracted within the switch assembly. The switch includes detent means in each of the three aforementioned positions to reduce the possibility of inadvertent re-positioning of the switch and to provide tactile indication to the user of the switch position. In one embodiment the prongs are spaced apart in the direction of elongation of the device and in another embodiment the prongs are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the device.

대표청구항 ▼

An electrically powered device removably couplable to an associated power source comprising: a housing; first and second rigid conducting members for electrically coupling to the associated power source; means mounting said members on said housing for only a first type of movement between a coupling

An electrically powered device removably couplable to an associated power source comprising: a housing; first and second rigid conducting members for electrically coupling to the associated power source; means mounting said members on said housing for only a first type of movement between a coupling position and a non-coupling position; means, carried by said housing, displaceable with only a second type of movement, different from said first type, between at least first and second positions, said conducting members are couplable to the associated power source only when said displaceable means is in said first position, said conducting members are in said non-coupling position when said displaceable means is in said second position and substantially overlying said prongs; a source of illumination; a rechargeable battery and a recharging circuit for said battery; and means for electrically connecting said conducting members to said recharging circuit at least when said members are in said coupling position.