I would be interested in one, have plenty of Solarforce and P60 pills here.
Infringing on the design patent is only a concern if the new flashlights looks exactly like or very similar to the old one? Or is there a patent on the overall design of a P60 pill inside of a flashlight?
If so, who owns it?
I don’t see new P60 type lights being manufactured or marketed heavily, at least not online?
My funds are pretty tight but this would shoot straight to the top of the list. I definitely like the idea of some nicely done fins and double O-rings. I’m afraid I can’t really be much of a help with design aspects as I’m just not knowledgeable enough. I firmly believe that we should not infringe on patents and the like but it does seem to me like this should be doable without doing so.
Thanks for replying. It’s not really a thread of BLF’s design but of the desire for Convoy to produce. Simon has offered to update the 502B to 21700 size. This design how ever only allowed its head assembly. The tail piece was notorious for cross threading as it inserted into rather than over the body. We need to show interest and that this is not a dead concept to get a true P60 format with Convoy’s style.
If we do this, and make an upgraded ’502, please please please please please keep the original rounded tailcap. Ie, where the tailcap itself is rounded, and the switchcap is similarly rounded and flush with the tailcap itself. Not the common squared-off tailcap, “moat”, and then pill-type switchcap like on every other light in existence.
The original rounded tailcap lent the ’502 a unique styling, made it easy to press even with gloves, and who cares if it’s not able to tailstand. The L2M (and most Solarforces I can recall) with protruding button was never able to tailstand, and no one P&Med about that.
It’s a bit hard to see with glare reflecting off the tailcap, but like this:
You should be able to draw one contiguous arc from edge-to-edge of the tailcap, with the profile of the rubber switchcap following that arc.
I for one think tail standing is important. It is very hard to use a largish light when you are the only person and have to use both hands to work. I have always migrated towards the Solar Force tail caps that allow for a free stand. Now, I do not like the totally encircled buttons, but the ones with cutouts still allow for gloved use.
Actually, I think those with the cutouts are the absolute worst, yet every light and its grandmother has them. :confounded:
If they don’t line up with a side-button, a pocket clip, etc., they’re just downright awkward., and in at least one light I have (UT20?), it just bites into my thumb trying to use it while still being able to access the side-button.
And they’re much less stable when tailstanding vs a full-circle, especially on a slightly-tilted or otherwise irregular surface.
The way I carry the ’502 (several years, daily), the clip goes under my knuckles and is sort of a natural grip (like where brass-knuckles would sit).
Stick “ears” on the cap that don’t line up absolutely perfectly with where my thumb rests, and I won’t buy even a single one. And I’m not about to half-twist when I want to press the switch, then half-twist back when I’m done. Yecch.