Illuminated magnifying lens assembly

Abstract

An illuminated magnifying lens assembly includes a magnifying lens, a storage case having upper and lower portions, a support frame disposed about and supporting the lens, and a retainer element and fastener secured to the case and pivotally connecting the frame to the case such that the frame and lens therewith may be pivoted relative to the case in a circular arc from a stored position between the upper and lower portions of the case to a plurality of deployed viewing positions wherein the frame is angularly displaced from the case and the lens is exposed. The lens assembly also includes an electrical light source disposed within the frame for emitting and projecting light through a small hole in the frame and onto an object being magnified by the lens as observed through the lens. The light source is activated by pivoting the frame in a predetermined direction from the stored position to one of the deployed positions. The light source include a lamp, batteries, and a switch mechanism. The switch mechanism includes a contact element movable between open and closed positions, and a cam element disposed about the retainer element and acting on the contact element to move it from the open to closed position when the frame is pivoted in the predetermined direction from the stored to deployed position.