Kel-Lite
Encyclopedia
Kel-Lite was the first heavy-duty aluminum bodied flashlight, which became popular with law enforcement agencies due to its heavy construction. They were designed to be carried in place of a police baton and also provide light.
(UK: torch), made of heavy 6061-T6 aluminium (commonly known as "aircraft aluminium"). it was developed in 1968 by Donald Keller, Frank Patti and Norm Nelson. It was later redesigned by Norm Nelson into the modern version with a battery charger
, adjustable lens, baton lights, push button switch, and in three sizes (DKL (D-Cell Kel-Lite), MKL (Medium Head Kel-Lite), SKL (Small Head Kel-Lite)), and pinlight versions. The company merged in 1983 with Streamlight. Kel-Lite had manufacturing capability and Strealight a marketing team.
The first Kel-Lites were made in San Dimas, California
in 1968. Then the company moved to Covina, California
in 1970 as demand increased, and on to Barstow, California
in 1973 to a larger facility with a full service machine shop, plating, assembly line
and world wide shipping department. Donald Keller left Kel-Lite in 1972 and continued designing lights, for Brinkmann, ASP, and Maglite
, which were manufactured for sale in Law Enforcement and in other markets, however lacked the quality and durability of the Kel-Lite that was designed and manufactured specifically for Law Enforcement, Security and Fire Services.
Surviving Kel-Lites are still in use worldwide, with the final design by Norm Nelson (Excalibur) made by Streamlight into the early 1990s. A similar model, also designed by Keller, is still being sold as the Brinkmann Legend series of flashlights.
carried by police officers. The series of Baton Light models (available in various lengths from 18 to 26 inches) were designed by Norm Nelson as a direct replacement, which would fit into a standard baton ring on the officer's belt. Kel-Lites were available in sizes ranging from a model using two "1/2 D" cells (together the length of one D) to those using 7 D cells, and any size in between, as well as C cell models. A total of 49 different models were made.
Prior to the Kel-Lite, flashlights were relatively fragile and undependable, usually made either of molded plastic or stamped sheet metal. Dropping one would usually break the bulb, and dents would often lead to frequent replacement. Keller, Patti and Nelson designed the Kel-Lite to be robust, and salesmen trained by Nelson demonstrating the light for public safety customers would demonstrate this by pounding large nails into a block of wood, while the light was operating. Other demonstrations included throwing the light as hard as possible across a concrete parking lot, or turning the light on and putting it into an aquarium and driving over it with a truck. Nelson also produced a flashlight targeted for the truck driver known as the Stud-Lite, which was a Kel-Lite flashlight with a different name, and anodized finish. This model was also very popular and sold in truck stops, truck dealerships and parts houses.
The success of the Kel-Lite led to the rise of competition, primarily Maglite
and Streamlight
, who improved on Keller's basic concept. Streamlight opted for high-output models using rechargeable battery and halogen bulb technology. Maglite developed a improved switch and a variable-focus system, allowing a single light to be used for a high-intensity flashlight or wide-angle lantern. Mag-Lite later developed their own high-output rechargeable, as the police market converted entirely to that style of flashlight. A decade later a new company, Laser Products, miniaturized the tactical flashlight with their SureFire
series.
These more advanced and mass-produced products eventually took over the market. Kel-Lites were one of the more durable makes and large numbers are still in use today. They remain popular on the used market both as working flashlights and collectibles. A Kel-Lite torch was also mounted on the High Standard Model 10B bullpup
shotgun.
History
The Kel-Lite was a highly-durable, weather- and shock-resistant flashlightFlashlight
A flashlight is a hand-held electric-powered light source. Usually the light source is a small incandescent lightbulb or light-emitting diode...
(UK: torch), made of heavy 6061-T6 aluminium (commonly known as "aircraft aluminium"). it was developed in 1968 by Donald Keller, Frank Patti and Norm Nelson. It was later redesigned by Norm Nelson into the modern version with a battery charger
Battery charger
A battery charger is a device used to put energy into a secondary cell or rechargeable battery by forcing an electric current through it.The charge current depends upon the technology and capacity of the battery being charged...
, adjustable lens, baton lights, push button switch, and in three sizes (DKL (D-Cell Kel-Lite), MKL (Medium Head Kel-Lite), SKL (Small Head Kel-Lite)), and pinlight versions. The company merged in 1983 with Streamlight. Kel-Lite had manufacturing capability and Strealight a marketing team.
The first Kel-Lites were made in San Dimas, California
San Dimas, California
San Dimas is a city located in the San Gabriel Valley, in Los Angeles County, California. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 33,371. The city historically took its name from San Dismas Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains above the northern section of present day San Dimas...
in 1968. Then the company moved to Covina, California
Covina, California
Covina is a small city in Los Angeles County, California about east of downtown Los Angeles, in the San Gabriel Valley region. The population was 47,796 at the 2010 census, up from 46,837 at the 2000 census...
in 1970 as demand increased, and on to Barstow, California
Barstow, California
Barstow is a city in San Bernardino County, California, United States. The population was 22,639 at the 2010 census, up from 21,119 at the 2000 census. Barstow is located north of San Bernardino....
in 1973 to a larger facility with a full service machine shop, plating, assembly line
Assembly line
An assembly line is a manufacturing process in which parts are added to a product in a sequential manner using optimally planned logistics to create a finished product much faster than with handcrafting-type methods...
and world wide shipping department. Donald Keller left Kel-Lite in 1972 and continued designing lights, for Brinkmann, ASP, and Maglite
Maglite
Maglite is a brand of flashlight manufactured in the United States by Mag Instrument, Inc. located in Ontario, California, and founded by Anthony Maglica. It was introduced in 1979. Constructed principally of anodized 6061 aluminum, they have a variable-focus beam...
, which were manufactured for sale in Law Enforcement and in other markets, however lacked the quality and durability of the Kel-Lite that was designed and manufactured specifically for Law Enforcement, Security and Fire Services.
Surviving Kel-Lites are still in use worldwide, with the final design by Norm Nelson (Excalibur) made by Streamlight into the early 1990s. A similar model, also designed by Keller, is still being sold as the Brinkmann Legend series of flashlights.
Technology
The Kel-Lite was intended as a replacement for the batonBaton (law enforcement)
A truncheon or baton is essentially a club of less than arm's length made of wood, plastic, or metal...
carried by police officers. The series of Baton Light models (available in various lengths from 18 to 26 inches) were designed by Norm Nelson as a direct replacement, which would fit into a standard baton ring on the officer's belt. Kel-Lites were available in sizes ranging from a model using two "1/2 D" cells (together the length of one D) to those using 7 D cells, and any size in between, as well as C cell models. A total of 49 different models were made.
Prior to the Kel-Lite, flashlights were relatively fragile and undependable, usually made either of molded plastic or stamped sheet metal. Dropping one would usually break the bulb, and dents would often lead to frequent replacement. Keller, Patti and Nelson designed the Kel-Lite to be robust, and salesmen trained by Nelson demonstrating the light for public safety customers would demonstrate this by pounding large nails into a block of wood, while the light was operating. Other demonstrations included throwing the light as hard as possible across a concrete parking lot, or turning the light on and putting it into an aquarium and driving over it with a truck. Nelson also produced a flashlight targeted for the truck driver known as the Stud-Lite, which was a Kel-Lite flashlight with a different name, and anodized finish. This model was also very popular and sold in truck stops, truck dealerships and parts houses.
The success of the Kel-Lite led to the rise of competition, primarily Maglite
Maglite
Maglite is a brand of flashlight manufactured in the United States by Mag Instrument, Inc. located in Ontario, California, and founded by Anthony Maglica. It was introduced in 1979. Constructed principally of anodized 6061 aluminum, they have a variable-focus beam...
and Streamlight
Streamlight
Streamlight is an ISO 9001:2000 registered company located in Eagleville, Pennsylvania that manufactures flashlights powered by various rechargeable and disposable batteries. Streamlight flashlights are often used by public safety professionals such as police officers and fire fighters, and they...
, who improved on Keller's basic concept. Streamlight opted for high-output models using rechargeable battery and halogen bulb technology. Maglite developed a improved switch and a variable-focus system, allowing a single light to be used for a high-intensity flashlight or wide-angle lantern. Mag-Lite later developed their own high-output rechargeable, as the police market converted entirely to that style of flashlight. A decade later a new company, Laser Products, miniaturized the tactical flashlight with their SureFire
Surefire
SureFire, LLC. is a Fountain Valley, California company whose primary products are flashlights, headlamps, weapon mounted lights and laser sights. In addition, Surefire also manufactures knives, sound suppressors, Picatinny Rails and batteries. The company is a major supplier of flashlights to the...
series.
These more advanced and mass-produced products eventually took over the market. Kel-Lites were one of the more durable makes and large numbers are still in use today. They remain popular on the used market both as working flashlights and collectibles. A Kel-Lite torch was also mounted on the High Standard Model 10B bullpup
Bullpup
Bullpups are firearm configurations in which the action is located behind the trigger group and alongside the shooter's face, so there is no wasted space for the buttstock as in conventional designs. This permits a shorter firearm length for the same barrel length for improved maneuverability, and...
shotgun.
External links
- Illustration of a Kel-Lite 5 D cell flashlight retrieved 2011 08 05
- Timeline of company history