Abstract: A flashlight having a locking mechanism for securing a head skirt to a head assembly is disclosed. A circuit for temporarily remember the mode of operation of the flashlight is also disclosed.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (“LED”) module with improved thermal characteristics is provided. The module includes an LED, a first circuit board, a second circuit board, a lower insulator, an upper insulator, a lower contact, upper contacts, and a heat sink. Preferably, the heat sink comprises an outer housing and a contact ring. The LED and the heat sink are attached to the first circuit board via solder. In addition to serving as a substrate for the LED, the first circuit board (which contains a plurality of thermally conductive layers connected by vias) facilitates the transfer of heat away from the LED to the heat sink. The module also has improved mechanical and electrical properties, including redundant electrical connections, stable mechanical connections, and a shock-absorbing lower contact. The lower insulator can also be configured to prevent misalignment of the power source with the lower contact when the module is used in a flashlight or other lighting device.

Abstract: A flashlight as disclosed to comprise a barrel, a tail cap, a head assembly, and a miniature lamp bulb holder and for providing interruptible electrical coupling to dry cell batteries retained within the barrel. One-way valves may be positioned at seal locations in association with passageways to allow venting of overpressure within the interior volume of the flashlight.

Abstract: A flashlight has a switch housing in between the battery compartment and reflector. The neck of the switch housing holds a lamp support at a central position within a reflector. An o-ring on the rear of the switch housing seals the battery compartment. The switch housing partially floats within the flashlight tube to allow for a slight adjustment of the lamp relative to the reflector to insure centering.

Abstract: An improved flashlight includes a barrel, a light source and a variable length conductor. The barrel contains a plurality of batteries which may be arranged end-to-end. The light source is held in a holder. The variable length conductor is interposed between the plurality of batteries and the light source. The variable length conductor is configured to selectively electrically couple or de-couple the light source and the batteries. The holder of the light source may further be configured to move the light source substantially laterally relative to an axis of the reflector.

Abstract: A combination for use in aligning a substantial point source of light with respect to an axis of a reflector is provided. The combination includes a reflector, a lamp bulb having a substantial point source of light, and a movable lamp bulb holder. The movable holder may be moved using an actuating member. The reflector has a first open end for emitting a light beam, a second end and an axis extending between the first and second reflector ends. The lamp bulb is secured to the movable holder and is disposed about the second end of the reflector. The actuating member is operatively coupled to the movable holder at an actuation interface for moving the substantial point source of light relative to the axis of the reflector and aligning the substantial point source of light with the reflector axis and the focal point of the reflector. Flashlights employing the combination are provided.

Abstract: A flashlight as disclosed to comprise a barrel, a tail cap, a head assembly, and a miniature lamp bulb holder and for providing interruptible electrical coupling to dry cell batteries retained within the barrel. One-way valves may be positioned at seal locations in association with passageways to allow venting of overpressure within the interior volume of the flashlight.

Abstract: An improved flashlight includes a barrel, a light source and a variable length conductor. The barrel contains a plurality of batteries which may be arranged end-to-end. The light source is held in a holder. The variable length conductor is interposed between the plurality of batteries and the light source. The variable length conductor is configured to selectively electrically couple or de-couple the light source and the batteries. The holder of the light source may further be configured to move the light source substantially laterally relative to an axis of the reflector.

Abstract: A combination for use in aligning a substantial point source of light with respect to an axis of a reflector is provided. The combination includes a reflector, a lamp bulb having a substantial point source of light, and a movable lamp bulb holder. The movable holder may be moved using an actuating member. The reflector has a first open end for emitting a light beam, a second end and an axis extending between the first and second reflector ends. The lamp bulb is secured to the movable holder and is disposed about the second end of the reflector. The actuating member is operatively coupled to the movable holder at an actuation interface for moving the substantial point source of light relative to the axis of the reflector and aligning the substantial point source of light with the reflector axis and the focal point of the reflector. Flashlights employing the combination are provided.

Abstract: A flashlight as disclosed to comprise a barrel, a tail cap, a head assembly, and a miniature lamp bulb holder and for providing interruptible electrical coupling to dry cell batteries retained within the barrel. One-way valves may be positioned at seal locations in association with passageways to allow venting of overpressure within the interior volume of the flashlight.

Abstract: A flashlight having a head assembly, a switch assembly and a removable tail cap with a spare bulb holder provided by the tail cap. The spare bulb holder includes a resilient body having an internal, U-shaped wall defining a slot configured to receive a flashlight bulb, a cylindrical wall about the slot and ribs extending between the U-shaped wall and the cylindrical peripheral wall. The slot extends through the cylindrical peripheral wall and includes a first section for receiving the plug of a flashlight bulb, a second section for receiving the flange of a flashlight bulb and a third section for receiving a lens of the flashlight bulb.

Abstract: A combination for use in aligning a substantial point source of light with respect to an axis of a reflector is provided. The combination includes a reflector, a lamp bulb having a substantial point source of light, and a movable lamp bulb holder. The movable holder may be moved using an actuating member. The reflector has a first open end for emitting a light beam, a second end and an axis extending between the first and second reflector ends. The lamp bulb is secured to the movable holder and is disposed about the second end of the reflector. The actuating member is operatively coupled to the movable holder at an actuation interface for moving the substantial point source of light relative to the axis of the reflector and aligning the substantial point source of light with the reflector axis and the focal point of the reflector. Flashlights employing the combination are provided.

Abstract: An improved tail cap assembly having features that allow direct electrical contact between a battery and the barrel of a flashlight is provided. The tail cap assembly includes a cap and a conductive spring. The cap is adapted to engage with the flashlight barrel. The tail cap assembly includes a cap which has a seat, two ears extending from the seat and gaps between the two ears. A conductive spring that includes a base portion is disposed between the ears. At least a part of the base portion is arranged to bear against the seat. And the base portion extends outward in a radial direction through at least one of the gaps. The conductive spring may be a coil spring, and the base portion is oval or asymmetrical shaped.

Abstract: A flashlight has a switch housing in between the battery compartment and reflector. The neck of the switch housing holds a lamp support at a central position within a reflector. An o-ring on the rear of the switch housing seals the battery compartment. The switch housing partially floats within the flashlight tube to allow for a slight adjustment of the lamp relative to the reflector to insure centering.

Abstract: A flashlight having a head assembly, a switch assembly and a removable tail cap with a spare bulb holder provided by the tail cap. The spare bulb holder includes a resilient body having an internal, U-shaped wall defining a slot configured to receive a flashlight bulb, a cylindrical wall about the slot and ribs extending between the U-shaped wall and the cylindrical peripheral wall. The slot extends through the cylindrical peripheral wall and includes a first section for receiving the plug of a flashlight bulb, a second section for receiving the flange of a flashlight bulb and a third section for receiving a lens of the flashlight bulb.

Abstract: A flashlight has a switch housing in between the battery compartment and reflector. The neck of the switch housing holds a lamp support at a central position within a reflector. An o-ring on the rear of the switch housing seals the battery compartment. The switch housing partially floats within the flashlight tube to allow for a slight adjustment of the lamp relative to the reflector to insure centering.

Abstract: A flashlight as disclosed to comprise a barrel, a tail cap, a head assembly, and a miniature lamp bulb holder and for providing interruptible electrical coupling to dry cell batteries retained within the barrel. One-way valves may be positioned at seal locations in association with passageways to allow venting of overpressure within the interior volume of the flashlight.

Abstract: A charger is provided that includes an improved contact for holding a flashlight and electrically connecting to a charging contact of the flashlight. The charger includes an area for receiving the head of a flashlight, and an area for receiving the barrel of a flashlight. The contact is disposed about the area for receiving the barrel. The contact is deflectable and includes portions that expand and mate with the charging contact of the flashlight to hold the flashlight in place while electrically connecting to the charging contact for supplying electrical energy to a rechargeable battery contained in the flashlight.