Abstract: A tool having a telescoping handle including a main shank and an outer sleeve complementary shaped to receive the main shank therein. A guide groove is formed in an outer circumferential surface of the main shank for receiving a guide pin formed or attached to an inner circumferential surface of the outer sleeve. A locking collar may be provided to cause a bearing member to selectively engage locking structures formed on the main shank in order to selectively lock the telescoping handle in selected positions. The bearing member may also serve as the guide pin. Alternatively, at least two distinct locking and release mechanisms may be provided to selectively lock the telescoping handle in selected positions.

Abstract: Active and spare battery holders are removably disposed within a battery compartment of a battery operated device such that battery cells in the active holder provide electrical power to operate the device, while battery cells in the spare holder are electrically isolated to prevent their discharge. In one embodiment, upon discharge of the battery cells of the active holder the cells of the active holder and the spare holder are exchanged, providing the active holder with fresh cells to operate the device. In another embodiment, the active and spare holders are simply interchanged, so that the spare holder becomes the active holder and the active holder becomes the spare holder. According to the latter embodiment, a unitary battery holder includes a first and second battery holder in a single unit, so that to interchange active and spare holders the unitary battery holder is reversed within the battery compartment.

Abstract: A mobile recharging power source with a lighting accessory includes a battery pack, the battery pack having a plurality of battery cells contained within a housing and electrically connected to a receiving connector disposed on the housing. A lamp may be provided on the housing, along with a switch to turn the lamp on and off. A lighting accessory is provided for connection to the receiving connector of the battery pack. The lighting accessory includes at least one light source, such as an incandescent or LED lamp, and the light source is connected to a mating connector which is adapted for connection to the receiving connector of the battery pack. Additionally, a charging accessory is provided having a mating connector for connection to the receiving connector, and a device specific connector adapted for connection to a recharging port of a portable electronic device.