Abstract: A portable rechargeable electronic device, such as a flashlight, with external charging contacts and a short protection circuit is disclosed. The short protection circuit electrically uncouples one of the exposed charging contacts from the rechargeable power supply for the device when the charging contacts are short circuited. The charging contact is uncoupled without opening the power circuit for the device; thus, the device can continue to operate while the charging contacts are shorted. The power supply for the device may be a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. A flashlight with a circuit for reducing the initial surge of current that is sent through the lamp filament when a flashlight is turned on is also provided. The circuit reduces the stresses placed on the lamp bulb when it is turned on, thereby extending the life expectancy of the lamp bulb. A flashlight with an electronic switch is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flashlight with unique flashlight electrical connections, including a switch structure featuring a switch requiring a small amount of force, and a short stroke distance to actuate, attached to a member on which a circuit adding additional functions to the flashlight may be located. The member has conductive springs attached to either end that are used to complete the electrical circuit with the battery and the lamp, while their compressive force is absorbed by a housing protecting the switch structure. A conductive strip is used to improve the conductivity of the circuit in a metal flashlight which has been provided with an electrically resistive protective coating.

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 portable, battery-operated flashlight having improved pivoting, switching and focusing features is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, the flashlight takes the form of an attachment to a head gear for hands free use. In another aspect of the invention, the flashlight takes the form of a head lamp held in place on an user's head by an elastic band. The pivot connection between the body and the base, as well as the serrations on an exterior surface of the body, allows a user to adjust any angular direction of the light as desired. In another aspect of the invention, the flashlight takes the form of a long-handled flashlight having improved switching and focusing capabilities, such that axial movement of the switching assembly turns the flashlight “on” or “off,” as well as causing a position of the lamp to vary in order to focus or defocus the light.

Abstract: A flashlight in accordance with the present invention includes a chamber, end cap, head assembly, and lamp holder assembly. The head assembly includes a reflector and a lens. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the flashlight includes electrode connections that prevent the conduction of electrical energy from one or more batteries which are improperly aligned within the chamber. In another embodiment, the lamp holder assembly includes a lamp socket having a lamp guide and/or a fluorescent coating. In another embodiment, the flashlight comprises a head assembly attached to the chamber which is rotatable relative to the chamber to cause electrical coupling of the lamp and one or more batteries retained by the chamber.

Abstract: A portable, battery-operated flashlight having improved pivoting, switching and focusing features is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, the flashlight takes the form of an attachment to a head gear for hands free use. In another aspect of the invention, the flashlight takes the form of a head lamp held in place on an user's head by an elastic band. The pivot connection between the body and the base, as well as the serrations on an exterior surface of the body, allows a user to adjust any angular direction of the light as desired. In another aspect of the invention, the flashlight takes the form of a long-handled flashlight having improved switching and focusing capabilities, such that axial movement of the switching assembly turns the flashlight “on” or “off,” as well as causing a position of the lamp to vary in order to focus or defocus the light.

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 portable rechargeable electronic device, such as a flashlight, with external charging contacts and a short protection circuit is disclosed. The short protection circuit electrically uncouples one of the exposed charging contacts from the rechargeable power supply for the device when the charging contacts are short circuited. The charging contact is uncoupled without opening the power circuit for the device; thus, the device can continue to operate while the charging contacts are shorted. The power supply for the device may be a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. A flashlight with a circuit for reducing the initial surge of current that is sent through the lamp filament when a flashlight is turned on is also provided. The circuit reduces the stresses placed on the lamp bulb when it is turned on, thereby extending the life expectancy of the lamp bulb. A flashlight with an electronic switch is also disclosed.

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 flashlight in accordance with the present invention includes a chamber, end cap, head assembly and lamp holder assembly. The end cap includes a bowed tripod portion to facilitate standing the flashlight on a flat surface. The head assembly includes a reflector and a lens. In one embodiment of the invention, the head assembly includes an elliptical reflector. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the flashlight having a elliptical reflector is matched with a negative or planar lens. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the head assembly includes an hyperbolic reflector. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the flashlight having a hyperbolic reflector is matched with a positive or planar lens. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the flashlight includes electrode connections which prevent the conduction of electrical energy from batteries which are improperly aligned within the flashlight.