Abstract:
A flashlight holder is constructed from a securely closed loop of pliant line with moveable parts which may be positioned along said loop providing a means of accurately directing a light beam where needed while allowing free movement of both hands. The holder may be placed on a flat surface, belt loop, a belt, ones hand or attached to various objects for support or securement.

Description:
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESERCH 
   Not applicable 
   SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM 
   Not applicable 
   BACKGROUND 
   1. Field of Invention 
   The present invention relates to a sling for flashlights, specifically to a removable sling having means that allow user to attach and/or position a mini-flashlight in a variety of ways to accurately aim the light beam where needed while leaving both hands free. 
   2. Description of Prior Art 
   There are times when a flashlight is desirable and sometimes necessary to provide illumination in order to perform a task safely and correctly. In many cases the larger heavier and sometimes bulkier “C” cell and “D” cell flashlights can be replaced with a mini-flashlight that is accurately aimed. 
   Conventional mini-flashlights (consisting of a tubular construction containing either “AA” or “AAA” batteries and a light source at one end) have become popular choices for such purposes. They are often preferred over larger flashlights for their compact and lightweight construction and work well under most conditions. Their operation and maintenance is inexpensive as is their replacement. 
   However, the smaller a light source is; the closer it must be placed; and the more accurately it must be aimed, at object requiring illumination, to achieve greatest intensity. 
   Manufactures have been trying to solve this problem with both attachable and permanent devices for mini-flashlights leaving the user with either a bulkier flashlight or an extra item to carry with it. Many of the attachments available are designed for a particular make and model and can be somewhat expensive. Most are designed to perform a certain way and are usually limited to that application. But it seems, that none of them are able to adapt to the many different situations the user might encounter. 
   It is therefore, desirable to have a detachable, inexpensive, universal, holder and positioner for a mini-flashlight that adapts to different situations while securing it against loss or damage. 
   In the search for prior art nothing was found that resembled the art presented in this document. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the accompanying drawings: 
       FIG. 1  is a (top) plan view of completed sling lying on a flat surface. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of sling supporting a (phantom) mini-flashlight on a flat surface. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of sling suspended from users left hip belt loop supporting (phantom) mini-flashlight at downward angle. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of sling suspended from belt on users left side supporting (phantom) mini-flashlight at upward angle. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a (phantom) mini-flashlight being supported by sling with users right hand inserted. 
       FIG. 6  is perspective view of sling attached to a nail and supporting (phantom) mini-flashlight at downward angle. 
       FIG. 7  is perspective view of sling attached to a pole and supporting (phantom) mini-flashlight at downward angle. 
       FIG. 8  is a plan view of left side of (phantom) mini-flashlight secured to a plastic pipe (as seen from end) by sling. 
       FIG. 9  is a plan view of right side of (phantom) mini-flashlight suspending sling below belt at users right hip supporting a small camp shovel (indicated by dashed lines) and an all-in-one tool. 
       FIG. 10  is a plan view of sling supporting (phantom) mini-flashlight and collapsible inspection mirror while attached to a pole (as seen from left). 
   

   
     
       
             
           
             
             
             
           
         
             
                 
             
             
               REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS 
             
             
                 
             
           
           
             
                 
             
           
        
         
             
                 
               10 
               belt 
             
             
                 
               12 
               belt loop 
             
             
                 
               14 
               nail 
             
             
                 
               16 
               pole 
             
             
                 
               18 
               hand 
             
             
                 
               20 
               pliant line 
             
             
                 
               22 
               rubber slide 
             
             
                 
               24 
               plastic slide 
             
             
                 
               26 
               thin metal sleeve 
             
             
                 
               28a 
               bend end of line 
             
             
                 
               28b 
               crimped end of line 
             
             
                 
               30 
               assembled sling 
             
             
                 
               32 
               mini-flashlight 
             
             
                 
               40 
               all-in-one tool 
             
             
                 
               42 
               small camp shovel 
             
             
                 
               44 
               plastic pipe 
             
             
                 
               46 
               collapsible inspection mirror 
             
             
                 
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1–10  the present invention relates to a sling  30  more specifically a sling  30  for a mini-flashlight  32 . This flashlight  32  being of a tubular construction containing either “AA” or “AAA” batteries and having a light source at one end. Not being a part of the present embodiment mini-flashlight  32  is illustrated (Where shown) in phantom form and included only to show attachment of sling  30  and its operation thereof. 
   In reference to  FIG. 1  the assembled sling  30  is shown by itself for simplicity of description of parts and their placement. In its preferred embodiment the sling  30  comprises four basic components: 1) pliant line  20  having rubber or plastic coating (like clothesline) cut to (but not limited to) a length of twenty-four inches (24″); 2) rubber slides  22   a  and  22   b  (presently made from rubber tubing) with inner diameter being a little under twice the diameter of line  20  and being at least an eighth-inch (⅛″) in length; 3) plastic slides  24 ( a–d ) (presently made from vinyl plastic tubing) with inner diameter being twice the diameter of line  20  and being at least a quarter-inch (¼″) in length; 4) a secure bonding together of ends of line  20  by means of cast molding, or with attachments, fasteners, crimps or thin metal sleeves  26  crimped on ends. 
   Assembly of Parts 
   By placing the ends of line  20  parallel and pointing them in the same direction and bonding them together an elongated loop is formed. 
   A secure bonding can be (presently) achieved by inserting ends of line  20  into a thin metal sleeve  26  and crimping or mashing with moderate pressure. Sleeve  26  should be at least three-eighths-of-an-inch (⅜″) in length. 
   Rubber slides  22   a  and  22   b  and plastic slides  24 ( a–d ) (both being presently a quarter-inch (¼″) in length) are moderately forced over bend end  28   a  of loop that is formed after bonding. Arrangement being an even number (four-to-six preferred) of plastic slides  24 ( a–d ) being enclosed or sandwiched between two rubber slides  22   a  and  22   b . They should fit tightly around doubled line  20  with rubber slides  22   a  and  22   b  (serving as thick rubber bands) being more difficult to move. Plastic slides  24 ( a–d ) should be easily moved while maintaining position set by user. 
   Operation 
   Referring to  FIG. 1  and then  FIGS. 2–10 . After assembly of sling  30  is completed, openings at ends  28   a  and  28   b  are created. These are the preferred locations for the insertion of ends of mini-flashlight  32 . Showing mini-flashlight  32  in phantom form shows how mini-flashlight  32  is inserted into openings at ends  28   a  and  28   b  of sling  30 . Once inserted the pushing of rubber slides  22   a  and  22   b  against mini-flashlight  32  constricts line  20  tightly around mini-flashlight  32  locking it to both ends of sling  30 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  6  and  7 . An arch is created by sling  30  when attached to mini-flashlight  32 . This arch aids in the accurate positioning of mini-flashlight  32  when attached or suspended. 
     FIG. 3  shows how plastic slides  24   b  and  24   c  serve as stops to hold set position of mini-flashlight  32  while sling  30  is suspended from a belt loop  12 . 
     FIG. 4  shows mini-flashlight  32  being supported by sling  30  which has been passed through on both sides by a belt  10 . Like rubber slides  22   a  and  22   b  plastic slides  24 ( a–d ) can also constrict line  20  providing a means of attachment of sling  30 . Because belt  10  is passed through looped line  20  plastic slides  24 ( a–d ) can be pushed against belt  10  constricting line  20  tightly around it, for secure attachment. 
     FIG. 6  shows how sling  30  can be attached to stationary objects like a driven nail  14  by tightly constricting line  20  around it with slides  24   b  and  24   c . Some objects that are cylindrical in shape (like nail  14 ) can serve as a pivot, enabling sling  30  to rotate mini-flashlight  32  in a complete circle. 
     FIG. 7  shows how sling  30  can attach mini-flashlight  32  to a pole  16  for extension of reach or for a portable support. This allows user to extend light into areas that could be potentially dangerous to enter. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2  and then  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 2  shows how sling  30  can be formed into a stand for supporting mini-flashlight  32  on a flat surface. By equally separating and moving plastic slides  24 ( a–d ) to ends  28   a  and  28   b  of sling  30 , line  20  flashlight  32 . Moving loop ends  28   a  and  28   b  independently along the mini-flashlight  32  can vary the balance and light angle of mini-flashlight  32 . 
     FIG. 5  shows this same arrangement allowing the insertion of ones hand  18  through the circular or oval opening created by separating line  20 . Moving one or more of the plastic slides  24 ( a–d ) (slide  24   d  being partially shown) close to the wrist, constricts line  20  around the wrist creating a tighter fit. This arrangement allows user close concentrated lighting and freedom of both hands. 
   FIGS.  8 , 9 , and  10  are included to illustrate the adaptability of sling  30  for other uses. 
   In  FIG. 8  a mini-flashlight  32  is securely mounted to plastic pipe  44  (as seen from end). This shows how user can insert the end of a mini-flashlight  32  anywhere along length of sling  30 . Pushing the plastic slides  24   a  and  24   b  and remaining rubber slide  22   a  against mini-flashlight  32  locks assembly in place. This works because line  20  is pliant and will conform to the shape of object it is wrapped around, allowing for tighter mounting. This method can be used for attaching assembly to the grip of a cordless drill/driver. 
   Referring to  FIG. 9 . Sling  30  is shown tucked behind user&#39;s belt  10  with mini-flashlight  32  suspending it below belt  10  forming a loop suitable for carrying some tools. This loop can support a small camp shovel  42 , (depicted by dashed lines showing placement) hatchet, hammer or the like. An all-in-one tool  40 , or the like, can be secured within sling  30  using plastic slides  24 ( a–d ) to constrict line  20  firmly around it. With mini-flashlight  32  positioned along hip it can still provide directional light for user. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 10 . Attachment of a mini-flashlight  32  to a pole  16  was shown in  FIG. 7 . What wasn&#39;t shown was the ability of the sling  30  to secure yet, another item.  FIG. 10  illustrates the addition of a collapsible inspection mirror  46 . This can be very useful for inspecting underneath a vehicle or home, whereas, the usual routine involves groveling around on your back and hoping nothing leaps on you, or falls on your face. 
   In this document and the included illustrations I have tried to cover the basic functionality of the assembly described herein. It would take an album stuffed with photos to show all of its capabilities. Only in usage and experimentation will the many assets of this assembly be revealed. 
   It should also be pointed out that the constricting ability that enables the attachment of assembly, also qualifies it to receive other items, such as; a suction cup, a hook, a clamp, a magnet or cordage. In combining all this information it should be realized that this assembly is one of the most universally adaptable devices for attaching, positioning and holding a mini-flashlight. 
   While a preferred embodiment has been shown and described, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the disclosure, but rather it is intended to cover all modifications and alternate methods falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention as described in the appended claims. 
   Having thus described the aforementioned invention,