Abstract:
A flashlight system comprising a housing assembly including a lower member having a longitudinal axis and an upper assembly coupled to the lower member. A light source having an optical axis substantially perpendicular to lower member longitudinal axis is mounted in the upper assembly. Control buttons are coupled to the upper assembly and positioned and spaced in proximity to one another. The lower member includes at least one side plate that is removable. The flashlight system includes a plurality of interchangeable removable side plates providing various features to enhance the overall functionality of the flashlight.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/926,758, filed Jan. 13, 2014. Applicant incorporates by reference herein U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/926,758 in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to flashlights and methods of using same, and in particular to a flashlight system adapted for convenient use in conjunction with other hand-held implements, such as firearms, or in conjunction with activities requiring the use of one&#39;s hands. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A number of flashlights or flashlight holders are known that are designed for use in conjunction with other hand-held implements, such as, for example, firearms. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,270,231; 5,848,834; 5,167,446; 4,542,447; 5,642,932; 5,363,285; 5,556,003; 5,345,368; 6,023,875; 5,752,633; 5,533,657; and 5,593,074; and European Pat. No. EP0484891. 
     Applicant&#39;s U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,075,156 and 7,303,306 disclose flashlight devices for potential use in conjunction with hand-held implements, including firearms, particularly in self-defense and/or combat operations, or when performing other tasks or activities that require two handed operation such as those that commonly occur in industrial environments or outdoor activities. 
     There is a need for improved flashlight devices for use when performing tasks or activities that require two handed operation such as those that commonly occur in industrial environments or outdoor activities and additionally provide accessories, tools or other devices that may be needed. The present invention is directed to these needs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A multi-function flashlight device in one preferred embodiment comprises a housing assembly having a generally rectangular, tubular member for gripping the flashlight device in a user&#39;s hand, a combined control and lamp housing rotatably coupled to the rectangular, tubular member, having a light source mounted therein. The light source has an optical axis that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rectangular, tubular member and can be adjusted horizontally by adjusting the orientation of the combined control and lamp housing to that of the rectangular, tubular member via a rotatable connection. Preferably, the rotatable connection has detents that are provided by the use of a spring and ball assembly located within the combined control and lamp housing that interfaces with corresponding holes or recesses on the rectangular, tubular member. Batteries are housed in the rectangular, tubular member. A control panel having a plurality of buttons are located on the top portion of the combined control and lamp housing. A driver board in the combined control and lamp housing receives signals from the control panel and controls the operation of the light source. The plurality of control buttons are manipulable by a single digit of the user&#39;s hand while gripping the flashlight device. 
     Another feature of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a finger retainer assembly coupled to the rectangular, tubular member. The finger retainer assembly is preferably arranged and designed to be adjustable relative to the optical axis, preferably adjustable through approximately 260°. 
     Another feature of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is a hinged battery door that is connected to the lower portion of the rectangular, tubular member. The hinged battery door contains battery contacts that enable the flashlight device to be electrically powered. The hinged battery door is secured in a closed position by a wire retention loop that is connected to a lower front portion of the rectangular, tubular member and surrounds the front portion of the hinged battery door when it is in the closed position, thereby securing it from unintended opening. 
     Another feature of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a mounting/retention system having a first component coupled to a side of the rectangular, tubular member and a second component arranged and designed to be attached to the user&#39;s clothing or to a mounting surface, with the second component including a receptacle for releasably receiving the first component. 
     Another feature of a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes removable side plates on the rectangular, tubular member that may feature the first component of the mounting/retention system or a host of other embodiments that enhance the mounting options of the flashlight device and expand the device&#39;s overall functionality. Numerous removable side plate embodiments are offered including flexible steel and plastic clips for mounting the flashlight device to clothing, magnets for mounting the flashlight device to ferrous surfaces, cutting utensils, bottle and can opening utensils, fire starting tools, a tape measure, a screwdriver, and a corkscrew amongst others. There is also a “standard” removable side plate that does not offer any expanded functionality, but creates a flat, smooth surface on the side of the rectangular, tubular member for enhanced ergonomics. The preferred embodiment of the present invention retains two removable side plates, one on each side of the rectangular, tubular member. The removable side plates are interchangeable with one another, so the user can choose which side of the flashlight device to position any of the side plates. The removable side plates are installed on the flashlight device on either side of the rectangular, tubular member using a slidable tongue and groove type connection although other connections such as snap fitting or mechanically mounting the side plates could be considered. The edges of the removable side plates form ridges that correspond to grooves formed into to the rectangular tubular member. Ridges on the top and bottom of the side plates correspond to grooves located in the top portion of the rectangular, tubular member and the hinged battery door respectively. Due to this arrangement, the removable side plates are secured via all four edges when the hinged battery door is closed and secured with the wire retention loop. Opening the hinged battery door allows for the removable side plates to be removed by sliding the panel out and away from the rectangular, tubular member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained when the following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments is considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a flashlight device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the flashlight device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 3 and 4  are front and rear elevation views, respectively, of the flashlight device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 5 and 6  are top and bottom views, respectively, of the flashlight device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a top view of the flashlight device of  FIG. 1  showing angular adjustability of the optical axis and a finger retention assembly relative to a generally rectangular, tubular member; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the flashlight device of  FIG. 1  with the hinged battery door in the open position; 
         FIG. 7A  is a bottom view of the flashlight device of  FIG. 1  with the hinged battery door in the open position; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the flashlight device of  FIG. 1  with the hinged battery door in the open position and the removable side plate removed; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the flashlight device with a belt clip removable side plate installed; 
         FIG. 10  is a front elevation view of the flashlight device of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of the flashlight device with the removable side plate housing the first component of a mounting/retention system installed; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the flashlight device of  FIG. 11  showing the removable side plate housing the first component of the mounting/retention system removed; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of fourth preferred embodiment of the flashlight device showing the flashlight device coupled to a second component of the mounting/retention system; 
         FIG. 14  is a front elevation view of the flashlight device of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the flashlight device of  FIG. 13  illustrating the removal of the first component from the second component of the mounting/retention system; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view illustrating the flashlight device held and being operated in the user&#39;s hand; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the flashlight device of  FIG. 1  with an upper portion of the flashlight device removed; 
         FIG. 18  is a top view of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a reflector, mounting board and heat conductive members; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the flashlight device with the removable side plate housing a strap cutter shown in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 21  is a view similar to  FIG. 20  showing the strap cutter in an extended position; 
         FIG. 22  is an exploded view of the removable side plate housing the strap cutter; and 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a removable side plate with a bottle opener in an extended position. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The flashlight system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with specific reference to the drawings. The flashlight system, generally referred to as  20 , comprises a flashlight device  100 , a finger retainer assembly  160 , and one or more removable side plates  180 . A preferred embodiment of the flashlight device  100  is shown in perspective view in  FIG. 1 . The flashlight device  100  includes a housing assembly  102 , preferably manufactured from a sturdy and durable material, for example, glass-filled nylon polymer and over-molded with a softer durometer rubber-like material for comfort while held in the hand. Preferably, the housing assembly  102  includes the control and lamp housing  105 , a bezel assembly  106 , and a tubular member  110 . The tubular member  110  is preferably substantially hollow with dual cored cylindrical areas for housing batteries for powering the flashlight device  100 . A battery door  112  is coupled, preferably via a hinge or pin connection, to a lower end  110   a  of the tubular member  110  as shown in  FIG. 1 . In the preferred embodiment, the hinged battery door  112  is movable, swinging down and away from the tubular member  110  to replace and/or insert batteries in the flashlight device  100 . An upper end  110   b  of the tubular member  110  is coupled, preferably rotatably, to the combined control and lamp housing  105  as shown in  FIG. 5A . Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the combined control and lamp housing  105  is coupled to the bezel assembly  106 , preferably via a press fit connection. 
     In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rectangular tubular member  110  has a centerline or longitudinal axis and the combined control and lamp housing  105  has a centerline or longitudinal axis. Preferably, the combined control and lamp housing  105  is coupled to the rectangular, tubular member  110  such that when the longitudinal axis/centerline of the rectangular tubular member  110  is substantially vertical, the longitudinal axis/centerline of the combined control and lamp housing  105  is substantially horizontal, thus being substantially transverse to one another (forming substantially a 90 degree (90°) angle). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the combined control and lamp housing  105  includes at least one light source  120  and a reflector  121  ( FIGS. 17-19 ) positioned behind a lens  122  within the bezel assembly  106 . The light source  120  is energizable by batteries, preferably alkaline or lithium batteries, in the housing assembly  102 . Preferably, the light source  120  is capable of delivering a high intensity white light. Higher or lower intensities may also be desirable for particular utilities for the flashlight device  100 . The light source  120  may, for example, include a halogen, xenon or other pressurized gas bulb, or a light emitting diode (LED). 
     Additionally, it is to be understood that the flashlight device  100  of  FIGS. 2 and 3  preferably includes a plurality of light sources, including light sources of different output wavelengths or color and/or intensities. For example,  FIGS. 1 and 3  show a preferred embodiment of the flashlight device, referenced as  100 , having a plurality of light sources  120  and  120   a . The flashlight device  100  includes a centrally positioned primary light source  120  and a plurality of peripherally spaced secondary light sources  120   a . The flashlight device  100  shown in  FIG. 3  includes eight secondary light sources  120   a , although it is to be understood that the number of secondary light sources  120   a  in this embodiment can alternatively be one or a plurality of light sources. 
     In the preferred embodiment of the flashlight device  100 , the primary light source  120  is a high intensity LED with a white light output. The secondary light source  120   a  of the flashlight device  100  preferably includes a plurality of colors or output wavelengths. Preferably, each color of secondary lights  120   a  is spaced around the primary light source  120 . It is to be understood that the light sources  120  and  120   a  could include other color/wavelength options including, but not limited to, infrared, ultraviolet and microwaves. 
     Preferably, the control panel  142  is situated in an upper section  105   a  of the combined control and lamp housing  105 . The control panel  142  is preferably a multi-function control panel capable of providing signals to a driver board that processes the received signals and implements the required function. The control panel  142  of the preferred embodiment interfaces with a printed circuit board (“PCB”) having conductive elements activated by pressure sensitive buttons  143 ,  144 , and  145  as shown in  FIG. 5 . In the preferred embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the control panel  142  includes a momentary “on” button  145 , a constant “on” white light control button  144  and a secondary color constant “on” control button  143  to control multiple functions of the flashlight device  100 . Preferably, the buttons  143 ,  144  and  145  each include a raised surface to allow identification of the buttons by tactile sensation or touch without the need to identify visually. Additionally, the location and height of the buttons on the control panel  142  provides for one hand, single digit operation, preferably thumb operation. 
     Preferably, the control panel  142  is positioned above the rectangular, tubular member  110  as shown in  FIG. 1  to provide convenient access to the control buttons  143 ,  144  and  145  during use of the flashlight device  100 . The positioning of the control buttons  143 ,  144  and  145  on the flashlight device  100  provides convenient access in various gun firing positions, including a two-handed combat position, or other manual hand activities. In the preferred embodiment, the buttons  143 ,  144  and  145  are shaped, positioned and spaced sufficiently to be tactilely recognized and easily separately depressed in addition to being adjacent one another to permit simultaneous or concurrent manipulation or depression of two buttons with a single digit of one hand of the user, preferably a thumb. Preferably, the control buttons of the control panel  142  are manipulated by a single thumb and are positioned such that the user&#39;s thumb can manipulate any one of the buttons  143 ,  144  and  145  separately, or simultaneously or concurrently manipulate combinations of the buttons to perform various functions or operational modes. Preferably, the keypad buttons can be manipulated by the thumb without adjusting the user&#39;s grasp of the flashlight device  100 , as described below, and also without having to adjust the user&#39;s grip of the firearm when in use with a firearm. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the flashlight device  100  is preferably grasped by wrapping one or more fingers of one hand of the user substantially around the rectangular, tubular member  110  and placing the thumb of the hand on or above the control panel  142 . Preferably, the back of the generally rectangular, tubular member  110  includes a surface defining a hip  111   a  and a shoulder  111   b , as shown in  FIG. 2 , to provide a quick indexing point and to conform to the wrapped fingers of a gun hand when used with a gun. 
     Preferably, the flashlight device  100  includes a “lockout” to ensure that the momentary “on” button  145  or the constant “on” buttons  143  and  144  are not inadvertently depressed in their “on” state while the flashlight device  100  is stored, thus draining the batteries and leaving the flashlight device  100  “dead” when needed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the lockout is activated by simultaneously depressing the buttons  143  and  144  when no light sources are on and the lockout is deactivated in the same manner. In the lockout condition, the light source  120  cannot be powered by any one of the buttons  143 ,  144 , and  145  being pressed to their “on” state. This ensures that the flashlight device  100  is not inadvertently on while stored and is ready for use when needed by the user. In the preferred embodiment, the control panel  142  includes at least one indicator lamp  150  ( FIG. 5 ) to provide visible indication of the “lockout” status as to whether the flashlight device  100  is “locked” or “unlocked,” preferably by illuminating a symbol or icon in the upper surface of the control panel  142 . 
     A preferred embodiment of the flashlight device  100  is further shown in  FIGS. 17-19 . In  FIGS. 17 and 18  the upper portion of the flashlight device including the control panel  142 , buttons  143 ,  144 , and  145  and upper portion of the bezel assembly  106  have been removed.  FIG. 19  shows the reflector  121  and an LED mounting board  124  for mounting the one or plurality of light sources. Heat conductive elements  126  are in contact with the mounting board  124  and with exposed side panels  128 , preferably made of metal. The heat conductive elements  126  draw heat, generated by the light sources, away from the light sources to the exposed metal side panels where the heat is released to the environment. As compared to an all plastic housing, the increased heat conductivity of this embodiment effectively increases LED performance, efficiency and lifespan. 
     A preferred embodiment of the finger retainer assembly  160  of the flashlight system  20  is shown coupled to the generally rectangular, tubular member  110  of the flashlight device  100  in  FIGS. 1-3 and 7-16 . With reference to  FIG. 2 , the finger retainer assembly  160  preferably defines a substantially “D”-shaped opening  162  with the rectangular, tubular member  110 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2, 7 and 8 , in the preferred embodiment a first end portion  164  of the finger retainer assembly  160  is arranged and designed to connect to a connecting portion  110   d  of the rectangular, tubular member  110  via a threaded screw  107  ( FIG. 2 ). Preferably the finger retainer assembly  160  can be adjusted and fixed in the user&#39;s desired position by tightening the threaded screw. As shown in  FIG. 5A , the preferred embodiment allows the angular position of the finger retainer assembly  160  relative to an optical axis  120   x  of the light source  120  to be adjusted in a horizontal plane (when the rectangular, tubular member  110  is in a vertical orientation) by untightening the threaded screw  107 , making the desired adjustment, and re-tightening the threaded screw. It is also to be understood that the finger retainer assembly  160  can be adjusted with the tension on the threaded screw  107  being tight enough to keep the finger retainer assembly  160  from freely moving, but loose enough to allow the user to move the finger retainer assembly without further loosening the screw  107 . The angular positioning of the finger retainer assembly  160  travels through an arc about the screw  107 . 
     It is to be further understood that the finger retainer assembly  160  is removable by removing the screw  107  and pulling the finger retainer assembly  160  straight out towards the front of the tubular member  110 . Additionally, the flashlight system  20  may include a plurality of finger retainer assemblies  160  with each forming a different size of substantially “D”-shaped opening  162  with the rectangular, tubular member  110  to allow the user to select one that best fits the user&#39;s finger. It is to be understood that only one finger retainer assembly  160  would be mounted to the flashlight device  100  at any time. 
       FIG. 5A  further illustrates the rotatable movement and angular positioning of the optical axis  120   x  relative to a vertical plane  110   p  passing through the center of the generally rectangular, tubular member  110 . The angular positioning of the optical axis  120   x  relative to the vertical plane  110   p  travels through an arc about a rotatable connection pivot point  110   p ′ between the rectangular tubular member  110  and the combined control and lamp housing  105 , preferably lying along an intersection of the vertical plane  110   p  and a vertical plane including the optical axis  120   x . Preferably, the control and lamp housing  105  and the optical axis  120   x  are allowed to rotate approximately 180° (approximately 90° to the left and 90° to the right of the forward position of  FIG. 1 ). More preferably, the control and lamp housing  105  and the optical axis  120   x  are allowed to rotate in the range of 180° to 320° (90° to 160° to the left and 90° to 160° to the right of the forward position of  FIG. 1 ). 
     In a preferred embodiment, a top surface  112   b  of the hinged battery door  112  includes a compressible seal adapted to engage the lower surface of the rectangular, tubular member  110  and the side plates  180  upon closure to provide a waterproof interior compartment. Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , preferably the lower end of the front portion  112   a  of the battery door  112  includes a teat  112   c  which serves to normally maintain the retention loop  108  securely around the battery door  112 . The compressible seal provides a slight amount of compression to allow the retention loop  108  to pass over the teat  112   c , yet retain the retention loop  108  during normal conditions. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the batteries can be replaced by opening the hinged battery door  112  away from the lower portion  110   a  of the rectangular, tubular member  110  by slightly forcing the front portion  112   a  of the battery door  112  towards the rectangular tubular member  110  to permit the wire retention loop  108  to pass over the teat  112   c  and swing away and clear of the hinged battery door  112 . This allows access to the batteries. To return to an operating condition, the batteries are installed and the hinged battery door  112  is closed against the lower portion  110   a  of the rectangular tubular member  110 . The wire retention loop is then swung down and passed over the teat  112   c  into a position where it surrounds the front portion  112   a  of the hinged battery door  112  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     In reference to  FIGS. 7, 7A and 8 , the rectangular, tubular member  110  of flashlight device  100  is constructed to preferably accept two removable side plates  180 , one on each side of the rectangular, tubular member. The removable side plates  180  are installed onto the flashlight device by opening the hinged battery door  112  by swinging it away from the lower portion  110   a  of the rectangular, tubular member  110 . This is accomplished by first releasing the wire retention loop  108  from the front portion  112   a  of the hinged battery door  112 . Once the hinged battery door has cleared the bottom of the removable side plates  180 , the plates can be slidably removed from the rectangular, tubular member  110 . Preferably, the removable side plates are held in position by an interference fit with the tubular member  110 . In a preferred embodiment the sides of the removable side plate  180  include a prominent ridge  180   a  which is received in a corresponding slot  110   s  present on the sides of rectangular tubular member  110 . Preferably, the underside of the top portion  110   b  of the rectangular, tubular member  110  also includes slots to receive a corresponding ridge on the upper end of the side plate. The ridges  180   a  may be beveled or slanted surfaces with the slots  110   s  having corresponding mating beveled or slanted surfaces to secure the removable side plate  180  to the tubular member  110 . 
     Five distinct embodiments of removable side plates are shown in the figures: the “standard” removable side plate  180  in  FIG. 1 , a belt clip  170  coupled to a removable side plate  180 ′ in  FIG. 9 , a first mating component  182  as part of a removable side panel  180 ″ in  FIG. 11 , and a strap cutter  190  or a bottle opener  192  coupled to a removable side panel  180 ′″ in  FIGS. 20-22 . 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  show the flashlight device  100  having a finger retainer assembly  160  and a belt clip  170 . The belt clip  170  is arranged and designed to clip onto the user&#39;s belt or other article of clothing or portion of a uniform, including for example a soldier&#39;s uniform, forming a friction fit. Such clips are well known in the art. Preferably, the belt clip  170  is fixedly mounted to the removable side plate  180 ′ by molding, fasteners, or by a receptacle in the side plate  180 ′ receiving a portion of the belt clip  170 . 
       FIG. 12  shows the side panel  180 ″ having the first mating component  182  removed from the flashlight device  100 . With the battery door  112  in its open position the side panel  180 ″ can be slidably inserted into the slots  110   s  of the tubular member  110  into the position shown in  FIG. 11  and the battery door  112  can then be closed. The first mating component  182  is designed and arranged to be a mating component of the mounting/retention system  188  shown in  FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 . The mounting/retention system  188  preferably includes first and second mating components  182  and  184 , respectively, to permit “hands-free” applications. Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the first mating component  182  is preferably an elongated dovetail extension, extending from the removable side plate  180 ″, adapted to be slidably received within a corresponding receptacle  186  of the second mating component  184  ( FIG. 15 ). 
     It is to be understood that when the flashlight device  100  is mounted to the mounting/retention system  188  ( FIGS. 13 and 14 ) via the removable side plate  180 ″, the optical axis of the flashlight device is preferably adjustable through at least 90°, and more preferably through 160°, of orientation relative to the orientation shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . 
       FIGS. 20 and 21  show the flashlight device  100  with the removable side plate  180 ′″ housing the strap cutter  190  in a retracted position and an extended position, respectively.  FIG. 22  is an exploded view of the removable side plate  180 ′″ housing the strap cutter  190 .  FIG. 23  shows a bottle opener  192 , instead of the strap cutter  190 , housed in the removable side plate  180 ′″ in the extended position. It is to be understood that the only difference between the removable side plate  180 ′″ of  FIG. 23  compared to the one of  FIGS. 20, 21 and 22  is the bottle opener  192  end portion. 
     Referring to  FIG. 22 , the removable side plate  180 ′″ comprises a slider body  200  having ridges  180   a  along the sides of the slider body  200  for mounting to the flashlight device  100 . The slider body  200  includes a pair of rails  200   a  in opposed relationship, preferably parallel to one another. Preferably, the slider body  200  includes an oval recess  200   b  and a pair of recessed flex tabs  200   c . The flex tabs  200   c  have a ball receiver  200   d  at the end portion of the tab. A top cover  202  is arranged and designed to mount onto the slider body  200 . The top cover  202  includes a pair of rails  202   a  in opposed relationship. Preferably, the top cover  202  snaps or slides on the slider body  200  and is secured with a fastener  204 , preferably a screw. It is to be understood that when the top cover  202  is secured to the slider body  200 , the pairs of rails  200   a  and  202   a  are axially aligned to form a continuous rail. 
     A strap cutter slide  206  ( FIG. 22 ) or a bottle opener slide  206 ′ ( FIG. 23 ) is designed to axially slide within the slider body  200  and top cover  202 . Referring to  FIG. 22 , the slide  206  has a hook-shaped end portion having a beveled, knife-like interior edge forming the strap cutter  190 . The slide  206 ′ also has a hook-shaped end portion having a flat interior edge forming the bottle opener  192 . The slides  206  and  206 ′ are identical in all other respects and will be further discussed simply as slide  206 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the slide  206  includes an opening  206   a , two pair of holes  206   b , and an elongated slot  206   c  extending therethrough. The slide  206  includes a pair of side edges  206   c  arranged and designed to be slidably received between the pairs of rails  200   a  and  202   a . The rails  200   a  and  202   a  provide guidance of the slide  206  as it moves axially. A ball  208  is partially received in each ball receiver  200   d  of the flex tabs  200   c  and is arranged and designed to be partially received in one of the holes  206   b . The fastener  204  extends through the elongated slot  206   c    
     In the assembled retracted position as shown in  FIG. 20 , the hook-shaped end portion of the slide  206  is within the end portion of the top cover  202 . Although not shown, the balls  208  are partially received in the pair of holes  206   b  nearest to the hook-shaped end portion of the slide  206 . It is to be understood that the arrangement of the balls  208  and flex tabs  200   c  provide a detent or spring force to maintain and bias the slide  206  in the retracted position. To position the slide in the extended position, the user inserts a finger in the slide opening  206   a  and pushes the slide axially. The user overcomes the detent or spring force and forcibly slides the slide  206  until further axial movement is restricted, for example, by the end of the elongated slot  206   c  contacting the fastener  204 . Additionally or alternatively, in the extended position the balls  208  are partially received in the other pair of holes  206   b  to provide a spring force maintaining the slide in the extended position. The slide can be moved back to the retracted position by either pushing on the hook-shaped end portion of the slide  206  or by again using the slide opening  206   a.    
     It is to be understood that the finger retainer assembly  160 , the belt clip  170 , the mounting/retention system  188 , the strap cutter  190  and the bottle opener  192  are applicable to all embodiments. It is further to be understood that the flashlight device of the present invention may be used with or without each of the following: finger retainer assembly  160 , belt clip  170 , removable side plates  180 ,  180 ′,  180 ″,  180 ′″ and mounting/retention system  188 . 
     While the invention has been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood that modifications and alterations in the embodiments disclosed may be made by those practiced in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such modifications and alterations are intended to be covered. In addition, all publications cited herein are indicative of the level of skill in the art and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each had been individually incorporated by reference and fully set forth.