Abstract:
The inventive portable lighting device has a substantial portion thereof constructed of one or more fabric materials. The use of a fabric housing allows for additional functionality through the use of flexible storage space integrated into the devices, thereby yielding unique functionality and aesthetics. Various sized lighting devices can be designed by combining soft and hard materials (i.e., plastic, metal, fabric, rubber, foam, etc.) that allow for the addition of other objects to be securely and comfortably attached to, or carried in, the lighting device. The use of fabric also provides unique access to the batteries and bulb of the flashlight. The result of using fabric in a lighting device provides for a product family constructed of various materials that allow for flexible yet integrated looking and feeling storage solutions.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/260,809, entitled “PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICE HAVING A FABRIC HOUSING,” filed Jan. 10, 2001, by Peter F. Lynch et al., and on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/234,868, entitled “PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICE HAVING A FABRIC HOUSING,” filed Sep. 22, 2000, by Peter F. Lynch et al., the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention generally relates to portable lighting devices such as flashlights and lanterns.  
           [0003]    Conventional flashlights and lanterns are typically constructed of plastic, rubber, and/or metal. Because of limitations as to the flexibility, coloration, and texture of these materials, the design of flashlights and lanterns is limited. Additionally, to the extent that such lighting devices incorporate storage locations for additional light bulbs or batteries, or to the extent they allow access to the batteries used to power the device, the flashlights must be designed with mechanical parts that interact by pivoting, unscrewing, or unlatching. Such constructions can eventually wear out and often add to the price of manufacturing the flashlight.  
           [0004]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,188,450, 5,921,657, 5,947,585, Des. 338,338, Des. 374,769, and Des. 381,805 disclose various flashlight accessories including fabric holders having pouches into which a flashlight and spare batteries may be inserted and stored. Such accessories are not part of the flashlight itself, and the fabric is not fastened to the flashlight casing in any way.  
           [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,463,539 discloses a small portable light having a housing that is in the form of a fabric pouch. The battery and switch mechanism is entirely contained within the fabric pouch and a small hole is provided in the pouch in which a lens is secured to project light outwardly from an LED located within the fabric pouch. The fabric pouch is made of a single fabric material. The fabric pouch does not include any supplemental storage compartment for receiving spare batteries or other personal items.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    It is therefore an aspect of the present invention to provide portable lighting devices having a substantial portion thereof constructed of materials other than plastic or metal and thereby avoid some of the design limitations imposed by the use of these materials.  
           [0007]    The portable lighting devices of the present invention have at least a portion of the device housing made of fabric. Such fabric may include nylon, leather, canvas, Kevlar®, Tyvek®, Gore-Tex®, and other fabric materials.  
           [0008]    As will be explained further below and as will become apparent from a review of the many embodiments of this invention, the use of a fabric housing allows for additional functionality through the use of flexible storage space integrated into the devices, thereby yielding unique functionality and aesthetics. Various sized lighting devices can be designed by combining soft and hard materials (i.e., plastic, metal, fabric, rubber, foam, etc.) that allow for the addition of other objects to be securely and comfortably attached to, or carried in, the lighting device. The use of fabric also provides unique access to the batteries and bulb of the flashlight. The result of using fabric in a lighting device provides for a product family constructed of various materials that allow for flexible yet integrated looking and feeling storage solutions.  
           [0009]    According to one aspect of the invention, a portable lighting device is provided that comprises: a rigid frame at least partially defining a battery compartment having battery contact terminals; a reflector mounted to the frame; a light source mounted to the frame forward of the reflector, the light source being selectively electrically coupled to the battery contact terminals via a switching mechanism; and a fabric portion fastened to the frame and made of a fabric material, the fabric portion including a storage compartment that is accessible from the exterior of the lighting device.  
           [0010]    According to another aspect of the invention, a portable lighting device is provided that comprises: a rigid frame at least partially defining a battery compartment having battery contact terminals; a light source mounted to the frame, the light source being selectively electrically coupled to the battery contact terminals via a switching mechanism; and a fabric portion covering a portion of the frame and made of at least two different fabric materials.  
           [0011]    According to yet another aspect of the invention, a portable lighting device is provided that comprises: a rigid casing including a recess for receiving a switching mechanism and one of a bezel and lens ring; a light source supported on the casing and selectively activated in response to actuation of the switching mechanism; and a fabric component fastened to and partially covering said casing, wherein an uncovered portion of the casing includes at least one of the bezel, the lens ring, and the recess for receiving the switching mechanism.  
           [0012]    According to yet another aspect of the invention, a portable lighting device is provided that comprises: a rigid frame at least partially defining a battery compartment having battery contact terminals; a light source mounted to the frame, the light source being selectively electrically coupled to the battery contact terminals via a switching mechanism; and a fabric portion covering a portion of the frame and including at least one storage compartment that is accessible from the exterior of the lighting device, the fabric portion including a plurality of storage pockets within the storage compartment.  
           [0013]    According to still another aspect of the present invention, a lantern is provided that comprises: a rigid casing having a rearward end and a bezel provided at a forward end, the casing defining a battery compartment having battery contact terminals, the bezel defining a light emitting opening; a lens disposed across the light emitting opening of the bezel; a switching mechanism mounted on the casing and electrically coupled to at least one of the battery contact terminals; a reflector mounted to the casing within the bezel; a light source supported by the casing and electrically coupled to the switching mechanism, the light source disposed slightly forward of a rearwardmost portion of the reflector such that light emitted from the light source is reflected from the reflector through the lens; a fabric saddle bag covering a portion of the casing leaving portions of the casing uncovered and exposed to an exterior of the lantern, such uncovered portions including the bezel and the switching mechanism, the fabric saddle bag including a plurality of storage compartments, a plurality of closing mechanisms for closing the storage compartments that are accessible from the exterior of the lantern, and a plurality of pockets within at least one of the storage compartments, wherein the fabric saddle bag is made of at least two different fabric materials; and a fastening mechanism for fastening the fabric saddle directly to the casing, the fastening mechanism including a first part fixed to the casing and a second part fixed to the fabric saddle.  
           [0014]    According to another aspect of the invention, a portable lighting device is provided that comprises: a casing having a rearward end and a forward end; a flexible strap having first and second ends, the first end fastened at the rearward end of the casing, the strap having a fastener provided at the second end; a lens ring provided at the forward end of the casing and including at least one aperture configured to receive the fastener; and a light source positioned at the forward end of the casing.  
           [0015]    These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]    In the drawings:  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the front, top, and a first side of a lantern constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the first side of the lantern of FIG. 1 in a horizontal first position;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the front of the lantern of FIGS. 1 and 2;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the rear of the lantern of FIGS.  1 - 3 ;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 5 is a plan view of the top of the lantern of FIGS.  1 - 4 ;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 6 is a plan view of the bottom of the lantern of FIGS.  1 - 5 ;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the first side of the lantern of FIGS.  1 - 6 ;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 8 is a close-up elevational view of a portion of the lantern of FIGS.  1 - 7 ;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of a lantern constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 9C is an exploded perspective view of the lantern shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIGS. 10A and 10B are perspective views of a lantern constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a flashlight constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a flashlight constructed in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a flashlight constructed in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a lantern constructed in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a lantern constructed in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of flashlight constructed in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a lantern constructed in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a lantern constructed in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 19A is a perspective view of a flashlight constructed in accordance with a twelfth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 19B is a perspective view of the flashlight shown in FIG. 19A shown with a storage compartment in an open position;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 20A is a perspective view of a flashlight constructed in accordance with a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 20B is a perspective view of the flashlight shown in FIG. 20A shown with a storage compartment in an open position;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 21A is a perspective view of a flashlight constructed in accordance with a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 21B is a perspective view of the flashlight shown in FIG. 21A shown with a storage compartment in an open position. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0042]    Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.  
         [0043]    For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as viewed by a person holding the flashlight/lantern in a generally horizontal position with the light beam emitted from the front of the flashlight/lantern in a forward direction. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific device illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification is simply an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions, proportions, and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiment disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.  
         [0044]    As will be described in further detail below, the portable lighting device of the present invention preferably comprises a rigid frame/casing  10  that at least partially defines a battery compartment  18  having battery contact terminals  20   a  (see FIG. 9C). The portable lighting device also includes a reflector  42  mounted to frame  10  and a light source  44  mounted to frame  10  forward of reflector  42 . Light source  44  is selectively electrically coupled to battery contact terminals  20   a  via a switching mechanism  22 . The portable lighting device also includes a fabric portion/component  15  that is preferably fastened to frame  10  and made of a fabric material. As will be apparent from the description below of the several embodiments, fabric portion  15  may take several different forms. For example, fabric portion  15  may be configured as a saddle bag that wraps partially around frame  10  (See FIGS.  1 - 9 C).  
         [0045]    Preferably, fabric portion  15  includes at least one storage compartment  50  (FIGS. 9A and 9C) that is accessible from the exterior of the lighting device. The fabric portion  15  of the portable lighting device may include a plurality of storage pockets  58  within storage compartment(s)  50 . The portable lighting device may further include one or more closing mechanisms for closing each storage compartment  50 . The closing mechanisms may include any one or a combination of a zipper  56  (FIG. 9B), a hook and loop type fastener (not shown), a drawstring  36  (FIG. 9A), and a clip  52  (FIGS. 9A and 12). On the portable lighting device, a closing mechanism for at least one of the storage compartments may be a different type from a closing mechanism for another one of the storage compartments.  
         [0046]    Fabric portion  15  may be made of any one or a combination of nylon, canvas, leather, Kevlar®, Tyvek®, and Gore-Tex®, or any other suitable fabric. As will be apparent from the description of the embodiments below, any one lighting device may include a fabric portion that includes two or more different types of fabric materials that may be exposed on an exterior of the lighting device.  
         [0047]    Fabric portion  15  may be releasably fastened to frame  10 , and is preferably fastened to frame  10  by a fastening mechanism  16 , which may have a first part fixed to frame  10  and a second part fixed to fabric portion  15 . Fastening mechanism  16  may be a hook and loop-type fastener, a strap, one or more snap connectors, etc. Alternatively, fabric portion  15  may be adhesively fastened to frame  10  or fastened to frame  10  by a thermal bond.  
         [0048]    The portable lighting device further includes a lens ring/bezel  46  that may be rotatably attached to frame  10  by means of threads (not shown). Frame  10  may include a recess for receiving switching mechanism  22  and its cover  45  unless switching mechanism  22  is integrated into lens ring  46  so as to be activated and deactivated through rotation of lens ring  46 . When switching mechanism  22  is provided in a recess in frame  10 , fabric portion  15  preferably only covers a portion of frame  10  leaving an uncovered portion that exposes switching mechanism  22  (see, for example, FIGS. 1, 2,  5 , and  9 A). Switch mechanism  22  may be a pushbutton switch, a slide switch, a rotary switch, or any other suitable switch structure.  
         [0049]    The portable lighting device of the present invention may further include a handle  40  attached to frame  10 . Handle  40  may be a rigid extension of frame  10 , a rigid structure releasably attached at one or both ends to frame  10 , or may be a flexible material attached to one or both of frame  10  and fabric portion  15 . The portable lighting device may include two or more separate fabric portions/components, such as a saddle bag  15  and a fabric pouch  34  (see FIGS. 9A and 9C). In addition to leaving any switching mechanism  22  uncovered, fabric portion  15  may also leave an uncovered portion of frame  10  that includes lens ring/bezel  46 .  
         [0050]    As shown in FIG. 9C, frame  10  may only partially define a battery compartment  18  and fabric portion  15  may define a remaining portion of the battery compartment such that partial removal of fabric portion  15  provides access to the battery compartment.  
         [0051]    As shown in FIG. 10B, the portable lighting device of the present invention may include a flexible strap  76  having first and second ends, with the first end fastened at a rearward end of frame/casing  10 . Strap  76  may have a fastener, such as a spring clip  78 , provided at the second end. The lens ring  46  may include at least one aperture  75  configured to receive fastener  78 . Strap  76  may have an adjustable length and thereby be adjustable to a first length suitable for use as a handle and a second length suitable for use as a shoulder strap.  
         [0052]    FIGS.  1 - 8  illustrate a lantern constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the lantern includes a casing/frame  10  in which is defined a battery compartment (not shown). The battery compartment is accessed by removal of lens ring  46 , which is threaded onto threads of casing  10 . In addition to supporting a lens  48 , lens ring  46  further supports a reflector and light source (not shown). Provided on casing  10  is a recess in which a switching mechanism is mounted. The switching mechanism includes a switch cover  45  for selectively electrically coupling the light source to batteries contained within the battery compartment.  
         [0053]    The lantern further includes a fabric portion  15 , which, in this embodiment, is in the form of a saddle bag. Saddle bag  15  includes a plurality of storage compartments  50 , some of which may be closed by a closing mechanism such as a zipper  56 . Additional storage compartments  50   a  are provided without any form of closure mechanism, such as the mesh pocket  50   a  provided about the outside of saddle bag  15 . A shock cord  51  or other material may be provided for functional and/or aesthetic appearances.  
         [0054]    Although not shown in this embodiment, saddle bag  15  is fastened to casing  10  by means of several pairs of hook-and-loop type fasteners. Additionally, a hole is provided in saddle bag  15  proximate one end of a handle  40 . The other end of handle  40  is either connected to, or an integral extension of, an uncovered portion of casing  10 . The end of handle  40  that extends through the hole in saddle bag  15  includes a latch mechanism activated by a pushbutton  43  for selectively connecting that end of handle  40  into a portion of casing  10  underlying saddle bag  15 . A ring  41  is provided about the end of handle  40  for aesthetic reasons. Thus, saddle bag  15  may be selectively removed and washed or otherwise replaced by pressing button  43  on handle  40  and pulling that end of handle  40  from an aperture formed in casing  10  and then pulling at saddle bag  15  to unfasten it from casing  10 .  
         [0055]    Lens ring  46  may include a pair of apertures  75  to which a strap (not shown for this embodiment) may be connected. The opposite end of such a strap would connect to the rear of the lantern so as to enable the lantern to be slung over a person&#39;s shoulder in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 10B.  
         [0056]    As shown in FIGS.  1 - 7 , the lantern includes a stand  250  that is pivotally attached to a lower portion of lantern casing  10 . Stand  250  provides a stable surface that enables the lantern to be set on a work surface in an upright and stable position regardless of the relative weights of articles that may be stowed in the pockets on either side of the fabric housing  15 .  
         [0057]    Stand  250  may include a wire frame as shown in FIGS.  1 - 7  or any other form of support. The wire frame stand shown in the drawings is essentially a rigid loop having two ends that are bent and extend into opposing holes  258  (FIG. 8) on either side of the lantern casing  10 . As shown in FIG. 8, hole  258 , in which one of the ends of stand  250  is inserted, is spaced upward from a bottom surface  255   a  of lantern casing  10  and inward from a rear surface  255   b  of casing  10 . Lantern casing  10  includes a plurality of grooves  256  extending from hole  258  to one of surfaces  255   a  or  255   b  in order to releasingly engage one of the two legs of stand  250 . In FIG. 8, three such grooves  256  are shown, each of which extends at a different angle from hole  258 . In this manner, the lantern may be inclined from the surface upon which it rests at various angles and remain in such an inclined position until such time that a user pivots stand  250  relative to lantern casing  10  (see FIGS. 2 and 7).  
         [0058]    [0058]FIGS. 9A, 9B, and  9 C illustrate a lantern constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. This lantern includes an interior frame  10  having a forward portion  12 , a rear portion  13 , and a middle portion  14  extending between forward and rearward portions  12  and  13 . The lantern further includes a fabric saddlebag  15  that extends around middle portion  14  of interior frame  10 . Saddlebag  15  may be secured to interior frame  10  by means of any conventional fastener such as snaps or the hook-and-loop type fastener  16  that is illustrated in FIG. 9C. Saddlebag  15  is preferably releasably attached to interior frame  10  by means of fastener  16  to allow access to a battery compartment  18  provided in middle portion  14  of interior frame  10 . As shown in FIG. 9C, battery compartment  18  may be configured to receive a plurality of batteries  20 .  
         [0059]    A switch mechanism  22  is preferably mounted to an upper portion of the front  12  of interior frame  10 . By making interior frame  10  of a rigid material, such as plastic or metal, and locating switch mechanism  22  on rigid interior frame  10 , the user may press firmly on the switch to achieve reliable operation.  
         [0060]    The lantern of the first embodiment further includes a pair of protruding ridges  24  spaced apart and in parallel, and extending vertically along the rear  13  of interior frame  10 . Ridges  24  each include a first through-hole  26  through which a first pin  28  may be inserted. Pin  28  may be a cotter pin or screw. First through-holes  26  and first pin  28  are provided to enable a mesh pouch  34  to be attached to the rear of the lantern. Mesh pouch  34  includes a rigid tongue  32  that is dimensioned so as to fit between protruding ridges  24 . Tongue  32  includes a through-hole  30  that aligns with first through-holes  26  and ridges  24  such that pin  28  may be passed therethrough to secure mesh pouch  34  on the lantern.  
         [0061]    Mesh pouch  34  preferably includes a closure mechanism such as drawstring  36 . Mesh pouch  34  may be used to store various items such as extra batteries, a spare light bulb, a rain poncho, etc.  
         [0062]    The pair of ridges  24  each further include a second through-hole  38  through which a second pin or screw  39  may extend so as to secure one end of a handle  40 . The other end of handle  40  may be secured to forward portion  12  of interior frame  10 .  
         [0063]    The lantern may further include a reflector  42  in which a light bulb  44  is mounted. Additionally, the lantern may include a bezel  46  having a switch pushbutton cover  45  for allowing the user to activate switch mechanism  22  housed inside the space between bezel  46  and forward portion  12  of interior frame  10 . Additionally, the lantern preferably includes a lens  48 .  
         [0064]    By forming the lantern housing utilizing both a rigid interior frame  10  and a saddlebag  15  made of fabric, a desired structural rigidity for the lantern is provided for handling the lantern and incorporating the batteries and other functional features used to generate light, while also providing functional features resulting from the use of the fabric.  
         [0065]    As shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and  9 C, saddlebag  15  may include a side pocket  50  that may be opened and secured in a closed position by means of a latch mechanism  52 . Additionally, saddlebag  15  may include an inner compartment  54  that is accessed by means of one or more closure mechanisms, such as zippers  56 . As shown in FIG. 9B, inner compartment  54  may include a plurality of inner pockets  58  for securing various items carried by the user. Although not illustrated in the drawings, saddlebag  15  may include similar or different pockets and compartments on the other side.  
         [0066]    The lantern of the second embodiment may further include a handle clasp  60  that secures the strap of handle  40  in a folded condition. This allows the handle to be contained in a easy-to-grasp condition and provide some rigidity for holding the lantern. Clasp  60  may be removed to unfold the strap of handle  40  whereby the lantern strap may be slung over the user&#39;s shoulder and/or neck or otherwise used to hang the lantern from some other article.  
         [0067]    As will be apparent from reviewing all the embodiments of the invention, the use of fabric as a portion of the lantern or flashlight not only creates added functionality, but also allows for the implementation of unique appearances that could not previously be obtained using the materials conventionally used for such devices.  
         [0068]    A lantern constructed in accordance with a third embodiment is shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. This lantern is similar in many respects to that of the first embodiment with the exception that it incorporates a zippered compartment  70  attached to the rear of the lantern, it includes a rigid handle  72  attached to the interior frame (not shown), it includes an outer mesh  74  in lieu of a side pocket, and its bezel  46  includes a pair of holes  75 . As shown in FIG. 10B, a strap  76  may be contained in rear compartment  70  and attached within compartment  70  to the interior frame. The other end of strap  76  splits into two segments with a spring clip  78  on each end for attaching to a respective hole  75  in bezel  46 . In this manner, a user may quickly deploy and secure strap  76  so that the lantern may be slung over a shoulder or suspended by strap  76 . This embodiment has the advantage that handle  72  remains intact simultaneously with the deployment of strap handle  76 .  
         [0069]    [0069]FIG. 11 shows a flashlight constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. As will be apparent from a comparison of the flashlight in FIG. 11 with the lantern in FIG. 10A, the use of a fabric housing  90  enables a designer to create a similarity in appearance between these two different types of lighting devices that may otherwise be unobtainable. Specifically, fabric lacing  74  may similarly be employed in the flashlight of FIG. 11, which, along with the color and material selection for fabric housing  90 , can create similar consumer impressions despite the differences in shape and configuration. The flashlight in FIG. 11 may further be configured to have a similarly shaped bezel  46  having a pair of holes  75 . Additionally, the flashlight may be configured with a handle  72 . The flashlight fabric housing  90  may include a zipper or other fastener to reveal an interior compartment to allow replacement of the batteries.  
         [0070]    [0070]FIG. 12 shows a flashlight constructed in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. This flashlight, like the flashlight shown in FIG. 11, incorporates a fabric housing  90  and a rigid bezel  46  having a switch cover  45  mounted thereon. The flashlight in FIG. 12 differs from that in FIG. 11 in that it incorporates a side pocket  50  that opens to the rear of the flashlight. Side pocket  50  may be secured in a closed position by a latch  52  or other mechanism.  
         [0071]    [0071]FIG. 13 shows a flashlight constructed in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention. This flashlight also includes a fabric housing  90 , a rigid bezel  46 , and a switch cover  45  mounted on bezel  46 . In lieu of the side pocket  50  of the flashlight shown in FIG. 12, this flashlight incorporates a pair of mesh side pockets  92  that open to the rear of the flashlight and are closed by means of a drawstring  94 .  
         [0072]    [0072]FIG. 14 shows a lantern constructed in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention. This lantern includes a bezel  46  with a switch  45  mounted on bezel  46 , and a pair of holes  75  in the bezel along with a hole  120  at the rear of the flashlight housing for attachment of a strap, spring clip, or hanging ring. This lantern includes a uniquely shaped handle  122  that extends upward from both the front, back, and sides of a fabric housing  90 . This lantern may also include a zippered compartment  124  that enables the whole upper portion of the housing to be pulled back from the lower portion to reveal the battery compartment and space for additional items.  
         [0073]    [0073]FIG. 15 shows a lantern constructed in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention. This lantern includes a textured bezel and rear portion that are held in spaced relation by the interior components and one or more nylon straps  152 . A thin nylon cover  154  may be used to cover the interior components between front bezel  150  and rear  151  of the lantern.  
         [0074]    [0074]FIG. 16 shows a flashlight constructed in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the flashlight in FIG. 16 has a similar appearance to the lantern in FIG. 15. The flashlight includes a textured bezel  150  having a pushbutton switch  45  mounted on bezel  150 . The flashlight further includes a rigid end portion  151  and a nylon cover. The flashlight additionally includes an adjustable nylon strap  156  that wraps around cover  154 .  
         [0075]    [0075]FIG. 17 shows a lantern constructed in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention. This flashlight includes a cordura shell  170  that additionally wraps around a portion of the interior frame so as to serve as the bezel for the lantern. This lantern further includes a side cargo pocket  50  having an upper flap that snaps over the opening in the pocket. A nylon strap handle  40  may be attached to the top of the flashlight housing and a rubber end cap  172  may be applied to the rear of the lantern.  
         [0076]    [0076]FIG. 18 shows a lantern constructed in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. This lantern includes a bezel  46 , a rear end cap  176 , a rigid handle  40  extending between bezel  46  and rear end portion  176 , and a flat bottom portion  178  extending between bezel  46  and end  176  on an opposite side from handle  40 . A pushbutton switch  45  is positioned on handle  40  and a fabric  175  extends around the middle portion of the lantern.  
         [0077]    [0077]FIGS. 19A and 19B show a flashlight constructed in accordance with a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. The flashlight includes a rigid frame  10  having an unexposed portion on which a pushbutton switch cover  45  is accessible. The flashlight further includes a lens ring  46 , which is not covered by fabric and which supports a lens  48  as well as the reflector and light source (not shown). A fabric portion  15  wraps around and is fastened to frame  10 . On the outside of fabric portion  15  is a shock cord  51  that is configured to define an outer storage compartment  50 . A zipper  56  is provided to allow access to an inner storage compartment  54  (see FIG. 19B), which includes a plurality of storage pockets  58  for storing items such as a pocket knife, spare batteries  20 , tweezers, toothpicks, and other personal items. As shown in FIG. 19B, fabric portion  15  may be configured to be selectively removed from frame  10  to allow easy access to inner storage compartment  54 .  
         [0078]    [0078]FIGS. 20A and 20B show a flashlight constructed in accordance with a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. This flashlight also includes a rigid frame  10  on which a pushbutton switch cover  45  is mounted. A lens ring  46  is also provided to support a lens  48  and other components. Fabric portion  15  includes a pair of inner storage compartments  54  that are closed by means of respective zippers  56 . Storage compartments  54  may include inner storage pockets  58  in the manners previously discussed. This flashlight may include a handle or strap  40  along its bottom to facilitate carrying the light.  
         [0079]    [0079]FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate a flashlight constructed in accordance with a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. This flashlight also includes a rigid casing having an uncovered portion on which a pushbutton switch cover  45  may be provided. Attached to this portion of the casing/frame  10  is a lens ring  46  for supporting a lens  48  and other components. Frame  10  extends through the length of the flashlight and has another uncovered portion at the rear of the flashlight. A fabric portion  15  is fastened to frame  10  along a bottom edge and wraps completely around the flashlight body and is joined together along the bottom of the flashlight by a zipper  56  or other suitable closing mechanism. A fabric portion  15  thus provides an inner storage compartment  54  having a plurality of storage pockets  58 .  
         [0080]    The above description is considered that of the preferred embodiments only. Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.