Multi-function container with a light source

A multi-function container includes a housing, a closure and an exterior light source. The container has a first interior portion adapted to hold small items. The closure is used to cover the first interior portion of the housing and to contain the small items in the first interior portion of the housing. The housing also has a second separate interior portion adapted to hold a battery. The light source is operatively coupled to the second interior portion to receive power from the battery, upon the battery being held within the second interior portion. Thus, the multi-function container may serve as a container and/or a flashlight. The multi-function container may also include a key ring which is coupled to an exterior surface of the closure, and may also include a clock coupled to the side of the housing.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates to multi-function containers for holding small items 
and, in particular embodiments, a container for holding medicine tablets 
or candy and which also has a light source. The invention also relates to 
multi-function containers for holding specialized items such as perfume, 
make-up kits and survival items combined with light sources and radios. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Traditionally, medicine tablets have been dispensed in small containers, 
which come in various shapes and sizes. In smaller sizes, which normally 
contain around 10 tablets, medicine tablet containers can be conveniently 
carried in purses or pockets. The containers can be cylindrical and have a 
diameter which is slightly greater than the contained tablets. To seal the 
containers, many of them use a screw on or friction fit top to allow for 
safe storage. Moreover, many containers have been designed with childproof 
caps. 
Another common type of medicine tablet container is a small hinged box that 
hold groups of medicine tablets in layers. This provides the container 
with a flat profile in one direction that aids in allowing the container 
to be placed in the purse or pocket. These containers have a single use, 
to hold medicine tablets. Once the medicine tablets are used up, the 
container is discarded or refilled with new medicine tablets. 
Typically, small medicine tablet containers can be difficult to locate in a 
purse or a pocket. Moreover, considering the number of articles which may 
be carried by a typical person in a purse or a jacket (e.g., house and car 
keys, wallets, coins, tissues, to name just a few), a medicine tablet 
container can take up pocket or purse space that may be at a premium. 
Other articles that may be carried in pockets or purses include small 
flashlights (often called penlights). However, like medicine tablet 
containers, these flashlights take up valuable pocket or purse space. 
Therefore, the space problem is compounded when one must also carry a 
medicine tablet container and the additional articles as discussed above. 
Key rings are another relatively common article that is carried by the 
typical person to organize keys. Key rings are often attached to a charm 
or other ornament to enhance their aesthetic appeal, and key rings have 
been attached to small flashlights, such as penlights. 
There are several drawbacks to using these above-described individual 
articles. Typically, these articles only perform a single function, and 
this requires the typical person to carry multiple articles to perform 
multiple functions. Moreover, a typical person must handle several 
articles, which are typically not designed to work with each other, at the 
same time in order to perform multiple functions. Additionally, each 
individual article takes up a portion of the limited space available in a 
pocket or a purse. Thus, a user must often decide which single-function 
articles they will take when space is at a premium, and they must also 
prioritize and decide which functions have to be given up. Therefore, 
there is a need in the consuming public for a space saving device which 
has multiple functions. 
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
It is an object of an embodiment of the present invention to provide an 
improved multi-function container, which obviates for practical purposes 
the above-mentioned limitations and fills the needs of the consuming 
public. 
According to an embodiment of the invention, a multi-function container for 
holding small items and a battery includes a housing with first and second 
interior portions separated by a barrier, a closure and a light source. 
The first interior portion is adapted to hold small items, and the second 
interior portion is adapted to hold the battery. The closure is used to 
cover the first interior portion of the housing and contain the small 
items in the first interior portion of the housing. The light source is 
operatively coupled to the second interior portion to receive power from 
the battery, upon the battery being held within the second interior 
portion. Thus, the multifunction container may serve as a container and/or 
a flashlight. In a preferred embodiment, the multi-function container also 
includes a key ring which is coupled to an exterior surface of the 
closure. 
In another embodiment of the present invention, the light source has an 
on-off switch. Moreover, the battery comprises at least one flat, 
disk-shaped battery. In further embodiments, the light source and battery 
are adapted to be decoupled from the housing when providing light. 
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the housing is 
cylindrical and has two ends opposite one another, such that the first and 
second interior portions are at opposite ends of the housing. In this 
embodiment, the closure is coupled to the housing by frictional contact 
between the closure and the housing, by threads on the closure and the 
housing or the like. 
In a still further embodiment of the present invention, the housing is 
rectangular and box-shaped, and the housing has a top and a side. In this 
embodiment, the first interior portion is located on the side of the 
housing and the second interior portion is located on the top of the 
housing. Preferably, the closure is coupled to an edge of the side of the 
box-shaped housing to cover the first interior portion on the side of the 
housing. 
In particular embodiments of the present invention, the container includes 
a clock coupled to the side of the housing, and in preferred embodiments, 
the clock also contains an alarm. 
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from 
the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the 
accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, various 
features of embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the invention is 
embodied in a multi-function container. In preferred embodiments of the 
present invention, the multifunction container may hold medicine tablets, 
and may have a light source and a key ring coupled to the container. 
However, it will be recognized that further embodiments of the invention 
may be used to carry other small items, such as candy, coins, money, 
perfume, makeup, survival kits, pencils or other small objects, and the 
container may be coupled with other articles, such as charms, wallets, 
clocks, pocket knives or the like to provide additional functions. 
The combining of several single function articles into a single 
multi-function container has several advantages. First, the amount of 
space required is reduced compared to the space required for a plurality 
of single function articles, since the multiple functions reside within a 
single article. This can make the article easier to find, since the user 
will have to sort through less articles to find the one with the desired 
function. Second, the multiple functions of the single article cooperate 
with each other, so as to enhance the usefulness of each individual 
function and to allow a user to more easily use the multi-function article 
as compared to a plurality of articles which each perform single 
functions. For instance, the user can open the container and pour out some 
tablets, and then readily use the multi-function container to light up the 
tablets. This allows the user to visually verify the number and kind of 
tablets removed or remaining in the container. This is quicker and easier 
than opening a separate container, removing the tablets, putting the 
container out of the away, finding a flashlight, and then illuminating the 
tablets. Additionally, a clock may be coupled to the container and used to 
indicate when to take a tablet. The clock could provide an audible alarm 
or the time could be viewed with or without illumination from the 
multifunction container. In another example, the user can hold the 
multi-function container and use the light to illuminate a darkened lock 
with a key hole as they insert a key held on the attached key ring. Thus, 
the user does not have to find a separate flashlight and key ring, or 
fumble around without a flashlight while trying to insert a key in the 
dark. 
FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a multi-function container 10 in 
accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The 
illustrated multi-function container 10 includes a cylindrical container 
portion 12, a light source 14, a closure 16, and a key ring support member 
18 which is coupled to a key ring 20. The closure cap 16 is attached to a 
mounting member 22 which is in turn coupled to the key ring support member 
18 by a pin 24. 
In preferred embodiments, the cylindrical housing 12 is dimensioned so as 
to carry a limited number of tablets (e.g., ten tablets). This allows the 
user to carry enough tablets (or candy or other items) for an emergency or 
limited duration use, while still maintaining a relatively small container 
size. However, in further embodiments, the housing is dimensioned to hold 
more or less tablets. Preferably, the housing 12 has a circular 
cross-section, because this makes the multi-function container easier to 
grip in one hand and allows the container to hold disk-shaped tablets in a 
column. However, in other embodiments, the cylindrical housing 12 has 
other cross-sectional shapes, such as squares, rectangles, triangles, and 
ovals, to accommodate different tablet sizes and shapes. 
The light source 14 is designed to provide an exterior light that can 
illuminate small areas. Various embodiments of the light source provide 
wide beams, narrow beams, diffuse beams or a combination of beams which 
are selectable by the user. Preferably, the light source provides 
substantially white light; however, in further embodiments the light 
source provides a colored light. As illustrated, the key ring support 18 
is designed to hold a key ring 20 which can support a plurality of keys. 
FIGS. 2-4 illustrate the construction of the multi-function container 10 in 
accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 
2(a)-2(c) show a cross-sectional view of the cylindrical housing portion 
12, the light source 14, and the closure 16, as viewed along the line 2--2 
in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the light source 14, as 
viewed along the line 3--3 in FIG. 2(a), and FIG. 4 shows a top view of a 
lock plate used in the closure 16 in FIG. 2(c). 
The cylindrical housing portion 12, as shown in FIG. 2(b), includes a 
battery housing 26 and a tablet holding portion 28. The battery housing 26 
and tablet holding portion 28 are held together by a shell 30, and are 
separated from each other by an end barrier 32. The shell 30 and end 
barrier 32 are preferably formed as a single, integral structure, such as 
by injection molding or other suitable process, for ease of manufacture. 
However, other embodiments are formed as separate pieces that are secured 
together by other methods, such as by welding, gluing, or the like. In 
preferred embodiments, the shell 30 and end barrier 32 are formed from 
plastic, such as high impact polystyrene, polycarbonate, poly-propylene, 
ABS plastic, sterile medical plastics or the like. However, other 
embodiments are formed from metals, such as gold, silver, stainless steel, 
aluminum or the like; ceramics or a combination of these materials or 
other suitable materials. In further embodiments, the shell 30 and end 
barrier 32 are made out of FDA approved materials. 
FIG. 2(b) shows that the illustrated battery housing 26 includes a female 
threaded insert 34, a contact strip 36 and a battery 38. FIG. 2(a) shows 
that the light source 14 includes a male threaded insert 40, insulated 
cover piece 42, a contact pin 44, a lamp 46 with negative contact 48 and 
positive contact 50, limiting resistor 52, metal spring 54, and O-ring 56. 
The female threaded insert 34 of the battery housing 26 couples with the 
male threaded insert 40 on the light source 14. As the light source 14 is 
threaded into the female insert 34, the insulated cover piece 42 and the 
contact pin 44 of the male insert 40 contact a top surface and a positive 
contact of a battery 38. The contact pin 44 forms an electrical connection 
between the battery 38 and the negative contact 48 of the lamp 46. 
As shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 3, the positive contact 50 of the lamp 46 is 
connected to the current limiting resistor 52 which is connected to a 
small metal spring 54 that makes electrical contact with the male threaded 
insert 40. The male threaded insert 40 contacts one end of a contact strip 
36 in the battery housing 26, while the other end of the contact strip 36 
contacts a negative terminal of the battery 38. To activate the lamp 46 in 
the illustrated embodiment, the threaded male insert 40 is threaded into 
insert 34 until electrical contact is made between the male insert 40 and 
the contact strip 36. To deactivate the lamp 46, the male insert is 
unscrewed (or unthreaded) slightly to disengage the male insert from the 
contact strip 36. The seal between the light source 14 and the battery 
housing 26 is maintained by an O-ring 56, which serves to prevent 
loosening of the light source 14 and also prevents electrical contact 
between the male insert 40 and the contact strip 36 until the light source 
14 is threaded all the way into the battery housing 26 and activated. In 
other embodiments, the male insert 40 has at least one protrusion 
extending from and formed on the surface of the male insert 40 and the 
female insert 34 has at least two correspondingly shaped notches formed at 
predetermined spacings around the surface of the female insert 34 to 
receive the protrusion on the male insert 34 and to hold the light source 
14 in the on-state or the off-state. 
In preferred embodiments, the metal electrical contacts are made of 
electrically conductive metal, having minimal corrosive characteristic, 
such as brass. However, in further embodiments, the metal electrical 
contacts are made out of other electrical materials, such as copper, 
aluminum or the like. Moreover, the illustrated battery 38 is a single 
flat, disk-shaped battery of the type typically used in watches or 
calculators, which allows the light source 14 to be relatively small. 
However, in further embodiments, a plurality of flat, disk-shaped 
batteries or other types of batteries are used. The lamp 46 is preferably 
an LED (light emitting diode) type light source which has a relatively low 
energy consumption rate and which provides a focused beam of substantially 
white light suitable for use as a penlight. However, in further 
embodiments, colored LEDs or other suitable lamps or illuminating devices 
are used. Moreover, while the light source 14 in the above-described 
preferred embodiment is activated by a twisting motion, other embodiments 
of the light source are activated by other suitable means, such as a 
multi-position switch, squeeze contacts or the like. In still further 
embodiments, the light source 14 and battery housing 26 are removable from 
the shell 30, so that the light source 14 can be operated when decoupled 
from the multi-function container 10. 
The male insert 40 of the light source 14 is held, by welds, adhesives or 
the like, in an outer shell 58. The outer shell 58 has a diameter which 
matches the shell 30, and it is made of the same materials as the shell 30 
in the cylindrical housing portion 12 to provide a smooth finish and 
smooth joint between the light source 14 and the cylindrical housing 
portion 12. However, in other embodiments the outer shell 58 is made of 
different materials than the shell 30 and does not have a smooth finish. 
This can increase friction or provide an overall container shape that is 
easier for the user to hold. 
The outer shell 58 has a lamp outlet hole 60 that allows the lamp 46 to 
emit light from the light source 14. In preferred embodiments, the outlet 
hole 60 may permit the lamp 46 to extend beyond the shell 58 as shown in 
FIG. 2(a). In other embodiments, the outlet hole 60 holds a lens (not 
shown) for providing focused light beams. Moreover, in further 
embodiments, the outlet hole 60 holds filters (not shown) for altering the 
color of the light source 14. 
The tablet holding portion 28 of the cylindrical housing portion 12 is 
shown as being made of a unitary structural shell 30. However, in other 
embodiments, the tablet holding portion 28 may contain an additional 
insert shell (not shown) to provide additional protection or insulation 
for the tablets. An internal insert may be desirable, for example, if a 
metal shell 30 and end barrier 32 is used. The insert would minimize the 
risk of chemical reactions between the metal and the tablets. 
The cylindrical housing portion 12, as shown in FIG. 2(b), includes an open 
end 62 which opens into the tablet holding portion 28, a smooth male 
connecting portion 64, and notches 66. As shown in FIG. 2(c), the closure 
cap 16 includes a smooth female connecting portion 68, and outer shell 70, 
and a lock plate 72. The open end 62 is capable of being closed by the 
closure cap 16 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the illustrated embodiment, 
the shell 30 is recessed to form the smooth male connecting portion 64 
which is formed to couple with the smooth female connecting portion 68 
formed in the outer shell 70 of the closure cap 16. The locking notches 66 
of the tablet holding portion 28 are used with the lock plate 72 to hold 
the closure cap 16 securely and seal the open end 62 of the tablet holding 
portion 28. As shown in FIG. 4, the lock plate 72 has teeth 74 which 
engage locking portions 76 of the notches 66 to lock the closure cap 16 in 
position. 
The closed end of the outer shell 70 of the closure cap 16 includes a 
passage 78 to allow the mounting member 22 to pass through the closure cap 
16, and a gasket 80. The mounting member 22 includes a threaded screw hole 
82. The mounting member 22 is secured to the closure cap 16 through the 
passage 78 by a screw 84 passing through a hole 86 in the lock plate 72 
and threaded into the threaded screw hole 82. To secure the closure cap 16 
to the tablet holding portion 28, the closure cap 16 is placed over the 
open end 62 and male connecting member 64, and pressed against the outer 
shell 30 of the cylindrical housing portion 12. The mounting member 22 is 
then rotated to cause the teeth 74 of the lock plate 72 to engage the 
notches 66. Next, the closure cap 16 is pressed firmly against the shell 
30 to compress the gasket 80 made of sponge, rubber, plastic or the like, 
attached to the closure cap 16. Compression of the gasket 80 forms a seal 
and allows the teeth 74 of the lock plate 72 to lock into the locking 
portions 76 of the notches 66. Because the closure cap 16 requires the 
mounting member 22 to be rotated to engage the notches 66, the illustrated 
closure cap 16 reduces the risk of accidental or unintended opening of the 
multi-function container 10. 
In further embodiments, other well known closure devices (such as those 
purported by others to be "child resistant") are used. Moreover, in still 
further embodiments, other closure cap securing methods, such as threads, 
friction fits, snap fits or the like, are used to secure the closure cap 
16 to the cylindrical housing portion 12 to accommodate easy open and 
closing. Preferably, the outer shell 70 of the closure cap 16 matches the 
diameter of the shell 30 and is made of the same material as the shell 30 
in the cylindrical housing portion 12 to provide a smooth finish and joint 
between the closure cap 16 and the cylindrical housing portion 12. 
However, in other embodiments, the outer shell 70 is made of different 
materials than the shell 30 and does not have a smooth finish. This can 
increase friction or provide an overall container shape that is easier for 
the user to hold. 
Preferably, the mounting member 22 of the closure cap 16 is coupled to the 
key ring support member 18 by a pin 20 passing though pin holes 88 in the 
mounting member 22 and key ring support member 18. However, in further 
embodiments, the key ring support member 18 is secured to the mounting 
member 22 by other suitable means, such as nuts and bolts, rivets, cotter 
pins or the like. The key ring support member 18 also has a key ring hole 
90 which is used to support and secure a key ring 20. However, in other 
embodiments, the key ring hole 90 is not limited to receiving key rings; 
it also or alternatively receives stretch bands, necklaces, bracelets, or 
other devices. 
In other embodiments, the cylindrical housing portion 12 is formed with one 
or more pockets on the exterior surface of the shell 30. The one or more 
pockets are shaped to hold small items or articles, such as toothpicks, 
tweezers, scissors or the like. In alternative embodiments, the 
cylindrical housing portion is formed with one or more grooves or slots on 
the exterior surface of the shell 30. The one or more grooves or slots may 
be coupled to small articles, such as toothpicks, tweezers, scissors or 
the like. In further embodiments, the closure cap 16 has a spoon, fork, 
tweezers or the like coupled to the inside of the closure cap 16 to allow 
the user to handle the small items contained in the multi-function 
container 10. 
In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the overall length of 
the multi-function container 10 is preferably less than or equal to 3.0 
inches and the overall diameter is preferably less than or equal to 0.75 
inches. These dimensions allow the container 10 to be readily portable and 
readily carried in a user's pocket, purse, glove compartment, children's 
school bag, around a user's neck as a necklace or the like. However, 
further embodiments are larger or smaller. 
In use, the user can quickly locate the multi-function container 10 in a 
pocket or purse, because a single article is typically easier to locate 
than a plurality of single function items. Preferably, the user holds the 
multi-function container 10 in one hand, and uses the other hand to 
activate or use one or more functions of the container 10. For example, 
the user may hold the multi-function container in one hand, while using 
the other hand to remove the closure cap 16 and hold tablets poured from 
the tablet holding portion 28. With the thumb and/or fingers of the one 
hand holding the container 10, the may then twist and activate the light 
source 14 to illuminate the tablets held in the other hand, e.g., to 
verify the number and type of tablets poured out of the container 10. 
Moreover, the light source can be used to illuminate instructions on how 
to use the tablets or read other material in darkened areas. Furthermore, 
if the light source 14 is removable, the light source 14 can be used to 
illuminate the tablets still contained inside the tablet holding portion 
28. Thus, the light source 14 and the tablet holding portion 28, together 
in a single, easy-to-hold housing, cooperate with each other to enhance 
their individual usefulness. 
In another example, the user can illuminate a darkened lock and key hole by 
twisting, activating and aiming the light source 14 at the lock, while 
placing the key in the lock. For example, if the key ring 20 is coupled to 
the key ring support member 18 by a stretch band or cord, the key ring and 
keys may be easily bent around and placed in the key hole which is 
illuminated by the light source 14. In some cases, it may be easier to 
remove either the light source 14 or the closure cap 16 and attached key 
ring 20. Also, the light source 14 can be used as a safety light to 
indicate a user's presence as they walk through dark areas to a car, 
building or the like. 
FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a multi-function container 110 in accordance with 
a second embodiment of the present invention. The multi-function container 
110 includes a rectangular, box-shaped housing portion 112, a light source 
114, a closure panel 116 and a key ring support member 118. The key ring 
support member 118 is coupled to a key ring 120 and a mounting portion 122 
of the box-shaped housing portion 112. 
In the FIGS. 5 and 6 embodiment, the closure panel 116 covers and seals an 
opening 124 into a tablet holding compartment 126 in the box-shaped 
housing portion 112. Preferably, the closure panel 116 is connected by 
hinges along an edge of the opening 124, and opens and closes like a book. 
In another embodiment, the closure panel 116 is formed as an integral part 
of the boxed-shaped housing portion 112, and bends along a crease formed 
between the panel 116 and housing portion 112. However, in further 
embodiments, other closure methods, such as sliding panels, friction fit 
panels or the like, are used. 
To aid in opening the closure panel 116, the outer surface of the panel 116 
preferably has finger grooves 128. In preferred embodiments, the closure 
panel 116 is held in the closed position by friction between matched lock 
tabs 130 and 132. To open the multi-function container 110, the user 
engages a fingernail or the like in the finger grooves 128 and applies 
sufficient force to overcome the restraining force applied by the lock tab 
132 on the matched lock tab 130. To close and secure the closure panel 
116, the user presses down on the closure panel 116 until the lock tab 132 
engages and seats in the matched lock tab 130. In other embodiments, other 
locking methods are used, such as spring-loaded catches, snap fittings, 
frictional contacts, pins or the like. 
The tablet holding compartment 126 in the rectangular, box-shaped housing 
portion 112 allows the multi-function container 110 to more easily hold a 
variety of different shaped tablets, either separately or in combination. 
In further embodiments, a plurality of sub-compartments are placed inside 
the tablet holding compartment 126 to allow segregation and organization 
of a plurality of different tablet sizes or types that are held together 
at the same time. 
In the second embodiment, a lamp 134 in the light source 114 is activated 
by a light switch 136. The lamp 134 may remain in an on state as long as 
the light switch 136 is continuously depressed. This saves power 
consumption, since the lamp 134 only remains on while the light switch is 
depressed. In an alternative embodiment, the light source 114 does not 
have a visible light switch 136, rather electrical contacts are contained 
between layers in the light source 114 and/or the box-shaped housing 
portion 112 and is activated by squeezing the multi-function container 110 
between a user's fingers to cause the electrical contacts to close the 
circuit. However, in further embodiments, a multiple position light switch 
136 is used, where the on-state or off-state of the lamp 134 is determined 
by the position of the light switch 136 and not by whether the light 
switch 136 is continually depressed. 
In other embodiments, the multi-function container 110 is made out of the 
same materials or incorporates any of the alternative features which were 
previously described above with the multi-function container 10. The 
illustrated multi-function container 110 is shown with an attached key 
ring 120; however, articles other than key rings 120 may also be attached. 
This embodiment, like the previously described embodiment, holds medicine 
tablets, candy or other small items. 
FIG. 7 shows a multi-function container 210 in accordance with a third 
embodiment of the present invention, which includes a clock 212 mounted on 
the side of the cylindrical housing portion 12. Preferably, the clock 212 
is mounted close to the power source for the light source 14, such that 
power for the clock 212 is shared with the light source 14. However, in 
alternative embodiments, the clock 212 has its own power source. 
In preferred embodiments, the clock 212 uses an LCD (liquid crystal 
display) to display the current time and date, and has a plurality of 
clock setting buttons 214. In alternative embodiments, the clock 212 
display uses LEDs, fluorescent characters, analog hands or the like, 
dependent on the use of the container 210. The clock 212 is set by the 
plurality of clock setting buttons 214 in a manner similar to that used to 
set time on an LCD watch. However, in alternative embodiments, other 
methods of setting the time, such as knobs or the like are used. Preferred 
functions that are provided by the clock 212 are time, a.m. or p.m. 
indications, seconds, date, stopwatch functions and alarm functions. 
However, other embodiments have more or less clock functions. Moreover, 
the use of the clock 212 may be used with any of the previously described 
embodiments. 
The inclusion of a clock 212 has several advantages. It allows the 
multi-function container 210 to have an additional function and further 
reduce the number of individual items a user must carry. The clock 212 can 
replace the need for a separate time piece or alarm. In addition, the 
function of the clock cooperates with other functions of the container, so 
as to enhance the usefulness of such other functions. For instance, an 
alarm can be used to indicate when to take tablets held in the container 
210. 
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a multi-function container 300 
with a light source 14 in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the 
present invention. The multi-function container 300 includes a cylindrical 
container portion 12, a light source 12, a closure cap 16, an article 
holding portion 28, and a lamp 46 as described above in the embodiments 
shown in FIGS. 1-4. However, in this embodiment a light switch 136 is used 
to activate the lamp 46, although in further embodiments, the light source 
14 may be activated by twisting as previously described. Moreover, this 
embodiment is further adapted for carrying small items such as matches 
310. 
The multi-function container 300 includes a match strike strip 302, coupled 
to the cylindrical container portion 12, for igniting the matches 310 that 
were contained within the holding portion 28 of the cylindrical container 
portion 12. The cylindrical container portion 12 has threads 304 on the 
open end of the container portion 12 that correspond to threads 306 on the 
closure cap 16 to allow simple sealing and unsealing of the holding 
portion 28 containing the matches 310. The closure cap 16 is shown without 
a key ring holder or the like; however, in other embodiments, the closure 
cap 16 may be coupled to a key ring support or the like. This embodiment 
provides the ability to carry matches and to illuminate areas so that a 
user can more easily strike a match in dark locations. 
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a multi-function container 400 
with a light source 14 in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the 
present invention, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment 
as shown along the line 10--10 in FIG. 9. This embodiment is similar to 
the embodiments described above and includes a cylindrical container 
portion 12, a light source 14, a closure cap 16, a holding portion 28, a 
battery 38, a lamp 46 and a light switch 136. In this embodiment, the 
container portion 12 has smooth sides 402 at the open end of the container 
portion 12 that correspond to smooth sides 404 on the closure cap 16, so 
that closure cap 16 is coupled to the container portion 12 by friction. 
However, in alternative embodiments, the closure cap 16 may be coupled by 
threads or the like. The closure cap 16 is shown without a key ring holder 
or the like; however, in other embodiments, the container portion 12 may 
be coupled to a key ring support or the like. Positioning the holder on 
the container portion 12 would prevent inadvertent removal of the closure 
cap 16, when the closure cap 16 is secured only by friction. 
The holding portion 28 of the multi-function container 400 is adapted to 
hold a bottle 406 containing a liquid, such as perfume or the like. The 
bottle 406 may be held inside the holding portion 28 by threads, friction, 
adhesives or the like. The bottle 406 includes a spray pump cap 408 and a 
delivery tube 410 to deliver the perfume contained in the bottle 406. An 
advantage to this embodiment is that the user can carry perfume and have a 
light source that can be used to touch up make-up or illuminate dark 
locations without having to carry two or more separate articles. In 
alternative embodiments, the multi-function container 400 may be sized to 
accommodate other liquids, such as alcohol, soft drinks, breath fresheners 
or the like, and adapted to accommodate bottles utilizing other fluid 
delivery systems, such as pressurized containers, twist cap containers or 
the like. 
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a multi-function container 500 
with a light source 14 in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the 
present invention. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment described 
in FIGS. 9 and 10, and includes a cylindrical container portion 12, a 
light source 14, a closure cap 16 and a lamp 46. This embodiment also has 
smooth sides 502 on the open end of the container portion 12 that 
frictionally couple the container portion 12 to the corresponding smooth 
inner surface 504 of the closure cap 16. In this embodiment, the holding 
portion 28 is adapted to hold a lipstick 506 or the like. Moreover, the 
container portion 12 is rotatable relative to the light source 14, such 
that the lipstick 506 may be raised or lowered to a desired position 
suitable for application of the lipstick 506. In alternative embodiments, 
the holding portion 28 is adapted to hold an off-the-shelf lipstick and 
container, in which the lipstick container is rotated relative to the 
container portion 12 to raise or lower the lipstick. In further 
embodiments, the light source 14 may be contained in the closure 16 so 
that the light source 14 can be used to illuminate the lips as the 
lipstick 506 is applied. 
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a multi-function container 600 with a 
light source 114 in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present 
invention, and FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view as shown along 
the line 13--13 in FIG. 12. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment 
illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. This embodiment includes at least one 
battery 38, a lamp 46, a closure panel 116, a holding compartment 126 and 
a light switch 136 as described above. However, this embodiment is adapted 
for holding a make-up kit or the like. As shown in FIG. 12, the holding 
compartment 126 has a magnetic catch 602 which corresponds and couples to 
a metal plate 604 on the closure panel 116. In alternative embodiments, 
the closure mechanism described for the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 
may be used. The closure panel 116 also includes a mirror 606 affixed to 
the inner surface of the closure panel 116 to aid the user in applying 
make-up. The holding compartment 126 is divided into a plurality of 
individual sections including make-up sections 608 for holding eye 
make-up, rouge or the like, an applicator section 610 for holding a 
make-up brush 618 or the like, and an accessory section 612 for holding a 
lipstick 614, a multi-function container 400, a multi-function container 
500 or the like. This provides the user with a make-up kit and a light 
source in one article. In alternative embodiments, the multi-function 
container 600 may be coupled to a key ring support to allow the 
multi-function container 600 to be coupled to other articles. In still 
further embodiments, the multi-function container 600 may be adapted to 
hold items other than make-up, such as first aid kits (including bandages, 
gauze, disinfectant, tape scissors and the like), survival kits (including 
water, food rations, blankets, radios and the like), sewing kits 
(including needles, thread, buttons, patches and the like), shaving kits 
(including razor, cloths, after shave, shaving cream and the like), or the 
like. 
FIGS. 14 and 15 are perspective views of a multi-function container 700 
with a light source 14 in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the 
present invention. This embodiment includes a cylindrical container 
portion 12, a light source 14 and a closure cap 16 as described above in 
the previous embodiments of FIGS. 1-4. However, the embodiments 
illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 have a light cone 702 coupled to the top of 
the light source 14. This provides a container that simulates the 
appearance of a pencil, crayon, markers or the like. These particular 
embodiments would appeal to young children who, for example, can utilize 
the multi-function container to hold their crayons in the large 
crayon-like container and have a light to illuminate their work. To 
further simulate a large pencil or crayon, appropriate lettering 704 may 
be disposed on the side of the cylindrical container portion 12. In 
particular embodiments, the closure cap 16 may be coupled to a key ring 
support member 18 and mounting member 22 as shown in FIG. 14 or it may 
utilize a plain closure cap 16 connected by threads or friction. The 
multi-function container 700 may be formed in a variety of sizes to 
accommodate various quantities of pencils and crayons, and it may be 
produced in a variety of colors. In particular embodiments, the 
multi-function container 700 may also hold paper, coloring books, games or 
the like. In preferred embodiments, the lamp 46 is placed at the top of 
the cone 702 (as shown in FIG. 15) to illuminate desired areas. However, 
in alternative embodiments, the lamp 46 may be recessed inside the cone 
702 (as shown by the dotted lines in FIG. 14) to illuminate the cone 702 
from the inside and give the cone 702 an appearance of glowing, and in 
still further embodiments, the cone 702 may also have an opening at the 
top to allow light to escape the cone 702 and illuminate various areas. 
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a multi-function container 800 with a 
light source 802 in accordance a ninth embodiment of the present 
invention, and FIG. 17 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the 
embodiment shown in FIG. 16. This embodiment is directed towards a 
multi-function container 800 that is sized and shaped along the lines of a 
traditional camping lantern or flashlight. The multi-function container 
800 includes a light source 802, a container portion 804, a handle 806 and 
a closure cap 808. The light source 802 is coupled to the container 
portion 804 and includes a lamp 810 and a reflector 812. In preferred 
embodiments, the light source 802, the container portion 804, the handle 
806 and the closure cap 808 are formed from plastic, such as high impact 
polystyrene, polycarbonate, poly-propylene, ABS plastic, or the like. 
However, other embodiments are formed from metals, such as stainless 
steel, aluminum or the like; ceramics or a combination of these materials 
or other suitable materials. In particular embodiments, the lamp 810 may 
be a standard flashlight lamp, halogen bulb or the like, and the reflector 
may be made from metal, glass, plastic or other suitable materials. 
The handle 806 is coupled to the container portion 804 to aid in carrying 
and directing the lantern. In preferred embodiments, the handle 806 is 
formed as an integral part of the container portion 804. In alternative 
embodiments, shoulder strap connectors may be attached to the container 
portion 804 to allow the multi-function container 800 to be slung over the 
shoulder. 
The closure cap 808 is coupled to the container portion 804 by inner 
threads 814 that correspond to threads 816 on the open end of the 
container portion 804. In alternative embodiments, the closure cap 808 may 
be coupled by other methods, such as friction, lugs and slots or the like. 
The closure cap 808 provides a weatherproof seal by contacting and 
compressing a gasket 818 or the like against the container portion 804 to 
seal out moisture, dirt and debris. 
The container portion 804 has an interior holding portion 820 that is 
separated from the light source 802 by a separation barrier 822 that 
prevents contact or contamination between the items in the holding portion 
820 and the circuit elements of the light source 802. The holding portion 
820 is adapted to hold small items, such as survival gear (including 
blankets, water, emergency rations or the like), auto/motorcycle repair 
kits (including patches, air inflation cans, tape, fuses and the like), or 
the like. Thus, a user has one self contained kit that provides light and 
holds a kit suitable for emergency or camping situations. In alternative 
embodiments, the holding portion 820 and the barrier 822 may be adapted to 
house a radio (not shown) that can be operated through controls that are 
mounted on the exterior surface of the container portion 804. 
A simplified schematic of the light source 802 is illustrated in FIG. 17. 
The light source 802 has a light switch 824 that turns the lamp 806 on and 
off. In preferred embodiments, the light source 802 may be switched from 
on, off and blinking states. In alternative embodiments, the light source 
802 may be activated by rotating the light source 802 relative to the 
container portion 804, in a manner similar to that described above in 
FIGS. 1-4. The light source 802 is powered by a plurality of thin high 
power batteries 826 that take up a minimum amount of space so that the 
holding portion 820 in the container portion 804 is maximized for holding 
items. In preferred embodiments, the batteries 826 are lithium batteries 
or the like, and have a battery shelf life of approximately 5 years. The 
circuit is completed by connecting the batteries 826 in series by a 
plurality of wires 828. In particular embodiments, access to the interior 
of the light source 802 is obtained by unscrewing a bezel 830 that holds a 
transparent shield or lens 832. Once removed the batteries 826 and the 
lamp 810 can be changed in a manner similar to those used in traditional 
flashlights or lanterns. In alternative embodiments, the light source 802 
may be powered with rechargeable batteries that can be charged from an 
automobile cigarette lighter or the like, or the light source 802 may be 
powered directly by an automobile cigarette lighter or the like. 
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a multi-function container 900 with a 
light source 902 in accordance a tenth embodiment of the present 
invention, and FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown 
in FIG. 18. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in 
FIGS. 16 and 17, and includes a light source 902, a container portion 904 
and a closure cap 906. The multi-function container 900 is formed to more 
closely resemble a traditional flashlight, and thus has a long slender 
container portion 904. The closure cap 906 is secured by threads 908 that 
correspond to threads 910 on the open end of the container portion 904. 
The container portion 904 has an interior holding portion 912 adapted for 
holding small items, and which is separated from the light source by a 
barrier 914. The light source 902 has a lamp 916, a reflector 918, a light 
switch 920, and a plurality of batteries 922 connected by wires 924. The 
light source 902 works in a manner similar to that described in the 
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17. This embodiment is adapted to 
replace common flashlights and provide a storage capability to hold small 
items, such as tools, survival kits (including water, food rations, 
blankets and the like) or the like. The multi-function container 900 can 
also be utilized as a small article hiding place, since thieves may be 
less likely to look for valuables in an ordinary looking flashlight. The 
closure cap 906 in this embodiment is shown without a key ring holder or 
the like; however, in other embodiments, the closure cap 906 may be 
coupled to a key ring support or the like. 
It will be recognized that certain features shown and described for each 
embodiment in FIGS. 1-19 may be interchanged or added to the various other 
embodiments shown in these Figures. It will also be recognized that the 
particular small items, such as candy, medicine tablets, make-up, perfume, 
pencils, crayons, survival kits (including water, food rations, blankets 
and the like), repair kits (including patches, tape, fuses and the like), 
or the like, shown with the particular embodiments may also be contained 
in the other embodiments shown in the Figures. 
While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present 
invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made 
without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims are 
intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope 
and spirit of the present invention. 
The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all 
respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention 
being indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing 
description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of 
equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.