Dual power flashlight

A flashlight includes a light assembly at a first end of the flashlight. The light assembly includes an LED light generating module. The flashlight also includes a power assembly having a power management module body member which houses a charging input port, a USB output port, a LED power indicator, or a power indicator button. A selectively movable sleeve covers the charging input port, the USB output port, the LED power indicator, or the power indicator button when they are not in use, wherein the sleeve moves relative to the power management module body member in linear and rotational directions. The flashlight also includes a central body member between the light assembly and the power assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to multi-functional flashlights.

2. Description of the Related Art

Flashlights have been available for years. They provide handheld convenience in a wide variety of environments. The development of LED technology and microelectronics technology has opened the door for a wide variety of innovations. The present invention takes advantage of these developments by integrating modern technology into flashlights in a convenient and reliable manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a flashlight including a light assembly at a first end of the flashlight. The light assembly includes an LED light generating module. The flashlight also includes a power assembly having a power management module body member which houses a charging input port, a USB output port, a LED power indicator, or a power indicator button. A selectively movable sleeve covers the charging input port, the USB output port, the LED power indicator, or the power indicator button when they are not in use, wherein the sleeve moves relative to the power management module body member in linear and rotational directions. The flashlight also includes a central body member between the light assembly and the power assembly.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a flashlight operated with either a rechargeable lithium ion battery or an alkaline battery. The flashlight includes a light assembly at a first end of the flashlight, wherein the light assembly including an LED light generating module. A power assembly is provided at a second end of the flashlight. The power assembly includes at least one of a charging input port, a USB output port, a LED power indicator, and a power indicator button. The power assembly further includes contacts and circuitry for use in conjunction with either a rechargeable lithium ion battery or an alkaline battery. A central body member is provided between the light assembly and the power assembly.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a flashlight operated with either a rechargeable lithium ion battery or an alkaline battery. The flashlight includes a light assembly at a first end of the flashlight, the light assembly including an LED light generating module. The flashlight also includes a power assembly at a second end of the flashlight, the power assembly including at least one of a charging input port, a USB output port, a LED power indicator, and a power indicator button. The power assembly includes a power management module having an electrical contact assembly with first, second, and third spring biased contacts. The first contact is a negative, the second contact is positive and the third contact is inactive. The flashlight also includes a central body member between the light assembly and the power assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference toFIGS. 1 to 7a flashlight10which is generally powered by a rechargeable lithium ion battery, but can also be powered by traditional alkaline batteries should the lithium ion fail or be low on its charge. The flashlight10is also multi-functional.

The flashlight10includes a cylindrical construction having a first end10a, a second end10b, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The first end10aincludes a light assembly14, the second end10bincludes power assembly16, and a cylindrical central body member18is positioned therebetween. As will be appreciated based upon the following disclosure, the flashlight10offers a unique body design that conceals a charging input port71, a USB output port70, a series of LED power indicator lights72and a power indicator button73all under twist and pull metal sleeve74. As is explained below in greater detail, the sleeve74is first twisted about the longitudinal axis of the flashlight to unlock the sleeve74and then is pulled linearly along the longitudinal axis of the flashlight to expose the charging input port71, the USB output port70, the series of LED power indicator lights72and the power indicator button73.

The first the first end10aof the flashlight10is generally composed of the light assembly14. The light assembly14includes a generally cylindrical light assembly body member20that is secured to the cylindrical central body member18for telescopic movement relative thereto.

The cylindrical light assembly body member20includes an outer surface22with spaced fins24that function to dissipate heat generated through usage of the flashlight10. The fins24also function as a gripping surface. The cylindrical light assembly body member20also includes a first end20aand a second end20b. The second end20bof the cylindrical light assembly body member20is positioned over the first end18aof the cylindrical central body member18in a manner allowing the cylindrical light assembly body member20to move relative to the first end18aof the cylindrical central body member18such that a lens26retained within the cylindrical light assembly body member20may be moved relative to a LED light generating module28retained within the first end18aof the cylindrical central body member18in order to zoom the light in and out as desired by a user and as will be discussed below in greater detail.

Attachment of the light assembly14to the cylindrical central body member18is achieved in the following manner. Briefly, the body member20and the LED light generating module28of the light assembly14must be substantially assembled before the LED light generating module28may be fixedly secured to the cylindrical central body member18. As the following detailed discussion of the assembly reveals, this allows for efficient and cost-effective assembly of the flashlight in a manner allowing for relative movement between the body member20and both the LED light generating module28and the central body member18.

More specifically, the light assembly body member20is first attached to the LED light generating module28by positioning the LED light generating module28within the light assembly body member20. The lens26is then pushed down to its position within the inner circumference of the light assembly body member20where it is frictionally held in position adjacent to the first end28aof the LED light generating module28. Once the lens26is in position, a retaining ring39with an O-ring27is secured in position over the lens26and within the inner circumference of the light assembly body member20. The retaining ring39is frictionally secured and may also be adhesively secured to the light assembly body member20. This functions to secure the light assembly body member20and the LED light generating module28, as the LED light generating module28is held between the lens at the first end20aof the light assembly body member20and an inwardly directed ridge20rat the second end20bof the light assembly body member20. The LED light generating module28is held between the lens26at the first end20aof the light assembly body member20and the inwardly directed ridge20rat the second end20bof the light assembly body member20in a manner allowing the light assembly body member20to move relative to the LED light generating module28. The transparent lens26ultimately sits over the LED light generating module28and protects the LED light generating module28from the external environment.

The LED light generating module28is then secured to the cylindrical central body member18. In particular, the LED light generating module28has external threading25which threads into internal central body threads19at the first end of the cylindrical body member18. Adhesive may also be applied to the external threading25to form a permanent connection. This functions to secure the first end18aof the cylindrical central body member18within the light assembly14as defined by the LED light generating module28and the light assembly body member20. The light assembly body member20is able to move relative to the cylindrical central body member18once the LED light generating module28is threadingly coupled to the first end18aof the cylindrical body member18.

As discussed above, the light assembly body member20is able to move relative to the LED light generating module28. This movement is limited to the space, labeled31, between the ridge20ron the light assembly body member20and an outwardly extending flange30on the LED light generating module28. Two outwardly facing O-rings29a,29bat the outwardly extending flange30at the first end28aof the LED light generating module28define a bearing surface between the light assembly body member20and the LED light generating module28. This allows the light assembly body member20to move up and down smoothly relative to the LED light generating module28and provides for a waterproof space between the light assembly body member20and the LED light generating module28.

The relative movement allows the light projected from the flashlight10to be zoomed in and out as desired by a user when the cylindrical light assembly body member20is moved relative to the cylindrical central body member18and the LED light generating module28secured within the cylindrical central body member18. In particular, as the cylindrical light assembly body member20is moved, movement of the transparent lens26that is fixedly secured to the cylindrical light assembly body member20changes the focal length of the light coming from the LED light generating module28to zoom the light in and zoom the light out as desired by a user. Control of this zoom functionality is further facilitated by the provisions of zoom markings35along the cylindrical central body member18.

As discussed above, the light assembly14also includes the LED light generating module28that is positioned within the cylindrical light assembly body member20and within the cylindrical central body member18. In particular, the LED light generating module28is placed within the opening defined by the first end18aof the cylindrical central body member18and threadingly secured thereto. As the LED light generating module28threadingly secured to the first end18aof the cylindrical central body member18, the outwardly extending flange30of the LED light generating module28engages the top edge32of the cylindrical central body member18at the first end18aof the cylindrical central body member18.

Heat generated by the LED light generating module28is dissipated through built-in heat-sink technology formed by spaced fins24to quickly release heat from the high lumen output generated by the LED light generating module28. Further still, the first end20aof the cylindrical light assembly body member20is provided with internal threading92that allows for selective attachment of colored lenses12via external threading96provided on the rim98of the colored lenses12. Such colored lenses allow the flashlight to shine red, blue or green. The use of such lenses is of great value to campers, hikers, and hunters. For example, many animals are color blind and, therefore, will not be able to identify the light coming from the flashlight when the colored lenses are used. In addition, various type of animal feces are readily identified under colored light, allowing campers, hikers and/or hunters to identify nearby animals when moving through the woods at night.

The cylindrical central body member18defines a cavity into which rechargeable lithium ion battery40or traditional alkaline batteries140are selectively positioned. In particular, the flashlight10includes power assembly16at the second end10bof the flashlight10. The power assembly16includes at least one battery40,140that is selectively positioned within the cylindrical central body member18for convenient and regular replacement, and a power management module42for controlling various elements of the electrical power as will be described below in greater detail.

The power management module42includes a power management module body member44that is adapted for selective attachment to the second end18bof the cylindrical central body member18. The power management module body member44may be cylindrical in shape. Selective attachment of the cylindrical central body member18and the power management module body member44is achieved via a threaded relationship wherein threads46formed on the inner wall48at the first end44aof the power management module body member44selectively engage threads50formed on the outer wall52at the second end18bof the cylindrical central body member18. When the power management module body member44is secured to the cylindrical central body member18, the cavity at the second end10aof the flashlight10is fully closed to retain at least one battery40,140therein.

An electrical contact assembly54is mounted within the first end44aof the power management module body member44and an elongated contact56extends upwardly therefrom along the cylindrical central body member18for contact with the LED light generating module28so as to complete the electric circuit when alkaline batteries are used in conjunction with the present flashlight. The electrical contact assembly54includes first, second, and third contacts62,64,66that are biased upwardly by spring58a-cso that they engage contacts on batteries40,140. A spring biased positive contact60is also formed along the second end28bof the LED light generating module28. The spring biased positive contact60is linked to the circuitry of the flashlight10via the body of the flashlight10in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

The present flashlight10is adapted for use in conjunction with either a rechargeable lithium ion battery40or traditional alkaline batteries140. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, traditional alkaline batteries140as used in accordance with the present invention include a cylindrical body having centrally located positive and negative contacts at opposite ends of thereof. The rechargeable lithium ion battery40used in accordance with the present invention also has a cylindrical body with contacts at opposite ends thereof. However, the rechargeable lithium ion battery40includes both positive and negative contacts on each end. The positive and negative contacts oriented such that the positive contact is an annular ring positioned about a centrally positioned circular negative contact. As the following disclosure shows, the orientation and position of the contacts in accordance with the present flashlight facilitates utilization of the present flashlight with either rechargeable lithium ion battery40or traditional alkaline batteries140.

The electrical contact assembly54is provided with distinct contacts for both rechargeable lithium ion battery40and traditional alkaline batteries140. In particular, the electrical contact assembly54is provided with the central negative first contact62for use in conjunction with traditional alkaline batteries140or lithium ion battery40. The electrical contact assembly54is also provided with second and third contacts64,66for use in conjunction with rechargeable lithium ion battery40for charging and output functionality. The second and third contacts64,66are positioned on opposite sides of the negative first contact62. The second contact64functions as a positive contact when a lithium ion battery40is used in charging or outputting via the USB outlet port70or the charging input port71as discussed below in greater detail. In particular, the second contact64is positive and the third contact66is inactive, but is used to apply a balancing force to the battery. The balancing force occurs as all of the contacts,62,64, and66are spring biased and push on the bottom of the lithium ion battery40, thus the battery40is pushed at three points instead of two and the battery40is prevented from becoming misaligned within the cylindrical central body member18. The oppositely positioned second and third contacts64,66are used in accordance with the present invention for better connection and balanced contact between the battery and the electrical contact assembly54for use in charging of external devices via the power of the lithium ion battery40.

The respective springs58a,58bof the central negative first contact62and the positive second contact64directly electrically connect the lithium ion battery40to the upper first circuit board102a(discussed below in greater detail), and therefore extend between the central negative first contact62/positive second contact64and the upper first circuit board102a. The balancing third contact66includes a spring58c, which is support upon an underlying support surface54sof the electrical contact assembly54.

In addition, the present flashlight10also takes advantage of the spring biased positive contact60formed along the second end28bof the LED light generating module28in conjunction with the negative first contact62to supply power to the LED light generating module28as the top and bottom contacts of the top and bottom contacts of the lithium ion battery40respectively make contact with the spring biased positive contact60of the LED light generating module28and the negative first contact62. As explained above, this contact is linked to the circuitry of the flashlight10via wiring (not shown) extending along the body of the flashlight10in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

Where alkaline batteries are used, it is appreciated a battery cartridge holding multiple (for example, four) AAA batteries may be used or individual C batteries may be used. In the situation where an alkaline battery(ies)140is used, the spring bias from the various contacts pushes the battery(ies)140or a cartridge holding the batteries such that the upper end of the battery(ies)140or the cartridge holding the batteries is pushed into engagement with an positive contact60formed along the second end28bof the LED light generating module28and the lower end of the battery(ies)140or the cartridge holding the batteries is in contact with negative first contact62. In this way, a complete circuit amongst the electrical contact assembly54of the power management module body member44, positive contact60of the LED light generating module28and the battery(ies)140or the cartridge holding the batteries positioned therebetween is ensured. Whether an alkaline battery(ies)140or a lithium battery40is used in conjunction with the present flashlight10, the positive and negative contacts of the batteries40,140are place into contact with the negative first contact62of the electrical contact assembly54and the positive contact60at the second end28bof the LED light generating module28. The flow of electricity, and ultimately the illumination of the LED light generating module28, is controlled by actuator36under the control of the on/off button90which is formed as part of the power management module42and located at the bottom of the flashlight10, the operation of which is discussed below in detail. The circuitry controlling operation of the LED light generating module28is contained within a lower second printed circuit board102bstored within the power management module28and electrical integrated with the operating components in a conventional manner.

Further functionality of the present flashlight10is achieved by the provision of a micro USB charging input port71and a USB outlet port70in the power management module42, as well as LED charging indicator lights72in the power management module42. The LED charging indicator lights72show charging/power status while battery40is charging, or with one easy touch of the power indicator button73the LED charging indicator lights72illuminate and the operator knows the power level at any time. As to the USB outlet port70, it is provided with input and output protection technology designed to protect cell phones, other small appliance, and the battery. The circuitry implementing the input and output protection technology is found on the upper first printed circuit board102a. The power supply protection technology includes self-discharge protection. In accordance with this self-discharge protection, when power supply (that is, the USB outlet port70and the charging input port71) is off, the outputs of the circuitry are set to off and the power supply can hold the power up to 1 year without recharging. Without this self-discharge protection, the power supply's standby mode would consume 38 mA current, and the power supply could only hold the power up to 10 days as peripheral circuitry would consumes power even if it is not in working status.

The power supply protection technology also provides the USB outlet port70with over current/overheat/short circuit protection, which is also integrated into the upper first printed circuit board102a. When the USB outlet port is over-current or short-circuited, the over current/overheat/short circuit protection circuitry quickly enters the protection mode to prevent overheat. When the over-current or short-circuit is corrected, the over current/overheat/short circuit protection circuitry returns to normal status and the USB outlet port70voltage will be output normally.

The power supply protection technology also provides over charge protection associated with the charging input port71. The circuitry for the power supply protection technology is located on the upper first circuit board102a. In accordance with the present invention, a two-stage overcharge protection function is provided. After plugging the charging adapter (not shown) in the charging input port71, a charging circuit is formed to apply the voltage on the adapter to the battery40for charging. As the charging progresses, the first stage is initiated when any voltage is detected to rise to a predetermined level the charging circuit is disconnected, and charging stops. The second stage is activated when any voltage is detected by alternate circuitry of the over-charge protection resulting in the charging circuit being disconnected and the charging is stopped. As long as the first or second or two levels are engaged, the present over charge protection protects against overcharging.

The power supply protection technology also provides over discharge protection, which is integrated into the lower second printed circuit board102a. After discharge has started, when the voltage at any point drops to a predetermined level, the discharge loop is disconnected, and the discharge is completed.

The USB outlet port70is formed in the wall of the power management module body member44and is electrical connected to negative first contact62and the second and third contacts64,66(first contact62is negative, the second contact64is positive and the third contacts66is inactive (but is used to apply a balancing force to the batter as is discussed above); the oppositely positioned second and third contacts64,66are used in accordance with the present invention for better connection and balanced contact between the battery and the electrical contact assembly54for use in charging of external devices via the power of the lithium ion battery40. Regardless of whether the lithium ion battery is being charged or is used to power other devices, the LED charging indicator lights72along the power management module body member44provide an indication of battery status (while in charging, one of the LED's will flash to indicate it's charging until it's fully charged). The control of the USB outlet port70and the LED charging indicator lights72is achieved using known circuitry that is incorporated into the power management module42.

In addition, an on/off button90is provided on the bottom of the power management module body member44. The on/off button90is linked to the circuitry of the power management module42to control the flashlight in a known manner.

A selectively moveable sleeve74is used to cover the charging input port71, the USB output port70, the LED charging indicator lights72, and the power indicator button73. The sleeve74is positioned over the power management module body member44for movement between a first position covering the charging input port71, the USB output port70, the LED charging indicator lights72, and the power indicator button73and a second position positioned toward the second end44bof the power management module body member44such that the charging input port71, the USB output port70, the LED charging indicator lights72and the power indicator button73are fully exposed.

The sleeve74has an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the power management module body member44. Movement of the sleeve74relative to the power management module body member44is achieved by three L-shaped grooves76formed along the inner surface74iof the sleeve74and three mating projecting track balls78formed along the outer surface44oof the power management module body member44. The grooves76slide along track balls78as the sleeve74is first slides along the length of the short leg76sof the “L” such that the sleeve74rotates (see curve arrow R) about the longitudinal axis of the flashlight10and then slides (see arrow S) along the length of the long leg76aof the “L” such that the sleeve74moves linearly along the longitudinal axis of the flashlight10to expose the charging input port71, the USB output port70, the series of LED power indicator lights72and the power indicator button73. The movement to conceal is just the opposite. While three grooves and track balls are disclosed in accordance with a preferred embodiment, it is appreciate the number of such members may be varied without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The inner surface of the sleeve74is provided with a hard ring104that interacts with the power management module body member44to stop the sliding movement of the sleeve74downwardly when the hard ring104touches the bottom of the power management module body member44. In this way, and considering the sleeve74when it is in its first position covering the charging input port71, the USB outlet port70, the LED charging indicator lights72and the power indicator button73, the sleeve74is first rotated about the longitudinal axis of the flashlight10and then the sleeve74is moved downwardly along the longitudinal axis of the flashlight10to move the sleeve74to its second position and reveal the charging input port71, the USB output port70, the LED charging indicator lights72and the power indicator button73. When it is desired to cover the charging input port71, the USB output port70, the LED charging indicator lights72and the power indicator button73, the process is reversed.

This twist to unlock and push/pull design functions selectively to conceal and expose operational components of the flashlight10for quick and easy access. The sleeve74also protects the operational components from water via the inclusion of sealing members in the form of upper O-ring88aand lower O-ring88bpositioned between the sleeve74and the power management module body member44. The O-rings88a,88bare held within grooves89a,89bformed along the power management module body member44.