Abstract:
A flashlight and tool combination comprises a flashlight having a body, an illumination member, a power source and a switch for switching the illumination member on and off. The flashlight body has on one portion thereof a tool connector. The combination further comprises a tool assembly comprising a tool component and a connector component, the connector component being received by the connector member on the body of the flashlight. A fastener for releasably securing the connector component to the connector member is provided.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/879,843 filed Jan. 11, 2007, which is incorporated herein be reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FILED AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a flashlight as a tool handle. More particularly, the invention in one form is for a flashlight, preferably a small or pocket type flashlight, which can be used as a handle for a variety of tools. 
     The invention acknowledges a basic concept, namely, that a flashlight is a very handy item to carry on, for example, a key ring or when enclosed within the body of another item. Therefore, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a flashlight used as a substrate, base or handle for supporting another tool which can be used when attached to the flashlight and also when removed therefrom. 
     Compact tools are also at a premium, especially where weight is an important factor. Weight is, of course, an important factor in activities such as hiking, climbing etc. to name just a few examples. The list is endless and the breadth of application of the present invention is intended to cover this substantial list. In fact, lightweight accessories are generally prized for ease of carrying and the fact that they may require only small spaces for storage purposes. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides in one aspect the utilization of a flashlight body as the handle for a wide range of tools. The desire and purpose may not be to illuminate a specific working area of the tool, although this is of course a possibility, but to provide two separate functions of a device, often carried as a commonly used attachment, in an extremely compact space. 
     As a key ring accessory, the flashlight and tool combination can be inserted into a “sleeve” or other structure of metal or plastic so that the head of the flashlight is exposed and ready for use to serve its function as an illuminator of an area. When the flashlight is removed from the sleeve, it may act as a handle for another, completely different tool or tools. 
     Using this same type of “sleeve” the flashlight and tool combination can, in one aspect of the invention, be built into the body of larger items, compact tool kits or items of daily use. 
     The individual tools that may fit into the back of the flashlight, or elsewhere on or in association with the flashlight, can be permanently fixed thereon, or they may be held by a screw or other device so that they are interchangeable with other tools designed to fit to and attach to the flashlight. Different tools may be stored in a device specially designed for that purpose until needed whereupon they will be fastened to the flashlight as described above. 
     The flashlight body can be cylindrical, hexagonal or any other convenient shape that can be inserted into a housing of similar dimension. A releasable mechanism for securing the flashlight to the “sleeve” may be required. This could be an O ring, a pressure fit, a ball detent, some form of flexible member or even magnets. The invention is not to be limited to any single or multiple mechanism for securing the tool, and any suitable mechanism for the intended purpose may be used. 
     Some tools that can be used with the flashlight as a handle do not require any resistance to torque (turning pressure). These could include among others: Fire starter; sharpener; saw blade; file (metal or nail file); wood rasp; blade; awl; glock tool (for field stripping a Glock pistol). 
     Some tools do require resistance to torque (turning pressure). These include: screwdriver (all types); key; handcuff key. 
     There are other types of tools and devices not on this list, and the scope of possibilities is not to be limited to the recited lists herein. 
     If the flashlight (as a handle) must resist turning pressure to torque, then it must preferably be constructed with a main barrel as one piece. Alternatively, it may be in more than one piece, in which case the parts must be secured so that they do not become unscrewed or detached or slip relative to each other as the tool is used. 
     Alternately, the flashlight itself could be inserted into a housing that would hold it and also the tool (at the back end). This housing could be made of plastic or metal. Then the flashlight could have any sort of construction, including a base that could screw on/off. 
     Drawings of these various construction possibilities form a part of this specification. These drawings show a representative variety of embodiments and possible uses for tools but are not meant to illustrate an exhaustive or complete list of tools. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a flashlight only in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 1(   a ) is an end view of a flashlight shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of a flashlight with tool inside a holder in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 2(   a ) is an end view of the flashlight and holder as shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a flashlight with a fire starter as tool; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of a flashlight with a diamond sharpener as tool; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a flashlight with handcuff key as tool; 
         FIG. 6(   a ) is a top view of a further embodiment of the invention showing a flashlight and fire starter; 
         FIG. 6(   b ) is a side view of the flashlight shown in  FIG. 6(   a ); 
         FIGS. 7(   a ) and  7 ( b ) are top and side views respectively of an embodiment of the invention showing a flashlight with a diamond sharpener; 
         FIGS. 8(   a ) and  8 ( b ) are top and side views respectively of an embodiment of the invention showing a flashlight with a handcuff key; 
         FIGS. 9(   a ) and  9 ( b ) are top and side views respectively of an embodiment of the invention showing a flashlight with a glock tool; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of a flashlight and tool of the invention inside a sleeve; 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of the sleeve only; 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of the sleeve only; 
         FIG. 13  shows another embodiment of a flashlight and tool of the invention inside a holder; 
         FIGS. 14 and 15  are top and side views respectively of the holder only, as shown in  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 16  shows a further embodiment of the invention of a flashlight as part of a card tool; 
         FIG. 17  is an end view of the flashlight and card tool shown in  FIG. 16 , but in the open position; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the flashlight, tool and card tool as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a side view of a flashlight of the invention including a magnetic base; 
         FIG. 20  shows an end view of one embodiment of a knife with light, in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 21  shows another embodiment of a knife with light, in accordance with the invention; 
         FIGS. 22(   a ) and  22 ( b ) show a tool, sleeve and knife, in accordance with the invention, including in exploded form and assembled; 
         FIGS. 23(   a ) and  23 ( b ) show a tool, sleeve and tool case in accordance with the invention, including in exploded form and assembled; 
         FIGS. 24(   a ) and  24 ( b ) show a flashlight tool in accordance with the invention, with a screw driver and socket respectively; 
         FIG. 25  shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a sleeve for a flashlight and tool; 
         FIG. 26  illustrates a stand alone flashlight and tool with a whistle; 
         FIG. 27  illustrates a stand alone flashlight and tool with a compass and thermometer; 
         FIG. 28  illustrates a detachable flashlight and tool with a whistle; and 
         FIG. 29  illustrates a detachable flashlight and tool with a compass and thermometer. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In  FIG. 1  of the drawings, there is shown a flashlight  10  only, of basic cylindrical shape, including a switch  12 . One end of the flashlight  10  has an illumination bulb (not shown), which can be conventionally switched on and off, and the flashlight  10  is powered by one or more batteries contained within the cylindrical housing. 
     In  FIGS. 2 and 2(   a ) there is shown a flashlight  10 , generally of the type shown in  FIG. 1  of the drawings, located within a holder  14  to which it can be releasably secured. This can be done using a set screw, or such other device as may be appropriate. The holder  14  includes a slot  16  for accommodating the switch  12  as the flashlight  10  slides into and out of the holder  14 . At one end of the holder  14 , there is formed a tool base  18 , and a tool  20  extends from the tool base  18 . Between the holder  14  and the tool base  18 , there is provided a channel  22  in which is located an O-ring  24 . The O-ring  24  allows the flashlight  10 , surrounding holder  14 , and such other components to be securely but releasably received within a sleeve, not shown in the present embodiment, although illustrated and described below. 
     In  FIG. 2  of the drawings, the tool  20  comprises an alloy fire starter. 
       FIG. 3  shows a view of the invention as generally shown in  FIG. 2  of the drawings, but wherein the flashlight has been removed. The flashlight  10  can be conveniently removed and replaced at desired by the user. 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  of the drawings show a holder and tool, wherein the flashlight has been removed,  FIG. 4  showing the tool comprising a diamond sharpener  26 , and  FIG. 5  showing the tool comprising a handcuff key  28 . 
     In all of  FIGS. 1 to 5  above, it will be appreciated that the flashlight  10  is activated, namely, the bulb is illuminated, by means of the on/off switch  12  which is located on the wall thereof. 
     In  FIGS. 6(   a ) and  6 ( b ), there is shown another embodiment of the flashlight and tool of the invention, including a flashlight  30 , having a textured surface  32  at one point, the textured surface  32  comprising a gripping point whereby one part of the flashlight  30  can be rotated or twisted with respect to another, so as to switch the illuminate member of the flashlight on and off. The flashlight with tool also comprises a tool base  34  and tool  36 , which in  FIGS. 6(   a ) and  6 ( b ) of the invention comprises a magnesium alloy fire starter. It will be seen that the tool  36  is able to fit within an aperture in the tool base  34 , and that the tool  36  can be releasably secured within the aperture  38  by means of a set screw  40 . Other securing means can be used. 
       FIGS. 7(   a ) and  7 ( b ) show embodiments similar to those shown in  FIGS. 6(   a ) and  6 ( b ) but wherein the tool comprises a diamond sharpener. 
     In  FIGS. 8(   a ) and  8 ( b ), the tool comprises a handcuff key, while in  FIGS. 9(   a ) and  9 ( b ), the tool comprises a glock tool for stripping a glock pistol. 
     With reference to  FIG. 10  of the drawings, there is shown a flashlight and tool device  50 , generally of the type shown in  FIGS. 6 to 9 , formed within a key ring sleeve  52 . It will be seen that the flashlight itself has a channel  54  in which is located an O-ring  56 , and the O-ring  56  tightly engages the inner surface of the key ring sleeve  52  so as to frictionally engage the flashlight  50  with the sleeve  52 , and prevent simple falling out of the flashlight from the sleeve. The key ring sleeve  52  can be made of plastic, metal, aluminum or any other desired material. 
       FIG. 11  shows a top view of the sleeve  52 , without the flashlight and tool  50 , and  FIG. 12  shows a side view of the sleeve  52 , also with the flashlight and tool  50  removed therefrom.  FIG. 12  also illustrates the presence of an air escape hole  53  through which air can be discharged and pressure released during insertion of the flashlight and tool  50  into the sleeve  52 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 13  of the drawings, there is shown a flashlight and tool  60  formed within a sleeve  62  of different shape to that shown in  FIG. 10 , the sleeve  62  also comprising a key ring attachment. It will be seen that the sleeve  62  has a contoured edge, but also defines the internal chamber  64  which snugly receives the flashlight and tool  60 .  FIG. 14  illustrates a top view of the sleeve  62  in  FIG. 13  with the flashlight and tool  60  removed, while  FIG. 15  is a side view of the sleeve  62  with the flashlight and tool  60  removed. One advantage of a sleeve  62  of the shape shown in  FIGS. 13 to 15  is to provide a bigger imprint or working area for printed material, such as personal or other identification information, logos, advertising or the like. 
       FIGS. 16 to 18  of the drawings show a flashlight and tool assembly, indicated by reference numeral  70 , forming part of a card tool  72  having tool components and which can open and close much like a book. The tools contained by the card tool  72  will be on the inside of the card tool  72 .  FIG. 16  shows an end view with the card tool  72  in the closed position, while  FIG. 17  shows an end view with the card tool  72  in the partially open position.  FIG. 18  shows a perspective view, indicating how the flashlight and tool device  70  may be received within the chamber  74  formed in the pivoting portion of the card tool  72 . 
       FIG. 19  shows a flashlight  80  generally of the type shown in  FIGS. 6 to 9 , including a tool base  82 , to which is attached a neck  84 , terminating in a ball  86 . The ball  86  has mounted thereon a magnet  88 , the ball  86  formed within a recess of the magnet  88  so that the magnet  88  is movable as is typical in ball-and-socket type arrangements. The magnet  88  may be used to secure or fasten the flashlight  80  to a magnetic surface, such as in the working area, and the position of the flashlight  80  can be pivotally adjusted relative to the magnet  88  so as to direct a beam of light emanating from the flashlight  80  into a desired area. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 20 and 21 , there is shown an end view of a flashlight and tool mounted on a knife. In  FIG. 20 , a sleeve  90  is releasably mounted on a knife  92 , the sleeve  90  having a chamber  94  for receiving a flashlight.  FIG. 21  is substantially the same as the arrangement shown in  FIG. 20 , save that the chamber  94  is hexagonal, as opposed to circular, in cross-section. A hexagonal chamber has the effect of ensuring that when a flashlight is mounted therein, the flashlight will not rotate in the chamber. 
     In  FIG. 22(   a ) of the drawings, there is shown, in exploded view, a knife  100  having a handle  102  and a blade  104  which pivots in the handle  100 . A sleeve  106 , having a depending flange  108 , fits on the upper surface of the handle  102  of the knife  100 , sliding therein or engaging therein in a releasable fashion so that it can be selectively attached to the knife  100 . 
     The sleeve  106  defines a chamber  110  therein in which is received a flashlight and tool  112  which fits into the sleeve  106  in much the same way as described with respect to embodiments and examples above.  FIG. 22(   b ) shows the assembled form of the exploded components illustrated in  FIG. 22(   a ) of the drawings. 
     In  FIG. 23(   a ), there is shown a similar situation as described with respect to  FIG. 22(   a ), but instead of a knife  100 , there is provided a tool case  116  which receives the sleeve  106 , which in turn accommodates the tool  112 . A complete assembled form of the exploded version shown in  FIG. 23  is illustrated in  FIG. 23(   b ). 
     In  FIGS. 22 and 23 , there is also illustrated the presence of a whistle which can be built into the sleeve, a unique feature useful, for example, for emergency workers, hikers or others who may wish to draw attention to themselves or an ongoing or developing situation. 
       FIGS. 24(   a ) and  24 ( b ) show a flashlight and tool  120  respectively,  FIG. 24(   a ) illustrating a screwdriver  122  attached to the tool  120 , while  FIG. 24(   b ) illustrating a socket arrangement  124 . 
       FIG. 25  shows an alternative sleeve attachment for a flashlight and tool combination of the invention, showing, schematically, a main tool case, or knife  130 , and a sleeve  132 , which attaches to the case  130  by means of a plurality of magnets  134  appropriately disposed on the upper surface of the case  130  and the lower surface of the sleeve  132 . As has been described above, the sleeve  132  will include a chamber  136 , in which is received a flashlight and tool  138 .