Abstract:
A high power recharegable flashlight with two way universal serial bus (USB) capable of recharging electronic devices as well as recharging itself.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Ser. No.: 61865811 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    The invention was not made under government contract nor was funded grant money used to fund the research 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0003]    Rechargeable Flashlights and Portable Power 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    The present invention is a handheld flashlight with integrated portable power capabilities via two-way universal serial bus (USB). Flashlights are useful portable devices that provide light to users in the event of power outages, nighttime outdoor activities and many other circumstances. This invention combines the utility of a flashlight and a backup power source for recharging various electronic devices. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The invention is a high power recharegable flashlight with two way universal serial bus (USB) This handheld flashlight with integrated portable power capabilities via two way universal serial bus provides the utility of a traditional flashlight with the benefit of on the go backup power. Flashlights are useful portable light sources and are common to almost every home. With our increased reliance on smart phones, tablet style computers and related portable devices, back up power is essential when away from a primary charging source such as a home outlet or automobile. The present invention with its universal serial bus with the assistance of an adapter is capable of  powering and transferring energy to small rechargeable electronic devices. Additionally, the invention uses the same universal serial bus to draw energy from an external adapter to recharge its own internal battery. The invention utilizes USB adapters and modifies their electrical characteristics to allow the adapter to serve the two purposes of both powering and transferring energy to small electronics or recharging itself through the same port. Currently, other market available designs required dual adapters to accomplish this function. The user can take advantage of the present invention by having a built-in USB adapter port that can recharge and power their small portable devices as well as acting as a rechargeable light source, namely a flashlight. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of the internal functions of the universal serial bus (USB) control circuit including the function of the rechargeable high power LED flashlight. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a physical appearance of various universal serial ports available that can be used in combination with the flashlight. 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment with built in universal serial bus (USB). 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0009]      FIG. 1  shows an internal diagram of the present invention and all its major electrical components. The circuitry is divided into section A and section B. Section A describes the major components and internal circuits of the bidirectional universal serial bus (USB)  9  circuit operation. Section B shows the internal circuit operation of the high power rechargeable flashlight. The combination of both circuits are essential to the invention. The USB adapter port  9  can be optimized for different situations. For example the charging port&#39;s physical size and power carrying capabilities, to allow high efficiency power across various situations and need not be  limited to only one type of adapter. It may take other form as shown in FIG.  2 .; USB A, Mini A, Micro AB. Also, this particular adapter port&#39;s  9  main characteristic is to be mechanically and electrically coupled with any external device with similar connectivity  10 . The external device  10  can be directly coupled to the USB adapter port  9  or through an adapter USB extension cord. 
         [0010]    In Section B of  FIG. 1 , the High Power Rechargeable Flashlight  FIG. 3  is controlled when the flashlight power switch  2  sends a signal to the micro-controller  5  to tell it that the flashlight mode is active and therefore disable all other features. In this scenario, the circuitry converts the USB adapter  9  into an input device where current is drawn from an external adapter to recharge the internal battery  1  of the flashlight to power the LED light  4 . The micro-controller  5  processes this information and allows the current to flow from the USB adapter port  9 , to the battery charging circuit  8 , the internal battery  1 , the LED driver circuit and finally into the high powered led light  4 . The charging circuit  8  is a switching regulator. Its primary function is to limit the current and voltage potential to the internal battery  1  received from the USB adapter port  9  typically five volt of direct current as per industry standard. 
         [0011]    Section A describes the secondary function of the universal serial bus (USB)  9  which is to output and transfer energy from the internal battery  1  into small rechargeable electronic devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, mp3 and similar consumer products. This mode is activated when the user selects to use the USB manual electronic switch  7 . The electronic switch  7  sends a signal to the micro-controller  5  indicating to toggle to the secondary function and turn the USB adapter port  9  into a power sourcing device. Sourcing device means that the energy transfer will now flow from the internal battery  1  out to the external device  10 . The way we accomplish this function is to have the micro-controller  5 , send a signal to the output power supply circuit  6  to activate and transfer the energy from the internal battery  1  into the USB adapter port  9 . The power supply circuit  6  is a buck regulator that lowers the higher potential voltage from the battery typically above seven volt of direct current down to five volt of direct current which is the industry standard output voltage of a USB adapter  port  9 . This power supply circuit  6 , allows control of the maximum current deliver to the external device  10 .