Abstract:
Various lighting devices and related methods are provided. In one example, a portable lighting device includes a light source, lighting control circuitry, first and second power terminals adapted to receive a battery power source, first and second electrical connections between the lighting control circuitry and the first and second power terminals, a third electrical connection between the second power terminal and the lighting control circuitry, and a switch adapted to selectively connect and disconnect the third electrical connection. The lighting control circuitry is adapted to operate the light source in response to a signal received over the third electrical connection in response to the switch. The first and second electrical connections are adapted to provide constant power to the lighting control circuitry while the battery power source is connected to the first and second power terminals regardless of operation of the switch.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     This disclosure generally relates to lighting devices and more particularly to the switching of lighting devices to operate in various modes. 
     2. Related Art 
     Conventional lighting devices (e.g., flashlights, headlamps, or others) are often implemented with relatively simple two-wire circuits in which a lighting element is connected to a switch and a battery through a resistor. Such a configuration typically allows for only simple on/off switching of the lighting device and does not permit more sophisticated lighting operations to be performed. 
     More advanced configurations may be implemented with multiple user-selectable controls. Unfortunately, such controls are often poorly implemented in ways that make them cumbersome to use and may require two hands to operate. Also, such controls may be confusing to users. As a result, such controls are often inconvenient and may be particularly troublesome to use in crisis situations where illumination is immediately required. 
     SUMMARY 
     Various lighting devices and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a portable lighting device includes a light source; lighting control circuitry; first and second power terminals adapted to receive a battery power source; first and second electrical connections between the lighting control circuitry and the first and second power terminals; a third electrical connection between the second power terminal and the lighting control circuitry; and a switch adapted to selectively connect and disconnect the third electrical connection, wherein the lighting control circuitry is adapted to operate the light source in response to a signal received over the third electrical connection in response to the switch, wherein the first and second electrical connections are adapted to provide constant power to the lighting control circuitry while the battery power source is connected to the first and second power terminals regardless of operation of the switch. 
     In another embodiment, a method of operating a portable lighting device includes providing constant power to lighting control circuitry from a battery power source through first and second electrical connections between the lighting control circuitry and first and second power terminals of the battery power source regardless of operation of a switch; receiving a manipulation of the switch to connect or disconnect a third electrical connection between the second power terminal and the lighting control circuitry; receiving a signal over the third electrical connection in response to the switch; and operating a light source by the lighting control circuitry in response to the signal. 
     In another embodiment, a portable lighting device includes a light source; lighting control circuitry; a body; and a tailcap assembly attached to an end of the body, the tailcap assembly comprising: a multi-position joystick adapted to pivot relative to the body in response to lateral pressure and move vertically relative to the body in response to vertical pressure, and switches adapted to provide signals to the lighting control circuitry in response to pivot movement and vertical movement of the joystick, wherein the lighting control circuitry is adapted to operate the light source in response to the signals. 
     In another embodiment, a method of operating a portable lighting device comprising a light source, lighting control circuitry, a body, and a tailcap assembly comprising a multi-position joystick and a plurality of switches is provided. The method includes receiving lateral pressure at the joystick; permitting the joystick to pivot relative to the body in response to the lateral pressure; receiving vertical pressure at the joystick; permitting vertical movement of the joystick relative to the body in response to the vertical pressure; operating switches in response to pivot movement or vertical movement of the joystick; receiving signals at the lighting control circuitry in response to the switches; and operating the light source by the lighting control circuitry in response to the signals. 
     The scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, which are incorporated into this section by reference. A more complete understanding of embodiments will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantages thereof, by a consideration of the following detailed description of one or more embodiments. Reference will be made to the appended sheets of drawings that will first be described briefly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a flashlight in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional view of the flashlight of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a circuit diagram which may be used to implement the flashlight of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of a tailcap assembly of the flashlight of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 5A-B  are various views of portions of the tailcap assembly of the flashlight of  FIG. 1  in accordance with several embodiments. 
         FIGS. 6A-C  are various views of a washer of the flashlight of  FIG. 1  in accordance with several embodiments. 
         FIGS. 7A-B  are various views of a printed circuit board (PCB) of the flashlight of  FIG. 1  in accordance with several embodiments. 
         FIGS. 8A-C  are various views of another washer of the flashlight of  FIG. 1  in accordance with several embodiments. 
         FIGS. 9A-B  are various views of another PCB of the flashlight of  FIG. 1  in accordance with several embodiments. 
         FIGS. 10A-E  are various views of a further washer of the flashlight of  FIG. 1  in accordance with several embodiments. 
         FIGS. 11A-B  are various views of a further PCB of the flashlight of  FIG. 1  in accordance with several embodiments. 
         FIGS. 12A-F  are sectional views of the tailcap assembly of the flashlight of  FIG. 1  in various positions in accordance with several embodiments. 
         FIG. 13  is a circuit diagram which may be used to implement the flashlight of  FIG. 1  with another tailcap assembly in accordance with an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     Embodiments of the disclosure and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals are used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In accordance with various embodiments described herein, multiple user controls may be implemented in a lighting device (e.g., a portable lighting device), such as a tailcap of a rechargeable or non-rechargeable flashlight. In one embodiment, a multi-stage switching arrangement may be provided in a tailcap assembly that permits users to switch between a constant on/off mode to a momentary on/off mode with just one hand. Such an embodiment may be advantageous during crisis situations, such as during combat, and does not require the user to use a second hand to twist or otherwise manipulate the tailcap. 
     In one embodiment, such an arrangement may be implemented using a joystick which may be moved to various positions (e.g., stages) which move one or more washers and/or springs to effectively open and/or close various circuits to effectuate switching. For example, various switches may be selectively operated by pressing down on a joystick (e.g., applying downward pressure or force) to transition between various positions and/or by pushing the joystick to the side (e.g., applying lateral pressure or force) through one or more positions. When moved to the different positions (e.g., press down, press down further, push to the side, and push further to the side in one embodiment), resistors of different resistance values may be introduced into a circuit. The different resistance values may be detected by lighting control circuitry of the lighting device as signals to operate in various modes. Such modes may include, for example: momentary on/off modes to turn on a light source when the joystick is moved to a given position and turn off the light source after the joystick is released from the position; constant on/off modes to turn on a light source when the joystick is moved to a given position, keep the light source turned on after the joystick is released from the position, and turn off the light source after the joystick is moved to the same and/or a different position; light intensity adjustment modes in which the brightness of a light source changes in response to different joystick positions; pattern modes in which a light source flashes in accordance with a pattern; light source selection modes in which different light sources are selected for use; and any other modes as may be desired in particular implementations. 
     In one embodiment, different positions may be used simultaneously. For example, the joystick may be pushed down to one or more positions and moved to the side to one or more positions simultaneously if desired. 
     In one embodiment, a washer with multiple aims may be used to capture movement of a joystick, such as 360 degree movement. Such an embodiment may also include an additional washer with multiple arms to capture the pushing-in movement of the joystick. In one embodiment, the joystick may be installed on a spring providing on-axis centering. 
     In another embodiment, a lighting device, such as a flashlight, may be implemented to provide a complete circuit from a power source (e.g., one or more batteries and/or another power source) to lighting control circuitry (e.g., a microcontroller, microprocessor, and/or other circuitry) of the device such that the lighting control circuitry is constantly powered on (e.g., in a stand by or idle state) and ready to receive switched input signals from user-operable controls (e.g., switches) of the lighting device to control the operation of a light source. In this regard, electrical connections (e.g., also referred to as conductive paths, wires, and electrical traces) may be provided from a power source to lighting control circuitry to maintain the lighting control circuitry in a powered state. Maintaining the lighting control circuitry in a powered state may reduce the likelihood of sparks being created when the light source is switched on. Such an implementation may be particularly advantageous in certain environments and activities, such as mining and explosive areas. 
     An additional electrical connection may be provided between the power source and the lighting control circuitry. One or more switches (e.g., user-operable switches) may be used to selectively open or close the additional electrical connection and/or introduce one or more resistors between the power source and the lighting control circuitry. 
     In one embodiment, this additional electrical connection may be provided by a conductive housing of a body of the lighting device. For example, the housing may be used as a conduit for providing switching signals from switches in a tailcap assembly of a flashlight to lighting control circuitry in a head of the flashlight. 
     In one embodiment, the additional electrical connection may be used in an implementation of the lighting device that also uses a multi-stage switching arrangement as described herein. Moreover, any desired combinations of the various embodiments described herein may be used as desired in particular implementations. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a flashlight  100  in accordance with various embodiments. As shown, flashlight  100  includes a head  110 , a body  120 , and a tailcap assembly  130 . In various embodiments, flashlight  100  may be implemented as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable flashlight. In this regard, a recharging port  111  may be provided in rechargeable embodiments. 
       FIG. 2  is a sectional view of flashlight  100  in accordance with an embodiment. As shown, head  110  includes optics/reflector  112  (e.g., which may include a total internal reflection (TIR) lens or any other lens, and/or other optical components as desired), one or more light sources  114  (e.g., one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), filament lamps, arc lamps, and/or any other light sources), and lighting control circuitry  116  (e.g., active or passive circuitry, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, and/or other circuitry which may operate light source  114  in response to signals received in response to user-operable switches). 
     Body  120  includes recharging port  111 , a housing  126 , and a power source  122  (e.g., one or more batteries such as lithium ion batteries, other types of batteries, and/or other power sources). In rechargeable embodiments, power source  122  may be connected to recharging port  111  through recharging circuitry  113  (e.g., used to recharge power source  122 ). A power terminal  173  (see  FIG. 3 ) is adapted to receive power source  122  (e.g., a positive battery terminal in one embodiment) and is connected to lighting control circuitry  116  through an electrical connection  170  (e.g., a wire or other type of electrical connection). Another power terminal  172  (see  FIG. 3 ) is adapted to receive power source  122  (e.g., a negative battery terminal in one embodiment) and is connected to lighting control circuitry  116  through an electrical connection  124  (e.g., a wire or other type of electrical connection). In this regard, electrical connections  124 / 170  may remain connected between terminals  172 / 173  and lighting control circuitry  116  to provide a constant electrical connection and constant power between power source  122  and lighting control circuitry  116 . As such, lighting control circuitry  116  may remain constantly powered and ready for use in such an embodiment. 
     In one embodiment, housing  126  may be conductive so as to provide an additional electrical connection that may be selectively connected and disconnected between power terminal  172  and lighting control circuitry  116  in response to a switch. In one embodiment, such a switch may be provided by rotation of tailcap assembly  130  relative to housing  126 . Body  120  may also include a sleeve  127  which may be used to insulate power source  122  and electrical connection  124  from housing  126 . 
     In one embodiment, housing  126  may be made from a conductive material (e.g., aluminum, another metal, or another conductive material) and sleeve  127  may be made from a non-conductive material (e.g., polymer, plastic, or another non-conductive material) to insulate electrical connections  124  and/or  170  from housing  126 . As a result, separate electrical connections may be provided from power terminal  172  to head  110  (e.g., one connection may be provided by electrical connection  124  and another connection may be provided by housing  126 ). 
     Other configurations are also contemplated. For example, in another embodiment, housing  126  may be made from a non-conductive material, and sleeve  127  may be made from a conductive material. In this regard, one or more additional conductive and/or non-conductive components (e.g., additional electrical connections, conductive and/or non-conductive sleeves, or other components) may be provided (e.g., in nested configurations and/or otherwise) to provide two or more separate electrical connections from tailcap assembly  130  to head  110  as may be desired in particular implementations. 
     Tailcap assembly  130  may provide various user-operable switches as described herein. Although user-operable switches are described herein with regard to tailcap assembly  130 , it is contemplated that one or more user-operable switches may be provided on head  110  and/or body  120  in various embodiments. 
       FIG. 3  is a circuit diagram which may be used to implement flashlight  100  using tailcap assembly  130  in accordance with an embodiment. As shown, tailcap assembly  130  includes various user-operable switches  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 , and  148  which may be used to selectively connect one or more resistors  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156 , and  158  to lighting control circuitry  116  through electrical connection  126 . As shown, various connections between lighting control circuitry  116 , power source  122 , and other components may pass through recharging circuitry  113  which is conceptually represented in  FIG. 3  by a broken line. 
     Lighting control circuitry  116  may detect signals such as changes in voltage, current, and/or resistance as switches  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 , and  148  cause various resistors  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156 , and  158  to be connected between a terminal of power source  122  and housing  126 . In response to such signals, lighting control circuitry  116  may operate light source  114  in any desired fashion. For example, lighting control circuitry  116  may turn light source  114  on or off, adjust the brightness (e.g., intensity) of light source  114 , flash light source  114  in any desired pattern, select one or more different light sources  114  (e.g., in embodiments where multiple light sources  114  are provided), and/or perform any other operation as desired. 
     In some embodiments, each of resistors  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156 , and  158  may have a different resistance value such that lighting control circuitry  116  may detect the switching of any combination of switches  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 , and  148 . For example, in some embodiments, resistors  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156 , and  158  may be implemented with resistances that differ from each other (e.g., by a factor of two or any other desired factor). In one embodiment, the following resistance values may be used: resistor  150  ( 100  kohm), resistor  152  (4 kohm), resistor  154  (2 kohm), resistor  156  (25 kohm), and resistor  158  (12.5 kohm). Resistors  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156 , and  158  may be implemented with any desired resistance values in other embodiments. 
     In one embodiment, resistors  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156 , and  158  may be surface mounted resistors connected to various nodes. In this regard, nodes are identified in  FIG. 3  corresponding to pads (e.g., conductive surfaces or other types of electrical connections)  404 A-B,  408 A-B,  465 A-B,  491 A-B, and  493 A-B that are identified in other figures discussed herein. In order to more clearly show the structure of the pads, they are illustrated without the resistors in other figures discussed herein. In other embodiments, other types of resistors may be used (e.g., embedded in PCBs or otherwise). 
     In one embodiment where power source  122  is a rechargeable battery pack, a resistor  174  (e.g., a 3 kohm resistor in one embodiment) may be connected between power terminals  172  and  173  (e.g., within the rechargeable battery pack). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4-12F , tailcap assembly  130  includes various components. Where appropriate, various components of tailcap assembly  130  may be made of conductive (e.g., electrically conductive) materials (e.g., metals such as aluminum, brass, or any other metal or other conductive materials as desired) or non-conductive materials (e.g., polymer, plastic, rubber, or other non-conductive materials as desired). Also, where appropriate, various components of tailcap assembly  130  may be held together through any desired techniques (e.g., friction, soldering, or other techniques) 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , tailcap assembly  130  includes a retaining ring  410 , an eyelet  412 , a washer  414 , a spring  416 , a retainer  418 , a washer  420 , a PCB  422 , a spring  424 , a spring  426 , a washer  428 , a bushing  430 , a PCB  432 , a spring  434 , a housing  436 , a joystick  438 , a washer  440 , a PCB  442 , a housing  444 , a joystick housing  446 , posts  448 , a tailcap  450 , a cap  452 , and a retainer  454 . 
     Retaining ring  410  may be conductive and may be used to electrically connect components of tailcap assembly  130  to housing  126  through a bushing  1206  (see  FIG. 12B ). 
     Eyelet  412 , washer  414 , and spring  416  may be conductive and may be used to electrically connect power terminal  172  to components of tailcap assembly  130  (see  FIGS. 12A-F ). Retainer  418  may be non-conductive in one embodiment and may be used to hold spring  416 . 
     Washer  420  may be conductive and may be used to electrically connect retaining ring  410  to PCB  422 . As shown in  FIGS. 6A-C , washer  420  includes tabs  460  that may be inserted into apertures  462  of PCB  422  (see  FIGS. 5A-B ). 
     PCB  422  includes various conductive paths to support selective switching features of tailcap assembly  130 . As shown in  FIGS. 7A-B , PCB  422  includes apertures  462  to receive tabs  460  of washer  420  as discussed. The topmost one of apertures  462  in  FIG. 7A  is connected to conductive paths  467  and pad  465 B. As shown in  FIG. 3 , pad  465 B may be connected to resistor  150  that may be connected to pad  465 A. Pad  465 A is connected to conductive path  463  which surrounds an aperture  464 . Aperture  464  may receive eyelet  412  to electrically connect conductive path  463  to power terminal  172  through various components as described herein. 
     Spring  424  may be conductive and may be used to electrically connect conductive path  463  of PCB  422  to bushing  430 . 
     Spring  426  may be conductive and may be used to electrically connect conductive paths  467  of PCB  422  to PCB  442 . In this regard, spring  426  includes a pigtail  427  which may extend through a recess  433  in PCB  432  and an aperture  490  of PCB  442  to connect to PCB  442  through aperture  490  (see  FIGS. 5A-B ). 
     Washer  428  may be conductive and may be used to electrically connect various components of tailcap assembly  130  as described herein. As shown in  FIGS. 8A-C , washer  428  includes arms  466 . In various embodiments, a plurality of arms  466  may be provided to provide redundant connections (e.g., in the event that one of arms  466  fails to provide a connection as expected, one or more remaining arms  466  may provide the connection). Arms  466  include intermediate portions  469  (e.g., bent portions) which may be used to selectively contact conductive paths  467  of PCB  422  in response to downward pressure applied in the direction of an arrow  1208  (see  FIG. 12C ). Arms  466  also include ends  471  which may be used to selectively contact conductive paths  480  of PCB  432  in response to downward pressure applied in the direction of arrow  1208  (see  FIGS. 9A-B  and  12 D). Washer  428  also includes tabs  474  which may be inserted into apertures  478  of PCB  432  (see  FIG. 5A ). Washer  428  also includes apertures  470  which may receive posts  448  (see  FIGS. 12C-D ). 
     Bushing  430  may be conductive and may be used to electrically connect spring  424  to conductive path  499  of PCB  432  (see FIGS.  9 A and  12 E-F). 
     PCB  432  includes various conductive paths to support selective switching features of tailcap assembly  130 . As shown in  FIGS. 9A-B , PCB  432  includes apertures  478  to receive tabs  474  of washer  428  as discussed. Apertures  478  are connected to pad  491 B through conductive paths  492 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , pad  491 B may be connected to resistor  152  that may be connected to pad  491 A. Pad  491 A is connected to conductive path  499  that surrounds an aperture  431 . Conductive path  499  may be connected to spring  424  by bushing  430  as discussed. 
     PCB  432  also includes conductive paths  480  (e.g., which may be implemented as conductive through holes in one embodiment). As discussed, ends  471  of arms  466  of washer  428  may selectively contact conductive paths  480 . Conductive paths  480  may be used to connect washer  428  to conductive paths  494 . Conductive paths  494  are connected to pad  493 B. As shown in  FIG. 3 , pad  493 B may be connected to resistor  154  that may be connected to pad  493 A. Pad  493 A is connected to conductive path  499  which may be connected to spring  424  by bushing  430  as discussed. 
     PCB  432  also includes a recess  433  which may receive pigtail  427  of spring  426  as discussed. PCB  432  also includes apertures  476  which may receive posts  448  (see  FIGS. 12C-D ). 
     Spring  434  may be conductive and may be used to electrically connect bushing  430  to an end  482  of joystick  438  (see  FIGS. 12E-F ). 
     Housing  436  may be made of non-conductive material and may be used to enclose and insulate various components of tailcap assembly  130  (see  FIG. 12A ). 
     Joystick  438  may be conductive and may be used to selectively close various switches in response to vertical and/or lateral pressure applied by a user. Joystick  438  includes an end  482 , a protrusion  483  (e.g., a ring in one embodiment), and a body  484 . As shown in  FIGS. 12E-F , end  482  may be positioned in spring  434  which may provide on-axis centering. In this regard, as lateral pressure is applied by a user, joystick  438  may pivot (see  FIGS. 12E-F ). However, after such lateral pressure is released, spring  434  may return joystick  438  to a centered position (e.g., substantially coaxial with tailcap assembly  130 ) as shown in  FIG. 12B . Protrusion  483  may be used to selectively contact washer  440  as further discussed. 
     Washer  440  may be conductive and may be used to electrically connect various components of tailcap assembly  130  as described herein. As shown in  FIGS. 10A-E , washer  440  includes arms  441 . Arms  441  include ends  443  (e.g., protrusions on bottom surfaces) which may be used to selectively contact protrusion  483  of joystick  438  as joystick  438  pivots in response to lateral pressure. For example, as shown in  FIG. 12B , in the absence of lateral pressure, a gap  1212  exists between protrusion  483  of joystick  438  and ends  443  of washer  440 . As lateral pressure is initially applied to joystick  438  in the direction of an arrow  1210 , protrusion  483  pivots with joystick  438  and contacts one or more ends  443  of washer  440  (see  FIG. 12E ). As a result, washer  440  will become connected to joystick  438 . 
     Arms  441  of washer  440  also include protrusions  445  (e.g., dimples, bumps, or tabs) on top surfaces which may be used to selectively contact one or more conductive paths  402  of PCB  442  (see  FIG. 11B ) as joystick  438  pivots in response to further lateral pressure. For example, as shown in  FIG. 12F , as further lateral pressure is applied to joystick  438  in the direction of arrow  1210 , protrusions  445  pivot with joystick  438  and contact one or more conductive paths  402  of PCB  442 . As a result, one or more conductive paths  402  of PCB  442  will become connected to joystick  438 . 
     In various embodiments, a plurality of arms  441  may be provided around joystick  438  such that one or more of arms  441  may contact joystick  438  when joystick is moved in any lateral direction. Such a plurality of arms  441  may also provide redundant connections (e.g., in the event that one of arms  441  fails to provide a connection as expected, one or more remaining arms  441  may provide the connection). 
     Washer  440  also includes tabs  449  which may be inserted into apertures  488  of PCB  442  (see  FIG. 5A ). Washer  440  also includes apertures  485  which may receive pigtail  427  of spring  426  (see  FIG. 5B ). Posts  448  may pass between arms  441  of washer  440 . 
     PCB  442  includes various conductive paths to support selective switching features of tailcap assembly  130 . As shown in  FIGS. 11A-B , PCB  442  includes apertures  488  to receive tabs  449  of washer  428  as discussed. Apertures  488  are connected to a conductive path  403  and pad  404 A. As shown in  FIG. 3 , pad  404 A may be connected to resistor  156  that may be connected to pad  404 B. Pad  404 B is connected to aperture  490  which is connected to spring  426  as discussed (see  FIGS. 5A-B ). 
     PCB  442  also includes conductive paths  402  which are connected together by conductive paths  401  (e.g., which may be implemented as conductive through holes in one embodiment) and conductive path  409 . Conductive paths  402  are also connected to a conductive path  407  and pad  408 A through a conductive path  406  (e.g., which may be implemented as a conductive through hole in one embodiment). As shown in  FIG. 3 , pad  408 A may be connected to resistor  158  that may be connected to pad  408 B. Pad  408 B is connected to aperture  490  which is connected to spring  426  as discussed (see  FIGS. 5A-B ). PCB  442  also includes apertures  486  which may receive posts  448  (see  FIG. 12B ). 
     Housing  444  may be made of non-conductive material and may engage with housing  436  to enclose and insulate various components of tailcap assembly  130  (see  FIG. 12A ). Housing  444  also includes apertures  405  which may receive posts  448  (see  FIG. 12A ). 
     Joystick housing  446  engages with joystick  438  and cap  452 , and may move with joystick  438  and cap  452  as vertical or lateral pressure is applied to joystick  438  (see  FIGS. 12C-F ). 
     Posts  448  may be engaged with various components of tailcap assembly  130  through apertures  405 ,  470 ,  476 , and  486  as discussed (see  FIGS. 12A-D ). 
     Tailcap  450  may be engaged with housing  126  through complementary threads  1202  (see  FIGS. 12A-B ). In this regard, tailcap  450  may be rotated relative to housing  126  to cause various components of tailcap assembly  130  to move in relation to housing  126  (see  FIGS. 12A-B ). 
     Cap  452  may be engaged with tailcap  450  and further may be engaged with joystick housing  446  (see  FIGS. 12A-B ). In this regard, joystick housing  446  and joystick  438  may move in response to vertical or lateral pressure applied to cap  452  by a user. 
     Retainer  454  may be engaged with tailcap  450  through complementary threads  1214  (see  FIGS. 12A-B ). 
       FIGS. 12A-F  are sectional views of the tailcap assembly of flashlight  100  in various positions in accordance with several embodiments.  FIG. 12A  is a sectional view of tailcap assembly  130  in a lockout position wherein switch  140  is open. While tailcap assembly  130  is in the lockout position, a conductive path is provided from power terminal  172  to retaining ring  410 . In this regard, power terminal  172  is connected to retaining ring  410  through: spring  416 , eyelet  412 , washer  414 , aperture  464 , conductive path  463 , pad  465 A, resistor  150 , pad  465 B, at least one of apertures  462 , at least one of tabs  460 , and a bottom surface of washer  420  proximate retaining ring  410 . 
     In  FIG. 12A , a gap  1204  is present between retaining ring  410  and bushing  1206  which is connected to housing  126 . In this regard, retaining ring  410  and bushing  1206  effectively provide contacts of switch  140 . When retaining ring  410  does not contact bushing  1206  (e.g., when gap  1204  is present), then switch  140  is open. In one embodiment, when tailcap assembly  130  is in the position of  FIG. 12A , flashlight  100  may be locked such that user operation of joystick  438  does not change the operation of lighting control circuitry  116  or light source  114  (e.g., the user controls are locked out). 
       FIG. 12B  is a sectional view of tailcap assembly  130  in a standby position wherein switch  140  is closed. Tailcap  450  can be manipulated (e.g., rotated) relative to housing  126  through engagement of complementary threads  1202 . After rotation, retaining ring  410  contacts bushing  1206 , thus closing gap  1204 . This effectively closes switch  140  which causes resistor  150  (e.g., connected to pads  465 A-B of PCB  422 ) to be introduced between power terminal  172  and housing  126 . As a result, switching signals may be provided to lighting control circuitry  116  through housing  126  by selectively opening and closing various combinations of the remaining switches  142 ,  144 ,  146 , and  148  which cause various combinations of the remaining resistors  152 ,  154 ,  156 , and  158  to be selectively connected between power terminal  172  and housing  126 . 
     While tailcap assembly  130  in the position of  FIG. 12B , power terminal  172  is also connected to arms  466  of washer  428 . In this regard, it will be appreciated from the discussion of  FIG. 12A  that a conductive path is provided from power terminal  172  to conductive path  463  of PCB  422 . A further conductive path is provided from conductive path  463  of PCB  422  to arms  466  of washer  428  through: spring  424 , bushing  430 , aperture  431 , conductive path  499 , pad  491 A, resistor  152 , pad  491 B, conductive path  492 , apertures  478 , tabs  474 , and washer  428 . 
     From the standby position of  FIG. 12B , a user may manipulate (e.g., apply pressure against) joystick  438  by pushing on cap  452  in the direction of arrow  1208 . This causes various components of tailcap assembly  130  to move in the direction of arrow  1208  to the position of  FIG. 12C . In particular, arms  466  of washer  428  are pushed down toward PCB  422  until intermediate portions  469  of washer  428  contact conductive paths  467  of PCB  422 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7A , conductive paths  467  of PCB  422  are connected to at least one of apertures  462 . As discussed, a conductive path is provided from apertures  462  to housing  126  as a result of the previous rotation of tailcap  450  toward housing  126 . Accordingly, when the various components of tailcap assembly  130  are moved to the position shown in  FIG. 12C , switch  142  is effectively closed which causes resistor  152  to be introduced between power terminal  172  and housing  126  (e.g., in parallel with resistor  150 ). 
     While tailcap assembly  130  in the position of  FIG. 12C , a user may further manipulate (e.g., apply further pressure against) joystick  438  by further pushing on cap  452  in the direction of arrow  1208 . This causes various components of tailcap assembly  130  to further move in the direction of arrow  1208  to the position of  FIG. 12D . 
     In particular, while tailcap assembly  130  is in the position of  FIG. 12D , the ends  471  of arms  466  are pushed up toward PCB  432  such that the ends  471  contact conductive paths  480 . As shown in  FIG. 9A , conductive paths  480  connect to pad  493 B through conductive paths  494 . As also shown in  FIG. 9A , pad  493 A is connected to conductive path  499 . From the discussion of  FIG. 12C , it will be appreciated that a conductive path is provided from conductive path  499  to power terminal  172 . Accordingly, when the various components of tailcap assembly  130  are moved in the manner shown in  FIG. 12D , switch  144  is effectively closed which causes resistor  154  to be introduced between power terminal  172  and housing  126  (e.g., in parallel with resistors  150  and  152  while switches  140  and  142  are closed in one embodiment). 
       FIG. 12E  is a sectional view of tailcap assembly  130  after a further manipulation (e.g., an initial lateral pressure) has been applied to joystick  438 . In this regard, lateral (e.g., horizontal) pressure may be applied to joystick  438  by pushing cap  452  in the direction of arrow  1210 . 
     When no lateral pressure is applied, a gap  1212  exists between protrusion  483  of joystick  438  and ends  443  of arms  441  of washer  440  (see  FIG. 12B ). As shown in  FIG. 12E , after an initial lateral pressure is applied, joystick  438  pivots (e.g., to a position approximately 7 degrees from coaxial alignment with flashlight  100  in one embodiment), gap  1212  is closed, and protrusion  483  of joystick  438  contacts one or more ends  443  of one or more arms  441  of washer  440  (see  FIG. 12E ). 
     As discussed herein, a conductive path is provided from power terminal  172  to bushing  430 . Spring  434  provides a further conductive path from bushing  430  to end  482  of joystick  438 . Thus, while joystick  438  contacts washer  440 , power terminal  172  is electrically connected to washer  440 . 
     Washer  440  is electrically connected to housing  126  through: tabs  449 , apertures  488 , conductive path  403 , pad  404 A, resistor  156 , pad  404 B, aperture  490 , spring  426 , conductive paths  467 , at least one of apertures  462 , at least one of tabs  460 , washer  420 , retaining ring  410 , and bushing  1206 . Accordingly, when the various components of tailcap assembly  130  are moved in the manner shown in  FIG. 12E , switch  146  is effectively closed which causes resistor  156  to be introduced between power terminal  172  and housing  126  (e.g., in parallel with resistor  150  while switch  140  is closed in one embodiment). 
       FIG. 12F  is a sectional view of tailcap assembly  130  after a further manipulation (e.g., further lateral pressure) has been applied to joystick  438 . In this regard, further lateral pressure may be applied to joystick  438  by pushing cap  452  in the direction of arrow  1210 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12F , after a further lateral pressure is applied, joystick  438  pivots (e.g., to a position approximately 15 degrees from coaxial alignment with flashlight  100  in one embodiment) and one or more arms  441  of washer  440  are pushed toward PCB  442  such that one or more protrusions  445  of arms  441  are caused to contact one or more of conductive paths  402  of PCB  442 . 
     Conductive paths  402  care connected to housing  126  through: conductive paths  401 , conductive path  409 , conductive path  406 , conductive path  407 , pad  408 A, resistor  158 , pad  408 B, aperture  490 , spring  426 , conductive paths  467 , at least one of apertures  462 , at least one of tabs  460 , washer  420 , retaining ring  410 , and bushing  1206 . Accordingly, when the various components of tailcap assembly  130  are moved in the manner shown in  FIG. 12F , switch  148  is effectively closed which causes resistor  158  to be introduced between power terminal  172  and housing  126  (e.g., in parallel with resistors  150  and  156  while switches  140  and  149  are closed in one embodiment). 
     It will be appreciated that tailcap assembly  130  may be selectively moved between any of the positions of  FIGS. 12B-F  by repeatedly applying and releasing vertical and/or lateral pressure in relation to cap  452  (e.g., which causes joystick  438  to move accordingly). Lighting control circuitry  116  may detect the selective connection and disconnection of the various switches and resistors as signals provided through housing  126 . Lighting control circuitry  116  may operate light source  114  in any desired manner in response to such signals. 
     Although certain combinations of switches  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 , and  148  have been described with regard to tailcap assembly  130 , it will be appreciated that any desired combinations may be used. For example, in certain embodiments, downward and lateral pressure may be simultaneously applied to joystick  438  as desired to simultaneously close one or more of switches  142  and  144  while one or more of switches  146  and  148  are also closed. 
     In one embodiment,  16  different switched modes may be supported. For example, lighting control circuitry  116  may be configured such that if tailcap assembly  130  is adjusted to the position of  FIG. 12C  (e.g., through application of an initial vertical pressure), switches adjusted by simultaneous lateral pressure may or may not change the operation of light source  114  (e.g., signals provided by particular switches may be selectively recognized or ignored by lighting control circuitry  116 ). 
     Other switch configurations are also contemplated. For example,  FIG. 13  is a circuit diagram which may be used to implement flashlight  100  with another tailcap assembly  132  in accordance with an embodiment. As shown, the circuit of  FIG. 13  includes various components previously discussed with regard to the circuit of  FIG. 1 . However, tailcap assembly  132  includes only a single switch  160  which may be used to selectively connect power terminal  172  to housing  126 . For example, in one embodiment, tailcap assembly  132  may be implemented in accordance with any of the implementations identified in U.S. Pat. No. RE40,125 issued Mar. 4, 2008 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     Where applicable, the various components set forth herein can be combined into composite components and/or separated into sub-components. Where applicable, the ordering of various steps described herein can be changed, combined into composite steps, and/or separated into sub-steps to provide features described herein. 
     Embodiments described herein illustrate but do not limit the disclosure. It should also be understood that numerous modifications and variations are possible in accordance with the principles of the disclosure.