Patent Publication Number: US-2010110670-A1

Title: Magnetically actuated flashlight

Description:
I. PRIORITY 
     This application claims benefit to Werth and Killion, U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 61/198,342 filed 5 Nov. 2008, and titled Magnetically Actuated Flashlight, which is fully incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     II. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to flashlights, and more particularly, to a flashlight having a magnetically actuated on and off switch. 
     III. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Flashlights provide a user with an easily transportable source of illumination. To free the flashlight&#39;s movements from the constraints of power cords and/or generators, a flashlight employs a portable power source, such as one or more batteries, that are electrically coupled to an illumination device such as a conventional light bulb or an LED type bulb. 
     A housing that is sized to be easily transported houses the battery and the illumination device. The size of the housing is usually determined by the size and number of batteries that are to be used with the flashlight. A variety of mechanical switches exist one of which can be chosen to electrically couple the illumination device to the batteries to enable the user to turn the flashlight on and off. 
     Users prefer a flashlight that is convenient to use. As one never knows exactly when one will need a flashlight to illuminate a dark space, it is helpful to have a flashlight readily available, so that when one encounters darkness, one can use one&#39;s flashlight to illuminate the darkened area. For this reason, policemen will often carry a flashlight on their tool belts so that they have a flashlight close by at all times. 
     One difficulty with many flashlights is that they are inconveniently large and bulky. Size and bulk are often necessary because the flashlight housing must be large enough to hold batteries of a sufficient size and number to provide enough electrical energy to provide enough light over a long enough period of time to enable the user to perform her desired task. To provide this power, many flashlights employ a plurality of D-cell type batteries. However, certain times exist when only a smaller amount of light is necessary. On such occasions, it is helpful to have a smaller flashlight that takes up less space and can be more conveniently carried. 
     To that end, flashlights have been designed that are small and intended for use on key chains. Other flashlights are designed to have a size and shape similar to a pen. Examples of the varities of flashlights available are shown at Flashlights.com, which is owned by Flashlights, Inc. 
     A flashlight should also be designed for one-handled operation, so that the user&#39;s other hand is free to perform other tasks. 
     One object of the present invention is to provide such a small convenient flashlight that can be easily carried by a user, and can be single-handedly operated by a user, so that the user can take it from its holding place and quickly have the light turned on through a single-handed operation. 
     IV. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, a magnetically actuable flashlight is provided that includes a holder member and a light containing member. The holder member includes a first magnetic member, and the light containing member is capable of being selectively magnetically coupled to the holder member. The light containing member includes a housing, and a switch contained within the housing. The switch is movable between a switch on and a switch off position. A second magnetic member is coupled to the switch member. The second magnetic member is magnetically attractive to the first magnetic member for selectively magnetically coupling the holder member to the light containing member. A power source is coupled to the switch and at least one light is selectively electrically coupled to the power source through the switch. The magnetic coupling of the holder member and the light receiving member causes the switch to move to the switch off position to electrically uncouple the at least one light and power source. 
     Preferably, the second magnetic member is coupled to the switch and the decoupling of the holder member and the light receiving member causes the switch to move in a switch on position to electrically couple the light to the power source. A biasing member can be provided for biasing the switch to a switch on position when the light containing member is uncoupled from the holder member. The expansive force exertable by the biasing member to move the switch to the switch on position should be less than the attractive force exerted by the first and second magnetic members when the holder member is coupled to the flashlight member, so that the second magnetic member moves the switch to the switch off position when the light containing member is coupled to the holder member. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the light containing member includes a housing having a hollow interior, and a movable frame member disposed within the hollow interior. The switch member, magnetic member, power source member and light, are mounted to the movable frame member for movement between a generally proximal position when the light containing member and holder member are coupled together, and a generally distal position when the light containing member and holder member are not coupled to each other. 
     One feature of the present invention is that the holder member includes a magnetic member that interacts with a magnetic member contained within the light-containing flashlight member. The flashlight member magnetic member moves the flashlight&#39;s on-off switch from an “on” to an “off” position. The device is designed so that when the flashlight member is connected to the holder member, the magnetic members within the holder and the flashlight member interact to move the switch into a closed or off position to turn the lights “off”. However, when the light-containing flashlight member is disengaged from the holder member, the lack of magnetic interaction between the flashlight member and the holder member enables a biasing member in the flashlight member to move the switch into an open or “on” position. 
     This arrangement has the advantage of enabling the user to single-handedly turn on the flashlight by disconnecting the magnetic engagement between the flashlight member and the holder member. The disengagement allows the biasing member to move the switch to the “on” position to thereby turn on the flashlight. However, to carry around and store the flashlight member, the user can re-engage the flashlight member to the holder member in a single-handed operation. When re-engaged, the magnetic member within the holder member magnetically attracts the magnetic member of the flashlight member to move the switch member into an “off” direction, to thereby turn the light off. Although preferably the first and second magnetic members both comprise magnets, one of the first and second magnetic members can comprise a magnet, while the other of the first and second magnetic members comprises a magnetizable member, such as a piece of non-magnetic iron that is capable of being attracted by the magnet. 
     Additionally, the magnetic interaction between the flashlight magnet member and the holder magnet member magnetically couples the holder member to the flashlight member, so that the two members form a unitary joined member. As such, the engagement of the holder member to the flashlight member not only secures the flashlight member to the holder member, but also maintains the flashlight member in a flashlight off position. 
     Another feature of the present invention is that the design of the holder and flashlight is compact. This compactness enables the user to carry a small unobtrusive flashlight on his person that is always within easy reach. As such, the user can always have the flashlight with him, without being forced to carry around any significant additional weight. Through the magnetic interaction between the holder and the flashlight, the user can both remove the flashlight from the holder and turn it on in a single-handed operation. As the device does not require the user to actuate any sort of external switch, the light will turn on and off merely through a connection and disconnection between the flashlight member and the holder member, without requiring the user to fumble around with, and actuate an external switch. 
     A further feature of the present invention is that it can be designed to provide a powerful light that can be employed by the user to great advantage in a variety of situations. For example, a nurse can carry the flashlight around her neck on a lanyard. When entering a patient&#39;s dark room, she can actuate the flashlight to view the patient&#39;s chart, or look at the patient while only dispensing a small amount of directed light into the room. Through the use of only a small amount of light, directed away from the patient, the nurse reduces the likelihood of disturbing or waking up the patient. This feature is also useful for dorm directors, scout leaders, jail guards, resident assistants and parents who wish to check on sleeping children without risking waking persons up by turning on bright overhead lights. 
     It is also a feature of the present invention that the device uses LED light bulbs, that are carried upon the movable switch. As alluded to above, the switch is movable under the action of the magnetic interaction between the respective magnetic members carried by the flashlight member and the holder member. 
     The magnetic members attract strongly enough, so that when engaged, the force of the magnetic members can overcome the force of the spring biasing member. As such, when the magnetic members interact, they tend to bias the switch into a closed position, so that the switch moves in a direction toward the holder member, when the flashlight is engaged to the holder member. When the magnetic interaction between the flashlight and the holder member is lost, such as by the removal of the flashlight from the holder, the switch will move in an axially distal direction under the axially outwardly biasing force of the springs that are coupled to the switch. By moving the switch in an axially distal direction, the switch is moved to an “on” position wherein the circuit is completed between the batteries and lights, to turn the lights on and cause them to glow. 
     Additionally, as the lights are mounted to the movable switch, the axially distal movement of the switch causes axially distal movement of the LED lights. The lights are moved axially distally outwardly past the rim of the case of the flashlight holder. By so placing the LED light bulbs outside the case, the lights are better exposed to the outside environment. This exposure also makes the lights more visible from a variety of positions so that when the proximal end of the flashlight holder case rests upon a surface, such as a table leg, the axial distal movement of the LEDs to a position above the level of the rim of the case permits the light to be seen from 360 degrees or from all positions surrounding the light. 
     In contrast, when the magnets of the switch engage the magnets of the holder, the lights are retracted. Preferably, the lights are retracted so that the distal end of the LED light is disposed axially inwardly of the distal end of the flashlight case. When in this position, the LED lights are nested within the case, and are not sticking out the end, or otherwise extending past the distal end of the flashlight member case. When the lights are so nested, they are protected to some extent from damage caused by the end of the base hitting table tops, and the like. When the lights are sufficiently nested, dropping the flashlight onto a table would be less likely to damage the lights, since they are positioned within the casing of the flashlight. 
     This nesting is especially important when the light is used in situations that are more likely to give rise to rough treatment. 
     Another feature of the present invention is that includes a surface that is well designed for imprinting. 
     The present invention is believed to have great utility in the promotional products market. In order to improve its utility in that market and others, it is helpful for the invention to have a surface suitable for imprinting a message. For example, the radially outwardly facing ovoid cylindrical smooth surface is well suited for either the application of a decal or direct printing. Examples of “messages” that can be printed on such a surface include decorative messages, such as flags, mountain scene, flowers and the like for those who appreciate items of beauty. Alternately, a commercial message such as the selling store (e.g. Home Depot, Loew&#39;s), the tool company selling the product (e.g. Stanley, Kobalt, Snap-On) can be printed thereon not only to identify the source of the product, but to provide advertising for the product. 
     In the ad speciality (promotional products) industry, it is often the case that one wishes to imprint the name of a particular customer on the flashlight product (e.g. Joe&#39;s Printshop, Northside Dentistry and the like); or alternately, the name and/or logo of an advertised product (e.g. Bayer Asprin) or of an affinity product (e.g. Local City NHL Team or Wally World Amusement Park). 
     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a review of the drawings and detailed description of various embodiments of the invention, that are perceived to represent the best mode of practicing the invention perceived presently by the Applicants. 
    
    
     
       V. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a magnetically actuated flashlight  10 A of the present invention in its joined position, wherein the flashlight member is coupled to the holder member; 
         FIG. 1A  is a side view of another magnetically actuated flashlight,  10 B of the present invention shown in the joined position; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of a flashlight  10 A of the present invention, similar to  FIG. 1 , except showing the device is its separated position, wherein the flashlight member is separated from the holder member; 
         FIG. 2A  is a side view of flashlight  10 B, also showing the device in the separated position; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective, exploded view of the present invention taken from an upper perspective; 
         FIG. 4  is another perspective, exploded view similar to  FIG. 3 , except showing only the plastic parts; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective exploded bottom oriented view of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view taken along lines  6 - 6  of  FIG. 1A ; and 
         FIG. 7  is a sectional view taken along lines  7 - 7  of  FIG. 2A . 
     
    
    
     VI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A pair of flashlights  10 A,  10 B are shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  1 A and  2 ,  2 A. The various components of flashlights  10 A and  10 B are generally similar, and as such, identical part numbers (e.g. holder member  12 ) will be used for identical parts in both flashlights  10 A,  10 B, with differing numbers being used to point out differences. Additionally, the reference numeral  10  will be used to refer to the two flashlights  10 A,  10 B collectively. 
     The flashlight device  10  of the present invention is shown in the figures as having two primary components. These two primary components include a base or holder member  12  and a flashlight member  14 . The holder member  12  is designed to either include, or be coupled to an attachment member such as lanyard  34 , carabineer  36 , or key ring  38  ( FIG. 3 ). The attachment member is designed to facilitate hands free transportation of the device  10 . For example, lanyard  34  can be placed around the neck of the user, carabineer  36  can be coupled to a belt loop or back pack, and key ring  38  can be coupled to a set of keys. Other attachment members include such things as wrist bands, clip, pins, rubber bands, etc. In this regard, the readers attention is also directed to the applicant&#39;s co-pending patent application, Werth and Killion U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/317,860, that was filed on 30 Dec. 2008, and which claims benefit to 61/018,481, filed 1 Jan. 2008, both of which are fully incorporated herein by reference. 
     The holder member  12  is selectively engagable with the flashlight member  14 , so that the flashlight member  14  can be engaged and disengaged from the holder member  12 . In order to use the flashlight member  12  as a flashlight, the user disconnects the flashlight member  14  from the holder member  12 . When disconnected, the user holds the flashlight member  14  in her hand so that she can direct the light beam emanating from the lights  13 A,  13 B and  13 C of the flashlight  14  to shine upon the object or thing that she wishes to illuminate. 
     In  FIGS. 1 and 6 , the flashlight member  14  is shown as being engaged to the holder member  12 . When the flashlight member  14  is engaged to the holder member  12 , the device  10  is designed so that the lights  13 A and  13 B and  13 C are turned off and not lit. As will be discussed in more detail below, current from the batteries  16 ,  17  is disconnected from the LED light, thereby causing the lights  13 A,  13 B,  13 C to turn off and cease shining. 
     In contrast, when the flashlight member  14  is disconnected from the holder member  12  ( FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  2 A and  7 ), a switch within the device  10  is actuated, so that current is supplied from the battery (shown in  FIG. 3  as a pair of “watch-type” batteries  16 ,  17 ) to the lights  13   a - 13   c  so that the lights  13 A- 13 C turn on and thereby glow, giving off a light beam. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , the holder member  12  includes a housing  22 , that is preferably made of plastic. However, in “heavier duty” and “ruggedized” models the holder  12  and flashlight member  14  housings can be made of a metal such as steel or aluminum. The replaceability of the batteries  16 ,  17 , and the retractability of the lights  13 A- 13 C enables the device  10  to be manufactured in a very rugged manner. As such, the replaceable batteries  16 ,  17  enable the device  10  to be used for an extended time, through the replacement of the batteries  16 ,  17  when they become discharged. The rugged design also increases the resistance of the device to breakage. 
     The holder housing  22  includes a proximal portion  24  and a distal portion  26 . As used in this application, the directional term “proximal” will be used to indicate that portion of the device  10  (and its various components) that are closer to the lanyard  34 . In contrast, the term “distal” will indicate a direction or device portion that is closer to the lights  13 A- 13 C of the invention. It will be appreciated that these directions are arbitrary, and are provided for illustration and not limitation. 
     The proximal portion  24  of the holder member  12  includes a carved out area  28  that defines a diametral, centrally disposed, axially proximally extending upstanding spine  30 . The upstanding, attachment member receiving spine  30  includes a radially extending aperture  32  through which an attachment member can pass. The attachment member can take one of a variety of forms. For example, one can pass a lanyard  34  through the aperture  32  to couple the lanyard  34  to the spine  30  of the holder housing  22  of the device  10 . Such a lanyard  34  can be sized and configured to be placeable around the neck of the user, so that the user can carry the flashlight  10  around his neck in a manner similar to a necklace. 
     For other applications, one might wish to attach a carabineer  36  to the device  10 . An appropriately sized carabineer  36  would be designed to pass through the aperture  32 , so that for example, one could couple the carabineer  36  to the flashlight  10 , and also couple the carabineer  36  to a belt loop (not shown). Another alternative is a key chain  38  that can be provided to pass through the aperture  32 , so that the flashlight can be affixed to a user&#39;s key chain  38 , along with a set of keys. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  6  and  7 , the distal portion  26  of the holder member  12  includes an axially distally opening cavity  42  that is sized for receiving a magnetic member holder  44 . The magnetic member holder  44  has a proximally opening blind cavity  48  that is sized and configured for receiving a magnetic member  50 . 
     The magnetic member holder  44  also includes a solid axially distally facing surface  52 . The magnetic member holder  44  and housing  22  are designed to overcome the inherent difficulties of bonding a magnet  50  to plastic. By placing the proximal opening cavity  48  on the proximal side of the magnetic member holder  44 , and employing a solid distal surface  52 , the magnetic member  50  is trapped within the cavity  48 , and cannot move in a distal direction. Being plastic, the magnetic member holder  44  can be bonded to the plastic housing  22  with a glue or via sonic welding. 
     When this occurs, the opening of the magnet containing aperture  48  faces in a proximal direction. The proximal surface  49  of the magnetic member holder  44  is then butted up against the distal inner surface  51  of the housing, to thereby trap the magnetic member  50  therein. Without this arrangement, it is likely that any bond between the magnetic member  50  and the magnetic holder  44  would fail over time, causing the magnetic member  50  to separate from the magnetic member holder  44 . 
     The flashlight member  14  is best shown in the figures as including a housing  70  that is generally cylindrical, elongated and ovoid in cross section. The flashlight member housing  70  includes an cylindrically ovoid outer surface  72 , on which a message can be imprinted, or to which a decal  73  can be applied to impart a message. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the message imprinted on the decal is limited only by the imagination of the user. Two examples of messages include a primarily decorative message such as the flag-like message as shown in flashlight  10 B. Another category of message is a commercial message, such as the advertising-type message shown on housing  10 A. The choice of what to imprint on the decal  73  or upon the surface  72  is left primarily to the imagination and desires of the user. 
     The housing  70  also includes an inner surface  76  that comprises a truncated ovoid in cross section. The truncated ovoid inner surface  76  defines a hollow interior  78  that extends between the proximal end lip  82 , and a distal end lip  84  of the housing  70 . A proximal end cap  88  includes a pair of apertures  89  through which fasteners, such as screws  92  can pass, for fixedly, but removably coupling the proximal end cap  88  to the housing  70  adjacent to the proximal end lip  82 . The fasteners should be removable fasteners, such as screws  92 , so that the user can remove the proximal end cap  88 . One motivation for opening the proximal end cap  88  is to change batteries  16 ,  17  when the batteries that are originally provided with the device wear out. This ability to change batteries  16 ,  17  in the device helps to lengthen its useful life to thereby make the device more long lasting. 
     The proximal surface of the proximal end cap includes a recessed area  96  ( FIG. 5 ). The recessed area  96  is provided for and sized for receiving the distal end portion adjacent to the distal end surface  52  of magnetic member housing  44  of the holder portion  12 . 
     A multi-component light switch assembly  100  is disposed within the hollow interior  78  of the flashlight housing  70 . The light switch assembly  100  includes a plurality of components, such as the lights  13 A- 13 C, the switch, batteries  16 ,  17 , biasing means for biasing the light and switch assembly  100  in an “ON” position, and a magnetic member for counteracting the distally directed D ( FIG. 2A ) bias caused by the spring  128 ,  130  of the light and switch assembly  100 , to thereby move the light and switch assembly  100  in a proximal direction P ( FIG. 2A ), to thereby turn the switch in the “OFF” position, and turn the light  13 A- 13 C off. 
     The light and switch assembly  100  is slideable in the interior between a generally proximally disposed position, as is shown in  FIG. 1 , and a distally disposed position as is shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Although the light and switch assembly  100  is shown in neither  FIG. 1  or  2 , one can deduce from these drawings that the light and switch assembly  100  is in its proximal position in  FIG. 1 , because the lights do not appear to be exposed out of or extend distally past the distal end  84  of the housing  70 . It will also be noted that the light and switch assembly  100  is in its relatively proximal or (lights off) position when the flashlight member  14  is coupled to the holder member  12 , so that the lights and switch assembly  100  is magnetically retracted to the proximal or off position. 
     In contrast, the light and switch assembly  100  extends to its distal position when the holder  12  is separated from the flashlight member  14 . When in the distal position, the switch member provides a current contact (via contact member  150 ) between the battery  16 ,  17  and the lights  13 A- 13 C, to cause the lights  13 A- 13 C to illuminate and otherwise be on, as shown in  FIG. 2 . Further, it will be noted that the movement of the light and switch assembly  100  into its distal position causes the distal ends of the light bulbs  13 A- 13 C to extend beyond the distal lip  84  of the housing  70 . 
     Returning back to  FIGS. 3-5 , the light and switch assembly  100  includes a first frame member  102 , and a second frame member  106 . In most respects, the first and second frame members  102 ,  106  are mirror images of each other, and are designed to be joinable to each other, so that, when joined, they can fit into the hollow interior  76  of the flashlight member housing  70 . Preferably, the first and second frame members  102 ,  106  are sized and configured, so that when joined, they will form a slider that is slidably received within the interior  76  of the frame  70 , so that the housing members  102 ,  106  can slide between their distal (lights on) and their proximal (lights off) position. 
     The first frame member  102  includes a proximal end  103  and a distal end  104 . Similarly, the second frame member  106  includes a proximal end  105  and a distal end  107 . 
     The first frame member  102  includes an outer surface  108 , and the second frame member  106  includes an outer surface  110 . Outer surfaces  108 ,  110  are sized and configured to generally conform to the interior wall surface  76  of the housing  70 , to permit the first and second frame members  102 ,  106  to be received therein, and to permit the outer surfaces  108 ,  110  to slide easily against the inner surface  76 , so that the frame members  102 ,  106  can slide between their proximal (switch off) position and their distal (switch on) position. 
     Each of the first and second frame members  102 ,  106  includes inner surfaces  114 ,  116 , respectively. The inner surfaces  114 ,  116  each include a plurality of upstanding walls, that define a plurality of component containers for containing various components of the light and switch assembly  100 . 
     These containers include first and second spring receiving cavities  124 ,  126  respectively, that are disposed at the generally proximal end  105 ,  103  of the housing members  106 ,  102  respectively. The first and second spring receiving cavities  124 ,  126  include open proximal ends, and are sized and positioned for receiving a pair of springs  128 ,  130 . The proximal ends of the springs  128 ,  130  are designed to rest against a pair of cylindrical protrusion-like spring positioners  90 , that extend axially distally from the distal surface  132  of proximal cap  88 . As such, the distal surface  132  of the proximal end cap  88  serves as a proximal spring rest for the springs  128 ,  130 . To help the alignment of the springs, the spring cavities  124 ,  126  can be positioned so that they align with and captured by the spring positioners  90  of the proximal end cap  88 , so that the spring positioners  90 , when inserted, pass through the center of the springs  128 ,  130 , to help retain the springs within the cavities  128 ,  130  (See  FIGS. 6 and 7 ). 
     A proximally disposed central magnetic member receiving cavity  134  is disposed between the first and second spring receiving cavities  124 ,  126 . As the name suggests, the magnetic member receiving cavity  134  is disposed at the proximal end of the housing members  102 ,  106 . The magnetic member receiving cavity  134  is sized and configured for receiving a magnetic member  140 . 
     The springs  128 ,  130 , and magnetic member  140  cooperate to move the frame members  102 ,  106  and hence the light and switch assembly  100  in its appropriate proximal P or distal D direction, depending upon what is desired. When the flashlight member  14  is coupled to the holder member  12 , the attractive force between magnetic member  140  and magnetic member  50  overcomes the outwardly biasing force exerted by springs  128 ,  130 . As such, the magnetic attraction between magnetic member  50  of the holder member  12  and magnetic member  140  of the body  14  causes the frame members  102 ,  106  of the light and switch assembly  100  to move in a generally proximal P direction, so that the proximal end  105 ,  103  of the frame members  102 ,  106  abuts the distally facing surface  132  of the end cap  88 . 
     However, when the holder member  12  is separated from the flashlight member  14 , magnetic attraction no longer exists between the magnetic member  50  of the holder member  12 , and the magnetic member  140  of the light and switch assembly  100 . As such, there is no magnetic attraction to overcome the expansive force exerted by springs  128 ,  130 . Therefore, the springs  128 ,  130  expand against their proximal rest stop (the distal surface  132  of proximal end cap  88 ) and their distal rest stop (the radially extending walls at the proximal end of cavities  124 ,  126 ) to push or otherwise move the frame members  102 ,  106  in a distal direction as shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  2 A. 
     The frame members  102 ,  106  also include a central battery receiving cavity  144 , that is sized and configured to receive appropriately-sized batteries. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the batteries  16 ,  17  comprise a pair of coin or hockey puck-shaped “watch-type” batteries  16 ,  17 , of the type that one might use in a wristwatch, hearing aid, digital camera, garage door opener or any other application where size constraints suggest that cylindrical disc-shaped batteries  16 ,  17  work well. 
     The central battery cavity  144  of the second frame member  106  also includes an aperture  148 , through which a contact  150  extends. Contact  150  is an electrical coupling with the batteries  16 ,  17 . The electrical contact  150  can move between a circuit dis-connected position when the light and switch assembly  100  is in its proximally disposed or off position, and a circuit connected position when the light and switch assembly  100  is in its distal or lights on position. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the placement of the circuit in the dis-connected position causes the lights not to glow, as they receive no current. In contrast, when the light and switch assembly is placed in the distal position where the electrical contact  150  is in the connected or lights on position, the lights  13 A,  13 B,  13 C will glow ( FIG. 2 ) as they are receiving current from the batteries  16 ,  17  via the circuit and electrical contact  150 . 
     First, second and third light receiving cavities  154 ,  157 ,  158  are disposed at the distal end of the frame members  102 ,  106 . The first, second and third light receiving cavities  154 ,  156 ,  158  are configured for receiving three LED-type light devices,  13 A,  13 B and  13 C. 
     In operation, one can begin in the configuration of the device shown in  FIGS. 1 and 6 , with the holder member  12  coupled to the light containing flashlight member  14  of the flashlight  10 A,  10 B. When in this position, the magnetic attraction between the magnetic member  50  of the holder member  12 , and the magnetic member  140  of the light containing flashlight member  14  is such that the light and switch assembly  100  will be moved into its proximal or “lights off” position. When in the lights off position, the contact  150  of the circuit between the batteries  16 ,  17  and the lights  13 A,  13 B,  13 C is disconnected, so that electrical energy from the batteries  16 ,  17  does not reach the lights  13 A- 13 C. Therefore, the lights  13 A- 13 C are placed in their off position. Additionally, since the light and switch assembly  100  is in its proximal position, the distal ends of the lights  13 A- 13 C will be retracted within the interior  78  of the housing  70 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 6 , when so retracted, the lights  13 A- 13 C cannot be seen from the side view, as they are nested within the interior  78  of the housing. When the holder member  12  is separated from the flashlight  14 , (as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 7 ) the attractive force between the magnetic members  50 ,  140  is reduced to an inconsequential level, due to the distance between the magnetic members  50 ,  140 . In the absence of magnetic attraction, the outwardly biasing force exerted by the springs  128 ,  130  is allowed to move the light and switch assembly  100  into its distal position. When in the distal position, the switch and contact  150  is in its “completed circuit” position, so that electrical energy can flow from the batteries  16 ,  17  through the contact position  150  and circuit to the lights  13 A- 13 C, to thereby turn the lights on, as shown in  FIG. 2 . As also shown in  FIG. 2 , the movement of the light and switch assembly  100  to its distal position enables the lights  13 A- 13 C to extend axially outwardly beyond the distal lip  84  of the housing  70 , so that the lights  13 A- 13 C can better be seen from the side of the device. 
     The re-joinder of the flashlight member  14  to the holder member  12  reverses the process so that the proximally directed magnetic attraction between the magnetic member  140  of the flashlight member  14  and the magnetic member  50  of the holder member  12  overcomes the distally directed biasing force exerted by springs  128 ,  130 , so that the light and switch assembly  100  moves into its proximal position, so that frame members  102 ,  106  are disposed adjacent to the distally facing surface  132  of the end cap  88 . When so positioned, the circuit goes into its “disconnected” position, that causes the lights  13 A- 13 C to shut off as no current can flow between the batteries and the light. 
     Although the invention has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, modifications and variations exist within the scope and spirit of the invention.