Dual mode rechargeable flashlight

• US 20030206410A1
• Filed: 05/06/2002
• Published: 11/06/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/06/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures Incorporated
• Inventors: Parsons, Kevin L., Reeves, W. Clay
• Granted Patent: US 6,789,917 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/184
• CPC Class Codes: F21L 4/025 the light sources being of different shape or type
• CPC Class Codes: F21L 4/08 characterised by means for in situ recharging of the batteries or cells
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 15/01 Housings, e.g. material or assembling of housing parts F21V15/02 takes precedence housings forming signs or letters G09F13/04
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0414 specially adapted to be used with portable lighting devices
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2113/20 of different form

Abstract

A dual mode rechargeable flashlight includes a generally rectangular housing sized to be readily carried and operated in one'"'"'s hand and having a pair of upper and lower frame members that receive and retain generally planar rectangular panels preferably made of anodized aluminum and which may be of selective colors and have indicia imprinted thereon. An integral charging system within the flashlight housing enables recharging of DC batteries connectable in circuit with a high intensity lamp carried within a reflector assembly at a forward lens end of the flashlight. A modular self-storing blade assembly facilitates connection of the charging system to an electrical outlet. A power pack support housing within the flashlight is accessible through an access door to enable insertion of a 6-volt DC battery power pack connectable in circuit with a high intensity long life LED carried within the reflector assembly. Selective actuation of a switch button effects energizing of either the high intensity lamp or the high luminous intensity LED.

Claims

1. A flashlight, comprising, in combination:

a flashlight housing having a forward light emitting end and a rear end;

a reflector and light source assembly supported within the forward end of said flashlight housing;

a high intensity lamp supported within said reflector and light source assembly so as to lie generally on a longitudinal axis of said flashlight housing;

a LED light source supported within said reflector and light source assembly;

a first circuit within said flashlight housing operative to interconnect said high intensity lamp to a rechargeable battery within said flashlight housing for providing power to said high intensity lamp and enabling recharging of said battery;

a second discrete circuit within said flashlight housing interconnecting said LED to a power source independent of said first circuit; and

switch means carried by said flashlight housing for selective movement between a first position operative to energize said high intensity lamp through said first circuit, and operative in a second position to energize said LED from its power source.