Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
MULTI-PURPOSE FLASHLIGHT DEVICE
AND METHOD OF USING SAME
SPECIFICATION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention. The present invention relates generally to
flashlights
and methods of using same, and in particular to a flashlight adapted for
convenient use in
conjunction with other hand-held implements, such as firearms, or in
conjunction with
activities requiring the use of one's hands.
[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art. By way of background, a number of
flashlights
or flashlight holders are known that are designed for use in combat or self-
defense
situations. Several of these holders and flashlights are disclosed, for
example, in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 6,270,231; 5,848,834; 5,167,446; 4,542,447; 5,642,932; 5,363,285;
5,556,003;
5,345,368; 6,023,875; 5,752,633; 5,533,657; and 5,593,074. An additional such
flashlight device is disclosed in EP0484891.
[0003] In spite of prior work in the area, there remain needs for improved
flashlight
devices for potential use in conjunction with other hand-held implements such
as
firearms, particularly in self-defense and/or combat situations, or when
performing other
tasks or activities that require two handed operation such as those that
commonly occur in
industrial environments or outdoor activities. The present invention is
directed to these
needs. Applicant's U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0228120,
published 18
November 2004, was an initial attempt at meeting these needs.
1
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] One aspect of the present invention provides a flashlight adapted for
use in
conjunction with a firearm, especially a handgun, having adaptations for
optimally
positioning the light during use. In one embodiment of the present invention,
a
flashlight device is provided having a downwardly-extending lightbox, a
downwardly-extending handle portion, and a linking member connecting the
lightbox
and the handle portion. Illustratively, the handle portion and lightbox may
depend
from a generally horizontally extending linking member, to provide a
flashlight form
convenient for handling during a two-handed firearm firing position, other two-
handed operations, or in general other activities which benefit from manual
dexterity
of the hand grasping the flashlight. In more preferred embodiments, the device
is
configured so the positions of the lightbox and handle portion are movable
relative to
one another to optimize adjustments for the user. For example, the lightbox
and
handle portion may be re-positionable relative to one another in vertical
and/or
horizontal planes. In a most preferred form, the invention provides a
flashlight device
wherein the lightbox and handle portion are both vertically and horizontally
adjustable relative to one another so that a user can position the beam lower
or higher,
or to the left or the right, to provide an optimal direction for a light beam
emanating
from the lightbox, for example during a normal two-handed firing position of a
pistol.
The vertical and horizontal adjustments are desirably located on different
portions of
the flashlight device. For example, the lightbox may be rotatable in a
horizontal plane
relative to the linking member to which it is attached; and the handle portion
can be
rotatable in a vertical plane relative to the linking member to which it is
attached.
2
CA 02658118 2012-05-11
[0004A] A further embodiment of a flashlight apparatus includes a housing
assembly
having a light-emitting portion and a battery-containing portion. A hand
stabilizer
assembly is attached to the housing assembly at a first portion of the housing
assembly. The hand stabilizer assembly includes a hand pad for contacting the
back of
a user's hand during use. A strap attached to the hand stabilizer assembly and
attached
to a second portion of the housing assembly is also included.
[0004B] A further embodiment of a flashlight apparatus includes a housing
assembly
having a light-emitting portion and a battery-containing portion, further
having a
linking member connected to a handle. A hand stabilizer assembly is attached
to the
linking member. A strap is attached to the hand stabilizer assembly and to the
handle.
The hand stabilizer assembly includes a hand pad, wherein the hand pad and the
handle are adapted to snugly receive a portion of the user's hand.
2A
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
[0005] Additional preferred embodiments as well as features and advantages of
the
invention will be apparent from the following descriptions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained when
the
following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments is considered in
conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a first embodiment of the
flashlight device
according to the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 2A is a front elevation view of a second embodiment of the
flashlight
device according to the present invention;
[0009] FIGS. 2B and 2C are right and left side views, respectively, of the
flashlight
device of FIG. 2A;
[0010] FIGS. 2D and 2E are front and right side views, respectively, of a
portion of
another embodiment of the flashlight device similar to the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 2A-2C;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a flashlight device in use during a two-
handed
firing position in accordance with the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a flashlight device according to an
embodiment of the present invention in a forward lighting position;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an illustration of the internal circuitry of a flashlight
device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
3
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
[0014] FIGS. 5 and 5A provide cutaway cross-sectional views of two potential
rotatable connections between the linking member and lightbox of flashlights
according to the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a top view of a flashlight device of the invention in use
during a two-
handed firing position;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a right side view of a flashlight device according to an
embodiment
of the present invention illustrating an offset angle between the handle
portion and the
lightbox of the device;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a cutaway view of a rotatable and lockable connection between
a
handle portion and a linking member of a flashlight device according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIGS. 9A and 9B are views of the cooperating surface features on the
linking
member and handle portion, respectively, shown in FIG. 8, providing a
rotatable/locking mechanism using meshable locking plates;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a flashlight holster device according
to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the holster device of FIG. 10 having a
flashlight device mounted therein;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the holster
device
showing the flashlight/holster combination according to an embodiment of the
present
invention in use;
4
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
[0022] FIG. 13 is a cutaway perspective view illustrating a lightbox of
another
embodiment of the flashlight device of the present invention, including a
slidable red
lens;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a cutaway perspective view illustrating a lightbox of
another
embodiment of the flashlight device of the present invention, including a
hinged red
lens;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a front view of a red lens appliance according to an
embodiment of
the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the red lens
appliance
of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a cutaway perspective front and side view of the red lens
appliance
of FIG. 16 connected to a flashlight lightbox;
[0027] FIG. 18 is a cutaway perspective back view of the appliance of FIG. 16
connected to a flashlight lightbox;
[0028] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another flashlight holster according
to the
present invention with the phantom lines illustrating a flashlight device;
[0029] FIG. 20 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of flashlight
device
according to the present invention, including a strap assembly handle;
[0030] FIGS. 21 and 22 are perspective views of another preferred embodiment
of the
flashlight device according to the present invention;
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
[0031] FIG. 23 is a front elevation view of the flashlight device embodiment
shown in
FIGS. 21 and 22;
[0032] FIG. 24 is a view taken along lines 24-24 of FIG. 23;
[0033] FIG. 25 is a view taken along lines 25-25 of FIG. 24;
[0034] FIG. 26 is a view taken along lines 26-26 of FIG. 23;
[0035] FIG. 27 is a side view of the flashlight device of FIGS. 21-23 showing
the
handle in a pivoted position;
[0036] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the flashlight device of FIG. 27 being
used
with a first long gun;
[0037] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the flashlight device of FIGS. 21-23
being
used with a second long gun;
[0038] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an alternative technique of using the
flashlight
device in conjunction with a hand gun;
[0039] FIG. 31 is a perspective view illustrating the removal or insertion of
a
firearm's magazine with the flashlight device attached to the user's hand; and
[0040] FIG. 32 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of a firearm's
slide
with the flashlight device attached to the user's hand.
6
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0041] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the
invention, reference will now be made to certain preferred embodiments thereof
and
specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be
understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby
intended, such
alterations, further modifications and applications of the principles of the
invention as
described herein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in
the art
to which the invention relates.
[0042] As disclosed above, the present invention provides flashlight devices
and
apparatuses suited for use in two-handed grasping operations or other
operations
where manual dexterity of the hand holding the flashlight is beneficial, for
example in
self-defense and/or combat situations, in industrial environments and/or in
outdoor
recreation. With reference to FIG. 1, shown is a front view of one preferred
flashlight
device 20 of the present invention. Flashlight device 20 includes a lightbox
21,
generally downwardly-extending, a handle portion 22, generally downwardly-
extending, and a linking member 23, generally transverse, connecting the
lightbox 21
and handle portion 22. Preferably, lightbox 21 includes a generally
cylindrical body
24 having mounted therein a light source 25 situated behind a lens 26,
preferably
formed with a relatively shatter-proof plastic material such as Lexmar. Light
source
25 is energizeable by one or more batteries residing within the lightbox 21 as
will be
discussed herein below. Preferably, the light source 25 is capable of
delivering at
least about 20,000 candle power (CP), typically in the range of about 20,000
to about
50,000 CP. Higher or lower intensities may also be desirable for particular
utilities
for the flashlight device 20. The light source 25 may, for example, include a
halogen,
7
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
xenon or other pressurized gas bulb, or one or a plurality of light emitting
diodes
(LEDs); in one embodiment of the invention, the light source 25 includes a
plurality
of LEDs, for example 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 or more LEDs.
[0043] Lightbox 21 is connected to linking member 23 at its first, or upper,
end 27.
Although this connection could be integral, it is preferred that the
connection be a
movable connection, for example providing for angular rotation about a
longitudinal
axis of the lightbox 21 so that a user of the flashlight 20 can adjust the
direction of the
light beam emanating from the light source 25 in a horizontal fashion.
[0044] Handle portion 22 includes a lower end 28 and an upper end 29, and a
central
portion 30 spanning between the lower end 28 and upper end 29. Central portion
30
can, if desired, have external adaptations to improved the ergonomic character
of the
handle portion 22. For example, central portion 30 may include one or more
convex
or concave sections. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, central
portion 30
includes an inwardly-facing (toward the lightbox 21) convex portion 30'
adapted to
ergonomically cooperate with the palm of the hand in a firing position (see
e.g. FIG.
3). If desired, handle portion 22 can be covered with or made of a material
with a
relatively high coefficient of friction compared to other portions of the
flashlight
device 20 to improve gripping properties. For example, handle portion 22 may
be
covered with a polymeric sleeve, including, e.g. an elastomeric sleeve such as
a
neoprene sleeve. As also shown in FIG. 1, handle portion 22 can incorporate a
strap
31 extending inwardly from handle portion 22 to form a hand receiving opening
37
through which the user's hand can be placed while holding the flashlight 20.
8
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
[0045] FIGURE 3 illustrates the flashlight device 20 according to an
embodiment of
the present invention being used with a handheld firearm in a two-handed
firing
position. It is noted that the strap 31 has been omitted in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3,
a right-
handed user or shooter is shown with the shooter's right index finger on the
trigger,
the right thumb above the linking member 23 and the remaining three fingers on
the
right hand (not shown) curled around the firearm grip. Preferably, the handle
portion
22 contacts the palm of the shooter's left hand with the linking member 23
extended
overtop the hand and the lightbox 21 extended down the back side of the hand.
Preferably, the left thumb is positioned above the linking member 23 and
adjacent the
right thumb and the other four fingers are curled around the firearm grip on
top of the
three curled right fingers. When held in this manner, the handle portion 22 is
preferably in abutting relationship with the firearm grip. Alternatively, the
three
curled right fingers may be between the handle portion 22 and the firearm grip
in
which case the handle portion 22 abuts the three curled right fingers. The
flashlight
device 20 may be held in yet another manner with a handheld firearm. In this
alternative technique, the four fingers on the left hand are curled around the
handle
portion 22 and abut the firearm grip or the three curled fingers of the right
hand (see
e.g. FIG. 6). When held in this manner, the handle portion 22 is not
contacting the
firearm grip.
[0046] Handle portion 22 is connected at its upper end 29 to linking member
23.
Although this connection may be integral, it is preferred that this connection
provide
for movement of the two elements relative to one another. For example, in one
preferred embodiment the handle portion 22 is pivotable relative to the
linking
member 23, and preferably pivotable in a plane generally transverse to the
9
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
longitudinal axis of the linking member 23. In doing so, it is also preferred
that the
pivoted positions be lockable between the handle portion 22 and linking member
23.
This locking or fixing of the positions may be facilitated, for example, by
appropriate
detent devices or, for example, by providing a first surface 32 of or
connected to the
handle portion 22, which cooperates with a second similar surface 33 connected
to the
linking member 23 (See e.g. FIGS. 8 and 9). Preferably, the two surfaces 32
and 33
have cooperating ridges, teeth or other interlocking members. While a
connector such
as a screw 34 (see FIG. 7) is positioned to allow separation between the
plates, the
handle portion 22 and linking member 23 can be pivoted relative to one
another.
Thereafter, when pivoted to the desired degree, the connector 34 is utilized
to fix the
two plates against one another so as to cause the interlocking members on the
plates
to mesh, and fix the position of the handle portion 22 and linking member 23
relative
to one another. In this fashion, a user of the device 20 can adjust the
vertical
orientation of the light beam to optimize its direction during a normal two-
handed
firing position with a handgun (see e.g. FIG. 7).
[0047] FIGURES 2A-2C illustrate a second embodiment of the flashlight device
20A
of the present invention. Flashlight 20A is similar in many respects to
flashlight 20 of
FIG. 1, and has parts correspondingly numbered with the designator "A".
Flashlight
20A, however, has a lightbox 21A that includes both a generally cylindrical
portion
24A, and a flat front face portion 24A' in which lens 26A and light source 25A
are
mounted. As shown, face portion 24A' has a generally planar front, which
extends
into a generally rounded back portion. Flashlight 20A also includes a
polymeric
sleeve 22A' on its handle portion 22A, as well as a strap S to form a hand
receiving
opening 37A through which a user's hand may be placed. Strap S may be a loop
of
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
material received under sleeve 22A' as shown, or may be held to flashlight 20A
by
buckles or in any other suitable fashion. As well, strap S may also have
connecting
portions Si and S2 as shown, which allow for adjustment of the size of the
hand
receiving opening 37A. This connection may be achieved, for example, by
suitable
hook and loop fasteners attached to and/or formed within the material of the
strap S.
Preferably, flashlight device 20A also incorporates a pivotable connection
between
handle portion 22A and linking member 23A. With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2C,
linking member 23A includes a projecting leg 23A' with a generally "U" shaped
external profile (lower periphery shown in phantom in FIG. 2C), and handle
portion
22A includes a cooperating, generally semicircular internal profile and an
extending
leg 22A". These two legs 23A', 22A" provide opposing plates or faces that
contact
one another for a pivotable or rotatable, friction fit. The handle portion 22A
is
connected to linking member 23A by a connector 34A, such as a screw. The
connection can be sufficiently tight to provide for a snug but pivotable
relationship
between the handle 22A and linking member 23A. Alternatively or in addition,
the
connector can be adjustable (e.g. as in a screw) so as to enable loosening the
fit,
adjusting the angle of handle 22A relative to linking member 23A, and then
tightening
the fit. Additionally, as discussed hereinabove in connection with FIG. 9,
meshing
gears, teeth, ridges or other surface features can be provided on the faces of
legs 23A'
and 22A", to facilitate a locked and/or fixed attachment between the faces.
[0048] FIGURES 2D and 2E provide cutaway front and right side views
corresponding to those of FIGS. 2A and 2B, except the flashlight device has a
modified front face in which a lip 24A" or other projection extends upwardly
from the
face 24A', such that it overlies the front face of linking member 23A. As
well, linking
11
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
member 23A has a rounded end 23A". In this manner, the inward rotation of
lightbox
21A is restricted by contact between lip 24A" and the front face of linking
member
23A, but lightbox 21A can be freely rotated outwardly, and has about 180 of
rotational freedom, so that the light can be positioned in the lighting
position as
shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E, the position reversed from that shown in FIGS. 2D
and
2E to provide more effective use in either hand, as well as positions
therebetween
along the 180 of rotation (away from the handle portion).
[0049] With reference now to FIG. 4 together with FIGS. 1 and 2A-2E, provided
is a
drawing illustrating a potential configuration for the internal circuitry and
electronics
of the flashlight device 20, 20A. FIGURE 4 will be described with reference to
component reference numbers of flashlight device 20, although it is to be
understood
that the circuitry also applies to other embodiments of the invention.
Preferably, light
source 25 is positioned within lightbox 21 and is powered by one or more
batteries 40
mounted within the lightbox 21. Access to the battery or batteries 40 can be
provided,
for example, via a threaded cap 21' (FIG. 1), 21A' (FIG. 2A) located at the
bottom of
lightbox 21 and 21A, respectively. Positive and negative leads 41 and 42
create a
circuit in conjunction with light source 25 and switch 43 (FIGS. 1 and 4), 43A
(FIG.
2A). For these purposes, leads 41 and 42 are positioned through a central
channel 44
extending between lightbox 21 and linking member 23 as shown in FIG. 4.
Preferably, switch 43, 43A is provided upon linking member 23, 23A and is
spatially
located atop or overlying handle portion 22, 22A or at a position along
linking
member 23, 23A between handle portion 22, 22A and lightbox 21, 21A. For
instance,
in one embodiment, switch 43, 43A can be provided adjacent or in proximity to
the
12
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
outer edge of the linking member 23, 23A overlying the outer edge of handle
portion
22, 22A, to provide convenient access for operation during a two-handed firing
position or other manual hand activities (see e.g. FIGS. 3 and 6). Switch 43,
43A can
be of any suitable design for energizing and de-energizing the light source
25, 25A
with the battery or batteries 40. Preferably, switch 43, 43A is a pressure-
sensitive
switch functional to energize the light source 25, 25A upon the exertion of
pressure,
but without locking or fixing the switch in the "on" position. In this
fashion, the user
of the flashlight can more readily briefly energize, and then de-energize the
light
source 25, 25A to fix the position of an article or person, but without
continued
illumination. In addition to a "pressure-on" position, such a pressure-
sensitive switch
may, if desired, have a fixed "on" condition that is achieved upon exerting
greater
than a predetermined level of pressure on the switch.
[0050] With reference now to FIG. 5 in conjunction with FIG. 1, shown is one
potential embodiment of the invention for connecting the lightbox 21 to the
linking
member 23. In particular, in the illustrated arrangement a number of indexed
or
predetermined positions are defined between the lightbox 21 and the linking
member
23. For example, cutouts or other 'depressions 45 may be provided within an
outer
side surface of the lightbox 21 at its upper end, and a cooperating member 46
such as
a ball may be provided on the linking member 23 for cooperating with
depressions 45
located around the circumference of lightbox 21. Cooperating member 46 can,
for
example, be biased toward the lightbox 21 with a spring 47 or other biasing
device, to
provide an appropriate level of resistance to hold lightbox 21 in a position
defined by
cutouts 45, but which resistance can be overcome with sufficient force to move
the
lightbox 21 to an alternate indexed position. Additional protuberances 48 can
be
13
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
provided around in the inner surface of the linking member connection to
assist in the
indexing function as well.
[0051] With reference now to FIG. 5A in conjunction with FIGS. 2A-2E, shown is
an
illustration of another manner of rotatably connecting lightbox 21A to the
linking
member 23A. In this embodiment, the ball 46A and spring 47A combination for
the
detent positions is received within an aperture in the lower surface of
linking member
23A. Cutouts 45A or other indentations for cooperating with the ball 46A are
then
located upon an upper surface of lightbox 21A. Preferably, a hollow bushing
49A is
received within a shouldered bore in linking member 23A, and a cooperating
threaded
member 49B is received through bushing 49A and threaded into a corresponding
bore
in the upper wall of lightbox 21A. A rotatable connection is thereby provided.
As
shown, threaded member 49B can be hollow or otherwise include a thru-bore 44A
so
that wires 41A and 42A can pass through the connection. Wires 41A and 42A can
then, if desired, pass through an internal opening or bore within linking
member 23A
(FIG. 5A, shown in phantom) for connection to a switch as described
hereinabove.
[0052] With reference generally to FIGS. 1, 2A-2E, 5 and 5A, any number of
indexing positions for the lightbox 21, 21A can be provided. In one
embodiment,
lightbox 21, 21A will be restricted to 360 of rotation or less, for example
180 of
rotation, having multiple defined indexed positions. Restricting rotation of
the
lightbox 21, 21A will assist in preventing undue twisting of leads 41, 42,
41A, 42A in
the simple design illustrated, where the leads are fixed or otherwise tend to
rotate
along with the lightbox 21, 21A. Of course, other circuitry or wiring designs
could be
adopted to address this problem as well, including, for example, the use of a
rotatable
14
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
electrical connection. For example, use may be made of conductive metallic
components such as metal disks or rings that provide electrical contact from
the
linking member and switch to the lightbox. The two components, one wired to
the
switch and one connected to the lightbox, would remain in constant contact
with one
another. The component wired to the switch would remain fixed while constantly
making contact with the other component that would be connected to the
lightbox.
The component wired to the lightbox would rotate, for example, 180 . Another
rotatable electrical design could incorporate a wired, spring-loaded pin which
would
make contact with a metallic component connected to the other of the lightbox
or
linking member.
[0053] In a preferred design, lightbox 21, 21A will have indexed positions
spaced
about 90 from one another. With reference to the orientation of the devices
20, 20A
as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, these positions may be defined with the light
source 25,
25A facing as shown (e.g. as used in a firearm firing position), 90 clockwise
therefrom (thus facing directly away from handle 22, 22A for "forward
lighting" (see
FIG. 3A), and 180 clockwise from the illustrated position. This latter
position allows
the device 20, 20A to be similarly used in either the left or right hand
during firing or
other manual activities. More preferably, in addition to or as an alternative
to these
indexed positions, additional indexed positions may be provided within the
range of
rotation, including one or more indexed positions angled slightly less or
slightly
greater than 90 (see e.g. FIG. 6) to provide added versatility so that the
direction of
the light beam from light source 25, 25A is more directly aimed at a target
during a
firing position. The desired angle in this situation may vary depending upon
the
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
anticipated target distance, and upon the useful range of the light source 25,
25A.
Also, it may be desirable to have "harder" detents at the 0 , 90 and 180
positions
with "softer" detents at the other indexed positions.
[0054] With reference now to FIGS. 10-12 in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2,
illustrated is a holster 50 for use in connection with a flashlight 20, 20A of
the
invention. Holster 50 generally includes a member 51 for connection to the
belt of a
user, for example, by clipping on the belt or having the belt string through
the
member 51. Holster 50 also generally includes a receiving portion 52 for
receiving
the lightbox 21, 21A of the flashlight device 20, 20A. In particular,
preferred holster
device 50 includes a first end 53 and a second end 54, which serve to cover
the lower
surface of the lightbox 21, 21A and the linking member portion connected to
the
lightbox. The ends 53 and 54 also aid with alignment of the flashlight 20, 20A
during
a holstering function. Receiving portion 52 includes at least one cutout
portion, and
preferably a plurality of cutout portions along the body providing openings 55
for
receiving the light source 25, 25A and lens 26, 26A of the lightbox 21, 21A,
so that
the flashlight 20, 20A may be used to provide illumination even when holstered
(see
e.g. FIGS. 11 and 12). Preferably, holster device 50 will include at least one
member
56 located between ends 53 and 54 extending sufficiently up and potentially
around
lightbox 21, 21A to retain flashlight 20, 20A in holster 50 by gravitational
force
and/or by friction or snap fit.
[0055] With reference now particularly to FIG. 12, illustrated is the
flashlight device
20, 20A contained within the holster 50, with lens 26, 26A of flashlight 20,
20A
exposed for illumination in a forward direction. Holster 50 is secured to the
side of a
16
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
user, for example by attachment to a belt as discussed above. As shown in FIG.
12,
the holster 50 has been rotated to a vertical orientation. This is provided in
the
preferred holster device by incorporating a swivel or other movable attachment
between attachment member 51 and the receiving portion 52 of the holster
device 50.
Such a swivel function may, for example, be provided by a rotatable pin
connector 57
connecting attachment member 51 and receiving portion 52 of holster device 50.
As
can be seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, when flashlight device 20, 20A is received
within
holster 50, handle portion 22, 22A is located external of receiving portion 52
of
holster 50 and thereby readily available to grasp. In addition, the
illustrated position
can provide for "hands-free" forward illumination when the flashlight 20, 20A
includes a fixed "on" switch position.
[0056] Housing components of devices of the invention are preferably made from
metal or an impact-resistant plastic, such as ABS. In addition, flashlights
according to
the present invention are desirably constructed to be waterproof, for example,
by
incorporating O-rings between moving parts, and plastic parts are preferably
made
fire retardant either in their composition, or with a suitable fire retardant
coating.
Flashlights according to the present invention also desirably incorporate
attachable or
attached red lenses adapted to cover the light source 25, 25A. Such red lenses
facilitate dimming the light source, and in combat or defense situations make
it more
difficult for a target to discern people or things behind the light source.
[0057] With reference now to FIGS. 13 through 19, a number of illustrative red
lens
appliances useful in conjunction with flashlights 20 and 20A, or modified
versions
thereof, are shown. Shown in FIG. 13 is a partial cutaway view of such a
flashlight
17
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
20C, including a lightbox 21C with an extended, front flat panel incorporating
a
slidable red lens that can be selectively positioned over the primary clear
lens 26C. In
particular, an external panel 60 fixed to the lightbox 21C defines an internal
cavity
and has a cutout 61 sufficient to expose lens 26C. A red lens 62 (shown in
phantom)
is slidably received within the defined cavity, and has an attached manual
slider
member 63 protruding through a slot 64 in the panel 60. In this fashion, a
user can
manually (e.g. with a finger) slide the red lens 62 overtop of and off of the
light
source 25C as desired in a particular situation. The position of the red lens
62 within
the cavity can be maintained for example by a relatively light friction fit
within the
cavity, or by other mechanisms by which elements of or attached to the lens 62
cooperate with surrounding surfaces. Additionally, red lens 62 can be sized to
have
dimensions larger than those of cutout 61 so that lens 62 does not escape or
get caught
up in cutout 61. Internal channels may also be provided within the defined
cavity, in
which the outer edges of lens 62 travel. As well, instead of cutout 61, panel
60 may
include a transparent lens mounted therein to serve in addition to or as an
alternative
to any other transparent lens of the flashlight 20C.
[0058] FIGURE 14 provides a cutaway perspective view of another flashlight
embodiment 20D of the invention including a red lens 65 received within a
frame 66
hinged to the lightbox 21D.
[0059] FIGURE 15 provides an appliance 70 in which a red lens is incorporated
in a
slidable fashion. Appliance 70 includes a first member 71 having a slot
therein and an
opening 72, and a second member 73 slidably received in the slot. Second
member
73 includes a red lens 74, wherein sliding second member 73 into first member
71
18
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
exposes the red lens 74 in the opening 72. An appliance such as appliance 70
can be
built into, fixedly attached or removably attached (e.g. using a clinging
mechanism
similar to that shown in FIGS. 16-18 below) to a flashlight device such as 20
or 20A
(FIGS. 1 and 2) with the opening 72 positioned over lens 26 or 26A. Selective
use of
the red lens 74 is thereby enabled.
[0060] FIGURES 16-18 illustrate another red lens appliance 80 of and for use
in the
invention. Appliance 80 has a body 81 including a double-walled front panel
82.
Panel 82 defines a slot between its two walls for slidably receiving a red
lens 87
(shown partially in phantom). Panel 82 also defines a lens opening 83 and an
elongate slot 84. A manual slider member 88 attached to the red lens 87 is
exposed
through the elongate slot 84, for manual operation to selectively position the
red lens
87 into and out of the lens opening 83. Body 81 also includes deformable
members
85 and 86 which can be deformed so as to provide a mechanical fit such as a
snap or
friction fit around a cylindrical or other correspondingly configured portion
of a
lightbox such as 20 or 20A (see also FIGS. 1 and 2). In this fashion a user
can both
selectively connect and disconnect the appliance 80 with the flashlight, and
selectively use or not use the red lens 87 when the appliance 80 is connected.
[0061] With reference to FIG. 19, shown is another holster appliance 90 of and
for
use in the present invention. Appliance 90 includes a clip portion 91 for
attachment to
a belt or other similar structure of a user, that is attached to a body 92
adapted for
providing a mechanical fit such as a snap or friction fit around a cylindrical
or other
correspondingly configured portion of a lightbox such as 20, 20A (see also
FIGS. 1
and 2). Body 92 thus can include at least one deformable member 93 configured
to fit
19
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
around and cling to a lightbox such as 20, 20A. Desirably, body 92 can be
designed
so as not to cover or block the lens and light source of such lightboxes, so
that the
flashlight can be effectively used for illumination while worn attached to the
belt of a
user. As well, the attachment of body 92 to clip portion 91 can be via a
rotatable
connection, such as at 94, so as to provide flexibility in use.
[0062] With reference to FIG. 20, illustrated is another flashlight embodiment
20E
according to the present invention. Flashlight 20E can include features
generally
corresponding to those of the lightboxes and linking members described for
other
embodiments hereinabove. However, a different type of handle is provided. In
particular, the handle is provided by a strap assembly 96 including first and
second
strap members 96A and 96B forming an enclosed loop 95 to receive a user's
hand.
Strap assembly 96 is connected at its upper end to the linking member 23E and
at its
lower end to the lower portion of the lightbox 21E. The connection to lightbox
21E is
preferably such that the lightbox 21E still can rotate. This may be achieved,
for
example, by incorporating a ring into the structure of lightbox 21E that is
rotatable
relative to the remainder of the lightbox 21E (for example, a ring captured
within a
groove defined between a battery cap and a shoulder of the lightbox housing),
or by
providing a ring received around lightbox 21E to which the strap assembly 96
is
attached.
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 21-27, a flashlight device 120 according to another
embodiment of the present invention will now be described. Flashlight device
120
includes a lightbox assembly 121, a handle assembly 122, and a linking member
assembly 123 connecting the lightbox assembly 121 and handle assembly 122.
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
Preferably, lightbox assembly 121 includes a generally cylindrical body 124
having
mounted therein a light source 125 situated behind a lens 126, preferably
formed with
a relatively shatter-proof plastic material. A first end 127 of the lightbox
assembly
121 is preferably rotatably connected to the linking member assembly 123. The
connection between the lightbox assembly 121 and the linking member assembly
123
may be accomplished by one of the aforementioned techniques or by other
similar
techniques known to persons of skill in the art. Although this connection
could be
integral, it is preferred that the connection be a movable connection, for
example
providing for angular rotation about a longitudinal axis of the lightbox
assembly 121
so that a user of the flashlight 120 can adjust the direction of the light
beam emanating
from the light source 125. In the flashlight device 120 as illustrated in FIG.
21, the
light source 125 emanates a light beam in a direction generally transverse to
the
longitudinal axis of the lightbox assembly 121.
[0064] Preferably, the handle assembly 122 is likewise movably connected at a
handle first end 129 to the linking member assembly 123 by one of the
aforementioned techniques or by other similar techniques known to persons of
skill in
the art. The linking member assembly 123 includes a linking member 134 having
a
longitudinal axis. The handle assembly 122 is generally transverse to the
longitudinal
axis of the linking member 134 and generally pivots about such longitudinal
axis.
[0065] A preferred movable connection between the handle assembly 122 and the
linking member assembly 123 is shown in FIGS. 23-25. An indexer gear 135
having
a plurality of teeth 135' is secured to the linking member 134. Preferably,
the indexer
gear 135 is not allowed to move relative to the linking member 134. The first
or
21
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
upper end 129 of the handle assembly 122 is pivotally connected to the linking
member 134. The handle assembly 122 includes a button 136, preferably a spring-
biased push button (spring not shown), having gear teeth 136'. As shown in
FIG. 25,
the gear teeth 136' are preferably angled from front to back so that they
disengage
when the button 136 is depressed and re-engage when the button 136 is allowed
to
spring back.
[0066) To adjust the angle of the handle assembly 122 relative to the lightbox
assembly 121, the user pushes the spring-loaded button 136 which disengages
the
teeth 136' on the button 136 from the indexing gear teeth 135' and the handle
assembly 122 is pivoted to the desired position. Once in the desired position
the push
button 136 is released and the teeth 135' and 136' re-engage. This design
allows the
user to adjust the "sweep" S of the handle 122 as shown in FIG. 27 without
tools.
Additionally, the user can activate the spring-loaded button 136 with the
index finger
of the hand that is in the hand receiving opening 137 (FIGS. 21-23) of the
flashlight
device 120 and grasp the lightbox assembly 121 with the opposite hand to
adjust the
handle sweep. In the preferred embodiment, the sweep S is in the range of 50
to 60
to either side of the axis of the lightbox assembly 121. Sweeping to both
sides allows
full use by both left- and right-handed users.
[0067) The handle assembly 122 also includes a second end 128 and a central
portion
130 spanning between the first and second ends 129 and 128, respectively.
Preferably, central portion 130 is ergonomically contoured, as for example
with one
or more convex or concave sections. In the preferred embodiment as illustrated
in
FIGS. 21-23, central portion 130 includes an inwardly-facing (toward the
lightbox
22
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
assembly 121) convex portion 130' adapted to ergonomically cooperate with the
palm
of the hand in a firing position of a handgun (see FIG. 23). Additionally, the
central
portion 130 preferably includes an outwardly-facing (away from the lightbox
assembly 121) generally concave portion 130" adapted to provide a clearance
between the central portion 130 of the handle assembly 122 and the firearm
when held
in the two-handed firing position. The concave portion 130" provides a
clearance so
that the handle assembly 122 does not accidentally come into contact with a
firearm's
magazine release button located on an automatic firearm's side opposite the
firing
hand. If desired, handle assembly 122 can be covered with or made of a
material with
a relatively high coefficient of friction to improve gripping properties.
[0068] Preferably, the second end 128 of the handle assembly 122 is adapted to
attach
a strap 131 thereto with the strap 131 extending toward the linking member
assembly
123. In the illustrated embodiment, a slot 128' is provided in the second end
128 of
the handle assembly 122 for securing the strap 131 to the handle assembly 122.
Preferably, the strap 131 is also secured to a hand stabilizer assembly 160
connected
to the linking member assembly 123 to define a hand receiving opening 137.
Referring to FIGS. 21-23 and 26, the hand stabilizer assembly 160 preferably
includes
a hand pad 161 connected to the linking member 134 via a clip assembly 162.
The
strap 131 is attached to the hand pad 161, preferably via a slot 161'. The
clip
assembly 162 preferably includes first and second hook members 163 and 164,
respectively, connected to each other via a fastener 165, such as a pin or
rivet 165
(FIG. 26). The hand pad 161 is preferably pivotally connected to the clip
assembly
162. In the preferred embodiment, the hand pad 161 is pivotally connected to
the clip
assembly 162 via the pin 165 and the strap 131 is connected to the hand pad
161 via a
23
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
slot 161A. The pin 165 allows the hand pad 161 to swivel independently from
the
clip assembly 162. Thus, as the handle assembly 122 is pivoted relative to the
linking
member assembly 123, the strap 131 "pulls" on the hand pad 161 to similarly
pivot
the hand pad 161 as shown in FIG 27. This feature of maintaining the hand pad
161
substantially in line with the strap 131 and handle assembly 122 maintains the
maximum amount of surface area of the strap 131 contacting the user's hand
during
use regardless of the pivoted position of the handle assembly 122. Preferably,
the
strap 131 is adjustable in length to accommodate various sizes of hands.
[0069] Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, a plurality of recesses 134' are formed
in the
linking member 134. The recesses 134' are preferably uniformly spaced along a
portion of the length of the linking member 134 and in pairs positioned on
opposite
sides of the linking member 134. Each recess 134' is adapted to receive an end
portion 163' and 164' of the hook members 163 and 164, respectively. The hand
pad
161 includes a surface 161" facing the handle assembly 122 adapted to contact
the
back of the user's hand. Preferably, during one operation of use the palm of
the user's
hand is against the inside surface or convex portion 130' of the handle
assembly 122
and the back of the hand is against the hand pad surface 161". Preferably, the
user's
hand is snugly received in the hand receiving opening 137 between the handle
assembly 122 and the hand pad 161 to stabilize the flashlight 120 on the hand
without
the necessity of grasping the handle assembly 122 or other portion of the
flashlight
120. The desired spacing between the hand pad surface 161" and the opposing
surface of the handle assembly 122 is achieved by placing the hook end
portions 163'
and 164' in the appropriate recesses 134' for the desired spacing.
24
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
[0070] Preferably, the spacing between the handle assembly 122 and the hand
pad
161 is easily adjustable without the need for tools. In the illustrated
embodiment, the
location of the hand pad 161 can be adjusted by disengaging the hook end
portions
163' and 164' from the recesses 134' and re-engaging the hook end portions
163' and
164' in the desired recesses 134'. Depending on the type of material that the
clip
assembly 162 is made out of, the hook end portions 163' and 164' may be
forcibly
disengaged and re-engaged in the recesses 134'. Alternatively, the clip
assembly 162
could be made such that the hook end portions 163' and 164' can be disengaged
from
a pair of recesses 134' by moving the pin connection of the clip assembly 162
towards
the linking member 134 to slightly raise and spread the hook end portions 163'
and
164' out of engagement with the pair of recesses 134', thus permitting
sufficient
clearance to slide the clip assembly 162 along the linking member 134 to the
desired
pair of recesses 134'.
[0071] The preferred construction of the hand stabilizer assembly 160 allows
the
hook members 163, 164 to increase the gripping force exerted on the linking
member
134 when downward or pulling pressure is applied to the hand pad 161, as for
example by tightening the strap 131. In addition, the stabilizer assembly 160
rigidifies the strap 131 itself to eliminate the tendency for the flashlight
120 to
inadvertently move or slip on the user's hand when the hand is opened and
moved in
an abrupt way.
[0072] Preferably, the strap 131 is connected at one end to the hand pad 161
and at
the other end to the handle slot 128', which allows the strap 131 to be
doubled back
and secured to itself using a hook and loop fastener, for example a Velcro
fastener.
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
The combination of the handle assembly 122, the linking member 134, the hand
stabilizer assembly 160 and the strap 131 define the hand receiving opening
137
through which the user's hand can be placed while using the flashlight 120.
Preferably, the strap 131 can be disconnected from the hand pad 161 and from
the
handle slot 128' to remove it from the flashlight device 120. If desired, the
hand
stabilizer assembly 160 can be removed from the device 120. For example,
removal
of the hand stabilizer assembly 160 can be accomplished by forcibly prying the
hook
members 163 and 164 from the linking member 134. This enables the user to
operate
the flashlight 120 with a large glove that would require more room for the
hand than
the hand stabilizer assembly 160 allows. Other users may prefer not to "fix"
the
flashlight 120 to the hand and this removal option allows for this as well.
[0073) In the preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIGS.
21
and 22, the flashlight device 120 includes one or more switches for
controlling
various lighting features. With reference to FIG. 21, a power switch 141, an
on/off
switch 142 and a momentary "on" switch 143 are preferably located on the
linking
member 134. Preferably, the momentary "on" switch 143 is an elongated switch
located adjacent or in proximity to the outer edge of the linking member 123
overlying the outer edge of handle assembly 122 to provide convenient access
for
operation during various firing positions, including a two-handed combat
position and
positions used in firing long guns as described below, or other manual hand
activities.
Preferably, switch 143 is a pressure-sensitive switch functional to energize
the light
source 125 upon the exertion of pressure, but without locking or fixing the
switch in
the "on" position. In this fashion, the user of the flashlight device 120 can
more
26
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
readily briefly energize, and then de-energize the light source 125 to fix the
position
of an article or person, but without continued illumination.
[0074] On/off switch 142 is preferably a switch having a fixed "on" condition
that is
achieved by exerting a predetermined level of pressure on the switch 142. In
the "on"
condition, the light source 125 is constantly illuminated until the switch 142
is again
depressed to change the switch to the "off' condition.
[0075] Preferably, the power switch 141 is a multi-stage switch to adjust lamp
brightness. For example, the power switch 141 may be a three-way switch to
provide
three levels of lamp brightness.
[0076] Preferably, a "lockout" is provided to ensure that the on/off switch
142 or the
momentary "on" switch 143 are not inadvertently "on" while the flashlight
device 120
is stored such that the batteries are dead when the flashlight device 120 is
needed by
the user. In an embodiment of the present invention, the lockout is activated
by
simultaneously depressing the power switch 141 and the constant on/off switch
142
and may be released in a similar manner. In the lockout condition, the light
source
125 cannot be powered by either of the switches 142 and 143 being pressed to
their
"on" condition. This ensures that the flashlight device 120 is not
inadvertently on
while stored and is ready for use when needed by the user.
[0077] Long-gun Application
[0078] Currently law enforcement and military personnel use gun-mounted
flashlights
for use on long guns, such as rifles and shotguns, in tactical environments.
These
flashlights are often attached to a ring retainer that is then attached to a
Picatinny rail
27
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
mount system on the long gun itself. Some of these lights are fixed with
screws,
others are attached to the rail using "quick release" mechanisms, while other
lights are
attached using a ring retainer that is attached to the barrel of the weapon.
Many of
these lights are regular flashlights with a "pigtail" switch in an optional
tailcap, which
replaces the stock tailcap.
[0079] Although the present invention has been described above for use in a
tactical
position with a handgun, the various embodiments of the flashlight device
according
to the present invention can also be used with long guns, including rifles and
shotguns. The following description will be with respect to the flashlight
device 120
although it is to be understood that the other embodiments are also adapted
for such
use. Figures 28 and 29 show the flashlight device 120 being used in two
positions
with long guns G1 and G2, respectively.
[0080] In FIG. 28, the long gun G1 is held by grasping the "horizontal"
forearm 175
of the long gun G1. Preferably, the user sweeps the handle 122 (see FIG. 27)
to a
position such that when the forearm 175 of the weapon is grasped in the
typical
manner, the light source 125 is substantially in-line with the barrel 176 of
the gun G1.
With the user's non-shooting hand H in the hand receiving opening 137, the
user
grasps the "horizontal" forearm 175 of the weapon G1 as shown in FIG. 28. In
this
method the forearm 175 of the weapon G1 preferably "rests" on or contacts the
handle
122 of the flashlight device 120 and the switch 143 is readily accessible by
the thumb
T of the non-shooting hand H to emit a light beam toward the target.
Typically, the
handle 122 is not swept to a position perpendicular to the light housing 124
as one
28
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
might assume, but rather is swept to a position that allows it to fit
comfortably into the
palm of the hand H when the forearm 175 of the weapon G1 is grasped.
[00811 In addition to the user being able to position the flashlight device
120 to shine
forward while grasping the standard "horizontal" forearm 175 of the long gun
GI, the
flashlight device 120 can also be used when grasping either a "vertical"
forearm or an
ammunition magazine 177 of the long gun G2, as shown in FIG. 29. A vertical
forearm 177 is often added as an accessory to the long gun weapon G2. It is to
be
understood that the flashlight device of the present invention can be used
with either a
vertical forearm or ammunition magazine. Referring to FIG. 29, with the user's
non-
shooting hand H in the hand receiving opening 137, the user grasps the
ammunition
magazine 177 with the handle 122 resting against the magazine 177. Preferably,
the
user wraps all fingers around the vertical magazine 177 except for the thumb T
which
is positioned above the linking member assembly 123 to activate the switches,
typically the momentary switch 143.
[00821 Oftentimes when conducting a building search, users will transition
from a
rifle to a handgun depending on the situation. The flashlight device of the
present
invention allows the user great flexibility when transitioning between
weapons. Since
the flashlight device attaches to the hand and not to the gun, no removal of
the
flashlight device from the gun is required. Furthermore, since the flashlight
neither
attaches to the gun or requires any modifications to the gun, the first gun
can be
quickly holstered in its typical manner and the second gun immediately picked
up.
[0083] The flashlight device of the present invention is extremely versatile
and
quickly and easily transitions between the tactical position (lightbox
assembly 121
29
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
opposite the palm, behind the hand) when using a handgun and the tactical
position
used with the long guns -- whether grasping the long gun horizontally or
vertically --
and vice versa. Depending on the guns and the user, it may be necessary or
desirable
to adjust the "sweep" or angle of the handle 122 relative to the lightbox
assembly 121.
This is done quickly by pushing in the button 136 and pivoting the handle 122
to the
desired angle -- without the use of any tools. Typically, the direction of the
light
source 125 relative to the linking member 123 remains unchanged and requires
no
adjustment. Even if adjustment is required, it is very quickly and easily
accomplished.
[0084] Additional benefits not to be overlooked are that the flashlight device
does not
require any mounting or attachment devices to be added to the gun(s). As a
result, the
guns can be holstered in their typical manner. Also, by having the flashlight
device
independent from (not mounted or attached to) the weapon, it allows the user
to
illuminate in directions independent of the direction the weapon is being
pointed -- an
added safety feature when illuminating human subjects.
[0085] Better Shooting in any Lightbox Assembly Position
[0086] As described above and shown in FIGS. 3, 6, 28 and 29, the user
benefits
significantly while shooting with the flashlight device of the present
invention in the
tactical position. However, users will also find the design to be beneficial
when
shooting with the flashlight device 120 in the utility position (light source
125
oriented in substantial alignment with the linking member 123) as shown in
FIG. 30.
In certain circumstances, the user may need to quickly access the flashlight
device
120 to illuminate a target with the flashlight device in the utility position.
Since the
CA 02658118 2009-01-12
WO 2007/011509 PCT/US2006/025248
flashlight device 120 may be holstered on the user's belt in the utility
position, the
technique shown in FIG. 30 may be preferred.
[0087] FIGURES 31 and 32 show some basic gun handling maneuvers and how the
flashlight device according to the present invention does not inhibit such
maneuvers.
With the flashlight device 120 attached to the user's non-shooting hand H,
FIG. 31
illustrates the removal or insertion of a firearm's magazine M and FIG. 32
illustrates
the operation of a firearm's slide S. It is vitally important to the user to
be able to do
such maneuvers quickly and easily and without interference by the flashlight
device
120.
[0088] The flashlight device of the present invention provides the user with
multiple
ergonomic and tactical advantages when used to perform routine activities and
in
combination with a firearm. These advantages include:
= Ability to use hands freely to manipulate objects;
= Faster target acquisition and superior illumination;
= Improved accuracy when firing a weapon in low light situations;
= Improved stability on firearm recoil;
= Fingers remain free to provide the correct two-handed grip on the
weapon or to perform other actions such as accessing spare clips,
radios, or handcuffs;
= Light housing rotates to provide right, left, and forward lighting
positions;
31
CA 02658118 2012-05-11
= Ambidextrous design and ergonomic grip accommodates all users
regardless of hand preference or size ;
= Belt mounted holster provides easy access and will swivel to provide
hands-free forward illumination when holstered in the forward position;
and
= Overall ergonomic superiority compared to conventional flashlight
designs.
[00891 While the invention has been described in detail above with reference
to specific
embodiments, it will be understood that modifications and alterations in the
embodiments disclosed may be made by those practiced in the art without
departing
from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
32
