Method of using metal conductive blanks for extending useful battery life

A method for extending a useful life of batteries used in a battery-powered flashlight housing, the flashlight housing including a battery compartment, an extension sleeve, an end cap, at least one dry cell DC battery, at least one metal blank, a first electrical contact, a second electrical contact, and a lighting source electrically connected to the first and the second electrical contact, the method comprising the steps of:

• joining the battery compartment with the extension sleeve;
• placing the at least one dry cell DC battery in the battery compartment;
• positioning the at least one metal blank in the extension sleeve;
• forming an electrical circuit between the first and the second electrical contacts with the at least one dry cell DC battery, the at least one metal blank, the battery compartment, the extension sleeve, and the end cap;
• providing at least one partially charged battery;
• and
• replacing the at least one metal blank in the extension sleeve with the at least one partially charged battery when the voltage of the at least one dry cell DC battery falls below an operational voltage threshold for the battery-powered flashlight;
• whereby the at least one partially charged battery provides an increased voltage for raising the available voltage above the operational voltage threshold of the battery-powered flashlight.