# US 6,296,368 B1 · Rechargeable miniature flashlight

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- Number: US 6,296,368 B1
- Document ID: US6296368B1
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B1
- Application number: 09/613,031
- Filed: 2000-07-10
- Granted: 2001-10-02
- Earliest claimed: 1987-10-23
- Assignees: Mag Instrument, Inc.
- Inventors: Anthony Maglica; Ralph Emsley Johnson; Armis L. Lewis
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US6296368B1

## CPC

- F21V 19/047: {by using spare light sources comprised in or attached to the lighting device and being intended to replace a defect light source by manual mounting}
- F21L 4/005: {the device being a pocket lamp (F21L4/022, F21L4/045, F21L4/085 take precedence)}
- F21L 4/085: {Pocket lamps}
- F21V 23/0414: {specially adapted to be used with portable lighting devices}
- F21V: FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21L: LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF, BEING PORTABLE OR SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR TRANSPORTATION

## Abstract

A miniature two or three cell flashlight as disclosed to comprise a barrel, a tailcap, a head assembly, and means for holding a miniature lamp bulb and for providing interruptible electrical coupling to dry cell batteries retained within the barrel and having a charger for charging the rechargeable batteries via conductors in the tailcap.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A recharge light comprising
a body having a cavity for receiving at least one battery
a head assembly mounted on one end of the body
a tailcap mounted at the other end of the body and including a first charge area having an outer contact region mounted about the periphery of the tailcap, a switch contact located centrally within the tailcap and extending from the tailcap toward the interior of the body, a first cavity between the switch contact and the charge area, a diode within the first cavity and a ball detent within the first cavity, the diode and the ball detent being in compression between the charge area and the switch contact, the charge area and the switch contact being in one way electrical communication through the diode and the ball detent.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The rechargeable flashlight of claim 1, the tailcap including a central cavity, the switch contact having a hollow body positioned at the center of the central cavity, the first cavity containing the diode and ball detent opening to the central cavity and the ball detent extending against the hollow body of the switch contact.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The rechargeable flashlight of claim 1, the ball detent including a coil spring and a ball, the coil spring being between the diode and the ball.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The rechargeable flashlight of claim 1, the diode being in contact with the charge ring and the ball detent being in contact with the switch contact.