(cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3)
`
`EXHIBIT
`
`(cid:40)(cid:59)(cid:43)(cid:44)(cid:37)(cid:44)(cid:55)(cid:3)
`DSS-2008
`
`DSS-2 008
`
`

`
`(12) United States Patent
`Sharrall et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,727,561 B2
`May 20, 2014
`
`US00872756l B2
`
`(54)
`
`LIGHT ANDIOR DEVICE HAVING A
`CTOMPARTEVIENT ACCOMMODATING
`
`BATTERIES OF DIFFERENT TYPES, SIZES
`ANDIOR SHAPES
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Raymond L. Sharrah. (Tollegcville. PA
`(US): Thomas D. Boris. Collegeville,
`PA (US); Brian Orme. Phoenjxville. PA
`(US); Mark W. Snyder, llockessin, DIE
`(US)
`
`(73)
`
`Assignee: Streamlight. [nc.. Eagleville. PA (US)
`
`(*)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer. tl1e terrn ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 97 days.
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.: ]3:"[|50.493
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Mar. 17, 2011
`
`(65)
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`
`(53)
`
`(56)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2(ll2t"023655l A1
`
`Scp. 20. 2012
`
`Int. Cl.
`F2112 4/00
`F2111 14/00
`F2} V33/00
`U.S. CI.
`USPC ......... .. 3621194: 3621184: 3621186: 362E197-
`362205
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`Field of Classification Search
`USPC ................. .. 32(l)'ll0‘. 3621084. 183. 197. 203
`See application lile for complete search history.
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5.006,9(~9 A "‘
`5.167.441"? A
`5.418.433 A
`
`1.20 .............................. .. 352.-"206
`411991
`I2.-‘I992 Gonzales
`W995 Nilssen
`
`362-‘Z05
`
`6.046.519 A
`6.851.828 Bl
`6.902.293 132
`6.942.359 B2 *
`7.231.125 B2
`D549,3T9 S
`7.357.534 32
`1435,5118 B2
`7.466.082 Bl
`7.549366 132
`7.581.847 132
`7.651.239 B2
`D61 L629 S
`'.-'.'?8(l.309 32
`7.815.337 B2 *
`7.850.330 B2
`
`4.-"2000 Matthews et al.
`2.-‘Z005
`Ilanscn
`(H2005 Tang
`912005 Iiurth et .11.
`5x'200T Ding
`85200”.-"
`Sl12I.l1'a1't el al.
`4.52008 Snyder
`|0."2008 Lee at al.
`I2.-‘Z008 Snyder ct al.
`(H2009 Shalrah er al.
`912009 Dalton
`[£2010 Sp2LI1a.rlo
`3.520 In Shanah el al.
`852010 McMillan el al.
`I0.-"2010 Grossman ................... .. 362.-‘"189
`I2.-‘Z010 Spartano et al.
`(Continued)
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`International Searching Authority, “PCT International Search Report
`and Written Opinion -International Application No. PC'l‘.'US2Ul2."
`028888". Jun. 28. 2012. 12 pages.
`
`(Continued)
`
`David J Makiya
`Prittratjt’ IL'.t'rtmfr.-‘cr
`(74) Arrorizetr. Agent, or Fimi
`(‘lenient A. Berard. I"isq.;
`Dann, Dorfman. Herrell & Skillman, PC
`
`(57)
`
`ABS'l‘RA(."I'
`
`A portable light or device may comprise: a light source or
`operative element; a switch for controlling energization o (the
`light source or operative element: and a housing supporting
`the light or operative element and the switch. The housing has
`a cotnpartnient having a relatively larger transverse dimen—
`sion in one region for receiving a battery having a correspond-
`ing larger transverse dimension and has a relatively smaller
`transverse dimension at least at one end tlicreoffor receiving
`a battery having a corresponding smaller transverse dimen—
`sion. At least one electrical contact in the compartment is
`movable for making electrical connection to batteries having
`a relatively sllorler length and a relatively longer length.
`
`26 Claims. 13 Drawing Sheets
`
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`
`US 8,727,561 B2
`Page 2
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`7,909,478
`'?,959,31'i'
`8.06-6.396
`8.120.268
`3.3 56,9 [0
`8548.6 33
`8562.169
`2(J03.*'007'?937
`200530 1 227 I5
`200Te’0l03l I4
`2007e'0182368
`2007102 79902
`200100068832
`200930040752
`200930135583
`
`B2
`132
`B2
`B2
`B2 ’“
`B2
`B2
`Al *
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al *
`A1
`Al "‘
`Al “'
`
`3."2fl1 1
`6.5201 1
`1 13201 I
`2.-"2012
`l-"2013
`10.520 [3
`10.-‘Z013
`4.-"2003
`6.32005
`532007
`8:200’?
`12.02007
`3.12008
`252009
`532009
`
`Dallas
`Spartano ct al.
`Hunt
`Spanano er al_
`Messirlger e1 31.
`Adams ct al.
`Kcmptcr
`Berg ct al.
`Furlll el al.
`HoI1'111a.n
`Yang
`Kim ................ ..
`Spartano ct al.
`Dallas ............. ..
`Funh el al.
`...... ..
`
`....... ..
`
`.......... .. 362.-“I33
`
`.......... .. 439.3500
`
`.......... .. 362.-"202
`
`.......... .. 362F202
`.......... .. 362x'|5'r‘
`
`6.-""2010 Plofliman
`201030142195 Al
`12:20 10 Spanano cl .1].
`20 10.3030] 779 A1
`520 12 Kcmpter
`201230132403 A1
`552012 Adams Ct :11.
`201230133205 A1
`5.-"2012 Admns et a].
`201230136493 Al
`‘M2012 Snyder :31 al.
`201230235593 Al
`()'I']- IHR PU I31 .I(.'A'I’I()NS
`
`'l'l’S6l025.
`'1'l’S6l024.
`[nc.. “'l'l’S6l020,
`Instruments,
`Texas
`TPS6 I026. "IT’S6l02?. TSPfil02S. TPSG l029—*)6°/n Eflicienl Syn-
`chronous Boost Converler”. SLVS45 ID. if‘; 2003-2006. 27 pages.
`Microchip Technology. Inc. “MCPl623."24—I,uw—\rbltage Input
`Boosl Regulalor for Pico Microoonlmllers”. D34 l420A. (C: 2010. 26
`cs.
`E/Ia?-zrochip 'I'ccl1nology. l.nc.. "PIC l6I-‘785 Data Shoot“. DS4l249.«\.
`‘D 2004. 173 pages.
`
`* ciled by examiner
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 20, 2014
`
`Sheet 1 of 13
`
`US 8,727,561 B2
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`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 20, 2014
`
`Sheet 2 of 13
`
`US 8,727,561 B2
`
`FIGURE1B
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`U.S. Patent
`
`May 20, 2014
`
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`May 20, 2014
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`US 8,727,561 B2
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`May 20, 2014
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`May 20, 2014
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`US 8,727,561 B2
`
`1
`LIGI-IT ANDIOR DEVICE HAVING A
`COIWPARTMEN T ACCOMMODATING
`BATTERIES OF DIFFERENT TYPES. SIZES
`AND.-‘OR SHAPES
`
`The present invention relates to a light andfordevice and, in
`particular. to a ligltt andfor device having a compartment that
`can accommodate batteries of diiferent types. sizes andfor
`shapes.
`Typical conventional portable lights operate by design
`from a paniculartype ofbattery which has a standardized size
`and shape, e.g.. AA. AAA. C. D. CR123. CR2. attd so forth.
`C‘onventional lights are also designed to accept a battery that
`has a defined standard chemistry, e.g., a carbon zinc. an
`alkalittc. a lead acid. a Ni(..'d, a NiMl l. a litltittttt ora liIItittttt-
`ion chemistry. When the time comes to replace the battery in
`a conventional light the operator nntst have a replacement
`battery of the particular size. shape and chemistry needed.
`This results in a need to have available batteries of the diITe -
`
`Us
`
`if]
`
`15
`
`2
`
`compartmettt batteries taldiflerent sizes. shapes andfor types,
`without needing extra compartments or lobes that increase
`the size ofthe light.
`A portable light or device may comprise: a ligltt source or
`operative element; a switch for controlling energiralion o tthe
`light source or operative element: and a housing supporting
`the light source or operative elentent and the switch. A com-
`partntent of the housing may receive batteries o1'ditTercnt
`sizes and has a relatively larger diameter in a central region
`and has a relatively stnaller diameter at least at one end.
`Electrical contacts at opposite ends of the cylindrical corn-
`partntent are for making electrical connection to a battery
`which may be of a relatively larger diameter and a relatively
`shorter length or may be of a relatively smaller diameter and
`a relatively longer length.
`In another aspect. a portable light or device may comprise:
`a ligltt source or operative element; a switch for controlling
`energization of the light source or operative element: and a
`housing supporting the light or operative element and the
`switch. The housing has a coinpartmcrit having a relatively
`larger transverse dimension in one region for receiving a
`battery having a corresponding larger transverse dimension
`and has a relatively smaller transverse dimension at least at
`one end lhereol’ for receiving a battery having a correspottd-
`ing smaller transverse dimension. At least one electrical con-
`tact in the compartment is movable for making electrical
`connection to batteries having a relatively shorter length and
`a relatively lottger length.
`According to a further aspect. a light or device may coin-
`prise a housing having a companlnent for receiving a battery
`therein and an electronic circuit responsive to a battery being
`placed in the compartment of the ltottsi rig for detennining the
`type ofthe battery and changing an operating eottdition ofan
`operative element of the light or device responsive thereto
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`
`The detailed description of the preferred ernbodiment(s)
`will be more easily and better understood when read in con-
`jttnction with the FIGURES of the Drawing which include:
`FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are perspective views of an example
`embodiment of a portable light ofthe present arrangement;
`l"I(‘r. 2 is an exploded view of the example portable light of
`I"I(‘r. 1:
`FIG. 3 is a cross—sectional view of tlte example light:
`FIG. 4 is a cross—sectional view of the example light with a
`lirst type of battery tlterein;
`l"I(‘r. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the example light with a
`second different type of battery thereinj.
`FIG. 6. separated into parts 6A and 6B. is an electrical
`schematic diagram of example electronic circuitry suitable
`for use with the example portable light:
`l"lI("r. 7. separated into parts 6A and 6}}, is an electrical
`schematic diagram ofalternative example electronic circuitry
`suitable for use with the example portable light:
`FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an example embodiment
`of a circuit For measuring a voltage; and
`l"‘I(‘r. 9 includes l"-‘IGS. 9A and 9]! which are schematic flow
`diagrams tor example embodiments ofa method for measur-
`ing a voltage and responding. thereto.
`in the Drawing, where an element or feature is shown in
`more titan one drawing ligurc. llte sante alpltatttlmeric desig-
`nation may be used to designate such element or feature in
`each figure, and where a closely related or modified element
`is shown in a figure, the same alphamnnerical designation
`primed or designated
`or “b” or the like may be used to
`designate the modified element or feature. Similarly. similar
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`ettt sizes attd shapes. attd ol‘ the different chetnistries. oi‘ the
`lights in use. or to simplify battery replacement by limiting
`the lights that will be utilized to those light
`that accept a
`particular replacement battery.
`The foregoing is particularly disadvantageous. and may
`even be dangerous to life and limb, For lights that are _
`employed in the field or in a remote location, andfor where it
`is desirable or even necessary to 1101 be without an operating
`light. Examples include police, fire. military. hazardous mate-
`rials, and other hazardous or fast response enviroruuettts.
`Examples oflights suitable for such environments include the
`SIDEWINDER~'E=- light and the SIDEWINDER COMPACT®
`light both available from Streamlight. Inc. ol'Eagleville. Pa.
`which are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,549,766 entitled “l ightn
`Including an l.ilecLro-Optical ‘Phutonic‘ Selector Switch,
`Des. 549.379 entitled “Portable Light“ and Des. 611.629
`entitled “Portable Light," each of which is hereby incorpo-
`rated herein by reference in its entirety.
`One approach taken to alleviate this battery replacement
`pnoblent has been to provide lights that have separate battery
`compartments that can accept diflerent batteries of the same
`chemistry, e.g.. as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,447 entitled “Flash-
`light Using I)il‘t‘ei-enl Size Batteries.” Another approach has
`been to provide lights having battery compartments that have
`distinct sections and or lobes for receiving batteries oldille -
`ent sizes. e.g. as in U.S. Pat. No. 6.851.828 entitled “Flash-
`light Utilizing Diiferently Sized Batteries" and U.S. Pat. No.
`6,046,572 entitled “Battery Operated Appliance, Illashligltt
`and Switching Systems." liach of these arrangements resttlts
`in a light that is substantially larger than a light that accepts
`only one battery type dtte to the extra compartments andfor
`extra sections andlor lobes thereof that are needed to accept
`different battery sizes, shapes andfor types. and so tends to be
`disadvantageous for use in a miniature or compact light.
`The foregoing problem is not limited to lights_. bill is inl1er—
`ent with devices that utilize replaceable batteries as a source
`of power. For example, battery operated night vision goggles
`and other night vision devices. such as are utilized by the
`military and police, battery operated testing devices for [lant-
`tnable and hazardous gasses and other hazardous tnaterials.
`such as may be utilized by “haz-mat." utility and other emer-
`gency responders, would benefit from heittg able to he oper-
`ated with batteries ol‘dilI‘erent' sizes, shapes andfor types as
`tnay be available in a given situation. ratherthatt being lintited
`to a single type of battery. Likewise. various medical devices
`could also benefit from being operable on different batteries.
`Accordiitgly, Applicant believes tltere may be a need for a
`light and other devices that can accommodate in a battery
`
`60
`
`65
`
`

`
`3
`
`4
`
`US 8,727.56] B2
`
`elements or features may be designated by like alphanumeric
`designations in difl'erent figures of the Drawing and with
`similar nomenclature in the specification. According to com-
`mon practice. the variotts features of the drawing are not to
`scale. and the (limensions of the various features may be
`arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. and any valtte
`stated in any Figure is given by way of example only.
`
`l.)l7.S(_‘RlP'l‘ION 01'' TI II7. PRli]"'l.iRRl El.)
`liMB()l)IMl:.iN'[”(S)
`
`FIGS. 1A. 1B and 1C are perspective views ofan example
`embodiment ofa portable light 10 ofthe present arrangement.
`Ligltt 10 comprises a ligltt housing. 100 having a housing
`portiott 120 attd a housing portiott I40. l lottsittg portion 120
`may be generally rectangular and typically includes a light
`source assembly 200. Housing portion 120 resides adjacent a
`housing portion 140 which defines a generally cylindrical
`compartment therein for receivittg batteries o fdi lTerent types
`therein. One example preferred light source assembly 200
`includes a relatively higher light output light source 232 and
`one or more relatively lower light output light sources 236
`wlticlt typically produce light ltaving di lferent properties. e.g.
`diflerent colors andfor brightness.
`A selector or knob 250 at one end o fhousing portion 120 is
`for selecting the one of light sources 230, 232. 236 that is to
`produce light when light 10 is turned ON and for turning light
`ll) ON and OF] To tltat end. selector 250 preferably is rotat-
`able to select the pat1iculat" light snttnce 230. 232. 236 to be
`operated by being pulled away frotn light body 100 against a
`spring bias. rotated to a desired operating position indicative
`ofa selected light source 230. 232. 236. and then released to
`return toward body 100 by the spring bias. Selector knob 250
`preferably has a central push button actuator 25] that may be
`pressed to cause the selected light source 230. 232. 236 to be
`turned ON and OFF. and further. preferably to select a par
`ticular operating mode, e.g.. a brightness level. a continuous
`ON mode, a flashing mode. a blinking mode. and tile like.
`Body 100 typically has a tail cap 150 that covers the opett
`end of its battery comparttnent 302. e.g.. a compartment
`within housing portion 140, and may have a clip 160 by which
`light 10 may be attached to a person. an article andfor an
`object. Cap 150 may be tethered to housing portion [40 by a
`flexible connection 180 or tether 180 that allows cap 150 to be
`rotated relative to body 100. Clip 160 is preferably retained to
`body 100 by a clip cover 170 so as to be rotatable relative to
`body 100. whereby light prudttced by light It] may be directed
`over a range ofangulardirections when light I'll is attached by
`clip 16!). Cover 170 may include a vent port 172 for venting
`any pressure that might build up within body 100.
`FIG. 2 is an exploded view ofthe example portable light 10
`of 1’ 1G. 1 and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view thereof. Body
`100 portion 120 ltas El generally rectangular opening 122 to an
`interttal cavity 124 for receiving light source assembly 200
`therein. Light source assembly 200 is retained in body portion
`120 by a generally rectangular face cap 210 and lens 212
`which may be sealed by a lens gasket 214. Face cap or bevel
`210 is retained on body portion 120 by plural fasteners 2l6.
`e.g., screws 216, but may be retained by any suitable fasten-
`mg.
`Light source assetnbly 200 further includes a light source
`230 which includes an electronic circuit board 234 on which
`are mounted various electronic components including. but
`not litnited to. a first ligltt source 232. eg. a light emitting
`diode (LED) 232. one or more second type light sources 236.
`e.g.. plural L|'l|I)s 236, and switch 240 which responds to
`actuatiott of actuator 25] of selector 250 for controlling
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`operation of light sottrce 230. Reflector 220 typically has a
`cttrved shaped reflective surface and resides adjacent light
`source 232 which resides at an opening 222 at the rear or
`narrow end of reflector 220. Reflector 220 may include a letts
`andfor protective cover 212 over light source 232. Panel 224
`resides adjacent circuit board 234 and provides openings for
`light sources 236. and also serves to block external light front
`impinging upon optical components 242 located on circuit
`board 234.
`
`Housing portion 120 also has an opening I26 at an end
`thereof lbr receiving selector 250 thereitt. Selector 250
`includes a ring portion 252 for being rotated for selecting the
`light source 232. 236 that can be energized ancltor controlled
`by actuating actuator 25] to operate switch 240. Central shall
`253 of selector 250 extends through opening 126 ittto sensor
`shroud 254 or baffle 254 which is secured thereon by E—ring
`259 or other fastener. Spring 258. eg. a wave spring 258.
`resides in compression between a shoulder of shroud 254 and
`the inner surface of housing portion 120 for biasing shroud
`254 attd selector 250 toward housing I20.
`Selector 250 is rotatable relative to body 100. e.g._. relative
`to poition 120 of ltottsing Ill). and typically has a number of
`selecting positions corresponding to the number of light
`sources 232. 236 oflight source 230. Where light source 230
`has fourlight sources 232. 236. selector 250 ltas four selection
`positions. Selector 250 is rotated from one selection position
`to another by pulling selector ring 252 away front body 100
`against the bias of spring 258, rotating selector ring 252 to a
`desired position. and releasing selector ring 252 which is
`pulled toward body 100 housing 110 by spring 258.
`Shroud 254 rotates with selector ring 252 as part of selector
`250 zutd presents surfaces of diiferent optical reflectivity to
`electro-optical components 242 at each of its positions. i.e
`four positions where selector 250 has four positions for
`selecting ones of the four light sources 232. 236. Electro-
`optical components 242 may include, e.g._. two photo—emit—
`ter—photo~detector pairs that produce light that
`is either
`more strongly reflected or is less strongly or not rellected by
`the surfaces of shroud 254 creating four unique conditions for
`light
`from the photo—emitters 242 impinging upon their
`respective photodetectors 242. frotn which the position of
`selector 250 can be detected from the outputs from photo-
`dctectors 242. the outputs from photo-detectors 242 are
`decoded for the circuitry oflight source 230 selecting the one
`of light sources 232. 236 that is selectively energizable by
`actuator 251 and switch 240. Selector 250 may be sealed by
`an ()—ring 253.
`Selector 250 and its associated circuitry may be. e.g., simi-
`lar to the selector arrangement and its operation described in
`U.S. Pat. No. ';'.549.'i'66 entitled “Light Including an Electro-
`Optical ‘Photonic’ Selector Switch."
`Portion 140 ofhousing 11 0 ltas an ittterior compartment for
`receiving a battery or batteries therein. which battery or bat-
`teries may be of different types. sizes andfor shapes. The
`battery compartment elements 300 of light ll) that are dis-
`posed in the battery compartment 302 of housing portion 1 10
`and in cap 150 are described below. One end of housing
`portion 140 has a threaded end 142 through which a battery or
`batteries may be placed into attd removed front housing 110,
`which end 142 is closed or covered by a cap or tail cap 150.
`(‘ap 150 inclttdes a cap housing 152 and tnay ltave an optional
`tether 180 associated therewith and may be scaled by an
`O—ring 158. Optional tether 180 typically cotnprises two rings
`182 joined by a tethering link 184. When one ring 182 is
`disposed in an external grove 141 near housittg end 142 and
`the other rittg 1 82 is disposed itt an external groove 1 51 ofcap
`housing 152. cap 150 and housittg 1 10 are conttected by tetltcr
`
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`US 8,727,561 B2
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`130 whereby cap [50 is not easily lost or misplaced when
`unscrewed frotn threaded end 142 ofhottsing 110. Preferably.
`rings 182 are sized to move relatively freely within groves
`141. 151, so that cap 150 may easily be removed and installed.
`The other end ofhousing portio11 I50 has a seat l46 thereat
`the external portion of which is for receiving a cover 170
`thereon. Cover 170 and seat 146 when assembled provide a
`groove therebetween in which mottnting ring 166 ofclip 160
`is disposed with an O-ring 168. thereby to provide a mottnting
`for clip I60 on light body ]00. whereby clip I60 tnay swivel
`about housing portion 140. eg., about central axis 141
`thereof. O—ring 168 may provide a seal and may provide a
`friction with mounting ring 166 for retaining clip [60 in a
`position to which it is svvivelled. (‘over 170 may be retained
`on seat I46 by. e.g.. an ttltrasonic. thennal or cltemical weld.
`by an adhesive or by any other suitable fastener. Cover 170
`may have a vent 1'72 therein for releasing pressure that may
`build up within housing 110.
`Battery companment elements 300 are disposed within the
`battery compartment 302 of light body I00 for providing
`electrical connections for a banery or batteries of different
`shapes and sizes therein and for positioning the battery or
`batteries ofditfercnt shapes and sizes in respective predete -
`mined positions therein. Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3.
`battery contacts 324. 154 are located at opposite ends of
`battery compartment 302 for making electrical contact with
`the terminals at the respective ends of a battery or batteries
`that may be placed into battery compartment 302. (‘ontacts
`324. 154 are preferably spring contacts, however, other types
`of contacts may be employed. While contacts 324. 154 may
`be configured for accepting a battery or batteries being placed
`in compartment 302 with either positive end in or negative
`end in. it is pgeferred that the battery or batteries be placed
`with positive end in. Thus. battery contact 324 preferably
`provides an electrical connection for the terminal at the posi-
`tive end of the battery or batteries and battery contact 154
`preferably provides an electrical connection for the terminal
`at the negative end of the battery or batteries.
`Battery compartment 302 l1as a diameter I),_ which is corn-
`patible with the relatively larger diameter ofone ofthe types
`of cylindrical battery or batteries intended to be placed
`therein, and accommodates batteries having a range of
`lengths from a relatively shorter length [.3 to a relatively
`longer length LL. A tubular sleeve 320 is disposed coaxially at
`the bottom of compartment 302 so as to provide a reduced
`diameter portion or section thereat having a relatively smaller
`diameter D5 which is compatible with the relatively smaller
`diameter of another of the types of cylindrical battery or
`batteries intended to be placed therein. While sleeve 320 may
`be retained in housing portion 140 by friction. sleeve 320
`preferably has a resilient projection 321 that snaps outwardly
`into a recess in the interior surface of housing 140 attd coin-
`partment 302 to retain sleeve 320 therein. or sleeve 320 may
`be retained therein by a weld. adhesive or other suitable
`fastener.
`
`Interior lo sleeve 320 is a contact spring 324. Contact
`spring 324 is preferably a “Christmas tree” shaped spring
`having. e.g.. a tapered helical coil 32451 at one end that ends at
`a relatively diameter compatible with Contact ring 312 of
`contact strip 310 so as to make electrical contact therewith
`and at the other end 3243), beyond a larger diameter portion,
`preferably reduces to a relatively small diameter. e.g.. ltaving
`a relatively flat or short spiral portion. so as to provide an
`electrical contact 3245 to which a terminal at the end of a
`
`battery can make electrical contact.
`Contact 324 expands to a length sufficient to contact the
`terrninal at the end ofa relatively larger diameter battery that
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`is near or abuts the forward end of sleeve 320 and is com-
`pressible so as to allow compartment 302 to accept the length
`ofa battery of relatively smaller diameter the end of which
`extends into the reduced diameter portion of compartment
`302 defined by sleeve 320. Generally. bttt ttot necessarily. the
`battery of relatively larger diameter l)_,_ is also the battery
`having a relatively shorter length L5 and the battery of rela-
`tively smaller diameter D5 is also the battery having a rela-
`tively longer length l.,_, e.g.. as is the case comparing a size
`CR] 23 battery and a size AA or AAA battery.
`Preferably, bttt optionally, a cup-shaped polarity ring 322
`receives the end 324!) of spring 324 and is movable axially in
`sleeve 320 and compartment 302 for adjusting to the length of
`a battery or batteries that may be placed therein. Connection
`may be made to contact 324 through opening 3223?. however.
`contact 324 preferably does not extend through opening
`322%. and so a flat terminal. e.g.. a flat end ofa battery. placed
`against polarity ring 322 preferably does not make electrical
`contact with spring 324. Polarity ring 322 is preferably
`retained in sleeve 320 by a circular ridge or other feature at the
`open or forward end thereofand so is inserted into sleeve 320
`along with spring 324 before sleeve 320 is inserted into com-
`partrnent 302.
`Polarity ring 322 preferably has a central opening 322}: in
`the relatively flat circular end thereof that is of a sire suff-
`ciently large as to permit the relatively smaller diameter ofa
`male end terminal of a battery. such as the male positive
`terminal of typical batteries of the conunon AA. AAA. C. 1),
`("R123 and CR2 sizes. to enter therein, bttt
`is sufficiently
`small as to not permit the flat end of such battery to enter
`therein. Since a battery inserted in compartment 302 in the
`incorrect (reverse of intended) orientation camtot make elec-
`trical connection with contact 324. it cannot connect an oppo-
`site polarity voltage that might damage the electronic cir-
`cuitry oflight 10.
`Electrical connection between battery contact 324 and
`light sottrce 230 is provided by a contact strip 310 which
`includes a conductive strip 314 extending from a circular
`contact ring 312 at one end thereofto a tip 316 at the other end
`thereof. Contact ring 312 is preferably circular and is dis-
`posed in seat 146 at the bottom (closed) end of compartment
`302 of housing 140 at which the end of portion 324a of
`contact 324 makes electrical contact and tip 3 l 6 is connected
`to light source 230. eg. by being soldered to circuit board
`234.
`
`At the other (open) end of compartment 302, battery ring
`156 is disposed coaxially in tail cap housing 152 to retain
`spring contact 154 therein and to provide a reduced diameter
`seat 157 for an end of a battery in compartment 302. Specifi-
`cally. battery ring 156 has a cylindrical recess 15? of rela-
`tively smaller diameter D5. in which the circular end of a
`battery of relatively smaller diameter may rest. or in other
`words. battery ring I56 has an internal shoulder [57 against
`which the circular end of such battery may rest. The bottom
`end ofring 156 is seated in a circular groove in the bottom of
`cap 152 in which ring 156 is retained by, e.g.. friction. a weld,
`adhesive or other suitable fastener.
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`Battery contact 154 includes a contact spring 154 that is
`preterably a double concentric coil or “trap” spring 154.
`Spring 154 preferably has an inner helical portion 154a ofa
`relatively smaller diameter and a relatively longer length and
`preferably has an outer helical portion l54b of a relatively
`larger diameter and a relatively sltoner length. Imter portion
`154:: extends from a relatively smaller diameter end at which
`contact to the end ofa battery is to be made to a relatively
`larger diameter section at
`the bottom of cap 152 which
`includes a relatively flat spiral that spirals outward further to
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`the relatively larger diameter of outer portion 1546. Battery
`ring 156 preferably ltas one or more notches oropenings at the
`bottom end thereon through which spring 154 passes.
`Preferably the inner portion 154a ofcontact spring 154 is a
`tapered helical portion and tl1e relatively larger diameterouter
`portion is of substantially the same diameter over its length.
`inner spring portion 154a expands at least as far as the end of
`battery ring 156. and preferably slightly farther, so as to be
`able to make contact with the end of a battery of a relatively
`larger diameter |)y_ and is compressible at least as far as
`shoulder 157 so as to allow the end of a battery of relatively
`smaller diameter D5 to seat tiear to or against shoulder 15?.
`When cap 150 is screwed onto housing 110. e.g.. onto
`threads 142 othousing portion 140. outer coil 1545 of battery
`contact spring 154 electrically connects to contact ring 330
`which has an end 336 that connects to light source 230.
`Specifically. contact ring 330 has a flared ring 332 that is
`seated at the circular end 142 ofhousing portion 140. and has
`a conductor strip 334 that extends into battery compartment
`302 and through an opening in housing I 10 into light source
`compartment 124 thereof. Tip 336 at the opposite end of
`conductor strip 334 is connected to light source 230, e. g.. by
`being soldered to circuit board 234.
`In addition. clip 160 preferably has a keyhole shaped open-
`ing IG4 in ann member 162 thereof for attaching light 10 to a _
`mounting post, e.g.. as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,581,847
`entitled “C LIP—ON. CLIP OFF MOUNTING DEVICE. AS
`I“()R./\ l-’()R'llAl3l.l3'l. Ll(il"lT." which is hereby incorporated
`herein by reference in its entirety. llousing lltl may include
`an absorbent package or pellet 191. e.g.. a “de—oxo" pellet. in
`the interior thereof for absorbing hydrogen. however, a dif-
`ferent or another pellet that absorbs moisture or another unde-
`sirable sttbstancc could be provided.
`FIG. 4 is a