This invention relates to cases and protective enclosures. This invention is particularly directed to protective enclosures suitable for sheltering flashlights while enabling their use as lighting devices.

2. The Background Art.

Enclosures and housings in which objects are stored and protected are available in a wide variety of configurations. Each object generally has one or more unique requirements for container form, fit, and function which must be satisfied in an optimum container.

Considerable effort has been expended to provide containers adapted especially to house and protect certain objects. In particular, a wide variety of cylindrical containers are available, but are best suited for specific uses.

For example in the fishing arts, fishing poles require a rigid protective case, as taught by Tutton in U. S. Patent No. 2,473,977. U. S. Patent No. 2,729,913 by Holwerda, teaches a transparent tubular container offering protection for hooks, such as flies. Advantages of Holwerda's container include having a removable partition to allow selection and retrieval of a particular fly, and portability, being sized to fit within and clip onto, a shirt pocket.

Containers in which to store beverage containers and the like have been adapted to fulfill transportation, holding, and insulation requirements. Toida et al. in U. S. Patent No. 5,335,809 teach a metal clad insulated beverage container having a cylindrical shape, an over- the-shoulder carrying strap, and a variety of end closure configurations. U. S. Patent No. 5,740,951 by Jack teaches an insulated beverage can holder which can be carried on a person's belt. Jack's beverage holder is generally cylindrical, and has a removable lid attached to a body by a tether to provide a secondary belt loop.

Traegde in U. S. Patent No. 5,244,114 teaches a container for a sports bottle, is generally cylindrical, and is adapted to hang in an upright orientation from a golf bag. Beard et al. in U. S. Patent No. 5,582,335 teach a length of flexible tubular material having an annular

ring at one end to releasably retain a baby bottle.

Beard's device offers no-hands support of the bottle in a feeding position, and may be suspended from a clip.

An umbrella holder is taught by Jackson in U. S.

Patent No. 4,558,807. Jackson's umbrella holder is generally cylindrical, has an over-the-shoulder carrying strap, and a strap system to retain an umbrella in a stored position. U. S. Patent No. Des. 281,288 teaches an umbrella holder having a belt loop or clip, and also capable of carrying dog repellant.

Containers have been created to retain other cylindrical objects. Shoemaker in U. S. Patent No.

5,711,468 teaches a police baton holder. Shoemaker's baton holder provides a holster which may be worn on a belt, and offers a hinged lid secured against accidental opening by a snap mechanism. In U. S. Patent No.

5,373,980 Rowell et al. provide a protective case for camera lenses having variable dimensions. Externally attached compression straps are provided to collapse the case's cylindrical walls, thereby adapting the container to fit variable diameters of the enclosed lens.

Several containers have been created specifically for lighting devices, including flashlights. Ford et al. in U. S. Patent No. Des 391,653 teach a light stick with a suspension loop on one end. An emergency flashlight holder is taught by Kang in U. S. Patent No. 5,413,223.

Kang's device is a structural housing without padding.

The housing has a hinged compartment providing sufficient room to hold spare batteries and a lamp bulb. Anderson in U. S. Patent No. 5,188,450 also teaches a flashlight holder which accommodates spare batteries. Anderson's flashlight holder provides a cushion grip, has a noncircular cross-section to provide spare battery storage, and has a separate hood element to cover the lamp end of a flashlight.

While many containers are available to house cylindrical objects as indicated above, the requirements for an optimum flashlight holder are not yet fully met by the previously available devices. It would be an improvement in the art to provide a padded flashlight enclosure having an aesthetically pleasing generally cylindrical exterior shape and an interior sized to

receive a flashlight shaft in close and protective confinement. It would be a further improvement to provide a flashlight case in which a flashlight may be safely stored and transported while allowing use of the flashlight as a light source. A further improvement would be a protective flashlight case adapted for suspension from an object thereby providing hands-free use of the flashlight as a light source.

BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an apparatus for receiving a flashlight for storage, or transportation, and in some instances, for convenient use. Typically, the apparatus includes a generally cylindrical housing having a length that is at least equal to the length of a flashlight to be protected therewithin. Such a housing may be regarded as a protective flashlight case or container. The housing may include a body portion having a generally cylindrical exterior surface, a top end and a bottom end, and may provide protective padding surrounding a flashlight contained within the housing.

Alternative exterior shapes, including those with noncircular cross-sections, are within contemplation in alternative embodiments of the present invention.

A closure for one end of the apparatus may be provided. Typically, a means to open and close an end of the flashlight case is provided. In general, a retaining structure, such as a hinged and zippered lid, may be associated with an end of the body to retain a flashlight within the apparatus. Alternative retaining structure includes a drawstring closure, which may include a spring-actuated cord lock to secure the drawstring cord in a closed position. Alternative retaining structures within contemplation of the present invention include an interference fit between a cylindrical portion of an enclosed flashlight and the protective padding provided by the housing.

Padding included within a body portion of the housing is generally configured and arranged to be in close agreement with a cylindrical portion of an enclosed flashlight. Typical body padding may include exterior padding in the form of a cylindrical wall having a first

padding thickness and a first length, and interior padding having a second thickness and a second length.

The interior padding typically has an external shape sized to fit within the inner wall of the exterior padding. The interior padding is typically in the general form of a cylinder and has an internal diameter configured and arranged for a fit in close agreement to a cylindrical section of an inserted flashlight. A lanyard may also be associated with the case body to provide a leash between a person's wrist and flashlight case, thereby to prevent accidental dropping of the case. An area on an exterior cylindrical surface of the flashlight case body is suitable for the display of distinctive markings, such as stenciled lettering, advertising, team emblems, personalized indicia, or the like.

An embodiment of the present invention may include a hook associated with an end of the body for suspending the flashlight case from an object. Other flashlight case suspension elements, including a belt loop and an over-the-shoulder carrying strap, may be provided.

Certain preferred embodiments of the invention include a resilient body portion of the protective flashlight case or housing, to allow actuation of a twist-type on/off switch of an enclosed flashlight without removing the flashlight from the protective case.

The case body may provide inherent protective padding for an enclosed flashlight, and may be configured and arranged in adaptable agreement with at least a cylindrical portion of an inserted flashlight. Preferred embodiments typically utilize a retaining structure, including a friction fit between the resilient body and an inserted flashlight, and may have a draw cord closure located on an end of the case body. A flashlight may be used as a light source while fully inserted into the case, or partially protruding from the case. Retaining structure of certain preferred embodiments can hold a partially protruding flashlight in place, thereby preventing separation of the flashlight from the case.

Preferred materials for construction of a protective flashlight housing include a cloth-faced neoprene material.

One particularly desirable feature is a clip element from which to suspend the protective flashlight case having an enclosed flashlight, with the clip element being associated generally with an end of the body so that a centerline through a suspended flashlight will inherently be aligned closer to vertical than to horizontal. This clip arrangement allows hands-free use of a flashlight as an area light. Typically, a belt loop may be associated with the cylindrical exterior surface of the flashlight case body. Preferred embodiments according to this invention allow use of a flashlight as a lighting source while retaining the flashlight in a substantially protected configuration.

In view of the forgoing, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a housing for lighting devices which protect the lighting device during transportation and storage.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a case or housing for a flashlight which provides protection during transportation and storage and which allows for convenient use of the flashlight.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a housing for a flashlight which is aesthetically pleasing.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a protective housing for a flashlight which does not require the removal of the flashlight from the housing to use the flashlight.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a protective case for a flashlight which can be hung or suspended from, or attached to, a variety of objects.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become more fully apparent from the description and claims which follow, or may be learned by the practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings, which illustrate what is currently regarded as the best mode for carrying out the invention, and wherein like elements are designated with like numerals throughout:

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of an exemplary embodiment of a flashlight holder according to principals of the invention; FIG. 2 is a view in partial cross-section of the embodiment of Figure 1; FIG. 3 shows the embodiment of Figure 1 in a closed configuration; FIG. 4 is a view in elevation of a second exemplary embodiment of the invention with a flashlight fully enclosed; FIG. 5 is a view of the embodiment of Figure 4 with a flashlight protruding for use as an area light FIG. 6 is another view of the embodiment of Figure 4 with a flashlight protruding for use as a directed beam light.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made to the drawings in which the various elements of the invention will be given numerical designations and in which the invention will be discussed so as to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It is to be understood that the following description is only exemplary of the principles of the present invention, and should not be viewed as narrowing the claims which follow.

Figure 1 illustrates a first preferred embodiment, generally indicated at 10, of a housing according to the present invention. The invention may in general be regarded as a protective case or container in which to hold or store a flashlight. The housing, or case, 10 incorporates a lid, generally indicated at 20, attached to a generally cylindrical body, generally indicated at 30. The lid 20 is one embodiment of a means to close an opening for access to store or retrieve a flashlight.

Depending upon the fit of the flashlight in the case, the lid may also serve as the most preferred example of a means to retain the flashlight in the case. The illustrated attachment of lid 20 to body 30 is by way of a hinge, generally indicated at 35, formed by an interruption of circumferential zipper 40. In Figure 1, lid 20 is shown rotated out of the way for access to the interior of the cylindrical body 30 to stow or retrieve a

flashlight, the flashlight being generally indicated at 50 in Figure 1. Lid 20 may also be secured in an open position by a fastener element, such as a hook-and-loop fastener (not shown) so that the flashlight may be operated while substantially protected within the case.

Flashlight 50 is illustrated in a stowed position, cradled within a receiving cylinder formed by padding 55.

Decorative trim, such as the illustrated emblem generally represented at 60, may be included to indicate the manufacturer, provide space for advertising, or to provide a location for personalization such as an owner's initials. A strap loop or lanyard 65 may be provided as a wrist loop to prevent a user from dropping the flashlight case 10. Loop 65 also may serve as a means to hang the case from a support. A hook element may be provided either with or without a lanyard, in alternative embodiments, as another preferred example of a means to suspend the flashlight case 10 from a supporting object.

The illustrated embodiment of flashlight case 10 can be manufactured to accommodate any size or length of flashlight 50, including flashlights having 1,2,3 or more batteries of various types including AAA, AA, C, and D.

Additional details of construction of the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 are shown in Figure 2.

Lid 20 includes a substantially cylindrical wall, generally indicated at 70, having an exterior surface 75 and internal padding 80. In the illustrated embodiment, exterior surface 75 of the lid wall 70 is made of a durable material, such as a nylon pack-cloth. Internal lid wall padding 80 may preferably be a closed cell foam having a thickness of about 1/8 inch. The lid top, generally indicated at 85, has an exterior surface 90 and padding 95. In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, the exterior surface 90 of the lid tip 85 is also made of a durable material, such as a nylon pack-cloth. Internal lid wall padding 95 may also preferably be a closed cell foam having a thickness of about 1/8 inch. It is to be understood that alternative padding materials having other thicknesses are workable throughout the apparatus.

Internal padding 80 and 95 may be attached to lid exterior surfaces 75 and 90 by sewing, use of adhesive

material, press-fit, or any other method known to those skilled in the art. Cylindrical wall 70 of lid 20 has a length and a diameter of a size sufficient to accommodate a bell housing 100 located on a first end 101 of the flashlight 50.

Still referring to Figure 2, a container body, generally indicated at 30, has a substantially cylindrical wall, generally indicated at 105, with an exterior surface 110 and body padding 115. In the illustrated embodiment, body padding 115 is a length of closed cell foam that is formed into the shape of a tube.

The foam tube forming body padding 115 has an inside diameter in substantial correspondence with a shaft 120 of the flashlight 100. The illustrated flashlight 100 has an on/off switch 125 of the pushbutton type. Foam body padding 115 provides sufficient structural reinforcement to prevent inadvertent actuation of switch 125 under most circumstances. A rigid protection section (not shown) may further be incorporated as a cylindrical layer or partial length cylinder to provide additional security for the switch to prevent inadvertent actuation of the switch 125. Alternatively, emblem 60 could encircle the circumference of body 30 to provide additional protection from inadvertent actuation of the switch 125.

A second end 130 of flashlight 50 is preferably protected from contact with damaging objects by an air space 135 between second end 130 and a closed-off bottom 140 of body 30. The gap or air space 135 is formed by an excess length of body 30 compared to flashlight 50. Of course, air space 135 may alternatively include padding within the scope of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates the first embodiment of a flashlight case 10 in a closed configuration. As will be appreciated from an understanding of the description provided herein, the invention provides a rugged case in which to shield a flashlight during storage or transportation, and also provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance. As noted above, various types of handle appendages may be affixed to the case to facilitate transportation and storage of the flashlight case. In certain embodiments, lid 20 may have a reduced

length of wall 70 as compared to the illustrations of Figures 1-3. Lid 20 may even not have a cylindrical wall section 70 at all, since the fastener element may be located, for example, around the perimeter of lid top 85.

It is within contemplation for the lid 20 and case 30 (and even ends 85 and 140) to be made from a protective material providing an inherent measure of padding, such as a cloth-faced neoprene material. A sleeve of padding material 55, such as foam body padding 115, sized to accommodate the flashlight shaft 120 and slid into place within body 30 would complete the flashlight container. Such construction as described would provide the advantage of reducing the amount of labor required to manufacture a flashlight holder 10.

Padding 55 within body 30 serves several functions.

First, it protects the flashlight 50 from damage.

Second, the padding 55 centers the flashlight in approximate coaxial alignment with both case body 30 and lid 20. A centered flashlight enables easy opening and closing of lid 20, and presents a good"feel"to a user.

Close correspondence between the inside diameter of padding 55 and flashlight shaft 120 prevents rattling of flashlight 50 in container 10. A degree of compression fit between padding 55 and flashlight shaft 120 may also provide a means of retaining flashlight 50 inside container 10 even when lid 20 is open. Padding 55 may be affixed in place with stitching, glue, or a friction fit.

One alternative to the use of a continuous cylindrical internal sleeve forming padding 55 would be the use of axially directed lengths of padding, spaced at intervals around the internal circumference of case body 30. Another alternative includes shorter cylindrical sections of padding, spaced at one or more intervals along the axis of the case. Such spaced padding protects and cradles the flashlight, and reduces the overall weight of the case.

Figure 4 illustrates a second preferred embodiment, generally indicated at 200, of a flashlight case or container according to the present invention. The illustrated embodiment 200 can be manufactured to accommodate any size or length of flashlight 50, including flashlights having 1,2,3 or more batteries of

various types including AAA, AA, C, and D. However, it is particularly preferred that the illustrated embodiment 200 be used with a particular design of flashlight having an area light at one end (see Figure 5) and a directional light at the other end (see Figure 6) while having a body with substantially the same diameter along its length.

Other light emitting devices can be used in accordance with the present invention.

The embodiment illustrated in Figure 4 includes a cylindrical container body, generally indicated at 30, which is shown as having a closed-off bottom 140. It is currently preferred for bottom i40 to be closed-off, but such closure is not a requirement of the presently preferred embodiments of the present invention. An extension of cylindrical wall 105 beyond the inserted length of a flashlight provides full protection to the inserted flashlight. Cylindrical wall 105 and bottom 140 are preferably made from a material with inherent cushioning and resilience, such as a cloth-faced neoprene material. A drawstring closure, generally indicated at 210, has a spring-loaded cord-lock 215 and cord 220, and is provided as one example of a means to securely retain a flashlight inside container 200. It is not necessary for the drawstring closure to be capable of snugging completely shut. As long as the opening is reduced in size compared to a flashlight end diameter, the flashlight cannot be accidentally removed. The reduced diameter closure section forms a protruding cylindrical wall extending exterior to the contained flashlight and fully protects the flashlight end. Other retaining elements besides drawstring-type elements are within contemplation of the present invention, including a zippered lid, hook-and-loop fasteners of various configurations, mechanical interference fasteners including snaps and quick-release buckles, and even friction between the flashlight and case body 30. A spring-clip hook 225 may be provided in association with bottom 140 as one means to suspend the container from a support. Belt loop 230 is also preferably provided as a means to conveniently transport the container 200.

Figure 5 illustrates the embodiment 200 in one preferred use as a support for an area light. Hook 225

may be attached to a cord or other structure to suspend the case 200 and a flashlight 240. Such use is convenient, for example, in a tent. Illustrated flashlight 240 is a dual-ended combination flashlight, as described in U. S. Patent Application No. 09/240,089 which is now incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and has a fairly uniform cylindrical configuration. That is, there is no significant demarcation between the flashlight shaft and, for example, a bellhousing around the lightbulb. Flashlight 240 has one end adapted to serve as an area light, and the other end serves as a directional, beam type light. Other types and configurations of flashlights are equally appropriate for use with embodiments of this invention. In particular, flashlights having distinct handgrip shafts and lamp bell housings may be stored and protected in embodiments of this invention. Certain embodiments may provide an enlarged cylindrical end portion in which to accommodate a bell housing. Other embodiments of this invention may include additional padding, as illustrated by body padding 115 in Figure 2, to accommodate a difference between flashlight shaft 120 and bell housing 100 diameters. Some of the described embodiments advantageously maintain a more aesthetically pleasing uniform cylindrical shape along the length of the flashlight case.

In Figures 5 and 6, it can be seen that the case body 30 has an empty diameter slightly less than that of flashlight, a first end of which is illustrated at 240 in Figure 5 and a second end of which is illustrated at 242 in Figure 6. Also illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the cylindrical wall 105 resiliently expands to accommodate the inserted length and diameter of a flashlight as generally indicated at 245. The illustration is exaggerated for clarification. The flashlight container embodiment may not visibly change in outside diameter, but rather the inside diameter of the padding will conform to the inserted length and diameter of a flashlight. The interference fit between the case padding and a flashlight may serve as a means to retain the flashlight in the case 200. An interference fit between the case padding and a flashlight is preferred,

but is not required for the practice of this invention.

A retaining structure, such as drawstring closure 210, may be employed to retain the flashlight in container 200 as best illustrated by Figure 6. In Figure 6, cord lock 215 secures cord 220 in snug engagement around flashlight 240, thereby providing an example of either a primary or secondary flashlight retaining means. In certain situations, cord 220 may advantageously be made from a resilient or elastic material to provide friction force around the circumference of a flashlight when drawn tight and secured by cord lock 215. Cord 220 may also function as a lanyard, similar to strap 65 of Figures 1-3, to prevent damage from dropping the flashlight and case during hand-held operations.

Figure 4 illustrates the flashlight container 200 with a flashlight fully contained therewithin for transportation or storage. The flashlight is protected from damage by resilient padding incorporated into case body 30. Forming the case body 30 from a resilient material such as neoprene allows an encased flashlight having a twist-type on/off switch to be turned on (or off) by gripping and twisting the exterior of the case while the flashlight remains protected therein. The drawstring closure 210 securely retains the flashlight inside the case, even if the case is transported or stored by suspension from hook 225. Alternatively, the case may be suspended from cord 220, or by way of belt loop 230.

A flashlight may be used as a light source, while substantially or nearly completely enclosed within the case, as illustrated by Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 emphasizes the use of an enclosed flashlight as an area light, and Figure 6 presents a flashlight configured as a directional beam projecting device. The configuration of Figure 5 may advantageously be suspended from an object by hook 225, or attached to an object such as a pole, tree, belt, length of cord, or similar device (not shown) by way of belt loop 230. Similar suspension options are available for the configuration of Figure 6, but more typical would be hand-held operation. A flashlight with retaining structure deployed, as in Figure 1, may also

provide light through the incompletely closed aperture at the top of the cylindrical body.

In view of the forgoing, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides a housing for lighting devices which protects a lighting device during transportation and storage and which allows for convenient use of the light device. The present invention also provides a housing for a flashlight which is aesthetically pleasing and which does not require the removal of the flashlight from the housing to use the flashlight.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.