WO2013169233A1

WO2013169233A1 - Flashlight with photovoltaic power source

Info

Publication number: WO2013169233A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/036931
Authority: WO
Inventors: Terry Peterson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-05-08
Filing date: 2012-05-08
Publication date: 2013-11-14
Anticipated expiration: 2014-11-08

Description

FLASHLIGHT WITH PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SOURCE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of portable lighting that may include hybrid or multiple power sources, including photovoltaic solar panels, stored power from a rechargeable battery, a backup battery power source, and direct power from an AC wall plug, a 12 volt car charger, or a USB cable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A wide variety of portable light sources and flashlights have been developed to provide portable utility lighting when the ambient lighting is insufficient. The problem with flashlights is that the battery power source may be used up rendering the flashlight unable to provide the desired light. The second problem is that the user typically does not discover that the battery power of the flashlight has been depleted until the user requires the flashlight in an emergency situation.

Flashlights with rechargeable batteries have partially solved this problem. However, in the present invention, multiple power sources are provided, so the flashlight is always ready to use. DISCUSSION OF RELEVANT PRIOR ART

U.S. Patent No. 4,648,013 discloses a self charging solar battery for a flashlight having a rechargeable nickel-cadmium cell and a solar electric panel. Sunlight passes through the transparent housing of the flashlight and energizes the solar panel which then supplies recharging current to the nickel-cadmium cell. This patent does not teach your invention of having a back-up power source from an independent lithium battery, and this patent does not teach having multiple indicator lights to indicate to the user which of three power sources is being used.

U.S. Patent No. 4,782,432 discloses a multi-function flashlight having multiple light sources, including a spot light, a florescent light, and a strobe light. The flashlight battery may be recharged by solar cells disposed within the battery housing. This patent does not teach your invention of having a back-up power source from an independent lithium battery, and this patent does not teach having multiple indicator lights to indicate to the user which of three power sources is being used.

U.S. Patent No. 6,563,269 discloses a rechargeable flashlight having multiple charging systems including a solar panel, an AC charger, an auto charger, and a hand crank generator charger. This patent does not teach your invention of having a back-up power source from an independent lithium battery, and this patent does not teach having multiple indicator lights to indicate to the user which of three power sources is being used. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

it is an object of the present invention to provide a light source that is stationery or portable, such as a flashlight, which is rechargeable by sunlight and any other light source.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a light source that has an option to use AC or DC power, and the light source can be operated by direct electrical energy or by a stored charge.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a solar light source that is 12 volts or 120 volts, which is powered by a stored charge or with direct solar power.

It is an object of the present invention to provide multiple power sources, including direct power from a solar panel, stored power from a rechargeable battery, backup power from a disposable battery, or direct power from an AC wall plug, a 12 volt car charger, or a USB cable.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a backup battery system which can be manually switched on or off.

It is an object of the present invention to also provide a set of indicator lights to inform the user what the light source is that the power source is running on, which can be either a stored power source, or a backup power source, or a direct power source.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a flashlight powered by solar power, stored power, backup power, or a direct AC power source, wherein a housing is provided having a first and second end and a length defining at least one opening at the first end. A photovoltaic solar array is arranged generally within the opening such that incident light can pass through the transparent opening and be received by the photovoltaic array to provide a source of direct power for the flashlight. At least one power storage element is provided having a rechargeable battery cell secured within the housing so as to provide a source of stored power for the flashlight. A reserve or back up power storage element, such as a disposable battery, is operable to provide a source of backup power for the flashlight. A multi-position switch is configured to allow the user to select between the solar power source, or the backup power source or the stored power source or the direct AC power source to always provide operating power for the flashlight. Plural indicator lights are provided to indicate the selected power source as being the solar power source, or the stored power source, or the backup power source, or the direct AC power source. In addition, the direct power source can be provided from an AC wall plug, or a 12 volt car charger, or a USB cable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a portable flashlight with three different power sources.

Figure 2 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a portable flashlight with three different power sources.

Figure 3 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a portable flashlight with three different power sources.

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a portable flashlight with three different power sources.

Figure 5 is a circuit diagram of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a portable flashlight with three different power sources.

Figure 6 is a flow chart of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a portable flashlight with three different power sources.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

INTRODUCTION

The present invention provides a flashlight 100 powered by stored power 12, solar power 14, backup power 16, or direct AC power source 18, wherein housing 102 is provided having a first end 22 and second end 24 and a length 26 defining at least one opening 30 at the first end 22. A photovoltaic array 1 12 is arranged generally with within the opening 30 such that incident light can pass through the opening 30 and be received by the photovoltaic array 1 12 to provide a source of direct power from the solar panel for the flashlight 10. At least one power storage element is provided having a rechargeable battery cell 136 secured within the housing 102 so as to provide a source of stored power for the flashlight 100. Reserve power or backup power is provided by a disposable battery 136b which is operable to provide a source of backup power for the flashlight 100. In addition, a direct AC power source 18 is provided by an AC wall plug, or a 12 volt car charger, or a USB cable. Further, a multi -position switch is configured to allow the user to select between the stored power 12, solar power source 14, the backup power source 16, or direct power from an AC source 18 in order to provide operating power for the flashlight 100. Plural indicator lights are provided to indicate the selected power source as being the stored power source 12, the solar power source 14, or the backup power source 16, or the direct AC power source 18.

FIG. I illustrates one embodiment of a flashlight having a photovoltaic power source 100, hereafter flashlight 100 for brevity. The flashlight 100 is adapted to convert incident light energy, such as from sunlight and/or ambient artificial lighting into electrical energy and to use this converted electrical energy to power a lamp of the flashlight 100 to provide convenience lighting for the user. The photovoltaic capabilities of the flashlight 100 are a renewable low environmental impact power source. The flashlight 100 utilizes existing ambient lighting to power the flashlight 100. The flashlight 100 is further adapted to provide a dependable energy reserve such that the usefulness of the flashlight 100 is maintained during periods of non-use.

In one embodiment, the flashlight 100 comprises a generally tubular body 102. The body 102 provides structural support for other components of the flashlight 100 as well as a gripping or grasping surface for the user. The body 102 is preferably formed of relatively light weight and high strength materials having resistance to degradation from exposure to the environment. In one embodiment, ABS plastic materials provide desirable mechanical and chemical properties for the body 102 as well as providing a material that is easily formed in the desired shape and contour.

In one embodiment, the flashlight 100 further comprises a front cap 104 and lens 106 which are configured to enclose a forward end of the body 102. The front cap 104 is similarly preferably formed of a relatively strong and durable material having resistance to degradation upon exposure to the environment and in certain embodiments can comprise the same or similar material as that comprising the body 102. In certain embodiments, the front cap 104 can comprise a resilient material, such as polyurethane and/or rubber. The lens 106 is preferably formed of a material that is substantially transparent to the light generated by the flashlight 100 and is further preferably comprised of a relatively scratch resistant material resistant to breakage. A variety of glass, plastic, and/or crystalline materials will be well known to one of ordinary skill for use in manufacture of the lens 106.

In one embodiment, the flashlight 100 further comprises a switch assembly 1 10 adapted to actuate the light generating capabilities of the flashlight 100. In one embodiment, the switch 1 10 is configured as a toggle or bi-state switch such that the flashlight can be operated into either an on or off condition. Thus, in certain embodiments, the flashlight 100 only generates light when desired by the user by actuation of the switch assembly 1 10.

In one embodiment, the body 102 of the flashlight 100 is further configured to support a photovoltaic array 1 12. The photovoltaic array 1 12 is adapted to receive incident light energy and to convert this light energy into electrical energy in a manner well understood by one of ordinary skill. In various embodiments, the photovoltaic array 1 12 can be formed on a monocrystalline substrate, a polycrystalline silicon substrate, and/or a thin film-type substrate. In general, monocrystalline silicon embodiments of the photovoltaic array 1 12 offer improved conversion efficiency, particularly in environments of somewhat dimmer light thereby improving the performance of the flashlight 100. In general, photovoltaic arrays 1 12 embodied with monocrystalline silicon substrates are more expensive. In general, embodiments of the photovoltaic array 112 embodied in polycrystalline silicon and/or thin film type substrates are less expensive to produce and market, however, may offer somewhat reduced performance, particularly in environments where the incident light is of a lower intensity. In general, the photovoltaic array 1 12 is preferably of a generally robust construction such that inadvertent or unintentional shocks or vibrations which may be transmitted to the flashlight 100 during use are less likely to damage the photovoltaic array 112 and the functionality of the flashlight 100.

In one embodiment, the flashlight 100 further comprises a window or cover 1 14 arranged to enclose the photovoltaic array 1 12. The window 114 is preferably formed of a material having substantial transparency to the incident light energy to facilitate greater conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic array 1 12. The window 1 14 is further preferably formed of materials having relatively high strength and scratch resistance and also having resistance to degradation upon exposure to environmental factors. The window 114 can also be contoured to define, at least in part, an ergonomic gripping surface.

In one embodiment, the window 1 14 is preferably engaged with the body 102 so as to substantially provide a closed environment for the photovoltaic array 1 12, These embodiments provide the advantage of inhibiting exposure of the photovoltaic array 112 to dust, dirt, moisture, and/or other environmental contaminants which might degrade or impair the efficiency and life expectancy of the photovoltaic array 112. In one embodiment, the window 1 14 is joined or sealed to the body 102 using radiofrequency irradiation to melt the window 114 into engagement with the body 102. In other embodiments, the window 1 14 can be sealed to the body 102 via other materials and/or processes such as gluing, friction welding, ultrasonic welding, friction fit, and/or molding or forming as a single unified piece. The flashlight further includes a rear cap 120. In this embodiment, the flashlight 100 further comprises a support 126 configured to fit within the body 102 and generally at the forward end thereof. The support 126 provides additional structural strength to the flashlight internally of the body 102, for example, to resist distortion and damage upon application of external force. The support 126 is also configured to provide mechanical support and mounting location for several other components of the flashlight 100.

More particularly, in one embodiment, the support 126 is configured for attachment and support of a reflector 130 and lamp 132. The lamp 132 is adapted to generate light upon application of suitable electrical power to provide the light generating capabilities of the flashlight 100. In certain embodiments, the lamp 132 comprises one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs provide relatively powerful light generating capability and relatively low power consumption. In other embodiments, the lamp 132 comprises conventional incandescent or filament-type bulbs. The reflector 130 is arranged generally inwardly from the lamp 132 and provides a highly reflective surface to facilitate outward direction of the light generated by the lamp 132.

The support 126 is also adapted in this embodiment to support a circuit board 134 and the switch assembly 1 10. The circuit board 134 comprises various electrical components adapted for generation and control of the electrical power to be provided to the lamp 132.

The flashlight 100 also comprises a battery pack 136. The battery pack 136 comprises one or more battery cells which are preferably configured with rechargeable battery chemistries. For example, in certain embodiments, the battery pack 136 is preferably configured as a rechargeable NiCad and/or NiMH type battery. In this embodiment, the battery pack 136 is arranged generally below the photovoltaic array 1 12 and window 1 14 and extending generally from the rearward end of the support 126 to the rear cap 120.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of one embodiment of a flashlight 100 having a photovoltaic power source. As seen in FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the flashlight comprises the photovoltaic array 1 12. While the circuit schematic of FIG. 4 illustrates the circuit diagram for a solar cell, it will be understood that it will generally be preferred to utilize an array of individual solar cells for improved light electrical energy conversion capacity.

In this embodiment, the flashlight 100 also comprises the battery pack 136. While illustrated in this embodiment by the circuit symbol for a battery, it will be understood that in certain implementations it will be preferred that the battery pack 136 comprise a plurality of individual battery cells. It will be further understood that in certain embodiments the battery pack 136 comprise a plurality of battery cells arranged in parallel and series to increase the electrical energy capabilities of the battery pack 136.

It will be further understood that while illustrated by the circuit diagram of a battery, the function of the battery pack 136 is as an electrical energy storage module. For example, one or more storage capacitors can be employed to store electrical energy in other embodiments of energy storage. Thus, rather than employing electrical energy storage based on electrochemical cell chemistries, parallel plate capacitor structures can also serve the purpose of electrical energy storage. However, it will be generally preferred to employ at least one rechargeable battery cell as battery cells generally have higher energy storage capacity per unit volume and a higher mass density. This facilitates production of flashlights 100 having longer useful lives without excessive size and to providing the self-righting features in a convenient size envelope.

In this embodiment, a diode 150 is connected in series with the photovoltaic array 1 12 and further connected therewith in parallel with the rechargeable battery pack 136. It will generally be preferred that the characteristics of the photovoltaic array 1 12 and diode 150 be generally matched to the battery pack 136. For example, it will generally be preferred that the output voltage of the photovoltaic array 1 12 (minus any forward drop of the diode 150) substantially match a charge voltage of the battery pack 136. This facilitates relatively complete charging of the battery pack 136 without indicating the additional complication of voltage/current regulation to avoid potentially damaging the battery pack 136 by overcharging.

In this embodiment, the flashlight 100 further comprises the switch assembly 110 connected in series with the parallel connection of the battery pack 136 and the photovoltaic array 1 12 and diode 150. The switch assembly 1 10 provides the ability for a user to open and close a circuit between the photovoltaic array 1 12 and the battery pack 136 and the remainder of the circuit. Thus, when the switch assembly 1 10 is in the open position, the output of the photovoltaic array 1 12 is available to charge the battery pack Inclusion of the switch assembly 110 provides the capability of the photovoltaic array 1 12 to charge the battery pack 136 during periods of non-use of the flashlight 100. This facilitates reduction in size of the components of the flashlight 100₅ for example, such as the photovoltaic array 1 12 and the battery pack 136 while maintaining the capability to provide the desired light output when the user desires the same.

In this embodiment, the flashlight 100 further comprises an inductor 152, a diode 154 and a capacitor 156 connected in series with the switch assembly 1 10. The inductor 152, diode 154, and capacitor 156 provide a filter or damping circuit to buffer transients generated by opening and closing the switch assembly 1 10. The capacitor 156 is arranged to inhibit D.C. discharge of the battery pack 136 when the switch 110 is closed.

In this embodiment, the flashlight 100 further comprises a power regulator 160 connected in series with the lamp 132 and a resistor 162. The power regulator 160 and resistor 162 provide a controlled current and voltage to the lamp 132. Particularly in embodiments where the lamp 132 comprises one or more LEDs, control of the current and voltage provided to the lamp 132 is important for long life and proper operation of the lamp 132.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a method of operation 200 of a flashlight 100. The method 200 begins in a start block 202 typically associated with actuation of the switch assembly 1 10. Following the start block 202, the flashlight 100 operates the lamp 132 thereby generating user directable light in a block 204. Throughout the operation of the lamp 132 during block 204, a decision block 206 proceeds wherein a determination is made whether a power threshold has been reached. The decision block 206 generally evaluates whether the battery pack 136 has been depleted below the determined threshold. If the determination of block 206 is negative, the lamp continues to operate in block 204.

If, however, the determination of block 206 is affirmative, e.g., that the battery pack 136 has been depleted below the determined threshold, a block 210 follows wherein power to the lamp is interrupted. Block 210 is followed by a delay block 212 to provide a delay. The delay block 212 provides a period of time for the battery pack 136 to partially recover for further operation of the lamp 132. The interruption of power of block 210 and delay of block 212 also provide an alert or annunciation to the user that the battery pack 136 is nearing depletion.

Following the delay block 212, a decision block 214 follows wherein a determination is made whether the switch 1 10 has been reactivated. If the switch 1 10 has not been reactivated, a block 216 follows wherein the battery pack 136 is recharged via the photovoltaic array 1 12, If the decision of block 214 is affirmative, a block 220 follows wherein the lamp 132 operates for an additional period determined generally by the remaining available energy capacity of the battery pack 136. Certain aspects of the method 200 provide the advantage that a user is provided an additional reserve capacity beyond an initial notification that the capacity of the battery pack 136 is nearing depletion. This provides a valuable notification to the user to make a provision for an alternative supplemental light source.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic circuit diagram 300 for a further embodiment of flashlight 100 having a photovoltaic power source. In this embodiment, the flashlight 100 comprises one or more photovoltaic arrays 1 12 adapted to convert incident light energy to electrical energy and can be substantially similar to the photovoltaic arrays 1 12 previously described. In this embodiment, an indicator 302 is connected in series with a current limiting resistance 304 which are together connected in parallel with the photovoltaic array 1 12. In one embodiment, the indicator 302 comprises a relatively low power light-emitting diode (LED). The indicator 302 provides a visual, tactile, audible or other notification that the photovoltaic array 1 12 is receiving sufficient light energy and converting this incident light energy into sufficient electrical energy for operation of the flashlight 100.

In this embodiment, a diode 306 is connected in series with the photovoltaic array 1 12 and further connected in series with a first battery 136a. In this embodiment, the first battery 136a comprises a rechargeable-type battery, such as a nickel metal hydride, nickel cadmium, and/or other rechargeable type battery. It will be understood that the circuit symbol for the first battery 136a is simply schematic in nature and that in actual implementation the first battery 136a can comprise one or multiple individual battery cells.

OPERATION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The first battery 136a is configured to receive and store electrical energy from the photovoltaic array 1 12 during periods of nonuse of the flashlight 100 so as to recharge the reversible battery chemistry of the first battery 136a. This embodiment provides beneficial aspects similar to the embodiments previously described in that the rechargeable battery chemistry of the first battery 136a allows the flashlight 100 to be repeatably recharged via conversion of incident light energy to electrical energy and discharged to generate light from the flashlight 100 without requiring a user to input mechanical energy, for example, to operate a Faraday effect based electrochemical energy conversion apparatus or to incur the expense and inconvenience of replacing single use batteries.

In this embodiment, the flashlight 100 also comprises a second battery 136b. In one embodiment, the second battery 136b is of a disposable or non-rechargeable type battery chemistry, such as an alkaline type battery and/or a lithium battery, In this embodiment, the second battery 136b is provided as a backup or reserve power source in case a user may wish to use the flashlight 100 when the first battery 136a lacks sufficient charge to power the flashlight 100. This aspect provides the advantage that the user can continue to utilize the flashlight 100 even though insufficient time or inadequate incident light has existed since a previous use of the flashlight 100 to adequately recharge the first battery 136a.

In this embodiment, the flashlight 100 also comprises a direct power source 136c, which allows the flashlight 100 to be connected to an AC wall plug, or to a 12 volt car charger, or to a USB cable in order to provide the direct power source to the flashlight 100. In this embodiment, the flashlight 100 further comprises a switch 1 10 configured to allow a user to select among different operating modes of a flashlight 100. In this embodiment, the switch 1 10 includes an off position wherein both the solar panel 112 and first battery 136a as well as the second battery 136b are disconnected from lamp elements such that the flashlight 100 is selected to a quiescent or off condition. In one embodiment, the switch is configured with markings or particular contouring to indicate to a user the functionality of the off position. For example, the off position of the switch 1 10 can be indicated with indicia for the off condition, such as an X arranged within a box, or "off lettering. In certain embodiments, in the off condition, the flashlight 100 can continue to operate the indicator 302, for example, by illuminating a relatively low-power LED to indicate to a user when the photovoltaic array 1 12 is operating so as to provide charging potential to the first battery 136a.

In this embodiment, the switch 1 10 also comprises a "solar panel" position wherein operating power for the flashlight 100 is drawn from the first battery 136 as charged by the output of the photovoltaic array 1 12. In this embodiment, the "solar panel" position of the switch 110 is designated by a corresponding indicator, such as a sun symbol or the terms solar, solar power, rechargeable, or similar. Power from the first battery 136 and photovoltaic array 112 is provided via the switch 1 10 to a resistance 310, a diode 312, a capacitor 314, and a power regulator 316, a diode 320, a resistance 322, a first lamp 132a, a resistance 324, and a second lamp 132b. In this embodiment, the switch 1 10 also comprises a reserve or battery power position corresponding to providing power to the flashlight 100 from the second battery 136b. In certain embodiments, the switch 1 10 is configured to indicate the reserve or battery power position with a battery symbol or lettering. Power is supplied from the second battery 136b via the switch 1 10 to a resistance 326 connected in series with a third lamp 132c as well as to a diode 330 and the resistance 322 and first lamp 132a.

In this embodiment, the switch 1 10 also comprises a direct power position corresponding to providing power to the flashlight 100 from the direct power source 136c, which includes direct power from an AC wall plug, or to a 12 volt car charger, or to a USB cable in order to provide the direct power source to the flashlight 100.

In certain embodiments, multiple lamps, such as the first lamp 132a and second lamp 132b or first lamp 132a and third lamp 132c can be simultaneously illuminated both to provide additional light output from the flashlight 100 than might be available from only a single lamp and also to provide a secondary indication of the power source currently operative for the flashlight 100. For example, in one embodiment, one or more of the lamps 132a through 132c can generate a distinctive pattern of light. For example, in one embodiment, the first lamp 132a is configured to generate a generally white light and one or both of the second lamp 132b and third lamp 132c can generate light having a distinctive color. For example, the third lamp 132c can be configured to generate a generally yellow tinted light such that a user can discern from the light output of the flashlight 100 coming from the first lamp 132a and the third lamp 132c that the flashlight 100 is operating on the reserve power provided by the second battery 136b. In one embodiment, the second lamp 132b can be configured to generate a generally green tinted light, for example, to indicate an environmentally friendly or "green" renewable power source, such as from the photovoltaic array 1 12 and first battery 136a.

In one embodiment, the flashlight 100 also comprises multiple independent indicators adapted to indicate the operating mode of the flashlight 100. In one embodiment, a first indicator can operate, for example by emitting red light, that the flashlight 100 is being recharged. A second indicator, for example a yellow lamp, can operate to indicate that the flashlight 100 is operating under power from the photovoltaic array 1 12. A third indicator can operate, for example by emitting green light, that the flashlight is operating from reserve power, such as from the second battery 136b.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention provides the advantage of a light source that is stationery or portable, such as a flashlight, which is rechargeable by sunlight and any other light source.

The present invention provides the advantage of a light source that has an option to use AC or DC power, and the light source can be operated by direct electrical energy or by a stored charge.

The present invention provides the advantage of a solar light source that is 12 volts or 120 volts, which is powered by a stored charge or with direct solar power.

The present invention provides the advantage of multiple power sources, including solar power from a solar panel, stored power from a rechargeable battery, backup power from a disposable battery, or direct power from an AC wall plug, or a 12 volt car charger, or a USB cable.

The present invention provides the advantage of a backup battery system which can be manually switched on or off.

The present invention provides the advantage of a set of indicator lights to inform the user what the light source is that the power source is running on, which can be either a solar power source, or a stored power source, or a backup power source, or a direct power source.

A latitude of modification, change and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in some instances, some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 ) A flashlight powered by stored power, direct power, or backup power, comprising:

a) a housing having a first and second end and a length defining at least one opening at the first end;

b) a photovoltaic solar panel arranged generally with within said opening such that incident light can pass through the opening and be received by said photovoltaic panel to provide a source of direct power for said flashlight;

c) at least one power storage element comprising a rechargeable battery cell secured within said housing so as to provide a source of backup power for said flashlight;

d) a reserve power storage element operable to provide a source of backup stored power for said flashlight from a disposable battery;

e) an alternate direct power source device on said flashlight for connecting said flashlight to alternate direct power sources, including an AC wall plug, a 12 volt car charger, or a USB cable;

f) a multi-position switch configured to allow the user to select between said solar power source, or said backup power source, or said stored power source, or said alternate direct power sources, to provide operating power for said flashlight; an g) plural indicator lights to indicate the selected power source as being said solar power source, or said backup power source, or said stored power source, or said alternate direct power sources.

2) The flashlight of claim 1, further comprising a cover connected to said housing and configured to inhibit exposure of the interior of said flashlight to debris.

3) The flashlight of claim 1, wherein said multi-position switch is for activating said different power sources.

4) The flashlight of claim 3, wherein said multi-position switch is configured to select between said rechargeable battery source, said disposable backup battery source, or said direct power source, or said alternate direct power sources.

5) The flashlight of claim 1, further comprising a lamp having at least one light emitting diode.